Chapter 003: Duel of Magic
The absence of suitable cultivation techniques implies that Yun Yang cannot repair his currently damaged Nascent Soul through cultivation, which in turn means he lacks the ability to confront the soul-harvesting demons outside. If they were to breach his defenses, the consequences would be unimaginable
In fact, Yun Yang did not know that the soul-devouring demon had not left; it was merely searching for food in the vicinity, specifically some wandering souls. After all, attacking the barrier would require a significant amount of effort. For the soul-devouring demon, the temptation of a Nascent Soul was indeed too great. On this barren cultivation planet, where cultivation resources are scarce and cultivators are few, the chances of encountering an independent Nascent Soul are minuscule. Moreover, the soul-devouring demon generally does not dare to appear in front of cultivators, except for its certain deterrent effect on Nascent Souls; otherwise, it would undoubtedly face the fate of being captured.
Yun Yang pondered for a moment and decided to conduct a more thorough search, as there might be some mechanism or device to be found. After all, valuable items are unlikely to be placed in plain sight, especially those related to cultivation; Yang Tian would not be so careless.
It is unclear how much time has passed, but Yun Yang opened his eyes. This time, the results of his cultivation exceeded expectations. Although the technique was incomplete, it indeed provided significant benefits for the cultivation of the Nascent Soul. The most obvious benefit was that his body was no longer damaged; he felt refreshed and invigorated, full of energy, capable of taking down several tigers.
The greater benefit is that, with the operation of the Tianxin Jue, Yunyang discovered that the insights regarding cultivation left to him by Yang Tian gradually integrated into his being. Although the amount was not substantial, as his cultivation continued, Yunyang believed that he no longer needed to worry about instability in his realm. At the very least, the previous insights from Yang Tian's cultivation would gradually merge into his soul through the practice of the Tianxin Jue, potentially elevating him to a higher level, which might be unexpected for anyone. However, despite this, it was still limited to mere insights. Yunyang had not inherited even the slightest means of a cultivator, and he still lacked the ability to protect himself.
Furthermore, when the cultivation of the Loose Immortal body is about to succeed, a body-refining tribulation will descend. Although this tribulation is not particularly powerful at that moment, it can often be fatal for the newly established Loose Immortal, as they are unlikely to possess any magical treasures or elixirs. They can only endure the tribulation. If they withstand it, they will achieve the Loose Immortal body; if they do not, they will be reduced to ashes.
Even if one manages to endure, every hundred years, a minor tribulation will occur for the scattered immortals, and every thousand years, a major tribulation will take place, until one has transcended through nine major tribulations, at which point one can ascend to the immortal realm
According to records, it seems that no remarkable individual has been able to survive the seventh heavenly tribulation, as each tribulation is stronger than the last. The subsequent rounds of minor tribulations are even more powerful than the earlier major tribulations. Although the scattered immortals can become somewhat stronger and their celestial energy more concentrated after each tribulation, they cannot withstand the bombardment of such tribulations.
It is for the best that this creature has left, sparing me the worry. With such thoughts, Yun Yang walked back inside. As for why he did not float, it was because he believed that one should be grounded, as this allows for a stronger sense of one's own existence
Cultivating the Nascent Soul is not an easy task, and the cultivation methods left by Yang Tian are not particularly remarkable. After all, he was merely a loose cultivator, and it is already quite impressive that he managed to obtain the sea agate. To seek more advanced techniques would only reflect an insatiable desire.
After careful consideration, Yun Yang decided to quickly cultivate his body into that of a Loose Immortal, thus gaining greater confidence in facing the dangers outside. At that time, not to mention a mere Soul Capturing Demon, even the Heavenly King himself would not be feared.
Yun Yang slapped his forehead, realizing that he had not thought of this. Since Yang Tian has plans to cultivate into a Loose Immortal, he must be prepared. However, after searching, he found no mention in the jade slips about how to cultivate into a Loose Immortal. Could it be that there are related materials stored somewhere else?
Meanwhile, as his realm improved, Yun Yang also allocated some time to study formations and forbidden techniques, because that little thing outside was still lingering there. If he were to accidentally let it in, the consequences would be dire.
Fortunately, although Yang Tian does not possess advanced martial arts techniques, he has still collected some relatively common methods over time, including several forbidden techniques and formations, which are sufficient for Yun Yang's use
However, after reading the jade slip, Yun Yang's heart grew cold for half a year. This was because he learned from it that becoming a Loose Immortal is not an easy feat. Firstly, one must cultivate the Nascent Soul to a certain level, at least reaching the tribulation stage, to have a one-third chance of successfully transforming into a Loose Immortal body. In addition to meeting the requirements for the Nascent Soul, several other spiritual items are also needed as aids. Among these, the most important and rarest is a secretion from a creature that exists in the depths of the sea, known as Sea Agate. This creature is seldom seen, making Sea Agate a precious item.
Thus, Yun Yang began another round of inspection. In fact, as long as he had a slight understanding of cultivation techniques, he could easily scan the surroundings with his spiritual sense and would certainly discover that the stone table in the middle of the bedroom was hollow, containing the items he needed. However, Yun Yang did not possess such abilities. Although he was a renowned Level 8 psychic ability user on Earth, after his transmigration, he found that he seemed unable to utilize his psychic powers. Naturally, he could not use spiritual scanning to locate items, so he had to search for them one by one.
The Yuan Ying is the essence and energy body produced in the practice of cultivation, capable of housing the soul and consciousness. The San Xian body, on the other hand, forms a protective layer around the Yuan Ying, serving to shield the Yuan Ying from direct harm. The abilities of the San Xian body are entirely provided by the Yuan Ying; the more energy the Yuan Ying can contain, the more powerful the San Xian body becomes
However, if there is a physical body, since the primordial infant resides in the purple palace, the human body indeed possesses limitless potential. The energy of the primordial infant can only continuously develop the potential of the body, constrained by the limitations of the physical form, and cannot fully erupt; otherwise, the body would be unable to withstand it and would collapse. Therefore, scattered immortals often become the most powerful beings in the realm of cultivation. Of course, since sword cultivators and martial cultivators also cultivate their physical bodies to varying degrees, the attack power of high-level cultivators often approaches that of low-level scattered immortals. Otherwise, the body would be unable to withstand it and would collapse. Therefore, scattered immortals often become the most powerful beings in the realm of cultivation. Of course, since sword cultivators and martial cultivators also cultivate their physical bodies to varying degrees, the attack power of high-level cultivators often approaches that of low-level scattered immortals.
This cave, as its name suggests, is actually a concealed cavern located halfway up the mountain. It is surrounded by formations and restrictions, making it nearly impossible for ordinary people to discover unless they are highly skilled cultivators. Upon arriving at the entrance of the cave, Yun Yang noticed that the soul-capturing demon had vanished without a trace. Could it be that it retreated upon realizing the difficulty?
Thus, the Soul Capturing Demon confronted the Restriction completely, while Yun Yang continued to cultivate the Heavenly Heart Technique, as he believed that if he could not elevate his realm to the level previously attained by Yang Tian, the possibility of achieving the body of a Loose Immortal would be exceedingly low
Having practiced for an unknown duration, Yun Yang felt it necessary to check whether the soul-capturing demon was still present and whether the restrictions of the cave dwelling could still hold.
Then Yun Yang engaged in a prolonged contest with the little creature. Yun Yang swiftly set up layer upon layer of restrictions, while the little creature rapidly broke through them. One was fighting for survival, while the other was fighting for food. After several days of back-and-forth, the little creature finally grew weary and wanted to fly out to find something to eat. Unexpectedly, it crashed against the external restriction with a bang. It turned out that the restriction at the cave entrance could be restored. Although it had crashed in from the outside, the restriction quickly returned to its original state. This also explains why the restrictions could still function after being struck by the tribulation lightning.
As he gradually lost his patience, he finally discovered a slightly recessed area under the table, where there was a small round hole, seemingly carved out. Yun Yang immediately pressed down hard, and the center of the table split apart, revealing a box. Indeed, there is always a way out in dire situations, Yun Yang laughed heartily
According to the instructions of the jade slip, Yun Yang activated the Heavenly Heart Technique, and soon felt a sense of clarity in his spiritual platform. Perhaps it was because he was inherently a Nascent Soul body, or perhaps the Heavenly Heart Technique was indeed suitable for Nascent Soul cultivation, or maybe Yun Yang's innate talent was quite good; otherwise, he wouldn't have reached level 8 in mental abilities. While practicing the Heavenly Heart Technique, he found the process to be exceptionally smooth, quickly sensing the spiritual energy around him continuously flowing into his Nascent Soul body, like a surge of power being injected. The previously listless Nascent Soul began to brim with vitality, and gradually, the severed arm started to grow back at a visibly rapid pace. Damn it, he was finally no longer disabled. At this moment, he could still be thinking about such things, which was quite impressive.
The originally exhausted little creature, which had been struggling against Yun Yang, could no longer take flight after the collision. Seeing that it no longer had the strength to play tricks, Yun Yang finally breathed a sigh of relief. After setting up multiple restrictions at the door as a precaution, he began to meditate and cultivate the Heavenly Heart Technique to restore the magical energy he had previously expended
This unexpected discovery of a failed tribulation Nascent Soul has left the Soul-Devouring Demon exceedingly excited. The formations here have no effect on it; only the invisible restrictions can hinder its progress. As long as it can break through that layer of restrictions, the Soul-Devouring Demon will be able to enjoy a delightful feast, and its strength will surely increase significantly. How could it possibly give up on such an opportunity
The formidable strength is also a reason why some cultivators choose to become loose immortals, but this is ultimately a minority. The survival rate of loose immortals is exceedingly low; generally, only major sects can have loose immortals stationed, while loose immortals among independent cultivators are extremely rare, often perishing early under the tribulations.
According to the jade slip left by Yang Tian, Yun Yang must first cultivate the Yuan Ying, which means solidifying the Yuan Ying body as much as possible. This is essential for better ensuring the successful transformation into the San Xian body, as cultivating the San Xian can actually be regarded as cultivating the Yuan Ying body. The San Xian body merely adds an energy layer on the surface of the Yuan Ying.
Tianxin Jue, a method specifically designed for cultivating the spiritual realm, is said to have once been an exceptionally powerful technique. It is regarded as the best method for Yang Tian to find the cultivation of the Yuan Ying.
It must be said that fortunately he had learned a few techniques of restriction; otherwise, he would have truly been devoured by the Soul-Devouring Demon. Through the relentless efforts of this little creature, the original layer of restriction was finally broken. Yun Yang, frightened, quickly flew into the bedroom and swiftly set up a restriction at the door. With his current abilities, he could only lay down a simple restriction technique at such a small entrance, barely managing to block the impact of the Soul-Devouring Demon
However, despite his gloom, Yun Yang actually harbored no real dissatisfaction. After all, he had been brought back to life by an atomic bomb; having inexplicably gained a second chance at life was already a stroke of luck. Moreover, a heavenly tribulation occurs only once every hundred years, and for people on Earth, reaching a hundred years old is considered a long life. Therefore, to be precise, he had already struck it rich, so what was there to fear about a mere heavenly tribulation
The Tianxin Jue is not particularly remarkable; among other major sects, it is considered a lower-tier technique. Although its effects are decent, the existing versions are all incomplete, typically only beneficial for cultivators below the Out-of-Body stage. However, if it is solely used to refine the Nascent Soul and make it more solid, this technique is entirely capable of fulfilling that purpose.
However, Yun Yang had no way out. Damn Yang Tian, why doesn't he collect some cultivation techniques for the Nascent Soul? He still plans to cultivate as a Loose Immortal; he deserves to be struck by lightning. Wait, Loose Immortal?
Indeed, within this well-hidden box lies a jade tablet, along with a small box containing an unknown object. Yun Yang first picked up the jade tablet and, after reading it, discovered that it indeed contained instructions on how to cultivate into a Loose Immortal, as well as an introduction to some basic information about Loose Immortals.