Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 71: The Nobility and Disparity of Spiritual Talents, the True Inheritance of the Blue Robe (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Qingdeng)

"This feeling... is it spiritual energy?"

Even though Zhao Wuji's knowledge was far superior to others, when he found himself in the valley and noticed the unusual atmosphere in the air, his expression changed slightly.

In such a place rich in spiritual energy, one can sense the almost tangible spiritual energy in the air without needing to guide one's breathing.

This is no longer a scene from the mortal world.

He had admired it from afar, but now he had finally entered this blessed land.

Those who see fashion from the outside don't realize it, just as birds cannot know the depths of the sea, and fish cannot understand the ruggedness of mountains. Those who have not entered this gate will never understand why cultivators flock to this precious land.

One day of practice here is probably equivalent to ten months of arduous work in the outside world.

The exquisite craftsmanship of Linlang Cave Heaven truly lives up to its reputation as a superior immortal sect.

"Only in this mountain, where the clouds are so deep, is it truly like this?"

Zhao Wuji sighed, at this moment, he was no better looking than the others around him who were surprised.

At this moment, several figures dressed in blue robes flew through the air, causing everyone to exclaim in surprise. It was the first time they had ever seen someone flying in the air; they were truly immortals.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, the Grand Preceptor Fang also flew into the air and landed on the opposite high platform with those cultivators, chatting with them with smiles.

"The spiritual energy here is abundant, so these mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators have no worries about losing spiritual energy and can fly freely within this cave."

However, this kind of aerial maneuvering lacks flexibility and can only be performed in a straight line or diagonally up or down.

"If we were outside, without spiritual power and unable to travel by wind like with the Wind Riding Technique, we would probably be exhausted after flying no more than three miles."

Zhao Wuji noticed something amiss.

He had learned from Peak Master Hua that after reaching the third level of Qi Induction, one could learn more powerful early-stage spells such as Flight Technique, Firearm Technique, and Water Shield Technique.

If one's cultivation level is too low and one's own spiritual power is too weak, these spells will be difficult to sustain.

However, in the past few days, he has already learned both of the jade slip techniques bestowed upon him by Peak Master Hua.

Having mastered many of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiend Techniques, learning these basic cultivation methods was like having a commanding viewpoint, something he could do effortlessly. It was the path of a true genius, something he could learn almost instantly, though he still needed to practice more to master the power of the techniques.

"You can learn the minor techniques as an aid, but the important thing is to decipher the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiend Techniques. I have already deciphered most of the True Text 'Xiechang Period,' and the new Earthly Fiend Techniques will be deciphered by then. At that time, the Yin Pearl will also be complete."

As Zhao Wuji was pondering, the cultivators, including the Grand Preceptor Fang, on the high platform had finished their exchange and turned to look down at the numerous immortal species below, their gazes carrying a somewhat condescending air of scrutiny.

However, when their gazes swept over Zhao Wuji and Consort Li, the cultivators exchanged knowing glances.

They immediately showed some goodwill and nodded slightly to the two of them.

At this moment, one of the female cultivators in blue robes stepped forward, her figure landing on the open ground. She said calmly, "Crimson Flame Spiritual Seeds, all of you, follow me."

Seventeen young people stepped out, some excited and some nervous, some still peeking around.

The female cultivator's eyes turned cold, and her spiritual pressure suddenly erupted from her body:

"What are you dawdling for!" The rebuke was like a thunderclap.

These usually arrogant young nobles immediately fell silent, intimidated by the majesty of the immortal master in this unfamiliar territory. They dared not act rashly and hurriedly lined up.

Another old man in blue robes flew out, glanced indifferently at Li Nianwei, and said, "You must be that Azure Cloud Spiritual Talent Immortal Seed?"

Seeing Li Nianwei nod nervously in agreement, the old man waved his sleeve impatiently and said, "Come with me."

Li Nianwei stole a glance at Zhao Wuji's figure, bit her lower lip, and walked out to follow the old man.

As Zhao Wuji and Consort Li Shiyu looked at each other in bewilderment, the last middle-aged cultivator in blue robes flew down, his expression gentle and smiling.

"You two are of superior immortal qualities and will receive special cultivation from our Linglang Grotto-heaven. You may call me Senior Brother He. Please follow me."

Zhao Wuji secretly observed this Senior Brother He. Judging from the spiritual energy flowing around him, he should be at the third level of Qi Induction, but the strength of his spiritual energy was slightly higher than his own.

That title of 'senior brother' is quite fitting.

However, the differential treatment within this dazzling grotto is too obvious. I'm afraid that the batch of immortal seeds with the Crimson Flame Spiritual Talent have already been used as beasts of burden.

As a Qingxia Spirit Talent, Li Nianwei might receive slightly better treatment, but she obviously wouldn't be given much attention.

After Zhao Wuji and Li Shiyu bowed to the cultivator surnamed He, they bid farewell to National Preceptor Fang and left with Senior Brother He.

This Senior Brother He seemed to be a kind and gentle person. He led the two of them on a stroll through the many peaks and valleys of the Linglang Cave Heaven, showing great patience throughout and pointing out the various peaks and pavilions along the way.

"That's the Alchemy Pavilion; the furnace opens on the ninth of each month."

"The valley on the left is a spiritual plant garden, where some spiritual herbs are grown. I've heard that you, Junior Brother Zhao, are interested in alchemy; perhaps you could come and take a look sometime."

Along the way, cultivators would occasionally pass by.

If it were a gray-robed cultivator, upon seeing these people, he would hurriedly retreat and bow like a shrimp.

The monk in blue robes calmly bowed and said, "Greetings, fellow Daoist."

Mist swirled around the mountains as the three ascended the steps. Senior Brother He, with a flick of his sleeve, began to explain the rules of the grotto-heaven:

“In my Linglang Cave Heaven, we discern a person’s aptitude by the color of their robes.”

He pointed to the gray-robed cultivator hurrying past in the distance, "Those with mediocre spiritual talent cannot change into blue robes unless they cultivate to the third level of Qi Refining. However..."

He shook his head and sighed softly, "With such talent, breaking through to a higher realm is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"As for those with the Azure Cloud Spiritual Talent, they may change into Azure Robes only if they cultivate to the second level of Qi Refining within three years. Otherwise..."

He smiled meaningfully, "It also requires going to the third level."

He suddenly turned around and said gently to Zhao Wuji and his sister, "However, you two junior brothers and sisters are of superior immortal seed, so you don't need to abide by these rules. You can wear blue robes directly and be exempt from miscellaneous duties. You don't even need to participate in the affairs of ordinary blue-robed disciples for the time being."

"If the two of you can cultivate to the second level of Qi Refining within a year, you will be able to wear the blue robe like me."

He spoke with a hint of pride, “The true disciples of the Blue Robe, apart from being specially summoned by the grotto-heavens to participate in some battles with other grotto-heavens cultivators, can concentrate on their cultivation on ordinary days.”

After he finished speaking, he looked at Zhao Wuji and smiled with a rare expression of envy and friendliness, saying, "Junior Brother Zhao, with Peak Master Hua's guidance, you have truly avoided many detours. You are already at the first level of Qi Refining. I think you should be able to break through to the second level of Qi Refining in half a year."

"The Blue Robe True Disciple is being nurtured with special attention, yet he is still being summoned to compete against cultivators from other grotto-heavens. This Linglang Grotto-Heaven truly doesn't support idlers."

Zhao Wuji thought to himself, but on the surface he smiled and exchanged a few polite words with Senior Brother He.

Upon hearing this, Li Shiyu was astonished and envious, only then realizing that Zhao Wuji was already a Celestial Master.

Although she had received guidance from Yu Linzi beforehand and even practiced with source crystals, she was still unable to immediately achieve Qi Induction.

Could it be that although she has the same spiritual talent as Zhao Wuji, her comprehension is far inferior to his? Or perhaps Peak Master Hua gave her some special instruction?
While Li Shiyu was lost in thought, Senior Brother He led them on a tour of the entire Linglang Cave.

From the dragon-patterned bronze incense burner in Dan Ding Ge to the nine-story jade pagoda in the Sutra Repository.

From the location of each elder's cave dwelling to the temperament and taboos of each hall's steward, everything was explained in great detail.

Finally, he led the two of them to receive their blue robes and waist tokens, and arranged for them to stay temporarily at Lotus Mountain on the outskirts.

"Although you two have been chosen by Peak Master Hua and Elder Yu," Senior Brother He pointed to two mountain peaks that were faintly visible in the distant clouds, "you have not yet passed the tests of questioning your heart and settling your mind, so you cannot enter Cold Moon Peak and Jade Rain Palace for the time being."

Li Shiyu's eyes sparkled as she gracefully bowed, a Source Crystal slipped silently from her sleeve into Senior Brother He's sleeve with fluid movements, demonstrating her profound knowledge of the art: "I am very grateful for Senior Brother's guidance along the way."

Zhao Wuji's eyebrows twitched slightly. He was wondering if Senior Brother He would be petty since he had nothing of value, when he saw Li Shiyu take out another Source Crystal and hand it to him, covering her mouth as she stole a glance at Zhao Wuji and chuckled softly.

"This one was arranged by Senior Brother Zhao. He's a shy person, so I hope he won't mind."

"Not at all, not at all, you two junior brothers and sisters are too kind." Senior Brother He hurriedly declined, his sleeves trembling slightly, but finally he reluctantly accepted it. His smile became even more amiable, and he bowed to the two of them before taking his leave.

"Within this immortal sect, there's one set of rules in the open, and another set of personal relationships in the shadows; it's no different from the mortal world."

Zhao Wuji thought to himself, and was about to bow to thank Li Shiyu, but was stopped by her slender fingers.

Li Shiyu's beautiful eyes flickered, her voice tinged with a sigh:

"Before his departure, His Majesty specifically instructed me to diligently learn cultivation from Senior Brother Zhao. Unfortunately, my comprehension is dull."

Suddenly, her eyes flashed, and she pointed to two elegant houses not far away and said with a smile, "Why don't you come in and give me some pointers, senior brother?"
Since the last acupuncture treatment, my health has improved somewhat, but lately I've been feeling cold again.

As dusk fell, her earrings swayed slightly, and she smiled sweetly, her words clearly implying that she wanted Zhao Wuji to impart some cultivation experience.

Zhao Wuji sighed inwardly. The skills that this imperial concubine had honed through her experiences in the palace were truly more exquisite than any magic. She was incredibly adept.

He had recently been recommended by the other party to perform acupuncture on Master Hua, thus gaining access to a powerful patron.

I was just grateful for her help in getting me out of trouble and the gift of crystal. With such a series of favors owed to me, it's really hard to refuse now.

"Well, this Consort is very shrewd and resourceful. She has the backing of Emperor Zhaoming and Yu Linzi, and her golden spiritual energy is dazzling. She will surely become a highly sought-after figure in the grotto-heaven in the future."

Emperor Zhaoming intends to depose the empress and install a new one. Establishing goodwill now might provide a powerful ally when the political landscape shifts between the court and the immortal realms in the future.

Thinking this, Zhao Wuji finally nodded and waved his sleeve under Li Shiyu's expectant gaze, responding to her address:
“Since my junior sister is unwell, I, as her brother, should certainly do my best to help.”

The path to immortality is long and arduous, and it is not merely a contest of cultivation levels, but also an exquisite and unparalleled game of chess.

Having received guidance from Peak Master Hua, Zhao Wuji understood more and more that in this Dharma-ending Age where spiritual energy was depleted, it was difficult to uphold the Great Dao through mere arduous cultivation.

One must know how to leverage existing trends in order to rise to prominence.

Just like when he joined Hanyue Peak.

Just like now, interpersonal relationships are like placing pieces on a board, and weighing the pros and cons is like strategizing.
(Nine chapters, more than 24,000 words)
Brothers, that's great, not bad at all. The results are beyond my expectations. I originally thought it would only reach around two thousand subscriptions. The author's first two books also had around two thousand subscriptions each, and then he wrote up to ten thousand subscriptions and became a top-selling book.

This book seems to have a good chance of being featured first. Please vote with your monthly tickets and give it some encouragement. Let's try to get it featured within 24 hours of first subscription.

Tomorrow, the author will try to update with another 10,000 words. Thank you all for your monthly votes.

Thank you Lin Hao for the third Alliance Master reward.

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(End of this chapter)