This cultivation technique is named "Nine-Numbered Taishi Lingbao Xuanming Scripture," and it is one of the "Five Merits and Three Classics" of the Mingcang Sect. The "Five Merits" in the "Five Merits and Three Classics" correspond to the dharma techniques aligned with the Five Elements. Some disciples of the sect focus on mastering only one, while others practice them concurrently. The "Three Classics," however, do not emphasize elemental alignment, allowing anyone to learn them. For instance, the "Yunxiao Thousand Sword Scripture" specializes in the Sword Dao, with every aspect of mana manipulation aimed at complementing swordsmanship. This "Nine-Numbered Taishi Lingbao Xuanming Scripture," passed down by the founding ancestor of the Mingcang Sect, is a rare superior cultivation technique capable of self-deducing the "True Imprint of Dharma Power" and the Great Dao Profound Skill. When cultivators reach the Hua Dan Realm, the first step is to absorb the Pure Qi of Heaven and Earth, the Essence of All Things, and the Earth Vein Evil Spirit, thereby refining their elixir power until it can no longer increase or extend further. At this juncture, they must strive to break through the "Shell Barrier," enabling them to step into the Second Realm. In this realm, the task is to condense the "True Imprint of Dharma Power." This imprint is essential for future Nascent Soul formation. If the elixir power is insufficient and the gathered breath dissipates quickly, it cannot stabilize the imprint, rendering Nascent Soul formation impossible. This is why disciples of the Lower Three Grades are destined to never progress further. Condensing the True Imprint of Dharma Power is a significant challenge. However, in a sect with thousands of years of inheritance, if a master and disciple share the same cultivation technique, the elder can pass a "True Imprint Seed" into the younger’s elixir. This assists the disciple in condensing their mana, saving them from extensive trial and error. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝕟𝕖𝕥 However, because the "True Imprint Seed" is gifted by the elder, it cannot fully integrate with the disciple’s own powers. Once the disciple stabilizes their mana, they must regulate their Qi Mechanism, slowly dissolve and merge the elder’s imprint, before ultimately forming their own true imprint. During this process, if the elixir evil generated while evolving the imprint is not completely absorbed, it can result in leaking elixir evil. This explains why, on Yingluo Island, when Zhang Yan encountered Elder Xun, the elder’s movements were accompanied by trembling earth and roaring wind and fire. It was the scattering of the evil Qi he could not absorb into his body. However, the Xuanmen Families differ in this regard. With bloodlines binding elders and younger disciples, if their cultivation techniques are identical and their elixir grades align closely, the transmitted True Imprint Seed can achieve near-perfect integration, minimizing wasted evil Qi, thereby ensuring greater future achievement. In this aspect, the Xuanmen Families have an edge over master-disciple lineages. But Zhang Yan’s elixir formation was First Grade—he had no precedent to follow and no one to aid him in condensing the True Imprint of Dharma Power. Thus, he could only rely on himself, which is why he immediately set his sights on the "Nine-Numbered Taishi Lingbao Xuanming Scripture" upon returning to the mountain gate. Zhang Yan dreaded having no direction during cultivation, uncertain of where to begin. However, with this scripture, he could now see the path of the Great Dao clearly, knowing where his journey started and where it must lead. Do not underestimate this seemingly simple step—the outcome can be worlds apart. The reason this scripture has so few practitioners is because its practice is highly demanding. To cultivate it, one must master the art of deducing Erosion Text and elucidating its principles. While many understand Erosion Text, few truly excel at it, and even fewer are willing to dedicate themselves to deep research. As such, this requirement alone eliminates many hopeful practitioners. And this is merely the first step. The second step involves deducing and calculating how to condense the True Imprint of Dharma Power, a process that consumes an unimaginable amount of time. If one takes the wrong path, the prior efforts are completely wasted, and one must start anew. With bad luck, a cultivator might train to the end of their days without success. Thus, aside from those possessing great perseverance, immense patience, and wisdom, the majority shy away from this scripture. But Zhang Yan did not fear. With the guidance of this scripture and the clarity it provided, he could use the Broken Jade to deduce the finer details. The two complemented each other perfectly, like a tailor-made solution for him. However, his immediate concern was the "Shell Barrier," a major obstacle preventing Hua Dan cultivators from mastering the Great Dao. The higher the elixir grade achieved by a cultivator, the sturdier the barrier, and the harder it is to break through. Typically, cultivators with elixirs of the Lower Three Grades find it easiest to cross this barrier, but they remain stuck on the path to condensing the True Imprint of Dharma Power. Even if they cross the barrier, it serves little purpose as they will spend their lives in the Second Realm of Hua Dan, unable to progress further. Cultivators of the Middle Three Grades face greater difficulty, while those who form elixirs in the Upper Three Grades encounter immense resistance. Zhang Yan, with a First Grade elixir formation, faces a challenge beyond imagining—this is the mysterious ordered workings of worldly creation, as nothing in this universe is truly flawless. However, if one manages to leap past this barrier and shatter the chains of Heaven and Earth, then their future accomplishments will tower far above those of others. With a confident smile, Zhang Yan felt a surge of invincible pride arise within him! Now, armed with the "Nine-Numbered Taishi Lingbao Xuanming Scripture" and the Broken Jade, if even he cannot find a way to break through the "Shell Barrier," then truly no one in the world can succeed. At that moment, the Little Pot Mirror trembled, and a voice emanated: "Master, outside the mountain gate, a cultivator claiming to be from the Beichen Sect seeks an audience with you." With a wave of his hand, Zhang Yan caused the mirror’s surface to display the figure of the visitor. He glanced at the man, who appeared to be in his thirties, sporting a short beard and patiently standing before the mountain gate with dozens of people behind him, including female attendants and powerful warriors. Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Ah, it is Daoist Yan Zhenping. Mirror Spirit, invite him into the grand hall to rest and send Shang Shang to greet him. I will meet him shortly." ...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)