Chapter 77: Time Is Running Out
Chapter 77: Time Is Running Out
Ten years later.
Clad in core disciple robes, Zhi Mo stood outside Tai Chu Immortal Gate, staring blankly at the glorious blessed land.
Three years ago during his core disciple trial, Zhi Mo encountered a man in Great Chu’s capital claiming to be his father’s friend. The imposing man wore dark brocade robes and radiated authority. This complete stranger gave him a Jade Pendant allegedly left by his late father.
After three years, Zhi Mo finally unraveled the pendant’s “secret.” He told neither his mother nor even his most trusted sister.
“Eventually I must decide for myself.”
Upon entering the blessed land, Zhi Mo saw three old dogs.
He recalled these were Grandpa Xue’s pets – demon kings with 600+ years cultivation. Though fearsome, they served merely as doorkeepers for Tai Chu Immortal Gate.
“Little Zhi Mo, back from missions?”
Xiao Tian greeted with drooping eyelids.
The three dirt dogs had aged over years. Limited by talent, they peaked at demon core realm. Their “demon king” titles held little weight. After failed ventures, they settled into gatekeeping. Truth be told, serving as guarding monsters proved more comfortable – they’d grown accustomed after centuries.
Zhi Mo and Zhi Xin’er stood out among new disciples, being the only ones Headmaster ever showed interest in.
“Uncle Xiao Tian.”
Zhi Mo returned the greeting.
“Don’t rush off. Headmaster wants you.” Xiao Tian remembered his task.
“Grandpa Xue wants me?”
Zhi Mo’s heart pounded. Had his secret investigation been exposed?
“Know why?”
“How should I know? Go ask him.” Xiao Tian yawned, eyeing his snoring brothers.
Why did he alone work while others slept? The injustice made him ignore Zhi Mo’s question.
Meanwhile, Zhi Xin’er met her first love – a low-born Foundation Establishment wandering cultivator defying tyranny. Guided by her Dao partner Li Cheng, she uncovered “buried” darkness connecting to her mother and Master Xue.
“Xue Chuan schemes deeply behind his facade of detachment. He secretly controls the cultivation world. The renowned Cold Mountain Temple (current abbot’s domain) was his creation. Tens of thousands died by his hand – he’s pure evil.”
This “truth” emerged from their investigations. Initially skeptical, Zhi Xin’er wavered after meeting a surviving Cold Mountain Temple Lord and seeing mounting evidence. Unlike their grandmother Zhi Hua who’d never believe this, the siblings barely knew Zuo Meng, relying mostly on their mother’s stories. This vulnerability made them ideal targets.
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“Uncle Xiao Tian, seen my brother?”
Zhi Xin’er asked the three demon kings, finding only one awake.
“Headmaster summoned him.”
Grandpa Xue?
Previously she wouldn’t care, but now investigating “truths,” his summons worried her.
“I should visit Grandpa Xue too.”
“Go ahead.”
Xiao Tian kept brooding about his lazy brothers.
The Blessed Ground remained as quiet as ever.
When first seen, this place resembled an immortal’s abode with its jade towers and swirling spiritual energy. But after living here long enough, that impression faded. The Blessed Ground now felt desolate. Though disciples of Tai Chu Immortal Gate still dwelled here, their numbers seemed pitifully small for a realm comparable to a small world, leaving the place cold and devoid of vitality.
Zuo Meng, as Headmaster, naturally occupied the highest tower –
The White Jade Pavilion.
This area felt even more isolated. To Tai Chu Immortal Gate disciples, it was practically forbidden territory. After entering, Zhi Xin’er found no one around. Only cold, empty pavilions stretched before her. After walking for half an incense stick’s time, she reached her destination – the meditation chamber where Grandpa Xue had permanently resided in her memory.
“Little Xin’er! What brings you to this old man?”
The door opened to reveal Grandpa Xue’s familiar warm smile.
“It’s been too long, Grandpa Xue. I came specifically to visit you.” Her practiced greeting carried slight stiffness. Unlike cunning elders, she couldn’t fully mask her emotions.
Headmaster Xue, perhaps overjoyed at seeing family after so long, didn’t notice. He happily produced a gourd of pills.
“Freshly refined Seven-Turn Golden Cores. I gave your brother one batch – this one’s yours.”
“Thank you, Grandpa Xue.”
Accepting the pills, she glanced around. “Where’s my brother?”
“Little Mo left earlier. He departed just before you arrived.”
The Headmaster kept her talking for half a day. This man hailed as the world’s greatest Master Xue increasingly resembled an ordinary elder – his face unaged, but spirit wearied.
“Grandpa Xue, I should go now.”
Zhi Xin’er rose. She needed to check on her brother and confront her mother who likely knew more. It was time for frank discussions.
“Go, go. Visit this old man more often. Time… grows short.”
The strange remark puzzled her. Why would time be short? Grandpa Xue was acting oddly.
As Zhi Xin’er departed, Zuo Meng’s smile gradually vanished, his expression settling into detached calm.
Time truly was running out.
For he was about to awaken.