Chapter 244 Fate

Veins resembling leaf veins emerge on the liver, like blooming green flowers.

Inside the heart, gold and orange-red blend together, and flame patterns illuminate the surface.

The light of Gui water nourishes the kidneys, and faint cloud-like patterns spread out.

The radiance of the Earth element shines upon the spleen, revealing a network of veins resembling a sea of ​​sand.

As the sun's trajectory shifted, Ji An finished his cultivation and opened his eyes.

A strange phenomenon appeared in his pupils: a giant tree grew vigorously, but was burned to ashes by lightning and instantly turned into mud.

The strange phenomenon slowly disappeared, and the sun was reflected in his eyes.

What is wood? Is it a plant?

No, plants are wood, yet they are not wood.

Wood is a kind of Qi, a vigorous and growing Qi, a Qi with hidden vitality. It is fluid and is never confined to plants.

Ji An frowned and pondered for a long time. He felt that he had vaguely grasped more than he thought.

The so-called mutual generation of the five elements should refer to transformation, from one form to another.

For example, if pine nut wine is poured into Qingling bamboo, the wine will be nourished by the wood's energy and become more fiery.

Throughout this transformation process, Lingzhu has been continuously outputting.

After gaining this insight, the world seemed to change in his eyes.

Chaoyang Peak, Wuji Hall, and the sky-blue glazed tiles gleam in the sunlight.

Ji An piloted the flying shuttle down slowly, sunlight shining from behind, casting a shadow on the ground.

He stepped into the main hall and saw a semi-circular white jade platform, more than three feet high, built against the wall on the far north side.

Scattered around the platform were many futons, some white futons woven from calming grass and others pale yellow futons woven from soothing grass.

A number of cultivators had already arrived, sitting in twos and threes, talking in hushed tones, about thirty people in total.

Ji An glanced around and spotted several familiar faces, including Mo Shan, Teng Zhiyuan, Li Yuangong, and Liu Suyun.

He went over to greet them, then returned to the person he knew best and sat down on the prayer mat.

"Senior brothers and sisters, you've arrived so early."

Senior Brother Liu, when did you return to the sect?

Three days ago, he received a message from Jin Jian that he would be giving a sermon at the end of Chen Shi (7-9 AM) today. Now, there is still half an hour until Chen Shi, but I didn't expect so many people to have already arrived.

Liu Yu went to Mingfeng Mountain a few days ago, and surprisingly returned while giving a lecture.

"They returned yesterday on a spirit boat. During the time Master Lin was giving his lecture, he calculated how the disciples who were on missions outside could get back."

Liu Yu was somewhat excited. The cultivator giving the lecture was Lin Jiuxiao, the head of the Law Enforcement Hall, who practiced fire-based techniques, which would definitely be of great help to him.

Zhong Yuefei whispered:

“I have come to the Wuji Hall to listen to lectures more than ten times. The martial uncle who gives the lectures cultivates either fire, metal, or earth elements. I always feel that I have not benefited much.”

She was quite troubled because it seemed that there were no senior uncles in the sect who practiced wood-elemental techniques, so it wouldn't be easy to learn by analogy.

Ji An smiled and said:

"These are the most popular cultivation methods among the Foundation Establishment disciples in the sect, which is why more cultivators who practice these methods break through to the Yuan stage."

I've heard that cultivators in the Chaoyuan stage cultivate both the Five Elements. Perhaps the senior master who lectured on this matter hadn't yet reached the state of the Five Elements' continuous generation, which is why he couldn't explain the profound mysteries of the Wood element cultivation method.

He paused, then asked:

"Isn't Senior Sister Ge coming to the lecture?"

It's understandable that Master, Senior Brother Ye Changqing, and the others don't aspire to make further progress in their cultivation and don't come to the Wuji Hall, but Ge Luoying has the hope of breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage, so it's unreasonable for her not to come.

"Senior Sister Ge is a disciple of Uncle Lin Qiubai of Yingyue Peak. She often receives instruction from her master and rarely comes to listen to lectures unless the timing is right."

Zhong Yuefei sighed, "If you have a master who can provide targeted guidance on cultivation, you really don't need to come here to listen to lectures."

As they were talking, more cultivators entered. Ji An looked around and said:

"Senior sister, when I first entered the sect, I went to the Wendao Hall to listen to lectures. At that time, the lecturer was Senior Brother Qin Yan."

I heard back then that he had already reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, how is he doing now?

The environment here reminded him of scenes from the past.

"Now we should call him Uncle Qin. He broke through to the Chaoyuan stage twenty years ago."

Zhong Yuefei's voice was even lower, "Uncle Qin is a legendary cultivator in the sect, who cultivates with low-grade aptitude."

Logically speaking, someone with low-grade aptitude shouldn't be allowed to join a sect; it's said that he was only granted entry due to his ancestors' good fortune.

He started as a spiritual farmer, taking one step at a time, and became the only non-first-class disciple to break through to the Chaoyuan stage in recent centuries.

Her words were filled with admiration, making her story all the more inspiring.

Ji An listened with great interest, for he certainly understood the difficulty of cultivating at a low aptitude.

Because the stone turtle absorbs magical power, his aptitude is equivalent to a low-grade aptitude.

Fortunately, his aptitude could gradually improve with his cultivation level, and the stone tortoise's absorption decreased after he broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage; otherwise, he would certainly not have been able to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage.

'Uncle-Master Qin is truly a person of great fortune; he must have received an extraordinary opportunity.'

The hour of Chen (7-9 AM) had arrived. Lin Jiuxiao, dressed in a dark Taoist robe, stepped into the main hall. His face was serious and angular, exuding an imposing aura.

A red cloud of fire rose from beneath his feet, transforming into the shape of a wind tiger, which lifted him up to the high platform.

"I, Lin Jiuxiao, will today explain to you all the cultivation path of the late Foundation Establishment stage, and will also share some insights on breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage."

"You all practice different cultivation methods, such as the Blazing Sun Furnace Scroll, the Crimson Fire Danxia Technique, the Kunyu Micro Dust Scripture, the Azure Wood Evergreen Technique, and so on. All of these cultivation methods are derived from our sect's Five Elements Revolving Scripture."

"This cultivation method directly leads to the Golden Core Path. Even in the most prosperous Central Continent of the cultivation world, it is still a very good cultivation method."

"I am currently in the Foundation Establishment stage, and I cultivate the Blazing Sun Furnace Scroll. I will now explain this cultivation method."

Zhong Yuefei smiled bitterly to herself and shook her head almost imperceptibly.

'I came here for nothing again. It's so difficult for a disciple like me who cultivates wood-elemental techniques.'

Ji An listened with great interest. Cultivators who practice this technique can absorb the spiritual energy of the Bing Fire element, as well as the spiritual energy of the Wood element to strengthen the fire. If they can also absorb some of the spiritual energy of the Water element, which counters fire, it will be equally beneficial.

Lin Jiuxiao explained in detail the cultivation path of the Blazing Furnace Scroll, and also talked about the Earth Path and the Metal Path.

"I am currently at the fourth stage of the Chaoyuan realm. I have not been practicing the Water Path for long, and I know even less about the Wood Path. Therefore, I cannot provide guidance to disciples who practice these two techniques."

"Next, I will explain how to break through to the Chaoyuan stage. When a cultivator's understanding of the divine intent of the cultivation technique reaches a certain level, he will come into contact with the yin and yang transformations of the cultivation technique."

What are Yin and Yang? All things originate from Taiyi and are transformed by Yin and Yang.

When heaven and earth are in harmony, all things are born; when yin and yang interact, change arises.

In its simplest form, Yin and Yang are the two energies: clear and turbid.

"Taking the Fire Element Technique as an example, Bing Fire is Yang and Ding Fire is Yin. Only when Bing and Ding are in harmony can the Great Dao of Fire be complete."

After gaining enlightenment, one can capture the glimmer of life hidden deep within our bodies from the flow and transformation between Bing and Ding.

Then, continuously nurture this innate light of life, allowing it to grow stronger until its radiance can be manifested at all times.

Finally, with the help of the Nourishing Essence Pill, the light of life is ignited and transformed into the flame of primordial life.

"Igniting does not mean burning, but rather a mysterious and profound state that cannot be expressed in words."

Once you've achieved the necessary merit, you'll naturally understand.

Ji An scratched his head. In the end, his explanation had turned into something that "those who know, know."

He began to ponder: according to this theory, if one could understand the flow and transformation of Jia and Yi wood, one could capture the innate light of life.

Once he gets back, he can try it.

Lin Jiuxiao's voice rang out again, "Feel free to ask any questions you may have about cultivation."

Many cultivators asked questions, and Liu Yu also asked several questions.

Ji An didn't ask, since the other party had already made it clear that they couldn't help cultivators practicing wood-element techniques at the moment.

He and Zhong Yuefei exchanged a glance and noticed a hint of disappointment deep in each other's eyes.

'Junior brother, I don't plan to listen to my senior uncles' lectures anymore, unless the Ancestor himself gives one.'

Zhong Yuefei transmitted her voice and let out a long breath.

After finishing his sermon, Lin Jiuxiao left the Wuji Hall.

Teng Zhiyuan leaped onto the high platform:

"Fellow senior brothers and sisters, as is customary, we will hold a trade fair. I will start by offering my humble opinion."

As he spoke, he took out a magic sword that emitted a golden-red spiritual light, with seven white stars arranged on it.

"This spiritual weapon is forged primarily from purple-gold copper and meteorite iron, with thirty-six layers of spiritual restrictions added on it. It was also nurtured for many days using second-tier Xuan Ye sword bamboo golden leaves."

Whether activated by a cultivator practicing metal-elemental techniques or fire-elemental techniques, it possesses extremely high destructive power.

He poured his magic power into the spirit sword, and the weapon flew around his body, radiating red light and exuding a sharp, murderous aura.

"Spiritual artifacts can be exchanged for second-tier refining materials, or for late-stage Foundation Establishment pills suitable for cultivating fire-elemental techniques. Are there any senior brothers who are interested?"

He called out a few times, but when no one answered, he shook his head slightly and jumped off the platform.

The monks took to the stage in an orderly fashion, and Ji An watched with great interest.

The items that everyone brought out for trade were all of considerable value, including magical artifacts, second-tier materials, and high-level spiritual herbs, which dazzled the eye.

He didn't encounter any items that he desperately wanted, so he didn't make a move.

After the trade fair, Ji An found Teng Zhiyuan and asked:

"Senior brother, if I want to buy the sword-type spiritual weapon you have, how many kilograms of second-tier gold leaves can I exchange for it?"

The only spiritual items he could offer that would interest weapon refiners were the leaves of the Mysterious Leaf Sword Bamboo and some weapon refining materials.

"Junior brother, it will take about 240 to 250 catties of gold leaves."

Ji An grinned and said with a wry smile:

"It will probably take many years to accumulate this many gold leaves. This treasure is not meant for me."

He doesn't have an urgent need for offensive magical artifacts, so he's not in a hurry to acquire one.

Teng Zhiyuan responded with a smile:

"Junior brother stays in the sect peacefully, so he doesn't have many opportunities to use this kind of spiritual artifact."

If you have a defensive magical artifact nearby, you don't need this kind of artifact.

He had inquired about the other party's situation and had a good impression of this junior brother who owned a spiritual peak and devoted himself to planting.

All the most basic producers deserve respect, especially those who can continuously support the weapon refiner!

After exchanging a few words, Teng Zhiyuan left first.

Liu Yu walked over and said:

"Junior brother, I will be leaving the sect tomorrow and need to get to Mingfeng Mountain as soon as possible."

More and more demonic beasts are beginning to attack the immortal city, keeping the cultivators of the Enforcement Hall extremely busy.

Ji An frowned slightly and said:

"Why not use those independent cultivators?"

The role of independent cultivators is precisely...

"Hehe, now is not the time."

When the demonic calamity fully erupts, that will be the time for independent cultivators to play a significant role.

After the demonic calamity fully erupts, the siege phase by demonic beasts begins, forcing even rogue cultivators to fight desperately, whether they want to or not.

At this stage, the three sects never force independent cultivators to go out and fight on the front lines.

"Doesn't the sect's spirit boat make a round trip once a month?"

"The battle is intense, and now the spirit boats only make two round trips a month."

After returning from the Wuji Palace, Ji An had an additional task: to spend time each day observing the flow and changes between Jia and Yi wood.

He had already grasped the complete Way of Wood, and originally thought it wouldn't be difficult. However, after several months of contemplation, he still couldn't grasp the method.

On this day, Ji An finished his cultivation and, as usual, activated the Green Wood Everlasting Technique in a special way. This was a secret method recorded in the technique, specifically used to capture the light of life.

Only cultivators at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment can use this secret technique, because most cultivators can only glimpse the divine intent of the technique at this stage.

If one's spiritual level is insufficient and one's understanding of the techniques and their divine intent is not deep enough, it is impossible to capture the light of life.

There are no shortcuts, and no elixir can help with this.

In a sense, this is the most difficult hurdle for cultivators to overcome in the Chaoyuan stage.

There are always ways to obtain Peiyuan Pills. If you capture the light of life and nurture it to grow stronger, taking more Peiyuan Pills won't help.

The secret technique has no effect on increasing cultivation level. When operating the secret technique, one does not absorb or exhale spiritual energy from the outside world; what it does is seek spiritual energy internally.

As the secret technique was activated, magical power surged from the dantian, flowing through the immortal meridians, and a vigorous aura emanated from within.

Inside the acupoint, ten Dao seeds shone brightly.

The pale green magic gradually withered and turned yellow, like the grass at the end of autumn, with a faint sense of death permeating the air.

Ji An's body exuded the aura of decaying wood.

The flow of magical power became increasingly frantic, like that of an elderly person entering their twilight years.

Suddenly, he heard a mysterious voice coming from the void, and his withered magic power gained a touch of green.

The flow of magical energy gradually accelerated, and the emerald green color grew stronger.

When the vibrant life force reaches its peak, the emerald green also reaches its deepest color.

Like a cycle of reincarnation, the verdant green gradually diminishes and fades.

The moment the emerald green completely disappeared and turned a withered yellow, Ji An noticed a faint silver light flowing between his kidneys, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

'Found it!'

He was overjoyed, and his emotions inevitably fluctuated slightly.

That glimmer of light vanished in an instant, like a startled bird.

Ji An opened his eyes, showing no sign of annoyance, and burst into laughter.

His ability to perceive the light of life indicates that his understanding of the divine intent of the cultivation method has reached a certain level. Next, he only needs to follow the steps to strengthen the life light by operating the secret method.

The growth of one's life force requires a long period of painstaking effort. If a cultivator wants to refine it to the point where it meets the conditions for a breakthrough, it will take at least one or two decades of hard work.

He has just reached the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, which means that he can polish his life light to perfection before he reaches the peak of Foundation Establishment, so that his radiance will naturally emerge.

(End of this chapter)