Daojun, start from Penglai foundation building

"Southern Illumination. Immortal Abode!"

Although Zhang Ling was only a newcomer to the cultivation world who had just joined the sect in Ye Nan Mountain less than two years ago, and his cultivation level was only at the first level of Qi Refining, he knew that the world he was in was called Nan Zhao Realm.

Could this immortal abode be the former dwelling of some deity from the Southern Illumination Realm?!

The stone gate to the cave dwelling doesn't seem particularly magical. Is this really a divine abode?
For a moment, Zhang Ling was conflicted. She thought about her current situation, her master who bit off his tongue to help her escape, her senior brother who would rather die than be captured, and her junior sister who lost her life to protect her.
Zhang Ling's inner turmoil was gradually replaced by decisiveness. Her gaze was firm, radiating an indomitable spirit: "Now that things have come to this, what's the use of being conflicted?"

"If I want revenge, I need power, cultivation techniques, and magical treasures and supernatural abilities."

"The appearance of the Southern Illumination Immortal Abode before me might be the will of Heaven allowing me to avenge my grievances. If that's the case, then destiny is on my side; if it's empty and full of traps, then it's the will of Heaven to forsake me. What does it matter if I die here?!"

Having said that, Zhang Ling, ignoring the various injuries from her falls, staggered toward the stone gate at the end of the passage.

Upon reaching the stone gate, Zhang Ling examined it closely. The gate was about two people tall, and it depicted numerous scenes of immortals: surging seas of clouds with celestial palaces suspended above them; towering blue waves with giant tortoises carrying mountains across the vast ocean; and towering peaks where immortals discussed and expounded their teachings.
Among these celestial scenes, there are also many spiritual traces that Zhang Ling cannot understand, which subtly connect these celestial scenes together.

On the stone tablet, beside the four characters "Nan Zhao Immortal Abode," there was a line of small characters. Zhang Ling looked at it and saw that the line of characters read: "Knock on the Immortal Abode, and you will see the world."

"Knocking on the celestial abode, one is greeted by the world."

Zhang Ling tentatively pushed the stone door, but it didn't budge. This relieved Zhang Ling a little. Since the stone door was difficult to move, it meant there was something behind it, which meant he really had a chance to obtain the opportunity of this immortal mansion, as long as he could enter the stone door.

"It seems that the first test will be how to open this door."

As Zhang Ling pondered, he carefully examined the stone door and discovered that the two stone doors were tightly closed without any gaps. It was impossible to pry them open. Not to mention that Zhang Ling did not have any tools, even if he did, he would not know where to start.

Moreover, Zhang Ling remembered that her senior brother had told her that the mansions left behind by their predecessors were often equipped with various restrictions and formations. Simply prying open the door or bombarding it with magic would be useless; one had to find the mechanism or weak point to open it.

This is not only a means for predecessors to protect their cave dwellings, but also a test of whether the descendants have enough opportunities. Some ancient dwellings even set up special array spirits to test the character of their descendants.
How do I open this door?

Zhang Ling stood in front of the stone gate, somewhat embarrassed. He was not a cunning and experienced cultivator, but a newcomer to the cultivation world who was still getting to know the world through his sect. He hadn't even finished reading the Taoist scriptures of Yunxian Temple, let alone how to decipher the mechanisms of the cave or how to judge the spiritual patterns of the array.

Although Zhang Ling didn't understand these things, when he inadvertently glanced at the images on the stone gate, he was surprised to find that the images seemed to be connected together!
Gazing at the intertwined spiritual traces between the images, a sudden thought flashed through Zhang Ling's mind: "Are these images everything that the Immortal Abode Master experienced in his lifetime?"

From novice to apprenticeship, to mastery of skills, and finally to fame throughout the land.

"Since that's the case..."

Zhang Ling followed the patterns and lines between those images, and unknowingly, the little spiritual energy in Zhang Ling's body was drawn out of his body and began to travel along those patterns on the stone gate. When Zhang Ling's spiritual energy passed through the dense spiritual patterns on the stone gate and finally returned to its origin, this trace of spiritual energy had been consumed to the last bit, but this bit was exceptionally condensed, far surpassing the previous amount.

"This stone door is not only the first trial in the Immortal Abode, but it can even help cultivators refine their spiritual energy?!"

Overjoyed, Zhang Ling began to meditate at the stone gate to recover his spiritual energy. He then continuously used his own spiritual energy to travel along the spiritual patterns, pushing the connections between the images on the stone gate. Before he knew it, a day and a night had passed. Zhang Ling in the cave was completely unaware of the passage of time. He only felt that his control over spiritual energy was becoming more and more proficient, and the circulation of spiritual energy in his meridians was becoming faster and faster.

In an instant, Zhang Ling channeled a wisp of spiritual energy along the patterns on the stone door, and with a very faint clicking sound, the stone door slowly cracked open. Seeing this, Zhang Ling was overjoyed and hurriedly pushed open the stone door. Unexpectedly, the stone door, which he thought was extremely heavy, was actually very light. He easily pushed open the stone door and walked in, and then his vision suddenly opened up.

"This is the interior of the Immortal Abode."

Zhang Ling curiously observed everything behind the stone gate: spiritual herbs and plants, pavilions and waterside terraces, palaces and towers, winding streams; there were waterfalls cascading down, fountains scattering rainbows, and flowing water encircling the immortal abode, as well as a starry river embedded in the dome.
Everything within this immortal abode exudes a sense of simplicity and profound wisdom. Though the buildings are all ordinary, they are arranged in a harmonious and orderly manner, giving one a sense of transcendence and otherworldly beauty. Above, a vast galaxy covers the sky, while water flows ceaselessly in cycles on all sides. In addition, the plants, trees, mountains, water, and palaces in the center are brimming with spiritual energy. Thus, an immortal abode that seems to be in harmony with the universe appears before Zhang Ling's eyes.

The only thing that puzzled Zhang Ling was that this immortal abode seemed a bit too large.
"There is a celestial abode in Nanzhao, whose blessings protect the world."

"Don't be suspicious. This Nanzhao Immortal Abode is a hidden paradise, and it's not as simple as you think."

"Immortal abodes can appear in the Wild South Mountain, the Eastern Plains, the Northern Cold, and the Western Sands; immortal abodes are everywhere."

The sudden sound startled Zhang Ling, who then leaned against the wall and looked around warily: "Who is it?"

The next moment, a beautiful figure dressed in a palace gown and with her hair styled in a cloud-like bun appeared before Zhang Ling. This suddenly appearing, stunningly beautiful woman momentarily stunned Zhang Ling: "You are..."

The fairy's expression was calm, with a hint of arrogance: "The guardian spirit of the Southern Illumination Immortal Palace, you can call me Fairy Nan."

Southern Fairy?
Guardian of the immortals?

Zhang Ling's eyes lit up: This really is the former residence of an ancient powerful being from the Southern Illumination Realm!
Looking at the ragged young man before her, who had just entered the world of cultivation, Nan Xianzi suddenly asked curiously, "At the stone gate, why did you reverse the flow of spiritual energy?"

Zhang Ling honestly replied, "Your Highness, I believe that the reason why the immortal built this immortal palace to benefit future generations must be because he himself was a weak cultivator at the beginning. The powerful immortals also started from weakness and cultivated step by step. To be able to reach the end, the immortal must have great perseverance and willpower, and must have his own persistence. So everything is rooted in the very beginning."

"Going with the flow will certainly lead to higher and higher steps, but going against the flow will allow you to see the past clearly and stay true to yourself."

Nan Xianzi nodded: "Looking back on the past and not forgetting your original intention, you have just entered the world of cultivation, yet you can say such things, which is enough to show that you have some character."

"By the way, do you have a teacher?"

Zhang Ling's expression darkened: "It used to be there, but it's gone now."

Before long, Zhang Ling finished recounting her experiences over the past few days, and Fairy Nan's expression turned solemn: "So that's how it is. It seems that a celestial demon has descended to earth to wreak havoc on the human world."

As she spoke, Fairy Nan looked at Zhang Ling: "Boy, do you know that this immortal abode is not in the present world of Nanzhao, but rather roams the entire Nanzhao Realm between reality and illusion?"

"It can be said that immortal abodes can appear in multiple places at the same time, depending on the opportunities of the people."

"If, as you say, there are indeed demons causing chaos in the world, then your ability to find the immortal abode this time means that you have survived a great calamity and that Heaven has granted you this opportunity."

"Perhaps you are the one who can resolve this human calamity."

Hearing what Fairy Nan said, Zhang Ling was shocked: Yes, he had gone through so much but always managed to escape danger. Wasn't this a sign of divine intervention, sending someone like him who had personally experienced disaster to save the world? Young and passionate, Zhang Ling's gaze hardened and his expression became solemn: "If this encounter with the Immortal Abode is truly Heaven's way of sending me to gain power to save the world, then why shouldn't I come!"

Looking at the resolute young man, Nan Xianzi seemed to think of the owner who left behind this legacy. For some reason, she believed in the young man before her, believed everything he said, and was willing to help him.

"Alright, come with me first. I'll examine your physical attributes and then teach you the techniques."

Zhang Ling nodded and followed Fairy Nan to have his innate talent tested. However, after the test, Fairy Nan looked troubled: "Boy, your innate talent..."

Zhang Ling seemed to have expected this: "It's pretty average, isn't it?"

Nan Xianzi nodded, but Zhang Ling smiled and said, "Fairy, I know. I knew from the beginning."

“When I first joined Yunxian Temple, my master told me that my aptitude was very average.”

"But Master also said that cultivation is not only about aptitude and innate talent, but also about temperament and perseverance. The path of cultivation is not just about supernatural powers and techniques, but also about alchemy, arrays, talismans and artifacts."

“My master said that as long as you are proficient in one skill, you can continue your journey in the cultivation world.”

Nan Xianzi sighed and said, "Young man, your master is right, but without aptitude and talent, you cannot obtain the inheritance. And what will you do without the inheritance?"

Zhang Ling countered, "Fairy, does lacking aptitude, innate talent, and inherited supernatural abilities mean one doesn't have to face the Heavenly Demon?"

In short, Zhang Ling's question left Nan Xianzi speechless.

Having experienced so many changes, Zhang Ling's temperament was no longer what it used to be. His expression was calm, with a hint of stubbornness: "Please, Fairy, let me try. If I cannot obtain the inheritance, it means I am not destined for the Immortal Mansion. Then, Fairy, please find someone with the aptitude and potential to inherit the inheritance and then eliminate demons and protect the righteous path!"

Nan Xianzi looked at Zhang Ling, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded: "Since you want to try, come with me."

Zhang Ling followed Fairy Nan to the inheritance trial ground. Fairy Nan said, "This is the place to test whether a descendant is qualified to obtain the inheritance of an immortal. One must have good aptitude, comprehension, temperament, and character."

"You should give it a try."

Zhang Ling entered the trial without hesitation, while Nan Xianzi watched from outside as Zhang Ling went through numerous trials.

Zhang Ling passed the Ascension Ladder that tests one's character, the Questioning Platform that tests one's moral integrity, and even the Cloud-Observing Screen that tests one's comprehension. However, he got stuck on the Refining Technique, which tests one's innate talent.
Looking at Zhang Ling, who had remained silent, Nan Xianzi felt a pang of pity, but still said, "Boy, you're just a little short."

Zhang Ling sighed. He had expected this, but he still couldn't help feeling disappointed. The dramatic ups and downs, from great sorrow to great joy, from hardship to opportunity to nothing, made Zhang Ling, a boy not yet fifteen, experience the hardships of life once again.

With a forced smile, Zhang Ling said, "Since I have no hope, then please send me out, fairy."

Nan Xianzi couldn't help but ask, "Why go out? You're safe here. Even if you can't obtain the inheritance, you can still cultivate here, and at least you won't be detected by the Heavenly Demon."

Zhang Ling replied, "But what's the point of lingering here if we can't obtain the inheritance? It will only hinder those who come after us from getting their chance."

Nan Xianzi was speechless for a moment, then suddenly seemed to have thought of something. Her eyes lit up and she said, "Boy, although you can't obtain the inheritance of an immortal, there are still many cultivation techniques collected by immortals in this immortal mansion. Even if you can't become an immortal, you'll still be a top-tier existence in the Nanzhao Realm."

"Why don't you go and take a look? Maybe you'll find something that suits you."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ling's heart stirred, and he nodded repeatedly, following Fairy Nan to the Scripture Pavilion.

The Scripture Pavilion in the Immortal Abode is not large, with a total of three floors. The first floor contains forty-eight scrolls of various cultivation techniques, each of which is a cultivation technique that directly leads to the Golden Core Realm.

The second layer contains twenty-four scrolls of cultivation techniques, each scroll representing a cultivation technique for the Nascent Soul stage; as for the third layer, there are also twelve scrolls, representing twelve cultivation techniques leading to the Divine Transformation stage.

Looking at the abundance of inheritances, Zhang Ling felt a surge of excitement in her heart. Nan Xianzi also said, "Here are twelve Nascent Soul cultivation techniques, twenty-four Core Formation cultivation techniques, and forty-eight Golden Core cultivation techniques."

"It can be said that this place has collected the most outstanding inheritances in the entire Southern Illumination Realm, from Golden Core cultivation to advancing to Nascent Soul and then to the Divine Transformation stage, with the cultivation methods passed down in an orderly manner."

“Every Golden Core cultivation method has a subsequent Nascent Soul inheritance, and every Nascent Soul cultivation method also has a subsequent Deity Transformation inheritance. As long as you are qualified to obtain any one of these methods, the door to Deity Transformation will at least be open to you.”

After thanking them, Zhang Ling eagerly stepped forward and began selecting from the forty-eight volumes of Golden Core cultivation techniques on the first floor: Gale Wind Soaring Technique, Azure Thunder Purple Transformation Technique, Crimson Fire Condensing Core Record, Heavenly Water Movement Technique.
One after another, various martial arts techniques were laid out before him, encompassing all five elements and four symbols. However, Zhang Ling could not pick up any of the books he had chosen according to his wishes.

This means that all these methods rejected him.

None of the forty-eight volumes of Golden Elixir Cultivation Techniques responded to Zhang Ling, extinguishing the hope that had just been ignited within him once again, plunging him into deep doubt: Could someone with such poor aptitude really have any hope of obtaining an opportunity and avenging his master and fellow disciples?
Is he really not a cripple?
Seeing Zhang Ling lost in despair and doubt, Fairy Nan shook her head helplessly: She really did her best, but Zhang Ling simply didn't have the opportunity.

"Never mind, I'm sorry to trouble you, Fairy. I really don't deserve it."

Zhang Ling smiled wryly and turned to walk out of the Sutra Repository. But just as Zhang Ling reached the door, he glanced at it out of the corner of his eye and found a dusty jade slip in the corner of the wall.

Subconsciously, Zhang Ling stepped forward, picked up the jade slip, and wiped away the dust: "Fairy, what kind of cultivation technique is this?"

Nan Xianzi was also extremely puzzled: "I have a record of all the cultivation techniques in the Scripture Pavilion, but I really don't know what this one is."

"Could it be that there's something I've overlooked here?"

As if possessed, Zhang Ling channeled his spiritual energy into the jade slip. Suddenly, the jade slip shattered, and a golden light entered Zhang Ling's brow. In an instant, the world turned upside down, and Zhang Ling seemed to enter a hazy, chaotic state, where he saw wind rising, thunder rumbling, fire burning, and water flowing.
Wind, thunder, water, and fire stirred up the chaos of Yin and Yang, suddenly transforming into sword light. The sword light rose up, gathering the five elements and combining them with the four symbols, splitting heaven and earth to create stars, creating the five elements, time and years, and all the causes and effects of creation, all of which turned into a sword edge that pierced through the past and present. Then, a page of golden book solidified in front of Zhang Ling.

Overwhelmed with shock, Zhang Ling stared at the gleaming golden scroll that had materialized before her and instinctively read aloud the words on it:

"The True Lord of Jade Palace Spirit Abyss Expounds the True Explanation of the Seven Heavenly Scriptures" (End of this chapter)