Pure Yang!

Chapter 458 The Pure Yang Xu Family! A Sea of ​​Incense
The next day, at Xiling Mountain.

High mountains stretch far and wide, white clouds drift lazily, a wisp of incense rises from the mountains, spiraling straight up to the ninth heaven, the sound of bells rings in the ears, birds and beasts gallop in the eyes, and in nature, red clouds float in the shadows, hidden in the mysterious places of the mountains.

"It truly is a sacred place, with the aura of immortals."

Walking along the mountain path, Zhang Fan couldn't help but sigh at the magnificent scenery of Xiling Mountain.

“Mount Xiling is where Ancestor Xu attained enlightenment and ascended to heaven, and it is also the ancestral home of the Jingming Sect, so it is naturally extraordinary,” Xu Changshou murmured.

He still looked like a sickly old man, with bluish eyes and no color in his face. He walked beside Zhang Fan, looking at the Taoist temple that was faintly visible on the mountaintop, with a complicated expression in his eyes.

“That makes sense. Xiling Mountain is one of the seventy-two blessed lands of Taoism.” Zhang Fan nodded.

Although Tongluo Mountain is known as the most blessed place, that is because it excludes those famous Taoist mountains.

Blessed lands are categorized as slightly auspicious, moderately auspicious, and extremely auspicious. Above these, there are even more incredible blessings, which are aptly named extremely auspicious.

"Great" means boundless and vast.

This blessed land, possessing the creation of heaven and earth and inheriting the fortune of the universe, has always produced immortals throughout history, and is part of the origin of Taoism.

Looking across the entire country, there are only seventy-two such auspicious and blessed places.

The ten famous mountains of Taoism are all listed among the seventy-two blessed lands.

Compared to these seventy-two auspicious sites, Tongluo Mountain seems rather small-minded, falling far short in terms of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history.

"I'm going back to the Xu family. If you want to see Xu Zujian, you must go through Xiling Mountain," Xu Changshou said to Zhang Fan meaningfully.

Zhang Fan naturally ignored Zhang Wuming's suggestion without hesitation, rejecting the absurd "son-in-law" plan and choosing to contact the Xu family through Xu Changshou's connections.

Yesterday, Zhang Fan approached him and made this request. Xu Changshou hesitated for only a moment before agreeing.

Back when Zhang Fan visited Fujiao Mountain, he had already staked his entire future on this young man.

Now, he is a high-ranking member of the mortal sect, a true and absolute core member.

This Danyuan Dharma Assembly even secured an auspicious and blessed site for the mortal sect.

He naturally wouldn't refuse the request of the true master of the mortal sect.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you," Zhang Fan said softly.

He knew that Xu Changshou had left the Xu family when he was young and had been wandering around, so there would be some distance between them.

If it weren't for Zhang Fan, he might never have returned to the Xu family in his entire life.

"There's nothing difficult about it," Xu Changshou shook his head and sighed softly.

"After all, I came from there. Like fallen leaves returning to their roots, I've always wanted to go back and visit over the years, but..."

Like Ge Shuangxiu, although he was not successful in the clan, he was born and raised there, and his cultivation in Taoist arts came from there.

Now that he has achieved success in his cultivation, he naturally wants to go back and take a look, but things have changed and people are no longer the same, making it difficult for him to make up his mind.

“However, I must remind you that even if I go back, with my current achievements, I may not be able to see Xu Zujian,” Xu Changshou suddenly said.

"How so?" Zhang Fanqi asked.

Xu Changshou was a powerful expert at the Zhai Shou realm, who had refined his inner core and achieved great success in his life cultivation.

Even in ancient times, such figures would be considered masters of alchemy. Now that the Dharma-ending Age has arrived, cultivation is becoming increasingly difficult.

The top experts are considered top-tier backbone forces, whether in major Daoist sects or the Chunyang family.

It's no exaggeration to say that Xu Changshou's return is a triumphant homecoming.

“I am currently at the fifth-grade inner core level. If I can reach the seventh grade, then the significance will be different,” Xu Changshou said solemnly.

The first stage of fasting, the inner alchemy undergoes nine cycles, and changes occur in threes.

In other words, every three realms bring about a qualitative leap and transformation.

The gap between the third and fourth ranks is greater than the combined gap between the first and third ranks.

In other words, the Nine Revolutions of Internal Alchemy is divided into three major levels.

Currently, Xu Changshou is a fifth-grade inner core cultivator, belonging to the second highest level.

This is already considered top-tier among mortal masters. The only one who can be somewhat compared to him is Master Xiang Nantian of the Crimson Cloud Temple, but he is only a fourth-grade inner core cultivator and was seriously injured at the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly.

Apart from that, Chang Jinzhi, Xiao Xiaole, and Hua Wuhuan are all only first-grade inner cores.

Ling Du is slightly stronger, possessing a second-grade inner core.

Zhang Fan also possessed a second-grade inner core, but his strength was clearly much greater than that of an ordinary second-grade inner core.

It is estimated that although his cultivation level is at the first level, his actual combat strength has reached the second level, breaking the huge gap of the three-three transformation.

"If you have to blame someone, blame the Xu family for being too wealthy and powerful," Xu Changshou said with a wry smile.

Among the Chunyang families, the Xu family is probably the strongest.

"You may not know this, but the Xu family has three experts at the Celestial Master level!" Xu Changshou revealed a secret.

"Three people!?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan was deeply moved.

He had come into contact with almost all the Chunyang families.

The Qiu family only had two Celestial Masters, one of whom died in the ancient town of Qin.

The Ge family only has two Celestial Masters on the surface. Even if you include the one who is secretly hiding, there are three, but two of them died on Zhenwu Mountain.

"A sect of three Heavenly Masters!?" Zhang Fan's gaze sharpened to a single line.

Such strength and foundation are terrifying. And this doesn't even include experts like Xu Xuanguan who have long since left the Xu family. If we include them, wouldn't that mean there are four great celestial masters?!
“That’s nothing,” Xu Changshou suddenly added, changing the subject.

"The Three Celestial Masters are nothing?" Zhang Fan asked in astonishment.

"You should know that the Chunyang family has been able to last for thousands of years because of two major advantages," Xu Changshou said in a deep voice.

The Celestial Master imparts the Dharma, and the Pure Yang Dharma Treasure protects the Dharma.

"You mean..."

“The Xu family has more than one pure Yang magic weapon!” Xu Changshou said in a low voice.

"Two items!?" Zhang Fan's heart trembled slightly.

“Indeed.” Xu Changshou nodded: “The world only knows the formidable reputation of the Xu Ancestral Sword, but they are unaware that the Xu family also possesses a pure Yang magic treasure, which is extremely well-kept…”

"This kind of foundation is truly extraordinary," Zhang Fan couldn't help but exclaim.

Perhaps because of Xu Zu's achievements in controlling the floods and subduing the dragon, the Xu family's blessings extended far into the future. Even with talents like Xu Xuanguan and Xu Changshou leaving the family, the clan still flourished and produced many experts.

In addition, Xu Zu was the founder of the Jingming Dao sect of Xiling Mountain, and was revered as the leader of the Lushan sect, with the title of Lushan Sect Leader Xu Zhenjun.

This gave the Xu family considerable influence in Xishan and the southeastern coastal area.

That is why Xu Changshou, who has been wandering for many years, now wants to return to his clan to pay homage to his ancestors, and he has to go through the connection made by Xiling Mountain.

"No wonder." A sudden realization dawned on Zhang Fan.

He now understands Xu Changshou's warning.

The fifth-grade inner alchemy master's level is indeed extraordinary, but it is only the second major level.

If he were currently a seventh-grade inner core cultivator, at the third level, the significance would be entirely different. With the help of the Xu family's resources and inheritance, he would have a real chance to break through to the [Master] realm.

Such a Xu Changshou was of incomparable value in the eyes of the Xu family.

"I'm just preparing for the worst," Xu Changshou said with a light laugh, changing the subject.

Even a fifth-rank vegetarian can still worship the Pure Yang magic treasure upon returning to the Xu family's ancestral land.

If experts of this caliber don't take this seriously, then the Xu family would have been the best in the world long ago.

"You don't have to be so formal when you speak," Zhang Fan said, pursing his lips.

Walking deep in the mountains, I came across an ancient temple, a testament to a thousand-year-old Taoist tradition.

The swirling incense smoke rose like clouds. As Zhang Fan entered Xiling Mountain, he could feel the intense incense smoke, which was far more intense than the scattered Taoist temples where he used to gather spiritual energy.

With the primordial spirit observing, gods and demons appear, and all that is seen is a faint golden light flowing freely.

"As expected of the ancestral temple of the Jingming Sect, the incense here is so strong..." Zhang Fan's eyes were so red that he was almost drooling.

How much golden substance can be extracted from such intense incense smoke?!
That thing was mysterious and unpredictable. It could not only restrain the Three Corpse Gods, but it was also very beneficial to his cultivation of alchemy and even feeding the black iron pieces.

"What a pity..." The altar here has already been set up, and it is the Daoist temple of the Jingming Sect. These incense offerings also belong to someone, so naturally they are not something he can do with as he pleases.

A young Taoist boy emerged from in front of the Wanshou Palace.

"Master Xu, please follow me," the young Taoist boy said, bowing respectfully.

"Shall we go in together?" Xu Changshou asked, turning his head.

"Never mind, you go ahead, I'll just wander around." Zhang Fan waved his hand and said.

At the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly, he killed the head of the Xi Ling Mountain sect, Ma Wangju, at Tongluo Mountain, and even shared his life with Yu Xuanji.

Although it was the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly, a contest for blessed land, there was no resentment even in life or death.

But that's a top-tier expert, someone who has mastered the art of life cultivation. This feud is now established, and the atmosphere would be incredibly awkward if he were to show his face.

"Alright."

Xu Changshou understood perfectly, and without saying anything more, he turned around and followed the young Taoist boy into the Wanshou Palace.

Zhang Fan strolled around Xiling Mountain.

Now, he has reached the second-grade inner core, his life palace is fully formed, and his primordial spirit is all-seeing. The pale golden light in front of him almost fills the entire mountain.

Right now, he seems to be wandering in an ocean of incense.

He could even vaguely sense that there seemed to be clusters of light hidden deep within Xiling Mountain, invisibly absorbing the pale golden light.

Zhang Fan knew in his heart that it should be a magic treasure offered by Xiling Mountain, which should have reached the level of [Purple Feather Magic Treasure], second only to Pure Yang Magic Treasure.

Magical artifacts are a different kind of life form, just like immortals, and they also feed on incense offerings.

However, this process is more like instinct. Therefore, the longer one worships a magical artifact with incense, the stronger its power becomes.

After a magical artifact is destroyed, the remaining incense and spiritual energy within it is more like a purified and fused product. Experts in artifact crafting can use this product to refine the artifact, improve its quality, and save time on offerings.

The golden substance that Zhang Fan refined also has effects similar to the spiritual power of incense.

However, there are some differences between the two. The golden substance is more mysterious and incredible, and its concentration is far higher than that of ordinary incense spiritual power, so much so that it has undergone a qualitative transformation and completely evolved into another substance.

hum...

Just then, Zhang Fan's pocket vibrated slightly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the black iron piece that looked like a hand-held item. He had been handling it so much that it was practically bursting with grime, and the surface of the piece had a patina of age.

A single fragment actually started vibrating on its own, just like a younger brother, moving at dawn, quite intelligent.

"Calm down, I wish I could, but unfortunately I can't."

Zhang Fan played with the black iron plate, as if trying his best to soothe it.

After the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly, as the mortal sect expanded, Zhang Fan once again plundered incense offerings, but he only managed to extract one and a half strands of golden substance.

He used this to feed the black gold ancient seal and iron pieces.

As a result, the Black Gold Ancient Seal only swallowed one-tenth of the golden substance before reaching its limit, and it has not yet fully digested it.

But the black iron sheet, having devoured all the remaining golden matter, was still not satisfied.

Now, wandering in the sea of ​​incense, He is like a weasel that has fallen into a chicken coop, the slight trembling seeming to remind Zhang Fan to hurry up and get to work.

Unfortunately, each of these incense sticks was like it was coded, making them impossible to refine, let alone extract the golden substance from.

At least with Zhang Fan's current strength, he can't do it.

Unless he comprehends the [Celestial Master Realm], achieves oneness with Heaven and Man, and refines the Divine Demon Holy Embryo to its ultimate perfection, then he can destroy the altar and forcibly refine the incense offerings of other sects.

If that time really comes...

A terrifying thought suddenly arose in Zhang Fan's mind: what if he really cultivated to that level...

Wouldn't that mean we could traverse all the major Taoist sects and plunder all their offerings?

"I don't eat beef!?"

Homelander!?

Zhang Fan's heart skipped a beat. If that really happened, wouldn't he become the legendary great demon?!
At that time, the one who was eliminated in the fight against evil was him.

"Alright, there will be bread and milk. Follow me, and I promise you won't suffer."

Zhang Fan reassured the black iron sheet, describing a bright future and earnestly painting a rosy picture.

The black iron sheet, like a wronged young wife, whimpered for a moment and then fell silent.

"Zhao Jiexuan!?"

Just then, a familiar, melodious voice came from behind.

Zhang Fan turned his head and saw a familiar face.

"Zhuang Yumin!?"

Zhuang Yumin walked over from a distance, looking at Zhang Fan with a unique gleam in her beautiful eyes.

After the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly ended, she visited Zhang Fan several times, hoping to see him. However, Zhang Fan was in seclusion at that time, studying the method of creating gods.

Unexpectedly, I ran into him at Xiling Mountain today.

Zhuang Yumin walked over, and Zhang Fan raised his eyes to see that there was a beautiful woman following behind her, who was none other than Lin Haitang from Xiling Mountain.

At this moment, Lin Haitang stood behind Zhuang Yumin, staring at Zhang Fan with a wary expression.

Clearly, she hadn't forgotten the ferocity Zhang Fan displayed in Tongluo Mountain that day, where even a powerful expert like Ma Wangju died at Zhang Fan's hands.

Lin Haitang didn't know why Zhang Fan was here, but there was a clear look of fear in her beautiful eyes.

"Long time no see." Zhang Fan greeted her with a smile, then looked at Lin Haitang.

"It's been a long time since we last met, Fellow Daoist Lin."

Upon hearing this, Lin Haitang's beautiful face trembled slightly, but she managed to force an unnatural smile.

"Okay, don't scare her."

Zhuang Yumin noticed Lin Haitang's apprehension and quickly stepped in front of the two of them to smooth things over.

"Fellow Daoist Lin is really timid. This is not Tongluo Mountain, nor is it the Danyuan Dharma Assembly..." Zhang Fan chuckled.

"Don't worry, I'm not some kind of psychopathic killer."

"Who...who's a coward?" Lin Haitang's voice wasn't loud, and her tone sounded somewhat weak.

Zhang Fan smiled, turned around and continued browsing.

"How come the dignified sect leader of the mortal sect has time to come here?" Zhuang Yumin followed.

She was worried about not having a chance to visit Zhang Fan. Now, Fanmen was an emerging force that could not be ignored in Xijiang. Everyone knew that behind this new force was the demon king of Tongluo Mountain.

“Zhang Wuming is the sect leader, not me,” Zhang Fan said, shaking his head.

He's a natural-born hands-off manager.

“Xiling Mountain is a blessed land of Taoism, the place where Xu Zu ascended to immortality, so of course I have to come and pay a visit.”

As he spoke, Zhang Fan looked at Lin Haitang behind him and asked, "Do you offer annual passes here?"

He paid 120 yuan for the ticket when he came in.

"You are the dignified sect leader of the mortal sect. Who would dare to charge you an entrance fee when you come to our Xiling Mountain?" Lin Haitang said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Then please refund me the ticket money later," Zhang Fan said earnestly.

"I've succeeded... I've succeeded... Hahaha... I've succeeded...!"

Just then, a burst of wild laughter came from not far away, seemingly insane.

Zhang Fan stopped and looked into the distance. Under a towering tree, a boy sat cross-legged. His hair was messy like a bird's nest. He seemed to be laughing and crying at the same time, muttering to himself, as if he had a mental illness.

At this moment, just as his primordial spirit was about to emerge, a surge of evil fire rose up, almost burning his primordial spirit.

"Hmm!? These are disciples of your Xiling Mountain? They're almost going mad with their cultivation." Zhang Fan couldn't help but say, seeing this.

“He is not a disciple of our Xiling Mountain,” Lin Haitang said, shaking her head.

"His name is Xu Jiuliu. He is a disciple of the Chunyang Xu family, and he is the least talented among the current generation of Xu family disciples."

“Xu Jiuliu!?” Zhang Fan pondered the name and looked over.

(End of this chapter)