In essence, the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror is an extremely exclusive treasure.
Whether it is ordinary True Qi or the profound Qi of a practitioner above the Core Refinement stage, as long as it does not meet the requirement of harmonizing with the mirror’s aura, no matter how much is infused, it can only activate the surface-level azure light and spiritual resonance. At most, it can store talismans and similar items, but it cannot unlock its deeper functions.
Even if the resonance requirement is met, further refining to enhance its properties still requires a prerequisite: the Divine Map.
For those who possess the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror, the Divine Map is not only the key to the mirror’s deeper functions but also the true link establishing a connection with the mirror.
When refining the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror, the first step is to focus one’s thoughts on the center of the Divine Map, specifically on the reflection of oneself. This reflection is known as the “Spirit Image.” According to the refining technique, it is a projection of the spirit or soul and the key node where the spirit of the owner connects with the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror.
The spirit must pass through the “Spirit Image” to truly connect with the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror, unlocking the “puzzles” within the mirror and initiating the refining process where the mirror actively absorbs the owner’s vital energy.
The more he refined, the more Yu Ci felt the benefits of the process.
“Divine Qi embracing, transforming into Qi, this Qi is not the same as that Qi, but is the essence of Qi, baleful Qi, and innate Qi…”
This was what Ye Tu had said in Sky Rift Valley. According to his explanation, “innate Qi” should be the exclusive domain of Core Refinement cultivators. It is the energy flow within a cultivator’s body after achieving the Core Refinement, replacing True Qi, and is the foundation for feats like moving mountains, filling seas, and flying through the skies. In terms of quality, it is far superior to True Qi.
Of course, Yu Ci had not reached the Core Refinement stage, but after several days of verification, he vaguely felt that, after the accident a month ago, the True Qi he had accumulated over the years had refined into Essence Pearls within the mirror and, when fused with divine intent, had somehow transformed into the appearance of “innate Qi.”
Of course, this was purely a sensation, as Yu Ci had never truly witnessed “innate Qi.” He had indeed interacted with Core Refinement and higher-level cultivators: but during his youth when he served alongside the Dual Immortals, he had no corresponding concept; and the otherworldly figure of Immortal Ye Bin he encountered recently had displayed such profound skills that Yu Ci could not grasp the subtleties.
His only experience was the sensation of merging Divine Qi while controlling the sword with his primordial spirit, which, according to Ye Tu, was the closest state to the power of Qi and Evil Qi.
For many days, the vital energy within him had clearly maintained this feeling, stable and distinct, no longer just a fleeting moment as when controlling the sword with the primordial spirit. This was why he was able to calmly execute that sword gesture and initially touch upon the mysteries of Immortal Ye Bin’s subtle sword intent.
“Innate Qi… Let’s assume it’s innate Qi!”
Although there was no concrete evidence, Yu Ci was certain that the nature of the vital energy within him had indeed undergone a qualitative change. At his level of cultivation, after such a transformation, what else could it turn into but “innate Qi”?
Having resolved this doubt, another very practical question emerged…
He found that, apart from the wave of energy transformed through the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror that day, the vital energy naturally generated during subsequent practices still resembled his previous True Qi. This True Qi was completely incompatible with “innate Qi,” akin to the difference between oil and water, making its flow within his body quite uncomfortable.
This was likely the result of not having truly entered the Core Refinement stage. If left unchanged, over time, his innate Qi might be contaminated by postnatal Qi, leading to a complete waste of his previous efforts.
Fortunately, he had the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror.
When he began refining according to the newly acquired technique, his divine intent was naturally focused on it, absorbing vital energy and controlling the refining process. Each time was quite strenuous, consuming most of his energy. But in this process, it was like tempering steel, gradually enhancing the mirror’s performance and refining the impurities in his vital energy, improving it to the level of “innate Qi.”
Thus, even if he could not practice longevity techniques, he could maintain the purity of “innate Qi” and make gradual progress. It must be said that the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror was truly a…
Wonderful treasure!
The more he refined, the more Yu Ci loved this treasure, dedicating several hours each day to the process. His refining skills were continually improving. It was evident that as long as he followed this method, step by step, and persistently, in the near future, with his increasing cultivation level and refining skills, he could fully unlock the secrets of the treasure. Moreover, this treasure would forever belong to him, and no one could take it away!
Every time he thought of this, his heart would be uplifted.
By the time he completed his tasks for the day, night had fallen. Yu Ci, like a phantom, floated out from his hiding place, moving toward the southwestern mountains under the starlight.
The information from Lu Yang and Jin Chuan was of great concern to him. Given Bai Ri Fu’s dominance in Cliff City and their implicit positioning as the weaker side when discussing the Li Chen Sect, it was evident how powerful this unfamiliar sect might be. It was inevitable to plan ahead.
Using his Divine Movement Talisman, he sped up, covering three hundred miles in just over an hour, almost twenty percent faster than usual.
After stopping, his breath was slightly hurried, but he recovered within a few breaths. Instead of delving deeper, he activated the Divine Map nearby, quickly confirming his location, and soon found an artificial complex in the mountains.
In the faint light, every detail of the landscape was visible. This was a large Taoist temple with three courtyards: East, Central, and West. The central courtyard had impressive halls with over a hundred Taoist priests inside.
With sparse human presence within a radius of ten thousand miles, this Taoist temple was evidently not sustained by incense offerings. Undoubtedly, this was the destination of Jin Huan and his group.
“The External Affairs Temple… it’s likely the place for handling miscellaneous tasks,” Yu Ci thought, systematically changing his perspective to survey the temple and its surroundings, preparing for possible changes tomorrow. His gaze moved from the sleeping quarters in the East Courtyard, to the central courtyard with its grand halls, and then to the gardens in the West Courtyard, with no immediate issues detected.
However, at this moment, fog began to rise, and the small garden became obscured.
Several dozen miles away, Yu Ci’s eyes widened: “That is…”
****
The next day, as planned, the people from the Sun Light Sect set out at the first watch of the day, pushing their horses to the limit. By dawn, they arrived at the foot of a verdant mountain. The mountain wasn’t very high, but it was full of lush trees, clear streams, and unusual rocks, giving it an otherworldly feel. Jin Huan stopped the carriage at the base of the mountain, leaving only a warrior to guard it, while the remaining nine people set off on foot to climb the mountain.
Among them, Jin Huan and Lu Yang were accustomed to coming here, while Jin Chuan and Kuang Yanqi were visiting for the first time. Naturally curious, Jin Huan pointed out to his disciple, “We are now in the territory of the Heart Prohibition Temple. Although it is located at the very edge of the Rifting Earth Sect, it is frequented by renowned figures. The old master of the monastery, Daoist Zhou Dao, has been living here for three hundred years and is a remarkable elder. We must not harbor any disrespectful thoughts here.”
This was not the first time for these young people. Due to their exceptional talent, they were well-regarded in the mansion, especially Jin Chuan, who considered himself the next master of Sun Light Sect. While it was fine within the mansion, here, they needed to be more restrained.
This thought was not concealed; even the accompanying warriors were aware. In response to Kuang Yanqi’s polite greeting, Jin Chuan glanced at his uncle and lowered his head in compliance.
As Jin Huan and his party walked along the mountain path, they enjoyed the pleasant surroundings but kept a brisk pace. Before long, they had passed halfway up the mountain. The monastery’s ornate eaves and brackets were intermittently visible through the trees and occasionally hidden again. They were almost there.
At that moment, the sound of footsteps crunching on leaves came from the maple forest beside the path, and a Daoist emerged.
The Daoist appeared suddenly. The five accompanying warriors reacted swiftly, tensing up and watching the newcomer intently. Despite their wariness, they recognized they were on unfamiliar ground and tempered their hostility.
The Daoist was young with a pale face and wore a jade-colored Daoist robe. He was tall with black hair tied up in a star crown, impeccably groomed, and walked with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of calm and composure. Jin Chuan and Kuang Yanqi, though also handsome, seemed stiff in the presence of the elder, lacking the Daoist’s effortless grace.
Upon seeing Jin Huan’s group, the Daoist was momentarily surprised but quickly smiled. He made no reaction to the warriors’ stance and did not approach them, only giving a polite nod and stepping aside to let them pass. His courteous and humble demeanor was quite pleasing.
Although Jin Huan was proud, with the Heart Prohibition Temple so close, it was possible the Daoist was a practitioner from there. Thus, he nodded slightly, which was quite respectful for someone of his status. Seeing their master’s reaction, the accompanying warriors relaxed and lowered their heads.
As they moved past each other, Jin Huan suddenly asked, “What do you think?”
Lu Yang frowned and replied softly, “It’s strange. The Daoist exudes a strong aura, but he hasn’t condensed his Yin spirit yet. His cultivation seems to be only at the initial or middle stage of Divine Connectivity , yet his aura is very profound, as if…”
“As if he has achieved the Formation of the Seven Stars, right?” Jin Huan interjected.
“Is that really the case? Has he achieved Core Refinement ?” Lu Yang was taken aback, and the two young men behind him turned to look as well. The elegant Daoist, however, walked leisurely, seemingly admiring the gradually reddening maple leaves. After turning a corner, he was out of their sight.
Jin Huan turned to praise Lu Yang, “Being able to discern such subtle nuances in aura shows you have some perception of the Seven Stars Formation. Few high-level Divine Connectivity practitioners can achieve this. Your cultivation has been progressing well over the years. In ten years, you should be able to attempt Core Refinement .”
Lu Yang quickly expressed his thanks. Meanwhile, Jin Chuan, lacking some composure, couldn’t help but ask, “Uncle, is that Daoist really a Core Refinement practitioner?”
Jin Huan did not respond directly but said, “He showed signs from miles away, so he likely has no ill intent. Do not show any disrespect.”
The younger ones accepted this without further questioning, feeling that their master was inscrutable. However, Lu Yang, who had followed Jin Huan for many years, knew that Jin Huan himself was unsure, which was why he had this attitude.
Is confirming whether a practitioner has achieved the Seven Stars Formation really that difficult?
Update: All the previous Ask the Mirror chapters have been re-translated and updated. Readers can re-read them if they want.
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