https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-455-The-Nine-Divisions-of-the-Empire/13027876/
Chapter 454: Listening to the Sea Tide
Chapter 454: Listening to the Sea Tide
Chen Mugui's slash once again caused tension among the Tide Listening Cliff, especially for those who had just returned, like Dragonwood Island Master, who stared at the power of the blade, their pupils constricting with a hint of horror in their eyes.
"This person is no longer an opponent."
Dragonwood Island Master's heart surged with emotion.
Two years ago, he had witnessed Chen Mu's battle upon returning from Seekwood Heavenly Realm, where he overwhelmed the Mystic Pavilion Master and six others. Now, Chen Mu displayed even more terrifying abilities, his blade wielded with natural ease, and within the ethereal void, an immeasurable power seemed to transmit through the void. The blade's edge almost pierced through the void, making it nearly impossible for ordinary people to evade!
Unable to dodge such a strike, one could only brace for it. Even the Dragonwood Island Master, one of the most eminent figures beneath the Celestial Masters, found it impossible to completely withstand this blade capable of tearing the void. It was a strike that could end his life instantly!
How could this be?
Even facing a Celestial Master like Cang Ming, he believed he could hold his own, but before Chen Mu, a single strike would likely claim his life on the spot. Such power was akin to the gap between him and those Bone Marrow Washing Masters!
"Congratulations, Lord Feng Chen, on forging the Spirit Armament."
Cang Ming's voice carried a congratulatory tone.
"It's just a minor achievement, barely better than nothing."
Chen Mu sheathed the Heaven-Earth Saber and casually shook his head.
Spirit Armaments primarily assist their wielders in harnessing the power of Heaven and Earth. For martial artists with balanced development in both physique and intention, a suitable Spirit Armament can enhance their power by twenty or even thirty percent. However, for Chen Mu, the increase wasn't as significant because his strength primarily came from his physique, and he hadn't yet reached the unity of Heaven and Man in his intention. Although his soul was powerful enough, his command over the Heaven-Earth Intention was still slightly inferior to true Celestial Masters like Cang Ming.
Based on this, the Heaven-Earth Saber only slightly increased his control over the power of Heaven and Earth. If he could obtain a Spirit Armament of the quality of the Emperor Seal, and even refine it with the Supreme Purity Qi, it would indeed provide him with a notable boost.
"Forging an armament in two days, Lord Feng Chen's comprehension of the Heaven-Earth Principle has indeed reached the pinnacle. It won't be long before he steps into the realm of the Celestial Masters... Coincidentally, the armament's completion coincides with the arrival of the once-in-a-century sea tide, a perfect opportunity to witness the marvels of Heaven and Earth."
Cang Ming smiled as he spoke, facing the Tide Listening Cliff.
At that moment, the top of the cliff was enveloped in swirling mist, denser than before, except for a circular area around the pavilion, which remained clear for several zhang. Beyond that, the rest was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see even a few inches ahead.
Chen Mu could sense that not only was Cang Ming present at the top of the cliff, but along the way down, there were several more formidable presences, all belonging to Blood Transformation Realm experts, totaling four in number. Further down, numerous Bone Marrow Washing Masters were also gathered.
These were the elders and Supreme Elders of the Tide Listening Cliff.
The arrival of these experts wasn't a threat to Chen Mu; instead, they had come to witness the once-in-a-century sea tide, a spectacle that most martial artists would rarely encounter twice in their lifetime. Even for Blood Transformation Realm experts, it was an opportunity to gain insights into the mysteries of Heaven and Earth. For the Tide Listening Cliff, it was an event they couldn't afford to miss.
Almost all Blood Transformation and Bone Marrow Washing Realm experts had gathered, but due to the presence of Cang Ming and Chen Mu at the top of the cliff, even the Supreme Elders had to remain at the rear.
"Good."
Chen Mu waved his hand, sheathing the Heaven-Earth Saber, and then stepped towards the edge of the cliff. He stood at the very brink, gazing into the boundless sea of clouds and mist.
The sound of the surging tide echoed in his ears, sometimes like rolling thunder, sometimes like the roars of tigers and dragons. The sea tide at the bottom of the cliff seemed to merge with the mist at the top, as if the heavens and the vast sea had become one.
Clap, clap,
Cang Ming also approached, stopping beside Chen Mu.
Although the mist was thick, for experts like Chen Mu and Cang Ming, penetrating it with their gaze was effortless. However, neither of them chose to do so at that moment, opting to observe the sea tide through the mist.
This place was not for observing the sea tide but for listening to it.
They gazed at the rolling mist, understanding the transformations of Heaven and Earth, and listened to the crashing waves, comprehending the mysteries of creation.
Crash!!!
As time passed, the mighty waves surged like a tsunami, creating towering waves nearly a thousand zhang high. The sea tide, carried by the waves, descended with overwhelming force, akin to the collapse of Heaven and Earth.
Even Bone Marrow Washing and Blood Transformation Realm experts felt their hearts tremble before such infinite power. Even Celestial Masters could only sense their smallness in the face of Heaven and Earth, feeling like a tiny boat tossed in the raging tide.
Chen Mu's mind resonated with the tides, and a strand of his soul gradually merged with the heavens and earth.
Although he had yet to master the third step of the Heaven-Earth Intention, his current Soul Power was no less than any Heaven Person. He could still divide a strand of his consciousness to blend with the heavens and earth, but he couldn't perceive the world for thousands of miles like a Heaven Person.
Currently, his Heaven-Earth Domain only covered a few hundred zhang, and his mental perception range was also limited to a couple of thousand zhang. Still, this was more than enough, far surpassing the sensing range of an average Blood Transformation Realm cultivator. He could overlook the century-old tides.
Boom!!!
A thousand-zhang giant wave crashed against the Tide Listening Cliff, like a clash of heaven and earth, causing the ground to shake and the mountains to tremble. The sound of the thunderous explosion reverberated for miles, causing countless people on the island to experience ringing in their ears and temporary deafness.
At this moment, only Grandmaster-level experts could stand atop the Tide Listening Cliff. Even those in the Viscera and Organs Realm had to retreat to the rear of the cliff, unable to withstand the upheaval and collision of the heavenly forces.
[Martial Dao: Heaven-Earth Intention (Second Step)]
[Experience: 33,219 points]
...
[Martial Dao: Heaven-Earth Intention (Second Step)]
[Experience: 34,108 points]
On the system panel, his Martial Dao experience continued to accumulate, increasing by hundreds of points.
Chen Mu's consciousness, however, wasn't focused on the changes on the system panel. Instead, he immersed himself in the comprehension of the heavens and earth, listening to the tide's roar echoing in his ears. It was as if he witnessed the creation of the world, the collapse of heaven and earth, and the profound principle of stillness giving birth to movement. Various profound mysteries naturally arose in his heart.
Time passed, and he didn't know how long it had been.
The thundering tide's roar gradually faded from his ears.
When Chen Mu looked forward, he saw that the clouds swirling around the peak of the Tide Listening Cliff had quietly dispersed, revealing a boundless azure sky. Below the thousand-zhang-high cliff, the crashing waves gradually receded, leaving only waves of a few dozen zhang high, slapping against the rock face and creating splashes of white foam. This showcased the previous scene, like heaven collapsing and earth sinking, was not a Yellow Millet Dream.
Chen Mu's consciousness calmed, and his heart found peace. Suddenly, a thought stirred, and he turned his gaze to the system panel.
[Martial Dao: Heaven-Earth Intention (Second Step)]
[Experience: 56,994 points]
The century-old tide, a once-in-a00-year spectacle, brought profound insights into the mysteries of heaven and earth, and the essence of stillness and movement. In just half a day, it had earned him over 20,000 experience points, and he was already more than halfway to achieving Heaven-Man Unity!
At this moment, on the Tide Listening Cliff, many Blood Transformation Realm cultivators and Bone-Washing Grandmasters gradually awakened from their dream-like state. Some seemed to have gained insights, their eyes shining brightly, while others looked confused, as if trapped in a dilemma.
Right then, a voice echoed across the Tide Listening Cliff.
"This time, listening to the tides and witnessing the wonders of heaven and earth has brought profound insights. Thank you for your hospitality. I shall take my leave now."
Swish!
Countless gazes turned towards the cliff's peak, and they saw that near the pavilion atop the Tide Listening Cliff, at the edge of the steep cliff, Chen Mu's figure had disappeared without a trace, as if it had never existed, like a dream-like illusion.
People like the Dragonwood Island Master and others only heard the voice but couldn't sense his presence. Only Cang Ming, the Heaven Person, turned his gaze in a certain direction. A trace of admiration flashed through his ancient eyes, and then all returned to silence.
He was aware of Chen Mu's various entanglements in Great Xuan.
With this departure, Great Xuan would surely undergo great changes, shaking the world. However, none of this concerned the Tide Listening Cliff, which had always stayed out of Great Xuan's affairs. Moreover, they had now formed a connection with Chen Mu, and in the future, they only needed to observe the changes in the world.
...
After discussing the Dao with Cang Ming, the Heaven Person, and witnessing the century-old tide, Chen Mu gained nearly 30,000 experience points, leaving him extremely satisfied. He didn't linger any longer at the Tide Listening Cliff.
"Greetings, Lord."
"Congratulations on your grand cultivation achievement."
The two graceful figures bowed in unison before Chen Mu, their voices almost identical, making it impossible to distinguish one from the other.
"There's no need for such formalities."
Chen Mu looked at the two women, shaking his head slightly. After taking a step down, he appeared in front of them, his gaze briefly scanning them before nodding, "After two years apart, you've both crossed the Marrow Cleansing Gate."
The two women, none other than Flower Play Moon and Flower Play Shadow, had indeed broken through the Marrow Cleansing Gate and stepped into the Grandmaster Level, taking a significant step forward on their martial path.
While Grandmasters might not be considered the pinnacle of power in the vast Great Xuan, with its ninety-nine states and countless cultivators, they were undoubtedly among the elite in their respective states. In the Cold North, only two or three dozen Grandmasters would emerge in a generation.
Even the direct disciples of major sects couldn't guarantee achieving the Grandmaster Level.
For Flower Play Moon and Flower Play Shadow to reach the Marrow Washing Realm at this time was indeed impressive, though their cultivation progress couldn't compare to his. Among their peers of that generation, they were undoubtedly among the most outstanding. He wondered if Left Qianqiu had also entered the Marrow Washing Realm.
But this thought merely flashed through Chen Mu's mind, for the once-promising young elites of his generation, even someone like Left Qianqiu, could no longer capture his attention. The gap between them had become immeasurable.
"We were able to break through the Marrow Cleansing Gate thanks to your guidance back then."
Flower Play Moon and Flower Play Shadow exchanged a glance, both smiling, their voices overlapping.
"My guidance was merely a nudge; your breakthrough is a testament to your innate talent."
Chen Mu smiled faintly.
Back then, when the sisters discussed the intricacies of Yin and Yang, he had gained insights into the transformations of Heaven and Earth from observing Yin and Yang. This had indeed aided them in their breakthrough, but it was primarily due to their solid foundation.
Given the unique qualities of Flower Play Moon and Flower Play Shadow's physiques, their combined strength after entering the Marrow Washing Realm, even in the initial stages of martial body cultivation, would likely surpass that of a Grandmaster like Feng Hongsheng. With a little more time to cultivate, the sisters' combined might could rival even the top Grandmasters. This was a testament to their natural advantage.
This level of strength was insignificant to Chen Mu now, but he was naturally pleased to see those around him progressing.
Moreover, at this point, Chen Mu's mindset had gradually shifted. Just as he had once dominated the Cold North from the peak of Cloud Mist Heaven Peak, he now hoped for the flourishing of martial arts in the world. Since the moment he stepped into the Blood Transformation Realm, his path had become one of solitude, with no one able to keep up with him.
"Are you here to witness the century-old grand tide?"
Chen Mu asked Flower Play Moon.
Flower Play Moon leaned closer, whispering, "Yes, the Listening Tide Cliff's grand tide is a once-in-a-century spectacle. We couldn't miss it, but we don't have the qualifications to go up to the cliff, so we can only watch from here, gazing at the spectacle."
"Mhm."
Chen Mu nodded slightly, "Have there been any significant events in Great Xuan during my absence?"
Flower Play Moon and Flower Play Shadow had initially come to the outer sea to seek news about the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl for Chen Mu, and they remained there not solely for cultivation but also to convey information to him upon his return.
When Chen Mu inquired about the events of the past two years in Great Xuan, the sisters exchanged a glance, then positioned themselves on either side of Chen Mu, their voices overlapping as they spoke, "The changes over the past two years have been extraordinary, and it's hard to summarize them in a few sentences."
"Oh?"
Chen Mu turned to the two women, his gaze unchanged.
The death of the current Emperor Xuan, Ji Yong Zhao, at Chen Mu's hands in the depths of the outer sea, was a significant event. It would have been strange if Great Xuan didn't experience changes, but Chen Mu was only concerned about the Seven Mysteries Sect's situation and the safety of his family.
"You should probably return to Great Xuan. Let's talk as we walk."
"Alright."
Chen Mu nodded slightly and took a step forward, accompanied by Flower Play Moon and Flower Play Shadow, walking towards the sea and descending into the water. They headed in the direction of Great Xuan, with the two women by his side, narrating the significant events that had transpired in Great Xuan over the past two years.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report