Chapter 974: Matters of the Younger Generation

On the path of cultivation, Xiao Dongxu was considered a prodigy.

"Why is Fellow Daoist Xiao at Tianji Mountain?" Chen Changsheng asked.

Xiao Dongxu was not a disciple of Tianji Mountain, but the personal disciple of the Sect Master True Man of Xuanjiu Immortal Mountain.

Years ago, Chen Changsheng had consulted him about the Ancient Character Formation.

Xiao Dongxu said, "Xuanjiu Immortal Mountain and Tianji Mountain have always been on good terms. As for why this humble priest came here—first, to read more books, and second, to hide from my master. I simply happened to catch Elder Chen's favor, so I often attend him here."

Chen Daoqiu smiled and said, "Mister Chen, do not underestimate him. This kid's cultivation base might not be deep, but he is proficient in Daoist arts and Divine Abilities. He has studied a vast array of subjects and gleaned insight from every single one. He is truly a prodigy."

Chen Changsheng smiled. "This Chen witnessed it years ago."

Chen Daoqiu said, "It is quite a pity. If Tianji Mountain were in the Southern Domain Immortal Realm, perhaps this kid would have joined us instead."

Xiao Dongxu chuckled. "Priest Chen exaggerates. My master has already had enough of me; I shouldn't go torment anyone else."

Chen Daoqiu let out a loud laugh. "You really refuse to give anyone peace of mind."

Xiao Dongxu smiled. "Then I will leave you and Mister Chen to your chat. This humble priest will take his leave."

"Go on."

Chen Daoqiu smiled and took a sip of tea. Only after Xiao Dongxu walked out did he ask, "Mister has traveled a long way, so I presume you have important matters to discuss. What brings you here this time?"

Chen Changsheng said, "This Chen would like to take a trip to the Back Mountain to meet the mountain master."

Chen Daoqiu blanked for a moment, then said, "If that is the case, I am afraid Mister will return empty-handed."

Chen Changsheng said, "Perhaps the mountain master will be happy to see me."

Chen Daoqiu blanked again, then a smile surfaced on his face. He nodded, feeling that Chen Changsheng's words made sense.

Perhaps the mountain master really would wake up early.

Chen Daoqiu said, "Since Mister is confident, I will take you there shortly. However, I cannot guarantee you will actually be able to meet him."

"This Chen knows what to expect."

"Mm."

Chen Daoqiu changed the subject. "What does Mister think of Xiao Dongxu?"

Chen Changsheng knew that Xiao Dongxu's presence was no accident, so he spoke frankly. "Fellow Daoist Xiao's natural aptitude is extraordinary, and he holds deep insights into various paths. He possesses exceptional comprehension. He is merely showing the first glints of his edge right now; in the future, he will definitely achieve greatness."

"Good, good, good," Chen Daoqiu laughed.

Chen Changsheng asked, "However, he is the personal disciple of Xuanjiu Immortal Mountain's Sect Master True Man, isn't he? Priest Chen, asking about this—do you have some sort of plan?"

Chen Daoqiu spoke frankly. "I will not hide it from Mister. Tianji Mountain has existed in this world for a very long time. We rose up as the younger generation, and now we have become the seniors and elders. We are like mortals in their twilight years—no longer of much use."

Chen Changsheng finally understood.

He wanted to find a successor.

But Chen Changsheng felt this would be quite difficult. He shook his head, not particularly optimistic.

"I also know this breaches proper etiquette. Fellow Daoist Xiao is, after all, an esteemed disciple of Xuanjiu Immortal Mountain. But alas, my standards are high. Among so many, he is the only one who has caught my eye."

"He probably wouldn't be willing to stay here," Chen Changsheng said.

Chen Daoqiu smiled amiably. "What is so difficult about that? It is not as if Tianji Mountain strictly requires one to stay cooped up in the pavilion to guard the world. If there is nothing to do, he can naturally travel the world as he pleases. Besides, I can still hold on for quite a few more years. It will not be too late for him to come over once he grows tired of wandering."

Chen Changsheng replied, "But Xuanjiu Immortal Mountain's Sect Master True Man is currently cultivating him to be the future sect master. This..."

Chen Changsheng hesitated, wanting to speak yet holding back. His unspoken implication was that Chen Daoqiu's actions felt a bit like forcefully snatching away someone else's son.

Chen Daoqiu smiled. "Mister does not need to worry. That old geezer owes me a massive favor. Furthermore, even if Fellow Daoist Xiao comes to Tianji Mountain, he can still serve as the sect master of Xuanjiu Immortal Mountain all the same."

Chen Changsheng understood. Judging by how Chen Daoqiu addressed the man, there likely wouldn't be any conflict over the matter.

Chen Daoqiu said, "Since Mister came today, I wanted you to take a look at the boy. I would like to ask a favor, hoping that Mister might look after him a bit in the future."

Chen Changsheng smiled. "Priest exaggerates. This Chen received help from Fellow Daoist Xiao years ago, so it is naturally a matter of course."

Chen Daoqiu cupped his hands. "Then many thanks to Mister Chen."

Sitting off to the side, Ning Bufan could not understand any of this. He drank his tea in silence, merely staring at the decor and style inside the hall. It was certainly a fine place, but the building lacked the magnificent splendor found in the mortal world. He figured this was probably because it was an immortal's domain, hence its plain and simple appearance. If it were too gorgeous, it would lose its beauty.

Chen Daoqiu's gaze fell onto Ning Bufan.

He asked, "Could this Young Friend Ning be Mister Chen's esteemed disciple?"

Chen Changsheng shook his head. "He currently has nowhere to go, so he is wandering with this Chen. We are not master and disciple."

Chen Daoqiu looked at Ning Bufan, his gaze turning fiery.

He asked, "I wonder if Young Friend Ning has a master?"

Ning Bufan paused and said, "Priest, with my body radiating Buddhist light, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to enter the Mysterious Gate."

Chen Daoqiu chuckled. "That is no hindrance. Although Tianji Mountain carries the title of the Mysterious Gate, we actually have people who cultivate Buddhism as well. A few of our early ancestors originally hailed from the Buddhist sects."

Ning Bufan opened his mouth, then laughed. "I understand the Priest's good intentions, but I am used to being free and undisciplined. At the end of the day, I am just a rogue, so I would be too embarrassed to take that step inside."

Chen Daoqiu nodded. He didn't force the issue, merely saying, "If Young Friend Ning changes his mind in the future, you may come here again."

Ning Bufan laughed it off. "Definitely, definitely."

Chen Changsheng glanced at Ning Bufan. "This Chen will have some matters to attend to shortly. If you find it boring here, you can go look for Fellow Daoist Xiao. He is just outside the door. The two of you should be able to get along."

Ning Bufan felt a surge of gratitude. Staying in here was indeed making him a bit uncomfortable.

"Then I won't stay and be an eyesore for you two seniors, heh heh."

Ning Bufan stood up and left. He was a straightforward person, sometimes never bothering to hide his feelings at all.

Once Ning Bufan was gone, only Chen Changsheng and Chen Daoqiu remained in the hall.

Chen Changsheng asked, "Has some unforeseen event happened at Tianji Mountain? I notice the Priest is taking the matters of the younger generation very much to heart."

Chen Daoqiu let out a soft sigh. "Those who steal heavenly secrets will inevitably be constrained by them. Tianji Mountain has no shortage of disciples with excellent aptitude, but there are equally many who end up trapped by the heavenly secrets. I am simply afraid of unforeseen mishaps, so I am preparing early."

"Moreover, a Tribulation is fast approaching the cultivation world. Tianji Mountain will definitely be swept up in it, and there is no telling what the final outcome will be."