New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 132 Enlightenment [The Path of Holy Light]

Tiger Demon felt relieved upon learning that he could continue to level up while lying down and had not yet exhausted his potential.

Temporary stagnation isn't scary. As long as it can continue to lie low and do nothing, it has plenty of time and patience to passively become stronger. After all, it's a person full of perseverance (meow)!

Spicy Strips, unaware of the boss's true thoughts, continued to explain considerately: "Let me tell you, Li. Under normal circumstances, when the Tiger Demon sleeps in the shadows, its maximum mana increases by 10 points daily. Initially, this steady increase will continue. However, as its strength continues to break through and improve, the 'maximum' increase it can gain from the external shadows will gradually decrease. Until a certain balance is reached, or the potential of the 'abnormal spiritual root' is exhausted, reaching the level the original Tiger Demon reached before its death."

The Tiger Demon nodded: "I understand. It's like the osmotic pressure inside and outside a cell membrane. When the Tiger Demon is weak, it can continuously absorb the power of shadow to grow. But after growing to a certain level, it can only absorb the power of shadow to replenish its mana consumption, and can no longer improve its own limit because the concentration of spiritual energy in the outside world is insufficient. Therefore, cultivators constantly pursue a higher concentration of spiritual energy, or simply ascend to the upper realm."

The snake tail nodded vigorously: "Absolutely right! Boss, you're a genius! Originally, your [Boss Template] could have steadily improved for a long time until the 'blue bar' and the strength of the external [Shadow Layer] reached a balance. But the appearance of the [Shadow Dream Hole] changed everything. This thing's strength (quality) is too high, like carrying a top-grade spirit stone with you, constantly catalyzing and accelerating your growth... Especially this time, after you recklessly swallowed a bunch of pills, and refined them through [Inner Universe], as well as the enhancement and acceleration from the [Shadow Dream Hole], it caused you to complete your basic development ahead of schedule."

She thought for a moment and described, "Your current [Tiger Demon Form] is almost in its 'mature stage'. To continue improving, it will take time to accumulate slowly. If you want to make rapid progress again in a short period of time, you must switch to a new world with a stronger [Shadow Layer], or significantly improve the quality and strength of the [Shadow Dream Hole]. But both of these are very difficult to achieve. I guess your current true strength is no less than that of an ordinary mediocre Heavenly Rank."

That's good news; at least he can protect himself. With Tiger Demon and Shadow Dream Kong, even if Chan Cheng comes knocking on his door, he can easily escape.

This latest evolution, in particular, seemed inexplicable, but it had already paid for itself. Even if he completely abandoned this bubble world, he wouldn't have lost anything. Of course, if he could further establish himself and develop the underground world, he had a premonition that he could earn even more in the future!

The tiger demon looked down at its much larger paws, realizing its body had swelled to 4 meters long (excluding its tail), over 2 meters tall at the shoulder, and weighing approximately 1.5 tons. On Earth, it would be a colossal beast, practically a sentient being. Beneath its thick fur lay powerful muscles, covered in a thick layer of fat. A feline overlord!
Of course, compared to monsters like King Kong or Godzilla, it's just a small fry. But they're not on the same track; [Tiger Demon] doesn't follow the beast-based path, but rather data-driven cultivation!
After indulging in self-admiration for a while, Tiger Demon finally calmed down: "It seems that the [Shadow] element has temporarily reached its limit. Continuing to invest in it will only yield inverse returns. So... it's time to upgrade the [Holy Light] element."

The thought of detonating nine demonic insects in [Cicada City], transforming them into light and unleashing the brilliance and ashes of a 'Heavenly Rank All-Out Strike', sent shivers of pain through his heart.

At this moment, Tiger Demon suddenly clutched his heart like a cat, revealing an expression of grief and regret over losing his beloved: "It hurts! It hurts so much!"

So many Soul Embers were simply not absorbed in time. They just dissipated into the air of the dungeon, a complete waste! Thinking back on it now, it's heartbreaking to realize we lost billions of Soul Essence.

If he could collect the ashes from the self-destruction of these 'demonic insects' in time and infuse them into the [Holy Seal], he would undoubtedly have reached the Great Perfection of 'Seal Forging' by now. He might even condense a [Soul Crystal] and break through to a completely new realm of Holy Light!

Detecting the boss's emotional fluctuations, the spicy snack vendor quickly tried to soothe him: "It's no pity, no pity. Boss, you've successfully verified the feasibility of 'Shadow Demon Worm. Holy Cough Explosion.' So, you can continue to create more explosions, as long as you don't waste them anymore."

Tiger Demon retorted, "It's not that easy. I've noticed that while my [Holy Light] remains bright and even has improved in quality, its 'color number' seems to have dropped a little. If I keep spamming like this, I'm afraid I'll slip into the 'neutral camp' first and lose my holy status."

The color of the Holy Light is linked to one's truest will, mind, and thoughts. Because it is purely idealistic, it cannot deceive itself. One can deceive others, even the Holy Light, but not oneself.

Although from the perspective of the [Sanctuary], Yuan Zhu did not do anything bad throughout the entire process, he only used the [Holy Cough] to convert the evil 'Shadow Demon (Demon Insect)', causing it to wholeheartedly convert to the [Holy Light], and ultimately choose to sublimate to the ultimate without any regrets or expectations, self-destructing into light.

In the [Holy Light System], this is an act of pure good, full of merit and heartwarming. However, his [Holy Light] attribute has begun to fade slightly because his heart is not yet perfectly benevolent and holy.

He personally filled the 'demon insects' that submitted to him with the Holy Cough, forcibly commanded them (the ghouls) to release their defenses and embrace the Holy Cough, and then cruelly ended their lives, creating a Holy Cough explosion to destroy and damage the ecological environment of the Cicada City.

Therefore, as his [holy light] becomes stronger and purer (positive feedback), the color also declines (negative feedback).

Thinking of the changes in the [Holy Light], he decisively switched back to human form and entered the exclusive '(Shadow) Inner World' that the Tiger Demon had created for the camp using [Dharma Domain Divine Power].

The scene shifts, and Yuan Zhu leaves the [Shadow Dream Hole] into a clean, empty space devoid of anything. The art style of this inner world is somewhat similar to the shadow dimension of the 'Little Red Realm,' with everything rendered in a colorless black-and-white comic book style.

Above the sky hung a black 'dream hole,' somewhat resembling the lower district of [Cicada City]. Apart from a trace of shadow energy, there was no other 'spiritual energy, polluted spiritual energy, nightmare power…' in the air; the environment was remarkably clean.

At this moment, he raised a finger, controlling the [Stigmata] to ignite a wisp of 'holy light' at his fingertip, and began to savor it.

The moment the Holy Light appeared, it displayed its domineering exclusivity and purifying and burning impulse, wanting to radiate its light in all directions and cleanse and purify the faint 'shadow pollution' in the air.

However, Yuan Zhu stopped it and reduced the range of the light, keeping it within an inch of his fingertip, thus preventing any destructive purification or cleansing of the 'inner world'.

"My Holy Light has been strengthened again. This is a positive feedback from the changes in my mindset after the Battle of Chan City, as well as the confidence and sense of accomplishment I have gained."

【Holy Light】This kind of idealistic power that leans towards the spiritual side is strange. After he directly robbed Chan City, fought against the three innate beings, and detonated the nine consecutive explosions, he clearly didn't consume much 'soul ash', and the holy light he released was all dissipated and wasted.

However, the Holy Light itself extracted a positive and uplifting belief and confidence from this victory, thus becoming even more pure and determined.

"If I maintain this invincible fighting spirit and mindset, wouldn't this [Holy Light] continue to improve?"

Spicy Strips calmly replied, "The path to becoming a prodigy has always been this way!"

Suddenly, Yuan Zhu showed a surprised expression, looking at the faint 'holy light' it was releasing, and asked in confusion, "Huh? Why do I feel that the color of my 'holy light' is showing a slight upward trend?"

Spicy Strip asked curiously, "What's going on?"

Yuan Zhu closed his eyes and used his spirit and soul, which had been strengthened and upgraded by the [Boss Template], to reverse-perceive the holy light system of the [Immortal Scripture Client], and then figured out the reason.

"It's the [Holy Cough Particles]! Those private holy lights (Holy Coughs) that I spread out still exist in the world after completely breaking free from my control; they weren't completely destroyed. When these 'Holy Cough Particles' severed their direct connection with me and were absorbed and controlled by others (the two siblings and the residents of Chan City), their use of the 'Holy Cough Particles' actually affected the quality of my 'Holy Light'? Interesting!"

With just a simple sense, Yuan Zhu discovered the origin of the change in his exclusive [Holy Light].

...

First of all, all Holy Light originates from the ultimate source (the root of Holy Light) of the Sanctuary, which is a super platform.

Next, the Eight Holy Kings and other archangels will bestow their respective laws and information within the primordial holy light. (System App)

Then, during the process of imprinting the [Sacred Mark], cultivators are given various personal gifts. For example, Yuan Zhu's Sacred Mark retains a large amount of [Yellow Heaven System] personal gifts, but these can be ignored.

Once the [Holy Mark] is officially acquired, the [Holy Light] will bind and integrate with the host's spiritual will, slowly transforming during the forging process, eventually becoming the 'Exclusive Holy Light'. Now, Yuan Zhu's [Exclusive Holy Light], like that of the Eight Holy Kings, has been enriched with a large amount of his own personal touches, transforming into the 'Personal Trendy Holy Light (Holy Cough Particles)' according to his own will and way of thinking.

Therefore, when these [Holy Cough Particles] completely escaped their absolute control and were absorbed by the 'Cicada City Residents' who had no connection with them, these 'Holy Lights' imprinted with personal information actually formed a causal force that could interfere with their own [Holy Light] alignment.

"Holy crap! So that's how the Holy Light system works?!"

Opening his eyes, Yuan Zhu vaguely grasped the correct way to play the [Holy Light System]. He wondered if other cultivators had the same understanding at this moment.

While the Shadow Insects (Holy Cough Bomb) were still under his control, even though the insects were not himself, the 'Holy Light (Holy Cough)' within them was under his control. This power was an extension of his own 'Holy Light System'.

Therefore, detonating the demonic insects, causing damage, and polluting the environment (spreading holy light) are subjective actions, and the consequences of the explosion will be attributed to oneself.

If one deliberately and maliciously detonates the Holy Cough, wantonly burning the lives and souls of the offerings, karmic consequences will descend, polluting the color of the Holy Light.

After he imprinted the [Holy Cough] into the siblings' bodies and relinquished control over it, choosing to bestow it upon them, he allowed the siblings to digest and absorb it through Qi Refining Technique, creating the [Holy Cough True Qi].

After this series of actions, he lost control of the 'Holy Cough,' and even the 'Holy Cough' was covered and transformed by the True Qi. However, the siblings developed a causal connection with their own 'Holy Light.'

Their every action, though subtle, became another factor influencing the [Private Holy Light]. This was Yuan Zhu's achievement in spreading the [Way of Holy Light] in another world.

His 'holy light (holy cough particles)' seemingly disappeared, turning into true qi. But in the eyes of the [Sanctuary], this is spreading the gospel and enlightening all beings. The holy light has not truly disappeared; the 'holy cough true qi' is the hub and bridge connecting the two.

The True Qi system has been tainted by the 'Holy Light Attribute', which gives the [Holy Light Contamination] an opportunity to invade and even devour the [True Qi Contamination]! This is a great merit.

Similarly, the series of Holy Cough Explosions he triggered in [Cicada City] created countless victims who willingly accepted the contamination in just three days.

Even though the big boss of [Cicada City] took the initiative to clean up the two pollutants, 'Shadow' and 'Holy Cough'.

However, among the indigenous people who inhaled the 'holy cough particles,' there were some as clever as Sister Kid who did not immediately clear away the 'holy cough pollution,' but instead conducted experiments and comparisons.

Is it more worthwhile to expend a small amount of 'life force' to renew the service and use the Holy Cough to purify the polluted spiritual energy and kill the iron poison and immortal zombies in the air, or is it more worthwhile to clear out the Holy Cough and have the physical body withstand multiple types of pollution?
The final conclusion was that retaining the [Holy Cough] yielded greater benefits! As a result, many residents secretly chose to pay with their lives to renew their [Holy Cough]. Furthermore, some lower-class individuals have begun consciously modifying their breathing techniques to more effectively combat polluted spiritual energy.

These residents, like the siblings, gradually absorbed and refined the [Holy Cough Particles] that were no longer under Yuan Zhu's control, causing his 'exclusive holy light' to truly spread throughout Cicada City.

This change, as the number of members increases, is inversely affecting his own [Holy Light] faction. There's a trend towards upgrading the 'color code'. This indicates that his [Trendy Holy Cough] is spontaneously creating 'good deeds and acts of kindness' in the city, accumulating positive feedback similar to 'merit' for him.

Conversely, if the residents of Cicada City become familiar with the 'Holy Cough' and fully refine it for killing and evil, then his [Holy Light] will also be affected and begin to fall into corruption.
Is this why the "Sanctuary" is so keen on proselytizing? They use holy light to illuminate and eliminate contamination, and to develop believers, while also spreading their personal holy light and using believers to practice in reverse?

Therefore, the Holy Church has relatively strict thresholds and tests for branding with stigmata, precisely because it fears that too many traitors will lower the evaluation of its lineage and cause it to fall from its mark.
Yuan Zhu never imprinted any [Holy Marks]. The massive outflow of 'Holy Cough Particles' was absorbed and utilized by the residents of Chan City. Through the transmission of this 'Holy Light Contamination,' feedback was obtained, affecting the [Holy Light] alignment and quality.

One can only imagine the enormous feedback that the higher sources controlling the [Holy Marks] would receive through layers of holy light radiation.
"Snake, do you think I should cultivate a group of my own 'Holy Light Monks' in the 'underworld,' pass down 'private holy marks,' establish the [Holy Temple Sect], restrain and guide the local believers (Holy Cough users), lead people towards good, and spread my personal 'Holy Light brand culture'?"

Spicy Strips: "Sounds a lot like the work of the Eight Saints King. The old temple keeper of Yuyuan is trying to pull you into the Thai Yellow Path!"

"So it was a trap set for me! Wait... Snake, I suddenly realize I have some extraordinary talents! My [Holy Light] doesn't seem to be influenced by [Taihuang Daozhu], but instead has taken a different path and created its own unique style, creating the exclusive trendy brand [Holy Cough Particles], which can already reach the residents of Chan City and gain potential Holy Cough believers (users)."

Spicy Strip quickly recalled his boss's entire cultivation process: "I guess it's a problem with the [Holy Seal]! Different factions of the Holy Temple each monopolize a large number of [Holy Seals], and the process of forging the seal is also the process of forging Holy Light. If you exchange for the [Taihuangdao] Holy Seal, I'm afraid the Holy Light attribute will continue to lean towards the [Taihuangdao Master]. At that time, you will be a human-shaped propagation device of [Taihuang System. Holy Light]."

"But you managed to escape the trap in time, purchasing the unadulterated 'Holy Seal Sanctuary' in 'Paradise of the Gods,' and with the hidden talents brought by the 'Great Wilderness Immortal Scripture Client,' you weren't labeled by other superiors. Instead, you became a potential 'Infant Holy Light Source'?"

Yuan Zhu's eyes lit up: "That's right! Isn't this a replica of [Shadow Pollution]?"

His [Tiger Demon] is so powerful because the [Great Wilderness Immortal Scripture] intercepted part of the original intent of a certain 18th-tier shadow evil god and had it taken over by the [Abnormal Spiritual Root].

Now, his [Holy Light] has also been absorbed by the [Immortal Scripture Client], thus replicating the robbery process and appropriating the [Holy Light] for itself, turning it into its exclusive pollution.

The difference between the two is that the [Shadow] type ascends to the top in one step, starting from an extremely high level, and has not yet fully realized its potential; while the [Holy Light] type starts from the bottom and develops step by step, and has not even reached the first seal yet, but it is also 'potential to become a god'.

Spicy Strips immediately flattered, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! You have suddenly comprehended the secret of the Holy Light, and today you finally know who you are!"

Yuan Zhu: "It seems that the [Path of Holy Light] not only needs to focus on the growth and strengthening of its own 'Holy Light', but also needs to take into account its spread, and even develop sects and downlines? Bestowing holy marks, cultivating disciples, and using them to restrain the behavior patterns of believers and users. Separating the exclusive [Holy Light] and creating its own doctrinal school? This underground world is quite a good place."

He discovered that this bubble world was both suitable and unsuitable for spreading the Holy Light. Where it was suitable, the environment was harsh, and ordinary people didn't even perceive the "Holy Cough" as pollution or disease; those who actively accepted its embrace were able to combat further pollution. Acceptance was extremely high.

However, the downside is that the Holy Light is restricted in every aspect of the Underworld. Once released, it will trigger widespread riots and backlashes. Unlike the Shadow, which seems to be born for the Underworld and is rejected by no form of pollution.

After learning of Yuan Zhu's predicament, Spicy Strip suggested, "Absorb the soul ashes of the 'Shadow Demon Insect'! The disease ashes helped you create the [Holy Cough] disease-type Holy Light skill; therefore, absorbing the insect-type contaminated ashes will surely create a 'Holy Light skill' suitable for the current version!"

"Makes sense!"

Yuan Zhu summoned a weak 'Shadow Demon Insect' from the [Shadow Dream Hole], a newly crafted cougar it had created while dormant. This time, he didn't recklessly detonate the Holy Cough in his 'Inner World'. Doing so would likely cause his own 'Inner World' to explode first.

Therefore, he chose the slow burning mode, using the 'Shadow Demon Worm' as a holy light flashlight, steadily releasing [holy light], bathing himself in it, absorbing the ashes of souls, and starting a new round of [imprinting].

[Forging Seals] At the same time, Yuan Zhu did not forget to ignite his own life force, controlling the continuously generated 'Holy Light', and optimizing and perfecting (creating) various Holy Light combat skills that fit the spatial attributes of the [Sanctuary] according to his own will.

(End of this chapter)