Chapter 481: Chen Mu Appears

Chapter 481: Chen Mu Appears

"In three decades of absence, his Sword Intent has become even more terrifying."

A Blood Transformation Realm cultivator gazed at the Kunlun Mountain Apex, where the Eastern Peak Sword Sovereign, Gu Xiaochen, stood unwavering. Their gaze was solemn.

They could all see the strands of sword Qi floating around Gu Xiaochen, each possessing immense power that was almost unbearable for them. Every strike would leave them severely injured or dead!

After all, Gu Xiaochen was one of the top-tier Heaven Person cultivators in the world. He had reached the pinnacle of the Martial Way in this era, and his strength far surpassed that of ordinary Heaven Persons. Even the strongest Blood Transformation Realm cultivators, who had not entered the Heaven Person realm, would have no chance against him. If they were to engage in battle, the likelihood of escape was incredibly slim!

Even someone like Yin Heng, a Blood Transformation Realm cultivator, could only escape from the hands of ordinary Heaven Persons like Yang Ruan and Ruan Tian. But facing a contemporary Five Absolute like Gu Xiaochen, escape was impossible!

Yin and Yang, Four Seasons, Five Elements, Six Harmonies...

To cultivate a complete Martial Way to its peak, achieving Blood Transformation and reaching the Heaven Person realm, one could be considered an Ultimate Heaven Person, standing alongside figures like the Eastern Peak Sword Sovereign and the Xuan Tian Daozhu. In the Marrow Washing Realm, they were already extraordinary, surpassing their peers. Upon entering the Blood Transformation and Heaven Person realms, their power only grew stronger.

In Ji Yongzhao's evaluation of the Lower Nine Ranks of Divinity, these top-tier Heaven Person experts were barely able to reach the threshold of the Lower Third Rank of Divinity.

But someone like Ji Hao, who had cultivated a complete Heaven and Earth Path to achieve an ultimate Martial Way, had truly stepped into the Lower Third Rank of Divinity.

The difference between the Heaven and Earth Path and the Yin and Yang, Four Seasons, and Five Elements realms was not as vast as heaven and earth, but the Heaven and Earth Path was stronger because it could encompass all phenomena, evolve the Yin and Yang, Four Seasons, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies, and encompass everything, carrying the ultimate truth of heaven and earth, making it slightly superior.

According to speculation, the only path that could rival the Heaven and Earth Path was the 'Primordial Chaos', which represented the beginning of heaven and earth.

In the Heaven Person realm, one could comprehend a bit of the Primordial Chaos, but at lower realms, it was impossible to fathom the Primordial Chaos Path. Thus, the Martial Way in this world did not have a Primordial Chaos lineage.

If one were to speak of it, paths like the Heavenly Sword and Heavenly Blade are ultimately about chaos and formlessness, opening heaven and earth. They seek the Primordial Chaos, tracing back from the end to the beginning."

However, to date, no one has completely mastered this path.

"The Sword Sovereign hasn't made a move in over a decade, has he?"

"Yes, there's a rumor that a few years ago, he used his sword to annihilate countless demons in the distant seas, but who knows if it's true."

Whispers circulated among the crowd, each person trying to keep their voices low, but still carrying a sense of reverence. After all, Gu Xiaochen was a Heaven Person expert, and although they were still some distance from the peak, it was uncertain if their whispers would reach his ears.

"The hour must be approaching."

Someone looked up at the dark sky, speaking to themselves.

The Kunlun Debate had no set time, but based on past events, it usually began at noon on this day. All the Heaven Person cultivators who had come to Kunlun would gather at the peak to discuss the current state of the Martial Way.

As they checked the time, it was already close to noon, but only Gu Xiaochen stood at the peak.

However, just as everyone was gazing at the sky, contemplating the time, someone's eyes suddenly flashed, and they abruptly turned to look into the distant sky. In the not-too-distant horizon, a black shadow was tearing through the void, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Although the shadow was far away and almost indistinguishable, it gave off an unmistakable impression of a blade. The first thought that came to mind was—a knife!

With a whoosh, the black shadow sliced through the sky like a blade, ripping open a continuous tear in the void as it traversed over sixteen thousand zhang above, heading straight for the Kunlun Mountain Apex!

Before the figure even arrived, everyone present already knew who it was.

The Cold North Heaven Knife,

Gongyang Yu!

As he landed on the Kunlun Mountain Apex, his appearance was that of a simple, elderly woodcutter in plain linen robes, with white hair and a weathered face. He did not look like a contemporary Knife Saint at all, but no one dared to underestimate him. Looking behind him, they could see the trail of destruction he had left in the sky, a tear that extended to the horizon like a shattered ice surface.

The dark sky seemed to have been split in two by his knife.

"Brother Gongyang, it's been a long time."

Gu Xiaochen, who had been standing on the Kunlun Mountain Apex all this time, finally turned around, acknowledging Gongyang Yu with a slight nod.

Gongyang Yu's eyes were cloudy, but his voice was strong and clear as he said, "Since our last meeting, it's been over twenty years, hasn't it? Your sword has improved even further."

Gu Xiaochen smiled calmly and said, "Brother Gongyang, your progress in the Knife Path is extraordinary. I, too, must strive to improve. We are the models for all sword and knife cultivators in this world. Every step we take opens new paths for the Martial Way. How dare we be lazy?"

After Gongyang Yu nodded in agreement, he shook his head, "Speaking of models for the Martial Way, neither of us can compare to that person. We have wasted a hundred years."

"Gu Xiaochen spoke softly, "The path to the pinnacle of the Martial Dao is not something that can be achieved by one person alone. It's like building a tower, every brick and tile is essential, and from ancient times until now, the Martial Ancestors have been those bricks and tiles. We stand on their shoulders, gazing at the higher heavens, and we will eventually become the bricks and tiles for those who come after us."

Their discussion was open and unreserved, without any attempt to hide anything. Even those in the Blood Transformation Realm, who were quite far away and amidst the chaotic Heavenly Essence Qi, could still catch the general idea of their conversation.

Everyone knew who they were talking about.

For a Heavenly Blade and a Sword Zun to admit that someone surpassed them in the Martial Dao, it could only be the strongest person in the world, the universally acknowledged Grand Martial Saint, Chen Mu!

Whoosh! Whoosh!!

As Gongyang Yu appeared, it seemed to trigger a certain mechanism, and figures began to emerge from various directions, heading towards the apex of Kunlun Mountain.

Some traversed the void, leaving a long rainbow across the dark sky, while others took each step with care, measuring the Kunlun Mountain range, climbing up the steep cliffs with a Cloud-Stepping technique.

"Isn't that the Grand Elder of Nan Hua Manor, Teng Xuanjing? I thought he had already passed away, but he's still alive."

"It's the Grand Elder of Qingyun Sect, Sikuang Rui. He's here too. Not long ago, he fought against many Grandmasters of the Six Paths Alliance, was besieged, and had to face them alone. It's said that he was severely injured in the end."

The crowd was very familiar with each of the figures heading towards the Kunlun Mountain apex. After all, there were only a limited number of Sky Deities in the world, not more than twenty.

Chen Mu's battle in Zhongzhou, where he killed two Sky Deities, further reduced the number of Sky Deities in the world.

The Apex of Kunlun Mountain.

"Brother Teng, it's been many years, but you still look as vigorous as ever."

"How have you been, Brother Wang?"

The Sky Deities greeted each other, all of them being the few Sky Deity-level experts in the world.

As the only Sky Deity-level beings in the world, they naturally knew each other, although some had conflicts, rarely were they mortal enemies, and most had some form of friendship.

Some greeted Gongyang Yu and Gu Xiaochen, and neither of them responded arrogantly, instead replying peacefully.

Although there were differences in strength among the Sky Deities, their status was relatively similar, as they had all reached the pinnacle of the Martial Dao and were seeking the path forward.

Even Sword Zun Gu Xiaochen and Heavenly Blade Gongyang Yu could kill those in the Blood Transformation Realm, but they couldn't defeat a Sky Deity. After all, there was a gap in their realms.

Once one reaches the Sky Deity level, no matter how weak, they are not easily defeated. Even when facing the most powerful Sky Deities, they still have the ability to protect themselves. Even if they can't win, as long as they don't forcefully engage, they can retreat.

On that day in Zhongzhou, one of the Sky Deities killed by Chen Mu was too close to him, and Chen Mu's formidable physique overwhelmed him, leaving him no time to retreat, resulting in severe injuries and death on the spot. The other Sky Deity tried to attack Chen Mu's soul core but suffered backlash and was severely injured. Even though he managed to escape back into his body, the damage to his soul core left him without the strength to resist.

If Yang Qingshan and Ruan Tian had chosen to flee instead of fighting Chen Mu, it would have been difficult for Chen Mu to kill them on that day, given his abilities.

Once one attains the Sky Deity level, as long as they don't take unnecessary risks, there are rarely any threats in the world.

This is the confidence of a Sky Deity looking down upon the world!

"Thirty years, a mere snap of the fingers."

As the Sky Deities chatted, a figure approached, singing as he came. He traversed the void, his figure ethereal like smoke, wearing a luxurious robe, his demeanor like an immortal descending upon the mortal realm. He stepped across the void and arrived at the apex of Kunlun Mountain.

"After many years apart, we meet again. Brother Zhang seems to be in high spirits."

Someone greeted the newcomer with a smile.

Another of the world's top Sky Deity-level experts had arrived. This person had cultivated the Five Elements to the extreme, integrating the complete Five Elements into his path, achieving Blood Transformation and becoming a Sky Deity. He was the youngest among them in terms of age when he attained Sky Deity, though 'young' meant he was already over a hundred years old, and his reputation was equally renowned.

The Master of Tianhu Island,

Zhang Chen!

"It's been a long time. I'm glad to see you all doing well."

The Master of Tianhu Island greeted everyone with an open manner, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "I thought I was the last to arrive at this Kunlun gathering, but it seems there's someone even later than me?"

"Not late, not late."

A quiet voice seemed to appear out of thin air, reverberating from the void.

The Sky Deities didn't seem surprised, but the Blood Transformation Realm experts in the distance all had a slight change in expression, feeling a sense of awe, as they couldn't perceive where the voice was coming from!

Everyone turned to look, and at the edge of the Kunlun Mountain apex, a figure gradually appeared, shrouded in a black robe, standing there with an obscure aura, almost imperceptible.

"Mo Zun!" A shiver ran down the spines of those present, their eyes filled with deep apprehension.

The leader of the Six Paths Alliance,

Mo Zun!

Among the peerless experts under the heavens, whether it be Gongyang Yu, Gu Xiaochen, or Xuan Tian Daizhu, none of them were bloodthirsty individuals. Gongyang Yu, in his youth, had once traveled the land with a sword, causing much slaughter, but that was merely the act of a skilled swordsman, ruthless yet not bloodthirsty.

However, Mo Zun was different. He rose from within the Western Desert, a place where evil was rampant. He had climbed his way up from the midst of evil, practicing the path of wickedness, more evil than the evildoers themselves. Especially during the years when the Daxuan Court was in decline, the entire Western Desert was in a state of chaos. It was only after the rise of the Six Paths Alliance, led by Mo Zun, that they managed to suppress and control the Western Border Region's Eleven Provinces, bringing a semblance of order to the region. But this order was limited to within the borders of the Western Desert.

Within a year after the division of the Nine Realms, there were numerous clashes between the Six Paths Alliance and the neighboring Daoist Courts. Under Mo Zun's leadership, they acted without restraint, causing much turmoil.

"Mo Zun..."

Sikuang Rui, the personal disciple of the Qingyun Sect's leader, looked at Mo Zun with cold, piercing eyes.

His own personal disciple, the most promising candidate to inherit the sect leader's legacy, had been surrounded and attacked by the Six Paths Alliance. In his rage, he ventured into the Western Desert alone and fought against them, injuring several Blood Transformation Realm experts before being forced to retreat by Mo Zun himself.

He believed that this incident was undoubtedly connected to Mo Zun, and at this moment, their encounter could be described as a clash between rivals. The atmosphere grew tense and oppressive.

In a swift and silent motion, a figure appeared in the distant sky, taking slow and deliberate steps. Yet, with each step, it was as if he had covered a vast distance, and there seemed to be a subtle interplay of black and white. In just a few strides, he reached the Kunlun Mountains and landed atop the mountain peak!

No introduction was needed; this figure was known throughout the world.

Xuan Tian Daizhu!

Among the top-tier Heavenly Human experts in the world, he was the most mysterious in terms of origin. Some say he once belonged to the Daxuan royal family, while others claim he rose from a humble and obscure background. No one truly knows the details, not even his real name. He is known as Xuan Tian Daizhu because he leads the Xuan Tian Dao Guan, a sect with almost no disciples.

Among the numerous Heavenly Human experts present, those who knew some details about Xuan Tian Daizhu were still unaware of his true name. They only knew that before he reached the pinnacle of the Martial Dao, he traveled the world under the Daoist name 'Heavenly Crystal Son', with a junior fellow disciple named 'Heavenly Calculation Son'. However, the origins of this pair of master and disciple and their specific lineage remain unknown. Some even speculate that they received the Dao from Heaven and Earth itself, achieving their insights independently. Hence, in the Xuan Tian Dao Guan, they only worship Heaven and Earth, not a master.

"Today's debate is about the path to Divinity, and the most important guest has yet to arrive. How can we say that he is late?" Xuan Tian Daizhu spoke lightly as he landed on the Kunlun Mountains.

Upon hearing Xuan Tian Daizhu's words, the numerous Heavenly Human experts present all displayed different expressions. Even Sikuang Rui, who had been looking at Mo Zun with cold eyes, had a fleeting glimmer in his gaze, uncertain and fluctuating.

"I've heard that he has no interest in these debates. Perhaps he won't come."

Someone spoke, shaking their head slightly.

The Sky Deity Debate was about the path to Divinity. Only when one reaches the pinnacle of the Martial Dao, feeling that there's no further progress to be made, would they eagerly seek to explore the path ahead and engage in debates to validate their own insights and direction.

Chen Mu's sweeping through the Capital Region with his sheer physical prowess was shocking, but it was a display of pure bodily strength. In terms of the Martial Dao, he still had room for advancement, so it's normal for him to not be interested in the Kunlun Debate.

Moreover, at their level, they all valued face and reputation.

The Kunlun Debate, being a discussion about the path to Divinity, was not a matter of questioning Chen Mu's qualifications. No one would doubt his eligibility to participate, nor would anyone object to his presence. In fact, many hoped to explore the path of Body Refinement Martial Way with him. However, Chen Mu himself might have some reservations about joining the Kunlun Debate due to his current state of not yet reaching Divinity, and he might not fully grasp the difficulty of finding the way forward.

Perhaps, it would take another thirty years, when Chen Mu attains Divinity, reaching the pinnacle of the Martial Dao, and feeling that there's no further progress to be made, that he would truly understand the challenges of exploring new paths. Then, he might be willing to join the Kunlun Debate and discuss the Martial Dao's future with others.

"If he doesn't come, it would be a pity."

Nan Hua Manor's old ancestor, Teng Xuanjing, sighed.

Among all the Heavenly Human experts present, he wasn't the strongest, but he was the oldest, having lived for over two hundred and eighty years, nearing three hundred years of age. He had exhausted almost all means of prolonging his lifespan and was unlikely to live to see the next Kunlun Debate.

This Kunlun Debate was his final destination. After this debate, he planned to compile his lifetime of Martial Dao insights and pass them on to the future generations of Nan Hua Manor.

If fate had not brought Chen Mu to participate in the Kunlun Debate, it would have been a great pity.

However, Chen Mu's absence couldn't be forced.

At this Kunlun Debate, although not all the Heaven Persons in the world were present, there were still two who hadn't arrived. One was the Northern Pacifying King, Yuan Hong, and the other was Lu Zongxi, the Hall Master of Daxuan Martial Hall. Lu Zongxi, almost the same age as him, was said to be on the verge of sitting in meditation, hence his absence from the debate. Instead, he focused on leaving behind his Martial Dao heritage.

Nevertheless, among the numerous Heaven Persons present, someone soon noticed something and directed their gaze towards a certain spot below.

On a steep cliff rising from the ground, two figures could be seen climbing. They were both Blood Transformation Realm experts, and upon closer inspection, they were none other than Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun, who had hurried over from the Seven Mysteries Sect.

Due to Chen Mu's situation, they were a step behind, but at this moment, they had finally arrived.

"Speaking of which, since the two from the Seven Mysteries Sect are here, why not ask them?"

The person withdrew his gaze and looked at the other Heaven Persons present.

Xuan Tian Daizhu and the others also turned their eyes towards Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun, who had already climbed onto a cliff, but they remained silent, their expressions unchanged. Only Tang Xuanjing, the Grandmaster of Nanhua Manor, had a fleeting glint in his eyes.

He took two steps towards the edge of the Kunlun Mountain Apex, gazing at Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun. In a gentle tone, he said, "Yin Supreme, it's been years since we last met. Back then, the Seven Mysteries Sect was supported by you alone, and now it's finally thriving with successors. It's truly admirable."

Yin Heng was a bit younger than him, but not by much. The two had no close relationship; they had only met a few times in the distant past.

"The ways of the world are ever-changing, and who can truly know them?" Yin Heng replied, looking up at the Kunlun Mountain Apex and bowing towards Tang Xuanjing with a salute. "Grandmaster Tang, your vigor remains unchanged after all these years."

There were few in the world whom Yin Heng would address as 'Grandmaster'. Tang Xuanjing, the Grandmaster of Nanhua Manor, was one such person. Firstly, his Realm was that of a Heaven Person, surpassing Yin Heng's. Secondly, Tang Xuanjing was also older.

"My decrepit body has long been frail with age," Tang Xuanjing sighed slightly, then shifted the topic. "You and your beloved disciple are both here, but I wonder if that person will also arrive?"

Yin Heng was about to respond, but Tang Xuanjing's movement suddenly halted. He abruptly looked up towards a certain spot on the horizon.

Not only him, but the numerous Heaven Person experts standing atop the Kunlun Mountain Apex, including Xuan Tian Daizhu and Donglin Jianzun, also looked in the same direction with astonishment.

Hmm? Yin Heng, Qin Mengjun, and the other Blood Transformation experts gazing from the mountain peak were all startled, turning their heads towards the direction the Heaven Persons were staring at...

At that moment, Yin Heng realized he no longer needed to answer Tang Xuanjing's question.

Because Chen Mu had arrived.

At this very moment, not only the Heaven Person experts standing atop the Kunlun Mountain Apex, including the Grandmasters of the major sects, but also the Blood Transformation experts of the world, and even the numerous Marrow Tempering Grandmasters standing on the central peaks of Kunlun, all looked up simultaneously.

At the edge of the horizon, in a distant and dim direction, a figure lightly stepped across the void, each step spanning the heavens. With every step, the void beneath shattered, cracking open with black void rifts! This figure was none other than Chen Mu!

His expression was calm as he stepped over the shattered void, unharmed by the surging void force. He continued his journey, and after a few brief steps, he finally reached the Kunlun Mountain Apex!

This scene left almost all the Blood Transformation experts in awe, including the Heaven Person experts atop the Kunlun Mountain Apex, who also showed surprise. Even Xuan Tian Daizhu and Mo Zun couldn't help but display solemn expressions.

Chen Mu didn't show off or reveal any ferocious aura.

He simply arrived, just like them, by traversing the void and landing on the Kunlun Mountain Apex.

However, the nonchalant way he shattered the void underfoot, treating the void rifts as if they were nothing, was enough to astonish even the Heaven Person experts!

Heaven Person experts would typically exert all their strength to tear open a single black void rift, and even then, they would dare not get too close to the void rift, quickly retreating to avoid being injured by the void force.

But Chen Mu's traversal of the void seemed to overwhelm it, causing it to shatter into pieces. The surging void force that emerged from the rifts was also effortlessly trampled by Chen Mu!

What a breathtaking scene!

In other words, their full-power attacks might not even scratch Chen Mu, who possessed such a terrifying physique. Could such a formidable body truly be cultivated by a mortal?

"I've heard that since ancient times, the Martial Dao experts of the past have held the Kunlun Debate to discuss the Martial Dao, a tradition that has continued to this day."

"Chen has long admired the esteemed names of the seniors present. I've yearned to discuss the Martial Dao with you all. After years of diligent cultivation, I've made some progress and wish to exchange insights with you all. I hope you will kindly offer your guidance."

Chen Mu took slow steps, landing on the Kunlun Mountain Apex, his gaze lightly sweeping across the surroundings.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end