This humble Taoist priest, Qianhe, begins his quest for immortality by slaying demons and monsters.

Chapter 143 With nothing else to do, Zhong Bai descends the mountain.

Upon hearing Zhong Bai's voice, Ao Tianlong was momentarily dazed. The familiar feeling from the depths of his memory made his gaze pass through the crowd and land on Zhong Bai.

Upon seeing Zhong Bai, Ao Tianlong couldn't help but be surprised.

"Daozi, have you emerged from seclusion?"

Clearly, Ao Tianlong was unaware that Zhong Bai had entered a blessed land to cultivate, but it wouldn't be wrong to say that Zhong Bai had finished his seclusion.

"Fellow Daoist Ao... no, I should call you Senior Brother Ao now. Ten years have passed since we last met, and I never expected that Senior Brother Ao would still come to Maoshan to receive the ordination. Now you have even broken through to the Foundation Establishment True Person realm. Congratulations!"

Zhong Bai's words surprised and delighted Ao Tianlong, but he understood Zhong Bai's identity and bowed to him with a smile, saying, "Daozi, you can just call me Tianlong. After all, you are the Enforcement Elder. Although I am older, strength is the most important thing for cultivators. I am already very grateful that you came to see me."

Ao Tianlong's attitude towards Zhong Bai was quite special, not only because of Zhong Bai's identity and strength, but also because if he had never met Zhong Bai, Ao Tianlong felt that he would never have had the courage and determination to return to Maoshan to receive the ordination.

Zhong Bai is the one who made him who he is today.

Therefore, Ao Tianlong valued Zhong Bai even more than the elders in front of him.

All the elders witnessed this scene, but they felt no discomfort whatsoever. The more the young Foundation Establishment cultivator valued Zhong Bai, the more secure Zhong Bai's position would be after he succeeded as the leader of Maoshan Sect.

That’s a good thing…

"Haha, we are fellow disciples, no need to be so polite. Senior Brother Ao, it's more intimate to address you this way."

Seeing this, Ao Tianlong stopped insisting. Since Zhong Bai said it was so friendly, how could he force him to refuse?

......................................................

Ao Tianlong's breakthrough was just a minor episode for Maoshan. In the past few years, disciples from other halls have also begun to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm one after another.

The next generation is already springing up like mushrooms after rain, and in a few years, Maoshan will need to hold a leadership transition.

A few days later, Zhong Bai decided to go down the mountain.

Staying on the mountain now would make Zhong Bai's cultivation too slow, although he didn't know when his tribulation would arrive.

However, Zhong Bai wanted to quickly collect some demon-slaying points and refine some Kui Niu essence blood to strengthen his physical body before the tribulation arrived.

Inside the main hall of the sect leader.

After Zhong Bai informed the elders of his departure from the mountain, none of the elders had any objections. Only the sect leader, Xuan Mingzi, ordered Zhong Bai to take his sword and go down the mountain to inspect the Maoshan disciples in various places.

This is essentially adding a task for Zhong Bai after he goes down the mountain.

Zhong Bai did not refuse, as it was just something he could do easily.

The news of Zhong Bai's descent from the mountain spread like wildfire. The first to know were naturally the disciples of Maoshan stationed in various places. They knew that as the law enforcement elder of Maoshan, Zhong Bai would most likely come to their posts to inspect. Therefore, they were all very careful and dared not make any mistakes.

After all, although Lei Yan's tragic end ten years ago was not widely known, almost all the disciples of Maoshan knew about it.

Willow Town.

Upon learning that Zhong Bai had gone down the mountain, Yue Qiluo packed her things and left Willow Town.

She headed towards Maoshan's territory, intending to have an unexpected encounter with Zhong Bai...

Longhu Mountain.

Inside the Tianshi Mansion.

Ten years have passed, and the Celestial Master's Mansion has remained very low-key all these years. In the Celestial Master's Mansion, which sits firmly as the leader of the Taoist sect, the new generation of disciples, Zhang Zhiwei, who was once known as one of the twin stars of the Taoist sect along with Zhong Bai, has now shed his naivety and looks about thirty years old, with deep eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Qianhe, it's been ten years. I wonder how you are doing. I have been cultivating day and night for the past ten years so that I wouldn't be left too far behind when we meet again. But now it seems... hehe, my mid-Foundation Establishment realm is still a bit of a stretch."

Shaking his head, Zhang Zhiwei had worked very hard over the past ten years, but Zhong Bai was essentially cheating; what good was his effort?
"Since you're going down the mountain, I'll go down too. It'll be a good opportunity to catch up with you, fellow Daoist..."

Just as Zhang Zhiwei was muttering to himself, Lingxiao Celestial Master suddenly patted Zhang Zhiwei on the shoulder from behind.

"Zhiwei, if you want to go down the mountain, then go..."

Upon hearing his master's words, Zhang Zhiwei nodded emphatically and said, "Master, you..."

"Hahaha, you are my disciple, how could I not guess what you're thinking?"

Zhang Zhiwei was stunned; he knew he couldn't hide it from them.

"Disciple kowtows in gratitude to Master!"

Master Lingxiao shook his head. “No need for formalities or thanks. After you go down the mountain, remember to have more exchanges with Zhong Bai of Maoshan. You two are the hope for the next generation of talismans from the Three Mountains.”

"Disciple understands!"

"Well, if that's the case, then let's get started..."

As he spoke, Master Lingxiao saw Zhang Zhiwei begin to get busy.

Sitting in his chair, Master Lingxiao smiled knowingly as he watched Zhang Zhiwei bustling about.

"I feel a little more at ease now that Zhong Bai from Maoshan has a good relationship with you."

"Fifty years is a long time. I wonder how far you'll go, my disciple. Fifty years from now, it will be time to journey to the new world as promised. Zhong Bai of Maoshan, you of Longhu Mountain, and the direct disciple of Gezao Mountain—the talismans of the three mountains ultimately need to be of one spirit."

After a faint smile, Master Lingxiao stopped muttering to himself and watched Zhang Zhiwei pack his things before seeing him off as he left Longhu Mountain.

Renjia Town.

Zhong Bai's first stop after descending the mountain was this place. The reason was simple: after all, Zhong Bai was the one who brought Lin Fengjiao and Zhe Gu together. Hearing that Lin Fengjiao and Zhe Gu both had daughters, Zhong Bai naturally had to come and see for himself.

Inside the mortuary, Lin Fengjiao was increasingly annoyed by the knocking at the door. It wasn't Zhong Bai knocking, but rather a servant from the Ren family. The reason for their visit was simple: to invite Lin Fengjiao to a banquet at the Ren residence and, incidentally, to discuss the relocation of Old Master Ren's grave.

Lin Fengjiao was thoroughly annoyed by this matter. Back then, he had painstakingly tried to persuade Master Ren to listen to his advice and open the coffin to prevent Master Ren from continuing to turn into a zombie. However, the Ren family thought Lin Fengjiao's words were nonsense and never even considered paying attention to him.

Now they're coming to me for help again. How can things be reconciled so easily?

Anyway, Lin Fengjiao is not really willing to care about the life or death of the Ren family. Do you really think that Lin Fengjiao has no temper?

"Uncle Jiu, please open the door. My master said that if I can't invite you to the mansion today, I won't have anything to eat."

Seeing that Lin Fengjiao's tough approach didn't work, the servant from the Ren family simply tried a softer one.

In the courtyard, Wencai and Qiusheng looked at each other in bewilderment as they listened.

"Qiu Sheng, don't be so sure, the Ren family is really something. They didn't appreciate kindness back then, and now they want to be wise after the event. They're really dreaming!"

Qiu Sheng chuckled and said, "I must say, Wen Cai, you've gotten a bit scholarly now."

He's become quite the Monday morning quarterback; it seems all those years of studying haven't been for nothing.

Hearing Qiu Sheng's teasing, Wen Cai didn't think much of it. Compared to ten years ago, they were much more mature and composed.

The knocking gradually stopped, and the servants of the Ren family realized that they could not invite Lin Fengjiao to the Ren residence, so they simply gave up.

However, less than an incense stick's time after the knocking stopped, a crisp knocking sounded again.

This time, before Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai could even complain, Qing'er, who had been playing inside, came straight to the door with a huff and opened it, saying, "Are you done yet? Knocking, knocking! My father already said we're not going to the Ren residence!"

After the little girl finished speaking, she carefully examined the person in front of her, and her face flushed red. It seemed that she had spoken to the wrong person.

At this moment, Zhong Bai stood outside the courtyard gate somewhat surprised, the girl in front of him looked to be seven or eight years old.

She does look somewhat similar to Lin Fengjiao and Aunt Zhe, and more importantly, her personality is somewhat similar to Aunt Zhe's. Hmm, impressive.

Qing'er had never met Zhong Bai before, but she could feel the gentle breeze of the man in front of her. After carefully examining the Taoist robe he was wearing, she immediately realized that he was not a servant of the Ren family.

"Big brother, I'm sorry, Qing'er acted impulsively just now... Qing'er apologizes to big brother."

Faced with Qing'er's attitude, what could Zhong Bai say? He had never intended to blame the girl, so it was even less likely now.

"Haha, Qing'er, you must be Senior Brother Lin and Senior Sister Zhe Gu's precious daughter, right?"
"Tsk, you two are really cut from the same cloth. But you can't call me 'big brother,' you have to call me 'junior uncle,' understand?"

Qing'er was a little stunned. At this moment, Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai in the courtyard also realized that something was wrong. Why did they hear their own Uncle Qianhe's voice?

With some doubt, the two arrived at the door and saw Zhong Bai smiling as he taught Xiao Qing'er to call him "Shishu" (a term of respect for one's martial uncle).

"Uncle-Master Qianhe!"

Wencai and Qiusheng jogged up to Zhong Bai and bowed to him. Zhong Bai simply nodded to them, indicating that they didn't need to be so polite. Then he looked at Qing'er in front of him and said, "See? Your two senior brothers call me 'Shishu' (a term of respect for senior brothers). When we meet in the future, Qing'er, you must call me 'Shishu'."

"Yes, Uncle-Master, Qing'er understands!"

"Oh! Such a good boy!"

Zhong Bai patted Qing'er's head and entered the mortuary with Wen Cai and Qiu Sheng welcoming him.

"Dad, mother!"

Wencai and Qiusheng welcomed Zhong Bai into the courtyard, one serving him tea and the other bringing him snacks. Meanwhile, Lin Qing'er rushed into her father and mother's room.

"Ahem, Qing'er, what are you doing?"

His hurried and flustered manner is unlike a young girl's; it's more like a young man's.

Lin Qing'er was immune to her father's lectures. She ran to Lin Fengjiao and hugged his arm, saying sweetly, "Father, Qing'er has some good news for you."

"Oh? You know some good news?"

Lin Fengjiao's eyes were filled with doting affection as she gently stroked Qing'er's forehead.

"Hmph! Father, let me tell you something serious. I just welcomed a senior uncle into the courtyard, and now Senior Brother Wencai and Senior Brother Qiusheng are busy entertaining him!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Fengjiao was surprised.

"Is that your Uncle Four Eyes?"

Upon hearing the words "Master Four Eyes," Lin Qing'er shook her head frantically, saying, "Of course it's not Master Four Eyes. The master who came this time is very young. Anyway, the first time Qing'er met him, I called him 'Big Brother Master Four Eyes.' By the way, I think Senior Brother Qiusheng and Senior Brother Wencai called this master Master Qianhe or something. Qing'er wasn't paying much attention..."

Before Lin Qing'er could finish speaking, Lin Fengjiao immediately stood up, holding Lin Qing'er in her arms.

After placing Lin Qing'er on the ground, his expression turned to surprise and delight.

"Junior Brother Qianhe!"

Upon hearing Zhong Bai's Daoist name, Zhe Gu, who was knitting a sweater, also put down her work and asked in surprise, "Senior Brother, Junior Brother Qianhe has arrived?"

"Whether it's true or not, we'll find out by going out and seeing!"

Upon hearing this, the two exchanged a glance, and the couple opened the door together, leaving Qing'er somewhat stunned. However, she quickly caught up with her parents...

Inside the courtyard, Zhong Bai was chatting with Wen Cai and Qiu Sheng while holding a teacup. From the moment Zhong Bai met Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai, he could clearly feel their progress compared to ten years ago.

Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai used to be restless and prone to causing trouble, but now, they are very composed in the face of Zhong Bai, their senior uncle. Even Wen Cai's speech has become extraordinary.

Zhong Bai was very pleased with this.

(End of this chapter)