Chapter 658: Lao Huang: This old man cultivates immortality

Through Huang Rong's words from the day before yesterday, and some of his own guesses, he understood that martial way was merely the foundation, and the Innate Realm didn't even count as Foundation Establishment.

Ye Qin beside him was somewhat surprised, and said with a smile: 'Father-in-law, you're right; martial way is only the beginning, and the Innate Realm doesn't even count as Foundation Establishment in the cultivation world, not even reaching the threshold of entering the Dao through martial arts.'

I just used a treasure to deduce a bit, and found that the Innate Realm is merely the threshold of entering the martial way.

Is the Innate Realm actually the threshold of the martial way?

"Ah?"

Lao Huang was stunned by Ye Qin's words, his eyes wide open; even though he had been mentally prepared, he froze for a moment, completely dumbfounded, saying: 'Then what realm comes after the Innate Realm? I've stood at the peak of this world for years, yet I've never heard anyone speak of it.'

He had searched through ancient archives, but found no relevant records.

He had always thought there were no further realms ahead, never expecting there to be other realms, and moreover, his current realm actually counted for nothing.

Beside him, Ye Qin, after organizing Buddhist and Daoist secret manuals inside the Vajra Bracelet, discovered that there should be another realm after the Innate Realm, and his Nine Grade Dao Technique had been successfully optimized and upgraded to another level, meaning he could cultivate to a higher level.

That is the next realm.

Seeing Lao Huang's eager expression for knowledge, Ye Qin smiled slightly and said: 'After my deduction, the next realm indeed exists; I call it the Grandmaster Realm. This realm differs from the Innate Realm; it is a true martial arts grandmaster.'

In my view, every martial arts grandmaster has the ability to create their own martial arts techniques, and being able to cultivate to the Innate Realm is what truly makes them a grandmaster.

Lao Huang immediately understood, saying: 'Grandmaster Realm? This realm is truly amazing; perhaps upon reaching it, one's lightness skill could fly several hundred meters, even kilometers, and even ordinary poisons would be ineffective against them.'

After much speculation, he took a deep breath; all his cultivation over the years had merely been the foundation, and it was still far from enough.

Before, no one knew where the path after the Innate Realm lay, nor even whether such a path existed, because no one had ever reached it, let alone explained the realms beyond the Innate Realm.

'Martial artists of the Grandmaster Realm are indeed very powerful; in recent years, the strongest in this world have been only those at the Innate Realm, and their numbers are still scarce. Since they already stand at the world's pinnacle, for some Innate Realm martial artists, they have no challenges left, so no one knows of the Grandmaster Realm.'

Ye Qin's calm voice came over, explaining this world's strange phenomenon. The unknown is frightening, and no one goes to explore it, so no one knows about it.

This is a vicious cycle.

Lao Huang nodded and sighed, saying: 'Exactly so; therefore many people have limited their own vision, and cultivation should be endless.'

If it weren't for Ye Qin, this son-in-law, pointing it out, he wouldn't even know that martial way could still be cultivated; the Grandmaster Realm would be his goal to break through. Otherwise, let alone cultivation of immortality, even living a few more decades would be impossible.

He suddenly thought, 'Having a good son-in-law isn't bad either.'

Looking at Ye Qin, Lao Huang asked again: 'Then what comes after the Grandmaster Realm? Are there still other realms, or does it stop at entering the Dao through martial arts?'

How can one be considered to have entered the Dao?

Ye Qin thought for a moment and explained: 'The Innate Realm is the threshold of martial way, but the threshold of the Dao of immortals is Foundation Establishment, which is the next realm after Grandmaster Realm, the Grand Grandmaster Realm. As long as one reaches the Grand Grandmaster Realm, it equals the Foundation Establishment realm in cultivation of immortality, and this realm is the lowest level in the cultivation world.'

Yet he hasn't even reached that realm.

Lao Huang's face darkened, and he said gloomily: 'In that case, even if I exert all my effort to break through to the Grandmaster Realm, it still wouldn't count as setting foot on the path of immortality; only by breaking through from the Grandmaster Realm to the Grand Grandmaster Realm would one truly step onto the threshold of immortality, right?'

'Exactly!' Ye Qin nodded, though he was reluctant to admit it, but that's the fact. He then said: 'Cultivation is endless; otherwise the skies would already be full of immortals. Do you think cultivation of immortality is that easy?'

Lao Huang had already been mentally prepared; cultivation of immortality is nowhere near that simple—if just picking up a manual could allow cultivation, then cultivation of immortality would be child's play.

He thought it over and replied: 'Don't worry, I'm not that fragile. Although this path is hard to walk, at least now I have a direction, no longer lost and directionless as before, right?'

As long as one becomes a Grand Grandmaster, it equals entering the Dao through martial arts and stepping onto the path of immortality.

Without waiting for Ye Qin to speak, Lao Huang continued: 'People living in this world must always have some pursuit; I will cultivate diligently.'

This is also his only opportunity.

Afterward, Ye Qin brought Lao Huang some good news: 'Cultivating to the Grandmaster Realm can grant at least a hundred and fifty years of lifespan, while the Grand Grandmaster Realm, which is the Foundation Establishment realm in cultivation of immortality, can grant at least three hundred years.'

Lao Huang's eyes lit up, and he smiled: 'In that case, I still have a chance.'

However, Ye Qin's following words made him widen his eyes, as if fate had played a cruel joke on him.

While Lao Huang was happily reveling in the prospect of a lifespan lasting hundreds of years, Ye Qin poured cold water on him: 'My current technique can at most help you cultivate to the Grandmaster Realm; I have no method for Foundation Establishment.'

These words made Lao Huang deflate like a punctured balloon, leaving him speechless.

What to do after Grandmaster? Lao Huang understood clearly in his heart: once Ye Qin and the others leave, he doesn't know when they'll return; even if they do, he doesn't know if he can hold out until then. He has already used up a small half of his lifespan, and the remaining time, at most, is a little over a hundred years.

Without subsequent techniques, the path of cultivation cannot continue.

Ye Qin patted his chest and assured Lao Huang: 'Father-in-law, rest assured; if we can get in touch with you, or even return, I will surely send you the complete Foundation Establishment technique as soon as possible, along with the later immortality cultivation methods.'

But this guarantee presupposes that they can still maintain contact with this world; if the connection is broken, then these words become empty talk.

The risk is not small; it can be said to be fifty-fifty.

Lao Huang nodded, steeled himself, and comforted Ye Qin, saying: 'I'm fine; you can relax.'

Compared to before, when he knew nothing about immortality cultivation and could only live another twenty or thirty years, now it's already good; at least he now has a chance at immortality cultivation.

Then Ye Qin passed on to Lao Huang his newly fused and optimized Nine Grade Dao Technique, saying: 'Father-in-law, you can continue to deduce this technique; with your wisdom, it should become even more perfected at the Grandmaster Realm.'

He now also relies only on the Vajra Bracelet to optimize and fuse techniques.

Lao Huang nodded solemnly, remained silent for a moment, then said: 'I will always wait for you to return.' He wanted to go to the immortals' realm, but he never spoke those words.

Ye Qin also dared not lightly attempt to take two people along and see what consequences would arise; the Vajra Bracelet is a mysterious treasure, and he still does not fully understand all its functions and limitations.

'Good!' Ye Qin nodded heavily, promising Lao Huang that he would definitely return to fetch him: 'Rest assured, you are my father-in-law and also my kin.'

To be honest, Ye Qin thinks Lao Huang is a decent person; later, when he goes to the immortals' realm, he could also have an assistant, so he wouldn't be utterly alone.

Lao Huang nodded, then suddenly said to Ye Qin: 'Why don't you two have a child before you leave? There's still time. After you go, I'll also have a companion, and when you return, we can pick them up together.'

That way, while he cultivates, he'll have company, and he won't fear that Ye Qin and the others won't return.

Upon hearing this, Ye Qin understood Lao Huang's thoughts and said, half-laughing, half-crying: 'Father-in-law, you're afraid we won't come back, aren't you?'

Lao Huang's thoughts were seen through by Ye Qin; he laughed somewhat embarrassedly and quickly said: 'I'm not afraid that you'll go to the immortals' realm with no one to help you raise the child; I'm here, and I can certainly take good care of the child.'

Patting his chest, he guaranteed that he could certainly raise the child well without interfering with cultivation.

Ye Qin's mouth twitched, and he secretly thought: 'It seems having a child is just to keep you entertained, really...'

He had indeed considered it, but felt this world was still too low, unsuitable for a child, so he shook his head and refused, saying: 'Forget it; Father-in-law, if you feel bored being alone, you can recall all your disciples.'

!

I know that besides Mei Chaofeng and Chen Xuanfeng, there are also Qu Lingfeng, Lu Chengfeng, Wu Mianfeng, and Feng Mofeng still alive. You are now about to embark on the path to immortality; you can pass all your martial arts to them, letting Peach Blossom Island flourish and also make use of their strengths. Perhaps you might even thus break into the Grandmaster Realm.

Back then, you blamed others because Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng stole the lower volume of the Nine Yin True Classic, which was actually wrong. After all these years, the other four people had their hamstrings cut by you, barely surviving, and they also suffered greatly. As a master, how could you treat your disciples like that?

Father-in-law, I think you should still summon them back and give them proper instruction. Qū Língfēng, Lù Chéngfēng, Wǔ Miánfēng, Féng Mòfēng are also your disciples; wanting to learn martial arts is normal.

You have learned so much; to break into the Master Realm you must create a cultivation method that can reach the Innate Realm. This is perfect for testing on them, and I think they will be willing.

Moreover, these four people have likely accumulated considerable wealth over the years; cultivation costs money, and only by piling up countless resources can one steadily embark on the path of immortality. This is perfect for using them.

After Ye Qin finished speaking, Huang Yaoshi fell silent.

Back then, his wife died because of the Nine Yin True Classic, while Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng stole the Nine Yin Secret Manual. He was furious at the time, and in his anger he took it out on several others, which was also impulsive.

Thus he sighed and said: 'Alas, the matter from back then was indeed my fault, and I caused those four to suffer unjustly. After having their hamstrings cut, their lives will not be easy. Never mind, I'll listen to you.'

Whether considering feelings or interests, he should recall those disciples.

This would also settle a lingering worry in his mind, and Lao Huang suddenly felt much broader. Although he is called the East Heretic, he is not someone who cannot distinguish right from wrong.

Ye Qin felt delighted inside and quickly said: 'Father-in-law, it would be great if you could think that way. I don't think they will blame you either. After I meet them, I plan to leave Peach Blossom Island. There are still some matters that need to be settled.'

'Alright.' Lao Huang nodded in agreement. But thinking about the impending separation, he felt uneasy. Finally he gave Ye Qin another reminder: 'After you finish settling things, come here to leave.'

'Okay.' Ye Qin agreed. Lao Huang wanted to see him and Huang Rong off on their final journey, and he could understand that feeling.

Suddenly, Lao Huang asked Ye Qin: 'By the way, there is still one person on the island—Zhou Botong, the junior fellow apprentice of Wang Chongyang, who possesses the Middle Divine Ability. I imprisoned him here for decades in order to obtain the upper volume of the Nine Yin True Classic. What do you think should be done with him?'

Should he be released, killed, or continued to be imprisoned?

To be frank, he no longer has any interest in the Nine Yin True Classic. Even if it were to offer sacrifices to his wife, he could himself create a cultivation method capable of reaching the Innate Realm and burn it for her.

In that case, Zhou Botong, this old mischievous child, would be useless. Imprisoning him still wastes food, but if we let him go, we fear he might return to take revenge—like a tiger returning to the mountain—which would be bad. After all, he cannot guard against him at all times.

Ye Qin raised his eyebrows, his white silk robe fluttering in the wind. He leapt up, his figure shooting out. His voice came from midair: 'Let him go. With his mischievous nature, he probably won't seek revenge. Imprisoning him is also useless.'

Huang Yaoshi heard and said: 'Released? Well…'

In a secluded cave on Peach Blossom Island, an elderly white-haired man sat at the entrance, gazing out at the seemingly boundless peach blossom forest, a hint of desolation and helplessness in his eyes. He let out a long sigh and muttered to himself: 'Old Heretic Huang won't let me leave; it's been decades, and he still hasn't forgotten the Nine Yin True Classic. But I will never reveal what my senior brother entrusted me with. Forget it; I'll just practice the Left-Right Mutual Combat Technique.'

Anyway, he couldn't escape; the Eight Trigrams Formation on Peach Blossom Island is a puzzle for him, and he currently lacks confidence to solve it.

Just as he was about to rise and return to the cave, a calm, aged voice sounded: 'Old mischievous child, you're still alive?'

Huang Yaoshi's voice suddenly rang out; Zhou Botong looked up and saw Lao Huang already standing before him, smiling narrowly and saying: 'How come, you don't welcome me?'

Zhou Botong's mouth twitched, and he thought to himself: 'You certainly have self-awareness.'

Having been imprisoned in this desolate place for decades, anyone would feel furious. Although Zhou Botong is naturally carefree, this does not mean he harbors no resentment about being locked up for so many years.

He glared at Lao Huang and said gruffly: 'What do you want, old fool? Don't think I'll give you the upper volume of the Nine Yin True Classic—I promised my senior brother I wouldn't even look at it myself.'

He is actually quite cautious; it seems he had already guessed Lao Huang's purpose for this trip.

Huang Yaoshi wore a black line across his face, pursed his lips, and said: 'I really did want the upper volume of the Nine Yin True Classic before, but you should now understand that I have no interest in it anymore. I came this time just to chat with you and, by the way, ask if you want to leave.'

Keeping Zhou Botong locked up all the time isn't a solution either; Huang Rong secretly brings him food each time, but Lao Huang thinks this still wastes grain—it would be better to save money and buy some cultivation resources.

'You're willing to let me go?' Zhou Botong exclaimed, his face full of surprise, secretly wondering: 'Could this be a test from Old Heretic Huang?'

Perhaps he's just afraid I'll escape, so he's using such words to provoke me.

Thinking this, he shook his head like a rattle drum and firmly said: 'Don't try to worm words out of me—no matter what, I will not give you the upper volume of the Nine Yin True Classic.'

Huang Yaoshi stared, then immediately explained: 'Old mischievous child, you've overthought this; I truly want to let you go, and I no longer want anything to do with the Nine Yin True Classic. Gather your belongings, get ready to leave—I'll show you the way.' (End of chapter)