Chapter 243: The Process of Ascending to Dou Di – Ling'er's Detailed Explanation
Breaking Through the Seal
Amidst the chaotic void currents, Xiao Tiance clapped his hands together after creating a gap in the seal set by the ancient emperor Tuoshe. A miniature spirit array formed instantly and shot into the breach. Within moments, the miniature array linked with the larger array Xiao Tiance had prepared earlier, causing energy to flow rapidly between them.
As the massive outer array began to spin, the miniature array synchronized and rotated at incredible speed.
"Crack… crack…"
The sound of breaking resounded as cracks appeared on the glowing barrier of Tuoshe's seal.
Finally, with a loud "Boom!", the seal shattered into countless fragments.
A Five Year Endeavor
"It's finally done!"
After five years of unrelenting effort, without rest, Xiao Tiance had finally broken through the formidable seal.
Releasing a long breath, he slowly rose to his feet. Using his Dou Qi, he circulated energy through the stiffened meridians in his legs, gradually restoring sensation.
Ling'er, perched on his shoulder, couldn't contain her excitement. "Little Master, you did it! Tuoshe's seal has been broken at last!"
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, his voice hoarse from the years of silence. "Yes, it's finally done. It wasn't easy five whole years without rest. But I couldn't have done it without you, Ling'er. Your help in channeling Dou Qi into my body kept me going."
Ling'er beamed and playfully replied, "You don't need to thank me, Little Master. Remember what I said five years ago? Once you break the seal and obtain the Emperor's Origin Energy, I'll let you refine me. That makes us partners now your success is my success, and your loss is my loss!"
Hearing these words, Xiao Tiance felt the last vestiges of doubt toward Ling'er melt away. Her choice not to claim the Emperor's Origin Energy for herself the moment the seal broke reassured him deeply.
"You're right, Ling'er. We're in this together now. Let's see what's inside the seal we worked so hard to open."
With a smile, he strode forward, anticipation growing with every step.
Approaching the Emperor's Origin Energy
As they approached the center of the seal, Xiao Tiance noticed Ling'er's aura strengthening visibly. Even the surrounding Dou Qi density seemed to increase exponentially.
"It seems breaking the seal is already helping Ling'er recover. Just as she said, her assistance will greatly enhance my cultivation speed," Xiao Tiance thought to himself.
Not long after, they arrived at the core of the seal, where five formless, transparent masses of energy floated. They were nearly invisible to the naked eye, but Xiao Tiance's soul power instantly locked onto them.
With a slight motion of his hand, the five masses of energy moved to hover around him. Feeling the immense power radiating from them, Xiao Tiance couldn't suppress his excitement.
"So this is the Emperor's Origin Energy… no wonder it's said to enable one to ascend to the Dou Di realm. Just being near it has loosened the bottleneck in my cultivation that I've been stuck at for centuries."
Ling'er, perched on his shoulder, chimed in cheerfully, "That's right, Little Master! With just one of these, you can ascend to Dou Di without any obstacles!"
Her tiny, lively figure bounced happily on his shoulder like a playful sprite, adding a touch of levity to the moment.
Dividing the Spoils
Xiao Tiance smiled. "Yes, I can feel it. This energy is incredible. It's not just powerful; it's also so pure and stable that even standing nearby makes a difference."
He then extended one hand, moving one of the masses of Origin Energy toward Ling'er.
"Ling'er, as we agreed five years ago, this one is yours. The other four I will take with me."
Ling'er's face lit up with delight. She leaped forward, planting a quick kiss on Xiao Tiance's cheek. Hugging the Origin Energy tightly, she exclaimed, "Thank you, Little Master! I'm so happy!"
The moment Ling'er embraced the Origin Energy, it began to melt into her body like snow under the sun. Within moments, she had completely absorbed it.
Ling'er's Transformation
As Ling'er absorbed the Emperor's Origin Energy, the surrounding Dou Qi density surged. The previously invisible energy in the air began to condense into a visible mist.
Unlike the elemental Dou Qi found across the continent often violent and unrefined the Dou Qi around Ling'er was pure, attribute less, and gentle. Even an inexperienced cultivator could safely absorb it to enhance their strength.
Xiao Tiance observed this transformation, marveling silently.
"Incredible. This must be why Ling'er can supply Dou Qi to every living being on the continent. If I had Ling'er by my side when I first began cultivating, it might have taken me only a decade to reach the peak of nine star Dou Sheng."
Ling'er's Gratitude
When Ling'er opened her eyes, her radiant smile was even more dazzling than before. Leaping back onto Xiao Tiance's shoulder, she exclaimed joyfully, "Little Master, thank you! I've completely absorbed the Origin Energy. With the remaining four, you can refine one now to become a Dou Di. Later, when you give me another, your strength will advance even further!"
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Of course, but let's proceed carefully. The path to Dou Di is no trivial matter."
Ling'er nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Little Master! I'll guide you through the process step by step. With my help, you'll become a Dou Di in no time!"
The long awaited moment had finally arrived. Xiao Tiance felt a surge of determination as he prepared to take the next step toward his ultimate goal.
Preparation for Ascension
Upon hearing Ling'er's advice, Xiao Tiance nodded with a calm smile. "Alright, Ling'er. Please give me some time to ascend to Dou Di, and I'll speak with you once it's done."
Ling'er, ever cheerful, replied, "Don't worry, Little Master. Even though we're in the chaotic void currents, my presence ensures there's more than enough Dou Qi here for your ascension."
"Great!"
Before beginning the process, Xiao Tiance retrieved some food from his storage ring. Although his half Dou Emperor strength meant he could forgo eating entirely, sustaining himself solely on Dou Qi, he missed the taste of real food after years of abstinence.
After washing his mouth with a few sips of water, he began eating. Between bites, he asked, "Ling'er, is there anything I should be cautious about during the ascension process?"
Ling'er's Warning
Ling'er nodded seriously. "Yes, Little Master, there are several critical points to remember. As you ascend to Dou Di, you'll absorb a tremendous amount of Dou Qi from the heavens and earth into your body. While I can filter some of it for you, the sheer volume of energy may still cause irritation and restlessness in your heart and mind."
She continued, "Moreover, once the Dou Qi enters your body, it will cleanse your blood, flesh, bones, and even your soul. This process is incredibly painful far beyond what most people can endure. You must remain clear headed and guard your inner self at all costs."
Her tone turned somber as she emphasized the risks. "Remember, a Dou Sheng can live for ten thousand years, but a Dou Di achieves immortality. This is a leap in life itself a profound evolution. If, during the process, your mind falters or becomes distracted, the Dou Qi you absorb will run rampant. At a certain point, your body will be unable to contain it, and you will explode, leaving not even your soul behind."
Ling'er's delicate face showed genuine concern as she concluded, "Little Master, I've waited for someone like you for so long so long I've lost count of the years. I truly hope you succeed in becoming a Dou Di."
Xiao Tiance's Determination
Xiao Tiance chuckled softly, reassuring her. "Don't worry, Ling'er. I will succeed. I still have much to do I want to explore the Great Thousand World and help you reclaim your Origin Energy. Failure is not an option."
Ling'er smiled warmly. "I believe in you, Little Master."
As they chatted lightly, Xiao Tiance finished his meal, adjusted his state, and prepared for the critical moment.
Before he began absorbing the Emperor's Origin Energy, Ling'er gave him one final reminder.
"Little Master, once you activate your internal technique, the Origin Energy will naturally be drawn into your body. It will circulate through every part of you, guided by your cultivation method. At that point, the heavens and earth will react, forming a massive Dou Qi vortex above you. Some phenomena may also appear, but don't worry these won't harm you, even if they seem overwhelming."
A Final Question
Xiao Tiance nodded but paused with a thoughtful expression. "I have one last question, Ling'er. Back when the Dou Qi Continent still had Source Qi, were there instances where people failed to ascend to Dou Di?"
Ling'er sighed gently. "Of course, Little Master. Ascending to Dou Di is not just about the energy requirements. It's a leap in life itself a transformation in essence. Many have failed due to impatience, instability in their mindset, or succumbing to inner demons. Those who fall into madness during the process often die in agony."
Her gaze shifted as she continued, "Take your cousin Xiao Xuan as an example. Over a thousand years ago, his failure to ascend wasn't solely due to the absence of Source Qi. The real reason lay in his own heart."
The Tragedy of Xiao Xuan
Ling'er explained, "At the time, Xiao Xuan's body and strength were both exceptional. Even without Source Qi, he should have only suffered irreversible damage to his foundation if the ascension failed not a fatal outcome. However, his heart was burdened by obsession."
She elaborated, "The Xiao Clan, while appearing strong, had exhausted its potential. The overreliance on Dou Di bloodline for cultivation weakened the clan's spirit and stability. Xiao Xuan, burdened by the clan's decline and the loss of Xiao Chen, believed that only by becoming a Dou Di could he restore the clan's glory and revive the Dou Di bloodline."
Ling'er sighed. "This obsession became his undoing. Even with Source Qi, Xiao Xuan's fixation would likely have caused his failure. His death was the result of both external challenges and inner turmoil."
Reflections on Xiao Xuan's Legacy
Xiao Tiance was visibly moved. He had long believed that Xiao Xuan's failure was due to the lack of Source Qi, but Ling'er's account shed new light.
He thought back to the clan's arrogance during those times. The Xiao Clan had relied heavily on their bloodline, neglecting the principles of diligent cultivation. It was only after he assumed leadership and stripped the clan of their bloodline advantage that they began to embrace true cultivation.
With the aid of spirit arrays like the Gathering Qi Array, the Xiao Clan flourished anew, producing a steady stream of powerful cultivators. Xiao Tiance's strength, coupled with the clan's discipline, had solidified their dominance on the Dou Qi Continent.
"So that's how it was… I always thought my cousin failed purely because of the lack of Source Qi," Xiao Tiance murmured with a sigh.
Ling'er's Observation
Ling'er gently shook her head. "Not at all, Little Master. Your cousin's failure wasn't unique. I've been observing others as well, such as Gu Yuan, the leader of the Gu Clan. While you were focused on breaking Tuoshe's seal, I noticed something about him."
She continued, "In the past, Gu Yuan had the potential to ascend to Dou Di if given the Emperor's Origin Energy. But now, like Xiao Xuan, his obsession has become an insurmountable barrier. Even with Origin Energy, he cannot break through."
Xiao Tiance nodded solemnly. The weight of this revelation fueled his resolve. He would not allow himself to falter.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied his mind. "I understand now. Thank you, Ling'er."
"Good luck, Little Master!" Ling'er cheered, her voice filled with faith.
As Xiao Tiance activated his cultivation technique, the Emperor's Origin Energy began to surge toward him, marking the start of his transformative journey to Dou Di.
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