Prehistoric: The female saint Shiji, brilliant and talented

Each chance encounter left the three in awe. Through these experiences, they gradually came to understand the mysteries and power of the fairyland.

When they finally reached the summit, the ancient celestial palace came into view. The palace doors were tightly closed, covered with intricate celestial script and patterns. Qingyunzi examined them carefully for a while, then took out the three celestial herbs from his robes.

“These three immortal herbs are the keys to opening the Immortal Palace,” Qingyunzi said, placing the herbs in a specific order on the stone platform in front of the door.

After the immortal herbs were arranged, the gates of the immortal palace slowly opened, revealing a deep passageway. The three exchanged a smile and stepped inside without hesitation.

The interior of the celestial palace was even more enchanting, with the soft, mysterious glow emanating from the luminous pearls illuminating every corner of the hall. The luminous pearls embedded in the walls resembled the most brilliant stars in the night sky, radiating a warm glow that illuminated the entire space as if it were daytime. Along both sides of the passageway, various rare celestial herbs and spiritual ores were neatly arranged; each herb exuded a faint celestial aura, and each piece of spiritual ore contained abundant spiritual power.

Zhou Yuan's gaze was captivated by a Ganoderma lucidum that shimmered with seven colors. He couldn't help but exclaim, "This place... this place is simply a treasure trove in a fairyland!" His voice echoed in the fairy palace, filled with surprise and longing.

Hearing Zhou Yuan's exclamation, Qing Yunzi smiled slightly, but he did not stop. He simply said, "Zhou Yuan, don't forget our purpose. These treasures are certainly tempting, but our primary task is to find that legendary immortal technique." His tone was firm and persistent, as if he were warning Zhou Yuan not to be blinded by the treasures before him.

The woman in white gently tugged at Zhou Yuan's sleeve and said softly, "Senior is right, Zhou Yuan. These treasures are certainly tempting, but our goal is more important. Let's find the immortal technique first, and then we can consider these treasures." Her voice was gentle and rational, as if injecting a refreshing power into Zhou Yuan, allowing him to regain some composure.

Zhou Yuan took a deep breath and nodded: "You're right, I was almost distracted by these treasures. Let's continue searching for the immortal techniques."

The three continued their exploration deeper into the Immortal Palace, encountering numerous traps and mechanisms along the way. Sometimes an invisible sword aura would suddenly strike, sometimes a raging inferno would erupt, and sometimes the ground would abruptly collapse, forming a massive crater. But with their wisdom and cultivation, they overcame each obstacle one by one.

"Be careful, there are traps ahead!" Qingyunzi suddenly warned, his eyes sharp as torches, as if he could see through all illusions and ambushes.

Zhou Yuan and the woman in white immediately became alert. They followed closely behind Qing Yunzi, carefully avoiding one trap after another.

"How can there be so many traps and mechanisms here?" Zhou Yuan couldn't help but ask, his forehead already covered with fine beads of sweat.

“These mechanisms and traps are mostly designed to protect the immortal technique,” ​​Qingyunzi explained. “After all, this immortal technique is no ordinary thing. If it were to fall into the wrong hands so easily, wouldn’t that be too frivolous?”

The woman in white nodded in agreement: "That's right. Although these mechanisms and traps are dangerous, they also demonstrate the significance of this immortal technique. As long as we deal with them carefully, we will definitely be able to find it."

Finally, after overcoming countless hardships, they arrived at the deepest part of the Immortal Palace. There, an ancient stone platform stood quietly in the center, upon which rested an old scroll. The scroll appeared unremarkable, yet it emitted a mysterious light, as if it contained boundless secrets and power.

Qingyunzi stepped forward and carefully picked up the scroll. An excited and solemn expression appeared on his face, as if he were holding not just a scroll, but the hope and future of the entire cultivation world.

"This is the immortal technique we've been searching for—the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Technique." Qingyunzi's voice was filled with awe and solemnity.

Zhou Yuan and the woman in white also gathered around, their eyes all fixed on the scroll. Zhou Yuan couldn't resist reaching out to touch the mysterious scroll, but Qing Yunzi gently pushed him away.

"This immortal technique is extraordinary and should not be touched casually," Qingyunzi said solemnly. "We need to find a safe place first, and then study this immortal technique together."

The woman in white nodded in agreement: "What you say is absolutely right, senior. We cannot open the scroll rashly here. If we trigger some unknown mechanism or trap, it would be a loss that does not outweigh the gain."

Although Zhou Yuan was unwilling, he understood that Qing Yunzi and the woman in white were right. He took a deep breath and nodded: "Alright, let's leave this place first and find a safe place to open the scroll."

The three carefully withdrew from the Immortal Palace and found a secluded valley as their temporary resting place. Qingyunzi placed the "Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Technique" on a flat boulder, and then the three sat around it, preparing to study this mysterious immortal technique together.

Qingyunzi solemnly unrolled the scroll, which was covered with ancient immortal script and patterns. His brows were furrowed, as if he was trying his best to decipher its profound meaning. Zhou Yuan and the woman in white also stared nervously at the scroll, not daring to breathe.

"This immortal technique is indeed profound and unfathomable," Qingyunzi sighed. "We need to study it carefully in order to grasp its true essence."

The woman in white nodded in agreement: "What you say is true, senior. Since this immortal technique is called the 'Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Technique,' it must have something extraordinary about it. We cannot take it lightly."

Zhou Yuan was eager to try: "Then let's get started! I can't wait to cultivate this immortal technique!"

Qingyunzi smiled slightly: "Alright, let's start studying from the first volume."

As they studied the manual, the three gradually grasped its profound meaning. This immortal technique not only encompassed advanced cultivation methods but also contained the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. Every line of immortal text and every pattern seemed to hold boundless wisdom.

As Qingyunzi explained and demonstrated, his fingers traced mysterious arcs in the air, as if outlining the secrets of heaven and earth. Zhou Yuan and the woman in white followed closely behind, imitating Qingyunzi's movements and sensing the wonders within the immortal techniques.

Just as the three were immersed in cultivating the "Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Technique," a rumbling sound suddenly came from the sky. Immediately afterwards, a golden light descended from the sky and landed directly in the valley where they were.

The three were startled and quickly put away the scroll, looking warily in the direction from which the golden light had fallen. They saw an old man with an air of otherworldly wisdom slowly emerge from the golden light, his face kind and his eyes shining with wisdom.

"Junior Qingyunzi, Zhou Yuan, and the woman in white greet seniors," Qingyunzi said, bowing first.

The old man smiled slightly: "No need for formalities. I am an envoy under the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden, here to test your comprehension of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden's Manual."

Zhou Yuan asked curiously, "Senior, what is so special about this immortal technique? Why are we receiving such attention?"

The old man stroked his beard and slowly said, "The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden's Manual is a method personally passed down by the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden. It contains the most profound cultivation methods in the world. Only those with pure hearts and outstanding talents can obtain this cultivation. Since the three of you have obtained this immortal method, it means that you are all chosen people with destiny."

The woman in white respectfully asked, "Senior, how should we cultivate this immortal technique next?" The old man raised his hand and pointed to the sky: "The way of cultivation lies in conforming to the principles of heaven and earth and resonating with all things. You need to comprehend the profound meaning of the Mysterious Maiden Technique in this world and integrate it into your own cultivation."

Qingyunzi nodded thoughtfully: "Thank you for your guidance, senior. We will definitely work hard in our cultivation."

The old man nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. I look forward to your achievements on the path of cultivation. Remember, the path of cultivation is long and arduous, and you must strive to explore it." After saying this, the old man transformed into a golden light and disappeared into the horizon.

The three men gazed in the direction the old man had departed, their hearts filled with gratitude and respect. They knew that receiving guidance from an envoy under the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden was an immense honor.

Qingyunzi turned to Zhou Yuan and the woman in white and said, "We must remember the words of our senior, follow the principles of heaven and earth, and diligently cultivate the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Technique."

Zhou Yuan clenched his fist, his eyes flashing with determination: "Yes, we cannot let our seniors down. We must strive to cultivate and become true immortal cultivators!"

The woman in white nodded: "I will do my best. Since this immortal technique has chosen us, we cannot let it down."

In the days that followed, they diligently practiced day and night, following the old man's instructions, and continuously comprehended the profoundness of the "Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden's Manual".

One day, as the sun was setting, the three sat in a valley, discussing the difficulties they had encountered in their cultivation.

Zhou Yuan frowned and said, "I always feel that I'm not quite up to the task when I'm cultivating, as if there's something I'm not doing right."

Qingyunzi pondered for a moment, then said, "Perhaps we should pay more attention to the use of spiritual energy. You must know that spiritual energy is the foundation of cultivation. Only by mastering the flow of spiritual energy can we cultivate better."

The woman in white nodded in agreement: "Senior Qingyunzi is right. We should be more sensitive to the changes in spiritual energy and merge with it in order to reach a higher realm."

Zhou Yuan's excited words echoed through the valley, and both Qingyunzi and the woman in white smiled with relief.

Qingyunzi said gently, "Zhou Yuan, you are able to sense the presence of spiritual energy, which is a great step forward in your cultivation. However, this is only the beginning; the real challenges are yet to come."

Zhou Yuan nodded firmly: "I understand, Senior Qingyunzi. I will continue to work hard and will never let you down."

The woman in white also encouraged him, saying, "Zhou Yuan, you've done very well. Next, you need to understand and utilize spiritual energy more deeply and integrate it into your cultivation."

Zhou Yuan looked at the woman in white with gratitude: "Thank you for your encouragement. I will remember your words and work hard."

Qingyunzi continued, "Zhou Yuan, you can now try to guide spiritual energy into your meridians and let it merge with your internal strength. In this way, your cultivation will be greatly improved."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan immediately began to try it. He closed his eyes and concentrated, sensing the flow of spiritual energy, and then slowly guided it into his meridians. At the beginning of his attempt, Zhou Yuan frowned, clearly encountering considerable difficulty. He tried to adjust his breathing, but he always felt as if there was a thin film separating the spiritual energy and his internal energy, making it difficult for them to blend.

Qingyunzi noticed Zhou Yuan's confusion and asked softly, "Zhou Yuan, do you feel that there is some disharmony between spiritual energy and internal energy?"

Zhou Yuan nodded, and said with a hint of frustration, "Yes, senior. I always feel that they are somewhat incompatible, and I don't know what to do."

The woman in white comforted him, "Don't worry, Zhou Yuan. Everyone encounters this problem at the beginning. You need to find the balance between spiritual energy and internal energy so that they can coexist harmoniously."

Qingyunzi continued, "That's right, it does take some time and patience. You can try to adjust your mindset and not be too impatient. At the same time, you can also try to change the speed and rhythm of introducing spiritual energy."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's heart stirred, and he decided to try again, following the advice of his seniors. He took a deep breath, relaxed his tense nerves, and then slowly introduced spiritual energy. This time, he paid even more attention to the process of integrating spiritual energy with internal strength, carefully searching for that balance point.

After a while, Zhou Yuan's face showed a look of surprise: "I can feel it! The spiritual energy and internal force are starting to merge!"

The woman in white and Qingyunzi exchanged a smile, both pleased with Zhou Yuan's progress.

The woman in white asked with concern, "Zhou Yuan, how are you feeling now? Are you experiencing any discomfort?"

Zhou Yuan opened his eyes, his eyes sparkling with joy: "I feel great! After the spiritual energy and internal force merged, I feel my strength is increasing exponentially, and my body is becoming lighter and lighter."

Qingyunzi nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, Zhou Yuan. You have taken a crucial step in your cultivation. Next, you need to continuously consolidate and improve this fusion state and explore the higher realms of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Technique."

Upon hearing these words, Zhou Yuan felt a surge of pride and clenched his fist, declaring loudly, "I will do my utmost and live up to the high expectations of all of you seniors!"

The woman in white covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her eyes full of approval. She said gently, "Zhou Yuan, your progress during this period is truly remarkable. I believe it won't be long before you master all the mysteries of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Technique."

Qingyunzi, however, had a solemn expression and earnestly reminded him: "Although your progress is rapid, the most taboo thing in cultivation is to be impatient for quick results. You must be down-to-earth and take steady steps forward, which is the right path."

Zhou Yuan nodded respectfully, feeling deeply grateful for the guidance from Qingyunzi and the woman in white.

In the days that followed, the three cultivated with even greater diligence, frequently exchanging techniques and delving together into the obscure and difficult passages of the *Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden's Manual*. Whenever night fell, they would gather around the campfire, sharing their insights and exchanging their understanding. (End of Chapter)