I became an immortal in the mountains

Chapter 869 Breaking the Netherworld Decree's Restriction, an Old Friend Returns
The Dao Source True Seed is also constantly being perfected, with all kinds of Dao powers intersecting and colliding within it, just like the nascent universe, where Yin and Yang rotate, and profound mysteries are brewing within it.

The Dao Source True Seed is the root of one's power and the foundation for a cultivator's transformation into an immortal.

Gu Yuanqing's true essence also changed with the Dao Source True Seed. With each breath of the Dao Source True Seed, its true essence seemed to become more refined, containing Dao essence and full of vitality.

Each strand of true essence also contains the power of Gu Yuanqing's understanding of the laws of heaven and earth.

If you look closely, you will find that the true essence at this moment is composed of countless tiny Dao runes.

It is precisely for this reason that when Gu Yuanqing uses his supernatural powers, he only needs to think for his true essence to freely evolve into the form most suitable for that supernatural power.

By eliminating the complicated conversion and combination steps in the middle, the power is doubled while the consumption is reduced.

Moreover, without any deliberate effort, the true essence itself can resonate with and be enhanced by the corresponding laws of heaven and earth, forming a powerful force of heaven and man working together.

Gu Yuanqing carefully comprehended every change, and his cultivation steadily improved.

After he became a Void Immortal, his ability to observe mountains became even more wondrous, allowing him to perceive every change in the Northern Spring Grotto-heaven with greater detail.

On the other hand, due to the emergence of the Ancient Divine Sect, Gu Yuanqing has also paid more attention to the Linglong Realm.

Sure enough, those who returned from the Primordial Realm immediately took action.

Rumors suddenly began to circulate in many realms.

It is said that Gu Yuanqing's mind was corrupted by the demons during the great war between the human race and the demons of the Abyss, which is why he has not been seen for more than a hundred years.

The Qian Yuan Divine Palace immediately issued a statement to refute the rumors, saying that Immortal Gu was simply in seclusion for cultivation.

Then rumors circulated that the so-called Immortal Gu was just a fraud, and that the Linglong Realm only had the path of gods. After the Hun Tian Immortals died, they became demigods. They broke through the void and ascended to become true gods. Where were there any immortals?
Although many years have passed and the Qian Yuan Divine Palace enjoys considerable prestige in various realms, it is still far inferior to the native sects that have controlled these worlds for countless years.

The story of Gu Yuanqing's escape from the great battle with the demons, disregarding the safety of the Linglong Realm, has been brought up again.

These words came from experts from various sects who participated in the great war back then, and they were even more convincing than before.

The Qian Yuan Divine Palace also issued another denial and spread the word that all those who came from the Ancient Divine Sect had their minds and consciousness altered by the Ancient Divine Sect.

In response to this matter, various opinions arose one after another within the Linglong Realm and the Ancient Realm.

Elder Qin Wuyai of the Qian Yuan Divine Hall stepped forward and coldly declared to all: "If any sect dares to slander Lord Gu, my Qian Yuan Sect will definitely find him and make him understand. You should all think carefully about the consequences."

As soon as these words were spoken, many sects came to visit Qian Yuan Sect to explain and complain. These returning disciples were all experts from their sects, some were elders or grand elders, and some were even sect leaders. They had accumulated great prestige within their sects and had tried every means to dissuade them from doing what they had done.

But some of them agree to the agreement in person, but they themselves don't know what they actually do behind the scenes.

Faced with these words, Qin Wuyai responded coldly with only one sentence.

"I only care about the results in these matters."

Qin Wuyai was well aware of these sects' plans. Some sects might indeed be doing so, but others were simply paying lip service while secretly going against them.

While begging for mercy, they secretly continued their actions.

However, with the warning from the Qian Yuan Sect, these sects were not so arrogant and dared not take any action openly, but instead stirred up trouble in secret.

Emperor Qian Yuanzong did not just talk the talk but walk the walk.

On this day, the Qian Yuan Sect arrived at the Shen Ji Sect.

Taking advantage of the moment when this expert, who had just returned from the Ancient Divine Sect and was at the third level of the Heavenly Tribulation, stepped out of the sect's residence, Qin Wuyai annihilated him, body and soul!
Unexpectedly, after this battle, the rumors in many realms not only did not stop, but intensified, and some even secretly attacked the disciples of the Qian Yuan Sect.

This time, however, it enraged the Qian Yuan Sect.

Li Shi'an was in seclusion because his cultivation was about to break through, so Kuang Tongyi, who was also an elder of the Qian Yuan Sect, took action.

This cultivator, who had completed the Three Tribulations of Heavenly Transformation, wielded a magic weapon bestowed upon him by Gu Yuanqing. He broke through the grand formation of a top-ranking sect in the Linglong Realm and, within its territory, killed the cultivator who had already broken through the Yin-Yang Realm on the spot.

This time, the Linglong Realm was much quieter.

It was as if the memories of Gu Yuanqing seeking out various sects one by one back then resurfaced in his mind.

This time, Gu Yuanqing didn't even need to take action himself; any elder from the Qian Yuan Sect could easily overpower an entire realm.

Although these cultivators who returned from the Ancient Divine Sect had their minds manipulated, they still retained their intelligence and dared not seek their own death.

At this time, the Qian Yuan Sect was a behemoth to any realm except the Taigu Divine Sect!

Half a month later, Yi Yunbo came to visit.

Facing his old friend, Gu Yuanqing met with him in person.

On the main peak of Beiquan Mountain.

Upon meeting, Yi Yunbo immediately knelt down and said, "I beg Brother Gu for your help."

"Get up quickly, Fellow Daoist Yi, what's wrong?" Gu Yuanqing waved his hand, and an invisible force helped him up.

Yi Yunbo raised his hand, took out a jade bottle, and flicked his finger, sending a man bound by a golden rope flying out.

Gu Yuanqing looked closely and saw that the person was Lu Zeyu, the sect leader of the Illusionary Spirit Sect.

He was once a friend of Gu Yuanqing, but back then in the Ancient Realm Platform, in front of many sects of the Linglong Realm, it was he who spoke up to accuse Gu Yuanqing of fleeing without a fight.

At this moment, Lu Zeyu's eyes were closed, his brows were furrowed, and his face was contorted as if he were enduring endless pain.

A complex expression flashed across Gu Yuanqing's face as he sighed softly, "Fellow Daoist Yi, please put him down and allow me to take a look."

Yi Yunbo quickly and carefully placed Lu Zeyu on a clean stone platform to the side, then stepped back a few paces and watched nervously.

Gu Yuanqing used his divine sense to carefully scan Lu Zeyu's entire body.

Sure enough, deep within his sea of ​​consciousness, there was an extremely hidden restriction.

It was almost fused with Lu Zeyu's own soul, exuding a strange aura, and all these restrictions faintly transformed into a decree rune.

This restriction is not a simple external control, but more like a deep-seated mental imprint and cognitive distortion, subtly changing Lu Zeyu's cognition and emotional tendencies.

This led them to develop absolute identification and fanaticism towards the Ancient Divine Sect and its commands, using sophisticated and insidious methods.

Gu Yuanqing knew immediately upon contact that it was the power of the Zhenyuan Mingzhi.

"A method of mental purification achieved by leveraging the power of the Zhenyuan Mingchi, a divine artifact of rules..." Gu Yuanqing muttered to himself.

"Brother Dao, is there a solution?" Yi Yunbo asked anxiously.

Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "Wait a moment, I'll give it a try." As soon as he finished speaking, he extended his right index finger and gently touched Lu Zeyu's brow.

Lu Zeyu, who had been unconscious, opened his eyes. Upon seeing Gu Yuanqing, he stared at him as if he were an enemy, and roared, "Gu Yuanqing? You scoundrel who colluded with the demons and deserted in the face of battle! How dare you show your face before me! The Ancient Divine Sect will tear you to pieces and wipe the world clean!"

At the same time, he unleashed a burst of violent spiritual power, attempting to break free from the golden ropes binding him. He then turned to Yi Yunbo and cursed fiercely, "Yi Yunbo! You traitor! How dare you collude with this fiend, betraying the sect and the Divine Sect!"

Yi Yunbo's face paled, and he could only cast hopeful glances at Gu Yuanqing.

Gu Yuanqing remained calm, a glimmer of light already disappearing from his fingertip.

With a slight thought, a thirty-three-story tower appeared above his head, and the illusory image of an ancient, clear mirror condensed.

Once the visualization of the Demon Refining and Immortal Ascension Tower is perfected, the supernatural powers that naturally extend from it can illuminate the true nature of all things and perceive all things. Its effects on the path of mind and spirit are particularly miraculous.

The mirror light spilled down like mercury, enveloping Lu Zeyu, who was still struggling and roaring.

Under the light of the mirror, the scene within Lu Zeyu's soul became clearer in Gu Yuanqing's eyes.

Countless fine, dark golden threads were wrapped around Lu Zeyu's soul, like a malignant sore.

The threads were composed of tiny, eerie runes, which were remarkably similar to the power of the ancient divine son he had imprisoned years ago.

In Gu Yuanqing's eyes, countless stars seemed to swirl as he carefully examined the composition and flow of the dark gold threads and rune marks, analyzing the structure and origin of these restrictive forces.

Time passed slowly, and Yi Yunbo held his breath, his heartbeat seemingly slowing down.

Perhaps finding Lu Zeyu's cursing somewhat harsh, Gu Yuanqing had a sudden thought and completely silenced him.

About half a cup of tea's time had passed.

The starlight in Gu Yuanqing's eyes dimmed, and he drew his fingers like a sword, making a sweeping motion in the air.

A ray of sword light entered Lu Zeyu's brow and went straight into the depths of his soul. Suddenly, it split into thousands of pieces, each landing precisely on the dark gold rune lines.

This is the Sword of Other-Transformation, capable of severing cause and effect, breaking through illusions, and is also quite effective against this heretical mark.

Of course, this is also because Gu Yuanqing is inside the Beiquan Cave Heaven, where he can have absolute control over his own power and everything about Lu Zeyu; otherwise, he wouldn't dare to be so reckless.

Beneath the sword light, the golden runes shattered and dissipated. The released power intended to directly destroy Lu Zeyu's soul.

But within the Northern Spring Cave, Gu Yuanqing only needed to think for a moment, and with his manipulation of objects, all these powers were drawn out.

"what--!"

Lu Zeyu let out a muffled groan of extreme pain, his entire body trembling violently. Wisps of turbid black energy mixed with dark golden light flew out from his seven orifices. The madness in his eyes receded like a tide, replaced by a blank emptiness.

Upon seeing this, Yi Yunbo's heart leaped into his throat, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Gu Yuanqing remained calm, withdrew his finger, and the mirror's gleam faded.

Yi Yunbo wanted to speak, but he was afraid of disturbing Gu Yuanqing.

Gu Yuanqing turned around and smiled: "Wait a little longer, it should be fine."

Yi Yunbo breathed a slight sigh of relief, but remained tense.

Lu Zeyu had served as the sect leader of the Illusionary Spirit Sect for many years, and many of the disciples had received his guidance and favors, including Yi Yunbo.

About half a cup of tea's time passed.

Lu Zeyu's trembling body gradually calmed down, his breathing became steady, and he finally slowly opened his eyes.

At first, his eyes were unfocused, as if he had been asleep for thousands of years, and everything in front of him felt unfamiliar.

His gaze slowly shifted, first landing on Gu Yuanqing's face. He paused, then subconsciously said, "Brother Gu...?"

"Sect Master... Senior Uncle Lu! You...you've finally woken up!" Yi Yunbo could no longer contain himself and rushed forward excitedly, his voice choked with emotion.

“Yun…Bo?” Lu Zeyu turned his head and looked at Yi Yunbo, his eyes filled with even more confusion.

However, in the next moment, a massive amount of memories flooded into his mind like a burst dam. Everything he had seen and heard over the past hundred years surged into his consciousness, and a look of pain appeared on his face. He subconsciously raised his hand and grabbed his forehead.

With his cultivation of Yin Yang Wanshou, he shouldn't be so fragile. However, over the past hundred years, the Zhenyuan Mingzhi talisman has become one with his soul. When Gu Yuanqing cuts it off, it is equivalent to cutting off a significant portion of his soul.

Gu Yuanqing flicked his finger, sending a breath of energy into Lu Zeyu to help him calm his mind and sort out his memories.

After a long while, Lu Zeyu slowly lowered his hand. When he looked up, his face was no longer blank, but only filled with endless exhaustion and lingering fear, as well as... shame and gratitude.

He struggled to get up, only to find that the golden rope was still there and his body was extremely weak.

With a wave of his hand, Gu Yuanqing released the golden rope, which then turned into a streak of light and flew back into Yi Yunbo's hand.

Lu Zeyu staggered to his feet, straightened his disheveled robes, and bowed deeply to Gu Yuanqing, his voice hoarse and trembling: "Brother Gu... Brother Gu! I... I am ashamed and have nowhere to hide! Back then at the Ancient Realm Platform, I actually spoke rudely to you and framed you."

Brother Dao, you disregarded past grievances and went to great lengths to save me from my despair. This kindness is like being given a second life! Lu... Lu..."

As he spoke, his whole body trembled, and he could barely continue.

For cultivators, being manipulated by an enemy and turned into a puppet is a more terrifying and humiliating experience than being annihilated in body and soul.

Gu Yuanqing rescued him from this predicament, and the debt of gratitude he owes is immeasurable.

Gu Yuanqing helped him up with both hands and said gently, "Fellow Daoist Lu, you are too kind. There is no need to bring up what happened back then. It was not your intention, but you were harmed by the Ancient Divine Sect. We are old acquaintances and fellow Daoists. How can I stand by and watch you die? Please get up quickly."

Lu Zeyu was helped up, his emotions had calmed down a bit. He looked at Gu Yuanqing and sighed with a wry smile: "I, Lu... am actually... alas, I've made you laugh, fellow Daoist."

Gu Yuanqing laughed heartily: "Why should we cultivators be attached to the past? Come, sit down here and have some tea."

Gu Yuanqing led the two to a stone table and personally poured three cups of spiritual tea, saying, "Fellow Daoist Lu, your spirit has just settled and you still need to rest. Drink a cup of tea first to calm your mind."

Lu Zeyu drank it and felt the tea transform into rich spiritual energy, which flowed into his true essence, even benefiting his soul and improving his complexion.

Gu Yuanqing then straightened his expression and asked, "Fellow Daoist Lu, you have just returned from the Primordial Realm. Do you still remember what has happened over the years?"

Lu Zeyu said, "Although it's a bit blurry, I can still remember some of it in general."

"So the Ancient Divine Sect sent you back just to target me?" Gu Yuanqing asked again.

Lu Zeyu nodded slightly, then smiled wryly and said, "That's true. To my shame, most of the slander against you in the Illusionary Spirit Realm over the past year was done at my behest."

(End of this chapter)