Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 517 Trial Ends, Return to the Mountain, Jade Emperor's Qi Observation Technique!
[Upon reaching Yaoshan, you first find the storage bag hidden in a large, pre-dug hole at the entrance of the Xu family's cave dwelling.]

The storage bag remained untouched. Holding it in your hand, you reasoned that the contents must not have been particularly important to the female swordswoman; otherwise, they probably wouldn't have been able to hide it.

As for the dungeon, you searched inside but found nothing.

[You went back and checked on the group from Fangcun Mountain; they were all unharmed.]

To be honest, they had no intention of getting involved. Neither Xu Ci nor the female swordswoman cared much; they simply chose to ignore the roadside weeds, which was actually a safe option.

You estimate that about four or five hours have passed.

You found a dry, flat spot on the ground and lay down, then changed to a more comfortable position.

Your eyes flickered, sensing a familiar presence approaching from the cave dwelling—three members of the Xu family.

[You "fainted" on the ground, slowly closed your eyes, and a wisp of shimmering magic power gathered at your fingertips, awakening Qi Ling, the most powerful among the group.]

Qi Ling awoke with a start, as if struck by lightning, her almond-shaped eyes still filled with lingering fear. She gasped for breath, and only after seeing her companions lying unconscious and scattered around her did she calm down slightly, a look of relief at surviving a close call appearing on her face.

She also sensed the presence of Xu He and the other two. After a moment's thought, she extended a crimson spiritual flame from her hand and shone it on Yang Chen's forehead beside her.

She "fainted" again.

Yang Chen felt a surge of heat and suddenly woke up. He touched his face and found it unharmed. He looked around and saw that everyone was there; nothing had happened.

He had just breathed a sigh of relief when he sensed Xu He and the other two, and his face turned furious.

"You Xu family, you've framed the disciples of Fangcun Mountain!"

But he quickly suppressed his anger and regained his composure. This matter was strange; the White Snake Lady's origins were unknown, and there might be someone else behind it.

Taking action rashly could lead to unforeseen circumstances.

He first roused his fellow disciples, who slowly regained consciousness, still somewhat dazed.

Yang Chen remained calm and secretly crushed a jade talisman. The spiritual light of the "Nine Heavens Summoning Command" shot into the sky and exploded.

Currently, the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light; our only option is to seek aid first, and then plan our next move.

The people of Fangcun Mountain gradually awoke, their expressions varying.

Tao Ziming, standing near Qi Yunfeng, looked puzzled but managed to maintain a semblance of composure.

[Xiao Qingfeng's Jian Susu began to sob. In truth, from the moment the White Snake Lady appeared, she was so terrified that she forgot to even activate her magic.]

There were no gentle senior or junior brothers here to comfort her, unlike those on Little Green Peak; no one paid her any attention.

[The hero scratched his head, looking as if he hadn't quite gotten over it.]

Qi Ling then seemed to snap out of her daze and looked at Yang Chen and the others.

[You also woke up, displaying just the right amount of confusion.]

[Tu Xing was in the most disheveled state; he had tried to use earth-movement magic to abandon everyone and escape. Although you saved him, you only managed to dig him out of the ground.]

[Tu Xing was covered in mud, yet his expression was complex.]

Even the most extravagant tycoon noticed a subtle change in Tu Xing's expression after his actions.

[Time will tell, and adversity will reveal true character. It's human nature to feel the urge to retreat in a life-or-death situation, but when it actually happens to one's own people, it leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth.]

Just as the atmosphere became tense, Xu He and his two companions from the Xu family unexpectedly stepped forward, knelt down with a thud, and declared their willingness to confess everything.

Yang Chen's gaze was like lightning; with a wave of his hand, he sealed the vital points on the three people's bodies, completely imprisoning their magical power.

[Not long!]

A whooshing sound came from the horizon as several Heavenly Gate Realm masters from Fangcun Mountain arrived on the wind.

Seeing their elders arrive in person, Yang Chen and the others finally relaxed, their tense nerves finally easing. This ordeal was finally over.

[Xu He and the other two were taken to Fangcun Mountain by people from Fangcun Mountain and carried onto a cloud for trial.]

[You weren't worried as you watched Xu He and the other two being taken away. They hadn't even seen you make a move, so even if they confessed everything, it wouldn't implicate you in the slightest.]

[Your group left Xuyang County and did not return to Fangcun Mountain, but instead went to the capital of Chen Kingdom to rest and recuperate.]

【Chen Guodu is under the jurisdiction of Fangcun Mountain, so you will naturally be treated with courtesy.】

[Your trial was an unexpected one this time; you didn't complete it completely.]

Three days later, news came from Fangcun Mountain that you had performed exceptionally well in this trial, saving the lives of an entire city. Each of you will be awarded 30,000 merit points.

Inside the house, everyone was overjoyed upon hearing the news.

[Among them, Yang Chen and Tao Ziming of Qiyun Peak received the most generous rewards, being directly promoted to true disciples, much to the envy of others.]

Among the four members of Xiao Qingfeng, Qi Lingshan has the most merits, while Tu Xing has the least.

[From this, you can see that Fangcun Mountain indeed rewards its people fairly.]

After resting for six days in the capital, you set off again, this time heading to a county on the border of the Chen Kingdom that is plagued by demons.

[A man-eating boar demon, only at the Perfected Stage of the Divine Realm.]

This time, however, everything went smoothly. With two disciples of Qi Yunfeng at the mid-stage of the Dao Embryo realm protecting them, there were no problems whatsoever.

Yang Chen and his companion intentionally wanted you to hunt the boar demon, so that you would participate more in the trial.

Qi Ling's performance was outstanding as always, even impressing the usually aloof Tao Ziming.

After arriving at the Xu family's residence, Tu Xing seemed to have lost his spirit and became increasingly silent and withdrawn within the group.

[Jian Susu has also grown; at least she's no longer afraid to deal with demons at the Body Shaping Realm.]

You've consistently performed averagely, neither outstanding nor embarrassing, like a drop of water blending into a stream, so naturally that no one notices anything special about you.

With the demonic threat subsided at the last trial ground, the two-month-long training camp is finally drawing to a close.

【now!】

The group returned on the jade flying boat of Qiyun Peak, with flowing clouds swirling on either side of the ship. The past two months of living and working together had fostered a deeper understanding and camaraderie among the previously unfamiliar fellow disciples.

[Jian Susu initially looked down on you, but that feeling gradually faded after the life-or-death situation at the Chen family.]

Tao Ziming isn't always in the quiet room; sometimes he'll chat with you for a bit, though he remains aloof.

[This two-month-long friendship can be considered a meticulously cultivated relationship, as both Yang Chen and Qi Ling are destined to become leading figures in their respective peaks.]

At least, Jian Susu understands that these are invaluable relationships for the future.

Tu Ying should have been most skilled at this, but these past few days she's become increasingly withdrawn.

You continue your cultivation as usual, neither appearing out of place nor out of place, yet often remaining aloof from the crowd.

Yang Chen has sought you out several times, and you two have had very pleasant conversations.

One day later, Qingzhou arrived at Fangcun Mountain.

First, we went to Qiyun Peak.

[Nie Qingzhu is already waiting for you here and is very satisfied with you.] [Elder Hong Tao of Qi Yun Peak is still "serving" you cautiously.]

[Nie Qingzhu then led Xiao Qingfeng and his group of five to take their leave.]

Yang Chen chased after him, "Junior Brother Zhou, please wait a moment."

"Junior Brother Zhou, if Xiao Qingfeng sends you down the mountain later, please come to Qiyun Peak. You can become a steward there. I will ask Master for your help."

Yang Chen said this in front of Xiao Qingfeng and the others.

Nie Qingzhu frowned slightly, and could only gesture with her eyes.

Qi Ling stepped forward and, as the senior disciple of Xiao Qingfeng, said, "There's no need to trouble Senior Brother Yang with this. Xiao Qingfeng will take care of Senior Brother Zhou's future."

Yang Chen shook his head and sighed with feigned regret, but winked at you as he turned away.

You also felt rather helpless, even though you knew it was out of kindness from this Senior Brother Yang.

But when the five years are up, you will no longer stay at Fangcun Mountain.

[The five of you have returned to Xiaoqing Peak, and Nie Qingzhu has given you another reward.]

[You have seen the old age and returned to the sanctuary where you dwell.]

[In the courtyard.]

[You set up thirty-six layers of restrictions, and only when the last array, which isolated divine sense, lit up, did you solemnly take out that long-sealed storage bag.]

The three treasures gleamed faintly in the moonlight: the mysterious scroll went without saying; the azure pill emitted an alluring fragrance, enough to drive ordinary cultivators mad, granting them direct access to the Golden Core stage upon consumption.

But you simply shook your head slightly and placed it back in the jade box.

"A cultivation level built up through medicinal potions is ultimately less reliable than one cultivated through one's own efforts."

With your current level of cultivation, breaking through to the Dragon Court Realm and reaching the Golden Core stage is just around the corner. Why bother with such a shortcut?

Your gaze finally settled on that warm, smooth jade slip.

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, you've suppressed your urge to investigate these past few days, only daring to truly take it out for a closer look now that you're inside the Fangcun Mountain.

The instant divine sense touched the jade slip, five gilded ancient seal characters bloomed in the sea of ​​consciousness like the rising sun—"The Jade Emperor's Art of Observing Qi."

As his divine sense deepened and he read through the entire text, the words in the jade slip gradually unfolded.

[It's actually a cultivation technique for "Dharma Eyes".]

You recall what Xu Ci said that day: This female sword immortal "can refine elixirs, can make kilns, and has eyes that can see throughout the nine provinces and ten lands."

Could this supernatural ability in his eyes be derived from the "Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique"?

In the world of cultivation, the first technique a cultivator learns upon entering the path is to acquire various kinds of magical eyes. It is essential to understand that the world's techniques are ever-changing; without a pair of discerning eyes that can see through the secrets of heaven, how can one counter any move and break through all spells?

The key to understanding the law lies in anticipating the enemy's moves.

[You Sanfeng, the eldest disciple of the Xiaoqingfeng lineage, is a master of the "Tai Xu Fa Mu" (Great Void Dharma Eye), capable of penetrating illusion and discerning the true nature of all phenomena.]

Calm down.

The explanation of "Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique" is as follows: "Jade" is a supreme treasure, symbolizing purity, holiness, eternity, and immortality. Using "jade" emphasizes its supreme status and flawless virtue.

The "Emperor" is the supreme ruler, governing all under heaven.

The combination of these two elements implies that this method is the supreme and wondrous practiced by the Jade Emperor, who is supreme and eternal.

[Upon closer inspection, this method is divided into seven levels:]

[The first stage – “Nourishing the Eyes and Building the Foundation” – requires sitting facing east, absorbing the rising Qi of early spring, pressing the tongue against the upper palate, and drawing the pure Qi of heaven and earth into the Baihui point (crown of the head), flowing down the Ren meridian to the Dantian (lower abdomen), transforming into two warm currents that ascend along the Shaoyang meridian of the foot, finally converging at the eyes to nourish the foundation of the Dao.]

The second level – “Discerning Human Fate” – when cultivated to its fullest extent, allows one to observe form with the left eye and perceive energy with the right. Once the eyes emit a purple flash, one can perceive the flow of energy and discern the fortunes and misfortunes of ordinary people.

Focus your attention on the forehead of a passerby three zhang away, observing their aura as if it were smoke. Red smoke signifies good fortune, gray smoke signifies misfortune, and purple smoke signifies nobility. At first, only a blurry mist is visible, but as it deepens, seven colors become discernible.

[The third level—"Observing the Nature of Objects"—involves using one's divine eye to perceive the luster of ancient artifacts. Genuine pieces will emit a radiant glow; bronze will gleam with a bluish light, and white jade will emit a moon-like halo. Counterfeits will have a dull, murky aura.]

[The fourth level – “Observing the Pivot of Mountains and Rivers” – allows one to see the vast landscape, find the confluence of dragon veins, and the place where living water surrounds the mountains. Initially, one may see the earthy yellow soil and the energy of the land flowing like streams; with further practice, one can discern the golden lines of the dragon veins appearing and disappearing.]

The whole story is laid bare before my eyes.

The fifth level – “Overlooking the Universe” – allows one to see the ten directions: east, south, west, north, southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, above, and below; the four types of birth: viviparous, oviparous, moisture-born, and metamorphic; and the six realms: the realm of gods, the realm of humans, the realm of asuras, the realm of animals, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the realm of hell.

The more you look, the more astonished you become. This kind of aura-observation technique can actually glimpse the ten directions of the world and perceive all living beings in the six realms. Even the most secret manuals of the top sects in the cultivation world may not possess such profound mysteries!

What is the origin of this "Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique"?

You've never heard of such a heaven-reaching and all-encompassing divine eye!

Even for cultivators at the Golden Core stage of the Great Dao, the limit is that if they cultivate the Dharma Eye, they can only see for ten thousand miles.

Suppress your shock and look ahead; there are two more realms to come.

[The sixth level – “Peering into the Past”: Wherever the Dharma eye reaches, the long river of time manifests, and the past unfolds like the lines on one's palm. The voices and appearances of the departed, the smoke and clouds of bygone events, all flow within the eyes.]

[The seventh level – "Looking Towards the Next Life": Piercing through the fog of fate, illuminating future causes and effects. Rise and fall, the arising and ceasing of conditions, all appear before your eyes.]

After reading this, you'll find your mouth dry; this method can actually "peek into the past" and "see into the future."

These seven profound and supreme realms naturally deserve the title "Jade Emperor's Aura Observation Technique."

[You increasingly feel that the female sword immortal you encountered that day had a terrifying background. If she also cultivates this method, her cultivation level is probably beyond your imagination.]

By the time you have finished memorizing the entire text, the first light of dawn will have appeared in the east.

The profound mystery of this cultivation method is that it makes you completely forget the passage of time.

At the first light of dawn

You sit cross-legged, facing the rising sun, and begin your cultivation. A wisp of purple energy rises from the east, is guided to your Baihui point (crown of the head), and transforms into a warm current flowing through your meridians.

Within an hour, his eyes became as warm as jade, revealing a subtle luster.

[First stage, "Nourishing the Eyes and Building a Foundation," complete!]

After another hour of cultivation, he suddenly felt electricity crackling in the air above his left eye, and the world before him abruptly changed. Through the wall, he saw the newly initiated Xiaoqingfeng disciples with their heads swirling red, purple, gray, and white hues.

The second stage, "Discerning People's Fortune," is complete.

At noon, your eyes suddenly burned, and two streams of hot, golden tears rolled down your cheeks.

When I opened my eyes again, everything was bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Ancient trees gleamed with a faint green light, stubborn rocks shimmered with a jade-like luster, and even the bronze bells on the eaves emitted a soft golden light.

[The third level of "observing the nature of things" is complete!]

As the sun sets, the light in your eyes remains undiminished, growing even more piercing.

Looking into the distance, the entire hundred-mile-long spiritual vein of Xiaoqing Peak unfolds before one's eyes, the mountain range stretching endlessly, with a wisp of menacing black energy rising from its purple peaks.

The fourth stage, "Observing the Pivot of Mountains and Rivers," is complete.

(End of this chapter)