Volume One: The Calamity of the Lich Chapter 120: Zhenyuanzi Attains Clarity on His Path

Regarding Zhunti’s recent change, after Jieyin had mastered the method of attaining enlightenment in dreams that Zhunti had imparted to him, he no longer dwelled on it. Through his study, Jieyin realized that indeed, this method was the most suitable for the two of them as senior and junior brothers. He did not probe further, unaware that this would leave a hidden danger for himself.

When both Jieyin and Zhunti reached the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, it was as if an invisible force barred them from breaking through. They were not alone in this sensation; throughout the vast wilderness, Nuwa and others, as well as the Three Pure Ones upon Kunlun Mountain, all shared this feeling. They were, after all, the last generation of innate divinities born of the primordial world, each emerging with the tide of destiny. The Three Pure Ones, especially, carried the merit of opening the heavens and possessed even greater fortune.

Though their strength could progress no further, their indomitable spirits compelled each to find their own path. Laozi of the Supreme Clarity embraced the Way of Taiji; Yuanshi of the Jade Clarity realized the path of order and fate, following the will of Heaven; and Tongtian of the Upper Clarity seized that single thread of survival, forging the Way of Severing Heaven. From their primordial soul lineages, each also comprehended the Dao of Alchemy, the Dao of Artifacts, and the Dao of Formations.

Once the Celestial Court was restored, Nuwa no longer concerned herself with the affairs of the demon clan; Fuxi, however, drew ever closer to them as before. Because of this, Fuxi’s mastery over music did not flourish, but instead, he journeyed further along the path of divination. Nuwa herself awakened to her own Dao—the Way of Creation. She was, after all, an embodiment of the very source of creation, born from a fragment of Pangu’s finger bone.

Though they had only begun their pursuits, and their cultivation could advance no further, they had nonetheless discovered another means to strengthen their power: by contemplating and comprehending their respective Great Daos. Even though their insights were all aspects of the Heavenly Dao, this opened countless possibilities for their future.

Elsewhere, on Longevity Mountain at the Five Zhuang Monastery, ever since the last journey to Mount Buzhou with Zhen Yuanzi, Hongyun spent more time at the monastery than in his own Firecloud Cave. Zhen Yuanzi took no issue with Hongyun’s presence; indeed, their bond only grew stronger, and Hongyun was treated to several ginseng fruits during his visits.

“Brother Zhen Yuanzi, your power grows ever stronger. I find myself awed by the force that emanates from you,” Hongyun remarked, sensing the overwhelming aura radiating from Zhen Yuanzi.

He had always known there was a great gulf between their cultivation, and from the beginning, he had been aware of Zhen Yuanzi’s superior strength. Yet he had never actually witnessed Zhen Yuanzi in action, and thus his understanding remained abstract, never truly experienced.

Yet, upon feeling it now, he was truly astonished.

“Today brings glad tidings. After many discussions with you, Brother Hongyun, I have finally achieved clarity upon my own Dao. Have you not always coveted my ginseng fruits? Today, you may enjoy them as you please,” Zhen Yuanzi replied magnanimously, after Hongyun’s teasing.

“Clarity upon your Dao? What do you mean by that, Brother Zhen Yuanzi?” Hongyun asked, eyeing him with curiosity—his manner so intense one might have thought he meant to devour Zhen Yuanzi himself.

But Zhen Yuanzi only smiled and shook his head. “It can be sensed but not explained. Did you not just feel it for yourself?”

With that, he said no more.

“By the way, you may soon have to return to your Firecloud Cave for solitary cultivation,” he added suddenly.

At these words, Hongyun’s expression changed dramatically. “Brother Zhen Yuanzi, what do you mean? Now that your strength has so greatly increased, are you no longer willing to acknowledge me as a friend?”

Zhen Yuanzi simply shook his head. “Now that I have achieved clarity upon my Dao, further arduous cultivation holds little meaning. I have my own path to follow now, and it will require me to journey throughout the wilderness.”

At this, Hongyun’s face broke into a delighted grin. “Ah, so that’s all it is! I’m well-versed in this sort of thing! Brother Zhen Yuanzi, you have even less reason to shake me off now.”

“But, Brother Hongyun, if you tag along with me, will your own cultivation not suffer?”

“No matter—surely you remember, even before I met you, I was wandering all across the wilderness. For me, such travels are themselves a form of cultivation. It’s no hindrance. Besides, I know many places in the wilds quite well. Believe me, bringing me along will only benefit you.”

Seeing how insistent Hongyun was, Zhen Yuanzi could not refuse and agreed. Yet he did not realize that this would bring him much trouble on his forthcoming journey through the wilderness—though that is a story for another time.

Just then, with his mind made up, Zhen Yuanzi suddenly addressed Hongyun. “But let us set that aside for now—there seems to be a visitor arriving at Five Zhuang Monastery.”

“No matter, go greet your guest, Brother. Don’t worry about me,” Hongyun replied, waving him off and eyeing the ginseng fruit tree with shining eyes.

Zhen Yuanzi couldn’t help but shake his head with a wry smile, then went to the front courtyard.

“I am Zhen Yuanzi. May I ask who visits my Five Zhuang Monastery?”

Having removed the protective wards from his domain, Zhen Yuanzi inquired directly.

He then saw a young woman dressed in garments of five colors approaching the monastery.

“I am Qingyi of the Bluebird Clan, a messenger of the Heavenly Court. I have been instructed by the Celestial Emperor to deliver an invitation to you, Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi. His Majesty hopes that you will grace the Heavenly Court’s grand celebration with your presence.”

With that, Qingyi presented a resplendent golden invitation.

Zhen Yuanzi accepted it with an unmoved expression and asked, “Whom else has Emperor Jun invited?”

“Great Immortal, His Majesty has also dispatched messengers to Kunlun Mountain, Mount Sumeru, the East Sea, and Mount Buzhou.”

“Oh? Emperor Jun dares send someone to Mount Buzhou as well?”

Qingyi did not notice the glint in Zhen Yuanzi’s eye as he spoke.

“Great Immortal, you misunderstand. His Majesty is sending invitations to the Wu tribe this time.”

Zhen Yuanzi’s face showed no change as he replied, “If that is so, who was sent to deliver the invitation to Firecloud Cave?”

“That would be me. His Majesty said that since Great Immortal Hongyun is well acquainted with you, it would be best for me to deliver both invitations together to prevent any complications.”

“I see. In that case, there’s no need for you to make another trip—Brother Hongyun is here with me now.”

No sooner had Zhen Yuanzi spoken than Hongyun appeared beside them.

“Indeed, you may hand over my invitation now,” Hongyun said, not waiting for Qingyi to speak.

With little choice, Qingyi handed his invitation to him.

“Now that the invitations have been delivered, I shall take my leave,” she said.

Zhen Yuanzi gave her a dismissive wave, letting her be on her way.

After Qingyi departed, Hongyun looked at the contemplative Zhen Yuanzi and asked, “What is it, Brother Zhen Yuanzi? Do you have something on your mind?”