Returning and Understanding the Dao

On the official road leaving the provincial capital, a carriage traveled at a leisurely pace.

The carriage curtains were lowered, shielding the interior from the outside clamor. Inside, Uncle Nine meditated with his eyes closed, consolidating his Foundation Establishment realm. His aura was harmonious, and his connection with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy grew increasingly natural.

Mo Yuan, meanwhile, held two Medium-Grade Spirit Stones, silently absorbing the pure spiritual energy within to nourish the meridians that had been slightly damaged after his battle with the Holy Maiden. He also replayed the life-and-death struggle in the mine.

That battle had given him a deeper understanding of the cruelty of the cultivation world.

Strength was paramount, and it was a dog-eat-dog world. If his master hadn't broken through to Foundation Establishment in time, and if he hadn't luckily found the formation's core, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

At the same time, he saw his own shortcomings more clearly.

Facing a Holy Maiden at the Half-Step Foundation Establishment stage, he had almost no power to fight back, even after using all his tricks.

His Qi Refining level seven cultivation was still insufficient in the face of true powerhouses.

"Cultivation is the foundation, but spells, magic items, and even the application of combat awareness are equally crucial," Mo Yuan realized inwardly.

He recalled the magnificent sight of his master invoking the might of heaven and earth when casting the Five Thunder Incantation. Comparing it to his own method of relying on magic items and brute force, the difference was stark.

Foundation Establishment was a qualitative leap, not just in the richness of spiritual energy, but more importantly, in the understanding and application of the "Dao."

He looked inward at his Dantian, where a wisp of primordial dragon energy obtained from the Thunderglory Dragon King swirled quietly, blending perfectly with his own spiritual energy.

This dragon energy was of a very high level, but with his current cultivation, he could barely mobilize even a fraction of its power.

Perhaps, only after reaching Foundation Establishment could he truly unleash its might.

The power of accumulated Yin virtue from the Soul Cleansing Banner, however, was like spring rain nourishing silently, continuously nurturing his soul and foundation. It made his spiritual energy even purer and his comprehension of heavenly laws subtly clearer.

"System, sign in on the carriage during our return journey," Mo Yuan thought silently.

Although the environment was ordinary, signing in had become a habit, and perhaps he might gain some unexpected rewards.

[Ding! Sign-in successful! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Medium-Grade Spirit Stone x10, Basic Alchemy Overview x1, Mind-Clearing Jade Pendant (Low-Grade Magic Item) x1, Remnant Aura of the Primordial World: Essence of Vegetation (a wisp)!]

[Basic Alchemy Overview]: Records the fundamental theories of alchemy, identification of common spirit herbs, and methods for refining several basic pills.

[Mind-Clearing Jade Pendant (Low-Grade Magic Item)]: Wearing it can calm the mind and spirit, resisting a certain degree of inner demon interference and illusions.

[Essence of Vegetation (a wisp)]: Contains vitality, can promote the growth of spirit plants, and slightly enhance wood element affinity.

The rewards were not abundant, but they were quite practical. The Basic Alchemy Overview broadened his cultivation path. The Mind-Clearing Jade Pendant was perfect for his current need to calm his mind, and the Essence of Vegetation gave him the idea to cultivate the Dragon Blood Grass he had obtained from a previous sign-in.

He hung the Mind-Clearing Jade Pendant on his waist. A cool sensation enveloped his sea of consciousness, and he felt his thoughts become clearer. Then, he opened the Basic Alchemy Overview, immersing himself in the world of pill knowledge.

With his Primordial Comprehension, understanding these basic theories was effortless. He quickly grasped the essentials of medicinal properties, compatibility, and heat control.

The journey of several days passed uneventfully.

During the day, Mo Yuan studied alchemy texts, practiced talismans, and nurtured his magic items. At night, he meditated and refined Qi, consolidating his cultivation.

With the assistance of the accumulated Yin virtue from the Soul Cleansing Banner, he felt his Qi Refining level seven realm becoming increasingly stable, even faintly touching the edge of level eight. However, his foundation was still shallow, requiring patient effort.

Uncle Nine would occasionally open his eyes to check on Mo Yuan's condition. Seeing that he was not agitated by the events in the provincial capital but instead focused on cultivation and broad learning, his eyes couldn't help but show satisfaction.

His disposition was truly rare.

One day, as the carriage reached a place of beautiful mountains and clear waters, Uncle Nine suddenly called for the carriage to stop.

"Mo Yuan, let's get off and take a walk."

The two of them got out of the carriage and strolled along a clear stream.

The stream gurgled, and birds sang in the secluded mountains. Although the spiritual energy was not dense, it was exceptionally fresh.

"The path of cultivation requires both relaxation and exertion."

Uncle Nine walked with his hands behind his back, his voice calm. "The events in the provincial capital were a significant shock to you.

But remember, do not let the aura of killing obscure your Dao heart, nor should you be anxious due to the presence of powerful enemies.

The Dao follows nature; one should be like this stream, flowing endlessly, yet able to accommodate all things and cleanse impurities."

Mo Yuan looked at the clear stream, lost in thought.

He recalled his journey so far, from drawing Qi into his body to his current Qi Refining level seven. Although he had the system's help, he relied more on his own efforts and comprehension.

Every battle, every soul transmigration, every study of techniques and magic items was part of his cultivation.

"Master, this disciple understands," Mo Yuan said respectfully. "Strength is a means, not an end.

What this disciple seeks is eternal life and freedom in the world.

With a heart as cautious as walking on thin ice, and acting with courageous progress, I will not lose my original heart due to external factors."

Uncle Nine nodded with satisfaction. "I am at ease knowing you have this realization. I observe your aura; you are not far from Qi Refining level eight. When we return, you can browse the Scripture Pavilion for insights on condensing spiritual energy in the late Qi Refining stage and breaking through bottlenecks. My Mount Mao's heritage is ancient, and the experiences of our predecessors may be of some reference."

"Yes, Master."

Just then, a clear crane cry echoed from the sky.

A majestic white-feathered immortal crane flew through the clouds and landed precisely in front of Uncle Nine. A delicate jade slip was tied to its leg.

"It's a sect's communication immortal crane," Uncle Nine said with a solemn expression. He took the jade slip and sank his spiritual sense into it.

A moment later, he withdrew his spiritual sense, a complex expression on his face, a mixture of gravity and relief.

"Master, what are the sect's instructions?" Mo Yuan asked.

Uncle Nine handed the jade slip to Mo Yuan. "Take a look for yourself."

Mo Yuan took the jade slip and probed it with his spiritual sense.

The information within the jade slip was simple, yet carried immense weight:

To Junior Brother Feng Jiao: I am informed that Junior Brother Wen has broken through to Foundation Establishment and achieved the status of Earth Master, a true fortune for our Mount Mao. The matter of the Black Fiend Sect is of great importance, and the Sect Leader Elder Brother is already aware.

I hereby order Junior Brother to bring disciple Mo Yuan back to the main sect of Mount Mao on Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, to report this matter in detail and discuss countermeasures. There may be escorts along the way, so please be cautious. Elder Brother Qian He

The signature on the message was "Qian He." Mo Yuan knew this was an Elder Uncle who was on good terms with his master and was stationed at the main sect year-round.

"Sect Leader Elder Uncle Shi Jian is summoning us..." Mo Yuan put down the jade slip and looked at Uncle Nine.

He knew there seemed to be a somewhat delicate relationship between his master and that Sect Leader Elder Brother.

Uncle Nine took a deep breath and looked in the direction of the Mount Mao main sect, his eyes profound. "What's coming will come. Since Elder Brother Shi Jian has personally issued the order, we can't afford to dawdle on our way back. Good, this will be a good opportunity for you to witness the true mountain gate of our Mount Mao."

He waved his sleeve and said to the coachman, "Change course. We're not going to Ren Family Town anymore. Head directly to Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain in Jiangxi!"

The carriage immediately turned, and its speed increased slightly.

A sense of anticipation and solemnity welled up in Mo Yuan's heart.

The Mount Mao main sect, one of the leaders of the righteous path, was where more geniuses gathered, where deeper legacies resided, and it also meant a grander stage and more intense storms.

The threat of the Black Fiend Sect and the summons from Sect Leader Shi Jian both indicated that peaceful days were about to end.

He touched the Mind-Clearing Jade Pendant at his waist, feeling the steady power emanating from the Thunder Dragon Evil-Slaying Spear and the warm connection with the Soul Cleansing Banner in his sea of consciousness.

Along this journey, he was no longer the naive youth who had just begun his path of cultivation.

"Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain..." Mo Yuan softly repeated the name, his eyes flashing with determination.