Chapter 73: The Three Extremes Realm

Lu An was shocked. Achieving all three Extremes was far from simple.

But the old beggar continued:

"Your problem lies in the fact that your soul has touched upon the Extreme Realm, while your body and Dao haven't, breaking the balance."

"If you were to find a body-strengthening technique on your own, you could indeed solve the problem temporarily by allowing your body to bear the divine soul."

"But an extreme-level divine soul isn't so easily dealt with. A normal body can only endure it for a time, not for life."

"As more of 'the Extreme' accumulates in you, when your body can no longer bear it, that's when you'll die from your body exploding."

Lu An was horrified. Fortunately, he had chosen to become a disciple and learned this truth; otherwise, the consequences would have been disastrous.

The old beggar then added:

"To fully resolve this, you must also push your body into the Extreme Realm so that it can completely bear your divine soul."

Lu An nodded. This explanation aligned with his own theories.

But the old beggar wasn't finished:

"Achieving two of the three Extremes might seem like it would solve the problem, but don't forget, the Extreme Realm has three components. There's still the Extreme of the Dao."

"I believe only by reaching the Extreme Realm in all three aspects can you restore full balance. Otherwise, some unknown dangers may still lie ahead."

"Of course, if you could find one of those lost soul cultivation inheritances, you could solve the issue another way."

Lu An frowned slightly and asked:

"Master, how do you know all this?"

The old beggar didn't explain. Instead, he revealed his chest, made a hand seal, and his skin gradually turned transparent.

Lu An was stunned. He could clearly see the beggar's internal organs, and within his dantian sat a small, infant-like Nascent Soul, its eyes tightly shut and its face twisted in pain.

The Nascent Soul's hands and feet were bound by thick iron chains, and even its shoulder blades were pierced by bone-penetrating nails.

"Though I have reached the Nascent Soul stage, I lack the abilities of a true Nascent Soul and can only briefly exert its power."

"The chains you see were not placed by others but forged by my own hand."

"Years ago, I attained the Soul Extreme, full of pride, yet completely neglected the other two Extremes, much like yourself, causing an imbalance within me."

"In order to prevent my soul from collapsing, I had no choice but to use this secret technique to bind my soul."

"Now, I am half-crippled, with no chance of ever reaching the Transformation stage."

At this, he sighed deeply, then turned his gaze to Lu An, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

"But you are different. I have spent many years researching the secrets of the Extremes and gained much knowledge, though it is too late for me. However, it is just the right time for you."

As he spoke, he produced a jade slip and handed it to Lu An.

"This secret technique is called the Hundred Refinements of the Soul Method. It is the result of my many years of painstaking study."

"With each cycle of refinement, your soul will shrink slightly, and the 'Extreme' energy refined from it will nourish your body and True Qi, pushing them towards the Extreme."

"After completing a hundred refinements, your soul will retreat from the Extreme level, residing somewhere between the Extreme and the ordinary, while your body and Qi will also reach this level."

"At that point, balance will be restored, and your crisis will be resolved."

A flicker of doubt crossed Lu An's eyes, and he asked, puzzled, "Master, this method indeed solves my problem, but if my soul withdraws from the Extreme, won't my power be greatly diminished?"

The old beggar shook his head and explained, "If you only consider the soul, yes, it will be weakened. However, since your body and Qi will have reached the verge of the Extreme, your overall strength won't suffer."

"Besides, my plan is not yet complete. Once your three aspects are balanced, you can move on to the next step."

"At that point, I intend for all three aspects to simultaneously enter the Extreme!"

This method was something he had developed together with a close friend during his travels. Though unconventional, he had immense confidence in it.

The Soul Extreme, Body Extreme, and Law Extreme.

Each of these is a legendary realm on its own.

Not just in the Qi Kingdom, but across the entire Mangcang Continent, very few people even know of their existence.

Had the old beggar not visited the Extreme Secret Realm in the past, he might never have known of these things.

Unfortunately, he had taken the wrong path, and now his only hope was to try it through his disciple.

Lu An's heart surged with excitement. He hadn't expected his master to have such grand plans.

What he didn't realize was just how obsessed the old beggar was with this path, to the point that it had nearly become his inner demon.

Years ago, in pursuit of this path, the old beggar had abandoned his wife and child, leaving his homeland and suffering scorn from fellow cultivators.

In the end, he returned in failure, ostracized by all, even his senior brother, who had raised him since childhood, had turned his back on him.

Now that he had taken Lu An as his disciple, he was determined not to let him repeat his mistakes.

He would show the sects outside the Qi Kingdom that even in this backwater land, a prodigy could emerge.

"Master, what is this second step of your plan?"

"This step requires the aid of the Extreme Secret Realm. I originally planned to take you to the Xia Kingdom to seek a spot there. But who would have thought that a new one would be discovered right here in Yongning County? It's truly heaven's will."

Lu An's heart stirred. Could this be the same Secret Realm that Gu Chuanfei had mentioned?

"You don't need to worry about it. I have my own plans. The cultivators of Yongning County are short-sighted and do not realize the secret realm's significance. This works to my advantage."

"For now, focus on mastering the Hundred Refinements of the Soul Method that I've given you. Once I've made all the necessary preparations, I'll take you to the Extreme Secret Realm."

"Remember, during the time I am away, you must perfect this technique, and under no circumstances should you break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"I want you to break through within the Secret Realm and seize the Extremes of both the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages!"

Lu An solemnly agreed to the task, and the old beggar continued, "I also need to assign you the first of the three tasks I asked you to fulfill."

"Please tell me, Master, I will do my best to accomplish it."

The old beggar's eyes showed a trace of nostalgia as he slowly said, "It's not a difficult task. I need you to ensure the safety of Bai Xianglou, no matter what happens. At the very least, you must make sure that Yue Shuanghua comes to no harm. Can you do that?"

Lu An was slightly surprised. This seemed far too easy.

All he needed to do was speak with the county lord, and guards could be dispatched to ensure the safety of Bai Xianglou, at least within Guyang County.

He had expected the three tasks his master required to be exceedingly difficult, but the first one turned out to be such a simple matter.

Thinking of Yue Shuanghua and his master's reaction that day, Lu An had some private suspicions.

"Master, leave it to me. I promise not to let a single hair on her head be harmed."

Satisfied, the old beggar nodded. Just as he was about to leave, Lu An called out to him again.

"Master, there's one more thing I don't understand."

The old beggar paused and turned back to look at him.

"What is it?"

Without saying a word, Lu An took out the Devourer Sword and traced a Talisman in the air.

Then he pointed forward, and the Talisman turned into a blaze of fire, shooting toward a large boulder in the distance.

"Boom!"

Stone fragments flew everywhere, and the boulder was blown to pieces.

"Master, how far am I from achieving the Heaven and Earth Talisman Law?"

Lu An had begun to suspect his master's identity, but since the old beggar had not revealed it, he hesitated to ask directly.

However, if his master could guide him on this matter of Talisman Law, it would be a clue to verify his suspicion.

The old beggar frowned slightly but then smiled.

"You're a clever one."

"My identity should not be revealed to others, or it could bring disaster upon you."

Lu An felt a twinge of fear but more so a sense of exhilaration.

He had suspected that the master he had casually taken on was, in fact, the legendary Talisman Saint.

Before he could ponder it further, the old beggar continued.

"Your method is too much of a shortcut. You are still far from truly mastering the Heaven and Earth Talisman Law."

"Remember, the key to the Heaven and Earth Talisman Law lies in the words 'Heaven' and 'Earth,' not in 'Talisman.' You've reversed the order of importance."

"Take this and study it carefully. It should enlighten you."

With that, he flipped his hand and tossed an object over to Lu An.

Then his body turned into a streak of light and disappeared.