https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-799-Divine-Origin-s-Wound-Arrival-at-Ling-Tian/12942945/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-801-The-Ancient-Stronghold-The-Abyss-School-s-Scheme/12942947/
Chapter 800: Completing the Moon Step, Crisis in the Three Realms
Chapter 800: Completing the Moon Step, Crisis in the Three Realms
Within the Heavenward Sect, things began to get busy as the task of patrolling and guarding the borders was about to commence.
Under Li Yingzhang's command, cultivators were selected and added to the team.
Usually, in such situations, most people would feel anxious, as no one knew if they would return safely. Without a Nascent Soul Stage powerhouse, the Heavenward Sect had little influence among the higher-ups of the human race. In times of war, they were often assigned to the most dangerous locations.
The Heavenward Sect, which once had nearly ten thousand members, had dwindled to just a few hundred due to these repeated missions.
However, this time, everyone seemed more at ease, at least judging by their less anxious expressions.
The reason for this was...
"This time, the Supreme Elder will personally lead the mission to Lingtian Pass. You all better perform well and not drag your feet!"
"Those whose names were called, go to Elder Tian Xuan to receive the corresponding supplies."
"Spirit Beast Pouches, Spirit Beast Pellets, Fasting Pills... Don't misuse these talismans. They were personally refined by the Supreme Elder for you, and their power is extraordinary! Each Qi Condensation cultivator will receive one, and Foundation Establishment cultivators will be equipped with a Blazing Sun Charm. Additionally, you may choose one other second-tier talisman with attributes suitable for yourself."
"We'll depart in three days. Before then, check your own magical treasures and robes. If there are any damages, report them as soon as possible!"
With a Nascent Soul Stage Supreme Elder joining the mission to Lingtian Pass, everyone naturally felt confident.
Li Yingzhang was well aware of this, but he remained gentle yet stern as he instructed the various cultivators.
He was afraid that the sect's disciples, with the backing of the Supreme Elder, might suddenly develop a sense of arrogance.
The selected disciples listened attentively to the new sect master's repeated instructions.
From the time of the Heavenward Assembly, the Heavenward Sect had been established for exactly two hundred years.
In these two hundred years, the sect had gone through three generations of sect masters.
The first sect master, Sima Hui Niang, was known for her impartial and selfless leadership. She put the sect's interests above all else, even her own family. Her older brother, Sima Xian, died in battle for the sect, and her third brother, Sima Wenjie, didn't even receive any Core Formation resources. Sima Wenjie even rebelled due to his resentment. It could be said that the Heavenward Sect cultivators had absolute faith in the first sect master, Sima Hui Niang, and no one dared to challenge her authority.
The second sect master, Yao Mingyue, was not particularly remarkable. Under her leadership, the Heavenward Sect gradually declined. However, no one blamed her, as everyone understood that during that initial period, Yao Mingyue, who was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, had already done her best.
The third sect master, Li Yingzhang, kept a low profile from the start. But gradually, he had thoroughly organized the sect's affairs without anyone noticing. From top to bottom, he maintained just the right relationships with everyone, skillfully handling interpersonal matters.
To outsiders, Li Yingzhang seemed to be handling the role of sect master with ease.
Above him, the Supreme Elder suppressed all potential issues.
Below, the cultivators, having endured a century of war, had developed strong unity.
Li Yingzhang's current task was to identify and address any gaps, organize the sect's affairs, and gradually bring out the potential of each member.
It seemed easy, but the actual implementation was far more complicated than outsiders could imagine.
After selecting twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators, Elder Tian Xuan approached.
"Have you decided which three Golden Core cultivators to send?"
Li Yingzhang, rarely showing hesitation, replied.
According to his thoughts, even though the Supreme Elder had extraordinary abilities, there was no room for carelessness. Naturally, he should bring the sect's strongest Golden Core cultivators with him to Lingtian Pass.
Among the Heavenward Sect, the strongest Golden Core cultivators were undoubtedly Wang Yuan, Sima Hui Niang, and the newly arrived Elder Tian Xuan.
However, it seemed that the Supreme Elder had other ideas.
...
"Do I need to go?"
"No."
"What about the giant in the earth vein?"
"Black King doesn't need to go either. He'll stay in the Great Green Mountain with you to guard the sect. Heh, it's precisely because he returned early that I have the confidence to go out."
"Who do you plan to bring?"
"Chu Kui should be one. He has fought alongside me and understands my style. Moreover, he formed his core early and doesn't need to consolidate his cultivation. Yang Pingdu will also come. As the sect's enforcement elder, he's skilled in disciplining the disciples. I'll also take this opportunity to assess his cultivation progress. Finally, bring your disciple, and that should be enough."
"You mean Little Long?"
"Yes. As the current leader of the younger generation in the Heavenward Sect, the more experiences he has, the greater his reputation will become. This will be most helpful in boosting the confidence of the lower-level disciples in the sect. What, you don't want to part with your precious disciple?"
Wang Yuan put down the bamboo slip in his hand, his expression calm and peaceful.
"It's good for him to experience more of the trials and tribulations of the cultivation world. Otherwise, he'll always have a naive view of people. But if you only bring these people, you might not have any help if you encounter any real trouble."
In response, Luo Chen laughed heartily.
"You're overthinking it. With my current reputation, if I encounter any problems, there will be plenty of people willing to help me."
Suddenly, his laughter faded.
"However, with such a renowned reputation, if I also bring you and Black King, who are such powerful figures, who wouldn't consider the Heavenward Sect a significant threat in the future?"
"A threat?"
Wang Yuan couldn't help but furrow his brows.
But soon, he realized the special status that Luo Chen currently held.
A grandmaster of alchemy, a top-tier figure capable of supporting an entire major sect.
If the younger generation of disciples were all exceptionally talented, anyone would feel like they had a thorn in their back!
Back then, Shen Yuan Zhenren personally cultivated five Nascent Soul Cultivators. With Luo Chen's alchemical abilities, given time, he would surely surpass this number! Could the Eastward Region accommodate such a powerful existence?
"One person with a sharp edge is enough. You all still need to bide your time and hide your capabilities. Wait for the day when you can astound the world with your achievements."
Luo Chen spoke with conviction.
Then, he waved his hand over the table, revealing a row of jade bottles and a jade slip.
"This is the Black Emperor Ointment. I recently took some time to refine it, and although it was excruciatingly painful, it has remarkable effects in strengthening the body. You are just one step away from the fourth realm of Body Tempering, and perhaps these external objects can help you. Unfortunately, we don't have many raw materials in the sect, so I could only refine ten bottles. The corresponding methods of consumption, refining experience, and some taboos are all recorded on this jade slip."
Wang Yuan took a glance and naturally put them away.
He had never doubted anything Luo Chen gave him.
Then, he naturally handed a scroll to Luo Chen.
"What's this?" Luo Chen asked curiously.
He casually unfurled the scroll, revealing some incomprehensible footprints, with no discernible pattern.
Wang Yuan spoke in a deep voice, "Do you still remember the 'Wind Moon Thunder Cloud Ascension Path' you gave me before?"
"This?" Luo Chen was surprised, realizing something.
Wang Yuan nodded, "This is the missing move I deduced by combining the changes in my qi and blood. It doesn't focus on attack, but on the twists and turns in combat, with unpredictable and ever-changing steps. It may differ from the original Moon Step, but in my opinion, there's no difference."
"But if you want to cultivate it, you lack Astral Energy and rely solely on a robust body and profound cultivation. In terms of variation, it might be slightly inferior to our Body Tempering practitioners."
At this point, Wang Yuan sighed with a hint of regret.
"The complete 'Wind Moon Thunder Cloud Ascension Path' is undoubtedly one of the top-tier fourth-stage Body Tempering techniques. It combines rapid attacks, combat mobility, long-distance travel, and instant bursts, allowing Body Tempering practitioners to completely bridge the gap with cultivators. Unfortunately, apart from the Thunder Kick, it's missing three entire moves. With my abilities, I can only make up for the Moon Step for now. As for the remaining Wind Leg and Cloud Stride, I'm powerless."
As Wang Yuan spoke, Luo Chen listened with interest, examining the scroll.
The incomprehensible footprints seemed to come alive as Luo Chen's qi and blood covered them, becoming agile and lively.
It was evident that this was Wang Yuan's unique way of recording the template.
Without a strong foundation of qi and blood, even if one obtained this scroll, they couldn't learn from it.
As Luo Chen sensed it, those crescent-shaped footprints not only exuded liveliness but also brimmed with powerful explosive force.
Luo Chen instantly understood that Wang Yuan had incorporated his self-created Vacuum Step into it.
With that, it would be even easier for him to learn.
Luo Chen quickly rolled up the scroll, feeling excited.
"Having two moves is already great. In the future, if I have the opportunity, I'll collect more leg-related cultivation techniques for you to study."
"I'll leave the Luo Tian Sect in your hands. If you encounter any trouble, just call upon Black King; he'll listen to you."
After saying this, he hurriedly left the library with the scroll in hand.
As he exited, he brushed past a gray-robed cultivator who was sweeping with his head down.
Luo Chen paused for a moment but said nothing.
After he left, the gray-robed cultivator finally lifted his head, his expression complex as he watched Luo Chen's departing figure.
A cold wind blew by, causing a strange sensation in his throat, and he couldn't help but cough a couple of times.
Perhaps the sound of his cough was too loud, alerting someone inside the library.
Wang Yuan's deep voice echoed from within, "Zui, today, clean the third floor. Min Longyu rearranged the mountain protection formation a few days ago, and the tremors in the earth veins caused quite a bit of dust to settle on the shelves."
The gray-robed cultivator named Zui responded and slowly climbed the stairs, his figure disappearing into the depths of the sea of books.
...
The news of Danzong Luo Chen's personal visit to Lingtian Pass quickly spread throughout the entire majestic city.
Countless people were paying close attention to the movements of this meteor-like rising powerhouse.
Rumors had it that he rose from humble beginnings, possessed immense charisma, and had many followers even during the Qi Condensation Stage.
It was said that his combat abilities were exceptional, and he was once undefeated among those below the Golden Core Stage, boasting an illustrious record during the Foundation Establishment Stage.
It was rumored that he entered the Demon Race's sacred land and emerged unscathed, shrouded in an air of mystery.
Especially after returning from the North Sea after a hundred years, having reached the Nascent Soul Stage, he added a touch of wonder to his story.
Upon returning to the Eastward Region, he suppressed Skyward, using his alchemical skills to forge connections. During the Nascent Soul formation ceremony, the Lingtian City Lord personally congratulated him. Idle Crane True Man publicly declared that Luo Chen was his friend. Wind Grace Palace had a marriage alliance with him. Even the veteran powerhouse, Nine Spirit Lord, openly praised Luo Chen for his noble character.
Regardless of the truth behind these rumors, one thing is certain: Luo Chen killed Yin Sixiang, the most promising young Jin Dan Da Yuanman (Great Perfection) cultivator of the Five Elements Divine Sect, in front of countless witnesses. Yet, the revered Shen Yuan Zhen Ren, the ancient ancestor of the Divine Sect, has not sought justice for this act.
This proves that Luo Chen has truly made a name for himself! When the news spread that Luo Chen would personally arrive at the Lingtian Pass, many cultivators prepared to witness his immortal appearance.
Time passed quickly.
A large cloud chariot flew at a steady pace in the Feng Hua Domain.
Unlike the previous Six Virtues Flying Cloud Chariot, which was known for its extravagant display, this chariot had undergone significant modifications by Min Long Yu, making it vastly different.
The chariot's banners soared high, adorned with the rising sun and Dan Yang symbol of the Heavenward Sect.
Vigorous Qi Condensation cultivators stood on both sides, holding their weapons, while spirit cranes danced and circled in the air, occasionally landing on the deck of the chariot to rest.
Among them were several dignified Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, moving back and forth.
Occasionally, one or two Golden Core cultivators would reveal themselves.
Various buildings rose and fell, and array lights flickered intermittently.
One could imagine that once engaged in battle, this chariot would transform into a mobile fortress, unleashing formidable firepower.
In the central palace, Luo Chen felt satisfied yet slightly regretful.
Min Long Yu's modifications to the Six Virtues Flying Cloud Chariot were nearly perfect, specifically tailored to the current situation. However, even a skilled chef cannot cook without rice; this chariot was originally a treasure-grade flying boat used by Bai Zao Shan to showcase his status as the City Lord. Its offensive and defensive capabilities were inherently weak.
If they could find the skeleton of a fourth-rank Demon Sovereign and integrate it, they could significantly enhance its potential.
Just like the Sword Chariot of the Heavenly Origin Sect, which sailed the seas, breaking through obstacles and dominating the skies without fear of opposition.
"Chu Kui, we're going to the battlefield together again. How do you feel about it?"
Chu Kui, sitting beside him, casually replied, "I don't feel anything special. With your strength protecting me, what's there to worry about?"
Luo Chen laughed, "Haha, you've lost the ambition you had when you invited me to roam the vast yellow sands."
Chu Kui lazily said, "Back then, I considered myself a top figure, so I had high aspirations, even naming myself Tian Kui Zi. But after achieving the Golden Core, I realized there are always people stronger than you, and the world is vast with countless powerful cultivators. With my abilities, just staying alive is already challenging, let alone making a name for myself."
Luo Chen smiled but refrained from further encouragement.
People are different; some rise against the odds, while others, upon seeing the vastness of the world, realize their insignificance and retreat.
In a positive light, they possess self-awareness.
Chu Kui's current state of mind is actually quite suitable for the Heavenward Sect.
The younger generation is too restless! Having Chu Kui keep an eye on them will hopefully prevent any major mishaps.
"I hope these disciples can return safely and soundly when the time comes!"
Chu Kui was slightly surprised, "With you here, what could possibly go wrong?"
Luo Chen shook his head, "In the face of grand circumstances, even the Divinity Transformation Holy Land could be wiped out. How can I, a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, compare?"
Chu Kui froze for a moment. Recalling his own experience of despair after achieving the Golden Core and the uncertainty of his future cultivation path, he now empathized with Luo Chen.
As a Nascent Soul cultivator, the reality of the world he witnessed was even more profound than his own.
Maintaining a sense of reverence is never wrong.
Luo Chen did not indulge in idle chat. Instead, he took out a book from his storage ring and began reading attentively.
Tyrant Blade Domain: Occupied by the Tyrant Blade Sect, this sect has only thrived for 1,800 years, but its internal unity is exceptionally strong! Since its establishment and conquest of a domain, the Tyrant Blade Sect has dominated it, forbidding any other force from encroaching on their territory. When the grand situation crumbled, countless cultivators retreated, but the Tyrant Blade Sect stood firm like an immovable mountain, guarding their domain. Today, the Tyrant Blade Domain, along with the Azure Sky and Flame Ridge Domains, is besieged by the Demon Race's army, and the fate of the cultivators in these three domains remains unknown.
"Have the Tyrant Blade Sect cultivators gone mad, refining their blades instead of their brains? Why aren't they retreating with the Demon army's arrival?"
Luo Chen muttered and continued reading the records below.
Azure Sky Domain: Occupied by Azure Sky Mountain. The founder of Azure Sky Mountain, Azure Sky Elder, cultivated ancient mystical arts, and when his domain unfurled, it was renowned for its azure seas and clear skies. His disciples, however, lacked skill, and rumors say they can no longer manifest the azure seas and clear skies...
Tyrant Blade, Azure Sky, and Flame Ridge were the three domains on the front line before the Lingtian Pass.
Under the siege of the Demon Race, they had held out for nearly a decade.
This achievement made people marvel.
However, as time passed and the Demon army gradually gathered, no one held out hope for them anymore.
Once the three domains fall, the Demon army's spearhead will directly point at the Lingtian Pass!
When the cloud chariot arrived beneath the Lingtian Pass, Luo Chen solemnly closed the book.
He raised his head to look at the towering city walls, where banners fluttered in the wind, and whispered to himself:
"I just hope that during my mission period, we won't encounter the Demon Race knocking on the pass."
(End of Chapter)
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