Devout Pathway; Golden Dragon's Blessing

The early autumn sun felt exceptionally warm. Ye Jingcheng sat at the stern of the Spirit Boat, lifting his robe sleeves to let the sunlight fall on his hands and face, appearing unusually relaxed.

As the head of the family, he was under some pressure when he landed on Soaring Cloud Peak. Now that he had left Soaring Cloud Peak, he felt more relaxed.

The clouds passing by, the mountains on both sides, the vast wilderness—everything became breathtaking.

Thinking of this, Ye Jingcheng couldn't help but look forward to his travels after returning home.

Like Foundation Establishment, Purple Mansion has an illusionary barrier. Moreover, because the transition from Foundation Establishment to the Purple Mansion requires undergoing a transformation of the Divine Soul and gathering the soul into the mansion, the test of a cultivator's State of Mind is even more important.

One wrong move and your soul palace might become incompatible, which could lead to a failed breakthrough or even a drop in cultivation level.

Therefore, most cultivators will travel for a period of time before this, some to engage in worldly affairs and some to renounce them.

All of this is done in accordance with one's State of Mind. Ye Jingcheng's State of Mind is something he cannot discern; he intends to experience both worldly involvement and detachment for a period of time.

After returning from Taichang Market, he will begin his travels, but before that, he must upgrade his Spirit Veins.

The Spirit Veins within his Grotto-Heaven still need to be upgraded once more; otherwise, he won't be able to freely travel with the Stone Spirit Grotto-Heaven.

After all, the Stone Spirit Grotto-Heaven must maintain sufficient Spiritual Qi; otherwise, the supply of all the beasts, including the spirit medicine, would become a problem.

Now, the Wood Demon is about to advance to the next level, and the Purple Jade Vine Adamantine Vine, and Dragon Whisker Fruit are all spirit medicine that are extremely demanding in terms of environment.

A mid-grade first-order Spirit Vein plus the Spirit Eye Spring is really not enough to supply it, unless the Stone Spirit stays in a place with abundant Spiritual Qi. But once Ye Jingcheng travels, he naturally cannot abandon everything.

He can relax and be a mortal, but his Spirit Beasts still need to work harder.

As Ye Jingcheng looked at the sunlight, he couldn't help but glance at the bow of the ship. This time, Ye Jingli was in charge of piloting the Spirit Boat, and he was still very interested in Taichang Market.

Besides Ye Jingli, Ye Jinghe, Ye Jingting, Ye Jinghu also accompanied him this time.

Ye Jingcheng intended to train the latter two and let them experience the power of a major sect, so that they wouldn't become arrogant just because they had Beast-Link Mark.

Taichang Market has too many self-important cultivators who can't even join the Taiyi Sect.

Having experienced the Flat House District twice, Ye Jingcheng felt a deep empathy for it.

As for the former, he also wanted to know which Lineage Ye Jinghe was involved with.

No matter who it is, as long as they communicate with Ye Jinghe, Ye Jingcheng will be able to discover some clues.

In order to deal with this covert surveillance.

Apart from these three, no other members of the tribe were brought along.

It seemed like another test was coming, making Ye Jinghe quite cautious.

After all, this was a test for them by the family head, Ye Jingcheng.

However, Ye Jinghu and Ye Jingting were different at this moment. Having just obtained the Beast-Link Mark, they were both extremely excited, but they restrained their desire to show it.

Since neither of them were the talkative type, Ye Jinghe became somewhat suspicious. He also felt like he had forgotten something, yet he remembered it clearly. Nothing mysterious or good had happened.

Cultivators possess the ability to remember anything they see, except for special Spirit Patterns and Cultivation Method.

So although he had his suspicions, he didn't take any further action.

On the contrary, Ye Jingli looked at Ye Jinghu and Ye Jingting with a smile.

He naturally understood their feelings at that moment, just like when he first obtained the Beast-Link Mark —excited and curious.

After silently praising the young man, Ye Jingli continued to steer the Spirit Boat away.

Ten days later, the plains in front of the Taichang Mountain Range finally appeared in the distance. It was late autumn, the harvest season, and everything was golden.

Once you pass through the golden expanse, you'll see a series of rolling mountain peaks.

The mountains are towering and the peaks are layered, stretching as far as the eye can see.

It felt like we had arrived on the other side of the Taihang Mountain Range.

"Sixth Brother, is the Taichang Mountain Range really moved here by some powerful predecessors?" Ye Jinghu looked at the Taichang Mountain Range from afar, feeling quite curious.

In their eyes, the Taichang Mountain Range are not much different from the Taihang Mountain Range.

However, the Taihang Mountain Range are inhabited by countless Demon Beasts, while the Taichang Mountain Range are entirely inhabited by cultivators of the Taiyi Sect.

It is said that Qi Refining cultivators of the Taiyi Sect live in pavilions and courtyards, while Foundation Establishment cultivators have cave abode dwellings on mountains, and Purple Mansion cultivators can occupy several mountain peaks.

It was incredibly luxurious.

"Who can say for sure? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't." Ye Jingli shook his head without answering, waiting for Ye Jinghu to show a disappointed expression.

Ye Jingli spoke again:

"Maybe it's a magical Law Artifact!" Ye Jingli's eyes gleamed; he always seemed to be able to see things that others couldn't.

What was said at this moment was incredibly mysterious, leaving Ye Jinghu and the other two completely stunned.

At this moment, Ye Jingcheng also moved from the stern to the bow of the boat.

"We're almost there, Sixth Brother. Tell them about the things to be aware of at Taichang Market!" Ye Jingcheng said. Compared to those vague discussions about poetry and romance, it was naturally more useful to introduce the precautions for Taichang Market.

Although the Ye Family's academic teachings may include some explanations, nothing can compare to the effectiveness of such an immersive and engaging experience.

Furthermore, as a member of the Ye Family, one should also have some understanding of the strength and weakness of each family's power and the distribution of their family assets.

At this moment, he even regretted bringing Ye Jingli. If he had brought Ye Xing shui, they certainly wouldn't have gone so astray.

"Yes, yes, next I'll tell you about some things to pay attention to. Listen carefully, one by one, and don't cause trouble for the Lineage..."

Ye Jingcheng arrived at the Ye Family's shop with several people, noticing that the signboard had been changed from the Chu-Ye Pavilion to the One Leaf Pavilion.

I was filled with mixed emotions for a moment.

Previously, the Ye Family and the Chu Family shared a shop, but now that the Ye Family has weakened, they have taken over the entire shop.

"Master, Jingli, you've arrived?" Ye Xingyi also walked out of the shop from a distance.

Behind Ye Xingyi are Ye Jingyu, Ye Jinghao, and two new members of the Ye Family.

"Uncle Xingyi, please arrange a room for them. Also, have Jinghao take them to the market today to get a feel for the place. If possible, you can also let them visit the street vendor square!"

"If they get tired of riding the Spirit Boat, we can give them half a day to go to the market and inquire about the situation. Consider it a small test."

"Alright, Patriarch, shall I report to you?" Ye Xingyi nodded, then took out a Jade Slip and asked.

"Not for now, I need to go to the Taichang Mountain Range!" Ye Jingcheng shook his head and took out a Jade Slip, handing it to Ye Xingyi.

However, this Jade Slip was nothing more than an instruction to monitor Ye Jinghe.

As for why they had to set off immediately, it was quite simple: as Registered Disciple of Tianfu True Person, it would be extremely impolite not to pay him a visit.

Before things come to a head, a proper head of the household should naturally be mindful of etiquette.

Ye Jingcheng had prepared a gift this time, including a spiritual peach that could extend one's lifespan by three years.

This spiritual fruit can be described as both extremely precious and utterly useless.

But as a congratulatory gift, it would definitely be top-notch, even if the recipient is a Golden True Person, because lifespan is something that cannot be bought.

As for the ten-year longevity peach, Ye Jingcheng wouldn't take it out. Otherwise, people would think he had some kind of extraordinary encounter. After all, even Purple Mansion Venerable might risk taking a ten-year lifespan spiritual peach.

The decline of Qi and Blood can not only cause problems at the Foundation Establishment, but it can also cause problems at the Purple Mansion Golden Core stage, although the timing of these problems varies.

Sometimes, it might only be a difference of a dozen or so years.

Moreover, with the Ye Family in decline, the treasures Ye Jingcheng offers might be too valuable, which could backfire.

After Ye Xingyi and learning about the situation in the market, Ye Jingcheng flew towards the Taichang Mountain Range.

The mountain gate of the Taiyi Sect is behind Taichang Market. You need to go around the valley where the market is located, where there is a five or six-zhang-wide iron chain walkway.

After passing through the plank road, there is a flat staircase made of huge stone slabs.

Of course, don't underestimate the ordinary nature of the stairs.

This is the famous Devotion Path Ladder the Taiyi Sect.

On this ladder, no one can fly; they can only walk, like on a pilgrimage, and must climb ninety-nine eighty-one steps.

Of course, this pilgrimage also has its benefits; it can strengthen the physical body, which is of great use to first-level cultivators.

Ye Jingcheng stepped onto the stairs and felt a terrifying gravity pressing down on his body. The pressure increased as soon as he used his Spiritual Qi, and it increased even more when he took flight.

Ye Jingcheng couldn't help but feel disdain. They said it could train the body, but it was really just a way to intimidate the newcomers!

Ye Jingcheng wasn't the only one climbing the ladder; there were many other cultivators as well, including those from the Taiyi Sect and other Lineage who had come to visit.

After all, the auction is just around the corner, and there's also the Purple Palace Jade Liquid; many people want to come and find out more.

After walking down the Devotion Path Ladder, Ye Jingcheng was sweating profusely. Although he had broken through to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, his physical body was not his strong point.

After passing the steps, you will see a huge mountain gate.

The mountain gate, like a bridge to the sky, spans two mountains. The three huge characters "Taiyi Sect" are like the gate of the gods, falling on the bridge. Above the mountain gate, a golden dragon is carved, holding a dragon pearl in its mouth and glaring angrily.

It was extremely majestic and imposing, and seemed to possess a certain aura that made it impossible to look directly at it.

At both ends of the sky bridge, there were many cultivators from the Taiyi Sect guarding it.

It includes both Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment.

Clearly, even in a sect like Taiyi Sect, the majority of cultivators are Qi Refining cultivators.

"Halt! If you have something to say, present a talisman!" A shout came from the Heavenly Gate.

The visiting cultivators also took out Jade Slips to identify themselves and submit their instructions.

The cultivators from the Taiyi Sect went directly into the Heavenly Gate.

"Taiyi Haoen, Golden Dragon Blessing, all of you prepare yourselves!" A voice came from the overpass again.

The golden dragon held a pearl in its mouth, emitting a dazzling light.

In an instant, a golden light fell upon Ye Jingcheng and some of the cultivators around him.

Ye Jingcheng felt a warm sensation, but more than that, he felt his spiritual energy leaking out.

Under this golden light, it's unlikely anyone could conceal their cultivation level.

Ye Jingcheng's understanding of the Taiyi Sect's methods has deepened, and his apprehension has grown even stronger.

After the prayer was finished, Ye Jingcheng took out the token of Tianfu True Person and sent a message to Tianfu True Person.

That's how he was invited into the Heavenly Gate. Once inside, Ye Jingcheng understood why the Taiyi Sect was one of the three major sects of the Yan Kingdom.

The abundant Spiritual Qi was at least at the high-grade level of the third rank.

Looking inward from the mountain gate, one sees endless mountain peaks and lush, verdant Spirit Herb Mountain.

It should be noted that this is only the mountain gate; once one enters certain important clan mountains, one will likely start with Fourth Stage Spirit Vein.

The cultivators you encounter will likely mostly be at the Purple Mansion level.

Of course, the most eye-catching sight is the appearance of the Taiyi Five Peaks.

Within the entire mountain range, only five peaks pierce the clouds, and each peak is remarkably unique.

Sword Peak stands tall and steep, like a holy sword rising; Dharma Peak is mysterious and unparalleled, like a chessboard unfolding; Martial Peak spreads its five fingers, a single palm transforming into the sky; Purple Peak's purple qi comes from the east, never leaving or dissipating; Illusion Peak is draped in a light veil, shrouded in mist.

"Master Tianfu is on the first mountain below Illusion Peak. Come with me, but remember, you must not release Spirit Beasts or wander around aimlessly. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences if anything happens!" Even though Ye Jingcheng had connections, an extremely strict cultivator still came out from above.

He was wearing the robes of the Illusion Peak.

He was clearly a disciple of Illusion Peak, and he tossed over an Illusion Peak token.

After saying that, he led Ye Jingcheng toward Illusion Peak.

Along the way, Ye Jingcheng saw all sorts of the Spirit Mountains, and he discovered that these Spirit Mountain mountains were the territories and cave abode of Foundation Establishment cultivators. They usually occupied a mountain peak in groups of two or three, while Purple Mansion cultivators occupied a slightly larger mountain peak by themselves.

The Spirit Herb Garden they cultivate is completely incomparable to the Spirit Veins.

"No wonder the Taiyi Sect can produce so many Foundation Establishment every year." Ye Jingcheng couldn't help but realize something.

This doesn't even include the small worlds controlled by the Taiyi Sect, which is enough to show that the Taiyi Sect's strength far exceeds their imagination.

I'm afraid that such a large sect would have at least four or five hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Moreover, the Taiyi Sect has more than 20,000 cultivators.

Soon, after passing through the massive Illusion Peaks, Ye Jingcheng arrived in front of a single-horned mountain.

"That's it."

"Thank you very much, Senior Brother!" Ye Jingcheng took out a Storage Bag containing a lot of Spirit Stones and quietly hung it on the cultivator's waist.

The cultivator seemed oblivious, offering neither an answer nor stopping, and simply walked away.

Ye Jingcheng watched the latter depart into the distance, and also used a Spirit Talisman to throw it towards the mountain peak.

Before long, the array patterns on the mountain peaks began to spread out like ripples on water.

It also revealed the appearance of Taihao Master. The battle in Jade Dragon Valley had ended before the new year, and Taihao Master and Tianfu True Person had both returned to the Taichang Mountain Range.

"This is Skyhorn Peak, the location of my master's cave abode. Its Spiritual Qi ranks among the top in the entire Taichang Mountain Range. We can stay here for a few more days."

"Now, come with me. Your master has been waiting for you for a long time!" Taihao Master introduced Ye Jingcheng and then led him up the mountain.

"Taihao very much, Senior Taihao," Ye Jingcheng said repeatedly.

"Just call me Senior Brother," Taihao Master, shaking his head seriously.

Upon hearing this, Ye Jingcheng was stunned for a moment, then called out "Senior Brother," and Taihao Master lead him to continue up the mountain.