Cultivation Begins with Daily Intelligence Reports

295: What harm is there in cursing?Lin Jingyu smiled slightly, ”Just a small realization, nothing compared to Brother Zhan Tai’s profound Foundation.” He didn’t want to talk too much about his secrets, so he changed the subject and asked, ”Brother Zhan Tai just mentioned he had something to tell me. What is it?”

Zhan Tai Mingyue paused, put down his teacup, and said, ”There are indeed two things. The first is about the hidden dragon ranking list.”

”The hidden dragon ranking list?” Lin Jingyu’s heart stirred.

”That’s right.” A complex look flashed in Zhan Tai Mingyue’s eyes, seemingly envy mixed with emotion.

”The latest edition of the Eastern Spirit Nation hidden dragon ranking list was updated half an hour ago. Fellow Daoist’s great name is prominently listed, and the ranking... is extremely high!”

”Oh?” Lin Jingyu was slightly surprised.

Half an hour ago—wasn’t that exactly when he ascended the Ninety-nine Tier Immortal Ladder?

The hidden dragon ranking list was updated almost simultaneously.

The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, which compiles the hidden dragon ranking list behind the scenes, possesses unfathomable strength.

He asked with interest, ”What is the rank?”

”Three hundred and twelfth!” Zhan Tai Mingyue stated, emphasizing each word.

This ranking surprised Lin Jingyu slightly as well.

The Eastern Spirit Nation has a vast territory, Geniuses are abundant, and there are countless Qi Refining Cultivators under thirty years old. For him to enter the top three hundred upon his first appearance on the list is definitely an extremely high starting point.

One must know that Zhan Tai Mingyue, a True Disciple of the Qinglan Sect who has comprehended three True Intents, was previously ranked outside the 330th spot.

This means that in the assessment of the Heavenly Mystery Gate, Lin Jingyu’s potential, strength, and achievements, when comprehensively evaluated, have already surpassed the previous Zhan Tai Mingyue!

Zhan Tai Mingyue gave a wry smile:

”To be frank, Fellow Daoist, my ranking also improved this time, reaching 325th place, but I was still surpassed by you.

Fellow Daoist is now truly famous throughout Eastern Spirit Nation. I expect it won’t be long before many powers notice you.”

Lin Jingyu pondered for a moment and asked, ”Besides reputation, are there any other practical benefits to this hidden dragon ranking list?”

”Naturally, there are.”

Zhan Tai Mingyue replied.

”It is said that those on the list occasionally receive Opportunities or resources secretly distributed by the Heavenly Mystery Gate, though the specific form is uncertain.

Furthermore, the higher the rank, the more weight they carry in the eyes of the major Sects and Families, and the more cultivation and resource support they receive.

Even in the exploration of some Secret Realms and Ruins, Geniuses on the hidden dragon ranking list receive preferential treatment.

Most importantly, though unverified, those who make it onto the hidden dragon ranking list are favored by Heaven and Earth Luck; the higher the rank, the more Luck they acquire.”

Lin Jingyu nodded. This was within expectation. Reputation is both pressure and a resource.

This hidden dragon ranking list is definitely a very important thing.

”And the second matter?” Lin Jingyu asked.

Upon hearing this, Zhan Tai Mingyue’s expression grew somewhat solemn.

He pondered for a long time, seemingly weighing his words, and finally spoke slowly, lowering his voice slightly: ”This second matter... concerns Fellow Daoist personally. It might be a little... terrifying, but I feel it necessary to inform you.”

Seeing his demeanor, Lin Jingyu also sat up straight: ”Brother Zhan Tai, please speak.”

Zhan Tai Mingyue looked directly at Lin Jingyu, his tone heavy: ”Fellow Daoist, are you aware that within our Qinglan Sect, and even in the records of older Sects, a sinister legend has long circulated about ’those who reach the summit of the Immortal Ladder’?

”I would like to hear the details.” Lin Jingyu put down his teacup and looked calmly at Zhan Tai Mingyue, though he already had a faint premonition in his heart.

Zhan Tai Mingyue took a deep breath, his voice even lower, as if afraid of disturbing something:

”This legend... has been circulating for a long time among the Sect’s high-ranking officials and in some ancient Legacies. It is said that... ever since records began in antiquity, anyone who reached the summit of the Nine-Nine Immortal Ladder and triggered the Nine-Colored Auspice, no matter how stunning their talent or how Heaven-Defying their Luck, ultimately... seems unable to escape a certain destiny.”

He paused, a flicker of undetectable dread passing through his eyes, and slowly uttered four words:

”Life span under a hundred, falling midway.”

Although he was a True Disciple, he was only at the Qi Refining stage.

Naturally, he wouldn’t know more internal secrets, having only heard rumors.

The pavilion instantly fell silent, with only the sighing sound of the mountain wind passing through the pine forest. The air seemed to solidify.

Lin Jingyu’s hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly. He looked up at Zhan Tai Mingyue. The other party’s eyes were extremely serious, even carrying a hint of regret and solemnity—it was definitely not a joke.

”Life span under a hundred?”

Lin Jingyu repeated the phrase, his tone still steady, showing no visible disturbance.

”Brother Zhan Tai means that everyone who reaches the summit of the Immortal Ladder, regardless of what Realm their ultimate Cultivation reaches, will... fall within a hundred years?”

”That is precisely right.”

Zhan Tai Mingyue nodded heavily, his tone grave.

”It’s not a violent death, nor is it Qi Deviation. It’s more like... an invisible curse, or some kind of destined Calamity.

Records show that several astonishingly talented Seniors, who had even reached the Golden Core Realm before the age of fifty and whose combat strength surpassed their peers, still inexplicably passed away in Meditation Death or... vanished without a trace before their hundredth birthday.

The Sect Classics are vague on the details, but the outcome is without exception.”

He looked at Lin Jingyu with a complex expression:

”Brother Jingyu, you reached the summit of the Immortal Ladder and triggered the Nine-Colored Auspice, making you an unprecedented Prodigy. The entire Sect should have devoted all its efforts to nurturing you.

But precisely because of this, the Elders and even the Sect Master were so hesitant about making you a True Disciple. They are... observing and weighing the risks. Investing in a Genius who might not reach maturity is too great a risk for the Sect.”

These words were spoken sincerely, laying bare the concerns of the Sect’s high-ranking officials. This also explained why, despite the talent he displayed, no one immediately rushed to take him as a Disciple.

Lin Jingyu fell silent for a moment, his fingertips gently stroking the warm teacup. Outside the pavilion, clouds rolled and unfurled, constantly changing.

Life span under a hundred?

If he had heard of such a curse at the beginning of his Transmigration, he might have panicked.

But having gone through life and death, witnessed the magic of the Information Panel, obtained the Taihao Elixir Canon and the Spirit Refining Art, and even met that mysterious, seemingly rule-transcending Mysterious Youth atop Thunder Mountain, his state of mind was already different.

Isn’t so-called destiny meant to be broken?

He slowly raised his head. Instead of fear or dejection, a faint, somewhat unrestrained smile appeared on his face:

”Brother Zhan Tai, thank you for informing me. This legend is quite interesting.”

”Interesting?”

Zhan Tai Mingyue was stunned. He hadn’t expected Lin Jingyu to react this way. The shock, anger, or despair he had anticipated were all absent.

”Yes, quite interesting.” Lin Jingyu drank the remaining tea in his cup, his gaze sweeping toward the vast sea of clouds outside the pavilion, his eyes sharp as knives, as if intending to cleave through the fog of destiny.

”Brother Zhan Tai, have you ever considered why this so-called ’destiny’ falls specifically upon those who reach the summit?

Did reaching the summit of the Immortal Ladder surpass the limits set by previous generations? Did it touch upon some kind of... rule? Or did it glimpse something that shouldn’t be seen?

Or was it all orchestrated by a certain power acting as the Hidden Manipulator!”

Lin Jingyu’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a calm sense of analysis and doubt: ”If it’s the former, what is the point of the Immortal Ladder’s existence? If it’s the latter...”

Lin Jingyu turned his head to look at Zhan Tai Mingyue, the smile on his lips deepening, yet carrying a hint of coldness:

”Then what is hidden behind this is probably far more terrifying than a mere ’life span under a hundred’ curse.”

Zhan Tai Mingyue trembled all over upon hearing this, his pupils contracting. Lin Jingyu’s words were like a bolt of lightning, striking an area he had never deeply considered!

Indeed, why the summit achievers? What exactly is the root of this curse? Why are the Sect Classics so secretive about it?

Lin Jingyu stood up, walked to the edge of the pavilion, and stood with his hands behind his back. The mountain wind rustled his robes loudly.

”We Cultivators, in defying the heavens and fighting for our destiny, are inherently struggling against Heaven, against Earth, and against man. Since the moment we stepped onto the Cultivation Path, when have we ever truly been ’safe’?

Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul—every step is a near-death experience. Compared to visible Heavenly Tribulations and Heart Demons, a vague ’legend’ with an unknown source...”

He paused, his tone resolute and carrying an unstoppable determination:

”It cannot frighten Lin Jingyu!”

”If destiny arrives, I shall cleave it with a single sword! If rules obstruct me, I shall shatter those rules! A hundred years is too long; I only seize the day!

If reaching the summit is a calamity, then I shall carve a Heaven-Reaching Great Dao out of this calamity!

If I fear this so-called curse, how can I claim my Dao Heart is stable.

And how can I endure countless tribulations to achieve Eternal Life and Longevity as an Immortal above the Nine Heavens!”

As his voice fell, a powerful, fearless, and enterprising Aura rose from Lin Jingyu, actually causing the surrounding Spiritual Qi to slightly tremble!

The firmness of his Dao Heart and the strength of his will were revealed without a doubt at this moment!

Moreover, he possessed the Information System, allowing him to foresee future risks and prepare in advance.

That unknown fear was nothing to him.

Zhan Tai Mingyue looked at Lin Jingyu’s towering, pine-like silhouette, and tumultuous waves surged in his heart.

A hundred years is enough!

Lin Jingyu was confident that he could reach the height necessary to destroy all Ghouls and Monsters.

He had originally come with the intention of delivering bad news, perhaps even with a hint of pity, but he never expected to receive such a powerful and disdainful response.

This Lin Jingyu—the firmness of his ambition and the grandeur of his spirit were far beyond what ordinary people could achieve! No wonder he was able to reach the summit of the Immortal Ladder!

In an instant, the subtle resentment Zhan Tai Mingyue felt over being surpassed in rank completely vanished, replaced by genuine admiration, and even a touch of excitement.

He took a deep breath, strode over to Lin Jingyu, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, and looked out at the same sea of clouds, declaring loudly:

”Good! What a splendid statement: ’If destiny arrives, I shall cleave it with a single sword!’ Brother Jingyu possesses such heroic spirit; Mingyue is impressed! How can one stop eating for fear of choking, or be timid and hesitant on the Cultivation Path!”

He turned to look at Lin Jingyu, his eyes clear and firm:

”What I have said today is between you and me. The Sect’s concerns are the Sect’s business. I, Zhan Tai Mingyue, accept you as a friend! If you ever need anything in the future, just come find me at Mingyue Peak!

I want to see for myself what the truth behind that curse really is!”

”Thank you, Brother Zhan Tai!” Lin Jingyu cupped his hands and offered sincere thanks. That Zhan Tai Mingyue could say such words showed his breadth of mind and character; this friend was worth having.