Chapter 241: Peak Summit

Chapter 241: Peak Summit

Hua Nongyue couldn't help but giggle again, the amorous charm from before instantly vanishing without a trace. She laughed and said, "I never said I was Xiao Ying; it was you who mistook me. Don't blame me."

As she spoke, her expression turned serious as she scrutinized Chen Mu. "But Xiao Ying wasn't wrong. You are indeed formidable. Not only have you cultivated the Heavenly Firmament, but your martial will has also carved your own path. Even if you don't make it into the top ten of the Rising Talent Ranking now, it's not because you started cultivating later than Zhou Hao and the others."

"If you had another year or two of practice, it wouldn't be impossible for you to reach the top five."

Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongyue, his expression gradually calming down. He had long heard that Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue were almost indistinguishable in appearance, so he wasn't too surprised to discover that it was actually Yue Ying.

The only surprise was that not only did Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue look identical in physical appearance, but their auras were also nearly the same. The only difference was the martial will they cultivated, which resulted in slightly different energy patterns.

In other words, if they didn't engage in combat, the two sisters standing there would appear almost like the same person.

In Chen Mu's eyes, this wasn't just a matter of natural talent; it was also a deliberate effort. When cultivating martial arts, they intentionally moved in directions closer to each other.

Hua Nongying cultivated the Taiyin, while Hua Nongyue cultivated the Taiyang... Chen Mu felt he might have underestimated this pair of sisters. If each sister cultivated one aspect of Yin and Yang, and they combined their powers, they might be able to evolve a complete Yin and Yang. This was something ordinary people couldn't achieve.

Even twin siblings would find it difficult.

But if they were not only twins but also conjoined, with interconnected energy patterns and bloodlines, indistinguishable from each other, even if they separated, they would still cultivate in a way that led to complete internal energy fusion.

Chen Mu wasn't sure if Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue could truly achieve this, or how they would do it, but they were most likely cultivating in this direction.

"I'm not interested in the Rising Talent Ranking."

Chen Mu glanced at Hua Nongyue and finally responded calmly.

Hua Nongyue smiled and said, "The Horizon Sea Pavilion's empty fame not only intensifies the competition among the younger generation in the eleven states of the Cold Northern Road, but it also drags many people into it. Some want to climb the ranking, while others fight for their position. But if one truly upholds the martial will as the only way, what does a temporary high or low ranking matter?"

As she spoke, she suddenly raised her hand and tossed the Quintessence Lotus Platform directly at Chen Mu.

Chen Mu reached out and caught it, now holding the lotus platform in his palm and carefully sensing it. He finally clearly felt the weight of the Earthly Primal Qi within, which was indeed more than he expected and not the worst-cheat.

"What about the dual cultivation technique?"

Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongyue again.

Hua Nongyue spoke softly, "We have many dual cultivation techniques in the Harmony Pleasure Sect, and some that we don't mind sharing. In a few days, I'll send them to you. But if Chen Xiong wants to learn a high-grade dual cultivation technique, you'll have to practice with me."

As her words fell, a seductive and charming aura seemed to permeate the thin air of the plateau.

Chen Mu didn't respond; he just stared at Hua Nongyue.

Hua Nongyue hummed and said, "What is Chen Xiong worried about? I've already given you the Quintessence Lotus Platform, and I'm not afraid you'll go back on your word. Do you still doubt my integrity?"

Chen Mu glanced at Hua Nongyue again, then put the Quintessence Lotus Platform away and took out an Earthly Origin Green Lotus Seed, tossing it to Hua Nongyue, who caught it with a light, graceful movement.

At this moment, Hua Nongyue's playful expression vanished, and she seriously observed the green lotus seed in her hand. After confirming there were no issues, she smiled at Chen Mu and said, "Thank you, Chen Xiong, for your help. I'll thank you on my sister's behalf."

As she spoke, her lips curved slightly, and a strand of voice formed a line, quietly falling into Chen Mu's ear. "Chen Xiong, you've cultivated the Heavenly-Earth Concept and can harness the power of the sky on the Cloudy Heaven Peak. Many consider you a formidable opponent, so be careful when traveling alone. There are more than one or two people keeping an eye on you now."

As her words fell, Hua Nongyue giggled and disappeared in an instant, leaving a lingering fragrance in the air.

Chen Mu didn't pay much attention to Hua Nongyue's warning and turned his gaze back to the Cloudy Heaven Peak. He took a step and descended from the peak, heading towards the foot of the mountain.

The fierce wind howled around him, but he couldn't fly. Still, it slowed his descent significantly, making him seem like he was floating in the air. He soon reached the bottom of the valley and continued forward.

...

One day,

Two days,

Three days,

As time gradually passed, the conflicts in the Bi City County gradually subsided.

With the turmoil in the Cloud Sea drawing near, any injuries now would affect the upcoming summit for martial arts and Dao enlightenment. Even if some sect disciples fought and ignited each other's passions, they temporarily set aside their disputes.

A few more days passed.

Finally,

The rolling cloud sea high in the sky suddenly changed on this day, covering the sun and resembling surging waves, tumultuous and unpredictable.

"It's here!"

"It's starting!"

Numerous disciples from various sects in the eleven states of the Cold Northern Road looked up at the sky. No matter where they were or what they were doing, they all stopped and turned their attention to the sky.

As the cloud sea churned,

A large number of sect disciples crossed the plateau and gathered at the foot of the Cloudy Heaven Peak. Although there were hundreds of people, each at least in the Bone Forging Realm, they didn't stand out against the towering Cloudy Heaven Peak, which soared into the sky. Their energy patterns were insignificant compared to the peak.

Before reaching the central peak, the Cloudy Heaven Peak had multiple paths. Only after reaching the central peak was there a single path left... not because other places were inaccessible, but because at that height, the pressure from heaven and earth became intense, making the steep rock walls extremely difficult to climb. Only one path remained, the easiest way to the peak.

As time passed, various sect members gathered at the foot of the mountain, dispersing across the vast expanse of the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak. The people of the Seven Mysteries Sect, led by Zhou Hao, were gathered at the northern foot of the peak.

Among the Seven Peaks' True Disciples, all were present except for Chen Mu. Additionally, outstanding Bone Forging Realm cultivators from various peaks, such as Ling Xuan Feng's Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, were also in attendance. Although they couldn't reach the peak, as long as they climbed above the cloud sea, they could still gain insights from the heavens and earth, which was a valuable opportunity for those who had already grasped their own intentions.

The cloud sea rumbled.

The sky darkened, and the earth grew dim.

Suddenly, a thunderous explosion reverberated through the sky, and the vast cloud sea that enveloped the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak began to part in pieces, gradually revealing the majestic peak in all its splendor to the crowd.

The scorching sunlight finally pierced through the gaps in the cloud sea, illuminating the foot of the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak.

It was at this moment.

Numerous tiny figures, like ants compared to the towering Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak, climbed upwards, some leaping, others running, towards the majestic peak.

Among them, one figure was enveloped in a sword glow, resembling a celestial sword. As they ascended along the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak, their sword intent surged, overwhelming the myriad things in the world, as if slicing through the heavens."

It was the first on the Rising Talent List, Zuo Qianqiu of the Heaven Sword Sect!"

Following closely behind.

A thick and heavy aura surged, and Yuan Ying Song, holding the Eight Directions Halberd, climbed the peak. With each leap, he covered over ten zhang, thrusting the halberd into the mountain's rock face, ascending higher with each movement.

In other directions, figures from the Non-Birth Temple, Harmony Pleasure Sect, and Ice Absolute Palace, such as Flower Shadow, Cold Cang, and others, all supreme talents on the Rising Talent List, led the way, climbing towards the upper peak amidst the turbulent cloud sea.

"Let's go."

Zhou Hao glanced at the Seven Mysteries Sect members and then leaped forward, heading towards the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak.

The other True Disciples and outstanding Inner Disciples from various peaks also began their ascent.

The Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak was incredibly tall and wide.

As the numerous Inner Disciples and True Disciples climbed, they quickly spread out, those in the Bone Forging Realm feeling the pressure after climbing several hundred zhang. They had to search for suitable paths, unable to continue leaping upwards.

The True Disciples who had entered the Organ Realms pulled ahead, only feeling some pressure after reaching a height of over a thousand zhang, as they continued climbing while searching for more suitable paths.

As for Zuo Qianqiu, Yuan Ying Song, and other supreme talents, they quickly surpassed the two-thousand-zhang middle peak.

At this moment.

At the base of the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak.

Chen Mu gazed upwards, immersed in the parting cloud sea. As he gradually regained his senses, he noticed the cloud layer covering the peak slowly sinking and collapsing.

"When Yin rises, Yang falls; when Yang thrives, Yin declines."

"Just like the ebb and flow of the tides, the cycle of Yin and Yang. When the Heavenly Firmament Energy gathers beyond its capacity, it transforms from Yang to Yin and sinks..."

His eyes revealed numerous insights, but he didn't dwell on them. Instead, he glanced at the towering Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak and took a step forward, ascending along a cliff face.

In just a moment, he surpassed the Inner Disciples from various sects who had already climbed a distance. Soon after, he reached the middle peak of the Cloud Veil Heavenly Peak and continued upwards along a ridge.

As he climbed higher.

With each step, Chen Mu sensed the flow and transformation of the Heavenly Firmament Energy, which became increasingly clear before his eyes.

The previous cloud sea turbulence seemed to tear apart a layer of separation in the heavens and earth, allowing the Heaven-Earth Eight Phases and the flow of Yin and Yang to manifest more clearly in front of people, and the higher they climbed, the clearer it became.

Chen Mu continued his slow ascent, his eyes sometimes filled with understanding, sometimes with confusion, and occasionally with sudden enlightenment. Yet, with every step, he climbed firmly upwards, never missing a single step.

Vast and boundless, like riding the wind through the void, his path was unknown.

This was how Chen Mu felt at this moment.

The complete Heaven-Earth Concept was in his grasp, and at this very moment, he felt that almost every part of the heavens and earth was a concept map presented before his eyes!

It was as if he had consumed the Earth Origin Lotus Seed, merging with the heavens and earth, becoming a part of nature. A blink of an eye witnessed the rise and fall of the sun and moon, and a breath brought the swelling of the vast sea.

And so.

Chen Mu, in a daze, continued his ascent.

After an unknown distance and time, a small path appeared in his line of sight, a path illuminated by the cloud veil's glow, leading to the very peak.

At this moment.

Looking up the path, he saw dozens of figures. Some stood at the edge, gazing down at the rolling cloud sea, contemplating something. Others were engaged in combat, their every move a clash of intentions, testing their martial arts.

Each of these figures was extraordinary, all supreme talents on the Rising Talent List! Even those not ranked on the list were still supreme talents, or figures not yet included, like Gu Hong, who had broken through and risen two years ago.

Looking further up the path, the number of figures decreased, leaving only Flower Shadow, Yuan Ying Song, and Zuo Qianqiu at the very top, standing at the end, comprehending the heavens and earth.

Chen Mu's arrival didn't attract much attention.

As he stepped onto the path and began his ascent, he gradually drew some gazes.

"Who is he...?"

Some on the path glanced curiously at Chen Mu.

The Cold Northern Circuit's eleven states were vast, and even supreme talents on the Rising Talent List were often unfamiliar with each other, identifiable only by their clothing. Chen Mu, wearing plain attire instead of the Seven Mysteries Sect's uniform, wasn't immediately recognizable.

As the sun shone overhead, a figure stood atop the mountain ladder, deep in meditation. Suddenly, a realization struck him, and his gaze shifted to Chen Mu, who was climbing the ladder towards him. His eyes lit up with anticipation.

For days, he had been searching for Chen Mu, eager for another battle to reaffirm his path. But he hadn't been able to find Chen Mu anywhere, not even when he climbed the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder. He had been waiting for Chen Mu to arrive, thinking something might have happened to him.

"You've finally come!"

Gu Hong took a few steps towards Chen Mu, his gaze intense. "I thought something had happened to you. I'm glad you're here!"

"You, in that remote area of Jade Province, have grasped the Wind, Thunder, and Fire Intentions. Joining the Seven Mysteries Sect did not disappoint me. You've cultivated the Skyward Primal Intention, and I must admit, I once underestimated you. But I won't do so again. You are indeed my lifelong rival!"

The surrounding onlookers turned their attention to Chen Mu, climbing the ladder, and their eyes widened in surprise.

"So, he's Chen Mu. In just a year and a half, he's grasped the Skyward Primal Concept. But he's been hiding until now, only revealing himself when climbing the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder and seizing the Skyward Primal Vein."

Gu Hong's eyes flashed with determination.

In martial arts, one should avoid weaknesses and capitalize on strengths. Timing and location are crucial. Chen Mu waited until he seized the Skyward Primal Vein before appearing, a strategic move without fault.

If they had mastered the Skyward Primal Concept, they might have done the same. This wasn't a despicable act.

Gu Hong, however, was different.

Rumor had it that he had lost to Chen Mu, and after breaking and re-establishing his Heart Sword, he rose to become one of the most formidable figures in the Sky Sword Sect, second only to Zuo Qianqiu. He was indeed extraordinary, and despite knowing Chen Mu was borrowing the power of the Skyward Primal Vein, he showed no fear. He dared to challenge Chen Mu in a duel of swords!

"Gu Hong has indeed achieved something remarkable."

On the mountain path above, Jiang Yifei, clad in a dark robe, observed Gu Hong with a glimmer in his eyes.

As the seventh-ranked talent on the New Talent Ranking, Jiang Yifei, a true disciple of the Sky Sword Sect, had only Zuo Qianqiu in his sights. But now, with Gu Hong's breakthrough and re-forged Heart Sword, his entire demeanor had changed, making him worthy of challenging the top eleven on the Rising Talent List.

If Gu Hong could defeat Chen Mu against the odds, or even just withstand Chen Mu's borrowed Skyward Primal power for dozens of moves without defeat, it would solidify his determination. From then on, Chen Mu would become his lifelong rival.

At that moment, everyone on the mountain ladder, except for Zuo Qianqiu who was at the summit, turned their attention to Chen Mu. Even Yuan Ying Song, Leng Wensong, and Hai Yi, shifted their gazes, watching Chen Mu climb the ladder towards Gu Hong, who was brimming with sword intent.

As Chen Mu ascended the ladder, approaching Gu Hong, something unexpected happened.

Chen Mu seemed oblivious to Gu Hong's words and challenge, showing no reaction. His gaze didn't meet Gu Hong's, and he appeared unaware of the surging sword intent, as if lost in a trance.

"Chen Shidi?"

Zhou Hao, standing on the mountain ladder, was also watching the challenge. Although he and Chen Mu were fellow disciples, both considered the Sky Sword Sect's top talents, he had never witnessed Chen Mu's Skyward Primal abilities. Noticing Chen Mu's unusual state, he furrowed his brows in concern.

Gu Hong had already issued a challenge with his Heart Sword, and the powerful sword intent filled the mountain ladder, felt by all present. Yet, Chen Mu seemed completely unaware, as if immersed in the mysteries of heaven and earth, oblivious to his surroundings.

This wasn't a good sign.

If Chen Mu was too engrossed in his meditation, he'd expose a glaring weakness. In martial arts, one should avoid weaknesses and exploit strengths. If Chen Mu borrowed the power of the Skyward Primal Vein to reach new heights, others could seize the opportunity to shatter his concept!

As if to prove this point, just as Chen Mu took a step towards the peak, approaching Gu Hong within three zhang, Gu Hong unleashed his attack. He didn't wait for Chen Mu to regain his senses or reach his peak state. With Chen Mu's borrowed Skyward Primal power, he challenged Chen Mu, and naturally, he wouldn't wait for Chen Mu to fully recover before engaging in combat.

A profound vibration filled the air!

Gu Hong pointed his fingers like a sword, and a formless energy blade, extending several zhang, soared towards Chen Mu, disrupting the Skyward Primal power on the mountain ladder.

The force of Gu Hong's attack was not to be underestimated. It drew the attention of everyone on the mountain ladder. Gu Hong's strength, as displayed in recent days, was indeed worthy of challenging the top ten on the Rising Talent List. Although Chen Mu wasn't in the top ten, having cultivated the Skyward Primal Concept and borrowed the Skyward Primal power, he was undoubtedly one of the most powerful figures on the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder.

Despite Chen Mu's apparent vulnerability, everyone wanted to witness the outcome of Gu Hong's attack.

However, something bizarre happened.

As Gu Hong's expansive formless sword energy, surging towards Chen Mu, reached its peak just above Chen Mu's head, it suddenly froze and began to crumble, inch by inch!

Chen Mu, without any extra movement, not even lifting a hand, continued climbing with a dazed expression. With each step he took, a portion of Gu Hong's sword energy collapsed.

Until Chen Mu reached Gu Hong.

Gu Hong's face had turned pale, his arm trembling as he struggled to maintain his Heart Sword. Finally, with a loud burst, his entire body seemed to deflate, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his vitality rapidly fading.

Chen Mu, with his trance-like gaze, remained unaffected, not even lifting a hand. The only movement was his steady climbing steps.

Step.

Step.

Step.

In the ensuing silence, only the sound of Chen Mu's footsteps climbing the ladder could be heard.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end