I Can See Through All Things' Information Chapter 1483 - 882: Gui Xu Divine Thought

Lu Qing journeyed deeper into the Immortal Palace, guided by Old Azure Dragon through its many halls. The sheer immensity of the Immortal Palace unfolded before him, far exceeding his initial perceptions from his earlier, less experienced visit to the Returning Ruins Secret Realm. During that first encounter, his limited cultivation had confined him primarily to the second level for solitary practice, preventing any deep exploration. Now, accompanying Old Azure Dragon, Lu Qing realized the internal expanse of the Immortal Palace dwarfed its external appearance. Intricate corridors and grand halls unfolded in sequence, each passage guarded by potent restrictions. Moving through a gateway meant entering an entirely new dimension; some were cavernously spacious, capable of housing miniature worlds, while others were small and exquisitely appointed, radiating a comforting warmth. Old Azure Dragon navigated these spaces with practiced familiarity, but Lu Qing noted a change in his companion's method of travel. Instead of traversing space directly, Old Azure Dragon opted to walk, his steps deliberate. With each hall they passed, even while moving swiftly, Old Azure Dragon would instinctively cast a glance, his eyes imbued with profound nostalgia. The Black Bull and Ming Feng followed in somber silence, their expressions mirroring the deep contemplation evident in their gazes. Clearly, these environs held countless shared memories with Gui Xu Daoist, remnants of their long companionship. After an indeterminate period, Old Azure Dragon halted before a colossal hall, situated at the very core of the Immortal Palace, shielded by layers of formidable restrictions. These enchantments formed an interconnected, impenetrable defensive network, capable of instantly annihilating any cultivator below the Unity Realm, let alone breaching the hall itself. However, these were intricacies Old Azure Dragon knew intimately. With a single incantation, the restrictions parted like water, revealing an entrance. "Ah Qing, follow me," Old Azure Dragon beckoned, stepping into the revealed path. Lu Qing complied, passing through the permeable barriers and entering the grand hall. The interior was cavernous and sparsely furnished. Ancient runes covered the surrounding walls, emitting a subtle luminescence. Embedded in the vaulted ceiling, nine pearls, each about the size of a fist, cast a gentle radiance, illuminating the hall as if it were broad daylight. Dominating the hall's center stood a statue. It was human-sized, considerably smaller than the one Lu Qing had first encountered when escorting his master to another domain. Yet, its craftsmanship was exquisite, every detail rendered with startling realism. The statue depicted a middle-aged scholar, characterized by a lean face, sharp eyebrows, a long, three-stranded beard, and attire befitting a Daoist priest, with hands clasped behind his back. His gaze was profound and far-reaching, seemingly fixed on the infinite distance or perhaps surveying all beings. His bearing and demeanor unequivocally marked him as an individual of extraordinary status—Gui Xu Daoist. Lu Qing observed the statue with a deep sense of emotion. He recalled the initiation ceremony, where he had also seen a representation of Gui Xu Daoist. That prior statue, a hundred zhang tall, exuded majesty and invoked immense reverence. This current one, though diminutive in comparison, felt far more tangible, more personal, as if Gui Xu Daoist himself were present, poised to impart wisdom. Crucially, while the earlier statue's features had been obscured, Lu Qing, now having achieved Unity, could finally perceive his master's face with clarity. Old Azure Dragon, Black Bull, and Ming Feng gathered before the effigy, their eyes fixed on the familiar visage, a tide of nostalgia washing over them. The light in Old Azure Dragon's ancient eyes flickered, softening as they gazed upon the statue, a tenderness replacing the weariness of eons. He attempted to speak, but his voice failed him. Ming Feng's plumage quivered subtly, its phoenix eyes radiating unmistakable excitement. It stared intently at the statue's face, as if imprinting the image indelibly upon its soul. It had been over three hundred thousand years since its last sight of its master, a vast expanse of time during which it had repeatedly dreamt of this moment, yearning for a reunion. The Black Bull, less reserved, openly wept, streams of tears coursing down its face. Unconcerned with decorum, it stood letting its emotions flow freely. Known for its blunt nature, it never hid its feelings, and at this moment, its sorrow and longing were palpable. They had not seen their master for over three hundred thousand years—a duration so immense it represented countless mortal lifetimes, and for cultivators, an era stretching towards apparent eternity.

Within the Returning Ruins Secret Realm, they resided, day after day, year after year. Their sole purpose was to safeguard the secret realm their master had entrusted to them, perpetually awaiting his potential return.

However, their master never reappeared.

His whereabouts remained a mystery; his life or death unknown, and the possibility of reunion within their lifetimes uncertain.

All that remained was to wait, to hope, and within the desolate Immortal Palace, to relive the moments spent with their master, again and again.

Now, standing before this very statue, gazing upon that visage so deeply etched in their minds, the flood of memories surged like an unstoppable tide, stirring profound emotions within them.

Old Azure Dragon drew a steadying breath, reining in his sentiments, and addressed Lu Qing.

"Ah Qing, this statue was personally crafted and left by our master in days past."

"Before his departure, he imparted unto us that if a remarkable individual of the younger generation were to triumph in his trials, become his disciple, and successfully achieve the Unity Realm—then—."