Chapter Two: Secluded in Intense Cultivation!

It is said that a master is like a father. Bu Xu appeared to be about the same age as Fang Qingyan, but she had practiced the Dao for countless years. Even the grandson of Yang Nan’s grandfather was addressed with respect. Yang Nan quietly chuckled to himself—though his master appeared youthful, she carried an air of stern authority beyond her years.

Yang Nan proceeded to explain Fang Qingyan’s background in detail. Bu Xu, seeing that this young woman upheld chastity and virtue with an ancient grace, nodded in approval. For the first time, a faint warmth flickered across her usually icy countenance, prompting the other women to breathe a secret sigh of relief.

The cultivation method practiced by Fang Qingyan could be advanced to the Grandmaster realm. At this moment, there was no need to switch techniques. Bu Xu’s mind held knowledge of more than a hundred methods. Without hesitation, she bestowed upon Fang Qingyan a first-rate technique she would need in the future. Yang Nan, witnessing such generous favor from his master at the outset, could not help but beam with delight.

Bu Xu then instructed, “Nan’er and I will now enter secluded meditation. Siyue and Wangyin, guard the entrance. Qingyan, serve the tea. From now on, if anything arises, Qingyan has full authority to decide. Do not disturb us unless it is of great importance.”

For cultivators, entering seclusion was of utmost importance. Yang Nan, fortunate to become an inner disciple as a Military Master, knew that if he failed to reach Grandmaster, Bu Xu would never forgive him.

Once in seclusion, one must not leave lightly. Bu Xu’s word was final.

Yang Nan and Fang Qingyan led the disciples and spirits in solemn agreement, “We will strictly follow our master’s decree!”

Taking Yang Nan’s hand, Bu Xu commanded him to unlock the Tianyuan Qingxu Divine Abode and begin their seclusion cultivation.

Only now did Yang Nan realize the many benefits of having a master. The Immortal Yin-Yang Wheel was an unparalleled technique within the Kunlun Sect. Master and disciple cultivated together, advancing by leaps and bounds. Since Bu Xu had chosen to accept him as a disciple, she no longer concealed any methods and revealed them all to him.

Seizing the opportunity, Yang Nan asked about something that had long puzzled him: “Since the Immortal Yin-Yang Wheel can convert spiritual energy for my use, and I possess the Azure Water phase within me, already at the tenth rank and with hopes of becoming a Grandmaster, can I practice both simultaneously?”

Bu Xu replied calmly, “Yin and Yang energies are the ancestors of all spiritual energy in the world. It has always been rare for cultivators to possess two phases within their bodies. In the history of the Kunlun Sect, only one person has ever had such a dual phase.”

Yang Nan was astonished. “Only one in thousands of years? Who was this person?”

Bu Xu glanced at him and closed her eyes. “The founder, Qingya Patriarch! He bore the Yin Soldier phase and the Beast form phase. Thus, he was not only the Kunlun Patriarch but also the progenitor of beast control.”

Yang Nan’s heart shuddered. “Master, do you mean to say I might achieve the same as Qingya Patriarch?”

A faint smile spread across Bu Xu’s face. “What do you think?”

Suddenly, Yang Nan understood: the true heir of Kunlun was not someone to be taken lightly. Without a sacred-grade phase, one could never become a venerable master. Why else would Bu Xu accept him?

His black serpent might not be sacred-grade, but the Azure Water phase definitely was.

With the Immortal Yin-Yang Wheel harmonizing Yin and Yang, how could he not aspire to become a venerable master?

Bu Xu had tested him several times before deciding to accept him as a disciple. This master was truly not easy to please.

Seeing his understanding, Bu Xu immediately ordered him to summon the Immortal Yin Wheel, and together they practiced the Immortal Yin-Yang technique. This peerless method was extraordinary; when absorbing spiritual energy from the divine talismans, it would replenish the Azure Dragon and Black Serpent within him, allowing Yang Nan to cultivate two techniques simultaneously, advancing at an astonishing speed.

Within the Tianyuan Divine Talisman Abode, time held no sway. Beyond the horizon, spiritual clouds drifted while inside the abode, years passed by unnoticed. Yang Nan no longer knew how much time had slipped away, only that the Azure Dragon and Black Serpent magical weapons in his body grew stronger day by day.

Until one day, when all nine black magical crystals within Yang Nan’s body were complete, Bu Xu suddenly ceased her cultivation and said, “Your magical power is sufficient; there is no need to continue training. Next, let us test your divine abilities.”

Nine magical crystals corresponded to the ninth stage of mastery, a grand perfection beyond which further cultivation could yield little power. Yang Nan finally breathed a sigh of relief. With such a strict master as Bu Xu urging him on, even the most stubborn stone would yield!

Seeing her master’s dedication to his secluded cultivation, Yang Nan was deeply grateful. He began practicing his divine abilities within the Divine Talisman Abode. His understanding of the Sixth Layer of the Ro’sha Yin Soldier True Technique had already overflowed, and without opening all his spiritual apertures to reach the Grandmaster realm, he could not advance further.

However, under Bu Xu’s guidance, he also brought the Underworld Soldier Devouring Heaven Record technique to the tenth layer.

The first layer of divine ability was Transformation, capable of splitting mountains and cleaving stones.

The second layer was Division, where soldiers divided into thousands, with endless subtleties.

The third layer was Form, where man and soldier unite, wielding terrifying power.

Yang Nan’s Black Serpent magical weapon would then develop its unique divine ability. Named the Nine Yin, its eyes bore horizontal stripes. When Yang Nan concentrated his Yin Sha magical power into the serpent’s striped eyes, a special divine ability emerged—the Spirit Binding Glow!

This peculiar ability resembled a ghostly underworld, entrapping enemies. Those weaker would be immobilized momentarily, left at the mercy of slaughter.

Yang Nan’s unusual dual phase astonished even Bu Xu. As a venerable master, she herself could be caught off guard by the serpent’s gaze and held fast. When the black light enveloped an enemy, their soul would drift away, unreachable and defenseless.

When the man-soldier unity divine ability was achieved, Yang Nan could transform into a true serpent, moving freely and convincingly. At that moment, he finally understood the sage Zhuang Zhou’s words: Was it the butterfly dreaming of Zhuang Zhou, or Zhuang Zhou dreaming of the butterfly?

The stronger the man-soldier unity ability became, the more terrifying it was. Yang Nan’s divine abilities grew ever more numerous, deepening his insight into Dao and magic.

The later divine abilities of the Underworld Soldier Devouring Heaven Record grew increasingly strange and unpredictable. The military sect’s path emphasized a “break” technique. Wherever there were soldiers in hand, a murderous aura was condensed, ensuring victory. Although Yang Nan had mastered these divine abilities, he had not yet become a Grandmaster, so their power was somewhat diminished. The stronger the magical power, the stronger the divine abilities—Yang Nan understood this principle well.

Regarding the military sect’s path, Bu Xu said, “Though my sect belongs to the Daoist tradition, it lies between Dao and Martial Arts, combining the mysteries of Daoist magic with the wonders of martial perfection. If you wish to achieve greatness, you must experience much. Frequent battles with others will naturally deepen your military sect divine abilities.”

Yang Nan wiped sweat from his brow. Only now did he realize his master was not reckless in killing, but constantly challenging cultivators from all sects to gain insights into military divine abilities. This explained her formidable reputation.

Though he was Bu Xu’s disciple, he would not be taught the peerless techniques until he became a venerable master. The Ro’sha Yin Soldier True Technique was not yet perfected, so there was no need to teach it.

Bu Xu taught only the art of controlling soldiers and subduing enemies through divine transformations. Yang Nan now comprehended that divine abilities with a master’s guidance were worlds apart from practicing alone.

Bu Xu summoned the Coiling Dragon, a golden dragon leisurely circling her. Yang Nan’s Black Serpent shifted forms at will, attacking freely. His magical power grew steadily, but no matter the assault, Bu Xu countered each strike with a single motion.

Though cold by nature, Bu Xu was infinitely patient, continuously pointing out flaws in Yang Nan’s divine abilities and magical power. His growth was immense—he seemed like a different person compared to years ago.

With such a formidable master, the disciples she trained naturally could not be mediocre. Time slipped quietly by, and confidence grew in Yang Nan’s bearing. His magical power strengthened, his skills refined, and his rapid progress occasionally drew Bu Xu’s praise.

In quiet moments, Yang Nan spoke with Bu Xu about the past, a matter involving her emotional tribulations. She spoke without reservation:

A thousand years ago, Bu Xu was but a small girl following behind Master Cang Yan, a man gentle in appearance but ruthless within. He doted on Bu Xu and fiercely protected her. She imitated his personality and temperament. When Master Cang Yan suddenly passed away, Bu Xu unknowingly planted the seeds of emotional tribulation within herself, preventing her from ascending to the saintly realm for centuries.

Bu Xu recounted this matter calmly, then said to Yang Nan, “I planted this emotional tribulation and have been unable to break free for centuries. The relationship between master and disciple is one of mutual assistance and tempering of the Dao heart. If one can transcend such attachments, the Way of Heaven is within reach.”

Yang Nan looked upon his master’s breathtakingly beautiful face with reverence and awe. In their daily closeness, it was difficult not to develop feelings for her. If Bu Xu had not experienced such a past, how could Yang Nan resist feeling affection for this master who was like a father, a sister, and a mother?

Kunlun’s tradition held a profound truth: one must first enter attachment to forget attachment. The master-disciple relationship was a trial of the Dao heart. Yet, when could one truly master their emotions?

Only now did Yang Nan understand: it was not that his master did not wish to forget her emotions, but that the roots were too deep to eradicate.

To enter attachment but not transcend it—that was the greatest taboo.

Bu Xu’s acceptance of him as a disciple was perhaps another path she sought to forget her own attachments.

Yet, she never asked him to do anything for her. Merely accompanying and being together in the Tianyuan Abode was enough. How could such closeness lead to forgetting emotions?

Yang Nan could only sigh at these actions. His magical power had reached the pinnacle of Military Master. Only a few divine techniques remained incomplete, and he immediately sought his master’s guidance on each.

The Thirty-Six Transformations of Great Change he had learned from the senior brother Hu Yuan were remarkably subtle. Seeing Yang Nan could perform such transformations, Bu Xu ordered him to demonstrate them. Afterwards, she shook her head coolly, “This method is but a deception. It neither divides the primordial spirit nor carries any attack power. It is merely a minor technique, not worth mentioning.”

Yang Nan wiped his brow. Bu Xu, focused on the military sect’s divine abilities, knew other sects’ techniques only superficially and never cultivated them. Whenever enemies approached, divine soldiers emerged, overwhelming all. There was no need for such petty tricks.

But Yang Nan was different. His cultivation was low, so learning an extra skill meant another means of self-preservation.

He practiced the soul control secret arts and soul condensation techniques he had obtained from the demon sect disciples. Cultivating the Immortal Yin-Yang Wheel with Bu Xu, he was already one of her closest confidants. Even the most secret matters were not hidden; these demon sect arts were insignificant by comparison.

After reviewing these strange, domineering demon sect techniques, Bu Xu frowned. “These techniques only affect the soul. They bind a person’s spirit and transform it into a true demon. If the soul is strong enough, the power is considerable. My magical power is extremely rigid and yang, making it their bane. Your power is yin and soft, serving as nourishment. However, these fierce souls are dangerous. Excessive absorption may disturb the mind and cause sudden inner demons. Although the Immortal Yin-Yang Wheel can convert this, it is not harmless. You may practice this before becoming a venerable master, but once achieved, it will be useless.”

Yang Nan nodded silently. Although the demon sect’s techniques seemed powerful, their backlash was severe—like a cultivator consuming a pill containing the maker’s lingering resentment. Over time, disaster brewed.

Still, Bu Xu did not oppose him indirectly controlling these two demon sect techniques through the Immortal Yin-Yang Wheel. Though Yang Nan now had hope to become a Grandmaster, his strength was still weak compared to the world. Having a powerful demon protector would grant him additional skills.

Seeing Yang Nan’s fondness for transformation techniques, Bu Xu also taught him a unique talisman sect divine ability.

This divine ability, called “The Nine Heavens’ Marvelous Talisman General Outline,” described the wondrous uses of various talisman sect spells. After studying the strange and profound talisman arts, Yang Nan was overjoyed. Seeing his enthusiasm, Bu Xu instructed him to learn these marvelous talisman techniques.

Yang Nan was curious about the endless array of techniques and secrets his master possessed. When he asked, Bu Xu answered calmly, “The more people you kill, the more techniques you naturally acquire...” These words sent a chill through Yang Nan.

Among Kunlun disciples, due to sectarian disputes, aside from the military sect, few showed mercy to others. When opposing enemies, they swiftly executed them without hesitation. In this world, without strength, one cannot advance. With great cultivation, one roams freely. Such is the nature of all things.