In contemplation, it suddenly sensed a vague thought slowly intruding into the âoceanâ where it resided.
It seemed to perceive something.
In an instant, this ocean began to churn violently in silence!
"Hmm?"
The consciousness was slightly surprised, and its gaze fell upon that figure in the green robe.
Upon seeing the âhornâ in his hand, its eyes widened in shock:
"How did this thing fall into his hands!"
With a start in its heart, it immediately initiated a transformation, and the churning ocean suddenly froze, as if time had come to a halt.
The thought trying to intrude was also squeezed out again at this moment.
âItâ dared not linger, fearing detection, like a frightened mouse, it silently sank into the rolling âwavesâ, disappearing without a trace...
At the same time.
Within the immortal cave of the Yin Family in Baiqu.
Wang Ba frowned slightly, looking down at the ancient horn in his hand, scarred by the passage of time.
In his palm, the faint golden immortal power quietly faded away.
"Even immortal power doesnât work?"
"But when I tried to activate it just now, it did seem to give me a different feeling..."
Recalling carefully, at the moment he infused it with immortal power, his consciousness seemed to be instantly drawn into a vast and boundless ocean, it appeared that with just a thought, he could control this ocean...
But this feeling seemed like an illusion, disappearing as quickly as it came.
"I shouldnât doubt my intuition."
Wang Ba pondered with his gaze, attempting to infuse it with immortal power once more, yet this time, it had no effect whatsoever.
"Strange..."
"It seems the time hasnât come."
He furrowed his brows, brooding for a while, before finally putting away the horn.
Across from him, his gaze showed concern.
A figure clad in gold and red robes sat cross-legged with eyes closed; sensing his change, it slowly opened its eyes.
A pair of golden double pupils, adding a touch of mystery to its handsome and cold face.
This was Wang Baâs True Martial Incarnation, Chong Hua.
Their minds interconnected, feeling Wang Baâs thoughts, Chong Hua frowned and shook his head:
"I havenât made any progress... indeed, the Dao of True Martial is probably a dead end. Compared to the many teachings youâve encountered over the years, they all seem superficial. If I want to advance further, I must embark on the path of the rules."
Although Chong Hua didnât need to speak, Wang Ba could feel his experiences and thoughts, yet hearing Chong Huaâs words, he pondered for a moment and habitually summarized:
"Over the years, the many teachings Iâve encountered, regardless of form, all converge at the end of the day, itâs about understanding the rules, mastering the rules, utilizing the rules, and ultimately integrating oneself with the rules. This is called âharmonizing with the Daoâ, first âharmonizing with the Daoâ, then âforgetting the Daoâ, until one becomes a Dao oneself, not tolerated by the Realm Sea, hence achieving cultivation ascension... however, the Dao of True Martial demands little external dedication from the start, extracting the utmost potential from oneself, it seems to resonate with the idea of âself-sufficiency, without seeking externallyâ."
He bears countless inheritances, whether in cultivation base or insight, he is a top figure within the Realm Sea; naturally, when he speaks, it is not an empty boast.
Their shared experiences and knowledge allowed Chong Hua to understand Wang Baâs point, yet he showed a puzzled expression:
"If itâs self-sufficient, then why is there a need to seek from the outside world?"
The Dao of True Martial does not entirely dismiss external resources; on the contrary, if more resources are available, the speed of cultivation would significantly increase. However, compared to cultivators, such resource consumption is almost negligible. Even in the case of resource scarcity, it wouldnât have much impact, setting an exceptionally high lower limit, except the life span level is far less than the cultivators of the same stage, hence it can be termed âshort-livedâ.
Wang Ba shook his head, saying:
"That is because you and I set our sights too high."
"Within the human body, if you view it as the Cycle of Heaven, its intricacy is like the Great Dao, if only content with the state of mortals, no spiritual energy is needed, one can be self-sufficient, but we aim to transcend the Realm Sea, how grand compared to mortals? Inevitably, we need to introduce external forces, these forces infuse into the body, stimulating changes in blood and essence, as opposed to us, who regardless of what we cultivate, ultimately seek externally..."
Chong Hua felt a sudden enlightenment, as if a profound realization had dawned, suddenly clear:
"Thatâs it!"
"You cultivate harmonizing with the Dao, forgetting the Dao, transcending the Dao."
"I donât need to cultivate the Dao, because I am inherently the âDaoâ, now I merely externalize my true self, hence the rapid progress..."
"Wonderful!"
Wang Ba clapped his hands in approval, feeling gratified, yet also slightly regretful:
"Your path, dear Taoist Friend, is indeed difficult and treacherous. Without the nurturing of Immortal Blood and extraordinary talent, perhaps you wouldnât have reached this level today, and opening a path ahead becomes increasingly difficult. I canât offer more assistance, it truly depends on your own ability to cross over."
Chong Hua, renewed as if all impurities had been washed away, his eyes shining gold, responded with a smile:
"You shouldnât blame me for unable to integrate with you, all I can do is contribute in paving the way when you break into Mahayana in the future."
"As for my path... ultimately, I must walk it myself."
Wang Ba couldnât help but laugh, nodding:
"Thatâs true, I originally intended to integrate with you to leverage the breakthrough to Mahayana, but now it seems, itâs not to be, yet in the balance of gains and losses, itâs not just about whatâs right in front."
Establishing the True Martial Incarnation was indeed meant for the future breakthrough into the Great Realm.
However, at this moment, both saw clearly, sensing the fundamental divergence in their cultivation paths.
The Dharma Lineage speaks of myriad methods, but ultimately it is still a cultivatorâs path, at its core, it is still an exploratory process of discarding for gain.