New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 68 Don’t Cultivate Immortality! (Subscribe)
During the simple and relaxed conversation, Yuan Zhu finally understood the true nature of the [Herbal School]. They were indeed studying herbs, but their true purpose was to explore the secrets of cultivating immortals.

The Kunlun School's immortal cultivation methods were a broad category in the spatial exchange list, divided into five categories: Heaven, Earth, Human, Ghost, and God. This was identical to the Taoist classifications on Earth. However, he was certain that the specific content had absolutely nothing to do with them.

Regardless of the type of Kunlun Immortal, 2000 points are required to enter, and the minimum threshold is to implant [Spiritual Roots] or [Kunlun Immortal Roots] in the body.

Sister Chen had told me that immortal roots didn't exist in mortals. Only the direct descendants of immortals had a chance of developing spiritual roots. Yuan Zhu agreed. Where would a normal, viviparous animal get those "Peach Roots"?
But if the mother is parasitized by 'roots (spiritual roots)', then there is a high probability that such parasites will remain in the body of the offspring, right?
Although he had no intention of implanting a 'spiritual root' in his body, Yuan Zhu was indeed curious about Du Ling's cultivation system, so he asked, "How do the [Herbal Medicine School], or the overseas immortals, practice cultivation?"

The senior student looked inscrutable and asked, "Brother Yuan, have you ever heard of 'Three Flowers Gathering at the Top of the Head, Five Qis Returning to the Origin'?"

When she asked this, Yuan Zhu suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, yet a completely different feeling of uneasiness and anticipation. He wondered what kind of shattering answer this would be.
"I've heard of it, but I don't know much about it. Does this overseas immortal cultivate 'three flowers on the crown, five energies in the chest'?"

The senior student nodded. "The [Five Qi in the Chest] is practiced by immortals who practice the Huang Tian Fa. The overseas immortals practice the [Three Flowers on the Top], which are three 'dangerous herbs'."

Sure enough, this is the style of painting I expected!

After hearing such a simple and crude "Three Flowers Gathering at the Top of the Head", he didn't curse inwardly. Instead, he felt a sense of relief. He couldn't help but say, "Does this really mean planting three flowers on the top of the head? Can I live forever like this? Can I become an immortal?"

The senior student shook her head. "How could it be that simple? First of all, these [Three Flowers] aren't ordinary plants. They're three herbs with unique 'spiritual properties (pollution)'. We at the [Herbal School] analyze, cultivate, and improve the seeds of these herbal spiritual roots. Secondly, before planting the Three Flowers, we must measure a person's innate attributes and adjust the medicinal properties. There are many types of [Three Flower Dao Seeds], and the number of combinations is infinite. Only by choosing the right 'Three Flower Dao Seeds' can they complement the cultivator, generate unique spiritual energy, and achieve a positive cycle."

"Finally, [Three Flowers Gathering at the Top of the Head] isn't simply about planting three seeds on the top of the head and cultivating flowers. What would that be, a flowerpot on a human head? The Three Flower Dao Seeds, like the [Kunlun Immortal Root], essentially implant spiritual roots within the human body. They penetrate from the top of the skull, taking root and sprouting, traveling back through the body, spreading through the meridians. The Three Flower Dao Seeds, planted three times, spread throughout and penetrate a person's three major systems: [Essence, Qi, and Spirit]. Ultimately, they form a self-contained cycle, granting longevity and even, depending on the specific 'Dao Seed', giving rise to a variety of extraordinary abilities."

Yuan Zhu was fascinated by what he heard. Although the principles were unfamiliar, after listening to the young lady's explanation, he felt a sense of authority and conviction. When you think carefully about and understand this system, it seems to make sense.

He then asked, "Which three major systems are they?"

"The first Dao Seed will spread throughout your blood vessels, assimilating and transforming your vital energy system and improving your blood's vitality. This will not only help you digest and absorb food, but also, like a plant, exchange energy with the outside world through its roots (blood vessels). The second Dao Seed will spread throughout your meridian system, traveling through the twelve main meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians, assisting you in refining your essence into qi and circulating your spiritual energy. The third Dao Seed will spread throughout your nervous system, helping you take a further step and transform qi into spirit. If all three Dao Seeds develop, you will achieve the initial stage of an immortal body, reaching the level of a mortal immortal."

"What happened next?" Yuan Zhu asked, listening intently.

The senior student shook her head. "The rest of the story isn't something your consulting fee can cover. Don't be too ambitious. Once one Dao Seed has fully developed, you can completely shave off your hair and cleanse your marrow, transforming into a completely new person. You're no longer a mortal. Once two Dao Seeds have developed, you must leave this world, either ascending to the spirit realm or escaping overseas to better cultivate."

Yuan Zhu nodded thoughtfully: "Then what is the difference between this Loose Immortal and the True Immortal of Kunlun? One transplants immortal roots, and the other plants spiritual seeds?"

Senior: "That's the surface, but fundamentally, they don't want to be constrained by the [Kunlun Sacred Tree]. These two sets of immortal techniques, one for woody roots, the other for herbs. All woody spiritual roots in the world originate from [Kunlun Mother]. You could also think of [Kunlun Mother] as a super-pollution source, and all woody spiritual roots are subject to her influence. Furthermore, the Kunlun Five Immortals have a complex system and strict hierarchy, with so many powerful figures already in power, that every step forward is difficult."

"Conversely, the potential of the scattered immortal methods may not be as great as the Kunlun Immortal Methods, but some of the spiritual energy of the 'Herb Dao Seeds' comes from the outer world and lacks a unified source. At most, some Dao Seeds have a parent, while others do not. Although their potential and strength are not as strong as the [Kunlun Method], they have the advantage of freedom and relatively few constraints. We in the [Herbal Medicine School] are exploring the cultivation of new 'ownerless Dao Seeds', and at the same time, through methods such as cross-breeding, we are trying to cultivate 'Dao Seeds' with a source online into new ownerless varieties."

Yuan Zhu suddenly realized: "Ah, now I understand! Sister, have you planted the Tao?"

The senior student shook her head. "Not yet. My family won't let me. I'm studying the [Herbalist School] just to broaden my horizons and accumulate knowledge. Even if I had to choose, I wouldn't choose the [Immortal]. This path is only better because it's leisurely and free. Other options are not good. I don't recommend you to plant flowers in your head."

"No, no!" Yuan Zhu waved his hands repeatedly. He even disdained the [Kunlun Method], let alone this unreliable [Three Flowers Method]. Even if I chopped off my head and joined the [Headless Society], I wouldn't plant grass in my head!

Yuan Zhu: "Then what about the [Five Qi in the Chest·Huang Tian Fa] you just mentioned?"

Upon hearing this, the senior student's expression was filled with emotion. "The [Huang Tian Fa] was originally the righteous law of heaven and earth, but it's a pity that the [Huang Tian] was shattered. If the [Kun Lun Fa] imitates the innate spiritual roots (plants), transforming itself bit by bit, attempting to absorb and release the spiritual energy of heaven and earth like the spiritual roots, thereby achieving longevity and transcending the human world, then the [Huang Tian Fa] is to create the heavens and the earth, to form its own world, to operate the laws of heaven, and to live as long as heaven and earth!"

Yuan Zhu's blood boiled when he heard this: "Holy crap, is [Huang Tian] so awesome?!"

"I'm exaggerating a bit. Ordinary Huangtian cultivators pursue the goal of establishing a temple. They cultivate themselves into a living 'flesh-embedded god statue,' placed within the temple, ranked among the immortals, enjoying incense offerings and eternal life. The most important aspect of the Huangtian Method isn't how to practice, but finding a place and heaven to accept you. Only then can you be sculpted into a god and ranked among the immortals."

Yuan Zhu: "How can this be achieved? How can one be deified through clay and be ranked among the immortals?"

This [Huang Tian Fa] sounds very different from [Kun Lun Fa]; they're two completely different systems. No wonder the Immortal Path is divided into two areas in the exchange list.

"Becoming a deity through a flesh-embedded body is very complex. Like [Huang Tian] and [Kun Lun], there are many different routes. I'll pick out the two most common ones to explain to you. To become a deity through a flesh-embedded body, you first remove a bone from the body, grind it into powder, add spiritual soil and earth, then re-add blood and marrow to the mud, burn it into bone porcelain, and then implant it into the body. This is called [Dao bone, root bone], and this process is called [rebirth]."

Yuan Zhu's expression went numb. Yes! It was that flavor again. The roots of the peaches were called "Spiritual Roots," and this bone-extracting and porcelain-burning process was called "Taoist Bone." How fitting! It was incredibly reasonable.

"As the bones in your body are gradually replaced, do you feel that your skeleton, your body, is becoming more and more like the statues of gods baked in temples?"

Yuan Zhu shook his head: "It doesn't look like it, does it? The statues of gods are all fired in one piece, with complete human forms. But this rebirth, even if it is completely completed, is just a porcelain skeleton."

The young lady rolled her eyes. "Symbolism, that's what Dao bones seek. Only through the refinement of true gold and fire can one transform and be reborn. Besides, who says only bones change? The [Huang Tian Fa] emphasizes the simultaneous transformation of 'bone, flesh, and heaven.' The bones must be calcined into 'porcelain,' like a statue of a deity. Only then can they withstand the power of incense and divine offerings, and even bear the divine nature, divine duties, and operating laws. And the flesh and blood will also be removed and refined with the spiritual soil into 'blood and flesh spiritual mud,' which will be re-applied to the 'bone porcelain statue.' This is called 'clay sculpture of the divine fetus,' and it will be refined into a Dao body. At this point, are you still just a statue of a deity?"

Yuan Zhu nodded: "Symbolically speaking, I have indeed become a god. My bones are fired into porcelain, and my body is made of clay. It's just like the statues in the temple. They are all made from myself, so it's still me! So, I have become a god (statue) myself?"

The senior student nodded in satisfaction. "You're truly intelligent, you understand things instantly! This is the cultivation method of the [Huangtian Dao Body]. The reason cultivators torture themselves like this is to instantly become gods and join the ranks of immortals. With the 'Huangtian Dao Body', they carry divine power, divine duties, and godhood, operate the laws, and govern the land."

"Thus, Huangtian cultivators sought to establish temples and obtain immortal status. There were two options for establishing a temple: one could bind to a Huangtian world, easily joining that world's immortal system and cultivating step by step. However, the once-renowned Huangtian Immortal Court collapsed. I don't know the details, but I know that a portion of Huangtian was torn apart by Kunlun Mother, creating the Great Red Sky that now spans the continent, which is the faith of the Red Dragon Empire. The remaining remains of Huangtian fragmented into countless Small Huangtian Realms, which could no longer be hidden. Therefore, some people say, 'Huangtian is dead.'"

"If you can't find a mature [Huangtian World] to rely on, then the more you cultivate [Huangtian Law], the more miserable you will become. Unable to bind to the world, you won't be able to join the immortal class, and your body will become increasingly stiff and difficult to move. Therefore, another method is to simply abandon the existing [Huangtian World] and bind yourself to reality or the [Spiritual Realm], becoming a [Landlord God] or [Landlord]. Gradually manage your territory, connect the earth veins, and achieve [Huangtian Heavenly God]. Ultimately, tear apart a piece of land, break away from reality, and construct your own [Huangtian Small World (Dongtian)]. This is the [Fude Earthly Immortal] under the Huangtian system. Of course, these realms are very far away from you. Just listen to them, but don't think about them." Yuan Zhu nodded repeatedly, "I'm just listening to broaden my horizons. Even if you asked me to practice [Huangtian Law], I wouldn't. Huangtian is dead!"

This [Huang Tian] sounds even more complicated than [Kun Lun]. One requires cultivation with [Kun Lun Mother], while the other requires membership in the [Huang Tian Immortal Class]. It's the same principle as other pollution systems being constrained by their respective pollution sources. This is the sequential pathway!
However, cultivator Huang Tian did not rely on the [Huang Tian Realm], but chose to open up the world on his own... He suddenly thought of the 'Bubble World', which was the perfect foundation for the [Fu De Di Xian] cave heaven.

For example, [Buddha Qie] refined the Xiaoxihongjie, packed up the entire world, and stuffed it into his own 'cave heaven', then it became [Huangtian.Xiaoxihongtian], or [Xiaoxitian] for short!
After thoroughly understanding Du Ling's immortal method, Yuan Zhu had only one thought: he would rather die than practice it! It was so shocking, one was a vegetable, and the other was also a vegetable (unable to move).

"Then, does our [Rain Academy] have any other extraordinary systems? For example, your [Dangerous Animals Major]..."

"There are two major schools of thought in our major, the Frog School and the Wolf School. The Wolf School is not recommended. The junk werewolves are products of the academy's purely independently developed 'Transcendent System'. They are safe, reliable, and created by themselves. The flaw is that their potential is too low. The source of the Transcendent of the Wolf School, the Demon God, is imprisoned in the academy's 'Spiritual Layer'. Even the gods were created in the laboratory. This system is a dead end. It's fine for research, but using it for practice is suicidal. Unless... you can gain the academy's favor and decide to replace the Demon God and become the new source of 'Werewolves'. But how is that possible? You're just an outsider."

Yuan Zhu's mind was stirred. This [Rain Courtyard] was truly quite capable, even capable of cultivating gods and demons. It could even replace the source. Was it the same principle as when the [Tiger Demon] took a bite of a certain Shadow Demon?
"What about the Frog School?"

The young lady nodded. "Of course, that's possible. Frogs are ranked second among the twelve zodiac animals, and they're Running's city mascot and local specialty. They're also the academy's most important [School]. Choosing the [Frog School] gives you inherent advantages. Even the [Frog God] will bestow additional blessings, increasing your cultivation efficiency by 12% compared to practitioners from other countries and cities."

"What's so special about the Frog School? How do you practice it?"

Senior: "It's simple, just practice! [Frog God] doesn't do anything fancy, just one word: reckless! Powerful force creates miracles. The body becomes holy, and strength proves the truth! Simple, crude, and efficient. Once this system is practiced to a high level, the body becomes invincible, and pollution can be crushed with bare hands. All attacks are invulnerable, and even the consequences of killing people are borne."

Although there are many advantages to sanctifying the body, I only have one question: "Can it fly?"

Senior: "You can jump very high, and you can throw rocks to knock your opponents down."

Yuan Zhu said politely, "Then what else in our academy is worth recommending?"

"The Geology Department is either too hard and tiring, or too expensive. The Gemology Department requires precious gems to cultivate. You're not suitable. The Industrial Department has also begun to introduce the four-element alchemy of the Red Dragon Empire, as well as the Elemental Totems of the old industrial system. Our academy is very strong in this area. However, to pursue the Elemental Totems, you need to have your own factory and run a business, taking the path of the Industrial God. It's a bit similar to the Yellow Sky, but without the need for a temple. The factory is your kingdom, the steam totem is your godhead, and the product is your priesthood. The Industrial God Department doesn't rely on the power of faith, but rather on actual productivity, sales, and influence... If you go bankrupt, you're completely ruined, and may even lose your soul. I don't recommend it for the poor. There are very complex binding rituals behind it, and it's still a matter of money."

Yuan Zhu’s first reaction at this moment was [Maomao King]!
Great, you've exposed yourself now, haven't you?! [Industrial God] Mao Mao Wang, priesthood [Luxury Children's Clothing], divine kingdom (factory) built in another world. Through [Gods' Space], he sells children's clothing to gather divine power.

I see! Now I understand everything! My eyes have seen through everything!
"Industrial Department, is there anything I can master without opening a [factory]? Or maybe I can get started first and then jump into the [Industrial God] system step by step?"

The senior student nodded. "Yes, but you'll need to install a [Steam Element Core] within your body, gradually transforming it, replacing your flesh and blood, or combining it with it, allowing steam to ascend. Alternatively, on top of mechanical transformation, practicing [Alchemy] is another path. Or, you can find a way to communicate with the [Clockwork Divine Kingdom] and embark on another path of 'Mechanical Ascension'. Many powerful alien refugees from the [Clockwork Universe] have already officially ascended to gods through Duling."

"..." Yuan Zhu was confused. He couldn't understand. He didn't understand at all. Why did the [Industrial Department] seem to be so interconnected?

But now he knew that among the eight outer universes, in addition to the "Magic and Plant" universes, there was also a "Clockwork Universe," suspected to be a race of mechanical beings? It was similar to the Transformers, but with "steam and clockwork" instead of "spark source and deformed metal."

"Any more?"

"Forget about the Nightmare School. Those white people have bad intentions. They are attracted by Running's special spatial structure. Moreover, they moved the test site abroad. Even if they go wrong, it won't be their country that suffers." The senior student denied the Nightmare School.

Yuan Zhu: "If it's so dangerous, why does the academy still accept cooperation?"

"Because the Nightmare Layer is so vast and has unlimited resources, in order to explore and mine the [Nightmare Layer], a little danger is nothing. People are providing real money and real assistance, as well as a lot of extraordinary knowledge and resources. Even if things go wrong, the worst that can happen is that we can blow up the school, sink it into the [Spiritual Layer], and then build a new one. It's not like we haven't done that before." The senior student said indifferently.

Yuan Zhu: "Huh? Our school has been bombed before?"

"Yes, that happened over seventy years ago. The president of that class went too far in worshipping the Yellow Heaven, causing the barrier between reality and time to rip apart. The true Yellow Heaven Debris descended, contaminating the entire college, along with four nearby blocks, and threatened to be torn apart and dragged into the Yellow Heaven Realm. In the end, it was the officials of Running who intervened, detonating the 'pollution sources' housed in several laboratory buildings, dragging the surrounding streets with them into the Spiritual Realm."

"Now, our [Yuyuan] not only has a school site in reality, but also a headquarters in the [Spiritual Realm], and it also comes with four streets. It's really profitable! But that [Huangtian Crisis] also burned all the Huangtian monks in Running to death. So 'Huangtian is dead too'! There are only a few small Taoist temples in the suburbs, which is very tragic." The young lady looked gloating.

Yuan Zhu was completely confused. What kind of Feng Shui treasure land is Running?
All the Huangtian monks were burned to death 70 years ago, and then the West Coast launched an anti-Buddhist movement. The Kunlun sect's base is in the Gen Continent. Then, the only wandering immortals were either secretly kidnapped and dissected, or sent to the restaurant pot... Between the lines, there is a warning: "Don't cultivate immortality!"

"What about the [Law and Order]?"

"If you don't mind working for the Pale Lawyer, then I don't mind recommending you to the Security Bureau."

Yuan Zhu sighed. Sure enough. While [Rain Academy] possessed numerous transcendental systems, few were suitable. He was quite interested in the [Industrial Divine Kingdom], but unfortunately, he was short on cash. "Forget it. Can you tell me about [Holy Light]? Does our academy offer this course?"

"Ha, Holy Light again! Don't worry, the academy doesn't have a Holy Light course, but I'm very familiar with it. In the past two years, many people have come to practice Holy Light. Foreign Bodhisattvas are good at chanting sutras, and I'm quite familiar with Holy Light. This year, I accompanied two friends to the Holy Hall to receive ordination and receive the Holy Marks. And one good thing about the Holy Hall is that its internal management is chaotic and full of filth. Among the Eight Holy Kings, there's everything, even Buddha and Huang Tian Daozhu. Choosing Holy Light might seem like a set path for you, but there's still a lot of room for choice within, so you can calmly consider your future."

Yuan Zhu: "What are the [Eight Holy Kings]?"

"They are the eight most powerful deities in the Holy Light system, the eight [Holy Light Kings], eight independent sources of [Holy Light]. Or, in Western terms, the [Eight Angel Kings]. One of them is the Buddha of Buddhism, and another is the Taoist Master of Huangtian. The seventh of the twelve zodiac animals, the [Great Moth], is also one of the Holy Light Kings."

"..."

Yuan Zhu was bewildered. Aren't these cultivation systems all locked down? Or perhaps, they only work for mortals, not gods? However, he did know one thing: this [Holy Light] looked quite promising. After all, it could harbor filth and dirt. Buddhas, Taoist masters, and the Great Moth Siming could cultivate it, but why couldn't I, the [Shadow Tiger Demon]?
(End of this chapter)