After the meeting concluded in the Jade Pool Immortal Palace, countless rays of light descended from the dome, illuminating the entire palace as if it were cast from Immortal Gold.
Under the watchful eyes of the Queen Mother of the West and a host of elders, Li Qingshan slowly stepped out of the palace gate. The Heavenly Dao aura flowing naturally around him resonated with the ancient Daoist principles of Jade Pool, stirring up ripples in the Void.
On the cloud platform outside the hall, the disciples of Jade Pool, who had been waiting for a long time, held their breath.
Hundreds of gazes, like a galaxy of stars, descended and converged upon the purple-clad youth.
Suppressed gasps of amazement rose from the crowd, whispers rippling across the lake like a spring breeze, spreading through the sea of clouds.
"This is Li Shengzi? He really is a man!"
A young disciple dressed in a plain white Daoist robe gasped softly, his eyes filled with disbelief.
A woman with a cool and aloof demeanor nodded slightly, her voice carrying a hint of solemnity. "To be established as a holy son by a man is an unprecedented precedent in the hundreds of thousands of years since the establishment of the Jade Pool sect."
I've heard that he not only triggered the extraordinary phenomena of the Western Emperor Pagoda, but also cultivated the long-lost " Sun True Scripture."
Further away, a group of female disciples dressed in colorful robes gathered together. Among them, a girl in a pale yellow flowing fairy dress blushed slightly and whispered to her blue-clad companion beside her, "Senior Brother Holy Son truly has an extraordinary bearing."
"In my more than a hundred years of cultivation, this is the first time I have seen a cultivator so close to the Great Dao, as if he were a part of the laws of heaven and earth."
The woman in blue gazed at the approaching figure in purple, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. "To be so composed and at ease in this Jade Pool Holy Land while being a man is truly extraordinary."
"It's just unknown whether he can shoulder the responsibility of being the Holy Son."
Her words came to an abrupt halt.
Among the gazes of the crowd were curiosity, scrutiny, expectation, and a hint of barely concealed doubt.
After all, Jade Pool has never accepted male disciples since ancient times. The sudden appointment of a man as the Holy Son has indeed left many disciples who adhere to the ancestral teachings feeling bewildered.
However, the unusual activity of the Western Emperor Pagoda, the awakening of the Saint, and the joint decision of the Queen Mother of the West and the Tai Shang Elders all forced them to re-evaluate the significance of this mysterious young man.
Li Qingshan seemed oblivious to the gazes of the crowd, calmly following an elder deacon into the depths of the sacred ground.
With each step he took, golden lotus imprints naturally appeared beneath his feet, echoing the Daoist energy flowing through the Jade Pool earth veins.
The journey was shrouded in ethereal mist, and exotic flowers and herbs exuded a refreshing fragrance. From time to time, spirit birds and beasts would peek out from the secret realm, all of which were rare treasures rarely seen in the outside world.
A pure white jade Qilin shrunk its head from the clouds, its golden pupils reflecting Li Qingshan's image, and let out a long, low cry.
In the emerald pool beneath the distant waterfall, a five-colored divine carp leaps out of the water, its scales refracting countless rays of light under the sun.
These sentient beasts seemed to sense the unique Heavenly Dao aura emanating from Li Qingshan, and they all cast curious glances at him.
"Holy Son, the Grotto-Heaven prepared for you lies ahead."
The elder deacon stopped before a mountain peak shrouded in seven-colored light, his tone filled with unprecedented respect.
At the entrance to the mountain peak, rays of light shone in countless directions, and auspicious clouds stretched out in thousands of strands. Five dragon-shaped energies of heaven and earth, visible to the naked eye, swirled above the mountain peak.
At the mouth of the valley stands a translucent boundary stone, unmarked, clearly awaiting naming by its new owner.
Li Qingshan gazed at this world, and saw that the essence of this blessed land had become so rich that it had turned into liquid, gathering into streams of spiritual energy on the ground.
A translucent dragon carp swims in the stream, each scale bearing natural markings.
Around the mountain peak, nine white jade pavilions are arranged according to the constellations of the heavens, faintly forming a supreme array that rivals the Fortune heaven and earth.
Let's call it Qingwei Blessed Land.
Li Qingshan spoke softly, and a golden light shot out from his fingertip, carving four ancient characters with natural Daoist charm onto the boundary stone.
Upon hearing this, the elder bowed in agreement and then took out a Purple Gold token, presenting it with both hands. "This is the control token of Qingwei Blessed Land. Please keep it safe, Holy Son."
The blessed land is protected by eighty-one layers of restrictions, personally laid out by Saint, which can prevent anyone below the Saint Realm from prying into their lives.
The meditation chamber, in particular, has activated the core of the earth's veins; one day of cultivation here is equivalent to a hundred days of practice outside.
Li Qingshan took the token and immediately felt that he had the entire mountain's structure under his control.
With a slight thought, the colorful rays of light at the valley entrance naturally parted, revealing a path paved with Star Stone.
Along the path, various rare and precious medicinal herbs swayed in the breeze, emitting a refreshing and invigorating fragrance.
"The first month's training resources prepared by the Holy Land for the Holy Son have been delivered to the Blessed Land's inner treasury."
The elder continued his report, "This includes 100,000 jin of Pure Source, three thousand-year-old Sacred Fruit of immortality, and 100 jin of Nine Heavens Jade Marrow, which can be used to refine Saint Lord-level magical artifacts."
This number even moved Li Qingshan slightly.
One hundred thousand catties of source! This is enough for any Grotto-Heaven in the Yan Kingdom when Li Qingshan first arrived in Big Dipper to accumulate for who knows how many years it would take to possess such a sum.
Not to mention the Sacred Fruit of immortality and the Nine Heavens Jade Marrow, which would cause bloodshed in the outside world, are supplied here as casually as ordinary resources.
The elder in charge seemed to notice Li Qingshan's surprise and explained with a smile, "Holy Son, you may not know, but Jade Pool possesses seven major source mines in the Eastern Wasteland, from which countless resources can be mined every year."
These resources are just a drop in the ocean.
Upon hearing this, Li Qingshan couldn't help but sigh, "This is the profound foundation of the Supreme Holy Land."
The cultivation resources that ordinary cultivators painstakingly seek are commonplace here.
No wonder the disciples of Jade Pool throughout the ages have been able to make great strides on their cultivation path. With such resources, even those of mediocre talent can achieve something, let alone those disciples who are already exceptionally gifted.
"Also,"
The elder in charge then took out a jade slip bearing the mark of the Western Emperor Pagoda. "The Holy Son may use this token to enter the Immortal Tears Lake for ten days of cultivation each month, and may enter the Hall of Ten Thousand Daos for thirty days of comprehension each year."
If needed, three elders from the Immortal Platform Secret Realm can also be mobilized to protect you.
Li Qingshan accepted the jade slip and sensed the immense fortune it contained. He realized that this was not only a matter of authority, but also a heavy responsibility.
Jade Pool has poured so many resources into nurturing the Holy Son, naturally hoping that he will shoulder the important responsibility of protecting the Holy Land in the future.
Just as he was deep in thought, a clear and melodious phoenix cry suddenly came from the sky.
Nine colorful phoenixes pulled a jade palanquin through the air, and sitting atop the palanquin was none other than Lin Qingyao, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.
Today, she wore a flowing, moon-white dress, her dark hair loosely tied up with a single jade hairpin. She had lost some of her saintly grace but gained a more ethereal, otherworldly air.
"By order of the Queen Mother, I have come to help the Holy Son understand the sacred site."
Lin Qingyao landed lightly, nodded slightly to the elder in charge, then turned to Li Qingshan, a subtle, complex emotion flashing in her beautiful eyes, "The Holy Son has just entered Jade Pool, Qingyao will naturally do her best to assist him."
Seeing this, the elder in charge tactfully bowed and took his leave.
After he left, Lin Qingyao carefully examined Li Qingshan Qingyao said softly, "Holy Son, would you mind showing me around this Qingwei Blessed Land?"
Li Qingshan gestured for them to enter, and the two stepped into the valley side by side.
Upon entering the mountain peak, Lin Qingyao couldn't help but be slightly moved by the scene before her. " Qingwei Blessed Land truly lives up to its name. These five dragon veins were personally brought here by Saint; cultivating here is indeed twice as effective with half the effort."
She pointed to the main hall shrouded in chaotic energy in the center of the mountain. "That is the Qingwei Hall. Inside the hall is a supreme secret realm that gathers the essence of heaven and earth, where the concentration of the essence of heaven and earth can be more than a thousand times that of the outside world."
Maintaining the secret realm is extremely costly; even the Holy Son can only use it for three months each year.
Li Qingshan was shocked upon hearing this.
A thousand times the concentration of the essence of heaven and earth! This is a sacred cultivation ground that even Saint Lord-level figures would envy.
He increasingly realized the significance of the four words "wealth, companions, place, and method" on the path of cultivation. With such resources to support him, how could he not achieve the Great Dao?
The two walked and talked, and soon arrived at the Immortal Tears Pool behind the palace.
This is a jade pool with a diameter of a hundred feet. The pool water displays nine colors, and countless Great Dao Runes float on the surface. Every drop of water contains astonishing life essence.
Lin Qingyao gazed at the Immortal Tears Pool, her tone tinged with emotion. "This is the secondary pool formed by drawing water from the Immortal Tears Lake."
Legend has it that when the Queen Mother of the West attained enlightenment, she shed a tear of love here, which transformed into this divine pool.
The pool water contains her understanding of the Great Dao; cultivating here allows one to directly access the source.
Standing by the pool, Li Qingshan felt the Bitter Sea boiling on its own, and the four secret realms trembling simultaneously.
The Innate Immortal Fetus within his body emitted a joyful hum, resonating with the fragments of the Great Dao in the pool water.
"The Holy Son's cultivation has now reached the Peak Dragon Transformation, and he is only one step away from the Immortal Platform Secret Realm."
Lin Qingyao turned around, her beautiful eyes sparkling with wisdom, "With the help of Qingwei Blessed Land and these resources, I'm sure the Holy Son will make a name for himself at the Yaochi Grand Gathering three years from now."
Li Qingshan smiled slightly upon hearing this, his gaze fixed on the starry sky reflected in the pool.
He was confident that with such a sacred cultivation ground and resources, he could break through to the Immortal Platform Secret Realm in just one year, without needing three years.
At that time, combined with the " Sun True Scripture " and what he obtained in Jade Pool, he would be able to fight against even the older generation of powerful figures.
Lin Qingyao and Li Qingshan sat facing each other at the jade table Qingwei Hall.
With a gentle wave of her jade-like hand, a jade slip radiating nine-colored light appeared on the table.
"This is the Holy Son Token, and also the Holy Son's identity certificate."
Lin Qingyao pushed the jade slip towards Li Qingshan, "With this decree, the Holy Son can freely enter and exit most areas of Jade Pool, including the first three floors of the Scripture Pavilion, the Hundred Herb Garden, the Weapon Refining Pavilion, and other places."
Li Qingshan took the jade slip; it was warm to the touch and contained a strange power.
He immersed his consciousness into the information, and a massive amount of data flooded into his mind.
"The Holy Son can also recruit ten followers, who will enjoy the same benefits as inner disciples."
Lin Qingyao added, "If the Holy Son needs it, the Holy Land can send elders to protect him and ensure his safety."
Li Qingshan played with the Holy Son Token, feeling the power and resources it contained, and couldn't help but sigh.
This is the essence of the Immortal Holy Land, and this is the treatment afforded to the Holy Son.
He used to have to search for even a little bit of cultivation resources himself, but now he owns the entire Qingwei Blessed Land.
"Furthermore," Lin Qingyao's tone became solemn, "The Holy Son has the right to consult the many ancient books and secret texts collected by the Holy Land, among which there may be clues about the Immortal Platform Scroll of the ' Sun True Scripture '."
A glint of light flashed in Li Qingshan's eyes.
He knew that the original text contained the Sun True Scripture Immortal Platform Volume in the Central Continent, so he didn't need that. However, the collections from other holy lands over the past hundreds of thousands of years could serve as resources for his future creation of techniques.
"Thank you for informing me, Holy Maiden."
Li Qingshan expressed his sincere gratitude.
Lin Qingyao gently shook her head. "Holy Son, there's no need to be so polite. This is Qingyao's duty."
She paused, then added, "Since you are new here, please feel free to come to me if you need anything."
As she spoke, she took out a jade pendant and handed it to Li Qingshan: "This is a communication jade pendant. If the Holy Son has any questions, he can contact me through this jade pendant."
Li Qingshan took the jade pendant; it was warm and smooth to the touch, and carried the unique fragrance of a young girl.
He noticed that Lin Qingyao referred to herself as " Qingyao " this time, instead of her usual "this Holy Maiden".
"Oh, right,"
Lin Qingyao seemed to remember something, " The Queen Mother specifically instructed that the investiture ceremony for the Holy Son will be held at the Yaochi Grand Gathering three years from now, and all the major powers of the Eastern Wasteland will be invited to attend."
Upon hearing this, a flash of understanding appeared in Li Qingshan's eyes.
The Yaochi Grand Gathering is one of the most prestigious events in the Eastern Wasteland, attracting representatives from Great Saint, Desolate Ancient Family, and supreme sects.
Forcibly establishing the Holy Son on that occasion was undoubtedly a declaration of Jade Pool's attitude to the whole world, and also a way of truly bringing him, the Holy Son, to the forefront.
"I see."
Li Qingshan nodded, "I will prepare well and live up to the expectations of the Holy Land."
Lin Qingyao smiled faintly, a smile as gentle as melting snow and blooming spring flowers, " Qingyao believes in the Holy Son."
After seeing Lin Qingyao off, Li Qingshan strolled through Qingwei Blessed Land, familiarizing himself with this cultivation place where he would reside for the long term.
The Qingwei Blessed Land covers an extremely large area, spanning at least nearly a hundred miles in circumference.
In addition to the main hall, Qingwei Hall, there are seven or eight side halls, each with a different function.
One of the side halls was specifically used for alchemy. Inside, there was an ancient alchemy furnace with dragon and phoenix patterns carved on its surface, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
"This is... a Saint Lord-level alchemy furnace?"
Li Qingshan was slightly moved, even though he possessed a Saint- level alchemy furnace.
However, the Saint Lord-level alchemy furnace, a treasure that even some Mighty Figure would covet, is now casually placed in his side hall.
The other side hall was the place for refining weapons, where the earth fire was blazing and all kinds of refining tools were readily available.
What surprised Li Qingshan the most was that there were several pieces of divine metal displayed in the hall. Although there were not many, they were of extremely high quality and were enough to forge Saint Lord-level weapons.
"As expected of Jade Pool, their craftsmanship is truly extraordinary."
He muttered to himself.
After touring the blessed land, Li Qingshan arrived at the Immortal Tears Pool behind the palace.
This is a small pond about ten zhang in circumference, its water displaying seven colors and exuding a rich life force and the rhythm of the Great Dao.
Simply standing by the pool, he felt the Bitter Sea boiling and the four great secret realms trembling simultaneously.
Without further hesitation, he removed his outer robe and stepped into the pool.
The pool water was icy cold, but it turned into a warm current after entering his body, nourishing his limbs and bones.
Even more miraculously, the pool water contained countless tiny fragments of the Great Dao, which flowed into his body with the water and resonated with his Innate Immortal Fetus.
Li Qingshan closed his eyes and concentrated, circulating the " Sun True Scripture ".
Suddenly, a golden sun rose from behind him, radiating intense light.
At the same time, fragments of the Great Dao in the Immortal Tears Pool surged toward him like moths to a flame, merging into the golden sun.
He could feel his cultivation level increasing at a visible rate.
The Sea of Bitterness is expanding, the Dao Palace is booming, the Four Extremes are becoming more stable, Dragon Transformation is becoming more and more agile.
At this rate, he'll be able to break through to the Immortal Platform Secret Realm in less than six months!
Unaware of the passage of time during his cultivation, Li Qingshan opened his eyes again the next morning.
He felt the surging power within him, and a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.
"The happiness of the Holy Son is truly unimaginable."
He murmured to himself, a confident glint in his eyes.
With the full support of an immortal holy land like Jade Pool, the top-tier cultivation environment of Qingwei Blessed Land, and the monthly allocation of tens of thousands of catties of Origin, coupled with his own innate Innate Immortal Fetus and the " Sun True Scripture," his cultivation speed might be even faster than he imagined.
He even began to look forward to the Yaochi Grand Gathering three years later.
With that thought in mind, Li Qingshan closed his eyes again and immersed himself in cultivation.
Within the Qingwei Blessed Land, the golden sun rises once more, its brilliance reflecting in the Seven-Colored Immortal Tears Pool, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene.
And all of this is just the beginning.
In the days to come, he will fully experience the various privileges of being the Jade Pool Holy Son, making great strides on his cultivation path and steadily advancing towards the supreme path.
Every wisp of the essence of heaven and earth, every bit of resources in the Qingwei Blessed Land, will become a stepping stone for him to reach the pinnacle.