Chapter 325 : The Karmic Dharma Has Been Sealed

Chapter 325: The Karmic Dharma Has Been Sealed

The Heavenly-One True Dragon’s eyes shifted slightly and fixed upon Chen Beiwu.

Meeting that oppressive gaze, Chen Beiwu’s breathing stalled. It felt as though space had solidified and time had stretched.

‘You are quite good.’

‘A pity—you possess a supreme Dao Foundation, yet lack the cultivation to bear it.’

‘With merely Golden Core cultivation, you are as frail as a guttering candle in the wind. You could not even withstand a single drop of Northern Abyss True Water.’

After a long while—or perhaps only an instant—a ripple of divine sense entered Chen Beiwu’s sea of consciousness.

Chen Beiwu’s expression remained unchanged.

What the Heavenly-One True Dragon said was the truth. Before a Primordial Dao Artifact, a Golden Core True Person was indeed pitifully weak. To call him an ant would almost be excessive praise.

Yet Chen Beiwu’s Dao heart was resolute. He had long passed the stage of resentment born from disparity in strength.

If the Heavenly-One True Dragon truly disdained him and believed him unworthy of wielding the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror, it would not have summoned him, manifested its True Spirit to meet him, nor evaluated him through intent.

Thus, Chen Beiwu chose to remain unchanged in the face of change. His gaze was calm as he looked at the Heavenly-One True Dragon.

Before such an existence, to act more was to err more. Better to remain still and listen.

‘With your foundation, attaining the position of True Monarch would be as natural as water flowing into a channel—merely a matter of time.’

‘But the stage of Divine Transformation requires Three Flowers Gathered Atop and Five Qi Facing the Origin, to question the Heavenly Dao, to merge spirit with Heaven and Earth, to draw down the Dao’s rhythm of creation and undergo its baptism, reshaping the true self.’

‘However, of the nine realms of the Southern Wastes, six have already exhausted their Dao rhythms of creation—either destroyed by ancient great powers in battle or devoured by us Primordial True Spirits.’

“As Heaven and Earth now resemble a leaking boat and the Great Dao a tattered scripture. No matter how astonishing your talent or how peerless your Dao Foundation, you will find it difficult in this realm to invoke the Dao’s rhythm of creation and attain the position of True Venerable.”

The Heavenly-One True Dragon suddenly revealed secrets of the Nine Realms of the Southern Wastes and the difficulty of a Nascent Soul True Monarch breaking through to Divine Transformation.

Hearing this, Chen Beiwu felt enlightened.

No wonder.

Since he began cultivating, he had always felt puzzled.

The density of spiritual opportunity in the Earth Proliferation Territory, the purity of its spiritual veins, and the abundance of its resources far surpassed those of the Immortal Alliance’s commanderies. Logically, there should have been many powerful cultivators and major sects presided over by Divine Transformation True Venerables.

Yet the reality was the opposite.

After becoming the Mirror Moon Dao Child, Chen Beiwu discovered that the patriarchs of the Five Great Sects of the Earth Proliferation Territory were all Nascent Soul True Monarchs. Rumors circulating outside about Divine Transformation True Venerables were mostly false.

Now, upon hearing these words, he finally understood.

It was not that the Southern Wastes lacked inheritance, nor that cultivators in the Earth Proliferation Territory were lacking in aptitude. It was that this very Heaven and Earth were ill.

Thus countless astonishing cultivators within the Earth Proliferation Territory spent their entire lives struggling at the Nascent Soul True Monarch realm, even risking their lives exploring ancient ruins.

“Many thanks for the reminder, True Spirit.”

Chen Beiwu gave a slight bow.

An ordinary cultivator, upon hearing such secrets, would likely fall into confusion. But Chen Beiwu did not care in the slightest.

If the Earth Proliferation Territory’s Heaven and Earth were deficient and there was no path to Divine Transformation—what did that have to do with him?

Within the Immortal Alliance, the path to Divine Transformation remained unobstructed. He could simply seek his breakthrough there.

Moreover, his cultivation was only at the Late-Stage Golden Core. To speak of Divine Transformation True Venerable was still exceedingly distant.

The only thing that concerned him was why the Heavenly-One True Dragon had suddenly revealed such secrets.

Was it merely to inform him of a despair-inducing truth?

‘Interesting.’

Seeing that Chen Beiwu’s expression did not change, the Heavenly-One True Dragon was somewhat surprised.

With such an unparalleled foundation, if not for the deficiency of Heaven and Earth, someone like Chen Ziang would have at least a fifty-percent chance of attaining True Venerable in the future.

Unexpectedly, though shocked, he was not overly concerned.

‘You do not wish to attain True Venerable?’ the Heavenly-One True Dragon asked with interest.

“Of course I do,” Chen Beiwu answered frankly. “But this junior is only at the Late-Stage Golden Core, not even a Nascent Soul True Monarch.”

Hearing this, a trace of approval appeared in the Heavenly-One True Dragon’s gaze.

He knew when to advance and retreat, understood gains and losses, grasped trade-offs, perceived the greater picture, and held reverence. Such temperament was rare.

Combined with his incomparably solid foundation, he would surely become something great in the future.

With that thought, the Heavenly-One True Dragon no longer circled the topic and spoke directly:

“Do you know why I summoned you here?”

“To undergo a trial and wield the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror?” Chen Beiwu ventured.

‘Wield?’

The Heavenly-One True Dragon’s eyes lifted slightly, as though hearing an utterly absurd word.

How could the glow of a candle dare speak of wielding the Great Sun? It retracted its earlier evaluation of Chen Ziang.

‘Do you know what a Primordial Dao Artifact is?’

‘Even a Divine Transformation True Venerable before the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror is like an ant gazing at the sky, incapable of shaking it in the slightest.’

‘With your Late-Stage Golden Core cultivation, let alone wielding it—even if you merely harbored the slightest thought of refining it, if your aura connected with the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror, you would be instantly assimilated and fall forever into the Returning Ruins.’

The Heavenly-One True Dragon looked at Chen Beiwu and said lightly:

‘When you can cross the starry river in the flesh, reshape sun and moon with divine thought, when a single intention moves and laws follow—when you yourself are the manifestation of the Great Dao… then speak of wielding it.’

Hearing this, the final trace of hope in Chen Beiwu’s heart vanished.

Very well. He had indeed overthought it.

The ancient records of the Immortal Alliance were correct—without the cultivation of a Void-Refining Dao Venerable, one simply could not wield a Primordial Dao Artifact.

Still, it did not matter. The True Spirit before him was a Void-Refining-level existence.

Even a bit of guidance would bring him great fortune.

“Then why has True Spirit summoned this junior?” Chen Beiwu asked respectfully.

‘Are you willing to unify the Nine Realms and become the Lord of the Southern Wastes?’ the Heavenly-One True Dragon’s intent sounded.

“Me?”

Chen Beiwu’s body trembled slightly as he pointed to himself, his tone incredulous.

It was not that he underestimated himself. The True Spirit’s request was simply too outrageous.

He was merely a Golden Core cultivator. Let alone unifying the Nine Realms of the Southern Wastes—dominating the Earth Proliferation Territory alone would already be difficult.

‘Not at this moment.’

‘With your foundation, once you reach perfected True Monarch, and with a bit of my assistance, contending against Divine Transformation True Venerables would not be difficult.’

‘If you are willing, I can help you unify the Earth Proliferation Territory, break through to Divine Transformation, and then turn your sword toward the Southern Wastes.’

This was an open scheme.

So long as Chen Ziang aspired to the Great Dao and did not wish to struggle at the True Monarch realm until his lifespan ended, he would inevitably accept.

“What price must this junior pay?”

Chen Beiwu took a deep breath and met the Heavenly-One True Dragon’s gaze directly.

‘The Great Dao is fifty; Heaven derives forty-nine; one escapes by man. In every desperate situation, there is a single thread of life.’

The Heavenly-One True Dragon looked deeply at him and spoke frankly:

‘If you agree, you must swear a Dao oath.’

‘If the Southern Wastes return to unity under your hand, with all rivers returning to their source, you must use the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror to comb the dragon veins of Heaven and Earth, reestablish order, mend the deficiencies of Heaven and Earth, and achieve the merit of recreating Heaven and Earth.’

‘At that time, you may attain Void-Refining Dao Venerable and wield the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror. I too shall restore my Primordial origin and perhaps take another step closer, glimpsing that supreme realm!’

As its intent fell, the Heavenly-One True Dragon fully opened its dragon eyes and stared directly at Chen Beiwu.

To receive Heaven’s gift and refuse it is to invite calamity.

Within Chen Ziang, it saw hope for advancement.

“Why me?”

Chen Beiwu struggled to suppress the surging emotions in his heart.

He could not help it—the prospect the Heavenly-One True Dragon painted was simply too enticing.

If he could become the Lord of the Southern Wastes, even if the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror harbored ulterior motives, he was confident that with Nine-Breath Chaos he could still attain Void-Refining Dao Venerable.

‘With your aptitude and temperament, even in ancient times you would have been among the foremost peerless prodigies—let alone in today’s declining Southern Wastes,’ the Heavenly-One True Dragon acknowledged.

Disdain aside, it truly admired Chen Ziang’s potential.

Had it been Zhu Wuya standing here instead, it would not even entertain the thought of unifying the Earth Proliferation Territory—such a notion would only doom the Mirror Moon Sect.

“I understand. Please assist me, Senior.”

Determination shone in Chen Beiwu’s eyes.

‘Very good.’

The Heavenly-One True Dragon nodded slightly. Suddenly, the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror erupted with divine light.

‘I possess a method named 《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》.’

‘This supreme Dao Record was created by the Taiyi Dao Venerable. It points directly to the Pure Yang Nascent Soul and the Great Dao of Karma’s reality and illusion. It can help a Golden Core True Person break through the tribulation of heart demons, and can also derive all illusion arts.’

As soon as the Heavenly-One True Dragon’s intent fell, the Northern Abyss Mirror flashed with light and instantly entered Chen Beiwu’s brow.

“Boom!”

Chen Beiwu’s entire body shook violently. Within his Spirit Platform and sea of consciousness, the overarching true intent of the cultivation method 《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》 continuously surged forth.

“When the pill is formed, mirror shadows arise; when the spirit abides, it dwells in the abyss.”

“Reflect the myriad worlds, unstained by a single speck.”

“Demons arise from the heart, and are extinguished by the heart.”

“Myriad aspects are not aspects—thus one beholds the true self.”

“With a single thought, transformation is born; return to simplicity and the true.”

“……”

Under the baptism of this true intent, the Yuanshi Golden Core within Chen Beiwu trembled slightly as he completely immersed himself in the vast artistic conception constructed by the 《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》.

‘Not bad progress.’ The Heavenly-One True Dragon nodded slightly.

The 《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》 was both a secret method for forming the Nascent Soul and the origin of all illusion arts. It was also the fundamental Dao Record that one must cultivate in order to wield the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror.

If Chen Ziang could enter the threshold of this Dao Record during the Golden Core stage and forge a Myriad-Aspect Mirror Foundation, then at the Nascent Soul tribulation he could condense a Myriad-Aspect Heart Embryo and cultivate the Northern Abyss Dharma Aspect.

At that time, relying on the power of the Northern Abyss Dharma Aspect, even if he had just entered the Nascent Soul True Monarch realm, he could borrow a trace of the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror’s might within the Mirror Moon Sect, suppress and slay perfected True Monarch great cultivators, and contend against Divine Transformation True Venerables.

However, one point required attention. Outside the territory of the Mirror Moon Sect, without the sect’s foundation and without coordinating with It, if Chen Ziang dared to rashly borrow the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror’s power, it would be no different from courting death.

……

Time passed swiftly. Soon, a month had gone by.

“Hoo.”

Chen Beiwu exhaled a breath of turbid air and opened his eyes.

As expected of a secret method transmitted by a Primordial Dao Artifact, the 《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》 was divided into the [Heart Demon Chapter], the [Myriad-Aspect Chapter], and the [Return-to-Truth Chapter].

The Heart Demon Chapter expounded on methods for breaking through realms and how to overcome the heart demon tribulation.

The Myriad-Aspect Chapter explained how a cultivator unified essence, qi, and spirit, thoroughly comprehended the subtleties of Heaven and Earth’s laws, and grasped the great power of the universe to form the Northern Abyss Dharma Aspect.

The Return-to-Truth Chapter elucidated the Dao of karma’s reality and illusion—the origin of myriad illusion arts.

Up to now, Chen Beiwu had only entered the threshold of the Heart Demon Chapter and the Return-to-Truth Chapter. He had yet to comprehend the Myriad-Aspect Chapter.

Yet the more so, the more he yearned for the Heavenly-Gang Dharma Aspect that only a Nascent Soul True Monarch could possess.

‘The Dao Record has been transmitted; the karmic dharma has been sealed.’

‘This is not a place to linger long. Return and contemplate carefully. Cultivate diligently without cease.’

‘When you attain the position of True Monarch, come see me again.’

Chen Beiwu felt his body grow light as the surrounding Heaven and Earth abruptly shifted.

Deep within the Eight Wastelands Water Mirror Subduing Dragon Formation, tranquility was restored at this very moment.

‘May it succeed this time.’

The Heavenly-One True Dragon’s eyes moved slightly. Through the sect-protecting grand formation, It gazed toward the directions of the Profound Sword Pavilion, the Greenwood Sect, the Blazing Flame Sect, and the Heavy Gold Sect.

Back then, the split of the Taiyi Dao Sect appeared to be a struggle among five lineages. In truth, it had been a struggle over the Dao Artifact.

……

Taiyi Hall.

“Well?”

The moment Chen Beiwu’s figure appeared, Patriarch Zhu Wuya immediately asked.

“This disciple has temporarily failed to obtain the recognition of the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror.”

As soon as those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the great hall stiffened.

Zhu Wuya’s emotions were complex and difficult to describe—he did not know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.

Zhu Shaoyuan, however, remained calm, without the slightest trace of surprise.

The status of a Primordial Dao Artifact was incomparably lofty. Even Divine Transformation True Venerables could not necessarily wield one. Though his disciple’s aptitude was unparalleled, his cultivation was still somewhat lacking.

“But this disciple was fortunate enough to receive a transmitted method from the Heavenly-One True Spirit,” Chen Beiwu continued.

“What cultivation method?”

Zhu Wuya’s heart stirred as he recalled certain records from the sect’s ancient texts.

“《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》,” Chen Beiwu answered without concealment.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wuya’s pupils contracted slightly.

It was that method!

To receive the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record meant that Ziang had already entered the sight of the Dao Artifact’s True Spirit.

“Good. Very good.”

Zhu Wuya nodded. “The position of Sect Master of the Mirror Moon Sect has been vacant for a long time. Would the Dao Child be willing to shoulder a heavier burden?”

Zhu Shaoyuan’s eyes shifted as he looked at the Patriarch, rather surprised.

What was happening?

Had it not already been agreed in advance that he would inherit the Mirror Moon orthodoxy?

Why had the Patriarch suddenly changed his mind and intended to hand the position of Sect Master to his disciple?

“Receiving such favor from Patriarch, this disciple’s cultivation is shallow and unworthy of such a heavy responsibility.”

Chen Beiwu was indeed tempted.

If he obtained the position of Sect Master of the Mirror Moon Sect and used the Nine-Breath Chaos Divine Ability to suppress fate, the status of his fate might undergo a qualitative transformation.

However, according to the sect’s unspoken rules, one must decline three times before accepting the position of Sect Master. He could not agree immediately.

“Enough. Set aside those formalities for now. My words are neither a jest nor a momentary impulse.”

Zhu Wuya smiled. “Very well, as you say. The Dao Child’s cultivation is still shallow and requires focused cultivation. Then we shall first establish the title.”

“From this day forth, Ziang is the candidate for Sect Master of the Mirror Moon Sect. This is my decree. None may object.”

“When you shatter the pill and form the Nascent Soul, attaining True Monarch, that shall be the day you succeed as Sect Master of the Mirror Moon Sect. What say you?” Zhu Wuya asked.

Chen Beiwu did not continue declining. Knowing when to stop, he directly agreed.

“There is one more matter.” Zhu Wuya’s expression grew solemn. “This time, the sect’s phenomenon alarmed many forces. The Profound Sword Pavilion, the Greenwood Sect, the Blazing Flame Sect, and the Heavy Gold Sect have all sent Dao posts to congratulate our sect’s Dao Child on successfully forming the Golden Core.”

At this, he chuckled with faint mockery in his tone. “Those who come with ill intent are rarely kind. Ziang, you have only just returned to the sect, yet news of your successful Core Formation has already leaked.”

“I suspect their congratulations are merely a pretext. Their true aim is to use the Golden Core Grand Ceremony as an opportunity to probe our sect’s strength and discover why the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Mirror stirred.”

Hearing this, Chen Beiwu’s expression also grew solemn.

“No need to worry. Within the Mirror Moon Sect, even if a Divine Transformation True Venerable invades, it will be a dead end.”

Zhu Wuya spoke domineeringly. “Since they wish to see, then let them see clearly. The Golden Core Grand Ceremony shall proceed as planned.”

“Ziang, do you have the confidence to suppress the prodigies of the Profound Sword Pavilion, the Greenwood Sect, the Blazing Flame Sect, and the Heavy Gold Sect at the ceremony?”

The Five Great Sects openly and secretly contended. Exchanges and duels between prodigies were commonplace—especially now that the Mirror Moon Sect’s momentum was rising.

At the upcoming Golden Core Grand Ceremony, the prodigies of the Five Great Sects would most likely use the pretext of seeking guidance to publicly challenge the Mirror Moon Dao Child.

“Reporting to Patriarch.”

Chen Beiwu’s tone was calm—neither impassioned nor murderous, but bearing a natural certainty.

“Below True Monarch, I am invincible.”

Hearing this, Zhu Wuya’s lips curled upward before he burst into hearty laughter.

“Good, good, good! Well said—below True Monarch, I am invincible! At this Golden Core Grand Ceremony, act freely and to your heart’s content!”