Chapter 191: The two statues standing in front of the Five Elements Sect
"Moo moo~" The big black ox kept thinking it was right and decided to tell Chen Xun about it later.
"Old ox."
"Moo?"
"Chop down the trees and don't let them take root or the spiritual energy of Nine Palaces Mountain will be drained by them."
"Moo~"
The big black ox responded with a bellow, never questioning anything, just doing whatever the big brother asked.
Boom! Boom!
The valley echoed with deafening sounds of collapse as Chen Xun, wielding a Yellow Grade mountain-opening axe infused with spiritual energy, hacked away furiously.
The big black ox used its horns to thrust and uproot the Crane Spirit Trees, leaving them severely damaged and pulled out by the roots.
They felt extremely satisfied as they continued chopping; the more they chopped, the easier it became. Their thoughts were clear, and now they had one more reason to chop down trees.
For the safety of my immortal realm!
Of course, their good buddy was still with them. Trees had different appearances and characteristics; they couldn't just destroy all of them indiscriminately.
One day later, The valley was filled with neatly fallen Crane Spirit Trees, all their roots destroyed.
Chen Xun and the big black ox sat on top of the pile of trees and began chatting.
"Old ox, do you want to make Five Elements Formation Flags?"
"Moo~"
The big black ox nuzzled Chen Xun and nodded. It had no idea about the energy source for the flying boat.
The spiritual energy and the Five Elements energy were completely different, and it was impossible to find a way to use them together. They were two separate systems, and the spiritual energy system had been researched by countless generations of cultivators.
"It's okay, old ox. The plan is just beginning; there is no need to rush. We're only in the early stages of Nascent Soul." Chen Xun didn't mind at all. If the big black ox could make it right away, then it would truly be his big brother. "Leave the formation flags to me."
"Moo moo~~" The big black ox exhaled a breath, its head close to Chen Xun.
"Old ox, look at this. I just thought of it—the connection between the energy of the Five Elements and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."
Chen Xun took out a small booklet and began flipping through it in front of the big black ox.
"Moo~" The big black ox's eyes widened. So, Chen Xun has been working on this.
They sat in the valley discussing, not going out for three days, complementing each other, neither proud nor impatient.
Today, the sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze blew.
Buzz!
A small flying boat soared from Nine Palaces Mountain, with two powerful cultivators standing on it. The boat seemed to have no rare materials; it was entirely made from spiritual trees, plain and unadorned.
But they appeared somewhat pained, as this boat consumed spiritual stones like fuel. Nevertheless, they had no other choice but to test it.
From the ground, the flying boat in the sky grew smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing into the clouds.
The flying boat cut through the clouds and mist, with a strong wind howling. The big black ox raised its hoof, and the formation enveloped the boat, making it completely invisible.
Even if a cultivator passed by, they would be lost in thought.
"Old ox, I remember the last time we took a flying boat. How long ago?"
Chen Xun sat cross-legged on the edge of the boat, looking at the mountains and rivers below. Occasionally, he saw two countries at the border fighting, with blood and flesh flying.
"Moo?" The big black ox, no longer afraid of heights, squatted beside Chen Xun.
It looked down at the enormous mountains passing beneath them, which were soon left behind by the flying boat.
"But, old ox, even though so many years have passed, we are still together." Chen Xun's voice was calm, his eyes reflecting a nostalgic glow. "There's nothing more romantic than this."
"Moo~~~" The big black ox exhaled a breath and nudged Chen Xun with a bit of force.
They began to laugh and chat about the past, even pulling out the small booklet to share embarrassing stories.
At this moment, the clouds, light and airy, gathered in the boundless sky, bathed in the dazzling golden light of the sun.
This light also illuminated the two figures on the flying boat, who were dancing and laughing in the sky, their laughter echoing through the heavens.
Buzz—
The flying boat moved at an incredible speed. The spiritual energy conductivity of the ten-thousand-year Crane Spirit Tree far surpassed that of any ordinary spiritual tree, as it cut through the clouds and mist towards the Qian Nation.
...
In the Qian Nation, Zhiyang Prefecture, Five Elements Sect.
Two statues towered into the sky, rising to the same height as the main peak, overlooking all the cultivators. They stood behind a giant rock engraved with the name of the Five Elements Sect.
The faces of the statues were blurred, but they exuded a sense of majesty. Having been passed down for thousands of years, these two ancestors certainly deserved such veneration.
Some ill-intentioned people who saw these statues were struck with fear. A sect with two Nascent Soul cultivators—ordinary sects couldn't even dream of such a thing!
Many of the major sects in the Qian Nation secretly cursed the Five Elements Sect, feeling it had hit an unprecedented stroke of luck, likely having stolen countless talented disciples.
The Top Ten Sects could not be entered, so of course, they sought alternatives, turning to the Five Elements Sect.
Despite the bleak scene in the Qian Nation's immortal realm, the Five Elements Sect remained very vibrant. The two ancestors had not gone to the northern border.
This was the information transmitted back when their sect went to the northern border, and the Top Ten Sects didn't pay much attention to it; after all, the Five Elements Sect was their own.
Their etiquette and goodwill were in place, and during major events, the Five Elements Sect's position was quite high.
Most importantly, they did not believe that Nascent Soul cultivators would lose interest in the northern border, and they had even prepared many excuses to draw them into a common alliance. But the reality was harsh. Even with the war going on, these two had yet to appear, and all their schemes fell through completely.
However, now the Top Ten Sects were in a panic. Damn it, with the great changes in the northern border, these two ancestors of the Five Elements Sect were nowhere to be found!
No one knew where they were hiding or what they were planning. The presence of two Nascent Soul cultivators was enough to influence a significant part of the current immortal realm's dynamics.
With a lifespan of two thousand years, those who reached Nascent Soul were certainly not likely to fall so soon.
Currently, the Purple Cloud Sect and the Five Elements Sect are closely connected. The mountain closure was just for show to keep out sects with no relations.
Six months later.
Chen Xun and the big black ox stood on the flying boat, looking down at the Mountain Range, their eyes wide in astonishment...
What are these towering statues?!
During their journey, they had occasionally stopped at markets or cultivator cities to sell some pills and exchange them for spiritual stones, feeling it would be a loss not to do so on such a trip.
"Old ox?"
"Moo?"
"Could this be us? Haha."
"Moo~~~!"
The big black ox, shocked, let out a breath. I was very impressed with the statues and liked such things.
"Let's go check out the sect," Chen Xun said, his eyes filled with joy.
The big black ox nodded and stored the flying boat in its storage space. They set off towards the Five Elements Sect together.
The mountain protection array was child's play for the big black ox, and Chen Xun followed closely behind as it slipped in.
Now, the Five Elements Sect's peaks had changed dramatically, no longer resembling their former selves, though the grandeur of the pavilions and halls had greatly increased.
Chapter 192 - Truly, ignorance breeds fearlessness
The spiritual energy in the mountains had also diminished compared to the past. They could now clearly sense the subtle changes in the spiritual energy.
Chen Xun and the big black ox walked openly on the mountain path, not wearing sect robes. Their divine senses were already spread out.
"Old Ox, why are there only four Golden Core cultivators in the sect, and one of them is at the mid-Golden Core stage?" Chen Xun raised his brows and looked around, "But it seems there are many more Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"Moo!" The big black ox was also using its divine sense to scan the surroundings, sensing the fluctuations of spiritual energy in the mountains.
"Damn!"
"Moo!"
They both exclaimed in shock. In the center of a spiritual peak, there were many ordinary people without spiritual roots, as well as government buildings.
The Ji Residence!
Chen Xun and the big black ox exchanged a glance and transformed into a wisp of light, heading towards the spiritual peak.
The Ji Residence was quite impressive, with many servants coming and going. Some Qi Refining stage disciples guarded the surroundings. Even when ordinary people from the Ji family passed by, they were exceptionally respectful.
Chen Xun furrowed his brows slightly, enveloping the Ji Residence with his divine sense, various sounds reaching his mind.
In a luxurious room, a middle-aged man was sitting in the main seat, enjoying tea. He was the current head of the Ji family, Ji Dingren.
Next to him sat a young master with an arrogant demeanor, Ji Yan, the eldest son of the Ji family.
"Father, those immortals seem to look down on us mortals." Ji Yan said with a hint of sarcasm, "The immortals from the Five Elements Sect don't even want to form Dao partners with us."
"Heh, which immortal are you interested in?"
"Of course, it's the one from the Liu family, Liu Han. Father, she has just embarked on the path of immortality. I still have a chance."
Ji Yan's eyes were filled with fervor. Liu Han was the treasured jewel of the Liu family, and her appearance was exceptional. Even those immortals had praised her talent.
If he could become her Dao partner, he would be the envy of many, and even those Foundation Establishment immortals would not dare look down on him.
"Ji Yan, I think you're quite audacious!"
Bang!
Ji Dingren's face darkened with rage. He slammed his teacup onto the table: "You dare to think about the Liu family?!"
"Father!" Ji Yan was startled and immediately knelt on the ground, sweating profusely.
"Even though our families are old friends, how can the Liu family, which has produced so many immortals, be compared to our Ji family?" Ji Dingren's beard quivered with anger, and the tea on the table kept flowing down. "Don't even think about this matter."
"Father, if you personally go to their doorstep, with the old ancestor's remaining prestige, how could the Liu family not agree?" Ji Yan pleaded desperately while kneeling, not willing to give up. "Moreover, those influential immortals are leaning towards our Ji family."
Ji Dingren's brows twitched at the mention of the old ancestor, and he felt a bit flustered.
"Father?" Ji Yan looked up at him, puzzled by his strange expression.
"It has been so many years; the old ancestor should not be coming back." Ji Dingren spoke with an inexplicable tone, "Ji Yan, our bloodline of cultivators is thin. Don't harbor any more fantasies about the Liu family."
Ji Yan's eyes darted around, thinking of the people in the back courtyard of the Ji Residence, feeling a heavy heart.
"Understood, Father. But we still need to expand our family, or how can our Ji family embark on the path of immortality? We must marry an immortal from the Five Elements Sect."
"Hmm, I will consider this matter." Ji Dingren's expression was grave. He waved his hand and said, "You may leave for now."
"Yes." Ji Yan was delighted, quickly stood up to adjust his robes, and walked out with a proud demeanor.
The room was left with only Ji Dingren, who sighed deeply.
"This matter cannot be blamed on us. It was the previous generations' power struggles that reduced the descendants of the old ancestor to a branch... It's not our fault that their descendants dwindled. Old ancestor, we can't be blamed for this." Ji Dingren muttered to himself. Back then, the Five Elements Sect had even brought in distant relatives of the Ji family.
But the Five Elements Sect treated everyone equally. They aimed to pass on the old ancestor's bloodline, which led to these distant, poor relatives becoming increasingly powerful.
There were even people who had forcibly changed their surname to Ji, which was quite absurd. The old ancestor's family, Ji Kun's, only numbered a few dozen. His parents had long since passed away, leaving only ordinary mortals behind.
They were so elated by their good fortune that they lacked a broader vision and didn't think about other possibilities. Before they knew it, they had been deprived of power. The thoughts of ordinary people are also quite heavy.
Now, hundreds of years later, the direct descendants have completely forgotten about it.
At present, the Five Elements Sect only knows about the Ji family and the old ancestor, and they don't care about the branch families. In any case, they don't mistreat anyone.
"Oh? There's such a thing, and it happens to the descendants of Brother Ji." A calm voice came, and suddenly, a person and an ox appeared in the room, both with cold expressions.
"Ah?!" Ji Dingren was startled, rising and trembling. "Who… who are you, daring to intrude into the Ji Residence?!"
Even a Foundation Establishment immortal would have to visit them courteously when entering the Ji Residence.
"Truly, ignorance breeds fearlessness." Chen Xun did not wish to waste words. A surge of immense spiritual energy shook the mountains and the major peaks, causing the earth to quake and the mountains to tremble!
"Truly, ignorance breeds fearlessness."
"Truly, ignorance breeds fearlessness."
…
The vast sound reverberated everywhere. The disciples from various peaks were alarmed, the Liu family was startled, the Shi family was surprised, and the Foundation Establishment cultivators and the four Golden Core cultivators abruptly opened their eyes, their eyelids twitching.
In the sky, between the peaks, rainbow lights flashed, and figures rushed towards the Ji Residence with intense whistling sounds.
Could it be… that those two have returned?!
At this moment, Ji Yan was showing off in the residence when he heard this tremendous sound. Suddenly, he felt weak all over, collapsed to the ground, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks, and was stunned.
What's going on…
A group of Ji family members in the back courtyard trembled, also kneeling on the ground. They were the true descendants of Ji Kun, yet they were treated so differently.
They had been deceived into thinking they had no chance of reaching the path of immortality, as if they were confined within the residence, and felt it was only natural.
Although they lived a life of ease and comfort, even stepping outside the residence was difficult. They felt it was only right, thinking the outside world was full of dangerous immortals.
Roar!
Roar!
A roar of fury shook the heavens. The big black ox's eyes blazed with anger at how the direct descendants of Brother Ji were treated!
They floated into the air, standing above the Ji Residence, scanning the many arriving cultivators.
"Senior, you are…" A Golden Core cultivator in the distance clasped his hands and asked, his eyes filled with excitement. This spiritual energy fluctuation was undoubtedly from a Nascent Soul ancestor.
"It is indeed me, here to have a look."
Chen Xun's gaze was icy as he looked at the people in the Ji Residence. The Ji family members on the ground had already lost control, unable to withstand the pressure of the Nascent Soul ancestor's presence.
Chen Xun and the big black ox's overwhelming aura surged like a tidal wave, shaking like an ancient mountain, making everyone there feel like they were underwater, almost suffocating.
As these words were spoken.
The entire scene fell into silence, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. The wind seemed to have stopped. The disciples from various sects stared in shock, their hearts pounding. The legendary figures had indeed returned…
"Greetings, Ancestor!!"
"Greetings, Ancestor!!"
"Greetings, Ancestor!!"
In an instant, the Five Elements Sect was filled with a huge uproar. All the cultivators bowed and clasped their hands in reverence, no one daring to look up, their eyes filled with intense awe.
Chapter 193: Liu Han, Shi Wujun, Ji Zhao
"Who is in charge of the Five Elements Sect now?" Chen Xun's mood was quite sour as he glanced toward the Ji family members trembling in the backyard.
"Ancestor, the Sect Leader, and others have gone to the Northern Territory and have not yet returned." A Golden Core stage cultivator stepped forward, showing great respect. "I am currently acting as the Sect Leader."
However, he was nervous inside, wondering why the Ancestor seemed displeased. The Five Elements Sect had never mistreated the Ji family.
Chen Xun calmed himself, then looked at the disciples from each peak and said, "The younger generation is promising. Cultivate diligently and do not slack off."
"We will heed the Ancestor's teachings!"
"We will heed the Ancestor's teachings!"
All the disciples were extremely excited, each feeling as though they were being personally watched. With the Ancestor here, how could the Five Elements Sect not flourish?
"Liu family, Shi family, Ji family, and you four, come to the Sect Leader's Hall."
After speaking, Chen Xun headed toward the main peak. A deep snort from the big black ox behind him caused a slight tremor in the ground.
"Yes, Ancestor," the four Golden Core stage cultivators responded with great joy.
The members of the Shi and Liu families, standing at the other end of the sky, were both flattered and shocked, not expecting that their ancestors truly had connections with the Ancestor.
Half a day later. In the Sect Leader's Hall, Chen Xun sat on the main seat atop the steps, looking down below.
The big black ox stood in front of Chen Xun, its eyes fixed on Ji Dingren and Ji Yan, who were kneeling in the center of the hall.
The four Golden Core stage cultivators behind them looked terrified, bowing in respect. It seemed as though the Five Elements Sect had done something wrong.
The Liu and Shi family members, however, sat upright, having never done anything to tarnish the Ancestor's reputation.
The two family heads quietly sneered. The Ji family had relied on their relationship with the Ancestor to do many shady things within the Five Elements Sect.
Several young juniors stood behind the side seats, their eyes filled with confusion, not understanding the grudges of the older generation.
"This matter is not the fault of the Five Elements Sect; I was unclear in my instructions back then." Chen Xun sighed lightly, lamenting that human nature is unpredictable, especially after gaining power. "Investigate this matter thoroughly, and then expel them from the Five Elements Sect, leaving them to their fate."
"Ancestor, please don't! Ancestor!" Ji Dingren wept bitterly, unwilling to fall from grace. "We did not do this!"
Ji Yan trembled all over, prostrating himself on the ground. The pressure within the hall was unbearable for a mere mortal like him, leaving him speechless.
"If I were to take action, you would already be dead," Chen Xun's voice grew colder. "Return to the mortal world and do what you are supposed to do."
As soon as he finished speaking, a faint killing intent filled the hall. Everyone shivered, their eyes filled with even greater reverence.
Anyone who could cultivate the Nascent Soul stage could not be a benevolent person, and even one's Ancestor should never be offended.
The four Golden Core stage cultivators bowed their heads, already understanding the Ancestor's intention. A hint of killing intent flashed in their eyes.
It seemed that the Ancestor had not returned to handle this matter and would not stay long. Such an investigation was naturally left to them.
Reading the situation was always a necessary skill for a cultivator.
"After the investigation, keep the true members of the Ji family and teach them well. Do not show leniency because of my presence; be even stricter." Chen Xun's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the Liu and Shi family members. "You are all descendants of my old acquaintances. Do not disappoint me."
Everyone stood up and bowed deeply, full of respect. "We will remember the Ancestor's words in our hearts."
"You six, stay. The rest may leave." Chen Xun glanced at the juniors, smiling softly. He understood their thoughts and acknowledged them.
"Yes, Ancestor."
The juniors were thrilled. This was the Ancestor's power, and they couldn't help but aspire to be like him, standing tall before others.
The big black ox, in a foul mood, waved its hoof, sending the two Ji family members flying out of the hall, crashing heavily onto the ground, and coughing up blood.
They were then dragged away by the enforcement cultivators outside the hall, who looked very displeased.
It turned out that this group of Ji family outsiders had been throwing their weight around in the Five Elements Sect, but the Ancestor never regarded them as anything important.
Now, only the four Golden Core-stage cultivators who manage the Five Elements Sect and the heads of the Liu and Shi families remained in the hall.
"I have something precious to entrust to you. Do not let it spread beyond this room," Chen Xun said, producing six storage bags. "You have all risen to prominence on the path of cultivation, so I won't say much more."
With a wave of his hand, the storage bags landed in the hands of the six individuals.
Instinctively, they used their spiritual senses to inspect the contents, and their expressions changed dramatically—inside were extraordinarily rare spirit pills and medicinal herbs!
After a moment, their expressions returned to normal. They solemnly cupped their hands and said, "We understand."
With these items, the Five Elements Sect could quietly rise in power, but they knew well not to boast about it. The Ancestor's intentions were clear.
Chen Xun smiled and nodded, pleased with their understanding. They were seasoned individuals, making communication straightforward.
"Moo!" The big black ox nudged Chen Xun, still in a bad mood.
"Go ahead and check," Chen Xun nodded, understanding its meaning. "It should be in the backyard of the Ji residence."
The big black ox grinned and disappeared from the hall. It wanted to find the true descendants of Senior Brother Ji, not those distant relatives who were merely taking advantage of the connection.
"I may take a few juniors from the Five Elements Sect to personally teach."
"Ancestor, that would be a great honor! Please feel free to choose."
"Ancestor, there may be unrest in the Northern Territory. The Sect Leader and others might face great danger. If some juniors could accompany you, our Five Elements Sect's legacy would be ensured."
"Ancestor, we will not speak of this to anyone and will guard the Five Elements Sect diligently!"
The six men stood in the hall, bowing with their joy, now replaced by serious discussions about the future of the Five Elements Sect.
"The cultivation world may soon face significant upheaval. The Nascent Soul-stage cultivators who stayed behind have already headed to the Northern Territory," Chen Xun nodded heavily. "I will have the old ox set up a formation to isolate us from the outside world. If a great disaster occurs, these resources will ensure the survival of the Five Elements Sect."
The six exchanged glances, then looked at Chen Xun together, saying, "Ancestor, we will not let you down!"
"Good, very good," Chen Xun's eyes gleamed as he repeated, "This is the Five Elements Sect I want to see."
The six men bowed deeply, their hearts filled with ambition. With such an Ancestor, how could the Five Elements Sect not thrive? Even if it cost them their lives, they were determined to protect the Sect.
Half a month later. A thunderous roar echoed, shaking the earth, and all the disciples of the Five Elements Sect felt a deep tremor.
The four Golden Core cultivators stood respectfully at the peak, bowing as the Ox Ancestor set up the formation with immense power.
The day before, Chen Xun had descended into the earth and buried numerous Crane Spirit Trees, which had been growing for tens of thousands of years, deep beneath the Five Elements Sect.
These trees were now releasing rich spiritual energy, waiting for time to work their magic.
"Farewell, Ancestor! Farewell, Ox Ancestor!"
"Farewell, Ancestor! Farewell, Ox Ancestor!"
Loud farewells echoed from all directions of the Yuzhu Mountain Range as the two Ancestors prepared to roam the world once more.
At this moment, a flying boat had already risen from the mountains, its grade indiscernible.
But apart from those six, the other disciples did not know that three very young cultivators were also standing on the flying boat.
They were overwhelmed with a mix of nervousness and excitement, unsure of their destination.
One was named Liu Han, a fifteen-year-old girl with two small braids and clear eyes at the sixth level of the Qi Refinement stage, possessing three spiritual roots.
Another was named Shi Wujun, a thirteen-year-old boy with a handsome appearance, at the fifth level of the Qi Refinement stage, possessing two spiritual roots.
The last was named Ji Zhao, a fourteen-year-old boy with a resolute face but a somber expression. He had no cultivation yet and was born with five mixed spiritual roots.
Buzz—
Buzz—
The flying boat suddenly accelerated, scattering the clouds as it soared, the farewell voices becoming inaudible.
The three stood at the center of the boat, faces flushed with excitement and anxiety, as they looked toward the figure of one man and one ox standing at the front—the true Nascent Soul-stage grand cultivators of the world of cultivation...
Chapter 194: So the world of cultivation is this dangerous after all
Chen Xun turned around and looked at the three of them, his gaze momentarily pausing.
"Ancestor..."
The three of them respectfully cupped their hands, their palms sweaty. The brief look in the Ancestor's eyes made them feel an inexplicable unease.
"Mm." Chen Xun smiled gently. "From now on, I will personally instruct you, but there's no need to call me 'Master.'"
"Yes, Ancestor," they responded, not daring to ask why. Whatever the Ancestor said, they would follow without question.
"Moo~" The big black ox also turned to look at the three, its eyes showing a peculiar expression as its tail swayed gently.
"From now on, forget everything you know about the cultivation world," Chen Xun said, his gaze narrowing as he looked into the distance. "Do exactly as we tell you, and don't worry too much about your current cultivation levels."
"Moo!" The big black ox snorted.
"Understood," the three replied, never raising their heads, their actions becoming increasingly respectful. The words of a Nascent Soul Ancestor were absolute, beyond question.
"The first step is to take a look at this booklet," Chen Xun said with a light cough, producing three small booklets. "These contain some of my experiences during the Qi Refinement stage. Study them well."
"Thank you, Ancestor!" The three of them were instantly filled with excitement, accepting the booklets with both hands.
To receive insights and experiences from a Nascent Soul Ancestor was something they could never have imagined, akin to receiving divine teachings.
"Good, take your time. The flying boat will be traveling for a few more months," Chen Xun said with a slight nod. "This will be crucial for your future path."
The three of them respectfully cupped their hands and quickly sat down to immerse themselves in the booklets, not daring to whisper to one another.
However, as they opened the first page with excitement, their expressions suddenly changed.
Instead of insights on cultivation, the booklet was filled with various questions and answers...
"Question: You encounter a demonic cultivator at the fifth level of Qi Refinement who is robbing and harming mortals, while you are at the sixth level of Qi Refinement. What should you do?"
"Answer 1: Uphold justice and protect the weak. We must act righteously and show our strength."
"Answer 2: The difference in strength isn't significant, and you don't know their hidden abilities. It's best to quietly pass by and avoid danger."
"Answer 3: Hide and ambush! Destroy the enemy without a trace, then return to the sect for a reward, boasting of your success."
"Answer 4:..."
...
A cold sweat appeared on their foreheads as they realized the booklet even included detailed explanations for each answer. They felt as if they had died countless times, their eyes trembling with shock.
The big black ox grinned as it watched their reactions. Even it had died several times when facing the questions that its big brother had once posed.
Chen Xun's lips curled up in a smile. These were all valuable life lessons, crucial for disciples just beginning their journey on the path of cultivation.
This cultivation world was far from the idyllic place they might have imagined.
Buzz!
The flying boat continued to move through the thick clouds, while the three young cultivators were deeply absorbed in their booklets.
The contents completely overturned their understanding. The cultivation world was far more dangerous than they had ever imagined...
Shi Wujun was the most excited. The teachings from the elders in the sect had always been about how to cultivate, often dull and monotonous—nothing like the rich and colorful lessons from the Ancestor!
Liu Han's palms were already so sweaty she could wring them out. She had died so many times in the scenarios, realizing that her previous thoughts had all been wrong.
Ji Zhao, on the other hand, was thoroughly engrossed, even managing to answer a few questions correctly.
He had never been exposed to the cultivation world before and now realized how terrifying it could be. He was determined to remember every word the Ancestor had written.
"Old Ox, let's start cultivating as well. I still need to refine some of my ideas," Chen Xun said.
"Moo, moo~" The big black ox nodded vigorously, taking out a formation manual from its storage ring to continue its studies.
They both sat down cross-legged at the bow of the boat. Those booklets would keep the three youngsters occupied for quite some time.
The flying boat continued its journey through the sky, heading eastward toward the Qian Kingdom.
Three months later, at Nine Palaces Mountain.
The flying boat slowly descended in front of Fengdu, where Jiang Xuechen was already waiting on the ground.
She looked up at the sky, her expression showing a hint of surprise, and then bowed respectfully and said, "Senior."
Liu Han, Shi Wujun, and Ji Zhao felt a bit shy as they glanced around, then quietly lowered their heads, feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings.
Although the spiritual energy here was richer than that of the Five Elements Sect, it didn't give them a sense of security. The two Ancestors also seemed distant.
"Xuechen." Chen Xun chuckled, storing the flying boat in his storage ring. "These three are descendants of old friends. I've brought them here to teach them for a while."
"Greetings, Senior," the three of them said, looking at Jiang Xuechen, their hearts pounding.
Shi Wujun and Ji Zhao blushed, not daring to look directly at Jiang Xuechen. That brief glimpse earlier had captured their gaze entirely.
Liu Han, however, kept her big eyes open, stealing a couple of glances at Jiang Xuechen. She was so beautiful.
"So, they are your descendants," Jiang Xuechen said with a kind smile, taking out three magical artifacts from her storage ring. "Our meeting is sudden, so take these as gifts."
The three of them took a half-step back, quickly looking toward Chen Xun, with Ji Zhao sneaking a glance at the big black ox, who seemed quite friendly toward him.
"Go ahead and accept them. This is Jiang Xuechen, the master of the Moon Tower," Chen Xun introduced, patting the big black ox. "You're now standing on Nine Palaces Mountain, within the territory of the Moon Tower."
"Yes, Ancestor. Thank you, Senior Jiang," the three of them replied, lowering their heads as they accepted the gifts. The low-grade Xuan-class artifacts felt heavy in their hands.
Yet they were also a bit puzzled. They had never heard of the Moon Tower.
Seeing their reactions, Chen Xun couldn't help but feel a twinge in his heart. As expected of a Master, so generous, even to Qi Refinement disciples.
The big black ox's eyes widened, thinking back to how poor they had been during their own Qi Refinement days—it couldn't compare.
"As expected of the descendants of your old friends, they truly are outstanding," Jiang Xuechen said with a smile, looking at the three of them. "If you need anything, feel free to come to Snow Listening Valley. They're also welcome to come and go as they please."
"Thank you."
"Moo~"
"Thank you, Senior Jiang."
The four of them and the ox all expressed their thanks together on the cliff, making it feel like a strange, multi-generational gathering.
Jiang Xuechen bowed to Chen Xun before stepping into the air and disappearing. She was busy with other matters and couldn't stay with the two seniors.
"Alright, stop staring; she's already gone," Chen Xun said with a wave, giving each of the three a light tap on the back of the head.
"Moo moo~" The big black ox chuckled behind Chen Xun. This was just like how Chen Xun used to scold Little Hei back in the small village.
"Ancestor, hehe..." The three scratched their heads, and their faces flushed red. They had never seen such a beautiful female senior before.
"From now on, we'll be living here. You're here to cultivate, not to play around," Chen Xun reminded them.
"Yes, Ancestor!" The three of them snapped to attention, realizing they couldn't afford to miss this great opportunity.
"Old Ox, let's build some houses. You three, follow along."
"Moo!"
"Yes."
"What do you mean, 'yes'? Hurry up."
Chen Xun walked ahead with his hands behind his back, followed by the running ox and three youngsters. Soon, they were busy cutting down trees in the forest, the sound of crashing trees echoing through the mountains.
Chapter 195: Follow the will of Heaven, cultivate the Five Elements
The next day, as the sun began to rise.
Four figures and a black ox sat cross-legged at the edge of a cliff, the cool breeze gently brushing their faces. Their eyes were serene, and their robes rustled softly in the wind.
"As the sun rises, the heavens bestow their gifts, and purple qi comes from the east. Now, breathe in~"
"Moo~"
Whoosh!
The three of them took deep breaths, their faces turning red and shivering slightly as they inhaled, but they believed what the Old Ancestor said must be true.
Heavenly purple qi, must be something more precious than regular spiritual qi. There was no such concept back in the Five Elements Sect.
"Breathing requires calm and focus. What's this? Are you afraid you won't get enough?" Chen Xun raised an eyebrow and reprimanded them, "Start over. Breathe evenly, with a sincere heart, and feel the purple qi enter your body!"
"Yes, Ancestor."
The three of them shifted slightly, quickly adjusting their posture. They tried to mimic the Ancestor and the ox, gradually calming their hearts.
In the days that followed, an unusual scene appeared on Nine Palaces Mountain, a sight worth noting.
Every day at sunrise, four people and an ox sat at the peak of the cliff, breathing in purple qi and giving thanks to the heavens. Jiang Xuechen had observed this scene before, stunned and speechless. The cultivation of these three juniors hadn't improved at all.
Sometimes, the three youngsters would even clutch a booklet, crying out in despair, lamenting how they had "died" again.
Or they would gather around a bonfire at night, roasting demon beasts as if they weren't there to cultivate at all.
Jiang Xuechen just shook her head, saying nothing more. She didn't dare interfere, only occasionally asking if they wanted to use the spirit veins to cultivate.
But Chen Xun always declined, saying it wasn't time yet.
A year passed quietly in this routine, and Chen Xun focused his immortal points on the essence of all things.
On a sunny day, Chen Xun and the black ox sat in rocking chairs, eating sunflower seeds, their gaze fixed on the cliff's edge. The three juniors were meditating, surrounded by a protective array that helped them concentrate.
In front of them were both new and old booklets—the old ones contained Chen Xun's experiences during the Qi Refining stage.
The new ones were their own, where they had to record and discuss, studying on their own initiative.
"Old Ox, look at how fortunate these youngsters are nowadays," Chen Xun sighed with a mix of envy and resentment. "Cultivating in a spiritual mountain, with top-grade alchemy to guide them."
"Moo~~" The black ox shook its head, exhaling deeply as it recalled the past.
It wasn't until he reached the Nascent Soul stage that his alchemy skills improved. Not to mention the time spent searching for spiritual herbs. But every step was solid, and eventually, he ascended to the position of Old Ancestor.
"If we had those resources back then, it's hard to imagine what we could have achieved." Chen Xun chuckled, shaking his head as he held a Qi Refining manual. "Five Elements spiritual qi—how should it be transformed..."
"Moo?"
"Old Ox, when the time comes, set up a formation for me, the Five Elements Formation. I want to see how it operates."
"Moo!"
The black ox nodded while lying on the rocking chair, its eyes shining with wisdom. It was planning to modify the Spirit Gathering Formation into a Five Elements Gathering Formation.
Chen Xun flickered out of sight and went inside to start copying those Five Elements spiritual root techniques.
The black ox set up a small Spirit Gathering Formation, and the five-element Nascent Soul within it slowly opened its eyes, beginning to absorb the five elements of heaven and earth.
Liu Han, Shi Wujun, and Ji Zhao also began living a plain and simple life with the two Old Ancestors.
Though peaceful, they found it very interesting. The two Old Ancestors were full of surprises...
Under the influence of Chen Xun and the black ox, they began to truly revere the heavens. Ji Zhao, in particular, was deeply affected by the black ox and became a firm believer in the importance of virtue.
At sunrise, Ji Zhao even set up a stove, believing that this was how cultivation should be.
They were completely isolated from the world, neither arrogant nor impatient, starting to enjoy the process of cultivation because no one dared to cause trouble for them.
…
Ten years later, the three of them successfully established their foundations using top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, though their cultivation progressed slowly, as they spent only half of their time on actual cultivation.
Ji Zhao's five-element mixed spiritual roots mirrored Chen Xun's situation in the past, though fortunately, their cultivation resources were abundant.
Naturally, Chen Xun dared not use Foundation Establishment Pills with pill lines for them, as the force that tears through meridians would have killed them without proper defenses.
These three didn't have the system's enhancements, nor did they practice body-refining techniques, so they couldn't take such a risk.
In Flower Rain Valley, the frame of a giant flying boat was gradually taking shape, with a base made of 99,000-year-old Crane Spirit Trees.
However, Chen Xun began to let his mind wander again. Back then, they didn't dare continue cultivating the 100,000-year Crane Spirit Tree because the Water Spirit Art couldn't suppress it.
But now their spiritual energy has increased by nearly a hundred points. Could this tree be cultivated further? Had its limit truly been reached by death?
…
Another fifty years passed, and Chen Xun had now settled in Flower Rain Valley.
The entire valley was shrouded in a chilling aura, with five Nascent Soul fires burning brightly in all directions. Even from afar, one could feel the terrifying power contained within.
A giant flying boat had already taken shape, with a crane's head crafted at the bow, looking extraordinarily lifelike.
The boat's hull had been inscribed with formation patterns by the black ox, incredibly profound, though still a half-finished product, unable to convert the Five Elements' energy.
Chen Xun hadn't yet found a way to cultivate using the Five Elements' energy, so he had to rely on the Nascent Soul to comprehend it first.
The three juniors were temporarily under the black ox's guidance, and Chen Xun had already passed on his booklets to them. Their cultivation progressed steadily.
…
Time passed like the morning glow, and another forty years flew by. Liu Han, Shi Wujun, and Ji Zhao were brought to Snow Listening Valley to undergo closed-door cultivation.
A shocking catastrophe came from the North. Tens of thousands of vagabond cultivators sacrificed themselves, using the power of their bloodlines to awaken the numerous Nascent Soul-level spirit beasts beneath the glaciers. None have returned.
The entire cultivation world was thrown into turmoil, designating the North as a forbidden zone, never to be recklessly explored again.
The cultivation world of the Qian Nation fell into silence, as did the cultivation worlds of the eastern states. Every major sect was in mourning, funeral bells tolling long and loud...
It seemed as if this marked the end of the last glorious era of this cultivation world, with everything falling into stillness.
The Ten Great Immortal Sects were finally and completely toppled from their thrones. Some sects, sensing an opportunity, began to secretly conspire, planning to force the opening of the Southern Dipper Mountains.
In Flower Rain Valley, two terrifying auras were continuously rising, causing a constant humming throughout the valley. Violent winds kicked up, and dust swirled everywhere.
Two massive figures stood on the ground, their eyes closed, with a vast amount of spiritual energy surging around them, resonating with the Five Elements' energy of heaven and earth.
Suddenly, the ground erupted like a giant wave, and multicolored magical light illuminated the entire valley.
Faintly, ten Nascent Souls exuded an inexplicable aura, appearing and disappearing.
The aura of the person and the ox sitting cross-legged on the ground was incomparably terrifying, far beyond what it had been before.
The power of the Nascent Soul Pill was immense, and after consuming them like candy for over a hundred years, they had finally broken through.
Chen Xun slowly opened his eyes, his black hair flowing and a spark of electricity flashing in his gaze.
"Moo~" The black ox snorted, its spiritual energy causing the surrounding space to tremble and roar.
They exchanged a calm look, now in the mid-Nascent Soul stage, the strongest beings in this cultivation world. No one could harm them anymore.
"Old Ox, the spiritual energy of the mid-Nascent Soul stage is indeed formidable." Chen Xun waved his hand, and the surrounding spiritual energy gathered in his palm, spiraling like a stream of water before dissipating. "But the greatest gain is still the Nascent Soul itself."
"Moo!" The black ox grinned. It could feel that the Nascent Soul was now more attuned to the Five Elements' energy, with much greater power.
Chen Xun's gaze deepened. He realized that the thrill of breaking through to new realms no longer excited him; what mattered most were the thoughts in his mind.
"Damn, this is frustrating."
"Moo?"
"The Five Elements' spiritual energy, the techniques of the Five Elements, and the energy source for our flying boat, among other things." Chen Xun shook his head, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Old Ox, let's go check out our giant flying boat!"
"Moo!!" The black ox jumped up in excitement, clearly more thrilled by this than by their breakthrough.
Over the past century, they have allocated their immortal points to various attributes.
Their current points were: Strength 153 (140), Speed 200 (140), Essence of All Things 200 (140), Spiritual Energy 200 (140), and Defense 200 (140).
At that moment, a refreshing breeze blew from the horizon, causing ripples in the valley, as if the sun that had been swallowed was now exhaling a breath of satisfaction over the earth.
Chen Xun paused in his steps, gazing at the petals falling all around him, silently and without a sound.
"Where does the wind begin, and where does it stop?" Chen Xun sighed softly, placing one hand behind his back. "Old Ox, where does the Five Elements' energy originate, and where does it return?"
"Moo?!" The black ox stared blankly, completely baffled by Chen Xun's question.
"I once observed mountains and rivers, wielding an axe for hundreds of years in front of my home, following the natural paths of all things, mastering the art of the axe." Chen Xun murmured to himself, an otherworldly aura naturally emerging from him. "I have also experienced life and death, witnessed the hardships of the world, and seen all things return to silence."
As he spoke, five Nascent Soul shadows gradually appeared above his head, the surrounding spiritual energy continuously dispersing as the spiritual pressure became increasingly intense.
A sharp wind arose, cutting like a knife.
Cold sweat broke out on the black ox's forehead as it quietly took half a step back, carefully exhaling half a breath.
"What is cultivation without understanding the essence of heaven and earth? The Five Elements' energy arises from the heavens and returns to the earth, endlessly cycling; this is the cycle of all things; this is following the Dao." Chen Xun smiled faintly, circulating his internal techniques without drawing in any spiritual energy. "We who seek longevity must follow the path of Heaven, cultivate the Five Elements, and give back to the world!"
As soon as his words fell.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
A five-headed, ten-armed figure slowly rose from behind Chen Xun. Their faces were indistinct, but they carried an overwhelming, terrifying aura of spiritual energy!
The figure's eyes were cold, overlooking the earth. The Five Elements' energy surged around them, mutually generating and restraining each other yet endlessly cycling, lingering in the world.
"Spiritual energy is merely a medium, far from the essence." Chen Xun's gaze remained calm and indifferent as he raised two fingers to the sky, his body's spiritual energy seeming to dissipate. "Five Elements' energy, heed my command, enter my body, and may you not... fail to recognize the favor."
"Moo!!!"
The black ox's pupils trembled violently, filled with deep reverence. Its boss's aura was too powerful, and it quickly retreated to a distant spot, bowing in worship.
The formations in the valley could no longer withstand the force as the surrounding Five Elements' energy surged toward Chen Xun's body, pushing away the spiritual energy like it had met its natural enemy.
Boom!
Boom!
The earth shook and mountains quaked, the disturbance long since alarming the entire Nine Palaces Mountain. Female cultivators on various peaks were stunned, their lips trembling.
In a certain grand hall within Snow Listening Valley, Jiang Xuechen suddenly opened her eyes. She slowly looked in a certain direction, her heart filled with dread and her scalp tingling...
Chapter 196: Defy the heavens and pioneer the Five Elements Immortal Path
In the Flower Rain Valley, a towering light and shadow were shrouded in the mist of the Five Elements' Qi. It restrained all spiritual energy, suppressed all spiritual energy, was invisible to the naked eye, imperceptible to divine sense, and untouchable by cultivation.
The female cultivators of Nine Palaces Mountain were shaken to their cores, feeling only the overwhelming pressure, their spiritual energy flowing sluggishly, not daring to look at the vague light and shadow in the sky.
Jiang Xuechen's eyelids twitched uncontrollably, uncertain of what grand spell those two elders were casting, as that blurry light and shadow exuded such terrifying spiritual pressure.
She never even considered that it might be a Nascent Soul. After all, she had encountered a few ancestors, and none of them had a Nascent Soul that was this immense!
This was something that completely overturned the understanding of the cultivation world—absolutely impossible.
The image with five heads and ten arms was hidden the deepest; no one dared to approach and investigate. It's estimated that knowing the truth might cause a heart attack, leading to a reverse flow of spiritual energy and a perilous situation.
"Spiritual pressure... what exactly is it?" Jiang Xuechen murmured to herself, seated in the grand hall, having heard many legends about it.
Some said it was the ultimate refinement of spiritual energy, invincible among peers. Others claimed it was ancient prodigies who tempered their spiritual energy and reabsorbed it into themselves, at a time when resources were abundant and lifespans were sufficiently long.
But opinions varied, and although there seemed to be many methods to enter that realm of spiritual pressure, none had succeeded. The cultivation alone was enough to exhaust most of a cultivator's energy and lifespan.
Jiang Xuechen shook her head with a sigh, then smiled slightly, relieved that those two elders were not enemies.
Her gaze gently turned back to the sky, where the vast spiritual pressure began to spread in all directions, even affecting the Snow Listening Valley.
In the Flower Rain Valley, Chen Xun stood in midair, eyes slightly closed, his entire body undergoing a shocking transformation, though his expression was grim.
Damn it, a loss.
The only thought in Chen Xun's mind was this: in fact, this path could have been explored during the Golden Core stage, but he had delayed it for so many years.
"Perhaps I no longer need the Five Elements Spiritual Roots."
He murmured, his entire body igniting with the multicolored Five Elements Fire. At this moment, there was no spiritual energy left in the Flower Rain Valley.
Cultivators are most sensitive to spiritual energy, easily discerning where it is abundant and where it is scarce.
But the Five Elements' Qi, existing between heaven and earth, is endless and inexhaustible, yet no cultivator could fully utilize it; spiritual roots are the greatest limitation.
It is also the fair limit imposed by the heavens on all living beings. All things have spirits, deriving spiritual roots, breaking through their shackles, and giving all beings a chance to tread the path of immortality.
At this moment, Chen Xun's expression showed no change, nor was there the slightest sign of pain. His demeanor was like that of an old monk in meditation.
The indifference in the eyes of the light and shadow formed by the Five Elements Nascent Soul grew stronger, constantly inhaling and exhaling vast amounts of the Five Elements' Qi.
The Five Elements' Qi wildly interwove in the void, and the chains of spiritual energy around Chen Xun's body kept snapping.
The disorderly Five Elements' Qi in the world erupted like a volcano, surging towards the image of Chen Xun's five heads and ten arms, as if to engulf the entire universe!
At the same time, an incomparably vast wave spread out, and various terrifying phenomena emerged.
At this moment, everyone on Nine Palaces Mountain was shocked to the core, feeling a terrifying chill, as if their cultivation level had regressed to nothingness, with no spiritual energy present within them, like mere mortals!
Countless female cultivators gasped in horror, their minds overwhelmed, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing, with the light and shadow becoming unbearably blinding.
The Five Elements Immortal Path, suppressed spiritual energy, and the Immortal Path, radiated countless beams of light!
The spiritual energy in Chen Xun's body completely dissipated, leaving only an empty shell, with the vast Five Elements' Qi filling every meridian.
"The heavenly tribulation... it wasn't striking me, but this Five Elements Golden Core and Five Elements Nascent Soul." Chen Xun's brow furrowed, and he was deeply shocked.
"Damn it, could cultivating the Five Elements Immortal Path be truly defying the heavens?"
The Five Elements give birth to all things, and the Heavenly Path is impartial, granting all beings a chance at life, which is why they exist in the world.
No matter what one does, they are acting per the heavens; it won't interfere.
The so-called "My fate is mine, not the heavens" and "Cultivating immortality is defying the heavens," are nothing more than impotent rage... The Heavenly Path won't care about you at all.
If the Heavenly Path is likened to a human body, the resurgence of spiritual energy is its exhalation, and the subsidence of spiritual energy is its inhalation.
No matter how many cultivators there are, they cannot harm the root of it; they are merely part of the Heavenly Path's breath.
However, the Five Elements' Qi is omnipresent and inexhaustible, like the flesh of the Heavenly Path.
Cultivating this path is like cutting the flesh of the Heavenly Path; even if it can regenerate, the pain during the process will penetrate deep into the bones.
This is why there are Five Elements Spiritual Roots instead of Five Elements Spiritual Roots; everyone should cultivate spiritual energy and not mess with the Five Elements, as it is pointless.
The previous heavenly tribulation had a killing intent. If it weren't for the system's enhancements, forcibly grasping that sliver of life, both Chen Xun and the big black ox would have long perished.
With a series of fortuitous events, the creation of the Five Elements Immortal Path has become inevitable.
No way!
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
Chen Xun's brows trembled violently, and deep within his heart came a fierce and piercing scream: Heaven, please protect me!!!
Buzz!
The light and shadow of the five heads and ten arms seemed to be merging into one, with the endless Five Elements' Qi already filling the Nascent Soul.
Crack...
A cracking sound echoed from the void, and Chen Xun's veins bulged as he felt a shudder deep in his soul; a spiritual root had broken.
The Fire entwined around him continued to transform into Five Elements Fire, with Chen Xun trembling violently, feeling the pain that pierced his soul.
At this moment, the system's defenses silently began to operate, helping Chen Xun resist the pain of the broken spiritual root.
"Even if the path to immortality might be severed, as long as I don't die, there will always be another chance."
Chen Xun's expression was wild, his heart fearless and dauntless. Missing this opportunity would be regret for life; nothing feels more wonderful than exploring the unknown.
He was now completely engulfed in a blaze of fire, with the light and shadow behind him closing their eyes, resplendent and dazzling.
"Moo~~~~" The big black ox's eyes widened, staring intently at Chen Xun, sensing a mortal danger.
Chen Xun might be undergoing a great crisis, but it didn't know what it was, only growing more worried.
Half a day later, Chen Xun's Five Elements Spiritual Roots completely shattered, the path to immortality severed, and every inch of his skin oozed blood—gruesome and terrifying.
However, the light and shadow behind him grew smaller and smaller, no longer that towering figure, but instead became more solid, no longer emitting any pressure.
Chen Xun's body was filled with decay, still showing no signs of awakening, as if lost in the Five Elements. If he doesn't wake up, he may never wake up.
The big black ox remained motionless, guarding Chen Xun from a distance, lowly mooing, its eyes filled with pain.
Half a month later.
The light and shadow behind Chen Xun suddenly moved, the five heads turning, the ten arms rotating, exuding only majesty, without the overwhelming force brought by spiritual energy.
Five Nascent Soul phantoms sat atop Chen Xun's head, and a wisp of breath quietly dissipated.
Boom!
A rumble echoed from deep underground, like a howl from ancient times, startling the big black ox into a leap.
It instantly activated its spiritual energy shield, layering formations, preparing the incense burner, and getting ready to perform rituals!
Chapter 197: Sever the Spiritual Energy Immortal Path and Condense the Five Elements Spirit Root
In the distance.
The decay on Chen Xun's body gradually dissipated, and a tender sprout seemed to grow from one of the Nascent Souls.
Then, each of the five Nascent Souls sprouted a tender shoot, which quickly transformed before the naked eye.
These were the five flowers infused with the energy of the Five Elements, exuding an aura of profound mystery, beyond comprehension or understanding.
Chen Xun slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning. The long accumulation of experiences had given him the greatest motivation.
He would create the Five Elements Spirit Root and cultivate the Five Elements Immortal Path!
His entire aura was simple and unassuming, his divine light restrained, with no vast fluctuations of spiritual energy—he appeared like a true mortal.
There was no need to deliberately hide his aura anymore; he had already transcended the cultivation world, and no one could see through his reality.
"But still, I can't escape the framework, as if something important is missing." Chen Xun frowned slightly. The Five Elements Immortal Path was far from complete. "The Five Elements are merely a starting point, far from the essence."
At this realization, a peaceful smile appeared on his face, and he felt a surge of joy in his heart. This was the kind of cultivation he had truly been searching for.Fighting and killing, showing off in front of others, or breaking through realms—after cultivating for a thousand years, all of it had become dull.
With newfound clarity and enlightenment, he looked into the distant sky, finally understanding what he truly desired.
Chen Xun's cultivation level was still at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul, but his aura was completely absent, even the surrounding spiritual pressure had vanished, and there was no spiritual energy flowing within him.
"I need to create new cultivation techniques and alchemy formulas. As a newcomer to this path, I'll have to borrow from the works of my predecessors." Chen Xun slowly stood up, clasped his hands toward the sky, and then looked at the distant, timid black ox. "Damn it, old ox, get over here!"
"Moo!" The big black ox responded with excitement, recognizing that this was the real Chen Xun.
The Chen Xun from a moment ago had an aura that was too unfamiliar, to the point where the ox almost didn't recognize him.
Chen Xun laughed heartily, a shadowy figure instantly appeared before him, and he hugged the ox's head tightly, saying, "Old ox, I've carved out a new path."
"Moo?"
"Just a moment, let me jot down some notes in a little book, and later, you can come over. I'll share my experience with you on how to sever the path."
"Moo?!"
"Don't worry, our Five Elements Golden Core and Five Elements Nascent Soul have already laid the foundation; this is just a matter of timing."
"Moo~"
The big black ox squatted beside Chen Xun, nodding repeatedly, a glint of understanding flashing in its eyes. In fact, its control over the Five Elements was even more advanced than Chen Xun's.
The next day, tension filled the Flower Rain Valley.
Chen Xun was in the east, and the big black ox was in the west.
"Old ox, use the Starfall technique, and fire at me!"
"Moo!"
The big black ox suddenly stood up, exhaling through its nose as vast spiritual energy surged in all directions. Fiery golden discs appeared in the air.
It swung its hoof, releasing five-colored light like rolling thunder, instantly exploding within the valley.
A massive fireball, burning intensely, slowly emerged from the disc, its internal spiritual energy violently turbulent and emitting terrifying waves.
The immense pressure caused the ground to tremble, cracking in all directions.
"Moo!" The big black ox roared, glaring at the distant Chen Xun, and struck with all its might!
Chen Xun looked at the massive fireball hurtling toward him like a meteor, a gleam of sharp light flashing in his eyes.
If anyone were caught in its path, they would be instantly obliterated, vaporized into a mist of blood.
But Chen Xun merely raised his hand slowly, calm as a breeze, as the energy of the Five Elements flowed at his fingertips.
**Boom—**
**Boom—**
The fireball suddenly exploded without warning, transforming into a raging sea of fire that engulfed the area.
The aura of destruction surged in all directions, terrifying beyond measure, like a blood-red ocean sweeping across the sky.
However, this scene lasted only a moment. With a calm gesture from Chen Xun, the sea of fire was instantly decomposed into spiritual energy, returning to the earth…
"Moo?!"
The big black ox was shocked, its tail flicking so fast it became a blur. Chen Xun hadn't even resisted, "Moo, moo, moo?!"
It had witnessed the scene clearly: its spell had been completely neutralized. Chen Xun hadn't shattered it, nor had he used spiritual energy to counter it.
"Heh, old ox, is that all?!" Chen Xun laughed arrogantly, transforming into a breeze, and appearing instantly before the big black ox. "This is the power of the Five Elements, a natural suppression of spiritual energy!"
The big black ox nudged Chen Xun, its eyes filled with disbelief. Its master had become so formidable.
"I estimate that as long as the spell isn't too far beyond my strength, I can neutralize it." Chen Xun coughed lightly and cautiously glanced up at the sky, "I'm doing a good deed for the heavens, turning power into spiritual energy and returning it to the world."
"Moo!" The big black ox nodded firmly, convinced once again.
"Go get ready. I'm going to think about the Five Elements Immortal Path and guard you while you break through."
"Moo!" The big black ox rubbed against Chen Xun, then ran off excitedly, eager to sever its own immortal path.
Not long after, a thunderous explosion echoed through the valley as the Five Elements energy gathered wildly.
Chen Xun glanced at it briefly before sitting down in a corner of the valley, lost in thought.
The Five Elements Immortal Path was far from complete; it was only the first step. There was still much to refine.
For now, he had only converted his spiritual energy into the energy of the Five Elements, and his Nascent Soul cultivation method had stalled, unable to advance further.
However, his meridians and other aspects remained unchanged. He was still a half-baked cultivator, forced to follow the path of his predecessors.
"It must be that my level of insight into the world isn't deep enough yet." Chen Xun licked his lips and instinctively took out some herbal tea, taking a sip. "What is missing from the Five Elements Immortal Path above the Nascent Soul?"
He pulled out his little notebook again, already mastering how to convert spiritual energy into the energy of the Five Elements.
When it came time to create new cultivation methods and alchemy formulas, he would need to test the speed of cultivation. He believed it wouldn't be as slow as before.
At that moment, he planted a medicinal seed and began using the Water Spirit Technique. Suddenly, Chen Xun's expression changed drastically:
"Oh no, it mutated?!"
The water sphere surrounding him was no longer spiritual energy but was infused with the power of the Five Elements, which was highly compatible with plants, far more than before.
Chen Xun furrowed his brows, and his gaze grew deeper. A small flame rose from his fingertip, and the Five Elements energy in the world began to gather slowly.
This small flame even had a tendency to grow on its own, albeit slowly, but the change would certainly deepen over time.
"Amazing…"
Chen Xun sighed deeply, admitting defeat. The spells he had been practicing had already started transforming from spiritual energy to the energy of the Five Elements, a complete and total enhancement.
He gently waved his hand, directing the Water Spirit Technique towards the seed in the soil, completely driving out the faint spiritual energy within it.
Chen Xun squinted, observing the seed closely—it hadn't died.
He then condensed a drop of green liquid in his hand. He had studied this for a long time, knowing it contained many things, though he couldn't fully understand it.
"The Five Elements… they are indeed in here." Chen Xun muttered to himself, dripping the green liquid onto the seed.
His expression was tranquil as he sent his divine sense into the seed, continuously observing its changes.
Suddenly, inspiration struck Chen Xun, and he pulled out his notebook to record it. Why hadn't his divine sense evolved? The records about divine sense in the cultivation world were scarce.
He felt there must be some mystery in it, something he would need to explore further if given the chance.
Chapter 198: The three great mutant brothers should remain eternal
Half a month later, Chen Xun remained seated in the same spot, motionless, observing intently. The small booklet in his hand was now filled with notes.
The seed had gradually grown into a Five Elements spiritual herb... A spiritual herb from the Qi Refining stage, something Chen Xun was very familiar with, yet it now appeared both confusing and unfamiliar to him.
Chen Xun sensed that due to the enhancement from the Water Spirit Art and the creation of the Five Elements Immortal Path, he had truly brought forth a new species.
His gaze grew distant as he recalled the Crane Spirit Tree they intended to plant on the giant ship. He decided to allow the mutant to run its full course.
"The three great tumors of our cultivation world, the three mutant brothers, should remain eternal." Chen Xun slowly revealed a bloodthirsty smile. "Looking back, without the Crane Spirit Tree, this family would have fallen apart!"
Roar!
At that moment, a tremendous shockwave echoed through the valley. The light and shadow gradually shrank, and the big black ox had fully completed its transformation.
Each of the five Nascent Soul calves sprouted five small flowers, and the Five Elements Spirit Root had been formed.
"Moo-moo~~" The big black ox widened its eyes, searching for Chen Xun, and it finally spotted him in a corner, immediately rushing over.
"Old Ox." Chen Xun stood up and approached the big black ox. "How does it feel?"
The big black ox was so excited that it began circling around Chen Xun repeatedly, even starting to write. It felt as though it had broken through to a higher realm, gaining profound insights, including how to use the Five Elements Qi to form arrays and operate the giant ship.
"Oh, not bad." A flash of brilliance appeared in Chen Xun's eyes. "After following me for so many years, you've finally grown some brains."
"Moo~~" The big black ox snorted contentedly through its nostrils…naturally.
Its gaze suddenly fixed on a spiritual herb behind Chen Xun, and it was instantly drawn to it. It nudged Chen Xun.
"Oh, right. Let me share with you my new discoveries. The pill formula should be fine now."
Chen Xun held the ox's head and began to speak enthusiastically. The big black ox listened with wide eyes, its admiration flowing endlessly like a mighty river.
Meanwhile, the female cultivators of Nine Palaces Mountain were already diligently performing their tasks, having been informed that this was a senior practicing a major technique.
They didn't dare to spy, nor even discuss it, fearing the experience of becoming mortals again, something they never wished to endure for the rest of their lives.
Three days later, on an ordinary night.
The night was as thick as ink, dark and impenetrable...
It was like a dark blue curtain adorned with twinkling stars, making one deeply enchanted.
Outside the pavilion, a bonfire was lit, and four people, one ox, gathered around it.
Chen Xun and the big black ox sat in rocking chairs, while Liu Han, Shi Wujun, and Ji Zhao sat nearby.
They had all matured significantly.
Liu Han, dressed in black with long hair cascading to her waist, looked as fair as snow. Her jade-like hands rested on her knees. She remained silent. In the firelight, her snow-white face glowed, making her appear even more beautiful.
Shi Wujun's thick eyebrows framed a pair of bright and clear eyes, like a pool of emerald water, pure and lively.
Ji Zhao's handsome face was sharply defined, with well-proportioned features.
Under his heroic, sword-like eyebrows, his eyes were as bright as stars and as deep as cold pools, constantly shining with a determined light.
"Without realizing it, you all have grown so much." Chen Xun glanced deeply at the three of them and smiled. "Do you find cultivation boring?"
"Of course not, Ancestor. Your notes are endlessly fascinating." Liu Han smiled at Chen Xun. Though he appeared stern, his character was actually quite amiable. "We are all about to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage."
"Indeed, Ancestor. We're only in the Foundation Establishment stage, so we can't afford to slack off." Shi Wujun respectfully clasped his hands and said, "Venturing into the cultivation world without complete certainty is nothing short of courting death."
"Ancestor, it's said that those with Five Elements Spirit Roots have no hope in their immortal journey, so we must seize this opportunity and focus on our cultivation!" Ji Zhao spoke in a deep voice, revealing his cultivation level to be at the third level of the Qi Refining stage. "We must not seek to show off but should instead proceed steadily and surely."
"Moo~~" The big black ox mooed happily and patted Ji Zhao. The concealment technique they used was a gift from Chen Xun after he had modified it.
Ji Zhao's cultivation progress was slower than Liu Han and Shi Wujun due to the limitations of his spirit root, but fortunately, they had ample resources.
"After breaking through to the Golden Core stage, you should go down the mountain to experience the world." Chen Xun took a sip of his herbal tea. "There's no need to chase after opportunities. Focus on cultivating your heart. If you encounter danger…"
"Disguise, ambush, strike from the shadows, and eliminate all traces!" The three stood up and shouted in unison, "Never show mercy. That would be irresponsible to friends, family, and the sect!"
"Hahaha, good!"
"Moo-moo-moo~~!"
Chen Xun and the big black ox laughed heartily, pleased that their teachings had not been in vain. Starting their training young had indeed ingrained these principles deeply into their minds.
Seeing their ancestors so happy, the three of them couldn't help but laugh along.
"Remember, don't do good deeds lightly, nor should you commit evil deeds easily. You're not yet at that level." Chen Xun continued his patient guidance; his words calm and steady. "When you become powerful in your own right, only then will you have the right to express opinions. Until then, guard your words carefully."
"Yes, Ancestor!" The three of them bowed, their eyes filled with determination. The Ancestor's words were their truth.
Moreover, they had seen many of these principles in the small booklet, firmly engraving them into their hearts.
Because Liu Han was quite intelligent, she had once analyzed it for them.
The stories in those booklets might be the Ancestor's personal experiences, and they weren't just for intimidation.
"Sit down. There's no need for formality tonight." Chen Xun gently raised his hand.
The three were astonished, feeling as though they were being lifted not by force but by a pair of hands.
"Two Seniors."
At this moment, a beautiful figure appeared from afar. It was Jiang Xuechen. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes. How could these two's aura change again? They were so ordinary, so ordinary that they didn't seem like mortals, nor did they seem like cultivators…
"Xuechen has arrived."
"Moo~"
"Greetings, Senior Jiang."
The three quickly bowed. Over the years in Snow Listening Valley, this senior had taken good care of them, even sharing some cultivation insights. And many of those insights came from the Ancestor of Moon Tower. The three of them had truly been blessed, enjoying great favor.
"Liu Han, Shi Wujun, Ji Zhao." Jiang Xuechen nodded with a smile, then looked at Chen Xun. "I'd like to have a word with the two Seniors. Xuechen has some doubts."
"Then sit down. We're all family."
"Moo~~"
Chen Xun and the big black ox responded amiably.
Hearing the words "family," the three felt a warmth in their hearts and quickly stood behind them, behaving obediently.
The night breeze was silent, and the flames rose steadily, radiating light.
A trace of sorrow appeared on Jiang Xuechen's face as she sat down beside them. No longer constrained by her status, she softly spoke, "Seniors, Ancestor Jin Yu has not yet returned."
"When she left, did you not understand her intention?"
"Naturally, Xuechen understands and would never recklessly head to the Northern Territory. But even if it's just her remains…" Jiang Xuechen lowered her head, her gaze vacant. "Seniors, is there really no hope?"
She couldn't understand why she would choose to go without hesitation, even though it was a path to death.
The three disciples behind her also looked to their Ancestor, unable to empathize, not fully understanding.
Chapter 199: Living history of the cultivation world
"Let me tell you youngsters a story," Chen Xun said, raising his gaze to the night sky, a look of reminiscence in his eyes. "Do you know about the great war between the Qian Nation and the Wu Nation's cultivation world?"
The three looked puzzled. Wasn't the Wu Nation's cultivation world always part of the Qian Nation?
Jiang Xuechen also had a moment of confusion, recalling a few vague records she had read long ago, though the details were fuzzy. The war had happened before they were born, and their elders rarely spoke of it.
"Back then, the Wu Nation was not part of the Qian Nation. It was conquered by the Qian Nation's cultivation world."
"What?! Ancestor, did a great war really happen in the Qian Nation's cultivation world?" Liu Han's eyes widened in disbelief. The other two had equally shocked expressions, unable to imagine such a thing.
"At that time, we thought it was an invasion by the Wu Nation, and our blood was boiling as we prepared to go to battle," Chen Xun chuckled and patted the big black ox. "Some of our friends went as well; they were only at the Foundation Establishment stage, I think."
"Moo," the big black ox nodded slightly, its eyes holding an inexplicable meaning.
"Senior, did you experience that war? Did they return?" Jiang Xuechen asked, her eyes filled with hope, though her heart was shocked—just how old were these two seniors?
"Back then, the Qian Nation's cultivation world was at its peak, so of course, they returned," Chen Xun said softly, his gaze still fixed on the sky. "But after they returned, their foundations were damaged, and they could no longer progress in their cultivation."
The four listeners trembled at this revelation, fully understanding its implications. The atmosphere instantly grew heavy, and no one dared to speak.
Under the night sky, by the campfire, sparks flickered in the air.
Chen Xun continued his story at a slow pace. The big black ox shifted closer to him.
"Later, I thought about it—Foundation Establishment cultivators participating in a Nascent Soul-level battle, where even the aftermath could kill them. Weren't they just marching to their deaths?"
He suddenly burst into laughter. "So, the old ox and I started preparing funerals, receiving the bodies that were sent back from the battlefield."
"Of course, there were many nameless friends whose bodies were never recovered."
"Senior..." Jiang Xuechen hesitated, glancing at Chen Xun before lowering her head.
"It's fine. Just listen to the rest of the story," Chen Xun said, his tone calm. "Then you'll understand Jin Yu's situation better. The path of cultivation is inherently cruel."
"Yes," Jiang Xuechen nodded.
Chen Xun continued his tale, and the big black ox couldn't help but chime in, taking out a small booklet to add a few details.
The four listeners were more and more astonished, their eyes widening as they realized just how much these two had experienced. To them, it seemed like the pair had witnessed the entire rise and fall of the cultivation world—a living history.
Jiang Xuechen's chest heaved, and some of the knots in her heart quietly unraveled. Compared to these two seniors, her own concerns seemed trivial.
As the night deepened, bathed in the cold moonlight, shadows of trees stood desolate, and the campfire flickered dimly. The five figures' shadows gradually stretched longer.
"Heh, we avoided the great war of the cultivation world, and we also avoided the Northern War," Chen Xun said, his tone tinged with sadness. "But those who follow us must stand in front of their descendants. It's unavoidable."
"And what about you?"
"What kind of Nascent Soul cultivator doesn't have a home to protect, eh?" Chen Xun chuckled.
"Ancestor!"
"Ancestor…"
"Ancestor!" The three shouted in shock and anger. What was their ancestor saying? Their hearts were filled with urgency and frustration, but they didn't dare to speak out.
"What do you little ones understand?"
Chen Xun glanced behind him and sternly admonished, "Focus on your cultivation and don't end up like us."
For those who attain immortality, being rootless and wandering the world is inevitable. However, thinking of that great ship, Chen Xun felt a sense of comfort—it seemed that they might finally have a real home in the future.
The three disciples' faces turned a deep shade of red, embarrassed as they thought about their ancestor's longevity.
"Moo~" The big black ox let out a simple call, patting Chen Xun affectionately, understanding him better than anyone else.
"Xuechen, we might not stay here for much longer. When the time comes, I'll send these three youngsters down the mountain, and they will return to the Five Elements Sect."
"Senior, I understand," Jiang Xuechen replied, suddenly feeling an emptiness in her heart as she nodded solemnly. She knew that the seniors planned to cross the Tian Duan Plains and wouldn't stay here for long. But she also made a mental note of the Five Elements Sect, resolving that the Moon Tower must establish good relations with them in the future.
"Thank you, Senior, for resolving my doubts tonight. I will always remember the kindness you've shown to Moon Tower," Jiang Xuechen said as she stood up, bowing deeply to Chen Xun with genuine respect. "If you leave, please let me know."
"Of course."
"Moo~"
Chen Xun and the big black ox responded, both showing mutual respect.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Xuechen lifted off into the air and gracefully departed.
The three people standing behind Chen Xun felt an emptiness in their hearts. They had grown genuinely fond of these two ancestors, who had treated them with sincere kindness, devoid of any ulterior motives.
"Liu Han, Shi Wujun, Ji Zhao."
"Ancestor!" The three stepped forward, raising their heads, and bowing.
Chen Xun looked at each of their faces in turn. "You two boys should take good care of Liu Han and listen to her advice."
"Yes, Ancestor," Shi Wujun and Ji Zhao replied in deep voices, the empty feeling in their hearts growing stronger.
"Ancestor, are you leaving?" Liu Han asked anxiously. "When will it be? I—"
"It's alright; parting is inevitable," Chen Xun replied calmly, resting one hand behind his head. "I'll watch over you until you reach the Golden Core stage. Then, I'll send you down the mountain."
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
Three kneeling sounds echoed as the three disciples knelt down. Though the two ancestors had never formally taken them as disciples, they had long since considered themselves their students in their hearts.
Chen Xun felt a bit dazed, his eyes perhaps not seeing clearly in the flickering firelight.
For a moment, he thought he saw Liu Yuan, Shi Jing, and Ji Kun.
"Stand up. I need to enter seclusion," Chen Xun said as he turned his gaze away, focusing on the big black ox. "Old Ox, you've put on quite a bit of weight, haven't you?"
"Moo?!" The big black ox snorted in surprise, unsure if that was true.
"Yes, Ancestor."
The three slowly rose, their eyes dimmed with sorrow. As they were about to leave, Chen Xun suddenly called out:
"Come here once a month, and I'll cook for you."
"Yes, Ancestor!!" They replied joyfully, remembering how, when they first arrived, the Ancestor cooked for them every day, saying that fasting pills were useless.
"Hurry up and go! You're making a fuss like country bumpkins," Chen Xun waved them off with a chuckle. "When you return to the Five Elements Sect, don't tell anyone that I taught you."
The three laughed as they pulled out their magical artifacts from their storage pouches and flew towards Snow Listening Valley. They glanced back unintentionally.
In what seemed like an instant, the cliffside was empty and desolate, with only a few scattered campfires gradually burning out.
The two ancestors still sat in those rocking chairs; their expressions serene as they gazed silently at the vast starry sky.
Between their temples, it seemed as though a sense of quiet joy from the passage of time would forever linger…
Chapter 200: Crane Spirit Five Elements Tree with black and white leaves
The next day, the sun shattered the dark blue sky like a blazing wheel of fire, suddenly breaking through the horizon.
Chen Xun and the big black ox stretched lazily and looked towards the morning glow.
"Old Ox, you're fully in charge of driving the giant ship," Chen Xun's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Five Elements Array flags and the Five Elements techniques are under my control."
"Moo." The big black ox gave him a reassuring look; it already had a plan in mind.
Since there were no Five Elements spirit stones, it decided to modify the Spirit Gathering Array into a Five Elements Gathering Array, using the array to absorb the Five Elements energy from the heavens and earth to power the ship.
"Head to Flower Rain Valley. I need to study all the techniques in the pavilion," Chen Xun smiled slightly. "Our defenses can now withstand the pain of chaotic meridians, so we can start creating new techniques."
"Moo~~" The big black ox descended from the rocking chair, nudged Chen Xun, then transformed into a flash of light and disappeared instantly.
Chen Xun took a deep breath, stored the chair in his storage ring, and walked into the Fengdu Pavilion.
Time flowed like a river as Chen Xun and the big black ox became fully engrossed in their work. A Crane Spirit Five Elements tree quietly grew from the stern of the giant ship.
It rooted itself within the ship, no longer absorbing the world's spiritual energy, but instead began to absorb the Five Elements energy of the heavens and earth.
Due to its young age, it looked similar to the original Crane Spirit tree. Chen Xun continued to observe its changes daily.
Every month, the three young disciples would leave Snow Listening Valley, and the four of them, along with the ox, would gather for a joyous reunion.
Ten years later, in Flower Rain Valley.
Chen Xun and the big black ox took to the air and stared in astonishment at the massive flying ship that occupied half the valley.
"Old Ox, what is this thing?"
"Moo?"
They were dumbfounded, their gaze fixed on the stern.
An eighty-thousand-year-old Crane Spirit Five Elements tree stood proudly at the stern. The dense leaves clustered together, rustling with the breeze, making a "shua-la" sound.
The tree's twisted roots and towering trunk reached high into the sky, nearly extending beyond the valley.
Half of the giant ship's hull was now concealed by the tree, but...
The leaves of this Crane Spirit tree were no longer green but had turned an extraordinarily mystical black-and-white color!
"Whoa... damn," Chen Xun slowly turned to look at the big black ox, feeling a bit panicked. What kind of species was this?
"Moo~~~!" The big black ox was equally bewildered, snorting heavily.
"Old Ox, our giant ship must be made from this wood. A true Five Elements flying ship. The original Crane Spirit tree was too closely tied to spiritual energy," Chen Xun squinted slightly as a pitch-black axe appeared in his hand. "This way, your array will definitely work!"
"Moo!" The big black ox was startled; the boss was right.
When it tried to set up the Five Elements Gathering Array, there was always a sense of repulsion from the giant ship, making it quite incompatible.
"Let's do it!"
"Moo!!"
At that moment, they donned their bandit gear and charged fiercely towards the giant ship.
Boom! Boom!
The entire valley echoed with thunderous sounds as the giant ship was blasted to pieces, and the Crane Spirit Five Elements tree collapsed, cracking the earth beneath it.
Chen Xun and the big black ox grinned bloodthirstily, using the Five Elements energy to completely disintegrate the spiritual objects, returning them to the heavens and earth.
...
Another forty years passed, and chaos finally began to stir in the cultivation world.
In the Qian Nation, incidents of ambushes on disciples of the Top Ten Sects became frequent. People killed and robbed to strengthen themselves, showing no fear.
Meanwhile, the Top Ten Sects no longer seemed as united as before; they began seeking new allies as if preparing for a reshuffling of power.
The Five Elements Sect completely sealed its mountain gates, stopped recruiting new disciples, and remained relatively quiet, even rarely interacting with the Purple Cloud Sect.
Rumors were spreading outside that the Five Elements Sect was not to be provoked for the next few centuries. With their mountain gates sealed, any attempt to challenge them would likely lead to a sect-wide war.
The eastern regions of the Qian Nation and its neighboring countries were in the greatest turmoil. The Northward Expedition of Moyu Pavilion ended in disaster, leading to its complete collapse, and fading into history.
The Moon Tower and the Four Symbols Alliance were struggling to hold on, waiting for the next Nascent Soul ancestor to emerge.
Several major cities at the foot of Nine Palaces Mountain were already in chaos, but then, a dozen Golden Core masters suddenly descended from Nine Palaces Mountain to quell the unrest.
The power of over a dozen Golden Core masters was a terrifying force in these troubled times.
Not only were outside cultivators shocked, but even the members of the Four Symbols Alliance were stunned. They couldn't believe Moon Tower had hidden its strength so well! Jiang Xuechen also issued a statement, refusing to meet any guests and sealing off the mountain!
Within Nine Palaces Mountain, in Flower Rain Valley, an enormous and mystical flying ship had taken shape. It was 150 zhang long, with pavilions built upon it. At the bow, there was a statue of a celestial crane looking towards the sky, wings poised as if ready to soar.
The pavilions housed various rooms for cultivation, including seclusion chambers, alchemy rooms, spirit beast chambers, and array rooms, all fully equipped.
At the very front of the ship's deck, there was an observation pavilion for tea drinking or meditation.
Beneath the deck, there were areas for cultivating spiritual herbs, complete with artificial hills and small lakes, all well-lit and lined with crystals.
The big black ox had intricately carved the ship's body with arrays, its mysterious runes densely covering every corner, leaving Chen Xun amazed.
At the stern, a Crane Spirit Five Elements tree swayed in the wind, its black-and-white leaves emitting a faint, mysterious glow.
Silently, the Five Elements energy of heaven and earth continually flowed through the ship, which appeared to be absorbing and exhaling it. However, cultivators couldn't sense any spiritual energy from the ship, making its origins impossible to discern.
Two figures stood on the giant ship, their gazes calm and profound as they stood with their hands behind their backs, looking out into the distance.
"Old Ox..."
"Moo..."
They exchanged a deep, knowing glance and finally began to smile. Every part of this ship was crafted by their own hands, using up all the cultivation knowledge they had accumulated over millennia.
Every small detail was their labor of love, every carefully designed structure a testament to their experience.
Chen Xun took a deep breath, and the big black ox did the same.
"This is our Nation! This is our home!!"
"Moo!! Moo!!!"
They suddenly threw their heads back and roared, their mighty shouts echoing through the valley, reverberating in all directions, reaching far into the distance, and even to the resting places of their old friends...
Just then, a gentle breeze arose, carrying with it a fragrant scent. Where the wind blew, flower petals began to dance through the valley, drifting gracefully.
"Hahaha... The wind rises from my heart!" Chen Xun laughed heartily, watching the sea of petals in the sky. "The wind never stops, and neither do we. We walk with the wind, heading into the distance!"
"Moo~~~!" The big black ox pressed closely against Chen Xun, who was already embracing its head.
It had been so long since they had felt such exhilaration—so long they could no longer remember whether it had been decades or centuries.
"Old Ox, make the final preparations!" Chen Xun's chest heaved with excitement. Only one final step remained. "With the Five Elements energy as our power source, Old Ox, it's all up to you!"