txolops Chapter 173 Solution
Chapter 173 Solution
Luo Ming's heart sank to the bottom in an instant, and the spiritual energy around him seemed to stagnate. True demonic energy... This kind of strange and turbid energy originating from the demon realm is a hundred times more dangerous than the demonic energy that is cultivated in the human realm. Once entangled, it is the mortal enemy of non-demonic cultivators.
He focused his mind and looked inward, only to see that the golden core in his dantian was now completely soaked in thick black ink. The originally pure white core had become dull and lifeless, and the spiritual energy flowing inside had also become somewhat cold and stagnant. As it circulated, it felt as if countless fine needles were piercing through his meridians, causing a dull pain.
"Senior... are you sure it's true demonic energy?" His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice carried a hint of barely concealed relief. The Golden Core was the foundation of a cultivator, and once it was completely corrupted by true demonic energy, the consequences would be unimaginable.
A faint golden light flickered within the Xuan Yuan Pearl, and the voice of the Heavenly Mirror Hermit slowly emanated, carrying an undeniable solemnity:
"There's no mistake, this demonic blade is a sacred artifact brought from the Demon Realm by that demon lord. It must have been tempered by the true demonic energy there. Although the blade is now damaged and most of the true demonic energy within has dissipated, the remaining energy is still incredibly domineering. This energy is already tightly entangled with your golden core essence, like a maggot clinging to your bone. There is no other way to resolve this except for you to immediately switch to cultivating a top-tier demonic technique that can control true demonic energy. Otherwise, it will not only hinder your spiritual energy circulation and shackle your cultivation day and night, but over time, the true demonic energy will definitely erode your soul. At that time, you may suffer a demonic backlash, lose your mind, and become a monster that only knows how to kill."
The reason why Tianjing Sanren was so clear about the true demonic energy was twofold: firstly, he had previously devoured that demonic soul and inherited some of the memories of the demonic realm; secondly, it stemmed from his own painful experiences.
Back then, he had inadvertently come into contact with the true demonic energy, attempting to control it with his own cultivation, but was ultimately outmaneuvered by that thing and ended up having his primordial spirit devoured.
"Top-tier demonic art..." Luo Ming's lips curled into a bitter smile, feeling utterly helpless.
He did possess demonic cultivation techniques; the "Mysterious Yin Scripture" from Jiyin Island was considered a first-rate demonic cultivation technique in the Chaotic Star Sea, yet he dared not cultivate it even slightly.
Firstly, the "Mysterious Yin Scripture" in his possession was incomplete, containing only the content up to the late stage of Core Formation, with a gap in the subsequent cultivation methods. Continuing to cultivate it would only lead him astray. More importantly, the complete version of this cultivation method was in the hands of the Mysterious Bone Old Monster.
Moreover, given the way things are done on Jiyin Island, the cultivation technique in Xuan Gu's possession may not be the complete version. It's possible that there are hidden restrictions and traps in some secluded place. Once you start practicing it, you'll be courting death if you face Xuan Gu in the future.
"Isn't there any other way to resolve this?" Luo Ming persisted, "For example, ancient elixirs, Buddhist secret techniques, Taoist talismans, etc. As long as they can dispel the true demonic energy, no matter how difficult they are to find, I am willing to try!"
He knew perfectly well that it would take at least several decades for a cultivator to rebuild their cultivation after losing all their power during the Golden Core stage. Moreover, during this period, a cultivator would be at their weakest point in their life. Although he had many spirit beasts protecting him, external protection was ultimately not as reliable as one's own strength. If he was not careful, he would end up dying.
Tianjing Sanren remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "The Vajra Subduing Demon Divine Power of Buddhism can purify the true demonic energy with Buddhist light, stabilizing the origin of the Golden Core; the Three Pure Ones Cleansing Mantra of Taoism can cleanse the turbid energy of the soul and resolve the calamity of demonic invasion; or the legendary Purifying Heart Fire Lotus, with its innate pure Yang fire, can directly burn away the true demonic energy, not only protecting your Golden Core from damage but also tempering your foundation through purification, allowing you to turn misfortune into blessing."
He paused slightly, a hint of melancholy in his voice: "Unfortunately, one of these two secret techniques is a closely guarded secret of Buddhism. My Chaotic Star Sea has very few Buddhist lineages, let alone secret techniques of this caliber; the other is a supreme secret technique of Taoism, which only top-tier Taoist sects could possibly possess. Let alone a Core Formation cultivator like you, even a Nascent Soul cultivator might not have the chance to see even a fragment of it. As for the Pure Heart Fire Lotus, it only exists in ancient legends and has long since disappeared from the present world."
Luo Ming fell silent, his aura growing increasingly somber. Over the years of cultivating immortality, he had encountered countless fortuitous events, acquiring numerous magical treasures and top-tier cultivation techniques. However, he had never had any contact with the supreme secret arts of Buddhism and Taoism. Now, upon hearing of a solution, he felt utterly powerless, as it seemed unattainable.
"So...the only option for this junior is to dissipate his cultivation and start over?"
"Yes." Tianjing Sanren answered crisply and decisively, without the slightest hesitation. "Before the True Demon Qi completely corrupts your meridians and the origin of your soul, immediately disperse your Golden Core and return to the Qi Refining Realm. This is your only chance of survival. Although this will cost you a hundred years of hard work, your foundation is still intact, your temperament is resilient, and your aptitude is remarkable. Reforming your Golden Core in the future will not be difficult. Moreover..."
He paused slightly, as if intentionally keeping everyone in suspense, "This dissipation of your cultivation and the need to rebuild your strength isn't all bad for you; it might even be an opportunity."
Although Tianjing Sanren is now the spirit of his natal magic weapon, the other party is still a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator who has lived for hundreds of years. His supernatural abilities and knowledge are far beyond what he, a Core Formation cultivator, can compare to. In recent days, he has learned a lot of cultivation secrets and weapon-refining techniques from the other party, and has already begun to regard Tianjing Sanren as half a master in his heart.
"Hmph, shallow understanding!" Tianjing Sanren's tone was tinged with anger at his lack of ambition, as if he were truly instructing his own disciple. "If you continue cultivating in your current state, you may be able to quickly advance to the late stage of Core Formation, but breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm will be as difficult as ascending to heaven! The Nascent Soul realm emphasizes the unity of spirit, qi, and body, and the absence of inner demons. Your golden core is now tainted with turbid qi, and your foundation is weak. Even if you force yourself to achieve a perfect core formation, your inner demons will be several times stronger than those of ordinary cultivators. You will undoubtedly die at the Nascent Soul stage."
He paused, then softened his tone and explained slowly, "But if you were to disperse your cultivation and start over during the Core Formation stage, with the perspective and understanding of a Core Formation cultivator, you would be able to gain a commanding view and grasp the essence of Qi Refining stage techniques. Not only would you be able to solidify your foundation, but you could also temper your character and sever past inner demons during the process of rebuilding. When you eventually re-form your Golden Core and attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, overcoming those inner demons would be much easier, and your chances of advancement would greatly increase."
Although Luo Ming still couldn't fully trust Tianjing Sanren, he felt that what he said made a lot of sense.
In fact, ever since he obtained the Azure Nether Scripture, he had considered starting to cultivate again immediately. However, at that time, his only spirit beast was the Xuan Turtle, which had advanced to the fifth level, making him feel insecure. Now, he has fallen into a situation where his golden core has been eroded by the true demonic energy, forcing him to disperse his cultivation and start over. It can be said that fate is playing tricks on him.
"Looks like I can't escape the fate of Old Devil Han either!" Luo Ming sighed.