Please call me Dadaozu

Chapter 360 A mere flock of sparrows (4000 words!)
Time flows like water, a moment in an instant or eternity.

The jade-like substance spread, enveloping the illusory image, and the sixth spiritual platform fully appeared.

Foundation Establishment Level 6, successful!
Boom!

Within the body, the skin, muscles, bones, and internal organs trembled and began to transform, moving towards a higher level.

The blood and qi surged through the limbs and bones like waves, producing a series of booming sounds.

In his mind, his spiritual awareness surged, and the light of the nine-story glazed pagoda circulated rapidly. The blurry light inside the pagoda began to become real until it appeared completely.

It was a tiny, three-inch figure radiating golden light, sitting cross-legged inside the tower, exuding an immense aura that suppressed all things.

The little man's face was exactly the same as Zhang Yuanzhu's, resolute and handsome.

"This feeling."

Zhang Yuanzhu opened his eyes, scanned his surroundings, and felt a sense of control over everything.

Wisdom is clear and bright, thoughts are brilliant, as if one were in control of the [characteristic] wisdom and purity.

"As expected of a spiritual method obtained from countless ages ago, it is even more outstanding than I imagined."

Young people's whispers.

The convergence of spiritual consciousness gives birth to a miniature person, which not only enhances intelligence but also makes the mastery and perception of the body more refined.

what!
Zhang Yuanzhu was astonished.

As he scanned his body with his spiritual sense, he sensed a strange aura flowing from the depths of nothingness, brushing against his body.

This aura is mysterious and profound, as if it contains endless Tao and principles.

"This is?"

He mobilized his spiritual awareness, striving to perceive and trace back to the source.

As time passed, the young man's eyes deepened as he gazed at the magical artifact floating on the green leaves of the Seven Treasures Tree deep within his soul.

'Is this the truth about the power to control?'

'What is the energy flowing from the magical artifact? Is it the Dao it contains, or some other mysterious energy?'

Zhang Yuanzhu made his own guesses.

The spiritual sense carefully probed the wisps of air flowing out, but found nothing.

It's too mysterious, too complicated, and impossible to explore.

Like an ordinary mortal, one can look up at the starry sky and gaze at the sun, but who knows when or how long it will be before one can touch the stars with one's own hands and stand on the sun.

However, a smile still appeared on the young man's face.

In any case, he finally gained some understanding of this wondrous tree that had appeared deep within his heart.

If one can figure out each wisp of airflow, then one will still possess the corresponding [characteristics] without needing the Seven Treasures Tree.

Zhang Yuanzhu pondered, various thoughts colliding in his mind, and sparks of wisdom constantly blooming.

One approach after another was rejected, and one attempt after another was overturned.

He raised his hand, took out a blue stone from his storage bag, and whispered:
"Control!"

In an instant, the bluestone disappeared.

Deep within the soul, a blue stone floats up and down on the green leaves of the Seven Treasures Tree.

Control: [Mortal Grade] Bluestone (Characteristic: Hard)

This is the most basic [characteristic], which can only increase the toughness of the skin. It once protected him through several life-threatening situations, but now it can no longer keep up with his pace.

But this is also the best time to try it out.

In his mind, the golden figure formed an ancient hand seal, fully mobilizing his spiritual sense to perceive the wisps of energy flowing from the bluestone.

Zhang Yuanzhu's lips curled up into a smile.

As expected, if we're talking about the [Level 3] characteristic, the aura flowing from the artifact is like a vast and distant starry sea.

Then, the aura emanating from the [Mortal] attribute is as majestic as a towering mountain.

The starry sea is high and distant, unattainable; the majestic mountain is towering, yet mortals can climb it step by step.

Give him time, and he can truly understand the essence emanating from the bluestone.

Call ~
He exhaled a breath of foul air, stirring up dust all over the ground.

The greatest gain from this trip to the secret realm was not a breakthrough in cultivation or the acquisition of a fire core, but rather an understanding of 'Mastery of the Universe'.

He shook his head, cutting off the distracting thoughts in his mind.

He began planning his future training, aiming to maximize his combat power.

After all, he was about to travel to an unfamiliar region and encounter unfamiliar cultivators, and only power was the foundation of everything.

Having just broken through to a higher realm, it's enough to stabilize one's cultivation level for a short period of time.

The body-refining technique is used to temper the skin membrane, but due to a lack of rare stones, cultivation cannot continue for the time being.

Therefore, the only way to further increase combat power is to allow the Golden Armor Corpse to break through and increase its combat power to the Condensation Realm.

Lost in thought, he took out the stone box containing the solitary Yin energy from his bosom and opened it with a crack.

Yin energy, demonic energy, resentment... all sorts of negative emotions surged forth and permeated the surroundings.

Zhang Yuanzhu sat cross-legged in the center of the black mist, resembling a great demon.

A thought came to my mind.

Mastery: [Characteristics] Wisdom, purity, and clarity of mind, along with refined spiritual awareness, are fully utilized.

In an instant, the laws contained within the solitary Yin energy became extremely clear, understood, and comprehended.

A wisp of black mist gradually emanated from the youth, eerie and demonic.

The mist, mixed with various negative energies, kept approaching the youth and gathering around him. A mysterious aura became clearer and clearer as time passed.

A day has passed!
Three days have passed!
Five days have passed!

until the seventh day.

boom!
The malevolent energy was concealed on the stone box lid, and various negative energies were also absorbed by the eyes.

Zhang Yuanzhu raised his palm, spread his five fingers, and a wisp of dark mist appeared.

This wisp of mist contained no magical power or fluctuations of qi or blood, yet it exuded a profound Daoist charm.

Just one glance is enough to witness water, the moon, yin energy... all things in the world related to yin.

"Is this the law?"

Zhang Yuanzhu murmured.

After seven days of reflection, he had only grasped the most superficial trace of the law.

But this very wisp of law blocked ninety percent of the peak Foundation Establishment cultivators, causing most of them to die of old age in the world.

As the palm fell, the mist dissipated.

Zhang Yuanzhu placed his arms flat on his knees. He now possessed all the necessary cultivations: Laws, Killing Qi, and Golden Armor Corpse.

Just one last step is needed before we can attempt a breakthrough, and that is…

The Classic of Lapis Lazuli and Jade Bones!
This technique, obtained from the Corpse Refining lineage, can assist the Golden Armor Corpse in breaking through its cultivation barrier and entering the Condensing Evil Realm.

However, Zhang Yuanzhu has not studied it carefully since he obtained it, and he still needs some time to comprehend it.

pity……

"Not enough time!"

Zhang Yuanzhu sighed softly.

He needed to leave the secret realm, otherwise he wouldn't have time to return to Jinling, exceeding the agreement he made with the two Buddhist disciples.

However, achieving this level is already quite good. Before leaving Ancient Cliff Mountain, he is confident that he can help the Golden Armor Corpse break through.

As for whether it would be a success or a failure, he did not know.

A flood of thoughts rushed through my mind, which I finally cut off one by one.

The young man slowly rose to his feet, like a long sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness fully revealed.

He looked up with his head held high, a wide grin spreading across his face, exuding unbridled arrogance.

"I am getting closer and closer to the Great Way!"

Boom!

Flames erupted, transforming his body into rainbow light, sweeping across the sky.

His spiritual consciousness surged forth like a vast ocean, sweeping across the heavens and earth.

One by one, the monsters were found and killed, their flesh and blood becoming provisions.

He traversed the Tai Ri Secret Realm once more before finally stopping and standing in the sky. His double pupils were deep and unfathomable, and the 'Breaking Illusion' secret technique erupted, allowing him to see through space and perceive the vast Blood Mountain.

Hold the long ruler with your five fingers and swing it gently.

Click!

The space shattered like glass, revealing a narrow chasm.

The palm opened, the long ruler hung in the air, and rays of light fell down.

One step forward, and you enter the void.

Transforming into a streak of light, it sped towards the crimson mountain.

In this way, he traversed the void on his own and arrived at the intersection of the secret realm and the mortal world—the Blood Sea Divine Mountain.

……

Stab it!

Space tore open, and a figure shrouded in a shimmering white light burst forth from the void and stepped into the plaza.

In an instant, streaks of blood-red light arrived from all directions, and long howls shook the heavens.

"Who dares to trespass on my Blood Sea Dao lineage?"

"Which fellow Daoist is so rude?"

Zhang Yuanzhu dispersed his radiance, raised his hand, and pulled down the Measuring Ruler.

He scanned the figures shrouded in blood-red light around him and slowly spoke:
"Zhang Yuanzhu has returned from the Tai Ri Secret Realm."

The voice was calm, but to all the powerful figures who had rushed over, it was like a thunderclap.

To traverse the void, one needs at least the cultivation level of the Condensing Fiend Realm to have any chance of tearing through space, resisting void storms, and returning to the world.

Zhang Yuanzhu was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, not even at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

All eyes turned to the crimson figure standing with the ruler in hand.

After an unknown amount of time, a woman dressed in a blood-red dress stepped out, a smile on her face as bright and beautiful as a hundred flowers in bloom.
"Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on your further advancement in cultivation. It seems you have gained a great deal from your trip to the secret realm."

"If you want to leave, just let me know; there's no need for you to take action yourself."

Zhang Yuanzhu looked at Xueyu, whose attitude was completely different from the beginning, and a smile appeared on his lips.

He was arrogant at first and respectful later, which makes people laugh when they think about it.

The young man slung the long ruler around his waist, and without any preamble, stated directly:
"Now that the matter of the secret realm is over, it's time for me to leave."

As the words drifted away, he took a step forward, ready to leave.

"Your Excellency is exceptionally talented and has always been grateful for kindness. Are you leaving like this today without even a word of thanks?"

"Without the Blood Sea Dao Vein, could you even enter this secret realm? Fire Spirit Cores are extremely rare and precious. Without these spiritual items, could you possibly make any progress?"

Someone in the crowd spoke up, asking a series of questions, their voice laced with anger.

Zhang Yuanzhu suddenly stopped in his tracks, his gaze sweeping over the crowd to a young man dressed in blood-red armor.

His expression was indifferent, his hand resting on the long ruler, sweeping over several True Immortals, and the silent Blood Jade:
"Entering the secret realm was something we discussed and agreed upon in the Bronze Hall. It was what I deserved after breaking through the Tai Ri Dao Mai Grand Array."

He paused, a hint of mockery appearing on his face:
"When did it become a favor bestowed upon you?"

Blood Jade turned around and scolded:
“Feng Jing, how can you speak with Fellow Daoist Zhang like this?”

She then turned to face the young man directly, her smile vanishing and replaced by a cold expression.

She stretched out her slender hand, and a blood-red pearl appeared in her palm, with wisps of blood mist swirling around it.

He raised his palm, and a drop of blood fell in front of the young man.

"The Blood-Burning Pearl is a low-grade evil weapon, forged from blood flames and evil energy combined with various treasures, and its power is extraordinary."

She walked gracefully forward, stopping three steps away from the young man, and whispered:
"The weapon is unclaimed; would you like it?"

Without explaining why, the weapon was placed in front of Zhang Yuanzhu.

In front of several True Immortals and a large group of Blood Sea cultivators, as long as the young man reaches out and grasps the Demonic Weapon, then the Demonic Weapon will be his.

However, didn't you refuse the Blood Sea lineage's bestowal?

Zhang Yuanzhu remained expressionless, glanced at the weapon, and then looked away.

His magical power surged forth, his body transformed into lightning, and he departed without paying any attention to the evil weapon.

Only after the youthful aura had completely vanished did the woman reach out and take the Blood-Burning Bead, whispering:
“Not accepting the weapon means you are unwilling to resolve the grudges. I will personally report this to the True Lord.”

"Blood Jade, you've gone too far!"

There was an elderly man with white hair and beard, his brows furrowed.

The other party's talent was too astonishing; he felt it was acceptable to resolve the feud with a single weapon.

At this moment, the man dressed in blood-red armor stepped out of the crowd, came to Xue Yu's side, and scanned the many elders.

"Fellow Daoists, how many of us here possess evil weapons, and how many are qualified to give away evil weapons? Doesn't that person know the answer?"

After a pause, the man's expression hardened, and he growled:
“We wanted to kill him back then. Given his vengeful nature, how could we possibly let bygones be bygones?”

"Instead of giving the enemy a weapon to strengthen them, we should ask the True Lord to give Senior Sister Blood Jade."

The group of cultivators remained silent, gazing at the two figures standing side by side.

Some scoffed, some agreed, and some simply left.

the other side.

The blazing warship soared through the sky, speeding across the heavens.

Zhang Yuanzhu sat cross-legged at the bow of the boat, raised his head, and looked up at the sky.

A glimpse of a sword, traversing the heavens, flashes across thousands of miles in an instant, blending seamlessly with the landscape, dazzling and radiant.

"Is this the Dao artifact?"

The youth whispered.

After breaking through his cultivation level, he could finally vaguely see that this artifact, forged by the seven major Dao meridians, was far more powerful than any evil weapon.

After an unknown amount of time, he lowered his head, took out the jade slip containing the "Liuli Yugu Jing" (Jade Bone Scripture) from his bosom, and began to read it.

I carefully studied and pondered every word and every sentence.

With the added assistance of his [Special Ability], his understanding of the cultivation technique deepened continuously.

As for the events that occurred in the Blood Sea Dao Vein, they left no trace in his mind.

They're nothing but sparrows, preoccupied with gains and losses. When he reaches the peak of Qi Condensation and ascends the Blood Sea Divine Mountain, even Golden Core cultivators will shed blood.

The warships soared through the air, moving ever forward, crossing the mountains, leaving the Valley of Immortal Soldiers, and heading towards Jinling.

A day has passed!
Two days have passed!!
On the third night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, its light shining brightly.

Zhang Yuanzhu instinctively awoke from his cultivation and looked ahead.

A young man stood in mid-air, a blood-red robe draped over his body, not appearing evil, but exuding holiness.

He stood against the backdrop of the sky and the bright moon, like an immortal being.

In an instant, Zhang Yuanzhu's pupils constricted, he stood up, the fragments of the Myriad Dragons in his arms flashed wildly, and cracks appeared in the Xuan Kong Platform in his storage bag.

"My disciples are mediocre, and I'm afraid I've made a fool of myself in front of you, young friend."

The boy smiled faintly.

The figure had already arrived in front of Zhang Yuanzhu.

Zhang Yuanzhu's expression was solemn, his double pupils deep, but he couldn't see the other person's face clearly, only that it was a young man.

He gripped the measuring rod tightly with his five fingers, inhaling and exhaling:
"Golden Core True Monarch!"

The young man nodded, slowly extending his hand, and streams of light flew out, hovering in front of the two.

Two ferocious heads, and a precious pearl shrouded in blood mist.

Zhang Yuanzhu lowered his gaze to the two familiar faces on his head—Xue Yu and Feng Jing, as well as the evil weapon called the Burning Blood Pearl.

"I have long refrained from interfering in matters of the orthodox tradition, which has allowed some fools to rise to high positions."

“Now cut off his head to atone for his crimes.”

The True Lord spoke calmly, recounting the lives of the two True Men.

"It's a family matter of my elders."

Zhang Yuanzhu spoke softly, loosening his grip on the long ruler.

The other party's visit should not be malicious.

(End of this chapter)