Advance the future and become a martial saint on earth!

Chapter 198 Reaching the pinnacle of Daoist arts, opening the Great Dao Purple Mansion! In a single day, dust settles and light shines forth, illuminating countless mountains and rivers.
In the dream of wealth and glory, inside the temple on Mount Sumeru.

Ji Xiu took the lead without any sign of anxiety, drawing the attention of those from prestigious families and major sects.

Faced with such a difficult choice.

For these prodigies who have cultivated since childhood and laid a solid foundation, achieving high-level Taoist skills and opening the path to the Purple Mansion is as easy as taking candy from a baby.

This makes it even harder for them to make a decision, because the sunk costs are too high.

But that boy, who had never been exposed to spiritual practice since childhood, traveled across mountains and seas, enduring long distances, seeking the wondrous Dharma in his 'ordinary' form. Compared to them, it was truly unfair!
He had no way out, so why would he give up so easily if he could stay and participate in the trial?

Therefore, some people clenched their fists in indignation:
"This kid can afford to waste three years, or even ten or thirty years. Whether it's the Xuanfu Sect or the whole world, as long as he is Jiang Jing, Jiang Shenji's son, he has nowhere to go!"

"Unless he gives up his cultivation on this other shore and is willing to go to other heavens and homelands, perhaps some minor sects, unaware of his background, might take him in. But how could he possibly have the ability to find the interdimensional gate passage?"

"But we can't cultivate for several years at a time, which is too costly. If we continue to delay, the future successor of the sect and the head of the family will be overtaken and taken away by others. What should we do then?"

"Master Sumeru, I beg you to see the truth!"

Some people who sat cross-legged on the ground, absorbing spiritual energy, saw that Ji Xiu had gained some appreciation and stood out from the crowd. Knowing that they would have no more chances to be tested, they suddenly spoke up and offered advice to the Ancestor of Sumeru.

Upon hearing this, Ji Xiu, who was carrying a load on a shoulder pole, frowned and turned to glare at those people.

The experiences in this 'Yellow Millet Dream' are so realistic. The expressions and actions of these people, as well as their unwillingness and desolation after losing their inheritance, are portrayed vividly, unlike 'A Dream of Nanke'.

only.
No matter how.

The guy who stopped him from chopping wood, carrying water, sweeping the steps, building the "Spiritual Mountain in His Heart," and opening up the "Great Dao Purple Mansion"
They are all enemies blocking the way!

Moreover, no matter your status or position, it's all a dream. No matter how powerful you are, can you control Ji Xiu of Jiangyin Prefecture?

As for the 'river view'.
After he left, who cared about the raging flood?
So Ji Xiu picked up his load and turned around.

At this moment, he looked around and saw that even though they had changed into simple robes and plain clothes in the past three years, they still had an imposing presence and were not ordinary people. They were the legitimate sons of various clans and the outstanding disciples of major sects, but their brows were calm:

“Your status, identity, and reputation are all outside of the ‘Sumeru Cave’.”

"Within the 'Sumeru Cave,' over the course of three years, you and I were all ordinary people who came to participate in the trials and seek the Dharma for cultivation."

"You cannot relinquish the status, fame, and fortune you were born with, and you are troubled by external worries all day long."

"But gentlemen..."

"If you abandon these things, how can you stand up straight and criticize me?"

"Since you have obtained it, but do not have the determination to burn your bridges, do not wallow in self-pity in front of the patriarch."

Ji Xiu's eyes were deep and unfathomable, and his words, spoken one by one, resonated powerfully in the mountain courtyard:

"Jiang Jing is not talented. After leaving the 'Xuanfu Sect', he traveled for three years, crossing prefectures and counties, and traversing mountains and valleys, covering tens of thousands of miles before finally arriving at Lingshan."

"I am grateful to my ancestor for not abandoning me and for giving me this opportunity. What do I care about the chaos in the outside world and the so-called 'identity'?"

After speaking, Ji Xiu bowed to the Sumeru Daoist at the head of the table, who was stroking his beard.
"Master, your disciple is going to fetch water."

He turned around without hesitation.

Even without practicing Daoist arts or opening one's divine soul, there is a 'Yuan Mansion' constructed from the divine soul in the Niwan Palace of one's brain. In a hazy state, it is subtly gathering spiritual energy from all directions, becoming increasingly solid.
However, this scene was not clearly visible to others.

The only person who could see it clearly and be seen by the eyes of the 'Sumeru Patriarch' was the 'Sumeru Patriarch'.

Ji Xiu's words also caused those disciples who had given up to show signs of anger, clench their fists, and grit their teeth, but they could only suppress their anger because the Ancestor Sumeru was in front of them.

At this moment.

Only a handful of people were still willing to stay.

Among them, a woman dressed in a simple black robe, yet possessing an innate elegance and beautiful features, with her long black hair tied up only with a wooden hairpin, looked at that figure from behind and suddenly stood up:

"Fellow Daoist is right."

"Since it is a trial that treats everyone equally, whatever burdens you carry in the outside world are your own business."

"Since we cannot give it up, we have no right to criticize it."

The woman possessed extraordinary Daoist qualities, and her divine soul naturally formed within her Purple Palace. Even if she remained hidden and unseen, appearing as an ordinary mortal, if she wore a Daoist crown and magnificent robes, she would undoubtedly be an unparalleled Daoist fairy.

Following closely behind Ji Xiu, the woman also picked up a load and set off to fetch water from the mountain stream, clearly choosing to continue this trial of 'three years after three years'.

"She is Lu Qingchan, a Daoist nun from the 'Chasing Light Palace,' whose ancestral lineage originates from one of the Great Dao lineages of the Crimson Heaven!"

"It is said that this woman has gained the unanimous approval of all the halls of treasure and the head of the Dao lineage, and is the rightful successor to the 'Palace Mistress' position."

"With her background and talent, why would she continue to waste her time in this Sumeru Cave, hoping for an opportunity to meet the Sumeru Patriarch?"

Some people were surprised to see Lu Qingchan get up and choose to continue the trial.

To receive the title of 'Daoist lineage' is rare even in the Three Heavens, let alone the Great Daoist lineage!
Their own wondrous method, which leads directly to the realm of divine beings and even immortals, is not necessarily inferior to this 'Sumeru Cave.' Why is this Daoist nun Lu Qingchan so persistent about it?

unless
When someone noticed the competitive look on Lu Qingchan's face as she looked at Ji Xiu's back, they immediately understood.

Such individuals, who always strive to be the best in their own lineage, would never be willing to settle for inferiority.

And with Ji Xiu and Lu Qingchan taking the lead.

Before that, at the very beginning, Gu Chuan, a young disciple of the Shaoshang Sword Sect, had a grudge against Ji Xiu. He gritted his teeth and stomped his feet.

"I, Gu Chuantang, a direct descendant of the prestigious Sword Sect, have perfected my Daoist cultivation and passed the 'Divine Power Trial,' about to inherit a lineage of 'Sword Dao Divine Power.' How can I be inferior to the offspring of this sect's blood feud?"

"There's nothing I can't give up, I'll fight to the bitter end!"

After saying that, he picked up his load and left first!
then.

One by one, the dozen or so disciples left, and some of them chose to persevere.

As for the dozens who gave up, they sighed with regret, sat cross-legged in meditation, replenished their spiritual energy for three months, and then left the sacred mountain.

The moment I stepped out of the dojo.

It was as if a barrier had been erected in their minds, and all their memories remained, including who they had met and what they had seen.

However, I can't remember anything about the trials involved.

Then time flew by.

Another three years have passed.

[The Immortal Path Chapter: (601/900)!]

[He erected a spiritual mountain within his mind, chopped firewood for three years to nurture the outline of his Purple Palace, and then carried water for three years to fill its inner landscape.]

[With just a touch more spiritual insight, one can receive a wondrous secret technique, and in the blink of an eye, with focused mind, one can glimpse the Purple Palace of the Great Dao!]

Every day, he traveled up and down the thousands of steps of the mountain path, carrying the Weak Water with the body of an ordinary mortal. It was incredibly heavy, and every day his muscles swelled up and his whole body ached unbearably.

However, the glimmer of light within his soul became increasingly solid, and as someone who could see the progress bar, Ji Xiu naturally felt extremely hopeful and motivated!
After all, these are just the hardships he has to endure on the road to enlightenment. And once he wakes up from his dream, what more could he ask for if he could attain enlightenment overnight?
But it wasn't so easy for others.

Even Lu Qingchan, a Daoist nun who is ranked in the 'Chasing Light Palace' of the Great Dao lineage, has been struggling and persevering for the past three years.

Endless trials are often the most detrimental to one's character.

Meanwhile, the direct descendants of major lineages like the Shaoshang Sword Sect were almost at their breaking point, eagerly awaiting the day's end, counting down the days until the very last moment.

They finally saw the door open once more, and the Patriarch Sumeru emerged from it. Just as they were filled with anticipation...
“Chopping wood and carrying water, walking the mountain path for six years, climbing all those thousands of stone steps, it was quite a hardship.”

"I imagine that you have all cultivated some spirituality, but the spiritual altars that sustain you have become covered in dust."

"In that case, sweep the steps for another three years. When they are spotless, then we will consider it done."

"If the three-year period is over and the problem is still not resolved..."

The old Taoist priest smiled and stroked his beard:

"Then continue sweeping."

The words of the Sumeru Patriarch were like a bolt from the blue, leaving the remaining dozen or so disciples stunned.

No, there's more?
But this time, no one chose to leave. Instead, they silently picked up brooms and swept the spirit steps day after day.

It's the same principle as gambling.

The greater the sunk costs, the harder it is to extricate yourself from the situation if you are deeply entrenched in it.

Even if it delayed my cultivation for nine years!
But if they couldn't get over this, and couldn't see the so-called 'inheritance', these disciples from the Daoist sects would not be willing to give up!

Daoist heart and perseverance?
Those demonic offspring can do it, but they might not be incapable!
And so, for another three years, the sun rose and the moon set, and the spirit mountain and its steps were swept clean.

Every day, the autumn wind brings fallen leaves, and the light rain and cold dew fall from the sky, turning them into moss. No matter how much you sweep and clean, it's impossible to keep it spotless.

Until another three years passed.

Many disciples who persisted for nine years sought only one answer and the inheritance.

And Ji Xiu.

Even as a 'river viewer', who has never cultivated or absorbed a spiritual soul, he diligently chops wood, carries water, and sweeps the steps every day, while simultaneously filling up his 'Immortal Scroll' with each passing day.
Within the Divine Sea Niwan, the 'Primordial Palace' that he had not noticed had unknowingly become a reality.

However, he could not use his cultivation, so Ji Xiu was unaware of this.

His entire gaze was filled with and focused on the progress of the 'Immortal Dao Chapter'.

[The Immortal Path Chapter: (900/900)!]

[Nurture the Niwan Spiritual Mountain to attain the Great Dao Purple Mansion!] Three years!

Chop wood, carry water, sweep the steps!
He finally mastered the 'Immortal Dao Chapter', which allowed him to achieve a level of 'True Dao Skill' comparable to 'Masters of Qi Refining' and open up his Purple Mansion!

For a moment, Ji Xiu was filled with excitement.

But his 'yellow millet dream' did not end, and the 'chapter on the path to immortality' that he had pre-paid for did not show any signs of success.

Just as he was beginning to have some doubts...
Nine years later, the gate of the Taoist temple was finally opened to the disciples for the first time.

Inside the Taoist gate, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and a statue with an indistinct face was enshrined.

The area before the name is slightly blurry; only the last two characters, "Tian Zun" (Heavenly Venerable), can be seen, carved in "Dao Zhuan" (Taoist script) for those who have been ordained through the practice of reading and writing.

Tianzun.

It is said that the highest level of spiritual cultivation, representing the pinnacle of the immortal path, is to be given the title of 'Celestial Venerable'.

Inside this Sumeru Cave, a 'Celestial Venerable' is enshrined!
Ji Xiu lowered his head and looked around, while standing respectfully with the other dozen or so disciples.

But then they saw the Patriarch Sumeru standing smiling beneath the statue, looking down at his disciples:
"After nine years of training, you little guys are too ambitious and worldly. No matter how much you build, construct, and cleanse the Spirit Mountain, you can't keep your hearts pure."

“If we continue to waste time like this, we will not be able to obtain the true Dharma of the ‘Sumeru Cave’.”

"How about this."

"In order to prevent you from wasting your time, I will pass on some essential secrets of the Dao to you, so that your nine years of hard work will not be in vain."

The Master Sumeru cleared his throat, swept his whisk, and three scrolls of scriptures appeared before him.

A scroll of jade and silk, a scroll of bamboo slips, and a scroll of talisman paper.

He pointed to the jade and silk:

“Lu Qingchan, you are a Daoist nun of the ‘Chasing Light Palace’ with an extraordinary background. Your true skill foundation cannot be changed at will.”

"In that case, I will teach you a supernatural technique, comparable to your 'Passing on the Torch' method. What do you say?"

hiss!
Upon hearing this, the remaining disciples were all invigorated!
Supernatural powers!?

That 'jade and silk' contained supernatural powers.
That was a secret that suppressed the foundation of the Daoist tradition, and it was just passed down so casually?

Someone swallowed hard and instinctively rubbed their hands together.

Immediately afterward, they saw the Ancestor of Sumeru finish speaking, then point to the bamboo slips and address Gu Chuan of the Shaoshang Sword Sect:

"Boy, your sword sect is all about fighting and killing. This supernatural technique won't be of much use to you."

"However, your Heavenly Skill Scroll, which points directly to the 'True Person,' is somewhat lacking. So, I will impart to you a magnificent sword technique for self-cultivation and directly leads to the True Person, to help you solidify your foundation. What do you say?"

Heavenly power!

Supernatural powers are the methods of protection provided by 'True Persons'.

'Heavenly Skill' is the path that every True Person must achieve!
Master Sumeru, what a grand gesture!
Even those from prestigious families of cultivators were extremely rare among these disciples, and for a moment, they all felt that their journey had been worthwhile and were secretly glad that they had not left.

Following that, Patriarch Sumeru pointed to the talisman:
“Lu Qingchan and Gu Chuan gained some insights from the trial, so I passed on my wonderful method to them.”

"As for you all, if you are like stubborn rocks, you cannot cultivate the technique of 'Sumeru Spirit Platform'."

"However, this talisman contains the Dao of 'transformation'. If you have extraordinary comprehension and talent, you can receive guidance and comprehend one of the 'three thousand Dao techniques and eight hundred Dao methods'."

"And if one truly has the opportunity, even supernatural powers or great supernatural powers can be obtained!"

The Patriarch of Mount Sumeru smiled.

The remaining scions of wealthy families looked somewhat disappointed.

Lu Qingchan calmly accepted the divine power, while Gu Chuan eagerly and excitedly picked up the bamboo scroll.

All eyes were on Ji Xiu.

This demonic offspring remained humble and unassuming for nine years, yet he never acquired a single supernatural power or a single scroll of divine skill, and thus faded into obscurity.
As for what one can glean from those talismans...
Some people looked disdainful.

It would be a miracle if someone could comprehend a single technique or method without even embarking on the path of cultivation!

However, at this moment, the Patriarch of Sumeru turned his gaze to Ji Xiu, and his eyes suddenly softened:
"As for you"

"River view".

"Nine years of honing your skills and displaying your brilliance, you have shone the brightest in this trial."

These words, like a final verdict, silenced the entire audience. Even Lu Qingchan, who had gained supernatural powers, and Gu Chuan, who had obtained heavenly merit, couldn't help but freeze in surprise amidst their joy.

Followed by.

The Sumeru Patriarch then said leisurely:

"Since my Sumeru Cave came to this 'Human Immortal Heavenly Realm' and opened a separate residence, my primordial spirit has also manifested here. I teach without discrimination, and have collected the Eight Meridian Divine Powers, the Six Paths of Heavenly Skills, and in addition, the Heavenly Transformation, the Dharma Protector Buddha Skill, and the Human Immortal Martial Arts."

"Etc., etc."

"I see that you have never cultivated, so I will now teach you a simple and clear heavenly technique that directly points to the primordial spirit, just like the one Gu taught. What do you say?"

The Master of Mount Sumeru smiled.

Ji Xiu was slightly taken aback by the gazes of everyone. Was there such a benefit after completing the 'Immortal Dao Chapter'?
However, after a moment's thought, he shook his head:

"Thank you, Master, but this disciple is unwilling?"

Oh?
The Patriarch of Mount Sumeru raised an eyebrow but did not insist.
"Fine, it's alright if you don't want to. You probably prefer the protective divine power, so I'll teach you a divine power that can 'carry mountains and chase the sun.' Once you've mastered it, you can transform into a ten-thousand-foot-tall Dharma body with immeasurable power. What do you say?"

Ji Xiu shook his head again, licking his lips:
"This disciple does not wish to."

Wow!
In an instant, all the disciples looked at him with a change in expression; this boy was far too greedy.

Even Lu Qingchan was slightly speechless and glanced sideways.

Even the Patriarch of Mount Sumeru frowned:
"you boy"

"That's all."

"That cultivation system is vast and boundless. If you do not wish to attain supernatural powers and cultivate the Heavenly Palace, I will teach you the Eight Heavenly Beings, the Buddhist Golden Body, the Human Immortal Martial Arts to open the 'Secret Treasury,' and so on."

"However, even my Sumeru Cave isn't top-tier; it can't compare to the true teachings of the immortals."

Before the Patriarch of Mount Sumeru finished speaking, Ji Xiu continued to shake his head, and even bowed down in reverence:
"Master, this disciple still refuses."

Whoosh!
The old Taoist's face had turned slightly cold as he looked at the mortal youth below him:
"Divine Powers and Heavenly Skills, Celestial Golden Body, Immortal Martial Arts."

“You are unwilling to do anything, you will not learn anything, you are too greedy.”

"So what do you want to learn?"

Hear the words.

Ji Xiu finally looked up, his eyes burning slightly.

Just kidding, he came from a 'yellow millet dream' and had no burdens to begin with.

Since we have met such a legendary master
If I'm going to learn something, I'll definitely learn my signature skill!

The old man thought highly of him, saying that he had already mastered the art of magic and was the most outstanding. So, if he wanted anything, he would naturally ask for the top-notch true teachings of the 'Sumeru Cave' and to be registered under his tutelage!
"disciple."

"If you wish to serve the patriarch, please obtain the secret teachings of my Sumeru Cave!"

The moment Ji Xiu bowed down.
The expression of the Sumeru Patriarch, which had been filled with rage, softened rapidly as he finished speaking. He stared intently at him, and finally, he flicked his whisk and let out a loud laugh:
"Boy!"

"Your ambitions are far too great!"

Wow!
Then, with a gentle tap, the shackles that bound everyone's 'spiritual cultivation' were suddenly removed!

Then, all the other trial disciples in the entire temple were swept out of the 'Taoist temple'.

Finally, the Patriarch of Sumeru looked specifically at Ji Xiu.
Seeing that he hadn't even reached the Divine Soul stage, yet after three years of chopping wood, carrying water, and sweeping steps, the vague outline of the 'Yuanfu' in his Niwan Palace had already taken shape, I couldn't help but chuckle.
"You are nothing but a mortal. After nine years of honing your skills, you crossed the three realms of Daoist arts in a single night and became the 'Great Dao Purple Mansion,' fully obtaining the original method of the Sumeru Cave that directly points to the Great Dao. Are you still unaware of this?"

"Why don't you take a look inside and examine yourself!"

Like a sudden, sharp rebuke.

This startled Ji Xiu awake, as if struck by a sudden enlightenment. He then instinctively looked inward, only to discover...
In the past, it was a boundless ignorance, just a hazy 'divine soul thought'. At some point, it had already built a 'Primordial Palace' in the inner realm!
From then on, magical power arose spontaneously!
When the dust settles and light shines forth, it illuminates countless mountains and rivers!

"Young man, your ambitions are grand, and your background is complex and complicated. You will surely cause chaos and turmoil in the world in the future. I will impart the true teachings to you and open your cultivation path, but I do not know whether it will be a blessing or a curse."

"I only hope that if you ever get into a terrible mess in the future, when you're out and about, don't mention my name when you talk about your background!"

The transmission of knowledge, delivered intermittently and in a somewhat complex manner, continued through the words of Patriarch Sumeru.
Click, click, click!

Suddenly, this ethereal and spiritually rich Sumeru Cave seemed to shatter and crumble, gradually becoming blurred.
then----

In the present world, the transparent yellow butterfly carries Ji Xiu back!
this moment.

He opened his eyes.

In my mind, the 'Niwan Palace'—a magnificent 'Great Dao Purple Mansion'—has already been formed!

Nine years of honing skills.

Reality is fleeting!
Ji Xiu has already broken through the threshold of the three realms of Daoist arts. Before crossing the physical barrier of the 'Master of Qi Refining' realm, he has already entered the 'Three Realms of Daoist Techniques', achieving—

Fourth Realm, High-Level Purple Mansion Cultivator!
(P.S.: I didn't finish writing before 12 o'clock, so I added a full 1,500 words of free content, sob sob. The following part is the storyline of advancing to the 'Master of Qi Refining'. Thank you all for reading!)
(End of this chapter)