Chapter 25 Profound-Level Special Contract

These details were clear and logical, explaining profound concepts in simple terms. In an instant, he gained a deep understanding of the core essence, strengths, and weaknesses of the two Cultivation Techniques, far surpassing the brief descriptions in the classics:

[Gouchen Technique]: The revered Great Emperor Gouchen is one of the "Four Sovereigns" of the Daoist sect. His status is exalted, second only to the Three Pure Ones and the Jade Emperor. The concept of this Cultivation Technique is lofty, containing complete and perfect Dao principles. Practitioners build a solid Foundation, with extremely balanced attributes in all aspects (offense, defense, evasion, spirit, and body), having no obvious weaknesses.

Great Emperor Gouchen governs warfare and slaughter, and also commands all thunder. Therefore, those who Cultivate this technique possess immense offensive power. Upon achieving Major Achievement in the technique, one can forge the "Nine-Turn Dao Body," and their survival capabilities are considered top-tier.

Yun Bai continued to read. Soon, he discovered a point specifically mentioned in the information: [Gouchen Technique] states that those who Cultivate this technique should have "consciousness approaching the heavens."

"Consciousness" could refer to knowledge, awareness, or Divine Sense. Future generations could not fathom its meaning.

It was not until an ancient [Gouchen Technique Annotations] was found that it was mentioned: if the form of a practitioner's Sea of Consciousness resembles the image of the "Universe," then their Cultivation will be twice as effective with half the effort, and their progress will be rapid.

However, what does it mean for the "Sea of Consciousness to resemble the Universe"? No one had ever been able to fully grasp the mystery behind it.

Yun Bai was shocked. Didn't the strange scene of the Universe in his Sea of Consciousness, where a black hole and White Hole coexisted, perfectly match the description of the "Sea of Consciousness resembling the Universe" in those ancient annotations?

"Then I will choose the [Gouchen Technique]!" Yun Bai was overjoyed and made his decision without the slightest hesitation!

Seeing that Yun Bai, after fully understanding the pros and cons, had ultimately chosen the [Gouchen Technique]—which was notoriously difficult to Cultivate and had an uncertain future—rather than the safe and mature [True Martial Demon-Subduing Technique], Great Elder Xu Antong's eyes flashed with genuine surprise, which immediately turned into deeper appreciation.

This courage to challenge and not follow the crowd was exactly the Heart-Nature that a seeker of the Dao should possess! His favorable impression of the young man before him could not help but increase a few degrees.

Great Elder Xu Antong smiled gently and turned to ask, "Young man, you grew up here in the Northwest Region, didn't you?"

"Yes, Elder Xu."

"Hmm, just call me Old Xu." Great Elder Xu Antong waved his hand, his expression carrying a hint of reminiscence. "This land in the Northwest... back when the demonic tide was raging, it suffered the most damage. Afterward, the factions of the Human Race were locked in endless internal strife, and their Origin Qi was severely damaged."

"It wasn't until three years ago that the imperial army and the Cultivators of our sect joined forces to bring this region back under effective control. Now, everything is waiting to be rebuilt. Among the common people, there are still many like you who were displaced by the war and unable to receive early education. Establishing schools to enlighten the people is truly a matter of urgency."

He sighed softly, then waved his sleeve as if brushing away those heavy thoughts. "Sigh, I won't mention these trivial matters to you anymore. Let's get back to your situation."

A warm smile reappeared on Great Elder Xu Antong's face, and he looked at Yun Bai with bright eyes. "Your talent and Heart-Nature are both top-notch. Meeting me today can be considered fate. I will give you another opportunity."

"Please speak, Old Xu, this Junior is all ears." Yun Bai's spirits lifted, and he bowed respectfully once more.

"Good!" Great Elder Xu Antong stroked his beard and said, "According to the normal rules of our State Religion, any member who can pass the three trials of the first level of the Black Tower can receive a reward of 100,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. Today, I am making an exception: as long as you can successfully pass these three trials of the first level within half a year from this moment, I will take the initiative to give you three times that amount on this basis—that is, 300,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones!"

He paused, his eyes shining even brighter, and threw out an even more tempting promise: "Since you are Cultivating a Daoist Cultivation Technique, your initial progress will be very fast. If you can also Breakthrough to the Second Realm within these three years and successfully pass the second level of the Black Tower trials..."

"Then you will be qualified to be directly promoted to a Core Disciple of our sect! At that time, I will personally recommend you to go to the State Religion's Holy City headquarters for advanced studies! There, you will have the best Cultivation resources and guidance from top-tier masters, and your future path will be even broader!"

Great Elder Xu Antong was always generous, especially toward Juniors he favored; as long as they performed well, he was never stingy in promoting and nurturing them. He knew well that investing in talent was both a blessing for the sect and his own Karma. If Yun Bai could truly soar like a Dragon as he expected, he, as the guide, would naturally also benefit.

300,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones! Core Disciple! Advanced studies in the Holy City!

Even with Yun Bai's firm will, he was shaken by Great Elder Xu Antong's astonishingly generous promise at this moment. He never expected that this Grand Elder, whom he was meeting for the first time, would place such high hopes on him!

Although the requirements of the second level of the Black Tower trials and breaking through to the Second Realm within three years sounded extremely difficult to complete, but... there was no loss if he failed! Such an opportunity was simply a pie falling from the sky!

Yun Bai answered readily, "Old Xu places such high hopes on me, this Junior is extremely grateful and will definitely work twice as hard. I will certainly not let you down!"

"Good!" Great Elder Xu Antong laughed heartily.

Truly the time of youth, dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses.

Seeing that the matter was concluded, Great Elder Xu Antong waved his hand and sent Yun Bai out of the inner hall space.

Seeing that everything was done, Great Elder Xu Antong said no more and gently waved his wide robe sleeve toward Yun Bai.

Yun Bai only felt a gentle yet irresistible force wrap around his entire body. The mountain peaks, the pavilion, and Great Elder Xu Antong's figure instantly became blurred and distorted. The next moment, the space shifted, and he was already standing steadily outside the gate of the inner hall.

Before his eyes was still the solemn and dignified corridor of the National Temple.

... ... ...

After Yun Bai left the inner hall space, Great Elder Xu Antong slowly stood up.

At this moment, the mountain wind blew, making the pavilion rustle. Looking down at the scenery beneath his feet, with layers of green mountains and birds flying through the clouds, one could see how towering this peak was.

"Grandpa Xu, viewing the scenery alone from this sheer peak, the view is truly magnificent and unique." A girl's crisp voice broke the brief silence after Yun Bai's departure.

Great Elder Xu Antong turned his head to look.

He saw a girl of about sixteen or seventeen, with a petite and graceful figure, dressed in a jade-green dress, walking toward the pavilion at a leisurely pace. She was smiling gently at Great Elder Xu Antong, her picturesque eyebrows and eyes unfolding like a blooming green lotus.

"You girl, you've grown even more lovely. With you here, the scenery of my Mountain-Viewing Realm is going to be overshadowed by you alone." Seeing the girl, Great Elder Xu Antong pretended to be angry, but his face could not hide his gratification and joy. "You actually remember to visit this old man; I'm already of such an old age, yet I'm still sent by you to the Northwest to guard the gate."

"Isn't that why I'm here to apologize to you?" Palace Master Yun Luwan said with a smile, "I specially brought you a jar of Spirit Tea from Qiling Peak."

Great Elder Xu Antong's eyes widened immediately, and he hurriedly asked, "Where is it? Where is it?"

"The way you look right now is exactly the same as Grandpa Wine looking for wine," Palace Master Yun Luwan teased.

"Goodness, you girl are teasing this old man, aren't you?"

"How would I dare? It's right here." Palace Master Yun Luwan walked into the bamboo pavilion and took a jar of tea leaves from her spatial bracelet, placing it on the table.

"Eh? Was there someone else visiting you just now?" Palace Master Yun Luwan noticed two used cups on the table.

"It's nothing. I met a young man with decent talent in Chu Prefecture City. Of course, he's still far behind you." Great Elder Xu Antong said casually, "Tell me, you busy person, you never visit without a reason. What is the matter that brought you here to see me this time?"

Great Elder Xu Antong knew that Palace Master Yun Luwan was in the capital meeting the Human Emperor yesterday, and today she arrived at his Mountain-Viewing Realm via a spatial teleportation array, which meant the matter was not simple.

"This time, I have brought the connection map for the spirit connection platform in the Northwest Region," Palace Master Yun Luwan said solemnly.