bookpub Chapter 184 The Celestial Constellations, Governing the Four Symbols, Creating the Path to Enlighten
Chapter 184 The Celestial Constellations, Governing the Four Symbols, Creating the Path to Enlighten
Chapter 184 The Celestial Constellations, Governing the Four Symbols, Creating the Path to Enlightenment
Li Huo Dian
As the Vermilion Bird Venerable released his true energy, the large door carved with the divine bird Vermilion Bird slowly opened.
Li Xijun, who was following behind, couldn't help but look over with some curiosity.
As the door opened, the first thing that rushed out was a scorching and pure aura, which was not harsh but rather carried a sacred warmth.
The interior space of the hall is extremely spacious, with a towering dome that seems to reach straight into the clouds.
As Li Xijun and the Vermilion Bird Venerable entered,
You can see that along the way, all the palace walls are engraved with countless lifelike Vermilion Bird reliefs.
They are all in different poses: some sing loudly, flapping their wings as if about to take flight, each feather clearly defined, as if they are about to burst through the wall at any moment; some fold their wings and perch on the sacred phoenix tree, their eyes looking down with disdain, noble and majestic; some breathe out true fire from their mouths, burning away all evil, with a magnificent momentum...
Each Vermilion Bird embodies a different Daoist essence, together forming the complete image of the Vermilion Bird divine bird from birth, growth, nirvana to its dominance over the world, exuding an ancient and sacred aura.
"It is said that the Four Spirit Halls of the Palace of Stars are ancient temples that existed in ancient times, and now it seems that this is probably true."
Reflecting on the history of the Star Palace that Li Xijun had learned over the past few days, she felt more and more that this world was not so simple.
The Vermilion Bird Venerable, who became extremely solemn upon entering the hall, continued walking without stopping, leading Li Xijun directly to the deepest part of the hall.
It is a nine-tiered lotus platform carved from a single piece of Red Sun Divine Jade.
Above the lotus platform, instead of a statue of a deity, floats a large seal about the size of a human head, entirely crimson, as if carved from the purest crimson jade!
This seal has an ancient and simple design. The seal knob is a Vermilion Bird, a mythical bird with outstretched wings and an extremely agile posture. The details of its feathers, eyes, and even every claw and toe are clearly visible, as if it embodies the essence of all the flames in the world and the majesty of the mythical bird.
The seal is engraved with countless ancient divine characters, as fine as ants, flowing with golden-red light, as well as mysterious runes symbolizing fire, light, purification, and nirvana.
A vast, sacred, and terrifying pressure, seemingly capable of burning everything yet containing endless vitality, permeated the space around the lotus platform with an unmistakable clarity, like a dormant volcano, causing the air to freeze.
This is the treasured artifact of the Vermilion Bird lineage, a divine weapon inherited from ancient times—the Vermilion Bird Seal!
"This is the Vermilion Bird Seal."
The voice of Venerable Zhuque echoed in the vast hall, carrying an unprecedented solemnity and piety.
"The fundamental inheritance of my Vermilion Bird lineage, the Vermilion Bird Fire Burning Heaven Scripture, is contained within it."
She turned around, her phoenix eyes fixed on Li Xijun, her gaze sharp as a knife, all traces of her previous languid playfulness gone.
"Xi Jun, as a part of the supreme divine skill 'Zhou Tian Xing Chen Si Xiang Jue', this 'Zhu Que Li Huo Fen Tian Jing' also has strict requirements on the aptitude, comprehension, and even luck of the learner."
"In the past, there were many geniuses who made it onto the list of human beings and obtained the qualification to pass on their skills, but recently there have been quite a few who have failed to pass on their skills."
"hope-jun, are you ready?"
Li Xijun felt the immense pressure emanating from the Vermilion Bird Seal and was filled with dread.
He took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said, "This disciple is ready. Please, Venerable One, bestow your teachings."
"Alright!" Venerable Vermilion Bird nodded and said no more.
She extended her slender finger, pointed it in the air, and instantly a complex golden-red rune condensed at her fingertip. It flashed and disappeared in an instant, turning into a stream of light that went straight into Li Xijun's brow.
"Buzz!"
Li Xijun felt a jolt in his mind, and a profound and obscure incantation was instantly imprinted deep in his consciousness.
This is precisely the secret incantation for communicating with the Vermilion Bird Seal and guiding one's spiritual understanding of the "Vermilion Bird Separating Fire and Burning Heaven Scripture"!
"Close your eyes, concentrate, circulate the incantation, and gently touch the Vermilion Bird Seal with your spirit and will!" came the words of the Vermilion Bird Venerable.
Li Xijun sat cross-legged in front of the lotus platform as instructed, and closed her eyes.
He abandoned all distracting thoughts, sank his mind into his sea of consciousness, and began to silently practice the incantation he had just obtained.
As the incantation was activated, Li Xijun's spirit came into contact with the Vermilion Bird Seal at that very moment!
"boom!"
Li Xijun's entire spiritual world seemed to have been immersed in the core of the sun!
The scorching will that could burn the heavens and destroy the earth, and the eternal Daoist principles of rebirth, surged violently into his sea of consciousness like a bursting dam of stars!
This is not words, not images, but the purest true meaning of the Vermilion Bird!
He "saw" the scene of the beginning of chaos, when the first flame was born in the void;
He "senses" the rage and destruction of the flames, and the boundless vitality that lies within that destruction;
He "understood" that the essence of fire is purification, sublimation, and the supreme power to dispel darkness and filth;
He also "touched" the true meaning of Nirvana hidden deep within the core of the flames—to live towards death, to burn away the old self, and to forge eternity!
The vast flow of information assaulted his soul and scorched his will, as if his very soul were being forged in flames.
But Li Xijun's spiritual realm, honed through countless trials and tribulations
Yet they can easily endure all kinds of pain and feel the true meaning.
Gradually.
Time seemed to have lost its meaning.
After an unknown amount of time, the raging torrent finally subsided, turning into a gentle stream that flowed quietly into his consciousness.
The opening chapter and the external landscape chapter of the complete cultivation technique "Vermilion Bird Separating Fire Burning Heaven Scripture", which contains the supreme power of burning the heavens and boiling the seas and rebirth, have been clearly imprinted deep in his soul!
Moreover, the supreme Daoist essence of the Vermilion Bird was deeply imprinted in the deepest part of his soul, forming a rune that was extremely close to the destiny of a true dragon.
Li Xijun slowly opened her eyes.
In the depths of his eyes, two tiny, flickering golden flames seemed to flash and then disappear.
Although the "Suzaku Li Huo Fen Tian Jing" (Vermilion Bird Separating Fire Burning Heaven Scripture) was incredibly profound for him, it was also easy for him to understand and master.
However, Li Xijun's entire mind and attention were completely absorbed in the cultivation techniques of the outer realm.
As he pondered the various wondrous mysteries of this exterior chapter, "The Vermilion Bird's Departing Fire Burns the Heavens Scripture,"
Meanwhile, the perfect energy circulation system constructed from the meridians and acupoints within his own body appeared in his mind.
As Li Xijun continued to simulate it in his mind,
He had failed countless times in his attempts to create a new method.
He had memorized almost all the meridians and acupoints in his body, and their effects on the circulation of spiritual energy.
The effects of the external landscape technique of the "Vermilion Bird's Blazing Fire Heaven Scripture" were already vaguely appearing in my mind.
"Whether it's the speed of absorbing spiritual energy, the strength of the technique, or the intensity of the fire-attribute spiritual energy it generates, it surpasses the seven advanced cultivation methods."
"Especially compared to the 'Corona Survey Scripture,' it's almost twice as powerful!"
"This is only a quarter of the incomplete supreme advanced cultivation method!"
"And most importantly..."
He suddenly opened his eyes, and was immediately taken aback.
"In the outer realm chapter of the Vermilion Bird Fire Burning Heaven Scripture, it seems that the three hundred and sixty-five major acupoints are the core, and the minor acupoints and meridians that are opened and manifested during the outer realm are used to construct the circulation route. It happens to occupy the southern part of my most perfect energy circulation system, and a quarter of my entire meridian and acupoint system."
This prompted Li Xijun to immediately suppress his thoughts, turn to look at Venerable Zhuque, and ask a question:
"Teacher, the cultivation method of the exterior chapter of the 'Vermilion Bird's Blazing Fire Heaven-Burning Scripture' seems somewhat peculiar?"
"Yes, the Vermilion Bird Fire Burns the Heavens Scripture is one of the Four Symbols derived from the Four Symbols of the Celestial Spheres."
Venerable Vermilion Bird was somewhat surprised that Li Xijun had finished reading even the exterior scenes so quickly, but he still explained it to him:
"It is said that the supreme divine skill, the Zhou Tian Xing Chen Si Xiang Jue, is a technique that can perfectly operate 1,296 acupoints and 360 meridians. Its power when activated is almost unparalleled throughout history. However, since the Night Emperor, no one has ever been seen to successfully cultivate it."
"Has anyone tried it?" Li Xijun's words were only halfway through.
But then Venerable Suzaku immediately guessed what he meant next.
"You mean, has anyone tried to cultivate the other four elemental cultivation techniques simultaneously?"
These predictable words instantly gave Li Xijun a bad feeling about a thought that had just arisen.
"As early as ancient times, the Venerables of the Star Palace had already tried it. It was possible to cultivate multiple techniques simultaneously, but it was useless. When operating, only one technique could be used at a time. There would be no illusion of four techniques operating at the same time to form the 'Zhou Tian Xing Chen Si Xiang Jue'."
A smile played on the lips of Venerable Zhuque, as if he had expected this all along:
"I had the same thought when I first saw this outdoor cultivation technique, but I was told the outcome early on."
"This is impossible, according to the experiments of generations of wise men and geniuses in the Palace of Stars."
"Even if one cultivates four different techniques, it's still just a forced patchwork. Unless someone can observe the [Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Array] with extraordinary comprehension, comparable to the likes of the Night Emperor and immortals, and grasp the meaning of the [Zhou Tian Xing Dou] within it, only then can one control the Four Symbols."
"Only then can one achieve what generations of venerable ones and sages have dreamed of: to cultivate the true 'Zhou Tian Xing Chen Si Xiang Jue' from the Four Spirits' 'Azure Dragon Yi Wood Longevity Technique', 'Vermilion Bird Li Huo Fen Tian Jing', 'Black Tortoise Zhen Hai Fu Di Fa', and 'White Tiger Qi Sha Lu Shen Pu'."
Li Xijun nodded in response, remaining silent and seemingly lost in thought.
The Vermilion Bird Venerable simply assumed he had given up. In high spirits, she led Li Xijun away from the Li Huo Palace once again.
Especially when he saw Li Qinghan guarding outside, the Vermilion Bird Venerable, who loved to tease, suddenly moved closer to Li Xijun and said:
"Now that you have obtained the 'Vermilion Bird's Blazing Fire Heaven Scripture,' you are officially considered a direct disciple of my Vermilion Bird lineage."
"It always feels awkward to call me 'venerable one' or something like that."
"My real name is Mu Wanqiu. From now on, when there are no outsiders around, you can just call me Sister Mu. When I'm in a good mood, I'll guide you through the Nirvana Double Rebirth."
"Whoosh!"
A platinum-gold sword aura, carrying a chilling killing intent, swept in.
Crimson flames ignited out of thin air, precisely devouring the platinum sword energy that tore through the air, emitting a soft "hiss" sound, like ice and snow thrown into a furnace, instantly vanishing without a trace, leaving only a wisp of green smoke.
Mu Wanqiu's figure was no longer in the original place. She seemed to have merged into a leaping flame, appearing lightly several feet away, her crimson skirt swaying slightly in the heat wave.
As she watched the wisp of smoke dissipate, far from being annoyed, she let out a string of melodious, bell-like laughs:
"Hehehe... Qinghan, your sword intent is becoming increasingly fierce, but as for your temper..."
She deliberately dragged out the last syllable, her phoenix eyes darting between Li Xijun and Li Qinghan, finally settling on Li Qinghan's icy, beautiful face.
"Still this big?"
"Sister, you were just giving some pointers to the disciples of my Vermilion Bird lineage. Why resort to swords? If you were to injure the future pillars of our Vermilion Bird lineage, I would be heartbroken!"
Her smile was bright and flamboyant, and she deliberately emphasized the word "heartache" in her words, which was full of ambiguous implications that left much to the imagination.
However, Li Qinghan completely ignored her teasing.
Just as the sword energy was extinguished, a white figure, as cold as ice and as swift as lightning, appeared beside Li Xijun. Its slightly cold hand, carrying a hint of chill, grabbed Li Xijun's wrist without any room for doubt.
The force was not violent, but exceptionally firm, carrying an irresistible quality.
"Walk."
Li Qinghan's voice was like an ice bead falling to the ground, containing only one word, crisp and decisive.
She didn't even glance at Mu Wanqiu again, radiating an aura of coldness that kept everyone at arm's length, before pulling Li Xijun away.
Li Xijun felt a cool yet powerful touch on his wrist. His sister's movements were so fast that he didn't have time to react before he was carried forward by a gentle yet powerful force.
He could clearly feel the fierce anger emanating from Li Qinghan, which he was trying to suppress but still managed to exude, like an invisible ice blade cutting through the scorching air around him.
He subconsciously glanced back.
Mu Wanqiu remained standing in the same spot, her crimson skirt resembling a blooming flame.
The mischievous smile on her face did not diminish at all; on the contrary, it became even brighter when Li Qinghan pulled Li Xijun away, even carrying a hint of slyness as if her "scheme had succeeded."
She waved her delicate hand at him with utmost naturalness and charm, leaving Li Xijun speechless and only able to shake his head and chuckle.
After leaving the vicinity of the Fire Palace, Li Qinghan coldly spoke:
"That woman has a terrible temper and never tells the truth. Don't think you can take advantage of her; you might end up getting burned."
"Yes, I understand."
Li Xijun wisely refrained from explaining anything on this point, instead directly changing the subject to Li Qinghan and asking:
"Sister, is there any way for me to learn the true skills of the White Tiger lineage? Anything else will do."
"You also have such unrealistic fantasies?"
Li Qinghan instantly understood Li Xijun's intention. Her furrowed brows, though dignified, revealed a different kind of alluring charm compared to Mu Wanqiu.
"Well, I still want to give it a try."
Li Xijun bluntly revealed her intentions.
Li Qinghan looked at him with a sharp gaze, his aura growing increasingly cold and imposing, as if he wanted to use his power to suppress him.
However, this method had no effect on Li Xijun whatsoever.
This situation continued for a while.
Li Qinghan then withdrew her chilling aura and agreed:
"The White Tiger lineage is simple enough. Once I advance to the Outer Realm and become a Saintess, or once I open a few more apertures and kill Jin Zangfeng, then it will be possible."
This surprised Li Xijun; it was indeed a simple and crude method.
"Jin Zangfeng is dead, and the position of his true successor is vacant. I'm having you fill the vacancy, and no one will say anything."
"But didn't I join the Vermilion Bird lineage before?"
Li Xijun asked tentatively.
"He simply possesses the true teachings of two lineages. I agree, and that woman agrees too. Who dares to say anything?"
Because of what just happened, Li Qinghan was so angry that she refused to call him "teacher" anymore.
But her words, still simple, direct, and domineering, made Li Xijun nod in agreement.
And after saying this,
Li Qinghan seemed to have thought of something, and after a moment's hesitation, he asked:
"Are you really going to try to achieve such an unrealistic fantasy as possessing all four meridians' skills?"
"Yes."
Li Xijun nodded emphatically.
"Then you should rest for a few days to consolidate your cultivation. When you descend the mountain to travel after reaching the Qi Opening Realm, you can explore with me."
Li Qinghan's voice condensed into a sound line and entered Li Xijun's ears.
"If things go smoothly this time, perhaps I can take you to see the Azure Dragon Seal."
These words surprised Li Xijun, who looked up at her older sister.
(End of this chapter)