After the Great Dao Died

Two days had already passed since his arrival at Slumbering Deer Peak!

The Absolute Perception Divine Chamber remained intact.

At this moment, Chen Lingxi stood atop the lofty peak.

The sky stretched high and vast, perfectly cloudless for ten thousand li.

Tens of thousands of zhang up in the heavens, the illusory projection of a divine deer hung suspended.

Its antlers reached into the sky, shimmering with a gentle yet boundless radiance that dyed half the firmament in a faint golden hue.

An indescribable solemnity emanated from the light, as if this divine deer were the very soul of the mountain and the reason for its existence.

Because of this, the mountain was known as Slumbering Deer Peak.

It was one of the seven great inner peaks of the Dragon-Revering Sect.

Standing at the summit, Chen Lingxi could feel that the spiritual qi on Slumbering Deer Peak was incredibly abundant.

On ordinary mountains, spiritual qi was nothing more than wisps of thin mist that gathered and dispersed.

Here on Slumbering Deer Peak, however, the spiritual qi was so thick it would not disperse. It was like an invisible spiritual spring surging from deep underground, spiraling up the mountainside and soaking the entire peak in a crisp, mellow essence.

Just by standing there, the Dao Platform within his Qi Sea began to circulate on its own. With every breath, threads of spiritual qi autonomously drilled into his meridians and converged in his Qi Sea.

’I wonder what grade of spiritual vein lies within Slumbering Deer Peak to produce such dense spiritual qi.’

Chen Lingxi marveled inwardly as he gazed into the distance.

Rolling mountains stretched out into the distance, endless as far as the eye could see.

Numerous immortal caves, cultivation dojos, and majestic halls could be faintly seen atop those peaks.

Some caves hung suspended in midair, buoyed by drifting clouds and fading in and out of view.

Some dojos were built right into the cliffs, their sweeping eaves and upturned corners gleaming with a clear luster in the sunlight.

Other grand halls featured steps of white jade and tiles of colored glaze, projecting an extraordinary air of grandeur.

Even farther away, brilliant spiritual light shot into the sky from a few particular mountains, exuding a profoundly deep and heavy presence.

These were the secluded cultivation retreats of Dao Foundation cultivators.

It was the true image of a great sect.

Chen Lingxi’s gaze roamed over the scenery for a long time.

’This truly is a land brimming with spiritual essence.’

He murmured in his heart, ’If I really were a disciple of Slumbering Deer Peak, if I truly cultivated here long-term in a place so rich in spiritual qi, my cultivation would probably be even more profound by now.’

’However...’

Chen Lingxi let out a cold sneer.

Memories churned in his mind once again.

His memories were complex, but not chaotic.

Like two distinct streams—one clear and one muddy—they flowed side by side through his mind, completely distinct and never mixing in the slightest.

’These fake memories of Slumbering Deer Peak in my mind are quite interesting.’

The Absolute Perception Divine Chamber seemed to possess its own profound mystery. An invisible force separated the real memories from the fake ones, allowing him to instinctively know what was true and what was false the moment he looked at those ”memories.”

’After two days of recovery, and with Junior Martial Sister [Yuan Lingyu] currently absent, let me see if these countless memories came from a Great Divine Ability or a Cauldron Vessel.’

He closed his eyes, his spiritual sense silently reaching out to the Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree inside his Vast Void Pouch.

The Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree lay quietly in the depths of the Vast Void Pouch. Its trunk was ancient and weathered, looking as if it had endured countless eras.

The instant his spiritual sense touched the ancient tree, a wisp of mysterious aura flowed from it, traveling along his spiritual sense and descending into his body.

Immediately, Chen Lingxi captured an incredibly profound trace of Cauldron Vessel spiritual essence.

This essence was entirely unique, completely different from ordinary spiritual qi.

It seemed to carry an ancient and desolate air, having endured an unknown number of years.

As Chen Lingxi carefully examined this trace of Cauldron Vessel spiritual essence, he couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows.

’It seems the memories in my mind really did come from a Cauldron Vessel.’ Chen Lingxi took a deep breath.

The Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree could extract the qi of countless Cauldron Vessels.

In this world, wherever the mighty power of a Cauldron Vessel passed, it would inevitably leave behind a trace.

Those traces might be extremely faint and microscopic. An ordinary cultivator could sweep their spiritual sense over them ten million times and still fail to notice them.

But the Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree could harvest the qi of thousands of Cauldron Vessels, following those traces right back to their source.

If a Dao-Absorbing Fruit ripened, he could even wield that Cauldron Vessel’s might.

Chen Lingxi’s spiritual sense plunged into the Vast Void Pouch, landing on the Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree.

An ancient aura spilled from the Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree. Its trunk was gnarled like a dragon, its branches and leaves spreading out elegantly.

And right there on the trunk, a brand-new wisp of Cauldron Vessel spiritual essence was currently swirling.

It was exactly what Chen Lingxi had just acquired. It was the trace he had extracted using the Dao-Capturing Ancient Tree, belonging to the Cauldron Vessel that had tampered with his memories.

Rolling his spiritual sense forward, Chen Lingxi used that Cauldron Vessel spiritual essence as a guide to carefully comprehend it.

Instantly, he understood exactly where those extra memories in his mind had come from, and he learned the wondrous use of that Cauldron Vessel.

’So that’s how it is.’ Chen Lingxi suddenly raised his eyebrows, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

’The Cauldron Vessel [Fate-Deducing Purple Haze]. Within its radiant light, the master of the Cauldron Vessel becomes the absolute ruler, capable of constructing endless illusions, realities, mirages, and passing years...’

’Therefore, during the day I slumbered, I fell into the Fate-Deducing Purple Haze. The master of the Cauldron Vessel Fate-Deducing Purple Haze used that light to construct numerous memories for me—memories that were both illusory and real—while also making me forget the events of the Weiji Grotto-Heaven.’

’In these fake memories, I came from Sun Observation Peak and was Changle’s junior martial brother. Later, due to a conflict with Yellow Luminary Peak, I fled with heavy injuries and was on the verge of death. Then I was saved by the senior disciple of Slumbering Deer Peak, [Shen Xiu’an], and was taken in as a disciple by the True Person and carefully nurtured. Eventually... stepping into the Dao Foundation realm.’

’I just don’t know... what this Golden Palace True Person intends to achieve by tampering with my memories.’

He turned his head, looking out over the vast Slumbering Deer Peak.

Spiritual essence was abundant; the spiritual qi was dense.

With a Golden Palace figure overseeing the place, there was undoubtedly a wealth of cultivation resources.

Beneath the main peak of Slumbering Deer Peak, there were surely countless spiritual springs, spiritual herbs, and spiritual materials hidden away.

If he could cultivate in such a blessed paradise, wearing those forged Cauldron Vessel memories like a coat and donning the identity of ”Slumbering Deer Peak disciple Chen Zhiling” as his robe, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just go with the flow and establish a foothold in the Dragon-Revering Sect.

’Might as well beat them at their own game.’ The smile on Chen Lingxi’s lips deepened.

Right at that moment, a crisp, sweet call suddenly rang out from behind him.

”Senior Martial Brother Zhiling!”

The voice was clear and melodious, carrying the unique charm of a young girl as it drifted over from afar.

Chen Lingxi turned around to see Yuan Lingyu standing there with her hands behind her back. Dressed in a flowing pink dress, she looked pretty, charming, and absolutely adorable as she gazed at him.

Her eyes were bright and sparkling like two clear springs, brimming with a constant smile as she looked at Chen Lingxi.

Chen Lingxi was a bit surprised.

’This Yuan Lingyu... she seems to genuinely care for me.’

He mused to himself, carefully observing this [Junior Martial Sister].

With his sharp eyes, he could naturally tell that the smile in the young girl’s eyes wasn’t faked. That sense of intimacy was exactly like a junior martial sister who had grown up alongside her senior martial brother from a young age, naturally overflowing with joy upon seeing him.

A gaze like that didn’t seem feigned at all.

He acknowledged her and asked, ”Junior Martial Sister Lingyu, do you know... why Master wants to see me?”

Yuan Lingyu blanked for a moment and cluelessly shook her head.

But then she seemed to remember something. Clapping her hands together, her eyes lit up as she said, ”Senior Martial Brother has already cultivated to the Wondrous Fruit realm of the Early Dao Foundation. You’re not far from the Dao Foundation Middle Stage. Perhaps Master is meeting you to bestow a new Great Divine Ability Spiritual Wall, a Divine Ability Wondrous Object.”

’Dao Foundation Middle Stage...’ Chen Lingxi silently repeated those words in his mind, though his expression remained unreadable. He simply gave a slight nod and said to Yuan Lingyu, ”If that’s the case, I will go see Master now.”

He was just about to soar into the clouds.

But Yuan Lingyu suddenly called out to stop him. ”Does Senior Martial Brother have any free time today?”

Chen Lingxi paused his steps and looked back.

Yuan Lingyu tilted her head slightly. Her eyes were bright with anticipation and joy as she said, ”I gathered a lot of rosy clouds from Flowing Rosy Cloud Mountain, collected morning dew from Morning Dew Lake, and even found plenty of Bleating Sheep meat... I’m cooking personally today. If Senior Martial Brother is free, you can come be a guest in my cave.”

’Gathering rosy clouds, collecting morning dew, Bleating Sheep meat...’ Chen Lingxi pondered in his heart.

Even though he knew this was just a simulation within the Absolute Perception Divine Chamber, the earnest and attentive look of the girl before him stirred a strange sensation in his heart.

He gave a casual nod without saying another word.

Seeing him agree, a joyous smile bloomed across Yuan Lingyu’s face. Her smile was as radiant and moving as a newly blossomed peach flower in spring.

Chen Lingxi looked away. Cloud vapors naturally formed beneath his feet, and he soared into the air, heading straight toward the main peak of Slumbering Deer Peak.

He traveled all the way to the main peak, arriving directly beneath the illusory projection of the divine deer.

The divine deer hung suspended tens of thousands of zhang in the sky. With its antlers piercing the heavens, its radiance cascaded downward, blanketing the entire main peak in a soft, golden glow.

Beneath that layer of golden radiance, Chen Lingxi passed through layers of mist and entered a magnificent dojo.

The dojo was incredibly vast, with a soaring domed ceiling. The four walls were built from white jade, and the floor was polished enough to serve as a mirror.

Within the hall, profound spiritual light faintly circulated, making the entire dojo look like the residence of an immortal.

Inside, Chen Lingxi saw a figure sitting with his back turned to him on a prayer mat up ahead.

The person sat quietly on the mat, his body as unmoving as a great mountain.

And the sheer depth and density of his aura were simply unimaginable.

Chen Lingxi had seen his fair share of powerhouses since he started cultivating, but the Dao Origin surrounding this person was so profound it felt like an unfathomable ocean.

It was like a bottomless sea—perfectly calm on the surface, while the crushing force of ten thousand jun flowed silently in the depths.

At the same time, streaks of profound divine ability light could be faintly seen circulating behind the man’s head, constructing a resplendent golden palace.

Within that palace, a divine figure sat upright, currently nurturing a streak of golden light.

That brilliant golden light contained an indescribably profound aura, feeling much like a slumbering deity on the verge of awakening.

’Golden Palace...’ Chen Lingxi took a deep breath.

Qi Circulation, Dao Foundation, Golden Palace... Although he knew the names of the cultivation realms in this world and had even seen True Person Yujun from afar, True Person Yujun hadn’t revealed her aura, so he had never truly witnessed the extraordinary nature of a Golden Palace True Person before.

But today, Chen Lingxi was seeing a Golden Palace figure sitting right in front of him with his own eyes.

That divine figure sitting in the palace behind the man’s head, nurturing golden light, clearly broadcast just how incredibly profound this person’s cultivation was.

’This is the Peak Master of Slumbering Deer Peak.’

’True Person Xiangshu.’

Chen Lingxi couldn’t clearly see the True Person’s face.

When the light from the divine deer projection fell upon him, it seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier, leaving only a blurry silhouette vaguely visible.

But the moment he looked at that back, a surge of emotion suddenly welled up in his heart.

This emotion was far too intense, brimming with adoration, respect, and gratitude.

It was as if he was willing to lay down his life and sacrifice everything for the True Person before him.

The emotion came so naturally. It was exactly like the profound affection and reverence one would naturally feel when facing the benevolent master who had raised them from childhood—the savior who had pulled them back from the brink of death and meticulously nurtured them all the way to the Dao Foundation realm.

Chen Lingxi suppressed the churning emotions in his heart and bowed respectfully to the True Person, calling out softly.

”Master.”

Right at that moment, the cloud vapors obscuring True Person Xiangshu’s appearance suddenly vanished, revealing his true face.

Chen Lingxi had originally thought that a Golden Palace True Person capable of leading an inner peak like Slumbering Deer Peak would—even if he didn’t have the immortal breeze and Daoist bones of a white-haired, youthful-faced sage—at least be a tall, elegant figure with a graceful bearing.

Yet, when the clouds truly dissipated and revealed True Person Xiangshu’s actual appearance, he couldn’t help but stare blankly for a moment.

This was a Daoist who looked to be in his sixties.

He wasn’t tall and was even somewhat frail. He wore a blue-gray Daoist robe tied with the most ordinary hemp-gray silk cord. He wore no jade pendants or fragrant sachets; only a tiny copper bell hung casually at his waist.

His face was extremely gaunt. His cheekbones jutted slightly, making his cheeks look even more sunken and accentuating the profound depth of his eyes.

Deep and shallow wrinkles lined the corners of his forehead, and a few silver-white longevity hairs trailed down from the ends of his eyebrows, fluttering gently in the breeze.

He looked quite old.

Judging purely by appearances, he truly didn’t look like a True Person who had reached the Golden Palace and shook the Nine Quarters with his might.

At this moment, the True Person looked at Chen Lingxi from afar. His face was gentle and his eyes were kind, exactly like a loving elder gazing at his most highly regarded disciple with the mildest of looks.

”At such a young age, you have already ascended to the Wondrous Fruit realm. It is time for you to cultivate your second Great Divine Ability, refine a Divine Ability Wondrous Object, and step into the Dao Foundation Middle Stage,” True Person Xiangshu said slowly, his voice gentle.

Chen Lingxi’s expression remained unchanged as he bowed respectfully once more. ”I will follow Master’s arrangements.”

The True Person looked at him and gave a slight nod, the affectionate look in his eyes growing a bit deeper.

He spoke slowly, ”Although you do not possess a rumored Dao Embryo or Precious Body, you still have extraordinary talent! On the path of cultivation, you are destined to go high and far in the future. I hope that later on, you can support your fellow disciples of Slumbering Deer Peak, allowing them to live safely within the Land of Nine Palaces.” ’Land of Nine Palaces...’ Chen Lingxi silently repeated those four words in his heart.

Having spoken to this point, the True Person suddenly waved his sleeve. ”I know you cannot let go of those four disciples on Sun Observation Peak. Rest assured. From now on, Sun Observation Peak will be under the protection of my Slumbering Deer Peak. No one will dare covet Sun Observation Peak ever again. Just let them cultivate in peace.”

Chen Lingxi respectfully thanked him.

The True Person, however, suddenly let out a sigh.

That sigh was incredibly light, yet it felt as if it carried a crushing weight.

Sitting on the prayer mat and gazing at the sea of clouds outside the hall, True Person Xiangshu’s eyes looked profound as he slowly said, ”My lifespan is already running short. It seems the rank of True Lord is hopeless for me. Among the disciples under my wing, there is no shortage of individuals who have achieved Dao Foundation Perfection. But looking through all my many disciples, I feel that only you are capable of shouldering this great responsibility. Cultivate diligently. Once my lifespan runs out and I pass away, the heavy burden of being the Peak Master of Slumbering Deer Peak will fall upon your shoulders.”

Hearing the True Person’s words, that strange emotion flared up in Chen Lingxi’s heart. He felt increasingly grateful, and his attachment to Slumbering Deer Peak deepened even further, to the point where he felt willing to lay down his life for the mountain.

The emotion was far too intense, drowning him like a rising tide.

He truly felt as if he could see himself risking everything to protect this mountain, as if he genuinely wanted to sacrifice his all for the True Person before him and for Slumbering Deer Peak.

’This Cauldron Vessel, the Fate-Deducing Purple Haze, truly is extraordinary.’ Chen Lingxi inhaled deeply.

A look of profound gratitude and firm resolve shone in his eyes. His expression was flawless—exactly like a disciple who had been entrusted with a heavy burden by his mentor, his heart overflowing with excitement and unspoken vows.

At the very same time, however, he continued to sneer coldly in his heart.

’Who knows what kind of malicious intent this True Person Xiangshu is hiding... Why else would he use that Cauldron Vessel to tamper with my memories, making me feel so incredibly grateful to Slumbering Deer Peak and to him?’