Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 537 The Unexpected Turn of Events at Yuanhe Mountain
The evening breeze blows, the iron horse under the eaves makes a clear, ethereal sound, and the sunset glows brightly, bathing the mountains in a crimson hue.

Inside the Wuji Hall, the True Man Zhengyang, dressed in an indigo Taoist robe, stood by the window, his well-defined fingers lightly tapping on a tortoise shell, taking in the twilight over a thousand mountains.

His eyes sparkled, his eyebrows were slightly raised, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly; he was in a rather good mood at the moment.

No, it should be said that he has been in a pretty good mood in recent years.

The sect is thriving, and every day is something to look forward to.

If we judge heroes by their achievements, he is the sect leader who has contributed the most to the sect's wealth among all previous sect leaders.

Time is merciless, but to witness the rise of the sect at the end of his life filled him with great joy, and he felt as if the evening breeze was intoxicating.

At that moment, a bright red flame, like a shooting star streaking across the sky, rapidly approached Chaoyang Peak.

A moment later, Zhang Zizhao landed in front of the Wuji Hall. He put away the Azure Flame Purple Spirit Gourd and hurriedly entered the hall.

Master Zhengyang said softly, "What happened? Why are you in such a panic! How many times have I told you to remain calm in the face of important matters?"

Zhang Zizhao scratched his head and began to flatter, "Ancestor, how can this disciple compare to you!"

He changed the subject and continued:

"An urgent message came from Qingyun Immortal City: Yuanhe Mountain has recently recruited a large number of new disciples, and True Person Beichen announced the closure of the mountain gate yesterday morning."

The specific details have not yet been verified, but we should receive a response within three to five days.

Yuan Heshan's actions were subtle, leaving only the sects and Luofeng Valley as the remaining forces in Xizhou with any real power.

Master Zhengyang frowned, then gradually relaxed:
"Master Beichen is about my age, but he was seriously injured and his lifespan should be coming to an end soon."

Yuanhe Mountain has yet to produce any new Golden Core cultivators, and if True Person Beichen passes away, their situation will be quite awkward.

Closing the mountain now, although it forgoes some profits, doesn't severely damage its core essence. When a new Golden Core cultivator is born in the future, the Yuanhe Mountain's lineage will continue, and the mountain gates will reopen.

The other party's approach has both advantages and disadvantages, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If you put yourself in their shoes, Master Zhengyang feels that he would make the same choice.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

The scene of Master Beichen slaughtering Golden Core demons during the demon calamity is still vivid in my mind, but now it ends in a bleak manner, which is quite tragic and desolate, like a hero in his twilight years.

Zhang Zizhao pondered for a moment and asked:
"If Yuanhe Mountain is sealed off, the northern region of Xizhou will fall into disarray. Should we extend our reach?"

"Of course, but don't go too far. Leave some room for maneuver later."

Even if you're not mortal enemies, leave each other a way out so you can meet again in the future.

Zhang Zizhao smiled and said, "Disciple understands. I will send sect cultivators to various markets to rent shops and do legitimate business. That will make sense no matter what."

"Very good, do it that way. Also, keep a close eye on the movements of Falling Maple Valley."

"As ordered!"

With the news of Yuanhe Mountain being closed off, the situation in Xizhou became turbulent once again.

Ji An didn't pay much attention to the news after receiving it. He spent his days cultivating his magic, tending to the spiritual fields on Crimson Flame Peak and in the Calabash World, and nurturing the seeds of the Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame. His days were peaceful and beautiful.

A month has passed, and the bright moon shines with a silvery light.

Ji An sat cross-legged in the cave, urging the primordial fire to temper the fire seed.

Suddenly, the spark exploded, and flames of blue, red, and white rose up and drifted down from above the primordial fire, landing nearby.

The firelight was as faint as a bean, like a candle flickering in the wind, seemingly about to go out at any moment, but it did not diminish Ji An's joy in the slightest.

The Heavenly Spirit Fire has been completely refined and reborn, and naturally, some of its magical power will enhance it during future cultivation.

Just as Ji An was envisioning a bright future, a strange movement occurred in his dantian. The quiet stone tortoise opened its eyes, revealing an inquisitive gaze.

Curious, it climbed up to the Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame, tilted its head and stared at the flames, seemingly deep in thought.

A moment later, it slightly opened its mouth, and a breath of pure energy was exhaled.

It was as if a few drops of water had fallen into a burning furnace, causing the Azure Lotus Heart-Burning Flame to suddenly surge and expand tenfold.

Ji An was overjoyed. Now that the Heavenly Spirit Fire had grown so much stronger, it was almost ready to be used for alchemy.

At this moment, the stone tortoise placed its claws into the Azure Lotus Heart-Burning Flame, its eyes revealing a look of enjoyment.

The next moment it retracted its claws, exhaled a breath of pure spiritual energy, and then wagged its short tail and returned to its original position, closing its eyes to rest again.

The Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame expanded again, reaching one-fifth the height of the Primordial Life Flame. Its light and color were bright, sweeping away the initial weakness.

At this level of vigor, it's more than capable of being used to refine elixirs.

Ji An stood up, flicked his left fingers vertically, and activated the spiritual fire of heaven and earth. Three-colored flames appeared at his fingertips, and astonishing heat radiated outwards.

A smile bloomed on his lips as he withdrew the Heavenly Flame into his body, strolled outside the cave, took out a golden communication sword, recorded the information, and activated it.

Watching the golden light disappear into the distance, Ji An rode the clouds into the sky, swooped down the mountain, and entered the stone house.

He checked the teleportation array, took out the nearly depleted spirit stones and replaced them with new ones, then activated the array.

The light and shadow before his eyes distorted, his figure disappeared, and the next moment he appeared on Ningcui Cliff.

"Teleportation arrays are the real black technology; they're so damn convenient."

Ji An sighed and entered the teleportation array leading to Chaoyang Peak.

Treasure Pavilion.

Jia Yu held a gourd in his hand, gazing into the distance at the outside of the hall, where the aroma of wine filled the air.

Now, he loves reminiscing more and more, and at this moment he is recalling the past, reliving his past triumphs and setbacks.

Ji An entered the main hall and saw his unfocused gaze.

"Hey, let's get to work!"

Jia Yu's mind returned from the clouds to his body. He placed the wine gourd on the table, hurriedly stood up, and bowed, saying:
"I was reminded of some past events and neglected my duties."

Ji An looked at the other person carefully for a few moments, then said softly:
"It's rare to see you not drinking in your free time."

The other person's wine gourd was open, but there was no water stain at the corner of their mouth, which was very unusual.

"As people get older, they inevitably feel melancholic and sentimental, and for a moment they even forgot to drink."

Jia Yu laughed, saying that several times he had raised his head to drink, but then remembered something and put the gourd down again.

Ji An joked:
"I'm too idle, I need to find something to do."

I'll exchange some medicinal herbs, and then I'll exchange them for a recipe for the Qi-Nourishing Pill.

When people are idle, they tend to have random thoughts, and cultivators are no exception, which highlights the importance of having a hobby.

Jia Yu raised an eyebrow and asked:

What kinds of medicinal herbs can I exchange for?

"I need two portions of all the medicinal ingredients for the Peiyuan Pill, except for the main ingredient. I will also hand over some Blood Luo Fruit and Star Soul Grass."

Ji An took out several jade boxes and placed them on the table. These spiritual herbs had matured one after another in the past few months. If it weren't for the need to cultivate the Azure Lotus Heart-Burning Flame, he would have started refining medicine long ago.

Because the planting spell was effective, the Blood Luo Fruit and Star Soul Grass yielded more than two standard points, so there was no point in keeping them and they were handed over to the sect.

Jia Yu examined the medicinal herbs in the jade box and said:
"The quality of the elixir is really good, the best I've ever seen. It can be exchanged for 15,000 minor merits."

"Fellow Daoist, please wait a moment while I go to retrieve the pill formula and medicinal herbs." Generally speaking, exchanging pill formulas requires going to the Transmission Hall, but these kinds of pill formulas are all backed up in the Treasure Pavilion, so there is no need to make another trip to Lingxiao Mountain.

Jia Yu activated the mimicry array with a hand seal, entered the secret vault, and emerged a moment later carrying several jade boxes.

He placed the jade box on the table and then took out a jade slip:

"According to sect rules, Golden Core cultivators do not need to spend any minor merit to exchange for various inheritances below the Golden Core level, so the pill formula is a gift. You will need to leave your magic power imprint later."

These two medicinal herbs are worth 32,000 small merits. Please give me the jade token.

I will first store the submitted spiritual items in the vault, and then deduct the minor merit points consumed.

For him, the necessary procedures could not be omitted.

Ji An took out the jade pendant. "You're still so serious. That's good."

"got used to."

Jia Yu smiled as she accepted the jade tablet and placed it on the spirit plate to begin her operation.

Ji An examined the prescription and the medicinal materials. After confirming that there were no omissions, he put the jade box into the Cave Void Stone.

The transaction was completed, and he left a magical imprint on the spirit plate as proof of exchanging the pill formula.

The two began chatting casually, and after a while, Jia Yu said with a hint of sadness:
“I have already submitted an application to the ancestor that the Treasure Pavilion will welcome a successor.”

He had spent nearly two hundred years in the Treasure Pavilion, half of his life there. Now that his life was coming to an end, he was ready to lay down his burdens and enjoy a period of carefree time.

Ji An fell silent. He glanced at the other man's graying temples, then took out a gourd and placed it on the table.

"When are you leaving?"

"About two weeks later, the successor will be Junior Brother Yue Yunlong. Do you remember him?"

Ji An nodded slightly. "Yue Yunlong from the Beast Taming Hall, I remember he broke through to the Chaoyuan stage a few days before me, and we met here later. Li Yuangong was also here at the time."

Yue Yunlong often goes to Chiyan Peak to buy mulberry leaves and Biluo fruit. Although I rarely receive him personally, we have quite a few opportunities to meet.

Jia Yu smiled kindly, "Yes, actually I wasn't optimistic about his breakthrough."

What are your plans for the future?

"I have no plans. I entered the sect at a young age, and I no longer have any relatives in my hometown. I will spend the rest of my life drinking and having fun in the sect and the surrounding area."

Jia Yu took a swig of wine and changed the subject:
"Why talk about such sentimental things? Talk about yourself!"

Although you have already become a Golden Core cultivator, it's best to seek guidance from a skilled alchemist when refining the Qi Cultivation Pill for the first time. Some subtle techniques aren't explicitly stated in the formula.

“Excellent suggestion. I invite Han Yan to Crimson Flame Peak for a chat tomorrow.”

"Haha, Junior Sister Han's ability to refine the Qi-Nourishing Pill is top-notch in the entire Western Continent."

However, she is about to leave the sect to travel, and has been busy refining pills during this time.

Ji Anlue was somewhat surprised and asked:

"Has her Five Elements Divine Palace reached its peak?"

"Yes, otherwise why would we travel around?"
"It's a pity I won't live to see the day she breaks through to the Golden Core stage."

Jia Yu sighed, noting that Han Yan's cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds since he went to Zhongzhou, suggesting that he had attained enlightenment.

Based on their current performance, they definitely have the ability to break through to the Golden Core stage.

The next day.

As the sun rose, the morning mist in the mountains quickly dissipated.

A moment later, golden-red mist rose from the top of Crimson Flame Peak, its color bright and intense.

However, the domineering force that used to cut to the bone and scrape the skin is now confined to the mountain peak area, and other areas are less affected than before.

In short, since the spiritual veins of Crimson Flame Peak were upgraded to the third tier, this place has become much more habitable.

Han Yan controlled her magical artifact and flew down, landing on the edge of the cold pool.

At this moment, Ji An was drinking tea at the stone table. He stood up and greeted him:
"Please have a seat. I have brewed a pot of the finest Jade Dew Golden Bud Tea. Please enjoy it."

Han Yan cupped her hands in greeting, "I'd be honored to accept your offer."

She picked up the teacup, inhaled the aroma, and a look of pure bliss appeared on her face.

She took a sip of the spiritual tea, her eyebrows furrowing tightly.

Normally, Gyokuro Golden Tooth Tea has a light, refreshing fragrance, but this cup of tea tastes quite bitter.

But it wasn't without its benefits; as the hot tea was consumed, a cool sensation spread through the mind.

"It's too strong. Only you, fellow Daoist, can afford to be so extravagant."

Ji An smiled and said, "I went to the Treasure Pavilion yesterday and heard that you have a lot of pill refining tasks lately, so I specially brewed a pot of strong tea for you."

"Thank you, it's exactly what I needed."

Han Yan frowned as she finished the spirit tea, then asked for another cup, saying playfully:
"In a few months, I will be traveling to study the Five Elements and their interactions. What guidance do you have, Ancestor?"

Ji An smiled and said, "The sect leader has probably already told you everything. I don't have any better suggestions, but I can offer you some other support."

He took out several jade boxes and a porcelain jar, and then took out a talisman that shimmered with crimson light:

"There are ten top-grade Bodhi fruits in the jade box, as well as more than a dozen plates of Soul Incense, and two ounces of top-grade Jade Dew Golden Bud Tea in the porcelain jar."

"The talisman is a mid-grade, third-tier Bing Fire Divine Thunder Talisman. It was a gift from my senior brother, the sect leader, during my travels. I'm now passing it on to you."

Han Yan's mouth dropped open in surprise. She had only mentioned it casually, but she hadn't expected the other party to be so generous. No wonder he was an ancestor!

"Such a generous gift is too much for this disciple to accept."

It was too lavish, which frightened her.

"Of course, it's not free. I want to learn how to refine the Qi-Nourishing Pill and would like to ask for your guidance. Please try not to hold back any knowledge."

The Bodhi tree is a sacred tree in Buddhism, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment, and possessing the power to enhance understanding. I would like to ask you to research how to maximize its effectiveness.

Ji An proposed a condition for the exchange: the second-grade top-quality Bodhi fruit did not have a strong effect, probably because the processing method was incorrect.

Are there any other restrictions on researching Bodhi fruit? For example, are there any timeframes or requirements for producing results?

Han Yan asked, explaining that she was about to embark on a journey and wouldn't have much time to study the medicinal properties of the Bodhi fruit.

"No, I will continue to provide you with materials, and I am willing to provide two ounces of top-grade Yulu Golden Bud Tea and half a pound of top-grade Yunding Silver Needle Tea every year as research compensation."

All you need to do is swear an oath to the Great Way, promising to inform me if you achieve any results.

This is a casual move by Ji An; if it yields a result, that's great; if it doesn't, he won't lose anything.

Research is something that you can't just produce results by simply wanting to.

Han Yan nodded sincerely, "Deal!"

The conditions were very lenient, so she had no reason to refuse. Besides, she was genuinely interested in studying the properties of medicinal herbs; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to create the formula.

(End of this chapter)