Chapter 25
Ding! Congratulations, host! You have awakened the True Sun God's Body.
The True Sun God Body is a legendary physique imbued with the essence of the primordial sun. Wielders possess unrivaled mastery over solar energy, granting abilities such as:
Infinite Vitality: Accelerated healing and immunity to fire and negative energies.Sunflare Aura: A blazing aura that burns enemies while bolstering allies.Solar Rebirth: The ability to heal near-fatal injuries using the sun's essence.
"True Sun God Body?" Xiao Ming's eyebrows shot up, his expression caught between surprise and amusement. "The system really spoils me. First the Immortal Bone Physique, now this?"
The Immortal Bone Physique had already bolstered his strength to incredible levels, but with the addition of the True Sun God Body, his potential now seemed boundless.
He chuckled, his tone carrying a trace of self-mockery. "At this rate, even if heaven sends its favorite sons against me, I'll just have to beat them senseless with my overwhelming power."
"Although it's not as directly powerful as the Immortal Bone Physique, its yang properties will definitely be useful in many situations," Xiao Ming murmured, a sly smile creeping across his lips.
Without hesitation, he issued the command. "System, merge it."
Xiao Ming sat cross-legged in the cultivation chamber, a serene yet intense aura surrounding him. The air thickened with spiritual energy as the system began the merging process.
Suddenly, an intense heat burst forth from his core, flooding his meridians. Golden veins spread across his skin, glowing like molten streams of sunlight. His body shone with a divine brilliance, as though he had become a living sun.
Above him, a fiery sigil in the shape of a blazing sun materialized, casting an ethereal radiance throughout the chamber. The inscriptions on the chamber walls trembled under the sheer pressure of his awakening. His blood pulsed with molten vitality, while his bones emitted a golden luster as if forged anew.
The transformation concluded with the sigil dissolving into his body, leaving Xiao Ming seated in tranquil majesty. His eyes, now tinged with molten gold, exuded a divine presence.
He stood and stretched, feeling the boundless energy coursing through him. Walking to a sunlit spot, he closed his eyes and let the sunlight bathe him. A subtle yet unmistakable surge of energy filled him, as though the sun itself acknowledged him as its heir.
"As long as I'm in the sunlight, my energy replenishes so quickly," he mused, his grin widening.
Satisfied with the results, Xiao Ming exited the cultivation chamber, his steps confident. He glanced at the horizon. "There are still ten days left until the Frozen Grace Sect's secret realm opens. It's time to prepare and make my move."
The news of the Frozen Grace Sect's secret realm had spread like wildfire across the northern lands. The mere mention of a secret realm evoked both excitement and trepidation. These realms were often ancient, filled with both peril and opportunity.
Unlike most secret realms, which were guarded fiercely by their sects, this one was an anomaly. The Frozen Grace Sect, a holy land-level force, had declared that the realm would be open to all—including disciples of other sects and even rogue cultivators. The announcement caused an uproar.
In bustling marketplaces and quiet taverns alike, whispers abounded:
"Have you heard? The Frozen Grace Sect's secret realm is open to everyone!"
"To think a holy land would do something like this... Unbelievable!"
"They're even offering a reward. I heard the sect master promised to marry Saint Bai Xue to whoever retrieves their Holy Scripture!"
"Saint Bai Xue? She's said to be the most beautiful woman in the northern lands. Whoever marries her will not only gain a peerless beauty but also the backing of the Frozen Grace Sect!"
Such rumors fanned the flames of ambition in many hearts.
In a dimly lit forest, a middle-aged man leaned against a tree, his presence cloaked in shadow. Though his aura was concealed, any perceptive cultivator could discern that he was a ninth-level Transcendence expert.
He chuckled, his voice carrying an eerie undertone. "With my cultivation, retrieving the Holy Scripture will be a simple matter. Once I have it, Saint Bai Xue—and the Frozen Grace Sect—will belong to me."
As his laughter echoed, a sinister energy erupted from his body, suffocating the surrounding area. With a casual wave of his hand, the unsuspecting people nearby were reduced to lifeless husks, their remains scattering like ash.
Elsewhere, inside a grand pavilion adorned with golden inscriptions, a handsome young man sat cross-legged. His expression was serene, but his eyes burned with obsession as he gazed toward the Frozen Grace Sect's direction.
"The Frozen Grace Sect's secret realm has given me a chance. Once I obtain the Holy Scripture, Bai Xue will be mine!" His voice dripped with determination, his fists clenching tightly.
Even the holy land of Azure Spirit Sanctuary was not immune to the allure of the secret realm. On a mountain peak, a young man with an imposing aura stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze piercing through the clouds.
"In ten days, all the geniuses and sect disciples will gather. That will be my stage to shine," he declared, his voice filled with an unshakable confidence. "Let's see if any of them are worthy to challenge me."
Similar scenes played out across the northern lands, as ambitious cultivators prepared for the event of a lifetime.
At the Divine Blue Sect, preparations were already underway. A massive flying boat hovered above the sect's main hall, its body crafted from rare, otherworldly materials that shimmered with a celestial glow. Such a vessel, capable of traversing even the void, was a treasure few forces could afford.
Six elders, each radiating an aura vast as the sea, stood at the helm of the boat. They were tasked with guiding and protecting the sect's core disciples during the journey. Among the disciples were Zhao Long and Jiang Lei, both exuding confidence—though one carried the sharpness of a blade, and the other a domineering physical presence.
"Who does he think he is, making us wait like this?" Zhao Long grumbled, his temper flaring.
Jiang Lei smirked faintly, though his voice carried a hint of arrogance. "Hmph, let him come. A reminder of who's superior might do him some good."
Their conversation was interrupted by a flash of black light. A moment later, a figure materialized behind them, his aura suffused with a subtle yet overwhelming pressure.
"Oh, it seems I'm late. Are my dear brothers angry with me?" A calm, almost teasing voice echoed.
Both Zhao Long and Jiang Lei turned around, their faces paling instantly. The figure before them was Xiao Ming, his expression serene yet carrying an inexplicable dominance.
"B-Brother Xiao Ming!" Jiang Lei stammered, quickly changing his tone. "With you here, our chances of obtaining the Holy Scripture have soared!"
Zhao Long, who had been brimming with hostility moments ago, now stood stiff, his earlier arrogance evaporating like mist under the sun.
Xiao Ming ignored their flattery, stepping forward to greet the elders. With a respectful fist salute, he said, "I've kept you waiting, elders. I apologize."
The leading elder nodded, his expression warm. "Xiao Ming, your presence reassures me. With you among the disciples, our sect's name will shine brighter than ever."
The other elders exchanged approving glances, their smiles genuine.
The flying boat rumbled to life, its glow intensifying as it ascended into the skies. Their destination: Frostcloud City, the first stop on their journey to the Frozen Grace Sect's secret realm.
As the boat soared, Xiao Ming stood at the edge, gazing at the distant horizon. A calculating gleam flashed in his eyes.
"A secret realm, countless fools vying for glory, and the perfect opportunity for me to take what I want," he mused, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Let the games begin."