Chapter 812
Black Mist Valley, The Key to the Divine Palm
Whoosh!Whoosh!
Two streaks of light streaked across the sky, creating billowing mist, and in an instant landed in a valley.
The thick fog in the valley, which has lingered for years, suggests a heavy and accumulated atmosphere.
"This is Chenbian."
Lan Yingjun, dressed in a black robe, landed among the rugged rocks below the valley.
"Good place."
Chen Ping'an looked around, a smile on his face, and couldn't help but give a thumbs up.
"I never imagined that there would be such a quiet place for cultivation within a thousand miles of Xuanling."
This valley is not large, and it is surrounded by mountains, so it is not easy to get there without prior knowledge of the route. In addition, the black mist acts as a natural barrier, enough to hide most prying eyes.
Ordinary cultivators, unless they encounter extraordinary luck, would hardly stumble upon this place while simply walking. Even if they did enter, with this swirling black mist, they probably wouldn't want to stay long.
So-called serendipitous encounters are frequently recounted in folk tales and biographies. However, in reality, very few are actually encountered. Most extraordinary places are already owned; they are either the secluded cultivation sites of senior masters or the foundations of major sects.
Within the valley, thick black fog filled the air. Furthermore, Chen Ping'an's senses revealed numerous illusions and restrictions set up within it. Even grandmaster cultivators who came here would mostly lose their senses and become disoriented.
"Could it be that this Lan Yingjun also practices restriction techniques, and is quite skilled in them?" Chen Ping'an wondered.
If that's true, then Lan Yingjun's talent is truly exceptional.
Not only did he progress in cultivation at an astonishing speed, but he was also able to divide his mind and achieve remarkable skill in alchemy and the creation of restrictions.
Although the valley was shrouded in mist, Lan Yingjun knew the place well. She led Chen Ping'an to the bottom of a valley, where the mist gradually dissipated, and several wooden houses and thatched huts gradually came into view until they were completely clear.
Outside the wooden cabin and thatched hut, there is a large fence surrounding it, inside which some bright red medicinal herbs can be seen, but their quality is unknown.
"Lord Chen, please wait here for a moment. I'll go find my mother first." Under the black robe, Lan Yingjun's expression was lively. Suppressing her excitement, she said to Chen Ping'an.
While the overall tone of the transaction remained largely unchanged, some details deviated from the plan, requiring her to consult with her mother beforehand.
“Miss Lan, please go ahead. I will wait here.”
Now that they were already here, Chen Ping'an wasn't in a hurry.
Lan Yingjun responded and walked inside the fence.
The fence was surrounded by barriers that provided soundproofing and obstacle avoidance. With Chen Ping'an's martial arts level, these barriers were naturally no obstacle to him. Even if he did so effortlessly, he could easily see what was inside.
"Mother, I'm back." Entering the wooden house, Lan Yingjun lowered her guard and called out to the inside. Her expression was joyful, and her heart was filled with excitement.
"Ying'er." An old woman was half-lying on the couch at the head of the bed.
The old woman was hunched over, with gray hair and a face covered in wrinkles. Seeing the young girl enter, she smiled warmly.
"He's back."
"Yes." Lan Yingjun nodded emphatically, quickly walked to the old woman's side, knelt down slightly, and said joyfully, "Mother, the spiritual items have been purchased this time."
Lan Yingjun looked delighted and recounted the details of the transaction to the old woman, naturally mentioning first the fact that Chen Ping'an had come along.
Upon hearing that Chen Ping'an had arrived, the old woman's expression didn't change much. However, when she heard that Lan Yingjun had promised to give her a portion of the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm's inheritance essence, her expression changed slightly.
"Ying'er, how could you grant him the essence of this inheritance? This Five Poisons Earthly Fiends technique was my mother's creation in the past. It encompasses the Five Poisons Divine Palm technique, outlines the palm's shape, and is the key to mastering the palm technique! How could you..."
Lan Yingying's expression was complex, with an unspeakable feeling. She wanted to reprimand him, but couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh.
Years ago, with great ambition, she sought to forge a new path, reversing the training of the Five Poisons Divine Sect's supreme palm technique, the Five Poisons Divine Palm. Unlike the usual approach of starting from the basics, she directly cut into the muscles of the divine palm, encompassing the secrets of the divine palm and summarizing it into the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm.
While such aspirations are admirable, the Five Poison Palm is a martial art of an extremely high level, and her ideas naturally attracted countless criticisms. Some even ridiculed her for overestimating her abilities.
The cultivation method of the Five Poison Palm is a set of rules established by the Divine Sect over many years. It progresses from simple to complex, from easy to difficult, starting from the basics and delving deeper step by step, until one accumulates more knowledge and develops a stronger foundation before venturing into more intricate principles.
Practice the Five Gates to Poison Palm Technique, and thoroughly understand the key points of Divine Palm practice before proceeding with Divine Palm training!
For a mere cultivator at the Profound Light Realm to dare to set such an ambition is simply laughable.
And indeed, that was the case. In the past, she forced herself into this path, wasting countless years in vain. Despite her talent in the art of poison, which was astonishing in her time, she was confined to a small corner of the world, lingering at the third rank.
Even so, she remained true to her original aspirations, upholding her past ambitions and continuously striving for improvement.
The Divine Palm technique is complex. If one waits until one's martial arts skills have reached a certain level before engaging with it, one may become dazzled and lose sight of its true nature. Only by peeling back the layers and analyzing it meticulously can one understand the inner essence of the Divine Palm technique.
If that's the case, it's better to start with a lower level of cultivation, before your horizons are broadened, and maintain a childlike heart to see inside and find the true essence within the complexity.
Like a child's mind, one cannot see the many complexities, but only the most striking essence. And such feelings, as one grows older, become increasingly difficult to grasp.
The more you encounter and learn, the greater the distractions become. Previously, unable to grasp the broader implications, I only focused on my own limited perspective. Only with an unwavering dedication can one comprehend the ultimate truth.
First, grasp that spark of inspiration, then use it as the essence to gradually refine and improve it until one day, you will have completely mastered the Five Poisons Divine Palm.
These methods of practice are completely distinct from the mainstream methods of the religion.
Many people scoff at this.
To attempt enlightenment without even laying a solid foundation is simply laughable!
Such remarks only make us laugh!
In the past, she had worked hard for a long time but made no progress. After years of wasting time, all that remained was this Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm. Based on the insights of the senior masters of the Divine Sect, and supplemented by her own ambition and understanding, she had worked tirelessly for two hundred years to achieve what she had today.
She thought this was the end of the road.
Ambitions soar to the heavens, but life is as fragile as paper.
Carrying her lofty ambitions, she met a regretful end, dying alone and eventually turning into a mound of dust.
But Heaven took pity on her, pitying her loneliness, and allowed her to meet Ying'er.
The infant who was once in swaddling clothes has now grown into a young adult.
Ying'er was the most extraordinary prodigy she had ever seen in her life!
In Ying'er, she saw the hope of mastering the Five Poison Palm technique.
She poured countless efforts into Ying'er, using the purest methods to solidify Ying'er's foundation, and paving the way for Ying'er's cultivation with the most refined poison techniques.
The Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm technique is obscure and difficult to describe; even for her, it was uncertain whether it was a complete and perfect product.
Under such circumstances, Ying'er managed to perfect the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm technique with her pure and flawless foundation.
He then entered the Dao and practiced the Five Poison Palm Techniques. His progress was rapid, like water flowing into a channel, and he mastered it in one go. In just a few years, he has already mastered three of the Five Poison Palm Techniques, and the fourth technique is about to be perfected.
At this rate of progress, once Ying'er has a basic grasp of the fifth palm technique, she can begin to plan her breakthrough to the Celestial Realm.
At that time, she would take Ying'er back to the Five Poisons Sect and let those old fogies see that her past ambitions were not just a joke, but something that someone could actually accomplish. Her previous failures were due to her lack of talent, not because there was no path to follow.
Starting with the Five Poisons and Earthly Fiends, and progressing to the Poison Palm Technique, the initial stages were difficult, but progress became faster and faster as one continued.
Ying'er's achievements are proof of this!
She didn't care about foundations or continuity.
Being able to meet Ying'er and carry on her life's ambition, her life has already been worthwhile.
If we can bring Ying'er back to the cult, then we will have fulfilled her life's regrets.
The Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm is related to the key to the Divine Palm. If Ying'er hadn't threatened her with the Daoist path, she would never have agreed.
Trading rubbings and imposing numerous restrictions was already her limit.
Ke Ying'er.
Looking at Ying'er's happy face, Lan Yingying wanted to scold her, but she couldn't say anything.
"Mother," Lan Yingjun said, taking Lan Yingying's hand, "He was only granted a portion of the inherited essence. The detailed explanations, insights, and understandings of cultivation that were previously promised need not be further exchanged. You have practiced the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm and know its difficulty. In terms of difficulty alone, even a true skill scroll might not be able to match it."
Furthermore, without secret medicines, auxiliary medicines, and your personal guidance on the key points, relying solely on the copy of the technique and a partial understanding of its essence, even if Chen Ping'an's talent is strong and amazing, he may not be able to master this palm technique!
With so many restrictions in place, aren't you still worried?
Lan Yingjun patiently persuaded her.
She knew her mother's worries, and had already thought of ways to persuade her mother on the way. Lan Yingying listened quietly, understanding that Ying'er's words made sense.
The Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm was never a perfect cultivation technique. Its initial purpose in creating and compiling it was to serve the Five Poisons Palm Techniques and ultimately the Five Poisons Divine Palm.
The key points of cultivation are described in obscure and difficult-to-explain language. Even those who are well-versed in the principles of poisons will need to expend great effort to understand them. As for cultivating palm techniques, understanding them is merely the most basic of the basics.
It involves the principles of cultivation, the methods of techniques, and the essence of martial arts, and is extremely complex.
In addition, one needs the assistance of secret medicines and guidance on key points. Even if the artistic conception is complete and all conditions are met, it is by no means an easy task to begin cultivation.
However, Mang Dao was a top-ranking genius on the Hidden Dragon List, with extraordinary talent that could not be judged by ordinary standards. When she heard about the deal before, although she reluctantly agreed, the conditions she set were extremely harsh.
Even so, she was still somewhat unwilling.
After all, the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm technique is of great importance, and she doesn't want to take even the slightest risk of leaking it.
Now that she heard Ying'er had promised part of the artistic conception, her instinctive reaction was to reject and disagree.
However, upon closer reflection, Ying'er's words do make sense.
Under such conditions, it's not just a matter of whether he can succeed in cultivating it; it's a matter of certain he cannot succeed. Although Mang Dao's talent is remarkable, the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm involves the essence of poison, which Mang Dao may not be proficient in. His talent lies more in the way of the sword. If he obtains the copy of the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm and spends ten years painstakingly working on it, he will find that those ten years have been nothing but wasted effort.
It wasn't that he lacked talent, but rather that the restrictions of the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm were too complex. The Poison Fiend cultivation technique, with just one complementary secret medicine, could stop the Savage Blade.
Not to mention the numerous restrictions.
With this thought in mind, Lan Yingying felt much more at ease. But even so, she couldn't help but feel some worry.
Even so, Mang Dao's talent is extraordinary. If he truly figures out some tricks, then...
"Mother, rest assured. Ying'er has already made an agreement with him that this transaction is limited to the two of us. The Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm can only be passed down to him and will not be leaked to others. In addition, even if he does achieve something in his cultivation, without Mother's essence, key points, and auxiliary secret medicines, he will at most stop at the minor completion level. Such a small achievement is nothing to Mother Ying'er."
Upon hearing this, Lan Yingying nodded inwardly.
Even if one achieves some mastery of the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm, without the subsequent ultimate poison palm technique, the matter of the key to the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm is naturally out of the question.
Even if we take a step back and assume that someone truly possesses the key, Mang Dao would have no way to cultivate the Five Poisons Divine Palm.
This palm technique is extremely precious, being the supreme palm technique of the Divine Sect. It is never passed on to anyone outside the core lineage. Even within the core lineage, the restrictions are extremely strict.
Mang Dao is neither a member of the Divine Cult nor a core disciple, so how could he possibly practice the Five Poisons Divine Palm?
This method of establishing a religion is strictly controlled, and even the core disciples can only practice a portion of it. Only in this era, and only the Holy Maiden, has mastered the complete method.
Could it be that this palm technique was leaked by the Holy Maiden?
Similar feelings only lingered in Lan Yingying's heart for a moment before quickly disappearing.
By this point, she was basically convinced, with only a few remaining concerns.
“But Ying’er, the essence of your palm technique has long since been completely destroyed. If you want to make a deal with him now, you need to have perfect cultivation and an essence that can support it. Wouldn’t this damage your essence? If it affects your foundation, then your mother would rather be trapped here and never return to the path of cultivation in this life!”
Lan Yingjun grasped Lan Yingying's hand: "Mother, Ying'er has completed her cultivation and her mental state is stable. It's just a partial burden, so it won't cause any problems or affect her foundation. Please rest assured, Mother."
There are still matters beyond the path of cultivation; please, Mother, do not speak of them again. Ying'er's heart only desires Mother's constant companionship. Ying'er is nearing completion of the fourth palm technique; next comes the fifth. Once all five palm techniques are perfected, it will be time for Ying'er to cultivate the Five Poisons Divine Palm. Could it be…” Lan Yingjun paused, “Mother, don't you want to see Ying'er master the Five Poisons Divine Palm?”
The moment those words were spoken, Lan Yingying's heart was immediately touched.
Yes!
She still wants to see Ying'er master the Five Poison Palm technique!
She wanted to take Ying'er back to the cult, to bring Ying'er to those old guys, and to ask for a core discipleship for Ying'er!
If Ying'er achieves success in her cultivation in the future, even if there is a Holy Maiden in the current Divine Sect, she may still be able to rise to the top and become the Holy Maiden of the Divine Sect!
Upon realizing this, Lan Yingying's heart surged with emotion, and her spirits lifted considerably.
"Since Ying'er has thought this through, then so be it."
"Thank you, Mother."
Upon hearing this, Lan Yingjun's face lit up with joy: "Ying'er will now call that Mang Chen Ping'an in."
Lan Yingying noticed something unusual about Ying'er's words, but she didn't pay much attention to it, only thinking that Ying'er was too excited.
When Chen Ping'an entered the wooden house, Lan Yingying was already dressed and standing in the hall, leaning on a cane.
"This old woman greets Lord Chen."
Lan Yingying gripped her cane and gave a very formal bow.
"I am of the same generation as Miss Lan, so there is no need for you to do this, Master Lan." Chen Ping'an smiled and reached out to help Lan Yingying up, indicating that there was no need for her to do so.
It must be said that Lan Yingying, as a veteran, handled the situation with exceptional finesse.
He has now reached the level of a Grandmaster of Martial Arts and is renowned far and wide. Although Lan Yingying is older and has a proud daughter like Lan Yingjun, she does not dare to act arrogantly in her words.
Regardless of what one is thinking, this attitude alone is satisfying.
"Lord Chen, please take a seat. My humble abode is simple, and I have only prepared a little tea. I hope you will not take offense at my humble abode."
Lan Yingying smiled and exchanged pleasantries.
Chen Ping'an sat down with a smile, picked up his cup, took a small sip, and then answered.
"Master Lan, you are too kind. This place is quiet and elegant. I feel relaxed and happy here."
Lan Yingying's slightly cloudy old eyes revealed a strange look.
Rumors circulated that Chen Ping'an, the "Reckless Blade," was impulsive and reckless, acting without regard for consequences. However, upon meeting him today, it became clear that these rumors were entirely untrue.
In addition, in the past in Beicang
Lan Yingying's emotions shifted, and the scene from that day couldn't help but come to mind.
"Lord Chen is a man of exceptional talent and ability. When I first met you in Beicang, I knew you were no ordinary person. Sure enough, not long after, your fame spread far and wide, and your name resounded throughout the states."
Faced with Lan Yingying's words, Chen Ping'an responded with a smile. Looking at the old woman with gray hair in front of him, he was reminded of the past.
Years ago in Beicang, the two had met several times and even fought once.
I never imagined that we would be sitting together today, talking to each other.
Judging from Lan Yingying's reaction, it's hard to say how much she had guessed.
However, regardless of Lan Yingying's speculations about what happened in the past, it did not pose much of a threat to Chen Ping'an.
Although Lan Yingying is powerful, with the strength of a pseudo-grandmaster, she has 99% of the combat power of a true grandmaster.
But he is no longer the same as before. The pseudo-grandmaster who used to have to exert all his strength to suppress is now nothing more than a palm strike in front of him.
To be precise, under the influence of the divine soul, the black and white realms resonate, which may subdue the enemy without a fight!
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two got down to business.
The corresponding transaction terms had already been agreed upon, and this was merely a formality in front of Lan Yingying.
hum~
In a flash of inspiration, the small bottle of diluted Yin-Yang Dew appeared before Lan Yingying.
"The pure jade dew is here. Please examine it, Master Lan."
Chen Ping'an smiled and said something, his eyes falling on the old woman in front of him.
"This is."
Lan Yingying opened the bottle cap, her expression slightly moved.
A stream of pure primordial energy dissipated and filled the area.
"Yin Yang Dew!"
A glint of light flashed in Lan Yingying's cloudy eyes as she recognized what was in front of her.
She looked at Chen Ping'an in disbelief: "Where did Lord Chen obtain this item?" (End of Chapter)