Novel Bin Chapter 76
“Thank you, Daoist Zhang, for this generous gift. Wudang is deeply moved. We will visit the Grandmaster in the future to express our gratitude!”
Zhang Lingyu nodded with a smile, sensing Song Yuanqiao’s sincerity. He was puzzled though, that despite their astonishment, the gift’s impact seemed less than expected.
He didn’t know.
While the Dragon-Tiger Elixir was precious.
Ning Changge had long crafted the Jiazi Elixir, increasing inner power for sixty years or more, surpassing the Dragon-Tiger Elixir.
Countless Jiazi Elixirs had already passed through their hands.
Thus, the Dragon-Tiger Elixir didn’t invoke much surprise.
Nonetheless, Song Yuanqiao and the others were pleased as it represented significant respect.
Zhang Lingyu suppressed his confusion.
As discussions continued, he grew increasingly impressed with Wudang. In dialogue about Daoist scriptures, the Wudang Seven Heroes offered keen insights, lighting up Zhang Lingyu’s eyes.
Thanks to Ning Changge.
Ning Changge’s constant reading and understanding of Daoist texts influenced the Wudang Seven Heroes and disciples, inspiring them to emulate and delve into Daoist scriptures.
As conversation flowed.
Song Yuanqiao led the Dragon-Tiger Mountain group on a tour of Wudang.
Zhang Lingyu observed.
They saw the famed Heaven-Man Tomb and the Spiritual Herb Daoist Circle, astonished by what they witnessed. They realized the extraordinary Wudang disciples encountered earlier weren’t cherry-picked but genuinely exceptional.
Now, the Yin-Yang Infinite Art, optimized multiple times by Ning Changge, enhanced Wudang disciples’ aptitude. Continuous cultivation made them martial talents.
Laying a foundation for future immortal teachings.
Even immortal teachings had standards.
Reaching the Sutra Pavilion from afar, Song Yuanqiao apologized:
“Daoist Zhang, this is where my junior brother cultivates in seclusion. Please excuse us from entering.”
With numerous visitors lately.
To prevent disturbances, Song Yuanqiao mandated no third-generation disciples approach the Sutra Pavilion, designating it solely for Ning Changge’s cultivation. Wudang disciples instead studied in another grand hall.
Zhang Lingyu curiously agreed, smiling:
“No problem, though it’s a pity I can’t meet the young true immortal.”
One of his aims at Wudang was to meet Ning Changge.
Just as they were about to leave.
Suddenly.
A burst of golden light spread from the Sutra Pavilion, accompanied by faint Buddhist chants and manifestations of Bodhisattvas and Arhats.
Everyone was astonished.
“Could it be a Buddha descending upon Wudang?”
Song Yuanqiao and others were instantly tense.
Such a phenomenon rivaled the grand display of Kong Wen’s Heaven-Covering Buddha Palm. If a Buddha’s true form descended, could their junior brother withstand it?
Zhang Lingyu’s eyes widened with excitement.
To witness such a grand event upon arrival at Wudang?
Though speculated that the young true immortal had land-dwelling immortal-level combat capability, this was inferred from his effortless purification of Buddha’s intent. He hadn’t fought a land-dwelling immortal.
However, shortly.
They noticed something amiss…
While grand, the phenomenon lacked aggressive energy. Instead, a peculiar fragrance drifted through the air.
Song Yuanqiao first understood, exclaiming:
“It’s not a Buddha descending; my junior brother is making elixirs. He mentioned refining the sarira into an elixir. It seems he succeeded!”
Wudang Seven Heroes exchanged delighted looks.
Zhang Lingyu was stunned.
Refining a sarira into an elixir?
What kind of divine elixir could that be?
He gasped. Known for its elixirs, Dragon-Tiger Mountain demanded deep alchemical knowledge to refine a sarira.
Among Dragon-Tiger Mountain disciples, except his master, few could achieve this.
Yet here.
The golden light and Buddhist chants clearly indicated success!
After his shock, Zhang Lingyu realized:
“No wonder Song Yuanqiao and others weren’t deeply moved by the Dragon-Tiger Elixir. The young true immortal’s alchemical prowess is profound. Wudang likely possesses even greater elixirs.”
He wryly smiled.
Previously proud of the Dragon-Tiger Elixir, he now found it inferior to the refined sarira elixir.
Zhang Lingyu grew more respectful.
Admiring the yet unseen young true immortal.
In pursuit of the Dao, respected order preceded age. Despite being only nine, the young true immortal was leagues ahead.
He bowed respectfully, knowing Ning Changge could sense their presence. Then he followed Song Yuanqiao away.
Zhang Lingyu adjusted his mindset.
Coming to Wudang to exchange insights and witness this rising Daoist holy land was an enriching experience.
…
Inside the Sutra Pavilion.
Ning Changge’s lips curved slightly, aware of Zhang Lingyu and others but paying them no mind.
He focused on the golden elixir before him.
The sarira, originally the size of a dragon’s eye, had vanished, impurities removed. Despite integrating numerous spiritual herbs, the gold elixir was now only fingertip-sized.
A single elixir emerged from the refinement.
But it was enough.
“Refined from a Buddhist sarira, let’s call you Sarira Elixir.”
With a gesture, the Sarira Elixir landed in his palm.
Realistically.
Post refinement, the elixir bore little connection to Buddhism. Since it originated from the sarira, calling it the Sarira Elixir was apt. The earlier phenomenon was merely the final removal of impurities.
Feeling the potent medicinal power within, Ning Changge was ecstatic.
“Today marks the advance to the eleventh layer of Qi Refining!”
Without hesitation, Ning Changge ingested the Sarira Elixir, and torrents of medicinal power erupted.
Boom!
The potent power surged, surpassing the elixirs he used previously, though Ning Changge handled it easily. Thanks to the Celestial Body Refining Technique, his body was robust and resilient.
The Eternal Youth Technique continuously operated, forming vortexes embodying the northern whale swallowing concept, absorbing the medicinal power.
Drip, drip!
Streams of spiritual power condensed into liquid, dripping into the spiritual lake in his Dantian.
The spiritual lake expanded, half the spiritual power metamorphosing into liquid, forming a lake.
Buzz!
An astounding fluctuation emanated from Ning Changge, then receded.
Jinling, meditating downstairs, sensed it and felt greater respect, redoubling his efforts. He aspired to follow Ning Changge towards longevity, unwilling to be left behind.
Ning Changge opened his eyes.
He couldn’t help but laugh blissfully:
“Progress in the immortal Dao, just a step away from the Qi Refining Perfection Realm, delightful!”
He summoned spiritual wine, drinking heartily and enjoying himself.
This spiritual wine, brewed from spiritual herbs, differed from mortal wine, capable of intoxicating even heavenly beings.
Ning Changge, in high spirits, drank to his fill, even calling Jinling to join, though disappointed by Jinling’s lower capacity.
A moment later.
Ning Changge chuckled self-deprecatingly and sighed:
“Pursuing the Dao is a lonely path. Caution is needed. Now is but a small achievement, humility is vital.”
Turning to a Daoist scripture, he immersed himself.
“Pursue utter emptiness, maintain steadfast tranquility.”
“Amidst the mundane world, keeping one’s essence and maintaining tranquility is the true Dao.”
Immersed in the scripture, his loneliness dissipated, his state of mind subtly elevated.
Jinling quietly withdrew with deep respect.
…
On Wudang, time passed peacefully.
Ning Changge cultivated alone, reaping great rewards, his progress in formation principles nearing completion.
Dragon-Tiger Mountain disciples and Wudang disciples exchanged knowledge, growing mutual respect and admiration.
Beneath Wudang.
An old swordsman with a missing front tooth slowly approached, carrying a sword box on his back, seemingly ignoring the shadowy figures following him.