"The Yin Mountain Sect's Dharma realm was eroded by the Song Dynasty, so they were annihilated by the ghost immortals they themselves summoned."
"Those talismans pasted on, the so-called receiving the talisman and having one's name inscribed in the Heavenly Court, exchanging souls… Which Heavenly Court resides underground?"
Ji Xiang cleared out the items here, including the statue of the Old Ancestor of Yin Mountain. This statue suppressed the Ten Thousand Years Summoning Talisman, so there were no other issues here. Aside from the pervasive death qi and Yin qi, the Old Ancestor of Yin Mountain had already suppressed the matters concerning the Song Dynasty.
As one wave of trouble subsided, another arose. Ji Xiang glanced at the hanging corpse, then unleashed his great magical power to directly obliterate the eight characters on the Daoist Tower. Instantly, waves of ghost immortal energy surged and were extinguished by the Yang energy.
At this moment, the hanging corpse crashed to the ground with a bang. Nanyang Zi and the Fallen Immortal stepped forward to remove the talisman from his forehead and observed it carefully: "The Yin Mountain Grand Talisman should have originally displayed a name, but he used a method to scatter his three souls and seven spirits, so this talisman did not turn him into a ghost general."
"It's not turning into a ghost general, it's soul exchange."
Ji Xiang briefly explained. The group then buried this Yin Mountain Daoist Master. Without his three souls and seven spirits, the situation of his physical body undergoing a corpse transformation was basically non-existent. Moreover, the Yin Mountain Sect cultivated ghost immortals, and they were most adept at handling their own deceased bodies.
Of course, just to be safe, Ji Xiang still used the Five Thunders Technique to give the Daoist Master's corpse a thorough electric shock.
The nature of thunder is Yang and vigorous. After penetrating the flesh, it prevents the body from being infiltrated by Yin energy. This thunder technique, once applied, would last for at least several decades. It was simple and crude but very effective.
Nanyang Zi looked at Hou Niangzi, who was still in a daze, being led by Feng Menglong, and asked Ji Xiang:
"Immortal Superior, what do we do now?"
The Yin Mountain Sect's dojo was destroyed, and Nanyang Zi could not use his遁术 (dùn shù - escape technique) to find other dojos. It seemed this matter was about to conclude here.
Ji Xiang had no choice but to try to deduce it himself.
"Forget it, it's better to rely on oneself. I'll give it a try."
Regarding soul spirits, Ji Xiang was not a professional and dared not use the black talisman for deduction, fearing problems. After all, this was different from breaking a formation. A person's soul and spirit, before cultivating into a Nascent Soul, were considered very fragile things.
When dealing with matters of the soul and spirit, one had to be cautious.
The Three Teachings True Meaning began to operate. Ji Xiang sacrificed another cultivation method. The cultivation methods brought from the Shangqing Sect were gradually being consumed, which was also making Ji Xiang feel the strain.
One cultivation method exchanged for one cultivation method, and some powerful cultivation methods required increased deduction intensity…
"I can't squander like this anymore. Some Dharma techniques I haven't even learned yet, and I've already given them to the Three Teachings True Meaning. This is too much of a loss. Even the greatest fortune cannot withstand such consumption…"
"There's a way. I'll go raid the White Lotus Sect later. They have a pile of carelessly written cultivation methods… Let me think, they should still be useful."
If he was short on money or Dharma techniques, he would go to the White Lotus Sect to borrow, interest-free loans, exterminate them when the time came, and never return what was borrowed.
After all, the cultivation methods of the Shangqing Sect were good things, and Ji Xiang felt pained by sacrificing too many.
However, this deduction encountered some problems.
The Three Teachings True Meaning did indeed deduce a new cultivation method concerning soul and spirit, but it was specifically for solving the Soul Locking Technique that Hou Niangzi was afflicted with…
"No, it's not just about soul locking. Everything concerning soul and spirit has problems."
Yes, in the new Dharma technique deduced, almost all aspects involving soul and spirit were missing characters or had omissions, and there were even several paragraphs of completely chaotic text. This was a fatal flaw in scripture cultivation!
A single character difference could lead to a thousand miles of deviation in the results of Dharma technique cultivation. This was not something that could be cultivated!
Ji Xiang's brow furrowed deeply. The cultivation method deduced at this moment could be considered a廢法 (fèi fǎ -废法 - useless technique) from the outset.
Normally, "hundred Dharma techniques converge, none surpass the realm of the Three Teachings!" Although this statement was arrogant, it was not wrong at all. Even the Dharma of Christ could be incorporated. As long as it touched upon it, the Three Teachings True Meaning would accept it all!
How could it falter so quickly?
In his mind, he gradually recalled the inner scenery divine tablet and the black entries that appeared when it reflected the Xuan Tian Coffin.
"Unable to understand, unable to discern, what is seen is incomplete."
"These are two seemingly unrelated matters. Upon careful deduction, they should also have no connection."
Daoist Ji, who had been busy for half an hour, finally decided to seek external help again.
"If the Yin Mountain Sect cannot be found, then I must seek the orthodox Dharma. Nanyang Zi, do you have any fellow Daoists who can resolve this technique?"
Nanyang Zi immediately gave a wry smile: "This is a Soul Locking Technique planted by a cultivator in the Ascension Realm. I am completely ignorant of how this Dharma technique operates or which sect's cultivation method it belongs to! To be frank, the fellow Daoists I know are only at the Nascent Soul or Yellow Court realms. How can the immortal arts displayed by cultivators in the Ascension Realm be understood by us mere mortals?"
"Then let's return to Shangqing."
Ji Xiang said, "It seems that the one who tied the bell must untie it!"
"What do you mean?"
"When I go to the Inner Mountain River and challenge the Zhu Huo Palace."
Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly alarmed!
"This must not be done!"
Nanyang Zi dissuaded him: "You yourself said that the Old Ancestors of Shangqing descended from the Zhu Huo Palace. The Inner Mountain River is filled with immortals. How can you, alone, reverse the two realms and go to that place?"
"Moreover, the Kunlun Cave is now filled with thunder talismans, and the Jade Platform has been shattered by you…"
Ji Xiang said calmly, "How can there be no way?"
"Isn't there still a Daoist disciple from the Biyou Palace? Let's ask him. This kid most likely has connections with those Shangqing Old Ancestors in the Inner Mountain River. The events that occurred in Shangqing this time are too bizarre, and I cannot help but suspect something."
Nanyang Zi was surprised: "So, the Shangqing you are referring to is…"
"Return to Shangqing, ask for the location of the Biyou Palace, and then we… no, I, will go there."
Ji Xiang looked at them: "Due to my cultivation methods, I may encounter some tribulations recently. You should not accompany me. While the major upheavals have not yet occurred across the land, if you wish to find a place of refuge, immediately head to Mount Wudang or the Forbidden City, and then do not follow me."
"The dangers will only increase. The next time danger appears, I may not be able to save you in time. This incident happened very suddenly, and we need to be vigilant."
"The dignified Shangqing, one of the leaders of the Daoist sects, has fallen into such a state. I said before that Wudang has no Patriarch, so there is no need to worry about the matters of the Inner Mountain River. As for the Forbidden City, you can rest assured even more. With the Emperor and the Heavenly Master there, no one can touch you."
Feng Menglong gave a wry smile at this moment: "If I had to choose, I would actually choose the Forbidden City."
"This is not me trying to climb the social ladder! I'm just saying, what if… what if Wudang also…"
Ji Xiang nodded: "Your thinking is also reasonable. After all, Heavenly Master Zhang is the strongest in the mortal world. The Forbidden City has just experienced turmoil, and heavenly soldiers and divine generals are protecting the city. Emperor Wanli also possesses the Jing Zhen Divine Sword, which can slay all gods, demons, ghosts, and monsters. The Forbidden City is indeed the safest place right now."
"But that is only for now."
This statement left everyone somewhat perplexed. Ji Xiang simply explained:
"There will be great chaos in the future, and the Forbidden City will once again be shaken."
The imperial destiny was what the immortals of the Inner Mountain River vied for. Otherwise, why would the Heavenly Master, who was doing well in Longhu Mountain, go to the north to guard the gate? It was out of fear of further incidents. Therefore, the seemingly safest place might not be the safest place; rather, it was a great prison.
If a major event were to occur, the Heavenly Master would only protect Emperor Wanli and would likely be unable to care for others. At that time, it would depend on everyone's ability to escape as far as possible. As for the other heavenly generals, a group of divine generals at the Earth Immortal level would be unable to play a significant role in a major event.
Overall, this generation's imperial court was not very capable.
Although the lives of the common people were still acceptable, the overall military strength had declined significantly.
Nanyang Zi said: "It seems there are some things that we cannot understand. Then let's go to Wudang. I have an escape technique that can take them to safety. As long as they are not trapped in a formation, I can return here quickly."
Everyone agreed to meet at the entrance of Mount Wudang. They parted ways with Ji Xiang. The little fox asked Ji Xiang for a large stack of talismans and put them in her pocket, in case of danger.
Ji Xiang patted the little fox's head three times.
Instantly, three corpse gods left his body and entered the little fox's body, startling him.
"Close your eyes."
Ji Xiang's voice came. The little fox immediately closed his eyes tightly. In the next moment, he saw a mystical world. Ji Xiang's three wisps of incense qi transformed into three corpse gods, seated in a mystical world of incense qi.
"What you see is your inner scenery."
"What I've given you are three corpse gods."
The little fox immediately let out a surprised "Ah!" and felt very wronged!
"This, Grand-Ancestor, why did you give me three corpse gods!"
Monsters have spiritual awareness. Even after transforming into human form, they do not have three corpse gods. This seems like a shortcut, but it is not a good thing. This is because the three corpse gods are a form of tempering that accompanies oneself. Although it is not a good thing for cultivators, without their existence, the most important cultivation, "slaying the three corpses," cannot occur.
But the little fox did not want three corpse gods.
This meant that three mischievous gods had inexplicably appeared within his body.
His own cultivation was not high; what use did he have for three corpse gods?
Ji Xiang reprimanded: "These are my three corpse gods, not yours. You ungrateful brat! These three corpse gods are not normal three corpse gods, but three life-saving corpse gods."
"If you encounter danger, call upon one of these corpse gods, and he will commit suicide to block the tribulation for you. If one cannot block it, awaken the next one."
Ji Xiang withdrew his hand. The little fox opened his eyes, and everything in the inner scenery had disappeared. He felt amazed. Ji Xiang warned:
"Do not let them die unless it is a critical moment. This is a Dharma technique I cultivated. If your corpse god dies, I will immediately sense it."
When the three corpse gods died, they would transform into incense qi and return. Ji Xiang would be aware of this at the time, which also served as a remote monitoring method.
Nanyang Zi and the Fallen Immortal had seen Ji Xiang's method before. At that time, the three small corpse gods had committed suicide one after another, leaving a deep impression on them.
Feng Menglong leaned close to the little fox's ear and whispered something to him. The little fox's ears immediately perked up, and he looked at Feng Menglong with eager eyes: "Are you telling the truth?"
Feng Menglong nodded: "Whether it's true or not, how would I know? What do you think?"
The little fox's eyes rolled around.
Ji Xiang asked curiously: "Scholar, what did you say to him?"
Feng Menglong chuckled: "I said that 'Investiture of the Gods' writes that one can become an immortal after slaying the three corpses."
"Since we know there are problems with the author of 'Investiture of the Gods,' perhaps what he wrote also has some truth to it?"
Ji Xiang glanced at the little fox. This young child was clearly lost in his own fantasy.
He then urged: "Alright, delay leads to change. Nanyang Zi, send me to Shangqing, and then you all head west immediately. Remember…"
"Give me a few of your Supreme Three Caves Escape Talismans…"
As Ji Xiang said this, he handed Nanyang Zi a talisman with writing on it: Remember to change your appearance, divert your tracks, people from the underworld are watching me, be sure not to be spied upon by them.
Beneath this talisman, there was also a Five Elements Transformation Talisman. This was a talisman that temporarily altered one's birth date and elemental appearance. For mortals, it was a good thing that could change destiny, avoid minor calamities, and even improve luck.
Nanyang Zi's expression turned serious. He burned the talisman with the writing on it and then took the Five Elements Transformation Talisman.
…
The group split into two. Ji Xiang soon returned to Shangqing. As expected, near the Nine Heavens Palace, other Shangqing Sect Masters had gathered. They knew about the disappearance of the Eighth Sect Master and also knew that the Shangqing Sect's mountain gate was now sealed by their own formation.
"I said long ago not to do this. Now look, the Kunlun Cave is filled with thunder talismans, the Ascension Platform is shattered into pieces, and even the Xuan Tian Coffin has been taken away. Now we have offended both the Patriarchs and the Great Ming Dynasty."
"If the imperial court holds us accountable, what are we to do?"
Some had grim expressions, and the thought of the consequences made them tremble with fear.
But some were defiant and stepped forward: "What is there to fear? The Great Ming Dynasty is much easier to deal with than the Patriarchs!"
"I dare not resist the Patriarchs, but I dare to rebel against the imperial court!"
"At worst, we can all leave Shangqing and disperse into the four mountains and rivers. I don't believe the imperial court can mobilize a large number of heavenly soldiers and divine generals to encircle and suppress us. How much would that cost them!"
"We are much harder to deal with than the White Lotus Sect or the wandering bandits! I don't believe they truly have the energy to deal with us!"
The Sect Masters accused each other.
"When the fourth one opposed the Patriarchs earlier, you should have acted with him! Now you associate with these insects, pleasing neither side. Shangqing has suffered heavy losses on its own. You are simply a mob!"
"Nonsense! You didn't oppose with the fourth one yourself before! Now that things have happened, you want to stay out of it? Bah! Let me tell you, Ninth Brother! You are also complicit!"
"The Patriarchs will not let any of us go. If you have time to argue here, you should quickly find your outstanding disciples and pass on the lineage to them. When we break through this outer formation, we will send them down the mountain and tell them not to return."
"As long as the lineage does not perish, we will have no regrets even in death…"
As the Sect Masters were discussing the remaining matters, suddenly, thunder roared in the sky above the Shangqing Sect.
A sense of crisis suddenly arose in the hearts of the Sect Masters. At this moment, someone screamed!
He saw Ji Xiang flying through the clouds from the mountain gate!
Ji Xiang's reappearance caused all the Sect Masters to turn pale with shock!
"That guy is back!"
"Run!"
But as Ji Xiang saw them about to scatter, he merely raised a hand slightly.
"Fellow Daoist, please stay."
In the next moment, a vast sea of thunder surrounded the Sect Masters at the Nine Heavens Palace, forming a world of lightning in all directions, preventing anyone from escaping this formation!
The Thunder Pool Great Formation, passing through one layer of lightning, the next layer of lightning's power was twice that of the previous one, constantly increasing! It formed a celestial prison of lightning!
The Thunder Pool Array within the Maoshan Great Array was activated by Ji Xiang!
Ji Xiang stared at them and suddenly remembered:
"Right, there's still a comatose Daoist disciple on this mountain. I'll take him with me as well."