Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 574 Bingwei
Inside the Doutian Palace.

The fire raged fiercely, and the heat waves rolled in, turning the nearby Bagua alchemy furnace a bright red. The branches of the firewood tree crisscrossed and climbed all over the dome, and red cicadas could be seen on the branches, buzzing softly.

Jingying's face was hidden in a cloud of true fire energy. She then laid out the animal hide and placed it in the hall.

The dark scroll unfurled, revealing a crimson bear depicted in a rather crude manner. The lines were blurred, the imagery ancient, yet it exuded a mysterious charm.

This beast has a single golden horn on its head, which is extremely upright and unbiased. Its eyes are like torches, and it stands as tall as a pagoda. It is also covered with fur that looks like crimson flames, making it appear even more magnificent.

In ancient times, the grades of artifacts were difficult to define and were not accurately classified.

Liu Xiaowen sensed it briefly and realized that this spiritual artifact was definitely a rare Bing Fire artifact, and it would be able to unleash its full power in his hands.

When choosing ritual implements, it's not about choosing the highest grade; the most important thing is whether they are suitable for you.

"Do you know how to distinguish the beasts of the Bing Fire element?"

Jingying spoke leisurely, shaking off the scroll. The red bear above stepped down, like a living being, and lay peacefully to the side, almost as tall as the alchemy furnace.

"According to my records, the beasts associated with the Bing Fire element are mostly furry creatures, belonging to the tiger and bear families, namely the [Zhao Xiong] and the [Ke Hu].

Liu Xiaowen felt that his answer was correct. Although the "Hengguang Huanhuo Book" only gave a general description of this type of Bing beast, it was possible to deduce it based solely on its supernatural characteristics.

"This is the division by the Queen of Chu. If we trace it back to ancient times, it should be [Binghu]. The ancient people used the bear to represent the virtue of a great man and the tiger to represent the brilliant changes of a great man."

The red bear let out a low roar, then stood up, its golden horn glowing with flames that intertwined with the light of true fire.

Jingying gently tapped the scroll again, returning the Bing beast to its original position. She continued, "..."

"The King of Chu was tyrannical, eating the flesh and blood of the people, and transformed into a vicious tiger with horns and wings. As a result, most of the artifacts and scriptures corresponding to this mythical beast have changed and lost their effectiveness, while the other image of the Zhaoxiong remains intact."

"This scroll of the [Honghuo Beast Diagram] was created when the King of Chu ascended the throne. It contained the life of an entire Zhao Xiong bloodline and was used as a weapon of virtue. Its power has not been greatly diminished. In the hands of a Binghuo cultivator, it should be no less than a mid-grade spiritual weapon."

She closed the scroll and handed it over, but Liu Xiaowen did not accept it immediately, saying only:
“Senior, this item is very valuable. However, I have gained an advantage by using only a single spark of fire. I am ashamed to accept this.”

He has always been a serious person. Douyan has been refining pills for the sect for a long time, and now he has even taken out such an ancient spiritual artifact. He could even exchange it for a complete Purple Mansion Spiritual Fire.

"If that's the case, let me think about it."

Jingying did not refuse again. The scroll of beast paintings in her hand was not only powerful, but more importantly, it contained the history passed down from the Chu Kingdom, allowing people to glimpse the nature of the ancient Bing Fire.

It can be said that if this scroll were sent to the Great Li, all those who cultivate the three fires of Bing and Li would probably vie to see it, and she only wants a seed of fire, so it is indeed quite valuable.

"I wonder what your requirements are, senior? If it is within my power, I will certainly help you. However, if it is beyond my ability, I apologize that I cannot do it."

Liu Xiaowen's tone was calm, and he did not respond directly.

"I've heard that your temple has inherited the Hengguang lineage, and that the True Lord of the past left behind a secret technique called the [Shangyang Flame Furnace]. I happen to need it; I wonder if I could exchange it for it?"

Jingying seemed to know quite a bit about the Hengguang lineage, which surprised Liu Xiaowen.

Wen Guang's "Book of Everlasting Radiance and Illuminating Fire" can be considered to have all five methods, except for the last one, the method of cultivating supernatural powers, "Bearing Yang Yuan," which is somewhat incomplete.

As for sixth-grade spells, there are three: [Subduing the Mysterious Heavenly Illumination Dharma Body], [Upper Yang Flame Furnace], and [Heavenly Origin Constant Bright Dao Light].

There are about ten other fifth-grade and fourth-grade secret techniques, involving various aspects of the Bing Fire element.

With his talent alone, it would probably take him at least several decades to master a Dharma Body technique, and a hundred years to achieve full mastery.

The most difficult path, [Heavenly Origin Eternal Brightness Dao Light], would likely require over a hundred years to achieve even a minor success if one began practicing it now. It might reach perfection only after reaching the late stage of the Purple Mansion realm, and would consume an enormous amount of resources.

For an ordinary cultivator in the Purple Mansion, mastering three sixth-grade spells is already a prerequisite for a direct descendant of the Golden Core cultivator; any more than that would hinder the attainment of supernatural powers.

This technique, the [Shangyang Flame Furnace], is a method of using the virtue of a wise king to subdue barbarians and resolve evil and rebellion; it is not a direct method of weapon forging.

According to records, it is related to the long-lost "Shangli" (a ritual for offering gifts).

“I am close to you, and since you have recovered and can use it, I should naturally take it. It has nothing to do with any magical artifact.”

Liu Xiaowen pondered for a moment, then continued:
"However, the art of the Dao should be approached with caution. I will write a letter and ask my master for his opinion. I will reply to you within a month."

"it is good."

Jingying spoke casually, handing the [Honghuo Beast Diagram] directly to the other party with a light laugh:
"If you enter Bai Cang recently, you will probably have to fight. Take this spiritual artifact first, and if it doesn't work, just return it."

"Thank you, senior. In that case, please take the fire first."

Liu Xiaowen was unwilling to owe this favor any more, so he immediately unleashed the [Eternal Brightness Profound Flame], and golden-red flames surged forth, illuminating the area.

"Indeed, it is the eternal fire, transformed by the sun, its light is eternal, like the sun in the sky." Jingying nodded slightly, activated her supernatural power, and saw a branch of the flint tree fire extend down, lightly touching the golden-red spirit fire, and immediately a mysterious flame landed on the branch.

The retraction of the flint tree branch caused Jingying's figure to ripple, appearing somewhat ethereal. She murmured softly:
"My life is not yet secure, so I cannot remain out in public for too long. If you receive any news in the future, just discuss this matter with Pingxiu, and he will handle it."

"Junior understands."

Liu Xiao bowed respectfully, and then heard the woman's voice grow fainter and fainter.

Jingying's body transformed into a wisp of flame and returned to the alchemy furnace. A ray of golden light shone through the gap, like the sun shining on the earth, generating the heat of the earth's veins. Its high status even made Liu Xiaowen feel that it was not the Purple Mansion.

Liu Xiao felt a stirring in his heart, but he knew it was a secret of someone else's lineage and should not be pried into, so he immediately left the mountain.

He rode the wind and escaped, leaving the mountain. At this moment, he had some thoughts in his mind. He silently put away the [Honghuo Beast Diagram], and a red bear lay peacefully in his inner vision, echoing the celestial phenomenon.

"That's... metal?"

If the Pure Light Immortal perished while seeking gold, she may have truly refined the gold essence. Although it is fundamentally different from what the True Lord left behind, it is still a rare thing in the world.

According to the records in the Hengguang Daoist book, the nature of a True Lord, if given the right opportunity, is sufficient to create another Golden Elixir. However, the Golden Nature that perishes in pursuit of gold is far inferior in rank; it is merely tainted with gold and is in fact a "false nature."

Even if it is fake, it still embodies the soul, realm, and cultivation of a peak Purple Mansion cultivator after sublimation, and is a manifestation of status. It is just that it has not been accepted by the Gold Rank and cannot become real.

"The Daoist lineage of the Heavenly Realm is so close to mine. Perhaps there was some connection between us in the past."

There is no kindness without a reason in this world, especially from such a great sage, whose depth of mind and far-reaching thoughts have reached an inhuman level.

Liu Xiaowen was now silently pondering the other party's meaning, especially regarding the nature of the ancient Bing fire, which gave him some ideas.

"The fire element (丙火) represents a magnificent brightness that illuminates the entire universe and embodies the way of sages and virtuous men. In ancient times, the people used the bear as an image of a sage king, which sufficiently demonstrates the connection between this fire and the way of the emperor."

"When a great man transforms like a tiger, his writing shines brightly, which is associated with the element of Bing Fire; when a gentleman transforms like a leopard, his writing flourishes, which is associated with the element of Yi Wood. This represents an upward trend of innovation and change, and it is also related to the element of Dui Metal."

Upon hearing the records in the Taoist books, Liu Xiao seemed to realize that something was amiss.

"Nowadays, C is acting like a wicked ruler and B like a petty person; both have strayed from the right path."
-
In the wild outer sea, there lies the immortal continent of Juku.

This continent is located south of Fenglin, thousands of miles away. It is where many ancient immortals passed down their teachings and lived in seclusion for a very long time. In recent times, there have even been traces of True Lords appearing in the world.

The seawater churns and white waves surge. A verdant and serene peak stands by the sea, upon which a white wooden Taoist temple is situated. Flowers and plants flourish and adorn the temple, while the azure energy of the wood is imprinted on the gate, displaying various beautiful patterns.

When the sun shines brightly in the sky, brilliant golden light bursts through the air, like the sun crashing down.

A young man dressed in a light gold robe with sun patterns descended on the wind. He was tall and handsome, with a pair of bright golden eyes that shone like the sun. At his waist was a snow-white longsword, and the sword intent flowing around him was extremely astonishing.

Li Shangmi withdrew his supernatural powers, descended on the wind, stopped, and gently knocked on the door.

"Si Wenchuan".

He let out a shout, and then waited quietly.

Three breaths later, the gate opened, and a young man stepped out. He had a noble and elegant appearance and wore a green robe. He looked like a scholar who had come from somewhere. He gathered his Yi Wood supernatural power, which displayed various gorgeous decorations, and transformed into a leopard, which lay down peacefully.

This person exuded an aura that clearly indicated the presence of two supernatural powers. Upon seeing the newcomer, he laughed and said:
"It's been a long time! Brother Li, you've made rapid breakthroughs, and your second divine ability is almost complete!"

“I have been ordered by my master to accompany you on a journey to the South China Sea in order to protect the Dao.”

Li Shang's voice was calm and steady. He currently possessed two supernatural abilities, on par with his opponent, but Si Wenchuan showed no disrespect and instead thanked him repeatedly.

A sword immortal of the Sun Dao lineage, wielding a supreme treasure, is now an ordinary mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator. If he were to encounter this Yu Hua sword immortal, he would have no choice but to retreat.

Si Wenchuan spoke in a low, melancholy tone, looking south:

"Qingye Kongtian, ah, my [Zhengwei] sect's things are still inside, and it is only right that I retrieve them. From now on, I will have to rely on Brother Li for many things."

Li Shangmi nodded slightly, but then asked:

"That's the proper way. Should we go to Jianhai in the South China Sea first?"

"No rush, let's go get something first."

Si Wenchuan seemed to have planned this all along, displaying complete confidence. He activated his supernatural powers, and a gentle breeze caused white flowers to rise, lifting the two of them up and heading south.

Li Shangmi remained calm, pressing down on the sword's edge. Since he left the mountain, this [White Crown] had become increasingly active, resonating with the sword intent, and was almost ready to be drawn on its own.

"It belongs to the dragon faction; let me see if it's real or not."

(End of this chapter)