I Can See Through All Things' Information Chapter 1494 - 886: Cause and Effect, The Three Great Mutant Beasts’ Allegiance (Part 2)

"If my companions are unaware of the portal’s current state, and he eventually can no longer contain it, the consequences will be dire."

His gaze fell upon Lu Qing, his expression grim.

"Therefore, for the greater good, he requested I journey to that other world to apprise those Great Powers of his predicament here. Concurrently, he hopes they can devise a method to permanently seal the portal, eradicating any lingering threats."

Lu Qing remained silent for a moment before inquiring, "So, Master has decided to undertake this journey?"

Gui Xu Taoist offered a nod.

"From all angles, it is a path I must tread."

He paused, then continued, "Initially, I planned to depart alone. Given the inherent uncertainties and dangers of this mission, where survival is not guaranteed, I wished to spare my disciples from unnecessary peril. However..."

A wry chuckle escaped his lips.

"What I hadn't anticipated was that upon learning of my departure, my disciples all pledged to accompany me, even unto death. They declared they would follow wherever their Master went. Even if the road ahead teemed with insurmountable obstacles, they were undeterred. Rather than languish here in futile expectation, they preferred to face the unknown alongside me."

A complex mix of affection and resigned helplessness tinged Gui Xu Taoist’s voice.

"I endeavored to dissuade them for a considerable time, but my efforts were in vain. Their resolve was absolute; they adamantly refused to remain behind, regardless of my words."

He sighed, then added, "Furthermore, another matter has come to my attention."

"What matter is that?" Lu Qing asked.

Gui Xu Taoist elaborated, "My disciples and I share a profound connection, bound by the threads of cause and effect. Should I be apprehended in the Otherworld and fall into enemy hands, it is conceivable they might employ the Cause and Effect Technique to ascertain my disciples' whereabouts. In such a scenario, even remaining within this expanse of starry sky would offer no sanctuary. The enemy could potentially track them here through the interconnectedness of cause and effect."

"And I sadly lack the divine arts of the ancient sages required to sever such ties."

He glanced towards Elder Azure Dragon and the others, his eyes conveying a deep sense of regret.

"Thus, after much deliberation, I arrived at a difficult resolution: to entrust the guardianship of this place to the three of you, while I will escort everyone else with me."

Elder Azure Dragon was taken aback. "Why are only the three of us remaining?"

Gui Xu Taoist explained, "Because you are Mutant Beasts, blessed with unique bloodlines and exceptionally long lifespans. You possess the capacity to endure for eons, awaiting the arrival of that fated individual. Moreover, your entanglement with me through cause and effect is significantly less profound than that of the others. Consequently, even if an enemy sought to trace these connections, the likelihood of them locating you would be substantially diminished."

He paused, then continued, "As for the rest, I am bringing them along both to honor their earnest desire to accompany me and to remove them from the immediate vicinity of this starry sky, thereby obstructing the enemy's ability to pinpoint their location."

Elder Azure Dragon fell silent.

It finally comprehended the reason its master had left only the three of them behind so many years ago. It wasn't due to a lack of importance; quite the contrary, they were deemed too significant.

Upon hearing this explanation, Lu Qing suddenly interjected, "Master, when you departed previously through the world's portal, did that not mean you were entering directly into the enemy's stronghold?"

Gui Xu Taoist shook his head.

"The lingering will of the Mysterious Transformation Great Power informed me that he would expend his final reserves of strength to transport me to a specific location within the Otherworld via the world’s portal. This location had been previously scouted by him and was deemed relatively secure, not directly within the heart of enemy territory."

He paused, then added, "However, he conceded that this was merely his estimation, as his exploration of that world was not entirely exhaustive. There existed an inherent risk in the transference process, and unforeseen complications could arise. He strongly advised me to be mentally prepared for such eventualities."

Gui Xu Taoist offered a faint smile, one that seemed to carry a spirit of carefree acceptance.

"Now, it appears his strategy back then must have proven successful. At the very least, the persistence of this fragment of my will over these countless millennia serves as testament that my true self has not perished. While I remain unaware of his current whereabouts or activities, the evidence suggests he is, at least, still alive."

Hearing this, Elder Azure Dragon’s eyes welled up once more.

It finally grasped the true reason its master had never returned after his initial departure. It wasn't due to a lack of desire—it was simply impossible. The master had deliberately misled them with tales of ascending to the Upper Realm, a benevolent deception to shield them from worry.

Elder Azure Dragon’s voice caught, and it managed to say, "Master..."

Gui Xu Taoist raised a hand, halting the words.

"There is no need for further words. You have all endured hardships over these long years. But now that you have encountered Ah Qing, my legacy has found a successor, and I can finally find peace."

He concluded, his gaze drifting down to his own hands. Those hands now appeared increasingly ethereal, almost translucent. Observing this, Elder Azure Dragon and the others were instantly overcome with a surge of anxiety."Master, you..." Gui Xu Taoist offered a faint smile, a deep sense of peace radiating from him. "Fear not, this sliver of my consciousness, having slumbered for eons, was fated to fade. Knowing that my legacy would continue before I dissolved, and that a prodigy among my disciples across the ages would emerge, brings me true solace." His gaze, filled with ardent hope, settled upon Lu Qing. "My child, with the convergence of nine Great Daos, your destiny is unfettered. Yet, I caution you still; the journey of cultivation is arduous; do not succumb to pride or complacency. Always remember, above the heavens lie more heavens, and beyond any individual stand greater beings. Though your current achievements are unparalleled, it is not guaranteed that one like you will not arise again in the future. You must persist in your efforts and never cease pushing forward." Lu Qing nodded with deep reverence, "This disciple shall honor Master's teachings." Gui Xu Taoist continued, "And concerning that Black and White Temple, you must exercise extreme caution. Given their ties to the Dark Abyss, they are highly likely instruments of that malevolent Power of Darkness. Should you decide to confront them, ensure your preparations are exhaustive; underestimation would be a grave error." "This disciple understands." Gui Xu Taoist then turned his gaze towards Elder Azure Dragon and the others. "Elder Azure Dragon, Black Bull, Little Feng, from this moment onwards, you shall attend to Ah Qing. Though he is my disciple, you are not required to address him as your master. Your allegiance is free; you may choose to accompany him or remain here, as you deem fit. The Immortal Palace shall remain your eternal sanctuary." The Elder Azure Dragon's eyes welled with tears, "Rest assured, Master, we will remain by Ah Qing's side; we shall follow him wherever his path may lead." The Black Bull vigorously nodded, "Indeed, indeed, we shall follow him! He is so formidable; by his side, we are sure to meet Master again one day." Though Ming Feng remained silent, its Phoenix eyes blazed with unwavering resolve. Gui Xu Taoist nodded, a look of profound satisfaction gracing his features. "Good, good, good." He uttered the word 'good' thrice, and his form began to grow indistinct, fading into ethereality. "My child, I eagerly anticipate the day you seek me out." With these final words, his essence completely dissolved, dispersing into luminous motes of light that reabsorbed into the statue. A profound silence descended upon the grand hall. Elder Azure Dragon and the rest gazed at the statue, lost in a trance, for a considerable duration. Lu Qing stood composed, a maelstrom of emotions churning within him. After a long pause, Elder Azure Dragon finally exhaled a lengthy sigh. "Master... has departed." The Black Bull, dabbing at its eyes, spoke with a choked voice, "Master said he is still alive; that is good, it means we will be able to see him again." Ming Feng gave a slight nod, its silence profound. Once their emotions had somewhat stabilized, Lu Qing inquired, "Elder Azure Dragon, what are your intentions moving forward?" Elder Azure Dragon regarded him and stated, "We are eternally bound to the Immortal Palace; our departure is contingent upon your successful Refinement of this structure. Until then, our existence is tied to this place." "Refinement of the Immortal Palace?" Lu Qing's brow furrowed slightly. Elder Azure Dragon confirmed with a nod, "This very Immortal Palace is a peerless Magical Treasure, personally constructed by the Master in bygone eras. Although its immense scale makes conventional Refinement challenging for most, your current standing in the Unity Realm Stage, coupled with your mastery of the Space Avenue, should empower you to attempt the undertaking." It paused, then added, "Ah Qing, should your future path lead you to venture into the Otherworld, we implore you to bring us along; our greatest desire is to reunite with the Master." The Black Bull earnestly concurred, "Yes, yes, take us with you! While we may not match your might, our combat prowess remains significant." Ming Feng also declared, "We pledge our loyalty and will follow you." Lu Qing observed them, his mind deeply engrossed in contemplation. His immediate objective was to address the Black and White Temple. This faction was shrouded in mystery, with the backing of the formidable Power of Darkness. Having these three Unity Realm Stage Mutant Beasts under his wing would undoubtedly offer a substantial strategic advantage. Furthermore, their eons of existence meant they possessed vast repositories of experience and esoteric knowledge. Their presence would undoubtedly streamline many future endeavors. After careful consideration, his decision was made. He raised his head and met the gaze of Elder Azure Dragon and the others. "Very well, I shall undertake the Refinement of the Immortal Palace and bring you along." Elder Azure Dragon and the others erupted in joyous exclamations at his pronouncement. Without further delay, Lu Qing gently focused his consciousness. Far, far away in his original world, his true physical form, immersed in deep meditation, abruptly opened its eyes. A sharp, brilliant glint flashed within their depths. In the ensuing moment, his figure vanished from its previous location. Employing Space Shifting, the boundless expanse of the cosmos rapidly receded beneath him.

A short while later, he materialized outside the boundaries of the Returning Ruins Secret Realm.

Suspended within the cosmic expanse, his gaze fixed upon the immense Star River Formation before him, a subtle smile graced his lips.

With that, he advanced a single step, breaching the formation's threshold.