Heavily harvesting golden jade dragon eyes brought Chen Yun great joy.
By all accounts, this thing is not within his scope of needs.
Because upon entering the inner cave of Yueyun Lake, everyone was carrying out their respective tasks.
Time is very pressing, not possible for everyone want what want.
Therefore, Chen Yun only demanded to gather the celestial and terrestrial essence roots needed for the refining elixir of spirit and essence, which would essentially complete the task.
Now, by receiving a large quantity of golden jade dragon eyes through others' tasks, this unexpected joy is naturally something to be happy about.
After tidying up, Chen Yun directly told Wu Kejiu and others, and then began to restore his energy by practicing qigong.
Not long after, his true essence was restored to about seventy percent.
However, what surprised Chen Yun was that he had been restoring his energy for over half an hour through qigong, but Yuan Chu and his disciples had yet to leave.
Standing up with a puzzled expression, he said to Yuan Chu: "Why haven't you all left yet?"
Yuan Chu quickly showed a servile smile, "Grand Ancestor, there is something I wish to ask you. May we step aside for a moment to talk?"
Chen Yun thought for a moment and said, "Alright."
The two of them left the big group.
They arrived beside a towering ancient tree not far away.
Chen Yun looked at the other party and said, "What do you want?"
Yuan Chu took a moment to consider his words and said, "Grand Ancestor, you are the Master's younger brother, closely related to him. Therefore... The disciple wishes to trouble the Grand Ancestor to speak to Master and have the disciple's sword cultivation sect enter Lǚ Zǔ lineage? Even an out-of-line sect would be acceptable."
Such a matter may seem quite incredible to ordinary people.
You claim to be a branch of Lv Dongbin, and no one usually cares about that.
If that's the case, why must Lü Dongbin admit their lineage?
Chen Yun naturally understood the subtleties involved.
Because if Lü Dongbin acknowledged Yuan Chu's branch of sword cultivation, whether it be a collateral lineage or not, they would still be considered part of the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition.
Even if they are killed in the future, there is still a chance to report to the Three Hall Emperors.
If one has enough merit, perhaps they can even be enshrined as a minor deity and achieve immortality, without worrying about being reincarnated.
Furthermore, if Lü Dongbin were to acknowledge Yuan Chu's branch of sword cultivation, when traveling the rivers and lakes in the future, as long as they encountered any situations, those from the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition would, to some extent, provide them with assistance.
Not to mention the resource allocation bias.
For instance, when the Demon-Slaying War arrives, as a member of the Taoist mainstream, you might be more likely to obtain a better divine position for equal "achievements."
After all, the current officials in Xian City are essentially monopolized by the Taoist mainstream, and it seems somewhat difficult for others to interfere.
So many benefits, anyone would want to join the Taoist spiritual tradition.
Then why has Qin Ming been so ingratiating towards Chen Yun for the past three years?
Even his statement was that he was willing to become Chen Yun's disciple.
Wasn't it just to be able to join the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition?
These thoughts flashed through Chen Yun's mind briefly.
If in normal circumstances, he could mention this to Lü Dongbin when he encountered him in the future.
But the actions of Yuan Chu and Cloud disciples were a bit unrefined.
Since they had already announced their identity, to dare to fight against them was clearly unscrupulous.
As a respectable Taoist cultivator, Chen Yun would certainly not allow Yuan Chu, who had an improper mind, to join the mainstream, especially when it was under his mediation.
He didn't outright refuse but spoke in vague terms, saying, "I don't see Master Lü often. The last time I saw him was three or four years ago. To be honest, I can't say when we'll meet again."
Yuan Chu, who has cultivated to the middle period of a superior sorcerer, is definitely not a fool.
Yuan Chu understood the implied rejection in Chen Yun's words, but he showed no disappointment. After all, seeking favors from others requires offering something in return.
He continued to show a servile smile and said, "Grand Ancestor, whenever you meet the Master, it's fine as long as you mention it in person. The disciple knows you're always busy. If I were to travel back and forth, it would waste my cultivation efforts. Fortunately, there are some heavenly treasures and rare resources in my sect. Once we exit the inner cave of Yueyun Lake, the disciple will bring them to pay respects to you."
Chen Yun insisted on his principles and, regardless of the benefits offered, he would not allow such a person to join the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition. He waved his hand and said, "We'll talk about this later. You should go and tend to your disciples' affairs."
As Chen Yun continued to remain tight-lipped, Yuan Chu began to feel some anxiety inside.
He thought it was because he hadn't mentioned the benefits of the items, which is why Chen Yun wasn't agreeing.
Yuan Chu thought for a moment and looked over at Wu Kejiu and his disciples, who were watching this direction.
Yuan Chu performed an acoustic barrier spell and said with a serious expression, "The disciple's last time entering the inner cave of Yueyun Lake, happened to acquire a rare ice crystal lotus that was meant to be consumed when I attempt to break through the realms of cultivation. However, upon meeting the Grand Ancestor today, the disciple feels greatly inspired. I think it would be appropriate to present this ice crystal lotus to you after we leave the mountain cave."
What?
A thousand-year-old ice crystal snow lotus?
Chen Yun's eyes narrowed in surprise, as he truly didn't expect Yuan Chu to have such precious celestial and terrestrial essence roots.
The ice crystal snow lotus itself is an extremely precious celestial and terrestrial essence root, possessing a wide range of effects such as strengthening true essence, toughening sinews, and detoxifying coldness.
This is because in this world, there are relatively fewer cultivators who focus on refining their bodies.
Often, ice crystal snow lotus is considered a treasure for enhancing cultivation.
After consumption, it can save thousands of years of hard cultivation.
However, such a treasure is something one encounters by chance and not something one can seek out.
Generally speaking, people wouldn't use it directly to improve their cultivation level.
After all, the cultivation level gained by relying on external means is unstable.
It might also lead to a series of mental issues due to the sudden surge in power.
Therefore, many people consider it a catalyst to breakthrough.
For example, the supreme master wants to breakthrough to the realm of real people.
Some might find it difficult to achieve this solely through their own abilities.
However, with the ice crystal snow lotus, the success rate of breakthrough at least increases by threefold!
An increase of threefold probability!
That's like having a foot in the threshold of the realm of real people just by matching the ice crystal snow lotus with cultivation to the level of a supreme master!
This is evidently how precious the ice crystal snow lotus truly is.
Chen Yun knew that this was not the most precious aspect of the ice crystal snow lotus.
The truly precious aspect of it is that if a body-refining cultivator consumes and refines it, their physical body may reach an ultimate perfection.
For example, if he consumes and refines it himself, maybe he can reach the level of a great attainment through the cultivation of Feiliu Jade Formulae, thus allowing his physical body to become "saintly" and reach the level of a true person.
Such a treasure would captivate anyone.
Chen Yun was no exception.
Of course, Chen Yun knew why Yuan Chu was willing to promise himself the ice crystal snow lotus.
Who wouldn't be tempted by the huge benefits of joining the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition?
Not only would he benefit personally, but the entire sect would benefit as well.
From a long-term perspective, joining the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition would certainly be more advantageous than consuming and refining the ice crystal snow lotus.
He felt a bit hesitant in his heart for a moment.
However, Chen Yun remained firm in his decision and gently declined, shaking his head, "The ice crystal snow lotus may very well be your path to enlightenment. A gentleman does not take away what is dear to others. I'm afraid I cannot accept such a kind offer."
Yuan Chu saw Chen Yun's refusal and felt extremely disappointed.
But with such an excellent opportunity, he really didn't want to give it up so easily.
"Grand Ancestor," Yuan Chu bit his teeth and decided to appeal to Chen Yun's heart, "I know it's not proper to ask you to speak to the Master on my behalf, but I am truly admiration-struck. You don't need to mention this matter to the Master. After we leave, I will still offer the ice crystal snow lotus."
He decided to follow the same path as Qin Ming, and try to gain Chen Yun's favor first.
As the saying goes, it is better to be too polite than not polite enough.
I'll send you a little gift today.
I'll properly court you tomorrow.
After all the accumulated time and effort, surely you won't forget this act of kindness?
Yuan Chu has really put his heart and soul into trying to join the mainstream of the Taoist spiritual tradition.
Chen Yun didn't expect Yuan Chu to be so determined. He stared at him for a long time before speaking in a profound manner, "Some things cannot be forced, and I have undergone many tests and trials to be listed among my teacher's disciples. If you really want to join the ranks of my senior disciples, accumulating some merits may be more suitable than giving me such precious celestial and terrestrial essence roots."
“The teachings of the Grand Ancestor are.” Yuan Chu insisted, "But I am truly admiration-struck towards you. Let me offer you a token of my respect."
Chen Yun neither agreed nor refused, "We'll talk about this when we leave the inner cave of Yueyun Lake."
Yuan Chu saw that Chen Yun wasn't resisting as much anymore and felt secretly delighted in his heart.
He was afraid that Chen Yun would forget about this matter once they left the inner cave of Yueyun Lake, and his mind went into a whirl of ideas, trying to come up with a way to strengthen their bond. "Grand Ancestor, the disciple happened to acquire one of Master Lü's《TianTuang (Sky Escape) Sword Technique》, but there are some aspects that the disciple doesn't fully understand. Can the grand ancestor please point out some guidance?"
I am only a medium-level sorcerer.
My cultivation focuses on internal Dan.
How could I give you guidance on sword techniques?
Chen Yun immediately stated that he was not proficient in sword techniques.
But he suddenly realized.
The other person's request for guidance probably wasn't sincere; they were likely trying to offer a sword manual as a way to truly establish a connection.
After they leave, he can use this opportunity to shamelessly seek him out.
He was contemplating how to refuse.
Little did he know that Yuan Chu had taken out a leather scroll right away.
He waved his hand, and the leather scroll floated in mid-air and automatically opened.
Chen Yun saw small figures practicing cultivation and performing sword techniques on the scroll.
Furthermore, the incantations were also listed.
"Spiritual sword sheath, with myriad causes and reasons, encapsulating Daoist sentiments. The sword's heart cannot be extinguished, nor can the divine connection be neglected while wielding it. A just sword three feet in length shall guard against evil and halt the rule of tyrants. Divine light shines through the darkness, and human beings will no longer fall into the cycle of reincarnation. The swords' might shall cease to exist in this world."
Chen Yun only glanced at it briefly, and upon combining this with his cultivation of internal Dan, he immediately grasped a hint of profound wisdom.
Looking up with sincerity, Chen Yun said, "This sword manual should be divided into two sections. The dividing point between the upper and lower sections is at the line of 'illuminating the three-day army.' The upper section describes a method of replacing myriad thoughts with a single thought, which is what Taoism refers to as 'Dao Sword.' The lower section should describe the method of operating sword techniques and life-giving cultivation. Since you haven't studied the Taoist classics and don't understand the principles, you should have only learned the lower section's description of sword techniques and life-giving cultivation methods, not the true teachings."
Yuan Chu was shocked.
He never expected Chen Yun to discern the secrets of the sword manual just by a quick glance.
After all, he had cultivated for over a hundred years before he understood the techniques of the sword.
As for the Dao Sword, he had barely touched the threshold.
And now, Chen Yun could easily distinguish between the Dao Sword and the sword techniques, clearly understanding them.
Yuan Chu couldn't help but take a deep breath in his heart, thinking to himself, "The world truly has such a naturally talented individual as Mr. Chen."
That's why he was taken in by Zhongli Yuewen, a renowned divine cultivator. His understanding is truly terrifying.
Chen Yun had no idea of the shock in Yuan Chu's heart.
Chen Yun stared at the "Tian Dun Sword Technique" manual, unable to help but be secretly amazed in his heart.
This sword technique is truly formidable.
Not to mention cultivating the Dao Sword.
Even if it's just to learn the sword techniques, his combat power could be significantly increased.
If he were to learn the Dao Sword, combined with the Dao Body, he might truly have the ability to challenge at a higher level.
Not like before, when he only managed to counteract the sword techniques because the Feiliu Jade Formulae he cultivated was a perfect counter.
Chen Yun finally understood why Lü Dongbin, after achieving immortality, said, "The sounds of fame and enlightenment vanish like ice, and the external path of the Asura shrinks in fear."
It seems that this Lv Brother, with the incredibly powerful sword technique of "Tian Dun Sword Method," could greatly enhance his combat capabilities.
Assuming that Chen Yun's current maximum explosive combat power is one.
With the power of the Dao Body, it would be three.
Combining the Dao Sword, it could reach six to ten times the combat power.
It's like multiplying the power several times!
It's imaginable how terrifying the "Tian Dun Sword Method" is!
Yes, the increase in combat power brought about by the "Tian Dun Sword Method" is incredibly terrifying!
He never expected that Yuan Chu, to curry favor with him, would actually pull out such a divine sword technique as the "Tian Dun Sword Method."
Most crucially, he didn't even give him the chance to refuse by directly presenting the sword technique.
Chen Yun gazed at it for a moment and memorized the content of the sword technique. As long as he put his mind to it, he might not need long to understand how to control sword techniques, and with years of dedication, it would be possible for him to cultivate a Dao Sword as well.
(Chapter Complete)
