Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 239 - 167 Demi Immortal Xuan Yue_2

Chapter 239: Chapter 167 Demi Immortal Xuan Yue_2

Gu Wen always displayed humility towards his own people; after all, being amiable tended to please others more. Empty flattery didn’t cost him anything, nor did he lose a piece of flesh by it.

That was the truth. If it was just about him alone, the Devil Clan would still hold the advantage. If Ao Heng decided to turn hostile with a thicker skin, it wouldn’t be something Gu Wen could handle with just the Immortal Sword.

Against Ao Heng, at most he could overcome an opponent one level higher than him, but when it came to two levels, the situation only allowed for resistance—the other party could withstand the Immortal Sword without harm at three levels.

A flicker of surprise crossed Chan Xi’s normally cold face, a hint of admiration coloring her tone as she said, "Junior brother is not as arrogant and overbearing as the rumors suggest. It seems I have misunderstood you."

"Rumors can do great harm; senior sister mustn’t believe them," Gu Wen immediately responded, denying it, "I have always treated people with humility, but alas, there are always troublemakers around. In order to avoid unnecessary troubles, I had to keep a low profile with a sharp edge."

"Indeed."

Chan Xi nodded in agreement, her own memories containing instances where flattery and sycophancy had been quite vexing.

Beside them, Yu Hua showed a resigned expression—this fellow had quickly switched back to his usual blustering self, but at least he showed his sharp edges to his enemies.

"Red Dust!"

A petulant, crisp voice rose from below as a three-meter-tall golden figure descended like a shooting star and landed three steps away from Gu Wen, shedding its golden light to reveal a short-haired girl just about four and a half feet tall.

Her rosy eyes twinkled with excitement as she looked up at Gu Wen, swinging her fists with elation and saying, "You were amazing, stepping on that Dragon Saint Heir and cursing him. When I develop my indestructible Taoist Body, I want to step on my enemies and curse them too."

Initially, Chi Yu Zi had a strong dislike for Ao Heng, especially with his incessant use of offensive language—it was simply too arrogant.

However, when Gu Wen spoke those words, Chi Yu Zi realized it wasn’t the phrase she disliked but rather that she wasn’t the one saying it.

"Why learn from the Devils to curse people? Can’t you be like our Qingcang Master instead—’with a Golden Core swallowed, only then I realize my fate does not lie in the heavens’?"

Gu Wen resolutely refused to admit that he had cursed as well, acting with the double standards of an adult—a different kind of privilege.

He honestly thought that those words suited Chi Yu Zi, but the girl had a rough temperament, preferring a bit of vulgar language.

Perhaps the sect was just too strict.

Chan Xi showed a hint of surprise at his comment, but she said nothing further.

The words of their Qingcang Master were indeed filled with great courage.

"Do you know why I am here?"

Once the pleasantries were over, Chan Xi cut to the chase, "I am willing to aid you against our numerous enemies in exchange for temporary shelter. But the challenge you’ll face will be from two of my incarnations of the same rank and the internal criticisms from within the Daoist Sect."

As she spoke, she slightly demonstrated her power—the cultivation of an Eighth Level Dao Foundation.

Now that Gu Wen had exchanged blows with many exceptional individuals, he could make a rough estimation of Chan Xi’s strength. At the very least, it reached the Eighteen Level Heavens, theoretically the maximum in ascending to the Immortal Land.

But it wasn’t as simple as adding up the numbers because once someone reached the pinnacle of cultivation at the Eighteen Level Heavens, they would be on par with an Immortal.

The Levels were units created by the exceptional to quantify the mediocrities—among the exceptions themselves, there wasn’t much difference at the same level.

The Eighth Level Dao Foundation was a watershed, and so was being fulfilled at the Fifth Level.

Gu Wen inquired, "What sort of criticism?"

Chan Xi countered, "Junior brother, are you aware of the Celestial Marriage?"

"Is senior sister asking me to complete the Celestial Marriage? If so, please forgive me, but I cannot accept. I may be involved in fame and gains, but I never entangle myself in matters of the heart."

Without waiting for anyone to advise him otherwise, Gu Wen already righteously rejected the idea, as if he couldn’t get away fast enough.

Is a Daoist Master someone who takes advantage of others in difficult times?

Jun Yan, who had just flown up, was slightly astonished. He took a special look at Chan Xi—her skin smooth like jade, exhaling fragrance like orchids, pure as a snow lotus.

She was no strange or unusual figure. Could it be he disdained her former male identity?

His gaze shifted to Yu Hua, who at this moment seemed unconcerned, appearing very magnanimous.

Jun Yan was all the more baffled by their relationship.

"Not at all," Chan Xi shook her head, "I am here to escape the Celestial Marriage, so why would I seek another person while avoiding incarnations? But sect rumors are unpredictable, and I fear they might tarnish your reputation."

"If junior brother finds it troublesome, I can leave immediately."

Gu Wen confirmed, "Aside from the reputation and the other two incarnations, there is nothing else?"

Chan Xi nodded, and Gu Wen immediately became more enthusiastic, stating righteously, "Incarnations are three, but it hasn’t been said who the main body is. Senior sister is also a disciple of The Three Pure Dao. Why should the sect’s insects criticize you?"

"We should have the spirit of being our own master—never have we been anyone’s vassal."

He wasn’t afraid of offending others, especially those of the same sect like the Daoist disciples. Could it be that an incarnation of a Daoist would dare to attack directly? If they did, that would be crossing a line.

Are you trying to destroy the Daoist Sect?

Gu Wen was ready to clenched his fist for destruction of humanity, and also ready to grasp justice to pressure people with the right situation. Whichever worked better, he’d use that—there was no arrogance of the strong involved.

"Thank you."

For the first time, Chan Xi showed a faint smile.

In so doing, she had also encountered her first act of kindness since she’d acquired consciousness.

Having gained the support of a top-tier combat force with an Eighth Level Dao Foundation, they wouldn’t have to hide anymore. Once Chi Yu Zi’s Divine Soul was complete, her strength might also reach the Eighth Level Dao Foundation.

With two high-end combatants like that, even the Venerable might have a hard time dealing with them.

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Seventh Cave Heaven, located atop a mountain peak that had been turned entirely into scorched earth.

The group landed, and Chi Yu Zi approached the entrance to the Grotto Heaven. The barrier opened once again.

It was still a cave—stalactites formed by some kind of crystal were lighting up the simple Daoist temple.

The only difference was an additional figure arrayed in a jade Daoist robe decorated with cloud and sun motifs, echoing the eight trigrams patterns extending from the back. Standing six feet tall with arms folded behind, this person seemed to have been waiting there for quite some time.