The Path to Immortality Begins with the Life-Extending Lamp

Chapter 146 Five Poisons Sect

Flying Waterfall Taoist Temple.

Within that medicinal herb garden, spanning several acres around the peak, nine-colored banners encircled the area, forming a protective barrier to isolate it from the surrounding environment and nurture the seasonal climate.

An old man was holding a scroll of mixed white jade slip, frowning as he compared it with the techniques of the children in the medicine field, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

This old Taoist priest Zhao is now dressed in a blue Taoist robe. Although he is only a disciple of the outer academy, it is enough to make him feel extremely apprehensive!

When Lord Li opened his residence, he employed the Taoist disciples from the temple. Therefore, he needed to find a clean informant without any connections in Tiannan to oversee the matter. It just so happened that he had formed this good relationship by offering the "fire in stone" technique, which led to him getting this job today.

Old Zhao was unfamiliar with the medicinal plants in the herb garden, so he spent all the Dao coins he had on him and asked someone to exchange them for "The Essentials of Herbs from the Southern Regions." He recited it every day and every month, just to take care of this herb garden.

Although he came from the countryside and was unfamiliar with magic and laws, he had nearly a hundred years of experience. He usually didn't ask many questions or talk much, but simply recorded what his disciples were good at.

With such an attitude, it can be said that he has lived up to Li Qing's expectations.

If one could manage the entire Daoist temple well, it wouldn't be impossible to be granted unorthodox methods, and like that "Ma Yuan Daoist disciple," forcefully attain the upper level of Qi Refining, achieving complete circulation of Qi throughout the body, and thus enjoy a long life...

Today, Old Daoist Zhao was inspecting the medicine shop when he caught a young Daoist boy secretly putting medicinal herbs into his pocket. He punished him by giving him five lashes and then had him sent back to the outer courtyard.

As the old man watched the blue ox turning the soil and the boy scattering seeds, a huge black shadow suddenly appeared in the secluded pool and cold stream beside the medicine shop. It pushed upwards from the bottom of the water, instantly creating a large bulge on the surface of the pool.

All that could be heard was the sound of spitting water, as the curved, blade-like horns sliced ​​through the water, followed by a melodious long moo!

Moo...

It was a water-avoiding golden-eyed beast, about ten feet in size, covered in green fur, with ox horns hanging upside down, emerging from the stream.

The old ox exhaled like a dragon's roar, pushing the stream apart from the bottom of the water, truly resembling a dragon's head surging waves, extremely majestic.

A young girl sat cross-legged on the back of an old ox, cast a water-repelling spell, and crossed the entire cold stream.

This old water buffalo also possessed the cultivation level of a high-grade Qi cultivator. It was the size of a small mountain, and with a single thrust of its four hooves, it immediately surged onto the water, which was several meters high.

Such a massive creature was certainly not something a little girl could tame; it was a spirit beast personally gifted to Zhao Wan'er by the head of the outer courtyard...

"grandfather!"

As soon as the old ox came ashore, Zhao Wan'er, who was on its back, waved and called out to the old Taoist priest.

This grandfather and grandson had relied on each other for ten years in the village, and then entered the Taoist path for four years. Who would have thought that they would meet again here?

The young girl, after being deeply in love with the Taoist priest, was surprised to see Old Taoist Zhao in the Taoist temple. She repeatedly sought him out to serve him.

"What's wrong with you? Instead of focusing on your cultivation, you're spending all your time running around this herb garden?"

"Under Li Jun's tutelage, one must not only fulfill one's duties, but also refrain from slacking off in cultivation!"

"Once you enter this gate, you must always have a heart of reverence and seek the Way. Even an old man like me has to study the scriptures every day."

Seeing his grandson's affection, the old Taoist priest became solemn and earnestly gave her his instructions. But in truth, Old Taoist Zhao was extremely happy, after all, he had achieved success in his old age, and his entire family had turned their lives around together.

After putting away the jade slip in his hand, Old Zhao looked again at the main hall in the distance, feeling that he could never repay the debt of gratitude...

But at this moment, in the main hall of the Dao Mansion.

An old Taoist priest with a white beard stood below the hall, leading Ma Yunxi in performing the rituals of the Big Dipper, chanting the "Revered Spirit Path," burning incense and scriptures, offering paper money as sacrifices, and presenting the five kinds of sacrificial animals.

Today is the middle of the month again, and this old monk from the Law and Order Institute has woven a more rigorous and efficient ritual for the "Sacrifice to the Mountain Demons," directing the incense chanting more precisely to the twelve demon gods.

Ma Daotu was his deputy, and also a half-apprentice, serving and adding luster to the Dao Mansion.

During the ceremony, everyone wore flower crowns and held ritual implements. Li Qing sat quietly on a prayer mat to one side, watching the two complete the monthly sacrificial rites.

As expected, this old man from the Court of Law had a unique understanding of all sorts of unpredictable rituals. After the entire process was completed, the spirits of the kings residing in the royal carriage reacted quite well.

"Very good. From now on, let us follow this custom and offer sacrifices to all the 'Chang Gods' once on the three major festivals and the day in the middle of each month!"

After the ceremony ended, Li Qing stepped down from the hall, took off the laurel crown from her head, casually placed it on the incense table beside her, and nodded in approval.

On the first day of each ten-day period, he would personally arrange the rituals and offerings in the royal carriage. However, it would also be excellent if a Taoist priest who was skilled in the art of law and the power of words presided over the altar at other times.

He bestowed upon the two a bushel of flowing pearls and medicinal jade, then Li Qing lightly adjusted his sleeves and stepped out of the Daoist mansion.

At dawn today, a young boy came from the summit of Lin Yuan Immortal Peak to deliver a message, saying that the Patriarch had summoned him again.

Li Qing waited for about half an incense stick's time until the ritual was completed and he saw the results of his waiting. Satisfied, he then went with the waiting boy outside to the Immortal Peak.

Only the two remaining in the hall gazed at the six monstrous figures that seemed no different from living people, their hearts filled with dread.

The old Taoist priest added more oil to the ever-burning lamps on both sides and replaced them with a plate of incense before leading Ma Daotu out slowly.

This is a Dharma altar that is being nurtured.

These twelve mad gods will be the guardian deities of the Taoists under the Flying Waterfall Taoist Palace.

From these twelve images of the mad god, one can summon the mysterious energy of the mad god, which, combined with the Taoist aura in the altar, is then exchanged with the Taoist's magical power to summon the mad god corresponding to the one usually worshipped.

However, the "Crazy God" summoned according to the altar ritual is not the actual body, but rather a "Qi" within the royal carriage. This mother Qi is divided into countless forms, manifested by the power of the Taoist priest who performed the ritual. Therefore, the strength of the "Crazy God" generated will vary.

If one day Li Qing were to gather enough deities to complete the sixty Jiazi cycle, and gain the support of his disciples, and ascend the royal altar to transform the primordial energy, he could indeed transform into countless Fengdu soldiers and generals, sweeping across all prefectures...

The Flying Waterfall Taoist Temple is now complete and on the right track.

Li Qing no longer needed to spend too much time here, and followed the white crane boy all the way to the top of Lin Yuan Immortal Peak.

Upon receiving the announcement from the boy, they sang a welcoming song.

When Li Qing stepped into the main hall for the second time, he looked up and saw the three people on the main seat.

The central throne was half a body height higher than the thrones on either side. It was a 36-petal blue lotus throne. Today, Yin Zu sat on that throne with great pomp and circumstance, his aura far more terrifying than usual.

Beside him stood an old man with an equally imposing aura, wearing a lotus crown, a purple cloud robe, and a blue inner garment. This old Taoist sat on the left seat, holding a whisk in his hand, with two boys holding scriptures beside him. His gaze was like that of a thousand-mile-long sea of ​​clouds collapsing, majestic and vast.

Is this a Yin Shen Zhenren (a type of Yin spirit)?
Li Qing was startled, then shifted her gaze to the abbot on the right, whose expression was quite respectful, and felt even more certain of her guess.

Yin Zu sat high on the throne in the hall, his gaze sweeping down with unparalleled divine might, causing Li Qing's Xuan Yin Qi to involuntarily surge violently, and even the Ghost Mother, who was of one mind with him, showed unusual behavior.

This is a true master, whose every gesture exudes divine power.

"Greetings, Master."

"I have met the Master/Abbot..."

After the boy finished chanting his name, Li Qing bowed and greeted the three venerable Taoists.

Could it be... that this is the Yin Shen Zhenren of the Ziyang Sect?
This was because Yin Zu had previously hinted that the Ziyang Sect of Jinping Prefecture had many dealings with the Tiannan Temple and even wanted to jointly establish an altar to explore the Netherworld.

Li Qing, the True Man of the White Bone Path, had seen this before. The True Man of the Six Spirits Mountain was not of this kind. In the entire southwest region, only the True Man of the Purple Sun Sect had such an answer!

"Ah."

"This is the Three Yang True Man of the Ziyang Sect. Please come forward and pay your respects."

The patriarch nodded slightly, beckoned Li Qing over, and instructed him to step over the steps and directly onto the three thrones.

The old master of the Ziyang Sect responded gently, saying that Tiannan Temple was full of talented people, unlike his small mountain...

After exchanging greetings and bows, Yin Zu got straight to the point.

“Yesterday, Tiannan sent an invitation. That little fellow from the Southern Poison Gu lineage has been granted permission to open a side sect in Tiannan Prefecture.” “This matter was brought about by the joint efforts of Tiannan, Qingping, and Jinping Prefectures. This outcome is not a bad thing. Having one more sect can make the southwest a bit more stable.”

"Originally, we deduced that Dingshan would go... but aren't you going to the Five Streams Peace Banquet in a few months? So why don't you go to the Five Poisons Sect to attend their founding ceremony on your way there!"

Yin Zu explained the reason for the request in detail, and with a flick of his finger, immediately pushed an invitation and a contract into Li Qing's hands.

This was both a discussion and an assignment; the contract for "Linyuan-Youhuangzi" had already been prepared, or perhaps it had been planned for a long time.

Li Qing gazed at the two crimson scrolls floating in front of him, and with a flick of his right hand, he took them into his palm.

Indeed, he had mentioned to Yin Zu that he was going to attend the Qingping Banquet at the Five Streams Dragon Palace, and that he had some covetousness for the great supernatural power of "controlling the five thunders." Judging by the time, he should be setting off in two months.

Should we attend the founding ceremony of the Five Poisons Sect in advance?

He vaguely remembered that back then, the head of the Law Enforcement Academy, along with a group of Taoist disciples, had been stationed outside the southern chieftain's territory for several years. Taking advantage of the abyss's location, they used the name of the Six Spirits Mountain and finally managed to trick the patriarch of the Poison Gu Clan down the mountain.

They encouraged him to establish his own sect, separated the patriarch of poison and witchcraft from the chieftains of the southwest, and essentially granted him amnesty, promising him wealth and honor, thus eliminating any unruly elements...

But so soon, the Five Poisons Sect is about to open its doors.

Is this Green Toad Ancestor in such a hurry?

Li Qing's small Taoist temple took a year to take shape, yet the founding ceremony of a sect was so hastily held.
Although somewhat puzzled, Li Qing still accepted the task with a bow.

After hesitating for a moment, Li Qing asked again:
"I don't know whether I should go and inquire of my fellow practitioners on behalf of Tiannan Temple, or go and vindicate the Five Poisons Sect by ranking among the top immortal sects?"

If it's the former, it's just a formality; if it's the latter, we might have to suppress the Five Poisons Sect's momentum.

Li Qing was one of the few lower-level cultivators who knew that the patriarch's lifespan was nearing its end, and he could roughly guess the trials that Tiannan Prefecture would face in the future.

He suddenly realized why the "Ninth Elder," with whom he had a brief exchange in the Outer Sea Immortal City, was so ruthless!

Is the only goal to maintain stability in one place and nip any potential upheavals in the bud before they can rise again?

"Hahaha, just go to the ceremony as you please." Yin Zu stroked his white beard and laughed heartily.

If things go well, praise them; if they go against you, suppress them. There are only these two outcomes. Even if they don't do well, nothing serious will happen. Just let them handle it as they see fit.

The abbot beside him glanced at Li Qing but said nothing more.

After Li Qing paused for a few breaths in response, and seeing that the Patriarch had given no further instructions, he remained silent for a few more breaths before taking his leave.

Suddenly, Yin Zu, who was seated at the head of the table, raised a question that seemed completely unrelated to the matter at hand.

"Is the 'Ketu' talisman on you?"

This sudden question startled Li Qing.

For a year, the temple has not mentioned this matter again. Sure enough, is the patriarch about to deal with the beginning and the end?
The Five Immortal Sects, including Daoist Yin Zhenren of the Primordial Qi and Daoist Sanyang Zhenren of the Purple Register and Elixir Book, and two Yin God Zhenren, gathered together.

This involves the issue of that celestial palace, and it seems that only the intervention of the five immortal sects can completely resolve it.

Li Qing never intended to ask the sect for help, but if the patriarch was truly willing to intervene, he would not be ungrateful!
"Reporting to the Ancestor, it is right here."

Taking out the purple gem sealed in white jade from his sleeve, Li Qing stood at the foot of the three steps.

He could sense that when the Three Yang True Man saw this object, there seemed to be a strange look in his eyes, and the abbot, Chen Jin, also changed his aura.

After all, the Eleven Luminaries Heavenly Palace has left behind quite a few clues, and this organization has long been on the list of major immortal sects!
"Alright, leave this talisman behind and let's go down the mountain."

"That old dragon's Five Thunders are controlled by the dragon's energy from the waterways; you must do everything in your power to defeat it!"

With a flick of his two fingers, the patriarch immediately took the Ketu Yao into his hand. He did not allow Li Qing to participate in the subsequent cause and effect, but he did ask Li Qing to take down the Five Thunder Divine Power.

Wuxi Chulongjun's supernatural power was not acquired through cultivation, but rather originated from the innate supernatural power within the bloodline of the water dragon.

That old dragon was of average strength, and although he had considerable capacity, he certainly did not possess the ability to impart great supernatural powers to others.

After all, even Yin Zu could not teach the disciples of the mountain the art of the Pot Heaven. How difficult is the path of teaching and enlightening?

Yin Zu determined that it had only lost a portion of its essence, so he forcibly separated a primordial dragon seal from its natal dragon pearl and used it to impart supernatural powers.

Dragon and Phoenix Seals are rarer than Heavenly Script and Earthly Script, so naturally they can be used to impart magic!

If Li Qing could seize that great divine power and master it completely, it would add a great foundation to the sect.

The reason why the Dragon Lord invited various sects and was willing to offer their innate supernatural powers as stakes, such as the eldest son of the Ghost-Controlling Zhong Clan, the venerable daughter of Qingqiu Mountain, the Dragon Lord of the East Sea, and the Ghost Gentleman of Tiannan, was to sell a great karmic connection that would last for hundreds of years to come.

They were betting on those four people, and also on the fact that a flawless, high-grade Yin God would emerge from the immortal sects and aristocratic families behind them in the near future.

In this not-so-stable era, once the gamble pays off, the future returns will definitely exceed all expectations.

Chu Longjun's vision and magnanimity are absolutely superb!

"You must do everything in your power to seize it."

Upon hearing this, Li Qing bowed, his eyes hardening, and a chilling aura emanated from him, causing even the page boys carrying the scriptures in the hall to feel a chill run down their spines.

"Well, let's go!"

Yin Zu was also very satisfied. He waved his hand and ordered Li Qing to leave.

As Li Qing turned around, she could still hear the undisguised praise from the Three Yang Immortal.

"Great Master, your husband's ambition is truly remarkable..."

To do something wholeheartedly means to do it at any cost.

The demonic Taoist of Qingqiu, the patriarch of the Ghost-Controlling Clan, the Dragon Tamer of the East Sea, and the Ghost Prince who is a follower of the Six Heavenly Ghosts.

The Five Streams Dragon Palace has used a powerful thunder magic as bait to wreak havoc; it seems Qingping Prefecture is about to get quite lively. The only question is whether the old dragon can keep things under control…

Just as Li Qing left the main hall of the Immortal Peak, he heard the Immortal Peak bell ring six times, as if another distinguished guest had arrived.
Having just stepped halfway down the thirty-three-zhang jade steps, Li Qing suddenly raised an eyebrow and immediately came face to face with the noble young man below who was ascending the Abyss Heaven Steps.

The young man was dressed in the Taiyi Jiangzhen Cloud Robe and wore a jade dragon crown. His robes were exactly the same as Li Qing's, and they came from the Taiyi Dao's now-vanished Jiangzhen Peak.

However, this person's robe had already undergone special refining techniques, with a golden silk crown embroidered with a four-clawed azure dragon, purple and blue patterns, and four dragons encircling the sun, making it a superior immortal garment.

Li Qing held the contract in his hand, walking alone down the green steps with a cool and aloof air. The young man lifted his robe with one hand, his gesture exuding a majestic and handsome air, like a scholar performing a ritual, with the bearing of an emperor.

The two walked halfway and their eyes met. The young man was very polite and smiled slightly, like snow melting in spring, which even softened Li Qing's aura.

After brushing past her, Li Qing stopped at the foot of the Immortal Peak, gazing at the figure that disappeared at the end of the Heavenly Staircase, her eyes slightly narrowed.

"A robe with four-clawed azure dragons, and a garment adorned with the descent of the sun—this is the imperial family of Jinling, the capital..."

Only members of the imperial Li family embroidered a blue dragon and a great sun; the rest, even the dragon lords of the three seas and four rivers, never used the blue dragon as their emblem.

Meanwhile, atop the Immortal Peak of Linyuan, the Dao Bell resounded.

The young man stood still outside the main hall of Tiannan, looking up at the gilded plaque with a hint of nervousness. He took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a fist, and bowed, saying:

"Li Yu of Jinling, entrusted by someone, pays his respects to the Daoist Master Yin!"

However, his hands, which had been hidden in his sleeves, were revealed, and on them was a peculiar thumb ring. It was Huang Chen's vertical pupils, which was the eleven luminaries of the Heavenly Palace, the Sun-Sun Lord.

(End of this chapter)