Kong Xuan carried the three of them beyond the ridge. As the early light faded, the fledgling crane on his shoulder beat its wings three times and turned into a streak of white that vanished into the horizon. Kong Xuan patted the little rabbit on the head, then touched the center of the little fox's forehead. Waves of five colored radiance spread out like a tide.
"We cannot remain here. The pursuers of the Chan Sect will come again. Return to Golden Tortoise Island and report everything to the Saint Mother."After speaking, he unfurled his long feathers. Brilliant light burst forth, and he disappeared into the sea of clouds, his presence gone in an instant.
The little rabbit stared blankly at the sky, clutching a few drifting feathers.The little fox put away his pagoda, the light in his eyes dimming. "Let us go. He has his road. We have our duty."
They boarded their spirit boat. The dazed crane crouched at the stern, its head swaying from side to side as if still confused by Kong Xuan's sudden departure. The boat crossed the waves of the eastern sea. The massive outline of Golden Tortoise Island emerged slowly from the mist.
The island barrier opened on its own, recognizing the Saint Mother's mark on them. The spirit boat descended before the cave dwelling of the Spirit Turtle Saint Mother. She was observing the tides. When she heard their report, her brows drew together.
"Twelve golden immortals coming in person, and they even used the demon disc mirror to lock onto Kong Xuan. This was far too reckless."
With a gesture, seawater gathered into a shining mirror. It revealed the shattered demon disc and the scattered sword energy."The Chan Sect has ignored the balance of the world. Forcing Kong Xuan to reveal his divine power is a dire omen for the fate of the three realms."
The little rabbit hesitated. "Saint Mother, did we… do something wrong"
The Saint Mother shook her head. Her voice flowed like tidewater, calm yet powerful."You did well. The ones who are wrong are those who act only according to heaven's decree and ignore the lives of all beings. This must be brought before the Sect Master."
With a sweep of her sleeve, the heart of the island roared. A column of blue light rose from the sea and lifted the three of them skyward. At the peak of the pillar, the nine currents of sea wind parted naturally, revealing a sacred pathway that led down into the deep sea abyss.
"Follow me. We will go to the Palace of Azure Serenity and meet the Sect Master of the Way of Celestial Unity."
The abyss glowed with countless shifting lights. As they descended deeper, the pressure of the sea merged with spiritual force into a vast unseen weight. The dazed crane clung tightly to the little rabbit's back, daring only to show half of its head.
Before long, a colossal palace emerged, towering across the underwater realm. Its walls were built of deep sea blue gold and radiated an indescribable sense of authority. Water cascaded before the palace like silent waterfalls.
The Spirit Turtle Saint Mother halted at the entrance and called into the hall with solemn respect."Disciple Spirit Turtle, with disciples Little Li and Little Xue, come to report the incident at Golden Rooster Ridge."
Light stirred within the hall.It was like the quiet breath of an ancient will.
A voice came from the endless depths. It was gentle yet majestic, a tone that could penetrate countless calamities.
"Enter."
The doors of the Palace of Azure Serenity opened.A tide of azure light swept out, carrying a force that could not be resisted. It wrapped the three and drew them slowly inside.
The little fox gripped the little rabbit's hand.The little rabbit clutched the crane's wing.
They understood that from this moment onward, they would no longer be two wandering young cultivators. The sword light at Golden Rooster Ridge had already stirred a greater storm. And now that the doors of the Palace of Azure Serenity had opened, every word spoken within could reshape their destiny.