Chapter 60: The Golden Sprout Seeks Its Mother Tree (Please keep reading!)

The Method of Storing a Universe in a Mustard Seed.

This was precisely what Cao Kong had longed for; such a technique had always been the object of his deepest desire.

“I would be grateful to hear the details.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue began to explain, describing the art of storing a universe within one’s sleeve. If one practices diligently, inscribing talismans upon the sleeve, and visualizes the compression of space into a single point, then infuses it with the vital energies of the five elements to sustain its existence, the space thus created will endure.

“Does this technique have a name?”

Qingfeng and Mingyue exchanged a mischievous glance. “It was invented by our Eldest Senior Brother,” Mingyue said with a smile. “He attempted to master our master’s ‘Universe Within the Sleeve’ technique but fell short, so he devised this art instead. As for a name, it truly has none.

“But among ourselves, we often jest that while our master’s sleeve can contain the heavens and earth, our elder brother can only sweep his small sleeve and bundle up everything at once.

“If it must have a name, let us call it ‘A Flick of the Small Sleeve.’”

Cao Kong laughed at this. The ‘Universe Within the Sleeve’ was far beyond his reach, but this ‘Flick of the Small Sleeve’ seemed just right for him.

Though it lacked offensive power, Cao Kong was quite content. It would certainly make carrying things much more convenient in the future. Otherwise, whenever he came across something valuable, he’d have to tie up a bundle, stuffing his sleeves until they bulged—hardly a dignified sight.

With this ‘Flick of the Small Sleeve,’ he would gain an air of a true master.

Afterward, Qingfeng and Mingyue elaborated on the challenges of mastering this art. “Our master’s ‘Universe Within the Sleeve’ is as difficult as climbing the heavens. This technique too is not easy...”

As they spoke, they noticed that Cao Kong, without anyone noticing, had already inscribed his sleeve with glowing talismans. With a flourish, he stored and released a stone over and over, thoroughly enjoying himself.

The two child attendants were struck dumb. They recalled their master Zhenyuanzi once speaking of people who, once they mastered a single point, could master a hundred. They had thought it mere legend, but seeing Cao Kong now, such talent might truly exist!

The four of them had discussed Dao for hours. Night had fallen, the bright moon high in the sky, and it happened to be the ninth day of the lunar month.

Remembering this, Cao Kong hurriedly took his leave of Qingfeng and Mingyue and hurried back to his cave to perform the rites of discipleship and pay homage to the Celestial Lord.

Qingfeng and Mingyue, puzzled, asked the Golden Leopard why Cao Kong had left so hastily.

With a smile, the Golden Leopard explained, “On the third and ninth days of each month, the Celestial Lord Taiyi Descends to Save the Suffering comes down to the mortal world to save all beings. My brother always goes to make offerings on those days.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue were left with an indescribable feeling. In their eyes, it was all but certain that their master would take a liking to Cao Kong and accept him as a disciple. But now, they wondered—wasn’t this devotion to the Celestial Lord Taiyi Descends to Save the Suffering a bit too fervent?

Still, they reasoned, there could be no real connection between Cao Kong and that august Celestial Lord—one was among the Four Sovereigns, the other a humble hermit in the mountains.

Nevertheless, after some thought, they resolved to inform their master when they returned.

Half an hour later, Cao Kong emerged from his devotions, his face alight with happiness, only to find Qingfeng and Mingyue still waiting outside.

The two child attendants bowed.

“We have come down the mountain in search of one fated to meet us. You, fellow Daoist, are that person. Now that we have seen the path ahead, our task is complete, and we are preparing to return to our temple. Would you care to visit the Five Zhuang Temple with us?”

Cao Kong was puzzled, unable to fathom what connection he had with the Five Zhuang Temple.

As for visiting, under ordinary circumstances, he would have readily agreed. After all, to see the style and bearing of the “Peerless Sage of the Mortal Realm,” the Patriarch of Earth Immortals, would surely be a great fortune.

But just now, kneeling before the statue of the Celestial Lord, he had received his master’s instructions: only after refining the Yellow Sprout or attaining supernatural powers could he travel afar. If he succeeded, a new destiny awaited him.

Cao Kong pondered. “Could my master possibly wish me harm?”

Thus, he politely declined, remarking that he sensed an imminent breakthrough and should not leave at this critical moment.

Qingfeng and Mingyue were a bit disappointed, but they understood well that a cultivator’s inner inspiration was of utmost importance. When such intuition arose, it must be seized at once.

Thinking it over, they handed Cao Kong a jade talisman.

“This token may serve as a guide. If you ever have the leisure, you may use it to visit our Five Zhuang Temple.”

Cao Kong accepted it, saw them off, and in return offered them some spiritual wine. The Golden Leopard presented a pill of his own making, and even the four foxes brought fruit. Regardless of the value, all were tokens of goodwill.

With bright, smiling eyes, Qingfeng and Mingyue remembered this kindness and took their leave.

Upon returning to the temple, they relayed everything to Zhenyuanzi, praising Cao Kong’s virtues and describing how auspicious energy now filled Hidden Mist Mountain, with the vital earth giving rise to the Golden Leopard. Their words brought repeated praise from Zhenyuanzi.

Qingfeng and Mingyue, a little abashed, admitted they had not managed to bring Cao Kong back, as he was on the verge of a breakthrough. They could only wait for him to visit after his advancement.

As for their original intention to report Cao Kong’s devotion to the Celestial Lord Taiyi Descends to Save the Suffering, it slipped their minds entirely.

This was strange indeed. Having attained enlightenment, how could they forget something they had so long intended?

But Zhenyuanzi was a master. With a flick of his sleeve and a wave of his horsetail whisk, he laughed, “Those with affinity will surely meet again—there is no need to rush.”

Yet in the years that followed, Zhenyuanzi was seen, once or twice, gazing toward the west, his expression uncertain.

It is said that in the mountains, time passes without measure, and the years go by unnoticed in the cold.

After Qingfeng and Mingyue’s departure, Cao Kong cultivated in the mountains for nine years.

Each day, he harmonized the five energies, balanced water and fire, regulated dragon and tiger, gathered wind and spirit, brewed wine and practiced swordsmanship—never ceasing in his efforts.

With his mastery over wind and spirit, his mind became so attuned to Hidden Mist Mountain that the mountain itself felt like an extension of his own being—a most mysterious sensation.

In time, animals on the mountain developed intelligence and became spirits and demons; fruit trees gradually transformed into spiritual trees; even the mountain springs became imbued with spiritual essence, and the mists themselves became living vapors, suffused with spiritual energy.

Indeed, a mountain is famous not for its height, but for the presence of immortals.

Now, the five elemental energies had coalesced into a single current; within it, liquid formed, dragon and tiger merged, and the Yellow Sprout was about to emerge from the elixir. If the Yellow Sprout grew, the Golden Elixir could be achieved!

One day, sensing a profound change, Cao Kong seated himself atop the mountain to meditate. In fire he perceived the true dragon, in water the true tiger; dragon and tiger merged, giving birth to the Yellow Sprout.

Crack.

He seemed to hear an invisible shattering. Looking inward, he saw within his core a single sprout pushing forth—a tiny seed, yet brimming with boundless vitality.

With the birth of the Yellow Sprout, the Great Medicine could be formed. Upon it shone a subtle radiance—this was the Golden Light.

This Golden Light was not the gold of the five elements, nor any flowing substance, but rather the essence of immortality itself.

Then, from within, the Yellow Sprout exhaled a wisp of energy—the Original Breath of Heaven and Earth.

As this breath emerged, a wondrous fragrance filled his mouth and nose, invigorating his spirit.

With a thought, Cao Kong refined it, a sense of fulfillment and bliss flooding his entire being.

He stood, and a subtle fragrance wafted from his body, golden light gleaming from his form.

Drawn by an unknown force, the Golden Leopard and the others ascended the mountain. Looking upon the cultivator, a tranquility filled their hearts, and in a moment of reverie, a glimmer of understanding dawned within them.

Suddenly, Cao Kong burst into laughter. “Today, I pluck supernatural powers!”

Then, employing the “Five Palaces Divine Power Technique,” he drew upon the innate breath to shield his mind, moving freely among the temptations of desire, roaming unrestrained.

He shattered all cravings, guarded his heart with the Eight Precepts.

At last, he beheld the Wood Mother.

The Wood Mother bowed low. “I offer my supernatural power to the True Man.”