Chapter 30: The Nether God’s Illusory Form—The Way Begins with One

“Since ancient times, good and evil have never coexisted. Those who follow the unconventional path have often been criticized, not only because their way of cultivation emphasizes following one’s own nature, with many bizarre techniques, but also because a few scoundrels have tarnished their reputation. As a result, orthodox sects look down upon such people. For my safety, my master kept a very low profile. Just the two of us, master and disciple, living freely and at ease. It’s just a pity…” As Mr. Ji spoke of his master, he couldn’t help but sigh, his deep feelings for his teacher plain for all to see. Now left alone, he seemed somewhat desolate.

“What’s the pity?” Su Mu asked, his curiosity piqued and a sense of closeness toward Mr. Ji growing within him. Those who respect their teachers and uphold righteousness are often good people. Su Mu himself was devoted to his parents and held such virtues in high esteem.

“It’s a pity that he spent his life researching a certain technique, but never succeeded. On his deathbed, my master said nothing else, only asked me to continue his work. He always believed his path was correct. I thought I would disappoint him in this life, but after meeting you, hope was rekindled in me.”

As he spoke, Mr. Ji and Su Mu pushed open the door and stepped out of the small house. Sunlight fell warmly upon them. Su Mu lifted his hand, squinting against the dazzling light that forced his eyes closed.

“It is common knowledge that once one successfully opens a star source, they can only cultivate the technique corresponding to that source—whether refining the vital essence, nurturing the spiritual energy, or cultivating the soul. Once the star source forms, there can be no other possibilities. Where the star source lies determines what can be cultivated. Someone who refines their vital essence cannot even dream of cultivating the soul. Yet, there are some, rare even among those with star sources, who are born with two star sources. Such people can cultivate two different paths at once, and are known as Dual Path Practitioners—the Extreme Daoists.”

This was the first time Su Mu had heard of such a thing. He could hardly digest the information, but wisely kept silent, accompanying Mr. Ji as they strolled through the small courtyard.

“Extreme Daoists are exceedingly rare. Moreover, cultivation depends greatly on talent. Even if you are born with two star sources, success is not guaranteed. Most such people make only slow progress, their achievements unremarkable. To cultivate two star sources at once requires several times, even dozens of times, the effort others must exert. The difficulty is beyond your imagination.”

“Those Extreme Daoists who achieve mastery possess extraordinary powers, far surpassing ordinary cultivators. The abilities granted by dual star sources are not as simple as one plus one; it would be a grave mistake to think an Extreme Daoist is merely two people in one body. The five most powerful people in the world today are all Extreme Daoists—this speaks to their fearsome might.”

“Then, has there ever been someone with three star sources?” Su Mu asked casually.

Mr. Ji glanced at him. “From ancient times to the present, only one.”

“Who is it?”

Mr. Ji snorted, “Figure it out yourself.”

Su Mu smacked his forehead. How foolish—if there’s only one, it must be Shang. He recalled hearing Jiang Yingying mention the origins of the star source before.

Ignoring him, Mr. Ji continued, “Ordinary cultivators are only considered true practitioners after reaching the rank of Celestial Child. As cultivation advances, the radiance of the star source grows ever brighter—though only cultivators can perceive this light. The more resplendent the star source, the greater the energy it generates.”

“Beyond Celestial Child are three great realms: Origin Spirit, Star Sea, and Soaring Immortal. Each realm differs vastly from the last, incomparable in every way. Though cultivators claim to contend with the heavens, in truth they pursue the mysteries of the cosmos, seeking immortality and the path to transcendence. Ah, the road is long and arduous; without true enlightenment, one is but a fleeting speck of dust between heaven and earth.”

As they talked, they walked, and soon arrived at the gate of the small courtyard. Mr. Ji, hands clasped behind his back, turned to look once more at the house and yard, sighing with emotion:

“In the whole of Youma County, this is the only place I cannot let go of. Decades ago, when I was still a young man, I listened to my master’s teachings here. Time passes swiftly, and all things change. Though cultivation seems to transcend the years, if one fails to find the Great Dao, in the end, all return to dust. People spend their lives striving and struggling; who can truly calm their hearts to pursue the Way of Heaven?”

He paused, then continued, “My master brought back half a divine manual from a secret realm. Because it is incomplete, he could never master its methods. This manual is called the ‘Nether God Illusory Body Heart Technique.’ It’s the technique I intend for you to cultivate. I believe you are the only one who can succeed.”

Like a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, Su Mu’s heart surged with excitement upon hearing that only he could master the divine manual. He knelt down and kowtowed eagerly: “Thank you, sir, for your willingness to impart this divine technique. I will never betray your trust.”

Smiling, Mr. Ji waited for him to finish before speaking. “So young—you don’t even ask why you alone can learn it?”

Su Mu was taken aback. “Isn’t it because I’m suited to it?”

“That’s true, but not entirely. Yes, you are suitable—but not because you can cultivate it quickly. Rather, the technique itself is extremely demanding.”

“What do you mean?”

“As I said, the manual is only half complete—well, more than half. The cultivation method itself is intact, but a later method that would have reduced the difficulty was destroyed by someone. The foreword explains that this divine technique was created by a genius of unparalleled talent, who devoted his life to devising a way to forcibly turn a single star source cultivator into an Extreme Daoist. The ideas are audacious, the methods shocking, and the process unspeakably cruel. Though the technique was created, no one ever practiced it—not even the author. In the end, it was buried with that genius, unrecognized by the world.”

Su Mu’s mouth hung open in astonishment at such genius and audacity, and the fact that someone had created a method to become an Extreme Daoist.

“There are three hurdles to cultivate this divine manual. The average person couldn’t overcome even one. But I believe you can at least manage two. The technique is only for those who cultivate the vital essence; others need not consider it. The first hurdle is to replace every bone in your body with alien bones.”

Su Mu nearly cried out, hand clamped over his mouth—how could a person survive having all their bones replaced? It sounded like sheer fantasy.

“Sir, what does it mean to change one’s bones?”

Mr. Ji looked up at the sky, eyes narrowed. “Cultivators of the vital essence focus first on the star source, but physical strength is just as crucial. If the body is strong as steel, then once the meridian power is reinforced, you’ll be unstoppable. Training the flesh and skin is easier than training bone. If your entire body is made of powerful alien bones, imagine the might you’d wield. This manual is first and foremost a supreme scripture for physical cultivation. Only then does it become a way to turn someone into an Extreme Daoist. It’s not just about gaining two star sources.”

Su Mu nodded, beginning to understand. “Then why is this bone replacement considered such a hurdle? It sounds impossible.”

“It’s not impossible, if three criteria are met. First, you need a set of alien bones that hasn’t lost its vitality—bones of immense power, nearly impossible to find. Fortunately, that genius somehow obtained a set of Nether Bones while alive—frightening indeed. My master brought them from the secret realm, and now they’re in my possession.”

“Second, you need seven Blood Condensing Divine Silkworms to help your body adapt to the alien bones. These silkworms exist only in the Palace of Snow and Brocade. Recently, I was lucky enough to acquire seven larvae in exchange for a rare treasure—they’ll mature in a few years.”

“Third, you must possess extraordinary willpower and patience to replace every bone in your body, one by one.”

“Rest assured about the first two. As for the third, you must have great strength—at least the level of Celestial Child. Also, your body must be strong enough that it doesn’t rot or decay during the replacement process.”

“Finally, you’ll need immense patience, to use your meridian power with utmost precision, channeling energy through every tiny blood vessel in the body. Only then can the new bones be fully integrated. You must remain absolutely conscious throughout. The pain would overwhelm any ordinary person—they’d never stay awake, let alone control their power so precisely. That’s why no one has succeeded—except you.”

This explanation left Su Mu enlightened. Only someone like him, who felt no pain, could endure such a torturous process.

“What’s the second hurdle?” he asked.

“The second hurdle is to transplant a masterless star source into your body during the bone replacement.”

Su Mu interrupted, “Can I really use someone else’s star source?”

Mr. Ji shook his head. “Of course not. But there’s a solution. When someone reaches the Star Sea realm, their star source’s energy becomes so dense it solidifies. If someone is willing to pay with their life, after their death, a secret method can compress their consciousness into the star source. Then, once it’s transplanted, if you guide the star source to integrate, the lingering consciousness will merge with your soul. Your body will be tricked into believing the star source is its own, allowing you to use it.”

This astonishing answer left Su Mu utterly stunned. Mr. Ji, amused by his dazed look, patted his shoulder to bring him back to his senses.

“After these two hurdles comes the third. If you succeed in integrating both, you’ll enter the backlash phase. No matter how perfect the process, these things are ultimately foreign to you. There will inevitably be a backlash—a pain so intense it destroys the will. The duration of this backlash is uncertain—it could be months, a lifetime, or more. Except for someone like you, immune to pain, no one could endure it.”

“After all this, would I still be myself?” Su Mu asked uneasily. The technique sounded terrifying—what kind of cultivation method was this?

“The body is but an illusion; only the heart is real. As long as your mind remains unchanged, you will always be yourself. Remember this, always.” Mr. Ji’s tone was solemn.

“Yes, sir. I will remember your teaching.”

“For now, you must first restore your star source and then thoroughly strengthen your body. Are you prepared?” Mr. Ji placed both hands on Su Mu’s shoulders, his eyes shining with excitement.

Su Mu, a little embarrassed, replied anxiously, “Sir, I’d still like to settle two matters first. I want to return home and assure my parents of my safety—I left in secret. And I want to wait for An Rui to be safe before I can focus on training in this divine technique.”

Mr. Ji was greatly disappointed—this boy was still a child at heart. What were such matters compared to the path ahead?

“Your parents are well—I have already sent them a letter and money, telling them you are following me to cultivate. Rest assured—you needn’t return, as your hometown is far away and the journey would take too long. As for your friend, I’ve already instructed Black Crow to handle the matter swiftly. There should be a reply within days. In the meantime, do not delay. I am almost ready to prepare the Thousand-Poison Rebirth Bath for you. Stay in it for a few days and then we’ll continue.”