Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1593 - 858: Tempering the Heart and Seeking Enlightenment, First Steps into the World (Part 2)

With a splash, Zhao Sheng burst from the lake, then trod across successive waves, arriving at the shore in a flash.

Once on the grassy bank, Zhao Sheng shook vigorously from head to toe, making his robe billow outward and unleash clouds of moisture that dispersed everywhere.

Moments later, his robe felt crisp and dry once more.

Glancing upward, Zhao Sheng found the sky spotless and blue, showing no sign of Quan Junzi or Liezi Hall.

He shifted his view, scanning the surroundings, where verdant hills met crystal waters, serene woods offered stunning vistas, yet no humans appeared anywhere.

Though called Heart Refining Valley, this spot lay remote and seldom trodden.

Taiqing Sect handled matters in its own peculiar way, hurling people into the wilds and simply walking away.

They even praised it as: "The Taoist Skill follows nature, refining the heart and attaining enlightenment."

"If you want to establish your might, then establish your might; what’s the use of these oddities!" Zhao Sheng grumbled inwardly as he headed toward the distant woods.

Behind him, fellow "drenched chickens" showed off their skills one by one, stumbling to the shore successively while pathetically drying their robes.

Sealed from divine thoughts and mana, they couldn’t access their Sumeru Rings, forcing a mortal existence in this "Heart Refining Valley."

An hour passed, and Zhao Sheng crossed the pine woods to reach a cliff base.

This cliff towered some twenty yards, featuring a two-yard-wide waterfall on its west face, its raging waters pounding over ages into a three-to-four-yard pool below.

Water streamed steadily from the pool’s base, twisting into a lucid brook through the pines, bordered by thriving blooms and greenery.

On the cliff’s east flank lay rocks of assorted sizes, now swept clear to form a flat expanse.

Satisfied with the spot, Zhao Sheng chose it for his cave dwelling.

He dove into action without delay!

Striding to the rock heap, he kicked stones one after another.

Each strike sent a boulder soaring far into the pines.

Soon, the east cliff side stood bare and open; Zhao Sheng pressed his palm to the chill stone face.

A subtle power from his hand shattered nearby rocks, which tumbled down in a pile waist-high.

His palms hammered repeatedly, dislodging huge chunks, carving a recess swiftly into a cavern.

As dusk fell with the setting sun, the cave abode stood complete—a lounge, meditation chamber, pill-forging space, tool-crafting area, and storage nook, plus stone-hewn seats, tables, and tea stands.

As Zhao Sheng settled into his fresh cave, the prior new recruits from Heart Refining Road trickled back into the valley, faces etched with defeat.

Yet Zhou Zixu, Feng Sanxiao, Mo Long, and seven more never showed—they had conquered Heart Refining Road, gaining true entry to Taiqing Sect’s gates.

Heart Refining Valley spanned less than a hundred miles around.

With over a hundred returnees spreading out, they found all prime sites already snatched.

These newcomers, fresh from harsh lessons, ranked as "fine dragons and phoenixes among men" beyond these walls.

How could such elites settle for scraps?

Thus, they upheld cultivation realm customs, confronting early arrivals one by one to demand their spots.

Zhao Sheng’s group of twenty-somethings refused to yield, sparking inevitable clashes.

Mana and divine thoughts sealed, they resorted to raw brawling with fists and feet.

Night yielded to dawn, and many homes switched hands.

After Zhao Sheng bested five rivals in a row, none eyed his cave anymore.

The inaugural day in Heart Refining Valley ended; the once-boastful novices bore battered visages, their haughtiness shattered.

They had dreamed of boundless prospects upon joining Taiqing Sect, only to face abandonment in this barren valley.

This chasm between fantasy and truth left many proud souls adrift.

Though aware of Taiqing Sect leaders’ aims, Zhao Sheng kept silent on purpose.

Rather than rush to shine, he favored staying dim and unassuming, shunning notice from Sect superiors.

Since entering Taiqing Cave Heaven the day before, he had sensed looming peril instinctively.

It stemmed from this realm and afar, like an all-seeing gaze tracking every soul in the cave heaven.

Any oddity from him promised utter ruin.

Taiqing Cave Heaven, once a True Immortal Arena, held flawless Taoist Laws—capable of erasing even Void Half-Immortals, and likely trapping any Tribulation Crossing Venerable who dared enter.

Zhao Sheng sought only clues to the Innate Divine Continent, not confrontation with this ancient, fearsome Immortal Sect domain.

At morn, mist cloaked the woods; Zhao Sheng emerged from his cave to the poolside.

Waterfall mist kissed him, cool and damp, invigorating his mind.

He bounded lightly to a poolside boulder.

This yard-high rock bore a polished summit, ideal for seated reflection.

Cross-legged upon it, Zhao Sheng eyed the cliff-shadowed dawn sun, breathed out a steady stream, then intoned the scripture:

"...The utmost Tao isn’t laborious, true preservation, spirit occupies every aspect. Emitting spirit green flourish named Taiyuan, brain spirit essence root named Niwan. Eye spirit clear upper named Yingxuan, nose spirit jade ridge named Lingjian. Ear spirit leisure named Youtian, tongue spirit connects life..."

His voice flowed like streams, or woodland haze, fluid and boundless, shifting endlessly.

As the chant echoed, a bushy-tailed, three-foot scarlet squirrel dropped from a limb, perching by the stone to heed.

Soon a spotless White Deer stepped from the trees, settling on the grass near the boulder to absorb the words in silence.

Next came hawks, green wolves, pythons, and more beasts to the pool, encircling the stone, rapt in the Taoist chant.

Indeed, Taiqing Cave Heaven ranked among Taiching Spirit Realm’s premier blessed lands, its creatures all tinged with innate spirit.

On this debut recitation of the "Yellow Court Inner Vision Scripture," Zhao Sheng drew nearby beings instantly.

Soon enough, repeated exposure would spark their wisdom, birthing enlightened spirit beasts.

While Zhao Sheng chanted in cultivation, Heart Refining Valley’s corners resounded with sundry recitals.

Pitches and paces differed, yet all pulsed with innate cadence.

Valley fauna seized this boon; keen-spirited beasts flocked to the nearest chants.

The sun climbed higher, birthing spectacles across Heart Refining Valley of beast hordes in thrall.

…

From then, Zhao Sheng as "mortal" took to daily recitals and practice, plus wood-chopping, meal-making, and idle rambles.

Unlike hasty Outer Disciples chasing gains, Zhao Sheng paced steadily, true to routine chants, scenic jaunts, and mild mingling.

In half a year, he gathered a handful of kindred "companions."

That period saw one epiphany of heaven’s will, fusing dual scriptures into a method, conquering Heart Refining Road to depart.

Witnessing escape fired all cultivators; soon dozens challenged the path.

Alas, just three prevailed, most crumbling.

Zhao Sheng watched impassively, never hinting at trials.

He knew Taiqing Sect wouldn’t ignore Outer Disciples unchecked—watchers lurked unseen.

Despite his "pure heritage" facade, scrutiny would expose cracks.

Taiqing Sect brimmed with peerless masters; focused pursuit left few hides intact.

Seven or eight years flew by; Heart Refining Valley hushed, holding eighty-four path-blind Outer Disciples.

That year, sensing the moment right, Zhao Sheng at summer’s turn assayed Heart Refining Road a third time.

He weathered fierce ordeals, broke the seal at last, and "barely" cleared the entry test.

A day on, Zhao Sheng boarded the welcoming Qingyun, drifting off amid jealous stares.