?

  Gu Ying looked at Xiao Bai with some interest, seemingly approving of his words. He thought for a moment before saying: "It can't be said to be entirely fantasy, it should be their faith in this world! In fact, people all have faith, only they themselves are not aware of it. His faith is not in God, but in a world that breaks through all repression and desire, that world is his heaven, hidden within his soul. You ask how to solve it? Perhaps he can go see a psychologist, perhaps he can cultivate Taoism and meditate."

  Bai Shaofeng: "You've been to the West, in ancient times, what did people do with this kind of person?"

  "Kuso: 'When I become a dark creature, humanity will be destroyed!'"

  Bai Shaofeng shivered: "Killed and that's it? Is this what you call humanity?"

  "Indeed, it's bloody and inhumane. There should be other ways. If you have time, help him out a bit more. For example, the method I practice every morning may have some effect on him. Facing the vast ocean to adjust his breathing, merging his spirit into the unity of sea and sky, and then slowly bringing it back, he can feel that strange power communicating with him, but it won't control him."

  Bai Shaoliu: "Isn't it amazing? Can you tell me more about it in detail, such as the mental formula and incantation?"

  "Mind formula incantation? This ritual doesn't bother with those. I don't need to explain it in detail, he's studied that ritual before, he should be able to understand."

  "Why don't I bring him here and you tell him yourself, wouldn't that be better?"

  His face turned cold: "That's your business, I'm not interested in dealing with that kind of person."

  Bai Shaoliu: "Alright, I won't bother you, I'll go talk to him myself."

  Gu Ying looked at Bai Shaofeng as if he was thinking, and after a while said: "You should be careful when dealing with that kind of person. If he really falls, it will be difficult to save him."

  "Degeneration?"

  "Fall of the soul, is also a ritual, it may be spontaneous, after the wrong power awakens. Say what you can understand - he doesn't believe in God, but it's not clear what kind of existence he's pursuing. Suppose one day, he wants women and money, what will this person become?"

  "Many people want these things? I also want to make money and marry a wife, but I don't feel like my soul has fallen."

  She shot a glance at Xiao Bai: "We're not talking about the same thing, it's only natural for humans to have this. But thorough control of the soul, manipulating all actions, even animals wouldn't do that! Going through such a ritual can gain greater power, equivalent to selling one's soul to the devil, so it's called falling."

  "Really, there is a ghost?"

  "The devil I speak of is not the ghost you speak of! The devil lurks in the heart, lurking in ***, when *** swells without restraint to control the entire soul, the devil occupies the human heart, and humans fall into dark creatures. Those who do not obtain supernatural powers will also fall, otherwise there would be no prisons in the world, and there would be no hell in religion."

  Bai Shaoliu: "I get it, when all is said and done, it's just madness! The only difference is the form of the madness! Hmm, what was that about vampires you mentioned earlier?"

  "His faith was in — eternal life!"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Immortality doesn't necessarily mean being a ghost either. There are still Daoist practitioners on the Eastern Continent who cultivate longevity."

  "Gu Ying: 'To live forever, no matter the cost, abandon the light, sacrifice others' lives, this is the fall of the soul. Would a Taoist kill and drink blood to live long? Would they stop at nothing? I know that many people cultivate for one lifetime but cannot attain longevity, it's just for a kind of enlightenment and transcendence.'"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Of course the Taoist priest won't know! ...Never mind those messy things, you said you didn't have many ways to help that werewolf, so Miss Luo..."

  Gu Ying interrupted him, "Lu Xiang won't have any problems, you can rest assured! Let me explain it to you this way, I'm like a teacher teaching students to do exercises. There's only one correct answer, and I can teach her that. But if someone does it wrong, there are many kinds of incorrect answers, and as a teacher, I wouldn't be able to know all the ways those people went wrong."

  Xiaobai thought to herself: "I want to bring people over to show you, but you won't be willing, of course, I don't know how others do the questions wrong. Forget it, I won't ask you, I can still go ask Baimao, Baimao's skills are so great, definitely have a better way." But she said aloud: "Thank you, Miss Gu, troubling you for such a long time is really embarrassing!"

  "It's been a long time since I've spoken to anyone about these things, you don't have to be polite. You're here because you're worried about Miss Luo, that's why I told you so much. Are you at ease now?"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Rest assured! By the way, Miss Luo's schedule is clear to you, will she go out today?"

  Gu Ying: "Miss Luo isn't going out today, she was too tired over the past few days and needs to rest. What's wrong, do you need to ask for leave?"

  "Yes, I'd like to go take a look at the horse farm."

  "Going to see that donkey of yours again? Don't ask me for leave, just give Director Luo a call, should be no problem."

  "That Luo Shuihan, he probably won't live for much longer, and he's aware of it himself. From what you've told me about what he's doing now, it's clear that he's making arrangements for after his death. You little fool still haven't caught on, I just praised your intelligence a moment ago, but it seems like you really need to practice!" This was said by Bai Mao to Xiao Bai on the grassy slope of the horse track.

  Xiaobai almost shouted: "What did you say? Mr. Luo is going to die!"

  "What's so strange about that? People will always die, unless they can ascend to immortality. Think carefully, if he didn't know his time was running out, would some things be so urgent?"

  Bai Mao's words made sense, and Xiao Bai carefully thought back to Luo Shuihan's actions after returning home. It seemed that Mr. Luo might indeed be running out of time. Bai Shaofeng wasn't clear about Luo Shuihan's physical condition, but his complexion was indeed very poor, and his mentality since returning home also didn't seem right, giving people a sense of desolation. Xiao Bai couldn't help but feel a sense of desolation in her heart, not just for Luo Shuihan, but also for Luo Xue - if this were true, the pure-hearted girl would soon become an orphan with no one to rely on. The vast wealth and power of the He Luo Group might guarantee her food and clothing, but it could also drag her into all sorts of dangers and traps in the world.

  Bai Shaofeng came to find Bai Mao, originally wanting to ask for guidance on his cultivation path, but somehow they ended up discussing Luo Shuihan's life and death. The thing is...

  Xiao Bai took a taxi to the horse farm, where staff members accompanied him to open the stable of Hei Lu (the black donkey). They couldn't help but stare at this esteemed guest who raised donkeys. Baimao saw Xiao Bai and asked: "You've come for my blood, why didn't you even bring a bottle?"

  Since there were others present, Xiaobai replied mentally: "Why do you always think of this matter as soon as we meet? I won't let your blood out today, the test results will only come out tomorrow. If it works, next time I'll have to let your blood out." At the same time, he said aloud: "I brought you peanuts, five flavors, more than two catties, all in the food trough."

  The staff widened their eyes and said, "Mr. Bai feeds it peanuts? No need to roast them! Are they five-spiced? Raw is fine! What kind of taste does this beast have?"

  Xiao Bai smiled and said: "This fine horse of mine is no ordinary animal, haven't you noticed its uniqueness?"

  Staff: "Found it, found it long ago. I've never seen a horse like this before... Mr. White wants to ride the horse? I'll go prepare the reins and saddle."

  Bai Shaoliu: "No need, I'll just take it out for a stroll." After saying that, he beckoned with his hand and led the white donkey out of the stable, looking like he was walking a dog. The staff were left staring in amazement. There were many people practicing horse riding in the arena, but when they suddenly saw someone leading a donkey by the halter, they couldn't help but turn their heads. Some people were so distracted that they almost fell off their horses. As Xiao Bai walked through the riding arena, he left behind a trail of whispers and murmurs.

  "Xiao Bai, you're a celebrity now. Every day, many people come to the outside of my stable to visit, pointing at me and saying 'Look, this is the donkey that Bao Laoda raised!'" White Hair thought to himself as he walked.

  "Is that you, Old White?"

  Bai Mao: "Of course I'm talking about you, who else could it be? Your reputation is quite impressive now, they all say you're the number one master of Wuyue, your kung fu is incredibly profound and unfathomable!"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Who told you that?"

  "White Hair: 'Liu Lao Da of the Black Dragon Gang.'"

  "How did you know him?"

  Bai Mao: "He ran to the horse farm a few days ago, and was talking to the manager outside my stable. He said he also wanted to raise a donkey to show his admiration for Old Man Bai... He's been praising you to the skies!"

  "Great, I'll go back and ask him for some donkey blood. You can also use less of it. This Liu Laodai is too exaggerated in his words."

  Bai Mao: "Let me test you, why does Liu Lao Da praise you from behind as if you're a god descending to the mortal world?"

  "It's just human nature! Everyone has heard that I've taken down the Black Dragon Gang, so the more he praises me, the better his own face will look."

  "What consequences will there be? Do you know?"

  "There are two consequences. First, ordinary thugs don't dare to mess with me, and I save a lot of trouble when going out. Second, if in the future I or Miss Luo encounter trouble, it will be real big trouble."

  "What's going on?"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Rumors have made me sound so formidable, if someone wants to cause trouble for me, they will invite an even more powerful expert or use even more ruthless means. I am Miss Luo's bodyguard, if someone wants to deal with Miss Luo, the situation is the same. After all, I am a bodyguard not a big shot, being so famous is not a good thing."

  Bai Mao: "If it were a clever person dealing with Luo Xue, they would think of a way to make their move when you're not around, or lure you away!"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Actually, I'm not the most formidable person by Miss Luo's side. Her riding instructor, that woman named Gu Ying, has more ruthless methods than me. Moreover, she's always there when I'm not around. If someone thinks otherwise, they're probably mistaken."

  Bai Mao: "Xiao Bai, I found out you're not stupid at all?"

  Bai Shaofeng: "Who says I'm stupid? I just don't like playing mind games with others, and I'm not afraid of others playing mind games with me."

  Bai Mao: "Who can compare with you? You have a natural affinity for it!"

  Bai Shaoliu: "Let's stop chatting, since we mentioned the divine arts, let's talk about something serious. You said to come find you seven days later, and now it's already been seven days, what kind of Taoist teachings do you have for me?"

  Bai Mao's face turned slightly red with embarrassment: "Wait for seven more days, I haven't thought it through yet."

  Bai Shaofeng: "Not a single idea in seven days? Weren't you the number one cultivator under heaven back then? With your vast and profound knowledge of countless mysterious techniques, do you need to think for so long even about a simple foundational skill?"

  Bai Mao: "You misunderstood, with your qualifications, I can casually impart a Dao method to you and make you a top-notch person in one generation. But now you are my only chance, so I must be cautious. Although all methods have the same origin and return to their roots, this first step of entering the gate is extremely important. I need to find the most suitable entrance, but after thinking about it for a long time, I still haven't decided. Don't rush, sit down and listen to me carefully explain the path of cultivation, and see what ideas you have?"

  The weather was fine, with warm sunshine sprinkled on the early winter mountain slope. The dry yellow grass leaves were crisp and soft, with no wind, and only a few faint white clouds in the sky. Bai Shaofeng sat on the grassy slope, with a donkey standing quietly beside him, looking very relaxed and comfortable. But in fact, at this moment, Xiao Bai's spirit was highly concentrated, without any distraction, constantly receiving complex information from Baimao's brain.

  Bai Mao San Shi was previously a mortal cultivator, Qi Ye. Qi Ye's own cultivation was the orthodox Golden Elixir Great Way. He cultivated "Nine Turns of the Golden Elixir Direct Pointing" in the Zhongnan Sect, and after achieving great success with the Golden Elixir, he had already transcended the boundaries of his master's teachings. After leaving the Zhongnan Sect, he obtained the heart method and oral secrets of the Zhengyi School's Golden Elixir Great Way "Thirty-Six Grotto Heavens". Although he did not have a master to guide him, he still managed to break through the Infant Possession Realm on his own, not only cultivating his Yang Spirit to manifest, but also obtaining the divine ability of the Five-Five Yang Spirit Transformation. He was just one step away from the legendary Ascension by Imperial Decree.

  It seems that Qī Yè's forte in teaching Xǐao Bái to cultivate should also be the Dan Dao. At first, he thought so too and sorted out his understanding of the Golden Elixir from start to finish, but found that Xǐao Bái was not suitable for direct entry because their situations were not quite the same.

  Qī yè wéi yī dài dà zōng shī, dào tā zhè zhǒng jiè jiè qí shí duì tiān xià gè jiā xiū xíng jī běn liǎo rán yú xīn, jiù suàn zì jǐ méi xué guò zhǐ yào jiàn guò le dōu néng jiàng qí zhōng de mén dào kàn gè bù lí shí. Tiān xià gè pài xiū xíng fǎ mén jiē fēi yì shì, bù jǐn duì dì zǐ de xìng qíng, zī zhì, wù xìng yāo qiú jí gāo, ér qiě zài xiū liàn guò chéng dōu yào jīng guò chóng chóng kǎo yàn. Zhè zhǒng kǎo yàn gè jiā shuō fǎ bù tóng, fó mén cháng yán "jué zhī mó shì", ér dān dào xiū xíng zhōng yībān tǒng chēng wèi tiān jié —— cǐ chēng huàn zuì wéi xíng xiàng.

  Each sect's Taoist method has different steps and sudden or gradual enlightenment methods, so the heavenly tribulations they need to go through are also different, and the number of heavenly tribulations is not the same. It sounds like fewer heavenly tribulations would be better, but that's not the case. For example, the "Dan Dao" passed down by the mortal immortal Qing Gongzi has only ten heavenly tribulations from entry to ascension. It looks simple, but the intensity of the tribulation is not easy to pass through, and it requires extremely high demands on both disciples and masters who transmit the method - one small mistake could lead to big problems.

  The "Thirty-Six Caverns of Heaven" method of the Orthodox Unity School has a total of thirty-seven trials, which seem complicated but are actually very detailed and comprehensive. As one's practice advances, problems will be resolved layer by layer, making it more suitable for convenient transmission and learning. Therefore, it is not coincidental that the Orthodox Unity School has the most disciples among all the schools of cultivation in the world. According to the Seven Leaves Summary, regardless of the school or method, regardless of the form and number of trials, there are seven trials that almost all cultivators must go through, as long as their cultivation reaches a certain level.

  These seven trials, also known as the Seven Heavenly Tribulations, are: **, physical suffering, demonic illusions, false thoughts, true emptiness, rebirth, and the sea of suffering. Only by experiencing all these can one reach the other shore of transcendence, surpassing the multitude of ordinary beings. These trials are also different for different people; some may pass through a certain tribulation unintentionally, while others may not be able to pass due to various reasons throughout their lives, and the master can only sigh and regret choosing the wrong disciple.

  Bai Shaofeng's superiority lies not only in his innate spiritual connection, but also in his extraordinary mental abilities, which make his eyesight extraordinary as well. After achieving a state of unity between body and spirit, his reaction speed is also extraordinary, with a foundation and blessings that are unmatched! However, he also has some unfavorable conditions for cultivation, specifically the injuries to his meridians in his right arm and left leg. These injuries are not ordinary internal or external wounds, but rather damage caused by the stagnation of qi and blood in his meridians. Even Qiye speculated that Bai Shaofeng's past life ended due to injury.

  If Xiao Bai enters the Dan Tao, the foundation-building work of refining essence and transforming energy will naturally be fine, but the next step of refining the body with jade liquid and longevity wine will be very difficult. The true energy circulating through the heavenly orbit cannot be careless at all, and during meditation, Xiao Bai will feel a sharp pain in his right arm and left leg, as if he were awake again and back to the moment when he was injured in the car accident. Until his meridians are completely unblocked and restored to normal, this is the "retreat from illness" phenomenon unique to Dan Tao cultivation, known as "body suffering".

  What is meant by "retreating from illness" does not refer to falling ill, but rather the latent illnesses within the body erupting all at once. Through cultivation, they slowly retreat, and only after fully recovering one's physical form can one continue on to even more profound cultivation. This process was too difficult for Xiaobai, so Qīyè thought about it and gave up on the idea of passing on his most skilled Dan Dao. He told Xiaobai to come back in seven days to think of another method.

  Baimao's words were indeed too profound and "professional", but he explained them in great detail, so even Xiaobai understood. After listening, she furrowed her brow and said: "If you're going to teach me, then teach me your strongest move. Even if it's very painful, I can grit my teeth and bear it. I can endure any hardship."