Xianye

Chapter 507 A stone can be broken but its hardness cannot be taken away
In an instant, the waves calmed and the wind subsided.

In the vast world of sea and sky, a ball of light suddenly appeared, shining brightly, like clouds gathering and pressing down on the sky hundreds of feet high, reflecting the sun and illuminating the sky, with a majestic and awe-inspiring presence!

And hidden deep within the aura is a point of pure, luminous light.

Although it is only the size of a grain of rice and is still barely visible, it possesses a vast and profound meaning of controlling the universe and spreading life and spirit, as if it can contain everything and is the root of Yin and Yang creation!
Almost simultaneously with the appearance of this aura, flames also ignited on Chen Heng's body.

This fire is no ordinary fire; it originates from within the Golden Core, formed from the condensed Yang energy produced during the breakthrough, a sign of attaining inner vision, and is extraordinary.

The flames first emanated from the soles of his feet, then spread upwards along his legs, and soon covered Chen Heng's entire body, engulfing him fiercely.

Even the fishing boat beneath him was swept up in the flames, crackling and collapsing rapidly.

Although the fire was raging and even the seawater seemed insignificant to it, not a wisp of smoke rose from the flames; instead, it was bright and magnificent, making it hard to look away.

After the flames died down, only a young Taoist priest emerged from the spot, his robes fluttering, soaring through the air and walking step by step toward the heavens.

The rough-skinned, old-looking, dark-skinned, thin fisherman had vanished.

Instead, a handsome Taoist priest in black robes and with an elegant demeanor appeared.

He was a man of exceptional grace and elegance, with an indescribable air of nonchalance and composure.

At this moment, Chen Heng simply waved his sleeve, and the magnificent aura hanging above the clouds seemed to receive some kind of command, all of them shrinking and drilling into his body, finally quietly sinking into his abdomen, becoming one with the first-grade golden pill, completely indistinguishable from each other.

"After observing the waters of the river for seventeen years, I finally came to a complete understanding of the unchanging nature of spring and autumn and the convergence of all rivers. This is just like how all the myriad beings in this world, though each follows its own path, ultimately achieve the same goal."

Thus… this perfectly aligns with the principle of 'the origin of all things, the boundless foundation' described at the beginning of 'Great is the Primordial Chaos'!

Chen Heng looked inward at himself and couldn't help but burst into laughter.

After seventeen years of enduring the changing seasons and spending countless days observing the waters of the river, he finally broke through the barrier before him and successfully entered the third level of the Golden Core realm.

Upon reaching this level, he also refined his inner realm to perfection, achieving the same level of accomplishment as Jun Yao and Ji Fakai.

If this matter were to reach Xiaoming Daze, it would surely cause another stir and further enhance his reputation!
"Such a level is already the limit of cultivation that can be allowed in the Dan Yuan Assembly. It saves the trouble of perfecting the inner realm. I wonder what the rules of this Dan Yuan Assembly will be?"

Chen Heng's eyes flickered slightly, and his mind began to race.

As far as he knew, the format of the Dan Yuan Conference would not be a direct copy of previous ones.

This was jointly agreed upon by the various patriarchs of governance within the Qian Yuan Si Chen Palace, and the method was actually different for each session.

But there is one thing that could have been anticipated—

That is, at the Dan Yuan Conference, although one can more or less rely on the strength of fellow practitioners and the method of sticking together to gain some initial advantage, this is by no means a noble and righteous path.

When it comes to the final moment, it all comes down to one's own magical powers; even if others wanted to intervene, they would find it difficult to help!

Although the Dan Yuan Tournament is not like the mortal arena where individuals fight one by one to determine their ranking, it adopts a mixed combat method.

Even with this structure, under the different regulations of each administration, the key to victory still ultimately lies in personal magical powers and supernatural abilities.

Those who clearly possess only ordinary cultivation levels yet harbor the delusion of using their influence and connections to gain the title of Dan Yuan champion will find it extremely difficult to succeed in a true Dan Yuan Assembly.

Because this universe is ultimately a magnificent and glorious world where the divine power of Fang Shentong is displayed in a grand manner.

A Golden Core cultivator can destroy a city and a country, while the Pure Yang True Monarch has the immense ability to break through boundaries and destroy land!
While scheming and intrigue are certainly indispensable, they are mostly limited to cultivators whose cultivation levels are not too different.

If one were to encounter a powerful figure whose cultivation far surpasses one's own, then even the most cunning and clever schemes would be futile, and one would be easily killed with a single palm strike, like a speck of dust!

"Yin Wuji, Gu Yi, Senior Sister... these three are not to be underestimated among their peers."

"I wonder how many outstanding talents will emerge from among the veteran Golden Core cultivators of the eight sects and six schools at the Dan Yuan Conference?"

Chen Heng thought to himself.

The Dan Yuan Assembly is a blessing exclusively for cultivators of the Eight Schools and Six Sects.

Even if the disciples of powerful forces such as the East Sea Dragon Clan, the Twenty-Four Demon Cultivators of the South Sea, the Brahma Celestials, the Thunder Palace, and the Fish-Dragon Path are outstanding and have entered the ranks of the yearly prodigies, they are not actually qualified to participate in the Dan Yuan Conference.

However, even among the eight sects and six factions, not everyone can participate.

Each family needs to hold its own Dharma assembly to select the three finalists from among its many disciples to participate in the Dan Yuan Assembly.

Since each family can only send three disciples to participate, there are actually only forty-two Golden Core cultivators from the eight sects and six schools who can truly participate in the Dan Yuan Conference.

Before Chen Heng crossed the sea to the west, he received a talisman from a sect.

The message not only mentioned the date of the Danyuan Conference and the Golden Edict of the Grand Master of Ceremonies, but also the Dharma assembly within the sect, which stated that the final three had been decided at the assembly.

The three disciples from Yu Chen's side who will be participating are Chen Heng, He Lizi, and Liu Jianwu.

Although Chen Heng did not participate in the sect's Dharma assembly, his numerous illustrious achievements along the way need no further mention.

Moreover, after news of Xi Ping's battle with Cui Ju and his defeat of Lu Shen reached Xudu, no one in the vast Xiaoming Marsh would question his magical prowess.

His selection is therefore entirely deserved!

As for He Lizi, he can be described as a dark horse. After defeating several veteran Golden Core cultivators, such as Xu Lang and Yang Jiao, with his Golden Core level 2 cultivation, he finally got his wish and successfully obtained a spot.

At first, Chen Heng thought there would be a fierce battle between He Lizi and Shi You, after all, Shi You was not someone who could be easily dealt with.

Back then, during the Four Academies Grand Competition at Qiyun Mountain, Shi You took the initiative to step back to avoid Chen Heng's sharp edge, which made many cultivators look down on him and regard it as a cowardly act.

However, in the next Four Academies Grand Competition, he almost swept aside all the cultivators with an invincible momentum, successfully becoming one of the top ten chief cultivators. Afterwards, he chose the "High Void Secret Essentials" from the Jade Emperor Three Scriptures to protect himself and joined the Xuanjiao Hall as a member.

In Chen Heng's view, Shi You was a match for He Lizi in terms of background, character, and talent.

However, this person, having found a cave dwelling left by his family in his previous life under the guidance of his master, did not even participate in the Dharma assembly, but went directly to the outer world to absorb the blessings left by his previous life.

This decisiveness surprised many people.

However, it's also possible that Shi You knew he was no match for Shi You and was too lazy to put in the effort.

After all, even those from the same sect might be the final opponent at the Dan Yuan Conference.

Although Shi You is the reincarnation of a great Arhat in Buddhism, he is still far from awakening his past life memories. With his current abilities, it would be extremely difficult for him to defeat Chen Heng.

As for Liu Jianwu, he was the only veteran Golden Core cultivator among the three Yu Chen fought.

Aside from being born into the Liu clan of Chishuo and being a disciple of Ji Lingyang, the Left Hall Master of the Dazhi Hall, there's not much else to mention about this person.

Although he was a handsome young man among the aristocratic families, he was far from being comparable to Ji Fakai of yesteryear; he was merely ordinary...

"The three people from our sect have already been decided, but the selections from the other sects have not yet been made public. We don't know if we will encounter Chen Yushu's henchmen at this Dan Yuan Conference."
However, things are different now than they used to be…

When Chen Heng thought of this, he suddenly smiled slightly.

At this moment, gazing at the seamless blend of water and sky, his wide sleeves swaying gently in the wind, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Since he was named a true disciple and received the mandate of Xiping, he has now perfected his inner cultivation.

Unbeknownst to him, he had been away from the land of Dongzhou for more than sixty years.

And then there's the struggle for Ge Lu, entering the Void Emperor realm, practicing True Water, refining Divine Thunder, cultivating the Inner Realm...

I still remember the last time he returned to Dongzhou from the Dragon Palace was for the Four Academies Grand Competition, so that he could join the Jade Emperor Sect and have a place to live.

This time, he returned to Dongzhou from beyond the heavens—

All this is for the sake of becoming the top Dan Yuan cultivator, for the sake of making a name for oneself throughout the land, and for becoming the most respected among all the immortals in the universe!
"A fleeting moment, a ripple gone... How many sixty years can one live between heaven and earth without cultivating the ultimate path?"

Even if I am alone and in danger, I will remain steadfast and resolute. A rock may be broken, but its firmness cannot be taken away. This is my unwavering spirit even in the face of death! At this moment, Chen Heng let out a clear and melodious chant, and his body was suddenly enveloped by a mighty gale, stirring up a patch of bright clouds that churned like a tide.

He glanced at the direction of Zhuxi Village one last time, smiled slightly, and then never looked back.

In an instant, it was lifted into the sky by the gale, completely disappearing into the heavens, leaving only wisps of pure air lingering around it, but even those vanished in the blink of an eye...

……

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, in the Liang Kingdom, in the village of Zhuxi.

At that moment, in Chen Heng's small courtyard, He Chang and He Ji were wielding hoes. After a long time, the two finally found a wooden box about the size of a human head in the large pit that had been dug open.

He Ji wiped the sweat from his forehead and leaned against the large osmanthus tree that Chen Heng had planted himself, which was now lush and leafy.

He glanced at He Chang, who seemed lost in thought, and asked in confusion:

"Father, where exactly did Uncle Chen go? And why did he go to the trouble of putting a box in this hole under the tree?"

He Chang ignored these words and just stood there for a while before jumping down into the pit and picking up the wooden box.

"Help me."

He Chang said to He Ji.

He Ji responded and quickly reached out to pull He Chang up. He was so strong that He Chang stumbled and almost fell over.

"You're all height and no brains!"

After regaining his balance, He Chang laughed and cursed, then gestured for He Ji to go and take another look at the now-closed courtyard gate.

After confirming that no one was around, he entered the inner courtyard and carefully opened the wooden box.

The box contained not much: just a letter, a few bottles of pills, and a small wooden sword about an inch long.

When the small wooden sword appeared, He Chang felt as if the room had been illuminated for a moment, so bright that it was blinding.

After a moment to catch his breath, the small wooden sword's light faded completely, as if what had just happened was merely his illusion.

He Chang didn't touch the wooden sword first, but instead quickly took the letter, paused for a moment, and then carefully opened it.

The letter wasn't very long, just over a hundred words.

When He Chang read the last part, he suddenly burst into laughter and called He Ji, who was standing next to him, to crane his neck and see what was going on.

"You are neither talented nor have the desire to cultivate the Tao, yet you have married a virtuous woman and had intelligent children. You can be said to have achieved a life of complete happiness."

So I'll offer you this small gift to commemorate this sentiment; words cannot express my feelings—

He Chang repeated the last paragraph in his mind, his eyes momentarily dazed.

"Brother Chen...so you really are an immortal?"

He murmured to himself.

When He Ji repeatedly questioned him, He Chang, having regained his senses, simply put away the pills and the small wooden sword with great care, without saying much for the time being.

"The elixir has many benefits, such as regulating vital energy, refining marrow and condensing true essence. As for the wooden sword, Brother Chen said that it not only contains a magic technique called 'Dragon Tiger Golden Robe,' but it is also a token of trust."

He Chang simply smiled and changed the subject:
"As for these, I have no use for them. Let's see what kind of fortune you youngsters have!"
Tomorrow we're going to Tai Fook Restaurant for a meal; just remember, don't go fishing by boat.

"Why are we going to Taifu Restaurant when it's neither a holiday nor a festival?" He Ji asked blankly.

Taifulou is a well-known restaurant in Xiaqiu City. Chen Heng and He Chang would often go there for a feast during festivals. He Ji was not unfamiliar with the name.

"I returned late and missed seeing Brother Chen off. This meal, I—"

He Chang was somewhat sentimental, but upon seeing He Ji's wide-eyed expression, a sense of helplessness welled up in his heart.

"I must be out of my mind, why am I telling you all this? Just listen!" He waved his hand, his head aching.

"Oh."

He Ji nodded.

The following day, at Taifu Tower in Xiaqiu City.

When the wine was flowing freely, He Chang glanced at his wife, children, and elderly relatives beside him. Amidst the bustling and lively atmosphere, he suddenly picked up a pot of wine as if possessed, staggered to the window on the left, and opened his eyes to look out over the railing.

That was Chen Heng's usual seat, which had remained unchanged for many years.

He Chang had also had doubts in the past, because the view outside the window was just an ordinary river view that the two of them had long been used to, and there was nothing new about it.

But for some reason, when He Chang arrived here today, everything seemed to have changed.

He could hear the whistling wind and the sound of water clearly coming from beside his ears.

Looking out, all one sees is the vastness of the sky and the earth, with no distinction between water and clouds.

A majestic mountain range stretches across the horizon, dividing the mighty river into two streams. But once you cross the mountain range, the two streams merge again at the edge of the sky, rushing rumbling into the distance.

It was noon, and the sun was high in the sky.

As the wispy clouds were gently blown away by the wind, the bright sunlight, now unobstructed, instantly bathed the world in its radiance, so intense that it was hard to open one's eyes, and even the river seemed to be coated with a layer of gold.

Heaven and earth are like molten gold, formed into a single entity, distinct from one another!

The magnificent scene stunned He Chang for a moment, and it took him a while to gradually come back to his senses and slowly exhale a long breath.

He raised the wine jug high in a distant toast to the heavens, then suddenly burst into laughter and shouted:

"Brother Chen, what a beautiful view!"

……

One month later, in Dongmi Prefecture, on Changli Island.

After Tu Shan Ge finished explaining the matters and sent the stewards away, he also walked out of the hall.

Looking at the various scenes on the island, his eyes flickered slightly, and he felt an undisguised joy and delight in his heart.

After decades of hard work, the already magnificent Changli Island has gradually become even more beautiful, like flowers blooming on brocade and jade adding luster.

As someone who works both physically and mentally, Tu Shan Ge was naturally moved as well.

Thinking back to my time in Yangshan in the Southern Region, I remember how difficult it was to make a living with a litter of little foxes. We were struggling to make ends meet and wished we could split a wisp of spiritual energy in half to use it.

After the Taoist priest of Yangshan seized the foundation of Yangshan, the situation became even worse...

Just as Tu Shan Ge was lost in thought, a gentle breeze suddenly swept past behind him, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a young Taoist.

"master?"

Tu Shan Ge was taken aback for a moment, then overjoyed: "Master, you've finally returned?"

"Yes."

Chen Heng reached out to steady him, his gaze lingering on the island for a moment before shifting to the location of Mount Xiyi. He paused for a moment before looking away, then smiled nonchalantly and said:

"I am back."

(End of this chapter)