As the largest cultivation star in the realm, Jushou Star is home to numerous cultivation sects, among which the seven major sects are the most renowned. The Jingshi Sect ranks third among these, specializing in weapon forging and boasting nearly ten thousand disciples, with over three thousand at the Nascent Soul stage or above. The sect is located on Jingshi Mountain, one of the three major peaks of Jushou Star. This area is rich in spiritual energy, surrounded by tall mountains and dense forests, making it an ideal place for cultivation.
The entrance to the Jingshi Sect is situated at the foot of Jingshi Peak, characterized by its grandiose and imposing structure, evoking a sense of reverence in all who behold it. A figure dressed in white descended rapidly from the sky, landing before the towering entrance. He smiled as he took in the majestic sight. The disciples guarding the entrance of the Jingshi Sect noticed that this newcomer had reached the early stage of Spirit Division and quickly approached him, asking, "May I know your name, esteemed elder, and the purpose of your visit to the Jingshi Sect?"
The visitor smiled and replied, "I am Guo Xingyue from Pangu Star, here to seek my sworn brother Ye Mingcheng. I hope you can convey my message."
After parting ways with Bai Fan and the other three loose immortals, Guo Xingyue's longing for his brother Ye Mingcheng intensified. He hurried through the realms, consuming his true essence to teleport multiple times, traversing through six teleportation arrays over the course of several months. Fortunately, he possessed plenty of healing elixirs, so he had suffered no significant setbacks. Upon learning of the Jingshi Sect's location, he immediately made his way there. Now, seeing the disciples go inside to report his arrival, he felt a surge of excitement: It's been six hundred years! I wonder how my brother is doing?
Before long, a middle-aged man with three long strands of beard, who appeared slightly haggard, flew out from the entrance. He landed before Guo Xingyue, tears welling in his eyes as he gazed at him. With a trembling voice, he exclaimed, "Second brother, you've come! I thought I'd never see you again!"
Guo Xingyue scrutinized the emotional middle-aged man and was taken aback—this early stage of Out-of-Body cultivation was none other than his older brother, Ye Mingcheng. He quickly stepped forward and asked, "Brother, what happened? Why do you look like this?"
Ye Mingcheng chuckled, stroking his long beard as he replied, "I'm just getting older; it can't compare to how young you still look, second brother." After a brief pause, he added with a laugh, "From now on, I should call you 'elder' instead! Ha ha!"
Guo Xingyue joined in the laughter, "Alright then, let's hear you call me 'elder' a few times!" Ye Mingcheng embraced Guo Xingyue tightly and said, "Second brother, you haven't changed at all—still as stubborn as ever! Come, let's go home and talk. You must tell me where you've been all these six hundred years; I was worried sick thinking you were gone!"
After exchanging pleasantries with the disciple guarding the gate, Ye Mingcheng led Guo Xingyue back to their home, explaining some of the sect's details along the way: "The Jingshi Sect is one of the seven major sects of Jushou Star and owns the entire Jingshi Mountain range. Disciples at the Nascent Soul stage or above are considered inner disciples and have their own courtyards halfway up the mountain, while those below the Nascent Soul stage are apprentices, sharing rooms at the base. Experts above the Spirit Division stage automatically become elders, residing at the peak. As one of the seven sects, we have over twenty experts at the Spirit Division stage, including three at the Fusion stage, while our sect leader, Ling Xu, is at the Tribulation stage and preparing to undergo tribulation. I am a disciple of Ling Xu."
Though Jingshi Mountain was high, Ye Mingcheng and Guo Xingyue moved quickly, and in no time, they arrived at Ye Mingcheng's courtyard. The courtyard was spacious yet well-organized, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. In the center was a small plot growing various medicinal herbs, though they were not as rare as those in Guo Xingyue's possession, they were still commendable. A small building was nestled within the courtyard—exquisite but not ostentatious, indicating the owner's consideration for their living environment.
The courtyard was quiet as Ye Mingcheng led Guo Xingyue toward the small building and said, "Your sister-in-law took the children to gather herbs; they won't be back until tomorrow."
Guo Xingyue chuckled, "Children? Brother, how many do you have?"
Ye Mingcheng laughed heartily, "Three—two boys and a girl. Your sister-in-law and I have given up hope of ascending. We're just counting on our children to achieve greatness."
Guo Xingyue was momentarily taken aback, "Brother, why would you say that? You're already at the early stage of Out-of-Body; with hard work, tribulation is within your grasp!"
Ye Mingcheng ushered Guo Xingyue inside the room, and after they settled onto cushions, he shook his head and replied, "Second brother, you don't understand. Your sister-in-law and I were burdened by our emotions and ended up having these three children. My cultivation has regressed significantly. I only recently managed to pass the Out-of-Body Heart Tribulation, thanks to the seventh-grade lotus platform elixirs you so valiantly acquired for me."
Guo Xingyue, having learned that Ye Mingcheng was a dual-cultivation practitioner, was particularly attentive to the tribulation experiences of dual cultivators. He had previously consulted Bai Fan and the other three loose immortals about this matter and learned that dual cultivators often faced greater challenges during their tribulation due to compounded heart tribulations, making success elusive. However, the presence of tribulation elixirs could significantly alleviate most heart tribulations. As long as one's cultivation was sufficient to withstand the lightning tribulation, the chances of success were still considerable. Though tribulation elixirs were rare, Guo Xingyue had two on hand. He had long since decided to give these tribulation elixirs to Ye Mingcheng and his wife. As for his own tribulation, he was not overly concerned. Confident in his abilities, he believed he could withstand the great tribulation even without the elixirs. Additionally, he had ample medicinal materials and had become quite skilled in alchemy, giving him confidence in refining tribulation elixirs.
Seeing Ye Mingcheng lacking confidence for the great tribulation, he could not help but laugh, "Brother, don't worry; just see what this is!"
Guo Xingyue produced a jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Ye Mingcheng. With a puzzled expression, Ye Mingcheng accepted the bottle, opened it, and was shocked to see what was inside. "Tribulation elixirs! Second brother, where did you get these? What have you encountered all these years?"
Guo Xingyue chuckled and recounted his experiences in detail. His storytelling talent shone through, captivating Ye Mingcheng, whose expression tightened during the more intense moments. Once the tale was complete, Ye Mingcheng sighed, "Second brother, you truly are a lucky star; how do you manage to encounter such tremendous opportunities?"
After a pause, he looked at the jade bottle again and said, "Second brother, my master is about to undergo tribulation. I would like to give one of these tribulation elixirs to my master. Would you mind?"
Guo Xingyue smiled and said, "Brother, don't worry. Although tribulation elixirs are difficult to refine, I still have some confidence. I just need a few more ingredients. Once I gather them, I can refine more."
Ye Mingcheng nodded, "In that case, second brother, please stay here for a while. I will be back shortly."