The author of the book "The Book of the Dead"

Chapter 237 The Essence of the World, an Age-Old Problem

The Lin family patriarch, Lin Feng, took the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Liang Yue stood guard to the side, taking the opportunity to observe the man's internal energy circulation.

This is the first time in two thousand years that true qi has been seen in an outsider.

The path of cultivation is based on the inner world and does not rely too much on the outside world, which is different from the ancient Qi cultivation path, which is characterized by its expansive and unpredictable nature and limited levels of attainment.

The cultivation path is divided into very detailed realms, requiring considerable effort in the early stages.

Wow!
Clouds gathered in the sky, forming a vortex of dark clouds.

Lin Feng emitted a powerful aura, and his true energy further condensed, converging into a powerful Dao foundation.

After a long while, Lin Feng slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Liang Yue's gentle gaze, Lin Feng clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for bestowing the pill upon me, senior. I was able to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"How long is the lifespan of the foundation building?"

"Three cycles of sixty years, one hundred and eighty years."

“That’s right, we only had 120 back then.” Liang Yue nodded slightly.

"Back then?" Lin Feng was completely bewildered. Wasn't it always three cycles of sixty years? How could it fluctuate?

If he knew that the Great Path of Cultivation was created by Liang Yue, he would probably be so shocked that he would be speechless.

The next few days.

Liang Yue browsed through ancient books in the Lin family's library and observed the exercises created by later generations.

The Lin family's secret martial art is called the "Flame Devouring Technique," which originated from the Li Huo Dynasty. Because it is an incomplete version, the highest level it can reach is only the Foundation Establishment stage.

Liang Yue never imagined that a martial arts technique could become a top secret.

In his time, whether it was Qingshan Garden or the Sutra Repository on Penglai Island, or even in modern times, the cultivation techniques could be accessed anywhere.

However, in this era, fewer competitors are always a good thing for prestigious sects.

Lin Family Ancestral Hall.

The Lin family elders held a meeting with the family head.

The old Foundation Establishment cultivator had cloudy eyes and mottled skin.

"Feng'er, it's probably not a good thing for outsiders to see the Lin family's unique skills."

Lin Feng smiled wryly and said, "Elder, this great being found the Foundation Establishment Pill in less than three breaths. It is our honor to see the Lin family's cultivation method for such a being who has achieved such profound skill."

He also has three daughters, and if this powerful man wants to marry them, he can send them over tomorrow.

After only a few days of contact, Lin Feng realized that this was a powerful figure beyond his comprehension, perhaps even a Celestial-level expert.

The path of cultivation is divided into Qi Refining, Foundation Building, and Golden Elixir.

The Foundation Establishment stage is generally referred to as a master stage. The Golden Elixir has nine stages, and the first three stages are called "True Person" stage, with a lifespan of 360 years.

The third to sixth transformation is called "Ancestor", with a lifespan of 500 years.

The founder of a sect or power can ensure peace for five hundred years.

Those who have reached the sixth level or higher are considered "Great Powers" and have a lifespan of six hundred years.

The next level up, the Innate Golden Core, is referred to as Immortal Master, Earth Immortal, and so on.

Lifespan is at least 800 years.

How could someone like that possibly be interested in the Lin family's minor martial arts techniques?
Upon hearing Lin Feng's explanation, the Grand Elder's attitude immediately changed, and he said, "Feng'er, you should entertain the Immortal Master properly. As for Ling'er..."

"The immortal is not interested in women."

"Okay, it's up to you."

The next day, early morning.

The cold fog had not yet dissipated, the roads were damp, and the sunrise in the east brought scorching heat to the earth.

The carriage stopped in front of the Lin family's house.

Liang Yue boarded the carriage and said to Lin Feng, "You can go alone; the others don't need to come along."

"Yes!" Lin Feng replied respectfully.

Lin Feng then boarded the carriage.

Upon entering the carriage, one is surprised to find that the interior space has expanded to the size of a garden.

This ability to create things so easily comes naturally to him.

As soon as he got into the car, Liang Yue tossed him a secret manual. "This is the Flame Devouring Technique. I've made some minor modifications. It should be able to be cultivated up to the ninth level of the Golden Core stage."

With nothing else to do, Liang Yue modified the martial arts manual for fun, honing his skills.

"Nine Revolutions of the Golden Elixir?"

Lin Feng held the Flame Devouring Manual, casually flipped through it, and exclaimed in surprise.

This isn't an improvement; it's clearly a completely rewritten book.

Raymond Lam thanked him repeatedly, but Leung Yue waved his hand dismissively.

"Tell me about the Chunyang Sect."

"The Pure Yang Sect, the Primordial Holy Land, and the Thunderclap Sect are three major sects in our Jade Kingdom, collectively known as One Sect and Two Holy Lands."

"The Chunyang Sect excels in golden light, thunder magic, and swordsmanship. Among these, the Divine Firmament Sword Technique is its foundation."

The Chunyang Sect adopts an inner and outer sect management system. The inner sect disciples number no more than two hundred and are considered the core disciples of the sect. The head of the inner sect is the Chunyang Sect Master.

"The sect leader of Chunyang Sect is named Lingxuzi, who is at the eighth level of the Golden Core realm and is the grand-disciple of Chunyang Divine King."

The Chunyang Dynasty perished seven hundred years ago. At the time of its demise, the sect engaged in a fierce internal struggle, which ultimately led to the rise of Lingxuzi's master.

"The identities of outer disciples are generally quite complex. Some are from the families of inner elders, high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, servants, or cultivators who are not qualified enough."

"The Chunyang Sect controls power through its outer disciples, who are generally responsible for managing land, collecting resources, and levying tributes, among other things."

Lin Feng pointed to the large city ahead and said, "This Baiyang City is guarded by inner disciples of the Chunyang Sect."

"Go in and have a look."

The main reason Liang Yue did not fly was to observe the local customs and culture.

As the horse-drawn carriage entered the city, a bustling and prosperous atmosphere immediately greeted the eye.

Liang Yue looked out the car window at the world around him.

The ancient world looked pretty much the same everywhere.

There were emaciated commoners, ragged beggars, and sweating laborers.

"It's terrible." Liang Yue couldn't help but shake his head.

"Why do you say that, Immortal Master?" Lin Feng asked, puzzled. This was the largest city in the area, spanning a thousand miles. Any cultivation family within the city was stronger than the Lin family, so this was already quite impressive.

"Given the productivity of cultivators, ordinary people shouldn't be living in such dire straits. There must be a problem with the distribution and allocation of responsibilities."

Hearing Liang Yue's words, Lin Feng became even more confused. In his eighty years of life, this was the first time he had not understood what others were saying.

"what is this?"

Liang Yue pointed to the Red Building in front of him.

The Red Building was ornately decorated and adorned with a row of large red lanterns.

Outside the building, it was bustling with activity, filled with the laughter and chatter of women.

Young women, with their good looks and veils, lined up to enter the inner chambers, led by men from their families.

After entering the Red Mansion, the women removed their veils, and other women were responsible for giving their comments.

Some women were ultimately chosen to stay, and the women and their elders cheered with joy; the vast majority of women were eliminated and returned home dejectedly.

"This is the Ascension Pavilion. Beautiful common women can become celestial maids after passing the selection process at the Ascension Pavilion, and their families will receive a large sum of compensation. Those who are lucky enough may even cultivate immortal techniques and ascend to heaven with their entire family."

Are there really that many cultivators?

Liang Yue glanced at the horde of women; in this city alone, there were over five hundred people selected.

Not to mention other areas as well.

Lin Feng laughed and said, "Even a small family like the Lin family has hundreds of maids and servants. Not to mention disciples of famous sects, it is only natural for a cultivator to be surrounded by hundreds of servants."

“Hundreds of people?” Liang Yue shook his head helplessly. “Cultivators occupy fertile fields and mansions, cultivation resources, do not strictly distinguish between immortals and mortals, and greedily plunder mortals. How can such insects lead the human race?”

The world shouldn't be like this.

Liang Yue created the Great Path of Cultivation not so that a small group of people could ride on the backs of the masses, but so that they could lead the human race to prosperity.

"I have to go back to my old ways. Perhaps this is the age-old problem."

Liang Yue's gaze was calm, but a barely perceptible hint of murderous intent flickered within it.

Once the murderous intent arises, mountains of corpses and seas of blood will follow.

(End of this chapter)