Though Forgiveness Skillfully Creates Karma, Ultimately Destiny Is Also Coincidental

A round, silvery moon climbed over the mountain ridge, like a lamp, illuminating the valley and the rushing water in between.

Amidst the rushing torrents and turbulent waves in the valley, the sound of water was incessant, shimmering like countless silvery snowflakes under the moonlight.

The night breeze was cool as water, and the moonlight was bright and clear. People say that if you see a large expanse of white silver in the distance in the night, that is the famous Moon Reflection Sect in the Eastern Region.

Legend has it that the reason the water in the Silver Pool is so bright is not only because of the moonlight, but also because the water is from Spirit Spring and is quite extraordinary.

In the past, the Golden Core Late Stage cultivator, Moon Reflection True Person, rose to prominence and established the sect on this Spirit Spring.

That night, in a secluded building within the Moon Reflection Sect, a young man dressed in thin clothes knelt respectfully outside the door, poured out his thoughts, and anxiously awaited a response.

After a moment, a deep, middle-aged voice came from inside the room.

"You want to return to that mortal land in the south, to search for the traces left by that Sha Star? It's useless."

Back then, we sent people to search Nanxun thoroughly, but found nothing. We were even caught in traps left by that Sha Star, and some of our fellow cultivators died."

Nangong Yun, who was kneeling on the ground, was somewhat shocked upon hearing this.

Just how powerful is that legendary Sha Star supposedly walked the path of Martial Immortal?

Back in the mortal realm, even cultivators would likely only be at the third or fourth level of Qi Refining. How could a trap left in such Spiritual Qi scarce place possibly kill a cultivator?

"No need to overthink it. In places lacking Spiritual Qi, even we cultivators will gradually lack Spiritual Qi if we stay there for too long. Naturally, our combat strength will be greatly reduced, and it's quite normal to die in some traps."

A voice came from inside the house again, "Foolish child, if you really want to go back, you'll have to prepare a hundred Mid-grade Spirit Stone."

Each round trip of that Teleportation Array requires a hundred Mid-grade Spirit Stone. This is no small sum for me, and I won't use it to fund your reckless behavior.

In the past, our five major sects jointly launched the Ascension Convention, with each sect contributing twenty Mid-grade Spirit Stone, participating only once every hundred years. Overall, it was a small investment project with minimal losses, and currently, it doesn't seem to have much practical significance, after all...

The people inside the room didn't say anything more.

Those outside understood what was happening and couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

When I first came here, I was thinking about how I would turn things around. But fortunes change, and now I feel that all my arrogance and sharp edges have been smoothed out. I have truly grown a lot.

Rumors circulated that he was highly regarded by two Foundation Establishment elders and even valued by Golden Core Ancestor guided and mentored him, leading him to develop an unorthodox path of Left Path and demonstrating extraordinary talent.

Only he himself knew that he was nothing more than an experiment.

Its purpose is to allow patriarchs or other important figures who are interested to study it, thereby gaining insight into the Dao of that 'Sha Star'.

But he had no idea what that Sha Star had done or where he was now.

The more this happened, the more he felt like he was living in someone else's shadow, which caused him great pain. He also became more and more eager to understand that Sha Star, and even developed an ambition to inherit that person's path and then crush all those who looked down on him.

Unfortunately, they don't even have the money to go back and investigate.

A hundred Mid-grade Spirit Stone, while not a small amount for his master, a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivator, are still not a large sum.

But clearly, the other party is unlikely to invest in him.

"Master, there was another person who came with me that year. He wasn't chosen by the sect and became Rogue Cultivator."

"This person's martial arts skills are far superior to mine, and his understanding of martial arts is also more thorough. I want to find him and learn from his martial arts theories to improve myself."

"Oh? Very well. You've taken the Qian Yuan Pill bestowed by the Ancestor, and you've now reached the Qi Cultivation Fourth Level of Qi Refining. You've also forged your own path, and your combat strength is among the best in your realm. You can go down the mountain to gain experience."

If you really can't find anyone, you can use your sect's token to seek help from nearby Cultivation Family with close ties.

Families like the Ming family of the Round Moon Villa, Cold Moon Palace, and Bright Moon Workshop, these Cultivation Family were all established by disciples of my Moon Reflection Sect who went out to establish their own. Their information network is much better."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yun felt a chill run through him.

They had previously disagreed with him going down the mountain, fearing he might be in danger.

The fact that they agreed so easily now suggests that the Golden Core Ancestor is probably dissatisfied with the results of the latest experiment.

Forty-odd days passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the Bright Moon Workshop.

Accompanied by a deep shout, a faint burst of spiritual power seemed to erupt in the air.

The next instant, a large tree branch in the courtyard suddenly burst open, spewing out large amounts of poisonous liquid and mist.

The countless poisonous fumes, though seemingly just mist, were actually a large number of tiny, strange things resembling spores and mycelia, which drifted everywhere with the wind.

Some of them landed on dozens of ants that had been attracted to a puddle of sugar water on the ground.

In an instant, countless tiny spores and mycelia-like poisonous venom seeped into the ants' bodies through the gaps in their joints.

In just a few moments, the entire swarm of ants was under control.

"Go--"

Chen Dengming casually moved his fingers.

A group of ants, under his control, scurried across the ground, creating various patterns.

But in reality, it's not the ants that are moving, but rather the mycelium formed by the poisonous Gu Qi of the <Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art> that is controlling the ants' body movements, making them like puppets on strings.

Even now, any area in the courtyard covered by the poisonous gas that resembled spores and mycelium was within the range of Chen Dengming's Daoist magic.

Any enemy who ventures into it risks having their body invaded by the toxic mycelium.

However, compared to controlling humans or cultivators, controlling ants is obviously tens of thousands of times easier.

"This Qi Cultivation High Level Dao technique is truly extraordinary. If I can cultivate it to the point of mastery and achieve instantaneous casting, its power will increase significantly. It is currently the first control-type Law Technique I have learned."

Chen Dengming sensed the state of the poisonous gas in the courtyard and immediately dispelled his spiritual control.

Instantly, all Spiritual Qi dissipated.

Some of the toxic gases, resembling spores and mycelia, disintegrated and dispersed, and the ants on the ground quickly returned to normal.

He strode toward the tree whose branches had burst open and reached out to cast a spell on the poisonous, rotting trunk.

In an instant, the pure Wood Elemental Spiritual Energy gathered from the surrounding area, transforming into Life Force green light that enveloped the tree trunk.

The Withered to Flourishing Art!

Soon, the poison-rotted and withered tree trunk regained its Life Force and even sprouted some green buds.

Chen Dengming was quite pleased with the results.

For the past month or so, he has been practicing the Withered to Flourishing Art in conjunction with the Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art. His efforts have not been in vain, and he is now very satisfied with the results.

The price of such cultivation was that the seven or eight trees in the courtyard had hardly any intact branches; they were almost all shaved off, and they didn't even look bald, but rather like lumps of scabies.

Just yesterday, he officially broke through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Level, his Law Power increased significantly, and the range of his spiritual might also increased.

"Chen Dengming, a cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Level"

Lifespan: 83/238/397 (Actual age/Death exertion/Ultimate lifespan)

Spirit Root: Metal, Wood (Superior Grade 0/100)

Martial Arts: <Chen Family Martial Arts General Outline> (Great Perfection)

Daoist Techniques: <Gu Refining Chapter> (Master 67/100), <Three Yuan Spirit Gathering Technique> (Ninth Level 7/900), <Chen Family Daoist Magic Chapter> (Proficient 89/100), <Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique> (First Level 78/100), <Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art> (Beginner 46/100)

After his Strength Realm improved, his Lifespan Limit was extended by fifteen years.

In addition, the Qi Cultivation High Level techniques he had recently learned, as well as the Wood Escape Technique and the Transformation from Withered to Flourishing Art, all of which were upgraded through diligent study and practice, extended his Lifespan Limit by another fifteen years.

Now that his Lifespan Limit has reached 397 years, he has upgraded the panel again according to his wishes. Not only does it display his current actual age, but it also includes the <Flowing Qi Turning Gold Technique> and <Withered to Flourishing Art>, which have reached the Proficient Level, into the <Chen Family Daoist Magic Chapter>.

Looking at it this way, it's much more pleasing to the eye.

"I'm living longer and longer these days. It's said that Foundation Establishment cultivators live to be 200 years old. I can still live for 159 years now. If that's the case, I actually broke through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Level at only 41 years old?"

Chen Dengming smiled wryly, knowing that this was perhaps just self-deception.

In reality, he lived to be 83 years old, almost 84. It's possible that the Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique, which he practiced, would deplete his Essence, Qi, and Spirit, potentially leading to an increased bone age.

If a master were to determine one's age by palpating one's bones, they might find a terrifying 238 years.

This became a hidden worry in his heart, and he decided to find a way to resolve this worry before joining a sect, otherwise joining a sect would be tantamount to suicide.

With a flourish, Chen Dengming flew over to the three sites where the Golden Silkworm Gu was being refined and inspected them.

He then turned to observe the Blood Centipede Gu and Golden Silkworm Gu, which were still evolving, and frowned in thought.

Forty-seven days have passed, and only two days remain until the three new Golden Silkworm Gu are born.

However, the Blood Centipede Gu and the Golden Silkworm Gu have not yet completed their advancement, and it seems that it may take another seven or eight days.

However, just by looking at the increasingly powerful and ferocious aura of these two Gu, one can tell that these two Gu have become much stronger.

Chen Dengming planned to wait another ten days until his two children advanced in rank before officially setting off for Jue Lin City to find Qiangzi and, at the same time, inquire about ways to join a sect there.

Jue Lin City serves as the gateway to the edge of the Eastern Region. Beyond Jue Lin City lies the prosperous land of the Eastern Region, where many immortal sects and factions are located.

Perfect timing! These ten days of free time allow me to slightly reduce the intensity of my training and purchase some food and necessities for the journey at Bright Moon Workshop.

Chen Dengming, as usual, wore a blue robe over his high-ranking Dharma robe, put the Breath Concealing Bead in his mouth, and then left the residence.

With so much time having passed, the high-level Law Artifact from the Ming family and his Ice Spirit Blade should definitely be ready to be retrieved.

"Hey? Fellow Daoist Chen, you've finally come out. You've been in seclusion for quite a while this time. Did you break through?"

As soon as Chen Dengming stepped outside, he bumped into Zhu Xun, who was loitering by the door watering the flowers. Zhu Xun greeted him with a smile.

"Oh! Fellow Daoist Zhu, you're so free today? Not going out hunting?"

Chen Dengming greeted him casually with a smile, changing the subject and not responding to the question of whether he had made a breakthrough.

Zhu Xun tossed the watering can aside, walked over, and laughed, "The game we hunted with Fellow Daoist Chen last time was enough to keep us entertained for a long time. I haven't been idle; I've been cultivating lately and only came out these last two days."

"Oh?"

Chen Dengming looked closely and realized that Zhu Xun had made a breakthrough.

He has already Qi Cultivation Sixth Level.

Was this a deliberate attempt to show off in front of him? To see if he had also broken through to a higher level.

He didn't point it out, but nodded with a smile, "Diligent practice is good. You should practice more and strive to reach the Qi Cultivation High Level as soon as possible."

Zhu Xun's smile faltered, and he coughed lightly, saying, "Brother Dao is right, but I think it's alright. As long as I'm willing to practice diligently, I'll definitely be able to break through soon, just like I was this time."

"I'm going to the Ming family's place. Talk to you later."

Chen Dengming turned and left, waving his hand and quickly flying away on his weapon.

Zhu Xun stood there, watching Chen Dengming's departing figure, and suddenly felt a tightness in her chest.

Did Fellow Daoist Chen realize that he had already broken through to the Qi Cultivation Sixth Level?

Why wasn't there a single word of recognition or praise?

"Fellow Daoist Chen is stronger than me. He can see through my spiritual power and understand my strength. He must have realized that I have broken through."

Zhu Xun and ponder them.

Suddenly it dawned on me.

Envy.

Fellow Daoist Chen had been in seclusion for so long without making a breakthrough himself. Seeing that Brother Chen had, he felt embarrassed and a little jealous. Therefore, he didn't mention it at all and turned to leave.

"Fellow Daoist Chen is too concerned with saving face! He's too proud, so he can't see the good qualities in others. Sigh!"

Zhu Xun shook his head, feeling much better. He put his hands behind his back, whistled, and turned to go back to his room.

After emerging from seclusion these past few days, he has been lingering in front of the gate every day, hoping to surprise Chen Dengming when he comes out.

Now the goal has been achieved, and I am satisfied.

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, his gaze turning suspiciously to a furtive figure peeking out from the opposite side.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

The figure was clearly startled, instinctively turning to run away, but immediately stopped, turned back, and clasped his hands in a fist Zhu Xun with a smile.

"Brother Daoist, I'm here to find someone. May I ask the name of the person you were just talking to? Is he Chen?"

Zhu Xun confusion, "Chen Dengming?"

"Why?"

The man's expression changed, but he immediately clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, "It seems I've come to the wrong person. The person I'm looking for is Chen Fei, but he's just a small- Rogue Cultivator with little strength. The one just now was at least at the sixth or seventh level of Qi Refining, right?"

"How is that possible?"

Zhu Xun scoffed.

Who does someone at the sixth or seventh level of Qi Refining look down on? Saying he's about the same level, or saying Fellow Daoist Chen?

He responded with admiration, "Fellow Daoist Chen's skill is truly remarkable."

He suddenly frowned halfway through his sentence, glanced suspiciously at the young man opposite him, and narrowed his eyes.

"Hey kid, your heart's beating so fast, something's fishy. Are you trying to trick me? You think you can mess with me, a butcher?"

"Ah no! Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand!"

The young man opposite him immediately changed his expression and hurriedly waved his hand.

The Ming family.

Chen Dengming smiled with satisfaction as he received the high-level Law Artifact, the Ice Spirit Blade, which he had reforged.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, this reforged Ice Spirit Blade is even more powerful. It incorporates a great deal of Geng metal as a material and has been engraved with refining Formation such as Golden Wind and Sharpness, making it even sharper, lighter, and faster. I hope you are satisfied."

The female cultivator from the Ming family introduced Chen Dengming with a smile.

"Satisfied, very satisfied."

Chen Dengming examined the newly forged Ice Spirit Blade with great delight.

The shape of the knife remains unchanged, but because it incorporates Geng metal and is engraved with high-level Formation, the originally crystal-clear blade now appears to be inlaid with patterns made of gold threads, making it quite dazzling.

To be honest, while the new sword's design was beautiful, it was too ornate, Chen Dengming disliked. However, considering the increased power of the Law Artifact, this flaw could be overlooked.

"And there's this high-level Law Artifact, the Poisonous Spider Sky Net. Once cast, this net can change size at will, up to ten feet in size, and can shrink rapidly with a thought. The net also contains toxins that can gradually paralyze the enemy, making them unable to move."

The female cultivator from the Ming family took out another high-level Law Artifact and introduced it with a smile.

This is a high-level magic Law Artifact obtained by exchanging the corpse of Qi Cultivation High Level Chen Dengming Demon Spider. It looks like a small net, about the size of a palm, shimmering with spiritual light.

"Please thank that weapon-refining master for me!"

Chen Dengming immediately accepted the Poisonous Spider Sky Net with a smile, his heart filled with unbridled joy.

Including the Zhao Guang Fan Ling Jing, he now possesses three high-level Law Artifact, which is more than enough to match his current Qi Cultivation Ninth Level strength.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you're too kind. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. I'm just glad you're satisfied."

The female cultivator from the Ming family said politely, then added, "By the way, Fellow Daoist Chen, there's something I forgot to ask. When you came here, did you encounter a disciple from the Moon Reflection Sect who was looking for you?"

"A disciple of the Moon Reflection Sect?"

Chen Dengming looked puzzled, feeling that the name sounded familiar. He was pondering the information about this sect when a sudden realization struck him as he remembered its origins.

His expression remained unchanged, and he shook his head with a smile, still looking puzzled. "I haven't encountered that."

"Oh, it's alright, perhaps we just didn't run into them."

The female cultivator nodded and explained, "This disciple of the Moon Reflection Sect came to my Ming family as a guest a couple of days ago, saying he was looking for a Rogue Cultivator surnamed Chen."

Among the Rogue Cultivator who come and go from Bright Moon Workshop every day, there are quite a few with the surname Chen. However, the person that Moon Reflection Sect disciple said he was looking for was named Chen Dengming, whose strength was probably at the first or second level of Qi Refining, but not higher than the second level.

I think I heard that Fellow Daoist Chen, your name is also Chen Dengming? But your strength is not as he described. We explained this to him, and then he left. It seems he didn't go looking for you."

"Oh? Which one is Deng? Which one is Ming?"

Chen Dengming remained expressionless, then chuckled, "Well, that's quite an interesting thing. There are quite a few people in this world with the same name, and even many who impersonate others. I don't know any disciples of the Moon Reflection Sect."

"That's natural. Fellow Daoist Chen, you'll break through to the Foundation Establishment soon, and disciples of sects won't be more esteemed than you. This is nothing of great importance, but I was afraid it would cause Fellow Daoist Chen trouble, so I'm explaining."

"It's alright, it's alright!"

After a short while, Chen Dengming politely bid farewell to the female cultivator from the Ming family. After flying a long distance away, his expression turned gloomy.

Disciple of the Moon Reflection Sect!

The brat from the Nangong Family!

Now, almost two years later, it's unbelievable that this kid was able to find him at Bright Moon Workshop from the Moon Reflection Sect.

However, Chen Dengming had also learned that the Ming family patriarch was originally a Foundation Establishment Deacon of the Moon Reflection Sect.

He only left the sect later, feeling hopeless about further breakthroughs, and established the Ming family and Bright Moon Workshop.

Therefore, the Ming family and the Moon Reflection Sect maintained close ties. It was likely by chance that Nangong Yun came to stay, but fortuitous opportunity, he sought him out while settling down. This is truly...

However, his appearance was slightly different two years ago compared to now, with gray hair growing at his temples, and his strength was also completely different.

Perhaps Nangong Yun, after inquiring, has already truly left...

(I'm sick today, sitting isn't comfortable, so the update is a bit slower. I'll take some medicine. I got 60 more monthly votes today, so I'll update another long chapter!)

We met as young men in our youth, but now our temples are gray.

Even if fortuitous opportunity and effect are coincidental, opportunity is still a matter of chance.