There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 220 Enlightenment in the Mountains
Mingxia Mountain has a new look.

Chen Qing rode his flying boat into the air and looked down at the mountain gate.

At the foot of the mountain, crisscrossing paths stretched out, and layers of spiritual fields lay in abundance, with tenant farmers diligently cultivating the land. Further up, newly constructed roads wound like white ribbons, and the foundations of several palaces and pavilions were already in place, with piles of stones and craftsmen bustling about. Although it was not yet fully developed, it already revealed the grandeur of a secluded sect.

"It has only been a short time since I left, yet such a change has occurred."

To his surprise, the flying boat descended to the mountainside, where he saw a cluster of newly built houses arranged in a neat and orderly fashion, with green tiles and flying eaves, and newly erected pillars. Many craftsmen were busy at work, and the sounds of chiseling stone and shouting could be heard incessantly.

Although the spiritual energy was still thin, wisps of it seeped from the earth's veins and flowed into the newly formed spirit-gathering array, indicating that it had been adjusted by a master.

"With such manpower and resources, and the ability to hire experts to plan, it must be Shaoyou's doing."

Thinking this, Chen Qing stepped out of the flying boat and had just entered the mountain gate when he saw a person hurrying to greet him. It was Bai Shaoyou.

"Master! You're back!"

“Hmm,” Chen Qing’s gaze swept around, “You’ve worked hard these past few days, and you’ve managed to create such a remarkable scene.”

"It's just my duty, why talk about hardship?" Bai Shaoyou said with a cheerful smile, then stepped aside to lead the way. "Master, please. I have a few things to report to you."

Chen Qing was quite straightforward: "Just say it."

Bai Shaoyou immediately said as he walked, "Disciple has already asked someone to measure the entire mountain. My Mingxia main vein, along with its branches, stretches for 630 miles and has 12 peaks. Among them, there are eight main vein peaks, with our main peak being the most prestigious. It does not yet have a name, so please ask Master to bestow a name upon it. As for the other four branch peaks, they are currently facing some difficulties."

"Oh?" Chen Qing's eyes flickered slightly. In fact, his understanding of Mingxia Mountain was limited to his own sect's small territory. He didn't know much about the other parts. Firstly, his master Zhou Yuanjing had been in charge in the past, and secondly, since he took over as sect leader, he hadn't slacked off for a single day. He had been trying to sleep and dream. Now that he had entered the Golden Core stage, he was able to protect the area, and he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Now, upon hearing the report, I feel that this disciple is quite reliable.

Bai Shaoyou then said, "Those four peaks are occupied by several demon clans. Their cultivation is not high, but they occupy the advantageous location. However, Master, you don't need to worry. I have already sent someone to tell them to move out within a time limit. Perhaps they can be allowed to stay in the mountains to cultivate elsewhere, but the peaks must be vacated. The peaks of major sects are always limited. Usually, only elders and true disciples can choose them as their training grounds! How can we let demons occupy them all?"

Seeing Chen Qing's thoughtful expression, he immediately added, "Master, rest assured, this matter was not forced. There are already friendly sects such as the Giant Wave Sect and the Sandstorm Gang supporting us. There is even a mysterious expert who comes and goes without a trace, like a dragon whose head is seen but not its tail, yet he still took action to suppress them, making those few demons have no choice but to submit. Don't worry, demons are all those who have struggled out of the struggle for survival, and they are the best at weighing things."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing immediately realized that it was his position as the leader of the Nanbin Alliance that was at play, as for that mysterious expert…

"Is that the Demonic Path Grandmaster Jun Wuyai?"

Bai Shaoyou further explained, "Actually, I'm saving them. Our Hidden Star Sect will surely flourish in the future. Giving up the peak now is like joining us, and we might even get the proper title of 'Guardian Spirit Beast' in the future. If they don't know what's good for them..." He shook his head and revealed a cold smile, "then they will be cutting themselves off from the righteous path. It's only right to wipe them out. At that time, history will be like iron, and future generations will only curse them."

After listening to his analysis and handling of the situation, Chen Qing thought to himself that this disciple was indeed from a family with a strong academic background and knew how to use both soft and hard tactics and pursue both fame and fortune.

"In that case, we will proceed as you wish." Chen Qing waved his hand. "You need to take care of the sect's mundane affairs, but you cannot slack off on your cultivation. You have been lingering in the second realm for a long time, and you should find a way to advance further. I have gained a lot of insights during my recent seclusion. Later, you, Da'ao, Xiaoyao, and Hou'er will come over together, and I will give you a lecture."

Upon hearing this, Bai Shaoyou's spirits lifted, and he bowed, saying, "I will obey your orders, Master! I will not fail in my mission!" Only then did he notice that his newly sworn master's aura was increasingly profound and unfathomable. He couldn't help but think to himself, "Back then, my master's cultivation was comparable to mine, which is why I hesitated for so long before making a decision. Now, looking at it again, my master's progress is truly incredible. This probably cannot be explained by talent or aptitude alone..."

After exchanging a few words, Chen Qing climbed the steps.

Bai Shaoyou followed closely behind, pointing to the original location of the mountain gate, and said, "Master, please forgive me, there were originally eight rooms at the mountain gate, all preserved in their original appearance. This is the foundation of our sect, and every brick and tile contains auspicious energy. I believe it should be set up as a forbidden area for Master to cultivate in seclusion."

"Why go through all this trouble?" Chen Qing chuckled and shook his head, but then he had a sudden realization, as if he had grasped a glimmer of inspiration!
At this moment, the black cat perched on the shoulder suddenly raised its tail, its eyes flashing with a strange light: "Master, your disciple is indeed insightful! For a sect to exist in the world, there must be a balance between leniency and strictness. The sect's layout must indeed be well-organized, like an emperor ruling from the south, where orders are obeyed. The council hall should be built where the dragon vein rises, the scripture pavilion should suppress the earth fire spirit eye, and the disciples' residences should be arranged according to the Big Dipper. Only in this way can we borrow the power of heaven and earth to nourish the sect's energy! When the Taiyi Ancestor established the sect in the past, there were specific rules about how to build the altar and how to bury the array eye!"

Bai Shaoyou was taken aback upon hearing this, and sized up the talking black cat: "I didn't expect it to be a spirit beast?"

"A celestial beast?" The black cat's whiskers trembled slightly, and it arrogantly raised its head. "I am the guardian sacred beast of the Taiyi Dao Palace, the Shadow Leopard-Scale! I am in charge of three thousand forbidden techniques and understand the Yin-Yang rituals!"

"My apologies! My apologies! It turns out you are someone like you! Judging from your words, you must also be aware of the past events?" Bai Shaoyou said, his eyes lighting up. "Then we should get closer in the future."

After saying that, a flash of inspiration struck him. Looking at the foundation of the palace that rose and fell with the mountain, he suddenly said, "According to what you said, if the side hall in the northeast corner were moved another three zhang, it would be able to connect with the earth vein node."

Upon hearing this, the black cat sized up Bai Shaoyou and nodded, saying, "Young man, you have some insight. You're a promising student!" It raised its paw and gestured in the air, "Actually, if we add a screen wall here to draw in the purple aura of the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), the effect can be increased by another 30%..."

The man and the cat started discussing feng shui principles.

Standing amidst the lush greenery, Chen Qing gazed at the gradually taking shape mountain gate, a smile flickering in his eyes.

"Master, at least I didn't fall apart this sect."

At this moment, he vaguely had a concept and idea about the way of management and how to be the head of a sect.

"The key to success lies in appointing wise and capable people. In the past, when Taigong governed Qi, he simplified the rituals and followed the local customs. Within a few months, the people returned to him. When Guan Zhong served Duke Huan, he observed his abilities and appointed officials accordingly, thus achieving hegemony. This is all because wise rulers do not handle trivial matters themselves, but entrust the government to virtuous and capable people."

As Chen Qing pondered, his thoughts gradually became clearer.

Managing the sect and regulating the earth's veins are not his forte; even if he were to attempt them, he would only be of average ability. However, in the path of cultivation, those who have reached the highest level are given priority. Now that he has attained the Nine-Turn Golden Core realm, his cultivation is the sect's greatest asset, like a stabilizing force, calming the storms of fortune. In the future, he only needs to impart his insights into the path and his wondrous techniques to the disciples, and the sect will naturally flourish. Why must he personally handle everything?
With this thought in mind, Chen Qing's inspiration grew even stronger. His aura resonated subtly with the Mingxia Mountain Range beneath his feet, and a sudden idea struck him. "For a sect to prosper, besides outstanding individuals, it also needs a blessed land. Although this mountain is barren of spiritual veins, the pseudo-sect within my dantian is almost like a living paradise! If I were to carve out a quiet room deep within the mountain and sit there for a long time, drawing the spiritual energy of this sect back to nourish the roots of the mountain, day by day, it might be possible to turn stone into gold and transform this Mingxia Mountain into a first-class spiritual mountain paradise! However, there is no need to rush."

Chen Qing suppressed his thoughts. His priority was to understand the mysteries of the Nascent Soul stage and establish his cultivation direction.

"However, upon closer reflection, if I were to remain in the mountains, using the Spirit Gate to absorb and release spiritual energy, thereby enhancing my cultivation and establishing the foundation of the sect, and by knowing how to appoint the right people to the right positions, could I maintain the sect's operation? Wouldn't this mountain, both inside and out, become a self-contained cycle, essentially a small world? Buzz!"

As he thought of this, he was suddenly struck by a strange realization!

The opening outline of the "Method of Slaying Evil and Transforming into Scenery" suddenly came to mind—

"All things have scenery, and scenery carries the Dao. The Nascent Soul refines scenery, which is not merely an increase in power, but the beginning of glimpsing the Dao. The scenery is not forged to imitate the form of heaven and earth, but to imitate its bones; not to depict its image, but to carve its principles! How can it support the sky? How can it support the earth? How does the spiritual energy flow? How do all things come into being and perish? Heaven and earth are like a vessel, and there must be a pivot; the Great Dao is like a craftsman, and it must follow the laws! Your scenery is the root and bone of heaven and earth that you see, and the pivot of creation that you comprehend!"

"Having thoroughly examined the ancient methods of refining landscapes, I found that they all emphasized form over principle, abandoning the essential for the trivial. How could they possibly attain the truth? Therefore, I have specially established this method, 'Slaying Evil and Transforming Landscapes,' which does not follow the old path but seeks to directly point to the source. The purpose is to cut through illusions, glimpse one thing and see ten thousand things, and open a shortcut for those who come after to peer into the key to the universe!"

Chen Qing was greatly shocked. He felt that although he had gained some insights along the way, none of them were as profound as this sudden enlightenment!

"The Nascent Soul realm involves the absorption and release of spiritual energy, and the evolution of external landscapes. It is not about imitating mountains, rivers, wind, rain, thunder, and lightning as power and supernatural abilities to fight against others. That is merely the most superficial appearance, knowing what but not why! The true Nascent Soul realm is about peering into, simulating, and replicating the original appearance of this world, preparing for the next step of analyzing its framework, understanding its driving force, and mastering its laws!"
Just like when ordinary people see a sophisticated machine, the fool only sees its beautiful appearance, while the wise will disassemble its internal gears and bearings to understand how the power is transmitted, how the various parts mesh, and how they coordinate to achieve the final effect!
Heaven and earth are the grandest, most precise, and most complex "machinery"!
The purpose of a cultivator's refinement is to gradually grow into a "wise person" who can analyze the world!
What the Nascent Soul stage looks like depends on the cultivator's understanding of the "rules of operation" of heaven and earth!

"No wonder. The underlying principle of the Eight Scenes of the Nascent Soul Realm is the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). Capturing the scenes of heaven and earth into oneself is to facilitate understanding why the wind rises, why thunder is generated, why water flows, why fire burns, why spiritual energy gathers and dissipates, why the driving force behind the birth and death of all things is understood, and why the universe is maintained without collapsing. This is the true meaning of refining scenes! However, this is probably not something that can be truly comprehended at the Nascent Soul Realm. But one should try to capture as many scenes of heaven and earth as possible at the Nascent Soul Realm!"

At this thought, Chen Qing felt a sense of relief and clarity.

"So that's how it is! So that's how it is! In that case, I really can't just swallow any Nascent Soul scene. I have to choose one that can help me understand the worldview of this universe. Otherwise, I'll just be occupying one of the eight scenes for nothing. No matter how powerful I am in combat, it won't help me on the path of seeking the Dao!"

He let out a long breath.

"However, my previous thought of using the 'Pseudo-Mysterious Gate' in my heart as the foundation for refining the landscape was correct! This gate can absorb immeasurable spiritual energy, almost forming its own system, and secretly conforming to the wonders of the root of heaven and earth! It must contain some kind of fundamental secret of the operation of heaven and earth! But that alone is far from enough! I need to truly understand why it can absorb and release spiritual energy, what its internal rules are, and how it interacts with the vast world through what rules?"

"And there are many supernatural abilities I possess, such as the Xuanmen Guidance ability, which can connect to the portals of all things. What kind of spatial rules does this involve?"

"If I were to refine the sun, moon, stars, sea, and icy mountains within my Jade Palace Purple Mansion into external scenery, what mysteries of the world would each correspond to?"

One thought leads to understanding, and a hundred thoughts will follow!
The fog ahead dissipated, and a magnificent road unfolded before us!
Refining the realm is not the accumulation of strength, but a leap of wisdom and an enlightenment of the Dao!

"What a magnificent 'Method of Slaying Evil and Transforming Scenery'! What a masterful imitation of its essence and principles! I wonder which sage of the past created this profound and mysterious method of seeking the Dao and peering into the heavens..."

Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat.

“I remember that the Nascent Soul Realm is the fifth realm, and its full name is the Nascent Soul Inquiry Realm. The sixth realm is the Dharma Aspect Realm, and its full name is Dharma Aspect Peeping at the Heavens! Could it be that this ‘Slaying Evil and Transforming Scenery’ method allows people to peep at the heavens in the Nascent Soul stage? The preciousness of this method is probably beyond imagination. How could it fall into Liu Shuang’er’s hands and be kept on a high shelf, regarded as a chicken rib?”

However, he immediately understood.

“That’s right. Times have changed. Things are different now than in the past. If it were a Celestial Dynasty, the Transformation Technique would surely cause a bloodbath if it were leaked. But in the present world, even Nascent Soul cultivators need elixirs to help them devour scenery. The formulas are worth a fortune and are sought after by thousands. Such profound techniques are now ignored. Liu Shuang’er gave it to me as a reference. Fortunately, I have the Celestial Dynasty in my dreams to help me, so I can use it!”

However, Chen Qing also understood that even with the aid of dreams, according to this method, it would still take several years of painstaking work to condense each layer of external scenery. Golden Core cultivators live for over a thousand years, and several years for each scene may seem short, but the eight scenes of the Nascent Soul stage are progressively advanced, and the time required is beyond what ordinary people can imagine.

Thinking of this, he suddenly had a few thoughts. Although the lifespan of the Golden Core realm is long, it is still limited. But how strange that Li Benji, with his incomplete Golden Core body, was able to prolong his life for thousands of years!
"At first, I was just amazed, but the more I know, the stranger it seems! There must be a huge cause and effect and a lot of mysterious scheming behind this, and the water is unfathomable! The dangers involved are probably far beyond our imagination, hmm?"

As Chen Qing was pondering, the Nine-Turn Golden Pill in his abdomen trembled, and the decaying outer core that had been dormant for a long time also trembled slightly. A sudden sense of unease swept through his heart, and he felt a sense of warning!
He immediately composed himself, cutting off all distracting thoughts, and his expression hardened slightly.

"I was struck by a sudden inspiration, and this premonition arose from my thoughts! This matter is of great importance, and I must not get involved. Besides, I have no reason to get involved. I will find an opportunity to send this external elixir back to the Xuanyu Prison. This is their good fortune."

Thinking of this, Chen Qing turned his thoughts back to his own path of development. The safest way at the moment was to borrow the body of the Dharma Master in the dream to try to cultivate the "Slaying Evil and Transforming Scenery Method" first, to verify its mystery, to pave the way for his own body, and then step by step, select and perfect the Nascent Soul realm.

However, this time, he did not immediately fall into a deep sleep.

Having achieved the Golden Core, he is now a veritable "patriarch" in this land of Nanbin. From now on, whether in dreams or in reality, it is common for him to spend years or even months in seclusion to comprehend the profound truths of the Nascent Soul. Therefore, before that, he must pass on his recent insights to his disciples to solidify the foundation of the sect. He cannot simply become a hands-off manager and do nothing.

The path of cultivation must be walked alone, but the essence of a sect's inheritance lies in the continuous transmission of its teachings.

"Moreover, we also need to replenish some Dao traces."

Thinking of this, he immediately said loudly, "Shaoyou."

Bai Shaoyou was arguing with the black cat at a crucial point when he heard the sound and immediately turned around, asking, "What are your orders, Master?"

Chen Qing said, "Go and make the arrangements. Tomorrow I will hold a sermon at this old site of the mountain gate to explain the profound mysteries. Disciples of the sect and those who are destined can all come and listen. If you have any doubts, you can ask me."

He originally intended to only mention his own disciples, but as he was about to speak, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he added the phrase "a person with a predestined connection."

(End of this chapter)