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

Blushing and turning her back, Cheng Ya looked slightly shy. Recalling the way Jiang Ming had looked at her feet, she felt instantly agitated.

She had once heard Cheng Yun say that some men liked women's feet the most and even used them for amusement, recalling Jiang Ming's actions just now.

Cheng Ya felt increasingly certain that this was possible, so she hurriedly got up and huddled in a corner. "I'm a little tired, I'll rest for a while."

They had no idea what Cheng Ya was thinking.

Jiang Ming nodded, confirming that the Cheng family's ship was on its way back and there was no danger, and then began to concentrate and try to cultivate his technique.

"Gengjin Dianxing Gong" is a metal-element martial art, but it differs from most metal-element martial arts in its strong killing nature.

This technique is relatively peaceful and its offensive power is not very strong. Its strength lies in the ability to concentrate one's intention.

As a second-grade cultivation technique, it can help cultivators grasp the conception more quickly; specifically, its effect is three times stronger than other cultivation techniques.

While other techniques might be more offensive and require more effort to condense the intent when cultivating the Sword Edge Gold, the "Geng Gold Star Pointing Technique" is different.

Although its offensive power is not very high, it can quickly condense imagery, which perfectly meets Jiang Ming's current needs. With the Primordial Sword Formation as his trump card, he no longer needs offensive spells.

The most urgent task is to quickly master the Gengjin technique and achieve the effect of unifying the five elements.

The reason why the imagery of "Gengjin Dianxing Gong" is easy to comprehend is mainly because it requires the assistance of Gengjin, a precious treasure. This object is golden and shiny, but its texture is very soft.

Only after different materials are mixed can it be used for weapon crafting.

However, there are not so many requirements for cultivation techniques. You only need to absorb the pure spiritual energy in Geng metal while circulating the technique.

With the help of the little black snake, this tedious process was not difficult, and Jiang Ming quickly gained a thorough understanding of the technique, although he was still some distance from mastering it.

But at least the path to unifying the five elements is right in front of us.

On the way back, they happened to meet several elders of the Cheng family, who had come to help at Cheng Ya's request. They learned that Jiang Ming had solved the problem on his own.

They also discovered the shady dealings in the Wanxing Alliance's cooperation. The Third Elder stroked his beard, looking completely convinced, and sighed softly.

"You're quite promising at such a young age. When I was your age, if I got into trouble, I could only wait for my family to clean it up."

"Seniors, there's no need to belittle yourselves. I'm truly ashamed to have troubled you all to make this special trip..." Jiang Ming calmly stood up, placed himself in the center of the Cheng family elders, cupped his hands in thanks, and sincerely expressed his gratitude.

Waving his hand, the Third Elder spoke first, "Not at all, the Ancestor has already spoken, from now on your affairs are the affairs of the Cheng family."

When we return to the Cheng family, the patriarch will have another opportunity to see us off…

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder echoed, a hint of wistful感慨 in his eyes, "Back then, when we sent you back to the outer sect of the Myriad Laws Sect, you were only at the seventh level."

You've transformed into a ninth-level cultivator in just a few years, capable of handling things on your own. You've endured a lot of hardship, kid.

"Now, shouldn't we start thinking about marriage?"

With a knowing smile, the elders of the Cheng family looked expectant.

Blushing, Cheng Ya shyly left the cabin, anxiously eavesdropping outside.

"A good man's ambition lies in all corners of the world; marriage is still too early for him. Thank you all for your concern..."

With a sigh, the Third Elder shook his head regretfully, "That's fine too. Although the path to Foundation Establishment is extremely difficult, judging from your current momentum, you should have great potential."

Go forth and explore freely. No matter what happens, the Cheng family will always be your strong support.

Seeing that Jiang Ming had no intention of forming a marriage alliance with him, the Grand Elder smiled, his face full of helplessness.

After a long while, they returned to Tongzhou City.

Cheng Ya lowered her head and didn't speak. Seeing her like this, Jiang Ming shook his head helplessly and asked himself if he really had some feelings for Cheng Ya.

However, it's too early to think about marriage and having children now.

The path to foundation building will inevitably be fraught with difficulties and dangers, and the enemies encountered will be even stronger and more treacherous.

Getting married early undoubtedly creates more weaknesses for oneself.

Cheng family.

Inside the council chamber.

The patriarch of the Cheng family sat in a rocking chair, his eyes filled with peace. As a cultivator at the peak of the Qi Refining Realm, he could clearly see more when looking at Jiang Ming.

This trend is somewhat different from orthodox cultivation, but to be honest, Jiang Ming's path is obviously easier.

"Young friend, please sit down. There's no one else here, and I don't have any particular intention. I just want to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with someone."

In my opinion, your path is to establish a foundation in the Outer Path, but do you know that this also faces many difficulties? In Tongzhou City, there are only three people who have achieved foundation establishment in the Outer Path.

After they reach the Foundation Establishment stage, they almost entirely secluded themselves from the world. Do you know why?

Through Wang Xiaogang's theory, Jiang Ming also gained some understanding of cultivation after Foundation Establishment.

Therefore, without panicking, he calmly said, "In my opinion, it is because they are worried about being harmed by orthodox cultivators."

The cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Realm lies in spreading the Dharma. If you want to improve your cultivation, you must spread your Daoist teachings to the outside world.

The more people practice, the stronger the Foundation Establishment cultivator becomes.

However, the paths taken by ordinary non-Buddhist cultivators are mostly unique. It takes the incense offerings of 10,000 people to support one non-Buddhist cultivator to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Cultivators like these have no way of spreading their teachings; with no room for improvement in their cultivation, they can only remain hidden from the world..."

Nodding in slight surprise, and seeing that Jiang Ming knew quite a lot, the Cheng family patriarch smiled, his amiable expression becoming even more pronounced.

"That's right, the crux of most of the problems of heretics lies here."

Once one chooses the unorthodox path to foundation building, their path to further advancement is completely severed. Therefore, many cultivators spend their entire lives pursuing the orthodox path, only to become trapped and shackled, watching their life's efforts go to waste.

I'm getting old, and it's almost impossible for me to start practicing other paths again. These days, I spend most of my time thinking about what will happen after I die.

That's why I want to ask you, young friend, are you sure you can go far on this path?

"I'm only 70% sure. I'll tell you my specific plans after I reach Foundation Establishment, okay?"

He did not reveal his true intentions.

Even though the Cheng family patriarch acted very kindly, there were some things that had to be guarded against, otherwise all previous efforts would be in vain if problems arose.

Seeing Jiang Ming's confident demeanor, the Cheng family patriarch nodded and did not press further, "Alright, then I will wait for you to establish your foundation."

The path of the unorthodox is much simpler than the orthodox one. There are different methods for breaking through from the ninth level to perfection. I understand that you are wary and unwilling to reveal them.

Later, I will have Cheng Ya take you to the family treasury. If anything there is useful, feel free to take it.

Once you, young friend, have truly achieved Foundation Establishment in the unorthodox path, I would like to seek a path for the younger generation…”

This is my method of complete integration, so that future generations may emulate it.

Understanding the situation, Jiang Ming readily nodded in agreement.

Although he is now close to perfecting his cultivation techniques, he still lacks some precious resources.

When breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, one will be tempered by heavenly lightning.

Therefore, it is necessary to prepare appropriate rituals and precious healing medicines.

To break through to the Dharma Body Realm and achieve a physical body comparable to the Foundation Establishment Realm, the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus is required as a guarantee.

All of this would indeed be difficult for Jiang Ming to accomplish on his own.

Since the patriarch of the Cheng family was willing to go all in to pave the way for his descendants, Jiang Ming was naturally happy to accept.

The sooner he breaks through his cultivation level, the sooner he can establish his presence overseas.

When it comes to the path of advancement after Foundation Establishment, Jiang Ming certainly dared not be negligent.

"Many thanks to the patriarch for his guidance. If I succeed, I will certainly not keep this glory to myself!"

He smiled, as if he had gotten what he wanted.

The patriarch of the Cheng family nodded, tossed over a token, and said in a serious tone, "Take it, and let Cheng Ya take you there."

Previously, this girl had been following the orthodox path of cultivation, but not long ago I received news that her foundation-building in the spring was also complete.

If she continues down this path, she's destined to fail. If you can, please help her; this girl has feelings for you…”

After giving Jiang Ming a deep look, the Cheng family patriarch silently retreated into the background.

Seeing this, Jiang Ming did not refuse.

If the path through the spring is blocked, Cheng Ya will indeed have no choice but to take the alternative route. It's never too late to do anything while she's still young.

If you continue to work on the wrong path, you will mostly waste your time.

Holding the ancestor's seal, Jiang Ming went to find Cheng Ya.

Although she felt embarrassed after being rejected twice by Jiang Ming, she had no choice but to obey and follow him since she had seen the ancestral token.

Her watery eyes looked at Jiang Ming, with a hint of disappointment in them.

Cheng Family Treasury.

All the savings of this century-old family are hidden here.

Looking at the dazzling array of treasures, Jiang Ming was shocked.

After instructing Cheng Ya to fetch a few items for him, he immediately sat cross-legged on the ground, preparing to cultivate. "Bring me the Concentration Incense and the High-Grade Spirit Gathering Array."

I will cultivate the Sword Edge Golden Technique, and incidentally, I will guide you to change your path of cultivation.

"Change your path?" Hearing this, Cheng Ya, who had been burdened by her love for her children, immediately regained her composure and looked at Jiang Ming with some doubt and uncertainty. "Why is it that there are Foundation Establishment positions that are vacant in the Fruit Garden?"

"It's gone now. This is what the ancestor told me. She asked me to take care of you and find some suitable cultivation methods."

While I can't help you reach level nine as quickly as I did, with a year or two of practice, you'll definitely be able to stand on your own.

Without much explanation, Jiang Ming gave some instructions and then began to cultivate the Sword Edge Gold Technique. With the blessing of the gold element, it was as if there was a progress bar in his mind.

Silently indicating the progress of the cultivation technique, calculating the days, a year is enough to condense the final image.

At that time, the five elements will be united, and the Qi-Eating Realm will be perfected!

Jiang Ming extracted half of the essence from Gengjin for his own cultivation, and then handed over the cultivation technique and the remaining Gengjin to Cheng Ya, patiently instructing her on the key points.

"Remember, don't rush to merge them. The most important thing is to condense the essence of each technique first..."

Obediently nodding in agreement, Cheng Ya sat cross-legged next to Jiang Ming and began cultivating in imitation.

As spring turned to autumn, the two spent more time together in the Cheng family's treasury, and their relationship grew even closer.

After a year of hard work, Jiang Ming successfully mastered the "Gengjin Dianxing Gong" and condensed his first image.

As he felt the five images intertwining within his body, flowing and interacting in a seemingly rhythmic manner, Jiang Ming was suddenly enlightened, gaining a deeper understanding of the method of emptiness.

Even though the imagery hasn't fully merged yet, Jiang Ming already feels that the efficiency of absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has increased a bit.

When the five elements are integrated and the images of the fruit positions are interconnected, the perfection of the Qi-eating realm is achieved.

"You succeeded?" Raising an eyebrow, Cheng Ya looked at Jiang Ming curiously, her beautiful eyes smiling, her heart full of anticipation.

Although this year of cultivation did not directly improve her cultivation level, the fusion of the two fruition-level images allowed her to experience unprecedented benefits.

The most obvious thing is that the spiritual energy in his body is more solid, and his combat ability has also improved slightly.

Thanks to Jiang Ming's tutelage, Cheng Ya can now withstand more than a dozen moves from the elders of her clan without being defeated, which is quite remarkable for an eighth-level perfect cultivator.

However, Cheng Ya is only at the late stage of the eighth rank. The reason why she is so powerful is obviously because she has benefited from the cultivation of unorthodox methods.

I witnessed the changes in Cheng Ya firsthand.

The patriarch of the Cheng family became even more determined. Upon learning that Jiang Ming was currently lacking the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus, he immediately mobilized the entire clan to help him search for it.

Many hands make light work; through the efforts of Chengjia News Network, a trace of the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus was finally discovered.

Coincidentally, this thing is overseas and has a significant connection with the Dragon Palace. The Seven-Colored Divine Lotus grows in the deep sea.

A single flower blooms only once every thousand years. This creature possesses a certain spirituality, and can only be successfully picked if the cultivator's potential is recognized; otherwise, the treasure will be destroyed.

The Dragon Palace envoys are currently searching extensively for geniuses overseas.

Anyone who can get close to the radiance of the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus can at least obtain a huge amount of spirit stones, but to this day, no one has been able to pluck the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus.

Even with the Dragon Palace's young master personally leading the charge, they still returned empty-handed.

"Young friend, the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus is indeed precious, but the Dragon Palace is already guarding it closely. If we go to compete for it at this critical juncture, we will definitely become the target of everyone's attacks."

"There are Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding the Dragon Palace. It's difficult to snatch food from the tiger's mouth..." Listening to the lament of the Cheng family patriarch.

Jiang Ming also felt it was a bit difficult, but the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus involved the next realm of the "Eternal Life Scripture," which was related to whether Jiang Ming could match the strength of a Foundation Establishment True Person with his physical body.

He must obtain this item, even if it means becoming an enemy of the Dragon Palace!

Seeing that Jiang Ming had made up his mind, the Cheng family patriarch, though he did not understand, respected him, after all, he was shrewd and experienced.

He took out a pill from his storage bag, a ruthless glint in his eyes. "Since you are so determined to take it, the Cheng family will naturally give our full support."

This pill is called the Yi Guo Pill. After swallowing it, it can change one's appearance and karma, but the effect is short-lived, lasting only half a month.

If you insist on taking the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus, then take it with you and seize it under a new identity. Even if a Foundation Establishment cultivator intervenes afterward, they won't be able to find your trail.

Only in this way can we escape unscathed…

Unexpectedly, such a wonderful thing existed in the world. Jiang Ming showed his gratitude, bowed deeply, and then bid farewell to the Cheng family and headed straight overseas.

This journey was extremely dangerous, which is why he didn't let anyone accompany him; otherwise, if he were discovered, it would inevitably invite retaliation from the Dragon Palace...