Core Thesis: "Purify the Turbid World"

Instead of answering, Sect Leader Kang Da asked, "May I ask Boyue, what was your Core Thesis Boyue then?"

Fei Nanying showed a hint of surprise; he hadn't expected Kang Dabao to ask a question at this moment. However, since the latter could be considered somewhat close to the descendants, he simply murmured, "The Changsheng Immortal."

"The Changsheng Immortal?"

"Throughout the Fei Household, generations have produced individuals who have successfully formed True-Grade Golden Core based on these three words. By comprehending this principle, my future will be clear, and I will achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Fei Nanying showed no outward sign of distress, but Kang Dabao sensed that Core Thesis of "Changsheng Immortal," so he didn't rush to ask any questions and simply waited for Fei Nanying to continue.

When the Marquis of Gucheng spoke again, his words seemed to carry a Dao Rhyme: "The so-called Changsheng is not about staying in this world, but about seeking the Dao to achieve eternity. This subtly aligns with the principle in the * Yellow Court Classic * that 'Immortals and Daoists are not gods, but accumulate essence and qi to achieve truth.' Therefore, although this Core Thesis contains the words 'Changsheng,' it is not actually about seeking longevity or survival, but about seeking the Dao and Seek Truth."

"Seeking longevity, seeking survival; seeking the Way, Seek Truth."

Fei Nanying's words were very simple, but Kang Dabao only repeated them for a while before he seemed to have some understanding of them.

"The essence of a cultivator's Core Formation lies first and foremost in the Core Thesis Core Thesis is not the art of furnaces and cauldrons, but rather the path of self-realization for the cultivator. It originates from profound enlightenment of the spiritual realm and from the fusion of the ultimate principles of heaven and earth gained through cultivation, aiming to condense the soul of the Golden Core elixir."

Fei Nanying emphasized again, and seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da's expression had not relaxed, he added:

"The Core Thesis began after the Foundation Establishment. Cultivators went through tribulations, studied ancient texts, integrated the insights gained from hundreds of refinements, and combined the wonders of all methods. They took the ultimate principles of heaven and earth and condensed them into their own personal transmission."

It is impossible to attain this without thoroughly understanding the path of cultivation and deeply observing the changes of Yin and Yang. One must clear one's mind and discern one's own path to enlightenment; observe the celestial phenomena and comprehend the principles of the generation and transformation of all things.

Then, by meticulously analyzing and extracting the essence, it was forged into a Dao of Alchemy whole, establishing the standard for alchemy. Once this theory is complete, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi and earth can be drawn upon during the formation of the Core Formation, and subsequent cultivation will also be guided by this standard, like the North Star pointing to the extreme, with all streams flowing to their source.

Kang Dabao's expression turned solemn, and he carefully memorized Fei Nanying's words. Although they were only a few hundred words, they were the culmination of generations of cultivation by the Ying Prefecture Fei Household.

The summary presented by the Marquis of Gucheng is truly a gem of wisdom, worthy of being passed down as a family heirloom for a lineage like the Chongming Sect.

Even the fact that the Core Thesis is not only about the Core Formation, but also the foundation of a cultivator's subsequent cultivation, was something that Sect Leader Kang Da had never heard a high-ranking cultivator say so frankly before.

And so the chaotic and unclear images in his mind slowly dissipated. In the moment of complete clarity in Kang Dabao's mind, the thought that had been hidden in his heart clearly manifested as three words, which he then uttered:

"Purify the Turbid World!"

"The Purify the Turbid World?!" Fei Nanying's voice held a hint of doubt as he spoke, but before he could ask further, Kang Dabao continued, echoing the former's earlier teachings, and loudly proclaimed:

"A clouded mind creates a clouded world, a clear mind creates a clear world. It is not that heaven and earth create cloudiness, but that people's minds are confused."

Fei Nanying raised an eyebrow, clearly slightly surprised, then chuckled softly, "Interesting. Continue."

Kang Dabao, a man of great wisdom and magnanimity, said, "The Core Formation is not the condensation of metal and stone, but the union of nature and life. The human body is like a microcosm, with the pure and turbid energies hidden in the mysterious gate. The pure energy is the spirit of nature, floating in the sea of consciousness like flowing clouds in the sky; the turbid energy is the foundation of life, lying dormant in the Dantian like a dragon lurking at the bottom of an abyss."

As the * Awakening to Reality * says, "Stop seeking the Five Elements in the alchemical furnace; if you seek the Dragon and Tiger, they will naturally befriend you."

To Golden Core Formation Pill, one must understand the wondrous flow of pure and impure within the body—pure cannot exist independently of impure, nor can impure arise without pure; only through the interaction of these two energies can the Primordial One Qi be conceived.

Fei Nanying pondered these words for a moment, his smile widening, and urged, "Tell me more."

"Seeing that greed, anger, and ignorance are like turbulent waves, obscuring the minds of all beings, staining mountains and rivers, and causing suffering to all, one should hold up the clear light to illuminate this turbid world; one should know that within the turbid waves lies a boat to ferry people across the world, and within the dust lies the light that illuminates the world, therefore one should not avoid the turbidity but fear it, and not escape the world but cultivate oneself."

Upon hearing this, Fei Nanying burst out laughing.

He wasn't pleased by Kang Dabao's profound Core Thesis, but rather felt that the latter, lacking a renowned teacher, was making mistakes without realizing it, which was truly laughable.

However, since his nephew-in-law had no renowned teacher, it was perfectly normal for him to make some mistakes at this crucial moment.

After laughing for a while, Fei Nanying started thinking again.

If Kang Dabao's earlier statement, "When the mind is turbid, the world is turbid; when the mind is clear, the world is clear. It is not that heaven and earth create turbidity, but that people's minds are confused," could still be refreshing and inspiring to Fei Nanying, then in his view, Kang Dabao's subsequent theory of "cultivating oneself and others" was entirely erroneous.

However, this was precisely Fei Nanying's purpose in testing him. In his eyes, this nephew-in-law was already quite valuable. In the future, when he was in charge of the Fei Household, he might be able to rely on him for support. Even if he didn't care about Shuhe's reputation, he would still be good at cultivating him.

Such talent, however, could not be allowed to continue down the wrong path. Therefore, Fei Nanying gently advised him again:

"You've gone off track! This isn't a 'Purify the Turbid World,' it's more like 'protecting the common people.' Such grand ambitions are beyond the reach of people like you and me! Give it up quickly, stop thinking about it!"

However, what you said earlier is quite interesting. Your discussion on purity and turbidity is quite substantial. It seems that if you refine this theory a little more, it will be enough for you to achieve the Golden Core when the time is right.

"I've learned my lesson, lad."

After hearing Fei Nanying's words, Kang Dabao laughed along, but he didn't seem very relaxed.

After seeing Fei Nanying pondered for a while and finally said, "It is said that guiding others to cultivate is a major taboo in social interactions, and there are many things I should not say to you. However, unlike the 'Changsheng Immortal' who only need to seek the Dao Seek Truth, it is easy and natural for them."

Your original intention to establish a cultivation theory based on the 'Purify the Turbid World' is too ambitious. If you really cultivate according to this theory, even if you are lucky enough to Core Formation, your subsequent cultivation will be very difficult. It is not a wise choice.

I know you've been taught by that Mr. Yin and have developed a tendency to be indecisive. Governing the world is a truly heavy responsibility; even high-ranking officials and princes cannot bear it, let alone someone as insignificant as you. If you have the leisure, just manage your own affairs and don't create trouble for yourself."

"Boyue your guidance, Boyue," Kang Dabao said respectfully again.

Fei Nanying wasn't quite sure whether Sect Leader Kang Da would heed his earnest advice.

However, when he got to this point, he could be said to have put in a lot of good intentions. After all, cultivation is a personal matter, and even a master, as close as they are, cannot interfere with a disciple's cultivation.

"Yes, this trip was worthwhile. I'll go see Shuhe and her son, then head back."

"Boyue,"

Fei Nanying was interrupted by Kang Dabao, who raised an eyebrow and asked in a questioning voice, "Hmm?"

But then Sect Leader Kang Da bowed solemnly and said, "This humble one presumptuously asks, may I inquire why the Duke of Qin established the Core Thesis?!"

"You really are quite different now," Fei Nanying, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. He looked Kang Dabao up and down carefully again before speaking calmly, "It's alright to tell you, after all, there are quite a few people in the world who know about it. As a member of the imperial family, the Duke of Duke of Qin comprehended the elixir by studying the alchemical Core Thesis established by the founding emperor."

Seeing that Kang Dabao's appetite had been whetted, Fei Nanying then softened his tone and said, "Speaking of which, it does somewhat align with your Core Thesis."

Seeing Kang Dabao's gaze suddenly become much more serious, Fei Nanying stopped keeping him in suspense and spoke clearly, enunciating each word distinctly. "Shepherd All Living Beings."

At the same time, the warm red sunset clouds suddenly dispersed, and a slit in indigo suddenly tore open in the sky above them. Then, a rumbling thunder seemed to explode in Kang Dabao's ears, making his heart tighten and completely drowning out his murmur:

"Shepherd All Living Beings"

Fei Nanying did not stay at the Chongming Sect for long, only less than three days, before returning to Xuanwei City.

This is because Fei Tianqin is not currently in Mountain South, and Fei Dongwen, who should be in charge, has not been in office for a long time. Therefore, all matters concerning the Fei Household are now discussed and handled by Fei Granny Liu and other Pill Master.

Normally, mundane matters that are not of great importance are fine, but there are also many important matters that require Fei Nanying, the Golden Core cultivator, to make the final decision. Therefore, he cannot stay for too long.

However, perhaps because Fei Nanying had enjoyed discussing cultivation with Sect Leader Kang Da so much, he spent the last few days at the Chongming Sect not only playing with his grandchildren but also summoning the True Cultivator who remained at Little Ring Mountain to listen to his teachings.

This was a privilege that even many of the Fei Household's disciples had never received. Even if they couldn't fully comprehend it, they still memorized Fei Nanying's words word by word and would ponder them later in their practice.

The Golden Core Elixir's sermon was a grand event no matter where it took place in Cloud Horn Prefecture. After listening to the sermon, the cultivators began to go into seclusion one after another.

Even Wei Gu, the steward of the Formation Hall, regained his confidence and began to Foundation Establishment again after listening to his master Zhang Qingran recount the essence of the teachings.

Sect Leader Kang Da was naturally pleased with this outcome. If Wei Gu, a disciple who came from Rogue Cultivator, could establish his Dao Foundation, it would be a great thing both publicly and privately.

After all, the Chongming Sect has now reached a point where it needs to put out a horse bone (a metaphor for a weak or insignificant fact).

The Chongming Sect is not currently short of supplies. Because the sect leader is good at scheming and has been winning battles cleverly lately, the sect's treasury under Ye Zhengwen's control still has at least eleven or twelve Foundation Establishment spiritual items, enough for the disciples to exchange for Merit Points.

What is more worrying now is that the Chongming Sect's revival was too short-lived, and there are few disciples in the sect who can stand alone against the great Liang.

If judged purely by combat skills, then the third junior brother Jiang Qing might be considered capable of standing alone, after all, he is already comparable to those who have achieved the False Core and can handle several Golden Core. However, this Chongming Sect Third Master Jiang Sect is a rare pure Daoist who is unwilling and unable to devote himself to those worldly affairs.

Since reaching the Foundation Establishment, Ye Zhengwen has only felt that the Dao Path cultivation is difficult. Coincidentally, the sect is full of complicated matters, so he has almost given up cultivation and is now content to be an assistant to Sect Leader Kang Da.

If Yuan Jin's cultivation were higher, and he were able to stand on his own like he is now Kang Dabao might feel more at ease. However, he is also limited by his aptitude and his Dao Path is not smooth.

In fact, during the Qi Refinement, one might feel that the difference between Spirit Root is not an insurmountable barrier, but after reaching the Foundation Establishment, even the difference between Triple Spirit Root and Four Spirit Roots becomes quite significant.

The same amount of resources can lead to different advancements for others after being consumed and refined, but for me, no matter how hard I try, I always fall short. The frustration this brings is something that outsiders can't understand.

This is also Chongming Sect reason why it is difficult for the second-generation disciples of Chongming Sect to produce outstanding talents. Even though Yuan Jin has no shortage of resources, his cultivation has stagnated and he is almost surpassed by Kang Rongquan, who Foundation Establishment after him.

However, to be honest, it's not that Yuan Jin and the others didn't cultivate diligently and arduously, but rather that this is the reality within the Chongming Sect.

Kang Dabao is only a little over a hundred years old, yet he is already expounding the Dharma with the Golden Core Elixir Master and perfecting the Core Thesis. This can be considered fast even in the entire Great Wei Immortal Dynasty.

In contrast, Yuan Jin, the second junior brother who also possesses the Four Spirit Roots, has already achieved Foundation Establishment at the age of sixty, which is not considered slow. Moreover, his current resources are more abundant than those of his peers, so when Yuan Jin is a hundred years old, he should also be able to break through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

Even if it takes another fifty years to become a late-stage cultivator, he would only be a hundred and fifty years old, with about a hundred years left to hone his Core Formation skills. This would already be considered a smooth and successful path.

Even in the eyes of ordinary people, this is enough to make people envious; it is something that ordinary cultivators cannot compare to.

However, if they wanted to the Chongming Sect of leading the Chongming Sect while Sect Leader Kang Da was away, even though Yuan Jin and the others were not bad, they were still far from being up to par.

There are ways to solve this problem. One is to invite powerful Pill Master and True Cultivator to join Chongming Sect as guest elders to assist true core disciples like Yuan Jin.

However, at present, Sect Leader Kang Da has not even opened the door to recruiting Qi Refining Powder cultivators. Even when it comes to battle, he only thinks about doing business by exchanging resources for lives, and he would not easily take the risk of letting wolves into the house.

Secondly, he should cultivate his disciples well. Although Kang Dabao himself was unwilling to judge people solely by their aptitude, it is true that the aptitude of cultivators varies.

Just like Kang Changyi, Dual Spirit Root was exceptionally gifted, his cultivation never stagnated even after reaching the Foundation Establishment, and continued to progress smoothly. He had already reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, leaving all his elders far behind.

At this time, although Chongming Sect could already compare with some False Core sects, the probability of receiving a disciple with one or Dual Spirit Root Single Spirit Root roots was still not high. The next Qilin child was still in someone else's womb, which could not solve this urgent problem.

This is not just needless worry, but both the Mountain South and Mountain North routes are now considered dangerous places. The more the sect's strength increases, the safer it becomes, so there is really no need to rush.

However, compared to these, if Chongming Sect could produce a True Core sooner, it would be even more impressive to awe all around, and Chongming Sect would truly be able to gain entry into the Office of the Duke of Qin's Mansion.

Just as Kang Dabao was thinking about this, Ye Zhengwen finished tidying up all the administrative affairs and came over to speak:

"Junior Brother Yuan sent a letter from Wild Fox Mountain, saying that Yang Xun of the Yang Household has been working exceptionally diligently lately, and is also incredibly brave and strong. He has repeatedly distinguished himself in recent battles against Demon Beast."

"Yang Xun? It's probably about joining the alliance again?" Sect Leader Kang Da pondered for a moment, then recalled Yang Xun's somewhat sinister gaze, and felt displeased. So he told Ye Zhengwen, "This matter isn't urgent. Let's wait until I emerge from seclusion."

Upon hearing Kang Dabao's words, the latter's spirits lifted instantly. He no longer had the energy to concern himself with Yang Xun's trivial matter and urgently asked, "Out of seclusion?! Old Kang, how confident are you?!"

"Hold on... that's hard to say," Kang Dabao said, toying with the Yellow Dragon Wood in his hand, a flicker in his eyes. He moved away from Ye Zhengwen, walked to the window, watched the clouds drift by, and murmured, "We have to try to find out."