Chapter 243 : Foundation Establishment Pinnacle (Two-in-One)

Chapter 243: Foundation Establishment Pinnacle (Two-in-One)

Two months later, at the Grand Hall atop Taiyi Peak.

“Boom!”

Inside the main hall, five-colored divine light erupted.

Chen Beiwu sat cross-legged on the ground, surging with waves of mana.

Five distinct strands of Earthly Sha Qi of the five elements burst from within him, intertwining above his head into a wheel, manifesting the visages of the Five Elders of the Five Directions.

In the eyes of Golden Core True Persons, the Five Elder visages contained the profound principle of the five-elemental rotation, and witnessing them brought about enlightenment.

But in the eyes of Sect Patriarch Zhu Wuya, the phantoms of the Five Great Emperors of the Five Directions that Chen Zi’ang had condensed carried only a trace of spiritual charm—no more than a clumsy imitation.

But what cultivation did he possess, and what cultivation was Chen Zi’ang’s?

For Chen Zi’ang to manifest a trace of the spiritual charm of the Five Great Emperors while only at the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment—once he successfully formed his Golden Core and forged a Taiyi Golden Core, he would surely be able to recreate the Profound Art of the Taiyi Five Imprints.

At the same time, Chen Beiwu slowly opened his eyes, five-colored light rotating in his pupils.

Within his dantian sea of qi, the Earthly Sha of the five elements occupied one side, forming a Five Elements Mountain, standing opposite the two qi cyclones of Clearwood and Hundred Rivers.

Each time Chen Beiwu performed breath refinement and absorbed the world’s spiritual essence, the immense spiritual energy would first temper through the Five Elements Mountain, then cycle through the Clearwood and Hundred Rivers cyclones, before finally integrating into his Flawless Dao Foundation.

‘This is… the True Qi of the Five Directions refined after achieving minor success in the Taiyi Pill Forging Method of the Five Elders of the Five Directions?’

Chen Beiwu carefully sensed the surging mana within his body.

The Great Dao had many paths but led to the same end.

Though he had not truly formed a Golden Core yet, the abundance of True Qi in his body far exceeded that of a False Core True Person. He had reached the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment and faintly touched the threshold of perfection in Foundation Establishment—the brink of condensing a Golden Core.

“Disciple Chen Zi’ang, thanks the Patriarch for your guidance!”

Chen Beiwu stood and bowed deeply. His voice was clear, his posture respectful yet not servile.

“Not bad.” Zhu Wuya sat solemnly upon the cloud platform, nodding slightly, his tone calm. “To reach minor success in the Taiyi Pill Forging Method in just two months—you do live up to the name of the Tianyan Dao Foundation.”

“If not for the Patriarch’s guidance, this disciple would not have made such progress,” Chen Beiwu said sincerely.

With the Yuqing Nine Revolutions Yuanshi Pill Canon illuminating the way, he stood upon the shoulders of mighty experts from the Immortal Alliance. It had been easy for him to comprehend the profound meanings behind the Taiyi Pill Forging Method of the Five Elders.

But had it not been for the Patriarch’s bestowal and aid in taming the Earthly Sha essence, it would have taken him years—if not decades—of arduous cultivation to reach even minor success from the entry level in the Taiyi Pill Forging Method.

“The five elements generate and also counteract each other. Although you can now wield the Five Elements Mountain, you have yet to truly subdue the five strands of Earthly Sha.”

The Patriarch’s gaze was profound as he said indifferently, “Once you return, you must use the Taiyi Pill Forging Method of the Five Elders daily to harmonize the five Sha within your dantian. When the Earthly Sha and your mana fully merge, forming Earthly Sha True Qi, only then may you attempt to go further.”

At that, the Patriarch slowly raised a hand, a speck of spiritual light gathering at his fingertip, seeming to contain life and death within its profundity:

“Restlessness leads to losing the sovereign; calmness leads to gaining it. Today, I bestow upon you the sect’s secret Yuanshu: Mirror-Cause, Moon-Effect, Mysterious-Illumination Heart Scripture.”

In the next second, the spiritual light exploded, transforming into countless golden seal-script characters that surged into Chen Beiwu’s sea of consciousness.

In an instant, his spiritual platform trembled violently, and a profound scripture gradually surfaced in his mind.

“Refining the heart through mysterious illumination… Reality and illusion interwoven… Reflecting all phenomena… Transforming cause into effect… Stripping all laws…”

When Chen Beiwu regained his composure, a trace of dazed wonder flickered in his eyes.

The Mirror-Cause, Moon-Effect, Mysterious-Illumination Heart Scripture bestowed by the Patriarch was not only a cultivation method, but also a Yuanshu for the Nascent Soul stage, originating from the Mirror Moon Sect’s founding ancestor.

This method was derived from the “Five Qi Nourishing Spirit Refinement” theory in the Five Qi Facing the Origin Profound Pivot Secret Record, and integrated the essence of “sitting in oblivion to refine the heart” from the Taiyi Limitless Duality True Explanation. When cultivated to perfection, it could illuminate the true nature of all things, transform illusion and reality, convert cause into effect, and strip the powers of all cultivators.

The Mirror Flower, Water Moon that the Golden Egg previously practiced was a simplified version of the Mirror-Cause, Moon-Effect, Mysterious-Illumination Heart Scripture.

“Golden Cores are divided into nine grades, with Taiyi being supreme.”

“Though the method you’re cultivating is not bad, it still falls short of the sect’s supreme methods—the Mirror-Cause, Moon-Effect, Mysterious-Illumination Heart Scripture and the Taiyi Pill Forging Method.” The Patriarch reminded him.

Upon hearing this, Chen Beiwu’s heart tightened. He realized the Patriarch had already seen through his cultivation method’s origin.

The Southern Wastes’ inheritance followed the ancient path of cultivation.

It required using True Qi to refine Dragon and Tiger, seizing the essence of primordial Earthly Sha. Mana would be harmonized into one, refining a strand of immortal golden essence. Thus, Golden Core mana was also called Earthly Sha True Qi.

The higher the quality of Earthly Sha Qi the cultivator collected and the greater the profundity of the arts they comprehended, the more immortal golden essence they could carry upon Foundation-Shattering and Core-Forming.

Hence, Golden Core True Persons were also known as Enlightened Immortals of the Dao.

The Patriarch’s intent was clear: he wished for him to form his Golden Core using both the Mirror-Cause, Moon-Effect, Mysterious-Illumination Heart Scripture and the Taiyi Pill Forging Method of the Five Elders.

But Chen Beiwu had a different plan in mind.

The Immortal Alliance’s inheritance was the beast-borrowing method of cultivation.

Though Immortal Alliance cultivators also needed to use True Qi to refine Dragon and Tiger and seize the essence of primordial Earthly Sha to refine immortal golden essence...

When shattering their foundation and forming their Golden Core, the bearer of that immortal golden essence was not a technique or art—but their contracted Companion Beast.

It was known that even Immortal Alliance’s most outstanding talents struggled to comprehend a single Third-Tier Treasure Art during the Foundation Establishment stage—let alone a Fourth-Tier Mystic Art.

Even with the illumination of the Guarding-the-One Mirror, Chen Beiwu lacked the confidence to successfully comprehend the Mirror-Cause, Moon-Effect, Mysterious-Illumination Heart Scripture.

However, a single Third-Tier Treasure Beast could carry far more immortal golden essence than a Third-Tier Treasure Art—almost comparable to a Fourth-Tier Mystic Art.

If a genius of the Immortal Alliance could use a Fourth-Tier Mystic Beast or even a Fifth-Tier Origin Beast as their Companion Beast to bear the essence, the resulting Golden Core would be unimaginably powerful.

Of course, if the cultivator’s refined Earthly Sha Qi and chosen Core Formation methods were insufficient, even a Companion Beast with the finest bloodline and aptitude would be wasted—and might even lose control from bearing too much immortal golden essence, leading to Core Formation failure.

Chen Beiwu’s goal had always been clear.

He aimed to form his Golden Core using Golden Egg, the Five Qi Vine, the Yuqing Nine Revolutions Yuanshi Pill Canon, and the Nine-Breath Chaos Divine Ability—to challenge the legendary Yuanshi Golden Core, not stop at the Taiyi Golden Core.

After offering his final advice, Zhu Wuya’s gaze lowered and he said no more, resuming his meditation.

Chen Beiwu understood, stored away Golden Egg, and took his leave.

The hall doors silently closed. Only after Chen Beiwu’s figure disappeared did Zhu Wuya begin forming hand seals within his sleeve, activating the sect’s origin artifact, the Moon-in-Water Mirror, to divine the heavens.

As the divinatory image shifted, the Moon-in-Water Mirror reflected scenes from within the Wandering Void Realm.

The next instant, a sharp “crack” was heard as nine spiderweb-like fractures suddenly appeared across the surface of the mirror.

Then, like snow meeting boiling water, the cracks dissolved in a blink, as if nothing had happened.

‘Calamity upon him—nine deaths and one life?’

Zhu Wuya’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked toward the Void-Drifting Formation Disk.

There existed within the Tianyan True Realm a calamity strong enough to spell his own doom.

Could it be that the entity within the secret realm wasn’t merely a Nascent Soul True Monarch—but rather, a True Venerable of the Divine Transformation stage?

Could it be that True Monarch Tianyan, blessed by the heavens, in the face of life’s end, successfully merged the Five Qi Facing the Origin, refined the Five-Element Heavenly Root, gathered the Three Flowers atop his head—and stepped into the rank of Divine Transformation True Venerable?

Thinking of these two possibilities, Zhu Wuya couldn't help but frown.

The lifespan of humans differed from that of the Beast Race. A Divine Transformation True Venerable had a maximum lifespan of eight thousand years, far less than a Divine Transformation Beast Venerable.

Moreover, True Monarch Tianyan had become a Nascent Soul grand cultivator at one thousand five hundred years old and gained fame in the Southern Wastes six thousand eight hundred years ago. Even if he had successfully broken through to become a Divine Transformation True Venerable, he could not have lived until now.

The calamity in the secret realm must have another source.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Wuya set down the Void-Drifting Formation Disk and did not take the risk of entering the Tianyan True Realm.

If he perished within the secret realm, the sect would surely decline—a result Zhu Wuya could not accept.

...

Water Moon Peak, Moon-in-Water Dwelling.

Chen Beiwu rode a flying boat and saw from afar the spiritual light swirling around the cave residence entrance, silhouettes bustling, as lively as a sect trade market.

Dozens of inner disciples held gift boxes in hand, forming a long line outside the cave. The lowest cultivation among them was still Late-Stage Foundation Establishment.

Even five true disciples ranked within the top twenty of the Mirror Moon Rankings stood at the front, with servants behind them pulling a treasure carriage piled high with congratulatory gifts.

Seeing the flying boat’s light, the cultivators waiting outside the cave all showed respectful expressions.

At the very front of the line, the highest-ranking and most powerful beautiful female cultivator's eyes lit up slightly, and she stepped forward first to bow.

“Forgive this one's presumption. May I ask, Senior Brother, are you Daozi Chen Zi’ang?”

Chen Beiwu slightly furrowed his brows and swept his gaze over the cultivators before him. “What business brings you all here?”

“This one is Shen Lingqing, a new disciple under True Person Futu,” Shen Lingqing hurriedly explained. “Master heard that Senior Brother has ascended to the Daozi position and specially ordered me to bring a humble gift in congratulations.”

Chen Beiwu’s heart stirred slightly.

Cultivators of the Mirror Moon Sect’s six lineages were known to value interpersonal ties.

The Daozi status was on par with a Golden Core elder and was also a candidate for sect master.

If in the future he could become a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he could directly take the helm of the sect and determine the development path of Mirror Moon Sect.

No wonder cultivators from the six lineages had gathered outside his cave, eager to present gifts—so this was all about forming ties and making investments.

“Since it's Elder Yu's goodwill, I shall accept it.”

Chen Beiwu lightly swept his sleeve, receiving the congratulatory gifts from Shen Lingqing into his storage ring.

Seeing this, Shen Lingqing let out a quiet breath of relief, and the gaze she directed at Chen Beiwu carried a trace of admiration.

According to her master, Chen Zi’ang was a peerless genius capable of achieving True Monarch status and had the potential to reach Divine Transformation.

If she were fortunate enough to accompany him and become his Dao companion, she might one day become the sect master’s wife—a position of great power and influence.

But such a peerless talent aspired to soar to the highest heavens; his standards were beyond imagination. How could ordinary vulgar beauties ever catch his eye?

With that thought, Shen Lingqing’s gaze subtly swept toward a few blushing female cultivators behind her, eyes narrowing.

‘So this is the status of a Daozi, huh?’

Shu You stood among the cultivators like a nobody, gazing at Chen Zi’ang with burning intensity.

She did not care for male beauty; what she valued was Chen Zi’ang’s current power.

It was known that even gift-giving in the sect had its strict order of precedence.

Shen Lingqing’s gift represented the prestige of the sect’s mainline Golden Core elder and was naturally presented first.

Only after the Golden Core elder’s gift was received did the turn come for cultivators representing Golden Core True Persons.

Then came the gifted and strong enough to appear on the Mirror Moon Rankings.

Finally, it would be the turn of inner disciples like herself who sought to cling to power and find a protector.

It was no exaggeration to say that, had it not been for that early initiation connection, a regular inner disciple like her likely wouldn’t even qualify to present a gift to the Daozi.

This alone showed how revered the Daozi status was—even Foundation Establishment cultivators had to strive for a chance to attach themselves.

‘Since Junior Sister Shu fancies women, why come to such a quiet place? Are you not afraid of sullying the Daozi’s eyes?’

Hearing the divine sense transmission, Shu You’s expression turned cold as she raised her eyes to glance at the innocent-looking female cultivator beside her with a look of contempt.

That girl’s name was Qiu Wanhui, her sworn rival within the sect.

The reason was rather petty: Senior Brother Zhou, whom Qiu Wanhui admired, was fond of her, Shu You.

Even Shu You herself found it ridiculous—thinking that Zhou fancied her for the harem she had built over decades. She flatly rejected him, which instead drew Qiu Wanhui’s ire.

‘Crazy b*tch.’ Shu You retorted without hesitation.

Qiu Wanhui’s brows knit slightly as she glared at Shu You.

She dared not act out in front of the Daozi—but that didn’t mean Shu You could insult her freely.

Senior Sister Jiang was already losing her influence.

Once Jiang Yuyan’s protection was gone, Shu You would be no more than a flea—one mission assignment would be enough to crush her.

Just then, Chen Beiwu had arrived before the two women, continuing to receive gifts.

“Congratulations, Senior Brother, on becoming Daozi.” Qiu Wanhui offered a jade box with both hands.

“Thank you.” Chen Beiwu nodded, then turned to Shu You and smiled. “Senior Sister Shu, what brings you here?”

Upon hearing this, the clamor immediately quieted.

Almost all cultivators showed astonishment as they turned to Shu You.

Who was this person?

Just a mere Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator—how could she be worthy of being addressed as ‘Senior Sister’ by the Daozi?

Shu You’s heart skipped a beat, and the jade case in her hand fell to the ground, revealing a high-grade Second-Tier spiritual herb.

“Dao… Daozi, you flatter me. Shu You is only Late-Stage Foundation Establishment and dare not accept such an address.”

Shu You swallowed nervously, her face turning pale, but upon seeing the envious and shocked looks from the surrounding cultivators—especially the disbelief in her rival’s eyes—she couldn't help but feel a bit proud and satisfied.

“Four years ago, during the Moon-Choosing Ceremony, it was Senior Sister Shu who brought me into the sect.”

Chen Beiwu didn’t use mana. He bent down and picked up the fallen jade case, gently brushing off the dust, and smiled slightly. “How could you not deserve being called Senior Sister?”

With his current status and position, Chen Beiwu no longer needed to care about the sect’s opinion.

What he wished to say and do could follow his heart—no one dared object.

Seeing Chen Zi’ang smiling, Shu You’s heart pounded uncontrollably.

This was the charm brought by power and cultivation.

It was over. At that moment, she actually felt she might turn straight.

Witnessing this, several cultivators looked on with complicated expressions, thinking that Chen Zi’ang’s actions were intentionally lowering himself to win hearts.

But more disciples looked upon Chen Beiwu with newfound admiration.

To treat even the senior sister who once recruited him with such respect—this Daozi who rose to prominence must truly value loyalty and bonds.

If they could follow him, even a single word of guidance might lead them to the Golden Core in the future.

After accepting the gifts and sending off his fellow disciples, Chen Beiwu turned to Shu You, who had entered the cave with him, and smiled.

“What kind of tea do you prefer? Is Broken Scenery Tea acceptable?”

Unexpectedly, Shu You’s gaze suddenly became resolute. She bent both knees as if to kneel.

Chen Beiwu’s eyes glimmered slightly. A gentle yet irresistible wave of Five Elements True Qi silently spread out like a breeze, firmly supporting Shu You’s knees before they could touch the ground.

Her body stiffened, feeling a soft force gently lift her upright.

‘So powerful!’ Shu You’s heart trembled slightly.

Though it looked effortless, this move revealed not only Daozi’s control over his mana but also the vast gap between their cultivations.

That Qi Refining brat of the past—now a revered Daozi.

If the Daozi wished to take her life, a single thought would suffice.

“There’s no need for such formalities. Speak freely,” Chen Beiwu said gently.

“Shu You knows her cultivation is meager and only asks to follow at Daozi’s side—as a servant or maid.”

Shu You’s hands clenched tightly within her sleeves. Her voice rang clear and powerful, echoing throughout the cave.