?

  As we flew further west, looking down, we gradually left the bustling plains and entered the midst of towering mountains. The landscape here was different from that in the northeast of Zhiguai, with steep and beautiful scenery in every direction. As we continued to fly over the mountains, the terrain rose higher and the air grew colder as we entered the highlands. In the distance, a vast expanse of desolation stretched out, and from up high, it seemed there was a dividing line on the ground between areas of different colors. Xiao Bai asked Dan You Cheng, "Do you see how the colors are different down there?"

  Dan Youcheng: "Further ahead is the permafrost layer of the plateau. How can you see it clearly from up there?"

  As they spoke, they flew over a large lake again. The water was azure blue and the surface stretched as far as the eye could see. In the sky below, there were flocks of waterbirds flying by, making one almost mistake it for the ocean. Xiaobai asked again: "What place is this? It looks like a sea."

  "This is the largest lake on the Zhivu Plateau, Qingzhu Co. After passing Qingzhu Co, we are not far from Yuzhu Peak."

  Continue flying forward, a continuous white line appeared on the horizon in front, and it was only when we got closer that we saw that it was the peak of the high mountain where snow accumulated all year round. Dan You and Xiao Bai flew over from above the clouds at an extremely high altitude, with snowy mountains below, glaciers and lakes scattered among the mountains, and dense primeval forests growing in the lower-altitude valleys. Further ahead, a huge snow-capped peak could be seen standing tall in the distance, surrounded by countless peaks like ten thousand gorges coming to pay homage - that was Yu Zhu Peak.

  The Jade Pillar Peak's height directly entered the clouds, and the peak was still above the altitude of A You's flight, surrounded by high-altitude cloud layers. Along this road, they took in the scenery of ten thousand miles, Bai Shaofeng was greatly satisfied with his eyes, and Ling Dun Houye, who followed them flying, also didn't speak, marveling at the vastness and beauty of the Kunlun Continent, secretly thinking that the Church's emphasis on this continent was indeed very insightful.

  As they flew close to the Jade Pillar Peak, Xiao Bai felt that the giant serpent beneath their feet had taken a few deep breaths and then flapped its wings again, propelling them upwards towards the clouds. Dan You Cheng seemed to be struggling, it was too high up here! The Earl of Ling Dun had retracted his three-colored halo and was now following them at a steady pace, taking a deep breath and furrowing his brow slightly.

  Just then, a loud and clear voice came from the sky: "Guests come from afar, we are not very honored! Please!" Then, at the top of the peak, a high layer of clouds opened, and white clouds unfolded like a heavenly ladder all the way to the front of the three people. This white cloud ladder that descended from the sky seemed to have spirituality, and as they flew up along it, there was a natural upward force that brought the three people up into the air.

  Bai Shaoyu transmitted his voice to Dan Yuanshan: "Mr. Mei has such great magical powers!"

  Dan Yu Cheng: "It's not just my master who is unparalleled in the world. This is a masterpiece that can only be achieved through the combined efforts of many experts."

  As they spoke, they had already passed over the top of the Jade Pillar Peak and arrived at the highest cloud layer in the sky. This place was like another boundless white world, with huge clouds resembling a vast snowy plain, and cloud mountains dotting the surroundings. A massive cloud platform appeared before them, and from afar, they could see five radiant figures standing on top of it. After flying for nearly two hours, they finally saw the person they wanted to meet. The Duke of Ling didn't wait for Xiao Bai and Dan Yu to catch up, accelerating rapidly and shooting forward, leaving them far behind on the cloud platform.

  Tan Youcheng shook his giant tail and chased after him. Yun Tai was standing in the middle, with Mei Ye Shi on either side of him, accompanied by a man and a woman. Seeing Tan Youcheng flying towards them, Mr. Mei said: "A You, return to your original form, our combined magical powers can help you stand on the clouds."

  A Yu somersaulted in mid-air and transformed into a youth wearing armor, landing on the white clouds. Xiao Bai also jumped down to the edge of the cloud, feeling as if he was stepping on a soft pile of cotton, and couldn't help but exclaim: "What incredible magical power! ... What a huge piece of cotton candy!"

  Marquis Lington was even more shocked than Bai Shaoliu at this time, but he tried not to show any expression and stepped forward with a very elegant demeanor. His clothes fluttered in the wind as he spoke politely yet with an air of arrogance: "I am Purnis Lington, Knight of the Holy See, sent by God's guidance with a sacred mission from the Vatican. I have brought a decree from His Holiness the Pope. May I ask if you are Mei Ye Shi, the leader of the Kunlun cultivators?"

  "Ah, Your Excellency the Marquis, I've long admired your great name. I am Mei Ye Shi. The title of leader is too much for me to bear; I'm merely the one who presides over matters in the Kunlun cultivation world. It's not easy for you to have sent a letter from afar, so thank you very much... White Shaoliu is a young hero you naturally know, and Yóu Chéng, an inferior disciple, you've also met before. These four are all outstanding figures among the Kunlun cultivators; I've come to introduce them to you!"

  On Mei Ye's left stood a Daoist in a green robe and a woman in red, who were Ze Ren, the leader of Zhengyi Sect from East Kunlun, and Ji Yan, the protector of Gu Yun Men. On his right were also a man and a woman, Tao Ran, a guest from Xiwu Mountain Xianfu, and Yu Ling, the leader of Miao Yu Men. The Duke of Ling Tong was dressed in his finest attire, and he was indeed a handsome man with an extraordinary demeanor, but standing among these five people, he seemed to be losing his composure, and unconsciously, he didn't hold his head as high as before. Xiao Bai watched from the side, secretly admiring and finding it entertaining. Was Mr. Mei hosting a beauty pageant for Kunlun cultivators? The ones he chose were all top-notch figures with exceptional talent and looks.

  Zeran, the leader of the Zhengyi sect, wore a pair of white hemp shoes with a subtle sheen, and his body was draped in a Taoist robe of deep blue color. The material of this robe was unknown, but it seemed to shift and flow like the clouds, with a faint purple aura surrounding him. On the chest of the robe, there was a circular patch the size of a bowl, white as snow. In his hand, he grasped a golden dustpan, its threads swaying gently in the breezeless air. His hair was styled in a high bun, and what was most striking was that his hairpin was actually a small sword only four inches long - the legendary Leishen Sword. Zeran's appearance was dignified and calm, yet he exuded an aura of natural authority, inspiring reverence in those who beheld him.

  Marquis Lington stepped forward to pay his respects, and Ze Ren also bowed his head in respect, saying: "Ze Ren, the humble abbot of the sect, has paid his respects!"

  The guardian deity of the Lonely Cloud Gate, Hongyan, was a woman who could make any man's heart skip a beat at first sight. She looked to be around twenty-five or six years old, wearing a long crimson dress, with her raven-black hair casually draped over her shoulders, exuding an effortless elegance. A thin, long braid was woven into the thick hair at the back of her head, tied off at the end with a pale blue ribbon. Xiao Bai faintly sensed that her entire body was surrounded by a layer of pale blue light.

  The corners of Yan's mouth were raised in a smile, but his black and white eyes felt a bit chilly. Marquis Ling Dun stepped forward and bowed, and Yan also chuckled twice, imitating him to bow: "Are you Marquis Ling Dun? I've heard about you long ago, you're quite famous in the West, aren't you? When you come to the Zhixu continent, be honest, okay!" Even Bai Shaofeng, who was standing far away, felt his heart skip a beat. Marquis Ling Dun, however, involuntarily took half a step back and didn't dare to follow Western etiquette to kiss hands.

  The drunkard of the mountain, the western Kunlun scattered repair leader Tao Ran guest is a typical literary attire, wearing a dark green long gown, with a three-foot linked scabbard sword on his back, three strands of hair floating on his chest, with an ancient and rustic appearance. He looks like the oldest among the five people, about forty years old or so, standing there with a calm expression yet giving people a feeling of a gentle breeze brushing against their face.

  Seeing Marquis Lington, he made a fist and bowed his head: "Old Tao Ran Ke, has been living in the mountains for a long time, not asking about the affairs of the red dust, heard that the elegant guest came from afar, and was delighted to meet you. You have entered my Kunlun, hoping to get along peacefully from now on."

  Xī Kūn Lún Miào Yǔ Mén zhǎng mén yǔ líng yě shì yī míng nǚ zǐ, shēn cái xiū cháng miáo tiáo tíng tíng yù lì, shēn zhuó é huáng sè gōng zhuāng, yún bìn gāo tiǎo què kàn bù qīng miàn mù, yīn wèi tā dài zhe hēi sè de miàn shān. Xiǎo Bái dì yī yǎn jiàn dào tā bù yóu zì zhǔ xiǎng qǐ le Qīng Chén, yīn wèi Qīng Chén yuán xiān yě zǒng shì dài zhe chà bù duō de hēi sè miàn shān. Tā jiù zhàn zài nà lǐ Xiǎo Bái què jué dé zhōng jiān yǒu wú xíng de zǔ gé, yī piàn jí dàn de rú wù rú yān xiáng yún zài tā jiǎo xià shēng qǐ huán rào zhōu shēn piāo dòng, xiǎn dé tā zhěng gè shēn yǐ yě shì piāo miào shén mì.

  When responding to Marquis Lingdun, Yu Ling said faintly: "Your Excellency is the envoy of the Pope, and my Miao Yu Men has no intention of getting along with you. However, the Kunlun cultivators have a good guest etiquette, and since you are a guest from afar, we should treat you well. You should also follow the rules of being a host."

  Of course, the host was Kunlun Alliance Master Mei Ye Shi. Mr. Mei had met Bai many times before, but today was different. Today, Mr. Mei wore a purple gold crown on his head, cloud-stepping boots on his feet, and a celestial ribbon cloak on his body, with seven-colored light radiating from him all over, looking like an immortal in the misty clouds. Ling Dun Hou had also come dressed to impress today, thinking he looked quite dashing, but standing before these five people, none of whom could match his elegance and demeanor, after exchanging greetings, not a hint of pride was left on his face.

  Apart from Mr. Mei, these four young men were also meeting for the first time. He thought to himself - I should also greet them? He didn't walk over, but stood in place and bowed his fists one by one to the four of them: "I'm from Wuyou, my name is Bai Shaoliu, seniors can just call me Little White, nice to meet you all for the first time!"

  Unexpectedly, Xiao Bai's face was quite big, and the four of them bowed their fists together and said in unison: "We've long admired you, White Xiaoyi is good! ... Since you're in Wuyou, may I ask if Feng Xianren is doing well?"

  Xiaobai was startled, thinking that even if he were more famous, it would be impossible for these four extraordinary people to have heard of him. Immediately after, he was slightly surprised again, as the four asked about Feng Junzi in unison, making it seem like this Mr. Feng's reputation was quite impressive, with people from afar asking about him. Xiaobai smiled and replied: "He's fine, very good, always smiling!"

  At this time, Zhang Men Ze Ren said another sentence: "Bai Xiao doesn't need to call me elder."

  Bai Shaoliu was a bit bewildered: "Why are you all calling me Bai Xiaoyi?"

  Mei Ye Shi smiled and replied, "This is the title given to you by the Kunlun cultivators, didn't you know? ... Marquis, since you've come from afar to see me, please speak your mind."

  Marquis Lington was slightly surprised and somewhat disappointed. He had thought that Mei Ye Shi would gather a large number of practitioners from various Kunlun factions to line up and wait, which would show off the style of the alliance leader and also demonstrate his position as the Pope's special envoy. Unexpectedly, after running so far, he only saw five people. He looked around and asked: "Mei Alliance Leader, I heard that there are many sects in the Kunlun cultivation world and countless practitioners, why are there only five of you today?"

  Mei Ye Shi's enigmatic smile seemed to say: "Everyone is scattered throughout the nine states of Kunlun, each with their own affairs inside and outside the red dust. Unless necessary, I wouldn't dare disturb them. These four people today are all leaders among the Kunlun cultivators, they will naturally convey the meaning of the Holy See to the world, so Viscount, you don't have to worry about this."

  Marquis Lington frowned and said, "Isn't this a formal meeting?"

  Mei Ye Shi: "Kunlun cultivators handle matters naturally and adapt to circumstances, I don't understand what Mr. Ling Dun Hou meant by the two words 'formal invitation'. I heard you came to deliver a letter for the Pope, do you want me to gather all under heaven for just one letter? If you want to meet with all the cultivators under heaven, it's likely that we'll have to wait until the Sect's Grand Assembly forty years from now."

  Marquis Lington sighed and could only do so. Originally, he wanted to read the Pope's edict in front of many Kunlun practitioners, but this place was not seen in heaven or earth, and it was very different from what he had imagined. He pulled out a letter from his sleeve, sealed with wax on the envelope, and the wax still had the private seal of the current Pope Nicholas III. He held the letter high above his head and handed it to Mr. Mei, who took it with both hands: "Thank you, I don't know if there's anything else the Holy See wants me to entrust besides delivering the letter?"

  Marquis Lington: "The meaning of the imperial edict from the Vatican is already very clear, I'd like to ask a few more questions and hope that Master Mei can provide an explanation."

  "Go ahead and ask."

  Marquis Lington: "I heard that the Kunlun cultivators have three major precepts. Can the leader of the Plum Alliance recite them clearly to me? Although I knew it before, I want to understand the most authoritative formal text."

  Mei Ye Shi smiled: "There's no such thing as authority or not, the three major precepts are just one sentence, which is to avoid misusing divine magic and disturbing the mortal world. To be specific, there are three points, let me put it in a way you can understand. First, you must not use magic to harm ordinary people, only self-defense is allowed in emergency situations; second, you must not publicly display your powers and cause chaos, leading to panic among the people; third, you must not use divine magic to covet others' wealth for personal gain, deceiving the masses... I think Lord Hou should understand this, the Church wouldn't allow magicians to fly in the middle of the city, would they?"

  Marquis Lington nodded: "I understand, then I'll ask a few questions. First, can magic be used to eliminate dark creatures or conflict with cultivators?"

  Mei Ye Shi: "I don't understand what you mean by 'dark creature', I only ask if there is guilt, whether it should be punished or not, without asking about one's background. If someone uses magic to recklessly kill, that is absolutely not allowed. This has nothing to do with the three great taboos of Kunlun, but rather a matter of reason and human decency. As for personal grievances and conflicts, we can only discuss them as they arise, and I have nothing more to say on this matter."

  Marquis Lington: "Is the Vatican preaching in Zhixu?"

  Mei Ye Shi: "You spread your teachings, as long as there are people willing to believe. It has nothing to do with others, but you must not use magic in front of the masses. If your internal disciples learn magic, that is an internal matter, but this is only private transmission and teaching. After learning magic, they still have to follow the Kunlun Code."

  Marquis Lington: "This is almost the same as in the West, so I have another question. How can 'not being able to call God' be explained? In my opinion, there is only one God in the world, can Master Mei acknowledge this?"

  "Your faith does not need my recognition, and my faith does not need your recognition. No one will have an opinion if you worship God as a god, but be aware that you are not a deity, the Pope is not a deity, and the Vatican cannot represent the will of God."

  Marquis Lington's expression changed: "The representative of the Holy See is God's will, and this cannot be doubted or violated!"

  "Baron, I think there's been a misunderstanding between us."

  Marquis Lington: "What misunderstanding? Please speak clearly, Master Mei."

  Mei Ye Shi hadn't spoken yet when he heard Xiang Yan's gentle laughter and her question: "Ling Dun Marquis, may I ask which region are you a marquis of?"

  Marquis Lington said solemnly: "I was born into the Spia royal family and am a marquis of the Kingdom of Spia."

  "Your title in the Zhixu State is meaningless, addressing you as Marquis is just a courtesy. Do you understand? If you can't figure it out yourself, there's nothing I can do."

  Mei Ye smiled wryly and explained to Lord Lingdon: "What Hong Yan said is what I wanted to say. In fact, I should call you Lord Lingdon, but I'm afraid you won't understand. We don't reject the belief in gods, but we don't agree with people using the name of gods to impose their will on others. You can't force your creed on non-believers, nor can you take any threatening actions against so-called heretics."

  Marquis Lington's face was solemn: "What is the Holy See?"

  "In my eyes, it is the guardian of faith and the organizer of believers' activities, as well as a spiritual sect where believers seek solace in their faith. Of course, its meaning may be completely different to you, which is not something that can be forced, neither can I force you nor can you force me... This isn't some kind of negotiation, nor is it necessary to negotiate, I'm just stating my attitude."

  Marquis Lington: "I fully understand, I will convey the attitude of the Mei Alliance to the Vatican, as for what attitude the Vatican has, it is already written in this edict, so there is no need for me to say more. Personally, I still have one last question, if someone violates the precepts you mentioned, who will deal with them?"

  Mei Ye Shi: "The precepts of the Xiū Xíng are quite lenient and do not provide sufficient constraints for the world. They are merely a way for people to coexist peacefully. If someone violates the precepts, they likely would have already violated secular laws, and the authorities will punish them accordingly. However, if someone has supernatural powers, they often leave no evidence for the law to follow, and ordinary police cannot catch them. This is when someone with similar supernatural powers needs to take action, such as Xiaoyi Shi's killing of the Lahis Archbishop of the Uyu Teaching District."