Chapter 1 (1/2)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Ding…
Ding…
Melodious bell chimes resonated between the clouds as the Primordial Five Continents, which were located at the center of the Trichiliocosm<sup>1</sup>, welcomed a new dawn. The sun rose from the east as the stars faded into the vault of heaven.
On the north-west of the East Continent of Purvavideha<sup>1</sup>, at an inconspicuous corner near the Middle Continent, a gigantic array formation covered the dozens of emerald mountains below it. The array formation was smooth as silk and appeared similar to an inverted crystal bowl.
Under the bright sun rays, the walls of the array formation radiated colorful bursts of light. Waves of visible spiritual energy drifted within the array formation.
Divine creatures and spiritual beasts were playing in the mountains. Shadows appeared briefly in between the clouds occasionally.
Waves of smoke spiraled upwards as music from the string instruments danced in the air.
Many people were sitting in a lotus position and practicing breathing exercises at the clearing beside the houses in the woods. Some were also floating freely in the sky. It appeared like a picture of an immortal mountain.
As the morning rays shone on the array formation, a white cloud drifted towards it from the East Ocean.
Two shadows were standing on the cloud—one was tall, and the other was shorter. The taller person was an old Daoist priest. Beside him was a sweet girl, who seemed to be around eight or nine years old.
“The clouds were never-ending, and so were our thoughts. Yet, why is there a need to worry when the gentle breeze blew at our sides?”
The old Daoist priest sang emotionally.
“When the Primordial World was created, the Great Dragon-Phoenix War soon erupted. Time flew by in a snap of the fingers.
“The pavilion leading to the Platform of the Immortals could not be seen. Only the magnificent songs from above the heavens could be heard.
“Overcoming one’s obstacles, helping others with their obstacles, and crossing the river of troubles. Laughing at humans, laughing at the G.o.ds, and preventing disasters.
“Why does one miss his homeland? Their ancestors have risked their lives and achieved serenity.
“Ling’e, listen up!
“According to the legends, after the ancient Great Mage-Demon War, the humans won the upper hand in achieving Heavenly Dao. The humans at the Qi Refinement Realm gradually occupied most places apart from the North Continent of Uttarakuru. We are spread out across the Trichiliocosm and can be found within thousands of first-order cl.u.s.ters. However, the South Continent of Jambudvipa was where humans’ destiny lies, and thus we are prohibited from entering there.
“We are now in the East Continent. This is one of the best cultivation places in the Three Realms.
“Ling’e, look at these immortal mountains in front. Don’t they look delicately beautiful and magnificent?”
The little girl nodded obediently. Her beautiful eyes batted lightly. An eager smile appeared between her chubby cheeks that were full of baby fats.
She opened her mouth and answered, “Yeah. It’s very magnificent, indeed!” Her voice sounded like the chirpings of a newborn bird—it was melodious yet timid.
“Being able to occupy a spirit meridian close to the Middle Continent proves that our sect is indeed very powerful!”
The old Daoist priest combed through his beard and smiled in contentment. He shook his horsetail whisk to express his pride in his sect.
The girl in a lotus dress asked softly, “Master, why don’t we choose to occupy a spirit meridian in the Middle Continent instead?”
The old Daoist priest did not have an answer to that. He forced a laugh and said, “There are too many powerful people in the Middle Continent. We would face many troubles daily if we occupied a spirit meridian in the Middle Continent. This place is more tranquil and free, Ling’e.”
The little girl cupped her hands, lowered her head, and replied, “Yes, I’m listening!”
“I am leading you into the path to immortality. From now onwards, you must focus on your cultivation. Do not slack off in the process. You must aim to succeed in your cultivation early, go down the path to become an immortal, pursue immortality, and reap the fruits to your efforts in practicing Dao!”
The little girl tilted her head and asked softly, “But, Master… have you ascended to become an immortal?”
The old Daoist priest covered his mouth and coughed. “I made some mistakes in my cultivation several years ago. However, I will reach Immortal Ascension in about 10 to 20 years.
“Let’s go. Follow me into the array formation.
“You must remember that the name of our sect is the Immortal Du Sect. Our ancestor who created the sect is the famous Perfected Du’e from West Kunlun. The Dao that we inherited is the Single Qi Heaven Regularization Dao. This is a complex but exceptional cultivation technique to achieve immortality!
“Do you remember what I have said? This will lead you in your cultivation in the future. You must not forget it.”
“Yes! I have remembered it all!”
The little girl nodded her head earnestly. The old Daoist priest flicked his horsetail whisk and directed the white cloud to gradually approach the array formation in front. He took out a palm-size jade token and held it in his hand.
As the jade token emitted beautiful green lights, a crack slowly appeared on the array formation that protected the mountains. The old Daoist priest and the little girl entered the array formation on the white cloud.
Just as the master and disciple entered the array formation, a few white cranes glided in between the clouds and approached them. A few youngsters, who were clad in Daoist robes or colorful dresses, were standing on the cranes. They were the inner sect disciples who were currently responsible for patrolling the mountains.
They came forward and greeted the old Daoist priest by the t.i.tle Martial Uncle Qi Yuan. After finding out that this little girl was the old Daoist priest’s new disciple, they left swiftly on the white cranes.
The little girl’s large eyes sparkled and reflected the two graceful female disciples’ silhouettes as they left.
“Master, when can Ling’e move freely in the air on the immortal cranes?”
“You will be able to do that on any objects once you manage to cultivate the Five Qi in your chest.” The old Daoist priest combed through his beard and smiled. “You may think that what you saw were immortal cranes, but they were actually all formed from some Dharma artifacts. Do not be impatient. Cultivation takes time.
“I will first bring you to our mountain peak before settling the various administrative procedures pertaining to you entering the sect.