Chapter 4: First Encounter with the Mountain Gate

Then, he organized the content of some common knowledge books on cultivation, and within the span of three hours, he recorded this into his own jade tablet before returning to his residence

Ding Hao was not one to speak much, so he refrained from saying more to spare Chen Ling's feelings. Since he was already aware of his shortcomings, Ding Hao would naturally do his utmost to make amends and headed directly to the study.

The library was only guarded by disciples from the first and third generations. At the entrance, Ding Hao saw him with his eyes tightly closed, sitting cross-legged. It was unclear whether he was cultivating or merely sleeping. Upon hearing the sound of Ding Hao's entrance, he merely opened his eyes to glance at him and then continued to meditate, as if Ding Hao did not exist.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he began to organize his thoughts. Every event that had transpired over the past two days was vividly clear in his mind. Just the day before yesterday, he was merely an ordinary hunter from Shanhua Village, yet today he had entered the world of cultivation. The unfolding of events was always unexpected. While these experiences had broadened his horizons, they also filled him with anxiety. In this world, every individual possessed the ability to bring about his demise. This threat made him uneasy, but more than that, it was excitement—yes, excitement. Ding Hao realized that he enjoyed this feeling. Perhaps he was inherently averse to mediocrity and inaction, Ding Hao mused.

Although I studied in a private school for several years, I felt it was useless at the time and did not engage in serious study. Now that I have acquired the methods of cultivation, I find that my knowledge of characters is still limited. The few characters I recognize, when strung together, appear even more obscure and difficult to understand. It is only at this moment that I realize my foundation in the path of cultivation is still lacking significantly

Among these sects, the Yin-Yang Harmonization Sect and the Blood Evil Sect are slightly stronger, followed by the Black Magic Sect, the Soul Devouring Sect, and the Talismans Sect, with the Wujie Demon Sect being the weakest

The largest sect on Duanhun Mountain is the Purgatory Demon Sect, which, along with the Heavenly Kill Demon Palace of Changhen Mountain and the Sword Demon Palace of Heiyun Mountain, is known as one of the three great demon sects of the Western Continent. Each sect has thousands of disciples and numerous experts, having stood at the pinnacle of the demon sects for thousands of years

At this moment, Ding Hao is aware that he is situated on a spherical object called Tianxuan, where land occupies only one-third of the surface, with the remainder being ocean. The land is primarily divided into four major regions: northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest. The four largest landmasses are separated by the sea, while there are countless smaller land areas.

The entrance of the Wujimozong is located on the Duanhun Mountain in the Western Continent. However, Duanhun Mountain is not solely home to the Wujimozong; there are several other cultivation sects as well. Although the Western Continent boasts numerous famous mountains and rivers, only a few are rich in spiritual energy suitable for cultivators. There are thousands of cultivation sects, both large and small, and the competition for resources is a constant scene of struggle.

After thinking for a while, I feel that there doesn't seem to be any good solution for the time being. What is most important right now is not this matter, but how to quickly improve my own abilities

With the help of the dictionary, Ding Hao has successfully identified the cultivation methods for the three stages within the jade slips: the Qi Refinement Stage, the Embryonic Breathing Stage, and the Rotating Illumination Stage. The beginning is always relatively easy. Although Ding Hao's memory is average, his comprehension ability is exceptional. What initially seemed difficult to understand has gradually become clear with the aid of the dictionary

In addition to the Hell Demon Sect, Duanhun Mountain is home to five other sects: the Yin-Yang Harmonization Sect, the Blood Fiend Sect, the Black Magic Sect, the Soul Devouring Sect, and the Talismans Sect. Together with the Boundless Demon Sect, they all rely on the Hell Demon Sect to practice demonic arts on Duanhun Mountain

These minor sects must pay tribute to the Hellfire Demon Sect every hundred years with some spiritual stones, rare treasures, and materials for refining weapons in order to obtain the right to continue their cultivation on Soul Severing Mountain

Even so, the library is not a place that just anyone can enter casually, but it seems that the Wuji Sect and the Book Magic Sect do not pay much attention to the management and protection of the library. Although the Wuji Sect is merely a second-tier cultivation sect, the number of books in the library is in the thousands. It is unclear whether this is due to the lack of advanced techniques in the Wuji Sect, but the collection primarily consists of foundational cultivation texts. For instance, regarding the manufacturing and usage methods of the most basic insect-repelling talismans, other sects typically have only one book on the subject, with a few having two or three variations. However, here, Ding Hao discovered seven different manufacturing methods. Although the Wuji Sect is merely a second-tier cultivation sect, the number of books in the library is in the thousands. It is unclear whether this is due to the lack of advanced techniques in the Wuji Sect, but the collection primarily consists of foundational cultivation texts. For instance, regarding the manufacturing and usage methods of the most basic insect-repelling talismans, other sects typically have only one book on the subject, with a few having two or three variations. However, here, Ding Hao discovered seven different manufacturing methods

Behind the building lies a deep pond, where even in summer, standing by the pond's edge one can feel a chilling air. The coldness mingles with the air above the pond's surface, forming a mist over three feet high, ethereal and elusive, resembling a dream, truly exuding a certain aura of Taoist elegance

The master and apprentice tidied up the spoils and planned to return to the Wujimagic Sect

Ding Hao did not rush to examine these foundational cultivation techniques; instead, he found a dictionary to look up words. It is not only Ding Hao, a novice cultivator, who struggles with literacy; therefore, the library has also prepared some basic materials for individuals of this kind to study.

Looking at Chen Ling's expression, he did not seem to be a patient teacher. After only a few questions, he instructed Ding Hao to go to the study and look up the information himself to understand it. It is unclear whether he was impatient or if he himself did not fully comprehend. He merely repeated the advice to diligently pursue the path of cultivation, stating that cultivation is also about enlightenment, urging Ding Hao to grasp it on his own.

The entire sect of the Wujimo Sect still has a population in the tens, while the other sects have populations in the hundreds, with the Yin-Yang Harmony Sect even boasting over five hundred members

Due to their significantly weak strength, the disciples of the Wujimazong act with extreme caution on Duanhun Mountain, as even a minor misstep could lead to the destruction of their sect. In the demonic path, actions are not judged by right or wrong, but solely by one's cultivation level. Therefore, the disciples of Wujimazong maintain an exceptionally low profile. The sect leader, Li Nantian, spends his days in seclusion, indifferent to matters of right and wrong, seemingly evading and unwilling to bring humiliation upon himself. He repeatedly advises his disciples to diligently cultivate and avoid provoking disputes, lest they bring catastrophic disaster upon the sect.

Upon hearing that Chen Ling had taken Ding Hao as his disciple, the expressionless square face of this person showed a hint of color. However, when Chen Ling presented him with several scales of the Eight-Winged Purple Python, the half-squinted eyes of Ma Feng suddenly brightened, and his withered, claw-like hands trembled slightly with excitement as he grasped the scales.

The other sects have already produced a mid-stage Separation of Spirit expert and several early-stage Separation of Spirit experts. In contrast, the highest-ranking member of the Wujimozong, the sect leader Li Tiannan, has just recently crossed into the early stage of Separation of Spirit after completing the late stage of Out-of-Body. The four elders are still only at the late stage of Out-of-Body, making their strength significantly weaker compared to the other sects

Within the Boundless Demon Sect, the buildings are clustered together, with the most grand and imposing structure being the main hall, the Boundless Hall. However, due to the small number of people, there are more rooms than individuals, and each person has their own private chamber. Even the newcomer, Ding Hao, has been assigned a room.

After observing for a while, Ma Feng directly stored the scales into his storage bag. "You are well aware of the preciousness of this item, yet you are willing to offer it to me. In light of your filial piety, I will naturally not neglect your benefits. Here is this jade slip for you; it contains the cultivation method for the Wuji Demon Technique at the Out-of-Body stage, as well as the methods for crafting and using three talismans. I will also give you this jade stone, which contains enough spiritual energy for your cultivation for ten years. Your newly accepted disciple has good potential; our sect has not had new disciples join for a long time. You must teach him well!"

Strength! Strength! This is the greatest proof of whether one can survive in the world of cultivation

After Chen Ling brought Ding Hao back to his residence, he handed him a jade slip containing the cultivation methods for the Wuji Demon Technique, from the Qi Refinement stage to the Heart Movement stage. After briefly explaining the basics of cultivation and the methods outlined in the text, he stated that there is no distinction between good and bad in cultivation techniques, and that the advancement in one's Dao depends on individual talent and opportunities. However, Ding Hao sensed a hint of insecurity in his tone, feeling that the Wuji Demon Technique was not a superior method for cultivating demonic arts.

Ding Hao felt that there might be too few intermediate and advanced techniques. If the entire collection only contained about ten books, it would not look appealing, so he gathered some miscellaneous basic books to make up the numbers

"How did you obtain this item? Are there any other things? Speak honestly." The voice was sharp and thin, resembling the cry of a night hawk, making it difficult for the eardrums to bear.

Behind the deep pool lies a small mountain peak, which contains around a hundred caves used by the disciples of the Wuji Demon Sect for their cultivation. In terms of living conditions, Ding Hao is already quite satisfied; however, the number of disciples in the Wuji Demon Sect is inherently limited, and since they primarily focus on their training, the place appears particularly desolate.

Ma Fenggao is approximately 1.65 meters tall, with a gaunt face and a head full of disheveled black hair cascading over his shoulders. He wears a gray long robe, and his prominent forehead is paired with a pair of squinting eyes. His expressionless square face is complemented by a pair of prominent ears, giving him a somewhat "mad" appearance

Chen Ling is currently at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm. With the aid of his flying sword, he is barely able to carry Ding Hao through the air, but it is somewhat strenuous, and naturally, the speed is not fast. Even so, this experience has greatly broadened Ding Hao's horizons, filling him with an unprecedented sense of wonder, and has significantly strengthened his resolve to pursue the path of demonic cultivation.

The efficacy has greatly diminished! By the way, he is now in the early stage of the Nascent Soul and has already acquired the ability to separate his Nascent Soul and choose a new body. Once he completely absorbs the inner core of the Eight-Winged Purple Python, he can directly disperse his soul and take possession of this body, thereby obtaining the maximum benefit from the inner core of the Eight-Winged Purple Python. This is his true objective, isn't it

The Eight-Winged Purple Python is so precious in his eyes; why would he feel at ease to raise it himself? What does he desire from himself and the *illustration*? The inner elixir of the Eight-Winged Purple Python! Indeed, but that is not entirely correct. Although he has already consumed it, he has not fully absorbed it. He could easily kill himself to obtain it, although doing so would greatly diminish its efficacy.

Ding Hao initially intended to obtain the jade stone that Ma Feng had bestowed upon Chen Ling to aid in his cultivation. However, upon further reflection, he realized that the spiritual energy provided by the inner core of the Eight-Winged Purple Python within his body was already more than sufficient for his cultivation needs, so he decided not to bring it up again

Chen Ling learned from a master uncle with the surname Wang that Ma Feng had already exited seclusion, so he took Ding Hao to pay a visit.

After Chen Ling repeatedly confirmed that he could no longer gain any benefits from Ma Feng, he took his leave with Ding Hao

The first person that came to mind was his master, Chen Ling. Ding Hao could not believe that Chen Ling took him as a disciple out of concern for his life; those in the demonic path are inherently selfish and self-serving, and would never engage in such a thankless endeavor.

Ding Hao did not know his name and was too lazy to ask. He walked straight into the inner courtyard, where a library is essential for any sect of cultivation. It houses books on fundamental knowledge of cultivation and basic cultivation techniques, but the most profound techniques are not stored here; they are passed down orally from generation to generation

Chen Ling firmly insisted that he had only obtained these few scales by chance during his travels, and that there was nothing else.

Ding Hao is completely certain that the facts are absolutely true. Since he has come to this realization, he is no longer afraid. For him, this is precisely the first challenge he encounters upon entering the world of cultivation. How to overcome this obstacle is what he is contemplating

Throughout this journey, I have only encountered two second-generation masters and seven third-generation disciples. The way a few of them looked at him was quite peculiar, and the hushed astonishment of a third-generation disciple made Ding Hao feel as if he had mistakenly boarded a pirate ship. "After twenty-five years, new disciples have finally joined!" This statement left Ding Hao with an unsettling feeling.