https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-261-260-Refining-Techniques-Like-Stars-Divine-Powers-Ascending-to-the-Heavens-Part-1-/12587106/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-262-261-The-Heavenly-Master-s-Mansion-Seeks-Retribution-Part-1-/12587108/
Chapter 261: 260. Refining Techniques Like Stars, Divine Powers Ascending to the Heavens (Part 2)
Chapter 261: 260. Refining Techniques Like Stars, Divine Powers Ascending to the Heavens (Part 2)
As he pulled the bowstring, light converged and transformed into arrows, pointing towards the peak of the island ahead.
Then, Lin Yuwei released the arrow. The arrow, imbued with his majestic Confucian essence, flew out, leaving almost no trace of its trajectory.
When the arrow reappeared, it was hovering in mid-air.
It didn't fall onto the peak of Changjie Island but hung suspended.
The air seemed to ripple like water, with waves spreading continuously.
The arrow appeared to be held in place by an invisible force.
Out of caution, Lin Yuwei fired another volley of arrows in rapid succession.
All the arrows hovered in mid-air, as if nailed to an invisible, transparent "door."
Light scattered in all directions.
An invisible spatial gateway finally revealed itself.
"I'll go in and investigate. You all stay here for now," Lin Yuwei said, taking a deep breath.
Lin Jinsong said, "Fifth Brother... let me go instead!"
With Lin Jian and Lin Zhan both missing and Lin Che and Lin Chou deceased, Lin Yuwei was now the only remaining Eighth Heaven pillar of the Southern Sect of the Lin Clan.
"...Be extra careful and don't force yourself," Lin Yuwei said after a moment of deliberation. "Just find out the situation beyond the gateway, don't rush into searching for Uncle-Ancestor, and don't go too deep."
"I understand," Lin Jinsong replied.
He drew his longsword and stepped forward, the majestic Confucian essence around him surging like a mighty river, rippling through the air.
The spatial gateway distorted further, emitting a faint glow.
Lin Jinsong, sword in hand, stepped through the gateway.
Behind him, Lin Yuwei watched the gateway intently, his heart still heavy with worry.
Although everything seemed to be going smoothly, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
The other Lin Clan members either dispersed to maintain a perimeter or stayed by Lin Yuwei's side, their gazes fixed on the invisible "gateway" in the air.
Time ticked by, but Lin Jinsong did not return.
Just as Lin Yuwei's brows furrowed in concern, the spatial gateway in front of them suddenly shook.
The next moment, a flash of light flew out.
Prepared for any eventuality, Lin Yuwei fired an arrow, which collided with the light in mid-air.
Both the arrow and the light fell to the ground, revealing the light's true form.
It was a longsword.
This sword was all too familiar to the Lin Clan members—it was Lin Jinsong's own sword.
However, the sword was now broken in two, with only the front half of the blade remaining.
Lin Yuwei's expression changed, and he quickly stepped forward to pick up the broken sword.
The remaining Confucian essence on the sword condensed into a radiant light, inscribing two words in the air: "Barbarians" and "Martial."
Upon seeing these two words, Lin Yuwei and the other Lin Clan members' faces changed once more.
The message Lin Jinsong sent indicated that the world beyond this spatial gateway was also filled with the wild, domineering, iron-blooded, and brutal martial arts true intent, just like the otherworldly realm on top of the Great Black Mountain.
Lin Yuwei pointed his arrow at the spatial gateway on the island.
However, no one else emerged from the "gateway," nor was there any further movement from Lin Jinsong or any additional traces of Lin Jian.
The island was silent at this moment.
The invisible "gateway" seemed like the gaping maw of a beast, ready to devour anyone who approached.
Lei Jun stared ahead, deep in thought, before finally speaking, "Inform the clan and the Imperial Family in the capital about this matter."
................................
"Yes, it's done."
Ray Joon completely removed the sea sand impurities from the Jade Essence True Water, leaving it pristine.
Over the years, the natural purification process of the heavens and earth had already removed most of the sea sand.
Thus, Ray needed little effort and time, only finalizing the last few touches.
An infinitely useful water vein had officially fallen into Ray's possession.
This third-grade opportunity was now fully secured.
"Master's foundation is in the revolving stars and the life star god, and by further studying the water, fire, yin, and yang techniques, this Jade Essence True Water will surely come in handy," Ray nodded in satisfaction.
Such a water vein would likely be even more effective than the Galaxy Crystal.
Speaking of which, this Jade Essence True Water, just like the Galaxy Crystal, could be considered one of the spoils of the previous battle in Jiangzhou.
Ray employed various means to divide this Jade Essence True Water vein into three parts.
Although each individual vein was weaker, the Jade Essence True Water had a good foundation, so splitting it this way would allow it to be more widely utilized.
After thoroughly dealing with everything, Ray returned to his Dragon and Tiger Mountain sect.
Of the three Jade Essence True Water veins, Ray kept one for himself and combined it with the Grand Ultimate Heaven Jade he had obtained earlier in Jinzhou, as he had some new ideas to try and develop new magical powers.
The second water vein Ray attempted to cultivate on Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
If he could successfully integrate it into the mountain's terrain, it would become one of the spiritual springs on the mountain, lasting for generations, and his fellow sect members and future juniors would all have a chance to benefit from it.
There were similar precedents in history.
However, the Dragon and Tiger Mountain sect itself was already extremely spiritual, so transplanting an external water vein was no easy task, requiring a long-term, gradual effort.
As for the third Jade Essence True Water vein, Ray gave it to his master, Yuan Mobai.
"You've done well, Ray," Yuan Mobai said with a smile after hearing Ray's arrangements. "The Jade Essence True Water is truly rare."
Aside from the water itself being rare, it was also particularly compatible with Yuan Mobai's cultivation method, which made it even more valuable.
Ray said, "As you have always taught me, Master, I follow the opportunities presented by heaven and adapt to the circumstances."
He briefly recounted his experiences in the Moon Embracing Blessed Land and at Qingmei Creek, but he did not mention his choice between Qingmei Creek in Yuanzhou and Changjie Island in the East Sea.
Yuan Mobai nodded slightly after listening, "Although the Nine Creeks Scholar is still missing, we have at least uncovered the mystery of his absence during the Jiangzhou battle."
As he spoke, Yuan Mobai took a letter from his side and handed it to Ray, "You were outside for a few extra days to purify the sand in the true water, and a letter just arrived from the capital."
Ray took the letter and read it.
It was from the Tang court imperial family, mentioning that after Lin Yuwei and his group went to sea, Lin Yuwei had reported that there was a spatial gateway on a desolate island in the East Sea that led to a world filled with the wild, domineering, iron-blooded, and brutal martial arts true intent.
Lin Jinsong, a seventh-heaven elder of the Lin Clan, had fallen into this gateway, and his life or death was unknown.
This spatial gateway was extremely dangerous, and they implored the court to make a decision.
The reason the Tang court imperial family also notified the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion was due to Xu Yuanzhen's entry into the "gateway" above the Great Black Mountain.
The other side of that "gateway" led to a desolate world with only ruins.
However, the situation behind this spatial gateway in the East Sea was unclear, and there might be unexpected changes.
Currently, the person most knowledgeable about this type of martial arts true intent in the Great Tang was Xu Yuanzhen.
Therefore, the Tang court imperial family contacted the Celestial Master's Mansion to discuss countermeasures and also asked the mansion to contact Xu Yuanzhen, who had gone missing after chasing the Butterfly King.
"This matter could be big or small, and we must indeed handle it with caution," Ray nodded.
He had no idea that Lin Yuwei and Lin Jinsong had gone overseas.
Back then, Ray had only dealt with Lin Jian's notes.
As for whether the Lin Clan of the Southern Sect would discover any clues about Lin Jian or take any action, Ray didn't concern himself with that.
Let everyone follow their own path.
As no one else had come to Qingmei Creek, Ray didn't mind if anyone went to the East Sea, either.
But now it seemed that the outcome was better than expected.
Someone from the Lin Clan of the Southern Sect had indeed gone.
And they had even lost Lin Jinsong, a seventh-heaven pillar.
However, Ray didn't feel overly happy about their misfortune.
Although outsiders were unaware, Ray himself had also experienced the "gateway" above the Great Black Mountain.
The sight of the shattered mountains and rivers in that otherworldly realm had also left a deep impression on him.
Was there a connection between Lin Jian and the East China Sea's Changjie Island and that world? It was indeed worth further attention.
As for Lin Yuwei, he chose to report to the Tang court imperial family first, indicating that the Southern Sect of the Lin Clan had made a decision.
Ray didn't pay much attention to this.
The Southern Sect of the Lin Clan's allegiance to the Tang court imperial family didn't necessarily mean that they would become friends with the Celestial Master's Mansion.
Moreover, what Lin Yuwei and the others needed to be more concerned about now were the Ye Clan in Qingzhou and the Chu Clan in Suzhou.
"Qingzhou and Suzhou might not necessarily make any big moves in the short term."
But Yuan Mobai told Ray about another matter: "There's more detailed news from the west. Many unfamiliar high monks from the Buddhist Handprint lineage have appeared in the Vajra Temple's Vajra Department."
Ray became interested: "What do you mean, Master?"
Yuan Mobai nodded slightly: "They call themselves the Sumeru Mountain Vajra Division, which is the source of the Vajra Temple. Although they didn't say it explicitly, they should be from the Nine Heavens of Sumeru."
Ray said, "There's a gateway to Sumeru in the Vajra Temple mountain gate, or rather, the founding ancestor of the Vajra Temple established the sect around the gateway."
"In the past, not only Sumeru Mountain, but the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths were all cut off from the mortal realm.
Now, with the surging spiritual energy of the heavens and earth, and the ever-changing situation, the once-sealed void portals are loosening once more, finally presenting an opportunity to be reopened.
Hmm, to put it another way, the Vajra Temple has found its way home and is no longer orphaned.
But for the other powers of the Great Tang, it might be an entirely different matter.
Let's not talk about the imperial family of the Tang court for now, but the renowned aristocratic families of the Great Tang, who have inherited the Confucian legacy, must proceed with caution.
As for how to respond specifically, we'll need to gather more information and gain a better understanding before making a judgment.
Although Empress Nuwa personally went to Guanzhong, simultaneously facing the demon chaos and the sudden emergence of Mount Sumeru's Vajra Division, temporarily leaving the Central Plains vacant, this is the opportunity for the aristocratic families to act.
However, in the face of an unclear situation, Ye Yan and Chu Xiuyuan, the two Nine Heavens great Confucian scholars, will also refrain from making any hasty moves.
Moreover, the Lin Clan of Youzhou and the Ye Clan of Jinzhou have both suffered heavy losses and need time to lick their wounds.
For the Celestial Master's Mansion, this matter is also difficult to judge as good or bad.
If Confucianism in the current Great Tang is not as strong as it used to be, the relationship between Buddhism and Taoism will become very delicate...
Speaking of good news, the relationship between the Vajra Temple and the other three holy lands of Buddhism is actually quite delicate as well.
"Dakang Temple sent people to investigate the Vajra Temple and managed to uncover their true strength," Yuan Mobai explained.
But Dakang Temple suffered a great loss this time.
First, Abbot Yuanmie was embarrassed and almost killed at the Vajra Temple.
Before he could settle down to recover from his injuries, he was attacked by the Tang God-Strategy Army!
General Shangguan Yunbo, wielding the Rampaging Barbarian Gold Lance.
And Xiao Xueling, with the Mountain River Sword.
In addition, there were other high-level cultivators from the army.
After a fierce battle, only Yuanmie managed to escape with the help of his master, the Dharma King Jiexiang, while the others all perished.
After lying low at sea for many years and barely regaining some strength, their core leaders were wiped out in this battle, with only Abbot Yuanmie and a few others who weren't present escaping unscathed.
Including Dharma King Jiexiang, the Vajra Temple lost two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, three Core Formation Realm cultivators, a total of five Upper Three Heavens Dharma Kings.
Xiao Xueling had been absent from the court for a long time since her return from the Southern Wilderness, and her presence there had already faded.
But as soon as she reappeared, she attempted to assassinate the former abbot of the Vajra Temple, Dharma King Jiexiang.
The only regret was that Yuanmie escaped.
General Shangguan Yunbo is currently leading the pursuit and crackdown.
As for Xiao Xueling, she disappeared with the Mountain River Sword, and no one knows if she went to aid Guanzhong or somewhere else.
A Great Firmament martial arts expert, wielding a top-notch divine artifact.
Her disappearance makes her even more formidable and elusive.
"General Xiao is probably not yet fifty years old, is she?" Lei Jun nodded repeatedly, "She's slower than my little junior sister, but not slower than the future Maitreya or Yuanmie."
"Now is the time for you young people to shine," Yuan Mobai smiled.
"Master, you're also very young," Lei Jun said.
Among his peers, Yuan Mobai is indeed young, and his status is not solely due to his low seniority and high position within the Celestial Master's Mansion.
In the entire cultivation world of the Great Tang, his peers who are younger than him include only a few special cases like Chu Yu and Yue Xiling.
"The student surpassing the master is a good thing," Yuan Mobai smiled and shook his head, "But it's a pity that Hua Jie might not be able to keep up with you."
"Everyone has their own karmic opportunities, and the future is unpredictable," Lei Jun said, "Who knows, maybe that kid will surpass me one day. Apart from his greed, he has already gotten rid of his lazy habits."
Yuan Mobai nodded in agreement.
After chatting for a while longer, Lei Jun bid his farewell and left.
Next, it was time for him to train his own disciple, Zhuo Bao Jie, or Zhuo Hua Jie.
As Lei Jun had said, this little glutton was indeed greedy, but he was diligent in his cultivation.
Coupled with his solid foundation, his progress in cultivation speed could be described as taking one step at a thousand miles.
While teaching his disciple, Lei Jun continued to ponder his own divine abilities and techniques.
Under the starry night sky.
Lei Jun sat cross-legged.
Under his feet was a three-layered altar formed by his own spiritual power, as solid as reality.
Above the altar, the stars revolved and shone, reflecting the real starry sky above.
The Jade Essence True Water was constantly refined by Lei Jun, and the jade-like water veins lost their original form, now resembling a stream of light.
Lei Jun's expression was serene as he gently tapped his fingers again.
He had once refined the spiritual essence of the Mother and Child Condensing Yuan Pearl, and now, with his own spiritual power, he merged and channeled it together with the Great Zhou Tian Jade.
The Great Heavenly Jewel flashed with brilliant light.
From Lei Jun's eyes, the Tian Tong Di Che law formula emerged.
The frequency of the flashing light from the treasure pearl and the law formula gradually synchronized.
Until they were perfectly aligned.
Lei Jun tapped his finger once more, and the Jade Essence True Water, transformed into a stream of light, was completely infused into the Great Heaven Devouring Technique's Full Cycle.
The treasure pearl trembled violently, almost shattering.
The stars revolving around the altar worked together to support and strengthen it.
Finally, the Great Zhou Heavenly Jade calmed down.
It had become even more spiritual, evolving from its previous state while retaining a subtle connection.
Subsequently, under Lei Jun's gaze, the treasure pearl slowly ascended into the sky.
Up, up, and up it went.
It was invisible to the naked eye.
Even the perception and vision of most cultivators would struggle to capture its existence.
...
PS1: 8k chapter.
PS2: The poem in this chapter is from "Sending Liu Bayuan Outside to Jiangxi" by Huangfu Ran of the Tang Dynasty. The full poem is as follows: "The road to Qi is infinitely distant, and the Yangtze River divides into nine tributaries. Travelers follow the migrating geese, and the trees in Chu enter the Xiang clouds. Long engaged in the southern expedition, what's the difference between the merits in Jibei? A longing heart cannot be asked, and the year-end snow falls gently."
(End of Chapter)
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