When the morning sun first rose, Tang Xiaoqi's figure appeared at the mountain gate of Qingxu Temple. The morning bell rang melodiously, startling birds flying across the mountains. The gate-keeping disciple rubbed his eyes. Upon recognizing the visitor, his voice trembled with excitement: "Temple Master... The Temple Master has returned!"
The news spread like wildfire across the entire mountain. When Xiaoqi slowly ascended the familiar blue stone steps, both sides of the path were alreadycrowded with disciples who had rushed upon hearing the news. They were surprised to discover that this young Temple Master was completely different from when he left months ago—not in appearance, but in that Dao rhyme of harmony with heaven and earth, which made people feel reverent just by looking.
"Congratulations to Temple Master on your triumphant return with treasures!" Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng was the first tocame forward to greet, his eyes full of gratification. He acutely sensed that the qi circulating around Xiaoqi had become perfectly complete and flawless—that was the indication of Nascent Soul stage cultivation reaching its peak.
Xiaoqi smiled and returned the greetings, his gaze sweeping across the familiar faces. Third Senior Sister Liu Yun's sword intent was even more condensed, clearly her cultivation had advanced again during his absence; Second Senior Brother was still that lazy and carefree appearance, but the wise light flickering in his eyes showed he had made breakthroughs in theoretical research; even that junior disciple who used to steal food from the kitchen was now an elite disciple at Foundation Establishment stage.
Surrounded by everyone, Xiaoqi arrived at Qingxu Great Hall. He did not rush to display the newly acquired divine artifacts but first listened to the various sect affairs during these months. To his gratification, under Senior Brother's management, Qingxu Temple developed smoothly. Relations with various sects were harmonious, and among the new generation of disciples, many promising talents had emerged.
"Temple Master's overseas trip this time must have yielded greatharvest." Only after everyone had left did Senior Brother smile and ask.
Xiaoqi nodded. With a slight movement of his heart, the Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword and Creation Universe Wok both manifested simultaneously. Without deliberately urging them, the natural Dao rhyme emanating from these two divine artifacts caused the entire hall to be shrouded in a mystical atmosphere. Dragon patterns and phoenix shadows flowed on the sword body; the taiji pattern at the wok's bottom rotated uncertainly between birth and destruction. Witnessing this, Senior Brothercontinuously praised.
"Quasi-immortal artifacts... These are treasures our Qingxu Temple has never had since its establishment!"
"Mere coincidence." Xiaoqi lightly stroked the sword body,narrating in detail his overseas experiences. From Penglai discourse to Phoenix Clan trial, from reforging divine artifacts to the ambush on the return journey. Senior Brother was alternately stunned and worried as he listened.
When he heard about the Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants' attempt to open a passage to the Demon Realm, Senior Brother's expression grew solemn: "This matter is of great significance; we must prepare early."
"Exactly." Xiaoqi nodded. "That is why I returned ahead of schedule."
That night, Xiaoqi came alone to the sect's forbidden area in the back mountain. This was the place where he had activated the jade pendant and wok years ago, and also the most spiritually abundant location in Qingxu Temple. He sat cross-legged on that familiar blue stone, beginning to sort through the gains from this overseas trip.
The Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword floated on his left, its sword intent awe-inspiring; the Creation Universe Wok rested on his right, its Dao rhyme vast and profound. The two divine artifacts were connected to his heart, as if becoming an extension of his Dao body. Even morerare was that after being tempered in the Phoenix Clan Nirvana Fire Sea, his Dao heart had become perfectly flawless. His understanding of the "Protection" true intent had reached an entirely new realm.
Looking within his dantian, the Nascent Soul figure became even more substantial, its features identical to Xiaoqi. The Nascent Soul held a Green Lotus in its embrace, and at the lotus heart, a crimson-gold sparkquietly burning, remotely echoing with the external Crimson Flame Sword and Universe Wok. Spiritual powergalloped and flowed through his meridians. Every cycle increased his cultivation slightly.
Suddenly, he felt a sense of understanding and raised his head to gaze at the night sky. The moonlight was like water, starlight brilliant. The patterns of heaven-earth laws in his eyes became unprecedentedly clear. He seemed to be able to hear the sound of grass and trees growing, to sense the flow of earth vein spiritual energy, even to touch traces of time's passage.
"Is this the sensation of touching the threshold of Spirit Transformation?"
Xiaoqi slowly closed his eyes, allowing his heart and spirit to blend with heaven and earth. He saw the thousand-year rise and fall of Qingxu Temple, the entanglements and disputes of the cultivation world, the joys and sorrows of the mortal world... Various scenes flowed through his heart, ultimately all transforming into deeper understanding of "Dao."
Spirit Transformation, Spirit Transformation—what is transformed is not only the mortal body but also the obsessions and limitations within the heart. To achieve Spirit Transformation, one must merge one's own Dao with heaven-earth's great Dao, thereby transcending the individual and becoming one with Dao.
His path of protection should not be limited to one person or one sect, but should benefit all living beings; his source of purification should not only target demonic qi and evil, but should purify all filth in the world.
Upon understanding this principle, Xiaoqi felt his soul suddenly become clear. His originally perfect cultivation actually advanced slightly further. Although there was still some distance before truly breaking through to Spirit Transformation, the direction was already clear, and the road ahead was bright.
When the moon set and stars faded, dawn approaching in the east, Xiaoqi slowly opened his eyes. After a night of enlightenment, his aura was even more introverted. At first glance, he appeared no different from a mortal. Only the occasional flowing Dao rhyme in the depths of his eyes revealed his extraordinary cultivation.
"Temple Master." Senior Brother had arrived behind him without his noticing, handing over a jade slip. "These are letters from various sects, all expressing willingness to jointly deal with the demonic catastrophe."
Xiaoqi accepted the jade slip. His divine sense swept through its contents and slightly nodded: "Issue the order—convene the Orthodox Alliance Assembly in three days."
Gazing at the morning sun rising on the horizon, Xiaoqi's eyes were firm. The road ahead might be difficult, but he was already prepared. Cultivation, state of mind, and magical artifacts were all perfect. It was time to lead the cultivation world in welcoming this approaching storm.
Mountain wind blew past, lifting the corner of his green-robed garment. The Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword hummed softly in its sheath, as if responding to its master's soaring battle intent.