Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 673 Forgetting Oneself and Others
Ren Hai.

The waves rolled, the wind howled, and all sorts of strange phenomena suddenly appeared, such as the dissipation of supernatural powers.

The thunder chariot collapsed, the electric whip scattered, and the celestial horse lost its wings, ultimately transforming into countless flowing purple thunderous liquids that converged like a swamp.

In an instant, a cold sun rose into the sky above the sea, a waning moon hung high, and the cold, white Weak Water flowed turbulently, obscuring all the strange phenomena in the Heavenly Pool.

Beneath the Dragon Pillar of Haidu, two figures could be seen maintaining the formation: one was an old man in black robes, and the other was a general in thunder armor; they were none other than Hou Ni and Bo Chang.

"Your Majesty cuts himself to rebuild your supernatural powers; such courage is extremely rare even in ancient times. If Your Majesty were the Dragon King, Zhen Lei might find rebuilding his supernatural powers much easier than he has now."

Bo Chang's gaze was filled with reverence and admiration.

As a noble being, he naturally knew that the higher the bloodline of a demon, the slower the cultivation of supernatural powers. For a descendant of a great saint, the price of self-destruction and rebuilding was far higher than that for a human.

"With the treasure of primordial chaos present, Your Majesty has nothing to worry about."

Hou Nisheng was quite confident. His dark robe fluttered in the wind, and his expression was solemn. He slowly activated the [Great Weak Cold Plate] to use the Weak Water Formation to conceal the strange phenomenon.

After a short while, ten thousand rays of purple light burst forth, transforming into a rotating celestial ring. From within it stepped a man dressed in a deep purple dragon robe, as if a god had descended.

Xu Xuan took a deep breath, and purple lightning shot up behind him like a dragon or snake, flashing by and disappearing in an instant.

The purple-copper thunder cauldron slowly rose, and the sun, moon, mountains, rivers, stars, thunder and swamps engraved on it began to glow. The chaotic hole at the very center was even radiating divine light, and the sound of the Dao was booming.

The pale gray chaotic energy began to emanate from the cauldron, dispelling the remaining mystical phenomena and transforming them into something more essential. Then, a stream of dark blue energy flowed, facilitating the transformation.

Within the inner realm of Thunder Swamp, the Chaos God, who served as the second primordial spirit, began to condense his divine powers without any hindrance.

The Way of Extraordinary and Constant.

Only then did he understand the difficulty for cultivators to rebuild different supernatural abilities. Although he had destroyed [Cheng Wujiu], the profound imagery within its inner realm still remained.

These remnants are like stubborn rocks that have crumbled and turned into sand; they are beyond destruction and beyond eradication, stubbornly clinging to the inner landscape and repelling the generation of different mystical phenomena.

It is almost impossible to cultivate different supernatural powers on top of this, and only primordial chaos can completely dissolve and obliterate it.

However, ordinary cultivators cannot control this chaotic energy at all. Once this thing enters their inner realm, it is probably no different from suicide. Only cultivators who have mastered the Yin-Yang Dao can manipulate it.

The cultivation of the [Return to the Dao Pivot] had already been completed by the second primordial spirit. With a thought, it began to construct mystical images, condense supernatural powers, and quickly achieve success.

After a few breaths, the purple light condensed into a celestial halo and landed behind the Chaos God. It contained the profound mystery of all things returning to oneness and was the Dao Pivot of Thunder.

【Return to the Path】.

Gu Zhenlei's supernatural powers can transform the extraordinary into the constant, harmonizing all things. Once unleashed, they can overcome any supernatural power or spell that requires transformation.

If one uses primordial wood to control the pure qi of thunder, once it is suppressed by the Dao pivot, it will instantly mix and become difficult to change.

This single wondrous technique is enough to be considered top-tier. It should be noted that many lineages are not inherently powerful and rely on transformations to borrow from other lineages to fight enemies. Even Zhen Lei himself needs to invite the thunder of the shrine to increase its killing power.

However, this mystery is not without its limitations.

First, it can only suppress one lineage at a time; second, it is much less effective against lineages with higher status than Zhen Lei. These two points are similar to the [Primordial Order].

This supernatural power also has many mysteries, such as accelerating the refining of spiritual objects, restoring magical power, and even perfectly bearing his sword intent.

"Qiwu and Xiaoyao are both immortal techniques of the Fengxuan Dao lineage. In this light, it is highly likely that [Fandao Shu] represents a certain figure from Gu Zhenlei who sought the Fengxuan Dao."

Xu Xuan silently pondered the timing. He knew that the separation of the divine and the re-establishment of chaos represented the end of the Heavenly Era. Only after that could the Immortal Path flourish, the Three Pure Ones establish their Dao, and the Human Emperor establish his rule. At that time, the orthodox lineage of the Three Pure Ones was [Fengxuan], [Taishi], and [Xiyuan].

Based on this timeline, the Ancient Saint of Lei Ze should have already departed and perished, so it couldn't possibly be this person. It must be either Tian Huo Long Jun or some other master from Lei Palace who is in charge of the [Heavenly Drum].

However, Xu Xuan was more inclined to believe that it was the Heavenly Dragon Lord who had sought the Dao.

At this time, with his [Descending Thunder Marsh] and [Returning to the Dao Pivot] having both returned to the ancient methods, there were other wondrous aspects to them.

He once cultivated a fourth-grade technique called "Trap Dragon Soaring Technique," which gave him the ability to transform into a thunderous swamp. However, he was essentially using a human body to control the lightning. When he was injured and needed to use magic, he had to revert to his human form.

But now, with the [Return to the Dao Pivot], everything is different. I am Lei Ze, and Lei Ze is me.

Within the Daoist canon of Ye Guanglongliu lies a supreme technique called the [Zhen Shu Qi Wu Technique]. According to its description, it requires the combined activation of [Jiang Lei Ze] and [Fan Dao Shu] to reach a profound state, known as—

[Forgetting oneself and the external world]

Once this technique is mastered and one reaches this level, one can transform the heavens and earth, using the Thunder Marsh as the ultimate vehicle for expounding one's own Great Dao. It is extremely profound and has already surpassed the combat methods of the Purple Mansion level, stepping into a higher level.

The "unity of heaven and man" in the Thunder Palace Taoist magic is to command heaven and earth, and to act on behalf of heaven. It is the ultimate goal of thunder magic, and the current Shangxiao Thunder Magic is also pursuing this realm.

The "forgetting oneself and things" mentioned here refers to a state of being boundless and limitless, without self or things, which is a kind of wonderful state similar to returning to the Tao.

He then suppressed the strange phenomena and silently began to read the record of the [Zhen Shu Qi Wu Technique].

"[Thunder emerges from Yin and Yang, becoming the pivot of the Way of Harmony; the shock brings forth life, manifesting the six manifestations of Lesser Yang. Self and other are forgotten, Heaven and Earth become one.]"

As he silently studied the record of this spell, many insights arose in his mind. If thunder was the sound of life, then what was the foremost lineage of life in the world? It was naturally Shaoyang!
The so-called Mingxian Liuchan, Zhen Lei was also among them.

"Yuanmu, Shengjin, Lihuo, Zhenlei. What are the other two?"

He had a vague idea in his mind: if the arrangement was based on the combination of the Five Virtues and Thunder, then the remaining lineage should be found in the Earth and Water elements.

"Ren water is the initial source, and water transforms into a life spring, both seem possible. But earth virtue seems to only fit the description of earth?"

Xu Xuan's heart stirred, and he vaguely guessed what was going on, but then felt a little regretful.

"The Daoist canon that Tian Tuo obtained only accounts for a small part of the complete Yang Dao, and it doesn't even mention the Six Elucidations. Otherwise, he could have learned more secrets of the Lesser Yang."

He had another guess at this moment: perhaps the so-called Six Elucidations were no longer something at the Purple Mansion level, but rather a core plan concerning the Lesser Yang Great Dao, and one of the fundamental laws of the ancient [Elucidation of Splendor and Idleness] lineage.

"The splendor of the sixfold enlightenment, the profound mystery within the gate."

He focused his mind, first guiding his second primordial spirit to comprehend the [Zhen Shu Qi Wu Technique]. As the core inheritance of the Ye Guang Long lineage, this technique already surpassed the sixth rank. Although it was still some distance from true immortal arts, it was still something even direct descendants of Golden Core cultivators would cherish. There were only two techniques of this rank in the Daoist canon. The other technique, primarily focused on the path of slaughter, was called [Tian Huo Zhao Ye], which required the perfection of the Five Arts to cultivate.

The only immortal technique Xu Xuanzhen had ever witnessed was the [Tai Su Hua Jing Dao Guang] used by Tian Tuo. Its terrifying power and profound mystery were enough to allow it to roam freely within the Purple Mansion.

With his mind at ease, he stepped out into the world.

At this time, the [Return to the Dao Pivot] has been completely repaired, and the remaining [Eye Shining at Night] should be ready to be condensed in a few years. Although there is a risk of failure, Xu Xuan is confident that he can succeed in one attempt!
In an instant, he stepped out and landed on the platform under the Dragon Pillar of Haidu. There he saw the two demons, Bo Chang and Hou Ni, bowing in unison.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your restoration of supernatural powers! The path to the Great Dao is now within reach!"

Hou Ni was a highly skilled Daoist, and had once followed a high-ranking cultivator of the Shaoyin lineage. He understood from the strange phenomena that this king had rebuilt his supernatural powers in one fell swoop, but he did not know how mysterious it was.

Xu Xuan was not afraid of this matter being leaked. He was able to rebuild the [Return to the Dao Pivot] in a very short time entirely by cultivating the second primordial spirit in the [Thunderous Swamp], and this wonder was probably known to many long-standing Daoist lineages.

As for the Qiheng method, its true wonder lies in allowing him to transform back into [Cheng Wujiu] almost unharmed. Although this divine power appears to be damaged now, its essence is imprinted in the primordial energy, which is the body of that Chaos God.

With a mere thought, he could exchange [Cheng Wujiu] using the Qiheng method, though it would consume some Hunxuan Qi.

"Unfortunately, we cannot reveal this for the time being."

The wonderful use of the supernatural power 【乘无咎】 is to escape, be unrestrained, and travel with the Dao. It can be of great use against Daoist sects that are good at suppressing and confining.

His ability to kill Hua Gu was almost 80% due to this divine power; if it had been another thunderous divine power, he would have certainly died.

"Hou Ni, prepare the gifts and send them to Pan Hai. Tell them that it is a gift from Tian Chi to accept me as his disciple. Also, take my son Mu Sheng with you and see if this sect will accept him."

Xu Xuan pondered for a moment, then continued:
"As for the items, we'll take them from the legacy of the Stone Man Path: one each of [Great Mountain Soil], [Secret White Stone], and [Peaceful Body Dust], as well as what Hua Gu left behind after his fall."

Before exchanging them with Yuanpu, Xu Xuan had thoroughly looted the spiritual mountain that Hua Gu had transformed into, which also produced Purple Mansion Spiritual Stones.

Among them are two Gen Earth spiritual objects, namely [Buzhou Stone] and [Hengfeng Soil], and one Dui Metal [Zhongxu Remnant Gold]. Naturally, the [Buzhou Stone] is the most precious, as it is the condensation of Hua Gu's entire life force and is the top spiritual object of Gen Earth.

His mind was now somewhat settled, and his tone was resolute:

"Send that [Buzhou Stone] as well."

As for the things in Qingye Cave, logically speaking, they belong to that Tianyu Dragon Lord, so why would he bother to take them?

“Gen represents the earth of a gentleman, which governs the migration of mountains and the determination of longitude and latitude. It does have some effect on Jia wood. The things that Wang has chosen are quite suitable.”

Hou Ni responded with a relaxed tone and a smile.

"That's good. You'll be in charge of refining that [Qi Rang Pearl]. See if you can turn it into a spiritual weapon."

Xu Xuan's mind stirred. These three precious pearls had been without an owner for a long time, so Hou Ni could use them first. Although the two newly arrived demons each had two high-grade spiritual artifacts, they were not given to him by him.

As expected, Hou Ni's expression changed slightly, and he said respectfully:

"I have rendered no service; how can I accept this reward?"

"Your credit is for handling things well in Dongcang."

Xu Xuan's tone was slightly somber. He had previously sent Hou Ni to pay his respects to Dong Cang, and they had a pleasant conversation. Now, he could go directly to discuss the matter of Hou Ni becoming his disciple.

However, the so-called apprenticeship was just a pretense. He already had the Golden Core inheritance of Zhen Lei in his own family, so why did he need to seek it from outside?
The real meaning, however, is to see Dong Cang's attitude towards Long Ting. If the other party is willing to accept Mu Sheng, it means that he is willing to join forces with Long Ting, or rather, with Mu Youdu.

In the Heavenly Pool today, the only creature that knows proper etiquette, has extensive knowledge, and is cautious is this Futu demon.

Seeing Hou Ni accept the order and leave, Xu Xuan nodded slightly, then turned to Bo Chang on the other side, his tone slightly more solemn, and said:

"How's the second supernatural power going?"

Bo Chang bowed respectfully and said only:

"The timing has changed, thunder has risen, and then the Divine Firmament is in full bloom. I have received the scriptures and spiritual objects bestowed by the King, and now I am ready to break through."

"Indeed, you cultivate divine lightning, you should be the number one warrior of my Heavenly Pool, don't let others leave you behind."

Xu Xuan's tone was encouraging. Bo Chang had done his best in the cave, risking his life, and was extremely loyal. He had also followed him for the longest time and was highly trusted.

At this moment, another object appeared in his hand, which was a silver-white pearl that constantly emitted and emitted magnetic light, restraining and changing. It was the mid-grade spiritual artifact of the magnetic path, the [Primal Chaos Pearl].

"The Dao of Primordial Magnetism is close to that of metal and stone, and can be transformed into lightning. You can also command it if you cultivate Divine Lightning."

Xu Xuan's gaze shifted slightly, and he continued:
"I previously bestowed upon you the [Peak Protection Flag], but it is no longer sufficient. From today onwards, you will also be responsible for activating this [Primordial Chaos Pearl]. The task of patrolling the sea will still require your attention."

Today, most of the South China Sea is under the control of Tianchi, stretching from Zhuya in the north to Heitang in the south, a vast and boundless expanse covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, equivalent to half the territory of the Great Li Kingdom. Given this distance, only cultivators of the Divine Thunder Path are capable of fulfilling the duty of patrolling and guarding it.

Apart from the interference from the Ciliu Dao in the west, the remaining forces are basically friendly with the Dragon Court or willing to accept its governance.

'Lizhu hasn't returned yet, which is a bit late, but since she hasn't activated the token, she should be fine.'

Xu Xuan frowned slightly as he thought of the jade butterfly, then turned to look at the Teng Snake in front of him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Bo Chang's face showed a slight tremor. Since the arrival of two more mid-stage Purple Mansion demons from the Dragon Court, his pressure had increased dramatically. He was now determined to break through to a higher level of supernatural powers soon.

Xu Xuan held Bo Chang in high regard and had high expectations for him.

First, the divine spirit will accompany him. Since the other party is his subject, he can benefit greatly from the aura alone. Second, the Divine Thunder Dao is powerful in combat and its lineage is easy to find. If Bo Chang can break through to the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm, he will be a good weapon under his command.

He sent the other party to patrol the sea first. With a flash of divine lightning, the lightning bolt disappeared into the sky, leaving only Xu Xuan slowly pacing on the platform.

“The divine thunder is extremely fast, I cannot keep up. Now that I cannot use the [Riding Without Blame] technique, I have lost the magic of escape. I should find a way to make up for it, and I should start with Taiyin.”

(End of this chapter)