"Sorry, but we really thought that your Beiyang Sect was quite easy to bully."
Before Wang Ping could speak, Cai Yonglong muttered.
As soon as these words were uttered, the faces of all the Beiyang Sect's experts turned black.
"Just a Spirit Sea Realm ant. You have no right to speak here."
The Life and Death Realm ancestor of the Beiyang Sect showed a killing intent in his eyes and released the terrifying pressure of a Life and Death Realm, intending to crush Cai Yonglong into a mist of blood to serve as a warning to Wang Ping.
However, just as his pressure burst out, Wang Ping appeared next to Cai Yonglong, easily dissolving the pressure.
"I don't want to cause unnecessary bloodshed. As long as the Beiyang Sect compensates us reasonably, we can let this matter go. If not, I won't hesitate to destroy your Beiyang Sect's mountain gate."
Wang Ping's robes fluttered as he looked down on the Life and Death Realm ancestor of the Beiyang Sect and spoke coldly.
"Young one, don't be so arrogant!"
Both of the Beiyang Sect's Life and Death Realm experts were furious and immediately attacked Wang Ping.
In this attack, they didn't hold back. Although they didn't use the unique death power of the Life and Death Realm, they used the Beiyang Sect's most powerful divine techniques.
In an instant, two fiery dragons, intertwined like blazing suns, appeared in the sky and pounced toward Wang Ping, obliterating everything in their path.
"Supreme Divine Technique: Sunfire Annihilation!"
Facing the powerful divine techniques simultaneously unleashed by the two Life and Death Realm experts, Wang Ping's expression remained unchanged. He summoned a mid-grade treasure sword, and with a single slash, purple flames filled the sky, as if to incinerate the heavens. Then, the flames transformed into two purple flame longswords, instantly cutting the two fire dragons in half and reducing them to ashes.
Fire consumed fire.
"What!?"
Seeing this scene, both of the Beiyang Sect's Life and Death Realm experts' pupils contracted, and they showed expressions of shock.
Their Beiyang Sect's divine techniques, while not top-tier, were still mid-grade divine techniques. They shouldn't have been so easily destroyed.
Even if Wang Ping was a genius, using a top-grade divine technique, this outcome was beyond belief and something that even holy sons at his level couldn't achieve.
Their cultivations were far above Wang Ping's!
However, this incredible scene unfolded before their eyes, leaving them in fear.
As for the other experts of the Beiyang Sect, they were even more horrified. Wang Ping, with only half a step into the Life and Death Realm, effortlessly dispelled the attacks of two Life and Death Realm experts. This was simply too terrifying and shattered their understanding of the world.
Their Dao hearts were shaken.
"Silence!"
Seeing the dissatisfaction from others, the two Life and Death Realm ancestors of the Beiyang Sect lowly scolded.
In response, the others had to swallow their grievances and remain silent.
"Two hundred jin of lower-grade elemental liquid and three hundred thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones. This matter will end here."
Wang Ping raised an eyebrow and said.
"Three hundred thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones?"
All the Beiyang Sect's ancestors showed expressions of anger.
Elemental liquid was precious, but its effects were mainly felt by Yin and Yang Realm cultivators, half-step Life and Death Realm cultivators, and Life and Death Realm cultivators. For ordinary Life and Death Realm cultivators, the effect was not significant because they didn't dare to break through and had to suppress their cultivation to prevent it from advancing further.
For the Beiyang Sect, elemental liquid was more valuable as a form of currency for transactions or for purchasing treasures from major powers.
In contrast, top-grade spirit stones were different.
Top-grade spirit stones were used to cultivate transcendent realm cultivators and Profound Elixir Realm cultivators. They were also needed for various transactions in the Beiyang Sect's shops and for circulation in the Heavenly Sea Nation.
In essence, they had a wide range of uses.
Although the value of three hundred thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones was equivalent to two hundred jin of lower-grade elemental liquid, the impact of suddenly withdrawing three hundred thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones would be more severe than taking two hundred jin of lower-grade elemental liquid.
"Friend, your actions are quite excessive. At most, I can offer you two hundred jin of lower-grade elemental liquid and thirty thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones. If you refuse, I'd rather break the net with you."
The Beiyang Sect ancestor said angrily.
"Very well, two hundred jin of lower-grade elemental liquid and thirty thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones."
Seeing the opponent's anger, Wang Ping realized that he had pushed the limit and didn't want to continue haggling. He readily agreed.
"Hehe, friend, here are your items. I advise you to be careful. Committing too many unjust acts will lead to self-destruction. In the future, you should be cautious, as there are forces that are not as easy to bully as our Beiyang Sect."
Once Wang Ping agreed, the Beiyang Sect ancestor let out a sigh of relief but maintained a cold and ruthless demeanor. After preparing the items, he threw a storage ring to Wang Ping and gave him a cryptic warning.
"Hehe, you don't need to worry about me. However, I'd also like to advise you not to seek small gains and suffer big losses. 'Blood Sin Descendants' are not easy to bully. For a small benefit, hunting 'Blood Sin Descendants' might lead to exposing your Beiyang Sect to the world, and your lineage might be destroyed."
Wang Ping accepted the storage ring and checked its contents. He gave a similar cryptic warning in return.
"Hmph."
With these words, the faces of the Beiyang Sect's Life and Death Realm ancestors stiffened. They didn't respond to Wang Ping's warning and just snorted before turning into streaks of light and returning deep into the Beiyang Sect.
Other Beiyang Sect experts, upon seeing this, also cast resentful glances at Wang Ping and Cai Yonglong before transforming into streaks of light and leaving.
During this process, Wang Ping faintly saw an image of the Xuan Dan Realm expert being slapped on the way back.
"Damn, Wang Ge, we've struck it rich this time. Three hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones and two hundred jin of elemental liquid!"
After all the Beiyang Sect experts had left, Cai Yonglong was extremely excited.
"We've made some gains, but it's also dangerous. Let's go. We need to leave quickly and change our identities before heading to the Black Element Nation."
Wang Ping shook his head and grabbed Cai Yonglong, both of them turning into streaks of light and disappearing from the scene.
The Beiyang Sect wouldn't take this extortion lightly. They would spread the news of the appearance of 'Blood Sin Descendants,' and terrifying beings would come to hunt them down.
However, Wang Ping and Cai Yonglong had altered their appearances
and even changed their heights and weights. They had taken on new identities. As long as no Life and Death Realm experts were involved, they didn't need to worry about being targeted.
Chapter 146: Defeating Two Life and Death Realm Experts with a Single Move! The True Power of a Grandmaster
"However, if a grandmaster like Wang Jing ends up focusing solely on hunting down the 'Blood Sin Descendants,' he wouldn't have survived for so long in the simulations. Leaving the Xuan Gui Continent would mean certain death."
Bai Tianhong, on the other hand, was a true 'Blood Sin Descendant,' so leaving the Xuan Gui Continent would certainly lead to his demise.
So, there was nothing to worry about.
Soon, Wang Ping and Cai Yonglong utilized the Heavenly Sea Nation's teleportation array to leave the nation. Not long after their departure, the Beiyang Sect was investigated by authorities, and all of its Life and Death Realm ancestors were mobilized to deal with the situation. In the end, they had to compensate with two hundred jin of lower-grade elemental liquid and thirty thousand pieces of top-grade spirit stones to resolve the matter. This incident caused a sensation throughout the entire Heavenly Sea Nation.
Many factions ridiculed the Beiyang Sect, and even the royal family of the Heavenly Sea Nation couldn't help but take some joy in their misfortune.
However, more powerful individuals and factions were focused on Wang Ping's whereabouts.
After all, he was an extraordinary individual born in the Xuan Gui Continent, possessing talent and combat strength surpassing many holy sons from various sacred grounds. If they could secretly establish a connection with him, it would be a significant advantage.
As for the 'Blood Sin Descendant' issue, it could be completely disregarded. They were merely individuals carrying the 'Xuan Gui Aura,' not genuine 'Blood Sin Descendants.'
Even if they were true 'Blood Sin Descendants,' what of it? Such extraordinary individuals were destined to become kings in the future, provided they didn't fall prematurely during their journey. They might even have the potential to become quasi-emperors.
Beings of that level, once they matured, would no longer be within their reach for connections or favors.
Therefore, it was wise to form a connection with Wang Ping while he was still in the early stages of his growth, provide him with sufficient resources, and align with his interests.
However, these factions were bound to be disappointed.
Because Wang Ping and Cai Yonglong had already left the Heavenly Sea Nation. After spending several days and crossing multiple countries, they arrived at the Black Element Nation's Black Light Valley, where a Nirvana Realm expert resided.
Black Light Valley was considered a mysterious place in the Black Element Nation, with strange black lights occasionally appearing, obscuring the sky and clouds. Some called it the Demon Domain, claiming that it was inhabited by monsters and demons.
However, the important figures of the Black Element Nation knew that there were no monsters or demons living there; instead, a supremely powerful individual was in seclusion within the valley.
Although the simulator described this powerful figure as having Life and Death Realm cultivation, it was evident that this was no ordinary Life and Death Realm. The cultivation was almost at the level of Nirvana Realm, as evidenced by the individual's remarkable abilities.
Apart from that, Wang Ping also sensed spatial fluctuations.
Space was torn apart to form a spatial passage, a method used by Nirvana Realm experts!
This meant that the other party had detected them long ago, and if they had malicious intentions, they could have easily eliminated Wang Ping without him realizing it.
As Wang Ping contemplated various scenarios in his mind, his vision changed, and he found himself deep within the valley.
In the heart of the valley, there was a small wooden house with a peach tree in the courtyard. A clear spring flowed gently nearby, where white cranes drank water, giving it the aura of a secluded paradise.
After regaining his senses, Wang Ping turned his attention to the elderly man with white hair sitting on a wooden chair in the courtyard. The old man had a kind and benevolent appearance and was looking at Wang Ping with interest.
As for Cai Yonglong, he was nowhere to be seen.
"You possess the Xuan Gui Aura, yet you've managed to come this far. Impressive, impressive," the old man praised as he stroked his beard.
"Elder, I am Bai Tianhong. May I know how I should address you?" Wang Ping respectfully inquired, offering a slight bow.
"Bai? That's the surname of the Supreme Judge Sovereign. You're not the first to use a pseudonym. There's no need for such formalities here. If I intended to harm you, there's no way you could escape," the old man said with a chuckle. "Don't use an alias in front of me; it's pointless. Besides, I'm well aware of your 'Blood Sin Descendant' status."
Wang Ping felt a bit awkward. He had gotten used to using pseudonyms, and he had forgotten that they had little meaning in front of someone like this. Moreover, the old man seemed to know quite a bit about the 'Blood Sin Descendants.'
"Wait, Elder, are you a follower of the Supreme Judge Sovereign as well?" Wang Ping quickly realized and asked with a hint of suspicion.
"I was indeed a follower of the Supreme Judge Sovereign, but among his followers, I wasn't considered significant. I was merely a quasi-king," the white-haired old man sighed.
Wang Ping was at a loss for words. Being a quasi-king didn't sound very impressive at all.
It was clear that the Supreme Judge Sovereign and his followers were incredibly powerful.
Of course, leaving that question aside for now, Wang Ping also understood why the white-haired old man chose to transmit his knowledge to Cai Yonglong.
Firstly, it was because Cai Yonglong's talent was indeed the most suitable for his legacy.
Secondly, both of them possessed the Xuan Gui Aura, which led the white-haired old man to consider them as 'his' people.
It should be said that they were descendants of the former followers.
"May I ask, senior, have you lived two lives?" Wang Ping's mind was filled with more thoughts and he curiously asked.
"I haven't lived two lives. I wouldn't have survived until now if I hadn't. The lifespan of the Nirvana Realm is only five to six thousand years, and even for quasi-kings, it wouldn't be much longer," the white-haired old man nodded and sighed.
"You seem very curious about my current cultivation level?" After a pause, the white-haired old man chuckled.
"Yes. I'm very curious about senior's current cultivation level," Wang Ping replied openly, not feeling embarrassed in front of such a powerful individual. It was better to be straightforward.
"My current cultivation level is only half a step into the Nirvana Realm, and I'm not far from reaching enlightenment," the white-haired old man sighed and spoke.
"That doesn't seem right. Senior, after living a second life, your cultivation should have advanced further, shouldn't it?" Wang Ping asked with some confusion.
"Who told you that living a second life would make you stronger than in the first life?" The white-haired old man shook his head with a amused smile. "Living a second life can indeed help you gain insights into cultivation, especially in the early stages, but it only makes things smoother. Cultivation is also influenced by one's fortune. You might have succeeded in breaking through in your first life due to various opportunities, but there's no guarantee that you'll have the same opportunities in your second life."
Pausing for a moment, the white-haired old man continued, "Besides, the innate aptitude of your host body's descendants might not be comparable to your own. Another point is that after taking over a host body, the lack of harmony between the physical body and soul can have a significant impact on cultivation. It may not be apparent in the early stages, but as your cultivation progresses, it becomes more pronounced. Lastly, if you join a major power and it becomes evident that your soul and body are not in harmony, they won't invest in nurturing you. Furthermore, my identity is very sensitive."
"So, taking over a host body will only make you weaker over time, and generally, your potential won't surpass that of your first life. Of course, there are exceptions, but those are rare cases and can't be counted on," the white-haired old man explained.
Listening to the white-haired old man's words, Wang Ping gained a deeper understanding of many things. It seemed that taking over a host body wasn't as simple as he had imagined.
At the same time, he finally understood why ancient powerhouses like those who participated in the Hundred Dynasties War didn't join the battles of the younger generations. It was because others could easily see the lack of harmony between their souls and bodies.
In that case, they could easily become targets of resentment or even be directly challenged to a fight.
"After taking over a host body and living a second life, very few people can achieve significant accomplishments. So, on the path of cultivation, one must strive to reach the pinnacle in their first life, or else they lose that opportunity," the white-haired old man advised.
"Thank you for your guidance, senior. I won't have any illusions," Wang Ping replied with a slight bow. He definitely wouldn't harbor any illusions, thinking that dying once didn't matter.
As for the simulated Wang Ping, that was not his concern.
"So be it," the white-haired old man nodded in satisfaction. He was genuinely pleased to see such a remarkable talent on the Xuan Gui Continent. Perhaps, there was hope for the lineage of the Supreme Judge Sovereign.
"Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do to help you now, and I don't even have the qualifications or time to become your protector," the white-haired old man said with a hint of regret.
Wang Ping had already reached the half-step Life and Death Realm, and his previous cultivation had been nearly perfect. He didn't need any help, and the old man had nothing valuable to offer in terms of resources either.
As for spiritual treasures or techniques, while the white-haired old man had some extraordinary ones, they wouldn't be of much use to Wang Ping. Their paths of cultivation were different, and Wang Ping couldn't make use of his techniques or treasures.
"By the way, young one, what grade are the Xuan Dan and Yin-Yang Diagram that you've cultivated?" The white-haired old man, now curious, asked in return.
He could see Wang Ping's exceptional talent, but he didn't know the exact level of this extraordinary individual.
"They are Flawless Xuan Dan and Perfect Yin-Yang Diagram," Wang Ping hesitated for a moment but eventually gave his answer.
He wasn't the simulated Wang Ping, and he had no fear of being harmed by the old man. So, he was being honest.
"What!?" Upon hearing this, the white-haired old man couldn't contain his astonishment. He widened his eyes and was filled with amazement.
Flawless Xuan Dan and Perfect Yin-Yang Diagram – even in the Sacred Grounds, very few people could achieve such a level.
While the Sacred Grounds had the resources and means to cultivate talents like this, not every genius was worth the investment.
Only those who surpassed ordinary geniuses were considered monstrous individuals worthy of the Sacred Grounds' precious resources.
Wang Ping, born on the Xuan Gui Continent and seemingly a lone cultivator, had reached such heights, which was truly astonishing and defied common sense.
"So, you are the protagonist of this era," the white-haired old man finally regained his composure and stared at Wang Ping, filled with deep admiration.
Every era had its protagonists, and there was not just one of them. These individuals, whether due to their talent or fortune, were far superior to others and were destined to become kings or even possess the potential to become emperors.
In the eyes of the white-haired old man, Wang Ping was the protagonist of this era, a person with immense potential and great fortune.
"Protagonist of the era," Wang Ping's expression was somewhat subtle, but he didn't explain further.
He was not an era's protagonist, and concepts like great fortune and era's protagonist didn't apply to him.
He was just an ordinary guy.
The real "son of destiny" and "protagonist of the era" was someone else – Ye Chen.
"It seems that there is hope for the lineage of the Supreme Judge Sovereign," the white-haired old man continued to murmur with a smile.
"Unfortunately, I can't help you much, and I don't even have the qualifications or time to become your protector," he added regretfully.
Wang Ping had already grown to a half-step Life and Death Realm, and his previous realms had been cultivated almost perfectly. There was little that the white-haired old man could offer in terms of assistance. Moreover, he lacked valuable resources.
As for issues related to resources, he didn't have anything of great value either. Although he had some extraordinary techniques, they wouldn't be suitable for Wang Ping, given their different paths of cultivation.
Not to mention, in the eyes of the white-haired old man, Wang Ping, being a protagonist of this caliber, had likely created his own divine abilities, possibly even stronger than his.
"Senior, there's no need to think too much. Although you can't help me, you can still nurture my friend. He has an astonishing talent in the light attribute, and I brought him here to visit you and see if you're willing to take him as your disciple," Wang Ping politely said.
"Indeed, I can see that," the white-haired old man nodded and, with a gesture, summoned a holographic screen in front of Wang Ping.
In the illusionary screen, Cai Yonglong was undergoing trials, searching for the path most suited to him.
"He will probably need another week to reach this point, so we can wait patiently," the white-haired old man stroked his beard and spoke.
"When he arrives here, I will take good care of his training. Encountering the person most suitable to inherit my legacy before my final passing, I will have no regrets," he added.
Wang Ping sighed quietly, unsure of how to respond. After all, he couldn't prevent the white-haired old man from transmitting his knowledge to Cai Yonglong. Their purpose for coming here was precisely that.
However, witnessing the closure of an era with the passing of a formidable figure like this still left him with complex emotions.
"No need to sigh for me. I've managed to survive for so many years, and all my loved ones have already perished. It's been lonely, and I've grown weary of life long ago. Death, to me, is nothing but liberation," the white-haired old man said, shaking his head when he saw Wang Ping's sigh.
"Weary of life?" Wang Ping mumbled to himself. He yearned for immortality, but there had always been debates about the topic of eternal life in his past life. The reason was simple: while you might achieve immortality, the people around you would still age and die, leading to loneliness and a desire for death. Of course, some individuals, after living for an extended period, would become indifferent and apathetic.
Some of the great emperors in Ye Chen's world, before their self-immolation, had been protectors of their subjects, but as they lived longer and witnessed the death of their loved ones, they grew numb and eventually chose to descend into decadence to become immortals.
However, Wang Ping believed he wouldn't seek death. With the chat group, knowledge of countless realms, and the ability to communicate with others, he wouldn't be lonely. Furthermore, even if he were alone, he would continue to persevere. Nevertheless, given his relatively short lifespan in his current state, the future might change the equation.
"The conversation seems a bit heavy. By the way, how much do you know about Lord Sovereign?" Seeing Wang Ping deep in thought, the white-haired old man smiled and changed the topic.
"A lot," Wang Ping replied, shaking his head and then proceeded to provide a detailed account of what he knew.
"It seems I don't need to add anything," the white-haired old man said with a nod, not particularly surprised that Wang Ping was well-informed. To reach his current level, Wang Ping must have known everything he needed to know. If he didn't, he wouldn't have been able to hide his aura and would have died long ago.
"People may curse Lord Sovereign, but I believe that the day of the truth's revelation will come. I also believe that Lord Sovereign won't be possessed by others; he will erode that strange soul, then be reborn, regaining everything we lost and wiping out those insignificant beings," the white-haired old man looked up at the sky with a mixture of hope and longing, which eventually turned into melancholy.
"However, I probably won't live to see that day. It will be up to you to witness it in the future," he added.
Wang Ping felt heavy-hearted and couldn't find comforting words. The white-haired old man didn't know about Lord Sovereign's situation, but he did. He was likely the only person in this world who knew.
Lord Sovereign's situation was bleak. It was highly unlikely that he would regain control of his body. The strange entity that had taken over him was too powerful, and Lord Sovereign's attempts to seal it and fuse with the Xuan Gui had already failed. At best, the seal might weaken in the future.
At that point, it wouldn't be Lord Sovereign who emerged but the strange entity itself. Lord Sovereign's reputation would be permanently tarnished.
Normal progression dictated this outcome.
"However, I won't let that happen," Wang Ping silently vowed. This wasn't out of sentimentality but purely for his own survival and to earn more points for the chat group.
If the strange entity emerged, he wouldn't be able to escape, and it was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.
Over the next month, Wang Ping continued to converse with the white-haired old man. Perhaps because the old man hadn't talked to anyone for a long time, he had a lot to say. He recounted various events from his past.
Wang Ping was more than happy to listen and occasionally engaged in discussions about cultivation. Despite the white-haired old man's cultivation only being at the half-step Nirvana Realm, his profound insights into cultivation, accumulated over thousands of years, were invaluable. Wang Ping found himself gaining real enlightenment, a distinct experience from the simulated enlightenment he had been given.
As for Cai Yonglong, he had already passed the trials and was receiving guidance and cultivation from the white-haired old man, who occasionally transmitted
his knowledge to elevate Cai Yonglong's cultivation. However, the primary focus was on refining Cai Yonglong's aptitude and potential. This secret technique was exceedingly rare and came at great cost.
The white-haired old man had once been close to reaching the level of a True Sovereign and had contemplated death. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been possible for him to do such a thing. Even if it were possible, few would be willing to take that path.
Eventually, after perfecting Cai Yonglong's foundation and elevating him to the Grand Perfection of the Xuan Dan Realm, the white-haired old man peacefully passed away. Wang Ping and Cai Yonglong erected a tombstone in his honor, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
In just one month, Wang Ping had formed a deep bond with the white-haired old man, feeling like they had known each other for generations. As for Cai Yonglong, the white-haired old man had become his second master.
(End of this chapter)