My Legend Still Exists in the Cultivation World

Chapter 29.1: The First Lecture

In the evening, the setting sun shone on the rocks, and the mountains and forests settled for the night.

When Jing Yue arrived, the Communication Hall was already full of people.

The Communication Hall had always been a place within the inner gates dedicated to the preaching and teaching professions. There was no martial arts performance here, only lectures. The main hall was supported by eighteen white jade pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes. Each jade pillar was engraved with the names of the current disciples of Frostcloud Sect. Once the person perished, the name would disappear from the pillar. Only Daoist-Master Jing Yuan’s name would exist eternally.

The combination of these 18 pillars formed the 18 Heavenly Astral Formations that astounded the cultivation world. If someone attacked the main hall, this formation would retaliate with the strength of a Return to Void cultivator.

Jing Yue’s gaze swept over the entire hall and noticed that his previous roommates had occupied the front row. Shi Nian looked at him nervously and expectantly while Liang Yuan was particularly serious. Only Yu Xiaobao shrank like a quail.

Amused, Jing Yue stepped forward and addressed him specifically, “Yu Xiaobao, you must listen carefully later.”

Yu Xiaobao abruptly raised his head with an unexpected surprise in his eyes. “This… this disciple… yes!”

His answer was exceptionally loud and his back was much straighter.

Jing Yue cleared his throat and went directly into the topic. “From the day we started to Forge the Body, we have embarked on the road of cultivation. The Body Forging stage and Qi Refining stage are divided into 9 levels plus the Absolute level, while the realms above the Qi Refining stage are only divided into Low, Medium, High and Absolute levels. Do you know why?”

The answer to his question was so simple that even a three-year-old child could answer him. Therefore, no one took him seriously, including himself.

Except for Yu Xiaobao.

Perhaps Jing Yue’s encouragement just now had given Yu Xiaobao great confidence. He said loudly, “Because the Body Forging stage and Qi Refining stage belong to the innate state. If you compare cultivation to constructing a building, then the innate state is the foundation of a tall building.”

Jing Yue, “… Yes, that is correct. The Qi Refining period is the process of accumulating spiritual energy one step at a time. When the spiritual energy in your Dantian is sufficient, condensed and resilient enough, your attacks will be strong and can naturally be transformed into an ocean of Qi. Once the Ocean of Qi is formed, it means that you have successfully Established the Foundation, and that is also when you are truly on track to the path of cultivation.”

“Among them, the third, sixth, and ninth levels are called the Inception Levels, and they are also the most difficult to break through, because in the other levels, you only need to accumulate spiritual energy to a certain level and the breakthrough can happen smoothly. With the Inception Levels, however, you need more spiritual energy than usual to hit the dantian and expand the reserve capacity before it can be considered a success.”

“It’s like filling a water bag with water. The bag is only so big and it can only hold so much water, unless you can increase the capacity of the water bag.”

Everyone already knew what Jing Yue said and some of the disciples were disappointed. This did not match their expectations.

After thinking about it, they accepted the fact. No matter how high his status, he was still young and his cultivation base was low, so what insight could he have? Despite that, they could only pretend to listen carefully.

Of course Jing Yue could guess what everyone was thinking, but he remained calm and unhurried as he said, “Today, I want to teach you how to increase the success rate of breaking through the Inception level.”

As soon as his voice fell, the disciples suddenly went into an uproar.

Some were shocked, some were happy, while some were disdainful. Laozu’s own cultivation base was only level-3 Qi Refining and he had not even broken through the Inception level yet. Where did he get the confidence that he could guide others?

Jing Yue, “Watch carefully.”

From his Qiankun pouch, he took out hundreds of spirit-stones and placed them on the ground one by one in a messy and irregular pattern. Following that, he drew a few talismans with cinnabar and pasted them in position.

The disciples were perplexed. Was he setting up a formation?

Jing Yue walked to the center of the formation, chanting words in his mouth, but why was the formation he laid seemed to be motionless?

After that, Jing Yue sat cross-legged and slowly closed his eyes.

—Breathing in and out, condensing Qi into the dantian, attracting the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

A spirit-stone at the corner of the circle lit up with golden light and slowly extended multiple golden threads, connecting all the spirit-stones. A semi-transparent golden barrier rose and enveloped Jing Yue, making him look like a sacred Buddha.

The disciples clearly felt that the surrounding spiritual energy was converging towards the magic circle. The air became distorted, like sunlight projecting on the clear water and contorting the image within the depths.

The spiritual energy simmered more and more intensely when suddenly, the golden light flared and soared into the sky!

Everyone felt a blur in front of their eyes before the barrier disappeared and saw that Jing Yue’s skin was covered under the faint golden light.

The golden brilliance flowed and gradually merged into his body.

After a long time, when the golden hue completely disappeared and everything went back to normal, Jing Yue's eyelashes trembled and he slowly opened his eyes.

Level-4!

Those with a higher cultivation base discovered that their new Laozu had really attained the fourth level of Qi Refining!

Putting aside how shocked everyone was, Jing Yue was also equally happy.

The formation he deployed today was improved on the basis of the Energy Gathering Array, which was a hypothesis that was unintentionally brought up during an interaction with a formation expert in his previous life.

In fact, in his past life, he knew very little about the arts of talismans and formations, but since he had lived a lot longer, he had learned some tricks over time.

Ever since he possessed the Omnispirit Body, however, he had gained a new understanding of these two arts. Perhaps it was because formations mostly used the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and his sensitivity to this was far better than before.

It was precisely because of this, he was able to turn a previous hypothesis into reality, and his experiment was very successful.

At this time, the disciples’ fervent ecstasy held a trace of bewilderment.

An eleven-year-old level-4 Qi Refining? Had this ever happened before since ancient times?

A formation that could help people break through the realm? Had anyone even heard of it before?

Maybe it happened ten thousand years ago? But their Laozu must be the first person since the Yao Catalyst! Even Qin Yanzhi could not measure up to it!

Someone wanted to ask but saw Jing Yue put his index finger to his lips, motioning everyone to silence.

Everyone suppressed their rapid heartbeats and enthusiasm. At this moment, every move made by Laozu was an imperial decree that they would obey willingly.

They followed Jing Yue’s gaze and saw a female disciple with her eyes tightly closed, her body surging with spiritual energy. It turned out that she was inspired after witnessing Jing Yue’s breakthrough and was ready to do the same on the spot!

Time seemed to be frozen. Even though there were tens of thousands of people in the hall, it was silent. Everyone remained motionless like stone statues.

It was not until the afterglow of the setting sun was replaced by the starlight, and the lights in the hall had been switched on, that the female disciple finally succeeded!

Under countless envious stares, she knelt and kowtowed to Jing Yue three times with eyes full of joy.

Jing Yue, “The spiritual energy in our dantian is limited, therefore we can draw on the external spiritual energy when breaking through the Inception level. This formation can help you absorb the energy from heaven and earth to the greatest extent.”

The hearts of all disciples surged with excitement. Everyone realized the significance of this formation, especially some people who had been stuck on that level for many years, they stared at Jing Yue with eyes are like hungry wolves with stars in their eyes.

“Isn’t this similar to the Energy Gathering Array?”

A question welled up in someone’s mind and he suddenly asked, “Can the Energy Gathering Array assist in breaking through the Inception level too?”

They had never heard of such a thing before!

Jing Yue, “Indeed, this formation is derived from the principles of the Energy Gathering Array, but the Energy Gathering Array merely gathers the spiritual energy nearby, and how much of it that can be absorbed depends solely on the person’s talent. On the other hand, this formation is designed with the person as the eye of the formation to connect the external spiritual energy from heaven and earth and directly draw it into the body.”

“The only downside is, when your breakthrough is over, the external energy that doesn’t belong to you will not be transformed into your spiritual energy and will dissipate over time.”

Someone’s voice trembled with excitement, “Can I ask Laozu, can this formation be used to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage?”

Jing Yue, “No.”

“Then, can we use this formation for daily cultivation?”

“No.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “I don’t recommend that you use formations or replenishing pills to assist in your cultivation. On the Great Path of Dao, any shortcuts will inevitably have hidden dangers.”

Jing Yue explained the reasons. “When it comes to cultivation, you still have to follow the rules step by step in order to walk more firmly and steadily.”

The disciples were a little disappointed, but after thinking about it, this formation is already a great help to most of them, to force the issue would be unwarranted, so they became happy again.

“Laozu, is the formation you set up still effective?”

Jing Yue looked around and found that the person who asked the question was Shi Nian.

He immediately understood the other party’s intention and could not help but smile.

“It can be used one more time.”

Shi Nian nudged at Liang Yuan next to him. “Liang-shixiong, why don’t you try it? You have been stuck at this level for quite some time.”

Liang Yuan was dumbstruck but Jing Yue merely said, “Well, Liang Yuan, come here then.”

Treacherous!

Devious!

Shameless!

The other disciples were furious but they could only watch as Liang Yuan walked to Jing Yue's side. They utterly regretted it. Why did they not think of it? Laozu personally made that formation!

Even when Liang Yuan sat in the formation, his expression remained blank.

Jing Yue fiddled with the spirit-stones a bit before he smiled and said, “You may begin.”

Liang Yuan closed his eyes subconsciously and moved with instinct.

After a few breaths, he felt endless spiritual energy pouring into his body. Liang Yuan became agitated and almost could not control it. Fortunately, he withstood it at a critical moment. Liang Yuan slowly guided the spiritual energy to his dantian, pounding against it repeatedly like the rushing waves beating against the rocks.

Vaguely, he heard a loud boom before a surge of electricity sparked from the tailbone and all the pores on his body opened.

His eyes remained closed but he could see the flickering wick on the candle.

His ears were still ringing slightly but he could hear the sound of insects coming from the grass outside the hall.

—He had entered the fourth level of Qi Refining.

The whole process was only a blink of an eye to Liang Yuan, but the rest of the people waited anxiously for quite a long while. At this moment, seeing that he had finally succeeded, Yu Xiaobao and Shi Nian could not help but cheer. More people looked at Jing Yue with hopes that he could make another formation.

Jing Yue, “Teaching a man to fish is better than giving him the fish. Since I said I’m going to teach you, of course the formation will be made public. Those who wish to learn can refer to it.”

A little white light condensed at his fingertips and he launched it at one of the jade walls of the Communication Hall, leaving the method of the array formation on the wall. The pictures and texts shimmered under the lights like celestial writings.

All the disciples bowed towards Jing Yue and said loudly, “Thank you, Laozu.”

It was the first time everyone called him ‘Laozu’ with absolute conviction in their hearts and minds.

Chapter 29.2: Inner Gates Selection Process

Late at night, two wardens got together in a small courtyard.

One said gloomily, “What should we do now? Looking at the situation, Jing… ahem… Laozu’s reputation within the inner gates has skyrocketed. If the modified energy gathering array really works, he’d win more supporters and make things even more difficult for us.”

The other person said, “Nowadays, the Noble faction dare not do anything, while the new measurements are most beneficial to the Civilian faction, so they won’t meddle in such affairs as well.”

“But Shizun has already indicated…”

“No other Zhenren dares to defy Laozu, so isn’t Shizun being too bold? If anything happens, we can’t afford the consequences!”

Gloomy-face became gloomier. “But what can be done? Both of us have come under his tutelage, if we disobey the teacher’s orders, we don’t have to wait for things to happen before we get into trouble. You can’t expose the master and destroy the relationship, can you?”

“Erk…” Of course he dared not. Besides, they do not have any evidence.

Gloomy-face continued, “What’s more, you are aware of Shizun’s situation too. His cultivation has been stagnant for many years and he has been searching for cultivation resources everywhere. Although the Primary faction gave him very few resources, it’s still better than nothing, so how can he bear to give it up?”

His companion said, “We can only leave our fates to the heavens then.”

Gloomy-face, “Anyway, Shizun just doesn’t want Laozu to interfere with the factional interests. It’s not like he plans to harm him. As long as the matter is carried out carefully, the higher-ups won’t spend too much time investigating. Even if they did, there are people to take the blame, so I don’t think there’s a problem.”

“You’re right.”

The two comforted each other but their expressions were still full of worry.

For a long while after that, the Communication Hall became the main attraction of Frostcloud Sect.

Not only the disciples of the inner gates, but core disciples, and also some Golden Core Zhenren learned in the arts of formation and even Amethyst Abode elders came to study the formation method on the jade wall.

Some courageous disciples even set up the array on the spot and attempted the breakthrough in the Communication Hall.

In just a month, the number of people who broke through the Inception levels was several times the previous number.

The other measures proposed by Jing Yue also allowed more disciples to practice without distraction thus speeding up the progress more than ever.

At the same time, Jing Yue received a transmitted message—it turned out that the inner gates selection process was about to begin, and elder Yu, who was in charge of the outer gates, wanted to invite him to chair it.

The disciples of the outer gates were mostly at the Body Forging or below level-3 Qi Refining stages. The inner gates selection process that was held once every ten years was their only chance to advance as inner gates disciples.

According to past practice, in order to ensure fairness and impartiality during the selection process, all the elders, wardens and enforcers from the outer gates were not allowed to participate in the process, and everything would be fully managed by the inner gates.

As an elder of the inner gates, of course Jing Yue was responsible.

He was just about to reply when the blue phoenix, who had been gallivanting outside all day, suddenly swooped in. “Jing-jing! Have you heard? The inner gates selection process is about to begin. Can you bring Ji-ji along to see it? Please!”

Blue phoenix’s wings were folded together at the front in a begging posture. If it could bend its knees, it would have knelt already.

One could not find the slightest bit of dignity of a divine beast from this creature.

Jing Yue teased, “I’ll give you five minutes to convince me.”

Blue phoenix was so anxious that its mouth fired away rapidly, “This sort of competition is the big climax in the novel. Through the selection process, do you know how many protagonists have made the cannon fodder kneel down, let passersby bow down, and shock all the mighty forces? This is their first step towards the pinnacle of life and marrying the fair maiden!”

Jing Yue: ???

He regretted it. He shouldn't have asked.

On the same day, Jing Yue specifically inquired about the rules of the inner gates selection.

During the event, all outer gates disciples at Qi Refining stage were eligible to enter the Mini-mountain Hidden Realm for two days and one night.

The Mini-mountain hidden realm originated from the fragments of the Ninth Heavens, accidentally discovered by Jing Yue in his past life during his travels. At that time, Jing Yue saw the strange flowers and weeds in the realm and liked it very much, so he assimilated the hidden realm, brought it back to Frostcloud Sect, and placed it in the back mountain.

Unexpectedly, it had now become the trial ground for the outer gates disciples.

There was nothing too dangerous in this realm. Even the ferocious beasts were level-2 at the most. Therefore, during the selection period, disciples were not allowed to leave the hidden realm. When the selection was over, the teleportation array would activate automatically.

While in the hidden realm, all disciples were prohibited from using pills, talismans, formations, magical items, or any other external assistance, unless those items were produced within the hidden realm.

Finally, the group of strongest disciples who managed to hunt the highest number of ferocious beasts would be selected to enter the inner gates.

Jing Yue already had a plan in mind so he made arrangements immediately.

In a blink of an eye, it was already the selection day.

Nearly ten thousand disciples from the outer gates gathered in front of the Mini-mountain hidden realm teleportation array.

Zhao Feichen was with a few buddies, chatting about some of the interesting things that had happened during the past selection process, but after a while, the topic turned to the new patriarch of Frostcloud Sect.

“I heard that Jing-laozu is in charge of the selection process this time.”

“Jing-laozu has taken over the duties of the inner gates, so of course he’s in charge of the selection process this time. During the ceremony last time, I was too far away and couldn’t see his appearance clearly. This time, I finally got my wish.”

One person lowered his voice. “Since Jing-laozu became the elder of the inner gates, the task assignments were directly reduced by more than half. Once I got more time to practice, I’ve finally succeeded in entering level-2 Qi Refining stage. I really hope that I can be promoted to the inner gates and listen to Laozu’s teachings.”

“Yes, Jing-laozu even created a formation that is useful for breaking through the inception level. I heard that the formation is carved on the jade wall of the Communication Hall. I really wish I can see it.”

“Also, in the networking event on Frond Island, I heard that the artifacts sold by the Refining Hall only costs 998!”

Zhao Feichen did not interrupt but listened attentively.

He vowed in his heart that he must perform well this time and capture the attention of Jing-laozu. He was quite confident about this. Although he had a three-element spiritual root, he had already achieved level-2 Qi Refining in his early twenties. The degree of this cultivation level was comparable to the disciples of the inner gates and was also highly admired in the outer gates.

Suddenly, he saw a young boy leading a group of wardens approaching from a distance. The boy was eleven or twelve at the most, his appearance would cheer people up immensely at first glance and his cultivation base already level-4 Qi Refining!

Jing-laozu!

That must be him!

While Zhao Feichen was excited, he could not help being ashamed of himself.

Laozu was much younger than him but his cultivation level much higher. With that contrast, the little pride left in his heart was immediately wiped out. Regardless of status or aptitude, Laozu was beyond his reach.

Following that, several wardens explained the precautions before they activated the teleportation array.

Zhao Feichen followed his companions and entered one by one, only to feel a white light flashing through his eyes. His mind was dizzy for a moment before a tranquil sight appeared before his eyes.

In the hidden realm, flowers and plants were abundant, beasts roared and birds sang, the sound of gurgling water came from a clear stream that extended to the horizon and met the skyline.

Zhao Feichen took a deep breath and sighed, “So beautiful.”

A thin girl beside him said, “Of course! This Mini-mountain hidden realm was brought back to Frostcloud Sect after being assimilated by Grandmaster Jing Yuan. To be able to do this, Grandmaster Jing Yuan is indeed a legend of the cultivation world.”

Zhao Feichen, “A-li, you’ve said this many times.”

Liu Li smiled. “I'm not tired of saying that even after so many times. I grew up listening to the story of Grandmaster Jing Yuan. Besides, you are allowed to talk about Fairy Suhua and Fairy Biling but I’m not allowed to mention the grandmaster?”

She turned her head and said to the round-faced girl beside her, “Right, Qing’er?”

Yuan Qing’er quickly nodded in assent.

“Stop chatting. Time is limited.”

A guy who had not spoken before gave a reminder.

Zhao Feichen glanced at Wang Xiu and groused secretly: False pretense!

He was friends with Liu Li, Yuan Qing'er, and Wang Xiu, but his feelings for Wang Xiu were more complicated.

The two of them had similar aptitude but the other party’s cultivation base outperformed him, making him the most hopeful among them of being promoted to the inner gates.

Therefore, he occasionally felt some jealousy in his heart, but his mind was not affected by that emotion. At least, he truly regarded Wang Xiu as a friend.

Zhao Feichen touched the memory stone on his waist. It could record everything he had experienced in the hidden realm and also an important basis for the inner gates assessment.

This time, he must work hard and not allow Wang Xiu to leave him behind!

Since level-2 ferocious beasts were concentrated in the depths of the hidden realm, they did not discuss but moved directly along the stream to the center of the realm.

Along the way, Liu Li and Yuan Qing’er kept talking about the situation in the hidden realm, such as the types of ferocious beasts and distribution of spiritual herbs. Zhao Feichen would occasionally say a few words. Only Wang Xiu remained silent.

They had long been accustomed to his stoic and dull character, so they did not take it to heart.

“Feichen, watch out!”

Suddenly, Wang Xiu roared.

Zhao Feichen turned his head subconsciously and saw a sword glare firing towards him. He was so frightened that he froze on the spot.

Clank!

The sword glare landed on the ground less than a foot away from his feet, and the grass and soil blasted into the air, causing him to sneeze, only to realize that the head and body of a Shelled Beast had been severed in two.

Zhao Feichen’s legs turned to jelly as his back was drenched in a cold sweat.

The shelled outer skin of the beast was similar to a stone and it was adept to use camouflage to kill its prey. Once bitten by the beast, his leg would be paralyzed immediately, and he could forget about entering the inner gates.

He was just about to thank Wang Xiu for saving him.

Suddenly, the severed body part of the Shelled Beast pounced on him!

Author’s Notes: Mini-theater

Ji-ji with chest puffed and head raised: Many people in the comments think I’m the Gong^.

Jing-jing: Who are you attacking^?

Ji-ji’s befuddled face: There’s a crane behind Whitefog Summit that’s quite good-looking, but it always ignores me. Ji-ji doesn’t like the game of playing hard to get, so I don’t want it. There’s a white ape on Jadedew Summit that’s very gentle, but the size is too big, and we can’t love each other because of different species. There’s a spirit fowl on Bluecloud Summit that’s barely a match in all aspects…

Jing-jing: The wind is too loud, I can’t hear clearly…

(TN: Gong攻 = refers to the top, but can also mean attack. Shou 受 = refers to the bottom)