Chapter 251 - 140: The Grotto Heaven Method and Zhengquan’s Gift

Chapter 251: Chapter 140: The Grotto Heaven Method and Zhengquan’s Gift

Xuzhuang nodded, dismissed the disciple with a wave, and left the grand hall. He streaked away in a rainbow of light, and moments later, he exited the Grotto Heaven through its original portal.

Outside, the sect’s main gate area was a hive of activity. Many of the original Celestial Permanence Sect’s buildings had been rebuilt, but some, like the Reception Hall, had not been hastily torn down. The Celestial Permanence Sect had clearly put a great deal of thought into building the hall, from its location and materials down to its architectural design.

Since the True Form Temple’s rise in status, they had received congratulatory gifts not only from the Five Domains Great Sects; smaller sects and minor factions had also been arriving in a continuous stream. For this reason, the True Form Temple had kept the hall to welcome its guests.

By the time Xuzhuang arrived, Zhengquan Taoist was already seated in the hall. The True Form Temple’s rules of hospitality were strict, and tea had already been served. Though it was only ordinary Spirit Tea, Zhengquan Taoist was sipping it contentedly.

Seeing this, Xuzhuang strode into the hall and bowed with his hands clasped. "Greetings, Master Zhengquan. My apologies for not being here to greet you."

Seeing him again, Master Zhengquan’s expression was no longer so grim. He smiled faintly at Xuzhuang’s words. "I am the one who came unannounced, fearing I might inconvenience your esteemed sect. You are too kind, fellow Daoist."

For a Zhenren to call someone of his cultivation level "fellow Daoist" was an immense gesture of humility. Xuzhuang quickly replied, "You are too generous, Master. Please, follow me into the Grotto Heaven so we can speak."

But Zhengquan Taoist said, "Your sect’s Grotto Heaven is currently under construction. I fear my presence would be an inconvenience. We can speak right here."

’It seems Master Zhengquan has truly come to show the True Form Temple the utmost respect.’ Xuzhuang smiled at his words and didn’t insist further. He took a seat opposite Master Zhengquan and asked, "May I ask what business you have with me, Master?"

Zhengquan Taoist smiled faintly, took a jade slip from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and pushed it across. "Please accept this, fellow Daoist."

Xuzhuang raised an eyebrow and asked, "Master, what is this?"

Zhengquan Taoist replied, "Why don’t you look at it first? Then we can talk."

After a moment’s thought, Xuzhuang took the jade slip and swept his Spiritual Sense over it. It recorded the method for achieving a Grotto Heaven!

The Zhengyuan Sect’s Grotto Heaven method was not so different from the Dragon Image Sect’s. However, it included some secret teachings on how to gather and comprehend a Grotto Heaven’s source, and even methods for Grotto Heaven Masters to cultivate and wield their dharma bodies.

This was an incredibly significant gift. Xuzhuang’s expression shifted. He set the jade slip down and said in a low voice, "I don’t understand your intentions, Master. Please, speak plainly."

Zhengquan Taoist said, "Now that you’ve seen it, did you notice what the most crucial element of the Grotto Heaven method is?"

Xuzhuang considered this, then asked, "The Grotto Heaven’s source?" As the words left his lips, he froze, a sudden realization striking him.

Zhengquan Taoist nodded slightly. "I expect you’ve already figured it out. Merging with a Grotto Heaven requires gathering its source. Forging a dharma body consumes its source. Even when a Grotto Heaven Cultivator perishes during their tribulation, the Grotto Heaven’s source is depleted..."

"Although a Grotto Heaven’s source can recover and grow, it cannot keep up with this rate of consumption. In the long run... No, as things are now, the very survival of our Earth Immortal Dao Lineage has reached a dead end."

Xuzhuang suddenly understood why the Dragon Image Sect, after their exchange with Daochen Zhenren, had pursued the Top-grade Golden Core—a decision that indirectly led to a generational gap in their ranks.

Master Zhengquan sighed softly. "If nothing changes, the lineages of the Five Domains Great Sects will be severed within three or four generations of Grotto Heaven Masters at most."

Xuzhuang asked thoughtfully, "So your intention is...?"

But unexpectedly, Zhengquan Taoist said, "The Celestial Waterfall Realm is desperate to communicate with the outside world. Your sect’s appearance has given me a sliver of hope. This Grotto Heaven method is merely a small token from my sect. We hope to have many more exchanges with your esteemed sect in the future."

Xuzhuang nodded thoughtfully and replied, "I will report your intentions to the Master of my Tai Su Orthodox Sect."

"The Tai Su Orthodox Sect." Zhengquan Taoist repeated the name, mulling it over. Then, he clasped his hands and gave Xuzhuang a slight bow. "In that case, I must thank you, fellow Daoist."

Xuzhuang quickly said, "There is no need for such courtesy, Master."

Zhengquan Taoist simply smiled and rose to his feet. "My sect’s gift has been delivered, so I will impose on you no longer. I shall take my leave."

Xuzhuang also rose quickly to his feet. "Allow me to see you out, Master."

"Very well." Zhengquan Taoist cupped his hands in a salute. He followed Xuzhuang out of the Reception Hall, then said, "I am off." With that, he flew away in a streak of rainbow light.

PS: Time to head back to Profound Yellow.