Under One Person: I Have a Billion Taoist Gods Within Me

Chapter 50 Zhuge Qing: What else is there to say? I'll kowtow to you, old man.

The backlash from the divine fire can cause anything from mental confusion to complete annihilation.

If the vital energy is out of control, it can lead to a deficiency of vital essence or even emaciated body.

If a person's fire goes berserk, it can cause the dantian to rupture at best, or even the body to explode and die at worst.

Therefore...

Over the past century, countless brilliant and talented individuals from the Zhuge family have attempted to refine the Samadhi True Fire, but without exception, they have all failed.

Some people survived by sheer luck, but their cultivation stagnated from then on, never making any further progress.

Some perished directly, becoming lines of cold records in the family's secret archives.

By this generation, the Zhuge family had almost given up on the idea of ​​refining the Samadhi True Fire.

They still pass down this skill, but no one dares to actually practice it anymore.

Because the cost would be too high.

Now, there is the Samadhi Fire, which can directly burn the soul and make all evil spirits tremble in fear!

It's right in front of you.

It burned quietly in Li Yuan's palm.

Zhuge Yunting was already stunned, staring blankly at the ball of Samadhi Fire.

He watched as the Samadhi True Fire, which no one in his Zhuge family had been able to condense for over a hundred years, burned quietly in Li Yuan's palm.

It was as if it wasn't such a difficult thing at all.

It was as if it were just a small thing that could be done with a simple gesture.

Meanwhile...

The moment the Samadhi True Fire appeared, Bai Ling's pupils suddenly contracted!

She took a step back abruptly, and for the first time, genuine horror appeared on her stunningly beautiful face!

It was because that seemingly ethereal Samadhi Fire contained terrifying power enough to burn away her thousand years of cultivation!

That is the Samadhi Fire aimed at the "soul"!

That is a power that can burn "existence" itself!

Her spiritual essence trembled involuntarily before that ball of Samadhi fire!

Just like that day outside Qingshui Town, when I sensed the Daoist aura of Liyuan from afar, the trembling was even more intense and harder to suppress.

Because that time it was "attraction".

This time it's a "threat".

A deadly "threat"!

It wasn't Li Yuan who was threatening her.

Rather, it is the Samadhi Fire itself that naturally intimidates all "spiritual beings".

Bai Ling took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the trembling of her spiritual essence, her gaze fixed on the ball of Samadhi True Fire, her heart churning with turbulent waves:

Samadhi Fire...

This is the Samadhi Fire!

Legend has it that the primordial fire can burn away all illusions and extinguish the very essence of the soul!

"As a shamanic practitioner, I have cultivated for a thousand years, and what I fear most is an attack that can directly damage the very essence of the soul."

The physical body can be rebuilt if it is destroyed.

"If the soul is wounded, there is no hope of redemption."

"And this Samadhi Fire—"

She gazed at the colorless and formless Samadhi Fire, a deep sense of apprehension flashing in her eyes:

If it were to fall upon the lineage of the Immortal Horseman outside the pass, even a thousand years of cultivation would likely not withstand a single burning.

"This Daozi..."

Just how many more tricks are they hiding?

Li Yuan paid no attention to the gazes around him.

He simply watched the ball of Samadhi Fire in his palm, letting it leap and burn at his fingertips.

Then, gently raise your hand.

The ball of Samadhi Fire then floated up, hovering three inches above the palm, and slowly rotated.

As it rotates, the Samadhi Fire begins to change.

It's not about getting bigger, nor is it about getting more intense.

Rather, it is about cohesion.

It condenses inward, compresses inward, and converges inward.

In just a few breaths, the ball of Samadhi True Fire condensed into a tiny object the size of a grain of rice—

Fire.

The spark was extremely small, extremely small.

But the "intention" contained within that spark was deeper and purer than the Samadhi Fire from before.

To be even more "alive".

It was as if it wasn't a spark.

That was a life.

A newly born life, waiting to be awakened, containing infinite possibilities.

Li Yuan looked at Zhuge Yunting.

"Mr. Zhuge."

"This is the seed of the Samadhi True Fire."

Zhuge Yunting was startled.

This fire is indeed the Samadhi Fire!

And it's actually the seed of Samadhi True Fire?!

Li Yuan looked at Zhuge Yunting's shocked expression, his gaze still gentle.

"Mr. Zhuge."

"The Marquis of Wu passed on all his knowledge to me, including the method of the Samadhi True Fire."

"This is the trust that Marquis Wu has in me, and also his expectation of me."

"I have nothing to repay you with but this spark of fire, which I offer to the Zhuge family as a token of my gratitude for the legacy of Zhuge Liang."

O

"That is also true—"

"It is hoped that the Zhuge family can truly pass on this Samadhi True Fire technique."

"Let the wisdom of Zhuge Liang shine with its due brilliance in your hands."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yunting was about to perform another grand salute.

Li Yuan gently raised his right hand, and that gentle force lifted him up once again.

"Mr. Zhuge, there's no need for that."

"I offer this fire not in the hope that you will kneel before me."

"But—"

'

His gaze fell upon the ball of Samadhi Fire, and his tone was calm yet solemn: "I will forever remember the kindness of Zhuge Liang in passing on his teachings."

"This spark contains the very source of the Samadhi True Fire; it is a small token of my humble offering."

"Moreover—"

—

He looked at Zhuge Yunting, his gaze carrying a deeper meaning: "The Zhuge family has not had a single person master the Samadhi True Fire for a hundred years. It is not because of a lack of talent, nor because the technique is incomplete."

"It's not that it's lacking that 'guiding' element."

"This spark is the 'ignition'."

"It will not forge the Samadhi Fire for you, nor will it allow you to gain something for nothing."

"It will only illuminate your path when you are practicing this way, protect your mind when you face danger, and guide you back when you lose your way."

"It is a seed that needs your hard work, sweat, wisdom, and perseverance to water and nurture it."

Until one day—

'

Li Yuan's gaze seemed to pierce through time, landing on a distant future: "In your Zhuge family, is there anyone who can truly master the Samadhi True Fire?"

"At that time, this spark will merge into that person's body and become part of his Samadhi True Fire."

"And the Samadhi True Fire of the Zhuge family has thus been truly passed down."

Having said that, Li Yuan raised his hand and gently pushed.

The seed of Samadhi True Fire slowly drifted toward Zhuge Yunting, hovering three inches in front of his brow.

The warm light gently shone on Zhuge Yunting's face.

Within that light, there was warmth, expectation, and also an indescribable "calling".

It's as if it's saying, "Come on."

"Go back to where you belong."

"Awaken what lies dormant within your blood."

"To reignite the flame that has been extinguished for a century in your Zhuge family."

Zhuge Yunting took a deep breath.

He raised his head and looked at Li Yuan.

Those eyes were now filled with gratitude, devotion, and the bright light of rebirth.

"Daozi...this kindness and virtue will be remembered by the Zhuge family for generations to come."

"Never forget."

"When the Daoist arrives at Wolonggang in the future, the Zhuge family will welcome him with the most solemn ceremony."

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

"Go."

Zhuge Yunting no longer hesitated.

He closed his eyes, his mind sank into his body, and let the spark of fire slowly drift toward his brow.

The moment the spark touched the ancestral aperture between Zhuge Yunting's eyebrows, he couldn't help but shudder!

That warmth, that brightness, that "intention" containing boundless vitality, surged in from between my eyebrows and instantly flowed throughout my entire body!

He "senseed" it.

It was an indescribable "return".

It was as if a wanderer who had been separated for a hundred years had finally returned to his hometown.

It was as if a flame that had been extinguished for a hundred years had finally been rekindled.

Zhuge Yunting "felt" that something long dormant within his blood was awakening.

That was the spark left behind by our ancestor, Marquis Wu.

That is the source of the Samadhi Fire contained in the bloodline of every descendant of the Zhuge family.

It just slept for so long that later generations have forgotten its existence.

For a century, no one was able to awaken it.

now-

It woke up.

Because the spark given by Li Yuan was like a ray of sunlight, shining into the depths of this bloodline that had been dormant for a hundred years.

The sleeping thing slowly opened its eyes, stretched gently, and then began to burn.

It wasn't a real flame, but something deeper.

That's "possible".

That is "hope".

That is "inheritance".

That is the foundation upon which the Zhuge family can re-condense the Samadhi True Fire from now on!

Zhuge Yunting opened his eyes and bowed deeply to Li Yuan once again.

After a long while, he finally straightened up.

He looked at Li Yuan, and in his eyes, besides gratitude, there was also an indescribable determination.

"Michiko."

"I will dedicate my life to studying the teachings of my ancestors and nurturing future generations."

"I will not allow this seed of Samadhi True Fire to be tarnished in my hands."

"I will surely ensure that the Samadhi True Fire of the Zhuge family shines brightly once more, thanks to the gift bestowed upon me by the Daoist today!"

Li Yuan nodded slightly: "This humble Taoist believes you."

"The descendants of Zhuge Liang will not let him down."

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

"I am not in a position to participate in what follows."

"Sir, please take care of yourself."

Zhuge Yunting nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, thank you for your guidance, Daozi."

"I... take my leave."

He bowed deeply to Li Yuan again before turning around and striding away.

Those steps were more steady and powerful than when they came.

It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted, yet an even heavier mission had been taken on.

Li Yuan stood quietly, watching his figure disappear into the night.

Bai Ling then came to his side and spoke softly, her voice carrying a rare hint of solemnity: "Daozi..."

"What you have done today is enough to bring the Zhuge family back to its former glory."

Li Yuan shook his head slightly: "It wasn't me who did it."

"They guarded it themselves."

"Seventeen hundred years."

"Several generations."

"That perseverance, that loyalty, is worth it all."

"I am merely returning all of this to them on behalf of Marquis Wu."

Bai Ling fell silent.

She looked at Li Yuan, at the figure in the moon-white Taoist robe, and a feeling she couldn't quite describe welled up inside her.

There was awe, admiration, and a touch of inexplicable closeness.

She suddenly understood why, on that day outside Qingshui Town, when she only sensed a wisp of Daoist energy from Li Yuan in the distance, it felt like seeing the North Star and returning to her mother's source.

Because this Daozi never claimed the Dao as his own.

What he saw was the original state of all things.

What he did was to put everything back where it belonged.

He wasn't "giving".

He was simply "paying back".

Such a person deserves to be followed by anyone.

Li Yuan raised his eyes and looked up at the night sky.

There, the starlight still shines brightly.

He suddenly recalled what Zhuge Liang had just said: "To see further, to stand higher, and to place a piece when cause and effect are still uncertain."

That "general trend" may not be unchangeable.

Li Yuan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a very faint smile.

"Zhuge Liang..."

He silently prayed in his heart, "I will make the Samadhi True Fire that you passed down."

"Let it burn even brighter!"

Outside Tanzhou City, the moonlight was as clear as water.

Li Yuan and Bai Ling walked side by side on the official road, the brightly lit ancient city behind them gradually receding into the distance.

A night breeze swept by, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees from the fields, as well as the faint barking of dogs from distant villages.

The two remained silent the entire way, yet there was no awkwardness whatsoever; only the tranquility and ease unique to companions traveling together.

Bai Ling, dressed in flowing red, resembled a moving red cloud under the moonlight, her exquisite face carrying a hint of languor.

She glanced at Li Yuan, whose figure in the moon-white Taoist robe appeared even more ethereal and otherworldly in the night, as if he might merge into the moonlight at any moment and become a part of the natural world.

She suddenly spoke, her voice clear and melodious: "Daozi, although we have only known each other for a short time, Bai Ling has benefited greatly from our journey together."

"Discussing the Dao at the Clear Mind Pavilion, observing the Dharma at the birthday banquet, and just now that astonishing and extraordinary Qimen Dunjia formation, as well as the legacy of Zhuge Liang and the Samadhi True Fire—"

She paused, her beautiful eyes sparkling, a smile appearing at the corner of her lips: "Any one of these opportunities would be enough for an ordinary extraordinary person to boast about for a lifetime."

"Bai Ling followed Dao Zi and witnessed everything in just a few days."

Bai Ling will remember this destiny.

Li Yuan didn't stop walking. He glanced at her with a gentle look in his eyes and said, "Fellow Daoist Bai Ling, you flatter me."

"I have also gained something from this journey together."

"Fellow Daoist, your spiritual insight is clear and your understanding is extraordinary. Discussing the Dao and the mysteries with you is a pleasure for this humble Daoist."

Upon hearing this, Bai Ling's smile deepened.

She suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Li Yuan also stopped and looked at her.

Bai Ling stood under the moonlight, her red dress as rosy as the sunset, her hair fluttering gently. Her beautiful face, at this moment, lacked its usual playfulness and composure, and instead showed a solemnity as if she had made a certain decision.

"Michiko."

"We are about to part ways, and Bai Ling has something to give you."

As she spoke, she gently raised her right hand.

Her slender, jade-like hand was originally empty.

But just as Bai Ling raised her hand...

A faint, almost imperceptible glimmer of light quietly emerged from her palm.

That radiance was as warm and smooth as jade, yet it contained a kind of indescribable "vitality".

It was as if it wasn't light, but a living thing, breathing slowly in her palm.

The light gradually coalesced.

Finally, under the moonlight, it transformed into a "white jade tattoo".

The jade talisman was only three inches square, its entire body as white as solidified fat, shaped like a slightly curved spiritual thorn, yet it carried a certain natural Daoist charm.

Upon closer inspection, the surface of the talisman reveals naturally formed patterns, which are not carved by human hands but rather bestowed by the creation of heaven and earth.

Like a curled-up white hedgehog, every quill is clearly visible, gleaming faintly silver in the moonlight.

The white hedgehog looked serene, its eyes slightly closed, as if it were asleep, yet it seemed ready to wake up at any moment.

Even more miraculously, if you stare at it for a long time, you can vaguely see the white hedgehog's abdomen rising and falling slightly, as if it were really breathing.

A very faint layer of moonlight flowed over the entire tattoo.

That was no ordinary object, but a companion spirit of a white spirit.

It is her natal object, born from her own spirituality after a thousand years of cultivation.

It was the first life-bound spirit thorn she shed, nurtured by a thousand years of cultivation, absorbing the essence of moonlight from countless full moon nights, before finally solidifying into its current form.

Every line on it is a mark of her years of cultivation; every ray of spiritual light is the culmination of her spiritual practice.

Li Yuan's gaze fell on the white jade tattoo, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

A wisp of celestial secret was faintly swirling around this object.

That was not the kind of aura that ordinary magical artifacts could possess.

Bai Ling held the white jade tattoo, her gaze falling on Li Yuan. Her usually composed eyes now held an indescribable solemnity.

"Michiko."

She spoke, her voice clear and melodious, yet carrying a rare seriousness, even a hint of respect: "This is Bai Ling's companion spirit object, named the 'White Jade Spirit Talisman.'"

"Bai Ling has cultivated for a thousand years, nurturing her spirituality with this object. She shares the same origin and life with this object."

"The one who holds this talisman can communicate with Bai Ling telepathically. No matter how far apart they are, Bai Ling can sense their location. They can also use this talisman as a medium to communicate with Bai Ling across the distance."

"If Daozi ever goes beyond the pass in the future, he can use this token to find Bai Ling and the Guan family."

"Those who follow the lineage of Ma Xian outside the pass, upon seeing this talisman, will feel as if Bai Ling himself has appeared, and none will dare to be disrespectful."

"At that time—"

"Bai Ling will welcome the Daoist's entourage with the most solemn ceremony."

"The lineage of the Asura outside the pass should also respect the Daoist Master."

Li Yuan stared at the white jade talisman in silence for a long time.

With his level of moral cultivation, he naturally understood the value of this item.

Companion spirits are like a second life to immortals; they are the source of their very existence and the foundation upon which their Dao is built.

Ordinary immortals would never easily show this item to others, let alone give it away.

Even the closest blood relatives may not be able to entrust their children with this responsibility.

Bai Ling's actions were tantamount to entrusting her life to him.

What trust, what recognition!

Li Yuan raised his eyes and looked at Bai Ling.

In those gentle eyes, there was now a glimmer of light that was hard for others to detect.

"Fellow Daoist Bai Ling."

He spoke softly, his tone still calm, yet carrying an indescribable solemnity: "I understand the preciousness of this item."

"Fellow Daoist, this is a gift from me, this humble Daoist—"

'

Li Yuan didn't finish speaking.

But Bai Ling understands.

She smiled slightly, a smile devoid of her usual playfulness, only a sense of relief as if she had finally delivered her message.

"There's no need for Daozi to say more."

"Bai Ling gave this item not so that Dao Zi would owe Bai Ling anything."

"Only because"

At this point, Bai Ling paused slightly, looking directly at Li Yuan. In her gaze, there was awe, admiration, and a hint of inexplicable closeness.

"Bai Ling has cultivated for a thousand years and has seen countless people and events, but he has never seen anyone like Dao Zi."

"That day outside Qingshui Town, Bai Ling sensed a wisp of Daoist charm from afar, as if she had seen the North Star and returned to her mother's source."

"Bai Ling knew then that this opportunity was not to be missed."

"Now that we've traveled together, Bai Ling has personally witnessed Dao Zi's Dao realm, temperament, and vision."

Bai Ling became increasingly convinced that her choice that day was the right one.

"I gave this item to Daozi simply so that this karmic connection could continue."

That's all.

After she finished speaking, she offered the white jade talisman with both hands, her posture devout.

Li Yuan looked at the white jade talisman and at Bai Ling's sincere eyes.

After a moment, he nodded slightly: "In that case, this humble Taoist will accept it."

He reached out and took the white jade talisman, then looked at Bai Ling and said, "Fellow Daoist Bai Ling."

"I will definitely go beyond the Great Wall."

"And it won't be long."