Chapter 1256
Breakthrough in Seclusion, Half-Step to Godhood
The "Floating Cloud Mountains" are a cultivation world, and Weiguo is located there.
It is located on a high mountain on the east side of "Guyang Mountain".
The courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, servants were coming and going, and many streaks of light were rushing here from all directions, making it quite lively.
In a magnificent pavilion at the back of the courtyard, Li Mufeng, the Grand Elder of the "Xiaoyao Sect," sat at the head of the table, with Bai Yuxian and Xu Ziyan not far away.
Standing in front of the three Nascent Soul elders of the sects were a young man and woman dressed in bright red wedding robes.
The man had a heroic air about him, with a handsome face, and his cultivation had reached the seventh level of the Golden Core realm.
Beside him was a woman dressed in a bright red wedding robe, with skin as white as jade and lips as red as rosy clouds. She also possessed an ethereal and otherworldly air, as elegant as a fairy.
Led by Song Linxi, a Golden Core Elder of the "Free and Unfettered Sect," the two bowed three times to the elders in front of them before slowly rising to their feet.
"The newlyweds are married!"
"Congratulations to Junior Brother Su and Junior Sister Li on officially becoming cultivation partners."
"I hope that you will support each other in the future, have a long and happy marriage, and attain the Nascent Soul stage as soon as possible!"
".
"Thank you, Master, Senior Uncle, and fellow disciples."
Despite the joyful congratulations from the crowd before him, Su Mo, dressed in a wedding robe, looked somewhat tired.
But he still managed to force a smile and, with Li Hongying beside him, went up to toast everyone and thank them. Then, amidst cheers, they returned to their bridal chamber together.
After everyone left, only Su Mo and Li Hongying remained in the room.
After closing the cave door, Su Mo looked at the newlywed couple sitting quietly on the bed not far away and quietly went to the table to pour a cup of spiritual tea.
He then handed it to Li Hongying, who was standing in front of him.
"Senior brother!"
"Junior Sister Li, don't worry, I promised Master and Senior Uncle Li that I would take good care of you from now on."
Hearing her Daoist partner's earnest words, a warm feeling flashed in Li Hongying's eyes as she looked at him.
".
After Su Mo and his companion left the attic, Song Linxi and the others took their seats to enjoy the wine, creating a festive atmosphere.
"After cultivating for so many years, I thought I had seen all things in the world and that my sect was thriving, so I would have no more regrets."
But looking back now, I still feel that there are many things in my heart that I can't let go of.
"It's a pity my lifespan is running out. Even with a thousand ideas, these old bones are no longer strong enough."
Looking at the lively scene before him and the many young disciples of the sect, Li Mufeng, whose hair was already gray and whose lifespan was not long, couldn't help but smile and raise his cup to express his feelings.
Upon hearing this, Bai Yuxian, who was sitting to the side, immediately replied, "Senior brother is in good health now, so you are overthinking this."
Now that Hongying has become Su Mo's Daoist partner, she will naturally become my personal disciple in the future.
Please rest assured, senior brother. Even if you didn't say anything, I would never treat her as an outsider.
Li Hongying is a direct descendant of Li Mufeng. It was through Li Mufeng's initiative that she and Su Mo, Bai Yuxian's personal disciple, officially became Daoist partners today.
Hearing that Li Mufeng seemed to still have some worries in his words, Bai Yuxian quickly said something to comfort him.
Upon hearing this, Li Mufeng nodded slightly to Bai Yuxian.
"With Junior Sister Bai here, I am naturally at ease about these matters concerning the younger generation. Otherwise, I would not have entrusted Hongying to you."
"However, what I just mentioned wasn't just them, but also you, junior sister."
"How could I, Senior Brother, say such a thing!"
Seeing Li Mufeng's gaze suddenly fall on her, Bai Yuxian couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
Li Mufeng, on the other hand, put down his wine glass and his expression turned serious.
"Junior Sister Bai, after I leave, the sect will definitely be handed over to Junior Brother Song and you."
Although Junior Brother Song joined the sect early on, he has never lived on Guyang Mountain, and his relationship with the sect has become quite distant.
Over the years, Junior Brother Song's cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds. Now, with Senior Chen taking notice and offering his support, his future is far beyond what we can imagine.
My senior brother was truly worried that after I left, one day the sect wouldn't be able to keep him.
Upon hearing what Li Mufeng said, Bai Yuxian's expression immediately turned to surprise, and she fell silent for a moment.
Since Song Qingming advanced to the Nascent Soul realm, in just over three hundred years, he has already cultivated to the ninth level of the Nascent Soul realm and begun to attempt to break through to the Divine Transformation realm.
Such talent is rare, not only in the "Xiaoyao Sect", but also in the entire "Donghuang Immortal Continent".
Just as Li Mufeng said, given Song Qingming's current cultivation level and status...
If it were truly for the sake of the Dao, and one wanted to leave the "Xiaoyao Sect" to join the "Tianyu Sect" or other top-tier sects, Bai Yuxian and the others would have no way to stop them.
As the sect's supreme elder, Bai Yuxian had also thought about this matter, but she had never dared to say it aloud.
After sitting in silence for a moment, Bai Yuxian slowly replied, "Don't worry, Senior Brother, I still trust Junior Brother Song."
No matter what happens in the future, we will do our best to protect our sect.
"I naturally trust Junior Brother Song's character as well."
However, from the sect's perspective, there are some things we need to do in advance to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
Junior Sister Bai, after Junior Brother Song returns, your senior brother intends to have you and Junior Brother Song officially become cultivation partners.
What do you think?
".
"Junior Sister Bai, we have been fellow disciples for many years. There are some things that I can understand even if you don't say them, but I just don't want to get too involved."
But now my lifespan is nearing its end, and all my actions are for the sake of the sect's legacy. I hope my junior sister will not misunderstand.
Li Mufeng has been in charge of the sect for nearly a thousand years, and he has devoted his life's work to "Guyang Mountain".
Now that his lifespan is nearing its end, what he is most worried about is naturally the continuation of his sect.
Faced with Li Mufeng's sudden suggestion, Bai Yuxian's face was full of surprise, but she still understood her senior brother's good intentions and fell silent again.
Seeing that Bai Yuxian had not replied for a long time, Li Mufeng slowly spoke again: "Since Junior Brother Song has not yet returned, this matter is not so urgent and can be discussed slowly."
If the junior sister has any concerns, she may speak frankly with her senior brother.
I'll go and discuss it with Junior Sister Xu and the others again."
"Senior brother, rest assured. Jade Immortal has achieved her current success by condensing her Nascent Soul thanks to the support of the sect. What worries could she possibly have about inheriting the sect's legacy today?"
"Hehe! It's rare for my junior sister to be so understanding. With you all here in the sect, I can finally rest easy."
Upon hearing Bai Yuxian's firm reply, a look of relief flashed across Li Mufeng's face.
".
In the cultivation world of the "Eastern Phoenix Kingdom," there is the Heavenly Imperial Sect.
It is located high in the sky on one side of the summit of "Tianyun Mountain".
On this day, the sky and earth suddenly changed color, the clouds and mist on the mountain rolled, and countless primordial energies of heaven and earth surged wildly and quickly entered a cave below.
The sudden "strange phenomenon in the heavens and earth" immediately attracted the attention of the nearby cultivators.
Before long, several streaks of light flew from the foot of the mountain and stopped in mid-air some distance from the cave, revealing three figures.
"Sect Leader, could this strange phenomenon mean that the Grand Elder is about to break through to a higher realm?"
Upon hearing the question from an elderly man in a green robe beside him, the middle-aged man in the lead scanned the area with his divine sense and immediately nodded in response, "Judging from the commotion, it should be so."
Junior Brother Wang, quickly go and notify the Enforcement Hall to activate the grand formation. Junior Sister Hu, stay here and do not let anyone else approach this place.
"I'll go to the back mountain right away and inform Uncle Chen."
"Don't worry, Senior Brother Sect Leader, we understand."
After discussing the matter for a while, the group quickly dispersed.
Before long, the mountain where the "heaven and earth phenomenon" was located was slowly covered by a white illusion array, and hundreds of cultivators quickly rushed from all directions to form an array to guard the surroundings.
The hundreds of disciples from the "Tianyu Sect" who arrived had cultivation levels at least at the Golden Core stage.
The sudden mobilization of so many core disciples by the "Hall of Enforcement" alarmed the entire sect, prompting everyone to speculate about what had happened on the mountaintop.
"Could it be that our sect's senior uncle is attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul realm?"
".
Near the mountaintop, more than twenty Nascent Soul elders, led by He Xiaofeng, the head of the "Tianyu Sect," gathered here.
In front of the group stood a Taoist priest in a gray robe, gazing at the sky above.
It was none other than Chen Qingxuan, the only Nascent Soul Ancestor and Supreme Elder of the "Heavenly Imperial Sect".
Compared to the tense expressions of He Xiaofeng and the others, Chen Qingxuan appeared quite calm.
"Uncle-Master Chen, the Grand Elder has made such thorough preparations for this seclusion, and with your personal guidance, there should be a great chance that he can break through his cultivation level?"
"Having cultivated to this stage, the key to advancing to the Nascent Soul stage is not so much hope, but a stroke of luck from the unseen."
Now that Yun Tian has just triggered an unusual phenomenon, even I cannot see the outcome at a glance.
There's no need to be too impatient; let's wait patiently.
"Uncle-Master is right. I was indeed too impatient."
With the impending chaos of demonic beasts, if the Grand Elder can successfully break through this time, it will be of paramount importance to our human cultivators. May Heaven grant him his blessing.
".
Amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, the "heavenly phenomenon" in the sky continued for six months.
One morning, the surrounding天地元气 (heaven and earth energy) suddenly began to stir. Then, the surrounding clouds and mist churned, and a five-colored golden light appeared in the sky, shining on the mountaintop cave.
"Golden light shines overhead, could it be that the Grand Elder has succeeded?"
".
Upon seeing the sudden appearance of the five-colored golden light, the many Nascent Soul elders of the "Heavenly Imperial Sect" present were filled with excitement.
Even Chen Qingxuan, who was standing in front of everyone, had a change in his gaze, staring intently at the cave ahead.
Just as everyone was looking on with excitement, the colorful golden light in the sky only lasted for half an hour before suddenly disappearing.
Seeing this, everyone looked puzzled.
Immediately afterwards, the surrounding clouds and mist dissipated, the primordial energy of heaven and earth ceased its circulation, and the entire sky instantly returned to normal. "This is..."
"Alas, in the end, I was just a little unlucky."
Seeing the "heavenly phenomenon" disappear, Chen Qingxuan, who was standing in front, gently shook his head and then turned to leave.
"Failed again!"
Seeing this, He Xiaofeng and the others reacted instantly, and their faces showed an ugly expression.
Since Chen Qingxuan broke through to the Nascent Soul realm, many people from the "Tianyu Sect" have gone into seclusion to try to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, but without exception, they have all failed.
Qin Yuntian, the Grand Elder of the Tianyu Sect who is currently in seclusion to break through to a higher realm, had already advanced to the half-step Nascent Soul realm five hundred years ago.
He is already the person in the entire cultivation world of the "Eastern Phoenix Kingdom" who is closest to the Nascent Soul realm.
During this seclusion, Qin Yuntian also received personal support from Elder Chen Qingxuan, so his preparations can be described as very thorough.
Before he went into seclusion, the sect leader He Xiaofeng and others were full of confidence, believing that he had a great chance of successfully advancing to the Nascent Soul realm.
Unexpectedly, the result was still a failure, which was quite a blow to everyone present.
This supreme Nascent Soul realm is truly too difficult to reach.
".
After Chen Qingxuan left, He Xiaofeng and the others arrived at the front of the secluded cave.
After a short while, the restrictions dissipated, and Qin Yuntian, looking somewhat tired, slowly walked out of the cave.
Looking at the many fellow disciples in front of him, Qin Yuntian couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment.
"After more than ten years of seclusion, all my efforts have been in vain. I am ashamed to admit that I still have not been able to break through to a higher realm!"
"Elder, do not worry. If it doesn't work this time, it may be possible to succeed next time."
".
Faced with words of comfort from the people in front of him, Qin Yuntian's expression softened slightly, but disappointment was still evident in his eyes.
Even for a top-tier sect like the "Heavenly Imperial Sect," breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm is not an easy task.
Qin Yuntian was uncertain whether he would have another chance to break through to a higher realm after this failure.
However, as the Grand Elder of the "Tianyu Sect", Qin Yuntian still tried his best to remain calm.
"Huh! Where is that?"
Just as everyone was comforting Elder Qin Yuntian, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, and everyone turned their attention to him.
Only then did they realize that not far from the mountain peak, clouds and mist had appeared in the air, creating a similar celestial phenomenon to what they had just witnessed.
It was only because the mountain peak was also located within the great formation that the strange phenomenon was mostly concealed, which is why the group did not notice it immediately.
"Tianquan Peak, could it be him?!"
Qin Yuntian looked up and instantly recognized the mountain peak. A familiar figure flashed through his mind.
At this moment, many of the Nascent Soul elders present still looked puzzled.
"Elder, when I returned to the sect last time, I heard that someone on Tianquan Peak was in seclusion, but after inquiring, no one knew anything about it."
"Which junior disciple is in seclusion here, causing such a celestial phenomenon!"
“Fellow disciples, the person inside Tianquan Peak is not a fellow disciple of our sect, but a fellow Daoist whom Uncle Chen has taken a liking to.”
"So that's the person my martial uncle has taken a liking to."
When asked by the people around him, Qin Yuntian did not answer immediately, but only gave a hint.
However, the other elders around immediately understood and nodded slightly, looking at the distant sky with some envy.
At this moment, in the cave at the top of "Tianquan Peak", a figure sat cross-legged.
The surrounding天地元气 (heaven and earth energy) was surging wildly into the cave, then flowing into Song Qingming's dantian, where it was quickly absorbed by a white ball of light.
A faint white light emanated from Song Qingming's body, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Tempering the body with vital energy is indeed quite uncomfortable."
Compared to his previous seclusion to comprehend the primordial energy of heaven and earth, Song Qingming is now enveloped in the primordial energy of heaven and earth and is attempting to "temper his body with primordial energy".
His entire body felt unprecedented pressure, as if he was about to be burst by the primordial energy within him.
The "primordial energy of heaven and earth" is far more violent than ordinary spiritual energy, and it is very difficult for Nascent Soul cultivators to fully control it.
Faced with the overwhelming influx of spiritual energy from the outside world, Song Qingming could only rely on the "white light cluster" within his body to continuously guide the circulation of spiritual energy, which allowed him to barely hold on.
Fortunately, compared to other Nascent Soul cultivators, Song Qingming had a slight advantage in physical strength because he had cultivated the "Heavenly Myriad Spirits Technique," which helped alleviate a lot of his pressure.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but the "primordial energy of heaven and earth" within Song Qingming's body gradually calmed down, and he felt a sense of relief.
After letting out a long sigh, Song Qingming felt much lighter.
With just a gentle activation of his divine sense, he instantly reached his dantian and discovered that the aura of his "natal nascent soul" had undergone a tremendous change.
"This is it."
"Half-step Nascent Soul Realm!"
After probing with his divine sense, Song Qingming quickly saw the changes in his own body.
Not only has the aura of his "natal nascent soul" increased, but his internal magical power has also more than doubled.
What pleased him even more was the change in his physical body. After being tempered by the "primordial energy of heaven and earth," he was clearly much stronger than when he was in seclusion.
Even the dantian and meridians inside the body are more robust, and it is significantly less uncomfortable to resist the normal impact of "heaven and earth energy" than before.
"After so long in seclusion, I've finally succeeded!"
Feeling the dramatic changes within himself, Song Qingming's face showed a hint of satisfaction and relief.
When he came to Tianyun Mountain for seclusion to cultivate, Song Qingming was not entirely sure whether he could successfully advance to the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
Unexpectedly, in just over thirty years, he has already successfully completed the "Qi Tempering" and stepped into the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
This result still exceeded Song Qingming's original expectations.
However, Song Qingming's success in this seclusion was not only due to his own efforts, but also inseparable from the strong support of Chen Qingxuan, the senior Nascent Soul cultivator.
These years at Tianyun Mountain.
Chen Qingxuan personally guided Song Qingming on his cultivation difficulties and even gifted him a "Purple Cloud Jade" that could help him break through to a higher realm during his seclusion.
It was precisely because of this magical object that Song Qingming was able to stabilize the restless "Heaven and Earth Qi" within his body at a critical moment.
Song Qingming had just successfully manipulated his vital energy to temper his physical body and then successfully broke through this barrier.
In addition to the "Purple Cloud Jade", Song Qingming also used a bottle of "Jade Purity Elixir" that he had on him during this seclusion.
The top-tier cave dwelling, "Tianquan Peak," also played a significant role in Song Qingming's seclusion and breakthrough, enabling him to successfully reach that realm.
Otherwise, if any of these key items were missing, or if there were no guidance from senior Chen Qingxuan, it would be impossible.
It's doubtful that Song Qingming will be able to pass the test now, and it's unknown how much longer it will take for him to reach the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
Only after successfully stabilizing his breathing did Song Qingming slowly take out a pair of "black and white jade rings" from his body.
As he cast a spell to control the magical artifact in front of him, Song Qingming instantly felt a sensation different from before, and his expression became excited.
"Using the energy of heaven and earth to control a level-five spiritual treasure is indeed much easier than before."
After stepping into the half-step Nascent Soul realm, Song Qingming clearly felt that his control over the surrounding spiritual energy was several times stronger than before.
Now he can use this to control the spiritual treasures on his body, making them more stable than before, and increasing their power by at least 10%.
In this way, Song Qingming's cultivation level, magical power, and magical treasures and abilities all increased.
Compared to before, there has been a significant improvement, and individual strength has also increased considerably.
As long as Song Qingming doesn't encounter those Nascent Soul stage monsters, he basically doesn't need to worry too much about his safety now.
He thought that once he finished his seclusion, he could immediately return to the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountains".
A slight smile appeared on Song Qingming's face.
".
Half a day later, as the gate slowly opened, Song Qingming had just stepped out of the cave when two figures appeared in front of him.
The person in the lead was none other than He Xiaofeng, the head of the "Tianyu Sect".
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Song, on your successful breakthrough!"
"Fellow Daoist, you are so young yet have achieved so much; you truly are a talent worthy of our human race."
"My success in breaking through this realm is all thanks to the support of your sect. Fellow Daoists, please accept my greeting."
"Ah, Fellow Daoist Song, there's no need to be so polite. You are someone that Uncle Chen has taken a liking to. We are just running errands for you on the mountain."
"How dare I accept such a great gift, fellow Daoist, please rise."
When Song Qingming bowed in gratitude, He Xiaofeng quickly stepped forward to help him up.
After exchanging pleasantries, He Xiaofeng raised his hand and continued speaking to Song Qingming:
"The Grand Elder is still in seclusion and it is inconvenient for him to come out to greet you, fellow Daoist. Please, Song Qingming, come with me to see Uncle Chen!"
"Thank you so much, Sect Leader He!"
Previously, when Song Qingming came to Tianyun Mountain, in order to cover up the fact that he was in seclusion there, Tianyu Sect did not announce it to the public.
Only a few people in the sect, including the Grand Elder Qin Yuntian, knew about this.
Previously, when Song Qingming was arranged to go into seclusion, Elder Qin Yuntian personally welcomed him and did not let anyone else do it on his behalf.
Now that he hadn't seen the other party, Song Qingming was also a little puzzled, but he didn't ask any questions.
Following He Xiaofeng for over a hundred miles, the two soon found Chen Qingxuan sitting cross-legged in a stone pavilion.
Upon arriving here, He Xiaofeng nodded slightly to Song Qingming and quickly turned to leave.
Seeing that Chen Qingxuan seemed to still be busy cultivating, Song Qingming found a clean rock nearby and sat down to wait for him in seclusion.
He waited for half a day, when a gentle breeze blew by and a warm voice suddenly appeared in Song Qingming's ear, interrupting his meditation.
"Young friend, the cultivation technique you are currently practicing..."
But when you asked me about that technique that could enhance one's spiritual sense?
"Senior Chen, this junior greets you!"
Upon suddenly hearing Chen Qingxuan's voice, Song Qingming immediately stopped casting the spell, quickly stood up, clasped his hands, and took the initiative to bow.
(PS: Fellow cultivators, Song Qingming has already stepped into the half-step Nascent Soul realm, taking another step closer to ascension. Please support him with a monthly ticket!) (End of this chapter)