Chapter 897
Inter-realm Exchange
Chapter 897 Inter-realm Exchange
The righteous path masters visited in unison.
Gu Yuanqing personally went off the island to greet them and led them into Qingping Cave.
Upon seeing the magnificent scenery of the grotto, Venerable Lingbao exclaimed, "Such a grotto truly surpasses the wonders of heaven and earth."
Gu Yuanqing laughed and said, "You flatter me, Spirit Venerable. I'm afraid that no righteous sect can compare to my Qingping Cave Heaven, no matter which blessed land it is."
Lingbao Venerable said, "That's different. Brother Gu, please don't call me Venerable Lingbao anymore. It makes me feel a little ashamed. How dare a mere Undying Chaos call himself Venerable in front of you?"
Gu Yuanqing chuckled and said, "You're too kind, Spirit Venerable. You led the righteous sects of the Spirit Realm to resist the attack of the Heavenly Demons and protect the peace of this world. You deserve this title."
They exchanged a few more polite words.
Ji Shan asked about Miao Xuan.
Gu Yuanqing said apologetically, "She has been in seclusion recently, otherwise she would have come out to welcome all of you fellow Daoists with me."
Ji Shan quickly replied, "That's not what I meant. I was just thinking about how Brother Gu and Fairy Li both became immortals, a timeless tale, so I asked casually."
Accompanied by Gu Yuanqing, the group landed on the main peak of the cave.
Disciples of the Qian Yuan Sect had already prepared a banquet.
The banquet was held under an ancient tree with gnarled branches resembling a dragon and a canopy that blocked out the sky.
Jade table, clouds and mist mat.
On the table were many rare and exotic fruits, and the wine pot contained fine wine.
A unique fragrance filled the air, and the atmosphere was imbued with Taoist charm.
Just one whiff of it, and you feel as if your own true energy has become a little stronger.
Li Chengyi, Qiu Weifeng, and others were also waiting to the side, along with many other disciples of the Qian Yuan Sect.
The group sat down and chatted while drinking.
From thousands of years of changes in the spiritual realm, observations from beyond the borders, to hidden Taoist traditions and legends.
After several rounds of drinks, Venerable Lingbao finally couldn't hold back and asked, "Brother Gu, the path to immortality is shrouded in mystery, and the way forward is hard to find. We have been trapped in the realm of the Undying Chaos for a long time. Although there are occasional records of sages in our sect's classics, times have changed and the Great Dao has become obscure."
"Brother Dao and Fairy have already embarked on the path of immortality. Could you perhaps enlighten us on how to glimpse the entrance to the realm of the illusory immortals? And how to condense the true seed of the Dao?"
Gu Yuanqing put down the jade cup, his expression calm and unreserved, and said slowly, "Since fellow Daoists have asked, I will briefly share my humble opinion. The Undying of Chaos is the unity of one's own Dao imprint with one's physical body and soul, while the Dao of the Void Immortal is... This is not something sought externally, but rather a seed of origin naturally conceived after all one's cultivation, insights, temperament, and even that little bit of transcendent obsession in the darkness have reached the ultimate purity and sublimation."
The methods of fostering unity vary from person to person.
One may attain enlightenment in the midst of life and death, refine one's heart amidst the hustle and bustle of the world, or understand one's own path by observing the evolution of heaven and earth. The key lies in understanding the true nature of one's own path, discarding the dross and retaining the essence, shedding all superficiality, only then can one see the true seed's embryonic form.
He paused briefly, then sighed softly, "However... the success of Gu and Miaoxuan was inseparable from a bit of luck and fortune. The Great Dao of the Spirit Realm... indeed has its shortcomings and incompleteness. Before the threshold of the Void Immortal realm, there seems to be an invisible shackle, making it difficult to see the true essence. This feeling is mysterious and profound. Even if Gu were to become a Void Immortal, it would be difficult to explain in words. Moreover, everyone's cultivation and practice are different. What Gu sees as a deficiency may not be what you fellow Daoists lack."
Lingbao Venerable and the others all had some understanding upon hearing this, but by the end, their faces couldn't help but show some sadness and disappointment.
Xuanji Tianjun smiled bitterly and said, "What you say is very true, Daoist brother. According to the ancient records of our sect, seventy thousand years ago, our sect's ancestor Xuanji touched the threshold of the Void Immortal, but in the end, due to the obscurity of the Dao of Heaven and Earth, he failed at the last moment and passed away in sorrow. Such regrets are not isolated cases."
The Spirit Lord remained silent. He was the most powerful among them, having reached the peak of the Chaotic Undying Realm. However, he had always struggled to take the final step. He had gained some insights today, but he still could not use them to break through the final barrier. If he forced his way through, he would ultimately perish under the heavenly tribulation.
Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Gu Yuanqing pondered for a moment, seemingly hesitant. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the jade table a few times before speaking, "The imperfection of heaven and earth is indeed a great problem. However... back then, in order to track down the Heavenly Demon, I had an avatar travel through the outer void. By chance, I discovered a world... that is slightly different."
“Another world?” Venerable Lingbao, Ji Shan, Xuanji Tianjun and the others leaned forward slightly. Gu Yuanqing’s mention of this must mean that it was not just a simple world.
“Not bad.” Gu Yuanqing nodded. “That world, in terms of its foundation and spiritual energy, may not be as profound and ancient as my Spirit Realm, and the laws of the Great Dao of the two worlds are indeed different. But it is still a great world, and the rhythm of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth... seems to be more active, unlike the obscure Spirit Realm. Perhaps it can give you fellow Daoists an opportunity to learn from it and verify yourselves.”
"Such a place exists!" The Spirit Lord's voice carried a hint of suppressed excitement.
Gu Yuanqing smiled and nodded, saying, "However, there are cultivators in that world, and I need to ask them what they think."
The Spirit Venerable asked, "May I ask, Brother Wen, what is the cultivation level of the cultivators in that world?"
Gu Yuanqing remained calm and said, "On the surface, there should be nearly ten beings at the Void Immortal level."
"Nearly ten Void Immortals?!" Venerable Lingbao gasped in shock.
Ji Shan, Xuanji Tianjun, Xiao Lingyue, and Zhang Qingyue couldn't help but exchange a glance, their hearts trembling.
The Spirit Realm currently only has two Void Immortals, Gu Yuanqing and Li Miaoxuan. What a huge gap there is!
Gu Yuanqing added, "Moreover, that world is not a peaceful paradise. The scourge of the Heavenly Demons is far more severe than at any time in the history of my Spirit Realm. Most of its territory is demonic land. Among them, the three Demon Lords have already reached the peak of the Void Immortal realm."
These words made Venerable Lingbao and the others even more alarmed.
A demon lord at the peak of the Void Immortal realm?
If it were in the past, even one of them might have overturned the entire spirit world!
Gu Yuanqing noticed the changes in everyone's expressions and continued, "That world is also very different from the path of my Spirit Realm. It does not follow the path of the Heavenly World, but is known for its visualization and spirit refinement. It has a unique approach to tempering the soul and using mental power."
As they spoke, Gu Yuanqing's thoughts stirred slightly.
Behind him, the phantom of a thirty-three-story glazed pagoda slowly emerged, each floor radiating countless runes, seemingly expounding different profound principles. At the top of the pagoda, a precious mirror hung high, its warm light seemingly able to illuminate the entire world and reveal one's true nature.
"This method of refining demons and ascending to immortality is what I obtained from that realm."
When everyone looked up and saw the mirror, they felt as if the mirror reflected them, as if everything about them was being seen through. The runes on the tower were also different from those in the spirit world.
Gu Yuanqing put away the Demon Refining and Immortal Ascension Tower and smiled, "You can all consider this carefully. If you are truly interested, I can facilitate communication between the two worlds. However, there are also dangers in entering this realm. The choice is up to you all."
Having said that, Gu Yuanqing stopped talking, picked up his wine glass, and drank it all in one gulp.
Then they waited quietly.
The Spirit Lord then asked, "May I ask how far apart your world is from my Spirit Realm?"
Gu Yuanqing said, "I left some methods there back then. It won't take me long to go there myself, but if you fellow Daoists were to go, I'm afraid you would have to travel through the outer void for more than ten years."
The several powerful cultivators from the Spirit Realm who had arrived exchanged glances. The Spirit Venerable said, "Regarding this matter, may we have the opportunity to discuss it? We are naturally willing to give it a try. It is common for us to risk our lives in pursuit of the Dao. However, the Heavenly Demon of that realm is actually at the peak of the Void Immortal realm. If we bring disaster to the Spirit Realm because of our selfish desires, then we will become sinners for all eternity."
"It's alright, fellow Daoists, please consider it carefully. However, there's no need to worry too much about the safety of the Spirit Realm. In fact, the Void Immortal Heavenly Demons that came last time came from that world." Gu Yuanqing chuckled lightly, his tone calm.
……
These righteous cultivators stayed in Qingping Cave for three days before leaving.
Before leaving, he finally gave an answer, asking Gu Yuanqing to help with communication and guidance. The major sects were willing to offer the cultivation insights of their seniors at the Void Immortal realm as a reward.
Gu Yuanqing smiled and agreed. To be honest, he was willing to help this time not only because of the kindness that Lingzun and others had helped him many times, but also because he had other ideas.
In the cultivation world, cause and effect are always important. Naturally, the rewards that the major sects can offer to Gu Yuanqing must be something that he can use. The sect's inheritance cannot be passed on to outsiders. The magic treasures and pills that can be presented and catch the eye of Gu Yuanqing, who is at the Void Immortal level, as well as some Void Immortal opportunities, are all the foundation of each sect and they dare not touch them.
The only truly suitable resources are the cultivation insights of these accomplished predecessors.
The same applies to Gu Yuanqing. He has no shortage of magical treasures and elixirs, and what he wants most are these cultivation insights, which are of the greatest use to him at this moment.
Subsequently, Gu Yuanqing sensed the command token he had left in the Nine Domains Divine Continent and created an avatar to travel to the Nine Domains Divine Continent.
Many years later, we finally get to see the magnificent landscape of the Nine Realms Divine Continent.
Their landing site was still in the Demon Land, and they headed towards the human territory of the Nine Domains Divine Continent. The scene of Heavenly Demons everywhere was long gone, and they could only see them occasionally, but they were mostly low-level Heavenly Demons.
Even the demonic energy in the original demonic land seemed to have dissipated considerably, and the air had become fresher.
"It seems that the Heavenly Demons of this realm have completely retreated to the Demon Abyss."
Further on, you can even see many human cultivator strongholds.
It's either the location of a mineral vein, or a region that has been cleared out to nurture medicinal herbs.
Even the soldiers stationed on the defensive line relaxed, no longer looking as tense as before.
Before long, they arrived at Wangxiang Pass.
On that mountain peak, the courtyard left by Gu Yuanqing still stands.
Gu Yuanqing waved his hand, summoning the courtyard, and then revealed his aura.
A moment later, Ling Yi arrived, beaming with joy, and said, "Brother Gu, how have you been?"
"Fellow Daoist Ling," Gu Yuanqing said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting.
"A while ago, I was wondering when I would be able to meet you again, but I didn't expect to sense your presence today. It's been many years since we last met, and your cultivation has improved quite a bit!" Ling Yi laughed loudly.
After exchanging pleasantries, Gu Yuanqing invited Ling Yi to sit down in the courtyard.
Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "The Nine Realms Divine Continent seems to be much better now."
Ling Yi said, "Thanks to you, fellow Daoist, after that great battle at the Immaculate Zen Forest, the Heavenly Demon's strength was greatly diminished, and it disappeared without a trace, presumably hiding deep in the Demon Abyss. In recent years, it has recuperated and recovered a lot."
"That's good!" Gu Yuanqing exclaimed, then asked about the evil spirit from Wugou Zen Forest back then.
Ling Yi said, "The Wugou Zen Forest is an ancient tradition. Zen Master Huiwu's Buddhist teachings are profound. It took him forty-nine days to completely seal it off, which can be considered as preventing a major disaster."
The two chatted for a long time before Ling Yi asked, "Brother Dao, is there important business for you here today, or do you wish to return to my Nine Domains Divine Continent for a visit?"
Gu Yuanqing said, "There is indeed something I would like to discuss with the Nine Domains Divine Continent and the Great Hao Divine Dynasty."
Ling Yi said solemnly, "Brother Dao, please speak. Although I cannot make decisions about the Nine Domains Divine Continent, I will do my best to facilitate it if it is within my power."
Gu Yuanqing pondered for a moment and said, "Then I will speak frankly. The Great Dao of the Nine Domains Divine Continent and the world I live in are slightly different, and the lineage of their Dao is also slightly different. Some cultivators from my Spirit Realm want to come to this world to exchange ideas, verify their understanding of the Dao of Heaven and Earth, and seek to break through to the Path of the Void Immortal."
Ling Yi's eyes lit up: "So, there's no need to ask the Great Hao Divine Dynasty about this; I, Ling, can agree on your behalf!"
"Oh?" Gu Yuanqing was somewhat surprised.
Ling Yi smiled and said, "If it were an outsider, my Nine Domains Divine Continent would naturally have many considerations. But you saved my Nine Domains Divine Continent from fire and water and resolved the calamity of the demonic disaster. You are the great benefactor of the Nine Domains Divine Continent. Of course, I can trust you."
Gu Yuanqing shook his head and said, "One thing at a time. Although I have made a few moves, they involve a whole realm. Fellow Daoist Ling, you should still communicate with the Great Hao Divine Dynasty to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."
Ling Yi said, "Brother Dao, there's no need to worry. To be honest, the Great Hao Divine Dynasty also intended to communicate and exchange ideas with your world, to verify each other's understanding, and to seek the Great Dao together. We wanted to bring it up back then, but we were afraid that you would misunderstand. Moreover, judging from what you've said, those who come to our world are only at the Chaotic Undying Realm, so there's even less of a problem. Of course, if you want to be on the safe side, you can wait for me for a day."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "If that's the case, then that would be best."
Ling Yi then invited Gu Yuanqing to Wangxiang Pass to stay temporarily at the Nine Heavens Sword Sect.
He returned after only half a day and said with a smile, "The Great Hao Dynasty has already agreed to this matter."
Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "Now that this matter is settled, I will take the message back first. The two worlds are far apart, and it will take quite a while to get here."
Gu Yuanqing then left a jade talisman for Ling Yi, which could be crushed to notify him of any changes.
Then it left the Nine Realms Divine Continent and was pulled back to the Northern Spring Cave Heaven by the main body using the Heavenly Fishing Technique. Then it sent this clone into the Profound Sky Realm through the anchor point it had set up.
After arriving in the Xuanqiong Realm, he went straight to the Lingbao Holy Land Palace.
Lingbao Venerable noticed Gu Yuanqing's arrival and personally went out to greet him.
Upon arriving at the palace, he was overjoyed to hear that Gu Yuanqing had already reached an agreement with another realm.
The two discussed some details.
Then, Gu Yuanqing mentioned some information about the Spirit Realm that he had previously told the Nine Domains Divine Continent, as well as the distribution of power in the Nine Domains Divine Continent. He then said, "The Spirit Venerable has considered more thoroughly than I have in terms of how to communicate with them in the future, so I don't need to say more."
(End of this chapter)