Chapter 107: The Divine Path and the Immortal Path

"Junior Brother Jin Jiao, may I ask if the practice of the Divine Path interferes with the Immortal Path, or if there is any connection between the two?"

Young Master Jin Jiao was currently enjoying the spiritual brews, savoring unique flavors like the Ice-Fire Brew and the Hundred-Fruit Wine. Having come from the Tushita Palace, his standards for spiritual wine were based on taste rather than mere efficacy. He set down his cup and asked in surprise, "Since you are a disciple of the Heavenly Venerable, you are unaware of this?"

Realizing his gaffe, Jin Jiao quickly softened his tone. Cao Kong smiled and nodded:

"Although I am a disciple of the Heavenly Venerable, I have mostly cultivated in isolation, focusing on a single path. Thus, I am not well-versed in these matters. If not for a sudden intuition the other day, I would not have even known a clay statue of myself had been erected."

Jin Jiao explained, "The Immortal Path focuses on cultivating the self, nourishing one's own essence, energy, and spirit to attain transcendence. The Divine Path, however, relies on incense as its foundation. One must bear the laws of heaven and earth and fulfill one's duties. Of course, the two are not contradictory; among the myriad saints and immortals in the heavens, many walk both paths."

As he spoke, a thought struck him, and he decided to make amends for his earlier blunder.

"Take your master, the Heavenly Venerable of Salvation, for example. He is the pinnacle of the Immortal Path, yet his compassionate heart and his work in saving all living beings have also made him the pinnacle of the Divine Path through incense. Truly, he is a being of great virtue."

Cao Kong, with his clear and discerning Daoist heart, realized that Jin Jiao was intentionally flattering his master. He was puzzled—even coming from the heavens, such blatant sycophancy seemed excessive, especially since his master was not even present.

Cao Xiang and the foxes serving the wine were bewildered by the talk of Divine and Immortal paths. "Brother, what are you talking about? Are you talking about the clay statue, like the one for the Earth Deity of Funiu Mountain?"

Seeing Cao Xiang’s curiosity, Jin Jiao smiled and recounted what he had seen earlier that day. He explained the wonders of the Divine Path, noting that for it to succeed, one must fulfill one's duties so that the incense at the statue remains abundant. The audience listened in amazement, their faces lighting up with excitement. Hu Yan and the others, in particular, had bright looks in their eyes, exchanging glances with a stir of motivation. They had fled to Hidden Mist Mountain years ago and had long benefited from Cao Kong's kindness, always wishing to repay him.

This Divine Path seemed like an excellent way forward; if they could perform virtuous deeds on Cao Kong’s behalf, it would bring them great peace of mind.

Observing the foxes, Cao Kong understood their intentions and prepared to interject. The foxes’ natural talent was merely average; he did not want them to neglect their own cultivation because of him. Furthermore, cultivation was about quality, not quantity; since he already had the orthodox Golden Elixir path, he should focus on that.

However, Jin Jiao sent a telepathic message: "Senior Brother, I see they hold you in high esteem, and the bond between you is deep. Letting them act on your behalf in the Divine Path is no bad thing. For them, the Immortal Path is long and difficult, but if they achieve success in the Divine Path, not only will it benefit you, but they may also have a chance to glimpse a divine position and attain ten thousand years of longevity. However, do not let them know this. While a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions, the effects are better if they act out of genuine kindness."

Hearing this, Cao Kong held his tongue and raised his cup to drink with Jin Jiao.

They continued to converse. In terms of cultivation, both had gathered their Three Flowers of essence, energy, and spirit and condensed their Golden Elixirs, both exploring the path toward the Five Qi Returning to Origin. Cao Kong compared his insights with Jin Jiao's, only to find that Jin Jiao’s understanding of cultivation fell far short of his own. Despite Jin Jiao’s best efforts to answer, Cao Kong eventually saw nothing but a pair of clear, wide eyes.

He realized that Jin Jiao preferred alchemy and magical techniques over the rigors of cultivation. This was hardly surprising; as a boy of the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord, he lacked neither pills nor treasures, and he always had the Lord to protect him.

Cao Kong let him spend time with Cao Xiang, and as they discussed alchemy, Jin Jiao became animated, taking on the proud air of a mentor. Surprisingly, they hit it off immediately. One was a celestial being with a childlike heart and deep social awareness; the other was a recluse with a heart of absolute sincerity. Cao Xiang respected Jin Jiao’s expertise, and Jin Jiao valued Cao Xiang’s genuine passion for alchemy rather than his status. They became fast friends, and the banquet ended in high spirits.

"Junior Brother Jin Jiao, why not stay here on Hidden Mist Mountain? Traveling alone is dull. In time, I shall have Cao Xiang accompany you."

Jin Jiao pondered for a moment and smiled, "Thank you, Senior Brother. That would be appreciated."

Jin Jiao asked, "Senior Brother, do you have paper and brush?"

"I do." With a flick of his wrist, Cao Kong produced the writing implements.

Jin Jiao wrote several thousand characters with ease, blew on the ink to dry it, and presented it to Cao Kong. "Senior Brother, the Divine Path has many uses. Though I do not practice it, I know a few minor techniques. Here are two methods. One can condense the energy of incense into a clay statue or artifact to increase its divinity, though the specific manifestation depends on how you are perceived by the masses. The second allows those foxes to hear the prayers of the faithful; you need only use your divine intent to draw a sigil and imprint it upon their hearts."

Cao Kong smiled, "I am ashamed to accept such a gift, Junior Brother."

Jin Jiao chuckled, "Ultimately, I was the one who offended you first. Besides, these are only minor techniques."

Cao Kong accepted them, keeping the gesture in mind. "Senior Brother, do not take it to heart. They are mere trifles. Hehe, I shall have to trouble you to look after me in the coming days." Jin Jiao spoke nonchalantly; he knew how to weigh the value of a few insignificant techniques against the favor of a direct disciple of the Heavenly Venerable of Salvation.

Seeing Cao Kong furrow his brow while studying the methods, as if contemplating their mysteries, Jin Jiao began, "Senior Brother, I have heard that although these methods are not difficult, they do require..."

Before he could finish, Cao Kong picked up the brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and combined the incense energy he had sensed earlier with his divine intent and Daoist essence. He wrote four talismans on yellow paper in one continuous motion—they were precisely the "Incense-Listening Talismans."

He then smiled, "They are indeed not very difficult."

Jin Jiao fell silent. With all his experience in the heavens, he did not know how to respond. The statement was technically correct, but it was somehow deeply disheartening, even a bit demoralizing.

He blew a breath, and the Ming-Shu breeze rose. The wind caught the four talismans, carrying them into the night, where they drifted toward the cave where the four foxes were gathered, discussing how best to perform virtuous deeds for their Mountain Lord. The talismans ignited without fire, turning into motes of spiritual light that quietly seeped into the hearts of the four foxes.