“Broken Void Ancient Talisman, a top-grade treasure item originally belonging to divine talisman inscriptions, was crafted by a mighty figure from ancient times and later acquired by Zhenwu Great Emperor. Due to its age and frequent usage, its power has gradually diminished, causing its quality to decline. Currently, it can be used to break through the void for escape, and cannot be stopped by ordinary methods or non-physical techniques. It can be used twice and is valued at 9,800 virtuous merits.”
“Xuan Gui Sword, a top-grade treasure weapon, was a failed attempt by Zhenwu Great Emperor in his early days of forging divine weapons. It offers excellent defense; if used in its original form to block, even a divine weapon would require two or three strikes to sever. It is valued at 9,000 virtuous merits.”
Meng Qi recognized the “Solar Flame Core” and “Frost Eye Crystal Soul,” so he did not seek identification and directly stored them away.
At this moment, Lingbao Tianzun reminded him, “Although the mission of forging a divine weapon is simpler than exchanging for one, it is still not easy. Even though you possess multiple top-tier inheritances, do not attempt it lightly. You must at least ascend the second tier of the Celestial Ladder and become a Grandmaster. Doumu, in order to protect herself, attempted it three times, exhausting her reserves and barely surviving, only recently completing the specific mission for forging a divine weapon.”
“Did Doumu forge a divine weapon? Just to protect herself?” Meng Qi was quite surprised.
Is even reaching the Half-Dharma Body so difficult?
Lingbao Tianzun sighed, “The most challenging phase of the Reincarnation Mission is when one is stuck at a certain barrier. This was the case for Qingyuan and Bixia in the past, and Doumu and Taiyi now. Their cultivation stagnates, their strength stagnates, yet the difficulty of the Reincarnation Missions slowly increases. The first few times are manageable, but later on, without a breakthrough, one can only rely on external aids. Countless reincarnators have perished at this stage.”
“Moreover, the Mystical Passage and the three tiers of the Celestial Ladder are not as difficult as the transition from Half-Dharma to Dharma Body. This stage once left a deep impression on me. Doumu has been at the Half-Dharma stage for several years and has completed two or three missions, yet she still sees no sign of breaking through. Therefore, she is preparing in advance by forging a divine weapon to protect herself.”
Unlike normal Half-Dharma and Outer Scenery Peak experts, Doumu Yuanjun and others trapped in the cycle have an even stronger desire to break through. Otherwise, watching helplessly as the difficulty of the Reincarnation Missions gradually increases feels like the painful struggle of drowning. Although Meng Qi could not fully empathize, he could feel a sense of shared sorrow. He had ascended directly to the heavens, bearing four tribulations, and might smoothly advance before becoming a Grandmaster, but what about afterward?
Potential is potential, but even in ancient times, reaching the Dharma Body was a significant marker distinguishing immortals from mortals. Even someone as talented as Su Wuming was stuck at the Half-Dharma Body stage for many years.
“I will be cautious,” Meng Qi nodded seriously, as the main materials for divine weapons could temporarily serve as secret treasures.
The Lingbao Heavenly Lord said, “Concerning the ‘Dao Transmission Across the Universe’ enlightenment opportunity, I propose the following: For the first enlightenment of formal members, the cost should not be excessive, and it will be allocated to the Immortal Traces public fund. They will receive the true essence transmission of the Eight or Nine Esoteric Arts’ Dharma Body Supreme Technique. Should they desire a second enlightenment, they must negotiate with you and offer a certain amount of virtuous merits or items in exchange.”
It would be unreasonable for formal members of Xianji to simply obtain treasures for free, repeatedly benefiting from “Dao Transmission Across the Universe” without effort, which contradicts the original intention of Xianji to support and protect each other. One cannot merely enjoy help without giving anything in return!
“Agreed!” Since Lingbao Tianzun was so reasonable, Meng Qi naturally had no objections.
Lingbao Tianzun then turned to Jiang Zhiwei, “Young friend Jiang, with Meng’s strong support and your own near-peak martial prowess, the strength assessment mission holds little significance for you. Therefore, you can directly become a formal member. However, Xianji’s original intention is mutual support; one cannot gain without giving. Currently, you can only receive the initial opening techniques of the Jade Cauldron Immortal’s cultivation method. Please complete a new formal member mission as soon as possible to obtain the subsequent teachings.”
His proposal was reasonable, and Jiang Zhiwei had no objections, stating that after she had insight into “Dao Transmission Across the Universe” and entered seclusion to digest it, she would come to receive the mission.
Since both of them had only taken one item each, Meng Qi now shared the insights he had received from Zhenwu’s evil thoughts regarding the general outline, aiming to help Lingbao Tianzun quickly ascend to the Earth Immortal level and for Jiang Zhiwei to cross the first tier of the Celestial Ladder within four months.
The former would be a long-term benefit for himself, as a Xianji member with a good relationship with the Celestial Venerable, while the latter would greatly assist in the Journey to the West mission!
After Jiang Zhiwei finished her enlightenment, Meng Qi also obtained the long-awaited “Reversion of All Things to Emptiness,” gaining a preliminary grasp of the martial technique that focused all power into a single point!
After leaving a message for Cao Xianzhi of “Qingyuan,” asking about the matter of the Purple Lightning Earth Immortal, Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei, wearing masks, flew together toward the exit.
“‘Dao Transmission Across the Universe’ is truly profound and intricate. I must enter seclusion soon to digest and internalize my insights, striving to cross the first tier of the Celestial Ladder before the Journey to the West mission.” When discussing matters related to sword techniques, even though her face was hidden behind a mask, Meng Qi could sense the radiant glow on Jiang Zhiwei’s face and the brilliance in her eyes through her tone.
Meng Qi exhaled, hearing Jiang Zhiwei’s cheerful voice, “You must be very happy with all the gains you’ve made this time, right?”
She was well aware of Meng Qi’s small flaw of being somewhat greedy about treasures.
“If I said I wasn’t happy and delighted, I’d definitely be lying,” Meng Qi smiled. “But after the joy, I feel my heart is very tired and oppressed.”
His tone gradually lost its cheerfulness.
“Because of the matters of the mighty beings?” Jiang Zhiwei asked perceptively.
Meng Qi took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, “Yes. Ever since the Bo Mi Carefree Valley, the whereabouts of the Yellow Springs, the enigmatic Taoist, the Myriad Phenomena Heavenly Lord, the complete version of the Tathagata Palm, the ‘Pure Land’ behind Shaolin Monastery, Ananda, the several Sages, the Demon Sage, the Blue-Blooded Man, the Fengshen World, the remains of the Mystic Maiden, the Overlord’s Divine Blade, Zhenwu’s evil thoughts, the former disciple of the Thunder God, and the fifth stance of the Seven Heavens-Severing Sword—one event after another, with the shadows of mighty figures frequently emerging, pressing down on me until I can barely breathe. Though my gains far surpass those of an ordinary Grandmaster, there’s always a sense of illusion and unreality, as fleeting as a bubble, leaving me utterly helpless.”
“Empty, oppressive, and mentally exhausted—that’s how I feel now. The joy of acquiring treasures is followed by emptiness, fear, and tension.”
Listening to his heartfelt confession, Jiang Zhiwei spoke softly, “The number of the Great Derivation is fifty, but only forty-nine are used. The one missing is the path to survival amidst desperation. You are entangled in karma; only by striving hard, staying firm, and forging your own path can you grasp that sliver of hope. This path is exhausting and bitter, perhaps with friends and family perishing, or even the whole world against you, something ordinary people cannot endure.
“But I know that although you may seem lively and a bit immature on the surface, your heart is actually very strong. You have perseverance, principles, determination, and a willingness to fight to the death. The current fatigue and emptiness are only temporary.”
She suddenly smiled, “Actually, saying all this might not help you much, because you already understand it all clearly.”
“What you need now is rest and relaxation—temporarily forget all of this. Once this phase passes, you’ll be able to regain your spirits and be filled with fighting spirit and determination again.”
Suddenly, she drew her sword and pointed it at the sky:
“Look, if those gods and Buddhas in the heavens treat us like chess pieces, manipulating our lives, shall we cut them down?”
Meng Qi gazed silently, warmed by the comfort of a friend, but didn’t answer directly, because he knew that any words spoken at this moment would lack sincerity. Speaking of fighting spirit and determination now would only sound hollow and powerless.
Approaching the entrance, he sorted out his thoughts: “Zhiwei, you’re right. I need a break, so I plan to take a spiritual journey—cultivating while relaxing, meeting old friends, chatting about the past, and forgetting other worries.”
Jiang Zhiwei nodded with a smile, saying nothing more, as always being a steadfast, reliable, and trustworthy companion.
…
It was nearing winter, and the Yuyuan Snow Mountains were covered in white snow, with icy roads.
Meng Qi changed into a new outfit: a green robe, his hair tied with a wooden hairpin, a long saber hanging at his waist, and walked slowly through the snow with his hands clasped behind his back.
Creaking sounds accompanied his slow steps, as if he were an ordinary person, his mood neither peaceful nor showing any emotional fluctuations.
After reaching the foot of the mountain, Meng Qi stepped into the air and climbed upward, step by step into the sky.
The last time he came here, he and Shangguan Heng had climbed the icy cliffs of the snow peak, enduring much hardship. But today, reaching the summit was just a matter of moments.
Snow mist filled the air, and below, martial artists occasionally appeared, hunting prey, seizing snow lotuses, and the clashing of swords and iron could only be heard nearby, making Meng Qi, who watched all this from above, feel as if he were in a different world.
The summit remained the same as before, the eccentric Huang Liang still sitting in his small ice house, his beard and hair covering his face, gray and dim.
Meng Qi showed a faint smile, slowly walking to Huang Liang’s side, sitting down without any decorum, imitating him by gazing at the starry sky.
With no clouds to obscure it, the stars were brilliant and clear, like a dream. Meng Qi’s thoughts wandered, thinking about various unrelated questions.
Are they stars?
Is this world flat and square or an expansive universe?
Is this realm a fragment of the cosmic light, or is it the true form?
Is the Tree of the Dao similar to the World Tree or Cosmic Tree I heard of in my previous life?
Which world is a leaf, and which heaven and earth are branches?
Meng Qi was lost in thought, seemingly immersed in the vastness of the starry sky, his mind flying, speaking to himself:
“What is a leaf, what is a branch, what is a trunk, what is a root?”
Eccentric Huang Liang suddenly turned his head, looking at Meng Qi with suspicion:
“Who are you?”
“Does it matter who I am?” Meng Qi still gazed at the starry sky.
“Also.” Huang Liang turned back, once again falling into deep thought: “What is a leaf, what is a branch, what is a trunk, what is a root?”
Snowflakes fell and froze, covering Meng Qi with snow, but he did not move an inch.
After a few days, Meng Qi did not dwell on his thoughts without results but was delighted that his mind had become clearer. He stood up cheerfully, shook off the snow and ice crystals, chuckled, and flew into the distance.
Huang Liang’s eyes turned, looking at his back for a moment, then shook his head:
“An odd fellow.”
…
Firecrackers crackled, snow couldn’t hide the lights, and the streets of Yudu Jade Bridge were crowded with people. Some hurried to restaurants, some flipped through the New Year goods at the stalls on both sides, the river reflected the red glow of the shops, slowly flowing with prosperity, and the bustling world filled Meng Qi’s heart.
The crowd surged, lively and bustling, Meng Qi, with a wooden hairpin in his hair, walked slowly with his hands clasped behind his back, looking left and right.
Five or six years ago, I was walking here at this time of year, looking for delicacies… I can’t even remember clearly. It feels like a lifetime ago, yet it’s not that long ago… Without trying, memories flooded Meng Qi’s mind, the pedestrians, the lights, the flowing water, all like yesterday’s scenes replaying.
Back then, Gu Yaonü suddenly appeared by the bridge, wearing a white cloak, her demeanor ethereal, her brows and eyes as if painted, with the glow of the red-lanterned world around her, like a proper young lady… His gaze swept over the Jade Belt Bridge, Meng Qi naturally recalled that scene. It wasn’t that he missed Gu Xiaosang, but he felt many emotions. Back then, Gu Yaonü’s strength was far superior to his own, like a cat toying with a mouse. But after just a few years, without resorting to his hidden techniques, she might not necessarily defeat him anymore.
The Zi Wu was bought here…
The evil calamity fell into Gu Yaonü’s hands here…
Each step forward was a memory, Meng Qi felt as if he had returned to that time.
To his left, a couple walked hand in hand, a mother held her child’s hand, and young couples met in the dimly lit corners. Some people exhaled white breaths, searching for delicious food.
They were so real, the mundane world was so real. Suddenly, Meng Qi felt alive again, as if returning to that state of mind.
Enjoying delicious food, passionate about life, chasing beauty, calculating merits, thinking about missions, experiencing joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Not refined or otherworldly, but living like a real person, not a tomb, ruins, coldness, eeriness, mighty beings, and a series of encounters…
A faint smile gradually appeared on Meng Qi’s face as he looked left and right, seemingly merging into the crowd.
Walking a few steps forward, his smile deepened. In the dim light, an old friend stood there with a sword and a bottle of wine—Wang Zai’s square face was particularly eye-catching.
“What a coincidence,” Meng Qi smiled.
Wang Zai laughed bitterly, “You passed by my house twice without hiding your aura. If I still couldn’t detect you, how could the Wang Clan of Zhou Prefecture dare to call ourselves a top aristocratic family?”
Meng Qi smiled at Wang Zai, “You, your biggest flaw is being too honest and liking to tell the truth. At a moment like this, shouldn’t you say something like ‘really a coincidence’?”
He paused and continued, “However, I’m most pleased that you tell the truth.”
You always explain things so well!
Meng Qi’s teasing amused Wang Zai, who handed him a pot of wine, and they began to drink together on the street.
“You’ve reached the Outer Scenery realm?” Meng Qi took a sip and continued walking forward, not stopping to enjoy the bustling red dust.
Wang Zai nodded, “I was too focused on aiming for the heavens at once, delaying my breakthrough for a long time. Later, my father specially wrote to scold me, saying that the Wang family’s teachings value the golden mean, and excess is as bad as deficiency, which made me suddenly realize.”
“My path is not your path,” Meng Qi smiled.
At the end of the street, the two, in tacit understanding, did not speak much, and along the fork in the road, they parted ways.
At this moment, a dashing young man in a green robe walked toward Meng Qi, carrying a wine jar and singing as he drank.
“Laughing loudly as I leave the door, how could my kind be commoners…”
It was Young Master Liusu!
Meng Qi raised his wine pot, laughed heartily, took a sip, and so did Liusu.
The two then passed each other.
A smile at the meeting was enough!
…
He Mu had already opened four orifices and his swordsmanship was exceptional, often capable of defeating opponents stronger than himself. He was renowned among the martial arts sects in Yudu.
As New Year’s Eve approached, he carried a bottle of wine and came to the place where Master Su used to live, intending to pour himself a drink, as he had done every year, to reminisce and reflect on his good fortune.
Pushing open the gate, his gaze immediately froze. Master Su, handsome and composed, wearing a green robe and a wooden hairpin, sat under the red plum blossoms just as he had years ago. Facing a small copper stove with a gentle fire, he held a book in his hands, deeply engrossed in reading, bringing an indescribable sense of peace and tranquility.
He Mu slowed his steps, softened his breath, approached carefully, and respectfully asked, “Still reading ‘Heavenly Questions’?”
Meng Qi smiled, “The more I read, the more I realize how little I know.”
He Mu nodded slightly, saying no more, put down the wine jar, and sat in his usual spot, listening to Master Su explain the poetry and books.
Under the red plum blossoms and copper stove, snowflakes drifted down, and the rhythmic sounds brought a sense of calm and peace.
As the sky began to brighten, Meng Qi put down the book, slowly stood up, and smiled at He Mu:
“This was something I worked out two years ago. Study it well.”
With a flick of his finger, he touched He Mu’s forehead, and various images flashed before his eyes.
As He Mu was savoring the experience, he found that Master Su had vanished, leaving only a laughing voice:
“Don’t disgrace my reputation.”
…
Walking on the snow, Meng Qi walked up Lotus Terrace Mountain with his hands clasped behind his back. The night was dark, and only a few lights shone from the temple at the mountaintop.
The cold night was clear, and the chilly wind made Meng Qi feel alert. His heart, now somewhat eased, was cheerful as he leisurely climbed the steps, unhurried and unbothered.
The Halfway Pavilion came into view, and Meng Qi recalled the past moments—his silly junior apprentice, his melancholic master…
When!
A bell rang, clear and resonant, spreading through the night with a strange charm, as if it could awaken those lost in the sea of suffering.
Was the Abbot Kongwen ringing the bell?
Meng Qi was stunned, feeling as if the last traces of gloom and fatigue in his heart were completely swept away, his heart returning to its lively state, as if cleansed of dust.
The bustling world, vibrant lives, companions and loved ones supporting each other, various pleasures, and leisurely joy—this was the past me, and also the present me. No matter what the future holds, I must not allow mighty beings to “take it away” and disrupt my peace of mind!
At this moment, he heard the voice of the Master of the Six Paths Reincarnation in his ears, urging him to stay away from Shaolin and prepare for the mission.
He turned and left. Before long, Meng Qi was thousands of miles away.
Suddenly, a surge of fighting spirit and determination rose in his heart, and he let out a long whistle:
“Today, with sword and blade in hand, I shall cut down gods, kill immortals, and destroy Buddhas!”
He sang with passion, seemingly answering Jiang Zhiwei’s previous question.
His voice echoed far away, and his figure vanished.
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