The Dao Discourse Assembly was scheduled to be held during the Start of Autumn in the first year of the Yuanshuo Era, with its publicity campaign starting as early as spring.
A Grand Shennong's Dao Discourse Assembly was naturally an extraordinary event. Once this decision was made, officials at all levels immediately sprang into action.
In addition to the main department of the Shennong Division coordinating the details, the heads of the three sacred sites—Xuantian, Kunyuan, and Shangluo—were also involved. Furthermore, ten top academies, including Qingmu Academy and Lianhua Academy, joined the discussions to provide their input.
The ceremonial discussions for the Dao Discourse Assembly were entrusted to Jiang Hua, the Principal Officer of the Dao Etiquette Bureau, a subordinate-first-rank position.
The Dao Etiquette Bureau was an institution similar in nature to Zhao Xing's earlier role as Chief of the Earth Diety Division, overseeing overlapping bureaucratic functions. As a subordinate-first-rank official, Jiang Hua was both a Ritual Practitioner and a Priest.
From early spring to midsummer, countless meetings were held. Jiang Hua found himself increasingly frustrated as he chaired these gatherings.
The issue was the sheer number of influential participants. Three sacred sites and ten top academies had sent their strongest representatives, each from different factions and regions, making coordination exceedingly difficult.
A simple example was the seating arrangement during the meetings.
If it were only officials, the arrangement would have been simple—Jiang Hua could have easily assigned seats based on rank.
However, many attendees were not officials. Since the Dao Discourse Assembly invited not only active Shennong practitioners but also numerous independent ones, the seating had to account for seniority, reputation, and strength—factors that often overlapped and conflicted. Worse, they all represented different schools of thought.
Previously, Jiang Hua would have followed the tradition of ranking by the three factions: Heaven School first, Earth School second, and Self School last. This had never been a major issue.
But this approach was no longer viable. The Self School vehemently protested against such seating arrangements.
"Master Jiang!" Zhuang Darong shouted loudly. "The venue for this Dao Discourse Assembly is Shangluo Academy, and the breakthroughs announced this time are major achievements of the Self School!"
"How can you relegate Shangluo Academy to the third row? Huh?!"
Just listen to that tone!
Two hundred years ago, Zhuang Darong wouldn't have dared raise his voice like this.
But times had changed! The Self School had fully risen! Spittle flew from Zhuang Darong's mouth, almost landing on Jiang Hua's face!
Behind him, a group of Self School elders glared menacingly at Jiang Hua, as if ready to lie on the floor in protest if their demands weren't met.
Jiang Hua, however, was no pushover. After years of experience in the Dao Etiquette Bureau, he had seen it all. Disputes over center-stage positions were commonplace.
"Gentlemen, please remain calm," Jiang Hua said with a calm smile, wiping his face. "The seating chart conveyed earlier was a clerical error. The meeting will not be held in the Willow Hall, and the seating arrangements will naturally differ."
"How could I underestimate the esteemed elders? Please, put down your sleeves—the weather is chilly; you wouldn't want to catch a cold."
Hearing this, the elders of the Self School, who had rolled up their sleeves, relaxed slightly but didn't relent entirely.
"If it was a mistake, then Master Jiang should quickly produce a proper arrangement and stop delaying the Grand Shennong's matters."
Jiang Hua waved his hand, and a water screen materialized in midair, displaying a seating diagram.
"Gentlemen, please take a look. This is the actual seating arrangement."
Zhuang Darong's expression turned odd after studying it.
Jiang Hua had devised a roundtable arrangement. The table formed a large circle, with the host and emcee seated in the center. This eliminated the concept of front and back rows or primary and secondary seats.
Though Zhuang Darong and the others were dissatisfied with Jiang Hua's compromise, they refrained from causing further trouble. After all, they were there to discuss important matters, not to argue over seating arrangements.
"Master Jiang, ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in the future."
"Of course, of course," Jiang Hua said with a polite smile, watching the shirtless Shennong practitioners leave.
A subordinate officer whispered to Jiang Hua, "Sir, we don't even have a hall like that. We've always used the traditional arrangements without issue."
Jiang Hua glared at the officer. "The past is the past. The Self School has undergone a transformation!"
"If there's no such hall, can't you have the Ministry of Works build one?"
"I'll get to it immediately," the officer replied, nodding hurriedly.
"Wait. Build several of them. Any meeting related to the Dao Discourse Assembly, regardless of its level, will be held in similar roundtable halls."
"Understood, sir."
As the meetings progressed, the details of the Dao Discourse Assembly were gradually finalized. Jiang Hua began to appreciate Zhao Xing's tremendous influence as the Grand Shennong.
The number of participants grew exponentially—not just attendees but also contributors offering suggestions.
One month into the publicity campaign, Jiang Hua realized the originally planned venues were utterly inadequate.
"Sir, the number of registrants for the Grand Shennong's Dao Discourse Assembly has already surpassed that of any previous assemblies we've hosted," an officer reported.
"Is there no venue in Daoyuan Continent capable of accommodating such numbers?" Jiang Hua asked. "And why so many participants? Have foreign attendees been included?"
"At this growth rate, the number of participants may increase tenfold by autumn."
"There isn't a venue large enough in the entire nineteen provinces," the officer said with a wry smile.
Jiang Hua considered this carefully. "Let's consult the Grand Shennong to see if we can utilize Yunmeng Academy for distribution."
"Your suggestion is to…"
"If Daoyuan Continent cannot host everyone, the Grand Shennong could dedicate part of his time to delivering lectures at Yunmeng Academy."
"This would allow many attendees to avoid unnecessary travel and give those unable to reach Daoyuan Continent a chance to hear the Grand Shennong's teachings."
"Master Jiang, that's brilliant!"
Once the venue arrangements were settled, the agenda progressed swiftly.
Not all issues could be resolved by Jiang Hua alone. By the Start of Summer, several critical matters were presented directly to the Grand Shennong, Zhao Xing.
"Jiang Hua of the Dao Etiquette Bureau greets the Grand Shennong."
"Master Jiang, no need for formalities. Please, have a seat," Zhao Xing said warmly, inviting Jiang Hua to sit while pouring him tea.
He had heard about Jiang Hua's struggles over the past month and was pleased with his efforts.
"Thank you, Grand Shennong," Jiang Hua said, handing over a document before sitting down and spreading out his notes. "Grand Shennong, there are a few key issues regarding the Dao Discourse Assembly that require your decision."
"Please, go ahead," Zhao Xing replied.
Jiang Hua said, "Since this is the Dao Discourse Assembly, there must be someone who will debate with the Grand Shennong. Deciding on the first person to engage with you in this debate has become a hotly contested issue."
"This subordinate dares not decide such a matter on my own and can only ask the Grand Shennong to make the decision," Zhao Xing picked up the meeting records, glanced at them, and then smiled. Since this was the Dao Discourse Assembly, naturally, there needed to be someone to debate.
Of course, according to the representatives of the three factions, no one was truly qualified to debate with Zhao Xing. Yet, even being selected to pose questions was considered a supreme honor.
Who should go first became the crux of the matter.
Some suggested that Liu Tianning should be the first, as he was the former Grand Shennong and also Zhao Xing's mentor. It seemed fitting for him to take the lead. Others suggested Ling Tianchen, another former mentor of Zhao Xing.
There were also mentions of Wang Tianzhi and Qiu Yuanshan, though they garnered fewer votes.
Then there were the clever ones who proposed inviting the three Yin Gods—Li Boqian, Xuanyuan Qingtian, and Fu Tianyang—from the underworld to take the first spot.
Zhao Xing didn't ponder for too long before making a decision. "Put Mi Fu first."
Jiang Hua was slightly taken aback. "Grand Shennong, is Mi Fu...?"
Zhao Xing chuckled, "Are you trying to say his status is too low, or his strength too weak?" Jiang Hua nodded slightly; that was indeed what he thought.
Most people shared the same sentiment. Even though Zhao Xing had previously mentioned that Mi Fu had made significant contributions to the research, few took it seriously. After all, with Zhao Xing involved, the credit naturally went to the Grand Shennong!
Mi Fu? He was merely in the right place at the right time! How could he deserve to be the first?
Zhao Xing waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Actually, that's not the case. Mi Fu developed the first version of the technique, I refined the second version, and he, building on my foundation, developed the third version."
"Later, we collaborated to create the advanced version."
"Of course, the advanced version won't be revealed this time, but Mi Fu's contributions are undeniable. You can convey my exact words. Anyone who has doubts can come to me directly." Zhao Xing naturally wouldn't claim Mi Fu's achievements for himself; it was a courtesy Mi Fu deserved.
"Understood." Jiang Hua nodded and jotted it down. Then, setting his pen aside, he cupped his hands and said, "The second issue requires the Grand Shennong's decision. Before the Dao Discourse, a sacrificial ceremony is to be held. Should it honor the Earth God, Grain God, or Heavenly God? If all three are to be honored, who should be first?"
This was yet another issue stemming from factional disputes. Zhao Xing thought for a moment and then said, "The Dao of Rituals Department can set up three sacrificial platforms, arranged equally, without any distinction in height. The music and rituals will be divided among the east, south, and north."
After pausing briefly, Zhao Xing continued, "To avoid external speculation, you may record my following words. 'In the path of the Shennong, Heaven, Earth, and Humanity have their focuses but no hierarchy of importance.'"
"It's merely due to lack of resources and time that the three internal factions were formed."
"But now, it's different. We have Yunmeng Academy and more time and energy to study. Living in this grand era of the Yuan Qi Tides, we also have more resources to practice all three paths simultaneously."
"Practicing all three factions of the Shennong Dao together stems from the same root and origin; energy should not be wasted on factional disputes."
Jiang Hua felt a tremor in his heart. He knew the factional disputes had persisted for ages, and it wouldn't be so easy to declare an end to them. Initially, he had thought Zhao Xing avoided taking a stance on these details for the sake of unity, but now it seemed he intended to use the Dao Discourse Assembly to unify the three factions altogether!
Zhao Xing glanced at Jiang Hua, who, for reasons unknown, suddenly felt a surge of excitement as if witnessing a monumental moment.
"Grand Shennong, the number of participants registered for this Dao Discourse Assembly has reached an unprecedented level. Could the Grand Shennong lecture simultaneously at both Yunmeng Academy and the Dao Discourse Venue in Daoyuan Continent?"
"Yes."
"The magistrates and the Imperial Grand Chancellor asked whether foreign individuals should be allowed to attend your lectures. If permitted, should there be a selection process?"
"No need to block them. As long as they enter the territory of the Great Zhou through legitimate means, they can attend. For this Dao Discourse Assembly, only the initial version will be revealed."
"If they wish to learn the second, third, or even the advanced version, there are only three ways: become a vassal of the Great Zhou, join the Great Zhou as an official, or become a high-ranking official."
The initial version would be taught for free—that much was certain. The first version of the Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique was the one Zhao Xing had initially acquired from Mi Fu. Once it was disseminated, it couldn't be prevented from spreading.
But even if it spread, it didn't matter. Other nations would still lag behind the Great Zhou by several versions. In terms of Qi efficiency, the third version of the Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique wasn't even in the same league as the others.
Mi Fu's creation of the Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique was only at the intermediate level.
The second version Zhao Xing developed had already reached the advanced level. The third version was at the pinnacle.
The advanced version, capable of reversing Yuan Qi into Spirit Qi, could already be considered the ultimate method, known only to a select few high-ranking officials.
To attract talent in the Shennong field to join the Great Zhou and enhance its Fortune, the initial version naturally had to be freely available. "Understood," Jiang Hua nodded.
He then asked Zhao Xing if there were any additional instructions for the Dao Discourse Assembly. Zhao Xing retrieved four items from his Qiankun Pouch.
Zhao Xing declared, "The Shennong treasures consist of five items: the Hundred Flowers Hat, the Golden Raincoat, the Cloud Rain Pearl, the Cloud-Stepping Boots, and the Nine-Section Staff."
"These are newly crafted versions by the Ministry of Works. Around the Dao Discourse venue, there will be designated sales areas mainly selling these items."
In truth, there were supposed to be six treasures for the Shennong, including the Yellow Almanac. However, since the Yellow Almanac did not require much improvement, Zhao Xing chose to showcase only the other five items.
The Hundred Flowers Hat and the Golden Raincoat had minimal changes in functionality, as their materials were merely upgraded due to the evolution of derived species, slightly enhancing their strength.
Significant modifications had been made to the Cloud Rain Pearl, Cloud-Stepping Boots, and the Nine-Section Staff. Due to the increasing intensity of natural disasters caused by the Yuan Qi Tides, Shennong officials would face far greater challenges in regulating weather and geography in the future.
Based on his own comprehension from studying the Seasonal Qi Command, Reversion to the Earth's Origins, and the Yin-Yang Self Sutra, Zhao Xing instructed the Ministry of Works to extensively redesign these three items.
This ensured they could adapt more effectively to changes in the heavens and earth, enabling them to exert greater efficacy.
Among the many projects, the development of the Cloud Rain Beads had advanced the most significantly. They had even managed to produce treasure-grade Cloud Rain Beads. According to Zhao Xing's vision, these beads could potentially collect spiritual rain in the future!
The design had also undergone notable changes. The original staff was one meter long, with the top embedded with Sun and Moon Pearls—representing heaven and earth. However, the symbolic connection to the Self School was subtle, limited to the bamboo material itself.
Now, the staff's body would bear an engraving of the Self School's classic teachings. For example, Zhao Xing's annotation of On the Laws of Nature: "An object reflects its principle, I perceive the Dao, the Dao reveals its method." Similarly, the design of boots and clothing had also been standardized.
Unifying the three factions required meticulous attention to such details, achieving subtle integration without being overt.
The Dao Discourse Conference was set to begin on August 6th, the Start of Autumn. By early May, numerous individuals had already arrived at the Dao Origin Continent of Great Zhou. Representatives came from the four royal courts of the Southern Barbarians, the Great Serpent Kingdom of the Dongying, the Moss Kingdom of the Western Extremities, the Northern Tu Kingdom, the Sak Kingdom, and the An Kingdom. At the edge of the Dao Origin Continent, at an official shipping division:
The Mist Walker carried a box made of Wenzhu bamboo on his back, looking disheartened as he followed behind an elderly man as thin as a bamboo rod.
The elder had a cold expression and was arguing with the receiving official. "Why are you charging extra?! I am clearly a person! Why are you treating me like cargo, refusing to let me sit in the passenger cabin, and insisting I sit in the cargo hold?"
The official, clearly impatient, retorted, "Do you think I don't know you've used a transformation technique? You're using a Straw Puppet body made from ninth-rank premium materials—Spirit Locust Wood, Moonshadow Grass, Dengtong Bamboo, and Primordial Fire Vine."
"What?! How could a mere fifth-rank official recognize the intricacies of my Straw Puppet Technique?" The elder looked utterly shocked.
The fifth-rank official tapped on a black device beside him with some disdain. "Old man, times have changed. Which backwater sect are you from?"
"This is the newly upgraded Commerce Scale Apparatus developed under the direction of the Grand Shennong. It can analyze the composition of any treasure-grade material. Ninth rank? That's nothing. Shall I continue reading out the results? The components are all displayed right here!"
"You!" Daoist Yueying's beard quivered with anger, but he was left speechless. Theoretically, with a mere wave of his hand, he could obliterate the entire shipping division. Yet, in reality, he dared not act.
The might of Great Zhou's emperor was unfathomable, and strict rules had been established for the Dao Discourse Conference. Except within designated areas, all foreign participants were strictly prohibited from engaging in combat.
Moreover, it wasn't worth it. This avatar of his was too precious. Even if he could strike, killing a fifth-rank official would leave his avatar trapped in Great Zhou. Traveling thousands of miles only to slay a mere fifth-rank? Ridiculous.
"Martial Uncle Ancestor, let's just follow the rules. The cargo hold isn't so bad; it's even more comfortable lying down," the Mist Walker approached to persuade him.
Daoist Yueying scowled. "What? Are you embarrassed by your Martial Uncle Ancestor?"
"No, absolutely not," the Mist Walker hurriedly shook his head.
"Kid, your spellwork still needs improvement. Your expression is too stiff—you're clearly lying!" Daoist Yueying cursed, "Damn it! The times have truly changed. In my day, who dared speak to me like this? They'd be hauled out and beheaded!"
The Mist Walker felt utterly helpless.
With the emergence of the Yuan Qi Tides, many ancient monsters from the Xuantian Divine Sect had begun to awaken. As the acting sect master, it was only then that he realized just how many ancient frozen vaults existed in the sect, filled with figures from its history!
While most had become nothing more than bones, those who did awaken were invariably at the Rule Domain level. This gave him greater confidence in his dream of leading the sect to pledge allegiance to Zhao Xing, the Divine Shennong.
Of course, he later discovered that the situation wasn't so dire—not everyone could adapt to the new era, and many were still in the process of recovering their strength.
Additionally, he found that quite a few old figures from his lineage had been revived. After emerging, they were still bound by soul oaths and would continue to support him.
Among them was Daoist Yueying, an ancient ancestor of his lineage.
After Daoist Yueying confirmed their allegiance, the Mist Walker shared his grand plan with him. However, to fully secure the support of these ancestors, they needed to personally meet Zhao Xing.
Thus, the Mist Walker procured several passes.
This time, Daoist Yueying accompanied the Mist Walker to Great Zhou, using a Straw Puppet Avatar.
While Daoist Yueying was one of the quickest to adapt to the new era, he still found himself somewhat uncomfortable upon entering Great Zhou.
He grumbled at the Mist Walker, his distant descendant, "This Zhao Xing! He even wants to popularize this kind of knowledge in such remote places. A mere fifth-rank official can see through the composition of my body with a Commerce Scale Apparatus. It's simply, simply…"
"Outrageous!" The fifth-rank official immediately snapped. "Old man, how dare you slander the Grand Shennong! Do you want to end up in prison?!"
"You…" Daoist Yueying was dumbfounded. A fifth-rank official of the Shennong Office had the audacity to reprimand him. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable!
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. My Martial Uncle Ancestor, he…" The Mist Walker discreetly pointed to his own head.
"Hmph." The official finally let them off. "Go wait over there."
"Yes, yes," the Mist Walker hastily guided the grumbling Daoist Yueying into the waiting hall.
"Enough, stop shoving me around!" Daoist Yueying swatted the Mist Walker's hand away.
"Martial Uncle Ancestor, please calm down," the Mist Walker said with a forced smile.
"How can I calm down? We're not allowed to fly and must obediently take a ship. These regulations are absurd." The Mist Walker replied, "It's not that bad for us. Look over there at our friends from the Corpse Puppet Sect."
Daoist Yueying glanced over to see a Corpse Puppet Sect elder carrying a coffin, dutifully paying a fee.
"Hm? What are they doing?"
"They're paying a corpse storage fee."
Watching as the Corpse Puppet Sect elder paid the fee and passed through the formation gate without incident, Daoist Yueying sighed. Times had truly changed.
"Let's go," Daoist Yueying said no more.
Even a first-grade Corpse Puppet Sect expert was required to pay a corpse storage fee. Sitting in the cargo hold with his Straw Puppet Avatar suddenly seemed more acceptable.
Tianyong Province, Fengjing, Imperial Palace
"Your Majesty, as of July 18th, a total of 4.56 million visitors have entered Great Zhou from all directions."
"Ninety-nine percent of them remain at the border, merely intending to attend the Grand Shennong's lectures at Yunmeng Academy. They have no plans to venture further into the interior."
"Only forty to fifty thousand individuals are heading towards the Dao Origin Continent."
Ji Si reported. "These people are mostly third-rank experts and above."
Ji Che looked at the flashing names on the Fortune Gold List and then at the moving light points on the Map of Mountains and Rivers. He couldn't help but marvel, "Among these forty to fifty thousand people, first and second-rank cultivators make up thirty percent."
"Brother Wang has truly drawn all the world's experts here this time. Such a grand occasion—it might be something not seen even in fifty thousand years."
Ji Si bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty's boundless fortune and wisdom are unmatched."
"What does that have to do with me?" Ji Che said humbly.
"Your Majesty, while this grand event owes much to the Grand Shennong's Dao Discourse, it is your ascension plan and ambitious vision that are the main reasons they've gathered here!"
"Announcing the Ascension Plan and spreading it across the world was something done in the 110th year of Yuan Shou. Those who wanted to come early have already come." Though Ji Che said this modestly, his heart was filled with satisfaction.
In recent decades, he could clearly feel the rising fortune of Great Zhou. This year, it was especially evident.
Over four million people had come to Great Zhou, and within half a year, countless petitions for permanent residency had poured in from all directions. Many were drawn to Great Zhou and decided to settle down entirely.
These individuals were of exceptional quality—after all, traveling across nations required substantial capability, and few low-ranked cultivators had such mobility.
As a result, Great Zhou's fortune was soaring higher and higher.
"I hope that after the Dao Discourse Conference, Brother Wang can persuade more of them to stay," Ji Che said with great anticipation. "Even if these experts are unwilling to serve as officials or work for the court, simply staying in Great Zhou is already a tremendous benefit."
Ji Che could sense that he was only one step away from reaching the true Ascension Stage.
August 6th, Start of Autumn, Dao Origin Continent.
The "Heaven-Level" area within the Dao Field was already packed with people.
Ji Che personally attended the event to show his support, and almost all the civil and military officials who could attend had also arrived. Before the Dao Discourse began, a series of rituals were performed.
This included the worship of the Three Gods.
However, unlike before, where the Three Gods were worshipped separately, this time they were honored together, treated equally without any distinction in status. After the worship, there were dances and music performances.
Zhao Xing then arrived before the Tianxin Hall, where he, along with the civil and military officials, bowed to Ji Che. Afterward, Zhao Xing stepped onto the clouds and emerged at the Dao Discourse Platform.
"Rumble~"
The Dao Discourse Platform continued to rise, and at the same time, the eight surrounding ground mirrors ascended into the air, merging with the sky. The rings of the divine wood on the lecture platform emitted a radiant glow.
On the platform, a Hundred-Flower Cushion had been placed, and Zhao Xing sat cross-legged upon it.
As he settled into place, the rings surrounding the divine wood began to rise. The amplifying rings reappeared.
Following this, the ritual practitioners cast spells to calm their minds and strengthen their bodies, enhancing the experience for the audience.
These steps were part of showcasing Great Zhou's strength. Under the leadership of Tong Wenzhuo, over a hundred ritual practitioners spared no effort in performing their spells.
When everything finally returned to tranquility, a low hum resounded.
"Hummm~"
The divine wood platform nearest Zhao Xing continued to rise until it was level with Zhao Xing, just a foot apart. A projection appeared in the sky, displaying the figure of Mi Fu!
"Who is that?"
"Mi Fu? He doesn't seem very famous. Is he really the first to engage in a Dao Discourse with the Grand Shennong?"
"He isn't even a Junior Chief of Shennong; how is he getting this honor?"
"What has Mi Fu done to deserve this?"
"I'm so envious."
Mi Fu couldn't hear the murmurs below, but he could see many lips moving in the crowd. It wasn't hard to imagine they were gossiping about him.
"Mi Fu, relax. Don't mind what others think," Zhao Xing transmitted to him.
In truth, Mi Fu wasn't someone who cared about fame or recognition. If he did, he wouldn't have experienced such ups and downs in his career, being promoted and demoted repeatedly. He had even considered giving this opportunity to Liu Tianning, allowing him to be the first to debate the Dao.
However, Zhao Xing had firmly supported Mi Fu's position, silencing all opposition.
"Alright," Mi Fu took a deep breath. Determined not to disappoint Zhao Xing, he quickly adjusted his mindset.
As was customary, Zhao Xing began the discourse:
"Yuan Qi has no form; it manifests with a name. Yuan Qi is boundless and encompasses all, yet its transformations create infinite distinctions. Encompassing all yet bearing no shape, it is unified and called Yuan."
When explaining the Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique, it was necessary to begin with the theory of Yuan Qi. Zhao Xing's opening set the theme, explaining what Yuan Qi was.
"Yuan Qi is the origin of all things. When it gathers, it births countless divine phenomena; when it disperses, these divine phenomena fade away."
The second section extends the concept of Yuan Qi to its application in humanity.
"It is vast and boundless, yet minutely detailed within. Its chaos and simplicity conceal infinite vitality, akin to a germinating seed that serves as the foundation for myriad paths."
The third section delves into the Path of Yuan Qi, progressing systematically. This explanation aligns with the Dao of Shennong.
"The Dao of Shennong encompasses the heavens, the earth, and humanity. Born of the earth, life depends on the heavens. The fusion of heavenly and earthly energies creates what is called a person."
"To align with these energies and cultivate the Dao, one must gather and refine Yuan Qi—this is the cornerstone of cultivation."
Up to this point, Zhao Xing's lecture was grounded in traditional principles. These are familiar concepts, foundational to ancient cultivation systems. The first realm in these systems is to gather Qi, and seasoned cultivators already understand this concept thoroughly.
However, Zhao Xing then shifted his tone:
"The heavens are vast and yellow, the beginning of the great Dao. Primordial energy gives birth to all beings, thus dividing heaven and earth into two types of Qi."
"The first type is called 'Yuan Qi', and the second is called 'Spiritual Qi.'"
"Yuan Qi serves as the foundation, while Spiritual Qi serves as its application. Yuan Qi is like the stillness of the deep sea, a repository of essence; Spiritual Qi is like the dynamic motion of waves, a manifestation of creation. All things in the world rely on these two types of Qi for existence—this is the grand Dao of heaven and earth."
At this point, the lecture had transcended mere theories of Yuan Qi, entering the broader scope of Qi Theory. Many listeners were confused but remained attentive.
"Yuan Qi forms the foundation, the essence within the body. A Shennong cultivator gathers Qi, builds the bridge between heaven and earth, refines Earth Fiend Qi and Heavenly Gang Qi, transforming Qi into pure Yuan Qi. Thus, fertile Primordial Soil is born."
This explanation was still straightforward, merely detailing how Shennong practitioners refine their cultivation through four stages: Qi Gathering, Bridge of Spiritual Qi, Earth Fiend Refinement, and Heavenly Gang Refinement. The culmination of these stages leads to the formation of fertile Primordial Soil.
"Spiritual Qi, however, is the manifestation of creation. When fused with the principles of heaven and earth, it enters the body, bypassing the internal constraints of Earth Fiend Qi and Heavenly Gang Qi. In this process, fertile Primordial Soil also forms."
"I, together with Mi Fu, created this method, calling it the Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique."
At this point, even the powerful Mist Walker felt utterly bewildered. Meanwhile, the Daoist Yueying, sitting nearby, looked radiant with understanding.
"Master Uncle, do you understand this?"
"Of course," Daoist Yueying nodded, stroking his beard.
"In my era, there were still regions where Spiritual Qi had not dissipated, and heaven and earth remained abundant. After building the Spiritual Bridge, Shennong cultivators could train within such secret realms."
"This process bypassed the refining of Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiend Qi, directly forming fertile Primordial Soil."
"Could such a thing truly exist?" The Mist Walker was stunned.
"However, in our time, we only recognized the phenomenon. There was merely a chance to produce fertile Primordial Soil, not a certainty."
"Zhao Chen'an has now clarified the essence of forming fertile Primordial Soil. He uses Qi Theory to explain that Shennong cultivators must undergo transformations of Earth Fiend Qi and Heavenly Gang Qi to meet the conditions for its creation."
"Then, he transitions from Yuan Qi Theory to Spiritual Qi Theory, claiming that Spiritual Qi can skip this process entirely. Why can it be skipped? Because Spiritual Qi is a manifestation of creation."
"Of course, he has only elaborated on the Dao aspect. How one captures this creation belongs to the practice of cultivation, the Method."
"It seems he has truly mastered this technique." Daoist Yueying's eyes glimmered with divine light. "The birth of Spiritual Qi at the beginning of the Xuanhuang Era… this Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique is remarkable!"
"If he is willing to spread this Dao, even in my time, he could establish a sect and be hailed as an unparalleled genius!"
Although the Mist Walker could not fully comprehend the lecture, he sensed that the old cultivator held immense admiration for Zhao Xing. "Master Uncle, do you now believe in what I said? Are you willing to support my plan?"
Daoist Yueying had already made up his mind, but he smiled and stroked his beard. "Don't rush. Let us observe further."
After Zhao Xing concluded his discourse, he began to engage Mi Fu in a discussion, further elucidating the Xuanhuang Qi Breaking Technique.
Mi Fu asked, "Honored Shennong, what is the difference between the 'Spiritual' in Spiritual Qi and the 'Spirit' in the soul?"
Zhao Xing replied, "Daoist Mi, please enlighten me."
Mi Fu then wrote a character in the air: "This is '霝' (Ling)."
Then he wrote another character: "And this is also '靈' (Ling)."
Zhao Xing asked, "What is the distinction between the two?"
Mi Fu explained, "The first character, '霝', contains the radical for rain at the top, and three altar-like platforms below, representing the triad of Heavenly Gods, Earthly Deities, and Ancestral Spirits."
"And the second character, '靈', what does it signify?" Zhao Xing inquired further.
"The horizontal line in the middle represents humanity, kneeling in reverence, grateful for the blessings of heaven and earth."
"The lower radical, which is the character for soil, signifies the earth, completing the cycle of Spiritual Qi."
Zhao Xing then asked, "What do you mean by this rain?"
Mi Fu explained, "It means that while Spiritual Qi may not currently manifest due to the decline of the era, beyond the Xuanhuang Realm, a great storm of Spiritual Qi will one day descend. Within that storm, humanity will harness this Spiritual Qi to comprehend the mysteries of creation, enabling them to ascend the void and achieve transcendence."
Hearing this exchange, Ji Che, within the Tianxin Hall, burst into laughter.
"Well done, Zhao Xing and Mi Fu! Is this your way of sneaking in private lessons and subtly sabotaging my grand plan for ascension?!"