Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 665 The fifth wife
The main hall of the imperial palace.

Above the ceiling are reliefs cast in pure gold, depicting celestial birds carrying stars, jujubes and apricots falling, and nets and misty clouds. Amidst these, crimson and apricot-yellow flames surge and disperse like vapor.

The emperor on the vermilion throne had slightly brighter red eyes. When he spoke, his voice was like a deep bell.

"rise."

The long talismans on the table rose into the air and hung in the hall, each emanating a mysterious aura.

One is a pale silver color, covered with thunder patterns, and inscribed with the words "Northern Thunder Without Mercy," echoing heaven and earth and summoning thunder. It seems to be completely integrated with its surroundings and inseparable.

The object happened to fall in front of Xu Xuan, giving him a sense of familiarity. It seemed to be in seal script, but it was quite different.

The strongest reaction came from the Black Law within his body, which vibrated continuously, seemingly resonating with the long talisman, causing Xu Xuan to feel slightly surprised.

The other long talisman was bluish-black, shrouded in demonic energy, and inscribed with the words "Netherworld Demon Control." Demons and ghosts appeared beside it, constantly trying to drag the talisman into the underworld.

"This is a celestial register, obtained from an imperial palace in Fengdai. It possesses the power to act on behalf of the emperor and to command the mysteries of heaven and earth."

Tian Chi spoke, his bird-like crimson pupils growing even brighter, and he said:
"The Northern Liao Dynasty promoted many heretical sects in order to exorcise demons and gods. These two celestial talismans were the secret treasures of the Northern Thunder Sect and also reproduced the wonders of the ancient Thunder Palace and the Underworld."

He paused, his gaze shifting slightly between Xu Xuan and Nan Wang, before saying only:

"This originally belonged to the ancient Thunder Palace and the Underworld. According to records, the method of making this talisman was passed down from the Tai Shi Dao lineage and requires primordial energy, which can no longer be reproduced today."

Tian Chi's tone was slightly wistful, and his gaze shifted, finally settling on Nan Wang.

"Your ancestor in the Wu family was granted a celestial talisman by the Demon Lord Wusheng. I suppose you know about that?"

"Your Majesty, I have only heard my elders say that the ancient Three Qi, [Feng Xuan made seal script, Xi Yuan made medicine, and Tai Shi bestowed registers], were all methods for cultivating disciples of these first-class Daoist lineages."

Nan Wang looked at the celestial scroll in his hand and respectfully replied:

"The primordial energy of antiquity descended to manifest as blessings, prosperity, and longevity, as well as merit, karma, and the order of heaven and earth."

"good."

Tian Chi spoke up and continued:

"The Tai Shi Dao can use the primordial energy as the heavenly register, which can be used to establish authority and command heaven and earth. It is the highest level of the Dao."

"The ancient Heavenly Court's Lu Qi also originated from this, and what was bestowed was called Shen Lu. Now, our Great Li has been bestowed with nearly a hundred Shen Lu, which are all based on this method, but they are far less powerful than this Heavenly Lu!"

Xu Xuan's heart stirred. At this moment, he gained a deeper understanding of the divine way of Dali. The so-called divine talisman was probably the fundamental thing that the divine way used to control life and borrow magical power.

For example, the True Man Weihua was granted a so-called divine talisman, so as long as he was in a place illuminated by the Primordial Luo, he could exert a cultivation level comparable to the late stage of the Purple Mansion realm.

This Heavenly Register seems to be even higher. If Nan Wang is right, then this Heavenly Register is very likely something similar to seal script, a secret transmission of the Three Qi Dao lineage.

'It seems that seal script existed in ancient times.'

Xu Xuan wanted to ask Tian Tuo, but the old demon remained silent, seemingly afraid of revealing something.

"Now that the primordial energy is no longer visible, the mystery of this thing is not as great as before. It needs to be repaired little by little. However, it still has wonderful uses if used to deal with witches, ghosts and demons."

"You two will receive this talisman today and refine it, then you can prepare to join the army on the northern expedition."

"I will take your orders."

Xu Xuan and Nan Wang both received the talisman and understood His Majesty's meaning.

Once they entered Liao territory, they would face numerous ghosts, spirits, and monks, as well as sacred mountains and waters, or pure lands and celestial realms, which would be extremely disadvantageous for the foreign Li Kingdom army.

Xu Xuan and Nan Wang were chosen as countermeasures against the Liao people's methods, since She Lei and Dai Qi are both lineages skilled in wielding the power of heaven and earth, and are the foundation of heavenly tribulations and demonic trials.

"Xingyou, take the two of them to the [Five Great Hall] and bestow this talisman upon them."

Tianchi spoke, looking towards the entrance of the main hall.

Outside the hall, flames surged and the void trembled. From within emerged a woman dressed in an apricot-red dress, her beauty stunning, her spirit radiant, and her body imbued with a powerful divine aura.

Xingyou stepped inside, bowed respectfully, and, after receiving a signal from the superior above, turned to look at the two immortals beside her.

"Please come with me."

Xu Xuantong wasn't very familiar with this Dan Bird. They had fought in the cave heaven years ago, and fought together again when attacking Qinghu. Overall, it was neither good nor bad.

The group walked on the cloud path. Xingyou's aura was perfect, and her supernatural powers were at ease. She showed no signs of injury and appeared to be in high spirits. She led the way.

"You two have received such a divine treasure; it is an immense stroke of luck."

"But the northern expedition is not an easy task."

They had already left the imperial palace area, but Nan Wang still lowered his voice, a hint of regret in his eyes, as he looked at the celestial scroll in his hand.

"If the primordial energy is not manifest, the value of this item is greatly diminished. It merely grants authority but not power. In ancient times, if an ordinary person were granted a Heavenly Register, they would instantly gain supernatural power. If the Purple Palace received it, it would have the authority to touch the Golden Elixir."

The Wu family originated from the Demon-Slaying Sect of the Youdai Dao, and were originally from the Primordial Qi Dao lineage. They were even more knowledgeable about these things. However, at this moment, he gradually realized the useless nature of this Heavenly Talisman.

"It is only a matter of gaining power, but not of strength. In the end, it still requires our supernatural powers and magic to leverage it. It is only useful when dealing with the Nian Kingdom and the Pure Land Path, but it requires our full efforts."

Nan Wang looked somewhat regretful, and simply said:
"If it is the Daoist inscription of [Fengxuan] that can restore one's life, or the immortal medicine of [Xiyuan] that can change one's destiny and allow for reincarnation..."

"Fellow Daoist should be content. This Heavenly Scroll is something that many people seek but cannot obtain. Currently, the Xuan Yuan Qi is also not manifest. The so-called [Seal] and [Medicine] have been obtained by some, but the price to be paid for them to be effective is enormous."

Xingyou gazed intently at the two celestial scrolls.

"The court is searching for the relics of Fengdai, but has only found four. Two of them came from the turmoil of the Northern Thunder Sect, while the remaining two came from the Imperial Palace."

Upon hearing this, Nan Wang looked at Xu Xuan beside him and quietly transmitted his voice:

"In ancient times, the cultivation lineage of the Northern Thunder Sect was passed down through two channels: the Heavenly Register and the Black Law. Now that Fellow Daoist Xu has obtained both, perhaps you can seek something from them."

"Inheritance."

Xu Xuan's mind went a little heavy; he had never imagined that Tian Chi would take out such a thing.

Although he had heard Tian Tuo mention that the Northern Thunder Sect possessed a secret method to communicate with the Thunder Palace's immortal artifacts and refine calamities, which required the use of the Black Law and the Heavenly Talisman, and he had already obtained them.

But this is not the Thunderclap Technique he requested. Perhaps he could obtain it through these two things, but he is completely clueless about how the Northern Thunder Path was passed down.

'Could it be like the Qingyang lineage, where status is disregarded, and only qualifications are recognized?'

The three had now reached the end of the cloud path, returning to the Southern Capital. Amidst the towering palaces and long corridors, they saw an open space, spanning several miles. The ground wasn't soil, but rather a constantly cracking and refracting dark gray, ethereal light. The Void Qi Grand Array!

The presence of such a grand formation in Nandu aroused Xu Xuan's suspicions, as if the formation was concealing something.

"You two, please follow me."

Xingyou's voice was soft and melodious as she led Xu Xuan and Nan Wang towards the illusory light. In her hand, the light of the Li Fire flickered, revealing a dazzling crimson divine feather.

With a flick of her feather, the illusory light in front of her instantly split apart, forming a road. Inside, there seemed to be another world, extremely vast, far exceeding the cramped area outside.

The formation seemed to be an absolute void, neither black nor white, without light or energy, without substance or form. Even the Five Virtues and Yin and Yang were dormant, while the Twelve Qi were exceptionally active.

Even the Thunder God Technique within Xu Xuan's body began to vibrate, and it began to operate more freely in this area.

This scene reminded Xu Xuan of the time when they fought for the Taiyu Shuttle in the Western Sea. At that time, the metal element in it was active, which seemed to have caused similar strange phenomena.

Ahead, there seemed to be light. Qi dispersed and solidified. During this time, various Qi rose and thunder evolved, eventually turning into a vast expanse of pure white light. From within it, the chaotic energy gradually emerged, elucidating Yin and Yang. The first to escape was a streak of azure-white light!
As matter solidified and the innate nature transformed, a silver-gray palace gradually materialized from this strange phenomenon, standing isolated in the boundless void.

This hall has an ancient structure, carrying a strong ancient atmosphere. Thunder and mysterious patterns are carved on the beams and pillars, and the door is like starlight, leading to boundless darkness.

A plaque formed from silver lightning hung high above, bearing the words "Five Greats".

"Fifth Mrs."

Xu Xuan softly recited its ancient characters, his heart pounding. He had naturally heard of this saying before; it was mentioned in the "Primordial Thunder Void Law," which states that the position of She Lei is located between the beginning and the beginning of time.

The Five Greats are Taiyi, Taichu, Taishi, Taisu, and Taiji.

"This is the Great Dao of the ancient Tai Shi lineage."

Nan Wang's expression changed slightly, and his body shimmered with light, making him extremely active.

“Follow the mystery to cultivate Yin and Yang, seek the origin to verify the Five Virtues, and cultivate the thunder Qi of the Great Beginning. In ancient times, the great masters of Yin and Yang and the Four Symbols mostly went to follow the mystery to study the Dao, the great masters of the Five Virtues mostly approached the origin, and the thunder Qi of the Great Beginning was cultivated by the Great Beginning.”

"In the past, many great figures such as Lei Zu and Bei Yin have presided over this path."

When Nan Wang mentioned the Northern Yin Immortal Lord, his tone became slightly hesitant. After all, his ancestor had received this title at a considerable cost.

“Fellow Daoist Xu’s ancestral lineage can be traced back to Feng Xuan.”

He looked at Xu Xuan beside him, somewhat tempted, after all, the other party was now cultivating the She Lei, which was the fundamental lineage of the Shi Qi Dao.

In ancient times, Fengxuan, Xiyuan, and Taishi were said to be direct descendants of the ancestral Qi, but they did not strictly distinguish between different lineages. After all, many lineages were transferred in later generations, and some lineages were even internally chaotic with different factions.

Feng Xuan was close to Yin and Yang and the Four Symbols, but now Lesser Yin is in the Yuan Tong.

Xi Yuan helped Cheng Wu De Zheng Wei, while Yuan Mu had already become Xuan Tong in the hands of that Jian Sui.

The Tai Shi Dao Dao heavily relied on the Void Qi, but this Void Qi was later renamed Zhou Chen, and that Great Yao Dao Lord was the second generation Feng Xuan Lord.

Only She Lei is the undisputed Path of the Primordial Beginning.

"How dare we use such a supreme immortal title?"

Xu Xuan pretended to be surprised and didn't respond to the other party's words. However, he felt that the name Feng Xuan was quite amazing. If that was the case, then Nan Hua, who was on the same level as Lei Zu and Bei Yin, was probably a Celestial Lord.

"Yes, everyone's talking about the Sword Immortal Fengxuan, but that lord's true path should be—the Great Dao of Harmony and Convergence, perhaps just like the difference between the Immortal Xuanyang and the Pure Yang True Lord."

He had a hunch that Feng Xuan's sword path was undoubtedly at the level of an immortal, but that Nan Hua's Great Dao was far more profound than that, reaching the even more mysterious level of "Harmony".

'This person probably possesses a title or status equivalent to a Celestial Lord.'

Xingyou waited until the Five Tai Palace in front of him stabilized. Then he gently activated the crimson divine feather in his hand, and suddenly the door opened, with endless illusory light and lightning changing inside.

"This hall was acquired from the imperial palace of Fengdai. It is where the Li family disciples cultivate various Qi and thunder, and it can also simulate the state of the ancient world."

Her eyes were gleaming, and her magical power flowed continuously into the divine feather in her hand, indicating that she was expending a considerable amount of energy.

"If you wish to receive the Heavenly Register, this Five Great Hall is the most suitable place. Please come inside, fellow Daoists."

The light of the blazing fire stretched out like a path, leading to the Five Great Palaces. Xu Xuan and Nan Wang set off together, heading into the endless void of light and thunder.

Xu Xuan pondered Xing You's words. If the Five Great Halls before him were for Li's disciples' cultivation, it resolved many of his doubts.

'The primordial qi descends and transforms, originally becoming true purple purity; the initial qi descends and transforms, becoming fortune, prosperity, and longevity; therefore, the original qi becomes bloodthirst and death.'

The theory of the Five Primordial Qi implicitly encompasses the process of the generation of all Qi, and even includes the so-called Three Qi outside the Dao, which means that it has the ability to govern the twelve Qi.

However, the pathways for the generation of Pure Qi and Prosperity Qi seem to have changed. At least the strange phenomenon manifested by the Mysterious Qi in the Dao Stele is True Purple Prosperity, but it is impossible to distinguish the Prosperity Qi, and even the original Pure Qi cannot be changed.

'The Great Feng Dynasty was founded on the principle of "Lu Qi" (禄氣), and its founding emperor, Emperor Yangxuan (陽玄), received further assistance from "Chunyang" (纯阳), which further propelled the flow of "Lu Qi."'

Xu Xuan's heart stirred, and he began to have a vague suspicion.

The anomaly of the Qinglu Qi is most likely caused by that Yangxuan Emperor, and his title is even more strange, as it is Xuanyang reversed, which may be the work of that Xuanyang Immortal.

This official, from the Xia Dynasty to the Feng Dynasty, practically supported two generations of the Celestial Empire, but the final result was the usurpation of power by the Qing Dynasty.

'This change couldn't have been caused simply by the Yangxuan Emperor transferring to the Xuantong lineage; it fundamentally altered Qinglu, causing internal strife within the Twelve Qi.'

At this moment, a secret conjecture suddenly arose in Xu Xuan's mind, which he could not suppress.

'Yin and Yang, the Five Virtues, and the Twelve Qi are all in chaos; this is…'

He had already arrived in front of the Five Great Halls. The Heavenly Talisman in his hand emitted bursts of thunder, echoing his divine power, causing the black law within his body to spontaneously emerge and land on it.

Nan Wang, standing to the side, stepped aside slightly, for this Black Law was extremely fierce, capable of even judging and punishing those in dire straits.

The two entered and saw the Five Elements circulating, all kinds of Qi arising, and thunder surging, but they indeed did not see any unusual phenomena of Pure Qi and Prosperity Qi.

The Heavenly Talisman descended leisurely and merged into the Dharma Body. The black law began to spread continuously, crisscrossing and moving straight ahead. At the same time, a surge of life force was felt within Xu Xuan's life, as if boundless calamities were descending from above.

Once again, he sensed the supreme immortal artifact passed down from the ancient Thunder Palace.

[The Primordial God of Thunder Controlled the Temple of the God of Earth for Ten Thousand Calamities]

At this moment, three artifacts manifested beside him: the Great Wind Shaking Xun Fan, the Great Netherworld Lamp, and the Crimson Thunder. As the Heavenly Talisman and the Black Law combined, three calamities gradually descended from the void and landed on the artifacts.

Xu Xuan dared not delay and began to circulate his magic to gather disaster.

He could gradually sense changes in these spiritual artifacts, and the large Netherworld Lamp even began to repair itself, with yin fire swirling around it, mending its damage!
(End of this chapter)