Chapter 362

Words : 2379 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 362Suspended Mountain Secret Realm. When the Fourth Heavenly Dao Sound rang out, everyone stopped what they were doing and listened in silence. The Dao Sound reverberated infinitely, echoing across the heavens and earth, penetrating even the confines of the Secret Realm. Only after the Dao Sound faded away did everyone finally return to their senses, sparking a wave of discussion. “The Fourth Heavenly Dao Sound? It came so quickly this time!” “I can feel it— the concentration of spiritual energy within the Secret Realm is increasing!” “The Fourth Dao Sound signifies that the evolution of the world’s natural laws outside has become even more perfected!” ... The people within the Secret Realm discussed among themselves. In the ancient temple atop Suspended Mountain, several powerful wills were conversing. “The Fourth Dao Sound has echoed, which means that the natural laws of the outside world will soon evolve to a degree capable of accommodating us.” “It’s still insufficient. The Fourth Dao Sound only signifies that the rules now allow those at the Foundation Establishment Realm to move freely. For us to go further and pass through the Golden Core Tribulation, we’ll need at least the Fifth Dao Sound.” “There’s no rush. The Fourth Dao Sound came faster than we anticipated, so it’s likely that the Fifth Dao Sound isn’t far off.” “However, since the Fourth Dao Sound has already echoed, it indicates that the outside world’s natural laws have evolved to a rather stable and perfected state. According to the ancient texts, this is about the time when certain opportunities will emerge. Perhaps it’s time for the disciples within the Secret Realm to venture out and train.” “Indeed, our Secret Realm is ultimately just a secondary spatial layer attached to the Main World. Its inherent rules are flawed; without experience outside, our disciples will struggle to establish a solid foundation.” “Then let’s have them go out for some training. Suspended Mountain can only truly develop and grow if we’re firmly rooted in the Main World.” “And, by the way, didn’t Wujian Tower recently discover the whereabouts of the little thief who dared to challenge the dignity of Suspended Mountain? Let’s see if we can capture him and bring him to enlightenment.” “A wise move! That young man is clearly one of this era’s favored by fortune. If he could convert to our path, he’d certainly add to the strength of Suspended Mountain.” ... Not long after, a Buddhist command flew from the temple at the mountain’s peak, descending toward the grand hall midway down the mountain, landing in Xuan Yi’s hands. After reading the command, Xuan Yi’s expression turned grave. He immediately ordered the sounding of the great Buddhist bell in the bell tower. As the profound and resonant tolling of the bell rang out, all the monks of Suspended Mountain in the Secret Realm felt a shock through their bodies and began making their way toward the Great Hall of Mahavira. With the tolling of the bell... At the settlement belonging to the Wujian Tower branch, a mysterious and eerie presence, the Tower Master, stood atop a wooden pagoda, gazing at the massive floating mountain at the heart of the Secret Realm. “Tower Master, why has Suspended Mountain sounded the Buddhist bell?” Elder You appeared beside the Tower Master, also looking at the giant mountain suspended in the sky. “What else could it mean? The Fourth Heavenly Dao Sound has echoed, and the natural laws of the outside world have advanced further in their evolution. Suspended Mountain seems finally ready to make a move.” The Tower Master replied slowly. “You mean... Suspended Mountain is preparing to emerge into the world?” Elder You was taken aback. “We’ll know in a few days.” “Then, Tower Master, what should we do?” “Given our circumstances, what can we do? We’re sheltered under their roof. We can only wait and see if this supposedly compassionate Buddhist sanctuary will make use of people like us, those from the shadows, to handle the dirty work.” The Tower Master spoke calmly, though there was a hint of helplessness in his tone. Elder You remained silent. He knew all too well that this was the reality Wujian Tower faced. In the presence of Suspended Mountain’s overwhelming power and unfathomable depth, Wujian Tower was barely stronger than ants. Should they wish to crush them, it would be all too easy. So, in the face of absolute strength, no matter how much they schemed, they had to suppress those thoughts, never daring to reveal them. “Elder You, when you went out last time to gather information, you mentioned significant changes outside?” The Tower Master suddenly asked. “Indeed, the changes in the outside world are tremendous, with many signs resembling the records left by our ancestors. Especially with the resurgence of spiritual energy, the world of cultivation outside is booming. There are even powerful martial artists who have reached unimaginable levels, far beyond our expectations.” Elder You recalled the terrifying encounters he had while gathering information—the elderly doctor and the fearsome demonic cultivator. His heart still trembled at the thought. Despite his own strength, he had been utterly helpless against those two. If not for the artifact bestowed by the Tower Master, he would not have had a chance to escape. “That’s good. The stronger the outside forces are, the better,” the Tower Master nodded, “for it gives Suspended Mountain a reason to rely on us one day, which will be our only chance to free ourselves from their control.” The Tower Master looked up at the immense floating mountain and the gleaming temples atop it. The resources within the Secret Realm were almost entirely controlled by Suspended Mountain. Surviving was a struggle for Wujian Tower, let alone cultivating. Ending this existence was Wujian Tower’s constant desire. But for the past thousand years, their ancestors found no chance to escape Suspended Mountain’s grasp. The formation at the Secret Realm’s entrance was under Suspended Mountain’s control, accessible only to powerful monks skilled in Buddhist techniques. Without permission, there was no way to escape. Generations of ancestors had worked in secret, yet they never saw any hope. Forget escaping the Secret Realm; in a thousand years, no disciple from Wujian Tower had even touched the Suspended Mountain. After all, even those who reached the peak of the Precelestial Realm couldn’t walk on air or fly. But, if the outside world was truly as Elder You described, with countless powerful individuals... Suspended Mountain might not be able to dominate the world alone, and that could be Wujian Tower’s only chance for freedom. As Suspended Mountain prepared for action, the other major Secret Realms also reacted to the latest Dao Sound. ... Yunshui Secret Realm. This Secret Realm was vastly different from Suspended Mountain. It was filled with lakes and islands, with mist weaving among them, merging with the clouds above. From time to time, massive birds flew through, creating a scene both awe-inspiring and ethereal, like a paradise. On an island in the largest lake, large birds bearing passengers arrived from all directions. “Senior Brother, why did the Ancestor summon us here?” A young girl with bright eyes and white teeth dismounted from a white bird and quickly approached, asking eagerly. “I’m not sure either.” The senior brother shook his head. “Could it be related to the recent Dao Sound?” asked a young man. “I don’t know. We’ll find out when the Ancestor arrives.” The senior brother offered no definitive answer. As the disciples speculated about the Ancestor’s summons... Several gentle yet ethereal presences appeared ahead. A group of elders in simple robes descended from the sky. All the disciples immediately straightened up and saluted in unison. “Greetings, Ancestor!” “At ease. We’ve called you here to assign you a task.” The lead elder spoke kindly. The disciples listened with rapt attention. “The Fourth Dao Sound has echoed, and the natural laws of the outside world have become increasingly stable. After discussing it with the other Ancestors, we believe it may be time for you to venture out and undergo trials...” Similar scenes occurred in the other two Secret Realms. With the Fourth Dao Sound’s echo, the four major Secret Realms all made a remarkable decision: To send their disciples out into the world for training. This served to both temper the disciples and pave the way for their respective sects’ future emergence. ... Meanwhile, the turmoil outside did not affect Lu Qing. After taking some healing pills, Wei Zihao and the others recovered enough to move by the next day. Lu Qing and Wei Xinghe took them straight back to Jiuli Village and settled them in the Wei Family's courtyard. Two days later, the demonic cultivator absorbed the demonic energy from his severed hand, allowing his soul to partially recover. Eventually, he lifted the curses on Wei Zihao and the others. Although the curses were removed, they had drained substantial amounts of vital energy from each person. Not only were their foundations compromised, but their lifespans were also shortened to varying degrees. Wei Zihao, in particular, had overextended himself while pursuing Wei Xinghe, activating the curses excessively and suffering the most severe loss of lifespan. As a result, when the curse was lifted, a lock of white hair appeared at his temples. Seeing this, Wei Furen couldn’t help but cry when she learned the truth. Wei Zi’an was deeply angered by his brother’s fate, regretting that he hadn’t been at the Wei Manor to personally slay the vile demonic cultivator. Yet, Wei Zihao, having endured this ordeal, had developed a peaceful demeanor. Rather than blaming the heavens or others, he comforted his mother and brother instead. He told them that he was lucky to have survived such a catastrophe; losing some lifespan was nothing in comparison. Compared to fellow disciples in the sect who had been tortured to death, he considered himself fortunate. Wei Zihao’s composure greatly impressed Wei Shanhai and Wei Xinghe. Though he had nearly lost his life, it was clear that this tribulation had tempered his character, becoming a blessing in disguise. As for the lost years, with diligent cultivation, he might one day reach the Precelestial Realm and potentially restore them. With matters resolved, Lu Qing returned to his usual peaceful life. Aside from his necessary cultivation, he spent his days farming, fishing, or guiding Xiao Yan in her practice. After Xiao Yan’s breakthrough, Lu Qing selected an appropriate Qi-Eating Technique for her, instructing her to cultivate it gradually. He refrained from teaching her any techniques for the time being. At her age, with an unsteady temperament, practicing techniques too soon might lead her astray. It was better for her to focus on building a solid foundation first. Thus, Lu Qing began teaching Xiao Yan only the Qi-Eating Technique, allowing her to refine her spiritual energy each day. During these tranquil days, Lu Qing occasionally communicated with the demonic cultivator through his spirit, inquiring about matters related to the Tianyuan Great World. The demonic cultivator, now bound by Lu Qing’s soul imprint, answered every question with absolute honesty. Thus, over a few days, despite his outward idleness, Lu Qing’s insights and knowledge regarding cultivation grew daily. “You’re saying you know how to use the Light of Merit?” One day, while casually conversing with the demonic cultivator, Lu Qing unexpectedly asked about the Light of Merit. When he posed the question, Lu Qing didn’t hold much hope for an answer. After all, the righteous and the demonic were worlds apart. He doubted a demonic cultivator would have any knowledge of using the Light of Merit. To his surprise, however, the demonic cultivator provided an unexpected answer. “Indeed, Master, I do possess some understanding of the Light of Merit.” The demonic cultivator responded with utmost respect. “In the Tianyuan Great World, many powerful Buddhist sects exist among the various factions. Those bald-headed monks frequently clash with demonic cultivators like us, leading to frequent conflicts. In one such encounter, I killed several formidable Buddhist practitioners and acquired some of their techniques. Among them were methods of utilizing the Light of Merit.” Lu Qing was genuinely astonished to hear this. He hadn’t expected that what he’d been searching for could be found on a demonic cultivator. “How absurd,” Lu Qing thought. “The world is full of surprises.” “Tell me what you know about these methods for utilizing the Light of Merit,” Lu Qing immediately demanded. “Yes, Master.” The demonic cultivator replied with deference, “However, I should inform you that I was a demonic general in my previous life, practicing orthodox demonic arts passed down by the Demon Sovereign. Due to the innate rejection between demonic energy and Buddhist energy, I couldn’t cultivate those Buddhist techniques after acquiring them. I only researched them briefly before setting them aside. Additionally, after several reincarnations, I’ve lost many memories, leaving me with only fragments of two methods for using the Light of Merit. If you need them, I can share what I recall now. But Master, as I could never practice them, I cannot guarantee their effectiveness.” “No worries, share them with me.” Through the soul imprint, Lu Qing sensed the demonic cultivator wasn’t lying. So, he didn’t hesitate to agree. Since he possessed the ability to simulate and comprehend techniques, he could verify the authenticity of these methods himself. “Yes, Master.” Soon, Lu Qing received the information transmitted by the demonic cultivator through the soul imprint. Simultaneously, he felt a prompt from his simulation ability. “Detected a technique inheritance. Download and simulate?” Without hesitation, he chose to download and simulate. “Downloading, current progress: 1%, 2%... 98%, 99%, 100%.” “Download complete. Begin simulation?” He selected to simulate. “Simulating, current progress: 1%, 2%... 99%, 100%.” “Simulation complete. Begin learning?” Lu Qing proceeded with the learning process. In an instant, a surge of insights flooded his mind. By now, Lu Qing was accustomed to this sensation. He closed his eyes and quietly absorbed the newfound understanding. After some time, he reopened his eyes, now filled with excitement. Table of content

Chapter 362

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