A Pawn's Passage

Chapter 531: The Grand Master and the Library

Chapter 531: The Grand Master and the Library

“It was the sixth-generation Grand Master,” Sun Hewu said in a flat tone.

Qi Xuansu grew even more perplexed. During the sixth-generation Grand Master's tenure, the Zixiao Palace was at its weakest, barely better than its current fragmented state and far from the prominence it held during the era of the fifth-generation Grand Master.

Sun Hewu noticed Qi Xuansu’s confusion and took the initiative to explain, “It’s true that the sixth-generation Grand Master was considered weak, but only in comparison to the other Grand Masters. Compared to anyone else, including the three Deputy Grand Masters, not a single one of them could match him.

“After all, the sixth-generation Grand Master was still the most revered figure in the Daoist Order and possessed the cultivation of an Immortal. Who would dare defy his direct command? If he wanted the Tianshui Core Tower sealed, then of course we had to obey.”

Based on the Daoist Order’s hierarchy, Sun Hewu was of the same generation as the Grand Master and had even worked with him in the past, so his tone lacked excessive reverence.

Qi Xuansu cautiously asked, “Sage Sun, what kind of person was the sixth-generation Grand Master?”

Sun Hewu was cautious. He glanced around, set up a soundproof barrier, and replied, “In terms of talent in cultivation, no one can surpass him, not even the current prodigies like Li Changge, Yao Pei, or Zhang Yuelu. One of the reasons he became Grand Master was that he was the youngest among all the Immortals in the mortal realm. He became an Immortal before the age of 50 and became Grand Master at 55.”

Qi Xuansu clicked his tongue in amazement. “I’d already be satisfied if I could become a Heavenly Being by 30. Becoming an Immortal by 40 is something I wouldn’t even dare dream of!”

Sun Hewu continued, “He was an exceptional man, a true gentleman—modest, courteous, and never arrogant despite his talent. There are 4 kinds of people on this earth. The best kind are capable but have no temper. Second-rate humans are capable, but they have rough tempers. Third rates have neither capability nor temper. Lastly, fourth-rate humans have no capabilities but a huge temper.

“By that standard, the sixth-generation Grand Master was undoubtedly a first-rate person. Back then, the entire Daoist Order praised him unanimously. That’s also the second key reason he became Grand Master. Without those two qualities, even if the three Deputy Grand Masters had wanted to support him, they would not have been able to.

“Now look at these youngsters. They’ve barely learned any real skills, but their arrogance is fully developed. The moment they gain a bit of talent, they respect no one. If you ask me, that Li family brat who’s been making waves recently is at best a second-rate human. He is no doubt capable, but his temper is horrid.” Sun Hewu scoffed.

Qi Xuansu smirked. “I must be third rate then—no talent and no temper.”

Sun Hewu chuckled. “Then grow some talent and strive to be first-rate.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “If the sixth-generation Grand Master was so remarkable, how did things end up in such a mess?”

Sun Hewu sighed. “One who is kind but ineffective, who loves but cannot command, and who faces disorder but cannot govern is like a spoiled child that cannot be relied on.

“The merciful should not command armies, and the righteous should not manage wealth, let alone hold a position as powerful as the Grand Master. The Holy Xuan left behind an amazing reputation, but in order to unify the Daoist Order, he made many ruthless decisions.

“As the later disciples would say, the Holy Xuan had the heart of a Bodhisattva but the means of a Thunder God. This sixth-generation Grand Master did not have the Holy Xuan’s means, foundation, and prestige, so he was in no position to play the benevolent man while taking office as the Grand Master.”

“Although the Grand Master has the power to appoint and dismiss officials, replacing all key positions in the Nine Halls with his own people was not something that could be done overnight. It required careful planning, strategic execution, and the right timing. Acting rashly could destabilize the situation, leading to internal strife and inviting external threats. But did he have the skills for that? Could he shoulder such a responsibility?”

Qi Xuansu could not help but sigh. “So even the Grand Master isn’t all-powerful.”

Sun Hewu continued, “After the sixth-generation Grand Master’s abrupt ascension, the so-called ‘future judgment’ was never carried out. The Golden Tower Council was too busy fighting over the Grand Master’s vacant seat to care about this demon anymore.

“Meanwhile, the Wanxiang Daoist Palace dared not act rashly either. If we accidentally released the great demon, someone would surely seize the opportunity to hold us accountable in the future. We couldn’t afford such a risk, so we had no choice but to keep the place sealed.”

Qi Xuansu recalled Sun Hewu’s analogy about the rat and asked again, “So this great demon was actually captured inside the Tianshui Core Tower?”

Sun Hewu immediately perked up, speaking in a tone as if discussing an interesting anecdote. “It’s quite an unbelievable story. This demon took on a human form and disguised itself as a Daoist disciple. It infiltrated the Upper Palace not to steal treasures or devour people, but to secretly learn our Daoist longevity techniques.”

“A perfected method?” Qi Xuansu asked in surprise.

Sun Hewu nodded. “Exactly.”

“Then how was it discovered?” Qi Xuansu grew even more curious.

Sun Hewu explained, “To be honest, this demon seemed audacious but was actually meticulous in its planning. It had a formidable level of cultivation and executed its scheme flawlessly. No one managed to see through its disguise.

“However, what it didn’t anticipate was that the Tianshui Core Tower was connected to the Daoist Canon Division in Jade Capital. Coincidentally, the sixth-generation Grand Master had come to borrow books, and the two happened to run into each other. While ordinary people couldn’t see through the demon’s illusion, the sixth-generation Grand Master was an Immortal. With a single glance, he saw through the deception and immediately subdued the demon.”

Qi Xuansu quickly pieced the events together. “After interrogating the demon and learning of its intent, the sixth-generation Grand Master judged that its crime was not deserving of death. Thus, he sealed it within the Tianshui Core Tower and forbade anyone from approaching, intending to deal with it later.”

Sun Hewu nodded. “That’s exactly how it happened. Now, it seems like that seal will hold for a long time, at least until the seventh-generation Grand Master takes power, stabilizes internal and external conflicts, and has the time to address such matters.”

Qi Xuansu expressed some concern. “Could this great demon break through the seal and escape?”

Sun Hewu reassured him, “Don’t worry. Even if the sixth-generation Grand Master placed the seal without prior planning, this seal could last for at least a few decades. After all, it’s the work of an Immortal.”

Recalling the terrifying remnants left by the Holy Xuan at Yunjin Mountain, Qi Xuansu was convinced by this reasoning. He then asked one last question, “By the way, what kind of demon is it? Could it be from the Qingqiu Mountain lineage?”

“The Qingqiu Mountain lineage can enter openly, so why would they need to sneak in?” Sun Hewu clasped his hands behind his back and gazed toward the direction of the Tianshui Core Tower. “It’s a dragon.”