Chapter 159: Fifth Divine Mystery, Mental Guidance Counselor

Chapter 159: Fifth Divine Mystery, Mental Guidance Counselor

On this morning, after bidding farewell to the Ke family, Ji Jingqiu took the fastest flight back to the Four Guard Stars.

After a phone call with Lu Qinglan, Ji Jingqiu logged into the Four Guard Stars and headed straight for the Dragon Tiger Dojo.

Dragon Master was already waiting for him.

This trip back was also because Dragon Master had summoned him for a reason.

...

Ji Jingqiu sat on a stone bench in the pavilion, gazing into the distance. The mountains stretched endlessly, and the birdsong never ceased, offering a serene and uplifting experience, momentarily severing ties with worldly troubles and clamor.

Inside the pavilion, Dragon Qingyang's voice reverberated gently, not loud but carrying a penetrating power that reached the depths of one's heart.

"The root of reversing the innate is to return to the origin, restore life, and return to the root. All gods unite as one, encompassing all and tolerating all..."

"The innate body emphasizes the concept of 'body within the body,' where the divine becomes the true saint, and the true saint merges with the great void. The great void unites with the true void, and the true void naturally becomes the Primordial True Unity..."

"Therefore, the innate body is also known as the 'True Unity.'"

"The Primordial True Unity is my true body.' This is the ultimate pursuit of all warriors. Achieving this realm grants eternal immortality, the attainment of the complete true Dao fruit, and a lifespan equal to that of heaven and earth, in harmony with the Great Dao."

"If you wish to prove the innate after the post-heaven, you must remember..."

Seated inside the pavilion were Shi Xuanzhen and Ji Jingqiu.

At this moment, under Dragon Qingyang's guidance, the two had entered a state of profound chaos, sensing the vast and clear heavens, the distant and mysterious realms. They felt their divine light and spirit platforms were clear, without a single thought, as Dragon Qingyang led them into a mysterious realm.

The old man's teaching was not just in words but a genuine transmission, consuming his own divine intent.

Such teachings were extremely precious, and only grandmasters were qualified to impart them.

Although Dragon Qingyang was not a grandmaster, his insights in certain aspects had long surpassed those of grandmasters, barely qualifying him to teach. The cost, however, was greater than that of a grandmaster.

Dragon Qingyang thought, 'I might as well teach both of them.' So, he brought Shi Xuanzhen along.

"The martial arts of the Federation have another name—'Mind-Spirit Martial Arts.'"

"The mind refers to the spirit, and the divine is the 'Divine Self.' The divine is like me, and I am like the divine."

"Every person's body is a temple. The warrior's cultivation is the process of building this temple, worshiping the god we revere—'I'—in our own way."

Dragon Qingyang's calm and orderly voice, accompanied by his numerous personal insights, flowed into the minds of the two. How much they could digest was up to these two young ones.

This teaching session lasted for several hours until Dragon Qingyang also showed signs of fatigue and ended it.

Ji Jingqiu and Shi Xuanzhen did not open their eyes but remained with their eyes closed, slowly detaching themselves from that profound realm, still carefully contemplating and organizing their insights.

Dragon Qingyang was in no hurry. He took a sip of tea to soothe his throat.

Time passed, and no one knew how long.

A subtle and ethereal aura surrounded Shi Xuanzhen's body, and his energy flowed and surged on its own, transforming into the shape of a dragon and tiger.

Dragon Qingyang nodded silently, acknowledging that Shi Xuanzhen's ability to become this generation's Daoist disciple was no ordinary feat.

Although this young man's innate compatibility with the Dragon Tiger Body was not as good as Zhang Buzhou's, his insights into the Dragon Tiger Swallowing Saber Diagram even surpassed Dragon Qingyang's from back then.

In the martial arts journey, the power body could still be supplemented with external objects, but no one could help with the insights on the visualization diagram.

From the Divine Journey Realm onwards, the significance and function of visualization would truly begin to manifest.

Capturing the essence of heaven and earth, igniting the divine nature, transforming the Dharmic Realm into a true domain, and even refining the Dharmic principles into seals...

None of these could be achieved without visualization.

Thinking of this, Dragon Qingyang turned to Ji Jingqiu with great anticipation.

This young man had already proven the Dwelling Realm before entering the Divine Journey Realm.

Most importantly, he had also grasped a trace of the Unchanging True Intention. If this were known, it would make countless warriors stuck at Firm Establishment, Shackles Realm, and Divine Journey Realm envious to the point of itching their teeth!

Dragon Qingyang imagined Ji Jingqiu achieving Firm Establishment in the Divine Journey Realm... He then carefully recalled the Federation's thousand-year martial arts history. Aside from the first-generation warriors, it seemed there had never been a young warrior who could achieve Firm Establishment in the Divine Journey Realm!

Right...

Suddenly, Dragon Qingyang looked at Ji Jingqiu with suspicion.

According to his and Bai Lu's speculations, this young man's martial wisdom was extraordinary, with a lower limit of at least the Daoist Disciple level. As for the upper limit... it was hard to measure.

Martial wisdom was difficult to assess.

Now, Shi Xuanzhen had already gained insights, but this young man still showed no signs of progress.

This time, Dragon Qingyang had specifically called Ji Jingqiu to give him a "boost" and assist his breakthrough.

Regarding the meaning represented by Vicious Poison Syndrome, he had inquired through connections, but no one knew, and those who did know couldn't speak about it. This implied that it was the Federation's highest-level secret, and only grandmasters were qualified to know.

Therefore, in this matter, the dojo couldn't help Ji Jingqiu.

He could only rely on himself.

The best the dojo and he could do was to offer their full support.

At this moment, a ball of light gathered behind Ji Jingqiu. Initially small, it quickly expanded, and within the light, a solemn figure gradually appeared, like the pure manifestation of the true self or the descent of an ancient deity.

It was a solemn Dharmakaya.

Silently, the Dharmakaya floated behind Ji Jingqiu, faceless and formless, yet constantly changing as if reflecting the viewer's mental state, like a clear mirror reflecting the true and illusory nature of all things in the world.

But at this moment—

This "mirror" gradually acquired its "form," as if it had found the most fundamental truth! In Dragon Qingyang's eyes, the Dharmakaya slowly transformed, its appearance becoming more and more similar to Ji Jingqiu's, with distinct facial features and a three-dimensional countenance...

This was not a simple reshaping of external form but the manifestation of an internal metamorphosis.

After all the transformations were complete, the Dharmakaya no longer had a faceless and formless appearance. Its features resembled Ji Jingqiu's, delicate and serene, with closed eyes in a meditative posture.

Suddenly, the Dharmakaya opened its eyes, and within its eyes, which seemed to contain the deepest wisdom and compassion of the universe, there was no sense of superiority or indifference, only peace and compassion.

Gazing into the Dharmakaya's eyes, Long Qingyang quietly marveled in his heart, deeply aware that Ji Jingqiu had already grasped the essence of the Formless Dao Body.

In the past, Wan Cheng had once said to him—

"The mind is like a skilled painter, capable of painting the myriad forms of the world, but struggles to paint its own form."

No one knew how much time had passed.

Ji Jingqiu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with a sharp light, and he had a profound realization.

In his recent enlightenment, he combined his earlier understanding of the Formless Dao Canon and found the fifth divine mystery hidden by Wan Cheng in the Canon—the True Self.

Just as he had guessed earlier!

At the same time, Shi Xuanzhen gradually regained consciousness, and the aura around him became much more profound.

Long Qingyang stared deeply at Ji Jingqiu, "Reversing Primordial Greatness looks at personal opportunities, and even the dojo can't help you. Since you already have your preparation and ideas, then go ahead. If you have any questions, you can find Xuanzhen, or contact me directly."

Contact Long Qingyang directly...

Ji Jingqiu thought to himself, considering this as the dojo's recognition of him as one of the most core young disciples.

"Also, Dong3 Huang Star is too remote. You're no longer the same as before you went to the Four Guard Stars." Long Qingyang paused slightly, "I've already made arrangements. On this trip back, someone will accompany you. Besides protecting your path, they'll also deliver the Dragon Tiger Dojo's teachings to your teacher, Yang Yan, who is about to break through in Mind Mirror."

Ji Jingqiu was surprised. Was this his assigned protector?

Long Qingyang spoke softly, "The world is vast and chaotic, and the journey is long. Once you've traversed it, you'll find tranquility in the mountains and serenity in the waters, with clouds drifting leisurely and the wind gently blowing."

Ji Jingqiu's eyes narrowed, acknowledging his instruction.

By this time, Long Qingyang's face also revealed a hint of fatigue.

Guiding these two youngsters had been a significant drain on his "Divine Self," and it wasn't something that could be recovered with just a day or two of rest.

"Alright, that's enough for today. You two can leave now."

Ji Jingqiu and Shi Xuanzhen stood up, bowed respectfully to Long Qingyang, and took their leave, descending the mountain.

The sky gradually turned to dusk, casting a deeper red hue upon the maple leaves on the mountainside. It was unclear whether the sky had dyed the maple forest red or if the forest had colored the sky a deep crimson.

"Is the junior disciple leaving tonight?" Shi Xuanzhen asked, walking alongside Ji Jingqiu.

"Yeah, it's almost time to return and make the final adjustments for Reversing Primordial Greatness."

Shi Xuanzhen said earnestly, "May the junior disciple have a smooth journey, and may we meet again with you having reversed Primordial Greatness or even proven the True Unity Saint Embryo."

"Definitely!" Ji Jingqiu smiled.

After bidding farewell to Shi Xuanzhen, he descended the mountain alone.

Shi Xuanzhen stood at the mountain's waist, seeing his junior disciple off. The night breeze blew, and in the distance, the maple forest rustled, its layers resembling burning flames. He suddenly felt that his junior disciple's departing figure in the twilight was exceptionally spirited.

...

...

After quickly packing his belongings, Ji Jingqiu prepared to head to the airport.

The Dragon Master had previously mentioned that he had arranged for Hong Hu, a senior Mind Mirror Warrior, to accompany him.

Contrary to his bold and unrefined name, Senior Hong Hu's demeanor was extraordinary, exuding a calm and unhurried air of a gentleman. His face still carried a hint of youthful handsomeness.

When he looked at Ji Jingqiu, his smile was warm and sincere, showing no resentment at being assigned by the dojo to protect Ji Jingqiu.

"Junior Nephew, keep this well. It's called Star Remains, bestowed upon you by the Qin Clan's Grandmaster. I hope it helps you successfully reverse Primordial Greatness."

Hong Hu handed Ji Jingqiu a box with an extraordinary exterior.

Star Remains?

Ji Jingqiu initially felt the name was familiar, and soon remembered his medicine.

A gift from the Qin Clan's Grandmaster?

He opened the box and saw a small piece of crystal, the size of a fingernail, adorned with countless twinkling starlight that intertwined and flowed, forming a fantastical scene.

It was complete! Ji Jingqiu remembered that his family's Star Remains were only in powder form.

If Star Remains powder could help suppress his Vicious Poison Syndrome, then a complete Star Remains...

Ji Jingqiu's heart was filled with unspoken joy.

He hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise!

After packing his belongings, Ji Jingqiu and Hong Hu were sent to the airport by Master Luo Youde.

"Take care! I look forward to your triumphant return!" Master Luo Youde smiled and bid farewell to Ji Jingqiu.

The two of them entered the airport, where a spaceship was docked.

Just then, a familiar "knock" sounded.

Ji Jingqiu was slightly surprised. It was La Jiang?

"What's up?" Ji Jingqiu wondered.

"Are you really prepared to challenge Reversing Primordial Greatness?"

"Of course."

"Kid, I advise you to give up on Reversing Primordial Greatness and directly advance to Divine Journey. With the Visualization Diagram you've cultivated, the future will still be smooth sailing. Why bother fighting the curses of those three guys?"

A warm current flowed through Ji Jingqiu's heart.

Was La Jiang concerned about him going to his death? Although this guy's intentions were questionable, purely fearing his own death and wanting Ji Jingqiu to help him deal with the Three Demons, the sentiment was still good!

Ji Jingqiu thought for a moment and decided to seek confirmation from this guy about his idea.

"If I advance to Mind Mirror Firm Establishment, cultivate the fifth divine mystery, the True Self, and have a complete Star Remains, is there a chance to break through the curse net?"

"Firm Establishment? Do you think you can achieve it within the next sixteen days?"

"Just tell me if it's possible or not."

"Haha, of course it's possible. But do you think breaking free from their curse is the end? I'm not sure what those guys have up their sleeves, but there's definitely a huge surprise waiting for you."

"They're best at making you think you've succeeded, only to plunge you into deeper despair!"

Ji Jingqiu's expression turned solemn as he took Hera's warning to heart, but he wasn't about to change his mind.

"Thanks for the reminder!"

"Why don't you make a wish to me? That way, even if you die at their hands, I can bring you back!"

Finally, La Jiang revealed his true intentions, showing his hand.

Ji Jingqiu chuckled. He didn't doubt Hera's ability, but the outcome would be becoming La Jiang's lapdog.

This wasn't much better than dying at the hands of the other three demons.

"Foolish human, go die!"

"Junior, aren't you coming?"

Up ahead, Senior Brother Hong Hu called out to him. The spaceship was already in position.

Ji Jingqiu snapped out of his thoughts and quickly boarded the ship.

He couldn't skip this step.

The curse affected his true self, and there was no room for negotiation.

Similarly, for him, reversing innate nature would be a rebirth and transformation.

After boarding the spaceship, Ji Jingqiu suddenly received a message.

The suffix was "Marlo," the same group that had contacted him a month ago.

He thought to himself, what's going on today? Why are they all coming one after another?

He glanced at the message, and they wanted him to help them with two small tasks.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

It was a very minor request, just a casual favor, and the message was polite, even hinting that they knew a way to escape Hera's gaze...

But Ji Jingqiu was well aware that these were all just illusions. What seemed like a minor favor now would soon escalate, pushing him beyond his limits.

And by then, he might not refuse as he gradually crossed the line.

Working with this group was like stepping onto a path of no return, sinking deeper and deeper with no way back.

Ji Jingqiu thought, if he really got entangled with La Jiang, not even the Federation could help him. If his situation were exposed, it might even attract the Federation's "cleansing."

Tsk.

To prevent them from constantly harassing him, he replied with a message.

"Thank you for the invitation. I've just boarded the spaceship, and the person has given up, preparing to wait for death."

...

The Central Region.

A bar hidden deep within the alleys.

The bar was filled with colorful and dazzling lights, accompanied by intoxicating melodies. Many young men and women were freely expressing their "youth" in the center of the dance floor.

A young man sat leisurely at the bar, browsing through his terminal.

"Sir, what would you like to drink?"

A female bartender twisted her waist and smiled at him from behind the bar, winking.

The man smiled and said, "Then please make me your specialty."

"There's an extra tip for that," the bartender's smile brightened.

The man in front of her was very handsome, not inferior to the celebrities on screen, and his eyebrows exuded an indescribable charm, making her lick her lips unconsciously.

The man smiled and nodded.

Just then, the message notification from his terminal sounded.

The man's handsome eyebrows slowly rose, and he even felt like laughing.

The young man's response was somewhat "adorable."

Would a new generation Martial Sun, a young warrior with a promising future, willingly give up his life like this?

Of course, the answer was impossible.

It seemed this young man was quite resistant to them... The next contact would require some adjustments.

The man smiled faintly.

But his confidence and strategic planning soon shattered with a single photo.

In the photo, a young man stood by the porthole, and beyond the window was the vast and boundless universe. Reflected in the window was a face that exuded tranquility, but also a hint of loneliness.

Tranquility and loneliness...

The man's expression froze.

Is Ji Jingqiu really leaving the Four Guard Stars?!

He's already been entangled by Hera. If he tries to distance himself from the Four Guard Stars, it will only attract Hera's deeper attention!

He's accelerating his own death! Doesn't he know that?!

The man quickly sent this message to Ji Jingqiu.

Ji Jingqiu's reply came: "I'm preparing to let the leaves return to their roots. I can't decide my life and death, but at least I can decide where to die."

"Thank you for your kind intentions, but I don't need it. Please don't contact me again, and I've blocked you."

When he tried to send another message, he was immediately blocked.

The man's face suddenly turned ugly and gloomy.

Is this kid for real?!

Is he really giving up just like that?!

Although it seemed there was no other choice, would a young man with such a promising future truly be content with this?

Shouldn't he slowly fall into the sect's trap under my scheme, eventually taking steps towards the abyss?!

Just then, the bartender who had served him the strong liquor suddenly felt a chill, as if encountering her nemesis. An oppressive and fearful aura emanated from the man in front of her.

She looked again, and his originally handsome face now appeared distorted and hideous.

She glanced at the man beside her in fear, suppressing her emotions. She quickly put down the drink and left, not daring to approach him again.

The man took a deep breath, adjusted his state of mind, suppressed his restless emotions, and switched accounts. He crafted and sent multiple messages to Ji Jingqiu, attempting to boost his morale.

……

Back on the spaceship to Dong3 Huang Star.

Ji Jingqiu stood by the porthole, gazing at his fully equipped reflection in the window.

Just like four months ago, he looked exactly the same as when he was heading to the Four Guard Stars.

This flight would take five days to reach Dong3 Huang Star. During this time, Ji Jingqiu planned to use it to break through the curse and attempt to touch the firm establishment! The key to promotion lay in understanding impermanence.

And he had achieved this crucial step before leaving Dong3 Huang Star.

After organizing his schedule, Ji Jingqiu prepared to immerse himself in cultivation.

At this moment, the terminal's notification sound rang.

Ji Jingqiu read the message and fell into deep thought.

【We are all constantly rowing forward, against the current, to reach a future with limitless possibilities.】

Your future should be about seeing how flowers bloom, how water flows, how the sun rises, how the sunset falls, listening to the wind through the forest, hearing the birds chirp, meeting unforgettable people, and experiencing interesting things...】

【Ji Jingqiu, having only the feelings of your youth is far from enough. You should also have a more glorious future.】

【In this journey through life, you must live it to the fullest, making it worthwhile. Never give up! We will help you!】

What should he do? He felt a little touched.

This guy was actually comforting and encouraging him to lift his spirits.

It should be said that he truly didn't want to see him die. Although the intention was questionable, like La Jiang, the process was still heartwarming!

Ji Jingqiu felt warmed up and slightly touched.

Apparently, they didn't want to see him die!

……

……

Inside the Four Directions Temple.

The white-robed divine official, Xue Xuandao, stood alone in the main hall.

Gazing at the four formless and faceless divine statues before him, Xue Xuandao slowly spoke, "Has Ji Jingqiu really left the Four Guard Stars? Is this truly the right choice?"

"What do you want to say?" The Western Divine Lord slowly responded.

Never responding to anyone, even when the disciples of the six great families came to burn incense and worship, the four divine lords, at this moment, responded to Xue Xuandao's prayer and all sat down in this place!

Xue Xuandao spoke in a low voice, "I've reviewed the relevant information. Ji Jingqiu has no hope of breaking the curse. Those supplements can help alleviate his original self's wounds, but they can't help him break the curse!"

"The day he reversed his primordial nature was when he attracted the simultaneous attention of the three demons. No one could escape a calamity under their watchful eyes!"

"Earlier, you asked me to deliver a message from the divine lords, saying that someone is willing to become his support, but why let him leave the Four Guard Stars? Don't these words refer to the divine lords?"

The Eastern Divine Lord, Eastern Qingling Wei Yang Nine Qi Divine Lord, spoke, "In this matter, even we can't help him."

Xue Xuandao's eyebrows furrowed, "Do you mean the supreme grandmasters of the Federation?"

"The person who could help him is already dead."

For the first time, Xue Xuandao's eyes showed bewilderment.

The divine lords remained silent for a long time, then spoke in an enigmatic manner, "In this world, no matter how bad and chaotic it gets, there will always be people carrying flowers, mending and patching things up. They are the foundation of this world."

"We hope that one day, Ji Jingqiu can also become such a person."

"But before that... he must first meet such a person."

……

……

Five days later, the spaceship arrived at Dong3 Huang Star.

During these five days, Ji Jingqiu, apart from his daily cultivation, tried to break the curse.

When he occasionally encountered a state of physical and mental exhaustion, he would chat with the psychological counselor of the Marlo Sect, drawing strength from their conversation to continue moving forward.

It must be said that although...

This counselor was truly skilled in conversation. Sometimes, the angles he brought up were awe-inspiring, and he never imagined that life could be lived so brilliantly.

Ji Jingqiu temporarily lost the urge to block him. He pondered that the pressure on his shoulders was indeed quite heavy at times.

Indeed, he needed someone to confide in.

He felt that this person was just right for the job!

The best part was that there was no charge, and he was always available to answer questions.

After landing at the airport, it was just past midnight, so Ji Jingqiu didn't notify his senior brother to pick him up. Instead, he planned to return home first and then head to the Martial Arts Academy in the morning.

"Senior Brother, will you come with me?"

Hong Hu nodded, "If there are no surprises, I won't be far from you."

Truly a guardian... Ji Jingqiu was amazed. He brought this Hong Hu back to his own small home.

Taking out the key, he opened the door.

After half a year, the creaking sound of the door hinge broke the half-year seal, and a familiar yet unfamiliar scent greeted him.

This was the scent of home.

Ji Jingqiu stood at the doorway, gazing at the empty house, and his eyebrows slowly furrowed.

The house was in disarray, and it was evident that someone had broken in during his absence, searching through the place for something.

Who was it?

"Someone's here," Hong Hu suddenly said, his gaze falling on the floor below, and he smiled lightly, "A Shackles Realm cultivator, and three Divine Journey Realm cultivators, are standing guard here day and night. Nephew, who's after you?"

Ji Jingqiu was puzzled as well. He had followed his grandfather's teachings during this trip, being humble and courteous. When did he offend someone to the extent that they would stake out his old home?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end