CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 101: RED DRAGON ORDER

"Grandfather, there’s a Daoist temple ahead, let’s hurry and take shelter from the rain... It’s heavy and a bit cold."

"Alright, although you have some martial arts skills, you are still young and can’t withstand the cold winds."

"Oh, there’s someone inside!"

"Enough! Feibai, have you forgotten your grandfather’s words? When going out, speak less and observe more, don’t meddle unnecessarily."

"Yes, grandfather!"

As the voices drew nearer, soon, a tall and a short figure approached the Daoist temple.

The two figures did not enter hastily but paused outside the temple door. The tall figure cupped his hands in greeting with an elderly voice:

"Friends inside, the night is deep and it’s raining outside. May this old man and his grandson be allowed to stay for the night?"

The temple was silent for a moment, then a clear voice replied:

"I am merely a passing traveler, not the owner here. You are welcome as you please, old man."

"Then, I shall trouble you."

The grandfather and grandson entered the temple as instructed, and saw a bonfire lit in a corner.

Beside the bonfire was a tall, slender young man in black. With sword-like brows and starry eyes, his gaze was stern, and an ancient long sword hung from his waist.

At that moment, he was roasting a piece of meat.

Gu Yuan glanced at the grandfather and grandson who came in.

The young boy was about twelve or thirteen years old, with delicate features, rosy lips, bright eyes, and a hint of curiosity.

The elderly man was quite old, his long hair entirely white, his back slightly hunched, holding a wooden staff.

However, Gu Yuan, with his keen eye, could tell that the elder was not ordinary.

In this desolate wilderness with no sign of habitation for miles, the path often treacherous and threatened by wild beasts, what family would let an elder journey so far?

Moreover, the elder’s stride was steady, beneath his aged body lurked a vast, invisible vitality, clearly marking him as an Innate Martial Master.

Upon seeing Gu Yuan, the elder’s eyes sharpened, sensing that Gu Yuan was also extraordinary.

He felt a twinge of regret, realizing entering this place might carry risks.

But the words had been spoken, and they were inside the temple, with his treasured grandson nearby; withdrawing now might upset others. After some thought, he decided to do nothing.

He merely cupped his hands to Gu Yuan and, with his grandson, settled in another corner, starting a bonfire to warm their dry food and bodies.

Not long after, some more travelers arrived and entered the temple.

They were also seeking shelter from the rain, a varied group including traders, hunters, and solitary martial masters.

Seeing Gu Yuan and the grandfather-grandson pair, unsure of their depth, they did not rashly greet and instead found another spot to settle and rest.

Everyone went about their tasks, bringing rare activity to the long-abandoned temple.

The night deepened.

Once fed and warmed by the fire, their bodies gradually relaxed, creating a sense of comfort.

Some, with nothing to do, casually cupped their hands toward a corpulent middle-aged man among the crowd and said:

"Mr. Bao, I heard you served as a Daoist Child beside a Celestial Human Realm Cultivator when you were young, and thus are well-informed. Recently, many notable figures have gathered in Shengyang Prefecture, and it’s been plagued by various troubles. Could you tell us what’s happening in Shengyang Prefecture?"

The corpulent middle-aged man fondled the jade ring on his finger, chuckling. Seeing everyone’s curious gaze, he spoke:

"This event was a secret a few months ago, but now both those who should know and shouldn’t know are aware, so there’s no harm in sharing."

"Indeed, a significant event has recently occurred in Shengyang Prefecture."

Bao Datong grinned: "Deep within the Yunmeng Mountain Range, an Immortal Palace has emerged, and upon hearing the news, many have flocked to Shengyang Prefecture seeking an immortal opportunity."

An Immortal Palace has emerged?

Such a fortunate event!

Many were stunned, then invigorated and excited.

The one who first inquired asked directly: "May I ask, Mr. Bao, what is the origin of this Immortal Palace?"

Bao Datong shook his head and swayed: "This Immortal Palace is said to belong to a great figure named Red Dragon Daoist, a mighty Dragon Gate Realm being, nearly ascended to immortality."

Red Dragon Daoist? A mighty Dragon Gate Realm being?!

Upon hearing this, most didn’t fully grasp the meaning of these words, yet realized that the Immortal Palace must hold many Spirit Medicines and treasures left by Immortals.

All were tempted immediately.

Some even considered pursuing their own immortal opportunity.

If fortune favored them and they obtained an Immortal treasure, wouldn’t they soar to greatness?

Even the grandfather and grandson turned their gaze, the young boy glanced at his grandfather, hesitant to speak.

Bao Datong saw their eagerness and dampened their spirits with a direct reminder:

"Don’t even think about it."

"As I know, countless people aim for the Immortal Palace, with martial masters and Innate Martial Masters being minor roles, Celestial Human Realm Cultivators are aplenty."

Bao Datong waved his hand: "Those aside, notable Immortal Sects like Medicine King Mountain, Gu God Sect, Star River Sword Sect also have intentions, dispatching masters down the mountain. Besides, some loose immortal leaders have sent disciples to use this opportunity to train."

"What merits or abilities have we to compete for benefits? Even if we go, it’d be seeking death."

Upon hearing this, many realized their folly, smiling bitterly at their naive aspirations.

Bao Datong saw some eyes flickering, unwilling to abandon their ideas, and kindly reminded:

"Moreover, entering the Immortal Palace requires the Red Dragon Order as its key. Without it, no entry is possible, so going means naught but a wasted trip."

Everyone fell silent.

Red Dragon Order... Gu Yuan’s eyes flickered, realizing the Immortal Palace’s opportunity was indeed elusive.

Bao Datong looked at Gu Yuan, seeing him silent and not greeting, turned his gaze to the grandfather-grandson pair.

Especially the young boy, well-proportioned and clean in aura, evidently a promising cultivation seed, prompting a laughing remark:

"Perhaps the old man here seeks an immortal opportunity?"

"I see your grandson has good innate qualities. If fortunate to seize an opportunity, his future may be limitless."

"I wouldn’t dare..."

The white-haired elder cupped his hands in courtesy, then sighed with a shake of his head:

"This old man is too advanced in years to endure any trouble. But my grandson’s qualifications are decent. We came to Shengyang Prefecture not daring to dream of the Immortal Palace opportunity, but hoping to meet an Immortal Master."

"If a Master takes interest in my grandson and accepts him as a disciple, I would die content!"

Upon hearing this, his grandson, Xu Feibai, tugged his sleeve: "Grandfather!"