劍問蒼天 - 第155章 拜祭 - 翰墨軒

Xiao Yichen lowered his voice, his expression turning somewhat grave. "My master bade me ask you, Uncle-Master—is the 'Heaven's Mechanism Seal' on the rear mountain of Dazhu Peak still wholly intact?"

Tian Buhui's face changed drastically. He rose abruptly to his feet and fixed his gaze on Xiao Yichen, who also slowly stood, yet retreated a step. Tian Buhui watched him for a long while, the expressions shifting ceaselessly across his face—first astonishment and shock, then, as he gradually regained his composure, deep thought, and at last a strange, peculiar light seemed to flash in his eyes. Looking at Xiao Yichen, he suddenly said:

"It seems Senior Brother Daoyan truly intends to pass the position of sect master to you in the days to come."

Xiao Yichen bowed his head slightly. "You overstate matters, Uncle-Master. This disciple would not presume so much."

Tian Buhui said mildly, "He no longer keeps even this from you—his meaning is plain enough. Never mind; that is a matter for Jietian Peak, and I cannot be bothered with it. But as for the Heaven's Mechanism Seal—" He paused here, then went on in a heavy voice: "This matter is of no small consequence; it touches upon the very fortunes of Qingyun. In those years the Patriarch Qingye laid down an explicit command, passed to the heads of the seven peaks of Qingyun: it is not to be employed save in the direst extremity..."

He drew a deep breath. "Everyone understands what hangs upon it. I ask only this: has Senior Brother Daoyan truly thought it through?"

Xiao Yichen's manner was now one of the utmost caution. He pondered a long while, as though fearing to misplace a single word, before nodding. "Yes. Before this disciple set out, my master instructed me most solemnly on the matter."

Tian Buhui was silent a moment. "And apart from Jietian Peak and Dazhu Peak—what of the Heaven's Mechanism Seals of the other five peaks?"

Xiao Yichen answered reverently, "My master told only this disciple, for he felt that among the Canglan Sect none now commands greater respect than you, Uncle-Master Tian, and so he wished first to seek your counsel. As for the other five peaks, this disciple will pay his respects to the various heads shortly."

Tian Buhui nodded slowly and sat back down in his seat. After a long spell of thought he sighed. "As to the present circumstances—we have indeed come to a critical pass. The fate of all living things shall be decided in this one battle. If our sect master wishes to stake everything, I have nothing to say against it. Only, when you return, convey a word from me to him."

Xiao Yichen's face was respectful. "Yes. Pray speak, Uncle-Master Tian; this disciple will certainly deliver it."

Tian Buhui's face was slightly pale. "Once the seven seals are withdrawn, the baleful qi that Canglan Mountain has suppressed for a thousand years will inevitably burst forth. Though the divine power of the Ancient Sword of Immortal Slaying may subdue it, it can be turned into a killing intent without equal in this world—yet the harm it works upon the one who wields the sword, the erosion of his very foundation of cultivation, is likewise no trifling matter. Senior Brother Daoyan's powers plumb the depths of creation, but this is no small thing. I beg him to weigh it well beforehand, and guard against all mischance."

Xiao Yichen said gravely, "Yes. Your words, Uncle-Master Tian, shall be delivered without fail." He paused, then continued, "If there is nothing else, Uncle-Master, this disciple shall take his leave."

Tian Buhui nodded and said no more. Seeing his heavy expression, Xiao Yichen dared not speak further, and slowly withdrew. In the Hall of Guarded Stillness, Tian Buhui was left alone. He turned slowly and gazed at the images of the Three Pure Ones enshrined in the hall, his face a tangle of feeling. After a long while he merely gave a sigh, and in the end said nothing at all.

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