I, the spirit of the primitive land, have the ability to understand the universe and prove the origin of the universe
Chapter 19 - The Deal Is Made, Zhong Yue Sets Three Conditions

Chapter 19: The Deal Is Made, Zhong Yue Sets Three Conditions

Within the Dragon Palace, Ao Shun sighed upon hearing Zhong Yue’s words.

He knew that if he didn’t clarify things today, Zhong Yue might really turn around and leave.

However, it was precisely because of this that Ao Shun felt more resolute in his own thoughts.

Facing the weak without oppression, and facing great treasures without greed—someone who could remain true to their heart and whose cultivation was also commendable—such an existence was not unworthy of his efforts.

With that in mind, Ao Shun immediately revealed the last bit of information he had been withholding.

It wasn’t really a concealment, but rather a difference in information.

“To be honest, within my Dragon Palace, there is a treasure known as the Heaven’s Mirror.”

“This treasure is not of the highest grade, merely a low-grade innate spiritual treasure. However, it has one critically important function—seeing through the other’s background.”

“Fellow Daoist, you are an Innate Divine Saint. I wonder if you understand what I mean?” Ao Shun said, smiling as he looked at Zhong Yue.

However, he seemed to fear Zhong Yue might misunderstand, so he immediately explained further.

“Fellow Daoist, please don’t misunderstand. I do not wish to pry into your affairs. It’s just that the mirror has always been hanging there in the palace.”

“There?” Zhong Yue paused. Suddenly, he recalled the mirror hanging above the Dragon Palace before he entered.

At first, he had thought it was just like a demon-revealing mirror, having no idea that it could actually reveal someone’s background.

Given this explanation, it seemed Ao Shun hadn’t intentionally plotted against him.

Seeing that Zhong Yue didn’t react negatively, Ao Shun continued.

“I know you are thinking, even an Innate Divine Saint wouldn’t be worth such an effort, right?”

Zhong Yue didn’t speak, he simply glanced at Ao Shun, then nodded slightly.

Indeed, while the background of an Innate Divine Saint was extraordinary, it didn’t warrant the gathering of three top-tier treasures—one would be sufficient.

“Perhaps others might not be worth it, but you, Fellow Daoist, are.”

“Because I believe in you,” Ao Shun said sincerely, nodding earnestly.

Zhong Yue, upon hearing this, stared intently at Ao Shun.

After a long moment, he suddenly burst out laughing.

“Haha, Fellow Daoist, you’re truly interesting. Trust? If I’m not mistaken, this is our first meeting, isn’t it?”

Upon hearing Zhong Yue’s words, Ao Shun forced a bitter smile.

“I know you don’t believe me, but everything I said is true.”

“You chose to trade when facing Qianqian, instead of taking the Innate Water Spirit Pearl by force. Such conduct is truly admirable.”

“I ask you to believe me as well. I mean no harm. I only wish to find a good place for Qianqian.”

Ao Shun appeared very sincere, his eyelids drooping as if to prove that everything he said was true.

Zhong Yue stared at Ao Shun, not speaking, only quietly watching him.

Once again, the scene fell into silence.

After a while, Ao Shun finally showed a bitter smile once more.

“Alright, to be honest, I do have some personal motives.”

With this, Ao Shun’s expression grew difficult as he finally managed to force out a few words.

“The Dragon Palace… might not be able to hold on much longer.”

Ao Shun only said these few words and didn’t continue to elaborate further.

Zhong Yue glanced at Ao Shun, then looked around at the surroundings, nodding slightly.

“On this matter, I accept.”

Upon hearing this, Ao Shun, who had already given up hope, felt a surge of joy rise in his heart. His face immediately lit up with ecstatic happiness.

Before he could speak, Zhong Yue directly interrupted him.

“However, let me make it clear in advance. Qianqian can take me as her master, but I have three conditions.”

“Of course, please state them, Fellow Daoist,” Ao Shun nodded, his expression growing serious.

Zhong Yue took a step forward and approached the three spiritual treasures.

“First, I want to collect the items first. As for accepting disciples, there is no rush. I will come back after 100,000 years, and then it will not be too late to accept disciples.”

“Second, I can accept disciples, but I will not participate in any matters of the Dragon Palace, even if you, Fellow Daoist, were to die.”

“Third, no matter what happens in the future, you are not allowed to act in my name.”

“If you accept these three conditions, then I will agree to this matter.”

It must be said that the three conditions Zhong Yue gave were increasingly outrageous and absurd, one more unreasonable than the next.

The first condition was to collect the items first and then handle the matter 100,000 years later. That was simply absurd—no matter the transaction, such a way of doing things was unheard of.

As for the second and third conditions, they were similarly unreasonable. It felt like he was just talking about money, with no sincerity at all.

In fact, when Zhong Yue said it, he even felt a little embarrassed.

However, he still spoke them out because he had no choice but to do so.

Ao Shun was clearly hesitant, and there seemed to be something he was hiding.

But the price Ao Shun offered was just too generous, and since no reasons could be squeezed out of him, Zhong Yue could only set these three conditions.

If Ao Shun agreed, he would avoid future troubles. If Ao Shun didn’t agree, they would part ways.

As it turned out, Ao Shun’s plans were not small, and he agreed.

“No problem, I can fully accept these three conditions.”

“If you need anything else, you can also let me know. As long as my Dragon Palace has it, you can take it all.”

Ao Shun patted his chest in assurance, his face overflowing with joy.

Zhong Yue gave Ao Shun a meaningful look but didn’t say much more. Instead, he directly put away the three treasures.

Some things were better left clarified.

He didn’t understand the full reason now, but in the future, he would. When that time came, if Ao Shun did anything improper, Zhong Yue would have a way of dealing with it.

After all, settling karmic debts wasn’t just about repayment.

Thinking of this, Zhong Yue couldn’t help but recall the methods of the Western “Two Masters” in later generations. Their tactics towards the Red Cloud were quite insightful.

After agreeing to take on a disciple, Zhong Yue and Ao Shun grew closer.

At least, on the surface, they appeared closer; the true nature of their relationship remained unknown.

After a round of drinking and exchanging pleasantries, Zhong Yue stayed in the North Sea Dragon Palace.

Having just acquired three treasures—while the Five Elements Pine Needle, an excellent Innate Spiritual Root, wasn’t too much of a concern, the Void Mirror and Seven-Star Dragon Abyss Sword definitely needed to be refined properly.

After staying in the North Sea Dragon Palace for a hundred years, Zhong Yue finally took his leave.

Ao Shun repeatedly tried to keep him, but Zhong Yue’s insistence couldn’t be overcome, and so they parted ways in front of the Dragon Palace.

After leaving the Dragon Palace, Zhong Yue headed toward the Great Wilderness Continent. He had not forgotten that there was still a Fire Spirit Pearl waiting for him to collect.

However, as he was halfway there, a figure suddenly blocked his way, exuding a powerful aura that pressed down on the void.

“Are you the new disciple of that old mudfish?”