Chapter 1 Harming Others Benefits Oneself

Ji Xiang and the Mountain Lord of Maoshan left the Nine Heavens Palace together. Within the territory of the Nine Heavens Palace, there was a Holy Protection Mountain, which housed a palace dedicated to recording various formations, called the "Great Yuan Treasure Hall."

"Hanging the Great Yuan's signboard in the Great Ming's territory, this is really bold. Won't the imperial court question this someday when Maoshan declines?"

Ji Xiang said casually as he saw the palace standing between the mountains and fields. The Mountain Lord of Maoshan stroked his beard:

"These are just words, how can they be imprisonment? Great Yuan means the great and magnificent Qian Yuan. Even if the Yuan court took this name, that's the intention. If we really investigate, wouldn't the Quanzhen Dao all be unable to escape liquidation?"

"Besides, the Yuan court has already fractured and shattered in all directions. It is said that its fortune has been crushed, so it has not been able to rise again. It has been in a state of decline for so many years. This is a tremendous trauma, and the specific situation is not clear. If we could make the dead speak, we would have to ask the founding emperors of the Great Ming."

Ji Xiang did not ask about this matter again: "Regarding Madam Hou's matter, why did the Mountain Lord remain silent? Could it really be the Palace Lord of Biyou?"

"It's not that, but its seriousness is no less than that of the Palace Lord of Biyou... This involves the Dao lineage of my Maoshan, and I don't know how such a situation could arise."

"If what Madam Hou said is correct, then the one who passed on her spells should be a Maoshan ascended immortal. Since ancient times, only our Shangqing sect has had examples of immortals personally imparting the Dao, even across several generations, which is different from other sects."

Ji Xiang frowned: "Impossible."

"I have seen people stronger than those who have ascended. If they could reach the surface world, they would have come long ago. If your Shangqing sect possesses spells to directly descend from the inner world to the surface world, then your Shangqing, in the inner world, is either a giant or has already been destroyed!"

So many peak ascension stage experts and Tianxin experts have racked their brains without success, yet your Shangqing sect has accomplished it? If your Shangqing sect didn't have big shots guarding it, and this matter wasn't a secret, you would have been jointly exterminated long ago.

Those people in the inner world have been entrenched in the years for too long, losing human morality and emotions. Everything is about pursuing the Great Dao and maximizing benefits. Human life and death are not in their eyes.

"Well, it is indeed impossible. In fact, immortals descending to impart the Dao still need to rely on the body of a Dao child, or through dreams. These two methods have precedents in many sects."

"And those whose Dao lineages have been cut off in the surface world, they have neither Dao children nor sects, and they no longer belong to the orthodox methods of the present world, so they try their best to cause trouble..."

Three-no personnel (no ID, no fixed abode, no job) are already unwelcome in the surface world.

Without an ID card, how can you operate here?

"But Madam Hou's situation is special... According to her description, she should have seen a Dao child who manifested the image of my Maoshan immortal... But none of my Maoshan disciples are currently outside... And the Palace Lord of Biyou has already left Maoshan, and the Dao child identity designated for him by the Maoshan Patriarch has also been revoked, so there is no longer any relationship between them."

"If this matter is spoken out in public, it may affect my Maoshan Dao lineage, so I cannot speak of it. Let this matter be as if it never happened."

Ji Xiang's eyes moved slightly, somewhat strangely: "I thought you all acted only according to the Patriarch's orders."

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan: "The competition for the Dharma lineage is a very cruel thing, and even fratricide may occur. I will just pretend I haven't seen her, and she will just pretend she has never been to Maoshan. I will pass on a few spells to her, ensuring she lives a worry-free life in the human world, which can be considered the end of this fate."

"Besides, her relationship with that scholar is not shallow. Of course, my Maoshan will not force anyone to do something difficult, insisting on converting a Dao child whose heart is not on protecting the teachings. This is not good for us, nor is it good for them."

He paused, and then explained the art of driving spirits:

"The art of driving spirits, in fact, there are many similar tricks in the world, not some rare spell. The talisman summoning of spirits commonly used by the Daoist sect, the Steps of Yu, the spirit binding and general dispatching used by the witchcraft and Dharma sects, the so-called immortal inviting art of Changbai Mountain, the spirit possession used by Liyuan actors, and the common Five Manifestations soldiers and horses, are all similar things. Of course, apart from the divine generals summoned by the orthodox Buddhist scriptures and Daoist talismans, most of the others are folk wild gods, ghosts, evil gods, and even spirits."

"But driving spirits is different. It is not only able to drive divine beasts and divine generals, but also, when cultivated to a high level, is able to drive the Thirty-Six Heavenly Orthodox Gods."

"Our Shangqing lineage respects Lady Wei Huacun of Nanyue as the First Patriarch, and at the same time, takes the Three Mao Lords as the founders of Maoshan, but in fact, the Shangqing scriptures have existed since ancient times. The earliest Shangqing ancestral scripture was just a mysterious talisman."

"And during the time between the Three Maos and the Shangqing, that ancient immortal ancestor who could use the art of driving spirits, was also from the same era as you, but unlike you, he was very famous even in the present world, but what was spread were some strange reputations."

"This ancestor is named Zuo Ci."

Ji Xiang was immediately surprised!

"This is really a famous name. An ancient immortal from the end of the Han Dynasty has come out to stretch his muscles. And you deliberately separated the Shangqing and Maoshan lineages... Do you think that in the inner world, the Maoshan ancestral court has split?"

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan did not speak, but just smiled bitterly.

Ji Xiang: "This is normal. The people in the inner world have spent too long, losing the friendship between fellow disciples. Besides, Lady Nanyue and the Three Mao Lords were not originally from the same lineage. I remember that Lady Nanyue of the Shangqing sect was originally a libationer of the Tianshi Dao, and her inheritance came from the Pure Void True Man, who is an ancient immortal."

As they spoke, they arrived before the Great Yuan Treasure Hall.

Stone pillars stood around, each containing a Maoshan formation. This was a place for operating formations, which could help those who practiced formations quickly master the secrets and operation methods of the formations.

"Senior, my Maoshan has thirteen heavenly formations, forty-nine great formations, fifty-two killing formations, eighty-one trapping formations, one hundred and sixty-five earth formations, and countless other mortal formations below the fifth realm."

"That Azure Dragon Crimson Blood Formation belongs to the eighty-one trapping formations. As the name suggests, trapping formations are formations evolved to seal and refine the actions of the opponent."

Ji Xiang: "Are killing formations specifically distinguished?"

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan: "Naturally, these killing formations are different from other formations. They are harmful to heavenly harmony and are fierce and violent, so they are called killing formations. Please take a look..."

He demonstrated one of the formations. Among the fifty-two killing formation pillars, a small formation evolved, forming a overlapping phantom. What Ji Xiang saw at this time was a forest of swords and halberds soaring with murderous intent!

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan: "This is the less murderous formation among the fifty-two killing formations."

After he said that, he started another formation. This time, what Ji Xiang saw was a fierce Yang energy. This Yang energy was like a living thing, gathering and moving in the formation. If any Yin energy contaminated it, this Yang energy would be like a ferocious beast, forcibly tearing the three souls and seven spirits of the person to pieces.

Then he started another formation. Ji Xiang recognized this formation!

It was the Xuan Yin Red Furnace Grand Formation!

"This formation was originally used against Yin spirits and ghosts. It is indeed matched with the Azure Dragon Crimson Blood Formation, one trapping and one killing, refining its essence and destroying its form and spirit."

"And look at the thirteen heavenly formations."

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan pointed to the pillars of the heavenly formations. Lightning was released from them, illuminating the universe, and a huge pool actually appeared. No one could cross it. Wherever a person went, the pool would move there. Extinguishing a piece of lightning, the next piece of lightning would be twice as powerful as the previous one!

"This is the 'Thunder Pool Impassable Formation'! The thirteen heavenly formations are all superior grand formations in thunder magic!"

He pointed to the second heavenly formation pillar. At this time, a cloud of tribulation appeared on the pillar. Ji Xiang was no stranger to this power, and he shouted repeatedly:

"Terrible, terrible! It's actually a thunder tribulation! This shouldn't be called a Thunder Tribulation Formation, this formation should be called the Ancestor Formation!"

Once the thunder tribulation strikes, isn't it like the ancestor of the tribulation passer has arrived?

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan laughed heartily, and showed Ji Xiang the third heavenly formation. The condition for using the Five Directions Savage Thunder Formation is that it can be operated in filthy places, and the more filthy it is, the greater its power. The Savage Thunder is a grand formation that requires demons for blood sacrifice!

It is extremely murderous and suitable for use in adversity.

Following closely, he showed Ji Xiang the fourth heavenly formation. Three thunder department tokens actually appeared on this heavenly formation stone pillar!

Thunder Capital Department, Thunder Department Division, Myriad Gods Thunder Department!

"This grand formation can summon the power of the three departments of the Thunder Department. It cannot be easily driven. It cannot be used below the innate stage. This is already the fifth-ranked heavenly formation."

"There are countless formations of this kind, especially the heavenly formations. The wonderful power in them cannot be understood without eight or nine years. Ordinary people, throughout their lives, in a hurried hundred years, can only comprehend one earth formation. Even with my talent, learning the heavenly, killing, trapping, and earth formations, a total of only fifty-odd formations. I don't know how you will learn, where to start..."

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan stroked his beard. In fact, he was a little proud of himself.

After all, the Maoshan formations are unparalleled in the world. Although it is called the Three Mountains of Talismans, the true foundation of Maoshan lies in formations rather than talismans.

After all, the Shangqing Ancestral Talisman is not in the hands of Maoshan.

"Ah, yes, if you comprehend them normally, it would be difficult to figure them out in a lifetime."

Ji Xiang nodded.

The Shangqing sect is indeed a famous sect.

Its foundation is exceptionally strong.

"So, these stone pillars can really be touched at will and learned at will?"

Ji Xiang nodded twice in confirmation, and then suddenly said:

"Then, if these formations disappear after I cultivate them, what should I do?"

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan looked at the stone pillars, then at Ji Xiang, and frowned, feeling strange:

"How is that possible? Are you going to move all these pillars away? To be blunt, the stone pillars used to seal the formations are not ordinary objects, but essence immortal stones from famous mountains and rivers. These Maoshan stone pillars are closely connected to my Maoshan territory. If you can move them, wouldn't that mean you can lift up my Maoshan land as well?"

"I'm afraid that's not possible. Even if the Primordial Heavenly King descends, that would be nonsense."

Ji Xiang: "I'm just assuming, do you understand?"

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan laughed, stroking his beard: "Impossible, absolutely impossible! You can try it out, whatever problems arise, it has nothing to do with you!"

"I would like to see the skills of an ascension stage expert!"

"And if you need anything, or want to learn a formation first, you can ask me."

The Mountain Lord said that he would guarantee teaching, and if he couldn't teach it, he would return two thousand incense red envelopes.

Ji Xiang was relieved and his expression relaxed.

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan said: "So, which one do you want to learn first?"

Ji Xiang looked at the thirteen heavenly formations: "Well, let's start with...the heavenly formations."

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan: "Okay, then first learn the Thunder Pool?"

Ji Xiang smiled slightly: "No, I'll just learn it myself, thank you for your kindness, these formations here will be of great use to me."

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan was stunned and said strangely: "By yourself? You're..."

Ji Xiang: "Thank you for your generosity!"

Boom!

Heaven-piercing Bright Smoke rushed out from his body in all directions. Ji Xiang opened his arms, and the Bright Smoke enveloped all the heavenly formation stone pillars. This great commotion startled the Mountain Lord of Maoshan!

"What is this smoke!"

The Heaven-piercing Bright Smoke rolled endlessly. The formations in the thirteen heavenly formation stone pillars suddenly disappeared. Then the Bright Smoke did not retract, but gathered together, tumbling like the sky collapsing. In Ji Xiang's inner scene divine tablet, thirteen heavenly formation imprints appeared!

Summon Qian Ying Formation, Heaven-Man Induction Thunder Formation, Congenital One Qi Thunder Formation, Immortal Capital Fire Thunder Formation, Summon Thunder Department Three Divisions Formation, Fourfold Thunder Tribulation Formation, Thunder Pool Impassable Formation, More Than Startling Thunder Formation, Five Directions Savage Thunder Formation, Divine Might Demon Subduing Formation, Swift Thunder Fierce Wind Formation, Yang Thunder Heavenly Dao Formation!

The thirteen heavenly formation imprints were swallowed by the inner scene divine tablet, revealing the respective operation methods and usages of the thirteen grand formations. According to the methods given by the divine tablet, Ji Xiang simply tested the Thunder Pool Formation.

Suddenly, a vast Thunder Pool appeared in the world, blocking his eyes, separating the Great Yuan Treasure Hall from this formation path stone forest. The Thunder Pool was fierce, and it was a unique divine formation for suppression and resistance. When this Thunder Pool Grand Formation appeared, the Mountain Lord of Maoshan had almost gouged out his eyes!

How is this possible!

How could he learn the Thunder Pool Formation with a wave of his hand?!

"Stone pillars, stone pillars, what happened to you!"

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan looked at the darkened stone pillars, greatly shocked. At this time, he no longer had the demeanor of a pure Yang expert, just like a little old man whose family property had been looted, hugging those pillars and looking everywhere. At this time, Ji Xiang did not stop his actions.

The Heaven-piercing Bright Smoke was like a canopy, tumbling, like a sea of clouds descending to the human world, and once again swallowed all forty-nine grand formations!

Grand formation imprints appeared. Then, the Heaven-piercing Bright Smoke swallowed the fifty-two killing formations!

At this time, the Mountain Lord of Maoshan reacted, his face pale with fright, and he hugged Ji Xiang: "Wait! Wait to act!"

"Absolutely not, absolutely not!"

He saw the Heaven-piercing Bright Smoke moving towards the trapping formation, his face ashen with fear: "Immortal, this cannot be taken!"

"If my Maoshan closes the mountain and you take away all my Maoshan formations, and these trapping formations are taken away again, those petty villains will be able to scurry in!"

Ji Xiang was stunned: "Ah, is that so? That's a bit difficult, the Azure Dragon Crimson Blood Formation is the kind of formation I need... Can't the trapping formations be taken?"

The Mountain Lord of Maoshan jumped up, extremely anxious: "You've had enough! I've never seen such a thing, it's simply unbelievable!"

"Spit out my Maoshan formations! Great Immortal, Upper Immortal, I'll give you talismans in exchange, is that enough!"