Chapter 232: Where Exactly Did This Multi-Talented Genius Come From?

Chapter 232: Where Exactly Did This Multi-Talented Genius Come From?

"Boom!"

A pitch-black giant palm smashed through a hill over a hundred zhang tall, revealing a Secret Chamber dug beneath the mountain.

"Hmph, do you really think hiding here means I can't catch you?"

Dai Fei'ang snorted coldly, then struck again with his palm, shattering the Third Stage Formation atop the Secret Chamber.

"Cursed Golden Light Technique Hermit!"

Ghost-Faced Qing, cloaked in a straw rain-hat and trembling with fear inside the Secret Chamber, cursed furiously.

Due to the four-million bounty on his head, he'd been pushed down to the eleventh spot on the Inner Sea's wanted list.

Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal—being on such a list wasn't exactly honorable anyway.

But the real problem was that he'd recently come to the Darkness Sea to dispose of some accumulated stolen goods.

That's when he ran straight into Yin Corpse Sect's net-like ambush, getting cornered here.

If it were just a routine manhunt, it wouldn't be too bad. Ghost-Faced Qing was no rookie fugitive—he'd been on wanted lists for years.

The issue was that Yin Corpse Sect was acting like a pack of rabid dogs, conducting searches with unprecedented intensity.

Golden Core cultivators were swarming in groups, while several Golden Core True Sovereigns personally intervened, combing through every island one by one.

Their determination was clear—they'd dig up the entire sea bed if necessary to capture him!

And unlike previous half-hearted efforts that fizzled out after a couple days, this time ten full days had passed since the Relic ended, yet Yin Corpse Sect showed no sign of easing their pursuit. They were determined to turn the Darkness Sea upside down.

This was it—his reputation was ruined, and now his life was in danger too.

"If I can just survive and leave the Darkness Sea, I'll never come back again."

Ghost-Faced Qing had originally come here for the Outer Sea's better market for stolen goods and higher prices. Now he regretted his decision so bitterly he felt like tearing out his intestines.

With no other choice, he activated the Blood Escape Secret Technique to flee.

Though this demonic sect secret technique required sacrificing one-third of a cultivator's Vital Blood each time it was used, leaving the user severely weakened even if they escaped.

But he had no time to think about that now. As he fled in panic, he cursed Xiao Chen—the one who started this entire manhunt—with every breath.

"Ahh!"

Yet he hadn't flown more than three hundred zhang before letting out a bloodcurdling scream and crashing onto the sea surface.

When had that hideous Yin Spirit appeared on his back?

Determined to capture Xiao Chen, Dai Fei'ang had even used another Golden Talisman without hesitation.

But when he grabbed the figure, his fury erupted: "What kind of rat are you hiding from me, skulking on this deserted island!"

After painstakingly tracking suspicious activity to a remote corner of the Darkness Sea's southeast, Dai Fei'ang had thought he finally found Xiao Chen's trail.

He'd rushed thousands of miles in one go, only to discover this was the wrong person—and wasted a precious Golden Talisman. His beard practically trembled with rage.

"True Sovereign, spare my life! Spare my life!"

Ghost-Faced Qing begged desperately: "I'm willing to..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was crushed into a puddle of blood.

Objectively speaking, this could be considered ridding the world of a scourge.

Though from the killer's perspective, it might also be seen as a black-on-black crime.

"Where exactly are you hiding, Golden Light Technique Hermit?"

Dai Fei'ang remained convinced of his judgment, believing Xiao Chen must have used some escape secret technique to leave Tianxing Island.

His reasoning came from ancient records.

Since ancient times, there had indeed been rare prodigies who could escape from Golden Core experts despite only being at the Golden Core cultivation realm themselves.

Some could even use secret techniques to withstand a Golden Core's attack, snatch treasures, and flee thousands of miles away.

But under normal circumstances, the more powerful the secret technique, the higher the price required to pay.

So in Dai Fei'ang's mind, Xiao Chen was definitely hiding somewhere in the Darkness Sea, quietly recovering his injuries.

For this reason, he first invited three senior sect brothers, then spent heavily to hire two more fellow cultivators to assist in the search.

His motivation wasn't just revenge for Dai Tianrui.

It was also due to the power Xiao Chen displayed inside the Relic.

That was a Half-Step Golden Core!

If Xiao Chen escaped this time, the Dai family would gain a Golden Core-level enemy, a disaster that would haunt them for generations.

"I'll make sure you learn what happens when you offend a True Sovereign!"

Yet ten days passed with no progress in the manhunt.

Meanwhile, Yin Corpse Sect, pressured by other factions, finally agreed to allow certain disciples with influential backgrounds to leave the Darkness Sea after the Dai family's inspection.

This mainly included disciples from Tianyin Sect and Wu Lei Guan.

As well as several solitary cultivators with connections in the Wanxian Alliance.

With these cultivators who personally experienced the Relic's battles returning to the Inner Sea, more details about the Tianxing Island incident finally came to light.

Previously, all the rumors had been just that—unconfirmed whispers.

Given the exaggeration and distortion during transmission, many cultivators treated them as entertainment, not taking them seriously.

It was mostly sect disciples chatting among themselves or some solitary cultivators discussing casually.

But now with Wen Suruo and Wu Lei Guan's Xingfa Elder coming forward as witnesses, the story's credibility skyrocketed.

It immediately caught the attention of higher-level cultivators.

In Tianyin Sect's sect hall.

"Come over here and carefully recount what you saw and heard inside the Relic."

Shuyu True Sovereign, currently responsible for guarding the sect, directly summoned Wen Suruo.

"Don't be nervous—I just want to understand this Golden Light Technique Hermit everyone's talking about."

After hearing the entire account, a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes.

But she lowered her head and instructed: "He does sound impressive, though his actions are too reckless and aggressive."

"Suruo, if you ever take that step forward, remember not to follow his example running off on dangerous adventures. Stay in the sect and focus on your breakthrough, understand?"

After seeing off the disciple, Shuyu True Sovereign returned to her seat.

Only then did she carefully recall the conversation, frowning deeply in thought.

Mastering three paths simultaneously—sword path, Body Tempering, and fire magic—each nearly reaching the pinnacle of Golden Core cultivation.

How many years had it been since the Eastern Territory saw such a prodigy?

The key point was that Tianyin Sect desperately needed such a new generation talent.

Looking back at her own disciple Wen Suruo—though a promising seedling—compared to the Golden Light Technique Hermit, the gap was still significant.

"Hissh...where exactly did this multi-talented genius come from?"

Shuyu True Sovereign organized her memories but still found no clues.

"No, I must go to the Scripture Pavilion to check the ancient records. I need to uncover his background."

Ordinary hidden sects weren't worth this much attention, but this case felt different.

"The most proficient in fire magic?"

In Wu Lei Guan, Chieh Kuang True Sovereign stood with his hands behind his back on the lightning-struck cliff, carefully listening to intelligence about Xiao Chen.

Perhaps because of their coastal location, fire spirit root cultivators had always been rare in the Eastern Territory.

Those who successfully cultivated fire magic were naturally few, and only Nongyan Sect built their entire sect around fire magic.

If Xiang Yiyan hadn't appeared this time, the clues would have been clear.

But coincidentally, Nongyan Sect had sent a disciple into the world, making things strange. Could there be another hidden force?

Yet Chieh Kuang True Sovereign had never heard of such intelligence before.

"Could it be a monstrous aberration causing chaos?"

Suddenly, he recalled sect records mentioning cases where Great Spirit Beasts transformed into human forms to wreak havoc when spiritual energy was abundant.

For cultivators, mastering fire magic was extremely difficult, but some yao beasts with special bloodlines were naturally adept at specific elements.

This might be a special yao beast with a Fourth Stage bloodline, still immature.

Thinking thus, Chieh Kuang True Sovereign's eyes flashed with killing intent.

If he ever met this 'Golden Light Technique Hermit,' he'd have to test the man's true strength.

If it turned out to be an aberration, he'd let them taste his Lightning Dao's power.

In Hundred Grasses City's city lord mansion pavilion.

Lord Huo sat in the pavilion again, slouching in his chair while pouring himself wine.

Opposite him sat Ti Deng True Sovereign, who ignored the fine wine before him, staring at the official intelligence report in his hands with continuous astonished sighs.

"Didn't expect him to be this strong?"

"Ah, I should've realized earlier—how could an ordinary person have so many Purple-Gold Bodhi?"

"Old Huo, why are you still drinking? Don't you have any thoughts on this?"

Lord Huo tilted his head: "What thoughts should I have?"

He'd never cared about events in the Outer Sea.

Ti Deng True Sovereign naturally knew this, so he reminded: "Don't forget—he participated in the Baicao Forbidden Realm before."

"You've always suspected the forbidden realm consumed too much spiritual energy, as if hiding some secret?"

Hmm?

Lord Huo paused, recalling his own suspicions.

The Baicao Forbidden Realm could absorb surrounding heavenly qi through its internal Super Spirit Gathering Formation to replenish itself.

But past explorations, including the delayed opening, had always felt strange.

Now reminded of this, Lord Huo frowned: "Are you saying he might know something?"

He snatched the intelligence report and reread it: "Based on this report, we can confirm the Golden Light Technique Hermit is a hidden sect's heir."

"You think his sect might know something?"

Ti Deng True Sovereign nodded: "Between us, how long has Hundred Grasses City existed? How long has the Baicao Forbidden Realm been around?"

"These hidden sects always keep some ancient texts lost to the outside world."

"According to intelligence from Chao Hui Pavilion, this Golden Light Technique Hermit appeared out of nowhere. Before last year, there was no trace of him anywhere in the Eastern Territory."

"The first place he appeared was Hundred Grasses City."

"Coincidentally during the forbidden realm's opening, he just happened to obtain a Fourth Stage spirit herb inside, successfully exchanging it for the Nine Luminaries Mysterious Pill."

Ti Deng True Sovereign paused deliberately before asking: "Don't you think this is all too coincidental?"

"After leaving the forbidden realm, he secluded cultivation for a month, then directly headed to the Darkness Sea for revenge, acting decisively and cleanly."

“Moreover, he prepared escape methods in advance, which is why the Yin Corpse Sect has gained nothing to this day.”

“Judging from his methods, these actions were clearly premeditated and meticulously planned beforehand.”

“Then, could his earlier participation in the forbidden realm also be part of the plan?”

After speaking in one breath, Ti Deng True Sovereign finally picked up his wine cup and took a slow sip.

“No, the Relic incident was an unexpected development.”

Lord Huo, now sitting upright, continued, “The Golden Light Technique Hermit arrived on the island before last year’s Sea Spirit Festival.”

“But news of the new Relic’s confirmed activation only spread after the Sea Spirit Festival.”

“In other words, when he entered the Baicao Forbidden Realm, he hadn’t yet learned about the new Relic.”

Ti Deng True Sovereign shook his head and countered, “What if his cultivation sect also recorded details about the Tianxing Island Relic?”

Lord Huo still seemed incredulous, “For such a powerful faction to exist, how could there be absolutely no rumors about them?”

In this era where Nascent Soul cultivators are as elusive as dragons, it’s rare to hide matters from Golden Core True Sovereigns, who already stand at the pinnacle of the cultivation world. Let alone concealing an entirely unknown force.

“Before the Mercy Sea contacted us, the Kunpeng Sea was practically the edge of the world.”

Sighing, Ti Deng True Sovereign asked, “Old Huo, did you notice that the Golden Light Technique Hermit monopolized all the Spirit Herbs within the Relic?”

Lord Huo stared at the intelligence in his hand.

The cultivation world has always revered strength. As a half-step Golden Core cultivator, the Hermit claiming the best treasures was perfectly normal—hence why Lord Huo had subconsciously dismissed it earlier.

But now, as he reconsidered, his eyes widened in alarm, “Only he found all the relics required to activate the Altar?”

This was a new Relic, with twelve relics in total, yet one person had claimed them all.

This undeniably proved that the Hermit’s hidden sect had indeed obtained prior knowledge of Tianxing Island.

“Hiss~!”

Lord Huo inhaled sharply, “I’ll review ancient records left by predecessors afterward. Ti Deng, since you know many solitary cultivators, help me investigate related information.”

Ti Deng True Sovereign nodded, “Rest assured.”

“By the way, I’m heading to the Han Hai Forbidden Realm soon to refine two batches of pills for the Yuchen Sect. I’ll ask them if they have any clues.”

“Since they’re also a hidden sect, they might know each other.”

Lord Huo looked surprised, “Oh? So soon?”

“I remember the last time they contacted you was five years ago?”

Compared to forces like the Hundred Grasses City, hidden sects prefer seeking out solitary cultivators like Ti Deng True Sovereign—renowned Pill Forging Masters—to custom-make exclusive Fourth Stage pills.

Once a collaboration is established, they rarely switch partners. However, due to spirit herb yields and safety concerns, transactions usually occur every decade.

“This interval is indeed short. Perhaps someone within their sect urgently needs spirit pills.”

Ti Deng True Sovereign nodded, though he was secretly pleased. After all, each transaction brought substantial rewards, “If I don’t report on time, remember to send people to rescue me.”

...

Similar situations were occurring across various sects in the Inner Sea.

After exchanging information, cultivators became convinced that the sudden emergence of the Golden Light Technique Hermit must stem from a deeply hidden ancient sect.

Soon, all sorts of speculations sprouted like mushrooms after rain, spreading through word of mouth.

Especially among solitary cultivators, some seemed to have uncovered earth-shattering secrets.

“Have you heard? The Golden Light Technique Hermit actually comes from a hidden sect.”

In a plaza corner, a gaunt solitary cultivator’s eyes widened, “They say the Feidu Sea’s volcanic eruption two thousand years ago was caused by their fire magic.”

“Hmph, I heard that news yesterday.”

Another burly solitary cultivator interrupted, “Let me tell you, the Wanxian Archipelago’s skyfire eruption eight hundred years ago was also their doing.”

“That explains why we’ve never heard of a fire magic sect in our Eastern Territory before!”

A spectator slapped his thigh, his face lighting up with realization, “So this is the source at last!”

...

“Zhang Daoyou, latest news! That Red Peony is likely from the same origin as the Golden Light Technique Hermit.”

“Huh? He has such a background?”

“Of course! Think about it—how else could a solitary cultivator possess such formidable fire magic?”

...

“Old Li, did you know our Eastern Territory has another ancient sect?”

“Who doesn’t know now? I just heard that the sudden activation of the Xuantian Immortal Palace years ago was related to this hidden sect.”

“What, even that was them?”

“Hey, you didn’t know? They say the sect master is the heir of the Xuantian Immortal Palace’s ruler, which is why he could activate it ahead of schedule.”

...

Amidst the rampant rumors, Cui Yunxian, who had just emerged from secluded cultivation in the Hundred Grasses City, felt utterly astonished.

She had only spent three years comprehending in a secluded chamber, yet it felt like she’d been isolated for thirty.

“Senior apprentice-sister, don’t believe these rumors. They don’t understand anything.”

A female cultivator in direct disciple robes disdainfully scanned the chattering solitary cultivators around her.

Then, her face lit with fervor as she turned to Cui Yunxian, her eyes subtly pleading, “Lord Huo specifically instructed Sun Elder to guard the Stage-Breakthrough Nascent Soul Pill before heading to the study.”

“As long as you say the word, you can claim it anytime.”

As she spoke, she subtly studied Cui Yunxian, her gaze flickering with envy and a trace of hidden jealousy. But the emotion vanished as quickly as it appeared, buried deep within.

The Stage-Breakthrough Nascent Soul Pill was a Fourth Stage spirit pill—its purpose was self-evident. It boosted a Golden Core cultivator’s Nascent Soul Formation chances by twenty percent, making its value immeasurable.

For this prodigious direct disciple, Lord Huo had shown exceptional care, paving her path toward higher cultivation stages long ago.

Yet Cui Yunxian merely waved her hand dismissively, “I already know about the pill. Let’s discuss it later.”

She tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes, “I overheard that the Golden Light Technique Hermit is a half-step Golden Core cultivator?”

“Tell me the whole story.”

Clearly, she found this newly emerged figure far more intriguing.

The female cultivator couldn’t help feeling a pang of bitterness at Cui Yunxian’s nonchalance.

Seven years ago, this senior apprentice-sister had already reached Golden Core Perfect Completion.

Half a year later, Lord Huo, using stored spirit herbs, had refined a batch of Stage-Breakthrough Nascent Soul Pills for her.

Yet no one expected Cui Yunxian to politely but firmly decline, saying, “This disciple temporarily wishes to rely on no external aids.”

Since Foundation Building, she had never used pills to advance. This time was no different.

Lord Huo, remarkably tolerant, not only prepared a quiet cultivation chamber in the City Lord’s Mansion but also stored the Stage-Breakthrough Nascent Soul Pill in the warehouse, explicitly declaring it belonged to her.

If she failed to comprehend the Dao in time, she could use the pill. If she succeeded, it would serve as part of her Nascent Soul Formation celebration.

Such unique treatment naturally stirred envy.

“Axiu, what’s wrong?”

Cui Yunxian reached out, waving her hand before Axiu’s eyes, “Why did you suddenly go silent? Tell me about the Golden Light Technique Hermit.”

Startled, Axiu quickly regained her composure. She hastily organized her thoughts and recounted the events on Tianxing Island in detail.

“Oh?”

Cui Yunxian listened with growing focus. When she heard about Xiao Chen shattering the Tai Xu Cloudlight Barrier, her eyes lit with joy.

When she learned he escaped a Golden Core True Sovereign using secret techniques, her lips curved into a graceful smile.

Her beautiful eyes brightened like dawn breaking through darkness.

“As expected, I knew this path could be walked.”

Since seven years ago, Cui Yunxian had undergone three periods of secluded cultivation, each longer than the last—ranging from one to three years—yet she had never advanced a single step.

For ordinary cultivators, stagnation for seven years—or even seventy—is normal. But for a top-tier prodigy like her, who had never encountered bottlenecks before Golden Core, seven years of stagnation inevitably bred self-doubt.

During those long, secluded days, she occasionally gazed at the moon at night, feeling lost and confused.

But now, hearing of Xiao Chen’s deeds, her heart steadied, “The Golden Light Technique cultivator, huh? I didn’t expect him to also choose the path of comprehension.”

“So the path isn’t lonely after all.”

“Unfortunately, I was in secluded cultivation and couldn’t meet this Golden Light Technique cultivator. What a pity.”

“But since he succeeded, I’m no worse than him.”

A confident, radiant smile graced Cui Yunxian’s delicate face, “Axiu, convey my greetings to Master. Also, tell him I’ll return for another period of secluded cultivation.”

“When I emerge next time, I’ll surely achieve Golden Core!”

After walking a few steps, she suddenly seemed to recall something.

Turning back, she instructed, “Axiu, during my secluded cultivation, help me gather information about this Golden Light Technique cultivator.”

After walking the path of cultivation alone for so long, she had finally found a companion.

She eagerly anticipated meeting this kindred spirit to exchange cultivation insights.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end