Grotto Mystery
Danzhou City, underground palace.
Li Chengxuan, still shaken, let out a long breath.
That's terrifying!
When True Lord Du holds the [Fruition], he is in harmony with the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth.
Unfortunately, Li Chengxuan was able to peer into the past by relying on the favor of Heavenly Dao.
True Lord Du could sense the discord, but he could not bypass the Heavenly Dao to directly discover Li Chengxuan.
That old Daoist priest was different.
Despite appearing unremarkable and lacking the imposing presence of True Lord, it was able to bypass the Heavenly Dao and the [Two Worlds Pearl] to discover Li Chengxuan.
You can even have conversations remotely!
Li Chengxuan knew perfectly well that he had provoked an extraordinary being, and he had only one thought in his mind: to return to the mortal world immediately!
Thankfully, everything turned out alright, and we returned safely.
While shocked, Li Chengxuan also vaguely understood the reason.
The old Daoist priest once said that the Heavenly Book was not only the origin of talismans, but also the ancestor of writing.
Isn't this perfectly aligned with his own inclination towards teaching and perpetuating [the Continue Lost Teachings]?!
After all, in terms of educational value alone, nothing in this world can compare to the invention of writing.
The causal connection between True Lord Du's [Azure Primordial Cloud Talisman] and [Primordial Chaos Heavenly Talisman] is secondary.
Most likely, Heavenly Dao sensed that the traces of the past contained the power of enlightenment and exerted great effort to send itself there.
As a result, good intentions led to bad outcomes.
Li Chengxuan wasn't too worried.
The old Daoist priest was able to patiently teach a group of young Daoist disciples, so he was clearly not some Evil Cultivator or bad person, nor did he show any malice towards me.
Perhaps they were ancient sages who governed the world with morality.
Moreover, he wasn't some nobody Rogue Cultivator without any connections.
Upon returning to the sect, I immediately went to the Ancestral Hall to pay my respects.
Perhaps the old Daoist priest is an acquaintance of one's own ancestor!
After comforting himself, Li Chengxuan took out the [Miscellaneous Records of Supreme Mystery's Secret History] and carefully opened it.
Besides the short stories I wrote for my disciples about their path to enlightenment, I've added a few more.
"General Knowledge of Cloud Seal Script" and "Annotations and Commentaries on the Du Clan's Cloud Script Divine Symbols" were obtained from listening to the lectures of that nameless Purple Mansion who bit his finger.
The next one will be truly remarkable.
The "Azure Primordial Cloud Talisman Zhilu Zhenjing" is undoubtedly the Merit of the True Lord True Lord [Clear Water], a testament to his enlightenment.
Just considering this one Daoist scripture, this trip is already considered a complete success!
Li Chengxuan has decided to entrust the Cultivation Method in this Daoist scripture to the infant Du Household's blue-eyed child so that the cause and effect can be fulfilled.
As for Daoist scriptures outside of Cultivation Method, they can be freely disseminated, which can also be considered as spreading the Merit True Lord Du.
With such an arrangement, even if True Lord Du himself were present, he would not be able to find any fault with it.
Just as Li Chengxuan was pleased with his plan, he inadvertently turned to the next page and was immediately stunned.
Logically, this page should be blank, but instead, a Daoist scripture has suddenly appeared.
The name itself is quite extraordinary.
The Hunyuanzi's Explanation of the Lingbao Astronomical Five Symbols Classic.
Li Chengxuan silently closed the book, then slowly reopened it, hoping that everything he had just read was just his illusion.
But it's not!
The old Daoist priest not only discovered his presence but also politely asked him questions. Seeing him flee in panic, the priest even forced a Daoist scripture on him.
Li Chengxuan quickly checked the other items on his person.
There was nothing unusual about any of the items.
Only the fake Thunder Method Scripture bought from the black Azure Cloud Market had some changes.
The text in the Thunder Method Scripture was all fabricated and has been erased without a trace.
Only the lightning pattern, which had been copied from an unknown source, had been completely restored.
Its eight corners gleamed brilliantly.
It exudes a profound and ancient charm.
"Is this a thank-you gift I prepared in advance to continue his lineage?! The old Daoist priest is indeed a good person!" Li Chengxuan carefully put away the strangely shaped [Heavenly Script Thunder Talisman], his feelings a complex mix of emotions. "At least [to continue the Continue Lost Teachings the sages], it should be true in name only, without a trace of falsehood!"
"However, this Daoist scripture is ancient and obscure; most people probably cannot cultivate it."
"We must find someone with exceptional talent and profound wisdom to cultivate with."
"Duanmu Ren... Dao Hui should be enough. It's just that [High Shaman] is fierce, clearly not in the same style as that old Daoist priest, so he probably won't be suitable."
"Xiao Hu is kind-hearted and upright; we can give him a try. I'm just afraid his wisdom is lacking."
"If that doesn't work, we'll have to go back to the Grotto-Heaven and look for it."
"No rush, let's wait and see!"
As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Li Chengxuan's aura surged and rose dramatically.
Li Chengxuan suddenly realized.
He had already obtained his own [Foundation Establishment fortuitous opportunity].
The essence of spiritual practice lies in the principles of Tao.
Li Chengxuan's theory of "Foundation Establishment" can be summarized in just six words.
To continue the Continue Lost Teachings of the sages!
Li Chengxuan's descent from the mountain has proven that his theories are indeed feasible.
With the favor of Heavenly Dao and relying on tokens, we trace back to the past and search for the severed lineage of Daoist scriptures Cultivation Method.
Then, with the help of the [Two Worlds Pearl], they can find Manifestation suitable person to continue the lineage and accumulate Merit.
And so it goes.
Heavenly Dao, the sages of the past, oneself, and those whose spiritual lineage has been severed can all benefit from this; it can be said that everyone is happy.
Apart from oneself, no one else can successfully navigate this path!
As Li Chengxuan walked out of the underground palace, he vaguely felt that he had already touched the threshold of [Foundation Establishment], and was only one last spark of inspiration away from achieving it.
"Greetings, Sect Leader!" Outside the underground palace, Du Qingquan said anxiously, "Sect Leader, something terrible has happened! A large number of Rogue Cultivator have arrived outside the City Lord's Mansion and are about to storm in..."
"Rogue Cultivator?!" Li Chengxuan was taken aback and frowned, asking, "Why?!"
Du Qingquan quickly explained, "Pang... Dafu has been missing for a long time, and Miss Pang Household is nowhere to be found. The Pang Household's servants are unsupervised and may have leaked information about what's happening in the city lord's mansion."
"Those Rogue Cultivator, having received the news, have gathered outside the city lord's mansion, and could rush in at any moment to seize the fortuitous opportunity!"
Li Chengxuan nodded upon hearing this, but continued walking forward without stopping.
Du Qingquan dared not delay and could only hurry to catch up.
As expected, a large number of Rogue Cultivator had already gathered outside the city lord's mansion.
However, they were intimidated by the reputation and power of the Mountain and Sea Chamber of Commerce.
Right now, it's just a lot of noise and gathering, a restless gathering.
Once one person can no longer contain themselves and takes the lead, the Rogue Cultivator will swarm into the city lord's mansion like locusts, fighting and vying for any nonexistent fortuitous opportunity.
Upon seeing Li Chengxuan and Du Qingquan appear, the Rogue Cultivator outside immediately became agitated.
Someone asked impatiently, "Fellow Daoist Du, is there really fortuitous opportunity inside the City Lord's Mansion?!"
Some people encouraged others. "Why don't we just go in and see for ourselves?! Someone should lead the way! What are we afraid of with so many of us?!"
Some people were wary and skeptical. "The fortuitous opportunity might be with them! Don't let them get away!"
Du Qingquan's face was grave, and he staggered.
The Rogue Cultivator left the market, but they could become Bandit Cultivator at any moment.
Even Perfected Qi Refining cultivator would feel wary if so many Rogue Cultivator rushed in at once.
"Sigh... let's do it today."
Li Chengxuan sighed, treating the Rogue Cultivator before him as if he were nothing. His body slowly floated into the air, and he sat down in the void, forming the Transmission Seal with his hands. He spoke softly, yet his voice resonated throughout the surrounding area. "I am Li Chengxuan, the head of Supreme Mystery Mountain. Today, in Danzhou City, I will lecture on the art of talismans."
"Fellow Daoists, if you have the time, you are welcome to come and listen to my sermons; you may gain something from them."
"If you don't have the time, you can also go and search for fortuitous opportunity yourself."
Caught off guard, the numerous Rogue Cultivator were momentarily at a loss, and began to discuss amongst themselves.
First, it shocked Li Chengxuan's identity.
Secondly, he was naturally puzzled by Li Chengxuan's actions in preaching.
Although the fortunes of the Old Method in Southern Reach have been restored, many Rogue Cultivator are still in dire straits.
Basically, they just practice whatever Cultivation Method they find, regardless of any Daoist theories or doctrines.
Even though some Rogue Cultivator realize the importance of Daoist theory, they suffer from a lack of guidance and can only lament their helplessness.
Some Rogue Cultivator have already sneaked into the city lord's mansion.
Inside the underground palace, there was a clear pool awaiting them, reserved for those at the Foundation Establishment level.
If one can break free from the [Clear Pool Reflecting Images] technique, there is indeed a possibility of obtaining some fortuitous opportunity.
Li Chengxuan ignored him and slowly began to speak, "The art of talismans has three elements and five methods."
"The first element is [Hun Yuan], which is the calligraphy of Heaven, imitating Heaven and Earth, with eight points radiating light."
"The second element is [Red Element], which is the script of the earth, symbolizing the earthly chariot, with dragon and phoenix patterns."
"The third element is [the Netherworld Element], which is the calligraphy of ghosts, a complex and subtle style that no human can decipher."
"The fourth method, named Cloud Seal Script Method, was achieved by [Clear Water Azure Primordial Cloud Talisman True Lord] through [Primordial Chaos Heavenly Script Method]. Clouds swirl and form seal script, clouds unfold and bring auspiciousness."
"The fifth method, known as Xia Script Method, was created by imitating the script of the Xia Dynasty, based on the Cloud Seal Script, integrating symbols into the characters, and spreading throughout the world."
The numerous Rogue Cultivator were all deeply shocked after hearing only the opening lines.
The art of talismans has become an essential skill for Rogue Cultivator.
However, the vast majority of Rogue Cultivator only focus on diligently drawing, without knowing the origin of the talisman techniques they have learned, nor do they know that there are other talisman techniques, let alone the Three Elements Talisman Technique.
The "Hun Yuanzi's Explanation of the Lingbao Astronomical Five Symbols Classic" is extremely complex.
Li Chengxuan naturally wouldn't publicly proclaim it; he simply skipped over Xia Script Method and went straight to talking about [Cloud Seal Script Method].
The teaching also progressed from easy to difficult, starting with the explanation of "General Knowledge of Cloud Seal Script," which already made many cultivators look troubled.
When the lecture on "Du Clan's Cloud Script and Divine Talisman Annotations" was given, it was already as profound as the teachings of the Purple Mansion. Most of the Rogue Cultivator listened as if to heavenly scriptures, but no one was willing to give it up.
This kind of fortuitous opportunity is a thousand times more precious than picking up fragments of Law Artifact or broken bricks and tiles on Little Dragon Mountain.
Li Chengxuan, his mind the Unseen, continued reciting the "Azure Primordial Cloud Talisman Zhilu True Scripture".
This is a legitimate [True Lord's Legacy].
If one possesses sufficient Manifestation and the corresponding Cultivation Method, one can at least have a glimpse of the [Purple Mansion]!
The "Azure Primordial Cloud Talisman True Scripture" is profound; even Li Chengxuan could only recite it verbatim, so the Rogue Cultivator below naturally couldn't understand it either.
However, this world can understand.
Inside and outside Danzhou City, the Manifestation the [Clear Water] is palpable.
The buried and disappeared spring has reappeared and gushed forth, converging into hundreds of streams along the stone-paved street, flowing through the city and into the White Dragon River.
Above the spiritual spring, azure smoke and clouds rose up, flying into the air and condensing without dissipating.
The Danzhou City has regained its mysterious and wondrous appearance, with clouds gathering and rain about to fall, and water shrouded in mist.
After Li Chengxuan finished speaking his last sentence, his Merit were complete.
His aura surged dramatically, mimicking the Five Perfections of True Lord Du, which fused his entire being—his Manifestation Fate, spiritual awareness, Root Bone, flesh, and blood—together, naturally solidifying into a foundation for Immortal Foundation [the Continue Lost Teachings] within his dantian!
That Immortal Foundation is exactly as described in the [Miscellaneous Records of Supreme Mystery's Secret History].
"Foundation Establishment complete!"
"I never expected my natal magic Law Artifact to be this book!"
Li Chengxuan's mind stirred.
The strange black book appeared in his hand.
The natal magic Law Artifact of the Immortal Foundation [Continue Lost Teachings] is a book, which is quite fitting.
The name just needs to be changed.
Li Chengxuan a thought, three large characters appeared on the book cover.
The Grotto Mystery Book!
Written by the Lord of the Supreme Mystery Grotto-Heaven!
Li Chengxuan reached out and summoned the Azure Cloud Sect above Danzhou City, which landed at his feet.
A light drizzle began to fall in Danzhou City.
This rain is formed from [Clear Water], it is Clear Evening Rain, which is most effective in purifying and cleansing away impurities and distracting thoughts.
Furthermore, the extraordinary phenomenon of Li Chengxuan breaking through to the Foundation Establishment has the added benefit of enlightening one's wisdom.
In Danzhou City, all the literate mortals and cultivators, whether practicing the New Method or Old Method, experienced a great awakening of their wisdom and spiritual growth.
Regardless of whether they were ordinary cultivators, they all bowed down to Li Chengxuan's departing figure, expressing their gratitude for his enlightenment and teachings.
Li Chengxuan stepped on the Azure Cloud Sect, soaring straight into the sky, with faint Daoist chants drifting from afar:
"Bearing the weight of the Xuan Mountain on my shoulders, caught in the struggle between the old and the new, I have spent sleepless nights, filled with sorrow, love, and hate. All laugh at how the mortal world has misled me, yet I insist on walking alone, lying awake every day drinking ice. I still remember the events of the Central Continent, and I always suspect the iron belt has a foul smell."
"By relying on the old talisman, I cross the waves of tribulation, reflecting in the pool. The water is still, mist rises, rain falls, springs emerge, and streams flow through the city. The talisman has three origins and five methods, the Dao transmits the Cloud Seal Script blue scripture, and the supreme learning arises from myself. I tread on the Azure Cloud Sect, and a scroll of profound mystery is completed."