Participation, Verification, and Purification: The Three Rites

Besides the Scarlet Radiance True Lord's Sun-Refining Method, there were two more scriptures—the Fusang Mirror and the Qianyuan Six-Dragon Imperial Heaven True Scripture.

Perhaps sensing Lu Xuan's gaze, cloud sigils flowed through the void, glittering brilliantly. Countless rays and shadows streamed forth, reflecting in Lu Xuan's eyes and revealing the differences between the two scriptures.

At the same time, Lin Shanhai's explanation reached his ears. "The Fusang Mirror is a visualization-type true scripture. One visualizes a Fusang Sacred Tree, using it as a reflection for cultivation, transforming into the divine tree to inhale sunlight and spiritual qi, thereby strengthening oneself."

"The Qianyuan Six-Dragon Imperial Heaven True Scripture, meanwhile, draws upon the meaning of commanding six dragons to drive the sun and patrol the heavens. It is a method for condensing the true spirit and circulating spiritual qi."

"Both are profound arts of our sect, each with its own strengths. Their sole difference lies in the division of Grand Rites."

"The Fusang Mirror emphasizes [Participation Rite], supplemented by [Verification Offering] and [Purification Rite], while the Qianyuan Six-Dragon Imperial Heaven True Scripture emphasizes [Verification Offering], supplemented by [Participation Rite] and [Purification Rite]."

Lu Xuan was astonished and could not help raising his head to ask, "Participation, verification, purification—there is such a distinction? I ask the deacon to enlighten me."

His predecessor had heard a little about the three methods of participation, verification, and purification at Hibernation Academy, but the instructors there had seemingly held reservations and been unwilling to say much. Thus, his predecessor had known little. Now that Lu Xuan had heard of the three rites again, he naturally had to get to the bottom of them.

Lin Shanhai did not conceal anything. "The Great Dao stretches eternally and changes without cease; cultivation is naturally the same."

"So-called [Participation Rite] was improved from the ancient practice of probing mysteries and comprehending the Dao. One meets Heaven through the ritual of a Grand Rite, then contemplates the Great Dao. Comprehend it, and one may gain mighty power. It tests comprehension and Qi Sensitivity most greatly."

"The Qi-Refining Grand Rite you experienced belonged to [Participation Rite]."

"This is also the only realm in cultivation where there is only [Participation Rite], with almost no other shortcut."

"If you cannot even comprehend this hurdle, cultivation will be useless. This is also the standard by which our Heaven-Gazing Sect selects inner disciples."

"But once Qi Refining is accomplished and one enters the true realms of cultivation, other methods may be used. After all, the Great Dao is mysterious beyond mystery. The farther one goes, the more obscure and difficult it becomes to comprehend. Without auxiliary paths, one can scarcely take a single step."

As Lin Shanhai spoke, he could not help shaking his head slightly, as though recalling the past.

Yet the stir in his emotions lasted only an instant before he continued explaining. "So-called [Verification Offering] means verifying through action—altering heaven and earth, saving oneself and supporting others, thereby receiving the Dao's bestowed power. For example, our sect's most basic Central Balance Orthodox Unity Scripture requires one to guard the righteousness of one's heart and slay inner demons in polluted lands to break through."

"The <Fire-Origin Void-Refining Grand Realm True Scripture> requires one to gather twelve kinds of mortal fire and refine the origin of extraordinary flame within one's body to break through."

"It is using 'action' to verify the Grand Rite."

"As for [Purification Rite], it is even simpler: offer rites of thanks to the heavens and repay the Great Dao, and one may gain mighty power."

"However, though this rite appears simple, it is in truth the most difficult among the three rites."

"Thus, whether Grand Rites or Minor Offering Rituals, the world chiefly relies upon participation and verification. Purification rites are few."

Lu Xuan suddenly understood. "So that was how it was!"

He had only attained Qi Refining during his Second Grand Rite, and had even used an ancient character. He understood deeply just how difficult it was to participate in the Dao.

That was why he had chosen [Dawn Radiance True Qi], seeking to make up for his shortcomings.

He had simply never expected that there were other methods by which one could verify it.

But then Lu Xuan thought of another point.

In the Qi Refining realm, there was only [Participation Rite], with virtually no shortcuts—yet Heaven-Gazing Sect alone had seventy-two people who had successfully attained Qi Refining in a single cohort.

And that was merely one sect, merely one prefecture of Mountain-Lifting Prefecture...

There were likely countless people in the world who had truly gathered True Qi through their own abilities.

Sure enough, heroes under heaven were as numerous as carp crossing a river!

Lu Xuan sighed inwardly, while his choice between the two scriptures gradually gained a direction.

"My natural comprehension is a notch poorer. Though I refined [Dawn Radiance True Qi] and can gain a wisp of inspiration at daybreak, I am likely still a notch beneath genuine Dao-comprehending prodigies. After all, the qi such figures refine surely cannot be ordinary either..."

"I possess the Jade Disc. By reflecting upon myself and putting my body into practice, I can obtain ancient characters. By that reasoning, would the method of [Verification Offering] suit me best?"

"But if I choose [Verification Offering] and abandon [Participation Rite], would that mean fearing my lack of comprehension and losing my sharpness?"

Lu Xuan pondered inwardly as his mind settled upon the Jade Disc.

But this time, the Jade Disc did not change, and the character [Sharpness] did not vanish either.

"Looks like playing to my strengths and avoiding my weaknesses does not count as losing my heart's nature?"

"That made sense. Fearing danger and choosing the arduous Spirit Directorate truly lost sharpness, but playing to my strengths and choosing another scripture for cultivation was not cowardice. After all, both were orthodox methods of the mystic gates."

Having thought it through, Lu Xuan made his decision. He gave Lin Shanhai a slight bow. "I ask the deacon to grant this disciple the Qianyuan Six-Dragon Imperial Heaven True Scripture."

"Once a true scripture is chosen, it is difficult to change. Have you thought this through?"

Lin Shanhai asked his customary question.

"This disciple chooses this scripture!"

Naturally, Lu Xuan would not regret it.

"Then this scripture shall be granted to you. Cultivate well, and strengthen our sect."

Seeing this, Lin Shanhai did not hesitate. His lips moved as though chanting an incantation. Then a mass of crimson flowing light abruptly split apart, transforming into six lifelike roaming dragons that plunged fiercely into Lu Xuan's body.

Boom!

Each little crimson dragon seemed condensed from myriad sigil characters. In an instant, a vast flood of information emerged in Lu Xuan's mind.

"Mount the six dragons in season to command Heaven, drive the sun-chariot, patrol the circuit of the heavens..."

"Qi is like dragons, circulating the essence of the great sun through the six apertures, forming the foundation of the Dao..."

Every word was a pearl, resounding through Lu Xuan's consciousness. Only after a long while did they slowly fade.

Lu Xuan also gained a general understanding of the cultivation methods for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, as well as the "Grand and Minor Rites" contained within.

"There are still several days. Study this scripture carefully. Once you enter Cangyun Island, instructors will naturally answer your questions and pass down techniques and spirit artifacts."

"Cangyun Island will also arrange cultivation caves for you. For these next few days, make do in the quarters."

"Furthermore, now that you have advanced to an inner disciple, you should be rewarded with a spirit item to open the Mind Root. Based on the qi you gathered and this cohort's treasures held by the sect, you are entitled to one Character Jia mid-grade [Primordial Fire Sword Sand]. This sword sand can obtain the origin of dawn fire, making Spiritual Sense as sharp as a sword. It suits you exceedingly well."

"But this spirit item is not with me. You must collect it from the [Sky Treasury]."

"Only... you succeeded in your Second Grand Rite and missed the proper time. There may be complications regarding the spirit item. Go to that office at once and handle matters carefully."

Seeing Lu Xuan receive the true scripture, Lin Shanhai left him with those final words. Then, with a sweep of his sleeve, a mass of Cloud Qi wrapped around Lu Xuan and sent him out of the place.

Lu Xuan's figure flashed, vanishing from the Jade Court Cloud Sea in an instant. When he opened his eyes again, he was already at the Talent Selection Office. Several Embryonic Breath Realm guards respectfully saluted and congratulated him, but Lin Shanhai was nowhere to be seen.

Lu Xuan gave the guards a simple nod, then began considering what Lin Shanhai had said.

"Sky Treasury... a spirit item to open the Mind Root?"

The Qi Refining realm was divided into six levels, also known as Six-Root Opening or Six-Orifice Opening.

The six apertures were mind, eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body. With every aperture opened, one entered a new heaven and earth; the Qi Sea greatly expanded, and one's power increased manyfold.

Not only that, with every aperture opened, the physical body would develop extraordinary traits, and one could also begin a Minor Offering Ritual.

The body's extraordinary traits were fairly ordinary, but these [Minor Offering Rituals] were of utmost importance.

So-called [Minor Offering Rituals] were not for cultivation breakthroughs, but concerned Daoist arts and divine abilities.

Ordinary spells—condensing qi into clouds, turning water into fire—required either chanting incantations or using one's own qi to stir heaven and earth before they could be cast.

But what [Minor Offering Rituals] yielded were Daoist arts.

With but a thought, Daoist arts could be unleashed in an instant, like inborn divine abilities. Not only were they immensely powerful, they possessed all manner of wondrous uses and were profoundly mysterious.

They were like a "fruit of Daoist arts" naturally borne by the tree of cultivation.

Among all cultivators in the world, no two Daoist arts were alike.

Just as no two flowers in the world were identical.

They were also an exceedingly important means for cultivators to fight and protect themselves.

And the [Mind Aperture] was the first aperture opened by Qi Refiners!

Once the Mind Aperture opened, the Consciousness Sea would form on its own, producing Spiritual Sense. Within, one could observe oneself; without, one could perceive heaven and earth.

It was of utmost importance.

And [Orifice-Opening Spirit Items] were even more crucial.

[Orifice-Opening Spirit Items] determined the ritual of the Minor Offering Ritual, the size of the Consciousness Sea, the strength of Spiritual Sense, and the difference in Daoist arts.

Recalling Lin Shanhai's words, Lu Xuan did not dare delay. Cloud Qi immediately transformed into light, and he flew toward the [Sky Treasury].