Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 227 The Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate, the Underworld Reappears

Only after realizing these things did Shen Wen'an understand just how difficult it was for a cultivator at the Perfected Breathing Realm to break through to the Golden Core stage.

The first step is to embark on the path to the Golden Elixir.

"Thoughts are pure and without defilement"

The world is full of complexities, which is why some cultivators would rather live in seclusion in the deep mountains and forests, spending their lives with the plants and trees, than set foot in the mortal world.

However, a minor hermit hides in the forest, while a major hermit hides in the city.

For cultivators of the immortal path, the most important thing in their practice is their mind and character.

Those who lack moral character are easily misled by external things and troubled by inner demons.

The best way to avoid these problems is to cultivate one's mind through worldly experience.

However, once one steps into the mortal world, grudges, love and hate, the karma of killing, fame and fortune, and all sorts of things subtly erode the cultivator's character.

It's all in the past now, and my character has been tempered.

Those things that seem insurmountable will gradually be affected.

Over time, their initial aspirations for spiritual cultivation become clouded, and they eventually lose sight of their true selves.

"Defilement" arises from the heart of Tao.

The "filth" of the secular world may not be visible before the Golden Elixir is formed.

When one is about to break through from embryonic breathing to the Golden Core stage, all sorts of "filth" and thoughts will come rushing in, either transforming into inner demons or resentment and karmic retribution, lingering on the Dao heart.

With these inner demons and karmic obstacles, one cannot achieve "pure and spotless thoughts," and it is difficult for "sexual light" to be born in the body. Without the illumination of "sexual light," one cannot find a way to condense the "three flowers of divine nature."

This situation is like an ordinary person who goes through all sorts of hardships to find a treasure, only to find that there is a bottomless chasm between them and the treasure when they finally find it.

The treasure is within reach, yet it is something to behold but not to be obtained.

In that instant, Shen Wen'an suddenly understood what the old ape in Hundred Beasts Mountain had done with his pseudo-core realm.

The Three Divine Flowers are the root of the Golden Core, also known as the Foundation of the Golden Core.

Only by condensing one's "essence, energy, and spirit" into the "three flowers of divine nature," and then forming an inner elixir and forging a golden wheel, can one connect with the heavens and receive the golden reward.

Then, through alloying, an immortal elixir is created.

The old ape of Hundred Beasts Mountain obviously had not found a way to condense the "Three Flowers of Divinity", and forcibly formed a "baseless" nascent core in his body by an unknown means.

Such inner alchemy cannot obtain the golden nature bestowed by Heaven. Without a heaven-defying opportunity, one may be trapped in the awkward state between perfected embryonic breathing and the true path of the Golden Elixir for one's entire life.

Most cultivators who achieve perfect embryonic breathing are exceptionally talented individuals.

Unless absolutely necessary, it's unlikely anyone would willingly take the path of pseudo-elixir.

As a sword cultivation method, the Tai Xuan Sword Scripture naturally includes the method of condensing the "Three Flowers of Divine Nature".

But this method can only be understood when one truly comprehends the "Three Flowers of Divinity".

Shen Wen'an has found his path to the Golden Core from the "Tai Xuan Sword Scripture".

However, the road ahead is also long and will require time to refine.

……

Outside Yunshui City.

At the entrance of the secluded cave, numerous Shen family cultivators dressed in the robes of the clan's main academy stood guard with heavy vigilance.

Shen Li, dressed in white, walked slowly down the mountain, followed by a golden toad and a silver-threaded centipede.

"Miss."

When Shen Li arrived, a cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Refining respectfully cupped his hands in greeting.

"So, these common people still haven't made any compromises?"

Shen Li glanced at the tightly closed stone door of the cave and spoke slowly.

The cultivator shook his head with a grim expression and said, "Not only that, but dozens of fanatical commoners committed suicide the day before yesterday, and the rest simply wouldn't listen to any advice."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of chanting sutras with varying intonation came from the cave behind him.

Shen Li frowned upon hearing this.

The cultivator sighed and cupped his hands, saying, "It's started again."

“These common people do this every day, chanting strange things in unison.”

As he spoke, he turned and gestured to the other disciples of the clan's main academy to go and stop them.

"Wait a moment."

Shen Li stopped them and listened carefully to the scriptures coming from inside the cave. They were mostly about "cultivating good fortune," "enjoying ultimate bliss," and "being reborn in the Pure Land."

"Has anyone from the academy arrived?"

After a moment of contemplation, she asked again.

After all the Li people from the four towns east of Xingyang were brought back, they were all imprisoned here.

Although Jin Chan had previously said that these people had been affected by the "Cultivation of Affinity and Salvation Sutra" of Canaan Temple, there was no way to save them.

But she still wanted to try again.

Despite exhausting all available means, the people of the four towns seemed to be possessed by demons, showing no signs of improvement.

"Young Master Chongxuan and a young lady came here and tried the righteous spirit of literature and various other methods, but to no avail."

"Moreover... those dozens of commoners who committed suicide were the very people that Young Master Chongxuan had chosen at the time."

The disciple from the main academy in front of him was also helpless.

"Miss, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

After hesitating for a moment, the disciple from the main academy of that clan bowed slightly and said in a low voice.

"Go ahead."

Shen Li glanced at him and said calmly.

The disciple of the Black-Clad Clan clenched his fist, a difficult decision flashing in his eyes. He cupped his hands and said, "It's been half a year. Miss, please give them a quick death."

"I think...they're beyond saving."

As a disciple of the clan's main academy, he himself rose from humble beginnings to become a cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

He wouldn't have said such cruel things unless he was forced to.

It took great determination and perseverance to order the killing of nearly 200,000 ordinary people.

But if they are not killed... these common people can only continue to live like this, slowly waiting to die.

"Owner……"

Upon hearing this, Jin Chan approached with a fawning expression.

For the past six months, he had been thinking about devouring these commoners and improving his cultivation.

Unfortunately, Shen Li never agreed.

When a disciple from the main academy spoke up, he immediately felt that his opportunity had arrived.

Bang!
Just as he got close, he was kicked by Shen Li, who sent him tumbling a long way away.

After struggling to his feet, Jin Chan looked at Shen Li with a pitiful expression, not daring to say another word.

The disciple from the clan council who had proposed executing the common people of the four towns was even more nervous upon seeing this scene.

However, Shen Li did not blame him.

Given the current situation of the people in the four towns, she herself is clearly helpless.

She had considered execution, but she hesitated because she worried about whether it would affect the reputation of the Shen family.

"Keep him in custody for now, and don't make any rash moves."

After some thought, Shen Li took a deep look at the cave, then turned and walked down the mountain.

Seeing this, the two demons quickly followed.

On the way, the golden toad was still muttering to itself about not being able to eat the common people.

Shen Li, who was walking slowly, suddenly stopped in her tracks.

The golden toad following behind was so frightened that it immediately fell silent and quietly moved its body a distance away, afraid of being kicked again.

"What do you think would happen if these common people were taken away by other forces?"

A voice that seemed to be talking to itself came from Shen Li's mouth.

Upon hearing this, the golden toad behind him was stunned for a long time before realizing that it was being spoken to.

"Does the master mean to give them to other forces?"

Shen Li sighed softly and said, "Grandpa and the others have always asked the Shen family to treat the people under their jurisdiction well."

"These people must not die at the hands of the Shen family, leaving behind evidence against them."

After muttering to herself, she immediately rushed back to the main courtyard of the clan.

……

The leaves on the mountain leaves turned green then yellow, then yellow then green again...

In the blink of an eye, the spirit rice in the spirit fields of the Western Wilderness was ready for harvest.

Over three years, the Shen family mobilized a large number of common people and also employed many cultivators to help, finally building two giant cities in the Western Wilderness.

One of these two giant cities is Flame Lake City, named after Flame Lake Ridge.

Another giant city standing between Flame Lake City and Cloud Water City was named Zhennan City by Shen Chongming.

Clearly, this city demonstrates its ambition to control the southern border.

The completion of Zhennan City and Yanhu City greatly expanded the Shen family's sphere of influence.

In particular, after the city of Zhennan was built, Mu Chang and Mu Yan led a group of Western Wilderness warriors to win over a large number of grassland tribes within the Western Wilderness.

After these nomadic tribes descended upon Mount Wu, they had long been tormented by the demonic cultivators of Mount Wu.

Now that Zhennan City has appeared, the grassland tribes have abandoned their ways of life that have been passed down for countless years without any hesitation. They have all accepted the Shen family's offer of amnesty and moved into Zhennan City to settle down.

Inside the main hall of Zhennan City.

Shen Wenxing and his son gathered together with Mu Chang and Mu Yan, among others.

"Patriarch, former patriarch."

Mu Chang bowed slightly and said, "Everything in Zhennan City is on track, and now all that's missing is the grand formation."

The entire layout of Zhennan City was copied from Yunshui City.

Because it stands in the western wilderness and is always at risk of being attacked by the Great Wu Mountain, this protective formation cannot be taken lightly.

When it came to the city's protective formation, Shen Chongming was also somewhat perplexed.

"I don't know where that senior Fu Yang, whom my third uncle invited from Danzhou years ago, has gone."

"If we can't find him, it might be troublesome to set up the formations for Zhennan City and Yanhu City."

Shen Wenxing tapped the documents on the table in front of him, pondered for a moment with a serious expression, and then asked, "Have you sent anyone to look for Senior Fu Yang?"

Shen Chongming nodded: "Three years ago, when it was decided to build Zhennan City and Yanhu City, I sent someone to look for them."

"It's a pity that there are many mountains between the Void Harmony Corridor Formation and the Western Wilderness. The cultivators sent out searched for a long time but could not find any trace of Senior Fu Yang."

After a slight pause, Shen Chongming stood up and continued, "The grand formations of Flame Lake City and Zhennan City are of paramount importance."

"In two more years, the second major harvest will begin."

"If we can't set up the great formation, Flame Lake City will be fine."

“There are hundreds of thousands of people from the Western Wilderness living in Zhennan City. If something goes wrong, the consequences will be unimaginable.”

Shen Wenxing nodded to himself.

The people of Xihuang in Zhennan City were gathered by Mu Chang and his men from the vast grasslands with great effort.

The young men in these tribes are all promising talents in physical cultivation; with a little training, they can become excellent soldiers who defend the land and expand the territory.

"What do you plan to do?" Shen Wenxing asked, picking up his teacup.

Shen Chongming turned around and glanced at his father. After pondering for a moment, he cupped his hands and said, "Father, please take care of things at home. I would like to go to Yunzhong County."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing paused slightly as he brought the teacup to his lips, frowning as he looked at him: "You want to ask Senior Jiang from Luoxia Mountain for help?"

"Isn't this too risky?"

Back then, the Shen family and Luoxia Mountain reached a consensus with the six major Golden Core forces in the Southern Frontier that Golden Core cultivators from all sides were not allowed to interfere in the affairs of Yangnao Land.

Although inviting Jiang Xiuqi to help set up the grand formation in Zhennan City and Yanhu City did not outwardly violate the agreement, the matter was not considered a breach of contract.

However, once the grand formations of Zhennan City and Yanhu City were set up, they also affected the overall situation of Yangnao Land.

If this matter is discovered by those old monsters in the Golden Core realm in the Southern Frontier, there will inevitably be disputes, and it may even invalidate the previous agreement and prematurely trigger the fate of Golden Core realm beings.

"I can't control that much."

Shen Chongming said with a deep look in his eyes, "Father should understand the importance of Flame Lake City to the Shen family."

“Zhennan City is a crucial hub connecting Yanhu City and Yunshui City. If it is lost, Yanhu City will instantly become an isolated city.”

"At that time, losing Flame Lake City would be tantamount to ruining an opportunity for the Shen family to rise."

"Therefore, we have to take a gamble."

After much deliberation, Shen Wenxing realized that the Shen family had no better option than to ask Jiang Xiuqi for help.

However, Shen Wen'an is currently in seclusion, and it is uncertain when he will be able to break through to the Golden Core realm.

He worried that if this move really caused unforeseen circumstances, the Shen family might not be able to handle it.

"Should we go and discuss this with your grandfather?"

Shen Chongming smiled and shook his head, saying, "Father often says that we shouldn't bother him with everything. Don't worry, nothing will happen."

"Currently, none of the six major forces in the Southern Frontier want to break this delicate situation prematurely. Senior Jiang is not directly taking action against them; he is merely helping us set up a formation."

“If there’s nothing going on in Zhennan City, Father can find a family or power to manage the city’s affairs.”

After Shen Chongming finished speaking, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and disappeared from the main hall.

……

"This place is indeed peculiar."

"Not only are the local people fierce, but the common folk are also more indifferent than the ordinary people in Yangnao."

In a small town on the northern border of the Southern Frontier, in the Kingdom of Fushan.

Having witnessed a fierce battle, the young man, wielding a dark iron staff, dressed in animal skin, and with disheveled hair, pondered to himself.

This person was Shen Chongxu, who had been away from home for several years.

He bid farewell to Shen Chongming at his parents' graves and left the Shen family.

Heading south, traversing the continuous mountains between Yunshui City and the Xuhe Corridor Formation, he encountered many dangers in the mountains, but also gained some opportunities, and was fortunate enough to break through to the early stage of the Fetal Breathing Realm.

Several months ago, Shen Chongxu was walking along the Xuhe Corridor Formation when he unexpectedly discovered a small gap in a secluded place.

We passed through that gap to reach the southern borderlands.

He was also lucky. Not long after passing through the Void Harmony Corridor Formation, he encountered a group of Qi Refining Realm "Demon Hunters". After helping them, he was also taken by the Demon Hunters to a small human town called "Qingting".

Qingting City belongs to Fushan Kingdom. The city has tens of thousands of people. Because it is adjacent to the vast mountains, groups of cultivators can be seen strolling around the city.

These cultivators were mostly "demon hunters," who hunted demonic beasts in the mountains to obtain the resources needed for cultivation.

After arriving in Qingding City, Shen Chongxu declined the invitation from the group of Qi Refining Realm demon hunters, intending to stay in the city for a while to learn more about the customs and culture of Southern Xinjiang.

"Sir, I'm so sorry, but our shop is closing soon."

"If you are not staying at the hotel, please leave immediately."

As Shen Chongxu gazed at the street in the distance, a group of cultivators who had won a battle were quickly looting their spoils when a young man dressed in a gray cloth robe and wearing a tattered felt hat respectfully approached him.

close the door?

Shen Chongxu looked up at the blazing sun overhead and asked with some confusion, "Why are you closing the door at this time?"

The shop servant glanced outside, then at the long iron staff beside Shen Chongxu, and said nothing.

Upon seeing this, Shen Chongxu immediately took out a purple stone from his pocket and threw it onto the desk in front of him.

"Give me a superior room."

This purple stone was the currency used in the Kingdom of Fushan, and it was called "Obsidian".

The purchasing power of a piece of obsidian is roughly equivalent to ten taels of silver in Yangnao, and there are stones of different colors such as golden obsidian above that.

These were given to Shen Chongxu by that group of demon hunters back then.

"Alright, sir, please wait a moment!"

Upon seeing the obsidian in front of him, the shopkeeper immediately picked it up respectfully, put it in his pocket, and then hurriedly closed the shop door.

After finishing his work, he bowed and approached Shen Chongxu.

"I've kept you waiting, sir."

"Please follow me this way."

Shen Chongxu slowly stood up, holding the long iron staff in his hand, and looked at the food and wine on the table that hadn't been eaten much.

"Don't worry, my lord, I will take all the wine and food to your room shortly."

Following the servant through the hall, we arrived at the guest rooms on the west side of the restaurant's back courtyard.

The shop servant respectfully pushed open the door and looked at Shen Chongxu, saying:
"Are you satisfied, sir?"

Shen Chongxu looked around the room. It wasn't particularly nice, but at least it was clean and tidy.

He nodded slightly and asked, "How many days can that piece of obsidian last?"

The servant respectfully replied, "If you have no other special requests, sir, you should be able to stay for five days."

"Food and drinks are not included."

"Please wait a moment, my lord. I will go and bring you your wine and dishes right away."

After nodding, Shen Chongxu took off his thick animal skin coat and sat down at the square table.

After the waiter brought over the food and wine, he prepared to leave the room.

"Wait a moment."

Shen Chongxu's heart stirred slightly, and then he pointed to the stool opposite him and said, "Please sit down, I have some questions to ask you."

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper looked somewhat troubled.

Upon seeing this, Shen Chongxu took out a piece of obsidian from his pocket and threw it on the table.

"Is it enough?"

Upon seeing this, the shopkeeper's embarrassed expression immediately turned into a smile, and he hurriedly picked up the obsidian and stood respectfully to the side.

"What does Your Excellency wish to ask?"

"This servant will speak frankly and without reservation."

Just as Shen Chongxu was about to pick up the wine pot to pour wine, the shop servant, who was quite perceptive, immediately stepped forward and flattered, "This servant will do it."

"Why would you close your shop in the middle of the day?"

"You're not doing business anymore?"

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper's expression changed slightly. He quickly glanced outside and then lowered his voice, saying, "Sir, did you notice the two groups of cultivators fighting on the street just now?" Shen Chongxu nodded after drinking his wine. "That fight has nothing to do with your restaurant?"

The shopkeeper waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Of course not, but... it's not like there's absolutely no connection."

"My lord, you may not know this, but the one who died tragically was the Changhe Gang, a fourth-tier sect that originally controlled Qingting City."

"The other side is an outside force, I think it's called something like 'Jin Xuan Men', but I can't remember exactly."

"In short, the Changhe Gang suffered a crushing defeat this time, and the cultivators who died were all elites of the Changhe Gang."

"After the Jinxuan Sect wins, they will definitely start to purge the remaining cultivators of the Changhe Gang. It won't be long before they replace the Changhe Gang and become the masters of Qingding City."

"The shopkeeper was afraid of being caught in the crossfire, so he told me to close the shop as soon as possible and not serve any customers."

Hearing this, Shen Chongxu asked with some suspicion, "Isn't there another powerful force behind the Changhe Gang?"

"Qingcheng Castle changed hands so easily?"

Upon hearing this, the shop servant smiled awkwardly and said, "This humble servant does not know."

“But as far back as I can remember, this Qingmachi City has changed hands four times.”

"Whoever wins the battle gets to rule Qingting City, and there haven't been any more powerful cultivators interfering."

"I've heard that the entire Fushan Kingdom is like this."

"Not to mention a small city like Qingting City, even in some large prefectures, the ruler of a prefecture often changes hands."

Is there such a thing?
Shen Chongxu was somewhat surprised after hearing this.

In a city or state, there are no constraints; whoever has the ability can occupy it, and there are no backing or restrictions...

"The second thing."

Taking the drinks offered by the shopkeeper, Shen Chongxu temporarily suppressed his thoughts and slowly asked, "Do you know which powerful forces and immortal sects exist in Fushan Kingdom?"

Upon hearing this, the shop servant shook his head slightly: "Sir, this question is a bit difficult for this humble servant."

"This little slave has lived all her life and has never even left Qingting City."

"However, I have heard some great cultivators who have passed by mention something about 'one sect and three immortal sects'."

"These four forces are probably the most powerful in the entire Fushan Kingdom."

"Of course, His Majesty the King is definitely stronger than the 'One Religion and Three Immortal Sects'."

Shen Chongxu nodded.

That's for sure. Given the chaotic state of Fushan Kingdom, if the royal family wasn't stronger than the so-called "One Religion and Three Immortal Sects," Fushan Kingdom would have changed hands long ago.

"last question."

"What places within Qingting City are frequented by independent cultivators?"

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper was taken aback at first, then a strange smile appeared on his face as he said, "Then it must be Dream Lake."

"I've heard that the Dream Lake is a place where demon hunters and many cultivators indulge in a life of pleasure and debauchery."

"In addition to the pavilions and terraces along the lake, there is also a seven-story ship in the lake."

"I heard that the seven-story ship doesn't collect worldly money at all, but rather spirit crystals used by cultivators."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongxu asked curiously, "You want spirit crystals?"

"Is there anything special about that ship?"

The shopkeeper shook his head with a wry smile: "I've never even been to the brothels by the lake, so I have no idea what's so special about those fancy boats."

"However, rumors are circulating that as long as you have spirit crystals, you will be served by real fairies once you enter the ship."

"Those fairies are all peerless beauties, and they all possess secret bedroom arts that can make men feel like they are in heaven."

At this point, the shopkeeper's eyes became somewhat glazed over.

"If I could ever board that ship on the lake in my lifetime, I would die without regrets."

Seeing his expression, Shen Chongxu smiled faintly, interrupting his fantasy.

He guessed that the "fairies" the shopkeeper mentioned were probably female cultivators.

Once ordinary people embark on spiritual practice, it is quite easy for them to gradually change their appearance if they are willing.

However, most cultivators don't usually care about these things.

To his surprise, cultivators with cultivation could easily join any faction, or at the very least become demon hunters.

Why demean yourself by becoming a prostitute?
If ordinary mortals were to board the ship with spirit crystals, would they really be willing to serve them?
"My lord, I have also heard that some stunningly beautiful female demons occasionally appear inside the ship's tower."

"Compared to fairies, those female demons must be even more alluring and captivating, right?"

Banshee?

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongxu's expression suddenly turned cold.

"Alright, there's nothing more for you to do here. Get out."

The shopkeeper felt the temperature around him suddenly drop and couldn't help but shiver. He realized he had said the wrong thing, so he quickly bowed and left without saying another word.

After he left, Shen Chongxu poured himself a glass of wine, his eyes gleaming.

He came to the southern border region hoping to help the Shen family in another way.

The chaotic situation in Fushan Kingdom gave him an idea.

He witnessed the entire brawl that took place between the restaurant and the street in front of it.

The strongest member of this so-called Golden Pavilion Sect is probably only at the early to mid-stages of the Fetal Breathing Realm.

If we could recruit some independent cultivators and take over Qingting City, we could use it as a base to gradually develop...

Shen Chongxu's gaze was deep, and after careful consideration, he felt that this plan was worth a try.

Even if it doesn't work out, I won't lose anything.

Having made up his mind, he immediately got up, picked up the animal skin coat from the clothes rack, and left the room to walk towards Yimeng Lake.

……

Yunshui City.

Inside the cave on the back mountain, a powerful surge of spiritual energy suddenly emerged.

Accompanying this surge of spiritual energy was a scorching aura of flames!

Outside the cave, Shen Wenxing stood with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face.

Beside him, Shen Xiuyun sensed this aura and a hint of excitement and envy flashed across his face.

"Grandpa, Uncle Chongyi has successfully broken through!"

Shen Wenxing nodded with a smile and said, "There's no need to be envious. Your current cultivation level is already quite high among your peers."

"With your talent, you should be able to reach the Qi Refining Perfection realm in two more years."

Shen Xiuyun nodded.

It wasn't that he lacked the necessary character; it was just that he felt he and his cousin He Chongyi bore the heavy responsibility of pioneering the art of weapon crafting for the Shen family. If they failed to reach the realm of embryonic breathing, they would be unable to comprehend the ancient weapon crafting methods.

The grandfather and grandson waited quietly outside the cave.

As the spiritual energy fluctuations and fiery aura within the cave gradually weakened and eventually disappeared.

The tightly closed stone door was slowly opened.

He Chongyi slowly emerged from the cave.

"Uncle."

Upon seeing Shen Wenxing, He Chongyi bowed slightly.

Shen Wenxing nodded with a smile and said, "How do you feel about this successful breakthrough?"

He Chongyi carefully examined the situation within his body and said, "The 'Li Gong Bing Huo Refining Technique' is very powerful. This breakthrough has not only made my nephew's spiritual energy and true essence exceptionally abundant, but it has also had a certain body-tempering effect."

"My nephew thinks this method was originally created specifically for weapon refiners."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing said with some surprise, "The ancient weapon-refining method does indeed have certain requirements for the physical body. I was worried that you and Xiuyun might need to practice the body-tempering method again, but now it seems that it has saved you some trouble."

"Now that you've successfully broken through after more than a year of seclusion, go see your mother."

"Once we go to Flame Lake City, we'll probably meet much less often."

He Chongyi nodded and cupped his hands, saying, "Nephew, go see your mother first, and then go to your uncle's place."

……

In the pavilion in the courtyard, Shen Wenping sat leaning against the railing, quietly petting the big black dog beside her.

The big black dog was the same one that Shen Yuan had bought years ago to be used as a guinea pig for testing medicine.

Thanks to the demon beast flesh and blood and demon essence pills from back then, as well as the spiritual liquid that later changed his physical condition.

Having lived in the manor rich in spiritual energy for many years, the big black dog has now become an intelligent monster.

In the current Shen family, he holds a very special position.

After all, all the younger generations of the Shen family, including Shen Wen'an, who belong to the "Chong" and "Xiu" generations, grew up with it by their side.

The big black dog lay comfortably on the bench in the pavilion, its eyes slightly closed.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes and slowly looked up at the courtyard gate.

Shen Wenping sensed his movement, snapped out of her daze, and turned to look at him.

But when she saw the graceful and gentle young man walking slowly towards her, Shen Wenping was momentarily dazed, then smiled and stood up.

He Chongyi approached and bowed respectfully.

"mother."

Shen Wenping smiled and nodded, saying, "You've emerged from seclusion?"

"But did you succeed in breaking through?"

He Chongyi came over and helped her sit down.

"Has Mother not been practicing diligently lately?"

Having broken through the embryonic breathing stage, he could easily sense that the spiritual energy fluctuations within his mother's body were still around the second level of Qi Refining, and a trace of worry appeared on his face.

Shen Wenping gently patted his hand and said with a faint smile, "It's normal for your mother to have a slower cultivation pace since she doesn't have any spiritual roots to begin with."

"Just focus on your own cultivation and don't worry about your mother."

Upon hearing this, He Chongyi could only sigh inwardly.

"Mother, after this breakthrough, I will soon be heading to Flame Lake City. Please promise me that you will cultivate diligently."

Looking at the gray hairs growing at his mother's temples, his tone was pleading.

Shen Wenping wanted to say something more, but meeting her son's gaze, she smiled and nodded, saying, "Mother promises you."

"Don't worry, my son. I still want to see you get married and have children, and I'm looking forward to holding my grandson."

He Chongyi smiled upon hearing this.

As the mother and son were chatting, another figure walked in through the courtyard gate.

Upon seeing the visitor, both mother and son stood up.

"father."

"Grandpa."

Shen Yuan's expression was originally somewhat somber, but upon seeing He Chongyi, a smile appeared on his face.

"Not bad, now that you've broken through to the embryonic breathing stage, your aura is much stronger."

Have you seen where your older brother is?

He then turned to Shen Wenping and asked.

"My eldest uncle is in the back hill. Does Grandpa need to see him urgently?"

He Chongyi saw the worry in his eyes and quickly spoke up.

Shen Yuan nodded slightly: "Go and fetch him."

……

Inside the courtyard, the father and son sat facing each other, with He Chongyi standing to one side.

"Father, what happened?"

Seeing that his father's expression was a little off, Shen Wenxing asked in a deep voice.

Shen Yuan sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on the distant sky.

“I consulted the oracle these past few days. The divination results were obscure and unclear, but they indicated a hidden crisis.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing frowned.

"Father, do you know where this crisis comes from?"

However, if there is a crisis, the scope is too large, and it is not easy to prepare in advance.

Shen Yuan shook his head slightly, his expression very solemn, and said, "It is precisely because we cannot obtain a specific prophecy and cannot determine the source of the crisis that I feel uneasy."

He hadn't encountered this situation in a long time.

Although he often didn't receive specific divination results in the past, he would at least get a general direction, which would allow him to prepare.

This time, however, there was neither a prophecy nor a specific direction. Despite expending a great deal of spiritual energy, he was unable to obtain any useful information.

Given his current mastery of the Great Evolution Path and his control over the White Jade Tortoise Shell, there is only one possibility for this situation to occur.

The divination results involve something on a higher level!
"What can I do?"

Seeing Shen Yuan's worried and restless appearance, Shen Wenxing quickly spoke up.

After pondering for a long time, Shen Yuan slowly asked, "How long has the third brother been in seclusion?"

Shen Wenxing carefully considered the matter and replied, "Three years and one month."

“Three years…” Shen Yuan murmured for a while, “Back then, it seemed that it only took Senior Jiang Xiuqi four years to break through to the Golden Core stage.”

"Wen An's talent is better than his; three years should be enough for him, right?"

"Father, are you worried that there might be problems with the third son's breakthrough?" Shen Wenxing asked, frowning.

As the elder brother, he never worried about what might happen to Shen Wen'an when he broke through to the Golden Core stage.

This is because Shen Wen'an's talent in cultivation has always been something no one has to worry about since he was a child.

Shen Yuan remained silent.

Regarding Shen Wen'an's breakthrough, it was inherently related to the Golden Core Dao, and he couldn't deduce any information from it at all.

This analysis only examines the most likely sources of the crisis.

What is Chongming busy with?

After a moment's thought, Shen Yuan suddenly asked a question.

"He went to Yunzhong County to find Elder Jiang..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Wenxing's expression suddenly changed.

He vaguely sensed that the "crisis" his father spoke of was very likely related to what Shen Chongming was about to do!

Some time ago in Zhennan City, when the father and son were discussing asking Jiang Xiuqi to help set up a magic array, he was worried that this move would cause unforeseen changes.

Now, coincidentally, the father has received a warning.

Could it be that Jiang Xiuqi's move will really provoke those old monsters in the Golden Core realm in the Southern Frontier to take action?
"What does he want with Senior Jiang?" Shen Yuan asked suspiciously.

Shen Wenxing immediately told him what had happened.

However, Shen Yuan did not react much after hearing this.

"Father, could the source of the crisis be..."

"Send someone to Yunzhong County City right now!"

"No need." Shen Yuan waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "The player in this grand game has a deeper plan."

"This move will not provoke those Golden Core cultivators in the Southern Frontier to take action."

After a moment's thought, he continued, "Don't take any other actions for the next few days. Let me observe further."

"Chongyi, don't rush to Flame Lake City. Let's wait until this period of time is over."

After leaving the courtyard, Shen Yuan returned to the second floor of the Blackwater Pavilion.

On the chessboard, which is three feet long, both black and white chess pieces emit a faint glow.

Shen Yuan glanced at the chess piece, his eyes deep, and murmured in a low voice, "Yin Yang Ji Hui..."

"What exactly are you plotting..."

……

Shen Wen'an's small courtyard at the foot of the mountain.

In the courtyard, Wei Qiuling was instructing her son, Shen Chongzhen, on swordsmanship.

The little guy is now seven years old, and his every move already shows the demeanor of a master swordsman.

Just as the mother and son were about to sheathe their swords and rest, they suddenly sensed a strange fluctuation.

This fluctuation is like an unparalleled divine weapon slowly being unsheathed.

Wei Qiuling's gaze immediately turned to the room where Shen Wen'an was in seclusion.

"Oops!"

Shen Chongzhen, who was standing next to him, suddenly changed his expression and hurriedly ran into the house to retrieve an unopened letter.

"Before Father went into seclusion, he gave me this letter and told me to give it to Mother when I sensed the aura of the sword being drawn."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qiuling looked on with suspicion.

She didn't understand why Shen Wen'an couldn't tell her what he wanted to say, and instead had to leave a letter for Chongzhen to deliver.

After taking the letter, she opened it and glanced at it, her expression immediately changing slightly!

"Chongzhen, let's go!"

Pulling Shen Chongzhen along, Wei Qiuling hurriedly flew towards the Blackwater Pavilion.

Just as the mother and son left, a sword beam shot straight into the sky from Shen Wen'an's secluded cultivation room!
In an instant, the sword light seemed to break through the shackles of the void and open a golden portal!
Such a terrifying phenomenon was witnessed not only by the cultivators and common people of Yunshui City, but also by various forces within a radius of a thousand miles!

"Has someone broken through to the Golden Core stage?!"

"Judging from his appearance, he's a sword cultivator. Could he be that person from the Shen family in Yunshui City?"

"These strange phenomena are too terrifying, just like the sword opening the gates of heaven recorded in ancient books!"

"Breaking through to the Golden Core stage... those guys should be making their move soon, right?"

In an instant, the eyes of the six major powers in the Southern Frontier were all fixed on Yunshui City.

Upon sensing the commotion, Jiang Xiuqi, who was far away in Yunzhong County, immediately set up several array plates around himself to conceal all his aura!

As the terrifying sword light shot straight into the sky above Yunshui City, two figures suddenly appeared outside the Renshui Spirit Concealment Formation.

Both figures were dressed in black fitted robes, and one of them was none other than Fu Yang, who had helped the Shen family set up the city's protective formation!

However, Fu Yang seemed like a different person at this moment, his gaze towards Yunshui City filled with unfamiliarity.

(End of this chapter)