Chi Jiang Daoist nodded upon hearing the words.
He knew that speed was of the essence, so he immediately activated his magic and flew towards the East Continent.
At the same time, to avoid wasting time, he sent a message directly to Haojing City.
Using the swift translocation technique, his figure resembled a red sword aura, flashing like electricity, translocating across vast voids and spanning thousands of miles of space.
Soon, he entered the territory of Great Xia from the Hengling Mountain Range behind the ancient lands of Beichu.
Just a glance, Chi Jiang's expression changed.
In his eyes, an invisible aura now spread over this ancient land of Beichu, like a thin veil floating above these fertile grounds.
This 'veil' had no effect on ordinary mortals.
But for cultivators, it was like a mosquito outside a tent; attempting to come close would certainly alert this 'veil', allowing the gods and cultivators within to detect them.
"Nine Tripods Barrier?"
Chi Jiang's eyes showed a hint of surprise. He had heard that his junior brother recently entered the Ancestral Hall, successfully gained the acknowledgment of Ancestor Master Xia Yu, and obtained the Ancient Nine Tripods Secret Technique, which seemed to have already yielded results.
This was quite astonishing.
How long had it been?
Yet he still transformed into an escape light and plunged into it, his form rapidly heading towards Haojing City.
Indeed, the journey was smooth and unimpeded.
Chi Jiang Daoist was even more amazed by what he saw along the way.
Half an hour later, Zhang Jian in the imperial palace received Chi Jiang Daoist, for he had already received Chi Jiang Daoist's message.
In the grand hall, after the host and guest were seated, given the urgency, Zhang Jian did not prepare any other spirit fruits for hospitality but simply had some fragrant tea and soothing incense prepared.
After a brief discussion, Zhang Jian said,
"I understand the purpose of your visit, senior brother. Since it concerns the Asura Gate, I must lend the treasure!"
Zhang Jian did not continue to refer to himself as emperor but instead used a more affectionate form of address.
Upon hearing this, Chi Jiang's eyes shone with joy, and he quickly stood up: "That's great, with Junior Brother's help, I thank Senior Brother on behalf of the disciples of the Asura Gate!"
With a wave of his hand, Zhang Jian revealed a treasure mirror shining with golden light.
It was the East Emperor's Treasure Mirror.
And the treasure that Chi Jiang Daoist was here to borrow.
At this moment, Zhang Jian's expression was solemn.
He had also heard of the Asura Gate.
It's a special demon sect, formed by a fierce demon who cultivated the Path of the Blood River and created a Blood River Realm Gate by connecting with the Outer World. If it cannot be closed in time, demons will continue to emerge from it, causing a demon calamity.
Essentially, it was a demon invasion.
However, as it occurred frequently, many cultivators, even demonic cultivators, knew how to respond and even profit from it.
Though demons were terrifying, parts of them held value, and sometimes they nurtured special 'heavenly and earthly treasures'.
For example, blood essence, demon pearls, etc., which were excellent mediums for refining techniques, casting spells, or performing rituals!
If collected, they could also serve as good materials for alchemy and artifact refining.
Such an evil land could also be a place for trial to hone disciples' magical power and spell-casting skills.
According to Chi Jiang Daoist, this time, the Tongshan Dao Lineage had indeed sent many disciples there.
A squad of elite disciples had fallen into it.
Zhang Jian also asked,
"Is Yi'Er among those trapped in the squad?"
Seeing Zhang Jian's demeanor, Chi Jiang Daoist hesitated slightly, then nodded and said,
"Junior Zhang is one of the outstanding disciples of Zhanmo Peak and is among them!"
Seeing Zhang Jian frown slightly, Chi Jiang Daoist added,
"Junior Brother, no need to worry; the sect anticipated the possibility of disciples getting trapped in the Asura Gate and provided them with the Purple Blood Talisman, allowing them to temporarily simulate Blood River creatures. As long as the aura remains undiscovered, there will be no immediate danger!"
Zhang Jian nodded and slightly sighed; though worried, he knew that no cultivator of deep Dao practice had not experienced life-and-death situations.
Moreover, Zhang Yi possessed the Golden Lotus Stealth Breath Talisman and Wind and Thunder Wings, making it unlikely for him to fall easily.
Concerned that time was of the essence, Chi Jiang Daoist did not linger in Haojing City and quickly left, transforming into an escape light.
Zhang Jian watched Chi Jiang Daoist's departing figure, eyes fluctuating, choosing not to follow.
With Wu Liang True Monarch involved, he believed Zhang Yi would soon be rescued.
Moreover, he had left a trace of power in the East Emperor's Treasure Mirror; he could intervene when necessary without needing to go in person.
Zhang Yi also had backup!
Zhang Jian returned to the Grand Ancestral Temple, where piles of gold and silver treasure were stacked like small mountains.
Zhang Jian manipulated these gold and silver treasures to burn in large tripods, observing the tripods swallowing whatever was offered like bottomless pits.
This transformation delighted Zhang Jian greatly.
The more it consumed, the larger the scale of the sacrificial rite, promising better feedback.
In his view, the scale of treasures swallowed this time surpassed the last.
As he anticipated, three years of recuperation had yielded excellent results.
"What level of treasure would be more precious than a Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot?"
Zhang Jian's eyes sparkled, feeling as though he was falling into the illusion of 'money'.
He was addicted to gathering treasures.
In Zhang Jian's gaze, more mountains of gold and silver treasures disappeared, eventually reaching the limit.
The remaining gold and silver treasures could no longer be consumed.
Then, Zhang Jian retrieved another long-prepared magical treasure.
It was a special small booklet.
Zhang Jian had crafted it using Dragon and Phoenix Scale Feathers and some spatial power from Yellow Court Blessed Land, containing powers of dragon, phoenix, earth, life, death, reincarnation, merit, space, and more.
It possessed a peculiar ability.
Similar to the Book of Life and Death, though far weaker, it bestowed heavenly protection and could slightly avert some calamities by recording names.
This was a successful attempt by Zhang Jian at artifact refining.
After the sacrificial rites, Zhang Jian glanced towards the West Palace.
Zhang Yi was in danger; he should inform Bai Liying.
But Bai Liying had just solidified her core and needed rest; moreover, knowing might only disturb her Dao heart.
Better she remains unaware.
...
In the vast Immortal Realm, 'Daoist Monarch Qingxia' was in serene cultivation, calculating how to cover up the misappropriation from last time.
It was just a 'mere' Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot, and she still had a way to mend it, holding an Innate Merit Spiritual Treasure and over twelve million incense power, enough to create over a thousand incense fire gold bricks, a massive fortune.
Purchasing an Innate Thunder Attribute Heaven and Earth Divine Object would suffice.
Though perhaps not as good as the Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot, it wouldn't be far worse.
"The true body should 'understand'!"
Daoist Monarch Qingxia mused to herself.
Her demeanor relaxed considerably.
Indeed, as a Daoist Monarch's incarnation, how could such a little matter trouble her?
But just then, her expression shifted, instantly appearing by the Two Realms Pool, where just a glance froze the smile on her lips.
"Here so soon again?"