Proofreader & Editor: Lotas
It wasn't that Lu Yang was incompetent; it was simply too challenging for someone at the Foundation Establishment stage to create a cultivation technique. Lacking in experience and knowledge, how could one possibly write a cultivation method?
Not even Lu Yang himself could achieve it, and neither could the Immortal Fairy.
Walking along the path to the Scripture Pavilion, Lu Yang struck up a casual conversation: "Fairy, what cultivation technique did you practice initially?"
"The 'Mysterious Extreme Technique', a rather common one, but it suited me well at the time. I cultivated to the Tribulation Crossing stage with it, then realized its limitations—it couldn't lead to immortality. That's when I had an epiphany, derived the 'Immortal Technique', and switched methods to ascend to immortality."
"Once you reach the Tribulation Crossing stage, you'll find that the limit of any technique is just that—Tribulation Crossing. After all, the limit of all beings is there. Ascension is an act against the heavens; only by breaking through this limit can one become immortal. That's why previous techniques are inadequate. To ascend, one must tailor a new technique based on personal insights and individual circumstances."
"That's what I did, and so did the Ninefold Immortal, Heavenly Immortal, and the other two."
"However, I encountered difficulties writing my technique and was slower than them, becoming the last to ascend."
"I thought you would name your technique 'Invincible Immortal Technique'," Lu Yang muttered under his breath.
With a grand wave of her hand, the immortal replied: "That won't do. That's Heavenly Immortal's technique; I can't take his place."
Lu Yang: "…"
What's with Heavenly Immortal? Has he been assimilated by the Fairy?
He noted that compared to the Ninefold Immortal's 'Chaos Qi, Dual Polarity, Four Symbols, Six Harmonies, Eight Desolations, Nine Lands, Ten Heavens, Solely Exalted Immortal Technique', and Heavenly Immortal's 'Invincible Immortal Technique', it was actually Taoist's technique that had the most proper name.
Of course, it could also be that Immortal Fairy wasn't very cultured and, thinking of her own immortal achievement, simply named her technique 'Immortal Technique'.
"What's the Kylin Immortal's technique called?"
"'Even More Invincible Immortal Technique'."
"I actually wanted that name too, but Kylin Immortal was a step ahead and took it."
Considering Kylin Immortal and Heavenly Immortal often argued over who was closer to the heavens, his choice of name had some justification… Lu Yang tried to rationalize it for Kylin Immortal.
"What about the Timeless Immortal's technique?"
"'Eternal Verdure Technique'."
Lu Yang gasped in awe; Timeless Immortal, being the oldest, had a much better knack for naming than the other four illiterates.
Immortal Fairy shook her head: "I think Timeless Immortal's name is the worst, sounding like any common technique. Back in the day, during the Tribulation Crossing and Body Fusion stages, they practiced techniques like 'Undying Sutra', 'Heavenly Evolution Manual', 'Five Elements Cycle Technique'. Timeless Immortal's technique doesn't stand out at all, not befitting of an immortal."
So, according to you, the four of you have poor naming skills, and you want to drag Timeless Immortal down with you, Lu Yang thought.
Wait a second, Heavenly Immortal is a face-saving immortal; why would he choose such a name?
"Does Heavenly Immortal's technique have another name?"
"Yes, he calls it 'Primordial Limitless Immortal Technique' to outsiders."
As Lu Yang gathered ancient secrets, he entered the Scripture Pavilion.
The first thing to do upon entering was to find the book that recorded the Golden Elixir experiences of his senior brothers and sisters.
It was time to add his own Golden Elixir to the record.
"Lu Yang, Invincible Elixir, first-grade Golden Elixir. Those who cultivate this elixir can discern strength and weakness, and an invincible notion arises in their hearts, feeling they can overcome all, undefeated in the world."
Originally, Lu Yang wanted to heed Bu Yu Taoist's slanderous advice and add "This Golden Elixir is truly the number one in the world," but thinking better of it, especially since his senior sister's Golden Elixir was listed at the very front, he decided against it.
"Cultivation method: Challenge beyond your level, remain undefeated, and cultivate an invincible momentum. With this momentum, condense the Qi in the dantian to form the elixir."
"Precaution one: Challenging beyond your level means challenging those above, not below."
"Precaution two: This Golden Elixir may lead to blind confidence."
"Precaution three: The name of the Golden Elixir is for reference only; actual combat effectiveness is what matters."
"Done!" Lu Yang closed the book, satisfied.
"Let's look at the Golden Elixir stage techniques." Lu Yang ascended to the second floor.
The first floor displayed folk books and the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment parts of various techniques.
The advanced sections of the techniques, for the Golden Elixir and Elemental Infant stages, were on the second floor.
"'Mortal World Heavenly Technique', living in the mortal realm with a heart in the pure land. Only by sinking into the mortal world, experiencing human suffering, emotions, and desires, can one achieve enlightenment and shatter the elixir to form the infant."
"Didn't expect the first one to be this technique."
"Have you seen it?" In Immortal Fairy's time, there wasn't such a distinction between cultivating in the mortal world and seclusion.
"Senior sister told me about it. Remember all those old beggars on the streets of the Great Xia? Many cultivators practicing this technique would disguise themselves as beggars, as it's the most efficient way to experience human suffering."
"Before? Isn't it still the same?" Immortal Fairy noticed the key word.
Lu Yang rolled his eyes: "With the development of the Great Xia Dynasty, the increase in food production, and the establishment of welfare institutions, there are no more beggars. The old beggars on the streets now are all at the Golden Elixir stage."
"I reckon it won't be long before this group of Golden Elixir stage cultivators will have to find a new way to experience the mortal world."
"Senior sister also said that the imperial court plans to open some mines and let this group of Golden Elixir stage cultivators dig in them."
Bu Yu Taoist: "…"
"'Hundred Flowers Technique', at each stage, collect thirty-three different rare flowers. When the Golden Elixir stage is complete, combine the ninety-nine rare flowers into one bud. When the bud blooms, it's time to shatter the elixir and form the infant. Many female cultivators like this technique for its simplicity and beauty."
"However, as the technique became popular, several of the rare flowers were nearly harvested to extinction. Only one person had the last few, holding auctions to sell them at exorbitant prices."
"After a while, he claimed to have a few more for auction."
"And again after some time."
"People later realized that he was the author of the technique, having collected all the flowers in advance and releasing a few periodically just to make money."
"'True Sword Technique', this is the technique our master practices. Like the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages, as long as one continuously contemplates the sword path, there are no bottlenecks in cultivation. It's the most suitable technique for those of us with a sword spiritual root."
"I wanted to practice this technique directly, but unfortunately, it can only be cultivated by one person in the world. Since master is cultivating it, I cannot."
Immortal Fairy pondered thoughtfully. From her observations of Taoist Bu Yu's mastery of the sword path, he didn't seem like someone who would be stopped at the threshold of Tribulation Crossing.