Chapter 1335
The Right Person, Liu Yuling
As "Master Jinluo" spoke, his gaze was fixed on Song Qingming's face.
Ling Zhentian and "Wuyouzi" on the side calmly sipped their tea.
When Song Qingming first met Ling Zhentian and the other two, he was a little puzzled as to why they would all come to Qingyun Mountain together.
It was only at this moment that "Master Jinluo" suddenly mentioned the matter of spatial nodes.
Song Qingming then realized that the three Nascent Soul cultivators had come to visit him not just to make friends and discuss the Dao.
Instead, they wanted to invite him to join a team to explore the "space node" where one could smuggle themselves to the upper realm.
After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, everyone stood at the pinnacle of this world, achieving many of the accomplishments they desired.
For "Jinluo Zhenren" and his ilk...
The only thing I seek in this life's cultivation is to ascend to the upper realm and attain immortality.
However, the spiritual energy in Huayang Realm is now insufficient, so even those with exceptional talent are no longer able to ascend normally.
If one wishes to travel to the upper realm, the only option is to try entering a "space node" like many of their predecessors and risk sneaking across to the upper realm.
“Fellow Daoist Jin, I have heard that crossing spatial nodes is extremely dangerous. Even Nascent Soul cultivators would find it difficult to survive if they entered one.”
Since the three of you are keen to invite companions to explore the spatial node, why not seek assistance from Senior Chen or Zen Master Baiyue? Wouldn't that be a more prudent approach?
Because of the scarcity of spiritual energy, no cultivator in the "Huayang Realm" has been able to ascend normally for tens of thousands of years. Many Nascent Soul cultivators have been forced to seek spatial nodes to sneak into the upper realm.
Song Qingming could easily understand why "Master Jinluo" and the others had come to find him.
He was puzzled as to why the other party would specifically invite him, someone who had only recently advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, to plan this matter, instead of seeking out experts in the mid-Nascent Soul stage like Chen Qingxuan or "Master Baiyue".
After all, the dangers of entering a spatial node are self-evident.
It would definitely be safer to find a companion with higher cultivation level.
Upon hearing Song Qingming's question, "Master Jinluo" sighed helplessly.
“How could we not know what Fellow Daoist Song has said?”
"In the five continents and four seas of Huayang Realm, there are quite a few human cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul stage, but not everyone is willing to risk entering the spatial node to smuggle themselves to the upper realm."
Fellow Daoists from Zhongyuan Immortal Continent, Nanling Prefecture, and Longyuan Sea are far from us and not so close, so it is not appropriate for us to invite them.
In Xihuazhou, Zen Master Baiyue has no intention of secretly crossing over to the upper realm.
Fellow Daoist Yulong of Xuanhuo Palace has a somewhat strained relationship with us, so it's not so easy to persuade her.
Lei Yuanhai heard that Fellow Daoist Jin Yue and his group have found a relatively stable spatial node and have already made an appointment with Fellow Daoist Yu Zhen and Fellow Daoist Lü Yang to enter it.
As for Donghuang Immortal Continent, Fellow Daoist Chen is currently presiding over the sealing formation on Jade Profound Island and has no intention of plotting this matter with us.
"Fellow Daoist Song and we are both cultivators who have advanced to the Nascent Soul stage in the last thousand years. If we can agree in advance to act together, the probability of success will naturally be greater."
"Fellow Daoist Jinluo is right. Smuggling across spatial nodes is a matter of leaving no way out."
If we want to enter, we also need to make preparations in advance and not act rashly.
To be honest, over the years the three of us have also found several spatial nodes that senior cultivators had entered.
If Fellow Daoist Song is willing to join, we can all share relevant information.
Having said that, "Wuyouzi" gave Song Qingming a mysterious look, as if he had a lot to say.
Although there are quite a few Nascent Soul cultivators in the Five Continents and Western Sea of Huayang Realm, they each have their own territory and are not a monolithic entity.
Not including places like "Zhongyuan Xianzhou" and "Nanlingzhou" which are farther away.
The “Xihua Continent” where Jinluo Zhenren resides is divided into three factions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and they all have some grudges and conflicts with each other.
Rumor has it that when Ling Zhentian was transforming into a god, the Jade Dragon Ancestor of the Xuanhuo Palace even tried to go to the Heavenly Sword Pavilion to block his path.
Ultimately, "Master Jinluo" intervened and stopped him from succeeding.
Several Nascent Soul elders in the cultivation world of "Lei Yuanhai" frequently fought each other over territory, leading to constant tensions between their forces.
On the Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent side, the situation is equally complex, involving several Nascent Soul stage forces and ten major sects.
The reason they appear more united now is mainly because the demons from the "Northern Frontier" and "Falling Star Sea" have been putting immense pressure on them over the years.
This forced the major sects of the Eastern Phoenix Kingdom to unite against a common enemy in order to survive.
Like Song Qingming, the three "Jinluo Zhenren" were cultivators who broke through to the Nascent Soul stage in the last thousand years, and their cultivation levels were still at the early Nascent Soul stage.
Chen Qingxuan and "Master Baiyue" are both mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators with powerful supernatural abilities.
Even when planning to smuggle themselves into a "space node," they would naturally choose more suitable allies, not weaker companions.
Those who already had a poor relationship with him, such as "Old Ancestor Yulong," found it even more difficult to trust "Old Ancestor Jinluo" and Ling Zhentian, and to cooperate with them easily.
As a result, there aren't many potential partners left to look for.
After hearing the explanation from "Jinluo Zhenren" and "Wuyouzi", Song Qingming understood.
There wasn't really any particular reason why the other party contacted me.
She only took a liking to Song Qingming, who had just successfully transformed into a deity, because she couldn't find a suitable person.
Faced with the invitation from "Master Jinluo," Song Qingming pondered for a moment before replying in a low voice:
“I am deeply grateful that the three fellow Daoists have come from afar to invite me.”
However, I have only just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, and my cultivation and supernatural abilities are still insufficient. I have no intention of secretly crossing spatial nodes.
Moreover, Song also promised Senior Chen that he would find a way to repair the sealing array of Jade Profound Island as soon as possible.
"I definitely won't leave Huayang Realm until this matter is resolved."
"In that case, I'm afraid I'll be taking up too much of your time. Why don't you try looking for other fellow Daoists first?"
Although Song Qingming's cultivation has advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, he will indeed need to plan to "smuggle himself to the upper realm" in the future.
However, entering the spatial node is extremely dangerous. Song Qingming's cultivation level is currently only average, and he doesn't have many magical treasures or spiritual objects that can cope with spatial storms.
Even if he could find a stable "space node" right now, he wouldn't dare to easily sneak into the upper realm with "Jinluo Zhenren" and others.
Moreover, Nascent Soul cultivators have a lifespan of four thousand years, and Song Qingming is not even a thousand years old yet, so there is absolutely no need for him to rush into planning this matter.
At least we can wait until our cultivation level improves further and we have a few treasures to deal with spatial storms.
As for the information about the spatial nodes mentioned by "Wuyouzi".
Although Song Qingming was somewhat interested, he didn't want to focus on it for the time being.
The True Demon Rebellion has just been quelled, the sealing array of "Jade Profound Island" still needs to be thoroughly repaired, and the spiritual vein of "Azure Cloud Mountain" also needs to be upgraded as much as possible.
Next, we need to integrate the various forces surrounding the Floating Cloud Mountains, find a way to rebuild the "Tai Xu Sect," and improve our own cultivation.
All of these matters still require Song Qingming's help for the time being.
He couldn't possibly abandon the people around him so quickly and focus all his attention on planning to smuggle himself into the "space node," so he could only postpone the matter for the time being.
Seeing that Song Qingming had so decisively rejected him, "Master Jinluo" couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on his face.
But his expression quickly returned to normal, and he nodded with a smile.
"The sealing array of Jade Profound Island is related to the passage between the two realms, so it is only right that Fellow Daoist Song attaches such importance to it."
When the three of us arrived, we were unaware of this matter, so please forgive any inconvenience caused.
However, Fellow Daoist Song, please don't be so quick to refuse. The main purpose of the three of us being here today is to first get to know you and exchange greetings."
"Yes! Brother Song not only comes from a family of cultivators, but is also bound by the sect. It is inevitable that he has some worldly affairs to attend to."
Exploring spatial nodes is not something that can be done overnight; it requires careful planning.
"Please don't be in such a hurry, gentlemen. We can come to Qingyun Mountain to invite you after Brother Song has finished his work."
As soon as "Master Jinluo" finished speaking, Ling Zhentian, who was sitting next to him, immediately chimed in, both of them expressing their understanding of Song Qingming.
Seeing this, "Wuyouzi" nodded in agreement, without saying anything more.
"It is rare for you two fellow Daoists and Brother Ling to think so highly of me. If I decide to do so in the future, I will certainly live up to your kindness."
"Hehe! Then it's a deal."
".
"Fellow Daoists, it's a rare treat for you to visit my Qingyun Mountain. Please don't stand on ceremony and have a few more drinks."
Seeing that the three, including "Master Jinluo," did not mention anything else, Song Qingming raised his wine glass again and took the initiative to invite them to join him.
The four immediately changed the subject and began to discuss wine and philosophy.
Since advancing to the Nascent Soul realm, apart from exchanging ideas with Chen Qingxuan a few times, Song Qingming has never had the opportunity to discuss the Dao with other Nascent Soul cultivators.
Having the opportunity to meet the three "Golden Luo True Man", he naturally did not miss such a good chance and earnestly exchanged cultivation experiences with them.
Aside from Ling Zhentian, who started as a sword cultivator, both "Jinluo Zhenren" and "Wuyouzi" have been at the Nascent Soul stage for nearly a thousand years. Naturally, they have more experience in cultivating at the Nascent Soul stage.
In particular, there was "Wuyouzi," who came from a humble background as a hermit.
Like Song Qingming, Wuyouzi's personal cultivation experience was also very complicated. Before advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, he had cultivated many techniques and even practiced the Body Transformation Technique.
Song Qingming also gained a lot from discussing philosophy with him.
Among the four, the one with the highest cultivation level, "Jinluo Zhenren," practices Confucian techniques.
Confucian cultivation methods emphasize cultivating one's righteous spirit, and "Master Jinluo" clearly has a higher understanding of the Daoist mind and its essence than the other three.
As for Ling Zhentian, this sword cultivator, he is more skilled in combat.
Although his cultivation had just broken through to the second level of the Nascent Soul stage, he was not as good as "Wuyouzi" and "Jinluo Zhenren".
However, in terms of magical abilities, Ling Zhentian should still be above "Wuyouzi" and is not much different from "Jinluo Zhenren" at the third level of the Nascent Soul stage.
Back when they were trapped in the "Ziyang Heavenly Palace", Song Qingming and Ling Zhentian had discussed the Dao on several occasions.
However, at that time, both of them were only at the Nascent Soul stage.
After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, both Song Qingming and Ling Zhentian became very familiar with controlling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
This renewed discussion has given Song Qingming a much deeper understanding of the sword cultivator's offensive methods than he had before.
The four of them discussed philosophy for many days, so engrossed in their conversation that they lost track of time.
When Song Qingming returned to Qingyun Mountain, several months had passed.
".
At the foot of the mountain is the "Qingyun Mountain" market.
In the "Xianfenglou" located on the east side of the market, several waiters carried delicious spiritual dishes and quickly arrived at the luxurious private room on the top floor.
Song Minghe, the manager of "Xianfenglou" who had been waiting there, hurriedly stepped forward to receive the spiritual meal.
He then tidied himself up and knocked on the door respectfully.
"Come in!"
Hearing a crisp sound coming from inside, Song Minghe lowered her head and walked in with the spiritual food, carefully placing it on the round table in the center.
"Elders, this is our restaurant's signature dish, Jade Cloud Carp."
The fish used were live fish raised in the spiritual spring of Qingyun Mountain, and were carefully cooked using a secret recipe personally passed down by Ancestor Siyuan. We cordially invite the ancestors to taste them.
"Hmm! Fellow Daoist Chu and I still have something to discuss. You may leave now!"
After Li Xuanyi waved for Song Minghe and the others to leave, only five figures remained in the private room.
Besides the three Nascent Soul cultivators, Li Xuanyi, Chu Lingyun, and Liu Heyuan, who were seated in the main seats, Li Xinyuan and a pretty woman in green stood to the side.
Compared to the somewhat reserved woman in green, Song Xinyuan appeared completely calm standing in front of the Nascent Soul cultivators.
It seems they've seen this kind of situation many times before.
"Xinyuan, Junior Nephew Liu, there are no outsiders here today, so let's not stand on ceremony. You two sit down and have your meal together!"
"Yes! Let's listen to Senior Li and come sit down!"
"Yes! Yu Ling thanks you, senior."
Upon hearing Li Xuanyi and Chu Lingyun greet her together, Liu Yuling stepped forward, bowed, and then sat down in a corner.
Song Xinyuan, on the other hand, took her seat very generously.
He picked up his chopsticks, about to taste the spirit fish in front of him, when Li Xuanyi stopped him.
"You child, how can you be so ill-mannered? The guests haven't even started eating yet."
"Mother! You've misunderstood. I'm not doing this out of greed. I just want to invite this Senior Sister Liu to try this famous dish from Qingyunfang."
Didn't you criticize me last time for not helping to greet the guests? How could I forget?
Having said that, Song Xinyuan picked up the spirit fish and placed it directly into Liu Yuling's bowl opposite her.
"Senior Sister Liu, this fish is unique to Qingyunfang. You should try it and see how it tastes!"
"Ah, thank you very much, junior brother."
Faced with Song Xinyuan's enthusiasm, Liu Yuling was slightly taken aback, and quickly thanked him.
Upon seeing this, Chu Lingyun, who was sitting to the side, immediately showed a smile.
“Fellow Daoist Li, my junior disciple Xinyuan looks young, but I didn’t expect him to be so sensible. He truly deserves to be called a rising star of the Floating Cloud Mountains.”
With your and Senior Song's personal guidance, I believe his future achievements will certainly be no less than ours.
"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Chu, you flatter me."
Although Xinyuan is quite talented, he is also a bit playful, which always worries his father and me.
"Don't be fooled by how quickly he formed his core; it's all thanks to Qingyu and me keeping a close eye on him that he's achieved this."
After scolding her son a few times, Li Xuanyi turned her gaze to Liu Yuling beside her.
"In comparison, your esteemed junior disciple Liu not only has a dignified appearance, but his cultivation has also reached the late stage of the Golden Core realm. Such talent is truly enviable."
Upon hearing Li Xuanyi praise Liu Yuling beside her, Chu Lingyun's face immediately lit up with joy.
"Yu Ling is a junior of Liu's family and also my personal disciple."
This child has been practicing alongside me since she was little; this is actually the first time I've brought her down the mountain.
Hearing the two elders talking about them, Song Xinyuan seemed to be completely detached from it, and simply focused on enjoying the spiritual food on the table.
In addition, fearing his mother's scolding, he also made sure to serve a large bowl of food to Liu Yuling across from him.
Looking at the porcelain bowl that was already full, Liu Yuling didn't have much of a desire to taste it.
Slightly embarrassed, she only symbolically picked up her chopsticks and took a bite or two.
After a while, listening to the elders at the table chatting endlessly, Song Xinyuan was starting to get restless.
Just as he was pondering how to find an excuse to leave, his mother Li Xuanyi's somewhat serious voice suddenly came from beside him.
“Xin Yuan, Fellow Daoist Chu and I still have some things to discuss. Why don’t you take Junior Nephew Liu out for a stroll first?”
"Remember, be sure to treat them well and don't bully them."
"Don't worry, Mother, I understand!"
".
The two people who came out of the "Fairy Phoenix Pavilion" walked slowly down the street and soon arrived at the outside of the teleportation hall on the west side of the market.
"Huh! How did I bring you here?"
Looking at the teleportation hall ahead, Song Xinyuan, who had just come to his senses, immediately looked embarrassed and then turned to look at Liu Yuling, who had been following behind him.
"By the way, Senior Sister Liu, where would you like to go for a stroll?"
"This is my first time in Qingyunfang, and I'm not familiar with this place. Junior brother, please show me around!"
"Well, how about I take you for a walk in the mountains?"
I know a place on the mountain with beautiful scenery and hardly anyone around, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
"Ok!"
Seeing that Liu Yuling had agreed, Song Xinyuan nodded slightly and led her up the mountain.
The two walked one after the other and soon arrived at a stone pavilion halfway up the mountain.
Once they arrived, Song Xinyuan, seeing that no one was around, turned around and spoke:
"Senior Sister Liu, the scenery here is excellent. Senior Brother and Senior Sister Song often come here to visit. You are welcome to wander around."
I'd like to meditate for a while, then I won't disturb you any longer.
Having said that, Song Xinyuan ignored the person in front of her and sat down cross-legged, closing her eyes to meditate.
".
Liu Yuling glanced around and quickly sat down in the stone pavilion.
He didn't seem to pay much attention to the beautiful scenery before him. (End of Chapter)