Chapter 485: How Many Tribulations Have I Endured to Reach This Point?

Chapter 485: How Many Tribulations Have I Endured to Reach This Point?

At the apex of Kunlun Mountain, everyone was immersed in Gu Xiaochen's comprehension of the Shattered Void Sword.

Throughout the development of martial arts, each advancement in the Body Refinement Martial Way has been a significant milestone. Countless years ago, the birth of the Heaven and Earth Path marked the most crucial development in martial arts since ancient times.

However, at this Kunlun Summit Discussion, the most significant martial arts breakthrough was the continuous emergence of new techniques, leaving everyone in awe and barely able to keep up.

First, Martial Saint Chen Mu clarified that the Blood Replacement Realm could be cultivated. Then, Heavensword Gongyang Yu's Primordial Chaos Blade opened up the Primordial Chaos Blade Dao. Next, Donglin Jianzun Gu Xiaochen's sword merged with the mysteries of the void, leading to the cultivation of the Void Path!

Furthermore, Chen Mu's words confirmed that the Void Path was a Heaven-Crossing Path surpassing the Martial Way, a higher-level path!

For a moment, almost everyone in the Blood Replacement Realm tried to comprehend Gu Xiaochen's Shattered Void Sword. However, only a few managed to gain any insight, while the vast majority felt like they were gazing at flowers in the mist, unable to see clearly.

In reality, this was indeed the case. Gu Xiaochen was an Ultimate Celestial Being who had cultivated for a century in the Celestial Being Level, and his Divine Soul was also incredibly powerful, having refined a portion of the Unextinguishable Divine Light. He was comparable to Chen Mu before he entered the Celestial Being Level, and even then, it took him a century to barely comprehend a bit of the void's mysteries and integrate them into his sword techniques. How could ordinary Blood Replacement Realm cultivators possibly comprehend his sword? Even with hundreds or thousands of years, the Void Path would still be a realm beyond their reach.

"With this sword, Brother Gu's strength has surpassed mine, leading the world."

Gongyang Yu, immersed in Gu Xiaochen's sword, took a long while to regain his composure, and sighed as he spoke.

His blade, though it gathered the culmination of current martial arts, pushing back from the Heaven and Earth to the Primordial Chaos, was more about perfecting the current state of martial arts, still within the scope of the Heaven and Earth. In contrast, Gu Xiaochen's sword already hinted at a flavor of transcending the Heaven and Earth.

Upon hearing Gongyang Yu's words, Gu Xiaochen turned his head and shook his head, saying, "I'm merely groping my way forward. This sword hasn't even taken half a step. Brother Gongyang has opened up the path for all blade cultivators in the world, perfecting the Blade Dao, and I deeply admire that."

These words truly came from his heart.

Although, in terms of strength, Gongyang Yu's blade would likely defeat his sword, Gongyang Yu had perfected the Blade Dao, illuminating the path for all blade cultivators. From now on, all blade cultivators could cultivate the Primordial Chaos Blade Dao. However, Gu Xiaochen's sword was different. While it seemed to guide the path for all sword cultivators, it was actually a castle in the air.

At the very least, one would need to reach the Celestial Being Level to comprehend his sword, and even the Blood Replacement Realm was not qualified.

In this situation, the sword he had opened up was not a true cultivation path for all sword cultivators. Therefore, compared to the millions of martial artists in the world, Gongyang Yu's blade was still more important, laying the foundation for the next tens of thousands of years, even until the end.

After Gu Xiaochen and Gongyang Yu exchanged a few words of modesty, the many Celestial Beings in the audience gradually regained their composure. Someone shook their head and said, "This Void Path is indeed profound and mysterious. Comprehending it is like gazing at a mirage, barely able to glimpse its true nature. Even Celestial Beings can only grasp the foundation of this path, and without decades of exploration, it's unlikely to catch even a glimpse."

"Hmm."

Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "The Void Path is inherently beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Celestial Beings use the human path to reach the edge of the celestial dome, just one step away from transcending the Heaven and Earth. Only then can they faintly glimpse the mysteries beyond the Heaven and Earth."

Although Gu Xiaochen's sword couldn't be considered a complete prototype of the Void Path, it did possess the mysteries of the Void Path. It was indeed not something that ordinary Celestial Beings could comprehend in a short time.

Like Gu Xiaochen, whose Divine Soul was nearly half transformed into an 'Immortal Soul', comprehending it wasn't easy. To master Gu Xiaochen's sword without relying on the System Interface would likely require several years.

As for comprehending the complete prototype of the Void Path, that would undoubtedly take even longer.

Fortunately, the existence of the System Interface could greatly shorten this process.

At this moment, the divine light in everyone's hearts had mostly dissipated, although many still had their hearts set on Gu Xiaochen's sword. However, it was not the time for Gu Xiaochen, a respected Sword Zun, to demonstrate his sword again.

Some who had a good relationship with Gu Xiaochen had already made plans to visit him in Donglin after the Kunlun Summit Discussion and further discuss the Void Path.

Chen Mu now turned his gaze towards the three who had yet to make their moves: the Master of Heavenly Lake Island, the Master of the Six Paths Alliance, and the Master of Xuan Tian Dao Guan.

The Master of Heavenly Lake Island looked at Chen Mu and smiled calmly, saying, "My methods, compared to Saint Chen, are like a small witch before a great witch. But I do want to experience Saint Chen's methods, so let's compete with our physical strength in one move."

Upon hearing these words, the audience was not surprised.

They were already aware of the path the Master of Heavenly Lake Island had comprehended and cultivated, which he had previously demonstrated—the Blood Refinement technique of Body Refinement Martial Arts, making him the only person to reach the Blood Transformation Realm.

However, compared to Chen Mu's methods, the Master of Heavenly Lake Island's Body Refinement techniques were indeed like a small witch before a great witch. If Chen Mu hadn't been present at this Kunlun Summit Discussion, the path the Master of Heavenly Lake Island had opened up might have become the focus of the discussion. After all, compared to the Sword Zun's ethereal Shattered Void Sword and the Blade Dao cultivated by blade cultivators, the Body Refinement of the physical body was closer to the realm of the world's martial artists.

Especially for those who had not yet entered the Celestial Being Level in the Blood Replacement Realm, they yearned even more for the enhancement of their physical bodies.

"Please."

Chen Mu extended his hand in invitation.

Among the five supreme experts present, he was indeed less interested in the Master of Heavenly Lake Island's methods, as they were completely useless to him. Still, he didn't mind granting a lesson.

"Saint Chen's martial arts are unparalleled in the world, so I won't decline."

After a smile, the Master of Heavenly Lake Island moved his right hand forward and his left hand backward, drawing a circular motion. Then, he joined his arms together, forming a seal, and suddenly raised it high, striking towards Chen Mu.

"Heaven-Supporting Seal!"

This move was extremely simple, devoid of any mental realm or flow of heavenly power. It was purely a display of essence energy and physical strength. His sleeves almost instantly tore apart, revealing his robust muscles, veins, and flesh, brewing a terrifying essence energy and blood force that made one's heart tremble.

This display of physical strength surpassed that of any Celestial Being present, but in Chen Mu's eyes, it was still ordinary. He didn't make much of a move, merely raising his left hand and flipping it downward, pressing it down.

This palm strike was also simple, without any mental realm or flow of heavenly power. Yet, when it fell, it gave the impression of covering the sky and sheltering the four directions, leaving nowhere to hide or escape, a sense of overwhelming might! It was as if not just a hand but the entire celestial dome was collapsing and falling!

Covering the Sky with One Hand!

"Hah!"

The Master of Heavenly Lake Island knew how terrifying Chen Mu's strength was, and he wanted to experience Chen Mu's physical strength through his moves. Now, he held nothing back, almost mobilizing all his essence energy, causing his muscles and veins to swell. All his physical strength gathered and converged into that fist seal.

Boom!!!

Finally, the fist imprint collided with Chen Mu's palm. The seemingly simple fist strike was like the impact of heaven and earth, erupting with a deafening roar that shook the sky and echoed like a mountain collapsing.

The Heavenly Lake Island Master raised his arms, summoning the Heaven-Supporting Seal, but he could only withstand the force for a fleeting moment. He felt an overwhelming pressure, heavier than a thousand pounds, bearing down on him. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't withstand the pressure of those five fingers.

Crack! Crack!!!

Accompanied by the Heavenly Lake Island Master's roar, the void between their fists could no longer bear the collision of these two immense forces. It shattered, leaving a crack over ten zhang long.

Within the void rift, a terrifying force emerged, threatening to tear the Heavenly Lake Island Master's body apart.

Just then, the Heavenly Lake Island Master could no longer withstand the suppression of Chen Mu's palm strike. His body emitted a cracking sound as if his bones were reaching their limit. Then, with a loud bang, he was swept away by Chen Mu's palm.

Whoosh!

The Heavenly Lake Island Master's face paled, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He flew backward through the air for several dozen zhang, leaving the Kunlun Mountain Apex, before finally coming to a stop.

When he turned his gaze forward, he saw Chen Mu's palm, which had just suppressed him, now pressing down on the center of the ruptured void rift. Despite the raging force of the void rift, Chen Mu's palm remained unharmed. With a casual flick of his hand, the ruptured void rift swiftly sealed itself.

"Huff..."

The Heavenly Lake Island Master took a deep breath, calming his surging blood, and then bowed respectfully to Chen Mu from afar. "Thank you, Saint Chen, for your guidance."

Even before witnessing Chen Mu's various abilities, he had already known the terrifying strength of Chen Mu's physique, far beyond his own capabilities. But after experiencing Chen Mu's physical resistance firsthand, he truly understood the extent of Chen Mu's power—a height that ordinary people could hardly reach. He even doubted that even if he had achieved the perfection of Blood Transformation, he might not be able to match Chen Mu's level.

Chen Mu's superiority wasn't just in his realm; it was also in his foundation, his understanding of the Heaven and Earth Path, and his perfect Martial Body that encompassed all things.

Chen Mu stood tall on the mountain apex, his palm raised, gazing at the other party. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Then, Chen Mu turned his attention to the last two individuals: the Six Paths Alliance Master and the Xuan Tian Dao Master.

The Six Paths Alliance Master stood on the side of the mountain apex. Since the Kunlun Debate had begun, he had spoken little. Only when Chen Mu was imparting his teachings, or when Gongyang Yu was demonstrating his skills or Zhang Wei was wielding his sword, did a hint of surprise flash across his eyes.

Noticing Chen Mu's gaze upon him, he seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking. "Fellow cultivators, it has been decades since we last met, and we have all made progress on our cultivation paths. Today, with Saint Chen among us, I, too, have cultivated a certain method. However, this method is exceptionally dangerous and not suitable for martial combat."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing these words, not only Chen Mu but also Gongyang Yu, the Heavenly Lake Island Master, and the others turned their attention to him.

Mo Zun, seeing this, shook his head slightly. At this moment, he didn't conceal anything and spoke with composure. "I possess a technique from the Great Wilderness. It's a soul attack method, but it's not suitable for martial cultivators. After many years of comprehending this path, I've finally cultivated a technique that can refine and strengthen the soul, allowing it to attack others."

"Soul injuries are no trivial matter, and soul confrontations are extremely dangerous. Therefore, this path isn't suitable for martial combat. However, my understanding of the soul path can be shared with all of you."

At this point, he turned his gaze to Chen Mu.

If it weren't for Chen Mu's presence here today, he would never have revealed his secret technique. After all, soul techniques are not to be taken lightly. Without prior knowledge, those who haven't cultivated the Immortal Divine Light, even Heaven and Man Masters, might find themselves vulnerable to his attacks.

Even figures like Gongyang Yu and Zhang Wei might not fare well against him in battle. His methods are more mysterious, and without prior preparation, a sudden ambush could be devastating. Whether Zhang Wei could even unleash his sword in such a situation is questionable.

But today, with Chen Mu present and everyone having already revealed their cultivation paths, there's no room for secrecy. If he were to hide his true abilities, it would surely provoke the anger of the group. He doesn't fear the others, but he does hold Chen Mu in high regard.

Trying to deceive them with other means is also impossible. As one of the world's top Heaven and Man Masters, after decades of cultivation, it's impossible to have made no progress in martial arts. There would undoubtedly be some unique insights and breakthroughs.

Of course, the most crucial factor is Chen Mu's exceptional soul strength. Although he hasn't fully displayed it, various situations have already proven its power. First, there was Yang Qingshan, whose soul was shattered by Chen Mu, leading to his demise. Then, there's the soul, body, and spirit complementing each other, and Chen Mu, with his unparalleled physique and perfection in Blood Transformation, also possesses an extraordinarily strong soul. It's likely even stronger than Mo Zun's.

In this situation, if he could explore the soul path with Chen Mu, he might gain significant insights.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing Mo Zun's words, Chen Mu was slightly surprised, and a hint of astonishment flashed across his eyes.

It's common knowledge that there are no cultivation methods for the soul. The only existing soul techniques, like Ji Yongzhao's Soul Capture and Body Seizing, originate from the Great Wilderness.

Chen Mu is also aware of the Soul Capture and Body Seizing technique, but it only forcibly merges one's soul with another's, seizing control of their body. Mo Zun's research direction is indeed soul-related, which is slightly unexpected.

The soul is a crucial aspect that Chen Mu values highly. His cultivation in physique is well-documented, and with sufficient resources, he can directly reach the Divine Realm. However, when it comes to the soul, he has yet to find the right method, and even the system cannot directly enhance his soul power.

Although the Soul Capture and Body Seizing technique provides some understanding of the soul path, it's far from enough. If he can gain more insights and principles of the soul path from Mo Zun, perhaps he can eventually develop a method to strengthen his soul.

"In my observation, the so-called Mental Realm in the martial path is, in essence, the path to awaken and strengthen the soul. The ability to harness the power of Heaven and Earth is merely an addition to the path of soul strengthening."

Mo Zun spoke slowly.

This single sentence alone caused the numerous Celestial Beings present to pause in thought, many of them revealing peculiar expressions.

Those who stood atop Kunlun Mountain were the pinnacle figures of their generation. If a martial concept lacked logic, they could easily refute it. However, Mo Zun's words resonated with a thought that had fleetingly crossed everyone's minds.

The thought was so shocking that once it spread throughout the world, it might even overturn the entire martial world!

All along...

The martial cultivation in the world has always focused on mental realms, with will as a supplementary aspect.

All martial practitioners strive for the power that comes from elevating their mental realms. Martial will, soul core strength, and other aspects are cultivated only to further enhance their mental realms.

But Mo Zun's words completely overturned the essence of martial cultivation, shattering the beliefs of countless martial artists.

Mental realms are not the key!

The soul core is the crucial factor!

If this statement is proven true, then martial cultivation has been fundamentally misconstrued all this time.

The enhancement of the soul core is the most fundamental aspect. Mental realms and Heavenly Earth Power are merely benefits gained along the path of strengthening the soul core.

Mo Zun's first sentence alone silenced the crowd, causing even the Blood Transformation Realm experts who had been gazing up at the mountain peak in awe to be shocked.

"Mo Zun's words are not without reason."

In the midst of the silence, Chen Mu responded slowly after hearing Mo Zun's words.

Mo Zun's concept was something Chen Mu had also contemplated long ago, and now he believed that this idea was the true path of martial cultivation.

After all, if the soul core is robust, then comprehending mental realms would be as effortless as water flowing into a channel.

In other words, the soul core is like 'Essence True Energy', while mental realms are akin to 'Energy Skills'. When the Essence True Energy is sufficiently powerful, cultivating any Energy Skill becomes effortless, allowing one to easily maximize its potential. Thus, the soul core is the foundation, while mental realms are merely techniques.

With Chen Mu's agreement, Mo Zun nodded slightly, inwardly marveling at the similarity of insights between heroes. Indeed, upon reaching the Celestial Being level, one would naturally ponder this question and harbor such doubts. It was only due to the lack of soul core cultivation methods in the world that the traditional martial concepts had yet to be overturned.

"When martial practitioners refine their martial will, they are essentially cultivating their soul cores. However, refining martial will does not directly enhance the soul core; it merely awakens the dormant power of the soul core."

"From birth, the strength of one's soul core does not vary significantly. Some people are born with highly active soul cores, naturally possessing exceptional talent. For them, comprehending mental realms is as effortless as eating and drinking, and this is precisely due to the strength of their soul cores."

Mo Zun explained slowly.

At this point, his words took a slight turn, "When a martial practitioner reaches the Six Viscera Realm and stands before the threshold of the Marrow Washing Realm, this step becomes crucial. Only by fully awakening the soul core can one break through the Marrow Washing Realm; otherwise, success is extremely difficult."

"I have observed countless people attempting to break through the Marrow Washing Realm, and indeed, a small number of them manage to do so without fully awakening their soul cores. However, during their attempts, their soul cores are stimulated, and their martial will is further refined, causing the power of their soul cores to awaken completely, enabling them to succeed."

Mo Zun's words seemed to define another martial realm—the impact of Marrow Washing Realm breakthrough. If the soul core is fully awakened at this stage, then breaking through the Marrow Washing Realm becomes effortless. As long as one's physical foundation is not too weak, success is guaranteed!

"Additionally, those with fully awakened soul cores, even if they are unable to break through the Marrow Washing Realm due to aging and declining vitality, still possess a small number of individuals who can cultivate Martial Domains and rival Grandmasters, despite being in the Six Viscera Realm."

Mo Zun continued his explanation, glancing at Chen Mu, "The process of breaking through the Marrow Washing Realm is not merely about entering Marrow Washing and cultivating the Martial Body. In reality, it is also a critical step in soul core enhancement. If the soul core is already fully awakened before breaking through the Marrow Washing Realm, then during the breakthrough process, the soul core will undergo significant refinement."

"This process is extremely dangerous. One must linger as much as possible during the Marrow Washing Realm breakthrough, enduring the Heavenly Earth's refinement. The duration is challenging to gauge, and any miscalculation could result in soul flight and spirit dissipation."

Upon hearing Mo Zun's words, someone in the crowd immediately showed a thoughtful expression.

"So that's how it is."

"During the Marrow Washing Realm breakthrough, one can deeply comprehend the Heavenly Earth Power. Now that I think about it, it's also a process of tempering the soul core. Countless martial artists, when attempting to break through the Marrow Washing Realm, either succeed or fail. How many would dare to take the risk and linger longer during the breakthrough process... It seems that all of you here, when facing the Marrow Washing Realm, endured the Heavenly Earth refinement as much as possible."

A faint light gleamed in Nanhua Manor Ancestor's eyes as he looked at the crowd.

The crowd's gazes also turned towards the others, confirming his words.

Indeed!

The people present were all Celestial Being experts, the pinnacle of the mortal world. In their early years, when they challenged the Marrow Washing Realm, they did so with unwavering conviction, unafraid of danger. They all sought to comprehend the Heavenly Earth Power during their breakthrough attempts, aiming for greater benefits. Now it seemed that their ability to cultivate to the Celestial Being level was also due to their willingness to endure the Heavenly Earth refinement at that time.

Even though their soul cores were not fully formed then, making it difficult to perceive their soul core's strength, it laid the foundation for their future cultivation. No wonder so many Blood Transformation Realm experts struggled at the Unity of Heaven and Man stage.

They lacked a solid foundation, making it even more challenging.

"Additionally, during the Blood Transformation Realm breakthrough, when the soul core fully forms, it is also a tempering process. Finally, when comprehending the third step of Insight, the Unity of Heaven and Man, they will undergo another refinement... I believe Chen Mu's soul core and physical foundation have reached such an extraordinary level because he pushed himself to the extreme during these three breakthroughs."

Mo Zun glanced at Chen Mu, admiration flashing in his eyes.

Just enduring the dangers and doing their utmost to withstand the Heavenly Earth refinement during these three breakthroughs demonstrated a will and determination far beyond ordinary people.

Chen Mu's cultivation to this point, becoming peerless and invincible, could not be simply attributed to 'exceptional talent'. In just twenty short years, he had faced countless dangers and hardships, carving his path through thorns.

At the very least, Mo Zun deeply admired Chen Mu's journey.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end