Taking One Drop from Three Thousand Weak Waters, Striving for One Path Among Three Thousand Great Daos

The sun and moon are busy on the bird's path, and time passes by in the blink of an eye.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the courtyard, a Daoist priest dressed in the standard robes of the Evergreen Sect sat for a long time, carefully sensing the Blood Sha Qi within his body, which felt like a warm furnace, spreading warmth throughout his entire being.

This Blood Sha Qi circulated throughout his body, gradually replenishing and restoring the vital energy he had lost some time ago.

"In just half a month, the losses from the previous breakthrough have been recovered. The Dragon Coiling Bone Forging Art truly lives up to its reputation as Demonic Cultivation Method; it is the best choice for nourishing the body. A strong body leads to strong essence and energy, and strong essence and energy lead to a strong soul."

"A slight loss can be made up for by sucking the blood of the Black Cloud Leopard. We'll have to bring more good meat and wine to feed it later."

Chen Dengming thought to himself that he was quite satisfied with the current recovery speed.

Just two months ago, he began borrowing books from the Evergreen Sect's library related to Essence, Qi, and Spirit, spirit, life potential, and the success or failure of Foundation Establishment breakthroughs.

The Evergreen Sect also doesn't value popular science books like these; disciples within the sect can borrow them for free without paying any fees.

Only techniques related to Technique Method, Daoist arts, and Secret Method require payment when borrowing and learning them; however, the payment is in the form of Sect Contribution, not Spirit Stone.

However, Chen Dengming has been busy studying and cultivating lately, and has not thought about completing any sect tasks to accumulate Sect Contribution.

He thus became an oddball, the most laid-back of the new disciples, spending his days either in the library or secluded in his residence, seemingly having no interest in the sect's various Dharma Gate.

According to Daoist texts, so-called life potential is something deeper than the body's vital energy, and even involves the Xiantian energy of the mother's womb.

If this life potential is depleted, it cannot be replenished unless one obtains a few rare and precious treasures. Therefore, after failing to Foundation Establishment, the next breakthrough will be even more difficult because the life potential has been greatly depleted. Even if the essence, Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and spirit are restored, there will be no follow-up strength.

Chen Dengming has a different understanding of this.

It's like a newborn calf, full of energy, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy, inexperienced in the ways of the world, full of drive, and with particularly strong physical strength.

Once a young man reaches the age of eighteen and experiences adulthood, his youthful vigor fades. If he becomes too indulgent, even if his energy recovers later, it will inevitably be less than it was in his youth.

This understanding may be somewhat biased, but it does capture some of the essence.

Daoist texts also state that if one senses danger during the Foundation Establishment breakthrough and can pull back from the brink in time, or even make a drastic sacrifice, one can avoid complete failure. At most, one will lose some of one's vital energy, such as Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and spirit, which can be gradually recovered and replenished through rest.

Upon seeing this, Chen Dengming felt completely enlightened and was no longer troubled or confused by the increasingly narrow Five Elements Mountain.

No matter how strong the allure of the mountain, which feels like ascending to heaven, is.

If you encounter danger, as long as you have the determination of a hero cutting off his own arm, you can get out of danger.

After that moment of enlightenment...

He began his fourth attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment half a month ago.

On that occasion, he took the opportunity to venture deeper than halfway into the Five Elements Mountain of the Spirit Root.

When he sensed an urgent feeling that was about to completely crush his Essence, Qi, and Spirit, he made a decisive move, abandoning some of the Essence, Qi, and Spirit that was difficult to mobilize and retract, and retreated like a warrior cutting off his own arm.

Therefore, although some vital energy was lost that time, the potential of life was not damaged.

The lost vitality has now been fully restored thanks to the blood donations from Black Cloud Leopard.

Chen Dengming decided to strike while the iron was hot and immediately begin his fifth breakthrough.

After his four arduous explorations, he had already explored nearly two-thirds of the depth of the Five Spirit Root Five Elements Mountain.

With only one-third left, proceed cautiously and steadily. If it doesn't work the first time, try again. Safety first.

As you gradually expand, the road will naturally become smoother, and eventually you will be able to break through the obstacles.

Chen Dengming got up and went inside.

The Little Array Spirit was babbling "ee-ya" like it was singing a traditional opera, drifting around the room. Sometimes it would turn around in a dance, like a virtuous and life-loving young wife, touching the flowers and the teapot on the table. Even though it couldn't touch them, it was still enjoying itself.

In her words, she and her fellow Daoists finally had a stable and safe home, and she really liked this peaceful environment.

Stability, indeed stability.

Lately, Chen Dengming has heard quite a bit about the fierce fighting coming from the northeast corner.

A group of monks, looking like refugees, even arrived at Changle Workshop at the foot of the mountain.

Some people couldn't afford to rent accommodations, so they lived in the wilderness and forests, where battles and fights often broke out, and cultivators frequently died tragically, making the place quite chaotic.

However, the Evergreen Sect remained complacent.

No one dared to act recklessly in front of the Evergreen Sect Mountain Gate, let alone Mountain Gate.

Staying in the Evergreen Sect was like being in a paradise in a chaotic world, a feeling Chen Dengming had never experienced anywhere else.

"Fellow Daoist, are we going out?"

As Chen Dengming finished combing his hair, Little Array Spirit floated over, her beautiful eyes sparkling with curiosity and a hint of other emotions.

Chen Dengming hummed in response, glancing sideways at the Little Array Spirit. "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

The Little Array Spirit stammered shyly, "Fellow Daoist, I'd like to have that nourishing medicine and soup from last time again."

"Want more? Can you handle it?"

Chen Dengming looked at the Little Array Spirit's spirit body with surprise. It was as beautiful as ever, but after seeing it so many times, it wasn't anything special.

Moreover, no signs of further growth were observed.

After a period of nourishment, the Little Array Spirit grew a body, and its abilities, such as its perception range, were greatly improved.

"I... I have a feeling, like you guys are about to break through, I feel like I'm about to break through too."

As the Little Array Spirit spoke, it suddenly reached out a small hand and, to Chen Dengming's surprise, touched his chest, passing through his robe as if it were an illusion.

But soon, Chen Dengming's expression changed slightly as he felt a cool, itchy sensation in his chest, as if a small hand was stroking him.

"You were actually able to touch me?" Chen Dengming was somewhat surprised.

The fact that a spirit can touch physical objects and develop a sense of touch indicates that the Little Array Spirit may indeed be about to break through.

"It's just that my internal strength has increased a bit. If you continue to nourish me for a while, I might continue to grow."

As the Little Array Spirit spoke, her pale, almost transparent little hand continued to penetrate deeper.

Chen Dengming's expression froze, and he felt a chill run down his spine. He felt a cold aura penetrate his Flesh and Blood, which immediately triggered a counterattack from the Spiritual Qi within his body.

"Ah--" The Little Array Spirit's hand was as if it had been electrocuted and was immediately repelled by Spiritual Qi.

Chen Dengming frowned, suppressing the surging Blood Sha Qi within his body, and said.

"Don't put your hands inside my body without my permission. It's dangerous."

"Yes, yes, fellow Daoist, I know I was wrong," the Little Array Spirit hurriedly said, rubbing one hand with the other, looking pitiful and aggrieved.

"Alright! I'll get you some more nourishing medicine, but I'm about to break through to a higher level, so let's talk about it after that."

Chen Dengming waved his hand, leaving the Little Array Spirit in the house to guard it, and then left.

As I walked along the road, I was still thinking about the special ability that the Little Array Spirit had just displayed.

That hand just now felt like it had suddenly pierced through his body and entered his Flesh and Blood, almost touching his heart.

Previously, the Little Array Spirit could pass directly through his body, but they never experienced this 'tactile' sensation, so it did not trigger an excessive reaction in his power.

"Is Ling'er really slowly turning into a strange thing? That ability just now, could it be the legendary possession by a ghost? It seems I'll have to look for relevant books in the sect later."

Chen Dengming pondered for a moment, then hurried to the Alchemy Chamber to collect the 'Zhuang Shen Dan' that he had reported some time ago.

As formal disciple of the Evergreen Sect, he was entitled to receive a bottle of pills every two months.

It can be Qi Increasing Pill, or a pill for strengthening the body and mind.

His recent loss of vital energy has been made up, but his spirit may still be lacking.

He plans to take the Zhuang Shen Dan during his fifth attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment, in order to increase his foundation.

Before even reaching the entrance of the Alchemy Chamber, Chen Dengming saw a group of people crowding around, seemingly queuing to receive pills.

In the distance, two spirit boats hovered in mid-air, with several Foundation Establishment cultivators inside, emanating a faint spiritual aura, making the atmosphere somewhat solemn.

What's going on?

Chen Dengming was a little suspicious, so he went over to ask while queuing up.

A disciple glanced at him, somewhat excited and nervous, and said, "You don't know? Our Evergreen Sect responded to the call of the Longevity Sect and prepared to reinforce the battle in the northeast corner. This time, the Longevity Sect directly provided twenty Foundation Establishment, three of which can be allocated to our Evergreen Sect."

"As long as you can achieve five major merits on the Battlefield, you will be eligible to receive Foundation Establishment. Even if you are unlucky and don't get one, you can still be given priority when Foundation Establishment become available next time."

After hearing this, Chen Dengming was completely bewildered.

Isn't the Longevity Sect famously known for its non-competitive nature?

Why would they suddenly intervene in the war in the northeast corner? This is inconsistent with their usual principles.

He'd only been gone for four or five days, how could things have changed so suddenly?

He glanced at his fellow disciple, who was excited and nervous. The other person was probably at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining and did not look very young, yet he was so excited. Perhaps he was a member of Lineage who had not experienced many life-and-death situations.

Looking at the other fellow disciples in line, he noticed that most of them had somber expressions, some even looking worried, while there weren't many who were excited and eager to join in.

He took the opportunity to ask a few more people, and the answers were consistent; he even heard definite news.

The invasion of cultivators from the Western Region Devil Country was not limited to the northeast corner; cultivators from the Western Region Devil Sect were also provoking and invading the northwest and north corners, near the Heavenly Dao Gate and the Shu Sword Pavilion. This left the entire Eastern Region in a state of besieged chaos and tension.

"Damn it! I just joined the sect. Can't we wait a while before fighting?"

Chen Dengming's heart sank, and he cursed inwardly.

No wonder even the Longevity Sect couldn't sit still and wanted to get involved in the Battlefield.

After lying low for so long, the Devil Cultivator of the Western Regions suddenly attacked the sects of the Eastern Regions, vying for resources.

No matter how indifferent the Longevity Sect is to worldly affairs, it can't just sit idly by and do nothing; even a tortoise will bite when cornered.

At this moment, most of the disciples queuing here to receive pills are preparing to answer the call to join local War Zone, earn merit, and compete for Foundation Establishment.

These people generally had the strength of the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining, and there were even cultivators at the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level. Their numbers were not large, about thirty or so, and they should be considered the best among the Qi Refining disciples of Changchun Sect.

This may not represent all the Qi Cultivation High Level disciples within the Longevity Sect, but it certainly accounts for the majority.

I wonder how many people will be able to return after this battle, and how many will be able to obtain the Foundation Establishment?

Judging from the somber and worried expressions on many people's faces, they were clearly aware of the danger, but they had no choice but to do their best in order to successfully break through to the Foundation Establishment in the future.

Soon it was Chen Dengming's turn to collect the pills.

"Greetings, Steward Mu. This disciple, Chen Ming, needs a bottle of Zhuang Shen Dan."

Chen Dengming spoke respectfully to the steward distributing the pills.

The deacon raised his eyelids, glanced at Chen Dengming, picked up his pen to take notes, and asked, "You're at the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level, which War Zone are you planning to go to?"

Chen Dengming was taken aback, then immediately said, "This disciple has no plans to go to the Battlefield for the time being, but I do need a bottle of Zhuang Shen Dan for cultivation."

The disciples behind were somewhat surprised upon hearing this, muttering to themselves, " At the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level, why aren't they vying for Foundation Establishment? What can they possibly achieve with Zhuang Shen Dan?"

The steward's expression darkened as he sized up Chen Dengming, then smiled. "So it's you, Chen, the newly recruited Nephew Disciple Chen. You 'Qi Cultivation Tenth Level of Qi Refining, yet instead of contributing to the sect and gaining better cultivation methods, you spend your days holed up in your studies. With this mindset, how will you ever break through to the Foundation Establishment?"

Chen Dengming thought to himself that this old fellow really liked to act superior because of his age, but his face remained smiling. "Steward Mu, your teachings are correct. After I complete this phase of cultivation, I will respond to some missions from the sect."

"Completion of a stage of cultivation? What cultivation? Do you think you can break through to the Foundation Establishment?"

Steward Mu chuckled, then said in a deep voice, "The Zhuang Shen Dan is a scarce spiritual pill. Since you're not going to the War Zone, hold off for now and exchange it for Qi Increasing Pill or a Body Strengthening Pill."

Upon hearing this, even the disciples behind Chen Dengming couldn't help but agree with it.

Those fellow disciples who were also preparing to receive the Zhuang Shen Dan became impatient.

Chen Dengming frowned, but when he met the mocking yet imposing gaze of Foundation Establishment, his brows gradually relaxed.

But at that moment, a calm voice came from the direction of the spirit boat in the distance.

"Junior Brother Mu, since Nephew Disciple Chen needs the Zhuang Shen Dan, just give it to him. If the stock is tight, you can use my quota. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Deacon Mu was taken aback, and immediately looked in the direction of the spirit boat. When he saw the figure of the Daoist priest, his expression changed, and then he bowed and smiled.

"So it's Senior Brother Li. But this Senior Brother Nephew Disciple Chen..."

"Our Evergreen Sect has always followed the rules and principles of the Longevity Sect, remaining aloof from worldly affairs. However, we are now forced to fight against the Devil Cultivator who have attacked us. In order to protect the pure land of the Eastern Region, we have no choice but to fight."

However, this matter should at least for the time being left to the disciples' own volition, and should not be forced; otherwise, what would be the meaning of the long-standing principles of my Longevity Sect?

These words moved many disciples of various sects, and their initial reluctance to answer the call for the Foundation Establishment Pills was greatly alleviated.

Indeed, compared to other Immortal Sect, the Evergreen Sect is quite considerate of its disciples.

Upon hearing this, Steward Mu frowned slightly, but not wanting to offend Li Yue, a Senior Brother in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, he simply snorted and handed the pill to Chen Dengming, adding a sarcastic remark at the end.

"May my Nephew Disciple successfully Foundation Establishment with this bottle of Zhuang Shen Dan."

Chen Dengming remained calm and composed, smiling and clasping his hands in a fist salute, "I will do my best to succeed, Elder Chengmu."

He then bowed in gratitude toward the direction of the spirit boat before turning and leaving.

Including the previous assistance in helping him join a sect, Li Rong's cousin, Li Yue, has now helped him twice.

The favor he owed this person had become even greater.

On the spirit boat.

Several Foundation Establishment watched Chen Dengming's departing figure, chatting and laughing.

"Brother Li, when this Nephew Disciple Chen joined the sect, he must have attracted Elder Lin's attention, right? As a result, this Nephew Disciple stayed in seclusion for two whole months. He went to the Hall of Preaching once, but after learning that learning Cultivation Method required contribution points, he never went to the Hall of Preaching again."

He neither studies Daoist arts nor seeks Foundation Establishment. Did he come up the mountain just for that mere First-Rank Spirit Vein residence?

The speaker was a middle-aged cultivator holding a whisk, a smile playing on his lips, finding Chen Dengming quite amusing.

Li Yue withdrew his gaze and said with a smile, "Nephew Disciple Chen is, after all, at the age of forty, and is much more composed than most younger Nephew Disciple. Perhaps he has his own plans."

As elders, all we can do is try our best to create a good environment and conditions for their cultivation, so that our Evergreen Sect can have many talented people in the future."

Upon hearing this, the Foundation Establishment cultivators all shook their heads and smiled inwardly.

Although we enjoy a peaceful life, it is because some people are bearing the burden. They are capable and have indeed shouldered a lot of responsibility.

However, one must also acknowledge the value of such behavior. For a disciple like Chen Ming, who is too lazy to even compete for a Foundation Establishment, all one can do besides be angry at his lack of ambition is to laugh it off.

Li Yue was not without doubts about Chen Dengming's actions over the past two months.

It should be noted that many other disciples who joined the sect, even those from the Cultivation Family, were extremely interested in the Evergreen Sect's Dharma Gate and joined the sect for this very reason.

The fundamental technique of the Evergreen Sect, Evergreen Merit, is derived from the Changshou Dao Gong of the Longevity Sect. Although it is not as miraculous as the Changshou Dao Gong, it is a top-grade Cultivation Method that can gather spiritual energy and increase its power by 63%, and it can also prolong life, which is extraordinary.

As a result, Chen Dengming neither completed Sect Mission to accumulate contribution points and learn Daoist techniques, nor did he seize such a good opportunity Foundation Establishment, which was quite strange.

However, whenever he thought of the information his Junior Brother from the library had told him, the thought kept popping into Li Yue's mind—this Nephew Disciple Chen was probably planning to break through to the Foundation Establishment on his own.

The Evergreen Sect has had its share of those who broke through to the Foundation Establishment through their own efforts, but these were usually geniuses with High-grade Spiritual Root, and they also had to bear some risks.

Therefore, even among the geniuses with High-grade Spiritual Root within the sect, very few attempt to break through without relying on Foundation Establishment.

There is ultimately a difference between having a 50% chance of success and having an 80% chance.

"Although Nephew Disciple Chen also possesses High-grade Spiritual Root, it is ultimately a conflicting Spirit Root. I wonder if this will have any impact?"

Li Yue pondered deeply.

Chen Dengming, however, had already taken the Zhuang Shen Dan and quickly returned to the residence.

When war broke out, the Devil Cultivator from the Western Regions invaded the Eastern Region, forcing even the Longevity Sect to intervene.

The flames of war could easily spread to the vicinity of the Evergreen Sect.

Time is running out for him.

That evening.

Chen Dengming took the Zhuang Shen Dan and began his fifth attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment.

He recalled the Foundation Establishment and Three Treasures Condensation Mnemonic that he had recently studied within the sect.

"The Foundation Establishment begins with understanding the bellows, which signifies the gathering of spirit and energy."

If the spirit is not united, it will be chaotic and unable to be concentrated in one body, inevitably dissipating and dissipating day by day.

In the inner vision, the essence, Essence, Qi, and Spirit transform into flowers of three colors: blue, white, and red, which intertwine on a rootstock and bloom slowly as they rise.

Chen Dengming gradually entered a state of utmost emptiness and profound stillness!

The three treasures of Essence, Qi, and Spirit quickly entered the Spirit Root, and in an instant, with that blissful feeling of ascension, it directly skipped two-thirds of the process.

Boom!!--

As if struck by lightning, an immense and astonishing sense of oppression suddenly struck, impacting the three flowers of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and spirit that he had gathered.

Chen Dengming was struck dumb, but all the pores on his body, including his mouth, ears, eyes and nose, were closed, and he had no sense of the outside world. He only felt the turmoil and upheaval within his body.

The Five Elements Mountain of the Spirit Root is about to be overturned, and the mischievous monkey will break free from the Five Elements Mountain and gain freedom and liberation.

But the higher one goes, the more intense the pressure becomes, to the point that it threatens to break one's Essence, Qi, and Spirit, instilling immense terror.

I am alarmed by the difficulty of breaking through, fearful of the pain of failure, and terrified of the hopelessness of the future.

Fear and terror--

There is great terror in the breakthrough.

At this moment, Chen Dengming made a desperate gamble, no longer resorting to drastic measures, but instead focusing on maintaining his original focus and remembering that "when the spirit returns, the qi will naturally subdue."

For a moment, he found the courage he once had when he rushed straight to the Ascension Convention, and the unrestrained joy he felt when he could no longer endure anything while trying to survive in the Cultivation World.

Go, go, go!

When will we ever see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Endure! Endure! Endure!

How long can we keep swallowing our anger?!

Startled, frightened, and fearful, they become hesitant and timid, lacking the determination to strike at the heart of the enemy in one fell swoop, and instead becoming restrained by looking ahead and behind, fearing what lies ahead and behind.

Boom!--

Chen Dengming had a complete realization, and his obsession with breaking through to the Foundation Establishment was fully solidified.

His fearless spirit was like lightning flashing through the clouds and flying fire, dragging his three Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and spirit to overturn the Five Elements Mountain. The mischievous monkey jumped out of the Three Realms and was no longer in the Five Elements. From then on, he gained freedom!

At this point.

Only then did I realize that Foundation Establishment building is not just about building the foundation of one's Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and spirit, but also about one's own firmness, fearlessness, and obsession with the Tao!

Just like the Zen koan of seeking, not obtaining, and not getting in Buddhism.

In Daoism, does breaking through the Foundation Establishment necessarily require a Foundation Establishment?

Who created the Foundation Establishment?

Could it be that the first person to achieve Foundation Establishment relied on Foundation Establishment?

It all comes down to that unwavering, fearless, and devoted belief in the Tao!

Of all the waters in the world, I only need a single sip.

Of the three thousand great paths, only one is truly sought.

Foundation Establishment complete!

Chen Dengming only felt that when he looked back, he realized that he had previously thought that he had used the Blood Sha Qi to nourish his body, and had found a way to slowly explore a path that led directly to the Foundation Establishment.

Looking back now, it truly was like an electric current flashing across the wild, a golden snake running through the sky, rain pouring down, and fog spreading across nine layers—it was like being blinded by a single leaf.

The road leads to the heavens, and the path lies beneath your feet; sometimes, all it takes is a fearless thought to reach your destination.

He was used to being cautious and prudent in his daily life, always calculating and planning everything carefully. This kind of attitude might be suitable for survival, but it is not suitable for seeking the Tao.

This great path is taken only from the straight, not from the crooked.

All their scheming and plotting ultimately amounted to nothing more than the likes of Shao Yu Feng in the mortal world, who boasted of their infallible plans but ultimately returned with regrets.

Chen Dengming opened his eyes, and three beams of light suddenly burst forth from his body, flashing in the virtual room.

This is the third appearance of sunlight.

After the Foundation Establishment, the head, chest, and abdomen are filled with Spiritual Qi in the upper, middle, and lower Dantian, resulting in abundant essence, Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and spirit. During meditation, flashes of light appear, known as the Three Manifestations of Sunlight.

Foundation Establishment!

Having traveled all the way from the southern border to the Evergreen Sect of the Eastern Region, they have finally Foundation Establishment.

Now he is considered Foundation Establishment Realm, and his status is no less than that of Lüo Bing.

Looking back, the difference in their social standing was indeed worlds apart.

(Currently 4240 monthly votes, up 80 today, extra chapter tonight! Let's go, everyone!)

Fellow Daoists, today Fellow Daoist Chen Foundation Establishment. Shall we present him with monthly votes as a congratulatory gift? The author will vote first!