Starting Immortal Cultivation from a White Dog

Taiqing Temple, Xuantian Peak.

The vast sea of ​​clouds surged like a tide, and a faint light shone through the rocks. Looking down from the sky, the 108 peaks of the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Mountains were arranged like stars surrounding the moon.

Spiritual light soared from each mountain peak, weaving together to form a grand array covering the entire Central Plains. As the array patterns flowed, faint sounds of dragon roars and tiger howls echoed from the depths of the void.

At the summit of Xuantian Peak, the Taiqing Hall stands majestically.

The main hall was bathed in rosy light, with nine layers of flying eaves rising one after another, and the copper bells hanging from the eaves made a clear and melodious sound in the wind.

The Taoist of Heavenly Capital descended with a burst of light and landed in front of the hall.

The boy on duty was taken aback at first, then bowed deeply, his expression extremely respectful: "Disciple greets the Sect Leader."

The Taoist Tiandu nodded slightly, gently raised the jade ruyi in his hand, and a clear light fell down, condensing into dozens of names. Then, as the clear light flowed, it rolled up the dozens of names and transformed them into an ancient scroll.

He handed the scroll to the boy and instructed, "Convey my decree, summon these people to the Taiqing Hall for a summons, and do not fail to do so."

"Disciple receives the decree." The disciple on duty took the scroll with both hands, bowed, took three steps back, and then turned and quickly left.

The Taoist Master Tiandu said no more and strode toward the Taiqing Hall. The hall doors opened on their own in front of him, revealing the ever-burning lamps inside.

He sat down in the position of sect leader, placed the jade ruyi on his lap, and slowly closed his eyes. Countless thoughts surged in his mind, "Why did that person tell me so directly about my absence and so many secrets?"

How much of what he said was true and how much was false?

"Where should I go from here?"

The hall was completely silent, with only the faint sound of flickering lamplight.

……

Northwest Continent, Lishan Mountain.

On a rock face on the western slope of the summit, there is the Crimson Cloud Cave.

Every morning and evening, towering crimson clouds rise from the rock walls, illuminating half the sky in a dazzling display.

Since Shakyamuni opened the Vulture Peak and fought a great battle with the Lord of Heaven, the Northwest War came to an abrupt end. After all, even the Eighteen Demon Lords were suppressed, and the remaining demon and god cultivators were naturally unable to resist the joint conquest by Buddhism and Taoism.

In just a few months, the entire Northwest continent was swept away.

Both Zhu Yeshuang and Chi Limu made great contributions in the Northwest War, and their cultivation progressed extremely quickly amidst the fighting.

Especially after Zhu Yeshuang's cultivation made a breakthrough, she joined forces with her disciple Chi Limu and, with the help of the Qingli Immortal Sword's restraint on the Qingli Witch, killed her with a single sword strike. The demonic seeds that she had planted in the bodies of countless living beings were all destroyed by the immortal sword through the connection of cause and effect.

After reporting to his master, Zhu Yeshuang established a Taoist temple on this mountain. In just over twenty years, he cultivated the Crimson Dragon Dharma Form and became a Daoist immortal.

Chi Limu's cultivation has progressed by leaps and bounds, and he is now only half a step away from breaking through to the Loose Immortal realm.

Deep within the Crimson Cloud Cave, on a stone couch, Zhu Yeshuang sat cross-legged, her long, flowing black hair cascading over her shoulders, making her jade-like face appear even more aloof.

A faint red light appeared between her brows, which was the outward manifestation of her perfected Dharma form and divine light emanating from her body. With each breath, a sword light as thin as a spider's thread was breathed in and out between her mouth and nose.

On the sword rack beside the stone bed, the Fire Dragon Sword lay quietly in its scabbard, which was covered with fine scale patterns. At this moment, it was trembling slightly as its master circulated his cultivation technique, emitting a deep sword sound.

Just then, a beam of clear light pierced through the restrictions at the entrance of the cave and flew straight into the Golden Cloud Cave.

The clear light hovered in the center of the cave, transforming into a palm-sized talisman. The clear light flowed over the talisman, with dense incantations floating within it.

Zhu Yeshuang suddenly opened her eyes. The instant her eyes opened, two streaks of crimson light flashed in the depths of her pupils, forcing the golden clouds in the cave to retreat three feet.

She glanced at the talisman hanging in front of her, her brow furrowing slightly. "A decree from the Sect Leader has arrived from Suspended Sky Peak?"

She reached out and took the talisman, her consciousness sinking into it, and instantly a Daoist voice resounded in her heart.

"By imperial decree, Elder Zhu Yeshuang of Chixiao Cave in Lishan is urgently summoned to return to Tiandu Peak within three days."

After reading the decree twice, Zhu Yeshuang put away the talisman and stood up from the stone bed. "So suddenly, what major event is about to happen in the sect?"

As she was pondering, the cave door suddenly opened, and Chi Limu walked into the cave carrying an ancient sword with a sheath on his back.

More than twenty years have passed, and she has become even more beautiful and charming. Time has left no trace on her face; instead, it has added to her mature and alluring charm. Especially after cultivating her primordial spirit in recent years, her life essence has undergone a transformation, making her even more refined and otherworldly.

At this moment, she was dressed in a plain white dress, with only a silver sash tied around her waist, outlining her beautiful and moving body curves. The immortal sword on her back flowed with clear light, giving her an even more imposing and heroic air.

"Master, I have just received a decree from the sect leader, requiring me to return to Xuantian Peak within three days."

"Even you received the message?" Zhu Yeshuang raised her delicate eyebrows slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face. "It seems that something serious has really happened in the sect."

She raised her hand and the Fire Dragon Sword on the sword rack flew into her palm on its own.

"In that case, let's return to our sect together and go."

"Yes, Master," Chi Limu replied respectfully.

The master and apprentice have relied on each other for many years, and have gone through life and death together on the Northwest battlefield. Their relationship has long surpassed that of ordinary people.

The master and disciple left the Golden Cloud Cave. Zhu Yeshuang lightly touched the ground with her toes, and crimson sword light soared into the sky, transforming into a sword rainbow like a fire dragon, rushing towards the Central Plains Suspended Sky Peak.

Chi Limu followed closely behind. Although she had not yet condensed her Dharma form, her accumulation over the years was extremely profound. She just did not have a suitable famous mountain to establish her Daoist temple. In terms of foundation, she was already capable of breaking through to the Loose Immortal realm.

At this moment, he sat cross-legged on a golden phoenix, transforming into a golden light that traversed the sky, closely following behind Zhu Yeshuang.

Two streaks of light, one after the other, pierced through the clouds and mist, heading towards the Central Plains.

……

When Zhu Yeshuang and Chi Limu arrived at Xuantian Peak, before they could return to their cave dwelling there, a boy came to deliver an imperial decree, leading them to the Taiqing Palace.

When they arrived at the Taiqing Hall, they discovered that more than twenty fellow elders and disciples had already arrived.

Upon seeing Zhu Yeshuang and Chi Limu, many elders smiled and nodded.

"Elder Zhu." "Elder Chi Li!"

Over the years, the prestige of the master and disciple has grown increasingly high within the sect. Zhu Yeshuang has broken through to the Loose Immortal realm, and Chi Limu is not far from achieving it either. Both of them have the hope of becoming True Immortals, or even Gods.

Zhu Yeshuang nodded slightly, without saying anything more to them.

Just then, a figure strode out from the crowd in front of the hall and headed straight for her.

The man was tall and slender, with a handsome face, sword-like eyebrows that reached his temples, and a faint smile on his lips. He was dressed in a blue robe, and his demeanor was composed, naturally exuding a free and unrestrained air.

It was none other than the invisible sword immortal, Li Guan.

He cultivated the principles of the Great Void and the Great Freedom Formless Sword Qi. Over the years, he also broke through to the Loose Immortal realm on the Northwest battlefield. In particular, he and Zhu Yeshuang were fellow disciples and had supported each other many times on the Northwest battlefield, entrusting each other with their lives and having a deep friendship.

"Junior Sister!" Li Guan raised his hand from afar, his voice filled with undisguised joy, "I knew you would be among those summoned, and sure enough, I've been waiting for you."

When Zhu Yeshuang saw him, the cold frost on her face melted slightly, and she nodded, saying, "Senior brother, you're here too."

Li Guan strode up to her, looked her up and down, and his gaze lingered for a moment on the faint red light flowing between her brows. He raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Goodness, your cultivation has improved again. Back when you established your Daoist temple in Lishan, your Dharma form had just been formed. Now, only a few years later, your Dharma form has been fully formed and your divine light shines through your body."

"If this continues, where will I, as the senior brother, put my face?"

He joked, but his tone was full of satisfaction and pride.

Zhu Yeshuang glanced at him indifferently and said slowly, "If I hadn't recently heard from my senior uncle Su that you were seeking to break through to the True Immortal realm, I might have believed your flattery."

Upon hearing this, Li Guan burst into laughter, his hearty laughter drawing the attention of several elders in front of the hall. However, he paid no attention and waved his hand, saying, "Not at all, it's just a little preparation in advance!"

As he spoke with Zhu Yeshuang, his gaze fell upon Chi Limu behind her. He smiled and said in a kind tone, "Limu is here too. The last time I saw you was ten years ago. Now you have reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm and are not far from becoming a Loose Immortal."

"Your master didn't have such a profound foundation when he was your age. You are truly a force to be reckoned with."

Chi Limu bowed respectfully, his voice clear and gentle: "Uncle-Master, you flatter me. Back then, you slew countless demons in the Northwest. Your invisible sword energy struck fear into the hearts of countless demons. My meager skills are far from sufficient."

Li Guan beamed with delight at her praise, waving his hands repeatedly, but showing no modesty whatsoever: "Haha, Li Mu, you really have an eye for talent."

Zhu Yeshuang frowned slightly. This guy hadn't changed at all after all these years, lacking any of the composure of an elder. She took the initiative to interrupt his boasting and asked, "Senior brother, do you know why the sect leader summoned us back this time?"

Li Guan shook his head. "I just received the imperial edict and don't know the reason."

His gaze swept over the crowd that had arrived in front of the hall without him noticing. A thoughtful look appeared in his eyes. He then transmitted his voice to Zhu Yeshuang and said, "But today's gathering is quite impressive. Senior Sister Mingxiao, Senior Brother Qingsong, Elder Xuancheng, and Junior Sister Lingsu are all relatively young rogue immortals in the sect. They have all come this time."

"Besides, there are also some geniuses in the Nascent Soul Realm, twelve Loose Immortals and more than twenty Nascent Soul True Persons. I arrived a little earlier than you and found that the sect leader has gathered all those with monstrous talent and foundation."

"None of the older, wandering immortals and primordial spirit cultivators were present. I think this operation is quite different from the past."

Zhu Yeshuang remained silent for a moment, then said, "We'll know once the sect leader issues the decree."

Li Guan nodded, said no more, stood with his hands behind his back beside Zhu Yeshuang, his gaze fixed on the tightly closed doors of Taiqing Palace. The usual smile on his lips gradually faded, replaced by a calm and focused expression.

As time passed, more and more people gathered in the square in front of the Taiqing Hall. A gentle breeze passed through the eaves, blowing the bronze bells and producing a series of clear and melodious sounds.

About an hour later, the doors of the Taiqing Hall slowly opened.

The attendant stood before the steps and announced in a loud voice: "The sect leader has decreed that all elders and disciples enter the hall to receive the summons."

Upon hearing this, the crowd in the square in front of the hall became solemn, and then, according to seniority and experience, they lined up in an orderly fashion and filed in.

The Taiqing Hall was brightly lit, and the Taoist Tiandu sat upright in the position of sect leader, with a jade ruyi lying across his lap, his face as calm as still water.

He exuded no aura whatsoever, yet simply sitting there, he was like an insurmountable mountain, causing everyone who entered the hall to involuntarily hold their breath and fall silent.

The people lined up in two rows in the hall according to their seniority, with the elders in front and the disciples behind. After dozens of people stood in place, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only the flickering light of the eternal lamps.

Daoist Tiandu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces. "I have summoned you all here today by order of the Great Crimson Heavenly Venerable, to gather the disciples of the sect to cultivate in the Great Crimson Heaven."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You must seize this chance. The place where the Celestial Venerable resides is full of opportunities. Even a small gain will surely bring you great benefits."

Upon hearing this, although no one in the hall uttered a sound, everyone was startled.

The Great Crimson Heaven—that's the Daoist temple of the Great Crimson Heavenly Venerable, the most core sacred ground of the Taiqing Temple lineage. Ordinary disciples might never have the chance to set foot in the Great Crimson Heaven in their entire lives, yet now they're allowed to cultivate there?!

Ignoring the shock in everyone's hearts, the Taoist Master Tiandu raised his hand and gently waved his jade ruyi. Dozens of clear lights flew out from the top of the ruyi and flew to each person, transforming into a palm-sized clear light talisman.

"With this talisman, you may enter the Great Crimson Heaven. I will give you ten days to handle your trivial matters. After ten days, I will personally lead you to the Great Crimson Heaven for cultivation."

He paused, then raised his voice: "This is a decree personally issued by the Patriarch, and it is the greatest opportunity our Taiqing Temple has ever had in ten thousand years. You are fortunate enough to receive the Patriarch's favor, which is a blessing earned through countless lifetimes. You should cherish this opportunity."

Everyone bowed in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized, their voices loud and solemn: "We disciples will respectfully obey the decrees of our patriarch and the sect leader."

Daoist Tiandu nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on the crowd for a moment before waving his hand and saying, "Step down."

The crowd bowed again and then filed out of the hall in the order they had entered.

Only after walking several dozen feet away from the main hall did the crowd gradually disperse, chatting in hushed tones in twos and threes.

Most people had a hint of barely suppressed excitement in their eyes... After all, the title "Great Crimson Heaven" held irreplaceable weight in the hearts of the disciples of Taiqing Temple.

Zhu Yeshuang and Li Guan walked side by side on the bluestone road, with clouds and mist swirling beneath their feet. Chi Limu followed quietly behind his master, knowing that his master and senior master had something to say, so he did not go forward to disturb them.

Li Guan walked in silence for a long time before finally speaking, "Junior Sister, what do you think? Why did you suddenly summon us to the Great Crimson Heaven for cultivation? I feel it's a bit... uh, a bit too sudden."

Zhu Yeshuang did not stop walking. Her gaze was fixed on the sea of ​​clouds ahead. She said calmly, "Since it is a decree from the Heavenly Venerable, no matter the reason, can we refuse?"

Upon hearing this, Li Guan was speechless for a long time before laughing and saying, "Junior Sister is right. After all, it is the Great Crimson Heaven, a blessing that countless people yearn for. Perhaps I am overthinking it."

"Junior sister, I need to go down the mountain to settle the disciples, so I'll take my leave now."

See you in ten days!

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer. His body transformed into a streak of sword light and vanished into the void without a trace. (End of Chapter)