Chapter 79: Gaining the Ren Water, Meeting the True One

Cao Kong focused his energy and spirit, watching as the golden light of merit was absorbed by the Jade Ruyi in his Niwan Palace, leaving a golden mark upon its surface. He noticed the Jade Ruyi tremble ever so faintly, as if expressing dissatisfaction—it was not enough, it desired more.

"So, this Jade Ruyi craves merit?" Cao Kong mused, surprised to see the artifact express a need for anything at all. His curiosity was piqued; if he were to gather enough merit in the future, perhaps the Jade Ruyi would reveal some extraordinary power. Yet a headache followed—this Jade Ruyi was truly selective, refusing everything except merit.

He recalled records from the Realm of Qinghua Chang Le, which spoke of merit: acts benefiting heaven and earth, or all living beings, would elicit a response from the cosmos and shower merit upon the doer. Its uses were endless. For a virtuous person, possessing merit would ensure heavenly protection, making it impossible for common monsters to harm them. With enough merit, even ascension to immortality was not out of reach.

For cultivators, merit could forge a golden body or be infused into magical treasures. Among the immortals of the heavenly court and underworld, merit was one of the essential "materials" for advancement. Reflecting on this, Cao Kong shook his head; the wonders of merit were boundless, but it was difficult to obtain. Acts benefitting heaven and earth or the living were not easily forced—one could only proceed and see what came.

He set aside the greed rising in his heart. His fundamental pursuit was longevity and enduring vision; merit, though marvelous, was not essential to him. Besides, there were many years ahead—if fate allowed, he would gain more merit.

Suddenly, the sound of wind and clouds billowing arose—the toxins within the Bamboo Mountain range had been completely eradicated, and the entire mountain was revitalized with spiritual energy. The Seven Lions, sensing this, came specifically to express their gratitude.

Baize had recovered, and upon landing, performed a grand salute to Cao Kong; the other six lions followed suit, as if no lesser gesture could convey their heartfelt thanks.

Cao Kong’s expression darkened, leaving the Seven Lions perplexed. "Brother Cao, is something displeasing you?"

"We are friends. If you keep making such formal gestures, how am I to face you? Friendship would lose its meaning. If you wish to remain friends, refrain from such ceremony."

The Seven Lions felt warmth rise in their hearts. "To befriend you is our good fortune. Since you say so, we will no longer act this way. But still, should you ever need anything, just ask."

Cao Kong replied, "Actually, I do have a request."

The Seven Lions were delighted. "Speak freely."

"Do you still have any stalactite marrow? Now that Brother Baize has recovered, if you have any surplus, perhaps you could spare me some."

Seeing their joy, Cao Kong smiled. He knew that honest lions like these would be even happier if he asked favors of them.

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Moreover, the Wine Canon described several spirits brewed with stalactite marrow as the base—not only were they exquisitely flavored, their effects were remarkable. Thus, he seized the moment for a mutually beneficial exchange.

Upon hearing this, Baize dashed off to Panheng Cave, returning with a vat containing half its volume in stalactite marrow. Cao Kong could not help but laugh—Baize must have brought every last drop from Panheng Cave. Seeing this, Cao Kong made no ceremony and accepted it all. Should he brew wine in the future, he would send it by wind to the Seven Lions.

Without lingering, he bid farewell and departed.

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Within Mist Veil Mountain, Cao Kong blended the stalactite marrow with innate sweet dew and various medicinal and spiritual ingredients, brewing wine. This spirit was called Stalactite Wine—once successfully made, it would strengthen blood and replenish essence, aiding him in his quest for Madam Huang.

After preparations were complete, Cao Kong sealed the brew and prepared to head to the Tongtian River to seek Ren Water from the Old Turtle.

His path was one of longevity, but on the road to immortality, calamities were inevitable; thus, methods for safeguarding his journey could not be neglected. The Mixed-Element Sword from the Method of Five Elements Condensing Seed Treasures was still something he greatly desired.

He had already obtained Geng-Xin Metal, Wu-Ji Earth, and Jia Wood. If he could collect Ren Water, he would only need four more elemental energies to attempt forging the sword.

The Seven Lodges Swords of the North and South were not yet fully formed, giving Cao Kong a sense that they were about to break through, but not quite. Perhaps seeking Ren Water would benefit his cultivation of the Northern Seven Lodges.

He rode the Mingzhu Wind east to the Tongtian River.

The Eight Wind Divine Arts were extraordinary; even without exerting himself fully, it took less than half an incense stick’s time to travel from Mist Veil Mountain to the Tongtian River.

Now, standing atop the sky, Cao Kong gazed down. The river spanned eight hundred li in width, stretching north to south, impossible to take in at a glance.

He watched the turbulent waves, the surging billows—a thousand layers of rolling waves, ten thousand peaks of towering water. With such force, any land creature unfamiliar with swimming would have no chance of survival if it fell in; thus, the ferocity of the Tongtian River was evident.

Seeing this, Cao Kong’s gaze faltered, catching a glimmer of inspiration.

His temperament was calm and steady; when practicing the Northern Seven Lodges Sword, he often adopted the endless, entwining nature of water.

Now, he realized—water’s nature could be both soft and strong. Its softness could nourish all beings like the highest virtue; its strength could inundate the world.

It must be known, the Northern Seven Lodges correspond to the Black Tortoise; the Black Tortoise can also transform into the True Martial, showing its might.

"Come, water."

With a spiritual command, Cao Kong beckoned downward. A wave from the Tongtian River surged up, soaring into the clouds, condensing into the shape of a sword, and landing in his palm.

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Standing atop the clouds, the Daoist stepped through the positions of the Seven Stars: Dipper, Ox, Maiden, Void, Danger, Room, and Wall, and began to dance with his sword.

The water sword in Cao Kong’s hand transformed endlessly—sometimes tender as a lover’s gaze, sometimes gentle as a flowing stream. But just as he was lost in its grace, the sword split in two, unleashing the fury of a raging sea.

Crack.

Sensing a breakthrough, Cao Kong realized the Northern Seven Lodges Sword had finally reached minor completion!

At that moment, the Sword Canon opened a new chapter—its name: Water Radiance.

"Hahaha!" Cao Kong laughed with joy, wasting no time. He immediately employed the water arts to dive into the Tongtian River, intent on obtaining Ren Water for another delight.

Within the Turtle’s Domain, the Old Turtle sensed a pure surge of Dao energy and knew Cao Kong had arrived. He led his entire family to stand before the Water Palace in welcome.

"You are too courteous."

Suddenly, the water ahead shaped itself into a human form, startling nearby fish, who hastily swam away.

Cao Kong looked at the row of turtles before the Water Palace, amused.

"A little welcome is nothing, Master. Please follow me."

The Old Turtle smiled, wasting no words, and promptly led Cao Kong to the source of the water, where the Ren Water could be obtained.

Soon, they arrived before the water’s source, where three springs bubbled with primordial water energy, merging to form Ren Water.

"Master, Ren Water is mighty. I have a method to extract it, but it will take a day or two."

Cao Kong smiled, "No need."

Before mastering the Northern Seven Lodges Sword, he might have needed to patiently collect it. But now, his understanding of water was profound, so there was no need to waste time.

He formed a seal, using his energy as a guide. Instantly, the essence of Ren Water was drawn forth and swallowed in a single breath, settling in his kidneys.

The Old Turtle clicked his tongue again, marveling at Cao Kong’s prowess. He himself had much experience collecting Ren Water, but compared to Cao Kong, he was far behind.

Cao Kong smiled, then suddenly sensed something and looked toward the Tongtian River—there was a commotion on the river!

"Monster, return the precious treasure of the Orthodox Dao!"

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