Chapter 149: True Lord Liuguang
Chapter 149: True Lord Liuguang
“Heavenly Fiend Child, greets master!”
This extremely arrogant youth hovered before Mu Yuan, the aura radiating from his body sharp as a blade, carrying the fierce, solemn air of countless bloody battles. It seemed as if nothing in heaven or earth was worthy of his gaze. He looked around scornfully, his eyes bright and imperious!
Yet, towards Mu Yuan, he was surprisingly polite!
“Longevity Sword, its spirit gained consciousness!”
This thought alone roared like thunder and flashed like lightning in Mu Yuan’s mind.
At the critical moment, the Earth Vein consciousness had gambled everything. It forcibly drilled through numerous barriers to penetrate the Longevity Sword, intending to devour the nascent, chaotic consciousness within in one swoop. Unexpectedly, although the Longevity Sword hadn’t existed as long as the two Earth Veins, its own spirit had slowly taken form. In their struggle, neither could fully devour the other; instead, they fused together!
The Longevity Sword had originally been forged from the soul of an ancient dragon soul to oppose mighty weapons like the Three-Pointed, Double-Edged Glaive; Fire-Tipped Spear; Hook Swords; Seven-Treasure Golden Lotus; and the Demon-Subduing Pestle. The sheer scale of resentment contained within it, born after dozens of Divine Dragons were slain when facing their heaven-mandated calamity, carried a fundamental killing intent – it was inherent from its very creation!
Furthermore, most of the shattered killing aura and violent energy from the Desolate God Halberd had been devoured by it, truly making this divine weapon live up to its name as an instrument of slaughter!
“Heavenly Fiend…,” Mu Yuan murmured. “Very well, you shall be known as Heavenly Fiend!”
Facing such a coolly composed sword spirit, Mu Yuan found himself at a loss for words. He simply withdrew his consciousness from the Gourd.
In the distance, Yuan Kong and Xing Yuzhu were talking about something. But judging by Yuan Kong’s dejected expression, he clearly hadn’t managed to obtain an Earth Vein and was feeling rather despondent.
After a short while longer, Yuan Kong transformed into a beam of light and sped away. Xing Yuzhu stamped her foot in frustration but could do nothing.
“Let’s go. To Star Metal Mountain!”
Xing Yuzhu walked over and said simply. Seeing her dark expression, Mu Yuan wisely remained silent and followed closely behind her as they flew straight towards Star Metal Mountain!
The journey was uneventful. The desert held few Demon Beasts. Travelling one behind the other like meteors streaking across the sky, they moved with extreme swiftness, leaving only faint wisps of afterglow clouds in their wake.
“We’re here!”
Star Metal Mountain wasn’t particularly vast, spanning less than a hundred miles. But at its center stood a steep, straight peak – Xingshi Peak. Rugged cliffs and perilous stone faces rose sharply. Its summit vanished into the clouds and mist, giving the impression that climbing it could lead one all the way to the celestial realm!
Compared to the vast, majestic Kunlun mountains, Star Metal Mountain possessed a unique charm of its own.
The moment they landed, they were met by a young lad with two small buns in his hair. His pitch-black eyes rolled around lively.
“Senior Sister Yuzhu, you’re back! Master has already finished secluded cultivation!”
The young boy spoke with a crisp, youthful voice that was exceptionally pleasant to hear.
“So early? Wasn’t it supposed to be tomorrow?”
Hearing that her master had ended his seclusion, delight bloomed on Xing Yuzhu’s face. She hastily straightened her robes and turned to Mu Yuan. “Quick! Come with me to see Master! If he’s pleased, he might even take you as a disciple on the spot!”
Mu Yuan also felt a stir of excitement and anticipation. After all his efforts, he had finally reached Star Metal Mountain and would soon meet the last branch of the Five Elements Path!
Xing Yuzhu set off at almost a run, nearly gliding, her feet barely touching the ground as she ascended Xingshi Peak in an instant.
At the very summit of Xingshi Peak stood a palace brilliant with flowing light, occupying the entire mountaintop. Bathed in the sunlight, streams of shimmering radiance swirled around it like flowing water. This was the abode of True Lord Liuguang!
True Lord Liuguang held considerable renown in the western regions. Although he hadn’t established a sect, he had ten core disciples. Xing Yuzhu was among them, ranked eighth, currently at the Refining Gang Realm, and a favorite of True Lord Liuguang.
On their way up, they passed several young attendant boys – well over twenty – all responsible for tending fires and menial tasks. They barely possessed Qi Refinement abilities at the second or third layer but were full of vitality and physically robust.
These boys were very warm towards Xing Yuzhu, a clear sign that she made a good impression on them in daily life.
Just outside the main hall’s entrance, a clear and hearty voice rang out. “Zhuer! Did you sneak off the mountain to meet Little Bai again? Well? Who won your spar this time?”
This was followed by a burst of laughter. Xing Yuzhu’s face flushed scarlet with embarrassment. She stamped her foot and flew directly into the great hall.
Mu Yuan hesitated briefly, then decided to remain outside the temple door, standing calmly with hands clasped loosely at his sides.
Not long after, that bold and hearty voice sounded once more. “Young friend, you’ve come so far. Please, come inside and sit!”
Mu Yuan straightened his robes and stepped confidently into the hall.
Within the grand hall, four jade pillars supported the roof. The floor was paved with a kind of white crystal stone, creating an air of simple elegance. Seated in the center was a man with jet-black hair who appeared middle-aged. He wore a plain white robe, a simple silver-banded crown securing his topknot. His face appeared as smooth as warm jade, his eyes as bright as stars. Mountain winds surged in from outside, causing his snow-white garments to flutter gracefully about him. His very presence resembled that of an immortal!
Mu Yuan understood immediately: this was True Lord Liuguang!
He gave a slight bow, speaking humbly. “Junior Mu Yuan pays his respects to the esteemed senior!”
True Lord Liuguang smiled gently. “Zhuer has told me everything. You are a guest who has traveled far, valuing our humble path enough to seek shelter here. Make yourself at home on Star Metal Mountain!”
Mu Yuan understood well: solo cultivators like these often selected disciples with more rigor than the grand righteous sects. He remained patient, bowing his head respectfully. “This junior is deeply grateful for the senior’s kindness and refuge!”
“Well and good,” True Lord Liuguang nodded. “Disciple Yun Xi, please escort young friend Mu to the guest quarters.”
A youth, seemingly a few years younger than Mu Yuan, rose from the rightmost end of True Lord Liuguang’s seat. “As you command, Master!” he said respectfully.
Mu Yuan quietly withdrew from the great hall and followed this young man out.
“It’s no trouble,” the youth said as they walked down from the summit on foot instead of flying. “I am the tenth disciple under our revered master, also the youngest. Just call me Yun Xi.”
Mu Yuan chuckled and took the opportunity to inquire about True Lord Liuguang. They exchanged brief pleasantries. When the questions touched on cultivation matters, however, Yun Xi became discreetly evasive, which Mu Yuan noted without minding.
The guest quarters were situated on a smaller hill not far from Xingshi Peak. Built simply from bamboo and wood, they had an ancient, rustic charm. Nearby were the dwellings for the attendant boys. The true inner disciples, Yun Xi explained, each had chosen their own locations on the mountain to build their personal pavilions and halls.
“Brother Yi,” Yun Xi said, using a familiar form of address now, “if you need anything, just call for one of the boys. Now that Master has finished his seclusion, he will surely gather us to explain cultivation difficulties. I shouldn’t linger.”
Mu Yuan nodded. “Thank you for showing me the way, Brother Yun Xi. Go on ahead.”
So, Mu Yuan settled in there. Every day, a boy named Pusheng brought his three meals. Strangely, True Lord Liuguang seemed to have entirely forgotten about him, sending no further word.
Mu Yuan spent his days quietly meditating and honing his Qi Refinement techniques, tempering and regulating his Zhenqi. He knew True Lord Liuguang might well be silently observing him, so diligence was only prudent.
Originally, Mu Yuan’s Clear Water True Qi had already reached its peak fullness. Earlier, it had nearly triggered a heavenly tribulation. Later cultivation had brought it clearly into the Void Refining Realm. Now, through daily meticulous refinement, he began to perceive many subtle nuances and potential applications in its flow. His Zhenqi was like a gentle, jade-like stream, circulating through channels that resembled rivers and lakes within his body, vital and active. Naturally, this filled him with joy.
About forty days later, as Mu Yuan sat meditating on his bamboo hut terrace, drawing in the essence of water, his Clear Water True Qi flowing inside him… he noticed a flash of bright light streak across the sky. Knowing someone was approaching, he unhurriedly withdrew his cultivation, rising just as the figure arrived right before him!
The visitor was a tall, strongly built man. Mu Yuan recalled seeing this person seated in the first position on True Lord Liuguang’s left during his brief time in the hall on Xingshi Peak; likely the chief disciple.
It proved so. The man landed and clasped his fists towards Mu Yuan. “Brother Mu Yi,” he said congenially, using both Mu Yuan’s family name and given name, “I am Yuzhu’s senior brother, Zuo Hui. I’m here on Master’s orders to bring you some news.”
Mu Yuan smiled. “I am honored Brother Zuo came personally.”
Zuo Hui let out a hearty chuckle. “Ah, it’s no trouble at all! I had the time. Brother Mu Yi, Yuzhu has spoken of your desire to join us. Master’s instruction is to first pass you the Qi Refinement heart method of the ‘Eternal Art.’ As for formally becoming a disciple, we can discuss that later.”
‘This is actually best,’ Mu Yuan thought to himself, though outwardly he feigned a flicker of disappointment, sighing lightly. “Then please convey my gratitude to Brother Zuo and Master.”
“No need for thanks, Brother Mu Yi. And don’t lose heart either,” Zuo Hui encouraged. “If you cultivate diligently, Master won’t close his doors to you forever.” He paused, then continued. “We’ve heard your Clear Water True Qi has already reached the fifth layer, Void Refining. Gold and Water mutually engender without conflict, which is good. Thus, Master instructed me to also pass on the methods for reaching the Core Formation Realm! If you truly manage to break through to Core Formation someday, Master would surely not abandon a fine gemstone such as yourself!” He ended with another hearty laugh.
Mu Yuan understood well: forming the Golden Elixir (Core Formation) was a major barrier on the cultivation path!
If the first three layers of Qi Refinement tested bone structure and perseverance, Condensing Fiend and Refining Yang relied on cultivation technique and opportunity. Achieving Core Formation, however, tested all aspects!
Technique, perseverance, experience, insight, and opportunity – all were indispensable!
Countless cultivators stumbled at this very juncture! Yet, once successful, one could truly be said to have transcended the mundane, gaining extended longevity, and becoming worthy of the title “Earth Immortal.”
A disciple who achieved Core Formation would be valued as a key asset by any sect.
From Mu Yuan’s earlier observation, True Lord Liuguang’s disciples included only two at the Core Formation Realm! And this Zuo Hui standing before him was clearly one of them!
If he could succeed in forming his core, True Lord Liuguang would naturally not choose rubble over precious jade. But… what if he failed? There seemed no risk for the True Lord. ‘Why entrust such secrets to an outsider? Doesn’t he fear the method leaking?’ Mu Yuan felt a major confusion, yet under the circumstances, this arrangement was more than he could have hoped for. He readily agreed!
“However, there is one condition,” Zuo Hui added, his tone now serious. “Regardless of whether Brother Mu Yi ends up joining our lineage in the future, you must swear never to reveal this oral teaching to others. Only after making this vow today can I transmit it to you.”
Mu Yuan felt a chill. For ordinary mortals, vows might be hollow. But for those seeking the Dao and immortality, such oaths were far from meaningless.
Mortal whispers, heaven hears as thunder. Sin in dark rooms, divine eyes see as lightning!
“I, Mu Yuan, swear upon my Dao Heart,” Mu Yuan declared solemnly. “Regardless of whether True Lord Liuguang ultimately accepts me as his disciple in the future, I shall never reveal the cultivation method bestowed upon me by the True Lord to any outsider! Should I violate this oath, on future days may I surely fall into the Avici Hell, sink into the Bitter Sea, and never attain rebirth or liberation!”