Chapter 103: Suddenly Hearing the Fragrance of Incense, the Clay Statue Turns to Gold

After listening to the Supreme Spirit of the Nine Realms finish speaking, Cao Kong did not hesitate much. Since this was a task assigned by his master, the Heavenly Worthy of Taiyi who Saves All from Suffering, he would simply follow through.

“Brother, may I ask where exactly this Golden Horn Youth is? Could you point me in his direction?” Cao Kong inquired.

The Supreme Spirit of the Nine Realms laughed heartily. “Do not rush. The Golden Horn Youth descended to the mortal realm a month ago. He carries the Lord Lao’s treasured artifact, so Lord Lao is aware of his location and senses his journey westward. He will soon arrive in your territory; just be patient.”

Then the Supreme Spirit continued, “By the way, this Golden Horn Youth is quite extraordinary. Your younger brother could benefit from interacting with him.”

A look of contemplation appeared in Cao Kong’s eyes. Was it because they both practiced alchemy? Yet, since this youth was someone close to Lord Lao, befriending him could only be advantageous.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. He had taken the Ruyi Golden Hook of the Ruyi Immortal—could the Ruyi Immortal sense this? If so, why hadn’t he come searching all these years?

Seizing the moment, he asked.

The Supreme Spirit replied, “Though artifacts maintain a strong connection to their owners, if the distance between them grows too great, the sensation weakens considerably. Moreover, you shattered his divine consciousness long ago. That person hasn’t come looking, which proves his cultivation is mediocre at best and far from you. Even if he did come, there’s no need for concern.”

Cao Kong bowed once more, expressing his gratitude to the Supreme Spirit. Taking the opportunity, he sought guidance on various doubts encountered during his cultivation.

The Supreme Spirit generously shared his wisdom, answering Cao Kong’s questions one by one. Truly, as the Heavenly Worthy had said, he was a genuine enlightened spirit. Each couplet or phrase seemed to illuminate Cao Kong’s mind with sudden clarity.

With every insight gained, Cao Kong praised him more.

“Brother, you are a great talent. I see now.”

“Oh, thank you for your teachings. Today I truly understand what it means to be an enlightened spirit.”

With each compliment, the smile on the Supreme Spirit’s face deepened, his mood extremely pleasant.

Compared to the rigid and strict Lion Palace servant, Cao Kong was far more agreeable in his eyes.

Furthermore, Cao Kong held a special place in his heart—the first to catch his eye, tested with magic to discern his resolve, and stirred the desire to take him as a disciple.

Thinking thus, the Supreme Spirit felt a twinge of bittersweetness but, seeing Cao Kong’s respect and aptitude, comforted himself: ‘Well, there’s still the Primeval Lord... cough cough, no wild hopes, no wild hopes.’

At this thought, a faint, hard-to-suppress smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, he understood the master’s joy.

Cao Kong then brought up the cultivation of the Five Energies Returning to the Origin, asking how to turn toward the Origin.

The Supreme Spirit pondered: “Though I have not practiced the Heavenly Worthy’s method, I am somewhat familiar with it. Perhaps I can offer some inspiration.”

He proceeded to cite scriptures and expound on many profound mysteries. Discussing the path of returning to the Origin, Cao Kong, though somewhat naive, grasped the glimmers of insight and spoke to confirm his understanding, drawing several impressed glances from the Supreme Spirit.

For over ten days, they debated and explored; soon, it was time for Cao Kong to return to the mortal realm.

The Supreme Spirit said, “I have shared all I know of the secrets of returning to the Origin. Your future cultivation depends on you. You may draw from this knowledge, but do not follow it blindly.

Though all paths in cultivation ultimately lead to the same goal, their methods differ greatly. The Golden Elixir method taught by the Heavenly Worthy is unique; even if progress seems slow, do not rush.

You walk a celestial path; what you invest now will yield abundant rewards in the future.”

Cao Kong bowed deeply. “Thank you, Brother. I will keep this in my heart.”

The Supreme Spirit nodded. “Your essence, qi, and spirit are already aligned. In time, contemplate the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. The human body has limits; true understanding of the Dao within the inner world is the foundation of future cultivation.”

Cao Kong bowed once more. When he rose, the Supreme Spirit had vanished, though his lingering voice echoed:

“Junior Brother of the Cave of Truth, take this scripture and study it well. You may return now.”

Cao Kong smiled faintly as a scripture appeared in his hands—the “Supreme Scripture of Salvation from Suffering,” also called the “Supreme True Worthy of the Cavernous Mystery’s Scripture on Salvation from Suffering and Removal of Sins.”

He then transformed into a beam of light and disappeared within the Qinghua Chang Le realm.

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In the Folded Mountain Cave, Cao Kong idly perused the “Supreme Scripture of Salvation from Suffering.” Reciting it calmed and steadied the mind, shielding the heart from external demons, with added efficacy in aiding souls in the underworld’s transference.

He smiled softly. After all, who could guarantee their Dao heart would never give rise to demons?

Moreover, this scripture benefited others as well. From that day on, Cao Kong often recited it with Cao Xiang and others, benefiting both himself and them.

Over more than ten days, Cao Kong diligently cultivated—reciting scripture and meditating, seeking the Yellow Matron, refining Yin impurities, and practicing the Five Energies Returning to the Origin.

In terms of divine abilities and magical arts, he deepened his understanding of the Five Elements and Five Luminaries, the Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiends, and absorbed the principles of Heaven and Earth.

When idle, he recited scriptures for Cao Xiang and others, resolving their doubts.

One day, Cao Kong sat at his desk researching the art of talismans. Though his mastery of talisman arts was weaker than his own divine and magical arts in duel combat, they proved highly useful in daily life.

For example, paper crane talismans that could carry sound messages or deliver items, and mother-child sensing talismans that could locate the wearer within a thousand li.

These talismans were not difficult to craft—after all, Cao Kong had previously drawn wind talismans storing the eight winds’ divine powers.

He drew over ten talismans in succession, gifting mother-child sensing talismans to minor demons, using half the paper crane talismans in the mountains, and sending the rest to the Seven Lions, Liu Xian, and others.

Once everything was complete, a faint, ethereal voice echoed in his ear.

This time, the voice was clear.

“Pray... Supreme True Worthy, please bless... my family...”

Vaguely, Cao Kong sensed the fragrance of incense, a scent he had often encountered from the Mountain God of Funiu and the City God of the Bhikkhu Kingdom.

His brow lifted—was someone praying to him? But he had long dwelled in the mountains; where could such incense offerings come from in the mortal realm?

Gradually, the voice grew louder.

Cao Kong used his divine sense to respond. In the void, threads of light detached from his physical form, coalescing into a spirit invisible to the naked eye.

Since it was broad daylight beneath the blazing sun, spirits rarely left their bodies. Fortunately, Cao Kong had cultivated the Golden Elixir and refined much Yin impurity, preserving Yang essence. Though spirits cannot linger long in the mortal realm, brief excursions were possible.

What surprised Cao Kong was the invisible barrier shielding his spirit.

Before he could ponder its nature, ripples stirred in the void, incense fragrance drifted, and his spirit followed the signal, instantly shifting worlds.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself inside a grand temple, bustling with visitors offering incense and prayers, all kneeling and bowing reverently.

Looking down, he realized he was attached to a large, vividly painted clay statue.

“Merciful and Disaster-Relieving True Lord, please, I beg you, bless my husband with a son.”

“Please, True Lord, grant peace and joy to my family, free from calamities and worries.”

Cao Kong was astonished by the voices.

Outside the temple, the sound of drums, gongs, and firecrackers filled the air with festivity.

Amid the lively scene, a youth with a golden-threaded headband blended in, curiously observing everything around him.