Chapter 116: Heaven, Earth, and Man as One Body (Seeking Monthly Votes and Subscriptions)
As Wu Yuan's physical qualities continued to strengthen, he constantly integrated and reinforced them.
The consumption of blood mist increased steadily.
Of course, the total amount of blood mist obtained from killing Master Wang Huang and three top experts was quite astonishing, far from being depleted.
However,
"In the wilderness, one must ensure that the 'blood mist' is as abundant as possible. It's essential to think of ways to obtain it before it becomes scarce," Wu Yuan thought.
Who can predict the unknown? One must always maintain peak combat power to be ready for encounters with Master-level experts.
At the same time,
After numerous attempts,
Wu Yuan could now confirm that the blood mist probably did not come from the 'dead.'
It originated from the Black Tower!
"As my strength grows, every time I kill enemies whose strength is comparable to mine, a large amount of blood mist will surge out," Wu Yuan thought.
Very weak enemies? Even if killed, they provide very little blood mist!
Just like now.
The more than ten bandits Wu Yuan killed with a single move were mostly advanced warriors and martial artists, with one barely reaching the third-rate master level.
However, after killing them, the blood mist emerging from the Black Tower was far less than when he killed a third-rate master two years ago.
In short,
"The blood mist emerging from the Black Tower depends on the 'quality' of the 'people,'" Wu Yuan roughly analyzed. "It's related to both my strength and the enemy's strength."
It's mysterious; it can fairly accurately judge the strength comparison between Wu Yuan and his enemies.
This also made Wu Yuan more vigilant.
"This is probably a divine or demonic object," Wu Yuan thought. "It might be related to some alchemists with great spiritual powers."
Suppressing these thoughts,
Wu Yuan has been trying to understand the Black Tower and the blood mist. As his strength increases, he analyzes more and more information.
"I didn't get much blood mist just now; no rush."
"The Great Spirit Mountain Range extends for hundreds of miles and serves as a must-pass area for entering Jiangzhou from the south through Dongmeng. There should be many bandits here," Wu Yuan smiled.
For a place to have many bandits, generally, it needs several conditions.
First, there should be many traveling merchants because, ultimately, the bandits' goal is wealth. They value 'silver' the most for their livelihood.
Second, the terrain must be rugged to enable quick escape. Bandits in plain areas tend to be relatively fewer.
Third, it should be a border area where various major forces meet. Such places are often neglected, providing a natural space for bandits to survive.
The 'Great Spirit Mountain Range' meets all three criteria, naturally attracting many bandits.
According to Wu Yuan's knowledge, there are seven major gangs with significant reputations.
Wu Yuan, who hides his identity while roaming the world, naturally has no intention of taking tasks from the Seven Star Tower and doesn't care about distinguishing who should be killed or spared.
He came up with a simple solution—kill anyone who comes to kill him!
This is the use of buying the Thunderous Blue Horses.
Two Thunderous Blue Horses, worth nearly ten thousand taels of silver, are enough to make ordinary bandits tempted.
...
The Great Spirit Mountain Range consists of towering peaks that undulate for miles.
Wu Yuan, with two Thunderous Blue Horses, carried enough food and fodder in the storage ring to last for months.
Moreover, Wu Yuan, who can now 'consume qi,' doesn't actually need to eat every day.
Bringing food and condiments is more for 'satisfying cravings.'
He isn't in a hurry to travel.
Covering a minimum of a dozen miles and a maximum of dozens of miles per day, Wu Yuan travels along mountain roads and official roads, stopping occasionally to practice martial arts and swordsmanship.
His inner self becomes increasingly serene and pure.
"The vastness of heaven and earth! Boundless and extensive," Wu Yuan's divine sense is extremely powerful.
During this carefree journey, his perception of all things in heaven and earth becomes clearer and more profound.
The weight of the earth, the vastness of the sky, the freshness of nature... everything in the operation of all things gradually reflects in his heart and divine sense.
All troubles and worries are cast aside.
Whether Wu Yuan has a small goal or hasn't followed the 'official road' completely, it's not until he enters the 'Sixth Heaven' of the Great Spirit Mountain that his desired prey actively presents itself.
"Bastard, leave the horses for me!"
"Two Thunderous Blue Horses, dressed like swordsmen, probably not easy to deal with."
"Darn it, passing through the territory of my 'Black Wind Gang,' and not paying a toll?!" Hundreds of bandits, roaring, charge down from both sides of the mountain slopes.
However, no one shoots arrows.
They are all afraid of hurting the 'Thunderous Blue Horses.'
"At last." Wu Yuan, who has been immersed in cultivation, finally shows a smile.
He was getting impatient.
"Where did this fool come from? Facing death and not running away, still smiling." The leader of the bandits laughed ferociously and leaped up.
Whoosh! The big knife fiercely hacked towards Wu Yuan's head.
He believed that with his knife skills, he could definitely cut the opponent's neck with one stroke and directly sever their head.
He even vaguely saw the scene of blood splattering.
"Boom!"
A muffled sound, like the impact of a pillar on a sinking bell, instinctively tightens the hearts of many surrounding bandits.
The bandit leader flew out with a bang.
A large hole appeared in his chest, and blood and flesh were blurry.
"Pong~"
The leader of the land bandits was blasted away for five or six zhang, smashing into two other bandits and finally colliding with a large tree. The tree broke in half at the waist and fell to the ground.
His eyes widened to the extreme, lifeless.
As for the two bandits hit by the corpse, it was as if they were struck by a force of tens of thousands of pounds, also sent flying to the ground, coughing up blood, convulsing at the corners of their mouths, and clearly not surviving.
One punch, three deaths!
"This punch, without relying on divine sense or a battle knife, can subtly trigger the power of heaven and earth."
Wu Yuan's eyes lit up slightly: "Indeed, practicing as Sword Grandmaster suggested, sensing the heavens and the earth is very effective."
Wu Yuan didn't bother to pay attention to the surrounding bandits.
Just the punch from a moment ago stunned all the bandits; their strongest 'Nine Head Leader' was smashed to death with one punch?
"What's the matter, not coming up?" Wu Yuan said indifferently.
His eyes were calm to the extreme, sweeping over hundreds of bandits on both sides. His whole body's aura was extremely restrained.
"Kill! Avenge the Nine Head Leader!" A furious roar echoed.
"Kill him!"
"Kill!" This group of land bandits, accustomed to "licking blood from the knife's edge," finally couldn't bear the cruelty in their hearts and Wu Yuan's provocation. They rushed towards Wu Yuan from all directions, like a tidal wave, wanting to completely engulf him.
They believed that relying on numbers could wear down the powerful warrior in front of them.
"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!" A series of intense dull impacts. The group of bandits surrounding Wu Yuan was sent flying in all directions.
Some had broken arms, some had heads flying off.
Or pierced through the chest!
In an instant, more than ten figures flew nearly ten zhang, all falling heavily to the ground, each one breathless.
This scene truly frightened these fierce bandits.
"Not good! It's a master!"
"Run." The surviving bandits were terrified and began desperately turning around, wanting to escape far from Wu Yuan.
The entire team completely dispersed.
As fierce bandits, not many of them feared death, having long prepared for death.
But the premise of not fearing death is to see hope of victory.
A fight without hope of victory would make anyone collapse.
Would Wu Yuan let them escape??
"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!" Accompanied by a series of dull sounds that made the bandits' hearts tremble, one bandit after another fell.
"Spare me!"
"Escape!" The desperate cries of these bandits made them run even faster, regretting that their parents didn't give them an extra pair of legs.
In the end, out of over a hundred people besieging Wu Yuan, only a dozen managed to escape.
This was mainly due to Wu Yuan testing what he had learned in the past few days without deliberate killing.
Otherwise.
None of these bandits would have survived.
"Immersed in heaven and earth, sensing the divine naturally, traveling thousands of miles, it really is effective. At this rate of progress, it won't take long. Perhaps, I can truly mobilize the power of heaven and earth." Wu Yuan was quite pleased.
He understood clearly.
This was not only the result of the past half month but also the eruption of his accumulated experiences from traveling through the mountains and rivers of Jiangzhou for more than a year and the insights gained from sensing the heavens and the earth in Yunsan.
"Let's go."
Wu Yuan led his warhorse and continued forward.
Killing these bandits did not stir any waves in his heart.
However, Wu Yuan was unaware that by killing these bandits and leaving a dozen survivors, he had stirred up a hornet's nest.
Black Wind Stronghold! It was the number one stronghold in the Great Spirit Mountains!
The casualties were so severe.
The bandits who luckily escaped naturally reported it immediately.
Even the Nine Head Leader died, and many brothers were killed or injured.
The leader of Black Wind Stronghold was naturally furious: "Even if they are top experts, daring to act recklessly in my Great Spirit Mountains, they will have only one path to death!"
"Immediately contact the other major factions!"
"We must keep him here."
"Otherwise, how can we maintain our foothold in Jiangzhou in the Great Spirit Mountains?"
The seven major factions in the Great Spirit Mountains competed and fought with each other, but when facing the imperial army or foreign experts, they would join forces to resist the enemy.
Soon, messages were sent back from several strongholds.
The scouts of Black Wind Stronghold also received news, tracking down Wu Yuan's whereabouts.
This was normal; Wu Yuan traveled slowly, focusing on his cultivation. He did not deliberately conceal his whereabouts.
Finally.
With Black Wind Stronghold at the core, the leaders of the other three major factions brought their main forces, and although the leaders of three other factions did not come, many elite bandits came.
A total of nearly ten thousand land bandits and hundreds of martial experts!
They set up ambushes to surround Wu Yuan alone.
Actually, Wu Yuan, with his divine sense attuned to the heavens and the earth, had sensed these land bandit scouts long ago.
However, he didn't care at all.
He was focused on his own cultivation.
So, when nearly ten thousand land bandits besieged him from all directions, Wu Yuan finally opened his eyes from his cultivation, and without hesitation, he directly made a move.
His principle had always been: If someone offends me, I will retaliate.
Killing these bandits.
Wu Yuan felt no psychological burden.
"Kill!" "Kill!" Nearly ten thousand land bandits rushed from all directions, their murderous shouts echoing for dozens of miles in the mountains.
A massive battle! Fully erupting!
To call it a great battle is not to say it's a one-sided massacre.
Bloody! Cruel!
Wu Yuan's killing was not swift. He did not seek to kill as many as possible. Instead, he used these land bandits to verify his insights.
"No need to use a knife."
"Even with boxing techniques, I can still trigger the power of heaven and earth. For now, let's consider it as practicing boxing!" Wu Yuan's heart was undisturbed as he slaughtered.
One punch, killing one person!
Whether they were advanced warriors, martial artists, or second-rate and first-rate experts, anyone who dared to rush towards Wu Yuan was killed with one punch.
No one could stop his punch! No one could avoid his punch! No one could survive from his punch!
Four land bandit leaders, at the beginning, were still full of confidence.
In their eyes, even top experts would have their stamina greatly depleted from such frenzied killing.
By then, they could take advantage and besiege him.
However, soon they realized they were wrong!
Wrong to an unbelievable extent.
In less than half an hour, Wu Yuan directly killed over two thousand land bandits with his fists.
Even a first-rate expert wearing heavy armor was smashed to death by Wu Yuan's punch.
Moreover, it was a direct blow to the chest!
At this moment, the battlefield in the dense forest, stretching for ten miles, resembled a tide of corpses.
Blood stained the mountains red!
Wu Yuan's expression remained indifferent. He even muttered, "No, the previous punch should have been softer."
As if the bandits he had just killed were merely a group of ants.
Facing the demonic Wu Yuan.
"Escape!"
"He's not human; he's a monster!"
"Run!" The ferocious army of bandits finally completely collapsed and became terrified. They began to flee like a tide, unwilling to follow the orders of their leaders.
"Top Ten on the People's List!"
"It might even be a Grandmaster? Only a Grandmaster could have such terrifying stamina." The bandit leaders from the four factions were finally scared.
Although it was embarrassing, the leaders of the four major factions finally chose to escape.
After all, life is precious.
Unfortunately.
Wu Yuan's divine sense could now vaguely sense within a three-mile radius, having already locked onto the four strongest life auras.
How could he let them escape?
"Want to escape?" Wu Yuan's eyes chilled, and with a movement, he burst into full speed, flying several hundred meters directly.
A few flashes, and hundreds of bandits along the way were thrown into the air, their bodies splattering, blood pouring, all perishing.
And Wu Yuan had already rushed in front of the leaders of the four factions.
"Not good." One of the leaders just realized it and changed his expression.
"Bang!" "Bang!" Accompanied by four muffled sounds.
All four bandit leaders ranked in the top one hundred and fifty of the Jiangzhou People's List.
All dead!!
This battle inflicted heavy losses on the seven major factions in the Great Spirit Mountains, with over four thousand deaths and very few injuries.
No one survived under Wu Yuan's fists!
Especially Black Wind Stronghold; including the Nine Head Leader from the last encounter, eleven leaders died, directly removed from the seven major strongholds.
The entire Great Spirit Mountains were in panic, and many bandits were scared to flee the mountains, unwilling to be bandits again.
This is the terror of a Grandmaster.
Terrifying power, advanced combat skills, and enduring stamina.
In history, many Grandmasters have fought against an army of ten thousand alone, killing over ten thousand and leaving safely.
One against ten thousand.
One person can resist a million soldiers.
For Grandmaster-level experts, these are not empty words but reality.
Such a terrifying battle could not be concealed.
In the Great Spirit Mountains, the name "Fist Yama" quickly spread. Along with a large number of bandits escaping from the Great Spirit Mountains, this battle became known to the surrounding prefectures.
A mysterious master, Fist Yama!
At least possessing the strength to be in the top ten of the Jiangzhou People's List, suspected to be a Grandmaster!
...
Wu Yuan was completely unaware of the waves he stirred with this battle.
The massacre in the Great Spirit Mountains had no negative impact on him; instead, it provided him with a clearer understanding of the world's true nature.
"Heaven and earth are indifferent, treating all things as mere fodder for animals," Wu Yuan thought calmly.
The nurturing of all things by heaven and earth is neither benevolent nor malevolent; it treats everything impartially. The so-called spiritual beings of all things are essentially no different from the pigs and dogs casually slaughtered by humans.
His soul underwent further transformation.
Leaving the Great Spirit Mountains, Wu Yuan entered the region of Dongmeng Prefecture.
Dongmeng Prefecture and Ximeng Prefecture are the two northernmost prefectures in Jiangzhou, now controlled by two major families—Dongmeng Wen Family and Ximeng Dao Family!
Both families originated from the eighth-century Grandmaster 'Duanyue Blade Liu Guang', who was renowned for being able to cut through moonlight with a single slash, enjoying great prosperity at one time.
Time passed quickly.
The Liu family eventually split into two branches.
To this day, still with deep heritage, both families have had Grandmaster-level experts throughout the generations, mutually referencing each other, firmly occupying the territories of the two prefectures.
In the Great Jin's Eastern Expedition, the two Meng regions claimed allegiance and were enfeoffed as 'Dukes,' but they never followed Great Jin into battle. In reality, they remained neutral.
However.
This had little to do with Wu Yuan.
His exploration of Dongmeng and Ximeng was simply to observe the heavens, understand human emotions, and, of course, deal with any ignorant troublemakers – kill!
If he witnessed injustice, a light beating might ensue, or he might directly kill the person. He acted as he pleased, naturally attracting trouble.
However.
Most of those who came looking for trouble with Wu Yuan quickly understood the kind of disaster they had brought upon themselves.
"Acting as one pleases, following a line in one's heart, that's what a martial artist should do," Wu Yuan once again cleaned up a group of high-level experts who came to attack him.
Leaving triumphantly!
Heading north along the Ximeng Prefecture, the terrain gradually rose.
After traveling several hundred miles, they crossed the towering "Yangqu Mountains," and the terrain gradually descended.
The tall and continuous mountain range gradually turned into large hills and grasslands.
Wu Yuan knew he had reached Yuanchou!
Yuanchou was a region where hills and grasslands combined, with more grasslands the further north one went, until entering the North Region, truly leaving the Central Plains and entering the vast grasslands.
"According to the records."
"Compared to Jiangzhou and Chuzhou, the people of Yuanchou are more rugged, and the commoners are more barbaric," Wu Yuan smiled.
Of the seven Central Plains provinces, the most famous cavalry is the 'Yuanchou Iron Cavalry'.
Possessing three hundred thousand iron cavalry, they roamed the world, not an exaggeration.
However.
Not long after entering Yuanchou, Wu Yuan discovered.
The current Yuanchou is chaotic, very chaotic, with perennial wars.
The Great Jin North Prince, stationed in the eastern part of Yuanchou, has gradually annexed the territories of the three prefectures in Yuanchou over the past few decades, training large numbers of elite cavalry, constantly warring against the two major countries in Yuanchou.
"Great Jin, truly makes enemies from all directions," Wu Yuan sighed inwardly.
From the central plains of Jiangzhou, through the towering mountains in the north, to the intertwined hills and grasslands of Yuanchou.
A total of two months.
Wu Yuan's physical qualities continued to rapidly improve, and his spiritual essence kept growing.
Most importantly, venturing alone, unrestrained and carefree, referencing the insights of many Grandmasters and borrowing guidance from Jian Tai Shang, Wu Yuan's understanding of the vast world and his awareness deepened and became clearer.
He increasingly felt the vastness of heaven and earth and his own insignificance.
...
In July, early summer had arrived, with the grass growing and birds singing.
A gentle breeze, warm sunlight bathed the earth.
In the eastern part of Shengzhou, a highly renowned mountain, 'Tian Dao Mountain.'
Tian Dao Mountain, towering into the clouds, rising thousands of feet, with treacherous terrain, guarding the crucial passage from Yuanchou to Shengzhou.
It is one of the eight famous mountains in the world!
However, its name is derived from a straight, narrow, and dim canyon on the eastern side of the mountain.
Resembling a battle knife that has split open.
Legend has it that it was formed from a fierce battle between two Grandmasters thousands of years ago, hence called 'Tian Dao,' and the mountain was named accordingly.
Today.
On the east side of the mountain in 'Tian Dao Canyon,' beneath a giant rock at the highest point.
A large number of soldiers had gathered on the mountain road, sealing off this place securely.
Further away, there were many martial artists and even commoners observing from a distance.
"Has the master not arrived yet?"
"Who could it be? A Grandmaster martial artist?"
"The power across space, even a Grandmaster couldn't do it, is it an immortal?"
"Unclear!" These soldiers were discussing among themselves.
They were ordered to come here, knowing that a terrifying powerhouse had blocked the way to 'Tian Dao Canyon.'
Tian Dao Canyon is a famous scenic spot.
Many dignitaries passing through 'Tian Dao Mountain' often come here to gaze at the mountains and rivers.
But these past few days, the road to the best viewing platform has been blocked.
"Senior Lu."
"Take a look; that expert is over there." Suddenly, a middle-aged man in official robes led a black-robed old man, walking quickly along the mountain road with extreme respect.
There were also seven or eight officials and military officers respectfully following.
Clearly, the black-robed old man held an extremely high status.
"Lord Prefect has arrived. Who is that?"
"Don't know!"
"The General from the city is also here. Who could this be?" Many soldiers, as well as onlookers among the martial artists and commoners, were whispering, greatly shocked.
In their eyes, the Prefect and the General of the city were already powerful figures who held the fate of countless lives in their hands.
Who could make them all so respectful?
Who could it be?
"A formidable figure?" The black-robed old man stopped.
His gaze fell on the giant rock several hundred meters away.
On the giant rock, there was a figure sitting cross-legged with closed eyes, appearing to be around thirty years old, rugged and unkempt, with disheveled hair.
Seemingly a big man from the grasslands!
However, the black-robed old man did not underestimate the other party based on appearance and attire.
He was well aware that some senior experts and ascetics couldn't be judged by surface characteristics alone.
After observing for a moment, a look of astonishment appeared on his face.
"Heaven, Earth, and Man, as one with the painting." The black-robed old man murmured to himself. The more he observed, the more he felt that the rugged man on the giant rock was extraordinary.
Sitting there, he seemed to completely merge into the heavens and the earth.
Like a beautiful painting!
"This feeling, could it be?" The black-robed old man suddenly recalled something his teacher had said, and his eyes showed an undisguised shock.
"Lord Prefect, have you tried approaching this senior?" The black-robed old man suddenly turned and asked, his voice low.
He unconsciously referred to the other party as 'senior.'
Lord Prefect naturally noticed this and quickly stepped forward, whispering, "Senior Lu, when this mysterious senior appeared two days ago, some soldiers attempted to drive him away. However, before they could get close, they sensed an invisible force repelling them."
"Those soldiers sensed something amiss and dared not act, immediately notifying me."
"I've heard of the 'Heavenly Man Legend.' So, I was worried... and promptly informed you, Senior."
Phew!
The black-robed old man breathed a sigh of relief, admiring Lord Prefect, "Well done, you did the right thing! Fortunately, you didn't rashly disturb this senior."
"Spread the order, no noise, everyone keep a distance."
"Yes." Lord Prefect's heart trembled.
He understood that his initial speculation might be true.
Thinking of this, Lord Prefect couldn't help but glance at the rugged figure hundreds of meters away.
A Grandmaster?
Phew! The black-robed old man walked slowly forward alone. Soon, he passed through the group of guarding soldiers. When he was about thirty meters away from the giant rock, he distinctly felt an invisible resistance!
It was probably a force exceeding tens of thousands of pounds.
If he took one more step forward, he would feel the invisible resistance becoming increasingly terrifying, as if the entire heavens and earth were pressing down.
"It's the power of heaven and earth!"
"Back then, my teacher used a top-grade divine weapon and displayed this kind of power." The black-robed old man had no more doubts in his mind.
Moreover!
"Compared to the power my teacher displayed, what I'm encountering now is the true power of heaven and earth, separated by just ten yards! It seems to be a kind of invisible force." The black-robed old man looked at the figure on the giant rock with immense awe. "Heaven's List!"
"It's a Grandmaster!"
—
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 117: Heaven's List Expert, Wanliu
"Heaven's List expert."
"According to what my teacher said, the three realms of unity between heaven and man, anyone reaching the 'Body Fusion' level has the potential to step into the Heaven's List." The black-robed old man whispered, "And reaching the unity realm, truly mastering the power of heaven and earth, that would be a Heaven's List expert."
"However, the Heaven's List experts in the world are known to only a few on the surface. I wonder who this could be?" The black-robed old man pondered.
The Grandmaster level was already quite distant from ordinary warriors and commoners.
As for the Heaven's List?
Being called 'Land Immortals' had its reasons; they mostly pursued the mysteries of nature, transcending the ordinary.
It could be said that, without any special circumstances, many Grandmaster-level experts would find it difficult to encounter the presence of Heaven's List experts.
"Is it a Heaven's List expert from our Great Jin?" The black-robed old man contemplated, and suddenly his expression changed slightly as he thought of something. "Just don't let it be someone with a grudge against our Great Jin."
Ordinary people and warriors were unaware, but as disciples of Grandmaster-level experts with strong personal strength, the black-robed old man was well aware that the clandestine conflicts between Heaven's List experts had never ceased in the last hundred years during the frenzied expansion of the Great Jin Empire.
Thinking of this.
"Lord Prefect." The black-robed old man quickly called from several hundred meters away.
"Lü Elder." Lord Prefect immediately bowed his head.
"Immediately, I order you to summon the best painter under your command to sketch the appearance of this senior practitioner from a distance," the black-robed old man said in a low voice. "Then send it to the Northern Army camp and the Original Radiance Palace for the Grandmasters to appreciate."
"Yes." Lord Prefect nodded.
Being a Lord Prefect capable of governing millions of people, he was a shrewd person who instantly judged that Elder Lü also did not know the identity of this mysterious expert.
The Northern Army camp, with the Northern King in command, had several Grandmaster-level experts. The Original Radiance Palace, as one of the three major martial arts sanctuaries in the Holy Province, also had several Earth List Grandmasters.
It was said that there were Heaven's List experts in the Original Radiance Palace.
As time passed.
More soldiers arrived to maintain order.
The black-robed old man also realized that the mysterious Heaven's List expert seemed to be cultivating and feared disturbing him.
The onlookers, both warriors and commoners, were all driven farther away.
The 'Heavenly Knife Gorge' was temporarily closed.
On the giant rock.
"Is this truly sensing the unity of heaven and man? The fusion of heaven and man?" Sitting cross-legged like a rough grassland man was Wu Yuan.
He had left Yunsan four months ago.
In the first two months, he had been traveling through Jiang Province and Yuan Province, experiencing the vast land, comprehending the world, and his formidable spiritual power allowed him to progress rapidly.
When he first entered Yuan Province, without relying on a Divine Weapon, just with simple boxing and palm techniques, he could faintly stir the power of heaven and earth.
And from that moment on.
Perhaps due to the further growth of his spiritual power, his progress became more and more evident, and his perception of the vast world became clearer.
Time came to June.
Wu Yuan entered the Holy Province to explore and adventure, separated by tens of thousands of miles. Here, the local culture was completely different from Jiang Province!
It left him with many feelings.
Intuitively, Wu Yuan felt that he was not far from truly mastering the 'power of heaven and earth,' just one step away.
This feeling persisted until he reached Mount Tian Dao!
Standing atop the peak, with a thousand-zhang high mountain beneath his feet, overlooking the vast and boundless 'Yuanjin Plain,' he could see hundreds of miles in the distance.
And there was that incredible 'Heavenly Knife Gorge,' which was only a dozen yards wide but stretched for over ten miles.
Was this gorge split open by a single slash from a Heaven's List expert?
Wu Yuan was not clear about it.
However, the immense power of heaven and earth deeply shook his innermost being. In that moment, he finally felt the majesty of heaven and earth.
It was as if everything had fallen into place.
Like a baby's first cry, like a bamboo shoot breaking through the soil, like a flower bud blossoming overnight.
In that moment, Wu Yuan's spiritual power truly broke free from the constraints of the physical body and sensed the boundless power contained in heaven and earth.
He took the crucial step towards transcending the ordinary.
It was also the key to becoming a true Qi Refiner—the unity of Heaven and Heart! That is, the true unity of heaven and man!
"No need to rely on a Divine Weapon. I can clearly sense the endless spiritual energy contained in heaven and earth," Wu Yuan realized.
Gold, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, and thunder, the seven most common spiritual energies of heaven and earth. Corresponding to these spiritual energies were various kinds of 'heaven and earth forces.'
This perception was a hundred times, a thousand times clearer than sensing through the Divine Weapon!
Apart from these forces, there were also some extremely mysterious and rare heaven and earth forces that Wu Yuan could only vaguely sense but couldn't manipulate.
"The fusion and integration of various heaven and earth forces constitute the complete power of heaven and earth."
"These mysterious forces form the foundation of the entire world's operation," Wu Yuan understood. "The essence of heaven and earth spiritual energy is essentially the outward manifestation of the operation of heaven and earth forces."
This feeling and understanding of the essence of heaven and earth's mysteries were difficult to describe in any words.
"The so-called Qi Refiner."
"Essentially, it is about constantly mastering the more fundamental mysteries of heaven and earth."
"From shallow to deep, until mastering the complete power of heaven and earth. At that time, one would comprehend the essence of heaven and earth, perhaps becoming the most powerful Qi Refiner," Wu Yuan naturally grasped this point.
Without anyone specifically guiding him, anyone truly united with heaven and man would naturally become aware of this.
At the same time, they would instinctively move in that direction.
"Flesh nourishing the spiritual power, the power of heaven and earth can also nurture the spiritual power." Wu Yuan's spiritual power spread out.
His mind naturally invoked the power of heaven and earth.
Just like trees breaking through the soil, nourished by sunlight.
Now, Wu Yuan was the same. His spiritual power was nourished by the entire heaven and earth, and it began to increase rapidly.
The speed was ten times, a hundred times faster than visualizing the Black Tower to strengthen his spiritual power.
His spiritual power became stronger, and his divine consciousness also became more powerful, with a clearer perception of the vast world.
At the same time.
Wu Yuan internally explored himself, and the 108 acupoints, which were not very clear before, now felt each subtle meridian.
"No wonder, for a Grandmaster in the Body Fusion Realm, it is so difficult to step into the Heaven's List." Wu Yuan sighed to himself. "But once reaching the Unity Realm, they will quickly break through and become true Qi Refiners."
The spiritual power nurtured by heaven and earth would rapidly strengthen.
By then, whether it was cultivating Qi or refining Qi, it would be effortless!
Wu Yuan immersed himself in it, extremely comfortable.
In just one day, his spiritual power had increased four or five times.
This was absolutely astonishing.
However.
What truly astonished Wu Yuan was his physical quality.
"According to Sword Master's words, once a Grandmaster's skill reaches the 'Unity Realm,' they naturally sense heaven and earth, are nurtured by the power of heaven and earth, and their physical qualities will rapidly improve." Wu Yuan thought, "But why hasn't my body changed much?"
Before, when he first absorbed spiritual energy during the initial Qi consumption, the spiritual energy entering his body didn't bring about a significant transformation in his physical qualities.
Now, even more powerful heaven and earth forces entered his body, yet his body did not undergo a substantial improvement.
It was as if there was no significant room for progress.
"I see!"
"I'm still in the stage of practicing strength, and I haven't even started the true 'cleansing of the marrow'." Wu Yuan realized, "The lower dantian palace has not yet grown to its extreme, but the physical strength has already reached 220,000 catties."
"When Heaven and Man Unite, the power of heaven and earth that is triggered can at most evolve the body to a single-arm strength of 400,000 catties."
"And I!"
"Continuing to grow, my physical qualities will only become more exaggerated. This indicates that my life source is already very perfect, and it will take time to gradually grow." Wu Yuan quickly realized this, "The evolution drive of the blood-colored mist on the life source is much stronger and more exaggerated than the power of heaven and earth."
The stronger he became, the more Wu Yuan could appreciate the magic of the blood-colored mist.
Similarly!
"I can enter the 'Unity Realm' so quickly."
"Besides my own talent and insight, the key is my spiritual power, which is much stronger than other Grandmasters in the Earthly List." Wu Yuan sighed to himself.
A person's inherent talent and insight are not constant; they can be influenced by experiences, perceptions, and many other factors. Once the spiritual power becomes powerful, the insight into the mysteries of heaven and earth becomes clearer, and with some guidance, the rate of progress will become faster.
"Now, as I am just entering the Unity Realm, the power of heaven and earth I control is only about 30,000 catties!" Wu Yuan could clearly sense this, "Compared to Sword Master, I am far behind."
"However."
"With a powerful spiritual power, continuously sensing various powers of heaven and earth, I will progress continuously."
"I will quickly control 120,000 catties of the power of heaven and earth." Wu Yuan, with guidance from Sword Master, understood the difference in the Unity Realm.
Just entering the door, countless Grandmasters were blocked.
But once entering this level.
The initially controlled power of heaven and earth, ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 catties, with increasing familiarity with the power of heaven and earth, ultimately, everyone can control about 120,000 catties of the power of heaven and earth. This is just a matter of time.
Like Sword Master, in just one or two years, he had mastered '120,000 catties' of the power of heaven and earth.
Moving up, it is the complete Unity Realm.
How to break through? The books left by Sword Master vaguely say: comprehend the essence of a kind of power of heaven and earth.
Once understood, the controlled power of heaven and earth will skyrocket to 200,000 catties!
"First, grow to the limit of this stage as soon as possible." Wu Yuan thought, "As for how to break through, I'll wait until I reach the limit."
"At least."
"I have already achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man." Wu Yuan was surging with excitement, full of infinite desire and anticipation, "At least, there is nothing that can stop me on the path to becoming a Qi Refiner."
Seventeen years old, Unity of Heaven and Man!
Wu Yuan was very clear that, in the entire history of the thirteen provinces of the Middle Earth, there had never been such an example.
Not even one.
It was only a matter of improving the physical qualities to truly become a Qi Refiner.
"With such a powerful spiritual power, controlling the body to the level of the subtle meridians."
"As long as the body's bones and muscles develop completely, I can practice the 'Dragon Refinement Technique' and push the body to its peak in one breath." Wu Yuan was full of expectations, "My body's ultimate limit."
He looked forward to the arrival of his eighteenth birthday.
By then.
His strength was destined to skyrocket to an unimaginable level.
Many thoughts converged.
"Continue to cultivate." Wu Yuan remained seated, still, and focused on feeling the heavens and earth.
Having just broken through, with the transformation of the mind and spirit, this was the greatest opportunity for progress.
The earth is vast and profound, flames burst forth, countless trees grow, and life is diverse. Everything in the world seems beautiful in Wu Yuan's eyes.
The vast nurturing of heaven and earth further transforms Wu Yuan's mind and strengthens him. His control over the power of heaven and earth becomes more proficient.
In fact, Wu Yuan had long sensed a group of people around him, but he didn't want to waste time on them, so he released the power of heaven and earth, preventing them from approaching.
Of course.
If anyone dared to disturb him? Wu Yuan wouldn't mind killing them with a flying knife.
... The breakthrough cultivation lasted for a full three days.
On the fourth day since Wu Yuan arrived at 'Heavenly Sword Mountain', the morning sun rose, and the rosy light illuminated the towering Heavenly Sword Mountain.
"Exhale!"
Wu Yuan finally opened his eyes, stood up slowly, and with a thought, an invisible force passed, and the dust all over his body was completely washed away.
At the same time, the invisible force that originally enveloped a radius of ten yards completely retracted.
"He's up!"
"The master has stood up."
"Look." A series of whispers came from the mountain path hundreds of meters away.
In these days, thousands of martial artists and civilians gathered here after hearing the rumors. When they saw Wu Yuan stand up, they were all excited.
However, a large number of soldiers prevented them from approaching.
"So many people came." Wu Yuan glanced at them, but didn't care too much. His spiritual sense explored the surroundings, and his divine sense could vaguely sense an area within six or seven miles.
No master-level experts!
"Youngster Lü Liang, I have seen the senior." A black-robed old man had already leaped to the giant rock and respectfully bowed.
"Lü Liang?" Wu Yuan looked down at the other party.
The control of the power of heaven and earth and the strengthening of his spirit and mind made Wu Yuan aware of the vastness of heaven and earth. He couldn't help but have a feeling of looking down on the mundane world.
At this level, he understood why Sword Master had such a detached attitude towards the red dust.
Qi Refiners had already transcended the ordinary!
In essence, Qi Refiners and ordinary martial artists were not the same species; there was a fundamental difference between them.
"What's the matter?" Wu Yuan said casually.
The voice was ordinary, but Wu Yuan had just broken through and had not deliberately controlled his 'Unity of Heaven and Man' state.
Therefore, in the ears of the black-robed old man, his voice sounded vast and endless, as if the entire heaven and earth were echoing.
"Heavenly Sword Mountain is fortunate to have the senior visit."
The black-robed old man hastily said, "I have already reported to the seniors of the Original Glow Palace. As long as the senior waits for a while, a master-level expert will come to meet the senior."
"Meet with me?" Wu Yuan's expression was calm. "Why, did I pass by here, and does the Great Jin still want to capture me?"
"Senior, where are you talking from?" The black-robed old man was frightened, kneeling on the ground, "Just a discussion!"
"A discussion?"
"Hehe, in the Great Jin, besides the Jin Emperor, no one else has the qualifications to discuss with me." Wu Yuan said indifferently.
This statement shocked the black-robed old man.
He couldn't help but speculate, which immortal was this rough man in front of him?
"Young man, go and deliver a message."
Wu Yuan had already taken a step directly from the giant rock, stepping into the empty space, and said, "Tell Jin Cang, that kid, don't blame me for not warning him."
"The world is not ruled by one person or one surname."
"Having too big of an appetite, be careful not to burst your stomach."
This scene caused many warriors and civilians in the distance to exclaim in surprise, but Wu Yuan stood steadily in the void.
The fierce wind howled, but it couldn't shake him in the slightest.
Standing a thousand feet in the air, illuminated by the sunlight, he looked like a true immortal!
Such a scene was truly awe-inspiring.
"Yes, I will remember, senior." The black-robed old man panicked.
He could tell that this mysterious master from the Heavenly Ranking seemed to have some issues with the Great Jin Empire, but he didn't dare to neglect the response.
As a top expert, if a master-level figure from the Heavenly Ranking wanted to kill him, it might be done in a single move.
"Senior, if I may ask, what is your name?" The black-robed old man asked nervously.
He knew that if he couldn't even find out the name, he might be punished.
"A name? Remember it, my name is Wan Liu!" Wu Yuan's voice was faint, and with a step, he crossed over a dozen yards of empty space.
At the same time, as if the space was distorting, his figure quickly became blurred until he disappeared from the sight of the crowd hundreds of yards away.
"Wan Liu?" The black-robed old man noted it down.
He hadn't heard of it before.
... After Wu Yuan disappeared, the entire Heavenly Sword Gorge returned to calmness. A large number of civilians and martial artists were driven away by the soldiers.
"Called Wan Liu!"
"Even made Senior Lü Liang kneel and bow."
"Flying in the void! Must be from the Heavenly Ranking! A terrestrial immortal." These thousands of warriors and civilians were extremely excited, discussing it.
A Heavenly Ranking expert, a terrestrial immortal.
How many people never saw them in their entire lives, and they were lucky enough to see one this time, which naturally became a hot topic.
... But the black-robed old man didn't dare to leave.
He and the Wangfu magistrate, along with a large number of soldiers, had been blocking the Heavenly Sword Gorge, waiting silently.
Until one day later.
"You are Lü Liang?" A cold and indifferent voice seemed to come from the ninth heaven, awakening the sleeping black-robed old man and others.
They were all shocked, looking at the newcomer.
About forty years old, wearing a crown, dressed in white, with an immortal aura and a vast and endless breath, he looked like a legendary immortal.
Most importantly, he stood in the void.
Displaying his identity.
While other civil and military officials, soldiers were just shocked, the black-robed old man thought of a legendary figure from the appearance of the newcomer.
"Disciple Lü Liang, pays respects to Senior Zhao Immortal." The black-robed old man respectfully kneeled.
"Pays respects to Senior Zhao Immortal." Many civil and military officials and soldiers quickly knelt and saluted.
Seeing a Heavenly Ranking figure was like encountering an immortal.
"Are you aware of me?"
The white-robed man's expression softened slightly, and his voice was ethereal. "What exactly happened in this Heavenly Sword Gorge? Tell me everything."
"Yes." The black-robed old man quickly recounted the events that had happened five days ago.
"Wan Liu?"
The white-robed man muttered to himself, "Walking in the void, invisible force? It is indeed the Unity Realm! Definitely a Qi Refiner!."
Entering the Unity Realm was destined to become a member of the Heavenly Ranking.
So.
The white-robed man, named 'Zhao Immortal,' did not doubt the identity of the other party too much and directly classified him as a member of the 'Heavenly Ranking.'
"How dare you say that, in the Great Jin, only the Jin Emperor can discuss with me?" The white-robed man slightly frowned, "Where did this Wan Liu come from?"
"Why have I never heard of him before?"
In the world, the number of experts on the Heaven's List is limited!
"Could it be?"
The man in the white robe's face changed slightly, as if thinking of something terrible, but soon returned to normal. "Alright."
"Lü Liang, right? I remember you. This time, you did well."
"Return to the Original Glow Palace, and there will be Master Warriors to reward you. I'll leave first." The man in the white robe waved his hand.
Space seemed to distort, and he had disappeared from everyone's sight.
"Farewell, Zhao Immortal."
...In just a few days, a sensational message spread from the 'Heavenly Sword Mountain' in Great Jin, shaking the thirteen states.
A Heaven's List expert named 'Wan Liu' suddenly appeared on the Heavenly Sword Mountain, displaying divine techniques, and openly threatened 'Jin Cang', warning him not to have thoughts of ruling the world.
All major forces in the world, almost everyone received this news.
At the same time, various forces began frantic investigations.
Which force does this Heaven's List expert named Wan Liu belong to? Where did he come from?
For a while, it stirred countless waves.
...In the Holy Palace of Jin.
In the grand hall of Jin.
"The Heaven's List of the world clearly has agreements. The wars in Central Land are to be resolved by Master Warriors and large armies." The tall and thin Jin Emperor spoke with a cold voice, containing an uncontrollable anger. "Wan Liu, who is he? How dare he openly violate the Heaven's List agreement?"
"Your Majesty!"
The Eastern Prince Jin Ji shook his head slightly in heavy armor. "Although the so-called Heaven's List covenant has some binding force, it does not involve all Heaven's List experts. Someone like Wan Liu suddenly appearing, no one knows his details."
"However."
"Master Zhao Yi has sent a message." Jin Ji said solemnly. "This Wan Liu is likely a Qi Refiner about to transcend. Be cautious."
"Transcend?" The Jin Emperor's pupils slightly contracted, and he said in a low voice, "Confirmed?
"Just Master Zhao's speculation. He will discuss it again with the ancestors." Jin Ji said.
The Jin Emperor nodded slightly, and the worry in his heart eased a bit. He spoke softly, "Calculating the time, over a thousand years have passed, and it's indeed possible for an Immortal to descend... Once it happens, it will be a great disaster!"
The Eastern Prince Jin Ji nodded.
They had all read the ancient books and knew the horror of an Immortal, a calamity that would engulf the entire world.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to worry too much about Wan Liu. Regarding the Heaven's List matters, Master Zhao and the ancestors will handle it." The Eastern Prince Jin Ji changed the subject, "Currently, what we need to decide is the candidate for the Chujiang Immortal Realm."
"There's less than a month left."
"Yes."
The Jin Emperor nodded slightly, "The East and West Dream families have agreed to our conditions."
"They have agreed and are willing to hand over the two Chujiang Tokens to us." Jin Ji said solemnly, "In this way, we will have an absolute advantage in the number of Master Warriors."
"At that time, whether it's eradicating Chu Ping, Bu Yu, or seizing treasures, we will have an absolute advantage."
A Chujiang Token could allow a Master at the Earthly List level to enter.
"Good!"
The Emperor of Jin nodded in satisfaction, "The Patriarch has informed me that Uncle Liu will lead the team. Although Uncle Liu is old, his strength is enough to sweep a large group of master-level experts."
"Uncle Liu?" Jin Jiu's eyes lit up. He naturally knew about the formidable skills of his sixth uncle, who had been in seclusion for decades. Although he had no chance at the Heavenly Rankings, his combat skills were terrifying.
...
In the Hengyun Sect, on the Cloud Pavilion:
"Haha, good!" Master Buyu also received the news from the Starry Sky Tower, "A mysterious Heavenly Ranking expert has suddenly appeared with hostile intentions toward Jin. How exciting! It's a pity that Heavenly Ranking experts are elusive; we can't identify them."
"Enjoyable! Unfortunately, the Heavenly Ranking expert is elusive, and we can't identify them," Master Buyu said with a hint of regret. "If he is willing to step forward to protect our Hengyun Sect, it would be enough to make Jin hesitate."
"At least, he could ensure that the foundation of our Hengyun Sect remains intact."
Of course, Buyu was just speculating. Even if she could meet this person, what reasons would he have to help the Hengyun Sect?
"Junior Brother Huan, I'm afraid you will eventually leave," she said.
"But the sect must not be ruined in my hands."
"This time, the opening of the Chujiang Secret Realm is my biggest opportunity. No matter how dangerous it is, I will go." Master Buyu's eyes flashed with determination.
---
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 118: Gathering of Various Forces
Before long, Step Rain set aside the intelligence about the "Heavenly Ranking expert Wanliu" and once again took off the Moon Mist Sword.
She silently began practicing.
"Bonding with a divine weapon of the first rank! It's truly difficult."
"Either perfect integration with a divine weapon of the first rank, or possessing an exceptionally powerful spirit that can suppress the spirituality of the divine weapon." Step Rain sighed inwardly.
She lacked both of these conditions.
In fact, whether it was the Moon Mist Sword or the Blazing Sun Blade, the sword intent and blade intent contained in them didn't quite align with her intentions.
"The last time I went adventuring in the Wilderness Province, facing life and death dangers, fighting against the demonic dragon for a long time, I finally obtained the 'Concentrating Spirit Pill.' Its effect on me was too small." Step Rain frowned.
Her temperament was different from Huan Jian's.
Huan Jian, who had traveled through the New Province in his youth, saw a path leading to Qi Cultivators and resolutely followed it. He remained steadfast for thirty years, even if he couldn't see any hope halfway through, he never gave up. He finally took that step at the age of ninety.
Step Rain lacked such patience.
Her temperament was much more violent. Whether through the tempering of life and death on the edge of danger, awakening her potential, or venturing and taking risks with external assistance, she had tried everything but without success.
She had traveled the world.
She gained something, continuously improving her strength. Even if she couldn't bind with the "Moon Mist Sword," at its peak, her combat strength ranked among the top twenty on the Earth Ranking!
Even in old age, eleven years ago during the Battle of Hengshan, it forced the Eastern King Jin Jiu of Da Jin to avoid a decisive battle.
However, she still couldn't take the most crucial step.
"At the age of a hundred, breakthroughs become difficult. There's at most a delay of a year or two." Step Rain was well aware of this.
At a hundred, one's combat power gradually declines, but there's still a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough. However, if three or four more years pass without a breakthrough, she would lose hope.
Because once aging starts, not only does the body decay, but even the ethereal and elusive spirit would deteriorate.
"Except for the legendary 'Qi Sea Pill' and 'Dianling Flower' unearthed from the Immortal Family Ruins in the New Province, among the few external items that could help me, the best effect would be from the Purple Wood Spirit Fruit." Step Rain thought to herself. "It is unique to the Chujiang Immortal Realm!"
"As for the Red Wood Spirit Fruit, if I can obtain one, it would also maintain my combat power and physical body for some time."
As she contemplated, Step Rain's eyebrows slightly furrowed as she looked towards the entrance of the main hall.
Soon after, a figure in black robes rushed into the hall and hurriedly half-knelt on the ground, saying, "Reporting to the Grand Supreme, Changhai Villa's Lord, Chang Dong, has arrived at Yunshan City. He claims to want to visit the Grand Supreme and seeks the Grand Supreme's decision."
"Chang Dong? Why did he suddenly come to me?" A hint of cold light flashed in Step Rain's eyes, then she quickly returned to normal.
"Alright!"
"Send a message to Yunshan City. I agree to meet, please ask Master Chang to come up the mountain." Step Rain said indifferently.
"Yes." The man in the black robe went off to deliver the message.
...In less than half an hour...
Lufeng, the Sect Master of Hengyun Sect, led a black-haired old man in a red robe to the top of Yunshan.
He had a slender face, slightly dark skin, narrow eyes that gave off a cold feeling, but at the moment, he had a smile on his face.
The two walked along the mountain path.
"The Hengyun Sect, led by Master Lu, truly deserves to be the number one power in Jiangzhou!" The black-haired old man's gaze swept over the distant Cloud Martial Hall.
Many disciples were practicing on the open martial arts field.
"Master Lu is too kind. Master Chang established Yuanhu Mountain Villa single-handedly, achieving a grand demeanor in just twenty years. I deeply admire it." Lu Feng said politely.
The black-haired old man smiled.
He knew his own business.
When he first founded Yuanhu Mountain Villa, he didn't think much of Hengyun Sect, considering himself comparable to the "Cloud Mountain Grandmaster." But in the process of founding the sect, doing one thing after another, he realized the difficulties involved.
"I've heard about Wu Yuan's extraordinary talent, a rare genius in Jiangzhou for a millennium. I wonder if he is in your sect?" The black-haired old man casually asked.
"Wu Yuan?" Lu Feng's heart raised a trace of vigilance, but he smiled and said, "He has always followed Sword Grandmaster for rigorous cultivation. I'm not too familiar with it."
He knew about the enmity between Dark Blade and the black-haired old man.
He was also aware of the possible relationship between Wu Yuan and Dark Blade.
"Brother Huan has worked hard as the Sect Grandmaster." The black-haired old man laughed.
"This way, please." Lu Feng changed the subject.
Soon after, the two passed through most of Yunshan and arrived outside the Cloud Hall.
"Brother Chang, please enter the hall." A gentle voice came from inside the hall. "Lu Feng, you don't need to enter. I have important matters to discuss with Master Chang."
"Yes." Lu Feng respectfully responded.
The black-haired old man strode into the hall. At a glance, he saw the divine sword placed on the desk by Step Rain, and a trace of envy flashed in his heart.
A first-ranked divine weapon, the "Moon Mist Sword."
"Brother Chang, please sit." Step Rain sat on the main seat, smiling.
"I came to visit without notice; I hope Master Yu won't mind." The black-haired old man arched his hand, sat down, and said, "My purpose in coming, I think Master Yu is aware of it."
The black-haired old man was none other than Chang Dong, the elder of Yuanhu.
"The purpose?" Step Rain's eyes narrowed slightly.
After a moment of contemplation, she slowly said, "It's for the Chujiang Order, isn't it? According to my calculations, next month, the Chujiang Immortal Realm will open. From what I know, Brother Chang has a Chujiang Order in his hands."
"Yes!"
"I do have a Chujiang Order in my hand." Chang Dong nodded. "As far as I know, the opening time of the Chujiang Immortal Realm will last for ten days."
"Once it opens, if you don't enter within ten days, you have to wait another hundred years."
Chang Dong said, "The Chujiang Immortal Realm is full of crises. Therefore, I want to form an alliance with Master Yu, go together into the realm, and join forces to defend against enemies."
"Alliance?"
Step Rain's expression remained unchanged, and she said lightly, "Indeed, the Chujiang Immortal Realm is dangerous. However, to open the Chujiang Immortal Realm, you need at least six Chujiang Orders. Together, we only have two. Whether we can successfully open it is still a question."
Chujiang Immortal Realm, if we can't even gather six Chujiang Orders, it will remain sealed.
This is the information left by the Chujiang Empire.
"Master Yu, there's no need to play coy about whether you will face this issue. We all know that, as of now, the Chujiang Orders that have surfaced in the world exceed ten," Chang Dong shook his head. "Once missed, we have to wait another hundred years."
"In terms of the richness of the treasures, Chujiang Immortal Realm is no less than the ruins in Huangzhou. Forces holding Chujiang Orders cannot sit idle," Chang Dong said solemnly.
"Even if it really opens, that is not a reason for you and me to form an alliance. Not to mention other treasures, the two most precious spiritual fruits, no matter which one, we cannot give to each other," Step Rain said casually.
"Claiming treasures is naturally based on one's own abilities," Chang Dong smiled. "What I mean by an alliance, more accurately, is to guard against the Great Jin Empire."
"Great Jin?" Step Rain's pupils contracted.
"When Chujiang was destroyed, we were both subordinates of the Chujiang Empire. We understand how powerful the Great Jin Empire is," Chang Dong said softly. "At least three Chujiang Orders were taken by them out of the eighteen."
"Moreover, according to the information I received, Dongmeng and Ximeng each have two Chujiang Orders, and they have already handed them over to the Great Jin Empire!"
"What?" Step Rain was genuinely shocked.
One Chujiang Order can allow a master-level expert to enter. The more people entering the Chujiang Immortal Realm, the greater the advantage.
Dongmeng and Ximeng each have a Chujiang Order, which they held since the Chujiang Empire era. This was known to several forces long ago.
"Is the information accurate?" Step Rain stared at Chang Dong.
"Accurate," Chang Dong nodded. "In the hands of the Great Jin, there are at least five Chujiang Orders, enough to dispatch five master-level experts!"
"Now, the Great Jin is staring at us with the ambition of unifying the world."
"In Jiangzhou, they are determined to win!"
"Both you and I are pillars of our respective sects. Once we enter the Chujiang Immortal Realm, it will be difficult to escape. We must face the enemy head-on," Chang Dong said softly. "I think, if there is a chance to kill us, the Great Jin Empire will not miss this opportunity."
"Moreover, you and I probably won't give up the opportunity to enter the Chujiang Immortal Realm. This is our breakthrough opportunity."
Step Rain contemplated silently.
She naturally understood these principles. Collaborative action is much safer than going alone.
"How do I know you're not deceiving me?" Step Rain said.
"It's meaningless."
Chang Dong shook his head. "If I were to join the Great Jin, with my age, if I couldn't break through, following the usual practice of the Great Jin, would they keep Yuanhu Mountain Villa in the end?"
"My desire, I think you are very clear about."
"The first is to step into the Tianbang, and the second is to continue the legacy of the sect I established," Chang Dong said solemnly. "The Great Jin cannot give me that."
Step Rain nodded slightly.
That is indeed the truth.
As martial arts experts, the masters of the Earth Rankings, once they see no hope of crossing into the Tianbang, most of them hope that the sects or families they establish will exist for a long time.
To become the ancestor of a clan or sect.
Passed down through generations of disciples.
"The two of us alone are not opponents of the Great Jin." Step Rain said softly. "And, you know, just the top ten of the Earth Rankings, the Great Jin occupies three spots!"
"Moreover."
"The Great Jin probably still has some hidden Earth Rank experts. Their foundations are unpredictable," Step Rain said softly.
Whether it is the Human Rank or the Earth Rank, it only includes martial arts experts with open combat records and exposed strength.
Like some sects or families with only one or two masters, it is difficult to hide.
Why?
Because these masters are the pillars of their respective sects. If they don't show their strength, they won't be able to deter all sides.
But for some extremely powerful martial saints, top-notch forces? They have many experts!
Many master-level experts may not have to take action for many years, and when they break through, few people will know.
Just like Huan Jian, who clearly has almost the strength of the Tianbang.
But how many people know?
"Even if the Great Jin is powerful, there are only a few Chujiang Orders. I will also contact 'Chu Ping.' Our three families are interdependent, and we will naturally advance and retreat together," Chang Dong remained calm.
"There is also the Earth Rank master of your sect, 'Dark Blade.'"
"Once the three families unite, even if not as strong as the experts of the Great Jin Empire, I think we won't be much weaker," Chang Dong said.
Upon hearing this, Step Rain knew that the other party came prepared.
"Dark Blade is not a master from my sect," Step Rain said lightly.
Not fully revealed, outwardly, she naturally had to deny.
No need to give away information.
"Haha, whether it is or not, it doesn't matter," Chang Dong smiled. "Master Yu, please rest assured. I have seen the reality clearly. Although my two disciples died, the grievances with Master Dark Blade should be written off. Uniting against the Great Jin is the top priority."
He appeared very sincere.
"Agreed!"
"I promise to form an alliance with you," Step Rain said softly. "As long as you can persuade Chu Ping, our three families can join forces."
"If it's agreed, on August 14th, you all come together at my Yunshan," Step Rain said.
She won't gather in Jiudong Mansion or Yuanhu Mansion.
Staying in Yunshan makes her feel at ease.
After all, with Huan Jian, who is almost at the Tianbang level, sitting in town, she has enough confidence to deal with these two forces.
"Good."
Chang Dong stood up without hesitation. "I won't delay any longer. Time is urgent, and I still have to rush to Jiudong Mansion."
Not long after, a disciple led Chang Dong down the mountain.
Walking on the mountain path.
"Counting Dark Blade's piece, Hengyun Sect has at least two Chujiang Orders," Chang Dong whispered, "If we can also persuade Chuping, our three families can unite. Then, even if we're not as strong as the experts of the Great Jin Empire, we won't be much weaker."
"At the same time, the Great Jin is our common enemy. By then, at least five master-level experts from us can also make the Great Jin wary."
"In the Chujiang Immortal Realm, in six hundred years, three Tianbang experts have emerged in the Chujiang Empire!"
"Each generation has Earth Rank masters."
"I don't seek the Purple Wood Spirit Fruit, just a few Red Wood Spirit Fruits. The hope of my Yuanhu Mountain Villa's legacy will greatly increase!"
Being over ninety years old, Chang Dong had already seen through many things. Being too greedy and acting alone would lead to great losses. Moderation is key.
In the Yun Hall.
"Originally, I wanted to find Chang Dong first."
Step Rain pondered, "Unexpectedly, he took the initiative to come. It's understandable. In terms of strength, he should be the weakest among the known Chujiang Order holders."
"Our alliance of three families is not afraid of the Great Jin."
"I wonder who will lead the Great Jin Empire. Emperor Jin and Duke Wucheng probably won't make a move."
"Could it be Jin Yue?"
A vast territory and guidance from Tianbang experts make the Great Jin Empire have a large number of master-level experts!
"Just don't know."
"This time, will Wuyuan come?" Step Rain thought quietly.
Why didn't she ask Wu Yuan at the beginning? An important point is that if Huan Jian refuses to enter, then the entire Hengyun Sect will have no candidate.
To go or not to go.
It's entirely up to Wu Yuan himself.
Information about the Chujiang Immortal Realm and its importance had long been placed in the books she gave.
"Just wait until August."
...
In the blink of an eye, August arrived.
Great Jin Empire, Dān Army Mansion.
Midsummer.
A caravan of as many as several hundred people was walking on the official road.
Many mules and horses were carrying goods.
There were also many large cargo wagons, with merchants and guards either riding horses or walking slowly with the caravan.
"Brother Wan, reading 'Wind and Cloud Records'?" a black-clothed man on a black-frosted horse asked with a smile.
"Yes." A young man in his twenties, wearing a white robe, like a scholar, smiled.
He raised the book in his hand.
He was sitting on the carriage, bouncing up and down. His fair skin showed no signs of martial arts practice.
"Brother Wan, you're willing to spend silver. This 'Wind and Cloud Records' from Xing Lou sells for a hefty half tael of silver. When Brother Wan finishes reading it, let me have a look too," the black-clothed man said with a smile.
"Okay!" The young man in the white robe smiled.
He continued to read, flipping through the pages. The current page read, "In July, in the Dajin Tiandao Mountain, a land immortal appeared, named 'Wan Liu,' standing in the void on a cliff of a thousand zhang, and said..."
"Wan Ge."
A young man in a linen shirt, about fifteen or sixteen years old, secretly looked at the book and said with a smile, "I know this news, it has already spread. His name is Wan Immortal, and he is your distant relative, Brother Wan."
"He is a Tianbang expert, not a fairy," the young man in the white robe smiled.
"My mother said that Tianbang is a fairy!" the linen-shirted young man insisted.
The young man in the white robe smiled and didn't correct him.
"Are you talking about the matter of Wan Immortal?" the black-clothed man on horseback smiled. "It is said that immortals can fly and escape. The founding emperor of my Great Jin Empire is also an immortal."
"Flying and escaping? Really envious!"
"I heard that surpassing a master is a fairy."
The linen-shirted young man's eyes were full of envy. "If I had the strength of a fairy, I would definitely marry a hundred wives."
"Haha, Xiaomao, you haven't grown up yet, but you're thinking about marrying a wife all the time?" the black-clothed man teased, "Next time the caravan passes by the county town, I'll take you to broaden your horizons."
"I won't go. I want to save money to marry a wife."
"Brother Jia, you've learned from Brother Wan." The linen-shirted young man grinned. "You always laugh at me, Xiaomao, but if you keep drinking flower wine all the way, be careful that when you return to Chuzhou this time, not even a single hair will be left."
"You little brat." The black-clothed man glared.
"But."
"However."
"Wan brother, next time you go, don't bring me along." The black-clothed man looked at Wu Yuan with a worried face, seemingly calculating how much silver he could save on this commercial trip.
"I've only gone once on this journey, and it was just for drinking." The young man in the white robe said casually, "It was your own insistence on staying overnight that cost ten taels of silver."
The black-clothed man smiled awkwardly.
The three of them chatted casually like this. The journey of the caravan was tiring and boring. Normally, many merchants were too tired to talk.
However.
Having just rested for a day in the city yesterday, and not even a day out of the city, everyone still had energy.
"In July, there are signs of movement in the Dān Iron Cavalry..." The young man in the white robe continued to flip through the recently purchased "Saint Zhou Wind and Cloud Records."
Unlike "Earth List," "People List," and "Genius List," which were updated annually, "Wind and Cloud Records" documented rumors and interesting stories from various states and prefectures. Compiled by Xing Lou, it was a publicly available source of information, albeit lacking in details.
Through it, one could roughly understand important events in various regions.
"It's only a little over ten days left until the opening of the Chujiang Immortal Realm." The young man in the white robe flipped through the book slowly, pondering.
"At the current speed of the caravan, we should be able to reach 'Licheng County' in Chuzhou as planned."
This young man in the white robe.
Naturally, he was Wu Yuan after changing his appearance.
After leaving Tiandao Mountain, Wu Yuan once again embarked on his journey.
However, he was no longer the wandering swordsman he used to be.
"Tian Dao Mountain caused quite a stir. The name and image of Wan Liu have become well-known. It's probably known to everyone in the world," Wu Yuan shook his head.
He had transformed into a scholar again, formally using the name 'Wan Shui.'
Running a business.
Of course, in terms of identity, Wu Yuan was a martial artist on his way to "visit relatives" in Chuzhou, a scholar who had practiced martial arts, making it safer to travel with the caravan.
"Whether it's Wan Liu or Wan Shui, they're just pseudonyms." Wu Yuan didn't care about these names.
"Running a business can be interesting." Wu Yuan lay on the wagon full of goods.
At his level.
Standing is cultivation.
Lying down is also cultivation. Even sleeping can be a form of cultivation.
The important thing is the mind!
"Strengthen the mind and enhance the spirit. Feel the mysteries of nature in heaven and earth." Wu Yuan's gaze was calm. "Not only do the vast mountains and rivers contain the mysteries of heaven and earth, but this mortal world also has an impact on cultivation."
This was a difference between Wu Yuan and Sword Tai Shang.
Sword Tai Shang aimed to sever all emotions, cut off all threads of troubles, and embark on the immortal path alone to comprehend the mysteries of heaven and earth.
But Wu Yuan believed.
Everything has its principles, and extremes should be avoided.
"At least, in just a month, having traveled thousands of miles, I've elevated the power of the heaven and earth that I can manipulate to sixty thousand jin." Wu Yuan smiled faintly.
Although all those in the Unity Realm would progress rapidly when they first entered this realm, the advancement would be quick for everyone.
But Wu Yuan's improvement speed is still extremely astonishing.
"My current flying speed should have increased to eighty meters per second." Wu Yuan pondered to himself.
He hadn't tried it for some time.
In the Unity Realm, using the power of heaven and earth to support oneself naturally allowed flight, which was much easier than controlling objects with 'divine sense.'
Of course, though it could fly.
But in terms of speed, it was far inferior to running on the ground!
"However, running on the ground and flying are two different concepts." Wu Yuan sighed to himself. With just a move, borrowing force from the void, he could firmly suppress Master-level experts.
No matter how powerful a Master-level expert is, they can only leap dozens of feet high and will fall due to gravity.
It can be said.
As time passed, Wu Yuan became more proficient in using the power of heaven and earth, feeling the power of this realm more keenly.
"According to the books given by Tai Shang, the Chujiang Immortal Realm is a special area, and the power of heaven and earth will be suppressed? Almost impossible to manipulate?" Wu Yuan thought.
The reason why Master-level experts dominate over Earth List experts.
The power of heaven and earth is a sharp weapon!
"If I can't use the power of heaven and earth, it might be troublesome to defeat other Master-level experts." Wu Yuan frowned.
Of course, Wu Yuan was not too worried. Stepping into the Unity Realm was an all-round improvement, and controlling the power of heaven and earth was just one method.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Wu Yuan's eyebrows lifted, and his peripheral vision glanced at the distant mountains and forests. "Bandits? Seems like quite a few! "
His divine sense was stronger than a month ago.
Within a radius of eight or nine miles, nothing could escape his perception.
He could vaguely sense that there were a large number of life forces, densely packed, over a thousand in number, six to seven miles away.
At the forefront were several top-notch experts.
"Avoidance is not an option." Wu Yuan frowned.
There was only this one commercial road here, surrounded by dense forests. Want to take a detour? At least a detour of over a hundred miles!
"Let's see President Zhang's methods." Wu Yuan closed his eyes and adjusted his breath.
On this journey.
Although they were hostile, Wu Yuan had to admit that the public order in the Great Jin Empire was still good.
But in the two to three thousand miles of the journey, there were naturally many high mountains and dense forests. The caravan encountered many land bandits and river pirates, but most of them were dealt with by the caravan leader, "President Zhang."
However, such a large group of bandits was encountered for the first time.
About to enter the Chu Prefecture area.
As a newly conquered territory of the Great Jin Empire, only a few decades had passed, and resistance had never ceased. Naturally, it was more chaotic than the central area of the Great Jin.
In less than a quarter of an hour.
"Stop!"
"Haha! It's a big fat sheep!"
"Hurry up and stay." Roars echoed in the dense forest on both sides of the official road. Countless bandits, dressed in armor, holding swords, and bows, gathered from all directions.
"Not good."
"Quick!" The entire caravan immediately panicked. Over a hundred guards responsible for defense quickly took action, extremely serious.
Dealing with such a large group of bandits was not easy.
More than a hundred merchants also took out their weapons, but compared to the guards, they were much more chaotic.
But there weren't many people afraid!
In this era, those who dared to travel thousands of miles were all making money with their heads hanging from their belts. How could they lack strength?
Even 'Xiao Mao' by Wu Yuan's side, with a hint of fear on his face, still took out a steel knife, staring firmly at the bandits in the dense forest.
At the front of the caravan.
"Gentlemen."
The head of the caravan, Zhang Huichang, spoke loudly, "You've all worked hard. We passed through your territory and disturbed you. This is compensation money. I hope you can make way for us."
Compensation money, tea money, road toll—different places had different names for it.
However.
In general, most of the time, when a caravan encountered land bandits, negotiations could settle the matter by paying money.
Most bandits, after obtaining money, wouldn't resort to mass killings. After all, killing recklessly would lead to casualties on their own side.
Moreover, killing too many travelers along a trade route would deter merchants from using that road, potentially attracting military interventions.
"Old man!"
The one-eyed leader on horseback sneered, "I just established my dominance and was about to show my strength. Originally, I planned to slaughter all of you."
"But, considering my benevolent heart, I'll spare you!"
"Leave all the goods behind! All the women stay! Spare your lives!" the one-eyed bandit declared coldly.
The caravan erupted in commotion.
Zhang Huichang's face also changed.
He hadn't expected to be so unlucky. When a notorious bandit established dominance, it would undoubtedly cause a big disturbance.
"Boss Zhang."
Zhang Huichang changed his tune, "Establishing dominance is indeed a joyous occasion. We are willing to present ten thousand taels of silver as a congratulatory gift. I hope Boss Zhang will be merciful, how about it?"
"Ten thousand taels? Do you think you're giving alms to beggars?" The one-eyed bandit sneered, "This entire wagon of goods is worth at least a hundred thousand taels of silver."
"Let me repeat. Leave the goods, leave the women! I'll spare your lives!" The one-eyed bandit said indifferently, "If you still resist, don't blame me."
"Leave the women!"
"Leave the women!"
The surrounding bandits began to roar loudly.
The guards and merchants of the entire caravan became even more nervous, tightly gripping their weapons.
They knew that a battle could break out at any moment!
Zhang Huichang gritted his teeth.
Leave the goods? Impossible! He was the organizer of the caravan, transporting the most valuable cargo worth nearly a hundred thousand taels of silver.
It was his entire fortune.
In his moment of hesitation.
"Brothers." The one-eyed bandit's eyes flashed with a hint of cruelty as he roared, "Kill!"
He just felt that this caravan had too many people, making it inconvenient. Since the other party was uncooperative.
Then kill!
For a large gang, establishing dominance and showing strength was necessary.
If they didn't choose this caravan, they would encounter the next one.
A battle was inevitable.
"Kill!"
"Kill them!" Over a thousand bandits immediately brandished their weapons and rushed from all directions.
"Swoosh!"
"Shoo!" Countless arrows shot out.
"Kill!"
"Kill them!" The guards of the entire caravan, their faces flushed, roared while wielding their weapons or shields.
As guards, they had long been prepared for a fight.
Just at that moment.
"Splash!"
"Splash!"
Accompanied by sharp and ear-piercing sounds, several streaks of light cut through the sky like shooting stars, targeting the leaders of the bandits on horseback.
"Not good!"
"There are hidden weapons!" The faces of the three first-class martial artists among the bandits changed dramatically. Some swung their battle knives, while others leaped like lightning, attempting to evade.
But the next moment.
Three streaks of light unexpectedly 'changed direction' along with their evasive movements!
Changed direction hidden weapons?
Without giving much thought, the three major experts saw blood splattering. The streaks of light had instantly pierced through their skulls.
Blood gushed from their brows, with expressions ranging from arrogant smiles to a hint of fear or blank faces.
Thump, thud, thud—the three bodies fell to the ground.
The three bandit leaders were dead!
Following that.
"Swoosh, swoosh!" An invisible thread seemed to be present.
On both sides of the mountain forest, dozens of bandits charging at the forefront hadn't even engaged with the caravan guards. Yet, one by one, their necks were torn open, and blood spewed out!
Faced with this scene.
Whether it was the second-class martial artist leading the guards, ordinary guards, or numerous merchants, they all stood dumbfounded.
"Brother Wan, is it you?" Little Mao blinked, looking at Wu Yuan with disbelief.
He had witnessed it very clearly.
Wu Yuan had casually thrown three streaks of light, and the three major bandit leaders died instantly.
Too fast!
It was as easy as swatting three flies.
"Expert!"
"Brother Wan, is he a top-notch expert? Or a renowned grandmaster listed on the Earth Ranking?" Jia Brother, a black-clad man beside them, stared wide-eyed with shock and excitement.
At this moment.
The previously fierce over a thousand bandits were all frightened, looking in horror at the corpses scattered on the ground.
Some had a clear view that Wu Yuan had made the move, but most hadn't seen it clearly.
But it didn't prevent them from realizing the reality.
Three major leaders.
Had instantly died, and dozens of their brothers were also dead. How could they continue the fight?
They knew they had kicked a hornet's nest!
"Run!"
"Quick, run!" Like a tidal wave, the bandits started to flee frantically, fearing that the mysterious expert would catch up if they were too slow.
However.
The guards of the caravan didn't pursue after shooting a few arrows. After all, their mission was to protect the caravan.
Engaging in a life-and-death battle?
If they could avoid it, they naturally wouldn't choose to do it.
Moreover, everything happened too quickly, and many guards and merchants were still in shock, not fully grasping the situation.
"Little Mao."
Wu Yuan raised his head, took a sip of fruit wine, and suddenly smiled, "Do you still remember the two sets of knife techniques I taught you on this journey?"