From Celestial Official to Great Celestial Venerable

Chapter 32 Stable
Qin Chuan, with everything going smoothly, broke through the barrier in one fell swoop and officially stepped into the fourth level of Qi Refining, firmly establishing himself in the middle stage of Qi Refining!
The fourth level of the ninth stage of Qi Refining is a major hurdle. Only after passing this hurdle can one truly shed the awkwardness of the initial stage, begin to resemble a Qi Refining cultivator, and barely qualify to apply for official promotion.

He was able to confidently make breakthroughs in the fields entirely because the "Nanhua Heart Method" stabilized his Dao heart, kept his mind clear, and was not afraid of external disturbances.

Feeling the spiritual power within his body, which was several times stronger than when he was at the third level, and the increasingly smooth flow of the Wood and Fire energies, Qin Chuan was filled with excitement.

"Qin Chuan! He has actually broken through to the fourth level!" Not far away, the other Firecraft Daoists were shocked by this breakthrough and their expressions changed.

"How long has it been? How did he fix it?" Zhong Ziheng, in particular, was practically overflowing with jealousy. He had been struggling here for a year and a half, still stuck on the third floor and unable to move.

"He's already at the fourth level of Qi Refining! Doesn't that mean he can be promoted to a full-fledged official position ahead of schedule?" someone asked in surprise.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.

If Qin Chuan really gets a permanent position, wouldn't the hot potato of taking care of Ling Cheng fall on their shoulders?
"Official appointment? Dream on!" Zhong Ziheng, burning with jealousy, suddenly sneered, "Have you forgotten? His application for official appointment was rejected by the Longevity Society long ago! What does this mean? The temple has already decided that the pit belongs to him! Even Elder Huo's words don't carry weight. He can be officially appointed? Why did the Longevity Society reject him in the first place!"

Upon hearing this, the envy and jealousy they felt towards Qin Chuan faded, replaced by pity—what a waste of his talent, running into bad luck and becoming the temple's tacitly accepted scapegoat.

Qin Chuan overheard the discussions in the fields.

Although he was fully focused on feeling the spiritual energy within his body transform into a purer "spiritual power"—meaning that he had met the requirements for practicing the Spirit Gathering Technique—those cold words also quietly seeped into his heart.

“These days, Old Master Huo has looked gloomy and avoids me... Could it be that his plan for me has failed?”

His eyes flickered, and after a moment of contemplation, he finally looked down at the "Nanhua Heart Method" that he had already copied.

It seems we can't rely on Old Master Huo; we'll have to find another way on our own.

After finishing work, when he saw He Xingchen return, he took the initiative to greet him with a smile and said, "Brother He, there's something I want to tell you."

He Xingchen noticed the change in his aura and exclaimed with delight, "Brother Qin, you've broken through? Congratulations!"

Qin Chuan laughed, "That's not what I wanted to talk about."

"Oh? What's the matter?"

"Brother He, do you still remember the 'state of mind' I accidentally entered at the last chanting ceremony?"

Qin Chuan spoke in a calm tone:

"To be honest, I have been pondering the key points of this matter for the past few days. Today, taking advantage of the breakthrough, my mind and spirit were in perfect harmony, and I finally gained some insights. I have managed to summarize those insights into this introductory formula of the 'Nanhua Heart Method'."

He Xingchen was both surprised and delighted: "Brother Qin, you... have really summarized the profound mysteries of the Dao Ancestor's scriptures into a method of cultivation?"

Qin Chuan said no more and handed over the formula directly.

He Xingchen instinctively reached for the paper, but the moment his fingertips touched it, he abruptly pulled back and quickly waved his hand, saying, "Brother Qin, you mustn't! This Dao Ancestor's Heart Sutra is too precious; I cannot look at it!"

Qin Chuan said sincerely, “Brother He and I have known each other since we were humble beginnings, and you have helped me a lot. Why be so formal? I am here with you today because I sincerely want to share this article with you and hope that you can help me so that other fellow Daoists in the association can also study it.”

Upon hearing this, He Xingchen's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and delight, and he immediately understood Qin Chuan's deeper meaning: "Brother Qin, do you intend to... use this mental cultivation method to make friends with the fellow Daoists in the association?"

Seeing that he had been exposed, Qin Chuan no longer concealed it. He revealed a worried expression on his face and explained his current predicament: his cultivation had reached the fourth level, but the prospect of becoming a full-fledged monk was still slim. There were many obstacles within the temple, and the only way to help him was to seek external assistance.

He Xingchen already knew his situation, and now felt even more sympathy for him: "I see, I understand Brother Qin's difficulties."

"So, Brother He, could you please help me arrange another meeting with all of you fellow Daoists?" Qin Chuan asked earnestly, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect. "With the strong support of our fellow Daoists, there might still be a glimmer of hope."

"Leave it to me!" Seeing his improved cultivation and his honesty, He Xingchen finally accepted the cultivation manual and immediately agreed.

The next day, at Chunlai Teahouse, in Tingyu Pavilion.

Qin Chuan and He Xingchen arrived first and waited. Before long, the people attending the chanting ceremony arrived one after another, and Qin Chuan greeted them one by one.

Upon seeing Lin Xiaoheng, Qin Chuan stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting: "Brother Lin, thanks to your introduction last time. Director Zhao Musheng has already hired me as the consultant for the spiritual plants in the garden."

Lin Xiaoheng smiled and returned the greeting: "Brother Qin, you are too kind. It was just a coincidence. I met Director Zhao when I was looking for a doctor for the dragon's beard orchid. The day Linglan recovered, I remembered that he also had some troubles in his garden. I thought that Brother Qin would definitely be able to cure the disease, so I mentioned it casually. It seems that Brother Qin's skills are superb, and I didn't exaggerate."

He made it sound easy, but in reality, he was repaying a favor for not receiving payment that day.

Qin Chuan knew perfectly well what was going on and thanked him again.

At this moment, the key figure arrived.

"Master Chu, Presiding Officer Ji." Everyone rose and bowed.

Chu Yunze raised his hand to indicate, "No need for formalities, please sit."

Everyone took their seats, their eyes all focused on Qin Chuan. He Xingchen had already revealed the purpose of this small gathering, and now everyone's eyes were filled with inquiry and barely concealed eagerness.

Especially for Lin Xiaoheng, his Dragon Beard Orchid was prepared for his attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. If he obtains this mental cultivation method to stabilize his Dao heart, his chances of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage will undoubtedly increase greatly!

“Little Qin,” Chu Yuance said, his hands clasped together, his gaze filled with scrutiny and curiosity, “I heard from Xiao He that you actually summarized the state of mind in the Dao Ancestor’s scriptures into a cultivation method?”

"My cultivation is shallow, and this is merely a chance discovery. I have managed to summarize a rudimentary introductory method, which may have shortcomings. I would appreciate any corrections from you fellow Daoists." Qin Chuan lowered his posture and took out several copies to distribute to everyone.

Everyone who picked it up was immediately captivated and couldn't wait to start studying it.

Qin Chuan was not surprised. The first level of the "Nanhua Heart Method" refined by the Heavenly Essence Furnace was extremely pure and pointed directly to the Dao Heart, which naturally had a great attraction for them.

The room gradually quieted down, with only faint breathing remaining.

Qin Chuan noticed that as Chu Yunce watched, his gaze gradually lost focus, his aura became calm and profound, and he was directly immersed in the profound realm of the mental cultivation technique.

He secretly praised in his heart: "As expected of a talent from the county temple, his talent is indeed extraordinary. Although the mental cultivation method is only at the first level, he was able to master it so quickly, which is truly impressive."

A moment later, Ji Yuqi and the other two also changed their aura slightly, clearly having grasped the basics.

Chu Yunze slowly opened his eyes, withdrew from his meditative state, and praised, "Excellent! It is indeed the true word of the Dao Ancestor, profound in its subtle meaning! Although this method is only one level, it is enough to greatly benefit Qi Refining cultivators and significantly reduce the danger of inner demons."

He looked intently at Qin Chuan: "What's even more remarkable is you, Qin! Not only are you incredibly talented, able to comprehend this method on your own, but you've also compiled it into a book, willing to share it with fellow practitioners! Such a generous contribution is of great benefit to us!"

Everyone snapped out of their daze and nodded in agreement.

Lin Xiaoheng excitedly replied, "It's more than just helpful! With this mental cultivation method, my foundation-building ability will be at least ten percent stronger!"

His gaze toward Qin Chuan was filled with fervent gratitude, as if he were looking at a benefactor who had given him a second life. He rose and bowed.

"Brother Qin, please accept my greeting."

"Don't dare!"

Qin Chuan quickly returned the greeting: "It would be good if I could be of any help to you, fellow Daoist."

Chu Yunce then spoke up: "Little Qin, as I said before, if you can summarize the mental cultivation method, your fellow practitioners in the sect will not let you suffer. Now, are you facing any difficulties in your work or life? If so, we will work together to help you solve them."

Upon hearing this, Qin Chuan and He Xingchen exchanged a glance.

Qin Chuan thought to himself: It's safe!
(End of this chapter)