Chapter 175: Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao (Three Updates, Seeking Subscriptions)
"You have read my immortal scroll."
"You should understand that to open a powerful Qi Sea, it's crucial to have foundation-establishing treasures," the Realm Master said.
"Like the cultivators in the Central Region, the reason most of them have a low foundation, with very few reaching the sixth rank, is not solely due to talent. More importantly, they lack guidance and precious treasures for foundation building," the Realm Master explained.
Wu Yuan nodded, "Indeed, foundation-establishing treasures are crucial."
Like the 'Solar Crystal Immortal Land' prepared for him by the Realm Master before, it was a top-grade earth-element treasure, capable of establishing at least a fourth-rank foundation.
Fourth-rank was already a high-level foundation.
Top three ranks? In the Qingling Great Realm, they were rare, considered as 'top-tier geniuses.'
His 'Innate Witch Pattern' belonged to a great opportunity.
"Of course, if your own strength is sufficient, like yours," the Realm Master continued, "with a powerful physique and divine soul, establishing a fourth-rank foundation is not difficult."
"Fourth rank?" Wu Yuan pondered.
If a year ago, he could open a fourth-rank foundation in the Qi refining path, he would have been satisfied since it wasn't his main cultivation path.
But now?
Wu Yuan was somewhat dissatisfied.
"Realm Master, don't you have better foundation-establishing treasures?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"I do have some treasures here, like weapons and talismans, but most of them are not used for foundation building," the Realm Master said. "Moreover, when the Ding Wu Realm was first established, the main focus was on cultivating witches, not wizards."
Wu Yuan nodded lightly.
It was as if, in the previous life, different universities had different focuses, naturally preparing different tools and equipment.
"Here, the foundation-establishing treasures for opening the Qi Sea, even the best ones, are still a level below the Solar Crystal Immortal Land I gave you." The Realm Master shook his head. "For your assistance, it's almost negligible, and it's impossible to open a third-rank foundation."
"As for second and first ranks? Those are legendary! It's extremely rare to have such a fortuitous encounter that directly opens these top-tier foundations."
Wu Yuan fell into contemplation.
According to what he had read in the immortal scroll, most geniuses with second and first rank foundations gradually ascended.
Naturally born second-rank foundations?
Even rarer than first-rank foundations among powerful cultivators.
"Realm Master, take a look at this." Wu Yuan suddenly turned his palm, revealing several crystal fragments.
These were the items obtained by Little Black when it killed the Insect Demon.
"What's this?" The Realm Master was initially stunned, but after sensing it for a moment, his eyes lit up. "Haha, Wu Yuan, this is heaven helping you. This is the Soul Crystal Source, a precious treasure very suitable for opening the Qi Sea. It's much better than the foundation-establishing treasures I have. It's a good one."
"Soul Crystal Source?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.
"Where did you find it?" The Realm Master asked in confusion. "Can such a precious treasure be produced in the Central Region?"
"It's the remains of the Insect Demon after its death," Wu Yuan explained.
Before, Wu Yuan only felt that these broken crystal fragments were special, but he couldn't recognize them.
"I see." The Realm Master nodded, "So, this is the treasure left after the Insect Demon's death. I didn't know that its true form was such a precious treasure."
"That makes sense."
"The Insect Demon's true form was weak, but it could control a large number of demonic soldiers. It turns out that its true form was made up of Soul Crystal Source, and its innate divine soul should be extremely powerful, a naturally born Yang Soul?" The Realm Master speculated.
Wu Yuan was secretly amazed.
Indeed, as the Realm Master, he could deduce quite a bit from the residual form of the Insect Demon alone.
"Realm Master, with these Soul Crystal Sources, can I open a third-rank foundation?" Wu Yuan asked directly.
"There's a bit of hope, but it also depends on luck." The Realm Master shook his head slightly.
Wu Yuan was taken aback.
"In terms of preciousness, the Soul Crystal Source can be compared to the Solar Crystal Immortal Land, but the quantity is slightly less. Moreover, it can only open a fourth-rank foundation," the Realm Master said. "Even if your divine soul is extremely strong, you might not be able to open a third-rank foundation. It depends on luck."
Luck?
Wu Yuan nodded slightly.
In the path of cultivation, luck was indeed important at times.
"Then let it be." Wu Yuan said, "Don't talk about better treasures. Even if there are, I can't refine them right now. If it's just a fourth-rank foundation, I'll seek opportunities in the future to try and upgrade it to the top three ranks."
"Well, a fourth-rank foundation is still excellent," the Realm Master said. "In the history of the Witch lineage, many super strong individuals who traversed the river of time only started with fourth or fifth-rank foundations."
Wu Yuan nodded lightly.
Starting higher increases the likelihood of becoming a strong cultivator.
Starting lower doesn't necessarily mean you can't reach the peak.
"Now that you've chosen the foundation-establishing treasure, the next step is to choose the main cultivation direction," the Realm Master said. "In my suggestion, you should choose the 'Sword Cultivation' lineage!"
"Sword Cultivation?" Wu Yuan was puzzled. "Not the Wizard lineage?"
He remembered that the Realm Master initially recommended the Wizard lineage.
"No."
"That was in the past. Today is different," the Realm Master said. "Back then, I didn't know your divine soul was so powerful."
"Wu Yuan, you need to understand that having a powerful divine soul for a witch mainly means faster cultivation speed and quicker comprehension of the mysteries of heaven and earth. After all, witches are close-range fighters."
Wu Yuan pondered. In close combat, the assistance of divine sense wasn't that significant.
"But for Qi Refiners, a strong divine soul can significantly enhance combat power. With a powerful divine sense, the manipulation of treasures increases, and the power of magical abilities will also skyrocket," the Realm Master said. "So, choosing a wizard is a bit of a waste."
"Wizards mostly focus on auxiliary methods, and their killing power is not that strong. The assistance of a strong divine soul is not so evident," the Realm Master continued. "On the other hand, Sword Cultivators, looking across countless worlds in the river of time, are considered the top in terms of killing power. It is the strongest faction in the Qi Refining path."
"Can't I choose a flying knife as my lifebound weapon?" Wu Yuan asked in confusion.
In Wu Yuan's view, whether it was a knife or a sword, it was just a vessel. The difference shouldn't be significant.
"Not the same," the Realm Master smiled. "In many worlds, lifebound weapons and treasures include various types like knives, spears, swords, halberds, and more. But only Sword Cultivators and Cauldron Cultivators are truly on par with Formation Cultivators and Pill Cultivators."
"Do you know why?"
Wu Yuan shook his head; he had no idea.
"Endless ages ago, two terrifying beings were born in the world, standing at the pinnacle of the river of time," the Realm Master sighed. "One used a sword, and the other used a cauldron, making them their lifebound weapons."
"Their unimaginable strength."
"Even to the point of influencing the operation of the entire world with their own authority. Their weapons were given special significance in this vast world."
"The lifebound flying sword, the foremost in killing power, breaking through ten thousand methods!"
"The lifebound divine cauldron, the foremost in defense, suppressing mountains and rivers!"
"Since then, innumerable later practitioners gradually began using these two great weapons as their lifebound treasures, giving them an edge in strength," the Realm Master said. "Eventually, it truly formed two major factions."
"This also influenced other cultivators."
"Otherwise, do you think why, among Qi Refiners, they tend to use flying swords for attack?" the Realm Master laughed.
Wu Yuan listened with wide eyes.
There were actually such powerful beings? Because of the weapons they used, they could influence the operation of the river of time? How unimaginable.
"Moreover, if you embark on the path of Sword Cultivation, there's another huge advantage," the Realm Master smiled suddenly. "A tremendous advantage."
"Another advantage?" Wu Yuan asked curiously.
"When opening the Sea of Qi, you need to refine your lifebound flying sword. Some weaker cultivators can only refine one," the Realm Master smiled. "Some talented individuals with powerful divine souls may try to refine a second or even a third."
"The more lifebound flying swords, the naturally stronger the Sword Cultivator's strength."
"And you can completely refine more." The Realm Master's eyes lit up. "Haha, just like Alchemists, some may refine multiple Divine Pills with different purposes."
"Having multiple lifebound flying swords is much more powerful than using ordinary flying swords." The Realm Master laughed. "By then, if you form a sword formation with multiple lifebound flying swords, combined with your divine soul, you will truly be invincible in battle, probably even stronger than your close combat."
Wu Yuan listened with excitement.
In terms of close combat, he was already formidable in the same realm. Could long-range attacks make him even more powerful?
Like other Qi Refiners, who had to divert their attention to self-preservation due to their frail bodies.
But himself.
Once he started long-range attacks, there was no need for self-preservation at all.
"Of course, don't get too excited."
The Realm Master suddenly said, "Cultivating both paths will slow down your cultivation speed unless you divide your focus in the future and cultivate two major incarnations. Otherwise, both paths will be slowed down, and you need to think carefully about this."
"I understand, Master." Wu Yuan nodded. "I won't regret it."
Walking two paths means having a bit more hope.
Moreover!
Choosing the path of a Qi Refiner might not be weaker than that of a Wizard. Wu Yuan naturally wouldn't hesitate.
"Alright."
"The Wizardry techniques have already been taught to you by me," the Realm Master said. "But for Sword Cultivation techniques, though I have some here, to refine multiple lifebound flying swords, especially those of the Earth element, I only have one called 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao,' which is already a high-level technique."
"In the future, when you enter the Green Tomb Grand World, you can seek opportunities or join a major sect to cultivate 'Heaven and Earth Sword Dao'; they are compatible."
Wu Yuan nodded gently; he trusted that the Realm Master wouldn't harm him.
Whoosh!
The Realm Master waved his hand.
Wu Yuan didn't resist. Quickly, a large amount of information rushed into his mind.
With his powerful divine soul, he accepted all the information in less than ten breaths.
It was the relevant cultivation techniques of the 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao.'
"The upper half?" Wu Yuan was surprised.
"The upper half is enough for you to cultivate to the Golden Core realm. It's all the content I obtained," the Realm Master said. "As for anything higher, it depends on you."
"Alright." Wu Yuan smiled. "I'll stay here to cultivate and comprehend."
"Go to the meditation room," the Realm Master waved his hand.
Whoosh!
Far in the sky, a room appeared out of nowhere. Following the Realm Master's gesture, Wu Yuan felt an invisible force enveloping him, and he flew directly into the meditation room.
The crack closed.
Inside the meditation room, there was only a jade platform.
Wu Yuan sat cross-legged and felt a sense of emptiness in his mind. It was as if he had become much calmer.
"Just this jade platform is already a treasure." Wu Yuan marveled silently.
Hum!
An invisible ripple appeared in the meditation room, and a large pile of metal emitting rich spiritual energy appeared out of thin air. There were black, yellow, and silver metals, among others.
"This?" Wu Yuan was astonished.
"At the beginning of opening the Sea of Qi, your lifebound flying sword cannot be too powerful; the Sea of Qi cannot bear it. Using these metals to refine and forge the sword is sufficient," the Realm Master's voice echoed in the meditation room. "Later on, you can slowly refine and advance your lifebound flying sword."
"Thank you, Master," Wu Yuan said.
"No need to thank me; focus on your cultivation," the Realm Master said. "These are things I can do within my rules. If you need anything, call me."
The voice of the Realm Master disappeared.
"With the guidance of a senior, it's indeed much better," Wu Yuan smiled and closed his eyes.
A plethora of cultivation information appeared in his mind.
To open a powerful foundation in the Sea of Qi and then refine the lifebound flying sword, there is only one chance.
So, there is no room for error.
The contents of the techniques must be thoroughly comprehended.
...
As time passed, Wu Yuan was in the meditation room of the Ding Witch Realm.
The challenge he issued had spread rapidly throughout the thirteen provinces of the Central Territory, thanks to the support of the Central Alliance.
"What? Wu Yuan, the immortal, is not dead?"
"At the age of twenty-one, according to the Star Pavilion, his strength has already surpassed Emperor Dong Pan, ranking first in the world."
"Didn't he die in the battle against the Insect Demon Catastrophe?"
"He's still alive! Wu Yuan is still alive. On September 8th, he will challenge Emperor Jin! The outcome will decide life and death."
"On September 8th, Wu Yuan challenges Emperor Jin in the Holy Capital."
"Who wins will be the true number one in the world." The thirteen provinces were in a frenzy. Countless powerful warriors, upon receiving the news, began rushing to the Holy Capital.
They wanted to witness this rare battle.
A battle between top-ranking experts was a rare sight.
Moreover, it was a battle for the title of the world's number one.
In the Holy Capital, in the forbidden area of the Great Jin Imperial Family, inside a cave.
"Father, are you going to accept the challenge?" Jin Ji couldn't help asking.
"Do I have a choice?" Jin Quan sat on the jade platform, his expression seemingly smiling but not.
—
PS: The third update, please subscribe. All three updates have been completed.
Next, I will start updating with additional chapters for subscribed users and reward updates for the Silver League.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 176: Opening the Sea of Qi, Condensing the Nine Swords (Seeking Subscriptions)
"Choice," Jin Ji was stunned.
"Wu Yuan is still alive, indeed something I didn't anticipate. I didn't expect that he couldn't even be killed by the Insect Demon," Jin Quan shook his head slightly.
Jin Ji couldn't help but sigh.
The first time he heard Wu Yuan's name was several years ago. At that time, he thought the other party was a little guy who might become an alchemist. He didn't pay much attention.
But in the blink of an eye, the other party stood at the pinnacle of the entire Central Continent, making his father feel like facing a formidable enemy.
His talent was unbelievably high.
"Wu Yuan's strength may have had another breakthrough, but it's unlikely that he has reached the Spirit Body Realm. Despite his extraordinary talent and special treasures, it's still difficult to break through so rapidly with such a short cultivation time," Jin Quan continued. "However, he dares to send a challenge letter, indicating that he probably has some certainty."
"They are likely planning to besiege us, with Wu Yuan, Fang Xia, and King Qionghai joining forces to attack."
"And?" Jin Ji looked worried.
"No matter," Jin Quan said indifferently. "We have no choice. If they attack the Holy Capital, can we not fight back?"
"With the assistance of formations, if we dare not fight back, we would have to escape."
"Then, the entire world, and even the various states of the Great Jin Empire, will collapse instantly," Jin Quan said.
Jin Ji listened quietly, knowing this was a fact.
Just like the Immortal Dao Alliance, which blocked Jin Quan at Yunshan, making it difficult for the Great Jin to easily unify the world.
Similarly, if Jin Quan couldn't defend the Holy Capital, there would be no need to fight again.
"Don't worry."
"Even if we are truly unable to resist, with the support of various formations, it's no problem for me to escape with my life," Jin Quan said. "If it becomes impossible, we can directly leave the Central Territory through the Treasure Mirror."
"Yes," Jin Ji understood that his father had already planned an escape route.
Leaving the Central Territory?
This is the last choice.
"Go, you go down to cultivate and step into the ninth level of the Sea of Qi as soon as possible," Jin Quan said.
"Yes, father." Jin Ji respectfully saluted and withdrew.
In the hall, only Jin Quan remained.
"Wu Yuan?" Jin Quan stood up, his eyes revealing a hint of coldness. After pondering for a while, he walked directly towards the depths of the hall.
Swoosh, swoosh—passing through layers of strange light curtains.
Arriving at a spacious hall, there was an extremely large crystal round platform in the center of the hall. At the same time, there were several passages leading to deeper areas.
"The Third Hall of the Treasure Realm." Jin Quan's gaze swept over several passages, step by step, until he reached the huge crystal round platform.
Jin Quan looked down at this crystal round platform.
Around the crystal round platform, there were strange light lines extending into the void, as if it and the surrounding space were connected, which was quite mysterious.
In the center of the round platform, there were liquid substances filled with endless starlight, all wrapped in crystal-clear and transparent crystal shells.
In the center of these strange liquids, suspended, was an elliptical white giant egg with a diameter of about two meters. Countless mysterious patterns were engraved on the eggshell, emitting a powerful and sacred aura.
It was obviously a precious item.
"The cycle of life, running endlessly, is about to be completed," Jin Quan murmured to himself. "After unifying the world, clearing these obstacles, and establishing faith, I can truly hope to step into the Purple Mansion Realm."
In the Central Continent for thousands of years, many powerful figures have appeared, and even those standing at the peak may have thought of unifying the world.
But how many of them have actually put it into practice? Very few!
Why? The gains do not outweigh the losses, and it will only attract hostility from all directions.
Since the founding of the Great Jin Empire, Jin Quan has set 'unifying the world' as the highest goal, naturally with deep reasons.
Golden Core Realm? It has never been Jin Quan's goal, and he has never worried that he cannot step into the Golden Core Realm.
The Purple Mansion Realm is Jin Quan's goal!
"Wu Yuan? Fang Xia?"
"You all think that I, Jin Quan, was lucky to step into the Golden Core Realm?" Jin Quan's eyes were cold. "Wait until I crush each of you to death."
Hoo!
Jin Quan had already entered a quiet cultivation room along one of the passages.
Wu Yuan and Fang Xia's strength progressed rapidly.
As a newly-promoted Golden Core Realm cultivator, his strength would also progress rapidly.
...
The challenge reached the Holy Capital, and soon, the Great Jin imperial family responded with just one word—battle!
The news spread, and the entire world was boiling.
Many top-ranking experts, and even countless powerful warriors looking forward to this battle, were all waiting for the arrival of September 8th.
In the Holy Capital, considering the recent terrifying destruction caused by Fang Xia and others, many commoners and even nobles wanted to temporarily leave the Holy Capital, causing chaos.
However.
All of this was unknown to Wu Yuan, who was in the Ding Wu Realm. He was currently focused on cultivation.
With his powerful spiritual consciousness and profound cultivation, it took him three days to prepare for opening the Sea of Qi.
It was important to be cautious in opening the Sea of Qi, and the profoundness of the "Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao" was also a factor.
"Wu Yuan."
"I didn't expect his spiritual consciousness to grow so rapidly." The master had been patiently observing Wu Yuan. "At twenty-one years old, he has reached the fifth level of the Profound Realm, and his spiritual consciousness has even reached the Yang Soul Realm."
These days, the master had been thinking about this matter.
In the years he had experienced and the knowledge he possessed, he had never encountered such a heaven-defying spiritual consciousness talent.
If the initial Wu Yuan made the master amazed, then the current Wu Yuan shocked him.
"Such a genius would be enough to join the top-tier nations and sects in the Qingling Great Realm. He may even have the chance to become a disciple under a great expert." The master pondered to himself.
Suddenly.
"Hmm, is it starting?" The master held his breath as he observed. "I hope the process of opening the Sea of Qi goes smoothly."
...
Inside the quiet cultivation room.
"One hundred and eight acupoints, piercing through meridians, striking the Dantian palace, opening the Sea of Qi, and condensing the Sword Spirit." Relevant cultivation points appeared in Wu Yuan's mind.
In these three days, he had simulated the opening process countless times.
It could be said to be foolproof.
The only uncertainty was how many immortal foundations he could open.
"Let's begin." Wu Yuan closed his eyes, his thoughts moving, and his powerful spiritual consciousness immediately spread throughout his body, even through the already opened meridians.
He activated the "Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao" technique.
The "Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao" was an earth-element technique, perfectly complementing Wu Yuan's Great Earth Divine Body.
Regardless of the cultivation technique, the general process of opening the Sea of Qi was the same: circulating the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to fill the meridians and finally gather into one, striking the Dantian palace.
The immortal foundation, that is, the root of the Sea of Qi.
So, to judge the strength of the immortal foundation, one must look at the strength of the meridians and how many meridians are initially activated during the opening process.
Secondly, the strength of the immortal foundation at the beginning of the Sea of Qi opening evolution is determined by the quality of the foundational treasure.
Thirdly, it depends on some luck because each person is different. Even with the same cultivation technique and the same foundational treasure, the opened immortal foundation will still have differences.
"Swoosh~" With a single thought from Wu Yuan, the rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the quiet room quickly flowed into every acupoint along the one hundred and eight meridians, swiftly starting to condense and compress.
With Wu Yuan's powerful spiritual consciousness, achieving this was effortless.
For many Spirit Master experts with weak spiritual consciousness, perhaps, in the beginning, they could only activate twenty or thirty meridians. How strong could the Sea of Qi they opened be?
This was also why the master believed that Wu Yuan, with his spiritual consciousness alone, could open a fourth-grade immortal foundation.
"Activate."
Guided by Wu Yuan, in an instant, every inch of Wu Yuan's body, his limbs and bones, had powerful meridians boiling, and countless almost liquid-like spiritual energy of heaven and earth, like a breached dam, madly surged towards the central Dantian palace.
What a terrifying impact of spiritual energy!
If it were some physically weaker Grandmaster expert, they would probably instantly burst and perish, but Wu Yuan easily withstood it.
"Boom~" In an instant, as if the heavens and earth were opening up, the originally dense central Dantian palace explosively shattered.
"Opening the Sea of Qi! The immortal path begins here." Wu Yuan murmured to himself.
The divine palace, located within his body, was a real space.
But the newly opened Sea of Qi was an endless and mysterious expanse, seemingly real but also filled with illusions.
Splashing! Splashing! Splashing! The massive spiritual energy of heaven and earth rushing into the Sea of Qi was rapidly refined into liquid, light, and agile.
This was true essence!
A large amount of true essence fell into the Sea of Qi, quickly gathering into a lake, and in the center of the lake, a vortex gradually formed.
"Swoosh!" Several sparkling streams of light flew into the lake. Immediately, under Wu Yuan's manipulation, the two combined, and the entire Sea of Qi began to change rapidly!
It was the foundational treasure 'Soul Essence Crystal.'
With the entry of the Soul Essence Crystal, the Sea of Qi began to expand at an astonishing speed. A massive amount of spiritual energy of heaven and earth was continuously refined and accumulated into true essence, and the more true essence was refined...
After nearly a day.
The Soul Essence Crystal was completely refined by the true essence of the Sea of Qi, and the Sea of Qi expanded to an extremely exaggerated state.
"Approaching the limit?" Wu Yuan pondered, feeling a bit unwilling. "Fourth-grade foundation? Or third-grade foundation?"
He sensed the vastness of the Sea of Qi, and it seemed to differ from a third-grade foundation.
"Bloody Mist, merge!"
Wu Yuan's mind remained calm but made a move.
Immediately, a vast crimson mist surged in, spreading over the vast Sea of Qi and rushing crazily into it.
This was Wu Yuan's final attempt.
"Buzz~" The crimson mist dispersed, causing the lake-like Sea of Qi to instantly boil. The rotation speed surged, and the expansion speed of the Sea of Qi also accelerated significantly.
Wu Yuan's entire aura became turbulent.
Finally.
"Boom!" The Sea of Qi, which had expanded to its limit, stabilized. This was its limit. To break through again, one would need to enter the Golden Core Realm or have an extraordinary encounter.
In the central area of the vast true essence lake, a huge vortex appeared, and ripples visible to the naked eye spread in the vortex.
Sea of Qi, Second Realm!
"Just breakthrough, and already entered the Second Realm of the Sea of Qi? I'm afraid it's due to the strength of my spiritual consciousness." Wu Yuan felt joyful. "Judging by the vastness of the Sea of Qi and its corresponding cultivation technique, it should be... a third-grade immortal foundation."
"The Bloody Mist indeed effectively accelerates the rotation of true essence." Wu Yuan sighed to himself.
If it weren't for the Bloody Mist, the Sea of Qi he opened would probably be slightly inferior to a third-grade immortal foundation.
To open a third-grade immortal foundation by relying on one's own Sea of Qi was already the mark of an extraordinary genius.
Hum~
Above the vortex of the Sea of Qi, countless strange lights flashed, and a figure was condensing, resembling Wu Yuan's appearance, with sword qi involuntarily emanating from all around.
Sword Spirit!
For Qi Refiners on different cultivation paths, the Sea of Qi and Sword Spirit they condensed were different, and this was the core essence of various major cultivation techniques.
"Sword Spirit originates from the Soul Essence. My Sword Spirit's strength is probably unmatched even by many Golden Core cultivators." Wu Yuan smiled faintly.
Splashing! Splashing! Splashing! Strange light patterns appeared all around him.
Every ray of light contains a part of the power of the divine soul.
And with each additional ray of light, the pressure on the Sword Spirit and Sea of Qi increases.
Wu Yuan's mind seemed to become heavy and oppressive.
"Seven Soul Sword Divine Lights?" Wu Yuan whispered.
Normally, among sword cultivators, being able to cultivate three life-bound flying swords in one go is considered genius.
"However."
"It can be condensed even more." Wu Yuan's eyes flashed.
Once the path is set, it's hard to change. It's best to determine the number of life-bound flying swords from the beginning.
The further you go, the harder it is to improve.
Splashing! The Sword Spirit throbbed as if tearing the divine soul apart, and another strand of soul light flew out.
Even with Wu Yuan's incredibly strong will, his heart still trembled.
For a normal Qi Refiner with a weaker divine soul, if their divine soul isn't strong enough, let alone splitting into seven soul lights, even splitting into three or four would directly lead to the dispersal of their soul.
"Continue!"
Wu Yuan gritted his teeth and once again exerted the relevant technique, the "Sword Spirit Splitting Art."
The Sword Spirit tore apart, and another soul light flew out.
And this time.
"Ah~" As powerful as Wu Yuan, he felt an intense pain originating deep within his soul, making his Sword Spirit almost unable to stand, appearing weak and dispirited.
But he still persevered.
"Nine is the extreme of numbers, the nine great Sword Soul Divine Lights, is the limit." Wu Yuan gained insight, and his mind moved.
Splashing! Splashing! Witnessing strands of soul light evolving according to the "Mysterious Yellow Sword Dao."
At the same time.
Guided by Wu Yuan's divine consciousness, precious metals beside him flew into the Sea of Qi, quickly being refined and decomposed by true essence.
Then, the essence of the metal combined with those strands of soul light.
For a full seven days.
In the end, nine dazzling flying swords, faintly combining into one entity, surrounded the Sword Core, trembling slightly, and a vast sword energy enveloped the entire Sea of Qi.
"Mysterious Yellow Nine Swords, combined into one array."
Wu Yuan's Sword Spirit revealed an endless intent to battle. "Jinquan, I wonder, how many of my swords can you withstand?"
---
ps: First update
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 177 September 8th (Seeking Subscriptions)
If, previously, Wu Yuan had only a thirty percent chance of killing Jinquan in the Holy Capital City, he would have to fight desperately.
And now? The chances were much higher.
"Unless Jinquan's strength has greatly improved, killing him? I have over seventy percent confidence." Wu Yuan muttered to himself.
It's not that Wu Yuan is arrogant; it's the result of his strength.
"I just broke through, only at the Sea of Qi Second Stage, but the third-grade Immortal Foundation has given me a strong foundation. In terms of magical power, I am strong enough to rival the common Sea of Qi Sixth and Seventh Stages." Wu Yuan muttered.
Magical power is one aspect.
The most crucial is the magic weapon. Nine life-bound flying swords, once unleashed, exhibit terrifying power, as if nine cultivators with synchronized intentions simultaneously make a move.
Moreover.
Wu Yuan's most significant weapon in the Qi Refining sect now is his divine soul.
The tremendous power contained in the divine soul also increases the power of Wu Yuan's control over the flying swords, enough to sweep away some weaker Golden Core cultivators.
"I can refine nine life-bound flying swords, also because of the divine soul." Wu Yuan muttered, "Now, in terms of strength, my killing power in the Qi Refining aspect far surpasses that in the Body Refining aspect."
It's not that the innate talent in Qi Refining is exceptionally high; it's purely the enormous advantage brought by the divine soul.
"However."
"According to Wanxing, Dongpan, and others, Jinquan seems to also have a powerful inheritance. From the situation of his battle with Fang Xia, it seems he has a complete Sword Cultivation inheritance?" Wu Yuan muttered, "In this battle, I can't be careless."
On the path of cultivating immortality, no matter how powerful, no matter how confident, one cannot lose the vigilant heart.
When a lion fights a rabbit, it must go all out.
Hoo!
Wu Yuan opened his eyes, and the large amount of minerals piled in front of him was reduced to only twenty or thirty percent.
There were also some scraps on the side.
"Since the Sect Master gave me this, the rest is also mine." Wu Yuan smiled slightly.
With a wave of his hand, he immediately took away all these metals and minerals.
The life-bound flying swords have unpredictable power.
But if you want them to grow, it's also very difficult; you need to swallow and refine a large number of treasures.
And that's just one life-bound flying sword.
What about Wu Yuan? He has a total of nine life-bound flying swords. Just thinking about it gives him a headache; there will be challenges in the future.
"Sect Master." Wu Yuan called out.
Buzz!
An invisible fluctuation enveloped him, and Wu Yuan did not resist.
Immediately, the surroundings changed, and he reappeared in the grand temple.
"Wu Yuan."
The tall and sturdy Sect Master stood not far away, staring at Wu Yuan. "How is it? What grade Immortal Foundation?"
"Third grade." Wu Yuan shook his head and sighed deliberately, "Unfortunately, I still couldn't open a second-grade Immortal Foundation."
"Good kid, third-grade Immortal Foundation?" The Sect Master's eyes lit up, smiling, "Are you joking with me? Haven't you seen yourself almost smiling? Being able to directly open a third-grade Immortal Foundation is already incredible."
Wu Yuan couldn't help but smile too.
"You're only cultivating this path as a side practice."
The Sect Master sighed, "Although there's guidance from a technique, it's not the top-notch technique that points directly to the origin of the grand dao, nor does it have any foundational treasures. There are no powerful predecessors to guide you."
"To be able to open a third-grade Immortal Foundation is already rare." The Sect Master lamented, "On the path of Witchcraft, you'll go far."
Wu Yuan couldn't help but smile.
Initially bestowed with the shamanic patterns, condensing the second-grade shamanic patterns, I didn't quite understand it myself. But as time passed, I realized it was an extraordinary opportunity.
Now, cultivating the Qi, able to open up the third-grade immortal foundation, I am extremely satisfied.
"In the future, when you cultivate to the Purple Mansion Realm or even higher levels, there will naturally be opportunities to enhance your foundation again," said the master of the realm. "A third-grade foundation, at least, poses no obstacles before becoming a true Sword Immortal."
Wu Yuan nodded slightly; he had read "Heaven and Earth Profound Yellow" and naturally understood what being a Sword Immortal meant.
To be addressed as 'Immortal' by numerous cultivators meant being a formidable powerhouse comparable to a Heaven Shaman at the very least.
"Have you refined several life-bound flying swords?" the realm master asked. "Six? Seven?"
He had been observing Wu Yuan and, based on the approximate consumption of metals and ores, could judge that Wu Yuan had produced quite a number of life-bound flying swords.
Wu Yuan smiled and waved his hand.
Swish~ Swish~ Swish~ Nine earthy-yellow streaks flew out from his fingertips – nine sword pellets. The pellets unfolded, instantly forming nine flying swords, swirling around him.
As the nine swords circled, strands of sword qi generated out of thin air, enveloping the entire divine hall.
The realm master's expression became extremely excited.
"Retrieve!" Wu Yuan waved his hand again, and the nine life-bound flying swords folded, returning to the Qi Sea to continue nurturing.
"Phew!"
"Nine life-bound flying swords?" The realm master took a deep breath, looking at Wu Yuan with an increasingly different expression.
"Realm Master, how is it?" Wu Yuan smiled.
The realm master fell silent.
A third-grade immortal foundation and nine life-bound flying swords – what kind of talent was this? Even with his broad vision, he found it hard to describe in words.
"All seven-grade spiritual swords?" The realm master suddenly asked.
"Yes." Wu Yuan nodded. "My foundation now is equivalent to the eighth layer of a nine-grade foundation, capable of refining seven-grade spiritual swords at most."
Life-bound flying swords could not be endlessly enhanced; if too powerful, the Qi Sea would be unable to bear it.
Typically, at the first layer of the Qi Sea, life-bound flying swords could be refined into ninth-grade spiritual swords.
At the fourth layer of the Qi Sea, they could be upgraded to eighth-grade.
At the seventh layer, they could reach seventh-grade.
At the first layer of the Golden Core, they could reach sixth-grade.
At the fourth layer of the Golden Core, they could reach fifth-grade.
At the seventh layer of the Golden Core, they could reach fourth-grade.
...
"To upgrade my life-bound flying sword to a sixth-grade spiritual sword, I need to cultivate to the ninth layer of the Qi Sea," Wu Yuan shook his head. "And, I also need to gather suitable and sufficient treasures."
Different attributes of life-bound flying swords required different treasures for evolution.
"Ninth layer of the Qi Sea? It's still early, no need to rush," the realm master chuckled. "Currently, your life-bound flying sword, although seemingly a seventh-grade spiritual sword, in your hands, its power is close to that of a fifth-grade spiritual sword."
"Tsk, tsk."
"A burst of nine fifth-grade spiritual sword flying swords? In the Qi Sea realm, it can be called invincible. Even those with a first-grade immortal foundation may not be as strong as you." The realm master sighed.
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
Why were sword cultivators known as the best in combat?
It was because of their life-bound flying sword.
In the hands of a sword cultivator, the power of a life-bound flying sword was terrifying, fully comparable to a high-grade magical treasure.
Normally, Qi Sea realm cultivators used eighth or seventh-grade spiritual weapons.
But what about sword cultivators?
Even the weakest sword cultivator, upon reaching the first layer of the Qi Sea and wielding their life-bound flying sword, is equivalent to employing a seventh-grade spiritual weapon.
In this way, in terms of attack, how could it not be formidable?
Certainly.
There are advantages and disadvantages; cultivators like artifact practitioners can manipulate various types of magical treasures.
For alchemists, various life-bound divine pills serve different purposes, such as transformation, detoxification, poisoning, erupting magical power, confusion, and more.
As for formation cultivators, not to mention, they can easily set up powerful formations.
Symbol cultivators usually have incredible powers in their life-bound talismans.
The path to the Dao is diverse, and different routes lead to the same destination. There is no absolute strength or weakness, only depending on how the user applies and unleashes their abilities.
"Wu Yuan, you must remember, in the aspect of Qi cultivation, although you have exceptional talent, your current extraordinary progress is all because of your 'Spiritual Essence,'" the realm master advised. "When you advance in body cultivation to the Spirit Body Realm or the Mountain and River Realm, the role of the Spiritual Essence will diminish. By then, your close combat won't be weaker than long-range attacks."
"Moreover, with your innate second-grade shamanic patterns, the possibility of breaking through to a 'first-grade foundation' in body cultivation is much higher," the realm master continued. "Never give up on the shaman's cultivation."
"I understand," Wu Yuan nodded solemnly.
His Qi cultivation seemed powerful for now, but it was only temporary. Unlike shamans, as their cultivation realm increased, the source techniques they practiced would become stronger, leading to explosive strength.
Among all realms, the attacks of shamans were powerful enough to rival sword cultivators.
Dual cultivation paths were the choice Wu Yuan made.
"What are your plans next?" the realm master asked.
"I will comprehend the sword," Wu Yuan smiled. "In 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Art,' there are many profound sword techniques. Comprehending these techniques will not only unleash the full power of my life-bound flying sword but also further my understanding of the 'Mysteries of the Earth.'"
Truly profound sword techniques were just vessels, with no essential difference from techniques with knives, spears, and the like.
What mattered was the mysteries they contained.
"Well, that's good. Since you've embarked on the path of cultivation, learning from your predecessors is the right way. When you become powerful in the future, creating your own sword techniques or other martial arts won't be too late," the realm master said. "However, for other sword techniques, I don't care. Personally, I suggest you focus on comprehending the 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation' from the 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Art.'"
"Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.
"A sword formation, like the combined formations such as the Five Elements Formation, is a waste if you don't refine a sword formation, considering you have nine life-bound flying swords," the realm master shook his head. "The Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation is the first sword formation contained in 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Art.' In terms of using the Dao of the Earth, it is considered a top-tier sword formation in the vast universe."
"You have only mastered the first six layers of the upper half of the technique."
"But as long as you thoroughly comprehend and execute these first six layers, relying on them, you can be called a 'strong individual' in the Qingling Great Realm." The realm master said.
"Okay." Wu Yuan nodded.
Although the realm master wasn't a real-life entity, his methods were astonishing, having lived for countless years. His broad perspective was beyond Wu Yuan's reach.
Naturally, his advice was worth considering.
"Are you going to comprehend the sword here, or go back?" the realm master chuckled. "Take away those metal minerals, and for other treasures, I won't give you any until you reach the Spirit Body Realm."
Wu Yuan couldn't help but smile awkwardly. "Realm Master, please send me back."
Being outside for so long, Wu Yuan also worried that Jingquan might attack Yunsan.
...
Leaving the Dingwu Realm, Wu Yuan went straight towards Yunsan. With his current traveling speed, he returned to Yunsan in just half an hour.
After exchanging a few words with Fang Xia, he went to see his family again.
News of Wu Yuan's upcoming battle with Jingquan had spread far and wide, so his sister, Wuyi Jun, had long known that Wu Yuan was not dead.
His mother, on the other hand, remained in the dark.
Wu Yuan displayed great confidence in the face of his family's concerns.
After comforting his family, he spent the night in Yunsan Mansion.
Returning to the long-lost Tianwu Mountain Dojo, he gave a few instructions to the maids and servants before entering the meditation room.
Commencing closed-door cultivation.
"The most core sword technique in 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Art' is 'Mysterious Yellow Nine Swords,' followed by 'Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation,'" relevant information surfaced in Wu Yuan's mind.
Soon, he understood.
The Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation, essentially, is an enhanced version of the 'Mysterious Yellow Nine Swords.'
To unleash the Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation, one must first comprehend the mysteries of the Mysterious Yellow Nine Swords.
"The Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation has three major forms. One is the Nine Sword Formation, composed of nine flying swords," Wu Yuan pondered. "One is the Hundred Sword Formation, consisting of nine Nine Sword Formations, which means eighty-one flying swords."
"The third is the Thousand Sword Formation, composed of nine Hundred Sword Formations, which means seven hundred and twenty-nine flying swords."
In normal circumstances, the Thousand Sword Formation is naturally the strongest.
However, Wu Yuan saw it very clearly. The so-called Hundred Sword Formation and Thousand Sword Formation are essentially composed of one Nine Sword Formation after another.
"The Nine Sword Formation is the foundation and core," Wu Yuan whispered. "If a Nine Sword Formation is composed of nine life-bound flying swords, will its power be weaker than a Hundred Sword Formation made up of eighty-one ordinary flying swords?"
"Ridiculous!"
Manipulating magical treasures is never about quantity but quality.
A powerful magical treasure can surpass thousands of ordinary ones.
Moreover, the more magical treasures one manipulates, the greater the burden on the Spiritual Essence and the more magical power consumed.
It's like two armies clashing; quantity never determines everything.
A million unorganized soldiers might be crushed by ten thousand well-trained cavalry.
"The Mysterious Yellow Sword Formation is, in essence, the cultivation of the Nine Sword Formation," Wu Yuan seriously contemplated. "The Sword Formation is divided into ten layers."
The Sword Formation has ten layers, each layer more challenging than the previous, and the power continually escalates.
"To reach the Domain Realm's first layer, there is hope of cultivating the first layer of the Sword Formation," Wu Yuan exclaimed.
The difficulty was indeed off the charts, but Wu Yuan was quite excited.
Difficult?
If it's not difficult, it wouldn't be challenging.
"Less than twenty days left until September 8. If I can cultivate the first layer of the Sword Formation, the power of controlling nine life-bound flying swords will greatly increase," Wu Yuan immersed himself completely in comprehension.
... Time flowed like water.
In the blink of an eye, it was September 8.
In the sky.
The first light of dawn appeared.
"Master, we have all gathered, waiting on Yunsan," the voice of King Qionghai resonated in Wu Yuan's mind.
"Good."
Boom~
The meditation room on Tianwu Mountain opened, and immediately, a stream of light broke through the dense white mist, slashing through the sky and arriving over Yunsan.
The fierce wind roared.
"Wu Yuan, fellow Daoist."
"Wu Yuan is here." Dozens of top experts who had been waiting on Yunsan looked over simultaneously.
In white robes, with short, vigorous hair, his robe fluttering.
At first glance, he seemed ordinary.
Only those pair of eyes contained a sharpness that made hearts tremble. Even the immensely powerful North King and Mountain Demon King dared not meet them in a gaze.
Such a strong aura!
This was the simultaneous thought in the minds of all the top experts present.
"Thank you all for waiting," Wu Yuan smiled.
"Haha, no rush, it's just dawn." The North King laughed. "We're just going over now, the timing is perfect."
Wu Yuan nodded slightly.
"Wu Yuan, we have discussed and decided that we will form the Five Elements Metal and Stone Formation, along with King Qionghai, to go to the Holy Capital together," Fang Xia said. "The rest of the top experts will guard Yunsan, observing the battle through the Immortal Palace. It's foolproof."
Wu Yuan couldn't help but smile.
Fang Xia's "foolproof" was actually a concern that if the situation collapsed, inadequate protection might lead to the fall of a large number of top experts.
"No need."
"Elder Fang Xia, you can leave your avatar behind." Wu Yuan said calmly. "The other top experts will all go and observe the battle."
"This battle is the final one for the unification of Middle Earth."
Having said that, without waiting for Fang Xia's response.
Swoosh!
Wu Yuan had already soared into the sky, heading towards the west.
---
ps: Second update
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 178: Summit of the Holy Capital (Seeking subscription votes)
The sun hung high.
The Holy Capital, as the imperial city of the current number one power, the Jin Empire, housed millions of people.
In the past, the Holy Capital was bustling and prosperous to the extreme. Treasures from various states, scholars, and literati all gathered here.
But today.
The wide streets, luxurious mansions, and tall buildings, all of them were empty and silent, as if there was an invisible force that turned the bustling Holy Capital into a dead city.
However.
If one observed carefully, it could still be seen that the people and martial experts of the Holy Capital were not gone; they were all hiding, mostly concealed under eaves and lofts.
Especially as one went further into the outer city, there were more people.
However, not many dared to speak loudly. The vast majority of people were looking up at the purple-robed figure sitting cross-legged in the sky.
A giant black snake coiled around him.
"It's the Emperor."
"It's His Majesty."
"On September 8th, today, is the day of the battle between the Emperor and Wu Yuan, and the battlefield is chosen to be the Holy Capital."
"The Emperor has dominated for two hundred years. Does Wu Yuan, a little kid, dare to confront the Emperor?" Numerous nobles and commoners in the Holy Capital quietly discussed.
As the nest of the Great Jin.
In the Holy Capital, the prestige of the Great Jin imperial family was still very high, and Jinquan, as the Jin Emperor, was undoubtedly a legendary figure in the hearts of the Holy Capital's people. Naturally, he was extremely popular.
In the sky above the imperial city, there were also nearly twenty figures suspended in mid-air, each with an extraordinary aura, all of them being top experts.
"It's been so long, and Wu Yuan hasn't come yet?"
"Could it be that he's scared?"
"Hard to say. We've all witnessed Wu Yuan's strength. Can anyone say he's not strong? He's the one who dared to face several Ling Body Realm demonic soldiers head-on."
"Ling Body Realm demonic soldiers? Ridiculous. Can they compare to true Nascent Soul cultivators?"
"If Wu Yuan, Fang Xia, and the North King team up, it's hard to say. Does Wu Yuan dare to come alone? It's undoubtedly a certain defeat!" These top experts were also discussing. Most of them were wandering cultivators.
Most of them had participated in the battle against the Insect Demon Catastrophe.
For them.
Whoever is strong, they follow.
Obviously, they were more optimistic about Jinquan, who had broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm.
Standing at the forefront of these top experts were Jinji and Zhao Xing.
"Don't worry, in this battle, Father will definitely kill Wu Yuan." Jinji said.
Zhao Xing nodded. "I've seen the senior's methods; indeed, they're powerful, even stronger than when attacking Yunsan last time."
Just as they were communicating.
"They're here." A cry rang out, pointing into the distance.
Instantly, everyone looked over, only to see dozens of streams of light crossing the horizon, rapidly approaching.
"They're all here."
"Even Bu Yu, Huan Jian, and others in the Nascent Soul Realm are here."
"Really bold." The top experts from the Great Jin side were discussing in low voices.
Jinji and Zhao Xing exchanged a glance, both flashing a sense of caution in their hearts.
Apparently, the side of the Central Plains Immortal Dao Alliance was also extremely confident in Wu Yuan.
Wu Yuan, leading the strong members of the Central Plains Immortal Dao Alliance, hovered in the sky nearly a hundred miles away from the Holy Capital.
Soon after.
"Boom, boom, boom~" Only to see Fang Xia, Liu Junxing, and the others undergo a rapid transformation, quickly forming into six-legged golden mantises.
At the same time, a purple giant bird with a body length of nearly a hundred feet also took shape. It was the 'Seven-Star Profound Flame Formation' led by the North King, composed of a group of mid-level Qi Sea experts. Its strength was also extraordinary.
King Qionghai also revealed his enormous body.
For a moment, the imposing momentum made the top experts from the Great Jin side and many powerful warriors with keen vision all change their expressions.
Compared to the Central Plains Immortal Dao Alliance, the top experts from the Great Jin Empire were obviously weaker.
However.
In the end, only a figure in white robes streaked across the sky and arrived above the Holy Capital.
A fierce wind howled, unable to dispel his brilliance.
Seeing this scene, the millions of people and warriors in the Holy Capital suddenly understood— the white-robed youth was Wu Yuan! Also, the most talented in the Central Plains for three thousand years!
Ah!
The black serpent swirling around the figure in purple robes, seeing this, quickly flew away, and the figure in purple robes also stood up, looking towards Wu Yuan.
Twenty miles apart, Wu Yuan stopped, standing on nothingness.
Two peak-level powerhouses.
Facing each other from a distance.
"Wu Yuan, you finally came. I hope your strength won't disappoint me too much." Jinquan's long hair fluttered, his bright eyes calmly watching Wu Yuan, dressed in snowy white.
His voice, through an array, resounded simultaneously in every corner above the Holy Capital, distant and endless.
"Disappoint?"
Wu Yuan's eyes were icy. "Jinquan, I will twist off your head to offer sacrifices to Wanxing Daoist and Emperor Dongpan."
Wu Yuan's voice, through the Domain Realm, also echoed through the heavens and earth.
"Haha, sacrifice them?"
Jinquan's voice echoed powerfully. "Even if they didn't die in the Insect Demon Catastrophe, I would still kill them. The path to unifying the world under Great Jin, no one can stop."
"Wanxing is not enough."
"You, the same." Jinquan stared at Wu Yuan. "You may have some strength, but I will make you understand the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator."
"An Emperor must not be insulted."
"I am the Emperor of Great Jin, and I will be the Emperor of the entire Central Plains." Jinquan's voice was dominant and overbearing.
"Emperor? You're just a younger brother." Wu Yuan's eyes were indifferent. "No need for nonsense. Today, I will send you on your way!"
"After today, in the Central Plains, there will be no more Great Jin."
Before the voice faded.
"Boom!" A burst of earth-yellow aura instantly erupted, surrounding an area of nearly a thousand meters in diameter. At the same time, a formidable aura had spread from Wu Yuan, shrouding the entire world.
With a war blade in hand.
Wu Yuan stood tall in the void, and his whole body was covered in layers of dazzling scales, like a war god, with overwhelming pressure that made numerous top-ranked experts and countless civilians hold their breath.
They dared not look directly at him!
The Domain Realm, combined with a powerful divine soul, brought an unprecedented sense of oppression.
"Hahaha~ Truly Wu Yuan. Unfortunately, this is the Holy Capital, my kingdom." Jinquan's voice seemed to contain a certain magic, making the hearts of all the people and warriors in the Holy Capital relax for a moment, feeling the oppressive aura from Wu Yuan.
Feeling the pressure from Wu Yuan.
Jinquan remained unmoved, his eyes showing no fear but more unhidden sharp killing intent!
"Boom, boom, boom~" The world seemed to become dim, a faint green light shrouded the vast Holy Capital.
Spreading through every street and alley.
Jinquan himself became sacred, a green divine sword appeared in front of him, along with several green flying swords.
Sword qi crisscrossed, like emperors within the swords.
The formations were everywhere, but they couldn't invade that patch of earth-yellow domain.
Strands of earth-yellow aura condensed, as dense as the earth itself, as solid as a rock.
In the next moment.
"Boom!" Wu Yuan, like a war god, moved instantly. A pair of black wings suddenly appeared, radiating divine light!
Soaring Serpent Technique — Divine Movement!
His entire body transformed into a giant of five zhang in height, war blade in hand, speed, momentum, all soared to the peak in an instant.
Source Technique — Wu Phase!
"Hum~" Those strands of green light, like ripples, were torn apart in an instant, causing the entire world to seem to ripple.
A dazzling blade light had cut through the sky towards Jinquan.
Twenty miles?
With Wu Yuan's current burst speed, in one second, he could rush to Jinquan.
"No!"
"So fast."
"Emperor." Countless onlookers' expressions changed, Jinji, Jinquan, and others were shocked.
While Fang Xia and the North King were excited and expectant.
The blade light approached.
"So fast." A hint of coldness flashed in Jinquan's eyes.
Apparently, even with prior intelligence, Wu Yuan's bursting speed still shocked him.
Swish!
The blade light cut through the void, and the tremendous impact instantly caused numerous buildings on the ground to collapse. However, Jinquan's figure dodged like a stream of light, faster and more elusive than Wu Yuan.
"So fast?" Wu Yuan was surprised; this speed of movement surpassed what Jinquan had shown before.
It didn't seem like the ability of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Had Jinquan hidden his true strength or made a breakthrough?
Various speculations flashed through Wu Yuan's mind.
"Shoo!" Flying swords streaked across the sky, attacking Wu Yuan. Each sword was extraordinarily fast.
"Get away!" Wu Yuan's wings trembled behind him, the war blade horizontally blocking the attacks of several flying swords.
"Clang!" "Clang!" "Clang!" Lightning-like collisions occurred, with more than ten flying swords attacking Wu Yuan simultaneously, each carrying a powerful force.
But for Wu Yuan, the vast Domain alone hindered these flying swords significantly.
Wu Yuan's swordsmanship was terrifying!
With each slash, each flying sword was smashed away, taking a long time to recover. A dozen flying swords couldn't stop Wu Yuan's pace.
However.
Wu Yuan repeatedly approached explosively, but each time, he was blocked by Jing Quan's flying swords and evasive movements.
"This Jing Quan, he comprehended the way of the wind, excelling in speed. But even for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he shouldn't be this fast," Wu Yuan frowned.
He had intended to test if he could get close and engage in close combat to defeat him.
Yet Jing Quan's strength exceeded expectations.
...
"Wu Yuan, such a fast eruption."
"The Emperor is also formidable; those flying swords are both fast and precise, yet Wu Yuan perfectly blocked them." Countless commoners and warriors couldn't see the specific details of the confrontation.
They could only vaguely perceive that the two sides seemed evenly matched.
However, in the eyes of those powerful cultivators, the situation was entirely different.
"Wu Yuan is destined to lose!" Zhao Xing's eyes gleamed. "His current eruptive strength is the strongest, but he still can't get close."
"Father's lifebound flying sword hasn't been used yet," Jing Ji also smiled. "Wu Yuan's defense is strong, but the repeated impact of the flying swords is causing significant damage to his body."
"Up to now, he hasn't even gotten within five hundred meters of my father."
"Besides, my father has yet to use his ultimate move." Jing Ji was full of anticipation; he knew his father's strength the best.
... "As expected!"
"Dangerous." Fang Xia and the Extreme North King each commanded a large array, exchanging glances with worry.
In a battle between a body-refining cultivator and a Qi-refining cultivator, it relied on instantaneous eruptions—sustained combat?
The Qi-refining cultivator had a continuous source of mana and could even use pills to restore mana, suffering minimal damage to themselves.
As the battle progressed, the probability of the body-refining cultivator losing would increase.
"The strength of Senior Wu Yuan is already very powerful, but Jing Quan's strength has increased. He hasn't even used his lifebound flying sword yet," the Extreme North King said in a low voice.
"Prepare for reinforcement." Fang Xia said, "Even if Wu Yuan loses, Jing Quan must not be allowed to kill him..."
Suddenly.
Fang Xia's expression changed drastically. "No, Jing Quan?"
...
Above the Holy Capital, the battle between the two sides reached a white-hot intensity.
"Wu Yuan, your strength is indeed extraordinary. Given some time, you might surpass me," Jing Quan looked at the figure resembling a war god.
"But unfortunately!"
"Today, you are destined to fall."
"As a sign of respect for you, I will display my strongest strength." Jing Quan's voice was low, echoing through the heavens and earth.
As his voice echoed.
"Boom!" Streams of blue energy instantly appeared around Jing Quan, immediately enhancing the strange speed of his body technique.
Surrounded by the blue energy, the speed and power of the flying swords he controlled were significantly increased.
"Clang!" "Clang!"
A series of weapon collisions. Although Wu Yuan's swordsmanship was fast, the terrifying power contained in each flying sword caused consecutive bombardments.
His speed had sharply decreased, and he couldn't even get close to Jing Quan.
In almost the blink of an eye, he fell into an absolute disadvantage.
"It's a domain! The Wind Domain!" Wu Yuan stared at Jing Quan, finally understanding why his body technique was so strange.
Jing Quan wasn't an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.
He was a Foundation Establishment cultivator who comprehended the domain!
"Wu Yuan, go to hell!" In front of Jing Quan, the suspended blue divine sword suddenly moved.
---
PS: First update, end of the month, please vote for the month!
Next chapter, end of the fourth volume.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 179: A Streak of Light Across the Vast Sky (End of this volume)
Jing Quan, in terms of cultivation, was merely at the Foundation Establishment First Level. While his six elemental roots were decent, he couldn't be considered exceptionally strong.
It can be said that when Wu Yuan erupted with full force, attempting to resolve the issue with close combat, there was a reason.
After all, his Qi-refining methods were a significant hidden card for Wu Yuan at the moment, best not to reveal them if possible.
However, Jing Quan, who comprehended the domain, held a completely different significance.
Similar to Fang Xia, when he erupted with the domain, it made figures like Wanxing Daoren and Dongpan Dadi acknowledge his strength as the top in the world.
Likewise, Jing Quan, who comprehended the domain, could completely match many Foundation Establishment cultivators who had cultivated for a long time.
It was several times stronger than before.
"Qingfeng, Sword Formation!" Jing Quan erupted with all his strength, his killing intent soaring. His lifebound flying sword representing his strongest eruption moved instantly.
"Swoosh!"
"Swoosh!" The flying swords that were originally attacking Wu Yuan swiftly turned around like lightning, surrounding his lifebound flying sword.
A lifebound flying sword, a sixth-grade spiritual weapon, in terms of power, could rival a normal fourth-grade spiritual weapon.
Eight seventh-grade spiritual weapons.
Streams of blue energy linked the nine flying swords, faintly connecting them. Under the guidance of subtle secret patterns, they ultimately formed a hazy and illusory blue divine sword.
The sword formation was established.
This scene completely changed the expressions of many top-ranked experts who were spectating.
"Kill! Kill Wu Yuan!" Jing Ji and Zhao Xing stared intently, full of anticipation.
"Not good."
"Lifebound flying sword? Domain! Under the sword formation, even a Magic Soldier in the Ling Shen realm would probably meet his demise." Fang Xia and the Extreme North King's expressions changed.
"Quick retreat, Master, leave quickly." Qiong Hai Wang was also anxious, urgently transmitting his thoughts to Wu Yuan.
He could sense how formidable that sword formation was.
...
Though it's slow to describe, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator who also controlled the Wind Domain, known for its exceptional speed, how terrifying was his eruption speed?
When Qiong Hai Wang's voice just echoed in Wu Yuan's mind, the sword formation in front of Jing Quan had already taken shape, and the divine sword burst forth.
As if piercing through heaven and earth, it thrust towards Wu Yuan!
"Go to hell." In the instant when the flying swords were retreating, Wu Yuan took action as well. However, he didn't retreat or flee.
Instead— he charged forward!
So.
When Jing Quan condensed the sword formation, and the illusory divine sword shot towards Wu Yuan, he had also advanced a significant distance.
The two sides were less than six li apart!
Whether it was Wu Yuan or Jing Quan, they erupted instantly, covering dozens of li in one second. The speed of the flying swords was even faster.
Six li? It was as if two assassins were about to engage in close combat.
"Boom!" The blue divine sword descended.
"Xuanhuang Sword Formation." Facing the blue divine sword, Wu Yuan's entire body suddenly revealed one earth-yellow flying sword after another. Nine Xuanhuang flying swords— all were lifebound flying swords!
"Hum~ Hum~ Hum~" Wu Yuan's extremely powerful divine sense instantly surged into the flying swords. Strands of earth-yellow energy instantly connected the nine flying swords, condensing them into one.
Forming an earth-yellow divine sword that traversed the vast sky.
Within the divine sword, encased was Wu Yuan, and the imposing aura of the divine sword was endless. The tip of the sword also contained an unimaginable sharpness.
The first layer of the Xuanhuang Sword Formation— Sword Condensation Formation!
"Roar~" Under the manipulation of Wu Yuan's powerful divine soul, the Xuanhuang divine sword was like a yellow divine light, much faster than the blue divine sword.
"Not good." Jing Quan's expression changed.
Boom! The divine swords collided, and the blue divine sword exploded with a resounding roar. Numerous flying swords scattered, and cracks appeared on the surface of each seventh-grade flying sword.
"Escape!"
Jing Quan immediately tried to flee.
"Splash~" The speed of the earth-yellow divine sword soared once again, reaching an unimaginable level, cutting through the vast sky.
In an instant, it rushed to Jing Quan, directly passing through. The terrifying sharpness instantly shattered Jing Quan's body through his shield and armor, turning him into debris!
Blood, flesh, and bones all dispersed.
"Hum~"
The earth-yellow divine light dissipated, and the nine lifebound flying swords instantly condensed into a ball, returning to Wu Yuan's body.
He floated in the high sky, watching the rapidly falling flying swords and armor in the distance.
The hazy green light that originally shrouded the Holy Capital also dissipated.
Jing Quan, dead!
Breaking through the Golden Core realm and mastering the domain, Jing Quan was full of ambitions, aspiring to dominate the Central Plains. However, he was crushed by Wu Yuan.
"Jing Quan, from the moment you caused Jing Ji and Zhao Xing to betray, you were already a dead man," Wu Yuan murmured to himself. "Just didn't expect that you'd force me to unleash my strongest power."
Wu Yuan's gaze swept across all directions.
In the heavens and earth, there was silence!
...
"Master, quickly..." Qiong Hai Wang's mental call abruptly stopped, staring wide-eyed at the scene.
That streak of earth-yellow divine light that cut through the sky!
"This?"
"Jing Quan is dead? What technique did Wu Yuan use in the end?" Fang Xia and the Extreme North King stared at the scene in shock.
The earth-yellow divine light was too fast.
Faster than Jing Quan's lifebound flying sword.
They only saw Wu Yuan instantly transform into a terrifying divine sword, following the flash of divine light, and Jing Quan fell.
Is it some kind of treasure? Or something else?
Fang Xia and the Extreme North King had various thoughts flashing through their minds.
As for it being Wu Yuan's own strongest power? Both of them instinctively found it somewhat unbelievable. After all, Jing Quan was a Golden Core cultivator who had comprehended the domain.
Not only them.
Tian Bang experts who had followed, such as Meng Cai, Liu Junxing, and Sanggu, were all shocked by this scene.
Too inconceivable.
However, in just an instant, all the Tian Bang experts of the Immortal Dao Alliance were filled with endless joy.
Jing Quan was dead!
So, the fate of the Great Jin Empire was destined to collapse.
Almost simultaneously, all the Tian Bang experts remembered what Wu Yuan had said on Cloud Mountain this morning: "This battle is the final battle for the unification of the Central Plains."
At that time, not many believed it.
But now?
"Kill!" Fang Xia said in a low voice. "Destroy Great Jin, it's today."
Boom!
The six-legged golden mantis instantly transformed into a golden light, rushing towards the Holy Capital.
"Kill!" "Kill them all."
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Many Tian Bang experts acted simultaneously.
They all knew that this would be the final battle for the determination of the Central Plains.
If they didn't contribute now, then when?
This battle was the last battle for the unification of the Central Plains.
...
Compared to Fang Xia, the Extreme North King, and their shock and excitement, the many Tian Bang experts on the side of Great Jin were in a state of panic.
"This... how is this possible? Wu Yuan..." Zhao Xing was dumbfounded.
"Father." Jin Ji's mind was blank, unable to believe that the scene before him was real. There was a faint pain in his heart.
For two hundred years, he admired and believed in his father immensely. In his heart, his father, Jin Quan, was like a deity!
But today, the heavens collapsed.
"Jin Ji, escape quickly!" Zhao Xing was shocked and terrified. Although he couldn't think too much, he transformed into a stream of light and tried to escape.
He had just fled for a few miles.
"Splash!" A flash of blade light cut through the sky, and blood splattered.
Zhao Xing, dead!
"Splash!" Another blade light severed the desperately fleeing Black Snake King in mid-air, struggling as it fell towards the earth.
Black Snake King, dead!
Boom!
Wu Yuan's wings trembled like lightning, instantly arriving in front of Jin Ji.
As for the more than ten mid and low-level Qi Sea cultivators from the Great Jin Empire? Wu Yuan couldn't be bothered.
Fang Xia and the others would take care of them.
"Why not escape?" Wu Yuan looked down at Jin Ji.
"Escape?" Jin Ji shook his head gently. "Even my father died at your hands. Can I escape?"
"I don't want to escape either." Jin Ji sighed.
Wu Yuan stared at Jin Ji and said casually, "Do you have any last words?"
Letting him go was impossible!
"Can you spare the descendants of the Great Jin Imperial Clan?" Jin Ji said in a low voice.
"By the law." Wu Yuan uttered only two words.
"Thank you, Wu Yuan. Go ahead and do it," Jin Ji said with a bitter shake of his head.
According to the law, all warriors of the Great Jin Imperial Clan couldn't escape death, but at least ordinary bloodlines could be preserved.
Swoosh!
Blade light swept across, and the head flew up.
Jin Ji, dead!
With a wave of his hand, Wu Yuan collected the many treasures left by Jin Ji, and his gaze swept across the vast Holy Capital.
Due to the successive battles, numerous ruins were left behind.
The destroyed imperial city had only been half-repaired.
In the distance, Fang Xia, the Extreme North King, and others were madly chasing down the fleeing Tian Bang experts.
No mercy, all were killed!
Most of these Tian Bang experts were wandering cultivators. However, from the moment they betrayed and joined the Great Jin Empire, they had no way back.
"Fear? Anxiety?" Wu Yuan's divine sense swept across all directions, sensing the thoughts of the million people in the Holy Capital.
"At least, one less war that engulfs the entire continent," Wu Yuan sighed inwardly.
...
"Annals of the Ancestor": The Ancestor, a resident of Licheng in Nanmeng Prefecture, Jiangzhou, with the surname Wu and the name Yuan... In the 3231st year of the Eastern Martial Calendar, on the eighth day of September, the Ancestor, along with a group of immortals, fought against the Jin Nation. The Ancestor battled the Jin Emperor in the city of Zhongzhou, beheaded the Jin Emperor, and had Fang Xia, the Extreme North King, and Qionghai announce the news throughout the Jin Nation, thus pacifying the Jin territory.
In late September, the immortals collectively deliberated and elected the Ancestor as the leader of the Midland Alliance.
In the following year, in spring, the thirteen provinces of Midland, the overseas provinces of Qiongzhou, and Fengzhou were all pacified, and the world praised the Ancestor's great virtue.
All immortals submitted memorials, and the founding of the nation began.
The country was named 'Wu,' and the capital was called Yunsan City.
All immortals submitted petitions to change the calendar, but the Ancestor said, "The Martial King is the beginning of human civilization, passed down for three thousand years without interruption. It cannot be abandoned."
In the year 3232 of the Eastern Martial Calendar, also known as the first year of the Xianwu Era...
Note: Zhongzhou City is referred to by the Jin people as the Holy Capital City.
---
PS: The second chapter, the end of the fourth volume 'Dominating the World.'
Preview of the fifth volume: Entering the Grand Realm.
(This chapter is complete)