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

Although he also possessed Foundation Establishment cultivation, it was all granted by the Dao Laws of the Immortal Dynasty. Compared to a genuine cultivator like Jiang Ming, he was still far inferior.

"Yohoo..." The shopkeeper scrambled to the ground, trying to catch up, but the next second, Jiang Ming had already disappeared from the shopkeeper's sight using the Daoist Rhythm of the Great Forest Wood.

"Be more careful in the future. Most people in the capital have connections. We're new here, so it's best to be cautious..." Jiang Ming was annoyed but also felt quite helpless after giving this reminder.

If this were in Tongzhou, Jiang Ming would have killed that shopkeeper without hesitation, but things are different now.

Within the imperial city, there were far too many forces stronger than him. Without knowing the details of his opponents, Jiang Ming dared not go all out.

Everyone has a background, and the relationships within it are intricate and complex. If one is not careful, there is a risk of tripping up.

Of course, Jiang Ming didn't let the shopkeeper off the hook either.

Without his notice, he used the Daoist aura of the Great Forest Wood to lock the opponent's dantian. When the opponent encountered a crisis and wanted to make a move, the dantian would fail under the influence of the Daoist aura.

At that time, the odds will likely be against them.

"How come you have the Imperial Preceptor's token?" Curious eyes turned to her, Cheng Ya examined it closely, her face full of surprise.

The shopkeeper from earlier wasn't as capable as her.

The reason they didn't dare to make a move was entirely because the other party held an official position; a sixth-rank official was in charge of all kinds of magical treasures and artifacts in the imperial city, while they had no background whatsoever.

Cheng Ya swallowed her anger; otherwise, given her temper, she would have already crippled the fat shopkeeper.

The area of ​​the imperial city was ten times larger than that of Tongzhou.

As a result, Jiang Ming gained a lot of knowledge and experience along the way.

They also gradually figured out the preferences of the cultivators in the imperial city.

Within the vast imperial city, two places were the most prosperous. One was the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau), which imprisoned the wives and daughters of many disgraced officials, who could become officials of the Celestial Dynasty.

Their taste was naturally impeccable; many of the wives of convicted officials were charming and graceful, possessing a gentle and virtuous air about them.

The bitterness of being reduced to prostitution is what inspires compassion in people.

The second place that was doing very well was called Xun Dao Ge. It was a small building, but I heard that the person behind it had a very terrifying background.

He also appears to be a Golden Core cultivator, possessing a very rich foundation.

Here, cultivators can pay some treasures in exchange for the opportunity to divine their path to enlightenment. In a sense, it's like a different kind of lecture by the Imperial Preceptor, except that Imperial Preceptor Luo Yushu's explanations are detailed and free.

The introduction to Xundao Pavilion is brief and expensive, which is heartbreaking.

"Let's go in and take a look. I'd like to see how he evaluates our path..."

With a naturally lively personality, Cheng Ya couldn't contain her excitement when she saw the crowd of people.

Jiang Ming rolled his eyes at her, feeling somewhat helpless, but he didn't stop her. In fact, he was also quite curious about this so-called Seeking Dao Pavilion.

If only a few cultivators are enthusiastic about it, then this thing is probably not very useful. However, in the imperial city, the vast majority of cultivators rely on it very much.

It is clear that this place has some merits.

"Gentlemen, please come in. You look unfamiliar, so this must be your first time here, right?"

Okay, let me explain the rules to you. To listen to the immortal masters preach at the Seeking Dao Pavilion, in addition to paying a sufficient reward, you also need to make an appointment in advance.

The three of them didn't make an appointment, so they probably won't be able to get a spot today.

Of course, if you are very sincere and willing to offer more benefits to persuade the immortal master to intervene, then you can cut in line and enjoy the immortal master's sermon ahead of time..."

Jiang Ming frowned slightly, but after listening to the servant's introduction, he couldn't help but laugh.

They even have a membership system? Seriously.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Ming politely asked the price, "What do I need to pay to cut in line? Please tell me, young man."

That way I can judge whether I can afford it.

"I can't say for sure, it's up to the immortal master to decide. Please follow me." The servant whispered a few words as he led Jiang Ming to the front of the line.

From inside the door, a deep, resonant voice rang out.

"Bring them in. They can afford what I want. This is negotiable..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the people at the back of the line immediately looked at Jiang Ming with envy and whispered among themselves.

"So young, surrounded by beauties, and able to acquire resources valued by the immortal master, he might just be that young master again."

"You're so ignorant. The young masters all go to visit the Imperial Preceptor and ask that great man to help them preach. Why would you come here?"

In my opinion, this person is nothing more than a nouveau riche who is taking advantage of his abundant resources to try his luck.

Upon entering the room, I saw an old man with a hunched back who didn't turn around to look at me.

"Senior, there are three of us. How will you charge us? Could you please be clear about it?" Jiang Ming asked tentatively, somewhat distrustful of the old man.

"Hehehe, you say there are three people, but I only see one path. The three of you have different paths but the same destination, so you can be counted as one."

You possess the aura of a national advisor, suggesting you are a rising star from the surrounding states. Your path and the national advisor's philosophy are remarkably similar.

You possess the aura of a national advisor, suggesting you are a rising star from the surrounding states. Your path and the national advisor's philosophy are remarkably similar.

However, I feel that this path is not feasible.

You don't need to rush to refute me, please let me explain the reasons in detail..."

Unexpectedly, this old man was so skilled. Jiang Ming's attitude instantly became respectful, even though the man seemed to have no cultivation at all.

In reality, he is a true master who keeps his abilities hidden.

The Purple Mansion, or even the Golden Core!

Having made his own judgment, Jiang Ming sat down and awaited the old man's insightful opinion.

"The Grand Preceptor believed that heretical paths could transcend the attainment of Buddhahood, and that one could transform into orthodox Buddhahood through heretical foundation building."

The path of converting from an unorthodox Golden Elixir to a legitimate one is certainly feasible, but I don't think so.

She had already traversed this path. Although she hadn't blocked it off, those orthodox Golden Core cultivators had been on guard for a long time.

When the National Preceptor attained enlightenment and achieved the Golden Elixir, there were three positions where the Golden Elixir had not yet been formed. At that time, it was entirely feasible for heretics to become orthodox.

However, later, with the remaining two also occupied, there are no more positions available for you to transform.

Those who pursue the Golden Core stage through unorthodox methods will never be able to advance any further in their lifetime.

In this situation, do you still think the Imperial Advisor's method is feasible?

Startled by the old man's question, Jiang Ming thought about it carefully for a while and realized that there was indeed some truth to it.

Times have changed, and methods that were once effective may now be ineffective. But even if one does not advance to the Golden Core Realm, where should a cultivator go? Are they just going to be trapped and die in the same place?

Unable to hide his inner doubts, Jiang Ming interrupted.

After listening carefully to Jiang Ming's words, the old man shook his head and smiled bitterly. His hunched figure suddenly turned around and saw the other person's very young face.

Jiang Ming was taken aback. Although cultivators had the art of preserving their youth, this person was definitely not an old man, because Jiang Ming saw a powerful life force in his eyes.

Judging from his appearance, this person is no more than two hundred years old, which is considered young among high-level cultivators.

"Without breaking through to the Golden Core realm, I always feel that taking another step forward would be better. After reaching the Golden Core realm in the unorthodox path, one can indeed obtain a lifespan that is almost immortal."

However, the moment you break through, your path will attract the scramble of orthodox Golden Core cultivators. In order to improve their own cultivation, they have always suppressed the non-orthodox Golden Core cultivators to the end.

I was influenced by the Imperial Preceptor and went down the path of heresy.

I succeeded, but then what? The heretical path I had attained was plundered by the Fire Golden Core cultivators of the mountain stronghold, and half a lifetime of hard work was destroyed in an instant.

Now, all that remains is a long-lived body and a superficial Golden Core cultivation. Without using Daoist principles, what difference is there between him and a dead person at this stage?

Think about it yourself; the path of unorthodox Golden Elixir is a dead end.

If things go wrong, they could become nourishment for the orthodox path, or even slaves...

In my opinion, your path should lead you toward the Fire of the Furnace, because the True Lord of the Golden Elixir of the Furnace had a fierce conflict with the True Lord of the Mountain Fire and the True Lord of the Everlasting Flowing Water a few years ago.

His injuries have not yet healed, and he can only hide away now, afraid to show his face. The day he is discovered will most likely be the day he dies.

When the time comes, your opportunity will arrive. It won't take long, less than a hundred years, and you will have the chance to become a legitimate Golden Core True Monarch.

This is my assessment of your path. As a reward, you only need to follow the path I've described.

"Of course, you can continue down this path if you want. Anyway, I can prove that the Imperial Advisor's ideas are wrong, and that she is the one who caused me to end up like this..." His hoarse voice was tinged with anger.

He turned around, waved his hand, and did not ask for any money or valuables. At the same time, the servant pushed open the door and gestured for Jiang Ming and the others to leave.

"This, doesn't this completely negate our current path? According to him, Jiang Ming needs to continue to study the Furnace Fire position, so what about me and Sister Ye Tao?"

"Should we also abandon the path of cultivation and continue cultivating the Great Forest Wood and Spring Water?" Cheng Ya sighed somewhat irritably, then pouted dismissively.

"This person is spouting complete nonsense. In my opinion, his understanding is worlds apart from that of the Imperial Preceptor."

"His path was indeed not as long as the Imperial Advisor's, but he suffered far more hardships than the Imperial Advisor."

The Imperial Preceptor's path of cultivation was remarkably smooth.

However, this person is different. Considering the current situation, I think there is some truth to what he said.

Of course, the Golden Core realm is still a long way off for us. You two are currently at the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Once I break through to the Purple Mansion realm, I should be able to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage. At that time, I can accumulate Metal elemental energy and begin preparing for the Purple Mansion realm.

The future path cannot be determined solely by the opinions of cultivators.

The Grand Preceptor's ideas, or this cultivator's insights, can only play a supporting role in the end. As for how to proceed, we still have to figure it out ourselves..."

He sighed softly, reflecting on his recent journey to the Seeking the Dao Pavilion.

But conversely, the same is also true.

If the strength of unorthodox methods is no less than that of orthodox methods, then these high-ranking Golden Elixir cultivators are nothing more than a kind of advanced nourishment.

Back at his lodgings, Jiang Ming set about breaking through to the Purple Mansion Realm, preparing some resources, and recalling the perfect path that the Imperial Preceptor had mentioned during the day.

Jiang Ming was moved and immediately left Ye Tao and Cheng Ya behind, heading alone to the Imperial Preceptor's residence to visit Luo Yushu.

The Imperial Preceptor's residence faces south. At the entrance stand two stone lions as tall as a person, and on either side of the reddish-brown gate stand two guards in golden armor, looking extremely imposing.

After a careful look, Jiang Ming looked surprised.

These two are actually in the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

Having a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator guard the gate is a significant advantage, even though the Foundation Establishment stage in the Immortal Dynasty doesn't have the same prestige as a normal cultivation stage.

But from this point of view, it can be seen that Luo Yushu's status in the Great Zhou Dynasty was extremely extraordinary.

After the token was handed over, the two armored soldiers looked surprised.

The two of them have been guarding this gate for many years.

Unless personally brought by the Imperial Advisor, no one else has ever been able to visit him in person. Jiang Ming is now the first...

"Greetings, fellow Daoist. Please come in quickly. The Imperial Preceptor is currently out and has not yet returned. Please wait in the courtyard for the time being."

After being allowed to pass, the soldier gave a shout.

Two maids dressed in Taoist robes immediately trotted over, their eyes full of curiosity. They looked around a few times, but they couldn't see anything special about it.

Jiang Ming was very handsome, and his appearance was considered one of the best in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"Please wait a moment. The Imperial Preceptor has some trivial matters to attend to and will be back shortly. Shall I play a tune for you to liven things up?"

He took out a bamboo flute from his storage bag.

The little girl looked slightly shy as she tentatively spoke, cleverly poking her little finger, not daring to make a decision on her own.

"Zhuyu, the Imperial Preceptor has instructed that you are not allowed to play the flute..." Tinglan, the maid with the bun hairstyle, playfully slapped her as she cast a resentful glance at her.

Zhu Yu was spanked, and her face instantly turned red. She couldn't help but turn around and retaliate.

Seeing the two of them frolicking around, Jiang Ming felt a little helpless. He didn't understand what they were up to. Could it be that his charm was too irresistible to hide?

After silently reflecting on their actions, the two gradually stopped fooling around.

Zhu Yu's collar was pulled askew, revealing a glimpse of snow-white skin. Her condition was also not optimistic. Her skirt was torn open, revealing a pair of bright and beautiful legs.

"Well then, you two don't need to go to so much trouble to entertain me. Let me have some peace and quiet here by myself."

When I have a chance in private, I'll listen to Miss Zhuyu play the flute again...

Scratching her head, Zhu Yu nodded shyly, then poured Jiang Ming a cup of tea before slowly retreating, swaying her slender waist.

Tinglan bowed gently and retreated as well, not forgetting to clasp her hands together and give Zhuyu a sharp poke at her weak spot.

"These two don't seem to be human. Could they be manifestations of the Imperial Preceptor's Daoist aura?" Jiang Ming pondered silently, then wandered around aimlessly.

After a long while, Luo Yushu arrived late, her fair hand gently waving to reveal a golden talisman. "You've come to me, probably to ask how to perfect your path to enlightenment."

I was also considering this question, and fortunately I found the right answer: this talisman leads to the Taiyin Secret Realm.

Inside there is a Yin-Yang Spring. Through it, you can try to comprehend the principles of Yin and Yang. The combination of Yin and Yang with the Five Elements will be the most suitable path for you…”