https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-329-The-Path-to-Greater-Heights-Part-1-/12588754/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-330-Lei-Jun-the-Last-of-the-Tang-Dynasty-Taoists/12588756/
Chapter 329: The Path to Greater Heights (Part 2)
Chapter 329: The Path to Greater Heights (Part 2)
However, due to the decline in spiritual energy over the past millennia, it has been a long time since anyone from our sect has reached the immortal stage."
In the Dan Ding sect, the Five Layers within the Nine Heavens are also referred to as the Five Qi Converging to the Origin, with the ultimate goal of pushing open the immortal gate and achieving the primordial spirit through the golden core.
In contrast, the Daoist Refiners or the Outer Dan sects are more straightforward, referring to the Five Qi of the Nine Heavens as the Five Qi Ascending to Immortality, aiming for immortality.
The Five Qi of the Outer Dan are the Qi of Life and Death, the Qi of the Mortal World, the Qi of Vastness, the Qi of Divinity, and the Qi of the Cosmos.
They are also known as the Qi of the Netherworld, the Qi of Humanity, the Qi of the Earth, the Qi of Enlightenment, and the Qi of the Celestial Realm.
When the Five Qi of the Outer Dan unite, and the Nine Heavens of the Great Vehicle realm are perfected, it is called the Scattered Immortal Body, also known as Minor Tranquility. The next step is to push open the immortal gate and attain Major Tranquility.
"In the mortal world, or specifically in the Great Tang, none of the cultivation sects have produced an immortal cultivator in many years."
Chu Kun, hailing from the Chu family in Suzhou, had a general understanding of Confucianism: "The old clan head of Suzhou, along with the old fox in Cangzhou, both cultivated the Three Classics of Confucianism to achieve the realm of Pacifying the World."
In Confucianism, there are three branches of cultivation, and the Nine Heavens are also referred to as the Pacifying the World realm.
However, the details of the five layers within the Nine Heavens differ among the three branches.
Currently, in the Great Tang, the Nine Heavens of the Confucian Great Scholars are all scholars of the Classics.
The Five Classics of Confucianism in the Nine Heavens are Poetry, Scriptures, Rites, Changes, and Spring and Autumn Annals.
"Senior Brother, does the Buddhist sect's vow cultivation also have significant differences when it comes to the four layers of the Nine Heavens and the fifth layer, which is the perfection stage?" Lei Jun asked Wang Guiyuan, who was standing beside him.
Regardless of the Five Qi Converging to the Mystery in the Talisman sect, the Five Qi Converging to the Origin in the Dan Ding sect, or the Five Qi Ascending to Immortality in the Outer Dan sect, in terms of actual combat techniques, there is a distinct watershed between the four Qi and the five Qi within the Nine Heavens realm.
"Buddhism is more or less the same," Wang Guiyuan nodded. "Upon reaching the perfection stage of the Nine Heavens in the vow cultivation, one attains the realm of Liberation and Wisdom. In terms of combat, there will be a noticeable improvement. However, in Buddhism, compassion is paramount, and cultivating the heart is of utmost importance. One should not seek to be aggressive and combative."
In the orthodox Buddhist tradition, there are four major lineages. The Nine Heavens realm is commonly referred to as the Dharma Body realm.
In the vow cultivation lineage, the Five Layers of the Dharma Body realm are Initial Practice, Stability, Observation, Enlightenment, and Liberation and Wisdom.
"Master Senior Brother, I heard that in the Buddhist sect's hand seal lineage, the Five Layers of the Dharma Body realm in the Nine Heavens are called the Five Aspects of Embodiment?" Chu Kun asked curiously.
Wang Guiyuan nodded, "Yes. First, one achieves the Dharma Body, then attains the understanding of the Bodhi Heart. Next is the cultivation of the Bodhi Heart, followed by the attainment of the Vajra Heart and the Vajra Body. Finally, if one can perfect the Dharma Body, they will achieve the Golden Body."
The Golden Body in Buddhism corresponds to the immortal achievement in Daoism.
"The path of cultivation is long and arduous," Chu Kun sighed.
Having successfully cultivated the Seventh Heaven realm, he had just entered the Upper Three Heavens stage. This time, he came specifically to witness the battle, both to broaden his horizons and to calm his mind.
"Master Senior Sister doesn't seem to have the upper hand," Chu Kun said as he withdrew his gaze after observing for a moment. Turning to his two senior brothers, he added uncertainly, "But it seems that Master Sister's abilities have improved significantly compared to when she fought at Longhu Mountain?"
There was no doubt that Tang Xiaotang's realm was higher than before.
However, Chu Kun's confusion lay in the fact that her divine powers and spiritual force seemed even more overpowering compared to her peers of the same realm...
Initially, he thought that it might be due to his insufficient cultivation and limited vision, but both Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan nodded in agreement, confirming his observation.
"As the realm increases, Master Junior Sister's advantage over her peers becomes more pronounced," Lei Jun said.
Tang Xiaotang's performance against a similar-realm opponent like Xu Yuanzhen would not have been as impressive back when she was in the Eighth Heaven.
"Is it because Master Junior Sister has created many of her divine powers and spells herself?" Chu Kun asked, enlightened. "As time passes and her cultivation improves, the unique divine powers and spells she created have become more refined and perfected."
Lei Jun looked into the distance and said, "That's one of the reasons."
The world before them seemed to be divided into two halves, one pure gold and dazzling, the other pure black and serene.
The two sides collided and pressed against each other.
However, neither could completely overwhelm the other.
Xu Yuanzhen's current cultivation was, in fact, slightly superior to Tang Xiaotang's at a more minor level.
But firstly, the gap was not as significant as the difference between the perfection of the four Qi and the five Qi. Secondly, Xu Yuanzhen had no intention of relying solely on her realm to overpower her opponent.
As neither could absorb the other into their Great Vehicle realm, they directly engaged in close combat while their respective Great Vehicle realms clashed.
With his current cultivation and insight, Lei Jun could clearly observe the intricacies of the battle.
Xu and Tang had essentially unveiled their entire arsenal, leaving Lei Jun thoroughly impressed.
Xu Yuanzhen's three original arts had evolved: the Wind Riding Talisman had transformed into the Universe Wind Manual, the Golden Lock Talisman into the Eternal Ancient Manual, and the Thunderclap Talisman into the Dark Heaven Manual.
Her three original spells had also advanced: the Treading on the Stars and Fighting had become the Extreme Cold Deep Space, the Twin Spirits of Dragon and Tiger into the Yin-Yang Dual Body, and the Five Thunder Right Law Talisman into the Profound Thunder Extermination Law Manual.
At first glance, the starting point of these arts seemed to be the most mainstream choices in the Tian Shi Fu of Longhu Mountain.
However, with her unique interpretation, they began to take on a peculiar feel.
The pitch-black thundercloud that she often manifested, resembling a hanging glacier, was a combination of the Dark Heaven Manual and the Extreme Cold Deep Space.
Her three original divine powers were the very standard Three Caverns and Three Realms True Classics, with the Tian Shi Fu's orthodox Heaven, Earth, and Human Three Great Manuals.
However, even these very mainstream spells took on a different appearance when cast by her, with many subtle differences from how others cast them.
Tang Xiaotang, on the other hand, had a more distinct personal style.
Her three original arts had evolved: the Thunderclap Talisman into the Thunder Boat Manual, the Blazing Talisman into the Rising Sun Manual, and the Wind Riding Talisman into the Flowlight Manual.
Her three original spells had also advanced: Treading on the Stars and Fighting into the Nine Yang Crossing the Sky, the Boundless Sea of Fire Talisman into the Ten Lands Sea of Fire Manual, and the Five Thunder Right Law Talisman into the Nine Heavens Sea of Thunder Manual.
Additionally, she had cultivated two original divine powers in both the Seventh Heaven and Eighth Heaven, resulting in the simultaneous manifestation of the Four Great Divine Icons: the Nine Abyss Flame Ancestor, the Pure Yang Flame Ancestor, the Pure Yang Thunder Ancestor, and the Dou Mu Star God.
"She has yet to finalize her new innate divine ability upon reaching the Ninth Heaven Realm, and is still tinkering with another new divine ability."
Tang Xiaotang was in no rush, and for good reason.
Aside from the Four Great Divine Icons, she combined her Lei Zhou Lu, Xu Ri Lu, Shi Di Huo Hai Fa Lu, and Jiu Tian Lei Hai Fa Lu, transforming them into a Pure Yang Sea and a Pure Yang Vessel.
After attaining the Great Vehicle realm, without relying on the divine court universe, she boldly manifested it in the real world, with the golden vessel forged from thunder and fire charging forward, majestic and awe-inspiring.
"Senior Sister has attained the Natural Law, harmonizing with the heavens and earth, and her versatility in manipulating the details is probably unmatched in the entire Great Tang Dynasty."
Wang Guiyuan whispered, "However, the Sect Master doesn't seem to be at a disadvantage in this aspect. On the contrary, there seems to be a subtle advantage that counteracts Senior Sister's prowess in Natural Law."
Lei Jun nodded, "That's the second reason."
As Tang Xiaotang's cultivation level increased, her perceptiveness in certain mystical aspects became more acute.
For example, she could discern between good and evil intentions.
In practical combat techniques, this gradually began to give her a sense of foresight that bordered on precognition.
However, she still lost this battle.
In terms of divine abilities and mystical powers, Tang Xiaotang was not at a disadvantage.
The two combatants fought fiercely, shaking the heavens and the sea, yet neither could claim victory.
In the end, it was a few relatively ordinary talismans that decided the outcome.
The innate talismans were more powerful, consumed less spiritual power, and were easier to wield.
However, cultivators who were willing to put in the time and effort could also cultivate other talismans concurrently.
Lei Jun's personal hobby was studying and researching various divine abilities and mystical techniques.
Xu Yuanzhen was similar in this regard.
Tang Xiaotang, as the heir to the Celestial Master position, had the intention to learn all the techniques of the Celestial Master's Mansion, and she had indeed become well-versed in them all.
However, as the battle escalated and various non-innate talismans were unleashed, she was outmaneuvered by Xu Yuanzhen, who found an opening.
What seemed like a minor gap was continuously exploited, eventually becoming a breach that decided their fate.
In the end, it was Xu Yuanzhen's consistent strategy that prevailed.
Details determined victory or defeat.
It seemed that they both knew the same techniques, but Xu Yuanzhen executed them better and won.
"It was just a tiny bit, truly just a tiny bit."
Xu Yuanzhen said, "But it was still a bit short."
Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks and remained silent.
In fact, it was more than just a tiny bit... Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan exchanged a glance.
Xu Yuanzhen's realm was slightly higher, and during the battle, she had refrained from using the Three Lights of Smoke and Haze of the Ninth Heaven's second layer.
However, without relying on her realm to overpower Tang Xiaotang, the gap between them was indeed minuscule.
But Tang Xiaotang fell into a state of seclusion after the loss.
When sparring with Xu Yuanzhen, she wanted to win, even if it was just a single move.
Unfortunately, she had failed to do so today.
"Although you didn't win, I must say that you've made me even more eager for our next encounter." A rare smile appeared on Xu Yuanzhen's face.
Tang Xiaotang turned away, saying, "We'll see about that!"
In the distance, Lei Jun and his two senior brothers stabilized the sea, waiting for the wind and waves to gradually subside before stopping.
Tang Xiaotang didn't greet them and walked away with her face covered.
Seeing her actions, the three of them couldn't help but find the situation amusing.
"You guys go back first." Xu Yuanzhen, with her usual calm demeanor, said, "I'll wander around at sea to see if I can find any traces of Huang Xuanpu."
Lei Jun asked, "Senior Sister, please take care. By the way, could you condense a Yin-Yang Dual Body talisman for me to observe?"
Xu Yuanzhen lightly snapped her fingers, and a half-black, half-white talisman floated towards Lei Jun, which he promptly kept.
After bidding farewell, Wang Guiyuan also departed.
He rarely ventured out, and Lei Jun and Chu Kun were curious, but they didn't pry. After seeing Wang Guiyuan off, the two of them quietly returned to Longhu Mountain.
As soon as they returned, they heard that a certain Celestial Master Tang had gone into seclusion.
"Senior Brother, I'll also continue my quiet cultivation for a while." Chu Kun greeted them briefly.
Having recently attained the Seventh Heaven Realm, he was also about to choose his first innate divine ability.
There was no need for him to agonize over this decision, as he had already decided on the Fate Life Scripture Talisman, also known as the Dou Mu Star God Divine Icon, or the Fate Star God.
As a descendant of the Yuan Mobai lineage, it was a tradition to cultivate this powerful divine ability, which was linked to the art of striking talismans in the Lower Three Heavens and the art of treading the trigram lines in the Middle Three Heavens.
On the other hand, the Fate Star God also aligned with Chu Kun's unique qualities.
...But would this young junior disciple transform the Fate Star God, a powerful physical divine ability, into something else? Lei Jun wondered with a smile.
He was quite curious to see what Chu Kun would do.
"Later, we'll discuss formally bestowing upon you the title of High Achiever." Lei Jun reminded him, "Don't forget."
Chu Kun replied, "Senior Brother, rest assured."
With that, Chu Kun departed for his cultivation.
Lei Jun was in a similar situation, as he focused on studying the talismans obtained from Fu Dongsen, which originated from the Human Dao Nation, and continued his own cultivation.
The Yin-Yang Dual Body talisman condensed by Xu Yuanzhen hovered quietly in front of him.
Lei Jun observed it for a moment before using his spiritual power to separate the two figures, studying them further.
Xu Yuanzhen's Yin-Yang Dual Body could merge and separate, deceive and confuse, and even transform into each other.
After some time, the Yin-Yang Dual Body gradually faded from Lei Jun's sight.
He calmed his mind and focused on his divine court.
The world, which was already divided into Xuan and Huang, now seemed to be separating in reverse.
Lei Jun had already refined the Purple Mansion Nebula.
The innate essence and spirit of the Two Primordials remained untouched in front of him.
However, as Lei Jun infused his spiritual power into them, the divine treasure began to undergo new changes.
The spiritual power transformed into two clouds, one on the left and the other on the right.
Lei Jun curled his fingers and snapped lightly, and the spiritual power containing the essence of the Purple Mansion Nebula divided into two streams, each falling into one of the clouds.
PS1: 7k chapter
PS2: I wrote and revised this chapter slowly, and it took a while to finish it. I apologize for the late update.
(End of Chapter)
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