r18novel Page 71
Page 71
As soon as Zhang Yunyuan stepped into the palace gate, he felt a rich spiritual energy, a mixture of the incense offerings and prayers of believers and the profound wisdom accumulated over thousands of years, rushing towards him.
Although the spiritual energy here is far less pure than that of Longhu Mountain, its profound historical heritage has a unique charm.
He didn't rush to find Wugensheng, but instead strolled around the ancient temple.
He walked past the main hall where the statues of the Eight Immortals were enshrined, passed through the side hall where incense was burning brightly, and finally stopped in a quiet corner in the backyard where ancient cypress trees were planted.
This place is secluded and tranquil, making it a perfect spot for taking photos.
He looked around to make sure no one was paying attention, then silently recited in his mind.
"System, check in."
[Ding! Check-in location detected: Chang'an Baxian Palace.]
【Check-in successful! 】
[Congratulations, host, you have received the reward: Eight-Phase Dao Seed.]
The moment the system notification sound ended.
A profound and mysterious Dao essence, seemingly containing the ultimate truths of heaven and earth and the origin of all things, suddenly merged into the depths of his soul like an invisible seed!
That seed of the Dao is not simply energy, but a collection of a higher level of "principle".
As soon as it merged with Zhang Yunyuan's soul, it became perfectly integrated and took root.
Zhang Yunyuan felt as if his soul had been infinitely elevated at this moment, creating an unprecedented and wondrous resonance with the surrounding heaven and earth and all things, as if connected by blood.
His spiritual power, nourished by this Dao seed, underwent a transformative tempering and enhancement.
His perception of "Qi" is no longer limited to its strength or attributes, but he can more clearly "see" its most essential operating trajectory and internal laws.
His control over "Qi" has reached a completely new level.
If he used to "grab" Qi with his hands, now he only needs a thought, and Qi will move as he pleases.
This is a leap in the level of life.
As his spiritual energy surged, his cultivation, which had already reached the peak of the first-class level, could no longer be suppressed.
An invisible, muffled sound exploded deep within his soul.
That seemingly impenetrable bottleneck barrier was as fragile as a sheet of paper before this power originating from the "Tao," and was easily pierced.
The powerful Qi surged and circulated within his body, eventually converging into his dantian, transforming into a deeper and more vast chaotic ocean.
His cultivation level has improved dramatically once again!
He stepped into the pinnacle of heroism in one fell swoop!
Feeling the unprecedented, almost overflowing, powerful force within his body, Zhang Yunyuan slowly opened his eyes.
His eyes were clearer and deeper than before, as if they could reflect the stars in the sky.
As he stood there, his aura became increasingly simple and natural. If one did not consciously perceive it, he would appear no different from an ordinary young man who had never cultivated.
This is the state of inner radiance and natural harmony.
Just then, a slightly amused voice came from behind the moon gate not far away.
"Yun Yuan, you really came."
Chapter 82: First Meeting with Feng Baobao
Zhang Yunyuan looked in the direction of the sound.
Wugensheng was leaning against the frame of the moon gate, his signature carefree and unrestrained smile on his face.
Beside him stood a girl in her early twenties, wearing a light blue cloth dress and with two braids.
The girl had delicate features and large, bright eyes. At this moment, she was secretly observing Zhang Yunyuan with a complex gaze that mixed curiosity, admiration, and awe.
Zhang Yunyuan guessed her identity in an instant.
He was one of the future elders of the Quanxing sect and also Wugensheng's most loyal follower.
At this moment, however, she was far from possessing the composure and ruthlessness that would later emerge; she was more like a young girl following the man she admired.
"Sorry for the waitting."
Zhang Yunyuan walked over, his expression calm.
"Not too long, not too short, just right."
Wugensheng's gaze swept over him, a hint of undisguised surprise flashing in his eyes.
He could sense that Zhang Yunyuan in front of him seemed somewhat different from when they last parted.
The feeling was wonderful. Even though it was right in front of me, my aura seemed to merge with the surrounding world, ethereal and unfathomable.
"Let me introduce you."
Wugensheng pointed to Mei Jinfeng beside him, "This is Mei Jinfeng, my new disciple... well, I'd say she's half a disciple."
He then pointed at Zhang Yunyuan and said to Mei Jinfeng.
"This is Yun Yuan, my best friend whom I often mention to you."
Upon hearing this, Mei Jinfeng's bright eyes widened even more.
She couldn't understand how the ethereal figure in her heart could become "close friends" with this Taoist priest who looked several years younger than her.
But she still obediently curtsied to Zhang Yunyuan.
"Master Yunyuan."
Zhang Yunyuan nodded slightly in return.
At this time, she was still very green and inexperienced, completely lacking the worldly wisdom and sophistication she would have decades later when she dominated the world of supernatural beings.
His gaze passed over the two men and landed on the courtyard behind the moon gate.
There, there was another figure.
She was a little girl who looked only fifteen or sixteen years old.
She squatted under an osmanthus tree in the corner of the yard, her back to them, looking at something.
The girl was extremely thin. Her faded, coarse cloth clothes looked loose on her, and her exposed wrists and ankles were so thin that they seemed like they would break at the slightest touch.
Her hair was dry and yellow, like a tangled clump of weeds, and her complexion had a sallow, malnourished look.
Hearing the commotion, she seemed startled, her small body trembled violently, and she slowly turned her head.
Zhang Yunyuan's breath hitched slightly at that moment.
He saw a small, dusty face and a pair of timid eyes, like those of a frightened fawn.
Those eyes lacked the innocence and liveliness of a child; instead, they held a deep-seated timidity and bewilderment, as if the world itself was unfamiliar and terrifying to them.
Her body seemed very weak, as if she had contracted some incurable disease, and her whole being exuded a lifeless and listless aura.
Wugensheng seemed to notice Zhang Yunyuan's gaze. He sighed, his voice full of helplessness and pity.
"This is my daughter, baby."
"She recently... fell seriously ill."
"After recovering from his illness, he became like this. He doesn't talk much and is afraid of strangers. Sometimes... he even avoids me, his father."
Wugensheng walked up to the girl and tried to pat her head as usual, but the girl instinctively dodged away.
He didn't mind, he just squatted down and spoke in the gentlest tone possible.
"Baby, don't be afraid, this is my friend, not a bad person."
The girl glanced timidly at Zhang Yunyuan, then quickly lowered her head, her small body shrinking into a ball.
That immortal and incredibly intelligent woman.
At this moment, it appeared before him in such a humble and vulnerable manner.
A complex and indescribable emotion welled up in Zhang Yunyuan's heart.
"Come on, let's go over there and talk."
Wugensheng stood up and pointed to the stone table in the courtyard.
The three sat down, and Mei Jinfeng obediently brewed tea for them.
Wugensheng picked up his teacup but didn't drink. He looked at Zhang Yunyuan, and in those eyes that always held a hint of amusement, a flame of unprecedented, almost fanatical intensity was burning.
"Yun Yuan, do you know?"
His voice trembled slightly with excitement.
“After we returned from our enlightenment that time, I went there a few more times.”
"I finally understand!"
"I saw it! I saw a whole new world!"
He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth by the stone table, as excited as a child who had received a beloved toy.
"We were all wrong! Utterly wrong!"
He pointed to the sky, then to the ground beneath his feet, his expression excited.
"What righteous path or evil path, what Qi cultivation and ascension!"
"It's all bullshit! It's all a joke!"
"The so-called Great Way, the so-called number one in the world, that we pursue throughout our lives is nothing but a drop in the ocean! It's just the self-amusement of a frog at the bottom of a well!"
He suddenly turned around, staring intently at Zhang Yunyuan, his eyes flashing with a terrifying light.
"Yunyuan, the Dao we pursued throughout our lives is far too insignificant!"
Mei Jinfeng was stunned by his almost insane remarks, and almost dropped the teapot in her hand.
She had never seen Wugensheng so out of control.
Zhang Yunyuan remained calm.
He listened quietly, fully understanding.