Chapter 952 - 676: Return

The passing of more than ten years is akin to the flow of light and shadows.

Xiaoba Mountain.

At the foot of the mountain, the vast stretches of spirit-rich soil are warm and fertile, with the earth veins’ golden qi circulating incessantly.

The Chen Clan members bend their bodies in labor, scattering spirit seeds with bits of spirit light flickering down into the soil, gradually nurturing the mystical spiritual qi.

Beside the spiritual garden halfway up the mountain, the scenery is elegant and serene.

Ah Shu is meticulously guiding several young clan members, tending to the only rare Clear Source Fruit Tree in the garden.

The tree’s branches are lustrous, green leaves emitting light, with a few immature fruits faintly forming between the boughs, strands of crisp spirit qi wafting gently, refreshing the mind.

A clan member carefully lifts a hand, directing a thin wisp of spiritual power to brush over the leaves, then bows with respectful inquiry:

"Guest Elder Lin, this Clear Source Fruit Tree is abundant in spiritual qi; why does its growth speed lag behind ordinary spirit wood?"

"Our mana is shallow, afraid that improper care might harm the spirit tree’s vitality."

Ah Shu gently smooths the minor blockage of spiritual power between the branches and leaves, softly explaining:

"Clear Source Fruits are plants that nurture divine spirits, valuing nurturing qi rather than rapid growth."

"It absorbs more of the earth’s pure spirit and the essence of the stars and moon."

"In the future, simply draw the morning dew at the hour of the Tiger (3-5 AM), nurture it with a calm heart, and it will naturally blossom and bear fruit."

The clan members hear this enlightenment, nodding in agreement and remembering it diligently.

Near the mountain lake, faint cold currents flow.

Pu Zan stands tall, respected by the clan as Guest Elder Long.

He is personally instructing several clan juniors who have just embarked on the path of cultivation, teaching them the fundamental Daoist techniques of ice sealing.

"To cultivate the ice Daoist techniques, first calm the heart, then condense qi, using one’s own spiritual power to draw the cold yin qi of the heavens and the earth, lock water into frost, condense qi into ice."

Pu Zan’s voice is steady, and with a lift of his hand, Daoist techniques naturally manifest.

No fierce power is evident, just a wisp of cool white vapor drifts from his fingertips, gently descending toward the lake surface several yards ahead.

In an instant, the flowing water of the lake freezes, visible frost spreading swiftly, solidifying the water’s surface, halting the ripples.

The lake’s surface, several yards in diameter, becomes entirely frozen, the ice layer clear and flawless, like a whole piece of glazed spread across the mountain, without a single crack.

The new cultivators watch in awe, their eyes filled with heated admiration.

"Dragon Guest Elder’s methods are so profound!"

"Freezing an entire lake with a thought, is this the true immortal Daoist Technique?"

Pu Zan gracefully withdraws, the cold currents retracting into his body, the ice on the lake remaining solid.

He looks at the juniors and gently admonishes:

"Start by practicing qi condensation and cold locking; with a solid foundation, you can later draw the cold, condense ice into power, protect yourself, and defend against enemies."

All solemnly respond, deeply committing the heart techniques to memory.

...

In the heart of the mountain, the core cave residence, where spiritual qi is most concentrated and pure.

Seated on a meditation mat, Red Wood slowly opens his eyes.

A gleam of golden light flashes and vanishes from his eyes, with the power of the Dao Foundation within him becoming increasingly solidified, becoming more refined and pure after years of secluded cultivation.

The mid-stage of the Dao Foundation is not far away!

His divine sense quietly spreads, like a vast mist covering thousands of miles of mountains and rivers.

The spirit-rich soil of Xiaoba Mountain is orderly, spirit plants thriving, clan members diligently cultivating, Daoist techniques beginning to flourish, presenting a scene of peaceful prosperity.

Upon seeing this, Red Wood’s stern brows and eyes rarely show a hint of satisfaction.

However, this warmth quickly disappears, and he slightly shakes his head, hiding a bit of heaviness within.

——Father has wandered the Divine Land for many years with no news.

There’s always a lack of a steadfast sense of safety within him.

Their clan is not a traditional Tao Foundation noble family, rootless and with numerous secrets, standing in the Divine Land Continent ultimately like driftweed attached to water.

Without Father anchoring, he feels somewhat uncertain.

As thoughts flow, Red Wood also feels some relief.

Relieved that he chose Xiaoba Mountain to establish the clan heritage as the foundational place.

This location is far from the conflicts of Golden Core and Purple Mansion Great Powers, surrounded only by minor Tao Foundation families, limited in scale and mediocre in combat strength.

With his current cultivation and array foundation, he can maintain stability in the region.

If he had sought more prosperity initially, selecting a better treasure land near the great powers.

All sorts of conflicts, entanglements, and hidden schemes would surely exhaust him, and the clan members would have little chance for peaceful cultivation and standing.

Just as his emotions waver, a faint yet extraordinarily clear array ripple suddenly arises from the void.

This subtle, mystical wave is imperceptible to ordinary Tao Foundation cultivators, only Red Wood, who has set the array, can keenly sense the void restriction being touched.

"Who is it?"

With a thought, Red Wood is already breaking through the cave barrier, stepping into the vast void.

The golden light around him converges into nothingness, his aura steady, his suspicion on high alert.

At the boundary of the void array, faint light quietly flows.

A silhouette in a blue robe stands with hands behind, sleeves lightly fluttering in the wind, his aura calm and relaxed, smilingly gazing at him.

All of Red Wood’s heaviness and alertness instantaneous dissipates, he thoroughly exhales in relief, steps forward, bows solemnly, with genuine and respectful tone:

"Greetings, Father!"

While performing the courtesy, he keenly perceives the change in Chen Sheng’s aura.

His presence is harmonious and full, restrained with hidden might, evidently at the pinnacle of the Dao Foundation, merely a step away from knocking on the Purple Mansion’s door.

Red Wood’s eyes flash with joy, sincerely congratulating:

"Congratulations, Father, on greatly advancing your cultivation, reaching the peak of the Dao Foundation!"

Chen Sheng slightly nods:

"Your years of guarding Xiaoba Mountain, strengthening the foundation, nurturing the clan, and managing orderly, did well."

"Father overpraises. I’ve merely held to the foundation, patiently waiting for clan prosperity."

Red Wood humbly bows his head.

Chen Sheng says no more, stepping forward, they both return to the heart of Xiaoba Mountain.

...

Not much later.

The core cave residence of Xiaoba Mountain.

Upon hearing of Father’s return, Ah Shu and Pu Zan immediately come to pay their respects.

Chen Sheng’s gaze sweeps over the three:

"I observe your cultivation, there must be obscurities."

"Listen as I explain them..."

He slowly opens dialogue to address the cultivation issues.

The three listen intently, each word striking the heart, instantly clearing numerous accumulated doubts from past cultivation, benefiting deeply.

Chen Sheng then waves his hand, releasing several lustrous pills from his sleeve, their fragrance rich and lasting, surrounded by spiritual qi, floating before Ah Shu and Pu Zan.

"These are Solid Essence and Dao Pills, you two should take them to reinforce your foundation and aid subsequent breakthroughs; in the future, an ascent in foundation isn’t impossible."

"Thank you, Father, for gifting the pills!"

Both respond in unison, raising hands to put away the elixir pills, filled with reverence.

"Alright, you may depart now!"

"Yes!"

Ah Shu and Pu Zan, alert to the situation, understanding Father’s need for private discussion with the elder brother, quietly withdraw post-salutation, continuing to manage clan affairs.

Only Chen Sheng and Red Wood remain in the hall.

Chen Sheng’s expression gathers, his tone solemn as he slowly begins to explain:

"I’ve accumulated numerous insights from years wandering the Divine Land, the Dao Foundation has achieved perfection."

"Next, I will retreat to the Grotto Heaven for secluded cultivation, aiming for the Purple Mansion realm."

"The duration of this retreat is unknown, clan affairs, Xiaoba Mountain foundation, henceforth entrusted fully to your care."

Upon hearing this, Red Wood is filled with joy, his eyes shining brightly, nodding heavily.

He is assured, knowing Father is a reincarnated cultivator; achieving perfection in the Dao Foundation and retreating for enlightenment will surely lead to a breakthrough, ascending to a True Master of the Purple Mansion.

Once realized, the clan can truly join the ranks of the Purple Mansion Immortal Families, dominating the region!