The grotto-heaven was vast, its landscapes flowing with a dense aura. It seemed to have gathered the quintessence of heaven and earth and the true essence of the Five Elements, a sight that refreshed the heart and soul.

Standing within it, Jiang Yi mused to himself:

’No wonder Cat Master often said that in ancient times, the Earth Virtue flourished and everyone cultivated it. Turns out it offered the hope of becoming fabulously wealthy.

Of the four essentials of Cultivation, the Earth Virtue alone holds the principle of ’wealth’.’

Among the Five Virtues, the most popular 120,000 years ago were undoubtedly the Earth Virtue, the Water Virtue, and the Wood Virtue.

Each of these three had its own wondrous uses: the Earth Virtue excelled at nurturing, the Water Virtue at accumulating, and the Wood Virtue at generating.

They not only benefited one’s comprehension of the Great Dao but also aided in advancing one’s Cultivation.

In contrast, the Fire Virtue and the Metal Virtue were focused on struggle and Magical Combat, and at the time were often dismissed as inferior Dharma Gates.

But then the various Daoist Lineages began to wage endless war, the conflict escalating until it nearly sank the entirety of Yanfu.

The Earth Virtue fell into ruin and the Wood Virtue failed to flourish. Only the Water Virtue preserved the source of its Great Dao, avoiding significant losses.

Meanwhile, the Fire Virtue seized the opportunity to become prominent, and the Metal Virtue surged in its wake.

The latter even became one of the foundations of the Sword Dao.

Jiang Yi couldn’t help but sigh. To gain a firm foothold and make a name for oneself in the Yanfu Vast Land, one’s own diligent Cultivation wasn’t enough; it ultimately came down to timing and fortune.

After this brief display of his resources, True Monarch Xu didn’t mention the matter of becoming his Sponsoring Master again.

After all, as one who held the seat of a Great Daoist Lord, he naturally possessed a proud and lofty bearing. Even within the Innate Sect, he was a giant among the top echelons.

To have taken the initiative to offer to act as a guardian for a junior was already a great condescension, a lowering of his own status.

"When you undergo Flying Foundation Establishment in the future, Daoist, you may come to the Kun Peak grotto-heaven, whether it’s to refine your life-bound Magical Treasure or to procure items for your Cultivation."

True Monarch Xu said with a hearty laugh,

"The Five Sacrifices may not be the orthodox path of the Earth Virtue, but the power of incense offerings also has the wondrous effect of forging implements and nurturing treasures."

Jiang Yi bowed slightly in a formal salute, thanking True Monarch Xu for his kind offer.

’Come to think of it, if I could place the Hanging Slaying Sword in this grotto-heaven to be nurtured, using the aura of its landscape to infuse it day and night...’

His thoughts suddenly turned to Xiaoqiao’s dowry—the Hanging Slaying Sword, a weapon that had existed for 120,000 years but now seemed covered in dust and rust, most of its keen edge withdrawn from sight.

Logically, as the Sword Master, Jiang Yi should have been tempering it within his own body. But his Cultivation was currently too shallow; if he were to truly absorb the Slaying Sword, his body would be torn to shreds in an instant, no matter how deep his foundation was.

’Practitioners of the Earth, Water, and Wood Virtues really have it easy when it comes to forming positive connections.’

Jiang Yi chatted with True Monarch Xu for a while longer, taking the opportunity to ask for guidance on Daoist Skills and further his understanding of the transformations within fire-based arts.

Once everything was settled, True Monarch Xu teleported him out of the grotto-heaven and back to Yuanchu Palace.

"Xiao Jiang, what did that True Monarch want with you?"

True Master Xuanmiao leaped onto Jiang Yi’s shoulder. Its five senses had been sealed, isolating it outside, so it had no idea what the two had discussed.

Jiang Yi stepped out of Yuanchu Palace and settled into a large carriage pulled by Chi-descendants. Draperies hung inside, and a treasured censer shaped like a white crane with a gracefully curved neck sat within. The crane’s beak was open, holding a lustrous pearl.

A water-like incense smoke billowed endlessly from the censer, forming hazy, heart-refreshing clouds.

Jiang Yi explained that True Monarch Xu wanted to become his Sponsoring Master. True Master Xuanmiao raised a paw to scratch its whiskers and shook its round, furry head.

"Of all the True Monarchs of the Innate Sect’s Eight Peaks, according to my former master, True Monarch Cunyuan Cunjing had the most profound potential on her Dao path, but she was... held back."

The corner of Jiang Yi’s mouth twitched. The first Shao Yang had left behind countless romantic entanglements. Fortunately, True Monarch Lu was a reasonable person and hadn’t transferred her anger to him.

"As for the one from Kun Peak, his title is ’True Monarch Changgui Fumingyu.’ My former master mentioned him in passing once, but didn’t say much."

True Master Xuanmiao said slowly, trying its best to recall.

Jiang Yi’s interest was immediately piqued. Information on a True Monarch was highly classified. He had no idea how much effort it would take to consult the Celestial Book. Having True Master Xuanmiao explain things was a far better alternative.

"This True Monarch Changgui Fumingyu, also known as True Monarch Xu, achieved the Dao very early on. His seniority is even a bit higher than the current Sect Leader’s."

True Master Xuanmiao continued,

"But he never participates in major events like the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly or the Luotian Dao Discussion, and there are no stories of him ever engaging in Magical Combat."

Jiang Yi raised an eyebrow. ’So he’s another senior who cultivates the ’art of stability’!’

’This True Monarch Xu is far beyond me. The saying goes, "As a man passes, he leaves his name; as a goose passes, it leaves its cry." If I prioritize ’stability’ but still strike when necessary... then this True Monarch Changgui Fumingyu has likely cultivated the art of ’lying low’ to its absolute extreme. He doesn’t seem to get involved in any karma at all.’

True Master Xuanmiao pondered for another moment before adding,

"My former master once mentioned offhandedly that this obscure True Monarch Xu, master of Kun Peak, is impossible to see through. His ambitions are immense, and they might even involve Daoist Lineages from a previous age."

Jiang Yi nodded slightly. Such a senior figure among the True Monarchs was bound to be extraordinary, far beyond what he could possibly fathom.

’It’s a good thing I didn’t agree right away. If I’d stepped into that pit, I might never have been able to climb out.’

’So deeply hidden, yet so fabulously wealthy... It would certainly be a wonderful thing to have him as a Guardian Daoist.’

The massive carriage traversed the vast sky and passed through Kan Peak. The two Chi-descendants had an innate command of water, allowing them to pass smoothly through two layers of vast, churning grand arrays.

"The True Monarch anticipated your arrival, Daoist, and sent me specifically to greet you."

Qu Liu’er, the Kan Peak True Inheritance disciple he had met at Yuanchu Palace, stood smiling at the foot of the main peak. It looked as though she had been waiting for some time.

"I’ll trouble you to lead the way, Senior Sister."

Jiang Yi stepped out of the carriage, holding True Master Xuanmiao.

"Senior Sister, your art of combining the Ren and Gui waters, that ’Unified Command of Sky-Covering Water’ I witnessed the other day, was truly stunning. It left a deep impression on me."

Jiang Yi wasn’t putting on airs; his expression was kind and approachable.

True Monarch Lu was his Teaching Master. In a way, Kan Peak represented half of his backing within the Innate Sect.

Therefore, even though Qu Liu’er was a descendant of the Eight Monarchs, Jiang Yi was willing to try and befriend her, to win her over.

"You jest, Daoist. My meager skills are hardly worthy of such high praise."

Qu Liu’er took light, graceful steps, leading the way.

She wore an azure Daoist Robe cinched at the waist with a pale silk ribbon. Her hair was styled in a double-looped bun, pierced by a lustrous white jade hairpin. A faint, watery Spiritual Light enveloped her, accentuating her elegant and gentle bearing.

Jiang Yi followed closely, ascending the stone steps.

"I have also met a few High Cultivators who practice Water Element arts, and I have discussed the Dao with them. Through those discussions, I gained some analogical insights and comprehended some of the profound mysteries of the Ren and Gui waters.

But all that I have gleaned from poring over Daoist Scriptures cannot compare to the profound impression left by seeing you demonstrate the art in person, Senior Sister."

These words from Jiang Yi were not mere flattery. With Qu Liu’er’s abilities, she was easily ranked among the top four of the Innate Sect’s Eight Peaks True Inheritance disciples.

"If you keep praising me like that, Daoist, I won’t be able to keep my pride in check."

Qu Liu’er’s tone was one of mock complaint. She was usually tired of such compliments, but coming from Jiang Yi, they felt sincere and earnest, which was rather pleasant.

"And your own exquisite technique of using fire to control fire to subdue the Tail-Flame Tiger—even Senior Brother Feng of Li Peak was left marveling at it."

Qu Liu’er deliberately paused to let Jiang Yi walk beside her. She glanced at his profile from the corner of her eye, marveling to herself:

’He truly is worthy of being the new Shao Yang.’

As a disciple of True Monarch Cunyuan Cunjing, she was naturally aware of the entanglement between her master and the first Shao Yang.

As she recalled, the comment that True Monarch Yu had written on the New Year’s Beauty Rankings was:

His celestial face, fair and smooth as lustrous jade. Long brows swept past his eyes, and his pupils were like droplets of black lacquer. With crimson lips and a handsome mustache, his every glance was graceful. His gaze was extraordinary, his bearing heroic and handsome—a peerless man, the likes of whom are not seen in an age.

Qu Liu’er studied him closely. While Jiang Yi wasn’t as ’uniquely and devastatingly handsome, without peer in the world’ as the first Shao Yang...

...he still deserved the description ’a mountain shines when it conceals jade, a river is charmed when it holds pearls.’ There was an air of deep restraint and unyielding strength in his features.

Jiang Yi arrived before Kanshui Palace, exchanged a few words with Qu Liu’er, and then calmly stepped inside.

"For this test, True Monarch Xu gave you his highest evaluation. None of the other True Inheritance disciples objected. Excellent."

True Monarch Lu’s voice was crisp, and her final word lifted slightly, unable to conceal her praise.

"I did not disappoint your expectations, True Monarch, nor did I tarnish the prestige of Kan Peak."

Jiang Yi sat down opposite her and proceeded to recount, in full detail, True Monarch Changgui Fumingyu’s offer to become his Sponsoring Master.

"Since True Monarch Xu has made this offer, you should accept it, Daoist."

True Monarch Lu said softly,

"Among all the True Monarchs of the Innate Sect, when it comes to Magical Combat, if he claims to be second, no one would dare claim to be first."

Jiang Yi looked astonished. ’That True Monarch Changgui Fumingyu, the one with no recorded victories to his name, is actually that formidable?’

The corners of True Monarch Lu’s lips curled up, as if she had read his thoughts. She explained,

"He has always favored ambushes and sneak attacks. After slaying an enemy and settling the karmic ties, he even obfuscates the heavenly secrets to prevent any divination.

A thousand years ago, many ’True Monarch candidates’ and Guardian Daoists from the Immortal Dao died mysterious deaths. In truth, it was all his doing."

Jiang Yi’s heart stirred as he silently chewed over the phrase ’True Monarch candidates’.

’Isn’t that an Upper Cultivator preying on a Lower Cultivator?’

"Demon Path True Monarchs aren’t bound by so many rules to begin with."

True Monarch Lu said calmly.

"With True Monarch Xu acting as your Sponsoring Master and guardian, the tribulations you face on your trip to Jukuzhou in a few months will likely be far less severe."