NOVEL NEXT Chapter 515, Taishang Runs Away
Abnormal? Golden Horn put away the Merit Money and pondered for a moment, then said: "Brother, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad just made a mistake in alchemy, resulting in a batch of wasted elixir. This is the first time he has produced a wasted pill, doesn't it count as abnormal?"
Bai Jin's eyes brightened. Master's heart is in turmoil, I knew it~ How could one simply forget that easily? Indeed, Master is still thinking of Aunt Xiyu.
"Thank you for informing me, junior brother."
Golden Horn smiled and said: "Brother, I shall take my leave."
Bai Jin clasped his fists and replied: "Junior brother, take care. I won't see you out."
Golden Horn also clasped his fists, then quickly walked outside. When passing by the garden, he subconsciously glanced towards the woman sitting in the backyard. The Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy, flaunting a fruit he had peeled, was offering it to the woman with a flattering smile. Disgraceful, a real disgrace to the Human Sect.
Golden Horn muttered under his breath that the Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy lacks backbone, and stomped off in a huff. He resolved to have Xuandu discipline Tianpeng afterwards; he really lacks the spirit of the Human Sect.
...
In the side hall, Bai Jin fell into contemplation. It seems Eldest Uncle wants to play the scoundrel, and he's even asking me to persuade Aunt to return. What should I do? Help Master or help Tu Shan Xiyu?
Bai Jin mumbled: "Master, being a scoundrel is not virtuous."
After much deliberation, Bai Jin decided to help Aunt. Considering Aunt Xiyu's help in the West Sea, he owed her at least a meeting with Eldest Uncle. Then, they can talk it out themselves; he wouldn't be the villain anymore.
Having made up his mind, Bai Jin wore a smile and walked outside into the crowd.
Tu Shan Xiyu turned around and asked: "Bai Jin, is something the matter?"
Bai Jin grinned and replied: "Nothing, nothing~ It's rare for Aunt to visit. Today, I'll cook personally and prepare a fine meal for you."
Tu Shan Xiyu's eyes lit up, and she quickly asked: "Will Li Er come too?"
"Master is currently occupied and cannot come, but after dinner, I will take you to meet Master."
Tu Shan Xiyu frowned, "Don't you trick me!"
"Who would dare! I wouldn't dare trick you, Aunt!"
Tu Shan Xiyu smiled and said: "That's good, it's been a long time since I've tasted your cooking, Bai Jin."
...
Meanwhile, Golden Horn rushed back to the Doushuai Temple. Inside the great hall, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad still sat in his original position with his eyes closed.
Golden Horn bowed and respectfully said: "Lord, your disciple has returned to report."
Lord Lao Zi opened his eyes and asked, "Has the message been delivered?"
"The disciple has delivered it."
"What did Bai Jin say?"
"Brother said he has understood your intentions, Lord, and will do his utmost to fulfill them, ensuring he does not disappoint you."
Lord Lao Zi spoke calmly, "Very good! You may go now~"
"Yes!" Golden Horn stood up and walked outside.
In the great hall, Lord Lao Zi slowly took out the Brocade Incense Pouch and spoke pensively: "Mortal Li Er may have a wife, but the Saint Lord Lao Zi cannot, neither can Lord Lao Zi."
He tucked the sachet into his sleeve, entrusting the task of persuading Xiyu to Bai Jin. Lord Lao Zi felt very assured, as Bai Jin had never let him down, but why was there a sense of loss in his heart? And a bit of sourness, alas～
...
On the other side, within the Bird's Nest, a grand banquet was laid out; Bai Jin brought out all the Golden Cicadas he had treasured over the years and prepared a Golden Cicada Banquet.
After the banquet, the Law Enforcement Team, Judicial Celestial, Emperor Zhenwu, and others saw Bai Jin and Tu Shan Xiyu off.
Bai Jin spoke as he walked with Tu Shan Xiyu, "Aunt, ever since Master returned to the Heavenly Court, he has confined himself at home, occupying his days with the tedious task of Alchemy to relieve his sadness, I can tell that he isn't happy."
"Alchemy? He never liked alchemy before!"
"Yes, Aunt, you should intervene! As far as I know, being alone for too long can turn one into a homebody. You should take Master out more often for some walks and tours."
Tu Shan Xiyu smiled and nodded, imagining the joyful scenes of roaming and playing with her own Li Er. It would be blissful!
Bai Jin and Tu Shan Xiyu drew closer to the Doushuai Temple.
Inside the main hall of Doushuai Temple, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad suddenly opened his eyes, his right eye twitching as he muttered, "Something's amiss, very amiss—this feeling." He hastily calculated with his fingers, his fingers moving swiftly, and an ethereal Eight Diagram spun atop his palm.
Lord Lao Zi ceased his motion, his eyes widening, "Bai Jin, you little rascal, are you trying to harm me? Didn't you say you understood?"
Lord Lao Zi quickly stood up from his seat, frantically calling out, "Golden Horn, quickly bring the Big Horned Bull here."
Lord Lao Zi hurried towards the backyard. After running a few steps, he immediately turned back, ran to the wall, took down a portrait of a lady hanging there, solemnly stored it, and then beat a hasty retreat.
Lord Lao Zi wasn't one of the Three Corpses of a Saint but rather a reincarnation that got distracted in the Lower Realm. His main practice there was preaching the Tao rather than cultivating. Thus, even though he attained godhood now with a revered status, his power wasn't very strong—riding the Big Horned Bull was faster for escape.
In the backyard, Golden Horn walked slowly with the Big Horned Bull, puzzled as he asked, "Master, where are we going?"
Lord Lao Zi mounted the Big Horned Bull, hurriedly saying, "Go! We can't take the front route anymore, let's head to the back."
With Lord Lao Zi on its back, the Big Horned Bull trotted towards the back, followed by a befuddled Golden Horn.
Silver Horn yawned as he walked out of the room, catching sight of Lord Lao running off on the Big Horned Bull, murmuring suspiciously, "Why run towards the back? There's nothing back there!" Lazily stretching, he sighed, "Master is growing colder towards me."
...
Crossing through a garden, Lord Lao Zi rode the Big Horned Bull to the rear, facing a towering dome; the Big Horned Bull stopped.
Golden Horn puzzled, asked, "Master, where are we headed?"
Lord Lao Zi blankly asked, "Where is the back door of our Doushuai Temple?"
"We've never built a back door for our Doushuai Temple!"
The Big Horned Bull also nodded, stating, "Brother Bai Jin said that, given your esteemed status, Master, you should always use the main entrance, so there was no need for a back door."
Lord Lao Zi's eyelid twitched twice, huffing angrily, "Who built this hall? How come there's no back door?"
Golden Horn replied, "It's said that Brother Bai Jin built it for you.
Master, if you need it, I can create a back door for you right now."
Lord Lao Zi turned his head to look forward, sighing, "It's too late now."
The Big Horned Bull also murmured, "Master, if you want to leave, I can carry you through the sky."
"No, taking to the sky would get us spotted."
...
Outside Doushuai Temple, Bai Jin led Tu Shan Xiyu up to the gates, which were tightly shut at the moment.
Tu Shan Xiyu's eyes filled with excitement as she murmured, "Is this his residence?"