Fangxian Heretical Path

Chapter 316 The Road Divides into Three, a Century-Old Ambition
Fang Shu bowed to Lu Che Di Xian, but Lu Che Di Xian quickly turned aside to avoid his bow.

The other party shook his head and said, "No, no. I am just a Foundation Establishment Immortal, not even a Foundation Establishment cultivator. How could I be your master?"

Fang Shu looked up and saw that Lu Che Di Xian was standing to the side, looking at the empty altar in the center of the small temple.

The other party sighed softly:

"At this moment, it would be pointless to even consider taking on disciples on behalf of a master."

These words struck Fang Shu's heart, immediately stirring up a flurry of thoughts. However, he suppressed them, revealing no hint of his thoughts, and only asked with a slight hint of doubt:

"Accepting disciples on behalf of the master?"

The Earth Immortal of the Deer Chariot shook his head and changed the subject:

"Get up. I can only be half your teacher at most. As for important matters like being a master, let's not talk about it anymore."

Seeing that the other party's expression was not feigned but rather quite serious, Fang Shu obediently stood up.

However, he still bowed to the other party and said, "A teacher is also a master. Since Senior Lu Che is willing to be my teacher, please allow me to continue to call you 'Master Lu'."

"You child..." Seeing that Fang Shu was so polite and did not look down on him, who was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, Lu Che felt quite relieved and sighed, "Long Gu, alas, it's really a pity."

But then, the Earth Immortal Luche reached out to support Fang Shu, speaking gently:
"Since you call me teacher, I, Lu, will certainly have a proper talk with you. I just hope you won't think I'm being evasive."

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu immediately replied, "No, no, I wouldn't dare."

The Earth Immortal of the Deer Chariot chuckled and continued:

"Alright, let's not beat around the bush. Since you are a member of the Dao lineage, you should be determined to achieve the elixir, embark on the path of true immortality, and even strive to become a god in the future, seeking longevity and immortality."

However, refining the spirit is too far off, but preparations for achieving the elixir must begin now.

Therefore, the most important thing is to find a suitable master to guide and protect one from misfortune.

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu's eyes flickered slightly, and he tentatively asked, "What does Master Lu mean..."

“That’s right, becoming an apprentice of a pill refiner is the best way to protect yourself and avoid trouble!” Lu Che Di Xian answered affirmatively.

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu thought about it carefully and realized that it was indeed true.

If he were a disciple of a True Immortal who had achieved the Dan Cheng realm, he would be spared from most of the schemes and covetousness he might face, if not all of them. Furthermore, True Immortals would be less likely to plot against him.
Moreover, with a true immortal who has achieved elixir cultivation as his master, his path to elixir cultivation will undoubtedly be smoother than if he were to explore it on his own.

But Fang Shu couldn't help but glance around the temple and asked directly:

"May I ask Master Lu, where should I go to find a master, and to whom should I take him as my master?"

It should be noted that the current internal organs, or rather the entire Five Schools of Lushan, have not yet produced a single elixir.

Upon hearing this, the Deer Chariot Immortal spoke frankly:

"Of course it's not in Mount Lu. This matter is directly related to the doubt you just mentioned. It's about why we had to suppress you and prevent you from using the temple's spiritual veins to build your foundation."

Fang Shu immediately listened attentively.

The deer-drawn carriage immortal said in a deep voice:

"To be honest, you should also know the current situation facing my Five Internal Organs Temple and the other four sects."

With the arrival of envoys from the Xuan Sect and the attack of demons from Floating Mountain, the surrounding immortal sects are stirring with ambition, and our temple is now without a True Immortal who has achieved the Dan Cheng realm to oversee it. It is truly a precarious situation, a matter of life and death.

The other person held up three fingers:
"We, the five sects and three capitals, have been discussing this privately recently. In fact, each sect only has three paths to take, or rather, only one."

And this one is—surrender!

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu's expression changed.

The Deer Chariot Immortal then said in a deep voice:
"If the Fudang Mountain sect can act as its henchmen and even change its ancestral name, why can't the Five Sects of Lushan act as a separate Lushan sect?"

Moreover, we have already inquired about the identity of the visitor. He is indeed an envoy from the Western Altar of the Xuanjiao Sect, and we have heard that he holds a high position and is a true disciple.

Now, the sect leaders of the five sects of Mount Lu have all died mysteriously on the ancient Mount Lu. Although the other side's actions are opportunistic and an attempt to take advantage of our misfortune, if they could truly be incorporated into the Xuanjiao sect, it might not be a bad opportunity for the five sects.

After a few pauses, the other party smiled bitterly: "Besides, if we really go to fight against them, what do we, a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators sitting on the ground, have to fight to the death?"

If all five sects surrender together, they can unite and support each other under the Xuan Sect's banner. But if they don't surrender together, there's no guarantee that some won't be able to hold out, defecting midway, or even betraying the others.

That makes sense.

Fang Shu was also at a loss for words upon hearing this.

Even though he knew that the leader of the five sects of Mount Lu had died in the mouth of that Xuanjiao immortal, the five sects of Mount Lu really had no other way to survive except to surrender.

Even if they withstood the attacks of Fudang Mountain and the Xuanjiao envoys, there were still other immortal sects to contend with.

Fang Shu nodded silently.

The Deer Chariot Immortal sighed deeply and said again:
"However, there are tricks to when and how to descend. This matter concerns you, the seedlings of Foundation Establishment."

The reason we don't let you build your foundations is twofold. First, if you build your foundations inside the temple now, you'll end up like us old folks, taking root in this Lushan Mountain.

Secondly, you disciples are different; you were born of destiny. Offering you to the Xuan Sect is a pledge of allegiance from the five sects of Mount Lu, sufficient proof of our loyalty.”

Fang Shu remained relatively calm after hearing the first part of the conversation, but when he heard phrases like "dedicated to the Xuan Sect" and "pledge of allegiance," his eyelids twitched involuntarily, and he stared intently at the other person.

Lu Che Di Xian remained calm, allowing Fang Shu to scrutinize him.

The other party continued:
"These three paths of surrender are the three paths for you, the foundation-building seeds."

Those of superior talent, after being selected by the Xuanjiao sect, travel to the western altar of the Xuanjiao sect to receive the profound method of foundation building, or they may even leap over the dragon gate and become disciples of the Xuanjiao sect.

The middle class, on the other hand, stay in Lushan and help the Xuanjiao people manage this territory, becoming the first batch of Earthly Immortals supported by them, serving as their henchmen. They should be able to step on us old Earthly Immortals to gain wealth and status, and perhaps even have the opportunity to achieve immortality.

As for the lowest class, they abandoned their homes and fled, taking the initiative to avoid the attack from Fudang Mountain, leaving early to wander and seek refuge with a powerful force.

Fang Shu remained silent, now understanding even more the predicament of the five sects of Mount Lu.

For a moment, the small temple was quiet.

After finishing his story, Lu Che Di Xian didn't say anything more, letting Fang Shu slowly digest it.

Just a few breaths.

Fang Shu then cupped his hands and spoke:
"Then may I ask, Master Lu, which method of demotion is most suitable for this student?"

The Deer Chariot Immortal asked with a smile, "Which one do you think suits you best?"

Fang Shu didn't hesitate any longer and said directly:
“The third one.” Upon hearing this answer, the Deer Chariot Immortal nodded and sighed, “That’s right, peace is found outside, but death is found inside. This is an ancient saying.”

The other party also replied:
"Furthermore, you are different from the other disciples. The others only have a slight possibility of establishing their Dao Meridian, but the time has not yet come, and no one knows. But you have already established your Dao Meridian and cultivated minor supernatural abilities."

Aside from leaving, the first two options are probably not ways to survive, but rather ways to commit suicide.

Fang Shu nodded at these words, as he shared the same thought.

As the deer-cart immortal spoke, a hint of regret lingered in his voice:
"Alas, if we had known earlier that you could establish a Dao Meridian, we, Lu and the others, would have stopped you no matter what."

Once you join the Xuan Sect and establish your foundation within it, even if you are not a native of the Xuan Sect, you should have a great chance to rise to a high position within the sect and achieve great success.

What a pity, what a pity.

Fang Shu remained unmoved upon hearing this hypothesis.

He shook his head: "Good fortune may be a harbinger of misfortune, and misfortune may be a harbinger of good fortune. Even so, who knows if it's truly a good thing for the students?"

The Earth Immortal Luche nodded wistfully: "Fortune may be a harbinger of misfortune, that is indeed true."

The other party then collected their thoughts and spoke again:
"Fang Shu, now that you know these inside stories, you should also know that the Five Internal Organs Temple and the entire Five Sects of Mount Lu are not yet able to conceal your abilities from you. You can only rely on yourself to keep a low profile and protect yourself."

Only when you become a disciple of a Golden Elixir Immortal and truly enter his lineage can you reveal even a fraction of his abilities.

As they spoke, Lu Che Di Xian took out a pale gold note from his sleeve, carefully held it in his hands, and handed it to Fang Shu.

"This letter is from a person who has achieved immortality through alchemy, and the person in question has a prior relationship with me."

The sect leader is currently missing, but we found this name card in the temple. It's highly likely that it was left by the sect leader as a precaution. It's just that we, his unworthy descendants, have even forgotten the sect leader's face…”

The Deer Chariot Immortal explained in detail:

"Originally, this invitation was meant for those who did not wish to remain in the mountains, so that they could lead everyone to the Immortal City of Vast Ocean to seek refuge with that True Immortal who had achieved the Pill Refining Realm, and be taken in or protected by him."

But now that you have reached the Foundation Establishment stage of the Dao lineage, it is only right that you take it. Rather than being dependent on others, it would be better to help you find a master.”

hum!
The pale gold post trembled and immediately floated in front of Fang Shu, enveloped in a strange aura. Although it was made of paper, it felt heavier than gold and iron.

He held the postcard in surprise.

Before he could speak, the Deer Cart Immortal urged again: "Keep it safe, don't let others see it, lest it cause unpleasant trouble."

If you feel unworthy of this, you can help settle everyone else after you become a disciple of that true immortal.

"Yes, student understands!"

Fang Shu stopped being coy and simply accepted the invitation card.

Just as the Earth Immortal Luche said, instead of having to bring his whole family to ask for protection and help him become an apprentice, it would be better to give him a name card first, which would increase the chances of him successfully becoming an apprentice.

Seeing that Fang Shu had accepted the visiting card, Lu Che Di Xian was pleased.

After a moment's thought, the other party took out a token from his waist and handed it to Fang Shu.

The token is similar in shape to a square waist tag, but it has no text on it, only a deer head engraved in five colors.

"This is my waist token, which allows you to view all the books in the temple. You can also freely enter and leave all places in this temple. You can keep it; you don't need to return it. Consider it a keepsake."

The Deer Cart Immortal explained:

"Furthermore, I know you are a person of great intelligence and understanding, but remember, you should be careful when reading and using the many scriptures in the temple's scripture hall, especially the cultivation methods related to the Foundation Establishment realm. You must not practice them!"
Even if these methods claim to lead directly to the attainment of the elixir, do not believe them. The true method for achieving the elixir in this temple is not in the scripture hall, nor in the minds of anyone in the temple.

Once you cultivate the Foundation Establishment technique and develop the corresponding Foundation Establishment True Qi, you will be looked down upon when you seek a master in the future. Even if you are fortunate enough to be accepted into the sect of a True Immortal, your cultivation technique will have to be abolished first, making it a losing proposition.

These words surprised Fang Shu.

However, after a moment's thought, he realized that what the Deer Cart Immortal said made perfect sense.

The process of advancing from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment is already so difficult. The matter of Foundation Establishment of the Dao Meridian is not even recorded in writing. Unless by chance, ordinary disciples would hardly know about it.

Therefore, the various methods for achieving Foundation Establishment and Core Formation should be even more secretive, and there should be many restrictions, with the method not being passed on to more than six people.

For example, Fang Shu was quite suspicious that the reason why the five sect leaders of Mount Lu insisted on establishing their foundations within Mount Lu might be related to the cultivation methods they practiced.

Furthermore, the difference in the perception between learning a skill with a master and learning without one is quite significant.

Fang Shu bowed to the Deer Cart Earth Immortal:

"The student understands!"

Seeing Fang Shu so obedient, Lu Che Di Xian hesitated several times before finally speaking in a deep voice:
"If you do not attain true enlightenment or are not valued in the future, you may return to your hometown. As long as the three of us are still alive, we will protect this Lushan estate for you."

The other party added meaningfully, "If the three of us are all gone, remember to explore the foot of the mountain more often when you come back."

This kind of explanation sounds more like an explanation of one's final wishes.

Fang Shu remained silent and did not ask any further questions. He simply bowed and greeted the two people on the offering table beside him, who were carrying an oxcart and a sheepcart.

Afterwards, the Earth Immortal Luche went on and on about some miscellaneous matters within the temple before giving his instructions:
"At the latest, half a month; at the earliest, seven days, a camp will be formed within the temple. At that time, you will leave the mountain with those who have fled."

As for these next few days, you should rest well in the temple. Don't worry about your relatives and friends down the mountain; we old folks will take care of them for you.”

Fang Shu nodded: "Thank you, Master Lu. I'll take my leave now."

He bowed to the three capitals again before turning around and leaving the small temple.

Stepping out of the small temple.

Fang Shu stood atop the hill, looking down at the vast, gloomy Wuzang Temple, his heart filled with complex emotions.

"Lushan's revival has failed this time, and its fortune has been swallowed up. It is no longer my blessed land. I must leave here and seek another place."

Fang Shu pondered to himself, his thoughts immediately drifting to the "Han Hai Immortal City".

This vast, celestial city is the very place where the true immortal resides, a place familiar to our very being.

Moreover, in the vicinity of the Five Internal Organs Temple, there is only this one celestial city protected by the gods, which is enough to resist the erosion of the Xuanjiao sect and remain unaffected.

Gazing at the billowing smoke and clouds, Fang Shu's heart gradually stirred.

Go to the Immortal City, pay homage to the True Immortal, and strive for the elixir of immortality.

His grand ambition for the next few hundred years lies in this!

(End of this chapter)