Chapter 1: Chapter 1: One Kick Topples the Jade Tripod Furnace, Dragon and Tiger Converge into a Golden Core

The Yunmeng Marsh was boundless, stretching for tens of thousands of miles. It was a famous Blessed Land and Grotto Heaven in the Divine Continent, and more importantly, it was the home of the Tai Su Orthodox Sect, one of the three major sects and six major schools.

At this moment, a startling phenomenon was occurring within the Tai Su Orthodox Sect. In one spot, amidst a sky that was otherwise clear for thousands of miles, wind and clouds converged as lightning flashed and thunder roared. If one listened closely, the faint cries of dragons and roars of tigers could be heard amid the booming crashes.

Two Daoists stood on a mountain peak, gazing from afar at the center of the phenomenon. One had the appearance of a middle-aged man, the other a youth. Their faces were quite similar; they were, in fact, uncle and nephew.

The middle-aged Daoist was named Chen Zongzheng. A hint of surprise was on his face as he said, "The wind carries a tiger’s roar, and dragons swim among the clouds. Such a phenomenon is the sign of forming a Top-grade Golden Core. But recently, I haven’t heard of anyone in the sect whose cultivation has reached completion and is about to form a Golden Core."

The young Daoist, Chen Shifeng, said calmly, "That looks to be the direction of Chongyun Peak. I happen to have heard that Xuzhuang of Chongyun Peak, who had been traveling for twenty-eight years, returned to the sect half a year ago. It must be that his cultivation reached completion while he was away, and after gathering the great medicines, he returned to the sect to form his Golden Core in one go."

"So it’s him... I did hear his name twenty-eight years ago."

’If I recall correctly, he and my nephew are from the same generation.’ Chen Zongzheng smiled. "In that case, to have another True Disciple with a Top-grade Golden Core is truly a blessing for the sect."

Meanwhile, on Chongyun Peak—so named for piercing straight into the clouds—the phenomenon of converging wind and clouds was drawing to a close. As the draconic cries and tiger roars faded, the world suddenly became clear.

A figure suddenly appeared atop the peak, beaming as he spoke in a clear voice, "Congratulations, Junior Brother. You’ve gathered the wind and clouds of the dragon and tiger to form your Golden Core. From this day forward, longevity is within your grasp, and the Great Dao awaits."

The tightly shut doors of the cave residence suddenly swung open, and a faint, almost imperceptible sigh drifted on the wind:

"So suddenly here, for sixty years I’ve supped on wind and dew. Now a full cycle turns, I seek the truth and step onto the stage anew."

The mist dispersed, and a young Daoist emerged. His hair was not bound in a topknot, but casually pinned with a single jade-bamboo hairpin. His sleeves fluttered, giving him a free and elegant air, yet his entire being exuded an aura of clarity and tranquility. His features were handsome, with sword-like brows slanting up to his temples. His eyes shone brightly, and a faint, spirited smile graced his lips. He was the very picture of vigor!

"With one kick I topple the Jade Tripod Furnace; wind and cloud of dragon and tiger converge into the Golden Core!"

Han Wang was inwardly surprised. ’Rumors in the sect spoke of his transcendent grace. Now that I see him in person, he more than lives up to them. He truly has the perfect, otherworldly appearance of an immortal.’ He then heard the young Daoist say, "So it is Senior Brother Han. I didn’t expect that the first person I would see upon leaving seclusion would be you."

Xuzhuang had been a disciple of some renown within the sect several decades prior, while Han Wang was a True Disciple of the Tai Su Orthodox Sect whose fame had spread throughout the Divine Continent. He had formed his Golden Core many years ago, so he was not surprised that Xuzhuang recognized him. He said, "Today at dawn, when the auspicious violet qi arrived from the east, the Sect Leader specially summoned me with a decree to come to Chongyun Peak and bring you to see him, Junior Brother. I had just arrived nearby when I saw the convergence of wind and clouds and heard the roars of dragon and tiger. It was only then that I knew you were achieving a Top-grade Golden Core today, and that our Tai Su Orthodox Sect has gained another True Disciple."

"Oh?" Xuzhuang’s heart stirred. ’When the auspicious violet qi came from the east today, I hadn’t even reached the ’Heart Trial’. It was still uncertain whether I could form a Top-grade Golden Core, yet the Sect Leader had already ordered Han Wang to come. Does a Primordial Spirit True Man truly possess such Divine Techniques?’ Out loud, he replied, "In that case, let us depart immediately to see the Sect Leader."

"Good." After they spoke, Han Wang flicked his sleeve, shot up from the ground, and transformed into a magnificent streak of rainbow light. Xuzhuang immediately summoned his own escape light and followed, and the two of them shot straight into the sky.

Passing through the clouds and mist was like parting a screen to see the moon; a Cloud Palace leaped into view.

Two Daoist Children had been waiting respectfully for some time. They welcomed Han Wang and Xuzhuang into the palace for an audience with Master Yuanhua, the current Sect Leader of the Tai Su Orthodox Sect.

Master Yuanhua had the appearance of an old Daoist. His beard and hair were completely white, and he looked frail and senile. While meditating, his head nodded intermittently, just like an old man dozing off.

However, a Primordial Spirit True Man was long-lived, and their appearance was a reflection of their mind, so it was impossible to judge anything by it. After the two paid their respects, the Zhenren awoke as if from a dream. With his eyes half-open, he said, "You’re here." He sized up Xuzhuang, a slight smile gracing his face. "Xuzhuang, you have done very well."

Xuzhuang felt slightly puzzled, assuming the Sect Leader was simply happy that the sect had gained a new True Disciple with a Top-grade Golden Core. Just as he was about to say something, Master Yuanhua raised a hand and said, "Ah, there’s no need to be modest."

He sighed wistfully. "Xuzhuang, you have now lived past a full sixty-year cycle. When you first appeared above the Tai Su Grotto Heaven, having traversed the void, it feels to this old Daoist like it was only yesterday."

’Traversed here!’ Xuzhuang’s heart trembled violently. He felt both the terror of having his deepest secret exposed and the unavoidable excitement that the questions he had harbored for so long might finally be answered.

Xuzhuang had been intelligent since childhood. He could read essays at three and compose poetry at five. He seemed to be born understanding many truths and often possessed knowledge beyond that of an ordinary person. Although these memories and feelings were hazy, it was as if he had been born with this knowledge. Decades had passed since he joined the Tai Su Sect to begin his cultivation, and he had long harbored suspicions about his unique circumstances.

Han Wang’s face also showed surprise. ’This junior brother, who is about to become a True Disciple, has a different origin? Could it be that he wasn’t born in the Profound Yellow Great World?’

"I imagine you were unaware," Master Yuanhua began, stroking his long beard as if lost in memory. "Back then, when you appeared outside the Profound Yellow Great World, above the Tai Su Grotto Heaven, you were merely a wandering soul with not a shred of cultivation. Where you came from, how you got here... even with this old Daoist’s insight, I couldn’t figure it out. You should have dissipated into the cosmos, or been drawn into the reincarnation cycle of the Profound Yellow Realm to become one of the countless masses. However, on a whim, I felt you had some karmic affinity with our sect. So, using one of the sect’s magic treasures, I arranged for you to be reincarnated in a Mortal Realm within Yunmeng Marsh. And just as I expected, you soon joined our Tai Su Orthodox Sect, began to distinguish yourself, and finally reached this day, forming a Top-grade Golden Core. The ways of fate are truly wondrous and ineffable."

The old Daoist chuckled. "Perhaps, even if I hadn’t intervened that day, you would have eventually found your way to our Tai Su Sect and embarked on the path of seeking the Dao regardless."

"Enough! Let’s not dwell on the past." Master Yuanhua waved his Duster, not waiting for Xuzhuang to respond. "Xuzhuang, you have only just formed your Golden Core. According to custom, I should be seeing you again at your official True Disciple ceremony. However, I summoned you in such a hurry today not merely to reminisce. There is an important matter that I need you to attend to."

Xuzhuang suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said with a solemn expression, "I await the Sect Leader’s command."

"Alright," Master Yuanhua said. "Although you have not yet been formally inducted, I already consider you a True Disciple of the sect, a seed to carry on the Dao. There is no need to be so distant with me. Ten years ago, the Taixuan Profound True Monarch established the Meteor Dojo and founded the Taixuan Sect. Have you heard of this?"

’Taixuan Profound True Monarch? Meteor Dojo?’

Xuzhuang frowned. "Master, ten years ago, I was still traveling beyond the East Sea. After returning to the Divine Continent, I did hear some talk of it, but I do not know the details."

"Heh heh." Master Yuanhua chuckled. "I imagine you younger ones don’t pay much attention to so-called minor sects and schools, so of course you wouldn’t know the details."

"As for this Taixuan Profound True Monarch, I suppose you don’t realize what kind of Great Divine Power Practitioner he is. So today, I will enlighten you. In his day, he and a certain figure from the Upper Profound Sect were hailed as the ’Twin Prides.’ Have you ever heard of this? Then, one day, he suddenly broke ties with the Upper Profound Sect, vowing they could not exist under the same sky. After that, he vanished without a trace. When he reappeared, he had unexpectedly already refined Pure Yang, his Magical Power boundless. Experts from the Upper Profound Sect battled him several times, but none could do anything to him."

Master Yuanhua stroked his long beard and continued, "Ten years ago, this man refined an entire star from the cosmic void, dragged it into the Profound Yellow Realm, and named it the Meteor Dojo, establishing his own lineage. Perhaps to get a one-up on the Upper Profound Sect, he named himself the Taixuan Profound True Monarch, and the sect he founded is called the Taixuan Sect. The Taixuan Sect and its Meteor Dojo may not compare to the three sects and six schools for the time being, but they are by no means ordinary. With a Pure Yang True Monarch personally overseeing it, given enough time, it may well become their equal. Do you still look down on it now?"

Xuzhuang was secretly astonished. ’So the Taixuan Sect has such an incredible background. To have refined Pure Yang and earned the title of True Monarch... that’s a cultivation realm even above Primordial Spirit! Not every one of the three sects and six schools necessarily has such a mighty figure presiding over them. Truly extraordinary.’

"Xuzhuang, the task I have for you is related to the Taixuan Sect," said Master Yuanhua. "Although the Taixuan Profound True Monarch established the Meteor Dojo and founded his sect, he has kept its gates closed for the past ten years, remaining isolated from the world. Now, they are finally preparing to make their official debut. They intend to hold a Golden Core Grand Ceremony for one of their disciples, and invitations have been sent to every major sect and school, including the Upper Profound Sect."

At this point, Master Yuanhua gave a sly chuckle. "In recent years, the Cultivation Realm of the Divine Continent has been calm. Even when a disciple forms a Golden Core, it’s rare for their sect to hold a lively event like a Golden Core Grand Ceremony. This time, the Taixuan Sect is holding this ceremony to make its official debut on the stage of the Divine Continent’s Cultivation Realm. It’s a show of force aimed at the other sects... especially the Upper Profound Sect. I’m afraid things won’t be very quiet."

’So that’s how it is,’ a thought flashed through Xuzhuang’s mind. ’Then could the task the Sect Leader has for me be...?’

He then heard Master Yuanhua say, "The Taixuan Sect has long been preparing for this Golden Core Grand Ceremony, so their disciple has surely forged a Top-grade Golden Core. Our Tai Su Orthodox Sect cannot be remiss in etiquette. We must send a True Disciple to represent the sect, attend the grand ceremony, and congratulate the Taixuan Sect’s disciple on their achievement. However, the sect’s other True Disciples are all occupied with important matters. Right now, only Han Wang is available, and I have another task for him. It just so happens you’ve achieved your Golden Core. I grant you a special dispensation: you may postpone your initiation ceremony, but the nine bells will ring to announce your new status to all of Tai Su, permitting you to travel abroad under the title of a True Disciple. Therefore, you shall represent the sect at the Taixuan Sect’s Golden Core Grand Ceremony!"