Chapter 151: Arrival at Spirit Origin Sect

Chapter 151: Arrival at Spirit Origin Sect

Mana reserves are undeniably important, but relying solely on this advantage makes little sense. Especially for cultivators with heavenly spirit roots, there’s no logic in ignoring superior legacies. This left Liu Feng puzzled about how Shao Mingyou could command five top-tier magical artifacts.

Zhu Hui forced a bitter smile this time: “It’s no great secret. First, consider his background—he’s rumored to have consumed an Internal Elixir early on, boosting his mana channels by twelve.”

“But that’s not all.”
“The main advantage lies in the Shao Family’s ancestral founder passing down their heirloom supreme Five Elements Robe to Shao Mingyou ahead of time.”

At this, Liu Feng understood immediately. Nearby, a curious cultivator unfamiliar with the Five Elements Robe asked about it.

Old Master Feng explained, “That magical robe originated from a famous auction years ago. Even here in Li Zhou, rumors circulated about it.”
“They say spirit stones embedded in its hem provide mana, allowing cultivators to expend just three mana channels to activate Five Elements Spirit Light for defense.”

Xiao Chen listened, frowning slightly. This sounded eerily familiar—his brocade handkerchief functioned similarly, requiring only three mana channels. Admittedly, he rarely used that feature.

Still, this seemed rather rare?

The other cultivators reacted with astonishment. A top-tier magical artifact usable by cultivators at any stage? That meant even lower-tier practitioners could wield it effortlessly.

“No wonder great clans like the Shaos have such depth.”
“Who knew such a supreme defensive artifact existed? This is my first time hearing of it!”
“Something like this could become a family treasure. Even if descendants lack cultivation talent, possessing such a top-tier artifact would let them outmatch peers.”

Someone interjected, “Since it came from an auction, there must be a price tag.”
“Old Master Feng, do you recall how many spirit stones the Five Elements Robe fetched?”

Old Master Feng raised his thumb and little finger, signaling “six.” “It’s been years, but I remember rumors of this number.”

How much?

Xiao Chen blinked, surprised. That expensive?

Steward Chen nodded. “That aligns with my estimate. Defensive artifacts generally cost more than offensive ones.”
“This robe’s Five Elements Spirit Light alone adds at least twenty thousand spirit stones. Factor in its mana efficiency—worth another twenty to thirty thousand. At auction, six to seven hundred thousand would be reasonable.”

A collective gasp!

Xiao Chen calculated silently. By this logic, his tasseled-edging brocade handkerchief should also be worth six hundred thousand spirit stones.

The discussion erupted into lively chatter.

“If I could bring such a treasure back to Hezhou, my sect would celebrate!”
“Dream on! I’d settle for any top-tier artifact, even the cheapest. Once I save enough points, I’m heading straight to Li Zhou.”
“My standards are lower. I’d be happy with two Foundation-Building Pills.”

Xiao Chen glanced at the speaker—a tall-nosed cultivator whose jade belt gleamed with a top-tier artifact whip.

Sure you would!

The next two days passed in casual gatherings. Cultivators exchanged tales, forging acquaintances while enjoying rare relaxation. Xiao Chen accompanied Steward Chen to banquets, sipping wine and discussing cultivation.

By the third day, all stories had been retold thrice. Conversations shifted to comparing combat strengths.

The hottest topic? Who was stronger between the Divine Flame Cult’s Four Directions Wanderers and Li Zhou’s Ten Prodigies?

Some cultivators proposed ranking all fourteen, sparking endless debates: Who truly reigned supreme? Who lagged at the bottom?

The arguments raged five days without resolution. To Xiao Chen’s surprise, many championed Dongfang Xingzhe.

“Dongfang once escaped five Foundation-Building Late Stage cultivators using the Nine Heavens Blood Transformation Art. That escape technique alone makes him formidable.”
“Exactly! A duel isn’t about dying gloriously—it’s about surviving. He’s the true victor.”
“After revealing the Soul Severing Needle, who doubts his mastery of blood-based techniques? He’d certainly use ruthless methods.”

Each time Xiao Chen heard such claims, he merely smiled, offering no opinion.

On the eighth evening, as their spiritual vessel neared the desert’s edge, it abruptly halted and descended.

Before the vessel stabilized, a black wind howled past, whipping sand against the hull.

Cultivators activated protective techniques and gathered on deck. Over a hundred spirit birds—black-feathered eagles—circled above. Smaller ones radiated late-Lian Qi auras; larger ones, Foundation-Building realms. The largest matched Foundation-Building Peak cultivators.

A lone traveler might become prey, but the vessel carried more Foundation-Building cultivators than eagles. Even doubling the flock would mean little more than target practice.

Eager cultivators awaited a signal to strike—only for Elder Song to shock everyone by ordering retreat.

The vessel descended, and envoys warned against attacking. Elder Song summoned Foundation-Building Peak cultivators to handle scattered assaults.

After an hour of tense standoff, the eagles, sensing resistance, withdrew. Back inside, Elder Song explained:

“These eagles hail from Wanyao Mountain Range. Today’s flock was but a fraction. Worse, they’re led by a third-stage bloodline-mutated alpha.”
“Though it stays within the mountains, provoking its kin might draw it out.”

He paused as understanding dawned. This was no ordinary beast.

“Centuries ago, Qingxiao Sect’s Golden Core Zhenren lured the alpha into a trap using this tactic,” Elder Song continued.
“But the beast sensed danger innately, fleeing before the trap sprang.”

“Yet vengeance followed. The alpha memorized Qingxiao’s robes, attacking their disciples for years—targeting only Foundation-Building cultivators. Qingxiao had to change their uniform to end the feud.”

“Ah, so it’s a vengeful, protective leader,” someone muttered.
“No problem then. Waiting’s fine.”

Old Master Feng, however, frowned. “Strange we’ve never heard this tale.”

Steward Chen investigated: “It happened five centuries ago. Elder Song learned this from sect records.”

Old Master Feng nodded. “Five centuries—of course we’d never know. The Golden Core Zhenren of that era are long dead.”

“But wait,” someone interjected. “If it was five hundred years ago, could the eagle king still live?”

“Yao beasts age differently,” Steward Chen replied. “Some die young, but these eagles live centuries. With ancient blood, this alpha might survive a millennium.”

Envy rippled through the crowd. Foundation-Building cultivators lived two centuries normally—mere sparks compared to the alpha’s lifespan.

Yet cultivators accepted mortality. After brief lamentations, the incident faded.

Four days later, they entered Spirit Origin Sect’s territory.

Xiao Chen leaned on the vessel’s edge, comparing the landscape below with Scripture Pavilion records. The terrain matched perfectly—a reassuring sign.

“Fellow cultivators,” Elder Song’s voice echoed. “We approach Spirit Origin Sect. Gather in the cabin for final instructions.”

Inside, he waved a small flag, conjuring a water-screen map.

“According to Spirit Origin’s latest reports, Divine Flame’s demonic forces concentrate near Xunmei Mountain and Luoyan Peak.” Red glows flared on the map.

“The territory divides into five zones: Gray for irrelevant areas; green marks Yuan Magnetic Peak, guarded by Golden Core Zhenren—utterly safe.”
“Blue indicates relatively secure resource points; purple, dangerous ones. Red—extremely perilous strategic zones.”

The remaining four colors emerged in succession, painting the current war situation with stark clarity. Compared to the Hezhou situation map Liu Feng had seen months ago at the sect hall, this water-screen projection was far more detailed and precise.

Xiao Chen noticed that the Spirit Origin Sect had already lost a crucial second-tier spirit vein and over a dozen resource outposts. Overall, their situation had worsened significantly in recent months.

No wonder they offered more valuable rewards this time, including even Ascension Spirit Pills. They truly seemed desperate.

Elder Song continued explaining: "Currently, merit-point tasks are also divided into five categories corresponding to these five regions."

"Safer tasks involve garrisoning resource points, especially those in the rear, to ensure stable supplies. However, the fastest way to earn points is to fight at Xunmei Mountain or Luoyan Mountain's frontlines against demonic cultivators."

"Killing a Foundation-Forming demonic cultivator grants immediate points, and exceptional performance brings extra rewards."

Zhu Hui asked, "Fellow Cultivator Song, are these tasks self-selected or assigned by the Spirit Origin Sect?"

Elder Song replied, "After arriving at the sect, specialists will handle task assignments."

Zhu Hui pressed, "If I request Luoyan Mountain but get assigned to a remote outpost, would I miss the chance to earn points?"

Elder Song waved his hand. "Certainly not, Fellow Cultivator Zhu. Such concerns are unnecessary."

"Tasks have time limits and rotate regularly. This ensures fairness and provides frontline cultivators time to rest."

Liu Feng interjected, "Fellow Cultivator Song, what if I want to stay permanently at Luoyan Mountain?"

"To be frank, I came to Hezhou not for righteousness but to chase merit points."

Elder Song turned to him. "Fellow Cultivator Liu's mindset is understandable."

"There are two ways to avoid rotation. First, spend merit points to change assignments."

Liu Feng shook his head firmly. "That's unreasonable! Should I pay points to stay where I want? Please share the second method."

Elder Song explained, "War strategy requires overall coordination. Rotation is necessary."

"The second way is to kill enough demonic cultivators to earn the 'Demon Slayer' title. This grants independent operations, allowing unrestricted hunting for points."

"Fellow Cultivator Liu can choose this path if he dislikes restrictions."

Xiao Chen immediately grasped the Spirit Origin Sect's strategy. Most arriving cultivators were solitary practitioners prioritizing self-interest, creating natural distrust toward sect cultivators.

If tasks were self-selected or uniformly assigned, many would resent frontline duties. Thus, rotating assignments ensured everyone shared frontline risks.

First, fairness—everyone took turns. Second, frontline garrisons offered better rewards to reduce complaints. The "Demon Slayer" privilege incentivized skilled cultivators like Liu Feng while giving others hope: achieve the title to choose rear positions freely.

Xiao Chen deduced the Demon Slayer requirements would be deceptively simple yet extremely difficult—visible but unattainable for most.

Elder Song detailed more rules when a talisman on his waist suddenly glowed. He stepped out to check the message.

Returning with a grim expression, he announced, "Fellow Cultivators, urgent news—a new Demonic Dao Golden Core appeared at Xunmei Mountain an hour ago."

Murmurs erupted. Rumors had spread months ago about the Divine Flame Cult possessing two Demonic Dao Golden Cores, now three before their arrival. Now another emerged.

"Fear not", Elder Song raised his voice. "The sect's Sword-Bearing Disciple repelled the attack within half a quarter-hour."

Relief washed over the crowd at the Golden Core True Man's victory. Some hesitant solitary cultivators now felt reassured about frontline rotations.

After the assembly, Xiao Chen returned to his room, contemplating.

New Golden Core appearances meant prolonged war. How many more did the Divine Flame Cult hide? Their hidden strength suggested a protracted conflict.

Unlike ordinary sect wars, this holy-vs-evil battle had two outcomes. Either overwhelming Golden Core numbers decide victory quickly, or both sides exhausted resources.

The first path was blocked—the Divine Flame Cult had at least four Golden Cores. Defeating four would be extremely difficult.

The second path involved attrition. If the Demonic Dao's lower cultivators were depleted, remaining leaders would be hunted. Conversely, if the orthodox sects' spirit stones ran out, they'd fall like Yueyue Immortal Sect, slaughtered for demonic feasts.

"Not all bad news", Xiao Chen mused. "At least it gives time to accumulate points."

Since prolonged war was inevitable, he planned his approach. More time meant more merit opportunities. Elder Song clarified garrison points offered limited rewards. Frontline combat points paled compared to killing Foundation-Forming cultivators.

His goal became clear: become a Demon Slayer, hunting Demonic Dao Foundation-Forming cultivators for rapid points while avoiding high-risk zones like Xunmei Mountain.

His advantages—multiple top-grade magic artifacts and vast mana reserves—shined best in one-on-one duels. Frontline chaos would dilute his strength.

Resource outposts needed guards precisely because Demonic Dao Foundation-Forming cultivators infiltrated rear areas, attacking spirit veins and warehouses. As a Demon Slayer hunting spies, he could maximize his strengths.

Pursuit skills would aid tracking infiltrators, and his nearly completed Truth-Seeing Spirit Eye cultivation (a month remaining) would enhance detection.

"Fate aligns perfectly!" Xiao Chen grinned, convinced he'd found Hezhou's optimal path.

Suddenly, fireworks erupted outside.

He stepped out, seeing the flying vessel had arrived. Below, the Spirit Origin Sect celebrated with fireworks.

The spectacle reminded him of Su Wanning's love for fireworks, how she'd drag him to the lantern festival yearly.

Startled cries came from the vessel's other side.

"Look at that statue!" a trembling voice exclaimed. "At least fifty feet tall!"

Xiao Chen rushed over. Before the sect's mountain gate stood a majestic Divine General statue.

Its face was stern, crowned with a three-foot pearl radiating brilliance. Golden Armor, forged from meticulously polished metal plates, shimmered under sunlight like a golden halo.

This was the sect's ace—the legendary 66-foot Divine General statue, a colossal war puppet purchased from the Eastern Territory by their founding ancestor.

Combined with the Yuan Ci Peak protective formation, it could rival a Golden Core cultivator.

The sect didn't rush them. After a while, sword beams guided the vessel to land. They entered a newly built hall for task assignments.

The first round of tasks would be uniformly allocated by the Spirit Origin Sect.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end