Chapter 63: The Young Disciple Offers Dates, A Gift to a Fellow Cultivator (Begging for Votes)

On the mist-shrouded mountain, Cao Kong was in the midst of refining the Primal Azure Qi within his Liver Palace.

According to the Daoist tradition, the growth and transformation of all things in the universe pass through five stages, known as the Five Primordial Calamities. The first begins in the east at the time of Zi, called the Era of Dragon and Han—thus, the Initial Calamity.

This so-called Primal Azure Qi arises from the calamity of Dragon and Han, embodying the essence of nascent yang, symbolizing the beginning of creation, and serving as the source of life-giving energy in the east.

Unless bestowed by a Celestial Venerable, such a treasure is almost impossible to find, no matter how far one roams the ends of the earth. Its value is unsurpassed, and it possesses miraculous power in nurturing divine abilities.

One must understand how rare and arduous the path of cultivating supernatural powers is. Countless seek them in vain; even among those who obtain them, few make progress.

Though this Qi was but a single wisp, it had already seized the secrets of heaven and earth, encroached upon the mysteries of sun and moon, and blended perfectly with the Liver Palace.

Cao Kong had spent but fifteen days refining it, yet already felt the roots of his supernatural seed grow deep, with faint sprouts emerging.

The art is achieved in thirds, and so too with supernatural powers. What is achievement, if not the bearing of fruit? Sowing the seed is but the entrance; minor attainment is when it sprouts, moderate attainment when it flowers, and great attainment when it bears fruit. The gulf between each stage is vast as the heavens, and the cultivation is exceedingly difficult.

Thus, this wisp of Primal Azure Qi surpassed decades of effort for Cao Kong—truly a stroke of fortune.

Guiding his profound arts, Cao Kong drew and refined the Primal Azure Qi. After half an hour, he merged a single thread into his supernatural seed. Even this sliver brought him immeasurable benefit, deepening his mastery of the Eight Winds Divine Art.

In about a year’s time, he would be able to refine the entirety of this Qi, attaining minor achievement in his divine power.

He opened his eyes. Though atop the mountain, he saw visitors arriving below. With a smile and a sweep of his sleeve, he summoned the breeze of Mingxu, sending it forth to welcome his guests.

All those approaching from the four directions felt the wind simultaneously. Warmth suffused their hearts, and instead of riding clouds upward, they took the mountain steps, soon meeting by chance and arriving together.

Exchanging bows, the visitors recognized one another as friends of Cao Kong, and their mutual goodwill increased as they conversed along the path.

Immortal Liu and the Mountain God of Funiu had rarely traveled and were visiting the Misty Mountain for the first time.

“This is my first time on this mountain,” said Immortal Liu in awe. “It is truly astonishing—this must be what people call a spiritual land.”

Though he considered his own Tengyou Mountain beautiful and rich in spiritual energy, compared with the Misty Mountain, it seemed somewhat dim and ordinary. Observing the mountain was like seeing its master; he couldn’t help but voice his admiration.

The Mountain God of Funiu showed no surprise. In his view, since Cao Kong could read the Book of Heaven without words, nothing he did or possessed would be unexpected—indeed, it was only natural.

Such is the mark of one truly enlightened and extraordinary.

Yes, he was indeed an admirer of all things Cao Kong.

The Yellow Lion Spirit and the Six Lions also sighed, “We have come here many times, and each time, the mountain’s spiritual resonance surpasses the last. Surely this is because a true immortal resides here, transforming the mountain into a sacred realm.”

They continued to converse, soon mentioning the treasure of the mountain that Cao Kong had spoken of amidst the breeze. They had long tasted his wine, knowing its marvelous effects and how much it aided their own cultivation.

Yet this time, Cao Kong had specifically mentioned a treasure of the mountain, heightening their curiosity. What could be so precious as to warrant such regard from him?

They speculated, but none could guess the truth. Just then, the path opened before them and they found themselves at the summit.

There stood a Daoist, dignified in bearing, flanked by a golden leopard and a gathering of foxes, all coming forth to greet them.

“My friends, it has been too long. My humble abode is plain and unworthy of your presence—please forgive me,” Cao Kong said with a smile.

His guests returned the gesture, laughing, “Your words humble us, friend. Though we have cultivated in the mountains for years, only now do we know what it means for a mountain to be truly alive with spirit.”

Cao Kong smiled warmly, “Please, come in.”

They made no pretense, taking their places. The little foxes brought out platters of spiritual fruits and wine, setting them upon the stone tables. Instantly, the mingled fragrances of wine and fruit lifted everyone’s spirits.

Finally, empty plates were placed before each guest.

No one was impatient—they knew something more was to come.

At a clap from Cao Kong, a clear, gentle wind rose. The air was pure, the scenery bright, and from a distant tree came the rustling sound of falling fruit—eighty-one dates, nine before each guest.

It was not stinginess on Cao Kong’s part, but these fire dates bestowed longevity, with nine being the limit of their effect. Beyond that, they only improved one’s spiritual energy, better suited for alchemy or brewing.

All present were left in awe by this display. They felt no ripple of magical power, as if the wind were a natural, seamless thing—each heart skipped a beat.

Ten years prior, they could still discern the depth of Cao Kong’s cultivation; now, they could only follow in his shadow, unable to fathom his true abilities.

“Friend Cao, your powers grow ever more profound,” Immortal Liu said, taking a deep breath, his admiration and envy sincere.

But as he breathed in, he glanced down and seemed to freeze, disbelief on his face as he trembled and pointed at the fire dates on his plate.

“These fruits—do they truly extend one’s life?”

Cao Kong smiled. “Indeed. These are closely related to the fire dates of the Immortal Isle of Penglai. When I obtained them, they were already budding. I have tended them for over ten years, and now they finally bear fruit. I wish to share them with you all.”

Immortal Liu had cultivated for a thousand years. Without further progress—unless he transformed from serpent to flood dragon—his lifespan would be spent in less than two centuries. The path forward was uncertain, so he had been keenly interested in the transformation, hoping to extend his years.

But items that could extend one’s life were exceedingly rare; thus, upon seeing these fruits, even with a millennium of discipline, he could scarcely contain himself.

He stammered, “I cannot, I cannot accept this—this is too precious.”

Still, his eyes never left the fire dates on his plate, unable to look away for even a moment. He kept inhaling deeply, lest any of the spiritual energy slip away.

Cao Kong chuckled, feeling he had now repaid Immortal Liu’s past favor of gifting him a gourd, especially since he had never had the chance to inquire about the transformation into a flood dragon.

Seeing the fire dates so perfectly suited to his guest, he felt a weight lifted from his heart.

“These dates, wondrous as they are, cannot compare to the pleasure of drinking and discussing the Dao with you all. Please, enjoy.”

No sooner had he spoken than Immortal Liu, unable to restrain himself, grabbed the dates and swallowed them all at once, an enraptured look on his face as vitality surged within him.

The others laughed, raised their cups, and chatted about the joys and mysteries of cultivation, now and then popping a fire date into their mouths, filling the air with its fresh, sweet aroma.

But soon, Immortal Liu found his plate empty and could only stare longingly, regretting that he had eaten too quickly to savor the taste.

Cao Kong laughed again and, with a gesture, sent a few more dates floating to Immortal Liu’s side. Overjoyed, he ate just one, saving the rest for the little demons on his mountain, or perhaps to keep as treasures.

Meanwhile, while host and guests reveled atop Misty Mountain, a clear breeze swept through the Chang Le realm of Qinghua.

The wind crossed the clouds, descending to the mortal world, arriving at the Five Zhuang Monastery on the Western Continent.

“The earth, with its vast virtue, bears all things. It contends with none and nourishes all…”

At that moment, Zhen Yuanzi was expounding the Dao of Earthly Immortals to his forty-eight true disciples within the monastery. The students listened in rapt attention, but suddenly his voice halted, and all looked at him in puzzlement.

They saw him smile and grasp the clear breeze, and from the wind, he drew forth three dates.

A voice rang in his ears: “Your humble pupil sends dates as a token of joy, wishing to share them with you and your friends. Should you meet him again on the path, I hope you will offer a word of guidance.”

The disciples, curious, asked, “Master, what brings you such a smile? It’s only a few dates—not so rare. On Penglai, immortals gift them freely.”

Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard and smiled, “A goose feather sent from a thousand miles—light the gift, but heavy the sentiment.”

Qing Feng and Ming Yue, seated nearby, exchanged glances. There was something familiar in the aura of these dates, as if they had encountered them before. Yet after a moment’s thought, they chose to remain silent.