There is a progress bar in my cultivation of immortality

Before Wang Ping could speak, Liu Shuang interjected, "Master, you need not worry about me. I have cultivated for thousands of years and have also pondered the Great Dao in my spare time. Although I have not fully understood it, I know how to make choices and how to act within my capabilities."

"It is truly a blessing that I, with my inferior aptitude, have attained this level of cultivation. However, I know that this is all thanks to my master. Cultivators from various sects respect me and even bow to me when they see me. This makes me feel ashamed and uneasy. Therefore, I have been afraid to see outsiders in recent years."

“This disciple is not a capable person, and I am already more than fortunate to have obtained this position. I hope that Master will not make any more plans for me. Now I only wish that Rong’er, Lei’er, Yuqin and Donglin are safe and sound.”

Upon hearing Liu Shuang's heartfelt words, Wang Ping could only let out a sigh.

Liu Shuang's meaning was clear: she was just an ordinary cultivator, and her current status was already the limit of what she could bear; any more would be too much for her to handle.

After a few moments of silence, Wang Ping asked, "Have you thought it through?"

Liu Shuang replied, “Since I began my cultivation, all the benefits I have gained have been thanks to Master’s good fortune. They have all come easily to me. I have felt ashamed whenever I think about it these past years. Recently, I have often thought of Junior Brother Yang. His fate may be more suitable for me.”

Her tone was open-minded. After more than a thousand years of reflection, she had come to understand many principles, and the Taoist spirit of non-action had naturally emerged.

This is the fundamental reason why different people have different understandings of Taoist principles. Because everyone's situation is different, Liu Shuang is very ordinary. She can clearly see the end of the road under her feet. After understanding the principles, she learned to let go.

After Wang Ping comprehended these principles, he saw an endless future and a vast world, because he was comprehending these principles from the perspective of a True Lord who rules the starry sky.

Wang Ping remained silent for a few more breaths, carefully examining Liu Shuang's eyes. He thought about everything he had done in the past, which was actually based on his own thoughts and desires, satisfying his own human need for family affection. He always persuaded Liu Shuang to follow his arrangements, but rarely truly considered what Liu Shuang wanted.

Because in his view, seeking a higher realm is a matter of course, but he forgot that everyone's pursuit is different. Just as Liu Shuang herself said, she is just an ordinary person. At first, she may be very proud of her current high position, but as time goes by, she will find that her inner self is extremely weak, which makes her feel apprehensive.

"If you've thought it through, then so be it."

Wang Ping suddenly understood many things and stopped pressuring Liu Shuang. A smile appeared on his face as he asked, "Rong'er has been planning for the fourth realm. Have you made any progress so far?"

Over the years, he had been keeping an eye on his grand-disciple Yang Rong, and he himself hoped that the unorthodox sects would have secret techniques for the fourth realm, which would be of great use to him in his future fight against extraterrestrial forces. In the past thousand years, he had used dozens of puppets to try to reach the fourth realm of the unorthodox sects, but he had never succeeded.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuang smiled naturally and said to Wang Ping, "She has always been very opinionated. I believe that when she achieves something, she will definitely come to Master for help."

Wang Ping nodded involuntarily; Yang Rong's work always made people feel at ease.

The master and apprentice chatted for a long time, with Shen Xiaozhu listening patiently the whole time, occasionally adding fresh tea to their teacups.

When they had finished talking, Wang Ping looked at Shen Xiaozhu and said, "Bring your precious disciple here so I can see him. If he is really determined to advance to the fourth realm, you can talk to your Aunt Yulian yourself when she wakes up."

Shen Xiaozhu nodded: "Yes, Master."

As Shen Xiaozhu was taking her leave, Liu Shuang said, "I'm going to see Junior Sister Hu. Junior Brother Xia has been a bit stubborn these past few years and needs some guidance."

Wang Ping did not stop him.

The dojo suddenly became much quieter. Wang Ping used his primordial spirit to scan Yu Lian, and then he saw her stretch out her left hand and gently pluck a timeline. After that, the sound of Hu Qianqian and Liu Shuang playing "Spring Mountain Laughter" rang in his ears again.

As the song ended, Shen Xiaozhu and her apprentice Yun Liang landed in front of the temple courtyard, and Wang Ping showed a warm smile on his face, like an elder.

"Greetings, Master/Grandmaster!"

There were three voices. Shen Xiaozhu called him "Master," while Yun Liang and the Blue Feather Owl perched on his shoulder called him "Grandmaster."

"Okay, come up here so I can take a look."

Wang Ping pointed to the prayer mat in front of him and gave instructions to Yun Liang.

This wasn't Yun Liang's first time here. Yu Lian had taken him to Jupiter for cultivation many times. However, seeing Wang Ping still exuding reverence, he walked to the prayer mat and respectfully performed a kneeling bow. Lan Yu Ye Xiao followed suit and lowered his head.

Wang Ping casually stretched out his left hand, his fingers gently stroking the space in front of him, and thin silver lines immediately appeared. These were timelines that had a causal relationship with Yun Liang.

In an instant, Wang Ping understood the timeline. Then, he opened his 'Heavenly Eye', and a golden light flashed across Yun Liang's body. Shen Xiaozhu, who was standing to the side, was seeing Wang Ping use his 'Heavenly Eye' for the first time. When she subconsciously went to meet him, her consciousness immediately became chaotic. When she came to her senses, everything returned to normal.

"A promising talent."

Wang Ping's voice rang out at this moment. He looked at Shen Xiaozhu and said, "Take good care of him." As he spoke, he looked at the blue-feathered night owl perched on Yun Liang's shoulder. This was a spirit pet that Yu Lian had specially prepared for Yun Liang. It was cultivating the "Taiyan Talisman" with Yun Liang and had already reached the second stage of perfection.

“Let’s also give this little guy a spot in the third realm. He’s been a great help to Yunliang.”

"Thank you, Master/Grandmaster!"

Three voices rang out at the same time again.

A smile appeared on Wang Ping's face. Just as he was about to speak, Shen Xiaozhu clasped her hands and said, "Master, Senior Tongyu is at Qianmu Temple. He wishes to pay his respects to you."

"Oh?"

Wang Ping's smile deepened, and he said, "I almost forgot about this old fellow. Bring him over here." After saying that, he instructed Yun Liang and Lan Yu Ye Xiao, "You two should also cultivate diligently and not disappoint your master's expectations."

"Yes, Master!"

"Alright, you and your master may step down now."

Wang Ping waved his hand, watching Shen Xiaozhu leave with her apprentice.

Yun Liang is indeed a promising talent, with exceptional abilities and a temperament that meets Wang Ping's requirements. With the current resources of Qianmu Temple, it would be easy to fully cultivate his primordial spirit. As long as his mentality doesn't falter, and with Wang Ping's attention, it would be almost impossible for him to fail in advancing to the fourth realm.

However, mindset is also where Taiyan cultivators are most prone to problems, because they witness too much of human nature during their cultivation process, and they are inevitably affected themselves.

Half an hour later.

As the teleportation array above Mount Jiuxuan lit up, Shen Xiaozhu returned once again, this time accompanied by an old man.

It was none other than the old Taoist Tongyu!

He was dressed in a black Taoist robe with cloud patterns, the collar and cuffs of which were embroidered with intricate star patterns in gold thread. Seven ancient bronze divination coins hung from his jade belt, jingling as he walked, subtly corresponding to the numbers of the Heavenly Dipper. He wore a purple-gold lotus crown, with three silver ribbons hanging from it.

He was dressed a little too formally, which made Wang Ping burst out laughing.

When Shen Xiaozhu led him to the front of the courtyard, Tongyu Daoist straightened his clothes and even carefully smoothed the end of his whisk three times before respectfully bowing deeply to Wang Ping: "Greetings, True Lord Changqing."

"You've learned to be polite, haven't you?"

Wang Ping waved his hand, cleared the coffee table beside him, and invited, "Senior, please come and sit down."

Daoist Tongyu hurriedly said, "I dare not let the True Lord address me as senior." He waved his hands repeatedly, his expression showing some fear.

"Come and sit."

Wang Ping extended another invitation.

This time, Tongyu Daoist did not refuse. He carried his whisk to the tea table, bowed deeply once again, and sat down cross-legged, sitting very properly.

Shen Xiaozhu obediently walked to the other side and sat down to make tea for the two of them.

"Back then, the matter at Yongming Port was something my Taiyan Sect owed you, and now we've repaid that debt." Wang Ping started by mentioning this matter. Although it was Xiaoshan who did it, he advanced to the fourth realm almost entirely thanks to the resources left behind by Xiaoshan, so he had to take on this responsibility.

"You jest, True Lord. The matter of Yongming Port back then is something I owe you. If it weren't for your shelter, I would have turned into dust long ago." Tongyu Daoist immediately denied the favor.

"My fortune is meager and my foundation is nonexistent. My advancement to the fourth realm must be due to the True Lord's favor. I have no way to repay such a great kindness, so I can only offer my crippled body to the True Lord."

"Ha ha!"

Wang Ping laughed loudly, staring at Tongyu Daoist and saying with a slightly mocking tone, "If Yulian were here, she would definitely ridicule you. You went back to the Taiyin Sect first, didn't you? It was because the Taiyin Sect wouldn't accept you that you came here to pledge your loyalty, right?"

Daoist Tongyu immediately looked terrified and said, "True Lord, your wisdom is unparalleled, I...I..."

He couldn't find the words to explain for a moment.

Seeing his embarrassed look, Wang Ping pushed a cup of tea that Shen Xiaozhu had brewed in front of him and said, "Alright, I know you well enough. It's just that Qianmu Temple can't accommodate you. Go to Taiyan Sect. Taiyan Sect should have a place for you to use your talents."

"Thank you, True Lord!"

Tongyu Daoist straightened his back, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed again, performing a standard kneeling salute.

Wang Ping reached out and tapped the chessboard next to the coffee table, smiling as he said, "Fellow Daoist has always said he wanted to play chess with me. Now that we have the opportunity, how about a game?"

"Please enlighten me, True Lord."

As Tongyu Daoren responded, the illusory figure of Mingshui appeared beside Shen Xiaozhu.

The game ended in less than an hour, naturally ending in a crushing defeat for Tongyu Daoren, whose original chess style was no longer suitable for his current approach.

"Where is the Venerable One now?"

Tongyu Daoist asked cautiously, the 'venerable one' he referred to was naturally Yulian.

Wang Ping chuckled and replied, "I'm currently in seclusion, at a crucial moment in my breakthrough to the fourth realm." As he spoke, he extended his left hand and gently tapped, instantly drawing a wisp of wood spirit energy into Tongyu Daoist's consciousness, leading him to 'see' Yu Lian in seclusion.

"Such a rich spirituality!"

Tongyu Daoist spoke in a low voice, then seemed to suddenly understand something. He took out a purple glass bottle from his storage bag and said to Wang Ping, "Although I did not rejoin the Taiyin Sect, True Lord Baiyan bestowed this item upon me as a reward for my diligent cultivation."

"I couldn't understand why he gave me this item before, but seeing the Venerable One's state now, I suddenly understand what he meant."

"Oh? What do you mean? Is it related to Yulian?"

Wang Ping looked curious and quickly placed a piece, preparing for the second game.

Tongyu Daoist did not rush to make a move. He pointed to the glass bottle in his hand and said, "This contains the most primordial blood of Asura in the universe, and it is pure blood that has been refined. In the legends of the Taiyin Sect, all life in the universe is born in the pool of Asura blood."

Wang Ping's gaze immediately fell on the glass bottle. In the legends of the Taiyin Sect, life does not include the Five Elements, but only the Immortal Clan, the Asura Clan, the Demon Clan, and the Spirit Beasts. As for the Human Clan, it belongs to the Demon Clan.

"The Asura blood here contains the purest blood and spiritual essence, but it is not a true aggregation of blood and flesh. Rather, it is spiritual blood extracted by the Taiyin Sect using secret methods, without a trace of impurity. Furthermore, it was personally refined by True Monarch Baiyan, which is of the greatest help to the Venerable at this moment."

Tongyu Daoist explained, and after explaining, he placed a piece on the board and handed the glass bottle in his hand to Wang Ping.

Wang Ping didn't stand on ceremony. He took the glass bottle and asked, "Are you saying that True Monarch Baiyan gave it to you so that you would give it to me?"

Master Tongyu nodded.

Wang Ping fell into deep thought, unsure whether he was considering the chess game or the matter of True Lord Baiyan.

"Da~"

After a long pause, Wang Ping placed a piece.

Tongyu Daoist then spoke up again, saying, "It seems that True Lord Baiyan wants to push you out for some reason, doesn't he?"

Although he was not in that position, he could still get the gist of things very quickly.

But Wang Ping did not reply to Tongyu Daoren. Instead, he pointed to the chessboard and said, "It's your turn to make a move." As he spoke, he put away the glass bottle.

In the second game, Wang Ping won by a large margin again. After Tongyu Daoren resigned, he cupped his hands and said, "I am now free of trouble, so I will not disturb your peaceful cultivation any longer."

When he took his leave, he bowed with his hands clasped in the same manner, so proper that not a single flaw could be found.

Wang Ping did not try to stop him, but turned to Shen Xiaozhu and instructed her, "Introduce Fellow Daoist Tongyu to Ziluan for me."

"Yes, Master!"

Shen Xiaozhu behaved even more properly.

Wang Ping watched Tongyu Daoist leave Jupiter's atmosphere. After a while, he got up and walked to the edge of the cliff. He first used his primordial spirit to examine the Asura blood in the glass bottle.

It is called blood, but it is not blood. It is a spiritual substance formed by the convergence of nether energy, but its state is almost the same as that of blood. This made Wang Ping think of a classic question: which came first, the chicken or the egg?

The question corresponding to this bottle of Asura blood is: which came first, the Asura blood pool or the living beings with fresh blood?

As Wang Ping pondered, his gaze involuntarily drifted to the river below where Yu Lian was in seclusion. Then, his consciousness fell upon his clone, carefully connecting with Yu Lian's primordial spirit.

After a dozen or so breaths, his consciousness sensed an endless ocean. The sun shone brightly there, and in the middle of the ocean was a solitary island surrounded by a rich spiritual aura. Yu Lian's consciousness was on that island.

"what happened?"

As Yu Lian's voice rang out, her enormous form appeared above the isolated island. (End of Chapter)