Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 513 True Man Xuanqing
Han Yan thought she was hallucinating. "Ancestor Ji of Crimson Flame Peak? You're not kidding?"

"Grandmaster, how could I possibly joke about such a thing?"

Master Ji broke through at Chaoyang Peak, and it took many days. I also watched it from afar.

The thunderclouds stretched for dozens of miles, and the sound of thunder alone made me lose my composure.

Many people in the sect gathered to watch. Although it wasn't announced publicly, everyone knew that the sect had gained another patriarch.

The maid's tone was excited and proud; as a member of the sect, the stronger the sect, the better.

Han Yan was in a state of confusion; she couldn't believe it was true.

It feels like just yesterday that the two of them traveled to the Southern Continent together; back then, their cultivation levels were not far apart.

She went out, hoping to narrow the gap, but instead the gap widened even further. At this moment, she couldn't help but feel as if she had been transported to another world.

Is it so easy for a Golden Core cultivator to break through?

Of course not, otherwise the various sects in the Western Continent wouldn't only have a handful of True Persons to fill the ranks.

In the Central Continent, the proportion of Golden Core cultivators in major powers is relatively high, but smaller powers are not much better off than the sects in the Western Continent.

Han Yan waved her hand and said:
"I suddenly feel like going to Yunhe Mountain to visit Senior Sister He."

She left the cave and rode away on her magical artifact.

The journey seemed to stretch on and on; it felt like it took forever to finally arrive at Yunhe Mountain.

He Yuhan was quite surprised by the arrival of her fellow disciple and said with great joy:
"Junior sister, when did you get back?"

She knew that the other party and the ancestor had gone to Zhongzhou.

"I just got back, and I brought a gift for my senior sister."

Han Yan took out a black jade bottle. "This is a beauty mud made from third-tier materials. I hope you will like it, Senior Sister."

Most female cultivators are more concerned about their appearance and do not want to see their beauty fade away in the mirror.

There weren't many female cultivators at the Chaoyuan stage in the sect, so she brought gifts for each of her fellow disciples.

It's not expensive, but everyone will like it.

"Thank you, I've never used such a good beauty mud before."

The two chatted casually, the atmosphere was harmonious, and Han Yan said seemingly unintentionally:
"I heard that a major event happened in the sect a few years ago."

"You mean Ji An's breakthrough to the Golden Core stage, right?"

He Yuhan sighed deeply, "No one expected that the other party would break through first."

In the eyes of many "veterans," Lin Jiuxiao and Lin Qiubai are among the top cultivators with the potential to break through to a higher realm, with Lin Qiubai having a greater chance of breaking through first.

The sword cultivator's title of being the strongest among his peers is not self-proclaimed; it is earned through sheer strength.

She recalled the scene when the Five-Colored Deer broke through. At that time, she was already a second-stage cultivator of the Chaoyuan realm, while Ji An was just a well-known Foundation Establishment disciple, whom she did not value much.

Now, her cultivation has stalled at the fourth stage of the Chaoyuan realm, while the other party has become a Golden Core True Person. This sense of disparity initially made her feel very uncomfortable.

Later, when he thought of the cultivators who had entered the sect with him, almost all of whom were now buried in the yellow earth, the sense of contrast in his heart was diluted.

She smiled slightly and continued:

"I met with Elder Ji a few days ago. The rock-armored bear he raised is on the verge of a breakthrough and asked me to help him search for materials."

I've already gathered most of the materials. My junior sister's return is just in time for alchemy; I feel much more at ease having you in charge of the process.

Han Yan suppressed her complicated emotions and asked, "No problem, what kind of pills should I refine?"

"Earth Vein Flame Heart Pill, a kind of pill that combines fire and earth. That rock-armored bear has earth-grade aptitude and its bloodline is perfectly fused."

"I have tried refining it before and have some experience, but it's been too long, so I can't guarantee that I will succeed."

"It's alright. I've searched for two batches of pill-making materials. As long as I successfully refine one pill, the reward will be a high-grade spirit stone and all the proceeds from pill refining."

Han Yan smiled and nodded, "No problem."

Chaoyang Peak, Wuji Palace.

Master Zhengyang laughed heartily, "After being away for thirty years, the sect has gained another Golden Core cultivator. Congratulations! Junior brother, have you decided on your Daoist title yet?"

Ji An scratched his head, "I've thought of a few, but I haven't decided yet. Could you two senior brothers help me figure it out?"

I plan to choose one from Chunyang, Changchun, and Xuanqing.

Chunyangzi Lü Dongbin and Changchunzi Qiu Chuji were Taoist figures he admired in his previous life.

In fact, he had considered choosing one of the Three Pure Ones' titles: Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun symbolized the Wuji state at the beginning of the universe's chaos, representing the origin of creation; Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun symbolized the Taiji state of Yin and Yang separation; and Taiqing Daode Tianzun symbolized the harmonious state of the generation and transformation of all things.

However, after thinking it over, he decisively gave up. The titles of the Three Pure Ones were too high for him to bear.

Those whose virtue does not match their position will surely suffer misfortune.

If he hadn't traveled through time, he probably wouldn't have felt much awe, but now that he has, his mindset has changed drastically.

Some of those myths from past lives might actually be true.

Wuji gives birth to Taiji, Taiji gives birth to Liangyi, Liangyi gives birth to Sixiang, and Sixiang gives birth to Bagua.

The stone tortoise's shell is decorated with Bagua patterns, and they are the Later Heaven Bagua patterns. How can its status compare to that of Yuqing, which represents Wuji (the ultimate void)?

Zhenren Zhengyang pondered and said:
“Back then, I chose the Taoist name Zhengyang, which meant that all things grow under the bright sun. Now I think it was a bit off.”

Those who are pure Yang possess a wondrous body and spirit, and are in harmony with the Dao, but reaching this state is extremely difficult.

The position is too lofty; I do not recommend choosing it.

Yu Xiao Zhenren interjected:
"Where is there an evergreen tree? Life and death depend on each other, and yin and yang change, which is the principle of the Tao."

I think Xuanqing is better. Xuanqing means naturally clear and pure, symbolizing the purity of the Dao.

After thinking it over and over, Ji An spoke:

"From now on, I will be the True Man Xuanqing."

The mystery is the gateway to all wonders. The mystery represents change, and the clarity represents the natural flow of water. This was also Ji An's original intention.

Another point is that he felt something was off about having the same Daoist name as others, which is why he chose Xuanqing as a backup.

"Haha, congratulations, junior brother!"

Now that the Daoist name has been determined and the date for the Golden Core Ceremony has been set, we will send invitations to other forces to invite them to attend the ceremony.

This is my junior brother's first official public appearance, and he needs to prepare a set of third-tier Daoist robes. Fortunately, there are merchant flying ships in Central Continent available, so we can buy them directly.

After discussing for a while, the three decided to hold the ceremony six months later, by which time the merchant ships from Central Continent would have already left.

Having finished discussing the important matters, Ji An cupped his hands and said:

"Senior brother, I would like to exchange some Transformation Divine Mud, Wuhua Treasure Soil and Phoenix Stone from the sect's secret treasury to repair my natal magic weapon and spiritual artifact."

Master Zhengyang nodded: "No problem, my junior brother and I will go to the Treasure Pavilion together later."

Now that my junior brother has broken through to the Golden Core realm, are there any candidates for the position of Palace Master of the Agriculture Hall?

In the Western Continent, Golden Core cultivators have already reached the top of the pyramid and are no longer suitable to hold specific positions.

Ji An did not hide his thoughts and said:

"The next head of the Ministry of Agriculture must be a cultivator at the Chaoyuan stage; otherwise, he will not be able to command respect and will not be suitable to maintain the dignity of the Ministry of Agriculture."

I have two disciples who are on the verge of breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage. As long as they can obtain the Peiyuan Pill from the sect, they can begin their breakthrough.

I believe that the future heads of the Palace of Agriculture should be selected from among the Lingnong disciples; this will help to unite the Lingnong followers.

“I agree.” True Master Zhengyang also felt that it would be more appropriate to select the hall master from among the spirit farmers. For example, it would be unreasonable for the hall master of the weapon refining hall not to know how to refine weapons.

Never let an outsider instruct an expert, or you might cause some trouble.

The three discussed some details, and the matter was basically settled.

Ji An spoke again:

"Senior brother, you once said that the sect has two Golden Core level spells. I wonder what they are. If they are useful, I would like to exchange for them."

Learning martial arts is never a bad thing. The most important thing now is to acquire planting magic and improve it to a higher level, but you also need to learn the basics of various attack spells.

"None of them are powerful spells. The first one is the Melting Gold Divine Fire Technique, which is a basic spell for Golden Core cultivators."

By combining the yang fire from the Fire Palace and the yin water from the Water Palace, the combined power of yin and yang is used to temper the primordial fire of life.

In this way, it will have more benefits whether it is used to nurture magical treasures or for refining weapons and alchemy.

However, although it is a basic spell, because it involves the transformation of Yin and Yang, it is easy to learn but difficult to master, requiring decades or even hundreds of years of arduous practice before its power can be manifested.

"The second spell is called the Wood-Spirit Stealing Technique, which can plunder the life force of plants and trees to condense wood-elemental spirit energy."

Master Zhengyang looked rather embarrassed. Both of these spells were auxiliary spells, each with its own drawbacks.

Ji An could tell that the Yi Mu Soul-Stealing Technique was probably an advanced version of Qing Lu's innate spell.

Yu Xiao Zhenren said:

"Junior brother, you may not know this, but spells at the Golden Core level are different from spells at the Chaoyuan stage. They require hand seals and incantations, and the preparation time is quite long."

A spell's power is limited at a low level of mastery; only at a high level can its power be fully revealed.

Unless one practices the spell to an extremely high level, it is not very practical.

Therefore, Golden Core cultivators prefer to use magical treasures in combat.

Ji An suddenly realized that spells are channeled skills, while magic weapon attacks are basic attacks.

When fighting other people, the time allotted for casting has been cut countless times.

Spells always require hand seals for preparation, but his spells are of a high level and are almost all instantaneous, so the drawbacks of using spells for attacks in the past have not become apparent.

Judging from my senior brother's tone, spells at the Golden Core level require a long casting time.

Master Zhengyang took out two jade slips brimming with spiritual light. "Every Golden Core cultivator must know a spell similar to the Melting Gold Divine Fire Technique. This spell is a benefit of the sect."

The Yi Wood Spirit-Seizing Technique requires an exchange; 10,000 minor merit points are sufficient.

There are no specific rules yet regarding the inheritance and exchange of resources at the Golden Core level. In the beginning, there was only one Golden Core cultivator, but later the two of them could just discuss it casually. Now, it needs to be clarified how much minor merit a Golden Core cultivator needs to consume to exchange for resources.

Ji An took out his identity jade token and copied two spell jade slips.

Master Zhengyang took out the spirit plate, deducted the minor merit, and handed over the spirit plate and jade tablet, saying:
"Junior brother, the Spirit Disc is a spell that relies on the sect's spiritual artifact, the Mountain and River Map. You should refine it first, and then I will teach you how to use it."

A moment later, Ji An refined the magical artifact and learned how to use it.

The spiritual artifact is like a smart terminal that can operate the disciple's jade token.

The Palace Master of the Ministry of Agriculture could have one, but he felt it was unnecessary at the time.

Ji An put away the spirit plate and solemnly said:

"Senior brother, I need a planting technique at the Golden Core level."

He relied entirely on these kinds of spells to get rich. With them, he was confident that he could improve the spiritual vein grade of Crimson Flame Peak sooner and cultivate third-tier spiritual plants earlier.

Master Zhengyang smiled and said, "Although our sect does not have the spells you need, we are willing to buy them no matter how high the price."

The merchant ships from Zhongzhou are currently in Qingyun Immortal City. We'll go to the Treasure Pavilion to retrieve some high-grade spirit stones and then set off immediately.

Ji An suggested, "Well, it would be best to buy a few more types of lightning magic."

In the future, when he goes out to make a living, he will rely entirely on magic weapons and spells to save face. If he doesn't know a few thunder spells, he will be letting down the stone tortoise that accompanied him through the transmigration.

Lightning attacks are swift and fierce, making them a thrilling weapon in magical duels.

Master Zhengyang scratched his head, "During my trip to Zhongzhou, I purchased the Golden Elixir, various elixir formulas, and the inheritance of weapon crafting techniques."

This journey was extremely costly and depleted much of the sect's resources. If he chooses to use lightning magic, he can only pick one.

"How about we wait until the sect has accumulated enough resources again in a few years, then purchase more Golden Core level spells?"

It's not that he's stingy; in fact, the spells he bought this time are unlikely to be used by many cultivators in the future.

The Golden Core stage is a critical juncture. Unless a sect becomes a Nascent Soul level sect, there will inevitably be very few Golden Core cultivators.

To advance to the Nascent Soul stage, the spiritual veins must be upgraded to at least the third-tier top-grade, which would take an unknown number of years.

Of course, occupying other third-tier extreme spiritual veins is also feasible, provided they have the strength to do so.

Does it? No!
Ji An nodded, "Okay, let's go."

Master Yuxiao said, "I still need to stay and oversee the sect, so I won't go to Qingyun Immortal City to join in the fun."

In the treasure pavilion, Jia Yu hurriedly bowed and greeted them:

"Disciple pays respects to the two venerable ancestors!"

Now he calls him "Grandpa" very naturally, without any resistance.

Master Zhengyang nodded, "Open the secret vault, I want to take away the high-grade spirit stones I've accumulated."

In addition, Junior Brother Ji wants to exchange for resources such as Transformation Yuan Divine Mud, Wuhua Treasure Soil, and Phoenix Stone, and take them out at the same time.

From now on, he won't need my approval to exchange supplies; I can arrange it directly.

"Yes, sir," Jia Yu said, making a hand seal to activate the mimicry array.

Master Zhengyang spoke again:

"Junior brother, come with me into the secret vault. I will record your magic power in the central array, so that you can enter and exit the secret vault in the future."

Also, as a Golden Core cultivator, you should greet and get to know Ancestor Yan.

"We'll meet the other guardian beast when we return."

This is a necessary procedure. Only after completing the procedure can Ji An truly become a core leader of the sect.

“Okay,” Ji An said as he followed the two of them into the room. It was his first time entering such a place, and he was naturally very curious.

In the center of the secret vault stood several stone pillars that shone with spiritual light, which should be the central location of the magic array.

There are several doors here, each containing different supplies.

The Earth Dragon Beast, summoned, said rather impatiently:
"What happened? You've disturbed my sweet dream!"

It was just sleeping in the earth's veins.

Master Zhengyang chuckled and said:
"Ancestor Yan, your vigilance is too low. Didn't you notice anything different?"

The earth dragon sniffed and said suspiciously:
"Nothing is different."

It suddenly widened its eyes, staring intently at Ji An:

"Has another new True Person been born in the sect?"

Master Zhengyang laughed heartily:

"Haha, let me introduce you. This is the sect's third Golden Core cultivator, True Person Xuanqing."

(End of this chapter)