Undying Life

Chapter 139: Chapter 139: One Fate, Two Luck, Three Feng Shui, Four Accumulated Virtue, Five Reputation

"Master, rest assured. Ling'er is my wife, and I will treat her well. When I reach the Nascent Soul stage, I will bring her back and make her happy every day," Zhong Shan said solemnly.

Tian Xingzi gazed at Zhong Shan for a while, sensing the sincerity and earnestness in his words, and then nodded.

"Ni Pusa, your sect's rule is to never reveal heavenly secrets without cause, or you will suffer divine retribution. You exposed Zhong Shan's background just now. How will you resolve this?" Tian Xingzi immediately turned to Ni Pusa, clearly taking Zhong Shan's side now that he was his son-in-law.

Ni Pusa glanced at Tian Xingzi and nodded slightly. "You decide."

Ni Pusa's straightforwardness made it seem as if he had deliberately exposed Zhong Shan's background. This made Zhong Shan furrow his brows slightly.

Tian Xingzi looked at Zhong Shan, as if indicating for him to speak.

Zhong Shan knew this was a great opportunity, but he didn't know what to ask for.

"Master, I do not know the extent of the senior's abilities, so I don't know what to ask for," Zhong Shan said immediately.

Tian Xingzi looked at Zhong Shan with satisfaction and nodded.

"Zhong Shan, do you know the difference between immortals and mortals?" Tian Xingzi asked gravely.

Zhong Shan was slightly puzzled by the sudden question but still answered, "Immortals live forever, while mortals have limited lifespans."

"Hmm, correct. Immortals live forever, but why do they live forever? Why do mortals have limited lifespans?" Tian Xingzi asked again.

Hearing this, Zhong Shan frowned. He had known about the concept but never really understood the reasoning behind it.

"It's because of fate. Mortals have the fate of mortals, and immortals have the fate of immortals. Different fates result in different lifespans. To become immortal is to defy heaven and change one's fate, turning a mortal fate into an immortal fate. Therefore, all cultivation is not merely to increase one's power; increasing power is just part of the process. The true goal is to defy heaven and change one's fate, battling heaven with one's fate. Only by doing so can one live forever and achieve the fate of an immortal," Tian Xingzi explained.

Hearing Tian Xingzi's explanation, Zhong Shan felt a shock in his heart. He realized that his previous understanding was too shallow. Immortality was complex and not just about increasing cultivation.

"I won't question how you learned about establishing an imperial dynasty. I just want to tell you that since you have the method, make good use of it. With each promotion from a kingdom to an empire to a celestial dynasty, it is an opportunity to change your fate. When you reach the level of a celestial emperor, you will have the chance to battle heaven with your fate. If you succeed, your fate will become that of an immortal, and you will achieve immortality," Tian Xingzi explained.

"Yes," Zhong Shan responded immediately, understanding this important information.

"One fate, two luck, three Feng Shui, four accumulated virtue, five reputation. Fate cannot be directly cultivated; the most one can do is cultivate the other four, thereby changing fate," Tian Xingzi said.

"Luck? Feng Shui? Accumulated virtue? Reputation?" Zhong Shan asked in surprise.

"Yes, your dynasty is cultivating reputation through the establishment of an imperial dynasty. Cultivating Feng Shui, accumulating virtue, and building reputation all rely on the positions given by heaven and earth. There's no fixed order. Most people cultivate reputation, while few cultivate Feng Shui. In fact, there are only a few people in the world who cultivate Feng Shui, and Ni Pusa here is one of them. He holds a 'mid-level' position in the heavenly hierarchy," Tian Xingzi explained.

Zhong Shan was deeply shocked and thought for a moment before asking, "What about luck? How does one cultivate luck?"

Tian Xingzi looked at Zhong Shan and said, "No one cultivates luck anymore. The knowledge of how to cultivate luck has been lost. It has been ten thousand years since anyone who cultivates luck has appeared in the Divine Continent."

"Ten thousand years without a practitioner of luck cultivation? Is it very difficult to cultivate luck? How is it different?" Zhong Shan asked in astonishment.

Zhong Shan asked, "Luck? According to legend, there was such a person ten thousand years ago. Throughout the Divine Continent, only one person would appear at a time, able to discern the yin and yang of heaven and earth, predicting fortune and misfortune. This person could avoid disaster and seek fortune at all times. This is the true defiance of heaven's will. However, this ability vanished ten thousand years ago and has never reappeared since," Tian Xingzi said with longing.

Luck? Cultivating luck? Zhong Shan was shocked. This was too extraordinary, being able to constantly avoid disaster and seek fortune?

This left only three methods of cultivation: cultivating reputation, which Zhong Shan was doing as an emperor with his ministers through establishing an imperial dynasty; cultivating Feng Shui, like Ni Pusa in front of him; and cultivating accumulated virtue.

"Master, is our cultivation in the sect considered as cultivating accumulated virtue?" Zhong Shan asked in confusion.

Tian Xingzi looked at Zhong Shan with satisfaction and said, "Correct. We are cultivating accumulated virtue. Cultivating oneself is accumulating inner virtue, and there is also outer virtue, which you are not yet capable of understanding. You will know in the future."

"Yes," Zhong Shan replied immediately.

"The art of Feng Shui is profound and extensive. It can ride, gather, harmonize, and define the energy, thereby enhancing the fortune of your kingdom. Although it seems intangible, it brings about fortune and smooth prosperity," Tian Xingzi explained to Zhong Shan.

Immediately, Zhong Shan detected a hint from Tian Xingzi's tone.

Zhong Shan took out a large map and respectfully presented it to Ni Pusa. "Senior, I have established the Great Zheng Dynasty, but its foundation is shallow and the future uncertain. I hope the senior can guide me."

Zhong Shan had already planned the future of the Great Zheng Dynasty, but with a Feng Shui master in front of him, he naturally wanted to hear his opinion. As his master said, the dragon veins of Feng Shui should align with the nation's momentum to develop better. The map of Tian Lang Island was drawn based on descriptions from Nan Batian and other members of the Kaiyang Sect, as well as the wolf cavalry.

Looking at the map, Ni Pusa asked, "Where is the Great Zheng Dynasty located?"

Zhong Shan quickly spread out the map and pointed to the central area of the three southern human regions.

"Senior, it is here. Within three years, we will unify this area," Zhong Shan said.

Ni Pusa looked at the map, then grabbed a twig and pointed, saying, "To stabilize the foundation of the Great Zheng Dynasty in this region, you must establish hundred-zhang stone dragons here and here, with their mouths facing outward and skyward. This will ward off evil energies, gather the fortune of heaven and earth, ride the rising energy, and define the national fortune of the Great Zheng. Only then can you expand into the other two regions, achieving unstoppable momentum and unity."

After speaking, Ni Pusa fell silent as if he had said all that was necessary.

"Thank you, Senior," Zhong Shan replied immediately.

"Good. In a thousand days, you will accompany us to the Tai Dan Sect. At that time, we will borrow your emperor's aura," Ni Pusa said before turning to walk toward the house by the bamboo forest.

Watching Ni Pusa's back, Zhong Shan finally understood why Ni Pusa had revealed all this. Clearly, there was a step that required his involvement.

However, for his master, Zhong Shan would have gone even without Ni Pusa's instructions today.

After Ni Pusa left, Tian Xingzi sighed slightly and then looked at Zhong Shan.

"Zhong Shan," Tian Xingzi called.

"Disciple is here," Zhong Shan responded immediately.

Tian Xingzi took out a booklet, glanced at it, then looked at Zhong Shan and said, "This is a technique I have prepared for you to practice during the Golden Core stage, the Thunder Prison Pure Yang Technique."

Zhong Shan was slightly taken aback. He was only at the eighth level of the Innate stage, and his master was already preparing techniques for the Golden Core stage? It was too early, wasn't it? No, his master's tone sounded like he was giving final instructions.

With a heavy heart, Zhong Shan took a deep breath and said, "Yes, Master."

Gently accepting it, Zhong Shan did not feel much joy; his heart was filled with a sense of solemnity.

"Go now, I will find you in a thousand days," Tian Xingzi said.

"Yes, Master," Zhong Shan nodded immediately and retreated. Tian Xingzi remained in front of Nie Wuyou's grave, continuing to watch.

Zhong Shan returned to Ting Shui Pavilion, still filled with shock.

Ni Pusa? A Feng Shui master. If he could be used for the Great Zheng Dynasty, it would be great. If it was truly as the master said, the Great Zheng Dynasty would prosper for a long time. However, Zhong Shan also knew that it was almost impossible to get Ni Pusa to work for the Great Zheng Dynasty, at least for now.

Not to mention Ni Pusa's cultivation, just his position in the heavens, being of middle rank, was not something the Great Zheng Dynasty could offer.

According to the records in "Creating the Heavenly Court," there are three ranks in the heavens: soft rank, middle rank, and upper rank. Right now, Zhong Shan hadn't even reached the soft rank. How could he possibly invite someone of the middle rank?

Taking a deep breath, Zhong Shan suppressed this thought. Everything could wait until later. The Great Zheng Dynasty would surely grow strong. Defying fate, he would change from a mortal fate to an immortal fate.

"Zhong Shan," suddenly came the voice of Nan Batian from outside the pavilion.

Zhong Shan frowned slightly as he walked out. Since returning from the outside world, he hadn't seen Nan Batian. According to the master, Nan Batian was breaking through. Could it be that he had also reached the Golden Core stage?

Stepping out of the courtyard, it was indeed Nan Batian.

Nan Batian was holding a jar. When he saw Zhong Shan, he was delighted.

"Ha ha, Zhong Shan, you're really here. Come, come, come. I just got this from the master, Nine Spirits Ten Thousand Flowers Brew. Let's taste it together," Nan Batian laughed.

Nine Spirits Ten Thousand Flowers Brew?

"Is it wine?" Zhong Shan asked as he walked over, slightly puzzled.

"Yes, it's wine. However, this is not ordinary mortal wine. It could be considered a celestial brew. I've been craving it for a long time. When I reached the Golden Core stage, the master rewarded me with it from his collection," Nan Batian said excitedly.

"Oh? Really?" Zhong Shan said, a bit surprised, then took out two large bowls and placed them on the stone table.

Seeing Zhong Shan being straightforward, Nan Batian generously placed the jar of wine on the table.

He tore off the seal paper with his hand, and a refreshing fragrance filled Zhong Shan's nose instantly, making him feel as if all his pores were breathing, an incredibly comfortable sensation.

Just from the smell, Zhong Shan could tell this wine was extraordinary.

"Good wine," Zhong Shan praised.

"Of course," Nan Batian laughed, picking up the jar and pouring the golden liquid into the two large bowls on the table.

The Nine Spirits Ten Thousand Flowers Brew was golden and transparent, with many small flower-like illusions in the liquid, making it incredibly beautiful. If not for the enticing aroma, one might feel reluctant to drink it.