Chapter 161: The Yellow Qilin Physique and Innate Spiritual Roots

Xie Jiuling’s understanding of the Inner-Gate Taoists was even deeper than that of Gongshu Ye. This was because Xie Jiuling had once witnessed a true master of the Inner-Gate Taoists with his own eyes.

That was nearly twenty years ago, yet the scene from that day remained vivid in Xie Jiuling’s memory; it was something he would never forget for as long as he lived. That day was the birth of Xie Jiuling’s eldest grandson, Xie Tianxing.

Xie Tianxing was the firstborn son of Xie Jingguo and the older brother of Xie Xinglong. However, in the memories of the current younger generation of the Xie family, such as Xie Xinglong and Xie Dong, no such elder brother had ever existed. They had always regarded Xie Xinglong as the eldest grandson, when in fact, that title truly belonged to Xie Tianxing.

Xie Jiuling clearly remembered that on the day of Xie Tianxing’s birth, a strange phenomenon appeared in the sky. The entire peak of Mount Jiulong was enveloped in golden clouds. At the time, Xie Jiuling concluded that this was an auspicious omen, believing that his eldest grandson must possess extraordinary qualities and would eventually achieve great things. Xie Jingguo and the others shared this sentiment, filled with joy.

Just as they were rejoicing, an astonishing event occurred. They suddenly heard a voice from the sky, followed by a booming laugh: "A body of the Yellow Qilin? Meeting me today is your destiny in the Tao!"

Xie Jiuling, Xie Jingguo, and the others were stunned. What followed was even more shocking. No sooner had the voice faded than they heard a whistling sound from above. Looking up, they saw a figure descending from the sky on the wind, landing gracefully right in front of them. It was an old Taoist wearing a grey robe, a Bagua hairpin in his hair, and traditional ten-direction shoes.

The old Taoist had hair as white as snow, yet his complexion was as youthful as a child’s. He was shrouded in a faint white aura, exuding an ethereal, otherworldly air—he looked exactly like an immortal descended to the mortal world. Even Xie Jiuling, a man who had seen much of the world, was shaken to his core, truly believing he was witnessing a deity. Xie Jingguo and his wife were left completely dumbstruck, nearly losing their wits.

"Is the Daoist a god walking among us?" Xie Jiuling asked, bowing with deep respect.

"My current cultivation is merely at the Innate Realm; I am but a human immortal, still far from the true divinities you speak of," the Taoist replied with a smile.

At the time, Xie Jiuling and his family did not understand the concepts of the "Innate Realm" or "human immortal," but they knew this man was no ordinary mortal. Setting aside the sacred aura he radiated, the very act of descending from the sky was something no mortal could achieve.

"May I ask what brings you to our humble abode, Daoist?" Xie Jiuling inquired.

"Passing through this region, I saw an aura of thick earth rising into the heavens from afar, signaling the birth of one with an Innate Spiritual Root. If I am not mistaken, a child was born in your house today?" the Daoist asked, hitting the mark immediately.

"That is correct. My grandson was born today. Does the Daoist have any insights?" Xie Jiuling had already sensed that the omens surrounding Xie Tianxing’s birth were auspicious, and now, with this god-like figure appearing, he felt it must be the will of Heaven.

"Your grandson is cloaked in the aura of thick earth; he possesses the Innate Yellow Qilin body and an Innate Spiritual Root. He is a natural talent for cultivation. With the right guidance, he will surely achieve great mastery in the future!" the Daoist said with a smile.

Terms like "aura of thick earth," "Yellow Qilin body," and "Innate Spiritual Root" sounded like gibberish to Xie Jiuling and his family, but after the Daoist explained, they began to grasp the basic concepts. The Daoist then introduced himself as Kunxu Zhenren, a member of the Inner-Gate Taoists. That was the first time Xie Jiuling had ever heard of such a group. Through Kunxu Zhenren, they learned just how unfathomable the existence of the Inner-Gate Taoists truly was.

Then, Kunxu Zhenren revealed his purpose. "As I said, your grandson, Xie Tianxing, is a natural talent for cultivation. If you agree, I wish to take him as my disciple, bring him into the Tao, teach him the arts, and train him into a true practitioner of the path."

Hearing this, Xie Jiuling and the others were overjoyed, seeing it as a heaven-sent opportunity. Having witnessed Kunxu Zhenren’s miraculous abilities, they realized that if Xie Tianxing could walk the same path and become such a figure, it would be the greatest blessing for the Xie family. They agreed almost without hesitation.

However, Kunxu Zhenren added, "Before you agree, there is something important you must know. If you allow Xie Tianxing to study under me, I must take him away. For a very long time, you may not be able to see him."

"What?" Xie Jiuling and the others were stunned. "How long is 'a very long time'? A few months, or a year or two?"

"At least ten years, perhaps longer," Kunxu Zhenren replied calmly.

"What?!" Hearing this, Xie Jiuling and the others hesitated. Ten years or more was an unbearably long time for them. To have a newborn child taken away for so long was difficult to accept. Xie Jingguo and his wife immediately began to have second thoughts.

But to their surprise, Xie Jiuling said quietly, "We agree!"

To Xie Jingguo and his wife, this felt like a death knell. Though they opposed it vehemently, they could not sway Xie Jiuling. As the head of the Xie family, Xie Jiuling held absolute authority. He told them to simply consider the child as having passed away at birth.

And so, one-day-old Xie Tianxing was taken away by Kunxu Zhenren. He was gone for nearly twenty years.

Now, as Gongshu Ye mentioned Xie Tianxing’s name, those buried memories surged back into Xie Jiuling’s mind like a tide. Even today, Xie Jiuling had no regrets about his decision. To receive the true teachings of a Zhenren and enter the path of cultivation was an opportunity not afforded to just anyone. Especially after hearing more rumors about the Inner-Gate Taoists over the years, he felt that the opportunity had been a rare stroke of divine providence. The thought that his own family had a member who was essentially an immortal filled him with excitement.

Upon hearing Gongshu Ye’s words, Xie Jiuling was stunned. "What? Master Gongshu, are you saying that Lin Le is also of the Inner-Gate Taoists?"

"Indeed. The power behind his sword strike contained an inexplicably potent energy. I can conclude with certainty that it was not martial Qi. Aside from the magical aura of the Inner-Gate Taoists, I can think of no other explanation," Gongshu Ye said excitedly.

Xie Jiuling was shocked. Xie Tianxing was not present, so he could not be sure, but he had seen Lin Le’s abilities with his own eyes. If Lin Le were truly an Inner-Gate Taoist, his significance would far exceed that of a Grandmaster of the Transformation Realm.

"If that is the case, I wonder if it is a blessing or a curse for our Xie family..." Xie Jiuling said with a worried expression.

Gongshu Ye understood his concern. "Regardless, for the sake of the Xie family's security, you really should try to contact your grandson among the Inner-Gate Taoists now!" The reason Gongshu Ye had been willing to protect the Xie family, aside from the lucrative terms, was precisely because of this Xie Tianxing.

The Inner-Gate Taoists! For a martial artist like Gongshu Ye, it was a monumental opportunity. If he could receive even a hint of guidance from them, it was entirely possible he might reach the legendary, mysterious Profound Realm in his lifetime.

"Tianxing..." Xie Jiuling murmured, a strange look flickering in his eyes.