There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 247 Whispers of the Mysterious Mountain, Traces of the Dao Fruit

In the present world, at Mingxia Mountain.

In the quiet room, Chen Qing suddenly opened his eyes, and there were wisps of white mist swirling in them.

But after a few breaths, he calmed the strange look in his eyes and stopped the restless thoughts in his mind.

Although his dream experience this time was short, it was unpredictable and contained a huge amount of information, far exceeding his previous ones.

Just then, scattered spiritual energy feedback arrived, but it had no effect on his state of mind.

Chen Qing's thoughts were focused on the information he had gathered before waking up from this dream.

"The two unnatural awakenings were understandable. The first was due to the influence of the Taijing Daoist's time-manipulation abilities. The second time, however, was because I forcibly absorbed and used the 'white mist,' prematurely exhausting the time limit for this dream..."

His thoughts raced, and he vaguely grasped the key.

"Could this white mist be the 'resources' that sustain my dream of the Immortal Dynasty? If it's a fixed amount for daily use, and can be 'borrowed' or overdrawn in critical moments, then conversely, can it be accumulated in normal times for long-term use?"

Once this thought arose in his mind, he felt that there might be more ways to use this dream-entry technique. If he could control the time limit for entering the dream, he would be more proactive, whether it was breaking through a critical moment with "sudden enlightenment" or achieving his goal by relying on preconceived notions.

However, the matter of regaining control of this dream is not the most urgent task at the moment. What is most important right now is the Demon Buddha's Dao Fruit!
Therefore, after a brief review, Chen Qing's train of thought quickly returned to normal.

"According to that man in blue, if one can obtain the Dao Fruit of the Demon Buddha, not only will one be freed from the dream body, but one will also have the opportunity to ascend to heaven in one step and glimpse the ultimate Dao. The key now is that the dream body and the Demon Buddha are entangled in karma. Is my physical body also involved? If so, then my physical body will also have the opportunity to seek the Dao Fruit in these tens of thousands of years... Hmm?!"

Just as his thoughts were focused on the "Demon Buddha Dao Fruit", a strange change suddenly occurred within his body!

"Om-"

The Niwan Palace trembled violently, and the Purple Mansion churned!

An illusory image of Buddha suddenly appeared from the depths of my heart!

This Buddha sat cross-legged in the void, surrounded by distorted Brahma light. His face constantly shifted between compassion and ferocity. It was the phantom that had grown in his mind after he had caught a fleeting glimpse of the strange Buddha in the center of the nebula at the bottom of hell!
At that time, he had forcibly suppressed the illusory thought and severed the connection, but he did not expect it to reappear now, and it was even more solid and intense than before!
As the image of the Buddha appeared, faint chanting arose, but its rhythm was not solemn; instead, it disturbed the mind. Illusory golden flowers appeared out of thin air in the quiet room, blooming and falling, filling the air with a strange fragrance, yet it also carried a stench of decay.

"What's going on?!" Chen Qing's heart skipped a beat. "Not only has the Buddha's image reappeared, but it has also triggered spiritual phenomena? Could it be... that demonic Buddha has returned to this era? So, I was affected the moment I appeared in the world?"

He was startled; if that were the case, it would be no small matter!
Surprised and doubtful, Chen Qing was about to suppress his thoughts, but when he touched the Buddha image in his mind, he realized that it was like an empty shell. Although it was strange and mysterious, it was empty inside!

"Or is this the 'entanglement of cause and effect' that the man in blue robes spoke of? Since I am the one who initiates this tribulation, I am destined to resonate with the Buddha-Demon Path? Is this Buddha in my heart the key?"

With this thought in mind, he steadied his mind and the Samadhi True Fire Talisman shone brightly in his sea of ​​consciousness, burning away the Buddha image that was trying to take root. The Tathagata Talisman shone with clear light, resisting the decadent chanting.

In the midst of this struggle and perception, a sense of the unseen descended and suddenly appeared before his eyes!
Chen Qing's mind stirred, and he focused his attention to sense it.

That's a mountain!

A solitary, snow-capped mountain shrouded in a hazy mist!

This mountain has a unique and rugged shape, piercing straight into the sky, exuding a desolate atmosphere.

At the summit, a blurry golden sun hangs in the sky.

Above the mountainside, below the snow line, are large patches of deep, dark spots, writhing and twisting, like congealed faces of pain, contortion, and wailing, forming a stark contrast to the peaceful golden light at the summit.

The foot of the mountain was shrouded in a thick, impenetrable gray fog, which flowed and swirled slowly, containing a vital energy that sustained it.

"This is?"

Chen Qing felt a sense of dread upon sensing the scenery of the mountain, and then he heard something strange in his ears!

"Avira, the Pure Land of No Interruption..."

"The mountain...is...in...the...mist...and...the...Buddha...is...visible..."

Intermittent, overlapping, and distorted whispers, like a dream, suddenly rang out!

The words were obscure and difficult to understand, yet they seemed to possess the power of words, as if they were alive, attempting to penetrate Chen Qing's consciousness through his ears.

He grunted and composed himself.

Instantly, the mountain scenery and the whispers in my ear vanished!
However, within Chen Qing's Niwan Palace, a chaotic stream of thoughts still stirred within him, which he eventually calmed down.

"call--"

He let out a long breath and returned to normal.

"This mountain, and these whispers, could they be pointing to the location of the Dao Fruit? Or perhaps some kind of trap? The mountain appearing in the mist—is it a cryptic question, or a direct indication of the location? That mountain, with its sun on its summit, strange creatures on its waist, and gray mist at its foot, is quite distinctive. Perhaps we can obtain more detailed information from the Remnant Scroll Pavilion or from other people..."

With this thought in mind, he abruptly stood up, his body trembling. A gust of wind swept through the surroundings, instantly dispelling the illusory golden flowers and strange fragrance in the quiet room, and temporarily suppressing the illusory image of Buddha in his heart. "Whether this mountain is real or illusory, and where it is located, the fact that this sensation has appeared in the present world means that the path to Buddhahood may be subject to change. Ignoring it would be a hidden danger for us today!"

The stone door to the quiet room opened silently.

Chen Qing stepped forward, and with a thought, his energy merged with heaven and earth, connecting with the entire Mingxia Mountain. As the spiritual gate trembled, surging spiritual energy poured out, reflecting the entire mountain in his mind.

During his six-month seclusion, he not only completely refined the exterior of the Stele Forest into his Purple Mansion, but also faintly touched upon a trace of the mysterious interplay between reality and illusion.

At this moment, the mountains in my mind are reflected in every detail, and with the slightest thought, news is sent out.

Soon, Bai Shaoyou arrived in a hurry.

"I met the master."

Bai Shaoyou was extremely respectful, then secretly glanced up and saw that Chen Qing's aura was as deep as the sea, even more unfathomable than half a year ago. He couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart, thinking to himself: Master's progress is simply unheard of. Combined with the previous strange phenomena, could it really be as Elder Jun said, that he has already touched the Nascent Soul stage? This is too fast! It defies common sense!
“Shaoyou,” Chen Qing, unaware of his thoughts, looked at him and, considering the disciple’s background and well-informed nature, asked directly, “Do you know a mountain? Its peak is isolated and pierces the sky, with a golden sun hanging on its summit, twisted dark spots covering its waist, and a thick gray fog shrouding its base.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Shaoyou pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "This disciple is ignorant and has never heard of this mountain. However, this disciple can immediately mobilize his family's connections and have people thoroughly investigate the records of mountains and rivers in various places, which may lead to some clues."

Chen Qing nodded slightly and thanked him for his hard work. He thought that if it really didn't work, he would go to the Remnant Scroll Pavilion to ask Yu Yin, but this matter involved "Dao Fruit" and was too sensitive. Frequent questioning might arouse suspicion.

Observing his expression, Bai Shaoyou suddenly said, "If Master is in a hurry to find this mountain, there is an opportunity right now. Recently, heroes from all over Dongling Continent have gathered in Nanbin. Among them are many knowledgeable people from famous families. Even Fellow Daoist Anning and Commander Liu, who visited before, are involved this time. They have the backing of the imperial court and special information channels, which can be used as a reference."

"Oh?" Chen Qing's eyes flashed. "What is it?"

"The Ruins Trial!" Bai Shaoyou's voice deepened slightly. "It's said to be a ruin located between the void and the mortal realm, a palace remnant rumored to be related to the Taiyin Sect and the Yuehua Mansion, and seemingly also entangled with traces of demonic cultivation. It will soon arrive in the South Coast Sea. The imperial court has issued an edict that anyone recommended and under a hundred years of age can participate in this trial. Now, with various forces gathered and a mixed bag of characters, it's the perfect opportunity to gather information."

He paused, then added, "It is said that even some heirs of reclusive sects, and even members of ancient clans in the Central Plains, have shown up." After saying that, he looked at Chen Qing, "Master, would you like to investigate? I can arrange a spot for you."

“I won’t explore it.” Chen Qing shook his head. He didn’t have the time for that. “But I can go and ask around to see if anyone recognizes the mountain.”

Chen Qing's seclusion lasted for half a year.

He has been absent for a long time, and his title as the leader of the alliance has gradually faded. The various sects have different thoughts, and an external opportunity has once again arrived in this border region, so undercurrents are surging.

At this moment, all eyes are focused on the area outside Wanghai City.

Between the sea and the sky.

Above the sea, clouds surged, and a huge, illusory figure appeared and disappeared like a mirage.

Upon closer inspection, one can see that it is a pitch-black island floating in the void, with its palaces in ruins and filled with death.

On the cliff overlooking the sea, several figures stood against the wind, each with an extraordinary bearing. Some possessed inner brilliance, some had sharp eyes, and some were graceful and charming. They were all gazing at the mirage in the sky.

"This Taiyin Palace has drifted for several years and finally stopped here. It seems that the opening date is near."

One of the young men, dressed in a red robe, stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, "I've heard that this palace contains some of the true teachings of the Taiyin Sect, as well as three top-grade spiritual veins. It also contains the true essence of the Nascent Soul Daoist Temple. If we can gain its approval, we can expect to reach the Nascent Soul realm! Fairy Luo, we've been fighting each other openly and secretly for the past few years, fluctuating in the rankings on the Star Luo Ranking. Isn't it all for the Nascent Soul Pill materials? This time, perhaps we can truly determine who is superior."

Beside her, a graceful woman with a veil covering her face softly interjected, "Senior Brother Lie is right. My master has already calculated that this trip south will bring a great opportunity, which should be found in the Taiyin Ruins. However, such a treasure must be protected by powerful restrictions, and only those with great fortune and great power can obtain it. Moreover, although you and I are sworn enemies, there are many heroes in the world. Don't underestimate others; perhaps someone will emerge as a dark horse in the end!"

Upon hearing this, the red-robed senior brother Lie laughed heartily: "If such a person truly exists, I would be overjoyed! He could be used as a whetstone to forge the path to Nascent Soul! It's just a pity that if such a person exists, how could he remain unknown until now? If he did, we should have known about him long ago."

Behind them, there was another group of people, among whom a man and a woman exchanged glances upon hearing this.

As if remembering something, the man said, "Speaking of which, when my senior sister and I first arrived here, we heard of a man named Chen Qing, who was the leader of the various sects in Nanbin and was quite famous."

The woman who had witnessed Chen Qing's Core Formation in Blackwater City shook her head at the man beside her and said, "This person is indeed capable, having completed the ninth stage of Core Formation. We two once wanted to visit him, but unfortunately, we missed the opportunity."

"Nine-stage Core Formation?" Upon hearing this, the youth in the fiery robe shook his head and chuckled. "People from the borderlands really don't know the mysteries of heaven and earth, and they dare to say anything. In this current spiritual tide, it's already rare to see someone like me who has only reached the third stage of Core Formation. The fourth stage is the Heavenly Transcendence stage! Moreover, how many people in history have actually reached the ninth stage of Core Formation? They haven't been seen since the Immortal Dynasty!"

Seeing the woman's indifferent expression, he said, "It's not that I don't trust the two of you, but this is just how things are in this world, what can we do?"

Beside him stood a detached man in white robes with long hair. Upon hearing this, he said, "The unusual activity in the Forgotten Palace is obvious, and an opportunity is approaching. Why talk about irrelevant people? This time, you two must determine who is superior, and I must also seize this opportunity. Who will emerge victorious is still unknown! When the time comes, we will each rely on our own methods and explore inside to find out!"

Just as everyone was discussing this, the enormous mirage in the sky suddenly trembled!
The illusory images solidified, and the outline of the palace became increasingly clear!

Upon seeing this, everyone perked up, thinking that the ruins were about to open!

Unexpectedly, the ruins suddenly trembled and shifted slightly inland, then gradually moved faster and faster!

Everyone frowned, calculated and investigated, and looked in that direction.

In Wanghai City, Liu Shuang'er stood on the city wall. Seeing the changes in the ruins, she looked in the direction and her heart skipped a beat.

"Mingxia Mountain seems to be on the route leading to these ruins!"

(End of this chapter)