The Path of Cultivation

Xuanqing's spirits lifted. He knew his Master was imparting the Dao.

He hurriedly focused and listened attentively.

"Among the living beings of Honghuang, physical cultivation begins with the Body Tempering Realm."

"The Body Tempering Realm is the initial guidance of heaven and earth's spiritual qi into the body, tempering the flesh, skin, sinews, and bones."

"Those at this stage are mostly mortal warriors or newly born spirit beasts. It lays the foundation for subsequent cultivation."

"Above that is the Blood Refining Realm, where spiritual qi further merges with the physical body, cleansing the blood and allowing it to contain spiritual power."

"This realm can make one's blood and qi flourish and greatly increase one's strength. Even ordinary immortals would find it hard to inflict the slightest injury."

"Higher still is the Bone Forging Realm, where spiritual qi penetrates deep into the marrow, reshaping the bones until they are as tough as jade."

"At this point, the physical body can withstand stronger impacts of mana, and its recovery ability far surpasses that of ordinary people."

"Next comes the Organ Condensation Realm, where all five viscera and six bowels are nourished by spiritual qi and become indestructible."

"After reaching this realm, the physical body can resist most divine abilities and spells; ordinary attacks are already useless."

"Beyond that is the Golden Body Realm, where the body turns golden, imperishable and indestructible, capable of withstanding Innate Spiritual Treasures head-on."

"The strength of your physical body has already reached the peak of the Golden Body Realm."

Yuanshi Tianzun looked at Xuanqing, approval in his eyes.

"However, beyond the Golden Body Realm lie even higher realms."

"That is the Jade Body Realm, where the body is as crystalline and translucent as jade, flawless and untainted, capable of bearing more powerful Great Dao laws."

"Beyond the Jade Body Realm lies the Saint Body Realm."

"Upon reaching this realm, the physical body becomes a true vessel of the Great Dao, able to share the lifespan of heaven and earth and vie in brilliance with the sun and moon."

"Beyond that is the legendary Chaos Dao Body, an existence like Great God Pangu—something beyond the imagination of people like you and me."

Xuanqing's heart surged with excitement.

He had never expected physical cultivation to possess such detailed divisions of realms.

And somehow, without even realizing it, he had already reached the peak of the Golden Body Realm.

This journey to Mount Buzhou had indeed yielded tremendous gains.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently, cultivating both mystic arts and the body!" Xuanqing said respectfully.

Tongtian Cult Leader, who had been listening from the side, revealed a faint smile.

"Second Brother truly is holding nothing back when teaching this little disciple."

Taishang Laojun merely smiled faintly and said nothing.

"The Witch and Demon Calamity cannot be stopped. This is the great tide of the Heavenly Dao's workings, not something human power can reverse," Yuanshi Tianzun said calmly and unhurriedly.

"Even we cannot fully discern where it is headed. Rashly intervening would only create further variables and bring disaster upon ourselves." He looked at Xuanqing, his gaze profound.

"That you were able to withdraw in time this trip was also a wise decision."

Xuanqing respectfully acknowledged this, though inwardly he muttered, Master, you may not be able to see it clearly, but I can. When the Witch and Demon Races fight to the end, won't they simply end up mutually destroyed, leaving the Human Race and those two from the Western Lands to reap the benefits?

Naturally, he would not say such words aloud.

He knew that with his current cultivation, he was still merely a junior in the eyes of Sages.

Even if he possessed foreknowledge, he could not change the great tide, much less casually reveal heaven's secrets.

The waters of Honghuang ran deep; steady caution was the kingly path.

"Your disciple will engrave Master's teachings upon his heart," Xuanqing said.

He knew the situation of the Witch and Demon Calamity was a hundred times more complicated than the Dragon-Han Initial Calamity. Even with foreknowledge, all he could do now was make arrangements rather than personally take part.

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded slightly, satisfied with Xuanqing's attitude.

"Now that you have returned, cultivate wholeheartedly within Jade Void Palace. When the Tribulation truly erupts, your Master will make arrangements."

Xuanqing's heart stirred. Remaining at Jade Void Palace was naturally the best choice. With Yuanshi Tianzun's protection, his safety would be assured. But that would also mean far fewer opportunities for him to seize.

What he lacked most now were merit and strength.

Double Merit Fortune was certainly heaven-defying, but he still needed ways to obtain merit. His trip to Mount Buzhou had let him taste the sweetness of it.

"Master, this disciple has something to report." Xuanqing chose his words carefully.

"Speak." Yuanshi Tianzun gestured for him to continue.

"Ever since listening to the Dao at Purple Cloud Palace, this disciple happened to hear from the two Daoists, Zunti and Jieyin, about Demon Qi spreading from Mount Sumeru in the Western Lands."

Xuanqing spoke sincerely, a trace of concern on his face.

"This disciple's true body is a Purifying Mystic Bamboo and is quite sensitive to such negative auras. This disciple wishes to travel to the Western Lands to investigate, and take it as a form of training."

The moment he said this, Tongtian Cult Leader looked toward Xuanqing, puzzlement in his eyes.

There might still be Demon Qi left behind by the Devil Ancestor in the Western Lands, making it exceedingly dangerous. Xuanqing was only at the Golden Immortal Realm now, and Tongtian felt that going alone would be far too perilous.

Taishang Laojun, whose eyes had originally been closed, slightly opened them at this moment.

He glanced at Xuanqing, then at Yuanshi Tianzun, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Yuanshi Tianzun's gaze fell upon Xuanqing.

After pondering for a moment, he did not respond to Xuanqing directly, instead turning to Taishang Laojun.

"What does Big Brother think?"

Taishang Laojun lightly stroked his beard, his voice calm.

"It is a good thing that Xuanqing has such intentions. Sha Qi pervades heaven and earth; if he can purify even a portion of it, the merit will naturally be boundless."

He did not expose Xuanqing's true intentions, but his words undoubtedly supported Xuanqing's journey.

Hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun understood. When he looked at Xuanqing again, his tone was no longer as stern as before.

Moreover, all three of them were presently at the critical juncture of striving toward Sagehood, unable to give Xuanqing any effective guidance. Letting Xuanqing travel abroad would also broaden his horizons considerably.

"Since you have such aspirations, then go. However, the western lands are complicated now. After the Dao and Devil Conflict, the Spiritual Veins were damaged, and the Sha Qi is exceedingly heavy. You must be careful on this journey."

"Remember: if you encounter a danger you cannot withstand, return to Jade Void Palace at once. Do not try to show off your strength."

"This disciple will heed Master's teachings!" Xuanqing was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed.

Only Tongtian Cult Leader remained utterly bewildered.

Seeing this, Xuanqing knew it was not suitable for him to linger, so he once more bowed to the Three Pure Ones.

"Master, two Martial Uncles, this disciple shall take his leave first. I will return to my Cave Abode to make preparations, then set out for the west."

Yuanshi Tianzun waved a hand. "Go."

Xuanqing turned and employed his movement technique, swiftly leaving the Jade Void Palace Main Hall.

He did not head directly west, but first returned to his own Cave Abode—He Mountain.

The journey to Mount Buzhou had greatly increased Xuanqing's strength.

And his decision to travel to Mount Sumeru in the west was one he had considered deeply.

There were the two future Sages, Jieyin and Zunti, as well as the western Spiritual Veins ruined by the Dao and Devil Conflict. If he could restore those Spiritual Veins, the merit it brought would be immense.

"Restoring the western Spiritual Veins will not only earn me vast amounts of merit, but also forge good ties with Jieyin and Zunti."

Xuanqing calculated inwardly.

"No matter how I look at it, this deal is worthwhile."

During the future Investiture of the Gods Calamity, West Teach would gain no small amount of benefits from the east. Going ahead now to grant them a favor could also be considered making arrangements in advance for himself and the Chan Sect.

Meanwhile, within the Jade Void Palace Main Hall.

Tongtian Cult Leader watched the direction in which Xuanqing had departed, his face still full of confusion.

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