Chapter 2139: The Calamity of Formlessness

"So Ning Zhenren already knew about Daiyu Immortal Mountain." Qin Sang wasn't particularly surprised; given Ning Zhenren's cultivation, if she had been to the Storm Realm, it wouldn't have escaped her spiritual sight. The question remained: why didn't she take the immortal mountain?

Ning Zhenren nodded slightly but first recounted the origin of Daiyu Immortal Mountain. "Legend has it that there were five ancient immortal mountains: Daiyu, Yuanjiao, Fanghu, Yingzhou, and Penglai. Seeds of immortal saints resided in these mountains, and fruits of immortality were readily available. Later, the world underwent great changes, and the immortal mountains scattered, each finding its own master. Ancient texts record that the mountains' roots were unanchored, constantly drifting up and down with the tides. Yuanjiao Immortal Mountain and Daiyu Immortal Mountain eventually flowed into the Ne River, vanishing into the unknown..."

Qin Sang listened attentively. He had already obtained the Changyou tribe's ancient texts, which contained similar records, though not as detailed as Ning Zhenren's account. Both the variant human race and the Daoist sects documented this, and with the true Daiyu Immortal Mountain serving as proof, this legend seemed credible. Qin Sang listened with a grain of salt, knowing that the details would certainly differ significantly from the facts, perhaps even being diametrically opposed.

"The origin of the Ne River should also be recorded in the Talisman Sect's Daoist scriptures," Ning Zhenren remarked, looking at Qin Sang.

Qin Sang recalled what he had seen and heard in the Talisman Realm and replied, "Legend has it that when heaven and earth first formed, yin and yang were not yet separated, nor purity from impurity. As the Great Dao manifested, pure qi ascended to become the heavens, and impure qi descended to become the earth. Yet, some undifferentiated pure and impure qi remained, known as the 'Ancient Qi of the Six Heavens,' which transformed into the Ne River, giving rise to malevolent entities..."

"These teachings predate the Daoist Court's seclusion from the world. It appears the Daoist Court has remained isolated all these years, and had not yet re-emerged before you left," Ning Zhenren mused.

Qin Sang's heart tightened. Facing a powerful figure like Ning Zhenren, whose spiritual insight was like a burning torch, he had to be fully alert. A momentary lapse could betray his true origins. Fortunately, these were not critical secrets.

"I wonder what the prevailing interpretation of the Ne River's origin is in the current era?" Qin Sang asked calmly, his expression unchanged.

"Though interpretations vary, the core truth remains the same!" Ning Zhenren commented.

"In today's cultivation world, the Buddhist theory of the Four Kalpas is widely accepted and has many proponents. These Four Kalpas—Formation, Dwelling, Destruction, and Emptiness—expound the ultimate truth of the Heavenly Dao's operation and the birth, death, rise, and fall of all things, encompassing both minor and major chiliocosms."

"All things cannot exist eternally, and the major chiliocosm is no exception. From its genesis until ultimate annihilation, it follows the operation of the Great Dao, experiencing myriad tribulations. The process can be divided into four periods: Formation, Dwelling, Destruction, and Emptiness, originating from and returning to emptiness."

"Some powerful beings have theorized that the major chiliocosm we inhabit is currently in its first or second period."

"Once the first period concludes, the pure and impure qi should be completely separated. At present, the Heavenly Dao has not yet evolved to that stage, and thus the pure and impure qi transforms into the Ne River. As the Great Dao continues its operation and the second period arrives, the Ne River will eventually dissipate."

"However, a more pessimistic theory suggests that, looking back through history, this realm has already entered its second period and should be at its zenith, yet the Ne River persists. This might be because a major upheaval once occurred in this realm, disrupting the Great Dao's operation and leading to a fragmented Heavenly Dao, such as the invasion of the Demon Realm."

"Regardless of the explanation, they are all based on the theory of the Four Kalpas and are not without corroborating evidence. Buddhism speaks of the Six Paths of Reincarnation, and Daoism speaks of the Nine Nether Underworld. The world clearly has yin souls and spirits, but no Yellow Springs or an Underworld. Where do the departed souls go? Where is reincarnation? Isn't that peculiar?"

"Some believe that the Underworld *should* have emerged from the Ne River, but due to the Great Dao's disruption, it failed to evolve properly. The Ne River is thus a flaw in the Heavenly Dao, a deficiency of the major chiliocosm..."

Listening to Ning Zhenren's eloquent explanation, Qin Sang fell into deep thought. These were indeed points of confusion for him in the past. The mortal world could naturally give rise to ghosts and spirits, with the Ghost Gate separating the mortal and spiritual realms. Yet, the spiritual realm existed dependently on the mortal world, lacking a proper Underworld or a place for reincarnation. Where did the countless souls in the world actually go? Even the Daoist Court's ghost soldiers were created by Empress Houtu, modeled after the Divine Court, who established the Fengdu Ghost Prison to provide them a place. However, these were not the focus of the discussion today. Ning Zhenren merely touched upon them without providing deeper explanations.

Qin Sang felt a pang of regret but understood the priorities, silently listening as Ning Zhenren continued: "Daiyu Immortal Mountain and Yuanjiao Immortal Mountain fell into the Ne River. For some unknown reason, Yuanjiao Immortal Mountain was obtained by the variant human race. The powerful beings of the variant human race used the immortal mountain as its foundation to establish their Sacred Land. This is the origin of the variant human Sacred Land and the Yuanjiao Sea Market. However, Daiyu Immortal Mountain, which also fell into the Ne River, remained missing until it unexpectedly appeared in a minor chiliocosm, having endured who knows what, and is now so utterly dilapidated."

Hearing this, Qin Sang couldn't help but be astonished. The Changyou tribe's texts merely stated that the Sacred Land and the Yuanjiao Sea Market might be connected to Yuanjiao Immortal Mountain, but provided no specific details, or perhaps the original authors were also unaware. He hadn't imagined Yuanjiao Immortal Mountain was the very foundation of the Sacred Land.

The variant human Sacred Land was vast and boundless, with powerful cultivators above the Sacred Realm training within it. It was hard to imagine what kind of immortal mountain could serve as a foundation for such an expansive Sacred Land! Daiyu Immortal Mountain, by contrast, was only a thousand *zhang* tall. Though it held unfathomed aspects for Qin Sang, it could not possibly possess such profound mysteries. Ning Zhenren had described the immortal mountain as dilapidated, but it was far more than that; the current Daiyu Immortal Mountain could only be considered a mere fragment!

No wonder Ning Zhenren hadn't taken it; she likely didn't deem it worthy.

"Is this a trial and an opportunity Ning Zhenren left for Liu Li? This humble Daoist was unaware of the full story and has already retrieved the immortal mountain, temporarily placing it at Qingyang Temple. However, I have not yet activated its hidden mysteries..."

Daiyu Immortal Mountain was of immense origin and certainly precious, but only a remnant mountain of unknown purpose remained. Moreover, as it was something Ning Zhenren had left for Liu Li, Qin Sang naturally wouldn't be overly covetous.

Just as he was speaking, Ning Zhenren interrupted him. "I am not asking Prefect Qin for the immortal mountain. Liu Li knows you retrieved it, and she certainly won't mind. Although ancient texts don't record whether immortal mountains can develop their own will, divine objects possess spirits, and those with destiny will possess them. The fact that Prefect Qin was able to take it indicates the immortal mountain has acknowledged you. Were it someone else, they likely wouldn't have been able to take it away. You are the fated person; even if you were to forcefully give it away, it might prove more detrimental than beneficial to the recipient..."

Divine objects possessed spirits. Qin Sang had suspected this himself, but he hadn't found any signs of the immortal mountain possessing its own will, nor had he felt himself being acknowledged. Although this mountain was once one of the five great immortal mountains, so ruined, could it still retain the ability to choose its own master? In fact, controlling the stone tablet allowed him to manipulate the ancient restrictions within the mountain.

Qin Sang noticed Ning Zhenren's scrutinizing gaze, as if she were questioning what was special about him and why he had gained the mountain's acknowledgment. Little did she know, he was just as bewildered. The most reasonable explanation was that both he and Daiyu Immortal Mountain originated from the Storm Realm, and any Storm Realm cultivator of comparable cultivation would have been able to retrieve the immortal mountain at that moment. Alternatively, could it be because he had stored the immortal mountain within his minor grotto-heaven, thereby circumventing some complications?

"Compared to Daiyu Immortal Mountain, what interests me most is the complex connection between Prefect Qin and Liu Li." Ning Zhenren revealed a gentle smile. "I have thoroughly learned about Liu Li's life experiences, and Prefect Qin is someone she simply cannot avoid. Although your time together was not long, fate works in mysterious ways, and a profound bond already exists between you. Hmm, Prefect Qin, do you know the origin of the cultivation method you both practiced?"

Qin Sang's spirit stirred, and he said urgently, "I implore Ning Zhenren to enlighten me!"

Their connection began with the *Lianli Tongxin Jue*, but it was also this sinister technique that triggered a series of subsequent events, with its lingering repercussions becoming Liu Li's nightmare and torment. It caused Liu Li to struggle to distinguish whether her feelings stemmed from her true heart or were influenced by the technique, bringing her suffering unimaginable to ordinary people. Undoubtedly, Qin Sang was the beneficiary, but he didn't desire such advantages. Given the opportunity, he would certainly help Liu Li resolve the hidden dangers, allowing her to courageously face her true self. Whatever the outcome, Qin Sang was willing to accept it. Yet, even to this day, he had been unable to uncover the origin of the *Lianli Tongxin Jue*. Earl Dongyang had claimed this sinister technique originated from the Ziwei Palace, indicating it was an ancient method, but clearly not of the sword cultivation lineage. Qin Sang had searched many ancient texts in the Five Elements Alliance for this, but found nothing.

"This method was derived from an ancient cultivation technique called the *Lianli Tongxin Jue*!" Ning Zhenren explained. "Perhaps the person who created this technique only obtained incomplete fragments and made many presumptuous modifications to the *Lianli Tongxin Jue*, causing it to become a sinister technique. In reality, it is one of the supreme true methods of Yin-Yang dual cultivation!"

The *Lianli Tongxin Jue*—a supreme true method of dual cultivation!

Qin Sang was secretly surprised and also somewhat relieved; if it wasn't a sinister technique, resolving the hidden dangers should be simpler. Ning Zhenren explained, "Although there were modifications, the true essence of the *Lianli Tongxin Jue* was preserved. However, its requirements for cultivators are extremely stringent. Daoist companions must cultivate it together, and both parties must deeply love and completely trust each other, having not the slightest doubt or reservation about their partner, and believing that their partner will never waver in their affections."

Such a cultivation method actually existed! Hearing this, Qin Sang felt a premonition of something ill. Ning Zhenren continued, "To cultivate it, one must willingly be deeply afflicted by a 'love poison,' and one party must completely abandon their ego, entirely surrendering their body and mind to their daoist companion's control. After a certain period, their roles will completely reverse. In this way, through continuous Yin-Yang circulation, they reach the wondrous realm of Yin-Yang harmony. But human hearts are fickle! I ask you, if not truly in love and completely trusting each other, who would dare to confidently surrender themselves to their daoist companion? In the mortal world, how many such daoist companions truly exist?"

Ning Zhenren's question plunged Qin Sang into silence. Qin Sang was unsure if such daoist companions truly existed in the world; he certainly couldn't be one. No matter how beloved a woman or how close his kin, he could never allow himself to lose his sense of self. This wasn't about whether he truly loved them.

Finally knowing the origin of the *Lianli Tongxin Jue* seemed to bring even greater complications. However, perhaps it was only derived from incomplete fragments, and since he and Liu Li had cultivated it only once, the hidden danger might not be as severe.

Just then, Ning Zhenren, who had been observing Qin Sang, suddenly posed a question: "What is Prefect Qin's view on love in the mortal world?"

In a short span, Ning Zhenren had continuously revealed one secret after another, leaving Qin Sang overwhelmed. Before he could fully process them, Ning Zhenren would change the topic again, always skirting around the main point. Qin Sang couldn't gain the initiative, yet he dared not contradict Ning Zhenren.

"This humble Daoist follows my heart and lets nature take its course..." Qin Sang replied.

Ning Zhenren asked more specifically, "For example, should two truly loving people cherish the present moment, remain together despite all difficulties and obstacles, and fully enjoy their bliss without thought for tomorrow? Or should they always hold each other in their hearts, supporting each other until eternity, hoping to attain immortality together?"

"Ning Zhenren seems to be hinting at something?" Qin Sang's brow furrowed slightly. "Moreover, this humble Daoist's cultivation is shallow. To imagine attaining immortality at this point seems a bit too early, wouldn't you say?"

Above the Void Refinement stage lies the Body Integration stage, and above that, the Mahayana stage. Mahayana cultivators, at least Qin Sang had witnessed with his own eyes, and he was drawing ever closer, with a glimmer of hope. As for those who ascended to the Immortal Realm, he had only heard legends of one individual: the Witch God.

The path to immortality was elusive and hard to find. Considering only humans, there were figures like the Jade Emperor, Lord of Great Zhou; the mighty figure who established the Talisman Dao Divine Court within the Daoist sects; Empress Houtu, who pioneered the Divine Path; and Ziwei Sword Venerable, Lord of the Ziwei Palace... Each of them was exceptionally talented, dominating their respective eras, yet none had explicit rumors stating they had attained the Dao and become immortals. Qin Sang's heart to pursue the immortal path was unwavering; he advanced step by step towards it, but he was not arrogant.

"Longevity is not equivalent to eternal life," Ning Zhenren said, shaking her head. "Cultivating to the Void Refinement realm means no longer worrying about one's lifespan. The Six-Nine Great Heavenly Tribulation occurs once every three thousand years; for mortals, or even Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation cultivators, isn't that longevity? And cultivating to the Mahayana realm means that from then on, no more heavenly tribulations will descend. Isn't that longevity?"

Hearing these words, Qin Sang's mind was shaken. His encounters with powerful beings had always occurred in moments of life and death, leaving no time to inquire about such matters. The other party might have assumed these were common knowledge and wouldn't actively tell him. The Mahayana stage actually had no heavenly tribulations!

No worries about lifespan, no worries about heavenly tribulations—that was more than just longevity! Could what he had pursued his entire life be achieved simply by breaking through to the Mahayana stage? If so, what did 'becoming an immortal' truly signify for Mahayana cultivators?

Qin Sang realized that he had again exposed his lack of knowledge to Ning Zhenren, revealing many of his limitations. Yet, he was helpless; the gap in understanding was simply insurmountable.

"Mahayana cultivators can create their own unique realm, integrating themselves into a part of the Heavenly Dao. Some even proclaim themselves incarnations of the Heavenly Dao, so how could they face heavenly tribulations? Furthermore, if a Mahayana cultivator wishes, they can allow their juniors to enter their minor chiliocosm to cultivate. If a junior is unable to break through to Void Refinement, the Mahayana cultivator can prevent the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation from descending until the junior breaks through or their lifespan runs out! Of course, the Six-Nine Great Heavenly Tribulation contains a stronger will of heaven and earth, which Mahayana cultivators cannot influence."

Ning Zhenren's revelations grew increasingly astonishing, completely shattering Qin Sang's previous understanding of Mahayana cultivators. In fact, the gap between each major realm was like a chasm. Had he not witnessed the Sword Domain, Qin Sang would have found it hard to imagine the divine abilities of Body Integration cultivators.

At this moment, Ning Zhenren's tone changed again. "Mahayana cultivators face no tribulations, but there are tribulations of formlessness! Heaven and earth constantly change, and tribulations perpetually exist. Heaven and earth have their own cycles of birth and death; longevity is not eternal life. Tribulations come and go, elusive and unpredictable. A single unilluminated thought, a surge of nameless anger, can all trigger karma and invite disaster!"