In the stone tomb.
Chen Yun examined the multicolored jade pagoda with his gaze.
The public and the tiger spirit were apparently terrified to the extreme, standing far away from the stone tomb and refusing to enter at all, as if the multicolored jade pagoda was terrifying to them.
Chen Yun tried to input the real Qi, but found that the pagoda showed no movement at all.
He didn't believe in evil, and tried to use his spiritual consciousness and the "Qi" for refining the body, respectively injected into the pagoda, but there was still no reaction.
It was alright to input the true Qi and the "Qi" generated by refining the body.
It was only when he tried to input spiritual consciousness that it was "cut off" again.
"Is this a treasure of the law?"
Chen Yun tried reciting incantations such as "Great Teacher Laojun, act urgently as the law commands," but the pagoda remained still.
He felt strange and unusual. The multicolored jade pagoda is clearly not an ordinary object that anyone can see, so how is it that he can't drive it no matter what he does?
Thoughts in mind, Chen Yun turned his gaze to the gold skeleton lying in the bronze coffin.
This skeleton is incredibly wonderful, as if it surges with endless special power, yet it is also very serene, as if it is harmless to humans.
What really surprised Chen Yun was that, from the perspective of the construction environment of the stone tomb, it seemed to be constructed during the period of the ethnic minority tribe.
Because the walls around the stone tomb were carved with various images of natural gods.
"If it was from the era of tribal civilization, it should be at least over a thousand years old, or even five to six thousand years. How could this skeleton not have decayed?"
Chen Yun turned his gaze towards the stone wall again.
He carefully examined it.
He wanted to see if he could find any useful information.
As it turned out, after watching for a while, he really did find some things.
The northern stone wall was engraved with the images of about ten tribal gods.
Among them, the second from the right was wearing a "purple divine robe" and holding a "multicolored jade pagoda."
The multicolored jade pagoda was right in his palm.
Chen Yun hurriedly took out the Zi Shi Xian Yi that he had just subdued the Ghost King and gained, and found that it was almost identical to the deity engraved on the stone wall.
"Could it be... that the original owner of this skeleton was a natural deity?"
Thought struck, Chen Yun's face was moved, "If it is really like this, I'm afraid the multicolored jade pagoda in my hand and the Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi are treasured spiritual weapons nurtured by Dao Qi. They are the co-occurring items of natural deities."
He couldn't help but recall the scene of the ghost general driving the Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi.
"Ask the ghost general about the situation."
Chen Yun took out the "Trap Spirit Banner" and directly released the ghost general.
He was not afraid of the other party's betrayal, as Gong Juji was standing outside, and besides, he had the "Trap Spirit Banner."
Once the ghost general was released, he seemed to have become much weaker, which was obviously because of the "Trap Spirit Banner" taking away a lot of his power.
He was terrified and fell to his knees, prostrating himself and begging for mercy, "Please spare my life, Your Majesty! Spare my life!"
Chen Yun, holding the pagoda and the divine robe, asked without any expression, "Tell me about these two treasures."
Although the ghost general had lost a lot of power, he still had the power of an upper-level magician.
However, at this moment, he was terrified when he saw the pagoda and his whole body was shaking, "This... These two divine weapons are the weapons of the earth god."
Chen Yun was puzzled, "Earth god?"
Ghost general nodded earnestly, "Yes, earth god. In ancient times, he was in charge of all living creatures on this land and protected the safety of the people. I and my underlings, the thousands of ghost soldiers, were because of our chaos here and were sealed inside the pagoda for a full eight thousand years."
It's indeed a natural deity from the tribal civilization era.
Chen Yun pondered and pointed at the golden skeleton, "I found the pagoda in his hand. Could he be the Earth God?"
"Probably," the ghost general said somewhat uncertainly: "The tribe disappeared, the faith was lacking, and the deities naturally withered away. Since Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi and Colorful Rice-Paper Pagoda are on him, he should be the Earth God."
Faith is lacking, and the deities have perished?
This is the drawback of being a deity through offerings. Once faith is lost, not only will the power decline rapidly, but the deity will also perish.
Chen Yun thought in his heart that it's still more powerful for me to practice Daoism.
Thinking of this, he asked again, "Do you know how to control this pagoda and divine robe?"
The ghost general glanced at him slyly and said weakly, "Only the body of a deity can control it. You possess magical power, but in reality, you are still mortal. Unless you can 'behave like a deity', you won't be able to control it."
Although the ghost general had told Chen Yun the method of use, he actually had a malicious thought: if Chen Yun didn't truly control the pagoda and directly tried to 'leave the body' to interact with it, he would be immediately pulled into it by the divine weapon. Without a secret technique, there would be no way to escape, and he would forever be trapped inside.
He and the four ghost generals, thousands of ghost soldiers, could escape completely because Wu Keji mistook and accidentally activated the residual divine power in the earth god's skeleton. It was only because he knew how powerful the pagoda was that he only took off the Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi but never dared to touch the Colorful Rice-Paper Pagoda.
Does that mean I need to leave my body to control it?
Does mere spiritual awareness have no effect?
Chen Yun vaguely understood at the same time and found that the ghost general seemed to have not fully revealed the truth to himself. Otherwise, why didn't he take the pagoda?
He casually put away the divine robe and pagoda, then squinted at the ghost general, "That's enough. You can die now."
Saying this, he was about to raise the "Trap Spirit Banner" to annihilate the opponent.
If it were a common wandering soul, Chen Yun would not be so heartless and cruel. He would simply recruit them as undead soldiers.
However, the ghost general had just been released with tens of thousands of ghost soldiers wreaking havoc and causing harm to humanity.
Furthermore, with death looming, the ghost general dared to deceive him, and it was highly possible that there was some secret with the pagoda. If he tried to leave his body and touch the pagoda, he might face danger.
Therefore, Chen Yun wouldn't let him off so easily.
The ghost general was terrified when he saw Chen Yun about to use the "Trap Spirit Banner," and shouted, "Please spare my life, Your Majesty! Spare my life!"
Chen Yun paid no heed and directly raised the "Trap Spirit Banner" to envelop the ghost general.
The ghost general immediately tried to run, but the "Trap Spirit Banner" had absolute control over "spirits," and he had no chance to resist. Once again, he was enveloped by the banner.
Yes, he is quite powerful.
If he could be subjugated, he would be a great help as an assistant under me.
However, Chen Yun is not someone with no boundaries. He is a Daoist priest from the mainstream branch, and he doesn't accept any evil creatures as his subordinates. Moreover, he detected that the other party seems to want to "reap himself" in some way.
Even though the Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi and the Colorful Rice-Paper Pagoda cannot be used in their physical state, especially the latter, he has not yet understood its exact function. He only knows that it can absorb the ghost general and thousands of ghost soldiers, and suppress them. However, Chen Yun still understands one thing: The Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi is an immortal robe that can save one's life.
If one day his physical body is shattered by someone and he is left with only his spiritual essence, it might be this immortal robe that saves his life.
Also, if one day I am able to cultivate a yang spirit, I will be able to control the immortal robe and pagoda.
Chen Yun did not know if the immortal robe and pagoda would still be of much help to him at that time.
However, based on the observations so far, the Taiji Zi Shi Xian Yi appears to have incredibly impressive defensive power.
After all, it can withstand the attack of Gong Juji, Cui Ming, Qin Liang, Ji Xin, and the three thousand soldiers. Just imagine how powerful it is.
Moreover, the treasures of gods, no matter how inferior they are, can't be too bad.
After Chen Yun took away the Colorful Rice-Paper Pagoda, he had no intention of touching the remains of the deity.
He put the bronze coffin back on top and used earth magic to fill in the hole in the stone tomb.
In the end, he rode the tiger spirit and left the place with Gong Juji.
......
Lizhou City, the city gate.
Chen Yun and Gong Juji hadn't even approached when they saw Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, Qin Ming, and dozens of other demons and evil spirits waiting over there.
He thought they were about to engage in a magical duel, so he ordered the tiger spirit to descend in front of this group of people and said to them, "You want to have a duel? I happen to have some free time. Let's find a suitable place..."
Before he could finish speaking, Wu Keji deeply bowed, "Master Chen, what you reprimanded earlier was indeed true. We shouldn't have crossed the boundary to propagate our teachings."
Kang Yuan also deeply bowed and said, "We will leave this place soon and will never come to the Central Plains to propagate our teachings again."
Although Qin Ming didn't speak, his deep bow with the remaining dozens of demons and heretics was a clear indication of his attitude.
Chen Yun: ...
He never expected these people to change their attitude drastically.
Actually, he could guess what was going on. It was probably that these demons and evil spirits saw him and Gong Juji fighting and realized they were no match for them, so they all submitted and retreated willingly.
After all, it's impolite to strike someone who is smiling.
Chen Yun is not someone who goes for the kill. Since the other party has realized their mistake and is willing to withdraw, he wouldn't pursue them relentlessly.
"You understand it well." He nodded, pointing to the city inside, "Since there's nothing to worry about, I'll go in first. You all can go now."
"Here you go."
"Goodbye, Mr. Chen."
Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, and the other demons and evil spirits all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Chen Yun willing to let them off the hook.
After witnessing the battle between Chen Yun and the ghost general, Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, and the other demons and evil spirits were all greatly frightened and realized that the opponent was formidable.
If a fight really broke out, it's likely that none of them would be able to survive and leave this place alive today.
After saying this, Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, and the other demons and evil spirits scattered in different directions.
However, what surprised Chen Yun was that Qin Ming did not move from the spot.
He frowned and looked over, "Why don't you leave?"
Qin Ming looked at Chen Yun with a respectful gaze and then knelt down on the ground, "Qin, the sinner, admires the great methods of the orthodox Daoist school. I humbly request that Master Chen would be willing to take me as a disciple."
Chen Yun: ...
You have the strength of an upper-level mage. Why do you want to worship me, a middle-level mage?
He furrowed his brow and said, "Our orthodox Daoist school emphasizes on the opportunity of meeting a master. Often, it's the master who seeks the apprentice. I'm sorry, we are not meant to be."
Qin Ming seemed to have anticipated this situation and said, with a thick face, "If Master Chen doesn't want to take me as his disciple, he can take me in as a pupil. Qin is willing to serve Master Chen loyally, running errands, going through fire and brimstone."
He and Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, and others have different considerations.
Wu Keji and Kang Yuan's thoughts are to become a "big mountain king," declare themselves as the leader, and seek to strengthen the power of their own teachings.
However, Qin Ming's sole ambition is to seek immortality. He simply lacks good fortune and has not gained the favor of Daoism. Later, when the Church of Sight came to propagate its teachings in Tang Dynasty, since it did not limit qualifications and took in everyone, he joined the Church of Sight as a vanguard in order to gain the way of immortality.
But the disaster of exterminating cultivation practices struck the gathering, and the Church of Sight was completely annihilated, leaving only a few people to escape.
Although for decades, Qin Ming successfully cultivated to an upper-level mage by relying on the demonic and alien cultivation methods, he also discovered the weakness of such methods. That is, they can only be used to cultivate power, but not to extend one's lifespan very much.
For example, an upper-level mage from a mainstream Daoist school, at least with a thousand-year lifespan.
And what about his cultivation to a level equivalent to an upper-level mage through the methods of the Church of Sight?
Only a pitiful one hundred years of lifespan!
Now Qin Ming is fifty-six years old, and his life has already passed halfway.
If he cannot extend his lifespan, all his cultivation will turn to ashes and dust.
That's why, as soon as he encountered the kind-tempered Chen Yun from the mainstream branch of Daoism, Qin Ming immediately had the idea of becoming a disciple, wanting to learn the genuine great Daoist methods and successfully transcend the great fear of death.
Chen Yun still refused, "I am devoted to self-cultivation and have only a few disciples including Gong Juji and his brothers. I have no intention of taking on any more disciples."
Upon hearing this, Gong Juji's face was filled with pride. To become a disciple under the mainstream branch of Daoism is an absolute honor for a mountain and river spirit.
Qin Ming's face showed disappointment, "Alright, I forgive my impoliteness."
Chen Yun didn't want to bother with the other party anymore and immediately wanted to drive the tiger spirit away.
But Qin Ming called out to him again, "Master Chen, have you ever heard of the overseas cave heavens?"
Chen Yun looked over with a confused expression, "Overseas Cave Heaven?"
Qin Ming blinked his eyes and said, "Yes, my fellow comrades, Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, and I once fled to the overseas cave heaven. We entered a wonderful cave where there were countless treasures of divine roots. We were fortunate to have each obtained a piece of the spiritual root of the world and swallowed it. This is how we were able to cultivate to our current level."
Chen Yun didn't understand why the other party was suddenly sharing this information with him, "What does that cave heaven have to do with me?"
Qin Ming seemed to have thought about what to say all along. He took out a small green bead from his bosom, "The previous Buddhist master, Fa Hai, saw us as demons and aliens who were trying to destroy us. Because he mistakenly thought that we had a close relationship with you, he didn't make a move against us. So indirectly, you saved me."
He paused for a moment and, while handing over the small green bead, said, "This jade bead is the key to unlocking the overseas cave heaven. I had a close friend who died there, so I have an extra one. Now I give it to you, Master Chen, as a token of gratitude for indirectly saving my life."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yun did not refuse, for according to Qin Ming's account, he had indeed indirectly saved him, and receiving some compensation was quite natural.
Moreover, he needs to collect many earthly and celestial roots for his great Rao Jing Tang. If there are countless earthly and celestial roots inside the overseas cave heaven, he might be able to gather a lot of medicinal materials.
He took the jade bead and said, "Where is the overseas cave heaven?"
Qin Ming was pleased to see that Chen Yun was willing to accept the jade bead. Accepting something indicated that the other party wasn't as averse to him. With more persistence and contact in the future, he might truly have a chance to become a disciple of the orthodox Daoist school.
Qin Ming quickly took out a scroll from his bosom and said, "This is a map of the overseas cave heaven that I drew myself. If you take it back and look at it, you'll know. The cave heaven only opens every fifty years, so counting the days, it should open in three years' time in spring. If you really want to go, you should start a month early, for the distance there is very far. When I and Wu Keji, Kang Yuan, and others were still cultivating our abilities shallowly, we spent over a year just reaching there. Although your cultivation is impressive, Master Chen, it might take at least a month to travel from Sichuan."
Chen Yun nodded and thanked him politely, "Thank you, Master Qin, for your enlightenment."
Only then did Qin Ming say, "Master Chen, please don't be so polite. Since there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Perhaps it was because one takes food from another's mouth and feels obligated, Chen Yun thought for a moment and added, "If Master Qin has not done anything that arouses anger from others or encountered any troubles, you can come to my Qingcheng mountain to hide. I will certainly protect you wholeheartedly."
Qin Ming was even more delighted upon hearing this. He felt that his chances of becoming a disciple of the orthodox Daoist school increased greatly as he saw Chen Yun's attitude. He hastily replied, "Thank you, Master Chen."
As he spoke, it seemed he thought of something else. "Oh, by the way, only those who hold the jade bead can enter the overseas cave heaven. If you plan to go there, you probably can't take your disciples or soldiers with you. Without the protection of the jade bead, no matter how profound your cultivation is, you will be killed by the white light released by the protective array inside."
Chen Yun secretly remembered this and thanked him, "Thank you, Master Qin, for your reminder."
Qin Ming politely replied, "You're welcome. Since there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now and say goodbye."
After saying this, he recited an unknown language incantation and floated into the air before walking away.
"Hmm? It seems a bit like the language on the continent of Europe."
Chen Yun looked puzzled and watched the direction where Qin Ming had disappeared for a moment.
He was quite certain that the language Qin Ming spoke was similar to that of the European side in his previous life.
He pondered for a while, thinking of Zhang Jiwen's words that there were also gods in foreign lands.
Chen Yun thought that Qin Ming might be cultivating "magic" or something else, anyway, not Daoism or Buddhism.
Without giving it much thought, Chen Yun and Gong Juji walked towards the city of Lishu.
He had come all the way here to obtain the qualifications for becoming a god, of course he had to talk to Tian Linger first as soon as possible.
However, to be honest, this trip was quite fruitful.
Not only did he obtain the Taiji Purple Ribbon Divine Robe and the Colorful Clouds Jasper Tower, two divine artifacts, but he also learned about the overseas cave heaven and obtained a key to enter it.
He felt that if Qin Ming's information was reliable, he might be able to obtain many earthly and celestial roots to create even more advanced spiritual potions, and even collect legendary fragments.
(The end of this chapter)
