Chapter 490: Blood Fire Soul Refining

Chapter 490: Blood Fire Soul Refining

Soul Refining Technique!

The Great Shaman's Path, when cultivated to its peak, reaches the limit of blood and energy. But the heavens and earth are boundless, so to attain the Ancestor Realm, one must strengthen the divine soul and harness the power of heaven and earth as a furnace. By tempering the barbaric body in this furnace, one can return to the Ancestor Realm and then embark on the path of questioning the shaman deity.

"..."

Chen Mu carefully examined the demon skin scroll in his hand, and the more he read, the more solemn his gaze became. Although this demon skin scroll recorded a method of soul refining, its sparse notes depicted a world as vast as Da Xuan.

In that world, there seemed to be no martial arts, only the so-called Shamanic Barbarian Path. However, even when cultivated to its peak, the Shamanic Barbarian Path still required the refinement of the heart soul, which would then control heaven and earth, transforming them into a furnace to temper the barbaric body and enter the divine realm.

Judging by this demon skin scroll, the world that followed the Shamanic Barbarian Path seemed to have developed faster than Da Xuan.

In Da Xuan, under Chen Mu's guidance, they had only recently begun to organize some ideas about the Heart Soul Path. To truly summarize a complete method of heart soul cultivation would require thousands, or even tens of thousands, of years. But in this world of the Shamanic Barbarian Path, they had already reached that stage and summarized the 'Soul Refining Technique' to refine the heart soul.

"Indeed, all variations lead back to the same origin. The path to immortality is ultimately the return to the Great Dao."

Chen Mu's eyes shone with a faint light as he read the demon skin scroll, and he murmured to himself.

After reaching the pinnacle of martial cultivation, one must cultivate the heart soul to enter the divine realm. The Shamanic Barbarian Path was no different. It seemed that his past ideas were not wrong—in any world, any path of cultivation would converge at the divine realm, requiring the cultivation of an immortal body and an immortal soul to attain immortality.

After carefully studying the Soul Refining Technique, Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Although this method of heart soul cultivation did not originate from martial arts, all paths lead back to the Great Dao. At this stage, all paths are similar, but the cultivation threshold of this technique is even higher than you imagined. Even ordinary celestial beings are not qualified to practice it."

This Soul Refining Technique was extraordinary in its cultivation method. It involved refining a strand of 'Divine Fire' from within the heart soul, then using this divine fire to temper the heart soul, with heaven and earth as the furnace and primordial energy as nourishment. This process would be extremely painful, beyond the endurance of ordinary people, and only those who could refine the Unextinguishable Divine Light would be initially qualified to cultivate.

Otherwise, even celestial martial artists would face great risks when using this method to refine their heart souls, as not all celestial beings could refine the Unextinguishable Divine Light.

"Then, will this method be effective for Chen Sheng?"

Mu Qingyi's eyes shone with a faint light as she listened to Chen Mu's words. She had no doubt in his words; if Chen Mu said that even ordinary celestial beings were not qualified to cultivate it, it must be true.

Chen Mu did not answer immediately but closed his eyes slightly. Then, with a thought, the system panel appeared before him.

He stared at the system panel for a moment, until it suddenly shifted, and new lines of text emerged from the bottom, displaying in front of him.

[Soul Path: Soul Refining Technique (Not Yet Initiated)]



[Experience: 5 points]



"Indeed, as long as there is a complete cultivation method, the system panel can make use of it."

Chen Mu looked at the description on the system panel, his expression calm and his heart serene.

According to the description of this Soul Refining Technique, there were three stages. With each stage of refinement, the heart soul would gradually elevate, and upon completing the final stage of cultivation, one could cultivate an immortal soul, taking a step beyond the threshold of the divine realm! For Chen Mu, with this technique, even without the assistance of the system panel, he was confident in his ability to cultivate it to perfection and refine a complete immortal soul. However, in terms of efficiency, it would undoubtedly be faster with the system panel's help.

Regardless...

With this Soul Refining Technique, one of the major obstacles on his path to the divine realm had been silently removed.

"This technique will be very useful for me."

Chen Mu closed the system panel with a thought and slowly opened his eyes, looking at Mu Qingyi. He spoke with a light tone, "With this method, I can save a lot of effort. I owe Huanhuan Sect a karmic debt. Mu Zongzhu, feel free to ask for anything."

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingyi's expression turned solemn. "There are two matters I'd like to entrust to Chen Sheng."

"Please tell me."

Chen Mu's gaze remained calm.

Mu Qingyi spoke earnestly, "With the world in chaos, Chen Sheng has brought order and restored the balance of heaven and earth. Everything is in need of revival, but the current generation of Huanhuan disciples are not up to the task. If one day Huanhuan Sect faces the crisis of losing its heritage, I hope Chen Sheng can lend a hand."

In its heyday, Huanhuan Sect had a Sect Leader and two Holy Maidens. But now, there was only one Sect Leader, and no Holy Maiden to inherit the sect. Mu Qingyi had her own ambitions, seeking further progress on the path of martial cultivation. However, with the coexistence of trials and opportunities, reaching her current stage was already challenging, and transcending the Celestial Being Level was no easy feat. She would have to explore the outer seas and even the Great Wilderness to seek the opportunity to become a Celestial Being.

But currently, Huanhuan Sect had only her as the Sect Leader, with no capable successor to shoulder the burden of inheritance. For the sake of the sect's heritage, she had to stay and guard Huanhuan Sect, which was not what she desired.

Despite the karmic debt between Huanhuan Sect and Chen Mu, and the relationships with Hua Nongyue, Hua Nongying, and others, Chen Mu would likely intervene if Huanhuan Sect faced a crisis. But when it came to the weight of preserving the sect's heritage, one couldn't simply rest easy.

"Good. As long as I am here, Huanhuan Sect will endure."

Chen Mu listened to Mu Qingyi's words and nodded calmly.

In truth, given the karmic debt between Huanhuan Sect and Chen Mu, he wouldn't turn a blind eye to any crisis the sect faced. Mu Qingyi's request for a promise to preserve Huanhuan Sect's heritage was not a burden for him.

If Mu Qingyi's request was for the Huanhuan Sect to flourish, he might have considered it, after all, ensuring the sect's prosperity and preserving its heritage are two different concepts. Although he didn't have much prejudice against the Huanhuan Sect, he didn't think it was suitable to become the 'number one sect in the world', with disciples spread across the realm, as that would lead the entire world astray.

Mu Qingyi, the Sect Master of the Huanhuan Sect, was clearly aware of this.

In other words, the Huanhuan Sect's prosperity was precisely due to the turmoil of the times; if the world were peaceful and everyone lived in harmony, those willing to join the Huanhuan Sect would be few and far between. Thus, the cycle of flourishing in chaos and declining in peace continued.

It was enough for Chen Mu to seek the perpetuation of the sect's heritage from Mu Qingyi; as for the sect's prosperity, while 'harmony among people' was important, 'heavenly timing' was even more crucial.

Of course.

There was another reason why Mu Qingyi only asked Chen Mu to ensure the continuity of the Huanhuan Sect's heritage. She had a second request.

"As for this second matter... Chen Sheng should have heard of our previous Sect Master."

"I've heard a little about it."

Chen Mu nodded slightly upon hearing Mu Qingyi's words.

Regarding the previous Sect Master of the Huanhuan Sect, Ye Junhong, he didn't know much about her either. He only knew that she was once a powerful figure renowned throughout the world, but suddenly, over twenty years ago, news of her went silent. It wasn't until more than ten years ago that Mu Qingyi, the Holy Maiden of the Huanhuan Sect, succeeded the position of Sect Master, and the outside world learned that the previous Sect Master might have met with misfortune.

This was because the Huanhuan Sect's tradition was for the Holy Maiden to succeed the position of Sect Master upon the death of the previous Sect Master.

"Actually, my master didn't encounter any misfortune ten years ago, but twenty years ago, after exploring the Great Wilderness, she disappeared within it and never returned, leaving no trace."

"I've made several trips to the Great Wilderness in an attempt to find my master's traces, and finally, six years ago, I found some clues, but I was blocked by a demonic creature. Faced with its threat, I had no choice but to retreat."

At this point, Mu Qingyi's eyes turned serious as she said, "Therefore, this second matter is to ask if, when the Great Wilderness opens next time, you would accompany me to eliminate that demonic creature. Its strength rivals that of a Celestial Being, posing a significant threat to me, but for you, it shouldn't be a problem. Eliminating it would be as easy as turning your hand."

Upon hearing Mu Qingyi's words, Chen Mu couldn't help but pause and said, "You should know that the Great Wilderness is filled with unpredictable changes in the void. Six years ago, when the Great Wilderness appeared, you happened to find traces of your master, but there's no guarantee that you'll find them again the next time you go."

Mu Qingyi spoke earnestly, "That's true. In fact, I believe my master's strength is on par with mine, and if she fell into the hands of that demonic creature and was trapped, it's highly likely that she's met with misfortune. However, as a human, there are things we must do. My master's lifespan hasn't reached its end yet, and since we've found a clue, we should investigate further. Regardless of whether we can find that place when the Great Wilderness opens next time, I ask that you accompany me, but only this once."

After listening to this, Chen Mu pondered for a moment and said, "I can agree to this, but I don't plan to explore the Great Wilderness in the short term. I still need to study this soul-refining technique and won't be able to venture into the Great Wilderness for at least three to five years."

The Great Wilderness held secrets related to the Divine Realm and countless worlds, and he would eventually explore it, but not now. After all, his current strength was far from reaching its upper limit, and the Great Wilderness was fraught with dangers. Even if true Divine Beings couldn't enter, there might be beings of the Lower Eight or even Nine Stages of the Divine Realm.

At the very least, he needed to push his current strength to its peak, reaching a point where he couldn't make any further progress, before considering entering the Great Wilderness to explore the secrets of the world.

Hearing Chen Mu's response, Mu Qingyi didn't show any surprise. Indeed, Chen Mu had just obtained the secret technique for cultivating the soul from the Great Wilderness from her, and it would be unreasonable to abandon the technique without studying it and immediately venture into the Great Wilderness. Moreover, the opening of the Great Wilderness had never been fixed.

"Then we'll wait until you're ready, and we'll enter the Great Wilderness together to explore."

"Good."

Chen Mu handed the demon skin in his hand back to Mu Qingyi.

Obtaining the secret soul-refining technique from the Huanhuan Sect was purely unexpected joy. Originally, after the Kunlun Discussion, he planned to return to the Seven Mysteries Sect to seclude himself and comprehend the Primordial Void Path. Now, he could prioritize refining his soul.

After all, the soul was the key, and the stronger it was, the better one could comprehend the Primordial Path and accumulate experience on the system panel. Refining the soul to its peak and condensing an indestructible divine soul was also a crucial step in entering the Divine Realm.

Mu Qingyi took the demon skin, placed it in her sleeve, and then stood up, smiling at Chen Mu, "Since you've come to the Huanhuan Sect, please stay a few more days and let me fulfill my duty as a host."

Chen Mu was about to refuse, but then he thought of Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying's special soul states, and he couldn't help but show a thoughtful expression, saying, "Since the Sect Master is so kind, I can't refuse."

It would be good to stay at the Huanhuan Sect for a few days and further study Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying's unique soul states.

...

Several days later.

In a graceful pavilion within the valley of the Huanhuan Sect.

"Do you plan to stay in the sect and cultivate?"

Chen Mu sat at a yellow pear wood table, holding a teacup, and looked at Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, who were seated on either side of him.

Hua Nongyue gently kneaded Chen Mu's left shoulder with her small hand and said, "My sister and I can't be of much help to you right now. These past few days, we've gained a lot of insights from you. If we seclude ourselves and cultivate, we'll definitely make progress... My sister and I are willing to serve you at all times, but if we go back to the Seven Mysteries Sect with you, we might cause you some trouble."

Chen Mu paused for a moment and said, "That's good too. You've just entered the Marrow Washing Realm, and it's time to accumulate your foundation and cultivate your martial body to perfection, so you can reach the threshold of blood transformation sooner."

"As the previous generation's true disciple of the Huanhuan Sect, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue have already achieved the grandmaster realm, and it is only natural that they will have the opportunity to glimpse the Blood Replacement Realm in the future. Even after studying their Soul Cores for several days, he still finds their situation fascinating. Compared to the 'Soul Splitting Puppet' technique obtained from Arid Venerable, their current state is even more profound and mysterious. He can't help but wonder what changes will occur once their Soul Cores are thoroughly refined and formed after they enter the Blood Replacement Realm.

Leaving Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue's temporary seclusion in the Huanhuan Sect for cultivation is indeed a suitable arrangement.

Hua Nongyue looked up at Chen Mu, her eyes shimmering like water. "We have long been the playthings of our master, and we live only for you. We will follow your every command, even if it means crossing mountains and rivers. Our sisterly bond ensures that we will arrive at your side in an instant."

Although she didn't know the specifics of the conversation between Chen Mu and the sect leader Mu Qingyi, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were aware that Chen Mu had personally promised to ensure the Huanhuan Sect's heritage would never be severed.

Chen Mu, with his current identity, had guaranteed the Huanhuan Sect's stability for the next few hundred years.

Chen Mu shook his head slightly and stood up, his mind flashing with memories of the past, feeling as if those moments were like dust in the wind.

"I only hope that you will forge ahead on the Martial Dao, so that this world will not be one I walk alone in the future."

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying exchanged a glance, their sisterly bond conveying their mutual understanding.

They knew that Chen Mu might have the potential to achieve everything, ascend to the Divine Realm, transcend the heavens and the earth, and attain immortality. All else in this world would slowly fade with the passage of time.

Clearly, Chen Mu had not yet reached that stage, but he was already contemplating that future. The sisters, possessing some talent and creativity, felt their belief rising within them. They didn't aspire to match Chen Mu's strides, but they were determined to follow him as far as they could.

...

Seven Mysteries Sect.

After leaving the Huanhuan Sect, Chen Mu returned to the Seven Mysteries Sect without any further delays on his journey.

Upon his return, Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun had not yet come back.

Chen Mu wasn't worried. In this world, few could pose a threat to Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun, who were powerful enough to roam the world freely. Only the top-tier Celestial Beings might be a challenge to them.

After a warm reunion with Xu Hongyu and the others, Chen Mu once again entered the forbidden valley of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

"I wonder when I'll be able to cultivate the Immortal Body, but with this Soul Refining Technique, the Eternal Divine Soul is within reach."

Chen Mu muttered to himself.

His mind recalled all the information recorded on the Demon Skin scroll regarding the Soul Refining Technique.

The cultivation method of this technique was not without its boldness. It involved the sacrifice and refinement of three types of flames to temper the Soul Core, gradually progressing until the Soul Core completely transformed into the Eternal Divine Soul.

The first layer of this technique required the refinement of the human body's flame, harnessing the grand essence of blood within the Martial Body to condense into a strand of Supreme Yang Blood Flame, thus refining and tempering the Soul Core—the 'Blood Fire Soul Refining'! Merely attempting this first layer was extremely challenging. Firstly, without cultivating the Unextinguishable Divine Light, one couldn't withstand the tempering of the Supreme Yang Blood Flame, only resulting in damage to the Soul Core without any improvement.

Secondly, cultivating the Supreme Yang Blood Flame required a certain level of physical cultivation. The description mentioned the need to cultivate the 'Supreme Barbaric Body,' but Chen Mu was unsure of its level. Based on the description, it seemed beyond the reach of ordinary Blood Replacement Realm cultivators.

However.

For him, neither of these challenges posed any difficulty.

"Supreme Yang Blood Flame..."

Chen Mu muttered to himself, a faint light flashing in his eyes before he closed them.

He memorized the method of cultivating the Supreme Yang Blood Flame, following its instructions to manipulate and circulate his blood energy. In an instant, the surging blood within his body began to flow like a mighty river.

Yet.

After half a day of effort, Chen Mu had repeatedly attempted to condense the blood flame countless times, but he still couldn't refine the blood flame.

"So, it's not that simple, huh."

Chen Mu opened his eyes, his brows furrowed slightly.

His inability to refine the blood flame was not due to insufficient physical prowess or a lack of abundant blood energy. Instead, it was because of the inherent structural differences between the Heaven and Earth Body he cultivated and the so-called Supreme Barbaric Body.

Although countless paths lead to the Divine Realm, the next step varies for each. For example, the Spirit Bodies cultivated by the Seek Tree Heavenly Spirit Clan and the Body Tempering Martial Way practiced by the Great Xuan Dynasty differed in their nuances.

Evidently.

The method of refining blood flame using the Supreme Barbaric Body couldn't be replicated with the Martial Body. It required a meticulous study of this secret technique to derive a suitable method for the Body Tempering Martial Way.

However, this wasn't something that could be accomplished in a short time. After all, cultivation methods of this caliber were not ordinary, especially when dealing with two distinct cultivation systems. It might take years, even decades, of careful study and exploration.

Nevertheless.

Chen Mu remained undeterred.

Compared to slowly modifying the cultivation method to suit the Body Tempering Martial Way, he had another plan.

With a thought.

Chen Mu summoned the system panel.

[Soul Core: Soul Refining Technique (Uninitiated)]



[Experience: 49 points]



Just a glance was enough for Chen Mu to notice the increase in experience regarding the Soul Refining Technique on the system panel.

Even with two completely different cultivation systems and incompatible cultivation methods, he gained experience and could forcefully cultivate it through the system panel!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end