Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 287-296 Emerging from Seclusion! The Chief Challenges!
"It's been seven days."

Taiyi Zhenren frowned as he looked at the chessboard, hesitating to make a move. After a while, he casually tossed a piece aside, and the black and white pieces bounced and scattered.

Yan Daotong glared at him with displeasure, but lost all interest in continuing.

"Breaking through the Xuan Guan (a point in Taoism) is already quite time-consuming, especially since your disciple practices both Buddhism and Taoism. It's better to proceed slowly."

"That's true."

Taiyi Zhenren tugged at the mane at the end of his whisk, his eyes revealing a hint of worry.

The entrance is the gate between heaven and earth, and also the gate between life and death. Throughout history, martial artists have regarded this realm as the gate to hell.

Otherwise, the three true disciples, Guo Zhao, Qin Sixing, and Cheng Ruoshui, would not have remained stagnant for so long.

One wrong step, and all wealth and honor, even family glory, will vanish like smoke, inevitably inspiring fear.

It is generally believed that the shorter the time it takes to overcome the barrier, the greater the chance of success and the safer it is.

This is because when the primordial spirit merges with the true form to create a spiritual manifestation, a bridge between heaven and earth is erected. During that short period of time, a large amount of spiritual energy and demonic energy will simultaneously impact the martial artist.

It's like a person lifting a heavy object; the body's state is most unstable at the very moment it lifts the object.

If an outsider leans on you even slightly, you will lose your balance and fall.

For martial artists who have just broken through the barrier and have not yet adapted to the power of heaven and earth, the existence of the spiritual image is such a tool.

Therefore, the shorter the time it takes to break through the barrier, the less impact one suffers from the forces of heaven and earth.

Even if one doesn't receive much spiritual power as a result, it's safer. After all, the spiritual form is already formed, and a bridge between heaven and earth can be built at any time in the future.

Therefore, although the initiation comes faster and may even help a seventh-realm martial artist directly climb to the top of the tower, most martial artists tend to pursue the fastest possible achievement of the spiritual form and strive for stability.

For example, Guo Zhao's breakthrough this time actually only took one day to achieve the Spiritual Aspect. The reason he stayed in the capital for the next few days was simply to try to open and close the Heaven and Earth Bridge and consolidate his realm.

Besides the Taiqing Xuan Qi within the secret realm, Taiqing Palace also shrouds the imperial city in the mortal world, having the effect of gathering spiritual energy.

After all, besides being a true disciple of the Louguan Dao, he was also the Prince of Fenyang in the Great Qin Dynasty. Gao Pian would grant him this favor.

"Even if one practices both Buddhism and Taoism, this time it took far too long."

"Is it because of the dragon boat? Or..."

Taiyi considered all of the above and couldn't help but feel somewhat worried.

Actually, he did have a guess, but the idea was so surprising that people subconsciously ignored it.

Wen Zhongzi, who resides in the secret realm, is a master who integrates the three religions. His path is undoubtedly a good reference for Li Cunxiao, as well as a great temptation.

However, in Taiyi's plan, he would wait until his disciple had reached the Xuan Guan stage and both Buddhism and Taoism had reached a bottleneck before he would delve into Confucian martial arts.

The only thing that could put people at ease was that Yan Daotong controlled the Lingbao Liangyi Banner, and Li Cunxiao was aware of his safety.

"Senior brother, can't you project a water mirror to see Cunxiao's current condition?"

"Are you sure?" Yan Daotong raised an eyebrow.

"Your apprentice seems to have many secrets."

"Junior brother, if it were you, would you be willing to let others glimpse your most important opportunity?"

"Even if the other party is me, the sect leader?"

Taiyi was momentarily speechless upon hearing this, because it was indeed true.

At the same time, Yan Daotong's high regard for Li Cunxiao's future surprised him secretly.

If we look at it from another angle, what Yan Daotong just said could also be interpreted as Yan Daotong's unwillingness to "offend" Li Cunxiao.

The implication is that even the head of the Louguan Sect, who controls the Two Elements Banner, will have his own disciples as equals, or even far surpass them.

Having spent nearly a century with Yan Daotong, even Xue Tianyun, who broke through the Xuan Guan at the age of thirty, never received such praise.

"Don't worry, if anything changes, I will take action."

"However, according to my senses, your disciple's aura has stabilized. Logically speaking, he should have already cultivated his spiritual form and should indeed have emerged from seclusion."

Yan Daotong also had doubts, but since he had said he would not spy on the younger generation, he would not even glance at them.

This is both a matter of dignity as an elder, and something Taiyi doesn't know is that if he tries to spy on Li Cunxiao, he has a feeling that the other party will most likely notice.

'There's still a difference between truly gaining a spiritual treasure's recognition as its master and manipulating it through techniques like we do.'

Yan Daotong's face showed a look of envy that he himself did not realize, but he quickly suppressed it when a knock on the door sounded.

Taiyi Zhenren adopted a calm expression and casually waved his hand, causing the gate to open wide.

"Master."

"Master."

Two greetings rang out one after the other, and Xue Tianyun and Li Siqi walked in one after the other.

"What's the matter?"

"It's intelligence from Hadong Province."

Upon hearing this, Yan Daotong and Taiyi immediately became serious.

Among the regional military governors, the strongest were undoubtedly Zhu Quanzhong, the Prince of Liang, who controlled Henan Province, and Li Yisheng, the Prince of Jin, who controlled Hedong Province.

The former colluded with the military governor of Shannan Circuit, thus encircling the eastern and southern parts of the capital region;
The latter secretly subdued the King of Qi in Longyou Road and surrounded the western and northern parts of the capital region.

The actions of both sides effectively surrounded Xijing. If Zhu Quanzhong and Li Yisheng hadn't been mortal enemies, the young emperor's head would probably already be hanging on the city gate by now.

Some time ago, Zhu Quanzhong's suppression of Huang Chao made him famous, thanks to the instigation of certain people.

Unaware of the situation, the common people thought that another figure like Guo Jing had emerged who could save the day. In just half a month, the King of Liang's prestige soared, almost catching up with that of the Grand Secretary Gao Pian.

Petitions from all over the country poured into the capital like snowflakes, leaving the high-ranking officials in a state of utter confusion, unsure whether to punish them or reward them.

At this point, Prince Li Yisheng of Jin finally made a move. Whether it was big or small, it would affect the course of the world. Who could take it lightly?
Xue Tianyun stepped aside, and Li Siqi respectfully bowed and stepped forward:
"He is the Prince of Jin's own son, Li Cunxu, the Third Grand Protector."

"He secretly sent a private message saying that he was on his way to Louguandao."

"The letter did not go into details, but it specifically mentioned that the person wanted to meet with Junior Brother Cunxiao."

A moment of silence fell over Miaoyan Palace. Yan Daotong and Taiyi exchanged a thoughtful glance.
"Our sect is located in Huayin, which is the western gateway to the capital. It is especially important at this moment. Therefore, I would not be surprised if Li Yisheng proposed to form an alliance with us."

"As for Li Cunxiao, this is probably not the request of that Prince Jin, but the personal motive of this Third Protector."

Facing the sect leader, Li Siqi dared not speak, but in his heart he agreed with him.

Everyone knows that the Prince of Jin has twelve bodyguards, each of whom is brave and skilled in battle. In addition, apart from Li Cunxu, the remaining eleven are all adopted sons of Li Yisheng.

However, in today's world, there may be a difference between adopted sons and biological sons for the individuals themselves, but there is no difference for the military officers of the regional military governors.

If you are strong enough, people will naturally rush to serve you.

It is common knowledge that Grand Protector Li Siyuan was loyal to Prince Jin, but not to Li Cunxu.

Even Li Yisheng himself did not interfere in this matter, and did not show much favoritism towards his heir, Li Cunxu.

Rumors are circulating that the Twelve Protectors have long since split into two factions, one supporting the First Protector Li Siyuan and the other supporting the Third Protector Li Cunxu. Li Siqi had subtly confirmed these things during the last visit of the Eleventh Protector Shi Jingsi.

"Alright, I understand. You may all leave."

The two bowed and took their leave, but Xue Tianyun's pace was slower. After Li Siqi left, the former stopped in his tracks.

"Master, Uncle-Master, Junior Brother Cunxiao, are you breaking through the Xuan Barrier?"

"Did you guess it?"

Yan Daotong and Taiyi Zhenren were not surprised, but Xue Tianyun, whose guess had been confirmed, couldn't help but sigh.

“It’s not surprising that Guo Zhao, my junior brother, has been stuck at a bottleneck for many years. He has accumulated a lot of knowledge and skills and suddenly made a breakthrough.”

“As for Junior Brother Cunxiao, he is an exceptionally talented individual. It would seem reasonable for him to return empty-handed from the Great Crimson Heaven Secret Realm, but I do not think so.”

"Master and Uncle have been playing chess for seven days, and Junior Brother Li has also been staying at home for seven days. I'm afraid it's not just me; my fellow disciples probably all have some guesses about it."

Upon hearing this, Yan Daotong was about to speak when he suddenly paused, as if he had seen something strange. Then, a smile appeared on his lips.

"Since you're curious, why not give it a try?"

"Cunxiao has emerged from seclusion?"

Taiyi Zhenren immediately sensed it, and the next moment his figure had disappeared from the spot.

"That impatient person."

Yan Daotong shook his head, and led Xue Tianyun to the back of Liangyi Peak. There, they saw a figure in a purple Taoist robe standing in front of the Ancestral Hall.

"Cunxiao, how is he?"

When Taiyi Zhenren saw that his disciple had left the secret realm unharmed, he had already judged that he was bound to succeed, but he still subconsciously expressed his concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Master. Everything is going well for me."

The young man spoke gently, turned around, and seemed no different from seven days ago, yet something seemed to have indeed changed.

This indescribable quality makes Li Cunxiao seem even more elusive and unpredictable.

This seemed rather terrifying to Xue Tianyun.

"Martial artists break through the Xuan Guan (mysterious gate) on the Heavenly Ladder, open the Niwan (mud pill) point, forge the Divine Palace, unite the spiritual form, and build the bridge between heaven and earth, thus entering the Dao."

"Even those who have just broken through to the seventh realm, regardless of their exceptional talent, cannot completely eliminate their influence on the external world."

"Whether it's spiritual energy or demonic energy, there should be some fluctuation. Perhaps due to the characteristics of the cultivation method, they will naturally be drawn to each other and attracted."

"Perhaps due to fluctuations in the primordial spirit, a rejection occurs."

These are all things that Xue Tianyun personally experienced.

When he broke through the barrier, the Yin and Yang True Essence stirred up spiritual and demonic energy, forming the Eight Trigrams of the Heavenly Cycle, which lasted for half an hour before dissipating, making him famous throughout the capital. This is what is known as the extraordinary phenomenon of advancement.

It took several days for him to completely suppress his power.

“But Junior Brother Li looks no different from seven days ago. I can’t even be sure what level his cultivation is.”

"And there's this subtle sense of crisis."

The feeling of being constantly watched was ever-present. At this moment, Xue Tianyun could no longer look at the young man in front of him with the same eyes he would use to look at his junior brother.

But for Yan Daotong, what he could perceive was far more than that.

"Although the Two Elements Banner is usually hidden in the void, it actually covers an area of ​​several dozen miles around Two Elements Peak."

"As long as it's within this range, even if I don't say it's crystal clear or crystal sharp, I can see everything clearly."

"But now, this kid is clearly standing in front of me, yet it's as if he's been erased from the Two Elements Banner's perception."

"The only possibility is that the spirit treasure has recognized its master."

Yan Daotong and his disciples all had complex expressions, while Taiyi Zhenren only showed joy.

Although he wanted to ask about what had happened over the past seven days, the old Taoist priest glanced at the two people behind him and held back, only patting his disciple on the shoulder with satisfaction.

"Hehe, that bald thief Qici is probably still worrying somewhere right now."

"Go thank your sect leader first, then inform the bald monk."

Liangyi Peak is the core of Louguan Dao and a forbidden area for the sect leader's lineage. Even though Qici has a close relationship with Taiyi, it is impossible for him to be allowed to enter easily.

Upon hearing this, Li Cunxiao nodded, quickly stepped forward, and sincerely bowed to Yan Daotong.
"My master has taken great care of and nurtured his disciples. I will never forget such kindness, even in death."

This statement seemed polite and unrelated to the main point. However, both parties involved knew that it referred to the dragon boat spirit treasure.

It is no exaggeration to say that a single magical treasure can create a sacred land that lasts for thousands of years.

Faced with such a great temptation, Yan Daotong was able to maintain his rationality and remain unmoved, and even took the initiative to cover for Li Cunxiao, shielding him from potential prying eyes.

This was a genuine act of kindness in protecting the Dao, and Li Cunxiao would naturally remember it.

However, he didn't like to boast. A mere seventh-level breakthrough was not enough to repay a terrestrial immortal. He could only wait until he had mastered his divine skills before making his move.

"Good, good. A fine tree grows in the courtyard. With you and Tianyun here, our Louguan Dao will never have to worry about having no successors."

"When I meet my ancestors in the future, I will not be ashamed."

Yan Daotong's words were quite harsh, but as disciples, Li Cunxiao and Xue Tianyun couldn't say anything.

"Junior brother, you are so dashing! I am delighted to see you like this, and I am itching to try my skills. May I?"

Xue Tianyun changed the subject, the surprise and emotion in his eyes receding, leaving only pure fighting spirit.

If Li Cunxiao had heard these words before breaking down the barrier, he might have had many more guesses.

For example, as the first true disciple of the Louguan sect to break through the Xuan Guan (mysterious barrier) among the younger generation, Xue Tianyun has fought against all the true disciples of the contemporary sect.

Even before the other party became the chief disciple, a challenge was set up at the foot of Liangyi Peak, allowing inner disciples to challenge him at will.

For three days and three nights, they remained undefeated, thus establishing their unshakeable position.

As far as the young sect leader is concerned, the other party is certainly capable.

But in terms of martial arts, his opponent is even more pure. From this, one can guess that he genuinely wants to fight, and doesn't have any other messy motives.

Now, both of them are martial artists who have developed their primordial spirit, so there's no need for such trouble.

Without needing eye contact or words, Li Cunxiao could feel the opponent's pure fighting spirit even with his eyes closed.

It was a desire untainted by any other motives, the joy of meeting fellow climbers while reaching the summit.

"No wonder the notes of our predecessors always say that martial artists speak with their fists and communicate with their hearts through their fists."

"Since Senior Brother is so willing, how can I refuse?"

Amidst laughter and conversation, the radiance of the spirit image shone forth. Li Cunxiao, with one hand behind his back and the other leading forward, said:
"please!"

(End of this chapter)