Chapter 246: Chapter 197: So Close, Yet Not True, the Daoist Ahead Blocks the Path

’Just what you’d expect from a Demon Cultivator!’

Jiang Yi’s eyes lowered slightly. Even his apology was perfectly calculated, hitting the nail right on the head.

The "Water of Lower Kan" was one of the lower three confluences of the Six Confluences Great Medicine, exactly what he currently lacked.

’He Shouzhen, the Steward of the Cloud-Receiving Hall...’

Jiang Yi did not respond immediately, pausing to think.

Those sister Furnace Cauldrons were indeed useful, but countless eyes from both within and without the Eight Peaks were watching him. If he, the Daoist, was slighted by the Lower Courtyard and let it slide for a mere trifle, such incidents would only become more frequent in the future.

Jiang Yi looked down, lost in thought. By beseeching the Celestial Book, he had long confirmed that He Shouzhen had no powerful backer. He was merely a pawn, a sacrificial piece pushed forward by the Shao Clan, one of the descendants of the Eight Monarchs.

"Settle those sisters in the Lower Courtyard residence. Send a golden arrow message telling He Shouzhen to see me again in three days."

Jiang Yi instructed softly.

"As the Daoist commands." The Formation Spirit bowed and replied.

"Did the previous Daoist give you a name?"

Jiang Yi asked. He planned to focus on his Cultivation at Changming Heavenly Lake, and would likely not leave until he reached the Flying Foundation Establishment Realm. He would need a capable steward by his side.

The Formation Spirit’s face fell.

"True Master Xuanmiao bestowed upon me the name Jiang Da."

Jiang Yi’s eyelid twitched. His Cat Master truly had no talent for naming things.

He looked at the middle-aged Daoist, who had the elegant posture of a crane and the refined features of a pine, and spoke after a moment of thought.

"You don’t have to share my surname. You are the spirit of the grand formation of Changming Heavenly Lake, ever clear and ever tranquil, capable of absorbing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Mechanism."

"From now on, you shall be called ’Chang Qing,’ and you will serve as the head steward of this place."

The middle-aged Daoist hurriedly kowtowed in gratitude.

"Many thanks to the Daoist for this name! Chang Qing will certainly serve with all his heart and never dare to slack off!"

Although this Formation Spirit was a type of Artifact Spirit, it was also different. Its form and substance were entrusted to the grand formation, nourished by the mountains and waters, which could preserve it for millions of years without decay.

But it had not yet attained the Dao and could not maintain its clarity for long. Under the erosion of time, its true nature was bound to become muddled.

Therefore, every thousand years, or whenever it got a new master, the Formation Spirit had to undergo a "reforging," returning to its source to have its consciousness reshaped.

"Daoist Jiang, you didn’t refuse to take in those sisters who can produce the ’Water of Lower Kan’ just because I’m here, did you?"

Qiao Yu said with a huff after the Formation Spirit had left.

"Miss Xiaoqiao, you can think that if you wish."

Jiang Yi’s tone was flat, and his single sentence left Qiao Yu speechless.

"After all, if I am the Daoist, that makes you the mistress of Changming Heavenly Lake. If the mistress doesn’t nod her approval, how can any other woman enter?"

Qiao Yu gave him a coquettish glare, then her expression turned serious.

"Now that the Daoist has come out of seclusion, it’s my turn to go in. It’s been a long time since I left [Fengdu], and now I finally have a chance to gain insights into my Cultivation. I must seize it."

Jiang Yi nodded, indicating that if she needed any Resources, she could send the Formation Spirit, Chang Qing.

"The core of Foundation Establishment Cultivation is the Refining Technique. One must cultivate one of the Five Elements to its absolute peak, perfecting one’s Life Essence, and then seek the Dao Fruit."

But Qiao Yu shook her head.

"That is the superior method. But Dao Fruits are rare, and all of them are in the hands of the Ancestral Sects. So, Cultivators with insufficient backing or who aren’t from a True Inheritance Dharma Lineage have to settle for second best and seek [Qi]."

"Fortunately, [Sword Dao] borrows its position from Metal, so it’s not that complicated."

A flicker of understanding crossed Jiang Yi’s eyes; this was something he knew a fair bit about.

Across the entire Yanfu Vast Land, the paths of the Dao were divided into many different ranks.

[Yin and Yang] was supreme, a path so rare as to be unattainable.

Even a Daoist from an Ancestral Sect might not be able to touch it.

[The Five Elements] was a superior path, widespread among the four great worldly Daoist Lineages and found throughout the Four Directions Continent.

But it was divided into inner and outer aspects. The Nanzhan Continent primarily cultivated the [Yin Five Elements], while the Dongsheng Continent focused on the [Yang Five Elements]. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Beyond that, each of the Four Directions Continent and their respective Daoist Lineages had its own unique Golden Position, from which countless Cultivation Techniques were derived.

For example, the Dongsheng Continent controlled the [Thunder Core], and also had the [Jade Void] and [Clear Qi] paths, which were attained through emptiness.

The Nanzhan Continent also had [Primordial Magnetism] and [Blood Qi].

The Beiju Continent had [Hundred Forms] and [Five Vermin].

And the Ximizhou Continent had its own exclusive positions, completely different from the other Daoist Lineages.

"Miss Xiaoqiao cultivates the [Sword Dao]. I’ve heard this path draws on the sharpness of the [Metal Element]. Later, a Daoist Monarch proved the [Five Wefts], establishing the fifth great Daoist Lineage of Yanfu, which has shone with unrivaled splendor for 120,000 years."

Jiang Yi had always been curious about this. He had never pried before, but today he finally asked.

"Miss Xiaoqiao, which star of the [Five Wefts] do you cultivate?"

A Cultivator’s foundation was always their most guarded secret, but since Jiang Yi was the one asking, Qiao Yu naturally wouldn’t hide it.

"I cultivate [Taibai]."

Jiang Yi nodded. The [Five Wefts] were "Taibai," "Sui," "Chen," "Yinghuo," and "Zhen."

Those who could be called "Sword Cultivators" were all formidable figures who borrowed the Qi of the celestial stars to temper their swords and enhance their killing power.

Those from the paths of Immortal and Demon who merely learned a few sword techniques were not classified as "true Sword Cultivators."

"A pity, a real pity."

Qiao Yu shook her head, her tone full of regret.

"I thought that by following you to the Innate Sect, the Eight Peaks True Inheritance would surely come looking for trouble. It would have been a perfect chance for me to fight a proper Dao Material from an Ancestral Sect. But they’ve all been so well-behaved, not one of them has dared to show their face."

Jiang Yi couldn’t help but laugh. It was amusing how Qiao Yu, so lively and bright, insisted on acting so bloodthirsty.

"There will be opportunities. As long as someone takes the lead, the others won’t be able to sit still. Don’t worry, Miss Xiaoqiao, I guarantee you’ll get to cut loose to your heart’s content."

During his ten days of seclusion in the Spiritual Truth Abode, he had frequently beseeched the Celestial Book. Combining that with what the artifact spirit of the Great Kui Xuan Drum had told him, he had already grasped the general power structure within the sect.

Behind every True Inheritance Disciple stood a True Monarch Dongtian, who had invested countless schemes and efforts.

They weren’t just eyeing the position of Daoist; powerful positions like the Elders of the Upper Halls, who held real authority, were also part of their calculations.

Such figures were equivalent to the ministers of the Six Ministries or the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet. They conquered new territories for the sect, expanded its domain, spread its teachings, and propagated its virtues.

As long as they accumulated enough merit, they would have the chance to learn the three great original scriptures, and might even receive favor from the Daoist Monarch Ancestors—a heaven-sent Opportunity for further advancement.

’My position as Daoist was decided by Ancestor Mingxuan. The Sect Leader merely gave his tacit approval; he may not truly agree with it.’

’I took over Changming Heavenly Lake halfway through. If there’s a chance to pull me down, it would naturally be a joyous occasion for them;’

’Otherwise, the ’investments’ of many a True Monarch Dongtian would have gone down the drain.’

After the various events following his return to the sect, Jiang Yi gradually came to understand the true nature of the situation.

His very existence was already an obstacle to the ambitions of many True Inheritance Disciples, and indeed, to the schemes of the True Monarchs themselves.

Therefore, even at the risk of angering the Ancestor, several factions within the Innate Sect still wished for him to disappear completely.

The only reason they hadn’t acted yet was that they were cautiously probing to find the exact line drawn by the Ancestor and the Sect Leader.

’A hair’s breadth of difference, and it is no longer true... The Daoist cultivates the Dao, the Lower Cultivator seeks the Dao. Even if it means risking one’s life, one must still fight for it.’

Jiang Yi mused to himself, deciding to continue the habit he developed on Red Flame Peak: before going out, he would always beseech the Celestial Book and perform a divination to determine the auspiciousness of the venture.

"Hmph, hmph. Anyway, if anyone wants to lay a single finger on you, they’ll have to ask my dharma sword first."

Qiao Yu giggled. Jiang Yi shook his head. No matter how he looked at her, Miss Xiaoqiao just didn’t seem like the kind of sword-crazy maniac who would draw her blade to cut people down.

He had Chang Qing prepare the Spiritual Truth Abode for Qiao Yu’s secluded Cultivation, while he himself stepped out of the main hall.

A ten-day period had passed. It was time to go to Kan Peak to pay his respects to Master Lu.

...

...

The Kan Trigram is the symbol of water.

Thus, for hundreds of miles around Kan Peak, there were only great, surging rivers, divided into a total of nine streams.

The upper level was "Ren Water," which transformed into misty clouds that shifted like flowing light and shadows. One could faintly see flying boats and treasure ships parting the waves, the sounds of clinking cups, cheerful laughter, and string music drifting on the wind;

The lower level was "Kui Water," which condensed into a sweet rain, gathering into a vast mist that enveloped the many suspended islands below. Spiritual Birds and exotic fish darted through it, free and at ease.

Suddenly, a Dharma ship, twenty to thirty zhang long, broke through the restrictions of Kan Peak and rumbled towards the main peak.

Aboard the ship, a Foundation Establishment True Master sat upon an embroidered couch entwined with six water Jiao. The couch itself was inlaid with magnificent ornaments like chill jade, necklaces, coral, and lustrous pearls, emitting ten thousand rays of treasured light that illuminated the sky.

This commotion immediately startled the Kan Peak Disciples who were leisurely boating and feasting on their own vessels.

"Which True Master is this? Those six water Jiao on the couch were actually refined from six different kinds of spiritual water! What an extravagant display!"

"Didn’t you see the banner flying high? Eight heads and eight faces, a tiger’s body and a human head—that’s a ’Tianwu’!"

"So it’s a descendant of the Dao Race’s Liu lineage! Let me think... the only Foundation Establishment True Master who can fly the ’Tianwu Water Monarch Flag’ should be True Master ’Liu Jing’!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, scrambling to get out of the way for fear of obstructing the True Master’s vessel.

This True Master Liu Jing was a rising star who had reached Foundation Establishment in recent years. In the Lower Courtyard, he and Shao Guansu of the Shao Clan were known as the "Twin Jades."

Now that both had reached Foundation Establishment and been promoted to the upper courtyards of the Eight Peaks, their story was told as an inspiring tale within the sect.

"The atmosphere on Kan Peak is quite relaxed, unlike Zhen Peak, which is full of rules, etiquette, and numerous restrictions."

Liu Jing was dressed in a deep cyan Magical Robe with a Jade Belt at his waist, his features handsome.

Clear and turbid currents of water churned around him, creating the vast aura of giant Jiao in great marshes and long whales in wide seas. It was clear he had cultivated the Water Element to a profound level, approaching the realm of "Techniques Possessing Primordial Spirits."

"True Monarch Lu has never concerned herself with worldly affairs and is quite lenient with the Kan Peak Disciples, so the atmosphere is naturally lax."

The "Tianwu Water Monarch Flag" flying high above shimmered, and from it flew a blue tiger with eight heads, eight faces, eight feet, and eight tails. It prostrated itself before Liu Jing and muttered:

"In the competition between the Eight Peaks, Kan Peak has always ranked last year after year, while Zhen Peak consistently aims for second place from its third-place seat."

Liu Jing shook his head.

"True Monarch Lu simply does not contend with the world. Among the many True Monarch Dongtian in the sect, who would dare say they could definitively suppress her? She is one of the rare True Monarchs who ascended to her position by obtaining a Dao Fruit."

Seeing they were getting closer to the main peak, the blue tiger fell silent.

As everyone knew, True Monarch Cunyuan Cunjing, who presided over Kan Peak, had obtained the [Ever-Flowing Water] Dao Fruit. She ultimately received the favor of the [Water Virtue], making her a bona fide superior True Monarch!

"A hair’s breadth of difference, and it is no longer true. The path of the Dao is fraught with hardship. Only by standing at the Foundation Establishment Realm can one truly appreciate how difficult, and how precious, it is to advance to the rank of ’Upper Cultivator.’"

Liu Jing sighed softly.

"If one’s Life Essence is not at Perfection, one cannot seek a Dao Fruit. Even if you have all Five Elements and manage to reach Perfection through great effort, the number of Dao Fruits is fixed. Without an Opportunity, it is but a fool’s dream."

"Without a Dao Fruit, one can only occupy a subordinate or lower position, never attaining the status of ’Upper.’"

The blue tiger shook its heads.

"True Monarch Lu is skilled in Pill Arts and has a profound understanding of Water Techniques. If you could get her guidance on that ’Grand Technique of Striking Thunder from the Northern True Water Manor’ you want to master, you would surely make great progress. But how could a True Monarch be so easy to meet?"

Liu Jing nodded and said.

"I specifically asked my master for permission to pilot this Cloud-Guiding Dharma Ship, and I brought your ’Tianwu Water Monarch Flag’ from the clan to come to Kan Peak."

"I intend to present the ’Water Element Grand Pill’ I personally refined to True Monarch Lu, in exchange for a bit of her guidance."

The blue tiger clicked its tongues, TSK TSK.

"You’ve certainly prepared for everything..."

While they were talking, the Dharma ship arrived at the main peak, docking smoothly at the base of a towering mountain.

Liu Jing rose respectfully, stepped off the Dharma ship, descended to the plank walkway, and climbed the jade steps on foot, finally arriving at the gates of the Kan Water Palace.

He handed the Water Element Grand Pill to an acolyte and said softly:

"Liu Jing, a Disciple from Zhen Peak. I have refined a Water Pill and am unsure of its quality. I have come to request some guidance from True Monarch Cunyuan Cunjing."

The acolyte took the jade box and performed a Daoist salute.

"Please wait a moment, True Master."

A short while later.

The acolyte returned with a message.

"The pill’s nature is acceptable, but the Magical Power within is not pure enough. The heat control was lacking, and it failed to achieve the subtlety of a proper hierarchy of ingredients."

Liu Jing lowered his head, not at all surprised by this evaluation.

He had little talent for Pill Arts to begin with; the Water Element Grand Pill was merely a pretext to seek an audience with True Monarch Cunyuan Cunjing.

"The True Monarch has no time today."

The acolyte added.

"She says you are to leave on your own."

Liu Jing froze, stunned. He looked up abruptly, a dazed expression on his face.

He had specifically made inquiries. True Monarch Cunyuan Cunjing had no plans to enter seclusion recently, nor was she preparing to hold a Dharma Assembly or Pill Assembly. How could she not have any free time?

"The Daoist is on Kan Peak. The True Monarch is personally instructing him."

Seeing as Liu Jing was a Foundation Establishment True Master, the acolyte offered an extra bit of explanation, his voice very soft.