Chapter 210: Try Taking the Mandarin Ducks to See; An Extra Inch Should Break the Heart

The evening wind connects with the northern qi, the moon hangs in the center of the sky—

When Master Junyao finished bowing respectfully and raised his head, his gaze fell upon the figure of that short, stout woodcutter atop the green rock.

Even though he was the Dao Son and had long heard many secrets about this Ancestral Master,

at the moment of witnessing it with his own eyes, his pupils still flickered slightly, and he could not help but ponder in his heart.

All manner of shackles, the difficulties of the Immortal Dao—

After the Jin Dan, comes the Primordial Spirit returning to void.

The Pure Yang realm yet has three obstructing Dao calamities; without great supernatural powers and great strength to serve as protective arts, once the wind, fire, and thunder disasters arrive, no matter how earth-shaking and brilliantly talented one was in the past, one will inevitably turn to ash and depart, never to retain one's whole form again.

And even if Pure Yang is achieved, and the three central great Dao celebration clouds condense and stabilize, from then on, one truly enters the great realm of Union with Dao, becoming equal to the sovereign of the world, able to serve as the elder of the myriad spirits of Xudu Xudu Tianyu, bearing the title of "Dao Lord"!

They are the sub-sovereign of the Three Realms, the chief minister of the Primordial Cavern!

If one can find a Xudu Xudu Tianyu to entrust one's life root and fruit, the lifespan of a Dao Lord is nearly infinite, enduring as long as the Xudu Xudu Tianyu itself.

As long as one does not encounter an external calamity that cannot be resisted, there is no more suffering from birth, old age, sickness, or death, nearly attaining the great carefree and unfettered realm of eternal longevity!

But the Union with Dao Realm, after all, is only approaching immortality, not truly attaining eternal life...

If the Xudu Xudu Tianyu encounters the Yang Nine and Great Bai Liu calamities, or suffers destruction from external forces, once it collapses and is ruined, it will never exist again.

The Dao Lords who have entrusted their life roots and fruits within the Xudu Xudu Tianyu will absolutely not fare well, suffering great injury to their primordial qi.

Only by advancing one step further above Union with Dao, plucking the Immortal Karma into one's body to become a true Immortal...

Only then is one thoroughly immortal and deathless, transcending the mundane; when the universe decays, my body remains undying, and myriad calamities cannot wear it down!

From then on,

one leaps outside the Three Realms and exists beyond the Five Elements!

Even in the ancient era of the Dao Court, which was boundlessly powerful, suppressing myriad heavens and myriad Daoes with a single force, pressing all universal spirits until they could not breathe, those who had plucked Immortal Karma were still figures requiring reverence, absolutely not to be treated lightly, but to be handled with caution.

And while attaining Immortal Karma certainly holds infinite benefits, the step from Union with Dao to True Immortal has ninefold obstacles; only by passing through them can one pluck Immortal Karma and achieve complete success.

These ninefold obstacles of the Union with Dao Realm are collectively known as—

The Nine Difficulties of Union with Dao!

Master Junyao knew this.

In this era, the Yu Yuchen Sect governing Xudu Xudu Tianyu was jointly ruled by the three Dao Lord Ancestral Masters: Ancestor Weiling, Master Master Tongxuan, and Shan Xiao Jian.

However, Dao Lord Master Master Tongxuan rarely managed affairs, only occasionally manifesting a divided spirit or incarnation to discuss matters with Dao Lords Ancestor Weiling and Shan Xiao Jian when great issues arose.

Even though Master Junyao was honored as the Dao Son,

today was the first time he had witnessed the true body of Dao Lord Master Master Tongxuan, rather than a divided spirit or incarnation...

He had vaguely heard rumors that this Ancestral Master, residing in a deep mountain valley, had failed to pluck superior Immortal Karma in his early years; although he eventually settled for less and barely achieved ascension and transcendence, he remained unwilling to accept it, and later, when a great matter arose, he simply injured his own realm to start over from the beginning.

But today, when Master Junyao truly observed him, even without deliberately activating his Dharma eyes to look,

the human form upon the green rock appeared like a High and Great Sage born from boundless chaos, the pure halo behind his neck seeming to encompass all emptiness, form, existence, and non-existence, his gaze ancient and profound.

His form shifted unpredictably between youth and age, vigor and decline, as if in an instant myriad years of time flowed and washed over him, turning a young child with hanging hair into a withered, dead corpse; yet upon focusing his gaze, in merely the blink of an eye, time suddenly rolled backward, and a vibrant, living appearance manifested once more.

Hidden scenes and concealed forms, changes beyond measure.

Majestic as Lei Ting, bright as the stars!

Such a realm already reveals traces of the phenomena existing before heaven and earth began.

It is truly constant and silent.

It is also wisdom, perfect and subtle!

However, before Master Junyao could observe further,

suddenly a sound of bells and chimes rang out, and all strange phenomena instantly vanished, as if they had never occurred.

On the green rock, the short, stout old woodcutter wore a kind expression, his temples already a patch of gray, his two white eyebrows like old silkworms, utterly ordinary, revealing not a shred of the divine or strange.

His brilliance concealed, he appeared just like an ordinary woodcutter in the mountains and forests.

"Dao Son, it has been long since we last met; please sit."

Master Master Tongxuan said with a smile.

He pointed a finger, and the green vines on the ground spread and grew, forming a seat; Master Junyao did not decline, bowing deeply in salute before sitting upon it.

"Congratulations to the Ancestral Master on advancing in cultivation, reaching new heights from an already high position; I fear the distance to successfully attaining Immortal Karma is no longer far."

He praised.

Master Master Tongxuan shook his head and waved his hand, saying:

"If I were to forcibly pluck Immortal Karma now, at best I would only attain the fruit of a Corpse-Released Immortal, the lowest grade of immortal fruit; with such Immortal Karma, it would be better not to pluck it at all.

Even if I obtained it, it would merely waste the blood and sweat of my re-cultivation in vain, and I would still be unable to deal with that old rival of mine; what worth would such an achievement have?"

Master Junyao cupped his hands and bowed once more, yet remained speechless.

In this era, the three Dao Lord Ancestral Masters governing the Yu Yuchen Sect each possessed mysterious and marvelous traits.

Ancestral Master Ancestor Weiling possessed unmatched killing power, his sword Dao cultivation having long reached the supreme realm of "One Sword Births Ten Thousand Dharmas," his supernatural powers likewise supreme; he was regarded by Dao Lord Master Minqiu of the Zhongyi Sword Sect as both a lifelong great enemy and a closest friend, the two having sparred over a hundred times, yet neither could ever determine a victor.

As for Ancestral Master Shan Xiao Jian, he attained the Dao through formation arrays.

This elder once laid out a "Great Array of the Milky Way and Star Dipper" in Changwen Tian, forcibly trapping several Human Dao Perfected Ones of Qingya Cave within the academy, holding them blocked for a full half-year; ultimately, it was only because that Great Perfected One in secluded cultivation from Changwen Tian could no longer bear to watch that he acted to break the "Great Array of the Milky Way and Star River," resolving the stalemate.

Yet even with these two Ancestral Masters being so supreme, in their usual conduct and speech, they still implicitly treated Master Master Tongxuan as their senior elder.

When matters concerning the rise or fall of the sect arose, they would always wait for him to speak first before offering their own words.

And when Master Junyao attended lectures under Ancestral Master Ancestor Weiling, he had heard this elder say with a smile that Master Master Tongxuan was the most unfathomable among the three Ancestral Masters governing Yu Yuchen in this era, his cultivation already penetrating heaven and earth, like the ocean of Beiming, impossible to fathom!

Although this remark was mentioned casually and passed over, Master Junyao firmly kept it in his heart, never forgetting it.

And now, finally, today,

he had at last seen the true body of this Ancestral Master.

Although he had expected it, he could not help but feel shaken in his heart...

……

"Daoist Son, you are a clever man; judging by your expression, it seems you long ago guessed today's scene. I wonder when this began?"

At this moment.

Master Master Tongxuan suddenly stroked his long beard gently, smiling kindly as he spoke.

"Since the time of the Golden Register, I clearly arranged for Chen Heng to be placed at the Bai Shui Commerce Academy, under True Person Wu Sheng to guide his cultivation. Yet I never expected that when his registration was finally settled, it would be at the Long Victory Academy..."

After a moment of silence.

Master Junyao shook his head and said:

"Since that time, I have harbored hidden suspicions; today's meeting has indeed confirmed this thought."

With the dignity of a Daoist Son, the only ones within the Yu Yuchen Sect capable of secretly altering his decisions were the Supreme Sect Master and the three World-Ordering Ancestors of this era.

As for Pei Pei Shuyang, the Sect Master of Yu Yuchen, he is currently within the Dharma Saint Heaven, plotting a world-shaking great affair alongside the Sect Masters of the Eight Sects, and has no leisure to attend to such trivial matters.

As for Daoist Ancestors Wei Ling and Shan Xiao Jian, neither possesses a nature inclined to meddle in others' affairs; Chen Heng's so-called life or death has never been a concern in their hearts.

Thus, after much deliberation.

Only one person remained...

And the reason behind Master Master Tongxuan's actions was now crystal clear to Master Junyao.

Chen Heng's background was the perfect entry point!

There was no need to deliberately arrange any grudges...

As long as Chen Heng remained alive for even one day, those among the noble clans would not easily abandon old resentments; conflict and friction between the two sides were an inevitable, foreseeable outcome!

Furthermore, the members of the noble clans had grown increasingly rampant, gradually forming a situation where the tail had become too large to shake off; they even maintained unclear connections with forces beyond the heavens, intending to stir up a great transformation to change the heavens and replace the earth—a trend Master Junyao had also observed with his own eyes.

During his tenure, he had never spared any effort in suppressing the Twelve Noble Clans, causing countless people to bitterly complain in secret, wishing nothing more than to kill him first and find relief.

However, in the end, he failed to achieve success and completely finalize the matter of weakening the noble clans.

And at this time.

It seemed another was needed to succeed him and carry out the tasks he had left unfinished.

As for who that person might be...

"I never expected the Ancestor to hold Chen Heng in such high regard; this truly surpasses this disciple's expectations."

Master Junyao fell silent for a moment, as if weighing his words; he slowly furrowed his brows and spoke earnestly:

"However, this disciple has one request to make, hoping that the Ancestor—"

"If matters go awry, this old man will naturally step in to protect him. The people of the noble clans are merely a minor ailment; in our eyes, they constitute no great harm. Should they truly possess the audacity to attempt changing the heavens, the Eight Sects and Six Clans can instantly cast aside old differences and crush them between palm and fingers."

Master Master Tongxuan waved his hand dismissively, interrupting him:

"This old man merely seeks to find an excellent disciple and observe his capabilities; I would not push him to a dead end, for that is not the heart of a teacher."

Having spoken.

Master Master Tongxuan seemed to recall something, chuckled once, and said:

"This conversation with you today—it seems I spoke similar words to that Chen Master Yuanji of the Yuluo Immortal Sect several months ago. You two indeed share the bearing of an elder brother, showing such care for that young lad."

"Chen Master Yuanji? I have heard that name for quite some time."

Master Junyao cupped his hands and spoke.

At the same time.

Hearing Master Master Tongxuan's response, he finally felt a slight relief in his heart, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

When Master Master Tongxuan saw this expression, he could not help but shake his head and sigh deeply:

"Had you not guessed that this old man was orchestrating events from behind, today's outcome would likely have involved more than just the broken fragments of the Abysmal Hell Sword and a single Total Truth Seal. Daoist Son, were you not nearly ready to sacrifice even your Primordial Capital Demon-Slaying Sword?

You are indeed devoted; to go to such lengths merely for a Chen Yan?"

"Before her death, she asked me to look after those brothers and sisters, and this disciple made a promise."

Master Junyao lowered his eyelids slightly, paused, then smiled and said:

"Since that is the case, it would be improper to break my word..."

"And today, besides putting your mind at ease, my purpose in seeing you is also to offer one final admonition and convey a message from Wei Ling: your journey beyond the heavens to Mei Mei Gongxing's location holds unpredictable life and death, with fortune and calamity unknown."

Master Master Tongxuan's voice suddenly rose, and he intoned gravely:

"Wei Ling has entrusted me to ask you one last time: Daoist Son, will you abandon or not abandon that 'Bai Shui Great Demon Spirit Curse Secret Spell'?"

Master Junyao raised his gaze.

"If you are willing to discard this art, the signs of your lifespan flowing away will cease immediately, and for the depleted years of life, we naturally have methods to replenish them for you!"

At this moment.

Master Master Tongxuan's expression became slightly solemn; rarely did he offer advice word by word with such gravity:

"One last time, think carefully...

If only you would abandon that art, you would still remain the Daoist Son of our Yu Yuchen!"

Hearing this, Master Junyao fell silent for a long while, momentarily speechless.

……

……

Between heaven and earth, every human life must possess a point of Primordial Spirit residing within the Purple Palace, from which the Three Souls and Seven Spirits are nurtured.

This is also known as the 'Primordial Ancestral Qi,' containing True Yin and True Yang; it is produced prior to the natural existence of the human body, at the beginning of Chaos.

The five viscera and flesh, the entire body's tendons and bones, the inner and outer major apertures, the hundred meridians of heaven and earth—

All rely entirely upon this single point of Primordial Spirit to preside at the center!

Without the Primordial Spirit, a human cannot possibly live; this is an iron law that no one can refute.

And although the 'Bai Shui Great Demon Spirit Curse Secret Spell' is an art created since the era of the ancient Dao Court, praised by Grand Historian Mei Mei Gongxing upon seeing it, and subsequently personally petitioned to be sealed, it is no exception to this rule.

Yet he stood outside this iron rule.

He had forged another path, a clever method...

Without a primordial spirit, one cannot live; but if, before that spirit has fully scattered, one who has previously gathered one of the deceased's three souls and seven spirits seizes the moment to apply an external miraculous technique, might it not be possible to condense and stabilize the deceased's primordial spirit, restoring them from death to life?

The so-called "Bai Shui Great Demonic Spirit Curse Secret Spell" was deliberately created with this principle as its core.

Its audacious ingenuity was such that even Grand Historian Mei Mei Gongxing, upon seeing it, clapped his hands in admiration, deeming it utterly marvelous.

And this art was indeed utterly marvelous.

Yet, since it violated the natural order of Heaven and Earth, it was bound to incur retribution.

Once the technique was cast, the caster's entire lifespan would begin to leak away, impossible to restrain; even consuming external pills to extend life could only delay it temporarily, ultimately proving useless...

Under Master Master Tongxuan's gaze.

Master Junyao raised his hand and pressed hard against his chest, dazed for an instant.

There seemed to remain another familiar heartbeat, still echoing beside his ear.

For a long time.

A faint smile touched his lips, and he silently shook his head.

"If I abandon that technique, it would be no different from killing her completely; yet just the day before yesterday, Chen Yan was already able to speak to me..."

Silence held for a moment.

He spoke softly, his tone calm:

"Please forgive this disciple, Ancestor; my resolve is firm."

As his words fell.

The scene fell silent for an instant.

Then, from some unknown direction.

A cold, displeased snort suddenly rang out, like thunder cracking over dry land, shaking the valley's grass and trees into a rustling clamor, before vanishing in an instant.

"... This disciple pays respects to Ancestor Ancestor Weiling."

Master Junyao staggered slightly, then bowed deeply.

But after waiting a long time.

No sound answered...

Finally, Master Master Tongxuan sighed, raised his hand vaguely, and lifted him up, saying:

"Rise. Ancestor Ancestor Weiling has already departed. Since your resolve is firm, this old man will say no more. You say Chen Yan can already speak a few words to you, yet even she could not dissuade you; how much less could others?

The road ahead is perilous.

Dao Son.

You must proceed with utmost caution..."

Hearing this, Master Junyao bowed deeply, then suddenly felt the ground beneath him tremble; he lost his footing, as if caught amidst roaring waves and surging tides.

By the time he steadied himself again, he found himself once more beneath the utmost heavens.

All around was a boundless sea of clouds; a bright moon radiated its pure light, dimming myriad stars into insignificance.

The valley is still, the wind sound clear; the mountain empty, the moonlight deep—

Master Junyao gazed faintly at this sky that seemed within reach, standing motionless for a long while in that cold light.

He resembled a cold, hard jade carving, or a stone whose every color had been eroded away by wind and sand.

Countless trees drummed and vibrated in the wind, rustling loudly; cold mist drifted east and west, blurred and uncertain.

"Master Junyao, you are a complete fool..."

A woman's voice came, broken and choked with sobs.

"Perhaps so."

Listening to the wind howl past his ears, he slowly placed his hand over his heart; a faint smile suddenly appeared on his expressionless face, and he spoke gently:

"Rest assured; I will win. I want to live on with you...

We must both survive together!"

The next day.

News spread that Master Junyao, Dao Son of the Yu Yuchen Sect, had exhausted his lifespan and sat in meditation until death; the entire realm stirred, all who heard it struck with awe, their hearts shaken.

Hidden currents began to surge; turmoil behind the scenes intensified abruptly.

At this very moment, the procession from the Yu Yuchen Sect's Lower Court bound for the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian also set out.

Mountain-moving warriors led the way, with Daoist soldiers in Zhou Zhou Fujia guarding the rear; countless colored lights stretched forth in a winding train, filling the sky with a hazy glow!

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(End of Chapter)