"Seeking Origin Scripture" is not like the "One Qi Cleansing Scripture". Not only does it discuss cultivation techniques, but it also emphasizes how to employ Dharma techniques. The Xuanmen values accumulation and nurturing life mechanisms, while the Demon Sect prioritizes slaughter and plunder, starting with teachings on how to devour Divine Souls and seize others’ possessions as their own.
Thus, although Su YiAng merely used the Primordial Spirit of a Meridian Opening Cultivator to practice half the Demon Scripture techniques, he advanced rapidly at first. However, due to his lack of a physical body, he had no method to supplement his Yang Essence when he needed to break through realms.
But he still had another path available: the path of the Devil!
Within the Demon Cave, a Yin Demon transforms into an Illusion Demon after a century, then into a Walking Demon after another century, and finally into a True Demon after three hundred years. By then, the Devil develops its own spiritual wisdom, becoming almost indistinguishable from living people.
It is said that above the True Demon there are additional realms, which can even lead to the legendary Heavenly Demon whose Divine Skills and powers are on par with those of Great cultivators.
Zhang Yan briefly contemplated and immediately understood Su YiAng’s intentions.
"Master," Su YiAng said hesitantly, "I recently comprehended the Demon Scripture and can now divide out a True Soul to be placed at your disposal. This soul is one with me, and whenever needed, you may summon me for inquiries." Seeing Zhang Yan’s prolonged silence, Su YiAng couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
Zhang Yan knew this was Su YiAng’s declaration of loyalty.
Without a physical body, losing this True Soul would cause Su YiAng to lose most of his consciousness, rendering him as muddled as other Devils. By then, most of his advantages compared to other Devils would also be lost, and his fate could easily be imagined.
However, the vastness of the Demon Cave prevented Zhang Yan from venturing too deep into its dangerous depths. Besides, members of the Blood Essence Sect had entered the cave from unknown directions. Leaving Su YiAng here could serve as a hidden piece in his game, potentially proving useful in the future.
With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Very well, I’ll grant your request. Before I depart, I will leave you here."
Su YiAng was instantly overwhelmed with gratitude and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Master, for fulfilling my wish."
In a solemn tone, Zhang Yan instructed, "I’ll be entering meditative cultivation over the next few days. Stay close and act as a protector. Notify me immediately should anything unusual occur."
Su YiAng promptly replied, "Yes, Master!"
Zhang Yan turned around and headed deeper into the cave beneath the cliffs. This space extended inward five or six zhang and was entirely excavated by Zhang Yan using his Profound Light. The Profound Light made excavation very convenient, as it could disintegrate the hardest stone and rock with a mere sweep.
At the deepest part of the cave, Zhang Yan retrieved a cushion from his Sleeve Bag, seated himself upon it, and quietly activated the mental method inscribed in the Lan Yun Secret Volume.
Time passed swiftly, and four days went by in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Zhang Yan’s cultivation progress advanced rapidly. While the Water Attribute Profound Light had not yet fully emerged, a steady, undulating water-blue radiance pulsed within his chest. It was sufficient for concealment purposes, and within another seven or eight days at most, he could successfully condense it.
Just then, he felt the ground begin to rumble and quiver. He opened his eyes and rose, moving toward the cave’s entrance.
It turned out that midday on the fifteenth day had arrived. A surging river once again rose into the sky, cascading backward toward the Demon Cave’s entrance.
Zhang Yan’s face revealed a look of contemplation upon witnessing the scene. Though not his first time seeing it, each occurrence left him marveling at the wonders of creation. From this, he inferred how many stunning and magnificent spectacles must exist across the world.
The Nine Provinces encompass vast territories, and East Splendor Continent occupies only a fraction of them. If, in the future, his cultivation reaches fruition, Zhang Yan planned to roam the realms, seeking enlightenment and expanding his horizons.
He watched for a long while before preparing to turn back into the cave. Just as he lifted his foot, he suddenly paused and raised his head sharply to look upward. A grand and solemn green beam of light suddenly descended, forcing the reversing river to retreat!
A young cultivator clad in a green robe with long ribbons, wide sleeves, and hemp shoes slowly floated down from the green beam. His wide sleeves fluttered, his eyes were bright and confident, and his face was relaxed yet poised.
His features weren’t particularly striking at first glance, appearing rather ordinary. But upon closer inspection, there was an indescribable sense of lofty grandeur.
His presence was towering, akin to a mountain’s majesty or a dense forest’s uprightness, compelling reverence from observers.
Apparently noticing Zhang Yan’s gaze, the young cultivator glanced in his direction and smiled faintly. "Are you Junior Brother Zhang Yan?"
Zhang Yan cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Indeed. May I ask this senior brother’s name?"
The young cultivator reciprocated the gesture with a smile and replied, "I am Qi Yuntian."
Even Zhang Yan, upon hearing the name, couldn’t help but feel a surge of astonishment.
Originally, Ning Chongxuan intended for Zhang Yan to enter Qi Yuntian’s tutelage. As a result, Zhang Yan had once inquired about this person and discovered that Qi Yuntian was not just a True Disciple but also one of the Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples!
More than that, Qi Yuntian was the first disciple of True Master Meng, who was the Sect Leader’s senior disciple. If the Sect Leader were to ascend or retire, it was highly likely that Qi Yuntian would succeed in taking his place.
In other words, Qi Yuntian had a high probability of becoming the future Sect Leader of Mingcang Sect! One could only imagine the level of influence and status he held.
What Zhang Yan hadn’t expected was for this person to arrive personally to escort him out. The implications of this action were incredibly clear—soon, word would undoubtedly spread throughout the sect that he had joined Qi Yuntian’s faction.
His mind raced as he quickly considered the significance of this situation. The master-disciple lineage sending Qi Yuntian here was clearly a move to reassure Zhang Yan while simultaneously demonstrating their support.
The sect’s Top Ten Disciples generally had their own alliances and factions. However, Qi Yuntian, for unknown reasons, had never recruited fellow disciples into his fold, instead choosing to focus on solitary cultivation. Hardly anyone in the sect had seen him in recent years.
At least until Zhang Yan entered the Demon Cave, he hadn’t heard any news of Qi Yuntian emerging from seclusion. It seemed the moment Qi appeared, he headed straight for Zhang Yan.
This was evidently an attempt to pull Zhang Yan into his faction. Or perhaps, in their view, Zhang Yan was already considered part of their lineage.
Could this mean Qi Yuntian now saw his cultivation as sufficiently advanced and was beginning to form his own group?
Considering this perspective, if Qi Yuntian was being groomed as the future Sect Leader, his appearance now carried an unmistakable message...
At this thought, Zhang Yan’s heart trembled as he reached a startling conclusion.
The master-disciple lineage was likely grooming him as a future Cave Heaven Elder to assist the Sect Leader!
...(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)