Manifesting a thousand forms, engaging in dual cultivation with different men according to destined connections and fates, and upon reaching the pinnacle of the technique, ascending to immortality amidst daylight alongside a thousand forms, forming the Dharma body—this was the initial understanding Meng Qi had of the fundamental great technique of the Xuan Nu lineage. Though his understanding had been revised many times afterward, its essence remained unchanged.
In other words, every generation of Xuan Nu who wished to attain the Dao body must possess a thousand manifestations, each corresponding to a destined connection and emotional bond. Not only does the immense karmic weight help resist heavenly tribulations, but the sheer task of integrating a thousand experiences, a thousand memories, and a thousand personalities poses a terrifying trial upon the core self’s spiritual cultivation. A slight misstep could lead to personality fragmentation, memory confusion, descent into madness, or demonic deviation.
Therefore, the spiritual cultivation requirements for the Manifestation Technique rank among the highest from the Outer Manifestation to the Dharma Body stage. Truly achieving “no distinction in emotions, emotions without distinction,” even Meng Qi felt somewhat inferior.
Such high requirements and such dangerous cultivation methods meant that throughout history, very few Xuan Nus have successfully mastered the Manifestation Technique. Meng Qi hadn’t expected the current Xuan Nu, who had remained obscure, to have quietly approached the threshold of breakthrough, which momentarily surprised him.
Gao Lan’s expression remained composed, his imperial aura naturally radiating as he gave a slight nod and said, “From several discussion groups where the Xuan Nu lineage shares insights on dual cultivation, We have noticed subtle hints. Combined with observations of the behaviors of several monitored Xuan Nu manifestations, We can roughly determine that she is approaching her breakthrough.”
“What subtle clues? What behaviors?” Meng Qi did not doubt his elder brother’s judgment, but couldn’t help feeling curious.
Gao Lan’s demeanor remained steady as he replied, “Those Xuan Nu manifestations either perished or severed their worldly ties, completing their personal experiences. Meanwhile, individuals suspected to be the Xuan Nu in those groups successively left them.”
“It’s normal for manifestations to return, but if they return one after another within a short time, that’s indeed suspicious,” Meng Qi agreed. This indicated the Xuan Nu’s manifestations were reaching their climax of return, meaning all three thousand had been fulfilled, returning to the core self to begin integrating experiences and preparing for the breakthrough.
At this point, driven by curiosity, Meng Qi couldn’t help but ask an extra question, “Elder Brother, what exactly is special about those groups where the Xuan Nu lineage exchanges dual cultivation experiences?”
Gao Lan paused briefly, his gaze deepening as he replied, “They exchange authentic dual cultivation techniques and bedroom arts, emphasizing the balance of yin and yang and harmony between heaven and humanity. However, if conversations go smoothly and chemistry is found, participants can meet in person for practice, forming Daoist couples. The unique aspect is that sometimes, within a single group, some or all of the women, though differing in identity, appearance, speech, and personality, are actually manifestations of the same Xuan Nu. The men in the group remain oblivious, often even offering each other advice on dual cultivation methods.”
Holy crap, entering such a group and witnessing such a scene, how did you manage to restrain yourself, Brother? Meng Qi sucked in a breath, feeling his innocent little heart had been tainted.
As if reading Meng Qi’s mind, Gao Lan calmly responded, “Yan Ran is Yan Ran, and they are merely them. I have always drawn a clear line. Otherwise, how could I have endured the trials of ‘other selves’ later on?”
Thankfully, I chose the path of severing ‘other selves,’ Meng Qi thought, then asked with concern, “Elder Brother, what exactly do you plan to do?”
“Of course, Zhen intends to find an opportunity to have Yan Ran replace the Xuan Nu’s core self at the crucial moment,” Gao Lan said, playing with the Myriad World Awareness Talisman, his tone cold and resolute.
“The timing must be precise,” Meng Qi speculated based on what he had seen and known. “The Manifestation Technique demands extremely high spiritual cultivation. Compared to the Xuan Nu’s core self, Elder Sister Yan Ran likely has an irreparable gap. Therefore, the strike must be extremely precise—only when the core self begins absorbing the imprints of the other manifestations, when her mind has suffered initial impact but hasn’t fully integrated them yet. This window might only last a moment or two. If it’s too early, how could Elder Sister Yan Ran endure the onslaught of memories and emotions from the other selves? If it’s too late, the core self will have completely integrated them, leaving no chance for a reversal.”
This view differed somewhat from what Wu Jizhen had previously said, because Meng Qi’s understanding had undergone tremendous changes since then. He now understood the reason why the core self is the core self: as long as she remains alive, the manifestations can never truly become the core self. Emotional bonds alone can’t make much difference.
Gao Lan appeared pleased with Meng Qi’s use of the title “Elder Sister Yan Ran,” giving a slight nod as he remarked, “I have gathered several Manifestation Techniques and am quite confident in selecting the opportune moment.”
“It’s not just about timing,” Meng Qi continued, frowning as he analyzed carefully. “You must also locate the current Xuan Nu. Her karma is immense, deeply entangled with many men. How could she not be wary of someone like you attempting such a move? Do you have any clues about when and where she will undergo tribulation?”
Instinctively, he used the most familiar and affectionate term for his elder brother.
Gao Lan’s thin lips pressed together, his expression still icy. “There are two options. The first is to locate a secret treasure capable of concealing the tribulation process, just as I did in the past. However, this would mean I cannot utilize the power and arrangements within the Su Nu Immortal Realm. Given the karma of the Manifestation Technique, she would have at most a twenty percent chance of surviving the heavenly tribulation. The second option is to solidify the Dharma body directly within the Su Nu Immortal Realm. This offers a seventy to eighty percent chance of surviving the lightning tribulation. However, when the heavenly punishment descends, it will be highly conspicuous and capable of penetrating the Su Nu Immortal Realm, leaving us an opening for interference. After the chaos caused by the Demon Buddha, the Xuan Nu lineage’s foundation may not withstand unexpected disruptions.”
“If it were me, I’d definitely choose the latter,” Meng Qi said, increasingly convinced the matter was complicated. “After all, unexpected interference is only a possibility. Plus, the Su Nu Immortal Realm was originally part of the Nine Heavens, possessing an omnipresent nature. The current Xuan Nu could choose a remote, desolate location for her tribulation. Even if the heavenly punishment creates a massive disturbance, it would be hard to attract attention. Of course, we can’t rule out the possibility that the Xuan Nu lineage has items to help her survive the tribulation, in which case she might employ the first method through deception.”
Realizing the difficulty of the situation without accurate intelligence, Meng Qi proposed, “How about I use Yan Ran’s birth date and time, along with her personal belongings, to create a karmic effigy? Once the current Xuan Nu begins fully absorbing her, we’ll immediately sense it. The only issue is that by then it would already be the final moment. Even if we descend remotely, as long as the Xuan Nu has made preparations and introduces even slight delays, the opportunity will be lost. Elder Brother, do you have any accurate clues?”
Though his elder brother was somewhat mentally unstable, acting unpredictably, he never acted without preparation. “Reviving Yan Ran” was currently his greatest wish, so he should have already made arrangements, such as obtaining the time and location of the Xuan Nu’s tribulation.
Gao Lan remained composed. “Through the martial arts exchange groups between the Xuan Nu and Xi Huan lineages, I have infiltrated numerous loyal agents and turned several key members who can access the Su Nu Immortal Realm. However, the current Xuan Nu is extremely cautious regarding her Dao body attainment. It’s estimated that no one will know the exact time and place of her tribulation until it actually begins.”
“Then what if we use these insiders to control an entrance to the Su Nu Immortal Realm in advance and storm in once the tribulation begins?” Meng Qi suggested.
Privately, he thought, no wonder the Six Gates’ “anti-pornography and illegal publications” efforts have been ineffective—the root cause lies with the Zhou Emperor!
Gao Lan put down the Myriad World Awareness Talisman and slowly stood up. “Once the tribulation begins, the current Xuan Nu will certainly fully open the Su Nu Immortal Realm, with all its forbidden laws completely under her control.”
This really was a difficult task… Meng Qi fell into deep thought, considering various strategies, only to discard them one by one.
At this moment, Gao Lan took a few steps forward, his voice filled with authority. “Therefore, I will not give her the opportunity to choose when, where, or how she undergoes tribulation.”
This… Meng Qi’s heart trembled slightly as he began to grasp Gao Lan’s train of thought.
Gao Lan’s eyes suddenly burned with intensity as he declared solemnly, “I have been biding my time for years, just to make her believe I would only act when her manifestations reach full maturity.”
“Now that I know the locations of certain entrances to the Su Nu Immortal Realm, Third Brother, do you dare join me in storming the Su Nu Sect and capturing the current Xuan Nu!”
That’s right! As long as the Xuan Nu is under control, when and where she undergoes tribulation will be entirely up to his eccentric elder brother!
As for the resulting resistance from the Xuan Nu’s unwillingness to break through and her mental defiance, these could all be resolved using techniques like the Yuanxin Seal and secret elixirs—an entirely different level of difficulty compared to before!
Gazing at Gao Lan, Meng Qi sensed an overwhelming aura of dominance emanating from his eccentric elder brother.
“Fine, let’s storm the Su Nu Immortal Realm!” Meng Qi declared with renewed vigor.
“Truly my brother,” Gao Lan nodded slightly, then turned serious. “Third Brother, there is something I feel guilty about.”
“What is it?” Meng Qi asked in surprise.
Gao Lan’s expression turned solemn. “Once Yan Ran is revived and I merge my cultivation with her, we might have our own child. At that time, your succession order will have to move back one place.”
Meng Qi was momentarily stunned, then chuckled bitterly. “Elder Brother, you really think far ahead.”
Could one say that the mentally unstable truly have boundless ideas?
After finalizing the matter regarding the Xuan Nu, Meng Qi quickly recounted the situation of the Infinite Abyss Sea.
Gao Lan contemplated for a moment before speaking, “‘The Human Emperor’s Golden Scripture’ includes a technique to mend seals by harnessing the collective power of myriad beings. As long as there’s no inherent conflict in their natures, I’ve noticed that this barrier integrates both Buddhist and Daoist principles, likely carrying the imprint of the Azure Emperor. Therefore, the method should be applicable.”
“The Azure Emperor?” Meng Qi nodded silently, as this was also his own suspicion.
In the past, the Nine Spirit Sage guarding the entrance to the Netherworld was indeed his mount.
Gao Lan continued, “However, gathering such an immense amount of the power of all living beings and enabling them to withstand the erosion of the Infinite Abyss Sea to repair the barrier is an extremely challenging task. There must be a vessel capable of containing them and resisting the corruption of the Nine Nether over an extended period.”
“Something that carries?” Meng Qi started to ponder deeply.
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