Chapter 396: Chapter 214 Strict Scrutiny_2
On normal days, that place is set as a forbidden area.
Li Yunjing’s identity jade slip clearly marks that his identity doesn’t allow him to enter there, otherwise, he would be obliterated without any room for negotiation.
Now, Li Yunjing finally qualifies to take a look there.
After tidying up and specially grooming himself, ensuring he hasn’t neglected any aspect of etiquette.
Only then did Li Yunjing leave the "Qiuwu Manor", weaving through the streets of the "Seven Stars Palace", heading south.
Along the way, he encountered several acquaintances, most of whom were Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators.
But Li Yunjing had concerns, forcing a smile, he exchanged a few words and continued on his way.
Other cultivators, being perceptive, immediately sensed that Li Yunjing had something on his mind.
Among cultivators, one refrains from involvement in others’ affairs, so these acquaintances didn’t inquire further and each departed.
Heading south, out of the "Seven Stars Palace", he arrived at the southern cliff.
From a distance, he saw heavy mist ahead.
Li Yunjing realized it was an array concealing the scene within.
"Disciple of Seven Stars Palace, Li Yunjing seeks an audience with the Palace Master..."
Upon reaching this point, Li Yunjing dared not enter the mist unauthorized.
He stood outside, gathering his breath, and transmitted his message toward the front.
Li Yunjing’s voice echoed near the cliff for a long time.
After a long while, his voice dissipated.
However, no sound came from within.
Just as Li Yunjing hesitated whether to call out again, the mist in front began to roll, revealing a small green stone path.
The path twisted forward, amidst the swirling white mist, appearing like a long green snake.
Seeing the path, Li Yunjing felt a surge of joy, clearly allowed entry by a distinguished figure within.
"Huff..."
He exhaled deeply, instinctively tidying his clothes, then bowed before cautiously stepping forward, treading onto the small green stone path.
Throughout the mist, only this path was visible, even the three feet on either side of the path was indistinct.
Even using divine sense for inspection, it had no effect.
This scene again made Li Yunjing’s heart tremble.
Such are the means of great figures!
Indeed not something the small figures of Foundation Establishment Realm can glimpse at.
The path wasn’t long; after walking a mile, a simple small courtyard appeared before Li Yunjing.
Three or four thatched cottages, the courtyard planted with some flowers and grass, exuding a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
It greatly surprised Li Yunjing.
Is this the residence of great figures?
He originally assumed great figures resided in the Immortal Palace Star Pavilion, heavenly mansions.
Never thought the environment here was like a mortal village, simple to the point of being frugal.
Standing at the door, Li Yunjing felt hesitant, not daring to easily step into this rural courtyard.
"You’re here?"
With a creak, the wooden door of a thatched cottage was pushed open by someone.
An elderly man with a solemn face, wearing a sky-blue Eight Trigrams robe, stepped out.
"Disciple pays respect to the senior!"
Standing outside the courtyard, Li Yunjing gave a deep bow.
As for whether the person was the Palace Master?
Li Yunjing couldn’t discern, nor did he dare to recognize rashly, so he addressed them respectfully as senior.
If called wrongly, it would be a taboo.
Less said, less mistake—this time, Li Yunjing adhered to answering what’s asked and doing what’s instructed.
Great figures aren’t like Xu Wuyi; Li Yunjing wasn’t familiar with them, naturally not wanting to make a bad impression by saying something wrong.
"Hmm! Come inside!"
The elderly Daoist stood at the door, glanced at Li Yunjing, then proceeded to the flower bed to leisurely water the plants.
"Yes..."
Responding obediently, Li Yunjing then slowly walked into the courtyard.
The senior’s courtyard was small, surrounded by flowers, with only a small path less than ten feet long.
Li Yunjing pushed open the small fence gate, stepped into the courtyard, then turned to close the gate.
Following the path, he arrived at a thatched cottage, stood beside the senior, cautiously waiting for the distinguished figure’s questioning.
"Sigh! Meeting great figures is truly discomforting!"
Standing obediently, Li Yunjing internally sighed.
Little did he know, the senior seemed uninterested in him, still mindlessly watering and weeding the plants.
The entire process didn’t involve any divine techniques or magic.
Like a mortal old farmer.
If not for being at "Seven Stars Peak", Li Yunjing would have mistaken the elderly for a mortal old man.
Looking at the planted flowers and grass, all common flora, worldly items, with no use for cultivators.
Not knowing what peculiar hobby the distinguished figure had.
Li Yunjing dared not ask, obediently continued waiting, showing no impatience.
"Alright! Follow me inside."
The elderly washed his hands by the pond, then leisurely spoke.
"Yes!"
Responding obediently, Li Yunjing followed the elderly Daoist into the cottage from where he had emerged.
The dimly lit small room wasn’t large, simply furnished with a wooden table, four chairs, a wooden bed, and some mundane household items like pots, bowls, and a stove.
Inside the room, contrary to Li Yunjing’s expectations of emptiness, were three seated figures.
In the dim light, those figures appeared somewhat eerie.
The elderly Daoist directly sat at the eastern position, the four of them intently observed Li Yunjing in the dark room.
"Disciple Li Yunjing, pays respect to the seniors."
With a dry mouth, Li Yunjing quickly greeted.
He truly didn’t expect a simple assessment to attract so many high figures.
Each one had an aura extremely plain, indistinguishable from mortals.
Li Yunjing’s aura even seemed far more imposing than the four.
But Li Yunjing dared not show any neglect!
He was certain these were great figures, likely all Nascent Soul Realm great figures!
Thinking there were four Nascent Soul Realm great figures observing him, Li Yunjing’s legs felt a bit weak.
Fortunately, he had some composure, barely maintaining his image without embarrassing himself in public.
The one facing Li Yunjing directly was the host here, the Palace Master of "Seven Stars Palace".
That middle-aged great figure had regular features, possessing the demeanor of a great figure, exuding absolute authority and honor.
Sitting steadily on the chair, without exuding any aura, there was a sense of immovability like a mountain, majestic and formidable.
The Palace Master of the "Seven Stars Palace", donned in Seven-Star Eight Trigrams robe, opened his eyes, a faint gleam flashing past.
In that instant, Li Yunjing felt everything within him was seen thoroughly.
Li Yunjing’s expression changed, feeling as though being stark naked under observation.
It was indeed unbearable for Li Yunjing.
The feeling was too intense!
Li Yunjing could bet, except for the secrets deep within his consciousness, everything else about him was seen through.
Every part, organ, blood vessel, meridian, internal organs, even the brain, were clearly visible.
Li Yunjing suspected if they could even see through his "Storage Ring".
"Interesting, your Spirit Root seems different from the sect’s records, doesn’t it?"
The Palace Master of "Seven Stars Palace" stood up, walked to the wall, opened a window, allowing a shaft of light to brighten the room significantly.
With hands behind his back, the great figure’s eyes shot out a cold gleam, staring intently at Li Yunjing, as if one lie would result in immediate death.
The tense atmosphere nearly made Li Yunjing unable to breathe.
Li Yunjing felt a chill in his heart, involuntarily shivered, hurriedly explaining: "Senior! Disciple is unaware! When I joined the sect, it was personally checked by the sect! I thought my Spirit Root was ordinary, but following rapid cultivation, I realized it was perhaps not so simple!"
At this point, Li Yunjing dared not conceal anything.