Chapter 111 - 96 Leaving the Pass

Lin Fang already had an idea in his heart, but he kept his face expressionless. After all, True Immortal Ruyi was notorious for his greed, and Lin Fang did not want to create unnecessary complications.

The two of them proceeded inward and soon saw a pool of spring water.

At first glance, Lin Fang felt an intense heat assault his face; it was Solar Energy, the foremost amongst Heaven and Earth’s Yang energies and the foundation of all things.

Feeling the vast and miraculous breath, Lin Fang sighed in his heart at the wonders of Heaven and Earth’s creation, truly magical, as the Yin and Yang Energy deserved to be known as the Innate Qi, the head of all energies.

"This is the Infertility Spring. Every day, I pour some of its water into that well at the entrance. Whenever Maiden’s Country asks for water from the spring, I take it from there," said True Immortal Ruyi, pointing at the Infertility Spring.

Lin Fang smiled and nodded, "This Infertility Spring is indeed a marvel of Heaven and Earth’s creation, rich in Solar Energy. If one were to drink this water, it would not only be abortive but also deadly. I hadn’t expected such a compassionate thought from you."

"What compassion? It’s just that if they died, it would ruin my reputation and waste my money," True Immortal Ruyi said, shaking his head indifferently.

Lin Fang was at a loss for words, amused. He had not expected True Immortal Ruyi to be so candid, and it made him see him in a new light.

"Fellow Taoist, now that you’ve seen the Infertility Spring, do you have any other requests? You saved my life today, so naturally, I, True Immortal Ruyi, will make every effort to repay you," said True Immortal Ruyi, clasping his hands.

"If Fellow Taoist does not mind, I would like to practice my cultivation here for a while."

"It’s a trivial matter. Fellow Taoist, feel free to cultivate. I will order my disciples to bring you food," True Immortal Ruyi offered.

From then on, Lin Fang started a new round of retreat by the Infertility Spring, fully embodying the spirit of being oblivious to the world outside and devoting himself to the cultivation books, effectively becoming a homebody.

Of course, it was not his fault; presumably, any cultivator on the path of Refining Spirit to Reverse the Void Realm would linger here, reluctant to leave.

In Lin Fang’s eyes, the entire Maiden’s Country turned into a colossal Formation, with two Formation eyes, one large and one small. The large one was the Zimu River, nurturing the Taiyin Qi, while the smaller one was the Infertility Spring, giving rise to Solar Energy.

The meeting of Yin and Yang Energy in the sky is what formed this special land. However, it’s a good thing that the Zimu River is larger. If one day the Yin and Yang were to reverse, this realm would instantly change into a land of males.

This was a Heaven and Earth Creation Formation, far more complex than any Formation Lin Fang had ever seen, and it was surrounded by mystical Runes, which were also beyond Lin Fang’s knowledge.

The vast and endless Dao seemed to open a small window to him. Through this window, Lin Fang could almost glimpse the scenery inside, immersing him in its allure.

On this day, the weather was sunny and bright, with the sun having just risen from the east, and the Taoists from Juxian Temple had already got up and were sweeping the courtyard. They had followed True Immortal Ruyi all the way here to build huts for cultivation.

"Senior brother, how many days has it been since that senior entered Po’er Cave?" asked a younger Taoist.

The Old Daoist Priest, holding a broom and sweeping the stone steps leisurely, raised his head and thought for a moment, "It seems to have been twelve days already."

"Twelve days, I heard that this senior has been sitting inside without eating or drinking, and the junior brothers who brought food said there wasn’t a single movement from the meals," said one junior brother. "In recent days, master has even stopped sending food."

The old Daoist priest glanced at his junior brother and said, "You’re quite well-informed."

"There are just a few of us on this mountain, isn’t everything that happens known to all? Senior brother, do you think this senior could really be an immortal?" He finished speaking and glanced nervously at True Immortal Ruyi’s room, knowing all too well that their own master was a monster.

The old Daoist priest’s profound eyes fixed unwaveringly on his junior brother until the latter lowered his head, feeling sheepish. Only then did he say, "Focus your thoughts on the righteous path. No matter what our master is like, he treats us sincerely, and the Dharma Technique he imparts can indeed lead to true cultivation. Do not indulge in improper thoughts."

After cautioning his junior brother, he continued, "Master once said that the senior inside the cave is a true cultivator who has reached the Refining Spirit to Reverse the Void Realm and is currently in the phase of observing Heaven and Earth to comprehend the Dharma. Fasting is quite normal for someone like him."

"If you wish to seek advice on doubts about cultivation, wait until this senior emerges from seclusion, and you may inquire a thing or two. Remember to keep a proper heart. In front of such seniors, your thoughts are crystal clear, and if you harbor treacherous intentions, you’ll only be seeking your own demise."

The junior brother hastily waved his hands and said, "Senior brother, don’t say that. You know me—I may be overthinking, but I’m timid and would never harbor such thoughts."

"That’s for the best. Now get back to work."

After speaking, the old Daoist priest led his junior brother outside. The great battle that took place some days ago had left Juxian Temple in shambles, but with their efforts over these past days, they had finally managed to restore a semblance of its former glory.

Meanwhile, by the Infertility Spring, Lin Fang opened his eyes, exhaling gently. The period of cultivation had brought him substantial gains, and his Glazed Glass Tower had also absorbed a great deal of Solar Energy, which, together with the Taiyin Qi previously absorbed, filled the space at the bottom of the tower increasing the foundations of this newly formed space significantly.

"Perhaps one day, this space could become a true world," Lin Fang murmured to himself.

He stepped out of Po’er Cave, and the blazing sunlight fell upon his face without causing the slightest discomfort. A gentle breeze arrived, brushing his clothes, making him appear even more ethereal and transcendent.

The old Daoist priest, walking with his junior brother from outside, caught sight of this scene at first glance.

"Junior greets senior upon coming out from seclusion!" He quickly bowed in salute.

Upon seeing the old Daoist, Lin Fang felt his entire being was clear and contained, seemingly decrepit but brimming with vitality. It was clear that he had reached the apex of Refining essence to transform qi.

"Are you a disciple of True Immortal Ruyi?" asked Lin Fang in surprise as he had not expected True Immortal Ruyi to genuinely pass on the cultivation method to these few.

In reply to the senior, the old Daoist priest said proudly and clearly, without subservience or arrogance, "Indeed I am a disciple of my master."

Lin Fang’s regard for him improved upon seeing this. Smiling, he said, "Good, having cultivated Refining essence to transform qi to this extent, you have reached the limit; now you should seek the opportunity to Cultivate Pure Yang."

Upon hearing this, a look of joy spread across the old Daoist priest’s composed face, knowing that Lin Fang intended to give him guidance. He immediately knelt and said, "Please enlighten me, senior."

"Cultivating Pure Yang is the first barrier of cultivation. How to cultivate it varies person to person, but though the Great Dao is diverse and many paths lead to the same end, the method of Cultivating Pure Yang lies in using external stimuli to kindle the light in one’s Daoist Heart, allowing it to take root and sprout."