Chapter 4, Initial Understanding
He stood up again, pacing back and forth in the room, his long brows tightly knitted, clearly troubled by a difficult decision. After an unknown number of turns, the old man suddenly came to a halt and said: "Send a message to the Third Madam, instructing her to begin teaching the 'Dragon and Tiger Tai Xuan Classic' to Su Su from this day forward"
At this time, the northern region has entered the late autumn and early winter period, occasionally experiencing heavy snowfall. Although the Western Xuan Mountain is protected by a magical array, and its peak remains warm and spring-like throughout the seasons, a chill is gradually becoming apparent.
Two individuals, one in front and the other behind, swiftly circled around a side door and arrived at a patch of grass. As Ji Ruocheng stepped out of the side door, a sudden brightness enveloped him, leaving him momentarily dazed. He squinted his eyes and finally discerned that on the grass stood more than ten youths, some of whom were from Taoist backgrounds while others were not, all gathered around a small girl who appeared as delicate as a finely crafted jade figure, seemingly around eleven or twelve years old. Among them, one young Taoist held aloft a purple-gold exquisite pagoda, from which countless small windows emitted beams of light, illuminating the entire grassy area as bright as day.
Amidst the chilling peaks, at first, one could still hear Ji Ruocheng's desperate cries, but as time passed and his resolve gradually strengthened, those cries ceased to be heard
He immediately recalled the time when he was first entrusted with the important task of identifying the fat sheep. The shopkeeper had once said: "When a fat sheep first enters the store, understanding its background is of utmost importance. You must lower your stance and find ways to get close to it, flattering it with every word. If it's a man, praise him as a hero of unparalleled greatness; if it's a woman, compliment her beauty as if she were a celestial being. Do not shy away from being overly flattering! The fat sheep will laugh heartily, looking down on you, and naturally, their guard will be lowered. If you make the fat sheep feel pleased, they will often boast a few words themselves, and once the conversation opens up, it won't be long before they reveal their true nature. At that time, serving tea, offering water, and using subtle tactics will surely lead to success. I remember when I was also in this position, back then, among the fat sheep coming from the south and the north, how many heroes were there? Weren't they all eventually caught in my net?"
Only seven true practitioners were secretly competing fiercely, each unwilling to see Ji Ruocheng waste the efforts he had put into the knowledge they imparted. Moreover, five years later, after the completion of the sect's major examination, Ji Ruocheng would be able to choose a lineage to join, which was the matter that truly concerned the practitioners.
In Ji Ruochen's eyes, these children retained their innocence, pure as water. However, for some unknown reason, such bright gazes directed at him felt like fire, burning painfully in his heart and causing his face to flush.
Gu Shouzhen saw the joy emanating from his heart, laughed heartily, and said: "Although we do not have the formal title of master and disciple, we have the practical experience of teaching and learning. What does it matter if I, as your senior, give you some things? It is getting late, and today I will explain the Zhen hexagram to you. Do not think that casting hexagrams for divination is merely a trivial pursuit; it is not so. To measure the heavenly secrets and know the auspicious and inauspicious is something that can only be accomplished with great supernatural powers, and moreover, this hexagram is the foundation of many Daoist practices. If one has mastered the study of hexagrams, one can discern the auspicious and inauspicious with just a thought. At that time, whether in daily affairs or in conflicts with others, one can seek benefits and avoid harm, and would that not lead to success in all endeavors?"
As Ji Ruochen sat cross-legged, Ziyang Zhenren stroked his beard and said: "Ruochen, as the saying goes, when the main point is raised, the details will unfold. Therefore, tonight's lesson is to impart to you the essential teachings and miscellaneous studies of our Daoist sect, so that you may know where to direct your efforts in your future practice. Otherwise, our Daoist sect inherits the lineage of Guangchengzi, with three main scriptures, three supplementary scriptures, and twenty-seven key texts. Additionally, there are three thousand six hundred miscellaneous studies and fifty thousand other texts in the Daoist canon. In this vast sea of Dao, where will you find your path?"
At this moment, everything that Ji Ruocheng saw and thought was extraordinarily slow
Ji Ruocheng quietly wiped the blood from the corner of his lips with the sleeve of his robe, and with a flick of his wooden sword, he said lightly: "It’s nothing, go ahead and make your move!"
During the month of March, Ji Ruocheng devoted himself to intense study, sleeping less than one hour each day. Fortunately, the Spirit Nourishing Pill bestowed upon him by Master Ziyang proved to be remarkably effective; taking just one pill would sustain him with abundant energy for several days, allowing him to persevere. He diligently practiced Master Ziyang's incantations morning and evening, experiencing some insights in the first month, the movement of true essence in the second month, and an understanding of yin and yang in the third month, achieving modest success. As he practiced the method of absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, Ji Ruocheng's vitality gradually increased, to the point where he no longer relied heavily on the medicinal power of the Spirit Nourishing Pill to support his late-night studies. Nevertheless, by the end of March, he had completely consumed the entire bottle of Spirit Nourishing Pills given to him by Master Ziyang.
Upon seeing this, the group of youths let out a shout and rushed down, quickly bringing Ji Ruocheng to the ground. Ji Ruocheng did not resist; he merely protected his head and face with his hands, allowing the children to kick and strike him. Although these children were young, they had been training for several years, and their fists and feet were imbued with true essence, each possessing unique attributes, representing the complete five elements and the four symbols. Each blow struck Ji Ruocheng with excruciating pain that penetrated to the marrow. As they noticed that Ji Ruocheng did not struggle, did not resist, and did not cry out, an inexplicable chill began to grow in their hearts. They feared that if they hit too hard, they might cause trouble, so gradually they began to hold back.
Ji Ruocheng had long felt dizzy and drowsy, on the verge of sleep. However, since the immortal master was imparting teachings, how could a disciple not listen attentively? Therefore, despite not understanding a single word out of ten, he still forced himself to stay alert, maintained a proper sitting posture, and gritted his teeth to memorize everything by rote.
Zhang Yinyin nodded, positioned the wooden sword at her forehead, murmured a sword incantation, and suddenly shouted loudly. The wooden sword emitted a faint blue aura and lunged towards Ji Ruocheng like a flash of lightning accompanied by thunder!
He watched as the green light on Zhang Yinyin's wooden sword gradually intensified, initially it was her wielding the sword, but later it was the sword controlling her; he observed the confusion in Zhang Yinyin's eyes turn first to panic, and finally to fear. She had already lost control of the wooden sword in her hand; although the sword was blunt, its power was sufficient to pierce through Ji Ruocheng's chest and abdomen
The blue stone was struck by the wooden sword, causing a layer of five-colored brilliance to ripple outward like concentric circles. The wooden sword, drawn by this radiance, suddenly shone with a bright blue light, and in an instant, it shattered into countless strands of wood, floating in the air. Each strand then gradually split into even finer strands, repeating this process. In just a moment, a perfectly intact wooden sword transformed into a mass of blue vapor
The name of this celestial technique is the Technique of Dissolution
It has been calculated that in these two days, Ji Ruochen will receive guidance from the Taoist Master Gu Shouzheng. As dawn broke, he was already waiting in a corner of the Taishang Daode Palace, in a medicinal chamber. Before long, the door of the chamber opened, and Master Gu Shouzheng entered gracefully, accompanied by four young disciples. Master Gu was of short stature, with two crescent-shaped eyebrows and a pair of slender phoenix eyes. He was fair and plump, exuding a sense of warmth, resembling a well-to-do middle-aged merchant.
As he walked, the young Taoist's demeanor became somewhat hesitant, deliberately avoiding areas where people might be present, heading instead towards a secluded and uninhabited place. Upon reaching an intersection, the young Taoist turned and took the left path. Although the Southern Alchemy Chamber is remote and seldom visited by disciples, Ji Ruocheng had been there once while studying alchemical techniques under Master Ziyun. He clearly remembered that from this intersection, one should proceed straight ahead. Although the Southern Alchemy Chamber is remote and seldom visited by disciples, Ji Ruocheng had been there once while studying alchemical techniques under Master Ziyun. He clearly remembered that from this intersection, one should proceed straight ahead.
Until the late hours of the night, Master Ziyang's lengthy discourse finally came to an end. Even though Ji Ruocheng had been wandering since childhood and was accustomed to a life of hardship, sitting there for so long left him feeling sore all over and his legs weak.
As Ji Ruocheng has begun his studies, he naturally attends classes and practices alongside the new disciples within the Taishang Daode Sect. However, he possesses a unique advantage: in the first half of the month, he receives direct instruction from the Ziyang Zhenren on the Sanqing True Scriptures, and in the latter half, the Seven Veins Zhenren takes turns guiding him in the arts of Taoism, spells, and alchemical studies. Upon encountering so many celestial methods, Ji Ruocheng feels as if a poor boy has just entered a treasure mountain, overwhelmed with joy, and he pays no heed to the principle that too much leads to chaos. As long as the Seven Veins Zhenren is willing to teach, he absorbs everything indiscriminately, even learning a considerable amount about miscellaneous studies such as setting up altars to summon spirits and divination. In fact, the teachings of the Seven Veins Zhenren are all derived from his own mastery, each possessing great power. Although he can only be taught the basics for now, they certainly cannot be compared to ordinary miscellaneous studies.
The first thing these children do upon entering the mountains is to read and learn to write. This year, a total of one hundred and fifteen children selected from various places by the Taoist sect will receive enlightenment from the teacher together with Ji Ruochen
The elder slowed his tone and pondered: "The descent of the immortal is a significant event for our cultivation world in a hundred years. It is not just a matter of my own loss of cultivation and true essence, or offending some sects in the Dao; as long as we can obtain the immortal, any price is worth paying! Hmph, the Daoist moral sect is not a monolith, and this matter is not yet a foregone conclusion. The immortal is eighteen years old, at the prime of his vigor; our valley has many outstanding female disciples, and in the future, it may be possible to entice him to join us, which is not out of the question."
The moonlight was cold and the biting wind howled. Ji Ruocheng wore only a single robe and a set of undergarments. Although he had long resided in the bitterly cold lands beyond the Great Wall, how could he withstand the chill of the high mountain winds? In less than a moment, his lips turned a bluish-purple and his complexion resembled frost. As if in response to the mountain wind, the thick iron chain beneath his feet trembled incessantly, occasionally shaking violently several times. The iron chain glimmered under the moonlight, having been trodden upon by countless disciples over the years, appearing exceedingly slippery. Every three to five steps Ji Ruocheng took, he would slip, nearly stepping off the edge of the chain. Below the iron chain lay an abyss of unfathomable depth; at a glance, it was dark and profound, with no bottom in sight, only thin wisps of cloud lingering around the mountain's waist. Although Ji Ruocheng was always pulled back in time by Daoist Yunfeng whenever he slipped, the repeated scares were enough to shatter his heart and instill a deep sense of fear.
Ji Ruocheng let out a soft sigh as he raised his head to look out the window, where a bright moon hung halfway above the branches of the parasol tree in the west wing. It was already the latter part of the night. He steeled himself and opened the "Tao Te Ching" in front of him, but waves of drowsiness surged over him. He barely managed to get through two pages before nearly dozing off at the table. He took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and poured out a small spirit-reviving pill, swallowing it down. In just a moment, Ji Ruocheng felt a warmth spreading from his lower abdomen, dispersing into his limbs and bones, an indescribable comfort, and his senses became clearer. He took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and poured out a small spirit-reviving pill, swallowing it down. In just a moment, Ji Ruocheng felt a warmth spreading from his lower abdomen, dispersing into his limbs and bones, an indescribable comfort, and his senses became clearer. He gathered his spirits and reopened the "Tao Te Ching," reading page by page.
Before long, Ji Ruocheng stood before Master Ziyang. Although his Daoist robe was soaked with cold sweat and he felt quite unsteady on his feet, there was a hint of approval in Master Ziyang's eyes
Whenever the Daoist Canon and the Records of the Ancients are mentioned, Master Ziyang becomes quite animated, delivering a grand discourse that lasts for over two hours, during which he has already emptied a pot of tea. However, Master Ziyang, being well-versed in the Daoist arts, effortlessly summons clear spring water and ignites it with true fire, soon presenting himself with a new pot of tea. In his exuberance, Master Ziyang often shares profound insights and eloquent expressions, revealing ideas that have not been articulated by predecessors, demonstrating a depth of understanding in Daoism that is indeed worthy of his esteemed status. Yet, Ji Ruocheng has only just begun to learn to read today; how could he possibly grasp the subtle meanings and profound principles conveyed by Master Ziyang? Master Ziyang's actions are, in fact, akin to playing music to cattle.
Two young attendants arranged a seat for Ji Ruochen and lit a burner of calming Donghai dew agarwood before bowing and retreating. It was now the time for Master Ziyang to impart teachings, and the prohibitions were particularly strict. Master Ziyang was the head of his lineage; although the teachings being imparted tonight were merely introductory lessons that everyone in the Daoist sect would know, without Master Ziyang's permission, anyone who approached within ten zhang of the hermitage would be executed without question.
Yet, the ancient large seal characters, numbering in the hundreds, emerged from the blue stone, continuously arranging themselves in Ji Ruocheng's consciousness, ultimately forming a celestial decree. He did not recognize a single character, yet the entire meaning of the celestial decree was imprinted in his consciousness as if he had inherently understood it since birth
Ji Ruocheng forced a smile, enduring the pain in his body, gritting his teeth, and slowly managing to stand up. Although these children appeared to be gifted and had practiced Taoist arts, they were still young, and their minds had not fully developed. When it came to bullying others, their methods were no different from those of ordinary street children. He turned around and saw that the one pushing him was the little Taoist who had brought him here. Ji Ruocheng knew that this push, using true essence to manifest external force, was already the skill of a second-tier Spirit Saint realm.
The Three Pure Scriptures were left behind by Guangchengzi at the time of his ascension, containing the profound secrets of heaven and earth. However, it is difficult for those without great wisdom to comprehend the subtle and profound meanings within. Since the time of the Three Pure Ancestors, the successive true practitioners of our Daoist tradition have devoted themselves to these scriptures, leaving behind countless insights and understandings. Two thousand years ago, our sect had the wise Xuankong, who achieved complete merit and ascended. Before his ascension, Xuankong spent three days compiling the notes of the true practitioners throughout our sect into twenty-seven essential texts to assist the Three Pure Scriptures, marking the beginning of the revival of our Daoist tradition.
During the six years at the Dragon Gate Inn, Ji Ruocheng had clothes to wear, food to eat, and a place to shelter from the wind and rain while he slept, allowing him to rest peacefully. This was, in fact, the happiest period of his life since he could remember. Looking back now, even the scoldings of the innkeeper's wife feel quite endearing. Although no place in the Dragon Gate Inn could compare to the Supreme Daoist Palace, for some reason, he still harbored a desire to return to that inn in the desolate frontier.
That mass of azure energy seemed to be drawn by Ji Ruocheng's spirit, with a wisp entering his body, while the remaining majority surged restlessly, suddenly transforming into a tempest of azure, violently sweeping in all directions, sending Zhang Yinyin flying backward.
At this moment, in an unknown deep mountain in Central South China, a woman dressed entirely in black descends from the sky. As her toes barely touch a bare mountain peak, the scenery around her suddenly ripples and transforms like water waves. When the shimmering light in the air subsides, the woman's figure has vanished without a trace
Ji Ruocheng
Two months have swiftly passed. Although Ji Ruocheng has exerted all his efforts, the path of cultivation is different from studying. His eclectic approach has led to a significant waste of mental energy each day, which has, in turn, hindered his practice of the "Supreme Clarity of the Most Sacred Scripture." The insight of the Seven Veins True Man is exceptionally sharp; as soon as his true essence progress slowed, it was immediately noticed.
The entire mountain peak is, in fact, a mysterious formation. Yun Wu Hua swiftly emerged from the formation, appearing in a valley filled with lush green trees and vibrant flowers. The valley is enclosed on all sides, resembling a wooden barrel. The bottom of the valley is expansive and flat, with a crystal-clear stream winding through it. Alongside the stream, flowering trees stretch endlessly, with fallen petals scattered everywhere. Walking through the valley feels as if one has stepped into a painting.
This time, Yun Wuhua was left speechless. Although she was proud and arrogant, the Ziwai Real Person had already made a name for himself thirty years ago before entering seclusion. Now that he has emerged, who would dare to say that his predictions are inaccurate? However, every time she recalled that scene, especially the few glances exchanged with that young servant, she always felt that something was amiss. This was purely intuition, without any logical basis.
The old man remained silent for a long time after hearing this, then finally let out a sigh and said: "As for that group of old rascals from the Daoist sect, let's not mention them. The few old ghosts on Mount Zhi Kong possess some genuine skills, and although the abilities of the celestial lords from Seven Saints Mountain are not particularly impressive, the Celestial Lord of Profound Understanding has long been renowned for his divination of yin and yang. It is not surprising that they could unravel this heavenly secret. However, while Mr. Shu Shi's swordsmanship is commendable, I cannot believe that he is also capable of calculating yin and yang, unless... unless that old fellow behind him is still alive. But from what you just said, there were at least twenty different sects present that day, which is indeed strange. Am I really so ignorant that there are so many masters in the Dao, and yet I am completely unaware of them?"
Ji Ruocheng smiled faintly and followed the little Taoist along the path, thinking that since he was already here, he might as well make himself comfortable. He was curious to see what kind of situation lay ahead and who intended to teach him a lesson. Having recognized his enemies, he resolved that in the future, when he laid traps, he would not mistakenly harm other unsuspecting targets. Therefore, he chose not to reveal his thoughts and simply continued to follow the little Taoist.
Ji Ruocheng snorted and stood up unsteadily. Although he tried his best to protect his head and face, the children were unaware of their strength, so he received a few hard hits on his face, and the corner of his eye began to swell.
A faint sound of a click suddenly shattered the silent world that Ji Ruocheng had been observing. At that moment, he felt a wave of nausea in his chest, and a mouthful of fresh blood finally spurted out. Then, darkness enveloped him, and he felt his body becoming weightless, as if floating in the clouds. In his dazed state, Ji Ruocheng seemed to hear a cacophony of cries and wails, but soon the world fell silent again, and no sound could be heard.
Yun Wuhua suddenly raised her head and said: "Master, you once told me that a cultivator should only observe their true heart, and that attaining the Dao does not rely on external things. Wuhua believes that not thinking about how to diligently advance in the Great Dao, yet recklessly competing for the title of 'Banished Immortal,' is truly an act of forsaking the essence for the trivial."
Seeing the old man truly enraged, the woman dared not say more and quietly withdrew.
This fall was extremely heavy; Ji Ruocheng felt as if his limbs and bones were scattered, with pain in every part of his body. Conversely, the area around his lower back, where he was pushed, was completely numb, heavy, and devoid of sensation. It was evident that the assailant had used true essence belonging to the earth element of the Five Elements.
A boy and a wolf rolled and fought fiercely for half a day, yet no victor emerged. The youth was extremely familiar with the wolf's nature, appearing to have fought several battles before, and at this life-and-death moment, he had unleashed all his potential, barely managing to hold the wolf at bay. However, he was still young, and despite having bitten the hungry wolf's neck until it was bloodied and raw, he had exhausted his strength and could no longer keep the wolf down, being thrown to the ground in one swift motion. The hungry wolf bit down on the boy's calf, its sharp teeth scraping against the bone, producing a series of sounds that made one wince. Yet he was still young, and despite having bitten the hungry wolf's neck until it was bloodied and raw, he had exhausted his strength and could no longer keep the wolf down, being thrown to the ground in one swift motion. The hungry wolf bit down on the boy's calf, its sharp teeth scraping against the bone, producing a series of sounds that made one wince
At the moment he set foot on Taichang Peak, Ji Ruocheng let out a long sigh, his legs weakened, and he felt utterly exhausted, as if he had been drained of all strength. However, this journey across the bridge under the moonlight had left something distinctly different in his heart.
After watching for a long time, Gu Shouzhen finally smiled and said, "Ruochen, your progress in true essence has not been as rapid as before recently. Have you encountered any difficulties? Feel free to share, and let’s see if your master uncle can assist you."
Having spoken, the old man reached out into the air, and the ancient sword, Tianquan, let out a long, resonant hum, leaping from the back of Yunwu Hua on its own, effortlessly passing through the bamboo curtain and landing in the old man's hand
Everyone had long been accustomed to Yun Wuhua's indifference, and today her expression was gloomy, exuding an icy and extreme killing intent. Even those who had known her for a long time did not dare to approach her for a word. After completing their greetings, they quickly lowered their heads to attend to their own tasks, fearing that they might provoke her
The old man snorted, seemingly with a hint of anger, and said: "Wuhua, how many times have I already told you about this? You possess extraordinary talent, yet you remain utterly ignorant of worldly affairs and knowledge! Even if my cultivation is insufficient and my judgment flawed, does that mean that Ziwai Zhenren's cultivation is also lacking and his calculations inaccurate? Not to mention, just looking at the three true masters of the Dao De Sect gathered here, what an imposing presence that is! It is not merely a matter of capturing an individual; they could easily annihilate all of you! The Dao De Sect prides itself on being a prestigious and righteous sect, always preaching benevolence and morality, yet their actions are shameless and despicable. Clearly, they have come prepared this time; having offended so many sects, do they really intend to do all this just to seize a mere inn servant?"
Ji Ruocheng let out a loud shout and suddenly sat up, only to realize that it had all been a fleeting dream. However, his legs burned with pain, as if they had truly been bitten by the hungry wolf from his dream. Ji Ruocheng removed his shoes and socks, rolled up his pant legs, and carefully examined his legs. The skin on his legs appeared intact, yet there were numerous scars crisscrossing across them. On his right calf, there were two rows of neatly arranged circular scars, looking as if they had been bitten by some wild beast, and the bites were deep and severe. The skin on his legs appeared intact, yet there were numerous scars crisscrossing across them. On his right calf, there were two rows of neatly arranged circular scars, looking as if they had been bitten by some wild beast, and the bites were deep and severe.
Ziyang Zhenren paused for a moment, drained the tea in his cup in one breath, and disregarding Ji Ruocheng's slightly pale complexion, stroked his beard and continued: "In addition to this Feixian Zhengfa, our sect has a multitude of miscellaneous texts that cannot be overlooked. These miscellaneous texts are divided into twelve main categories: the first is the Text, the second is the Divine Talismans, the third is the Jade Secrets, the fourth is the Spiritual Diagrams, the fifth is the Records, the sixth is the Precepts, the seventh is the Demeanor, the eighth is the Methods, the ninth is the Various Arts, the tenth is the Dan Ding, the eleventh is the Refining of Tools, and the twelfth is the Biographies. Each category contains between two hundred to six hundred texts, totaling three thousand six hundred texts. Beyond the miscellaneous texts, there are also fifty thousand Daoist classics, and countless handwritten notes from the past masters... Beyond the miscellaneous texts, there are also fifty thousand Daoist classics, and countless handwritten notes from the past masters..."
Yun Wuhua let out a soft hum, as if a sudden gust of wind had swept into the courtyard gate, disappearing behind the screen wall. The two women in white exchanged a quiet glance, both harboring a hint of resentment in their eyes
As they spoke, Gu Shouzhen took out a square box made of pure silver from his bosom, which was engraved with dense inscriptions to seal the medicinal properties and prevent them from leaking. Gu Shouzhen handed the silver box to Ji Ruocheng and also transmitted to him a set of incantations, reminding him that after taking the medicine, he must diligently practice according to the incantation, only then can he fully refine the medicinal properties.
Ji Ruocheng forced a smile. The little girl clearly came from a noble background, which was acceptable, but if she were to embolden someone like Mingxin, who bullied others with his power, it would lead to endless trouble in the future. Ji Ruocheng had rolled through life and death since childhood, inherently possessing a fierce and bloody courage. Thus, he looked at the little girl, as if he wanted to say something. However, just as everyone was gazing and listening, Ji Ruocheng suddenly turned around and delivered a powerful punch to the abdomen of the young Taoist Mingxin! Mingxin's face instantly turned pale as snow, clutching his stomach with both hands, and he collapsed to the ground.
Upon hearing these words, Ji Ruocheng inhaled sharply, immediately straightened up, sat upright, and refused to let a single word slip by.
The Daoist sects are spread throughout the world. Every year, each sect and the Daoist practitioners stationed abroad must diligently seek out children with spiritual potential, conducting a thorough selection process. Those with exceptional qualifications are sent back to the main mountain of the Daoist sect for training and guidance. The Daoist sect holds a transcendent status and seldom engages with the mundane world, yet every disciple who walks among the worldly possesses considerable cultivation. If a chosen spiritual child is identified, they need only to slightly demonstrate their Daoist abilities, and regardless of whether the child comes from a poor background or a wealthy family, nine out of ten parents will willingly send their child to Xixuan Mountain.
The Purple Mist Soul Calming Cauldron?" Ji Ruocheng was taken aback, and then he recalled that a few days ago, Master Jingxiao had indeed given him a small purple cauldron and several pieces of dark incense, instructing him to always burn incense beside him while meditating. Thus, he said: "Master Jingxiao did give me a purple cauldron..."
The Ziyang Master took a sip of tea and then continued: "I say that the Daoist tradition began 3,700 years ago, established by the Three Pure Ones. At that time, the Daoist title of the Three Pure Ones was still Zhenhong, and they were hidden in the mountains practicing. By then, the Master had already attained celestial destiny and discovered the place where Guangchengzi ascended to immortality, obtaining six volumes of the Three Pure Scriptures. Since these scriptures discuss the three realms of Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing, after a century of pure cultivation, the Master changed his title to the Three Pure Ones. He then sought out the blessed land of the Western Mysterious Mountain Cave and built a small Daoist temple, thus founding the lineage of the Daoist tradition. If you are interested, you may go to the Taishang Dao De Palace in the future to peruse the history of our sect's transmission; this scripture is not prohibited for disciples to view."
At that moment, a young Taoist approached and handed two wooden swords to the two individuals. Ji Ruocheng did not wish to create further trouble at this time, so he did not take the wooden sword, merely stating: "Since the Zixia Soul Calming Cauldron belongs to you, I shall return it to you."
The monk is capable of what others cannot.
It bit the young man and dragged him deep into the snowy plains.
This main hall is not like those grand wealthy households, adorned with gold and color, inlaid with gold and jade; rather, it exudes an ancient charm, simplicity, and elegance. The mottled sunlight filters through the carved sandalwood windows, casting a warm glow throughout the room. The interior is arranged with grace, retaining an air of antiquity. On the central wall hangs a splash-ink landscape painting, with dynamic brushwork and a majestic presence; the two side walls are adorned with wild cursive calligraphy, vibrant and free-flowing, all masterpieces of renowned figures from previous generations. In the corner of the room, two bronze incense burners shaped like cloud beasts stand with bold lines, rich in ancient flavor, clearly of significant provenance. A bamboo curtain hangs down in the hall, and through it, one can vaguely see an elderly man seated behind the curtain, while two maidservants gently fan him.
Although the little girl was arrogant, upon seeing the damage on his face, she felt a twinge of fear and shouted, "Ji Ruocheng! I ask you, did my father ever give you a Zixia Town Soul Cauldron?"
This girl has a sweet appearance, and her voice is both clear and soft, making it quite pleasant to hear. However, she is evidently accustomed to being spoiled, and her words come out both arrogant and overbearing. Ji Ruocheng noticed her extremely luxurious attire and understood that such a girl must have a significant background; she could very well be a relative or friend of some influential person. Such children are the most troublesome to provoke. Having recognized her character, Ji Ruocheng did not wish to create any further trouble and turned to leave.
Ji Ruocheng quickly stood up, and after performing a bow, Gu Shouzhen waved his hand to dismiss the attendants. He then walked slowly to Ji Ruocheng and carefully scrutinized his complexion.
This grand discourse left Ziyang Zhenren feeling refreshed and radiant, as if his true essence had ascended to a new level. He watched the departing figure of Ji Ruocheng, merely stroking his beard and smiling, a sense of indescribable contentment washing over him
Time flies, and the north wind rises again. Since Ji Ruochen entered the Palace of Supreme Virtue, it has already been three months in the blink of an eye
At this moment, the sky was nearing dawn, and the Tai Chang Palace was enveloped in silence. Only the Daoist Yunfeng stood on a stone bridge, gazing at the room where Ji Ruocheng resided. Noticing that the lights in Ji Ruocheng's room remained lit throughout the night, casting a silhouette of someone sitting upright in the window, he couldn't help but smile slightly, nodded gently, and turned to leave
The shopkeeper once said to him: "The way of heaven is cyclical, and retribution is inevitable. Thus, the ancients said that a gentleman's revenge is not too late, even after ten years. Even if there is a fat sheep that cannot be consumed at the moment and must be let go, it is of no concern. We will wait patiently; there will come a day when it will fall into my hands." The shopkeeper dedicated his entire life to running a black shop, so when he encountered a fat sheep that he could not swallow, he would regard it as a great humiliation and vowed to establish an irreconcilable enmity with that fat sheep.
In a moment of daze, Ji Ruocheng suddenly regained his sight and was able to perceive everything around him. However, he could not hear any sounds; the entire world had become utterly silent and slowed to an extreme degree
Yun Wuhua let out a cold snort, stood up, and walked to the wall of the Xuanbing Cave. The old man, seeing that she remained unconvinced, trembled with anger and was momentarily at a loss for words. Behind him, a woman in plain attire set down her feather fan, gently massaging his back while saying, "Master Gu, your temper seems a bit too great. Once she enters the Xuanbing Cave, it is likely she won't come out for more than a year. Is this punishment not a bit too severe?"
Ji Ruocheng's eyes lit up as he said, "Uncle Gu, does this mean that in the future, when I duel with someone, if I can calculate with my fingers, I will know exactly where they intend to strike me? Wouldn't that ensure my victory?"
At this moment, Ji Ruocheng's body had just lifted one foot off the ground, and blood had only just begun to flow from the corner of his mouth. For some unknown reason, his mind suddenly connected with the blue stone. In Ji Ruocheng's spiritual perception, that blue stone resembled a vast, bottomless lake. From time to time, a large bubble would emerge from the lake, and upon closer inspection, it revealed intricate characters that resembled ancient seal script, yet were not quite the same. When those ancient characters continuously floated up from the lake, their meanings naturally emerged from Ji Ruocheng's consciousness, and the sensation at that moment was truly indescribable. From time to time, a large bubble would emerge from the lake, and upon closer inspection, it revealed intricate characters that resembled ancient seal script, yet were not quite the same. When those ancient characters continuously floated up from the lake, their meanings naturally emerged from Ji Ruocheng's consciousness, and the sensation at that moment was truly indescribable
The Supreme Taoist Palace, used for reading and interpreting texts, is far more splendid than the main halls of ordinary wealthy families. This grand hall features flying eaves and bracket sets, with intricately carved windows and painted beams. The four walls are adorned with black pomelo wood windows, showcasing auspicious images such as cranes heralding spring, qilin striking a bell, fish leaping over the dragon gate, and golden turtles supporting mountains, as well as carvings of noble plants like pine, plum, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Each wall also displays four couplets, all in the handwriting of the esteemed masters from various dynasties.
At this moment, the old gentleman opened the scroll and began to recite aloud: "The Dao that can be told is not the eternal Dao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth; the named is the mother of all things. Therefore, always be without desire to observe its wonders ... ... "
Ji Ruocheng gently stroked the scar on his leg. At that time, he was merely seven or eight years old, having wandered from within the borders to the outer regions, and inadvertently encountered a starving wolf roaming the Gobi Desert. Although he was young, there was an innate bravery within him, and facing life and death, he fought desperately, struggling for a considerable time. Just as the starving wolf finally brought Ji Ruocheng down, intending to drag him back to its den for a meal, the innkeeper of the Longmen Inn happened to pass by and heard Ji Ruocheng's cries for help. He immediately rode over, wielding a heavy iron cleaver that struck the wolf's head, and then took the barely conscious Ji Ruocheng back to the inn for treatment, thus saving his life. The scar on his right leg is a remnant of that encounter with the wolf.
At this moment, on the vast snowy plain, the cold wind howled and the leaden clouds hung low. In the center of the snowfield stood a ragged young boy, looking around in confusion, appearing at a loss. A gust of cold wind swept in, causing him to shiver and hurriedly retract his hands into his sleeves. Amidst the howling wind, several faint wolf howls suddenly echoed. The boy's expression changed drastically as he immediately perked up his ears to discern the direction of the howls. He then looked up at the sky to check the weather and promptly chose a direction to sprint away with all his might
This lengthy discourse left Master Ziyang shaking his head and feeling parched, while Ji Ruocheng was left dizzy and bewildered, completely at a loss. He was somewhat clever and roughly understood that the Daoist sect had a total of 27 scriptures, which needed to be cultivated one by one. By the time he finished studying those esoteric texts that blurred the line between the highest sage and the immortal, it would be about time for him to ascend to heaven.
In the first month, Ji Ruocheng had already met with the Seven Veins True Person. However, at that time, his literacy was not yet complete, and the breathing techniques taught by the Ziyang True Person during his initial training had already been imparted. Therefore, the seven True Persons were unable to teach him anything new, and they could only wait for Ji Ruocheng to complete his basic studies before proceeding. Ji Ruocheng, however, was quite diligent; while ordinary children typically require two years to learn to read, he devoted himself to intense study day and night, with Daoist Yunfeng by his side providing guidance at any moment, and he astonishingly completed it in just three months.
Ji Ruocheng nodded slightly. Although Gu Shouzhen's answer left him somewhat disappointed, he had other plans in mind. His dedication to the study of divination was not merely earnest; it was almost obsessive, to the point that Gu Shouzhen was so pleased he could hardly contain his smile. He immediately felt that there was great hope of bringing him into the fold in five years.
After an hour of explaining the "Tao Te Ching," the moonlight began to rise. Ji Ruocheng hurriedly finished his dinner and, under the guidance of Daoist Yunfeng, made his way to the Taichang Palace where the Ziyang Real Person resided.
As the old gentleman cleared his throat and picked up the book from the table, just as he was about to begin his lecture, Ji Ruocheng hurriedly walked into the hall. With a swish, the six or seven-year-old children all turned their heads in unison, countless gazes instantly falling upon Ji Ruocheng. Upon seeing that Ji Ruocheng was also holding several new books, clearly there to learn to read just like them, over a hundred children immediately erupted into a low murmur of discussion.
The plain-dressed woman was taken aback and hurriedly said, "Master Gu, but... Miss Su Su is only twelve years old"
The little girl snorted and said with a cold smile: "So your skills are this poor, it seems you haven't even passed the first level of the Taiji Supreme Saint realm. I really don't understand what is so good about you that makes - Tu - Shu's father value you so highly!"
In his youth, Ji Ruocheng revered the shopkeeper as a deity, memorizing every word he spoke. Therefore, he only wished to resolve the current matters, and once he had figured out the way forward and established a firm foothold in the Moral Sect, he would take his revenge in due time. Given enough time, wouldn't this group of fat sheep before him eventually become his meal?
Yun Wuhua lightly swayed her flowing sleeves, gliding across the water's surface as if moving through the valley with the swiftness of a specter. Scattered throughout the valley were dozens of small cottages, and one could see several people engaged in various activities—some farming, some gathering herbs, and others practicing swordplay. Upon seeing Yun Wuhua, they all hurriedly set aside their tasks, bowing to greet her. Yun Wuhua merely responded with a faint acknowledgment and continued on her way toward an elegant courtyard located in the center of the valley
The peak where the Ziyang True Man lineage resides is in direct alignment with the Mogan Peak, and among all the peaks, it is the farthest from Mogan Peak. Floating in the air between the two peaks are five massive rocks, connected by twelve iron chains that form a bridge, maintaining a link with Mogan Peak. If disciples of the Nine Lineages wish to reach the Taishang Daode Palace, those with sufficient cultivation can naturally fly using their magical treasures, while those with slightly lesser cultivation must tread the chains to cross the bridge. However, the peaks of Xixuan Mountain are extremely high, the mountain winds are fierce, and the iron chains sway unpredictably, making it very difficult to traverse. Yet, even so, those disciples of mediocre talent, after three years of diligent practice and establishing their foundational skills, can also cross the bridge without issue
Having already learned to read and laid a preliminary foundation, on this day, the Ziyang True Person earnestly presented him with a volume of the "Ta Qing Zhi Sheng Jue," stating that true essence is the foundation of all things, and urged him to practice diligently, warning him not to neglect his studies. From this moment on, Ji Ruocheng could be considered to have officially embarked on the path of Golden Elixir and the journey of ascension
The young Taoist smiled as he walked up to Ji Ruocheng and said, "You should answer honestly; with my clear insight, you cannot think of escaping."
Ji Ruocheng was taken aback, momentarily perceiving only a blur of green light before him, unable to discern the approach of the wooden sword. He could only swing his sword wildly to block it. Suddenly, his arm trembled, and the wooden sword slipped from his grasp. Immediately afterward, it felt as though a heavy iron hammer had struck his chest, and darkness enveloped his vision, causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood.
The teachings of the Dao De Jing will not be like those of ordinary schools or private academies in the mundane world, starting with the Thousand Character Classic or the explanation of characters. The very first lesson begins with the Dao De Jing.
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Ji Ruocheng, in a state of utter helplessness, could only force a bitter smile as he took the sword, planning to parry haphazardly for a while before conceding. As soon as the wooden sword was in his hand, he suddenly covered his mouth with his sleeve and began to cough violently.
Yun Wuhua suddenly said: "Master, you have expended your true essence to send the ancient sword Tianquan into my hands, and you have even risked offending various sects, all for the sake of that young man? I see him as having mediocre talent, being slick in character, and carrying a bloody aura. How could he possibly be a transcendent being?"
Two hours passed in the blink of an eye. Ji Ruocheng felt as if the myriad of yin-yang fish and hexagrams in his mind were swirling around, leaving him dizzy and disoriented. He tidied up his belongings and, feeling somewhat reluctant, bid farewell to Master Gu before leaving the alchemy room. By this time, the sky had darkened. After dinner, Daoist Yunfeng would escort him back to Taichang Palace. At this moment, Ji Ruocheng could often walk several zhang on the suspension bridge connecting the two peaks all by himself.
Gu Shouzhen chuckled and said, "You think too highly of yourself! Is it the same for a cultivator to duel with a street fighter? By the time you finish casting your divination, you would have already been pierced by countless flying swords. The best strategy is to determine the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness before the contest of spells. If the divination indicates great misfortune and there will be bloodshed, then why bother to fight? Naturally, it would be best to make a swift exit."
At the circular archway of the courtyard stood two women in white garments, with delicate brows and elegantly styled hair, adorned with jade hairpins that hung at a slight angle, making them quite charming and captivating. Upon seeing Yun Wuhua arrive, they both bowed respectfully and said, "Sister Yun, the valley master has been waiting for you."
The old man waved his hand and coldly said: "My mind is made up, no need for further words! This contest is not over yet. If we simply hand over the banished immortal to that old scoundrel Ziwei, what will we have left to fight against those hypocritical fellows of the Moral Sect in the future?"
Ji Ruocheng nodded in agreement, slightly lowered his head, and quickly walked to the back row to take a seat
Above the hall, the ceiling is adorned with a gold-painted mural depicting a banquet of Taoist immortals and celestial beings. In the mural, the deities, immortals, divine kings, mighty warriors, golden boys, and jade maidens exhibit a range of expressions—some glare with anger, others exude tranquility and grace, while some glance around curiously. All are vividly lifelike, as if one could step into the scene. Additionally, the columns and wooden doors within the hall are intricately carved with various tales of immortals. The floor is uniformly laid with polished bluestone slabs, and the tables and chairs are crafted from redwood. The entire hall exudes a solemn yet elegant atmosphere, combining antiquity with a scholarly fragrance.
At the moment his figure disappeared into the thicket, the morning light gently fell.
Ji Ruocheng was both surprised and delighted. He was highly perceptive and could read the expressions of others. Just by observing Gu Shouzhen's serious demeanor and the extravagant decoration of the Longhua elixir box, one could easily infer the preciousness of this elixir. Ji Ruocheng's joy was evident, and he hurriedly accepted the elixir, repeatedly thanking Gu Shouzhen, and in his excitement, he even became somewhat incoherent.
The courtyard is deep and tranquil. Turning past the screen wall, one immediately sees a garden filled with flourishing flowers and trees, where bees buzz and butterflies dance, accompanied by the sound of flowing water among the green bamboo, evoking a sense of being in the Jiangnan region. In front of the courtyard stands a delicately crafted house made of blue bricks and tiles, built in the layout of "three rooms and a wall," consisting of one main hall, two side rooms, and one screen wall.
Before he could turn around, a childish voice suddenly called out from behind, "I am asking you a question! You haven't answered yet, and you want to leave?" As the voice fell, an unmatched force struck from behind Ji Ruocheng. He was immediately propelled into the air, sliding several zhang before crashing heavily to the ground not far in front of the little girl. Laughter erupted around him.
Ji Ruocheng saw the wooden sword turn entirely green; before the sword's edge reached him, the force attached to the sword had already sent his body flying! Just as the sword's edge was about to make contact, the wooden sword suddenly tilted and instead struck the green stone worn on Ji Ruocheng's chest
In Ji Ruocheng's view, among the two secular masters, Gu Shouzheng and Ru Chunfeng are more approachable, while Zhang Jingxiao exudes an ethereal quality, embodying the essence of a celestial being without ostentation. They are all much easier to get along with than the five monastic masters. At this moment, since Gu Shouzheng has inquired, he hesitated for a moment and finally said: "Gu Shishu, over the past two months, the seven masters have taught me an abundance of Taoist principles. I have spent most of my time studying the new Taoist techniques and spells, leaving me with little time for meditation and breath regulation."
Ji Ruocheng was slightly taken aback. In the past, Yunfeng Daoist always handled everything personally and never delegated tasks to others. His lifestyle was extremely simple, and there was not a single decent magical tool to be seen on him. Ji Ruocheng had never seen him practice swordsmanship or Daoist techniques, which led him to believe that Yunfeng was merely a low-ranking guest Daoist.
Before he could finish speaking, the little girl angrily said: "The Zixia Soul-Settling Cauldron has always been mine, yet my father gave it to you! What makes you so special that my father values you this way? Enough of the nonsense, today you and I will have a duel in swordsmanship. If you win, the Zixia Soul-Settling Cauldron will belong to you; if you lose, you must return it to me"
The old man slowly said: "Wuhua is overly proud and has a heavy hand in her actions. If this continues unchecked, she will inevitably suffer a great loss. It would be better to let her stay in the Xuanbing Cave for a year to temper her temperament."
The young man formed a seal with his left hand and faced the ferocious wolf with his right, shouting: "Heaven's decree extinguish the kind, break!" However, his incantation had no effect whatsoever, and in that moment of hesitation, the wolf was already upon him! The young man suddenly rolled on the ground, narrowly evading the wolf's lunge. Yet, at this critical moment of life and death, he did not flee; instead, he turned back and charged at the ravenous beast, seizing its ear and biting fiercely into its neck!
Seeing that the young Taoist was slightly hesitant, Ji Ruocheng immediately urged him repeatedly. Noticing the young Taoist's anxious expression and the sly glint in his eyes, Ji Ruocheng felt a slight stir in his heart, already aware that something was amiss. However, how many easy targets had Ji Ruocheng encountered? The young Taoist's treachery was evident on his face, making him an exceptionally easy target to deal with. In an instant, Ji Ruocheng seemed to return to the Longmen Inn, his mind racing with numerous thoughts.
The Daoist text "Three Pure Ones True Scripture" is indeed profound and extensive. The first three realms of the Nine Levels of Supreme Clarity serve as the foundation, while the middle three realms are considered the entry point. Before completing the first six realms, disciples from various sects study in the Palace of Supreme Virtue, where each realm is taught by a designated Daoist master who imparts knowledge and resolves doubts for these entry-level disciples. After completing the entry-level training, these disciples may return to their respective sects to receive guidance from their own masters. From that point onward, the paths of cultivation for disciples from different sects gradually begin to diverge.
The girl pointed at Ji Ruocheng and exclaimed, "Are you the Ji Ruocheng who is eighteen years old and still cannot read?" The surrounding children immediately burst into laughter, pointing and discussing Ji Ruocheng among themselves.
In the treacherous terrain of Xixuan Mountain's Mogan Peak, even constructing a small wooden cabin that can withstand the mountain winds is an exceedingly difficult task, let alone building a palace that rivals the celestial cities. However, the grandeur and opulence of the Taishang Daode Palace far exceed the limits of human imagination. In addition, on the twelve auxiliary peaks surrounding Mogan Peak, there are also magnificent celestial palaces built in the locations of the nine veins, which, after more than three thousand years of expansion, are equally stunning and comparable to the Taishang Daode Palace.
However, the little girl was unwilling to let him off the hook. With a flourish of her wooden sword, she exclaimed, "What do you mean by this? I, Zhang Yinyin, am certainly not someone who bullies others with power. Since you want the Zixia Soul-Settling Cauldron, you must rely on your own abilities to reclaim it! Today, you must compete with this sword, whether you like it or not!"
The youth seemed to know he could not escape, suddenly halting his steps and turning to face the hungry wolf, ready to fight to the death. The wolf slowed its pace, beginning to circle around the youth. Driven by unbearable hunger, it leaped after just two circles, launching itself with a fierce wind towards the youth's throat
The old man was furious and shouted, "Impudent! You possess exceptional talent, and since you have encountered no setbacks along the way, how could you understand the difficulties of the great path! This banished immortal is not an ordinary opportunity. Otherwise, how could that old rascal from the Purple Tenuity sect have left his retreat midway? This opening will delay his ascension by at least thirty years! I see that your training is still insufficient. From now on, you will go to the Xuanbing Cave on the back mountain and reflect on your mistakes. You are not allowed to leave until you have cultivated the 'Minghe Sword Record' to the fifth level!"
Although this place is pleasant, it is not my home
Thereafter, Ji Ruocheng practiced the breathing techniques taught by the Ziyang Real Person, dedicating the first half of the month to studying Daoist principles in the Taichang Palace, and the second half to receiving instruction from the Seven Veins Real Person in the Taishang Daode Palace. Every evening, he would listen to the old gentleman explain texts and characters, and each night he would traverse the bridge, all under the watchful eye of Daoist Yunfeng.
Only at this moment did the Ziyang True Person impart a set of incantations to Ji Ruocheng, advising him to follow the instructions diligently, practicing twice daily, absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and the radiance of the moon in the evening, stating that this marks the beginning of the path to ascension. Ji Ruocheng carefully noted it down and asked a few questions before finally retreating, utterly exhausted.
Ji Ruocheng took a deep breath, expelling all distracting thoughts from his mind, and the heat on his face gradually receded. He steadied his mind and opened the book, reciting in accordance with the old gentleman's rhythmic voice. At this moment, it had been ten days since he left the Longmen Inn, and Ji Ruocheng still often felt as if he were in a dream. Until now, with each character he recognized, he felt that this dream became a little more real.
The elderly gentleman on the stage, seeing the commotion below, became so enraged that his beard fluttered wildly. He struck the wooden block forcefully and shouted, "Everyone quiet down! This noise is utterly inappropriate, utterly inappropriate! Ji Ruocheng, go sit in the back row. The sage studies the way, not bound by time. As long as you are diligent and strive for progress, success will not be difficult to achieve"
The Three Pure Scriptures are supplemented by the Three Great Mysteries, the Three Great Peace, and the Three Great Clarity, collectively referred to as the Three Pure and Six Scriptures. The Six Scriptures are profound and obscure, difficult for ordinary people to comprehend. Therefore, the True Man of Mysterious Void corresponds the Sacred, the Immortal, and the True to the Three Pure Realms, each of which is further divided into nine levels, named successively as Above, High, Great, Mysterious, Heavenly, True, Divine, Spiritual, and Ultimate, with each corresponding to a specific Daoist scripture. These Three Pure and Six Scriptures, along with twenty-seven supplements, constitute the authentic teachings of our Daoist tradition of Flying Immortals.
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Yun Wuhua knelt on one knee and said: "I have failed the Valley Master's trust, unable to bring the person back, and I feel ashamed before the Ancient Sword of Tianquan." She then briefly recounted the events of that day.
Ji Ruocheng was taken aback and stopped in his tracks. He turned his head and saw a young Taoist priest, around eleven or twelve years old, waving at him.
If we speak of wisdom, Ji Ruocheng's talent cannot be considered the best among the vast Daoist sects, but his perseverance and diligence have earned the silent approval of the eight true immortals
Are you Ji Ruocheng? Master Yunfeng is currently in the Nandan Room, and he is looking for you regarding a matter. I will take you there.
However, the hungry wolf arrived with remarkable speed. The young man had barely taken a few steps when a giant wolf sprang out of the wind and snow. Its mane was like iron, and saliva dripped continuously from its fangs. It rushed forward silently through the snow, its emerald eyes fixed intently on the young man.
As a hurried month has passed, the Daoist sect gradually returns to tranquility
At this moment, it is the time for instruction. The venerable teacher sits upright on a carved rosewood chair, with a jade-patterned table placed before him, equipped with all the essential writing tools. Observe the old gentleman, wearing a Zhuangzi cap and a flowing blue-purple robe with wide sleeves, his long beard flowing gracefully, and his eyes shining with wisdom, clearly a person of profound virtue and accomplishment. Below the platform, over a hundred children sit quietly in the hall, patiently awaiting the teacher's lecture. The hall is quite spacious, capable of accommodating five hundred people for study, which makes it appear rather empty.
The moment Yun Wuhua stepped through the door, the entire room instantly dimmed, becoming much colder. She could not see the face of the old man behind the curtain; it was not due to her lack of sharp vision, but rather because the faint patterns on the bamboo curtain actually constituted a Five Elements Concealment Array. The curtain itself was made from the blood bamboo of the Southern Wilderness, and even if Yun Wuhua's cultivation were to double, it would still be impossible for her to see through this bamboo curtain
Ji Ruocheng, lacking such supernatural abilities, required the support of Daoist Yunfeng to traverse the bridge. He had not yet entered the realm, and this experience of crossing the suspension bridge was indeed terrifying to the point of losing his senses. However, Daoist Yunfeng stated that crossing the suspension bridge multiple times at this moment was a wonderful method for strengthening one's will. Thus, despite being extremely frightened, Ji Ruocheng still forced himself to move forward step by step on the suspension bridge
Wow! Is such a big person also here to learn literacy?
Ji Ruocheng observed that this young Taoist had little cunning, with every bit of deceit written plainly on his face. He was also aware that the rules of the De Zong sect were typically strict, and having just entered the Supreme Taoist Palace, he was being cautious and careful in all matters, never having had any conflicts with others. Therefore, he thought that a young Taoist of this age would not be able to devise many tricks; at most, he would gather a group of people to bully a newcomer like himself. Ji Ruocheng had grown up fighting against wild dogs, ferocious wolves, and local ruffians, so such childish games could hardly intimidate him. Thus, he thought that a young Taoist of this age would not be able to devise many tricks; at most, he would gather a group of people to bully a newcomer like himself. Ji Ruocheng had grown up fighting against wild dogs, ferocious wolves, and local ruffians, so such childish games could hardly intimidate him.
Zhang Yinyin frowned and said, "What, are you trying to play dead before the match even starts?" A few boys exchanged glances, appearing somewhat guilty. During their earlier scuffle, there were indeed a few strikes that had employed hidden strength.
Gu Shouzhen nodded and said: "This is it. As you begin your cultivation in the Dao, it is essential to avoid being overly greedy. You should primarily focus on studying the various scriptures of Taiqing, supplemented by one or two other teachings. However, the other several true immortals will certainly not allow you to abandon the methods they have imparted to you, which may slow your progress. Here, I have a Longhua Pill that will greatly benefit you in cultivating your vital energy and establishing your foundation in the Dao. After you return, find a quiet place to take it, and diligently practice for seven days to refine its medicinal properties. This will allow you to complete a significant portion of the realm of the Taiqing Supreme Secret."