Chapter 1071
The Master Behind the Scenes, Master Lü Yue
"Junior Brother Liu, save me!"
Upon seeing that the person in front of him was another Nascent Soul elder of the sect, Yu Zifang, who was already at his wit's end, hurriedly shouted for help.
At this moment, Song Qingming, who had just subdued Yu Zifang, saw a figure suddenly appear in front of him, but his expression was not too surprised.
This place is, after all, the territory of the "Demon-Slaying Palace". The intense fighting between him and Yu Zifang will surely alert other Nascent Soul cultivators in the vicinity.
Hearing his fellow disciple's cries for help, the man surnamed Liu immediately cast a spell to control a giant sword and slash at the white giant hand controlled by Song Qingming.
Unfortunately, this man surnamed Liu was only at the third level of the Nascent Soul realm, which was far inferior to Song Qingming's strength and cultivation.
Faced with its full-force strike, the white giant hand merely shook it slightly, thus repelling it and failing to rescue the trapped Yu Zifang.
The next moment, before the man surnamed Liu could make a move, a giant white hand suddenly appeared not far behind him, under Song Qingming's control, and quickly grabbed at him.
Seeing that the white hand had already covered his head, and with no way to avoid it in the small space of the hall, the man surnamed Liu hurriedly waved his hand and took out a golden seal.
With his rapid casting, the "golden seal" quickly grew dozens of times larger, flying directly into the air and blocking Song Qingming's descending "white giant hand".
The cultivator surnamed Liu, who had just wanted to rescue his companion, was instantly suppressed by Song Qingming to one side of the main hall, and could only look helplessly at the powerful opponent not far away.
“Fellow Daoist, our sect seems to have no grudges against you. Please release Senior Brother Yu first, and we can talk things over slowly.”
The young man surnamed Liu who came to help, although only at the third level of the Nascent Soul realm, spoke in a manner that was noticeably better than that of Yu Zifang standing to the side.
Seeing that Song Qingming was so powerful, and that even the two of them working together were still suppressed by him, after thinking for a moment, he still spoke to Song Qingming's location to offer some advice.
Seeing that the man surnamed Liu seemed more reasonable, Song Qingming didn't want to make things too difficult for him. He quietly withdrew some of the magical power he had been using to suppress his opponent before explaining to him:
"Fellow Daoist, my name is Song Qingming. I came here to see your sect leader, but you not only made excuses to refuse, but also forcibly tried to keep me here."
"I was merely trying to protect myself; I had no intention of causing trouble. I urge you to understand."
"Junior Brother Liu, don't listen to his nonsense. This guy is after the Heart Refining Tower on the back mountain. We must not let him leave."
I have just used magic to send a message to Senior Brother Lü. As long as Junior Brother can help me hold him off, he will surely surrender once Senior Brother Lü arrives.
No sooner had Song Qingming finished speaking than Yu Zifang, looking anxious, called out from behind him before the man surnamed Liu could reply.
Even though he was trapped by Song Qingming's magic, Yu Zifang still did not want to let go of his opponent and wanted to capture him together with the man surnamed Liu who had just arrived.
However, the cultivator surnamed Liu beside him did not heed the other's advice. His gaze remained fixed on Song Qingming as he cautiously spoke:
"Fellow Daoist Song, to be honest, our sect leader is indeed still in seclusion and it is inconvenient for him to come out and meet you. It is not that our senior brother Yu is intentionally making excuses."
Since this was all a misunderstanding, fellow Daoist, why don't you release Senior Brother Yu for now, and we can talk things over calmly?"
"Since Sect Leader He is not here, I shall take my leave now and visit you another day!"
He had just witnessed how much the people of the "Demon-Slaying Palace" were wary of others mentioning the Heart-Refining Tower, and he was unable to meet Master He, whom he had met once before, in the short term.
Thinking that it was not a good place to stay, Song Qingming did not dare to continue to communicate with them about this matter. He decided to leave first and come back when he found another opportunity.
After Song Qingming finished speaking, he immediately flew out of the main hall.
After his figure disappeared for a while, the two giant white hands in the hall slowly dissipated, and Yu Zifang and the other person who had been suppressed by them were completely freed from their crisis.
Just as the two chased after him outside the main hall, Song Qingming had already disappeared from the vicinity.
After carefully examining the area, the two Nascent Soul elders of the Demon-Slaying Palace transformed into streaks of light and quickly chased after a distant mountain peak.
".."
Meanwhile, Song Qingming had already distanced himself from the two, and was heading straight for the "Demonic Palace" gate along the same route he had come from.
The disciples of the "Dangmo Palace" who were passing by saw Song Qingming hurrying away. Although they were curious, no one dared to stop him. Many of them even bowed in the direction he left.
Just as Song Qingming was about to approach the gate of the "Demon-Slaying Palace", a white light suddenly flashed before his eyes, and then a silver paintbrush that was two or three zhang long appeared in front of him.
After the silver paintbrush appeared, it quickly swung at Song Qingming in front of him, and soon two silver lights flew rapidly towards his location.
Before the other party could get close, Song Qingming sensed that the silver light drawn by the "silver paintbrush" contained extremely strong spiritual power, and he quickly cast a spell to release the "Five Elements Divine Light Mirror" to protect himself.
With a loud "bang," several silver lights exploded in front of Song Qingming, and the surroundings were instantly enveloped in white light.
Faced with such a sharp silver light, the enhanced defensive capabilities of the "Five Elements Divine Light Mirror" did not disappoint Song Qingming, and it still managed to block it.
Seeing that Song Qingming had blocked his attack so easily, the "silver paintbrush" in front of him immediately swung around quickly, and soon seven or eight more silver lights turned into sharp blades and approached his location.
Seeing this, Song Qingming immediately poured his magical power into the natal magic weapon in front of him.
The next moment, the "Five Elements Divine Light Mirror" increased several times over again, and once again blocked all seven or eight attacks.
Seeing that the newcomer was quite powerful, Song Qingming knew he couldn't just passively take the beating. He raised his hand and immediately produced a silver-white bell magic weapon.
Just as he was about to cast a spell to activate the magic weapon in his hand, a somewhat surprised voice suddenly came from beside him.
"Huh! It's you?"
As the voice faded, an elderly man with white hair suddenly appeared from the void in front of the "silver paintbrush," looking at Song Qingming with a somewhat surprised expression.
Upon seeing the white-haired old man whose cultivation had reached the late Nascent Soul stage, Song Qingming was searching for the man's identity when a voice reached his ear again.
"Fellow Daoist, are you from Jade Profound Island?"
It wasn't until those words reached his ears that Song Qingming finally remembered the old man's identity. This man was one of the Nascent Soul cultivators who had followed the leader of the "Demon Suppression Palace" back then.
However, more than two hundred years have passed, and the other party looks much older than he did back then, which is why Song Qingming couldn't recognize him at a glance.
"This junior, Song Qingming, once entered your sect's Heart Refining Tower with my master two hundred years ago. I wonder if you still remember me, senior?"
"It really is you. I didn't expect that in just two hundred years, you have already cultivated to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm. You truly deserve to be the disciple of Senior Lingxuzi."
"I am Lü Yue, the Fourth Elder of the Demon-Slaying Palace. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Song!"
Upon confirming that the person before him was indeed Song Qingming, who had come with "Taoist Lingxu" to borrow the Heart Refining Tower years ago, the white-haired old man quickly put on a smiling face, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully.
"Senior Lü, you are too kind. I am merely the most useless disciple of my master. How could I dare to accept such praise?"
Just as Song Qingming and Lü Yue raised their hands in return, several streaks of light flew rapidly toward them from behind, namely Yu Zifang and his men who had been pursuing them.
"Senior Brother Lü, it's great that you've finally arrived! This person not only lied about entering the Heart Refining Tower, but also made a special trip to the sect to investigate this matter. Please help me subdue him!"
Seeing Lü Yue blocking Song Qingming's way, Yu Zifang was excited and wanted to help, but was stopped by a familiar figure.
Seeing that Lü Yue, who had just been standing in front of Song Qingming, suddenly stepped forward and blocked everyone's path, Yu Zifang looked puzzled.
"Senior brother, what's wrong with you...?"
"Fellow disciples, I already know about this matter. There's been some misunderstanding. You should all go back now!"
"Disciple accepts the order!"
Upon hearing that the sect's fourth elder, Lü Yue, had spoken, the numerous disciples of the "Dangmo Palace" who had followed Yu Zifang hurriedly bowed and accepted the order, then scattered and left the spot.
Only Yu Zifang and the man surnamed Liu, whose faces still showed some shock, remained standing there with puzzled expressions, as if they thought they had misheard.
Seeing Yu Zifang staring at him with a surprised expression, Lü Yue then whispered an explanation to Song Qingming, who was not far away:
“My two junior brothers are unaware of the truth. This Fellow Daoist Song is not talking nonsense. He did indeed enter the sect’s Heart Refining Tower back then, and it was my senior brother and I who sent him in together.”
"What! He really went in. How is that possible?"
The "Heart Refining Tower" has been a secret of the Demon Slayer Sect for tens of thousands of years, and few people in the cultivation world know about it.
To protect this important secret, the "Demon-Slaying Palace" is generally not open to the public, except for those cultivators selected by the sect to break through to the Nascent Soul realm.
Even among the many sects under the "Demon-Slaying Palace" in Yuanzhou, very few people have been fortunate enough to enter the "Heart-Refining Tower".
The Song Qingming before them was merely an outsider cultivator from the Floating Cloud Mountains. How could the sect possibly allow him to enter the "Heart Refining Tower" for cultivation?
Upon hearing Lü Yue confirm this matter in person, not only was Yu Zifang shocked, but the man surnamed Liu standing to the side also showed a look of disbelief.
"Senior Brother Lü, isn't this Fellow Daoist Song from the Floating Cloud Mountains? Could there be something between our sect and him?" Hearing the Liu man's guess, Lü Yue quickly smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Junior Brother Liu, you misunderstand. Fellow Daoist Song has no special relationship with our sect."
However, his background is not as simple as you know. When Fellow Daoist Song came to the sect, he was actually brought along by a senior who was on good terms with the sect.
This matter involves some secrets that I cannot disclose to you all. Within the sect, only my senior brother, the sect leader, and the late Uncle Wen have known about it over the years.
"He was brought here by a senior who was on good terms with the sect. I see."
Upon hearing that Song Qingming had been brought to the "Demon-Slaying Palace" by a master, Yu Zifang and his companion, who were standing still, immediately understood and showed surprise and lingering fear on their faces.
It's worth noting that someone like Lü Yue, a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, would address someone with such respect as "senior."
Without the two needing to speculate further, it was clear that the other party was most likely a Nascent Soul cultivator, which would explain why the Demon-Slaying Palace would make an exception and allow Song Qingming, an outsider cultivator, to enter the tower for cultivation.
No wonder Song Qingming was able to easily suppress the two of us working together in the main hall just now; it turns out that there was a Nascent Soul cultivator behind him.
Thinking of Song Qingming's powerful background, Yu Zifang and his companion, who were standing still, felt a chill run down their spines and quickly stepped forward to apologize, bowing respectfully.
"Fellow Daoist Song, I misunderstood you just now because I was in a hurry. Please don't take offense."
"Hehe! It turns out it was all a misunderstanding. Please forgive me, fellow Daoist."
"Fellow Daoist Song, the two junior brothers were unaware of the matter, which led to some misunderstanding. Fortunately, you are all safe and sound. I think we should leave it at that!"
Seeing that Lü Yue had cleared up the misunderstanding between them in just a few words, Song Qingming quickly waved his hand and said:
"I came here today with a request, but since it's a misunderstanding, let's leave it at that as you suggested."
"In truth, I must thank Senior Lü for helping to clarify this matter. Please accept my humble greeting."
"Fellow Daoist Song, you are too kind. Back when I had just formed my Nascent Soul, I was fortunate enough to hear my master preach. I am not worthy of being called a senior by you."
We are now cultivators of the same level, so from now on we can address each other as fellow Daoists.
"I would also like to invite Fellow Daoist Song to join me in the main hall for tea and a chat. If there's anything I can help you with, please don't hesitate to let me know."
"Then I, Song, thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Lü!"
Faced with Lü Yue's enthusiastic invitation, Song Qingming quickly nodded in agreement.
Yu Zifang, who was standing to the side, originally wanted to go along, but unfortunately, his Fourth Elder seemed not to see them at all and directly led Song Qingming away from the spot, leaving the two of them with somewhat embarrassed expressions.
After following Lü Yue to a scenic mountain, the other party quickly led him into a magnificent and grand mansion.
Along the way, looking at the guards in the courtyard and the beautiful maids coming and going, Song Qingming initially thought that this was a palace in the "Demon-Slaying Palace" that was specially used to receive distinguished guests.
It wasn't until he entered a tall building in the backyard and heard the servants address Lü Yue so affectionately that he realized this place was actually his private residence.
Compared to the magnificent courtyard that occupied an entire mountain peak, Song Qingming felt quite ashamed of his own few cave dwellings in the "Floating Cloud Mountains".
However, the "Dangmo Palace" is one of the three major Nascent Soul stage forces, far superior to the current "Xiaoyao Sect" and the Song family, so it's not surprising that there is such a big gap.
After inviting Song Qingming to sit down, servants quickly served the two fragrant spiritual tea and fruits, and even lit a thick spiritual incense stick that Song Qingming had never seen before.
Soon, Song Qingming smelled a special fragrance, and he immediately felt refreshed.
After dismissing all the servants around him, Lü Yue activated a soundproof barrier in the room and asked Song Qingming with a smile:
"Fellow Daoist Song, in recent years I have heard some rumors outside. Some people say that Senior Lingxuzi has successfully ascended to the Upper Realm. I wonder if this is true or false? Would you be so kind as to tell me?"
Seeing that Lü Yue immediately inquired about his master, "Lingxu Daoist," ascending to immortality, Song Qingming showed little surprise and quickly shook his head, explaining:
"As Fellow Daoist Lü knows, my master's sect rules are very strict. We cannot casually reveal sect matters when we are out. Otherwise, I would not have let Fellow Daoist Yu and the others misunderstand just now."
Regarding my master's affairs, I, Song, am truly unable to disclose them; I hope you will not take offense, fellow Daoist.
Although Song Qingming had already learned about his master, Daoist Lingxu's, impending ascension back when he was at Chiyun Mountain.
However, due to the sect rules and the safety of the "Tai Xu Sect" itself, he has never mentioned this matter to anyone over the years, not even his relatives and Daoist partners. He has always adhered to this principle.
Before paying his respects, Song Qingming had considered that the other party might inquire about the sect, and he had prepared a plan in advance: no matter what the other party asked, he would refuse to answer.
Anyway, having been a member of the "Tai Xu Sect" for so many years, I have always strictly abided by the sect rules. Whether I can speak or not, as long as I don't open my mouth, I will definitely not make a mistake.
"Oh, I was in such a hurry that I forgot about this. Please don't take my words to heart, Fellow Daoist Song. Try our sect's spiritual tea first and see how it tastes."
Seeing that Song Qingming was tight-lipped and unwilling to reveal anything about "Lingxu Daoist", Lü Yue did not say much and quickly invited him to have some tea.
After the two exchanged drinks for a while, Song Qingming took the initiative to ask, "Fellow Daoist Lü, I have come here today to ask you for a favor."
Back then, Song was fortunate enough to enter the Refining Heart Tower to cultivate and benefited greatly. Only then was he able to successfully form his Nascent Soul and embark on the path of the Nascent Soul!
My wife is currently going through the process of forming her nascent soul. I wonder if it would be possible to borrow your sect's Heart Refining Tower again.
"If your esteemed clan agrees to help me with this favor, whether it requires spirit stones or other spiritual items, I, Song, will certainly find a way to provide them with both hands, and I will never go back on my word!"
Previously, when Lü Yue was pursuing Song Qingming, he had already learned about this matter from Yu Zifang. Now, seeing Song Qingming speak to him again, he immediately put down his teacup and replied:
"Fellow Daoist Song, to be honest, our sect's founder left behind a rule that the sect's Heart Refining Tower has always been closed to outsiders."
The reason why our sect leader allowed you to enter the tower for cultivation was because our sect had received a favor from Senior Lingxuzi in the past, which is why we made an exception and let you in.
Of course, this matter still needs to be decided by the sect leader; I cannot make that decision myself. I am merely offering a reminder to you, fellow Daoist.”
“I understand Fellow Daoist Lü’s intentions, but since I have come all this way, how can I leave so easily without giving it a try?”
It was fate that allowed Song and Fellow Daoist Lü to meet back then.
I humbly request your guidance, fellow Daoist. If you grant my request, I will never forget your kindness.
After saying that, Song Qingming gently raised his hand and took out a "spirit stone bag" from his body, and sent it directly to Lü Yue, who was not far away.
Faced with Song Qingming's sudden offer of a "spirit stone bag," Lü Yue's expression immediately turned serious, and he repeatedly waved his hands in refusal:
"Alas! Fellow Daoist Song, what are you doing? Although I am an elder of the sect, I really cannot decide this matter. You are putting me in a difficult position."
"Fellow Daoist Lü misunderstands. I only wish to ask you for a solution today, not for you to make the decision and agree to this matter directly."
Regardless of whether this matter will come to fruition in the future, I, Song, should remember this kindness from you, fellow Daoist.
These spirit stones are merely a small token of my appreciation; please, Fellow Daoist Lü, do not refuse them.
Seeing that Song Qingming had already made his point clear, asking him to help him figure out how to use the "Heart Refining Tower," Lü Yue's expression softened, and he stopped refusing.
After a moment's thought, Lü Yue continued:
"Fellow Daoist Song, you are already familiar with the situation of our sect's Refining Heart Tower, so I won't go into too much detail. Apart from our own sect members, it is indeed very difficult for outsiders to borrow it."
If Fellow Daoist Song is here today representing Senior Lingxuzi, I think the Sect Leader would definitely be lenient and wouldn't make things too difficult for him.
However, if it is just you coming on your own, I'm afraid the sect leader will most likely not agree to this.
Unless Fellow Daoist Song can make sufficient contributions to our sect, there is no possibility of making an exception for this matter; there have been precedents for this in the past.
"Apart from that, I have no other methods."
"You want me to perform meritorious service for your sect? May I ask how I can accomplish this?"
Upon hearing that he could earn merit for the "Demon Suppression Palace" in exchange for the opportunity to enter the Heart Refining Tower, Song Qingming, feeling a glimmer of hope, immediately asked another question.
Upon hearing this, Lü Yue quickly explained, "To make meritorious contributions, one must help our sect complete some difficult tasks, which will naturally involve some dangers."
To be honest, if it were an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, I might not want to say it today, for fear of misleading you.
However, having had the good fortune to witness Fellow Daoist Song's supernatural abilities today, I think you should give it a try; perhaps you can achieve your wish.
"If Fellow Daoist Song is willing, I will discuss this matter with my senior brother, the sect leader, after he emerges from seclusion in a while. I will then inform you of any news. What do you think?"
"It's rare that Fellow Daoist Lü trusts me, so I'll leave this matter to you!"
Faced with Lü Yue's proposal, Song Qingming knew it might be dangerous, but he still agreed without hesitation.
After all, he was the one who needed his help, and at this point, he had no better options than to take it one step at a time.
If the task asked of him by the "Demon-Slaying Palace" is within his capabilities, then Song Qingming is willing to take some risks.
If the other party's request is something you are simply unable to fulfill, then you'll have to think of other solutions.
Seeing that Song Qingming had agreed to his proposal, a look of satisfaction appeared on Lü Yue's face, and he finally accepted the "spirit stone bag" that he had been looking at for a long time.
The two then chatted and enjoyed tea in the hall for a while before Song Qingming rose to take his leave and returned to the market town at the foot of the mountain. (End of Chapter)