Novel11 Chapter 354 : Dao Discussion Reward
Chapter 354 : Dao Discussion Reward
The night was like ink, with scattered stars dimly glimmering.Outside Luoxia Courtyard, on the bluestone path, a figure quietly appeared—it was none other than the chief disciple of the Nine Heavens Immortal Sect, Lei Hao.
“Mm?”
Lei Hao paused mid-step. His divine sense extended toward the sky above the bamboo grove, colliding silently with another divine sense.
“What a coincidence, Fellow Daoist Lei.”
Mu Nanyan revealed herself, smiling as she offered a greeting.
Lei Hao’s brows knit slightly as he probed, “Fairy Mu, it is already late at night. You are…?”
Mu Nanyan smiled brightly and replied gracefully, “With nothing to occupy me, I intended to visit Chen Beiwu at Luoxia Courtyard—to witness the elegance of the master who opened the path of Foundation Establishment, and perhaps seek a bit of guidance.”
As she spoke, her beautiful eyes turned subtly, and she asked with a hint of cunning, “And Fellow Daoist Lei appearing here at this hour—could it be we are headed the same way?”
A trace of awkwardness flashed through Lei Hao’s eyes.
As the strategist behind the Four-Sect Alliance, if word spread that he had come to visit the Yuqing Immortal Sect, it could easily be misunderstood by his allies—even leading to the alliance’s collapse.
Thus, after some hesitation, he had chosen to visit Chen Beiwu privately under cover of night. He had not expected to run into Mu Nanyan.
That said, Mu Nanyan was truly rather idle—disregarding propriety to visit a male cultivator late at night. Could it be she had taken a liking to Chen Beiwu and intended to “an old cow eating tender grass”?
“Cough, cough.”
Lei Hao cleared his throat lightly and nodded calmly. “What a coincidence. Lei was also intending to visit Fellow Daoist Chen.”
Now that he had been caught red-handed, there was no need to feign ignorance.
Hearing this, the smile in Mu Nanyan’s eyes deepened. She did not pursue the matter further and said softly, “Since we are headed the same way, why not go together?”
With Lei Hao present, her visit would not seem too abrupt.
As for Lei Hao’s purpose, she did not particularly care.
“Then let us go together.”
Lei Hao inclined his head slightly, and the two walked toward Luoxia Courtyard.
Meanwhile, inside Luoxia Courtyard—
The hall was brightly lit, and the fragrance of tea curled in the air.
Eight Golden Core True Persons, each bearing distinct bearing and profound aura, sat in the guest seats, warm smiles upon their faces.
Among them, a Golden Core Prodigy clad in black-and-red Dao robes embroidered at the collar with a six-flame treasure furnace motif had just concluded a Dao discussion. He rose and bowed slightly to Chen Beiwu in gratitude.
Were a cultivator of the Tianyan Immortal Sect present, they would immediately recognize him as the sect’s chief disciple—Zhao Chen, who had forged a First-Grade Golden Core known as the Seven Revolutions Flame Core. The other seven Golden Core True Persons were likewise chief disciples of various Immortal Sects, each holding exalted status.
“Brother Zhao need not be so courteous.”
Chen Beiwu, dressed in green Dao robes and seated at the main seat, remained composed as he calmly accepted the bow.
After their exchange, Chen Beiwu had resolved Zhao Chen’s long-standing confusion and clarified why, during Core Formation, he had forged a First-Grade Golden Core rather than a Titled Golden Core.
Seeing this, Yu Zhaohua, who had been brewing tea with slender hands, set down the teapot and glanced at Chen Beiwu.
Careless!
Dao discussion among cultivators encompassed not only sparring but also mutual verification of cultivation principles and dialectical insights into the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth.
Her earlier request for sparring should have been changed to Dao discussion. She wondered if it was too late to amend it now.
Observing Zhao Chen’s enlightened expression, the chief disciples present maintained calm expressions, yet their minds stirred.
Especially Xun Xing, chief disciple of the Bixiao Immortal Sect—his emotions fluctuated most intensely.
A peerless prodigy who had forged a Yuanshi Golden Core, comprehended Immortal Arts, and could battle a Nascent Soul True Monarch was certainly worthy of respect and friendship.
But if personal interests were involved, isolation—or even risked offense—was not unthinkable.
However, a peerless prodigy capable of forging a Yuanshi Golden Core and instructing others on the Golden Core path was an entirely different matter.
The former was a threat—a competitor—another sect’s genius.
The latter was opportunity—fortune that could foster growth.
The Immortal Alliance’s cultivation magnates were powerful, but that did not mean they were willing—or skilled—in guiding juniors.
Take Xun Xing himself. Though born into a True Venerable aristocratic clan with three Divine Transformation True Venerables whose mana reached the heavens, those figures had already walked their Dao to its pinnacle. They often could not comprehend why juniors stumbled over something as simple as “one plus one” in cultivation.
As for the legendary “empowerment initiation” and “Dao Rhythm transmission,” though it appeared to allow juniors to ascend in a single step, saving centuries of hardship—
In truth, it was merely the True Venerable forcibly imprinting their own Dao onto the junior—pulling seedlings to help them grow.
In simple terms, prodigies taught through empowerment became nothing more than another version of the ancestor himself, walking the same path already trodden—and perhaps one not even suited to them.
In the eyes of most Immortal Alliance elites, such a method was tantamount to cutting off a junior’s chance to forge their own path.
Those with ambition in Dao Venerable Immortal Families or True Venerable clans refused to become mere shadows of their ancestors, forever stalled at the Nascent Soul True Monarch stage with slim hope of Divine Transformation.
But Chen Beiwu was different.
He not only cultivated well—he instructed well. With only a few words, he identified Zhao Chen’s cultivation issue, clearing the fog so that Zhao Chen glimpsed the road ahead.
This near-master-level teaching ability was far more enticing than Chen Beiwu’s own cultivation realm.
At this thought, Xun Xing’s gaze toward Chen Beiwu grew warmer and more solemn.
Befriend him!
He must be befriended!
Chen Beiwu had once cultivated the core technique of the Bixiao Immortal Sect—the All Laws Converge, Heaven Book of the Divine Tree. If he were willing to engage in Dao discussion, perhaps Xun Xing might glimpse a path to reforging a Titled Golden Core.
“Please, everyone, have tea.”
Chen Beiwu smiled and gestured courteously.
He had divided the Taiyi Five Directions Nine Revolutions Foundation-Laying Marvelous Method into four volumes—Upper, Middle, Lower, and Final—corresponding respectively to Sha-guided body tempering, Five Directions Facing the Origin, Taiyi harmonization, and foundation-laying to form the core.
With the Sect Master’s approval, he could currently teach the Upper and Middle volumes externally. The Lower and Final volumes remained confidential—except to his direct disciples.
Now, using Zhao Chen as bait, Chen Beiwu revealed portions of the Middle volume to see how much Prodigy Fate he could harvest through the karmic bond of teaching the Core Formation method.
“Dong!”
“Dong!”
“Dong!”
At that moment, all ten within the hall—including Chen Beiwu—shifted their expressions slightly and looked toward the courtyard entrance.
What a familiar scene.
At first, only Chen Beiwu and Yu Zhaohua had been present. But as time passed, more and more Immortal Sect prodigies arrived, and the spacious hall gradually became crowded.
“Are those Fairy Mu and Fellow Daoist Lei at the door? The night dew is heavy—please come in.”
Chen Beiwu rose proactively, lifting the formation restriction and opening the courtyard gate.
“Visiting so late at night is truly—”
Mu Nanyan’s words halted halfway as she saw the brightly lit hall and eight familiar faces—two of whom were allies from the Assembly of Heroes.
Including herself and Lei Hao, ten chief disciples of the Ten Great Immortal Sects were gathered here—save only the two chiefs of the Upper Three Immortal Sects.
So you all spoke of eliminating the Yuqing Immortal Sect early—yet secretly came to visit and pledge allegiance?
A bunch of opportunistic old foxes!
Mu Nanyan was both amused and annoyed, though her expression remained unchanged.
Lei Hao was likewise stunned.
As alliance leader, he had intended to secretly ally with the powerful Yuqing Immortal Sect, betray and divide his partners, and demonstrate that all warfare is deception.
Yet these old fellows had acted even faster!
‘Two more prodigies with decent fate.’
Chen Beiwu’s gaze subtly swept above Mu Nanyan and Lei Hao’s heads.
All chiefs of the Ten Great Immortal Sects possessed Fate at least at the Golden Fate level.
Those of higher-ranked sects such as Yuxu and Nine Heavens had Crimson Fortune Dragon-level Fate.
Though even within Crimson Fortune Dragon, strengths varied. Aside from Yu Zhaohua, none present bore Purple Qi within their Crimson Fortune.
After seating the two newcomers, the atmosphere grew briefly silent.
Chen Beiwu sipped the precious tea Yu Zhaohua had poured and was about to continue the Dao discussion to forge teaching karma and refine Fate—
“Dong!”
“Dong!”
“Dong!”
Another three knocks echoed from outside.
The hall fell instantly quiet.
All gazes turned toward the courtyard gate, unsurprised—except for Mu Nanyan, newly seated, whose curiosity was piqued.
Ordinary cultivators were unqualified to visit Chen Beiwu at midnight. Was it Wang Chan of the Taiqing Immortal Sect—or the Shangqing Three Firmaments?
“Buzz!”
The gate opened.
Feeling twelve gazes converge upon him, Wang Chan arched a brow.
Interesting.
With the Assembly of Heroes about to begin, the chiefs of the Ten Great Immortal Sects had gathered at Luoxia Courtyard.
Did Chen Beiwu intend to lead a flock of sheep against the Shangqing and Taiqing Immortal Sects?
“Have I arrived at a bad time?” Wang Chan chuckled lightly.
“Not at all,” Chen Beiwu shook his head faintly. “We are discussing the Dao. You have come at the perfect time.”
Wang Chan alone possessed Fate equal to six or seven sect chiefs combined.
With such Fate delivered to his door, how could Chen Beiwu possibly reject it?
The only question was how to make Wang Chan feel indebted—forming a karmic thread of teaching.
After all, the Nine-Breath Divine Ability—Gather, Channel, Dissipate, Suppress, Calamity, Position, Seal, Edict, Immortal—required prerequisites. Chen Beiwu could not simply seize anyone’s Fate at will.
“Discussing what—the Golden Core Dao?”
Wang Chan’s eyes brightened.
It seemed he had misunderstood.
But indeed, the Assembly of Heroes’ format necessitated competition and victory. Any alliance would eventually crumble.
“Yes.” Chen Beiwu nodded and continued speaking with Zhao Chen:
“The Taiyi Five Directions correspond to the Five Elements’ rotation. Using the five viscera to nurture spirit, one draws forth the Five Elements’ origin within oneself, aligns with the Five Directions’ Dao of Heaven and Earth, and performs nine revolutions of tempering…”
He explained the principles of the Taiyi Five Directions Nine Revolutions Foundation-Laying Marvelous Method—revealing half and concealing half.
Yet even hearing fragments of Core Formation philosophy made the sect chiefs’ eyes burn with intensity.
Before long, the hall grew silent, save for Chen Beiwu’s voice.
Golden Egg, coiled around Chen Beiwu’s neck disguised as a flood dragon necklace, yawned.
Dao discussion was truly boring—he could neither understand nor learn it.
At dawn—
Seeing the timing was right, Chen Beiwu ceased speaking and took a sip of tea, no longer pointing out each prodigy’s Golden Core flaws.
The free things were the most expensive.
With their Fate assisting him, he strengthened his own Heavenly Fate Purple Dragon and reinforced his persona as a Dao-enlightened prodigy.
‘That’s it?’
Wang Chan felt a trace of regret.
He had believed his Limitless Golden Core flawless. Yet after hearing the Taiyi method, inspiration to perfect it had flickered—only to vanish once Chen Beiwu stopped speaking.
“Let us end here for today,” Chen Beiwu smiled calmly.
The bait had been scattered. Scatter more, and the fish would be sated and flee.
Understanding the unspoken dismissal, most Golden Core prodigies rose and took their leave.
Yet a few, like Zhao Chen, bowed deeply regardless of face.
“Hearing Senior Brother Chen discuss the Dao was like enlightenment pouring upon my head. I have benefited greatly!”
“To sit and discuss the Dao with fellow Daoists is also Chen’s fortune,” Chen Beiwu replied modestly.
Soon, only Wang Chan and Zhao Chen remained.
“Do you still have doubts?” Chen Beiwu asked, feigning confusion.
“Let’s exchange contact information,” Wang Chan said, taking the initiative to add him.
The Three Pure Ones were originally one lineage. By seniority, he was Chen Beiwu’s senior brother. Naturally, they should keep in touch more—not at all because he wished to recover that fleeting inspiration.
After seeing Wang Chan off, Chen Beiwu turned to Zhao Chen.
Hesitation flickered in Zhao Chen’s eyes. Then, taking a deep breath, he made up his mind. His storage ring flashed, and he retrieved a beast-hide map.
“For your guidance, I have nothing adequate in return. This is but a token of my gratitude. I hope Brother Chen will accept it.”
He offered the map with both hands.
He was a man of clear gratitude and enmity—repaying kindness, avenging grudges.
Their discussion had shown him the possibility of refining his Seven Revolutions Flame Core into an Eight Revolutions Flame Core.
Though not an Immortal Golden Core’s extreme nor a Titled Golden Core, an Eight Revolutions Flame Core was immensely powerful—just below Titled Golden Cores—raising by ten percent his future chance of forging a Pure Yang Nascent Soul.
Such kindness demanded repayment.
“What is this?” Chen Beiwu asked curiously.
“This map marks the sealed location of Flame-Yang Liquid. It also serves as the key to unseal it,” Zhao Chen explained softly.
“Flame-Yang Liquid?”
Chen Beiwu was momentarily stunned—visibly moved.