Chapter 201: Go and take a look at the mortal world. Go and take a look at the world of cultivation
"Moo~~~!" The big black ox let out a loud bellow, its eyes wide open, nodding vigorously.
"I'll make you the Five Elements Flag, using the Crane Spirit Five Elements Tree." Chen Xun grinned, patting the big black ox. "Old Ox, I won't hide it from you—my artifact refinement skills have now surpassed your imagination."
"Moo~" The big black ox nodded repeatedly, fully believing him. This, it truly believed.
The framework of this massive boat was crafted by the elder brother's hand, which had left it completely dumbfounded, as he could handle five tasks at once.
"Heh heh." Chen Xun's eyes gleamed with pride as he sat down, still stroking the deck.
The materials for this boat were made from the wood of a 99,000-year-old Crane Spirit Five Elements Tree. They had even once cultivated a tree that was 100,000 years old.
That was an unforgettable night.
The 100,000-year-old Crane Spirit Five Elements Tree no longer emitted a dead aura but instead gave off a different kind of energy. The wood became very fragile at times and extremely hard at others.
It seemed like the energy had become very unstable, and they naturally didn't dare use such wood.
They could only transplant it onto the boat, slowly increasing its age because Chen Xun had a feeling that the changes in this tree might be related to the Five Elements Immortal Path.
If they later nurtured this tree to become sentient, it wouldn't be impossible for it to become their third brother—after all, they were all troublemakers.
This home wouldn't be complete without it; so many high-aged spiritual herbs needed to be stored in special containers, and ordinary-aged Crane Spirit Trees were no longer effective.
"Old Ox, let's refine this boat together as our life-bound treasure." A gleam flashed in Chen Xun's eyes. "Our immortal paths are interconnected. With our blood essence nourishing it, its age will gradually increase, and we can nurture it infinitely!"
"Moo!!" The big black ox snorted, understanding Chen Xun's meaning.
Once a wood-attribute artifact is refined into a life-bound treasure, it will essentially retain its original characteristics and begin to infinitely increase its capabilities.
Chen Xun cast a deep look around. "Old Ox, if we infinitely nurture this boat, is there a possibility?"
"Moo?"
"That the barrier at the edge of the Milky Way could be shattered, breaking through to another realm!"
"Moo?!!"
The big black ox's eyes widened, even stepping back a few steps. Its pupils trembled—what kind of wild idea was this, how did the elder brother come up with it?
Chen Xun chuckled deeply. "This is interesting, very exciting."
The big black ox felt its body go weak, lying sideways on the mountain of the boat, its four legs stretched out, breaking out in a cold sweat. It had read Brother Ji's ancient texts.
"Let's get to work!"
"Moo!"
The big black ox leapt up, its eyes full of enthusiasm, its mind beginning to wander. The knowledge of the immortal world no longer applied to them.
The two of them sat cross-legged on the boat, their divine consciousness spreading in all directions, with ten Five Elements Nascent Souls seated atop, drawing the Five Elements Qi from the heavens and earth into the valley.
From that day on, terrifying humming sounds could be heard daily from the Flower Rain Valley, like a giant beast breathing deeply from the depths of the earth—extremely terrifying.
The area within a hundred-mile radius outside the valley had become a forbidden zone, guarded by disciples of the Moon Tower.
Anyone who trespassed would at best be sent to the back mountain to reflect in isolation, forbidden from cultivating. At worst, they would be sent to the Snow Listening Valley to be lectured by Master Jiang.
...
The passage of time was like withered leaves falling, and the fading time indicated that hope was gradually diminishing while regret was slowly growing.
Unknowingly, fifty years had passed in the blink of an eye, and three resolute figures in the Snow Listening Valley had packed their belongings.
They solemnly bid farewell to Jiang Xuechen, their eyes looking westward—that was the direction of Qian Nation, where their roots were.
This was the result of the teachings of the two ancestors. Cultivating immortality without roots would ultimately lead to loneliness, with no one to send you off when you die in a foreign land.
Their auras were restrained, and their external cultivation level was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, but their true cultivation was already at the early Golden Core stage.
Even Jiang Xuechen couldn't see through the reality of their cultivation and didn't know what kind of concealment techniques they were practicing.
Liu Han and Shi Wujun had reached the early Golden Core stage long ago and were starting to refine their life-bound treasures while waiting for Ji Zhao.
Ji Zhao, too, had broken through to the Golden Core stage with the accumulation of a large amount of resources. The three of them were calm, as everything had come naturally.
As long as they hadn't reached the level of the most powerful beings who could shake a region, they couldn't afford to be anxious. Heaven would not protect such people!
On the way down the mountain.
The three of them were quite spread out, and the female cultivators they passed by were surprised, unable to discern their relationship.
But they all had kind smiles and were approachable, not judging heroes by their cultivation level.
The three began to communicate quietly.
"Liu Han, will the two ancestors come?"
"Wujun, it's not for us to speculate on the intentions of the ancestors."
"I know, I just wanted to see the two ancestors and say goodbye."
"Liu Han, Wujun, the ancestors will surely be watching over us from somewhere, there's no need to worry."
As Ji Zhao walked down the mountain path, his expression was solemn. "Do we have a confirmed plan and route? The journey back to the Five Elements Sect is long, and the immortal world is quite unsettled right now."
Just as the three of them were exchanging thoughts, there was a sudden stillness around them.
Liu Han's eyes suddenly brightened, Shi Wujun's mouth opened wide in joy, and Ji Zhao's eyes widened, his hand trembling.
Two figures stood ahead of them, looking completely ordinary, yet possessing an aura that seemed untouched by the world. They were none other than the two ancestors!
"Greetings to the two ancestors!" The three stood in a line, exclaiming in surprise.
They had thought the ancestors were in seclusion and had forgotten their departure.
"I said I would come to see you off."
"Moo~"
Chen Xun and the big black ox smiled, looking at these three juniors with a sense of nostalgia.
"Come closer, get a little closer." Chen Xun waved them over, taking out three storage bags. "These need to be bound with your blood. If you die, the bags will be destroyed—these were prepared for you by the Ox Ancestor."
"Thank you, Ox Ancestor." The three bowed in respect.
"Moo moo~~"
The big black ox grinned and nudged each of them.
Ji Zhao suddenly took a deep breath and knelt with a thud: "Thank you, Ox Ancestor, for the teachings!"
He had the worst aptitude, and the Ox Ancestor had spent the most time on him, explaining various cultivation difficulties.
"Moo~~" The big black ox snorted blankly, lifting him with a raise of its hoof.
Chen Xun, with one hand behind his back, looked at the three of them. "This journey is only to temper your hearts. Don't worry about your cultivation level; observe more, think more, and record more."
"Yes, Ancestor."
"When you break through to the Nascent Soul stage, there will be a great heart-refining tribulation. The more impatient you are, the harder it will be to break through."
Chen Xun explained calmly, "Go down the mountain and see the mortal world, see the immortal world—you will naturally gain insights. Struggles are merely for opportunities."
The three respectfully cupped their hands. Given the Ancestor's style, the three storage bags might contain resources that could lead them straight to the Nascent Soul stage.
"But no matter what you encounter, remember, cultivation is only one part of your strength—always hold respect for all things."
"We will remember the Ancestor's teachings."
Outside the Nine Palaces Mountain, at the mountain gate, the three young cultivators respectfully cupped their hands towards the man and the ox.
"Take your time on your way back, no need to rush." With his hands behind his back, Chen Xun looked out at the rolling yellow sand outside the mountain gate, feeling a bit desolate. "Go on, and don't come looking for us in the future. If there's fate, we'll meet again."
Chapter 202: The final test and preparation
"Moo~~~" The deep cry of the big black ox stretched out, revealing a hint of reluctance in its eyes as if realizing that they might never share a meal again.
"Ancestor..."
The three felt as if their hearts had been struck hard. Suddenly, they felt a hand on their shoulders; Chen Xun had appeared behind them.
With a sudden smile, he gently pushed them forward with both hands and said, "Stop dawdling, get lost."
"Ancestor~"
The three were shocked, losing control of their bodies as a fierce wind roared past their ears, propelling them away from Nine Palaces Mountain, farther and farther.
As they turned back, they saw the two ancestors standing shoulder to shoulder, laughing heartily, and pointing at them until they were out of sight...
From this point on, these three would have to carve out their own paths in the chaotic world of cultivation.
At the mountain gate. Chen Xun and the big black ox stared into the distance for a long time. After all these years, it was the first time they had bid farewell to others, leaving them with mixed feelings.
"Old Ox, it's time for us to go too. Let's say goodbye to Xuechen."
"Moo~"
With a single step, they disappeared without a sound, not even stirring the dust on the ground.
Over the past century, the immortal points in all five categories had maxed out, reaching the upper limit and unable to increase further.
Their current points: Strength 200 (140), Speed 200 (140), Essence of All Things 200 (140), Spiritual Energy 200 (140), Defense 200 (140).
Inside the Snow Listening Valley, atop the small snow peak.
The snow was heavy today, and the wind was harsh.
Jiang Xuechen poured tea for Chen Xun and asked, "Senior, are you preparing to head to the Endless Plains?"
"I haven't decided yet, but when the time comes, I will go." Chen Xun smiled calmly, his gaze distant. "I've been a guest at Nine Palaces Mountain for a long time. Staying longer would be rather unseemly."
The big black ox nodded in agreement. They had been well cared for, but staying too long might cause trouble for everyone.
"Understood," Jiang Xuechen said, smiling gently, though she felt a sense of loss. With no senior cultivators left in Moon Tower, they were on their own.
Moreover, she had once investigated the great war between the Qian and Wu Nations in the world of cultivation. The amount of time involved was astonishing...
She had come to realize that these two were not ordinary cultivators. She recalled an ancestor's remark: "Rare are such esteemed individuals in the world of cultivation."
"Alright then, we will go prepare."
"Senior."
Jiang Xuechen suddenly called out to Chen Xun.
"Please, go ahead," Chen Xun paused and sat back down.
Jiang Xuechen seemed to muster her courage, her voice rising, "I believe there is a way through the Endless Plains!"
"Hahaha..."
"Moo moo~~~"
Chen Xun and the big black ox gradually turned into light and shadow, their laughter drowning out the sound of the wind and snow.
Jiang Xuechen, her face calm, gazed at the now-empty seat opposite her, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a voice came through the wind and snow: "We will definitely cross the Tian Duan Plains!"
A smile spread across Jiang Xuechen's face as she nodded firmly, turning to look towards Flower Rain Valley.
The next day, sunlight bathed the land, and a purple aura rose in the east. In Nine Palaces Mountain, at Flower Rain Valley. Chen Xun and the big black ox had packed up their belongings and stood at the center of the giant ship.
"Old Ox, are you ready?"
A calm voice echoed as the big black ox looked at Chen Xun, exhaling heavily.
Chen Xun's gaze deepened as he stood with one hand behind his back and the other with two fingers together in front of his chest.
The big black ox slowly rose, transforming its hooves into hands, and placed a palm on the deck.
"The final test and preparation begin."
As Chen Xun spoke, a terrifying phantom with five heads and ten arms vaguely appeared behind him.
He stood calmly, his eyes shining like suns, his entire body ablaze with the energy of the five elements like divine flames.
At that moment, the giant ship, which had been silent in the valley, suddenly began to tremble.
The dark surface started to light up with patterns.
Chen Xun used his Nascent Soul to channel the ship's five-element energy, awakening the vessel as if it were a giant beast.
Boom!
Boom!
The entire valley shook violently as the energy of the five elements surged towards it like a tide.
The overwhelming spiritual pressure instantly enveloped the entire valley, spreading towards Nine Palaces Mountain.
"Moo!!"
The big black ox let out a furious roar, and a terrifying phantom, also with five heads and ten arms, appeared behind it.
The ship's formations activated, and beams of light shot into the sky, scattering the spiritual energy and shaking the surroundings!
The Five Element Flags emerged from the light and shadow, settling at five points within the ship, drawing in the massive energy of the five elements from the heavens and earth.
Buzz—
A deep, vast humming filled the valley as the ground began to crack, soil flew, and rocks rolled.
Within Nine Palaces Mountain. A deafening uproar erupted, shaking the area, and nearly suffocating everyone as their gazes turned skyward towards Flower Rain Valley.
"S-senior sister, did the valley seal some terrible creature?!"
Someone cried out in panic as the spiritual energy in Nine Palaces Mountain seemed completely suppressed and stagnant.
At that moment, the entire Nine Palaces Mountain was trembling, some female cultivators weakly collapsing to the ground, feeling utterly powerless.
"What?! The ship... it's ascending. Look!!"
"Oh my god... What is that thing?"
"And that strange... tree?!"
The entire Nine Palaces Mountain was filled with exclamations and awe, completely beyond their understanding.
Buzz!
Buzz!
A vast shadow loomed over Nine Palaces Mountain as a colossal ship slowly ascended, with a tree at its stern that blocked out the sun, its leaves shockingly black and white!
People all around gasped in shock.
The scene was too overwhelming.
This terrifying sight would be etched in the memories of many female cultivators for a lifetime, a strange phenomenon emerging in the world of cultivation.
In the Snow Listening Valley.
The sound of wind and snow ceased, leaving an eerie silence.
Xiang Jing stood beside Jiang Xuechen, her eyes trembling in disbelief at the distant scene, unable to detect any spiritual energy fluctuations!
Jiang Xuechen, stunned, stared at the distant sky, never having seen or heard of such a massive flying ship.
Buzz—
Suddenly, a vast, transparent ripple spread across the sky, radiating in all directions.
The giant ship had fully ascended, and with a thunderous roar, it vanished into the heavens in the blink of an eye.
Jiang Xuechen's heart clenched momentarily, then her expression returned to normal as she respectfully cupped her hands, bidding farewell to the seniors.
Outside Nine Palaces Mountain.
Three young cultivators lingered for a long time, looking at the distant sky with awe, bowing deeply to send off their ancestors.
From that day on, Chen Xun and the big black ox completely vanished from the world of cultivation, never to reveal themselves again.
Even in their old home, the Five Elements Sect, no news was heard of them—whether they had perished or gone elsewhere.
Chen Xun and the big black ox became a forbidden legend in Nine Palaces Mountain, their power over the spiritual energy of heaven and earth becoming a tale too grand for the world of cultivation, leaving no cultivator daring to provoke them.
Chapter 203: Scouring one's body to unlock the hidden potentials
A year later, in the Eastern Immortal Cultivation Realm, at the Chi Ling Sect.
This sect had five Foundation Establishment cultivators overseeing it and over a thousand disciples, making it a formidable force in a small country.
Outside the Hall of Transmitted Techniques, a man in gray robes sat leisurely in a rocking chair, reading a Qi Refining stage technique manual. Next to him lay a black ox, munching on sunflower seeds while also reading a book on formation techniques.
At that moment, a young man approached with respect in his eyes and cupped his hands in salute, "Elder, I've come to select a technique."
"Do you have a token?" the man in gray casually asked, his eyes still focused on the technique manual.
"Please, Elder, take a look," the young man replied, presenting a jade slip with both hands.
"Hmm, no problem. Go ahead," the gray-robed man lifted his eyelids slightly, "Just follow the rules."
"Yes, Elder," the young man responded with delight, then headed into the Hall of Transmitted Techniques. However, as he walked away, he couldn't help but glance at the black ox beside him, feeling somewhat apprehensive.
He had been in the sect for several years but had never seen this elder before. The elder seemed quite mysterious, and no one in the sect knew much about his origins. It was only known that he was a friend of the sect master, entrusted with guarding the most important place in the sect.
Outside the Hall of Transmitted Techniques, the green mountains stood by, and clear waters surrounded the area.
The gray-robed man smiled faintly and looked down at the black ox on the ground, "Old Ox, we still haven't fully mastered it."
"Moo~" The black ox looked up with a disdainful expression, thinking, "Big brother went all out back then."
The gray-robed man suddenly burst into laughter, a bit embarrassed. This man was none other than Chen Xun.
When they left Nine Palaces Mountain, their departure was grand and imposing. They forced the aircraft to fly, but shortly after taking off, the Five Elements' power couldn't be sustained, and the aircraft almost crashed down.
Chen Xun reacted quickly, using his Nascent Soul to stabilize the airship and then storing it in a storage ring. They fled as fast as they could, not because the airship accelerated and disappeared.
"Damn it, I couldn't exert full strength," Chen Xun's voice was low as if something were stuck in his throat. "Old Ox, to create a new technique that requires exceptional talent."
Due to the imperfections in their technique, they felt as if they had strength but nowhere to use it, now relying entirely on their Nascent Soul's power to roam the world.
"Moo~" The big black ox cracked sunflower seeds noisily, grinning; neither of them was particularly bright.
"Damn," Chen Xun sighed deeply, with a look of reverence in his eyes. "It's not just talent; countless predecessors lost their lives to pass down these techniques."
"Moo?"
"The power that tears apart meridians—if we didn't have enhanced defense, Old Ox, could you withstand it?"
"Moo!" The big black ox shuddered, its body trembling. It had experienced that meridian-distorting power before; it almost destroyed even a sturdy ox.
"Not just techniques; think about the medical knowledge we've learned, those prescriptions," Chen Xun chuckled, "Those were also bought with lives, and the same goes for techniques."
"Moo~~~" The big black ox exhaled a long breath, its eyes showing respect. Big brother made a good point.
When you think about it, everything they had learned might have been earned by their predecessors at the cost of their lives.
Chen Xun's eyes were calm as he glanced at the daydreaming black ox, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Big brother is still big brother.
"Every sect has its unique techniques. The more we observe and understand, the more we can master," Chen Xun said, relaxing as he rocked his chair. "The same goes for formations. Ximen Black Ox, I have high hopes for you."
Although the Moon Pavilion was one of the three major forces, it lacked Qi Refining techniques compared to smaller sects. Most ordinary techniques had likely been discarded by the Moon Pavilion since they could be easily bought elsewhere.
"Moo!!" The big black ox suddenly stood up, its eyes gleaming with determination, sunflower seeds scattering everywhere. It would never disappoint, big brother.
Chen Xun laughed, patting the big black ox, "Good student."
They continued their studies, but Chen Xun's brow gradually furrowed. Creating a Qi Refining technique wasn't the problem, but developing a Five Elements Qi Refining technique was something he was still pondering.
The development of the Five Elements Immortal Path had been a stroke of luck, driven by necessity. He didn't have that kind of innate talent. Moreover, it was still in its infancy, far from complete, and couldn't yet break free from the framework of the traditional Spiritual Energy Immortal Path.
However, he wasn't in a hurry. This was far more interesting than merely breaking through realms. With his lifespan assured and no enemies, he could take his time.
"The wood attribute spiritual energy of the Crane Spirit Tree is converted into non-attribute spiritual energy through the Five Elements Wood," Chen Xun muttered to himself, beginning to operate the Qi Refining technique. "So, what about the Five Elements energy? Can it be reversed?"
As his words trailed off, Chen Xun's body seemed to turn into a furnace, forcibly operating the Spiritual Energy Immortal Path technique.
The Five Elements energy within him seemed to boil, and the surrounding spiritual energy slowly began to converge toward him.
"What the—?!"
"Moo?!"
"It's nothing, Old Ox; I'm just experimenting."
"Moo~"
The black ox moved a few steps away, sensing the subtle changes in Chen Xun's body. It wasn't anything serious, just a Qi Refining technique.
"Old Ox, I'll leave this to you," Chen Xun said, frowning slightly as he prepared to dive deeper into his experiment.
"Moo!" The black ox nodded, pulling out a booklet. If any disciples came, it would just write them a note.
Chen Xun descended into the earth.
Blood began to trickle from the corners of his mouth as his meridians slowly ruptured under the pressure of the Five Elements Furnace. He was going against the natural order, trying to develop a new technique.
"Heh, I'm getting injured," Chen Xun's gaze was sharp, his expression showing no pain, only curiosity. In all these years, the times he had been injured could be counted on one hand.
He was introspecting, observing the intense activity within his body as his meridians, even with enhanced defense, gradually fractured.
Chen Xun slowly closed his eyes, blood flowing more freely from his mouth. As long as he wasn't on the brink of death, he had nothing to fear—everything could be restored.
A low humming sound resonated within his body, and more and more Five Elements energy gathered as if it were on the verge of breaking through something.
"I've studied countless Qi Refining techniques of my predecessors, and the only way forward is to use them as a medium to reverse the Five Elements energy!"
Chen Xun's black hair fluttered wildly as his entire body turned red, with beams of Five Elements light emerging from him. "Meridians rupture, the Five Elements energy scours through, opening the hidden potentials of the human body."
His expression grew calmer as he continued to operate the Qi Refining technique. His meridians were fracturing more and more.
Boom!
Suddenly, the fractured meridians within him began to converge into an orifice, where the Five Elements energy pulsed.
At this moment, five Nascent Soul shadows appeared above Chen Xun's head, their gazes deep and sharp, with two fingers held in front of their chests, assisting Chen Xun in breaking through the orifice.
A small booklet floated before him as Chen Xun, with his eyes closed, began to draw diagrams.
Crack!
As the first orifice opened within Chen Xun, one after another, the acupoints were forcefully opened through the operation of the technique.
With a cry, Chen Xun spat out a mouthful of blood. The pain of ruptured meridians was the true end of the Immortal Path, only recoverable through rare treasures.
"Damn, this is brutal," Chen Xun muttered as he coughed up blood, smiling as the roaring within his body grew louder.
Gradually.
Five Elements energy began to flow from his mouth and nose, circulating him before returning to his body, no longer relying on the assistance of his Nascent Souls.
The acupoints within his body were opening more and more, and by the end, the Qi Refining technique had forcefully opened 40 acupoints!
Chapter 204: Five Elements Immortal Path: The First Technique
The power of the Five Elements began to circulate within his body, with each aperture breathing in and out the elemental energy of the heavens and earth.
For three continuous months, blood had soaked his robes, with only his defensive power holding the last line.
Chen Xun slowly opened his eyes underground, his gaze momentarily flickering with lightning and the light of the Five Elements before returning to normal.
With a quick spell, he cleaned the bloodstains from his robes, his face slightly pale from the severe injuries.
'The meridians in my body are too numerous; I can't imagine how many more times I will have to endure the pain of them breaking." Chen Xun took a deep breath, his eyes filled with ecstatic joy. 'The Five Elements Immortal Path does not cultivate the meridians but instead opens apertures within the body to breathe in and out the elemental energy of the heavens and earth."
Clenching his fist, he began to circulate the power within the forty apertures in his body, gathering the force of the Five Elements into his fist.
Chen Xun lightly punched the ground, releasing the power of the Five Elements. There was no sound, nor did the ground shake.
However, the surrounding spiritual energy was instantly crushed and cleared away, with the dirt and rocks in the punch's path being reduced to dust.
Buzz!
The earth trembled slightly and sank a bit, causing the big black ox on the surface to jump in surprise. What was his big brother doing underground?
The surrounding disciples could vaguely feel this sinking force, their eyelids twitching as they looked at the ground. What was going on? An earthquake?
Underground.
Chen Xun's eyes widened in realization. This power of the Five Elements was different from spiritual energy—it didn't cause as much commotion but rather had a subtle, pervasive effect.
A seemingly ordinary punch could silently disintegrate both a person and their spiritual energy without any flashy effects.
"Hmm, not bad. Forty apertures should be the limit for the Qi Refinement stage." Chen Xun felt his body, grinning as he thought, "The Five Elements Immortal Path has finally produced its first Qi Refinement technique."
However, there were still many issues to resolve. The framework of the spiritual energy Immortal Path remained, and he had to rely on the old techniques to reverse-engineer the broken meridians.
"No matter. It's a good thing I have the old ox to cover for me; my mind is on par with his." Chen Xun chuckled, standing up and patting himself off. 'The Five Elements Immortal Path will slowly be perfected. Eventually, I'll be able to independently deduce the higher-level techniques.'
He could also use this time to develop techniques for the Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul stages, which would allow him to truly harness the full power of the Five Elements.
Currently, his cultivation level was nothing more than that of a master in disguise, which was the real reason for their earlier retreat. After opening the Immortal Path, their strength had greatly diminished.
He would rather take risks in pursuit of the Dao, but if danger couldn't be avoided and he was forced to fall back to mortal status, at least the big black ox would be there to protect him.
However, he couldn't afford to face external threats at this stage—not even a hint of danger.
Leaving others with a positive impression without delving into details was the best strategy.
Through all these experiences, Chen Xun had become increasingly cautious, to the point where even the big black ox sometimes couldn't understand his intentions.
Clearing his mind, he began to rise to the surface, while the big black ox continued to study formation techniques, still able to sense where Chen Xun was.
"Old Ox!"
"Moo!"
The big black ox instantly dashed over to Chen Xun, nuzzling him and sniffing the air suspiciously, noticing something different.
Chen Xun hugged the ox's head with one hand and lifted its ear with the other, whispering mysteriously, "Old Ox, I've just created the first Qi Refinement technique of the Five Elements Immortal Path."
'Moo?!' The big black ox looked at Chen Xun in amazement. No wonder he was the big brother.
"I'll grab a notebook to reorganize my thoughts and compile it into a manual." Chen Xun stepped back, hands behind his back, gazing up at the sky with dignified air. "Ximen Black Ox, the abilities of this Dao Ancestor... No, forget it; you mere cattle wouldn't understand."
"Moo~~~" The big black ox, full of reverence, let out a long breath, then knelt in front of Chen Xun, pleading for him to impart his wisdom.
"Seeing your sincerity, this Dao Ancestor will certainly not be stingy with his teachings." Chen Xun felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, his mind clear and focused. "Old Ox, you shall have a place among my disciples.'
"Moo moo~~" The big black ox jumped up in excitement, nuzzling Chen Xun with genuine happiness.
"Hahaha…"
Chen Xun laughed heartily, embracing the big black ox. It felt great to show off like this—something that would probably earn him a scolding if done in front of others.
The next day, as the sun began to rise, many disciples of the Chi Ling Sect were still resting, while some elders were in meditation, recovering their energy and spirit.
Chen Xun and the big black ox had already started their work.
Each attended to their duties—Chen Xun was drawing diagrams based on the changes in his body, mapping out the apertures in the order of meridian rupture.
He carefully noted down every precaution and experience related to opening the apertures, documenting them in a small booklet to ensure the big black ox would suffer less pain.
More importantly, this allowed him to review and reflect, preparing for the opening of apertures in the Foundation Establishment stage.
Meanwhile, the big black ox had categorized the formation techniques into several main types: protective formations for the home, formations to repel invaders, escape formations, and energy source formations.
It focused on mastering these four categories, using the Five Elements formation flags as the core and the Five Extremes formation as a supplement, dismantling and reconstructing all the formation techniques in the cultivation world.
Because of this, the most terrifying situation in the cultivation world finally came to pass...
People with better resources and talent than you were also more diligent, and those with longer lifespans were more efficient with their time.
In the days that followed, the big black ox successfully opened 40 apertures, prompting Chen Xun to joyfully buy three wolves from the market.
He even treated the sect elders to a meal, leaving them in high spirits and thoroughly impressed with this enigmatic senior whose depth they could not fathom.
Three years later, Chen Xun and the big black ox descended the mountain, leaving behind a few bottles of Foundation Establishment pills and some spiritual herbs for the Chi Ling Sect.
The sect master and elders saw them off with deep respect in their eyes.
Though they did not know Chen Xun's background or identity, they believed he was a true senior of the cultivation world.
He never bullied the weak or engaged in unfair transactions; rather, he showed great respect for the sect.
Chen Xun and the big black ox continued to roam the land, visiting various sects in a low-key manner, known only to a few elders and sect masters.
They offered large sums, not to steal any inheritance but simply to study ordinary techniques.
As a result, they were always welcomed with open arms. With their strength and generosity, their silent presence provided a hidden safeguard for the sects they visited.
This kind of favor was worth more than any amount of resources, just like back at Nine Palaces Mountain.
Jin Yu had even mentioned in a high-level meeting that the Moon Tower had two Nascent Soul cultivators as guests.
The occasional disturbances at Nine Palaces Mountain had only confirmed this, which was why, for hundreds of years, no major power dared to provoke them.
Chen Xun was well aware of this and tacitly acknowledged it.
For two hundred years, they wandered through the eastern countries, fully utilizing their accumulated knowledge. They had successfully opened all the apertures for the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages.
The Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, and Core Formation stages had a total of 120 apertures, forming a small internal cycle, which Chen Xun named the "Human Aperture."
During the Core Formation stage, the Jade Spirit chapter transformed, beginning to condense the power of the Five Elements.
However, this was a process of transformation, no longer requiring as much time.
Their current strength was undoubtedly greater than before, fully capable of suppressing and dispersing spiritual energy, far surpassing the scope of spiritual pressure.
In the presence of cultivators of the same level, they were invincible—spells would be dispelled and disintegrated before even reaching them.
Only the unaltered power of divine consciousness could pose a threat, but with their formidable defensive equipment, any attack would be in vain.
Their life-bound magical treasures had also reached their peak, with an age of 280,000 years!
With a gust of wind, a black coffin, an incense burner, and a suona, any cultivator's dreams of immortality would be shattered.
Chapter 205: The Top Ten Sects - Danding Sect
Qian Nation, one of the Top Ten Sects, the Danding Sect.
Atop the majestic Yun Peak, the cliffside glimmered for a moment. In an instant, the clouds and mist beneath the mountain forest cleared, revealing lush greenery that enveloped a grand complex of intricately carved pavilions and ancient halls.
The entire mountain range was filled with the rich fragrance of medicinal herbs. Within the sect, a few cultivators had reached the third layer of the Water Spirit Art.
At the peak of a mountain, a few pavilions were constructed. The elders who had been guarding the area had all retreated. A small old man was earnestly trying to persuade a man and a black ox.
"Daoist Chen Xun, please! I'm begging you, let Shen Yifeng go," the old man, looking distressed and disheveled, pleaded, his face full of worry. "The outside world is full of turmoil. How could he know that you two were simply visiting?"
"Daoist Zheng Yi, we came here with local specialties to pay a visit, and you didn't even let us finish speaking?" Chen Xun frowned slightly, his expression darkening. "He insulted my brother right off the bat, and yet I didn't smack him to death with a single palm strike!"
"Moo!" The big black ox spat on the ground in disgust.
The disciples of the Top Ten Sects were indeed arrogant. They had experienced this arrogance firsthand back at Southern Dipper Mountains, where someone had even dared insult their leader.
Zheng Yi felt deeply vexed by Shen Yifeng. He hadn't properly disciplined him, and now, with the chaos in the cultivation world, Shen Yifeng, in his late Golden Core stage, believed himself invincible.
Zheng Yi had encountered many Nascent Soul cultivators across the sects, but he had never seen this man or the big black ox before. Without properly assessing them, Shen Yifeng had arrogantly spoken a few offensive words.
The result? A single strike had left him vomiting blood and retreating, instantly subdued and suppressed beneath the mountain for two months. Every day, Shen Yifeng screamed in agony, claiming he had repented and would no longer look down on others.
By the time Zheng Yi arrived, it was already too late, and he had to graciously invite them into the sect. He managed to keep the incident quiet, as it was too humiliating.
"Daoist Chen Xun, Daoist Black Ox, I will personally take this disciple back and ensure he is strictly disciplined," Zheng Yi said, sighing as he bowed respectfully. "Before their ancestor left for the North he entrusted him to me. It was my failure that led to this."
Zheng Yi had no idea who these two were or what their true strength was. He couldn't even see through their cultivation levels. However, he could faintly sense their Nascent Soul power, enough to make him feel a bit of pressure.
The Danding Sect was currently weak and could not afford to offend two Nascent Soul cultivators, so he had no choice but to reason with them calmly.
"Since Daoist Zheng Yi has personally come to plead, we'll drop the matter," Chen Xun replied with a serene smile.
"You are truly noble, Daoist Chen Xun!" Zheng Yi expressed his gratitude with a bow. "You've shown my sect great kindness."
Chen Xun smiled gently. Zheng Yi had waited until his anger had subsided before coming to plead, which showed a good sense of timing. With a wave of his hand, the Five Elements Chains that bound Shen Yifeng dissipated into the air. Shen Yifeng, eyes brimming with tears of gratitude, was finally free!
After adjusting his robes and taking a few deep breaths, Shen Yifeng rose into the air and ascended the mountain. He was tall, dressed in flowing silken robes, with a solemn expression and dark, somber eyes. There was a faint trace of sorrow between his brows, and his lips were tightly pursed, as if harboring some unspeakable pain. It was indeed caused by the psychological shadow left by the figure before him.
That feeling of powerlessness still lingered, like all his spells had failed him.
"Rebellious disciple, what are you standing there for?!" A stern voice snapped him back to reality.
Trembling, Shen Yifeng hurriedly bowed. "This junior, Shen Yifeng, greets the two seniors. My words were disrespectful that day, and I beg for your forgiveness!"
Chen Xun snorted coldly. Insulting him was one thing, but insulting the big black ox was unacceptable—especially with such baseless rudeness.
"Moo!" The big black ox snorted heavily, its gaze still unfriendly. It didn't mind being insulted, but insulting its big brother was crossing the line.
Zheng Yi's expression shifted as he sensed that something was wrong. He began scolding Shen Yifeng harshly, and as the scolding continued, Shen Yifeng's head hung lower and lower, cold sweat breaking out across his brow. The arrogance he once held had been thoroughly crushed.
Suddenly, a radiant light flickered as Zheng Yi's anger grew. He began to summon a magic artifact, ready to strike.
"Daoist Zheng Yi, wait! He's just a junior. No need to go that far!"
"Hmph, Daoist Chen Xun, I've been too lenient with this disciple. Don't stop me!"
"Moo moo!"
"Alright, alright, no need for that," Chen Xun and the big black ox quickly pulled Zheng Yi back, realizing that he truly intended to make a move.
The scene grew chaotic as Zheng Yi refused to calm down. Chen Xun finally shouted, "Enough!"
"Moo!!" The big black ox bellowed furiously, unleashing the power of the Five Elements, causing the mountain peak to glow brightly.
Boom! Together, Chen Xun and the big black ox suppressed Zheng Yi.
Shen Yifeng was dumbfounded: "..."
Zheng Yi, his beard trembling, was equally stunned: "..."
"Alright, Daoist Zheng Yi, no need to get excited. Take your disciple back. We won't interfere further," Chen Xun said, his tone gentle. He then turned to Shen Yifeng, adding, "The cultivation world is full of hidden dangers, and old monsters lurk everywhere. Be careful with what you say."
"I will remember your advice, Senior!" Shen Yifeng, drenched in sweat, took the words to heart. The truth of the matter was right before him.
Zheng Yi heaved a sigh of relief, grateful that these two were not murderous maniacs. It seemed the situation had been resolved peacefully.
Still, Zheng Yi felt a bit embarrassed. How had his Nascent Soul been so easily suppressed earlier? What kind of technique was that? He had never heard of such a thing...
Feigning composure, Zheng Yi bowed once more. "Daoist Chen Xun, Daoist Black Ox, I will take my rebellious disciple back. We will visit again another day."
"Of course, and thank you for accommodating my brother and me, Daoist Zheng Yi."
"Moo~" The big black ox smiled, developing a favorable opinion of Zheng Yi. Nascent Soul cultivators, after all, were reasonable and knowledgeable.
Zheng Yi smiled in return, grabbing Shen Yifeng before stepping into the air and vanishing from the mountain peak.
Chen Xun and the big black ox resumed their reading outside the pavilion, their chairs swaying gently in rhythm with the breeze.
Chen Xun had now begun studying Nascent Soul-level techniques. And where better to find them than the Top Ten Sects of Qian Nation, known for their deep foundations and ancient traditions?
With the major sects suffering heavy losses during their expedition to the Northern Territory, now was the perfect time to visit, as it would avoid many complications.
Few disciples ventured near the peak, but those who did often speculated about the identities of the mysterious guardians of the pavilion.
Every few months, Zheng Yi would visit, engaging in conversations with Chen Xun about the art of alchemy. The two hit it off, as both were deeply knowledgeable on the subject.
Chen Xun benefited greatly from these discussions, expanding his understanding and deepening his knowledge of alchemy.
Chapter 206: You really are unconventional
Ten years later, a stone table was built in front of the pavilion on the mountain peak.
Chen Xun was enjoying health tea, while Zheng Yi sipped his spiritual tea alone. The big black ox, sitting far away, was reading a book, unable to understand their conversation.
"Chen Xun, are you planning to cross the Tian Duan Plains?"
"Yes, I want to take a look. If there's no path, we'll come back."
"Have you prepared enough spirit stones and spiritual energy-replenishing pills? That place is a desolate land without any spiritual energy." Zheng Yi furrowed his brows, stroking his white beard. "There was once a Nascent Soul cultivator who crossed it. It took him 500 years to go back and forth, and he never saw the end."
"Zheng Yi, if there's no path, how do you explain the legends of the superpower on the other side?"
Chen Xun raised an eyebrow, knowing that the disciples of the Top Ten Sects were aware of much. Now, they addressed each other as friends instead of "Daoist."
"Let me think for a moment." Zheng Yi fell into deep thought, recalling ancient records from the sect. "The Tian Duan Plains wasn't always like this. It wasn't a wasteland. Our ancestors found traces of a large teleportation array."
"Oh?"
"The great plain likely underwent a tremendous change, and something is eroding the spiritual energy there. It could be dangerous."
"I've studied it too, and something is indeed eroding the spiritual energy!" Chen Xun became a bit excited. The Top Ten Sects' knowledge was vast. "So, there must be a path, right?"
"There must be," Zheng Yi said firmly after some thought. "But given the current speed of flying boats and a cultivator's lifespan, it's a meaningless journey."
"So now the only exploration left is in the North, and war has begun." Chen Xun spoke meaningfully. "But the result seems somewhat unexpected."
"Alas, my Danding Sect didn't agree to it, but even Nascent Soul cultivators have no choice in the face of overwhelming trends." Zheng Yi's expression darkened. Most of the Nascent Soul cultivators left behind opposed the war. "If we don't fight now for future generations, the only option left is to die meaninglessly."
The Nascent Soul cultivators left behind were the last resort, to protect the younger generations if the plan failed.
Chen Xun remained silent. The situation was too complex to explain in a few words.
Zheng Yi gazed into the distance, reminiscing. "Still, there are some regrets."
"Of course."
"I don't regret the failure of the plan, but I feel sorry for those young cultivators who died far away from home."
"Haha, I didn't expect you to have such a heart."
"When you're old, you no longer have the same drive to fight the heavens or people. Focusing on alchemy and nurturing the younger generation becomes more important."
"Zheng Yi, you're growing on me. I'll toast you with tea instead of wine."
"Haha, Chen Xun, you truly are unconventional." Zheng Yi's beard trembled as he laughed, raising his cup in return. His eyes showed some doubt. "What kind of tea is this?"
"Health tea. It's a recipe from my master, meant to prolong life and preserve youth."
"Hahaha..."
Both men burst into laughter on the mountain peak.
"Moo?" The big black ox looked over in confusion before shuffling further away, gulping down its health tea.
At the stone table, Zheng Yi shifted the conversation. "When do you plan to depart? I'll see you off. The Northern exploration may have failed, but the Western one might succeed!"
"Hmm... I might visit some other sects first, to study Nascent Soul techniques."
"Are you planning to create your own cultivation technique?"
"I've thought about it. Otherwise, I'll always feel some regret."
"Chen Xun, wait a moment!"
A flash of brilliance appeared in Zheng Yi's eyes as he retrieved a jade slip from his storage ring, infusing it with spiritual energy.
"What is this?"
"Chen Xun, with this, you'll encounter fewer obstacles when visiting other Immortal Sects. I still have some influence that can help you."
"No need, that wasn't my intention."
"Chen Xun, you're from this realm of cultivation, right?"
"Of course, genuine and true!"
"Then that's settled. After you cross the Tian Duan Plains, your name will spread far and wide."
Zheng Yi snorted and shouted loudly, "Your cultivation technique will come from this realm, and who would dare to look down on us?"
"Of course, if you end up defeated by everyone, then there's no need to mention this realm."
After finishing, Zheng Yi nodded, stroking his white beard. "If it weren't for this, I wouldn't be lending you my influence."
Chen Xun was momentarily stunned, as was the big black ox overhearing from afar.
"Zheng Yi, you really believe I can cross the Tian Duan Plains?"
"Ridiculous! I've cultivated for over a thousand years, and you two are the first to suppress me. If you can't make it, no one can."
"We accept this jade slip," Chen Xun said solemnly.
"Good. I'm off to refine some pills. I've just had a sudden insight. Let me know when you're leaving."
"Alright." Chen Xun nodded.
Zheng Yi, in his white robes, waved his sleeve and gracefully departed, disappearing into the mountain mist with an air of immortal grace.
Chen Xun gazed at the distant mountains, clutching the jade slip with a smile.
Later, Chen Xun continued to study cultivation techniques while refining Five Element Pills.
When he reached the bottleneck in his cultivation, he discovered that the Five Element Pills greatly eased the pain and difficulty of advancing.
The Water Spirit Technique also perfectly complemented the Essence of All Things, allowing it to cultivate regular spiritual herbs or, with the Water Spirit Technique, to grow Five Elemental spiritual herbs. After modifying the pill recipes, they could be used effectively.
In his discussions with Zheng Yi, they shared much experience, which inspired Chen Xun's improvements to the recipes.
The big black ox, on the other hand, struggled with understanding the various array diagrams, finding them too vast and profound.
Days were busy, fulfilling, and peaceful, filled with warmth. Another ten years passed.
Chen Xun and the big black ox finally left the mountain, with Zheng Yi personally seeing them off.
Only a few people in the Danding Sect knew that a man and a black ox had once been guests.
With Zheng Yi's jade slip, they smoothly visited other Immortal Sects as guests, avoiding any further conflicts and living a quiet, low-profile life.
Chen Xun studied more and more Nascent Soul techniques, most of which were based on the Five Element Spiritual Roots.
He began using his body as a furnace, channeling the power of the Five Elements to break through, enduring the pain of his meridians being torn apart daily.
Sometimes his vital energy became chaotic, and the power of the Five Elements raged inside him, often causing blood to drip from the corners of his mouth.
The big black ox could only pace around anxiously, unable to help with the cultivation techniques.