Different Paths, Same Destination

What is the Golden Core? And what is the controller of Fruit Position?

This was something that Lü Yuan had never truly grasped, neither from the Cultivation Method nor from his neighbor...

All he knew was that the Golden Core cultivator was incredibly strong, ridiculously strong.

For example, the devastating destruction caused by Chen Sheng's gentle push was something he could only comprehend as the bricks flying with tremendous force.

But one cannot truly perceive its mysteries.

Because humans cannot understand things they have never seen before.

Therefore, Lü Yuan could never understand the true specialness and concept of the Golden Core True Lord.

But now, it's different, completely different...

Because Chen Sheng had just finished speaking, did not reveal any power capable of destroying everything in the slightest.

One could visually observe him, bathed in the light of that star in the sky—

Lü Yuan felt an unprecedented Breath Sensitivity.

Twisted, ominous, yet it seemed to be the very essence of heaven and earth, and like a mountain soaring into the clouds that one could only look up in awe.

In comparison, Liu Bang's initial probing during their first meeting was indeed too lenient.

And they put out far more than just a tiny bit!

In front of Chen Sheng at this moment, Lü Yuan felt that everything seemed so insignificant and powerless.

Even the most terrifying natural disasters and weather events I've ever witnessed pale in comparison...

After all, they might frighten mortals, but how could they possibly cause the slightest harm to heaven and earth?

Because of the existence of the Immortal Book, just as Lü Yuan was able to see the [Red Emperor] manifested by Liu Bang more clearly before.

At this moment, he also saw more from the slight manifestation of Chen Sheng's Fruit Position status.

In a daze, Lü Yuan seemed to hear an angry roar, the owner of which seemed to want to devour everything in the world.

In his eyes, behind Chen Sheng, a shadow gradually emerged, casting a dark shadow over the entire Great Marsh Mountain...

Its power is overwhelming, blotting out the sky and the sun!

--All of this is Chen Sheng of letting Lü Yuan experience the aura of Fruit Position more directly; it is by no means an intimidation, nor is it malicious.

Lü Yuan was certainly aware of this as well.

Because the protective effect of the Immortal Book was never triggered from beginning to end.

So he calmly experienced all of this, feeling no fear, only a constant surge of curiosity.

"It's not just about strength... My previous understanding was indeed shallow. The Golden Core Fruit Position who have reached the highest level cannot be described simply by their strength."

"This feeling seems to have endless variations, yet it also seems to lead directly to the root of everything, the end of all things—"

Although it was unclear why Chen Sheng would suddenly do this, Lü Yuan, who benefited greatly from it, felt extremely fortunate and grateful.

He was grateful to Chen Sheng for his generous guidance, and also to Liu Bang for choosing such a good teacher for him.

However, after feeling relieved and grateful, Lü Yuan felt a headache coming on.

Because Chen Sheng said--

The Fruit Position he occupies is that of Taotie, one of the Nine Earths after the Great Sage of the Guard Star divided Earth Luminary before his ascension...

Leaving aside the story of [Great Sage of the Guard Star], Chen Sheng said he would teach him the history of immortals and mortals, and he would eventually learn it.

But... Taotie?

Besides the names of people, what made Lü Yuan most nervous were the names of the Fruit Position he knew so well from his previous life.

After all, one or two incidents might be a coincidence, but when it comes to this point, it's definitely deliberate.

For example, if you saw these things in Liyue, Teyvat, and you didn't suspect that there were other time travelers, then you'd be a god!

So--

The reasoning that my neighbor made that deduction wasn't without merit; there were definitely other transmigrators on my side...

Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain the strangeness in all aspects.

"Have you come to your senses?" Chen Sheng's words interrupted Lü Yuan's thoughts, and seeing that Lü Yuan quickly reacted and nodded.

He then asked, "Did you find anything?"

"Was that... a manifestation of your Fruit Position? This is the first time I've ever directly perceived the aura of the Golden Core..."

Lü Yuan said softly, then added with some confusion, "But it would be fine if you explained it to me and satisfied my curiosity, but why did you suddenly make me see this?"

Is it because what I'm about to talk about is related to this?

It's not surprising that Lü Yuan thought this way, because Chen Sheng's teaching approach was very clear.

He said he wanted to see the true nature of the world, so Chen Sheng began by explaining the concept of cultivating immortality to help him understand the fundamental difference between immortals and mortals.

This is to help myself understand that the world is actually composed of two parts: immortals and mortals, but the two are harmonious yet different.

Therefore, one must break down a complex problem into two simpler ones for study and reflection in order to gain a clearer understanding of the world.

After that, he went on to explain the source of a cultivator's power and the methods of cultivation.

This was so that he could first understand the essence of the immortal path...

As for why I didn't talk about mortals first... well, I was a mortal myself, so what's there to talk about?

Let's get back to the main topic.

The previous question, which has already been discussed, needs no further elaboration; it undoubtedly represents the foundation of the Daoist path.

That's why he took me to see the manifestation of Fruit Position in the present world.

To make it easier for oneself to understand and accept its existence.

As for the two cultivation methods that will be discussed next, they should represent the development of the Dao of Immortality.

After all, the combination of the two constitutes the most basic form of the path to immortality.

However, this was also something that puzzled Lü Yuan.

Why, before discussing the development of the immortal path, is it necessary to allow one to directly experience the aura of Fruit Position and Golden Core True Lord?

Chen Sheng saw through Lü Yuan's thoughts and was somewhat relieved that he understood his intentions.

Many people, even those much older than him, cannot do this.

Therefore, he chuckled lightly at Lü Yuan's keen insight and rhetorical question, "Indeed."

"The reason I let you experience the aura of Fruit Position is indeed related to what I'm about to tell you."

"To be more precise, what I just showed you was how these two different paths of spiritual practice lead to the same goal..."

"Knowing this, you will be able to more easily understand what the Purple-Gold Dao and what the Qi Ingestion Dao— "

"And why is there a distinction between these two paths in the path of cultivation?"

"So, can you guess where they both lead to the same goal?"

Lü Yuan had never been exposed to the Qi Ingestion and Nature-Nurturing Dao, so asking him to answer this question was indeed somewhat difficult.

So he didn't try to be brave and honestly shook his head.

Chen Sheng had only asked casually and hadn't expected Lü Yuan to give an answer...

After all, this isn't a question of whether someone is smart or not.

Rather, he simply had no prior experience with it. If he could still provide an answer, he would be far superior to that wise and insightful monkey from back then, who could learn anything with just a glance!

Chen Sheng reached out and gently patted Lü Yuan's shoulder to reassure him, then explained on his behalf:

Before understanding the similarities, you must first understand the differences between the two. So, do you know what the differences are between the two methods of spiritual practice?

Chen Sheng posed the question, and then answered himself, "The difference between the two lies in the division of realms before the Golden Core stage, and the methods of advancement."

"The Purple Mansion Golden Core Dao is divided into four major realms before the Golden Core: Embryonic Breathing, Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, and Purple Mansion. One must advance step by step, and only after mastering Five Laws Perfection can one attempt to condense the Golden Nature, thereby proving the Golden Elixir."

"But the Qi Ingestion and Nature-Nurturing Dao is different. It does not involve Embryonic Breathing, Qi Ingestion and Nature-Nurturing Dao Qi Refinement, or the so-called Foundation Establishment."

"Before the Golden Core, there is only one realm, directly corresponding to the Purple Mansion. Once you reach its perfection, you can attempt to attain the Golden Core."

Having said that, Chen Sheng felt he had made himself clear enough, so this time he was genuinely asking a question:

"Now, through these differences, have you found the common ground between the two?"

Upon hearing the question, Lü Yuan did not remain surprised for long by the fact that the Qi Ingestion and Nature-Nurturing Dao and Cultivating Character differed so greatly from the cultivation methods he knew, and began to ponder it.

Directly corresponds to the Purple Mansion...

Becoming Purple Mansion means that one must at least advance their Immortal Foundation and achieve one Divine Ability.

So...

Lü Yuan asked uncertainly, "Is it Divine Ability?"