Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 705 Jin De
main hall.

Black flames surged and crimson light blazed. The black iron dragon-patterned mace below ceased its struggle and obediently fell into Liu Xiaowen's hands, moving with effortless ease.

"What a weapon!"

Liu Xiaowen had a slight smile on his face. Besides cultivating the Kunwu Stove, he was also practicing the Fire Divine Body technique, which he had already mastered. This artifact was a perfect match for him.

'Using the mace is ultimately lacking; when will I be able to use that [Thunder Spirit Stone] to reforge a sword?'

Xu Xuan's mind stirred. That [Thunder Spirit Stone] was not a spiritual artifact, but an extremely powerful spiritual object, which was now suppressed at the bottom of the great formation and sealed with lightning.

Using it would likely harm both oneself and others, but the scroll "The Great Cataclysmic Incineration Codex" provides a method for casting weapons, which is a viable approach.

"How is your comprehension of the spells in the [Book of Eternal Radiance]?"

Xu Xuan's tone suddenly changed, and he asked about the matter, intending to test the other party.

"Reporting to Master, I am currently studying the [Fu Xuan Tian Bing Dharma Body] scroll. This method seems to have been obtained from the imperial dynasty. It should have been practiced by the royal family who guarded the border in ancient times. It is quite extraordinary."

Liu Xiaowen smiled and agreed, but there was a hint of emotion in his voice.

"This method does not conflict with the [Fire Divine Body], and cultivating them simultaneously can even promote each other. It should be able to achieve initial success within ten years. At that time, combined with the [Flame Immortal] and the three spiritual flames, it will be enough to stabilize the situation overseas."

The [Flame Immortal] technique he cultivated combines body and skill, making him powerful in combat. It possesses both positive and negative aspects, and when combined with some powerful spiritual fire, it can be used as two supernatural abilities.

He now possesses three spiritual flames: Hengming Profound Flame, Dazhao Witch Flame, and Dayan Combined Flame, all of which are extremely powerful.

Furthermore, there is also the [Long Flame Radiance Bag], within which is a wondrous [Wu Tao], which can be regarded as a golden crow, thereby unleashing various innate wonders, such as capturing light and spitting flames, and carrying fire to nourish its source.

This wondrous energy nourishes these three spiritual flames, with the Hengming Profound Flame receiving the greatest benefit.

It's already quite difficult for an ordinary early-stage Purple Mansion to contain two spiritual flames, unless one is a True Fire cultivator. But he is different. With the inscription "Yangsui Jianghuo" (Sun-Fire Subduing Fire), his affinity and control over all flames are approaching that of a Sun cultivator.

"Good. If you cultivate the Kunwu Stove and take the Sun Treasure Bag, you can even fight against a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator."

Xu Xuan nodded slightly, somewhat pleased.

That [Long Flame Radiance Bag] had been kept in the main formation of the gate and had not been taken out. Although it was extremely suitable for Liu Xiaowen to use, the solar artifact was too precious and his strength was insufficient, which would only bring trouble.

If he cultivates two supernatural powers, then it can be taken out and used.

Xu Xuan always felt anxious and urgent; he desperately needed to cultivate someone capable of taking on the mantle of leadership after him.

This person must value fellow disciples, be able to shoulder responsibilities, be friendly with various schools of thought, and also represent the orthodoxy of their own school.

Xiao Wen is the most suitable.

'Xingfang is extreme, pursuing the Dao with a solitary heart. If given the chance to leap into the fray for a sword strike in the future, he will not hesitate. He also cultivates the She Lei technique, making him feared by others. Fayan, though highly talented, has little concern for his fellow disciples. If I were not around, I fear it would be difficult to maintain the bonds of friendship for this generation.'

Xu Xuan looked at Liu Xiaowen sitting below him, and seemed to be able to see the child who came up the mountain back then in the other's eyes, with a lot of sincerity in him.

'The continuation of our sect still requires Xiao Wen to support this middle section, until Shu Han and Ming'er grow up.'

His heart sank slightly. He still didn't know the fifth cultivation method of She Lei, and the path was unclear. Could he be hoping to obtain the [Tai Cang Xuan Yun] from the dragon's body?

Although this thing allows people to emulate ancient immortal cultivators and communicate with heaven and earth, and can be used to achieve supernatural powers through the Purple Gold Path, it is still unknown how useful it is for "She Lei".

What's even more troublesome is how to obtain this item from the dragon's body at that time? After much deliberation, if one wants to understand the She Lei, it's best to seek a scroll of scripture.

His mind settled slightly, and he looked outside the hall, saying only:
"Protector Liang, come in."

A scarred man walked out of the main hall's entrance. He was dressed in a black robe, with a large, beast-headed sword with gold rings at his waist. He had a rough and straightforward air about him. Upon entering the main hall, he immediately bowed.

"Greetings, Master! Greetings, Sect Leader!"

Xu Xuan gently raised his hand and used his magic to lift the other person up, then smiled and said:
"It is a good thing that we are allowing Protector Liang to return to the mountain today."

Liang Yong did not understand his meaning and looked puzzled.

'Good news. Could it be that one of my lovers is pregnant and has come knocking on my door? No! I've been overseas for so many years, it must be someone else's bastard.'

Just as he was considering how to begin, he saw a scroll of radiant scripture descending from in front of him.

【Great Heavenly Asura's Wrathful Observation Method】

"This is the Supreme Fire Purple Mansion Technique!"

Liang Yong's expression changed, and his breathing became more rapid, but then his expression darkened again. He held the scripture in his large, rough hands, looking somewhat at a loss.

Xu Xuan noticed the change in the other party's expression and had already guessed what was going on.

"This is what I obtained from capturing a Liao person. What do you think? Protector Liang has fought for the sect for many years. If you are interested in breaking through, you can take the Fire Spirit here."

"Thank you for your kindness, Master."

Liang Yong took a deep breath, raised his head, and said:

"However, I, Liang, am destined to never reach the Purple Mansion in this life, so there is no need to waste spiritual resources."

"Why is that? Protector Liang doesn't need to concern himself with matters of the mind and body. If he is truly worried about life and death, he can break through to the next level when he is nearing the end of his lifespan—"

Liu Xiao wanted to persuade this man, as he was naturally happy to see Liang Yong advance further. This protector had truly accompanied him from the very beginning when the sect was still in its infancy, and could be described as extremely loyal.

“Liang was originally from the frontier and was a slave. He fell into the hands of Li Liao one after another.”

Liang Yong's expression grew increasingly solemn, and he said in a stern voice:
"When the Northern Liao army marched, a Vajra abducted me and forced me to cultivate the Fire Dharma lineage. It was a technique specifically for the transformation of beings. Once I had established my foundation, I was sent to the Pure Land and transformed into a Vajra."

His face was slightly contorted, as if he didn't want to recall it, and he only said:

"Liang was controlled by the monk and did many wrong things. Later, this Pure Land was shattered by the Tai Zhen Immortal Cultivator. I managed to escape and traveled south to Chiyun."

"The cultivation method I practice is called the [Great Wrathful Vajra Treasure Sutra]. It is first for immortals, then for Buddhists. Years ago, didn't the True Man ask me why I didn't find a successor? This method is a dead end; one can only follow the path of Buddhism."

Xu Xuan's gaze sharpened slightly, and with a flick of his divine power, he saw the specks of precious light within Liang Yong's immortal foundation. They were so deeply stained that they could not be removed unless he destroyed himself and started anew.

"Regardless, take this scroll of cultivation technique and study it first. If you can gain anything from it, that would be excellent. As for the path to enlightenment, I will think of some other ways."

“There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, I am ashamed to accept this.”

The man stood up, bowed again in thanks, and then accepted the technique and left.

"No wonder Protector Liang curses the bald monk every day. It turns out there's an old story behind it. It's just a pity that he's considered a top Foundation Establishment cultivator. If he had a cultivation technique, he might as well try to reach the Purple Mansion realm."

Liu Xiaowen shook his head slightly. He and Liang Yong had some friendship. Now that he had cultivation techniques and spiritual objects, but could not try to break through, it would be a huge regret for any cultivator.

"The Luo Cang Dao Cang in Tie Sui's hands is extremely precious. It contains all five methods and all the secrets. It can be used as a foundational method. You can take it to study and you can also send people to practice it."

Xu Xuan's gaze sharpened slightly. He flipped his hand and took out the stone tablet recording the inheritance, handing it to Liu Xiaowen beside him. "You shall arrange this matter. Select people to cultivate. Today, the four prefectures of Tianzhou—Chiyun, Wunan, Tianshui, and Jiangyang—are all under our jurisdiction, with millions of people living there. We can find several talented cultivators."

"Yes."

Liu Xiaowen respectfully accepted. The situation in Sindhu overseas is now relatively stable, with the demon army and the Buddhist forces locked in a stalemate, but it has not yet affected the Western Sea.

What we really need to worry about is that once Sindhu has completely become a demon kingdom, these demons will probably extend their reach to the Western Sea.

After making the arrangements, Xu Xuan pondered for a moment, then raised his head and said:

"Now that Fayan is about to emerge from seclusion and become a Purple Mansion, you can let him take charge of overseas affairs and then you can return to your sect."

Liu Xiaowen nodded, naturally having no objection to this, but then he remembered something else.

"Master, when will Junior Brother Xingfang begin planning his supernatural powers? Time is running out, and we can't afford to delay any longer."

“I understand as well. Now we just need to wait for him to return from eliminating the demon at Tianhan Pass. I will ask Lei Bu to see if we can send him to that old place of Sijie for seclusion.”

Xu Xuan did not intend to let Liu Xingfang seclude himself in the mountains. What he valued was the old place where he used to cultivate his supernatural powers.

Although this place is somewhat depleted, it is enough to support a Foundation Establishment cultivator breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm.

"This matter will likely require Tian Chi and Wei Hua's approval, so we should inquire about it as soon as possible. We also need to send a letter to Qing Hua to inquire about Pan Lin's situation, as a matter of courtesy."

He entrusted the matter to Liu Xiaowen and then went into seclusion in his cave. Right now, he needed to repair all the remaining injuries on his body and reach perfection in order to cultivate the next supernatural power.
-
Beyond the East Sea lies the treasure-filled grotto.

The golden-yellow light of autumn danced and shimmered, spreading across the sky. The heavens and earth were vast and boundless, and amidst the thick white mist, magnificent palaces and pavilions, like a forest, appeared.

Iron horses leaped through the air, stone swallows soared, and all sorts of strange and wonderful creatures roamed among them. There were also many cultivators dressed in magnificent robes, riding the clouds and the wind, chatting and laughing as they came and went.

Beyond the many heavenly gates, one can see a verdant platform, nine zhang high, beneath which sits a hundred or so golden and stone spirits, all listening to the mysteries.

On the emerald platform sat a golden deity, his entire body radiant and dazzling, as tall as three people, and wearing a lacquered gold robe.

This divine being's eyes were extremely unique, like precious pearls, and all of different colors.

The left eye is a bright, golden color with a deep yellow pupil, while the right eye is a deep, dark gray with a crystalline red pupil.

"Geng does not belong to Yang, and Xin does not belong to Yin."

As his golden lips opened and closed, various strange phenomena arose around the Xuantai: autumn chrysanthemums bloomed, a cold wind blew, frost crawled on the ground, and autumn dew dripped.

“Geng means change. Yin energy is Geng, which governs all things. It issues orders to change the old, and thus there is the [Sha Shen Geng]. Xin means new. The fetal Yang is born with Xin, and after ripening, it takes in its seeds, and thus there is the [Hui Yan Xin].

"This refers to Geng and Xin, which are the elements of autumn, and their purpose is to renew."

The many spirits and monsters below listened with rapt attention.

"Gold stored in a vault is hollow inside, so it can hold things, hence it is called the 'White Treasury.' Gold stored in a vault is like the Kui trigram, which stings and kills all things, hence it is called 'Autumn Crying' in winter."

“This is the hidden Dui, the body of autumn, which is located in Lou Kui.”

His voice suddenly faded away, as if he had finished explaining the profound mystery. The golden and stone spirits below all understood and knelt down to thank him, respectfully seeing off the great man on the platform.

This divine being rode the autumn light, ascended into the heavens, and landed on the clouds.

He intended to return to his palace, but an old man suddenly jumped out in front of him, only reaching his calves, and grabbed his ankle.

This person had a kind and benevolent face, wore a golden brocade robe, and carried a blue cloth bag at his waist. Who else could he be but Bao Qiu? In the Duobao Cave Heaven, this person was also known for his many affairs, which made this divine being frown slightly.

"Jiang Suqiu, what are you doing?"

His face, which looked like it was cast from gold and gemstones, lowered slightly, obscuring the autumn light. His two pairs of eyes, each a different color, looked down, as if thunder and fire were trembling slightly in the air.

The old man looked embarrassed and immediately jumped off the other man's iron ankle, raising his head to look at the divine being.

"Uncle-Master is not kind. He only tells half of the story. Why not explain the proper names of the supernatural powers one by one, so that these disciples and grand-disciples will not have any doubts?"

"It is the old name, not the official name."

The divine being spoke softly, saying calmly:

"The Kunlun sword rang out, the long sword was used to kill, and the treasures were obtained in autumn. Thus, [Xi Hao Kui] made [Autumn Suburbs Cry], and [Bao Shou Lou] transformed into [Bai Zang Ku]. This can be exchanged for a good position, and the rank will be even higher. I, Zang Jin, am willing to assist him, and I have no intention of plotting rebellion."

"This matter is not like the time when the sky was dark and swallowed the turtle. Back then, in order to make a pair of sun and moon, Ren (壬) seized Kan (坎) and Dong (冬). Now, the three waters of Ren, Kan, and Gui (壬坎癸) are mutually encroaching on each other, and there is no way to resolve it. This is what is meant by 'when there is too much water, it will overwhelm each other; when there is too much metal, it will protect each other.'"

Baoqiu bowed deeply, first apologizing for her earlier offense, and then raised her head to look at the face high above her.

"That is indeed the case. The hidden and the expansive are similar. The Northern Liao has the Great Dao of Xiyuan, and the successor of the Changjue has been born. How can our Duobao lineage remain inactive?"

The Golden Immortal was slightly taken aback, not expecting Bao Qiu to steer the conversation in this direction, and shook his head with a smile:
"When two countries are at war, even an adult might not be able to save the day if things go wrong. What do you intend to do?"

"I wish to take him into the cave, so that he may be spared from defeat on the battlefield."

Bao Qiu bowed again, feeling uneasy. His master had passed away early, and now this uncle was in charge of entering the mortal world in the cave. The uncle had been alive for more than a thousand years.

"I'm just afraid that your good intentions might not be appreciated."

The divine being Bao Jin spoke in a slightly somber tone, as if giving a warning, saying only:

"But don't forget about the matter of reforming the orthodox tradition. The Taiping Reform and the Sibai Xidui are mortal enemies, a struggle of the Dao, which you cannot reconcile."

"The Xingge lineage was originally the Sibai Lower Sect, which stole the Dao inheritance of the original Xiyuan Great Dao, and thus became Dui."

“From then on, the lower ranks seized power from the upper ranks, and the orthodox methods were used to seize power from the unorthodox methods. In one fell swoop, the two paths of [Can Yi Shen You] and [Xi Yuan Jue Jian] were taken away. The methods were also greatly changed, turning [Zai Yan Yue] into [Qin Run Shan] and driving [Can Yi Zhu] into [Bu Fu Huan].

Upon hearing this, Baoqiu's expression darkened slightly, and she continued:
"Although Taiping Mountain is declining, the Qing family is still very powerful, and the Cheng Dui is extremely direct and fierce. If the two meet, I'm afraid they will exhaust the chance for Dui metal to return to its original state, which is not good for the metal element."

"There are adults who will consider this matter."

The divine being Baojin stepped into the autumn light, preparing to depart.

"Although Dui Jin's position has not fallen, Xing Ge has stolen someone else's Dao Fruit and does not have the ability to evolve it to perfection, which makes the enmity even greater."

"Duijin is still called [Sibai Duijin Xiyuexing], but Lihuo has been renamed and is no longer called [Sizhu Lihuo Nanlixing]. That Lihuo True Lord's methods far surpass Zhige's, and he has greatly displayed Lihuo. Do you think there are any direct descendants within the [Sizhu Nanli] Great Dao who are dissatisfied? Aren't they all convinced?"

He had already ridden the wind and traveled far away, entering the Xuan Palace. He glanced at Bao Qiu one last time and said only:

"Don't overthink it. If you have some free time, urge Shangxiao to hurry up. Your senior brother Baozi is waiting for the Qingyuan successor to arrive!"

Bao Qiu sighed, thinking that this martial uncle was not trying to make things difficult for him, but rather it was probably the True Lord's intention.

"Let's send a letter to Shangxiao first. Qingyuan is unreliable. We should also take this opportunity to inquire about Chiyun's side, since the two families happen to have some connection."

(End of this chapter)