Chapter 1087: One Dream (1+1/2)

The colors in the sky were a chaotic mix. The bright white of the Taiyin and the frosty chill blended into overlapping, somber grays, like a shattered white porcelain salt jar, where bright white and gray-white shards lay scattered here and there.

It had already been going on for an hour.

It seemed the medicinal pill was exceptionally effective, or perhaps True Immortal Yuanshang's accumulated power was profound. This evil entity was incredibly powerful, trying to break free multiple times. It repeatedly slammed into Suohai Peak on Pure One Island, breaking the mountain into two and causing landslides, ground fissures, and frequent tsunamis.

But ultimately, it was contained.

Then, a heavy, shadowy palace appeared in the sky. Within it, a beam of white light was suppressed. An old man, disheveled and disoriented, stood in the center, bound by heavy black chains that weighed him down.

Whether it was Duanmu Kui from back then or Si Boxiu later, the evil entities they transformed into, though capable of speech, were wild and unrestrained. They feared neither life nor death, and showed no other emotions. Even when facing the Underworld, they would laugh wildly and attack until they were captured and taken to the netherworld.

But this evil entity merely stood silently within the great hall, dragging its chains, stumbling step by step like a sick old man, constantly looking from side to side.

His thoughts seemed lost in overlapping illusions.

“Sirs?”

He suddenly took three steps to the left, gazing at the sky, where only overlapping darkness met his eyes. He then stumbled back to the right, looking left and right, weeping:

“Sirs! I am innocent!”

He seemed to have lost his mind, quickly becoming agitated. Dragging heavy chains, he repeatedly crashed from side to side within the great hall, making the entire structure thunder, filled with his heart-wrenching roars:

“Sirs!”

“Come out! Why don’t you see me! Come out, all of you!”

“Five hundred years! Five hundred years… I am no different! Am I not just another Guanyu? Why do you humiliate me like this?!”

His words were exactly like Yuanshang’s!

“Sirs!”

His voice was so desolate and terrifying, echoing through the great hall and shaking its very doors. The Taiyin light on him could not be contained, allowing his voice to spill out through the cracks in the doors, resonating on the steps outside:

“I have attained the Dao… Why do you not see me! I have attained the Dao!”

Yet, no matter how he roared and struggled, the heavy chains held him firmly within the great hall, emitting a grating, teeth-chattering sound as every inch of the chains tightened around him.

The evil entity fell to its knees, looking up at the sky, as if to shout something, but the name vanished as soon as it left his lips, scattering into overlapping wisps of grayish-white gas. He suddenly lowered his head and began to vomit violently.

“Gurgling…”

He actually vomited out a snow-white magpie.

This magpie had bare feet and dark eyes, its feathers like a waning crescent moon. It hopped twice, then vanished as if it had gained freedom.

Immediately after, bright, moon-like white jade, mystic scriptures covered in runes, dark blue and pure white spirit lotuses, and piece after piece of gleaming white palaces were vomited from his mouth. Yet, within the infinitely vast dark palace, they were no larger than fists, sinking with a rumbling sound and shattering into scattered white light on the floor.

When he finally vomited the swaying 'Cassia Homeland' from his belly onto the ground, the dazzling Mystic Elixir, long-awaited, tinkled as it fell onto the floor. The evil entity then raised its head again:

“Sirs! Pure One is innocent!”

His prolonged cry was swallowed by the rolling black mist, gradually fading into nothingness.

“Boom!”

As the Mystic Elixir landed, the heavy gates of the great hall suddenly slammed shut, vanishing without a trace from the sky. All the dark clouds in the sky dissipated, the moonlight dimmed, the stars became indistinct, and all colors drifted away like smoke, as if it had all been a dream.

The peak, broken in half, had already sunk into the sea, leaving only half of the mountain standing on the island. The earth and fire veins, which should have been violently spewing forth, were nowhere to be seen. Instead, malevolent energy froze within the mountain, transforming into solid, pure black metallic rock.

Only then was the sword cultivator seen standing alone amidst the ruins, silently gazing at the night sky.

The lively True Immortals, who had gathered from all corners of the land, vanished into the sky like a flock of swallows returning home, leaving no trace. The mountains and the great void were utterly empty, save for a faint, icy wind. True Immortal Fuxuan Xilingjiao stood rooted to the spot, like a statue.

Only then were faint, hurried footsteps heard. A young man stepped forward, his face streaked with tears, and bowed, saying:

“Grand True Immortal… has ascended!”

“Boom!”

It was as if his words had awakened the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. A muffled thunderclap echoed in the sky, and fine, flurrying snow soon began to fall. Xilingjiao turned his head to look at him:

“Chehong… Master took the medicine.”

The young man simply covered his face and wept, saying:

“Uncle-Master! He did take it! It was True Immortal Zhaojing’s—a Mystic Elixir!”

Xilingjiao staggered a step, immediately closed his eyes, and tears streamed from their corners:

“It truly was effective.”

“Boom!”

The winter thunder in the sky grew louder, and a blizzard began to cover the ground. Every inch of the ruined courtyards and pavilions was blanketed by the goose-down-like snow. The cultivators of Pure One Dao began to move across the snowy expanse, exchanging silent glances, their heads bowed as they cleared the debris.

Xilingjiao stood in the wind, and soon saw a celestial light piercing through the air. The True Immortal in white-gold robes was surprisingly the first to return, his expression complex, and he cupped his hands in a distant salute to Xilingjiao:

“My friend, please accept my condolences!”

Xilingjiao quietly glanced at him and said:

“Many thanks, Zhaojing! Were it not for this elixir, Master's wish to attain the Dao… could not have been fulfilled.”

Li Ximing hesitated, his brows furrowed deeply.

Others might have fled far away, only observing from a distance with their pupils or listening casually. But Li Ximing possessed a Celestial Mirror, which allowed him to see everything clearly—the scene within the great hall sent shivers down his spine.

He then said with a complicated expression:

“Grand True Immortal… his cultivation was superb. Even with the golden evil possessing him, he was just as he was in life…”

Xilingjiao paused slightly in his steps, then turned his head, as if checking whether Li Ximing truly didn't know or was merely mocking him. After a long moment, he said:

“It is the Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia, the fundamental law of our Dao, and also the Daoist method of the Jielin Chapter. Through this path, one seeks the Golden Elixir, advancing to become a True Immortal of Taiyin, or, in the slim chance of failure, becoming a Minister of Taiyin Jielin.”

He slightly closed his eyes and replied:

“The golden evil it transformed into possesses his memories, but it is not him. If Zhaojing insists on comparing it to an Underworld Envoy, it is far superior…”

Li Ximing was inwardly shaken by this, and was slightly stunned:

‘If that's the case… would the Underworld still capture him?’

Xilingjiao seemed to understand his thoughts. At that moment, filled with sorrow, he spoke with a chilling tone:

“The netherworld is the supreme celestial office. Since it has already intervened, it means Master couldn't retreat, and was only captured because he truly failed and became an evil entity.”

He spoke naturally, but his hands were stiffly clasped behind his back. Chehong, beside him, was pale and clenched his jaw, remaining silent. Li Ximing felt his scalp tingle and found it difficult to respond. For a moment, there was complete silence, only the gentle rustle of falling snow in their ears.

Xilingjiao shifted slightly. The sword cultivator seemed to have deliberated for a long time, his expression complex, and only after a few moments of contemplation did he speak:

“Zhaojing is from Ningli… Have you heard anything? Do you understand what Master meant by 'retribution' when he perished?”

How could Li Ximing know? He was still contemplating it himself. He shook his head gravely and said:

“The Grand True Immortal certainly had profound intentions; we find it difficult to fathom them…”

Fuxuan lowered his gaze:

“Regarding Zhaojing's matter, Chehong told me. I promised Zhaojing then to exchange items, and I will not break my word… Chehong!”

The young man immediately stepped forward, leading Li Ximing away, leaving Fuxuan still standing silently in place.

Li Ximing bowed to him, still feeling a chill in his heart.

The immortal artifact in his possession belonged to Yuanfu, but he dared not expose it. Pure One Dao was a supporter of Yuanfu, and now that they had suffered such a grievance, Li Ximing truly felt a sense of coldness in his heart!

‘It seems they believe True Immortal Yuanshang truly died having become some sort of Taiyin Minister…’

“Buzz…”

The sound of a great formation activating echoed in his ears. Li Ximing looked up, as if waking from a dream, and found himself within Pure One Dao's inner formation. The ground here was paved with white bricks, planted with moon laurels, and before him stood a small, pure white pavilion.

Chehong composed himself, his voice still somewhat hoarse:

“Suohai Peak collapsed, leaving not many places to host esteemed guests. Please, enter the pavilion and take a seat.”

Li Ximing quickly bowed and nodded.

The pavilion was simple, with few decorative patterns, only a few jade tables. Once the two True Immortals were seated, Chehong said:

“True Immortal… do you have any urgent needs?”

Li Ximing pondered for a moment and asked:

“Do you have any 'Complete Elixir' spiritual items?”

Li Ximing had earlier received news from Liu Changdie, who had inquired about a 'Complete Elixir' spiritual item called 'Vermillion Temple Golden Jade Sand' for him at the World's Navel.

However, Zang Tiaozi, who possessed this spiritual item, held onto it tightly, refusing to trade it for anything other than Liu Changdie's 'One Qi White Orb Stone,' so it had remained out of reach. Li Ximing also specifically asked this True Immortal what he needed, and upon seeing the list, realized all the items were unheard of, making the prospect seem very slim.

Upon hearing this, Chehong raised his brows, then shook his head and said:

“Back then…”

The moment he uttered those two words, Li Ximing knew it must have been exchanged by Qiushui beforehand. Listening closely, it was indeed true—the financial power and connections of Golden Feather Sect were formidable, and True Immortal Yuanshang was acquainted with Qiushui, so why wouldn't he give it?

However, Li Quewan's attendance at the ceremony also brought him good news: her speed in cultivating secret techniques was terrifying. That grand multicolored cultivation had been achieved, and the final 'Plain Elixir' wouldn't take much longer; she was about to enter secluded cultivation!

This meant his most urgent priority right now… was still Li Quewan’s spiritual item!

After much thought, he simply took out Liu Changdie's letter from his sleeve. He compiled a list of all the spiritual items Zang Tiaozi needed and handed it to the True Immortal, saying:

“I need one of these items, to exchange with another True Immortal…”

To his surprise, Chehong took it, frowned slightly, and asked:

“That would be Senior Zang Tiaozi, wouldn’t it!”

Though Li Ximing was somewhat surprised, the number of Zi Fu cultivators in the world was, after all, countable, so it was reasonable that the other party knew Zang Tiaozi. He cupped his hands and nodded, seeing Chehong clasp his hands and say:

“This matter is simple. Senior Zang Tiaozi and my Uncle-Master are good friends. The Grand True Immortal had a life-saving grace for him. Leave it to me; if all goes well, I can exchange it for you within a few days.”

Zang Tiaozi held the Vermillion Temple Golden Jade Sand not for any special use, but merely as a rare commodity, wishing to exchange it for a more suitable spiritual item. Li Ximing was immediately overjoyed:

“Excellent!”

Chehong was clearly still immersed in the sorrow of his Grand True Immortal's demise, showing no smile and offering no unnecessary pleasantries. He spoke briefly with Li Ximing, then, after a moment of hesitation, said:

“Zhaojing is also a master of alchemy. I won't waste your time with trivialities. The spiritual materials used in this Mystic Elixir are of extremely high grade, originally superior to the Vermillion Temple Golden Jade Sand. However, one spiritual material can yield more than just this one elixir… time was urgent then, and I didn't examine it closely, so I don't know its exact medicinal properties. To ensure you are not disadvantaged, I will compensate you with the Night Ya Spirit Grass produced on our island, and have it delivered to the lake when ready!”

Li Ximing naturally had no objection. He returned the bow, then, without further disturbance, retreated from the inner formation, bade farewell, and flew away from Pure One Island. He still saw Fuxuan silently gazing at the heavy snowfall.

Xilingjiao stood silently in the snow, holding his sword. He took a box from his sleeve, collected a handful of thick, falling snow, and gazed into the distance.

The rolling snow piled up on the crumbling, broken mountain. After an unknown amount of time, the sword cultivator finally murmured:

“Master… you hid so much from me…”

Heaven and earth were dim, shrouded in gloom.

Then, a pale blue and white grotto-heaven appeared, adorned everywhere with light white osmanthus flowers. Jade tables and altars were neatly arranged, and at its very center was a large pool of clear water, from which rolling white radiance shimmered.

The grotto-heaven was brightly lit. A middle-aged man knelt on the ground, his expression reverent, holding up a jade box in his hands, and said respectfully:

“Master commanded me to present the 'White Hair Moon Sprout Mystic Elixir' and the 'Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method' to repay the Grand True Immortal's benevolence!”

His words echoed within the grotto-heaven, and then a man from deep within turned his head, his hands clasped behind his back.

This man had fair skin, handsome brows, and elegant eyes, with a silver osmanthus pattern at his brow. He wore a magnificent robe, carried himself with an air of grace, and possessed the countenance of an immortal. He casually helped the kneeling man up, shaking his head and saying:

“What is this for? I've already mentioned… my intention is not in Taiyin…”

The middle-aged man merely said:

“Senior saved us from dire straits… and now seeks the Golden Elixir. Master has considered it, and there is a Mystic Elixir and spiritual item left by our founder within our Dao, which will greatly benefit Senior!”

He took out a box and said solemnly:

“The 'Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method,' combined with the 'White Hair Moon Sprout Mystic Elixir,' will surely allow you to follow the ancient methods of the predecessors and attain the Dao!”

“Buzz…”

All the scenery began to ripple, transforming into a mirror, held within a pair of fair hands. With a gentle wave from its master, these memories scattered, reflecting the peerless scenery of the surrounding immortal towers and pavilions.

It was precisely the world within the mirror!

Lu Jiangxian stood up, his expression rather profound and distant:

‘The 'Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method' was not actually used by Pure One Dao's founder, Xie Jun.’

‘And the three 'Long Mu He Guang White Hairs' Yuanshang spoke of—the one used could naturally not have been Xie Jun, but rather that Grand True Immortal Guanyu from Ningli who aided Pure One back then!’

This matter traced back to True Immortal Yuanshang's master, True Immortal Yanyi.

True Immortal Yanyi was originally a minor cultivator in Pure One Dao, with mediocre talent. However, he unexpectedly gained a fortuitous encounter: a divine being from a celestial palace realm appeared in his dream and gave him a box containing three items:

‘The Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method, Long Mu He Guang White Hair, and Heavenly One Pure Origin.’

Yuanshang did not know exactly what the divine being said… Even these past events were merely pieced together by True Immortal Yuanshang from his master's dying whispers.

True Immortal Yanyi obtained the three items, and after consuming the Heavenly One Pure Origin, he ascended step by step. He quickly gained importance in the declining Pure One Dao, becoming its leader, and then integrated the Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method into the Daoist lineage, claiming it was passed down by the founder.

It was at this time that the master and disciple met True Immortal Guanyu of Ningli.

This Grand True Immortal had already cultivated four divine abilities, and his last one was originally intended to be Lesser Yin, to attain the 'intercalary position'. However, True Immortal Yanyi's heart was greatly stirred, so he tempted him with the Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method. Finally, he used the Long Mu He Guang White Hair to refine a 'White Hair Moon Sprout Mystic Elixir,' which made Guanyu change his mind and seek Taiyin!

Ultimately, True Immortal Guanyu was defeated and perished. True Immortal Yanyi, for reasons unknown, remained stuck at the 'Purple Contemplation' stage, unable to advance, and eventually died in a battle for a fortuitous encounter.

‘In his early years, Yuanshang believed that his master, Yanyi, sought Taiyin and had Guanyu test the waters for him. However, with a bit of investigation into the events of that year, Yuanshang also found things were amiss.’

‘This entire scheme was originally set up for True Immortal Guanyu… Yanyi's talent was mediocre, and those "sirs" never even considered that he could seek the Dao! Even the divine being who bestowed the dream back then simply instructed him to claim the fortuitous encounter as Xie Jun's legacy and give it to Guanyu!’

Yuanshang's reason for this speculation wasn't due to insights gained from interacting with powerful disciples, but rather from his master's dying words:

“The divine being bestowed the Dao, but I could not achieve it. The legacy of my efforts lies within you; if you ever succeed in proving the Dao, you shall receive personal instruction from the divine being… You should prove the Dao! You should prove the Dao!”

If Yanyi had any merit—it could only be that he sent Guanyu to seek Taiyin…

This past event was like a dust-covered secret, long locked in Yuanshang's heart. His master didn't have him as his only disciple, and the lie about the Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method had already been spread. Ultimately, he silently maintained this lie for his master—after all, it was still a method for seeking the Dao.

As for the turmoil stirred throughout Jiangnan by Li Jiangqun's matter, Yuanshang also received some unexpected news. Doubt gradually grew in his heart:

“Is the Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method truly a path to the Dao? Or is it merely a means for powerful beings to test the Taiyin fruit position…?”

It was precisely because of this that when Chi Buzi presented the 'Xuan Dan Taiyin White Osmanthus Branch' to him, he was already filled with deep doubts. Only a final shred of uncertainty remained, which he feigned disinterest to deflect, until Li Ximing arrived and offered a Taiyin Mystic Elixir, finally crushing his last bit of doubt.

‘It was a deliberate arrangement! Merely a test for Taiyin! Alas… he was unknowingly made into an enemy's weapon!’

And Li Ximing happened to be from Ningli, just as he himself had presented the White Hair Moon Sprout Mystic Elixir to Guanyu back then… Moreover… his own disciple Fuxuan had already reached the mid-stage of Zi Fu, just as he himself had been back then!

At this moment, even without knowing who was behind the arrangements, Yuanshang had discerned most of the calculations. Yet, he dared not speak; how could the vast Pure One Dao tolerate his individual willfulness? Was seeking Taiyin something only Pure One Dao could do? Fuxuan was outwardly gentle but inwardly unyielding, seemingly soft but actually fierce. If he slipped up just one word, who knew what kind of disaster it would eventually lead to!

‘Ultimately… what awaited was suppression, of course… What "personal instruction from a divine being"… It was merely a fleeting dream, a petty calculation!’

His gaze was complex, and he stood with hands clasped behind his back, his heart heavy.

But wasn't his own situation also a calculation? Both moon glimmers originated from him!

‘When Li Ximing obtained the Moon Orchid back then, it was indeed a spiritual item with an empty position. I supplemented it with a Taiyin Great Elixir to complement the Clear Qi Elixir in his abdomen, while minimizing exposure… But with this complementarity, both his life and destiny were complete. With my standing, it naturally rivaled a 'Xuan Dan Taiyin White Osmanthus Branch’!’

In other words, Yuanshang, having taken this elixir and broken through, had already met the requirements of the Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method and questioned Taiyin!

Not only had he questioned, but he himself had even gained a response!

‘What Ding Jiao told Chi Buzi was also half-truth, half-lie. It wasn't actually that one could deduce the reality of Taiyin after seeking the Dao with a 'Xuan Dan Taiyin White Osmanthus Branch’…’

‘Such calculations and inquiries require five attempts to deduce the whereabouts of Donghua Heaven, which is associated with the Taiyin position. Counting Guanyu and Yuanshang, Fuxuan would only be the third attempt!’

He had pondered for a long time, and his mind gradually became clear. As for Yuanshang's achievements, Lu Jiangxian also saw them clearly. He shook his single hand, and a jade slip appeared out of thin air, inscribed with large, colorful runic characters that constantly shifted with time:

The Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia!

This was the fundamental law of Pure One Dao, and Lu Jiangxian's detailed knowledge came precisely from this book!

Lu Jiangxian observed Yuanshang's breakthrough from the side, and as Yuanshang circulated the Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia, he suddenly had a realization: the path forward, to become a True Immortal of Taiyin (though he didn't know what kind of True Immortal), or the path backward, to become a Minister of Taiyin Jielin, explicitly pointed to himself.

If he wished, he could immediately reveal his true form and guide this person inside!

Lu Jiangxian was naturally extremely shocked. Upon closer examination, he even sensed a sacrificial aura about the other party, though the sacrifice was merely his own life.

The Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia was a method of 'Rushing to the Moon,' and also a complete ancient immortal cultivation method obtained by Lu Jiangxian. Cultivating according to this book not only allowed one to achieve divine abilities but also to seek the Golden Elixir with one's life!

However, the Golden Elixir sought was not for proving one's position, but for sensing the Grand Void and imbuing one's golden essence onto the Taiyin aspect. This would allow one to achieve a unique status outside the mainstream, like an Underworld Judge, known as a 'Jielin Immortal'!

The idea of the Pure One Dao cultivators was to combine their cultivation methods with the insights from the Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia. Although similar to the Zi Fu Golden Elixir Dao, it allowed them to take a risk at the final moment of sensing their vital essence, transforming into a Jielin Immortal. These Pure One Dao cultivators secretly referred to themselves as the Yuanxia Jielin Dao, but kept it unannounced.

‘This idea is quite good. Perhaps Xie Jun, back then, studied the Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia and left it for these descendants. The revisions were also quite proper, it's just that the difficulty is too high…’

It was precisely due to the extremely close connection between the two that Yuanshang, supported by this great elixir, was able to complete all the steps of the Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia. All his lifelong attainments were absorbed into his true spirit, and upon his demise, his true spirit resurfaced, allowing it to be illuminated by the 'Name-Ascending Stone' and fall into the mirror!

‘His entire being transformed into an evil entity and was taken by the Underworld, but his true spirit had already arrived here!’

It was precisely for this reason that the complete details of the Taiyin Seeking Profundity Method, the entire content of the Scripture of Jielin from Yuanxia, and even the full lineage of Pure One Dao and True Immortal Guanyu, all fell into Lu Jiangxian's hands!

Lu Jiangxian slightly raised his hand, and a small, luminous object appeared in his palm:

“The true spirit and lifelong knowledge of a Grand True Immortal of Taiyin, complete in all five methods and having proven the Golden Essence… At last, I no longer need to constantly rely on Dangjiang to maintain appearances! Certain concepts now have a foundation!”