Chapter 236: Returning to the Sect

Chapter 236: Returning to the Sect

"Huff... Huff..."

Xia Hou Yan and Chu Jing Su both panted heavily, their breaths ragged.

Although they were both at the Six Viscera Realm, unleashing the full might of their Spirit Armaments and engaging in combat with a Seventh-Rank Spider King was still a tremendous challenge, exerting considerable strain on their internal energy reserves.

This was also the reason why Chen Mu rarely used his Evil-Slaying Thunder Lance under normal circumstances. While he could effortlessly wield the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal, with the Heaven-Earth Cycle endlessly revolving, the consumption of activating the Evil-Slaying Thunder Lance was immense.

"Chen Shidi." After a brief pause to catch his breath, Xia Hou Yan turned to Chen Mu with a bitter smile. "You've truly left me in awe."

"The Heaven-Earth Concept, the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal..." Chu Jing Su, still somewhat overwhelmed, gazed at Chen Mu. In truth, his inner turmoil was even greater than Xia Hou Yan's, for Xia Hou Yan had only recently met Chen Mu, and thus wasn't as familiar with him. Chu Jing Su, on the other hand, had escorted Chen Mu all the way from Yu County to the Seven Mysteries Sect's mountain gate, and he was well aware that at that time, Chen Mu had likely not yet cultivated the Skyward Primal and Earthly Root techniques.

Even if Chen Mu had already mastered six of the Eight Phases, excluding the Skyward Primal and Earthly Root, by the time he reached Spirit Profound Peak, it was still astonishing that he cultivated both techniques within a year and a half, and comprehended the complete Heaven-Earth Concept through the revolving Heaven-Earth Cycle.

"Chen Shidi, how did you manage this?" Chu Jing Su took a deep breath and couldn't help but ask Chen Mu.

He suddenly felt like he couldn't understand his fellow sect junior at all.

Chen Mu, who was currently examining the rapidly withering corpse of the Spider King, heard Chu Jing Su's words and replied casually, "Are you referring to the Heaven-Earth Concept, Chu Shixiong? I suppose my comprehension is quite good, and I happen to be quite compatible with the Heaven-Earth lineage."

Chu Jing Su smiled wryly, "This isn't something that can be achieved solely through comprehension. Even if you had obtained the Earthly Origin Lotus Seed beforehand, with its assistance, it's still incredibly impressive to master the complete second step of Heaven-Earth within a year and a half."

While it was true that the Heaven-Earth Concept was the most widespread martial path in the world, and many in the Six Viscera Realm had cultivated the complete Heaven-Earth Concept, the vast majority of them failed to breakthrough the Mystic Gateway and become Marrow-Washing Grandmasters. They then turned their attention to further comprehending the Heaven-Earth Concept, spending decades to comprehend each aspect.

However, Chen Mu had comprehended the complete Heaven-Earth Concept in the Organ Realm and had taken the second step, indicating that he had the potential to cross the Mystic Gateway and become a Grandmaster using the Heaven-Earth Concept.

Looking back at the entire history of the Great Xuan Empire, countless cultivators had walked the path of the Heaven-Earth Concept since the time of the founding Martial Emperor. Yet, in a thousand years, not a single person had managed to enter the Blood Exchange Realm with the complete Heaven-Earth Concept, and those who crossed the Mystic Gateway to become Grandmasters could be counted on two hands.

If Chen Mu could breakthrough the Mystic Gateway and become a Grandmaster in the future, even if he didn't reach the third step or ascend to the pinnacle of the martial path, he would still have the potential to rival those in the Blood Exchange Realm as a Grandmaster!

Of course, these thoughts were still somewhat distant for Chen Mu. After all, the Mystic Gateway had been the final hurdle for countless geniuses, and while the Heaven-Earth Concept was the mightiest of martial paths, it was also the most challenging. It could only be said that with Chen Mu's comprehension and talent, there was great hope.

Xia Hou Yan couldn't help but sigh and smile wryly, "I was just thinking about how to protect Chen Shidi, but it turns out I was the frog at the bottom of the well. If Chen Shidi hadn't cultivated the Heaven-Earth Concept, and we had encountered a Gale Wind Ranking expert, we might have suffered a great loss today... This demon underwent demonic transformation, truly beyond our expectations."

Hearing Xia Hou Yan's words, Chen Mu shook his head, "If not for the two Shixiongs' intervention, I might have suppressed this demon, but it would have been difficult to kill it."

Chu Jing Su also turned his gaze to the remaining dried-up flesh of the Spider King's corpse, "This Spider King must have devoured a Spirit Mine or something, buried deep within the Earth Meridian, that was infiltrated by demonic energy. Although it broke through to the Seventh Rank, the demonic energy couldn't be dispersed in a short time, and it just so happened to encounter us, leading to its loss of control."

"Indeed, that must be the case."

Xia Hou Yan nodded slightly, "Demonic energy is already rare in the world, and even if it exists, it's usually in Spirit Mines or similar objects that were once infiltrated by demonic energy, buried deep within the Earth Meridian, never discovered, and then consumed by demons, transforming them into demon-beasts."

Chen Mu examined the remaining corpse of the demonized Spider King, and indeed, it matched the descriptions in the classics. Demons and demon-beasts, upon death, would completely wither and decay, leaving behind nothing of value.

Regardless, it was good that it had been slain.

"Both Shixiongs, let's go somewhere else to talk."

Chen Mu suggested, and both Xia Hou Yan and Chu Jing Su nodded in agreement. The three of them quickly made their way back to the surface through the quicksand, a close call.

Upon returning to the sand, Chen Mu scanned the surroundings before opening one of the bundles on his back, "This Spider King had gathered quite a few good things from the Earth Meridian, and hadn't devoured them all."

Both Xia Hou Yan and Chu Jing Su were surprised to see the items Chen Mu revealed.

"Hmm?"

"Obsidian Rock?"

The two of them had far broader knowledge and experience than Chen Mu, and they immediately recognized the most precious item among the spirit materials.

After a glance at each other, they said, "It seems our luck is truly good, to find an Obsidian Rock, the top-tier mineral for forging Spirit Armaments. Chen Shidi, you should keep it."

Chu Jing Su nodded, "Chen Shidi, with your cultivation in the Heaven-Earth Concept, you'll soon enter the Six Viscera Realm. At that time, you might need a suitable Spirit Armament, and this Obsidian Rock is perfect for you."

Although the Obsidian Rock was the most valuable item among the spirit materials, neither Xia Hou Yan nor Chu Jing Su had any greedy thoughts. On one hand, Chen Mu had exerted his utmost to slay the demonized Spider King, and on the other hand, they already possessed their own Spirit Armaments, and obtaining the Obsidian Rock would be for exchanging other needed items, not an immediate necessity.

Chen Mu could even keep this Obsidian Rock for himself, but they all trusted him, a fellow disciple of Spirit Profound Peak and a true Heaven's Pride. It was only natural that he wouldn't stoop to such petty actions.

"Alright, if that's what you two think, then I won't refuse any further."

Chen Mu didn't bring up the matter of the Evil-Slaying Thunder Lance and, seeing Xia Hou Yan and Chu Jing Su's words, he put away the Obsidian Rock.

When Xia Hou Yan and Chu Jing Su saw Chen Mu accept the Obsidian Rock, they both smiled and each took a moment to relax. They then began selecting from their recent harvest, and finally, they distributed the remaining portions among themselves.

"Since Chen Shidi has cultivated the Heaven-Earth Concept and will soon enter the Six Viscera Realm, with his current strength, I believe he can make it onto the Gale Wind Rankings. After entering the Six Viscera Realm, his potential will be limitless... However, the path Chen Shidi has chosen is the most challenging. In the future, when he attempts to break through the Mystic Gateway, he will need to forge an exceptionally strong martial will."

Xia Hou Yan finally turned to Chen Mu and said with a sigh.

With Chen Mu's talent and understanding, if he solely cultivated Skyward Primal or Earthly Root, he would likely have at least a ninety percent chance of breaking through the Mystic Gateway and becoming a Grandmaster. However, the complete Sky Heaven Earth path was far more difficult. Still, with Chen Mu's abilities, it would be a pity not to attempt this ultimate path.

After all, in the history of Great Xuan, while no one had cultivated the third step of the Heaven-Earth Concept and reached the pinnacle of martial arts in a thousand years, there were still some who had become Grandmasters through the Heaven-Earth Concept or cultivated the Heaven-Earth Domain.

These individuals were also among the top experts who dominated the world.

"Chen Shidi, if you're committed to the Sky Heaven Earth path, it's best to complete the 'Tenth Refinement' in the Organ Realms. The more solid your physical foundation, the easier it will be to break through the Mystic Gateway in the future."

Chu Jing Su also turned to Chen Mu and said, "Before the ninth refinement, you shouldn't need celestial and earthly resources to nourish yourself. But the tenth refinement is much more challenging. If you can't rely on your inner energy to refine naturally, you can use some resources from Spirit Profound Peak to further refine your organs with the help of Five Element Essence Orbs."

Chen Mu looked at Chu Jing Su and asked, "Do you know what the limit of refinement is in the Organ Realms?"

"Ten times, maybe eleven."

Chu Jing Su replied, but then shook his head, "Our master refined ten times, but she said that she didn't feel she had reached the limit after ten refinements. She couldn't complete the eleventh refinement no matter what, and I've never heard of anyone achieving eleven refinements. So, ten times is likely the limit, and eleven might just be an idea."

"I see."

Chen Mu nodded slightly. Chu Jing Su's knowledge seemed similar to Meng Danyun's, both believing that ten times was the limit, and there might be an eleventh time, but since no one had achieved it, they didn't consider it further.

However, Chen Mu was certain that there was an eleventh time.

"Alright, it's about time. This desert won't yield much more, and I need to return to Cloudy Peak Pass to resume my duties. But if you two have no other matters, you can continue exploring for a while."

Xia Hou Yan packed his belongings and spoke to Chen Mu and Chu Jing Su.

Chu Jing Su shook his head and said, "I'm heading back. What about you, Shidi?"

"I'll accompany you," Chen Mu replied without much thought.

His current collection of resources was already sufficient, and with the Earth Meridian power becoming harder to gather, it was indeed as Xia Hou Yan had said; further exploration would likely yield little. It was time for him to return and thoroughly digest the gains from this trip.

"Okay, let's go then."

Xia Hou Yan smiled and, after orienting himself, headed back towards Cloud Peak Pass.

Chu Jing Su and Chen Mu followed alongside.

"Chen Shidi, besides us, no one knows that you've cultivated the Heaven-Earth Concept, right?"

"When I return to the sect and continue my secluded cultivation, by the time I emerge again, I should reach the limit of refinement in the Organ Realms. Those on the Talent List and Gale Wind Rankings will be in for a big surprise."

Chu Jing Su's words carried a sense of awe.

Being in the Organ Realms in his twenties was akin to the prowess of a Gale Wind Rankings expert!

He didn't know what kind of sensation he would stir up in the Cold Northern Road's eleven states, but Spirit Profound Peak, after years of quiet following Qin Mengjun, had finally produced a true Heaven's Pride.

Soon.

The three of them returned to Cloud Peak Pass.

Chen Mu didn't linger and, carrying his belongings, returned alone to the Seven Xuan Sect.

In the 1619 book bar, look at the wrong version!

He was the last to leave during the Sand Disaster and the first to return.

Upon returning to the sect, he quickly organized all his gains, then turned in the celestial and earthly resources he didn't need to the sect as a contribution, and then exchanged these contributions for the required spirit armaments.

Finally, as a Spirit Profound Peak's true disciple, he called upon the resources he could access in these two years.

...

At the same time.

On the main peak of the Seven Xuan Sect, in the courtyard behind the main hall.

Acting Sect Leader Qi Yuanxuan sat calmly in a pavilion, placing chess pieces one by one on a chessboard. A sect guardian stood respectfully beside him, reporting something.

"... Chen Shidi exchanged and called upon nineteen sets of organ-refining spirit materials in one go. Although he should be at the final refinement of the organs, is this excessive?"

Yu Chengyi, the guardian of Great Mysterious Peak and Zhou Hao's senior fellow disciple, spoke with a slight delay. Although Chen Mu's exchange and call for auxiliary organ-refining spirit materials didn't exceed the limit, the problem was that these spirit materials were not abundant for the entire Seven Xuan Sect. They were resources that could help some stewards and inner disciples in the Organ Realms take a step further into the Six Viscera Realm, and for the Seven Xuan Sect, they were in high demand.

Chen Mu had requisitioned a total of nineteen portions, a significant amount that could allow seven or eight hopeless disciples to advance further on the path of cultivation.

Of course.

The most crucial aspect was that Zhou Hao's time was approaching, and Chen Mu's early withdrawal of such a large batch of resources might cause some temporary liquidity issues. When Zhou Hao needed to access them again, it could lead to some delays.

Hesitating for a moment, he still came to report to Qi Zhiyuan, feeling that Chen Mu's requisition was excessive and somewhat wasteful.

"Since they are all redeemed with contribution points, and the allocation is within the range of direct disciples, it follows the rules... Are you worried that Zhou Hao will need them, and there might be delays?"

Qi Zhiyuan spoke calmly while arranging chess pieces.

Exposed by Qi Zhiyuan's words, Yu Cheng couldn't help but smile awkwardly, "I'm just afraid that when the time comes, Zhou Shidi will also requisition a batch, and the sect will temporarily lack such resources."

Qi Zhiyuan replied with a calm tone, "Within the Seven Profound Sect, the superior takes first. This is the custom. Zhou Hao himself isn't even in a hurry, so why are you? Moreover, you should have heard about the Cloud Summit Pass incident. Do you think Chen Mu is inferior to Zhou Hao?"

"That's not the case, it's just..."

Yu Cheng hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't voice his thoughts. He still felt that Zhou Hao, having joined the sect at a young age and cultivated in the Seven Profound Sect, especially in the Great Mysterious Peak lineage, was more worthy than Chen Mu, who had only been in the sect for a year and a half. Even with the news from Cloud Summit Pass suggesting that Chen Mu had likely cultivated the Heavenly Firmament Concept, Yu Cheng's heart still leaned more towards Zhou Hao.

"You may go now."

"Yes," Yu Cheng replied reluctantly, turning to leave.

But as Yu Cheng turned to leave, Qi Zhiyuan watched his departing figure and shook his head slightly.

In martial arts cultivation, one needed both innate talent and resources. The competition for resources among sects was common, and even within the Seven Profound Sect, there were subtle struggles for resources among the various peaks.

As the acting leader, Qi Zhiyuan understood these dynamics well but never intervened. After all, if a sect had no conflicts or disputes, it would be unable to produce powerful practitioners who could dominate the world.

Take the current Seven Profound Sect as an example; although there were numerous grandmasters, only one person from the state of Yu, who had grown up within the sect, had made it onto the Wind and Cloud Rankings in the Six Viscera Realm. That was the shortcoming of the Seven Profound Sect over the past few decades; they had never participated in the eleven-state struggle on the Cold Northern Road.

However, if the competition for resources fell upon Chen Mu, it would be impossible to let it pass.

The Cloud Summit Pass? The Heavenly Firmament Concept?

Currently, both inside and outside the Seven Profound Sect, people were likely discussing how Chen Mu had cultivated the Heavenly Firmament Concept in just a year and a half, achieving the same feat as Zhou Hao and entering the top ten of the New Talent List. But Qi Zhiyuan had known about another matter more than a month ago.

Even today, Qi Zhiyuan still felt it somewhat unbelievable. If not for the fact that this news had come directly from the Supreme Elder, he might have found it hard to believe.

The Heavenly Firmament Concept, the Cloud Summit Pass demon-slaying...

All the news circulating about Chen Mu was merely a facade. In fact, within a year and a half, Chen Mu had already mastered the complete Heaven-Earth Concept and taken the second step!

When Qi Zhiyuan first received this news, he was almost shocked beyond words. He even considered personally verifying it, but as the news came from the Supreme Elder, he ultimately restrained himself and kept silent.

Currently, apart from Chen Mu's master, Qin Mengjun, and the Supreme Elder, the only other person who knew this secret was Qi Zhiyuan, the acting leader.

"To cultivate the complete Heaven-Earth Concept in the Organ Realms... Even if he can't cultivate the third step in the future, there's still hope to cultivate the Heaven-Earth Domain. If he can break through the Mystic Gateway and enter the Marrow-Washing Realm, he will become one of the top experts in the world."

Although it was extremely difficult to break through the Mystic Gateway with the Heaven-Earth Concept, there were only a few cases in the history of the Great Xuan Dynasty. However, Chen Mu's comprehension and talent seemed to hold great promise. If he could cultivate to the grandmaster realm, his future achievements would likely surpass even Qin Mengjun's. Even if he didn't reach the blood-changing step, there was still hope for him to rival blood-changed existences as a grandmaster.

It was reasonable for the Seven Profound Sect to spare no resources in nurturing such a once-in-a-generation genius.

Requisitioning some viscera-refining spirit materials was insignificant.

"Chen Mu has now reached this point; it's time for him to temper his martial arts will. The Sky Sword Sect and the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion both have their eyes on the 'Cloudy Peak Pass' in Jade Province Bi City. They are eager to make a move, and it's a good thing they've arrived at the right time."

A glint flashed in Qi Zhiyuan's eyes.

The Cloudy Peak Pass was a secret location in Jade Province Bi City, or perhaps the highest peak in the entire province, even in Yu Zhou. Every five years, when the clouds stirred, the heavens and earth manifested profound mysteries, making it an excellent place for cultivation.

As the time for the cloud disturbance at the Cloudy Peak Pass approached, various sects, including the Sky Sword Sect, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, the Harmony Sect, and even the Distant Sea Pavilion, began to secretly operate around Jade Province Bi City.

Obviously, after the Yu Province incident, the Seven Profound Sect could no longer monopolize the Cloudy Peak Pass's cultivation opportunity that occurred once every five years.

But cultivation was also a path of debate. All the heaven-proud figures wanted to step on others' bones to verify their martial arts and temper their undefeated hearts. However, the Sky Sword Sect had Zuo Qianqiu, and this generation of the Seven Profound Sect had produced Chen Mu.

After a thought flashed through Qi Zhiyuan's mind, he finally made a decision. "Pass on my Seven Profound Order. During this cloud disturbance, the younger generation from the Cold Northern Road sects can enter Jade Province Bi City and ascend the Cloudy Peak Pass to cultivate and debate martial arts!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end