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Chapter 428: Unfathomable Adversary
Chapter 428: Unfathomable Adversary
Seekwood Heavenly Realm.
The Border.
At the edge of the vast wasteland, where the canopy of Seekwood no longer provided cover, was the boundary of the Seekwood Heavenly Realm. Beyond this edge lay a pitch-black abyss, distinct from the void rift, yet separated by a spatial barrier or a layer of void, creating a divide between Seekwood and the chaotic abyss beyond.
Chen Mu stood at this border, his gaze fixed on the abyss, attempting to fathom the mysteries of the void. However, his understanding remained as elusive as trying to discern flowers in the mist.
His realm was insufficient.
Chen Mu was well aware of this fact.
In the past, when he discussed the void with Li Hua and others, he wasn't sure if it could be comprehended or fathomed. But now, he understood that it was a force that could be grasped. Since he couldn't comprehend it, it meant his level wasn't high enough.
Given his abilities, if he had the prerequisites to comprehend the void, the system panel would undoubtedly present that option. The fact that the system panel didn't directly display a path to understanding the void meant his realm was still too low.
Perhaps only by truly entering the Blood Replacement Realm or even achieving the unity of Heaven and Human could he attempt to grasp the mysteries of the void.
The Seekwood Heavenly Realm behind him was now a scene of devastation, and even the core settlement of the Spirit People had been breached. Grandmasters from Daxuan and the outer sea were like a whirlwind, sweeping through the entire realm with ease.
Chen Mu, however, had little interest in this. With nearly all the rarest resources of the Seekwood Heavenly Realm in his possession, even if Jiang Han and the other Grandmasters turned the realm upside down, the resources they gathered would likely pale in comparison to what Chen Mu already had. With only half a day left, he had no desire to plunder further.
In contrast, the border of the Seekwood Heavenly Realm intrigued him more. Even though he couldn't comprehend the mysteries of the void, standing before the edge of a world and facing the abyss beyond provided a profound and abstract inspiration.
"The Great Xuan World should be behind this void, not far from the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, but I can't detect or sense it..." Chen Mu murmured as he stared into the abyss.
Based on the void passage he had traveled through when entering the Seekwood Heavenly Realm from the outer sea, the distance between the two worlds seemed negligible. They were practically stuck together, yet he couldn't perceive the existence of the Great Xuan World unless he tore through the void.
The distance and scale within the void were likely entirely different concepts from those inside the worlds.
No wonder a void tide occurred only at specific times, creating a passage connecting the outer sea and the Seekwood Heavenly Realm. During these tides, not only did the spatial barrier weaken, but the void itself might also undergo mysterious changes.
Chen Mu pondered this in his heart.
As he stood there, hands behind his back, observing the void as if he were alone, a voice suddenly called out from behind him.
"Chen Peak Master."
The voice was gentle and soft, yet restrained, and it belonged to Elder Liu Qingyan of the Harmony Sect.
She approached from behind, nodded to Chen Mu, and said, "I am Liu Qingyan. I apologize for disturbing you, Chen Peak Master. With the recent volatile situation, I haven't had the chance to greet you properly."
As an elder of the Harmony Sect's outer sea branch, she was well-informed about the events in Daxuan. She was also aware of the situation between Chen Mu and the Harmony Sect. Although the sect hadn't explicitly sided with Chen Mu, they had initiated a friendly relationship with him. Liu Qingyan's visit to the Seekwood Heavenly Realm was also to foster a connection with Chen Mu.
Previously, when Chen Mu had concealed his identity, Liu Qingyan had her suspicions but naturally couldn't expose him. Later, when Chen Mu fought against the Spirit Huan ancestor, the situation was too chaotic for them to have a proper conversation.
Now that the Seekwood Heavenly Realm had been pacified, there were finally fewer concerns.
"Elder Liu is too kind. I heard from Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying that Elder Liu came to the Seekwood Heavenly Realm to help me obtain the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl from Jiang Han. However, as I happened to be in the outer sea, I decided to retrieve it myself. I apologize for not informing Elder Liu beforehand, causing you this trouble." Chen Mu turned to Liu Qingyan, speaking calmly.
Although Liu Qingyan's visit to the Seekwood Heavenly Realm was also for her own interests, she sought to establish a friendly connection with Chen Mu rather than becoming his adversary. Chen Mu didn't mind her efforts, especially since they had already formed a positive relationship due to various reasons, including Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying. He treated the members of the Harmony Sect with respect, not arrogance.
"Chen Peak Master, your talent is truly peerless. Who wouldn't want to forge a good connection with you? I, too, came with sincere intentions, but my abilities fall short, and I find myself in a perilous situation. I'm fortunate to have your rescue, and I can barely express my gratitude, let alone bother you with my troubles."
Liu Qingyan's voice was gentle, yet restrained. As an Elder of the Harmony Sect, her cultivation method was naturally the Way of Blissful Desires. However, at her level, she had complete control over her emotions, and she wouldn't dare show any disrespect to Chen Mu.
"You're quite straightforward."
Chen Mu couldn't help but smile when he heard Liu Qingyan's sincere intention to establish a connection with him. He then turned his gaze towards the vast void ahead and said, "With peerless talent, the world's attention is upon you, but it's not necessarily a good thing. While there are those like Elder Liu who wish to connect with me, there are also those who seek my downfall. Who will have the last laugh remains to be seen."
After leaving the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, he could immediately find a place to attempt to break through the Blood Replacement Realm. However, this process wouldn't be easy, as breaking through the Blood Replacement Realm wasn't something that could be achieved in a short time. Moreover, his journey to the Seekwood Heavenly Realm had already been done openly and aboveboard. Those who sought his demise, like the Bloodshadow Tower Lord, would likely venture into the outer sea to set up deadly traps.
Of course, he wasn't afraid.
"In the depths of destiny, there's a heavenly mandate. In times of chaos, heroes emerge. With your peerless talent and the heavenly mandate upon you, those who try to hinder your path to enlightenment are but circus clowns, futilely trying to stop a chariot."
Liu Qingyan's eyes shone with a hint of light as she looked at Chen Mu.
If one hadn't witnessed Chen Mu's abilities firsthand and only heard rumors, they might still have doubts about whether Chen Mu could dominate the world and become invincible. After all, although Chen Mu was powerful, he hadn't undergone Blood Replacement yet, and his opponents were all top figures of their generation, including formidable beings like the Bloodshadow Tower Lord, who struck fear into the hearts of all.
But after witnessing Chen Mu's display of strength in the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, where he had dominated the Spiritrace warriors with his unparalleled martial prowess, Liu Qingyan had no doubts about Chen Mu's ability to reach the pinnacle of cultivation.
Who in the Marrow Washing Realm could rival the existence of a Heaven Person?
With Chen Mu's current strength alone, he could already dominate the world. Even the most cunning assassination attempts would likely fail against him. With such talent, breaking through the Blood Replacement Realm would be as natural as water flowing into a channel.
At present, the only possible way to hinder Chen Mu's path to enlightenment might be to set up deadly traps outside the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, involving not just one but multiple Heaven Person experts. This could pose a life-threatening situation for Chen Mu and serve as the final obstacle.
"Elder Liu, it seems you have more faith in me than I do."
Chen Mu smiled casually after hearing Liu Qingyan's words.
Regarding his ability to dominate the world, no one had stronger faith than himself. This confidence stemmed not only from his innate talent but also from the changes brought about by his newfound awareness.
He stood not only at the pinnacle of Body Tempering Martial Arts but had also learned from Seekwood about the ultimate goal of martial cultivation. Looking around at the current situation, he felt a sense of calm.
Liu Qingyan chuckled softly, "I fear that everyone in the Seekwood Heavenly Realm shares my thoughts."
Chen Mu didn't respond and continued to gaze into the void.
Liu Qingyan stood quietly nearby, her eyes discreetly observing Chen Mu. A hint of regret filled her heart as she realized that she and Chen Mu were not of the same generation. Her generation had never produced a hero like Chen Mu. Now, Chen Mu's strength and status had far surpassed ordinary mortals, and even Grandmasters could only look up to him in awe. The opportunity to connect with Chen Mu had already passed.
Chen Mu's rise to martial prowess had been swift, taking only a short decade. It was hard to imagine that Chen Mu had reached his current level at just over thirty years old and was already on the verge of Blood Replacement, achieving such remarkable feats.
As time passed, more Grandmasters arrived one after another.
Returning to the outer sea from the Seekwood Heavenly Realm required punching through a void passage, and the location of this passage was the same as when they entered. To avoid missing the opportunity, many Grandmasters had arrived early, some with meager gains, while others continued to take risks in search of more.
The gathering of Grandmasters gradually increased from over ten to several dozen. They spread out or clustered together, some watching the edge of the Seekwood Heavenly Realm and the vast void, while others looked at Chen Mu with reverence.
In the Great Xuan World, strength reigned supreme.
Although Chen Mu was younger than everyone present, and his cultivation realm was likely still at the Marrow Washing Realm, his display of power rivaling a Heaven Person couldn't be ignored.
Heavenly Realm experts, when they achieve unity with Heaven and Earth, are as formidable as the mighty power of Heaven, commanding respect and awe. Even the mighty emperors of the Great Xuan Dynasty at its peak would show courtesy and caution towards such experts. Although these experts may still be in the Blood Replacement Realm in terms of Body Tempering, their strength far surpasses that of ordinary Blood Replacement cultivators. Even the weakest among them are not to be underestimated, and they cannot be matched by ordinary Blood Replacement cultivators. Take Yan Heng, for example; if he were to encounter a Heavenly Realm expert and not flee immediately, he might be injured after just a few exchanges.
In the vast world of Great Xuan, the number of Grandmasters is countless. In each province, a dozen or more Grandmasters could emerge, but among these dozen or so Grandmasters, only one might be able to reach the Blood Replacement Realm.
The Blood Replacement Realm, throughout the world, has only a little over a hundred cultivators.
Among these hundred-plus Blood Replacement cultivators, only twenty-some have mastered the third step of the realm, achieving unity with Heaven and Earth and reaching the Heavenly Realm. Even the top Bone Marrow Washing Grandmasters pale in comparison to them, as the gap between their strengths is immense.
Almost everyone now has the same thought: upon returning, they must quickly convey a message to their respective sects. This message is surprisingly unanimous—Chen Mu is invincible! Or, to be more precise, Chen Mu is no longer someone to be challenged!
Chen Mu, who could already rival Heavenly Realm experts in the Bone Marrow Washing Realm, has demonstrated terrifying strength, far surpassing what he had shown in the outside world. Whether Chen Mu had this power all along or gained some opportunity in the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, his rise is now unstoppable.
In the eyes of the hundred-plus Grandmasters who entered the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, the future of the world is becoming increasingly clear. Regardless of Chen Mu's intentions towards the world, his actions will undoubtedly shape the future of the Great Xuan world.
"Brother Chen," Yan Hong greeted Chen Mu as she arrived at the border of the Seekwood Heavenly Realm with Yan Zhengyang and others. She immediately spotted Chen Mu standing at the edge of the realm and approached him. As she greeted him, she waved her hand and took out a wooden bottle, offering it to Chen Mu. "This is the remaining Seekwood Spirit Liquid that I owe you."
Chen Mu's gaze narrowed as he turned and took the wooden bottle from Yan Hong, weighing it slightly to ensure it was the correct amount. With thousands of pounds of Seekwood Spirit Liquid within him, these few dozen pounds were insignificant, but he still accepted it, as it was better than nothing.
Although Chen Mu had conquered the core settlement of the Seekwood Heavenly Realm and obtained the greatest opportunity, the entire realm had essentially fallen and lost its resistance. Almost all Grandmasters could freely plunder and loot, and this trip to the Seekwood Heavenly Realm had been quite fruitful for everyone. Even after giving away this portion, Yan Hong's group still had a considerable amount of Seekwood Spirit Liquid.
"For this trip to the Seekwood Heavenly Realm, I must also thank you, Brother Chen. If you ever wish to visit Central Province, please let me know, and I, Yan Hong, will personally welcome you," Yan Hong said sincerely to Chen Mu.
After witnessing Chen Mu's current abilities, her thoughts aligned with others—blocking Chen Mu from dominating the world was almost impossible. Chen Mu must not be challenged, and she would immediately inform Chu Wang and others of the situation upon her return. She might even try to prevent other members of the imperial family from continuing their enmity with Chen Mu.
Although the eight princes were currently at odds with each other, and Chu Wang hoped for the other seven princes to encounter trouble, the issue was that no matter how much conflict there was within the imperial family, it would ultimately lead to mutual destruction or mutual prosperity. Chen Mu had now become an absolutely untouchable figure.
"Alright," Chen Mu nodded slightly to Yan Hong.
While he and Yan Hong didn't have a deep relationship, they could still communicate without much resistance. At the very least, he wasn't a troublemaker who would bring chaos to the world. This perception was based on his predetermined impression of the imperial family.
After a brief exchange with Yan Hong, Chen Mu's gaze swept over the numerous Grandmasters who had arrived. Soon, he narrowed his eyes and looked back into the abyss. After an unknown amount of time, he finally squinted, sensing a subtle ripple in the deep, valley-like void.
This ripple was nearly invisible to the naked eye, and even Chen Mu almost couldn't perceive it. If he hadn't carefully studied the power of the void when refining the Heaven-Earth Vessel, he might not have noticed this ripple.
As time passed, the ripple became more intense, gradually turning into a wave.
The Void Tide had arrived!
(End of Chapter)
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