Refusing Dual Cultivation

"How about we try Dual Cultivation?"

Bing Li's voice rang out from the quiet pool.

Deep within those Clear and Cold, clear eyes, a barely perceptible glint of eager anticipation flickered.

"I remember that the sect's Scripture Archive Treasure Pavilion contained a fragment of an ancient Dual Cultivation manual called the 'Great Law of Yin-Yang Circulation '."

"This method does not emphasize physical desire, but rather the interaction and circulation of Yin Yang Qi. Through the interaction of the Spiritual Platform altar, both parties mutually verify the Great Dao, which is very beneficial for enhancing their cultivation and consolidating their foundation."

"I can wait until you've reached the Foundation Establishment. At that time, your Spiritual Power will be purer and more abundant, making it easier to succeed in the end."

Su Bai shook her head almost without hesitation, her tone calm yet resolute. "Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister, but I'm not interested."

Even if the method of Dual Cultivation is "not focused on physical desire" as Bing Li said, it ultimately involves the most essential fusion of Spiritual Power and Divine Sense between the two parties. The Karma entanglements involved are far beyond what ordinary friendships Fellow Daoist practitioners can achieve.

In the future, when one's cultivation progresses, Heart Demon arise, or even when one strays from the path of cultivation, this connection may have unpredictable effects.

Su Bai sought a pure, self-driven path to the pinnacle of Sword Dao, unwilling to become entangled in such complex matters at the early stages of Qi Refining Foundation Establishment.

Moreover, he had no feelings for Bing Li that went beyond the bond between fellow disciples.

"You can owe me this favor for now," Su Bai said calmly, steer the conversation back on track. "How about it? I'll come back to you to settle the score when I need something later, Elder Bing Li."

He doesn't really have any urgent needs at the moment.

The only possible connection with the Ice Court is through the advanced version of the Quasi-Second Tier Law Technique, [Ice Snow Jade Puppet].

But that's something to consider only after you've Foundation Establishment.

Making a True Disciple Foundation Establishment Realm Elder with a solid foundation and outstanding Spell Talent owe you a favor is like having an extra Upper Grade talisman with an uncertain purpose hidden in your pocket—it's not necessarily a bad thing.

Perhaps at some crucial juncture in the future, it will play an unexpected role.

"Good."

Bing Li paused slightly, the eager glint in her eyes dimming slightly.

She had clearly given the suggestion careful consideration, and may even have consulted many relevant texts, but she hadn't expected to be rejected so decisively.

But she wasn't one to pester, so she nodded slightly and accepted the favor.

Although she has advanced to the Foundation Establishment and been granted the title of Elder, she is still relatively inexperienced, and due to her nature, she doesn't have much of an air of superiority.

In her eyes, Su Bai was already Sect True Disciple. With his Talent and temperament, he was almost certain to reach the Foundation Establishment. It was not inappropriate to regard him as a fellow Daoist of the future.

This understanding of treating each other as equals also made her more accepting of Su Bai's "bargaining."

Swish!

Just as the two were talking, a rapid whooshing sound and hurried footsteps came from the woods to the side.

A slightly flustered figure rushed out from the bushes; judging from his clothes, he was Immortal Palace Member.

This person probably wanted to use the complex terrain of the back mountain to escape or find a hiding place, but unexpectedly bumped into Su Bai and Bing Li by the pool, and even sensed the undisguised Spiritual Pressure of the Foundation Establishment Realm on Bing Li!

The Immortal Palace Cultivator's face turned deathly pale instantly. Without any hesitation, he stopped abruptly and tried to turn around and retreat back the way he came!

"Ice Blast!"

Bing Li didn't even turn her gaze completely over; she simply raised her jade-like hand casually and pointed it in that direction.

A flash of cold light appeared at his fingertips, almost instantaneously!

"Ugh--!"

The Immortal Palace Member Qi Refining Stage felt the air around them suddenly freeze, and a bone-chilling cold penetrated into every pore, as if their blood, Spiritual Power, and even their thoughts were about to be frozen!

His body was instantly covered with a thick layer of solid ice, turning him into a terrified ice sculpture, frozen in place, unable to even blink.

Almost at the same instant the ice was completely frozen, Su Bai's Azure Dragon Sword transformed into a streak of azure lightning, striking first despite being behind!

"Snap! Snap--!"

The Sword Light flashed past his neck, followed by a crisp cracking sound.

The ice sculpture's head, frozen crisp by the extreme cold, fell to the ground with a thud. Immediately afterward, the entire frozen body was covered with spiderweb-like cracks, then exploded with a bang, turning into a pile of crystalline powder mixed with dark red ice crystals, devoid of any life.

From discovery to kill, it only takes a breath.

The two worked together with an almost instinctive fluidity.

"They're quite in sync."

Bing Li withdrew her finger, glanced at the pile of ice crystals, and her tone remained largely calm.

But when his gaze turned to Su Bai, that research-like interest seemed to resurface. "Really, shouldn't we reconsider Dual Cultivation? Perhaps it would allow us to work together more seamlessly when facing enemies."

"No." Su Bai's answer was still concise and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"All Disciple, assemble immediately at the entrance of the Flowing Cloud Sect Gate!"

Just then, a deep and resonant voice echoed in Su Bai and Bing Li's minds at the same time; it was the voice of Ye Taiyi, the Academy Master the Law Enforcement Court.

"It seems the operation is over," Su Bai said.

"Mm." Bing Li nodded.

The two said no more and began to use their methods simultaneously.

A shimmering ice cloud appeared beneath Bing Li's feet, lifting her lightly into the Sky-Flying.

Su Bai then summoned the Azure Dragon Sword, stepping on it and transforming into Azure Streak.

Two streaks of light, one blue and one cyan, swiftly left the secluded deep pool in the back mountain and sped towards the entrance of the front mountain of the Flowing Cloud Sect.

A moment later, the two arrived at the rendezvous point.

The azure-blue protective Magic Array that had enveloped the entire mountain had been removed, leaving only faint ripples of Spiritual Power in the air.

High above, the strange phenomenon of churning clouds had subsided, with only some wisps of cloud, torn apart by the immense force, drifting silently, recounting the breathtaking battle of the Golden Core cultivators that had just taken place in the clouds.

Ye Taiyi and several elders of the Law Enforcement Academy with profound auras were already sitting upright on the broad back of the Illusionary Camouflage Lizard.

The Spirit Lizard lay quietly, its concealment field receding, its colorful scales shimmering with a dreamlike glow in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Su Bai and Bing Li exchanged a glance, then tacitly leaped onto the back of the Spirit Lizard. They each found a place to stand and joined the ranks of the True Disciple who were also returning one after another, all bearing more or less the marks of battle.

"Reporting to the Academy Master."

An elder from the Law Enforcement Academy in charge of the count quickly stepped forward and reported in a low voice, "In this operation, a total of thirty-seven members of the Immortal Palace were killed or captured. Our side... two true disciples were seriously injured, but they have taken medicine to stabilize their injuries and are out of danger."

"In addition, three Law Enforcement Court Disciple sustained minor injuries. The rest suffered no losses."

Upon hearing Ye Taiyi simply nodded slightly, his expressionless face unchanged.

His gaze swept over the Flowing Cloud Sect Sect's Sect Gate below, a scene of devastation yet now restored to calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Just then, from deep within the Flowing Cloud Sect, a slightly unsteady Escape Light flew over and landed not far in front of the Spirit Lizard.

The Escape Light dissipated, revealing a haggard-looking, blood-stained middle-aged Foundation Establishment Cultivator, who was the only remaining Foundation Establishment Elder of the Flowing Cloud Sect.

Behind him followed a dozen or so Flowing Cloud Sect Disciple, still shaken and injured, their faces filled with grief and fear.

The middle-aged Foundation Establishment Cultivator bowed deeply to the ground towards Ye Taiyi and the others on the back of the Spirit Lizard, his voice hoarse and pleading. "The entire Flowing Cloud Sect kowtows in gratitude to the seniors and fellow Daoists of the Jade Cloud Jade Mist Sect for saving our lives!"

"The Demonic Path is ruthless. Our sect's Disciple are reduced to less than one-tenth, and our lineage is nearly extinct... In order to survive, we are willing to surrender our entire sect to the Jade Mist Sect, from now on following its Jade Mist Sect, willingly becoming its vassals, and offering sacrifices year after year! We earnestly beg you, esteemed seniors... to have mercy and accept us!"

As he finished speaking, his voice choked with emotion, and his Disciple behind him all knelt down.

Having survived this ordeal, this Foundation Establishment Cultivator was clearly terrified by the ruthless methods of the Immortal Palace.

They gained a clearer understanding of the vulnerability of smaller sects amidst turmoil.

Rather than clinging to a dilapidated foundation, risking another catastrophe, it would be better to seize this opportunity to attach oneself to the towering Jade Mist Sect, where perhaps a semblance of the sect's lineage can be preserved.

Ye Taiyi's gaze fell upon the kneeling crowd below. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke, "This matter cannot be decided by Non-Self."

"I understand your intentions. In a few days, the sect will send Elder specializing in external affairs to discuss the details of your allegiance with you."

"Before that, properly settle the Disciple, collect the remains of fellow disciples, and stabilize the morale of the sect."

"Yes! Yes! Thank you, senior! Jade Mist Sect!" Upon hearing this, the Foundation Establishment Elder the Flowing Cloud Sect felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and kowtowed repeatedly, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.

Ye Taiyi said no more, then turned to the Spirit Lizard beside him and gently patted its neck scales. "Now that this matter is settled, let's head back to the mountain."

"Hold head high--"

The Illusory Light Camouflage Lizard let out a low hiss, its limbs slightly bent, and the force field of distorted light around it spread out again, slowly enveloping the people on its back and itself, until its form gradually became blurred.

The next moment, its enormous and illusory figure leaped suddenly, stepping into the Void, and appeared hundreds of feet away in an instant. With a few leaps, it completely disappeared from the sight of the survivors of the Flowing Cloud Sect, leaving only the deepening twilight and a desolate scene of surviving a catastrophe.

The return journey was even faster than the journey there. Under Ye Taiyi's control, the Spirit Lizard flew silently through the clouds and mountains at an astonishing speed.

The people on his backs silently adjusted their breathing, digesting what they had gained from the trip, or healing their hidden injuries.

Su Bai stood on the slightly bumpy back of the lizard, his gaze fixed on Ye Taiyi's tall and straight back.

The Academy Master the Law Enforcement Court had just finished a fierce battle with the Sword of the Immortal Palace, and his aura remained calm and composed, his robes were intact, and he seemed to have suffered no obvious damage.

The profound foundation and powerful recovery ability of Golden Core Cultivator are evident.

Unfortunately, [Immortal Talent Reflection] is still on cooldown...

Su Bai thought to himself with a touch of regret.

Otherwise, he really wanted to see just how amazing his Talent and Spirit Root were, given that this top Golden Core from the Jade Mist Sect, who was renowned Qingzhou, possessed.

Judging from the fierce and domineering power of Ye Taiyi's Metal Attribute Divine Ability, it is highly likely that he has a single metal Spirit Root, and his Talent in this attribute has probably reached a terrifying level.

As dusk fell, the setting sun painted the clouds on the horizon a golden-red hue.

The enormous figure of the Illusory Light Camouflage Lizard swept past the majestic Sect Gate of the Jade Mist Sect and landed precisely on the wide plaza of Guest-Welcoming Peak, which was used for reception and assembly.

The Disciple on duty around the perimeter all bowed in respect.

Ye Taiyi swayed and landed on the ground from the lizard's back.

He didn't say much, but simply waved to the accompanying elders of the Law Enforcement Academy and their disciples, signaling them to disperse, rest, and report back. Then he made a hand seal.

The enormous Illusory Light Camouflage Lizard let out a low growl, its body flashing with spiritual light as it rapidly shrank, eventually transforming into a stream of light that disappeared into Ye Taiyi's sleeve.

After putting away the Spirit Lizard, Ye Taiyi did not return to the Law Enforcement Court. Instead, he tapped his foot, and a condensed golden Escape Light into the sky, heading straight for the highest and most central location of the Qingyun Mountain Range —the summit of Jade Mist Peak.

Jade Mist Peak, the main peak of the Qingyun Mountain Range, is also the true core Forbidden Grounds Jade Mist Sect.

Unlike the main buildings of the sect, which are shrouded in mist and filled with flying spirit birds, the mountains here are extremely high, exceeding the Cloud Sea. The peaks are shrouded in snow and fierce Gangwind all year round, making it extremely cold.

However, the richness and purity of the Spiritual Qi here is far superior to that below the mountainside.

The most refined Spiritual Qi of the entire Qingyun Mountain Spirit Vein is guided and gathered here by the array to supply the pillars of the sects who cultivate at the summit.

The summit is not a palace or pavilion, but rather a simple yet magnificent cave dwelling carved out of an incredibly solid Xuan Bing Rock Strata — the Jade Mist Cave.

Ignoring the biting wind and snow, Ye Taiyi's Escape Light plunged straight into the golden halo of Jade Mist Cave.

The cave dwelling is Grotto-Heaven.

The first thing that catches the eye is an extremely spacious circular hall, over ten zhang high, with Fang Yuan of no less than three hundred square meters.

The floor was covered with warm, smooth jade, and the walls were inlaid with self-illuminating pearls and Spiritual Qi imbued Crystal Stone, illuminating the hall brightly.

The furnishings here are elegant but not extravagant, with jade tables, Prayer Mat, incense burners, and tea sets all provided. It is the place where the Golden Core Ancestor of the Jade Mist Sect usually discuss the Dao, Council Meeting, and rest.

Around the hall, twelve heavy stone doors, made of unknown metal and Spiritwood, were evenly distributed. Each door was engraved with a different simple symbol or word, representing the exclusive meditation Quiet Chamber behind it.

The aura behind the eight stone doors is the most profound and unpredictable, clearly indicating that they already belong to someone.

As soon as Ye Taiyi stepped into the hall, the five stone doors glowed slightly, and then each emitted a wisp of spiritual light of a different color.

The spiritual light gathered in the center of the hall, quickly transforming into five slightly hazy, yet clearly discernible, human figures of light and shadow.

It was several Golden Core Ancestor were in deep seclusion inside the cave who came to meet him, their Divine Sense forming "External Incarnation.

His true form has entered a critical stage of seclusion and cannot be moved lightly.

The most central and largest stone gate bears the most ancient and mysterious symbols.

At this moment, a particularly solid golden light floated out, transforming into the image of an old man with white hair and beard, a kind and slender face. Although it was only an incarnation of light and shadow, it naturally exuded an aura of embracing all things.

Ye Taiyi's expression turned solemn. He stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful bow to the old man's figure, and said in a respectful tone, "Sect Master."

The old man in the luminous form was none other than Zhang Jingyun, the current Sect Master of the Jade Mist Sect and a Peak Golden Core Cultivator.

He has not truly appeared to preside over the daily affairs of the sect for many years; all the sect's affairs are handled through consultation between the Academy Master the various academies and the council of Elder.

The sect's higher-ups were tacitly aware of this, as everyone knew that Sect Master was at a crucial stage in his attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm, with one foot already in that mysterious and profound hurdle.

If he can successfully break through to the next realm and condense his Nascent Soul, the Jade Mist Sect will become the undisputed overlord of Qingzhou and even the surrounding provinces, which is of extraordinary significance.

"Yes, I'm back."

Zhang Jingyun nodded slightly, his voice calm yet cutting to the heart of the matter, "The Sword of the Immortal Palace, what are its methods?"

In front of the Sect Master and several fellow Daoists of the same level, Ye Taiyi finally shed his cold and hard mask in front of outsiders, revealing a barely perceptible hint of fatigue on his face, but his eyes remained sharp as knives. "Very strong, his Sword Dao Cultivation the pinnacle, unpredictable and fierce. I was caught off guard and was almost injured by him."

Fortunately, I had gained some understanding of the ' Gilded Indestructible Body ' technique a few years ago, which allowed me to withstand the pressure at the critical moment and stabilize my position.

He paused, then continued, "This fang's life-saving Escape Technique is also exceptional; although I exerted all my strength, I ultimately failed to capture it."

"However, in order to escape, he took a direct hit from my supernatural Divine Ability. Without several years of quiet cultivation and the aid of rare and precious medicines, I'm afraid he will find it difficult to recover his former state."

Zhang Jingyun listened quietly, his face expressionless. Only after Ye Taiyi finished speaking did he slowly say, "That's good. It's a pity we couldn't capture or kill him, but we've severely damaged his morale and thwarted his plans. Our objective has been achieved."

"After this battle, the Immortal Palace, which had just revealed its claws in Qingzhou, will surely have to retreat to lick its wounds and conceal its actions."

His presence seemed more solid, and his tone carried a calm composure as if he had a comprehensive understanding of the situation. "In the past twenty years, our Jade Mist Sect has seen a surge of young geniuses, and with the convergence of fortune, it is poised for a powerful rise."

"An organization like the Immortal Palace, which hides its true nature and specializes in plunder, may have some cunning methods, but its foundation is ultimately shallow."

"Given time, as the new generation of our sect grows up, it may still be able to stir up some waves, but in the end, it will only be a stepping stone for the Disciple my Jade Mist Sect to hone their skills."

At this point, Zhang Jingyun's image shifted towards his Cultivation Room, a hint of hope in his voice. "If I am fortunate enough to succeed, rise with the wind, and condense my Nascent Soul... then all of this will be even less of a concern."

The difference between the Nascent Soul and the Golden Core is like heaven and earth.

Upon hearing this, the other four Golden Core Ancestor ' luminous figures around them all cupped their hands towards Zhang Jingyun's luminous figure, their luminous figures conveying their congratulations. "Wishing Sect Master a swift attainment of the Nascent Soul Dao!"

" With the Sect Master's great fortune, success is assured!"

Zhang Jingyun accepted the blessings of his Fellow Daoist practitioners and said nothing more, only nodding to Ye Taiyi once more.

Immediately, the solidified golden light transformed into specks of light, which swiftly flew back behind the largest stone door and returned to their original form.

Clearly, maintaining this conversation with the avatar also required some mental effort from him, and it was not advisable to continue for long.

"Thank you for making this trip, Junior Brother Taiyi."

The other four beams of light turned to Ye Taiyi, their tone friendly.

For them, even if a deep seclusion is interrupted, even if it's just a wisp of their Divine Sense being emanated, it will still have a slight impact on their cultivation progress.

"It's my duty, fellow senior brothers Senior Sister, you're too kind."

Ye Taiyi returned the greeting and said, "Since the Sect Master is in seclusion, I will remain in this hall for a few days to prevent the Sword of the Immortal Palace or its Accomplices from becoming enraged and taking reckless actions. I will go into seclusion once I am certain that the turmoil has completely subsided."

Upon hearing this, the four figures were all satisfied. After exchanging a few more words, they each transformed into streams of light and returned to their respective meditation Quiet Chamber.

The faint light on the heavy stone door gradually faded, and silence returned to the hall.

Ye Taiyi had already walked to the jade table to the side and sat down, skillfully boiling water and brewing tea.

His movements were fluid and graceful, a stark contrast to the ruthless and decisive Academy Master the Law Enforcement Court just moments before.

Hmm, now that I've temporarily emerged from seclusion... Ye Taiyi put down his teacup, his fingers Consciousness tapping lightly on the warm jade table. His gaze drifted to the howling wind and snow outside his cave, and he wondered to himself, should I find an excuse to stroll through the Market down the mountain?

I heard that a new master brewer of Spirit Wine has arrived at ' Drunken Immortal Tower,' and his skills are quite impressive... Or, how about we go check out those old guys' chess game? They're always in seclusion; their bones are practically rusting.

Meanwhile, at Qingyun Cliff, inside Su Bai's secluded cave Quiet Chamber.

The stone door separating the inside from the outside was tightly closed, and the inlaid stone on the ceiling of the Quiet Chamber emitted a soft and steady white light.

Su Bai took out several Storage Bag he had collected on this trip.