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"So, what is the scene like beyond the Qi Transformation Realm?"
Chen Yu had learned that cultivation had nine great realms. The Qi Transformation Realm was just the second threshold, considered as stepping into the hall.
"Your curiosity is not small. But in fact, even the Qi Transformation Realm is very distant for you. With the Half Spirit Body aptitude, it would be difficult to advance to the Qi Transformation Realm in a lifetime."
The red-faced Elder Mao unceremoniously remarked.
Chen Yu flushed slightly, feeling a bit awkward.
However, Master Mao Qiuyu was stating a fact. With his experience, he must have seen much.
"Beyond the Qi Transformation Realm is the 'Guiyuan Realm'; in this realm, True Qi transforms into Primordial Energy and comprehends the power of heaven and earth. In the nearby countries, they are rare superpowers, while the Qi Transformation Realm is vulnerable before them. Further up is the 'Sky Sea Realm.' In this realm, on the continent, it's almost legendary. One can ascend to the heavens and dive into the earth, roam the four seas, level mountains, and overturn rivers with a wave of the hand, without much that can restrict them."
A hint of yearning appeared on Elder Mao's face.
Entry Level... Qi Transformation Realm... Guiyuan Realm... Sky Sea Realm...
Chen Yu listened intently, his blood stirred. Although he might not break through the Qi Transformation Realm in this life.
Yet.
Regardless of success, he yearned for that mysterious and magnificent world of cultivation.
"Speaking of the Sky Sea Realm, beyond that, there is no point. In our Kunyun Continent, there hasn't been a strong figure above the 'Sky Sea Realm' for tens of thousands of years. Even the existence of subsequent realms is a question. For related information, you can refer to the mythological ancient texts."
Elder Mao concluded the topic.
Chen Yu was unsatisfied, yet unable to ask further questions.
After all, the existence of subsequent realms can only be explored in mythological ancient texts.
And myth, what a distant term it was.
"Disciple, I still have questions about cultivation techniques. May I ask how to choose the 'sacred martial arts' in my hand?"
Chen Yu inquired.
Winning the first place in the competition allowed him to choose a sacred martial art.
This was of great importance and needed careful consideration.
"Sacred martial arts? That's the common term in the outside world. Actually, it's the 'Qi Transformation Realm' technique."
Elder Mao thought for a moment.
Actually, he was a bit troubled about what technique Chen Yu should choose.
Chen Yu's aptitude was just Half Spirit Body, and some of the sect's 'Qi Transformation Realm' techniques leaned towards profound mental methods.
"Let's do this. Since your progress in practicing the 'Cloud Evil Fist' is good, why not choose the sect's fundamental technique 'Yuan Sha Divine Skill!' This ancient technique has special requirements for physique and temperament. Your physique might be up to the test, but don't be too reckless."
Elder Mao decided and let Chen Yu choose the advanced technique of the 'Cloud Evil Fist.'
"Yuan Sha Divine Skill! The fundamental technique of the sect."
Chen Yu was somewhat excited.
But he was curious whether his chance for the sacred martial arts could be exchanged for the fundamental technique of the sect.
"Logically, the 'Yuan Sha Divine Skill,' as the fundamental technique of the sect, could be cultivated up to the 'Guiyuan Realm.' It surpasses the level of sacred martial arts, and only True Disciples can practice it."
Elder Mao paused.
True Disciple?
Chen Yu thought it indeed seemed that the fundamental technique of the sect was not something simple, generally difficult for Inner Sect Disciples to access.
"However, since I've taken you in as a disciple, I will use my status as an elder to vouch for you and exchange it for the upper part of the 'Yuan Sha Divine Skill.' Even the upper part is enough to cultivate to Qi Transformation Innate, which is more than sufficient for you."
Elder Mao added with a smile.
"Thank you, Master, for stepping in."
Chen Yu expressed gratitude, thinking that having connections and backing in the sect truly made a difference. Even the fundamental technique of the sect could be cultivated.
"Regarding the 'Yuan Sha Divine Skill,' I still need to discuss it with the Sect Master and others to make an exception for you, which will take some time. When the time comes, you will also need to make a contribution. After all, even the upper part of the 'Cloud Evil Fist' surpasses ordinary sacred martial arts in value."
Elder Mao added.
"I understand, Disciple."
Chen Yu was already thrilled to be able to practice the fundamental technique of the sect.
The fundamental technique of the sect was the core of a cultivation technique system. Every sect only had a few of such techniques, which could be considered the sect's trademark.
Following this, Chen Yu inquired about the 'Copper Statue Technique.'
It seemed that the 'Copper Statue Technique' he obtained was only the first part.
Actually, in any sect, real high-level techniques or core techniques were never given to disciples all at once.
Otherwise, the sect's secrets would have been stolen long ago.
"You must focus on practicing the 'Copper Statue Technique'; you should have experienced its power as it's quite suitable for your physique. Fortunately, as a lost and fallen body cultivation technique, it has little use for our sect. Go to the 'Heavenly Martial Pavilion' the day after tomorrow, use my name, and exchange it with contribution points."
When Elder Mao mentioned the 'Copper Statue Technique,' his eyes brightened as he looked at Chen Yu.
Until Chen Yu left, Elder Mao repeatedly emphasized having Chen Yu focus on raising the 'Copper Statue Technique.'
...
An hour later, Chen Yu walked out of the side hall.
"Junior Brother Chen, it seems Master values you highly; you talked for a long time inside."
The short-haired young man, Wu Yu, had a kindly smile.
"Junior Brother, let us escort you out."
Li Dakui had an honest expression.
The two of them amiably escorted Chen Yu out of the mansion, chatting about some matters of the sect along the way.
Chen Yu learned.
In Master Mao Qiuyu's tutelage, including himself, there were five disciples.
Li Dakui and Wu Yu were the second and third senior brothers.
Additionally, there was a senior elder brother and a fourth junior brother. The eldest brother, over thirty years old, had long ceased to be a disciple and had become a high-ranking steward within the sect.
The last junior brother was reportedly a True Disciple and Elder Mao's favored pupil.
Chen Yu, being the youngest, was considered the "fifth junior brother."
As they watched Chen Yu leave, the smiles on the faces of Li Dakui and Wu Yu gradually faded.
"This fifth junior brother has quite the fortune, winning the competition directly for the rewards like the Qi Storage Pill and treasure artifact. But it seems Master takes a liking to him, not an easy target for coercion."
Wu Yu said somewhat reluctantly.
"What are you afraid of! Just a Half Spirit Body in-name disciple. As long as we find a good opportunity, it may not be impossible to get him to comply."
Li Dakui coldly snorted.
The straightforwardness on his face vanished, replaced by a hint of ferocity.
"Heh heh! Of course, Senior Brother isn't afraid, being Master's only 'grandson.' As long as you don't kill your fellow disciples, Master will turn a blind eye."
Wu Yu flattered.
"I've been stuck in the mid-stage of Refining for two or three years and must not miss this 'Qi Storage Pill!'"
"Indeed, indeed. This kid will also have a treasure artifact that Senior Brother probably doesn't need. Help junior brother me then..."
...
At the same moment.
Chen Yu left the Elder Mansion, heading straight for an important place in the Yunyue Sect—the Heavenly Weapon Tower.
The Heavenly Weapon Tower was the Yunyue Sect's core artifact refining place.
Naturally, this building also housed some weapons, including the rare and sought-after treasure artifacts.
Had Chen Yu not seized the first place in the competition, and due to certain reasons, the first-prize reward this year far surpassed previous years, he would not have easily obtained a treasure artifact.
It must be known that even some less experienced Inner Sect Disciples found it hard to acquire a treasure artifact.
Chen Yu entered the treasure hall of the Heavenly Weapon Tower.
The hall displayed many valuable instruments, not limited to swords and blades but also including leather armor and protective gear.
Each piece required corresponding Primordial Stones and contribution points for exchange.
Yet, the highest grade of weapons and armor here was only at the level of Chen Yu's half-precious artifact, the "Wind Singing Sword."
"I want to choose a treasure artifact."
Chen Yu spoke up.
"Treasure artifact? You look unfamiliar; you must have just entered the Inner Sect. The value of a treasure artifact is ten times that of the instruments here."
In the corner, a white-haired elder said lazily.
Swish!
Chen Yu produced a token, which the elder saw, revealing a look of surprise.
"Follow me."
The elder took the token, glancing at Chen Yu unexpectedly.
Before long.
The two entered the depths of the "Heavenly Weapon Tower," reaching a vault.
This vault was covered in dense array patterns, shimmering with a faint dark light.
"Open."
The elder took out a token, and with Chen Yu's token in hand, his hands rolled up a red wave, emitting an astonishing pressure.
Chen Yu was slightly astonished; this elder was at least a Postnatal Qi Transformation Realm expert.
Hum! Hum!
The elder's token and Chen Yu's token respectively emitted two bright red beams that merged into the vault door.
Creak!
The vault door's array patterns lit up, and the door opened.
"Fifteen minutes, choose a lower-grade treasure artifact." The elder let Chen Yu in, staying at the door.
Chen Yu took a deep breath and entered the vault.
This vault was not large, with display cases around its walls.
Each case held an instrument.
[Flowing Light Armor]: Lower-grade treasure artifact. Manufactured mainly from Flowing Cloud Gold, this half-body defensive armor can withstand Organ Refining Stage attacks, even offering some resistance to True Qi.
The first thing that caught his eye was this half-body armor, glowing with a dim golden shimmer. It looked exquisite and practical.
[Golden Scale Treasure Saber]: Mid-grade treasure artifact. When swinging this saber, it can form a golden scale shadow, substantially increasing attack power and causing mental intimidation with ancient beast roars. Note: Requires Qi Transformation Realm to wield.
[Cloud Piercing Bow]: Lower-grade treasure artifact. It far surpasses ordinary bows in range and penetrating power, capable of breaking the True Qi layer and ignoring general Inner Breath defenses.
After looking at three items, Chen Yu couldn't help but be amazed.
Treasure artifacts were rare and precious because they possessed extraordinary abilities or features.
[Fire Cloud Saber]: Mid-grade treasure artifact. When attacking, it can produce flame saber lights that instantly burn various fierce beasts. Its flame power is incredibly violent and once burned down a city in the hands of a villain. Note: Requires Qi Transformation Realm to handle.
The highest grade items in this vault were mid-grade treasure artifacts, and they were scarce.
Most were lower-grade treasure artifacts.
Chen Yu's competition reward only allowed him to select one lower-grade treasure artifact.
"My advantages are strong power and defense. Defensive armor is not necessary for now; a heavier weapon suits me better."
Chen Yu analyzed inwardly.
The half-precious artifact "Wind Singing Sword" he had obtained earlier had good power and features but was too light and not handy.
With this requirement in mind, Chen Yu's gaze scanned for a moment, landing on a weapon.
[Xuan Heavy Sword]: Lower-grade treasure artifact. Made primarily from Deep Sea Xuan Iron and incorporating Heavenly Falling Meteor Iron and several spiritual ores, it was once a failed mid-grade treasure artifact refinement. This sword is extremely heavy, with the top-quality materials making its hardness comparable to mid-grade treasure artifacts. During an attack, it can make Inner Breath True Qi more solid, thereby increasing attack strength. Note: Requires Qi Transformation Realm or Innate Divine Strength to wield.
"Tsk tsk, this sword is not bad."
Chen Yu eyed the deep silver greatsword in the display case, looking very satisfied.
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