Chapter 497: Increasingly Unfathomable Person

As the old beggar had said, the rope was neither metal, nor water, nor wood, nor fire, nor earth. It clearly did not belong to any of the five elements.

Most things in the universe, from plants and animals to wind, clouds, and thunder, are associated with one of the five elements. For something not to belong to any of them was almost like saying it wasn't made of matter at all.

However, given the keen eyes of both the old beggar and Ji Yuan, they knew they weren't mistaken.

Since this rope was used to tie a scroll, Ji Yuan wondered if the scroll itself might also possess some unique quality.

With this thought, Ji Yuan picked up the scroll again and slowly unrolled it.

The content, however, disappointed both Ji Yuan and the old beggar. It was a landscape painting titled "Great Scenic Rivers and Mountains," bearing the signature of the old emperor, Chu Ze. Clearly, it was an ordinary piece; otherwise, the emperor would be a master so profound that even Ji Yuan and the old beggar couldn't perceive his true nature.

Ji Yuan redirected his attention to the thin golden rope in his hand and turned to the old emperor, inquiring, "Your Majesty, where did this golden rope come from?"

Before today, the old emperor would have simply considered it an ordinary cord woven from golden thread. He certainly wouldn't remember its origins, so he looked to the elderly eunuch beside him.

"Gong Shun, do you know anything about this?"

The old eunuch also had a dim memory of it. Golden cords were commonplace in the palace; it was impossible to keep track of each one. However, since the emperor had asked, he had to provide an answer. After a moment's thought, he stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, there are many golden cords in the palace. The eunuchs in charge of procurement regularly bring them from the manufacturing department. This particular cord might have been crafted by the skilled artisans there."

"The manufacturing department?"

The old beggar narrowed his eyes and chuckled. "Heh, this cord is certainly not something ordinary humans could have crafted, nor is it made of gold thread..."

As he spoke, the old beggar suddenly had a thought and turned to Men Yutong. "National Master Men, please bring that scroll of yours here again."

"Yes, sir!"

Men Yutong retrieved the scroll from his spatial sleeve, handing it to the old beggar with both hands. Seemingly understanding the old beggar's intention, Ji Yuan also passed him the golden rope.

The old beggar took the golden rope, gently wrapped it around the scroll several times, and tied it. Once the rope was in place, the subtly extraordinary aura of the Xiezhi scroll neither vanished nor changed. Instead, both Ji Yuan and the old beggar felt a sense of rightness, as if this was how it was always meant to be.

"So that's it. This cord was originally used to bind the Xiezhi scroll."

Typically, after finding nothing of note in the Heavenly Vault, someone of Ji Yuan's or the old beggar's stature would have departed. However, they remained because Ji Yuan had a faint, inexplicable sensation that kept them there.

The moment the golden cord was found, that feeling in Ji Yuan vanished, bringing with it a sudden realization: there was nothing left to seek.

In truth, the Xiezhi scroll itself only exuded a subtle, unusual aura, akin to a mere talisman, and could be easily sealed. The presence or absence of this golden cord made little difference to its power. However, the current revelation made it clear to Ji Yuan that both the cord and the scroll originated from the same source.

As for the golden cord, it didn't appear to be a magical artifact. Its material was simply unique, and it seemed more like something the original painter casually used to secure the artwork.

Ji Yuan removed the golden cord and returned the Xiezhi scroll to Men Yutong before addressing the old emperor. "Your Majesty, would it be permissible for us to take this golden cord?"

Despite knowing the cord's extraordinary nature, the old emperor understood it was useless to him. Handing it over to Ji Yuan and the old beggar, however, would be a significant gesture of goodwill. He had no objections and quickly replied, "I have already stated that the two immortal masters may take whatever catches their eye. This item is no different; it is merely a golden cord."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Ji Yuan cupped his hands towards the old emperor. Though a mere shallow bow, it was the first time he had formally saluted the ruler, causing a ripple of quiet excitement in the emperor, who had long occupied the imperial throne.

"Immortal master, you are too kind. On another note, I've already instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare dinner. Why don't the two of you stay and dine with us? National Master, what do you think?"

Men Yutong quickly added, "Yes, indeed. Why don't the two immortal masters have dinner here in the palace?"

Ji Yuan smiled. "There's no need for you two to be nervous; I'm not leaving just yet. However, I must decline dining in the palace. I've promised to personally cook a meal for the Qiao family's children as a gesture of thanks for those two old hens."

The old beggar, completely unconcerned with his image, reached inside his collar to scratch his back and also declined. "Oh, if Mr. Ji is going to cook, how can an old beggar like me miss out? Mr. Ji, what are we waiting for? Let's go, it'll be dark soon."

Quite a lot had transpired that day. It was already afternoon, and while it wasn't yet dark, the old beggar was genuinely curious about Ji Yuan's cooking.

Without waiting for the emperor or the National Master to agree, they departed. The old emperor opened his mouth, but ultimately refrained from asking if he could join them.

With Ji Yuan and the old beggar gone, Qiao Yong, who stood beside the emperor, hesitated before speaking. "Uh, Your Majesty, should this humble servant return now?"

The old emperor paused, then looked at Qiao Yong. "Minister Qiao, you're still here? Hurry back! Remember to properly host the two immortal masters on my behalf. And by the way, whatever ingredients they need, the Imperial Kitchen will deliver them directly! Don't just stand there; the guests are waiting for their host. Go, go!"

"Yes, yes, yes, your humble servant acknowledges the decree. I shall go at once!"

Qiao Yong offered a quick apology and departed swiftly. The old emperor and his retinue also exited the imperial study at the same time, but while they saw Qiao Yong hurrying away, Ji Yuan and the old beggar were nowhere to be seen.

"National Master, how do you think I handled that?"

Standing outside the Imperial Study, the old emperor slightly frowned, watching Qiao Yong's retreating back, and asked Men Yutong who stood beside him.

"Your Majesty handled the situation with appropriate grace and discernment. No one could have done better."

After a moment's thought, Men Yutong continued, "Your Majesty, I shall take my leave first."

"National Master, aren't you staying for dinner?"

Men Yutong sighed, holding up the Xiezhi scroll in his hand. "Your Majesty, this painting, I do not know what profound secrets it holds. My cultivation is not sufficient to bear such a mystery; I cannot keep it, nor do I dare to. It would be best to entrust it to the two immortal masters."

Earlier, when Ji Yuan and the old beggar performed their arts at the Heavenly Master's residence, Men Yutong had been somewhat concerned that the two powerful figures might simply take the scroll. However, true immortal cultivators would not act in such a manner. They had returned it to him afterwards, only cautioning him to guard it carefully.

Yet, after much deliberation, Men Yutong felt uneasy. He sensed he dared not keep the painting any longer and decided to give it to the two eminent figures. Perhaps they had anticipated this all along but simply hadn't spoken of it earlier.

"Oh, and Your Majesty, the two immortal masters also mentioned something earlier, regarding Pozishan in Bianrong Prefecture..."

While Ji Yuan was personally cooking at the Qiao family's residence, the immortal masters from the capital's Heavenly Master's office and the eunuchs delivering the imperial decree had already departed. They happened to cross paths with the individuals dispatched from Bianrong Prefecture to deliver a report.

Before the meal was fully prepared, National Master Men Yutong visited the Qiao residence and, with great solemnity, left the Xiezhi scroll. Ji Yuan remained in the kitchen, so it was the old beggar who received it in the front courtyard.

Ji Yuan's cooking included dishes from Jizhou, and he also attempted to recreate the fish he had prepared on the Xuanxin Manor's flying boat. Although he didn't have the mystical Gui Shui Golden Scaled Fish that day, with jujube flower honey and his unique cooking methods, even an ordinary grass carp was prepared to perfection. He even managed to dissolve the tiny bones, making it much easier for the children to eat, and its exquisite flavor was beyond words.

During the meal, Ji Yuan generously produced one of his Thousand-Measure Flasks, pouring wine for everyone. Though it was the white flask, its contents were immensely beneficial, and the spiritual energy within was easily absorbed.

Later, when night had fallen and silence descended, Ji Yuan and the old beggar sat facing each other at the stone table in the guest house courtyard, Ji Yuan holding the golden cord and the old beggar the Xiezhi scroll.

"Mr. Ji, it would be more fitting for you to keep this Xiezhi scroll. All this old beggar hopes is that you can explain its profound meaning to me."

The old beggar pushed the scroll towards Ji Yuan, who unrolled it on the table. Without any spiritual energy or magic infused, it appeared to be an ordinary painting, albeit one depicting fierce and peculiar creatures.

"Old Mr. Lu, it's not that I'm unwilling to speak. I myself am not entirely clear about the profound meaning of this painting. As for matters concerning the Xiezhi, Golden Crow, Bi Fang, and such, I feel there's a lot to say, yet I also feel unable to articulate it coherently."

This was Ji Yuan's honest truth. In his previous life, he hadn't specialized in such studies; he had impressions and could recount some details, but not with great precision. However, when the old beggar heard this, he inevitably interpreted it to mean something entirely different.

"Alright, it seems this topic requires more extensive discussion. This old beggar will retire for the night. You should also get some rest soon, sir."

The old beggar didn't press the matter. He stood up, casually patted his backside, and turned to enter the guest room across the courtyard with an air of nonchalance.

Though he hadn't learned much that day, there was a faint, unsettling feeling of having encountered an ancient secret. Even for someone of the old beggar's stature, the sense of profound shock lingered as he reflected on it.

It was perfectly understandable that Ji Yuan wouldn't wish to elaborate on a secret so clearly extraordinary.

As he slowly closed the door, the old beggar peered through the narrowing gap, watching Ji Yuan at the stone table in the courtyard. Bathed in moonlight, Ji Yuan, in his green robe, appeared to be covered in a luminous sheen, holding the golden cord and gazing intently at the scroll on the table, lost in thought.

'The longer I've known you, the more unfathomable you become, Ji Yuan. Who exactly are you?'

Despite Ji Yuan's mysterious origins, the old beggar, a man of enlightened understanding and profound spiritual connection, completely trusted Ji Yuan's character, knowing that his path would undoubtedly be a righteous one.