225226: The Celestial Immortal Hall, the Daoist Lineage's Test, the Selection Concludes

A bright halo of light shone on Chen Dengming.

He instantly felt as if countless dense rays of light were penetrating his entire body, as if a subtle electric current surged through his body in an instant, as if a mysterious, unknown force was sweeping over every part of his body.

At the same time, the light surrounding him underwent a strange change, gradually transitioning to a deep indigo color.

"Indigo, the lifespan potential of indigo?" True Man Yu Ding Ye Yong exclaimed softly.

Qiu Feng frowned and corrected him, "It's purple, and it's not over yet."

It is indeed purple.

At this moment, the aura around Chen Dengming had transitioned to purple, and was still turning towards a deeper purple.

This scene was like a bolt from the blue; the eight Golden Core Elders, including Qiu Feng, were stunned, and the disciples, including Hua Zhenyu, were even more incredulous.

"Deep purple lifespan potential?"

Hua Zhenyu stared blankly, dumbfounded, for a long while. He felt as if he had swallowed a bag of steel needles, experiencing a pain he had never felt before.

This blow is truly devastating. Although his lifespan potential has been suppressed, it doesn't mean the outcome is already decided.

However, for cultivators of the Longevity Sect who are obsessed with lifespan, having their potential in lifespan suppressed is even more unbearable than being crushed or beaten in terms of strength.

Cheng Zhenwei also felt as if his heart was overgrown with weeds, his mind in turmoil. "How is this possible? In so many previous Longevity Seed competitions, even the Third Ancestor of that time, their lifespan potential was only indigo."

Su Yan Yan's bright eyes, hidden beneath her veil, gazed at Chen Dengming with a hint of surprise.

She was exceptionally knowledgeable and had weathered many storms. She had heard of similar situations before, so she remained calm and wasn't particularly shocked. She had even guessed several possible reasons.

At this moment, she parted her cherry lips slightly and uttered a voice more beautiful than celestial music.

"As far as I know, you are an elderly cultivator, so how is it that your lifespan and potential are so exceptional?"

If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine too. Everyone has their own adventures and secrets. My Longevity Sect is not Devil Dao Sect. We will only understand and not pry.

Her words gave Chen Dengming tremendous confidence, telling Chen Dengming that if he didn't want to talk about it, he didn't have to, and that even if others were curious, they wouldn't dare to ask any more questions.

Chen Dengming remained calm, his gaze fixed on Third Ancestor, before turning to the other Golden Core Elder who wore expressions of curiosity and inquiry.

After a moment's hesitation, he patted his Storage Bag, took out an item, and said.

"I did indeed have a miraculous encounter, an encounter that helped me extend my lifespan by a great deal..."

This is the last remaining root of the snow ginseng, which I obtained from a senior master. Elder Qiu also knows this senior master."

Chen Dengming looked at Qiu Feng.

Qiu Feng was taken aback for a moment, then understood the meaning through Chen Dengming's seemingly unspoken message in his eyes.

"Han Yongxu of the Wonderful Sound Sect?"

He suddenly understood and nodded in realization.

The ginseng rootlets that Chen Dengming took out were indeed the snow ginseng rootlets he obtained from Han Yongxu's Storage Bag.

Initially, Han Yongxu offered Lin He as a token of his desire to deal with Chen Dengming.

However, Lin He refused.

Afterwards, Han Yongxu died at the hands of Chen Dengming. When Chen Dengming obtained Han Yongxu's Storage Bag, he found some Law Artifact Law Treasure and treasures as well as more than four hundred spirit crystals, but he overlooked the seemingly unremarkable snow ginseng whiskers.

When Chen Dengming rediscovered it later, it was of little use to him, but its value for sale was extremely high, so he kept it.

But bringing it up now can serve as a very good excuse.

True Man Yu Ding Ye Yong, exclaimed in astonishment, "This is... Snow Ginseng rootlets! Did you eat an entire Snow Ginseng?"

Chen Dengming looked at this senior, neither confirming nor denying, but a smile appeared on his face, as if to indicate that this was indeed the case.

He thought to himself, "This Uncle Ye really knows how to use his brain to support the male lead."

He dared not say much in front of the Nascent Soul Ancestor, though he could have chosen to remain silent.

But faced with the curiosity of several Golden Core cultivators, he decided to give the reason he had already prepared.

He only said that he had gained a lifespan through a fortuitous encounter, but he did not directly state that he had extended his lifespan by using snow ginseng or by practicing martial arts on the panel. That would also extend his lifespan.

However, showing off the ginseng rootlets of the snow ginseng would inevitably lead to misunderstandings.

However, given his current calm state of State of Mind, he figured no one would notice the flaw in his explanation, which reasonably explained the past.

"Snow Ginseng, a whole snow ginseng, obtained from a senior expert. Qiu Feng also knows this? Could it be that Old Ghost Li made two investments?"

Cheng Zhenwei stared intently at the ginseng rootlets in Chen Dengming's hand, his expression shifting rapidly as his mind raced with wild thoughts, and misunderstandings began to creep in.

Snow ginseng is an extremely rare substance.

He had only received two snow ginseng roots after making a promise to Old Ghost Li of the Dan Sect.

As for Chen Dengming, he casually took out a ginseng root, seemingly too lazy to even eat it. Why was that?

It's obvious it has already consumed a superior product—a whole snow ginseng—no wonder its lifespan potential has reached a deep purple hue.

"Is Old Ghost Li really you, betting on both sides?"

Cheng Zhenwei looked rather unpleasant, as if he had been played for a fool.

Hua Zhenyu was the same; he had already realized that he might have been tricked by that elder of the Dan Sect.

Chen Dengming had no idea that the uncle and nephew had already imagined even more outrageous things.

At this moment, after receiving Qiu Feng's approval, Third Ancestor also nodded slightly, understanding the origin of the snow ginseng rootlets in Chen Dengming's hands.

Within the sect, only Xing Huiguang, Qiu Feng, and the Second Ancestor knew that Chen Dengming had killed Han Yongxu, a Golden Core Late Stage cultivator.

Therefore, after receiving Qiu Feng's telepathic message, Third Ancestor waved his hand, indicating that Chen Dengming had passed the test.

She vaguely sensed that Chen Dengming seemed to be holding back some things.

However, this young man was extremely calm, indicating that what he said was not untrue. He may be keeping a bigger secret, perhaps related to the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage.

That wasn't a secret she could easily tell others, so she naturally wouldn't press for details.

He immediately made a hand seal and cast another spell to test Chen Dengming's Spirit Root.

This time, the halo around Chen Dengming rapidly transitioned from red to indigo, eventually even approaching deep indigo.

This means that Chen Dengming's Spiritual Root Potential has reached the pinnacle of High-grade Spiritual Root.

If one were to advance further into the purple realm, that would represent the potential of Heavenly Spiritual Root.

Having witnessed the shock of the deep purple lifespan potential before, Chen Dengming's deep indigo Spirit Root potential, while still surprising, was not as astonishing.

Everyone present knew that Chen Dengming possessed the aptitude of having Dual Spirit Root.

Even Qiu Feng, Xing Huiguang, and Third Ancestor had more information and understood the secret of this disciple's dual cultivation of the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage.

However, as elders of the sect, they knew about these personal secrets and extraordinary encounters, but they would not reveal them at this time.

This is what makes the doctrines of the Longevity Sect special; they are closer to the natural way of Heavenly Dao in the Immortal Celestial Lineage.

The way of Heaven is to take from those who have too much and give to those who have too little—this is the first line of the Mnemonic in the Longevity Merit.

This refers to the natural way of Heavenly Dao, the natural rules. If there is too much, reduce it; if there is too little, supplement it, and strive for balance. This is the Heavenly Dao.

This applies to the Longevity Sect, meaning that the higher the cultivation level of the sect's elders and the closer they are to the Heavenly Dao, the more they understand balance.

It's not that the strong must selflessly dedicate themselves to supporting the weak, but at the very least, they should know how to protect and compensate for the weaknesses that prevent them from protecting themselves when they are weak, thus helping them grow.

Therefore, the Longevity Sect is quite united and protective of its own, and Longevity Incense is a prime example.

However, the further one progresses in the Heavenly Immortal Way Immortality, the more there is a path that leads to the highest state of detachment, getting closer to the Heavenly Dao, and treating all things as mere straw dogs. But that's a story for later, so let's leave it at that for now.

At this moment, Chen Dengming's potential surpassed that of everyone else.

Rao Ling, the last person tested for potential, naturally couldn't surpass her either.

With the testing of potential progressing to this point, everyone knows that Chen Dengming is likely to win this stage.

Unless Chen Dengming ultimately faces strong rejection from the Celestial Immortal's power within the Daoist realm, even if he performs slightly worse than others, this round can still be considered a victory for him.

Xing Huiguang stood up, bowed to Su Yan Yan, and said, "Please, Uncle-Master, take them to the Longevity Realm for a trial."

Su Yan Yan nodded slightly, her bright eyes sweeping over Chen Dengming and the others, and said.

"Follow me, all of you."

She always referred to herself as "I," and coupled with her beautiful and youthful appearance, she made an excellent impression on her disciples.

Although it always gives people a feeling that it is something to be admired from afar but not to be touched.

At least he wasn't like other Nascent Soul True Lord, who instilled fear in people.

After Chen Dengming and the others respectfully agreed, they left the Longevity Hall with Su Yan Yan and flew towards the back of Longevity Peak, traversing the sea of clouds that flowed like waterfalls into the deep valley.

Finally, the group arrived at the depths of the valley of Longevity Peak.

A wisp of mist, like a wisp of smoke, rose slowly from the deep valley.

It resembled a white ribbon drifting leisurely through the late autumn forest.

Su Yan Yan was like a fairy descended to earth, falling into the mist.

Their robes fluttered as they followed, their figures seemingly swallowed up by the surging clouds.

At this moment, even Hu Yan Shunbin and the others, who had previously performed poorly, regained their composure and were quite excited and eager to explore the truth of the Immortal Celestial Lineage.

Even if one cannot receive the transmission of the Daoist lineage, merely having contact with it is enough to make one feel fulfilled.

In fact, more than two thousand years ago, the Longevity Daoist Spirit Transformation, the Longevity Dao Lord, obtained the broken Dao lineage and founded the Longevity Sect. In the following thousand years, the Longevity Sect elected as many as seventeen Longevity Seed.

But even among those who truly became Longevity Seed Nascent Soul, only three ancestors and Xing Huiguang have truly achieved the Nascent Soul stage and survived to this day.

Most others died of old age or from various accidents.

Those who can truly master the Dao power within the Immortal Celestial Lineage are few and far between.

Those who can break through to the Nascent Soul are extremely rare.

At this moment, as everyone was wandering in the mist with Third Ancestor, they suddenly saw Third Ancestor crash into a towering ginkgo tree, his figure disappearing in an instant as if coated with a layer of film.

They were all taken aback.

Chen Dengming, however, had already made many trips to the Mustard Seed Realm, so he wasn't surprised.

He followed closely behind and approached the ginkgo tree.

However, it was discovered that there was a hole in the trunk of the ginkgo tree itself.

The tree's age, revealed within the hollow, resembles layers upon layers of a world.

"Lands of Dao lineages generally possess a repulsive force that makes it difficult for those who Non-Self Dao to survive. I wonder how strong this repulsive force is within the lands of the Immortal Celestial Lineage? And how does it manifest?"

Chen Dengming thought to himself, his figure pressed close, and he was instantly enveloped by a membrane, entering it.

Seeing this, the others followed suit and entered.

A flash of light and shadow.

Chen Dengming felt his body plummeting downwards.

Before this process had lasted long, he could already hear the sound of wind and water, and felt a refreshing coolness from the water vapor rushing towards him.

The next instant, he found himself on a vast, misty lake, his body plummeting downwards.

He immediately formed a hand seal to stabilize his body and sensed that the air was filled with abundant spiritual Spiritual Qi, even more concentrated than outside. He was not in a place where Spiritual Qi was cut off, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

By this time, the others had also begun to appear.

Chen Dengming looked up and saw that the Sky Dome above him was not filled with white clouds, but with mist and a faint Spiritual Qi light.

Directly above, there are rings resembling the age rings of the ginkgo tree hole we just saw, forming a vortex-like entrance.

At this moment, Chen Dengming keenly sensed something was amiss.

A unique and subtle feeling, like the passage of time and the changing of the world, was born from his tranquil mind.

This was clearly the feeling of lifespan depletion that he was extremely familiar with.

A person's lifespan is constantly decreasing.

However, when such a clear feeling arises, it proves that one's lifespan has been severely depleted.

Chen Dengming was startled and immediately began to secretly observe the control panel.

It was found that lifespan did not appear to have changed significantly; at least, it had not lost a year.

But based on his experience of repeatedly risking his life, it might not even take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before his lifespan is reduced by a year.

"Is this the Non-Self- self repulsion force in the Immortal Celestial Lineage? It's not devouring Spiritual Qi anymore, but instead devouring lifespan?"

Chen Dengming looked at Third Ancestor was floating opposite him.

The other person remained calm, seemingly not intending to offer any advice. Their bright eyes even met his at the same time, a hint of a half-smile playing on their lips, as if they could tell he already knew the truth.

Chen Dengming's eyes flickered slightly, but his heart remained calm, without any mental rift, and he remained unhurried.

He's not worried about this rate of lifespan loss; as long as this potential test of the Daoist lineage doesn't last too long, he can withstand it completely.

Perhaps, this is even what the test is about.

But that's too harsh.

"Is this the ancestral home of our Longevity Sect?"

"The Immortal Celestial Lineage is right here?"

"It looks like a vast, desolate wilderness, completely devoid of human habitation. I've heard that the three grandmasters and the first ancestor often secluded themselves here for cultivation."

The others spoke up, as if they had arrived at this sacred place for countless disciples of the Longevity Sect. They temporarily set aside their personal grudges and differences, and their hearts were filled with admiration for this mysterious place of the Daoist lineage.

However, upon seeing the completely oblivious expressions on these people's faces, Chen Dengming knew that they were unaware that their lifespans were rapidly slipping away, and a chill ran down his spine.

This land of Immortal Celestial Lineage is even more terrifying than Nanxun, where the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage resides.

Perhaps one can age without realizing it, and by the time one realizes it, death is not far away.

The original ancestor of the Longevity Sect was able to discover and possess this place. I wonder what price he paid, or whether he was truly in line with the Immortal Celestial Lineage.

"Come with me, I'll take you to see the real Longevity Hall, also known as the Heavenly Immortal Hall. There, we can determine whether you have a connection with the Immortal Celestial Lineage."

At this moment, Third Ancestor calmly turned around, his robes fluttering, and with an impeccable beauty, flew towards a floating island in the distance above the lake.

On that island stood a grand hall shrouded in mist, without double eaves or upturned corners. The roof of the hall was square, while the base, including the entire floating island, was round, seemingly symbolizing the square heaven and the round earth.

Chen Dengming and the others immediately flew to catch up, and soon approached the floating island, penetrating deep into the fog.

"This is."

In a state of perfect tranquility, Chen Dengming suddenly noticed the unusual nature of the fog.

Some of the mist even carried a sense of the passage of time and the vicissitudes of life.

This peculiar feeling is probably something only a freak like him, who frequently deals with lifespan and death, could grasp.

"Is life force flowing within this mist? No, life force is actually time itself, and what flows within this mist is the power of time."

He then realized that the aura of these passing years, like a tranquil river in the mist, flowed into the mysterious hall ahead.

The closer he got to the main hall, the more he could feel a cold, ruthless yet all-encompassing power.

Surprisingly, it caused the Dao power in his Sea of Consciousness and the Dao inscriptions that had melted into it to tremble slightly, as if there was a sense of rejection.

"That is... the Immortal Celestial Dao Power, drawing upon the strength of time and years? Therefore, the Immortal Celestial Lineage of the Longevity Sect ultimately leads to a path of immortality, coexisting with the heavens?"

Is it the ultimate way to control time and the years?

Chen Dengming was insightful and even surprised by the thought that had arisen within him.

This conjecture is far too exaggerated and far-fetched.

To truly control the passage of time is to be close to the secret of immortality and unlock the mystery of eternal life. Spirit Transformation would probably find it difficult to grasp even the basics.

Moreover, this conjecture may not be accurate; it can only be described as a fleeting thought born from a sudden whim.

At this moment, Third Ancestor had already landed on the island and stood in the square outside the palace, his demeanor graceful and charming.

Chen Dengming and the others also flew down one after another, only to find that after landing and standing in front of the main hall, they suddenly felt as if they had become tiny.

The ancient, simple hall shrouded in mist opposite seemed like an unreachable Sky Dome, giving people an incomparably grand and magnificent feeling. In its mysterious and cold atmosphere, it also revealed a complex sense of profound and benevolent love.

On the uppermost wall of the ancient hall, inscribed in ancient immortal Cultivation World script, was a line of words. "Heaven and Earth are ruthless, treating all things as straw dogs!"

I saw that line of text.

Everyone was deeply shaken, and different people had different understandings and feelings.

Some people instantly conjured up images of the mighty heavens, torrential rains that gradually turned into floods, drowning all living beings, or the scorching sun that baked the earth, leaving it barren and devoid of life, causing their Life Force to turn pale.

Some people also envisioned a beautiful and harmonious scene of spring breezes and gentle rain, warm sunshine, and the growth of all things, and couldn't help but smile.

Heaven and earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs.

This is already the highest path on the road to becoming Heavenly Immortal Way.

Some interpret this as Heaven being unkind, treating all things as lifeless offerings, ultimately leading it astray and onto the ruthless Heavenly Dao, making it difficult to reach the other shore.

In reality, the meaning of this principle is that Heaven and Earth view all things equally, neither favoring nor mistreating anyone, allowing everything to develop naturally.

However, the Tao is there, impartial and unbiased. Even if someone understands it, they may not necessarily attain the Tao.

"Because understanding is not true enlightenment, nor is it true attainment of the Way."

It's like knowing that crafting a fourth-tier Law Treasure is a sure way to make money; everyone understands the logic, but no one can actually craft it, let alone obtain it.

Unlike others whose minds were filled with various images, Chen Dengming remained calm and undisturbed, his mind free of any particular thoughts; he simply pondered and analyzed the situation rationally.

He looked at the line of words above his head, Dao Intent, yet he could only sigh in despair. He felt that the Great Dao was profound, unfathomable, and boundless.

The movement and stillness of the heavens are originally the same; Myriad Phenomena Senluo are within sight.

If one finds a way through it, one will realize that this place is a vacuum.

He's only scratched the surface of the Human Immortal Way; how difficult it is for him to truly grasp the Immortal Celestial Lineage!

Just as he had this feeling, he also realized that a cup of tea's worth of time had passed without him noticing.

Inside the panel, it was clear that a year's worth of lifespan had indeed been lost.

At this moment, Su Yan Yan turned to look at everyone, her bright eyes sweeping over them before she calmly spoke.

"The potential of the Immortal Celestial Lineage has been tested. Chen Dengming, you stay. The other disciples may leave."

Upon hearing this, Hua Zhenyu and the others were immediately stunned.

Just now, various images and insights arose in their minds, and they felt that they had gained a lot and benefited greatly, even thinking that they had truly come into contact with the Immortal Celestial Lineage.

As a result, they are now being told they have to leave, which means their test has failed.

However, despite their resentment and confusion, it was the Third Master who announced this.

The group was filled with doubts, but could only sigh helplessly, glance enviously at Chen Dengming, and clasp their hands in congratulations.

At this moment, even though Hua Zhenyu had mixed feelings, he had no choice but to smile and bow in congratulations.

He had already discerned from the Third Ancestor's words that there was no suspense left.

Chen Dengming can be considered a true Longevity Seed.

Clearly, Chen Dengming is likely testing the potential of the Daoist tradition and aiming to surpass all of them.

Therefore, this Longevity Seed election has been prematurely declared over.

Chen Dengming has surpassed everyone in terms of both ability and potential.

Even though the voting process is still ongoing, it's meaningless at this point.

Xing Huiguang's crucial vote will undoubtedly go to Chen Dengming, giving the entire Longevity Sect disciples a proper conclusion to the election.

"Junior Brother Chen, congratulations!"

After composing himself and offering his congratulations, Hua Zhenyu's smile revealed a sense of relief, a complete shedding of his pretense, and he spoke candidly.

"I have used despicable methods in the past, and I hope you can forgive me, Junior Brother."

If I achieve the Golden Core stage in the future, I will apply to leave the sect and follow my uncle's example to establish my own sect, where all the stars will gather around me to protect the Longevity Sect."

Chen Dengming was surprised, as if he were seeing Hua Zhenyu in a completely new light.

With his keen eyesight and Spiritual Realm, he could naturally see and sense that the other person's relaxed, frank, and sincere words were genuine.

He couldn't help but bow and smile, "Alright! All that has happened in the past is like smoke and clouds. Junior Brother, thank you for your concession, Senior Brother Hua. I wish you a bright future in advance."

Hua Zhenyu laughed heartily, "I didn't give way. Even if I tried to use tricks, I really couldn't compete with you, Junior Brother, and you even broke my leg."

Tan Siyan taunted, "Senior Brother Hua, I, Old Tan, truly admire your thick skin! You can bend and stretch. You only begged your junior Junior Brother for mercy because you didn't want your other leg to be broken too, right?"

Hua Zhenyu frowned and snorted, "I admire Junior Brother Chen wholeheartedly, but I don't admire you, Lao Tan."

Seeing this, the others couldn't help but laugh, and even Hu Yan Shunbin's deeply furrowed brows gradually relaxed.

We're all from the same school; once things are discussed openly, they seem to become clear.

A smile can erase all enmity when we meet again; what more could we ask for than to meet again at the ends of the earth?

Cultivating immortality is about being carefree and unrestrained.

(I got a lot of flak yesterday. I didn't post this chapter until midnight. There will be an extra chapter during the day today! Please vote with your monthly tickets!)