Taoist priests in the supernatural world

Splash!

Under the influence of the elixir-like pale gold essence blood, the long-dormant wooden figures underwent incredible changes.

The hardened bark softened inch by inch, the cracked wood grain on the surface slowly unfolded, and the color of flesh and blood reappeared beneath the wood grain.

Beneath the hibiscus tree, the clear light shimmered.

Amidst the swaying shadows of the trees, a hundred flowers bloom.

People gradually recovered.

The first thing they saw when they opened their eyes was Huang Bai standing in the clear light of the rain of flowers.

At that moment, memories from before I fell asleep flooded my mind.

After a moment's thought, everyone understood the cause and effect.

"Greetings, Immortal Elder."

Song Wuji, Gao Yao, Zheng Bao'er, and others bowed respectfully.

They had just recovered their flesh and blood, and their movements were still somewhat slow, but this bow was performed with great steadiness.

After this battle, everyone's demeanor was different from before.

Some people had gained a more composed look in their eyes, some still had the aura of decomposition left by the petrification, and some had just regained their flesh and blood, their eyes still filled with a sense of bewilderment as if they had been transported to another world.

"No need for formalities, everyone has worked hard."

Huang Bai smiled and raised his hand, his voice becoming gentler.

In fact, he had always kept these people in mind.

After all, they were the first batch of Earth Immortals since the founding of the Penglai Earth Immortal Kingdom, and the earliest meritorious people who followed him to this day.

However, due to his limited cultivation level, he was unable to awaken them further, even if he wanted to.

The Pangu Corpse Moss and the petrified body were too deeply entangled; forcibly rescuing them would not only fail to save them but would also cause them to completely disintegrate.

Now that the third attempt at purifying the elixir has been successful, the blood has transformed into golden liquid, and every drop of blood in the body contains pure elixir power and vitality.

Huang Bai then used his own blood essence to pull everyone back from the petrification.

Of course, this behavior also consumes some of one's vital energy.

However, Huang Bai believed that this was a reward they deserved.

Thinking of this, Huang Bai said to everyone:

"For specific details, you can ask An Qisheng yourselves."

What happened next is a long story.

Huang Bai has just broken through and there are still many things to sort out, so he doesn't have time to explain them one by one.

An Qisheng understood, stepped forward, and cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd, saying:

"Gentlemen, please follow me."

The group bowed to Huang Bai again before following An Qisheng away from under the Fusang tree.

Soon, the place became quiet again.

The wind blows through the hibiscus branches and leaves, causing the leaves to sway gently and scattering fine golden light.

Huang Bai stood alone under the tree. After a moment, he raised his hand and took out the corpse of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden from the Muchen Pearl.

It was a strange beast with a human head and a bird's body.

The iridescent feathers had lost their luster, yet still carried a moonlit chill. Fine patterns adorned the base of the feathers, as if naturally etched with some ancient runes.

At first glance, the feathers on the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden's body are somewhat similar to the yellow and white five-colored fairy robes.

But Huang Bai knew in his heart that the two were completely different in essence.

He cultivated feathers from a human body, then returned to his original nature and cultivated a human body again.

From beginning to end, the so-called feathers, golden eyes, and bird crests were all unusual phenomena that manifested along with the cultivation techniques and spiritual attainments.

Unlike the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden, whose appearance, feathers, bones, and blood were all naturally so, she was more akin to a demon than a celestial being.

Huang Bai squatted down and reached out to brush aside a faded, multicolored feather.

"Celestial script and cloud-like seal script..."

His gaze fell on the feathers of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden.

To the average eye, it would only appear dazzling and bizarre; within the yellow, white, and gold pupils, the patterns form the veins of celestial script and cloud seals.

Heavenly script and cloud seal script are extremely condensed talismans.

If one can learn this method, it is equivalent to learning to draw talismans in the air. More importantly, the cloud seals take shape extremely quickly, almost as fast as the casting of the spell itself.

Huang Bai pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice:

"The cloud script of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden should be one of her innate supernatural abilities."

"By using her body, we might be able to directly glimpse the method of writing cloud seal script."

Wow!

Once the thought was made up, Huang Bai summoned the three-legged, two-eared cauldron.

The large cauldron floats beneath the Fusang tree, its body bluish-black with slowly flowing cloud patterns on its surface.

Even before the tripod has landed, a heavy atmosphere already hangs in the air.

True fire rose from the cauldron, and a swirling crimson-gold flame instantly illuminated the surroundings.

Huang Bai placed the bird body of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden into the cauldron.

As the real fire burned, the bird's feathers gradually softened, curled, and finally blended into the firelight.

The feathers did not burn and emitted a cool, laurel scent.

Enlightenment and alchemy share some similarities; both involve extracting the essence and discarding the dross.

By eliminating the unimportant elements layer by layer, only the most essential and purest spark of inspiration remains within the cauldron.

Time passed slowly.

Beneath the hibiscus tree, purple mist rises above the cauldron.

the other side.

Luoyang.

The Taiping Han army has already captured this city.

Before the palace, banners fluttered like a forest, and armored soldiers stood at attention.

Liu Bei, dressed in a dragon robe symbolizing the element of earth, stood on a high platform, holding aloft the silk scroll of Emperor Gaozu.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Huang Zhong attended him.

Jia Xu, Ju Shou, Mi Fang, and others stood behind him, each with a solemn expression.

The remaining flames still lingered over Luoyang.

A fire dragon formed from the ancient Han dynasty's fortune coiled among the clouds, its scales and armor tattered, its aura waning, and it faintly uttered a low growl of resentment.

Liu Bei surveyed the surroundings, his voice steady and resonant:

"I am the legitimate successor of Emperor Gaozu, the new emperor of the Han Dynasty."

"By the mandate of Heaven, I have succeeded to the throne and hereby proclaim this to the world."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the officials, soldiers, and common people in the city bowed down.

In the distance, Zuo Ci used his ability to observe qi to gaze at the sky.

In his eyes, the sickly fire dragon finally dissipated completely.

Instead, a majestic, coiling earthen dragon emerged, brimming with vitality. Rising from the earth's energy in Luoyang, the earthen dragon hovered above the palace, its scales thick and its presence dignified.

Earth, the virtue of which governs, has brought about the establishment of the new Han dynasty.

"Zhang Jiao was appointed as the Master of the Way of Great Peace."

Zuo Ci was gazing at the celestial phenomena in a daze when he heard Liu Bei's voice.

Zhang Jiao stepped forward, cupped his hands, and accepted the imperial decree.

"I obey your decree."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the square.

Thus began the third rise of the Han Dynasty.

To distinguish it from the Former and Later Han dynasties, later historians referred to this dynasty as the New Han.

After Luoyang was established as the capital, the Taiping Han army fought in various places.

They dismantled fortified villages, purged powerful clans, divided up land, and reorganized counties and prefectures.

Wherever he went, the people welcomed him with open arms and generous hospitality.

In many places, even before the army arrived, people proactively opened their city gates and handed over their household registration and land records, hoping that the new dynasty would quickly stabilize the region.

Zhang Jiao also followed the army in campaigns in the north and south.

Eight years later.

South China Sea.

The sea surges a thousand feet high, the misty waves stretch endlessly.

The island is hidden among the clouds and mist, and from a distance it looks like a shadow floating at the horizon.

A blood-red mist hangs over the island year-round.

Deep in the clouds and mist, large birds with wingspans of three zhang (approximately 10 meters) would occasionally fly by, emitting sharp cries.

Beneath the sea, a giant snake, hundreds of meters long, slowly swims, its scales rubbing against the rocks, making a teeth-grinding sound.

Occasionally, when the giant snake flips over, a large amount of seawater surges back, crashing and shattering the surrounding reefs.

Zhang Jiao stood on a paper crane, his robes fluttering in the sea breeze.

He gazed at the large island in the distance and said softly:

"The Kingdom of Hatred of Heaven".

As he finished speaking, a flash of lightning appeared in his eyes.

"I will use your blood to forge my path to ascension."

After saying this, Zhang Jiao turned around and looked at the crowd behind him.

Zuo Ci, Yu Ji, and other sorcerers stood solemnly on the magic boat on the sea.

The Dharma boat was surrounded by talisman flags, which fluttered in the sea breeze.

Zhang Jiao calmly said:

"Do not make any rash moves. I will handle this matter on my own."

After saying this, without waiting for anyone to stop him, he rode a paper crane and flew straight to the blood-mist island.

Boom!!

Shortly afterward, the first clap of thunder echoed across the island.

Then, for a month, thunder rumbled incessantly.

A series of loud roars, the sound of rocks collapsing, and the howls of strange beasts rang out.

Zuo Ci, Yu Ji, and their entourage were outside protecting the Dharma.

Listening to the sounds coming from the island, Zuo Ci couldn't help but marvel.

"A Taoist priest who knows thunder magic is indeed powerful."

"Master Zhang is probably close to ascending to heaven in broad daylight."

Thunder magic is the most yang and powerful technique in the world.

Those who can master thunder magic are all exceptionally talented individuals.

As soon as Zuo Ci finished speaking, a clear light suddenly shone in the sky.

The clear light descended from the depths of the clouds, gradually condensing into a giant gate.

Auspicious clouds and exotic fragrance filled the air from the gate, and the blood mist on the sea surface dissipated in the clear light.

On the sea, all the sorcerers looked up, their expressions changing drastically.

"Ascension to heaven in broad daylight!"

"This is ascension to heaven in broad daylight!"

Everyone gasped in surprise.

Through that giant blue gate, one could even see another world.

Beyond the giant gate, beneath the hibiscus tree, Huang Bai stood smiling.

"Come back."

A yellow and white voice came from inside the door.

Beside the hibiscus tree, a magnificent golden palace suddenly appeared.

The main hall stands amidst a sea of ​​thunder, its pillars formed from solidified lightning, its roof radiating golden light, and thunder and fire flowing ceaselessly all around.

Above the palace gate, the characters for "Peace and Prosperity" are faintly visible, resembling both thunder patterns and talismans.

Thunder and Fire Golden Palace.

This was the extraordinary phenomenon that appeared when Zhang Jiao ascended to heaven in broad daylight.

Soon, Zhang Jiao flew in from the other end of the giant gate.

He was bathed in lightning, his robes were charred and torn, but his eyes were brighter than ever before.

"Princes and nobles".

Zhang Jiao stood under the hibiscus tree and solemnly bowed to Huang Bai.

"I have successfully completed my mission and ascended to heaven in broad daylight."

At this moment, Zhang Jiao was surrounded by flowing lightning, his figure hovering between reality and illusion, vaguely merging with the Penglai Dharma Realm.

This is precisely the unusual phenomenon that appears after the physical body transforms into the Dao after the tribulation.

Huang Bai looked at him and nodded in satisfaction.

"That's good. From now on, disciples in the lower realms can truly utilize thunder magic."

Huang Bai was very satisfied with this.

Only after reaching this point can the Penglai Immortal Kingdom truly be considered to be on the right track.

Now that Zhang Jiao has entered the realm and the Thunderfire Golden Palace has been erected, the Penglai Dharma Realm has truly gained another foundation for thunder magic that can be passed on and borrowed.

Zhang Jiao suddenly remembered something, raised his hand and said:

"Your Highness, I have discovered a jade scroll in the Kingdom of Hatred Heaven. Perhaps Your Highness will be interested in it."

After saying this, Zhang Jiao took out a jade slip and a transparent jade bottle from his bosom.

Inside the jade bottle was some kind of strange powder.

The powder is as fine as jade dust, with a colorful luster, yet it carries a hint of cool moonlight.

Thank you for your trouble.

Huang Bai took the jade bottle and gently sniffed it.

Indeed, there was a trace of moonlight power within it.

This aura is extremely similar to the aura remaining on the corpse of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden.

Then, he took the jade slip and examined it carefully.

The jade slip shone with a radiant light.

There were no ordinary characters on it, only lines of cloud-like seal script that appeared and disappeared.

The cloud-shaped characters appear and disappear, resembling birds in flight, clouds rolling, or some kind of living creature moving across the surface of the jade slip.

If it were someone else, they would probably get dizzy after just one glance and wouldn't be able to distinguish the strokes at all.

Fortunately, Huang Bai has been studying the Cloud Seal script for eight years.

Although the cloud seal script was not used as desired, interpreting its meaning is not too difficult.

"The Immortal Heavenly Official Scripture of the Queen Mother of the West".

Huang Bai read the opening lines in a low voice.

"To bear the beast's mandate in human form, and to receive the mandate of heaven in beast's form..."

This is a cultivation method.

It records a path called "Lu Wu Kai Ming Fa".

The cultivation method is different from that of the Feathered People.

What the Feathered Man seeks is to become a free and unfettered immortal between heaven and earth.

The cultivators of the Western Queen Mother's Kingdom, however, sought to become "Heavenly Officials" or "Celestial Officials" who wielded power.

They would take medicine to observe the patterns on their bodies and receive the marks of their forms, causing animal and cloud patterns to appear on their skin.

Next came the practice of taking medicine and wearing a hoopoe.

The hoopoe here is not simply a headdress, but rather a manifestation of mythical creatures from mountains and seas on its body.

The ultimate anomaly of the "Lu Wu Kai Ming Fa" is having many eyes and many heads.

After completing the cultivation, one can possess supernatural abilities such as the Luwu Beast and the Kaiming Beast.

With multiple eyes that can see in all directions and multiple heads that can hear in all directions, it is most suitable for guarding the gate and monitoring outliers.

"It turns out that this powder is called Seven Treasures Jade Powder Rice."

Huang Bai closed the jade slip, his expression gradually calming down.

The cultivation methods of the Queen Mother of the West's Kingdom do have some merit.

Once this method is mastered, one will be born with supernatural powers, and one's physical body, bloodline, and bone structure will all change accordingly.

This kind of supernatural power of strange beasts is more like an innate instinct.

However, the drawback is equally obvious: cultivators will gradually transform into the form of strange beasts.

They may have the head of an animal and the body of a human, or the head of a human and the body of an animal, or even multiple eyes, multiple heads, and multiple tails, completely losing their original human form.

This is completely different from the path Huang Bai took.

Huang Bai's fingertips gently tapped the jade slip.

"The method of external alchemy can be used to return to one's original, natural state."

The more he thought about it, the more feasible the method seemed.

Having cultivated the Mica Immortal Ascension Technique to the third level, one has essentially reached the pinnacle.

The Elixir of Rejuvenation is administered in nine stages.

He will have to figure out the way forward on his own.

Although the laws of the Queen Mother of the West's kingdom have limitations, they can still allow one to internalize the supernatural powers of strange beasts.

If we only adopt the principle of observing forms and receiving patterns, and then use the method of elixirs to subdue unusual phenomena, we may be able to find a new path.

"perhaps……"

Huang Bai gazed at the purple mist flowing above the Fusang tree, a golden light flickering in his eyes.

"The fourth elixir can be combined with this method."