Throughout history, Daoism had two main lineages: Longevity Dao and Great Peace Dao. For a long time, these two lineages had been evenly matched. But many years ago, the Longevity Dao gradually started gaining the upper hand, firmly suppressing Great Peace Dao lineage. Now, the leader of daoist leader of the Longevity Dao was the Infatuation Daoist Temple. To some extent, the Infatuation Daoist Temple could be considered the most prominent sect in Daoism now, the true leader of Daoism.
As a Daoist sect within the Longevity Dao lineage, the Sublime Bright Sect had complex feelings toward the Infatuation Daoist Temple. On one hand, the Sublime Bright Sect had always aspired to surpass the Infatuation Daoist Temple and become the leader of the Daoism themselves. However, this dream was destined to be a long-term goal; something that would take decades, if not centuries, to achieve. Until that happened, when facing the Infatuation Daoist Temple, they could only maintain respect.
"Which daoist master came?"
Daoist Master Ironcloud remained silent for a long time before slowly opening his mouth. His voice was slightly cold, but his tone softened.
Facing someone from the Infatuation Daoist Temple, Daoist Master Ironcloud had to show respect, even if it was on the surface.
"It's a young man with a slender build. He's wearing a dark-red daoist robe and has an ordinary wooden hairpin in his hair. However, his hair is a little white, and he looks rather haggard."
The daoist tried to recall the appearance of the young daoist he had seen at the mountain gate and then described it in great detail. He was mainly afraid of missing any details and angering this Sect Master.
Daoist Master Ironcloud furrowed his brows slightly. He pondered seriously for a long time but could not quite figure out which daoist master from the Infatuation Daoist Temple would dress like that. As for the so-called young man, he was not too concerned. Most great sages in Daoism had a youthful appearance. Some great sages who were over a hundred years old looked about the same as ordinary young people.
"Did he mention his daoist title?"
Daoist Master Ironcloud was uncertain about the implications of a daoist from the Infatuation Daoist Temple coming up the mountain at this time.
That daoist tried hard to remember and soon said, "He said he's called Yun Jianyue."
This was a very peculiar name, the daoist also found it very strange when he said it.
How could someone be named that?
But Daoist Master Ironcloud remained silent, without speaking.
The names of the great sages in Daoism were all very peculiar, so there was nothing particularly unusual about this name. What truly rendered him silent was Yun Jianyue's identity.
Among the young generation of cultivators, there were many whose names had long spread throughout the world. For instance, there was Song Changxi, who had previously attended the Myriad Willow Convention in the Divine Capital. He had always been considered the most powerful young cultivator outside of Daoism's Twin Pillars. There was also Liang Zhao, who stood out among the itinerant cultivators. Additionally, there were also several sword cultivators who had resounding names.
But, some people were different.
When mentioning young sword cultivators, no one dared to claim that Yu Xiyi, the sword cultivator who took away Wild Grass, was weaker than anyone else. And when it came to Daoism's prodigies, no one could overlook Daoism's Twin Pillars.
They were the truly exceptional figures among the young generation of Daoism.
What was even more terrifying was that these two individuals both hailed from the same daoist temple and were taught by the same master; a pair of senior-junior siblings.
The senior sister was named Ye Zhihua, and the junior brother was called Yun Jianyue.
The two carried the glory of the Daoism's young generation.
They were geniuses in the true sense.
As the Sect Master of the Sublime Bright Sect, Daoist Master Ironcloud naturally knew the names of Daoism's Twin Pillars. However, he could not understand why Yun Jianyue would show up here at this time.
Although he was just a youngster, his status in the Infatuation Daoist Temple was likely higher than many second-generation disciples.
Now that he had appeared here, it was likely on behalf of the Infatuation Daoist Temple.
"Since it's Fellow Daoist Yun, we naturally must extend an invitation."
Daoist Master Ironcloud's expression was somewhat ugly.
……
……
Outside the mountain pass gates of the Sublime Bright Mountain, a young daoist wore a dark-red daoist robe. His long hair was casually secured with an ordinary wooden hairpin. In truth, his hair had not completely turned white, it was just that many white hairs grew among the original black hair. The white and black interlaced, which did not look out of place.
He had merely expended some vital energy, resulting in this. Once he fully recovered, his hair would naturally return to fully black.
He was Yun Jianyue.
One of the Twin Pillars of Daoism.
Yun Jianyue stood on the mountain path, looking at this mountain with a calm expression.
He had originally been in pursuit of a high-level demon in the Mu Yun Great Lake. While he was in the midst of a fierce battle, he received a message from the Temple Master. He had to divert some of his energy to dispose of that demon before rushing to Sublime Bright Sect.
Recalling what was mentioned in the Temple Master's letter, Yun Jianyue furrowed his brows slightly.
The Sublime Bright Sect had always acted proper to their status for many years in the Cang Prefecture. Who would have known they harbored such intentions?
Soon, a daoist in yellow-purple attire arrived.
"Fellow Daoist Yun, Sect Master requests your presence in the main hall."
As he spoke, the daoist in yellow-purple attire could not help but cast an extra glance at Yun Jianyue. Even he felt a great deal of curiosity about the Twin Pillars of Daoism who were renowned throughout the world.
However, upon his first glance, he noticed an indescribable aura flowing in every movement and gesture of the young daoist. It seemed like the rumored Dao rhythm.
This kind of Dao rhythm only occurred when a cultivator reached a realm of being connected with heaven. While it was not uncommon for the great sages of Daoism to have such Dao rhythm with every movement, why would this Yun Jianyue in front of him have it too?
This was something very surprising.
Yun Jianyue nodded slightly without saying anything. He just followed the daoist in yellow-purple robes up the mountain.
The mountain path was quiet, with a gentle breeze rustling the surroundings. Yun Jianyue's hair fluttered ever so slightly, accentuating his otherworldly air.
Daoist Master Ironcloud was waiting for this daoist prodigy in the main hall.
As the Daoist in yellow-purple robes retreated, Yun Jianyue calmly stepped over the threshold and entered the main hall. He then took three sticks of incense and offered his respects before the statue of the Dao Ancestor.
While he was doing this, Daoist Master Ironcloud stood at one side. But, he did not utter a word and just silently watched.
After completing all these, Yun Jianyue turned to Daoist Master Ironcloud, pondered for a moment, and performed a junior's salute.
Yun Jianyue had a significant reputation, and in some respects, it even surpassed that of Daoist Master Ironcloud. However, in terms of seniority, all daoists in the world had a common ancestry, he still had to address Daoist Master Ironcloud as Martial Uncle.
Daoist Master Ironcloud looked at this young man, whose appearance could not be described as particularly handsome but had a strangely comforting quality after a few more glances. He could not help but sigh, "With someone like you in Infatuation Daoist Temple, how can the other sects compare?"
This was his heartfelt emotion. The Sublime Bright Sect had always aspired to surpass the Infatuation Daoist Temple, but when it came to their second-generation disciples, even if they combined all the disciples in the Sublime Bright Sect, they could not match up to one Yun Jianyue. What was even more despairing was that apart from Yun Jianyue, the Infatuation Daoist Temple also had a Ye Zhihua.
Yun Jianyue replied calmly, "You're too kind, Daoist Master"
Daoist Master Ironcloud returned to his senses. Looking at this young man whose fame had long spread throughout the world, he slowly said, "Did the Temple Master bring any dharmic decree?"
He knew that Yun Jianyue would not come to Sublime Bright Sect without good reason, so he went straight to the point.
Regarding that Temple Master of the Infatuation Daoist Temple, even if Daoist Master Ironcloud felt that he had improved considerably these few years, he did not dare say that he was really qualified to challenge him.
That was the most terrifying existence in Daoism, how could he be casually provoked by the average cultivator?
Yun Jianyue shook his head and said, "This junior was traveling outside. It's just that this junior received a letter from Temple Master, so this junior had no choice but to come and take a look."
"What did the letter say?"
Daoist Master Ironcloud looked at Yun Jianyue, somewhat agitated.
Yun Jianyue looked at Daoist Master Ironcloud and said calmly, "Temple Master asked me to inquire Daoist Master, if you fear retribution for doing these things?"
Daoist Master Ironcloud's complexion instantly became extremely unsightly as he listened to this. When he looked at Yun Jianyue again, there was an additional hint of murderous intent in the depths of his eyes, while deeper inside, there was fear.
Yun Jianyue continued, "Since the ancient ruins have been discovered and Daoist Master chose not to disclose this to the public, the Temple Master can understand your selfishness in this regard. However, why did Daoist Master send so many ordinary youths to their deaths?"
Hearing this, Daoist Master Ironcloud finally understood that the matter had leaked at some point.
He looked at Yun Jianyue, murderous intent rising in his heart.
Yun Jianyue also turned to look at him. There was little emotion in both eyes, just profound calmness.
Suddenly, the entire main hall became extraordinarily terrifying.
The powerful oppression belonging to that of a Nepenthe cultivator was instantly unleashed here. The entire main hall became unbelievably terrifying.
If it were any other young cultivator, they would likely panic instantly. However, Yun Jianyue did not panic. He just looked at Daoist Master Ironcloud, his Dao heart incredibly calm.
Facing the pressure that was akin to waves hitting the shore, Yun Jianyue remained remarkably calm. Ripples formed in front of him, dispelling Daoist Master Ironcloud's oppressive aura.
Daoist Master Ironcloud's expression became even uglier.
After a moment of anger, he quickly understood many things, and began to fall somewhat silent.
As the pressure dissipated, Daoist Master Ironcloud asked, "Did the Temple Master say anything else?"
Yun Jianyue did not rush to speak.
He looked at Daoist Master Ironcloud and said, "There are already outsiders on the mountain."
Daoist Master Ironcloud's expression became even more unsightly. He did not know how this matter had spread, but clearly, the news was out. He could only think of a solution.
Yun Jianyue did not speak, he just turned around and walked out of the main hall.
Daoist Master Ironcloud watched that slender back view. His expression kept changing, but in the end, he did not take any action, he just watched.
Just watched.
Killing a Yun Jianyue would not be a difficult task for him. No matter how amazing Yun Jianyue was, no matter how decrepit he was, there was a vast gap between the two. This kind of disparity could not be made up for. If he wanted to kill him, it could naturally be done. It was nothing more than expending a little more effort.
But what about after killing him?
Would that Infatuation Daoist Temple Master personally come?
At that time, what could he do?
At this moment, Daoist Master Ironcloud inexplicably thought of that piece of paper.
If he could have obtained it earlier, he might have comprehended its contents early on. Then, he might be able to kill Yun Jianyue at will today.
As for that Infatuation Daoist Temple Master, it would be nothing more than having a battle with him, what about it?