Crow Immortal: I Can Duplicate Infinite Resources

Chapter 251: Absolutely No Forced Retention

Ma Quan of the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple?

Han Yu didn’t know the man, nor did he care to. What was there to discuss with a stranger?

Ignoring the call, Han Yu kept his focus forward, urging his flying sword to accelerate.

Seeing Han Yu ignore him, Ma Quan hastily pushed his own Magical Artifact to close the distance. “Fellow Daoist!” he called out again, his voice carrying over the wind. “Is this your first time in the Yulin Kingdom?”

“You must exercise caution on the road ahead! Do not proceed blindly!”

Han Yu had fully intended to leave the man in the dust. A quick scan revealed the man’s artifact was mediocre, and his aura was fueled by Spirit Breath, not true Qi. He was merely at the mid-stage of Qi Refining. However, the mention of danger ahead made Han Yu pause.

Caution ahead?

He slowed his flying sword to a halt. It wouldn’t hurt to hear what a local cultivator had to say. The Mystic One Sect was nestled right between the Nanhai Kingdom and the Yulin Kingdom. If there were new hazards on the border, gathering intelligence was the smart play.

As Ma Quan caught up, Han Yu seamlessly suppressed his Foundation Establishment aura, masking his power to project the presence of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. His true face, of course, was already hidden beneath the flawless disguise of the Thousand Illusions Secret Art.

“Greetings, Fellow Daoist,” Ma Quan called out as he drew near.

The man was the picture of health and prosperity. He had a ruddy complexion and striking features, and he wore a luxurious, wide-sleeved Daoist robe. He offered a polite, practiced smile and bowed slightly. “I am Ma Quan, the guest receptionist of the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple. A pleasure to meet you.”

Han Yu returned a shallow bow. “I am Li Ya, a Rogue Cultivator newly arrived in your esteemed lands. Greetings.”

Ma Quan let out a hearty, welcoming laugh. “Since Fellow Daoist Li has traveled all this way to the Yulin Kingdom and crossed paths with our temple, it must be fate! The Seeking Truth Daoist Temple insists on fulfilling our duties as a host.”

He gestured expansively toward the mountain below. “Please, Fellow Daoist, join us for a chat and some simple tea. It will give me the perfect opportunity to properly explain the dangers that lie ahead.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose on your esteemed temple,” Han Yu replied smoothly.

“Nonsense! No imposition at all!” Ma Quan insisted. “Our temple boasts 30 cultivators, and we take great pride in hosting travelers. To hear Fellow Daoist Li’s insights would be an honor!”

Ma Quan lifted the hem of his brocade robe and gestured toward the sprawling complex below. “Fellow Daoist Li, if you would please follow me!”

Han Yu noted the man’s attire. The Daoist robe was woven with pure white cloud patterns and featured twin cranes clasping lingzhi mushrooms in their beaks. The embroidery was exquisite, blending the opulence of mortal royalty with the ethereal elegance expected of a cultivator. It was far more extravagant than the standard uniforms worn back in Wanchun Valley.

As Ma Quan led Han Yu in a slow descent toward the temple, the sheer scale of the place became apparent. Nestled amidst overlapping, emerald peaks, the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple was a sprawling architectural marvel. Vermilion walls supported sweeping roofs of golden tiles. Intricately carved chiwen beast ornaments perched fiercely on the layered, upturned eaves. The complex boasted over a dozen massive halls and courtyards.

As the two cultivators drifted over the main path, the throngs of mortal pilgrims climbing the mountain immediately dropped to their knees, kowtowing against the stone steps.

“Immortal Masters!”

“Bless us, Immortal Masters!”

A cacophony of reverent shouts, desperate prayers for wealth, and pleas for healthy sons rose into the air.

Basking in the adoration, Ma Quan lifted his chin, a smug, self-satisfied smile playing on his lips. He glanced sideways, clearly expecting to see Han Yu awestruck by the display of power and wealth.

Instead, he found Han Yu’s expression utterly flat and unimpressed.

Ma Quan felt a twinge of surprise, his bloated ego deflating slightly. This Rogue Cultivator… he has a surprisingly solid temperament, he noted inwardly.

They bypassed the crowded front courtyards and touched down smoothly in a private rear hall.

The moment their boots hit the pavement, two young Daoist acolytes rushed forward and bowed deeply.

Ma Quan snapped his fingers, adopting a tone of easy authority. “You, go inform the Temple Master and Supervisor Liu that we have a guest.” He pointed to the second boy. “And you, tell the head chef to prepare a full banquet of our finest vegetarian dishes. See that there are no delays.”

The boys scrambled off to execute their orders. Ma Quan turned to Han Yu with an apologetic smile. “Our temple strictly adheres to a vegetarian diet. I pray Fellow Daoist Li will forgive the lack of meat.”

“It’s fine. Please, there’s no need to go to such trouble,” Han Yu said. “I intend to take my leave shortly.”

Ma Quan looked momentarily taken aback. “Leave so soon? Please, Fellow Daoist Li, you must allow us to show our sincerity.”

Before Han Yu could decline again, eight cultivators emerged from the inner courtyard.

The group was led by an elderly Daoist with a thin, ascetic face, snow-white hair, and a long beard, carrying a traditional horsetail whisk. Flanking him was a towering, broad-shouldered man with a severe expression. The remaining six cultivators trailed behind, all sporting ruddy, healthy complexions and wearing the same opulent brocade robes as Ma Quan.

Ma Quan quickly handled the introductions.

The white-haired elder was Temple Master Lin, the absolute authority of the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple. The hulking man was Supervisor Liu. Both men radiated the distinct, heavy aura of the Foundation Establishment realm. Ma Quan casually added that Temple Master Lin had also been officially appointed as the National Preceptor of the Yulin Kingdom.

Han Yu hid his surprise. Two Foundation Establishment cultivators? That put the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple a cut above the average local faction, making them one of the strongest independent powers outside the Southern Region’s four major Sects. With deep roots in the Yulin Kingdom and official backing from the mortal government, they were far more organized and dangerous than a loose band of Rogue Cultivators.

Maintaining his cover as “Rogue Cultivator Li Ya,” Han Yu stepped forward and offered a respectful bow, introducing himself as an eighth-layer Qi Refining cultivator.

Neither Temple Master Lin nor Supervisor Liu possessed the perceptive skills to pierce the Thousand Illusions Secret Art. They accepted his facade completely. The group showered him with polite praise, marveling at how difficult it must have been for a lone Rogue Cultivator to reach the eighth layer without Sect backing. They warmly ushered him into the grand receiving hall and offered him the finest tea.

After a few rounds of meaningless pleasantries, Han Yu decided to cut to the chase. He couldn’t discern their true angle through the suffocating politeness.

“Fellow Daoist Ma,” Han Yu began, setting his teacup down. “You mentioned earlier that the road ahead requires caution. May I ask what exactly you were referring to?”

Ma Quan leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “Fellow Daoist Li, you likely haven’t heard the news. A thousand miles from here lies the territory of the Mystic One Sect and their grand market.”

“Since last year, the Mystic One Sect has imposed draconian security measures. Entering the market now requires full registration of your name and cultivation level, plus a toll of one Spirit Stone just for an entry token. But it’s worse outside the market walls. Any Rogue Cultivator caught traveling through their territory is subject to immediate, aggressive search and interrogation by their patrols.”

Ma Quan shook his head grimly. “If you had blundered into their territory unaware of these new rules, you would have suffered a terrible loss. Imagine being suddenly surrounded and interrogated by a group of aggressive cultivators. Without knowing they were official Mystic One Sect patrols, a misunderstanding is almost guaranteed. And if a fight breaks out? Who can survive the wrath of a Sect backed by Golden Core ancestors?”

Han Yu stood up and offered a sincere bow of gratitude.

Regardless of the temple’s hidden agenda, that intelligence was incredibly valuable. It completely changed the risk calculus of his planned trip.

Ma Quan waved off the thanks, motioning for him to sit.

“Given this situation, Fellow Daoist Ma, how does one safely identify a Mystic One Sect patrol?” Han Yu asked, retaking his seat. “And what is the proper protocol to ensure I pass their inspections and enter the market without incident?”

Ma Quan chuckled, swirling his tea. “Well now… there are indeed certain tricks to navigating their checkpoints. But it’s not something I can explain in just a few words.” He smiled warmly. “Don’t be in such a rush to leave, Fellow Daoist Li. Let us treat you to a proper meal, and we can discuss the finer details at length.”

Temple Master Lin and Supervisor Liu nodded in unison, echoing the invitation to stay.

Han Yu’s internal alarms, far from being silenced, began ringing louder.

Why was this Temple going so far out of its way to pamper a random passing Rogue Cultivator? There was definitely a catch.

The conversation shifted away from the Mystic One Sect. The hosts politely inquired about Han Yu’s origins. He provided vague, noncommittal answers, which they accepted without pressing. The Daoists then pivoted to sharing stories of local politics and regional gossip within the Yulin Kingdom.

Han Yu played his part perfectly. He listened attentively, spoke little, and when prompted, spun believable tales of encountering rare spiritual herbs he had read about in manuals, claiming he lacked the resources to properly harvest them.

Ma Quan sighed sympathetically. “The life of a Rogue Cultivator is truly as bitter as you describe, Fellow Daoist Li. So many golden opportunities slip through your fingers for want of backing. It’s nothing like the life we lead here at the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple, where we enjoy endless leisure, worldly comforts, and absolute freedom to pursue our cultivation.”

He looked at Han Yu intently. “Do you truly plan to struggle in the dirt forever?”

“That is my lot,” Han Yu replied with a self-deprecating nod. “How could a lone wanderer like me ever hope to enjoy the luxuries you possess?”

Ma Quan exchanged a knowing, triumphant look with Temple Master Lin and Supervisor Liu.

“But Fellow Daoist Li, it doesn’t have to be hard!” Ma Quan said, spreading his hands. “Say the word. Prove you truly possess the strength of an eighth-layer Qi Refining cultivator, and the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple will gladly offer you a seat at our table.”

He gestured to the opulent hall. “Join us, and a lifetime of boundless wealth and honor is yours to enjoy!”

Han Yu finally understood. The excessive hospitality, the flaunting of wealth, the deliberate delays—it was a recruitment pitch.

“I am honored,” Han Yu said hesitantly, playing the part of a reluctant ascetic. “But your temple’s rules seem incredibly strict. You don’t even consume meat. I am a wild crane accustomed to the open clouds. I fear I would chafe under such rigid discipline—”

Ma Quan cut him off with a sly, secretive smile. “Ah, Fellow Daoist Li, you misunderstand us entirely.”

He leaned in close. “We are the Seeking Truth Daoist Temple. We seek the truth of human nature. We seek the true path of cultivation. Why would we ever suppress our inherent desires or deny our true hearts?”

Ma Quan patted Han Yu’s arm. “Please, stay the night. Let us show you the true sincerity of our hospitality. Let us show you what we really practice.” He smiled. “And if you still wish to leave in the morning… we will absolutely not force you to stay.”