Chapter Sixteen: The Transcendent Spirit of Transformation

“Novels are mere murmurs, tales of fantasy, a pastime for leisure!”

Meeting the gaze of the carefree Daoist of the Human Sect, Zhou Qing gave a slight nod and spoke softly. Since even he found it interesting, it was likely that the story had become even more captivating as it spread.

“Not at all, Junior Brother Xuanqing, you are too modest. Though the tale is ethereal and fantastical, to the people of various nations, it is taken as truth. In just a few months, the reputation of our Daoist sect has grown considerably.”

“In that case, it surely benefits the strengthening of our Daoist way!”

If nothing was amiss, the carefree Daoist of the Human Sect before him should be the future sect leader. Observing his demeanor and actions, he was no ordinary figure. Although his cultivation was on par with Mu Xu, who stood beside him, the leadership belonged to him.

Noticing this required some discernment. Zhou Qing nodded to Human Sect’s Carefree and refrained from further words.

“That is true, but if these fantastical tales could be more closely linked to Daoism itself, it would be even better. Since the founding of our Daoist sect centuries ago, we have never truly grown strong.”

“Though we do not compete openly, it does not mean we do not strive. Xuanqing, continue writing during your leisure. Your senior brother eagerly awaits your work!”

“Junior Brother Chisong, let other matters wait until after our sword discussion!”

Mu Shanzi, the Human Sect leader, nodded in agreement. In recent months, many had come to apprentice under the Human Sect. Although most were of average talent, sheer numbers would eventually yield promising disciples.

He nodded appreciatively at Zhou Qing, then shifted his tone, his aura changing as he faced Chisongzi directly, speaking of the true core matter of the Grand View Terrace on Mount Taiyi.

“Hahaha, Brother Mu Shanzi, please!”

With a wave, he handed the Snow Cleansing Sword to Zhou Qing, then stepped out onto a nearby vacant field. The Human Sect’s Mu Shanzi laughed heartily, a breeze stirring around his feet as he followed closely.

The Grand View Terrace sword discussion on Mount Taiyi!

This was a tradition spanning centuries. At the level of Chisongzi and Mu Shanzi, only those who shared similar insights could advance further. Zhou Qing and the six others stood at the edges as bursts of mysterious light flickered, figures moving swiftly within the arena.

Massive energy shockwaves rippled ceaselessly, leaving a lingering resonance like flowing water. Agile movements cut through the void, palm techniques danced in harmony, causing heaven and earth’s vital energy to tremble. Each motion stirred the entire Grand View Terrace.

The seven quietly observed, hoping for some gain. But Chisongzi and Mu Shanzi were of slightly higher realms, moving too quickly, and without close proximity, it was nearly impossible to intervene.

“Senior Brother Carefree, has anything major happened around Mount Taiyi these days?”

Bored, Zhou Qing was currently hindered by the mysterious divine spirit. With so many years accrued, there was no need to rush. Suddenly, he recalled something and looked at Human Sect’s Carefree.

“Major happenings around Mount Taiyi?”

“There is, indeed. It has drawn the attention of many strong figures from various schools. Several years ago, a swordsmith from the Farmer’s Clan slew a fierce tiger near Mount Taiyi and discovered a cold spring.”

“Then, using local materials, he forged a weapon infused with the tiger’s spirit. For years, it has been patiently crafted. Rumor has it the sword is soon to be completed, and even before its completion, the roar of a tiger echoes from it, mighty and domineering.”

“As a result, many sword-wielders from the various schools flock there, hoping to claim the sword imbued with the fierce tiger’s essence!”

At Zhou Qing’s inquiry, Human Sect’s Carefree first paused, then pondered slightly before responding slowly. He seemed to share some anticipation for the sword but, judging from its attributes—forceful and domineering—it did not suit his disposition, so he had no intention of competing for it.

“The Tiger Soul Sword!”

“So that’s it!”

This time, Zhou Qing understood. No wonder so many experts had ventured deep into Mount Taiyi recently. If it was to contest the Tiger Soul Sword, it made sense. But since it was forged by the Farmer’s Clan, it likely remained within their domain.

He guessed the Farmer’s Clan had dispatched many strong fighters. If it truly was the Tiger Soul Sword, it had not yet left their ranks.

“Hahaha, no more fighting, no more fighting. Junior Brother Chisong, your cultivation is advancing swiftly. I am no match for you. The divine spirit merges with heaven and earth, controlling primordial energy; every move carries tremendous might.”

“You are nearing the pinnacle. One more step, and you shall reach the realm of enlightened return. I hope you cross that threshold. As for me, I cannot.”

After less than the time of a single incense stick, Mu Shanzi suddenly withdrew from the battle arena, laughing loudly and gasping for breath. His beard and hair were white; now in his sixties, his stamina waned. Though his inner strength remained, it could not rival the vigor of youth.

He admired Chisongzi’s powerful strikes.

“It is all thanks to our master’s teachings. Relying on Chisong alone, it would take much longer to reach this point!”

Chisongzi laughed heartily as well, his formidable inner strength fading back to normal. He took a step toward Zhou Qing and the others. The sword discussion concluded with the Snow Cleansing Sword still held within the Celestial Sect.

“Brother Mu Shanzi, the divine spirit merging with heaven and earth truly controls primordial energy?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing suddenly seemed to realize something. No wonder after his internal energy left his body and he reached innate perfection, he still felt something was lacking.

Could it be the mastery—the word 'control' itself? With this thought, the years of cultivation surged, and the primordial energy of heaven and earth gathered. A radiant smile spread across Zhou Qing’s face as torrents of overwhelming strength burst from his petite form.

The various mental techniques cultivated through the Daoist Scriptures operated in unison, revealing profound mysteries. His spiritual sense merged directly with heaven and earth, perceiving all things. The years of cultivation empowered him, intensifying everything profoundly.

The fragrance of flowers and grasses, the swaying of trees, the murmurs of mortals, the cries of beasts and birds, the drifting of clouds, the trembling of the void—all centered on Zhou Qing’s presence, radiating outward continuously. The immense waves of energy reverberated, shaking the primordial energy of heaven and earth.

Within a radius of one hundred meters, two hundred, five hundred, a thousand meters, the intensity grew stronger, still breaking through. The divine spirit merging realm was truly such a state—his spiritual sense blending with the cosmos.

Directly manipulating the primordial energy of heaven and earth, combined with his own power, unleashing mightier assaults, the gateway to myriad wonders controlled everything. Brilliant beams of mysterious light encircled Zhou Qing. The inner strength in his meridians surged again, swelling like vast rivers and lakes into an ocean.

All mental techniques flowed freely, wandering as they pleased, ultimately merging all rivers into the sea.

In an instant, a breakthrough, a sudden transformation. Before Mu Shanzi could respond, Zhou Qing shattered his shackles, ascending to the divine spirit incarnation, advancing to the level just below the sect leader.