CHAPTER 278: CHAPTER 250 RENAMING TO DONGHUA TEMPLE, OPENING A NEW WORLD_2

"It’s possible, but it’s very expensive. I suggest you accumulate yin merit and raise your Taoist skill to the level of Refiner—it will come with discounts and free usage rights."

"I’ll work hard."

To qualify as a Refiner requires five Chapters of Taoist Method Meeting.

Song Lin only has two Chapters so far.

"That’s unnecessary. When I return, I’ll compile a treatise and add your name to it as well."

Zhi Xin plans to integrate Yuann Tiangang’s Heavenly Book with his own teachings.

If Song Lin’s name is featured, it might elevate him to the status of Refiner.

"But three to five Chapters shouldn’t be a major issue. If it’s any more, I fear the attention will be too overwhelming, inviting trouble your way."

"Thanks, I understand."

The Heavenly Book is no less significant than Zhi Xin and Mei Hua’s teachings.

If published solely under his own name, the exposure would be excessive, possibly attracting the attention of Heavenly Masters.

This time, advancing to Refiner combined with breaking through to the late-stage Core Formation, Song Lin aimed to achieve two of his four objectives.

"The Mei Mountain Jungle Taoist is the Zhengsi, and the Five Masters and Three Capitals have all switched places. Competing with him might be difficult."

Zhi Xin diplomatically warned.

If it comes down to playing by the rules, Song Lin would probably lose. And underhanded tactics wouldn’t fare better.

If Song Lin kills the Zhengsi, even ten Zhi Xins wouldn’t be able to help him.

As they spoke, they neared the gates of Xuanke Temple.

"No, I’m not planning to compete for Mei Mountain Jungle." Song Lin smiled mysteriously.

"Could it be...?" Zhi Xin thought of a possibility. "What bold resolve!"

Besides Phoenix Platform Dragon Throwing, the only other option would be establishing a fold of his own.

"Haha, how could I lack resolve?" Song Lin laughed.

He now possesses four major factions, four magic veins, alongside the smaller magic vein from Mei Mountain Jungle—enough to establish a jungle of his own.

"That’s good. Clean and straightforward, free from scheming and rivalry. The first three objectives are not difficult, but twenty thousand yin merit and defeating the prior Taoist will be tough to accomplish."

"Or perhaps you could try another route. I’d recommend you become a Hall Master and advance through the Taoist School’s promotion system—you don’t have a position title anyway."

"Forget it."

Though the Hall Master holds a high-ranking position and wields tremendous influence within the Taoist Alliance, it’s of little use outside of its internal circles.

Unlike Taoists and Temple Masters, when interacting with other Taoist Schools, Hall Masters are almost irrelevant.

But Taoists benefit from one advantage: they can consolidate their foundational sphere of influence.

After fortifying his base, Song Lin could then consider promotion later.

"No, I still think being a Taoist suits me better."

Song Lin rejected the idea outright.

Zhi Xin said no more. He respected Song Lin’s decision.

Before long, the two arrived at the temple gate.

Song Lin invited Zhi Xin inside as a guest.

"Next time."

Zhi Xin had plenty to deal with.

"Alright. Oh, next time, when I advance to Refiner, I plan to hold the Taoist Temple Renaming Ceremony to officially announce the establishment of my sect!"

"You’ve decided?"

"Yes, it’s decided."

Song Lin nodded.

The Xuanke Temple’s name lacked prominence and distinctiveness.

"What will you name it?"

"Donghua Temple!"

In the future, he would create Donghua Temple and its Donghua Jungle Law Lineage as the Donghua Taoist.

He would ensure his name went down in history.

Zhi Xin nodded slightly and left behind a parting message before departing:

"Never forget your original purpose. I’ll fully support you!"

At that moment, the two finally stood on the same side.

Returning to the Taoist Temple, the gatekeeping Taoist disciple saw Song Lin and appeared puzzled, then immediately grew excited and shouted:

"Temple Master! The Temple Master has returned!"

In that instant, everyone inside the Taoist Temple surged out.

Leading the crowd was a heroic-looking man.

"Temple Master! You’ve finally returned!"

Wang Ziyue was visibly emotional.

He hurriedly ordered a Taoist Soldier to notify everyone.

In no time, Guu Yuchan, Yan Jiuge, Lu Qian, Lin Qing, the Five Ghosts, Mu Ke, and Yun Lian—all seven Temple Masters arrived.

A crowd of several hundred Taoists bowed deeply to Song Lin.

"Greetings, Temple Master!"

They all bowed deeply.

"Not bad. You’ve all grown."

Song Lin scanned the gathering; those he valued had largely advanced to the Core Formation Realm.

Each of the four magic veins’ disciples showed notable progress.

"Where’s Yin Hua?"

"Disciple is here."

A colossal White Bone Dharma Form appeared in the sky.

Surrounded by five demon beasts.

The dharma form flashed briefly.

It condensed into a copper-skinned man with disheveled long hair.

Having broken through Core Formation just a day prior, he made his way back to Xuanke Temple without pause.

Along the way, he received Wang Ziyue’s summons and immediately hurried over.

"Not bad. Well done."

After eight years, the Taoist Temple suddenly saw the emergence of four Core Formation cultivators and over twenty Divine Establishments.

Xiao Xuan and Qingyu had also both broken through to Divine Establishment, becoming key pillars of Xuanke Temple.

The Taoist Temple’s high-ranking members convened.

Wang Ziyue served as Temple Master, Capital Management fell to Shi Yinhua, Grand Commissioner to the stout Lin Yang, who replaced Lin Qing, and Capital Institute was handled by Li Hu.

As Song Lin looked at everyone, he couldn’t help but feel moved.

Most of these individuals had been influenced by him, leading to the positions they held today.

After enduring countless ordeals, they each had become talents capable of holding their own.

"I hope everyone will move forward together in the future, creating glory!"

"Taoist Energy Everlasting!"

The crowd cheered together.

"Temple Master, perhaps I should return your position to you?" Wang Ziyue suggested.

"Alright."

This wasn’t a matter of Song Lin coveting power.

Without the title of Temple Master, there would be no legitimacy for declaring independence.

"I’ll enter seclusion for three days. Everything will proceed as usual afterward—no need to bother with the Taoist’s affairs."

The two parties were already nearing a complete fallout.

Song Lin’s return to the Temple Master position carried proper legitimacy; he only needed to inform the jungle formally.

In the following hours, Song Lin met with the Temple Masters of various Taoist Temples.

Since replacing the previous Temple Masters with his own people, the efficiency of their work had improved considerably. The Three Refuges and Nine Precepts had been effectively ingrained.

Guu Yuchan commented: "Temple Master, disciple has successfully delineated the subsequent stages. The Core Formation Stage can also be split into nine layers, advancing step by step through Qi Refining Technique to refine the Core, then fracturing it into a Nascent Soul..."

"A soul? A Nascent Soul?" Song Lin was surprised—it resembled the alchemy practices of his prior life.

"Yes, disciple discovered that Core Formation does not generate mana; instead, it aggregates into a condensed Solid True Essence. I’ve named this Golden Core True Essence."

The Little Golden Altar Cave Heaven and its decades of cultivation insights had taught Guu Yuchan much.

"Golden Core True Essence isn’t mana and cannot open the Purple Mansion. Upon fracturing the core, it enters a primordial state, and primordial energy converges with the Divine Soul to form a Nascent Soul—a process I call Qi Refining into Divinity. Of course, this is merely a hypothesis; it remains uncertain whether it’s feasible."

"Bring me the cultivation technique to try."

Guu Yuchan handed over the meticulously prepared jade scroll.

Song Lin sensed its contents—perhaps it could be tested among practitioners in the story world.

Guu Yuchan was truly born for cultivation.

"Very good. If you have ideas, be bold in pursuing them. There’s no need to hold back. In this aspect, you are the strongest. You will undoubtedly become the founder of a school in the future."

Song Lin offered encouragement.

With Shi Yinhua and Guu Yuchan individually innovating magic veins, the emergence of future Grandmasters seemed inevitable.

"Yes, many thanks for the Temple Master’s guidance."

Everyone dispersed.

Song Lin returned to his residence for seclusion.

After three days, the Taoist Temple brimmed with Purple Qi, and immortal martial Sword Qi lingered incessantly.

Song Lin had broken through to the late-stage Core Formation!

Inside the chamber.

Song Lin slashed his palm, letting droplets of blood transform into crimson runes.

Whoosh!

The door swung open, and the world spun.

In a dazed state, Song Lin saw a tragic scene unfold.

The end of a dynasty, politics in decay, demons wreaking havoc, ghosts devouring humans.

Beijing invaded, leaving the lands drenched in blood.

The Mortal World was steeped in resentment, lament, and woe. A thousand blooms wept while endless beauties mourned together.

This was an era where humans and demons coexisted—where barbarism replaced civilization.

[Ghosts and gods sought the ruins of clans; palaces and shrines transformed into barren mounds.]

...

(Requesting monthly votes. Yesterday’s 6,000 words completed. Originally planned to make up for two more Chapters of 2,000 words, but due to some unexpected commitments, this will be postponed to tomorrow. Thirty-plus votes today; tomorrow will be 6,000 plus 2,000.)