It must be understood that earth is the mother of the Five Elements, and water is the source. With these two essences gathered, cultivation of the Five Directions and Five Elements Tai Xuan True Light can begin at a rudimentary level.
However, when he truly began cultivating this spell, he found it extremely arduous.
This Supreme Mysterious True Light was not only challenging with its intricate mantras, but even the Erosion Text used in its writings was exceptionally difficult to decipher, requiring constant deduction using Broken Jade with each step forward.
Often, he thought he had fully comprehended its ideas, yet in cultivation within the jade, he would realize he had gone astray and would need to start over again.
Thus, in relentless back-and-forth efforts, it took him three years to decode the Erosion Text, and another seven years to cultivate the Water Element True Light technique. Even now, he had barely scraped the surface of this profound art, which shows how exceptionally challenging it was to master.
He could not help but sigh inwardly, thinking how fortunate he was to practice the authentic Xuanmen Sect Skills. If he were a Loose Cultivator or practiced a lesser path, without the foundation of Xuanmen techniques, even with the aid of Great Power Experts, it would be impossible to successfully cultivate this method.
At this moment, a streak of smoke flew in from the east. Upon seeing him, the smoke descended, followed by hearty laughter. "Brother Zhang, my master said you are returning to East Splendor Continent today, and it seems true. Old Guo has especially come to send you off."
Zhang Yan glanced up to see Guo Lie striding toward him with a young and delicate Daoist boy, his expression spirited and full of vitality. Zhang Yan smiled and said, "It’s been some time, Brother Guo. It seems your cultivation has advanced yet again."
Guo Lie grinned widely. "Heh, isn’t it all thanks to your Hua Dan Water, Junior Brother Zhang, that Old Guo had this stroke of fortune?"
Ten years ago, Zhang Yan refined a bottle of Hua Dan Water using the Seven-leaf Truth-telling Grass, which allowed Guo Lie to purge impurities, solidify his essence, and completely refine a Small Golden Core. After years of careful cultivation, he finally succeeded in Condensation Technique again two years ago.
By normal standards, Guo Lie should have only achieved a lower three-grade pill formation at most. However, with the aid of True Master Tao’s Great Dharma Power and his own solid foundation, he unexpectedly reached Sixth Grade Elixir Formation. This stroke of luck now left him with a slim chance of attaining the Dao in the future.
"The path of cultivation is long; why bring it up so often? Let’s not speak further of this."
Guo Lie pulled the young Daoist boy beside him closer, full of pride. "Come now, Junior Brother Zhang, Old Guo here has taken on a disciple as well. What do you think?"
Zhang Yan, having noticed the boy’s sturdy and honest visage earlier, now took another good look and nodded. "Pure Gold and Jade. With proper shaping, he could indeed become a remarkable talent under the Qingyu Sect."
Hearing this praise, Guo Lie burst into hearty laughter, then turned to glare at the boy. "What are you standing around for? Bow to your Master Uncle!"
The Daoist boy, evidently intimidated by Guo Lie, dropped to his knees in a clatter and performed several loud kowtows to Zhang Yan.
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Today I consulted a divination. It foretold that I might face financial loss. At first, I couldn’t understand it, but now it seems it concerns this disciple of Brother Guo."
Guo Lie chuckled. "Brother Zhang, everyone knows your Cave Mansion is filled with treasures. Teaching a disciple can be quite costly. Old Guo, accustomed to centuries of wandering alone, hasn’t accumulated much wealth and can only shamelessly come to you for some generosity."
Everyone knew Zhang Yan’s alchemical expertise was highly regarded. Even the Demon Kings who served as elders in the sect treated him with utmost respect, frequently presenting him with overseas exotic treasures. It was no secret that Zhang Yan’s collection was extensive and enviable.
Zhang Yan thought for a moment, then retrieved a bottle of elixir pills from his sleeve and handed it to the Daoist boy.
Guo Lie’s expression grew somber as he clasped his hands in respect toward Zhang Yan. Though he didn’t know what kind of elixir this was, he was well aware that anything gifted by Zhang Yan was undoubtedly extraordinary.
Despite brazenly seeking advantages today, Guo Lie understood that if Zhang Yan’s disciples ever came to him in the future, he would be obligated to return the favor.
He couldn’t help but sigh. "Brother Zhang, I have numerous materials for Condensation Techniques on Qingyu Island. If not for my master’s instructions not to hinder your opportunities, I would have gladly sent some to you."
Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Brother Daoist Guo, there’s no need for such courtesy. If Lu Demon King and Demon King Jing emerge from seclusion, please extend my invitation for them to visit my Zhao You Heavenly Pond Daoist Field after my elixir formation."
Guo Lie pounded his chest and said, "Rest assured, fellow Daoist. We will certainly deliver the message."
Lu Mei Niang and Jun Yue Demon, both Demon Kings in their own right, had accompanied Zhang Yan to the Far Sea. However, they refused to accept the roles of elders in the Qingyu Sect. True Master Tao, understanding their intent, had called them aside for special guidance. The two of them recognized this opportunity was entirely due to Zhang Yan and were further resolved in their initial decision. Currently, they were still in secluded cultivation, aiming to perfect their skills.
Guo Lie pulled a token talisman from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Yan. "This talisman was gifted by my master for you. It will help you travel across the Far Sea swiftly and shield you from trouble upon returning to East Splendor Continent."
Zhang Yan accepted the talisman, thought for a moment, and said, "After I leave, I’ll have to trouble Brother Guo to look after Gu Chu’er for me."
After successfully Opening Meridians at the Hongyan Temple, another spell had appeared on the jade scroll for Gu Chu’er.
On that day, Pu Yuzi had mentioned that once she opened her meridians, he would no longer need to oversee her. Thus, Zhang Yan had left her in the Qingyu Sect. Whatever fate she met from then on was no longer his responsibility.
Guo Lie chuckled and said, "I’ve already brought that young lady over to live with my disciple for the past few days. The two are close in age and make good companions, so you needn’t worry."
Zhang Yan smiled and gave Guo Lie a knowing look.
He had only confided in Guo Lie that Gu Chu’er was Pu Yuzi’s direct disciple. Bu Tian Pavilion’s Path of Artifact Refining was unrivaled under the heavens, and Zhang Yan was well aware of Guo Lie’s intentions.
Gu Chu’er was in her early twenties, whereas Guo Lie’s disciple was merely seven or eight. To call them similar in age was pure nonsense—clearly, Guo Lie had his eye on Pu Yuzi’s resources.
Still, Zhang Yan refrained from exposing him. With a smile, he simply nodded and said, "In that case, Brother Guo, I shall take my leave."
Guo Lie solemnly cupped his hands in farewell and said, "Brother Zhang, safe travels!"
Zhang Yan let out a clear and melodious laugh, then leaped into the light and departed without hesitation.
For cultivators like him, with long lifespans and no ties to bind them, they naturally came and went without attachments.
Upon exiting the Immortal Mansion, Zhang Yan activated the talisman gifted by True Master Tao. It enveloped him in protection, and he flew across the waves in a streak of golden light, heading back toward the East Splendor Continent.
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)