After a long period of seclusion, Xiao Yu awoke from his cultivation state. He observed the fusion of attribute-less energy within his body and executed the Sky Frost Fist, transforming the energy into a chilling frost aura.
"This is the path of world evolution, where all things return to one, and one gives birth to all things."
Xiao Yu was overjoyed, thinking that perhaps he could return to the origin and achieve Innate Qi.
"This attribute-less energy shall be called Primordial Force."
Xiao Yu thought of a grand name for it.
During this seclusion, Xiao Yu's martial arts cultivation broke through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, and his Dao cultivation also reached the Ninth Level of Qi-Spirit Transformation, only needing to condense the Yin Spirit.
Xiao Yu stood up and practiced a set of martial arts to adapt to his rapidly increased cultivation, then walked around the Inner World to observe its changes.
The lake he had prepared was already filled with water sourced from the outside world, with various fish and other aquatic creatures forming an ecosystem within.
A light mist hovered over the lake, dispersing and gathering with the breeze.
The Inner World began to evolve into a cycle of life, gradually becoming more complete and robust.
"Now this Inner World is a true world; before, it was merely a space."
Xiao Yu then arrived at the central medicinal herb planting area, where the herbs were thriving, with several spirit medicines already nurtured.
The transplanted Blood Bodhi had undergone many changes, seemingly mutating due to the altered environment.
"Blood Bodhi requires Kylin blood for nurturing, but this Blood Bodhi, without Kylin blood, is nurtured by the rich spiritual energy of the Inner World. I hope its effects won't be inferior to the original."
Xiao Yu could only wait for the Blood Bodhi to bear fruit to know its efficacy.
He continued to observe, finding a fruit tree planting area nearby, with some trees already laden with fruit.
Xiao Yu picked a few fruits to taste, finding them sweet with a hint of faint spiritual energy.
Looking at this vibrant world, Xiao Yu felt a surge of pride.
"This is my world."
His heart was filled with satisfaction.
Xiao Yu exited the Inner World, noting the time was just right. He set off for the town to rest, enjoy some good food and wine, and soak in the human atmosphere.
Checking the time, Xiao Yu realized that this seclusion had taken two months. Fortunately, the Inner World provided spiritual energy; otherwise, he would have been forced to exit his enlightenment state due to hunger.
Calculating the time, Xiao Yu realized he had been in the Fengyun World for three to four months.
In the Republican Era Supernatural World, more than half a month had passed, and it was time to return.
Finding a secluded spot, he crossed back, his figure disappearing from the Fengyun World.
In the Republican Era Supernatural World.
In Qinglong Town, Xiao Yu casually purchased some items and headed to Auntie Zhe's house.
"Master Uncle, Tingting, I'm back."
Xiao Yu entered the inner hall, seeing Auntie Zhe instructing Tingting in cultivation.
"You're back, kid."
"Brother Yu."
Auntie Zhe and Ren Tingting paused their lesson to greet Xiao Yu.
"Did you finish your business? You're not going out again, right?"
"Master Uncle, it's all done. I won't be going out again."
Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned, then realized Auntie Zhe was referring to the excuse he had made to leave earlier.
It seemed the time difference between the two worlds had a significant impact on him, Xiao Yu mused.
"Brother Yu, let's go to town. It's so boring to practice every day."
During this time, Ren Tingting had been practicing under Auntie Zhe's guidance and longed to relax.
"Alright, we'll go tomorrow."
Xiao Yu understood Tingting's state.
"You young folks go have fun. After so much practice, it's good to relax. I'll prepare some food, and you two can chat."
Auntie Zhe said as she walked away, sighing at the vigor of youth.
"Tingting, has it been tough practicing all this time?" Xiao Yu asked with concern.
"It's been alright, just that my cultivation hasn't progressed, and I feel unmotivated."
Ren Tingting was dissatisfied with her cultivation progress.
"No worries, I brought you something good. There's no need to rush your cultivation."
Xiao Yu had obtained quite a few Blood Bodhi, which could help Ren Tingting enhance her cultivation.
"What good thing?"
Ren Tingting asked curiously.
"No rush, I'll give it to you later."
Xiao Yu teased.
At that moment, Auntie Zhe called them in for dinner.
The next day, Xiao Yu and Ren Tingting went to explore Qinglong Town.
Qinglong Town was a large, bustling town, with a vibrant market and shops filled with a dazzling array of goods. The streets were crowded with people, the sounds of haggling and shouting creating a lively human scene.
"Brother Yu, it's so lively here."
"Qinglong Town has a large population, so it's naturally bustling."
"Brother Yu, look, it's so beautiful."
Ren Tingting stopped in front of a jewelry shop, admiring the exquisite items on display inside.
"Let's go in and have a look, see if there's anything you like."
Seeing this, Xiao Yu realized he hadn't given Tingting a proper gift yet, so he led her into the shop.
Inside, Ren Tingting wandered among the various pieces of jewelry, while the shop assistant followed, introducing them nonstop.
"Tingting, is there anything you like?"
"Not really, let's keep looking."
Ren Tingting wasn't satisfied yet, as there were too many choices and she hadn't found the right piece.
"Tingting, what kind of style are you looking for?"
"I want jade jewelry. The jade here is good, but the craftsmanship isn't, and some of the jade isn't of good quality," Ren Tingting commented.
"In that case, why not buy a piece of raw jade? I can carve it into the style you want."
With Xiao Yu's skills, carving jade was no problem.
"Brother Yu, you know how to carve jade?"
Ren Tingting looked surprised.
"It's no big deal, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Xiao Yu confidently assured her.
They eventually found a piece of jade with good quality and bought it, along with some carving tools.
"Brother Yu, let's go back. I'm a bit tired from shopping."
Ren Tingting no longer had the same enthusiasm she had before they started shopping.
"Alright, since you're tired, let's head back."
Xiao Yu had no objections to accompanying her.
"Hey, aren't you that young Daoist?"
At that moment, a girl's voice called out.
"It's Miss Nianying, long time no see."
Xiao Yu greeted the young girl he encountered.
"Isn't the young Daoist from Ren Family Town? When did you come to Qinglong Town? Are you here on business again? And who is this sister?"
Nianying asked curiously, wondering if something strange was happening in Qinglong Town again.
"This is Ren Tingting, my beloved. We're not here on business; do you remember Auntie Zhe? She's Tingting's master, and we're here to visit our elders."
Xiao Yu briefly explained the reason.
"Oh, I see. I'm heading home now. Why don't you come over and visit?"
Nianying invited them to her home.
"It's getting late, maybe another time. We'll visit when we have more time."
Xiao Yu politely declined.
"Alright, it's settled then. Goodbye, sister, goodbye."
Nianying skipped away happily, a carefree young girl.
"Goodbye, little sister."
"Brother Yu, who is that girl? How do you know her?"
"Do you remember when I went on a long trip with Uncle Nine? It was to handle some matters at this girl's home."
"Oh, I see."
Ren Tingting understood and didn't ask further.
Soon, Xiao Yu and Ren Tingting returned to Auntie Zhe's house.
"You're back. Did you have fun?"
Auntie Zhe asked casually when she saw them return.
"Yes, Qinglong Town is very lively and bustling. We had a great time. Master, here's a small gift for you."
Ren Tingting presented the prepared gift to her master.
"You two, don't spend money recklessly."
Though she said this, Auntie Zhe happily accepted the gift.
"It's not expensive, as long as everyone is happy."
Xiao Yu understood Auntie Zhe's nature; she was a wonderful elder.
Life at Auntie Zhe's was both peaceful and lively, with many people coming to pray for blessings, creating a bustling atmosphere.
After a few days of practicing his carving skills, Xiao Yu began to carve the jade into exquisite jewelry, with Ren Tingting watching and describing the desired styles.
In two days, Xiao Yu used up every bit of the jade, successfully creating several beautiful jewelry pieces.
"Brother Yu, your craftsmanship is really impressive. I love them all."
Ren Tingting admired the jade pieces.
"As long as you like them. If you want other styles in the future, I'll carve them for you."
Xiao Yu picked up the jade pieces, recalling a certain world where an old demon king, during his Divine Transformation, became an ordinary person carving puppets, infusing them with artistic conception, endowing them with power and spirituality, turning them into special magical artifacts.
Xiao Yu wanted to try this method, especially since he was currently in the process of condensing his Yin Spirit.
In the following days, Xiao Yu prepared many jade and wood materials, beginning to carve wooden sculptures using the method of focusing his mind and spirit.
At this moment, Xiao Yu was carving a tiger, infusing the intent of power from the Tiger Roar Staff Collection into the tiger's demeanor.
As the carving knife moved, a tiger gradually took shape. When it came to the details, the power intent was infused into the wooden sculpture, and with each stroke, a mighty tiger sculpture was formed.
Xiao Yu picked it up for observation, feeling the intent wasn't strong enough, and continued carving, becoming a master sculptor, producing one tiger sculpture after another.
He became so engrossed in the carving that he lost track of time, prompting Ren Tingting to come and check on him.
Seeing the pile of small animal sculptures Xiao Yu had carved, Ren Tingting curiously picked up a tiger sculpture to examine.
As she looked, she suddenly felt the tiger come to life, exuding a powerful aura.
Ren Tingting felt a bit breathless, the tiger's eyes filled with power, pouncing with the force of a descending tiger. Just as she was about to scream, the tiger vanished.
It turned out that Xiao Yu had noticed Ren Tingting's presence and her examination of the sculpture, and he quickly took the sculpture from her, allowing her to recover.
"Brother Yu, I was so scared. What happened? What was that tiger?"
Ren Tingting fearfully clung to Xiao Yu.
"It's alright, that was an illusion. The more afraid you are, the closer the tiger gets, adopting an attack stance. If you're not afraid, the tiger won't move. Want to try again? It's okay."
Xiao Yu patted her back, comforting her.
"No, I don't want to see it again."
Ren Tingting shook her head vigorously.
"I've infused these sculptures with intent, so as long as you don't stare at them, you won't be affected."
Xiao Yu reassured Ren Tingting and explained the principle behind it.
"Tingting, is something wrong? Why did it take so long to call Xiao Yu for dinner?"
Auntie Zhe, noticing her disciple's delay, came to check.
"It's nothing, Brother Yu's sculptures are just a bit magical. I was affected just by looking at them."
Ren Tingting explained the sculptures' magic to Auntie Zhe.
"Oh, let me see."
Auntie Zhe picked up one of the small tiger sculptures to examine.
This one happened to be the best of Xiao Yu's works, triggering the intent of power, transforming the small wooden tiger into a mighty living tiger.
"Hmm, something's not right."
"Great Star of the Supreme Platform, Responding Without Cease, Expel Evil and Bind Demons, Protect Life and Body."
Auntie Zhe quickly cast a spell, breaking the illusionary influence.
"Is this a spiritual illusion?"
"Dear nephew, how did you do this?"
Auntie Zhe was amazed and inquired about the principle.
"Master Uncle, you know I like to experiment and create new things. This is a wooden sculpture I tinkered with. It's not quite a magical artifact, but it can be used to suppress certain things."
Xiao Yu didn't want to reveal his true cultivation, so he made up an explanation.
"No, Master Uncle wants to know how you did it."
Auntie Zhe was very curious about the principle.
"I once obtained a fragmentary secret technique, which inspired me. I then simulated the tiger's powerful aura."
Xiao Yu, feeling helpless, began to fabricate an explanation.
"Dear nephew, you're truly a genius. This thing is great for suppressing evil spirits and demons, and for warding off evil."
Auntie Zhe didn't ask further, praising the sculptures' power.
Xiao Yu explained a bit.
Hearing this, Auntie Zhe sorted through the pile of sculptures, finding it to be true.
"I see, they're a bit weaker, but they're still useful. Dear nephew, do you want these sculptures?"
Seeing that her nephew seemed dissatisfied with the sculptures, Auntie Zhe casually asked.
"Master Uncle, if you want them, take them all."
Xiao Yu didn't care about the sculptures; he was focused on condensing his Yin Spirit.
In the following days, Xiao Yu carved a large number of sculptures, and with his experience, he planned to carve a perfect jade sculpture.
Whenever Auntie Zhe had time, she would come over and take away many sculptures. In her business, she began displaying the sculptures, recommending them to customers, and selling quite a few.
One day, Xiao Yu felt a stirring in his spirit, knowing the time for a breakthrough had arrived, and he immediately entered seclusion.
Xiao Yu's mental thoughts surged as he refined his soul and condensed his spirit. In the depths of his mind, in the Niwan Palace, a spiritual shadow resembling Xiao Yu gradually solidified and emerged, finally forming into a Yin Spirit.
Xiao Yu attempted to view the world with his Yin Spirit, seeing a different scene beyond the physical realm.
Seeing mountains as mountains, seeing water as water.
Seeing mountains not as mountains, seeing water not as water.
Seeing mountains as mountains again, seeing water as water again.
Breaking through the illusions of the physical world, he saw the mysteries of all things. Each level of realm was a different heavenly layer, each with its own unique phenomena.
The Yin Spirit left the body, and Xiao Yu looked at his own body, feeling a bit strange. However, as a cultivator, he was constantly learning and understanding the essence of things, exploring the unknown mysteries, and quickly adapted, moving around to experience the state of the Yin Spirit.
The Yin Spirit, weak at birth, feared wind and firelight. As it grew stronger, it still wasn't comfortable in daylight, moving freely at night like a Night Touring Ghost.
The Yin Spirit returned to the body, and Xiao Yu moved his body, feeling the state of his Yin Spirit realm.
...
After staying at Auntie Zhe's for over two months, Xiao Yu and Ren Tingting prepared to bid farewell.
"Master Uncle, I didn't expect to stay here for over two months. Tingting and I are planning to go back and take a look. If we stay any longer, we'll eat you out of house and home."
Xiao Yu joked to dispel the sadness of parting.
"Master, we're planning to go home and visit. We'll come to see you next time."
Ren Tingting echoed.
"Alright, you should go back and take a look. Come over whenever you have time. You're welcome to stay as long as you like."
Auntie Zhe generously offered.
The next day, Xiao Yu and Ren Tingting set off.
Auntie Zhe felt a bit sad seeing them go, but with her place always bustling, she wouldn't feel lonely.
Returning to Ren Family Town,
"Daughter, dear nephew, you're back."
Master Ren greeted his long-unseen daughter with a smile.
"Dad, we're back. It's been a while, how have you been?"
Ren Tingting happily took her father's arm, chatting as they walked.
"I'm doing well. With the medicinal ingredients dear nephew prepared for me, I feel younger now, haha."
Master Ren, feeling rejuvenated, laughed heartily.
"Uncle, you used to work too hard. Now that you're healthy, don't overexert yourself."
"Yes, Dad, don't work too hard, or you'll wear yourself out."
Ren Tingting advised with concern.
"Haha, dear nephew, daughter, don't worry. The business is back on track, so I don't have to worry so much."
Master Ren's business was gradually recovering, and he was in high spirits.
In the living room, the three of them drank tea and chatted, sharing their experiences and interesting stories.
Later, Master Ren arranged a banquet to welcome his daughter and son-in-law.
After settling in and resting for a couple of days, Xiao Yu visited Uncle Nine and the others.
Life returned to a peaceful routine.
Ren Tingting's cultivation, after over two months of guidance from Auntie Zhe, had a solid foundation.
Today, Xiao Yu planned to give Ren Tingting the Blood Bodhi to help her break through in her cultivation.
"Tingting, do you remember the good thing I mentioned?"
"Brother Yu, I almost forgot. Where is it?" Ren Tingting asked, a bit annoyed, as she had been waiting for it.
"Haha, sorry, I wasn't thoughtful enough. This is the Blood Bodhi Spirit Fruit. It heals injuries if you're hurt and increases cultivation if you're not."
Xiao Yu took out the Blood Bodhi.
"Blood Bodhi Spirit Fruit, there's such a fruit?"
Ren Tingting was amazed as she took the translucent, gem-like Blood Bodhi.
"Tingting, go ahead and use it. With this spirit fruit, you can break through in your cultivation."
"Thank you, Brother Yu."
Ren Tingting consumed the Blood Bodhi and began cultivating, with Xiao Yu guarding her.
When Ren Tingting emerged from her cultivation state, the sun was already past its peak.
"Brother Yu, I'm now at the Seventh Level of Refining Essence into Qi. The Blood Bodhi is amazing."
Ren Tingting was thrilled with her breakthrough.
"Are you happy now? Are you satisfied with this gift?"
"Of course I'm satisfied. Oh, Brother Yu, don't laugh at me."
Ren Tingting beamed with joy.
"Alright, since Tingting's cultivation has advanced, let's celebrate."
"Yes, let's go."
Ren Tingting eagerly agreed.
...
Xiao Yu's breakthrough to the Yin Spirit realm allowed him to control and utilize the functions of the Inner World more adeptly.
Now, sensing that the Inner World had gathered enough Source Power to manifest an item, Xiao Yu recalled his Soul Projection Plans, needing to condense a Soul Seed.
He thought of a technique, the Dao Heart Demonic Seed Manual.
In the Lesser Heavenly Dao Space of the Inner World, Xiao Yu attempted to consume Source Power to manifest it, with the Source Power Pool's energy being steadily depleted.
Before Xiao Yu, information appeared in the space, and when the Source Power stopped depleting, the manifestation was complete.
Xiao Yu absorbed the information, and the Dao Heart Demonic Seed Manual emerged in his mind, prompting him to begin understanding and practicing it.
The Dao Heart Demonic Seed Manual involves condensing extreme emotions into mental thoughts, refining them into demonic seeds. These seeds can parasitize others, absorbing emotional energy to sustain themselves and continue growing.
With the assistance of the laws and Dao rhythm in the Inner World, Xiao Yu absorbed and integrated the wisdom and mysteries of the Dao Heart Demonic Seed Manual into his Way of the Soul.
Spirit, Mind Power, Yin Spirit, all merged into Soul Power, which then fused with Soul Force to condense a Soul Seed. This seed could absorb emotional energy as nourishment, sustaining and growing the Soul Seed.
With the successful condensation of the Soul Seed, Xiao Yu pondered how to initiate his Soul Projection Plans across the heavens.