The Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword buzzed with an annoying vibration.
"Don't rush! Your master has waited for a thousand years; does it really need you to worry for him?"
Xu Qing slapped down with his hand, and the Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword let out a soft moan of grievance, much like a wife staying with a friend was being bullied.
The Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword was a magic weapon bestowed upon the Demon Exorcism True Monarch by King Yama. Perhaps it was due to this recognition of ability or maybe because the True Monarch's Daoist Techniques weren't as profound as Xu Qing's, that the Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword was never fully exploited in the True Monarch's possession.
Now that the sword was in Xu Qing's hands, it could be said that just taking it out would have to stand up against the Celestial Spirit Axe Technique with its heaven-defying Divine Techniques!
After being used several times, the Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword felt that its body, infused with Divine Power, had grown significantly larger.
Following the Demon Exorcism True Monarch for a thousand years hadn't developed it as much as Xu Qing did in these ten years.
Though the Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword couldn't speak, it was a divine weapon with its own basic spirituality. If this continues, it felt it would eventually be worn out by Xu Qing.
The Divine Power of the Celestial Spirit Axe Technique was simply too vast, too magnificent, and over the years, Xu Qing's axe technique continued to improve, even though it was a celestial instrument, a day would surely come when it wouldn't satisfy the wielder anymore.
In the following days, Xu Qing wandered between the Immortal Hall and Bao Sheng Temple, making arrangements for the coming decade or two.
To be prepared for unexpected scenarios, like losing a battle and having to flee, Xu Qing even considered the migration of the Immortal Hall and what would become of the Immortal Hall and Bao Sheng Temple in the event of the dynasty's changeover.
One should not rely on luck; Xu Qing sought stability and progress.
The Ghost Law always had the intention to invade the mortal world; the Cat Immortal Hall, stationed at the gate of the Jingjin region, was bound to have a showdown with the Ghost Law sooner or later.
Even though the Demon Exorcism True Monarch confidently claimed to have a foolproof plan, if there was indeed such a plan, why then did they bide their time for a millennium, only acting when the Ghost Law intended to invade the human world?
Xu Qing had the confidence to retreat unscathed but was unsure about truly eradicating the Ghost Law that even immortals and gods were helpless against.
"Xuan Yu, this is no small matter; the matters of the Immortal Hall and Bao Sheng Temple are all in your hands now."
While Xuan Yu was very worried about Xu Qing, he suppressed his emotions, stepped forward to Xu Qing, and said earnestly:
"Rest assured, Xu Immortal Family, I am Lady Qingqing, the master of a hall. I will take care of the foundation of the Xu Immortal Family. The Xu Immortal Family must also keep its promise."
Having said that, Xuan Yu suddenly added, "I will wait for the Xu Immortal Family to return."
Xu Qing smiled gently.
Those who attain immortality traverse mountains and rivers, witnessing the dust of history, destined to be lonelier than ordinary people. But if in this endless expanse of time, one could share the journey with a companion or two, it would undoubtedly be a great fortune.
Xu Qing did not wish to be that heartless traveler who only cherishes the people before them.
Before the paths to heaven were severed, there were always rumors of those who attained the Dao and ascended to the heavens with their entire family.
Since Xu Qing was part of the mortal world, he should also harbor the aspirations of his predecessors, taking along one or two companions on the path of cultivation and experiencing the joy of attaining the Dao, as described as 'dogs barking at the sky, roosters crowing amidst the clouds.'
The Sutra of Salvation is meant for the deceased, but leading the immortals of the Immortal Hall to attain immortality is also a form of salvation.
Before the Twin Coffin, Xu Qing didn't forget to advise before leaving:
"Though I won't be handling worldly affairs this time, I won't forget the Immortal Hall. Xuan Yu of the Profound Jade Immortal Family needs to inform each disciple in my stead to practice diligently during this period. Once I return to the Jin Sect, I will examine their exercises one by one. Anyone found slacking will not be lightly forgiven!"
The Golden Simurgh had just approached, wanting to ask Mr. Xu the Great Kind Man to bring back some fat bugs from the Ancient Yin River Dao as a delicacy, but met Xu Qing's wary gaze instead.
This chicken shrank its neck, curled its claws, and retreated the way it came.
...
At the Ancient Yin River Dao, where the monument marking the boundary between yin and yang stood.
As soon as Xu Qing arrived at the monument, he saw an eccentric person wearing a floral robe, face covered with a masked face, and carrying a sword box standing there under punishment.
"Daoist Fuluan, what brings you here?"
The Ascendant Fuluan embarrassingly replied, "Brother Demon Exorcist truly shows no regard for past camaraderie. All I did was offer him some clever strategies, and instead of appreciating them, he cursed at me and expelled me from the Bone Temple."
Xu Qing knew nothing of the incident. In his memory, the Demon Exorcism True Monarch, although a bit ugly and proud, was easy enough to get along with.
After all, how could someone who had been in the bureaucracy of the Underworld for a thousand years not have a clear sense of discernment between good and evil, and how could such a name-brand ghost god fail to appreciate good intentions from a friend and drive them from their home?
Xu Qing did not believe the one-sided story of the Ascendant Fuluan. He went into the Bone Temple and saw the Demon Exorcism True Monarch standing under the divine platform, back towards the temple door, his lonely figure emanating a heroic sense reminiscent of one who embarks on a journey of no return.
"Doesn't the True Monarch's neck hurt?"
Xu Qing came to the side of the red-robed man and looked up at the towering, majestic golden statue on the divine platform through his line of sight.
The black-faced man still stared unwaveringly at his statue and asked, "Daoist Xu, what do you think are ghosts and gods?"
Xu Qing pondered briefly and said, "All beings must die, and the dead must return to the earth; this is the ghost. Their spirit rises above to illuminate; this is the god."
"What you speak of is mere appearance, not the true essence," the Demon Exorcism True Monarch said, shaking his head.
"What insights does the True Monarch have?"
The red-robed man became serious, and his entire aura underwent a subtle change.
"In my view, the difference between gods and ghosts lies in the amount of upright virtue. With a flawed form, virtue does not follow; with an unsettled center, the heart remains ungoverned. When form is corrected and virtue collected, the celestial benevolence and earth's justice align, and the divine emerges naturally."