In the room, an old and a young Taoist priest were sitting by a tea table.
On the table, besides a long sword named Yuanbao, there was a wooden basin filled with most of a bottle of spirit-replenishing water, in which three copper coins and a bronze oil lamp were soaking.
But at this moment, the gazes of the old and young were fixed on a rusty iron token.
The iron token was no larger than a youth's palm. The front was engraved with the characters 'Xuantian·Ten,' and the back was a blurry, discernible stretch of continuous mountain peaks.
"This is the sect leader's token belonging to our Xuantian lineage of the Ten Xuan Sect from years ago."
The old Taoist pointed to the iron token on the table. "This time, the disciples of the Nine Xuan Sect, besides coming here to try their luck as usual, also hope to retrieve this token."
Even to ensure the smooth retrieval of the token, the leading disciple of the Nine Xuan Sect, a young man named Zhao Yuansong, had brought a promise from his sect elders.
As long as it was something the Nine Xuan Sect could accomplish, the Xuantian Temple could propose it.
"I've always been very curious, if they want this token so badly, why don't they just take it? Including any opportunities left behind by our Patriarch in the temple."
Ji Yuan leaned back in his chair, a bit bewildered.
With the prestige of the Nine Xuan Sect, even separated by several prefectures, the Xuantian Temple, having fallen into decline for over three hundred years, was in no position to resist them.
They could have directly dismantled the entire Taoist temple and moved it back to their own mountain gate, without needing to go through such trouble, let alone making such a promise for a mere token.
This seemingly simple promise was worth more than a thousand gold pieces, more than even a mountain of gold could buy.
The old man poured himself a cup of cold tea, drank it down, and said, "My master once said that there are causes and effects in the unseen world. If they were to act forcefully, the original opportunities would turn into calamities. That's why they send disciples here once every four years to try their luck."
"As for this token, they covet the fortune it holds. If it were forcibly taken, rather than voluntarily given by a descendant of the Xuantian Temple, they would gain nothing."
So-called fortune was ethereal. Let alone ordinary mortals, even cultivators who had achieved a certain level of attainment might not be able to perceive even a trace of it.
When Zhao Yuansong, representing the elders of his sect, requested to retrieve this iron token, he had frankly stated that the Nine Xuan Sect was currently facing a rare opportunity. If they could reunite the fortune of the Ten Xuan Sect, they might become famous throughout a whole province.
At that time, it was possible that a Land Immortal, revered by cultivators in the world, might emerge from their sect.
"For such an important matter, sending only an outer disciple seems a bit strange."
Ji Yuan mumbled.
Generally speaking, for matters concerning the prosperity and flourishing of a sect, it wouldn't be excessive even if a few inner elders came. Yet, it was just an outer disciple, which seemed somewhat illogical.
The old Taoist smiled upon hearing this, "For the Nine Xuan Sect, it would be excellent if they could retrieve the fortune of the Ten Xuan. If they cannot, they will surely have other backup plans. A renowned major sect would not put all its eggs in one basket."
It was the smaller sects, or even lone individuals, who were more likely to gamble everything they had.
Conversely, a major sect with a deep foundation would focus on long-term growth, adding to their resources bit by bit.
"If you truly do not wish to go to the Nine Xuan Sect, use this token to exchange for something that can help your own path of cultivation go further."
The old Taoist sighed, no longer forcing his young disciple.
After all, if Ji Yuan refused to change his allegiance, the Xuantian Temple would ultimately have to be passed on to him.
As for his senior disciples, it was sufficient for them to live a stable life. If they could achieve some prosperity in the end, that would be quite good.
Moreover, with the abilities of those few disciples, it was still a bit of a stretch to take on such a responsibility.
"Master, are you abdicating to retire and passing the position of Abbot to me!"
Ji Yuan's eyes lit up. He ignored the readily available opportunity, showing instead strong interest in the position of Abbot.
Seeing this, the old Taoist hit the young Taoist's head irritably, "We'll talk about such matters after I return to the heavens!"
There was absolutely no possibility of him snatching his position as Abbot!
The young Taoist was somewhat disappointed. He snatched the teapot and drank several mouthfuls directly from it. A little tea, carrying a trace of spiritual energy, dripped from the corner of his mouth onto his Taoist robe.
Finally, the old man left the iron token on the table and slowly returned to his room, where he began to pore over Taoist scriptures that he had already read countless times, engrossed in his reading.
Before leaving, he did not forget to remind his disciple to prepare lunch.
Ji Yuan slumped in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling beam, not understanding how a big trouble had suddenly fallen upon him in just a few words.
This token definitely had to be handed over. Although the Nine Xuan Sect was showing goodwill now, a sect presiding over a prefecture could not be without some formidable methods.
If he were an ordinary person, it would be one thing. But since he had already embarked on the path of cultivation, offending a powerful sect would clearly not be a good thing.
They had countless ways to make his cultivation path difficult, even turning a broad and smooth road into a dead end.
However, how to hand over this token also had its nuances.
If he were to demand an exorbitant price, although it would be given as promised as long as the Nine Xuan Sect could afford it, it would turn a good thing into a bad one.
For instance, would the disciples of the Nine Xuan Sect be furious and descend the mountain to spar with him, this ungrateful person? Whether they would accidentally break an arm or a leg was unknown.
It was even possible that someone might learn of him obtaining the Nine Xuan Sect's precious treasure and decide to 'take a risk.'
But if he asked for too little, let alone anything else, the Nine Xuan Sect would be the first to be unhappy.
On one hand, due to the unseen cause and effect, if the offered benefit was not substantial enough, they would not be able to retain the fortune within the token even if they retrieved it.
On the other hand, it was also a matter of sect prestige. Handling it poorly could easily invite criticism. Such unseen things were often the most troublesome, and mishandling them could become a tool for enemies to attack.
Therefore, finding the right amount was the key.
"But it must be something I need, otherwise, it might still be impossible to resolve this karmic entanglement."
Ji Yuan muttered to himself, suddenly feeling a headache.
If this matter was handled well, he could also gain some benefits, and his future path of cultivation would be smoother.
But if he made a mistake, and a good thing turned into a bad one, he might have to reincarnate and hope for better luck in his next life.
"Sometimes having too much good fortune isn't necessarily a good thing!"
The young Taoist shook his head, once again somewhat disliking his own fortune.
Even a seemingly great opportunity had to be able to be handled. Whether it was the karma behind the white jade flying sword or the promise from the Nine Xuan Sect this time, if he wasn't careful, he might really have to reincarnate.