Chapter 347
Because apart from a general outline, there wasn't a single practical method within.
In simple terms, it lacked the first transformation, the second transformation, the third transformation... all the way to the ninth transformation...
In the end, Zheng Fa saw the Tianhe Zunzhang (Tianhe Master) eloquently expounding a great deal, and with a bit of translation, the gist was as follows:
The general outline of the Golden Elixir method is my lifelong summary of the cultivation techniques during my Golden Elixir stage.
Although I have developed my own Nine Transformations Golden Elixir method, this technique is only suitable for me and not for future practitioners.
Since there is a general outline, it should be quite simple for later generations to develop their own Nine Transformations Golden Elixir method...
At this moment, Zheng Fa began to understand why the Tianhe Sect had betrayed the Tianhe Zunzhang...
But... why was the Tianhe Zunzhang so reluctant to pass down specific methods?
Zheng Fa pondered for a moment and felt he might have misunderstood something:
Was the transformation or abandonment of the Tianhe method really just due to enmity?
(End of this chapter)
**Chapter 312: The Abandoned Village, Sunrise Over Nine Mountains**
"Is this it?"
Uncle Pang held a book in his hand, though calling it a book was a bit of an exaggeration, as it contained only a single page—frankly, it was barely enough paper to wipe with.
On that page was Zheng Fa's transcription of the "Nine Transformations Golden Elixir Method."
"This is it."
Zheng Fa's expression was earnest.
However, Uncle Pang's face was hard to describe—his expression was quite complex, as if he were questioning himself and somewhat doubting the state of the world.
This expression inevitably left Zheng Fa puzzled.
"Is this how the Tianhe Zunzhang teaches his disciples too?"
"Too?"
Zheng Fa blinked, finally realizing the source of his uncle's discontent:
Among the three great elders of the Jiu Shan Sect, he was the most meticulous in teaching his disciples, almost hand-holding them.
Yet, in terms of teaching results, the seedlings in his field were the least promising.
He and Senior Sister Zhang had become the sore spots in Uncle Pang's heart...
Now even the Tianhe Zunzhang was so unreliable.
Uncle Pang couldn't help but doubt himself, perhaps even thinking that being responsible was a mistake...
"Junior Brother Zhou, didn't you just advance to Foundation Establishment recently?" Zheng Fa tried to comfort him.
Zhou Qian had been at Foundation Establishment for a few months, only slightly behind Zheng Fa's progress.
"That was all thanks to the 'Symbolic Path Foundation Establishment Method,'" Uncle Pang sighed, not taking any credit. "He learned the symbol techniques from me, then from you, and later studied the 'Symbolic Path Foundation Establishment Method.' That's why his cultivation advanced so rapidly; it has nothing to do with my efforts."
Elder Yuan nodded in agreement: "So, it seems that the disciples of Zheng Fa's generation have made quite a bit of progress after entering the Jiu Shan realm."
Senior Sister Zhang chimed in: "Yes, the disciples are advancing too quickly, which has made the sect's resources a bit strained."
Hearing this, Uncle Pang couldn't help but chuckle: "Well... I don't know whether to be happy or worried."
From his expression, it was clear that this worry was somewhat delightful.
The three of them looked at Zheng Fa; though they didn't say it outright, their words and expressions were clearly praising him.
Zheng Fa smiled and changed the subject, saying, "Even though it's just a general outline, it’s still quite beneficial for me."
"The Nine Transformations Golden Elixir involves condensing the Golden Elixir and using the three gates and nine orifices to further enhance the quality of the Golden Elixir, even allowing a low-grade Golden Elixir to be upgraded to a high-grade one..."
Uncle Pang grinned and sighed in admiration: "...No wonder the Tianhe Zunzhang is so formidable..."
Zheng Fa understood his astonishment:
Xuanwei cultivators often say that once the elixir is formed, there are no regrets...
For many years, these four words have been regarded as profound truth.
But the Tianhe Zunzhang dared to say: Really? I don't believe it!
From the general outline of the "Nine Transformations Golden Elixir Method," Zheng Fa could roughly grasp the Tianhe Zunzhang's line of thought:
The idea that there are no regrets once the elixir is formed likely stems from the fact that the reactions within the Golden Elixir are too intricate and intense, making it nearly impossible for ordinary cultivators to enhance it without risking disaster, potentially even losing their lives.
However, the Tianhe Zunzhang's approach in the "Nine Transformations Golden Elixir Method" is: refine the orifices, forge a stronger body, and then use one's superior spiritual power and consciousness, even various spiritual herbs, to complete this step.
A strong Golden Elixir?
My body is even stronger!
This idea reminded Zheng Fa of the formidable physique of that Tianhe disciple he had encountered before.
According to Zheng Fa's understanding of this method, it was roughly akin to:
Upgrading the workshop, renewing the equipment, and overhauling the production line.
What Zheng Fa didn't understand was, if it was a high-grade Golden Elixir, where would the enhancement direction lie?
This was also a knowledge gap brought about by the absence of the nine transformations in the "Nine Transformations Golden Elixir Method"...
"Strengthening the nine orifices should be beneficial for forming the elixir," Zheng Fa said.
Senior Sister Zhang thought for a moment and replied, "It seems that the 'Tianhe True Method' has such secret techniques."
On their recent trip to the Water Mansion, besides the stone that recorded the "Nine Transformations Golden Elixir Method," there was also a yellow gourd and a jade tube.
The jade tube contained the "Tianhe True Method," which, although only reaching the Golden Elixir stage, also had some secret techniques, especially regarding the orifice methods.
"No way..." Uncle Pang interjected, "Since this Tianhe secret realm is so strange, the 'Tianhe True Method' must have some tricks up its sleeve."
At this moment, Zheng Fa had a suspicion that the person who set up the Tianhe secret realm was likely trying to find that jade pendant.
That jade pendant must be related to the Tianhe Zunzhang; he just didn't know what it was.
"The strangeness of this stone must not be leaked," Zheng Fa contemplated for a moment and said to the four in front of him.
Although knowledge sharing was important, this matter was clearly significant—he wasn't looking to get himself killed.
Senior Sister Zhang, his master, Uncle Pang, and Uncle Huang were all Nascent Soul cultivators of the Jiu Shan Sect, and after spending so much time together, Zheng Fa had considerable trust in them.
But beyond these four... it was hard to say about the other disciples.
Even Uncle Huang nodded, seemingly understanding the dangers of this secret.
Elder Yuan sighed with a smile: "I wonder what the person who set up this secret realm was thinking, to let this stone be taken so easily."
"I've looked into it..." Senior Sister Zhang spoke up, "This Tianhe secret realm appears every few decades or hundreds of years..."
"This stone must be quite common?" Elder Yuan realized.
Senior Sister Zhang nodded in response: "It seems that every secret realm has one, and many people have taken them back... but probably without much insight."
Zheng Fa thought for a moment and found this understandable:
If they didn't allow people to take things back, it would easily expose the secret. With so many stones, if they searched for hundreds of thousands of years without results, they would naturally become more complacent.
Moreover... Zheng Fa asked himself, if it weren't for Mu Qingyan's reminder and the archaeological proof that this secret realm was man-made...
If it were other cultivators who had gained something from the stones, they would naturally want to search for the Tianhe Zunzhang's stones again, likely unwilling to hand it over to others.
Whether searching in the market or returning to the secret realm, it would be easy to expose their secrets.
Ultimately, traditional Xuanwei cultivators, on one hand, couldn't see the truth, and on the other, couldn't help but expose their secrets. This group had waited for hundreds of thousands of years, so they certainly lacked patience.
"Before clarifying the 'Nine Transformations Golden Elixir Method,' it’s not wise to share it, but the 'Tianhe True Method' can be shown to others."
"You mean the Canyang Sword Immortal?"
Uncle Pang was taken aback, suddenly understanding Zheng Fa's meaning.
"Exactly. This time, the amount of Taichu Gangqi (Primordial Qi) is immense and highly valuable. The Canyang Sword Immortal has sent word that he will personally deliver it this time."
...
The Canyang Sword Immortal, Han Lao, was making his way toward the Jiu Shan realm.
He was short in stature, but his sword light was long and swift. However, he would occasionally stop to rest at night—though he called it resting, it was actually because there were too many people from the Great Freedom Demon Sect around, and even he had to be cautious, ensuring his spiritual power was sufficient and his spirit was full to avoid any mishaps.
One day, he happened to stop at a village.
This village seemed abandoned; there were no signs of life in the fields or by the houses.
Dozens of households had neither smoke rising from cooking nor lights shining.
Yet, looking at the farmland, it was clear that while the rice seedlings were gone, it hadn't been long since they had withered—probably less than a year.
Clearly, a year ago, this place was not like this.
The Canyang Sword Immortal paused for a moment and walked toward a house, knocking on the door.
Inside, a trembling voice replied, "Who is it?"
He didn't answer, and after a long while, the door finally opened. An old woman appeared, squinting her eyes to see him.
"You are..."
"A traveler seeking a place to rest," Han Lao said loudly.
"Please come in!"
The old woman led him to a bedroom and said, "This was where my son used to sleep. If you don't mind the humble surroundings, please stay."
Han Lao nodded gently.
The old woman, seeming a bit embarrassed, added, "I haven't even offered you a cup of water; we have no lamp oil left... I can't see clearly."
Han Lao glanced toward the kitchen.
With his spiritual sense, he could easily see that this household had not only run out of lamp oil but even had no rice in the jar or oil in the pot.
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