Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 841 - 824: Destined Fate
[Master Withered Wood] wasn't sure if his lifespan was truly nearing its end or if he was practicing some divine power secret technique that couldn't be delayed. In any case, after Zhouyang's family ascended onto the [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood], they couldn't see his true form.
Fortunately, his avatar embodied his will, so it could be regarded as him personally to conduct all conversations with Zhouyang.
At this moment, the two True Immortals were having a private conversation inside a treehouse on the tree, while Xiao Ying and Qin Yue'Er were in the original treehouse accompanied by the twin female cultivators.
"The main purpose of Zhou is clear to Fellow Daoist Kumu. I wonder what Fellow Daoist Kumu requires Zhou to do to be willing to impart the divine power [Life and Death Qi of Withering and Flourishing] to Zhou's Dao companion Xiao Ying?"
In the treehouse, Zhouyang calmly looked at the avatar of [Master Withered Wood] and straight to the point with his opening.
Both were True Immortals of the Human Race, so there was no need to beat around the bush, it was best to speak directly.
"Actually, [Life and Death Qi of Withering and Flourishing] is just a divine power. Since Fellow Daoist Zhou has spoken openly, I have no reason not to impart it to Fellow Daoist Zhou."
The avatar of [Master Withered Wood] answered Zhouyang's inquiry with an indifferent tone, then he shifted the topic with meaningful gazes at Zhouyang, "However, if Fellow Daoist Zhou wants his Dao companion to use this divine power to greatly extend her lifespan like me, then learning this divine power alone would not be sufficient."
"What does Fellow Daoist Kumu mean by this?"
Zhouyang furrowed his brows, looking at the avatar of [Master Withered Wood] somewhat puzzled.
"It's simple. The divine power [Life and Death Qi of Withering and Flourishing] does have life-extending effects, but without the Spirit Wood [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood] as a place to anchor the body, utilizing the vitality force of the Spirit Wood to nourish the body, the life-extending effect wouldn't be much different from that of an ordinary life-extending Spiritual Object."
The avatar of [Master Withered Wood] spoke up, expressing heartfelt views towards Zhouyang, "Also, it's Zhou's good luck that I've now decided to participate in Fellow Daoist Du's Immortal Ascension plan. Otherwise, this [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood] has already become strained in supporting me, and there's no way it could sustain a second cultivator!"
"Then what does Fellow Daoist Kumu mean?"
Zhouyang's expression turned grave as he looked at the avatar of [Master Withered Wood].
"I mean it simply; I can impart the divine power [Life and Death Qi of Withering and Flourishing] to Zhou's Dao companion, and after I leave, she can use [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood] as a basis for life extension using this divine power."
"However, as the exchange condition, Zhou must provide me with a top-notch defensive treasure and, after I leave, help take care of my descendants, ensuring their safety from unforeseen circumstances!"
"Moreover, [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood] is only serving as life extension for Zhou's Dao companion, but its ownership will remain with my descendants. Should Zhou's Dao companion no longer need it, it must be returned to my descendants!"
The avatar of [Master Withered Wood] stared intently at Zhouyang, stating his terms with a serious tone.
"Does Fellow Daoist Kumu have descendants alive? Why have I never heard of this before?"
Zhouyang was surprised, looking at the avatar of [Master Withered Wood], filled with curiosity.
Knowing that [Master Withered Wood] lived for over ten thousand years and was a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal, if he had descendants in the Cultivation Realm, wouldn't they be a renowned clan?
Yet Zhouyang had never heard of any noteworthy clans in Celestial South Continent's Cultivation Realm.
"They aren't my direct descendants. Back in the day, I was focused on cultivation, although I did have a close female companion early on, but left no offspring behind!"
"The descendants I want Fellow Daoist Zhou to look after are those left by my brother. They currently form a Golden Core Clan and are unaware of my existence, nor do they know that the clan has been passed down for thousands of years!"
"Therefore, Fellow Daoist Zhou doesn't need to particularly care for this clan; just ensure they don't attract powerful enemies leading to their extinction. I don't intend for them to hold any illustrious status!"
The avatar of [Master Withered Wood] imparted these details indifferently, addressing Zhouyang's confusion.
And after Zhouyang heard this, he hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement, "In that case, Zhou promises Fellow Daoist Kumu a defensive treasure will be delivered before Fellow Daoist Kumu and Fellow Daoist Du ascend!"
"Good, Fellow Daoist Zhou is indeed straightforward. So it's settled. Now may Fellow Daoist Zhou lend me the [Nine Heavens Primordial Yang Longevity Creation Immortal Scripture] for viewing, and I will open my reading room to Zhou's family!"
The avatar of [Master Withered Wood] laughed aloud, immediately leaving the treehouse and guided Zhouyang's family to the reading room also located within the [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood].
Towering over three thousand zhang tall, how many treehouses dwelled within the [Heaven-Reaching Qiankun Wood]? Only [Master Withered Wood] himself knows. The essence of "Kurong Valley" lies within this towering giant wood.
And within [Master Withered Wood]'s reading room, Zhouyang's family gained considerably.
As the oldest True Immortal of the Human Race, [Master Withered Wood]'s collection of books was more abundant than that of [Master Donglai].
But unfortunately, among the immortal scripture-level techniques collected by [Master Withered Wood], none were suitable for Zhou Guangzheng's cultivation.
"Actually, if Fellow Daoist Zhou wishes to find a suitable technique for your son, I can recommend a place to search."
[Master Withered Wood] probably felt it was improper to view the [Nine Heavens Primordial Yang Longevity Creation Immortal Scripture] without fulfilling Zhouyang's needs, and upon seeing Zhouyang's look of disappointment, he proactively offered suggestions.
When Zhouyang's expression subtly changed with interest, [Master Withered Wood] smiled faintly, "Given your son's possession of the [Pure Yang Dao Body], which allows unrestricted cultivation of any Yang attribute technique, why not try seeking the [Great Brightness Immortal Palace] for their millennia-old [Great Brightness Immortal Scripture], which few have successfully cultivated?"
"The [Great Brightness Immortal Scripture]? Could this work? Isn't it said only cultivators with the [Light Spirit Body] can cultivate this immortal scripture?"
Zhouyang lightly furrowed his brows, somewhat skeptical of [Master Withered Wood]'s suggestion.
"Though it's true that the [Light Spirit Body] is required to cultivate [Great Brightness Immortal Scripture], nobody has ever said the [Pure Yang Dao Body] couldn't cultivate it, and light attribute techniques fall within the Yang attribute scope!"
[Master Withered Wood] smiled faintly, replying with full confidence.
Upon hearing this, Zhouyang pondered deeply.
After a long contemplation, Zhouyang eventually nodded and said, "Perhaps Fellow Daoist Kumu is right; if my son can indeed cultivate the [Great Brightness Immortal Scripture], it could truly be the most suitable technique available in this realm for him."
Later, Zhouyang left his avatar and Dao companion Xiao Ying to cultivate in "Kurong Valley," while he personally took Qin Yue'Er and her son back to the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm.
Since Zhouyang's advancement to the Tribulation Crossing Stage, his avatar also had a chance for Tier Seven advancement.
But even though this incarnation has sufficient foundation to advance to Tier Seven, it cannot, like the original body, leverage the heavenly phenomena triggered during a breakthrough to refine the endless Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi into its own magical power and cultivation.
This incarnation of his, in order to truly advance to Tier Seven, still requires long periods of closed-door practice to enhance its magical power until it thoroughly ascends to Tier Seven.
And within this "Linghuan Realm," there is no place more suitable for his incarnation's closed-door practice than "Ku Rong Valley".
Similarly, Xiao Ying, in order to quickly master the Divine Technique of [Life and Death Qi of Withering and Flourishing], must also cultivate in "Ku Rong Valley" for a period, receiving guidance from Master Withered Wood, a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal.
As for Zhouyang, when he took Qin Yue'Er and her child back to the Westernmost Cultivation Realm, his heart was filled with emotion.
He initially thought that Qin Yue'Er, after following him, could sever ties with the Great Bright Immortal Palace, but to his surprise, things went full circle and returned to the start.
This time heading to the Great Bright Immortal Palace, Zhouyang was not worried about being unable to obtain the cultivation technique of the "Great Brightness Immortal Scripture".
With his identity as a True Immortal of the Human Race, the Great Bright Immortal Palace could not possibly refuse such a "small request" of his.
What he was concerned about was that the Great Bright Immortal Palace might demand Zhou Guangzheng's inclusion in the Immortal Palace.
After all, the "Great Brightness Immortal Scripture" is the fundamental heritage cultivation technique of the Great Bright Immortal Palace, and according to the ancestral teachings of the Immortal Palace, any cultivator able to master this technique is automatically elevated to the status of "Saint Son" of the Immortal Palace, and once their cultivation reaches the Nascent Soul Stage, all Immortal Palace cultivators must unconditionally accept their ascension as Palace Master.
If Zhouyang were not a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal, he wouldn't mind this.
After all, the Great Bright Immortal Palace is openly the first sect of the Human Race in the "Linghuan Realm," and his son Zhou Guangzheng becoming the leader of such a mighty power could hardly be seen as a disgrace.
But now, Zhouyang himself being a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal, and his son Zhou Guangzheng possessing the unparalleled aptitude of a [Pure Yang Dao Body], frankly does not care for the position of Palace Master of the Great Bright Immortal Palace.
Nonetheless, despite the concerns in his heart, the matter still needed to be addressed.
After Zhouyang and his family arrived at the gate of the Great Bright Immortal Palace, he directly sent a message to the current Palace Master Qiao Yangming to come and meet him.
It must be said that Qiao Yangming, being able to assume the position of Palace Master of the Immortal Palace, owed much to Zhouyang.
If Zhouyang had not agreed to Yin Hanguang's request, supporting him to ascend the seat of Palace Master of the Immortal Palace, he would still be just an elder of the Immortal Palace today.
And the last time the [Void True Demon] came across realms, threatening both the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm and the Westernmost Cultivation Realm simultaneously, it was Zhouyang who dispelled this threat.
So upon receiving the summons from Zhouyang, Qiao Yangming did not dare to carry any airs as Palace Master, immediately rushing to the outside of the Immortal Palace to greet Zhouyang with utmost respect.
"Qiao Yangming pays respects to Immortal Venerable Zhou. I was unaware of your esteemed arrival and failed to greet you from afar, for which I ask your forgiveness, Immortal Venerable."
The dignified Palace Master of the Great Bright Immortal Palace, at this moment, was bowing and saluting Zhouyang like a junior, demonstrating the profound awe and respect Qiao Yangming held for Zhouyang.
And Zhouyang glanced at Qiao Yangming before him, he straightforwardly waved his hand and said, "Fellow Daoist Qiao, no need for formalities. We could be considered old acquaintances. I won't be courteous with you. I've come to the Immortal Palace today to seek for my disciple a look at your Immortal Palace's heritage cultivation technique, the 'Great Brightness Immortal Scripture.' I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qiao is willing?"
"What! This..."
Qiao Yangming looked at Zhouyang in shock, then glanced at Zhou Guangzheng, who was being held by Qin Yue'Er, his eyes filled with uncertainty and suspicion.
As "old acquaintances," he was naturally very familiar with the circumstances surrounding Zhouyang, knowing that aside from Lu Xuewei, all of Zhouyang's other disciples had long passed away.
And looking at Zhou Guangzheng, who was in Qin Yue'Er's arms and clearly under five years old, what virtue or ability could allow this child, at such a young age, to be accepted as a disciple by the already immortal Zhouyang? 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖
Thinking of this, Qiao Yangming's heart gave birth to a guess, and his mood immediately became excited.
His eyes flashed with a fiery glint as he saluted towards Zhouyang, saying: "Immortal Venerable Zhou, you must understand, the 'Great Brightness Immortal Scripture' is the principal heritage cultivation technique of our sect, and only cultivators possessing the [Light Spirit Body] may cultivate it and obtain its transmission from the Inheritance Immortal Pillar."
"Although this junior is the Palace Master, I really am unaware of how this cultivation technique is practiced, hence cannot present it for your esteemed self's perusal!"
This was something Zhouyang was hearing for the first time, and for a moment he couldn't help but show a look of surprise.
But he only revealed a bit of astonishment, then lightly nodded and said: "Since that is the case, it is simple enough, Fellow Daoist Qiao. Take my disciple and me to see the Inheritance Immortal Pillar, and let my disciple try his luck to see if he can obtain the inheritance of the cultivation technique."
"Yes, please honored Immortal Venerable proceed to our sect, and this junior will lead you to the Inheritance Immortal Pillar shortly."
Qiao Yangming respectfully responded, then immediately started leading the way.
He also knew that a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal could not easily appear before others, therefore he did not notify any elders of the Immortal Palace, directly using his authority as Palace Master to escort Zhouyang's family into the sacred ground of the Great Bright Immortal Palace—Bright Hall.
This "Bright Hall" is located at the pinnacle of the Great Brightness Immortal Mountain, and was personally crafted by the creator of the Great Bright Immortal Palace, the [True Monarch Guangming], containing immense array power.
If the Palace Master of the Great Bright Immortal Palace initiated the Immortal Mountain Guardian Array, combined with the forces of over a dozen Nascent Soul Stage Elders and numerous Golden Core cultivators, even a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal would find it challenging to breach the array.
And the "Bright Hall" atop the Immortal Mountain, being long-closed for years, usually is only opened when a cultivator successfully forms their Nascent Soul and is sealed as an elder of the Immortal Palace, enabling them to enter the hall, pay homage to the ancestral statue within, and receive a top-tier heritage Divine Technique of the Immortal Palace.
At this moment, Qiao Yangming opening the hall doors and bringing Zhouyang's family in was one of the rare occasions over several millennia that outsiders were received in this "Bright Hall."
As Zhouyang entered the hall, the first thing he saw was the divine, majestic statue of [True Monarch Guangming] in the center of the hall.
Compared to the statues he had encountered in other "Bright Halls," this statue's material and craftsmanship were superior by an unknown multiple.
Considering Zhouyang's current status as a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal, had it been an ordinary Nascent Soul Stage cultivator entering the hall, they might have involuntarily felt a sense of awe and worship upon seeing this statue.
And the Inheritance Immortal Pillar mentioned by Qiao Yangming was a towering milky-white jade pillar standing before the statue of True Monarch Guangming, its surface covered with various profound and complex "Golden Seal Texts" and "Silver Talisman Texts," continuously emitting white spiritual light.
"That is our sect's Inheritance Immortal Pillar. As long as Immortal Venerable allows your apprentice to touch the Inheritance Immortal Pillar, you will know if they are fated to obtain the 'Great Brightness Immortal Scripture!'"
Qiao Yangming pointed at the milky-white jade pillar inside the hall, his face faintly revealing a trace of hope as he spoke.
