Comprehending the Dao Beneath the Vajra Treasure Tree

Helian Yunji's cervical vertebrae popped and crackled under the relentless downward pressure. He was on the verge of bowing his head. He fought back with every ounce of his strength. Veins bulged along his neck and his face flushed crimson, yet he still could not halt his descent. As a grandmaster, how could he willingly submit like this? Immortal runes densely covered the surface of Helian Yunji's body as immortal mist steamed upward. A deluge of radiant rain surged from his flesh and blood, making him look as if he were about to ascend in glowing clouds. Yet even with all his efforts, it seemed he had barely pierced through the mist to glimpse the other party's hazy yet terrifying true figure—lofty and unattainable like a Heavenly God. For a fleeting moment, Helian Yunji truly understood the meaning of despair. He had exhausted all his strength merely to see the truth and perceive the gulf between them. Clad in coarse hemp clothes with eyes as clear as spring water, Lu Zizai plainly possessed the appearance of a youth. But in Helian Yunji's eyes now, he was utterly different. Daoist charm enveloped his entire body, and brilliant heavenly light, like ten suns blazing across the sky, lay latent within his flesh and blood. The piercing light stung Helian Yunji so fiercely he could not keep his eyes open, tears streaming uncontrollably down from the corners of his eyelids. Terror gripped his heart as he finally grasped what certain people meant when evaluating Lu Zizai: *Do not measure this man by cultivation realms; look upon him as a pathfinder.* "Lu Zizai is retracing the path he once walked. Breaking through bottlenecks is of little consequence to him; every step he takes is an inquiry into the future, forging a new path for the entire Newborn system!" Such was the high praise an elder senior had once bestowed upon him. Thinking of this, Helian Yunji felt his mind tremble. In light of those words, gauging Lu Zizai's strength by conventional cultivation realms was entirely inappropriate. If they were forced to compare within the same realm, Lu Zizai could serenely look down upon an opponent like him. Helian Yunji had long known of Lu Zizai and had investigated him in secret. A heavy weight pressed down on his heart: the man had grown noticeably stronger compared to a short while ago. *Crack!* Helian Yunji's entire spine popped and bent downward. He had staked his lifetime of cultivation only to uncover the truth, which dealt him an immense psychological blow. In an instant, the immortal runes covering his body went dark. Powerless to resist, Helian Yunji bowed his head before the utterly calm youth, his waist and back bending low as well. "Enough," Lu Zizai said with a wave of his hand. Helian Yunji instantly felt the burden ease as the weight, heavy as Feixian Mountain, lifted from his body. He straightened at once, knowing the other party had shown mercy. Stricken by humiliation and a hollow sorrow, his emotions tangled into a knot, leaving him frozen in place without a word. "If you have any further questions, speak with Yu Gensheng," Lu Zizai said, offering only this simple, calm sentence. Then he looked away, casting his gaze toward another figure not far off. Su Yuxiao's entire body went taut. Though he was a grandmaster of the immortal path, a surge of terror gripped him. With his current status, why should he feel this way? And yet, the sensation was unmistakable—as though he were being looked down upon by a Heavenly Immortal standing amidst a grotto-heaven in the clouds, radiating billions of rays of light. Two months ago, he had crossed paths with Lu Zizai and suffered a bitter defeat. Now, he found that the distance between them had grown even wider. *Crack.* Grandmaster Su Yuxiao's entire spine groaned, his feet sinking into the ground. He too bent his waist and bowed his head, unable to resist the invisible pressure no matter how hard he struggled. Fury flared within him, followed by horror. One did not fear an opponent with a high starting point; one feared an opponent whose cultivation leaped forward each time you crossed paths, until the gap became impossible to bridge. Lu Zizai said nothing to him, offering only a brief glance. To onlookers, Lu Zizai had merely looked back, and Grandmaster Su Yuxiao had bowed in greeting. Immediately after, Lu Zizai took a single step forward, leaving behind a glowing footprint, and vanished at the edge of the horizon. He departed the immortal graves without another word. The entire area fell dead silent. Many were shaken to their core. Two grandmasters, upon encountering that youth, had successively bent their backs and bowed their heads. Everyone knew this was far from voluntary! Helian Yunji's face alternated between green and pale as he stood motionless in place. Su Yuxiao looked grim and felt immense pressure in his heart. The youth had not spoken a single word to him, treating him with obvious coldness. Under these circumstances, it was impossible for him to make another move. Otherwise, if Lu Zizai were to reappear, he would lose far more than just face. Emotions churned among the crowd. Many burned to discuss what had transpired, but with the dignity of two grandmasters on the line, they had no choice but to keep their mouths shut. At the far horizon, an elderly man in gray robes appeared, his sleeves fluttering. It was Yu Gensheng. Arriving in the blink of an eye, he cupped his fists toward Helian Yunji. "Fellow Daoist, please step this way so we can speak. In truth, this was merely an impulsive squabble among juniors; it amounts to nothing." Helian Yunji harbored a pent-up fury he could not vent, but he knew he could not overturn the situation now. Yu Gensheng was offering him a graceful exit, inviting him to the mountain city for a talk so he could leave this place. He nodded toward Su Yuxiao, acknowledging his support. Yu Gensheng ignored Su Yuxiao entirely, leaving the latter with a dark expression before vanishing without a word. The grandmasters left afterimages in their wake, disappearing in a flash. "The Yuxian Sect is known as an immortal lineage, and my Helian family possesses an ancient Heavenly Immortal. Yet you dare act so recklessly..." Helian Yunji grumbled in frustration as they traveled. Yu Gensheng chuckled. "Calm your anger, Fellow Daoist. A conflict between juniors need not be elevated to such heights. You and I were both young once; who hasn't had hot-blooded, impulsive moments?" Then his expression turned solemn. "The immortal path invited members of the Newborn path and the esoteric sects here to take part in major affairs. I trust you do not wish to shatter the tacit understanding reached between our founding masters?" Shortly after, Yu Gensheng added nonchalantly, "Besides, it is not as though our Newborn path lacks old patriarchs who have stepped into the seventh realm. Some may still walk this world. For instance, the Past Rulai, or the previous generation's Yuqing. Who knows if one day they might step out to stretch their limbs and pay a visit to their old friend, the venerable Heavenly Immortal Helian?" Helian Yunji turned to look at this scruffy old man with barely a hundred hairs left on his head. The man hid needles in silk, skillfully weaving soft words with hard threats. More importantly, Yu Gensheng spoke neither subserviently nor arrogantly, stating plain facts. A chill ran through Helian Yunji's heart. He had heard rumors of those founding masters of the Newborn path; no one truly knew whether they were thoroughly dead or not. "During the Great Reclamation, infighting is strictly forbidden. If anyone dares target members of their own camp, no counterattack is excessive. Fellow Daoist, take a look at this memory crystal. That descendant of yours truly acted without restraint..." Yu Gensheng handed him a glowing crystal. Helian Yunji froze. The other party had recorded the entire altercation; they had come prepared. He exhaled a long breath of gloomy frustration. This matter... alas. *** Around the immortal graves, no one had expected things to conclude this way. Even with the grandmaster of the Helian family arriving in person, Qin Ming remained completely unharmed. A tempest that had threatened to crush the earth had abruptly dispersed. Once the grandmasters departed, people finally spoke freely. Many looked at Qin Ming with peculiar expressions. This youth truly held no small status on the Newborn path! "Elders from the Rulai Sect, the Six Imperials, the Yinyang Daoist Temple, the Five Elements Palace, and others actually nodded to him, stating their stance and showing immense regard for him." Most crucial of all, Lu Zizai had arrived in person, forcing two grandmasters to bow their heads on his behalf. Yao Ruoxian felt she had squandered a prime opportunity to earn a favor. She murmured to herself, "I might as well have gifted him the Thunder Imperial Bird earlier." Pei Shuyan was deeply astonished. In their estimation, while Qin Ming's life would not have been in danger, he would have suffered harsh reprimands and "discipline" from the Helian family today. Jiang Ran was mentally assessing the outcome if she were to beat Helian Zhaoyu black and blue. Cui He murmured, "Heh, the overly rigid breaks easily. This is during an external Great Reclamation. If there are no foreign enemies, all is well; otherwise, in times of chaos and war, anything can happen." When Helian Zhaoyu received the news, he shot to his feet. This time, he could no longer maintain his calm expression. His own grandfather, a grandmaster, had actually been pressured into bowing his head. His face turned ashen. Everything had unfolded because of him. Wei Cheng and Luo Jingxiao were equally stunned. The trajectory of events had utterly exceeded their expectations. "Can we arrange a fair contest? I want to 'tenderize' him with my own hands!" the black-robed youth Wei Cheng said. "An internal duel probably won't be permitted," Luo Jingxiao said, shaking his head. He too yearned to take the field personally. *** The great mound resembled a mountain. Qin Ming was climbing the mountain, which was also climbing a grave. Vitality flourished here, bearing no resemblance to a realm of the dead. Vibrant light and dazzling colors washed over the great mound. *Did the tomb owner eat far too well in life, or are evil spirits stirring after death?* Qin Ming mused that the medicinal herbs carpeting the mound were likely the result of an overwhelming accumulation of spiritual substance. *Forget it, I shouldn't overthink it. I'll just treat this place as a fertile herb field.* Qin Ming did his best not to associate the spiritual herbs with corpses and rotting flesh. His objective was clear: the scripture inscribed on the stone cliff at the summit, and the Vajra tree. The soil of the great mound actually gleamed. Scooping up a handful, even the grains of dirt possessed a mild, lustrous sheen, appearing extraordinary. At the summit, the Vajra tree was not tall, standing roughly sixteen feet high. Its trunk was gnarled like a coiling dragon, its aged bark cracked open like flared scales, and everything from its leaves to its branches shimmered with a golden luster. Hanging from the Vajra treasure tree were dozens of fist-sized Vajra fruits. The entire summit flowed with golden radiance because of this tree, veiled in faint immortal mist. This did not look like a grave; it looked more like a pure land. As for the so-called stone cliff before him, it was eighty percent likely a broken tombstone that had crashed onto the mound. The characters on the stone cliff gleamed brilliantly. Every stroke held Daoist charm, exuding an ancient, weathered ambiance, resembling the physical manifestation of some authentic scripture. Qin Ming wondered if this was the outward manifestation of some true essence permeating from within the grave. If so, the tomb owner must have been terrifyingly powerful in life. For this scripture to materialize even after death, it had to be a remnant of the person's crowning achievement. Qin Ming tried approaching the Vajra treasure tree, but it radiated golden light, barring anyone from nearing it. Possessing an unshakeable, immortal charm, it prevented him from plucking its fruit. He was in no hurry. Sitting cross-legged beneath the tree facing the stone cliff, he prepared to comprehend it earnestly. *Vajra represents immortality, indestructible strength, and is regarded as a force that protects the Dao.* Qin Ming reasoned that if this Vajra treasure tree was the embodiment of the tomb owner's lifelong arts, it proved an affinity with the Newborn path, sharing a similar approach. He did not jump straight into emotional resonance. Instead, he sought to comprehend it on his own first, fearing a severe backlash that might leave him with a splitting headache or knock him unconscious. Qin Ming had experience with this; several miserable past encounters had nearly turned his brain into mush. *Once I understand most of it, I'll attempt a brief resonance. That will relieve a great deal of pressure.* In fact, if the scripture were complete, he would not even need to resonate with it. After reading through the scripture's tenets, Qin Ming backed away slightly, avoiding physical contact to prevent himself from inadvertently sinking into it and falling into a trap. "It truly is difficult." He furrowed his brows. Reading through it repeatedly from beginning to end, he found the principles exceedingly profound. At every crucial juncture, the scripture seemed to fall just short. Qin Ming pondered deeply, closing his eyes to sense the true scripture with his heart. Relying on his initial instinctive perception, he realized this scripture was immensely important to him. However, it was highly likely an incomplete art. Gradually, insight dawned upon Qin Ming. The tenets were like luminous fragments; a single short passage served as an individual folk remedy for internal strengthening. They lacked continuity. Each passage was a piece of jewelry, a fine jade, scattered haphazardly across the ground without order. Evidently, some of the jade and jewels were still missing. Most critically, it lacked a primary thread to string all these jewels and jade together. Each passage was like a minor medicinal prescription. If linked into a cohesive system, they would form a rare and precious panacea to fortify the body. "Vajra, immortality, the power to protect the Dao, an indestructible physique..." From these disconnected tenets, Qin Ming comprehended numerous fragmented techniques. These gains alone made the trip well worth it. Below, onlookers noticed Wei Cheng and Luo Jingxiao reappearing. Their facial swelling had subsided after treatment with immortal path secret techniques and the application of spiritual medicines. The opportunity at the immortal graves lay right before them; they could not possibly abandon it. People watched as the purple-robed Luo Jingxiao slipped directly through the gap in the restriction, intending to scale the massive immortal grave to comprehend the scripture. Was he looking to compete covertly? Wu Yaozu was displeased. "Can't you see someone is already comprehending inside? We all stayed back, yet this fellow barged straight in on purpose." He knew Qin Ming possessed astonishing comprehension and did not want to disturb him, which was why he had waited outside rather than joining in. "This is a true scripture of the immortal path. Can you even understand it?" Luo Jingxiao retorted unceremoniously. "You've certainly grown a sharp tongue with those new teeth," Xiao Wu mocked. "You..." Luo Jingxiao nearly lost his temper and attacked. The boy was mocking his earlier ordeal of "shedding baby teeth." An elder appeared, warning sternly, "No one may fight here, or you will surely be punished!" Luo Jingxiao was already in the third realm and had borrowed a rare treasure to aid in comprehension; he genuinely wanted to outshine Qin Ming here. Uneasy, Wu Yaozu and Xiang Yiwu followed him inside, fearing the fellow might play dirty in secret. Many onlookers turned their eyes toward them. The feud among these youths was clearly far from over. In the distance, Helian Zhaoyu appeared, draped in a black cloak, watching quietly. Beside him, Wei Cheng said, "Some people boast about his natural talent, but that is a scripture of our immortal path. Can he possibly understand it? Zhaoyu, you have already comprehended a portion. You should go in and continue, making him look utterly dim by comparison." At the summit of the great mound, Qin Ming studied each of the disconnected passages individually. He felt as though he had unearthed a priceless string of pearls. Although the thread was currently snapped and the gems were scattered across the ground, the chance to string them back together remained. He took a deep breath, preparing for a cautious resonance. For his first attempt, he would merely test the waters, refusing to charge in recklessly as he had in the past. In an instant, his focus reached its peak. At the summit of the mound, he indeed sensed something remarkable, resonating with an extraordinary presence. Yet unlike what he had anticipated, he suffered no backlash. *This is a pure materialization of the true scripture, devoid of the chaotic dying thoughts of the deceased, free of any terrifying torrent of emotions,* Qin Ming noted in astonishment. Or rather, the lingering emotions were remarkably pure, consisting entirely of the art's inherent charm! Qin Ming suffered no splitting headache. Instead, he observed an extraordinary spectacle with utter tranquility: the interior of the great mound glowed, and stream after stream of golden haze welled up, carrying dense Daoist charm. Some condensed into characters branded onto the stone cliff. Other wisps of golden haze shaped themselves into diagrams, rising before settling back into the earth and rock. Furthermore, a dense torrent of golden haze saturated the summit, tinting an ordinary tree a faint gold. With the passage of time and years of continuous nourishment across untold eras, the golden haze from within the grave had transformed an ordinary tree into a Vajra treasure tree! Qin Ming finally understood the situation here. In the past, the tomb owner had been extraordinarily powerful in life. Years after his passing, his body remained as indestructible as vajra. Yet he was no longer among the living. The Daoist charm condensed from his lifelong cultivation began to disperse, gradually steaming out of the great mound. When an ordinary person died, nothing remained. However, this person possessed the Vajra Daoist charm, like an indestructible substance. Turning into golden haze, it manifested wondrous phenomena outside the mound and fostered the growth of the Vajra treasure tree. *This is equivalent to dispersing one's cultivation. After the true meaning of Vajra immortality was released, it still formed its own chapter, materializing and remaining here in an altered form.* Qin Ming was profoundly shaken. This tomb owner must have been truly magnificent in life! Though the person had perished, the essence of the true art had not been extinguished. Its divine charm endured—within the soil, on this stone cliff, and largely manifested around the Vajra treasure tree. At the same time, he was relieved. The Vajra treasure tree was not rooted in a corpse, nor did it regenerate by drawing from rotting flesh; it was far more sacred than he had imagined. *The vessel of the true art—the treasure tree!* His eyes ignited with fervor. He could reclaim the authentic scripture that had scattered across this place long ago! Qin Ming noticed Luo Jingxiao climbing the mound, but paid him no mind. The divine charm here was exceptionally pure, free of tangled emotions, allowing him to handle it without risk of injury from mental backlash. He had already reviewed the fragmented art upon the stone cliff; it was the most direct expression of the scripture, still preserved in the form of writing. Afterward, he walked across the great mound, moving through the patches of scattered golden haze, absorbing and refining the charm of the true art piece by piece. Strolling atop a grave gave Qin Ming an odd sensation. When the purple-robed Luo Jingxiao reached the summit, he saw Qin Ming already seated cross-legged near the Vajra treasure tree. Upon arriving, Wu Yaozu called out, "Brother Ming, just pretend this kid shedding his baby teeth doesn't exist." Xiang Yiwu added, "Comprehend the Dao with peace of mind. We'll protect you." Though Qin Ming did not fear Luo Jingxiao, he smiled and nodded. The two stood guard, watching the purple-robed youth to prevent him from stirring up trouble. Luo Jingxiao cast a frigid glance at them before sitting calmly before the stone cliff, holding a snow-white Bodhi seed that faintly possessed five apertures. This was an extraordinary treasure borne by the Bodhi immortal tree of the outer realm, capable of aiding in comprehension. It was said that a seven-aperture Bodhi seed, produced once every three hundred years, could grant sudden enlightenment. As for the legendary nine-aperture Bodhi seed, the immortal tree had been planted for over two thousand years, yet had never produced a single one. "This is a scripture of our immortal family. You lot can only... eat shit here!" With no outsiders around, Luo Jingxiao dropped all pretense. Wu Yaozu countered, "Luo Baby Teeth, have your scars healed so fast that you've forgotten the pain? Looking to search the floor for your teeth again?" Yet despite his taunts and attempts at interference, the purple-robed youth showed no reaction. Instead, a serene smile graced his face. Such was the wonder of the five-aperture Bodhi seed: it shielded the user from external disturbances, immersing them in a state of tranquil clarity. Holding the mutton-fat jade-white five-aperture Bodhi seed, Luo Jingxiao recited the scripture on the stone cliff, deepening his insights. Wu Yaozu wanted to pummel him. After deliberately provoking others, the fellow had entered meditation instead. "It doesn't matter!" Qin Ming shook his head; this had no effect on him whatsoever. Sitting cross-legged beneath the Vajra treasure tree, he began examining the fragments of the true art. In an instant, his eyes stung. Around the treasure tree, vast amounts of golden haze had coalesced, resembling scattered rare jewels. Some fragments even carried a dangerous fist intent, while others bore a faint fingerprint that had resisted fading across thousands of years. Qin Ming captured the Daoist charm clinging near the tree and began rearranging it, sorting through the scripture to piece it whole. Golden fragments appeared before him one after another, continually arranged under his guidance. At first, the process was somewhat tedious. But as the pieces came together, the true art revealed itself. It was a materialized scripture that aggregated in the most natural and effortless manner, returning to its primordial form. A smile appeared on Qin Ming's face, his heart welling with joy. He truly could reclaim this authentic scripture that was meant to have dissipated within the ancient tomb. A tome inscribed with golden characters slowly took shape before him, page after page turning automatically as it reassembled. Qin Ming did not blink, committing every detail firmly to memory. *Hmm?* Holding the five-aperture Bodhi seed, Luo Jingxiao felt a pull, sensing something ahead drawing his attention. One had to admit, the peculiar Bodhi seed from the outer realm's ancient tree truly possessed marvelous efficacy. To his shock, Luo Jingxiao discovered that the fluctuation pulling at him originated near Qin Ming. His heart jolted. *Could someone from the Newborn path truly comprehend a secret scripture of the immortal path?* He rose and walked forward, channeling the snow-white Bodhi seed in his hand. Mysterious patterns upon it rippled with gentle waves of light. Luo Jingxiao could not see the true scripture, but the Bodhi seed allowed him to perceive a fraction of it. After all, Qin Ming had already reconvened the text. Qin Ming glanced over and instantly understood. This person wanted to "steal the scripture," using the mysterious Bodhi seed to intercept another's insights. Remaining unfazed, Qin Ming mobilized two special golden fragments—one carrying faint residual fist intent, and the other bearing a blurred fingerprint—and sent them straight over. In a flash, the blurred fingerprint shattered the Bodhi seed, striking Luo Jingxiao's chest like a heavy iron rod and causing him to cough up blood. He was utterly shocked. What was happening? Had he suffered a comprehension backlash? Luo Jingxiao saw clearly that the three across from him had not moved, and he had indeed been injured by a form of Daoist charm. Qin Ming was rather amazed. Even after several millennia, that faint fingerprint could still wound someone of the third realm. Just how formidable had the creator been back then? Showing no mercy, Qin Ming shifted the fragment carrying the fist intent, slamming it against Luo Jingxiao's knees. With a heavy thud, Luo Jingxiao dropped to his knees. His heart trembled. *Has the Daoist charm here awakened? Has the powerhouse's true art within the mound not fully dispersed?* "Wait... did he just kneel before us?" Xiao Wu asked, bewildered, before smiling and gladly accepting the bow. At that moment, Qin Ming completely pieced the authentic scripture together. Golden characters flowed like a gentle stream into his heart, merging into his spiritual field. As the true art fully reassembled, the Vajra treasure tree seemed to resonate. Rustling without any wind, it poured down brilliant golden light, enveloping Qin Ming as he sat cross-legged beneath it. Standing to his sides, Xiang Yiwu and Wu Yaozu were also entwined by the descending golden haze. Only Luo Jingxiao knelt there, eyes wide with shock, unable to rise for the moment as he stared fixedly at the astonishing sight ahead. Outside the great mound, many witnessed this scene, their jaws dropping in disbelief. "The three from the Newborn path are comprehending the Dao beneath the Vajra treasure tree?" "Is Luo Jingxiao kneeling in veneration out of sheer awe?" Beneath the Vajra treasure tree, Qin Ming closed his eyes. Bathed in golden haze and solemn dignity, he immersed himself in the mysterious authentic scripture.