12dz Chapter 20 Zhen Yuanzi's Gift of Treasure
Chapter 20 Zhen Yuanzi's Gift of Treasure
His unusual reaction, the sudden surge of energy that complemented the Four Symbols Banana Tree, was naturally clearly perceived by Wanshou Yuanjun and his original self, Zhenyuanzi.
A look of understanding and satisfaction flashed in Wanshou Yuanjun's eyes, and she nodded slightly.
Meanwhile, Zhen Yuanzi's true form, with its dark yellow aura, rippled slightly, and a peaceful, gentle, and knowingly smiling divine thought emanated from it, resonating directly in Hongyun's heart:
"The Great Dao manifests itself, and the karmic order is formed naturally. I observe that your Qi resonates with it, and your origin is in harmony with it, as if you are of one and the same origin. This tree is rightfully yours to possess; this is the will of Heaven and also your good fortune."
Upon hearing this, Hongyun was suddenly jolted awake from that mysterious sense of resonance, her face first showing great joy.
He was quickly replaced by immense hesitation and disbelief, and he waved his hands hastily, his voice trembling with excitement:
"This...this is unacceptable! Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi! This is an innate spiritual root, incomparably precious, a great opportunity you obtained with great difficulty from the innate restrictions of Buzhou Mountain!"
Furthermore, it is connected to the fortune of your Earth Book and Ginseng Fruit Tree, and may be of great use! How could this humble Taoist possibly... how could he possibly steal such a generous gift from you?
Innate spiritual roots are incredibly precious; they are extremely rare, even in the entire prehistoric world.
Each plant contains one or even several complete laws of the Great Dao, making them peerless treasures that would drive any powerful being to fight madly for them, even causing bloodshed.
Zhen Yuanzi just casually and without hesitation offered to give it to him? This gift was far too heavy! So heavy that he was flustered and dared not accept it.
Zhen Yuanzi's divine sense returned, his tone still calm, yet carrying an undeniable composure and sincerity, and containing the profound affection that had accompanied him through countless lifetimes:
"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, why be so formal? This item is nothing more than icing on the cake for me, adding a little to my foundation."
But for you, it is in harmony with the Great Dao, like adding wings to a tiger. It is the key to laying the foundation for the Dao and pointing out the way forward, and its value is immeasurable.
We have been together since the beginning of our spiritual existence, witnessing the evolution of the primordial world and sharing countless cycles of time. Our bond has long surpassed that of ordinary Daoist friends, and we are almost like brothers and Daoist partners.
If a mere external object can help you advance in your cultivation and make your future path promising, then for me, that is its greatest value, so why should I be stingy with it?
"Could it be that after all these countless years, you still wish to separate yourself from me?"
These words, spoken calmly and gently, struck Hongyun's heart with a weight heavier than Mount Buzhou.
Hongyun stood there stunned, overwhelmed with emotion. An indescribable warmth surged from the depths of her primordial spirit, instantly spreading throughout her body, bringing her unparalleled comfort.
Yet it also made his nose sting, and his throat felt like it was blocked by something, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Countless fragments of memories flooded my mind.
He recalled countless eons ago when he was still a confused and bewildered primordial red cloud, drifting on the summit of Longevity Mountain. Below him, the warm, heavy, and serene essence of the earth often emanated a comforting and guiding force, dispelling his confusion.
He recalled how, in the years that followed, Zhen Yuanzi preached to him every day, breaking down and explaining the obscure and profound principles of the Great Dao, patiently helping him to concentrate his wisdom, clarify the path of cultivation, and gradually reach where he is today.
He recalled the moment he took human form, when calamity befell him. It was Zhen Yuanzi who, without hesitation, used all his strength to activate the earth's membrane, drawing upon the boundless earth vein energy of Longevity Mountain to protect him—that unreserved support and protection.
Now, having just broken through to the Great Luo realm with the help of his friend's true form, the other party is now gifting him an incomparably precious innate spiritual root that is so perfectly suited to him...
This kindness was so profound! So profound that he didn't know how to repay it, and even felt unworthy of it.
He gazed at the four-symbol banana tree, its radiance flowing and its essence perfectly intertwined with his own.
Then he "looked" at the silent yet incredibly reliable, ancient, golden aura that had always protected this place like an ancient divine mountain (Zhen Yuanzi's true form).
In the end, all the words and emotions were condensed into a deep bow, his body bent at a ninety-degree angle, his voice trembling and choked with barely suppressed sobs:
"Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi... this generous gift... I, Hongyun... will forever remember it! In the future... if you ever need anything, Hongyun... will do anything, even at the cost of his life!"
He knew that for someone like Zhen Yuanzi, too many refusals would only seem distant and pretentious, and would betray the other party's sincere heart.
He will remember this friendship, which is higher than the sky and deeper than the earth, and will repay it with everything he has in the future!
Zhen Yuanzi's aura flickered slightly, conveying a peaceful and serene message: "Between you and me, this is how it should be; there's no need to worry."
Hongyun straightened up, took a deep breath, and forcibly suppressed the surging emotions in her heart.
He did not immediately and impatiently absorb the Four Symbols Banana Tree into his body for refinement, but instead made a decision that was more in line with the Great Dao.
He walked to the spiritual root, sat down cross-legged, and gently touched the four leaves containing different primal powers, as if caressing a beloved treasure. He closed his eyes and tried to feel the magnificent, vast, and incredibly intimate natural Daoist charm within them.
"Since this spiritual root is destined to grow with me, I will let it continue to grow in this spiritual cave."
Hongyun looked up at Wanshou Yuanjun and Zhenyuanzi in their true forms, her eyes clear and firm.
"This place is the core of the spiritual vein of Longevity Mountain, and it is further nourished by the essence of Earth from fellow Daoist Wu, which is more conducive to its growth and development."
In the future, when I seek enlightenment, I will often practice under this tree. I will be with this tree day and night, sharing its breath, and experiencing the wonder of its natural evolution from the four elements.
"A gradual, subtle influence, a communion of mind and spirit, may be more effective than forcibly refining it into the body, allowing one to grasp its essence and comprehend its true meaning. This would be far more beneficial to the foundation of my cultivation path and would not be in vain for the blessings bestowed upon my innate spiritual root."
Upon hearing this, the Goddess of Longevity's eyes showed even greater admiration, and she nodded and smiled.
"Fellow Daoist's words are excellent, and they deeply grasp the true essence of the Way of Nature. Spiritual roots have their own spirits and their own paths of cultivation."
While forcibly refining it may quickly grant it power, it may damage its spirituality and cause it to lose its true meaning of natural evolution, which is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
Such companionship and mutual understanding, the exchange of Daoist principles, and the resulting mutual benefit are the path to long-term success and a win-win strategy. — Wise friend.
So Hongyun sat down quietly under the Four Symbols Banana Tree, closed her eyes, cleared her mind of all distractions, and immersed herself completely in the Daoist rhythm of her spiritual root.
He no longer consciously circulated his cultivation technique, but instead allowed the four fundamental forces of earth, water, wind, and fire within his body to flow spontaneously, creating a mysterious resonance and fusion with the four leaves of the banana tree.
Gradually, centered on the Four Symbols Banana Tree, a small yet incredibly pure and solid Four Symbols Law domain naturally formed, covering an area of several feet in radius.
Red clouds (containing the elements of fire and wind), moist and misty water vapor, and a thick and stable earthy yellow halo intertwine and surround, evolving into various mysterious scenes of the beginning of chaos, the differentiation of yin and yang, the establishment of the four elements, and the emergence of all things.
Hongyun's Dao body became faintly visible within this domain, and his aura became increasingly in harmony with the banana tree, as if they had merged into one, inseparable.
His primordial spirit roamed freely in the ocean of the Four Symbols Laws, and many of the obstacles in his cultivation were suddenly overcome. His understanding of the Great Luo Realm deepened at an unprecedented speed, and his cultivation level steadily improved without him even realizing it.
The Goddess of Longevity stood quietly by, watching Hongyun quickly enter a state of deep enlightenment and get along so harmoniously and naturally with the Four Symbols Banana Tree. She felt quite gratified.
The trip to Buzhou Mountain was far more fruitful and far-reaching than expected.
The foundation of the body has been fully established, and its inherent strength has increased dramatically.
His close friend Hongyun also encountered a perfect match, and his path was bright.
As an avatar, one's cultivation and spiritual attainment also rise accordingly. The strength of the Longevity Mountain lineage has quietly risen to a whole new level, and its future is promising.
His gaze lingered on the distance, as if piercing through the array of Wuzhuang Temple and through layers of void, revealing the magnificent yet tumultuous future of the primordial world.
With sufficient strength, they may eventually be able to better protect everything they want to protect amidst this turbulent current, and change some of the regrets that may exist.
The two bright and clever young Taoist boys, Qingfeng and Mingyue, blinked their big eyes, looking at the newly arrived "little tree" that emitted four different colors of magical light with both curiosity and awe.
Looking again at Master Hongyun, who seemed to be one with the tree and surrounded by Daoist aura, I obediently dared not make a sound to disturb him. I just silently stood by and watched over him, occasionally curiously absorbing a wisp of the Daoist aura of the Four Symbols that was emanating from him. I felt comfortable all over and my own cultivation was slowly increasing without me even realizing it.
Wuzhuang Temple has once again returned to its former tranquility and peace.
Only the newly grown Four Symbols Banana Tree, its leaves swaying gently, its earth, water, wind, and fire energies circulating endlessly, complemented the Red Cloud Taoist sitting in meditation beneath it, embodying the mystery and harmony of the Great Dao.
Zhen Yuanzi's true form floated silently, like an ancient rock, continuing to accumulate power, awaiting the day of his final transformation.
The Goddess of Longevity stood guard by his side, like the most loyal protector and fellow Daoist, safeguarding this hard-won peace and opportunity.
A new and hopeful chapter of spiritual practice quietly unfolds atop Longevity Mountain. Time may pass without end, but the Great Dao remains constant, and friendship endures forever.