Chapter 159: The Purpose of the Hunyuan Sphere

Wang Yuanfeng watched as Erqing underwent a profound transformation in her entire mental outlook. Though she could not yet be said to have shed her mortal coil entirely, she had already forged her own Dao.

Following the realization of the Dao comes walking the path of the Dao. As long as one faithfully practices their own Dao, shedding the mortal frame to attain the sacred body is merely a matter of time.

Wang Yuanfeng remembered in his past life, some people possessed rather dull wits, feeling restricted and at a loss in everything they did. Their thinking lacked flexibility, making it obvious to anyone at a glance that their fortune was poor and their lives difficult.

There were also those who, unable to fulfill their desires, sank into mental confusion, emotional turmoil, declining fortune, and a bleak future, only to suddenly transform overnight—their luck improving, matters going smoothly, as if they had become entirely different people.

Such an outcome could only be attributed to three possible reasons. First, persisting in a single Dao without halting one's spiritual practice, leading to sudden enlightenment after several years. Second, receiving guidance from someone who unblocks the mysterious gateway of the mystic pass, thereby casting off the mortal shell. Third, steadfastly adhering to self-cultivation, practicing a single Dao, revering ancestors, and sensing them closely—such as worshiping Marshal Zhao of the Tiger-Dragon Mysterious Altar, making long-term offerings, and observing precepts. Over the passage of time, one gradually acquires the virtue of the God of Wealth, slowly shedding the mortal form to be reborn.

Those possessing virtue naturally find the Dao residing within them; this is the orthodox method of morality. Wang Yuanfeng knew that in the future, Erqing would likewise become an object of folk belief, receiving sacrificial offerings from mortals in times to come.

What the people would seek from her is steadfastness of heart. Ordinary folk would likely pray for the continuous lineage and prosperity of their families; dynasties would offer sacrifices to her in hopes of securing long-term peace and stability; the sick would pray to her for the strength to combat demons of illness; and lovers would seek her blessing that their affection might endure as long as the mountains and rivers.

Because of this indomitable will of hers—never to surrender even in death—Wang Yuanfeng pondered: if he were to establish the Three Realms, this aspect would also be required. Although Erqing’s karmic destiny did not align with the star deities, the Huntian Sphere still held other possibilities.

With this thought, his mind sank into the spiritual platform, observing intently. He noticed that the Gouchen position among the Five Directions had already lit up. Upon sensing it, he beheld a Daoist priest wearing a lotus-shaped five-thunder crown, sitting in meditation atop Mount Tianzhu, seemingly sensing the laws of the Great Dao.

Suddenly, the Daoist Ren felt a stir within his heart, sensing as if someone were observing him. Tracing the connection back, he perceived Wang Yuanfeng's aura. Daoist Ren smiled, bowed toward the void, and then resumed his meditation.

Seeing this, Wang Yuanfeng smiled as well. He had not expected the Huntian Sphere to possess such a capability. In the future, if he needed to find anyone, he could simply communicate directly through the Huntian Sphere.

Commander Yin was waiting anxiously. The sensation of his own Dao resonating within Wang Yuanfeng was growing increasingly intense. Having watched Wang Yuanfeng enter a state of non-thought and non-desire for quite some time, he finally considered asking a question...

Erqing turned her head to glance at Commander Yin, perceiving his inner anxiety. Smiling, she transmitted her voice to him: "Do not disturb him; shortly, he will naturally point out the path for you."

Commander Yin started inwardly, casting several astonished glances at Erqing. He felt as though Erqing were like the Pillar of Heaven—vast, boundless, limitless, and eternal. The longer Commander Yin looked, the more alarmed he became.

Before Wang Yuanfeng's arrival, Erqing's magical power had been on par with his own; if either wished to flee, neither could capture the other. But now, he felt like a tiny sailboat navigating a vast ocean in front of Erqing, liable to be capsized by the slightest wave.

After watching for a moment, Commander Yin broke out in a cold sweat. He shook his head vigorously and quickly lowered his gaze. Just now, because his spirit had not been unified, a moment of negligence might have caused his soul to become lost within Erqing's Dao.

If he were to look again, he must firmly guard his original mind, gathering his spirit into oneness, so as to merge into Erqing's Dao for comprehension without losing himself.

It was much like a person in the midst of the sea, perpetually feeling as though a wave might sweep them away and turn them into a part of the ocean itself.

Although both involved merging, the former retained a sense of self, while the latter dissolved directly into the Dao—fundamentally different. Commander Yin understood this principle, so he bowed his head to quickly recover his composure and unite his mind and spirit.

Erqing was also aware of Commander Yin's condition and was striving to restrain this overflowing Dao. Having merely comprehended this Dao without yet mastering the corresponding methods of containment, releasing it unwittingly caused others to become disoriented, creating all sorts of inconveniences. She mused that Wang Yuanfeng possessed profound insights into cultivation and perhaps held a method to resolve this.

With this settled in her mind, she resolved to seek his instruction later on how to restrain this aura of hers.

Wang Yuanfeng remained entirely unaware of the events outside, confident in the safety of their current location. Furthermore, should any danger approach, he would naturally perceive it; thus, he remained immersed in studying the Huntian Sphere.

Having just discovered that he could communicate with Daoist Ren—whose position in the Huntian Sphere was in the North, commanding all thunder in this realm and acting under the imperial decrees of all realms, though in this realm he still had to obey Wang Yuanfeng's commands.

Feeling satisfied, he turned his attention to the star position of the Loukin Dog. Following this aura to establish a connection, he saw that the entire Black Mountain was shrouded in a foul miasma, with nine out of ten households vacant in the surrounding county towns and villages. Yet within a small valley on Black Mountain, resembling a secluded paradise, the Loukin Dog was pondering his next move.

It was precisely after Wang Yuanfeng's departure that, in order to expand their territory, the Loukin Dog and the Kui-wood Wolf had been dispatched as vanguard scouts. Of course, the Kui-wood Wolf had been driven away toward Li Hualong's forces in Northern Continent, but the Loukin Dog had volunteered out of a desire to share Wang Yuanfeng's burdens.

The valley where the Loukin Dog resided served as a hidden base, with nearly a hundred individuals operating within. From their swift movements, it was evident they were martial arts experts.

Inside the cavern where the Loukin Dog sat, various parts of demonic creatures hung about the walls. Judging by the powerful auras they exuded, they undoubtedly belonged to beasts, showing that the Loukin Dog had hardly been idle during this period.

Suddenly, the Loukin Dog felt a jolt in his heart, as if someone were watching him. Startled, he leaped up and grabbed a massive bone club.

Mysterious light flashed across his hands, and he appeared ready to strike at any moment. Wang Yuanfeng silently shook his head; it seemed the Loukin Dog had been under excessive mental strain lately.

Wang Yuanfeng channeled starlight to envelop the Loukin Dog. Suddenly sensing the starlight belonging to his own constellation, mingled with a familiar aura, the Loukin Dog paused in bewilderment.

Then, overcome with joy, he stood up and began to dance about. Rolling upon the ground, he transformed into a golden-furred dog clad in golden armor, joyfully wagging his tail around that orb of aura, looking exceedingly affectionate.

Wang Yuanfeng smiled at the Loukin Dog, soothing him with his aura for a moment. The Loukin Dog lay down on the ground, appearing thoroughly content while lazily wagging his tail to sweep away the dust on the floor.

Shortly after, Wang Yuanfeng withdrew his divine sense. The Loukin Dog sensed that Wang Yuanfeng had departed, yet chose not to get up, continuing to lie down comfortably.

Observing the several stars within the Huntian Sphere, Wang Yuanfeng realized that once he figured them out, he could simply use this method for communication—immortals ought to have an immortal's way of getting in touch.

While the others would likely accept this rationally, there remained one simple-minded fellow: the Kui-wood Wolf. He was a grey wolf who had attained the Dao; such wolves were naturally gentle by nature, thick-skinned, living in the moment without a thought for the morrow, and often lingering near human habitations. If someone fed him, he would act like a dog, yet retain a lingering wild streak—hence people would chase him off whenever they saw him.

Wang Yuanfeng promptly channeled the star position of the Kui-wood Wolf, tracing his aura to search for him.

He beheld a nearly completed city standing upon a flat plain in the Northern Continent. Wang Yuanfeng recognized this location: it was far from prosperous regions, yet served as a vast open expanse. In ancient times, it had been a northern-southern battlefield where northern barbarians frequently clashed with the human race. The northern territory had previously been largely the domain of barbarians and demons.

With sparse population and utter desolation surrounding it, this place could nevertheless be considered a gateway into the northern lands, serving as a vital thoroughfare connecting north and south in antiquity.