Chapter 310

Wang Ping's record of consecutively defeating three Nascent Soul heaven's prides of the Five Elements Race, and suppressing the young representatives of the demon race's two royal clans, the Azure Dragon and the Heavenly Phoenix, was like dropping a boulder of ten thousand jun into the calm lake surface of the Spirit Realm's younger generation, stirring up waves that spread in all directions at an astonishing speed.

For the next half month, the Ninth Academy's mountain gate had never been so lively.

Every morning, flying magic treasures, spirit beast mounts, and even cultivators riding escape lights arrived from all sides in an endless stream. On the plaza before the mountain gate, the steward disciples responsible for reception were busy to the point their feet didn't touch the ground — registering name cards, arranging lodging, guiding and announcing visitors... the tranquility of this once-pure cultivation ground was thoroughly shattered.

Envoys from the major academies came. They carried heavy congratulatory gifts, their words respectful yet their gazes sharp, attempting to glimpse the future qi fortune trajectory of the Ninth Academy and even the human race from this "Five Elements Dao Son" who had emerged out of nowhere.

The Third Academy's envoy discussed the Dao with Wang Ping for half a day, departing with a heavy expression.

The Seventh Academy's old cultivator observed Wang Ping for three days at the side, and upon returning only said four words to the Academy Master: "Great Emperor seedling."

And only the strong among the Mahayana stage would be called Emperor.

The young heaven's prides of the major clans came. There were those who sincerely came to exchange pointers, such as a White Tiger Clan genius who specialized in the Geng Metal Dao; after exchanging a hundred moves with Wang Ping, he was convinced in heart and mind, and upon parting gifted a rare piece of "White Tiger Sha Gold."

There were also those harboring dissatisfaction, wanting to step on him to rise higher, such as a certain reclusive ancient clan's heir; he spoke wild words but had his magic treasure brushed away by Wang Ping's Five Elements Divine Light within three moves, leaving with his face completely lost; even more were those harboring curiosity, wanting to catch a glimpse of the "Chaos Five Elements Nascent Soul's" bearing.

They gathered at the academy's periphery; even if they could only remotely sense a wisp of qi, they felt the trip was not in vain.

Even some Nascent Soul old monsters who had made their names hundreds of years ago personally came knocking.

Some were entrusted by their clans to come show goodwill, some purely out of curiosity toward the legendary Dao foundation of the "Chaos Five Elements Nascent Soul." A rogue cultivator Nascent Soul late-stage great cultivator whose lifespan was nearly exhausted, after personally seeing Wang Ping, sat withered at the mountain gate for three days and three nights, finally letting out a long sigh:

"The younger generation is formidable, the Great Dao is within hope," leaving behind a jade slip recording his lifetime's travel insights before drifting away.

The title "Five Elements Dao Son," from the initial astonishment of a few in the know, gradually evolved into a publicly acknowledged appellation among the Spirit Realm's entire younger generation.

Teahouses and taverns, market caves, sect lecture halls... wherever cultivators gathered, Wang Ping's name would be repeatedly mentioned. His battle achievements were embellished and spread, his divine abilities depicted as miraculous, and even his appearance and attire were fabricated into various versions of stories.

Although the Hidden Dragon List had not yet changed due to its fixed update cycle, privately, one "unofficial prediction list" after another had already circulated among the major powers.

All predictions pointed to the same result — Wang Ping's name would surely break into the top five, and even had a chance to challenge the top three, standing alongside the First Academy's Cang Xuan, the Second Academy's Zhan Wuji, and that mysterious and unfathomable "Tianji Zi," becoming one of the most dazzling stars of the Spirit Realm's younger generation.

However, Wang Ping, at the center of the storm, appeared exceptionally calm, even somewhat detached from this clamor.

Atop the sea of clouds, deep within the cave dwelling.

This place had been personally layered with heavy restrictions by Jiang Mingyuan, isolating inside from outside. Unless Wang Ping permitted it or a major crisis occurred, not even a single transmission talisman could fly in.

Inside the cave dwelling, spirit qi was so dense it was nearly liquefied, turning into hazy five-colored mist that slowly circulated. Wang Ping sat cross-legged on the "Chaos Warm Jade" at the core of the Spirit Gathering Array, eyes slightly closed, breathing long and deep.

Around his body, five-colored radiance resembled five nimble spirit dragons, slowly coiling with each breath. Scarlet fierce, yellow heavy, azure vibrant, white sharp, blue profound — the five elements' radiance circulated without cease, yet at the extreme of circulation they converged and fused at his dantian into a wisp of illusory chaos gray light, ultimately absorbed back into his body, completing a perfect cycle.

The battles with Ao Qing and Feng Ni brought not merely the glory of victory, but a deep test and tempering of his own cultivation system.

Clashing with Ao Qing's dragon breath made the True Solar Fire become even more condensed and pure in the extreme energy collision, deepening his comprehension of the true meaning of "utmost yang, utmost firmness" and "purifying all things" by another layer. That "Golden Crow Burning Heaven" subsequently evolving into "Ten Thousand Fires Piercing Heart" was a product of mid-battle breakthrough, combining the True Solar Fire's penetrative power and explosive force to a new height.

Contending with Feng Ni's Heavenly Phoenix Divine Flame then pushed the Yi Wood Divine Thunder's "Dao of Life and Death" to its ultimate interpretation. No longer merely using vitality to stimulate or stillness to destroy, but more exquisitely grasping the "measure," using excess vitality to induce instability in the flame structure, using the mutual generation Dao to achieve the reality of mutual restraint. This reverse application of the five elements' mutual generation and restraint essence made his understanding of the Wood Dao suddenly become clear.

And the "Two Instruments Annihilation" and "Thunder Fire Purgatory" successively deployed, though only prototypes, exposed strengths and weaknesses in actual combat, pointing the direction for his subsequent refinement.

At this moment, Wang Ping was verifying these battle insights against the abstruse and profound scripture passages of the "Chaos Immortal Scripture" remnant scroll. Every replay of a battle detail, every divine ability's spirit power circulation trajectory, collided and fused with the descriptions in the scripture.

Gradually, some originally vague concepts became clear, some blocked critical joints quietly loosened.

"Chaos is not nothingness, but the primordial state where all things are undifferentiated, yin and yang undetermined... the five elements revolve, mutually generating and restraining; at the extreme one can glimpse a thread of true chaos meaning... yet to condense a Chaos Immortal Yuan, one must use chaos intent as guide, smelt all spirit powers, remove the dross and retain the essence, return to the origin..."

The scripture's words flowed in his heart, producing a mysterious resonance with that Chaos Five Elements Nascent Soul slowly rotating in his dantian. The gray-hazy chaos star vortex on the Nascent Soul's chest seemed to rotate a fraction faster, its efficiency of inhaling and exhaling spirit power also faintly improved.

Wang Ping could feel that the Nascent Soul early-stage realm had already become thoroughly stable as a mountain, and even on that solid foundation, had quietly taken a small step toward the mid-stage. Though this step was small, it signified that the path to higher levels was already clearly visible.

"About enough." Wang Ping slowly exhaled a long breath; that breath left his body three chi yet condensed without dispersing, forming a stream of five-colored interwoven qi with a faint chaos implication, only dispersing after a long while. He opened his eyes, pupils' radiance restrained, deep like an ancient well, "Should go to the treasury and exchange for some more pills and talismans, to prepare..."

Words not yet fallen —

Hum!

Deep in his consciousness sea, that silver stone gate which had been silent for a long time, as if completely fused with his soul, without any warning, lightly trembled once.

Not the passive response of the past that required Wang Ping to actively communicate with his mind to produce. This tremor carried a clear "initiative," a natural rhythm as if a sleeper slowly awakening and stretching lazily, even carrying a trace of... indescribable "delight"?

Wang Ping's movement abruptly froze, brows slightly raised, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

Immediately after, a peaceful, melodious voice, as if directly resonating at the soul's origin, and carrying a few parts teasing laughter, rippled unobstructed in his heart:

"Yo—! Look who this is? Isn't this our newly minted 'Five Elements Dao Son', Fellow Daoist Wang Ping! Not seen for a few days, and this reputation has truly resounded through the Spirit Realm, ringing in the ears! This old man slept a bit too long, woke up to hear the whole world chanting your glorious deeds, what a scene, tsk tsk..."

This voice... Wang Ping first blanked, then the corner of his mouth couldn't help but curve up slightly. Such a unique tone, such familiar teasing — besides that mysterious silver stone gate, that existence he revered in the depths of his heart as the "Transcendent Senior," who else could it be?

"Transcendent Senior," Wang Ping's divine sense sank into the consciousness sea, gazing at that stone gate currently flowing with warm silver radiance, its patterns seemingly livened a few degrees, his tone carrying a trace of relaxation even he himself hadn't noticed, "You... have awakened?"

Since he entered the secret realm, the Transcendent Senior had fallen into a deep silence. At the time it only vaguely conveyed a "harvest plentiful, need to digest and consolidate" intent, then no more movement. Wang Ping had thought this "digestion" would last years or even longer, never expecting it would suddenly awaken at this time point.

"Slept my fill, spirit clear and qi refreshed!" The Transcendent Senior's voice carried obvious delight, as if just enjoying a top-tier beautiful dream, "This sleep washed clean all the spacetime fatigue accumulated from previous traversals, and even the perception of certain rules became quite a bit clearer.

So, just woke up, divine sense instinctively 'swept' outward... heh, heard your title being recited over and over by countless people."

It paused, the teasing meaning in its tone even thicker: "Not bad, kid! This old man just took a nap, and you stirred up such a big commotion?

Nascent Soul early stage, solo fighting three Five Elements Race same-stage heaven's prides, and even beat the Azure Dragon and Heavenly Phoenix clans' two little babies until they had no temper? Can do, can do, had one ten-thousandth of this old man's... hm, style back in the day!"

Hearing this, Wang Ping couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. Having interacted with the Transcendent Senior for a long time, he had long grown used to the other's way of speaking — sometimes unfathomably profound, sometimes flippantly irreverent. He knew that behind this mysterious existence's seemingly joking words, true knowledge and brilliant insights were often hidden.

"Senior, please don't tease me." Wang Ping said helplessly, "Just happened to meet the occasion, was pushed to the cusp of the storm. Some empty fame, not worth mentioning."

"Empty fame?" The Transcendent Senior snorted lightly, tone turning a few degrees serious, "Kid, don't underestimate this 'empty fame.' Reputation in the cultivation world is both a halo and a shackle, and even more a target. You're currently at the peak of the limelight, radiant with light, but the eyes staring at you aren't only admiration and worship."

Its voice lowered a few degrees, carrying a worldly-wise understanding: "Those old fossils of the Five Elements Race value bloodline inheritance and face above all. You, an 'outsider' possessing a suspected supreme inheritance, yet publicly crushed the young heaven's prides they carefully nurtured — do you think they'll let it rest? On the surface they may temporarily restrain themselves, but dark maneuvers absolutely won't be few."

"The demon race side, Azure Dragon and Heavenly Phoenix are both royal clans that care about face. The outstanding ones of the younger generation were defeated by you; this scene they'll sooner or later want to win back, and possibly in more radical ways."

"And the Evil Nether Race... those guys hiding in shadows are the most grudge-holding and sinister. Your previous feud with them, plus the potential you've now displayed, I'm afraid you've long been placed at the top of their 'must-kill list.'"

The Transcendent Senior analyzed point by point, tone calm yet each word striking Wang Ping's heart: "You're now standing in the spotlight, seemingly covered in glory, but actually arrows in the dark are hard to guard against. The days ahead, troubles will only increase, not decrease."

Wang Ping's expression was calm, yet his gaze grew even deeper: "Disciple understands. A tree standing out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. This principle, disciple has long been prepared for. Soldiers come, generals block; water comes, earth dams. As long as I myself am strong enough, all schemes and tricks are merely the antics of clowns."

"Mm, having this spirit and awareness, not bad." The Transcendent Senior's voice carried a few parts praise, "However, just passively defending and waiting is a bit too passive.

This old man waking up this time, actually has a small proposal — instead of staying in the Spirit Realm dealing with these endless challenges and schemes, whether open or hidden, having energy entangled by these mundane affairs, why not... we change the game, go to a more interesting, and also more peaceful place?"

"A more interesting place?" Wang Ping's heart stirred. Every time the Transcendent Senior actively proposed something, it meant an extraordinary opportunity, of course, accompanied by corresponding risks.

"Right, a place that can make your cultivation advance by leaps and bounds, make your Chaos Dao truly take root and sprout, and might even find the key to solving your future many troubles.

" The Transcendent Senior's tone became mysterious, even carrying a trace of temptation, "This old man's sleep this time wasn't just sleeping. While divine sense recovered, following the contract connection with you, and this old man's own origin perception, I 'probed' into the depths of the boundless void. Guess what? Luck wasn't bad, caught a 'big fish'!"

"Big fish?" Wang Ping's curiosity was thoroughly hooked.

"A relatively intact… fragment of the immortal realm." The voice of the Transcendent Elder was light and casual, but to Wang Ping's ears, it was no less than a thunderclap from the nine heavens!

Immortal realm fragment!

Even with Wang Ping's iron will, forged through life and death, at this moment his heart felt as if it had skipped a beat, his breath momentarily stagnating!

The immortal realm! That is, in ancient legend, the ultimate destination for cultivators who ascend, the true manifestation of the Great Dao, the supreme world where spiritual qi is transformed into a higher form of immortal qi! Even if it is merely a surviving corner fragment after collapse, its significance and value are far beyond any secret realm or blessed land in the spirit realm that could compare!

"Elder, you mean…" Wang Ping's voice unconsciously lowered, carrying a hint of incredulous tremor.

"Exactly, it's what you're thinking." The Transcendent Elder's tone was leisurely, as if discussing a trivial matter,

"That place, I have temporarily given it a codename called 'Qingming Heavenly Domain'. Based on initial probing of spatial ripple feedback, its area is roughly equivalent to a relatively prosperous province in your spirit realm. The internal environment… well, although it is dilapidated, after all it is a remnant from the ancient war, but the 'foundation' is still there.

The concentration of immortal qi is quite considerable, far surpassing that of the spirit realm. And most wonderfully… the flow of time there differs from that of your spirit realm's main world; preliminary calculations suggest it is roughly three to one."

Time flow three to one!

Wang Ping's pupils suddenly contracted! If saying the immortal realm fragment itself is an immeasurable treasure, then this three-to-one time flow is the key to unlocking that treasure!

This means that cultivating for three years in that fragment, only one year passes in the spirit realm!

This is equivalent to gaining two times the cultivation time out of thin air! For any cultivator pursuing the Great Dao, this is an irresistible temptation!

"Qingming Heavenly Domain… immortal qi… three times time…" Wang Ping murmured these key words repeatedly, the light in his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"How about it? Moved?" The Transcendent Elder seemed able to sense his emotional fluctuations, tone carrying a hint of pride, "But, unpleasant words must be said first.

The greater the opportunity, the higher the risk usually is. That place, it is certainly not a peaceful and tranquil holiday resort."

"Risk?" Wang Ping quickly calmed down from his excitement. Indeed, such a blessed land, how could it lack peril?

"First, it is a broken immortal realm fragment, its spatial structure itself unstable." The Transcendent Elder began counting on his fingers—if it had fingers—

"Spatial rifts may be hidden everywhere, and law turbulence is commonplace. A misstep could send one to some desperate land, or directly tear one apart by chaotic laws."

"Second, even broken, the restrictions and formations left behind by ancient immortal abodes are not few. These things, having endured long ages and the ravages of war, may have become unstable and their power unpredictable. Trigger one carelessly, and the trouble will be great."

"Third, the high concentration of immortal qi, for cultivators who have not undergone adaptation and whose fleshly bodies and Nascent Souls are not yet 'solid' enough, is itself a kind of erosion and burden. Absorb too much, and it may not be a surge in cultivation, but rather 'unable to absorb despite emptiness', damaging the origin."

"Fourth, and most important," the Transcendent Elder's tone turned solemn, "such a world that endured the ancient war and has been isolated from the world for countless years is most prone to breeding some 'strange and weird' things.

Living beings mutated by long-term immersion in immortal qi, their strength unfathomable; remnant souls, obsessions, and vengeful spirits left behind after the fall of ancient immortals and demons, may still wander in the ruins.

Even… it cannot be ruled out that during that ancient war, some old monsters 'slept' or 'lingered on' in special ways until now. These existences, any one of them, are not easy to deal with."

As the risks were listed one by one, like ice water poured over the head, Wang Ping's heated mind was completely sobered. One-way channel! Unable to return at any time! This means that once one steps in, one must alone survive and explore in that perilous unknown world until the Transcendent Elder regains energy. If during that period one encounters an irresistible danger, there will be no retreat, and true life and death will be left to fate!

"How about it, brat? Still dare or not to go?" The Transcendent Elder's voice carried obvious probing and a faint, hardly perceptible expectation.

"Wealth and honor are sought in danger; this saying is even more supremely true on the path of cultivation. Although that place is full of peril, the opportunity is also real. The effect of tempering the body and refining the spirit with immortal qi is stronger than your spirit realm's ordinary spiritual qi by how much more than tenfold?

If one can find one or two relatively safe relics, excavate some fragments of ancient immortal cultivation methods, medicinal pill remnants, or magic treasure fragments… the aid to your growth cannot be compared to plodding along in the spirit realm and scheming with others."

Wang Ping did not answer immediately. He closed his eyes, rapidly weighing in his mind. The current state of the spirit realm, the surging threats of dark currents, his own yearning for higher realms, the confusion on the path of the Chaotic Dao… and the unknown perils and tempting opportunities of the Qingming Heavenly Domain, constantly swaying on the two ends of the balance.

The Transcendent Elder also did not urge him, merely waiting silently. It knew this decision must be made by Wang Ping himself.

After a long while, Wang Ping slowly opened his eyes, his pupils already clear and resolute.

He recalled the "advancing toward death" on the eleventh layer of the Heaven-Reaching Tower, and the threefold Chaotic Heavenly Tribulation when he condensed his Nascent Soul. Which time was not spent wavering on the edge of life and death, ultimately breaking the cocoon to become a butterfly?

The path of cultivation is itself to go against heaven; if one only seeks stability, how can one climb to the utmost peak?

"I will go." Wang Ping's voice was not loud, but decisive and unwavering, without the slightest hesitation, "However, I need time to make preparations, and also need a suitable reason to leave the Dao Institute, to avoid arousing suspicion."

"Preparation is necessary; medicinal pills, talismans, protective objects, the more the better." The Transcendent Elder agreed, "Reason… there is a ready-made one.

You just tell the Dao Institute that after the successive battles you have gained some insight, need to go out to travel, to hone yourself in perilous places, to seek a breakthrough. The spirit realm is vast; the Northern Ice Plains, the Western Extreme Metal Killing Grounds, the Southern Ancient Battlefield… these places are perilous enough and also fit your need for five-element tempering, reasonable and proper."

"Good." Wang Ping nodded, already having a plan in mind, "Give me three days to prepare. Three days later, we set out."

"Very well, I await." The Transcendent Elder's voice carried a smile, "By the way, one last reminder.

Your chaotic five-element Nascent Soul, in that place, might unexpectedly gain some benefit. The Chaotic Dao, after all, is the prior source of all things.

Immortal qi, no matter how high or profound, cannot escape the realm of 'energy' and 'laws'; ultimately it lies within the embrace of chaos. Perhaps you can adapt to that environment faster than others, and even… refine from it something truly interesting."

These words, like the finishing touch on a painted dragon, completely ignited the flame in Wang Ping's heart. He recalled reading in a fragmented scroll the description of "Chaotic Immortal Essence," a higher-level power surpassing ordinary spiritual force. If he could truly, in the Qingming Heavenly Domain, with the aid of its pure immortal qi, refine even a trace of true Chaotic Immortal Essence…

"I understand." Wang Ping took a deep breath, "Thank you, Elder, for your guidance."

"What politeness, we are now grasshoppers on the same rope." The Transcendent Elder yawned seemingly, "Alright, you go about your business, I will also consolidate, consolidate, to ensure the translocation process is completely foolproof. Three days later, we… shall meet in the Qingming Heavenly Domain!"

The voice gradually faded, the silver light of the stone gate gently receding, returning to its ancient and tranquil appearance. But Wang Ping could clearly feel that behind that gate, the intangible passage to the immortal realm fragment named "Qingming Heavenly Domain" had already been quietly constructed, awaiting only his command to open this journey across realms, whose fortune or misfortune is unknown.

Without a moment's delay, Wang Ping immediately rose, tidied his robes, and flew straight to the stone pavilion at the center of the cloud sea. This matter must be reported to his master, Jiang Mingyuan.

In the stone pavilion, clouds and mist swirled, tea fragrance wafted.

Jiang Mingyuan seemed to have long anticipated Wang Ping's arrival, slowly and leisurely brewing a pot of "Cloud Mist Immortal Down" tea.

Spring water boiled, tea leaves unfurled, pure fragrance spread, echoing the surging cloud sea outside, naturally possessing a Daoist natural ambience.

"Master." Wang Ping stood outside the pavilion, feet planted, and performed a respectful salute.

"Come? Come in and sit." Jiang Mingyuan did not lift his head, skillfully pouring the jade-green tea into two white jade cups, pushing one cup to the opposite side, "Try it, this year's new tea, contains a trace of the nascent spirit qi of the cloud sea, beneficial for calming the spirit and quieting the qi."

Wang Ping did as told, took his seat, and held the tea cup with both hands. The tea liquor was warm and moist, entering the mouth slightly bitter, then immediately turning sweet and mellow, a cool qi directly penetrating the sea of consciousness, dispelling not a little of the fatigue from his prolonged thinking.

Jiang Mingyuan then lifted his gaze, his eyes lingering on Wang Ping for a moment, a fleeting hint of approval not easily noticed flashing in them:

"Your aura is settled and沉凝 like a mountain, your sharpness retracted and内斂 like an abyss; it seems these few days of quiet cultivation and precipitation have yielded considerable gains. Amidst great renown, to hold fast to one's original heart and not be moved by external things—very good."

"Disciple merely did what he ought to do." Wang Ping set down the tea cup, his expression turning solemn, "Master, disciple has come today with a matter to discuss, and to seek your permission."

"Oh?" Jiang Mingyuan's expression remained unchanged, silently awaiting the continuation. He understood this disciple of his, will firm, goals clear, certainly not an ordinary person. Now solemn and serious, his request must not be a small matter.

"Disciple, since condensing the Nascent Soul, although having undergone trials and tempering in several battles, gaining some verification of his own path, but recently in quiet reflection, deeply feels that cultivation progress has gradually entered a平緩 phase." Wang Ping spoke slowly, his tone sincere.

"Closed-door bitter cultivation, to be sure, can steadily improve, but the path disciple cultivates, the Chaotic Five Elements, lies in embracing and encompassing all, in transformation at the extreme.

The Five Elements need to be tempered in rotation in extreme environments; Chaos needs to perceive its 'one' in the clash of all things. A tranquil abode, peaceful spiritual qi, can no longer satisfy disciple's need to advance further."

He paused, his gaze blazing: "Therefore, disciple has pondered long and hard, resolved to go out and travel, to enter perilous places and绝境, to temper divine abilities in the midst of life-and-death combat, to perceive laws in the face of heaven and earth's mighty power, in order to break through the bottleneck and glimpse higher scenery.

This journey, time will likely not be short; short, one or two years; long, three to five years is also possible."

Jiang Mingyuan listened silently, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth stone tabletop, producing rhythmic knocks. His profound gaze fell on Wang Ping's face, as if wanting to pierce the surface and reach directly to his true inner thoughts.

Traveling abroad to seek breakthroughs is a perfectly normal choice for any cultivator aspiring to the Great Dao, especially for Wang Ping, who bears a special inheritance and requires extreme environmental stimulation as a heaven-chosen one.

"Where do you intend to go?" Jiang Mingyuan spoke, his voice calm.

"My preliminary plan is the Northern Ming Ice Plains, the Western Extreme Geng Metal Killing Grounds, and the Southern Wasteland Ancient Battlefield—three locations."

Wang Ping spoke the place names he had long prepared; these are renowned perilous places in the Spirit Realm, with extreme environments and dangers everywhere, yet they indeed contain unique law powers and tempering opportunities.

"The extreme cold of Northern Ming can temper water cultivation and willpower; the Western Extreme Geng Metal killing qi is sharp beyond compare, perfect for tempering metal cultivation; the Southern Wasteland Ancient Battlefield intertwines killing qi, resentment, and shattered laws, possibly allowing one to comprehend the meaning of life-death cycles and the initial opening of chaos."

Each of these three places is infamous, with even Nascent Soul cultivators facing the danger of falling upon entry. But as Wang Ping said, they are indeed very suitable for him to temper the Five Elements and comprehend chaos.

Jiang Mingyuan fell silent, pondering; in the pavilion only the subtle sound of the cloud sea surging and the lingering tea fragrance could be heard. After a long while, he slowly said:

"You have such ambition, desiring to temper yourself in perilous places—your teacher is greatly comforted. Walking the Dao alone inherently requires great courage and perseverance. These three places are indeed excellent choices for forging cultivation and seeking breakthroughs."

His words shifted, his gaze like a torch: "But is it merely for tempering? Ping'er, there is a hint of resolute intent hidden between your brows—could the purpose of this journey not be as simple as the two words 'traveling abroad'?"

Wang Ping's heart trembled slightly. His master's gaze was indeed like lightning, perceiving the finest details. He hesitated briefly, then decided on partial honesty—neither revealing the core secret of the Transcendent Elder and the Immortal Realm fragments, nor wholly deceiving his master.

"Master's discerning eye." Wang Ping lowered his head slightly, his tone sincere, "Disciple... indeed has a clue regarding a special opportunity, possibly related to some unknown ancient relic.

The location of this relic may intersect with the perilous places disciple plans to travel, but it may also be independent of them.

The risks involved far exceed those of ordinary perilous places, yet if opportunity arises by chance and something is gained, the benefit to disciple's Dao path would be immeasurable.

Specific details are broad and involve much disciple speculation without proof; please forgive disciple for not being able to speak clearly for now. This matter concerns a major secret, and disciple must also verify it personally."

He did not mention the Transcendent Elder or the "Qingming Heavenly Domain," but used "ancient relic" and "major secret" to summarize. This neither counts as deceit nor fails to explain why he wishes to venture into those perilous places and possibly require more time.

Jiang Mingyuan gazed deeply at Wang Ping, that gaze seeming able to penetrate all falsehood. After a long while, he lightly sighed and ceased questioning.

Everyone has their own fate and secrets; even the closest master and disciple need not be completely transparent. He could sense the firmness and prudence in disciple's tone, as well as the complex considerations behind the reluctance to speak more. This was enough.

"Since your resolve is firm and you have clarity in mind, as your teacher I will ask no more." Jiang Mingyuan's voice returned to calm, yet carried an undeniable dignity: "The path of the Dao ultimately must be walked step by step by oneself.

You have already condensed the Chaotic Five Elements Nascent Soul; your foundation is extraordinarily solid, rarely matched among peers, and you also possess the Five Elements Divine Light and many other protective divine abilities. As long as you do not actively enter deadly situations or act like a mantis trying to stop a cart, you shall have the power of self-preservation."

He flipped his wrist, and three items appeared floating above his palm.

The first is a token entirely purple, neither metal nor jade, about the size of a palm, with purple mist flowing across its surface, faintly revealing profound runes arising and vanishing within, emitting a peaceful aura that stabilizes the soul and repels all evil.

The second is a piece of inner armor as thin as a cicada's wing, nearly transparent, silvery-white, cool and smooth to the touch, light as nothing, yet hiding within an extremely tenacious spiritual light.

The third is a gray cloth sack that looks utterly unremarkable, coarse and simple, resembling what a common farmer would use.

"This 'Purple Heaven Protective Spirit Token' is a strange treasure obtained by your teacher in his youth." Jiang Mingyuan pointed to the purple token, "Worn close to the body, it can block one full-power soul attack from an early-stage Spirit Transformation cultivator. Or, when encountering a crisis capable of threatening your life, it will actively warn three times. Remember, three times. This token is not easily refined; may you use it well."

"This 'Heavenly Cicada Spirit Silk Armor' is made primarily from the spirit silk spat out by the ten-thousand-year-old Ice Cicada King, supplemented with 'Star Sand,' 'Void Cotton,' and several other rare treasures, personally crafted by the head of the Daoist Institute's Artifact Forging Pavilion, taking nine years to complete."

He then pointed to the inner armor, "Its defensive power is sufficient to block regular attacks from late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. More rare is its lightness and agility—worn, it feels almost nothing, does not hinder movement, and has decent resistance to Five Element arts. You constantly deal with the Five Elements; this armor suits you perfectly."

Lastly, he picked up the gray cloth sack: "This 'Qiankun One Qi Bag' looks unimpressive, yet contains Qiankun within. Inside is a stable space of about three zhang square, capable of storing inanimate objects, far more stable and secure than ordinary storage bags.

The bag mouth has a secret law prohibition; neither yourself nor one whose cultivation far exceeds yours can easily force it open, and it can block most divine sense probes. Traveling abroad, wealth should not be displayed—this item can help you hide important items."

Jiang Mingyuan gently pushed the three treasures before Wang Ping, his gaze solemn, tone as stern as a mountain: "Ping'er, you must remember: external treasures are ultimately auxiliary means, the icing on the cake, not the charcoal in the snow.

What truly protects you completely and aids you in cutting through thorns and brambles is forever your Dao heart—whether it is firm, your wisdom—whether it can pierce through obscurity, and your strength—whether it can withstand myriad difficulties."

"When facing matters, plan before acting, think thrice then act. Opportunities may be good, but also require the fortune to enjoy them. If something cannot be done, forcing it is futile; then one should cut losses when needed, preserving life first. With the green mountains still there, one need not worry about lacking firewood. This is the ultimate truth—you must engrave it in your heart at all times."

Wang Ping received the three treasures with slightly trembling hands. The "Purple Heaven Protective Spirit Token" felt warm and moist in hand, purple mist curling around his fingertips; the "Heavenly Cicada Spirit Silk Armor" felt cool and smooth, like a second layer of skin; the "Qiankun One Qi Bag" was simple and unadorned, yet possessed its own mystery. Each item is worth a city, and each contains his master's deep care and earnest expectations.

He stepped back, lifted his robe, and respectfully knelt, performing three kowtows before Jiang Mingyuan.

"Disciple... respectfully remembers teacher's teachings! Will surely act with careful thought and earnest effort, act within one's capacity, never rely on mere courage of a common man, and not betray teacher's high expectations and nurturing grace!" His voice carried a barely perceptible choke.

Going to the Qingming Heavenly Domain, fortune and misfortune are hard to predict, return time uncertain—this bestowal of treasures and instructions by teacher is no different from parents sending a child far away, deep affection and weighty obligation—how could it not move him?

"Rise." Jiang Mingyuan raised his hand in a virtual support; a soft yet irresistible force lifted Wang Ping, "When will you depart?"

"Disciple still needs to make preparations; will depart in three days." Wang Ping calmed his mind and replied.

"Good. During these three days, you may use your institute head's personally transmitted disciple token to go to the institute's core treasury and exchange for all needed supplies—medicinal pills, talismans, formation disks, and even some special life-preserving items, all available for discretionary use. If anything is unclear, you may come ask me at any time." Jiang Mingyuan finally instructed.

"Yes! Many thanks, Master!" Wang Ping again bowed in salute.

Leaving the stone pavilion, Wang Ping wasted no time, immediately taking action.

First, he went to the Affairs Hall, formally updated his application for overseas travel, filling in the destinations as the Northern Ming Ice Plains, Western Extreme Geng Metal Killing Grounds, and Southern Wasteland Ancient Battlefield, with the reason being "tempering the Five Elements, comprehending chaos, seeking breakthrough opportunities." The procedures were completed quickly; even the Affairs Elder did not ask further, merely looking at Wang Ping with admiration—those who dare to go to these places are truly formidable.

Then he directly went to the core treasury of the Ninth Dao Institute. Relying on the institute head's personally transmitted disciple token and the dual high-level permissions of a newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator, he could nearly enter the deepest part of the treasury to exchange for precious resources ordinary disciples could hardly imagine.

He showed no hesitation, listing the items he could think of and might need:

Restorative pills: twenty bottles of supreme-grade "Revival Immortal Pills," capable of restoring large amounts of spiritual power in an extremely short time; ten bottles of superior-grade "Life-Life Creation Pills," sacred medicine for healing wounds—so long as not killed on the spot or having the soul shattered, most injuries can be stabilized.

Auxiliary pills: five bottles of supreme-grade "Ten Thousand Spirits Poison-Repelling Pills," said to resolve all poisons of the Spirit Realm; ten bottles of superior-grade "Ice Heart Concentrating Spirit Pills," stabilizing the mind and resisting illusion and heart-demon invasion; three pieces of supreme-grade "Boiling Blood Mad Element Pills"—these are true life-saving trump cards; after consumption, they can greatly unleash potential in a short time, boosting combat power, but side effects are severe, not to be used except in life-or-death emergencies.

Regarding talismans: ten sheets of high-grade "Minor Shift Escape Talismans," capable of random instantaneous translocation of a hundred li, a tool for escape; twenty sheets of high-grade "Diamond Body Protection Talismans," which, when activated, form a powerful shield; ten sheets of high-grade "Five Elements Breaking Talismans," specialized in breaking various Five Element-type restrictions and defenses; plus several special types of attack, concealment, and communication talismans.