From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 115 The Climax is Approaching, Storms Gather

Wen Chen's hand brought a warm current that flowed through my entire body, dispelling my fear and panic. He stood beside me like a majestic mountain, shielding me from all storms. The aftershocks of Daoist Huoyun's attack dissipated, and although the formation was teetering on the brink of collapse, it miraculously did not crumble.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I knew I couldn't back down, nor could I betray Wen Chen's trust in me. I raised my head, looking directly at Daoist Huoyun, my eyes filled with determination. "Daoist Huoyun, my formation does indeed have shortcomings, but I am not deceiving anyone. I believe that given time, I will definitely be able to perfect it."

Although my voice wasn't loud, it carried clearly throughout the entire discussion hall. The surrounding chatter gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes were focused on me. I felt as if I were standing center stage, enduring countless scrutiny and judgments.

True Monarch Ziyang stroked his beard, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, your courage is commendable. However, the Dao Discussion Conference is not child's play. If you cannot prove your formation, then you are wasting everyone's time."

His words, though gentle, carried a hint of warning. I knew I had to produce tangible results quickly to earn their approval. I looked at my formation again, my mind racing, searching for a solution.

Just then, Fairy Qinglian chuckled and said, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, although your formation design is novel, its foundation is not solid enough. Are you really confident that you can make it work?"

Her tone carried a hint of disdain, as if she had already seen through my weaknesses. My heart sank; I knew she was deliberately putting pressure on me. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. "Fairy Qinglian, my foundation in formations is indeed inferior to yours, but I believe that as long as I work hard, I will definitely be able to make up for that gap."

No sooner had I finished speaking than Daoist Huoyun jumped out impatiently. "Easy for you to say! Do you think hard work is enough? In the path of cultivation, talent is the most important thing! You're a piece of trash without spiritual roots, no matter how hard you try, you can never surpass us!"

His words pierced my heart like sharp knives. I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug deep into my flesh. I didn't want to pay attention to his provocation; I only wanted to focus on perfecting my formation.

However, Daoist Huoyun and Fairy Qinglian seemed unwilling to let me off the hook. They attacked me relentlessly, trying to disturb my peace of mind. Although Palace Mistress Lengyue remained silent, her cold gaze lingered on me, as if waiting to see me make a fool of myself. Even the usually carefree Xiaoyao Sanren showed a look of keen interest, seemingly filled with curiosity about my performance.

I felt the pressure mounting, as if a mountain was pressing down on my heart, making it hard to breathe. I tried my best to stay focused, repeatedly rehearsing the formation, searching for a breakthrough.

Suddenly, Daoist Huoyun and Fairy Qinglian exchanged a glance, a strange smile appearing on their lips. "Xiao Yao," Daoist Huoyun's voice carried a hint of mockery, "since you're so confident, how about we discuss a more profound topic?"

The exchange of glances between Daoist Huoyun and Fairy Qinglian sent a chill down my spine, a sense of foreboding rising within me. Sure enough, Daoist Huoyun's mocking voice rang out again, like a venomous snake's hiss, cold and grating. "Xiao Yao, since you're so confident, how about we discuss a more profound topic?"

I forced myself to remain calm, met his provocative gaze, and asked calmly, "Please speak, Daoist Master."

"Good!" Daoist Huoyun clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes gleaming with a sly light. "Let's discuss how to perfectly integrate the supreme state of 'Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions' with immortal techniques and state of mind, and ultimately reach the ultimate sublimation of 'entering the Dao with emotion and forgetting emotion with the Dao'!"

My heart tightened. This topic was difficult even for many experts who had been immersed in the path of cultivation for years to fully explain, let alone me, a "newcomer" who had only recently entered the world of cultivation. They were clearly trying to embarrass me!

The air around me seemed to freeze, and everyone's eyes were fixed on me, filled with curiosity, inquiry, and even schadenfreude. I felt my breathing become difficult, and my palms began to sweat slightly. Wen Chen gently tightened his grip on mine, and a warm current flowed from his palm, giving me a sense of strength.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my wildly beating heart. I couldn't panic, and I couldn't back down. I raised my head, looking directly at Daoist Huoyun, my eyes filled with unwavering determination, not a trace of panic. "The question raised by Daoist is indeed a major challenge in the cultivation world. Although my cultivation is shallow, I have some insights..."

I paused, gathered my thoughts, and continued, "'Supreme Forgetfulness' is not true detachment from emotions, but rather a state of being transcending worldly feelings. It requires us to abandon the distractions of the seven emotions and six desires, focusing solely on the pursuit of the Great Dao. The fusion of immortal techniques and mental state is the key to achieving 'Supreme Forgetfulness'..."

As I spoke, I tried to recall the books about cultivation I had read in my previous life, as well as the teachings Wen Chen had given me. I pieced together these fragments of knowledge little by little, attempting to construct a complete theoretical system.

I spoke eloquently, from the concept of "following the natural way" to the realm of "harmony between man and nature," and finally to the ultimate goal of "entering the Tao through emotion and forgetting emotion through the Tao." My voice, though not loud, was clear and powerful, full of confidence and conviction.

The surrounding chatter gradually subsided, replaced by silence. Everyone was captivated by my words, even Daoist Huoyun and Fairy Qinglian showed expressions of surprise. They seemed to have not expected that I could speak so eloquently about such a profound topic and even offer some unique insights.

I felt myself getting better and better, and my thoughts became clearer and clearer. I felt as if I were in a wondrous realm where everything around me disappeared, leaving only myself and the Dao. I was immersed in the enlightenment of the Dao, forgetting time, forgetting space, forgetting everything...

Just as I was about to grasp the true meaning of "supreme detachment," a cold voice suddenly rang out, shattering the tranquility.

“Xiao Yao,” the Cold Moon Palace Mistress’s voice, as cold as ice, pierced my eardrums, “your theories, though brilliant, are ultimately just empty talk…” She paused, a chilling smile curving her lips, “Do you have the courage to prove your point with concrete actions?” The Cold Moon Palace Mistress’s words were like an ice pick, instantly pulling me back from my reverie. My heart sank; I knew she was setting a trap for me. The so-called “concrete actions” undoubtedly referred to some dangerous test. She wanted me to be humiliated in front of everyone, even to the point of ruin.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. I couldn't be intimidated by her imposing manner, nor could I fall into her trap. I raised my head, meeting her icy gaze, and spoke calmly but firmly: "Palace Master, you are mistaken. The path of cultivation is not merely about secluded ascetic practice; it requires constant reflection and improvement through practice. If one only talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, isn't that just empty talk?"

My words were firm and resolute, carrying an undeniable force. The surrounding air seemed to tremble slightly at my words. A hint of surprise flashed in the Cold Moon Palace Mistress's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, a cold smile playing on her lips: "Very well, since you are so confident, then I will give you a chance. Do you dare to accept my test?"

I nodded without hesitation: "Why wouldn't I dare?"

A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Cold Moon Palace Master. She slowly raised her right hand, and a ball of icy cold air condensed at her fingertips. This cold air, like an ice dragon, swirled and danced in the air, radiating a suffocating pressure.

"This is my 'Frosty Domain,' containing the ultimate power of ice. If you can endure within this domain for a quarter of an hour, you will have passed the test." The Cold Moon Palace Master's voice was icy and ruthless, like a pronouncement of judgment.

A chill ran through me. I had heard of the power of this "Frost Domain" before. It was said that even Nascent Soul cultivators dared not easily venture into it. And I was merely a Golden Core cultivator; how could I possibly withstand this extreme power of ice?

The people around me gasped, their gazes filled with worry and pity. The carefree hermit, however, waited for my response, a nonchalant smile on his face, as if none of this concerned him.

Wen Chen held my hand tightly, a warm strength emanating from his palm that gave me courage. I took a deep breath, looked at Palace Master Lengyue, my eyes filled with unwavering determination, not fear. "Alright, I accept your test."

I stepped into the "Frosty Domain." A bone-chilling cold instantly swept over me, as if to freeze my very soul. I circulated my spiritual energy to resist the onslaught of this cold. My body began to tremble, and my teeth chattered. But I gritted my teeth and persevered, refusing to give up.

Time ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity. My body grew increasingly stiff, and my consciousness began to fade. But one belief remained steadfast in my heart: I cannot give up, I must persevere!

The Palace Mistress of Cold Moon Palace watched quietly from the side, seemingly waiting to see me make a fool of myself. The Carefree Hermit observed my every move with great interest, a mocking smile on his face. And Wen Chen stood behind me the whole time, silently supporting me and giving me strength.

Just when I was about to give up, I suddenly felt a powerful force surge from within me. This force was warm and strong, instantly dispelling the surrounding chill. I opened my eyes and saw a faint golden light emanating from my body. This golden light acted like a protective shield, isolating me from the "Frost Domain."

A surge of joy filled me, knowing that I had broken through my own limits and unleashed my inner potential. I took a deep breath and continued to circulate my spiritual energy to resist the invasion of the "Frost Domain".

A hint of surprise flashed in Palace Mistress Lengyue's eyes. She seemed surprised that I could withstand the power of the "Frost Domain." She frowned slightly, a cold glint in her eyes... "It seems I underestimated you..." Before Palace Mistress Lengyue could finish speaking, True Monarch Ziyang stroked his long beard and said, "Palace Mistress Lengyue, your words are a bit excessive. Although Fellow Daoist Xiao Yao is a rising star, her cultivation and comprehension are both remarkable. Why be so aggressive?" Although he was speaking up for me, his tone also carried a hint of consideration, clearly wanting to see just how far I could go.

I stepped out of the icy domain, the golden light on my body gradually fading, but the spiritual power within me was even more abundant than before. I nodded slightly to True Monarch Ziyang to express my gratitude, then turned to Palace Master Lengyue and said firmly, "Palace Master, I have passed the test."

A barely perceptible hint of admiration flashed in the Cold Moon Palace Master's eyes, but it quickly returned to its icy expression. She scoffed, "It was just luck. The real test is only just beginning." Her gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on me. "Xiao Yao, now that you have passed the test of the Frost Domain, let's talk about your understanding of the fusion of immortal techniques and mental state."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. The fusion of immortal techniques and mental state is the highest realm of cultivation, a level that even highly skilled cultivators may not fully comprehend. For the Palace Master of Cold Moon to pose such a question was clearly an attempt to embarrass me in public.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. I understood that Palace Mistress Lengyue was deliberately making things difficult for me. She wanted me to expose my shortcomings in front of everyone and lose face.

The carefree hermit chuckled softly from the side: "Palace Mistress Lengyue, your question is a bit too tricky. How could a mere Golden Core cultivator possibly understand the fusion of immortal techniques and mental state?"

The Palace Mistress of Lengyue gave him a cold glance: "Xiaoyao Sanren, if you are not convinced, you are welcome to come up and try it yourself."

The carefree hermit shrugged and said nothing more.

I looked around and found that everyone's eyes were on me—some expectant, some mocking, and some pitying. I knew that this answer would determine my final standing at the conference. Could I find a breakthrough?

My thoughts raced as I considered a solution. The fusion of magical techniques and mental state… Magical techniques are external power; mental state is internal cultivation. How could the two be perfectly integrated?

My mind flashed back to every detail of my cultivation journey. From a useless person with no spiritual roots to a Golden Core cultivator, I have endured countless hardships and challenges. Every breakthrough was the result of my continuous self-challenge and self-transcendence.

My state of mind gradually improved through repeated trials. I understood that the fusion of immortal techniques and state of mind is not simply about combining the two, but about integrating one's own state of mind into the immortal techniques, making the immortal techniques a part of oneself.

An idea gradually formed in my mind. I raised my head, looked at Palace Mistress Lengyue, and slowly said, "Palace Mistress, I believe..."

Before I could finish speaking, Wen Chen suddenly gripped my hand tightly, a hint of worry in his eyes. I turned to look at him and gave him a reassuring smile. I took a deep breath and continued, "I believe that the fusion of immortal techniques and mental state is not..."

I paused, my gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Palace Master Lengyue, "...It's not as complicated as everyone thinks..."