Eternal Tale

Chapter 230: The Three Ascension Techniques, Da Li’s Western Sea Province

"Abbot, we have a small request of our own," Chen Xun said, pulling out a storage bag filled with local delicacies. "Nothing major."

The abbot nodded softly, waiting for Chen Xun to speak.

With a broad smile, Chen Xun continued, "We want to learn a Buddhist technique, one for ascension and guiding souls to the afterlife."

"Moo~~" The black ox took a step forward, understanding how critical this was.

Throughout their travels, they had visited countless temples without finding a satisfactory answer. They had nearly given up on the idea—until now.

Xiao Chi's eyes darted around nervously. Though Brother Xun's words seemed kind, there was an undercurrent that made him shiver.

The abbot understood immediately and without hesitation said, "Such Buddhist techniques are not uncommon."

"Abbot, please accept this storage bag as a token of our gratitude."

"No need."

With a wave of his robe, a powerful surge of spiritual energy rippled through the temple. A blank book appeared, floating in mid-air. Around the hall, lines of intricate scriptures began to materialize, shifting and rearranging themselves.

Chen Xun, the black ox, and Xiao Chi watched in astonishment. What kind of technique was this?

Half an hour later, the abbot retrieved his spiritual energy and looked at Chen Xun. "Benefactor, this method of guiding souls only contains the first part. The second part must be discovered through your own enlightenment."

"Thank you, Abbot!" Chen Xun and the black ox's eyes gleamed as if they had obtained a treasure. Their own techniques for guiding souls were simple and mostly for show—this was a game-changer.

"Ox, Xiao Chi, let's go!"

*Whoosh!*

*Whoosh!*

*Whoosh!*

With Chen Xun's shout, they disappeared from the temple in an instant. The abbot's face flushed red as he stood frozen, unable to move. His hand, still gripping the storage bag, was forced into accepting their gift.

Once they were far away, the oppressive force vanished, and the abbot smiled wryly as he found a letter inside the bag, seemingly left for him.

"Benefactor, you are a man of great wisdom. Why cling to the Buddhist path? Reincarnation and the cycle of life—who can truly understand it?"

The soft murmur of the abbot's voice lingered in the empty hall, carried away by the gentle breeze.

---

A month later, in the dead of night, in the wilderness.

Chen Xun, the black ox, and Xiao Chi sat cross-legged around a spirit tree, incense burners placed all around them. They chanted softly.

"First Ascension Technique: The Great Dream Begins, Heaven and Earth Fall Silent!" Chen Xun called out. Thirty-six incense burners spiraled into the sky, and the smoke coalesced into a miniature version of the spirit tree. "Return to your true form, dissolve into the original essence."

The bark of the hundred-year-old spirit tree began to crack and fall off. Though the night was windless, its branches swayed, dropping countless leaves.

"Moo!!"

The black ox bellowed, transforming its hoof into a palm. Another thirty-six incense burners spiraled upwards, their smoke forming sharp needles that pierced into the spirit tree.

"Second Ascension Technique: Souls Bound, Spirits Return!"

This technique aimed to capture the three souls and seven spirits.

"Third Ascension Technique: Spirits Shattered, Bones Scattered!" Xiao Chi shouted, giving his all. The final thirty-six incense burners ascended, completing a grand array of one hundred and eight burners.

*Woo!*

*Woo!*

A fierce wind suddenly howled through the wilderness. The leaves swirled in the eerie moonlight, adding a haunting atmosphere to the scene.

Chen Xun, the black ox, and Xiao Chi exchanged glances, slamming their palms together as they yelled in unison, "Ascend, fellow Daoist!"

*Boom! Boom!*

The ancient spirit tree exploded in an instant, leaving no debris, no splinters—nothing remained, not even the roots.

"Hahaha!"

"Moo moo~~!"

"Brother Xun, this Three Ascension Technique is terrifying!" Xiao Chi said, both nervous and excited. "The abbot’s teachings were indeed profound."

"Moo!" The black ox smacked Xiao Chi on the head. "This was all Brother Xun’s improvement!"

Xiao Chi, wide-eyed, clutched his head, thinking it was the abbot's killing technique.

"Stick with us, Xiao Chi. You have much to learn," Chen Xun said, crossing his arms proudly. "Your Brother Ox’s skills alone will take you a lifetime to master, not to mention what your Brother Xun can teach you."

This was the first time Chen Xun had worked with techniques involving spirits and souls, and combining them with Buddhist methods produced something unique.

"Every sect has its own strengths. The more techniques we know, the better," Chen Xun mused, satisfied with the results.

"Moo moo!" The black ox smiled, patting Xiao Chi on the back.

Xiao Chi’s eyes widened as he realized just how much there was to learn. He quickly leaped onto the black ox’s back, eager for more lessons.

"Time to go. We’ve finished our business with the Buddhist sects, and one more task is complete."

Chen Xun looked toward the horizon. "Westward. We need to gather some spirit stones before heading to the sea."

"Moo!"

"On it, Brother Xun!" Xiao Chi cheered, relieved they were finally leaving Da Li. He had developed a deep aversion to the land.

Chen Xun summoned a small flying vessel, and they boarded, heading toward the nearest city.

Two months later, they left the Buddhist lands of Da Li behind.

---

West Sea Province, the province closest to the overseas regions, teemed with cultivators. The trade in this area was incredibly prosperous, with sea monsters frequently brought ashore for sale.

This province was known for its complex web of powers. Numerous sects and merchant guilds vied for control, though all were dwarfed by the vastness of the Western Sea.

Sea beasts, nourished by the spiritual energy of the ocean, often developed inner cores over time, which were coveted by cultivators. Their flesh was valuable for cultivation, and their bones, skin, and tendons could be used to craft powerful artifacts. These beasts were practically walking treasures.

Despite the many dangers of the endless Western Sea, cultivators still flocked to it in droves, much like those who risked their lives exploring the Heavenly Rift Gorge for opportunities.

Pingyun City, the heart of West Sea Province, was a bustling metropolis. It was the gateway to the sea for those traveling from inland provinces.

The city center housed a massive teleportation array that frequently buzzed with energy, depositing waves of fierce-looking cultivators into the city.

Amidst them, three figures stepped out of the teleportation array, faces weary but determined.

"Damn, these teleportation fees are ridiculous," Chen Xun muttered, glancing at Xiao Chi. "We’re out of mid-grade spirit stones. Xiao Chi, I might have to sell you—you’re worth at least a few thousand."

"Brother Xun! I’m not worth that much!" Xiao Chi, still perched on the black ox, jumped in terror. "Can’t we reconsider?!"

"Moo moo moo~" The black ox chuckled and nudged Chen Xun.

"Haha, I’m just teasing." Chen Xun laughed, pulling Xiao Chi closer while resting a hand on the black ox’s head. "Come on, let’s go make some spirit stones."

"Moo~" The black ox’s eyes darted around, noting the sheer number of cultivators, especially Foundation Establishment-level ones. There were so many, it was almost absurd.

Outside the teleportation array, various merchant guilds had stationed representatives. Whenever cultivators emerged from the array, guildsmen would approach them to strike up conversations.

Chen Xun's group, exuding the aura of mid-stage Golden Core cultivators, was left largely unbothered. Foundation Establishment cultivators didn’t dare approach.

However, a green-robed female Golden Core cultivator had been watching Chen Xun for a while now. He stood out—a man carrying a red dog in one arm and holding the head of a large black ox in the other. It was quite the spectacle.