Starting Cultivation During a Trip

”Why can’t you heat it up? These three steaks were just packed here.”

Zhang Fan leaned back in his chair, handing the three packed steaks to the waiter.

Taoist Pojie kept his head down, as if looking for a hole to crawl into.

”But...” The waiter stared at Zhang Fan with a strange look, wanting to argue further.

”That’s enough.”

At this moment, the manager walked over, picked up the three packed steaks, and quickly said, ”Sorry sir, please wait a moment.”

With those words, he took the packed boxes to the kitchen.

”What a sin.” Taoist Pojie clasped his hands and muttered softly.

”Senior Pojie, what did you say?” Zhang Fan turned his head and asked.

”Oh, nothing... I heard you caught Yin Hu?” Taoist Pojie changed the subject.

”Totally a rumor. It was actually Maoshan Fang Changle who did it.” Zhang Fan shook his head and denied it.

Fame is trouble; a fat pig fears being famous. Now, what he dreaded most was becoming known everywhere.

”You have a connection with him? That kid used to visit Zhenwu Mountain with his elders when he was young, incredibly gifted, fought Weisheng a few times...” Taoist Pojie chuckled.

”Looks like he hasn’t slacked off all these years in cultivation, to be able to capture Yin Hu alive and well.”

”Getting him means nothing, he ran off anyway.” Zhang Fan said blandly.

”You’ve met Meng Qinghuan?” Taoist Pojie’s words carried a deeper meaning.

”Met her. She was sent from above; looks young and quite pretty too.”

”Meng Qinghuan is far more than just young and beautiful.” Taoist Pojie shook his head.

”She’s a disciple of Qi Yun Mountain, and also a member of the Divine Power Association.”

Hearing this, Zhang Fan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Qi Yun Mountain is one of the ten great Daoist mountains in the world, long lauded as the ”Immortal Palace of Qi Yun, Number One Peak of Jiangnan.”

Legend says, the Ancestral Masters of Qingcheng Mountain, Zhenwu Mountain, even the Dragon Tiger Mountain Zhang Family all once taught at Qi Yun Mountain.

Thus, this lineage holds a special status and maintains good relations with nearly everyone.

Meng Qinghuan, originating from Qi Yun Mountain, was already outstanding; the key point was her position as a member of the Divine Power Association.

”She’s awakened the Daoist Divine Techniques?” Zhang Fan couldn’t help but ask.

”That’s right. She’s the outstanding talent among her generation at Qi Yun Mountain. Two years ago, she went to Shangjing, entered the Daoist Alliance Headquarters, and interned at President Jiang’s side,” Taoist Pojie explained.

”Jiang Wansui?” Zhang Fan was slightly moved in his heart.

That name, in the Daoist world today, is the only one who could rival Chu Chaoran’s fame and presence.

Jiang Wansui’s strength might not match that living Zhenren, but his status, standing, and background made him just as renowned as Chu Chaoran.

”Show reverence for the revered; don’t call him by name.” Taoist Pojie reminded.

Zhang Fan gave an embarrassed smile, then said, ”No wonder she carried herself with such poise just now...”

With a prestigious origin, extraordinary talent, and a resume close to Jiang Wansui, such a woman was truly impeccable.

”Since she’s here, I’m afraid Yin Hu has no chance left.” Taoist Pojie said quietly.

”Why do you say that?” Zhang Fan’s heart stirred.

”I heard that Yin Hu once cultivated at Qi Yun Mountain, later betrayed the sect and joined the Wuwei Sect...”

”By generation, he should be Meng Qinghuan’s martial uncle.”

”So Lord Hongshan comes from such a background?” Zhang Fan’s expression turned odd, and he couldn’t help saying, ”The Daoist Sect has certainly sent quite a few talents to the Wuwei Sect.”

”He’s a stain on Qi Yun Mountain. They’ve wanted to clean house for a long time, and now finally have the chance...” Senior Pojie glanced around, lowered his voice.

”It’s said this time, the Daoist Alliance Headquarters has set up a Heaven and Earth Net to wipe out the Wuwei Demons in one sweep, with three Celestial Masters present...”

”They’re bringing that much firepower!?” Zhang Fan was slightly shocked inside.

As expected, just as he imagined, Yin Hu was nothing but bait. The Daoist Alliance was eager for someone to attempt a rescue, setting a long line to hook a big fish.

Now, the big fish had finally bitten the bait.

The Daoist Alliance was definitely sparing no expense; three Celestial Masters had come. That was nearly the summit of cultivation—the peak of the mundane world.

After all, the Realm of the Infinite, for most people, was still just legend, just a dream.

Looking across the world, even Celestial Masters are rare as phoenix feathers.

”Has Zhenwu Mountain gotten involved?” Zhang Fan asked casually.

Pojie shook his head, ”Our Zhenwu Mountain never meddles in things like this.”

”Master’s stance is: shout slogans energetically, respond actively, but when it’s time to act, withdraw on time.”

After hearing this, Zhang Fan sat up solemnly, and couldn’t resist giving a thumbs up.

”With that kind of wisdom, no wonder the old man reached the Pure Yang Wuji Realm!”

”Don’t talk loosely outside. There should be news these days.” Taoist Pojie reminded.

”Relax, I’d never speak recklessly.” Zhang Fan laughed lightly.

Of course he wouldn’t say anything. He’d be more than happy if the Wuwei Sect got wiped out, with Chen Dragon and Yin Hu killed off; that’d be the best.

...

Night deepened.

Hongfu Garden.

Zhang Fan sat cross-legged on his bed. Silvery-white moonlight poured over him like a layer of mercury, faintly highlighting the hairs rising on his arms.

Three feet above his head, Zhang Fan’s Primordial Spirit emerged, hovering above his Celestial Spirit. With both hands forming Seals, he circulated the North and South Sect Origin, absorbing Celestial Light to strengthen his Primordial Spirit.

He’d been at High Skill for some time now; after forging the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Shield he advanced to the Great Success Technique, and with the Mighty Spirit Demon-Suppressing Gold Seal as his backup, there was no way to upgrade further in the short term.

Now, all he could do was strive for a higher realm—that is, Mahasattva.

Above High Skill, is Mahasattva.

Mahasattva, in ancient times, was also called Feathered Mage.

At this realm, the Primordial Spirit generates light, called Primordial Light, also known as Sexual Light, Spiritual Light, or Wisdom Light.