Chapter 133 Red Clouds Emerge from Seclusion
Chapter 133 Red Clouds Emerge from Seclusion
Chapter 133 Red Clouds Emerge from Seclusion
Time flows like water, quietly passing through every inch of Longevity Mountain, nourishing the spiritual roots of immortals and nurturing the spiritual paths of countless creatures in the mountain.
For Zhen Yuanzi, who had already entered the Hunyuan realm, this period of waiting was not in vain.
He comprehended the creation and destruction of chaos under the Four Symbols Banana Tree, and sorted out the spiritual energy among the mountains and rivers, gaining a deeper understanding of the "Earth Chaos Scripture".
Within the chaotic phantom within his body, the operation of the four fundamental elements—earth, fire, wind, and water—was becoming increasingly dynamic.
A balance full of infinite possibilities.
The aura of the Southern Flame Banner had completely merged with him; with the slightest thought, he could ignite a blazing heavenly fire, disrupting the balance of Yin and Yang.
The wisp of divine thought that remained at the entrance of the Fire Cloud Cave was like the finest string on an ancient zither, sensitively capturing every subtle change in the Daoist rhythm within it.
On this day, the sun was just rising and purple clouds were gathering in the east.
Longevity Hill was shrouded in a pale golden dawn light, with birdsong and beasts growling, a scene full of vitality.
Suddenly, the crimson glow and dark yellow aura that had been flowing steadily at the entrance of the Fire Cloud Cave, which was integrated with the mountain-protecting formation, paused slightly without warning.
Immediately, an indescribable sense of "perfection" spread out gently yet firmly, like ripples spreading across a calm lake after a pebble has been thrown in.
It is not a violent burst of energy, but a sublimation of artistic conception, a harmonious resonance at the source level.
It was as if the grotto itself, after a long slumber, had finally let out a satisfied yawn and fully awakened.
Almost at the same instant this aura of "perfection" emanated, Zhen Yuanzi, who was sitting quietly in the temple explaining to the Emperor how the imperial dragon energy and the pulse of the earth complemented each other, paused slightly in his speech.
He raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the barriers of the palace, landing precisely in the direction of the Fire Cloud Cave. A hint of understanding flashed in the depths of his eyes, in the chaotic void.
"Let's stop here for today," Zhen Yuanzi said gently to the emperor who was listening respectfully.
"Go back and contemplate this carefully. The nobility of the dragon's energy lies in its dominance and order, while the virtue of the earth lies in its capacity to bear and nurture. Only when the two are combined can it be considered the true and righteous path."
Although the emperor was reluctant to part, seeing that his master seemed to have important matters to attend to, he quickly bowed and replied, "I will follow your teachings, Master. I will take my leave." As he left the hall, he felt even greater admiration for his master's ability to see through everything and make perfect plans.
Without moving, Zhen Yuanzi vanished from the futon and, in the next instant, appeared silently before the hidden entrance to the Fire Cloud Cave, as if he had always been there.
His dark Taoist robe fluttered gently in the mountain breeze, his aura blending seamlessly with the entire Wanshou Mountain, as if he were the mountain and the land itself.
It didn't take long.
The shimmering portal, like water gently parted by an invisible hand, rippled with even softer and more dazzling waves.
The crimson light grew ever brighter, carrying the vibrancy and warmth of flames; the primordial energy grew ever more concentrated, revealing the weight and auspiciousness of the earth. The two radiances intertwined and swirled, ultimately forming a stable and luminous passage at the center of the portal.
Immediately afterwards, a figure stepped leisurely out of the passage.
He was still wearing that familiar crimson cloud-patterned Taoist robe, but the feeling he gave off at this moment was subtly different from before his seclusion.
The primordial energy around him remained harmonious, but the carefree and unrestrained spirit that had once been so free now seemed to have settled down, becoming more restrained, yet even more profound.
Between the opening and closing of his eyes, he could vaguely see fiery clouds appearing and disappearing, and a mysterious yellow light carrying all things. A sense of close connection with the Longevity Mountain beneath his feet and the Fiery Cloud Cave behind him arose spontaneously.
Clearly, he gained a great deal from this seclusion. He not only solidified his early-stage Hunyuan Golden Immortal realm, but also achieved a new level of control over the Fire Cloud Cave, and his own Dao also improved accordingly.
As soon as Hongyun stepped out of the cave, he saw Zhen Yuanzi standing quietly in front of him. A perfectly timed look of surprise appeared on his face, which quickly turned into a hearty smile as he asked, "Brother Dao? Why are you waiting for me here? I was just thinking of tidying up a bit before going to the temple to talk to you."
His voice was full of energy, carrying the comfort and joy of having successfully completed his retreat.
A faint smile appeared on Zhen Yuanzi's face, a smile as warm as the first melting of snow.
"Fellow Daoist, your seclusion has brought your Qi into harmony with your grotto-heaven. When you reach perfection, the Daoist aura will naturally manifest. I sensed this sign and know that you have succeeded, so I have been waiting for you here."
His tone was calm, but his gaze lingered on Hongyun for a moment before he nodded in praise.
"It seems you have gained a lot this time, fellow Daoist. This Fire Cloud Cave is truly destined for you, as its aura is more harmonious and profound than before."
Upon hearing this, Hongyun laughed heartily, in high spirits, and clapped his hands, saying, "As expected, nothing could hide from your discerning eyes, fellow Daoist. The mysteries of this Fire Cloud Cave truly far exceed my previous expectations."
Not only is cultivation here twice as effective, but one can also draw upon a trace of the primordial fiery clouds and the original fortune of Xuanhuang merit, which has miraculous effects on comprehending heavenly secrets and avoiding calamities and seeking blessings.
Now I am intimately connected with this cave; it is an extension of my path.
His words were filled with satisfaction and pride for this grotto.
The two stood side by side in front of the cave entrance, surrounded by spiritual energy and shimmering light.
After exchanging a few words and sharing what he had gained from his seclusion, Zhen Yuanzi slightly changed the subject. Although his expression did not change drastically, the surrounding air seemed to stagnate slightly due to the slight settling of his emotions.
"Fellow Daoist Hongyun," Zhen Yuanzi's voice was steady, yet carried an undeniable seriousness, "Now that you have emerged from seclusion, there is something I need to discuss with you, something that requires our joint efforts."
Seeing Zhen Yuanzi's expression, Hongyun's smile faded slightly, and he said seriously, "Brother Dao, please speak freely. There's no need for formalities between us."
Zhen Yuanzi cast his gaze into the distance, as if he could see that disheveled figure hidden in some corner of the primordial world, and slowly said, "As long as the Qiankun Daoist is not dead, the Qiankun Cauldron cannot be completely refined. This fiend is the offspring of the Chaos Demon God, arrogant and vindictive."
The defeat in the past was a great humiliation, and he must have harbored resentment in his heart.
He is currently severely injured and at his weakest. If he recovers his strength and even makes a breakthrough, he will become a major threat to Longevity Mountain, a thorn in our side and a thorn in our side.
He paused, his tone turning cold, his words clear and distinct, like the clash of gold and jade: "The struggle for the Great Dao allows no mercy. Once cause and effect are intertwined, they must be settled. My mind is made up; I will strike while the iron is hot and take his life!"
Following the connection between the Qiankun Cauldron and its remaining essence, we will find it and completely destroy it to prevent future troubles! What do you think, my friend?
If these words were spoken to Hongyun, the once-renowned kind-hearted man from the ancient times, he might have shown reluctance and offered words of dissuasion.
They believed that since the other party had already been defeated and fled, there was no need to pursue them to the bitter end and create a deadly feud.
At that time, Hongyun was kind-hearted by nature, disliked fighting, and always wanted to assume the best intentions of others. However, she did not know that in this vast world, kindness without the protection of strength and decisiveness often leads to disaster.
FVN