Chapter 257: Body Refining is Irreversible
“The Xianxian Holy Land is rich in Spiritual Qi and the Heavenly Dao is clear. Even if one’s Aptitude is poor, they are bound to Breakthrough after entering.
Who would have thought he would come out exactly as he went in.”
Inner Courtyard, Purple Bamboo Zen Forest tea pavilion.
Shi Junhao, He Lingxiu, Yu Shiliu, Gu Zetao, and others gathered here.
Tianshu Academy was not empty; Disciples were often seen walking around the Outer Courtyard, so the news of Ji You’s return was quickly noticed and spread like wildfire, reaching the Outer Courtyard and many ears.
The ripple effect of Ji You, a private Cultivator from the countryside, taking the top spot at the Heavenly Dao Conference had not yet subsided, and now another wave began.
He Lingxiu picked up her teacup: “Ji You’s talent has always been excellent; there must have been something limiting him, otherwise it wouldn’t be like this.”
Xiao Hanyan couldn't help but look up after hearing this: “You mean Body Refining?”
“Precisely. The Qingyun World has long had a conclusion: those who achieve Immortal Ascension will have their Divine Soul Soul Emergence and form an Immortal Body. The physical body should not be too strong, otherwise the connection between man and heaven will be limited. He already spent a lot of effort going from the Tongxuan Middle Stage to the Tongxuan Upper Realm. This time entering the Holy Land, his connection between man and heaven is probably gone.”
“This—doesn’t that mean the Immortal Path is severed?”
The path of Immortal Cultivation relies on the connection between man and heaven to perceive the myriad Laws of the Dao and condense them within oneself.
And once the connection between man and heaven is gone, it means the Immortal Path has reached its end.
Many Disciples in Tianshu Academy Cultivate quickly in the Lower Three Realms, but because their Comprehension Ability for understanding the Dao is not high, the connection between man and heaven is constantly obstructed, making each step a hurdle, eventually causing them to fade into obscurity.
But what silenced everyone was not this well-known conclusion; in fact, Ji You clearly did not fall into this category.
His talent was extremely strong; he was locked in by Body Refining.
Yu Shiliu couldn't help but turn her head at this moment, looking at Gu Zetao and Wang Gaocen.
In the past six months since the Heavenly Dao Conference ended, the scenes of their defeat constantly replayed in their minds,
causing them to talk less.
However, they often went to the Hidden Scripture Pavilion to read some ancient texts about Body Refining.
In fact, even without saying it, they understood each other. The shock Ji You caused by sweeping the entire Realm was too great, making them unconsciously consider it.
However, they are currently only at the stage of understanding and have not truly begun to try.
Now, hearing the discussions of their Senior Brother and Senior Sister, they instantly gave up that idea.
“Is there a way to eliminate the physical body’s restriction on Divine Thought?”
Several Elders in the Elder Council also heard the news of Ji You’s return. At this moment, standing in the pavilion, they were also discussing animatedly among themselves.
Elder Fang smiled upon hearing this: “Body Refining is an irreversible process, so it naturally cannot be eliminated. It’s not as if no one walked this path a thousand years ago, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many Body Refining ancient texts left behind. The decline of this Dao is enough to explain the problem.”
Ge Elder couldn’t help but frown slightly: “What exactly is this Ji You doing?”
“It’s just the limitation of his background.”
“?”
Elder Fang picked up the teacup on the table, lightly scraping the foam with the lid: “He relied on his talent to forcefully reach this point, but compared to the children of Worldly Families, no one taught him what to do later.”
The Elders in the Elder Council instantly understood his meaning after hearing this.
If Ji You’s talent were placed within a Worldly Family, he would certainly be cultivated as a seed.
His family’s ancestors would definitely use their experience to create a detailed Cultivation plan for him, specifying what to do at each Realm,
what Medicinal Pills to take, precisely down to the last detail.
A divergent path like Body Refining would absolutely not be taken.
But Ji You came from the countryside, with no ancestors in his family. Perhaps he developed this bad habit of Body Refining before entering the academy as a private Cultivator.
This indeed enhanced his combat power, allowing him to win the Heavenly Dao Conference in one fell swoop, but the drawbacks have also become obvious.
When Elder Fang spoke of this, he couldn't help but fall silent. To still reach the Tongxuan Upper Realm under the physical body’s restriction made him realize how strong Ji You’s original talent must have been.
If such a person had not undergone Body Refining, perhaps he wouldn’t have taken the top spot at the Heavenly Dao Conference, but the possibility of entering the top ten still existed. After entering the Xianxian Holy Land and then emerging, he might truly be limitless.
At this moment, the words “making a cocoon for oneself” appeared in their minds.
Also feeling complicated were Cao Jinsong, Ban Yangshu, Wen Zhengxin, and the Lu family’s Second Miss, who were sitting in the courtyard.
After returning from the Heavenly Dao Conference, they too gained immense prestige because of Ji You.
Cao Jinsong went from being an unknown Instructor to a popular figure in the Outer Courtyard. The Master’s Courtyard even swapped Ding Ang’s courtyard with his, giving him a larger place to live.
Actually, he didn’t particularly want to change to a new courtyard, as no place is as comfortable as one’s own familiar home.
But as the Instructor of the Heavenly Dao Conference’s top-ranked individual, the Master’s Courtyard also didn’t want him to live too shabbily.
As for the Lu family’s Second Miss, after entering the Inner Courtyard, she chose Zizai Hall, belonging to the same hall as He Lingxiu. Although not comparable to a direct Disciple, some basic spells were accessible in the hall.
As for Wen Zhengxin and Ban Yangshu, they spent their days Cultivating the Dao in the courtyard, free from many worries.
It was only recently that the sudden appearance of unusual celestial phenomena and the emergence of Evil Seeds stirred their hearts. During that time, they had returned to Feng Province once with Kuang Cheng.
But as Mu Qing told Ji You, Feng Province is now the station of the Zhenbei Army. Although Evil Seeds have appeared, they haven’t caused any major trouble.
However, seeing Ji You return, this calm seemed to be suddenly broken.
The news of Ji You’s failure to Breakthrough had been circulating for half a month. At that time, Cao Jinsong scoffed at it, yet he never imagined that it would actually be true.
In the vast courtyard, everyone looked at Ji You, who was seated, their gazes gradually solidifying.
It was Cao Jinsong who spoke first.
“You unfilial Disciple, what exactly did you do in the Xianxian Holy Land?
”
“Cultivating.”
Cao Jinsong’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch: “After more than half a year, why are you still in the Tong Xuan Realm?”
Ji You rolled up his sleeves at this moment: “It’s true that I was Cultivating, but I was doing Body Refining.”
“You ran to the Xianxian Holy Land to do Body Refining?”
“A good man should have a good body.”
Cao Jinsong stared at him for a long time, his eyes suddenly becoming serious: “Don’t mess around with me. Is your connection between man and heaven restricted by your physical body? I told you early on that Body Refining is not the Righteous Path.”
Ji You had anticipated this interrogation, and hearing the question, he couldn't help but say: “I never thought about Immortal Ascension, so combat power is the most important thing to me. The path of Body Refining is the easiest for me to walk and the fastest way to increase combat power.”
Cao Jinsong frowned: “Where did this theory come from? Were you perhaps deceived by someone?”
“It’s a conclusion I reached myself. Instructor, do you know that Body Refining actually has different Realms?”
“?”
“When I first started Body Refining, a large part of it was indeed out of helplessness, but then I discovered that this path might not be impassable.”
As Ji You spoke, he slightly clenched his fist, and then an Aura began to emanate from his body.
Under the overwhelming heat, everyone slightly held their breath, finding their hairs instantly standing on end, as if facing a colossal beast.
Bang!
With a muffled thud, all five people in the room reached out to steady themselves on the stone table, feeling the surging pressure before them, a trace of disbelief flashing in their eyes.
Ji You had already released his Aura to Cao Jinsong once during his Integration Dao. Although Instructor Cao felt considerable pressure that time, he managed to maintain a composed expression.
But this time, that Aura made him feel unable to resist.
After a long while, the scorching Aura in the field gradually receded, and the five people opposite instantly felt much more relaxed.
Cao Jinsong’s eyes were filled with disbelief.
Because compared to the last time, he could feel that his unfilial Disciple’s Aura now truly far surpassed all current Realms.
When he first returned to Tianshu Academy, he was arrogant and dared to point fingers at the Elders of the Elder Council. Some Elders secretly became angry during that time, but the pressure they released was not as suffocating as this.
Cao Jinsong calmed his mind and withdrew the Spiritual Qi he used to resist: “Does Body Refining really have Realm divisions, and can one continuously Breakthrough?”
“Currently, yes.”
“What Realm are you—now?”
Ji You clenched his fist: “I’ll know for sure after I find an Elder to beat me up in a few days.”
Ban Yangshu looked at Ji You at this moment: “Junior Brother, are you going to give up Dao Cultivation? Only follow this path?”
“I haven’t given it up either; it’s just a matter of taking some and giving up some.”
“But it’s not false that a powerful physical body restricts the connection between man and heaven. Can you still feel the Heavenly Dao now?”
After hearing Ban Yangshu’s words, a surging golden light gradually rose in Ji You’s eyes. In a short while, his eyes were like molten gold, and his flickering Divine Thought was like leaping flames, burning ceaselessly.
The connection between man and heaven requires Comprehension Ability, but its foundation is Divine Thought.
Theoretically, no matter how strong the physical body, as long as the Divine Thought remains superior, the connection with the Heavenly Dao will not be completely blocked.
Besides Body Refining, Ji You had been training his Divine Thought with sword manipulation techniques in the Xianxian Holy Land.
He had indeed decided to continue on the path of Body Refining, but he had not completely given up on cultivating his Comprehension Ability.
Just then, Ji You noticed a slender, pale hand reach out and pinch his biceps.
Ji You turned his head and saw that Wen Shijie’s eyes were fixed on him, as if she was testing his hardness.
No wonder they say Lingjian Mountain’s Young Miss Jian is amazing; she’s so strong, yet she can still endure it.
Wen Zhengxin couldn't help but recall how his parents, who were quick to adapt, had tried to arrange a marriage for him before the Heavenly Dao Conference, and he thought to himself, 'If it had succeeded, wouldn't I have been killed?'
Ji You didn't know Wen Zhengxin’s thoughts were so lewd, otherwise he would definitely tell his Senior Sister that the tsundere hadn't dared to try yet.
Lu Qingqiu's thoughts were similar to Wen Zhengxin's, so much so that on the way back, she bit her silver teeth lightly, her eyes glistening.
She thought to herself, 'If there's ever a real chance in the future, wouldn't I be shattered?' And Lu family's Second Miss, Lu Hanyan, also felt a little worried.
She thought to herself, 'Whether I get married or my sister gets married, wouldn't I be sent flying?'
Amidst the surging emotions in their hearts, both sisters were imagining R-rated scenes, and they didn't know how they had walked back to the courtyard. After a long while, Lu Qingqiu came back to her senses, her cheeks flushed, and she looked at her sister, realizing her sister also looked as if she had something to say but hesitated, immediately knowing that her sister was thinking the same improper thoughts as her.
Then, a letter on the table caught their attention.
The letter was from Feng Province, written by their father, and its content was roughly asking about their Cultivation and the situation in the Inner Courtyard.
Besides these, it also briefly mentioned the situation in Feng Province.
Evil Seeds also appeared in Feng Province, but fortunately, the Ling Shi Merchant Association was there, and they dealt with them relatively quickly. People were sent to encircle and suppress the places where the nearby Spirit Mines appeared.
They were also investigating the source of these Evil Seeds, but there was no news yet, so Lu Qingqiu was asked to pay attention to any news at Tianshu Academy.
However, what caught Lu Qingqiu's attention the most was her father mentioning several young talents in the letter.
Some were from Qing Province, and some were from You Province, saying they were Worldly Family Disciples with impressive Cultivation, and he also subtly hinted that she had reached marriageable age.
Seeing this, Lu Qingqiu frowned slightly.
During her sister's Autumn Tournament, her father had secretly hinted to her, likely intending for her to find a way to marry Ji You.
But her father suddenly changed his mind at this time, mentioning other people to her, probably because the news of Ji You emerging from Xianxian Holy Land without a Breakthrough had become known.
At that time, the Elder Council made concessions for Ji You, allowing her sister to enter Tianshu Academy, considering that Ji You, who emerged from Xianxian Holy Land, would be immeasurable, and this was almost universally recognized throughout the Qingyun World.
And now, probably everyone felt that Ji You, who hadn't made a Breakthrough even in Xianxian Holy Land, had reached the end of his Cultivation path.
The Qingyun World was already realistically cruel, and this never surprised anyone.
Meanwhile, Chunhua Alley.
Ji You left Cao Jinsong’s courtyard, went down the Nishan Sacred Path, and arrived at Kuang Cheng’s residence.
After a long absence, Kuang Cheng, seeing Ji You again, was overjoyed: “Brother Ji is back?”
Ji You stepped into the door, looking refreshed: “Where’s my big fat nephew? Bring him out for his uncle to see.”
“Brother Ji, you’re truly reckless—”
“I’ve been gone for at least seven or eight months. Don’t tell me you and Wei Rui haven’t done anything proper?”
Kuang Cheng turned and entered his bedroom, taking out two account books and placing them on the table.
“After the autumn harvest, I discussed with several officials in Feng Province and established the Worry-Free Merchant Guild, using the remaining grain to relieve many people in the other eight provinces. I also recruited some people to go to Feng Province. The ranch Brother Ji mentioned earlier has been built, and the large markets in several counties have also been merged and are under unified government jurisdiction.”
Ji You took the account books and flipped through them.
Goodness, he was doing all serious business.
He knew Kuang Cheng was always serious about such matters, so entrusting him was the right choice.
The only regret was that he didn't have the guts to be fruitful with Wei Rui.
Unlike him, who had already consulted with the high and mighty Lingjian Mountain’s Young Miss Jian about having children.
Kuang Cheng sat down at this moment: “Everyone outside is saying that Brother Ji, you haven’t made a Breakthrough. What’s going on?”
Ji You looked up at the sound and replied in a simple manner: “The path I’m taking is a bit different from theirs. My Realm hasn’t improved, but my body is better.”
Kuang Cheng felt relieved after hearing this: “Then I’m relieved. It’s good as long as your body is well.”
After spring, the barbarian army once again appeared outside the Ten Thousand Mountains.
Kuang Cheng was worried about the war restarting, so he went to inquire and learned that the barbarian clan emperor also had a daughter, but she was older and quite robust.
However, he believed in Ji You; he always felt that his Brother Ji’s charm could appeal to both young and old.
Enduring “hardship” for the sake of the people was nothing to fear.
Ji You now put down the account book in his hand: “I heard from your colleagues that many things have happened in the Qingyun World since I entered Xianxian Holy Land.”
He had always been concerned about the natural anomalies and the appearance of Evil Seeds, but among the rumors, there were truths and falsehoods, making it difficult for him to distinguish.
He came to Kuang Cheng this time precisely because, as an official of the Master Jian, the information he knew should be the most reliable.
Kuang Cheng had actually been waiting for him because of this matter. After hearing him mention it, he took out a map from a reddish-brown small cabinet and placed it in front of Ji You.
This was a complete map of the Nine Provinces that could be bought in shops, but it was marked with many remote areas, all places where Evil Seeds had been confirmed to appear.
Kuang Cheng looked at Ji You at this moment: “I think this matter is very strange.”
Ji You looked at the map and pondered for a long time before speaking: “Are you referring to the sudden appearance of Evil Seeds without a traceable source?”
“Brother Ji must have noticed too, this matter is somewhat similar to the Qi Ridge incident.”
“It doesn’t look like a natural disaster, more like a man-made one.”
Kuang Cheng nodded slightly, looking solemn: “Everything in this world has a cause and effect. I think someone must have done something for so many Evil Seeds to appear in the Qingyun World, just like that demonic person from the Zheng Family back then. It’s a pity Dou Yuankong is mentally deranged and can’t speak, otherwise, there might be clues to follow.”
Ji You had also come into close contact with the Evil Seeds that appeared this time and knew that investigating along these demonic things would certainly yield nothing.
The only clue at present was actually Dou Yuankong, who had been rescued.
Actually, Ji You had thought about visiting Dou Yuankong on his way back, but after much deliberation, he decided against it.
Dou Yuankong’s condition was due to his departure from the capital, and although everything was self-inflicted, now that he was in such a state, the Dou family probably wouldn’t want to see him.
Ji You looked up: “Mental derangement should be a problem with the Divine Soul. Do you think the Dan Sect might have a cure?”
Kuang Cheng shook his head very straightforwardly after hearing this: “Actually, the Dan Sect once sent a Dan Master over, but after a long period of treatment, he was still in that ghastly state.”
“The Dou family could actually invite a Dan Master?”
“The other Seven Great Immortal Sects jointly invited him. They probably also understood that this matter was not simple and wanted to find out something from Dou Yuankong’s mouth.”
Kuang Cheng pointed to the direction of Sanli County on the map: “But one thing is very strange: Dou Yuankong is an official’s Young Master, incapable of heavy labor, so there’s no reason for him to go to such a remote place as Sanli County. I’ve always thought he shouldn’t have gone there voluntarily.”
Ji You raised his eyes upon hearing this: “This is indeed a clue. Can the Master Jian send someone to investigate?”
“My Master Jian’s personnel have all been sent to clear the Evil Seeds, so we can’t spare anyone. However, the Seven Great Immortal Sects have sent people, and by now, they should have arrived. I wonder if they can find anything.”
After the Qi Ridge incident, things were calm for two years, but Ji You had always suspected that Zheng Family Old Ancestor’s Ascension failure was not the end of the matter.
Because he and Yuan Chen had been to the central immortal mountain in the ruins, and the traces they found also indicated that Zheng Family Old Ancestor was not the only one there.
So, there must be a reason why these people have been lying low for two years without any movement.
And there’s an ancient saying in the Qingyun World: “Year after year, the flowers are similar; year after year, the people are the same.”
This year, last year, and the years before were not much different; the only difference was the Heavenly Dao Conference and the opening of Xianxian Holy Land.
Ji You couldn’t help but recall the anomalies within Xianxian Holy Land, and his brow furrowed slightly.
The signs of chaos that had been circulating in the Qingyun World before might be referring to this.
To be honest, many Cultivators died in Qi Ridge at that time, so much so that the tax offerings for the following year decreased. If one were to think of it that way, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.
But the problem is, when the nest is overturned, there will likely be no intact eggs.