Chapter 98: Chapter 81: He Is Now Junior Brother Xiao, and Senior Brother Xu Gives Me Face

Now that he had the fully refined Black Slaughter Lock, he no longer needed to ask Zhou Guang, the Servant at the Forging Room, for a Jade Token to ride a Flying Crane.

Jiang Yi formed a hand seal and chanted an incantation, summoning the Yin Horse before vaulting onto its back.

Even steep cliffs felt like level ground. The horse traversed them effortlessly, as if held aloft by the wind.

’So this is the power of a Magical Artifact.’

Jiang Yi directed his Divine Thought, firmly controlling the Black Slaughter Lock. It coiled around him like a great, dark python, spewing clouds of yin qi that condensed into a tall steed.

With just a flick of its hooves, the Yin Horse could scale even the most treacherous, moss-covered cliffs.

Before long, the man and his horse had reached the halfway point up Guanlan Peak.

“Eh? You again?”

The old Daoist, who had run into Jiang Yi several times before, was startled to see a figure suddenly shoot up from the base of the cliff.

Focusing his gaze, he saw a vortex of yin wind. Astride a divine steed, jet-black as if cast from bronze and iron, sat a calm-faced youth in a Daoist Robe.

“You there, youngster! Where did you get that Magical Artifact? Put it away, quickly!”

Jiang Yi formed a hand seal, pointed, and guided the artifact with his Divine Thought, executing the Collection Rune Technique.

The python-like Black Slaughter Lock’s radiance dimmed as it fell into his palm, and he tucked it away into his Five Yin Pouch.

’Two Magical Artifacts! I never would have guessed. This kid is loaded!’

The old Daoist’s expression softened. He dropped his haughty demeanor and plastered on a smile, saying:

“My young friend, you may not be aware, but only Inner Peak Disciples are permitted to openly use Magical Artifacts. That’s the rule.

Although no one usually makes a fuss, it could still give people something to talk about. And what if someone decides to use it as a pretext against you someday… right?

You should head to the Qi Gong Institute to register it. Once it’s on the record, things will be much more convenient for you.”

’Truly, the older one gets, the craftier one becomes.’

’I’ve been here several times, and this old Daoist has treated me differently every single time.’

Jiang Yi smiled faintly and performed a Daoist salute.

“Thank you for the advice, senior.”

The old Daoist chuckled.

“I don’t dare accept the title ’senior.’ Your Cultivation is remarkable, young friend. You’re sure to earn a place in the Inner Peak one day. When that time comes, I’ll have to be the one calling you ’Senior Brother’!”

With a smile, Jiang Yi took his leave of the old Daoist and headed for the Qi Gong Institute.

He remembered that on his last visit, Senior Brother Xiao Tongquan had specifically told the Daoist at the Qi Gong Institute not to make things difficult for him or require him to register every time, calling him a close friend.

’I wonder if Senior Brother Xiao has managed to open his Primordial Gate. I might even be able to offer him some guidance now.’

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Jiang Yi stepped briskly into the Qi Gong Institute.

The same middle-aged Daoist was on duty. It was a mystery how the man found so much time to sleep, dozing off as he clutched a hand warmer.

He seemed to be having a pleasant dream, and a few mumbled words could be faintly heard, something like, “Watch closely, this Monarch’s sword strike will be magnificent,” and, “I am to become a Daoist Monarch…”

Jiang Yi didn’t have the heart to disturb him, but he had to register the Magical Artifact to make coming and going from Guanlan Peak more convenient.

He reluctantly stepped forward and called out softly:

“Excuse me, Senior Brother…”

The middle-aged Daoist must have been at the sweetest part of his dream—perhaps just about to be surrounded by three thousand Immortal maidens and eight hundred holy consorts—when he was abruptly woken up, bringing it all to a screeching halt.

His eyes bulged as fury welled up inside him, and he opened his mouth to curse:

“Damn it, just go register yourself! Are you blind—Oh, it’s Junior Brother Jiang.”

The middle-aged Daoist paused, obviously remembering who Jiang Yi was.

Then, as if remembering something, his expression turned cold again.

“Register yourself and don’t bother me.”

’Huh. So much for Senior Brother Xiao’s influence!’

Jiang Yi tried to explain.

“Senior Brother, I’m not here to sign in. I need to register a Magical Artifact…”

Impatience was written all over the middle-aged Daoist’s face.

“You’re not an Inner Peak Disciple. How could you possess a Magical Artifact? Shoo, shoo, just go sign your name over there! Everyone has to follow the rules. No exceptions!”

Jiang Yi was surprised but had no desire to argue.

Just as he decided to sign his name and leave the Qi Gong Institute, he saw Xiao Tongquan step over the threshold.

However, this Senior Brother Xiao, once so influential among the Outer Four Peaks, looked quite dejected. Jiang Yi hadn’t seen him in some time and noticed he’d lost the confident, spirited air he once carried.

The middle-aged Daoist didn’t even bother to stand up. Still clutching his hand warmer, he spoke nonchalantly.

“Junior Brother Xiao, you’re here? Go sign in over there. I don’t need to repeat myself.”

’Junior Brother Xiao?’

Jiang Yi froze for a moment. ’I was only gone for one trip down the mountain. How did Senior Brother Xiao get demoted?’

His mind raced. Performing a Daoist salute, he took the initiative to greet the newcomer.

“Greetings, Senior Brother Xiao.”

Xiao Tongquan didn’t seem angry despite the middle-aged Daoist’s disrespect. He simply stepped aside quietly.

“Junior Brother Jiang? I heard from Junior Sister Li that you’d gone down the mountain with Marshal Yang.”

“That’s right. I only returned to the sect a few days ago.”

Seeing Jiang Yi’s attitude toward him hadn’t changed, Xiao Tongquan felt a warmth spread through his chest.

He leaned over the desk to sign his name, then slowly began to speak:

“Ten days ago, I thought my accumulated Merit had reached Perfection, so I attempted to open my Primordial Gate. But I failed at the very last moment, injuring my brain. It’s taken many days of rest just to recover.”

’Jiang Yi was surprised. He’d assumed that someone with Xiao Tongquan’s background would have a smooth path in their Cultivation. Who would have thought it could be so perilous?’

’No wonder that middle-aged Daoist was so arrogant, completely disregarding Xiao Tongquan.’

’The Primordial Gate is where the Brain God resides. Once damaged, it’s incredibly difficult to heal. He’ll likely be set back for at least three to five years.’

’The way of the Demon Dao Dharma Lineage has always been fickle.’

’With a setback like this, Xiao Tongquan’s chances of becoming an Inner Peak Disciple are probably gone for good.’

’And just like that, “Senior Brother Xiao” has been downgraded to “Junior Brother Xiao.”’

“Once you’re registered, leave. Don’t loiter here and make a racket.”

The middle-aged Daoist snorted coldly.

“You’re from the Outer Sect, so stop putting on airs like you’re Inner Peak Disciples!”

Xiao Tongquan grabbed Jiang Yi’s arm and shook his head.

“Don’t waste your breath on trash like him. Junior Brother Jiang, let’s find somewhere else to talk…”

’It seems Senior Brother Xiao has endured his fair share of scorn and cold shoulders. It’s certainly forged a more composed temperament in him.’

Jiang Yi started to follow, but just as they stepped out of the Qi Gong Institute, they saw a large, boisterous crowd approaching. All of them were clad in the robes of Inner Peak Disciples, creating a very imposing sight.

The man in the lead was tall and powerfully built, walking with a majestic stride and carrying an extraordinary air about him.

Xiao Tongquan quickly pulled Jiang Yi aside and whispered,

“That’s Senior Brother Xu Yan.”

Thanks to his recent diligent Cultivation, Jiang Yi’s Brain God had been nourished and strengthened. His spiritual sense was exceptionally sharp, and he was able to catch a wisp of the newcomer’s Qi Mechanism.

’This Senior Brother Xu Yan is already at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer!’

’So there really are some true talents for Cultivation in the Qianji Sect!’

Once Xu Yan and his entourage of Inner Peak Disciples had flooded into the Qi Gong Institute, Xiao Tongquan finally breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to leave with Jiang Yi.

Listening to the fawning words of the middle-aged Daoist from inside, he could easily picture the man’s sycophantic expression, and a complex mix of emotions welled up within him.

’If only I had succeeded in opening my Primordial Gate and establishing my Inner Mansion… All of that glory should have been mine.’

“Sigh…”

As Xiao Tongquan sighed, a voice called out from behind him:

“You there, Junior Brother…”

He turned and saw Xu Yan striding toward them, but his gaze was fixed on Jiang Yi.

“You must be Junior Brother Jiang Yi from Red Flame Peak? I’ve heard that you’re a handsome young man with fine features.

And seeing you today, I can tell the rumors are true!”

Jiang Yi was taken aback for a moment, then immediately recalled his Grandpa, Yang Xun, pulling strings for him the day before. ’It seems those old connections really do work,’ he thought. ’Elder Sui must have actually passed down instructions on my behalf.’

“Senior Brother Xu, you flatter me.”

He performed a Daoist salute with a humble expression.

Xu Yan, who had a magnanimous nature, laughed heartily and asked,

“Junior Brother Jiang, what brings you to the Qi Gong Institute?”

Jiang Yi explained that he was there to register a Magical Artifact. Upon hearing this, Xu Yan’s brow furrowed slightly, and he casually beckoned the middle-aged Daoist over.

“The sect rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Can you do me a favor? From now on, don’t make things difficult for Junior Brother Jiang.

And just so you know, Junior Brother Jiang has already broken through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer. Come spring, he’ll be one of us in the Inner Peak!”

The middle-aged Daoist’s face turned pale. Xu Yan was an Inner Peak Disciple and Elder Sui’s top disciple; who would dare to offend him for no reason?

He hurriedly said:

“I didn’t realize Senior Brother Jiang was acquainted with you, Senior Brother Xu! I was blind and failed to recognize Mount Tai!”

Xu Yan didn’t spare the middle-aged Daoist another glance, speaking only to Jiang Yi:

“If he tries to give you any more trouble, Junior Brother, just come find me. I won’t let him off easy!

My name, Xu Yan, still carries some weight in the Inner Peak.”

Jiang Yi performed another Daoist salute to express his thanks.

“I’ve been busy harvesting in the Heart-Stealing Forest lately. We can get together when we’re free.”

Xu Yan had arrived with great fanfare and departed with equal vigor. In the blink of an eye, he led his entourage out of the Qi Gong Institute in an orderly line.

Only the middle-aged Daoist, wiping away cold sweat, remained, along with Xiao Tongquan and Jiang Yi.

“Jiang… Senior Brother.”

Standing at the courtyard entrance, Xiao Tongquan’s lips barely moved. His attitude had finally become respectful.

“Congratulations, Senior Brother Jiang, on reaching the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer and ascending to the Inner Peak!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep