Fruition Status Breaks the Deadlock!

Green Mountain Daoist Temple, beneath ancient pines.

Qi Yun sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed, his face serene, the hem of his dark blue Daoist robe remaining perfectly still in the extremely faint airflow.

There was no earth-shattering vortex of spiritual energy around him, nor any dazzling Law Power radiance.

Only a few wisps of warm, gentle air, like a spring breeze in the forest, drifted and gathered slowly with his long, deep breaths.

With a single breath, the breath emanates outward, like Fresh Breeze rustling through pine needles, as if measuring the heavens and earth, and embracing all things.

With a single breath, the aura becomes inward, like a giant whale swallowing the sea, drawing in all the pure spiritual energy around it, imbued with the Daoist principles, along with that trace of the "Primordial" Daoist intent that lingers between heaven and earth.

In the rhythmic cycle of his breath, a hazy, illusory Domain Heaven appeared and disappeared in the void behind him.

That is precisely the foundation of his Dao Foundation— [Great Luo Heaven].

At this moment, the illusory image of [Great Luo Heaven] changed size and shape with Qi Yun's breathing.

When it reaches its full size, the illusory image expands slightly, as if it can contain the illusory images of mountains and rivers, and the flowing starlight, faintly exuding an aura that can swallow the entire world.

In an instant, the phantom condensed into a single chaotic glimmer, clinging tightly to Qi Yun's vest, heavy and weighty, like the origin of all great Daos.

At this moment, Qi Yun was using this Foundation Establishment Mirror Heaven to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and temper his physical body.

The pursuit of Dao Path is like climbing a treacherous peak.

Qi Yun's mind is as clear as a mirror.

To attain the True Lord Dao Fruit, one must acquire the Samadhi: [Dharma Body], [Immortal Aspect], and [Fruition Status].

The Dharma Body is the body of the Great Dao, bearing the foundation of the Dao Path, and is the manifestation of the deep integration of one's own Dao principles and the origin of life.

With the immense Creation of the Leakless Golden Core bestowed upon him by the Desolate Halberd True Lord, he fortuitous opportunity condensed this [Primordial True Body], which was the most solid and extraordinary step he took in achieving the [Dharma Body].

The attainment of two of the three samadhis leads to the realm of Great True Person.

Now that his Dharma Body has been initially formed, if he could obtain a [Immortal Aspect] that suits him, or find a [Fruition Status] that he can comprehend and embody, he would be fortunate enough to achieve this.

Then one can attempt to reach the Great True Person rank, which countless Foundation Establishment True Person dream of.

However, with the crisis looming ahead, he no longer has time to calmly plan for becoming Immortal Aspect or Fruition Status.

" With the True Lord Wudao as his sect leader and Black Mountain as his disciple, he will surely use his new authority to launch an attack against me." Qi Yun's thoughts flowed clearly, yet the process of tempering his Dharma Body remained completely undisturbed.

"Since Desolate Halberd True Lord has stepped down, even if he had intended to protect her, it would be difficult for him to directly interfere."

Moreover, given the nature of the True Lord Wudao, emotional ties would be negligible.

"The key to surviving this calamity, or even turning the tide, lies in— the True Lord Wudao himself." Qi Yun's thoughts grew increasingly calm and sharp.

According to Desolate Halberd True Lord, True Lord Wudao is the one among the Great True Lord who has the most Holy Sect demeanor.

Such beings are only interested in the Great Dao, power, and tangible benefits that can help them advance further or consolidate their power.

Affection is unreliable; self-interest can move mountains.

"But what kind of benefits could possibly sway a True Lord who has already reached the pinnacle of this realm and wields immense power?" Qi Yun pondered to himself.

Ordinary rare treasures, Cultivation Method techniques, and secret skills are probably not worth his attention.

Just as his mind raced, weighing the known information against his own resources, a long-dormant, languid voice, carrying a hint of just-awakened languor, suddenly resounded deep within his Purple Mansion: "What can move True Lord is, of course, only [Fruition Status]!"

Qi Yun's heart skipped a beat, followed by an indescribable feeling of relaxation and warmth.

That voice—it's Cai!

"Senior Cai? You're awake?" Qi Yun responded telepathically, with a genuine smile.

To deceive everyone from the Azure Gate Realm, he sealed himself away for nearly sixty years, causing Cai Kun, who resided in his Purple Mansion, to also fall into a deep slumber.

After returning to the Xuanhuang, he tried various methods, but none of them could awaken this elder who seemed to be deeply bound to him; he could only wait passively.

Unexpectedly, at this critical moment, Cai Kun woke up on his own.

"Ugh----yawn----" The sound seemed to actually be stretching, with the lingering echo of a yawn.

"I slept really soundly that night."

It's been a long time since I've had such a peaceful, undisturbed long sleep.

If it weren't for the fact that when you swallowed that [Leakless Golden Core], your body was like a furnace of heaven and earth, making such a huge commotion that it shook this old man to his core.

I could sleep with him for hundreds of years.

As he spoke, a ray of golden light quietly emerged from between Qi Yun's eyebrows, landing on his shoulder and transforming into a palm-sized, golden, and vividly depicted old man—the very image of Cai Shen.

He rubbed his non-existent sleepy eyes, sat on Qi Yun's shoulders, and swung his chubby little legs a couple of times.

"It's good that Senior Cai is alright," Qi Yun said gently, continuing to maintain the rhythm of his spiritual energy.

You just mentioned [the Fruition Status]?

Could it be that you, senior, have clues about the [Fruition Status]?

That's the key point!

If Cai Shen truly has clues about the Fruition Status, it would undoubtedly be a timely help, or even a crucial factor in turning the tide of events!

Upon hearing this, Cai Kun curled his lip, slightly raised his head, and said with an air of self-righteous pride, "It's just a clue to a [Fruition Status], look how anxious you are."

Kid, don't forget what my true form is!

[Wealth Connects to the Divine]!

Forget about a single clue to a [Fruition Status], if you could truly and perfectly control my true form—"

He paused deliberately, glanced at Qi Yun with his small eyes, and then slowly said, "--I'll just conjure up a few fresh and hot [Fruition Status] for you out of thin air from this vast heaven and endless Void Sea."

That's nothing more than a piece of cake!

Beneath the ancient pine, the Fresh Breeze remains.

But Qi Yun's breathing paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.

If this is true, then the current predicament seems to have a chance to turn around.

"Really?! You can directly summon several [Fruition Status]?"

Cai Shen's seemingly casual yet earth-shattering words, like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirred up a tidal wave in Qi Yun's heart.

Even with his composed nature, his eyes couldn't help but flicker for a moment.

If this is true.

Not only can the potential trouble caused by the True Lord Wudao be easily resolved.

He can also take this opportunity to comprehend the [Fruition Status] and open the door to the realm of the Great True Person.

You wish!

Cai Shen suddenly jumped up and smacked Qi Yun hard on the forehead as he saw the golden old man phantom sitting on his shoulder.

"Do you think just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can perfectly control the true form of Imperial Weapon?"

Let me tell you about the starting threshold...

He raised his first finger, his tone serious. "A foundation of cultivation at the Five True Lord level!"

Then, raising his second finger, he added with even greater seriousness, "He must also hold the rank of Great Tang official of at least the third grade!"

After saying that, he withdrew his finger, put his hands behind his back, floated back to sit on Qi Yun's shoulder, and glanced at Qi Yun sideways. "Which of these two points do you possess now, kid? Hmm?"

Qi Yun: "----"

The slight heat that had just begun was completely extinguished by this bucket of cold water.

"So, what you just said, senior, was nothing but a mirage, a castle in the air?" Qi Yun frowned, his voice still calm, but a hint of disappointment inevitably showed through it.

If it cannot be achieved, even the most beautiful prospects are just illusions.

"Hey, you can't say that." Cai Shen waved his hand, swinging his leg nonchalantly.

"What I mean is, with your current cultivation level and status, to think you can conjure up a ready-made [Fruition Status] out of thin air is wishful thinking."

He changed the subject, his small eyes gleaming with shrewdness. "But—if we settle for second best, merely seeking a clear clue about a [Fruition Status], with your current abilities, you can still barely manage it."

"Clues to the Fruition Status— " Qi Yun's gaze suddenly sharpened, like two cold stars illuminating the darkness.

"What you mean, senior, is—"

Qi Yun's mind raced, and he had already guessed some of the details.

"Heading south, to find my true form!"

In the Great Void Mirror Heaven, the sound of the conch shell ceased, and the celestial light gradually faded.

The invisible pressure and chilling aura brought by the newly Sect-Presiding True Lord had not yet completely dissipated above the sect.

The undercurrents were already eagerly beginning to surge.

Outside the Green Mountain Daoist Temple, several streaks of light, each of different colors but all exuding powerful and majestic auras, streaked across the sky, converged at one point, and then, without concealing their tracks, sped straight toward the Green Mountain Spirit Peak in the northwest.

Leading the way was a jet-black beam of light, its edges swirling with viscous Sha Qi and heavy Mountain Shadow —it was none other than the Black Mountain True Person!

The following beams of light, each a different color, all exuded the pressure of Foundation Establishment True Person.

However, compared to the Great True Person and unfathomable realm of the Black Mountain True Person, it is clearly inferior by more than a fraction.

These True Person were all affiliated with or on good terms with the Black Mountain lineage, and were Holy Sect True Person who had suffered the Qi Yun plunder.

In the past, intimidated by the power of the Desolate Halberd True Lord and the difficulty of dealing with Qi Yun himself, they could only swallow their anger and remain silent.

Now that the Desolate Halberd True Lord has stepped down, the new sect leader True Lord Wudao, is the Black Mountain Master.

Almost at the same time that news of the arrival of the True Lord Wudao in the Great Void Mirror Heaven spread, these people gathered under the command of the Black Mountain True Person.

Needless to say, we are united in our hatred of the enemy and must take advantage of the momentum of the "new emperor's ascension to the throne" to settle old scores and recover our losses in one fell swoop.

We must also thoroughly humiliate Qi Yun, who have been so prominent in recent years and have made them lose face, as a warning to others!

Black Mountain True Person's face was as cold as water, and his eyes flashed with a chilling light.

His master's position as the sect leader was his greatest source of confidence.

The light traveled swiftly, covering a thousand miles in mere moments.

The majestic green mountains have come into view, with their beautiful peaks shrouded in mist.

The outline of the Green Mountain Daoist Temple nestled among ancient pines and clear springs gradually became clear.

Before his figure even arrived, Black Mountain True Person's Divine Sense had already swept out, like an invisible giant net, enveloping the Green Mountain Daoist Temple, intending to seize the initiative and intimidate the people inside.

However, when the Divine Sense swept over it, all that returned was emptiness.

Black Mountain True Person frowned, and his escape light suddenly accelerated, landing first on the blue stone platform in front of the Green Mountain Daoist Temple.

The gate was ajar, and the interior was completely silent.

"Playing tricks!" A True Person priest dressed in a ghastly green robe, with a fierce expression, sneered, stepped forward, and with a flick of his sleeve, a soft, sinister gust of wind crashed towards the temple gate.

The gate creaked open, revealing the interior of the temple.

The courtyard was tidy, and the ancient plum trees stood tall and vigorous.

The ground was paved with bluestone, spotless.

The houses were neatly arranged, and the doors and windows were intact.

But there was no one there.

Not only was there no one in sight, but even the low-ranking Daoist boys and puppet warriors who used to sweep and serve in the temple were nowhere to be found.

The Spirit Plant in the herb garden had been completely harvested, leaving only neat mounds of earth.

The Alchemy Chamber, weapon-refining room, and scripture pavilion—the doors and windows were wide open, and the interiors were empty. Not even the most ordinary prayer mats and incense burners remained.

The entire Daoist temple, except for the buildings themselves which could not be moved, was completely looted, leaving it eerily clean.

Only on the inside of the mountain gate, on the slightly mottled vermilion-lacquered doorpost, was Zhang Su white Xuan paper pasted.

The paper was written in neat yet elegant ink characters:

[He/She has gone on a long journey and his/her return date is uncertain.]

[Please feel free to visit if you wish.]

The signature is a simple mark with the word "Qi".

The handwriting is neat and the content is polite.

It even carries a touch of the carefree spirit of a "Rogue Person in the mountains".

But at this moment, in the eyes of this group of menacing True Person came specifically to "visit," these few numbers were nothing less than the most biting and direct mockery and provocation!

"A long journey? Return date uncertain?" The ashen-green-robed True Person's face instantly turned ashen, his teeth clenched. "This bastard—he dared to run away ahead of schedule?!"

"Search!" Black Mountain True Person silently spoke.

The assembled True Person immediately dispersed, their boundless Divine Sense flowing like mercury across the ground, leaving no inch of land, no brick or tile unexplored, even delving deep into the earth's veins to investigate.

A moment later, the group returned with increasingly grim expressions.

"Reporting to the True Person, there are no hidden Formation Art or traces of entrances to grottoes within the temple."

"The earth's ley lines are calm, with no abnormal spiritual energy nodes."

"All the houses were empty, and no protective barriers remained—"

"Even the core of the protective mountain Formation Art has been dismantled—it's been completely emptied."

Black Mountain True Person stood in the center of the empty courtyard, the churning black Sha Qi around him surging uncontrollably, and the bluestone slabs under his feet made a slight cracking sound as they could not bear the weight.

His gaze was fixed on the white paper on the doorpost, swaying slightly in the wind, his eyes so dark they seemed to drip ink.

The suffocating feeling of having all his strength stored up but nowhere to channel it made his chest feel tight and even his Dao heart tremble slightly.

"Great—very good!"

Black Mountain True Person said expressionlessly, "Qi Yun, you think you can get away with it by hiding?"

As long as you are still in this Xuanhuang Realm, still in the Northwest—

Just then, another message talisman flew down from the sky and landed in the hand of a True Person. After reading the message, the True Person's expression became even more strange. He hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and whispered, "True Person —I just received a message."

Three days ago, Master True Person Qianxin of Qi Yun, announced that he was going into seclusion, opening all the restrictions on his cave abode and refusing all visitors, stating that he would not leave until he broke through the barrier.

Another True Person, seemingly having received the message, added, "True Person Qingli and her dao companion left the mountain yesterday, saying they were going to visit friends in the Eastern Sea. Their return date is undetermined."

"True Person Yang Cuan the refining of the weapon had reached a crucial point, and sealed the fire chamber."

"True Person Mingyu has accepted a long-term patrol mission to a remote area from the sect and set off this morning—"

One by one, the names were announced, all of whom were True Person who had been quite close to Qi Yun in the past, or who had clearly expressed Holy Sect on certain occasions.

And without exception, all of them recently "disappeared" from the sect under various plausible pretexts.

They left cleanly and decisively, striking just the right moment.

Standing in the empty Green Mountain Daoist Temple, where only the mountain breeze wafted through, and gazing at that glaring white paper, Black Mountain True Person felt it more clearly than ever before.

That ant, which he once looked down upon, proved to be far more cunning and troublesome than anticipated.

The other party seemed to have anticipated that he would launch an attack at this moment.

Furthermore, all contingency plans were prepared in advance.

He fled far away, and his allies temporarily withdrew.

They were furious, but there was nothing they could do.

Could we possibly ask the True Lord Wudao to issue an order to bring Qi Yun back?

If they dare to say that, their fate will be even worse than Qi Yun's.

The Demonic Sect also has its own way of playing.

The True Lord can sit idly by and watch them scheme against each other and fight amongst themselves.

But blatant division will not be tolerated.

"Boom!"

Smoke and dust rose, and the doorposts and white paper turned to dust.

But the frustration of seeing the person gone and the fist falling into nothingness remained deeply in the hearts of Black Mountain True Person and the group of True Person behind him, whose faces were equally grim.

The Green Mountain Daoist Temple still stands.

It only seemed more empty and desolate.