Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 406 Zhao Qi
In the palace.

The deep thunderous energy dissipated and then vanished again. The blue crow gradually stopped crying, and the black and red light of the Guangmu Mountain gradually contracted under the pressure of the thunder, becoming as solid as metal and stone.

The black bird lowered its head and instantly transformed into a streak of blue light, returning to the Guangsu brocade pouch.

"Fellow Daoist, did you mention this matter? Do you have any news?"

Xu Xuan thought of Kunwei, which must be this grotto-heaven in Shu. After being shaken, it must be falling now. Guang Su probably asked Chen Xiyue to leave temporarily to avoid upsetting her.

"Naturally, news of this hidden paradise's impending demise has spread to various places."

Guang Su lowered her gaze slightly, looked at Xu Xuan, paused briefly, and then continued:
"Fellow Daoist's lineage, upon careful calculation, is also a celestial lineage of the Great Shu, inherited from Feng Xuan. Naturally, you are qualified to enter. If we consider its prestige, Xu Jianxian's lineage also belongs to the 'Xuanqing' orthodox lineage after the Golden Core stage."

"Xuanqing?"

"This is the proper name for Xuanqi, called 'Xuanqing,' similar to 'Shichu' for Shiqi and 'Yuanzhong' for Yuanqi." Guangsu's voice deepened slightly. "If [Kunwei Heaven] descends, fellow Daoist, you can enter; all cultivators will have no objections."

"This grotto-heaven wasn't opened by the Song family and several other immortal sects, so how could we allow outsiders to set foot in it?"

Xu Xuan looked slightly surprised, but then he saw Guang Su smile and say:
"Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. Once this cave is opened, all cultivators from the Li Kingdom can enter and rely on their own abilities. The Imperial Family still has this much magnanimity."

"Once the cave opens, the Emperor's plan will be complete. With the Earth element emerging and the Mountain God returning, the Great Li Divine Path can then bestow titles upon the Five Sacred Mountains' True Gods."

"The Song family's plot to establish the divine path was essentially an encroachment on the interests of all cultivators. It was only because the True Lord had guaranteed that he would not use the divine path to oppress people that he gained the tacit approval of several immortal sects. Now that the cave heaven has been opened, it is only natural that the benefits should be shared with all cultivators."

Xu Xuan's heart stirred. If that were the case, it seemed that building a divine path was inherently incompatible with immortal cultivation.

"I've heard that the ancient Heavenly Court also had a divine and immortal system. I wonder how it differs from the current state of Li Kingdom?"

He casually inquired about the matter, only to see Guang Su shake her head and sigh:

"The ancient Heavenly Court existed for a very short time, only a few generations of glory. If you look closely, it was not as famous as the Thunder Palace. Its construction was made possible by the Thunder Palace, the Sun Palace, and the Moon Palace."

"However, their method of conferring celestial titles is far more advanced than that of the present world. It is said that once one enters the ranks of immortals and is granted a celestial register, one will never fall into the lower realms and will be free from karmic consequences. It uses 'prosperity and energy' as its outward form and 'mysterious purity' as its foundation."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xuan immediately recalled the mysterious stele within his body, imbued with the wondrous essence of immortal virtue and purity—wasn't it used by the ancient Heavenly Court for bestowing immortal titles?

"It's actually related to the primordial energy. No wonder it's so wondrous. I wonder what the differences are between the divine paths of the two kingdoms of Li and Liao now?"

When Xu Xuan asked about this, Guang Su continued to explain:

"The Liao region relies on 'Lingsa,' which is more primitive and claims to collect the spiritual essence of all things, worshipping them as deities. All the gods, large and small, are affiliated with the Liao emperor's 'Nianguo,' similar to the Buddhist 'Dharma Realm.' Their divine authority depends entirely on the support of the imperial family."

"Our Great Li's method of bestowing titles upon gods uses 'Lu Qi,' also known as 'Tian Lu.' It involves responding to the mountains and rivers to bestow titles upon heroic spirits, relying on this particular heaven and earth, thus granting them divine authority within this land."

Xu Xuan suddenly realized that the so-called Buddhist cultivation realm and Liaodi Nianguo were essentially all about borrowing power from top to bottom, and ultimately, it was limited.

The divine position conferred by the Kingdom of Li is one that unites with mountains and rivers and resonates with heaven and earth, which is also a form of borrowing power. However, the water stored in this reservoir far surpasses that of the so-called Dharma Realm and Nian Kingdom.

"So it's that important, no wonder. I just wonder, what's the current state of this grotto-heaven?"

His voice deepened, but Guang Su, standing beside him, said softly:
"Kunwei Tianzheng was established by Emperor Taiheng, the founding emperor of Shu. This great man inherited the Shu dynasty and attained enlightenment after the fall of Xia. He emerged from Shu and almost completely occupied the Central Plains."

"The 'Earth of the Five Elements' is the ultimate of the five elements, possessing both offensive and defensive capabilities. In ancient times, it even produced immortal lords. It is one of the top lineages among the Five Virtues, similar in status to 'Water of the Vast Ocean' and 'Wood of the Primordial Origin.'"

"Later, when Shu fell, the Shu royal family put most of their possessions into the cave, even the Earthly Deity was hidden there. The wonders of it are unimaginable. The Song family also used the method of historical fiction to shake it."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xuan's heart stirred slightly, but he was not particularly interested. The matter of the Earth element had no connection to his path of cultivation. If it were a grotto-heaven of a Thunder Palace, he would naturally go there no matter what.

But then he remembered something else, looked at Guang Su, and asked:

"I wonder. Since it was hidden, how was this method of historical interpretation originally created?"

Guang Su looked somewhat hesitant. She naturally knew that the matter on Chi Yun's side was orchestrated by the Di family, with Fu Chen and Tai Zhen providing support, and that their actions were somewhat dishonorable.

Moreover, it also involves that person.
But she needed someone's help right now, and after a slight pause, just as she was about to speak, Wei Shuang sighed, pointed to the jade cup in her hand, and said:

"Let me tell you."

Guang Su looked over with gratitude. She was sensitive to the Daoist tradition and cultivated Guangmu, which was too close to Li Huo, so she naturally couldn't make any rash comments. She nodded slightly to Wei Shuang, her eyes filled with warmth.

Wei Shuang, standing to the side, still had a stern face. The plum blossoms on her plain robe seemed to be covered with a layer of frost and snow, making them crystal clear.

"I have also heard about Fellow Daoist Xu's matter. The method of shaking the cave heaven was based on a Dao diagram drawn on a piece of white paper blessed land [plain paper], which was created by National Preceptor Huji."

Wei Shuang's gaze sharpened slightly, and she said in a deep voice:
"I am the only one left in my Frost Plum Sect. I am not afraid of anyone's wrath. Immortal Xu and I fought together to slay demons. We are sworn brothers. I will make things clear today."

"This Imperial Preceptor's real name is Qi Changsheng. His ancestors were from the Zhao Ting imperial family. Are you familiar with this history, fellow Daoist?"

Xu Xuan simply shook his head, a thought stirring within him, as if he had a guess. Then Wei Shuang continued:
"This lord is renowned throughout Dali, cultivating 'Blessed Qi' with mastery of all five methods, making him one of the top figures in the world. However, his methods are quite harsh, and he has punished many people." "Zhao Ting primarily cultivated 'Fierce Qi.' He was destroyed by Shu and met a tragic end; his clan was cast into the Netherworld, but one branch escaped overseas."

"This Lord Qi is a descendant of Zhao Ting. After entering the court as an official, he followed the trend of the Investiture of the Gods and proposed this method that shakes Kunlun. His ancestors had a piece of white paper passed down in the blessed land, which was similar to the one of Senior Guan Quan. It became the so-called 'Shu Wang Tu' (Map of Shu)."

"He dislikes the Shu people, so naturally his methods are bloody. Otherwise, the Di family would still have some reservations. At most, the historical account would involve only a few people, and they wouldn't kill indiscriminately. Fellow Daoist Xu's sect has suffered an undeserved disaster."

As she spoke, Wei Shuang seemed to remember something and immediately asked:

"Fellow Daoist, there should be a paper figure from the Blessed Land of White Paper within your sect. You must know something about this blessed land?"

"I've heard it's called 'The Grand Historian's Record of Heaven and Earth on White Paper,' and it has some connection to the Earth element."

Xu Xuan's heart stirred slightly. This blessed land was known as the number one blessed land, extremely mysterious. The so-called method of imitating the ancients was terrifying enough, and it could even trace the figures of Fengdai.

"A world of blank paper, where the Thunder Palace does not patrol, the Underworld does not restrain, neither entering the Great Luo nor sinking into the Great Void, is truly a realm beyond words and thoughts."

"The two Earth elements, Wu and Ji, were also known in ancient times as the Earth elements of the State and the State. 'Ji Earth' belongs to this blessed land, possessing the wondrous function of an official historian, said to have recorded all events that have occurred since ancient times."

"There are even rumors that immortals reside in this blessed land."

Xu Xuan was now somewhat certain that this method of depicting the ancients was indeed a technique close to immortality, and even a True Lord probably wouldn't have such ability.

"No living person has ever left this blessed land. Instead, paper figures are sent out to travel the world, mostly for foundation building. Zhao Qi rose to prominence by obtaining a paper figure to spread his teachings. Only the National Preceptor Huji had a [plain paper] in his possession."

"I am telling you this because I remember the time I fought the demon. I hope you understand that Lord Qi is probably not happy that this paper figure has chosen you."

"Those chosen by the Blessed Land of Blank Paper are mostly destined to leave their mark on history, whether for good or bad; they are what we call 'variables'."

Wei Shuang finished speaking, but Guang Su, who was standing to the side, spoke up, saying only:

"I have some connections with the Di family. I'm talking about this today to tell you that the Song family has no ill intentions towards you and has never intended to target you. You can be more at ease in the Thunder Department."

Xu Xuan shook his head, seemingly unwilling to discuss these matters at the moment, and changed the subject back to the cave heaven.

"When will the Kunlun Mountains open?"

"It will probably take many more years, but during this period, some fragments containing the Shu Kingdom's immortal sects should fall. Fellow Daoist, you can also pay attention to them. Most of these fragments require Foundation Establishment to explore, so you can prepare early."

Guang Su spoke, his gaze shifting slightly, and said:
"With Xi Yue's connection, fellow Daoist, you can visit me more often in the future. My residence is on Youchao Peak in the sect. If you ever travel through Youzhou in the future, you can go and take a look."

"As for the matter of the grotto-heaven, since you are still considering it, let's discuss it another day."

Guang Su stood up, and black and red light surged out of the hall, bringing Chen Xiyue back with him.

Xu Xuan stepped forward, said goodbye, but didn't say anything more. Then he saw Guang Su break through the void and leave with his disciples.

Wei Shuang, who was standing to the side, stood up, about to take his leave, but Xu Xuan stopped him, his gaze shifting slightly, and said:

"May I ask how Senior Guan Quan has been lately?"

Wei Shuang paused slightly, not expecting Xu Xuan to ask about this senior, and immediately replied:

"The senior is still repairing his physical body. He doesn't need to use blood energy, and he also needs to strip away the demonic energy and transform the desire-based light, so it's naturally a bit slow."

"I recently acquired a purple Qi spiritual item. I wonder if it would be of any use to you, senior?"

Xu Xuan remained calm. In his inner realm, he expended a full three hundred immortal virtues to condense a [Harmonious Profound Qi]. This was the very thing that had appeared when he repaired his Dao Realm. It belonged to the Profound Qi and could transform into a spiritual object of the Purple, True, and Prosperity Paths.

"What kind of spiritual object is it?"

"【Purple Wall Pure Stone】".

Xu Xuan softly uttered the name of this spiritual object. Within his inner realm, the harmonious and profound energy immediately transformed into a pure white stone surrounded by a hazy purple light.

The Purple Yuan Stone is quite valuable, but not too rare. Even if it is sold, it will not arouse suspicion. Most importantly, this Yuan Stone can be refined into the Dharma body, which is perfect for Guan Quan Zhenren.

The Chonghe Xuanqi can even transform into several long-extinct spiritual objects. Once taken out, anyone would notice something is wrong, but Xu Xuan would naturally not do so.

"Purple Wall Pure Stone!"

Wei Shuang's gaze was stern, but Xu Xuan smiled slightly and took out a white stone shrouded in purple light. As soon as the stone appeared, Wei Shuang couldn't take her eyes off it.

"This is exactly what I need, fellow Daoist. May I name a price?"

Inside the hall, a hazy purple light shone on the faces of the two people.

(End of this chapter)