The Path to Immortality Begins with the Life-Extending Lamp

Chapter 177 Who Doesn't Recognize Youhuangzi?

The entire area, both inside and outside Longze, was in uproar.

From the moment the Ghost Mother appeared, the entire Dragon Marsh fell into silence. Some people realized something was wrong and looked up at the Dragon Island viewing platform. However, on the four golden thrones at the top, the faces of the immortals remained calm and composed.

"Is it... over just like that?"

"What was that just now?!"

The guests were still immersed in the lingering fear of the ghosts hunting down the living in the ghostly realm. The ghostly realm, deep and boundless, was a world of its own, dark, cold and oppressive, like the primitive wilderness of the southwest, but even more terrifying.

The Dharma Realm has always been a path chosen and accessible only to great cultivators. This is the first time that the rogue cultivators and guests from the Southwest have directly witnessed the full extent of the Ghost Realm.

A ghost wall? A ghost blinding one's vision, a ghost kingdom in the palm of one's hand, a change of heaven and earth? The fall of the underworld? These are all just pieces of a puzzle!
"That is a realm of practice that originated in ancient times, where mountain gods, earth spirits, and even the six heavenly spirits often cultivated."

"To comprehend the Great Dao and diligently cultivate the true methods, one must use one's own body as a seed, restrain oneself, integrate the rules of the external world into one's own body, form one's own domain, and dissolve all the rules within it..."

A Taoist priest whispered, recounting a superior method that ordinary rogue cultivators could never access.

This technique is no less precious than a great supernatural power; even a Yin God True Person might not be able to cultivate a "Dharma Domain".

Yi Xuan, a disciple of the Three Emperors, has already achieved great success in this realm of law. With a magnetic gravity of 18,000, the field is overturned, all the rampant forces are wiped out, the nine dragons bow their heads, and the five Dao Seeds lower their brows.

Once he further refines this Yuan Magnetic Field Domain to the point where he can direct it at will, and dissolves the true Dao principles and laws into it, perhaps in the near future, that Yuan Magnetic Heavy Domain will be able to truly contend with this Netherworld Ghost Domain.

He still has a long way to go...

As the guests gazed at the water curtain gradually fading into darkness, they whispered amongst themselves, exclaiming in admiration and cheering. The sounds of applause and cheers rose and fell in waves, even drowning out the voice of the Dragon King on the high platform of Lantau Island.

It should be known that the Qingping Grand Banquet has been brewing for five years and has gone through two rounds of fierce battles before the names of the Ten Absolute Dao Seeds and the victors have finally been determined.

It is conceivable that in the cultivation world of Southwest China for the next hundred years, the names of these ten Daoist masters will be passed down through generations of Qingping Grand Banquets.

Of course, some people disagree!
"This Youhuangzi is only at the lower level of the Purple Mansion realm. Just now, a mere disciple of the Ghost-Controlling Zhong clan forced him to use all his methods. Judging from his performance, he is far inferior to Huanlongjun, Yixuan, and even Li Jingyuan..."

"If summoning soldiers and generals from the Xuanmen altar and invoking clan spirits counts, then tsk tsk tsk!"

On the Dragon Tooth Ship, some cultivators from the Dharma lineage sects were dissatisfied. They argued that their sects also had soldiers, generals, ghosts, and gods. If they disregarded morality, wouldn't they also gain a reputation as a Dao seed?
Which family doesn't have a rich history and heritage?

Of course, many cultivators were also amazed by this and foresaw the changes that would take place in Tiannan Linyuan Mountain through the appearance of Youhuangzi.

The Five Immortal Sects are always like this: whenever they are about to decline, they often give birth to epoch-making figures who forcibly reverse the course of time. This generational inheritance is the reason why the Five Immortal Sects have been able to prosper for so long.

Many of the guests looked on with surprise, straining their ears to hear the Dragon King's assessment of the grand competition on the stage...

Suddenly, north of Dragon Marsh, a vortex of air surged and billowed in the vast expanse of shimmering water, the water and clouds blending seamlessly with the sky. A dragon's roar resounded, striking the heavens and shattering the clouds. Only then did a beam of sunlight shine down from the azure sky.

Clouds float in the blue sky, water reflects in the bottle; mountains, rivers, and land are bathed in the bright sunlight.

At the border with the Boze, a cold water vein continued to spread out, and the Dragon Prince, who sat high on the battlefield continent, strode out from the clouds and water, holding ten dragon flags in his right hand.

His body was covered in scale armor and sleeves, and he held various treasures in his hands. With each step he took, the vast expanse of water would begin to freeze into an ice path with a crackling sound.

The Dragon Palace Prince led the way, while the Ten Directions Dao Seeds followed behind, step by step returning towards Dragon Marsh Islet.

There was a dragon prince named Chu Li, wearing a scale armor cloak and dragging a bright silver spear. He had dragon horns on his forehead, and lightning flashed constantly on his body. He was majestic and awe-inspiring.

A young man in a python robe, of extremely noble status and of royal lineage, rode in a soft sedan chair, with a soldier in front and behind him carrying two poles. With each step, he swayed and moved slowly, his shadowy figure swaying as he approached.

The weak waters flowed gently, shimmering with light and color. Sword light flashed along the surface of the marsh, while a majestic shadow swiftly swam from the bottom of the Dragon Marsh. Only when it approached Dragon Island did its terrifying form break through the water's surface, raising its massive, island-like dragon body and gazing towards the boundary line.

There, a person walked lightly, carrying a spirit lamp that emitted a cold white light several feet high, and came riding on the waves.

"It's them. They've come back to watch the competition and win prizes."

Those were the Ten Absolute Dao Seeds who had fought a fierce battle on the battlefield continent several hours earlier.

Admittedly, these people are not as good as the direct descendants of those major sects, nor are they like Bu Lingxu, who inherited the foundation of a lineage and has two magic treasures in his hands, and is a "runaway direct descendant".

But who can say for sure what the future holds?
The various immortal sects have a clear lineage of succession and reincarnation, and the cultivation world has never lacked unconventional individuals who rise to prominence. No one can predict what the future holds.

The guests watched as the ten Daoist seeds followed the Dragon Palace prince step by step into the central Dragon Island.

At this moment, the Purple Mansion Hermit and the Day Wanderer Judge who were observing the ceremony in Dragon Island stood up one by one to greet the ten people.

Chu Longjun stood in the center of the high platform, looking down with majesty and arrogance. With a wave of his right hand towards the various Daoist sects, the scenery around him shifted, and suddenly the world became clear, as if the clouds and mist had been cleared. The ten Daoist disciples from the banquet had already appeared directly on the high platform of Dragon Island.

The Dragon King turned to apologize to the assembled dignitaries for their absence, then stepped forward, his heart filled with excitement.

This was the Five Streams Peaceful Banquet held because of Chu Long, and these ten unique Daoist seeds were selected and discovered by him.

"On the first day of the three-day trial, the Dao was established in all directions, and each displayed its divine power and wondrous abilities."

"Floating life on weak waters, stillness rising from the deep springs, Yang Jue of the Yang Clan, this is the Northern Absolute!"

"The Ice Soul separates and reunites, held back but not released, waiting for the right time to move, and with a single move it annihilates all laws. Qingqiu Yajun'er, this is the Separation of the Soul."

"Riding nine azure dragons, their blood and energy surge to the heavens. They follow ancient methods, look down upon the heavens, and rule the Dragon Clan. They can be called the Dragon Ruler."

"..."

He recounted the origins and unique skills of each Dao Seed, every word a gem, but when it came to Li Qing, Chu Longjun's heart was filled with even more complex emotions.

He was originally a prince of the underworld, inheriting the legacy of the Six Heavens Clan, and could be considered a lord of the underworld, a god of this world...

But Li Qing seemed unwilling to take this path.

The world is full of wonders, why enter the netherworld so early? The path to immortality is vast and uncertain, and before achieving anything, how can one not embark on a long journey?
"The prophecy is mysterious and the vital energy is abundant. It can subdue the rampant and inspire courage. The second son of the Li family can be called the one who can subdue the rampant."

The Dragon Lord nodded and spoke, while simultaneously proclaiming the supernatural powers of these ten Dao Seeds and spreading their fame. If these ten Purple Mansion Daoists achieve great things in the future and venture into the Southern Kingdom, today's prophecy will be the best evaluation of them.

"Here are ten jade slips containing the Daoist teachings of the Dragon Palace, sealed within them with seeds of magical power. Gentlemen, please come forward and take them yourselves..."

At this point, the Dragon Lord's face also turned slightly red. Of these ten volumes of Daoist teachings, there are actually only two: one is the "Thousand Tent Cloud and Water Scripture," and the other is the "Seven Absolute Cold Ice Dao."

After all, even the Dragon Palace was short of supplies, so how could they possibly gather ten Yin God-level Daoist techniques? They could only condense five spell seeds for each of these two 'Daoist techniques' to make a total of ten…

Of course, apart from the fox fairy who hosted the banquet, the others were unaware of this. They simply waited for each Daoist to step forward and take the magic seed from among them. They did not feel anything was wrong. After all, the Yin God level Daoist techniques were too precious to be the foundation of a side sect. Even if they were duplicated by others, it didn't matter!

Li Qing took two steps forward and took a jade slip from the fox spirit's hand. With just a touch of his divine sense, a clear and cold aura immediately condensed. The rich Daoist charm condensed into an ice dragon with four legs and five horns, exhaling cold air. As soon as it made contact, it seemed to freeze Li Qing's Niwan Palace.

This is the "Seven Absolute Frost Path," the spell that Lord Chu Longjun and the Dragon Palace Prince used to create a ten-thousand-foot-long icy path on the vast blue waves.

To be fair, it's not bad!

At least Li Qing was extremely satisfied; this single scroll of Daoist teachings was worth far more than ten million Dao Zhu.

In this day and age, the law is becoming increasingly precious...

Although its focus differs from Li Qing's path, it is valuable enough that even if it were to be sold to someone else, it would still be an extremely large resource.

With a flick of his wrist, Li Qing put the jade slip into his sleeve. When he looked up again, he saw that the Purple Sword Master and Dragon Prince Chu Li had already crushed the magic seed on the spot. The introductory level of the Daoist scriptures was instantly infused into them. This was the magic seed, which could allow cultivators to enter the realm of magic instantly!
These individuals were either independent individuals or had no significant background. Keeping the magic in their possession would only cause trouble in the future, so it was better to use it in front of the guests.

Before this interlude was over, everyone's attention turned to Li Qing.

Chu Longjun beckoned to the fox spirit, and the white-clad fox woman moved gracefully, lifting a jade plate and bringing it to Li Qing's side.

In the center of the jade plate was a refined nine-colored dragon scale, upon which was a celestial talisman with the character "dragon" radiating light. The five directions of thunder were contained on this innate dragon talisman.

Not to mention the guests in the arena, even the various Taoist sects and the Yin Judges from nearby Longyu couldn't help but breathe heavily.

What do we cultivators seek? First level of magic, second level of technique, even magic artifacts have to be ranked third. How can we not be astonished when we suddenly see this thing?
"I have cultivated for many years, starting from the serpent, and have finally attained the supreme body of the water dragon today, possessing the divine power of the dragon talisman, and this is one of them."

"The Five Thunder Command is given to you today, which is to fulfill the invitation I made back then... But although the supernatural power is great, you must diligently cultivate it without ceasing, so as not to tarnish its name."

Long Jun sighed. This victory of Li Erlang was both unexpected and reasonable.

To be frank, many of the daily wandering judges and the Purple Mansion masters were not convinced by this result. All they sought in their lives was a more refined Dao and Dharma, and stronger supernatural powers and techniques.

But today, Youhuangzi has first relied on the true disciples of the immortal sect as his backbone, the rampant Daoist army as his henchmen, and summoned the Yellow Turban Warriors and the Netherworld Gods for assistance. This is quite bullying!

Such sentiments were not uncommon. Although the crowd was horrified by the power of the Ghost Mother, they still did not quite accept it.

But if you were to ask those Dao Seeds who had truly faced the terror of the Ghost Mother, they would absolutely admit it wholeheartedly. That immense terror, possessing true Yin God-level combat power, was something no Purple Mansion cultivator could withstand...

Seeing Li Qing nod and use his divine sense to take the dragon talisman seed into his Niwan Palace, the Dragon Lord suddenly remembered something, slapped his forehead, and realized something.

"Look at my memory, there's one more thing."

"I've heard that young friend Li has established his residence in Linyuan. I have a daughter who is beautiful and has a fair complexion, but she does have some congenital deficiencies!"

"I wish to offer her to my young friend as a concubine, is that alright?"

Dragon Lord's words were both a test and, naturally, a signal for the establishment of a deeper relationship.

His natal dragon talisman is his very essence, which is why he uses it to support the Five Thunder Divine Power.

It's not enough to simply sever ties with a grand prize on the surface; the subsequent consequences are far more significant. This venerable ancestor would never engage in a losing proposition.

Long Jiu Nu has a different bloodline. Her innate foundation cannot support the Azure Jade Bone, making her appear extremely delicate. When she cultivated to the Purple Mansion level, she consumed several times the resources to stabilize her innate foundation. Beyond that, the Dragon Palace could not provide for her!

Even if the Dragon King is willing to provide for them without reservation, would the Crown Prince of the Dragon Palace be willing? Would the many dragon princes be willing to suffer losses?
The old dragon was a kind and honest man. Although he had different preferences for each of his dragon sons and daughters, he was not biased. Therefore, the dragons in the palace always lived in harmony.

These nine women may be very attractive, but they cannot ruin the brotherhood and sisterhood in the palace because of them; that is not something a person in a position of power should do.

The only thing to do was to arrange a good marriage for her and find her a better future!
"Besides, now that I've promised myself to the Dragon Princess, surely Li Erlang won't be flirting with that damned Princess Su anymore, making me look bad?"

The Dragon King knew that Li Qing was proud and would not be willing to be a subject of Princess Su's skirts. Besides, he had heard that a considerable conflict had occurred at Su Hua Dao Mansion that day...

Upon hearing this, Li Qing glanced at the old dragon and thought to himself that this supernatural power was a hot potato, so this was what it was waiting for.

"Dragon Lord should know that I have never been fickle in my affections. Moreover, even a cultivator does not love his own family, so how could he possibly love other things?"

This was already a polite refusal; how could he possibly cross the line again after forming a pact with the Ghost Mother?

"That's alright. With your abilities, young friend, you can enter the Purple Mansion in seven years. You don't need a hundred years to become a Yin God. A true man stands tall and upright, and he can subdue that Ghost Mother Goddess."

"Besides, young friend, establishing your own household will inevitably require building a large family business. My nine daughters are intelligent and will be of great help!"

"Young friend Li, am I entrusting this matter to you?"

Chu Longjun stepped forward and earnestly explained.

If she continued to speak, Li Qing would become increasingly passive. The old dragon looked extremely bitter, and the dragon girl, looking pitiful, remained silent, pursing her lips and standing timidly at the back.

On the island, the various Daoist sects watched with amusement as the two were pulling back and forth, knowing that this was the price for obtaining the Dragon Talisman Five Thunder Great Divine Power!
As the saying goes, "He who eats another's food is bound to him, and he who takes another's money is bound to him," let alone at this moment?

The Dragon King was even more adept at maneuvering, and there was no hint of coercion in his words. He merely glanced at the corner of his eye, lamenting the misfortune of his nine daughters and the incompetence of the old dragon in being unable to take care of his sons and daughters. His words were so earnest that they truly saddened those who heard them and brought tears to their eyes.

A subtle attack on the mind is the hardest to handle, and in this matter, Li Qing might not be able to control the situation.

At this moment, the Ghost Mother, who had just returned to Youtian, seemed to ignore Li Qing as well, leaving him in a state of great hesitation...

(End of this chapter)