Refining Taoism and ascending to immortality

Another Yuan Ying (Core Formation) True Person from the Hengnan Zhou Clan, though a man, possessed a handsome face with skin like jade porcelain and eyes like polished lacquer. Behind him hung a Xuan Qi (Mysterious Energy) treasure wheel, scattering tiny, glittering lights. He spoke with a solemn tone, "We don't need to guess what the Laojun Temple is thinking anymore. The matter is already set in stone. Facing such a momentous event, how should our Hengnan Zhou Clan position ourselves?"

His voice was deep, carrying a pressure akin to Mount Tai weighing down.

Historically, whether the Zhongxuan Sect's (Middle Mysterious Sect) attempt to ascend to Shangxuan Sect (Upper Mysterious Sect) succeeds or not, the process would take at least several hundred years, involving forces and cultivators that would make one's scalp tingle.

Given the immense size of Laojun Temple, the number one sect in the Zhongxuan Sect, the attempt to ascend to Shangxuan Sect will naturally create a shocking storm, sweeping across all directions and affecting forces large and small. Countless cultivators will be impacted.

This is an unprecedented and unparalleled major change. A speck of dust in this great change, when it falls on each person involved, is as heavy as a mountain. One wrong step, and they will be reduced to ashes, leaving nothing behind.

At the same time, such a major change also presents countless opportunities. If one can adapt to the situation, rise with the clouds, and seize the opportunities, they will surely soar to the sky. In every such major change, there are cultivators who transform from carp to dragon, advancing to become Dongtian (Grotto-Heaven) True Persons.

Since the Hengnan Zhou Clan has been forced into this, escape is impossible. They can only try their best to protect themselves while seizing as many benefits as possible to strengthen themselves.

"To maximize the benefits, we should bet on one side and let the winner take all," another Yuan Ying cultivator said. He was tall and sat on the cloud platform, his entire being like a mountain. When he spoke, the surrounding Qi vibrated. He said slowly, word by word, "However, the risk is too great, beyond what our Hengnan Zhou Clan can bear."

One side is Laojun Temple attempting to ascend to Shangxuan Sect, and the other side is Doumu Palace and Taibai Sword Sect trying to stop them. What is openly displayed is the confrontation between the two sides. If one bets on one side in such a war and wins, they will inevitably be rewarded for their contributions.

Whether Laojun Temple succeeds in ascending to Shangxuan Sect and becoming an Upper Mysterious Sect, or Doumu Palace and Taibai Sword Sect succeed in dismembering Laojun Temple, they can both take out enough 'spoils of war' to reward meritorious officials.

But such betting and taking sides requires extremely strong foundations and strength. Otherwise, before they can share the fruits of victory, they will become cannon fodder, sacrificing themselves in the struggle.

Without a doubt, even though the Hengnan Zhou Clan is a thousand-year-old family with intricate relationships, they truly do not have the qualifications to actively bet and take sides in such a major change!

After listening to everyone's words, Zhou Mishan, a Grand cultivator of the Hengnan Zhou Clan, said in a decisive tone, "The most important thing for our Hengnan Zhou Clan now is to protect ourselves in this great change. As for obtaining benefits, that is a secondary choice."

The people in the hall exchanged glances, expressing their agreement. This was indeed a prudent move and the most realistic one. However, how to protect themselves required careful consideration.

Thinking of this, Zhou Mishan and the other Yuan Ying cultivators of the Hengnan Zhou Clan couldn't help but look towards a certain place in the clan's territory. There, a grand Xuan Qi pillar shot straight into the sky, parting the clouds. The majestic and brilliant power permeated the surroundings, containing incredible majesty.

But for some reason, seeing such a pillar of light and sensing the overwhelming power, everyone did not feel oppressed. Instead, they felt a sense of security.

Let's talk about Qing Sang Yuanjun (Azure Mulberry True Monarch). She sat cross-legged on the high platform, her pair of green eyes shining with light, as if the stars in the sky were reflected within, constantly twinkling.

After sitting for a while and feeling that Zhou Qing had arranged everything properly, she stretched her sleeves and rose to her feet, raising a pure green light. Clusters of precious colors flowed, closely following behind. After a short while, she landed in front of a great hall.

A streak of auspicious Qi split through the air and landed on the steps. Upon contact, it splashed countless silver foams and flying pearls, and the tinkling jade sounds were extremely clear and echoed in all directions.

From this phenomenon alone, one could tell that the Hengnan Zhou Clan regarded Zhou Qing as a top-tier honored guest.

Sensing the arrival of Qing Sang Yuanjun, the doors of the palace automatically opened to both sides. Zhou Qing's voice came from deep within, calm and natural, "Yuanjun, please come in."

Qing Sang Yuanjun lifted her skirt and stepped in. Underneath the jade bricks beneath her feet were streams of water, and below that, there were cold-colored jade stones. Fish of all sizes swam back and forth, chasing the slowly swaying glass lamps in the depths.

Walking inside, wisps of inexplicable origins arose, brushing away the dust in one's heart, making one feel light from the inside out.

Zhou Qing was standing in front of a well-like opening. Seeing Qing Sang Yuanjun coming over, he invited her to take a seat. Then, he gently tapped the edge, and a golden carp wagged its tail and slowly rose from the deep well. On its back, it carried two glass-shaped treasure cups. The clear and green nectar inside shone through the cup, forming a halo around it, presenting a clear sky-blue color.

He pushed one cup towards Qing Sang Yuanjun and said with a smile, "Yuanjun, this is a secret spiritual drink made by the Hengnan Zhou Clan. It takes a hundred years to collect only nine cups. You can taste it."

Qing Sang Yuanjun took it and opened it. Seeing that the nectar in the cup was indeed dark green, even more beautiful than the best bamboo color, and there was also a vibrant vitality, she smiled lightly, her red lips slightly parted, and took a full drink. Not only was it sweet and refreshing, but she also felt a warmth from top to bottom, directly into her abdomen, instantly spreading to her limbs, warm and moist.

This Wood-attribute innate deity turned the glass cup in one hand, a faint smile on her jade face, and said, "The taste is good."

"It is indeed good."

Zhou Qing also took a sip and casually commented.

If the Yuan Ying cultivators of the Hengnan Zhou Clan were here, hearing the two people's evaluation of the spiritual drink, their mood would probably be complicated.

This spiritual drink was indeed secretly made by the Hengnan Zhou Clan, taking great effort to produce. It contained mysterious vitality essence, which could strengthen the Yuan Qi (Original Energy) and replenish essence and blood. Moreover, it was gentle, much better than most spiritual pills and medicines. Even if the Yuan Ying cultivators in the clan could drink a cup, they would have to immediately circulate their energy to refine the vitality in the spiritual drink, consolidating the foundation of their Dao body, for fear of wasting a single drop. But in the mouths of the two, it was like mortals drinking wine, only commenting on the taste, and not paying any attention to the essence contained within.

In fact, that was indeed the case. Qing Sang Yuanjun need not be said, she was an innate Wood-attribute deity, the abundance of vitality contained in her roots was unparalleled, she no longer cared about such spiritual drinks. As for Zhou Qing, his foundation was too strong and unfathomable. The vitality in the spiritual drink entered him, it was like a stream flowing into the sea, not causing any ripples.

After the two drank a cup of spiritual drink, Zhou Qing put down the glass cup and looked at Qing Sang Yuanjun opposite him, and said, "The Laojun Temple's attempt to ascend to Shangxuan Sect can't be concealed anymore. In the next few hundred years, there will be a shocking major change."

"Since we are here, we should definitely not miss it!"

His voice was passionate, echoing in all directions, revealing a sharpness.

Opening the classics, one can know that every promotion involving Shangxuan Sect is a major reshuffle with far-reaching impacts. In the end, regardless of success or failure, it will affect countless cultivators and leave behind countless stories.

For such a major change, people without foundations are panicked, trembling with fear, afraid of being involved and dying. But he has his own confidence, not only is he not afraid, but he actively throws himself into it, taking advantage of the high winds and waves and the agitation of the heavens to accumulate resources and expand his network for his own breakthrough to the Dongtian realm and even higher realms.

Qing Sang Yuanjun glanced at Zhou Qing, and a strange color flashed in her pair of green eyes. She was not surprised that Zhou Qing had determination, but the determination and confidence were so strong, and even had a kind of certainty, which was indeed extraordinary.

Could it be that Zhou Qing, in addition to having the strong support of the Luochuan Zhou Clan and the True One Sect, also has other trump cards that no one knows about?

Turning this thought over, Qing Sang Yuanjun looked at the deep well in front of her, from which wisps of cold air were emerging, becoming more and more numerous and heavier, already flowing on the ground like water, making the jade bricks on the ground even brighter. Her jade face did not change color, and she said, "Zhou Daoyou (fellow daoist), what should we do next?"

Her voice was crisp, like a clear spring in a secluded valley, accompanied by mountain winds, the color of pine trees rustling, with a vitality that made people feel refreshed.

Although she didn't know what Zhou Qing's real trump card was, there was no doubt that in the face of such a major change, since she and Zhou Qing were bound together, they must go all out to obtain benefits from it.

Once they achieved something, with her background and essence, she might be able to break through the barrier of the Great Thousand directly and be promoted!

"First, take down the Hengnan Zhou Clan." Zhou Qing's eyes were like stars, emitting light, and his voice did not hide his confidence, "Then, we will use the Hengnan Zhou Clan as the center and radiate to the surroundings, taking down as many forces and territories as possible."

"Take down forces and territories?" Qing Sang Yuanjun raised her slender eyebrows, slightly puzzled. This was indeed helpful, but was it really that important? However, she hid her doubts in her heart and said, "I see that the people of the Hengnan Zhou Clan are already moved. It's only a matter of time before they attach themselves to us."

Zhou Qing flipped through the memories of his previous life about the major changes, and after sorting them out, he became more and more clear. His eyes turned cold and he said, "The overall situation has been set, but there must still be people who are blinded by profit. At that time, I will have to trouble Yuanjun to take action."

With each session of the Startling Chen Dharma Assembly, some Xuanmen (Mysterious Gate) disciples have also emerged in the clan. Many branches in the clan also have lingering connections with their respective sects, and the relationship is harmonious. In such a situation, when it comes to interests, it is not impossible for them to resist the True One Sect.

In the end, in this thousand-year-old Hengnan Zhou Clan, there is no truly strong figure who can have the final say and unify the entire family's will. Once the large and small branches in the clan feel that their own interests are being damaged, they will definitely have ideas.

Qing Sang Yuanjun nodded, her body filled with green energy and vibrant vitality.

In the Hengnan Zhou Clan, Zhou Qing's identity is special, so it is really inconvenient to directly take action, but she is an outsider and does not need to worry about it. Moreover, she is an innate Wood-attribute deity, with great magical powers and mysterious methods, which are difficult to guard against and extremely secretive, making it difficult for people to discover easily.

Even if there is a loophole, there is a layer of separation, and Zhou Qing can still mediate.

After discussing for more than two hours and determining that everything was appropriate, Qing Sang Yuanjun bid farewell and left. She raised a green Qi, and immediately there were sparse, mottled rings surrounding her, returning to her residence in the Hengnan Zhou Clan.

Watching this innate deity, who may be the best helper for a period of time, leave, Zhou Qing stood at the well and looked into the distance. He saw that the sky outside was just right, and the sunlight hit a piece of beautiful jade white wall, warm and dissolving, faintly producing smoke, swirling back and forth. He concentrated and thought for a while, took out his True One Token, used the authority in the sect, wrote a mission decree, and then shook it hard to transmit it.

The focus of this mission he released was on the True One Sect disciples who returned to the Hengnan Zhou Clan. They had already returned in advance to lay the groundwork in the early stages, and now was the time to collect the net.

After doing all this, Zhou Qing returned to the high platform in the main hall, sat on the cloud couch, and then shook his body. Behind him, a Xuan Qi rose up, and endless three-colored light gathered, reflecting all around.

In this endless light, as soon as a mysterious Dharma body appeared, it immediately rubbed against the Qi, and the afterglow of the collision was mottled and colorful, flowing around it. Beyond that, countless Qiong wheels rotated, and the clear sound of the wheels was scattered everywhere. Looking from a distance, it was like a magnificent and majestic treasure Qi, with seven-colored light running through Ziwei (Purple Palace), covering all directions, rising and falling, visible from far and near.

His Dharma body is beyond the Three Vehicles. Even if he does not deliberately cultivate, he can continuously draw pure energy from the void to strengthen himself. However, he is born with dual spirits. Even if he looks busy, he can always separate one spirit to operate the Xuan Gong (Mysterious Skill) and improve his realm. So even if he leaves the True One Sect, his cultivation will not be delayed.

After all, after condensing the Yuan Ying Dharma body and being promoted to a Grand cultivator, the next step is a matter of time, using the Dharma body to operate the Xuan Gong, communicate with the heaven and earth, and create good fortune.

"Now,"

Zhou Qing's Yuan Ying Dharma body operated the Xuan Gong, and circles of mottled light were emitted, going in all directions, drawing pure power from the void, from top to bottom, from outside to inside, and pouring it into the Yuan Ying Dharma body. There was light in his eyes, dazzling and bright.

Unlike usual, the pure power in the void was unprecedentedly active, each one like being ignited, with a faint fire, making a crackling sound, continuous into a piece. Moreover, such power entered the Dharma body and integrated as soon as possible.

The entire world began to heat up. Under the agitation of the heavens, the spiritual machine between heaven and earth was dyed with a layer of power that it had never had before.

A halo around the moon indicates wind, and a damp plinth indicates rain. With the onset of a major change, the influence has already begun from the spiritual machine.

"This is the best."

While Zhou Qing operated the Xuan Gong, letting the Yuan Ying Dharma body release and swallow the heaven and earth spiritual machine, adjusting himself, he turned his thoughts. Just at the beginning, the heaven and earth spiritual machine was so active, what kind of changes would there be in this area at the most critical time.

In his previous life, he had a low status and lived in a dynasty, so he didn't know much about Xuanmen, and only vaguely knew about the major events that happened in the world. It was only because the Laojun Temple's attempt to ascend to Shangxuan Sect was too big and shocked the Great Thousand that it spread around and was known by him.

In his previous life, he listened to it as a story. Now, some of these stories may continue to happen, and some may change because of the arrival of his variable and no longer happen.

Anyway, no matter what, the memory of this aspect in his previous life is enough for him to take the lead and prepare in advance.

Thinking of happiness, Zhou Qing let out a long roar, shaking the four directions.