Chapter One, a kick topples the Jade Cauldron, as the dragon and tiger converge to gather the Golden Elixir

Han Wang also showed a look of surprise, as this junior brother who was about to be officially accepted as a disciple actually had another background. Could it be that he is not a native of the Xuanhuang Great World?

The middle-aged Taoist, named Chen Zongzheng, displayed a hint of surprise on his face: "The wind carries the roar of tigers, and dragons roam among the clouds. Such extraordinary phenomena are symbols of achieving a high-grade golden elixir. Recently, within the sect, there has been no news of anyone whose cultivation has reached perfection, who is about to refine the golden elixir"

Suddenly, the tightly closed door of the cave opened wide, and a faint, almost imperceptible sigh drifted in the wind

"Very well, although you have not yet officially received the true teachings, I will treat you as a true disciple of the sect, nurturing you as a seed of the Dao, so there is no need to be so distant with me." Said the True Man Yuanhua: "Ten years ago, the Supreme Xuan Zhenjun established the Meteorite Daoist Temple and founded the Tai Xuan Sect. Have you heard of this matter?"

At this point, the Daoist Yuanhua chuckled and said: "In recent years, the cultivation world of Shenzhou has been quite peaceful. Although various sects have had disciples successfully refine their Golden Elixirs, there have been few grand ceremonies to celebrate such achievements. This time, the Tai Xuan Sect is holding a Golden Elixir Ceremony to formally step onto the stage of the Shenzhou cultivation world and showcase their prowess, especially to the Shang Xuan Sect. It is likely that things will not remain entirely tranquil."

A single kick overturns the jade cauldron, as the dragon and tiger converge to gather the golden elixir

Transcending through time! Xu Zhuang felt a tremendous shock in his heart, experiencing both the fear of his innermost secrets being revealed and the excitement of having the doubts that had lingered in his mind seemingly explained at this moment

Suddenly arriving, I have dined on the wind and drunk the dew for sixty years. In the year of the Jiazi, I seek truth and inquire about the Dao as I ascend the platform

Hmph," said the Real Person Yuanhua with a smile, "You younger generations must not take these so-called minor sects and small factions to heart, right? Naturally, your understanding of them is rather vague

Alright! There is no need to dwell on the past. Master Yuanhua did not wait for Xu Zhuang's response, and with a wave of his dust brush, he said, "Xu Zhuang, you have just attained the Golden Elixir. As per usual, I should see you again when you officially hold your true transmission ceremony. However, the reason I urgently summoned you today is not merely for nostalgia; there is an important matter I need you to attend to."

If I remember correctly, this person is of the same generation as my nephew. Chen Zongzheng smiled and said, "In this case, we have added another true disciple of the top-grade Golden Elixir, which is indeed a fortunate event for the sect"

Oh? Xu Zhuang felt a stir in his heart. Today, when the purple aura came from the east, he had not yet reached the 'Heart Barrier'. Whether he could achieve a top-grade Golden Elixir was still uncertain. The Master Teacher had already sent Han Wang to come, and the Primordial Spirit True Man truly possessed such divine abilities? He replied, "Since that is the case, let us set off immediately to pay our respects to the Master Teacher."

Xu Zhuang was a disciple who gained some fame within the sect in the past few decades, while Han Wang was a true disciple of the Tai Su orthodox lineage, renowned throughout the divine land. Having achieved the Golden Core for many years, he was naturally not surprised to recognize Xu Zhuang. He said: "Today, as the purple qi rises from the east, the headmaster specifically summoned me with a decree to come to Chongyun Peak to bring my junior brother to meet him. As I arrived nearby, I witnessed the gathering of winds and clouds, the roar of dragons and tigers, and only then did I realize that my junior brother has achieved a high-grade Golden Core today. Our Tai Su orthodox lineage has gained another true disciple."

A figure with a long beard gently spoke: "Ten years ago, this person, in the void of the universe, refined a star and dragged it into the Xuanhuang realm, claiming it to be the Meteor Star Dao Field, establishing a lineage. Perhaps it was for the sake of the Great Shang Xuan Sect, he referred to himself as the Taihe - Tu - Shu Xuan Zhenjun. He established a sect called the Tai Xuan Sect. The Tai Xuan Sect's Meteor Star Dao Field may not yet be comparable to the Three Sects and Six Schools, but it is by no means insignificant. With the Pure Yang Zhenjun stationed there, given time, it may well be able to stand alongside the Three Sects and Six Schools. Can you now regard it with respect?"

At this moment, within the authentic realm of Taizu, astonishing phenomena are occurring. In the vast clear sky, a place is gathering wind and clouds, with flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. Straining to listen, amidst the booming sounds, one can faintly hear the roars of dragons and tigers.

He seemed to sigh and said: "Xu Zhuang, you have now surpassed the age of sixty years. Back then, you came through the void from the Tai Su Cave Heaven, and the old Daoist feels as if it were just yesterday"

Xu Zhuang suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said solemnly: "I will follow the instructions of the Master Teacher."

Xu Zhuang was secretly astonished; it turned out that the Tai Xuan Sect had such a remarkable background. Cultivating pure Yang, it was referred to as the True Monarch, a level of cultivation that surpassed even the primordial spirit. Among the Three Sects and Six Schools, not every sect could boast such a powerful figure in residence, which was indeed extraordinary

I see, then what is it that the Master wants me to do... Xu Zhuang felt a stir in his heart

I believe you are not aware that when you first appeared outside the Xuanhuang Great World, above the Tai Su Cave Heaven, you were merely a wisp of wandering soul, devoid of any cultivation, with no knowledge of where you came from or how you arrived. Even with my old Daoist's insight, I could not grasp the situation. Originally, you should have dissipated into the universe or been absorbed into the cycle of reincarnation by the Xuanhuang realm, becoming one among the myriad beings. However, at that time, I was struck by a whim and felt that you seemed to have a connection with our sect. Thus, I utilized a treasure from our sect to allow you to reincarnate as a mortal in the Yunmeng Marsh and the Kingdom of Books. As I expected, you soon became a disciple of my Tai Su Orthodox Sect, distinguished yourself, and ultimately reached the stage of forming a high-grade Golden Core today. The concept of fate is truly ineffable.

Han Wang was secretly astonished. He had heard rumors that this person possessed an ethereal beauty, and now that he had seen the true appearance, it was likely even more impressive than what others had described. He truly had the remarkable demeanor of a celestial being. Then he heard the young Daoist say: "So it is Senior Brother Han. I did not expect that the first person I would meet upon exiting the mountain would be you in person"

The two Taoist acolytes have been waiting for a long time and have welcomed Han Wang and Xu Zhuang into the palace to meet the current headmaster of the Taizu Zhengzong, Master Yuanhua.

Xu Zhuang, the task I am assigning you is related to the Tai Xuan Sect. "Although the True Monarch of Tai Xuan established the Falling Star Temple and founded the Tai Xuan Sect, for the past ten years, the mountain gates have been tightly closed, isolating themselves from the world. Until today, they are finally set to officially make their debut, hosting a Grand Ceremony of Golden Elixirs for their disciples, with invitations already sent to various sects, including the Shang Xuan Sect.

The young Daoist Chen Shifeng said lightly: "Look over there, that is the direction of Chongyun Peak. I happened to hear that Xu Zhuang from Chongyun Peak traveled for twenty-eight years and returned to the sect six months ago. It is likely that this person has completed his cultivation outside, gathered great medicinal herbs, and thus returned to the sect to achieve the Golden Elixir in one go"

A figure suddenly appeared at the peak, smiling brightly, and said in a loud voice: "Congratulations, junior brother, on the day of the dragon and tiger, gathering the golden elixir, from now on, longevity is within reach, and the great path is to be anticipated"

Two Taoists are standing on a peak, gazing from afar at the center of the strange phenomenon. One is a middle-aged man, while the other appears to be a young man. Their features are quite similar, yet they are an uncle and a nephew.

Yunmeng and the *Map* of the Great Marsh, boundless and endless, stretching for thousands of miles, is a renowned blessed land and cave heaven in the Divine Continent, and is also the location of the Taizu Orthodox Sect among the three sects and six schools.

However, the true essence of the primordial spirit, longevity, and appearance all arise from the heart, making it difficult to discern anything. After the two paid their respects to the true person, the true person seemed to awaken from a dream, half-opening their eyes and saying, "You have arrived." They scrutinized Xu Zhuang, a faint smile appearing on their face, "Xu Zhuang, you are very good."

The Daoist said: "The Tai Xuan Sect has been preparing for this Golden Elixir Grand Ceremony for a long time, and its disciples are sure to have refined high-quality Golden Elixirs. Our Tai Su Sect must also adhere to the proper etiquette. A true disciple should represent the sect to attend the Golden Elixir Grand Ceremony and congratulate the disciples of the Tai Xuan Sect on their achievement of the Golden Elixir. However, all the true disciples in the sect have important matters to attend to, and currently, only Han Wang is in the sect. I have other tasks for him to do. Since you have successfully refined the Golden Elixir, I, the old Daoist, grant you special permission to postpone the true disciple ceremony. You may ring the bell nine times to announce to Tai Su, and you can walk outside in the name of a true disciple. This time, let you represent the sect at the Tai Xuan Sect's Golden Elixir Grand Ceremony!"

Xu Zhuang felt a bit puzzled, thinking that the Master was happy because the sect had added a new top-grade Golden Core disciple. Just as he was about to respond, Master Yuanhua raised his hand and said: "Hey, no need to be overly modest."

"Good." After the two finished speaking, Han Wang flicked his sleeve, and suddenly, he soared into the air, transforming into a magnificent rainbow light. Xu Zhuang quickly followed suit, unleashing his escape light, and the two of them shot straight into the sky.

Through the mist, as if a screen has been lifted to reveal the moon, a palace in the clouds emerges vividly before the eyes

... ...

As the clouds and mist dissipated, a young Taoist emerged from within. His hair was unbound, casually held up with a jade hairpin, and his flowing sleeves swayed gracefully, exuding an air of elegance and ease. A sense of tranquility and serenity radiated from him. His features were handsome, with eyebrows that slanted like swords into his temples, and his bright eyes sparkled with vitality. A faint smile graced his lips, embodying a spirited demeanor

Tai Xuan Zhen Jun, Meteor Star Daoist Temple

The appearance of the old Daoist is that of a venerable man, with white hair and beard, exhibiting the frailty of old age. While meditating, his head nods slightly, resembling an elderly person dozing off.

The old Daoist smiled and said: "Perhaps, on that day, I did not need to make much effort, and you would eventually come to my Tai Su sect and embark on the path of seeking the Dao."

The Great Master Tai Xuan, I presume you are unaware of the extraordinary powers he possesses. Today, I shall enlighten you about him. This Great Master Tai Xuan was once renowned alongside the esteemed figure of the Shang Xuan Sect, often referred to as the twin prodigies. Have you ever heard of this? In the past, this individual suddenly severed ties with the Shang Xuan Sect, vowing never to coexist, and thereafter vanished without a trace. However, when he reemerged, he had already attained the state of pure Yang, wielding boundless magical powers. The experts of the Shang Xuan Sect engaged him in several battles of magic, yet none could prevail against him.

It is said that Chongyun Peak is named for its direct ascent into the clouds. At this moment, at the summit of Chongyun Peak, as the sounds of dragons and tigers fade away, the extraordinary phenomenon of gathering winds and clouds is drawing to a close, and the heavens and the earth suddenly become clear.

It turns out this person... twenty-eight years ago, I had indeed heard of his reputation

Xu Zhuang was intelligent from a young age, able to read articles at the age of 3 and compose poetry at the age of 5. He was naturally endowed with an understanding of many principles and often possessed knowledge that was somewhat unusual compared to others. Although it was vague, it could be considered a form of innate wisdom. Since he began his cultivation in the Tai Su Sect, he has spent several decades on this path and has long had some conjectures about this situation.

Xu Zhuang furrowed his brow and said: "Replying to the esteemed one, ten years ago, I was still traveling beyond the East Sea. After returning to the Divine Continent, I have heard some news, but I do not know the details."