Xianye

Chapter 494 Taiyi Divine Thunder
As the shout rang out, Chen Heng felt as if everything before him had been suddenly cleaved in two.

He felt as if he were in a chaotic void, colorless and formless, without heaven or earth, without sun or moon, without crystal or light.

The Great Void exists within Heaven and Earth, without direction or location, neither gas nor form.

He seemed to be going against the flow of time, arriving at the ancient chaotic era shortly after the creation of the world by the ancient sages, a time when there was no nine qi above and no eight directions below.

Looking around, all one sees is a dark and mysterious expanse, seemingly containing everything, inspiring a sense of awe and a growing, uncontrollable fear that fills the mind.

"The Great Void originally contained nothing, so how could all things have come into being?"

Chen Heng seemed to be deep in thought before slowly reciting the sentence.

In the next instant, a bright light suddenly appeared, its origin and destination unknown.

But as the light passed, a deafening thunderous sound echoed once more in this chaotic void.

That is said to be the first sound after the creation of the world, and it is also revered as the "root of thunder," possessing immeasurable power!

"Zha!"

Chen Heng's ears were ringing, his mind went completely blank, and his thoughts stopped.

Amidst the thunderous roar, a subtle change seemed to be taking place in the chaotic void.

The clear air rises high and the turbid air descends, making heaven and earth naturally bright, and the shapes of the sun, moon and stars slowly condense.

……

"Thunder has no form, but takes shape from the Qi. The shape is not real, but the real is before the Qi. All the various forms of lightning and thunder that we see are empty."

Then the powerful voice rang out again, and Chen Heng was transported to a completely different world.

A wisp of primordial energy hung silently in the void, vast and boundless.

As the divine energy began to move, various images also emerged in the void, from small plants and insects to the sun and stars in the sky. Red, blue, yellow and green colors turned like wheels, dazzling and mesmerizing, making people's hearts flutter and their minds wander.

……

"Thunder contains the power of creation and death. Spring thunder brings life to all things, and autumn thunder cleanses all filth. One life and one death, and the way of Heaven is complete."

Suddenly, a thunderclap rang out, and Chen Heng looked down to see the mountains covered in lush greenery, teeming with life.

But soon after, another clap of thunder sounded, and the scene before us suddenly transformed into one of desolate silence. The evil atmosphere was swept away, and the autumn leaves on the mountainside rustled down, accompanied by a mournful wind.

……

"The essence of practicing thunder lies in the interaction of Yin and Yang, the internal workings of profound principles, the connection between the spirit and the body, and the union of spirit and Qi."

……

"I am heaven and earth, and heaven and earth are me. We forget each other between self and other, and we can feel the spirit and communicate with the divine. It all depends on the heart."

……

"When thunder roars, the yang energy is released; after the roar, the yin energy closes again, and the yang energy is stored away..."

……

The powerful voice continued its sermon, echoing from top to bottom.

The voice was like a wise and earnest teacher, sometimes revealing the fundamental principles of thunder to Chen Heng, exposing various mysteries to him, and leading him to experience the sublime scenery of the supreme realm.

At other times, he would explain to him the key points of using lightning to perform magic, and carefully teach Chen Heng how to suspend his whole body in the air, focus his mind on his dantian, and let the pure yang nature illuminate the qi acupoint, and how to store water and fire in his mind to ward off misfortune, so that the lightning would not damage his tendons and internal organs after it was released...

With the help of the all-knowing lamp of omniscience, Chen Heng's innate wisdom has been greatly blessed, and he has not fallen behind in his progress.

He simply followed the guidance of that powerful voice, either contemplating and comprehending, experiencing profound thoughts, or adjusting his mind and body, silently working on mysterious principles.

In this way, his mastery of the Taiyi Divine Thunder gradually improved and became more stable.

He seemed to have touched a solid threshold; as long as he could cross it, he could enter another world.

At this moment, Chen Heng suddenly awoke from his meditation.

He looked around and saw that his thoughts had not returned to his physical body in the real world, but remained in this illusory realm where he had attained enlightenment.

It was pitch black and completely empty.

The sermon had stopped sometime earlier, and the entire hall was utterly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop…

Chen Heng was not surprised to see this. He calmed his mind, took a deep breath, and silently activated the Taiyi Divine Thunder technique, circulating it throughout his body.

As the magical power surged, he immediately heard a rustling sound, like the sound of an eggshell cracking, and rays of bright light shone into the room, making it exceptionally bright.

The more skillfully the incantation was used, the faster the surrounding darkness faded away, and the crackling sounds of shattering almost blended together.

When Chen Heng finished circulating his Qi, the surroundings were almost completely illuminated, shining brightly.

At this moment, Chen Heng paused his practice, glanced around, stood silently for a long while, and then sighed deeply:

"Break through the three and five of the mysterious origin, part the jade tablet of creation, and the wondrous essence of the elusive realm is in the center, yet it is nameless and formless even when close at hand!"

After reciting the poem, he did not hesitate any longer. He raised his sleeves, took a step forward, and gently pushed with his hand.

With this action, everything in front of him shattered instantly, as if struck by lightning and blown to pieces, never to be seen again!
In the void, a bright light momentarily entered Chen Heng's body, causing him to suddenly shine both inside and out, as if the sun and moon were rooted within him, his divine light radiant and immeasurable!
Meanwhile, in the Buddhist world of the present day...

Even the old monk, who was already listless, suddenly heard a great tremor, like a deity roaring from the depths of thunder, with the force of shaking the heavens and earth!
He looked up and saw that the vast energy in the sky, which had lasted for four years and covered hundreds of miles, suddenly trembled and then receded like the tide.

In a flash, the vast amount of energy condensed into a fist-sized ball of chaotic thunder energy, hovering majestically above Chen Heng's head, causing the surrounding celestial phenomena to change abruptly, with a sudden gust of cool wind and dark clouds gathering from all directions!
"No, that's it?"

The old monk was somewhat taken aback by what he saw. He rubbed his eyes, stood there in silence for a moment, still finding it hard to believe.

At this moment, the dark clouds in the sky were as thick as ink, threatening to crush the mountains.

Amidst the thunderous roar, the heavy rain quickly descended, pouring down like a waterfall crashing down, splashing mud and water, leaving the vegetation in disarray.

Despite the torrential rain, the surroundings were not shrouded in darkness, but rather brightly lit.

The chaotic thunderous energy was gradually losing its outer color, revealing its original golden light and emitting great brilliance, just like the sun spreading its might and virtue, shining brightly and dazzlingly!
The old monk saw that although the energy of thunder was extremely yang and intense, it was not simply yang and intense; it also possessed a majestic aura of the two polarities without substance, of the separation of the primordial and the ecliptic.

Just like a giant axe capable of splitting the heavens and earth, poised to strike, ready to separate the two polarities and create all things!
Those who are struck by it will have their spirit scattered and their life force weakened, ultimately turning to ashes.

This familiar feeling made the old monk unable to help but recall the unpleasant past of Zong Jingtian.

He took two steps back, his face looking rather grim, and he couldn't help but frown.

"What, the thief and the others didn't expect this, did they? To be honest, I was also greatly surprised. With this Jade Tree of the Jade Forest here, my Jade Dynasty can continue to prosper for at least ten thousand years. If he attains the Great Dao, ha..." Old Fu, who had slowly arrived with his hands behind his back, was filled with emotion. He glanced at the old monk with his brows furrowed and said with a smile:
"It's been endless and boring fighting with you in the Buddhist kingdom for countless years. This time, I've finally encountered something joyous, which is quite rare."

"Four years! You've mastered the Taiyi Divine Thunder technique in just four years, and you're still at the Golden Core stage! Monk, tell me yourself, even in the ancient times, such a person would be extremely rare, wouldn't they?"

The old monk's expression shifted between light and shadow. He seemed about to say something, but ultimately held back, only letting out two cold laughs: "Without my help, could he have mastered the Taiyi Divine Thunder technique in a mere four years? Wishful thinking!"

"Yes, yes, that's quite true."

Contrary to his usual behavior, Master Fu did not argue with the old monk, but instead nodded slightly in agreement.

The old monk glanced at him in surprise, his expression strange:
"Are you out of your mind because you're too happy today? You're not like this before."

“Monk, you come from Baoya Temple, so you should know better than anyone the importance of younger disciples…”

Master Fu pointed to Chen Heng, who was in meditation, and sighed:
"They are the hope for the sect's future prosperity and determine the heights the sect can reach in the future. They cannot be taken lightly."

Within a lineage, if only a highly powerful figure holds sway, without successive generations of disciples to shoulder the responsibility, it's like a giant tree that, though towering above the heavens and transcending all worldly concerns, lacks branches and leaves to set it off—ultimately, it's not beautiful.

Upon hearing this, the old monk felt a surge of inexplicable anger. A vein throbbed on his forehead, and he suppressed his rage, saying:
"Don't bring up someone's shortcomings when you're insulting them. If you have something to say, just say it directly. Don't keep bringing up Baoya Temple!"

Master Fu smiled and said, "Monk, I sincerely advise you one more time to come to Yu Chen. Doesn't the fact that my sect has such a disciple prove our current prosperity?"

The old monk remained silent for a long time, but finally his attitude was firm: "You are trying to deceive me. Do you think I am a three-year-old child?"

You and I are ancient people, what kind of world haven't we seen? There has never been a shortage of immortal flowers and Dao seeds in this universe, but to put it bluntly, they can all smoothly cultivate to the Great Dao.

Then I'll tell you what I remember...

Tanxian of Wuzheng Temple, who had mastered three types of Buddhist divine transformations. Lu Che, who entered the realm of Langxiao Great Forbidden True Light at the Golden Core stage. Han Dan, who touched the Sword Canopy Huazang at the Furnace stage, prompting several sword masters of Fuchu Mountain to personally descend the mountain to impart their teachings.

And then there was Master Shenxi. When he presented his gift at the Ten Thousand Heavens Assembly, he used his self-created method of "Different Paths of Ascension and Sinking" to overshadow all the primordial spirits present. Even Prince Changming praised his ingenuity and took him under his wing.

These were all exceptionally talented and handsome men, but where are they now?

The old monk slowly shook his head and said:

"Although Chen Heng is indeed extraordinary, he is not worth betting on. After all, fate is uncertain, and who can know what will happen in the future?"
After returning to the Boundless Light Heaven, even though the Baoya Temple is weak and its power waning, with the compassionate and radiant Buddha of Shanjian Temple present, I am assured that I will be safe.

Moreover, with my abilities, if I could help Shanjian Temple produce a few more outstanding juniors, the Buddha Cixianguang, in his joy, might even find a way for me to overcome my innate obstacles!

One is a Golden Elixir, the other is an Ancient Buddha.

One is an unfamiliar major sect of immortal cultivation, the other is a familiar Pure Land of Zen Buddhism...

It is self-evident which side the old monk truly favors.

“You’re really stubborn as a mule, fine.” Old Fu shook his head and didn’t try to persuade him any further.

As the two were talking, the torrential rain suddenly stopped, the wind died down, the fog dissipated, and the world returned to its clear state.

The old monk saw that the ball of thunder energy, which had transformed into its golden form, was slowly sinking into Chen Heng's spiritual platform. After only a few breaths, it completely disappeared.

After the golden light entered the acupoint, a slow, thunderous sound resounded throughout the sky.

"It's done!" Old Fu clapped his hands and laughed.

At the same time, Chen Heng felt completely relaxed and refreshed.

He knew at this moment that he had finally entered the realm of Taiyi Divine Thunder, and was about to emerge from meditation when suddenly his mind became confused.

He looked up and heard a loud bang. The darkness before his eyes receded, and his consciousness was drawn into a vast world.

Thunder and lightning, water thunder and lightning, fire thunder and lightning, metal thunder and lightning, demonic thunder and lightning, qi thunder and lightning, celestial thunder and lightning, eight trigrams thunder and lightning, tri-elemental thunder and lightning, salvation and life-saving thunder and lightning...

Billions of lightning bolts danced wildly, converging into an ineffable thunderous throne, as if the mysteries of the universe were contained within it, filling the void in all directions.

Compared to this, the sun and moon are but tiny, insignificant lights, utterly unworthy of mention!
On the Thunder Flower Throne, only an old Taoist with a white beard sat cross-legged. He closed his eyes, his dignified appearance radiating outwards, making people feel as if they were looking up at the vast chaos, its immeasurable size!

"The Great Master?"

Chen Heng's heart skipped a beat.

……

……

The old Taoist priest on the Thunderous Throne was only seven feet tall, no different from an ordinary person. However, compared to the vast and immeasurable Throne, it was merely a seat and could not steal the limelight in the slightest.

Chen Heng saw that the old man was dressed in flowing robes, wearing a crown of immortal flowers and a seal of thunder. His face was clear and stern, giving people a sense of authority without anger. He was clearly identical to the portrait of the Great Ancestor enshrined in Yu Chen, without any difference.

He wasn't surprised by this and simply waited patiently.

This is the final hurdle one must face when cultivating the Taiyi Divine Thunder, and it is also a layer of Daoist restriction specially imposed by the Great Master.

Such a majestic and world-shaking technique as the Taiyi Divine Thunder is the true foundation of the Jade Emperor Sect. Even the disciples of the Jade Emperor Sect itself are not allowed to easily learn it. Only those with outstanding talent and sufficient Dao cultivation can attempt to cultivate it, let alone those outside the sect.

Not long after the collapse of the Dao Court, the Great Master specially entrusted one of his divine wills to the depths of the Taiyi Divine Thunder.

From then on, all cultivators of the Taiyi Divine Thunder, upon achieving final success, would be pulled into a vast void by the thunder magic to directly confront the divine will left behind by the Great Ancestor.

If they are disciples of the Jade Emperor Sect, it's naturally easy for them to get through; that Dao restriction won't harm their minds.

However, if an outsider were to steal the Taiyi Divine Thunder using secret methods, he would soon suffer a backlash from the Dao restriction, his divine consciousness and primordial spirit would be completely destroyed, and he would not even be able to seek reincarnation.

Furthermore, the Dao Restriction will also enter the mortal world through the body of the person who stole the Dao, causing the Jade Emperor Sect to also sense it. At that time, with Jade Emperor taking action, a bloodbath will be inevitable!
Chen Heng didn't even have to wait a few breaths.

He vaguely saw that on that thunderous throne, the Great Master of the Great Manifestation, who had been keeping his eyes closed, seemed to have opened his eyes and nodded slightly. Then, in a moment of disorientation, he was freed from the depths of the Daoist barrier.

"This is……"

Chen Heng recalled what had just happened and was genuinely surprised.

Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the lamp of omniscience and all-knowing wisdom had not departed, and of the previously agreed-upon five years, approximately one year remained.

He calmed himself down and stopped thinking about it. Instead, he turned his attention to his cultivation level and began to study the inner cultivation techniques.

The third stage of the Golden Elixir: the spirit has form.

The inner realm is also known as the minor Dharma form, and it has never been easy to cultivate. Not to mention that the Dharma form he wants to realize is "Great Qian Yuan", which makes it even more difficult.

He could also borrow the power of the lamp spirit, so he would not waste this good opportunity and would make the most of it!
A year passed in the blink of an eye, and on this day, Chen Heng, who was in deep meditation, suddenly woke up involuntarily.

He silently withdrew his magical power, pondered for a moment, then stood up, smiled slightly at Elder Fu who was approaching him, and bowed in greeting:
"Fortunately, I did not disgrace my life."

(End of this chapter)