Daily life of a cultivation judge Chapter 1471: Coming to a decision

As the Soulfrost Sequoia reached its full bloom, the chamber underwent a stunning transformation, mirroring the descent of a starry night complete with a radiant full moon inundating the entire space. A subtle, refreshing coolness permeated the air, reminiscent of a gentle springtime breeze.

Yang Qing exhaled a contented sigh, observing the magnificent spectacle as he refilled his wine cup. He mused that fine wine was perfectly suited for such moments, moments that invited one to unwind, relax, quiet the mind, and savor the surroundings with a heart unburdened, embracing pure enjoyment and serenity.

The enchanting ambiance of the room stirred a sense of longing for his own home. Even with the presence of Yang Shitong and his abrasive nature, Yang Qing invariably found solace and comfort within his abode. Any troubles he carried seemed to dissipate the instant he crossed its threshold.

Now, due to the blooming Soulfrost Sequoia, he was experiencing that very same feeling of homecoming.

While Yang Qing reveled in the atmosphere, comfortably settled on his futon with his wine, Tang Xiadan had also entered a state of profound rest, oblivious to his surroundings. However, his immersion stemmed not from relaxation, but from a deep dive into the mysteries unveiled by the Soulfrost Sequoia's bloom. He keenly felt the reciprocal changes flowing between himself and the flower, pushing all external matters to the periphery of his consciousness.

Moments melted into minutes, and soon an hour had passed with Tang Xiadan remaining utterly absorbed in his meditative state. Throughout this time, Yang Qing sipped his wine at leisure, allowing his thoughts to meander wherever the environment guided him. If it led him to reflect on his cultivation journey and review his past experiences, he indulged it. If it sparked novel concepts concerning some art form, he explored those too. And should it steer him down a nostalgic path, prompting reminiscence about his arduous journey and progress, he let his mind drift effortlessly along that wondrous stream.

He became a true intellectual nomad, yielding to the Soulfrost Sequoia's influence, and found himself enriched by it. While it might have appeared as mere idleness, he was, in actuality, inwardly transforming and growing by allowing his consciousness to flow without restraint, much like a reed carried by a river's current.

Cultivation was not solely about grueling struggle or isolating oneself to contemplate the Dao with unyielding focus, shutting out all else. At times, cultivation involved embracing a whimsical disposition, permitting thoughts to roam freely and without rigid direction. In doing so, one might unexpectedly discover breakthroughs in comprehension and moments of enlightenment that could only arise from such a liberated state of mind.

Even in the absence of direct enlightenment, other benefits could still be reaped, such as the dissolution of mental and emotional blockages. This process fosters greater clarity and a smoother flow of thoughts, ultimately leading to more profound rewards over the long term.

Numerous cultivators have attained significant insights or experienced profound enlightenment while engaged in ordinary activities, seemingly unrelated to cultivation at the time.

The Dao, in its essence, is boundless, fluid, and exhibits diverse forms and natures. To advance along its path and navigate its currents more effectively and for longer durations, one must adopt the very same adaptability that the Dao itself embodies.

Yang Qing did not experience any sudden revelations or flashes of inspiration, nor any abrupt leaps in understanding. His cultivation realm saw no discernible advancements either. Yet, he could sense that this single hour of aimless contemplation had yielded substantial benefits, evident in the newfound vitality within his inner palace world.

The ocean within his inner palace world now displayed a rhythmic, lively surge, mirroring the uninhibited flow of his thoughts. This dynamic movement, in turn, made it resemble the authentic ebb and flow of a real ocean, a stark contrast to its typically more uniform, almost static, patterns.

While this shift in his inner world might hold little significance for another cultivator, it meant a great deal to Yang Qing. His physique, his understanding of the Dao, and his purple-grade art were all fundamentally anchored in nature and the harmonious flow of life that surrounded it. The closer his inner palace world came to mirroring the natural vitality of the external world, the deeper his comprehension of his Dao, his cultivation art, and his physique became, particularly concerning the former two disciplines.

The placid waters within his palace world showed no visible alteration, yet beneath their tranquil surface, profound changes were unfolding. Yang Qing sensed his spirit, his qi, his very cultivation realm, and his comprehension were consolidating, slowly sublimating with the effortless grace of flowing water. This subtle transformation brought about significant internal shifts. His qi flow, not only smoother but imbued with a liveliness akin to the ocean, now possessed a vitality it lacked before. He felt certain that if he were to unleash the Yin Salmon Water Veil of Ten Thousand Streaks, the salmon within would exhibit even greater vivacity and peculiarity than when he'd employed the technique previously at the gorge in the Azure Sapphire Kingdom.

He wouldn't be surprised if the salmon began to converse. If one had already been winking at Haoshi, blowing kiss bubbles, and swishing its tail alluringly before this change, imagine how much more animated and peculiar its behaviors would become with his current internal progressions.

Beyond the enhanced fluidity, speed, and liveliness of his qi, his mind operated with unprecedented freedom and breadth. With fewer inhibitions restraining his thoughts, the speed at which he processed information accelerated. However, it was this newfound freedom of thought that Yang Qing cherished the most. The Universal Resonant Light Purple Grade Art flourished precisely because of the variety born from unhindered thought and application. Its objective was to mirror the boundlessness, diversity, and the myriad of immutable forms and relationships observed in nature, thus demanding a similar spectrum of thought from its practitioner.

Considering his current advancements and the significant shifts in his mindset, he was confident that when he later delved into contemplation of the Universal Resonant Light, his understanding would deepen considerably. Simultaneously, he would refine his existing knowledge with an ease previously unattainable.

Both Tang Xiadan and Yang Qing became absorbed in their respective inner worlds. While neither realized it due to their deep immersion, four hours elapsed swiftly. It was as the fifth hour approached its midpoint that their concentrated atmospheres dissipated. Tang Xiadan abruptly opened his eyes, and Yang Qing witnessed a golden glint flash within his black irises, which now held an ineffable depth.

"It appears Fellow Daoist has reaped a considerable harvest," Yang Qing remarked, offering a smile to Tang Xiadan.

"All thanks to you, Fellow Daoist," Tang Xiadan replied, exhaling contentedly as he assessed the internal transformations occurring within him. He remained at the peak stage of the palace realm, yet from those four hours alone, the gains and resultant shifts empowered him to easily achieve a half-step into the domain realm if he chose. This was accomplished without even beginning to fully digest the bounty bestowed by the Soulfrost Sequoia.

The flower was destined to remain in full bloom for three years, its benefits continuously accruing throughout that period. Subsequently, the advantages would cease as the flower entered a prolonged dormant phase, transitioning from its blooming state to the maturation of fruit and ultimately the formation of a sapling. Only upon the sapling's emergence would the surrounding ice thaw, concluding its hibernation.

This dormant phase could span anywhere from five hundred to fifty thousand years, and in some instances, the flower might never bear fruit, withering away after an extended period.

Consequently, Tang Xiadan had but three years remaining with its potent influence. Given his recent profound insights, this timeframe was more than adequate, especially since the Soulfrost Sequoia's effects amplified as it drew nearer to its hibernation.

In light of these developments, his confidence in attempting to break through to the domain realm surged, and he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Yang Qing. This gratitude extended beyond the Soulfrost Sequoia to encompass his own physical restoration. The flame, working in concert with the Soulfrost Sequoia, had not only returned him to his peak condition but had intrinsically elevated him beyond it. This was particularly evident in the positive alterations occurring within the Soulfrost Sequoia, spurred by the flame, which in turn benefited him as the flower shared its accumulated gains.

The internal transformations far surpassed even his most optimistic expectations.

Considering these profound changes, the recent exchange with Yang Qing felt inequitable from Yang Qing's perspective. As if reaching a significant resolution, Tang Xiadan's gaze deepened, becoming more serious. "Fellow Daoist, have you encountered information regarding the Treasure Coin Palace?"