Chapter 8, The Meaning of the Broken Jade, The Secrets Hidden in the Heavens
He tried to take another step forward, but he could no longer do so. This indicates that the doppelgänger can only evolve to the level of cultivation he has currently achieved. However, for him, this is already a considerable surprise, as it means that even without a teacher's guidance in the future, he can rely on himself to explore a path of cultivation!
Once one becomes renowned at the Dharma assembly, the master in the temple must also consider the disciple before accepting them into the fold
Little did I know, upon a glance, I was greatly astonished
Since the purpose has been achieved and the day is getting late, Zhang Yan also has the intention of seeing off his guests. Ai Zhongwen, feeling it inappropriate to stay longer, exchanged a few more words before taking his leave.
After having this idea, his curiosity was greatly piqued, and he attempted to directly manipulate the cultivation of his avatar
Zhang Yan let out a sound of "Hmm" before finally taking out that page of scripture and handing it to Ai Zhongwen
However, he was not discouraged in the slightest; on the contrary, he felt greatly invigorated, which proves that his previous ideas are feasible
He immersed his thoughts into the broken jade, realizing that his consciousness and his doppelgänger had merged into one. Following the incantation from "Lin Yao's Inquiry on the Dharma," he began his cultivation. Initially, he passed through the first two checkpoints smoothly, but when he reached the third checkpoint, his breath was only able to enter a single meridian. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, and his body became numb, rendering him unable to move. He immediately understood that he had deviated from the proper energy channel.
He wishes to attend the Dharma assembly, and sooner or later, he will meet Ai Zhongwen again
Zhang Yan's expression was calm as he set down the tea cup and nodded, saying: "How could I not know? Such a grand event occurs only once every three years. I originally intended to witness it, but unfortunately, I have spent the past three years focused solely on my cultivation and have not made any connections with fellow practitioners, thus I am unable to gain entry."
He cannot guarantee that Ai Zhongwen's thoughts are truly that simple. If there is indeed an underlying purpose of testing, as long as he has not comprehended it thoroughly, then regardless of one's cultivation level, merely engaging in conversation will reveal the details.
This is not something that can be easily attempted; a single misstep can easily lead to errors. Therefore, this book is essentially useless in his hands
However, not long after, this book caused him to frown a little
Ai Zhongwen secretly glanced at Zhang Yan's expression. He noticed that although Zhang Yan expressed regret with his words, he did not seem to take it to heart. For a moment, Ai Zhongwen could not discern his thoughts and tentatively said: "To be honest, Junior Brother, I came today with the intention of inviting you to attend the meeting together. With your expertise in the art of erosion, how could you not showcase your skills at the Dharma assembly?"
After sending off Ai Zhongwen, Zhang Yan returned to his cave dwelling. He took out the bronze medal and examined it. Even with his composure, he could not help but show a hint of joy.
Zhang Yan observed coldly, feeling a sense of lamentation in his heart. Although the cultivation world often judges individuals based on their level of cultivation, it equally places great importance on one's background and origins. Nowadays, the families of the Xuanmen sect are widespread among various major cultivation factions, and such individuals have firmly grasped the path of superior cultivation. Disciples not born into these families, even if they possess outstanding talents, will find it equally difficult to rise to prominence without exceptional opportunities and fortuitous encounters.
This year, it is precisely the turn of Cangwu Mountain to serve as the host for the Dharma Assembly
To put it plainly, given his current status, no matter how renowned he may be, it is merely a bit more prominent among the named disciples. Perhaps occasionally someone like Ai Zhongwen might appreciate him, but those entry-level disciples would not regard him highly, not even for a moment. However, at the Dharma Assembly, the situation is entirely different; it is a gathering of the elite disciples from the sixteen major sects. To speak frankly, it is possible that future elders and leaders of the various sects may emerge from among these individuals, and the disparity in influence is not trivial. But at the Dharma Assembly, the situation is entirely different; it is a gathering of the elite disciples from the sixteen major sects. To speak frankly, it is possible that future elders and leaders of the various sects may emerge from among these individuals, and the disparity in influence is not trivial.
However, the Dharma assembly is not something that everyone can attend; even if he wishes to go, he must have someone to recommend him.
Since the rise of the Xuanmen family, disciples of Xuanmen have gradually ceased to follow this path. This is because, when they first began their studies, their elders and masters provided guidance. Not only do they avoid straying from the correct path, but they also do not need to meticulously study the intricate texts. They simply follow the step-by-step instructions of their teachers, which not only solidifies their foundation but also prevents them from making mistakes. As their skills and understanding grow, they can later revisit the intricate texts, which will then be easily comprehensible and manageable.
Ai Zhongwen smiled and said, "As a senior brother, why should I stoop to the level of such a servant?"
Since the dawn of time, the surface of mountains and rivers has undergone billions of years of natural evolution. After being subjected to the sun's rays and wind erosion, vast and profound patterns of latitude and longitude have emerged upon it. The mysteries of heaven and earth contained within these patterns were gradually organized and calculated by ancient sages of virtue, eventually giving rise to the unique texts and scriptures of practitioners of the Dao.
Ai Zhongwen had no idea that this mysterious ritual was his true objective. It can be said that Zhang Yan had made so many efforts before, all aimed at this ritual.
Donghuazhou has sixteen major sects, and countless minor sects. Every three years, there is a Xuanwen Dharma Assembly held among the lower houses of each sect. At that time, distinguished cultivators with names and reputations from the lower houses of the major sects, whether they are formal disciples or registered students, will come here to exchange insights on their cultivation practices
However, he cannot avoid practicing now.
The avatar within the jade is indistinguishable from him. Previously, he had also attempted to cultivate, but cultivating the avatar did not enhance his own cultivation level. Later, he focused his thoughts on deciphering the eclipse script, and thus did not continue to delve deeper. Now, upon reflection, he cannot help but capture a glimmer of inspiration in his mind
At this moment, Ai Zhongwen's gaze towards Zhang Yan was markedly different from before. Although he had been extremely courteous and amiable during their initial meeting, the inherent reserve he carried was inescapable. However, at this moment, he had evidently placed Zhang Yan on the same level as himself, a scion of a prominent sect, and perhaps even slightly above that.
Zhang Yan, upon hearing the strings and songs, understood the refined intentions. How could he be unaware of Ai Zhongwen's plans? However, having previously taken a copy of the other party's Daoist scripture, it was only natural to reciprocate. He paused in silence for a moment, then deliberately sighed and said: "Such trivial matters, I have long since set aside. That day, it was merely because I was indignant that Bian Qiao, having clearly lost, still brought up Brother Hu to pressure me."
As both individuals were eager to establish a connection, their conversation flowed pleasantly. At this moment, Ai Zhongwen shifted the topic and asked, "Senior brother, are you aware of the Xuanwen Dharma Assembly?"
Ai Zhongwen was taken aback; he had considered various possibilities beforehand, but he never expected that Zhang Yan and Zhou Zishang were actually related as brother-in-law and sister-in-law
Not only is this method of cultivation exceedingly slow, but whether you achieve any success also entirely depends on your innate talent for deciphering the inscriptions
The reason the Dharma assembly is named "Xuanwen" is still due to the influence of the eclipse text
Although this is merely a rumor, it is sufficient to indicate that the inscription is the foundation of the Great Way. If one can comprehend the inscription, then the gates of immortality are within reach
Nowadays, at the Xuanwen Conference, the competition of deciphering the erosion script has become a means for the Xuanmen aristocratic families to measure their own lineage and heritage, no longer serving the purpose of cultivation as it did in the past
This is merely a clone, which does not affect his true self in the slightest. Even if he practices incorrectly, so what? At worst, he can start over! Moreover, the Jade World is ten times larger than the real world, allowing him to thoroughly comprehend the techniques within the Jade World before returning to practice on his true self
This book, "Linyao Wenfa," is indeed one of the essays in "Xinqing Shipian." The content within pertains to the final step of building the foundation, "Yuan Cheng Ru Zhen," and can be described as a treasure trove of wisdom.
Ai Zhongwen let out a sigh of relief and took out a bronze token, presenting it with both hands, saying: "This is the token for the Dharma assembly; holding this will grant you access to the mountain gate." After a moment's hesitation, he took out a bottle of elixir and placed it on the table, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, and said: "This is a bottle of 'Zhengyuan Dan' used for regulating qi and meridians, containing the essence of the heavenly constellations. It is a token of apology from Brother Bian; I hope you will accept it."
Zhang Yan could not help but smile wryly; indeed, the Xuanmen aristocratic families possess profound heritage. Such a precious Daoist scripture was something Zhang Yan had never even dared to imagine before. By a stroke of luck, he had occasionally obtained a copy, yet they casually gifted it to others. Perhaps what is trivial to them is a true treasure in the eyes of a disciple like him.
He is a named disciple, lacking both connections and cultivation. The reason he previously acted so ostentatiously was entirely to use his outstanding ability in interpreting the inscriptions as a stepping stone to gain qualification for participating in this Dharma assembly
Thinking of this, he secretly vowed that if one day he achieved success in his cultivation, he would find a way to change such a situation
It can be said that there is no one quite like Zhang Yanqian, who meticulously studies the art of engraving step by step.
Zhang Yan focused his mind, retracting the errant aura, and prepared to try again
This is also one of the reasons why Ai Zhongwen believes that Zhang Yan's background is not ordinary. For cultivators not from noble families, the limited time available for cultivation is already insufficient; how could they afford to spend even more time studying the esoteric texts that resemble celestial scriptures?
However, Zhang Yan did not mention his background, and he naturally had the good sense not to pursue the matter further.
It is evident that Ai Zhongwen noticed that his cultivation had already reached the threshold of "Yuan Cheng Ru Zhen," which is why he specifically presented this volume of Daoist scripture to demonstrate his sincerity
Only after easily taking this step did he make a new discovery
Zhang Yan glanced at Ai Zhongwen and smiled, saying: "Since Senior Brother Ai has invited me to go along, how could I, as a junior, have any reason to decline"
The long-cherished goal has finally been realized, and at this moment, Zhang Yan is in high spirits as he takes out the "Inquiry into the Law of Linyao" that Ai Zhongwen had indirectly gifted him and begins to browse through it
Once one becomes renowned at a Dharma assembly, its significance is entirely different from before
In ancient times, practitioners of the Dao first studied the art of erosion writing before cultivating the profound methods.
Since it is possible to retract the breath, does that mean that the state of this avatar is entirely determined by its own will
He stood up, paced back and forth a few steps, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes, then sat down again and took out the broken jade from his sleeve
Having said this, without waiting for Zhang Yan to speak, he bowed again and said: "Senior Brother Bian and I have some acquaintance. Recently, he acted rashly and offended Senior Brother Zhang. He has asked me repeatedly to convey his apologies, and I hope Senior Brother will be magnanimous in this matter"
The inscriptions within posed no challenge to him; however, there were many esoteric terms related to the Daoist tradition that Zhang Yan found somewhat difficult to grasp, despite having a slight understanding of them. For instance, there was the phrase "Dou Shen, Rui." He knew that "Dou Shen" referred to a type of energy manipulation terminology within the main vein, which generally has three methods of energy rising and falling. As for "Rui," it presumably refers to one specific method, but the question remained: how could he know which one it was?
Indeed, as his thoughts shifted, this avatar instantly lost all its cultivation, becoming no different from an ordinary person; yet in the next moment, the avatar's cultivation rose again, swiftly surpassing the foundational level and directly entering the stage of establishing the essence, before returning to his current level of cultivation.
In ancient times, it is said that cultivators could glimpse the Great Dao and ascend to the heavens simply by comprehending the inscriptions of erosion
The Dingyang Zhou family is undoubtedly prominent in Donghuazhou. According to his knowledge, in the past century, there have been no fewer than ten cultivators with a cultivation level above the Yuan Ying stage who have been able to marry a daughter of the Zhou family. Clearly, Zhang Yan's background is also quite extraordinary