Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 766: Dragon Pool Gathering

Days passed one after another.

After severing the Spirit Seed Sword, Xiao Ju’s Cultivation gradually got on track.

Her former Qi Refining fifth-layer Cultivation was gone, and everything started from scratch, but she had no resentment, only full of drive.

She followed Song Yan’s advice, re-Cultivated and changed to Mixed Yuan Spiritual Power, and simply chose the same Qi Condensation Scroll as her Master.

Her Cultivation speed far exceeded before.

In just a few months, she returned to the Qi Refining third-layer Realm.

She cherished this hard-won Opportunity immensely, and her self-discipline was astonishing.

Every day, she performed her Cultivation Technique, practiced her sword, and studied the basic array Dao of the "Array Diagram Key Record" meticulously.

Song Yan only needed to occasionally give her some pointers when she encountered difficulties; most of the time, she quietly Cultivated, never making him worry.

Shortly after Foundation Establishment, Song Yan had specifically gone to the familiar Relief Grocery Store by Lingyuan Marsh to share the good news with Qin Xijun.

However, the wooden door was tightly locked, the entrance was desolate, and no one responded.

He simply went to Qin Xijun’s Immortal Cave, Qixia Residence in the Elder Council.

He activated the Immortal Cave’s Restriction, but still, no one responded.

"In closed-door Cultivation? Or has she gone out again?"

Song Yan could only leave a message with the good news and then silently departed.

During these days, besides stabilizing his Realm and Cultivating the Sword Dao escape technique Void Wandering, he had been paying attention to two things.

One was Cultivation Techniques.

After the Sword-Wiping Tournament, when exchanging for Thousand Pills Formulas, Song Yan had also conveniently exchanged for the follow-up Cultivation Technique of the Qi Condensation Scroll, which was the Little Mystical Qi Scripture.

He was currently Cultivating this technique.

However, this Cultivation Technique was too slow. If there was a similar type of Cultivation Technique that could Cultivate a bit faster, that would naturally be best.

It was just that he had not found one yet.

The other thing was information about the Demonic Path.

About two years ago, Senior Brother Lin Qing had revealed to him his Rebirth and the impending invasion of the Demonic Path.

According to Lin Qing’s ’previous life’ memories, this drastic change should be about to happen.

However, Song Yan had paid attention multiple times, but inside and outside the Sect, everything was calm.

He had even specifically visited the Sect’s Affairs Hall to check recent Sect mission scrolls and intelligence Jade Slips compiled from various places.

However, recent reports from all regions were quite peaceful.

The market was prosperous, and although there were sporadic Loose Cultivator skirmishes and occasional small demon disturbances around the Sect, these were common occurrences.

There were no signs of large-scale Demonic Path gatherings or invasions, and the Senior Brothers and Junior Brothers at various outposts had not reported any abnormalities, not even suspicious clues.

If what Senior Brother Lin Qing said was true, the timing of the major event was unlikely to change.

Then the calmer it was, the more turbulent the undercurrents would be.

"Forget it, let’s talk about it later."

He couldn’t just sit here waiting for the Demonic Path to appear, could he?

Song Yan naturally wouldn’t ignore the crisis this brought, but he also wouldn’t be overly worried.

He just needed to be down-to-earth, grow stronger step by step, and be able to handle everything...

This day, it was drizzling in the morning, and there was fog in the mountains.

Song Yan came to the Inner Sect’s Library Pavilion, firstly to see if there was a suitable Cultivation Technique for him.

Secondly, he also wanted to look for more information about Foundation Establishment to see if he could find out what the Dao 紋 he manifested was for.

In a few days, he would be preparing to go to Qiyuan Prefecture to participate in the Dragon Pool Gathering.

If he could find a Cultivation Technique before then, it would save him some time.

After acknowledging many Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters who recognized him, Song Yan went up to the third floor.

Just then, a figure in a grey-blue Inner Sect deacon’s Daoist robe was placing a Jade Slip back into a specific slot on a shelf.

The person’s movements were steady, and the slightly turned face gave Song Yan a sense of familiarity.

When the work in his hands was finished and he turned around, their gazes met.

Song Yan was slightly startled, then a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Manager Xu?"

This person was none other than Manager Xu Wenxuan, the stern manager from Fire Worker Village in the past.

At this moment, the serious expression on his face also turned to surprise.

"Are you... Song Yan?"

He slowly walked forward, scrutinizing Song Yan, and the hint of doubt in his eyes completely turned into shock.

At this time, Song Yan did not deliberately hide his Cultivation Realm. Those Qi Refining Disciples did not notice, but Xu Wenxuan did.

That profound and heavy aura, subtly intertwined with the Spiritual Qi of heaven and earth, was undoubtedly that of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

"...This is truly remarkable." Xu Wenxuan’s voice carried an incredulous sigh, and he subconsciously stroked his beard.

"It’s only been a few short years? I remember... you used to often be in Fire Worker Village..."

Picking up trash.

"Now you are already a Foundation Establishment Cultivator! This is truly unexpected."

He recalled the young man who, back then, came with meager Spirit Stones to enter and search for array stones in the waste pile.

He had a deep impression of Song Yan, so after many years, he could still recognize him at once.

At that time, the young man was still struggling in the Middle Stage of Qi Refining, but now he stood on the same threshold as himself.

This progress could be called astonishing and brilliant.

Xu Wenxuan’s eyes held a complex light.

There was shock, admiration, and also a hint of the vicissitudes of time passing and the formidable nature of the younger generation.

He shook his head with a bitter smile: "Back then, I called you ’Little Friend.’ Now, it should be ’Daoist Friend.’"

"Daoist Song, congratulations on establishing your Dao Foundation!"

Xu Wenxuan’s tone was uninhibited.

Indeed, he was astonished by Song Yan’s rapid progress and often sighed at the disparity between people.

But his Heart-Nature towards the Dao was firm; he would not feel sorrowful over such minor matters.

There were countless Prodigies in the world; if one were to envy each and every one, what would be the point of Cultivating Immortality?

Walking steadily and far on one’s own path was the Righteous Path.

Everyone had their own Opportunity. He had long seen through this during his long Cultivation career; rather than complaining, it was better to guard one’s Heart-Nature and move forward steadily.

It was already a great fortune for him to enter the Inner Sect and establish his Dao Foundation in his lifetime.

Song Yan also felt emotional and bowed in return: "The same to you!"

Xu Wenxuan was only in the Late Stage of Qi Refining back then, and now he was also in the Foundation Establishment Realm, so his speed was not slow either.

"I didn’t expect to meet here. Times have changed. Senior Brother Xu is now the manager of this Library Pavilion?"

"Precisely."

Xu Wenxuan’s face showed a few hints of nonchalance.

"After luckily achieving Foundation Establishment, I was transferred here to manage a portion of the classic texts’ indexing. Compared to Fire Worker Village, this place is quite peaceful and elegant, allowing me to read more books."

"But you, to reach Foundation Establishment in such a short time, and with such a solid Foundation—talent, Opportunity, and perseverance are all indispensable. Junior Brother Song, your future is limitless!"

Although his tone carried a sigh about the difference between them, deep in his eyes, there was only admiration and a hint of hidden fighting spirit, without any self-pity or resentment.

"Senior Brother, you overpraise me. It was merely a coincidence of Opportunity."

Song Yan humbly said, then explained his purpose, "To be honest, I came today to see if there are any Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation Techniques in the pavilion that are more suitable for me."

"Good."

Xu Wenxuan nodded, then, as if remembering something important, said seriously: "Recently, the entire Sect has been preparing for the upcoming grand event. At that time, many rare classics, even rare Cultivation Technique manuscripts or rubbings from ancient ruins, may be taken out from the Sect’s secret vault for Disciples to consult, or displayed as rewards for the Grand Competition."

"The Dragon Pool Gathering, Junior Brother Song will surely not miss it, right?"

The Dragon Pool Gathering was the official name for the Dragon Pool Mountain Nine Pulses Grand Competition.

This was a grand event in the Chu Cultivation World that only occurred every few years, or even every ten-odd years.

The so-called Nine Pulses, in addition to the Profound Origin Sect, Hanging Sword Mountain, Spirit Talisman Sect, Huadu Temple, Sheyang Sect, and Cave Abyss Sect each occupying one seat, there were also three other seats.

Besides the major Sects, there were many small Sects and factions in the Chu Cultivation World, often forming alliances, which counted as one pulse.

Numerous Loose Cultivators, who were free and independent and not affiliated with any faction, formed the Loose Cultivator pulse.

In addition, the Eastern Chu Zhao Clan, Southern Chu Qin Family, Western Chu Wan Family, and Northern Chu Yan Family, these four major Cultivation Families that had been entrenched for many years, had profound Foundations and were considered the Family pulse.

This was the "Nine Pulses" saying of the Chu Cultivation World.

At that time, on Dragon Pool Mountain, where talents would gather, it would truly be a grand event unmatched in Chu for over a decade!

Mentioning the Dragon Pool Gathering, even a steady Cultivator like Xu Wenxuan couldn’t help but show a hint of longing.

"This Grand Competition, the Six Major Sects will jointly use a mysterious Spirit Treasure like the Spirit Mirror!"

"It can not only project the real-time situation on Dragon Pool Mountain onto the viewing plazas of the major Sects, but also illuminate many places where Spiritual Qi gathers in Chu."

"As long as conditions permit, Cultivators from more than half of Chu, whether Sect Disciples or mountain Loose Cultivators, will be able to see the magnificent and grand scenes on Dragon Pool Mountain through large water mirrors or specific arrays."

"Junior Brother Song, if you can shine brightly at the grand event, you will truly be famous throughout Chu at that time."

His gaze was burning as he looked at Song Yan, his words full of anticipation.

If there was indeed someone among this batch of Cave Abyss Sect Disciples who could suppress their peers of the same generation, the Sect’s status in Chu would rise, and the Sect Disciples would naturally share in the glory.

Song Yan was slightly startled upon hearing this.

Although he knew the Dragon Pool Mountain gathering was grand, he didn’t know there was such an arrangement, with the entire Chu Cultivation World ’watching live.’

However, his expression remained calm, and he politely said a few words: "Senior Brother overestimates me. The Grand Competition’s purpose is to exchange and verify; seeing the heroic demeanor of Fellow Daoists from all over the world is the fortunate part."

"For me, it’s just about approaching it with a normal Heart-Nature."

"Good!" Xu Wenxuan saw him so steady, secretly nodded, and admired him even more: "Regardless of the outcome, Junior Brother Song’s Heart-Nature alone is extraordinary."

"Alright, I won’t disturb you anymore. Junior Brother Song, please make yourself at home. If you have any questions, you can find me anytime."

Song Yan thanked Xu Wenxuan and walked into the Cultivation Technique area.

The Cultivation Techniques he saw on this trip were no different from before; most were Cultivation Techniques that excelled in pure Five Elements attributes or special spiritual power.

Their Cultivation speed and spiritual power might were incomparable to the Little Mystical Qi Scripture. However, they either focused too much on the extreme burst of a single attribute or pursued certain characteristic changes in spiritual power.

Although powerful, they had a subtle deviation from the fundamental direction Song Yan pursued.

No longer insisting on a Cultivation Technique, he then searched for ancient books and collections related to Foundation Establishment, borrowing a few, but even those that mentioned the so-called Dao 紋 were quite rare.

Still no results.

Yan sighed softly in his heart, but he wasn’t very discouraged.

Searching for what one needed in the vast Cultivation World was never going to be that easy.

There would be plenty of time in the future.

As he left, Xu Wenxuan was answering another Inner Sect Disciple’s question. Seeing Song Yan come out, he cast an inquiring look.

Song Yan shook his head slightly, indicating no results.

Xu Wenxuan nodded understandingly, his expression also showing a hint of regret and pity.

Song Yan nodded to him again and then turned and walked out of the Library Pavilion’s main door.

The Cave Abyss Sect mountain gate was majestic, shrouded in clouds and mist, with brilliant rays of light.

His figure merged with the Disciples coming and going in the mountains, his steps steady.

There was still a month and a half until the Dragon Pool Gathering, and most of the post-Foundation Establishment matters had been handled.

Only one thing remained to be done.

A very important matter.

Returning to Immortal Cave Earth Character Two One, Song Yan summoned Xiao Ju and Snake Babe.

"The Dragon Pool Gathering is approaching. Before that, I have one more thing to do alone, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to finish it."

He took out two Jade Talismans from his qiankun bag and handed them to the girl and the snake.

The Jade Talismans were golden-red, emitting a faint spiritual light, quite beautiful.

Looking closely, ancient characters could be vaguely discerned within.

It was precisely "Dragon Pool Mountain."

These Jade Talismans were the qualification for viewing the Dragon Pool Gathering.

As a participant, Song Yan naturally could distribute some to his close friends, family, or Dao Companion.

Xiao He was considered a Spirit Beast, but Song Yan wasn’t sure if she would need one then, so he just gave one to each of them.

"If I can’t make it back to the Sect before the eve of the Dragon Pool Gathering, then you take Xiao He, hold these two talismans, and go ahead with the Sect’s team on the spirit boat."

"We’ll meet at Dragon Pool Mountain."

Xiao Ju carefully took the Jade Talismans and nodded: "Master, please be careful in everything."

Snake Babe was a bit displeased, muttering in her mouth.

Yan Yan was so impressive now that he had reached Foundation Establishment; before, he used to take her everywhere!

What’s so great about it!

"As long as I Cultivate diligently, I can also break through to the second rank!"

She thought to herself, feeling pleased, and then she would surprise him.

Actually, it wasn’t that Song Yan deliberately didn’t bring them; it was because this time he was going back to the Sword Sect and wanted to try out the teleportation function of the Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal.

Naturally, there was no way to bring people along.

Song Yan gave a few more instructions, then left the Immortal Cave and walked into the depths of the bamboo forest.

In the green bamboo courtyard, the Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal floated in his palm.

Within the Sword Palace, Sword Qi surged, flowing in wisps along Song Yan’s fingertips and palm into the Jade Chapter.

As Sword Qi was infused, the nine sword marks on the Chapter body suddenly peeled off, transforming into fireflies that circled his body.

For a moment, the air around him rippled slowly like the surface of water.

In a certain instant, it was as if he had sunk into the water from the air.

His figure quickly dissipated in the aggregation of light particles, leaving only a few bamboo leaves, stirred up by Sword Qi, spiraling down to the ground.

A figure solidified from the light of teleportation.

His landing spot was precisely in front of the Sword Sect’s mountain gate.

He calmed his mind, feeling a slight chill, and thought: "This Jade Chapter’s teleportation is swift and stable, the process is instantaneous, and it won’t be easily interrupted by external forces."

"If I encounter a chaotic battle or a dangerous situation, it would be an excellent means of escape."

He activated the liangyi pearl, then walked slowly in the direction from his memory.

Soon, the dense bamboo forest that had once blocked him from entering came into view again.

The path in the forest was still enveloped by an invisible Restriction of spiritual power, flowing with an ethereal glow.

The liangyi pearl in his left palm seemed to sense something, emitting a low, rhythmic hum again, with black and white Qi vortices faintly swirling within the pearl.

This time he returned, his strength and Realm were already different.

Song Yan’s mind stirred, and the profound Sword Qi belonging to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator surged within his Sword Palace.

He solemnly held up the Sword Sect Jade Chapter in his right hand.

As soon as it touched the light screen of the Restriction at the entrance of the bamboo forest path, the spiritual power did not block him as it did when he first came; instead, it suddenly surged and receded to both sides!

Amidst the flowing spiritual light, a path paved with fallen leaves and stone slabs appeared in the bamboo forest, leading directly to the depths of the Sword Sect.