Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Sun Wukong slowly finished his practice.

The three illusory flowers above the head gradually dissipated, returning to three wisps of pure energy that entered the space between the eyebrows, the heart, and the dantian.

The powerful aura emanating from his body gradually subsided, returning to a state of calm and stillness.

He opened his eyes.

A flash of golden light appeared in his eyes and then disappeared, before returning to its deep gaze.

"The Three Flowers Gather at the Top, the Golden Core Begins to Condense... This opportunity in the Water Mansion is truly extraordinary."

Sun Wukong grinned and scratched his cheek.

Looking around, the water palace is ancient and the stone coffin is silent.

However, at this moment, the water mansion seemed to be in harmony with the Dao everywhere.

The cloud and thunder patterns on the surface of the stone coffin correspond to the changes of thunder and fire in heaven and earth.

The scattered, rusted swords and blades concealed a chilling, murderous intent.

The incomplete jade slip still retains the true meaning of ancient Taoist practices.

The dimly lit magical artifact contains the wonders of the Five Elements.

"No wonder the patriarch sent me here to go into seclusion."

This water palace is probably the final resting place of some ancient great cultivator.

With a slight thought, Sun Wukong got up and walked towards the stone coffin.

Touching the coffin lid, it felt icy cold to the touch, with a subtle Taoist aura flowing through it.

"Since you have passed away, my fellow Daoist, you have left this legacy to those who are destined to receive it. I am deeply grateful."

He bowed deeply, his attitude solemn.

After the ceremony, they were about to investigate what was inside the coffin.

Suddenly, the stone coffin trembled slightly.

On the surface of the coffin lid, the cloud and thunder patterns lit up, transforming into a curtain of light.

A picture appears on the screen of light.

In the picture.

A Taoist priest in a green robe sat cross-legged on a cloud platform, with the five elements circulating around his body and three flowers blooming on his head.

The Taoist's face was indistinct, but his eyes were clear as spring water, containing the ultimate truths of heaven and earth.

The sound traveled across time and space:

"Those who come later, having entered my household, are destined to be here."

My name is Qingyunzi. I was born in ancient times and cultivate in the Dharma-ending Age.

After enduring three thousand kalpas, one finally achieves the gathering of the three flowers at the top of the head and the convergence of the five elements.

However, the ways of Heaven are unpredictable, and a great calamity is imminent. I know I cannot escape it, so I leave this legacy for those who are destined to receive it.

You may take anything in the mansion.

Inside the stone coffin, I kept my life's cultivation insights and a [Turtle-Snake Golden Elixir].

The Golden Elixir is formed from my own Three Flowers and Five Elements, containing all my life's cultivation.

Taking it can save one from a thousand years of arduous cultivation and allow one to directly enter the Three Flowers Realm.

However, this elixir also has its causes and effects.

Those who inherit my legacy must carry on my aspirations.

When the great calamity strikes again, we must help the beings of this world find a glimmer of hope.

"Would you be willing?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the light screen froze, as if waiting for a reply.

Sun Wukong scratched his head, his golden eyes darting around.

"Carry on the legacy? Help living beings?"

"I, Old Sun, came here to cultivate myself. If I am fortunate enough to have this opportunity, it is only right that I do good deeds and accumulate merit in the future."

He grinned and cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist. Now that I have received your inheritance, I will naturally carry on your legacy. When the great calamity comes, I will do my utmost to help you."

The light curtain dissipated.

The stone coffin lid slowly slid open a crack.

Golden light shone through the crevice, and the fragrance of cinnabar filled the air.

A golden pill the size of a longan slowly floated out.

The color of the cinnabar is light gold, and the surface is decorated with a tortoise and snake coiled together, with the sun and moon shining together.

It was the culmination of Qingyunzi's lifelong cultivation, the tortoise-snake golden elixir.

Meanwhile, inside the stone coffin, there was also a jade slip, an ancient book, and a token.

The jade slip records Qingyunzi's lifelong cultivation insights.

The ancient book is the "Qingyun Danjing", which records the ancient methods of alchemy.

The token is neither gold nor jade. The front is engraved with the two characters "Qingyun" (青云), and the back is engraved with a landscape pattern, with subtle spatial fluctuations.

Sun Wukong first took the tortoise-snake elixir into his palm.

The golden elixir felt warm to the touch, and its Daoist essence flowed through it.

He did not take it immediately.

This pill contains the life's cultivation of a master cultivator at the Three Flowers Realm, and its medicinal power is immense. It needs to be refined slowly at the right time.

If ingested rashly, there is a risk of the body exploding.

He carefully put a jade bottle into his bosom and then sealed it with his magic.

Then he looked at the other three items.

He placed the jade slip against his forehead and probed it with his divine sense.

Suddenly, a vast amount of information flooded into my mind.

Qingyunzi's lifelong cultivation experience.

From enlightenment to the seed of the Dao, from the Dao tree to the primordial spirit, from the three flowers to the five elements, and even higher realms, all are recorded here.

Despite the large amount of information, it is well-organized and presented in a clear and concise manner.

Sun Wukong was overjoyed to have found such a treasure and pondered it carefully.

Half an hour later, he withdrew his divine sense, his eyes gleaming.

"So after the Three Flowers Realm, there is also the Five Qi Gathering at the Origin."

Nine-fold Golden Elixir, Nascent Soul Transformation, Tribulation Transcending to Immortality—the path of cultivation is truly long.

He then opened the "Qingyun Danjing" (Classic of Elixir of Azure Clouds).

The ancient book was made from the hide of a certain animal, and although it has been through the ages, it remains intact.

The inner pages record hundreds of ancient elixir formulas.

From the Qingyun Bone-Forging Pill for tempering the body and refining qi, to the Turtle-Snake Spirit-Nourishing Pill for nourishing the soul.

Then there are breakthrough pills like the "Three Flowers Gathering at the Top Pill" and the "Five Qi Converging at the Origin Pill"... everything you could want.

It also records various alchemy techniques, fire control secrets, and identification of spiritual herbs.

It can be described as an ancient encyclopedia of alchemy.

"This is excellent! It will be useful for my future alchemy and cultivation."

Sun Wukong grinned and put away the alchemical scripture.

Finally, he picked up the token.

The token felt slightly heavy and cool to the touch.

Upon probing with his divine sense, he immediately sensed an independent space.

The space was small, only about three zhang square, but it was rich in spiritual energy and contained Daoist charm.

"Storage token? That's convenient."

With a slight thought, Sun Wukong stored the tortoise-snake elixir, the jade slip, and the alchemical text into his token space.

He then collected all the rusted swords, broken jade slips, and faded magical artifacts scattered within the water palace.

Although these items are damaged, they are all ancient artifacts, which may be used to refine materials or to comprehend the Daoist principles.

Mosquitoes are meat no matter how small they are.

After doing all this, Sun Wukong looked around the underwater palace.

The stone coffin is empty, but the legacy has been passed down.

This place is nice, but it's not a place to stay for long.

"It's time to go out. I wonder how your cultivation has progressed in the past six months, Senior Brother?"

He grinned, transformed into a golden ray of light, pierced through the restrictions, and disappeared into the dark pool.

The pool water surged, and golden light burst forth from the water, shooting straight into the sky.

There were signs of activity throughout Fangcun Mountain.

Everyone looked up.

A golden rainbow rose from the deep pool, pierced the sky, and fell towards the main peak.

Within the golden rainbow, although the oppressive aura had been largely subdued, the aura of a Three Flowers Realm cultivator could not escape the notice of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Junior Brother Sun has emerged from seclusion..."

Senior Brother Zhenpu stood by the window of the artifact pavilion, watching the golden rainbow disappear into the distance, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"The Three Flowers Realm... Fangcun Mountain has gained another great cultivator."

He muttered to himself and turned back to the weapon-refining room.

This time, however, his hand seals were more steady, and the fire burned even more fiercely.

At Crimson Cloud Peak, Haiqiong stood by the window of the alchemy room, gazing at the golden rainbow, her silver teeth slightly clenched.

"That monkey... well, I'll just avoid arguing with him in the future."

With a flick of her sleeve, she closed the window and continued refining elixirs.

However, a hint of resentment crept into the hearth fire.

On the back mountain, Zhou Ming sheathed his sword and stood gazing at Jin Hong, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

"Since Senior Brother Sun has already reached the Three Flowers Realm, I cannot slack off even more."

The path of cultivation is long and arduous, but with steady and diligent effort, one will eventually reach the summit.

He took a deep breath and continued practicing his swordsmanship.

The swordplay remained steady, but with an added edge.

A small courtyard with a medicinal herb garden.

Li Yan stood under the old plum tree, watching the golden rainbow fall into the direction of the Three Star Cave.

A grey sable whimpered softly on its shoulder, its amber eyes gazing at the sky with a hint of curiosity.

"Junior brother has emerged from seclusion and made great progress in his cultivation. We should go and congratulate him."

Li Yan chuckled and patted the gray sable's head.

"However, you should prepare some gifts before you go."

He turned and went back to the quiet room.

Take out three pieces of tortoise shell and place them in front of you.

The tortoise shell, bearing the Dao, is used to deduce the Eight Trigrams; the incomplete tortoise shell provides spiritual guidance; and fragments of earthly evil water veins harmonize Yin and Yang.

The top three agreed and began to deduce the outcome.

When Sun Wukong first entered the Three Flowers Realm, his foundation was not yet stable, and he needed to harmonize the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit.

Gifts available:

First, three bottles of Star Earth Tempering Pills, used to temper the physical body with star power and earth virtue, and stabilize the essence flower.

Second, burn three sticks of Tortoise and Snake Incense to nourish the spirit and soul with the Taoist charm of Tortoise and Snake, and stabilize the flower of the spirit.

Third, three Five Elements Qi-Nourishing Talismans are used to nourish the true essence through the circulation of the Five Elements and stabilize the Qi Flower.

The combination of these three rites, in accordance with the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Man, can help one stabilize their spiritual realm and solidify their foundation.

Within the mirror of the mind, the deduction results emerge.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

"And so we prepared."

He took out the alchemy furnace, spiritual herbs, talismans, incense, and other items, and began the refining process.

The room was filled with the fragrance of medicine.

Li Yan sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, while crimson clouds swirled around the alchemy furnace before him.

The furnace fire was activated by the Li Fire Method from "Feng Lei Xiao Jie", yet it was infused with the profound and enduring true essence of the stars and earth.

The fire was gentle and persistent.

To refine the Star Earth Tempering Pill, you need three drops of Star Dew, seven qian of Earth Essence Seeds and Dust Grass, and a pot of Earth Vein Spirit Spring.

He carefully placed the ingredients into the furnace one by one, his movements steady and without haste.

The Dao seed has advanced to the Innate Realm, the Primordial Spirit has begun to take shape, and the control over True Essence has reached a subtle level.

The pills inside the furnace were being refined in three separate places simultaneously, yet the mind remained as clear and focused as a mirror reflecting the moon.

This is the wonder of the primordial spirit: the divine thoughts differentiate and run in parallel without contradiction.

Three days later, the elixir was completed.

The furnace lid was opened, and nine pills the size of longan flew out, each in one of three colors.

Three pieces of pale gold, imbued with the sharp energy of stars.

Three earthen-yellow pieces, radiating the earth's profound virtue.

The three pieces, one gray and one white, possess the qualities of both, yet subtly exhibit a harmonious balance.

Li Yan divided the elixir into three jade bottles and sealed them with talismans.

He then took out a piece of spirit wood that was coiled together like a tortoise and a snake.

This wood was found by a gray sable in an ancient cave in the back mountain. It has been nurtured by the yin energy of the earth and the power of the stars for a hundred years and has already shown signs of spirituality.

He used his true essence as a knife to carve three sticks of incense.

The incense stick is as thin as a bamboo chopstick, and its surface naturally displays tortoise and snake patterns, subtly conveying the image of yin and yang in motion.

This is a tortoise and snake incense for nourishing the spirit. No additional fragrances are needed; simply lighting it will nourish the spirit and balance yin and yang.

Finally, take out three blank talisman papers.

This paper is made from a mixture of Solomon's seal and star sand, resulting in a tough texture and a subtle, luminous sheen.

Li Yan closed his eyes and concentrated, and his illusory primordial spirit formed a hand seal.

With his hands outlining in the air, streams of five-colored energy flowed from his fingertips.

Green, red, yellow, white, and black correspond to the five elements in their rotation.

The five elements, like silk threads, intertwine to form a symbol.

The first talisman is predominantly blue and red, circulating endlessly, embodying the principle of continuous life.

The second talisman is predominantly red and yellow, representing the five elements in mutual generation, and subtly conveys the wonder of the cosmic cycle.

The third talisman is interwoven with yellow, white, and black colors, representing the harmony of the five elements, and is perfectly integrated.

The three Five Elements Qi-gathering talismans were formed, their radiance restrained, with five colors subtly appearing on their surface, yet without the slightest ostentation.

"These three rituals can help my junior brother stabilize his Three Flowers."

Li Yan put the elixirs, incense, and talismans into a sandalwood box.

The box surface is decorated with a simple Three Powers Array pattern drawn with star sand, which has the effect of sealing away spiritual energy.

The grey sable on my shoulder whimpered softly, as if urging me on.

"Don't rush, we'll go right away."

Li Yan changed into the gray-brown Taoist robe embroidered with the Five Elements Simulation Array pattern, and then carefully put the three tortoise shell pieces close to his body.

Now that the innate Dao seed has been established and the primordial spirit is beginning to take shape, the resonance with the tortoise shell is even deeper, and it can be activated at will without the need for deliberate formation.

I picked up the wooden box and walked out of the courtyard.

The Lesser Five Elements Life-Generating Array operated on its own, the courtyard gate closed, and all restrictions were lifted.

Fangcun Mountain main peak, outside Sanxing Cave.

It was the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the sun was just rising, and purple clouds were gathering from the east.

The mountain mist lingered, the pines rustled in the breeze, and birds sang – a scene of ethereal beauty.

Li Yan walked to the stone steps in front of the cave, intending to make an announcement.

The cave entrance opened by itself, and a familiar voice came from inside:

"Senior Brother Li! Come in quickly! I was just looking for you!"

With a flash of golden light, Sun Wukong was already in front of him.

Li Yan looked up and was slightly shocked.

At this moment, Sun Wukong's physical form remained the same, but his temperament was completely different.

The golden lines between his brows transformed into nine intertwined runes, faintly emitting the sounds of dragons roaring and phoenixes singing.

The bony protrusions on both sides of the forehead resemble the nascent horns of a dragon or the initial appearance of a phoenix crown.

His eyes, though still golden, now held a deeper depth, hinting at the brilliance of the sun and moon shining together.

The most mysterious aspect is the aura emanating from its body.

When an ordinary cultivator breaks through a realm, their aura radiates outwards, creating an oppressive and imposing presence.

However, Sun Wukong was surrounded by three wisps of pure energy, a blend of red, gold, and black, yet his aura was extremely restrained.

If Li Yan had not achieved the Innate Dao Seed and possessed a keen primordial spirit, it would have been almost impossible to detect.

This is the image of returning to simplicity and authenticity when the three flowers gather at the top.

When the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit are united, they can be controlled autonomously without any leakage.

However, once triggered, it will cause mountains to collapse and the earth to crack, and the sun and moon to lose their light.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother, you have achieved the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and the Golden Core Initially Formed. The path to immortality is within reach."

Li Yan cupped his hands in a gesture of sincere congratulations.

"Hehe, you're too kind, senior!"

Sun Wukong scratched his ear and chuckled, his golden eyes lighting up as his gaze fell on Li Yan.

"Senior brother, you've broken through too! This aura... an innate Dao seed? The nascent soul? Amazing, amazing!"

He circled around Li Yan, marveling at the sight:

"I've been in seclusion for half a year, and my senior brother has already reached such a level. However..."

Sun Wukong stopped and said seriously:

"Within your Dao Seed, Senior Brother, the fusion of stars and earth has reached perfection, the celestial star map is beginning to appear, and the earth's veins are subtly aligned."

They had already glimpsed a trace of the innate, indestructible spiritual light.

Although the flower of the primordial spirit has bloomed and has all nine petals, it has not yet fully solidified and needs time to be nurtured.

Li Yan nodded: "Junior brother has discerning eyes."

"I have come here for two reasons: first, to offer my congratulations; and second, to discuss the Dao with my junior brother and seek his guidance on the mysteries of the Three Flowers Realm."

"Of course, of course! That's exactly what I was thinking too!"

Sun Wukong grinned and pulled Li Yan into the cave.

"Come on, let's go to my quiet room and have a proper talk!"

After passing through the front hall and around the corridor, we arrived at a secluded stone chamber.

The room was simple, with only a stone bed, a stone table, and a few cushions.

However, the stone wall is naturally covered with cloud and thunder patterns, which are faintly connected with the energy of heaven and earth.

The bluestone ground is warm and smooth, exuding a faint spiritual aura.

This place is one of the seventy-two peaks of spiritual caves. Although it is not the best, it is still far superior to ordinary cave dwellings.

The two sat facing each other.

Li Yan placed the sandalwood box on the stone table and pushed it in front of Sun Wukong:

"This is a congratulatory gift, nothing more."

Sun Wukong took the wooden box and opened it without any ceremony.

Elixirs, incense, and talismans came into view.

His eyes gleamed, and he first took out a Star Soil Tempering Pill, then gently sniffed it:

"The power of the stars is sharp but not violent, and the virtue of the earth is profound but not stagnant. The two blend together perfectly."

This elixir tempers the body and stabilizes the essence flower; Senior Brother has gone to great lengths.

He then picked up a stick of tortoise and snake incense to nourish his spirit:

"This incense is carved from ancient wood with spiritual properties, featuring a tortoise and snake intertwined, symbolizing the natural generation of yin and yang."

"After lighting it, it nourishes the spirit and helps me harmonize the sun and moon elements within the divine flower. How wonderful!"

Finally, I looked at the three Five Elements Qi-Containing Talismans:

"The five elements rotate, in harmony and unity."

My senior brother's understanding of the five elements' generating and restraining relationships has reached a state of perfection.

This talisman nourishes my true essence and stabilizes the flower of qi, which is exactly what I need right now.

He carefully put the wooden box away, scratched his head, and chuckled:

"Senior brother's three rites are in accordance with the three powers of Heaven, Earth, and Man, and are aimed at the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit. They are truly thoughtful."

I won't take your things for nothing.

As he spoke, he took out the token, which was neither gold nor jade, from his pocket. With a slight thought, the two objects flew out.

An ancient book, a jade slip.

"This 'Qingyun Danjing' is an ancient secret method of alchemy. I don't understand this art, so keeping it in my possession would be a waste."

Since you are skilled in alchemy, I will give it to you. When you begin refining pills in the future, I will share the profits.

"This jade slip contains Senior Qingyunzi's lifelong cultivation insights."

From enlightenment to the three stages of enlightenment, and even higher realms, all are explained.

I've already made a copy; please take this copy and study it carefully, senior brother.

Li Yan took it, scanned it with his divine sense, and was shaken.

The Qingyun Danjing records hundreds of ancient elixir formulas, and its alchemy techniques are profound and far surpass those of the methods currently circulating.

Qingyunzi's cultivation insights are even more profound and extensive.

In particular, his explanation of the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and the Five Qi Converging at the Origin is full of profound insights, pointing directly to the Great Dao.

"This gift is too extravagant..."

"Senior brother, please don't refuse!"

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said seriously,

"If it weren't for my senior brother's guidance back then, I might not have realized that 'the dragon soars too high and regrets it,' and stopped in time."

In the discussion of chess, my senior brother played against that senior, and although he lost, he still understood his own path, which gave me some insights.

Such deep affection cannot be compared to mere material possessions.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan solemnly put it away:

"In that case, I am ashamed to accept your offer."

"That's more like it!"

Sun Wukong grinned, then rubbed his hands together and said,

"Come, come, let's begin our discussion! Senior brother, please share your insights on cultivation during the Nascent Soul stage."

Li Yan pondered for a moment, gathered his thoughts, and slowly spoke:

In my humble opinion, there are three essential differences between the Primordial Spirit Stage and the Dao Seed Stage.

"Firstly, the true essence transforms into magical power."

"During the seed stage, the true essence is transformed from acquired spiritual energy. Although it is pure, it is stagnant. Performing spells requires following the rules and regulations, which is time-consuming and laborious."

In the Primordial Spirit stage, true essence and divine soul merge, sublimating magical power. One's spiritual nature becomes pure; with a single thought, magic follows, swift and free.

"Secondly, the spirit and soul condense into the primordial spirit."

"During the Dao Seed stage, the soul is scattered throughout the body. Although it can explore outside the body, it is fragile and easily damaged."

During the Primordial Spirit stage, the soul condenses into a physical form, manifesting as a phantom image of the Primordial Spirit.

It allows for brief periods of spiritual travel outside the body, enabling one to perceive the laws of heaven and earth and perceive the subtle and profound.

Thirdly, the initial understanding of the laws.

"During the seed stage of cultivation, practice relies heavily on methods and scriptures, and students recite them verbatim."

During the Primordial Spirit stage, the Primordial Spirit interacts with Heaven and Earth, allowing one to begin to glimpse the underlying principles of the laws.

Spiritual practice is no longer confined to words, but emphasizes experiential understanding and verification.

Continued:

"However, there are also differences in the level of the Primordial Spirit stage."

The newly formed primordial spirit is an illusory form, not yet solid, and leaves the body no more than a quarter of an hour later.

Once the primordial spirit is solidified, it can leave the body for one day.

Once the primordial spirit is fully formed and its nine petals are complete, it is considered to have achieved great success, allowing it to roam the world for extended periods and comprehend deeper laws.

Sun Wukong listened attentively, nodding from time to time.

After Li Yan finished speaking, he continued:

"What you say is absolutely right, senior brother. However, in my experience, the key to cultivation in the primordial spirit stage lies in the two words 'nourishment' and 'integration'."

"Nourishment is the process of gently nourishing the primordial spirit."

One must constantly immerse oneself in the Daoist essence, contemplate the circulatory system, and comprehend the laws, so that the primordial spirit gradually solidifies and the nine petals become complete.

"Unity means the union of the primordial spirit and the physical body."

While the separation of the primordial spirit from the body is wondrous, the physical body is the precious raft for navigating the world, and neither should be neglected.

The true path requires the primordial spirit and the physical body's energy to merge, so that each contains the other.

He scratched his head and continued:

"As for why the Three Flowers Realm is the foundation for becoming an immortal, I have learned something from Qingyunzi's insights, and I will share it with you, senior brother."

Li Yan sat upright and said, "I am all ears."

Sun Wukong composed himself and slowly said:

"The so-called Three Flowers are the sublimation and manifestation of the three treasures: essence, energy, and spirit."

"Essence is the gathering of qi and blood in the physical body."

Ordinary people have impure qi and blood, while cultivators refine and purify them. When their primordial spirit is perfected, their qi and blood become as condensed as mercury, heavy yet agile.

It can manifest as a crimson flower; the number of petals represents the depth of one's physical foundation.

"Qi is the condensation of true essence and magical power."

Although the magical power of the Nascent Soul stage is pure, it still contains impurities.

When the magical power is pure and unadulterated, becoming indistinguishable from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it manifests as a mysterious black flower.

The number of petals on a flower also represents the purity of its magical power.

"Gods are the manifestation of the original essence of the soul."

After the primordial spirit solidifies, it needs to be nurtured and nourished until the spirit is as clear as a mirror, reflecting all things and manifesting as pale golden flowers.

The number of petals on a flower represents the strength of one's spirit.

"When each of the three flowers has nine petals, it is considered the finest. Nine is the ultimate number, representing that the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit have all reached their peak in the human world."

The tone deepened:

"However, the real key to the gathering of the three flowers at the top lies in the gathering and the top."

"Gathering means the unity of the three treasures: essence, energy, and spirit."

A special method is required to make the three colors of crimson, black, and light gold blend together and form a cycle.

Refined essence nourishes vital energy, vital energy nourishes spirit, spirit returns to essence, and life continues endlessly.

"The one at the top, the three flowers return to their positions in the Niwan (mud ball)."

The Niwan (泥丸) is the abode of the primordial spirit and the gateway between heaven and earth.

When the three flowers gather at the Niwan point (the center of the head), the fundamental power of the physical body, magical power, and divine soul is entirely returned to the primordial spirit for its control.

"At this point, the practitioner has transcended the limitations of the mortal world."

When the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit are united, the primordial spirit governs the entire body, and every gesture contains the great power of heaven and earth.

Lifespan greatly increases, and supernatural powers arise spontaneously; this is the foundation of immortality.

"In future cultivation, whether it is the Five Qi Returning to the Origin or the Nine Revolutions of the Golden Elixir, it will all begin with this foundation."

Without the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top, forcibly attempting to reach a higher realm will inevitably result in a weak foundation and an inescapable fate.

Li Yan was deeply shaken upon hearing this.

Sun Wukong did not simply recite from the book, but incorporated his own experiences and insights, offering many unique and thought-provoking perspectives.

"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, junior brother."

Li Yan solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Hearing your words is better than reading for ten years. I now understand most of the mysteries of the Three Flowers Realm."

"Hehe, you're too kind, senior brother."

Sun Wukong laughed.

"Actually, you will understand these principles in the future, senior brother. I am just taking the first step and sharing them briefly."

He changed the subject, asking curiously:

"By the way, Senior Brother, what interesting things have happened in the mountains during my six months of seclusion? How are my fellow disciples doing now?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan's expression turned slightly solemn.

He hesitated for a moment, then slowly said:

"There have indeed been some changes in the mountains, and I was just about to discuss them with my junior brother."

"Since my junior brother went into seclusion, although I have been cultivating in the herb garden, I have occasionally gone out to communicate with my fellow disciples and observe them in secret."

"In the past six months, the disciples in the mountains have all made progress in their cultivation."

Zhou Ming's severed arm was reborn. Although his cultivation was damaged, his will became stronger and his understanding of swordsmanship improved.

Senior Sister Haiqiong's alchemy skills have improved significantly, and her Crimson Cloud True Fire has reached perfection.

Senior Brother Zhenpu is in charge of the Weapon Pavilion; he acts fairly and is well-liked.

Sun Wukong nodded: "This is a good thing."

Li Yan shook his head:

"However, I have also discovered that many of the elders, deacons, and protectors of the mountain have left in the past six months."

"Oh?" Sun Wukong narrowed his golden eyes slightly.

"Elder Qingzhu of Qige Pavilion descended the mountain three months ago with the true disciple of Mozhu, saying that he was going on a journey to visit ancient cultivation caves."

However, I secretly inquired and learned that before Elder Qingzhu left the mountain, he had a three-day private conversation with the Patriarch, and his expression was solemn after he emerged from seclusion.

"Two months ago, Master Lei Yan of the Discipline Hall led three stewards away from the mountain, saying that he was inspecting Fangcun Mountain's properties outside the mountain."

However, the Discipline Hall rarely intervenes in external affairs, making this action quite unusual.

"Frosty Moon Fairy of the Hall of Stewards claimed to be in seclusion refining elixirs a month ago, but some people saw her quietly leave the mountain and head towards the Southern Continent."

"In addition, there are three Dongxuan Protectors and seven outer sect stewards who have left the mountain in the past six months."

The reasons varied, but all occurred after the signs of impending doom appeared.

Li Yan's tone was low:

"I once used the tortoise shell to deduce the Dao and vaguely sensed that the energy of these people who left the mountain was connected with the calamity energy."

Perhaps there are unresolved karmic issues, or perhaps they are tasked with investigating the source of the calamity.

Or perhaps they have already been tainted by the aura of calamity and have no choice but to leave the mountains to avoid disaster.

Sun Wukong's expression gradually turned serious:

"Senior brother, are you saying that this calamity has spread and has already affected our Fangcun Mountain?"

"The impact may extend beyond what is initially thought."

Li Yan shook his head.

"The calamity energy of Shattered Star Gorge is caused by the disorder of the heavenly mechanism and the imbalance of the Great Dao."

Fangcun Mountain is a pure and tranquil place, and the patriarch's Taoist cultivation is unfathomable, so it should be difficult for calamities to invade.

But now that the elders and disciples are leaving the mountain one after another, I'm afraid...

Li Yan slowly uttered four words: "A storm is brewing."