Devour

Chapter 437 Soaring to the Clouds

Master Li stroked his beard, a hint of worry flashing across his face, and said in a deep voice, "The imperial prince of the Di Yan Dynasty has arrived first. It is said that he has obtained a heaven-defying opportunity and his power has recently advanced by leaps and bounds, reaching the late stage of the Unfettered Realm. He will be a formidable opponent to the eight great Ming Kings in the imperial examination."

Cheng Bai asked in surprise, "Even someone of imperial status like a prince needs to pass a provincial examination to travel to the Imperial Star?"

Master Li smiled meaningfully and said slowly, "It's not as simple as it seems on the surface. The Imperial Son's participation in the Imperial Examination is nominally in accordance with etiquette, but in reality, it achieves several benefits. First, it sets an example by tempering the imperial way in life-and-death battles and establishing a role model for leadership. Second, it provides an opportunity to select pillars of the imperial dynasty in advance. It should be known that the geniuses who stand out in each Imperial Examination are sought after by various powerful forces."

Cheng Bai suddenly realized, "If we wait until after the palace examination to take action, I'm afraid only mediocre people will be left."

With a touch of caution, Bei Tingjun echoed, "Whether the various factions choose to gamble or wait and see is a very delicate matter. Choosing the right side can bring lasting fortune. Choosing the wrong side could lead to utter ruin."

During their conversation, Cheng Bai and Bei Tingjun followed Master Li out of Tinghetai and headed into the depths of the academy.

The road was sparsely populated, and the people were all dressed differently, seemingly from different regions, but they all had extraordinary bearing. When they saw Master Li, they all bowed and said, "Students greet teacher."

Master Li returned the greetings one by one, displaying a humble and refined demeanor.

Along the way, Master Li pointed out the route to Cheng Bai: "This road is secluded and can bypass the Inkstone Washing Pond, leading directly to the Qingyun Tower of the academy. It is much closer than coming here from 'Zhumapo' outside and then through 'Huaiyinli'."

The pond beside the road ripples gently, occasionally revealing golden carp swimming by. An elegant pavilion sits in the pond. Plum trees line the bank, their blossoms as green as jade, exuding a refreshing fragrance.

Cheng Bai gazed across the river and saw that the Taotie Academy had a complete network of streets and alleys, many times larger than the original Hunter Academy. He couldn't help but compose a poem:

"The inkstone-washing pool is deep and the ink is dark, the fish swim and break the clear jade pot."

"Gnarled branches reach out, casting shadows in silent meditation; they seek to borrow the subtle fragrance to transcend the ethereal."

Master Li smiled and said, "This poem uses the tangible pool to convey intangible meaning, subtly aligning with the great path of cultivation, leading people into a serene and serene realm! Why not name it 'Approaching the Pool'?"

Cheng Bai's spiritual eyes noticed the faint glow of primordial energy hidden in the stone slabs under his feet, and he exclaimed, "What a feng shui treasure land! Especially the section from the Inkstone Washing Pool to the mountain in front, it is no less than the Burial Bone Sword Tomb, and the primordial energy is even better."

Bei Tingjun gently sniffed the fragrance of plum blossoms and whispered, "Green Plum Blossom, a second-grade excellent spiritual root, is beneficial for both Qi refining and detoxification."

The group chatted and laughed as they strolled along the Inkstone Washing Pond, then climbed the steps to the mountaintop. Ahead, as the clouds dispersed, a magnificent building rose high – the Qingyun Tower, the central building of the Taowu Academy and the crown jewel of all the buildings in the area.

It appears to have only three floors, but its interior is a hidden paradise, actually composed of multiple overlapping spaces. The glazed bells on the eaves sense the arrival of guests and ring out without wind. The ethereal music echoes through the mountains, refreshing the mind and spirit of those who hear it.

An elderly man dressed in blue was sweeping in front of the building. The broom in his hand had a handle made of kang wood and a bristle made of nine-transformation silkworm silk. With just a light sweep, the fallen flowers and leaves on the ground disappeared without a trace.

"Green Plum Blossom, its buds can detoxify and reduce swelling, and regulate qi and blood; its fruit can astringe the lungs, generate fluids, and nourish the skin. Two more ingredients are needed... to refine the Fragrant Plum Pill, guaranteed to prolong life!" The old man murmured to himself, his hunched back revealing a deep fascination in his eyes.

Master Li introduced Cheng Bai to Bao Youchuan, saying, "That is Bao Youchuan, the sixth teacher of the academy. He is busy all day long, and devoted to studying new elixir formulas. He is truly a master of spiritual medicine."

Upon hearing the voice, Bao Youchuan looked up, put away his broom, bowed, and with a faint medicinal fragrance emanating from his every move, said respectfully, "This student respectfully welcomes the return of the Master."

Master Li smiled and said, "You Chuan, there's no need for formalities. Come and greet fellow Daoists Bai Di and Elder Bei."

Bao Youchuan's gaze lingered intently on Cheng Bai, and he asked with a strange expression, "This young friend carries a faint scent of medicinal herbs. Have you been in contact with any precious medicinal herbs or spiritual roots recently? For example, the other shore flower?"

Cheng Bai was secretly shocked: "I just obtained a spider lily last night and put it into the Temple of Life. Logically speaking, the outside world should not be able to detect it. Mr. Bao Liu's vision is so profound that he can understand the mysteries to this extent!"

Master Li interrupted their conversation at just the right moment and instructed, "Youchuan, go and call Lao Qi to Qingyun Tower. Tell him that an old friend has come to visit."

Cheng Bai was slightly surprised, thinking, "An old friend? Who is the Master referring to?"

"The student will go immediately." Bao Youchuan bowed and retreated swiftly, disappearing into the shadows of the plum grove.

Master Li was the first to enter the hall on the first floor, followed closely by Cheng Bai and Bei Tingjun.

The scene before me was mysterious; the space inside the building was several times larger than what I could see from the outside.

Under the moonlit stone lamp, countless ancient books float in mid-air like butterflies, their pages turning on their own, and the words transforming into streaks of light that linger and wander among the beams and pillars.

A scholar in black robes sat alone amidst a sea of ​​books, a chessboard before him as large as a dining table. The black and white chess pieces on it moved with his divine will, evolving into profound and unpredictable formations.

Cheng Bai stared intently at the evolution of the chessboard, a sense of awe rising within him: "That is the 'Mysterious Heaven Cave Formation,' a fifth-tier formation recorded in the 'Qiankun Qimen.' In his hands, it can be transformed into chess pieces and manipulated at will; it is beyond the reach of most!"

Master Li said softly, "The Fifth Master, Wu Xu, is one of the two array masters of the academy. He is skilled at using chess to practice array formations and then deducing the secrets of heaven."

"Greetings, Master." Upon seeing that it was Master Li, Wu Xu immediately rose to greet him. His robes fluttered, shimmering with starlight, reflecting on his solemn face. "The chessboard indicates that this year's Immortal Gathering may be subject to change. The stars are flickering, making it far more difficult to discern the secrets of heaven than in the past."

Master Li stroked his beard and pondered, "The Immortal Master Sect has always been enthusiastic about this matter, yet it suddenly announced that it would not participate in the grand event. Could it be that it knows some unknown secrets?"

"The Immortal Master Dao Sect Leader, Jade Flute Immortal, sent a talisman the day before yesterday, saying that an old friend from the Emperor Star had invited him, and he really couldn't get away." Wu Xu hesitated for a moment before continuing, "It is said that he was fulfilling an old promise he made to a highly respected senior in his early years, which is why he couldn't refuse."

Master Li sighed with slight regret, "Won't the third brother analyze the chess game with you?"

Wu Xu spoke frankly: "Mr. Xiao San is presiding over the Xiaoxiang Pavilion today, explaining the way of swordsmanship to students from all sides."

Master Li nodded and said, "At present, we only know that one person from the Immortal Master Sect will be absent. Fortunately, we have made sufficient preparations in advance, and the geniuses have arrived one after another, so it will not affect the overall situation."

Upon reaching the second floor, Cheng Bai looked out and saw yet another magnificent sight.

The walls are adorned with exquisite paintings, each a self-contained world. One can see a thousand miles of rivers and mountains flowing across the canvas, a hundred flowers blooming in vibrant colors, and birds and beasts seemingly leaping off the page.

Cheng Bai examined the scrolls with his spiritual eyes and was deeply surprised: "These scrolls contain profound techniques and have incorporated all the secret manuals and treasures into them, forming a world of their own! To travel through the painted world and comprehend the Dao is far more rewarding than studying hard on the first floor."

A beautiful woman in a light green dress is sitting by the window, her brush tip brimming with ink, which seems to be liquid moonlight, dancing gracefully as it touches the paper, full of spirit.

Under her brush, the "Nine Dragons" painting gradually took shape. The dragons in the painting are both lifelike and expressive, with different expressions, some majestic and simple, others powerful and majestic, and their lively charm is palpable.

Just as the finishing touch was being added, a sudden storm arose inside the building, with frost and sparks mingling and bursting forth, and an overwhelming and unstoppable force filled the entire floor.

"The Fourth Master, Su Tianjing, truly deserves to be one of the most talented individuals in the academy."

Master Li examined the painting, which seemed to leap across the paper like a spirit, and praised it highly: "Tranquil's painting skills have improved again, and the spirit is transcendent. It is truly a rare masterpiece!"

"It's all thanks to the teacher's excellent instruction," Su Tianjing said with a modest smile, then turned her gaze to Cheng Bai and Bei Tingjun, "One is a handsome young man, and the other is a spirited fairy. To be able to ascend to Qingyun Tower, they must be exceptionally talented and deeply appreciated by the teacher."

"This is the White Emperor Saint Master of the Devouring Heaven Sect, and Elder Bei." After exchanging pleasantries, Master Li changed the subject, "Are Lan Da and Xiong Er on the third floor?"

Su Tianjing replied, "Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother are upstairs preparing for various upcoming matters."

Master Li looked grave and said in a deep voice, "Please wait here for a moment. I will go upstairs to check the situation."

Cheng Bai politely replied, "Please go ahead, Master."