Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 253, Section 262: Superior Divine Weapon, Auspicious Phoenix Arrives

Louguan Temple has four gates and four symbols, each with its own function.

The White Tiger Gate has a subordinate White Tiger Pavilion, which is in charge of weapon forging.

Behind White Tiger Peak lies a place where divine weapons are displayed. The divine weapons left behind by the ancestors over a thousand years ago are all there, making it a forbidden area within a forbidden area.

Apart from the sect leader and the sect master, only true disciples can enter and exit once when they are promoted. After that, they need to accumulate merits to enter again.

The key is that if one is destined, one can obtain a divine weapon that recognizes its master. If one is not destined, one can only return empty-handed even if one enters a mountain of treasures.

"I am a person without destiny. If it weren't for the protection of my family, I wouldn't even have a divine weapon to protect me."

As Li Siqi and his companions walked on White Tiger Peak, the disciples they encountered along the way all bowed respectfully.

Even though Li Cunxiao, sandwiched between two true disciples in purple robes, was only dressed in a blue robe, no one dared to slack off.

Although the tradition is to determine the succession and demotion of disciples by the sect's assessment on the Double Ninth Festival (the ninth day of the ninth lunar month), once the sect leader, Daotong Zhenren, has spoken, everyone with discerning eyes knows that Li Cunxiao's position as the true successor is a sure thing and cannot be avoided.

"Which divine weapon does Senior Brother possess?"

Upon hearing this, Li Siqi smiled, and a faint radiance emanated from his heart, kidneys, and dantian.

The true essence condensed and transformed into a gourd.

"It is one of the divine weapons passed down through my Li family in Longxi, called the Samadhi Fire Gourd."

"Generally speaking, divine weapons choose their masters, and one cannot obtain them without the right opportunity."

"But the divine weapon, worshipped for generations, has developed its own temperament over time."

"The Samadhi True Fire Method passed down in my clan was created specifically for this purpose."

Heart fire, kidney fire, dantian fire – aren't these the fire control secrets my master passed down to me for alchemy?

Li Cunxiao was startled. The incomplete Samadhi True Fire had been of great help to his alchemy, but as his cultivation level improved and his true essence was refined, this method gradually became inadequate.

Unexpectedly, I now learn that this method is not a lineage of Louguan Taoism, but a secret tradition of the Li family of Longxi.

He was touched by Taiyi Zhenren's favoritism, but kept quiet and simply praised him:

“Great families with a long history do indeed have extraordinary methods.”

"It was a last resort," Li Siqi said without any boasting. He quickly sheathed his divine weapon and looked at Ye Shuyi with a probing gaze.
"Junior Sister Ye has come to choose a divine weapon. Is there anything you like?"

"Ideally, I would like to obtain a pill-making furnace."

Ye Shuyi answered decisively, glancing at Li Cunxiao beside her as she spoke:

"Junior Brother's talent in alchemy is beyond expectation."

"Only with a good alchemy furnace can one properly learn from others."

"Senior sister, you flatter me. In front of you two, I am but a child."

"The other day was for the competition, so I was just cramming at the last minute. Apart from the calming pill, I don't know anything about the other pill formulas."

The beautiful woman had fair and smooth skin and a graceful demeanor, but when she talked about alchemy, she seemed to change her nature, like a lit ember.

Li Cunxiao felt he couldn't take it anymore and couldn't help but quietly take two steps back.

“Junior brother is too modest. If you really know nothing, it just so happens that Senior Uncle Taiyi is usually busy. Since I am your senior sister, I can give you some extra lessons.”

Ye Shuyi's eyes burned with fervor, as if she wished she could tear Li Cunxiao apart and examine his internal organs.

At the age of twenty, his mastery of alchemy and martial arts was beyond the reach of most, and such a person aroused her interest like never before.

The improved elixir formula, in particular, was something that neither the sect leader nor her master, Changsun Chi, would discuss, which only fueled her curiosity.

She is now in her thirties. In order to improve her alchemy and martial arts skills, she has not even practiced many martial arts techniques and has only barely reached this level.

Li Cunxiao, on the other hand, was fast in cultivation, strong in combat, and good at alchemy.

How can anyone resist having a living, breathing person standing right in front of them?
"Ahem, Junior Sister Ye, if we're talking about guidance, you've probably forgotten that I'm still on Azure Dragon Peak."

“That’s perfect. If Senior Brother Li comes along, the three of us can explore the mysteries of alchemy together.”

Upon hearing this, Li Siqi almost choked on his own saliva, inwardly cursing Guo Zhao for his lack of martial ethics.

Ye Shuyi is no ordinary woman. Not only is she first-rate in terms of background, appearance, and talent, but she is also very straightforward in her personality.

Li Cunxiao's caution allows him to avoid those with ulterior motives, but when faced with a woman who is so straightforward, Li Siqi can't help but feel a little worried for him.

'Guo Zhao, that scoundrel, is even willing to sacrifice his own junior sister to win over his junior brother Cunxiao!'

Unfortunately, there is no woman in the clan who can compare to Ye Shuyi; the maidservant sent there a few days ago was also returned.

'If all else fails, I'm afraid the only option left is to try and secure Li Mucha's marriage.'

Each of the three had their own thoughts, but fortunately, White Tiger Peak was not large, and they soon arrived at the back of the mountain.

Compared to the pavilions and towers outside, the entrance here is like a fortified wall, and from the specially built watchtower, one can have a panoramic view of the back mountain.

It was heavily guarded, with Taoist soldiers patrolling and stationed there. Judging from the numbers, most of the private army that Louguan Taoists had cultivated in recent years while the imperial court was losing power was here.

"Who is this, Zhi En? Junior Brother Li and Junior Sister Ye, what brings you all here today?"

A dark-faced youth wearing bright armor stopped the group and was about to check their tokens when he saw the three men's faces. Suddenly, he grinned, revealing his prominent silver teeth.

Li Cunxiao recognized the man as soon as he saw the two iron maces at his waist:
"Senior Brother Qin Sixing? Are you the one stationed here?"

This military officer was none other than Qin Sixing, a true disciple of Qin Li, the master of the White Tiger Sect.

Upon hearing this, the latter smiled, instructed the guarding disciples and soldiers to make way, and gestured for them to step forward.

"I understand. Junior Brother Li Siqi is sending you into the mountains to select divine weapons. Come here, let me take notes."

After walking a few steps, they arrived at the watchtower, where inner disciples had already brought over the registers.

Ye Shuyi quickly finished writing, and glanced at the front when Li Cunxiao filled it out.

The last time someone entered the mountain was two years ago. An inner sect elder had broken through the Xuan Guan, and Yan Daotong allowed him to enter the mountain to select a divine weapon, but he returned empty-handed.

"There are a total of nineteen divine weapons in the mountains: five superior divine weapons, nine medium-grade divine weapons, five inferior divine weapons, and seventeen remnants."

"Weapons account for 50%, armor for 30%, and rare items such as seals, rulers, furnaces, gourds and so on account for 20%."

"In the past decade, only two divine weapons have been brought out, one of which is Senior Brother Xue's Lesser Yin Lesser Yang Divine Sword."

Upon hearing Qin Sixing's words, Li Cunxiao, thinking of the contemporary chief scholar Xue Tianyun, subconsciously asked:

"And what about the other bite?"

The dark-faced youth smiled slightly, patting the pair of iron maces hanging from his belt. Seeing this, Li Siqi couldn't help but turn his head away, click his tongue, and urge him on:
"Junior Brother Li, Junior Sister Ye, let's not linger here, let's go into the mountains as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, the two clasped hands, passed through the heavily guarded entrance, and dispersed into the mountains and forests.

Because they had different goals, Li Cunxiao made up an excuse to separate from Ye Shuyi and wandered alone on the mountain path.

"The Wind and Fire Wheels can be used for both flight and escape, as well as as weapons for attack and kill; they are sufficient for now."

"With the Vajra, I can quickly master knife, sword, and spear techniques. A specific weapon is not the best solution; armor is the best choice for self-defense."

The further you get from the checkpoint, the closer you get to the primeval forest. As far as the eye can see, the trees are lush and green, with the occasional sound of water. Birds, beasts, insects, and fish are faintly visible, but no weapons are in sight.

The saying goes that divine weapons conceal themselves, and cannot be obtained by those who are destined to possess them. This is because once a divine weapon conceals its brilliance, it becomes indistinguishable from an ordinary object.

And there were quite a few creatures like the Wind and Fire Wheels that could transform into birds, beasts, insects, and fish. As a result, what Li Cunxiao saw was that even the golden pheasants in the trees looked like divine weapons, and even a straight stick on the ground looked like a divine weapon.

Poking here and touching there, but when true essence was inputted, either there was no reaction, or the ordinary beasts were directly burst open, scattering blood and flesh all over the ground.

After only a quarter of an hour, Li Cunxiao stopped and frowned.

"We can't just wander aimlessly like this."

"But divine weapons are concealed, and I have not opened the Xuan Guan Ni Wan Palace, so I cannot perceive them with my spirit."

"Are we really going to have to feel our way in inch by inch?"

"No, if an ordinary person came, this would naturally be the only way. But don't I still have the dragon boat on me?"

“Spiritual treasures are naturally in harmony with heaven and earth, and their grade is even higher than that of divine weapons. Could you ask the spirit of the weapon, Crimson Dragon, to help me search for them?”

"Among divine weapons, armor is more valuable than weapons, while magical artifacts each have their own unique uses, depending entirely on whether they are suitable for one another."

"I wonder if Junior Brother Li and Junior Sister Ye will return satisfied with their trip?"

Qin Sixing and Li Siqi sat facing each other, with tea and snacks laid out on a low table.

In fact, as divine weapons, it doesn't matter which one is more valuable.

However, divine weapons such as swords, spears, and halberds are forged to maximize the attack power of martial artists, and they are often very closely matched with the martial arts characteristics of their owners.

With such a distinct personality, it would be difficult for younger martial artists to recognize her as their master if their martial arts styles differed too much.

Armor, primarily designed for protection, is often more versatile, suffers the most damage, and is the rarest to survive, thus making it more valuable.

"My junior brother already has the Wind and Fire Wheels by his side, so even if he gains nothing, it's really not a big deal."

"In a few years, when his skills become more sophisticated, I wouldn't be surprised if he forged divine weapons for himself."

If Li Siqi had said this before the competition, he would have been furious.

But now that enemies have become friends, I feel that the world is vast and boundless.

Li Cunxiao is my junior brother. If he becomes the second Taiyi Zhenren, wouldn't I also benefit from it?

Who knows, at that time, it might even add another ancestral divine weapon to the Li family of Longxi!

He had originally spoken from the heart, but seeing Qin Sixing's unusual expression, and remembering that his sect had already done enough inquiries and attempts to win over Li Cunxiao, he quickly changed the subject:
"Senior Brother, how far have you progressed in breaking through the barrier?"

Qin Sixing fell silent for a long time before finally sighing.

"It's easy to walk on mud balls, but difficult to connect with heaven and earth."

"I have already cultivated my spirit enough, but to open my heart and mind, merge with heaven and earth, and transform my true form into a spiritual manifestation is extremely difficult!"

Upon hearing this, Li Siqi also sighed:

"Brother Xue's ability to see through life and death is truly something that no ordinary person can do."

The Heavenly Ladder Realm involves traversing the twenty-four vertebrae of the Heavenly Bone, passing through the coccyx, the spine, and the Jade Pillow, and finally requiring the use of true essence to open the Niwan point.

The Niwan point, also known as the ancestral aperture, is the master of the human body.

Because once opened, martial artists can merge with heaven and earth and comprehend the mysteries of nature, it is called the Mysterious Pass.

The ladder to the entrance is divided into two steps: the first step opens the Niwan point (a point on the forehead), and the second step connects heaven and earth.

Opening the Niwan point (the area around the crown of the head) is not difficult for these true masters, since true energy flows through the spine, making it easy to open the ancestral aperture.

Only by merging with Heaven and Earth can one separate the true form from the body and unite with Heaven and Earth.

How vast is the universe, and how insignificant is humankind! If one cannot maintain one's true self in harmony with the universe, one will be taken away by the universe and die without a burial place, and even the gods of the land cannot save one.

"The Mysterious Pass has stumped countless talents and heroes. It is said that only the master of the Spirit Treasure, who controls a secret realm, can safely pass through the process of achieving oneness with heaven and man."

"Junior Brother Li, I heard before that a dragon boat from a previous dynasty has appeared in Songzhou. I wonder if it's true or not."

"Your five surnames and seven clans are closely related by marriage. I wonder if the Zheng family of Xingyang has mentioned anything about this?"

Qin Sixing picked up the teacup and casually sipped it.

Li Siqi's expression remained unchanged; he simply shook his head.

"Now Zhu Quanzhong is pressing hard, and Old Master Zheng is in a state of utter distress. Huang Chao has also cut off transportation, so there's no news at all."

"I have heard about the Lingbao matter, but it is difficult to tell whether it is true or false."

"Is that so?" Qin Sixing smiled.

"Master Taiyi and Junior Brother Li Cunxiao have returned from Songzhou. I thought there would be some other news."

Is the White Tiger Sect also interested in dragon boats?

Li Siqi's heart skipped a beat. Before he could say anything, he suddenly saw a bluish-green light appear in the distant mountains and forests, accompanied by the clear cry of a phoenix in the wind.

Qin Sixing stood up abruptly, startling the disciples on duty around him, and even some nearby elders rushed over.

Upon seeing the soaring blue phantom, an uproar erupted:

"A superior-grade divine weapon!"

"It's actually one of the five top-grade items. Is it Senior Brother Li or Senior Sister Ye?"

“I remember that this divine weapon has never recognized a master since it was enshrined in the mountains!”

Upon hearing this, a disciple nearby seemed to realize something and involuntarily opened his mouth wide:
"Elder Li, are you referring to Emperor Taizong back then? If so, wouldn't that be six hundred years ago?!"

"Finally, we've found someone who knows what's good for them."

Li Cunxiao watched the azure light flying in from the horizon, and heard the cries of phoenixes in his ears. He finally felt a little gratified.

The crimson dragon-shaped pattern on his forehead quietly faded away, returning to normal in the blink of an eye.

Because the Louguan Pass contains the Lingbao Four Symbols Two Elements Banner, he had been afraid that the dragon boat would be exposed. However, after the time when the patriarch transmitted the Dharma, he learned that the secret realm was limited to the Two Elements Peak, and Li Cunxiao was somewhat relieved.

He had just communicated with the spirit of the artifact, trying to get its help to find and sense the existence of the armored divine weapon.

Surprisingly, the other party was actually willing to help.

Within a radius of ten miles, any hidden divine weapon that is stimulated by the aura of the spiritual treasure will involuntarily respond and glow.

It was as if he had a map cheat code; Li Cunxiao quickly found two divine armors.

Unfortunately, finding someone doesn't mean you can recognize them as your master.

Even when he managed to grasp it and channel his true essence into it, Li Cunxiao could feel the resistance of the artifact spirit within, and ultimately he had no choice but to give up.

Therefore, he couldn't help but feel grateful that it was such a rare thing that the Immortal Taiyi had forged a pair of Wind and Fire Wheels for him.

"Fortunately, my efforts were not in vain, and all my hard work was worthwhile."

A figure in azure blue, accompanied by the cry of a phoenix, filled with joy, was swept away by a gentle breeze in the blink of an eye.

Li Cunxiao subconsciously raised his hand and saw a phoenix, its colors a mix of blue and crimson, land on his forearm.

But the sensation between my fingers wasn't that of soft bird feathers, but rather like a helmet.

(End of this chapter)