Shangyuque

Chapter 199 Jingyi, come up here, I'll open your Purple Mansion for you.
It's simple to say, "My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens."

To achieve this, to overcome the heavenly tribulation and attain the Golden Core, is difficult.

But for a wild elephant who has attained enlightenment in this era where stability is paramount and lifelessness prevails below the Golden Core stage, this is a different story.

Heavenly tribulation is also the simplest.

It could even be considered a grand performance to welcome the victor.

In this era, heavenly tribulations are never the difficulty in achieving enlightenment; human tribulations are.

The seventh debate on the Terrace of Immortals is not difficult.

The six failed debates mentioned earlier were not truly difficult.

During the crucial Five Discussions on the Golden Elixir, Mang Xiang played the civil war card and the Immortal Kingdom and Immortal Alliance card, and was never afraid of failure.

For Mangxiang, who aspires to achieve enlightenment, the vote on the Immortal Platform is a trivial matter, serving primarily to help his allies see reality clearly.

The real difficulty has existed from beginning to end, and it has nothing to do with whether the Immortal Alliance allows him to achieve enlightenment.

The difficulty lies in securing the support of Bifang, the support of Luosha, and the support of the leaders of the major powers in the world.

The reason why the three of them were able to seize the Dao Fruit was because Mang Xiang was prepared. He could quickly kill many disciples and Red Lantern disciples to clear the way for the Dao Fruit when only three of them came out to seize it, so that they could actively obtain the 'heavenly secrets' under his control.

If this drags on, it wouldn't be surprising if ten people tried to take away his Dao fruit—perhaps even Gua Zhenren and Qiu Maitreya would come and try.

In reality, the permission granted by the Immortal Platform is just that—a permission. It is very important, but most of the immortals on the Immortal Platform cannot provide Mangxiang with any substantial assistance in achieving the Golden Core.

When the monstrous elephant reached the brink of calamity, it faced numerous competitors in the world.

As war continued and flesh and blood were consumed, the restrictions imposed by Heaven and Earth on those who attained enlightenment gradually decreased, and the door to the Great Dao opened.

How to thwart those competitors is the biggest challenge facing Mangxiang, the new elixir master.

This is a calamity for humanity.

Those Golden Core cultivators who reached the pinnacle amidst the chaos of a turbulent era were undoubtedly geniuses, but the tribulations they experienced were far less brutal than those that Mang Xiang endured.

Times have changed.

In fact, in this era, the Golden Core cultivator Mangxiang, who has achieved enlightenment with the support of numerous great cultivators from the Four Extremes, Five Regions, and Eight Desolations, may have a Golden Core of higher quality than Zhuzhao.

Shenguang's self-deprecation was not a whim; the first new method Golden Elixir Mangxiang Immortal Venerable in the world was truly unique.

The terrifying calamity that made the entire Wunan region tremble did not even cause any injury to Mangxiang.

As the dark tribulation clouds in the lightning tribulation diminished and the white mist increased, Zhuzhao knew that the Mangxiang had been formed.

This immortal venerable of the Red Lantern returned to the Great World from his blessed land at the very last moment of Mangxiang's enlightenment.

As for the protection of the Dao, the Red Lantern Gang suffered a great loss of vitality for the sake of Mang Xiang's Golden Core.

But as long as the elixir of immortality can be formed, everything will be worthwhile.

"After ten thousand years of erosion and confusion, one day one will see the enlightenment of the Dao. The blessed land is the ultimate in nurturing Yin and Yang, and the Dharma body is flawless and eternal."

Fellow Daoist Mangxiang, after countless years of wasted time, you have finally achieved this day. Congratulations!

Compared to the elegant and graceful Mang Xiang, Zhu Zhao's demeanor is more like that of a magnanimous and unrestrained chivalrous knight-errant, appearing not only heroic but also exuding a somewhat aggressive edge.

However, even the sharpest edge cannot compare to the boundless potential of a blessed land that has witnessed the Great Dao.

The wild elephant, the wild elephant, cultivated itself into a wisp of vast and pure energy between heaven and earth.

When the white mist replaced the heavenly tribulation, it also meant that this newly born immortal had finished tasting the delicious fruit of the Dao.

As the mist surged and converged, the elephant's form reappeared, and the world seemed to brighten up a bit.

This is the Immortal Venerable's radiant smile, illuminating heaven and earth; the profound mystery of his Dao is hidden in the formless.

Upon becoming a Celestial Venerable, Mang Xiang not only distanced himself from the lifeless state below the Golden Core stage, but also entered the carefree stage of "my fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens."

Heaven and earth could not hinder his will, lifespan could not be his shackles, he no longer needed to fear the cycle of cause and effect, the Great Dao was right beneath his feet.

Yes, of course there's a whole bunch of trivial matters, a lot of trouble, and a lot of famine.

Those costs must be paid.

But having endured countless hardships and overcome so many obstacles, what is there to fear now that we've come this far?
Just as the Water Immortal once said, every Golden Core cultivator is a prodigy, possessing the confidence that "I am the only one in the world to achieve enlightenment."

In this respect, Shenguang is probably the same.

"There's nothing to be happy about. We shouldn't have killed Xuanzhuan and Danri. In fact, the power of the Heavenly Tribulation is very weak."

Mang Xiang's tone was calm. Although he said he regretted it, he didn't really regret it that much.

His decision at the time was not problematic.

At that moment, the Golden Core was just one step away from being achieved; once completed, one would become an Immortal Venerable, a truly carefree being.

Everything that can increase the success rate should be taken into account; this approach of seeking stability is absolutely right.

The only reason Mang Xiang didn't slaughter all the disciples of the Red Lantern Sect was because Zhu Zhao was blocking the way.

"It's once every seven years, no, it's been six and a half years now. Each time it's three points stronger than the last. Do you think you can easily handle ten of them?"

Ignoring how Mangxiang treated his disciples, Zhuzhao smiled and reminded him.

Despite their internal strife, cooperation is the main aspect of their relationship and the core of their conflict.

The so-called internal strife is more of a secondary contradiction serving the evolution of the primary contradiction; it's a struggle without a complete breakdown.

As long as the two don't completely break off relations, it doesn't matter how their disciples fight.

"Fifteen times, each time lasting a hundred years, I have at least a thousand years."

Mangxiang's answer was baffling, but Zhuzhao's eyes lit up.

The Heavenly Tribulation occurs every six and a half years. If Mangxiang controls the timing of his activities in the Great Heaven and Earth well, he can turn the Heavenly Tribulation into a de facto once-a-hundred-year event. Thus, he can easily overcome the first fifteen Heavenly Tribulations and obtain a de facto supreme status for a thousand years.

This is the greatest significance of a new method of Golden Core advancement.

Ancient methods of elixirs like Shenguang require the transformation of a grotto-heaven, and after the transformation, the grotto-heaven must be slowly built. However, Mangxiang does not require this process!
Once you reach the Golden Core realm, you become a powerful Immortal Venerable with a cave heaven. Destroying a Purple Mansion is as easy as a strong man bullying a child.

"Haha, alright, but your followers are few and far between right now. How about I lend you some people first?"

Zhu Zhao was very happy and also very 'generous'.

By killing two of his disciples, Mang Xiang effectively destroyed half of his core support base, and the remaining disciples are likely to become disloyal.

After all, Xuanzhuan, Danri, Yan Keyi, Guo Baichi, and others, all of whom were killed by Mang Xiang, how would their disciples and families view their ancestor who killed his disciples like chickens?
Zhuzhao's generosity in giving people away now will expand Zhuzhao's influence when Mangxiang uses those people in the future.

This kind of thing might not have a big impact, since the Mangxiang is a genuine Golden Elixir, but it does have some use and can restrain the Mangxiang to a certain extent.

Therefore, Zhuzhao's generosity was not genuine; it was also tinged with calculation.

"No need. People can have as many as they want."

Mangxiang looked at Zhuzhao, but there was a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Even in the past, he would at most admit that he was weaker than Zhuzhao in strength, but he would never think that he was inferior to Zhuzhao in methods.

Now that the two are both Immortal Venerables at the Golden Core level, the absolute gap in their strength has greatly narrowed. How could Zhuzhao possibly scheme against him?
As he spoke, Mangxiang waved his hand gently.

Suddenly, the Heavenly Pillar within the Blessed Land of the Wild Elephant began to sway.

Amidst the terrified gazes of all the spirits in this blessed land, Mang Xiang casually selected forty Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Within his grotto-heaven were four cultivation sects, each practicing four different 'Wild Elephant New Methods'.

Each sect has dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Now, it's a piece of cake to select ten from each sect to serve us in the Great World.

Seeing that forty Foundation Establishment cultivators had suddenly appeared beside Mang Xiang, Zhu Zhao's smile subconsciously faded slightly.

That bastard, still the same bastard, a pure bastard.

When he killed Xuanzhuan and Danri, he probably already thought of using this method to remedy the problem of factional unrest.

Do you think that I, the founder, kill my disciples like chickens in order to alienate and alienate them?

Fine, go ahead and let them turn against you!

I'll send people from the cave!
For those living in a grotto-heaven, the impact on foundation building might not be so great, but foundation building can also be achieved within the greater world.

However, to open the Purple Mansion, one can only do so within the cave heaven where it was born—one must be loyal!
"I am relieved that you have considered everything carefully, fellow Daoist."

Now that you are conveniently able to move freely within the Great World, I hope you will take good care of the sect's affairs.

Zhuzhao gave some instructions and then disappeared into the sky.

He wasn't afraid of Mang Xiang causing trouble. Mang Xiang owed so many great cultivators favors, and he would be busy with something to do next. This process would still require the support of the Red Lantern Gang.

Of course, this support has a response, and the Red Lanterns can gradually officially step into the door-to-door level, which is why the Candlelight is willing to support the Wild Elephant's path to enlightenment.

Standing alone atop the heavens, the monstrous elephant made no move.

Those Foundation Establishment cultivators he had summoned from his celestial abode bowed down before him, addressing him as Immortal Venerable, but he didn't even glance at them.

With his gaze unfocused, Mangxiang looked around and then closed his eyes.

He seemed to be experiencing the changes within himself after successfully attaining the Golden Elixir.

It also seems that they are just thinking, thinking about what to do next.

For a Golden Core Immortal, the Great Dao is right beneath their feet, and any path is easy to take. However, it is still difficult to walk smoothly, far, or fast.

Because his competitors were not fools. Even Shen Guang, who seemed to be the least capable, was a legendary figure who had fought his way up from the ranks of a rogue cultivator with five spiritual roots.

After a long while, Mang Xiang finally moved. He waved his hand and moved the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the cave directly to the front of the Sect Leader's Hall on the main peak of Red Lantern.

"I've relayed the situation to your minds. Forty people, competing for two Purple Mansion opportunities. Do your best."

Having received the decree from Mangxiang, Zou Tianxing hurriedly received these suddenly appearing disciples of the Red Lantern Cult, treating them with unusually good manners, without the slightest bit of the malice he had shown towards Wang Yulou.

The past was before and the present is now.

Perhaps the day after tomorrow, Xiao Zou will once again transform into a seasoned rabies patient, continuing to tear apart the disciples of the Mangxiang Sect on behalf of the Immortal Venerable Zhuzhao.

But today, I, Xiao Zou, am also a reckless young warrior!

Immortal Venerable Mangxiang, loyal!
The reason is simple: the decree of the Immortal Venerable has been made clear—the traitorous gang of the Heavenly Serpent Sect, led by Pi Lingxiu, launched a sneak attack on Immortal Venerable Mangxiang during his Golden Core attainment process, resulting in the deaths of all seven Purple Mansion cultivators below the Xuanzhuan level.

shit.

Pi Lingxiu never knew he was so powerful until his death.

Zou Tianxing knew the truth—the patriarch slaughtered all his disciples' Purple Mansions in order to attain enlightenment!
Before such a mighty elephant immortal, who wouldn't tremble?

"Everyone, assemble in the main hall!"

On Mangxiang Mountain, Wang Jingyi received the patriarch's decree and, without hesitation, headed directly to the Taoist temple atop the mountain.

Along the way, she noticed that Yan Kexin's expression was terrifyingly horrible, and Guo Pinshi's expression was even more listless.

She used a secret technique passed down between master and disciple to summon Xuan Zhuan, hoping to find out what was going on, but all she got was endless silence.

In the main hall, all the surviving disciples of the Mangxiang Sect gathered together in a short time.

The seat at the head of the table was empty. Wang Jingyi searched left and right but could not find any trace of the Purple Mansion.

Even now, the once-powerful Mangxiang lineage has only about thirty people gathered in the main hall.

More than 30 people
Those who went to the front lines went to the front lines, and those who carried out missions outside the gate stayed outside the gate, but when did the number of Mangxiang lineage cultivators inside the gate become so small?
Yes, it's been a very, very long time since we've all gotten together.

The great war had raged for fifty years, and nearly a hundred cultivators from the Mangxiang lineage had either died or been seriously injured. That's why their numbers seemed so small when they gathered together.

Wang Jingyi fell silent for a moment, thinking about her injuries.

Leaving the front lines due to serious injuries, in hindsight, might actually be a good thing.

"Pi Lingxiu is a traitor to the Heavenly Serpent Sect, as are Guo Baichi and Danri. They attacked me at the crucial moment when I was proving my Golden Core cultivation."

Suddenly, the monstrous elephant appeared and spoke with a thunderous roar.

As he spoke, all the cultivators of the Danri lineage, led by Guo Pinshi, turned into mist and instantly dissipated.

Instantly, another third of the hall was gone.

"Poor Xuanzhuan and Keli, they did their best to help me defend myself."

Even in death, they couldn't completely stop it; all the outer disciples within the sect were slaughtered by the traitors.

Master is dead?!

At this moment, Wang Jingyi had no interest in caring about the Danri lineage that had been casually wiped out by the patriarch; she even forgot to breathe.

Whether Xuanzhuan is a thing or not is hard to say, but Wang has followed Xuanzhuan for so long after all.

Now that the hanging seal has cooled down, what will the Wang family do?
Yes, the patriarch is still alive, and he has even achieved the Golden Core stage.

Wang Jingyi could go even further and become a pillar of society, or even a member of the Purple Mansion.

But once you get to that point, there are many things you can't easily face.

For example, were Pi Lingxiu, Guo Baichi, Danri, and others really traitors?

Nobody is a fool, and Wang Jingyi is no fool either.

What kind of traitor, what kind of stupid traitor, would go to the trouble of killing outer disciples when Mang Xiang was proving the Golden Core?

Moreover, can Pi Lingxiu and the others really defeat Xuan Zhuan and his group together?

Are the other great cultivators in the sect blind or completely indifferent?
But these questions were swallowed up by everyone in the face of the 'poisonous influence' of the Danri faction, which had been reduced to dust.

Either die now for justice and truth, or live on and wait for opportunity and tomorrow—choose.

No choice.

"In short, although I have attained the Golden Core stage, I have also lost a lot. You disciples are my closest followers."

Mang Xiang continued speaking to himself, completely ignoring the expressions of horror, bewilderment, loyalty, joy, and sorrow on the faces of those below.

It doesn't matter.

The boy on the platform paused, his gaze sweeping around twice before settling on Wang Jingyi.

Wang Jingyi had not yet fully recovered from the shock of her master's death and was staring directly at Mang Xiang.

At this moment, being stared at by this terrifying monster, she felt her spine tremble.

No word "monster" is enough to describe the terror of Mang Xiang. This newest enlightened being in the world is a person who truly puts "at all costs" into practice.

The idea that one will stop at nothing to achieve enlightenment is often an abstract description, but the monstrous elephant provides the best real-world example of this abstract expression.

Who wouldn't be afraid under the watchful gaze of a wild elephant?
The young immortal had a warm and gentle smile on his lips, which could even make people feel warm.

But it was that same face that committed countless atrocities.

However, Mang Xiang meant no harm; he simply smiled slightly and said...

“Jingyi, your Wang family has followed me for a thousand years.”

Before, I was just a Purple Mansion, and I had my difficulties.

The situation is different now. Come up here, I'll open your Purple Mansion.

Jingyi, come up here, I'll open your Purple Mansion for you.

Later, she forgot how she felt when she approached the patriarch. She only remembered that when the patriarch raised his hand to bestow immortality upon her, she thought of Yulou.

Long ago, Wang Yulou's cultivation level was boosted by four levels in an instant, reaching the peak of Qi Refining.

The method used was created by Mang Xiang.

But the Purple Mansion that Mang Xiang opened for Wang Jingyi is not the same thing.

How could the Purple Mansion be opened so easily?
It was nothing more than giving Wang Jingyi the leftovers from the Suspended Cave Heaven.

Xuan Zhuan died, and Wang Jingyi took his place.

Mang Xiang slaughtered all of his disciples in the Purple Mansion, and now he needs a new leader to take charge.

"I robbed you of a small cave before, which contained five strands of cave essence. Today I'm returning a big one to you, hahahaha."

However, a mere grotto-heaven is not yet a Purple Mansion. Given your situation, you should cultivate the Formless Purple Mansion method. I will transmit the method to you, and you will be able to cultivate faster that way.”

When Wang Jingyi heard Mang Xiang say "rob," she immediately shuddered.

Although that's what I thought in my heart, I never said it out loud.

"Master, it is me."

Mang Xiang raised his hand and made a pressing gesture, and Wang Jingyi was speechless.

The Suspended Cave Heaven, which had been reduced to a mere fifty miles in radius, was brought to Wang Jingyi's dantian in a very special form by Mangxiang's magic.

It seems to be a magical artifact, or perhaps a supernatural power.

Knowledge about the 'Formless Purple Mansion' entered Wang Jingyi's mind as if it were free.

The door to enlightenment has been opened, and Wang Jingyi wanted to ask what the price was, but in the end, she didn't ask.

Even the worst Purple Mansion is still a Purple Mansion.

The patriarch has already attained enlightenment and indeed needs people to do his work.

There's nothing to ask. Isn't this kind of opportunity a stroke of luck?
The thing that countless cultivators fought and died for, the thing they dreamed of, was simply given to Wang Jingyi.

"With your talent, and with the Formless Purple Mansion Technique I've tailored for you, you should be able to open your Purple Mansion within two years. Pay close attention, understand?"

Upon hearing that the Formless Purple Mansion Technique he had been taught was specially customized by Mang Xiang, Wang Jingyi immediately exclaimed.

"Master, Jingyi understands!"

"Hahaha, go ahead, go ahead."

Of course, no one else could hear what the two of them were saying.

Mang Xiang summoned them today not only to determine the fate of all the disciples in the Purple Mansion and to open the Purple Mansion for Wang Jingyi, but also for many other matters.

"Has any of you been to Qunqingyuan?"

After appointing three people to serve as stewards in the outer courtyard of the Red Lantern Temple in Qunqing Plain to reclaim wasteland and prepare for construction, Mangxiang arranged another matter.

"The war has dragged on for a long time, and the situation is not optimistic. I transferred forty Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Cave Heaven to the Great Heaven and Earth, which can be considered as adding some chances to the overall situation."

However, these people don't understand the situation on the big picture and are not suitable for the front lines. After you hand over your work to them, go to the front lines.

Those who perform well will naturally be recognized. Although Jingyi was the first Purple Mansion disciple under my tutelage after I attained Dao, she will certainly not be the last.

Mangxiang is a master of making promises; he never minces words when it comes to making promises, and they always look almost real.

"Immortal Venerable, shall we continue the fight?"

Yan Kexin asked tremblingly.

The changes in heaven and earth, the successive rise and fall of those who seize the Dao Fruit, and the disappearance of the Purple Mansions.
The grand spectacle of Mang Xiang's Golden Elixir has come to an end, but he seems to have no intention of stopping the war.

Not only did they keep going, but they also demanded that all their subordinates go to the front lines.
"Of course, now that you've gone to the front lines, I'll arrange for Yulou to let you make contributions."

"Once you've done something good, many things will be easier to discuss, understand?"

Mangxiang smiled and offered some pointers.
-
Two days later, at the Jade Palace.

Looking at the imperial edict in his hand and then at Yan Kexin and the others in front of him, Wang Yulou fell into deep thought.

Even after the elephant attained enlightenment, the war continued, which is strange.

It's strange that a red lantern was set up in the outer courtyard of the Immortal City of Qunqingyuan.

It's strange that forty Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Cave Heaven Sect have replaced the original Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Mangxiang Sect and occupied key positions within the Red Lantern Sect.

When the master's chess game reached this point, Wang Yulou found himself somewhat unable to understand it.

In the world of cultivation, only strength matters.

However, the practical methods that Wang Yulou used to navigate his path were, in a sense, similar to those employed in officialdom for promotion.

This is because their power and status mainly come from the 'Upper' group, which consists of great monks with absolute power.

His will to be "above" and his own abilities constitute part of his overall strength.

From the perspective of underlying logic, the core of this concept is somewhat similar to the idea that power is only responsible for the source of power.

However, if we apply the power logic of ordinary officialdom to Wang Yulou's struggle in isolation and mechanically, we will obviously fall into the fallacy of 'why can't others do it'.

Of course, others cannot.

Feng Jianxian is another person; Mo Yunshu, who is trapped in the Qi Refining stage and not allowed to establish a foundation, is another person; Wang Yu'an, another dual-spiritual-root foundation-establishment seed who is treated differently by the Wang family, is another person; Yan Keyi, who got the opportunity to enter the eyes of the patriarch but was crushed by Xuan Zhuan after leading the escape, is another person; Qiu Lianpu, who was devoured alive by his own patriarch, is also another person; and the Shenguang Liudu and the others, who became waste materials under the influence of the trend, are another person.

On this thorny path to transcendence, all those who failed to withstand the unexpected events and risks and turned into dust are others.

Personal struggle, the general trend of the times, the favor of fate, special opportunities, a steadfast heart, and an indomitable spirit—all of these combined are only necessary but not sufficient conditions for attaining enlightenment.

The scarcity of truth amidst endless lies, the incomplete and inappropriate initial intentions, the ideology constructed by short-lived mortals that is unsuitable for the cultivation world, uncontrollable personal desires, and the character flaws that must be overcome—these countless traps and pitfalls are all things that Wang Yulou must solve. However, even after solving them, they are not the necessary but not sufficient conditions for him to reach the other shore.

What then is a necessary condition?

This is a question that Wang Yulou has been pondering for a long time. The prerequisite for continuing is to see the road clearly and then find the way to walk it. This question is very important; it is even a key part of spiritual practice.

Wang Yulou only learned the answer to this question after he learned that "the spy Pi Lingxiu of the Heavenly Serpent Sect took advantage of the critical moment of the founder's breakthrough to launch a sneak attack on the Red Lantern Sect, causing heavy losses to the sect. Danri and Guo Baichi were also traitors, and Xuanzhuan, Yan Keli, and more than two thousand outer disciples were all killed in battle."

The necessary condition for attaining enlightenment, or rather, for progressing to the next level, is determination.

In fact, none of it matters that much in the final, most crucial moment.

When it comes to the final step, what matters is determination.

The patriarch's resolve wavered slightly, and Pi Lingxiu became a notorious traitor to the Immortal Alliance. The Heavenly Serpent Sect then orchestrated a terrifying and absurd sneak attack, and his good disciple Danri became a heartless beast.

Pilingxiu probably never imagined he could be so 'resilient' when he died.

In the world of cultivation, when your opponents are all beasts, your weaknesses will be quickly locked onto, magnified, and torn apart by them.

Wang Yulou realized that the monstrous elephant, as a mountain he had to overcome on his path to success, would probably be very difficult to climb.

"Junior Brother Yulou, what about our seats?"

Seeing that Wang Yulou remained silent, Yan Kexin tentatively asked.

His junior brother, Yulou, looked up, smiled slightly, and said.

"Alright, you can all go to the northern front. There is no fighting on the northern front."

(End of this chapter)