A Scroll of Infinite Glory

Chapter 153 Luoyang's Inaction, Snow Mountain's Heavenly Realm

"Thank goodness, thank goodness, you haven't rushed to start practicing your internal energy again."

Yu Tu Zhenren sat in the main hall of the Duke of Zhuang's mansion.

This mansion, which has a history of several decades, has dark, fine wood with mottled marks. The layout is grand and spacious, with low tables and cushions arranged neatly. On each small table, there is a lamp that has been extinguished for a while, with a little smoke still lingering.

All six generals had left to prepare for action. The soldiers on duty outside were at least twenty paces away from Yu Tu Zhenren, who was sitting alone in the hall.

As soon as the door opened, sunlight poured into the somewhat desolate hall from under the eaves, flooding most of the darkness in the hall and causing the pillars and tables to cast oblique shadows on the ground.

At Yu Tu Zhenren's invitation, Guan Luoyang used his foot to push over a soft cushion and sat down in front of him across the table.

This kneeling posture, also known as the "Crane-riding" or "formal sitting," made Guan Luoyang feel somewhat uncomfortable.

The old Taoist priest opposite seemed to have noticed this, smiled slightly, and said, "You should sit cross-legged. I was just about to talk about something related to your internal energy cultivation. That posture will make it easier to practice your skills."

Guan Luoyang certainly wouldn't make things difficult for himself, so he nimbly changed his posture and sat down. However, his back was very straight, his shoulders were like carved stone, and his demeanor was like that of a pine tree. His robe sleeves hung down, and this cross-legged posture did not affect his respectful and polite appearance.

The cyan-gold sword was sheathed to one side, its tip pointing outwards, and placed flat on the ground. Guan Luoyang said, "What guidance do you have, Master?"

"Is this the divine weapon newly forged by the Sword Forging Manor? It has not yet shown any signs of disintegration, just like you now, pure and unblemished, as smooth as a mirror, reflecting your own heart."

Master Yu Tu laughed and said, "Do you know that you originally had a solid foundation, with your dantian, mystic gate, and internal energy purification all in place? Compared to a grandmaster, what exactly are you lacking?"

Guan Luoyang said, "Was it a spark of inspiration? Did it help me establish a long-term philosophy that I could adhere to, a philosophy that channeled my will into my power?"

He had looked up some information at the Reincarnator base regarding "how to advance to four-star level in terms of combat skills," and many people had different opinions on the so-called spiritual light used to transcend the boundaries of mortal races.

Some people describe the formation of one's own spiritual light in a very lofty way, as if one must regard a certain ideal as the ultimate goal of life in order to take this step.

But many people scoff at this claim, because in the experiences of many reincarnators, the despicable far outnumber the noble among four-star beings.

However, it is also difficult for those who oppose it to explain what the original spiritual light is. In the end, they can only define the original spiritual light as "a concept that needs to be a kind of idea, but it is not necessarily noble, nor does it necessarily have to be the most important idea."

"A flash of inspiration?"

Master Yu Tu repeated softly, pondered for a moment, and nodded, saying, "That explanation is quite accurate. If I'm not mistaken, the initial foundation of your internal energy wasn't cultivated by yourself, but rather bestowed upon you by a master, right?"

Guan Luoyang's eyes flickered, and he nodded, saying, "That's right. Could it be that my inability to clearly perceive the Grandmaster realm is related to this initiation?"

"It does have some impact. Not only did your foundation initially come from the initiation, but this foundational energy was neither high nor low, just stuck at the initial stage of becoming a Grandmaster. Furthermore, your subsequent cultivation involved too much too quickly and too much variety, which muddied your cultivation and naturally increased the difficulty for you to find spiritual light."

Master Yu Tu said, "So now, your current state of retraining your internal energy and regrouping your vital energy is just the right opportunity to step into the realm of a Grandmaster."

The old Taoist priest placed his two withered fingers on Guan Luoyang's wrist again.

The light, subtle ink tones flow across the field of vision, and the fluid composition conveys a classic work that utilizes the purest and most subtle internal strength in the world today.

Guan Luoyang exclaimed in surprise, "This is... the True Scripture of Non-Action?"

Master Yu Tu laughed and said, "You used the 'Wasteful Chapter' of the True Scripture of Non-Action to dissipate your original power. To regroup your vital energy, it is naturally most appropriate to cultivate the True Scripture of Non-Action."

Having unexpectedly obtained such a cultivation technique, especially one that was the sect's most prized skill, Guan Luoyang was naturally grateful. At the same time, he couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. He said, "The Master just said that my practice was too mixed, which was already a slight negative effect. Now you want me to practice the Wuwei True Scripture as well, wouldn't that make it even more mixed and complicated?"

That's wrong.

Master Yu Tu said, "Your previous cultivation methods were chaotic because the methods you obtained were like sand, rocks, and metal. Although their natures differed in quality, they were all stubborn and difficult to change. But the True Scripture of Non-Action is like flowing water."

"If you gather sand, stone, and iron together in a bucket, and shake it slightly, the gaps and the collisions will naturally stir up dust. But if you pour in water, it will solidify into a single mass, possessing a toughness that dry sand cannot match and a softness that metal cannot match. Yin and Yang can then coexist..."

The dust particles in the air float freely in the morning sunlight, propelled by the gentle breeze from the outside world, drifting towards the pillars and tables. Some swirl away when they encounter them, while others slowly attach themselves to them.

The room was filled with bright light, and the breeze and dust gradually faded away. Only an old man and a young man sat across the table, their hands clasped together. In their aged voices, it seemed as if they wanted to live a long and leisurely life, until the sun and moon faded away and the mountains and rivers lost their color.

The illustrated text in his field of vision, accompanied by the old Taoist priest's gentle narration, gradually flowed to the end, leaving a deep impression on Guan Luoyang's memory.

Guan Luoyang felt even more strongly that the old man opposite him was displaying his profound understanding and realm of knowledge without any reservations.

With his foundation destroyed and his cultivation system ruined, his high level of cultivation had almost become a burden, as if a magnificent palace was being supported on a scarred and lonely stone pillar.

Who knows when, that castle in the air will lose its last bit of support, turn into a raging torrent, collapse completely, and return to the earth.

It is a realm where one freely splashes ink, using varying shades to depict clouds, pines, rocks, cold mountains, old dreams, solitary figures, and flickering lamps, capturing all things between one's fingers.

Guan Luoyang closed his eyes and concentrated, letting everything he had seen flow through his mind. Suddenly, he opened his eyes again and said, "Senior, your cultivation level is still there, so how can you be so weak that you can't even kill a chicken?"

Master Yu Tu asked in surprise, "The mystical gate of the mind, the spiritual power, if it doesn't rely on the true energy of the body as a medium, how can it interfere with physical objects?"

Guan Luoyang flipped his hand, gripping Yu Tu Zhenren's wrist: "Then, senior, look me in the eyes!"

His eyes suddenly widened, and for a moment, the dust and light around him seemed to be pushed aside by his gaze.

In that fleeting darkness, only those eyes burst forth with an even brighter light.

Thin sparks of electricity danced in his eyes, real currents emanated from him, his long hair, tied up with a jade hairpin, fluttered slightly, and the air became noticeably drier.

The loss of internal energy had less impact on Guan Luoyang than Master Yu Tu had anticipated. Even though the Azure Bird's vital energy had been completely depleted, he could still unleash a powerful force capable of easily shattering massive rocks with his physical body and spirit.

Yu Tu Zhenren's body swayed involuntarily, and his sleeve hit the smooth tabletop with a crackling sound.

The slight stinging sensation from the static electricity made Yu Tu Zhenren look enlightened.

"Wow, I can't believe it's possible..."

Yu Tu Zhenren muttered to himself and burst into laughter. The old man's eyes couldn't withstand the stimulation, and soon some tears welled up in his eyes.

Guan Luoyang loosened his grip on his wrist.

Master Yu Tu wiped away his tears with his palm and sighed, "It turns out that there is an instinct in the human body that can transform spiritual energy into lightning. Unfortunately, my physical body is so decayed that even if I obtained your secret technique, I can only use it for my own amusement."

Guan Luoyang pondered, "This..."

Master Yu Tu raised his hand to interrupt him, took a slow breath, and smiled gently: "I am already satisfied that I can salvage the situation a little. You are at a critical juncture now, so there is no need for you to worry about me anymore."

"There's no time to lose. Go back and rest well, drink some pure water and eat pure food, and then you can begin to rebuild your foundation according to the True Scripture of Non-Action."

"The spiritual power within your mind is far more ruthless than I imagined. Perhaps once you truly reach the level of a grandmaster, you will have a smooth path of rapid advancement."

Master Yu Tu looked expectant, stroked his beard and pondered for a long time before saying, "Regarding that realm, I only have a few empty words to say to you."

"Human lifespan is limited. If one cultivates to the point of almost becoming a grandmaster before establishing a new philosophy for oneself and then persisting in it until spiritual light is condensed, that would be too troublesome."

"Aura. Light illuminates all things. Only with light can we distinguish between myself and it. Only with light can we see between it and me. It is man, beast, grass and tree, human affairs, and the world."

"From the moment a person is born, through all the experiences they go through, their mind and body are growing, which is a continuous process of gathering this innate spiritual light."

"Those who are content with their lot find joy in water, wind, and clouds. Those who are lazy and idle think of their final resting place when they look at the sun and moon, and wish that tigers and leopards could sleep peacefully..."

"The narrow-minded and base judge others by their own standards, seeing evil in everything. The ambitious and scheming manipulate people like chess pieces, their own little schemes are also a kind of brilliance... Everyone has their own nature, the so-called masters are just good at finding and refining it."

"The state of being you seek may not require you to think too much about concepts. Just think about how you have interacted with the world from childhood to adulthood."

Because of these profoundly meaningful words, Guan Luoyang sat there quietly, naturally lost in memories.

However, he has lived through many different worlds, and it's hard to think of anything that has remained constant and unchanged.

Is it a spirit of justice and heroism?

Even if Guan Luoyang in those peaceful times had been asked to act righteously and draw his sword, he might not have had the courage. Even when encountering a seemingly pitiful beggar, he would likely have many concerns before giving money, and would be far from decisive.

Guan Luoyang in that state was already an adult, truly occupying three-quarters of his life.

Should we ignore the three-quarters and start counting from the first time we traveled through time?

Although Master Yu Tu had previously told him that there was no time to lose and that he should go back immediately, seeing him deep in thought, he did not disturb him.

The old Taoist priest turned his gaze away, stroked his beard, and looked into the distance. His eyes were fixed on the patch of sky and clouds in the courtyard outside the hall, while his mind was still savoring the inspiration that Guan Luoyang had given him earlier. A corner of his vast realm silently melted away, slowly flowing out, trying to transform into a small, invisible electric current, circulating and radiating.

His expression shifted slightly, and he lowered his gaze, seeing Xu Boyuan walking towards him, supported by two soldiers, clutching his chest.

"Master!"

Xu Boyuan quickened his pace to the table. Although his steps were still a little unsteady, he immediately reached out to feel the old Taoist's pulse.

Master Yu Tu raised his hand and helped him sit down beside him, saying, "No need for further examination. This old Taoist priest has not suffered any further injuries. But how are your injuries?"

Xu Boyuan noticed that his master's hands were stronger than before on the mountain. He was both surprised and delighted, and wondered if it was just his own illusion due to his serious injuries and weakness. However, he could not see any external injuries, so he calmed down.

"This must be Young Hero Guan. I heard from Brother Qian Wanliang that thanks to Young Hero Guan's night raid on Lao Jun Mountain and his courage in resisting Xu Miyuan, I will always be grateful for this kindness and never forget it."

Xu Boyuan bowed to him, but Guan Luoyang raised his hand to stop him, saying, "Daoist, there's no need for that."

When the topic of exploring Lao Jun Mountain at night came up, Guan Luoyang suddenly remembered something. "However, I have a question that I haven't had a chance to ask before. I heard that Master Tianfang of Lao Jun Mountain is also a grandmaster, but when I went up the mountain, I didn't seem to see any traces of a battle between grandmasters?"

Xu Boyuan said, "A few days ago, the headmaster calculated the right time. On the Cloud Mirror Stone of the Secret Demon Cliff in the Snow Ridge of Tianshan, the Cloud Flake Cold Soul was almost ready to mature. It would be of great benefit to Master's old injuries and withered body. So he traveled day and night to the Secret Demon Cliff."

Master Yu Tu sighed beside him.

Xu Boyuan quickly took out the base of the Five-Colored Seal and said, "Senior Brother Headmaster possesses the Five-Colored Seal, and what I practice is the Five Elements Annihilation Palm. As long as I infuse my own power into it, even if Senior Brother is far away in Tianshan, he will sense it and know that something urgent has happened in the sect, so he will rush back immediately."

Guan Luoyang asked, "Can we only send urgent messages, but not accurate ones?"

Xu Boyuan shook his head: "The agreement my senior brother left behind was that if there was an emergency at the third strike, we should rush back as soon as possible; if there was an emergency at the sixth strike, we should return to the mountain even if it meant abandoning Yunxu Hanpo."

Guan Luoyang was not optimistic, saying, "What if he returns to Lao Jun Mountain and runs into Shao Lingxiao and his group alone? Wouldn't that be extremely bad?"

Xu Boyuan was about to pour his energy into the base of the five-colored seal when he heard this, and his hand movements slowed down.

His senior brother, the headmaster, was about the same age as Shao Lingxiao, but it was said that Shao Lingxiao had already reached the Grandmaster realm when he was twenty-three years old, while his senior brother was thirty-four years old and only became a Grandmaster nine years ago.

just in case……

"There's no need to hesitate."

Master Yu Tu shook his head with a complicated expression and said, "Tianfang has always been strong-willed and straightforward. After becoming a grandmaster, he travels the world, always crossing mountains and rivers, refusing to take detours. When he returns from the Secret Demon Cliff, he will definitely pass by the vicinity of Xiushuo City first. When he senses that I am here, he will come to see this old Daoist first."

Without further hesitation, Xu Boyuan held the stone base with his left hand, channeled his energy, and caused the five colors of black, white, red, yellow, and blue to converge in his palm between the five fingers of his right hand. He then swung his palm down, striking six times in a row.

………………

Separated by thousands of mountains.

On a steep cliff in the Tianshan Mountains, a huge rock extends beyond the precipice, resembling a horizontal dragon tooth or a broken bridge spanning the deep valley.

The wind was strong and the cliffs were steep, with snow that had turned to ice, making it extremely dangerous.

The Taoist priest, dressed in feathered robes and a star-studded crown, sat cross-legged on the icy rock. He looked young, with sharp eyebrows, a nose bridge that resembled a spring mountain in profile, and slightly thin cheeks. He exuded an ancient and unyielding chill. His feathered robes, which should have been light and soft, remained motionless in the biting wind.

It seems that the wind and snow of the Tianshan Mountains, the cries of lonely souls over hundreds and thousands of years, have gathered their essence and spirit, and thus have the good fortune to transform into such a mountain god.

Suddenly, a five-colored halo emanated from his chest, shining through his clothes.

The Taoist priest remained unchanged throughout the first, second, and third shakes.

Until the sixth strike.

The Heavenly Immortal's eyebrows, like two long horns, rose and flared, silently pressing against his heart as he felt the tremors generated by the resonance of the Five-Colored Seal.

A voice came from the misty white fog on the high peak opposite the cliff.

"Sect Leader Tianfang, we agreed on a five-round bet to determine the ownership of Yunxu Hanpo. You've won two and lost one. Shouldn't the fourth round be the challenge set by the Six Eccentrics of Secret Demon Cliff?"

Master Tianfang spoke calmly, "The Cloud-Mirror Stone is a naturally formed treasure. It takes three years for a single drop of dew to form, and a hundred years for its essence to condense. Considering the six guardians who have protected it for so many years, thus preventing the Cloud-Fleeting Frost Essence from being harmed by the Snowman and Snowbird before it condenses, I will show some respect and accept the bet..."

A loud shout came from the other side.

"Hahaha, we were just being polite, it was just the six of us old guys having nothing better to do than play along. Now you're saying you're going to turn on us and start a fight, is that it?"

A strange, hoarse, and deep voice continued, "We know you are a grandmaster, but back when the Ice Glacier Sect still existed and Old Man Ice Glacier was still alive, we were never afraid of him."

He scoffed, "Is worldly fame and the status of a grandmaster so rare?"

"If you want to turn your back on us, do you think we six old folks wouldn't dare to accept it?"

"Let's treat this fourth round as a physical fight, and see what you're made of."

Their voices were wild and unrestrained, seemingly unconcerned that shouting on such a high snow-capped mountain would trigger an avalanche. In fact, such a violent sound was confined to a small area by the person who spoke.

Like a tidal wave that sweeps across the sky, like a gazelle hanging by its horns, it travels from the opposite peak to the cliff face.

In this area, much of the snow and wind was shaken into powder, but in other places, the snowflakes remained, without the slightest tremor.

Master Tianfang sat quietly amidst the approaching snowflakes, his features clear and untouched by the snow. Even his tone of voice remained unchanged: "Unfortunately, I have urgent business at home and cannot continue to play with you six. I will have to change the betting game. I hope you will understand."

"Enough with the nonsense. In the first round, we competed on the distance of telepathic communication; in the second round, we competed on boiling a stream, and you won both. In the third round, we competed on gazing into the distance in the snow and counting the eagle's feathers, and we finally won. I'm already fed up with these tricks."

The voice that had been laughing earlier shouted, "Even if you don't speak, I'm prepared to fight you head-on in this fourth round."

The man leaped up from the opposite peak, breaking through the snow mist in one fell swoop, revealing a linen robe, his hair and beard as white as snow, loose and disheveled, like a rare and magnificent snow ape.

Ranked second among the six monsters of the Secret Demon Cliff, he leaped across the precipice in one bound, and when he threw his fist, the surrounding ice and snow seemed to suddenly stop.

The white snowflakes, suspended in the air, condensed and expanded a second time, transforming from a state that was difficult to observe with the naked eye into ice-blue snowflake-shaped ice crystals.

Each ice crystal was the size of a palm, crystal clear and flawless, together reflecting a blurry, approaching fist shadow.

The purity of the true energy in this punch has exceeded the limits of a first-rate master.

Master Tianfang stood up, having taken a punch to the chest.

The snow-haired monster landed a punch, the power of which was fully absorbed into the opponent's body. However, he was also somewhat surprised and doubtful that he could hit the target so easily.

After all, the opponent was also a grandmaster. He immediately thought that this Master Tianfang might have some kind of counterattack move that could strike first after being attacked later. He made a fist and left immediately, then jumped back.

All six oddities appeared on the summit, dressed similarly with linen clothes and snow-white hair.

"Tianfang, what do you mean?"

Master Tianfang looked straight ahead and said, "What I meant by revising the bet is that, as I walk towards Yunxu Hanpo, the six of you are free to make any moves against me..."

He stepped off the cliff and walked in the air. Wherever he passed, the ice and snow crystals turned into bright red flames.

Flames swayed, bright red and dazzling, multiplying and multiplying, thousands of flower-like red flames spreading across the void before the cliff and drifting towards the summit.

The fiery colors that stretched between the peaks and cliffs made the vast expanse of ice and snow seem mundane in comparison.

I won't fight back.

(End of this chapter)