Chapter 1918 - 700: Taoist Master (Part 2)

"Previously, I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of Jiang Lan.

"I also heard him mention that the Imperial Dao and Jinglong Association often clashed.

"Even in this successful battle at Jinglong Hall, it was thanks to the expertise of the Imperial Dao that it went so smoothly.

"In that regard, I have yet to thank the Taoist Master."

"No need, no need."

Long Xingyun replied hurriedly:

"This is my duty."

"Whether it is your duty or not, let’s not discuss that.

"In a few days, I plan to travel to Beichuan, and I wonder if the Taoist Master would welcome this?"

Su Mo said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Long Xingyun was overjoyed:

"I... I have waited for this day for too long.

"Your Highness, but..."

"No.’

Su Mo interrupted him with a gentle hand wave:

"This journey to Beichuan has other important matters.

"But on this point, Taoist Master, please do not inquire further.

"I only hope that the journey will be smooth, without a hint of disturbance."

"..."

Long Xingyun’s expression froze slightly, before he nodded repeatedly:

"Yes, I understand."

He then searched inside his sleeve, took out a Token, and presented it with both hands:

"This is the Imperial Decree of the Imperial Dao.

"It was originally an Imperial Gift from the previous emperor.

"Now it circulates as an important token within the Imperial Dao.

"Please Your Highness accept this item; while traveling through Beichuan, if you encounter difficulties and wish to avoid conflict, you may use this decree to resolve disputes."

"Oh?"

Su Mo glanced at Zhen Xiaoxiao.

Zhen Xiaoxiao was dazed and distracted, clearly contemplating what to eat tonight...

Helpless, he looked at Xiao He.

Xiao He suddenly understood, stepped forward, received the Imperial Decree, and handed it to Su Mo.

The Token looks ancient, indeed an item of age.

The front is inscribed with ’Da Xuan Imperial Guard Order’, and the back with the large characters ’Imperial Gift’.

Su Mo examined it for a moment, then gently shook his head:

"This decree from the previous dynasty, now perhaps only within your Imperial Dao it remains useful?"

"Anywhere the Imperial Dao exists, this decree is supreme.

"It can hold the power of life and death within the Imperial Dao!!"

Long Xingyun stated respectfully.

After these words were spoken, everyone present felt a surge of unease.

The Taoist Master handing this Token to Su Mo was akin to entrusting the entire Imperial Dao to him.

If the previous remarks were mere talk without evidence.

This time it was entirely different.

Su Mo pondered for a moment, then set the Token aside, saying with a smile:

"Good, the Taoist Master’s consideration is appreciated.

"With this decree, the journey to Beichuan will be unimpeded.

"Once I have completed my affairs in Beichuan, I shall return this decree."

Long Xingyun hastily replied:

"Why would Your Highness say that?

"This decree is an Imperial Gift; you holding it is only proper.

"Why return it?"

"There’s no need to argue over this."

Su Mo gently waved his hand.

Long Xingyun, unwilling to stop, wanted to speak further but was interrupted by Su Mo:

"Enough, the journey has been tiring for the Taoist Master.

"I am currently residing at Imperial Court Mountain, and it’s not appropriate to offer too much hospitality.

"However, this successful battle at Jinglong Hall is certainly worth celebrating.

"I’d like to invite the Taoist Master to join tonight’s feast."

".... Yes."

Long Xingyun nodded: "I shall obey."

"I have just returned from the depths of the clouds and I am now a bit fatigued, so I will excuse myself for now.

"The scenery at Imperial Court Mountain is picturesque, the Taoist Master may explore at his leisure."

With that, he stood up and turned to leave.

Long Xingyun hesitated for a moment, then said:

"Your Highness, I have another item I would like to present."

"Huh?"

Su Mo looked back with a smile and said:

"There’s no need for such formality from the Taoist Master.

"As I’ve mentioned, the Da Xuan had crumbled centuries ago; now here, there is no Your Highness, nor an Imperial Commander.

"What exists is the Alliance Leader Su Mo and the Taoist Master of Imperial Dao.

"Being a senior member of the Jianghu, you don’t need to be so modest."

This was very clear.

Long Xingyun wanted to say more but realized that no matter what was said at this point, it wouldn’t be appropriate.

Unable to do more, he sighed and took out a box, presenting it with both hands:

"This item has been safeguarded by the Imperial Dao since Da Xuan’s fall.

"Today, upon meeting... meeting Alliance Leader, it can finally return to its rightful owner."

This time, Xiao He didn’t wait for Su Mo but stepped forward to receive it and handed it to Su Mo.

Su Mo looked at Long Xingyun and then at the box, reaching out to open it.

The contents surprised him yet also seemed fitting.

It was a Mysterious Mechanism.

After obtaining this one, excluding the two yet to be retrieved, all seven Mysterious Mechanisms were now in Su Mo’s grasp.

He nodded slightly:

"Well-considered."

Long Xingyun, hearing this, suddenly looked elated:

"This is my duty..."

He wanted to speak further, but Su Mo had already turned to leave.

For a moment, Long Xingyun felt a sense of loss and sighed deeply.

...

...

Upper level of Weiyang Palace.

Within a room.

The furnishings inside were quite opulent and grand.

Su Mo sat at the table, Yang Xiaoyun poured him tea.

Wei Ziyi fiddled with the Token.

Little Situ quietly listened to Su Mo speak, and after finishing, furrowed his brows:

"Beichuan Jiuming Mountain Xuan Yin Cave?"

"Indeed."

Su Mo nodded:

"The primary purpose of my journey to Beichuan is for this matter.

"Dongmen Yong’s words alone are not enough.

"I must take a look personally.

"I am curious, if severely wounded, what method he used for self-preservation, choosing to send something thousands of miles to Beichuan to suppress the injury...