A max-level player in Jade Dynasty: Awakening the Innate Dao at the start.

A black bamboo stalk as thick as a bowl fell to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust mixed with decaying leaves.

The bamboo leaves were still rustling and shaking, as if they couldn't breathe.

The cross-section was so smooth that it reflected a person's image, and the pale golden bamboo core gleamed with a moist luster under the afternoon sun, like some kind of jade that had just been cut open.

Song Daren's mouth was open.

He remained in the gesture of reaching out to stop him, his fingers hovering in mid-air, his fingertips trembling slightly.

The mountain breeze slipped through his fingers, bringing with it the fresh scent of bamboo leaves.

It also brings with it the distinctive, rusty smell of freshly cut black bamboo.

"cough."

He coughed, his voice dry like sandpaper grinding against a stone.

Zhang Xiaofan had already walked back to the blue stone and sat down cross-legged again.

The machete made a soft "clang" sound when it was put back into its holder, which was especially clear in the quiet bamboo forest.

He closed his eyes, palms up, his breathing so steady it was as if he hadn't actually slashed anyone.

Tian Ling'er was the first to react.

She jumped down next to the broken bamboo, squatted down, and poked the broken surface with her index finger.

The bamboo felt hard and cool to the touch; it was solid and definitely not rotten wood.

She then placed her palm on the fracture and ran her hand along the curve of the broken surface.

"It's really over..." she murmured, looking up at Song Daren.

"Senior Brother, how many days did it take you to chop down something this thick?"

Song Daren swallowed hard, his throat bobbing.

He lowered his hand, which had been frozen in mid-air, and wiped it on his Taoist robe—good heavens, his palms were covered in sweat.

"Three days," he said, his voice still a little unsteady.

"It took the fourth brother three and a half days. This was even after he had already reached the third level of the Jade Purity Realm and had the help of magic."

He looked at Zhang Xiaofan.

The small, thin figure sat on the blue stone, his back ramrod straight.

Sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting a layer of shimmering gold on his shoulders.

The Taoist robe was made of coarse material, washed until it was whitish, and the cuffs still had bloodstains that had been brought from Caomiao Village and had not been completely washed off.

Yet this very child completed five major cycles of cultivation on his first attempt.

The first cut is used to sever the thick, black bamboo.

"Comparison is the thief of joy..." Song Daren gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "It's infuriating."

Tian Ling'er stood up and patted the bamboo shavings off her hands.

She walked up to Zhang Xiaofan, bent down, and tilted her head to look at his face with his eyes closed.

The boy's eyelashes were quite long, casting a faint shadow under his eyelids.

His nose was straight, his lips were pressed into a line, and he had no expression.

"Feed," Tian Ling'er said.

Zhang Xiaofan opened his eyes.

Those eyes were very calm.

It's not blank, it's still. Like a pool of water in late autumn.

The water surface was calm, but something seemed to be slowly flowing beneath it.

"Great!" Tian Ling'er grinned, revealing her sharp little tiger teeth.

"You're way better than me! From now on, I'll protect you, senior sister."

"You helped your senior sister cut bamboo, so we—wait, isn't it supposed to be you protecting me?"

She started laughing as she spoke, her laughter clear and crisp, like mountain stream water hitting rocks.

Zhang Xiaofan's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. However, the ice in his eyes seemed to melt a little.

He closed his eyes again, and the warm current within his body began to circulate on its own once more—

It's not something you deliberately cultivate; it's an almost instinctive cycle of Qi circulation brought about by your innate Dao body.

With each cycle, the meridians widen by a little.

With each cycle, the energy in the dantian becomes more solid.

power.

This is the feeling of power.

It's not brute force, but a deeper, more profound "Taoist power" that seeps from the very bones and can control external things.

With a single stroke, the bamboo snapped in two; my wrist felt no numbness, and my hand didn't hurt.

Only a cool sensation surged from the dantian, flowing through the meridians and throughout the body, taking away all the fatigue.

It's addictive.

It makes you want more.

"Let's go, let's go." Song Daren finally came to his senses and called to the two of them.

"It's getting late, we should head back."

Junior brother, starting tomorrow, come to the back mountain by yourself and cut one bamboo every day as Master instructed.

As for cultivation...

He paused, looked at Zhang Xiaofan, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Do it at your own pace."

Song Daren concluded by saying, "If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me."

Tian Ling'er carried them down the mountain.

The amber-red silk transformed into a three-zhang-long crimson ribbon, resembling a burning satin in the setting sun.

Zhang Xiaofan stood on the silk, with a surging sea of ​​bamboo beneath his feet and the wind whistling in his ears.

Tian Ling'er steered from the front, her ponytail blowing straight in the wind, the ends of her hair brushing against Zhang Xiaofan's face.

It has a uniquely sweet scent, like gardenia mixed with a touch of sweat, that's characteristic of young girls.

The disciples of Dazhu Peak lived scattered throughout the mountainside.

Tian Ling'er led Zhang Xiaofan to a small courtyard at the far west end. The courtyard wasn't large.

Three bamboo houses are arranged in a U-shape, with a well in the middle, the well rim covered with moss.

"It's quiet here." Tian Ling'er jumped off the red silk and pushed open the door to the main house.

"This used to be where my sixth senior brother lived, but he thought it was too far from the kitchen, so he moved to the east side. It's perfect for you."

The interior was simply furnished.

A bamboo bed, a bamboo table, and a bamboo chair.

There was a neatly folded quilt on the bed, with a blue cloth cover that had been washed until it was almost white.

An oil lamp sat on the table, its contents still containing semi-solidified oil, the solidified surface cracked with spiderweb-like patterns.

The window was open, and I could see the old locust tree outside.

The trunk was so thick that it would take two people to hug it, and the canopy covered half of the yard. The leaves rustled in the evening breeze.

"Thank you, Senior Sister," Zhang Xiaofan said.

Tian Ling'er waved her hand, turned to leave, but then stopped.

She took a small cloth bag from her bosom and stuffed it into Zhang Xiaofan's hand:

"Eat when you're hungry. It's osmanthus cake made by my mother, which I secretly hid."

The cloth bag was warm and had a sweet fragrance.

Zhang Xiaofan held it in his hand without saying a word.

Tian Ling'er winked at him, then leaped onto the amber-red silk robe.

The crimson ribbon pierced the darkening sky and disappeared into the depths of the bamboo forest in a few leaps.

The room fell silent.

Zhang Xiaofan closed the door.

The oil lamp was not lit, and moonlight leaked in through the window, spreading a layer of silver frost on the ground.

He walked to the bedside and sat down, taking two things out of his pocket.

One is a handwritten copy of "Taiji Xuanqing Dao".

The paper shone yellow under the moonlight, and the ink on the paper was dark and deep.

Secondly, it is a bead.

It is the size of a pigeon egg and is dark red all over.

It wasn't the bright red of a gemstone; it was a murky, dark red, like a congealed blood clot.

The surface is covered with fine, dense patterns, like blood vessels or some kind of ancient talisman.

Holding it in my hand, I felt a cool sensation, but deep within that coolness, there was a restless heat.

Bloodlust Beads.

The black-hearted old man's life-bound magic weapon, a treasure that caused chaos in the demonic sect eight hundred years ago.

The monk Puzhi gave it to him before he died, saying it was "the Dharma of Destiny".

Zhang Xiaofan looked at the beads, his fingertips tracing the patterns.

It feels rough to the touch, like touching dried blood scabs.

He could sense the ferocious aura hidden deep within the bead, like a chained beast that exuded a terrifying pressure even in its sleep.

In the future, this bead will merge with the Soul-Seizing Staff to forge the Soul-Devouring Staff.

That's the real killer weapon.

But now...

He tucked the beads into his bosom and put them close to his body.

Then sit cross-legged on the bed, close your eyes, and concentrate.

It is not "Taiji Xuanqing Dao".

Another force slowly awakened from the deepest part of the dantian.

That wasn't the pure energy of Taoism; it was a heavier, more solid, and majestic aura, like the earth itself.

The breath traveled along the meridians, and wherever it passed, a slight tingling sensation spread through the muscles and bones.

Like tender shoots emerging from the soil after a spring thunder, they exude a vibrant vitality.

The Great Brahma Prajna.

The highest Buddhist teachings, a secret kept by Tianyin Temple.

What the monk Puzhi passed on to him was the complete text, from the first level to the highest level.

The foundation is laid by Taoist principles, and Buddhist practices are used to build upon them.

Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath and focused his mind on his dantian.

There, a vortex of azure energy was slowly rotating; that was the magical power cultivated from the Taiji Xuanqing Dao.

Deeper beneath the cyclone, a more solid, golden ball of light was slowly taking shape.

Two forces, one above and one below, one blue and one gold.

They don't bother each other, yet they subtly echo each other.

He activated the mental techniques of the Great Brahma Prajna.

The golden light trembled slightly, separating into fine golden rays that began to circulate along the meridians.

The operational path is completely different from that of "Taiji Xuanqing Dao"—Taoists follow the Ren and Du meridians, while Buddhists connect the three channels and seven chakras.

Where the golden light flowed, a slight swelling and pain came from the meridians, a feeling of being forcibly widened.

But that's where the terror of the innate Dao body lies.

No matter how many times the meridians are widened, no matter how violent the spiritual energy is poured in, the body can always withstand it.

It won't crack or get damaged; it will only resemble refined iron that has been repeatedly hammered.

Each time, I became more resilient; each time, I became more insightful.

The night grew deeper.

The moonlight moved from the window to the foot of the bed.

The shadow of the old locust tree outside stretched and twisted on the wall, like a menacing ghost.

In the distance came the call of some kind of bird, one call, then two, sharp and short.

A faint golden light began to appear around Zhang Xiaofan's body.

It wasn't the azure aura of the Taiji Xuanqing Dao, but a purer, more solid gold.

Golden light seeped from his pores and flowed across his skin, like a thin layer of gold lacquer.

With each breath, the golden light flickered, and with each flicker, the air in the room grew heavier.

Three hours later, the golden light subsided.

Zhang Xiaofan opened his eyes, and a golden light flashed briefly in the depths of his pupils.

He exhaled a long, drawn-out breath, which condensed into a cloud of white mist in the cold night.

The first level of Buddhism has been reached.

How long did it take? One night.

As for the first level of the Taoist Jade Purity Realm, at the rate of five major cycles during the day, it can definitely be broken in six days.

Double repair.

This is the true meaning of dual cultivation.

Three months later.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone into the windows of the small courtyard.

Zhang Xiaofan woke up from his meditation.

He opened his eyes, and a shimmering light, a blend of blue and gold, swirled within them, lasting for three breaths before slowly fading away.

He got out of bed, walked to the window, and opened it.

A mountain breeze blew in, carrying the dampness of morning dew and the fresh scent of bamboo leaves.

A bell tolled from the direction of Shoujing Hall in the distance, muffled and long, striking seven times—the seventh quarter of the hour of Mao (5:45 AM), time for breakfast.

He flexed his wrists.

The bones made a soft "crackling" sound, like popping beans.

In the morning light, her skin shone with a warm, jade-like luster; it wasn't pale, but rather a translucent white, with faint, bluish-gold veins visible beneath.

When you clench your fist, you can feel the power hidden in your muscles—not brute force, but a kind of effortless, controlled power.

Jade Purity Realm, third level.

He himself was a little surprised.

According to the original plan, the dual cultivation of Buddhism and Taoism should lay the foundation, and the pace should be slower.

But when you actually start practicing, it's not like that at all.

In the first month, he mainly practiced the Great Brahma Prajna and also studied the Taiji Xuanqing Dao.

With Buddhist practice as a foundation, one can then break through the barriers of Taoist methods.

The first level of the Jade Purity Realm could normally be broken through in six days.

He pressed on for a whole month, solidifying the foundation until it was as solid as iron.

Then the second layer, twenty-five days.

The third level, about thirty days.

Is it fast? It's frighteningly fast.

Song Daren said that it would take ordinary people several decades to reach the third level, but he did it in less than three months.

Tian Ling'er was considered a genius for reaching the fourth level in five years. At this rate, he could catch up next year.

But more importantly, it's about quality.

The power gained from practicing both Buddhism and Taoism far surpasses that gained from practicing only one.

His current total magical power is already comparable to that of an ordinary disciple at the fourth level of the Jade Purity Realm.

The purity of the magic and the precision of its control are on a completely different level.

"Junior Brother!"

Tian Ling'er's voice came from outside the courtyard gate, as clear and crisp as an early bird.

Then came a "knock knock" on the door.

"Get up! Time to eat! My mom's going to yell at me if I'm late!"

Zhang Xiaofan responded and pushed open the door to go out.

Today, Tian Ling'er changed into a light green dress and styled her hair into two buns, each tied with a red string.

She stood with her hands behind her back, tiptoed, and peered into the courtyard. When she saw Zhang Xiaofan come out, her eyes lit up.

"Come on, come on, there are meat buns today! If we're late, Fifth Brother will snatch them all up!"

When the two arrived at Shoujing Hall, the other senior brothers were already seated.

A long bamboo table was placed in the middle of the hall, with several large plates of steamed buns and mantou on it, as well as a bowl of steaming rice porridge.

Su Ru was bringing out a dish of pickled vegetables from the kitchen when she saw Zhang Xiaofan come in. She smiled and said, "Xiaofan's here, have a seat."

The voice was very gentle.

Zhang Xiaofan sat down in the last seat.

Song Daren sat opposite him, winked at him, and his eyes held a mischievous smile.

"Xiao Fan." Su Ru ladled a bowl of porridge and pushed it in front of him, her tone quite concerned.

"I heard from Da Ren that you've been getting up early and going to bed late every day for the past three months, and you haven't stopped your rigorous self-cultivation?"

Zhang Xiaofan took the bowl of porridge: "Yes."

Being diligent is a good thing.

Su Ru sat down next to him, lowering her voice.

"But you also need to take care of your health."

The path of cultivation is long; there's no need to rush.

You're still young; a solid foundation is the most important thing. Don't push yourself too hard.

She paused, then reached out and patted Zhang Xiaofan on the shoulder.

"Even if... even if I don't amount to much in the future, it doesn't matter."

Su Ru looked at him with kind eyes.

"Dazhufeng is your home. We are all one family. As long as we are safe and sound, that's all that matters."

Don't be like those foolish kids who neglect their health for the sake of cultivation, understand?

The words were phrased tactfully, but the meaning was clear—if you're of average ability, don't push yourself too hard; your health is the most important thing.

The hall was quiet for a short while.

"puff--"

Song Daren couldn't hold it in and spat out a mouthful of porridge.

He quickly covered his mouth, his shoulders shaking as if he were having a seizure, and his face turning bright red.

Su Ru frowned and looked at him: "Da Ren, what's wrong?"

"N-nothing..."

Song Daren waved his hand, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion, "The porridge... the porridge is too hot..."

As he spoke, he lowered his head, his shoulders shaking even more violently.

Under the table, he pinched his thigh hard to stop himself from laughing out loud.

Master's wife, oh Master's wife...

If you knew this junior brother you described as having "average talent and not needing to work too hard,"

He cultivated to the third level of the Jade Purity Realm in three months, his magical power becoming as profound as that of the fourth level...

When Master comes to check your cultivation level later, where will you put your face?

Su Ru glanced at Song Daren with a puzzled look, but didn't ask any more questions.

She picked up another steamed bun for Zhang Xiaofan: "Eat more, you're still growing."

Zhang Xiaofan took the steamed bun, lowered his head, and took a bite.

The minced meat was delicious, and the broth was piping hot. He ate quietly without saying a word.

Footsteps could be heard outside the hall.

Calm and steady, each step felt like it was treading on people's hearts.

Tian Buyi walked in with a pigeon-toed gait, his round face expressionless.

He glanced at everyone in the hall, his gaze lingering on Zhang Xiaofan for a moment before shifting away.

"Those who have finished eating, gather in the backyard." Tian Buyi's voice wasn't loud, but every word carried weight. "Check your cultivation levels."

He paused, then added:

"Everyone."

Song Daren's shoulders stopped shaking.

He looked up, glanced at Su Ru, then at Zhang Xiaofan, and finally at Tian Buyi.

A barely suppressed, gloating smile slowly crept onto his lips.

The show is about to begin.