Away from Yangzhou, outside the prefecture and county, between the mountains and plains, is the Changsheng Mountain, which is a hundred miles long.
More than a hundred years ago, this place was the site of a famous Taoist sect named Zixiao. However, as time passed, the sect fell into decline and was eventually acquired by outsiders.
Now it has changed its flag and banner, and is the seat of the Changsheng Sect, one of the seven evil sects and the seven foreign sects, and has been renamed: Changsheng Mountain.
The weather was gloomy and drizzling at this time.
The Zixiao Mountain, where cranes roamed and spirit birds flew long ago, has now become solemn and lifeless.
Although the huge palace is full of towers and pavilions, it looks like a fairyland, but only the disciples of the Changsheng Sect or the servants they captured can understand this.
These are just appearances.
The practice of the Changsheng Sect regards the longevity and nirvana as the ultimate truth, and is divided into three major branches, namely nourishing the soul, refining the spirit, and tempering the body.
The disciples of his school choose one lineage to start practicing, and later on, they start practicing all three lineages, thus transforming the fundamental method into the practice of longevity and nirvana, and in this way, they achieve the foundation of the Tao.
Once they are accomplished, they will from then on become the direct descendants of the sect, and can be true disciples, guest officials, or elders, holding high and respected positions and being worshipped by others.
These things may not sound like much at first glance.
But in fact, the method of cultivation is so thrilling and frightening.
Since its development, the Changsheng Sect has more than 800 disciples, not counting the ordinary Qi-refining disciples in the outer sect. Its reputation is truly great.
In addition, there are a full 10,000 menial slaves to serve the sect.
The key point is that most of these servants and slaves did not come to the Changsheng Sect voluntarily.
To put it another way, these people were just captured by the Changsheng Sect from various places to provide them with nourishment for their practice.
What does it mean to nourish the soul, refine the spirit, and temper the body
It is nothing more than plundering other people's three souls, seven spirits, and true blood, and then refining them through evil methods, so as to achieve the purpose of providing for oneself and make rapid progress on the path of cultivation!
More than 10,000 people were divided into 72 rooms, with each room containing about 100 to 200 people, who were imprisoned in different places for easy management.
Normally, they have nothing to do and are treated like livestock. They are responsible for feeding ferocious beasts, taking care of spiritual herbs and materials, or testing their magic for the disciples of the Changsheng Sect. Each of these jobs is difficult.
If you do it well, you may be able to survive, but if you don’t do it well, you will probably die on the spot.
That’s not too bad.
What's even worse is that whenever there is a need to refine resources, the disciples of the Changsheng Sect will treat a room full of "human sacrifices" as consumables and take them away.
Then they were assigned to disciples who needed to improve their Taoism or break through barriers, and were asked to swallow the three souls of these people, take away their seven spirits, and drain their true blood to provide for the practice of the three major branches of the Changsheng Sect.
This is the evil path of demons.
Their practice is by no means the so-called satisfaction of revenge, repaying grievances with grievances, and repaying right with right.
The so-called evil demons believe that except for their way, all other ways are heretics. They want to achieve success at the cost of thousands of lives. They will not hesitate to slaughter people in the world as long as they can achieve the great Dharma.
Even those who practice the mysterious Taoism, most of whom kill people for treasures and are hypocritical, are still dwarfed by them.
The evil spirit kills people without any reason.
Sometimes, they are even more harmful than real demons and monsters!
This method of practice is truly horrifying, which is one of the reasons why the Changsheng Sect is called the Seven Evil Paths.
At the same time, this is also the reason why after the Lord of Changsheng became the national teacher of Southern Yan, the twelve states of Southern Yan became so independent and the imperial power declined!
With the state religion being like this, how can there not be chaos!
The leader of the Changsheng Sect, who holds the position of the national master, is now in power. I am afraid that his practice will become more and more advanced.
Because of him, the Baili Changsheng Sect was left without anyone to check and control it, and became more and more rampant.
Every once in a while, he would go down the mountain and kidnap a group of people under the pretext of recruiting disciples, and no one said anything and no one dared to intervene...
One single leaf can tell the coming of autumn. One can imagine how powerful and intimidating its influence is!
The imperial court turned a deaf ear to this. If word of this practice spread, it would be normal for monsters and demons to appear in large numbers in the mountains.
When a dynasty loses its prestige, just like Qin losing its power, it will eventually be chased by the whole world!
It’s not here yet.
But think about it, it will be soon.
There was a depressing atmosphere everywhere in Changsheng Mountain.
"You two, go and bring a room full of chores. Remember, they must be energetic, young and strong."
"Today, I will unite the three paths into one, complete my path, and establish the foundation of my path!"
"There is no room for error in this matter. If there is any mistake, I will not be able to achieve enlightenment, and you two will not be able to escape severe punishment!"
"Do you understand?"
There are many palaces and pavilions on the Changsheng Mountain. In front of a slightly prosperous pavilion, a man with eagle eyebrows wearing the standard Taoist robe of the Changsheng Sect was giving stern instructions to his two junior brothers.
His name is Yu Lin. Because he possesses a spiritual body, he has been a member of the Changsheng Sect for more than twenty years.
Over the years, he has successfully transformed from an ignorant boy to a man who can kill decisively and disregard the lives of others in order to practice the great Dao of cultivation.
With a determined mind and good aptitude, now that he is in his early forties, he has the opportunity to achieve the foundation of Taoism.
Therefore, after obtaining the sect's consent, Yu Lin personally dispatched two fellow disciples to capture a room full of servants and extract their three souls and seven spirits, as well as their true blood, so as to condense his own soul and perfect Taoist body.
This is the longevity and nirvana practice of the Changsheng Sect.
The soul and blood of mortals can replace the effectiveness of the foundation-building pill and form the foundation of the great way!
Although the quality of the Dao foundation is uneven, it has been completed after all. And a Dao foundation is an indispensable backbone of combat power for a sect!
Therefore, most of them have highly respected status. Even in the Changsheng Sect, there are only more than 20 powerful people in the Dao Foundation Realm.
The two black-clothed junior brothers who were under Yu Lin's command dared not delay and responded naturally, calling him "Uncle-master" all the time.
Those who don’t know would think that this person has already achieved the Tao foundation.
As the saying goes, you should not hit a smiling person. And he was in high spirits. After being flattered, the serious expression of the eagle-browed man gradually relaxed:
"Don't worry, if I can achieve Dao Foundation, you two, as my senior brother's confidants, will naturally benefit as well."
"Follow me, and I will never treat you unfairly."
"After the matter is done, I, as the elder, will give you priority in selecting high-quality menials and human sacrifices. In addition, I will give you two a Qi Condensation Pill each!"
"Go ahead!"
Adding a sweet date to a stick is a lesson that practitioners who have been struggling in the evil ways of the devil must master.
In addition, flattery and being rude at first and respectful later are all compulsory subjects, because the rules here are much stricter than those in the outside world, and they follow the law of the jungle.
Whoever doesn’t understand will die early!
Those who stayed were all smart people without exception.
Seeing the two people's joyful expressions, and then hurriedly picking up the talisman and riding the wind to leave, Yu Lin put his hands behind his back and sighed leisurely:
"The foundation of the great way, the foundation of the great way..."
"I have been a dog for half my life, working like a cow or a horse, risking my face and dignity, and finally got this kind of Tao fruit..."
"This position of calling the shots is occupied by powerful old demons, smiling men hiding daggers, and sinister and cunning people. Why can't I sit here?!"
"Even if it's my turn, it's my turn!"
After saying this, the eagle-browed man’s anger disappeared and he couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
But the next moment, he couldn't laugh anymore.
Because I don’t know when.
He suddenly found that his body...
It seems that I can't move.
"who?!"
Yu Lin broke out in a cold sweat and immediately shouted sternly.
At the same time, his mind began to uncontrollably reel, as he wondered which old pig-dog in the sect had the audacity to come and murder him at this critical juncture.
But it stands to reason.
The leader and the three elders of the Changsheng Sect have issued a stern warning that killing is prohibited among sects. Those who violate the order will have their souls captured and will never be able to be reborn.
So at least on the surface, within the sect, no one has the courage to disobey!
Thinking of this, although Yu Lin knew that he was no match for the man who controlled his body, he could not help but feel more courageous when he thought of the prohibition and had something to rely on:
"May I ask which senior figure in the sect is here?"
"I don't know how I have offended you, Senior. After I have established my foundation, I will go and apologize in person."
"As for the current situation, it is the critical moment for the disciple to break through. It is related to the inheritance of the sect's younger generation. The leader and the three veins venerables have repeatedly issued orders and strictly prohibited this!"
"Therefore, senior, please don't joke around."
"Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it will be difficult for both you and me."
Yu Lin's tone was dull, and no emotion could be heard in his words.
But this time, he was determined to go all out, completely changing his previous cautious nature.
After all, as long as I pass this level, I will have greatly improved my Taoist foundation. So what if this person is stronger than me
Unless he is at the level of the Sect Leader or the Three Veins Venerable, the other great cultivators, even if they are a little stronger than himself, are just on the same level in terms of status!
If we really fall out, who’s afraid of whom
But that's the truth.
But this time, Yu Lin's wishful thinking, which he had been calculating for half his life, turned out to be wrong.
After hearing the threat in his words.
A light laugh came from behind him.
"oh?"
"Is it so scary?"
The words came out with a smile.
Then, a young Taoist in a white robe emerged from the slight fluctuations, followed by a little girl.
He stood behind Yu Lin so openly, his aura was as deep as an abyss, making it impossible to detect his depth.
"..."
Feeling an aura that was totally inconsistent with the Changsheng Sect's teachings, Yu Lin was suddenly shocked.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the Taoist in white robe who was half a body length behind him and had a relaxed expression on his face. His originally confident mood suddenly became uneasy and anxious again.
This person is not a disciple of the Changsheng Sect!
There are only twenty-odd monks in the Changsheng Sect who can control him, and now there are only a handful of them left in the sect. This person is not among them!
In other words...
The Changsheng Sect, which now dominates the cultivation world of Southern Yan!
My house was robbed!
And this is during this stressful period!
"You... who are you?!"
"This place is the headquarters of the Seven Immortal Sects. I have never seen you in the sect. He sent people to sneak into my sect to provoke me!"
"If this behavior is discovered, and the leader and the three veins masters take action, there will be no way for you to survive!"
"Retreat quickly!"
Yu Lin's tone was firm, but the fluctuation in his words made Ji Qiu fully feel what it meant to appear fierce but be weak inside.
"I?"
"Since you want to know, I will tell you."
"I am the descendant of Zixiao, the true master of this mountain's Dao vein more than a hundred years ago!"
"I came back here just to hang out in my own backyard, but you guys took over my place and are now questioning me. Don't you think..."
"Is it funny?"
After hearing Yu Lin's words, Ji Qiu was still leisurely, but his words successfully made the nervous and frightened Yu Lin feel cold all over, as if he fell into an ice cellar.
Zixiao!
I think there must be no one in the entire Changsheng Sect who is not aware of the name of this sect!
According to legend, the former junior brother of the Changsheng Sect Leader, a famous master of the Dan realm, eventually died in a battle with Zixiao!
To this day, the Immortal Sect has not yet completely repaired the wound that occurred over a hundred years ago.
And this young Taoist introduced himself, and it was obvious that there was a life-and-death feud between the two!
This is an insurmountable gap.
So Yu Lin, who was originally stubborn, panicked.
“Senior, senior!”
"The feud between the two sects has nothing to do with me. I just started practicing more than 20 years ago and have never been an enemy of Zixiao, Senior!"
When Yu Lin learned of Ji Qiu's identity, he immediately became terrified and began to beg for mercy.
"Why are you here this time?"
"If you have any requests, just ask. I will tell you everything I know and will not hide anything. I only ask that you spare my life!"
As soon as Ji Qiu's expression changed, Ao Jing beside him couldn't help but look at Yu Lin with contempt and curled his lips, as if he was a little disdainful.
I gave up instantly.
This is really a coward.
But after watching the whole scene just now, Ji Qiu had to say that this man was truly a man of great adaptability.
And then again, he is only one step away from achieving the foundation of Taoism, being able to call the wind and rain and prolonging his life to three hundred years. Who would want to die
Human nature.
However, this person just went astray, and the path he took was a little outrageous.
Thinking of this, Ji Qiu's eyes became a little cold, but he still did not take action, but just asked:
"Tell me the location of your sect's medicine garden where spiritual materials and medicines are cultivated, as well as the treasure house where spiritual stones and spiritual tools are stored."
"Also, how many Dao bases are currently in charge of Changsheng Mountain?"
"Don't lie to me. Since I dare to come here, it means I have already found out everything."
"The leader of Changsheng Sect is currently in Yandu, so he is definitely not here. The three disciples of Changsheng Sect went together to fight for the inheritance of their predecessors' relics, so they are not in the sect at this time. Apart from this, with my strength, no one in the world can do anything to me!"
"So, you'd better be honest."
Ji Qiu's tone was warning.
After listening to it, I was naturally shocked:
"Senior, the spiritual medicines and materials of Changsheng Mountain are all stored in the medicine garden of Xuanyue Peak next door, and are cultivated by the old pharmacist in the sect. I heard from others that he is in the middle stage of Dao Foundation. The location of my Changsheng Treasure House is on the main peak, and the key is jointly held by three Dao Foundation uncles."
"As for how many Dao masters there are in the sect, I... I really don't know!"
"But if I exclude those who traveled outside my memory, there should be at least seven or eight people in the sect, right?"
"They are scattered in various palaces and peaks. Unless something major happens, they will not show up."
"Senior, I have told you everything I know. Can you... spare my life?"
After pouring out everything he knew, Yu Lin pointed to the specific location with a pleading tone.
In response, Ji Qiu nodded without commenting.
After listening to it, he pointed out with one finger, imprinting the pure yang thought containing his divine will on the man's soul, and then said:
"In that case, I will spare your life for now."
"But if you want to publicize this matter, then this mark will take your life. Do you understand?"
"Don't even think about asking for help. It's useless. If you don't believe it..."
"You can try it."
Ji Qiu had his hands behind his back, not revealing any emotion.
After hearing this, Yu Lin naturally breathed a sigh of relief and could not help but nodded repeatedly:
"Junior knows, junior knows!"
"Senior, please go away. I have never seen you before!"
Seeing his cooperative expression and actions, the young Taoist nodded and did not waste any more time.
The next moment, he took Ao Jing and disappeared, going to the medicine garden that the man pointed out.
Before Ji Qiu came, he knew that the Zixiao Mountain's protective formation had not changed much, but he did not expect that it would be so easy to sneak in through the node pointed out by Qingweizi.
It saves a lot of effort.
On the road.
"Do you really want to spare that man's life?"
Ao Jing frowned slightly.
The guy who had just been so respectful in front of them now had a strong smell of blood on him. There must be at least hundreds or even thousands of people who died at his hands.
Moreover, this person lacks his own persistence, which is really displeasing.
"What do you think?"
In response, Ji Qiu just smiled and did not comment.
Of course he couldn't let that person go.
Not to mention that Zixiao and Changsheng Sect are sworn enemies, just based on Yu Lin's style, Ji Qiu has no reason to let him go.
The reason why I won’t kill him for the time being.
I just don't want to alert the enemy.
In fact, no matter whether Yu Lin said it or not, the brand engraved by Ji Qiu would ultimately lead to death.
Ji Qiu had even calculated the time.
As long as this person dares to refine the three souls and seven spirits of an ordinary servant to build the foundation of his Taoism.
Then the next moment, he will explode and die!
"Don't worry, after a careful investigation, there shouldn't be any strong people in Changsheng Mountain."
"As long as there is a fake Dan Daxiu in charge, your whereabouts and mine will not go unnoticed."
Ji Qiu took Ao Jing and hid their bodies. Feng Xu rode the wind and looked at the Xuanyue Peak medicine garden that was exposed not far away, with a gleam in his eyes:
"I have forged a body to repair the heavens. As long as I have enough resources, I can break through the barrier in a snap."
"The spiritual materials and medicines cultivated by the Changsheng Mountain lineage for more than a hundred years should help me and turn into Taoism!"
"Then, go to this treasure house of immortality and absorb all the things that contain spiritual charm!"
"Even if our whereabouts are leaked and cause a stir, it won't be a problem."
"It's nothing more than that, kill one if you see one!"
"Today, I will represent Zixiao..."
"Let the evil demons and heretics on Changsheng Mountain flow like a river of blood!"
(ps: Two chapters in one.)