Chapter 158: Taibai Points the Way, That Person Invites You

Soon, Cao Kong ascended to the upper realm and entered the heavenly domain, instantly sensing the extraordinary aura of the celestial world.

Ten thousand paths of golden light rolled across crimson mists, and a thousand strands of auspicious vapor exhaled purple clouds.

Before him stood the South Heavenly Gate, deep blue and built of glazed jade, shining brightly and adorned with precious jewels.

"Truly a realm of immortals, with a magnificent aura, out of the ordinary and nowhere to be found in the mortal world," Cao Kong praised aloud.

Noticing that the Heavenly Court's gates had entrances but no walls, an amused thought crossed his mind, surmising that all four heavenly gates must possess extraordinary qualities.

He paced closer and saw heavenly kings and divine generals displaying swords and spears.

"Who goes there? Entering our heavenly realm, do you have a token?"

Cao Kong smiled and said, "I receive incense offerings from the mortal world and bear the title of True Lord of Compassion Saving from Tribulation. Today, I have ascended to the heavens to establish my mansion. I ask the divine generals to grant me passage."

The foremost divine general had a reddish-purple complexion, dark curly hair, and a fierce expression.

He was the Heavenly King of Growth. Perceiving the aura of incense surrounding Cao Kong, he immediately knew he must be a deity from the lower realm.

Though keeping his expression neutral, the Heavenly King thought to himself, 'There is nothing particularly remarkable about him, yet he bears the title of True Lord. This is somewhat—well, rare indeed.'

He then spoke again, "Do you have proof? Without proof, I cannot let you pass."

This was not the Heavenly King of Growth being deliberately difficult; rather, such were the strict rules. Otherwise, in a court as vast as heaven, countless immortals would come and go as they pleased, plunging the realm into chaos.

Upon hearing this, Cao Kong produced a golden decree, "I wonder if this serves as proof?"

As the golden decree was presented, the Heavenly King of Growth received it respectfully with both hands.

Unfolding it to examine the contents, the Heavenly King's expression remained unchanged, but his pupils contracted slightly.

The seal upon this golden decree was not from the Department of Astrology that handled promotions for ordinary immortal officials, but rather the personal jade seal of the Grand Heavenly Honored One. Moreover, the text inscribed within was not overly formal, but remarkably casual.

It was so casual that it sounded as if one were speaking to a family member: Your merits have matured; ascend to heaven to establish your mansion, and hereafter receive your stipend and occupy a leisurely sinecure.

'This person is out of the ordinary!'

Unbeknownst to himself, the Heavenly King of Growth's expression softened, and the fierce look on his face faded considerably.

Returning the golden decree to Cao Kong, he cupped his hands and said, "Please, True Lord."

Cao Kong smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Heavenly King."

Just at that moment, an aged and gentle voice rang out.

"True Lord, long time no see."

Cao Kong also wore a smile, "Star Lord, it has been a long time. You retain your former elegance."

Taibai Jinxing repeatedly cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "I have come to escort the True Lord to assume his post."

"Then I must trouble the Star Lord."

Taibai Jinxing's smile remained steady, "A mere trifle."

Cao Kong then stepped through the South Heavenly Gate. Once inside, he felt as though he had entered an entirely different universe. Stretching out before his eyes were countless jade palaces and pavilions, accompanied by an endless array of auspicious divine beasts.

As Taibai Jinxing led Cao Kong forward, he remarked, "This bodily form of the True Lord is an avatar, yet it is truly extraordinary."

Cao Kong smiled and replied, "With the Star Lord's discerning eyes, this body is sustained by the Divine Way. My true self is still undergoing arduous cultivation in the lower realm, hoping to soon achieve the convergence of the five qi and attain the status of a celestial immortal."

Curious, Taibai Jinxing asked, "I wonder to what stage the True Lord's cultivation has progressed."

Frankly, Cao Kong answered, "I currently lack the qi of metal and earth. The qi of metal has proven difficult to comprehend and has detained me for quite some time."

Taibai Jinxing smiled and said, "When the True Lord attempts to bring the metal qi into convergence and settle it into its proper position, do you frequently perceive the metal qi as sharp, scattered, reckless in its movement, and difficult for the corporeal soul to subdue?"

A look of astonishment flashed in Cao Kong's eyes, but upon recalling the identity of the person before him, he felt no surprise. He cupped his hands and asked, "Does the Star Lord have any instruction for me?"

"Instruction is too grand a word; I merely offer a few personal insights."

He then elaborated, "Reckless passions arise from the six senses grasping at external conditions. Sever those external attachments, and reckless passions will cease of their own accord. The saying 'when the nose does not smell, the corporeal soul abides in the lungs' refers precisely to this principle. From this, one can cause the metal soul to lie hidden and dormant, achieving the convergence and return of the qi."

Hearing these words, Cao Kong fell into deep contemplation. Contemplation led to depth, depth to realization, and realization to the complete oblivion of both self and objects. For a time, he forgot entirely that he was standing within the Heavenly Court and stood rooted to the spot in meditation.

As the saying goes: a single phrase or half a sentence can pierce the mysteries, rendering thousands of pages of alchemical texts unnecessary. Such was the case here.

Seeing this, Taibai Jinxing stroked his beard and smiled, waiting quietly in place.

After about half an hour, Cao Kong awoke as if from a dream, his eyes brimming with absolute clarity and understanding.

With his mind enlightened, he could not help but chant aloud:

"When a single thought does not arise, the totality is manifested; the moment the six roots stir, clouds obscure the truth. So this is the principle."

He saw the elderly man beside him looking on with a smile.

"The True Lord is truly blessed with extraordinary natural talent, understanding instantly upon a single hint."

Cao Kong immediately bowed deeply with cupped hands, saying with a sense of shame, "Having received the Star Lord's guidance, yet causing a delay in the Star Lord's schedule, I am truly filled with remorse."

Taibai Jinxing replied, "It matters not, it matters not." He then added, "As it happens, I also have a matter with which I wish to trouble the True Lord."

"Please speak freely, Star Lord."

"I have heard that the Heavenly Honored One's method of brewing wine is unparalleled across the three realms. I have gathered some spiritual ingredients that I wish to give to the True Lord, hoping you might help me brew a batch of Nine Swords Wine."

Having thoroughly read the Classic of Wine, Cao Kong was well aware that Nine Swords Wine instantly satisfied hunger upon a single cup and aided mortals in ascending to immortality. If consumed alongside a specific type of special elixir, it could even grant one the ability to command clouds and summon rain.

However, such wine would be of little use to someone of Taibai Jinxing's realm.

Cao Kong's thoughts shifted instantly, and without hesitation, he said, "I would be more than happy to."

Taibai Jinxing laughed heartily and led Cao Kong forward, showing him the thirty-three heavenly palaces, the seventy-two jeweled halls, the embroidered grass that remained evergreen for ten thousand years, and the famous flowers that never withered over millennia, allowing him to absorb the magnificent atmosphere of the immortals.

Along the way, he introduced Cao Kong to the countless true immortals, saints, and divine figures they encountered.

"That red-faced one is the Star Lord of Fire Virtue."

"Those are the four great marshals—Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan—heading to the South Heavenly Gate for their rotation of duty."

"Those are the Four Saints of the North Pole: True Lords Tianpeng, Tianyou, Yisheng, and Yousheng."

Cao Kong glanced at Ma Lingyao, who did not recognize this avatar of his from the Divine Way. He then looked at the Four Saints of the North Pole, his gaze lingering on True Lord Yousheng.

That figure wore loose hair and walked barefoot, clad in dark robes with a golden armor and jade belt, appearing supremely majestic.

Sensing Cao Kong's gaze and noting that he was in the company of Taibai Jinxing, True Lord Yousheng nodded in acknowledgment.

Cao Kong thought to himself, 'This must be the future True Warrior who will command the position of Zhenwu, severing and slaying demons and evils across the realm, shaking the north with his might, and bearing the title of Demon-Vanquishing Heavenly Honored One. He looks rather amicable.'

The other Four Saints of the North Pole also looked over and nodded in turn.

Anyone escorted by Taibai Jinxing could certainly be no ordinary person. Though he might be an unknown newcomer at present, he might well become a celebrated immortal deity known throughout the world in days to come.

Thus, Cao Kong continued on with Taibai Jinxing.

Taibai Jinxing led Cao Kong to the south, smiling as he said, "The True Lord is a disciple of the Heavenly Honored One, and should properly assume his post within the Eastern Extreme Wonderful and Solemn Palace. However, considering that the Heavenly Lord of Salvation of the Eastern Extreme also oversees the Emperor of the Divine Empyrean Jade Mansion, I shall lead the True Lord to assume his post within the Eastern Extreme Profound Palace inside the Divine Empyrean Jade-Clear Mansion."

Cao Kong nodded. Knowing very little about the heavenly realm, he naturally left all decisions to his companion.

They soon arrived at the Divine Empyrean Jade Mansion, the highest domain of the Department of Thunder, where the Great Emperor of Longevity of the Southern Extreme resided at its peak.

Under Taibai Jinxing's guidance, the entire procedure proceeded with astonishing speed. His divine title was conferred, his name was inscribed upon the cloud-rank precious rosters, and he was granted the stipend of an immortal deity.

This consisted of a bottle of imperial wine, a golden flower, and a pill of returned elixir, each possessing miraculous properties. Furthermore, Cao Kong was presented with two jade talismans—one for the Department of Thunder and the other for the Eastern Extreme Profound Palace.

It left Cao Kong feeling somewhat bewildered. The administrative structure of the Heavenly Court was truly complex.

"True Lord, matters are now settled. Pray accompany me to the Hall of Exhaling Fragrance."

Cao Kong's eyelids twitched as he recalled the words of that person during their last parting. Surely, they weren't going to test his proficiency at chess, were they?