Chapter 375 : Supreme Scenic Stele
Chapter 375: Supreme Scenic Stele
Immortal arts were already difficult to cultivate.
The Three Pure Ones Marvelous Method of Companion Landscape Immortal Art was even more so, placing exceptional emphasis on comprehension.
This method did not focus on construction, but on its intent; it did not seek control, but the forgetting of form. It was entirely different from the ordinary scenic cultivation methods within the Immortal Alliance. Among ten thousand, not even one could enter its gate.
The reason was simple: what the Three Pure Ones Marvelous Method of Companion Landscape Immortal Art cultivated was not technique, but Dao.
A prodigy like Chen Beiwu, who upon first contact with the Three Pure Ones Marvelous Method of Companion Landscape Immortal Art could forget nine-tenths of the cultivation method and grasp a single portion of true intent alone, was rarer still.
Even Yu Yuanlong, who had guarded the Transmission Pavilion for many years and had seen countless prodigies, could not help but utter a word of praise: “Good.”
“Many thanks, Senior, for transmitting the method.”
Adhering to the principle that courtesy harms no one, Chen Beiwu slightly cupped his hands in salute.
A powerhouse capable of guarding such an immortal art within the Transmission Pavilion was certainly no ordinary figure. His cultivation might already have reached the state of returning to simplicity and truth.
As a junior still walking the path of cultivation, Chen Beiwu understood reverence.
“No need to thank me. This is merely my duty.”
Yu Yuanlong slightly shook his head, unmoved by Chen Beiwu’s courtesy.
Appreciation of juniors was one matter, but he held little goodwill toward True Venerable Changqing of Dongming.
Thus, out of dislike for that old fellow, he bore little affection toward Chen Beiwu as well—though not to the extent of letting him suffer undeserved consequences.
Hearing this, Chen Beiwu said no more and turned to leave the Transmission Pavilion.
“Boy, your comprehension is not bad. You may try comprehending the first Supreme Scenic Stele,” Yu Yuanlong suddenly spoke.
Chen Beiwu paused and turned back, only to find that the old man had vanished without a trace.
‘The first Supreme Scenic Stele?’
His mind stirred.
He had previously checked some records. Among the fifty-four Supreme Scenic Steles, the one ranked first was the 【Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao】.
It was said that this stele had been left behind by Dao Venerable Yuanshi, containing within it inconceivable true intent of companion cultivation.
If a cultivation prodigy could completely comprehend it, they could prove the Dao and become a Divine Transformation True Venerable, with hope of advancing to Void-Refining Dao Venerable in the future.
Yet this Scenic Stele was too profound and obscure. Through generations, not a single cultivation prodigy of the Yuqing Immortal Sect had been able to fully comprehend it.
‘Very well. There is no harm in trying now.’
Chen Beiwu’s thoughts turned rapidly, but he did not hesitate long.
He had forged the Yuanshi Golden Core. His purpose in entering the Taiyuan Heavenly Realm had been to comprehend the 【Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao】.
However, after receiving guidance from the gatekeeping elder, Chen Beiwu had grown curious. He wanted to see what mysteries lay hidden within the Scenic Stele the elder had mentioned, and whether it resonated deeply with his own path of cultivation.
The result left him somewhat disappointed.
The stirring had been real, and the resonance genuine.
Yet although his prior comprehension of the 【Supreme Scenic Stele of Bi’an Qiongqi Striving to Cross】 had gone smoothly—benefiting both the Golden Egg and the Five Qi Vine—if one measured the progress toward forging the Heaven-Bestowed Ultimate Scene, it could only be called average, far less efficient than his usual cultivation.
With this thought, he no longer hesitated. Riding the Golden Egg, he transformed into a streak of light and sped toward the location of the Supreme Scenic Stele.
Passing one colossal stele after another, a towering monument soon entered his sight.
‘So many cultivators!’
His eyes flickered slightly.
The scene before the Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao was lively.
Leaving aside the three cultivators seated upon prayer cushions, immersed in observation and forgetting both self and object, even ten zhang beyond the cushions stood over a dozen prodigies.
Their auras were formidable, their attire magnificent. Each was a dragon among men, holding significant status within the sect.
Yet they stood obediently in place, forming an orderly queue.
‘Someone has arrived!’
Xu Xiu’s gaze shifted, immediately spotting Chen Beiwu descending from the sky.
Unlike last time, he subtly activated his divine sense, intending to probe Chen Beiwu’s depth.
‘Hiss… no wonder the sect’s upper echelon praises him as possessing Divine Transformation potential!’
Xu Xiu’s pupils contracted slightly. Chen Beiwu’s aura felt vast and unfathomable, even giving him the illusion of facing a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Golden Core as foundation, merging divine pill, opening the Purple Mansion, spirit dwelling within the core, forging the Nascent Soul, harmonizing Yin and Yang—such was the path of a True Monarch.
Those who reached this stage possessed immortal, leakless mana and aura, their spirit and flesh flawless, forming their own cycle, with lifespan greatly increased.
Without exaggeration, Chen Beiwu now standing before him had already touched upon the transformation of the Golden Core Yang Spirit, a quasi–True Monarch capable of advancing further at any time.
‘No. Even if it means offending Luo Zheng and the Senior Brother Xiao behind him, I absolutely cannot offend Chen Beiwu. It is not too late to withdraw from that muddy affair.’
Xu Xiu made his decision instantly, withdrawing his divine sense to avoid leaving traces.
When Chen Beiwu reached the end of the line, Xu Xiu immediately turned and bowed in greeting.
“I am Xu Xiu. Greetings, Senior Brother Chen.”
“Mm.”
Chen Beiwu nodded, his gaze resting on Xu Xiu with faint interest.
Interesting.
They had met once before. Though Xu Xiu’s aura appeared to be only at mid-stage Golden Core, in truth it was complete and restrained. His cultivation had long since reached Golden Core Perfection, and his divine sense rivaled that of an early-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Such a cultivator was no mediocrity. Even within the Yuqing Immortal Sect, he would rank among the top prodigies. Even Mo Qingshuang at the same realm was slightly inferior. Only Yu Zhaohua could completely suppress him at equal level.
Yet why would such a prodigy deliberately conceal his realm?
Chen Beiwu withdrew his gaze and did not pursue the matter.
Many cultivators within the sect carried secrets. As long as they did not provoke him, he had no interest in prying.
To him, whether Xu Xiu concealed his strength or not made no difference. He was a cultivator who could be crushed in three moves at most. The only commendable aspects were his divine sense far exceeding his peers and his Crimson Fortune Dragon–level fate.
“Senior Brother Chen, are you here to comprehend this stele? I happen to have some trivial matters to attend to. If you do not mind, I can yield my place to you.”
Xu Xiu was extremely proactive, stepping aside to give up his relatively forward position.
At these words, the prodigies resting with closed eyes opened them. Numerous gazes converged upon Chen Beiwu.
‘I see.’
Recognizing his identity, several dissatisfied cultivators calmed down.
Among this generation of prodigies in the Yuqing Immortal Sect, only seven disciples had been personally guided by Divine Transformation True Venerables. Chen Beiwu was one of them. His status was no less than that of direct descendants of True Venerable clans.
Moreover, after news spread of him using Golden Core cultivation to defeat a Nascent Soul during the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference, he had gradually earned the reputation of “Yuqing’s Number One Golden Core” within the Immortal Alliance.
Some enthusiastic Immortal Sect students even called him “Golden Core Without Confusion,” meaning that before reaching the age of forty, he already possessed invincible strength among Golden Core cultivators.
Though many within the Upper Three Immortal Sects scoffed at the title, no one had dared challenge him in recent years. His fame was evident.
If such a figure cut the line, they could understand—and reluctantly accept—it.
“Thank you.”
Chen Beiwu did not decline and stepped forward to exchange positions.
Since Xu Xiu was so tactful, there was no need to dwell on the earlier probing.
As for whether Xu Xiu had ulterior issues, Chen Beiwu doubted it.
If even he could see through Xu Xiu’s concealment, how could the great powers of the Yuqing Immortal Sect fail to notice?
‘Wait!’
Chen Beiwu suddenly reacted.
Because of absolute strength, he could ignore Xu Xiu’s concealment. Did the sect’s upper echelon also ignore it? Had they likewise chosen to overlook his secrets rather than being unable to perceive the existence of Nine-Breath Chaos?
The Guarding-the-One Mirror within his Spirit Platform flashed, quickly suppressing the thought.
No. He was different from Xu Xiu.
A supreme treasure related to fate like Nine-Breath Chaos was enough to tempt even a Void-Refining Dao Venerable.
If he himself discovered on a junior the opportunity related to a Void-Refining Dao artifact—or even a legendary immeasurable immortal artifact—he would certainly investigate thoroughly.
Xu Xiu, unaware of Chen Beiwu’s thoughts, departed swiftly. For some reason, standing before Chen Beiwu always gave him the feeling of being seen through.
Chen Beiwu’s gaze returned to calm, his aura growing ever more profound.
…
The Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao differed from the others. It had extremely strict limits.
Foundation Establishment cultivators could observe for at most seven days per session.
Golden Core True Persons could observe for at most one month.
Nascent Soul True Monarchs could observe for at most half a year.
This rule had been set by the upper echelon of the Yuqing Immortal Sect. None dared violate it.
The reason was simple: those with insufficient cultivation who observed too long would suffer harm instead of benefit. Their souls might even be assimilated by the true intent of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi.
At this moment, Chen Beiwu stood in line with eyes half-closed, silently comprehending the Three Pure Ones Marvelous Method of Companion Landscape Immortal Art, unhurried.
The three cultivators seated on the cushions all wore solemn expressions, clearly near their limits. It would not be long before his turn came.
Sure enough, half a month later, one Foundation Establishment cultivator trembled violently, opening weary eyes and revealing a pale face.
For Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao was too profound and too taxing on divine sense. It was less effective than observing ordinary Scenic Steles.
Yet most prodigies who entered the Taiyuan Heavenly Realm were confident. Without being tempered by the Scenic Stele, they would not understand the harshness of reality.
‘Another failure,’ Chen Beiwu thought.
In these fifteen days, he had seen such scenes several times. At last, it was his turn.
Under numerous curious gazes, he stepped forward calmly, sat down, closed his eyes, and observed with divine sense.
“Do you think he will succeed?” a Golden Core prodigy asked.
“Difficult, difficult, difficult,” several nearby shook their heads.
Forging the Yuanshi Golden Core and comprehending the Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao were entirely different matters.
With Chen Beiwu’s mere Golden Core cultivation, no matter how monstrous his talent and comprehension, to glimpse even a trace of true intent would already be a once-in-a-millennium fortune.
To successfully comprehend and manifest his own companion landscape—how could that be easy?
Meanwhile, hidden in the dark, two vast and intangible divine senses communicated.
‘Senior Brother Yu, why insist? Only Divine Transformation True Venerables can fully comprehend the Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao.’
Han Zhongli’s tone carried helplessness. In his view, aiming too high was no different from wasting time.
‘Why not let him try? Without personally witnessing the Primordial Chaos Yuanshi landscape, how can this boy broaden his horizons, solidify his foundation, and forge his own Supreme Scenic Stele?’ Yu Yuanlong chuckled.
Han Zhongli fell silent.
Forge a Supreme Scenic Stele? What a joke!
The wondrous method lay in the heart; the landscape formed naturally.
Foundation Establishment observed form—cultivating the Heaven-Bestowed Beginning of the Scene;
Golden Core observed nature—cultivating the Heaven-Bestowed Middle of the Scene;
Nascent Soul observed mind—cultivating the Heaven-Bestowed Ultimate Scene;
Divine Transformation observed self—cultivating the Heaven-Bestowed Transformation Scene, attaining the origin of the Great Dao.
Only the foremost among Divine Transformation True Venerables could transcend the true self, cultivate a Supreme Scenic Stele, unite with Dao in truth, and glimpse hope of proving the Dao as a Void-Refining Dao Venerable.
Chen Beiwu was but a Golden Core junior. Even having forged the Yuanshi Golden Core, achieving the Heaven-Bestowed Ultimate Scene would already be extraordinary.
To cultivate a Supreme Scenic Stele? He could not accomplish that even in dreams.
After all, that was a realm even he himself had never entered. Otherwise, he would not have fallen to guarding the Taiyuan Heavenly Realm gate.
‘Senior Brother Yu, could it be because of True Venerable Changqing back then…’
Han Zhongli’s voice turned faint before being cut off by Yu Yuanlong’s divine sense.
‘Junior Brother, do you take your senior brother for such a petty person, to vent anger on a junior?’
Han Zhongli said no more. His senior brother was indeed petty, and he had no wish to be targeted.
‘With the Yuanshi Core formed, one may contain ten thousand laws and verify the unique Dao. Though the Supreme Scenic Stele of Bi’an Qiongqi Striving to Cross is not bad, how can it compare with the Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao?’
Yu Yuanlong’s divine sense was resolute. ‘If this boy can comprehend even one ten-thousandth of it and forge the Heaven-Bestowed Ultimate Scene, his future will be immeasurable. He may even forge a Supreme Scenic Stele and become the sect’s next Sect Master.’
‘Let us hope so,’ Han Zhongli replied lightly, unwilling to argue further.
If he could not pass this hurdle, what future was there to speak of?
Under the interference of the Supreme Scenic Stele of Primordial Chaos Yuanshi Uniting with the Dao, Chen Beiwu’s efficiency in comprehending the Supreme Scenic Stele of Bi’an Qiongqi Striving to Cross would decrease by nearly forty percent, losing some purity.
Yet from another perspective, Senior Brother Yu’s reasoning was not wrong.
If Chen Beiwu could grasp even one ten-thousandth of the Primordial Chaos Yuanshi true intent and obtain a fraction of its essence, forging the Heaven-Bestowed Ultimate Scene during Golden Core would be guaranteed. Even forging a unique Supreme Scenic Stele in the future would not be impossible.
Otherwise, the Yuqing Immortal Sect’s upper echelon would not permit prodigies to attempt this comprehension.
Under the gaze of many cultivators, Chen Beiwu’s expression remained calm, as though this were merely ordinary cultivation.
“Buzz!”
“Buzz!”
“Buzz!”
Within his perception, the tremor from this colossal stele far surpassed that of the Supreme Scenic Stele of Bi’an Qiongqi Striving to Cross.
It even caused the Yuanshi Golden Core within his dantian’s sea of qi to emit continuous humming sounds, as though encountering an extraordinary opportunity.
Yet although the Yuanshi Golden Core stirred restlessly, it could not help Chen Beiwu fully enter meditative absorption and merge his mind into the Primordial Chaos Yuanshi landscape. All he could see was boundless chaos and void.
‘Only observing form. Unable to observe nature. Let alone observe mind, forge intent, and achieve the Heaven-Bestowed Ultimate Scene.’
Chen Beiwu’s mind tightened slightly.
He understood that comprehending a landscape differed from comprehending an immortal art. This was not something that mere comprehension alone could solve.