Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 768 Investigating the Zhao Kingdom's Secrets and Winning Over Local Forces (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
A vast complex of buildings, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with pavilions and towers hidden among the trees, came into view.

The spiritual energy there was several times denser than the surrounding area, clearly indicating that it occupied a good spiritual vein.

A faint aura of array light swirled above the mansion, and cultivators guarded the gate. Upon seeing Wang Hanyun's return, they all bowed in respect.

Their gazes were involuntarily drawn to the unfathomable young cultivator behind him, and they revealed expressions of surprise and uncertainty.

Clearly, they didn't know who Li Yunjing was!

Why is the family patriarch standing so respectfully to the side?
Such a scene was something that almost no Wang family cultivator had ever seen.

In the Black Wind Mountains, the Wang family held a high position and never bowed or scraped.

“Fellow Daoist, the land ahead is the ancestral land of my Wang family.”

Wang Hanyun stepped aside respectfully and said, "I have ordered people to prepare the best 'Listening to the Waves Pavilion' to await you, and I have also prepared some spiritual tea and exotic fruits. I would be honored if you would grace me with your presence and offer your appreciation."

Li Yunjing glanced over the Wang family mansion and nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Patriarch Wang."

His tone remained calm, but for Wang Hanyun, simply stepping into the Wang family's door was already a great success.

Wang Hanyun personally led Li Yunjing through layers of pavilions and towers. All the Wang family members they encountered along the way held their breath, bowed, and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Although they did not know Li Yunjing's specific background, a person who could be treated with such respect by the family head was no ordinary person.

Soon, the two arrived at a secluded courtyard with an extremely quiet environment.

The courtyard leans against a steep mountain wall, from which a spiritual spring waterfall cascades down, flowing into a clear pool below. The sound of the water is like the tinkling of jade pendants, and the rising steam is imbued with pure spiritual energy.

The courtyard is filled with exotic flowers and rare herbs, exuding a refreshing fragrance.

A three-story exquisite pavilion is built by the water, with upturned eaves and corners, simple and elegant. The plaque is inscribed with three powerful characters: "Tingtao Pavilion".

"Fellow Daoist, this is the 'Listening to the Waves Pavilion' where my Wang family entertains distinguished guests."

"The spiritual energy here is quite good, and it is the quietest place, so no one will come to disturb it."

Wang Hanyun spoke with a hint of pride, for this was indeed the best guest house in the Wang family, usually reserved only for the most important guests.

With a slight movement of his divine sense, Li Yunjing sensed that not only was the spiritual energy here far richer than elsewhere, but the courtyard was also surrounded by sophisticated sound-absorbing and spirit-gathering formations, and there was even a trace of hidden defensive array patterns.

He nodded slightly: "This place is very nice, Patriarch Wang is very thoughtful."

"I'm glad you like it, fellow Daoist."

Upon receiving confirmation, Wang Hanyun's smile widened, and he quickly said, "Everything in the pavilion is ready. If you need anything, just activate the communication jade talisman in the hall, and someone will be at your service without hesitation."

"Fellow Daoist has come from afar and has endured the tribulation of lightning. You must need to meditate and recuperate."

"Wang has given the order that no one will be allowed to come and disturb us."

He paused, then continued respectfully, "This evening, I, Wang, will host a simple banquet at the 'Welcoming Immortals Hall,' firstly to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey, and secondly to give my unworthy sons and daughters the honor of seeing your brilliance and receiving your teachings. I wonder if you would do me the honor of attending?"

He adopted a very humble attitude, explaining that the purpose of the banquet was to allow the younger generation to benefit from his learning, rather than simply to socialize, which made him appear very sincere without being offensive.

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment.

He does need some time to process the gains from this breakthrough and to further familiarize himself with the power of the Nascent Soul realm.

The banquet was a suitable occasion to learn about local forces and intelligence on the Zhao state.

"Very well, thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Wang."

He gave a curt reply.

"Thank you for your help, fellow Daoist!"

Wang Hanyun was overjoyed and quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Then I will not disturb your cultivation any longer, fellow Daoist. I will come to invite you again tonight."

After speaking, he bowed respectfully again before carefully leaving the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion" courtyard. He then meticulously activated the courtyard's protective barriers to isolate the inside from the outside.

After Wang Hanyun left, Li Yunjing entered the pavilion.

The interior is elegantly furnished without being extravagant, and filled with spiritual energy, making it an excellent place for cultivation.

He did not rush to sit in meditation, but instead stood by the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the waterfall and spring outside.

His divine sense, however, spread out quietly like mercury, exploring the details of the Wang family and even the entire "Black Wind Mountain Range" in greater detail.

At the same time, a part of his mind sank into his body, and he began to carefully comprehend the various mysterious changes brought about by the initial formation of the Nascent Soul, stabilize his realm, and become familiar with the surge of power.

He didn't practice any cultivation techniques, nor did he take out his many magical treasures to nurture and modify them, since half a day was too short to do anything.

Li Yunjing simply meditated silently, circulating his magical power and sensing the changes in his body.

As night slowly fell, the Wang family mansion was illuminated with a soft glow, reflecting the stars in the sky.

Inside the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," Li Yunjing slowly opened his eyes, a flash of lightning seeming to pass through them, and his harmonious aura became increasingly profound and restrained.

In just a few hours of quiet cultivation, he had completely stabilized his first level of the Nascent Soul realm and had become even more adept at controlling his newfound power.

Just then, Wang Hanyun's respectful voice came from outside the courtyard: "Fellow Daoist Li, the banquet has been prepared, and I have come to invite you."

Li Yunjing stood up and walked out of "Tingtao Pavilion" with a calm and composed gait.

Wang Hanyun was already waiting outside the courtyard, followed by several powerful and richly dressed core members of the Wang family, all of whom bowed their heads in humility.

These people were all at the Golden Core stage, clearly important figures in the Wang family.

"Thank you for waiting for me, Fellow Daoist Wang."

Li Yunjing said calmly.

"No, no, fellow Daoist, please follow me."

Wang Hanyun quickly stepped aside to lead the way, and the group surrounded Li Yunjing as they headed towards the "Welcoming Immortals Hall," the most brightly lit place deep within the Wang family compound.

Along the way, every member of the Wang family they encountered stopped and bowed, their eyes filled with awe as they stole glances at the young figure being surrounded by the family head and elders like a star being fawned over.

Those who were well-informed had already heard about the earth-shattering lightning tribulation that occurred during the day.

This is the protagonist of the lightning tribulation!
Through the terrifying celestial phenomena, many people vaguely guessed the strength of this mysterious guest.

Inside the "Welcoming Immortals Hall," it was already decorated in a magnificent yet elegant manner.

The table was made of jade, and the feast was filled with delicacies. The misty spiritual energy and the enticing aromas intertwined.

There were already quite a few people standing inside the hall, all of whom were high-ranking members of the Wang family and some outstanding young men.

Upon seeing Li Yunjing enter, everyone immediately stood up, held their breath, and focused their attention on him.

Wang Hanyun led Li Yunjing to the most honored guest seat to the left of the main seat before accompanying him.

"Everyone!"

"Today, my humble abode is honored to have Fellow Daoist Li grace us with his presence!"

"Fellow Daoist Li possesses unparalleled supernatural abilities and is a peerless master. It is a great honor for the Wang family to have you grace us with your presence!"

Wang Hanyun stood up, his voice echoing throughout the hall, filled with barely suppressed excitement, "Let us all raise a toast to our fellow Daoist, to welcome him and wash away the dust of his journey!"

Everyone in the hall responded in unison, raising their cups with utmost respect.

"Thank you all for your help."

Li Yunjing remained calm, raised his glass slightly in acknowledgment, and took a small sip.

The spirit wine, upon entering the throat, transformed into a gentle, warm current, containing a remarkable amount of spiritual energy, clearly a treasured item from the Wang family.

The banquet officially began, with melodious music filling the air, and beautiful female cultivators carrying various spiritually vibrant delicacies and fine wines moving among the guests.

Wang Hanyun and several elders of the Wang family carefully kept him company while they talked. The topics mainly revolved around their experiences in cultivation, the local specialties of the "Black Wind Mountain Range", and some interesting anecdotes about the cultivation world of Zhao Kingdom. They never mentioned inquiring about Li Yunjing's background, and they handled the situation very well.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became a little more lively.

"Fellow Daoist Li's Daoist arts are profound and mysterious. It is truly our good fortune to meet you today."

“These good-for-nothing members of my Wang family are usually confined to this mountainous area, with limited knowledge and many confusions in their cultivation.”

"I wonder... if you, fellow Daoist, would be so kind as to offer some guidance?"

Seeing that Li Yunjing seemed to be in a good mood, Wang Hanyun carefully chose his words and spoke with even greater humility: "Even just a few words will benefit them for life, and we are extremely grateful!"

Upon hearing this, all the royal family members in the hall, whether young and impetuous or mature and prudent, pricked up their ears, their eyes filled with longing and anticipation.

A single word of guidance from a giant who can trigger the "Nine-Nine Return to One Tribulation" may be more valuable than decades of arduous cultivation!
Such a person is simply a legend, a myth in the world of cultivation!
Li Yunjing's gaze swept over the tense yet expectant faces below, and he understood.

This was both Wang Hanyun's way of further currying favor and making connections, and probably one of the most important purposes of this banquet.

He hesitated for a moment, then turned his gaze to the deep night sky outside the hall and spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a power that struck straight to the heart:

"The Tao follows nature; why seek it externally?"

"Thunder is not only about destruction, but also about life."

"Your cultivation should be like this mountain stream, flowing ceaselessly, winding around rocks and leaping over cliffs, going with the flow, and eventually returning to the vast ocean."

His words were calm and did not involve any specific techniques or secrets, yet they subtly resonated with the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, and carried a trace of the divine charm of his own thunderous Dao.

Upon hearing this, those in the hall, especially those with profound cultivation like Wang Hanyun, felt a jolt in their minds, as if they had touched a barrier they had never clearly understood before.

Although the younger disciples could not fully understand, they felt a sudden clarity in their minds, and some of the obstacles in their past cultivation began to loosen!

The entire "Welcoming Immortals Hall" fell into complete silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop, as everyone was immersed in a profound sense of enlightenment.

After a long while, people in the hall gradually came back to their senses from that profound state of enlightenment, their eyes sparkling with excitement and ecstasy.

Even those disciples at the lowest level of cultivation, the Foundation Establishment stage, felt that the flow of spiritual energy within their bodies was slightly smoother, and their perception of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was also more acute.

"A single conversation with you is worth more than a hundred years of good deeds!"

Wang Hanyun took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the shock in his heart, and stood up again. He bowed deeply to Li Yunjing, his tone filled with heartfelt gratitude: "Fellow Daoist, your words are pearls of wisdom, containing supreme principles, which have greatly benefited my Wang family! This kindness will be remembered by the Wang family!" Others may not understand much, but at Wang Hanyun's level, he naturally understood that Li Yunjing's every word and action contained the ultimate truths of heaven and earth.

This is a required course for advanced cultivators; cultivation level is more important than magical power.

Integrating with the Dao of Heaven and understanding the ultimate principles of the universe is of paramount importance to cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage. Only by comprehending the laws of heaven and earth can one have the possibility of advancing further!

Otherwise, if one only focuses on cultivating magical power, unless one cultivates it to the extreme, it will be impossible to forcefully break through realms using magical power!
Because once you reach the Nascent Soul stage, or even the Deity Transformation stage, the resources of "Tianlan Star" are insufficient!
High-level resources, unlike the countless pills such as "Qi Refining Pills" and "True Essence Pills," do not assist cultivators in their practice.

When cultivators reach the Nascent Soul realm, they normally take pills called "Nascent Soul Pills," but these pills are made from fourth-order heavenly materials!

Moreover, it requires the cultivation level of a Grandmaster of Alchemy to refine.

In the cultivation world, fourth-order heavenly treasures are rare, and grandmasters of alchemy are even rarer.

Do you want to use these kinds of pills in bulk?

Go ahead and dream!
Totally impossible!
Since it is impossible to cultivate magical power to perfection, then the only remaining path is to break through the current realm.

That is to comprehend the Way of Heaven!
Your high level of comprehension and greater alignment with the Great Dao mean that breakthroughs will be easier for you than for others.

Therefore, Wang Hanyun was extremely grateful to Li Yunjing!
The rest of the Wang family members also stood up and bowed in unison to express their gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, senior!"

This time, their respect stemmed not only from awe of power, but also from heartfelt reverence.

With just a few words, he was able to benefit all the cultivators in the room. Such a method was almost like the legendary "words become law," leaving them no choice but to be convinced.

Li Yunjing accepted the bow without hesitation, nodded slightly, and said nothing more.

For him, this was just a casual remark, incorporating a trace of his own understanding of the Great Dao. How much he could gain depended entirely on his own comprehension.

If you are beyond redemption, then even a god like Li Yunjing couldn't help you.

He can't just suddenly enlighten a fool and teach him the great principles!

This incident made the atmosphere at the banquet even more lively and harmonious.

Wang Hanyun and others were extremely attentive, presenting the Wang family's treasured spiritual fruits and fine wines.

The conversations during the meal became increasingly candid, no longer limited to local customs and anecdotes. Occasionally, they would also discuss the subtle relationships between various factions in the Black Wind Mountains, as well as some of the recent developments and policy changes of the Zhao court.

Li Yunjing mostly listened quietly, only occasionally asking a question or two, which often went straight to the point, making Wang Hanyun and the others dare not hide anything and reveal all the information they knew.

Through these fragmented pieces of information, Li Yunjing gained a clearer understanding of the distribution of power, resources, and the extent of the court's control over the southeastern border of the Zhao state.

All of this will serve as an important reference for the future actions of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" and even the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

The banquet lasted until late at night.

Wang Hanyun personally escorted Li Yunjing back to "Tingtao Pavilion," repeatedly assuring him that no one would disturb his cultivation before respectfully taking his leave.

Back in the attic, Li Yunjing waved his hand and set up several of his own protective barriers to isolate the inside from the outside.

He sat cross-legged in the quiet room, not immediately beginning in-depth cultivation, but instead carefully sorting through the information he had gained that evening in his mind.

"The forces in the Black Wind Mountains are complex, but their top-tier combat power is not a concern."

"The Zhao court's control over this area is indeed limited, mainly relying on a few vassal sects and families for its loose rule... It seems that the 'Yuanyang Dao Sect's' plan has a very high chance of success."

His eyes flickered slightly, and he had already made up his mind.

The primary task of this infiltration into the Zhao state was to ascertain its situation, and this objective has now been initially achieved.

The Wang family line might still be useful; through them, we can more naturally uncover some subtle details.

"Let's stay here for a day or two to get more familiar with the power and see if we can get more information about the Zhao royal family and those major sects from the Wang family."

After finalizing the plan, Li Yunjing calmed his mind.

A barely perceptible wisp of purple lightning flickered at his fingertips as he began to deeply comprehend and control the surging power of thunder.

"Crash!"

Outside the window, the sound of cascading waterfalls and flowing springs never ceased, as if echoing the new, ever-flowing power within him.

Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were surging at the Wang family's night.

In the following days, Li Yunjing meditated in the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," and occasionally, at Wang Hanyun's invitation, he would stroll and discuss philosophy in the Wang family garden.

Although he was not a man of many words, every time he spoke, he would hit the nail on the head regarding the key to cultivation, or offer insightful understanding of the laws of heaven and earth. This greatly benefited Wang Hanyun and the other elders who accompanied him, and their awe of Li Yunjing grew day by day.

As a result, the relationship between the two parties became much closer.

Wang Hanyun was no longer as reserved and apprehensive as before, and dared to ask some questions about cultivation during the conversation.

When Li Yunjing was in a good mood, he would offer some guidance; but when he was at a crucial point in his understanding, he would close the door to visitors, and Wang Hanyun would never dare to disturb him. Instead, he would personally guard outside the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion" to prevent anyone from disturbing him.

On this day, Wang Hanyun prepared the spiritual tea and waited in the pavilion in the garden.

Seeing Li Yunjing strolling over, he quickly got up to greet him.

"Fellow Daoist Li, this 'Mist-Hidden Spirit Tea' is freshly picked today. The taste is quite good. Please have a taste."

Wang Hanyun smiled as he poured tea for Li Yunjing. The steam rose, and the aroma of the tea blended with the spiritual energy, refreshing and delightful.

Li Yunjing sat down, picked up the teacup, sniffed it lightly, and nodded: "It is full of spiritual energy, concentrated and not dispersed, it is a good tea."

"Speaking of which, the territory of Zhao has been quite turbulent in recent years."

"I've heard that there are increasing frictions between the northwestern border and the 'Great Yuan Dynasty,' and the court is requisitioning supplies and cultivators more frequently."

After a few casual words, Wang Hanyun remarked casually, "Even in our remote Black Wind Mountain Range, the annual tribute we pay has increased by half a percent this year."

"Oh? The relationship between the Zhao Kingdom and the Great Yuan Dynasty has always been tense, and it seems to be escalating recently?"

Li Yunjing's eyes flickered slightly. He put down his teacup and asked seemingly casually, "Do you know the specific reason?"

"As for the specific reasons, Wang is of low rank and cannot know the full picture."

"I've only vaguely heard that it seems to be related to a newly discovered ancient site, with both sides claiming sovereignty over it and refusing to give in."

"In addition, the competition for spiritual mineral resources on the border naturally fueled the anger."

Seeing that Li Yunjing was interested in this, Wang Hanyun perked up and immediately lowered his voice, saying, "It is said that... there are signs that the elites of the royal family and several major sects are being transferred to the northwest border."

"However, this is just a rumor. The imperial court has kept this matter under tight control, so it is difficult to tell whether it is true or false."

He paused, then added, "But the increase in annual tribute and the rise in the purchase price of some strategic materials are real."

Li Yunjing listened silently, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the stone table.

Tensions are high between the Zhao Kingdom and the Yuan Dynasty, with troops stationed on the border, potentially diverting some of the attention of the royal family and top sects...

This is undoubtedly bad news for the Yuanyang Dao Sect.

"It seems that Zhao is under considerable pressure both domestically and internationally."

Li Yunjing said something casually and didn't press the matter further. Instead, he started talking about the unique spiritual materials found in the Black Wind Mountains.

Wang Hanyun, being an experienced man, saw that Li Yunjing would not ask any more questions, so he tacitly stopped mentioning the matter and enthusiastically introduced the local customs and products, as if it had just been a casual remark.

However, the information contained in this seemingly casual conversation was invaluable to Li Yunjing.

"Thank you for the tea today, Master Wang. I need to go back and meditate for a while."

After sitting for a while and finishing his cup of spiritual tea, Li Yunjing stood up and said.

"Please do as you please, fellow Daoist! If you need anything, just let me know!"

Wang Hanyun quickly got up to see him off.

Watching Li Yunjing's departing figure, a complex emotion flashed in Wang Hanyun's eyes.

He knew that this fellow Daoist Li was no ordinary person, and that his stay at the Wang family must have its purpose. But he was also clear that befriending such a person would be far more beneficial than harmful to the Wang family.

As for the other party's true purpose, that's not something he should delve into. He only needs to cherish this rare "good fortune."

Back at the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," Li Yunjing wrote furiously, his pen densely imprinted with crucial intelligence regarding the tensions on Zhao's northwestern border, resource mobilization, and the strength and weakness of the forces in the Black Wind Mountains.

These are all valuable materials that will be of great benefit to future operations.

Just as he was ready, his brows furrowed slightly as his divine sense detected several powerful auras rapidly approaching the Wang family mansion, heading straight for the main gate.

At the same time, Wang Hanyun had just seen Li Yunjing off and had not yet returned to his residence when a gatekeeper disciple rushed in to report: "Master! Elder Zhang of 'Fire Cloud Valley', the Master of 'Hundred Beasts Manor', and Elder Liu of 'Sky-Splitting Sword Sect' have come to visit and are now outside the manor gate!"

"Ok?"

Wang Hanyun paused, a hint of surprise flashing across his face, before he understood.

These individuals are the leaders of several other forces in the "Black Wind Mountains" that have Nascent Soul cultivators in charge. Although they occasionally interact with the Wang family, they maintain a certain distance and a competitive relationship.

Their sudden joint visit at this moment speaks volumes about their purpose.

They must have heard about that Fellow Daoist Li and couldn't sit still any longer.

"Perhaps this is an opportunity!"

He hesitated for a moment, straightened his robes, and then strode towards the gate of the mansion to greet them.

Regardless of the other party's intentions, outward courtesy should not be disregarded.

Outside the mansion gate, three elderly men with profound auras and different attire stood with their hands behind their backs. They appeared calm, but the slight urgency in their eyes could not be hidden from Wang Hanyun.

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Zhang, Master Mo, Elder Liu, your presence is truly an honor to our Wang family! Please come in!"

Wang Hanyun greeted him with a smile and a cupped-hand salute, his tone warm yet measured.

(End of this chapter)