Chapter 1304
Following One's Heart, Returning to the Azure Clouds
When the two last met, Song Qingming's cultivation had just broken through to the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
Now, more than a hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye.
When Song Qingming suddenly saw Chen Qingxuan appear in front of him, he was also surprised, as if he thought he had mistaken the person for someone else.
However, Chen Qingxuan was not at all pretentious. He sat among a group of Qi Refining cultivators and drank his wine by himself.
More than a hundred years have passed, and Chen Qingxuan's cultivation has also improved, reaching the fifth level of the Nascent Soul realm.
Seeing that Song Qingming recognized him, he showed no surprise at all, raising his glass with a smile as if he were just a guest who had come to offer congratulations.
Only after the banquet ended and many guests had left did Song Qingming invite Chen Qingxuan into the inner room.
Li Xuanyi, holding the newborn Song Xinyuan, came out and greeted Chen Qingxuan with a bow.
"This humble servant greets Senior Chen!"
"No need for formalities!"
"I encountered this child's birth as soon as I arrived, which suggests that we have some kind of connection. This Heavenly Origin Heart Sutra is a cultivation technique that I practiced back then."
After completing the cultivation, it will also be of some help to the cultivator in the future when forming the Nascent Soul stage.
Since we've met today, consider this my congratulatory gift; it means I haven't drunk your banquet for nothing.
After Chen Qingxuan finished speaking, a jade slip appeared in his hand in the blink of an eye, which he handed to Li Xuanyi.
Upon meeting Chen Qingxuan, he immediately presented him with a cultivation technique that would be helpful for those who had reached the Nascent Soul stage.
Li Xuanyi's face immediately lit up with joy, and she quickly stepped forward to thank him again.
"Thank you, senior!"
".
Only after Li Xuanyi and her son left did Chen Qingxuan turn to look at Song Qingming beside him.
"Young friend Song, you've come here for training, haven't you? I wonder how you've fared?"
"After my last seclusion, I felt that my state of mind was still somewhat lacking. Now, after entering the world to cultivate, I have indeed gained a lot of insights."
"So, young friend, you should be confident that you can break through to the Nascent Soul realm again."
Hearing a hint of expectation in Chen Qingxuan's tone, Song Qingming calmly replied:
"Yes! As long as I can successfully replenish my mental state this time, I will naturally go into seclusion to try to break through to a higher realm."
However, the path to becoming a deity is extraordinary, and I dare not speak frankly to you, senior, whether I can succeed.
Faced with Song Qingming's reply, Chen Qingxuan remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly.
"You speak with composure, just like Lingxuzi back then."
To be honest, young friend, I have observed quite a few young people over the years.
Compared to Yun Tian and the others, although you haven't been at the half-step Nascent Soul stage for long, your magical power is already on par with theirs, and your chances of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage in the future should be even higher.
I am not saying this to praise you, young friend, but rather to express my confidence in my judgment.
"This is truly a rare opportunity for a senior to think so highly of me. I am rather humbled and feel quite unworthy."
"Young friend Song, the purpose of my visit is to personally confirm whether you are confident in breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm within the next hundred years."
Please, young friend, there's no need for modesty; just speak frankly.
As Chen Qingxuan spoke, his expression suddenly became very serious, and his gaze was fixed on Song Qingming in front of him.
Upon hearing the other party's earnest question, Song Qingming remained silent for a moment before nodding earnestly.
"To be honest, senior, I was fortunate enough to obtain a top-grade spirit stone a few years ago. I was planning to improve my mental state and then go into seclusion to break through my cultivation level."
"Hmm! Since you are already confident, then accept this item as my way of helping you."
Hearing Song Qingming's very affirmative answer, Chen Qingxuan immediately responded with satisfaction, then took out a jade box and presented it to Song Qingming.
"Yin-Yang Creation Pill!"
"Senior, is this Yin-Yang Creation Pill really meant for me?"
Once the jade box was opened, Song Qingming, who immediately recognized the black and white elixir inside, looked at the person in front of him in surprise.
The "Yin-Yang Creation Pill" is also a rare spiritual item that helps one break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Song Qingming had only seen one once in all his years of cultivation, when he helped Daoist Jin Chen break through his realm.
Song Qingming was genuinely surprised to see Chen Qingxuan suddenly give him such a precious elixir.
Even if I have now caught the eye of the right person and have a chance to advance to the Nascent Soul realm.
However, Chen Qingxuan had previously bestowed upon him a "Purple Heaven Jade," which helped him break through to the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
Now, he has personally come to his door and given him a "Yin-Yang Creation Pill," which makes Song Qingming somewhat suspicious.
Among the many geniuses in the entire "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent," the Heavenly Imperial Sect alone has Elder Qin Yuntian and Sect Leader He Xiaofeng, both of whom have been at the half-step Nascent Soul stage for many years and can break through their cultivation levels at any time.
There's no reason why only I could earn such high regard from this senior.
Seeing the confusion on Song Qingming's face, Chen Qingxuan immediately understood what he was thinking and quickly explained:
"Young friend, don't worry, this pill is a gift from me."
I hope you can persevere and advance to the Divine Transformation stage as soon as possible.
"If you encounter any further difficulties, young friend, you can always visit me in the Eastern Phoenix Kingdom, and I will arrange a suitable secluded cultivation place for you."
Not only did they give me elixirs, they also arranged a secluded retreat for me.
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming's confusion deepened, as he failed to understand Chen Qingxuan's intentions.
"Senior, this Yin-Yang Creation Pill is so precious. I think there must be many people around you who need it. Why did you travel so far to give it to me?"
"Do you really have so much confidence in my ability to advance to the Nascent Soul stage that you would entrust this pill to me?"
When Song Qingming asked Chen Qingxuan, Chen Qingxuan shook his head slightly.
"If you cultivate steadily, whether it takes two hundred years, three hundred years, or even longer, I believe that even without this elixir, you still have a chance to advance to the Nascent Soul stage."
However, with undercurrents surging in Donghuang Immortal Continent, we fear we cannot wait that long.
If someone can advance to the Nascent Soul stage sooner, I can feel more at ease.
Giving you this elixir might be a blessing for the entire Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent.
"May I ask, Senior Chen, why do you say this? Has something happened in Donghuang Kingdom?"
Since Master Lingxuzi ascended to heaven, in the last few hundred years, although the demon race in the northern frontier has become powerful and has frequently invaded human territory from the south.
However, the people of Donghuang Kingdom united as one and thwarted the demon army several times, preventing them from achieving their goals.
Upon suddenly hearing the anxious tone in Chen Qingxuan's voice, Song Qingming was also somewhat puzzled.
In response to his question, Chen Qingxuan stood up, shook his head, and said:
"There's nothing wrong with Donghuang Kingdom right now, but there have been a lot of troubles in the Northern Frontier in recent years, with demonic disasters breaking out in many places."
This disaster is quite strange, and it will probably soon affect our human territory.
You may not know this, but Fellow Daoist Jin Yuan left a few years ago.
Now, in this vast Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent, only I remain, and I am somewhat alone and unable to support it.
Young friend, you have already gained Senior Lü's approval and been entrusted with the mission of eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path. If you can advance to the Nascent Soul stage, we will likely have more means to deal with this matter in the future.”
"The demonic calamity in the Northern Frontier is so severe. Is it possible that the demon race has no way to deal with this matter?"
As early as when Song Qingming had just returned from beyond the heavens, he had already heard about the demonic calamity that had broken out among the Northern Heavenly Fox Clan.
As a result, the demon race has lost interest in moving south in recent years, and the various regions of the Floating Cloud Mountains have enjoyed a rare period of peace.
Now, upon hearing Chen Qingxuan mention the "Northern Frontier" demonic calamity, which would soon affect the Eastern Phoenix Kingdom, Song Qingming realized that this demonic calamity was far more complex than he had previously thought.
"The demon race is not good at fighting monsters, and they don't want us to get involved. Now many places in the northern border have fallen, and the situation is getting more and more serious."
This calamity is different from the past; I suspect it may be related to the demon from the upper realm who escaped back then.
After the ancient war, the strength of our Huayang Realm has long since declined, and its foundation is no longer comparable to what it once was.
If this demon were to cause any trouble, the Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent would likely face another bloodbath.
"The demon from the upper realm, could it be her again?"
Hearing Chen Qingxuan's concerns, Song Qingming instinctively recalled the little girl in black who had taken the Xuan Tian Demon Artifact from the Silver Light Secret Realm.
This demonic power was already comparable to that of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and with the addition of the "Mysterious Heavenly Demonic Artifact," its strength has become unfathomable.
Even if Chen Qingxuan, a fifth-level Nascent Soul expert, were to take action, he might not be able to defeat his opponent in a one-on-one fight.
Now, "Ancestor Jin Yuan" has reached the end of his lifespan and has left Huayang Realm.
On the human cultivator side of the entire Donghuang Immortal Continent, only Chen Qingxuan remained to hold the line, and there was an urgent need to cultivate a new Nascent Soul cultivator.
Song Qingming obtained a magical treasure that sealed the "Mysterious Heavenly Demon Artifact" in the secret realm.
Having obtained this opportunity, he has unknowingly become entangled in the cause and effect of eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path.
Upon hearing the explanation, Song Qingming immediately understood Chen Qingxuan's purpose in coming to him. After a moment's thought, he didn't hesitate any longer and directly reached out to take the jade box that the other party had taken out.
"Don't worry, senior, I will do my best."
Seeing this, a smile appeared on Chen Qingxuan's face.
"Young friend Song, the path of cultivation should follow the natural course so that you can align with your true nature and have clear thoughts."
Otherwise, if one is hesitant and indecisive, the path ahead will naturally be filled with more obstacles.
"The reason I came to see you today is simply to follow my heart. It is not that I intend to entrust the fate of the entire Donghuang Immortal Continent to you. Young friend, you should not feel too much pressure."
"Follow your heart!"
As the saying goes, "Ten years pass with spring and autumn, a hundred years with birth, aging, sickness and death, a thousand years with the rise and fall of sects, and ten thousand years with the changing of the sea and the mulberry fields!"
Over the past 100,000 years, the cultivation world has endured countless hardships and nurtured numerous living beings who have safely reached this day.
I believe that if Donghuang Immortal Continent can survive this calamity...
Even without us, others would have stood up to stop these things.
We only need to follow our hearts; there's no need to be too concerned about right and wrong, merit and demerit.
"I will remember your teachings, senior."
Upon hearing Chen Qingxuan's words of advice, Song Qingming seemed to understand something and quickly cupped his hands in a respectful bow.
When he got up, he found that the person in front of him had already disappeared.
".
Looking at the jade box in his hand, Song Qingming turned and went outside. He couldn't help but recall the words Chen Qingxuan had just said.
Returning to the places he had once walked in the past, Song Qingming once again experienced the difficulty of cultivation.
At that time, he was still a minor cultivator in the Qi Refining stage, traveling around to cultivate.
His path of cultivation was very pure; he only wanted to find a way to survive in the perilous cracks of the cultivation world.
Now standing at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, Song Qingming has already reached the summit and become the one who controls the fate of a region of the cultivation world.
No longer do you have to worry about saying the wrong thing and being targeted, or about having any spiritual objects on you that might attract the covetous eyes of demons or bandits.
However, as his cultivation level increased, Song Qingming also shouldered more and more responsibilities.
From his family's Funiu Mountain to the Weiguo Xiaoyao Sect, and even to the entire cultivation world of the Fuyun Mountain Range, the fate of all cultivators is now inextricably linked to him, the patriarch of the Song family.
The purpose of my spiritual practice seems to have changed, and I have accumulated a lot of burdens in my heart.
As Chen Qingxuan said, the path of cultivation requires following one's true nature so that one's mind is not disturbed by external factors.
During the more than ten years I spent away from home practicing spiritual cultivation, I retraced the path I had taken years ago, with the same goal of rediscovering my original intention from when I first began my cultivation.
Ten years, a hundred years, or a thousand years!
Ultimately, one cannot take care of one's family and sect for a lifetime. One must let go of these things in order to focus on continuing to explore the path to immortality.
Sitting alone in the courtyard, sipping wine and gazing at the bright moon hanging high in the sky, Song Qingming felt as if he had returned to the "Moon-Gazing Pavilion" of yesteryear.
As my gaze fell, I noticed several more figures appearing in the surrounding area.
"Big Brother, Fourth Brother, Thirteenth Uncle!"
"Qingshi, Qingrui, Qingming, don't just focus on drinking."
"Tell me, if you achieve a high level of cultivation in the future, what would you most like to do?"
"If I can break through to the late stage of Qi Refining, I will definitely become a family elder in the future and show off my power."
"If I can successfully establish my foundation, I will definitely lead everyone to wipe out Green Bamboo Mountain and make those monsters unable to chase us anymore."
"Hmm! If I can attain enlightenment and ascend to immortality, I will definitely bring my family to the Immortal Realm and make our Song family a true immortal race. What do you say?"
"Haha, you two are so petty. Qingming is the most ambitious."
"That's true, but we don't have the same ambitions as Seventh Brother."
"Come on, let's drink."
".
"Husband, where is Senior Chen? Why are you sleeping here?"
Just as Song Qingming was enjoying a hearty drink with his brothers, a voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts. He opened his eyes and saw Li Xuanyi, who had woken him up.
"Hey! Senior Chen, he just left. Is Xinyuan asleep?"
This was the first time Song Qingming had gotten himself drunk so easily since he began his cultivation, and he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
Seeing Li Xuanyi looking at him with a puzzled expression, Song Qingming quickly smiled and explained.
Looking at Song Qingming's embarrassed face, Li Xuanyi smiled slightly and took the initiative to sit down next to him.
“It’s rare for my husband to be in such a good mood, I’ll have another drink with you.”
"it is good!"
After exchanging toasts for a while, Li Xuanyi gazed at the bright moon in the sky, turned to Song Qingming, and said:
“My husband, I need to take care of Xinyuan now, and I can’t help you much if I stay here. Why don’t we take him back to Qingyun Mountain first, so as not to affect your training?”
This will also allow Xinyuan to meet Qingyu and the others, and he can come to find you when he's a bit older."
Since giving birth to her son Song Xinyuan, Li Xuanyi has been extremely busy for the past month or so, and has had no time to take care of the shop's business.
Upon hearing her suggestion to send her son, Song Xinyuan, back first, Song Qingming pondered for a moment but then shook his head.
"Since we're going back anyway, let's go back together."
"I've been away for so long, it's time to go back and visit."
"Ah! What do you mean by that, my husband? Have you decided to end your training and go back?"
Upon hearing Song Qingming's reply, Li Xuanyi was slightly taken aback and asked another question.
Seeing this, Song Qingming nodded slightly.
Having cultivated in the mortal world for nearly twenty years, Song Qingming has rediscovered the original intention he had when he first began cultivating.
With Chen Qingxuan's guidance, he suddenly understood and took the initiative to let go of many of his inner entanglements.
Now, he no longer has much pressure on his shoulders. He has returned to his original self, who was wholeheartedly devoted to the Tao, and made up for the missing piece in his mind.
Next, if I go into seclusion to break through to a higher realm, I shouldn't have many of these kinds of interferences anymore.
Staying here might help solidify one's mindset.
But for Song Qingming now, it has little impact.
It's fine to go back earlier or later.
The next morning, the two left Guiyunfang together and took their son Song Xinyuan directly back to Qingyun Mountain.
Just as Song Qingming and his wife returned, Song Qingyu, upon hearing the news, immediately came out to greet them.
"Seventh Brother, Senior Sister Li, you're finally back."
"Hey! Whose child is this? Could it be...?"
Seeing the baby in Li Xuanyi's arms, Song Qingyu stood there stunned for a long time, looking at the two of them with some confusion.
Seeing the other party's surprise, Li Xuanyi immediately showed a hint of displeasure.
"Qingyu, what are you saying? Whose child is this? Why don't you come and see for yourself!"
Only after Song Qingyu came closer and took a look did she believe it a little and take the initiative to help pick up the child.
"Huh! He really does look just like you, Senior Sister Li, but he doesn't look much like Seventh Brother, which is a bit strange."
Although born a boy, Song Xinyuan inherited his mother Li Xuanyi's fair and delicate features, and was very handsome.
Hearing Song Qingyu's teasing words, Song Qingming didn't seem to care too much and led the two of them back to their cave.
After nearly twenty years of escaping to cultivate in the world, little has changed on Qingyun Mountain except for Huang Siyuan, who remains in "Lei Yuanhai" and has not returned.
Upon returning to his cave dwelling, Song Qingming immediately began preparing for his upcoming seclusion.
Now that he has figured out his own mental state, and has top-grade spirit stones and the "Yin-Yang Creation Pill"—two treasures that can help him break through his cultivation level—he has finally achieved his goal.
Song Qingming was already quite confident about his upcoming seclusion to break through his cultivation level.
However, Song Qingming had not yet decided whether to stay in Qingyun Mountain for seclusion or go to Donghuang Kingdom for a more prudent decision.
Now that I've just returned, I'm not in a hurry about this matter; I can take my time to consider it.
This is also a good opportunity to spend more time with Song Xinyuan, who is still young.
A period of seclusion to break through to the Nascent Soul realm could take decades or even centuries, and it's uncertain when one will emerge from seclusion again. (End of Chapter)