Chapter 493: Trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice

As Elder Xuan Zhen slowly unfolded the old scroll with trembling hands, the atmosphere in the council hall suddenly became unusually solemn.

The elders' gazes all focused on the scroll, their hearts filled with curiosity and anticipation, while a hint of unease quietly spread.

Elder Xuan Zhen's face shifted from initial shock to embarrassment, his eyes wide open as if he could not believe what he was seeing.

He cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment, but his voice still trembled: "Honored elders, the opening words of the Sunflower Treasure Classic are……"

Before he finished speaking, the other elders had already leaned in, eager to find out more.

Elder Ziyan furrowed her brows, her voice tinged with doubt: "Elder Xuan Zhen, what profound mystery does the Sunflower Treasure Classic hold that has left you so flustered?"

Elder Tieshi wore a stern expression, his gaze sharp as a torch, as if hoping to see deeper secrets through the scroll: "Could this classic hide some earth-shaking power that requires such a huge price to obtain?"

Elder Qingsong showed some disdain, snorting coldly: "I think Huang Daxian is mostly just playing mysterious tricks to divert our attention."

Elder Xuan Zhen took a deep breath, steadied his emotions, then slowly read the words on the scroll: "To cultivate divine power, one must first wield the blade and castrate oneself……"

As soon as he spoke, the council hall fell into utter silence.

The elders stared at each other, every face filled with disbelief.

They never imagined that the so-called Sunflower Treasure Classic would have such harsh cultivation requirements.

A blush flashed across Elder Ziyan's face; she gave a light cough, trying to hide her embarrassment: "This… this cultivation method is simply too extreme—could anyone really be willing to pay such a price for power?"

Elder Tieshi frowned, his voice deep: "If the power in this classic is truly as mighty as the legends say, perhaps someone would indeed be willing to do so."

But is such power truly worth pursuing?

Elder Qingsong's lips curled in a cold smile: "The Sunflower Treasure Classic is clearly a trap; cultivating such a technique is practically seeking one's own death."

Elder Tieshi clenched his fists, a flash of anger in his eyes: "What kind of cultivation technique is this? This is clearly an act of self-harm!"

Any cultivator should regard protecting their own body as the foremost duty; this cultivation method is simply an insult to cultivators.

Elder Qingsong's face showed a hint of fear: "I have cultivated for hundreds of years and have never heard of such a brutal cultivation method."

What mindset could the creator of the Sunflower Treasure Classic have had to devise such a technique?

Elder Xuan Zhen took a deep breath, his eyes showing resolve: "No matter the creator's intent behind the Sunflower Treasure Classic, we must not let it spread. Once disciples learn this technique, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Elder Ziyan nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes: "We must keep it strictly secret, allowing no disciple to touch this volume of the Sunflower Treasure Classic. Otherwise, if anyone attempts to cultivate it, it will be a disaster for Taiyin Shengdi, likely ruining our reputation."

Elder Tieshi's face showed determination: "Destroy the Sunflower Treasure Classic completely! Such a technique should not exist in the world."

Elder Qingsong shook his head: "Destroy it?"

The Sunflower Treasure Classic also has its special qualities; destroying it would be a waste of heaven's bounty.

Elder Xuan Zhen shook his head, his voice heavy: "Regardless of whether the Sunflower Treasure Classic is true or false, we cannot allow such a technique to spread. Its existence is undoubtedly a major hidden danger for our disciples of Taiyin Shengdi."

The elders nodded in unison; as elders of Taiyin Shengdi, they have the duty to protect the sect's safety and ensure the disciples grow healthily.

Finally, Elder Xuan Zhen made a decision: "I will personally keep the Sunflower Treasure Classic until we find a way to deal with it. During this period, no one may privately cultivate this technique; violators will be severely punished without mercy."

The elders all voiced their agreement.

They must ensure that the disciples of Taiyin Shengdi are not tempted by this dangerous technique.

In the council hall of Taiyin Shengdi, the elders sat together, gazing at Huang Daxian, their faces showing varying degrees of shock and relief.

Huang Daxian's earlier words echoed in their minds: "When the disciple obtained that scripture, he also received another technique."

It is said to be able to reverse yin and yang, making the flesh's yin and yang swap, and after achieving great mastery, one can even return to youth.

And when Elder Xuan Zhen slowly unfolded that old scroll, they realized that the other technique Huang Daxian spoke of was actually so chilling.

"To cultivate divine power, one must first wield the blade and castrate oneself……" This sentence struck like a thunderbolt, exploding in the elders' hearts.

They simultaneously arrived at a horrifying assumption: if Huang Daxian had sent out the Sunflower Treasure Classic instead of the Nine Yin True Classic, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Elder Ziyan's face turned pale, her voice slightly trembling: "If Huang Daxian had not understood the greater good and privately kept the Sunflower Treasure Classic, but instead let it spread like the Nine Yin True Classic, would not our sect's disciples face a catastrophe?"

Elder Tieshi clenched his fists, a flicker of lingering fear in his eyes: "The Nine Yin True Classic is dangerous, but at least cultivators can still preserve themselves. As for the Sunflower Treasure Classic…… if not for a person of firm will, they would likely be unable to resist such temptation, and once cultivated, it would be self-destruction of their future."

Elder Qingsong's face was solemn, his voice deep: "Huang Daxian's action undoubtedly saved countless disciples of our sect."

Had he not acted in time, the situation we now face would likely be an irreparable disaster.

Elder Xuan Zhen took a deep breath, his eyes showing respect: "Although Huang Daxian is young, his insight and decisiveness far surpass ours."

His ability to privately retain such a dangerous item shows his steadfast nature and loyalty to the sect.

The elders all nodded, beginning to realize that Huang Daxian's actions were actually a great protection for Taiyin Shengdi.

If the Sunflower Treasure Classic were to spread, the disciples of Taiyin Shengdi would face a difficult choice: either pay an unbearable price.

"If the Sunflower Treasure Classic spreads, how will our sect's disciples cope?" Elder Ziyan's voice carried a hint of worry: "Many of them, in pursuit of power, would likely recklessly cultivate this evil technique."

Elder Tieshi's brows knit, his voice deep: "If that happens, the foundation of our sect will be shaken."

The disciples' dispositions will suffer severe impact, possibly even sparking internal strife.

Elder Qingsong's face was grave, his voice deep: "We must strengthen the disciples' education, making them understand that the path of cultivation has no shortcuts."

The acquisition of power must be built upon a solid foundation.

Elder Xuan Zhen nodded, his voice firm: "From today onward, we must tighten supervision to ensure no similar dangerous technique spreads again."

At the same time, we must enhance moral education for the disciples, letting them understand that the ultimate goal of cultivation is to protect the sect and all beings under heaven.

The elders all voiced their agreement.

They knew this was an important lesson.

They must remain vigilant at all times to prevent such disasters from recurring.

"Huang Daxian, your actions have brought us deep relief," Elder Xuan Zhen said, looking at Huang Daxian with a hint of praise, "your actions prove your loyalty to Taiyin Shengdi, as well as your wisdom and decisiveness."

Huang Daxian's face showed a modest smile: "I merely did what I should have done. I know well that the path of cultivation must be pursued step by step, without greed for quick gains."

Elder Xuan Zhen nodded, his voice carrying relief: "Your actions have filled us with confidence in the sect's future."

With a disciple like you, the sect will surely prosper and flourish.

The elders all nodded, their eyes showing affirmation of Huang Daxian.

As long as they can unite, they can overcome any difficulty and safeguard the peace of Taiyin Shengdi.

"The Nine Yin True Classic is dangerous, but it also contains great power." Elder Ziyan's voice carried a hint of anticipation: "As long as we can find the correct cultivation method, we can allow our holy land's disciples to obtain greater improvement."

Elder Tieshi nodded, his voice carrying a hint of firmness: "We must organize dedicated personnel to conduct in-depth research on the Nine Yin True Classic."

"Discover its secrets and formulate a safe cultivation method."

Elder Qingsong looked stern, his voice deep: "At the same time, we must also strengthen supervision of the disciples to ensure they do not privately cultivate the Nine Yin True Classic."

"We must ensure that every disciple can cultivate in a safe environment."

Elder Xuanzhen took a deep breath, his voice carrying a hint of resolve: "From today onward, we must strive even harder to ensure the prosperity and peace of Taiyin Shengdi."

"We must make all disciples understand that the path of cultivation has no shortcuts; only by taking solid steps can one go farther."

The elders all expressed agreement, their eyes revealing firm determination.

!!!!

"Huang Daxian, your actions today have made us deeply pleased." Elder Xuanzhen's voice carried a hint of gentleness: "You were able to privately keep this Kuihua Baojian, preventing it from spreading, which shows your kind heart and selflessness for the public good."

Elder Ziyan's eyes flashed with a loving light as she softly said: "Your actions have let us see the hope for our holy land's future."

"You are a true cultivator, possessing noble virtue and steadfast belief."

Elder Tieshi nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face: "Huang Daxian, your kindness and selflessness are a model for all cultivators."

"But you must also understand that such a nature in the cultivation world easily leads to disadvantage."

Elder Qingsong's tone carried a hint of reminder: "The cultivation world is a place full of competition and danger; although you have a kind heart, you must also learn to protect yourself and not easily trust others."

Huang Daxian's face showed a hint of humble smile: "The teachings of all the elders, I keep in my heart."

"Although I am kind, I also know the cruelty of the cultivation world."

"I will remain vigilant at all times, not letting kindness become my weakness."

Elder Xuanzhen nodded satisfiedly, took out a stalk of blood ginseng emitting a faint red light from his bosom, and handed it to Huang Daxian: "This is a ten-thousand-year blood ginseng, one of the precious medicines of our holy land."

"Today, I will bestow it upon you as a reward for your presenting the Kuihua Baojian."

A hint of surprise flashed in Huang Daxian's eyes; he hurriedly knelt, receiving the blood ginseng with both hands: "Thank you, Elder, for your generous gift; I am deeply grateful."

Elder Ziyan's face showed a hint of relieved smile: "This ten-thousand-year blood ginseng can aid your cultivation and increase your cultivation level."

"I hope you can make good use of it and soon become a pillar of talent for our holy land."

Elder Tieshi and Elder Qingsong also nodded, their eyes revealing anticipation for Huang Daxian.

Afterwards, the elders' gazes turned to Luo Xiong, their expressions becoming stern.

Elder Xuanzhen's voice carried a hint of reproach: "Luo Xiong, your actions today have made us deeply disappointed."

"You actually doubted Huang Daxian's motives and even wanted to frame him."

Elder Ziyan's tone carried a hint of severity: "Your actions form a stark contrast to Huang Daxian's kindness and selflessness."

"You should seriously reflect, learn Huang Daxian's virtue, and direct your thoughts toward the proper path."

Elder Tieshi's face showed a hint of anger: "Luo Xiong, your actions today have already violated the holy land's rules."

"If not for considering your youth and ignorance, we would certainly not easily forgive you."

Elder Qingsong's tone carried a hint of warning: "From today onward, you must follow Huang Daxian, learning his virtue and cultivation level."

"If you again harbor ill intentions, we will certainly punish you severely."

Luo Xiong's face turned pale; he hurriedly knelt, his voice trembling: "Disciple knows his mistake, thank you elders for your teachings."

"I will certainly study well and never again harbor evil thoughts."

Elder Xuanzhen nodded, his voice carrying a hint of relief: "Knowing one's mistake and correcting it is the greatest goodness."

"I hope you can remember today's lesson and become a true cultivator."

Luo Xiong stood in a corner of the Hall of Deliberations, his face gloomy as if water could drip from it.

His heart burned with rage, almost wanting to set the entire hall ablaze.

The elders' teachings rang in his ears, yet he couldn't absorb a single word, feeling as if ten thousand grass-mud horses were galloping through his heart.

Elder Yin, that old fox, had me come to complain, but I gained no benefit and only got scolded—truly losing the wife and losing the troops.

Luo Xiong cursed silently in his heart, daring not to show the slightest expression; he could only lower his head, pretending to be receptive.

He furtively glanced at Huang Daxian, seeing only that the other held that ten-thousand-year blood ginseng in his hands, face beaming with a smug smile, as if he had already seen his own cultivation soaring and rising to the heavens.

Luo Xiong's heart felt even more unbalanced to the extreme.

"What gives him the right?"

"Why does Huang Daxian get the ten-thousand-year blood ginseng while I, Luo Xiong, have to suffer here?" Luo Xiong felt resentful, muttering to himself: "In what way am I inferior to him?"

"Is it just because he pretends to be good and flatters?"

The more he thought, the angrier he became, nearly unable to restrain himself from jumping up and shouting.

But he knew that if he really did that, it wouldn't be as simple as just venting frustration; he might even lose his life.

"Luo Xiong, what are you thinking? Are you still unwilling to accept?" Elder Xuanzhen's voice suddenly sounded, startling Luo Xiong into a jump.

"No, no, disciple dare not." Luo Xiong hastily shook his head, forcing out a smile uglier than crying.

"Hmph, I can see you're definitely not convinced." Elder Ziyan's voice carried a hint of teasing: "How so? Do you feel you're far inferior to Huang Daxian?"

Luo Xiong's face changed; he hurriedly defended: "No, no, disciple merely……"

"Merely what?"

"Merely feeling that you're too unlucky?" Elder Tieshi interrupted him, his face showing a hint of playful smile.

Luo Xiong opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

He indeed thought that in his heart, but how could he say such a thing in front of the elders?

"Enough, don't bother explaining." Elder Qingsong waved his hand, an air of seeing through everything: "I know what you're thinking, but you must understand that the cultivation world isn't as simple as you imagine."

"You can't get by relying solely on petty cleverness."

Luo Xiong's face grew even uglier; he felt as if he had been stripped naked and thrown into the street, with nowhere to hide.

"All right, you may go now." Elder Xuan Zhen waved his hand, indicating Luo Xiong could leave.

Luo Xiong, as if granted amnesty, hastily performed a salute, turned and walked out.

His steps were hurried, as if evil ghosts were chasing him from behind.

As soon as he left the main hall, Luo Xiong couldn't help but shout curses: "Elder Yin, you old bastard, you had me come file a complaint, but I got nothing out of it and still got a scolding."

"That pretty-boy Huang Daxian, is he just good at pretending to be a nice guy and sucking up?"

"Why does he get the ten-thousand-year blood ginseng while I, Luo Xiong, have to suffer here?"

The more he spoke, the angrier he got; finally he simply plopped down on the ground and began to roll and throw a tantrum: "Unfair, so unfair!"

"In what way am I, Luo Xiong, inferior to him?"

"Is it just that my luck is a bit worse?"

"If I could also get the ten-thousand-year blood ginseng, I would definitely be stronger than him!"

Luo Xiong's complaints echoed outside the main hall, drawing the sideways glances of passing disciples.

Looking at Luo Xiong's state, some couldn't help laughing, while others wore sympathetic expressions.

"Luo Xiong senior brother, what's wrong with you?"

"Why are you sitting on the ground and not getting up?" a young disciple asked curiously.

Luo Xiong looked up and saw it was a newly initiated disciple; instantly furious, he shouted: "Get lost, get far away! Can't you see I'm angry?"

The disciple, startled by his shout, trembled and hurriedly ran away.

Luo Xiong continued sitting on the ground, muttering: "Huang Daxian, just wait."

"One day, I will surpass you!"

"Then, watch how I'll deal with you!"

His heart was filled with resentment, yet at the same time a trace of unwillingness.

He knew he couldn't just give up like that; he had to cultivate diligently and let everyone see that Luo Xiong was not to be trifled with!

However, just as he was silently swearing to himself, a voice suddenly sounded in his ear: "Luo Xiong, what are you doing here? Are you slacking off again?"

Luo Xiong looked up and saw Elder Yin standing before him, a hint of displeasure on his face.

"No, no, I'm just thinking about a problem," Luo Xiong hastily explained, though inwardly he cursed.

"Hmph, I see you're slacking off again," Elder Yin snorted coldly, "Your performance this time has disappointed me; go back, reflect properly, and starting tomorrow, I want you to train twice as hard!"

Luo Xiong's face changed, and his heart became even more depressed to the extreme.

He knew his bitter days had only just begun.

But no matter what, he could not give up.

He wanted everyone to see that Luo Xiong was absolutely not someone who would easily admit defeat!

Thus, Luo Xiong stood up, brushed off the dust on his body, took a deep breath, and walked with determined steps toward the training ground.

Along the way, his mind was filled with Huang Daxian's words about the Sunflower Treasure Classic, reversing yin and yang, overturning heaven and earth.

As the elders' meeting concluded, Elder Xuan Zhen slowly paced back to his cultivation quarters, his eyes revealing a hint of confusion and inner conflict.

In his hand, the scroll of the Sunflower Treasure Classic lay still, as if whispering an unknown secret.

In Elder Xuan Zhen's heart, it was like an overturning river and sea, hard to calm.

He knew that the power contained in this Sunflower Treasure Classic was immense, but behind that power lay huge costs and risks.

He couldn't help asking himself whether he should study it or seal it away forever.

Elder Xuan Zhen sat on the futon in the cultivation chamber, his gaze fixed on the Sunflower Treasure Classic, unable to look away for a long time.

In his heart, two voices were constantly arguing.

One voice told him: "Study it! This is an unsurpassed cultivation method; if you can master its power, the Taiyin Shengdi will have no equal."

"You will become the savior of the holy land, revered by all disciples."

The other voice warned him: "Do not study it!"

"This is an evil cultivation method; its practice violates the moral bottom line of cultivators."

"If you study it, your Dao heart will be corrupted, your cultivation level will be affected, and you may even suffer deviation into demonic possession."

Elder Xuan Zhen's brows were tightly knit, his heart filled with contradiction.

As an elder, he had the duty to protect the safety of the Taiyin Shengdi and ensure the disciples could grow healthily.

But he also understood that the world of cultivation was one of the strong devouring the weak; only with great power could one protect oneself and others.

He recalled Huang Daxian's words: "When a disciple obtains this Dao scripture, they also receive another cultivation method. It is said to be able to reverse yin and yang, causing the fleshly body's yin and yang to swap, and after achieving great mastery, one can even return to youth."

He knew that, if the power of this Sunflower Treasure Classic truly matched what Huang Daxian said, it was undoubtedly a heaven-defying cultivation method.

But he also recalled the opening line of the Sunflower Treasure Classic: "To cultivate divine power, one must first castrate oneself with a blade..."

His body involuntarily trembled; such a cultivation method is unacceptable to any cultivator.

Elder Xuan Zhen drew a deep breath, trying to calm his mind.

He began to recall his cultivation path, those hardships and perils, those life-and-death trials, which he had all overcome.

He asked himself: "Do I really need this Sunflower Treasure Classic?"

In his heart, an answer gradually formed.

He knew he could not be tempted by this Sunflower Treasure Classic.

His strength came from his Dao heart, from his loyalty to the Taiyin Shengdi and his care for the disciples.

One must not abandon one's convictions due to a moment of greed.

A flash of determination gleamed in Elder Xuan Zhen's eyes.

He placed the Sunflower Treasure Classic into a specially made jade box and then sealed it.

He stood up, walked to the window of the cultivation chamber, gazed at the starry sky outside, and his heart filled with tranquility.

He knew his decision was correct.

He did not need the power of the Sunflower Treasure Canon; he only needed to hold fast to his Dao heart, and that was enough.

A faint smile appeared on Elder Xuan Zhen's lips; the night breeze gently blew, and his robes fluttered in the wind.

His heart was steadfast and tranquil.