Chapter 125: Divinely Bestowed Witch Mark, Soaring Strength
"Witchery of the Heavenly Dao?" Wu Yuan wasn't quite sure.
He had only heard of Daoism of the Heavenly Dao.
"Understand this: Witches were originally a cultivation system gradually perfected by emulating the ancient divine beings," the black-armored giant explained. "And the ancient divine beings existed in the chaos before the creation of the world."
"However, fundamentally, the heavens and earth do not wish for the existence of ancient divine beings," the black-armored giant sighed.
"Do not wish?"
Wu Yuan didn't understand and could only take note.
"Body Refiners, generally speaking, tend to excel in direct combat compared to most Qi Refiners at the same level," the black-armored giant said. "But as you progress, the path of the Body Refiner becomes more challenging, fewer people pursue it, and eventually, Qi Refiners dominate the mainstream."
Upon hearing this, Wu Yuan was puzzled. "Master, doesn't this mean that Qi Refiners are the true path? The one that can lead to the pinnacle of the heavens and earth?"
"Haha."
The black-armored giant suddenly laughed. "Wu Yuan, what kind of individual do you think deserves to be called a peak powerhouse?"
Wu Yuan hesitated slightly.
After a moment of hesitation, he answered, "Ninth stage of the Purple Mansion Realm? Mountain and River Realm?"
"No!"
"Purple Mansion Realm and Mountain and River Realm, although powerful in the Xia Shan world, the Xia Shan world is essentially just a small world derived from the vast universe of the Qingling Great Realm," the black-armored giant laughed. "Similar small worlds are countless, not to mention the Qingling Great Realm, even a single immortal island is beyond count."
"The vastness of the entire Qingling Great Realm is more than a billion times greater than the Xia Shan world!"
"When the Back Peak Tribe was at its peak, it actually ruled over many small worlds similar to 'Xia Shan.'"
Wu Yuan listened with some confusion.
Before, he understood that the Qingling Great Realm was more formidable than the Xia Shan world, but he hadn't expected the difference to be so vast.
The Central Earth world spans tens of thousands of miles, and that's just a part of the Xia Shan world. The Xia Shan world itself is vast!
As for the Qingling Great Realm, it is more than a billion times larger than the Xia Shan world? No wonder it's called a Great Realm; how vast must it be?
How many living beings?
Countless creatures are born naturally, and naturally, some incredible powerhouses are born. This is the world of immortals and demons, with boundless possibilities!
If one could venture into such a vast world.
Just thinking about it made Wu Yuan's blood boil.
"Do you think the Qingling Great Realm is vast and expansive?"
The black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan. "But you must understand that even the Tianwu and Tianxian standing in the Great Realm don't have the qualifications to discuss the 'Great Dao.'"
"They may have life spans equal to the heavens, achieved true immortality, but compared to the ancient divine beings of the past?"
"Like ants compared to a giant dragon!"
"The boundaries are in constant rotation, with as many Great Realms as there are grains of sand in the Ganges. Innumerable worlds, countless geniuses, how many can reach the pinnacle? My Witch lineage may be weak in momentum, but we still have great beings who reached the very peak."
"Your talent is not bad, but that's only within the Xia Shan world. In the countless worlds as vast as the sands of the Ganges, you are not particularly outstanding."
"So, you don't need to concern yourself with the debate about the ultimate path of cultivation. Don't aim too high!"
Chapter 125: Divinely Bestowed Witch Mark, Soaring Strength
"I have some expectations of you, but it's only the hope that you can reach the 'Mountain and River Realm' and reestablish the witch's dominance in the Xia Shan world," the black-armored giant spoke confidently. "If you don't have my help, without guidance from other inheritances, it would be challenging to reach the Purple Mansion Realm."
"In the future, if you achieve the Mountain and River Realm, truly leading the Xia Shan world, perhaps you could bring benefits to all living beings in the world. We can discuss future matters then."
"Of course."
"In my view, the probability of you surpassing the Mountain and River Realm is very low! Very low!"
"You must know that in many worlds, it's difficult to birth a powerhouse surpassing the Mountain and River Realm," said the black-armored giant.
Wu Yuan listened and finally understood the vastness of the heavens and the earth.
Xia Shan world? Qingling Great Realm?
Countless worlds within the boundary river?
"Yes, I was arrogant."
"Despite the existence of the mysterious Black Tower and the rapid rise to the pinnacle of martial arts in the Central Earth world due to the experience of my past life, my meager capital is laughable in the face of true immortals and demons," Wu Yuan thought to himself. "I must bow my head and set aside my pride."
Wu Yuan began to adjust his mentality.
The so-called Grandmasters are limited to warriors. In front of true immortals and demons, they are ridiculously weak, like infants.
No!
Even worse than infants!
"In the Central Earth world, other Qi Refiners are either exploring on their own or uncovering some remnants of immortal families," Wu Yuan thought to himself. "But those remnants are probably at most left behind by Golden Core experts or Purple Mansion True Immortals."
It's quite simple.
The entire Xia Shan world, even at its peak, only gave birth to Purple Mansion True Immortals, and after being affected by that great battle, how powerful could the remnants in the ruins be?
As for the present 'Master,' and even the entire Dingwu Realm.
There is no doubt.
It was created by powerful witches who surpassed the Mountain and River Realm.
Perhaps the inheritance here is not as good as the top sects in the Qingling Great Realm!
"But it is definitely the strongest inheritance I can currently access," Wu Yuan thought to himself. "Far superior to other remnants."
Without the Dingwu Realm, without the witch's inheritance.
What could Wu Yuan cultivate? He could only cultivate the 'Five Elements Revolving Sky,' with no other choices.
In the future?
"A beggar is thinking about what business to do to become the richest person in the world. It's too ridiculous!" Wu Yuan shook his head and suppressed many thoughts.
From a probability standpoint alone, Wu Yuan understood.
It would already be quite good if he could eventually stand at the pinnacle of the Xia Shan world.
"All things are difficult at the beginning."
"Step by step!"
"Moreover, even though it becomes more difficult for the Witch lineage to cultivate as they progress, this path is not a dead end. There are still peak powerhouses on this path," Wu Yuan said with an open mind.
Speaking about the future is too far away.
Currently, once he obtains the inheritance, he might soon have formidable strength to confront the Great Jin Empire.
"Wu Yuan."
"I know your concerns," the black-armored giant smiled. "In fact, over the long years, not only you, but generation after generation of ancestors in the Witch lineage also realized the flaws in the path of witches. That's why the Witcher faction was born."
"Wizards, leaning more towards Qi Refining."
"At the same time, through generations of inheritance, many outstanding talents emerged in the Witch lineage, ultimately leading to the 'Witch Law Heaven and Earth.'"
"Witch Law Heaven and Earth, fundamentally speaking, is the simultaneous cultivation of both paths!"
"Witches and wizards cultivate together!" the black-armored giant said.
"Cultivate together?" Wu Yuan was puzzled.
Is there such a good thing?
"Don't think it's necessarily a good thing," the black-armored giant shook his head. "Everyone's energy is limited. Walking both paths sounds good, but as you go further, your energy becomes insufficient."
"In the end, the vast majority of witches will abandon one path and specialize in another."
"Moreover, once you give up one path, what's lost may not necessarily be recoverable!" the black-armored giant said.
"Lost?" Wu Yuan was puzzled. "Can't they compensate for each other?"
"The simplest point, Soul!"
"Qi Refiners, abandoning the flesh and combining spirit with Qi," the black-armored giant whispered. "And Body Refiners are the combination of spirit and flesh."
"Ordinary warriors have weak souls. To want to walk even one path is challenging. Trying to walk both paths? Just the soul alone doesn't allow them to do so. It will make it difficult to traverse either path due to the insufficient strength of the spirit!"
"And once you give up."
"All the efforts put into the abandoned path will be in vain," the black-armored giant said. "Moreover, this is just the first hurdle. There are various aspects such as witchcraft, witchcraft, and magical treasures that also require time for cultivation."
"Lifespan is limited."
"Two paths, do you have so much time to simultaneously cultivate both paths?"
"Wu Yuan, your Soul is not bad. Perhaps you can support walking both paths for a short time, but it will also be an obstacle."
"Just the fusion of the Soul alone will be very painful, a kind of torment."
"It can be said that if you focus on walking the 'Witch' path, I am confident that you can reach the 'Mountain and River Realm' within five hundred years. But if you cultivate both paths, you may not reach the Mountain and River Realm even in a thousand years."
"Moreover."
"All of this is only the difficulty in the early stages. The further you go, the more difficulties there will be. Cultivating both paths has inherent conflicts and involves conflicts related to the understanding of the Great Dao," the black-armored giant shook his head. "Unless there is an enormous opportunity, it is impossible to reach the pinnacle of both paths simultaneously."
Wu Yuan seemed thoughtful.
It's like studying literature and martial arts.
A true martial artist dedicates their entire being to martial arts to achieve great success. Distracting one's focus? It's fine for relaxation and entertainment.
If one is to concentrate on another career?
Trying to reach the pinnacle simultaneously? It will naturally be ten times more difficult!
"You need to think it over," the black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan. He still hoped that Wu Yuan would focus on walking the 'Witch' path.
This is a straightforward path.
However, as a 'Spirit,' he has his principles, so he never intended to deceive Wu Yuan from start to finish.
Time passed.
After a while.
"Master, I've thought it through."
Wu Yuan slowly spoke, "I still have some time before reaching the human body's limit. I can consider it slowly. I will first practice the 'Witch' path. When I truly become a witch, then I'll think about whether to cultivate both paths."
There is still time to decide.
Moreover, Wu Yuan has not yet explored the practice of witchcraft.
No investigation, no right to speak.
According to Wu Yuan's thoughts, his first choice is to be a 'Witch.' If there is still energy later, he can simultaneously cultivate as a wizard.
Having one more way out.
In the future, there might be one more option.
"Alright! Your thoughts are not wrong," the black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan and sighed, "I was just thinking, I don't have much time left. I will pass on many methods, treasures, and cultivation insights to you."
"But your future cultivation will depend on yourself. I cannot help you with how far you can go."
"In the future, whatever choice you want to make is up to you."
"After all, I'm just a spirit!"
"Follow me."
Saying that, the black-armored giant's luminous throne disappeared, and his somewhat illusory figure landed on the metal floor.
Wu Yuan stood next to him, looking like a dwarf.
"Master, aren't witches not human?" Wu Yuan pointed to the oversized seats around, unable to help but ask, "Why are the chairs here so big?"
"Hehe, when you become a powerful 'Witch' and form a true 'Witch Body,' your body will also become exceptionally large," the black-armored giant laughed. "In fact, regardless of the kind of cultivator, once they become powerful, their bodies will become exceptionally large."
"Size itself represents a kind of power."
"Once Qi Refiners surpass the Purple Mansion Realm and undergo feathered refinement, the larger their divine form, the larger their 'Immortal Body.' Some great beings' Immortal Bodies cover the entire Xia Mountain World without difficulty."
"And for Body Refiners."
"Not to mention the legendary Heavenly Witches, just the 'Back Peak' witches, once they display their Dharma Image, they could probably crush the entire Middle Earth world when lying down."
"There are also practitioners of Blood Demon Body, whose size is even more terrifying."
"Legend has it that there are some special cultivation systems, such as a terrifying life form, the 'World Ringworm,' recorded in the information I know, capable of devouring entire worlds."
"So, don't mind."
"Don't think this temple is large; for extraordinary cultivators, it's already very small. Sitting here feels very restrictive," the black-armored giant smiled. "Of course, most of the witches here are newcomers."
Wu Yuan blinked.
In communication with the black-armored giant, he felt that his horizon and knowledge were too limited, and the world of cultivators was too vast and mysterious, far beyond imagination.
In Wu Yuan's heart, there was curiosity and eagerness.
"Come." The black-armored giant led Wu Yuan, step by step, to the end of the hall.
At the end of the hall, towering and endless.
Standing below.
Wu Yuan felt like an ant, and the walls were extremely huge, with no reliefs or decorations on them.
Only at the very bottom, there was an extremely large jade platform.
"This jade platform seems to be the largest."
Wu Yuan thought to himself, "The entire hall seems to be filled with many witches, listening to the creatures on this large jade platform preach."
From the layout, it's easy to deduce this.
Seeing this, the black-armored giant stopped and respectfully bowed to the jade platform. Then, he waved his hand.
Hoo! Behind the jade platform, a huge painting slowly emerged on the massive wall.
On the scroll was a beautiful woman with a human head and a snake body.
She wore an earth-yellow robe, had seven hands on her back, each in a different posture, and held a gentle snake in each of her hands.
Although it was a painting, she still exuded a sacred radiance, containing incredible power.
"This?" Wu Yuan held his breath.
With just a glance at the eyes of the woman in the painting, he felt a vast and terrifying pressure sweeping over him.
His entire train of thought seemed to be on the verge of stopping.
Such a terrible influence...
"What is this exactly?"
Wu Yuan struggled to lower his head, his eyes filled with horror. "Just a painting, just a gaze, and it has such power?"
However, the appearance of the other party made Wu Yuan feel a hint of familiarity.
As if...
It seemed like he had seen it somewhere.
"Wu Yuan!"
"I'll ask you one last time, do you want to become a member of the great 'Witch Lineage'?" The black-armored giant looked at Wu Yuan. "Do you want to become a member of the 'Back Peak Department of the Witch Lineage'?"
"If you refuse, I will erase your memory, making you forget everything in the Ding Witch Temple."
"If you agree!"
"Then, I will do my utmost to help you become a great witch!" The black-armored giant said in a deep voice.
Erase memory?
Wu Yuan was secretly shocked by the other's methods.
However, fully prepared, Wu Yuan naturally would not refuse. He solemnly said, "I'm willing!"
"Very well!"
"Hundreds and thousands of years later, I will not regret today's decision." The black-armored giant nodded in satisfaction. "Witches, different from other Body Refiners, the most crucial point is that we have a great ancestral witch!"
"The ancestral witch is the progenitor of the Witch Lineage, the source. They wield various authorities of the heavens and earth, the supreme existence in the world."
"Throughout the long years since the opening of the heavens and earth, each generation of witches has grown from childhood to greatness."
"The ancestral witch will guide us."
The black-armored giant said solemnly, "The ancestral witch worshipped by my Back Peak Department is one who presides over the 'Earth Order,' known as the Earth Mother Ancestral Witch!"
Earth Mother? Wu Yuan widened his eyes.
Hearing this name, he finally understood where the familiarity from watching the painting came from. Earth Mother is a legendary figure from classical mythology known in his past life.
Looking at it now, she is actually one of the ancestors of the Witch Lineage?
Ancestral witch? Governing the order of the heavens and earth?
Wu Yuan didn't fully understand, but this did not stop various thoughts from surging in his mind.
Mythical legends, the Black Tower in the Blue Star ancient ruins, the progenitor of the Witch Lineage... Numerous pieces of information converge, enough to make Wu Yuan believe.
Blue Star, the vast civilization of cultivation that he has encountered, is not disconnected.
Instead, there is an indistinct connection!
"My transmigration, the Black Tower... Does it truly conceal secrets?" Wu Yuan sighed inwardly, his heart moved, "Can I still go back?"
Go back!
Just two simple words.
Yet, they contained an endless desire in Wu Yuan's heart.
The world he once knew and the loved ones he cared about—before he didn't forget, he just didn't see a way back, only burying it deep in his heart.
But now.
Just from the address of 'Earth Mother,' Wu Yuan truly saw hope.
The myths he once knew revealed reality and reflected on the Blue Star. So, there must be a connection.
There must be a way back!
As Wu Yuan contemplated, the black-armored giant spoke in a deep voice, "The original witches, and even some weaker witch tribes today, rely on their own strength or some natural treasures to complete the 'Foundation Establishment and Qi Circulation.' Their foundation is weak, and they can't go far."
"But you are lucky!"
"You have a genuine ancestral witch portrait. This is the supreme treasure passed down when the ancestral witch spread the 'Radiance of Faith.' Although my Back Peak tribe has stood in the Qing Ling Great Boundary for endless years, we only have three in total."
"Now, only this one remains!"
"Kneel before the ancestral witch!"
"Contemplate the ancestral witch portrait in your heart, pray with devotion, and call the name of the Earth Mother ancestral witch."
The black-armored giant said, "There will be teachings of witchcraft. Once you receive the teachings, you'll have to operate the techniques. I will help you integrate into the witch treasures, jointly forming witch patterns to lay the best foundation."
"Good."
Wu Yuan nodded. He believed that the black-armored giant wouldn't deceive him.
After all.
The means displayed by the other were extraordinary. If they wanted him to do something, there was no need to use words to deceive.
"Boom~"
Wu Yuan knelt down, first kowtowing, then raised his head to contemplate the holy portrait of the Earth Mother ancestral witch.
In terms of willpower, Wu Yuan was very strong.
At the beginning, he endured the various discomforts of his divine soul, and the pressure brought by the portrait was too terrifying. However, as time passed, he gradually felt the pressure diminishing.
Gradually.
The sacred Earth Mother ancestral witch in the portrait no longer seemed so 'unreachable' in Wu Yuan's eyes. The serene face added a touch of maternal radiance.
Giving Wu Yuan a sincere warmth.
As if the gaze of a mother.
"Worthy of having a naturally powerful divine soul, able to easily resist the pressure of the ancestral witch."
The black-armored giant beside him marveled, "I just don't know if he can sense the ancestral witch. If he can, with my help, there is a good chance of forming a 'Fourth-grade Witch Pattern!'"
He knew very well.
Innate talent was just the first step! Sensing the ancestral witch was the key.
If successful, it would be the best.
"If it fails, then contemplate the 'Great Witch Dharma Image.' With Wu Yuan's talent, success should not be difficult. But if you want to hope for the formation of a Fourth-grade Witch Pattern, the chances will be much smaller." The black-armored giant whispered.
Witch patterns are divided into nine grades!
A Fourth-grade Witch Pattern is also good; it's not a problem to cultivate to the Mountain and River Realm, but the difficulty will be greater, and the future path of cultivation will be more challenging.
The black-armored giant naturally hopes Wu Yuan can succeed in forming the Fourth-grade Witch Pattern with one effort.
"Earth Mother!"
"Ancestral Witch! Earth!"
These words made Wu Yuan's heart even more tranquil, as if forgetting many troubles, forgetting past and present lives, forgetting everything.
His mind, thoughts...
All that remained was the image of the Earth Mother ancestral witch!
At the same time, through the ancestral witch portrait, his consciousness gradually became elusive, as if leaving his own body, ascending into the heavens and the earth. Then, he crossed the vast land, traversed the endless starry sky, and crossed one world after another... It was an immense and boundless void!
Countless worlds flowed like rivers, horizontally spanning the entire void, boundless and endless. At the end of the void...
There was a figure less than towering and endless!
She wore a soil-yellow robe, with seven hands on her back... the Earth Mother ancestral witch!
She stood there, at the boundary river formed by the convergence of endless worlds, as if the stream next to the giant. Her gaze, as it passed over countless worlds, was like a kind and loving glance that warmed the countless inhabitants of those worlds.
"Ancestral Witch! Is this Earth Mother?" Wu Yuan's heart trembled.
His consciousness was very weak, very small.
But at this moment, he could clearly see the appearance of the Earth Mother ancestral witch.
Although it seemed like a long time had passed, it was only an instant. When that towering and endless figure's gaze swept over many worlds, it also swept over Wu Yuan.
On that loving face, a faint smile appeared.
"Huh? The Earth Mother ancestral witch, she smiled?" Wu Yuan was puzzled.
This smile.
Perhaps it was a smile to the countless beings in countless worlds, but Wu Yuan faintly felt that the ancestral witch... was smiling at him!
Boom! Countless rays of light flashed.
Wu Yuan felt everything was like a dream or an illusion. Everything he experienced seemed like waking up from a dream, quickly beginning to forget...
In the hall, beneath the portrait of the ancestral witch.
"This?" The black-armored giant stared at Wu Yuan in astonishment, finding it somewhat unbelievable.
The Earth Mother ancestral witch's portrait on the wall suddenly shone brightly.
Then, countless mysterious patterns began to form on the surface of Wu Yuan's body, followed by blending into his body.
As if merging into his body.
Afterward, a mysterious earth-yellow power condensed in the void, forming mysterious patterns that adhered to his body again.
Continuing to pour into Wu Yuan's body.
At the same time.
On Wu Yuan's back, there were faint shadows of multiple arms, and in front of his chest, two large snake shadows circled.
All over his body, countless earth-yellow lights shimmered.
It was like another appearance of the 'Earth Mother ancestral witch.'
Although it was far less magnificent than the Earth Mother's aura in the portrait, it already contained a hint of sacred charm!
"Heavens!"
"Worshiping the ancestral witch, devout to the extreme, able to observe the law, and naturally bestowed with witch patterns!" The black-armored giant was incredibly shocked. "This! In the Back Peak tribe, how many such genius individuals have there been in endless years?"
"Even in the peak years, the Back Peak tribe only managed to make the ancestral witch appear, unable to be naturally bestowed with witch patterns!"
The black-armored giant has nurtured countless new witches over the years.
Witnessed the birth of countless witches.
He was well aware that among the body-refining practitioners, witches, as a very powerful lineage, also had strengths and weaknesses.
The entry-level witch patterns largely determined the future path.
The weakest ones couldn't even successfully visualize the Great Witch Dharma Image. They had to rely on powerful wizards to forcibly depict the witch patterns or independently condense them. Most such witches ended up forming 'Lower Third-grade' witch patterns, and even with endless effort, they could at most achieve Middle Third-grade witch patterns!
Weak witch patterns meant slower cultivation of witch body, slower understanding of witch arts and witchcraft.
Those who could visualize the Great Witch Dharma Image were considered of average talent, generally possessing Middle Third-grade witch patterns.
Those who could visualize the Ancestral Witch Dharma Image were of superior talent, usually elite figures in the Back Peak tribe, easily able to form Fourth-grade witch patterns, and even had the potential to form Upper Third-grade witch patterns!
As for someone like Wu Yuan?
To swiftly form a Dharma Image on the first observation and even obtain 'Naturally Bestowed Witch Patterns,' that was the most top-notch!
Naturally Bestowed Witch Patterns were at least Third-grade, and there was even hope for Second-grade or First-grade witch patterns!
"Haha, excellent!"
"Great!" The black-armored giant's figure was illusory, but he revealed an extremely excited smile. "Heaven favors our Back Peak tribe! Heaven favors our Back Peak tribe! Naturally Bestowed Witch Patterns don't require me to prepare special witch treasures."
"Haha!"
"Wu Yuan, in the future, you will not only become a Mountain and River Realm cultivator but also have the hope of becoming a true powerhouse in the great realm, rebuilding the Back Peak tribe!"
The black-armored giant's eyes were filled with endless longing.
The destruction of the Back Peak tribe had long left him in despair.
Originally, he only wanted to follow the principles of operation after his birth during the final 'time' and cultivate one or two witches.
Wu Yuan's arrival reignited a glimmer of hope!
He felt that with Wu Yuan's talent, there was hope to lead the entire Xia Mountain world and spread the tradition of 'witchcraft' anew in this world.
However, he never thought about rebuilding the Back Peak tribe.
It was too difficult.
That was a witch tribe in the entire Qingling Great Realm that could be considered top-notch.
He felt that with Wu Yuan's talent, he couldn't possibly reach that level.
However, he had been content before, after all, how small was the Middle Earth world? Giving birth to such a genius was already dazzling.
Now.
Wu Yuan had given him a tremendous surprise.
He truly saw a glimmer of hope.
"After the Back Peak tribe, although I'm afraid I won't live to see that day." The black-armored giant muttered to himself, "But there is still a glimmer of hope."
Embracing hope until the end might not be such a bad thing.
"However!"
"It's also strange."
"My Back Peak tribe has countless people, who have been devoutly worshipping the 'Ancestral Earth Witch.' They believe in the Ancestral Witch with unparalleled piety," the black-armored giant murmured. "But those top geniuses, there aren't many who can receive Naturally Bestowed Witch Patterns!"
What is Naturally Bestowed?
The Ancestral Witch holds the authority over the order of heaven and earth. Legend has it that it is a part of 'heaven.'
Naturally Bestowed is when, during the initial stages of cultivation, one is sensed by the Ancestral Witch in the boundless space and, through the bestowment of fate and causality, naturally acquires Naturally Bestowed Witch Patterns, inheriting the technique.
However, in countless worlds, among countless living beings, among countless witch lineage followers who believe in the Ancestral Witch, very few receive a response from the Ancestral Witch!
"But."
"This Wu Yuan, on his first attempt, received such favor from the Ancestral Witch." The black-armored giant pondered, "Could it be that he naturally possesses a rich witch bloodline?"
He didn't understand.
He couldn't figure it out, and he didn't bother.
"The reason is not important. From today onwards, he is a member of my Back Peak tribe." The black-armored giant looked at Wu Yuan. "Yes, with Naturally Bestowed Witch Patterns, although he has not yet reached the limit of the human body, he cannot further cultivate for the time being."
"But just nurturing through the power of the earth's source is enough to make his physical qualities soar."
He looked at Wu Yuan.
Countless intricate and sacred 'runes' merged into Wu Yuan's body, and waves of earthy yellow power rushed in.
Wu Yuan's originally slow physical quality improvement was rapidly increasing.
This rate of progress was simply unbelievable.
Normally, the enhancement of the physique of an ordinary martial artist would only cause the body to collapse, but Wu Yuan's body remained intact.
This was the magic of the 'Witchcraft Method.'
As time passed.
In the blink of an eye, three hours had passed, and Wu Yuan still closed his eyes, silently absorbing that mysterious power without waking up.
And the black-armored giant waited patiently. He was well aware that the longer it took to condense witch patterns for the first time, the higher the achievement, the stronger the witch patterns, and the greater the potential.
"Hmm?"
The black-armored giant suddenly frowned. "All failures? Not even one passed the sixth level?"
"The comprehension is too poor. If the comprehension were better, I wouldn't mind paying some price to cultivate another witch."
"True!"
"I was too greedy. It's already rare to have Wu Yuan emerge. Hoping to simultaneously cultivate another witch? The chances are slim." The black-armored giant didn't mind.
Wu Yuan's appearance.
Had already satisfied him greatly.
...
On a desolate plain, in the vast emptiness that stood several dozen yards tall.
As if ripples were undulating in the air.
Boom! A figure in purple robes appeared out of thin air, descended, and as soon as she landed, she supported herself on the ground.
Suddenly, she spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Spitting out this breath feels so much better."
"Almost died!"
Master Buyu's face was pale, with a hint of lingering fear, "Fortunately, the mysterious power that controls the entire Chujiang Immortal Realm didn't push us to a dead end."
"We can choose to surrender proactively."
She had seen a lot and had even explored many immortal heritage sites. She knew that some immortal heritage sites with 'screening tests' were extremely brutal, leaving no way out.
"Though the injuries are not light."
"However, passing the first few levels and obtaining a Purple Wood Spirit Fruit, two Red Wood Spirit Fruits, and even a celestial technique is not a bad outcome!" Master Buyu showed a smile on her pale face.
She was very pleased.
This trip brought her great gains, and Master Buyu was already satisfied.
"I wonder where it has sent me." Master Buyu scanned the surroundings. "This heritage site is clearly selecting powerful geniuses. Wu Yuan's talent is so high; he might have a big harvest."
"He might not have come out yet."
"I already have these gains; there's no need to be greedy. I must be cautious." Master Buyu thought clearly, "First, find a place to take one of the Red Wood Spirit Fruits."
"Then hide."
"Heal."
"Be careful. If I encounter Jin Qing and die, losing the treasures on my body, it's not worth it." Master Buyu whispered.
She randomly chose a direction and lowered her body.
Quickly leaving this area.
...
On the desolate land about a hundred miles from the Bronze Temple.
More than ten diverse 'monsters' lay scattered around, their bodies covered in black battle armor, resembling the figure of a war god.
He exerted force.
Pulling out the divine sword stuck in a corpse.
The scale armor of the battle armor retracted, revealing the head. It was Jin Qing!
"Luck is pretty good, actually finding a Red Wood Spirit Fruit so quickly." Jin Qing muttered to himself, "Coupled with the harvest in the temple, it's not bad!"
"But."
"In the end, I still failed to pass the sixth level."
He considered himself very diligent; he went all out in the last two levels, risking his life.
Unfortunately!
He still failed.
"The gains are not small, I even got a 'Qi Refining Technique.' When I truly open up my Qi Sea, it will significantly increase my strength." Jin Qing frowned, "However, this Witch's Room... will that Dark Blade pass the sixth level?"
He had fought against the Dark Blade.
He knew very well that the other party probably reached the level of 'Harmony of Heaven and Man.'
He also knew information about the Dark Blade; the age should not be very old!
"His comprehension is definitely higher than mine. The probability of passing the six levels is much greater than mine." Jin Qing's eyes were cold, "I can only hope that he hasn't successfully contacted the witch's inheritance."
If he succeeded, it would surely be a big trouble!
"Let's go!"
"Search for other spirit fruits."
"If I'm lucky enough to find Buyu, that would be the best."
Jin Qing's gaze swept across the vast land, "Killing her, I can unify Jiangzhou for Da Jin and remove a major obstacle!"
...
Time passed.
One by one, the master experts who were accompanying either voluntarily gave up or failed, leaving the Witch Room with varying degrees of gains.
In the deep hall of the Witch Room.
A full two days!
The black-armored giant had been watching Wu Yuan all this time. Even after waiting for nearly a hundred thousand years, how could he not be impatient with such a short time?
On the contrary, the longer Wu Yuan practiced, the happier he became.
Finally.
Hum~ The huge portrait of the Earth Ancestor Witch gradually returned to normal, and the yellowish-brown divine lights surrounding Wu Yuan gradually dissipated.
The shadows of arms on his back and the snake on his chest were rapidly dissolving.
Only on Wu Yuan's chest and forehead.
A faint snake-like god pattern appeared and eventually disappeared into his skin.
He became completely calm.
After a while.
"Phew!"
Wu Yuan took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. He had been in a strange state for the past two days.
He only became clear-headed at this moment.
"Huh?" Wu Yuan noticed something was wrong as soon as he opened his eyes. His vision and hearing were significantly better than before.
He could see the slightest dust a hundred feet away.
"My spiritual sense!" Wu Yuan felt that his divine consciousness had become unprecedentedly powerful, much stronger than before.
Previously, in the Ding Wu Realm, his spiritual sense could only leave his body for a dozen meters.
And now?
With just a thought, he could spread his spiritual sense within a hundred meters, as if there were no boundaries of the Ding Wu Realm.
But upon a slight sensing, the invisible suppression of the heavens and earth had not changed.
There was only one possibility – his divine soul had greatly strengthened.
Without waiting for him to think too much.
"My strength." Another shock flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes.
He finally felt the surging and endless power within himself.
This sudden surge in physical strength made him have an illusion that he could knock out a master with just one punch.
Standing up.
Exerting a bit of force! Striking!
Without trying to throw a punch, Wu Yuan already understood the extent of the improvement in his physical qualities.
"Single-arm punch! About three hundred and thirty thousand kilograms!" Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with amazement. How could such a transformation happen?
You should know that before entering the Ding Wu Realm, his physical strength had just reached two hundred and forty thousand kilograms!
In the blink of an eye, it had increased by a full ninety thousand kilograms.
"Wu Yuan, you finally woke up." A joyful voice sounded, naturally from the black-armored giant.
"Master, what is happening to me?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask, raising his palms slightly and feeling the surging power within.
...
Feeling somewhat at a loss.
The extent of this power increase is too frightening.
"Don't be nervous, calm down, use your heart to feel your bones, feel your dantian palace, feel the awakening 'divine palace' in your body," the black-armored giant whispered. "You haven't reached the limit of the human body, and the witch pattern is hidden."
"However, with the strength of your divine soul, sensing one or two things should not be a problem."
"As long as you sense it."
"You will naturally understand many things." The black-armored giant said.
Wu Yuan immediately calmed down, concealing his powerful divine sense within himself. He began to perceive his dantian palace as the black-armored giant suggested.
Afterward.
Wu Yuan was shocked to find that the muscles and bones of his body had undergone astonishing changes, including the dantian palace, which had undergone earth-shattering changes.
Countless mysterious patterns!
Full of Dao rhymes, perceived by Wu Yuan's divine sense.
Especially the dantian palace, which had evolved into a somewhat illusory world. A towering figure stood with closed eyes.
"Earth Ancestor Witch?" Wu Yuan was stunned.
Then.
"Boom!" The towering figure turned into countless streams of information and rushed into his mind.
Witch pattern of the ninth rank... Ancestor Witch... Great Witch... Body of the Earth...
Witchcraft and the world... Celestial Palace... Countless information flooded into his mind.
Allowing Wu Yuan to quickly understand his current situation.
However, with his current powerful divine soul, accepting this massive amount of information took a considerable amount of time.
After a long time, he finally fully awakened.
"Legacy memories, so that's how it is." Wu Yuan understood most of it in his heart.
He opened his eyes again, respectfully bowing to the Earth Ancestor Witch portrait not far away.
Turning around.
Wu Yuan bowed to the Master of the Realm again, "Huofeng Tribe, Wu Yuan from Huofeng Tribe, thanks to the Master for imparting the Dao!"
Only the true gateways to becoming a witch understood how great the Earth Ancestor Witch was.
Only then did they understand the extraordinary opportunities presented this time.
"Haha, good, from today onwards, you are a member of Huofeng Tribe." The black-armored giant smiled.
In the rules of the witch lineage, the name must be preceded by the name of the tribe.
Of course, this was only in some formal occasions.
"Wu Yuan, you have obtained the 'Divinely Bestowed Witch Pattern.' This is the best 'Witch Treasure,' much better than the Witch Treasures I prepared for you. Can you tell me what grade witch pattern you have condensed?"
"Second grade!" Wu Yuan said.
"Not bad."
"A first-grade witch pattern is like a first-grade immortal foundation in the cultivation world, ultimately a mythical legend that is difficult to encounter." The black-armored giant sighed, "A second-grade witch pattern is already incredibly unbelievable. At least, on your path to becoming a Heavenly Witch, the witch pattern will no longer be an obstacle for you."
"Okay." Wu Yuan nodded slightly.
Heavenly Witch represented that the witch lineage had reached an unimaginable level and could establish a dedicated clan.
In the process of gradually cultivating as a witch, it was possible to gradually improve one's witch pattern using other methods.
As one's realm became higher, the cost and difficulty would increase.
Witch pattern represented potential!
However, if one condensed a higher-grade witch pattern from the beginning, progressing quickly with each step, the possibility of becoming a Heavenly Witch in the future would be much higher.
"Alright!"
"Now that you have received the legacy memories, I won't go into too much detail about many things."
The black-armored giant said, "I will first give you the other treasures I prepared."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 126: Fang Xia, Greetings, Young Master (Seeking Monthly Votes)
"Treasures?" Wu Yuan's eyes lit up.
The Divinely Bestowed Witch Pattern contains a vast amount of legacy memories, with the core being techniques. It can be said that witches and even wizards have plenty of cultivation techniques, and he lacks none.
But on the path of cultivation,
Wealth and techniques are the most indispensable.
"Wu Yuan, I have high hopes for you. The Divinely Bestowed Witch Pattern you possess surpasses my imagination. The 'Ding Witch Realm' I control is gradually heading towards collapse, but your current strength is still too weak," the black-armored giant said solemnly.
"Understood." Wu Yuan nodded slightly.
Compared to powerful cultivators, his strength was indeed too weak.
Wu Yuan felt a bit puzzled and asked, "The Ding Witch Realm is heading towards collapse?"
"In this world, there is no eternity; time possesses extraordinary magic."
"Normally, it's not difficult for the Ding Witch Realm to last for a million years, but the calamity ten thousand years ago, while the Ding Witch Realm luckily survived, it also consumed too much of its origin." The black-armored giant sighed. "According to my estimation, it might be able to support a thousand years."
"A thousand years?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.
For Wu Yuan, who had only lived for a few decades, a thousand years seemed very long.
Of course, compared to tens of thousands or millions of years, it was indeed very short.
"Your current strength is too weak. If you die in the middle of your growth, I will make every effort to cultivate another witch in the final moments."
"So, the treasures I prepared for you will be given to you in three batches."
The black-armored giant looked at Wu Yuan. "Now, I'm giving you the first batch. When you reach the Spiritual Body Realm and the Mountain and River Realm, come back to the Ding Witch Realm to see me, and I will give you more treasures."
"Especially when you reach the Mountain and River Realm, at that time, you will have the strength to protect all the treasures I prepared for you!"
"Disciple understands," Wu Yuan nodded.
But in his heart, he muttered, "Die halfway? Even if I can't break through in the future, I'll work hard to die behind you."
Wu Yuan was not willing to accept only part of the treasures.
Of course, he was grateful to the black-armored giant.
"You already have a storage magic treasure, so I won't give you another one."
The black-armored giant said, "When you open the Divine Palace, in terms of storage capacity and safety, it's much better than ordinary storage magic treasures. This is the inherent advantage of a witch."
"The first treasure is the Foundation-Building Witch Treasure, 'Yaojing Xianrao,' with an amazing value." The black-armored giant waved his hand.
A crystal clear crystal, about the size of a millstone, appeared out of thin air, resembling soil.
Wu Yuan felt that this Yaojing Xianrao emitted an extremely rich aura.
It made him sincerely feel warm.
"You have the Divinely Bestowed Witch Pattern, a naturally born 'Earth Witch Body.' Although you don't need this Yaojing Xianrao for foundation building, when you step into the Profound Connection Realm, you can completely absorb the energy it contains to cultivate your witch body and divine palace. It will be ten times a hundred times faster than refining the qi of the heavens and earth or refining source stones," the black-armored giant said solemnly.
"Remember, the cultivation path is long, life is limited. Don't waste a lot of time on refining spiritual qi. Use your energy and time to comprehend the heavens and earth and cultivate secret techniques."
"Understood," Wu Yuan nodded.
Seeing the Yaojing Xianrao slowly descending, Wu Yuan waved his hand and stored it in his storage magic treasure.
"The second treasure is a fourth-grade spiritual weapon, 'Witch Battle Armor.'" The black-armored giant flipped his palm, revealing a set of earth-yellow battle armor. "It is the standard battle armor for protecting 'New Witches' in my Huofeng Tribe."
"Standard does not mean it's not good."
"After generations of research and creation by the tribe over the long years, I dare not say it's the strongest among fourth-grade spiritual weapons, but it is first-rate." The black-armored giant waved his hand and handed it to Wu Yuan.
Wu Yuan reached out and took the earth-yellow battle armor. With a thought, a drop of blood emerged from his fingertip and fell onto the armor.
This was a familiar method of contract sealing.
However, to his surprise, the drop of blood was completely rejected by the battle armor, sliding down to the ground.
"What's this?" Wu Yuan was stunned.
"Hehe, although I've suppressed the spirit of the armor, it's still a fourth-grade spiritual weapon, far beyond the eighth-grade or ninth-grade spiritual weapons used by midland Qi cultivators," the black-armored giant smiled. "As a young fellow who has not truly embarked on the path of cultivation, it's naturally difficult for you to establish a contract."
"Eighth-grade spiritual weapon? Ninth-grade spiritual weapon?" Wu Yuan was slightly puzzled.
He only knew about spiritual weapons.
"What you call a first-grade divine weapon is a spiritual weapon, like the war knife you use, it's an eighth-grade spiritual weapon," the black-armored giant explained. "Qi cultivators and body-refining cultivators classify their magical treasures and spiritual weapons into nine grades, with the ninth grade being the lowest and the first grade being the highest."
Wu Yuan suddenly realized.
So, a first-grade divine weapon was only the lowest grade of spiritual weapon.
However, the Fiery Sun Blade was actually an eighth-grade spiritual weapon, not the lowest ninth-grade spiritual weapon.
In the inherited memories Wu Yuan obtained, there was little mention of common cultivation knowledge.
"When you become a witch in the future and learn various knowledge about refining, you will naturally be able to distinguish the differences between many spiritual weapons," the black-armored giant said.
"Now, hold your breath and concentrate. Use your heart to sense the 'witch patterns' inside your body, activate the witch patterns, suppress the spiritual weapon with your powerful witch patterns, and then try to establish a contract. You should be able to succeed."
"Alright?" Wu Yuan nodded.
Closing his eyes, Wu Yuan silently sensed the flesh, bones, and muscles that had undergone significant evolution within his body, as well as the mysterious patterns integrated with the blood and flesh!
Gradually, a large snake-like witch pattern appeared on Wu Yuan's chest, emitting a faint but powerful aura.
Sweat also appeared on his forehead.
Activating the witch patterns was still too strenuous for Wu Yuan at this moment. It placed a significant burden on his body, comparable to casting multiple secret techniques simultaneously.
"Now is the time. Seal the contract with a drop of blood!" The voice of the black-armored giant resounded.
Wu Yuan immediately raised his hand.
Blood dripped!
Drip-drop~ This time, the blood did not slide off; instead, it dispersed and quickly merged into the witch battle armor. In a moment—
Wu Yuan felt a subtle connection established between him and the armor.
With a thought.
Swish~ The battle armor seemed to transform into a liquid, turning into an earth-yellow stream of light that merged into Wu Yuan's arm.
"So, this is the witch battle armor?" Wu Yuan mused.
He could clearly perceive the presence of the battle armor.
Whoosh~ His arms, thighs, chest, and other parts of his body were covered with layers of earth-yellow scales, instantly enveloping Wu Yuan from head to toe.
Like an earth god! Emitting a vast and domineering aura!
With a thought.
Swish! Wu Yuan's head emerged, and a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Indeed, it's a spiritual armor. It's truly flexible, with a unique structure. It can move with a single thought and has no vulnerabilities."
Compared to the previously encountered second-grade divine armor, it was indeed a world of difference.
Wu Yuan finally understood how extraordinary this spiritual armor was. Possessing it, any martial cultivator could be considered virtually invincible.
"The defense power of this witch battle armor is astonishing, but for a witch, it's only auxiliary," the black-armored giant said solemnly. "In the future, cultivating the witch body will be the core."
Wu Yuan nodded slightly.
In the inherited memories, it has been mentioned: why don't body-refining cultivators use magical treasures? Is it because they don't want to? Of course not!
It's just that body-refining cultivators attempting to compete with Qi cultivators in magical treasures or spells would be playing to their weaknesses.
The core lies in oneself for a body-refining cultivator!
"Wu Yuan, remember, the Witch Battle Armor is alright, just a fourth-grade spiritual weapon. At most, it might make a Nascent Soul cultivator envious. But the Crystalized Immortal Field is different. Until you have enough strength, you cannot expose it. It's a treasure that could make a True Purple Mansion cultivator turn green with envy," the black-armored giant solemnly advised.
"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded seriously.
The innocent have no guilt, but harboring a treasure brings about guilt.
"Next, it concerns information about the 'Houfeng Tribe,' you also cannot reveal it," the black-armored giant said in a low voice.
"Hmm?" Wu Yuan was puzzled.
"You are a witch, sooner or later, you won't be able to hide it. Exposure is not a big deal, considering the countless witch cultivators from various worlds, not many will care," the black-armored giant spoke softly. "But the Houfeng Tribe is different. Before that big battle, the Houfeng Tribe had many formidable enemies."
"Your talent is exceptional. If you're lucky, you might leave Xia Mountain in the future, heading to the grand world. Although I don't know which Immortal Continent you will reach, your talent will not let you remain unknown."
"Ten thousand years is very long."
"The final outcome of that battle, I do not know."
"The enemies of the Houfeng Tribe might still exist. Once they know of your existence, they probably won't mind coming to kill you."
"So, do not expose yourself until you have sufficient strength," the black-armored giant emphasized.
"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded.
The enemies of the Houfeng Tribe? My heavens! They are probably super powerful beings beyond the Mountain and River Realm.
"The third item prepared for you is the 'Lifebound Witch Beast,' the Soaring Serpent!" the black-armored giant waved his hand, and a powerful aura-emitting egg slowly floated down from the void.
About the size of a palm.
But the emitted aura was furious and terrifying.
"Soaring Serpent?" Wu Yuan stared at the egg.
In ancient mythology, the Soaring Serpent, also known as the Flying Serpent, was a legendary snake capable of soaring through clouds and mists, an extremely powerful mythical beast.
"Different cultivation sects have different lifebound treasures, like Qi cultivators have their lifebound talismans, lifebound immortal arrays, lifebound flying swords, lifebound alchemy cauldrons, and lifebound divine pills, and so on," the black-armored giant explained.
"In the vast and mysterious methods of various worlds, especially for Qi cultivators, each has its specialties, so one must be cautious."
"As for our witch lineage, witches primarily have 'Lifebound Gu,' while witch cultivators have 'Lifebound Witch Beasts,'" the black-armored giant said. "The Soaring Serpent is one of the ancient demon gods, and the oldest Soaring Serpent demon god followed the Earth Goddess as its Lifebound Witch Beast."
"Becoming the Lifebound Witch Beast of the Earth Goddess."
"Now, Soaring Serpents in countless worlds carry its bloodline."
The black-armored giant pointed to the distant image of the Earth Goddess.
Wu Yuan suddenly realized.
The original image, held by the Earth Goddess, was the primordial ancestor of the Soaring Serpent, explaining its overwhelming aura.
"Lifebound Witch Beasts have many choices. A piece of grass on the ground or a rabbit or a local dog can become a Lifebound Witch Beast!"
"The starting bloodline is crucial, but subsequent cultivation is more important."
"The Soaring Serpent already possesses a top-tier bloodline as a Lifebound Witch Beast."
"You have the corresponding 'Witch Beast Dao,' I won't say much about it. Just remember, in the future, you might raise more spiritual beasts, but the Lifebound Witch Beast is the most important. It will be the companion that accompanies you in battle throughout your life."
"As you grow, it grows."
"As you live, it lives."
"As you die, it dies!"
"Treat it well and nurture it. In the future, when you become a super powerhouse, this Soaring Serpent will not disappoint your efforts," the black-armored giant said in a deep voice.
"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded solemnly.
With the inherited memories, he naturally understood the importance of a Lifebound Witch Beast.
It was like the true Sword Immortal's 'One Sword Shattering Myriad Laws,' where the most crucial element was the lifebound flying sword.
For a witch, the Lifebound Witch Beast was equally essential.
"Put away the Soaring Serpent egg. When you open the Divine Palace, use the Divine Palace to hatch it," the black-armored giant said.
Wu Yuan nodded and waved to store the Soaring Serpent egg.
"The fourth treasure is knowledge," the black-armored giant waved his hand, and several cylindrical crystal-clear jade stones slowly descended from the void.
"This?" Wu Yuan was puzzled.
"You have inherited memories, and I'm not worried about your cultivation techniques. But your sect is too weak, lacking even basic cultivation knowledge. These eight 'Immortal Scrolls,' you can use your divine sense to explore and perceive the information inside," the black-armored giant said in a low voice. "Except for two containing some cultivation techniques, the other six are general cultivation knowledge and information about the entire Qingling Great Realm."
"Information about the Qingling Great Realm?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.
It's been ten thousand years. Is this information still useful?
"Don't worry."
Seemingly seeing through Wu Yuan's thoughts, the black-armored giant said faintly, "The Qingling Great Realm has existed for billions of years. Although that terrifying battle occurred, it couldn't affect the Great Realm itself. Many kingdoms and forces have persisted for millions of years. Just ten thousand years, much of the information should still be useful."
"Okay," Wu Yuan nodded and stored away the eight Immortal Scrolls with a wave of his hand.
These eight Immortal Scrolls seemed to have no direct effect.
But knowledge is invaluable!
"The Crystalized Immortal Field, Witch Battle Armor, Lifebound Witch Beast, and Knowledge Immortal Scrolls—these are all the treasures prepared for you to reach the Transcendence Realm," the black-armored giant said softly. "The rest will depend on your own efforts."
Treasures?
There are still many treasures in the hands of the black-armored giant, such as source stones and other universally useful spiritual tools.
But he won't give them to Wu Yuan anymore.
At least until Wu Yuan grows into the Spiritual Body Realm, he won't bestow any more.
Having cultivated many new witches, the black-armored giant understands that giving too many treasures at once is like feeding someone directly.
It easily leads to a loss of ambition.
True strength is not built by stacking treasures but by honing oneself in life and death, experiencing challenges!
You have to strive with your own hands.
"Yes, disciple understands," Wu Yuan nodded solemnly. The variety of gifts from the black-armored giant was not too numerous, but each one was precious.
For the current him, it was enough.
Seemingly hesitating for a moment, the black-armored giant finally spoke, "Wu Yuan, your strength is still too weak, and from what I've probed, your enemies seem quite formidable."
"Enemies?" Wu Yuan was puzzled.
"That Great Jin Empire has quite a few Qi Cultivators," the black-armored giant said slowly. "I don't want you to die before you even show yourself."
"So, I've arranged a protector for you," the black-armored giant waved his hand.
Whoosh~ Countless points of light converged in the void, forming a light curtain.
"What is this? It looks a bit like a movie screen," Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with a hint of curiosity.
The scene in the light curtain was of a not-too-large palace. A middle-aged man with a bare upper body was sitting cross-legged inside, seemingly cultivating.
What does this mean?
Wu Yuan looked at the black-armored giant in confusion.
"He is a cultivator whom I trapped in the Ding Witch Realm over a hundred years ago. Originally, I intended to kill him, but due to his decent talent, he unexpectedly cultivated into a witch under my guidance. So, I've kept him around," the black-armored giant said casually. "Witch?!" Wu Yuan was astonished. Came in over a hundred years ago? Is he from the Chujiang Imperial Family?
"He has cultivated to the eighth level of the Sea of Qi. Although not too powerful, he should be enough to protect you through the most dangerous period," the black-armored giant looked at Wu Yuan.
The eighth level of the Sea of Qi?
Wu Yuan's pupils slightly contracted.
A Qi Cultivator of this strength might be unremarkable in many worlds, but in the Central Earth Realm, he was already very powerful.
"Domain Lord, with this level of strength, once he leaves, will he really listen to me?" Wu Yuan shook his head.
"Humph, affected by the Witch Gu Technique and bound by the Ancestor Witch's oath, do you think he can choose not to listen?" the black-armored giant said softly. "Rest assured, I am confident."
A glimmer of anticipation flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes.
If there could be such a witch to help, the threat from the Great Jin Empire would be much smaller.
"I will summon him," the black-armored giant waved his hand.
Whoosh~
A stream of light flashed, and the bare-chested man in the light curtain instantly disappeared, appearing in front of Wu Yuan and the black-armored giant.
He was about 1.8 meters tall, with a slender figure, but with very dense body hair.
The shirtless man was stunned for a moment, seemingly realizing it just now. A trace of embarrassment flashed on his face, and a white robe instantly appeared on him.
"Master Fang, greetings to the Domain Lord," the middle-aged man in the white robe respectfully bowed.
"Hmm," the black-armored giant nodded faintly, seemingly indifferent.
But Wu Yuan's face was full of excitement.
Fang Xia?
Such a familiar name.
"Fang Xia, this is the person I just mentioned to you, the one I want you to protect for fifty years, Wu Yuan," the black-armored giant said coldly. "After fifty years, you come to see me, and I will lift the Witch Gu Technique, setting you free."
"Thank you for your broad-mindedness, Domain Lord!" Fang Xia's eyes showed a hint of excitement.
A full one hundred years!
Over a hundred years!
He finally waited for this day.
"Fang Xia, greetings to Young Master Wu Yuan," the middle-aged man in the white robe bowed and said, "Young Master, rest assured. From today onwards, if Young Master says to go east, I, Fang Xia, will never go west. If Young Master says to go north, I, Fang Xia, will never go south."
"The Young Master said he wanted a twenty-eight-year-old woman, and I, Fang Xia, will never bring back an eighteen-year-old!" the middle-aged man in the white robe declared.
Both the black-armored giant and Wu Yuan fell silent.
After a while.
"Senior Fang Xia," Wu Yuan spoke up in a muffled voice. "Are you the Master Fang Xia from the Hengyun Sect who disappeared over a hundred years ago?"
"Yes!"
"Is the Hengyun Sect still around?" Fang Xia's face showed a hint of excitement. "Young Master, have you heard of me?"
Wu Yuan remained silent.
It really is!
Thinking about it, it makes sense. Being called 'talented' by the black-armored giant and having the same name and surname? Too rare.
However.
The white-robed middle-aged man in front of him was vastly different from the 'Master Fang Xia' Wu Yuan had imagined.
"You don't have to call me Young Master; just call me 'Wu Yuan'," Wu Yuan shook his head slightly.
"I..." Fang Xia was about to speak.
"Wu Yuan asks you to do something, and you do it. No need for formalities," the black-armored giant frowned. "He's willing to treat you as an equal, not as a servant. Do you have any objections?"
"Fang Xia dare not." Fang Xia shook his head repeatedly. "I will listen, I will listen!"
"Good!"
"Fang Xia, I will send you back now. When Wu Yuan leaves the Ding Witch Realm, I will teleport you out together," the black-armored giant said coldly.
"Don't! Domain Lord, let's talk a little more..." Fang Xia had just opened his mouth.
The black-armored giant waved his hand.
Fang Xia had already disappeared from the spot.
"Wu Yuan, don't mind too much. He's been imprisoned for too long, so meeting people makes him a bit excited," the black-armored giant shook his head. "When he first came in, his personality was more stable. I believe he'll return to normal soon after leaving with you."
Wu Yuan nodded gently.
According to the records of the Hengyun Sect.
Master Fang Xia disappeared suddenly at over sixty years old, originally imprisoned in the Ding Witch Realm.
Calculating the time, he had been imprisoned for over a hundred years.
For anyone, the personality would likely change significantly.
"You don't need to worry about his strength. Forging a 'Sixth-tier Witch Foundation' is quite good; the foundation is solid. I believe he will be a good helper for you," the black-armored giant said. "Fifty years later, I think you will have enough strength to protect yourself."
Wu Yuan nodded.
Eighth level of the Sea of Qi! And a Sixth-tier Witch Foundation, enough to rival some Qi Cultivators at the ninth level of the Sea of Qi with weaker foundations.
Even if he is not good at spells and lacks combat experience.
But with the advantage of realm, it should be no problem to crush Qi Cultivators at the fourth or fifth level of the Sea of Qi.
"Wu Yuan, I've given you all the treasures you need."
"Where you go in the future depends on yourself." The black-armored giant spoke softly. "Now, do you want to venture in the Ding Witch Realm or do I send you directly away?"
"Leave?"
Wu Yuan shook his head. "Domain Lord, how are some friends who entered the Witch Chamber with me? Can you tell me?"
"They? None of them managed to pass the assessment I set, and they have all left the Witch Chamber," the black-armored giant said. "You can take a look at everyone who entered the Ding Witch Realm together."
He waved his hand.
Countless screens appeared in the air, dozens in total.
Each screen displayed different individuals.
Bu Yu, Li Yan, Song Guang... Gu Wang, Zhang Changsheng... and experts from the Great Jin Empire like Jin Qing, Yue Shanzhong, and others.
Some were resting.
Some were exploring for treasures.
Obviously, no one could perceive that Wu Yuan and the black-armored giant were observing them.
"Hmm? No Chang Dong and Tie Tuo?" Wu Yuan frowned.
"The two you mentioned were found and killed by the Great Jin Empire's quasi-Refining Qi practitioner, Jin Qing," the black-armored giant said indifferently.
Wu Yuan's expression changed.
Chang Dong was dead? Yuanhu Mountain Villa was completely finished!
Tie Tuo?
The bold man from the grasslands, did he also die?
"You spent some time condensing Witch Marks and have been in the Witch Chamber for more than two days," the black-armored giant shook his head. "In these two days, after these warriors left the Witch Chamber, they roamed around the Ding Witch Realm, encountered each other, and naturally engaged in battles."
"I don't care."
"Moreover, I shouldn't interfere," the black-armored giant said lightly.
Wu Yuan sighed inwardly, understanding the other party's meaning.
As the Domain Lord, it was a spiritual entity, following a certain 'operating procedure.' He only cared about Wu Yuan; as for other warriors?
Everything was done according to the rules!
Just like how he had always sensed the Ding Witch Realm, probably aware of the kinship between Wu Yuan and Fang Xia, yet he still wouldn't care.
"By the way."
"From the exploration, it seems that Jin Qing, with two subordinates, is about to encounter that female sect master with whom you have a close relationship," the black-armored giant pointed to two of the screens. "Her name is Bu Yu."
"What?" Wu Yuan's face changed.
---
PS: Chapter One, seeking subscriptions and monthly votes!
(End of this chapter)