Chapter 263

The palace rises vast and purple, its towers ethereal as vermilion clouds descend.

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi and his inner-disciple students, following Taiwei Yuan Shi's command, arrived before the Jade Void Peak of Eastern Western Western Kunlun.

Before them floated three boundless heavens, saturated with primordial ancestral qi, radiant with immeasurable auspicious light.

"Is this the Qingwei Heaven, the Dachi Heaven, and the Yuyu Heaven?"

The disciples gazed at the ethereal cosmos above Jade Void Peak, faintly perceiving the silhouettes of three supreme divine sovereigns within.

The three names of the Three Pure Ones illuminated all heavens; as core disciples of the Chan Sect, they naturally memorized the thirty-two-character honorific titles.

These represented their own lineage and the status and authority of the three ancestral masters of the celestial immortal path.

And these Three Pure Heavens, in time, might become the pinnacle pilgrimage site for all celestial immortals across the myriad worlds.

Any who ascend to celestial immortality must enter the Three Pure Heavens to pay homage to the Three Pure Ones, only then may their names be inscribed upon the Heavenly Book and receive the highest certification of celestial immortality.

"Senior brother, if celestial immortal cultivators later gain certification in the Three Pure Heavens, will they encounter something like 'Fuzheng'?" Chishenzi glanced at Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi beside him.

Their master possessed the Jade Void Opening Heaven Axe—this was no secret within the Chan Sect.

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi chuckled: "Brother, you overthink it. Receiving 'Fuzheng' is an honor reserved only for Da Luo sovereigns. How could our master possibly subject ordinary cultivators who've attained the celestial immortal fruit to such difficulty?"

Taiyi Zhenren murmured: "So… when we ourselves attain enlightenment, we might not even reach the Primordial Before, and instead get struck first?"

At these words, the disciples tensed.

It wasn't impossible!

Given their master's nature, when serious, He was utterly majestic, radiating overwhelming pressure.

When not serious… the pressure was still overwhelming.

"Your ideas are quite good. Perhaps we can add this as a trial—consider it a special perk of our celestial immortal lineage."

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing's voice suddenly appeared beside the disciples' ears.

Oh no…

The disciples entered Jade Void Palace with heavy hearts.

Upon the Cloud Platform, the Three Pure Sovereigns sat in solemn majesty.

Tai Shang on the right, Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing in the center, Xiang Master Master Yuchen on the left.

The Chan Sect's inner disciples lined up in a single row, centered on Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi.

"We pay homage to Master and Uncle!"

Tai Shang regarded these thirteen inner disciples, smiling warmly, eyes brimming with admiration: "Excellent, excellent—all pillars of our celestial immortal lineage!"

These disciples, save Huang Long, Yun Yun Yun Zhong Zi, and Ju Ju Ju Liu Sun, had all undergone deep transformation in the Underworld, selected from the finest.

As for Huang Long, He hailed from the Dragon Clan and, after being taught by Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing's unorthodox spiritual treasures, was also a prodigy.

Yun Yun Yun Zhong Zi needed no mention—he was the embodiment of the Pure Heaven Dao, a blessed immortal capable of generating merit for himself.

The only relatively normal one was Ju Ju Ju Liu Sun, who was the Wheel-Turning King of the Nine You World, having "joined the team" alongside the Wheel of Rebirth's Purple Jade Lotus Throne—the Nine You Removing Sin Heavenly Sovereign.

His talent and cultivation were equal to Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi's, though his unorthodoxy still needed improvement.

Of course, if Tai Shang knew Ju Ju Ju Liu Sun had chosen from the Wucheng Heavenly Palace's treasury the 【Bound Immortal Rope】 that learned the 【Turtle Shell Bind】, He would no longer consider him orthodox.

Xiang Master Master Yuchen watched the disciples, nodding repeatedly: "Brother, your disciples are truly exquisite jade—I envy you!"

He remained deeply enthusiastic about teaching sentient beings to cultivate.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have idly given a five-colored lion a lecture before.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing smiled: "Why envy? If you were to openly recruit disciples, the seekers would line up from Jade Void Palace all the way to the Eastern Sea."

"It's not yet the right time," Xiang Master Master Yuchen chuckled, shaking his head—somehow, he suddenly recalled the teammates he'd met in the Dragon Clan's main shrine.

"Master!"

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi stepped forward, producing four jade slips:

"Now that our celestial immortal sect has established its seat on Western Western Kunlun Mountain, and the Three Pure Ones' names have illuminated all heavens, to ensure future disciples understand our origins and strengthen our lineage's continuity, we have boldly drafted four sacred eulogies for your review."

Sacred eulogies primarily elucidate a deity's origins, achievements, authority, and power, possessing immense might.

Reciting them is not only an act of reverence toward ancestral masters but also aids in comprehending the Dao, cultivating one's nature, and warding off calamities.

Moreover, through ritual ceremonies and recitation of the eulogies, one may communicate with deities, summoning them at critical moments.

In short: summoning the ancestral master to fight for you!

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi's establishment of the Three Pure Eulogies served both to proclaim the three sovereigns' glory and to secure benefits for celestial immortal disciples.

"Your foresight is thorough—excellent," Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing praised Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi; He had exhausted every effort for the Chan Sect's growth, living up to the title of "Senior Inner Disciple."

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi presented the four eulogies; the 【General Eulogy of the Three Pure Ones】 was his own creation.

The others—the 【Jade Pure Eulogy】, 【Grand Pure Eulogy】, and 【Supreme Pure Eulogy】—were jointly composed by the disciples during their journey here.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing took the 【Jade Pure Eulogy】, and with a thought,

Crimson script jade characters drifted through the void.

"With sincere devotion, I take refuge. Above the Three Realms, the Brahma Qi spreads boundless. Highest of the highest, heaven within heaven… Within the jewel, the profound within the profound. Illuminating the Three Sceneries, giving birth to myriad heavens… Great Luo Jade Pure, Void-Natural, Ultimate-Mysterious Dao, Primordial Heavenly Sovereign."

Tai Shang also smiled as He watched His own eulogy: "With sincere devotion, I take refuge. Adapting teachings to all directions, passing through aeons to save beings. As teacher to emperors, kings, sovereigns, assuming names and titles… Great Compassion, Great Vow, Great Sage, Great Mercy, Tai Shang Taishang Taishang Laojun, Moral Heavenly Sovereign."

"Excellent, excellent!"

Tai Shang nodded slightly, approving the eulogy.

With a gentle flick, instantly, celestial tones echoed through Jade Void Palace; the primordial Dao characters transformed into crimson script jade characters, shining brilliantly before dissolving into nothingness, flowing throughout all heavens.

"I'll accept this one," Xiang Master Master Yuchen also approved the 【Supreme Pure Eulogy】.

The primordial Dao characters before Him likewise transformed into crimson script jade characters, radiating brilliant light, illuminating all heavens.

"With sincere devotion, I take refuge. Dwelling in the Supreme Pure Realm, titled Lingbao Jun. Born from primordial aeons, over ninety-nine thousand Brahma Qi… Great Compassion, Great Vow, Great Sage, Great Mercy, Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun, Lingbao Heavenly Sovereign."

Instantly, throughout the multiverse governed by the celestial immortal lineage, countless celestial immortal cultivators heard the Three Pure Eulogies in their minds.

All cultivators rejoiced, silently reciting with utmost reverence.

The Three Pure Ones were deeply pleased with their disciples' thoughtfulness: "We haven't even prepared gifts for you upon establishing your seat, yet you've gifted us something grand!"

"Such conduct deserves reward."

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing was in high spirits; He waved His hand, and ethereal spiritual light drifted through the void, each speck transforming into rare treasures, floating in midair.

"Each of you choose one item destined for you."

"Thank you, Master!"

The disciples rejoiced—they knew well how vast their master's collection was.

"I'll take this pair of male-female swords." Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi chose first, instantly drawn to the immortal blades—their name alone suggested unorthodoxy.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing smiled: "This item has a unique usage—are you certain you want it?"

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi's heart skipped a beat; He hurriedly asked: "Master, please instruct me."

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing said: "The users of these two immortal swords must wield the female sword against enemies—doing so weakens foes, but risks feminizing the user, altering their origin."

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi: "????"

"Of course, don't worry—the rule is: within seven steps, there's always a cure. The male sword in your hand neutralizes the side effects."

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi exhaled in relief—thank goodness.

"But the male sword can only be used on oneself, never on enemies—it must be used to cut yourself."

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi: "..."

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing smiled at Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi: "Don't fear—cutting yourself isn't bad. It not only removes the female sword's side effects but gradually strengthens your power."

"Thus, the correct usage is: stab yourself while slashing your enemy."

"In this way, you simultaneously enhance yourself and weaken your opponent—a peerless weapon for offense!"

After hearing Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing's explanation, Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi wanted to throw the weapon away.

He wasn't one of those self-mutilating outsiders of the Chan Sect!

Tai Shang and Xiang Master Master Yuchen both wore expressions of "I knew it."

Dao Ran Daode Daode Tianzun being unorthodox was perfectly normal.

"Sister, I give you this pair of male-female swords." Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi turned to Cihao Dao Ren.

"You're a female immortal—you needn't fear the female sword's side effects."

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing shook his head: "If a female immortal uses them, she must wield the male sword against enemies and the female sword against herself, to achieve one reduction and one enhancement."

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi reluctantly took back the swords.

Spiritual treasures are chosen by oneself—accept them even if you weep.

【Forget it—I'm a deity anyway; gender doesn't need to be so rigid. Female immortal? Fine. As long as I have no psychological burden, it's not a side effect.】

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi quickly adjusted his mindset, his mood instantly improved.

He even reframed the problem: 【If I wield the female sword in battle, it's like automatically creating a new account—my true form can enter without anyone noticing!】

【It's settled then!】

As long as your thinking doesn't collapse, solutions always outnumber difficulties.

As long as your integrity slides, what's a little transformation to me?

As for the male sword's usage, Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi assumed it was a last-resort technique—a trade of injury for enhancement, to be used only at critical moments.

Otherwise, fighting while slashing yourself and your enemy simultaneously? Too abstract!

After Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi chose his treasure, Chishenzi's joy had already faded by half.

"This immortal robe is destined for me." Chishenzi selected the Purple Silk Immortal Robe.

Then, He nervously glanced at Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing warned: "This is a defensive spiritual treasure, forged by me in my early years—quite orthodox."

Chishenzi waited for the rest.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing explained: "The user of this immortal robe must maintain a pure and peaceful heart, act with integrity and righteousness, and harbor not a single evil thought or scheme."

"Thus, standing upright and sitting straight, the robe's defensive power will become exceedingly strong."

"Otherwise, it will recoil upon you—all the sinister tricks you employ will ultimately strike back at yourself."

"As the saying goes: you reap what you sow!"

Chi Chi Chi Jing Zi, upon hearing this, felt this purple-silk immortal robe ought to be given to the demon realm's demon kings.

He cautiously asked: "If I act with blatant impropriety but in a righteous manner, will I suffer the corresponding backlash?"

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing smiled: "You may try."

Chi Chi Chi Jing Zi withdrew, deep in thought.

Taiyi Zhenren, mindful of the precedents set by Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi and Chi Chi Chi Jing Zi, chose not a spirit treasure but a lotus stem.

"This object has a karmic affinity with this disciple."

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing, seeing this, nodded gently: "Plant it well. Don't eat it all."

"Yes!" Taiyi nodded, smiling—truly, he was being proper.

Then, the disciples stepped forward one by one.

Sister Sister Cihang Zhenren took a willow bottle; Puxian Zhenren chose the Rainbow Cord; Wenshu Zhenren took the Dragon-Subduing Pillar…

Some chose properly; others did not.

Notably, when it came to Huang Long, He too did not choose a spirit treasure.

Instead, He selected a jade tablet capable of transforming into various divine beasts.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing smiled: "You've made a good choice—this tablet contains an Xuan Gong. Study it well."

"An Xuan Gong?"

The young Huang Long's eyes lit up; He revealed white teeth: "Actually, just now I was thinking I needed a mount."

As He spoke, the jade tablet in His hand transformed into a tall immortal crane, which suddenly pecked Huang Long. "Ouch!" Huang Long clutched His head and screamed, turning into a small immortal crane.

The tiny crane looked bewildered at Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing: "Is this the Xuan Gong Master mentioned?"

"Hahaha!"

All the disciples burst into laughter.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing explained with a smile: "This Xuan Gong is a transformation technique, a supreme combat art. To cultivate it, you must naturally align with the Dao's truth and transform into various divine beasts."

"As the saying goes: 'Enter all forms, break all forms'—this is the principle!"

Besides the inner disciples of Chan Sect, Duobao and the Water-Fire Children also received their share.

Under Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun's guidance, they each selected two of the most proper spirit treasures.

Duobao took a golden radiance crown—a spirit treasure capable of offense and defense; wearing it emits golden light to shield the body and summons three thousand fire-dragon soldiers.

The Water-Fire Children chose a water-fire cushion, useful for awakening the Dao and also for trapping opponents.

After Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing distributed the treasures to all disciples, Taishang chuckled and said: "Since your Master has rewarded you, I must give you something too."

"Each of you take one gourd of pills!"

Taishang was exceedingly generous; He swept His sleeve, and fifteen gourds appeared in the void.

"This…" The disciples dared not move.

Clearly, they had a clear understanding of Taishang's pill-making prowess.

"Don't worry—these have all been tested. Side effects are clearly listed!" Taishang assured them.

The Celestial Court's chief alchemist was not appointed for nothing.

With strong support from Emperor Dong Hua Emperor, Taishang had distilled the side effects and efficacy of countless low-tier pill variants.

The celestial immortals on the court's payroll suffered a bit, but the low-tier pills posed no major issues—once they endured the side effects, they gained many benefits.

The Celestial Court now held extremely high regard for 【Taishang Taishang Taishang Laojun】's pills.

As long as the benefits were real, the minor side effects were treated by immortals as trials of cultivation.

Some fearless immortals even voluntarily signed life-or-death contracts with Taishang Taishang Taishang Laojun to obtain higher-grade pills, seeking greater thrills.

As for the results…

Since Taishang Taishang Taishang Laojun began pill-making, he has received zero negative reviews.

Everyone, ponder this.

"Thank you, Uncle!" With Taishang's assurance, the disciples finally relaxed and each selected the pills they needed.

Then Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun said: "I can teach you formations. What do you wish to learn?"

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi asked: "Uncle, will you teach any formation?"

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun smiled: "Any formation I know, I will teach."

Aside from the six newly transcended disciples, all others spoke in unison: "Then we want to learn the Wind Roar Formation!"

"..."

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun fell into deep thought.

"How about you choose something else?"

Upon hearing this, Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi and the others' eyes lit up: "Uncle, have you developed other improper formations?"

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun had no reply.

Facing the sea of expectant eyes and earnest faces below the Cloud Platform, Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun simply could not lie.

Finally, He nodded: "I've improved several formations. One of them is called the Red Sand Formation."

"Red Sand Formation?"

Even Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing and Taishang turned curious eyes toward Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun.

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun spoke slowly: "Within the Red Sand Formation, the heavens, earth, and humanity are arranged in the Three Talents, divided into three qi, containing three dou of red sand."

"The sand appears red, yet upon contact, it feels like blades. Any living being entering the formation loses awareness of heaven above, earth below, and humanity within—Three Talents collapse into chaos, all is boundless void."

"At once, wind and thunder stir, flying sand wounds the flesh; a single misstep, and one becomes dust."

The disciples drew in a sharp breath: "This formation is exceedingly fierce."

"Though fierce, if a Da Luo Sovereign enters, and the formation only has this effect, it may not be enough."

As Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun explained the formation, His expression was focused and serious: "For immortals, regenerating from a single drop of blood is no challenge—how much less so for a Da Luo Sovereign?"

"Even if reduced to dust, to a Da Luo, it is merely scattering into countless incarnations. If they wish, they restore instantly."

The disciples all nodded.

Indeed, the vitality of Taiyi and the other gods was already terrifying; Da Luo Sovereigns were utterly unkillable.

As long as they are not forcibly suppressed or nailed into the River of Time, they can resurrect infinitely.

Reduced to dust? Merely a trifle.

"So, how did you improve the Red Sand Formation?" Taishang asked curiously.

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun said: "For those below Da Luo, the effects remain unchanged. But for Da Luo Sovereigns, this formation does more than damage the physical body—it has other effects."

"For instance, it targets the mind."

"Targets the mind?" Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing's lips curled into a smile; He instantly grasped Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun's line of thought.

Lord Lord Yucheng continued: "The three dou of red sand confuse heaven, confuse earth, and confuse the mind."

"A Da Luo can regenerate with a single thought. But what if I prevent them from forming that thought—or, after destroying their true body, I make them lose focus, lost in chaotic thoughts, unable to concentrate on resurrection?"

"Thus, following this logic, my improved Red Sand Formation targets the mind of a Da Luo Sovereign."

"When a Da Luo Sovereign enters, the Three Talents collapse instantly. Countless red sands transform into a colossal hammer, striking the opponent's crown."

"Repeated blows may cause the Da Luo Sovereign to become a fool, their mind descending into chaos, bewildered and disoriented, unable to distinguish east from west."

Indeed, the Red Sand Formation had become the "Stun-It-Into-Idiocy" Formation!

Whoever enters becomes an idiot!

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing chuckled inwardly—who would dare enter?

One's body can be remade if destroyed, but if one is instantly turned into a fool, what use is being a Da Luo?

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun explained: "Red sand falls, Da Luo becomes an idiot."

"Though it cannot kill, it achieves the effect of containment."

"At that point, destroying their body becomes far easier."

"And…"

"And what?" The disciples pressed eagerly—this Red Sand Formation was brilliant.

Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun hesitated, then said: "The Red Sand Formation can be combined with the Wind Roar Formation."

!!!

At these words, everyone instantly grew excited.

What was the Wind Roar Formation's effect?

It ignited lustful fire, drove one to scream in agony, and automatically preserved the moment in time.

It was the ultimate social death formation!

If you threw a stunned Da Luo into the Wind Roar Formation…

The image was too horrifying to contemplate.

"We want this! We want this!"

This Red Sand Formation was immensely valuable—anyone who didn't learn it was an idiot.

Guang Guang Guang Cheng Zi, excited, looked to Lord Lord Yucheng Daojun: "Uncle, do you have any other formations?"

"Yes!"

Yu Yu Chendao Jun, having given up all pretense, revealed all the unorthodox arrays he had studied.

"Arrays like the Wind Roar Array and the Red Sand Array—I have eight more; together, they form the Ten Absolute Arrays."

"The Ten Absolute Arrays?"

Then, Yu Yu Chendao Jun elaborated on the other eight arrays within the Ten Absolute Arrays.

The disciples listened, as if they had acquired a priceless treasure, filled with boundless joy.

Even Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing's gaze toward Yu Yu Chendao Jun carried an air of approval.

Third brother, you've finally awakened!

This lecture on array principles lasted seven days and seven nights.

Afterwards, Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing and Tai Shang each delivered a day's discourse on the Dao Canon.

All the disciples gained immensely.

At this point, Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing called out Huang Long's name.

"Huang Long, step forward."

Huang Long Zhenren obeyed and stepped forward.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing handed him a great seal: "In my Underworld, there must be ten Yama Lords to govern."

"Previously, I held back because you had only recently been born and could not yet travel the myriad worlds to establish new hells."

"Now that your cultivation has matured and you have ascended to the rank of Immortal of Imperishability (Jin Xian level), you are fully capable of this great duty."

"Therefore, take this great seal—henceforth, you shall be the Third Lord of the Underworld, the King Song!"

The young Huang Long regarded it solemnly: "Disciple accepts the mandate."

"Dao Xing!" Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing called the second disciple's name and produced another great seal.

"By your destiny, you shall be the Fourth Lord of the Underworld, the King Guan!"

Dao Xing Zhenren received it reverently: "Thank you, Master."

"Qing Xu!"

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing gave the third great seal: "Henceforth, you shall be the Fifth Lord of the Underworld, the King Yan!"

"Disciple accepts the mandate!" Qing Xu Daode Zhenren said.

The fourth great seal, Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing bestowed upon Ling Bao Dafa Shi.

"You shall be the Sixth Lord of the Underworld, the King Dashen Dashen Bian!"

"Disciple accepts the mandate!" Ling Bao Dafa Shi took the great seal of the King Dashen Dashen Bian.

Thus, the ten Yama Lords of the Underworld were all installed.

Chi Jing Zi as First Lord, the King Qin; Yun Zhong Zi as Second Lord, the King Chu; Huang Long Zhenren as Third Lord, the King Song; Dao Xing Zhenren as Fourth Lord, the King Guan; Qing Xu Daode Zhenren as Fifth Lord, the King Yan;

along with Ling Bao Dafa Shi as the King Dashen Dashen Bian, Tai Yi Zhenren as the King Tai, Yu Ding Zhenren as the King Du, Guang Cheng Zi as the King Ping, and Ju Liu Sun as the King Zhuan.

They shall fulfill their duties, establishing ten halls across the myriad worlds to expand the Attack Hong Huang Underworld.

Of the thirteen inner disciples, only Ci Hang, Pu Xian, and Wen Shu had not yet received their posts.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Xuanqing looked at the three disciples and said: "Your destinies lie not in the underworld; when the time comes, I shall assign you new roles."

All three disciples possessed excellent temperaments and harbored no resentment.

They smiled: "We humbly await Master's instructions."

If the Master says the time has not come, then the time has not come.

——————

Transmission Gate: 【Monthly Tickets】 【Recommendation Votes】

(End of Chapter)