“Lord of the Great Emptiness Heaven – Celestial Sage Jue Tian?”
Wu Ming silently pondered this name: “This person has remarkable determination and great courage, daring to unify the Daoist sects? Did Cloud Mountain Sage mistakenly take me for a wandering cultivator who has been stirred to come out of seclusion and seek help?”
“The Divine Path is mighty, and the Heavenly Emperor must be at the Seventh Golden Immortal Stage, perhaps even at the peak of the Golden Immortal level… Sage Jue Tian dares to oppose such power, so he must possess considerable ability… He should have obtained the essence of the world and acquired the World Position, thus reaching the Seventh Golden Immortal Stage!”
According to Wu Ming’s cultivation path, the best way to achieve the Golden Immortal Stage is to elevate one’s own palatial heaven to a world. By doing so, one automatically gains the World Position, and due to the merit of creation, occupies the largest portion of the world’s essence, thereby reaching the peak of the Golden Immortal Stage upon breakthrough!
This is the righteous and straightforward path; although everyone knows of it, it is also the most difficult.
Alternatively, one can rely on other worlds and perform great deeds for the universe, thereby obtaining part of the essence and the World Position to ascend to the Golden Immortal Stage, though the power varies greatly depending on the amount of essence acquired, and further advancement becomes extremely difficult.
For example, the Three Ancient Deities, Five Sect Founders in the Western Records of Great Zhou, even Wu Ming’s former role as the Eastern Peak Emperor, and the Heavenly Emperor of this world, all belong to this category, differing only in the amount of world authority they possess.
However, how can merits gained later in life compare with the great merit of creating a heaven and earth? Moreover, the conditions for contributing to the world are extremely harsh, so such Golden Immortals generally reach their peak upon ascension, with little hope of further advancement unless a major cosmic calamity occurs.
“This world was not created by the Heavenly Emperor. Therefore, if both the Heavenly Emperor and Sage Jue Tian attained their Golden Immortal positions in the Great Zhou World, their cultivation would likely never progress further…”
In an instant, Wu Ming understood these two powerhouses.
Of course, even the lowest-ranked Golden Immortal would be difficult for the Main God Temple to defeat, especially when they command numerous followers, including ancient deities and sixth-stage cultivators like Heaven Immortals.
As the former Purple Robe Dao Lord, Wu Ming naturally understood the terrifying power of the World Position—it is the authority to harness the world’s strength to its maximum limit!
Although the Western Records of Great Zhou was an illusion, its power levels were real.
“Still, at least I can protect myself, fight or retreat as needed, which is the ultimate freedom and independence!”
Objectively speaking, Wu Ming naturally wouldn’t want to see a force capable of unifying the Immortal Sects; even if such a force exists, it should be under his leadership.
Otherwise, once the Immortal Path is unified, it would inevitably interfere with the Human Path and Divine Path, making Wu Zhi’s foundation in Dingzhou somewhat vulnerable, which would be detrimental to his future plans.
Since he currently lacks the strength to unify, he must necessarily take the side of disruption, allowing the Daoist sects to remain fragmented.
“Destroying is always easier than building! Not to mention the Daoist philosophy itself values freedom and independence! My actions align with the grand trend of Daoism. Unless Sage Jue Tian suddenly attains the Great Luo Stage, there’s no way he can resist the overwhelming tide of public sentiment!”
With this thought, Wu Ming immediately declared, “Although I am a recluse from the mountains, the actions of Sage Jue Tian are indeed too contrary to the Dao, likely to bring calamity. We should unite and overcome this crisis together…”
“Indeed, precisely so!”
Cloud Mountain Immortal was delighted to gain a powerful ally: “To be honest with you, several Cave Heaven Masters and a group of Earth Immortals from Blessed Lands beneath us have already secretly begun communicating. We all believe that we cannot allow Sage Jue Tian to continue unchecked… Coincidentally, seven days from now is the Dan Yuan Gathering, a grand event where young disciples from Daoist sects across several provinces compete to win elixirs. I and other fellow Daoists have already agreed to attend together. Would you like to join us?”
“Of course!”
Wu Ming had come precisely to investigate the Immortal Sects’ affairs, so he naturally wouldn’t refuse such a good opportunity: “May I ask what the Dan Yuan Gathering entails?”
“Haha… Fellow Daoist need not worry!”
Cloud Mountain Immortal explained in detail. It turned out that the Dan Yuan Gathering was originally an event hosted by a cave-dwelling immortal.
This Immortal was the Master of Rongcheng Jewel Light Heaven, skilled in external alchemy methods, and had even altered the rules within his grotto-heaven to greatly benefit the growth of medicinal herbs.
He gathered the essence of the five elements, refined medicinal pills, and it was said that he had infused some power of the grotto-heavens into them. After undergoing nine transformations, the elixirs were completed, reputed to be capable of resurrecting the dead and regenerating flesh from bones. A single pill could enable a mage to break through to the rank of a true immortal, and even benefit celestial masters and terrestrial immortals to some extent.
This Immortal opened a furnace every twenty years, producing nine Golden Pills. Not wanting to hoard them selfishly, he invited close friends and fellow Daoists to evaluate the younger generation’s disciples and bestow the Pills upon them. Over time, this became a grand tradition.
Nine Transformation Golden Elixir?
Wu Ming listened somewhat skeptically: “These elixirs contain the power of a grotto-heaven, which is essentially fortune, aiding breakthroughs to the Zhenren stage. That part is understandable, but the claims seem rather exaggerated…”
“However… it seems the Dan Yuan Gathering was originally a general assembly of the Daoist sects, and now these Heaven Immortals are using it as an opportunity to connect with each other…”
He then inquired about the celestial grottoes and blessed lands participating, and upon hearing the last one, his eyes gleamed.
Jade Purity Blessed Land?
“Correct!”
Cloud Mountain Immortal nodded: “This Jade Purity Immortal is an extraordinary genius among the Daoist sects. He once had some connection with this old Daoist. Three hundred years ago, he resolutely entered the mortal world to contend for supremacy. Despite some setbacks, he eventually attained a blessed land, far surpassing the achievements of this old Daoist’s disciples who have yet to accomplish such feats…”
He smiled and said: “Of course… compared to Fellow Daoist’s extraordinary talent, he still pales in comparison!”
“So the Heaven Immortal behind Jade Purity Daoist is you…”
Wu Ming looked at Cloud Mountain Immortal, wanting to retort: “If that’s the case, then that sword strike during the chaos at the end of the Shang Dynasty was also yours…”
Of course, he held his tongue, and with a flicker in his consciousness, that feeling of premonition became even stronger: “Since this is a selection of new Daoist talents, I’m sure I’ll get to see Elder Sister Wu Qing…”
…
Meanwhile, in another blessed land.
Palaces stretched endlessly, surrounded by arrays, with clouds and mist lingering all year round. Around the mountain gate, ancient pines formed a shade, lingzhi mushrooms grew like forests, immortal cranes cried out, and spiritual apes offered fruits, making it as beautiful as a paradise.
This was the Jade Purity Daoist Palace, the main sect of the Jade Purity lineage.
On a high platform, sword qi crisscrossed, talismans flickered, two Daoists moved back and forth, displaying numerous divine techniques in a duel.
One of them, with graceful demeanor and cold as ice, was Wu Qing.
“Disciple Sister Miao Qing is indeed a prodigy, but alas, she has only recently joined the sect. This opportunity, Senior Brother will have to humbly accept!”
Opposite her, a young Daoist wearing a jade crown and a five-colored cloud robe suddenly formed a hand seal and chanted, “Five Directions Sword Formation! Arise!”
Chi Chi!
Sword lights flashed wildly as five differently shaped magical swords flew out, combining into a dazzling formation with extraordinary power.
“I’ve long heard of Senior Sister’s superb swordsmanship, please give me guidance!”
The young Daoist smiled suddenly.
The surrounding Daoists watching below were secretly in an uproar:
“Five magical swords! Where did Third Senior Brother borrow so many magical swords from?”
“They say Miao Qing Senior Sister cultivates a Red Virtue Magical Sword. It seems Third Senior Brother specially borrowed swords to counter it! The mutual generation of the Five Elements will ultimately surpass a single Fire Virtue! Not to mention using five against one!”
“It seems this competition will ultimately be won by Third Senior Brother… Although Miao Qing Senior Sister has only been at the sect for about a year, her talent is truly terrifying!”
…
On the high platform, the situation had already reached a critical point.
Wu Qing had been forced to the edge, yet her expression remained calm. She pointed at the Red Virtue Magical Sword flying in mid-air: “Go!”
Boom!
A layer of talismans exploded on the sword, as if unlocking some seal.
Roar Roar!
With a dragon roar, a red dragon flew out from the sword, letting out a long roar that spread shocking pressure, suppressing the Five Elements and forbidding all magical arts!
Pu Pu!
When the Five Elements Sword Formation encountered the dragon, its radiance immediately dimmed, transforming into five flying swords, which were cut down one by one.
“Dragon energy?!”
The young Daoist was greatly alarmed, wanting to activate another spell, but the dragon had already swung its tail, breaking through his talisman defense, and its claws were already before his eyes.
“I concede…”
Looking into her cold eyes, the young Daoist had no doubt that if he hesitated even a moment longer, she would mercilessly strike. He quickly called out.
“The winner is Miao Qing!”
Seeing this, the referee immediately announced loudly, then looked towards the nearby high platform.
On it, several old Daoists sat on meditation cushions, their eyes seemingly closed yet half-open. The one at the center was none other than Jade Purity!
“The competition result is decided, thoughts?”
On Jade Purity Daoist’s right sat a Daoist with a golden paper-like face, asking.
“This woman ultimately won by borrowing the dragon’s aura, which is not honorable!”
A red-faced Daoist beside chimed in; he was the senior patriarch of the young Daoist’s lineage and naturally spoke on his behalf.
“It’s not borrowing, but inherent fortune!”
A female Daoist shook her head: “It was just sealed at first!”
“How could this woman possibly possess dragon energy?” The red-faced Taoist still refused to believe it: “She should be ordered to hand over the magical artifact for thorough examination!”
The female Daoist coldly snorted: “Senior Brother, you’ve been in retreat for a year and don’t know what major events have occurred outside!”
In Dingzhou, her sister-in-law has already unified seven prefectures, amassing immense fortune like a hidden dragon. It is only natural that Taoist Miao Qing receives the residual blessings!
“Hmph, I’ve never seen a dragon show favor to a woman!”
Before the red-faced Daoist could argue further, Jade Purity Daoist’s voice rang out: “Enough!”
“Ancestor!”
He held a very high position, being a master of blessed land with an extraordinary status in the Jade Purity Palace. Once he spoke, everyone below immediately dared not say more.
“A victory is a victory, what more is there to discuss?”
With a wave of his hand, Jade Purity Daoist sent out a talisman that transformed into thunderous sounds from the Nine Heavens, flashing across the entire blessed land: “Miao Qing Zhenren has excelled and will represent our lineage, accompanying this old Daoist to the Dan Yuan Gathering!”
“Obey the decree!”
Upon hearing Jade Purity Daoist’s decision, even the red-faced Daoist could not resist and bowed respectfully.
…
Senior Brother, Miao Qing is devoted to her cultivation. Please do not pursue her any further!
Wu Qing returned to her quarters and saw a simple-looking young man waiting outside, speaking coldly.
“Mi… Miao Qing Senior Sister…”
The simple-minded Taoist shook his head: “I… I just came to inform you, regarding the incident in Dingzhou, you have received the favor of the dragon’s aura. Perhaps some senior elders in our sect harbor ulterior motives… Be careful!”
“Thank you!”
Wu Qing’s eyes carried a cold light: “Even if the path is fraught with danger, I shall cut through it with my sword!”
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