Chapter 40

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The various spirit beasts naturally paid their respects, as did the mountain gods, each with their own thoughts, offering a slight bow.

Earlier, their greetings were simply to congratulate the mountain god.

Now, it was to show gratitude for teaching the Dao.

Even if some thought that whatever the young man shared would likely hold little value for them.

Some mountain gods exchanged thoughts through sound transmission, saying: “Originally, I thought he was merely a youth who, by fate and an old connection with the previous mountain god, was granted this title. Just someone who got here by association, undeserving of the position. But seeing him today, with such composure, he truly is [one of us].”

“Indeed, indeed.”

“Not just a bag of wine and meat.”

“Fellow Daoists, let us listen to the method our young friend here has to share. Hahaha, he must have great perception!”

“If there are any flaws, we can point give some pointers. With his level of understanding, he should be able to grasp things quickly.”

A brawny man suddenly grumbled:

“Hmph… but the title of Chief Mountain God over these sixteen mountains is something he likely can no longer hold onto!”

The others turned to look at him.

The brawny man added:

“‘At the very least, he won’t be able to keep his position for the next hundred years.’”

Si Niang, transmitting her voice, chuckled and asked: “And what will happen after a century?”

The brawny man replied with a justified tone: “After a century? Well, we’ll see after a hundred years from now!”

The mountain gods all stifled their laughter, knowing he had always longed for that title himself. He wasn’t a match for the previous mountain god, and now, seeing this young one, he probably felt his opportunity had come.

Qi Wuhuo sat cross-legged atop a blue stone. Due to the mountain god’s talisman, he sensed the subtle energy fluctuations from the transmitted voices, but he chose not to listen in. His heart gradually settled into tranquility. He had already considered what he would speak on when he came here, so, after a brief thought, he spoke calmly: “Some time ago, the mountain god spoke about the method of refining Primordial Essence…”

The gathered mountain gods grew quieter, nodding with smiles, as one would when observing a promising Daoist friend.

It was indeed an appropriate topic for expounding on the Dao.

Especially suitable for the spirit beasts to hear.

Then they heard the young man continue with his second sentence: “Today, we shall continue from that point.”

Mountain God Si Niang paused, momentarily unsure of the next step after refining Primordial Essence until she saw the youth seated upright on the blue stone, his posture straight, his hands resting steadily on his knees, his voice mellow, his tone calm:

“Today, I will speak on the union of Primordial Essence and Primordial Qi.”

“The orthodox path of the Dao, the Xiantian One Qi.”

Silence fell all around.

Even Luo Yizhen, Tao Taigong, and Shen Hongxue, who had only come to show support, turned serious.

Tao Taigong’s hand paused mid-stroke on his beard, losing its former lightheartedness.

Xiantian One Qi?

This was the realm at their level.

At that moment, Tao Taigong suddenly noticed an unusual quiet around him—so still, it felt almost unnatural. He realized that all the other mountain gods had ceased their idle talk. The wind rustled through the pines, and only the youth’s voice flowed smoothly and peacefully. Instinctively, the mountain gods composed themselves, straightening their posture, and listening intently.

A spirit beast scratched its head and asked: “Xiantian One Qi?”

“What kind of realm is that?”

Before Qi Wuhuo could answer, the brawny man shook his head and said:

“Helian Mountain God, these spirit beasts are only just beginning their cultivation and can barely manage their breath control. What use is it to speak of such things to them?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to teach something more practical?”

Qi Wuhuo replied: “That statement is incorrect.”

The young man in blue thought of a once-brilliant young sword immortal who had later fallen to the demonic path, and continued:

“There are many people… who because they didn’t know the right direction when they first started cultivating, ended up straying off course. They became lost, struggling their entire lives without ever reaching the Dao.”

“In the end, they died in suffering and confusion.”

“The fundamental teachings for entering cultivation can always be found by those with a sincere heart for the Dao. However, taking the correct path from the very beginning is essential; only then will one avoid regret a century later. Today, I’m here to teach, and I believe this is what truly needs to be conveyed…”

“The path of cultivation is long and arduous. Those who have never met a teacher are like travelers in the dark of night, unable to see the way ahead.”

“If I can hold a candle to illuminate even a small step of the path forward, then it would be good.”

“What I will speak of today should be the first lesson in cultivation.”

The brawny mountain god didn’t know what to say for a while, unwilling to be swayed, and with a hint of sarcasm said:

“So, you intend to start from the highest position, then.”

The young man in blue replied calmly, “Yes.”

The mountain god opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words, sensing only a calm sincerity from the youth. He coughed, choosing not to argue further.

In the distance, the old man couldn’t help but chuckle as he leisurely brewed tea.

He wasn’t particularly pleased by the young man’s composure on such an occasion, nor was he especially gratified by his poise. The old man had seen many who were exceptionally talented—stronger and more impressive at this age than Qi Wuhuo was now. To him, Qi Wuhuo’s talent was promising but not remarkable. Yet, at this moment, he allowed himself a rare smile, gently shaking his head with a hint of satisfaction, saying softly:

“To hold a candle and illuminate even a small step of the path ahead.”

“To be able to say such words truly lives up to the phrase [not letting one’s name fall].’”

“A true higher virtue.”

Qi Wuhuo thought for a moment, then looked toward the spirit beasts and explained: “When cultivators first begin, they often start with nourishing their Qi. The initial technique is called [Building the Foundation]. This term is used because cultivation is like building a tall structure; one must lay a solid foundation. According to the style and methods of different schools, those with exceptional talent can achieve this within a hundred days, so in the Daoist and Buddhist schools, this is also known as the [Hundred-Day Foundation Building].’”

“Once the foundation is solid, one has a base for cultivating and nourishing Qi.”

“In the mortal world, martial artists divide the stages of Qi-nurturing into thirteen levels, with the stage known as [Ascending the Tower].’ It’s as if one is building a high tower on that foundation. The next level beyond that is [Xiantian One Qi]. To make an analogy, when one reaches the peak of the tower and can go no further, one must either stay where they are or step into the void and ride the wind. This is not something ordinary people can achieve.”

“This signifies that the next stage is beyond the ordinary.”

“The [Hundred-Day Foundation Building], [Thirteen Steps of Ascending the Tower], and [Entering the Dao].”

“As for this [Entering the Dao],” it actually involves the Xiantian One Qi. The methods of entering the Dao are also divided into upper, middle, and lower.’”

Qi Wuhuo spoke slowly, drawing from what Tantai Xuan had recorded in the Record of Ascension to Immortality—methods for cultivation passed down in the outside world. He combined this with the mountain gods’ own cultivation notes, sharing his understanding:

“With the lower methods, one cultivates their Primordial Qi to the utmost, relying on external spiritual forces or absorbing the Earth’s Fiend Qi, or refining fire copper essence into the body. This grants their Primordial Qi unique properties, making the application of techniques twice as effective with half the effort, enabling one to be invincible in the mortal realm. However, it’s a pity that by relying on external forces, they will never reach the state of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown and can only dominate in the mundane.”

“It doesn’t extend their lifespan and often leads to a short life, with no hope for true freedom.”

“Thus, it is considered inferior.”

“A cultivator who reaches this stage, unable to restrain themselves and seeking quick success, may take a deviant path to break through, thus falling into this path.”

Some of the mountain gods’ expressions began to change, some showing somberness, others sighing with regret.

In the mountain, a monkey spirit began to wail loudly, likely having once absorbed the spiritual essence of rare treasures, and reached this very stage.

Si Niang’s expression grew serious, and she asked: “May I ask, Mountain Lord, what of the middle method?”

Qi Wuhuo thought for a moment and replied: “Cultivators who lack true guidance, unaware of the difference between Postnatal Qi and Innate Qi, will unite their postnatal Primordial Qi with their Primordial Spirit to cultivate divine abilities. This allows the Primordial Spirit to leave the body, so their Yin Spirit can roam freely and accomplish many wondrous feats. Even after death, their Primordial Spirit can endure for centuries—these are known as [Corpse-Transcending Immortal].’”

“This grants a fleeting moment of freedom, yet it remains forever distant from the Great Dao.”

“Thus, it is considered middle-tier.”

Si Niang’s expression was filled with a mix of secret hatred and regret.

Qi Wuhuo continued: “As for the superior method…”

The crowd suddenly fell silent, all eyes turning toward him in unison.

Qi Wuhuo said: “When one cultivates Primordial Qi to the utmost purity and refines the Primordial Essence, retrieving the Life Treasure, the union of Primordial Qi and Primordial Essence will give birth to [Xiantian One Qi]. At this level, one can remain in the world for three to five hundred years, and ride clouds and mist. In the Daoist school, they are called [Daozhang], and in the Buddhist sect, they are called [Shangzuo]. Someone with the potential to reach the realm of immortals and deities.”

Qi Wuhuo then went on to explain in detail the final methods for refining Primordial Qi and Primordial essence.

Many spirit beasts, and even the mountain gods, leaned forward to listen intently.

In the vast mountain, only the young man’s voice could be heard as he expounded. Snow gently fell from the trees, its faint sound adding to the tranquility. The mountain gods, absorbed in listening, found themselves unconsciously leaning forward. Time slipped by unnoticed, and when the young man finally paused, they were all still immersed in the teachings of cultivation, unable to pull themselves away.

After a long silence, Tao Taigong suddenly sighed deeply and said: “All these years, I’ve pursued cultivation without knowing where to direct my efforts. The harder I trained, the further I drifted from the Dao. I was nothing but dry bones in a grave, thinking I was free, but it was truly sorrowful.”

“Today, thanks to young friend Qi, my doubts have been dispelled.”

“At last, I can catch a glimpse of the direction of the Dao.”

“Please accept my humble bow.”

Qi Wuhuo raised his hand to support Tao Taigong, and the other mountain gods rose as well, bowing deeply. Their faces no longer showed any trace of the earlier condescension; instead, they all bore sincere admiration and respect. Even the brawny man sighed, bowing deeply as he said: “I am a brute, unversed in etiquette, ignorant of the Dao.”

“Mountain Lord, please don’t hold it against me.”

“No harm done.”

Qi Wuhuo felt a slight relief in his heart, his expression peaceful.

He thought to himself, This way, I haven’t let the old master’s reputation fall.

Following his earlier plan, he said: “Since everyone has gathered, I have no other gifts to offer in return. Today, I’ll refine a batch of elixirs…”

The mountain gods responded with utmost respect and courtesy.

With his heart at ease, Qi Wuhuo began preparing to refine the elixirs, feeling much more relaxed.

To Qi Wuhuo, today’s main purpose was expounding on the Dao; the alchemy was merely a follow-up.

Yet he didn’t realize that the elder, who was supposed to be back in the courtyard, had already raised his gaze, watching closely.

It seemed he was even more attentive than during Qi Wuhuo’s lecture.

“His cultivation is passable, but alchemy,  that’s another matter,”

The old man chuckled, sipping his tea and muttering to himself.

“With such a temperament, he’s fit to enter my school.”

“As for the elixir, it doesn’t matter much.”

“If it’s his first attempt, well… let’s just hope the lad doesn’t blow up the furnace.”

The youth released the pill furnace.

In an instant, the furnace expanded, floating in midair.

Qi Wuhuo rested his hand on the furnace, unsure where to begin. Just as he hesitated, he recalled the old man’s words about the fundamental principles. He had spent the whole day expounding on the Dao, and in this winter season, the sun and the faint moon often shared the sky. The sun and moon occupied opposite corners of the heavens, and Qi Wuhuo suddenly felt a spark of insight.

“The golden crow and jade rabbit urge one another; the sun and moon, twin pills, come and go…”

“Come and go?”

Drawing on the power of the mountain god, he mimicked the stance of the Tiger Mountain God, who once refined moonlight and herbs in his cauldron.

Action and inaction, urging each other on, like the yin-yang fish, revolving in an endless cycle.

The brilliance of the sun and moonlight suddenly responded, and a faint radiance seemed to descend.

Three taps of his finger.

The pill furnace suddenly opened!

The sound echoed in all directions, Primordial Qi flooding in like a tidal wave.

The old man was about to drink his tea, but as he lowered his gaze and saw this scene, he almost spat it out.

“What?!”

“Cough, cough, cough. Who, who taught him this?!!”