Chapter 671: Pure Yang Treasure Tree, Floating Law True Person (Combined)

Outside the valley, on the open ground, there were only about twenty stalls—after all, this was merely an exchange gathering for a hundred or so people.

Yet though the stalls were few, the goods displayed were all top-tier: Li Xuan, for instance, had laid out Dao Soldiers, none below the third realm, some even fourth realm.

The other stalls were much the same. Li Yuan observed calmly, his eyes reflecting a shimmer of countless treasures, yet he showed no expression, first walking the entire circuit.

"Young Brother Li, have you found anything you like?"

As if sensing Li Yuan's gaze, a thin Daoist rose and bowed with a smile.

"What should I call you, Elder Brother?"

Li Yuan returned the bow.

"Zheng Xuanjing. I entered as a listening disciple three hundred and forty years ago—I can't compare to you, who entered straight into the inner chamber."

The Daoist smiled as he introduced himself, but mainly to showcase the goods on his stall:

"Recently, I accompanied Elder Brother Yuan Han on expeditions to several extradimensional realms and gathered a few treasures. Young Brother Li, take a look—anything catch your eye?"

The stall was small, holding no more than a few dozen items: spiritual materials, spiritual treasures, even several scrolls written in unknown script.

"What are these scrolls?"

Li Yuan was curious.

"We call them extradimensional realms, but each has its own name, its own races, its own scripts. The script on this scroll is called 'Yuan Ying Script,' the common tongue of the 'Yuan Ying Realm'…"

Zheng Xuanjing added:

"The beings of the Yuan Ying Realm are born from shadows—not human, not beast, somewhat akin to the demons of the 'Heavenly Demon Realm.' This scroll is titled 'Shadow Demon Divine Art.' Elder Brother Yuan Han examined it and deemed it a Law-character-level scripture, priced at thirty minor merits."

"Shadow Demon Divine Art?"

With Zheng Xuanjing's permission, Li Yuan flipped through the book. The ink-black characters seemed to writhe like living things—strange and uncanny.

"The beings of the Yuan Ying Realm are born with one to nine innate supernatural abilities—though by their own reckoning, these barely qualify as true abilities. Still, they're peculiar…"

Seeing Li Yuan's keen interest, Zheng Xuanjing elaborated further—mainly recounting how he obtained the Shadow Demon Divine Art and the unique cultivation methods of the Yuan Ying Realm.

The beings of the Yuan Ying Realm are born from shadows, yet their ultimate cultivation goal is 'Pure Yang!'

"Pure Yang?"

"Yes, Pure Yang. They spend their entire lives seeking to transform yin into yang. Though they pursue yin methods, they somehow achieved something—Elder Brother Yuan Han himself ran into trouble when he encountered it…"

Realizing he'd spoken too much, Zheng Xuanjing quickly changed the subject: "Pick whatever you like, thirty minor merits per item."

"Alright."

Li Yuan nodded without hesitation, reaching out to take the 'Shadow Demon Divine Art' scroll and a nearby ink-black, coral-like ornament:

"I'll take these two."

"Good."

Zheng Xuanjing collected the minor merits without asking further, smiling warmly as he welcomed the next customer.

Li Yuan bowed and took his leave.

He wasn't scavenging for bargains—Dongxuan Mountain disciples had the vision to recognize true value; bargains didn't exist. But for him, the mastery effects of these items surpassed the items themselves.

Hum~

Ink-black light surged in his eyes.

【Yuan Ying Pure Yang Tree (Twelfth Rank)】

【…In the seventh layer of Gui Xu, within the extradimensional realm 'Yuan Ying Realm,' an ancient Yuan Ying clan elder who spent his life pursuing Pure Yang, before his lifespan expired, gathered all manner of shadow spiritual materials and forged them into this tree… Due to damage, its spiritual essence plummeted, nearly vanished…】

【…Born of shadow, yet yearning for yang… Never forgetting, desiring Pure Yang…】

【Mastery Condition: Shadow Demon Divine Art, Level Four】

【Mastery Effect: Thirteenth Rank: Ten Thousand Transforming Demonic Shadows, Shadow Demon Divine Art Level Five】

This Yuan Ying Tree was, unmistakably, a quasi-divine treasure!

When Li Yuan saw this treasure tree, he knew it was top-tier nourishment for his Xuanteng Tree—and if combined with the ancient scroll, its value would skyrocket!

【Shadow Demon Divine Art (Twelfth Rank)】

【…The foundational scripture of the Yuan Ying Realm's legendary demonic art, 'Yuan Ying Pure Yang Scripture'… Infused with the obsessions of generations of Yuan Ying cultivators who practiced this art…】

【Mastery Condition: Shadow Demon Divine Art, Level One】

【Mastery Effect:】

【Thirteenth Rank: Yin Reaches Its Peak, Yang Is Born】

【Twelfth Rank: Shadow Demon Divine Art, Level Four】

This Shadow Demon Divine Art was tied to a Great Scripture-level scripture!

After stowing the scroll and treasure tree in his Mastery Space, the ink-black glow in Li Yuan's eyes had not faded. Thanks to the Mastery Talisman, his understanding of this scripture surpassed Zheng Xuanjing's entirely.

This Yuan Ying Realm scripture wasn't meant for people to cultivate—it was meant for shadows to cultivate!

"This is nearly equivalent to a 'Second Primordial Spirit' scripture!"

Li Yuan's spirits rose.

Dongxuan Mountain's Scripture Library did contain Second Primordial Spirit techniques—but they were astronomically expensive and required immense effort to practice.

This Shadow Demon Divine Art was different.

As long as he reached Level One of this scripture, with the scroll and the treasure tree, he could gain the benefits of Level Five Shadow Demon Divine Art!

【Ten Thousand Transforming Demonic Shadows: Shadows without roots, shifting in myriad ways, transforming into formlessness】

【Yin Reaches Its Peak, Yang Is Born: When yin reaches its utmost, yang emerges】

These two mastery effects were highly impressive. Li Yuan sensed them briefly and felt deeply drawn.

"With these two mastery effects, I might, before reaching the third realm, transform my own shadow into a Second Primordial Spirit!"

Calming his emotions, Li Yuan moved on to other stalls.

The items here held far greater value for him than for anyone else—nearly half the spiritual treasures and ancient scrolls bore mastery effects!

Had he not been short on merits and feared drawing attention, he would have bought out every stall.

"I can't miss these top few items!"

Li Yuan wasn't afraid of appearing wealthy—every new disciple received a hundred-year stipend, and everyone knew it. At only three years into his cultivation, he was already seen as rich among Dongxuan Mountain disciples.

Who would know he'd already spent most of his hundred-year stipend in just three years?

…

'Yuan Ying Realm,' 'Beichen Realm,' 'Huan Yuan Realm,' 'Dragon Legacy Realm,' 'City Wall Realm,' 'Houtu Realm,' 'Ten Thousand Beasts Realm'…

As he passed each stall, Li Yuan seized every chance to gather intelligence, his understanding of extradimensional realms greatly expanded.

Extradimensional realms existed only deep within Gui Xu—some vast, some small, each home to strange beasts and races, most possessing their own lineages and civilizations.

Many even waged war against each other, seeking to break free from Gui Xu and descend into the mortal world!

In fact, long before the Ancient Era, these realms had once descended into the mortal world—and even now, traces remain.

For example, the 'Heavenly Demon Great Realm.'

The Heavenly Demon Great Realm was a powerful realm rivaling the 'Wu Shen Great Realm.' Legends spoke of unimaginably terrifying demons within, wielding strange, cruel, and fearsome abilities.

Li Yuan even bought a scroll titled 'Heavenly Demon Records,' listing tens of thousands of demons from that realm—some terrifying enough to pinpoint cultivators mid-ascension and descend upon them from afar!

"Extradimensional realms often hold great treasures, but they're perilous. I heard recently a true disciple of Yuandong Heaven perished in the 'Xuan Huang Realm'…"

"I heard that too. It was said to be a true disciple of Jiuhuang Cave. Even Jiuhuang Daojun was stirred—he struck down a powerful being in Xuan Huang from afar. Some even claim they saw the Xuan Huang World Tree…"

"Xuan Huang Realm? That's one of the great realms of Gui Xu's thirteenth layer—even if not as mighty as the Heavenly Demon or Wu Shen Realms, it's still top-tier. That true disciple was truly bold…"

"There's been talk about it in the listening disciple interface already…"

The exchange gathering was a goldmine. Li Yuan often overheard intelligence not recorded in the Common Knowledge Orbs—he listened, asked a few questions, and stored every detail in his mind.

'Listening Disciple Interface…'

Li Yuan mentally grumbled—he'd only just learned that listening and affiliated disciples had their own communication channel. But as an inner chamber disciple, he wasn't part of it.

As for the inner chamber disciples' channel—he entered too late and had never met his master, so he wasn't in that either…

Fortunately, Master Li was broad-minded and didn't care—he continued wandering the stalls, listening to the elders' chatter, occasionally asking questions.

He didn't ask for free—after each question, he usually bought something from the stall, so many elders were happy to answer.

"No more buying!"

After purchasing a damaged 'True Form Diagram,' Li Yuan stopped abruptly—not because he feared drawing attention, but because his merits were exhausted.

Over the past two years, his cultivation had surged, consuming countless spiritual pills, plus training Dao Soldiers and borrowing texts—all of which drained his merits like flowing water.

"Only two hundred and twenty minor merits left!"

Clutching the True Form Diagram, Li Yuan restrained his urge to buy more—this was his reserve for purchasing top-grade divine runes.

He'd visited every stall and gathered plenty of information, but sadly, he hadn't acquired any top-grade divine runes—not because none were sold, but because none matched what he needed.

"After the true disciple's lecture, I'll try my luck at Tian Shi Yuan—and also, offer prayers to the Azure Heaven. May the Ancestral Master bless me…"

Li Yuan left the stall area and found a quiet spot outside the valley. He sat cross-legged and began inventorying his acquisitions.

Besides the Yuan Ying Pure Yang Tree and Shadow Demon Divine Art, he bought thirteen other items: four ancient scrolls or manuals—some complete, some damaged—and four treasures.

The other five were nourishment materials for refining his spiritual realm or for the Xuanteng Tree's advancement.

Of these, he deemed the two scrolls and the four treasures that complemented them the most valuable.

【Nine Infants True Form Diagram (Twelfth Rank)】

【…One of the Nine True Form Diagrams contained within the Northern Pole Black Emperor's Mingyuan Scripture… Infused with the obsession of the one who inscribed this diagram…】

…

Li Yuan sensed the True Form Diagram within his Mastery Space.

The Black Emperor's Mingyuan Scripture was not a secret transmission of Dongxuan Mountain—at least, its True Form Diagrams weren't. His Pengpeng True Form Diagram came from the Eight Directions Temple.

This Nine Infants True Form Diagram was acquired by an elder during an expedition to a fourth-rank strange location; because it was damaged, it cost only fifteen minor merits.

The four accompanying treasures were also clearly left behind by the Lord of the Guidi, capable of fulfilling the conditions to wield the Nine Yings True Form Map—and their effect is the Nine Yings Form!

"The Divine Palace Realm has nine heavens, corresponding to nine spiritual forms. Theoretically, one could forge a Golden Core even at the first heaven—but to seek a top-grade Golden Core, one must at least reach the seventh heaven of the Divine Palace…"

He bought this scroll purely for cultivation in the Divine Palace Realm; the Nine Yings True Form Map originated from the Black Emperor's Abyss Scripture, making it an excellent choice. Without hesitation, Li Yuan purchased this incomplete map and its four accompanying treasures.

Another scroll of True Form was much the same, except this one did not come from the Abyss Scripture, but from the Western Ultimate White Emperor's Dry Metal Scripture!

【Dry Metal White Tiger True Form Map (Twelfth Rank)】

【…One of the Nine True Form Maps contained within the Western Ultimate White Emperor's Dry Metal Scripture…】

【Wielding Condition: Hundred Tiger Form, Divine Tiger Form, Dry Metal Qi, Golden River Sand Force】

【Wielding Effect: Dry Metal White Tiger True Form】

"The Nine Yings True Form is a water-fire form. After cultivating it, perhaps I can use it to approach the 'Southern Ultimate Red Emperor's Fire Phoenix Scripture'…"

Li Yuan murmured to himself. Ever since learning that the Five Scriptures—Green Emperor's Longevity Scripture, Black Emperor's Abyss Scripture, and others—originated from the "Primordial Five Extremes Dao," he had already begun planning for this legendary "Dao-character" foundational art.

Although he currently possessed only the Eastern Ultimate Green Emperor's Longevity Scripture in full, that did not prevent him from pursuing this great Dao art.

"The Divine Art has nine heavens; theoretically, one can cultivate nine spiritual forms. With five great scriptures, it's best to distribute them evenly—Kunpeng True Form, Nine Yings True Form, Dry Metal White Tiger True Form…"

"The Green Emperor's Longevity Scripture also contains nine True Form Maps. Which should I choose? Green Phoenix True Form, Eastern Ultimate Azure Dragon, or Nine Trials Coiled Dragon True Form…?"

"Can cultivating multiple True Forms alter one's innate endowment? It's said that above the Divine-Demon level endowment…"

Li Yuan was mapping out his future cultivation path when suddenly he heard a commotion. He opened his eyes and saw the familiar white-silk-clad female cultivator.

The source of the commotion was Yu Huanzhen.

As the fifth direct disciple of the current generation, Yu Huanzhen's reputation and status far surpassed Li Yuan's, who had only been in the sect for three years. Nearly all the associate-listening disciples greeted her.

She responded with a faint smile, acknowledging each one in turn.

'This Yu Senior Sister doesn't seem to be in a good mood.'

Li Yuan understood.

After over two years of uninterrupted Listening, even though restricted by the Concealment Technique, he had gathered some insights—such as the recordings of Yu Huanzhen's multiple failed expeditions into the Demon Refining Grounds.

"The Demon Refining Grounds are no place for the faint-hearted. The few she sent were all at the third or fourth realm, with fourth-realm Dao Soldiers guarding them—and still, two died…"

Watching from afar, Li Yuan had no interest in joining the crowd. A place with nearly half the fatality rate was one he always avoided.

"Li Yuan."

Yu Huanzhen glanced at Li Yuan. After multiple failed expeditions into the Demon Refining Grounds, her enthusiasm had cooled considerably.

She had originally thought the place merely difficult—but never imagined it was far more dangerous than she'd expected. Half her team had perished across four expeditions. Under these circumstances, Li Yuan was no longer a suitable candidate.

A newly admitted direct disciple who hadn't even met his Master—if he died under her guidance, even she would suffer consequences.

…

The exchange gathering outside the valley lasted six days.

During those six days, more senior and junior disciples arrived, and the direct disciples gradually appeared.

Besides Yu Huanzhen, Li Yuan also saw Fang Jiuan surrounded by nine-colored smoke silk. The famed first direct disciple, Yu Wangxian, was absent.

But Gu Mr., who cultivated both Water and Wood Great Scriptures, had come—a young Daoist with a face like a jade crown, yet his expression was icy, making others reluctant to approach.

After arriving, the direct disciples did not set up stalls or buy much. After exchanging greetings, they conversed among themselves.

Li Yuan noticed that while there appeared to be no tension between associate-listening disciples and direct disciples, an invisible, unbreachable boundary subtly divided them.

And he…

"Direct disciple? Direct disciple? Only after I've truly met my Master will I be a true direct disciple…"

Li Yuan didn't join either group. He exchanged a few words with a few familiar senior brothers, then found a quiet corner cushion and sat down, waiting silently for the True Transmission's lecture.

He didn't waste time either, multitasking: Listening, fishing, cultivating techniques, and pondering the two new True Form Maps he'd just acquired—all without delay.

"The Baiwan has nine palaces; theoretically, one can condense nine divine realms, nurturing nine spiritual forms with them. Though Old Pang lacked such transmission, he still grasped this principle…"

"But Dongxuan Mountain has a more detailed and refined path…"

"One can fuse the nine divine realms into one, or condense them separately. The divine realms become divine palaces, used to carry spiritual forms and techniques…"

"But the better path is the Divine Furnace!"

"Forge one Divine Furnace, smelting all techniques and mysteries—it greatly aids in forging a top-grade Golden Core and Law Ring later. But this step requires top-grade magic power…"

…

Li Yuan let his thoughts wander freely. Aside from his cultivation, he enjoyed letting his mind drift—occasional mental collisions sometimes sparked inspiration.

Another day passed. The stalls outside the valley had been cleared. All disciples—direct or associate-listening—entered the valley.

The cushions inside the valley had no fixed owners, but direct disciples sat mostly in front, associate-listeners behind, and associate-listeners at the very back—there was an implicit order.

"Li Brother, you should go to the first three rows…"

Li Yuan's mind stirred—he heard Li Xuan's voice through telepathy, reminding him that seating order within the valley carried meaning.

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Before everyone had fully seated, Li Yuan thanked him and changed position—unobtrusively.

"Hum~"

Soon after, divine sound echoed from the heavens, tangible waves spreading outward.

"Here he comes!"

Li Yuan's heart trembled. He stilled his thoughts as all senior disciples rose, and he followed suit, clasping his hands in salute:

"We bow before Senior Brother!"

"Hum~"

All Dongxuan Mountain disciples lowered their eyes in reverence. Then, the divine sound from beyond the heavens descended. A single tremor rang out—and a figure appeared upon the stone platform.

Li Yuan's peripheral vision swept the scene: misty light wove like silk, divine radiance poured like waterfalls, and spiritual birds chirped softly.

The small cavern realm trembled gently, and wondrous scenes began to manifest around it…

"This is the True Transmission's grandeur!"

Li Yuan marveled inwardly. Even Yu Huanzhen now bowed with deep respect.

"Brothers, no need for such formalities!"

"Take your seats!"

The voice from the stone platform caused all disciples to chorus, "Thank you, Senior Brother!" before settling onto their cushions.

Only now did Li Yuan truly see this True Transmission senior brother.

He was a middle-aged Daoist, clad in a Nine Cloud Dharma Robe, wearing a Xuantian Dao Crown, with four Dao acolytes standing behind him—each holding a fly whisk, a ritual scepter, a Dharma sword, or a banner.

"This is…"

Li Yuan's pupils shrank.

This True Transmission senior brother clearly wielded an extremely high-grade Concealment Technique—his own aura shimmered with treasure-light, yet remained indistinct. But the treasure-light in the hands of the four acolytes? He saw them clearly!

【Demon-Trap Immortal Sword (Fifteenth Rank)】

【???】

【Demon-Refining Ten-Thousand Techniques Banner (Fifteenth Rank)】

【???】

【Three Mystery Jade Scepter (Fifteenth Rank)】

【???】

【Xuanqing Fly Whisk (Fifteenth Rank)】

【???】

Not just fifteenth rank—these were surely four quasi-Dao Treasures!

Li Yuan nearly blinked from the dazzling glow. He marveled inwardly—True Transmission disciples truly had staggering wealth. He guessed this senior brother must possess at least one full Dao Treasure.

Because within his own body glowed a far more brilliant treasure-light—though he couldn't make it out clearly.

"I spend most of my time exploring the Return Void, rarely returning to the mountain. Perhaps some new brothers don't recognize me?"

On the stone platform, the middle-aged Daoist spoke, his gaze settling on Li Yuan:

"My secular name is Fa Wu She. My Dao title is Fufa."

"Shhh!"

In that instant, Li Yuan felt every gaze turn toward him. These senior brothers were all far above him in realm—even their mere scrutiny made his scalp tingle.

He immediately rose and bowed:

"Junior brother Li Yuan, bows before Senior Brother Fufa."

At that moment, he knew who this was.

Fufa Daoist!

Entered Dongxuan Mountain eight hundred and forty years ago—the first True Transmission disciple ever granted a Dao title by the Master, a legendary figure who forged the Law Heaven five hundred years ago!

"Sit down."

Fufa Daoist said no more, merely glanced at him, and he sat.

Below, silence fell. All Dongxuan Mountain disciples exchanged glances, each seeing shock and disbelief in the others' eyes.

Most had heard this True Transmission senior brother lecture before; many had heard him four or five times.

But the only two others he had ever introduced himself to were Yu Wangxian and Yuan Han—the two who had climbed the Weitian Martial Rankings!

The two universally recognized, quasi-True Transmissions.

Li Yuan was the third…

"This…?"

Yu Huanzhen's heart trembled with doubt.

She was the fifth official disciple of this generation, acquainted with all five true disciples, and understood the significance of this scene better than anyone present!

Who is Master Fufa?

The earliest true disciple of this generation, he entered the Heavenly Demon Realm at the Fifth Realm while wielding the Demon-Subduing and Heaven-Severing Sword, sacrificed countless Heavenly Demons' blood to himself, and reversed his primordial nature between life and death.

A world-shaking prodigy who ascended to the Law of Heaven with a primordial sword body!

'Could this junior brother possess the talent of a true disciple?'

'Master Fufa seems to hold this boy in high regard; the last one he favored was Yu Wangxian—but Yu Wangxian was one who reversed his primordial nature…'

'How could someone at just the Second Realm recognize true disciple potential? Is it merely because he entered through the Guiding Divine Fire?'

Yu Huazhen was startled and doubtful, and the other official disciples were likewise astonished, for their sources of information were far broader than those of the peripheral listeners.

They knew not only that Li Yuan possessed a demonic and divine-level aptitude, but also that he had entered through the Guiding Divine Fire.

Yet they were still deeply shocked, and couldn't help casting several glances at this junior brother.

Li Yuan naturally knew nothing of the senior disciples' thoughts; perhaps Master Fufa on the stage knew, but he didn't care—he merely spoke calmly:

'Today, I shall speak of a method from the "Ten Directions Annihilation Dao." My junior brothers may care to listen—it is called the "Demon Refining Method…"'

(End of Chapter)