Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Above the cloud platform, the clear light gradually faded.

The last wisp of rainbow color faded from the illusory image of the rainbow bridge, and the sky returned to its clear, azure blue.

The purple aura from the east, like weary birds returning to their forest, seeps into the mountains in wisps and strands.

As the setting sun cast its golden rays, the light became even brighter and clearer, splashing across the stage, making everyone appear as if they were coated with a thin layer of gold.

A mountain breeze blows gently, passing through the crevices of the cliff, brushing against the needles of the ancient pines, creating rustling sounds of the pines, and then enveloping the clear light of Taoist philosophy.

The sound of the wind took form, like a whisper, stirring up spiritual mist that swirled and flowed around the disciples.

The smoke was penetrated by the golden light, creating a hazy glow. Tiny specks of light clung to everyone's robes, lingering for a long time.

This is the remaining fragment of spiritual energy from the three days of discussion and debate on the Dao, the interaction between heaven and earth, and the manifestation of the Great Dao.

Though small, it is a rare source of nourishment for ordinary disciples.

Li Yan stood quietly at the edge of the stage, a few glimmers of light clinging to his gray robe.

With eyes slightly open, observe the flow of Qi in the heavens and earth as the performance on Yuntai ends.

The clear light barrier that had enveloped the hundred-zhang-tall cloud platform was slowly receding from top to bottom.

As it recedes, the energy dissipates layer by layer. With each layer dissipated, a ripple of spiritual energy spreads out, resonating slightly with the earth's veins of Fangcun Mountain.

After completing the "Shouzhuo Jing" (Classic of Simplicity), one gains a deeper understanding of the earth's receptive nature and the virtuous person's ability to bear all things with great virtue.

At this moment, sensing the nourishment that the earth's veins receive as the Daoist energy dissipates, one can vaguely grasp some of the principles of nature.

The earth's energy moves with the seasons and is harmonized by the Dao.

The seed embryo, feeling this sensation, solidified a little more.

[Observing the dissipation of the Daoist energy of Heaven and Earth, harmonizing the earth's veins, deepening understanding of the terrain, and condensing the Dao seed: 90%]

At this moment, in the center of the cloud platform.

Bodhi Patriarch and the young Taoist priest had already gotten up.

The two stood facing each other without saying another word.

The Taoist priest nodded slightly to the patriarch as a farewell.

The patriarch returned the greeting with a smile.

Then, the Taoist's robes fluttered, a clear light emanated from him, and his figure gradually blurred, turning into specks of starlight that drifted upwards.

It directly merged into the spiritual energy of the surrounding world.

"Respectfully bidding farewell to our senior!"

The disciples below the stage, regardless of whether they were true disciples or not, all bowed and spoke solemnly.

After everyone straightened up, only the Patriarch remained on the cloud platform.

The patriarch swept his gaze over the disciples below the stage.

"The discussion on the principles of chess has concluded, and each has obtained their own opportunity."

"Disperse, reflect upon and digest this experience, and do not waste this opportunity."

Having said that, the patriarch lightly flicked his cloak, took a step, and was already at the edge of the cloud platform.

With another step, the figure disappeared into the swirling clouds and mist, vanishing without a trace.

With the departure of the patriarch, the solemn atmosphere gradually relaxed.

The disciples all stood up, and those who knew each other began to talk in hushed tones.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Zhao!"

That Taibai refined gold is an excellent material for forging a natal flying sword; Senior Brother's swordsmanship will surely advance further!

"Senior Sister Haiqiong's Blazing Feathers are also extraordinary, perfectly complementing her cultivation technique!"

"Senior Brother Mozhu's Yi Wood Azure Spirit Technique might be able to fill the last gap in his cultivation technique..."

In the area for true disciples, congratulations and discussions were incessant.

Zhao Yuanqing held the thumb-sized piece of Taibai refined gold in his hand. Although his expression was cold, a hint of joy flashed across his brows.

He cupped his hands in greeting to those around him, saying little, but his gaze unconsciously swept over a certain spot in the audience.

Seeing Li Yan bowing his head and caressing the tortoise shell, his expression was indifferent.

A complex look flashed in Masami's eyes before he looked away.

The female cultivator Haiqiong held a crimson, jade-like feather in her hand, unable to put it down.

Hearing congratulations from his fellow disciples, he merely smiled reservedly.

She occasionally whispered a few words to the female cultivators she knew, but also glanced at Li Yan from time to time.

He just stood there quietly, completely out of place with the lively atmosphere around him.

Haiqiong pursed her red lips slightly, and for some reason, the slight disdain in her heart faded away.

Xingzhu and Mozhu were surrounded by several fellow practitioners, who discussed the mysteries of the "Yimu Qingling Jue".

He was gentle and answered all the questions, but his gaze also swept over Li Yan.

Seeing the ancient and mysterious tortoise shell in his hand, Li Yan's aura remained flat.

Mo Zhu sighed inwardly and stopped thinking about it.

The students in the middle and back rows who were either registered or cleaning were mostly exchanging their thoughts on watching the game.

Or they might look enviously at the rewards in the hands of the true disciples in the front row.

"Senior Brother Zhou, you've been observing the game for three days, and your aura has become much stronger. You're probably not far from condensing your Dao Seed, are you?"

A disciple with a registered name said to Zhou Mingdao.

Zhou Ming smiled and shook his head: "It's still far from perfect, but I have certainly gained something from watching this game."

Their gazes fell on Li Yan, and seeing that he was alone, they squeezed through the crowd and walked over.

"Senior Brother Li," Zhou Ming said, bowing.

Li Yan looked up and saw Zhou Ming. He smiled slightly and said, "Senior Brother Zhou."

"Senior brother, this time..."

Zhou Ming glanced at the tortoise shell in Li Yan's hand and said thoughtfully, "A gift from a senior must be extraordinary."

Li Yan gripped the tortoise shell slightly tighter and said:

"I am unworthy of such a generous gift from you, senior. This item may be helpful in understanding the principles of power."

Zhou Ming nodded, hesitated for a moment, and whispered:

"Regarding the invitation from the senior to go to the Tushita Palace, are you really not going to consider it? After all, it is a disciple of the Dao Ancestor."

Li Yan shook his head: "My foundation is shallow and my mind is dull. Fangcun Mountain is enough for my cultivation."

"The Tusita Heaven is beautiful, but it is not my desire."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ming stopped trying to persuade him and simply said:

"Your senior brother will make his own decision. If you have free time in the future, you are welcome to visit me more often so we can exchange our insights on cultivation."

"No problem," Li Yan said, cupping his hands in greeting.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zhou Ming took his leave and went down the mountain with several familiar disciples.

At this moment, Sun Wukong somersaulted to Li Yan's side, scratched his ear and laughed, "Senior brother!"

Look at my "Treatise on Strength and Softness," it's truly a gem! Every word is a gem, it's making my head itch with inspiration!

Li Yan smiled and said, "Junior brother, you should ponder this carefully. Only by combining strength and gentleness can one endure."

"Got it, got it!" Sun Wukong grinned, his golden eyes catching a glimpse of the tortoise shell in Li Yan's hand. He asked curiously.

"Senior brother, can I take a look at your tortoise shell? It seems a bit different from a regular tortoise shell?"

After a moment's thought, Li Yan handed over the tortoise shell bearing the Dao.

Since this item has already been given out in public, there is no need to hide it excessively.

Moreover, he sensed that the aura of this tortoise shell was deep and righteous, similar to the one in his arms, so he decided to let Sun Wukong take a look.

Sun Wukong took the tortoise shell and felt its warmth and weight, as if he were holding a small piece of the earth.

With eyes gleaming and pupils working naturally, one can observe carefully.

The tortoise shell was dark yellow with natural patterns that crisscrossed and faintly formed the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) pattern.

But upon closer inspection, it seems to involve more than just gossip.

There are even more subtle variations in those patterns, miniaturizing the trajectories of heaven, earth, mountains, rivers, stars, and constellations.

"Tsk, I don't understand."

Sun Wukong scratched his face and handed the tortoise shell back.

"But it feels like a good thing. Holding it makes me feel more at ease."

Senior brother, please keep this safe and don't let anyone steal it!

Li Yan accepted it, a slight thought stirring within him.

This item embodies the virtue of the earth, which sustains all things, and has the effect of calming the mind and strengthening one's foundation.

It is a completely different approach from the fighting spirit contained in Sun Wukong's golden cudgel.

He put the tortoise shell containing the Dao into his bosom.

"Buzz!"

Both tortoise shells trembled simultaneously.

The ripples are fleeting, like waves.

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged, but his inner thoughts were already clearly reflected.

The tortoise shell carrying the Dao resonated faintly with the broken spirit tortoise shell (which had been nurtured by incense offerings and whose spiritual essence had not yet dissipated).

Both appear to originate from the same source, being transformed from the molted shell of a primordial spirit tortoise, yet their experiences differ, resulting in distinct Daoist auras.

The thick, upright tortoise shell, carrying the Dao, reveals the principles of the Eight Trigrams' transformation, aiding in the understanding of the principles of power.

The incomplete tortoise shell, with its subtle and ancient appearance, retains a lingering spiritual energy, slightly amplifying any connection to good or bad fortune.

If the two can be combined, they may complement each other, restoring some of the complete spirituality and potentially enhancing divination abilities.

[Resonance Guidance: Fragments are scattered, and energies are interacting. Another similar energy source once appeared deep within the Shattered Star Valley.]

Li Yan was startled.

Meteorite marrow is formed from fragments of extraterrestrial stars nourished by the earth's veins, containing stellar power and the spiritual essence of the void.

The molting shell of the innate spirit tortoise is also a spiritual creature born and nurtured by the earth, and it has its own sensitivity to the energy of the earth's veins and the power of the stars.

It is reasonable that scattered fragments, nourished by different environments, evolve different characteristics.

However, the Shattered Star Gorge is such a dangerous place...

Li Yan lowered his eyelids, his mind racing with thoughts.

Gou Daofei is not someone who fears danger and does not act.

Instead, they plan carefully before acting, avoiding situations where they are in danger.

This resonance of the tortoise shell points to another clue, which is a fortuitous encounter.

However, opportunities often come with risks.

Deep within Shattered Star Gorge, the Ghost-Faced Owl dwells amidst a shroud of dark mist, its terrain complex and fraught with unknown dangers.

Although his nine orifices are now open and his Dao seed is about to condense, his strength is considered above average among those who are registered as cultivators.

However, when faced with such dangerous places, they were still powerless against hordes of ferocious monsters.

Furthermore, in the image of the gray sable, there were at least five or six ghost-faced owls lurking around the crack.

These demonic creatures, individually, possess strength roughly equivalent to cultivators in the late stage of the Awakening Realm or even the initial stage of the Dao Seed Formation.

Furthermore, he possesses the venomous claws of Yin-corrosion, making him fierce, cunning, and adept at encirclement attacks.

Going alone is like a lamb entering a tiger's den.

"We need to consider this carefully," Li Yan decided in his heart.

The most important thing right now is to gather the seeds of the Dao.

Once the Dao Seed is formed, one's strength will surely leap forward, and one will be able to initially manifest one's innate divine abilities, greatly increasing one's means of survival.

Only then will we have a better chance of success in planning the Shattered Star Gorge project.

Having made up his mind, Li Yan stopped thinking about it and focused his attention back on the present moment.

By this time, most of the disciples on the cloud platform had dispersed.

The true disciples rode their swords and soared through the clouds, transforming into streaks of light that shot towards the various peaks and caves.

The disciples who had registered and those who had been cleaning also went down the mountain in twos and threes, and the chatter gradually faded away.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the Yuntai platform in a vibrant orange-red hue.

The mountain breeze grew cooler, swirling up a few fallen leaves that landed at Li Yan's feet.

Seeing that Li Yan remained silent for a long time, Sun Wukong waved his hairy paw in front of his eyes:

"Senior brother? What are you thinking about? Are you pondering the use of that tortoise shell?"

Li Yan snapped out of his reverie and smiled, "I have indeed gained some insights. Junior brother, it's getting late, let's head back together."

"Alright!" Sun Wukong somersaulted into the air, then landed.

"Senior brother, I'm going back to my cave to study the 'Treatise on Hardness and Softness'! Call me anytime if you need anything!"

After speaking, a golden shadow flashed, and in a few leaps, it disappeared into the mountains and forests.

Li Yan watched it leave before turning around and slowly descending the mountain along the stone steps.

With ears slightly open, eyes observing, and mind reflecting, one can verify what one has seen and heard along the way with one's thoughts.

The winding mountain path is a natural feature, and the rhythm of one's steps is a matter of principle.

The alternation of light and shadow in the forest is a natural phenomenon, and birds returning to the forest is a logical occurrence.

As dusk settles, so too does the situation unfold; with a well-thought-out plan in mind, so too does the situation become clear

As I walked along, my understanding of how circumstances change and how reasons arise in my heart deepened.

By the time we returned to the herb garden courtyard, it was already dusk.

The crescent moon, like a hook, hangs obliquely in the eastern sky, casting a cool, clear light.

A thin mist rose in the mountains, wisps of it swirling around the fence of the medicinal herb garden and the branches of the old plum tree.

Li Yan pushed open the courtyard gate and closed it behind him.

He stood in the courtyard, eyes closed, lost in thought.

His mind sank into the Niwan Palace (the area around the temple of the head).

The seed embryo has swelled to the size of a pigeon egg and is perfectly round.

The surface is covered with dense patterns, and the light flows through it, as if it wants to shine through.

It only needs a little bit of luck to completely solidify and break through the shell to sprout.

The mirror of the heart reflects.

[Progress of Dao Seed Formation: 95%]

[Guiding Sun Wukong to understand the principle that "the dragon that soars too high will regret it," granting him +30 to his Affinity Qi.]

[Though defeated in a chess match against a young Taoist, I gained enlightenment about my own path and was bestowed with a tortoise shell bearing the Tao, increasing my affinity with the Dharma by 50].

[Current Affinity/Dharma Aura: 250/80 (Full, optional)]

[A - Consumes 80 strands to condense a Dao Seed (quality uncertain)]

[B - Consume 50 strands to deduce the auspicious or inauspicious omens related to Shattered Star Gorge within the next three months]

[C - Consuming approximately 70 strands to seek a specific opportunity]

(You can specify the direction, such as: protective magic weapon, elixir recipe, fragment of cultivation technique, etc.)

[Ding - Do not consume for now, continue to accumulate]

Li Yan's mind stirred slightly, and he chose option C, silently reciting the direction.

"The methods of self-protection include the ability to conceal oneself and techniques to evade danger, which must be related to the Yin-Eroding Star Power of the Shattered Star Valley."

Furthermore, it can help me condense the seed of Dao and lay the foundation for the Dao tree.

On the mirror of the heart, the value of the Qi of Fate began to fluctuate.

[Deduction is underway, consuming the energy of destiny...]

[The deduction involves areas shrouded in celestial obscuration, requiring additional resources...]

Total consumed: 75 strands

[Current Affinity/Dharma Aura: 175/160]

In that instant when the numbers froze, a scripture appeared in the mirror of my heart.

The text is written in ancient seal script, the characters are hazy, as if covered by a layer of starlight and mist.

The title is five characters: "The Technique of Hidden Dragons in the Star Aperture".

Li Yan observed it intently.

The mirror of the heart reflects the annotations.

【The Star Aperture Hidden Dragon Technique (Fragment)】

[Ancient Star Sect Secret Transmission, specializing in cultivating the hidden acupoints of the human body to correspond with the stars in the celestial sphere.]

This method requires cultivation in a specific place where star power converges and earth vein yin energy intertwines, drawing star power into the body, opening hidden apertures, and nourishing the star soul.

Upon reaching the highest level of mastery, one can open 365 star apertures within the body, corresponding to the celestial stars of the universe.

With each new opening, one can borrow a trace of the primordial power of the stars, and supernatural abilities will naturally arise.

This volume contains the general outline and the cultivation methods for the first thirty-seven acupoints.

The thirty-seven apertures correspond to the nine stars of the Big Dipper and the foundation of the twenty-eight constellations.

If successfully refined, it can initially condense the Star Earth Dao Seed, possessing both the spirit of stars and the richness of the earth.

When the Dao Tree blossoms, it can form a star-patterned primordial spirit, its supernatural powers concealing the changes of the celestial sphere.

[Prerequisite for cultivation: It must be carried out at the Star Aperture Earth Eye.]

The so-called "star aperture and earth eye" are places where the residual energy of extraterrestrial stars and the yin energy of the earth's veins naturally converge.

It can harmonize the violent power of stars with the chilling coldness of yin energy.

Such earth eyes exist deep within the Shattered Star Valley.

[Note: This method is similar to the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter", both emphasizing dormancy and patience, and accumulating strength for a later burst of power.]

However, the "Star Aperture Hidden Dragon Technique" places greater emphasis on utilizing the external stellar energy and terrestrial energy, where risks and opportunities coexist.

Li Yan slowly opened his eyes, a hint of understanding flashing in them.

Therefore, the trip to Shattered Star Gorge is inevitable.

However, how to do it, when to do it, and with whom to do it all require careful planning.

The way of Gou Dao is not to avoid competition, but to avoid situations where there is no certainty of victory.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then turned and returned to the quiet room.

First, take out a blank talisman paper, mix cinnabar with the spirit-clearing liquid, and with swift strokes, draw a [calming talisman].

This talisman is perfectly complemented by the "Wind and Thunder Explanation," and its brushstrokes subtly convey the lingering charm of wind and thunder. It can calm the mind and ward off external evils.

The talisman was placed on the forehead, and the person closed their eyes to regulate their breathing.

Once his mind was completely calm, Li Yan began to deduce the journey to Shattered Star Gorge.

First, there's the timing.

We need to wait for the sable's injuries to heal.

This sable is very intelligent and familiar with part of the terrain of Shattered Star Gorge. With it leading the way, we can save a lot of time and effort in figuring things out.

Secondly, thorough preparation is necessary.

Methods of self-protection, the ability to conceal oneself, and techniques for avoiding danger are all indispensable.

Although the "Star Aperture Hidden Dragon Technique" is wonderful, it requires cultivation at the Star Aperture Earth Eye and carries considerable risks.

We need to find a reliable method of protection first.

Li Yan recalled the [Earth Virtue Protection Mantra] that he had comprehended after completing the "Guardian of Simplicity Sutra".

He communicates with the earth through his own earth element divine will, drawing earth energy to form a protective shield that is thick, stable, and adept at warding off evil spirits.

However, while this spell offers strong defense, it lacks flexibility and is only moderately effective against attacks from stellar energy.

It needs to be improved.

He took out a jade slip and inscribed it with his divine sense.

The principles of earth virtue in the *Shouzhuo Jing* and the concept of thunder magic to dispel evil in the *Fenglei Xiaojie* are combined.

In addition, I integrated and deduced my understanding of the flow of power when I was observing the game of chess.

Within the mirror of the mind, countless runes combine, interact, and circulate rapidly.

Based on the virtue of Earth, the Qi of the Earth's veins is drawn to form a powerful force.

The surface of the protective barrier subtly aligns with the flow of the Eight Trigrams, moving with the tides. When encountering yin evil, it is suppressed by thick earth; when encountering stellar power, the thunderous patterns dissipate.

However, this method is quite taxing on the mind and spirit, requiring the ability to maintain the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) calculations in response to all changes.

Upon reaching this point in the deduction, Li Yan frowned slightly.

He is not good at multitasking.

Furthermore, maintaining the Bagua deduction is extremely mentally taxing, and it may be difficult to continue in the long run.

We need to find another way.

His gaze fell on the tortoise shell carrying the Dao in his arms.

This armor contains the essence of the Eight Trigrams, and if its patterns can be activated, it can replace some of the ability to deduce.

With just a little guidance from one's own divine will, the protective aura can automatically adapt to changes in the external environment.

In this way, a lot of mental energy can be saved, and the protective effect can be enhanced.

"That's feasible." Li Yan nodded slightly.

Next is the ability to conceal oneself.

Shattered Star Gorge was shrouded in dark mist, and the Ghost-Faced Owl possessed keen senses, especially regarding the life force of living beings.

Ordinary concealment techniques cannot escape its perception.

We need to start with the interaction of the five elements.

The Ghost-Faced Owl is of the Yin element, and it enjoys eating the brain marrow of the Spirit Sable. It is most sensitive to the vitality of the Wood element and the sharpness of the Metal element.

Earth is heavy and solid, water is long and continuous, and fire is violent and intense; none of these are to his liking.

If one can conceal one's own aura with the elements of earth and water, and imitate the damp and shady appearance of mountains and rocks, one may be able to deceive its perception.

Li Yan recalled a supernatural power in the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" called "Hidden Dragon's Breath Concealment".

This ability allows one to restrain one's own vital energy and spirit, much like a hibernating snake, with vitality contained within and a deathly stillness on the outside.

However, supernatural powers tend to be more internalized, and their simulation of the external environment is still insufficient.

One must combine the changes of the five elements to integrate one's own aura with the surrounding environment.

He took out a blank array plate and used spirit stone powder to outline the array patterns.

The array patterns are primarily based on the elements of earth and water, with a subtle hint of wood element vitality acting as a catalyst.

The five elements cycle endlessly, creating a simulated environment.

When you are inside the array, your own aura will be covered by the environmental aura simulated by the array patterns.

"This formation can be named the Five Elements Simulation Formation." Li Yan inscribed the last formation pattern.

The array plate flashed with a faint light, which then disappeared.

Thus, the methods of self-protection and concealment were initially completed.

However, more preparations are needed to avoid danger.

The terrain of Shattered Star Gorge is complex and shrouded in mist, making it easy to lose one's way.

Furthermore, the Ghost-Faced Owls come in packs and are adept at encirclement attacks, so early warning and escape methods are necessary.

Regarding early warning, Li Yan thought of the grey sable.

Spirit beasts are keenly aware of danger and can serve as early warning outposts.

However, the sable is still injured and has limited strength, so it may not be able to protect itself against a swarm of ghost-faced owls.

It needs some protective items.

Li Yan took out a small pinch of powder from [Lightning-Struck Wood]. This wood contained a trace of the residual energy of heavenly lightning, which had a restraining effect on evil spirits.

Then, it was mixed with the Cleansing Elixir and drawn into three [Minor Thunder Amulets], which could be affixed to the gray sable.

When evil spirits approach, the talisman will automatically activate and release a small amount of thunder. Although it cannot kill the enemy, it can deter and force them to retreat.

As for how to escape...

Li Yan pondered.

The gloomy mist of Shattered Star Gorge has the effect of isolating divine sense, making ordinary escape techniques easily interfered with.

Moreover, the bottom of the ravine is full of jagged rocks and the terrain is complicated, making it difficult to use earth escape or water escape techniques.

We need to find another way.

Take out an Earth-Traveling Talisman. This talisman allows for short-range earth-遁 (earth-traveling technique), but it is greatly limited by terrain.

He then took out a [Wind Wing Talisman], which allows one to glide on the wind, but the wind in Shattered Star Gorge is fierce and it may not last long.

Finally, he thought of Sun Wukong.

This monkey is agile, has eyes that can see through illusions and reveal the truth, and has an intuition for danger.

With it by your side, security will be greatly enhanced.

However, Sun Wukong is impulsive and loves to make trouble and fight, so taking him along could easily lead to unforeseen circumstances.

Moreover, the Shattered Star Gorge is dangerous, and I would be uneasy if he were to be injured.

"We need to establish three rules with him," Li Yan decided.

Upon hearing this, the sable's eyes lit up, and it nodded repeatedly.

After calming the gray sable, Li Yan took out a communication talisman, infused it with his divine sense, and then activated it.

The talisman transformed into a streak of light and flew towards Sun Wukong's cave.

Before long, a golden figure scaled the wall and entered.

"Senior brother! What do you want?" Sun Wukong asked with a smile, scratching his ear.

Li Yan gestured for it to sit down and said, "There's something I need to discuss with my junior brother."

"Just tell me, senior brother!" Sun Wukong patted his chest.

Li Yan briefly recounted the events at Shattered Star Gorge.

It is said that the grey sable encountered danger while trying to obtain the marrow from a meteorite, and there may be similar spiritual creatures in the ravine.

It might be helpful for spiritual practice, and I wish to go and explore it.

"Shattered Star Gorge? I know that place well!"

Sun Wukong's golden eyes gleamed, "That's where I saved this little guy last time!"

I haven't settled accounts with those two hairy beasts yet! Senior brother, if you're going, I'll go with you!

Li Yan shook his head: "The ravine is dangerous, with hordes of ghost-faced owls, and there are even more unknown variables."

Although you have formed a Dao tree, two fists cannot defeat four hands.

Furthermore, you have a restless and impulsive nature, and I fear things might change.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong hurriedly said, "Don't worry, senior brother! I promise to obey your orders and I won't do anything reckless!"

Besides, I have the keen eyes to see through the fog, and my stick can flatten those hairy beasts. I'll definitely protect my senior brother!

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "If you go with me, you must do three things for me."

"Please speak, senior brother!"

"First, do not leave the team without permission, and do not act rashly."

"no problem!"

"Secondly, when encountering an enemy, the main strategy should be to maneuver and drive them away, avoiding unnecessary casualties to prevent creating deadly enmity and inviting retaliation."

Sun Wukong scratched his face: "This is fine, I'll try my best."

"Thirdly, if an insurmountable danger arises, immediate evacuation is necessary; do not linger in battle."

"Got it! If you can't beat them, just run away!" Sun Wukong grinned.

Li Yan nodded: "In that case, we will set off in three days, once the sable has recovered from its injuries."

"Alright!" Sun Wukong excitedly did a somersault.

"I'll go back and prepare right away! By the way, senior brother, should we call senior brother Zhao and the others?"

Many hands make light work!

Li Yan shook his head: "No need. Too many people will make us a bigger target and easily alert Ghost-Faced Owl."

Furthermore, the purpose of this mission is reconnaissance, not annihilation. The two of us and one sable are enough.

Sun Wukong thought about it and agreed, so he said no more and took his leave.

After seeing Sun Wukong off, Li Yan returned to his quiet room to continue refining his preparations.

Three days later.

The morning light was faint, and the mountain mist had not yet dissipated.

Li Yan changed into a gray-brown outfit, with a cloak over it, the inside of which was embroidered with the [Five Elements Simulation Array] pattern.

He had a wooden sword hanging from his waist and carried a small package on his back containing talismans, array plates, pills, and other items.

The sable had recovered from its injuries and was perched on his shoulder, its silvery-gray fur gleaming faintly.

Sun Wukong arrived as promised.

This monkey has changed its attire today.

Dressed in a dark blue short-sleeved shirt, holding a golden staff, with piercing golden eyes, he was full of energy.

"Senior brother, I'm ready!" Sun Wukong said, slightly excited.

Li Yan nodded, took out a [Swiftness Talisman] and stuck it on his leg, then stuck one on Sun Wukong and the gray sable.

"This mission is primarily for reconnaissance; we should avoid combat as much as possible."

"Got it!"

The three of them left the courtyard, bypassed the main road, and headed deeper into the back mountain.

With the blessing of the Swiftness Talisman, his speed was extremely fast.

In less than half an hour, they had already penetrated deep into the back mountain.

The surrounding trees grew denser, and the light dimmed.

In the distance came the mournful, shrill cawing of crows.

"We're about to enter the Shattered Star Gorge," Sun Wukong whispered, his golden eyes scanning the surroundings.

Li Yan slightly opened his eyes to observe the terrain.

Ahead lay a bottomless chasm, filled with billowing mist and jagged, strange rocks.

On both sides of the rift valley, the cliffs are steep, ancient trees are gnarled and twisted, and vines hang down.

The sound of a babbling brook echoed from the bottom of the valley, carrying a chilling atmosphere.

Below the eye aperture, wisps of grayish-white yin energy mixed with pale blue starlight could be seen flowing slowly through the valley.

Li Yan stepped into the mist first.

The Five Elements Simulation Array is activated.

The array patterns on the cloak glowed slightly, and Li Yan's aura changed rapidly.

Earth is heavy and substantial, water is long and continuous, and wood is full of vitality but restrained.

He was like a moss-covered rock, blending into his surroundings.

Sun Wukong followed suit, circulating his Hidden Dragon Breath and concealing the golden light of his own blood and energy.

Sables are inherently associated with yin, and their silvery-gray fur makes them even more elusive in the mist.

The three of them silently followed the path along the cliff face, descending deeper into the valley.

The further down you go, the thicker the fog becomes, and visibility drops to less than ten feet.

Besides the sound of the stream, all I could hear was the howling wind, like the wailing of ghosts and wolves.

The gray sable suddenly let out a soft whistle, raised its front paw, and pointed to the left front.

Li Yanshun pointed and looked in that direction. His eyes pierced through the dark mist, and he saw, thirty feet away, a protruding rock.

Two large, grayish-brown owls were crouching there.

This owl is as large as an eagle, with a beak like an iron hook, and strange patterns on its face that seem to be both crying and laughing.

Several iron-beaked, ghost-faced owls closed their eyes and pretended to sleep, their bodies shrouded in a faint black aura.

"Go around it," Li Yan transmitted telepathically.

The three held their breath and, using the shadows of the rocks, slowly circled around.

The masked owl remained oblivious, crouching motionless.

Continuing downhill for another hundred feet, we reached the bottom of the ravine.

The bottom of the ravine is filled with jagged rocks, through which the stream flows, its water dark and cold.

The gray sable leaped off Li Yan's shoulder and led the way.

It knew the way well, weaving through the rocks, sometimes stopping to sniff and find its way.

Li Yan followed closely behind, his eyes wide open and his mind focused, taking in the surrounding terrain and the flow of energy.

Sun Wukong was responsible for covering the rear, ready to strike at any time.

After walking for about a mile, a rocky beach appeared ahead.

In the center of the rocky beach, there is a crack, no more than three feet wide and bottomless.

Along the edge of the crack, some dark gravel was scattered, with silver spots shimmering on its surface.

Deep within the crack, faint blue starlight peeked out, intertwining with the grayish-white yin energy.

"This is it," the gray sable whispered, a hint of fear flashing in its eyes.

Li Yan observed the area around the crack with his eyes.

The mirror of the heart reveals a natural stone chamber three zhang below the crack.

The stone chamber was not large, about ten feet in diameter.

Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and the floor was covered with a layer of fine sand.

The sand contained many fragments of meteorite marrow.

In the center of the stone chamber, there is a huge, dark rock the size of a millstone.

The surface of the boulder is covered with dense silver spots, resembling a starry sky.

The stellar energy and the earth's yin energy converge here, forming a small stellar aperture and earth eye.

"Star Aperture Earth Eye..." Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

Just as I was about to take a closer look, the gray sable's fur stood on end, and it emitted a rapid, low growl.