Chapter 132: Dominance with a Single Hand
Wu Yuan's divine sense could only spread within a radius of less than two miles. However, by combining the power of heaven and earth with his divine sense, he could roughly sense tens of miles around the entire Yunchuan.
At this moment.
In Wu Yuan's perception, there were two extremely powerful life auras rushing towards Yunchuan at an astonishing speed, and their speed showed no signs of slowing down.
In terms of the strength of life auras, they were even stronger than "Huan Jian," who was a quasi-Tianbang expert.
Without a doubt, they were Qi Refiners!
"Coming from the east, most likely not experts from Da Jin." Wu Yuan muttered to himself, "It seems that Old Fang's prediction was accurate. Are they experts from the Star Pavilion or the Seven Star Tower?"
August 22nd, entered the Dingwu Realm.
August 27th, left the Dingwu Realm.
Now, it was late on the 29th, in other words, it had only been two days since they left the Dingwu Realm for several forces to arrive so quickly.
"Wu Yuan, what's wrong?" Wu Qiming noticed the change in Wu Yuan's expression.
"Just a small matter." Wu Yuan smiled, "Clan Chief, Mother, take the spirit fruit here, and don't leave my courtyard."
"The method of taking it is simple. Just eat all the flesh in one bite. Teach Little Yi how to take it too."
"I'll be back after handling this." Wu Yuan instructed.
"Alright." Wu Qiming nodded.
"Yuan'er, go and take care of your matters first if you have something." Wan Qin added.
Wu Yuan nodded.
Swoosh!
With a flash, Wu Yuan had already rushed into the courtyard. With a thought, countless earth-yellow scales quickly covered his entire body, and he put on the spiritual weapon battle armor.
Without waiting for Wu Yuan to make a move.
Suddenly.
"Bu Yu, Huan Jian, come out quickly." A thunderous shout suddenly sounded from the dark night sky, like thunder rolling, echoing throughout Yunchuan.
Immediately, swoosh! swoosh!
"Who is it?"
"Who dares to directly call out the names of the Taishang?"
"The voice came from the sky!"
"Could it be a Tianbang expert?" Many disciples of the Hengyun Sect on Yunchuan rushed to their respective pavilions and courtyards, looking up at the sky in amazement.
Because.
At this moment, almost everyone, as long as they could lift their heads, could see two figures with terrifying auras standing in the sky. One figure seemed to be surrounded by flames, while the other figure was entirely green.
Extremely dazzling.
This scene shocked countless disciples of the Hengyun Sect, especially some first-class and second-class experts, who were filled with astonishment.
Daring to call out the names of the two great Taishangs?
And to have such an imposing manner, undoubtedly—Tianbang!
"Tianbang experts are here?"
"What? Tianbang experts have arrived at our Yunchuan?" Panic spread among the people.
However, the topmost group of martial arts powerhouses did not panic too much.
For example, Yan Hong, Xu Hui, Gao Yu, and others who had not yet descended the mountain were all aware of the existence of Patriarch Fang Xia.
However, to say that they had full confidence was not necessarily true.
Both were Tianbang, who would be stronger?
...
Above Yunchuan.
Two dazzling figures stood in the air, overlooking the chaotic crowd below. With their eyesight and perception, even in the dark night, they could see the countless people in the towers and pavilions below.
"Brother Wu, do you have to be so domineering?"
The figure enveloped in green light smiled, "We're here to assist the Hengyun Sect."
"Humph! A small Hengyun Sect, do we need to be so cautious?" The burly man in a black robe, surrounded by flames, said indifferently, "Deal with it decisively. I hope they can be sensible."
Suddenly.
"Hmm?" The black-robed man surrounded by flames suddenly lowered his head.
The green light figure also looked over.
Swoosh! A figure in earth-yellow rose leisurely from the forest. His speed was not fast, and there was no peculiar light around him, making him inconspicuous.
However.
Speaking of 'not fast,' it was only relative to Tianbang speed. In the blink of an eye, this earth-yellow figure had arrived a few hundred meters in front of the two dazzling figures.
"Spirit armor, earth-yellow? Are you An Dao?" The green light figure spoke with indifference.
He had already reported to his subordinates.
"An Dao, I've seen the two seniors."
Wu Yuan stood in the void, bowing slightly to show respect, "I don't know why the two seniors have come. I apologize for not welcoming you from afar, and I hope you can forgive me."
The two Tianbang identities were unknown, and their strengths were unknown. Many courtesies could not be considered excessive.
"An Dao? Haha!" The black-robed man surrounded by flames laughed, "You dare to come back to Yunchuan directly, and you came back quickly. You truly have courage. Judging by your life aura, you are probably not far from opening the Qi Sea."
"It's better to introduce ourselves." Wu Yuan said calmly.
"An Dao, let me introduce myself. My name is 'Meng Cai,' and I am an 'Elder of the Seven Stars Pavilion.' This friend is named 'Wu Jianzhong,' an Elder of the Stars Pavilion."
Wu Yuan nodded slightly, "So it turns out to be Senior Meng Cai and Senior Wu Jianzhong. I've heard about you."
In fact, Wu Yuan had never heard of them.
Perhaps they were quasi-Tianbang experts a few hundred years ago, but with each generation changing, how could Wu Yuan go back so far?
As for Tianbang?
There were few records of Tianbang achievements in the entire Central Continent.
"An Dao, since you are here, let me speak frankly." Meng Cai said calmly, "You killed Jin Qing. Do you know the tremendous trouble you have caused? The Tianbang experts of Da Jin will not let this matter go."
"You, as the Sect Master of the Hengyun Sect, should know."
"The reason why the Hengyun Sect can survive until now is due to the 'Tianbang Agreement' among the Tianbang experts of the Martial Ancestor, Seven Stars Pavilion, and Da Jin Tianbang."
"You killing Jin Qing has made it difficult for us, and it's hard to guarantee your safety." Meng Cai sighed.
Tianbang Agreement? Wu Yuan was not clear.
Perhaps Bu Yu knew a thing or two.
However, Wu Yuan wasn't foolish. He heard the underlying meaning in Meng Cai's words: it's hard to guarantee my safety? That meant it could be guaranteed!
Human nature is no more than human sentiment and interests.
"Thank you, Senior Meng, for your concern. This is a matter between me and Da Jin. There is no need for the seniors to worry about it." Wu Yuan responded calmly.
Meng Cai frowned slightly.
"Meng Xiong, I've been here for a while. Your 'courtesy before force' trick won't work." Wu Jianzhong, clad in a black robe, looked extremely domineering and said coldly, "An Dao, one word: hand over the spiritual weapon battle armor and all the spirit fruits, and we can guarantee the safety of your Hengyun Sect."
"What if I refuse?" Wu Yuan shook his head.
"To offer a toast without drinking is to drink a forfeit." Wu Jianzhong's face darkened, "Thinking that you can be arrogant by enduring Jin Qing to death? I thought you were a talent and wanted to spare your life."
"Ungrateful? Just go to hell." Wu Jianzhong's eyes were ice-cold.
In the next moment, he took direct action.
Boom! A dazzling flame stream rushed towards Wu Yuan.
"Too bad." Meng Cai on the side shook his head, sounding regretful, "A quasi-Tianbang expert is going to fall today."
In his eyes.
Wu Yuan, who hadn't even opened his Qi Sea, how could he be a match for Wu Jianzhong? It's probably difficult to withstand even a single move.
But then, Meng Cai's face changed.
...
On Yunchuan, many warriors with keen eyes could barely see a figure in earth-yellow confronting two great Tianbang experts in the void.
Especially outside the Yundian.
Ancient Forget, Zhang Changsheng, and Lu Feng, who had been in closed-door cultivation, rushed out, looking extremely shocked at the void.
"What's that?" Lu Feng was puzzled.
"It's Senior An Dao." Ancient Forget said in a deep voice. They had communicated with Bu Yu on the way and knew the color of Wu Yuan's spiritual weapon battle armor.
"It seems they're in communication."
"Where is Patriarch Fang Xia?"
"Supreme Huan Jian has already descended the mountain." They looked up, filled with worries.
It was truly too oppressive with two great Tianbang experts!
"Hmm? Not good! The Flame Tianbang is going to attack Senior An Dao." Lu Feng's face suddenly changed.
"Not good!" The few of them didn't know.
Powerful warriors with good vision on Yunchuan all flashed a hint of surprise in their eyes.
But in the next instant.
A scene that shocked everyone appeared. In the endless night, just at the moment when the dazzling flame figure made a move.
"Boom!"
In the high sky, terrifying golden streams of Qi appeared out of nowhere around Wu Yuan.
Those streams of Qi were like formidable golden swords, exuding a frightening sharpness.
In an instant.
Countless golden streams of Qi converged in front of Wu Yuan, forming a golden giant palm hundreds of zhang long. The terrifying aura made the vast heavens and earth tremble, shining brilliantly in the pitch-black night.
Causing everyone's hearts to tremble.
A palm that covered the sky!
At the moment when the golden giant palm formed, it swept down towards the burning flame figure.
"Not good!" Wu Jianzhong's face changed instantly.
He just wanted to retreat.
Boom! In an instant, layers of fiery red scales appeared all over him, and the spiritual weapon battle armor was worn.
The destructive aura had already enveloped his entire body.
The divine consciousness trembled.
...In the view of Meng Cai and Wu Yuan, the golden giant palm surged magnificently, like a divine palm. It seemed slow but lightning-fast, completely enveloping the burning flame figure.
Without any resistance.
"Mercy! Senior, have mercy!" A terrified voice echoed from within the golden giant palm, belonging to Wu Jianzhong.
He was truly afraid.
The disparity in strength between the two sides was too great.
"This! This!" Meng Cai was equally shocked as he watched this scene.
"A Qi Sea Fourth Level little guy, daring to be presumptuous on my Yunchuan, seeking death!" A cold and indifferent voice, like that of a god, resounded through the entire world.
"No!"
"Senior, spare..." The terrified and desperate voice abruptly stopped.
"Pong~" The golden giant palm squeezed tightly, making a sound as if a watermelon was exploding. Countless flames, accompanied by blood, shot out from the fingertips of the golden giant palm.
There was no more sound.
Tianbang expert, Wu Jianzhong, dead!
The entire world.
For a moment, it became so quiet that on Yunchuan, many disciples of Hengyun Sect, and even those top-notch experts, found it hard to believe what they were witnessing.
Heavens! A mighty Tianbang expert, coming with great prestige, was directly crushed to death like this?
"My Hengyun Sect also has a Tianbang expert?"
"Amazing." After a moment of silence, the entire Yunchuan erupted in excitement. Countless disciples were jubilant and thrilled.
Although there were still many doubts, such as why the Hengshan Battle ended in defeat if the sect really had Tianbang experts, they were more excited.
"Our Ancestor!"
"Ancestor Fang Xia." A few knowledgeable top-notch experts recognized Fang Xia's voice, feeling incredibly shocked.
They truly witnessed the strength of Ancestor Fang Xia.
"Our Ancestor!"
"The number one in the world?" Ancient Forget and Zhang Changsheng exchanged glances, both recalling Wu Yuan's introduction when they first met Fang Xia - the number one in the world!
At that time, they were somewhat skeptical.
But now, they believed.
Crushing a Tianbang expert with one hand? Perhaps it really lived up to the title of 'the number one in the world'!
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 133: The Name of Fang Xia (Seeking Monthly Votes)
The entire Yunchuan was boiling, and numerous disciples of Hengyun Sect were excited, looking up at the scene in the night sky.
The massive golden hand made their blood surge!
Throughout the world, each Earth-ranked Grandmaster wielded power in their respective domains, dominating the world. Even the most ordinary warriors were aware of the 'Tianbang Legend.'
It was a towering power that transcended the mundane.
Perhaps, for some major forces and empires, Tianbang experts rarely made appearances. However, their existence served as a deterrence.
They were a legendary needle that stabilized the seas and a pillar holding up the heavens!
Today, Hengyun Sect also possessed a Tianbang expert, and the blood and bones of such an expert proved their strength.
In the night sky,
"A single palm killed a Tianbang expert?" Wu Yuan, too, stared at the golden giant palm, holding his breath.
At close range, he could better sense the incredible power contained within the giant palm.
It was too unbelievable, too exaggerated!
Why did Wu Yuan dare to suddenly activate the power of heaven and earth, lifting himself up? Was it really courage?
No!
Fang Xia came out and transmitted to Wu Yuan, telling him not to be timid; if there was anything, he would 'shoulder' it from behind.
Fang Xia indeed shouldered it, but the method was beyond Wu Yuan's expectations.
In terms of strength,
When the 'Wu Jianzhong,' who had turned into flames, rushed over just now, Wu Yuan's divine consciousness felt a kind of explosive sensation, instinctively understanding that he couldn't block it.
Worthy of being called a Tianbang expert.
However, such an expert couldn't even withstand a single move in front of Fang Xia, bringing tremendous shock to Wu Yuan.
No, Fang Xia never appeared from start to finish.
Until now.
Whoosh! A figure in a white robe silently walked out from behind Wu Yuan.
He, dressed in fluttering robes, was surrounded by strands of golden Qi, with a cold and indifferent expression, like an emperor overlooking all things.
The emitted aura was terrifying.
This demeanor was completely different from the 'Old Fang,' who had been joking with Wu Yuan before.
"Qi Sea Eighth Stage? Domain!"
Wu Yuan sighed inwardly, "This is a Domain cultivator! One person can sweep a large number of Qi Sea high-level cultivators."
In just this one battle, Wu Yuan realized Fang Xia's strength.
Although Wu Jianzhong was weak, he was still a Qi Sea Fourth Stage Qi Refiner.
Killed in one move?
In Wu Yuan's view, unless a Nascent Soul expert descended, among the Qi Sea realm, more than ninety-nine percent would not be Fang Xia's match.
"My strength is too far from that of Transcendent cultivators." Wu Yuan felt a trace of longing, "I must become a Witcher as soon as possible."
All along, Wu Yuan had been proud.
Although Fang Xia was a protector arranged by the 'Domain Lord,' inwardly, Wu Yuan did not want to be protected all the time. He also wanted to participate in the battle.
"So formidable!"
"This kind of aura, this kind of might! When did such a terrifying powerhouse emerge in the Thirteen States of the Central Continent?" 'Meng Cai,' who was just a hundred meters away from the golden giant palm, felt his whole body go cold.
In Wu Yuan's perception, Fang Xia was powerful.
However, in Meng Cai's perception, Fang Xia seemed like a divine weapon ready to pierce through the heavens and earth, with endless sharpness, making his divine consciousness tremble faintly.
Gold!
This was the power of heaven and earth that Fang Xia specialized in, the golden path, extremely strong and powerful, with a killing intent that reached the extreme!
"Hum~" Silently, the golden giant palm dissipated.
Only the clearly damaged spiritual weapon battle armor, storage magic treasures, etc., turned into several streaks of light and fell into Fang Xia's hands.
Killing and seizing treasures.
Facing this scene, Meng Cai dared not show the slightest movement.
Exhale!
Fang Xia took a step, traversing hundreds of meters, arriving in front of Meng Cai.
Wu Yuan followed suit.
Fang Xia said indifferently, "Friend Meng Cai, why, after more than a hundred years, can't you recognize me?"
On the path of cultivation, practitioners of the same realm generally addressed each other as 'friends.'
"More than a hundred years?"
Meng Cai felt a bit stunned, staring at the middle-aged man in a white robe standing a hundred meters away. Suddenly, he exclaimed, "Fang Xia? You're still alive!"
Wu Yuan instantly understood.
Fang Xia and this Tianbang expert, Meng Cai, had a history.
"Hehe, back then, when I first entered the Earth-ranked, you were already famous," Fang Xia said lightly. "I didn't expect that, in the blink of an eye, more than a hundred years have passed, and you're already a Qi Sea Fifth Stage Qi Refiner."
"Compared to Friend Fang Xia, I'm far behind," Meng Cai smiled bitterly. "Friend Fang Xia, you probably have reached the Qi Sea Ninth Stage, just a step away from the legendary 'Golden Core.'"
Fang Xia smiled faintly without responding.
"Daring to act arrogantly on my Yunchuan, according to my temperament, I should have slapped you to death." Fang Xia said leisurely, "However, considering our past, and since I haven't directly attacked, I'll let today's matter slide."
"Thanks to Friend Fang Xia for sparing our lives," Meng Cai whispered.
He understood Fang Xia's words. They came to Yunchuan with Wu Jianzhong, boasting and even taking the initiative to attack Wu Yuan. If they were killed, they could only blame themselves.
It could only be said that
No one could have expected that the small Hengyun Sect would hide such a giant as Fang Xia.
Meng Cai wanted to leave, but if Fang Xia didn't speak, he didn't dare to leave either.
Life and death were in Fang Xia's hands; where was there room for resistance?
"Is the Supreme of the Seven Stars Tower still Senior Dong Qian?" Fang Xia suddenly spoke.
"Dong Qian, Senior, wandered through the New Zhou decades ago, whereabouts unknown," Meng Cai said in a deep voice. "Now, the highest senior in our Seven Stars Tower is Senior Niu Hao."
This information was publicly available in the Tianbang.
He had no reason to conceal it.
"Alright, I won't make things difficult for you."
Fang Xia said indifferently, "But go back and tell Niu Hao, this is the only time. If you dare to come to Yunchuan and act recklessly again, Wujianzhong will be a lesson."
"Thank you, Friend Fang Xia." Meng Cai finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Finally survived.
After thinking for a moment, Meng Cai couldn't help but say, "Friend Fang Xia, I know your strength is overwhelming, but your disciple, Dark Blade, killed Jin Qing. It will definitely anger the Great Jin Empire, the three major sacred places of Great Jin, and more than ten Qi Refiners. It's not easy to provoke."
"Especially Jin Emperor 'Jin Quan,' who has been at the Qi Sea Ninth Stage for decades."
"And there's 'Zhao Xing' from the original Xia Palace, and 'Hai Feizhang' from the Star Sea Pavilion, all of whom are high-level Qi Refiners," Meng Cai said solemnly.
"Great Jin unexpectedly has so many high-level Qi Refiners?" Fang Xia's face showed a hint of surprise, and a trace of fear seemed to flash in his eyes.
"Yes!"
"If the strength of the three major sacred places of Great Jin is not so strong, our major forces in the coastal states would not have repeatedly yielded to Great Jin. They have occupied forty percent of the territory of the Seven States of the Central Plains." Meng Cai shook his head and sighed, "Great Jin is a major enemy of Hengyun."
"Now, Friend Fang Xia, you killed Wu Jianzhong. His strength among the Qi Refiners of the Stars Tower is average, but 'Wanxing Dao Ren' has dominated the Tianbang for three hundred years, and his strength is unpredictable. Even Jin Emperor can't deal with him."
"You have offended two major forces at the same time, which is extremely unwise," Meng Cai said.
In his view.
Fang Xia displayed his strength to intimidate Wu Jianzhong; there was no need to kill him completely.
Only to provoke enemies.
"Friend Meng Cai, I have returned from seclusion, and my time is short. I have not yet gathered this intelligence. Thanks for informing me; I'll take note of this information," Fang Xia said softly.
"However, as for how I should deal with these two forces, you don't need to worry about it, Friend," he added.
"Please go ahead," Fang Xia said indifferently.
This was essentially an eviction order.
"Farewell." Meng Cai dared not speak again and bowed, quickly transforming into a green streak of light and departing.
"Young Master, don't worry. Follow me back to the ruins," Fang Xia's voice echoed in Wu Yuan's mind.
Wu Yuan nodded slightly.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The two of them quickly disappeared into the night sky.
The night sky returned to calm.
But on Yunkai Mountain, peace was destined not to last. Soon, a message came down from the sect's higher-ups: "The Tianbang expert who made a move on Yunkai Mountain today is none other than Grandmaster Fang Xia. The Grandmaster has the strength to be considered the best in the world."
This news created a great sensation.
"Grandmaster Fang Xia?"
"Our great Grandmaster Fang Xia from Hengyun Sect, didn't die after all?"
"The best in the world? With the power to crush other Tianbang experts with just a palm, how can such extraordinary strength be summed up as merely the best in the world?"
"The best in the world! Grandmaster Fang Xia!" Countless disciples of Hengyun Sect were excitedly discussing this news, which spread rapidly.
And Hengyun Sect did not hinder it at all, and even secretly pushed waves to prevent interference.
To unify Jiangzhou, one must first awe the world!
...
Inside the ruins' jade chamber, it remained as spacious as ever, with jade stones neatly arranged on the floor, giving it an orderly appearance.
Only a cave on the edge of the jade chamber was still enveloped in flowing light.
Master Shuyu was still in seclusion.
This grand battle did not affect her.
"Is this the place?" Wu Yuan's gaze swept across the jade chamber. Although it seemed no different from the previous two days, he, who had further comprehended the power of heaven and earth, sensed many peculiarities.
On the four walls of the jade chamber, many mysterious patterns had been added, full of charm.
The most significant change.
Was in the center of the jade chamber.
The large cauldron, which had been dug up by Fang Xia, reappeared, but the way it connected with the surrounding jade was completely different from before.
Yet, it gave Wu Yuan a sense of 'naturalness.'
Much more perfect than before.
"Impressive, Young Master. You've noticed the differences so quickly?" Fang Xia chuckled.
In front of Wu Yuan, he had lost the imposing and domineering presence he had just now.
"My eyes are clumsy; I can't see the subtleties." Wu Yuan shook his head.
"Haha, wait until you break through, and you'll naturally understand." Fang Xia smiled, "Young Master, rest assured. The array for insight and the illusion array have both been set up more than half. In another hour, they'll be completed."
"By then,"
"Even a Qi Sea Ninth Stage cultivator won't be able to fly directly to Yunkai Mountain like Meng Cai and Wu Jianzhong did," Fang Xia said solemnly.
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
After the battle just now, he had full confidence in Fang Xia.
"When these two arrays are set up, I'll slowly arrange the killing array," Fang Xia smiled, "Once the killing array is complete, Yunkai Mountain will be as secure as an iron fortress."
"At that time, when the killing array is activated, it will cover the entire Yunkai Mountain City."
"Oh? Such a large range?" Wu Yuan was surprised.
"If it were a Golden Core expert, setting up a single array covering a thousand miles would be commonplace," Fang Xia shook his head. "My killing array, covering only a hundred miles, is nothing compared to a Golden Core expert."
"Old Fang."
Unable to restrain himself, Wu Yuan said, "According to what Meng Cai said, the Great Jin Empire unexpectedly has three Qi Sea high-level cultivators? And Emperor Jin is still alive?"
Emperor Jin!
He was the contemporary myth in the thirteen states of the Central Continent.
With formidable cultivation, he founded the Great Jin Empire, establishing a vast and magnificent legacy, becoming a legend in the hearts of countless warriors.
"Can we withstand Emperor Jin?" Wu Yuan asked.
---
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 134: Gathering of the Celestial Rankings
"Hehe, Young Master, are you worried about my safety?" Fang Xia chuckled, "Meng Cai's words should not be entirely trusted, nor entirely dismissed."
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
Meng Cai had just walked on the edge of life and death, and then immediately provided information with good intentions? The news might not be entirely true.
"Calculating by age, it's normal for Emperor Jin to be alive," Fang Xia said slowly. "Qi Sea Ninth Level? Given his talent and strength, reaching this level is also normal."
"But Young Master, there is no need to worry."
"Although the Great Jin is powerful, my one move today to kill Wu Jianzhong is both for seizing treasures and establishing dominance," Fang Xia whispered, "The Great Jin claims to have three great sacred places, seemingly powerful, but besides the Great Jin Royal Sacred Ground, would the Original Xiagu and the Starry Sea Pavilion really be willing to be the backbone of the Great Jin?"
"If they sincerely belong, there is no need to split into three major forces."
"With benefits and no danger, the cultivators of the Original Xiagu and the Starry Sea Pavilion will naturally rush forward!"
"But if the risk is too great, even involving the danger of falling, they will only watch from the sidelines."
"As for the Starry Pavilion?"
"Humph!"
"This force has been undefeated for a thousand years, seemingly neutral, but secretly causing trouble in the world. However, their strength is indeed strong, and the 'Ten Thousand Stars Daoist,' he is the one I fear the most." Fang Xia said softly, "According to what I know, before Emperor Jin rose to power, the Ten Thousand Stars Daoist was already known as the strongest in the world. Considering his age, he is probably close to five hundred years old."
"He is the most likely to step into the Golden Core realm." Fang Xia said.
"Golden Core realm?" Wu Yuan's pupils contracted.
"Possibly." Fang Xia said softly, "However, since he has watched the Great Jin expand repeatedly, the probability of him being a Golden Core expert is very low."
"One battle establishes dominance."
"The strength revealed by my Hengyun Sect today is weak, and these forces will only swarm over. Too strong? It might threaten their lives, making them wary!"
"As long as we delay for a while."
"Until the killing array is established."
"We will naturally stand invincible." Fang Xia smiled, "By then, there will be enough time for Young Master to cultivate slowly."
Wu Yuan smiled bitterly.
Suddenly.
"Old Fang, although that's what you said, today, if we don't kill Wu Jianzhong, do we really need to start a conflict with the Star Pavilion?" Wu Yuan frowned.
He realized this point.
Hengyun Sect and the Star Pavilion had no irreconcilable grievances.
"If he laid hands on Young Master, then he deserves to die," Fang Xia chuckled. "Secondly, if we actively attack them in the future, we are indeed at a disadvantage."
"But self-defense and counterattack, then it's not our fault."
"The Star Pavilion, in terms of wealth and treasure accumulation, is definitely the number one in the Central Continent!" Fang Xia sighed, "Take Wu Jianzhong as an example."
"I just investigated his storage magic treasure, there are many precious materials, enough to refine several spiritual treasures."
Wu Yuan smiled helplessly.
...
After bidding farewell to Fang Xia, Wu Yuan returned to his courtyard.
Wu Qiming, his mother Wan Qin, and his sister Wu Yijun were all waiting in the courtyard, including a large group of maids and servants.
"Tianwu." A group of maids bowed to Wu Yuan, finally putting their hearts at ease.
The celestial ranking battle erupted in the sky just now.
And Wu Yuan mysteriously disappeared. If there was any accident, these maids and servants would not have a good end.
"Everyone can go down." Wu Yuan instructed.
Returning to the main hall with his family.
Each took their seats.
"Wu Yuan, just now?" Wu Qiming couldn't help but ask when he sat down, pointing his finger upwards.
"The battle of the Celestial Rankings." Wu Yuan smiled. "The one who made a move was 'Grandmaster Fang Xia.'"
Wu Qiming and Wan Qin were both shocked.
"Fang Xia Grandmaster?"
"Is it the greatest ancestor of the sect, Fang Xia Grandmaster, as Master mentioned?" Wu Yijun widened her mouth, surprised, "Wasn't he said to be dead?"
Cultivators practice martial arts.
However, they should also learn the necessary 'cultural knowledge'.
Reading books not only nurtures sentiment but also has a significant impact on a person's worldview and values, contributing greatly to the formation of the martial path.
Therefore, in sects like Hengyun Sect, even in the primary martial academies, corresponding 'cultural courses' are taught, naturally recounting the history of the sect.
"It's rumored that the Grandmaster is dead," Wu Yuan smiled, "But he is still alive, and he can live for a long time."
Even without breaking through to the Golden Core realm, Fang Xia could still live for more than two hundred years.
"Alright."
"Clan Chief, Mother, you should take the Spiritual Fruits first," Wu Yuan said. "Little Yijun, come, eat this fruit too. It's very sweet."
Soon, Wu Yuan personally guarded them, watching Wu Qiming, Mother Wan Qin, and sister Wu Yijun take the Redwood Spiritual Fruit.
Only then did he relax.
Digesting the Spiritual Fruits would take several days. Wu Yuan selected a quiet room for each family member and assigned attendants to take care of them.
Wu Yuan returned to his meditation room.
Continuing his cultivation.
Late at night.
Wu Yuan, who was completely scattering his divine sense, quietly perceiving the 'mysteries of the earth,' suddenly opened his eyes. "A curious fluctuation, has Old Fang's monitoring array finally been successfully set up?"
Just now.
A very weak ripple swept over Wu Yuan, then rushed towards a more distant area but was captured by his divine sense.
"Continue cultivating." Wu Yuan couldn't be bothered to deal with it.
Time passed.
At the end of the day and the beginning of the earth, the first light of dawn appeared.
"The controlled power of heaven and earth has finally broken through '120,000 kilograms,'" Wu Yuan revealed a slight smile.
Crossing into the Unity realm has two major thresholds. The first step is the power of heaven and earth reaching 120,000 kilograms!
The second step is mastering 200,000 kilograms!
"Sword Grandmaster, after practicing for several years, he is still stuck in the first step, unable to break through."
"But I, with the body of the earth and the assistance of the divine mind, broke through this bottleneck in just a few days." Wu Yuan increasingly felt the terrifying aspects of the 'body of the earth' combined with a powerful divine mind.
The speed of comprehending the mysteries of heaven and earth was indeed amazing.
"Mysteries of the earth." Wu Yuan calmly sensed the mysteries of the earth, vast, warm, profound... The power of heaven and earth he controlled rapidly broke through, thanks to this.
For a normal Qi Sea realm cultivator, the perception of many aspects of the power of heaven and earth is very vague, like exploring in a fog.
Naturally, the speed of cultivation is slow.
"However, compared to Old Fang?" Wu Yuan thought of the huge golden hand today, with no trace of spiritual energy fluctuations.
Purely the gathering of the power of heaven and earth!
The power of the domain!
"Describing it with mere thousands of kilograms is simply an insult to such great power," Wu Yuan sighed inwardly, putting away the only trace of pride. "I still have a long way to go."
He continued his cultivation.
...
As the day broke, Yanzhou.
Located at the northeast end of the Central Plains, it is also the northernmost part of the entire Middle Earth continent, known as the 'Land of Bitter Cold.'
Of course, compared to the northern grasslands that stretch for thousands of miles, the environment in Yanzhou is still much better.
The intertwining of grassland tribes and agricultural civilizations makes Yanzhou's culture unique.
In the northern part of Yanzhou, there is the God Bull Mountain.
Among the thousands of peaks of the 'Youbei Mountains,' some are somewhat famous, but they are not considered renowned mountains and rivers.
And who would have known that here, a high-ranking expert from the Heaven's Ranking had been hiding?
At the mountaintop, perpetually covered in snow, surrounded by cliffs on all sides, there was an inconspicuous cave.
Inside the cave.
Only a few jade platforms were placed, and there were no other common items.
"Brother." A young man in a blue robe bowed respectfully. If Wu Yuan were here, he would undoubtedly recognize this young man as Meng Cai from last night.
In just a few hours, he crossed thousands of miles and arrived at God Bull Mountain.
On the central jade platform in the cave.
There was a bare-chested man with disheveled hair.
"Wu Jianzhong is dead?"
The man with disheveled hair frowned slightly. "Who killed him? How did he die? Tell me the details!"
Soon, Meng Cai recounted the events of last night.
"Brother, I didn't intend to disturb your meditation. It's just that the two elders in the tower, with strengths similar to mine, really couldn't handle such a big matter," Meng Cai lowered his head. "After thinking it over, I had no choice but to come to seek your advice."
In the Seven Stars Tower, Meng Cai usually had full control.
So, last night, he received a report from his master and was able to rush to Yanshan at the first possible moment.
However, Meng Cai knew in his heart that since the old elder 'Dong Qian' left the Middle Earth, the Seven Stars Tower could still stand alongside forces like the Starry Pavilion and the Great Jin Empire, all thanks to the elder in front of him—Niu Hao!
A true ascetic!
He spent years practicing in this icy world.
He was also the only Qi Sea high-level cultivator in the Seven Stars Tower at present.
"No spiritual energy fluctuations at all."
"A golden giant hand directly pinched a 'Qi Sea Quadruple' to death?" The man with disheveled hair pondered with a slight disbelief, "Could it be a Domain?"
"Domain?" Meng Cai was stunned.
"Above the Unity Realm is the Domain Realm," Niu Hao said in a low voice. "The Domain Realm represents the control of the power of heaven and earth at an extremely high level."
"Wisdom in the Qi Sea realm, under the Golden Core, is almost invincible."
"What?" Meng Cai widened his eyes.
Invincible below the Golden Core?
"I'm just speculating and dare not be sure," Niu Hao shook his head slightly. "According to what you said, this Fang Xia has not shown up all along. Perhaps he is roaming the outer seas, and it's hard to predict what methods he might have."
"This battle, we can't get involved," Niu Hao said softly. "Moreover, according to what you said, isn't the Hidden Blade itself a peripheral member of our Seven Stars Tower?"
"Yes," Meng Cai nodded continuously.
"Order someone to send a gift to Hengyun Sect, apologize to Master Hidden Blade," Niu Hao said indifferently. "Then, inform the Starry Pavilion and the Great Jin Empire."
"Of course, don't tell them my speculation. Just inform them that Fang Xia appears to have the strength of Qi Sea Ninth Layer."
Meng Cai was a bit puzzled.
Apologize? He could understand.
But deliberately concealing information?
"Let them fight!"
"I don't know why Fang Xia took a heavy hand, deliberately provoking the Starry Pavilion. Perhaps he has a special goal, don't ruin his purpose," Niu Hao said calmly. "You must understand, the Great Jin, the Starry Pavilion, and Hengyun Sect, we can't afford to provoke any of these three forces."
"I don't want to provoke them either."
"For our Seven Stars Tower, this matter ends here!"
"Remember."
"Regardless of which side wins, we remain neutral. If a Golden Core cultivator is truly born, we express our allegiance at the first opportunity."
"Or..."
"Wait until I come out of seclusion." Niu Hao waved his hand. "Go, remember, Hengyun Sect's rise is strong and is destined to stir up the world, just like when Jinquan rose."
"Stay honest, don't meddle, don't take sides."
"Yes," Meng Cai said solemnly.
He saluted and left.
"Domain?"
"Fang Xia? Has he really reached this level after cultivating for over two hundred years?" Niu Hao muttered to himself, closing his eyes and continuing his cultivation.
In his central dantian palace, the vast and mighty Qi Sea had nine swirling vortexes, and true yuan gathered turbulently.
In the endless darkness of the vortex, there was a golden light emerging, as if something was about to spout out at any moment!
...
Days passed.
The Battle of Yanshan.
A Heaven's Ranking expert fell, and regardless of whether it was Hengyun Sect or the Seven Stars Tower, the news quickly spread!
Hengyun Sect, Fang Xia!
These five words shook the world.
Five days after the Battle of Yanshan.
The Hengyun Sect's army gathered, led by three grandmaster warriors, and the sixty-thousand-strong army swiftly swept through Yuanhu Prefecture.
Almost simultaneously.
Led by two grandmasters, Baijiang Four Mansions officially submitted a memorial to Hengyun Sect, formally surrendering and integrating into the territory of Hengyun Sect.
At the same time, the Baijiang Four Mansions army entered the most eastern and chaotic Guangping Prefecture and Dalong Prefecture. They quelled the two prefectures in one battle.
For a moment.
The territory of Hengyun Sect expanded rapidly from three prefectures to ten prefectures.
The news spread, and forces from all over the world watched with astonishment. Countless commoners and cultivators were dumbfounded.
Such large-scale territorial expansion was extremely rare.
If we trace back to the last time, it was two hundred years ago during the founding of the Great Jin Empire.
Facing the frenzied expansion of Hengyun Sect, both the Great Jin Empire and the eight major sects of East Zhou remained silent.
As if they tacitly accepted this matter.
Three days after officially ruling over ten prefectures, Hengyun Sect issued the "Open Letter to the Fathers and Elders of the Chu River." It listed the crimes of the Great Jin Empire, and in the final paragraph, it revealed its ultimate goal—to restore the old territory of the Chu River Empire.
This is a blatant declaration of war against the Great Jin Empire.
The world is shaken.
The eyes of various forces all turn towards the Great Jin Empire. Faced with the Hengyun Sect's crazy provocation, how should they respond?
On September 28th.
The Great Jin Empire announced a 'Imperial Mobilization,' mustering a grand army of 'two million' from the north in Yuanzhou, south in Nanzhou, east in Jiangzhou, and west in Xizhou.
Conquest of Jiangzhou!
However, the mobilization of the army from several provinces is destined to take a long time to assemble.
For example, the "Westward Expedition Army" in Xizhou is separated by tens of thousands of miles. How long will it take for the army alone to arrive?
In Shengzhou, in the Great Jin Imperial Palace.
Countless palace maids tremble with fear, afraid of angering the increasingly furious Emperor Jin.
"Damn Hengyun Sect!"
"How could a Heaven's Ranking suddenly emerge? And they even killed another Heaven's Ranking expert?" Emperor Jin, a tall and thin figure, sat on the dragon throne, looking quite weak.
He knew in his heart.
Whether it's a million-strong army or even a ten-million-strong army, when a top Heaven's Ranking expert presides over a force and openly declares war on the Great Jin Empire.
Then, the outcome of this battle is not something that ordinary armies can decide.
Suddenly.
"Cang'er, what's bothering you so much?" A faint voice seemed to come from beyond the sky, echoing in the vast Jin Imperial Palace.
"Hmm?" Emperor Jin was first stunned, then overjoyed. "Ancestor?"
Swish!
As a grandmaster, Emperor Jin rushed out of the palace. At a glance, he saw seven figures in the void in front of the main hall.
All standing in mid-air.
Seven Heaven's Rankings?
"Jin Cang, greetings to the Ancestor." Emperor Jin knelt down, excitedly saluting. "Greetings to the immortal beings."
He understood that the Ancestor and the various Heaven's Rankings of the empire were finally going to take action against Hengyun Sect.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 135: Surpassing the Body Beyond the Qi Sea Realm
At this moment, not only Emperor Jin but also countless armored soldiers and servants in the entire Jinsheng Palace respectfully knelt down.
These soldiers and servants were all filled with shock.
So many people, are they all legendary Heaven's Ranking immortals? Does the Great Jin Empire really have so many Heaven's Ranking experts?
"Cang'er, get up." The leading man, about thirty years old, in a green robe, short hair, and a hint of warmth on his face, giving off a sincere warmth.
Jin Cang quickly got up, and his gaze swept over this group of Heaven's Rankings. He couldn't help but say, "Ancestor, the First Ancestor didn't come?"
"Let's talk inside." The man in the short green robe said.
Jin Cang nodded and directly whispered to the side, "Immediately prepare a 'top-level banquet.'"
"Yes." The eunuch with a high crown on the side dared not delay.
Even if a prince is involved, it usually only warrants a lower-level banquet.
A top-level banquet? It's rare even in a decade.
...
Soon, inside the luxurious palace, the seven Heaven's Rankings each sat down, and Emperor Jin followed the man in the short green robe.
There were countless fine wines and dishes presented.
After three rounds of wine.
"Friend Jin Ji, Friend Jin Long." The middle-aged man wearing a hat on the right side spoke softly, "Is Friend Jin Quan not coming?"
He appeared to be about forty years old, wearing a hat, a white robe, with an immortal demeanor. He was the cultivator of the 'Original Mist Palace,' one of the three great sacred places in the Great Jin Empire, who had appeared on the Tian Dao Mountain, 'Zhao Yi.'
For those familiar with the formidable, hearing him mention the name would be shocking.
Jin Quan, the Emperor Jin, was the emperor of the Great Jin for a generation.
Jin Ji, on the other hand, was the son of Emperor Jin, the second generation emperor of the Great Jin.
Jin Long was the third Southern King of the Great Jin, and in terms of seniority, he was the grandfather of the current Emperor Jin.
The succession of emperors in the Great Jin for generations did not strictly follow the 'father to son' pattern.
"Yes, Friend Jin Ji, it's not that we don't trust you. But according to the information from the Seven-Star Tower, it seems that Fang Xia is afraid to have the strength of the Eighth Layer of the Qi Sea." Another black-robed man whispered, "Just relying on the seven of us? It may not be possible to take him down without injury."
"That's right."
"Friend Jin Ji, why not invite Friend Jin Quan."
"This battle is a crucial one for the Great Jin to unify the world. How important is it?" Several cultivators spoke one after another.
This scene.
It made Emperor Jin Jin Cang on the side suddenly understand that the three great sacred places in their Great Jin were not entirely unified.
Emperor Jin recognized the black-robed man who spoke, who was the Heaven's Ranking expert 'Hai Jian' of the Starry Sea Pavilion.
Just from the seating arrangement.
"Except for the Ancestor Jin Ji." Jin Cang thought to himself, "Even Hai Jian and Zhao Yi, it seems that they are weaker than Jin Long Ancestor."
"Fellow Daoists." Jin Ji looked young, sitting on the imperial throne but exuding a majestic aura.
He, once served as Emperor Jin for nearly decades.
Jin Ji whispered, "My father has been in seclusion for a long time. I reported this matter to him, and he ordered me and the fellow Daoists from the Starry Sea Pavilion and the Original Mist Palace to go together to deal with Fang Xia."
"Fang Xia is indeed extremely powerful."
"However." Jin Ji's gaze swept over the alchemists on both sides of the hall, and an invisible aura spread from him.
This suddenly revealed powerful aura shocked Zhao Yi and Hai Jian.
"Seventh Layer?" Zhao Yi stared at Jin Ji, almost losing his voice. "No! Is it the Eighth Layer? Have you cultivated to the Eighth Layer of the Qi Sea?"
Zhao Yi's words made Hai Jian and other cultivators secretly surprised.
Eighth Layer of the Qi Sea?
"Not bad." Jin Ji smiled slightly. "In these decades, I've gained some insights, and my cultivation has just reached the Eighth Layer of the Qi Sea."
Silence filled the air.
Zhao Yi, Hai Jian, and other Heaven's Ranking experts looked at each other, feeling a wave of pressure.
In the Middle Earth Thirteen, there were many top forces, such as the three great sacred places of Great Jin, Qunxing Tower, Seven-Star Tower, Nine-Kill Mansion, and the Temple of Desolation.
The criterion for top forces was having high-level Qi Sea cultivators!
The strength of the Eighth Layer of the Qi Sea was already at the pinnacle in Middle Earth.
"Friend Jin Ji, you are truly admirable." Zhao Yi's voice carried a hint of respect. "To enter the high-level Qi Sea at less than two hundred years old, there is hope for the Golden Elixir Realm!"
The Golden Elixir Realm!
Throughout the Middle Earth continent, for thousands of years, no Golden Elixir cultivator has been born.
"Golden Elixir is hard to attain. Friend Zhao Xing, Friend Hai Fei Zhang, and my father have been at the Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea for a long time, and perhaps there is hope for a breakthrough." Jin Ji smiled. "As for me, reaching the Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea is not far off."
Everyone fell silent.
Eighth Layer of the Qi Sea? Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea?
It should be noted that among the people present, only Jin Ji had reached the high-level Qi Sea.
People like Zhao Yi and Hai Jian, who were the second figures in their respective sacred places, had been stuck at the Sixth Layer of the Qi Sea for a long time.
"With Friend Jin Ji in command, there is hope in this battle." Hai Jian spoke slowly. "However, it may be difficult to kill a great cultivator at the Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea."
The Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea.
Each of them stood at the pinnacle of the Middle Earth continent, with strength that Qi Sea beginners and intermediates couldn't match.
Hai Jian, Zhao Yi, and others were not willing to engage in a life-and-death battle with such powerhouses.
This time.
They thought 'Jin Quan' would personally take action, but out of fear of the opponent's strength and the alliance covenant of the three great sacred places, they rushed over.
Although Jin Ji's strength was beyond their expectations, it still fell far short compared to the self-proclaimed 'number one' Jin Quan.
"Observe, everyone."
Jin Ji flipped his palm, revealing a disk the size of a palm. The disk was engraved with countless intricate patterns, and on the edge, there were six 'small flags' emitting a special aura, gathering as one, giving off a chilling sensation.
"Formation disk?" Zhao Yi's eyes lit up.
"This formation?" Hai Jian also held his breath. He had never seen a formation disk with such a powerful aura.
Other cultivators also stared at this formation disk, feeling its uniqueness and power.
It was undoubtedly a precious treasure.
Most of them understood that the key to this battle might lie in this formation.
"This formation is called the 'Seven-Star Profound Flame Formation.'" Jin Ji spoke softly. "It is a 'joint attack formation' that requires at least three cultivators to manipulate, and at most, it can be operated by seven cultivators."
"When seven cultivators cooperate, one person takes the main position within the formation, and the other six carry the formation flags to fight."
"It has three main functions. First, when various cultivators gather, they can use true essence and source stones through the formation disk to form 'profound flames,' which have tremendous power and can burn everything."
"Second, it forms a 'formation armor.' As long as you carry the formation flags and stay within a kilometer of the formation disk, if you encounter an external attack, the formation armor will weaken the impact."
"Third..."
Jin Ji explained the three main functions of the formation, smiling, "It is indeed difficult to kill a cultivator at the Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea."
"I don't expect to kill him. As long as I defeat him, threaten the upper and lower ranks of the Hengyun Sect, and force him to surrender, it will be enough."
"With the Seven-Star Profound Flame Formation, even if several cultivators at the Ninth Layer of the Qi Sea join forces, it would be difficult for them to kill us." Jin Ji smiled. "Do you, fellow Daoists, still have concerns?"
Many Heaven's Ranking experts looked at each other.
In the end, their gazes converged on Zhao Yi and Hai Jian.
"Haha, with such a formation, there should be no worries." Zhao Yi smiled. "Moreover, the three great sacred places have finally eradicated the Chujiang Empire with difficulty. Does the Hengyun Sect, a small sect, dare to dream of rebuilding Chujiang? It's simply a foolish dream!"
"Yes."
"Great Jin was jointly established by our three great sacred places, and we should work together." Hai Jian on the side also spoke.
"Good!" Jin Ji smiled.
However, he sighed inwardly. In terms of treasures, the royal family of Great Jin surpassed all others. Even the most powerful Qunxing Tower on the surface might not be able to catch up.
Unfortunately, the number of Qi Refiners in the royal family was too small.
So far, there were only three.
Jin Qing's breakthrough had initially pleased him, but in the blink of an eye, he died in the Dingwu Realm?
"Dark Blade? I will kill you!" Jin Ji thought to himself.
At the same time.
Jin Ji had another idea: "That Dark Blade might have obtained a treasure from the 'Wu Clan' and needs to be seized as much as possible."
In the Thirteen Provinces of the Middle Earth, other forces might not be aware of the 'Wu Clan'.
However, the treasure of the Great Jin royal family, the 'Purple Mansion Jade Record,' clearly recorded the existence of the Wu Clan, which was an extremely powerful cultivation sect.
"Right."
"Friend Jin Ji." Zhao Jian suddenly spoke, "With the fall of Wu Jianzhong, didn't Qunxing Tower make any moves?"
Other Heaven's Ranking experts also looked at Jin Ji.
It had been a month since the fall of Wu Jianzhong.
The three great sacred places of Great Jin had been inactive, watching for a great battle between Qunxing Tower and Hengyun Sect.
Unexpectedly, Qunxing Tower had not made any moves!
"Master Wanshang sent a letter, stating that in this battle, Qunxing Tower would remain neutral." Jin Ji whispered, "He only said that if we can kill Fang Xia, it would be considered avenging Qunxing Tower. If we occupy Jiangzhou, Qunxing Tower will no longer interfere."
"This old fox!"
"Fearful of death."
"Jiangzhou? If we kill Fang Xia, does Qunxing Tower dare to obstruct the might of Great Jin?" This group of Heaven's Ranking experts cursed.
They feared Master Wanshang.
Qunxing Tower was recognized as the number one force in the world, and its absolute strength allowed Qunxing Tower to be everywhere.
Even the Great Jin Empire needed the joint efforts of the three great sacred places to gain the upper hand.
"Enough, everyone, if Master Wanshang doesn't want to fight, we can't force it."
"It will take a few more days to completely comprehend the Seven-Star Profound Flame Formation." Jin Ji scanned the crowd. "Next, let's comprehend the formation. Once we fully understand it, we'll march towards Yuncity."
The six Heaven's Ranking experts nodded one after another.
"Cang'er." Jin Ji looked at Jin Cang beside him.
"Ancestor." Jin Cang lowered his head.
"You pass down the order. The armies mobilized in Yuanshou, Jiangzhou, and Chuzhou should all be prepared." Jin Ji whispered, "Once the battle in Yuncity is over, immediately attack Jiangzhou and clear the biggest obstacle to the unification of Great Jin."
"Yes." Jin Cang's eyes lit up.
He was well aware that once Jiangzhou was conquered, the unification of Great Jin would be truly close.
...
On the autumn day, Yuncity remained peaceful and pleasant.
Since the Heaven's Ranking battle at the end of August, the whole world had been in an uproar.
In September, Hengyun Sect became more active. Its sect flags were planted in ten of the sixteen mansions in Jiangzhou, shaking the world.
The three exploding grandmasters, Gu Wang, Lu Feng, and Zhang Changsheng, had also become renowned figures.
However, Yuncity was quieter than ever.
Various forces across the world knew that Dark Blade was a master of Hengyun Sect, about to become a Heaven's Ranking expert.
But not many people truly knew that Dark Blade was Wu Yuan.
In Wu Yuan's courtyard.
After Wu Qiming, his mother Wan Qin, and his sister Wu Yijun had digested the effects of the redwood spirit fruit and were sent down from Yuncity.
The courtyard became completely quiet.
"Blood Mist Evolution!"
Wu Yuan stayed in the dark and quiet meditation room, feeling waves of blood-red mist surging into his bones and muscles like tides.
Blood mist surged!
His body felt like a sponge.
Devour! Absorb!
In front of Wu Yuan, there were empty bottles, all containing jade bottles storing "Ancient Remnant Immortal Dew."
Ancient Remnant Immortal Dew, also known as spirit fluid.
"Exhale!" Wu Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, picked up another bottle of spirit fluid, and directly swallowed it, taking dozens of drops at once.
It was truly astonishing.
With the dual effects of the blood-red mist and spirit fluid, Wu Yuan felt his bones, muscles, and skin undergoing rapid changes, expelling countless tiny impurities. His tendons, bones, skin, and membranes were all rapidly improving.
The magnitude of this transformation.
It was comparable to the speed of improvement when he first integrated the 'Wu Mark,' or even stronger.
For a full two days.
Impurities were visibly oozing out from Wu Yuan's surface, and the transformation of his body finally came to a complete stop.
"This feeling is truly wonderful."
"I really didn't expect that by condensing a second-grade Wu Mark, coupled with more than a month of hard practice and integrating the blood-red mist successively, it could transform my body to this extent?" Wu Yuan sighed, "Does the blood-red mist enhance the second-grade Wu Mark?"
Just thinking about it, Wu Yuan found it unbelievable!
At the end of August, when he entered the Dingwu Realm, his single-arm punch force was only 240,000 catties.
After integrating the Wu Mark, it reached 330,000 catties.
For the past month, Wu Yuan had been quietly practicing.
His strength continued to increase.
Later, he attempted to integrate the blood-red mist again, unexpectedly causing astonishing changes in his body.
"The strength I have now."
Wu Yuan slightly activated his internal energy, feeling the surging and powerful force throughout his body. His eyes were extremely bright: "520,000 catties!"
In one go, he increased his punch force by more than 100,000 catties.
Beyond Wu Yuan's imagination.
"Heaven's Ranking experts, in terms of bodily strength alone, are no longer my match." Wu Yuan sat cross-legged, "Heaven's Ranking experts, at the Qi Sea Realm, gradually ascend from the first level to the ninth level, mainly accumulating true essence!"
Qi Refiners, their strength lies in true essence!
"In terms of bodily strength?"
"Whether it's the first level of the Qi Sea Realm or the ninth level, their bodily strength, their punch force, is only '400,000 catties,' at most 410,000 catties or 420,000 catties." Wu Yuan had read the immortal messages and understood this.
Qi Refiners do not pursue strong bodies.
Because, as one progresses in cultivation, having a strong body can become a constraint for Qi Refiners.
"My control over the forces of heaven and earth." Wu Yuan's divine sense spread, sensing the invisible fluctuations of the forces of heaven and earth.
Mighty and vast.
With just a thought, he could gather '200,000 catties' of power!
This also meant that, in terms of skills, within a short month, Wu Yuan had already reached the pinnacle of the Unity Realm.
Moving up, it is the 'Domain Realm.'
"In terms of skills, I am now no less than most mid and high-level Qi Sea experts," Wu Yuan understood this point well. "It's just that in application, they are stronger than me when combining true essence and the forces of heaven and earth."
"At least."
"In close proximity."
"I can instantly erupt, fully capable of severely injuring or even killing some weaker Heaven's Ranking experts." Wu Yuan thought to himself.
True essence is versatile and can be used to kill enemies without the need for physical contact.
The advantage of bodily strength lies in its continuous and concealed nature. With the explosion of the threefold force, the eruptive power is terrifying.
As time passed.
While Wu Yuan sensed and comprehended the changes in his own body.
"Hmm?" Wu Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, sensing the drastic changes in the nearby spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
"Young Master." A voice suddenly sounded, "The killing formation has been set up; quickly come to my location."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 136: Killing Formation and Clone Gu
"The killing formation is finally set up?" Wu Yuan's eyes lit up as he understood where the special fluctuations in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth came from just now.
Over this past month, Fang Xia first set up a surveillance array, the easiest one. Just a few days later, he set up a bewildering array. Then, after nearly a month of effort, he finally arranged the killing formation.
"Old Fang called me; there must be a reason. I should go take a look." Wu Yuan thought to himself and quickly rushed out of the courtyard.
Swiftly entering the cave.
...In just a few breaths, Wu Yuan arrived inside the ancient cave at the bottom of Yunshan.
"This?"
Wu Yuan looked at the scene in the cave in shock. It was a world of difference compared to a month ago when he was here.
The entire jade chamber had been rearranged once again, and it had even widened considerably. The smooth and flat walls radiated a dazzling light, making the entire jade chamber seem like daylight.
The most noticeable change was the floor.
Exquisitely beautiful, each piece of jade was covered with a halo. Countless mysterious golden patterns were faintly visible on the surfaces of numerous jade stones.
"Gold! It's the mystery of the 'gold' aspect of heaven and earth." Wu Yuan faintly perceived it.
He knew that the 'Domain Realm' controlled by Fang Xia belonged to the path of gold!
The golden patterns on countless jade stones extended throughout the entire jade chamber, converging like streams into the center of the chamber.
"Phew!"
"Splish splash~" The giant cauldron was now shining brightly, and it was filled with a large amount of crystal-clear liquid.
All of it was spirit liquid!
With just one glance, Wu Yuan could see there were at least thousands of drops. This gathering effect was much stronger than the so-called 'Yunquan Blood' from the past.
More than ten times stronger.
However, if these were just enough to make Wu Yuan take notice, what truly shocked him was the massive golden sphere above the cauldron.
Suspended!
The diameter of the sphere was about three meters.
Countless golden streams surrounded it, and the surface of the sphere was engraved with numerous golden patterns. Numerous faintly illusory golden chains extended from various parts of the golden sphere to the void, as if connecting the entire jade chamber. It was crystal clear and extremely dreamlike.
Beautiful to an unbelievable extent!
"This?" Wu Yuan felt the powerful pressure emanating from the golden sphere, giving him a sense of deadly threat.
Without a doubt.
This golden light sphere was closely related to the 'killing formation' arranged by Fang Xia and possessed immeasurable power.
"Young Master, what do you think?" Fang Xia stood on one side of the golden light sphere, smiling at Wu Yuan.
"Old Fang, impressive." Wu Yuan sincerely praised.
"Haha, this light sphere is the core of the entire Yunshan multiple formation." Fang Xia revealed a proud smile. "Over this month, I've traveled throughout an area of nearly a thousand miles, thoroughly investigated and organized the spiritual veins of this vast region. I even forcibly changed the direction of some of the major earth veins, and finally integrated many formation bases into the spiritual veins."
"All rivers flow into the sea, forming the core of this formation." Fang Xia explained.
"Incredible." Wu Yuan marveled. "Old Fang, your mastery of formations is probably comparable to a Golden Core expert."
He was no longer an ignorant novice in the Dao of Immortality; through the records on the immortal message, he had some understanding.
A little comparison makes it clear that, in the Dao of formations, many Golden Core experts may not necessarily surpass Fang Xia.
"The first time setting up formations was still somewhat unfamiliar. This formation can still be slowly improved in the future," Fang Xia grinned. "But it's basically formed. Once it erupts, even Golden Core experts may not be able to directly break the grand formation."
"Fortunately!"
"Killing Wu Jianzhong yielded quite a few good materials. Otherwise, relying solely on some accumulations of Hengyun Sect might not have been enough to arrange something so sophisticated," Fang Xia said.
Wu Yuan nodded lightly.
Setting up fixed formations requires several factors. First is the environment. For instance, the entire formation of Hengyun Sect gathers the spiritual veins within a radius of thousands of miles. This means that trying to set up a similar formation within that range would increase the difficulty tenfold.
This is one of the key reasons why major sects and forces often choose important locations where spiritual veins converge, like famous mountains and rivers.
Secondly, materials are essential. Only some very special and powerful minerals and treasures from heaven and earth can form a powerful and stable formation base.
Thirdly, it depends on the proficiency of the formation master. Just like building a house, with the same environment and materials, different designers and builders can create a world of difference. The same goes for formations.
"Young Master."
"This formation can be controlled by a maximum of three people," Fang Xia said. "Please leave a spiritual imprint, Young Master, and try the power of this formation."
"Three people?" Wu Yuan was surprised.
"Yes."
Fang Xia pointed to the three jade platforms around the giant cauldron and said, "Controlling formations, especially killing formations, requires a high level of spiritual power. Three people can jointly control the formation or a single person can control it alone."
"In other words, the entire formation can leave a maximum of three spiritual imprints."
"Formations are like magical treasures. Once acknowledged, they can freely wield the power of the formation within its range," Fang Xia laughed. "Young Master, please give it a try."
"After all, within Hengyun Sect, besides me, there is no one more suitable than Young Master to control formations."
"Good." Wu Yuan nodded without hesitation.
"Young Master, you still have no true yuan. You can directly imprint with your divine sense," Fang Xia said.
Phew!
Wu Yuan closed his eyes, and with a thought, the invisible 'divine sense power' rushed towards the suspended golden light sphere.
As soon as it entered.
Boom! It was like entering a vast world. In an instant, countless streams rushed towards Wu Yuan's mind.
"Quite large." Wu Yuan was astonished.
He felt that his perception had undergone a tremendous change, as if he had gained countless pairs of eyes, spanning from the sky to tens of thousands of yards below.
From the deep ground to rocks, caves, and soil...
Cultivators on Yunshan, vendors calling along the streets in Yunshan Prefecture, rabbits and mice in the wilderness...
In an instant, a vast area with the jade chamber at its center, approximately three hundred miles in diameter, and a radius of about one hundred and fifty miles, appeared in Wu Yuan's mind.
In this vast area.
As long as Wu Yuan wanted, he could inspect any area, as if his divine sense swept over these regions.
Unusually clear!
It could be said that no one could avoid his detection.
However, countless messages surged in, burdening his spiritual sense too much.
With a thought, Wu Yuan immediately made countless projections blur.
Only the vast area remained, showing 'life breaths', allowing him to perceive the strength of life breaths within the entire 'Monitoring Grand Formation'.
"The Monitoring Grand Formation has three effects," Wu Yuan suddenly understood. "The first is passive monitoring. Once a cultivator of 'Qi Sea First Stage' or higher enters the sensing range, I will be instantly notified, provided I am within the formation."
"The second is active searching by the master of the formation. However, the sensing is very vague and can only perceive the life breath, but the burden is very light."
"The third is holographic sensing, which is a heavy burden." Wu Yuan murmured.
At the same time.
Wu Yuan also sensed the countless secret patterns contained within the golden light sphere, and with a little perception, he understood the usage of the entire formation through the 'information' contained in these secret patterns.
Illusionary Array!
Can create layers of mist within a hundred miles, confusing the five senses, causing loss of direction, obstructing vision, and even significantly weakening divine sense.
"These two formations are just auxiliary," Wu Yuan sighed inwardly. "The most formidable one is the killing formation."
Whoosh~
Wu Yuan's consciousness left the golden light sphere, leaving only a trace of spiritual imprint, creating an invisible connection between the two sides.
Opening his eyes.
"Old Fang," Wu Yuan looked at Fang Xia, feeling emotional. "The Dao of formations is truly inconceivable."
After personally verifying, Wu Yuan truly understood the power of formations, which could enhance the strength of a cultivator tenfold or a hundredfold.
"Haha."
"Young Master has left a spiritual imprint; I won't elaborate or boast." Fang Xia smiled. "While Qunxing Tower and the Great Jin Empire seemed inactive, in reality, during this month, I sensed more than once that Qi Refiners approached Yunshan."
"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes.
"Of course."
"They left each time they were dozens of miles away and did not get closer," Fang Xia said. "Obviously, they were probing."
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
Thinking about it, if the various forces didn't have Golden Core experts and faced Fang Xia, who could easily crush a 'Qi Sea Fourth Stage,' who would dare to recklessly approach?
"They will come to attack sooner or later."
"Perhaps they will probe first," Fang Xia said. "But we also need to be fully prepared. Young Master should understand that relying solely on the killing formation may not necessarily deter high-level Qi Refiners of the Qi Sea realm."
Wu Yuan listened.
The killing formation has many means, and its effectiveness depends on the strength of the one controlling the main formation.
"If it's just based in the Central Region, relying on formations alone is sufficient."
"But if we're just driving them away, it's not enough. If they dare to come, we need to hit them hard," Fang Xia said solemnly. "So, according to my plan, once there are enemies at our doorstep, I will come out and do my best to detain them."
"However, once I leave the central hub of the formation, although I can still manipulate the formation, its power will be significantly weakened."
Formations.
Staying at the core of the formation to control it yields the best results.
"At that time, it will depend on Young Master to help assist in controlling the formation."
"Me? Controlling the formation?" Wu Yuan was stunned, shaking his head. "Old Fang, don't deceive me. I have no true yuan."
"Hehe."
"Young Master, I have my ways." Fang Xia smiled slightly. With a wave of his hand, a stream of light flew from his palm.
Swiftly forming into a figure.
Surprisingly, it looked exactly like Fang Xia, even emitting the same life breath.
"This?" Wu Yuan was shocked because, even from the aura, he couldn't distinguish.
For cultivators, remembering a person often relies not on appearance but on the aura!
Appearance can change, but the aura is hard to alter.
"Splitting image?" Wu Yuan exclaimed, finding it somewhat unbelievable.
"No." Both Fang Xias spoke simultaneously.
The previous Fang Xia explained, "Young Master, this is my life-long Gu, the 'Splitting Image Gu,' which allows me to refine a clone in advance."
"This clone usually nurtures within my Qi Sea."
"At critical moments, it can go into battle, but the spiritual sense and true yuan contained in the clone are only one-tenth of mine."
"If I die, the clone perishes as well."
"If the clone is destroyed, I will also suffer severe injuries, but I can conceive a new one." Fang Xia sighed, "Having the clone manage the first two layers of the killing formation, while the main body goes out to kill enemies, is the best combination."
"Only the third layer of the killing formation, 'God-Shaking,'"
"I think it's most suitable for Young Master to control. At a critical moment, it can deliver a fatal blow to the enemy. You are much stronger in terms of spiritual sense than I am."
(This chapter is complete)