The Chongxuan Sect is located in the mountains on the south side of the Qinyanlin Mountain Range. The terrain here is treacherous, with towering peaks and deep ravines, and few people live here. It is also a rare feng shui treasure land, where seven Spirit Vein converge underground. The place where they converge is the Chongxuan Sect's mountain gate - the famous Thousand Closing Peaks of Sealed Fate Planet.
Because the Chongxuan Sect did not deliberately expand its influence on Sealed Fate Planet, it only occupied the Qinyanlin Mountain Range and six nearby towns.
The Chongxuan Sect's forces are mostly located on outer space. Each core member has numerous disciples, and these disciples are scattered throughout the Cultivation Realm of Sealed Fate Planet, making its power extremely vast and astonishing.
Li Qiang and his group were teleported directly to the center of the Chongxuan Sect, where there was an extremely well-protected formation that could not be entered without the guidance of a core member.
Misila stood inside the teleportation array, rapidly casting incantations. After dispelling the protective barrier, he said, "Please, everyone!"
This is a solitary, protruding peak, with the teleportation array built atop it. Twenty-one cyan-white beams of light slowly rotate around the array. Looking around, one sees surrounding peaks, clear waters, and wisps of mist floating above the forest. Diffusely, one can see clusters of buildings among the trees, their dark roofs glowing with a faint purple light, exuding a solemn and dignified air.
Li Qiang laughed and said, "This place is very quiet, haha, it's not what I imagined."
Liu Dayue asked curiously, "Junior Uncle, what does it look like in your imagination?"
Li Qiang said, "I originally thought that the Chongxuan Sect's mountain gate would be magnificent, like a palace, and it looks better than the Ancient Sword Academy. I like it."
Misila laughed, "Magnificent and resplendent? Brother, among all the cultivation sects on Sealed Fate Planet, only Wise Heng Palace has a truly magnificent and resplendent mountain gate; the others are all about the same."
Several sword lights flashed, and disciples came forward to greet them. Misila gave a few instructions, and the disciples immediately turned around and flew downwards.
Li Qiang said, "Brother Mi, don't make a fuss. I'll go pay my respects to Brother Chen Zhifeng first."
Misila laughed, "Brother, is this your first time returning to the Chongxuan Sect? Although there are very few core brothers in the sect, we can't act rashly." As he spoke, a white light flashed, and a cultivator appeared before them.
Misila laughed, "Look, Brother Chen has come in person." He flew over and said, "Brother Chen, let me introduce you to a new brother. Hehe, this is Brother Fu's brother— Li Qiang. This is his first time back at the Chongxuan Sect. Brother, this is Brother Chen Zhifeng, and his guide is Brother Yu Hong."
Speaking of Yu Hong, Li Qiang immediately felt a deep sense of kinship. Despite his impending ascension, Yu Hong had relentlessly pursued him all the way to Linming Planet, for which Li Qiang was deeply moved. Therefore, upon hearing that Chen Zhifeng was Yu Hong's brother, he immediately flew forward and bowed, saying, "I met Brother Yu Hong at Linming Planet. This humble brother pays his respects to Brother Chen."
Chen Zhifeng was a robust man in his thirties, with a sharp and capable look on his face, and he was wearing a gray Daoist robe. Li Qiang thought to himself, "Brother Chen is probably a cultivator from our hometown."
Chen Zhifeng stepped forward to help Li Qiang up, looked him up and down, and laughed, "Brother Fu's brother, haha, that's quite a reputation! Brother, we're from the same hometown. I'm from Beiping Prefecture during the Northern Song Dynasty."
Li Qiang opened his mouth but couldn't speak. Although he understood that the years of cultivation were long and boundless, he always felt a little strange whenever he heard others say they were from the same hometown, or that they were from the Ming or Song dynasties. These were all ancestors.
If the cultivators were from elsewhere, no matter how long they had been cultivating, Li Qiang wouldn't have any particular reaction. But when he heard that they were cultivators from his hometown, he felt a little incredulous.
Liu Dayue understood Li Qiang's feelings and said with a smile, "Junior Uncle, don't be surprised. Cultivation is not measured in time."
It took Li Qiang a while to recover. He smiled wryly and said, "Seeing people from my hometown always feels very warm, but when you mention my birth year... sigh, I feel like I'm dreaming. It's too surreal, it's scary."
Chen Zhifeng flashed a bright white smile and laughed heartily, "Even World-Wreaking Demon King has moments of fear? Brother, let's go home and take a look." He led the group as they flew down.
Below was a large platform, the ground paved with black and white jade. Li Qiang immediately recognized it as a giant Bagua diagram, though the shape differed considerably from the Bagua diagram he remembered.
Hundreds of cultivators stood on the platform. Chen Zhifeng smiled and said, "These are the disciples left behind by our brothers, as well as the protective disciples of the Chongxuan Sect."
Misila stepped forward and said, "Everyone, listen carefully. This is Brother Fu Shan's brother, Li Qiang. From now on, disciples of the sect should not be impolite when they meet. Everyone should recognize him first. Brother Li will be staying in the sect for a while. According to the rules of our Chongxuan Sect, as long as you seize the opportunity to ask questions, any core brother will answer your questions. However, don't ask simple or stupid questions, understand?"
The cultivators all looked delighted and answered in unison, "Yes!"
Li Qiang smiled and said, "I haven't been back for a while, and I'm not very familiar with the rules of the faction. I hope you can remind me of them. Please forgive me if I've been too forward."
Li Qiang spoke very modestly. He didn't want to be too flamboyant in the Chongxuan Sect, which was a sect he had just entered into for cultivation. He was very concerned about his words and actions.
Liu Dayue was assisting Misila and played a role similar to a steward within the Chongxuan Sect. He quietly gave instructions to several leading experts, who then led the disciples out.
Misila said, " Dayue, go back and tidy up your room first. Brother, come with me to the Heart Refining Pavilion. Brother Chen, are you coming too?"
Chen Zhifeng nodded and said, "It's rare to have a brother come back, I'll stay with him." It was clear that he was also very happy.
Fu Shan and Chen Zhifeng's mentor Yu Hong, were very close brothers, and they both came from Earth as cultivators. Therefore, Chen Zhifeng felt a sense of closeness to Li Qiang.
Li Qiang stopped Liu Dayue: " Dayue, arrange a quiet room for this friend to cultivate in peace. Tell your disciples not to disturb him." He turned to Old Immortal Tianshi and said, "I'm sorry, you can't come to the Heart Refining Pavilion, but don't worry, this is my sect. I won't just leave."
Tianshi thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Find me a place with abundant Spiritual Qi, and I will cultivate quietly while waiting for you." He understood the rules of these cultivation sects, and although he didn't take them seriously, he temporarily abandoned the tactic of closely following and monitoring people.
Li Qiang breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that if Tianshi had insisted on coming along, he wouldn't have been able to enter the Heart Refining Pavilion.
The Heart Refining Pavilion is one of the most important places in the Chongxuan Sect. It is a place specifically for storing various ancient texts, and no one except the core brothers is allowed to enter. Every core brother has the obligation to leave behind his Heart Tempering. Since the founding of the Chongxuan Sect, countless ancient texts have been left here.
The Heart Refining Pavilion is divided into two parts: one part is dedicated to collecting ancient texts, and the other part contains various Law Treasure, all of which are collected as samples. Many of these Law Treasure, making the Heart Refining Pavilion the most heavily guarded place in the Chongxuan Sect.
The group flew backwards, passing several mountain peaks, before Misila called out and landed.
It was a primeval forest. After landing, Li Qiang asked, "Brother Mi, Heart Refining Pavilion in the forest?"
Chen Zhifeng laughed and said, "No, the Heart Refining Pavilion is Illusion Pavilion. It will take some time to get in. Hehe, you'll see, little brother."
Misila said, "Wait a moment, I'll open the first barrier." He quickly formed a magic seal.
Li Qiang also knew this spiritual technique, but when Misila released the technique, Li Qiang noticed that the Soul-Releasing Dragon Ring in his hand also emitted a wisp of green light. He suddenly realized that the Soul-Releasing Dragon Ring also had the function of a key.
The scenery before them distorted and rippled. As the incantation was completed, a small clearing miraculously appeared, upon which stood a very unique pavilion. The pavilion was small, only a little over two meters high, and seemed to be carved from a single piece of black jade, seamless and without a single seam.
Li Qiang reached out and touched it; it was icy cold, like solid ice. He exclaimed in surprise, "What material is this made of?"
Misila couldn't help but laugh, "Almost every brother who comes here for the first time asks what this is made of. Brother, take a closer look, and you'll understand."
Li Qiang knew that he wanted to test his skills, so he laughed and said, "Hehe, Brother Mi, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I haven't seen many things. Alright, I'll give it a try." He focused his mind slightly, and two golden beams shot out from his eyes. In an instant, he understood the true nature of the pavilion.
Li Qiang exclaimed in amazement, "It's actually a Law Treasure! Good heavens, it's the structure of a celestial array! Who created this masterpiece? Cultivators can't create such Law Treasure... This can't be considered Law Treasure anymore, it should be a celestial artifact!"
Misila and Chen Zhifeng exchanged a glance. Misila sighed, "You're the first brother to recognize this as a celestial artifact upon the Seal-Forming Pavilion. That's remarkable! Haha, when I first saw it, I thought it was carved from cold jade, and my older brother laughed at me for a long time... You truly deserve to be Brother Fu's brother."
Li Qiang laughed and said, "This immortal artifact combines the characteristics of magic Law Treasure from the Cultivation Realm, which is quite strange. If these characteristics were removed, this Seal-Forming Pavilion would be even more powerful."
Chen Zhifeng said, "But if we remove these features, we won't be able to activate it."
Li Qiang slapped his forehead and realized that this was the Cultivation Realm, not the Immortal Realm. If the Seal-Forming Pavilion was a celestial artifact, then most of his brothers would have no chance of activating it.
Misila laughed, "Let's all stand in the Seal-Forming Pavilion."
Li Qiang and Chen Zhifeng stepped inside. The pavilion didn't look big, but the three of them didn't feel crowded.
Misila made another hand seal, and a soft buzzing sound filled the air. Chen Zhifeng reminded him, "Brother, be careful. Don't struggle or expend your energy. It'll be over soon."
The Seal-Forming Pavilion trembled slightly, and countless streams of black energy dispersed. As the Seal-Forming Pavilion became increasingly transparent, after a ripple, the surrounding scenery suddenly vanished, as if it had suddenly sunk into darkness, without a trace of light.
Less than ten seconds later, an extremely dazzling light flashed, and Li Qiang found that the three of them were trapped in a stone forest, surrounded by towering stalagmites, and the rolling thick fog made it impossible to see the distance.
Li Qiang laughed and asked, "Is this the second checkpoint? How many checkpoints are there in total?"
Misila said, "There are three checkpoints to pass. The first is the Seal-Forming Pavilion, the second is this— the Soul-Luring Stone Grand Formation, the third is the Complex Spectrum Star Chart, and only then can you reach the Heart Refining Pavilion."
Li Qiang smiled wryly and said, "If even our own people have to pass three tests, it must be even more difficult for outsiders to enter the Heart Refining Pavilion. Is it this difficult to enter the treasure pavilion of every sect?"
Chen Zhifeng laughed and said, "We are the Chongxuan Sect, and our expertise lies in weapon crafting and formations. If outsiders were to break through our defenses, wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing? Therefore, the Chongxuan Sect's defenses are the best on Sealed Fate Planet."
Misila said, "Stay close to me and watch my flight path."
Li Qiang didn't know that this was actually a testing method; he had to remember every single one of Misila's movements, otherwise, there would be no one to guide him next time.
The three moved with lightning speed, circling and spiraling among the stalagmites. Fortunately, Li Qiang was already used to memorizing with his mind, so he didn't find it strenuous.
As Misila flew, she waved her hand, and the Soul-Releasing Dragon Ring on her finger emitted wisps of light. Soon, the surrounding scenery began to change, and with a loud bang, the three of them arrived at the Complex Spectrum Star Chart.
The Complex Spectrum Star Chart can be said to be the ultimate representation of the Chongxuan Sect's array formations, and it is the most complex array constructed by the Chongxuan Sect. Li Qiang observed it carefully and was secretly surprised, because this array actually had a similar feel to the Cosmic Azure Field Grand Formation that he had seen in the Star Palace of the Heavenly Court Star.
An endless starry sky appeared realistically in their field of vision. Li Qiang asked, "Is the starry sky here real or fake?" He had never understood how an array could conjure up a realistic starry sky.
Because Li Qiang had not received systematic training and had relied entirely on his own exploration using the Jade Pupil Slip he had acquired, his understanding of formations was not as Chongxuan Sect. However, this also led to his unique understanding of formations. Furthermore, after learning basic Immortal Method, he gained distinctive insights into formations in the Cultivation Realm.
Chen Zhifeng asked curiously, "You don't know? The starry sky that appears in the formation is almost entirely real; it's formed by a teleportation illusion formation. Hey, brother, you really don't understand this?"
Li Qiang said with a grin, "Brother Chen, this isn't my first time back. I really don't know anything."
Chen Zhifeng and Misila were both surprised. In the first stage, the Seal-Forming Pavilion, Li Qiang's knowledge was at the Grandmaster level. But in the third stage, he asked questions that only a beginner disciple would ask. They really couldn't figure out how this brother cultivated.
Misila patiently explained, " The Complex Spectrum Star Chart consists of 108 formations, of which 36 are main formations and 72 are auxiliary formations. Normally, when you pass through correctly, only one formation is active, which is the teleportation function. But if you accidentally trigger the operation of the main formation, well, even someone who is proficient in formations will have a hard time dealing with it."
Chen Zhifeng added, "Let alone outsiders breaking the formation, even the core brothers would find it difficult. This formation is simply too complex. However, it's normal that you don't understand this formation since it's your first time at the Heart Refining Pavilion."
Misila stopped speaking and once again made a hand seal, causing the entire starry sky to spin. Li Qiang felt starlight flash before his eyes, and in the blink of an eye, the three of them arrived at the most secret place of the Chongxuan Sect — the Heart Refining Pavilion.
Li Qiang was a man of considerable experience, but upon entering the Heart Refining Pavilion, he was filled with admiration.
He discovered that the Heart Refining Pavilion was not on Sealed Fate Planet at all, but seemed to be in some space in the vast universe, much like the feeling he had when he saw the Illusory God Hall.
The Heart Refining Pavilion was actually constructed out of thin air in space. From the fluctuations outside, Li Qiang sensed that it was a very powerful sealing barrier, and it was definitely impossible to see the Heart Refining Pavilion from the outside.
If you want to hide a grain of sand, the best way is to throw it into the desert, just like pouring a bowl of water into the ocean, where it will forever merge into the sea. The Heart Refining Pavilion is built in space; besides passing these three tests, who else could find it? This is the safest way to hide. Li Qiang couldn't help but admire it immensely.
The Heart Refining Pavilion consists of thirty-six black platforms connected by a strange circular corridor. Behind each platform is a house, which is also very unique in shape, with the roof resembling a burning flame that flashes a faint red light.
The house has no walls on any side, and in the center of the room stands a huge, crimson pillar. Even more peculiar is that the pillar has many holes of varying sizes. The entire house is shaped like a beautiful umbrella stuck in the ground, and is surrounded by a dark blue, waist-high railing.
Thirty-six black platforms of varying heights formed a circle around a huge red sphere in the center, resembling a planet orbiting a dust cloud, which looked both bizarre and beautiful.
"The real solution lies within the Heart Tempering," Misila said, pointing to the red sphere.
Chen Zhifeng laughed and said, "Brother, you can get out from other places too, hehe, but coming out of the Heart Tempering means you've obtained the qualification to be a guide and have mastered the Foundation Establishment Law Treasure. Generally, people without the Spirit Severing Realm cultivation can't come out from there, so if you want to enter the Heart Tempering, you'd better be careful."
Li Qiang asked, "Are there any restrictions here? Can I go anywhere?"
Misila laughed, "You can see and use anything here, but you can't take it away. You can only take things belonging to your own faction. Of course, you can also leave behind your Law Treasure or special materials. Many core brothers will specifically return to the Heart Refining Pavilion before ascending to immortality to leave behind their most prized treasures for other brothers to reference. This is our Chongxuan Sect's greatest advantage."
Li Qiang praised, "No wonder the Chongxuan Sect's weapon-refining skills are so high; so they have such rules. Alright, I'll also leave behind my own cultivation Law Treasure. By the way, where are our sect's rooms?"
Misila waved and took the lead, walking down the corridor. As he walked, he said, " The Chongxuan Sect has nine branches, each with four secluded halls and platforms. However, some branches have lost their successors, and some are searching for suitable successors elsewhere. This place has been empty recently. At its busiest, four brothers were cultivating here at the same time."
Li Qiang laughed and said, "Looks like I'm all alone this time. Hmm, it's alright, I'll be out of seclusion soon."
Chen Zhifeng said, "This time I've brought you here for a tour. If you want to formally enter seclusion, you must be guided by your mentor. Formal seclusion in the Chongxuan Sect is a very important event and cannot be done casually."
Misila added, "Yes, as far as I know, the one who went into seclusion for the shortest time was a prodigy from our Chongxuan Sect. He emerged from seclusion in just over thirty years, which caused quite a stir at the time. You know, our Chongxuan Sect progresses very quickly in the early stages, but it slows down in the later stages. The fact that he emerged from seclusion in such a short time is truly remarkable."
Li Qiang asked curiously, "What's the longest period of seclusion you've ever had?"
Chen Zhifeng shook his head and said, "I'm not sure about that. Usually, the seclusion period is around a hundred years. It took me more than seventy years to come out of seclusion. I'll be going to find my brothers soon. Hehe, if it weren't for the fact that there are too few brothers guarding the Chongxuan Sect recently, I would have left long ago. Before, when Brother Fu was helping to guard the Chongxuan Sect, we brothers could run around freely. Now it's a bit difficult. Fortunately, Brother Wu is back and can help Brother Mi. Alas, but it's not a long-term solution."
Li Qiang didn't dare to speak. He was a wandering spirit who loved to run around. If he had to stay in one place all the time, he would be bored to death. So, he kept quiet and was afraid that he might accidentally say something that would be hard to take back later.
As they spoke, Misila said, "We've arrived. This is the secret chamber for your branch of brothers."
These were four consecutive platforms, all very clean. The three of them entered one of them, and Misila laughed, "Your lineage brothers left behind a lot of things, hehe. Core brothers who come to cultivate usually come here to learn."
Inside the central openwork pillar of this hidden hall, all the holes were filled with items. There were also many shelves in the hall, which were filled with various Law Treasure and Jade Pupil Slip. The entire hidden hall was illuminated by the colorful light of the treasures, making it dazzling and colorful.
Li Qiang thought to himself, "If these things were to leak out, it would definitely cause a sensation in the Cultivation Realm."
Li Qiang asked, "When will the Dao Technique and Law Technique Grand Competition begin?"
Chen Zhifeng said in surprise, "The Grand Competition is limited to low-level cultivators. Cultivation experts above the Nascent Soul stage will not participate. Brother... are you going to participate in the Grand Competition?"
Li Qiang realized he had misunderstood and quickly explained, "It's not me participating, it's some friends who are going, and I'm going to go cheer them on."
Misila laughed and said, "It's still a few years before it starts. Right now, it's just registration and preparation. You know, on Sealed Fate Planet, this kind of event is what every sect and cultivation Lineage looks forward to the most. At that time, a large number of cultivators will flock to Sealed Fate Planet and the surrounding planets. So, it will take a long time. The specific date will be announced. Don't worry, there's still plenty of time."
Li Qiang nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll stay at the Heart Refining Pavilion for now. You guys go back. When the competition starts... please let me know, brother. By the way, how do I get there if I want to leave early?"
Misila asked, "Brother, are you planning to stay?"
Li Qiang laughed and said, "Yes, I really need to brush up on my basics. I rarely have some free time, and if I don't seize the opportunity, I'll be letting Brother Fu down."
Since he began cultivating immortality, Li Qiang had indeed wanted to settle down and study properly. He had spent some time cultivating in seclusion on Goulan Planet, but since then, he had been wandering around without peace and had never found the opportunity again.
Misila nodded and said, "Alright, I'll let you know if anything happens. It's easy to get out of here; each platform has a small teleportation array that only allows outward teleportation, and all of them land on the teleportation array in the center of the Chongxuan Sect. Brother Chen and I will head back first."
Li Qiang escorted the two to the platform, watched them being teleported away, and then returned to the submersible hall.
Li Qiang did not rush to study; he first examined the classics left behind by his lineage.
The four hidden halls contained hundreds of Jade Pupil Slip. He glanced through them and found that they covered many Cultivation Method from the Cultivation Realm, with over two hundred Jade Pupil Slip recording the techniques for weapon crafting alone.
Li Qiang couldn't help but smile wryly; there were simply too many.
As Li Qiang explored each of the hidden halls along the corridor, the various Jade Pupil Slip in the collection dazzled him. As for the strange and unusual magical Law Treasure, he didn't care much. After all, he was already able to use immortal artifacts and divine artifacts, and no matter how well or exquisitely crafted the magical Law Treasure of the cultivation Cultivation Realm were, they couldn't compare.
After walking through the thirty-six hidden rooms, Li Qiang was completely bewildered; he felt utterly at a loss as to where to begin.
The entire Heart Refining Pavilion has thirty-six hidden halls, and its collection of Jade Pupil Slip numbers in the thousands. Many of these slips are duplicates or very similar. Li Qiang sighed inwardly, thinking that it would be much easier if there were a catalog. Perhaps cultivators don't care how much time they spend studying, which is why they don't care.
Li Qiang is very methodical in his work; he started by learning the Jade Pupil Slip from his own lineage.
Because he learned the Mindfulness Memory Technique after cultivating immortality, he was not afraid of learning. Moreover, his cultivation level was extremely high, and he could understand the basic cultivation methods as soon as he read them once. Therefore, he learned very quickly and in a short time, he had studied all the Jade Pupil Slip in the four hidden halls.
Li Qiang memorized the contents of four or five Jade Pupil Slip, which contained information on formations and weapon crafting. He planned to study them in detail later when he had time. As for the rest, he just skimmed through them and put them down.
After reviewing the Jade Pupil Slip from his own lineage, he walked to a hidden hall next door, which belonged to another lineage. Although the Jade Pupil Slip collected there were not many, most of them were exquisite.
After viewing all thirty-six hidden halls, many of Li Qiang's questions about cultivation were answered, and he finally reached the level of a true Grandmaster, even though he was no longer a cultivator.
That day, Li Qiang sat cross-legged on the platform, holding the Fire Origin Crystal he had obtained on Dry Rock Planet. He now knew that the Fire Origin Crystal was an extremely rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures, and he was thinking of using it to cultivate a Foundation Establishment Law Treasure.
His only concern now is that he has completely run out of True Essence Power and doesn't know if ordinary mortals can use the Foundation Establishment Law Treasure he cultivated with Divine Yi Power. What if he creates a monster? That would be terrible.