Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 636 Opening the Altar to Preach (Seeking Subscriptions)
The morning light is slightly dew.

The bulletin boards in Starshine City and its various markets were crowded with people.

Several notices written in spirit ink sparked a great deal of discussion among the crowd.

The notice was clear and concise.

The island's master, True Man Xuanbing, moved by the will of Heaven and pitying the hardships of wandering cultivators, will hold a sermon under the Purple Essence Divine Tree on the island in one month, sharing his insights on cultivation.

Registered cultivators of Starshine Island can enter the inner area to listen to the true teachings by presenting their identity jade token and paying ten low-grade spirit stones.

Visitors must have three local cultivators on the island as guarantors and pay twenty low-grade spirit stones to sit in meditation on the outer circle and listen to the teachings and get answers to their questions.

The announcement immediately caused a stir on Starshine Island.

"Ten spirit stones. Ten spirit stones for one lecture? That's too expensive."

A middle-aged Qi Refining cultivator couldn't help but cry out, his face contorted with pain.

Ten spirit stones can pay for a year's rent in the market.

Another, slightly older cultivator shouted, "Stop talking nonsense! This is the island lord, True Person Xuanbing, personally giving a sermon."

"The island lord possesses extraordinary abilities, with his Ice Technique and Golden Core, far surpassing ordinary cultivators. With such an opportunity, you're still haggling over a few spirit stones? What kind of cultivation method do you practice?!"

"What Elder Wang said is very true."

Another person chimed in, "The island lord has always been generous and kind, so why would he care about these spirit stones? The Dharma cannot be passed on lightly. These ten spirit stones are to remind us to cherish this opportunity and not to be negligent."

"Haha. We only need ten spirit stones. For fellow Daoists from out of town, the price is doubled, and you'll also need to find three guarantors."

Someone said with a smile.

This discussion expressed the sentiments of many cultivators.

Star Island is becoming increasingly prosperous.

Monks with household registration not only enjoy various affordable benefits, but also have priority in being recruited for various job positions.

As long as you are willing to work hard, even if you are of average talent, you can still live a good life.

This has led to a surge in the number of people with household registration on Xinghui Island, with the required points for settling down increasing repeatedly.

To the cultivators on these islands, a Golden Core cultivator is a figure of immense importance, like being in the clouds.

In ordinary mid-level sects, a Golden Core cultivator is the number one person in the sect.

The vast majority of them are in the Qi Refining stage, and it is rare to see them even undergoing major cultivation at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Not to mention the opportunity to hear the teachings of the Golden Elixir Immortal.

This is a rare opportunity and benefit for them.

The notice was posted a few days ago.

The news of Master Xuanbing opening an altar to preach and spread the Dharma quickly spread throughout the surrounding seas and immortal islands.

It even reached the inner sect of the Xuantian Sect.

In the days that followed, Starshine Immortal City became even more bustling than before.

New beams of light descended upon the port every day, and more and more foreign cultivators poured into the city.

Twenty spirit stones are easy to come up with.

However, finding three local monks to act as guarantors was not easy.

According to the rules of Starshine Island, each cultivator on the island can only vouch for one person.

Suddenly, as the tide rose, even the qualification to act as a guarantor could be converted into spirit stones.

Prices soared, with starting prices at ten spirit stones.

In this way, the cultivators on the island can listen to the teachings for free.

On this day, several sharp sword lights descended from the sky and landed at the gate of Starshine Immortal City.

The sword light faded, revealing several cultivators dressed in identical yellow Daoist robes, exuding an imposing aura and possessing cultivation levels that were clearly at the Foundation Establishment stage.

The leader was composed, with sharp eyes, and a jade pendant at his waist that shone with spiritual light.

"Senior Brother Mingyang, why are there so many rules when Master Xuanbing is giving a lecture? Isn't Xinghui Island our Xuantian Sect's training ground?"

Behind him, a young disciple asked.

"Don't talk nonsense. This island is temporarily lent to True Person Xuanbing. True Person Xuanbing has a fiery temper, so don't cause trouble here. Otherwise, if things get out of hand, it will be bad for Master and the sect's reputation."

These people are all disciples personally taught by the True Person of Xuantian Sect.

Having heard that the Golden Core True Person Xuanbing of the Qingyun Sect was preaching and transmitting the Dharma, I came to Xinghui Island specifically to listen to the teachings.

After registering, the group entered the city, attracting the attention of many scattered cultivators in the surrounding area.

Their uniform yellow Taoist robes revealed their identities.

Everyone was secretly amazed.

When the island lord preached, even the direct disciples of the Xuantian Sect came upon hearing of it.

……

The Ice Cave, the training room.

Shen Xuan sat cross-legged, his aura as deep and boundless as the ocean.

He spent a month stabilizing his newly acquired [Nirvana Phoenix Body].

For the past month, he has focused all his energy on stimulating the [Nirvana Phoenix Body], using his own dantian essence and blood to refresh and increase the proficiency and experience value of the [Nirvana Phoenix Body].

Finally, he elevated his Dao body, which contained the true meaning of the phoenix's rebirth, from the initial beginner stage to a proficient stage where he could operate it freely.

Shen Xuan's divine sense stirred slightly.

Its own skin subtly transformed into flowing crimson-gold divine patterns, radiating a scorching aura as if burning the heavens and boiling the seas.

At this moment, Shen Xuan could sense that his affinity and control over the fire elemental power in the world far exceeded that of ordinary fire magic foundation building.

"Heaven rewards diligence, but only if you have exceptional talent!"

"Otherwise, if you only know how to bury yourself in hard training, it will all be in vain in the end."

Shen Xuan thought to himself.

The phoenix's body is newly formed, just right for tempering the divine fire.

In the future, when traveling outside, he can disguise himself as a cultivator undergoing foundational cultivation in fire magic to avoid many troubles.

"My fire technique lineage is the Golden Sun Sect's [Nine Revolutions Blazing Sun Technique]. Each revolution can add a divine fire to it."

"The technique is the [Pure Yang True Fire Technique]. By cultivating pure Yang spiritual power, one can burn all things and scorch the heavens and earth."

“Perfect timing, I have a small ball of Golden Crow True Fire in my hand.”

"However, in terms of power, Heavenly Tribulation Fire seems to be more suitable."

After thinking for a moment, Shen Xuan decided to refine the Heavenly Tribulation Fire first.

He concentrated intently, forming hand seals, and carefully drew out a piece of dark, withered wood from a jade box filled with high-grade fire spirit stones.

Within this, there is a small cluster of Nine Heavens Purple Thunderfire.

It was formed from the last lightning tribulation sent down by the Heavenly Dao when the great demon transformed into human form to undergo tribulation.

This Heavenly Tribulation Fire contains a trace of the Heavenly Dao Law, capable of incinerating all things, and possesses immense power.

Back then, when the Purple Essence Demon Emperor was collecting this small ball of Heavenly Tribulation Flame, he was almost burned to death by it.

Shen Xuan silently activated his magic technique.

A small ball of purplish-gold divine fire flew out from the dead wood.

It was none other than the renowned [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire].

The moment this fire appeared, the temperature in the entire training room soared, and the surrounding ice walls melted silently.

"Excellent. This fire is just right for my use!"

[Heavenly Thunder and Tribulation Fire] is violent and ferocious, seemingly capable of destroying everything.

Although it was only a small clump, it gave Shen Xuan a heart-pounding thrill.

"What a magnificent Heavenly Tribulation Fire!"

The deep purple-gold flames continuously burned the void, possessing a trace of the power of the Heavenly Dao Law that could annihilate everything.

"Fortunately, I have the [Nirvana Phoenix Body]. Ordinary fire magic cultivators, even if they are Core Formation True Persons, cannot control this fire without an outstanding fire spirit body."

Below the fourth rank, neither cultivators nor demonic beasts can withstand the [Heavenly Tribulation Fire].

If Shen Xuan were to cultivate it to the point of perfection...

Even Nascent Soul True Monarchs, Demon Infant Demon Ancestors, and Transformed Great Demons must avoid his sharp edge.

"Therefore, fire magic still has the strongest attack power."

Shen Xuan wielded multiple different types of flames.

【Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire】is the most domineering of them all.

"After refining this fire, the potential of the Nirvana Phoenix Body will be unleashed, allowing one to retreat calmly even if they cross a major realm." The greater the risk, the greater the reward.

Shen Xuan adjusted his physical condition slightly.

Subsequently, it transformed into the [Nirvana Phoenix Body].

His body shone with a brilliant crimson-gold divine light, and the nine-colored lotus in his dantian slowly bloomed.

Baolian emitted rays of divine light, gentle and peaceful, containing endless vitality, protecting his meridians and internal organs.

"disease!"

Shen Xuan let out a low shout, and with a swift tap of his finger, he guided the small ball of [Heavenly Tribulation Fire] slowly towards his dantian.

"boom!"

The moment the Heavenly Tribulation Fire entered his body, Shen Xuan felt as if he had been evaporated.

It's not just physical pain.

His very soul seemed to be being burned.

Every inch of his meridians, every drop of his blood, and even every thought in his soul was burning.

His body trembled violently, his skin turned bright red, and he was radiating heat.

The purplish-gold [Heavenly Tribulation Fire] resembled a miniature fire dragon, rampaging through the dantian.

Wherever it passed, everything dried up.

Even more terrifying was that the Heavenly Law of [Heavenly Tribulation Fire], which could annihilate everything, struck his soul like a resounding bell.

"What domineering tribulation fire! In the eyes of the Heavenly Dao, we cultivators are all going against the heavens and should be punished by being burned by lightning and fire. If we are not careful, our souls will be scattered and our bodies and spirits will be destroyed."

If it were an ordinary fire-based cultivator, their foundation would have collapsed and their soul scattered long ago.

"Congeal!"

Shen Xuan roared angrily.

The nine-colored lotus flew in, spinning around, and forcibly enveloped the [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire] within it.

The Phoenix Body of Rebirth continuously circulates, repairing the meridians and internal organs damaged by the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire.

The Ice Magic Golden Core shone brightly, and the vast Primordial Ice Spirit Power rapidly cooled the physical body.

Shen Xuan employed multiple methods, like a skilled hunter training a hawk, to painstakingly refine the [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire].

This process is extremely dangerous.

Shen Xuan was protected by the Nine-Colored Lotus, suppressed by the Ice-Magic Golden Elixir, and also fused with the [Nirvana Phoenix Body].

Within his dantian, the nine-colored lotus spun rapidly, continuously purifying the ball of [Heavenly Tribulation Fire].

The spiritual energy within Shen Xuan surged into the Nine-Colored Lotus like a tidal wave.

He crushed seven Ice Soul Crystals in a row to replenish his spiritual power.

after a long time.

That small ball of violent [Heavenly Tribulation Fire] finally merged with Shen Xuan's spiritual power.

The purplish-gold flames subsided their ferocity, transforming into a gentle, pale golden seed that floated quietly in the Fire Dao Foundation Spirit Sea within the dantian.

Finally, the refining was successful.

Shen Xuan was exhausted.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Without concealing his aura, even his breathing carried a scorching aura of thunder and fire.

An extra line of text appeared on the mysterious jade talisman.

[Skill: Beginner's Guide to Heavenly Thunder and Fire (2/100)]

Shen Xuan smiled slightly.

pretty good.

Once successfully refined, it can be transformed into an entry-level skill.

A faint sense of joy welled up in his heart.

It can even refine the most domineering [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire].

As for the other kinds of strange fire, they were nothing to worry about; they were easily obtained.

……

The day Shen Xuan preached was drawing ever closer.

On Starshine Island, the number of outside cultivators is increasing.

The agents were extremely busy.

Almost all the adult monks on Starshine Island who were qualified to act as guarantors were employed.

Some visiting monks simply couldn't gather enough guarantors.

However, they had no intention of leaving.

More and more cultivators came upon hearing the news.

Even the Xuantian Sect, the largest sect in the Song Kingdom, had many of its disciples personally trained by its masters, arriving in groups of three to five. The number of disciples from other sects was countless.

The independent cultivators might not be very clear about this.

The elite disciples of the sect had heard of the name Xuanbing Zhenren like thunder.

Outside Starshine Island.

An old Foundation Establishment cultivator who had just arrived was in a hurry to get onto the island.

As he registered to enter the island, he looked curiously at the beautiful woman in palace attire accompanying him, his expression slightly nervous.

"Fairy Hongling, do you know what Taoist techniques True Man Xuanbing will teach? Will he teach the way of condensing water into ice?"

The beautiful woman in palace attire beside him scolded, "Old Xu, what is Hong Ling's identity? How does she know what Xuanbing Zhenren is planning! If you don't want to go when the Golden Core Zhenren is giving a sermon, give up your guarantor's spot!"

"I heard that Old Hu from Lingsha Island hasn't gathered enough guarantor slots yet!"

"Go! Why wouldn't I go! I've lived for two hundred years and never encountered a Golden Core cultivator from a major sect preaching and spreading the Dharma. What is that old Hu? How dare he compare to me!"

"Old Xu, you're talking about me behind my back again!"

A burly man with a full beard and carrying a knife hurried over.

"Where did I insult you! Old Hu, you can't hear well, don't believe everything you hear."

Old Xu vehemently denied it.

The Fairy of Red Silk advised, "Old Hu, don't argue with Old Man Xu. Hurry up and register to enter the city. Have you gathered enough guarantor slots?"

The burly man with the knife on his back glared angrily at Old Man Xu.

He turned to the Red Silk Fairy with a smile.

“Fairy Hongling, I’ll listen to you and not argue with him. We’ve gathered enough guarantor slots.”

The fairy in red silk smiled slightly, without saying a word, exuding a gentle charm.

Old Hu couldn't help but chuckle foolishly in response.

When Old Xu saw Old Hu's appearance, he couldn't help but feel angry.

"Alright! Old Hu, hurry up and register. Otherwise, this old man and Fairy Hongling won't wait for you and will go ahead first."

"coming!"

After saying that, Lao Hu rushed forward in a hurry.

The three of them were all patriarchs of cultivation families on a nearby spiritual island, and had known each other for many years.

Although they served different sects.

Old Xu is from the Beast Emperor Pavilion, Old Hu is from the Thousand Machines Sect, and Fairy Red Silk is from the Golden Sun Sect.

In reality, they were merely appendages of the sect and rarely met with the sect's higher-ups.

Not to mention listening to the Golden Elixir Immortal preach and transmit the Dharma.

At this moment, Old Xu revealed a hint of schadenfreude.

“Since True Person Xuanbing arrived, Starshine Island has undergone tremendous changes and become incredibly prosperous. In just thirty years, it has developed to this extent. Even compared with Xuantian Immortal City, the largest city in the Song Kingdom, it is not much inferior.”

"Do you think the Xuantian Sect will take back Starshine Island?"

"Alright, that's enough. How dare you and I discuss matters of the Xuantian Sect in private? You're asking for trouble!"

The Fairy of Red Silk said in an annoyed tone.

This old Xu isn't a bad person, he just has a habit of gossiping.

The older they get, the more they enjoy gossiping in private.

A hint of anticipation flashed in the eyes of the Red Silk Fairy.

"Legend has it that when powerful beings preach and impart their insights into cultivation, they can resonate with the heavens and earth. If a cultivator has the opportunity, they may suddenly attain enlightenment, break through bottlenecks, and elevate their cultivation level, leading to a smooth and rapid path on their path to enlightenment. I wonder what our chances will be this time?"

"Don't worry, Fairy Hongling. As for Old Man Xu, he has long since severed his path. You and I are bound to have an opportunity to gain some enlightenment."

Old Hu said in a very casual manner.

"Well, I hope so."

The Fairy of Red Silk said with a smile.

After registering, the three entered the island side by side.

Instead of going to Starshine Immortal City, they headed straight for the main peak, Purple Cloud Tree.

More and more Foundation Establishment cultivators like them are coming to listen to the teachings.

When they arrived and reached the summit...

Many cultivators had already arrived early, and the place was bustling with activity.

Cultivators from all sides, whether from within the island or from elsewhere, gathered here early on.

They followed the instructions of the law enforcement officers and were led to their seats according to their rank and status.

The square was bustling with people, and whispers filled the air.

Everyone kept glancing at the high platform shrouded in pale purple divine light, waiting for the arrival of True Immortal Xuanbing.

The three, including Fairy Hongling, followed an enforcement officer and had just arrived at their seats.

Suddenly, someone exclaimed in surprise.

Then, as if infected, more and more people exclaimed, like a tsunami.

The three fairies in red silk looked up, their expressions instantly freezing, and at the same time, an incredulous shock appeared on their faces.

Ahead, the purple mist gradually dissipated.

The Purple Cloud Tree, over a hundred feet tall, still has a gnarled and vigorous trunk.

However, there was a subtle, unusual feeling about it.

The Purple Essence Tree emitted ten thousand rays of purple divine light, warm and vibrant, rippling outwards like waves, enveloping the surrounding hundred miles of space.

The cultivators who came to listen to the teachings were all surrounded by the purple divine light, their minds were clear, their magical power flowed smoothly, and they all felt a sense of lightness and ease, as if they were floating on air.

What shocked them even more was that the Purple Essence Tree had become extremely agile. When it absorbed and exhaled the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its branches and leaves moved without wind, and its swaying contained a kind of mysterious natural rhythm, which attracted the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to rise and fall like the tide.

A powerful yet gentle spiritual pressure gradually spread, causing them to involuntarily feel a sense of awe.

"hiss!"

Old Xu gasped.

"This is……"

He glanced at the Red Silk Fairy and Old Hu who were traveling with him, and lowered his voice.

"You two, this Purple Essence Tree has a powerful spiritual pressure; has it already awakened sentience?"

Old Hu squinted at the Purple Cloud Tree, his face full of admiration.

"It is extremely difficult for plants to develop sentience. I heard that this divine tree was transplanted to the island by True Person Xuanbing thirty years ago. It is remarkable that it has grown to this extent and developed sentience in such a short period of time."

"This is a third-tier superior-grade plant demon. True Immortal Xuanbing's methods are truly unfathomable and inconceivable!"

Old Hu has frequent dealings with the Thousand Machine Sect and possesses exceptional insight and knowledge.

The Red Silk Fairy's eyes widened, her red lips parted slightly, her heart surging with turbulent emotions.

"Did True Immortal Xuanbing enlighten the Purple Essence Tree?"

"Therefore, the audience for this sermon is not only the cultivators present, but also this Purple Essence Tree that has just awakened its sentience."

She had seen it in an ancient book.

Only powerful cultivators with a profound understanding of the Great Dao can use their own Dao realm to influence the laws of heaven and earth, helping living beings to awaken their intelligence.

The Mysterious Ice Immortal was actually able to enlighten a third-grade high-quality Purple Essence Tree.

To what extent has his understanding of Taoism reached!
The Red Silk Fairy gazed at the Ice Cave with a complex mix of emotions: shock, admiration, and a sudden surge of ambition.

At this moment, it wasn't just the three of them.

All the cultivators who arrived early, regardless of their cultivation level, were deeply shocked by the Purple Essence Tree after it had gained sentience.

The island's inhabitants stared wide-eyed at the Purple Cloud Tree and the shimmering purple light, their faces filled with awe and pride.

"Our island's sacred tree has awakened its sentience!"

"The island lord is too powerful. With the protection of the divine tree, our Starshine Island will only get better and better!"

Among the visiting cultivators, especially some well-informed Foundation Establishment cultivators, their expressions were solemn, and they were secretly plotting and scheming.

"Master Xuanbing, your reputation is well-deserved. Starshine Island is developing better and better. We need to think of a way to relocate the elite members of our clan to the island."

"This trip has been worthwhile. Listen carefully to the teachings later; perhaps you will gain sudden enlightenment."

A prominent, central location.

"Senior Brother Mingyang, this Starshine Island belongs to our Xuantian Sect. After True Person Xuanbing leaves, will this third-grade superior-quality plant, the Purple Essence Tree, also belong to our Xuantian Sect?"

A young disciple of the Xuantian Sect looked excitedly at the composed male cultivator beside him, a hint of greed in his eyes.

Hear this.

Li Mingyang raised his head and glared fiercely at his young junior brother.

"Stop talking nonsense! How could you and I possibly speculate about the affairs of the sect and True Person Xuanbing?"

He shook his head.

If I'm not mistaken, this Purple Essence Tree was painstakingly awakened and imbued with spiritual energy by True Immortal Xuanbing.

This is a Tier 3 superior-grade plant spirit.

Such a rare treasure would not be easily handed over to the Xuantian Sect.

Li Mingyang was quite knowledgeable.

Before he came, his master, Master Xuanku, had warned him.

He can go to listen to the teachings, but he must take responsibility for disciplining his junior brothers and sisters and ensuring they do not cause trouble on Starshine Island.

Therefore, they wear the same uniform Taoist robes as a constant reminder to respect their status and not to act rashly.

As for Master Xuanbing...

This is someone even the master fears.

It is said that he and Master Zhang, the direct disciple of the Heavenly Star Immortal, were known as the two prodigies of the Song Dynasty.

Within the Qingyun Sect, he entered the core decision-making circle, ranking third.

It has already been able to influence the major decisions of the Qingyun Sect.

Don't mention that purple hibiscus tree.

Even Starshine Island is uncertain when it will be able to be reclaimed.

"Fellow Taoists!"

A sermon resounded throughout the entire square.

This also attracted the attention of tens of thousands of cultivators on the field.

"The island lord will set up an altar here at dawn in ten days to preach and spread the Dharma. At that time, everyone should take their seats in order to listen to the sermon, and no noise or disturbance is allowed!"

"Now, you may all disperse."

This is the voice of the Deputy Island Master, Master Weichen.

The voice just fell.

The tens of thousands of cultivators in the square instantly erupted in excitement.

The news that True Immortal Xuanbing had enlightened a third-grade superior divine tree and opened an altar to preach and spread the Dharma quickly spread to places thousands of miles away.

Over time.

It gradually spread to remote places such as the wilderness.

……

A wild wilderness, an island in Luoxia Lake.

The Purple Tree King and the Divine Ape King are playing a game of chess on a chessboard.

The two are locked in a deadly battle in the endgame.

Clearly, the Purple Tree King had the upper hand. He sat upright, calm and composed, with a faint smile playing on his lips.

After the Purple Tree King took human form, it quickly found a refined hobby.

This is the ancient Chinese chess set.

After reading several chess manuals, his chess skills improved by leaps and bounds.

The Divine Ape King, though it took human form earlier, was born with a violent temper and found it difficult to sit for long periods.

The endgame is full of tricks and unpredictable variations.

Not to mention losing, even draws are extremely rare.

The Divine Ape King was at a disadvantage and was deep in thought.

Seeing that the water clock indicated that time was running out, he hesitated for a few moments, then tremblingly pushed the "horse" to the front of the "river," wanting to return to help.

"Two horses drink from the spring, circling left and right! Fellow Daoist Divine Power, you have lost."

The Purple Tree King chuckled and pressed forward relentlessly, until the Divine Power Ape King was powerless to turn the tide and had to surrender.

"Fellow Daoist Shenli, you flatter me."

The Purple Tree King laughed.

The Divine Ape King was not convinced and shouted, "Let's play another game, I'll play black."

In ancient Chinese chess, there are rules regarding who plays red or black.

Generally speaking, when inviting someone to play chess, you should take the red pieces and let the other person move first as a sign of respect.

"what ever."

With lightning speed, the Purple Tree King rearranged the chessboard exactly as it was, then turned it upside down, allowing the Divine Power Ape King to play black and make the first move.

(End of this chapter)