The old Daoist was momentarily stunned, but the more he looked at Li Yanchu, the more pleased he was with him. This was exactly the kind of temperament he liked. He raised his hand and, with fingers moving swiftly, began to calculate. His expression became somewhat solemn. Instead of directly answering Li Yanchu’s question, he said, “Your friend is currently unharmed, thanks to his unusual fate. But unfortunately, the road ahead is shrouded in uncertainty, and even I cannot see it clearly.” So accurate at divination... Li Yanchu was a bit amazed. He hadn’t even asked any details, and yet the old Celestial Master could divine it immediately. That alone proved his fortune-telling skills were top-tier, and he was a true divine seer. Li Yanchu nodded in acknowledgment. The old Celestial Master continued, “It's said that the Heavenly Palace of Myriad Phenomena hides a tremendous secret, comparable even to our Daoist Seventy-Two Blissful Lands, and perhaps even more sinister! However, the Heavenly Palace was lost to the dust of history long ago. It completely vanished around a thousand years ago.” Li Yanchu looked a bit disappointed. “Even you don’t know more about it, Senior Uncle?” The old Celestial Master shook his head. “No, I do know a little. I only said that to make a stronger impression on you.” You sure that wasn’t just to show off in front of others...? Li Yanchu pressed further, “Is there any more information about the Heavenly Palace?” The old Celestial Master’s eyes were unusually clear as he slowly said, “First of all, the legend of the Heavenly Palace being located in Mount Hengduan beyond the frontier is not wrong. But the temple may not necessarily be within the mountains themselves.” Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵 “According to records from a thousand years ago, the area surrounding the Heavenly Palace was sealed with numerous formation formations, including illusion formations...” The old Celestial Master continued, “Many have sought the Heavenly Palace of Myriad Phenomena over the years, but this time, I'm afraid another great upheaval is coming. Oh, right, every year in December, one can catch a glimpse of the Heavenly Palace’s divine vision, like a mirage appearing in the sky. According to ancient legend, if you want to find the Heavenly Palace, it must be during the time when that mirage appears. “At the very least, before December arrives and no trace of the temple has been discovered, your friend will remain safe.” As expected of the Celestial Master of Mount Longhu, he knew secrets unknown to most. Li Yanchu felt a sudden clarity as he listened. December! That meant he still had two months! Today was precisely the third day of the tenth lunar month. He told the old Celestial Master that he intended to travel beyond the border to Mount Hengduan, in search of the Heavenly Palace’s traces and of his friend. The old Celestial Master gave a slight nod. “Good, you’re loyal to your friend! Try not to get into conflict with others. But if it’s unavoidable... then strike hard. Don’t hold back.” Li Yanchu was briefly stunned, then broke into a smile. “Understood!” The old Celestial Master smiled faintly. Li Yanchu was someone who listened to advice. Just earlier, the old Celestial Master had told him not to be too polite, so he really stopped being polite. Straight to the point, he said sincerely, “Senior Uncle, I don’t know how long I’ll be gone this time. I have some acquaintances in the city, if it’s not too much trouble, could you look after them while I’m away?” The old Celestial Master’s mouth twitched slightly. “Then I might as well just stay at your place, huh?” he said casually. Li Yanchu bowed deeply in gratitude. “Thank you, Senior Uncle!” The old Celestial Master froze at his response. Good grief... You and your master really are cut from the same cloth. “Alright, go with peace of mind. This time, I’ll stay behind and guard Qingyun Temple for you, how about that?” the old Celestial Master said slowly. “Many thanks, Senior Uncle!” Li Yanchu replied with a serious expression. He probably wouldn’t need the old Celestial Master to act personally. This was more about having a safety net just in case. “By the way, Senior Uncle, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask for your help with,” Li Yanchu said. The old Celestial Master’s mouth twitched slightly, not because he was afraid of trouble, but because this level of directness felt very familiar for some reason. “Go on, what is it?” he said. “Senior Uncle, do you happen to have a primordial spirit Visualization Diagram? Or maybe any pills or prescriptions that can boost cultivation for the second realm?” Li Yanchu asked. The old Celestial Master chuckled. “You’re certainly not shy. Those things are no small matter!” The primordial spirit Visualization Diagram was a treasured tool for spiritual duels, a secret never shared outside one's sect. It directly related to the power of the primordial spirit in the second realm. And pills or formulas that enhanced cultivation were even rarer and more precious. Li Yanchu was completely blunt, but the old Celestial Master wasn’t stingy either. Without hesitation, he pulled a piece of yellowed paper from his robe and handed it over. As soon as Li Yanchu’s fingers touched the paper, he immediately felt something mysterious. It was tough and resilient, completely different from ordinary paper. “This is a primordial spirit Visualization Method. You can take a look at it,” the old Celestial Master said gently. He’s just giving it away ...? Li Yanchu focused his attention on the page, but the paper was completely blank. “Huh?” Li Yanchu froze. He looked up at the old Celestial Master. The old Celestial Master only smiled, saying nothing. Li Yanchu had only glanced at it briefly, yet he already felt something mysterious about it. Still, he didn’t think his Senior Uncle was trying to trick him. Sure enough, as soon as he focused his spiritual consciousness on the visualization diagram, he instantly sensed a vast, mighty aura. Countless mysterious energies intertwined, ultimately forming a black-and-white Taiji Yin-Yang fish, which slowly emerged before his eyes. In just a few moments, divine light began flowing through his primordial spirit, visibly solidifying it at a remarkable speed. “What an incredible primordial spirit Visualization Method!” Li Yanchu exclaimed in astonishment. The old Celestial Master explained calmly, “Primordial spirit visualization involves visualizing divine beings, mythological relics, powerful individuals, or treasured artifacts, even all things under heaven and earth. But one must remain true to their original heart, or it’s easy to fall into madness.” “There’s also a type of visualization that reflects upon oneself, but that technique has long been lost and rarely produces any real result.” “This particular visualization method is the Yin-Yang Diagram Visualization from Mount Longhu. Its power is immense, and it can illuminate the heart and reveal true nature, transforming the yin spirit into a yang spirit, and may even help you reach the Third Realm of daylight artifact command.” Li Yanchu was deeply shaken. He hadn’t expected his Senior Uncle to be so generous, to directly hand over Mount Longhu’s secret Visualization Method without holding anything back. For a moment, he was speechless. Then, the old Celestial Master handed over a bottle of pills. “I was planning to give this to you anyway. Didn’t expect you to be so direct. These are Minor Restoration Pills can increase your cultivation in the second realm of Qi Cultivation Realm.” Li Yanchu’s eyes lit up. Increase the cultivation of the second realm Qi Cultivation Realm? That was a real treasure! “Thank you, Senior Uncle!” The old Celestial Master waved it off casually, saying nothing more. “That Clearheart Jade Pendant can protect your soul, focus your spirit, and it holds powerful spirit qi. It can even recharge talismans or magical artifacts by supplementing their spirit essence. Later, just let it absorb the essence of sun and moon, and natural energy of heaven and earth, and it will replenish itself on its own. Use it wisely,” the old Celestial Master reminded him. Li Yanchu took a deep breath. Isn’t that just a super-sized spirit power bank?! With this Clearheart Jade Pendant, he wouldn’t have to worry about his Five-Lightning Talisman or Spirit Officer Summoning Charm losing power ever again, as it could be used repeatedly! Li Yanchu was somewhat moved. This Senior Uncle was the real deal. He arranged for his Senior Uncle to stay at Qingyun Temple, and also introduced him to the innkeeper of Taiping Inn, as well as the cold and aloof Fang Qinglan. When the innkeeper heard that Li Yanchu was heading beyond the border, she frowned. “Leaving again?” Li Yanchu glanced at her. “Again?” The innkeeper was momentarily stunned, then glared at Li Yanchu, a look so charming it was hard to describe. The old Celestial Master of Mount Longhu stood smiling silently to the side. Fang Qinglan stepped forward and said coolly, “The jianghu is full of danger. Be careful in everything you do.” Li Yanchu nodded in acknowledgment. He left Blackie, his donkey, at Qingyun Temple, and set off alone toward the stronghold of the Kingdom of Qian, Tianhai Pass.