Daily life of a cultivation judge Chapter 1467 1467: Test and real target

Having reached a conclusion, Tang Xiadan cast one final glance at the cyan-white flame emanating from Yang Qing's palm. Its immense life force and its perfect balance of yin and yang defied his expectations, not merely in their presence but in their supreme quality.

Spirit Jade Yin Qi, River Marsh Yin Qi, Caldera Yin Qi, Fresh Lake Yin Qi, Winter Yin Qi, Spring Yin Qi, Dawn Yang Qi, Vibrant Earth Yang Qi, Spring Yang Qi, Convectional Yang Qi, Dusk Yang Qi... how was a single flame capable of flawlessly embodying the essence of such diverse yin and yang qis?

With each passing moment his spiritual sense connected with the softly glowing flame, Tang Xiadan felt a profound sense of astonishment growing. The shock intensified exponentially as he perceived the radiant aura of even more yin and yang qis pulsing from that palm.

Even Boundless Grass Yang Qi?! And could it be, even Moonlight Origin Yin Qi? Tang Xiadan had long presumed that his extensive experiences had granted him sufficient worldly knowledge, making him unshakeable even in the face of a Saint Grade treasure. Yet, this revelation shattered that belief. How could anyone be truly prepared for such a sight?

Treasures and artifacts imbued with yin and yang energies were a rarity indeed. How much more scarce, then, were those containing multiple kinds of such energies. In all his years of wandering and discovery, Tang Xiadan had never encountered anything comparable. What unfolded before him could easily have been mistaken for an illusion; however, the Soulfrost Sequoia within him stirred, and his innate instincts as a Gold Treasure Jade Mouse, which always flared near something of immense value, asserted themselves. At this moment, those instincts blazed like an inferno.

Even Profound Yang and Yin Qi!!! Tang Xiadan's surprise escalated further upon realizing that rare forms of both energies were now making an appearance. Fearing his dry throat would spasm or that he might become too dumbfounded to articulate a response (though he was already well beyond mere shock), Tang Xiadan hastily formulated his reply to Yang Qing's preceding offer. To avoid appearing overly eager, he carefully arranged his features into an expression of composed equanimity. He silently thanked his good fortune for the time spent in the company of Fan Jie and others, which had allowed him to adopt their mannerisms as his own.

"Since Fellow Daoist Yang Qing has been so forthright, I shall reciprocate with the same honesty," Tang Xiadan stated, a faint smile gracing his lips.

"Please, do continue," Yang Qing replied, his own smile widening as he gestured for Tang Xiadan to elaborate.

"Regarding the introduction you requested," Tang Xiadan's gaze lifted momentarily towards the heavens before returning to Yang Qing, "I cannot guarantee their agreement, but I give you my word that I will relay the request to them."

Sensing that his response might be construed as an ambiguous refusal, Tang Xiadan quickly added, "The Star Shrouding Sky Crow is an old companion of mine. We were raised together in the Green Fog Region, and she has rescued me countless times. I am deeply indebted to her," Tang Xiadan remarked with a nostalgic smile.

His eyes then flickered towards the cyan-white flame before returning to meet Yang Qing's gaze.

"As you can evidently see, considering my current state, that flame," he indicated it with a subtle gesture, "is an opportunity I cannot afford to let slip away. However," Tang Xiadan paused, letting out a soft sigh.

"I cannot compel her to meet anyone if she chooses otherwise. She values her solitude greatly, preferring to keep to herself most of the time," Tang Xiadan admitted candidly.

"Nevertheless, I will certainly convey your request. This is the utmost I can do. I trust this arrangement meets your approval, Fellow Daoist Yang Qing. If not, I am entirely prepared to compensate you with any other favor you might desire," Tang Xiadan offered, observing Yang Qing intently, a subtle undercurrent of nervousness beneath his outwardly composed demeanor.

Yang Qing gave a dismissive wave of his free hand, as if to imply the matter was not as critical as Tang Xiadan perceived. With a smile, he responded, "Your arrangement is more than satisfactory. In truth, had you guaranteed the meeting, I would have rescinded the entire agreement. If I were in your senior's position, or even your own, my response would likely be identical. I have a senior who dislikes unfamiliar company, and at times, I share that sentiment myself, so I understand perfectly."

Yang Qing's thoughts drifted to the shell concealed beneath his robes, the very same belonging to Assistant Dean Bu Zhou of Survival Adaptation Studies, a man known for his extreme caution. Yang Qing was rather certain that if the situation were reversed, with Tang Xiadan requesting a meeting with the perpetually anxious Domain Shrouding Water Jade Turtle, Senior Bu Zhou would not only refuse outright but also embark on a lengthy twelve-hour lecture detailing the potential risks involved. This would all occur after he ran extensive tests on Yang Qing to detect any signs of mind control, soul hijacking, or the possibility of memory theft by an imposter mimicking his essence. Even with all tests returning negative, Yang Qing suspected Senior Bu Zhou would maintain a suspicious gaze towards him for months to come.

Yang Qing wouldn't even put it beyond the ancient turtle to involve the Spirit Council and have Soul Formation experts conduct further examinations to verify Yang Qing's identity and ensure he hadn't been compromised. In all fairness, Yang Qing admitted he likely would employ similar measures given their shared nature, which was precisely the reason behind his specific request concerning the Star Shrouding Sky Crow.

When he had submitted that request, it was a mixture of impulse and a crucial test. He aimed to gauge the character of the individual he was negotiating with, thereby determining the appropriate demeanor for the ensuing transaction. It is in moments of utmost desperation that one's true nature is revealed, and judging by the state of Tang Xiadan's physical condition, he was undoubtedly in such dire straits. Yang Qing's flame was akin to offering the purest water to one perishing from thirst. It wouldn't be at all surprising for someone to cast aside morals, principles, and similar concepts when their very life dangled by a thread.

The fact that Tang Xiadan provided a candid response, despite the potential risk of forfeiting the deal, elevated him in Yang Qing's estimation by several notches. At the very least, Yang Qing now felt he was engaging with someone whose word and information might genuinely be reliable, a matter of significant importance given the nature of his second inquiry.

Despite his intention to remain composed, Tang Xiadan couldn't suppress a small sigh of relief upon hearing Yang Qing's reply.

"Thank you for your understanding, Fellow Daoist," Tang Xiadan stated, cupping his fists in a gesture of respect. "Whether that senior accepts the request or not, I still owe you a significant favor for this," he added with profound sincerity.

"It is nothing," Yang Qing replied with a gentle smile. "So, you hail from the Green Fog Region. I happen to know two acquaintances from there," he remarked casually, aiming to lighten the atmosphere.

Tang Xiadan's eyes brightened considerably. "From which zone are they?"

Intrigued by the immediate reaction, Yang Qing answered, "The eighth."

"Oh," Tang Xiadan responded. While his tone remained even, Yang Qing sensed an underlying disappointment. He quickly surmised that Tang Xiadan had likely hoped his acquaintances might be individuals he personally knew. Considering his current cultivation realm, Yang Qing surmised Tang Xiadan likely resided in Zone Seven or Six, areas where spirit beasts at the Palace Realm were commonly found. 'I wonder what kind of spirit beast he is,' Yang Qing mused, his curiosity intensifying as he subtly observed Tang Xiadan, hoping for a clue.

"Those two must possess considerable talent to have attracted the attention of the Order," Tang Xiadan commented, reaching for his wine.

"Indeed, they do," Yang Qing affirmed. 'More so Haishi, and the mysteries her body conceals,' he thought inwardly, reaching for his own cup.

"How long has it been since you last visited?"

Tang Xiadan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Mmh, approximately eight hundred years, I believe. I departed once I achieved a breakthrough to the Palace Realm and have not returned since."

"Do you find yourself missing it?" Yang Qing inquired, passing a bowl of spiced nuts to Tang Xiadan, who inclined his head slightly in thanks.

"On some days, yes, but on others, not so much," Tang Xiadan confessed. "However, I intend to return once I have concluded certain affairs out here," he added.

"So, regarding your second request..." A subtle sharpness, tinged with curiosity, appeared in Tang Xiadan's eyes.

"During your extensive travels, have you by chance encountered any locations connected to the Frozen Serenity Sect?" Yang Qing inquired. He rested his chin on his hand, leaning back casually, a knowing glint in his eyes that mirrored Tang Xiadan's.

This had been his primary objective ever since Tang Xiadan had introduced himself as a wandering explorer. The discovery of the Star Shrouding Sky Crow feather only solidified this intention.

There were numerous reasons why Yang Qing had entertained the fantasy of being a descendant of the Star Shrouding Sky Crow, or even forming a pact with one. Enhancing his personal security was one significant factor, and having the freedom to indulge his adventurous inclinations was another.