I forge immortality with spiritual treasures.

Chapter 135 Amidst the misty peaks, creation is hidden; in the stillness, profound mysteries are contained.
"Fate, fate..."

"Indeed, it's something that can't be explained or explained."

Thinking of this, Lou Shenxiao shook his head casually and stopped dwelling on the matter.

He glanced at Ying Chan. This kid was indeed quite to his liking. Perhaps at present, the two of them were not destined to be master and disciple, but it was still worthwhile to give him some pointers.

Lou Shenxiao pondered for a moment, just about to speak.

But just then, a streak of purple light suddenly flashed across the sky and arrived in front of us in just two blinks.

Ying Chan noticed the commotion, looked up, and saw that the purple light stopped, revealing a thunderbird with a wingspan of over three or four zhang. At first glance, it had a somewhat imposing presence that seemed to blot out the sky.

Its feathers are like swords, flashing with lightning, truly divine and extraordinary, and its aura is even more powerful.

Ying Chan suspected that this thunderbird was at least at the level of condensing an inner core.

For those who cultivate in unorthodox ways, the first step is to awaken their spiritual wisdom, followed by refining their physical bones

Once the transverse bones are opened, one can absorb and exhale large amounts of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, just like a Xuan Guang cultivator. Their magical power will also increase rapidly until they condense an inner core. This inner core is not the same as any other inner core; it is not a divine object born from the bloodline of a mythical beast or ferocious beast, but rather the essence of one's demonic power.

A demon beast that has condensed its inner core, in terms of magical power alone, is already comparable to a Taoist cultivator who has achieved mastery of the罡煞 (罡煞 is a concept in Chinese astrology). If it can cultivate its inner core to a certain level and transform it into a 'demon core', it can change its form at will with just one demon core...

That would be comparable to the Taoist Golden Elixir, and could be called a 'Great Demon'.

In today's world ruled by Taoism, such powerful demons are actually quite rare.

However, judging from the pure and refined aura of this thunderbird, it must be a celestial beast, so I wasn't too surprised.

Sure enough, the Thunderbird flew close, opened its beak, and called out in a clear voice, "Master!"

This extraordinary thunderbird, with its imposing presence and power comparable to the Qi Refining Realm, had a voice like that of a young girl, which was quite astonishing.

And what it called was none other than Lou Shenxiao.

Lou Shenxiao smiled upon hearing the sound and asked, "What is it?"

The thunderbird said, "Master Qingyuan has sent a letter inviting you for drinks!"

"Oh, Qingyuanzi is inviting me for a drink?"

Lou Shenxiao became interested and was about to set off when he suddenly remembered that Ying Chan was still standing nearby. After a moment's thought, he called out, "Boy, come with me."

Ying Chan was slightly taken aback, unsure of Lou Shenxiao's meaning, and could only respectfully agree.

Lou Shenxiao laughed heartily, and in a flash, he was on the back of the Thunder Bird. Seeing that Ying Chan did not move, he asked, "What are you waiting for?"

Ying Chan snapped out of his daze, cupped his hands in apology to the thunderbird, and then flew onto its back.

The Thunderbird had barely taken its position when it flapped its wings.

Ying Chan felt his body sway and was almost thrown away. He quickly circulated his magic power to stabilize himself and then realized that the peaks below were rushing backward.

The thunder had subsided and the rain was gradually decreasing, but the rain had not yet stopped.

But with just a flap of its wings, the Thunder Sparrow flew away from the rain clouds and into the clear sky, and its speed continued to increase.

Ying Chan dared not be distracted any longer and did his best to maintain his balance.

Only then did Lou Shenxiao ask, "Do you know Qingyuanzi?"

Ying Chan replied, "This disciple does not know."

Lou Shenxiao was not surprised, and simply said, "It doesn't matter if you don't know."

"That old Taoist priest also holds the nominal title of elder in our sect. When you see him, just call him Uncle-Master or Elder."

Ying Chan agreed verbally, but inwardly he was somewhat curious.

The position of elder of this sect cannot be held by anyone other than a Golden Core cultivator. Of course, it is perfectly normal for someone of Lou Shenxiao's status to associate with someone who is also a Golden Core cultivator.

Judging from Lou Shenxiao's words, this Qingyuan Zhenren doesn't seem to be a member of our sect.

Moreover, judging from the direction the Thunderbird flew, it wasn't heading back to the Immortal Abode.

Ying Chan remembered that his sect did not have the concept of guest elders, let alone outsiders serving as elders. He pondered this in his heart and understood the implications, but he did not ask any further questions.

Soon, the Thunderbird soared into the sky and then descended from the clouds, revealing a mountain range in front of them.

This mountain range, stretching and towering, appears like a screen, shrouded in mist and haze; apart from this, it seems to have nothing particularly remarkable about it.

However, as the Thunderbird flew through the clouds and entered the mountains, Ying Chan was immediately invigorated.

The spiritual energy within these mountains was incredibly active and abundant, even surpassing that of many areas within the Xuandu Immortal Mansion.

While Ying Chan was surprised, he also gained some insight.

In fact, if one only observes the shape of this mountain, it would not be possible to generate such abundant spiritual energy. Although Ying Chan had not studied the principles of feng shui or geomancy, his extensive knowledge allowed him to see it.

But as the saying goes: A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there.

If a Taoist master resides in the mountains, regulating yin and yang and nourishing the earth's energy... over time, he will create a blessed land. Perhaps in the future, as the mountains and valleys change, the mountain's shape will also change, gradually transforming into a truly majestic and sacred mountain.

It's obvious that this mountain possesses such abundant spiritual energy, which must be the creation of that Qingyuan Zhenren.

In a moment of clarity, Ying Chan deeply understood what it meant to be a 'Golden Elixir True Man'.

In reality, the differences between them and Xuan Guang and Gang Sha cultivators are not limited to their magical power cultivation.

No wonder people say that a Golden Core True Person is someone who can support a sect, and in some places where the path of immortality is not flourishing, they can even be called a giant.

As Ying Chan pondered, the thunderbird had already landed, and all that could be heard was the tinkling of a spring and the rustling of bamboo. A cave dwelling appeared amidst the mountains and waters.

Upon closer inspection, one discovers the inscription above, which reads "Shoujingju" (守静居).

On both sides are couplets: "The mist and clouds of the mountains conceal the wonders of creation; a touch of purity and emptiness contains profound mysteries."

Ying Chan inexplicably felt that there was some profound mystery in each stroke of the brush. Just as he was pondering it, the cave gate suddenly opened.

When he came to his senses, he saw wisps of smoke dissipating, and a figure emerging from them.

Lou Shenxiao smiled and called out, "Qingyuanzi!"

He referred to Qingyuanzi as "Old Taoist".

In reality, Qingyuanzi looked to be only in his forties or fifties, with an air of otherworldly grace and pure spirit. Upon seeing Lou Shenxiao, he simply smiled faintly and said, "Fellow Daoist has arrived."

A small figure followed closely behind him.

"Now that you have arrived, fellow Daoist," Qingyuanzi greeted Lou Shenxiao and then instructed the young Daoist, "Go and prepare the apes."

Xiao Dao bowed in response and then quickly headed into the mountains.

Only then did Qingyuanzi turn his gaze to Yingchan and ask, "Could this be the disciple you recently took in, fellow Daoist?"

Lou Shenxiao waved his hand: "You are a junior member of the sect, but not a disciple."

"I see……"

At this moment, Ying Chan stepped forward half a step, bowed, and said, "Disciple Ying Chan greets True Man Qingyuan."

"Should I explain?"

Qingyuanzi nodded with a smile: "Explaining the profound and mysterious, not bad."

Ying Chan didn't say much. After exchanging greetings, he retreated and stood quietly behind Lou Shenxiao.

Qingyuanzi then laughed with Lou Shenxiao, "I'm glad you know, fellow Daoist, that I've prepared a fine wine to welcome you, its taste no less than your nectar..."

"Ha," Lou Shenxiao said, "Old Taoist, stop bragging and lead the way quickly."

Ying Chan, who was listening from the sidelines, had a new understanding.

It turns out that when the Golden Elixir Immortal speaks, it's not as mysterious or ethereal as it seems.

(End of this chapter)