Li Qingshan sat cross-legged in his meditation room, his mind immersed in the profound meaning of the Xihuang Jing ( Western Emperor Scripture ), experiencing its teachings.
The resonance between the Departed Self " and the " Dao Self " in the River of Time and Space.
Since discussing the Dao with the profound Saint, his understanding of his own path has become clearer, and his control over the phenomenon of " Myriad Selves as One " has become increasingly exquisite.
Just as he was immersed in the Dao Realm, a strange fluctuation suddenly came from the Bitter Sea.
The fluctuation was extremely weak.
Li Qingshan's mind stirred slightly, and he awoke from a deep state of enlightenment.
He sank his consciousness into the Bitter Sea and quickly located the source of the fluctuations. It was the stone artifact left behind by the Source Heavenly Master that he had obtained in the Stone Village. It was quietly floating in the chaotic Bitter Sea, resonating subtly with his Innate Immortal Fetus.
These stone tools have rough surfaces and seem ordinary, yet they subtly exude a Daoist charm.
As a transmigrator familiar with the original plot, Li Qingshan knew very well what was sealed within these stone artifacts.
The Immortal Divine Fruit and the Divine Source are precious legacies left by the Source Heavenly Master Lineage.
However, I was busy with other important matters at the time, so I kept myself nurtured in the Bitter Sea by divine power.
Now that he has rebuilt his foundation and reached the peak of the Dragon Transformation stage, half a step into the Immortal Platform, and is further blessed by the supreme scripture of the Western Emperor Scripture, it is the perfect time to unlock these stone artifacts.
"It's time to take those things out."
With a thought, he channeled his immense divine power, causing the chaotic Bitter Sea to ripple slightly. Those stone artifacts, which had been dormant for countless years, were lifted up by a gentle yet irresistible force, slowly emerging from the Bitter Sea, and finally neatly placed on the jade surface in the center of the Qingwei Hall.
Stone rollers, stone locks, stone blocks, stone mills—they stand there quietly.
They remain as ancient and even somewhat rustic as ever, but now, standing in the spiritually vibrant Qingwei Hall, they form a striking contrast with the surrounding misty Immortal Radiance atmosphere, which only accentuates their understated mystique.
That ancient and weathered aura spread out, as if silently telling the story of a long-forgotten era and the past of a brilliant and talented person.
Li Qingshan circulated the " Western Emperor Scripture," and the chaotic Daoist rhyme naturally flowed in his eyes. Although he did not fully activate the Great Dao Heavenly Eye, he carefully observed these stone artifacts with his Immortal Platform Realm divine sense and keen awareness of the origin of heaven and earth.
Even though he already knew the outcome, he couldn't help but secretly admire it.
Source Heavenly Master's methods truly rivaled the Fortune of heaven and earth. The seals on these stone artifacts were exquisitely crafted. The stone skin itself was a natural barrier of Dao patterns, connected to the energy of the sealed objects inside, forming a seamless whole.
Even with his current level of cultivation in the Source Heaven Book, if he forcibly breaks it without following specific methods and order, it might trigger the internal restrictions, causing the divine object to self-destruct and all his previous efforts to be wasted.
" The Source Heavenly Master Lineage can perceive the secrets of heaven with a mortal body, suppress Divine Source, and delay strange occurrences. Their methods are indeed unique, almost reaching the Dao."
Li Qingshan calmly commented, feeling a greater sense of respect for the fifth-generation Source Heavenly Master who met with misfortune in his later years.
He took out a jade knife, carefully crafted from warm jade, its blade radiating a soft, ethereal light.
He did not rush to take action, but instead slowly paced around the stone artifacts, using his powerful divine sense to carefully perceive the subtle energy flow and Daoist differences within each artifact.
Combining the information from the "prophets" in his mind, he quickly determined the order in which to activate them.
He first chose the stone pier that looked the most solid.
The jade knife danced lightly between his fingers, its tip imbued with pure Daoist power, like the most skillful carving knife, cutting into the natural, subtle lines on the stone's surface.
Stone chips flew everywhere, but they didn't scatter in all directions. Instead, they were held back by an invisible force and drifted down slowly.
However, after cutting open three stone blocks in a row, all that was revealed inside were the most ordinary, unremarkable rocks, devoid of any spiritual energy, yielding nothing.
Li Qingshan's expression remained unchanged; he showed no surprise.
He then took four more stone locks and, following a specific orientation and order, continued to dissect them with his jade knife. His Daoist power permeated the locks, causing the outer layer of stone to peel away, but he still found nothing; the insides were completely empty.
Just as he was about to dissect the seemingly most ordinary stone mill according to the key sequence in his memory, an extremely strange fragrance suddenly filled the quiet hall without warning.
The fragrance wasn't overpowering or overpowering, but rather subtle and delicate, like a secluded orchid in a valley or a fine vintage wine. At first, it was elegant and refined, but upon closer inspection, it seemed to permeate every part of one's body, intoxicating to the very core, and even bringing a sense of comfort and longing to the very mind.
"It's starting." Li Qingshan's gaze was calm as water as he immediately locked onto the source of the aroma, which was the seemingly heaviest stone mill with an uneven surface.
He carefully held the stone mill in his hands; it felt warm and smooth to the touch, like jade.
Near the center of the stone mill, a fine crack, as thin as a hair, had appeared on its own. The strange and intoxicating fragrance was emanating from this crack.
Faintly, one could see some glistening, viscous water seeping out from the cracks, like dewdrops.
Li Qingshan channeled his divine power, and the jade knife danced lightly once more. This time, his movements were even gentler, and the Dao patterns flowing from the tip of the knife became increasingly complex and profound, containing the supreme Source Arts Techniques from the Source Heaven Book.
Stone chips fell precisely like snowflakes, without damaging the interior in the slightest. As the stone skin was peeled away layer by layer, the exotic fragrance became increasingly rich and intoxicating. The entire Qingwei Hall seemed to have transformed into a jar of aged wine, enveloped by this indescribable aroma.
Just then, a series of urgent and slightly arrogant barks suddenly came from outside the hall, accompanied by exasperated cries from the Jade Pool disciples.
"Stop! Black Emperor, you can't go in!"
"The Holy Son is currently in seclusion, seeking enlightenment, and must not be disturbed!"
"Stop it!"
However, before the words were finished, a dark figure, as fast as a ghost, darted into the Qingwei Hall faster than most disciples could react. It was the mysterious, shameless Big Black Dog.
As soon as it entered the hall, its large, copper-bell-shaped eyes widened instantly, staring intently at the stone millstone that Li Qingshan was dissecting. Its nose twitched violently, and drool almost dripped onto the ground.
"Woof! What's this treasure? Why does it smell so good? Kid, where did you get this good stuff from!"
The Big Black Dog's eyes gleamed, and it lunged forward, its face filled with greed and eagerness. "Quick, let this king have a taste!"
Li Qingshan was prepared. Without even raising his head, he casually waved his free left sleeve, and a five-colored wall of energy appeared out of thin air, like an invisible barrier, firmly blocking the impatient Big Black Dog three zhang away.
"You greedy, mangy dog, you dare to eat this stuff? Aren't you afraid of bursting your belly?"
Li Qingshan spoke calmly, his jade knife still steadily and precisely dissecting the stone millstone, his tone completely unwavering.
The Big Black Dog was blocked by the five-colored energy barrier. It pawed at the ground in a panic and howled, "Kid! Don't think you can keep it all to yourself! Everyone who sees it gets a share, understand? This aroma—this aroma is definitely a great tonic!"
This emperor has roamed the world—cough, this emperor is knowledgeable and cannot be mistaken! Give me half, no, even a third will do!
Li Qingshan completely ignored its clamor, focusing all his Divine Capital on the stone mill in his hand. The jade knife sliced through the last piece of stone.
Finally, at the very core of the stone mill, a peculiar fleshy fruit was revealed.
The fruit was about the size of a baby's fist, with an alluring pink color. Its shape resembled a ripe peach, and its surface was smooth and moist, as if it were pulsating slightly with life.
What's truly astonishing is that the life essence it exudes is as vast as the sea, so dense that it's almost overwhelming. Just sensing its aura gives one the illusion of Feathered to immortality and achieving eternal life.
" The Immortal Divine Fruit," Li Qingshan said calmly.
As the Jade Pool Holy Son, he possessed a profound foundation in the Holy Land and had seen countless rare treasures and ancient texts. Although these legendary artifacts were incredibly precious, they were not enough to cause him to lose his composure.
Moreover, he already knew the answer in his heart.
The Big Black Dog stared wide-eyed, its mouth agape enough to fit a goose egg, and stammered, "This... this is the legendary... Heavens! Kid, you're rich! Quick, let me have a lick! Just one lick!"
As it spoke, it kicked off with its hind legs, about to pounce again, but Li Qingshan moved his mind, and the five-colored energy wall suddenly contracted, transforming into several Order Divine Chains, firmly imprisoning it in place, no matter how much it struggled, it could not move.
"When are you going to get rid of this gluttonous, reckless habit of yours?"
Li Qingshan shook his head helplessly, but his gaze remained fixed on the Immortal Divine Fruit. "Since Source Heavenly Master went to such lengths to seal it in this stone artifact using such a special method, there must be a profound reason behind it."
This matter involves serious consequences; consuming it rashly could lead to unforeseen disasters and is by no means a trivial matter.
As they were talking, the pink fleshy fruit began to change at a speed visible to the naked eye.
The originally alluring pink color gradually turned into a vibrant green, and the intoxicating fragrance quickly faded, replaced by a more restrained yet more unsettling and powerful medicinal force brewing within.
Seeing this, the Big Black Dog became even more anxious, wagging its tail wildly. "Woof! It's over! The medicine is changing! Eat it now, kid! If you don't eat it now, it will turn completely blue, at which point the medicine will be at its most potent and domineering. At that point, forget about eating it, even touching it might be fatal! What a waste!"
Li Qingshan remained calm and composed, as if he had anticipated this change.
He extended his right index finger, the tip swirling with chaotic energy, like a paintbrush dipped in the laws of the Dao. He swiftly inscribed intricate and profound runes, containing the mysteries of life and death, on the surface of the fleshy fruit that was turning blue.
Each rune that fell resonated with the surrounding Daoist principles, emitting a soft yet stable light.
As the last rune was completed, a miniature chaotic diagram flashed and disappeared on the surface of the fleshy fruit.
The rate at which the fruit's color changed slowed down noticeably, eventually settling on a mix of green and red.
It seems to contain a wondrous state of Yin-Yang balance.
The previously restless and domineering medicinal power within it has become much calmer and gentler, perfectly sealed within the fruit pulp, its divine brilliance concealed.
"Seal it for now and maintain its optimal condition."
We'll discuss it again once we find the correct way to use it, or once we understand its true origin and taboos.
Li Qingshan then carefully placed the sealed Immortal Divine Fruit into the depths of the Bitter Sea to nurture it alone. He looked at the Big Black Dog, who was imprisoned and looked resentful, "Now, do you understand?"
The Big Black Dog lay sullenly on the ground, its eyes filled with resentment at having its food "stolen," and muttered, "You're overly cautious, kid! But my gut feeling tells me this is absolutely top-notch! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Although it protested, it knew in its heart that Li Qingshan's approach was undoubtedly the safest.
Li Qingshan ignored its complaints and mutterings, turning his gaze to the only remaining stone mill on the ground, which looked the heaviest and most ordinary.
"Since it has already begun, and by chance the Immortal Divine Fruit has been temporarily sealed, why not go with the flow and dissect this millstone as well? There must be a reason why Source Heavenly Master placed them together."
He picked up the warm, smooth jade knife again and walked toward the millstone.
This time, he was more cautious, his Daoist aura flowing naturally around him, merging seamlessly with the jade knife in his hand.
Each strike was not a simple cut, but rather contained the profound principles of the supreme Source Arts recorded in the " Source Heaven Book." The tip of the blade seemed to trace the trajectory of the Great Dao on the stone, guiding the internal energy rather than forcibly destroying it.
As the millstone was carefully cut open to near the center, a strange thing happened!
"Buzz."
A deep, resonant roar emanated from inside the stone mill!
Immediately afterwards, countless auspicious rays of light shot out from the center of the stone mill without warning, dazzling and intense, like a real, colorful little Sun suddenly rising in the Qingwei Hall!
The entire hall was illuminated, and the surging spiritual energy swept out like a tide, diluting the original misty spiritual energy within the hall.
The blinding light caused the Big Black Dog, which had just broken free of its restraints, to involuntarily close its eyes tightly and let out a strange cry.
Only Li Qingshan, with his powerful divine sense and insight into the essence of the light, narrowed his eyes, his Daoist aura flowing in them, and clearly "saw" the scene at the core of the dazzling light.
At the very center of the millstone, instead of a solid stone core, floats a source block no bigger than a longan.
It is crystal clear and radiant, unlike ordinary Source Stone which has solid edges and corners. Instead, it is more like a solidified pure light, exuding a breathtakingly pure energy and life force.
" Divine Source! And Divine Source of extremely high quality!"
The Big Black Dog barely opened one eye, and upon sensing the pure and powerful energy fluctuations, it couldn't help but cry out in surprise.
Li Qingshan understood this as well.
As the Jade Pool Holy Son, he had seen all kinds of Divine Source since the Holy Land was rich in resources. However, such a pure Divine Source source with such abundant inner energy, as if it had condensed the essence of heaven and earth, was indeed quite rare.
This was also within his expectations.
Although this Divine Source was not large, it seemed to contain a vast amount of life essence, as heavy as a mountain, yet as light as nothing.
It floats silently in the air, radiating a soft and Eternal light, as if it were the source of light itself, never to fall.
That sacred yet vibrant aura brings peace to the mind, making one want to approach and worship it.
" Divine Source, a treasure of heaven and earth, contains the purest essence of heaven and earth and the origin of life. It can aid in cultivation, prolong lifespan, and is also a supreme object for preserving rare treasures and slowing down the erosion of time."
Li Qingshan murmured to himself, extending his right hand and gently touching the floating Divine Source with his index finger.
A warm, Ruyu touch came from his fingertips, and at the same time, a pure, gentle, and vibrant energy flowed slowly into his body through the meridians of his arm, making him feel comfortable all over. It was as if his limbs and bones were receiving a sacred baptism, and even Immortal Platform divine sense felt a sense of clarity.
This is the charm of the Divine Source. Even someone with Innate Immortal Fetus and an unparalleled foundation can still feel the nourishment it contains for cultivation and life.
The Big Black Dog's eyes lit up, and its mouth was practically watering. But having just learned its lesson, it knew it couldn't just snatch this thing. It could only lie there sourly, scratching the ground with its paws and muttering, "Woof! This tiny piece isn't even enough to fill my teeth! Source Heavenly Master is so stingy!"
Upon hearing this, Li Qingshan smiled faintly, used his Dao power to extract the Divine Source, and held it in his palm to examine it carefully. "The value of Divine Source lies in the purity and quantity of its internal essence, and even more so in its uses."
This Divine Source is of extremely high quality, its essence abundant yet gentle. Whether used for cultivation breakthroughs, as the core of alchemy or array formations, or for sealing away important items in the future, it is an invaluable treasure.
With a thought, he took out a jade box that he had prepared beforehand, carved from the finest warm jade, its surface covered with intricate spiritual energy patterns.
He placed the Divine Source into a jade box, sealed it with multiple seals to ensure that its essence would not leak out, and then carefully put it away.
His gaze returned to the stone artifacts that had turned into ordinary rubble on the ground, as well as the two remaining unopened stone artifacts, and Li Qingshan fell into a brief moment of contemplation.
These unexpected big gains that Ye Fan made in the original work don't excite him much now.
Sure enough, the higher one's status, the less joy there is in unboxing.
"Holy Son."
Lin Qingyao's clear voice, tinged with concern, came from outside the hall. She was clearly also startled by the sudden burst of Divine Source light and the vast energy that had just subsided. "The energy inside the hall fluctuated violently just now. Has something happened?"
When she received permission, she gracefully stepped into the hall. Seeing the few stone artifacts scattered on the ground, and sensing the lingering fragrance and the pure, ethereal aura of Divine Source in the air, her intelligent eyes flashed with understanding. "So the Holy Son is activating these source ore artifacts."
Li Qingshan nodded slightly and briefly explained to her the discovery that he had obtained the Immortal Divine Fruit and a single primordial Divine Source from activating the stone roller and stone mill.
After listening, a hint of surprise flashed across Lin Qingyao's beautiful face. She pondered and said, " The Immortal Divine Fruit contains the secrets of life and death, and is only mentioned sporadically in the oldest ancient books."
The highest grade of Divine Source is the ultimate among Divine Source, extremely rare and hard to find.
Both of these are indeed rare and priceless treasures, enough to tempt any cultivator.
She paused, her tone regaining its calmness, and continued, "However, given your current status and importance to my Jade Pool, these things, while precious, are not entirely unexpected."
My Jade Pool has a long history and profound heritage. In its important storehouses, there are also some similar divine objects and rare treasures, which are used to worship and nourish the heritage, or to reward those who have made outstanding contributions to the holy land.
"If you have any needs in your cultivation, Holy Son, you may apply for them at the treasury at any time by presenting your Holy Son Token. The sect will certainly provide full support."
Upon hearing this, Li Qingshan smiled calmly and nodded slightly to Lin Qingyao, indicating that he understood.
He was naturally aware of the profound significance of Jade Pool.
However, some things are not necessarily present in the warehouse, or even if they are, the underlying Cause and Effect and meanings are completely different.