Chapter 528: Starting as a Great Master Today! (Part 2)

Chapter 528: Starting as a Great Master Today! (Part 2)

Learning from nature, it's almost like self-taught. It's a natural enlightenment."

The achievement of the Natural Enlightenment in the Primordial Realm is something that hasn't appeared in the Celestial Master Mansion on Dragon Tiger Mountain for many years.

Feng Ting smiled, "An Shizhi has Tranquil Enlightenment and a Two-Pole Divine Body, and Chi Shizhi has Natural Enlightenment and a Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body. The new generation surpasses the old, and the ancients were indeed honest."

Elder Zhuo also smiled, "The blue comes from the indigo plant but surpasses it. This is what we call a proper inheritance."

After the laughter, Elder Zhuo's expression turned serious again, "The innate talent is extraordinary, but one cannot relax in the later stages."

Especially when some people have slight flaws on the surface, while others have them hidden in their hearts, requiring even more vigilance.

Elder Zhuo and Feng Ting ascended, entering the sky and reaching the Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm above the firmament.

On the eve of the Ordination Ceremony, the current Celestial Master returned to the ancestral court of the mountain gate from the Boundless.

After the two disciples paid their respects, they reported the recent events.

"No major issues," Lei Jun said calmly.

Not only was he himself of Natural Enlightenment, but he had also dealt with many similar people. Therefore, in this regard, his insight was even sharper than that of Zhuo Baojie and Feng Ting, and he was more sensitive than Xin Beiyuan, who had brought Chi Haifeng back.

However, he didn't need to inquire further about such matters.

Elder Zhuo and Xin Beiyuan could handle it.

"Master, about the child An Buzheng..." Elder Zhuo's voice lowered.

Lei Jun asked, "What do you think?"

Elder Zhuo replied, "I believe it's better to speak sooner than later.

Logically speaking, with his genius talent, even if there are any problems, he should be able to overcome the tribulations of the First Heaven and reach the Second Heaven.

But it's still a heavenly chasm, and when the time comes, there will be no chance for regret, and he'll have to rely entirely on himself. I can't help him from the sidelines."

Lei Jun said, "It's up to you."

Elder Zhuo replied, "Yes, Master."

Feng Ting stood aside without interrupting, but he couldn't help but feel that every family had its own difficulties.

After the New Year, guests from outside the mountain began to arrive.

After the initial preparations, on the 15th of the first month, the new session of the Dragon Tiger Ordination Ceremony officially began.

The guests observed the gray-robed Daoist apprentices performing the rituals with precision.

To be fair, in this era, anyone who could enter the Dao Martial Arts Institute under Dragon Tiger Mountain had above-average talent. The average level far surpassed that of a hundred years ago.

With such a selection of the best, those who gained ordination qualifications and were formally accepted into the Celestial Master Mansion were, by any standard, considered excellent immortal seedlings.

But comparisons are inevitable.

Even among the many talented young men, Chi Haifeng and An Buzheng still stood out.

The former, Chi Haifeng, had an inner beauty that was hard to discern from the outside. But he was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Second Heaven, which set him apart from the rest.

The latter, An Buzheng, was still in the Qi Condensation realm, but his reputation was even more resounding than Chi Haifeng's.

"Even his height has that kind of aura..."

Wang Jianan, the Elder of the North Peak of the Shu Mountain Sect, gazed at An Buzheng in the crowd and muttered to himself.

In the past two years, An Buzheng as 'An Buzheng' to avoid confusion with the key term 'An Buzheng'.

In the past two years, An Buzheng's stature had gradually grown taller, surpassing his peers.

He hadn't reached the age when he would grow the most, and if he continued to grow, he might surpass average height when he became an adult.

This made it hard for onlookers not to associate him with a certain Celestial Master from Dragon Tiger Mountain who had become the Supreme Master of the Daoist Sect.

Beside Wang Jianan, Yu Boyan, also from the North Peak, kept his gaze steady, "Elder Wang, be careful with your words."

Wang Jianan took heed.

Although Lei Jun wasn't personally presiding over this ceremony, his rare appearance in the mortal world was significant.

His primary disciple, Zhuo Baojie, was opening the mountain to accept disciples today, making it an extraordinary occasion.

This made the outside world even more attentive to Zhuo Baojie and his disciples, who were currently performing the Ring Breaking Ceremony.

"Master Lei isn't that strict," Elder Ji Chuan of the East Peak of the Shu Mountain Sect smiled and said softly.

Wang Jianan breathed a sigh of relief and, looking at An Buzheng, said, "From some rumors, this point seems quite similar."

Although Lei Jun's temperament was somewhat indifferent and cold, he wasn't strict or arrogant.

Especially towards his fellow Dragon Tiger Mountain disciples, he was quite caring.

"His cultivation progress is steady, and he shouldn't be too slow."

Wang Jianan's gaze shifted between An Buzheng and Chi Haifeng, "After all, one has a Two-Pole Divine Body and the other has Tranquil Enlightenment."

Although Lei Jun hadn't publicly announced his successor, Zhuo Baojie, due to accepting a new disciple, hadn't been sent out on patrol. Among the main candidates, only he had served as the Elder of the Official Hall.

For some people inside and outside Dragon Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun's preference had already been somewhat revealed.

If Zhuo Baojie were to take over the Dragon Tiger Sect, then An Buzheng, who was currently becoming his disciple, would be the personal disciple of the new Celestial Master.

Even if he wasn't, as Lei Jun's direct disciple, his status was unquestionable.

Although Chi Haifeng had reached Foundation Establishment first, given their talents, the gap wasn't that significant. An Buzheng could easily surpass him.

Taking Lei Jun himself as an example, not to mention others, when he first ascended to the Cave Profound realm, his cultivation was far behind Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang.

"That Chi Haifeng..." Elder Ji Chuan said softly beside them, "He's already in the late Foundation Establishment stage."

Compared to many rumors, this was the first time they had heard it. Previously, when Feng Ting brought Chi Haifeng to visit the Shu Mountain Sect, they were guests at the East Peak, and Elder Ji Chuan had hosted them.

Yu Boyan and Wang Jianan looked at each other in surprise.

Even with special treatment, to reach the late Foundation Establishment stage in just two years after entering the sect?

"It's not just the Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body; his enlightenment must be..." Yu Boyan couldn't help but speak up.

Wang Jianan said, "In the early stages of cultivation, it's usually the root bone that plays a bigger role. An Buzheng has a Two-Pole Divine Body, and with dedicated cultivation in the Lower Third Heaven and Middle Third Heaven, he should be able to keep up..."

Although he said this, when he looked at Chi Haifeng and An Buzheng again, his gaze changed.

"The Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body..." Wang Jianan didn't finish his sentence, but Elder Ji Chuan and Yu Boyan could guess his unspoken thoughts.

Chi Haifeng, despite being a Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body, was inferior to An Buzheng's Two Pole Divine Body. However, the Celestial Master Mansion had a strategy to elevate the Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body to the Divine Array of All Ghosts Immortal Body.

Xing Beiyuan was currently performing the Ring Breaking Ceremony with Chi Haifeng to become his disciple, and it was through this process that Chi Haifeng would attain the Divine Array of All Ghosts Immortal Body.

Of course, it was an extremely challenging task.

Xing Beiyuan had waited for a long time before his wish was finally granted.

His success would undoubtedly consume a significant amount of Heaven-Produced Treasures from the Celestial Master Mansion, and some of these treasures might even become extinct.

But what if it worked? An Buzheng, as the Grand Master's disciple and the Celestial Master's personal student, wouldn't have to wait any longer. He had just entered the sect and already faced a formidable rival! If one thought deeper...

Master Lei, with his great opportunities and fortune, had a Two Pole Divine Body and successfully achieved the Supreme Taiji Immortal Body. After the Confluence of Boundless in the human realm and the subsequent battle against Gao Tian Sui, his secret was out.

Let's not mention the depressing topic of Master Lei's demise.

One day, if Master Lei could transcend or further achieve the Daoist Infinite, the position of the Supreme Taiji Immortal Body would become vacant again.

At that time, An Buzheng's Two Pole Divine Body would directly face competition from Xing Beiyuan and Chi Haifeng's Divine Array of All Ghosts Immortal Body.

Compared to Mu Chunyang, the True Martial Sect Master with a Creation Immortal Body, An Buzheng and Chi Haifeng, as fellow disciples, were undoubtedly in a more awkward situation.

With Lei Jun's precedent, although the outside world was unclear about the specifics, one could guess that the Celestial Master Mansion currently had a strategy to elevate the Two Pole Divine Body to the Supreme Taiji Immortal Body.

However, An Buzheng and Chi Haifeng had just been formally initiated into the mansion, and there was already a sense of predestined rivalry between them, which made everyone sigh.

At this moment, looking at Chi Haifeng, who had not undergone the ordination ceremony but was exceptionally allowed to participate in the Ring Breaking Ceremony, Wang Jianan couldn't help but make some comparisons with An Buzheng, who followed the proper procedures.

This young man with the surname Chi, when faced with the principle of "non-competition," seemed to be deliberately seeking competition.

Yu Boyan remained silent in deep thought.

With Lei Jun above them, the Celestial Master Mansion need not worry about internal strife.

However, they must be vigilant against outside influences that could lead to the loss of talented individuals.

After all, Gao Tian Sui was still alive...

Ji Chuan carefully recalled the Chi Haifeng he had met earlier at the East Peak of Shu Mountain.

The outside world's attention did not affect the four inside: Elder Zhuo, Xing Beiyuan, Chi Haifeng, and An Buzheng.

Everyone followed the ceremonial procedures and completed the grand ceremony.

After the ceremony, the masters took their disciples and left.

"Xuhua Xujing," Xing Beiyuan said to his disciples. "This generation will take the character 'Xu' from your names, and I will add the character 'Hai' to form the name 'Xuhai' as your Daoist name."

Chi Haifeng smiled and said, "Master, you are teaching us the principle of being open-minded and humble. This principle is indeed difficult for disciples to comprehend, but there are always people better than us, and there are countless true celestial figures in our Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm. Compared to Grand Master and them, I am far behind."

Xing Beiyuan glanced at him and said, "So, apart from Grand Master and a few others, you don't put anyone else in your eyes?"

Chi Haifeng smiled awkwardly and said, "Disciple dares not, Master. I will remember your teachings."

Xing Beiyuan continued, "It's not enough to just remember it in words; you must remember it in your heart. As the saying goes, 'When teaching, the wind blows past the ears, but when learning, it is engraved in the bones.' However, I don't want you to learn the hard way by paying a heavy price to remember the lessons."

Chi Haifeng faced Xing Beiyuan's calm gaze, his expression becoming more serious. He fidgeted with the sleeves of his new apricot-yellow Daoist robe and said, "Yes, Master."

Xing Beiyuan didn't say more. He instructed Chi Haifeng, "Don't go to An Shixu's side for now. Elder Zhuo will soon urge him to establish his foundation."

"Yes, Master, disciple understands," Chi Haifeng said, rubbing his hands together eagerly.

assistant

Although they were both Daoist apprentices, their discussions on Daoist methods and sharing of insights brought mutual benefits.

It was a pity that An Buzheng didn't receive special treatment. Since Chi Haifeng had received the True Law Great Dao Scripture and the basic Seal Scripture, it was inconvenient for him to continue their conversations, as it would seem like private teachings and also disrespectful to An Buzheng's own decisions.

Now that An Buzheng had also undergone the ordination ceremony and become a formal disciple of the Celestial Master Mansion, Elder Zhuo would teach him Daoist methods and talismans. Chi Haifeng could also take the initiative to invite An Buzheng to study and exchange ideas, just like he had done a year ago.

It was a good opportunity since he had just visited the East Peak of Shu Mountain Sect and learned about the Yuan Magnetic Forging method from the Daoist Forging Sect, which had unique advantages compared to their own Yuan Magnetic Seal.

...

At this moment, An Buzheng stood with his hands clasped in front of Elder Zhuo.

Elder Zhuo spoke calmly, "This generation takes the character 'Xu' as your Daoist name. Usually, it is combined with one character from your original name."

However, I previously submitted a respectful report to the heavens and ancestors, and I felt inspired to receive the character 'Wu.' I give you the Daoist name 'Xuwu.'"

He handed a talisman paper to his disciple.

An Buzheng looked at it and, unusually, seemed slightly dazed.

It wasn't 'Xuwu' but 'Xuwu.'

His full name was An Buzheng, implying the family's expectation of him to be strong and unyielding.

And now, with this Daoist name, An Xuwu...

He silently pondered for a moment, then raised his head to look at his master.

Elder Zhuo took out a Yin-Yang Brush and said, "This Yin-Yang Brush was given to me by your great-grandmaster when I was initiated into the mansion. Judging by its spirituality, it suits you now, so I pass it on to you as a legacy. In the future, as your cultivation grows, you can refine more suitable magical weapons and treasures for yourself."

"Thank you, Master, for bestowing this treasure," An Buzheng said, taking the brush.

Although he hadn't started learning talisman crafting, he was familiar with the brush.

But after examining it closely, he felt something was odd.

The brush tip seemed to be slightly damaged...

How did it get damaged? His master wouldn't give him a faulty magical weapon.

There might be a deeper meaning... An Buzheng pondered.

Elder Zhuo quietly observed his disciple and, in the end, didn't say much. He transmitted the first volume of the True Law Great Dao Scripture and other magical weapons to An Buzheng, instructing him to rest for the night and begin his formal cultivation as a direct disciple of the Celestial Master Mansion the next day.

After An Buzheng left, Elder Zhuo headed to the Celestial Master Temple on the mountain.

After the ceremony, Lei Jun didn't immediately return to the Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm.

Seeing Elder Zhuo approach, he scrutinized his senior disciple and sighed, "Hua Jie has become a master, and I've become a grandmaster. These are new experiences, so there's no need to be nervous."

Zhuo Baojie: "Tomorrow, I'll have a good talk with An Xuwu..."

His words trailed off as he suddenly paused and looked up at Lei Jun.

At this moment, they were the only two people present, just the master and his disciple.

In the past, in such situations, the master would never directly call himself by his name or Daoist name, opting for a nickname instead, and that hand would often reach out...

"Hua Jie, you're a master now too," Lei Jun repeated with a smile.

Xiong opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound.

Lei Jun's smile grew wider: "What are you thinking about? Are you planning to betray your sect and leave? Of course, I won't abandon you, but since I'm also a master now, even if we're alone, I'll still give you some face. The more you cultivate your temperament in ordinary times, the more enjoyable it is for me. Is that not so, my good disciple?"

Zhuo Baojie took a deep breath: "Er, thank you, Master..."

Lei Jun: "Don't get too complacent too soon. When you can let go of the affairs of the sect and settle down in this heavenly realm, we'll settle the principal and interest together."

Zhuo Baojie couldn't help but laugh and cry: "Master, you're really training your disciple's mindset!"

Lei Jun waved his hand: "Don't worry about me. You, as a newcomer, also need to learn how to be a master."

Zhuo Baojie straightened his expression: "Yes, disciple will follow your teachings."

Although he said this, people are different, and bears are even more different. There were still some differences between him and his master, Lei Jun, in terms of style.

The next day, An Buzheng came to pay respects to Zhuo Baojie.

He suddenly realized that his master looked different from before.

Usually, Zhuo Baojie maintained a relatively short stature.

Even at the age of twelve, his height had already surpassed An Buzheng's.

But today, Zhuo Baojie's posture remained unchanged, but his entire body had grown larger, not just by a circle. Standing up, his height was now comparable to that of most adult men.

An Buzheng was puzzled.

Zhuo Baojie calmly taught him the True Law of the Great One's Way.

With his talent compared to his current realm, An Buzheng had been preparing for too long.

Therefore, he would soon be able to strive for the Foundation Establishment realm in the Second Level Heaven.

But Zhuo Baojie stopped him and calmly asked: "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

An Buzheng was stunned and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

"That Yin-Yang Pen was bitten by me in the past," Zhuo Baojie calmly recounted his dark history: "It wasn't that I was ignorant before entering the Dao, but after officially cultivating in the Celestial Master Mansion, I still couldn't resist my greedy nature. I casually bit it like this."

An Buzheng was dumbfounded.

Finally, after regaining his senses, he bowed to Zhuo Baojie: "Master, disciple... disciple... I have no intention to deceive you!"

"I believe you," Zhuo Baojie said, standing with his hands behind his back.

The invisible aura had already lifted An Buzheng.

The youth's expression was dazed, and his usual mature demeanor was nowhere to be seen.

An Xuwu.

An Xuwu...

Yes, gradually losing his true self.

When did this start? It must have been when he realized he possessed the Two Pole Divine Body and entered the Celestial Master Mansion.

With such talent, entering the Celestial Master Mansion, there's a chance to become the contemporary Celestial Master's direct disciple.

Is there a chance to become a true immortal master like the master ancestor?

Is there a chance to inherit the Celestial Master's legacy?

Is there a chance to sweep across the four directions like the master ancestor, unmatched by anyone?

How can I achieve that? I must cultivate diligently and strive to be better than others, just like the master ancestor, leading the group!

What was the master ancestor like?

People say he had a calm lake-like face, a heart like thunder, and a demeanor that was indifferent yet compassionate towards all living beings. He was fierce towards enemies but caring towards his fellow disciples.

I want to become such a person!

Only then will I not waste the heaven-bestowed body and the opportunity to encounter a virtuous master!

But Master said that the master ancestor was always calm and composed, never hasty or agitated, never surprised or angry. He went with the flow and acted according to circumstances.

To help Master Lei Jun establish a solid foundation, the master ancestor didn't hesitate to spend more time. If I don't try, then what?

After all, there's only a little more than a year left until the Ordination Ceremony.

Although I might be a bit slower than Chi Shidi, there's still a chance to surpass later, just like Master Ancestor and Xu Shibo Zu, Tang Shibo Zu, and the others.

But after the ordination, I must work harder...

"With your talent, even if you reach a slightly higher realm, there's still a chance," Zhuo Baojie said.

Zhuo Baojie's voice rang in An Buzheng's ears: "But there are always risks in the heavenly chasm tribulations between major realms. One misstep and there's no turning back. So, after careful consideration, I decided to clarify things with you today."

An Buzheng spoke softly: "Disciple feels ashamed for not living up to Master's nurturing and teachings."

Zhuo Baojie shook his head: "No, you're good, very talented. Your future achievements will surpass mine.

Your master ancestor, that old man, was a scholar of heaven and earth, a natural Daoist. He was the number one master of our Daoist sect. Not just you, but I also look up to him as a role model. But you must know that scholars live, and fools die. Especially beware of cutting feet to fit shoes, An Xuwu?

An Buzheng will always be An Buzheng."

What was the first impression An Buzheng gave him?

Caring for friends and family, yes.

Resolute and decisive, yes.

Passionate about cultivation, curious about nature, diligent and hardworking, all correct.

But whether it's ambition or competitiveness, he didn't have any of the master ancestor's calm and indifference.

Compared to Lei Jun's calm lake-like face and heart like thunder, An Buzheng was more like forcibly suppressing his thoughts, asking fewer questions, and being less involved in external changes.

Zhuo Baojie smiled: "Moreover, you can only learn what you've seen of your master ancestor. How can you know the whole picture by looking at a leopard in a tube?"

An Buzheng pursed his lips: "Disciple thinks that I'll slowly observe and learn more..."

"Your master ancestor emphasized going with the flow and acting according to circumstances. You've learned to be a poor imitation."

Zhuo Baojie sighed lightly. After all, the other party was still a child with limited experience:

"If your master ancestor were here for the past two years, it would be the same as with Tang Shibo and Han Shimei. Why would he wait for the Ordination Ceremony? Regarding the barrier in your heart, I still hope you can figure it out yourself. But now that you're about to establish your foundation, it's not that I don't trust your talent, but it's better to be cautious. So, I'll break through this window paper for you."

An Buzheng wanted to cry but couldn't shed tears.

However, he gradually calmed down, exhaled a long breath, and bowed to Zhuo Baojie: "Disciple thanks Master for your teachings."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end