Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 649 Rongquan Dan Cheng Yang Dao Yun Jiang Qing Requests to Embark on a Mortal Journey

— March later, Yangmingshan
In the winter of the 583rd year of the Qianfeng reign, in the afternoon at Yangmingshan, the mist rising from the clear stream and the trees was like a white ribbon hanging from the sky, making it look like a Taoist temple.

At the foot of Xiuling Peak, the heavy stone gate of Yaoxiu Cave has been open for quite some time, but the atmosphere outside the Lantai in front of the cave is even more intense and orderly than when the gate was first opened.

The lingering echoes of the auspicious bell seem to still linger around the mountains, serving as a fitting footnote to the newly added golden radiance.

The Golden Elixir Ceremony of Elder Kang Rongquan was packed with people.

It seemed that Chongming Sect had not had such a lively event in a long time. Even the Second Elder Yuan Jin, who had been in seclusion, came out. Almost all the other key figures, except for those who were truly too busy to attend, were present.

After all, it was impossible for the cultivators not to feel excited.

It should be noted that although Kang Changxi, a contemporary of Kang Changxi, had already achieved the Golden Core stage, he still had a sect leader father and a noble mother.

Moreover, Kang Changyi did not have a proper teacher within the Chongming Sect. Outsiders did not know his background and only knew that he was able to achieve the formation of his core entirely due to the great cultivation of the elders of his maternal family, the Fei family.

But Kang Rongquan was no ordinary man. Before the restoration of the Chongming Sect, he was found by Ye Pinglin, the head of the Ye family, who presented him to the sect and made him a disciple of Pei Yi.

He had no family background whatsoever, yet he considered himself a true and upright eighth-generation disciple and a model for all cultivators.

Therefore, the inspiration his formation of the Golden Core brought to the disciples of various schools was different from that of Kang Changxi.

Even Jin Shilun, who had recently seemed to be at odds with Kang Rongquan, had a look of great joy on his face, so one could imagine how festive Chongmingzong must be today.

Aside from the disciples of Chongming Sect, Wu Feng Shangxiu, who had kept a very low profile since joining the sect, also attended.

His experience of forming a golden core as a rogue cultivator was quite legendary, and he had a certain reputation even among the surrounding sects.

Outsiders, unaware of the details of Wu Fengshangxiu's cheap and practical scheme, only knew that Headmaster Kang was a rare and magnanimous Taoist, who, despite past grievances, had the grace to forgive old acquaintances.

Therefore, he, who had been practicing Buddhism for many years, was invited out by Kang Dabao in order to reverse his reputation for being "vengeful".

The various factions that came to offer their congratulations this time naturally wanted to get closer to Chongming Sect.

Therefore, the various cultivators didn't actually show any contempt or disdain for Wu Feng Shangxiu, who was quite famous but not skilled in combat. This surprised Wu Feng Shangxiu, who had been largely ignored and living in anonymity in recent years.

He bowed his head and greeted the politely speaking Bilan Sect Leader Hui Yixiu with his head down. Then he glanced hastily at the prepared platform, a flash of reminiscence crossing his eyes, as if he were thinking of a similar glorious scene he had experienced in the past.
Then I think back to when I first met Kang Dabao, what was he like?
How many years have passed? Grand Master Kang himself has achieved Core Formation, Grand Master Kang's junior brother has achieved Core Formation, Grand Master Kang's son has achieved Core Formation, and now even Grand Master Kang's grandson has achieved Core Formation!
Well, well, even a Nascent Soul True Monarch can hardly hold back the passage of time, let alone a Golden Core cultivator like him.

The word "regret" is utterly useless.

Wu Fengshangxiu simply sighed, easily suppressing the wave of emotion welling up in his heart.

"It is only right to enjoy a wealthy and prosperous life in one's remaining years, as one's old age is short!"

He had just shaken off his gloomy mood when he saw Kang Rongquan, dressed in black, stepping out.

Wu Fengshang glanced at him again, and his expression showed a slight surprise:
"This kid's skills are truly remarkable. Could it be that the Chongming Sect really can't find a single weakling? Goodness, which immortal sect's feng shui has his family benefited from? There's no reason why they keep producing talented people."

Wu Feng was not the only cultivator who felt this way; all the guests who came to offer their congratulations today shared the same sentiment.

After glimpsing the spiritual energy within Kang Rongquan, the resentment that had arisen from the imposing presence of the Chongming Sect seemed to be hidden even deeper.

Sect Leader Kang, with his keen eyesight, clearly saw the reactions of all the cultivators, and was quite pleased with himself.

This time, he was unusually generous, not only accepting gifts for Kang Rongquan's elixir formation, but also willing to spend a fortune to hold a banquet and build a platform for preaching.

One of the purposes of this campaign was to ensure that all the petty and corrupt officials in the twelve prefectures under Emperor Chongming's rule would submit, thereby rectifying the social atmosphere.

It's perfectly normal for the leaders of the various families to have their own thoughts about the recent changes in the Kang family, the head of the Kang clan.

Putting aside other matters, the chief administrators of Gu Xuandao and Shannandao have recently been far from on good terms with Headmaster Kang.

He was not unaware that for these local tyrants who had enjoyed blessings for thousands of years, implementing policies to eradicate evil cultivators and provide loans to the common people within their territory was far too cruel.

However, this matter is one that cannot be taken lightly. If we back down and adopt a conciliatory approach, we might win people's hearts temporarily, but if we were to reopen old issues in the future, we would face a much stronger backlash.
Kang Dabao was no saint. While pacifying the region and eliminating corrupt practices may seem tedious and troublesome, they were the foundation for maintaining long-term stability. Only after the population is prosperous and the region is at peace can true abundance and prosperity be achieved.

Yunjiao Prefecture, which was under the longest-term control of the Chongming Sect, has even lost Pingrong County, the place where the Chongming Sect originated. However, in terms of the production of spiritual treasures and the payment of spiritual stones, it far surpasses the combined total of Xuan and Han cities in the past.

Although the area around here is not considered extremely wealthy, the stable situation in the state and the lack of conflict among families have attracted even cultivators from other places to migrate here, which has led to a significant increase in land prices in the spiritual lands of Yunjiao State.

If this continues for another one or two hundred years, Yunjiao Prefecture, which has always been known as a remote and desolate place, may actually become a prosperous land.

In the eyes of the leaders of Chongming Sect, this was the benefit of their sect leader's constant emphasis on diligently cultivating internal strength and mastering the Way of the King; and for Sect Leader Kang himself, in addition to bringing prosperity to his territory, this was the key to verifying his alchemical theory of "purifying the turbid world" and making it easier to supplement his cultivation.

Otherwise, even with the miraculous calculations of the Jade Pendant and the assistance of the True Man's treasures, achieving the late-stage Golden Core realm at the age of two hundred is not so easy.

Of course, Kang Rongquan was only 180 years old, which was not early for Core Formation, and he was far inferior to the two elders of the sect, Kang and Jiang. However, he had the advantage of thoroughly comprehending the "Secret Manual of Profound Purity and Withering" passed down by the sect leader Kang.

Therefore, even though he has not yet reached the middle grade of the elixir realm, his spiritual essence is still significantly higher than that of ordinary newly promoted advanced cultivators.

Kang Rongquan did not ride a horse, but instead descended slowly on a floating magical artifact.

This magical artifact was also a treasure kept in the Chongming Sect's treasury. Kang Rongquan received it as a generous gift from the sect leader as soon as he reached the Core Formation stage. The artifact is named Chijue and came from the spiritual ring of Huquan Zhenren, who had shown great kindness to the Chongming Sect.

It is three feet nine inches long, and its entire body is made of the natural color of meteorite iron and red copper. The hook is covered with raised dragon patterns, which are the natural bone and joint patterns of the descendants of dragon blood. After being tempered by true fire, it becomes even more ferocious, like a living dragon coiling around.

This magical artifact is extremely fierce, but it doesn't quite match the status of Elder Kang Rongquan, the Spirit Plant Elder.

As he landed in the center of the platform, a low hum suddenly came from below. It was not a bronze bell or stone jar, but rather seven Foundation Establishment Elders each holding a "Zhenyuan Gong" and striking it in the seven directions: east, west, south, north, center, up, and down. The sound of the gongs was not loud, but it stirred the earth's spiritual energy in Yangmingshan.

Suddenly, the hundred spirit trees surrounding the Lantai blossomed, their petals drifting towards the high platform and weaving a semi-transparent spiritual flower barrier around Kang Rongquan.

The deep sound of the gong resonated from all directions, stirring the earth's spiritual energy.

The spirit flowers of the Chengxi Tree bloomed like snow, swirling in the wind, weaving a shimmering, colorful barrier of petals around Kang Rongquan, making his figure appear even more extraordinary and otherworldly.

The area around the orchid platform fell silent for a moment, as all the cultivators held their breath and gazed at the demeanor of the newly promoted Golden Core cultivator from the Chongming Sect.

Kang Rongquan stood on the high platform, solemnly dressed in black robes. A dragon-shaped hook hung at his side, its coiled patterns gleaming with a faint, dark bronze light. His fierce aura strangely mingled with the concentrated energy of his inner energy. His gaze, gentle and warm, swept over the assembled disciples and guests from all directions below, and he proclaimed in a clear voice:

"Rongquan was fortunate to receive the deep grace of the sect, the protection of the patriarch, the guidance of the sect leader and elders, and the assistance of his fellow disciples, which enabled him to glimpse the path to the Golden Elixir."

This is not the achievement of one person alone, but a manifestation of the long and continuous lineage of my Chongming Dao, a testament to the blessings bestowed upon us. Today, I convene this humble Daoist gathering, firstly to express my gratitude for the cultivation of my sect, and secondly to discuss with fellow practitioners and Daoist friends the initial understanding of Daoist alchemy, hoping to mutually verify its subtleties.”

His voice was clear, steady, and composed, without arrogance or impetuosity, displaying a natural air of calm and collectedness. The disciples of Chongming below, both inner and outer sects, showed even greater reverence upon hearing these humble words. Zheng Yuntong stood before the disciples, his eyes slightly moist, his heart surging with emotion.

Elder Ye Zhengwen stepped forward at the opportune moment, stroking his beard with a smile, his voice carrying throughout the hall:

"Elder Rongquan's successful completion of the Golden Core is truly a great blessing for the sect! The sect leader decrees: After the ceremony, Elder Rongquan will give a three-day lecture on alchemy at this Lantai. All disciples of our sect are welcome to attend! If any fellow practitioners from outside have any doubts, they may also respectfully inquire during the breaks in the lecture!"

This statement drew another murmur of exclamations and praises. The Golden Elixir Elder's opening of the altar to preach and personally impart his insights was a truly great opportunity!

Even the guests, including the top cultivators of the Bilan Sect and the envoys of the Gu Xuan Dao, who were attending the ceremony, couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Kang Dabao sat upright in the main seat, a warm smile on his face, but his gaze swept over the expressions of the cultivators below the stage like a hawk. A senior cultivator from the Bilan Sect raised his glass in a toast, beaming with smiles;
Although the people from Huangpidao's "Qingya Cave" and "Chishui Dock" also smiled, their eyes flashed with a hidden spiritual light.
The envoy from Yuejian Mountain presented a generous gift, yet his deputy seemed to inadvertently glance at the point where the spiritual veins of Chengxi Tree converged.
All sorts of thoughts were observed by Master Kang.

Kang Rongquan raised his hand and pressed down, and the low shouts on the platform gradually subsided.

With a flick of his finger, the Chi-Hook beside him suddenly flew up. The three-zhang-long hook stretched out like a serpent, its barbs disappearing and turning into a warm, spiritual light, precisely wrapping around the trunk of the thousand-year-old Chengxi Tree in the center of the Lantai.

The hook tip pierced the tree trunk an inch deep, and the Xuan Chi eye lit up with a dark green spiritual light. The blood patterns in the spirit-locking groove spread like a living thing, drilling into the ground along the tree trunk and connecting with the earth vein spiritual energy drawn by the Seven Directions Suppressing Yuan Gong.

"The Secret Manual of Profound Purity and Decline states, 'The Dao of Alchemy is like a tree; purity is its spiritual root, and turbidity is its fertile soil.'" Kang Rongquan's clear voice resonated throughout the surrounding area via the spiritual veins.

“When I first entered the Foundation Establishment stage, I was always disturbed by impure energy, and my foundation was weak. The sect leader taught me the principle of ‘mutual benefit of purity and turbidity’. Only then did I realize that turbidity is not an intractable disease, but the foundation of purity; purity is not aloof, but needs turbidity to nourish it.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he subtly moved his fingertips, and the dragon-shaped hook drew the earth's spiritual energy upwards, climbing up the main trunk of the Chengxi Tree.

In the blink of an eye, the ancient tree, which had been half-withered by winter, sprouted new buds, its tender branches unfurled, and its flowers and leaves flourished. The transformation from decay to prosperity was completed in the blink of an eye, leaving the cultivators below the stage speechless with astonishment.

Even more strangely, the impure energy emanating from the tree trunk did not dissipate. Instead, it was drawn by the Spirit Binding Rope and condensed into a black spirit bead, which landed in Kang Rongquan's palm. He then casually flicked it towards the barren spiritual soil at the edge of the Lantai.

The spiritual soil instantly turned lush and green, sprouting clusters of spiritual herbs.

The earth's spiritual energy, stirred by the dragon's hook, gushed forth like a spring, surging upwards along the gnarled branches of the ancient trees in the thousand-year-old Chengxi River.

The withered yellow veins of the leaves instantly turned lush and green, tender buds sprouted, and new stamens bloomed. The rich vitality almost solidified into a green mist, enveloping half of the orchid garden.

What's even more amazing is that the mixed earth energy emanating from the tree trunk did not dissipate into the world, but was instead cleverly restrained by the Spirit Binding Rope, condensing into several black jade-like spirit beads, which hung steadily in Kang Rongquan's palm.

"The cycle of flourishing and decay, purity and turbidity are interdependent." The sound of Kangrong Spring is like a clear chime, resonating throughout the four directions through the spiritual veins.

"This is not a supernatural illusion, but rather following the natural principles of the earth's veins, clearing blockages, and transforming turbidity into nourishment. In the past, my foundation in Taoism was weak and unstable. Fortunately, my senior master enlightened me on the importance of 'mutual benefit between purity and turbidity,' and I realized that turbidity is not a stubborn disease, but rather fertile soil for purity; purity is not isolated, but needs turbidity to nourish its roots."

He flicked his finger, and a black jade spirit bead flew towards a barren spiritual soil that had been specially reserved at the edge of the Lantai.

The spirit pearl disappeared into the soil, spreading like ink drops into water. In an instant, the barren land visibly shimmered with a dark, oily sheen, followed by tender green shoots breaking through the soil and spirit herbs sprouting.

Clumps of low-grade spiritual plants sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. Although they were not of high grade, they were full of vitality, which dazzled the low-level disciples and those who were good at studying spiritual plants below the stage, who marveled at them.

This scene and its underlying principles point directly to the essence of Daoist alchemy, and also subtly align with Kang Dabao's theory of "purifying the turbid world" in Daoist alchemy.

All the cultivators observing the ceremony, whether disciples of Chongming or guests from afar, were deeply moved and seemed lost in thought. The senior cultivator from the Bilan Sect stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes gleaming.
The smiles on the faces of the people from Huangpi Daoqingya Cave and Chishuiwu froze slightly, and their mutual apprehension deepened; the gaze of the deputy envoy from Yuejian Mountain, who was spying on the spirit of Chengxi Tree, also paused for a moment.

On the high platform, Kang Dabao sat in the main seat, taking in the various expressions of the people below.

Kang Rongquan flicked his finger again, and the remaining black jade spirit beads scattered and flew to various places in the Lantai, each causing a scene of vibrant life. Exclamations of praise arose from below the stage.

The senior cultivator from the Bilan Sect rose and cupped his hands, speaking earnestly: "Elder Kang's profound words have enlightened me! The Chongming Sect's principle of 'harmonizing purity and turbidity' is truly the right path of the Great Way!"

The other foreign guests also nodded in agreement, their previous probing and apprehension turning into awe.

Kang Rongquan withdrew the dragon's claw, and the spiritual flower barrier slowly dissipated. Petals, glistening with spiritual dew, fell upon the shoulders of the cultivators, as if receiving divine blessings. Elder Ye Zhengwen proclaimed in a clear voice:

"The ceremony will be adjourned for today. The sermon will resume in three days. May all fellow Daoists enjoy themselves to the fullest." The guests rose to take their leave, their words and actions filled with respect, showing no trace of probing.

As night deepened, a spiritual mist drifted over Yangming Mountain, the new leaves of the trees along the clear stream rustled, and a dragon-shaped ornament hung before the Yaoxiu Cave, its red copper dragon pattern resonating with the spiritual energy of the earth's veins, gleaming with a ghostly light.

The Taoist spirit of balancing purity and turbidity still flows through the mountains, while a storm that transforms turbidity into purity is quietly brewing in the night, waiting only for the dawn to reveal the truth.

Upon witnessing this scene, Third Master Jiang's expression shifted constantly. Finally, as if he had made up his mind, he sought out Master Kang after the grand ceremony concluded.

"Senior Brother, I wish to pursue a different path, and I hope you will grant me permission!"

(End of this chapter)