Immortality begins with meditation puppets

Chapter 380 Celestial Master
"Husband, husband, what's wrong with you? Don't scare me like this! We agreed that you would take the blame if anything happened on the island, and that you would suppress the immortals when they appeared. I've slept with you and suppressed you, but now that things are getting turbulent on the island, don't pretend you don't know anything!"

On Langya Island, the stunningly beautiful and alluring Lady Lanxiang, with her long, flowing gauze dress, addressed the seemingly dazed and speechless Taoist priest, Tong Laodao.

She had initially thought he was just flustered by the commotion on the island and was trying to comfort him gently. However, after a long time of comforting him, the old Taoist priest who had made many promises when he had been messing with her earlier remained as still as a wooden stake. This made Madam Lanxiang's face darken. She felt that this old Taoist priest was probably pretending to be stupid and would abandon her, Lanxiang, if things went wrong!
However, Tong Laodao's subsequent behavior confirmed her concerns.

But Tong Laodao, who had previously been manipulated by her and clung to her like an ant to carrion, took a half step back as soon as he recovered from his dazed state, causing Madam Lanxiang to frown.

"Husband, what are you doing?" He stepped back while she stepped forward, and a faint fragrance wafted through the room.

"Madam, please have some self-respect. Your husband is the Master Langya. This old Taoist has only slept with you for several decades and cannot be considered your husband!"

Her advances and his retreats, the old Taoist's evasive actions and indifferent words deeply wounded the lady.

"You cunning Celestial Master Puppet, so you received the message left by Celestial Master Zhang in the Immortal Traces, and now that you know you're a puppet and not a human, you want to sever ties with me?"

As if she had thought of something, Madam Lanxiang said coldly.

Old Master Tong's face darkened before he said:

"Lanxiang, aren't you also a figure in the painting left behind by Master Xu?"

The Celestial Master Puppet, the figure in the painting, the puppet tree branch, the God-Severing Gu—these four are the means by which the four Celestial Masters of yesteryear selected and restrained future deities.

The Celestial Master bears a heavy responsibility. It was one thing for Xiao Kui to be ignorant in the past, but now that she knows, how can she, like before, plot with Lanxiang to seize the position on the Immortal Island and prevent future generations from cultivating into its ruins!

Looking at the beautiful but not-so-human Lady Lanxiang in front of him, Master Tong could only silently curse her as a tragic fate before turning away. Although he still had some feelings for her, he was about to leave in a huff.

"Go away! If you dare step out of this door, you can forget about ever getting into my bed again!"

You heartless traitor! Do you think I, Lanxiang, am a traitor who stole from the master and coveted the divine inscription?

Little did you know, the old locust tree branch that could navigate the underworld and discern evil in the ruins of immortals had already gained sentience countless years before us, and had escaped from the ruins to live happily elsewhere.

Without this old locust tree branch, how can we distinguish whether those who land on the island are human or evil? The divine runes are meant for future generations to cultivate, not for evil spirits. If an evil spirit enters the immortal ruins, obtains the divine runes, and proves itself an evil god, how can we explain this to the Celestial Masters?

Madam Lanxiang spoke fiercely, pointing at Old Master Tong's resolute back and cursing loudly.

Before she could finish her rant, Master Tong darted back in, grabbed his wife's hand, and prepared to become her husband again.

"The old Taoist priest saw long ago that the lady was not that kind of person. He said that the lady had been on this immortal island for many years, so why did she hide the immortal relics and not let them appear in the world?"

"It turns out that Madam was very thoughtful, knowing that the old locust tree was missing, and fearing it would ruin the Celestial Masters' plans?"

Having just received the message left by Zhang Tianshi, who was also his former master, Tong Laodao had not yet recovered from the reality that he was a puppet, not a human. His mind was already on the last task his master had given him.

Once this task is completed, it will no longer matter whether Tong Laodao is a human or a puppet, because his last connection with his master will be severed, and he will be both a free puppet and a free man from now on!
Lady Lanxiang rolled her eyes at the old Taoist priest and sighed softly:
"Heavenly secrets predict fate, talismans test the heart, locust trees reveal evil, divine poison eradicates nature, and more than a hundred divine patterns are of great importance. The Four Heavenly Masters are also afraid of entrusting us to the wrong people, so they have made us their last resort."

Now that the final calamity has begun, evil spirits are increasing in the Tianyuan Realm. Human cultivators alone do not yet have the ability to suppress these evil spirits. The only option is to confer new titles upon righteous gods to help all living beings.

Lanxiang originally chose the Langya Zhenren. If he succeeded and became the Ziwei Star Lord, he might be able to slowly extract the divine runes and slowly consecrate the gods even without the old locust tree and the Celestial Master puppet.

But the death of Master Langya was suspicious. I'm afraid it was the work of that ancient evil spirit. After his death, Lanxiang dared not make any rash moves. She was even afraid that someone would use his family's bloodline to control Lingying and make her work for them, thus forcing that girl to give up the possibility of becoming the Lord of Ziwei Star.

Fortunately, when you came to this island a few years ago to bury that Dao-patterned Immortal Ice, I knew that the Celestial Master Puppet had returned to its place. All that was left was to find that old locust tree so that we could open the Immortal Ruins and welcome the gods to their places.

But while the old locust tree remains hidden somewhere, the relics of the immortals, with their hundreds of divine runes, can no longer be concealed!

Lady Lanxiang spoke with a hint of worry, truly unsure how to handle the situation that was about to unfold.

The immortal relics cannot be hidden, nor can they distinguish between humans and demons, nor can they stop visitors from all directions. The Celestial Master's original plan and final means are probably beyond their ability to complete!
"Madam, don't be afraid. Even without this old locust tree, we can still slaughter this hairy pig!"

"To be honest, Madam, I've found two reliable brothers outside. Once I send them a message, they'll surely bring a massive army to our aid, warding off evil and protecting the divine runes—that shouldn't be a problem!"

The old Taoist priest was extremely confident. He patted his chest, took out a Heavenly Talisman, and sent a message to Gao Erqiang and Su Qing, who were in Wanghai City.

Unexpectedly, the message was only read and not replied to, and it seemed that the two brothers could not be relied on.

It shouldn’t be!

Then let's just leave it at that.

Why isn't Su Qing replying to me?

The old Taoist priest took out a yarrow stalk and asked with great doubt.

He had already calculated the heavenly secrets when he gave Su Qing benefits, knowing that this boy would be of great use to him. That's why he had his wife, Lanxiang, send Su Qing boatloads of precious stones, hoping that Su Qing would lend a hand when needed.

"I never expected this kid to be such an ingrate. I really misjudged him!"
Fortunately, the old Taoist priest had his own methods, so he had no choice but to come!

Old Master Tong snorted inwardly, then turned his attention back to the witch Liu Yun'er.

[Wandering Talisman Master: This old Taoist has news of the Yin-Yang Twin Rings. Fellow Daoist, if you are interested, come to Langya Immortal Island immediately!]

[Xihe: The news that someone is slaying the king general in the Desire Demon Immortal Kingdom has been spread. Make sure you don't die before I arrive!]

[Wandering Talisman Master: Fellow Daoist, could you please pass on a message to Di Jun? Is he still coming to Langya? I'm in a real bind!]

[Xihe: Go ask him yourself, I don't know him!]

[Wandering Talisman Master: Don't be so unfamiliar! Fellow Daoist, if you look for him, he'll definitely reply!]

[Xihe: I told him, he scolded you for dragging me down with him, that you're no good, and told me not to go to Langya!]

[Wandering Talisman Master: That ungrateful wretch! I even helped him conceal the truth from the Demon Buddha just a few days ago, allowing him to evade the Demon Buddha's divination. He's truly a heartless traitor! Fellow Daoist, don't listen to him. My information about the Yin-Yang Twin Rings is guaranteed to be true!]

[Xihe: Why should I listen to him? But he said the matter is too big, and if I'm to go, just having the information isn't enough; you have to help me retrieve the Yin-Yang Twin Rings. I think what he said makes sense!] [Wandering Talisman Master: You two aren't working together to mess with me, are you? Making fun of this old man? Fine, as long as you come, that's enough. The Yin-Yang Twin Rings are in my hands; I'll give them to you when you come. You keep your word!]

"How is it? Has anyone come to help?" Madam Lanxiang asked anxiously as she watched the old Taoist priest put away the talisman.

The two heroes of Wanghai are now considered important figures in the West Sea. If we can get their help, the Immortal Island will at least have more confidence in front of the guests, so that they won't be able to control the Immortal Ruins.

"These two young brothers have both respect and fear for this old Taoist priest. If it weren't for this old Taoist priest saving them from dire straits back then, they wouldn't have the good fortune they have today. Now that this old Taoist priest has spoken, how could they not listen?"

"Those two powerful figures seem to be in seclusion and unable to come to our aid, but Su Qing will definitely come, so please rest assured, Madam!"

The old Taoist priest, brimming with pride, displayed his extensive network of connections and influence in front of the lady.

Upon hearing this, Madam Lanxiang loosened her grip on the old Taoist's sleeve, and as she did so, she felt a little more at ease.

"Gao Erqiang said he wanted to walk the righteous path, but the temple hasn't even been built yet. Who knows what will happen in the future? He's still an evil spirit now. I'm having doubts about letting him come to the island."

But Su Qing is different. Over the years, thanks to his exorcising puppets, Langya Immortal Island has been able to deter evil spirits, allowing him to focus his main efforts on the Huang family.

I heard that he is now a fourth-level puppeteer, and a few days ago he even killed a fourth-level evil spirit. With him on the island, he may be able to play a role similar to the old locust tree.

I've also heard that he's eight feet tall, valiant and robust, with an extraordinary air about him. I've never had the chance to meet him before, but now that I have the opportunity, I must see for myself..."

The lady said that her little brother was very capable, which pleased the old Taoist priest. However, as the lady spoke, her face turned red, and a faint fragrance filled the room, which immediately displeased the old Taoist priest.

His wife was created by Master Xu by incorporating the Daoist patterns of desire into the talisman, thus bringing her to life from the painting. She was adept at arousing the desires of others and was herself quite amorous.

He can be affectionate, but he only needs Tong Laodao. Little brother Su Qing is still young and can't withstand the mischief of this old painter!

Old Master Tong was alarmed. He knew that Su Qing had made his fortune selling passionate puppets and had low morals. He also knew that his wife was passionate and lustful. If the two met, he would have to keep a close eye on her. Su Qing might not be able to help him protect his home, but he might very well steal his home and his wife away!
······
At this moment, Su Qing was having an affair.

He stood between the four illusory lions, using their ability to transform between reality and illusion to conceal himself in the shadows.

The humanoid bubble that exists between reality and illusion cannot be detected by anyone other than a senior Nascent Soul cultivator.

Using such methods to steal people is a waste of talent. In addition, Wanghai City is currently carrying out a vigorous campaign to eliminate evil and black forces under Su Qing's leadership. It is even more inappropriate for Su Qing himself to engage in such thieving behavior.

It's true, it's always been the case that upper-class people do vulgar things.

Su Qing tiptoed carefully, avoiding the bald monks coming and going at the Buddhist Treasure Pavilion, and went up to the first floor and then to the second floor.

You came at the right time!
The master, who had recently advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, was having a great time on the second floor with a group of puppet spirits and the dancers from the Red Sleeve Pavilion who had come to his door. He didn't notice the four lions sneaking up to the third floor from the second floor.

"I put my effort into my treasure, and you put your effort into your girl. Heaven always favors those who work hard in silence. You deserve to have stolen this precious treasure from me!"

Secretly despising the master's lack of diligence, Su Qing quietly went up to the third floor and sneaked into the most secluded treasure room in the building.

The masters' heads were gleaming, and so were their treasure rooms!
Looking at the dazzling array of Buddhist treasures that looked as if they had just been unearthed, Su Qing's appetite was whetted, and she wished she could take the entire treasure room home.

But one shouldn't be too greedy.

The masters didn't have it easy either. The monks who practiced pleasure were different from the monks who practiced asceticism. Finding pleasure really cost money, so we had to leave them some treasures to exchange for money.

Su Qing walked past the Buddhist treasures and looked only at the seemingly ordinary gray stone in the center of the treasure room.

It looks ordinary, but it is actually a fourth-order Buddha relic, something he must obtain before heading to Langya Immortal Island.

This Buddha relic was unearthed in the Transformation Realm of Ksitigarbha Buddha's Kingdom. It was originally treasured in Fulong Temple, but more than 20 years ago, the Vajra lineage of Fulong Temple was stolen by thieves. The high monks in the temple were afraid that the thieves would target this relic again, so they transferred this treasure to Wanghai, where the situation is stable, and entrusted it to Master Liaode for safekeeping.

Master Liaode has taken good care of this treasure over the years. He has never left the Red Sleeve Pavilion in more than 20 years, only inviting dancers to his home. With this newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator always by his side, the probability of this treasure being taken advantage of by outsiders is extremely low.

If it weren't necessary, Su Qing wouldn't have bothered with this item. It was just a Buddha relic. He would rescue the tomb raiders and take his team to the Ksitigarbha Buddha Kingdom. He was determined to find a relic there.

Time was of the essence. The tomb raiders were trapped and had no idea when they could be rescued. The opportunity in Langya was right in front of them, and they had no choice but to go. They absolutely needed the Buddha's relic at this moment, so what choice did they have but to take a risk and steal it here?
Why not spend spirit stones to buy it?

Although he has many spirit stones, they are all useful. How can he spend them recklessly? He should first secretly look at them, and if he can't steal them, then he can talk about buying them!

My heart was pounding with nervousness.

To obtain relics, the body must transform from an empty state to a solid one; in doing so, it is possible for a master to detect it.

"But as long as I'm quick enough and escape gracefully, he definitely won't be able to catch me!"

With a thought, a wicked little hand reached out.

But as soon as he reached out, his hand was grabbed by a pair of greasy, large hands.

"Master Su, what are you doing?"

Anyone who didn't know better would think you came to steal from my Buddhist Treasure Shop!

Master Liao touched his bald head with his right hand and grabbed Su Qing's arm with the other.

"How could this be!" Su Qing leaned back, trying to pull his hand back. Damn it, how strong was this bald monk? He had already used the power of the Dao patterns of the two brutes, Jiuli and Qiongqi, but that big hand was still like an iron clamp, holding his arm tightly!

With her face flushed red, Su Qing chuckled awkwardly under Master Liao De's scrutinizing gaze:
"A fourth-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is a matter between true cultivators. How can it be called stealing? I just heard that there is a Buddha relic in the Buddha Treasure Pavilion that carries the aura of an ancient Buddha. I couldn't wait to come and admire its splendor. When I arrived, I saw that you were busy with something, so I didn't inform you in order not to disturb you."

"Oh, I see. I thought Fellow Daoist Su wanted to buy this Buddha relic, and was even thinking of using it to exchange for a few third-tier exorcism puppets. Since Fellow Daoist Su has no such intention, then forget it!"

"Stop calculating! If you had told me the price earlier, would I have been sneaking around to look at these relics? Stop with just a few, make it five exorcism puppets. Master, hand over three, and I'll give you the remaining two as a small gift!"

(End of this chapter)