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

After a while of indulging in pleasure and intimacy, Jiang Ming felt much better.

Tinglan and Zhuyu, although their cultivation levels were not high, were only at the Qi Refining Realm.

However, both of them were transformed from pure Daoist essence.

For Jiang Ming, appropriate sexual enhancement has real benefits.

Tinglan rubbed her bottom with a wronged expression, then poked Jiang Ming's lower back angrily, unable to hide her annoyance and shame.

"Honestly, don't you know what it means to cherish a beautiful woman?"

"I'm sorry, I'm a rough person..." After sincerely apologizing and having interacted with Tinglan multiple times, Jiang Ming also discovered the right way to approach her.

This girl is such a proud and arrogant person.

She's stubborn but soft-hearted; she's actually not a bad person.

All it takes to keep her in a good mood is a few compliments, and she'll be willing to do anything for you.

As for Zhu Yu, it's unknown whether the Imperial Advisor added anything strange when creating her.

This girl looks well-behaved, but she's actually quite the opposite; she's also a bit sly and mischievous.

Regardless, both of them are very reliable helpers and are of great use in helping to explore the secret realm.

Moreover, the Imperial Advisor seemed to want him to have more contact with them.

……

Compared to the Taiyin Secret Realm, this place truly resembles a secret realm, as it spans a vast area.

However, the most precious thing here is the Tower of Inquiry in the core area.

The vast majority of cultivators came for this item.

Most of those who can enter the secret realm are nobles. This circle is not large, and almost everyone knows each other.

At this moment, several well-dressed disciples were gathered together discussing that the most precious thing in the Dao Inquiry Secret Realm was this Dao Inquiry Tower.

This treasure can help cultivators solidify their mental imagery.

In general, its purpose is to enhance cultivation comprehension. That's why most of the disciples in this secret realm are at the Qi Consumption Realm. Jiang Ming, being among them, feels somewhat out of place.

At the same age of seventeen or eighteen, Jiang Ming was still forging iron, while these princes and nobles had already cultivated to the late stage of the Qi Refining Realm and begun to comprehend the imagery.

The differences between people begin as early as the amniotic fluid.

"Greetings, senior..." Realizing that Jiang Ming's cultivation level far surpassed their own, the group of young cultivators quickly bowed respectfully, not daring to be negligent.

At the same time, she couldn't help but fantasize about receiving proper guidance from Jiang Ming.

He ignored the group of kids, if it weren't for the need to elevate the imagery of the heavenly fire to the Purple Mansion Realm level.

Jiang Ming would never waste an opportunity to enter a secret realm, and he chose one that was mainly for low-level cultivators.

The so-called Tower of Inquiry has 18 floors. Before entering the Tower of Inquiry, one can infuse the imagery of the corresponding fruition level.

Then, like passing through levels, the understanding of the fruit-feeding imagery deepened little by little.

Although they were newcomers, Zhu Yu and Ting Lan were very clear about the situation here.

Therefore, Jiang Ming did not need to ask anyone and went straight into the tower.

As he entered the Tower of Inquiry, several young cultivators nearby looked surprised.

One of them was wearing a red robe and looked like the son of a high-ranking official.

With bright, piercing eyes, he scrutinized Jiang Ming's departing figure, pondered silently for a moment, and then murmured something to himself.

"This seems to be the newly promoted Purple Mansion cultivator that the Grand Preceptor values ​​highly, but with his cultivation level, why would he come here?"

The imagery of forging and tempering—isn't this something only cultivators at the Qi Refining stage need to consider? Does someone at the Purple Mansion stage also need to consider this?

"Hey, I don't understand, did you see the list above?"

Now he's the only one going up the tower, and we can clearly see how it will turn out.

Rumor has it that cultivators who manage to climb the Dao Inquiry Ranking receive extra blessings. I wonder if this senior will be able to achieve his wish...

Surrounded by the secret realm, Jiang Ming sat cross-legged on the ground. At the same time, the image of fire in the sky began to gradually take shape in the tower.

This domineering aura made Jiang Ming feel somewhat uncomfortable in an instant.

Gradually, he also came to understand the mysteries of the Tower of Inquiry and the key to passing through it.

To pass the first level, one must use one's own imagery of celestial fire to overwhelm the level simulated by the Tower of Inquiry.

Only in this way can we successfully pass this test.

It wasn't just Jiang Ming who could feel this oppressive aura; beside him, Zhu Yu and Ting Lan also frowned, not daring to speak loudly or furrow their brows.

It subtly released its own imagery of celestial fire.

Jiang Ming instantly relieved the pressure on Zhu Yu and Ting Lan.

Tinglan looked at her with gratitude.

Her purpose in coming here was merely to assist Jiang Ming in his cultivation.

Unexpectedly, this had a ripple effect on them. This feeling of being oppressed was not pleasant, but fortunately, Jiang Ming's skill level was enough to hold him off.

Having successfully passed the first level, Jiang Ming marched straight in and arrived at the fourth level of the Tower of Inquiry. Here, Jiang Ming's Heavenly Fire Imagery was relatively immature.

Although he intended to help alleviate the pressure on Zhu Yu and Ting Lan, the two still felt uncomfortable with it. If it weren't for the Daoist aura of the Golden Core True Monarch, they would probably not have been able to hold on by now.

"Go inside the Ten Thousand Soul Banner to rest. You can't help with the fire imagery in the sky; I have to get through it myself." After patiently giving these instructions, a resolute glint flashed in Jiang Ming's eyes.

He has completely figured out the preferences of the fire in the sky.

To win the favor of this fruit flavor, one must always demonstrate a sense of superiority; only in this way can one display the aura of commanding the world.

Because it is extremely pure and yang, this imagery does not require a high level of understanding.

If it weren't for the fact that Zhou Jun was the strongest in the Great Zhou cultivation world and had established an imperial dynasty, Jiang Ming would still have a chance to compete.

Unfortunately, now he can only follow behind and pick up scraps from others.

Mastering even a wisp of the Dao of Heavenly Fire is already an extraordinary goal.

Difficult.

With a silent sigh, Jiang Ming no longer hesitated and continued to take action.

Meanwhile, outside, everyone was somewhat surprised to see Jiang Ming's slow progress, according to their simple understanding.

Most cultivators at the Purple Mansion Realm come here hoping to pass the trial as soon as possible and then climb the Dao Inquiry Ranking, but they didn't expect Jiang Ming's progress to be so slow.

How did someone of this caliber gain the favor of the Imperial Advisor?

A deep sense of confusion flashed through their minds. The group of teenagers sat on the ground, silently waiting for the result, as spring turned to autumn.

Two years have passed in the secret realm.

The young cultivator who was originally observing from outside the tower has long since disappeared.

The people outside have come and gone, and nobody even knows if Jiang Ming is still inside...

He sat cross-legged on the fifteenth floor of the Tower of Inquiry.

Jiang Ming's eyes were full of helplessness.

He'd been stuck here for at least half a year, spending his days either resisting the oppressive force of the celestial fire or, with a flick of his finger, instantly transported to Chapter 111, the Secret Realm of Inquiry, the exciting world of tower climbing.

The prolonged oppression has caused some changes in his mindset.

There is still a short distance to go before the Heavenly Fire Dao Rhyme is successfully condensed. Giving up now would likely mean that all our previous efforts would be wasted.

But if we don't give up now, it's a bit difficult to keep moving forward.

Being stuck in this awkward situation, Jiang Ming couldn't help but feel a little down.

To go further is difficult; to take a step back means starting all over again.

No, we can't give up yet! The image of heavenly fire represents domination over everything, and for that reason, it only allows progress, not retreat.

Before accumulating the Daoist essence, Jiang Ming absolutely could not back down. He silently resisted the imagery of the Dao Inquiry Tower, and another year passed.

Jiang Ming, his face etched with the marks of time, slowly rose to his feet, examining the blazing flame in his hand, and his mood lifted considerably.

Jiang Ming summoned Tinglan, glanced at her indifferently, and said, "Kneel down..."

Taken aback, he scratched his head, wondering what strange thing Jiang Ming had done.

Tinglan's legs went weak involuntarily, and she knelt down in front of Jiang Ming with a thud. Her small hands tugged at Jiang Ming's clothes, her eyes filled with astonishment.

"Heavenly Fire Daoist Rhyme, you succeeded?"

Nodding, Jiang Ming experienced the power of the Heavenly Fire Dao Aura and instantly gained a clear understanding of his current methods.

At this moment, he had completely completed the ingenious transformation of the Dao of Fire in the Furnace into the Dao of Fire in the Heavens.

However, there is a slight difference. The fire in the furnace back then was a legitimate achievement, while the fire in the heavens now is just a trace of spiritual essence simulated by using unorthodox methods.

Although it greatly increased his strength, it was ultimately not perfect.

If only Zhou Jun could suddenly pass away and hand over the Heavenly Fire to him...

Jiang Ming silently imagined it in his mind, his face beaming with joy, already envisioning that kind of aloof and domineering feeling.

Unfortunately, all of this can only be wishful thinking.

However, it's still acceptable to use the Daoist energy of the heavens to satisfy oneself.

"What are you going to do?" Tinglan exclaimed in surprise, her eyes wide with a pitiful look. Then, she was like a toy, letting Jiang Ming do whatever he wanted with her.

With the oppressive power of the heavenly fire, his words were practically equivalent to an imperial edict.

Even though Tinglan was very uncomfortable with these novel positions, she could only grit her teeth and do as she was told, without uttering a single objection.

Slumped on the ground, like a rag doll, Tinglan drew circles on Jiang Ming's chest with her hands and sighed resentfully, "What are your plans next?"

The Imperial Preceptor instructed me to tell you that after reaching the Purple Mansion Realm, you should try your best to find fragments of the world to refine. At the same time, you will also need a supreme treasure from the Pure Land to assist you.

Only then can one elevate their cultivation to the perfect state.

Although you have now completed the transformation of Daoist essence, your cultivation level is still at the initial stage...

Following the instructions of the Imperial Advisor, Tinglan quickly changed her clothes and patiently inquired about Jiang Ming's next plans.

After careful consideration, Jiang Ming decided to first develop his strength discreetly within the imperial city. World fragments are usually only accessible to cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage or above.

In the outside world, a state might have fewer than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators at the peak of their cultivation, and the entire nine states of the Great Zhou Dynasty would only have a few hundred.

Within the imperial city, there are relatively more Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

After leaving this place, Jiang Ming probably won't find a better place to accumulate world fragments.

"Senior, you failed to pass the tower. It seems that failing to pass the level is not something to be ashamed of."

Even experts like these would be in trouble. It's perfectly normal that we didn't receive the blessing of the Tower of Inquiry...

"Does the Tower of Inquiry also bestow blessings?" He glanced back at Tinglan.

He couldn't understand why she hadn't told him about something so important, and for a moment, a hint of resentment crept into his eyes.

"Yes, but this kind of blessing is most likely useless to you. The Imperial Advisor also said so." Feeling a bit of pressure, Tinglan scratched her head and explained seriously.

"Whether it works or not, we'll only know after trying." Having been tormented by the celestial fire for so long, Jiang Ming was in a very agitated state of mind.

He immediately turned around and re-entered the Tower of Inquiry, while Tinglan waited patiently outside.

This time, Jiang Ming chose the seafood section.

After playing high-level games for so long, it was finally his turn to smurf.

At this moment, he had already condensed the Dao essence of the Great Ocean Water. Moreover, he was a legitimate Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Great Ocean Water, so he could be said to have impeccable roots. In just a few breaths, he successfully passed through the eighteen levels of the Dao Inquiry Tower.

However, just as Luo Yushu had predicted, the Tower of Inquiry did not bring him any substantial benefits.

This simply caused his name to quickly rise from the bottom to the top of the list.

The cultivator who tied for first place, on par with Jiang Ming, was named Long Xi.

The name sounded somewhat familiar. As Jiang Ming left the Tower of Inquiry, he indeed heard the cultivators outside discussing it animatedly.

"This Jiang Ming actually managed to achieve the same ranking as the Great Ocean True Monarch, it's truly terrifying..."

"It's a pity that there can only be one True Lord; otherwise, this person might be able to try and compete for it."

……

Amidst the discussions, Jiang Ming led Tinglan away from the secret realm.

At the same time, he silently memorized the name Longxi.

The Golden Elixir of the Great Ocean Water is the supreme fruit of the water element.

This person is probably unfathomable, and if it really comes down to a fight, he's probably only slightly weaker than Zhou Jun.

"Tinglan, do you know the names and origins of the other Golden Core True Monarchs?"

"I know a little, but not much. Many True Monarchs disappear from the world after breaking through."

Unless some extraordinary treasure appears in the world, he rarely shows up in person.

I heard from the Grand Preceptor that there are only about four Golden Elixir True Lords. One of them is Longxi, the Great Ocean True Lord, who is said to have gone overseas to develop his career.

There is also Wei Dongliu, the True Lord of Changliushui, who now resides in the imperial city, detached from worldly affairs.

There is also Lu Chen, the True Lord of Furnace Fire, a veteran True Lord who had a conflict with Wei Dongliu and Chen Tai, the True Lord of Mountain Fire, decades ago, and is still recuperating in the Imperial City.

Counting on her fingers, Tinglan explained carefully, then shook her head, "I don't know anything else. Golden Core True Monarchs overseas have almost never shown themselves."

The True Lord of Pure Land is the same. As for Brahma Palace, the Grand Preceptor comes from here. It is said that they follow the three paths of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

Heaven emphasizes transcendence and detachment, Earth emphasizes the perfection of merit, both of which are now in decline. Humanity, on the other hand, follows the lineage of the Imperial Preceptor, focusing on cultivating one's destiny...

So, does that mean the Imperial Preceptor was a Taoist student studying abroad?

Silently noting this information down in his mind, Jiang Ming returned to the quiet room.

Now, the seven-year period is about to end, and this place will no longer be open to Jiang Ming and his group. If they want to remain in the imperial city, they need to find the protection of a powerful figure; otherwise, they will have no choice but to return to their original place and continue their cultivation.

As a place where every inch of land is precious, the imperial city will never accommodate excess cultivators...