Chapter 1050: Dao True Immortal Cultivation

Li Ximing stroked his beard in thought and asked, "Guanghong Xuanxu, and it's a path of True Qi. It seems closely related to the State of Ning."

Tinglan looked at him carefully, seemingly pondering how to begin, and after a long while, she finally spoke, "Zhaojing... do you know about the Daozhen Sect?"

Li Ximing felt a slight surprise inwardly and replied, "Please elaborate, fellow Daoist..."

With a slightly strange expression, Tinglan answered, "The Daozhen Sect comprised four branches, based in the former Mount Xuanzhen, which is now the territory of the Xiuyue Sect. They advocated the Grand Dao of cultivating nature through Daoist practices and integrating the Five Virtues. During the era of Emperor Wei, it was this Daozhen Sect that primarily cultivated True Qi and Purple Qi..."

She mused for a moment before adding, "Only, they didn't call them True Qi and Purple Qi; they called them True Yang and Purple Yin."

Li Ximing raised his eyebrows slightly, a myriad of thoughts instantly flashing through his mind. Tinglan continued, "In ancient times, there was a True Monarch who cultivated on Mount Xuanzhen. His surname was Zhuang, and people at the time called him Daoist Zhuang—in those days, with the populace unenlightened, 'Daoist' was a highly revered title. He ascended to immortality, leaving behind a cave dwelling in the mountains, and within it, a book known as the Taihua Scripture."

"This book was jointly circulated among his six disciples, who later passed away one by one. Each left behind successors, who together maintained the book, forming the nascent shape of the Daozhen Sect."

"The Daozhen Sect advanced extremely far in the cultivation of True Qi and Purple Qi. Guanghong Xuanxu... was the spiritual aura proposed by their lineage. Although at the fall of the Zhou dynasty, internal disagreements arose within the Daozhen Sect regarding the paths of True Qi and Purple Qi, and the Five Virtues theory largely eradicated the Yin-Yang theory, the Daoist texts preserved within it were still exceptionally profound, serving as the fundamental scriptures for the current True Qi and Purple Qi paths."

Li Ximing nodded slightly and said, "The Daozhen immortal cultivators, stripped of their crowns and clipped of their feathers..." Li Ximing certainly knew about this. Whether it was the glorious achievement the Cui clan prided themselves on, or the pretext later generations used to criticize and denounce Emperor Wei, one could never get around the astonishing actions taken by this emperor.

Tinglan was initially somewhat surprised, but soon felt relieved, shaking her head. "Exactly... Emperor Wei wielded his sword from Guanlong. Any immortal cultivators who forgot their earthly duties and failed to aid the common people had their crowns removed and their feathers clipped. Although the Daozhen Sect wasn't the only one subjected to this 'crown removal and feather clipping' back then, they certainly were the most famous for it."

"After the demise of the Daozhen Sect, Emperor Wei read the Taihua Scripture and was amazed by its profoundness. He then re-established the Xuanzhen path, appointing the Prince of Jiangling to guard the mountain. The descendants of this Prince of Jiangling... later became the True Monarch Tianwu!"

Hearing her explanation, Li Ximing was instantly enlightened. Only then did he fully understand: "No wonder Great Ning took in the aristocratic families fleeing south and intended to inherit the legitimate rule of Great Wei... So there was this historical connection. Perhaps only your lineage, which cultivates Purple Qi, understands these matters so thoroughly!"

Tinglan nodded solemnly, whispering, "I'm pondering that the name Guanghong Xuanxu, perhaps even the Sima clan doesn't know it!"

"When Tianwu appeared back then, the spiritual aura was also just like today: the two qi harmonized with yin and yang, stars appeared in broad daylight, Anhuan expanded heavenward, and Wanling expanded geographically by an unknown extent... Great Ning attracted worldwide attention. Because of the Daozhen Sect's demise, related Daoist traditions were all locked away in the Zhaoyuan Immortal Mansion. The Sima and Su clans were merely aristocratic families; they searched through all their texts but couldn't find the name of this spiritual aura, so they had no choice but to submit a memorial calling it Zhengping Qingwu."

She mused, "My master once theorized that when Great Ning inherited the Wei lineage and established its imperial legacy, it was inconvenient to use Guanghong Xuanxu, which the Daozhen Sect associated with reclusive cultivation and ascending to heaven-caves. So they used the name put forward by the Sima and Su clans."

Li Ximing nodded secretly, suddenly realizing: 'So... it wasn't a coincidence that Zhou Wei obtained the Sleeve Mansion Evolution to Perfection technique from the Cui clan. It was said to be from an immortal mansion, yet it didn't contain much Bright Yang Qi. It's highly probable that it originated from the Daozhen techniques that were collected!'

'Heaven-cave secret realms...' Li Ximing's heart stirred. Li Zhouwei and he had considered this matter long ago. Although their clan now ranked prominently in Jiangnan and their cultivation methods might not be weaker than any other, when it came to such immortal secrets, their foundation was ultimately shallow. They didn't even have techniques for traversing the Void, let alone accessing heaven-cave secret realms.

He had originally placed his hopes on Li Quewan. Now, hearing this news, he wasn't disappointed, nodding inwardly: 'Even if a spiritual aura didn't last for a hundred years, but only fifty... with the help of a talisman seed, Quewan would absolutely have enough time. As for the cultivation method for opening a secret realm...' Spiritual materials and resources could eventually be found. This secret technique, however, was priceless and often only found in the treasuries of major powers. That was the most concerning aspect. But he smiled inwardly: 'If it isn't available elsewhere, it might well be found in the Sun and Moon Radiance Heaven and Earth!'

Back then, when he destroyed the sect and annihilated the clan, he killed Chengyan and gained fifty-seven immortal merits. He used what was left to exchange for the Ten Thousand Chariots Punishing Light Emperor Scripture, with twelve merits still remaining. Although the battle on the river didn't yield significant results, it still cost Xi his life and crippled Chilu. Countless monks died in the great battle, and his immortal merits were even more than from the Chengyan incident, totaling sixty-five. 'Afterwards, I'll likely not worry about immortal merits; the only issue is the origin of the techniques!'

He had another thought, feeling a secret delight: 'The Sleeve Mansion Evolution to Perfection technique is indeed a Sleeve Mansion technique; to put it plainly, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a small secret realm. If the spiritual aura is of great help in elevating a secret realm, it should also significantly reduce the cultivation cost of this technique.'

Li Ximing was contemplating his own affairs, but expressed his thanks aloud: "Such confidential news... Fellow Daoist, you've held nothing back. Zhaojing thanks you!"

Tinglan shook her head, smiling. "The blessed land has entered the world, and Quexi has also emerged from seclusion. She has cultivated diligently these past years, blessed with deep fortune, and has already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. These past few days, she's been insistent on returning to the lake to take a look... However, Wenqing values her and immediately brought her to the Imperial Capital, so it will be a few more days before she can return."

"Oh, and... there's a junior here..." Tinglan waved her sleeve, opening the hall doors. A Foundation Establishment cultivator quickly entered the hall. He was tall and slender, yet his demeanor was very proper. He bowed respectfully before the hall, somewhat excitedly, saying, "This humble one, Ding Mu, greets the True Monarch and congratulates you on your great advancement in divine powers."

Tinglan smiled. "He came from your lake. Although he has lived somewhat frugally within the sect these years, he has not disappointed anyone. Hearing I was coming to the lake, he knelt before my cave dwelling for several days, insisting that I bring him along, saying he wanted to express his gratitude."

"So it's you..." Li Ximing smiled with interest. Back then, when a cultivator from the Ziyan Sect came to the lake to build a formation, there was a Daoist Cao, who was quite romantic and fond of women. He took away a widow from the lakeside, along with this orphaned child of the Ding family, to cultivate in Ziyan. Back then, the child was thin and small. He never imagined he would look like this now!

"How is your mother?"

Ding Mu prostrated himself, respectfully saying, "The spiritual energy on the mountain is dense, but my mother's fortune was shallow, and she passed away early. My master went into seclusion for an unknown period, and I didn't even get to see her one last time. I handled her funeral arrangements myself and have been cultivating on the mountain; it should be ten years now..."

Daoist Cao was a Foundation Establishment cultivator. When Ms. Ding was young, he might have cherished her, but once she grew old and lost her charm, how could she still catch his eye? Li Ximing nodded slightly, while Tinglan smiled. "Daoist Cao's Dao companion was very jealous. In his early years, he relied on support from the lake, and he is very grateful to the lake. Seeing him like this, I simply assigned him to guard your family's lake; it also fulfills his wishes."

Tinglan spoke lightly, but Li Ximing felt it was probably more than just simple financial support. The fact that the Ding widow lived to a ripe old age likely meant she also benefited from 'the fox borrowing the tiger's might' at times. He sighed with emotion, saying softly, "Go find Weizeng... he's your kinsman after all."

Ding Mu wiped away his tears, bowed three times before retreating. Li Ximing sipped his tea and replied, "Queyi has gained Kuangyu's favor, and her cultivation is fast, already catching up to her younger sister."

Tinglan silently responded, then bowed and took her leave. Li Ximing escorted her out, saying earnestly, "Please wait a moment, Tinglan. I'm going to open the furnace and refine some pills! I'll have someone deliver them then."

Li Ximing rode a beam of light back, landing on the island. Dropping his smile, he hurried into the island. The great hall was exceptionally quiet, and Li Jiangzong and others were already waiting nearby.

Li Ximing sat down in the main seat, quickly scanning the room. His gaze first fell upon the white-robed youth standing nearby, and his eyes lit up. "Jiangchun... you've emerged from seclusion!"

The white-robed, sword-bearing youth smiled slightly, bowing in greeting. "Reporting to True Monarch, Jiangchun fortunately did not fail his mission and had already forged his immortal foundation last year!"

Li Jiangchun's seclusion period was similar to Li Ximing's. Li Ximing had paid special attention, and the family had long ago prepared the Suuyuan Pills, refined from Lesser Yin spiritual materials. His talent was exceptionally high, so his current achievement of Foundation Establishment was not surprising, but it was a great cause for celebration. Li Ximing nodded, smiling as he looked at him: "I wonder... how profound are its marvels?"

Compared to his other brothers, Li Jiangchun was deeply favored. He was familiar with both True Monarchs and showed no timidity. He bowed with a smile, explaining, "Xiangjuchen, with a balance of cold and agitation, commands water and fire, discerns good and bad, surveys the Azure Spirit, connects upwards to the Yin of Purple Qi, absorbs the Great Pure, elevates the harmony of Cold Qi downwards, and nurtures Weak Water..."

He raised his hand, holding his palm flat, and saw in his jade-white palm, swirling wisps of white light like tassels. It appeared unassuming, yet it brought forth waves of pure qi that captivated the eye.

Li Jiangchun explained gently, "Xiangjuchen is located in the cold and agitated region, attuned to Cold Qi and Mansion Water. It can control Purple Qi as easily as limbs and also has the ability to heal others' injuries. The 'absorption of Great Pure' means that consuming medicines harmonized with Lesser Yin and Pure Qi is like consuming pure Yin magical power, allowing for free use without fear of harm. Activating the immortal foundation can transform Mansion Water into miraculous healing."

Li Ximing nodded slightly, his eyes lighting up. 'Lesser Yin is not a prominent name and rare in the world, yet it is a path of harmony favored by all schools! Not to mention, this Lesser Yin and Pure Qi... are perfectly suitable for him to use!' His heart was already filled with joy, but mindful of the many people present, he did not elaborate. Suppressing his curiosity, he replied, "Indeed, back when I traveled the East Sea, I saw a Fangyin Pool within the Nine Hills Daoist lineage. It contained the exquisite dew of Lesser Yin, a treasure that could heal spiritual consciousness, advance magical power, and enhance divine abilities without harming the foundation. I presume... it was also due to the marvels of Lesser Yin!" He smiled, "I'll swallow my pride and get some for you!"

"Thank you, True Monarch!" Li Jiangchun bowed repeatedly in thanks, then said earnestly, "The path of Lesser Yin uniquely fears Male Fire and Gathered Wood, and the Three Thunders are mutually exclusive, not naturally compatible with ancient practices. As for the Twelve Qi lineages, many are compatible with it."

Li Ximing nodded thoughtfully, asking, "So, how is your cultivation of the 'Lesser Yin Xuanjun Water-Fire Record' progressing?" Li Ximing had read the 'Lesser Yin Xuanjun Water-Fire Record'; its difficulty was extremely high, subtly even surpassing the 'Great Separation White Radiance'. Having him cultivate it was, firstly, to lay a solid foundation, and secondly, to broaden his Daoist cultivation, setting the stage for breakthroughs in divine abilities.

Hearing this, Li Jiangchun respectfully said, "This junior cultivates day and night, practicing this technique diligently in addition to sword practice. Now my foundation is formed, and a profound position has manifested within my body, accommodating water and fire..."

Li Ximing had read this technique himself and understood that he had reached the point where spiritual materials were needed for assistance. He asked, "What kind of spiritual materials do you need?"

Li Jiangchun bowed and said, "The marvels of Lesser Yin absorb water and fire. Among the Fire Virtues, the Fēn and True fires both obey its command, and even if Lífā is distant, it can be reluctantly used, but it uniquely fears Male Fire. Among the Water Virtues, it most prefers Mansion Water; wherever its marvels reach, even the combined Kan and Female are obediently subdued. Only with Lù Water is it incompatible; it's not exactly suppression, but rather a clash of marvels, preventing easy integration."

"The Elder Master often asks me and has long ago prepared Weak Water extracted from Mansion Water and Primordial Fire for continuous True Fire, which I continuously nurture within my profound position to assist my cultivation."

Li Ximing smiled as he listened, replying, "Grandfather is older and has greater insight. He understands the corresponding nature of Mansion Water and True Fire, which is more than enough for you juniors to study carefully!" Everyone nodded in assent. Li Ximing actually had further plans in mind. 'If there's an opportunity, and the family becomes prosperous, he might be able to find a spiritual water and a spiritual fire for him.' Li Jiangchun certainly wouldn't be able to refine Zifu artifacts, but if the family truly had the means, Li Ximing could personally intervene and seal them into his apertures, which would definitely be of great benefit to him. However, this matter was not yet settled, and bringing it up in front of all his brothers would seem too biased. So Li Ximing kept it in mind and asked, "As for Jiangqian... is there any news?"

Li Jiangchun's eyes lit up, and he replied, "Last year, elder brother emerged from seclusion once. I heard his cultivation had advanced further, and his body was engulfed in blazing flames, carrying immense power. He intended to pay respects to True Monarch, but was unable to see him, so he returned to the mountain to cultivate again."

Jiangchun's words were subtle, not mentioning secret techniques. Li Ximing nodded with satisfaction, looked at Li Minggong, and said, "Have him come see me."

"Yes!" As the woman walked away, Li Ximing—who had inquired about cultivation and offered much encouragement—rose on a beam of light and landed on Mount Zhijing. He simply opened the jade box and took out the three branches of Autumn Heart Leaves.

This True Qi spiritual object, with its veins shimmering with spiritual light, was already missing a corner and should have been refined quickly. After several years, its spiritual essence had weakened considerably. Li Ximing harmonized it with Female Water and Purple Qi, placed it in the furnace, intending to form pills with the 'Heavenly Heart Unification' method.

Now, his alchemy path was profound. With just a tap on the alchemical furnace, he secretly sensed, "With the world unifying, and the blessing of life's divine abilities, alchemy has become more relaxed... Especially this 'Heavenly Heart Unification' method, which resonates with life's divine abilities, has significantly increased the speed of pill refining." He hadn't touched an alchemical furnace in a long time, and his heart felt greatly satisfied. His movements were fluid and natural. Closing his eyes, he was momentarily lost in oblivion. After nine cycles of sun and moon radiance, the furnace mouth vibrated, and fragrances permeated the air. Six pills, emerald green with hints of purple, burst forth from it. Li Ximing slowly exhaled, calmly collecting them. 'Alchemy is so much easier than cultivation!'

The three Autumn Heart Leaves were, after all, missing a corner, and some medicinal properties had been lost, so refining six pills was already not easy. He took out two, carefully packaged them, called someone up, and instructed, "Send these two... to the Ziyan Sect."

Looking at the four pills remaining in his palm, he pondered for a moment. He took out a piece of cloth and meticulously wrote down their effects and ingredients. He added a few lines: 'Heard that Senior was injured while seizing treasures, feeling deeply concerned... This item is of great benefit to injuries... If there is any need, please command...' and so on. He packaged two pills and said, "Send them to the Tujun Sect!"

The person quickly assented, cautiously saying, "True Monarch... the Eldest Young Master saw flames soaring into the sky from the mountain and dared not intrude. He has been waiting at the foot of the mountain for nine days and nine nights..."