Materials for Foundation Establishment
Inside the quiet room of the side hall, the clouds had dispersed, the rain had ceased, and the waves had subsided.
Qi Yun was completely unaware that because of him, three Foundation Establishment True Person almost came to blows.
In the end, it was only after True Lord intervened and mediated that the three of them calmed down.
At this moment, he was completely focused, carefully experiencing the various mysteries of entering the "Divine Soul Realm" of the Qi Refining Ninth Layer.
His mind sank into his Ancestral Aperture, where the Divine Soul, radiating a faint platinum glow and slowly rotating, emitted a far more powerful, refined, and unified fluctuation than when the Three Hun Souls were separated in the past.
"When the Three Hun Souls unite and the Divine Soul body, Divine Sense is greatly enhanced, one's thoughts become clear and unobstructed, and one's understanding of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and one's own Daoist practices becomes more acute and profound."
Is this the power of the Qi Refining Peak?
Qi Yun slowly raised his hands, his gaze fixed intently on the fine lines on his palms.
It was as if one could see through flesh and blood, witnessing the flowing True Essence intertwined and resonating with the newly born, invisible Divine Soul power.
Eight years have passed, from struggling to survive in the Outer Mansion to emerging in the Inner Mansion, enduring the fierce battles in the Teapot Valley Yin Ruins, the treacherous ruins of the Divine Silkworm Sect, and the undercurrents beneath Black Baleful Intent Peak ----
He finally made progress step by step.
He has reached the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Realm!
"Along this journey, there have been sword fights and life-or-death situations."
It really is not easy.
Qi Yun tilted his head back slightly and let out a long, silent exhale of the pent-up breath that had been building up in his chest for so long.
The hardships, near-death experiences, and treacherous schemes of the past eight years flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.
Ultimately, it culminated in a complex sigh and a resolute expression.
He knew in his heart that the last leg of a journey is the hardest.
Qi Refining Ninth Layer, one seems to have reached the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Realm, looking back on the path they came from.
But ahead lies an even more difficult, more dangerous, yet also broader path to heaven!
"The road ahead will be even more difficult." Qi Yun muttered to himself, his eyes regaining their clarity and composure.
The Qi Refining Ninth Layer is the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Realm.
Beyond that, there is no longer a tenth floor.
The next step is to lay the Dao Foundation.
Achievement [Perfect]!
To build Dao Foundation, the first thing to do is to determine one's own path of Dao Path and collect Foundation Establishment materials that are compatible with one's own Dao Path.
This process can be considered the first real insurmountable barrier on the path of spiritual cultivation.
There are two main difficulties, both of which are extremely challenging:
Firstly, the materials needed for Foundation Establishment are rare and hard to find.
All spiritual objects that can serve as materials for building the Dao Foundation are imbued with the essence of heaven and earth.
It contains a unique Daoist meaning, which is rarely seen in ordinary times.
Finding Foundation Establishment spirit object that perfectly matches one's chosen Dao Path and complements it is even more difficult.
It requires not only extraordinary fortuitous opportunity, but also abundant resources and keen insight.
Secondly, the Foundation Establishment method is extremely precious. The materials used for Foundation Establishment are not ordinary yellow clay that you can knead and shape at will.
Without corresponding, profound Foundation Establishment methods and unique refining techniques, it would be impossible to perfectly integrate these spiritual objects with different attributes and immense power, transforming conflict into harmony, and ultimately forging a stable and powerful Dao Foundation.
These methods are core secrets that sects and Aristocratic Clan never reveal to outsiders. Sometimes, the difficulty of obtaining them is even greater than finding the Foundation Establishment spiritual object itself.
"I've already grasped the basics of Foundation Establishment." The image of the old True Person Deng Yin flashed through Qi Yun's mind, and he felt somewhat reassured. "Now, the most crucial thing I lack is a Foundation Establishment item that suits my Dao Path— "
He slowly turned the platinum prayer beads on his wrist, Qi Yun the Foundation Establishment items he already possessed.
The Dao Foundation he was to build was called: [The Primordial Heaven Ultimate Law Dao Foundation].
This Dao Foundation is one of the fifty-three Higher Vehicle Dao Foundation collected by the Wuji Sacred Sect.
It requires seven Foundation Establishment items to forge.
These seven Foundation Establishment items belong to the categories of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.
He already possessed two Foundation Establishment items, [Great Yin Mother Qi] and [Great White Molt], as well as a clue to another Foundation Establishment item.
In other words, under the most optimistic conditions...
He is still missing four items for Foundation Establishment.
"Based on this calculation, I have tentatively settled on the three elements of metal, water, and yin. What is still missing are—yang, wood, and earth."
Fire, one of the four Foundation Establishment elements.
Thinking of this, Qi Yun couldn't help but scratch his eyebrows.
"This quantity is a bit too high."
He frowned slightly, realizing the seriousness of the problem.
Foundation Establishment items are already rare and hard to find; the mere sight of any of them is enough to cause a bloodbath.
Now he needs to collect all seven items, which is far more difficult than simply adding one to one.
"It's clearly unlikely that I can search aimlessly on my own." He was well aware of his own limitations.
Although he has now reached the Qi Refining Peak and is considered a prominent figure among the Inner Mansion disciples, he has only been in the Holy Sect for a short time, a few years at most. His foundation is too shallow, and his connections, channels, and information are far inferior to those established True Disciple who have cultivated their skills for many years.
As for fortuitous opportunity and luck, these are ethereal and cannot be relied upon as a primary source of hope.
"My only support is my teacher." He thought of the old True Person Deng Yin, but Qi Yun also knew that the old True Person was not long and he himself had his own worries and unfinished business.
His family may be wealthy, but it's impossible for them to conjure up multiple perfect Foundation Establishment spiritual items with different attributes out of thin air for him.
The fact that the old True Person devised a suitable Foundation Establishment method for him and helped him when he was in danger was already an immense favor.
To ask for more would be ungrateful.
He can't expect the old True Person to solve every problem he encounters.
"It seems that conventional methods are unlikely to be effective, and we will have to resort to unconventional measures." Qi Yun's eyes flickered.
"If all else fails, I'll have to try my luck in the [Remnant Realm]," he thought to himself.
[The Remnant Realm] itself is the manifestation of the Foundation Establishment Realm Heaven Foundation Establishment True Person.
Therefore, there is a certain probability that some of the [Foundation Establishment items] used by that True Person during their Foundation Establishment will remain or be traced back to their original form within these fragmented worlds.
These spiritual beings have been nurtured and imbued with the Daoist essence of "Mirror Heaven" over countless years.
Sometimes, it can even give rise to unique mutations, making them even more valuable.
Of course, the probability is low, and the [Remnant Realm] is fraught with danger.
Knowing how to locate, enter, and safely leave the [Remnant Realm] is itself a profound subject and a scarce resource.
"But no matter what, it's still a way out."
"Only a demonic sect giant like the Holy Sect, with its profound foundation and long-standing tradition, could possess the Secret Method to guide it."
They located and, to a certain extent, controlled a large number of [Remnant Realm], using them as special training grounds for honing disciples and searching for resources.
Ordinary small sects probably don't even know which way the gate to the [Remnant Realm] opens, and even if they did, they wouldn't have the ability to use it reliably.
Thinking about this, Qi Yun gained a deeper understanding of the advantages of being in the Holy Sect.
It's good to have a big tree to lean on, even if that big tree is full of competition and danger.
But it at least provides a platform and resources that are unimaginable for ordinary Rogue Cultivator and small sect cultivators.
"Besides continuing to consolidate my cultivation and familiarize myself with the use of Divine Soul power, I also need to find a way to learn more about the [Remnant Realm]."
"And—how to obtain the qualification to enter." Qi Yun silently pondered.
Several days later, at Qi Yun's villa.
Ning Feng remained as familiar as ever, sitting casually on the stone bench with one leg habitually crossed and swinging leisurely.
He was about to make a few jokes, as usual, about Qi Yun's recent shipping speed, which he considered a "big customer."
However, when his Divine Sense inadvertently swept over Qi Yun, a heavy and profound aura suddenly swept over him.
"Holy crap—you fucking—you've actually Qi Refining Ninth Layer?!"
Ning Feng felt as if a nail had suddenly been driven into his buttocks. He jolted awake, instantly lowered his crossed legs, and sat up straight as if pulled by an invisible force.
His eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape, and the nonchalant expression on his face was completely replaced by shock and a hint of barely perceptible awe.
If he hadn't been sitting in a chair, he probably would have bowed deeply to Qi Yun on the spot.
Qi Refining Ninth Layer, the Divine Soul Realm!
Even among the thousands of true disciples in the Inner Mansion, this would be considered an exceptional achievement!
Only those Qi Refining Great Perfection cultivators who are rarely seen, spend most of their time in seclusion, and are solely focused on how to break through the Foundation Establishment Heaven Heavenly Gate can steadily surpass this realm.
It can be said that those at the Qi Refining Ninth Layer are already among the "top combat forces" who can move freely among the Inner Mansion disciples.
Ning Feng recalled the first time he met Qi Yun, when the other party was only at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer.
It's only been a few years?
This cultivation speed is simply astonishing, like riding a rocket through the clouds!
Seeing Ning Feng's exaggerated reaction, Qi Yun simply smiled and gestured for him not to make such a fuss, "It was just a lucky breakthrough, nothing to mention."
I'm calling to ask you for help finding out something.
Upon hearing that Qi Yun had something to ask of him, Ning Feng instantly snapped out of his daze, his shock quickly transforming into the shrewdness and warmth characteristic of a businessman.
His eyes darted around quickly, and his mind was already racing.
This is an incredibly strong and powerful asset with amazing potential!
Qi Refining Peak, with potential for Foundation Establishment in the future.
If not now, when?
Thinking of this, he immediately thumped his chest, his face beaming with smiles, and said eagerly, "Alright! Since you've given your word, what else is there to say?"
Everything is negotiable!
"If it's within my power, Ning Feng will do it without hesitation!"
Qi Yun was not surprised by his reaction; that's how it is in the cultivation world—strength is paramount.
He stopped being polite and directly took out a pre-prepared slip of paper and handed it over.
"I'd like you to help me find out which of the many [Remnant Realm] items controlled by the sect might contain Foundation Establishment items with these two attributes, or any concrete clues related to them."
Ning Feng curiously took the slip of paper, immediately recognizing it as high-quality talisman paper. He carefully unfolded it, revealing two simple characters written with vigorous strokes on the pristine white surface:
Yang, Fire!
Finding information about the [Remnant Realm] is difficult enough, but to pinpoint the exact Foundation Establishment item with specific attributes is no ordinary task.
But looking at Qi Yun's profound aura before him, and considering his terrifying rate of advancement and the future he might represent, he was truly impressed.
Ning Feng hesitated for only a moment before abruptly closing the note and solemnly putting it away.
"You want clues about the Yang and Fire elements for Foundation Establishment, right? Leave it to me!"
"However, as you know, news about [the Remnant Realm] is always scarce."
Especially regarding items related to Foundation Establishment, inquiring about them will probably take some time—" He rubbed his fingers together, making a standard "fee" gesture.
"Just name your Sacred Yuan needs," Qi Yun said calmly. Thanks to the "Wraith Talisman Factory" and his previous savings, his pockets were quite full.
For the sake of Foundation Establishment items, any expense is worthwhile.
"Alright! With your word, I'll go mobilize all my connections right now!" Ning Feng beamed and stood up with great enthusiasm.
I will notify you immediately if I have any news!
After saying that, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Qi Yun, then turned and left in a hurry.
He seemed even more attentive than if he were doing something for himself.
Watching Ning Feng's departing figure, Qi Yun's gaze returned to the table, his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the empty space where the characters "Yang" and "Fire" were written.
Hopefully, there will be good news.