Chapter 86

In the hundred miles beyond the Ninefold Abyss, there lies an extremely secluded valley.

This place is densely forested, with no trace of human presence.

However, at this moment, a figure was darting through the woods, appearing and disappearing in an instant, then "bang, bang" colliding with tree trunks, shaking leaves to the ground. As soon as the figure appeared, it made hand seals, muttered incantations, and then "whoosh" disappeared from the spot.

At first glance, the scene was quite bizarre, as if someone was practicing a technique or tormenting themselves.

"Coming like lightning, going like a firefly, escape—"

"Bang—"

Before the words were fully spoken, a nearby tree suddenly swayed, and the figure fell, spinning a few times on the ground before transforming into a wind shadow, rapidly spiraling through the woods. The不服气 (unyielding) voice continued: "A small spell, what can it do to me? Escape, escape, escape—"

After a moment, the sound of collisions ceased. Only the leaves swirled in the forest, like autumn winds dancing without a trace in the sky.

After a while, Wujiao's figure suddenly appeared under an ancient tree. He staggered a few steps, "thud" sat on the ground, his face flushed and ears red, gasping for breath as if he were about to faint, looking extremely disheveled.

He had finally managed to practice the "Flash Escape Technique" to about seventy or eighty percent, but it had exhausted him.

The so-called Flash Escape Technique allows one to travel dozens of feet in a flash, as fast as lightning, and with the help of invisibility, it leaves no trace, making it an excellent method for combat or escape.

Although the technique was good, it consumed a lot of spiritual energy. In just the time it took to burn an incense stick, he was already too exhausted to continue. However, it was another means of self-preservation!

He still had to cross the last three layers of the Canglong Valley and find a way to escape the Ancient Sword Mountain, so he had to be prepared in advance. This was called being prepared for the future!

Sigh, after mistakenly entering the path of immortality, there was no more peace. Every day, he had to think about facing one inexplicable opponent after another, fighting to the death. Why go through all this trouble? I am just an ordinary person!

Wujiao vented his frustration, took out a spirit stone and clutched it in his hand, leaning against the tree trunk to rest. In his other hand, he held a jade slip, the cultivation technique of the Ancient Sword Mountain, the "Ancient Sword Technique."

He was not interested in the cultivation technique but was curious about a section on the Sword Transformation Technique in the "Ancient Sword Technique."

What is the Sword Transformation Technique? It is the art of the real and the illusory!

When wielding a sword, one uses the illusory to confront the enemy and the real to defeat the enemy; or uses the real to confront the enemy and the illusory to defeat the enemy. The two complement each other, increasing the power by threefold. Only those with deep cultivation can master the real and the illusory.

In other words, mastering the Sword Transformation Technique allows one to turn one sword into two, or even more, with the real and the illusory complementing each other, making the changes unpredictable. This technique is extremely difficult to cultivate, and perhaps only those at the Foundation Establishment stage or above can perform the essence and subtleties of the "Ancient Sword Technique."

He memorized the incantation and decided to ponder it in his spare time.

Wujiao leaned against the tree trunk, one hand clutching the spirit stone, the other holding the jade slip, his eyes half-open, looking very listless. After two hours, he seemed to have regained some energy, exhaled a deep breath, and lazily stood up from the ground. The spirit stone in his hand had lost its luster, and the spiritual energy within was almost depleted. He was reluctant to throw it away and put it away with the jade slip, then slowly walked through the woods toward the direction of the ancient altar.

He didn't know what the ancient altar looked like, only that the checkpoint to the next region was still three hundred miles away.

After another half an hour, the forest gradually thinned out. Ahead was a dry river valley, with mountains stretching on both sides.

Wujiao identified the direction, tapped his toes, and rose three feet off the ground, moving like the wind for about fifteen feet. In mid-air, he realized he was different from before.

He could fly farther and jump higher. With a mental command, he could see up to a thousand and five hundred feet away. Could this be due to the nine Dragon Transformation Pills? Could he surpass Wang Bi? Without the ability to fly on a sword, becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was all in vain! At least he had to be able to defeat Xuan Yu of Lingxia Mountain to see Ziyun...

The highest mountain in the Longfang Mountain region was, of course, Longfang Mountain. The ancient altar was located at the thousand-foot peak of Longfang Mountain.

By the time Wujiao reached the foot of the mountain, two hours had passed. Looking up, he could not clearly see the top of the mountain. He wandered around the base of the mountain for a moment, confirmed his location, and put on the golden crystal mask given by Liuer, then started climbing the mountain.

There was no path on the mountain, with vines and ancient trees everywhere, and rugged rocks blocking the way. Although it was lush, there were no signs of insects or birds, making it seem dead and silent.

He followed the mountain's slope for a while, lost his patience, and then used his agility to leap and jump.

Unconsciously, the surroundings suddenly opened up.

The dense forest was left behind, and ahead was a towering peak several hundred feet high. It should have been a solitary peak, but its bald body made it look somewhat desolate and barren.

Wujiao looked around and continued toward the top. The mountain became steeper and smoother, making it difficult to stand. He took steps of over ten feet, not slowing down. In a moment, he was near the top. As he leaped high and had not yet landed, he was secretly amazed.

The top of the mountain was about a thousand feet in diameter and extremely flat. In the center stood large and small black stones, arranged in a circle. At first glance, the scene was eerie, like an array, mysterious and unpredictable.

Near the stones, there were figures of cultivators wandering and observing.

Were those fifty or sixty large stones the ancient altar shown on the map? What was the secret, and how could he cross it to reach the next region, the Longshi River?

Wujiao stood still, looked at himself, and adjusted the mask on his face, then walked forward with his hands behind his back.

From a high vantage point, the surroundings were vast. Looking up at the sky, it seemed as if the white sky was within reach. This place was truly a good spot for ancient sacrifices. It was said that the gods lived in the sky, and being closer made the sacrifices more effective. He remembered a children's rhyme: In ancient times, there was a rainbow, the immortals came from the sky, they scattered a grain of seed, and the fields turned into seas...

However, he had not seen any Foundation Establishment cultivators throughout his journey, and he did not know if flying on a sword could directly cross the sky and leave the Canglong Valley.

"Brother, why not rest for a moment?"

As he approached, the ancient altar became even more mysterious. Each stone was of different shape and size, about one or two feet high, spaced a few feet apart, arranged in a circular formation, occupying most of the mountain top. A brief look gave him a sense of an inexplicable power, making him feel a sense of awe.

"An ancient saying goes: All cultivation seeks clarity, purifies thoughts, reaches the utmost emptiness, and maintains tranquility. Avoid blind following and losing oneself, or it will be like carrying water in a bamboo basket. Brother, do you agree?"

About ten feet away from the stone array, an old man was sitting on the ground. His face was full of wrinkles, his hair and beard gray, looking quite old, but his demeanor was calm, and his speech was refined, giving him the appearance of a transcendent sage.

Wujiao's gaze fell on the old man, who was not wearing a mask. He looked at him for a moment and suddenly realized: "Ah... I recognize you..."

In the Dragon Heart Marsh, an old man had once expressed his feelings after escaping danger. That old man was none other than the one in front of him. He hadn't expected to meet again after so many days in a different place.

The old man smiled and said excitedly, "Ha! I didn't expect that I, Yuanling, still have some reputation. May I ask the honored name of the brother..." Without waiting for a response, he stroked his beard and said proudly, "Although my cultivation is not high, my realm is profound. Fellow disciples often seek my advice!"

Wujiao hesitated, raised his hand in greeting, and smiled, "In front of Brother Yuanling, how dare I be presumptuous, but I don't know..." Before he finished, the old man continued, "What is cultivation? Cultivation is of the heart, and righteousness is of the action. It starts with the heart, and the body is forgotten. Actions are the manifestation, and one does what is not done!"

I don't have the time to discuss cultivation with you; I just want to leave.

Wujiao saw no one around, and the previous figure had already entered the stone array. He had to make do, "Brother is indeed profound in cultivation, every word is precious. Cultivation should correct one's actions..."

"Ah—"

The old man, calling himself Yuanling, suddenly had a bright look in his eyes, exclaimed, and clapped his hands, "In decades, only Brother understands me! It's rare to find a true friend, Brother..."

Wujiao was startled and quickly shook his head.

The six sentences about cultivation were just a hidden poem. A child who had attended school for a few years could easily recognize it. He had only pointed it out because it made some sense. He was not anyone's true friend and did not want to chat with an old man.

"Cough, cough... I don't know how many days have passed since the Canglong Valley opened?"

"Brother, you ask a strange question. The Canglong Valley has only been open for five months. Listen, cultivators should avoid greed and weak thoughts; eliminate delusions and heal the heart; remove illusions and preserve wisdom. Only then can one achieve the great path!"

Five months?

His previous nap had somehow lasted nearly two months. He really slept too much! It seemed he shouldn't easily doze off in the future, as unexpected events could delay things.

Wujiao's doubts were finally resolved, but the old man's interest in preaching grew even stronger. He hurriedly bowed and took a step forward, "The altar is right in front of us, how can I not go and observe it? I must take my leave, Brother!"

Yuanling was even more anxious, stretched out his hand, and called, "Brother, I still have insights to share. Let's talk for three days before you leave! Brother... Brother, don't enter the stone array recklessly..."

Wujiao ignored him, walked quickly, and soon entered the stone array, finally letting out a long breath.

What is cultivation?

Since the day a person is born, when is one not cultivating? Crying and laughing, living and dying. When the soul returns to the heavens, this life is without regret, and that is enough!

If so, why be so attached? Like Saint Yun, who relied on his realm, his actions were inconsistent, and he was confused all his life. Even at the end, he still asked himself if he had wronged anyone and if he had truly lived.

Why not experience the world and all its trials?

In short, I am just an ordinary person. As for the cultivators' ways, I respectfully decline!

Wujiao shrugged, about to continue forward, but before he could take a step, his expression changed slightly... For mobile users, please visit http://m.piaotia.net

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