txolops Chapter 10 Walking on Thin Ice
Chapter 10 Walking on Thin Ice
The paths of Earth Immortals and Corpse-Dissolving Immortals are similar in their initial stages, both requiring the creation of a "Spiritual Platform" as the foundation for carrying magical power and the soul. This realm is collectively referred to as the "Foundation of the Dao."
Once the spiritual platform was completed, it was considered that the threshold of the Great Dao had been glimpsed, and the two paths began to diverge.
The path of corpse dissolution begins here, connecting with the seven spirits within the body (corpse dog, hidden arrow, sparrow yin, swallowing thief, non-poison, purifying filth, and stinking lung), condensing the three souls (fetal light, refreshing spirit, and dark essence), and finally uniting the spirits to achieve the Yin spirit, which can leave the body and enter the next great realm.
The path of the Earth Immortal involves inscribing the patterns of the origin of heaven and earth on the spiritual platform, condensing the fundamental contract that connects heaven and earth—the [True Seal of Heaven and Earth].
Then, they enter into a one-way contract with the spiritual veins of a region, gaining initial access to the ability to perceive and regulate that region, while also beginning to assume corresponding responsibilities.
"Simply put, the two paths lead to different cultivation directions." Fang Chen carefully sorted through the knowledge in his mind. "The Corpse Dissection Immortal Path is based on tempering the soul, from which various spells are derived. By choosing a soul and engraving a spell on it, one gains immortal abilities. The Earth Immortal Path, on the other hand, is centered on the [Heaven and Earth True Seals].
"Initially, talismans were used to manipulate the power of heaven and earth, thereby connecting with the spiritual veins of a region to forge one's own 'Taoist Temple,' transforming it into a 'Blessed Land,' then elevating it to a 'Grotto-Heaven,' until one attains a position of supreme honor like the ancient Earth Emperor and reaps the Dao Fruit of the Earth Immortal..."
However, the two paths exhibit similar abilities in the initial stage of building the spiritual platform. For example, both can connect with the energy of heaven and earth, and can draw talismans, prepare elixirs, and refine magical artifacts.
Because they have established their spiritual platform and truly embarked on the path of cultivation, they can perform immortal magic and create various magical artifacts and talismans. Therefore, cultivators at this level are respectfully called "Taoists" by mortals.
The next step in the Immortal Path of Corpse Dissolution is to connect the seven souls, unleash the potential of the physical body, and gain the strength to tear apart tigers and leopards. This realm is called [Alchemist].
Once the three souls are condensed, one can perform magic, act on behalf of the gods to spread teachings and deliver the souls of the dead, and thus become a [magician].
Finally, when all three souls and seven spirits are condensed and able to leave the body, that person becomes the [True Man of the Underworld] in this world!
"But the path of the Earth Immortals doesn't involve connecting the seven souls anymore. Instead, it's about comprehending all things in heaven and earth, condensing the [True Seal of the Great Dao], and being able to imprint talismans at will, borrowing the power of heaven and earth. This realm should be called [Condensing True Seals], or perhaps [Seal Spirit Official]?" Fang Chen concentrated his mind and carefully recalled the [Golden Seal of the Earthly Palace] in his sea of consciousness.
"Once the [True Script of the Great Dao] is fully formed, one can communicate with the land and water, regulate the earth's energy, and have a thorough understanding of a region. This realm is called [Communicating with the Earth and Spirits], or perhaps [Priesthood of the Earth]?"
Regardless of how the path ahead is divided, he has finally officially embarked on the path of cultivation and gained the ability to cast spells independently!
Having been reborn twice, I can now say that I have finally stepped one foot into the path of enlightenment!
After calming his excitement, Fang Chen once again looked inward at the spiritual platform in his sea of consciousness. He saw an ancient bronze mirror hanging above the spiritual platform, emitting a bright, clear light.
The *Yunji Qiqian* records: "The Queen Mother of the West wields the Kunlun Mirror, guarding the summit of Langfeng Mountain. Its light can illuminate the three realms and ten directions, connecting the past and present!"
This ancient bronze mirror is none other than the innate primordial treasure—the Kunlun Mirror!
It is one of the thirty-six most precious treasures of creation, possessing the supreme power to reverse yin and yang and connect time, and is the key to the manifestation of the Great Dao.
Now that he has just entered the path, this mirror has already awakened two great wonders—
The first is [Analysis], which can analyze the differences between the laws of the two realms and create magical powers based on existing knowledge and theories.
The second is "Other Self," which can sense and summon other self avatars from other worlds. However, it cannot allow the true self to cross the barrier between the two worlds, but it can transmit various primal powers and divine thoughts through the mirror itself.
"It's a pity... If one truly possessed the ability to cross realms with one's physical body, why would one be confined to this crumbling world?" Fang Chen sighed softly.
However, he quickly felt relieved.
Having this opportunity is already a stroke of luck; how can we ask for more?
However, Fang Chen still had a lingering doubt. He recalled that when he awakened his innate wisdom years ago, he seemed to glimpse a corner of the future on the Kunlun Mirror, which led him to obtain the true Dharma of the Earthly Immortals.
Logically speaking, divine objects are inherently obscured, and only those with great power can bring out their wondrous nature.
Having the ability to analyze is in line with his foundation level, but the power of his avatar that spans two realms and time is something that a mere cultivator like him could possibly reach.
"There's a big secret behind this..." Fang Chen sighed heavily, but then stopped wasting his energy trying to figure it out.
After all, improving one's own skills is the most important thing right now.
Regardless of any hidden dangers or whether some powerful figure is plotting against us, we'll let the sword in our hands speak for itself in the future. Why worry unnecessarily now?
However, if one uses their avatar to communicate between the two realms, their true spirit will inevitably leave their body, leaving only their physical form behind. This is extremely dangerous and makes one vulnerable to being harmed by others. One must find an absolutely safe place before attempting this.
With his mind made up, Fang Chen closed the black coffin, tidied the secret chamber, and pushed open the door to leave.
The sky was still dark, but in his eyes, the world was completely different.
Dark, murky, and malevolent energy permeated the corners of the eaves and between the beams; deep in the sky, resentment and evil thoughts intertwined and permeated, almost covering the entire world.
Moreover, these foul energies seep into a person's body silently, corrupting their soul and spirit, and robbing them of life force and vitality. In mild cases, it severely damages their yang energy, leaving them like a living dead; in severe cases, the internal demons become uncontrollable, their minds become clouded, they almost go mad, and they transform into demons.
Even among so-called enlightened cultivators, only a few retain a human form on the surface, but they exude a strong sense of inhumanity, giving off an eerie and sinister aura. Some even transform into a half-demon, half-monster body, which is truly terrifying...
"What a defiled and wicked world this is!"
Fang Chen's expression was solemn.
"You all know about this!"
But at that moment, a reprimand suddenly rang in my ears.
Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a young man already standing outside the secret room.
Dressed in a black robe, with a solemn expression and a solid aura, his superhuman presence was suppressed to the extreme, clearly indicating profound cultivation.
He was none other than Fang Chen's senior brother, Li Haocheng, whose Daoist name was Mingjun.
The Daoist titles of the disciples of Zhengyang Dao are passed down in the order of "Taiyi Shangming Dao, Zhimiao Cheng Xuanxian". In Fang Chen's generation, it is the turn of the character "Ming".
"Jun" means the power to balance all things, and it is a metaphor for the ability to manage the overall situation and maintain balance between internal and external affairs.
With the elders of the sect away, and the current top disciple, Mingyang, in seclusion to break through to the Yin God realm, the one in charge of the sect is none other than Daoist Mingjun.
"Senior brother." Upon seeing this figure, Fang Chen's expression froze slightly.
"Hmph, you still recognize me as your senior brother!" Mingjun's face was ashen. "You previously asked me to refine the Yin Corpse Turbidity Talisman, the Illusionary Spirit Talisman, and the Yin Fire Talisman, saying it was for self-protection, and I believed you. I never expected that you would sneak out of the city while we were out and infiltrate the Old World's Shadow... Do you know how dangerous it is? A slight misstep could lead to your demise!"
"Junior Brother understands," Fang Chen said frankly. "However, since the embryonic light has been awakened, one needs spiritual inspiration to enter the Dao. The path within the sect is difficult, so one must find one's own opportunity."
"No matter how difficult things are within the sect, can't you gather enough funds for Foundation Establishment? Why do you need to take such a risky move!" Daoist Mingjun's tone grew increasingly stern.
"Senior Brother, this is no longer the Pure and Spiritual World of the past, but the Void and Evil World." Fang Chen sighed softly. "Senior Brother Mingyang is about to break through to the next realm, and the sect's resources are being exhausted. The elders need to carry Dharma money to replenish their Dharma power when they go out, and all the temples and businesses in the city need to pay blood taxes. If I want to seek a superior Dao Foundation, I will need to spend more than ten thousand Dharma money. The sect is already in dire straits, how can I bear to add to the burden?"
Upon hearing this, Daoist Mingjun paused for a moment, then fell silent.
In this world where demons roam freely and evil pervades, the price to pay for upholding the righteous path is immense.
The temples within the city need spiritual energy to maintain themselves, and the manors outside the city need to shelter mortals, both of which involve enormous expenses.
The sect rules are even stricter, forbidding the consumption of human flesh and blood or the absorption of living souls to accumulate magical wealth, thus cutting off a shortcut to enlightenment.
The disciples' cultivation, the use of elixirs and talismans, and the operation of formations all consume resources.
Although Zhengyangdao still has its foundation, it has made many preparations to deal with the "blood tax surplus," which is the real life-or-death line!
Otherwise, once their resources are depleted and they fail to pay the full tribute, they will be stripped of their temple, left to wander the streets, and ultimately haunted by tax devils. When they die, the entire sect will be drained of their marrow and die.
If a disciple's foundation-building process is delayed by a few days, it can be delayed. However, if the blood tax cannot be paid due to insufficient resources, that would be a catastrophic disaster!
"...Even if it takes a year or two, the sect can still raise the funds." Daoist Mingjun stopped midway through his sentence, leaving only a long sigh.
But then, as if remembering something, his voice suddenly turned stern:
"Let's set that aside for now. You must tell the truth: why did you kill the officials of the Underworld without authorization? You know how powerful the Underworld is; this act is tantamount to bringing a terrible disaster upon our Righteous Yang Path!"