I became an immortal in the mountains

Chapter 789 Seeking Fish by Climbing a Tree
Li Miaoxuan said, "I have seen relevant records in the Lingxu Sect's books. Sects in the cultivation world refer to cultivators in worlds similar to the Linglong Realm as heretical cultivators. Compared to the Immortal Path, heretical cultivators have much greater limitations. In their original world, they are incredibly powerful, and even Immortal Path experts may not be their match. However, once they leave their own world and come to other realms, their strength may even decrease to one-tenth of what it was before. The stronger the cultivator, the more obvious the decrease in strength."

Gu Yuanqing nodded slightly: "That's true. Just like cultivators in the Linglong Realm, once they reach the Hun Tian level, their strength becomes closely related to the rule artifacts they cultivate. As for the Hun Tian Undying, if it doesn't rely on the power of the artifact, apart from its immortality, it's only about the same as an ordinary Shattering Heaven Realm cultivator in the cultivation world. But if it uses the power of the rule artifact, even a master of the Hun Tian Undying in the cultivation world might not be unable to fight it."

Li Miaoxuan said, "Cultivation in the Linglong Realm should be easier, but ultimately the source of power is external things, not one's own understanding of the Great Dao, which has many limitations. However, most cultivators find it difficult to leave their own realm. So it's not fair to say which is better or worse. After all, trying to follow the ordinary path of the Great Dao in this Linglong Realm is like trying to catch fish by climbing a tree. What suits you best is the best."

Gu Yuanqing chuckled casually, "Trying to catch fish by climbing a tree? That's quite a metaphor."

Li Miaoxuan glanced at Gu Yuanqing and said with a half-smile, "Are you praising yourself? I heard Cheng Yi mention it once before, and it's said that this phrase originated from you."

"Oh, is that so?" Gu Yuanqing chuckled, then changed the subject, saying, "You haven't explained how you could tell that this divine spark is imperfect and has flaws."

Li Miaoxuan turned her gaze back to the Heavenly Law Bell and said, "It's not difficult, it's just a feeling. Divine cultivators are like immortals in the cultivation world, formed from their cultivation and power. One would expect that beings of this level should be perfectly integrated and flawless. But this one... at first glance, it appears majestic and ancient, but upon closer inspection, one finds that the various Dao patterns are somewhat disharmonious. If I'm not mistaken, either their cultivation is insufficient, and they took shortcuts and borrowed external forces when breaking through; or after breaking through, they encountered a great calamity and then forcibly repaired it, but ultimately it is difficult to restore it to its original state."

Gu Yuanqing said, "There is another possibility: he has possessed other people's bodies many times, using other people's bodies to continue the Great Dao. But in the end, they are different from his own body, so it is difficult for him to achieve perfect harmony again."

“That is indeed a possibility.” A strange light flashed in Li Miaoxuan’s eyes. Clearly, Gu Yuanqing’s guess was closer to the truth. “What do you plan to do with it? The soul and divine spark of a god-level expert can be quite useful.”

Gu Yuanqing looked at the Heavenly Law Bell in his hand and said, "Right now, I don't need it. If you can refine it, I'll give it to you."

"Are you really willing to give it to me?" Li Miaoxuan's eyes gleamed, and her tone seemed to carry a different flavor.

Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "Since we are Daoist partners, why is there any question of whether we are willing to part?"

Li Miaoxuan covered her mouth and chuckled: "Forget it, I can't take this thing with me. Even if it's a bit incomplete, to suppress or refine it, I would need at least a magic treasure of the immortal level, which I don't have right now."

Not now?

Gu Yuanqing seemed to understand something, but did not ask any further questions. He simply smiled and said, "If that's the case, I'll suppress it in Beiquan Mountain for now and deal with it later."

Li Miaoxuan stood up and said, "Even a powerful cultivator of the Divine Path is no match for you. It seems I was indeed overthinking things. Now that I'm back, I'll go and pay my respects to my father first. This time, I plan to stay in the mountains for a while."

Gu Yuanqing asked with slight surprise, "How long?"

Li Miaoxuan glanced at Gu Yuanqing and said, "Looks like I'm not popular. They're already in a hurry to get rid of me as soon as I get back?"

Gu Yuanqing chuckled and said, "I was just asking casually. You can stay as long as you want. I wouldn't dare to kick you out."

Li Miaoxuan didn't tease her much, and explained, "I'm in seclusion in Taixu City this time, leaving a wisp of my spirit to guard it. After all, it's just a boundary city, there's no war, and it's not very suitable for cultivation, so it's a good opportunity to go back to the Qianyuan Realm to take a look."

Gu Yuanqing nodded, then suddenly flicked his finger, and a rune mark landed in Li Miaoxuan's palm. He said, "With this mark, you can freely enter and exit most places in the mountains."

Li Miaoxuan gently clenched her fist and nodded slightly: "Then I won't disturb your cultivation any longer."

……

Li Miaoxuan's return slightly affected Gu Yuanqing's life.

She still lived in the room next to Gu Yuanqing's bedroom, separated by a wall, and at night the two of them could clearly hear each other's breathing.

In fact, given their cultivation levels, the existence or non-existence of this so-called wall makes little difference to them.

They would meet at the stone table in the courtyard in the early morning and drink tea together.

They would ask each other about their progress in cultivation, share their doubts, discuss their insights on cultivation, and even, when the mood struck them, physically verify each other's spiritual attainments.

In her spare time, Li Miaoxuan would talk about some trivial matters of the Lingxu Sect, or the interesting things her son had done recently. Gu Yuanqing listened quietly, occasionally nodding, with a very faint, elusive smile on his lips.

There was an unspoken understanding between them.

Gu Yuanqing gradually understood some of her habits, and would ask Aunt Feng to prepare a few of her favorite dishes.

She also knew his preferences, and when she traveled through the grotto-heavens to comprehend the Great Dao, she specially brought back several kinds of spiritual fruits that he liked.

Are we close? Of course we are.

They are the most special beings in each other's world, connected by blood because of the unexpected child, and each has their own secrets, as if they were a match made in heaven.

But at the same time, it is also very unfamiliar; beneath that intimacy, there is always a subtle sense of alienation.

They never talked about the accident, never discussed their feelings for each other, and never crossed the barrier built by their tacit understanding.

Like two ancient trees standing side by side, their roots may intertwine unseen underground, but their branches stretch towards their respective skies, maintaining just the right distance.

However, when Aunt Feng respectfully addressed Li Miaoxuan as "Madam," Li Miaoxuan nodded naturally, and Gu Yuanqing merely glanced at her indifferently.

The happiest people about Li Miaoxuan's temporary return were naturally Li Chengyi and Li Haotian.

Both of them are Li Miaoxuan's blood relatives, but they rarely see each other. This time is the longest they have spent together in all these years.

This was especially true for Li Chengyi.

Being able to have a simple meal with my parents in the courtyard at any time seems to fulfill the longing I had in my childhood.

No one from the Ancient Divine Sect has come again, and no one from the Ancient Divine Sect has appeared in the Linglong Realm, which confirms Gu Yuanqing's guess.

He was also happy with it.

In the blink of an eye, another half a year has passed.

That afternoon, Li Miaoxuan suddenly said, "I need to be sent back to Taixu City. My clone triggered the command token, so something big must have happened."

"Should we say hello to Cheng Yi and the others?" Gu Yuanqing asked.

Li Miaoxuan said, "Never mind, just tell them for me later. It's not like we're parting. If we really want to see each other, it will only be for a short while."

Gu Yuanqing nodded: "Alright then, remember to let me know if anything happens."

Li Miaoxuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm not one to stand on ceremony."

Gu Yuanqing added, "After Cheng Yi breaks through the Yin-Yang Void Breaking Realm, he should go to the Spirit Realm or the Outer Realm for further trials."

"He told me that I think coming to Taixu City is quite suitable."

“He might not want to stay under your nose every day,” Gu Yuanqing said with a smile. “Let him be. With his cultivation level, he’s not weak in the Spirit Realm. Besides, although he’s still a child in our eyes, he was once the ruler of a country and the head of a sect. In terms of cultivation, he may not be as good as the two of us, but in terms of social skills, we may not be as good as him,” Li Miaoxuan said.

“You’re right!” Gu Yuanqing nodded, then added, “I mentioned to you some time ago that my cultivation progress has slowed down. I plan to go to the outer realms in a while to see if I can find any trace of the extraterrestrial demons at the Undying Chaos level. If I do find them, I will bring you over.”

"Then I'll wait for your news." Li Miaoxuan chuckled, then added meaningfully, "If the Ancient Divine Sect attacks again, feel free to let me know. Although my cultivation is weak, I am still at the Chaotic Heaven Realm. More people will always be more helpful."

Gu Yuanqing nodded.

……

Taixu City.

Inside a cave within a large mountain.

Li Miaoxuan's body appeared out of thin air, and a wisp of her divine soul returned to her body. Then, she made a hand seal, and the protective array of the cave was activated.

She put on her hairpin and walked out of the cave with an ordinary-looking face. Ye Zhenghong was waiting for her outside.

"Greetings, Sect Master!" Li Miaoxuan bowed respectfully.

Ye Zhenghong smiled and said, "Miaoxuan, don't be so polite."

"If the sect leader wanted to see Miaoxuan, he could have just summoned her. Why did you come in person? Is there something important?" Li Miaoxuan asked.

Ye Zhenghong said solemnly, "There is indeed something I would like to discuss with you. If you agree, come with me to the Xuanqiong Realm's Yujie Alliance tomorrow morning. Perhaps soon, my Lingxu Sect will have a chance to return to the Elder Council!"

"There's been a turning point?" Li Miaoxuan asked in surprise.

Ye Zhenghong said, "You and I are only at the early stage of Shattering Heaven, so it is almost impossible for us to enter the Elder Council. If it weren't for the fact that the Spirit Ruins Sect is one of the nine major sects of the righteous path, I'm afraid we might not even get this position. However, I met with Pavilion Master Ji of the Profound Heaven Pavilion this time."

"Master Ji Shan?" Li Miaoxuan asked.

Ye Zhenghong said, "Xuantian Pavilion is not a major sect. It is only because it has relatively few disciples that it is similar to Qingping Dao Palace. Pavilion Master Ji has a special status in the Yujie Alliance. One of his words has enlightened me."

Li Miaoxuan asked, "What did Pavilion Master Ji say?"

Ye Zhenghong said, "You!"

"Me?" Li Miaoxuan was taken aback.

"Yes, with my talent, the Shattering Heaven Realm is the limit. The evil sects in the Tribulation Control Alliance will not want the righteous sects to have an extra seat in the Elder Council for no reason. These Chaotic Undying cultivators of the righteous sects may not even look at me. But you are different. Although your cultivation is similar to mine, with your talent, the Shattering Heaven Realm is not the limit. You may leap to Chaotic Undying sooner or later. Other sects may not be willing to give me face, but they are willing to give you some goodwill."

At this point, Ye Zhenghong's expression showed a hint of helplessness and bitterness.

Back then, after breaking through to the Shattered Heaven Realm, he was filled with ambition. But reality told him that a cultivator at the Shattered Heaven Realm could only barely maintain the foundation of the Spirit Ruins Sect, and it was almost impossible to change the current situation of the Spirit Ruins Sect.

His near-death experience while accompanying the Sky Patrol Division on its last mission is a prime example.

He paused slightly, then continued, "Moreover... your Daoist partner, Fellow Daoist Gu of the Qingping Dao Palace, did some favors for the Yuanchu Palace, the Tiandao Palace, and the Taiyin Palace during the last battle against the Undying Heavenly Demon. The Lingbao Dao Palace and the Xuantian Pavilion also have some connections with Fellow Daoist Gu. They may not be willing to support me, but they might be willing to support you."

Li Miaoxuan frowned slightly. To be honest, she didn't really want to get involved in too many mundane matters. These things were far less important to her than cultivation.

Ye Zhenghong noticed Li Miaoxuan's expression and sighed softly, "Miaoxuan, I know you are proud and unwilling to incur more karma even if you are a Daoist partner. It is true that I did not consider things carefully. I only thought about the Lingxu Sect and did not consider you much. Well, let's pretend that I didn't say anything today."

This was not Ye Zhenghong's strategy of retreating to advance. For him and for the Lingxu Sect, Li Miaoxuan's importance lay in her position as an elder of the Yujie Alliance.

As long as Li Miaoxuan remains in the Lingxu Sect and can grow stronger, the Lingxu Sect will rise to prominence sooner or later. If she achieves the Undying Chaos Realm, the position of Elder of the Tribulation Control Alliance will be within her grasp.

Li Miaoxuan suddenly said, "Sect Master, please wait."

Ye Zhenghong stopped, his eyes lighting up.

Li Miaoxuan said, "As a Daoist disciple, Miaoxuan should naturally consider the interests of the sect. If it is beneficial to the sect, it will not be harmful to me personally. How can I refuse? As for this matter, it is related to Yuan Qing. Miaoxuan will explain it to him in the future."

Ye Zhenghong laughed loudly: "I knew that neither your master nor I had misjudged you. In that case, Miaoxuan, pack your things and we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."

……

He used the Heavenly Fishing Technique to send Li Miaoxuan away.

After spending half a year together, the sudden loss of one person made Gu Yuanqing feel a little uneasy.

But he quickly adjusted his mindset and refocused his attention on cultivation.

He also repeatedly entered the Ling Mountain Trials to fight against Zhuo Ming.

Although the result was the same, it made him realize something.

He was always instantly killed because his will was too weak and he was completely unable to contend with the power of the divine path. Moreover, this seemed to be one of the power of the Heavenly Law Bell.

Just like Mu Tianheng almost wiped him out back then, only the divine path powerhouse is more domineering.

There is no shortcut to fighting against him. Either you are in the Northern Spring Cave Heaven, where even a powerful deity would find it difficult to do anything to you, or you have a strong enough divine soul and will.

Or rather... if one could unify all one's power, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, becoming perfectly round and complete, a unified whole, perhaps then one could withstand it.

To put it more plainly, it is about condensing the true seed of the Dao source and breaking through to the Void Immortal realm.

Even with the blessing of Beiquan Cave, it would take hundreds or thousands of years to achieve this if one simply focused on diligent cultivation. Gu Yuanqing could wait, but the Ancient Divine Sect probably couldn't give him that much time.

"It seems it's time to try another trip to the outer realms! And finding its traces will probably take quite a bit of time."

With a thought, a wisp of the Heavenly Demon's original energy, which he had deliberately left behind, appeared on his palm.

"If I'm lucky enough to find its origin, perhaps... the time it takes for me to break through to the Void Immortal Realm can be greatly shortened."

The next moment, in the outer realms, around a solitary jade tablet floating in the void, a figure suddenly appeared out of thin air...

(End of this chapter)