Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 765 Treat others with sincerity and win them over with virtue (Seeking monthly votes)
The deathly silence in the hall lasted for the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn.

Master Yuanyang's gaze was fixed on Li Yunjing's empty palm, his chest still heaving violently.

Although the wisp of purple-gold lightning had disappeared, the innate vitality and destructive power it contained were branded into his sea of ​​consciousness.

Xuan Yangzi stiffly bent down to pick up the jade plate, his fingertips trembling as he wiped away the tea stains, but his gaze remained fixed on Li Yunjing, filled with disbelief.

"Friend Li..."

"Do you know what this innate thunder core essence means to the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect'?"

"For cultivators who practice thunder magic, this item is comparable to the 'Opportunity for Nascent Soul Transformation'!"

"If you use it yourself, you will break through to the Nascent Soul stage in no time, and you may even avoid a hundred years of detours when you try to reach the Divine Transformation stage in the future!"

Master Yuanyang finally spoke, his voice hoarse and devoid of its previous majesty, "Why bring it out to help my 'Yuanyang Dao Sect'?"

This is precisely his core concern.

In the cultivation world, there are never any "gifts without compensation," especially not such a treasure that can change a cultivator's fate.

Master Yuanyang was even prepared for Li Yunjing to impose harsh conditions.

Perhaps they are demanding the ancient array formation texts of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect," perhaps they are asking to share the setup method of the Three Thousand World Array, or perhaps they are asking the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" to make other conditions.

“Master Yuanyang, I am not a ‘purely good person’; this action also has its own selfish motives.”

Seeing the wariness and probing in Yuan Yang Zhenren's eyes, Li Yunjing slowly sat down, his fingertips stroking the armrest of the jade throne, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable sincerity.

"A great calamity is coming; allies are as close as lips and teeth."

“If the Yuan Yang Dao Sect forcibly activates the blood sacrifice formation, once the news leaks, not only will your sect become the target of public criticism, but the Shen Xiao Dao Sect will also be implicated!”

"After all, everyone knows we are allies."

At that time, the extraterrestrial demons will seize the opportunity to invade, the defenses of the six domains will collapse, and even the Divine Firmament Dao Sect, with its immense power, will find it difficult to remain unscathed.

"That's one of them."

"Secondly, if the Three Thousand Worlds Formation can be perfected, it will be a tremendous help to the joint defense of our two sects."

"This formation can trap and kill Nascent Soul cultivators. In the future, if high-level demonic cultivators invade from beyond the realm, it will be the most solid barrier."

Li Yunjing paused, then turned his gaze to the "Three Thousand Worlds Formation" outside the hall. "The 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' and the 'Primordial Yang Dao Sect' are adjacent, so they can naturally use this formation to resist the calamity!"

"This is a win-win situation, not a one-sided sacrifice."

He said finally.

"Even so, the value of the essence of the innate thunder core far exceeds the scope of 'win-win'."

Master Yuanyang frowned slightly: "Aren't you afraid... that my 'Yuanyang Dao Sect' will obtain this item, but then regret it and refuse to give up the blood sacrifice?"

"Li Mouxin's choice."

"The sect leader has been in charge of the Yuanyang Dao Sect for three hundred years. He must know better than anyone the horror of 'karmic backlash'."

"While offering sacrifices to all spirits can solve the immediate crisis, it will taint the Three Thousand Worlds Array with resentment and malevolence."

"When the Blood Sun Grand Array is in operation, these vengeful spirits will continuously erode the array's foundation, and may even attract divine punishment!"

Li Yunjing met Yuan Yang Zhenren's gaze calmly, "At that time, let alone transcending the tribulation, the 'Yuan Yang Dao Sect' will probably be destroyed first due to the collapse of the formation."

He lightly tapped the illusory map in the air with his fingertip and continued, "I think there is an alternative, and the sect leader will surely make the most reasonable choice."

Master Yuanyang frowned slightly.

He never expected that Li Yunjing's "selfish motives" would be so simple.

It's not about demanding the treasure, but about ensuring the safety of the alliance.

These words, though seemingly "idealistic," hit the nail on the head.

The Yuanyang Dao Sect's attack on the Zhao Kingdom was actually aimed at plundering spiritual veins to support their future tribulation.

Now that there is an alternative, it seems we can abandon the method of blood sacrifice.

After all, the Yuanyang Dao Sect is a major sect in the Xuanmen. Deep down, Yuanyangzi was unwilling to use such vicious methods!
He wouldn't have given this order if there hadn't been immense external pressure.

Master Yuanyang remained silent for a long time, and only his calm breathing could be heard in the hall.

His gaze was like lightning, sweeping over Li Yunjing's calm face, as if trying to penetrate that skin and reach the deepest, most genuine intentions of his soul.

Finally, the heaving of his chest gradually subsided, and the sharp light in his eyes slowly faded, transforming into a complex and indescribable depth.

He slowly sat back in the main seat, his wide Taoist robe fluttering even without wind.

"Fellow Daoist Li."

He spoke, his voice still hoarse, but with a hint of weariness and relief that was hard to detect: “What you said, every word, struck my heart like a heavy hammer.”

"The backlash of karma, the entanglement of resentment and evil spirits... How could I, a humble Taoist, not know the key to this?"

"It's just that the pressure of the sect's survival is like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing. Sometimes... sometimes we have to take risky measures, which leads to the gradual growth of inner demons without us even realizing it."

He raised his hand to stop Xuan Yangzi, who was about to speak but hesitated, and continued, "Today, fellow Daoist, with this supreme thunder essence, you not only infused the great formation with vitality, but also shattered the fog and obsessions in my heart like a thunderclap."

His gaze fell on Li Yunjing's empty hand, as if he could still see the lingering trace of purple lightning.

"That's it!"

Master Yuanyang suddenly let out a long sigh, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

He slammed his hand on the armrest of the jade throne and said resolutely, "Xuan Yangzi!"

"Senior Brother Head!"

Xuan Yangzi was startled and quickly bowed.

"Issue my decree!"

"From this moment forward, cease all preparations for the blood sacrifice!"

Master Yuanyang's voice suddenly became majestic and resounding, echoing throughout the hall, "As for the cultivators who have already gathered, they can join forces with my sect members to fight against the Zhao Kingdom!"

"Follow the law!"

Xuan Yangzi's voice was filled with excitement. He bowed deeply, then immediately turned into a streak of light and rushed out of the hall to deliver the order.

When he left, his eyes were filled with gratitude and respect as he looked at Li Yunjing.

After issuing the order, Master Yuanyang seemed to have aged a few more years, but his eyes became much clearer.

“Fellow Daoist Li, the Yuanyang Dao Sect will remember this favor.”

He looked at Li Yunjing again, a complicated smile on his face: "It's not to remember your contribution of offering the treasure, but to remember your virtue of enlightening me and helping my sect avoid falling into evil ways."

"As for this 'essence of innate thunder core'... I will shamelessly accept it."

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, the Yuanyang Dao Sect is by no means an ungrateful bunch!"

"The Three Thousand Worlds Formation will surely use this Thunder Essence as its core to build the most solid barrier between our two sects."

He paused, his tone becoming extremely solemn: "Once this formation is completed, a copy of it can be given to the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect,' so that the two sects can jointly possess it, watch over and help each other, and have absolutely no disloyalty!"

This is a tremendous trust and reward, meaning that Yuanyang Daozong is sharing control of a portion of its strongest foundation.

Of course, Yuan Yangzi also had some ulterior motives.

The great calamity was about to erupt. The "Three Thousand Worlds Formation" was passed on to Li Yunjing, and the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" had no chance to successfully set it up.

We still have to rely on their "Yuanyang Dao Sect" for the future!
Even if the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" can't hold on, it might decline further, and after the great calamity, it might not be as powerful as their "Yuanyang Dao Sect".

"The sect leader is a man of great wisdom and righteousness, and I admire him greatly."

Upon hearing this, Li Yunjing showed neither surprise nor elation on his face. He simply smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "A stable alliance to jointly resist the great calamity is the right path. In that case, I, Li, will await the good news of your sect's immortal formation's completion."

As for Li Yunjing handing over a priceless treasure?
He didn't pay much attention to it!

That "essence of innate thunder core" was not from "Tianlan Star," but rather formed from the thunder sea within his sea of ​​consciousness.

Such "innate thunder core essence" cannot be said to be inexhaustible, but its quantity is so great that Li Yunjing cannot use it all.

He didn't feel any heartache when he took it out.

Master Yuanyang nodded, and the last trace of doubt in his heart vanished.

As expected, what the other party sought was not the private interests of a particular sect or faction, but rather a genuine concern for the impending catastrophe.

This vision and magnanimity impressed even the sect leader who had been in charge of a major sect for hundreds of years.

"Very well! When the great formation is perfected, I will definitely invite Fellow Daoist Li as the honored guest so that we may witness the heaven-reaching power of this formation together!"

Master Yuanyang spoke in a clear voice, and the stagnant and oppressive atmosphere in the hall was swept away, as if a spring breeze had blown in, washing away all the gloom.

The two leaders exchanged a smile.

Although both sides still had their own calculations and considerations, under the premise of fighting against the overwhelming calamity of the extraterrestrial demons, a more solid alliance, bound by the "essence of the innate thunder core" and the "Three Thousand Worlds Array," was truly formed in this hall.

After reaching an agreement, Li Yunjing did not rush to leave.

Now that the alliance is in the initial stages, many details still need to be worked out. Establishing personal relationships and increasing understanding with the higher-ups of the Yuanyang Dao Sect is no less important than the thrilling exchange that took place in the hall just now.

He gladly accepted Yuan Yang Zhenren's invitation to stay and temporarily resided in a secluded courtyard on "Burning Heaven Peak".

In the days that followed, Li Yunjing seemed quite relaxed.

He might tour the mountains with clouds, unique pines, waterfalls, and springs under the guidance of disciples of the "Yuanyang Daozong"; or he might be invited to the grottoes of the Supreme Elders on various peaks to enjoy tea and discuss Dao.

More often than not, Xuan Yangzi would personally accompany them to visit some of the sect's ancient relics and collections that did not involve core secrets.

Several of the Supreme Elders of the Yuanyang Dao Sect, who had been in seclusion for many years, were also alarmed and came out of seclusion to meet him.

At first, these ancient monsters, with their long lifespans and profound cultivation, were scrutinizing and suspicious of Li Yunjing, but after several conversations, their attitudes quietly changed.

Although Li Yunjing is relatively young, his understanding of the laws of heaven and his insights into supernatural powers and techniques are often incisive and profound, leaving even these veteran experts feeling enlightened and gaining invaluable insights.

Especially the vast vision that he inadvertently reveals, far beyond his current level, is even more astonishing and makes people dare not underestimate him.

Li Yunjing always treated people with composure and humility, neither becoming arrogant for offering such a precious treasure nor bowing and scraping to those who were senior and powerful figures. He maintained an excellent sense of propriety. His guidance when discussing cultivation difficulties and his humor when sharing his experiences quickly bridged the gap between him and these top figures of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect".

After half a month, the subtle barrier and unfamiliarity that existed due to the alliance between the two sects had largely melted away amidst the clinking of glasses and discussions of profound truths.

From the Supreme Elders to the true disciples, everyone in the Yuan Yang Dao Sect truly felt the demeanor and sincerity of the leader of the Shen Xiao Dao Sect, as well as his unfathomable strength and foundation.

The alliance is no longer just a paper agreement and an exchange of interests; it has also become a bond of human relationships and recognition.

On this day, Li Yunjing was playing chess with Yuanyang Zhenren at the Guanyun Pavilion on the main peak. As the black and white pieces moved, they seemed to be chatting idly, but in reality, they were still deducing the various possibilities of the great calamity to come.

Time flies, and things change like clouds drifting by.

Li Yunjing stayed there for half a year.

In the past six months, he has become a regular visitor to the Yuanyang Dao Sect, and even a special "guest minister".

Li Yunjing would even occasionally go to the Transmission Hall to explain the essence of thunder magic to some core disciples.

Of course, all of them have had the core secrets of the Divine Firmament removed!

Even so, his simple explanation of the profound method that points directly to the Great Dao drew cheers from the audience, and many true disciples of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" gained a lot of insights into thunder magic as a result.

Unbeknownst to many, within the Yuanyang Dao Sect, the name "Shenxiao Li Yunjing" had become more than just that of a powerful figure from an allied sect; it had acquired a revered connotation of spreading the Dao.

On this day, as the sun rose, its golden rays bathed "Burning Heaven Peak".

Li Yunjing walked slowly out of the courtyard. Today he was not wearing a formal Taoist robe, but only a simple blue shirt, yet he still had a profound and dignified demeanor.

A thought flickered in his mind, and he knew that the time for him to leave had come.

Yuan Yang Zhenren had already sensed it and was waiting outside the courtyard with Xuan Yangzi and several Supreme Elders.

"Fellow Daoist Li, our sect has not been able to entertain you well in the past six months, and we apologize for the poor hospitality you have shown us."

Master Yuanyang cupped his hands in farewell, his tone conveying a sincere desire for him to stay, along with a hint of barely perceptible reluctance.

Over the past six months, his relationship with Li Yunjing has been both friendly and hostile. Whenever they play chess, they are evenly matched, from which he has benefited greatly.

"Master, you flatter me."

“Yuanyang Immortal Mountain is blessed with natural beauty and spiritual energy. Fellow Daoists, your Daoist techniques are profound. I, Li, have benefited greatly from this trip. How could there be any ‘lack of thoroughness’?”

Li Yunjing smiled and returned the greeting: "It's just that I can't stay idle and have many affairs to attend to, so I have to return. I hope you all will forgive me."

"Alas, knowing you are busy with your affairs, I cannot stay any longer."

Master Yuanyang sighed, "If I have the time in the future, the gates of the Yuanyang Dao Sect will always be open to you, fellow Daoist!"

"must."

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Yunjing bowed and took his leave. His figure rose gracefully, transforming into a slow, flowing blue light, and headed towards the mountain gate.

He originally thought that those who came to see him off were limited to high-ranking figures such as Yuan Yang Zhenren.

However, when his figure flew over the mountain gate, he was slightly taken aback by the scene below.

From the mountain gate archway, along the winding mountain road all the way to the distant Cloud Sea Square, one could see that it was densely packed with disciples of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect".

They came voluntarily, not on anyone's orders.

There were his true disciples who had received his teachings and guidance, inner and outer disciples who were curious and admired this legendary ally, and even some deacons and elders.

The crowd numbered in the thousands, yet there was little noise; they simply stood quietly, their gazes fixed on the figure in the blue robe in the air.

As Li Yunjing flew over their heads, someone bowed first.

Like the tide washing over a beach, the disciples bowed in unison, their movements not entirely uniform, but filled with sincerity and respect.

There were no words, only the sound of the mountain wind blowing through the Taoist robes, and the silent yet powerful farewell sentiment.

"Senior brother, Fellow Daoist Li... is truly no ordinary person."

Xuan Yangzi followed beside Yuan Yang Zhenren, looking at the spontaneously formed grand scene below, his eyes filled with emotion, and he murmured.

"Treat people with sincerity, win them over with virtue, and intimidate them with force."

"He possesses all three qualities; how could he not win the hearts of the people?"

Master Yuanyang stroked his beard and nodded, his gaze profound: "To befriend this man is a great fortune for my Yuanyang Dao Sect."

His last little calculation about whether the Divine Firmament Dao Sect would decline in the future seemed somewhat ridiculous in this situation.

For the Yuan Yang Dao Sect to form an alliance with such a person and sect may be the greatest opportunity for the sect in the great calamity to come.

"Fellow Daoists, please wait!"

Li Yunjing paused slightly in mid-air, turned to face the silent farewell crowd below, cupped his hands, and said loudly, "May we meet again someday!"

The clear voice reached the ears of every disciple.

Having said that, he stopped and his body flashed with lightning. His speed suddenly increased, and he became a streak of azure light that tore through the sky.

In an instant, his figure disappeared into the vast sea of ​​clouds, leaving behind only a lingering echo of thunder spirit and a crowd of people reluctant to leave in front of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" mountain gate.

This trip to Yuanyang not only resulted in the formation of an alliance, but also deeply resonated with the people.

This greatly pleased Li Yunjing!
What pleased Li Yunjing the most was that his inner conflict had been resolved, and there were no longer any obstacles to breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm!

He was unwilling to complete such a major event as breaking through to a higher realm within the "Yuanyang Dao Sect," which is why he hurriedly took his leave.

He wanted to find a secluded place to complete his transformation from the Golden Core realm to the Nascent Soul realm!

A streak of azure light streaked across the sky, covering a thousand miles in an instant.

Li Yunjing did not return directly to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect". Instead, he changed direction and sped towards the northeastern region, which was far from human habitation, had relatively thin spiritual energy, and was more primitive and wild.

That direction leads to the territory of the Zhao state!
Now that he had figured out the situation of his allies, Li Yunjing naturally wanted to check on the enemy's movements.

It just so happens that he broke through his cultivation level in the State of Zhao!

His mind was clear and his inner power surged like a tide. His golden core was already perfect and flawless, eager to try, waiting only for an opportunity to shatter the core and become an infant.

After flying for about a month, the landscape below had changed from green hills and clear waters to a vast Gobi Desert and a continuous, ancient mountain range.

Although the spiritual energy here is not as rich as that of the blessed lands of major sects, it carries a primitive, untamed wildness, which is more conducive to drawing upon the power of heaven and earth to refine oneself.

His divine sense spread out like a tide, carefully scanning the rugged mountains below.

On the opposite side of the mountains and rivers was a pass, and on the other side of the pass was the State of Zhao.

Instead of walking below, Li Yunjing increased his flight altitude and entered the Nine Heavens Gale Layer directly!

The fierce winds from the heavens, sharp as knives, howled and raged, easily tearing apart the protective spiritual light of ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

However, Li Yunjing was enveloped in a faint purple-gold electric light, and all the incoming gale dissipated upon contact, as if hitting an invisible barrier, not even lifting the hem of his clothes.

Like a silent bolt of lightning, he sped across heights unattainable by ordinary people, his gaze piercing through the thin clouds and raging winds, looking down at the gradually clearing landscape of the Zhao Kingdom below.

Unlike the blessed land of the Yuanyang Dao Sect, although there are also mountains and rivers in the Zhao Kingdom, the overall spiritual energy is more scattered and thin, and it also has a tense and murderous aura.

Along the border, one can see a continuous line of camps where cultivators are stationed, and even sense the presence of some high-level cultivators, clearly guarding against an attack from the "Yuanyang Dao Sect".

Li Yunjing concealed all his aura, minimizing his presence, as if he had merged into the heavenly winds themselves.

He did not stop, but continued to venture deeper into the heart of the Zhao state.

The deeper you go, the stronger the oppressive feeling of an impending storm becomes.

Many towns have tightened their defenses, and occasionally streaks of light can be seen streaking across the sky—those are cultivators from local sects of the Zhao Kingdom patrolling.

A sense of unease seemed to permeate the air, a characteristic of a chaotic nation.

"It seems that the State of Zhao is really a disorganized mess, with each faction holding its own power and openly or secretly resenting the rule of the Zhao family."

Li Yunjing thought to himself, "This Zhao state really is full of flaws, and it might be very easy for the 'Yuanyang Dao Sect' to conquer it!"

He flew for several days, skimming over countless mountains and cities, and finally landed deep in a primeval forest called the "Black Wind Mountains".

This mountain range is filled with chaotic spiritual energy and malevolent energy. Its complex terrain, rife with poisonous swamps and miasma forests, makes it an ideal place to hide from detection and safely break through to the next level.

He found an ancient, long-abandoned cave dwelling, made some minor repairs and furnishings, and then set up multiple layers of restrictions once again.

Sitting cross-legged in the center of the cave, Li Yunjing no longer suppressed the surging power within his body.

Inside the dantian, the Dragon-Tiger Golden Pill spun at its maximum speed, its surface covered with cracks, and brilliant light burst forth from it!

"break!"

With a thought, his accumulated magical power erupted!

"Click..."

As if a crisp sound had been heard from the beginning of time, the golden core shattered completely!
A vast, pure thunderous true essence instantly filled his limbs and bones, bringing with it intense pain and an ultimate sense of sublimation.

This power of destruction and rebirth converged wildly towards the center of the dantian.

An infant phantom, composed entirely of purple-gold divine lightning, gradually materialized. Its face was identical to Li Yunjing's, with a solemn and dignified appearance. Its hands formed a lightning seal, and its body exuded a terrifying aura of innate lightning source!
Just as the nascent soul was about to completely solidify...

Outside the cave, the world suddenly lost its color!
Boundless dark clouds gathered from all directions, heavy as lead, making it hard to breathe.

Within the clouds, it was not the usual chaotic dance of silver snakes, but rather the brewing of a chilling purple-gold thunderbolt!
A devastating divine might enveloped the entire Black Wind Mountain Range, silencing all sound and causing all living beings to tremble in fear!

Li Yunjing's Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation arrived as scheduled!

Moreover, because its foundation was so extraordinary, the power of the heavenly tribulation it triggered far exceeded imagination!

Inside the cave, Li Yunjing suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils flashing with purple lightning.

He stood up, took a step, and instantly teleported to the mountaintop outside the cave, raising his head to face the world-destroying calamity clouds!

"Well done!"

Far from being afraid, he let out a long laugh, and the nascent nascent soul within his body opened its eyes at the same time, moving in unison with him. With a wave of his hand, a bolt of Purple Heaven Divine Lightning as thick as a bucket rose up against the heavens and actively struck the first bolt of tribulation lightning that was about to strike down!
Boom! ! !

Thunder and lightning suddenly erupted between heaven and earth!

The entire Black Wind Mountain Range instantly transformed into a sea of ​​thunder!
(End of this chapter)