"I see. Although it takes a relatively long time, it is relatively safe. However, to use this method, one must first find the owner of the life star near one's own life star, which is a bit difficult. However, as for the trajectory of the fundamental life star, the star chart array in the palace may be able to do it, but the price required is too high." Chen Changsheng fell into deep thought after listening to Mo Mo's words.
About a minute later, Chen Changsheng suddenly shouted and looked at Mo Mo in shock, saying, "Sir, you just said you don't have a destiny star."
"Yeah, is it that strange that you don't have a destiny star?" Mo Mo asked with an exaggerated expression.
"Not surprising? For us cultivators, the first step to cultivation is to condense our divine sense. With divine sense, we can fix our stars. Only after fixing our stars can we draw starlight to cleanse our marrow and begin our cultivation journey. Only after cleansing our marrow can we sit and observe ourselves. After breaking through this state of sitting and observing, we can understand the mysteries of the universe and the creation of heaven and earth. Only then can we gather stars in our bodies, become immune to all diseases, and eventually become saints, riding the wind for thousands of miles. According to my master, no one can currently hide between heaven and earth; that is something that immortals do."
Suddenly, Chen Changsheng seemed to realize something and looked at Mo Mo in shock, saying, "Could it be that you have already disappeared and broken free from the shackles of your destiny star?"
Mo Mo glanced at Chen Changsheng and said, "You're overthinking it. I've never had a Destiny Star. My cultivation method is different from yours, so stop making wild guesses."
"I see. I thought you were a deity. But that makes sense, no deity is as unconventional as you." Chen Changsheng stroked his chin and nodded affirmatively.
Mo Mo: "..." It seems the training plan needs to be revised. I feel that the previous plan was too conservative and should be more unrestrained.
Chen Changsheng, who was carefully studying the notes, suddenly felt a chill, as if something very bad was about to happen.
"Is this really the only way?" Chen Changsheng couldn't help but feel helpless.
"The Star Chart Array was created by Zhou Dufu after he studied the Heavenly Book. He left a star map in Zhou Garden. If you find the star map or understand the Heavenly Book, you might be able to perfect the Star Chart Array or create something similar to it. You might even be able to change your fate." Mo Mo put away the melon seeds and suddenly said.
"Although I consider myself exceptionally talented, I never imagined I could compare to the former number one in the world. Observing all the Heavenly Book Stele to create the Star Chart Array is too far-fetched. However, a star map is worth a try. But so many people have entered Zhou Garden, yet I've never heard of anyone seeing a star map. Moreover, the key to Zhou Garden has not yet been found. Waiting to die is not in my nature. Perhaps this method can be tried." Chen Changsheng looked at the sunlight shining down from above, sat cross-legged, and immediately began to draw stars.
A few minutes later, Chen Changsheng was covered in sweat and his hands began to tremble. Mo Mo shook his head and sighed, saying, "Young people are just impulsive."
Seeing that Chen Changsheng was about to collapse, Mo Mo slapped him on the head to pull his consciousness back, preventing him from fainting. His attempt to change his fate had failed. To change his fate again, he needed to see through the Heavenly Book Stele and find the Star Map. Meanwhile, Xu Yourong and the others had already found the ancient tomb in Tianliang County that contained the key to Zhou Garden.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 214 Delivered to Your Door
"Thank you for saving me, sir. Otherwise, I would have lost the few years of life I had managed to gain. However, the sun is also a life star, and it is the life star of all life on earth. But the sun's rays are too intense during the day. If it weren't for you, sir, my consciousness would probably have been severely damaged by the sun."
After adjusting his breathing, Chen Changsheng looked lingering fear.
"The sun is the closest star to the earth. It radiates light and heat to the earth every moment, and all living things on the earth depend on the sun to live. So it is not wrong to say that the sun is the life star of all life on the earth, after all, the whole earth depends on its light to survive."
Mo Mo took the opportunity to give Chen Changsheng a brief explanation. As for the more complex climate changes and ocean currents caused by the sun, Mo Mo did not intend to tell him, because although this world was somewhat similar to the present world, it was also a fantasy world, and many things were quite different from or even contradictory to the present world.
Chen Changsheng nodded as if he understood, but not quite. Now that they had found the notes, there was no need to stay in Lingxu Pavilion anymore. So the two of them packed up their things and left.
As soon as Mo Mo and the others left Lingxu Pavilion, Bai Luoheng ran over and hugged Chen Changsheng tightly, tears streaming down his face. It seemed he was extremely worried about Chen Changsheng. Although Xuan Yuanpo and Tang Thirty-Six didn't say anything, it was clear from their eyes that they were also very worried about Chen Changsheng.
After the two separated, Tang Thirty-Six and the others went over to inquire about Chen Changsheng's situation. Upon hearing that Chen Changsheng had failed to change his fate, all three felt very sorry for him and offered words of comfort. They then returned to the academy.
In the blink of an eye, three days have passed since Chen Changsheng began his comprehension at Lingxu Pavilion. Today is the day to enter the Heavenly Book Mausoleum to study the Heavenly Book Stele. Since he has already clarified his relationship with Chen Changsheng, Bai Luoheng did not miss the comprehension session at the Heavenly Book Mausoleum as he did in the original drama.
The trees provided ample shade, and unknown birds sang merrily in the woods. Wildflowers bloomed profusely by the roadside, releasing a sweet fragrance. The faces of the dozens of students who were about to enter the Heavenly Book Mausoleum were filled with excitement, as if success was just around the corner.
On the way to the Heavenly Book Mausoleum, Tang Thirty-Six nudged Chen Changsheng and Xuan Yuanpo and said, "Let me tell you, those few stele attendants have spent their whole lives trying to unravel the secrets of the Heavenly Book. They have sworn a blood oath never to leave the Heavenly Book Mausoleum for the rest of their lives."
“I don’t like the kind of life that involves dedicating one’s life to the elusive and unattainable Great Dao,” Chen Changsheng said.
"That's the rule of the Heavenly Book Mausoleum. They can stay as long as they want after entering the mausoleum. If they leave, they can't go back in. So, there's nothing wrong with choosing to stay in order to take one more look."
"Everyone's destiny is the path they choose themselves." Chen Changsheng thought of himself. Why did he have to bear such a heavy fate from birth? He just wanted to live a good life, that was all. But fate was so unfair.
“There have been many examples in the past, and there are still many people now. They went from not wanting to leave at the beginning to not daring to leave at all, and they stay for decades. They are no different from prisoners.” After saying that, Tang Thirty-Six sighed deeply.
"The cycle of nature is what it is; you reap what you sow. They chose to stay here to study the Heavenly Book Stele. Since they have the right to study the Heavenly Book Stele at will, they naturally have to stay here and stay by its side. They want to study the Heavenly Book for a long time, so they cannot be far away from it. Studying the book is the cause, and staying here is the effect. Since they have chosen this path, they must pay the corresponding price."
After a pause, Mo Mo continued, "Like you, although Heaven has bestowed upon you a heavy destiny, it has also given you an equal talent. If you had chosen to stay in Xining Town, you would have died quietly at the age of twenty, because you were not worthy of such talent. But you came here, and now you are on what seems to be a dead end full of thorns, but this is precisely your only way to survive. If you succeed, the world will be your oyster. With your outstanding talent, surpassing Zhou Dufu will not be difficult. So everything is relative. Crisis often contains opportunity, and opportunity is always accompanied by danger. Only by overcoming all kinds of hardships can you enjoy the sweetness behind it."
"I understand, sir." Chen Changsheng nodded with a smile.
“Sir, what you said isn’t entirely true. Sister Yourong has been with you since she was a child and has never encountered any danger, yet she has had a smooth journey.” Bai Luoheng couldn’t help but speak up in rebuttal, thinking of Xu Yourong’s smooth-sailing life.
"Luo Luo, you're wrong. You only see that You Rong is doing well now, but you don't know that when she met the Master at a very young age, her bloodline awakened too early, and coupled with the pursuit of the demon race, she almost perished. So, the Master is right. If you want to enjoy the fruits of success, you must work hard. Luo Luo, you are the same. Although you are a princess of the demon race, with a noble status and plenty of resources, you will also have to shoulder the responsibilities of the demon race in the future." Chen Changsheng explained to Bai Luoheng thoughtfully.
During their casual conversation, they unknowingly followed the crowd to the first Heavenly Book Stele.
"Ten miles of calm lake in the misty rain, the fog and haze hide the pavilions. The prosperity has faded and is hard to find, only the phosphorescence illuminates the clear sky." Following the sound, everyone found that the one reciting this poem was Qi Jian of the Lishan Sword Sect.
"This poem was written by the Taoist master when he first entered the Heavenly Book Mausoleum to view the stele two thousand years ago. He was moved by what he saw, so the first stele in the Heavenly Book Mausoleum was named the 'Clear Sky Stele'." Gou Hanshi, who was next to Qijian, naturally took over her topic.
Those viewing the stele all nodded in agreement and then continued to observe it.
At this moment, Chen Changsheng and his group also arrived in front of the stele. Gou Hanshi and the others nodded to Chen Changsheng and his group and continued to concentrate on studying the stele.
Just then, Xuan Yuanpo, who had been walking behind, suddenly said, "Where is the master? He was just here a moment ago, how could he have disappeared in the blink of an eye?" Only then did Chen Changsheng and the others notice that Mo Mo had disappeared at some point.
While Chen Changsheng and the others were wondering and discussing when Mo Mo had left, Mo Mo had already climbed to the top of the Heavenly Book Mausoleum. At this moment, he had already examined all the Heavenly Books except those in Chen Changsheng's hands.
In fact, the black stone that Chen Changsheng found in Lingxu Pavilion was the last piece of the Heavenly Book, which is one of the reasons why no one has been able to decipher the Heavenly Book since Zhou Dufu.
After thoroughly studying the Heavenly Book, Mo Mo discovered that it was indeed an extraordinary treasure, a partial manifestation of the Great Dao, somewhat similar to the Primordial Jade Disc of Creation. Mo Mo comprehended a cultivation method from it. Although he could not yet directly reach the Great Dao, it would be very easy to cultivate to the level of a Great Luo Golden Immortal, although the requirements were somewhat demanding.
This cultivation method is similar to the cultivation method of Zetian, but it does not have a fixed destiny star. It can collect the power of all stars for cultivation, but the premise is that you can withstand these powers. Moreover, since it is not your own destiny star, you need a very strong divine sense to access the power of stars, at least to reach the initial stage of divine sense manipulation.
After thinking for a moment, Mo Mo beckoned down the mountain with his finger, and a black stone about the size of two fingers suddenly flew through the air. A moment later, the entire sky was still filled with stars under the sun's rays, and starlight filled the sky.
"This is an unusual phenomenon, indicating that someone has deciphered the celestial book."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 215 Seeking Torture
As countless stars appeared, silvery starlight descended, and even the warm sunlight dimmed. Influenced by the dense starlight, those who were stuck at their current level showed signs of breakthrough, while those on the verge of breakthrough directly broke through their original realm.
However, the starlight came and went quickly, disappearing after only a dozen minutes, which left Rang quite disappointed.
"Ah, if only this starlight could last longer, I would definitely be able to break through to the Seated Illumination stage. If I could cultivate in such an environment year after year, becoming a Saint might not be impossible!"
"Keep dreaming! This is a rare phenomenon where someone has fully comprehended the Heavenly Book. It's a once-in-a-millennium event, and to encounter it even once is already incredibly lucky. But what kind of prodigy is this? The Heavenly Book Mausoleum has only been open for less than half an hour. If the one who has comprehended the Heavenly Book is the person who came in this time, then that's terrifying. He's even more powerful than Zhou Dufu, the number one person in the world."
"Yes! If he had come in with us this time, I would marry him, cook for him, and raise our children." A pretty, infatuated woman looked on with longing, her eyes sparkling with beautiful fantasies.
"Come on, those are the chosen ones, not someone you can mess with. How about you consider me? I'm one of the top three this time!" A somewhat handsome man next to the woman pointed to himself.
"Senior sister, I think this is how the stele is set up. Do you think it's right?" The woman turned her head and started chatting with her fellow disciples about how to comprehend the Heavenly Book Stele, which made the man quite embarrassed. In order to cover up his embarrassment, he also joined his fellow disciples' discussion. Instantly, the scene of viewing the stele was restored.
Chen Changsheng and the others exchanged glances, nodded simultaneously, and then said in unison, "Yes, sir!"
“Master is indeed a monster. He has already read all the heavenly books in just a short time. What’s the point of us reading them? Let’s go back and ask Master. Anyway, he has already read and understood them all.” Bai Luoheng was the first to suggest returning home. Xuan Yuanpo and Tang Thirty-Six quickly agreed. Only Chen Changsheng objected, as he wanted to comprehend them through his own efforts.
Just then, Mo Mo quietly walked back to Chen Changsheng and the others. However, what was strange was that even though Xuan Yuanpo, Gou Hanshi, and Qi Jian had seen Mo Mo, they didn't react at all, as if there was only air there.
Seeing Tang Thirty-Six trying his best to persuade Chen Changsheng to learn about the benefits of his teachings, which attracted Gou Hanshi and Qi Jian to join in, Mo Mo walked directly in front of Tang Thirty-Six and flicked his forehead with his finger, making him wince in pain. The others were also startled by the sudden appearance of Mo Mo.
"Sir, when did you arrive? We didn't see you here." Tang Tang covered her forehead and said cautiously.
Mo Mo withdrew his hand and said calmly, "I've been standing beside you for quite a while, but you just didn't see me. As for the Heavenly Book Stele, it is indeed something I've figured out, but even if I told you, it wouldn't make a difference, because everyone's thoughts and paths are different. Everyone has their own ideas and paths, and your path and ideas may be the same as mine, but they may also be contrary to mine. What I've figured out is something I've come to understand based on my own thoughts. If you learn it, it may not only not be beneficial, but it may even be harmful. So if you want to gain something, you still have to figure it out for yourselves. What you can figure out is all up to your own destiny."
"Then, sir, do you have a proper method for viewing the stele?" Bai Luoheng took out a small bag of peanuts and approached Mo Mo with a fawning expression.
"Yes, observe its form, understand its principle, comprehend its meaning, integrate it, and you will see the Great Dao. Contemplate it well, believe in yourself. A flower is a world, a leaf is a Bodhi tree. No two leaves in the world are exactly alike. The Dao is something you walk yourself. Those who only follow in the footsteps of others are not qualified to enjoy the scenery at the summit." After saying this, Mo Mo was already dozens of meters away and was rapidly moving away.
“Observe its form, understand its principle, comprehend its meaning, and integrate them. I think we should go back and carefully study Mr. Mo’s words before viewing the stele. What do you think?” Chen Changsheng suggested after Mo Mo left.
"That's a good idea. If we can understand the master's method of deciphering the stele, maybe we can also understand the Heavenly Book Stele through this." Tang Tang was the first to agree.
The group had long lost interest in viewing and interpreting the stele. After Chen Changsheng and Tang Tang's explanation, they all agreed, and the six of them followed Mo Mo's footsteps and left.
After giving Chen Changsheng and the others some pointers, Mo Mo returned the stone to Chen Changsheng and left. At this moment, he was busy building his own little house. Actually, it wasn't really a little house, because it was a treehouse similar to the dwellings of elves, entirely formed from the growth of trees. Right now, he was using the divine power within his body to make the tree grow according to his will, and it was nearing completion.
Half an hour later, Mo Mo's little house was completed. It was a treehouse formed by the growth of trees, like a wooden house supported by trees and raised one or two meters off the ground. Its size was only twice that of an ordinary bed. The doors and windows were covered by dense vines, and there were several thick tree roots at the entrance. The roots grew outwards at an angle and intertwined to form a staircase, while the roof was covered with dense branches.
The interior is also very exquisite, with chairs, tables and beds that have grown out of the ground, just like they were carefully carved. Take out bedding and other daily necessities from the storage space, and a warm little nest is ready.
"Huh? There's such a beautiful little house over there. Let's go take a look. If no one's there, we're in luck!"
Hearing the noise outside, Mo Mo knew that someone had seen his little treehouse. However, it was only a matter of time, because Mo Mo's little treehouse was not in a remote place. Although it was relatively quiet, people often came by.
"Is anyone home? If not, we'll go in." As soon as he finished speaking, he stepped onto the steps formed by tree roots, but he stopped there because he found that once his feet touched the steps, he could not move.
"Didn't your teachers teach you that you can't just wander around without permission?" Mo Mo's calm voice came from the wooden house.
"This junior was unaware that this was your residence, senior. I have been very offensive and ask for your forgiveness." The man knew he had encountered a powerful figure and quickly apologized. After all, this was the Heavenly Book Mausoleum, and there might be some ancient monsters who had not appeared for many years. He couldn't afford to offend them.
"Yes, senior, it was unintentional. We hope you will forgive us and not take offense."
"Yes, yes! We didn't mean to offend you, senior."
Although the person was quite reckless and almost barged in, Mo Mo didn't want to make a big deal out of it. So after they apologized, he let them stay for two days and then left. However, to avoid trouble, Mo Mo casually set up a formation in the treehouse to prevent others from barging in again. At this time, Chen Changsheng and the others also found the courtyard where Xun Mei was in the original drama.
Half an hour later, a group of people arrived at Mo Mo's treehouse again. The one leading them was the two people he had just released. Walking between the two was Tianhai Ya'er, the young master of the Tianhai family and the nephew of the Holy Empress Tianhai Youxue.
"Oh, you're absolutely right. This house is even more beautiful than you described. I wonder what it's like inside. I've decided, I'm going to dig it up and plant it in our Tianhai family's backyard. It's such a waste to leave it here. Only I deserve it." Tianhai Ya'er looked at the exquisite little house and arrogantly announced his decision. He then walked directly towards the house, completely disregarding the owner of the wooden house, as if he were the owner.
Behind him came a chorus of cheers, which made him even more smug. But his swagger lasted only three seconds. After taking only a dozen steps, he crashed headfirst into a tree and fell backward, bleeding profusely from his nose. His followers rushed over to help him up.
"Listen up, you inside! If you have the guts, come out here! How dare you use an array to ambush me, Tianhai Ya'er! I only wanted your wooden house, but now I want you to kneel down and beg me. Otherwise, I, Tianhai Ya'er, will make you wish you were dead!" Touching his nose and noticing the crimson stain in his hand, Tianhai Ya'er was furious and directly threatened him. He knew that there was no one in Tianshuling who was worth his fear. Unfortunately, he was wrong this time.
"Oh? You want my wooden house, and you want me to kneel down and beg you, or else you'll make me wish I were dead?" Upon hearing this, Mo Mo lifted the vines at the door and went out.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 216 A Story Started by a Treehouse
"Oh? You want my cabin, and you want me to kneel down and beg you, or else you'll make me wish I were dead?"
Upon seeing Mo Mo appear at the door of the treehouse, Tianhai Ya'er subconsciously swallowed, speechless for a long time.
"Didn't you just say you were going to take my cabin and make me kneel down and beg you? Why aren't you saying anything now?" Mo Mo looked at Tian Haiya with a smile, but Tian Haiya felt a chill run down his spine when he saw the smile on Mo Mo's face. He would never forget that nightmare-like smile for the rest of his life.
"No, how could I dare to offend you! What I just said is that no one is allowed to touch this wooden house. Anyone who dares to disturb you is an enemy of the Tianhai family. Even if they kneel down and beg me, I will not let them go." As he spoke, Tianhai Ya'er's face became very serious, as if what he said was true.
"Don't worry, this is a crucial time for viewing the monument, so I won't make things too difficult for you. However, it's true that you've offended me, so you still need to be punished," Mo Mo said with a smile.
"That's only right. We offended you, and the punishment is justified." Everyone echoed in unison, afraid that if they answered too late, Mo Mo would take it to heart and increase their punishment.
After thinking for a moment, he clapped his hands and said, "I've got it! I'll punish you by making you run along the mountain path. Run from here to the top of the mountain, and then hop back down like frogs. Just one round trip. Run to the top and then hop back. Oh, and the last one will automatically get a second chance as a reward." After saying that, Mo Mo smiled slightly and quietly watched them.
After Mo Mo finished speaking, the woods fell silent instantly. The chirping of birds and the sound of fallen leaves returning to the earth could be clearly heard. About half a minute later, one of them shouted, "Run!" and then dashed away like an arrow released from a bow.
"Dean Mo, this person ran away before you even said 'start,' so should we count him as last?" Tianhai Ya'er asked Mo Mo with a smile.