Starting with warding off evil and disaster, one can ascend to immortality after countless tribulati

The Ye family.

Upon seeing Ye Tao, Jiang Ming's mind went blank for a moment. "Why is her belly so big? I should have taken precautions, right?"

Ye Tao rolled her eyes at Jiang Ming and said sullenly, "What are you thinking? I'm not pregnant..."

"What's going on?" Jiang Ming raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled and curious. After carefully observing Ye Tao's condition, he realized that she was indeed not pregnant.

The reason for the protrusion of the belly seems to be due to changes in the dantian (lower abdomen).

"I have a secret, do you want to hear it?" A hint of hesitation flashed in Ye Tao's eyes, as if she didn't want to involve Jiang Ming, and she stopped herself from speaking.

"Speak quickly..." Jiang Ming gave Ye Tao's buttocks a slap in annoyance, his eyes filled with urging.

With a sigh, Ye Tao finally stopped dwelling on it and bluntly stated the reason: "Do you remember when I told you that I found the Great Forest Wood Technique and the Little Green Bottle?"

Not long ago, while I was practicing my martial arts, I suddenly noticed a voice echoing in my mind.

She said she was about to descend to earth and told me to get ready.

After that, my dantian became more and more bloated, and then it became like this.

I didn't know what to do, so I could only stay at the Ye family's house and silently observe the changes in my dantian. However, more than ten days passed.

Although my dantian has stopped growing, I've been feeling a bit listless lately.

I want to do things, but I just can't muster the energy. Jiang Ming, am I going to die...?

My heart skipped a beat, and I frowned.

After hearing Ye Tao's description, Jiang Ming instantly realized the seriousness of the situation. It was related to the Great Forest Tree. Could it be related to the phantom looking at him?

After considering it repeatedly for a while, Jiang Ming felt it was more and more likely.

For a moment, he was in a dilemma. Although he was now at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, if he forcibly suppressed it, he could most likely bring his dantian back to its original state.

However, Jiang Ming decided that this matter was of utmost importance.

The Great Forest Wood Technique, and that little green bottle that can stimulate the growth of spiritual plants, probably conceal even deeper mysteries.

He can't solve this problem for now.

Holding Ye Tao's hand, Jiang Ming did not hesitate and took her directly to the Tuoba family to pay respects to Tuoba Changsheng.

The father-in-law is most likely also a Purple Mansion cultivator.

Furthermore, the Earth Fruit Position on the City Wall and the Wood Fruit Position in the Great Forest are inextricably linked, and Tuoba Changsheng may discover some clues about this matter.

The Tuoba family.

Looking at Ye Tao, Madam Tuoba was slightly taken aback and glared at Jiang Ming with displeasure. "Boy, you're being too arrogant."

My daughter is cheerful, but you can't do things like this...

"Take a closer look, there's something wrong with her dantian." Knowing that Lady Tuoba's cultivation level was low, Jiang Ming didn't pay much attention.

Tuoba Changsheng impatiently urged her to go inside.

He then looked Jiang Ming up and down, as if he had expected this, and said, "This matter is rather troublesome, and I cannot resolve it."

Only the Golden Elixir True Monarch can accomplish this task.

Find an opportunity to visit the capital. The Imperial Advisor is kind-hearted and generous.

After you explain the situation, she should be willing to help.

However, you'll have to pay a considerable price, so be prepared.

Although I cannot resolve this matter, I understand the general reason behind it.

The Golden Core cultivator at the Great Forest Wood level, having comprehended the workings of creation, became the only Great Forest Wood Golden Core True Lord throughout history.

However, she also trapped herself in her own self-imposed limitations, becoming confined by her own position.

This girl isn't actually human; to be precise, she's a Dao Fruit condensed from a Dao Fruit, and this Dao Fruit originated from the Great Forest Wood Golden Core.

Now that you have reached the Great Forest Wood Foundation Establishment stage, there are only two possibilities for her controlling Ye Tao.

Firstly, they feel you pose a great threat and want to use Ye Tao to eliminate you.

The second one is even more complicated. She may want to use Ye Tao's body to live a second life, but unless you become the Great Forest Wood Golden Core cultivator, she cannot escape from her fruition position...

"She wants to force me to become a Great Forest Wood Golden Core cultivator through Ye Tao?" Jiang Ming asked, seemingly understanding Tuoba Changsheng's meaning.

Nodding, Tuoba Changsheng neither confirmed nor denied, "That's a possibility, but I'm not at the Golden Core stage after all."

Many things are just guesses based on hearsay.

To find out the truth, you'll have to go to the capital and ask someone knowledgeable...

"I understand, but is the capital city a place I can just go to whenever I want? Do I need someone to help me get in touch?"

Unsure of the rules, Jiang Ming took the initiative to ask.

Shaking his head, Tuoba Changsheng sighed, "It's really not easy to go to the capital. Let's wait a little longer."

The Imperial Preceptor gives a sermon every ten years. Counting the days, it's almost time. In another year or two, Yuwen Huai'an should invite you to the capital.

Within the imperial city, there are countless experts. Although many of them may not be strong in combat, their cultivation and background are terrifying.

Once you get there, many things can't be solved with fists; you'll have to use your brain and make more friends.

Otherwise, isolated and helpless, surrounded by enemies, there's no way to make a name for yourself in the capital...

Jiang Ming nodded in agreement, offering no objection. In Tongzhou, the strongest immortal official was only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

However, in the imperial city, there are those at the Purple Mansion Realm and the Golden Core Realm.

Do what you're supposed to do in what place. In the imperial city, if you only care about fighting and killing, you'll never go far.

Having understood everything, Jiang Ming bid farewell to Tuoba Changsheng and returned to the Wanfa Sect with Ye Tao.

Upon hearing about Ye Tao's ordeal, Ao Shu and Cheng Ya looked worried, but at the same time, they couldn't help but feel a little envious.

Jiang Ming will be going to the capital soon, and he certainly won't be bringing his family with him. Ye Tao is in trouble now, so she can go with him.

After a brief conversation, everyone dispersed.

At the same time, Ye Tao's health deteriorated again.

A bluish-green mark gradually spread across my lower abdomen, accompanied by excruciating pain.

Looking at Ye Tao with heartache, Jiang Ming tried his best to suppress her pain with his cultivation. Then he ordered the entire Wanfa Sect to search for rare and precious materials that could help her overcome her pain.

After struggling for half a year, Yuwen Huai'an took the initiative to visit him, holding a red invitation in his hand.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Jiang Ming! The Wanfa Sect still has three spots available for the National Preceptor's lecture this time."

Besides yourself, please choose two more suitable people to take with you.

Go and make some preparations, and consider the candidates.

"Don't be too rigid. This spot is for the Myriad Laws Sect, but if the other party is not an elder of the Myriad Laws Sect, they can also use the sect's quota..."

After offering a reminder, Yuwen Huai'an sized up Ye Tao in Jiang Ming's cave, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes. "What is this girl's background? She gives me the feeling of being a Golden Core True Monarch?"

Startled by his words, Jiang Ming turned to look at Ye Tao, only to see that her eyes were now glowing green, making her look quite cold and beautiful.

Heterochromia? When did that happen?!

A chill ran down Jiang Ming's spine, and the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

After explaining to Yuwen Huai'an, the latter immediately changed his expression and gave the same opinion as Tuoba Changsheng.

"This matter requires the intervention of the True Lord. Fortunately, during this sermon, you will have the opportunity to explain your doubts to the True Lord."

The Imperial Preceptor is probably the most approachable Golden Core True Monarch in the world, and she has never been arrogant.

She has never lost her temper with her subordinates. As long as you are sincere, she should not refuse your request.

However, the Imperial Preceptor is different from ordinary people in one way: she attaches great importance to the fortune of cultivators. I can't explain exactly how to define fortune.

In short, if you can catch the eye of the Imperial Advisor, your future prospects are limitless.

Despite my limited foundation in Heavenly Fire, I can only say that the Grand Preceptor's strength is in no way inferior to that of Lord Zhou.

In recent years, it has even shown a tendency to gain the upper hand.

Otherwise, the majesty of heavenly fire would not have gradually declined…

Realizing he had revealed too much, Yuwen Huai'an immediately shut up and turned to leave.

Jiang Ming was given three days to consider the candidates.

With three spots available, and one already taken, the remaining two are truly difficult to allocate. There's a real risk of two peaches killing three warriors if things go wrong.

After careful consideration, Jiang Ming decided to bring the issue to the forefront.

He gathered a group of his female companions and began to discuss the matter.

The opportunity for Jin Dan to personally preach is truly extraordinary.

With a light cough, Cheng Ya spoke first, but not to compete for a spot.

On the contrary, he was very humble and took the initiative to point out his disadvantages: "When the heretics were building their foundations, I was the only one who needed the Wind-Avoiding Pearl for assistance."

It's clear that my qualifications aren't actually that good, and taking this spot would only be a waste of an opportunity.

Let's leave this opportunity to the ladies...

Jiang Ming nodded upon hearing Cheng Ya's reason.

When it comes to important matters, Cheng Ya is always very rational.

By withdrawing voluntarily, she avoided putting herself in a difficult position.

"I am a dragon, and the key to breaking through to the Golden Core Realm in the future will still be in the Dragon Palace. Although this opportunity is precious, it is not too important to me."

"Since Ye Tao is not in good condition right now, let's take this opportunity to let her go and experience the opportunity, and also see which way to go..."

"Actually, I don't have to go. The Tuoba family has a Golden Core soul, which is why I have a complete cultivation lineage."

For many things, I only need to ask my ancestors to get the answers.

That's why I'm not really interested in the True Lord's sermon; I'd rather give this opportunity to someone else...

With a very humble wave of his hand, Tuoba Youyou also spoke modestly in return.

After listening to the reasons given by the others, Jiang Ming felt that there were no problems.

For a moment, Cheng Ya couldn't help but look troubled. She felt that she was not qualified enough to go, and that it would be of no use for Ao Shu to go.

The breakthroughs of dragons are very different from those of human cultivators.

Tuoba Youyou's family possesses the soul of a Golden Core Ancestor, allowing her to receive the best guidance.

There's one spot left, who should we give it to?

"Ya'er, come with me. You need a master to guide you because you have poor aptitude."

This is a very good opportunity. If you don't go, I will have to give the position to Han Yue.

But compared to you, she is, after all, an outsider.

I don't want to hand over such a precious opportunity to someone else...

Jiang Ming spoke very sincerely, leaving Cheng Ya somewhat helpless. After thinking for a moment, she had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Ao Shu and Tuoba Youyou: one is very broad-minded and doesn't take things to heart, while the other is simply a fool who can't even imagine many things.

Seeing that no one had any objections, Jiang Ming finally decided on the number of participants.

Myself, Ye Tao, and Cheng Ya.

Three days later, Yuwen Huai'an arrived again.

After Jiang Ming finalized the quota and explained the affairs of the sect, he led the three to the Tongzhou City Lord's Mansion for a meeting.

All first-class sects have a quota. The four major sects of Tongzhou each send three people, for a total of twelve people.

There are nine provinces in the world.

It appears that approximately one hundred people attended the sermon.

No, there are probably other slots available in the imperial city as well.

This trip should allow me to meet many experts.

Jiang Ming remained silent as he pondered the matter, and the Foundation Establishment cultivators from the other sects dared not disturb him.

Soon, everyone had arrived.

Yuwen Huai'an activated the magic array that teleported him to the imperial city.

The next second, Jiang Ming and the others immediately entered the imperial city through the magic array.

A journey of thousands of miles can be completed in an instant.

Unlike Tongzhou, the imperial city was not situated on a vast expanse of land.

It is suspended in mid-air, and as far as the eye can see, the vast blue sky is bottomless, and the sun and moon shine on the golden and silver platform.

If it weren't for the fact that this was the imperial city, Jiang Ming would have thought it was a legendary fairyland.

With a look of amazement in her eyes, Cheng Ya was seeing such a magnificent scene for the first time, and she couldn't help but feel excited. She excitedly pulled Jiang Ming along and pointed out the things she thought were new and interesting.

Compared to Cheng Ya's liveliness, Ye Tao was very depressed at the moment. Due to the influence of her dantian and various changes in her body, she was in very poor condition.

If Jiang Ming hadn't been there, she almost wouldn't have been able to hold on.

Upon entering the imperial city, the imposing city guards immediately allowed passage.

Upon seeing the armored warrior's cultivation level, Jiang Ming was instantly shocked.

A mastery of the Qi Refining Realm is a level of cultivation that would be considered elder level in a sect, yet in the imperial city, he can only guard the gate.

Because prior arrangements had been made, everyone received almost a one-stop service. When they arrived at the villa where they were staying, Jiang Ming had just settled in.

Cultivators from other sects in Tongzhou rushed over to visit, and True Person Han Shuang took the initiative to plead, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, we are all cultivators from Tongzhou."

When we encounter difficulties, we must help each other.

I remember that during the sermons, seats were something to fight for.

The stronger a state is, the closer it can be to the Imperial Advisor.

If we are not strong enough, we can only sit at the back. If possible, how about we join forces and compete together?

As is customary, this is what monks in most states do…

Master Han Shuang made the request with a sincere expression. Jiang Ming was somewhat displeased, but he could only grit his teeth and agree.

Since the other states are united in their hatred of the enemy, Jiang Ming cannot act recklessly and break the rules.

Otherwise, having just arrived in the capital, they would lose the support of the local cultivators, and if they encountered difficulties later, they would have fewer and fewer people to turn to for help...

"Alright, go back and rest. I'll intervene before the Imperial Preceptor's sermon tomorrow and do my best to secure a better spot for us..."

As soon as Jiang Ming agreed to the request, the group of cultivators were overjoyed.

As someone who personally experienced both sermons, Master Han Shuang remembered that last time, Tongzhou could only sit at the very end.

During the individual question-asking session, no one could get a turn.

After all, the Imperial Advisor was kind-hearted.

However, there aren't many spots available for one-on-one sermons.

Now that Jiang Ming has agreed to help, the gains this time will definitely be better than last time...