I Cheated While Cultivating

Chapter 345: Chapter 65 The Path of the Five Virtues, The Three Treasures as One Desires

Taihua Mount, still unchanged with its perennial ice, snow, and sea of clouds.

Atop Jade Void Peak Golden Top.

Zhou Heng briefly explained the situation in Jiangzhou to Yan Shouyi.

“You can already defeat peak grandmasters outright?” Yan Shouyi was slightly astonished, sized up Zhou Heng for a good while, and laughed, “Incredible, truly incredible!”

“It’s just a special combination of secret techniques, and it can’t last long, nor is the state ideal,” Zhou Heng said, lightly shaking his head with a smile.

“Then you must continue to work hard,” Yan Shouyi said with a smile, “You must make it last.”

“…” Zhou Heng fell into a brief silence before changing the subject, “Elder brother, what do you think about the matter of the Heaven Sword Sect and that divine artifact magic weapon?”

“The divine artifact you rightfully seized should naturally be kept for yourself. As for the Heaven Sword Sect…” Yan Shouyi said with a light laugh, “After a while, they should be sending someone to apologize to us on their own initiative.”

“Ah?” Zhou Heng was a bit stunned upon hearing this. Could it really be like this?

“I have a good relationship with Tan Qianshan, the sect leader of Heaven Sword Sect,” Yan Shouyi said, his expression somewhat meloncholic, as if reminiscing the old times, “Back when I roamed the Jianghu about four hundred years ago, he often challenged me.”

“And the result?” Zhou Heng asked curiously.

“A hundred battles, a hundred defeats,” Yan Shouyi sighed, “But I have to admit, he’s a very determined person, just a bit too straightforward. This time as well, upon knowing the divine artifact magic weapon was intercepted by you, without giving it much thought, he agreed to let Qiu Yu take people to find you.

“In the end, as a great grandmaster, Qiu Yu was expecting you to make a move and, although he ended up with his physical body destroyed, it was also because he touched upon my taboo. Tan Qianshan, without thinking through the consequences, other people from Heaven Sword Sect wouldn’t have thought of them either.”

“Ah, this…” Zhou Heng was at a loss for words and after a long silence, he said, “Elder brother, have you ever attacked Heaven Sword Sect’s gate before?”

“How did you know?” Yan Shouyi turned around, curious, “Who told you?”

“I guessed,” Zhou Heng’s mouth twitched slightly. So that’s why he was so certain. It turns out he had fought them before.

“My junior brother understands me, haha,” Yan Shouyi laughed, patting his hand.

“Since Heaven Sword Sect won’t be troubling us, then I can rest easy,” Zhou Heng shifted the conversation again, “Elder brother, in the collection of Daoxu Cave Sky, is there an inner strength that is relatively neutral and peaceful, with the concept of holding everything in the world?”

“There are ordinary inner strengths, but I’m afraid they won’t meet your needs,” guessing Zhou Heng’s intent, Yan Shouyi smiled and said, “Are you planning to seek an inner strength as the core for later cultivating your true gang?”

“That’s right,” Zhou Heng nodded, “Do you have any suggestions, elder brother?”

“The high-level martial arts of Pure Yang Palace mostly revolve around the unique essence type. The inner strength you’re looking for would probably be with the School of Pure Void,” Yan Shouyi said with a smile, “However, I do have another suggestion.”

“Please do tell,” Zhou Heng said curiously.

Actually, given his relationship with the School of Pure Void, obtaining a Sect Fifth Rank inner strength from Chen Yingyu should not be difficult, but since Yan Shouyi mentioned having another suggestion, he should listen.

This was advice from the world’s number one Celestial Man.

“You could create your own,” Yan Shouyi said earnestly, “You once told me about your inner realm’s structure, aiming to embrace everything, to bear all the Laws and Paths, and to be the foundation stone for all matter.

“This is your own path, and one that other inner strengths may not fully align with. Since you have already walked this path, why not research and create an inner strength as the core for your true gang?”

“Create my own?” Zhou Heng was a bit puzzled upon hearing this, questioning, “That’s possible?”

“Why wouldn’t it be possible?” Yan Shouyi challenged, “Since ancient times, has there ever been anyone who overcame the Dharma Phase realm with just the True Energy Realm? Such a feat has never been achieved since time immemorial, yet you managed it. Who’s to say you can’t do this?”

“I… can do it!” Zhou Heng’s eyes shone with resolve.

“That’s more like it,” Yan Shouyi said with an open-hearted laugh. “How can one say that they’re not up to the task?”

“So where should I begin?” Zhou Heng inquired.

Before this, he only had experience in fabricating martial arts to the extent of exploring Seventh Rank techniques and those were just moves, far from the difficulty of creating Inner Strength practices.

“The three elements of Inner Strength are intention, nature, and pathway. You should start with the moves you used to construct the miniature world within your inner scenery from the aspect of intention. For the nature, refer to the martial arts or Taoist formulas that you use often and that align with the intention of your inner scenery to some extent,” said Yan Shouyi in a deep voice.

“As for the True Qi pathway, that is a test of your inner strength insights. With broad enough insights and understanding of more Inner Strength practices, it will naturally be easier to create a pathway that fits yourself,” he continued.

“I think I have a rough idea now,” Zhou Heng nodded thoughtfully.

“Do you need to visit the Dao Ruins Cave Sky?” Yan Shouyi asked.

“Not for now,” Zhou Heng shook his head gently, saying, “I want to contemplate in silence for a while.”

“Hmm,” Yan Shouyi nodded in approval. “That’s good.”

…

Inside a side hall on the Golden Peak of Jade Void, Zhou Heng sat cross-legged.

The words previously spoken by Yan Shouyi had given him some inspiration.

First, to start with the intention through the moves used to build the miniature world within the inner scenery.

Although he rarely used the move “All Things of Creation” directly, the concept was, in fact, embedded in every one of his moves.

He had perfected this move.

This provided a foundational intention, and extrapolating from it to create Inner Strength practices that aligned with the inner scenery’s philosophy was not particularly difficult.

Embracing all things, containing everything, supporting myriad laws and paths.

This indeed fully encapsulated the intention.

Next was how to realize such an intention, which is to say, what kind of True Qi, True Essence, or mana, could actually accomplish “embracing all things, containing everything, supporting myriad laws and paths”?

Drawing on the myriad exceptional teachings he had learned, he thought of a kind or rather a series of forces.

The Innate Five Virtues Qi.

If he used the Five Virtues Qi as the foundation for his self-created Inner Strength practice, it might just fulfill the intention of his inner scenery, and even lead to deeper and broader expansions.

“However, my understanding of the Innate Five Virtues is still too shallow. Hmm, I should find an opportunity to acquire the ‘Five Virtues and Five Motions Treasure Book’ stored in the Dao Ruins Cave Sky, which should be of great help to me,” thought Zhou Heng as he settled on a preliminary plan. Yet, he was also a bit worried, “As per usual, borrowing books from the Dao Ruins Cave Sky comes with conditions. It seems that the condition to borrow the ‘Five Virtues and Five Motions Treasure Book’ is to slay five Sect Fifth Rank evildoers.”

He had considered acquiring this book before but had decided to give up due to this requirement.

Back then, it was because his strength was not sufficient, but now he had enough power to slay Sect Fifth Rank evildoers, yet he was troubled by the thought of searching for the whereabouts of these evil practitioners.

Evil practitioners were always mysterious in their movements, especially Fifth Rank Grandmasters, who often wandered alone, without leaving a trace. Even if there was news, by the time he arrived, they would be long gone.

“Hmm, I wonder if slaying ghosts and evil creatures of the same rank counts…” Zhou Heng entertained some alternative thoughts and murmured to himself, “I should ask my senior brother once I get out.”

If slaying ghosts and evil creatures equivalent to Sect Fifth Rank could “compensate,” it would significantly lower the difficulty for him to meet the condition.

After all, the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer had a widespread information network about such matters, and since ghosts and evil creatures typically caused trouble consistently, they wouldn’t flee at the drop of a hat and were therefore easier to find.

“It seems feasible,” Zhou Heng secretly nodded to himself, convinced he was a genius. Full of joy, he thought, “While I’m in a good mood, let’s open the Fortune Bag. They say you have good luck when you’re feeling good.”

“Open all the Fortune Bags!”

“Congratulations! You’ve received a basic attribute enhancement: Insight +1.”

“Congratulations! You’ve received a special skill card: Fooling Card [Copper].”

“Congratulations! You’ve received a basic attribute enhancement: Appearance +1.”

…

“Congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot! You’ve obtained the martial arts ‘Three Treasures Wishful Fist·Upper Chapter’ [Absolute Fourth Rank]!”

Holy shit!

Zhou Heng almost jumped up in excitement.

He was already elated with the consecutive enhancement to his insight, as well as obtaining another Fooling Card. It was a major weapon—if used correctly, he could even kill a Loose Immortal with it.

As for the increase in appearance, for someone who already had perfect looks, the benefits were somewhat limited.

Unexpectedly, he had gained a heritage from the Three Pure Ones!

Indeed worthy of a Gold Fortune Bag!

“Three Treasures Wishful Fist·Upper Chapter: Absolute Fourth Rank Martial Arts. This is a supreme secret technique derived from the logic behind the treasured ‘Three Treasures Jade Ruyi,’ capable of condensing one’s essence, vitality, and spirit into a Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, suppressing the myriad phenomena of time and space and eradicating supernatural transcendence. One must collect any three types of the Five Virtues’ energies to master it.”

It fit perfectly with Zhou Heng’s next phase of cultivation.

“Any three types of the Five Virtues’ energies,” Zhou Heng’s lips curved slightly upward, chuckling, “I already have the Xuanhuang Merit Energy. Next, I need to collect the Fortune Energy.

“That would make two types. Then, I just need to select one to collect from the remaining Merit Energy, Holy Virtue, or Taoist Virtue. As for how exactly to collect it, this leads back to the ‘Five Virtues and Five Motions Treasure Book.’

“Indeed, this volume is extremely important for the exploration of my cultivation path ahead. It’s best to get my hands on this treasure book first, understand the principle of the Five Virtues and Five Motions, and then consider other matters.”

…

While Zhou Heng was sensing the natural laws of vital energy among the sea of clouds outside the Golden Peak, he encountered Cheng Jianjian, who was about to descend the mountain.

“Little Martial Uncle, long time no see. It seems your cultivation has improved,” said Cheng Jianjian, still lively and cheerful, dressed in the Pure Yang Palace’s Taoist robe, looking cool and stunningly beautiful.

“You too,” Zhou Heng said with a light laugh, “Seeing you like this, it looks like you’re heading out on a long journey?”

“Yes, I’m going to Southern Jin,” Cheng Jianjian nodded and said.

“Southern Jin?” Zhou Heng frowned slightly, puzzled, “Is there something important going on?”

At this time, the relationship between Southern Jin and Da Qi was quite tense.

Though this tension came from the imperial court, which was the largest secular force and had a broad influence, the sects and noble families were inevitably affected by the court’s leanings.

Therefore, in Southern Jin, hostility and even outright antagonism towards people from Qi were quite common.

“Don’t worry, little Martial Uncle, I know my limits,” Cheng Jianjian said with a smile. “My visit to Southern Jin is to keep an appointment. A year ago, when I first left the mountain, I happened to encounter Ning Zeyu of the Ning family from Yujang in Southern Jin, a ‘Yao Palace Heavenly Maiden’ who is a Secret Sixth Rank expert.

“She has some grudges with my master, so after seeing me, she trapped me in a formation in the wilderness for three days to expose me to the dangers of the Jianghu. After I emerged from the formation, I made an agreement with her that once I reached Secret Sixth Rank, I would go to Southern Jin and defeat her!”

“You’re going there all alone?” Zhou Heng’s frown deepened, “Going to Southern Jin is too dangerous. There, you’ll be surrounded by enemies. What if people from the Ning family don’t play by the rules and try to harm you?”

“Don’t worry, little Martial Uncle, my master has given me quite a few magic weapons. No one below a Celestial Man can trap me,” Cheng Jianjian said with a light smile. “Ning Zeyu wronged me first. If I can’t defeat her soon, I’ll be preoccupied and unable to advance in my cultivation.

“Moreover, the people of Southern Jin are members of the Human Race, just like us. As long as I don’t flaunt my identity, who would know I’m from Qi? So, little Martial Uncle, you can rest assured.”

“If you’re in danger, do not act recklessly,” Zhou Heng admonished.

“Don’t worry.” Cheng Jianjian smiled, “When I come back, will you treat me to food?”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Zhou Heng quickly waved his hand, “Well, when you come back.”

“I’ll remember that,” Cheng Jianjian said with a smile that bloomed like flowers, then turned and descended the mountain.

After Cheng Jianjian’s figure disappeared down the mountain, Zhou Heng leisurely floated out of the sea of clouds.

To the Golden Top of Jade Void Peak.

He went to inquire with Yan Shouyi about the conditions for borrowing the ‘Innate Five Virtues and Five Motions Treasure Book.’

…

Zhou Heng felt very good when he came down from Ta Hua Mount.

Yan Shouyi had answered his previous doubts: indeed, evil creatures and ghosts could be used as a “trade-in.”

Moreover, because demon entities were on the rise everywhere now, if one could kill a demon entity comparable to a Sect Fifth Rank, it would count as a “trade-in” as well.

However, there was a limit to this trade-in.

Evil creatures, ghosts, demon entities—each category had only one spot available for trade-in against the number of evil sect masters.

This meant that if Zhou Heng wanted to trade in, he could only kill one of each—evil creature, ghost, and demon entity—to trade for three spots and would still need to defeat two evil Fifth Rank Sect Masters.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

After confirming this, he set off down the mountain, heading for the closest entrance to Purple Tenuity Palace.

…

Inside the Hall of Solving Worries at Purple Tenuity Palace.

The emperor’s guard was sorting out various mission information. Upon seeing Zhou Heng arrive, he promptly put down his work and bowed, saying, “Greetings, Lord of the Stars.”

“No need for formalities, senior.” Zhou Heng waved his hand and said, “This time, I’ve come to inquire whether there are missions available to slay Sect Fifth Rank evil creatures, ghosts, or demon entities, particularly from this world.”

“You, you’re already capable of killing Sect Fifth Rank evil demons and specters?” The emperor’s guard was astounded, taking a while to regain his composure before responding, “There should be such missions available. Please wait, which type would you like to start with?”

“Demon entities,” said Zhou Heng. “They seem to be more dangerous.”

“Alright.” The emperor’s guard began to search through the mission information and said, “By the way, Lord of the Stars, there’s something I think you should be made aware of.”

“What is it?” Zhou Heng asked, puzzled.

“As you know, our Zhou Tian star chart is incomplete. It’s divided between us, Southern Jin, and Northern Zhou, each controlling a part, with our own Zhou Tian Boundary Officers and we don’t interfere with each other. However…” The emperor’s guard spoke solemnly:

“Recently, it seems that the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer of Southern Jin has been showing signs of encroaching on our territory.”