Dao Lord: Starting from a Top-grade Golden Core

Chapter 132: Chapter 84: One Move Ahead

Unfortunately, over the past decade or so, he had also diligently cultivated the Mixed Element Qi Refining Great Capture. While he hadn’t reached the seventh realm, his progress was far from negligible. However, Xuzhuang’s refinement of golden mercury had boosted his Divine Techniques so immensely that choosing to clash with him using Great Capture arts had been an unwise decision.

Zhong Shenxiu let out a long sigh. Just then, a purple light flashed above his Celestial Gate before rocketing into the sky. The Innate Tai Su Grand Capture shattered in an instant. A boundless purple radiance illuminated the space between heaven and earth as a Gang Wind swept out in all directions. It instantly scattered the sky-filling white qi, the endless sea of fire, and the nine layers of clouds, tearing a hole in the firmament and exposing it to the light of day.

A purple Gangyun slowly rose from his Celestial Gate. Within it, Purple Sky Divine Thunder rumbled and Chaos Primordial Qi gathered as lights of every color flickered. It seemed to become the most dazzling object in existence, stinging Xuzhuang’s dharma eye. Yet, he showed no sign of flinching, watching in awe as the Gangyun ascended.

The Gangyun ascended to a profound, unseen height, standing apart from the Purple Qi Xiangyun visible to his dharma eye. Faintly, a portal manifested for a brief instant. It was inscribed with mountains and rivers, birds and beasts, and even an entire Star River—it seemed the most noble and mysterious gateway in existence. Then, just as quickly, it vanished, concealing itself within the deepest part of the purple qi.

Just like that, right under Xuzhuang’s nose, Zhong Shenxiu had formed his Nascent Soul, refined his Gangyun, and broken through to the Second Level of Nascent Soul.

Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes were closed, as if processing countless new insights, but the moment passed in an instant. He opened them and looked at Xuzhuang.

Xuzhuang let out a long breath, composed himself, and clasped his hands in a salute. "Congratulations on forming your Nascent Soul, Fellow Daoist."

Zhong Shenxiu said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Xu, in today’s duel, I was outplayed by a single move."

At that moment, within Xuzhuang’s dharma eye, the Purple Qi Xiangyun above Zhong Shenxiu’s head seemed to begin dissipating. A thin wisp drifted free, flew out from the auspicious cloud, and traveled a few yards in Xuzhuang’s direction before vanishing into the ether.

Xuzhuang froze for a second. Recalling his theories about the auspicious clouds his dharma eye could perceive, a thought suddenly surfaced: ’Could it be... because I fought Zhong Shenxiu and he conceded defeat... I’ve plundered a sliver of his fortune?’

The more Xuzhuang considered it, the more likely it seemed. But what, exactly, was fortune? Daoist Scriptures never offered a detailed explanation, yet the term was constantly on people’s lips. He had been pondering the nature of fortune ever since discovering his dharma eye’s ability to perceive it.

In his own understanding, Xuzhuang believed fortune wasn’t simply ’luck.’ Rather, it was composed of many complex elements. When most people spoke of fortune, they were undoubtedly referring to fated opportunities, but Xuzhuang believed that fame and reputation could perhaps also be counted as a form of ’fortune.’

For example, if a person was famous, people would host them warmly wherever they went, even offering gifts to build a good relationship. Because of their fame, others might seek their help or invite them to explore a secret realm, leading to personal gain. They might even be plotted against due to their fame, only for it to become a blessing in disguise...

In all these cases, couldn’t one say that fame increased their fortune and brought them fated opportunities?

The Tai Su Orthodox Sect has spread its teachings for millennia, its name renowned across the Divine Continent. This reputation inspires countless people to yearn to join the sect and seek the Dao. Among them may be brilliantly talented prodigies who, given time, could achieve a Top-grade Golden Core or even become a Zaide Zhenren. In turn, this would make the Tai Su sect even more prosperous...

Could this not be considered an example of fortune flourishing due to renown?

And now, by outplaying Zhong Shenxiu and securing a narrow victory, if word of this were to spread, Xuzhuang’s reputation would surely soar, and his name would become known throughout the Divine Continent. Could this be considered plundering Zhong Shenxiu’s fortune?

This was all just Xuzhuang’s own speculation. Perhaps there were deeper, unknown principles at play that he couldn’t yet grasp. Besides, he had no desire to dwell on it further.

There was no one else around, and Xuzhuang had no intention of publicizing the event. He didn’t believe that winning by a single strategic move made him vastly superior to Zhong Shenxiu. After all, Zhong Shenxiu had now formed his Nascent Soul, while he himself still had a long way to go.

Of course, given Xuzhuang’s nature, he wasn’t about to deny his victory, nor would he exchange empty pleasantries with Zhong Shenxiu. With a simple clasp of his hands, he replied calmly, "I was fortunate."

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