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Inquire the Mirror
Chapter 28: Mountain Interval

Chapter 28: Mountain Interval

In essence, the Divine Bronze Mirror is a treasure of extreme exclusivity.

Whether it's the common True Qi or the Gangsha possessed by Cultivators above the Golden Elixir Stage, if they fail to meet the requirement of resonance with its aura, no matter how much is infused, it can only stimulate the most superficial Green Spirit Guide, and at most add the likes of Stored Talismans. It is absolutely impossible to activate its deeper functions.

Even if the requirement of resonance is met, to further refine it and enhance its nature, there is another prerequisite - the Divine Map.

For the owner of the Divine Bronze Mirror, the Divine Map is not only the deep function of the Divine Bronze Mirror, but also the true link between the owner and the Divine Bronze Mirror.

To refine the Divine Bronze Mirror, the first step is to move one's thoughts to the center of the Divine Map, above one's own reflection. This reflection has a name, called "Soul Image". According to the refining mantra, it is the projection of the Divine Soul, and the key node for the owner's Divine Soul to connect with the Divine Bronze Mirror.

The Divine Soul must pass through the "Soul Image" to truly connect with the Divine Bronze Mirror, open the "Closed Apertures" within the mirror, and actively absorb the owner's Primordial Qi to begin the refining process.

The more Yu Ci refines, the more he realizes the benefits of refining.

"Embracing the divine energy, transforming it into vital energy, this energy is not the other energy, but is Gang, is Sha, is Primordial Qi..."

This was what Ye Tu said in the Sky Rift Valley that day. According to him, "Primordial Qi" should be the exclusive property of Golden Elixir cultivators. It is the energy flow that operates within the Cultivator's body after the Cultivator has achieved success in Longevity Methods and the Golden Elixir. It is the basis for Cultivators to move mountains and seas, and fly through the sky. In terms of quality, it is far above True Qi.

Of course, Yu Ci has not reached the Golden Elixir Stage, but through days of verification, he vaguely feels that after the accident half a month ago, his True Qi, which has been accumulated for more than ten years, has mysteriously transformed into the "Primordial Qi" form through refining into Essence Pearl in the mirror and then embracing the Merged divine intention.

Of course, this is purely a feeling, as Yu Ci has never truly experienced "Primordial Qi". Speaking of which, he indeed had contact with Golden Elixir and higher level Cultivators: but when he served the Twin Immortals in his younger years, he had no corresponding concept; and Immortal Ye Bin, whom he encountered a few days ago, was such an extraordinary person that Yu Ci could not grasp the subtleties of her moves.

His only experience was when he was controlling the Divine Soul Sword, the feeling of divine energy merging and blending with each other. According to Ye Tu, that state was closest to the power of Gangsha.

For several days now, he had felt the transformation of the Primordial Qi within him. It was a clear and steady sensation, far from the fleeting moment experienced during the Divine Soul Sword Control. It was due to this that he was able to calmly unleash the Sword Finger that day, initially touching upon the profound mystery of Ye Bin's Light Mist Sword Intent.

"Primordial Qi... let's just call it Primordial Qi!"

Although there was no evidence, Yu Ci was certain that the nature of the Primordial Qi within him had indeed undergone a qualitative change. At his level of cultivation, what else could it be after such a transformation, if not the "Primordial Qi"?

Having resolved this question, another very real problem presented itself:

He found that, apart from the wave transformed by the Divine Bronze Mirror that day, the natural Qi produced during his practice in the following days was still the same old True Qi. This True Qi was incompatible with the "Primordial Qi", like oil and water, making him uncomfortable during circulation within his body.

This was probably the result of him not truly entering the Golden Elixir Stage. If not changed, his Primordial Qi might be tainted by Acquired Qi over time, leading to all his previous efforts being wasted.

Luckily, he had the Divine Bronze Mirror.

When he began to refine according to the newly acquired method, his divine intent naturally focused on it, absorbing Primordial Qi and controlling the heat. Each time was quite strenuous, consuming most of his energy. But in this process, like tempering a blade, the performance of the Divine Bronze Mirror was gradually improved bit by bit, and the impurities in his own Primordial Qi were refined, elevating it to the standard of "Primordial Qi".

In this way, even if he couldn't practice Longevity Methods, he could maintain the purity of "Primordial Qi" and make steady progress. It had to be said, the Divine Bronze Mirror was truly...

A treasure indeed!

The more he refined, the more attached Yu Ci became to this treasure. He would definitely spend several hours each day working hard on it. The refinement was becoming increasingly refined. It could be imagined that as long as he followed this method, step by step, persistently, he would be able to fully unlock the secrets of the Treasure Mirror in the near future. Moreover, this treasure would always belong to him, and no one could take it away!

Every time he thought of this, he was filled with excitement.

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Today's practice was over, and it was already nightfall. Like a ghost, Yu Ci emerged from his hiding place and, guided by the starlight, headed towards the deep mountains in the southwest.

The information revealed by Lu Yang and Jin Chuan piqued his interest. Given White Sun Mansion's dominance in the sheer cliff city, when they mentioned the Lichen Sect, they inadvertently placed themselves in a disadvantaged position. One could imagine how powerful this unfamiliar Sect Power must be. It was necessary to make a plan in advance.

Yu Ci activated the Godspeed Talisman, creating a gust of wind under his feet. He arrived at his destination, three hundred li away, in just over an hour, nearly twenty percent faster than his original speed.

After stopping, his breath was slightly hurried, but it quickly returned to normal after a few breaths. He didn't venture further, but instead opened the Divine Map nearby. It took him a short time to confirm his location, and he quickly found a group of man-made buildings in the mountains.

In the faint light, every grass and tree under the night sky was taken in. This was a Daoist temple, quite large in scale, divided into east, middle, and west courtyards. The middle courtyard had three sections, with grand halls and buildings, housing over a hundred Taoists.

Within tens of thousands of miles, there were few signs of human activity. This Daoist temple was clearly not supported by the power of Incense Flame. Undoubtedly, this was the destination of Jin Huan and his party.

"External Affair Temple... it must be where miscellaneous affairs are handled," Yu Ci thought to himself. With this in mind, he switched his perspective one by one, preparing to comb through the inside and outside of the Daoist temple, preparing for any possible changes tomorrow. His gaze began at the East Court where the Taoists rested, slowly moved to the cluster of halls in the middle courtyard, then to the gardens in the west courtyard, and so far, he had not found any problems.

But at this moment, fog rose, and the small garden became blurry.

Tens of miles away, Yu Ci widened his eyes: "That is..."

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The next day, as planned, the people of White Sun Mansion set off at the break of dawn. They didn't spare their horses, and by the early morning hours, they arrived at the foot of a jade-green mountain. The mountain was not very high, but it was filled with trees, streams, clear mist, and unique rocks, giving it a celestial aura. Jin Huan stopped the carriage at the foot of the mountain, leaving only one warrior to guard it, while the remaining nine people climbed the mountain on foot.

Among them, Jin Huan and Lu Yang were regular visitors, while Jin Chuan and Kuang Yan Qi were here for the first time. They couldn't help but be curious. Lu Yang then reminded his disciples, "This is already the territory of the Still Heart Temple. Although it is the location of the Lichen Sect's Outer Sect, there are often highly skilled individuals passing by. The old Temple Master of the temple, Yu Zhou, has been in the world for three hundred years. He is a remarkable senior, and you must not take him lightly."

This was not the first time these two young men had been reminded. Because of their exceptional talent, they were highly respected in the mansion, especially Jin Chuan, who considered himself the next Mansion Master of the White Sun Mansion. This was acceptable within the mansion, but here, they needed to exercise restraint.

This intention was not hidden, even the accompanying warriors knew it. Amidst Kuang Yan Qi's nods of agreement, Jin Chuan glanced at his uncle, obediently lowering his head.

Jin Huan and his party were walking on the mountain road. Despite the pleasant surroundings, they were in a hurry and quickly passed the halfway point of the mountain. They could see the flying eaves of the temple on the mountain, appearing and disappearing from view, occasionally hidden by the trees. After a few miles, it was again in sight. They were almost at the Still Heart Temple.

Just then, the sound of stepping on branches and leaves rang out. From the maple forest beside the mountain road, a Taoist priest emerged.

The sudden appearance of the Taoist priest caught everyone off guard. The five accompanying warriors reacted swiftly, their bodies tense as they watched the newcomer. However, they knew that this was not the territory of the White Sun Mansion. Even if they were hostile, they had to restrain themselves.

The Taoist priest, with a face as white as snow and seemingly youthful, was draped in a jade-colored robe. Tall and slender, his jet-black hair was tied atop his head, adorned with a star crown. He was impeccably groomed from head to toe. With hands clasped behind his back, he exuded an air of leisurely composure. Jin Chuan and Kuang Yan Qi, both young and handsome, seemed constrained in the presence of their elders, unlike the unencumbered stranger.

Upon seeing Jin Huan and his party, the Taoist priest was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered with a smile. He showed no reaction to the warriors accompanying them and made no attempt to initiate conversation. Instead, he respectfully stepped aside, gesturing for them to pass. His calm and humble demeanor was endearing.

Although Jin Huan was known for his arrogance, the Still Heart Temple was just a stone's throw away. It was possible that the Taoist priest was one of its cultivators. Therefore, Jin Huan gave a slight nod, a sign of considerable respect given his status. Seeing the Mansion Master's reaction, the warriors relaxed and bowed their heads in deference.

As the two parties went their separate ways, Jin Huan suddenly asked, "What do you think?"

Lu Yang furrowed his brows, responding softly, "Strange, his True Spirit is vibrant, yet his Yin Spirit is not condensed. His cultivation level seems to be only in the early to middle stages of the Nature-Connecting phase. However, his aura is imposing, almost like..."

"Like the Formation of Gang Sha, right?"

"Could it really be so? Has he begun Forming the Golden Elixir?"

Lu Yang was taken aback, and the two young men behind him turned to look. The handsome Taoist priest continued walking at a leisurely pace, seemingly admiring the maple leaves gradually turning red by the roadside. As he rounded a corner, he disappeared from their sight.

At this moment, Jin Huan complimented Lu Yang, "Being able to discern the subtleties of his aura, you must have attuned to the Gang Sha. Even a high-level Nature-Connecting cultivator wouldn't be able to do this. Your cultivation has continued to progress over the years, which is commendable. In a decade, you might be ready to attempt Forming the Golden Elixir."

Lu Yang quickly demurred. Behind them, Jin Chuan, who was slightly less composed, couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, is that Taoist really a Golden Elixir cultivator?"

Jin Huan didn't directly respond, only saying, "He revealed his presence from miles away. He likely means no harm. Don't treat him lightly."

The younger ones didn't press further, feeling that the Mansion Master's depth was unfathomable. But having followed Jin Huan for many years, Lu Yang understood from his tone that Jin Huan himself was uncertain.

However, was it really that difficult to confirm whether a cultivator was in the Formation of Gang Sha?

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Today's update brings us to a new level of the story, thanks to Brother Fishbone. Your support is greatly appreciated! Clicks, favorites, reviews - I want them all!

I have also posted the following more chapters [All free] on: https://www.readgates.com/article/74a39e