Chapter 345: The Vastness of Heaven and Earth

Chapter 345: The Vastness of Heaven and Earth

"I recall that you had already collected five types of spirit materials for the Eight Aspects of Heaven-Earth."

Qin Mengjun approached Chen Mu and said, "During my recent travels in Frost North, I settled some old matters and also inquired about the three spirit materials you lack. However, I haven't found any leads yet. How about your side?"

"I also have no news for now."

Chen Mu shook his head slightly and said, "After breaking through the Heavenly Demon Sect's headquarters, I did find a few types, but they were all varieties I already had. It's not that significant to have duplicates, and it's indeed a matter of chance to gather all the materials needed for the Heaven-Earth Spirit Armament."

Of course, if he had already reached the Blood Exchange Realm and became invincible in the world, he could just sweep through all the sects one by one, and even if he was missing something, he could easily obtain it. However, by then, he would already possess supreme power, and the Heaven-Earth Spirit Armament would just be an additional flourish.

Qin Mengjun spoke softly, "With your current level, you can easily travel the world. It won't be that difficult to gather all the spirit materials. I'll also keep an eye out for you... By the way, there's something else I need to discuss with you."

At this point, Qin Mengjun glanced at the nearby sea of clouds, and with a wave of her sleeve, a surge of Heavenly Power swept out, erasing all the traces of the disturbance caused by the previous battle between the two. Then she turned to look at Chen Mu.

"Let's head back to the sect as we talk."

"Okay."

Chen Mu nodded and followed Qin Mengjun.

When the two returned to the Back Cliff of Spirit Profound Peak, a contemplative look appeared on Chen Mu's face, and he said, "If that's the case, it's indeed possible."

"Now, all eyes are focused on Ice Province. If it's true that the Earth Abyss in Ice Province is about to open, it will be an opportunity. With your current level, you can explore the Earth Abyss with ease. There are countless rare treasures there, second only to the Great Wilderness."

Qin Mengjun spoke to Chen Mu, "I also discovered some information during my trip. There seems to be an unusual change in Ice Province, but it's still unclear what exactly is happening. However, from what I've gathered, this disturbance is not minor."

If the Earth Abyss is indeed about to open, it would make sense of the current situation. The Heavenly Demon Sect, the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the foreign tribes beyond the pass have joined forces, yet they still haven't been able to conquer the Ice Absolute Palace. It seems they are waiting for this opportunity.

Once the Earth Abyss opens, the earth's energy will cause widespread chaos, which will undoubtedly affect the Ice Absolute Palace's formation. Then, it will be easy for the three forces to break through the Ice Absolute Palace's formation!

Furthermore, if the Earth Abyss opens, the various powers in Frost North will likely be too busy to care about the battle in Ice Province. Instead, they will all focus on the Earth Abyss because it contains countless heavenly treasures and earthly gems. Many top-tier spirit materials, including rare treasures like the 'Twelve-Grade Five Elements Platform,' are produced in the Earth Abyss.

There are even rumors that the Earth Abyss holds treasures that can truly 'prolong life.' These are rare treasures that can drive any Grandmaster crazy and even attract the attention of those in the Blood Exchange Realm!

It's worth noting that these life-prolonging treasures are not ordinary elixirs like the thousand-year-old ginseng. Those are just common spirit materials that nourish Qi and blood. For ordinary people, nourishing Qi and blood can prolong life, but for Martial Artists, especially those in the Marrow-Washing Realm and Blood Exchange Realm, nourishing Qi and blood is not a priority.

Only extremely rare treasures can allow their Martial Bodies to temporarily maintain a certain state, thus prolonging their lifespan for a short period. Even a mere one or two years is enough to make those in the Blood Exchange Realm compete for them.

Of course, for Chen Mu, these rare treasures are not as appealing. With his current physical transformation, once he enters the Blood Exchange Realm, his lifespan will likely be so long that even a one or two-year extension won't be significant.

Instead, he is more interested in the missing materials for the Heaven-Earth Spirit Armament or other rare spirit materials that can help temper his Martial Body.

"If the Earth Abyss is indeed about to open, it will be an opportunity to explore and discover some treasures. However, for now, it's just one possibility."

Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts and said.

Qin Mengjun replied, "Whether it's true or not, we'll know in a few days."

"This news might not have spread yet."

Chen Mu pondered for a moment. He estimated that he was one of the first to know, otherwise, he would have heard something within the Qiuan Sect.

Qin Mengjun nodded slightly, "The Heavenly Demon Sect, the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the foreign tribes beyond the pass probably knew about this in advance and intentionally kept it hidden. But with the unusual changes in Ice Province's heaven and earth approaching, they can no longer conceal it."

"Heavenly changes cannot be stopped by human force."

Chen Mu spoke up.

With his deep understanding of the Martial Dao, especially after reaching the limit of the second level of Insight Cultivation, the system panel briefly allowed him to comprehend the 'Heaven-Man Unity.'

Although that level of insight was vast and profound, allowing one to perceive the heavens and earth as if holding the world in the palm of their hand, the scope of perception was still limited to a maximum of a few hundred miles. Compared to the vastness of the heavens and earth, he watched the two.

This was quite normal.

After all, if one could alter the heavens and earth, they would no longer be a Martial Artist but a divine being.

"Hmm," Qin Mengjun turned to look at the towering sky, and couldn't help but sigh softly, "Our cultivation journey, from Skin Tempering to Blood Exchange, is a constant pursuit of understanding the essence of heaven and earth. Achieving Heaven-Man Unity means comprehending the essence of heaven and earth, allowing oneself to merge with it. It's like a fish swimming with the current, unable to truly leap out of the water."

Qin Mengjun continued, "After comprehending the Heaven-Earth Domain, I pursued the heights of the sky, but I could only ascend four thousand zhang. Later, after cultivating the Martial Body, I reached nine thousand zhang, but I still couldn't see the end."

"Not long ago, I tried to explore the vastness of the sky again. I reached sixteen thousand zhang, but I couldn't go any higher. Beyond that, the primal winds were too strong, and everywhere were cracks in the heavens and earth, even Heaven-Man Unity couldn't surpass this heavenly chasm."

Hearing Qin Mengjun's words, Chen Mu also looked up at the sky, gazing at the endless heavens.

As a visitor to this world, his curiosity about it was even stronger than that of Qin Mengjun and the others. However, when his Martial Dao was still weak, he had no interest in exploring these 'vastness of heaven and earth' matters.

After all, many aspects of this world contradicted his understanding. For example, he wasn't sure if the world was round, but this land was likely flat, incredibly flat.

Now, his realm is still short of the final step of Blood Transformation, but his strength has already reached this level. The curiosity he once suppressed in his heart has now truly risen.

It's not entirely driven by a thirst for knowledge, but rather, if he can know these things and the true nature of this heaven and earth, his comprehension of the 'Heaven-Earth' will greatly improve. Perhaps, without relying on the system panel, he can even take the third step!

However, even Qin Mengjun could only ascend to a height of 16,000 zhang, and the area above is filled with fine white cracks like an ice surface. At this moment, he too, cannot surpass this.

After all, those white cracks are only created when he and Qin Mengjun fight with all their might, releasing a mere wisp of energy. If the entire region were filled with such cracks, one can only imagine the terror it would bring. Even a Saint-level existence, where heaven and man unite, would likely be unable to cross it.

"16,000 zhang, huh."

Chen Mu mutters to himself, then turns his gaze downward, saying, "But how deep is the earth? It seems the Earth Abyss is only about 100 zhang deep."

Ordinary Grandmasters can only operate within a depth of 100 zhang below the ground. Even the top Grandmasters of the Earth Qi lineage can only go as deep as 300 zhang. During normal times, those in the Blood Transformation Realm can only descend to a depth of 500 to 600 zhang. To enter the Earth Abyss, one must wait for a special opportunity.

As for what lies beyond the Earth Abyss, it remains a mystery, unknown to anyone.

"Perhaps, in the future, you will have the ability to explore it."

Qin Mengjun also turns his gaze towards the foot of Spirit Profound Peak, a glimmer in his eyes as he speaks softly.

The future Chen Mu, perhaps, will be able to reach the pinnacle of the Martial Way, surpassing the founding Martial Emperor of the Great Xuan Imperial Court. When that time comes, what he sees will surely be farther than anyone else, and he may even glimpse the end of the heavens.

“Still too far.”

Chen Mu slightly shakes his head after hearing Qin Mengjun's words.

Currently, he has only just entered the Blood Transformation Realm. Compared to figures like Yin Heng, he still has a ways to go. To reach the level where he can command the world with a wave of his hand, there's still some distance to cover.

Just then, Chen Mu's gaze shifts slightly, and he turns his eyes towards the peak of Spirit Profound Peak, where the grand hall is located. Qin Mengjun also notices this and looks in the same direction.

"This is..."

Chen Mu's eyes narrow slightly as he confirms what he sees, and finally, a smile appears on his face. "It seems the hard work has paid off. Senior Brother Chu has finally crossed that door."

"In the Martial Way, the first two realms are the easiest, but the following steps are full of challenges. To reach this point, one needs a strong foundation, keen perception, unwavering will, and a sound heart. Even with all these, one still needs the right opportunities."

Qin Mengjun also stares at the direction of the grand hall, a hint of emotion in his eyes.

Chu Jingshu, returning from Lang County, has been secluded in Spirit Profound Peak for over half a year, and now, he has finally broken through the Mystic Gate, entering the Marrow Washing Realm. From now on, he is a Grandmaster.

Chu Jingshu is Yin Heng's first true disciple, and she has witnessed his struggles along the way. Breaking through the Mystic Gate and becoming a Grandmaster is an arduous journey that few can endure. Every Marrow Washing Grandmaster has endured countless hardships.

As Chu Jingshu enters the Blood Transformation Realm, Yin Heng is also pleased, and she knows that with Chen Mu's talent, resilience, and hard work, he will eventually reach this stage, even without her guidance, maybe just a few years later.

Hum!

The power of heaven and earth continuously surges into the depths of the grand hall on Spirit Profound Peak, indicating that Chu Jingshu is refining his Martial Body.

This commotion may go unnoticed by ordinary Five Viscera and Six Bowels Realm cultivators, but the elders and peak masters of the Seven Profound Sect can't help but sense it.

"Congratulations."

A voice echoes on Spirit Profound Peak, belonging to Supreme Elder Yin Heng.

For anyone, having a disciple reach the Grandmaster Realm is a joyous occasion, even in the Blood Transformation Realm. After all, while Grandmasters in the Five Viscera and Six Bowels Realm can be forced through with resources, the same isn't true for Marrow Washing Grandmasters.

For any sect, Marrow Washing Grandmasters are the true pillars. Even in the Great Xuan Imperial Court, a Grandmaster willing to serve the court would be granted high positions and great power.

Chu Jingshu's foundation in the Martial Way is also quite solid. With this step into the Grandmaster Realm, even if he doesn't reach the level of a top-tier Grandmaster, he will undoubtedly become one of the strongest right below them in the Eleven Provinces of Frost North.

Of course, Yin Heng's congratulations aren't just for Chu Jingshu.

Dressed in white, Yin Heng stands in the forbidden grounds of the sect, gazing towards Spirit Profound Peak. In his eyes, there's a hint of emotion as he witnesses the rise of Spirit Profound Peak, with the recent events, from Chen Mu's sudden rise to Chu Jingshu's breakthrough, the sect is thriving.

First, there was Chen Mu, who emerged from nowhere, slaying the Demon King and killing the Bone Piercing Marquis. Then, Qin Mengjun recovered from his old injuries and ascended to the Blood Transformation Realm, becoming the Supreme Elder of the sect. Now, Chu Jingshu has broken through the Mystic Gate and become a Grandmaster. These rapid developments are like a rising phoenix, leaving everyone in awe.

"Marrow Washing..."

In the 16th year of the 9th month, on the 9th day, the 9th hour, a flawless version!

"Who is it?"

"The direction of Spirit Profound Peak."

In the Seven Profound Sect, all eyes turn towards Spirit Profound Peak.

"The power of heaven and earth infuses his body. He has broken through the Mystic Gate and become a Grandmaster. Is it Chen Mu? No, if it were him, the refinement of the Heaven-Earth Martial Body would create an even greater commotion. It must be Chu Jingshu."

"The Spirit Profound Peak lineage is rising."

In just a moment, the elders and peak masters of the Seven Profound Sect understand who has entered the Marrow Washing Realm. They send their congratulations to Spirit Profound Peak, and their hearts are filled with awe.

With Chen Mu leading the way and Chu Jingshu following, the rise of Spirit Profound Peak is evident. Looking at the next generation, one can foresee that in a hundred years, even the Seven Profound Sect, led by the Supreme Sect, might not match the prosperity of Spirit Profound Peak.

Chu Jingshu, after breaking through the Mystic Gate, still needs a few days to refine his Martial Body.

Chen Mu gazes at the direction of the grand hall for a moment, then turns to Qin Mengjun, saying, "Senior Brother Chu will probably need a few more days to exit seclusion. After he consolidates his cultivation, Spirit Profound Peak will likely be handed over to him. My time at the mountain gate may not be long after this."

In the Seven Xuan Sect, the Peak Master and Elder positions are of equal standing. Those who assume the role of Peak Master are either young Grandmasters who have just entered the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm, or they are older Grandmasters. Those in between these ages rarely take on the role.

The reason is simple.

For those who have just entered the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm, like Chu Jingshu, most of their time will be spent within the sect, tempering their martial bodies. It takes twenty years of hard work to fully temper their bodies, and only then will they frequently venture out. Before that, cultivation is the primary focus.

Alternatively, for those over 150 years old, who are approaching the twilight of their lives, they no longer have the ability to cultivate the Blood Replacement Realm. They also have little desire for competition and victory, and instead, they stay within the sect to guide their junior disciples in their cultivation.

"That's good."

Qin Mengjun listened to Chen Mu's words and nodded slightly.

Although Chen Mu had recently entered the Grandmaster Realm, with his current strength, he was more than capable of traveling the world. Naturally, he wouldn't stay cooped up in the mountain gate all day. In the future, he would be out more often than he would return. Compared to Chu Jingshu, Chen Mu would likely not leave the mountain gate frequently for at least the next decade, as he would remain within the sect to temper his martial body and comprehend concepts.

Furthermore, Chen Mu had cultivated the Heavenly Firmament Domain and could use the Cosmic Dragon Lock Array to comprehend the heavens and earth. However, the effectiveness of this method had diminished for him. On the other hand, Chu Jingshu, by comprehending the Cosmic Dragon Lock, could grasp the domain earlier.

In any case, whether it was Chen Mu or Chu Jingshu, both were from Spirit Profound Peak, and they didn't need the approval of the elders. They only needed to mutually confirm their decision to take over.

"Then I'll take my leave for now. I'll come back in two days to congratulate Chu Shixiong."

Chen Mu smiled and bowed to Qin Mengjun.

Qin Mengjun watched Chen Mu leave, nodded slightly, and then looked back at the ancient trees and rocks at the Back Cliff with a hint of nostalgia. These familiar surroundings had been their home for many years. He reached out and caressed the rock, and then, with one final step, he disappeared from sight.

...

Jade Province.

Chen Residence.

In a side room at the back of the residence, Chen Mu stood quietly in front of a stove, with dozens of medicinal ingredients placed beside him. He stared at the exquisite copper cauldron on the stove, occasionally adding a medicinal ingredient to it.

After placing several ingredients, he judged the heat, and finally took out a jade bottle. With a gentle shake, a thumb-sized drop of fresh red blood, viscous and crystal-clear, floated in the air, emitting a faint demonic energy.

This was Mystic Turtle Demon Blood.

For the first time refining Turtle Ginseng Powder, he wouldn't directly consume Mystic Turtle Demon Heart Blood, as it was too precious. Even though he had obtained a bottle before and had hunted down the Mystic Turtle with Qin Mengjun, the amount he had in his possession was still limited. He couldn't afford to waste a single drop.

Ordinary Mystic Turtle Demon Blood was more common, and he had a large amount of it himself. The sect's treasury was filled with an abundance of it. After all, the Mystic Turtle was dozens of zhang tall, and the amount of demon blood it possessed was immense, far more than they could use up anytime soon.

Sizzle.

Chen Mu shook the drop of demon blood, and with a slight flash in his eyes, he used his Primordial Essence True Force to entangle it, purifying most of the mottled demonic energy within. With a flick of his finger, he made the drop of blood fall into the copper cauldron.

Even though most of the demonic energy had been purified, it was still Mystic Turtle Demon Blood. As soon as it entered the cauldron, it was like a drop of water falling into a pot of oil, instantly creating a mist of blood. However, Chen Mu quickly covered it with the lid.

This copper cauldron was a medicine cauldron, not a Spirit Armament, but it was of treasure artifact quality.

After closing the lid, he heard the constant churning of the medicine inside, bubbling and gurgling. The entire cauldron shook continuously, but Chen Mu's gaze remained calm as he observed its state.

When it finally stabilized, he flicked his finger again, lifting a piece of black, branch-like dried wood, and crushed it into powder in mid-air. Then, he made the powder fly into the medicine cauldron, causing it to shake vigorously once more.

After repeating this process several times...

Finally, the entire cauldron gradually calmed down, and a wisp of crimson demonic energy began to disperse from under the lid.

Once the demonic energy had completely dissipated, Chen Mu flicked his finger, and an invisible force spread out, opening the medicine cauldron. Inside, there was no liquid or medicinal soup left, only a black medicine powder.

"Is this the Turtle Ginseng Powder?"

Chen Mu's heart stirred, and with a wave of his force, he wrapped the medicine powder in the cauldron and floated it in the air. Then, he brought it closer to examine it carefully. He confirmed that it matched the prescription Qin Mengjun had given him, down to the last detail.

Refining medicine was indeed a challenging task, especially for a high-grade medicine powder like Turtle Ginseng Powder, which involved a wide range of ingredients and a complex process. However, Chen Mu, as a Grandmaster, could control the quantity and heat with utmost precision, ensuring minimal errors. Even a high-grade medicine powder like this was not particularly difficult for him.

Looking at the formed Turtle Ginseng Powder, Chen Mu pondered for a moment and then opened his mouth to speak.

"This Turtle Ginseng Powder, refined from ordinary Mystic Turtle Demon Blood, is indeed a suitable supplement for Xu Hongyu and the others. It's excellent for nourishing the blood. If I dilute its effects further, it will be a good tonic for them."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end