Painting of the Nine Immortals
chapter-478

Inside the bright palace.

Dao Wu Ji sat on the tatami inside. His white robe has not been touched by dust and he appeared out-of this-world divine.

If this was anyone else, they would be looking frail next to him. However, Ling Xian was comparable to him, they were merely different.

Like Dao Wu Ji, Ling Xian's temperament was extraordinary and similar to an immortal's. What was different about him was that he was calmer, and thus more spiritual.

"Supreme Headmaster, please drink tea."

Grinning, Ling Xian pushed the Tea of Enlightenment before Dao Wu Ji.

"Not bad. The Tea of Enlightenment is something that I don't drink often."

Surprise flashed across his eyes. Dao Wu Ji teased, "It seems like I have to visit you often. I get to taste good tea here."

"If you ever want to drink this tea, then please stop by." Ling Xian grinned and sipped on the tea. Immediately, he felt more vivacious and cheerful.

Dao Wu Ji simply sipped the tea, yet he was already looking drunk. Only after a long time, did he regain consciousness from the amazing taste. He complimented, "No wonder this tea is ranked number three out of the best Enlightenment Teas. Just tasting it somehow brings you so much outlooks on life."

"I am glad you like it."

Ling Xian smiled and asked, "You must have something you want to discuss with me about today."

"I knew I wouldn't be able to hide it from you." Dao Wu Ji admitted but did not speak of his intention.

"There's the saying that nobody ever visits without a goal in mind. Also, Headmaster, you have so much to deal with every day. If you have nothing to speak to me about, you wouldn't stop by just to chat." Ling Xian said in a low voice.

"You guessed right." Dao Wu Ji still appeared teasing, "Then guess why I am here next."

He then revealed a look of high expectation. He seemed to really want to see Ling Xian deep in thoughts.

Sadly, he was about to be disappointed. Against his expectant stare, Ling Xian only said four words.

"I am not guessing."

Dao Wu Ji frowned, "Why not?"

"Why must I?"

Ling Xian had a fake smile on, "For you to be visiting personally, the task must be a difficult one. If you do not speak of it, then I get to enjoy my downtime without burdens."

"Wow, Ling Xian, I originally wanted to see you deep in thoughts, I didn't think you just wouldn't even try to guess." Dao Wu Ji laughed. "Whatever. I'll take my loss. Let me tell you what I had in mind."

"I am listening."

Ling Xian beamed, but it wasn't because he just won over Dao Wu Ji. The reason he didn't guess was because he knew he wouldn't be able to guess it. It wasn't to mock Dao Wu Ji.

"Before I speak of it, let me ask you a question." Dao Wu Ji's smile disappeared, "Have you ever heard of the Imperishable Temple?"

"Imperishable Temple…"

Ling Xian frowned and his thoughts drifted to the lost century he experienced. During that time, he's heard of this place.

Legend has it that this Temple was a mysterious place in Yunzhou. Inside is filled with treasures, including medicinal Dans, weapons, and instructions for techniques. It was a heavenly place for everyone in Yunzhou.

To put it simply, it was a mysterious place with unlimited fortunes!

During the lost century, Ling Xian has heard of its name. But he had merely heard of it, he's never actually experienced it.

Now that Dao Wu Ji mentioned it, he was somewhat startled. He wondered if this mysterious place was about to be activated.

Looking at Ling Xian's surprised face, Dao Wu Ji grinned, "It seems like you've heard of it."

"That's right. Fate has it that I've heard of it." Ling Xian nodded. The Imperishable Temple was very secretive and mysterious that normal people would never learn of it. Only those with high status or wealth typically know of it.

"As long as you know it, it saves me time explaining." Dao Wu Ji had a smile on his lips, "Truth is, the Temple activates once every 50 years and it will be activated again in a month."

"So it is activating…" Ling Xian had high expectations, "Headmaster, let's get straight to the point."

"Then I will. Ever since the Imperishable Temple was discovered, it has been under the control of the leaders of all kinds in Yunzhou. Because this Temple only allows those of the completion level to enter, all forces agreed that there will be no limit to the number of cultivators sent, but, these cultivators must be of the young generation."

Dao Wu Ji's smile disappeared, "In the Wan Jian House, the young generation contains little to no talents. Only two young people have reached the completion level. Thus, I want to ask you to lead the team. For one, I don't want the House to lose face, for two, you can get your hands on some treasures."

"I see."

Ling Xian nodded but thought of something. He frowned, "I dare to ask, you said the Temple is controlled by leaders of all kinds. What do you mean by this?"

"I knew you would ask." Dao Wu Ji sighed, "This is what I want to warn you about. Other than the 10 dynasties and the nine Houses, there will be many other different ethnicities and different kinds of beings."

"In other words, there will be many other young powerhouses seeking treasures and fighting against us, the human kind." Ling Xian lifted a brow. Anywhere with opportunities, there will be people. Anywhere with opportunities and people, there will be blood.

"Yes, every time the Temple activates, the representative of every kind battles each other." Dao Wu Ji sighed, "Every battle ends in blood. Blood flowed out of geniuses and talents."

He weighed heavily on the last phrase. From this, one could see that every time this happens, many talents are lost.

Ling Xian was intelligent and has guessed this. He frowned, "It seems like other than getting treasures, the different forces want to compete with each other more."

"You are right. The activation of the Temple is just another type of war."

Dao Wu Ji sighed, "Ever since I became the Supreme Headmaster, the humankind have always lost. But, to protect the human kind, all 10 dynasties and nine clans must send their best people."

"I understand." Ling Xian sighed. Though Dao Wu Ji didn't speak of the details, from his actions and tone, Ling Xian understood the purpose of this trip.

Getting treasures was not a priority, the priority was winning for the humankind so that the other kinds of beings do not dare to provoke them!

After all, because the humankind has been the ruler of this land for so many years, the other different kinds have been having bad thoughts for a while. But because the humankind have always outcompeted them in number, they repressed their evil desire.

As time went on however, who can promise that they can continue to repress their desire? Thus, every force in Yunzhou made the pact that only the younger generation can be sent to the Temple!

"I am glad that you understand."

Dao Wu Ji's expression turned serious as he gawked at the handsome young man before him, "Now, tell me, are you willing to go on this quest?"