Chapter 495 - 440: The Great Dao Dream Butterfly (Part 2)

Chapter 495: Chapter 440: The Great Dao Dream Butterfly (Part 2)

Suddenly, I stood up, letting out a shout of surprise and anger.

Then the memory was interrupted.

The second was a very peculiar island.

In a tumultuous sea, where massive waves soared, there inexplicably existed an area a hundred miles across, calm as a mirror and crystal blue.

A turtle-back-like island rose right in the ocean’s center.

On the island, the trees thrived; in the middle of the forest, there was a clear spring with rippling blue waves.

I gently landed beside the spring and uttered a few archaic syllables, upon which the water suddenly turned a brilliant red.

Below was also interrupted.

These two fragments contained a wealth of information, but without causes and effects, they were temporarily useless. Lu Qian could only memorize them firmly in his mind.

After a moment more, having finally digested all the information, confirming no details were overlooked, Lu Qian took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. The two Golden Core Masters immediately looked over.

"How is it, has that talisman been destroyed, injuring your Divine Sense?" Master Cangfeng asked.

Lu Qian shook his head: "I wouldn’t say injured, just that my Divine Sense fluctuated significantly, so it took time to converge. Now, it’s still in a state of complete depletion, requiring some time to recover and rest."

Master Cangfeng nodded. Looking out at the vast wasteland with signs of battle, and a nearby hill that had collapsed and split apart, the few became silent.

In less than half a day’s time, yet it felt as though a lifetime had passed.

The Golden Core is a county’s master, the Foundation Establishment is a county’s pillar; both are leaders in their world. But today, having witnessed the might of the True Immortal, the power of the Celestial Monarch, they understood there are heavens beyond their heavens. Before the Celestial Monarch, they were not even akin to insects.

Gaining such insight, it’s unclear if it was fortunate or unfortunate.

In terms of actual gains, Master Cangfeng undoubtedly lost heavily. His carefully nurtured Sect Leader’s Disciple, Yan Beixing, perished, gaining no additional benefits.

Ye Xiao should count as breaking even, though sacrificing a Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he maintained the operation of an ancient array, Third-Level Low-Tier Spiritual Veins, which are very important to Tieyuan County and hold long-term significance.

Simultaneously, all three were worried over by Miao Fa Celestial Monarch’s true self, with a sharp blade hanging high, unsure when it might fall.

In such circumstances, only Lu Qian could be said to have gained tremendously.

Due to work travels, expenses reimbursed (covered by Master Cangfeng’s route), food and lodging expenses (complimentary services on the Spirit Flying Shunji Divine Ship).

Studied and practiced dismantling the Twelve Celestial Ancient Array, thereby gaining insight and progressing in his array cultivation.

Countered and ultimately captured Miao Fa Celestial Monarch’s remnant soul, establishing a deep emotional foundation with Master Cangfeng, and particularly with Fairy Ye Xiao.

Also gained peerless Immortal Techniques, the Great Dao Dream Butterfly Celestial Book, and some memory fragments from Miao Fa Celestial Monarch.

In contrast, Lu Qian felt a sense of guilt arising within.

Unfortunately, the Great Dao Dream Butterfly Celestial Book’s implications were too significant; publicly and privately, Lu Qian couldn’t share it with them. Obtaining fragments of the Celestial Monarch’s memories must remain entirely secret.

Oh, and there’s another person who should count as a winner too.

The master of Xinghu County, Master Kan Yuan, Zhang Fusheng.

Through his profound Divination Techniques, he issued a prophecy to Lu Qian. His prophecy could be considered the straw that broke the camel’s back, causing Lu Qian to abandon hesitation and decide to slay Miao Fa Celestial Monarch.

The aftermath proved that killing the Celestial Monarch’s remnant soul was the most beneficial decision for Lu Qian.

Now, thinking about it, the path of fate truly is profound, even inducing fear.

If Master Kan Yuan’s usual claims were true, that his actions were guided by the Celestial Dao and arranged by fate, then his meeting with Lu Qian and providing the prophecy were deeply terrifying upon reflection.

Even disregarding these notions, because Lu Qian executed the prophecy, he received such bountiful gains and owed Master Kan Yuan greatly.

Master Kan Yuan said: "In the future, when this prophecy comes into play, naturally you will know how to repay me."

What is owed, how to repay, when to repay, or what form the repayment shall take, remains unknown. With such a cause and effect, Lu Qian will surely need to pay a hefty price.

In such a situation, Master Kan Yuan exchanged twelve years of his lifespan for such an outcome, certainly not losing out.

With busy thoughts swirling in his mind, suddenly Ye Xiao spoke: "Sect Leader Lu, since you need to recuperate, please come take a break in my Huanggen Sect. Fellow Daoist Li should come too, you are both esteemed guests of my Huanggen Sect."

Lu Qian raised his eyes to see a tall lady with honey-colored skin and curly hair looking at him with a lovely smile. His heart stirred, but he politely declined a few times.

Ye Xiao placed her left hand on her hip and, with great spirit, waved her right hand: "Sect Leader Lu, your life-saving grace can’t be repaid, so allow me to extend my hospitality as a host. Without need for further words, or I might forcibly stop you."

"And Fellow Daoist Li, we are in the same boat, both being targeted by the Celestial Monarch. How to respond requires a plan, doesn’t it? Moreover, you came upon my request, feeling deeply guilty for involving you in the loss of your commander; I must compensate doubly based on your calculated gains."

"Please, both of you visit my sect as guests for a few days, so we may confer thoroughly."

Though Master Cangfeng felt heavy-hearted, as the master of Liangxiang County, overseeing the four-battle territory, he remained rational and clear-minded. Now, a thought shift pressed his displeasure down; whatever he lost, naturally he would seek to recoup in other areas.