Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

After saying that, Li Yan turned around and went back into the house, where he took the simple wooden sword and hung it at his waist.

He then tucked several newly drawn Gentle Breeze Talismans, Light Thunder Talismans, and Moisturizing Talismans into his sleeve.

Just before leaving the house, a sudden realization dawned on me, and a premonition arose within me.

After a moment's hesitation, he took out a small packet of medicinal powder made from a mixture of lightning-struck vine powder and animal-repelling grass root from a hidden compartment in the corner.

This item was prepared by him based on the record in "A Hundred Mirrors of Herbs" to prevent wild animals in the mountains from accidentally entering the herb garden.

He quietly sprinkled the powder inside and outside the second gate, and then used his eyes to check to make sure that he had not left any trace.

He then closed the door and followed his junior brother Qian toward the herb garden.

Dark as ink.

The stone lanterns along the mountain path cast a dim yellow glow, tinting the mist with a warm hue.

However, a faint, unpleasant odor wafted through the air.

The closer you get to the herb garden, the louder the noise becomes.

As he rounded the bend in the mountain road, the scene before him made Li Yan frown slightly.

The once quiet medicinal herb garden area is now brightly lit.

More than ten medicinal herb gardens were left in a state of disarray.

The fence collapsed, the sacred plants were trampled into mud, uprooted, and left leaning precariously.

There were messy, large claw marks on the ground, deeply embedded in the mud, carrying a faint fishy smell.

Several places were splattered with dark red blood, which had not yet completely congealed.

More than ten disciples who were in charge of tending the medicinal herb garden gathered together, their faces filled with fear, or their teeth clenched in anger.

Three deacons dressed in black from the Discipline Hall stood in the center, the one in the lead being the white-faced deacon they had met that day.

He held a bronze mirror-like ritual implement in his hand, its light sweeping across the messy ground, his brows furrowed.

Several other disciples were suspended in mid-air, some looking down indifferently, others talking in hushed tones.

Among them was Zhao Yuanqing, who stood with his hands behind his back amidst the sword light, his face displeased.

Li Yan walked calmly into the group of registered disciples.

His eyes swept across the direction of his own medicinal herb garden.

The fence was crooked, but not completely collapsed.

Although some of the medicinal plants in the garden were damaged, the damage was far less severe than in other medicinal herb gardens.

The calming plants and soothing herbs in the core area are all intact.

There were charred claw marks on several key spots of soil, but they could not penetrate deeper.

He understood that the lightning-struck vine powder he had laid out earlier had taken effect.

The scent, a blend of the lingering effects of heavenly thunder and the aroma of beast-repelling herbs, has a deterrent effect on ordinary demonic beasts.

However, at this moment, his face showed the same sorrow as his other disciples.

"quiet!"

The white-faced butler put away the bronze mirror and looked around at everyone.

"Upon investigation, it was found that at 3:45 AM tonight, a group of Ironclaw Mountain Goblins emerged from the dense forest behind the mountain and attacked the medicinal herb garden area."

A total of 137 spiritual plants were destroyed, and three formations were damaged.

Fortunately, the disciples on duty discovered the danger in time and used warning talismans to disperse the beasts, preventing a major disaster.

He paused.

"However, the Ironclaw Mountain Demons are afraid of people and usually live deep in the dangerous ravines of the back mountains, rarely approaching the disciples' settlement in groups."

Tonight's actions are quite unusual.

Moreover, the herd moved with a certain order, heading straight for the area where the spiritual plants were most abundant, unlike their usual hunting behavior.

These words caused an uproar among the disciples.

"Is someone leading a beast?"

"Who could be so vicious! These are the spiritual herbs we've painstakingly cultivated!"

"They must be found and severely punished!"

The white-faced butler raised his hand to quell the commotion:

"The Discipline Hall will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Currently, anyone on duty tonight who has recently had dealings with the herb garden is required to undergo questioning.

Each of you shall state your whereabouts from the hour of You (5-7 PM) to the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), and submit your identity jade tokens for verification.

The disciples looked at each other in bewilderment, and then stepped forward one after another.

Li Yan was positioned towards the back, his ears slightly open, taking in all the statements from the people in front of him and the reactions of the stewards.

Most disciples claimed to be cultivating and resting in their dormitories, and there were records of formations to prove it, so there was little doubt.

Only one disciple, Wang Qiao, stammered.

He mentioned that he went to the edge of the back mountain to collect night dew at dusk, and on his way back he seemed to see a dark shadow flash by.

The white-faced steward immediately inquired further, but Wang Qiao was vague in his response, only saying that the shadow was swift and he had not seen its appearance clearly.

The deacon noted it down and instructed him to question him privately later.

When it was Li Yan's turn, he stepped forward, handed over the jade talisman, and remained calm.

"Disciple Li Yan is in charge of managing the medicinal herb garden in the Bing section."

Tonight, I will draw talismans in the quiet room in the courtyard until the end of midnight.

I heard faint roars of beasts in the distance, but I didn't pay any attention to them.

It wasn't until Junior Brother Qian knocked on the door that they realized something had happened.

The white-faced steward took the jade talisman and placed it in front of the bronze mirror.

The mirror's light shimmered, reflecting the formation records of Courtyard No. 7 (Bingzi) tonight.

Starting at the hour of You (5-7 PM), the Spirit Gathering Array and the soundproof barrier operate smoothly, with the fluctuations of spiritual energy matching the subtle ripples during the drawing of the talismans.

The recording stopped at the end of the Chou hour (1-3 AM).

Just then, Junior Brother Qian knocked on the door.

The records are clear, complete, and without any flaws.

The pale-faced deacon nodded slightly and handed the jade talisman back.

"Your herb garden suffered the least damage, but it was protected with protective clothing?"

Li Yan lowered his head: "I once sprinkled animal-repelling powder around the fence, which may have had some effect."

"Veterinary repellent powder?" The pale-faced butler raised an eyebrow. "Where did you get it?"

"According to the 'Hundred Mirrors of Spiritual Herbs,' I personally collected and prepared medicinal herbs to protect myself from ordinary wild animals, but unexpectedly, they were able to ward off mountain demons."

Li Yan answered neither servilely nor arrogantly.

"If we had known about the threat of the demonic beasts earlier, we would have reported it. Please, senior brother, strengthen our defenses."

The white-faced butler stared at him for a moment, and seeing that his gaze was calm and his breathing steady, he stopped asking questions and waved for him to leave.

Li Yan retreated into the crowd, but his heart remained uneasy.

He then noticed that Zhao Yuanqing's gaze had been subtly sweeping over him as he spoke.

The inquiry lasted for nearly half an incense stick's time.

Ultimately, the Discipline Hall preliminarily determined that this incident was caused by someone deliberately using demon-attracting drugs to provoke the mountain demons.

The target may be to strike at certain disciples of the herb garden.

However, due to the severe damage to the evidence at the scene caused by the herd of animals, and the fact that the mandrills had been driven away and fled back into the deep mountains, it was difficult to identify the specific suspects for the time being.

The white-faced butler announced:

"Disciples whose medicine garden was damaged can apply for partial compensation at the Hall of Affairs by presenting a list of losses."

The Discipline Hall will continue its investigation.

During this period, you must be extra vigilant and report any unusual activity immediately.

Having said that, he led his men away.

The disciples, suspended in mid-air, also departed on their swords.

Before leaving, Zhao Yuanqing's gaze swept over Li Yan once more, lingered for a moment, and then transformed into a flash of sword light and disappeared into the distance.

The disciples gradually dispersed, each tidying up the mess.

Lamentations and curses were heard incessantly.

Li Yan walked towards his own medicinal herb garden and examined it carefully.

Upon closer inspection of the crooked fence, several claw marks were found with grayish-green powder stained around their edges.

If one does not have keen eyesight, it is almost impossible to detect.

He carefully scraped off a small amount with a piece of jade and brought it close to his nose to sniff it.

It was cloyingly sweet and had a fishy smell.

"The Demon-Attracting Powder... is a special product with added Ironclaw Mountain Demon Gland Liquid."

This item is not something an ordinary disciple could obtain.

Moreover, the powdering technique is subtle, and unless the mandrill stomps on it violently, it will hardly leave any trace.

Without making a sound, he thoroughly cleaned up the powder residue and covered it with fresh soil.

He then straightened the fence, did some simple treatment on the damaged herbs, and sprinkled some medicinal powder to promote healing.

By the time we finished doing all that, it was already getting light.

Back to Courtyard No. 7, Building C.

Li Yan first washed his hands with the spiritual spring water, and then lit a calming incense stick.

The wisps of smoke dispelled the lingering, unpleasant smells that clung to the body.

He sat cross-legged on a futon, closed his eyes, and regulated his breathing.

The mirror of my heart reflects all that has happened tonight.

[The herb garden incident nearly resulted in collateral damage. The hidden dragon remained dormant, its words and actions flawless, revealing no weakness.]

[The traces of the demon-attracting powder were detected, indicating that someone was secretly causing trouble, but no word was made, which was in accordance with the principle of concealment.]

[Aura of Destiny +3 (Maintaining one's true self amidst chaos, discerning even the smallest details)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Aura: 25/80]

Li Yan opened his eyes.

The tree wants to be calm and the wind does not stop.

Now that we're caught in the whirlpool, we need to be even more careful.

He took out a piece of the Radiant Peach, put it in his mouth, and slowly refined it.

A sweet and refreshing energy permeates the limbs and bones, nourishing and lingering within.

Time passes by during cultivation.

When the sun was high in the sky, there was another knock on the door outside the courtyard.

It's Zhou Ming.

His expression was slightly grave, and he said in a low voice after entering the room:

"Senior Brother Li, have you made any progress on what happened last night?"

Li Yan invited him to sit down and poured him a cup of clear dew:

"The Discipline Hall has already reached a conclusion: someone has brought in a beast."

Zhou Ming nodded:

"I've heard about it too. But... this matter is probably not simple."

Although the Ironclaw Mountain Demon is fierce, it is dull-witted. The fact that it could be lured here by the Demon-Attracting Powder means that the drug must be extraordinary.

Moreover, the beasts rushed straight to the area where the spiritual plants were most abundant, clearly a premeditated plan.

He paused for a moment.

"My senior brother's herb garden suffered the least damage, and some people are already saying that he may have a secret protective method, or that it may be related to the person who attracted the beast."

Li Yan remained unmoved: "The innocent will remain innocent."

"That being said, public opinion is a fearsome thing."

Zhou Ming sighed.

"My senior brother has been gaining popularity lately, which inevitably attracts jealousy and resentment."

We must be even more careful about the medicinal herb garden in the future.

If needed, my junior brother might be able to help out.

Li Yan raised his glass: "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Zhou."

Zhou Ming drank the dew thoroughly, then rose to take his leave:

"Take care, senior brother. If anything happens, feel free to contact me."

After seeing Zhou Ming off, Li Yan stood under the old plum tree in the courtyard, gazing at the distant mountains where clouds and mist surged.

Zhou Ming is a smooth and worldly man, well-informed.

Is today's gesture of goodwill a genuine attempt to build friendship, or is there another motive?

He shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

Human hearts are unpredictable; one must remain true to oneself and proceed cautiously step by step.

For the next few days, all was calm.

The Discipline Hall did not question anyone further, and the compensation for the medicinal garden was distributed in succession, so the disciples gradually forgot about the matter.

Li Yan continued to tend the herb garden during the day and cultivate the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" at night.

He used the remaining juice from the Quenched Moon Lotus Root, the Radiant Peach Slices, and the Jade Pine Nuts, along with the Nourishing Orifices Pill, to gently nourish the six orifices.

The coccyx gate is now complete, the two gates between the spine are stable at eighty, and the jade pillow gate has also passed fifty.

When the three gates of the spine are connected, qi and blood flow like a dragon.

The flow of Qi throughout the body became increasingly smooth, and the speed and amount of true Qi circulation were incomparable to those of the past.

However, due to the effect of the Hidden Dragon concealing its breath, its outward aura still only appears as three apertures, calm and peaceful.

At midnight that night, all was quiet, and the moonlight was like water.

Li Yan closed his eyes and looked inward, his mind reflecting in a mirror.

The method of opening the upper, middle and lower dantian in the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" is carefully deduced.

"The three gates of the spine have been opened, the Qi and blood flow like a dragon, and the circulation of Qi and blood is beginning to take shape."

To develop the three fields, one must first establish a solid foundation before striving for further progress.

The three fields are: Niwan (mud pill) which contains the spirit, Jianggong (crimson palace) which governs qi and blood, and Qihai (sea of ​​qi) which contains essence.

The opening sequence can be from bottom to top.

The "Hibernating Dragon Chapter" embodies the idea of ​​lying dormant in the abyss, waiting for the right moment to rise. It should begin with the Qi Sea (energy center) and proceed steadily and surely.

While pondering, Li Yan took an inch of the Queyue lotus root and cut it into nine slices as thin as cicada wings with a jade knife.

Then take three jade pine nuts, tear up a dried moon lotus leaf, mix them with morning dew, and place them in a jade cup.

He sat cross-legged facing north, placed a jade cup in front of him, and first took a piece of the rosy peach.

As the peach flesh melts, a warm, woody aroma travels down the throat, spreading throughout the body and bringing a gentle warmth.

Immediately, he activated the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" and visualized himself sinking into the bottom of the Northern Dark Abyss.

His entire body was enveloped in endless black water, with only a faint light emanating from the dantian below his navel, held back from being released.

The cold, yin energy of the earth's veins, guided by the incantation, seeped in through the Yongquan acupoint on the soles of the feet, mixing with the radiant peach wood energy emanating from the mouth.

It transforms into a unique stream of air, slowly converging three inches below the navel.

The Qihai acupoint is the source of essence and vitality, its nature is water, it corresponds to the Black Tortoise of the North, and it is responsible for storing, nurturing, and conceiving.

To unlock this secret, the most important thing is to remain steady.

It needs to be slowly infused with the essence of water and harmonized with the spiritual energy of wood; one must avoid being impatient.

The jade cup of spiritual liquid, drawn by the breath, rose into wisps of pale blue mist, which were slowly inhaled into the nose.

The spiritual energy of water and wood enters the body and is guided to the Qi Sea position.

Li Yan felt a slight swelling deep in his lower abdomen, as if a cool spring was being slowly opened.

With a calm and unhurried mind, using the heart as the pivot and the three gates of the spine as the bridge, one can achieve the desired effect.

He gathered the scattered spiritual energy around him little by little and sent it into the spring that was gradually taking shape.

This continued for an hour until all the spiritual liquid in the jade cup turned into mist and was absorbed.

The faint light at Li Yan's dantian had stabilized, forming a slowly rotating pale blue vortex.

The mirror of the heart reflects.

[Qi Sea Acupoint Initially Opened, Stability: 10/100]

The next day at noon, the sun was blazing.

Li Yan then repaired the Jiang Palace.

This acupoint is located deep within the Tanzhong acupoint on the chest. It is the pivot of Qi and blood, belongs to the fire element, corresponds to the Vermilion Bird in the south, and governs transformation and control.

To open this aperture, one needs the intense heat of the sun's essence and the fire, and even more so, the spiritual energy of the wood element as fuel.

Only when the essence of water is balanced can the meridians not be burned.

He sat cross-legged in a sunny spot in the courtyard.

Take the remaining three inches of the middle section of the lotus root, pound it to extract the juice, and mix it with the fine powder ground from the lotus seeds.

Add the juice extracted from five slices of Radiant Peach and mix to make a bowl of pale gold-blue elixir.

He then took out three more Yangqiao Pills, which he had exchanged for, and placed them beside him.

Facing south, visualize the blazing sun and the fiery essence cascading down like a waterfall.

The scorching heat is drawn in from the Baihui point, and guided by the clear light of the heart and the divine will of the Yuzhen point, transforming the fierceness into warmth.

At the same time, after taking the spiritual liquid, the lotus seeds' calming and soul-stabilizing power protected the mind.

Lotus root juice and peach juice provide a continuous source of vital energy, nourishing the meridians and harmonizing the fire element.

The essence of fire descends to the chest, where it encounters the Crimson Palace Pass.

Li Yan imitated the method of warming the pearl with dragon's breath, using his divine sense to envelop the fire energy, like a dragon swallowing and spitting out its inner elixir, slowly circling outside the acupoints.

The Yangqiao Dan (养窍丹) should also be taken at appropriate times to provide gentle nourishment.

For a full two hours, the sun was setting in the west.

The Crimson Palace Pass, nourished by the dragon's breath, finally loosened and transformed into a point of crimson-gold light, settling firmly deep within the Danzhong area.

Cardiac examination revealed...

[The Crimson Palace Aperture has just opened; stability: 12/100]

On the third day at dusk, at the cusp of sunset and moonrise.

The final challenge: Niwan Palace.

This acupoint is located deep within the space between the eyebrows, the abode of the spirit, and its nature is earth, corresponding to the Yellow Emperor in the center.

It is the key to governing the primordial spirit and communicating with heaven and earth.

Opening up is the most difficult and dangerous task; a slight mistake can damage one's spirit and soul.

Li Yan took out all the remaining resources.

Crush lotus root, peach slices, pine nuts, and red nut leaves and mix them together. Tear lotus leaves into thin strips and cover the mixture.

Mix in the last bit of moon dew to make a thick paste.

The moon rises in the east, its clear light gradually growing stronger.

Li Yan sat quietly in the courtyard, applying the paste evenly to his forehead, temples, and the Yuzhen point on the back of his neck.

The cooling medicinal power penetrates gently, protecting the sea of ​​consciousness.

He held the Wind-Whispering Stone in his hand, listened to the mysterious whispers of the wind, and his mind gradually merged with the breath of heaven and earth.

The Niwan (泥丸) belongs to the Earth element. Earth is thick and virtuous, and it requires patience and tolerance to guide the spirit to slowly gather and open up clarity in the center of the eyebrows.

He let things take their natural course, allowing his mind to slowly coalesce with the help of the medicine and the Wind Whisper Stone.

The crimson light of the Crimson Palace Acupoint and the pale blue vortex of the Qi Sea Acupoint circulate repeatedly through the connection of the three gates of the spine.

It forms a circulatory flow that ascends to nourish the sea of ​​consciousness.

Time passes little by little.

Midday on the moon.

Li Yan's brow twitched suddenly.

The veil was then lifted, and the world before my eyes remained unchanged, but my perception became more three-dimensional.

He can see the subtle veins through which blood and qi flow.

You can hear the sounds of life sprouting from the grass and trees in the distance.

It can also vaguely sense the grand rhythm of the mountain's spiritual energy flowing like a net outside the courtyard.

The Niwan Palace then opened.

A warm, bright yellow halo settled deep within the space between the eyebrows.

The cardiac mirror vibrated slightly.

[The Niwan acupoint is initially opened, stability: 8/100].

At this point, all nine orifices were opened!

Almost at the instant the Niwan acupoint opened, the other eight orifices in the body resonated simultaneously.

The coccyx, the spine, and the occipital bone shone brightly, and the spine resembled a dragon raising its head.

The eyes, ears, and heart also trembled, and spiritual awareness was greatly enhanced.

The newly opened Qihai, Jianggong, and Niwan three dantians radiate light and form a cycle with the three gates of the spine and the three orifices of the head and face.

The speed at which he absorbed spiritual energy surged, and the spiritual energy drawn by the spirit-gathering array in the courtyard formed a faint vortex.

The mirror of the heart reflects itself anew.

【Li Yan】

【Destiny: Listener of the Wind (Azure with a hint of blue) → Awakening Dragon (Blue)】

[Cultivation Level: Opening Stage (All Nine Apertures Open)]

【功法：《守拙经》（95/100），《九窍蛰龙篇》（65/100），《风雷小解》（70/100）】

[Supernatural Powers: Mind Mirror Reflects Objects, Initial Listening, Enlightenment, Hidden Dragon Conceals Breath]

[The state of the nine orifices: eyes, ears, heart, and coccyx (complete)]

Left side of the spine (85/100), right side of the spine (85/100).

玉枕（70/100），气海（15/100），绛宫（15/100），泥丸（8/100）】

[Aura of Destiny: 35/80]

Although the nine orifices have been opened, the newly established three fields and the Jade Pillow Pass still require a large amount of spiritual energy to stabilize them.

Li Yan's gaze fell on the remaining spiritual materials.

Purple Thunder Bamboo, Cold Pool Sinking Iron, Wind-Whispering Stone, and over a hundred Spirit Shells.

"The Purple Thunder Bamboo contains the lingering charm of heavenly thunder, which is destined for me as I first venture into the path of wind and thunder, but I fear that directly absorbing it would be difficult to control."

The iron that sank in the cold pool...contains the essence of Gui water and the cold energy of the earth's veins, thus it is related to the elements of water and metal.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, "The 'Hibernating Dragon Chapter' says that magical artifacts are not only an aid to cultivation, but also a tool for protecting the path."

The Shouzhuo Sword is connected to my mind and spirit. Its material is special, and its quality may be improved by using this iron.

"It's better to nurture it in my dantian and let it grow with me than to simply consume it as material."

He took the Shouzhuo wooden sword.

Having been nurtured with true qi for a long time, it has acquired a hidden spirituality, and the patterns on the sword's body gleam with a bluish halo under the moonlight.

He picked up the piece of iron that had sunk in the cold pool, and it felt cold and heavy in his hand.

How to refine the essence of heavy iron into a wooden sword?

Li Yan was not a weapon refiner and did not possess a furnace or alchemical fire.

But he was clear-headed and found a flat spot in the courtyard. He mixed cinnabar with his blood essence and used it to draw a spirit-gathering and gold-transforming array.

This formation can gather and purify the spiritual energy of metal and water elements.

He placed the iron from the icy pool at the center of the formation.

Then, Li Yan, holding the Shouzhuo sword, stood in front of the formation.

First, circulate the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" to draw a wisp of earth vein energy into the formation and activate it.

The heavy iron gleamed with a hazy, bluish-black light.

A wisp of golden essence was slowly extracted, forming a small cloud of mist above the formation.

Li Yan focused his mind and breath, locking his eyes on the cloud of mist and listening to the sounds of spiritual energy flowing within it.

He slowly raised the Shouzhuo sword, its tip pointing towards the mist.

Using the sword as a guide and his own nine orifices as a bridge, he slowly drew the mist closer.

At the same time, he contemplated the "Sutra of Simplicity," embodying the concept of harmony with nature and the coexistence of all things.

Imagine the wooden sword in your hand as a piece of spiritual wood that can contain external objects.

The sword trembled slightly.

The mist touched the sword and slowly seeped into the depths of its texture.

The sword gradually revealed a bluish-black luster.

The weight has increased slightly, making it feel more stable in the hand.

Inside the sword, the spiritual energy within it became several times more closely connected with Li Yan's mind.

The entire process lasted for nearly an hour, and the iron that had sunk in the cold pool turned into a pile of grayish-white fragments.

But Shouzhuo Sword has been completely transformed.

Although its appearance remains simple and unadorned, upon closer inspection, a cold glint can be seen flowing through the blade.

It feels slightly cool to the touch, and when swung, it produces a faint metallic ringing sound.

Li Yan stroked the sword, a thought stirring in his mind.

The sword transformed into a streak of dark light.

"Whoosh!"

It disappeared into the dantian.

Within the Qi Sea, the pale blue vortex slightly rotated, embracing the Shouzhuo Sword at its center and nourishing it with the essence of water.

At the same time, the sword body generates traces of Geng metal and Gui water energy, nourishing the acupoints in a continuous cycle.

From then on, this sword became the prototype of his natal sword, which he cultivated with his very life.

[Shouzhuo Sword Quality Upgrade: Ordinary Wood Weapon → Low-Grade Magic Weapon (Water and Metal Attribute, can be nurtured in the dantian and grow with its owner)]

[By crafting artifacts with ingenuity, in accordance with the natural order, one deepens their understanding of artifact crafting and the properties of materials. Affinity Qi +5.]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Aura: 40/80]

Li Yan decided to keep the remaining three items for the time being.

Purple Thunder Bamboo and Wind-Whispering Stone will be used when the Dao of Wind and Thunder is understood more deeply.

Spirit shells are used for daily replenishment and trading.

At this point, all the resources previously accumulated were used up, resulting in the opening of all nine orifices and the advancement of the Shouzhuo Sword.

Li Yan's mind was completely clear.

This is merely the starting point of true spiritual practice.

The seed of the Dao has not yet been formed, the primordial spirit has not yet been established, and the road ahead is still long.

He withdrew the traces of the formation, returned to his quiet room, sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing, consolidated the newly opened three fields, and waited for dawn.

The next morning, the bells rang loudly, echoing through the mountains.

Before the Three Star Cave, on the stone platform, a sea of ​​clouds churned.

Today, the patriarch himself is giving a sermon, which is no small matter.

Not only were all the true disciples present.

The guardians of the Thirty-Six Streams also found places to listen.

The stone platform was filled with shadowy figures, yet it was eerily silent.

Li Yan still chose a seat in the middle or back row, near the side. His gray robe was simple and clean, and his aura was restrained, making him inconspicuous.

With his eyes slightly open, he saw that on the high altar, the Bodhi Patriarch sat upright on a cloud bed, his eight-trigram cloak fluttering slightly.

His body exuded a natural Taoist aura, as if he had merged with the entire Fangcun Mountain.

It was right in front of me, yet it felt as if we were separated by an endless void.

In the front row of the true disciples' area, Sun Wukong was prominently listed, sitting in a front position, scratching his ears and cheeks, excited yet impatient.

Familiar faces such as Zhao Yuanqing and the female cultivator in red were also present.

Further away, Zhou Ming, Junior Brother Qian, and other nominal disciples were mixed in with the crowd.

"Today, I will preach about seeds and the nine orifices."

The patriarch spoke, his voice as if it were right beside me.

"As you all know, opening the nine orifices is the beginning of understanding the profound. However, opening all nine orifices at the same time is merely the establishment of the door and the manifestation of the path."

To enter the inner sanctum and glimpse the wondrous realm of immortality, one must cultivate the seed of the Dao.

He lightly swept his whisk, and a phantom image naturally appeared in the air.

Nine points of light, arranged in different parts of the human body, are connected by a flow of light, forming a mysterious network.

"The nine orifices are like stars, and the seeds of the Dao are like pivots."

Without a seed, the star's power is scattered and disordered; though bright, it lacks spirit.

"Only those with the potential to rule the heavens, where starlight gathers, can illuminate the path ahead and nourish their primordial spirit."

The patriarch's voice was ethereal, yet it went straight to the heart of the matter: "What is the seed of the Dao?"

It is a spark of primordial spiritual light, mixed with the essence of the soul and spirit, the Daoist principles comprehended, and the core of the cultivation techniques practiced.

When the nine orifices are fully opened and the Qi is abundant and the spirit is full, a seed of true spirit condenses in the ancestral aperture between the eyebrows.

Under these circumstances, the path is thus established.

The future primordial spirit will sprout and grow from this seed.

He paused briefly to allow his disciples to digest the information before explaining in detail:

"The condensation of the Dao Seed is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It can be divided into five steps, and you must proceed step by step to solidify your foundation."

"Firstly, seed condensation."

The nine orifices are filled with spiritual energy, the circulation of Qi throughout the body is unimpeded, and the mind is as clear as a mirror.

In stillness, capture that undying spark of inspiration in your heart, draw the spiritual energy from the nine orifices to the Niwan point, use your spirit as fire and your intention as a furnace to slowly refine and purify it, so that the seed embryo is initially formed.

This step requires utmost care and patience; haste will only lead to irreparable problems if the embryo is not firmly established.

Secondly, nourish the roots.

Once the embryo is formed, it needs to be watered day and night with one's own vital energy and blood, and slowly nourished with the Daoist principles one has come to understand.

The embryo sinks down, connecting with the Qi and blood of the Crimson Palace, corresponding to the divine will of the Niwan (upper dantian) above and communicating with the essence of the Qihai (lower dantian) below, thus taking root in the body invisibly.

The deeper the roots, the stronger the seed, and the more stable the future path.

Thirdly, sprouting.

Once the roots are firmly established and the embryo receives sufficient nourishment, it will naturally sprout.

This sprout is an outward manifestation of the spiritual essence of the Dao.

It could be a unique halo, or the rudimentary form of a supernatural power.

Or it may be due to a significant increase in sensitivity to certain spiritual energies of heaven and earth.

The sprouting indicates that the seed has sufficient activity and has begun to nourish itself.

Fourth, it matures into a tree.

As the spiritual sprouts grow, their forms gradually emerge, depending on each person's different path.

Or like a blue lotus, pure and free.

Or like an ancient pine, resilient and unyielding.

Or like a raging flame, fierce and violent.

Or like ice, cold and clear... This form relates to the future manifestation of the primordial spirit and the inclination of supernatural powers.

It is a natural manifestation of the combination of one's own Daoist heart and cultivation method.

Fifthly, it blooms.

When the Dao seed tree grows to a certain stage, it will give birth to the Dao flower.

The different grades of flowers blooming foreshadow the varying degrees of future achievements.

When the Dao Flower blooms, it signifies the condensation of the primordial spirit and the true entry into the primordial spirit stage.

Only then can one be called a true cultivator.

The patriarch's words, progressing step by step, clearly dissect the cultivation of the Dao Seed stage, yet are also extremely profound.

The seed of spiritual light, the invisible root, the flower of the Dao—these all sound ethereal and intangible.

However, the disciples present, drawing on their own experiences of enlightenment, felt as if they had touched upon a glimpse of the path.

My heart aches with longing, yet I am filled with awe.

Sun Wukong scratched his head in bewilderment, then suddenly raised his hand and, without waiting for permission, loudly asked:

"Grandmaster! Grandmaster!"

You say that the Dao seed has different shapes, then what should my old Sun's Dao seed look like?

Could it be a big stick? Or a big peach?

Everyone couldn't help but chuckle, yet dared not laugh out loud.

The patriarch looked at him, his eyes seemingly holding a profound meaning, but he only said calmly:

"You monkey, you are impetuous, born with a fighting spirit, and blessed with innate good fortune."

"You will experience and understand the seed of your own path on your own; you will know it in time."

Sun Wukong wanted to ask more, but the Patriarch changed the subject and sighed slightly:

"Moreover, when you condensed your Dao Seed, the sun and moon shone together, your Dharma form manifested naturally, and your ambition to fight against heaven and earth was already evident."

This is a sign of a primordial Dao seed, far surpassing any ordinary mature tree.

"You were able to enter this realm so quickly..."

The patriarch's gaze seemed to sweep casually over a certain spot in the back row, then returned to his own.

"It is also your destiny."

I intended for you to sweep and clean the courtyard, to cultivate your character for seven years, and then to pass on the great Dao.

Unexpectedly, you are naturally gifted and grasp things instantly, saving me all this trouble.

These words were spoken subtly, but a discerning person like Li Yan understood perfectly well.

He couldn't help but lower his eyes, concealing his breathing even more deeply.

"That's enough."

The patriarch stopped dwelling on this and glanced at the disciples below the stage.

"Do you know why Lingtai Fangcun Mountain is hidden overseas, and only those with the right destiny can enter?"

Everyone looked at each other.

The patriarch slowly said, "Because this path to immortality is itself the first test, and also the beginning of tempering one's Dao heart."

Today, I'll tell you how you found this place.

How long did you walk? What did you encounter along the way?

A murmur of discussion immediately arose from the audience.

The patriarch randomly selected a few people.

One of the disciples stood up, a smug look on his face:

"I then traveled on my family's treasure ship and hired a boatman familiar with the sea routes. It took eight months. Although we encountered storms, we arrived at the foot of the mountain without any danger."

Another disciple from the Weapon Pavilion said, "My family has a long-standing relationship with independent cultivators overseas. I obtained half a sea chart and a water-repelling talisman."

They traveled by raft, slaying three low-level sea monsters along the way, a journey that took one year and two months.

Zhou Ming was also called upon, and he answered respectfully:

"After years of inquiries in coastal towns, I have gathered information and deduced the approximate location."

He sold his possessions to buy an old ship, learned the art of navigation, and cautiously avoided storms and monsters along the way.

Occasionally dangerous situations were resolved through ingenuity, and the journey took two years to reach their destination.

Junior Brother Qian was somewhat embarrassed: "Disciple...disciple saved an injured old cultivator by chance."

Before he died, he pointed out the direction and gave him a magical vessel called a "wind-flying boat," which, though slow, was steady and took three years to reach their destination...

The answers varied from person to person.

After listening, the patriarch remained noncommittal, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.

Finally, the spot landed on the gray-robed disciple in the back corner, who always kept his head down.

"Li Yan." The patriarch's voice was calm and even.

Li Yan felt a slight chill, stood up, and bowed: "Disciple is here."

"You tell us too."

The patriarch asked, "How did you come to Fangcun Mountain? How long did it take you to get here? What did you encounter along the way?"

On the stone platform, many eyes were fixed on Li Yan.

Those who knew him, such as Zhou Ming and Junior Brother Qian, looked on with curiosity.

Those who were not recognized were scrutinized because the patriarch had specifically called them out.

Among the disciples in the front row, Zhao Yuanqing glanced sideways.

Sun Wukong stared wide-eyed, his face full of interest.

Li Yan looked up and slowly said:

"Reporting to the Ancestral Master, this disciple has no home, no occupation, and no legacy from his predecessors."

Starting from the border of Aolai Kingdom in Dongsheng Shenzhou, I heard of a famous immortal mountain overseas, the Lingtai Fangcun (Spirit Platform Square Inch).

They tied their worn-out shoes together with straw rope, bound together pieces of wood to make a raft, and set sail.

"I am not familiar with the sea route, but I know the general direction."

Observe the sun during the day and the stars at night. If you happen to come across an island, go up to ask for directions and adjust your course.

The wooden rafts are rudimentary and cannot withstand strong winds and waves; when encountering storms, they seek shelter on islands and reefs.

When food was scarce, they would fish, gather seaweed and wild fruits from the island, and even grow potatoes and taro to fill their stomachs when they encountered deserted islands.

Before leaving, they would leave a few copper coins on the branches as a way of thanking heaven and earth.

His tone was flat:

"On the way, we were attacked by sea monsters, and the disciple was powerless to resist them."

Only by relying on keen observation of water flow and wind direction can one avoid these obstacles in advance, or by taking advantage of the terrain.

They also lost their way and drifted at sea for more than a month, surviving by collecting rainwater.

Having witnessed mirages at sea and encountered deadly fogs, I survived only through caution and a bit of luck.

He paused for a moment, then said, "From the time we set out until we arrived at the foot of Fangcun Mountain, it took a total of two years and seven months."

After he finished speaking, the stone platform fell silent.

Many disciples looked incredulous.

Amidst the astonishment and uncertainty, only the patriarch remained unmoved.

He looked at Li Yan and said slowly, "As you travel along the way, have you ever felt that Heaven and Earth are heartless, treating all things like straw dogs?"

Have you ever complained about the unfairness of fate, that it has caused you such suffering?

Li Yan remained silent for a moment, then said respectfully, "This disciple dares not speak of whether Heaven and Earth are benevolent or not."

What we saw along the way was indeed a ruthless storm and a ferocious sea monster.

However, after the storm, there may be clear skies, and after the treacherous shoals, there may be flat land.

I only know that if I want to find a glimmer of hope, I must do my best, observe the timing of the day, examine the location, be careful in my actions, and cherish every opportunity.

Complaining and blaming others will not help; it will only disturb your peace of mind.

"As for fate..."

He paused.

"I am already fortunate to have made it to the foot of the mountain and entered the gate. I dare not complain, I can only move forward."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in the patriarch's eyes.

He nodded slightly and said to his disciples, "Did you all hear me clearly?"

The path to immortality is long and arduous, requiring more than just talent, innate ability, or external factors.

Mental fortitude, perseverance, and even this clumsy skill of cautiously surviving in dire straits are sometimes more precious than talent.

His gaze swept over the crowd, his voice booming:

"Li Yan, with his mortal body, has traveled for over two years, during which he has faced numerous hardships, which you can imagine for yourselves."

His ability to reach the foot of the mountain is due to his steadfast heart, cautious actions, and the fact that his luck has not yet run out.

This is the cause, and also the law.

That concludes today's sermon. I hope you have all gained some understanding. Dismissed.

The bell tolled again, its lingering sound echoing in the air.

The patriarch's figure had already disappeared from the cloud bed.