It is apparent that Tao Jun made a significant decision, which is why he hastily came to place a bet on him.

Left Wentao, Tao Jun, Jiang Yunfeng, these cultivators have been steeped in the mundane world for too long, covered in grease.

However, cultivating in the Immortal Realm requires numerous resources and mingling with the Emperor of the mortal world, so Tao Jun and the others cannot be blamed for being worldly.

Without this ability, they would have long turned to dust on the arduous path of cultivation.

This night was a sleepless one for the upper echelons of Wuyuan Country. Even the Emperor of Wuyuan Country was likely awake all night.

The next day, after half a month of chilling northern winds, they stopped. In the clear sky, the great sun hung high, making it a day of gentle winds and sunshine.

At a quarter past noon, Jinshan and other high monks of the Buddhist Sect arrived at the Celestial Master Temple riding on auspicious clouds.

At the entrance of the Celestial Master Temple stood two children, Qingfeng Mingyue. The two children approached courteously to greet, leading Jinshan's group into the temple.

Leading the way, Jinshan took a step over the temple's entrance and immediately felt that something was amiss.

The small courtyard surprisingly had space magic set up within it. Resisting it would not be difficult, but he wanted to see what kind of trick Gao Xuan was up to.

The high monks following Jinshan also sensed something was not right. None of them paid much attention as they gathered together as the Four Great Golden Body Arhats; what trick could a mere Celestial Master play?

Heaven and earth spun, light and shadow shifted.

Upon entering the courtyard, Jinshan and others suddenly found themselves by a riverbank.

In the winter, the broad river was mostly frozen, with only the center maintaining a fierce flow.

The riverbank was covered with a thick layer of ice and snow, the distant mountains cloaked in silver. Under the bright sunlight, the sky was bluer, the mountains higher, the snow whiter.

Gao Xuan, dressed in a deep yellow robe, stood by the river hands behind him, portraying a free-spirited demeanor.

Ripple, wearing white, cradle the Ripple Sword, stood serving by Gao Xuan's side.

Neither Jinshan nor the group of monks knew where this place was. Based purely on divine technique perception, they knew this place was far from the Celestial Master Temple, at least a thousand miles away.

To cover such a distant space with magic and guide everyone here without a trace showed the adeptness of the caster's magic.

Jinshan and others knew Gao Xuan was formidable, but experiencing Gao Xuan's divine techniques firsthand was truly astonishing.

Jinshan, possessing the Golden Body Arhat, remained composed, while the group of Arhats showed fluctuations, struggling to control themselves.

Gao Xuan turned around after looking at the river; he elegantly cupped his hands in greeting: "Esteemed high monks of the Buddhist Sect, I apologize for not welcoming you from afar."

Jinshan stepped forward spontaneously as a representative, responding: "Celestial Master Gao, no need for such courtesy."

He paused and then asked, "May I ask the Celestial Master, where is this place?"

Gao Xuan smiled, "This is the source of Bai Cang River, mostly frozen over three thousand miles, but the source still has flowing water. Even in the deep of winter, it is quite a sight."

Gao Xuan said to Jinshan, "Originally, the guests are dear, but there's not much to entertain you with, I can only ask you to appreciate the river scenery..."

Jinshan was silent, not quite understanding Gao Xuan's intent. Going to great lengths using space magic to bring them here just for the river scenery?

Or was he afraid a fight might break out and damage the Celestial Master Temple?

Jinshan thought Gao Xuan had thought too much. With so many of them, how could they give Gao Xuan any chance to retaliate?

At that moment, figures flashed in the air, and three more cultivators arrived.

The leading figure had white hair and white brows, his hair bun was disordered, and his Daoist robe was shabby, but his bright old eyes flashed with an extraordinary presence.

Left Wentao and Tao Jun followed behind the old Taoist. Jinshan recognized the two, but had never seen the leading figure.

Just judging by this old Taoist's appearance, he should be Left Wentao's senior uncle, Celestial Fool Master.

Jinshan inwardly sneered, with Yu Jing Dao left with only this old Taoist sitting in guard, how dare he get involved in this turbulent water, truly unaware of life and death.

Given the strength of the Buddhist Sect, what difference would it make even if the Daoist Immortal of Northern Province Daoist Sect arrived today!

Celestial Fool Master didn't pay attention to Jinshan, he cupped his hands towards Gao Xuan: "The old Taoist Celestial Fool also came to see the scenery, Celestial Master, please do not take offense."

"Welcome. Celestial Fool Master, a dear guest hard to invite."

Gao Xuan saw Celestial Fool had no malice and responded politely with a couple of words.

Celestial Fool Master chuckled and said, "Celestial Master, don't mind us, we are merely observers."

He then remarked to Xuan Xiang behind Jinshan: "Old monk Xuan Xiang, it's been two thousand years since we last met, you're quite vigorous."

Xuan Xiang had his eyelids slightly drooped, indifferent to the surrounding situation. Until Celestial Fool greeted him, he slightly lifted his eyelids to glance at Celestial Fool.

"Two thousand years, you're still the same."

Xuan Xiang calmly said, "Today is the matter between our Buddhist Sect and Celestial Master Gao, the old monk advises you not to interfere."

Celestial Fool Master was somewhat displeased and said, "The host has not spoken, and you, a guest, try to dispel, this is unreasonable."

Xuan Xiang did not argue, "The old monk merely gives friendly advice due to our acquaintance. Whether you heed it is up to you."

Saying this, Xuan Xiang drooped his eyelids again, half-closed eyes as if newly entered meditation.

"The old monk still loves to engage in mystery."

Celestial Fool muttered a bit but did not engage with Xuan Xiang anymore.

Left Wentao and Tao Jun were too low in status to speak much at this time, both gave a distant nod to Gao Xuan to indicate.

Jinshan disregarded the three from Daoist Sect and addressed Gao Xuan: "Celestial Master Gao, we came today for something to consult with the Celestial Master."

"Please speak."

Gao Xuan knew well what they intended to say but needed to maintain courtesy. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

All were Immortals or Arhats, maintaining face was essential. Starting with scold and actions would be equivalent to demons.

Jinshan solemnly asked, "Celestial Master, may I ask what mistake my younger brother, Golden Light, committed that warranted you to strike him down, and even transformed into golden chrysanthemums across the mountains."