Moreover, Hu Ji is exerting her influence from behind the scenes. This Fox Spirit seems determined to cling to Gao Xuan and is doing her utmost to make this happen.

The Emperor's swift agreement to offer up Half a Cup of National Fate was greatly aided by Hu Ji's efforts. However, such matters, Tao Jun would not discuss with Zuo Wentao.

Zuo Wentao nodded, agreeing that Tao Jun had a point. Just as he was about to add a few words of agreement, suddenly, a streak of cyan light descended from the sky.

The cyan light stopped in front of Zuo Wentao and transformed into its true form, revealing itself to be a cyan paper crane.

The paper crane was covered with runes, its wings flapping as it hovered before Zuo Wentao. Despite its humble appearance, it seemed almost alive.

Zuo Wentao immediately recognized it as a message from the Upper Academy and quickly reached out to take it.

He read the sect's secret incantation, unwinding the magical seal placed on the paper crane.

Without the sect's secret incantation, even if one forcibly grabbed the crane, the seal could not be broken to reveal its contents.

Once unfolded, the paper crane displayed countless intricate golden runes, forming a grand array.

Zuo Wentao was somewhat surprised; usually, communications were just textual. Why the grand display this time?

Tao Jun discerned something was amiss and stood up, saying, "Since you have business, I'll take my leave first."

"No problem, no problem."

Zuo Wentao hurriedly urged, "The National Preceptor has scarcely visited, don't rush to leave."

Zuo Wentao further mentioned, "This is a message from the Upper Academy, surely concerning the Celestial Master's matters. Later, I wish to learn from the National Preceptor."

Upon hearing Zuo Wentao's words, Tao Jun sat back down.

Tao Jun was also curious about the message from the Upper Academy of Yu Jing Dao.

The Northern Province Daoist Sect is very strong, with the most powerful being the three Human Immortals of Yu Jing Dao. Daqiong Country, their closest neighbor, is guarded by the Human Immortal Celestial Fool.

Zuo Wentao, able to maintain connections with various parties, even the Dragon Race, relies on Celestial Fool as his backing.

Although Tao Jun was not fond of Zuo Wentao's style, he too had to maintain good relations with him, out of respect for Celestial Fool.

He had met Celestial Fool once, an elderly man obsessed with cultivation, with little concern for external matters. Truly deserving of the name Celestial Fool.

Celestial Fool reaching out must indicate something major. Tao Jun naturally wanted to understand the situation. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Once Zuo Wentao saw Tao Jun seated, he gently touched the array, causing an array of runes to shine and a Water Mirror to suddenly appear.

The white-haired and white-browed elder in the Water Mirror was indeed Celestial Fool Master.

The old Daoist's hair bun was disheveled, his beard tangled, and his yellow Daoist robe covered in wrinkles, giving him a rather sloppy appearance.

Zuo Wentao respectfully bowed and saluted, "Greetings, Master Uncle."

Celestial Fool Master waved his hand, "No need for formalities."

Impatient with pleasantries, he directly asked, "Has a new Celestial Master named Gao Xuan arrived in Wuyuan Country recently?"

"Yes."

Zuo Wentao understood Celestial Fool Master's nature and said, "Gao Xuan arrived in Wuyuan Country about half a year ago. His magical skills are extraordinary, his Divine Techniques unrivaled; even the Golden Horn Demon King was easily crushed by him..."

Zuo Wentao, anticipating Celestial Fool's questions, promptly and concisely introduced Gao Xuan's situation.

Tao Jun, although seated opposite, saw only a hazy yellow light and neither heard nor saw the conversation between Zuo Wentao and Celestial Fool.

This magical Spiritual Light surrounding the area could be breached by various methods. However, Tao Jun would not commit such rudeness. No matter how curious, he had to endure it.

Zuo Wentao was too busy to pay attention to Tao Jun, as Celestial Fool suddenly asking about Gao Xuan gave him a sense of foreboding.

After briefing Gao Xuan's situation, he quickly asked, "Master Uncle, why are you seeking Gao Xuan?"

Celestial Fool Master replied, "From what you say, Gao Xuan seems not a bad man. Killing the Buddhist baldies does show courage."

With some hesitation, he continued, "The Sixth Prince Ao Qiong of the North Sea Dragon King approached me, insisting that I kill Gao Xuan. Otherwise, next year he'll flood Qiong Country..."

The Qiong River is essentially the lifeline of Qiong Country; the whole nation depends on it for sustenance. Hence, the nation's name is Qiong.

If Ao Qiong causes trouble in the Qiong River, Qiong Country will be unable to withstand the damage and may even face extinction.

Although Celestial Fool Master despises Ao Qiong, benefiting from Qiong Country's offerings for two thousand years obliges him to exert effort for their sake.

If Ao Qiong only threatened him, he could ignore it. But threatening Qiong Country, Celestial Fool finds himself with no good solution.

Thus, he sought Zuo Wentao for insight.

Celestial Fool Master pondered aloud, "Our Daoist Sect has always been friendly with the Celestial Court, and Gao Xuan is a decent person. It's vexing..."

Zuo Wentao, likewise anxious, realized this wasn't just vexing. If Celestial Fool Master confronts Gao Xuan, chances are he might not best him.

To put it simply, Celestial Fool Master may not be much stronger than Golden Horn. Considering Golden Horn's prowess, the gap between Celestial Fool and Gao Xuan could be significant.

Zuo Wentao swiftly interjected, "Master Uncle, Gao Xuan is a Celestial Master of the Celestial Court. We shouldn't ruin our amicable relations with them over the Dragon Race..."

Celestial Fool Master glanced at Zuo Wentao, "You care for this? Are you worried I can't defeat Gao Xuan? Hahaha..."

The old master saw through Zuo Wentao's concerns and laughed happily.

Zuo Wentao wanted to cry; he earnestly said, "Master Uncle, forgive my rudeness. You might not be able to beat Gao Xuan. With his technique of controlling Heaven and Earth, few in the Cyan Celestial Realm are his match..."

"Controlling Heaven and Earth? It's indeed impressive."

Celestial Fool Master seemed indifferent, muttering to himself, "Gao Xuan has control over Heaven and Earth, but I haven't lived six thousand years for nothing."

Zuo Wentao sighed inwardly; the old master failed to grasp the core issue. Even after six thousand years of cultivation, what's the point?

Putting aside his uncle's capability to kill Gao Xuan, what benefit is there?

A dignified Human Immortal will always have devotees wherever he goes. Why bother with anything concerning Qiong Country?