Stranger Danger

On the way, Mister Taozhu asked, “Who has come to attend this year’s Celestial Peach Gathering?”

“As of now, the distinguished guests who came to West Kunlun includes Venerable Tianlang from the Demonic Mountain, Blood Buddha from the Maitreya Sect, Fickle Young Master from the Demonic Abode of Six Desires, Corpse Hiding Old Man from the Corpse Hiding Mountain,

Mister Myriad Manifestation from the Red Dust Tribulation, Iron Bodhisattva from the Vajra Temple, Great Sage Yuan Zhantian The Heavens' Greater, Hundred-faced Demon Consort Jin Yaorao, Profound Profound Spellcaster Yuan Xuanyi…”

Qinghe dutifully answered Mister Taozhu’s question. Everyone he mentioned was either a longtime famous person in the jianghu or a named warrior on the Earthly Champions Ranking.

Of course, none of these people were orthodox or good either. Most of them hailed from the Nine Dark Ways or the thirty-six unorthodox sects, and even those who were independent were at least champions of heresy or titans of the Dark Ways. These were names that were used to scare children to silence at night. Nearly every single one of them was as notorious as they were terrifying.

“I could act as your guide if you wish to visit someone, senior,” Qinghe added in the end.

“That would be much appreciated,” Mister Taozhu replied.

“Please, it is my honor to be able to serve you, senior,” replied Qinghe with a salute.

“Mm. Not bad. Here, have this.” Mister Taozhu produced a pill and handed it to Qinghe. “This is the Sexagenary Pill of the Way of Taiping. It would aid you in increasing your power and piercing your heart demons. It will greatly benefit your cultivation.”

“I can’t possibly accept such a gift, senior. I am simply performing my duty,” Qinghe exclaimed with pleasant surprise.

The Way of Taiping’s Sexagenary Pill was famous among the Dark Ways, and he was currently a Half-Step Trueman. The Sexagenary Pill would almost certainly allow him to take that final half step and become a Trueman. Naturally, he desired it greatly. However, it was customary to act coy during the first exchange so as not to be seen as greedy and to show courtesy.

“It is my gift to you. You simply need to accept it!” Mister Taozhu’s voice grew a little cold as she ordered in a tone that would accept no rebuke.

“In that case, this junior shall happily accept your gift. Thank you very much, senior.” Qinghe straightened a little and felt his back break out in cold sweat. He actually felt a hint of killing intent from Mister Taozhu.

The problem with seniors and champions of the Dark Ways were that they were temperamental in the best of circumstances. He was just being courteous, and he had nearly earned himself a death sentence.

“Good boy.”

Mister Taozhu was smiling again after Qinghe accepted the pill. “Oh right, where will the Celestial Peach Gathering be held this time? Is it still the Kunlun Golden Peak?”

“No, it will be held at the Kunlun Heavenly Pond this year,” Qinghe answered.

“The Kunlun Heavenly Pond?” Mister Taozhu sounded puzzled.

“That’s right,” Qinghe answered. “Besides a change in venues, this year’s Celestial Peach Gathering will be grander and different from the previous ones as well. West Kunlun promises that it will be a gathering that everyone will remember for a long time to come.”

“Now I’m curious. Spoil me!” Mister Taozhu voiced her interest.

“You do not know this, senior, but this year is the year the koi leaps the Heavens’ Gate. It is a magnificent spectacle that only happens once every sixty years, and we will be inviting everyone to watch it while the gathering is ongoing.”

“The koi leaps the Heavens’ Gate? Could it be the famous Sexagenary Dragon Koi of West Kunlun?” Mister Taozhu exclaimed in astonishment.

“You are very knowledgeable and well-traveled, senior. That is exactly correct,” Qinghe paid her a compliment.

“This is surprisingly generous of West Kunlun. I would think that such an important event would be conducted in privacy and secrecy.” Mister Taozhu voiced her honest surprise.

The Sexagenary Dragon Koi of West Kunlun was a type of Stranger that only existed within West Kunlun. Born from the earthly veins and fortune of West Kunlun, it was raised within the Kunlun Heavenly Pond and nurtured using West Kunlun’s earthly veins, spiritual qi, and fortune. If the sect’s spiritual qi was overflowing, and their fortune was great, then the Sexagenary Dragon Koi would leap the Heavens’ Gate and become a dragon after sixty years had passed.

The dragon it transformed into would not be a True Spirit, but a dragon of earthly veins and fortune that added to a sect’s foundation and accumulation. It would continuously increase a sect’s spiritual qi and fortune for a long time to come.

Of course, if the sect’s spiritual qi and fortune were lacking, or if someone were to interfere with the process, then the Sexagenary Dragon Koi would fail to leap the Heavens’ Gate. The failure would deal a severe blow to the sect’s spiritual qi and fortune.

In fact, the way to nurture the Sexagenary Dragon Koi was a top secret of West Kunlun. In the past, forget showing it off to outsiders, the viewing was limited even within West Kunlun. Only core disciples and above possessed the right to watch the koi leaping the Heavens’ Gate, much less anyone else.

That was why Mister Taozhu had heard of the Sexagenary Dragon Koi but never seen it before, much less witnessed the Sexagenary Dragon Koi leaping the Heavens’ Gate.

It made sense. Both the Sexagenary Dragon Koi and the leaping were extremely important to the sect. If someone found out about the secret, or if some malicious people successfully interrupted the process, then West Kunlun would suffer a major blow. It might even be a blow that threatened their roots.

That was why Mister Taozhu was so surprised. She did not think that West Kunlun would allow outsiders to watch the Sexagenary Dragon Koi leap the Heavens’ Gate at all.

“The leaping of the Heavens’ Gate might be a critically important event for most people, but to West Kunlun, it is trivial at best.”

Qinghe declared with a clear note of pride, “We believe the honor of keeping our guests entertained is more important!”

“Is that so?” Mister Taozhu chuckled. “West Kunlun is certainly courageous. I look forward to it then.”

“You will be satisfied, senior,” Qinghe replied confidently.

Mister Taozhu would continue to ask a couple more things while Qinghe answered all of them. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

No one noticed that Ye Qing’s eyes were as black as the night, nor did they see the demonic lotus rising behind his pupils.

A demonic lotus appeared in front of Qinghe’s forehead, though no one could see it. Then, it slowly sank into his head.

Qinghe felt something and frowned, but he wasn’t able to find anything after a quick check. He shook his head thinking that it was just his imagination and resumed his conversation with Mister Taozhu.

“We’re here, senior!”

Very soon, Qinghe and the group arrived at a luxurious, exquisite garden. The garden was built next to a tall cliff, so it looked as if the entire structure was hidden within the clouds. One simply needed to look up to find an endless sea of clouds above their heads. It was something straight out of a fantasy.

Qinghe introduced, “The Qianyuan Garden is built with sovereignty in the heavens in mind. Here, one may view the clouds and embrace the sun and the moon as if they live at the peak of the heavens.”

“The Spring Lord is most thoughtful. Please, convey my thanks to her when you see her.” Mister Taozhu nodded.

“I’m happy that you’re satisfied with your residence, senior.” Qinghe smiled and pointed at a small group of people standing outside the garden. “These are the stewards and servants of the Qianyuan Garden. Do not hesitate to order them for anything during your stay here.”

“Steward Xiao, this is Mister Taozhu, one of the Three Misters of the Way of Taiping. They are honored guests of West Kunlun, and I expect you to give them the best care we can offer. You will be held accountable if our guests are unsatisfied with our hospitality, understand?”

“This slave obeys,” An old man in his fifties responded before bowing. “This slave is Xiao Fu. A pleasure to meet you all, honored guests!”

“Mm. You’re welcome!” Mister Taozhu waved for the steward to save the pleasantries.

“Is there anything else would you like me to do, senior? If not, then I shall be returning to my master,” Qinghe asked.

“There is none. Your arrangements are great. Once again, be sure to convey my thanks to the Spring Lord for her amazing hospitality.” Mister Taozhu nodded with satisfaction.

“This junior will definitely do so.” Qinghe saluted. “This junior shan’t disturb your rest any longer. Goodbye, and I look forward to seeing you later.”

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