bookbashuk Chapter 97 Leaving the Undying Volcano
Chapter 97 Leaving the Undying Volcano
Chapter 97 Leaving the Undying Volcano
The transaction was completed, and Zhen Yuanzi acquired the Southern Flame Banner. A great weight was lifted from his heart, and he felt quite relieved.
Seeing that Yuan Feng was lovingly nurturing the section of bitter bamboo with his divine sense, but there seemed to be a hint of worry about the cultivation environment between his brows, he took the initiative to speak up: "Fellow Daoist Yuan Feng, this Undying Volcano is an extremely fiery place, and the fire spirit energy is domineering and intense. Bitter bamboo prefers a clean and cool environment. If it is planted directly, I'm afraid its Dao charm will be disturbed by the fire energy, its growth will be slow, and its spirituality may even be damaged."
He paused, then gently suggested, "If you do not mind, I can use the power of the Earth Book to create a suitable and pure land for its growth here, and set up an array to isolate it from the external heat, so that it can take root safely and exert its maximum effect."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Feng snapped out of her reverie about obtaining the spiritual root and, after careful consideration, realized it was indeed true.
The environment of the Undying Volcano is unique, and ordinary spiritual roots cannot survive here. Even a top-grade innate spiritual root like Bitter Bamboo would be affected if exposed to such a harsh fire spirit environment for a long time.
Although she can forcibly change the local environment, when it comes to her understanding and control of the earth, vitality, and formation restrictions, she is clearly inferior to Zhen Yuanzi, who wields the Book of Earth and is proficient in the Way of the Earth.
After a moment's thought, she readily agreed, nodding in agreement: "What you say is absolutely right, fellow Daoist. It was Yuan Feng who did not consider this carefully."
"In that case, I'll trouble you, fellow Daoist." This thoughtfulness improved her opinion of Zhen Yuanzi even more.
"It was nothing," Zhen Yuanzi said with a slight smile.
Led by Yuan Feng, they arrived at a relatively secluded valley deep within the Undying Volcano, where the earth's energy was relatively gentle and mellow.
Although this place is still within the volcanic area, the violent fire elemental energy has weakened considerably, making it more suitable as a base.
Zhen Yuanzi said no more, his expression turned solemn, and he used his mind to communicate with the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" deep within his primordial spirit.
A mysterious aura rose from the top of his head, and the phantom of an ancient and heavy book slowly emerged, emanating a supreme Daoist charm that could bear all things and regulate the earth's veins.
He formed a hand seal, drawing upon the power of the Earth Book, and softly proclaimed: "Earth veins obey my command, with Earth as the foundation, creation will naturally take place!"
'
The abundant and pure innate Wu Earth essence surged out from the illusory image of the Earth Book, not dissipating, but rather, as if it possessed life, precisely injected into the core earth vein node of the valley below.
Inspired by this, the deeper and more ancient power of the earth was quietly activated and reorganized.
In an instant, the ground in the center of the valley began to undergo a miraculous change. The scorching reddish-brown soil receded like a receding tide, and in its place, a patch of dark black spiritual soil, exuding a rich vitality and a cool feeling, rapidly spread out. This was the "Mysterious Yin Earth" that had been temporarily transformed and condensed by combining the power of the Earth Book with the local earth veins.
This sacred land, though only a few acres in size, forms a distinct boundary with the surrounding scorching environment, like an oasis in the desert.
Immediately afterwards, Zhen Yuanzi's ten fingers flew, and he unleashed a series of Dao runes containing the Daoist essence of concealment, isolation, gathering of spirits, and nourishment, which merged into the surrounding void of this newly born spiritual land.
Runes flowed and intertwined, forming an exquisitely complex array in the blink of an eye. This array not only firmly locked the essence and vitality of the Xuan Yin Wu Earth within the spiritual soil, but also formed an invisible barrier that completely isolated the violent fire spirit energy from the outside world, allowing only the gentle spiritual energy of heaven and earth to flow in.
Once the formation was complete, the area of dark black spiritual soil, about an acre in size, immediately became quiet and serene. The air was filled with the unique tranquil Daoist charm of bitter bamboo, which was distinct from the fiery environment of the surrounding immortal volcano, yet strangely coexisted in harmony.
"Fellow Daoist, that's enough." Zhen Yuanzi finished his practice, and the illusory image of the Earth Book disappeared. This action did not consume much of his energy.
Yuan Feng had been watching intently, and now, sensing the pure and suitable environment within that small world, as well as the stable and profound array barrier, her eyes flashed with amazement once again.
She could sense that the quality of the soil, the vitality of life, and the compatibility with the bitter bamboo in this transformed land far exceeded her expectations.
Zhen Yuanzi's actions not only created a suitable environment for growth, but also built a perfect "Taoist temple" for the bitter bamboo, enabling it to better nourish the Phoenix Clan's fortune in this place.
She sincerely thanked him again: "Fellow Daoist's supernatural powers are boundless, Yuan Feng thanks you! The Phoenix Clan will remember this kindness."
Zhen Yuanzi waved his hand humbly: "Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. It is a mutually beneficial matter."
Just then, a blazing and powerful aura, yet carrying a hint of perfect and agile energy, shot into the sky from the direction of the "Nirvana Fire Pool" at the very core of the Undying Volcano. It then subsided and transformed into a streak of crimson light, which instantly reached the valley entrance, revealing the figure of Ancestor Hongyun.
Hongyun at this moment was vastly different from what he had been three days ago. The crimson light surrounding him was now more refined and pure. The fire element aura, which had been slightly restless due to the incomplete balance of the four elements, was now harmonious and restrained, seemingly in harmony with the wind...
The three elements of water and earth achieved a deeper level of harmony.
Between the opening and closing of his eyes, divine fire flickered, yet it also carried the agility of wind and the moistness of water. Clearly, he had gained a great deal from his enlightenment in the Nirvana Fire Pool. Not only had he broken through the bottleneck of the Great Dao of Fire, but his understanding of the Four Symbols Returning to Origin had also advanced further. Although his cultivation had not directly broken through, his foundation was undoubtedly more solid. He was only missing the final opportunity to reach the threshold of Hunyuan.
"Brother Daoist! Fellow Daoist Yuanfeng!" Hongyun's face was filled with barely suppressed joy and gratitude. He first nodded to Zhen Yuanzi to indicate that everything had gone smoothly, and then solemnly bowed to Yuanfeng: "Thank you for your help, Fellow Daoist! The Nirvana Fire Pool truly lives up to its name. I, Hongyun, will forever remember this kindness!"
Seeing that Hongyun's aura was complete, Yuanfeng knew that he had gained a lot and was quite satisfied. She felt that this investment was worthwhile and replied with a smile, "Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. It is fate that I have gained something."
After Hongyun left the pass, Kuzhu had already been settled, so Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun did not stay any longer.
Zhen Yuanzi cupped his hands to Yuan Feng and said, "Fellow Daoist Yuan Feng, I am deeply grateful for your help this time. I have gained a great deal from this experience."
Fellow Daoist Hongyun and I need to continue our travels, so we will take our leave now.
Yuan Feng knew they were determined to leave, so she didn't insist on keeping them. She returned their greeting and said, "Please take your time, fellow Daoists. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit my Undying Volcano again."
"must."
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun transformed into two astonishing streaks of light, one a deep yellow and the other a crimson red, soaring into the sky and instantly piercing through the layers of restrictions and spiritual mist of the Undying Volcano before disappearing into the horizon.
Having left the scorching environment of the immortal volcano, and once again feeling the vastness of the primordial world and the gentle breeze on his face, Hongyun felt his heart expand and couldn't help but let out a long roar that shook the surrounding area, expressing the joy in his heart.
"Brother Dao, where shall we go next?" Hongyun asked with great interest.
Zhen Yuanzi stood on auspicious clouds, his gaze fixed on the boundless east, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
This discussion with Yuan Feng, and the inspiration and benefits brought by the collision of the Great Dao, allowed him to truly appreciate the advantages of exchanging and verifying with a strong person of the same level.
This is far more than working in isolation; it often allows one to see one's own shortcomings in the other's approach and inspire new ideas.
"I have gained a great deal from this discussion with Yuan Feng."
Zhen Yuanzi slowly said, "This makes me deeply realize the importance of exchanging and verifying with fellow practitioners. Now that we have reached the Southern Undying Volcano and experienced the ultimate mystery of fire, how can we miss the endless eastern sea, where the Ancestral Dragon, who holds the source of water, resides?"
He looked at Hongyun with a slight smile on his lips: "Moreover, your Four Symbols Great Dao has already broken through in the Fire element. You need to find a place with abundant Water element to properly comprehend the true meaning of Water's ultimate softness and strength, its vastness and immensity, so as to balance the Four Symbols and make them more perfect. The Primordial Four Seas is the best place."
Upon hearing this, Hongyun's eyes lit up! Yes, water and fire complement each other, yin and yang are in balance! He had just experienced the ultimate baptism of fire, and if he could gain insight into the origin of water, it would surely make his path of returning to the origin of the four elements even smoother!
"Brilliant! Brother Dao's consideration is thorough!" Hongyun clapped his hands and laughed. "It's also a good opportunity to meet that Ancestral Dragon who rules the four seas and see what his Dao of Water and Imperial Dao are like!"
"That's exactly right." Zhen Yuanzi nodded. "We shall then head to the East Sea to discuss the Dao with the Ancestral Dragon. We shall also take a look at the aura of this leader of the scaled creatures, the king of the aquatic races."
With their plan settled, the two no longer hesitated. They adjusted their direction, their escape light flared up again, and their speed increased even more. Like two shooting stars streaking across the sky, they sped towards the increasingly humid and magnificent eastern sea.