Chapter 1294
Breaking Through Mental State, Door-to-Door Transaction
Several months later, the location of the summit of "Qingyun Mountain".
The strange phenomena in the sky above slowly dissipated. Song Qingming, who had just stepped out of the cave, saw Ling Zhentian not far ahead and immediately raised his hand in a salute.
"I was in seclusion attempting to break through my cultivation level, but I never expected to disturb Senior Ling!"
"No need for formalities. I just happened to be out for a stroll and learned that you were attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, so I stopped by to take a look."
Facing Song Qingming, Ling Zhentian immediately waved his hand and continued:
"Although young friend Song failed to break through his realm this time, he has successfully triggered a celestial phenomenon, which has exceeded my expectations."
"I'm sure it won't be long before you, young friend, advance to the level of one of us."
"Qingming is ashamed. After decades of seclusion, I have still failed at the last hurdle. How dare I praise you so much, senior?"
"This advancement to the Nascent Soul stage is ultimately due to my lack of opportunity; I fear I will be unable to achieve it!"
Song Qingming had prepared meticulously for a long time beforehand, and even had spiritual items to aid his breakthrough, which allowed him to confidently go into seclusion to attempt his breakthrough.
After going into seclusion, Song Qingming's first few steps were very successful, and it didn't take too much time for his "natal nascent soul" to smoothly and steadily integrate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Subsequently, Song Qingming decisively swallowed the "Jade Green Spirit Liquid" and the "Purple Heaven Jade," and began to transform into a Nascent Soul and break through the final bottleneck.
Facing the final hurdle in advancing to the Divine Transformation stage.
Song Qingming's journey started smoothly. With the help of the primordial energy gathered in his body, his "natal nascent soul" aura gradually transformed into a primordial spirit state.
But just as Song Qingming was about to disperse his natal spirit into his physical body, the spirit within him suddenly went out of control and began to run wildly through his spiritual meridians.
Despite his best efforts to cast spells and persevere, he still couldn't overcome this final hurdle.
After only a few months, the primordial spirit within his body reverted to the Nascent Soul state.
At this moment, Song Qingming, who had just failed to reach the Nascent Soul stage, sighed helplessly as Ling Zhentian praised him.
"Alas... young friend, you are mistaken. I was not being polite when I said those words."
I've been here all this time and have witnessed my young friend's breakthrough in overcoming his bottleneck. I've been able to see some of the signs of it.
Although this is your first attempt at transforming from an infant to a god, the foundation you have built up is actually not much different from mine.
There is only one final step away from successfully becoming a deity.
In my opinion, the reason why my friend ultimately failed to break through the bottleneck is simply because...
Aside from a slight lack of control over the primordial energy of heaven and earth, he also lacked a certain state of mind and was somewhat impatient for quick results.
As long as you can let things take their natural course and understand your own state of mind.
I believe the day I achieve godhood is not far off.
"Understand your state of mind, and go with the flow!"
Hearing Ling Zhentian's reminder, Song Qingming was slightly moved.
Just now, recalling the time when I went into seclusion, I did feel a bit of pressure because I was afraid of being chased by the "True Dragon Clan" again.
As a result, since returning to the "Floating Cloud Mountains", Song Qingming has not dared to go out easily in recent years, for fear that his whereabouts will be discovered by the other party again.
For Song Qingming, his cultivation in this life has always been cautious and meticulous.
If he cannot successfully break through to the Nascent Soul realm, he will probably find it difficult to have peace of mind.
As a newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator, it's not surprising that Ling Zhentian could see Song Qingming's lack of mental fortitude.
Thinking of this, Song Qingming muttered to himself, feeling quite helpless.
When a cultivator breaks through the bottleneck of the Nascent Soul stage, they need their own cultivation foundation and auxiliary spiritual objects.
There are clues to follow, and we can slowly figure out a solution or ask others for help, since these are all spiritual objects that we can see and touch.
The only thing that can be helped by others is one's own state of mind; one can only rely on the cultivator's own comprehension to slowly adjust and experience it.
"Thank you for your guidance, senior!"
"Young friend, you have achieved so much in just a few hundred years. I believe you can understand this matter. If so, my trip here will not have been in vain."
"Farewell today, until we meet again!"
As a voice remained in place, Ling Zhentian's figure quickly turned into a phantom and disappeared before Song Qingming's eyes.
It turned out to be a technique called "Void Reflection".
Seeing this, Song Qingming could only bow again in the direction where the other person's voice had disappeared.
Just after seeing Ling Zhentian off, two figures came rushing over from a short distance away; it was Song Qingyu who had arrived a little later.
"Seventh Brother, has my master come looking for you?"
"Yes! I have already met Senior Ling; he just left Qingyun Mountain."
"What? Master is really something. Why did he leave without saying goodbye? I just prepared the banquet and didn't even have time to tell him."
Upon learning that her master, Ling Zhentian, had left, Song Qingyu's face showed a slight hint of disappointment.
But only for a moment, she quickly adjusted her gaze and looked at Song Qingming beside her.
But Song Qingming was deep in thought, walking forward on his own, seemingly still pondering the words Ling Zhentian had just left him.
"Seventh Brother, you must not lose heart."
I've heard everything Master said; you're only one step away from success this time, and you'll definitely succeed in becoming a deity in the future."
“I know, but as Senior Ling also said, my mental state is not yet sufficient, so we cannot be too hasty in this matter.”
By the way, how long have I been in seclusion this time? Has anything happened at Qingyun Mountain these past few years?
After thinking for a long time, Song Qingming was still a little confused, so he turned around and asked Song Qingyu a question to distract himself.
"Seventh Brother, your seclusion this time was not long, only a little over fifty years have passed."
Over the years...
Only after listening to Song Qingyu's detailed account did Song Qingming realize that more than fifty years had passed since his seclusion.
The time required to break through the bottleneck of the Nascent Soul stage is neither very long nor very short.
More than fifty years have passed, and Song Qingyu's injuries have long since fully recovered. His cultivation has also improved significantly, and he is not far from the peak of the seventh level of the Nascent Soul stage.
Li Xuanyi and Huang Siyuan both went into seclusion to break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage during the past forty years.
Unfortunately, neither of them had the necessary foundation, and neither succeeded on their first attempt. This result was not unexpected for Song Qingming.
After all, advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage is far more difficult than other bottlenecks, and is equivalent to facing half a major realm.
Back then, both Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian took two separate attempts to successfully break through the bottleneck.
Song Qingyu, who broke through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm decades ago, only managed to succeed after three consecutive seclusions.
Wang Yan, Zheng Zitong, Yang Fengyu, and others from other sects were stuck at this level for their entire lives.
In terms of personal talent, Huang Siyuan and Li Xuanyi are not much different from Song Qingyu.
If they succeed on their first try, their luck is simply too good.
However, after losing one thing, Huang Siyuan soon received an unexpected gain.
More than a decade ago, the "Heavenly Pill Alliance" of the East China Sea managed to gather a batch of the main ingredients for the Mysterious Spirit Pill.
Since the Xuan Tong Zhenren of the alliance had passed away and the other elders' alchemy skills were somewhat lacking, they took the initiative to send a message to "Qingyun Mountain" to ask Huang Siyuan to refine the elixir.
Since returning from the Nascent Soul stage, Huang Siyuan has not only received the alchemy inheritance of the Yunyang Sect, but also the full support of the sect.
Her alchemy skills have improved by leaps and bounds, and she is already approaching the fourth-grade superior level.
Huang Siyuan, who took on the task of refining pills, successfully refined three "Mysterious Spirit Pills" in one go.
Not only did he successfully advance to the fourth-level superior "Alchemist", he also received one of the "Mysterious Spirit Pills" as a reward.
With the help of the "Mysterious Spirit Pill" in her hand, Huang Siyuan decided to go into seclusion again to break through her bottleneck.
The result was unexpected; she was one step ahead of Li Xuanyi and had successfully broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage six years ago.
Several years ago, after Huang Siyuan left the pass, she received a message that she went to "Lei Yuanhai" to help Granny Jin Yue with some matters, and has not yet returned.
This time, they didn't come to greet Song Qingming.
When Huang Siyuan broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, she failed to form a Nascent Soul several times, and her journey was full of ups and downs.
If she hadn't met her destined benefactor, "Granny Jin Yue," her cultivation might have already stopped at the Golden Core stage.
After advancing to the Nascent Soul stage with the help of "Granny Jin Yue", Huang Siyuan's path to enlightenment became much smoother.
Although her cultivation level is not particularly outstanding, it has already surpassed more than 80% of the Nascent Soul cultivators in the cultivation world.
In addition to Huang Siyuan successfully advancing to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, Bai Yuxian, who has taken over as the head of the "Xiaoyao Sect," also successfully cultivated to the ninth level of the Nascent Soul realm a few years ago.
The other Nascent Soul elders in the sect have all made progress in their own way.
However, compared to the achievements of Huang Siyuan and Bai Yuxian, it is not so remarkable.
During the decades that Song Qingming was in seclusion, the area around the "Floating Cloud Mountains" remained very peaceful and nothing major happened.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the major sects have gradually restored their own strength.
Surprisingly, a demonic calamity suddenly broke out in the territory of the "Northern Frontier" Heavenly Fox Clan, sweeping through many demon territories.
Even in the "Floating Cloud Mountains," some stray demons have infiltrated.
It was after discovering traces of the demons that Song Qingyu, Song Yuanhao, and others risked their lives to explore the northern territory, finally confirming the demonic calamity that had occurred in the northern frontier.
Nowadays, the Heavenly Fox Clan and other major demon clans seem to be busy dealing with the demonic calamity and have no time to go south and harass the human territory of the "Floating Cloud Mountains".
The excitement brought a sense of relief to Song Qingyu and the others.
At least for the time being, they no longer need to worry about the demon race moving south.
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming was also somewhat surprised.
The sudden withdrawal of the Heavenly Fox Clan, who had gained the upper hand in the last turmoil, has left Song Qingming and the others puzzled.
Unexpectedly, a demonic calamity suddenly broke out in the north. Now that I think about it, it must be related to this, which has relieved me of a worry.
However, after so many years, the "Heavenly Fox Clan" still hasn't quelled this demonic calamity, which suggests that the situation is likely much more serious than they imagined.
After this calamity, the Northern "Heavenly Fox Clan" will likely be severely weakened and will be unlikely to pose a significant threat to them in the future.
After chatting with Song Qingyu for a while, the two quickly arrived outside Li Xuanyi's cave.
In previous years, seeing Huang Siyuan advance to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, Li Xuanyi, whose cultivation had been surpassed by Huang Siyuan, felt quite anxious.
In recent years, he has kept himself locked in his cave and rarely goes out.
Besides refining weapons to earn spirit stones, he spends his days honing his own cultivation techniques.
Only after a talisman flew into the cave did Li Xuanyi open the cave's restrictions and arrive in front of Song Qingming.
Looking at Song Qingming, whom she hadn't seen for many years, Li Xuanyi felt bitter, but still managed to force a smile.
"My husband, you've emerged from the pass."
"Qingyu, really, why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
"Senior Sister Li, I sent this to you as soon as Seventh Brother came out of seclusion. Alright, you two continue chatting, I'll go and get back to work."
After greeting Li Xuanyi with a smile, Song Qingyu gave her a sharp look before turning and leaving.
Seeing this, Li Xuanyi could only smile helplessly.
Just as she stepped forward and reached out to invite Song Qingming into her cave, he waved her hand to stop her.
"The weather is perfect today, how about we go for a walk together?"
"Hmm! Husband, wait a moment, I'll go back and change my clothes."
Upon hearing Song Qingming's invitation to go out, Li Xuanyi, dressed in plain clothes, nodded and hurriedly went back to change into a gorgeous palace dress.
Since Song Qingming stepped into the half-step Nascent Soul realm, the two of them have spent most of their time in seclusion cultivating as their cultivation levels have improved.
Nowadays, opportunities to set aside spiritual practice and focus on going out for a walk are rare.
The two chatted and laughed as they walked to the top of the mountain, where they finally found a scenic spot to sit down.
"Qingyu told me that you have been in seclusion all these years, honing your cultivation."
Spiritual practice is certainly very important, but it should not be rushed; otherwise, without a proper mental state, it will be difficult to achieve the desired results.
“My husband, I am not jealous of Sister Siyuan, but I always feel that I have been neglecting my cultivation over the years.”
Now, Qingyu, Senior Sister Bai, and Sister Siyuan are all great cultivators, but my cultivation is still stagnant.
How could Xuan Yi not be afraid that she would fall behind them in the future?
When the time comes, you will all ascend to the upper realm, leaving me all alone.
Sometimes I really wonder if I'm just not as lucky as others, and why I never get the chance when it comes.
"Over the years, if it weren't for my master and your dedicated help, I probably wouldn't have gotten this far."
"Oh! So your greatest opportunity is right in front of you, why do you still need to look for it everywhere?"
"Hehe! That's true."
As soon as Song Qingming finished speaking, Li Xuanyi, who had been feeling a bit down, was startled by his words.
"It's just a pity that my husband isn't only me. If I don't work hard myself, how can I expect you to help me with everything?"
"What will Senior Sister Bai, Sister Siyuan, and Qingyu think of me then?"
"So-called Daoist partners are supposed to help each other. If it were only me who was making sacrifices, how could we have gotten this far?"
Just like now, my mental state is also lacking, and my cultivation is unable to break through, so I can only come to you to talk.
"So, I can help my husband now!"
Upon hearing Song Qingming's words, Li Xuanyi's expression turned thoughtful, and then she smiled and looked at him.
"Of course, if you can resolve this matter smoothly, I should be able to as well."
With Song Qingming's current wealth, it wouldn't be difficult for him to go out and find a "Mysterious Spirit Pill" for Li Xuanyi.
But now Li Xuanyi is facing the same problem as Song Qingming: she has been too hasty in her cultivation, and her mental state has become problematic.
Even if a "Mysterious Spirit Pill" were given to her now, Li Xuanyi would most likely not be able to pass this test during her subsequent seclusion.
Now, Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi are both suffering from the same kind of mental deficiency.
If you want to advance your cultivation smoothly, you must find a way to solve this problem first.
"My husband, let's work together then."
They say that when husband and wife are of one mind, nothing is difficult; I'm sure we can figure out a way.
"good!.."
As Li Xuanyi finished speaking, a sense of calm settled over her.
Clearly, she was no longer concerned about her insufficient cultivation level, but instead focused on devising a solution for the two of them.
".
Down in the town, at the teleportation array.
As a white light flashed, dozens of cultivators quickly appeared on the stone platform.
Among the crowd, a handsome man in white looked around and quickly followed the flow of people out.
Before long, the man in white arrived at a restaurant on the west side of the market.
As soon as he entered the restaurant lobby, a sharp-eyed waiter quickly came to greet him.
"Welcome to Xianfeng Tower, sir."
"I'd like a private room and a few more special spiritual dishes."
"Alright, please come upstairs. In addition to our regular private rooms, we now also have newly launched deluxe suites with scenic views. Would you like to take a look?"
This is unique to the Fuyun Mountain Range. Our family is the only one in the entire Qingyun Mountain area who can see it. Normally, it's impossible to book a room even if you want to.
"You've come at the perfect time, sir. There are still seats available upstairs; I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
"A suite with a view, would you like to show me?"
The man in white was clearly intrigued by the waiter's eloquent description.
Before long, led by the waiter, the white-robed monk arrived at a luxurious private room on the rooftop.
Looking through the window, you can see a circular stage in front of you.
Above them was a group of monks in uniform, playing melodious music on musical instruments, their voices soothing and calming.
In front of the stage, several beautiful female cultivators were dancing gracefully to the music.
These female nuns were dressed in thin clothes, with seductive eyes and an aura that made people feel sorry for them, which drew cheers from the surrounding private rooms from time to time.
The man in white looked at the scene before him, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.
"This is the deluxe suite with a view you were talking about!"
"Hmm! Are you not satisfied, sir? We have other better seats, but they are all full right now. We can change seats for you whenever they become available."
"No need, hurry up and serve me the food."
And this item, please give it to your manager.
The man in white waved his hand, then reached into his person and took out a black iron plate, handing it directly to the waiter.
The shopkeeper looked at the iron plaque in his hand and felt it was somewhat familiar, so he couldn't help but glance at the man in white.
"Sir, are you from the Funiu Mountains?"
"Never mind where I'm from, just pass on the message!"
Seeing a cold glint in the white-clad man's eyes, the waiter realized he had misspoke, quickly bowed to him, and hurriedly left the private room.
Upon seeing this, the man in white closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair.
He showed absolutely no interest in the beautiful women outside the window.
".
Half an hour later, the man in white had finished his meal and drinks.
However, he did not rush to leave, but remained seated in the private room with his eyes closed, patiently waiting.
Only when there was a sudden knock on the door did the man in white open his eyes and respond.
When the door opened, it wasn't a waiter from the restaurant who came in, but a man dressed in a blue robe.
"Fellow Daoist Song, it's been many years! It's been a long time!"
"When I received the message, I couldn't guess who it was. I didn't expect it to be you."
"I wonder why Fellow Daoist Long is dressed like this? Are you perhaps worried that someone here is watching you?"
The "man in white" in front of them was none other than Long Ziyun, Song Qingming's good friend from back then.
However, the other party abandoned their usual glamorous women's clothing and changed into a refined men's outfit.
The former beauty had suddenly transformed into a handsome scholar, so much so that Song Qingming almost didn't recognize her at first glance.
Seeing this, Long Ziyun immediately cupped her hands and explained:
"Fellow Daoist Song, I am very sorry, but Ziyun is currently unable to control her own destiny, and there are some things that must be guarded against."
I hope my fellow Daoist can understand.
"It's alright! Fellow Daoist Long and I have known each other for many years. If I, Song, were to care about such a trivial matter, I wouldn't have come to see you today."
"Fellow Daoist Long, you've come to see me this time to retrieve this item, haven't you?"
After waving to Long Ziyun, Song Qingming immediately took out a white array plate from his person and placed it in front of her.
After Long Ziyun's accident, she went to the Song family's "Funiu Mountain" and entrusted the white jade plate in her hand to Monk Jinyun to be handed over to Song Qingming for safekeeping.
Besides a letter, this also contains high-grade spiritual items worth millions of spirit stones.
However, after obtaining this item, Song Qingming never used anything inside, and now he has returned it to Long Ziyun intact.
Looking at the familiar array plate, Long Ziyun's gaze towards Song Qingming held a hint of surprise.
"The spiritual items inside were actually left behind by the Grand Elder back then. Apart from this Merchant Alliance token, Zi Yun doesn't know anything about the others."
I never expected that after so many years, with my fate unknown, my fellow Daoist would remain completely untouched by these spiritual objects.
If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, Zi Yun wouldn't have believed it.
"The spirit stone is good, but it does not belong to me. How could I possibly take it for my own use?"
If that's how you see it, you're underestimating me.
"Oh! These spiritual items cannot impress you, fellow Daoist. I wonder if a top-grade spirit stone might interest you, Fellow Daoist Song?"
Long Ziyun spoke very slowly, as if she had been hesitant before.
On Song Qingming's side, his expression, which had been calm, changed slightly after hearing what the other party said.
"What did you say? Top-grade spirit stones!"
"That's right, I'm talking about the top-grade spirit stone that can help cultivators break through to the Nascent Soul realm."
With Fellow Daoist Song's current cultivation level, he should know the value of this item.
"I wonder if Ziyun could use this item to make a deal with you, Fellow Daoist Song? I would like to ask you to do me a favor."
(I'm very sorry, I've been out studying recently, and the closed management system means I have classes until 9 pm every night, which means I have very little time to write.)
I can only try my best to update from now on, and I hope everyone can understand.
(Also, I know I'll definitely get scolded for failing to reach the Divine Transformation stage for the first time, but Xiao Meng's character design does include this process, and it's not an intentional attempt to suppress the protagonist.)
Since I can't reveal too much about the plot, I can only say that the Nascent Soul stage will be reached very soon.
Next, the Human Realm arc will soon be coming to a close, probably in about a month! (End of Chapter)