Chapter 396

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Protagonist:

Yu Zhangsheng

Beneath the night sky, the military camp was utterly silent; the vast encampment stretched everywhere, arranged in a fixed formation of its own. Among the soldiers, some stood guard, some cultivated and rested — everything was orderly and solemn.

Yu Zhangsheng walked quietly among them, observing carefully, bypassing several restricted zones; aside from that, the other places were hardly inspected at all.

Along the way, soldier after soldier cast curious glances at Yu Zhangsheng — clearly they had all heard of him — yet none stepped forward to question him, instead holding their posts, arrayed and ready.

Yu Zhangsheng was somewhat surprised; amid his reflections, he thought for a moment, then headed toward the abyss fissure.

The closer he went to the abyss fissure, the more active the Heavenly Dao Golden Core became; the bloody fiendish qi in the surroundings grew ever denser, and there was also that Sword Intent engraved through the ages, faintly, dimly reverberating; the camp also grew increasingly dense.

Fortunately, after a round of verification confirmed Yu Zhangsheng's identity, they did not make things difficult and let him pass.

Before long, the Luo Ya Abyss came into view.

"Here, then, is the Luo Ya Abyss..."

Yu Zhangsheng took a deep breath. Beside the Luo Ya Abyss, a formation isolated it, so the destructive gang wind had never blown out; along the abyss's shore, many towering cloud-reaching platforms had been built for viewing, and Yu Zhangsheng chose the highest among them, slowly stepping onto it. His vision expanded accordingly, and everything inside the Luo Ya Abyss entered his eyes more clearly. Gazing at the abyss fissure not far away, he stared blankly, lost in thought.

Violent gang winds blew in gusts, disturbing the Void, rising endlessly from beneath the abyss; even with the formation blocking them, their power still could not be ignored. Yin winds howled and shrieked, like sobbing, eerie, at times like the heavens weeping.

Only by drawing near could one feel the abyss's immensity and breadth — a single glance could not see its end. The whole abyss was like a ferocious giant beast with its maw wide open, gnawing at heart and bone; light was swallowed too, impenetrable. Just sensing it for a moment gave a heart-pounding, gall-chilling feeling, as if it contained a great terror, making one uneasy.

What startled Yu Zhangsheng, though, was the spirit qi density inside — it was actually far denser than the outside world, causing his Spirit-Resonant Dao Body to faintly transmit a yearning sensation.

The Spirit-Resonant Dao Body, as the name implies, is innately affine to spirit qi, attracting heaven-and-earth spirit qi and heaven-and-earth Dao rhyme; at every moment it automatically converges spirit qi. This constitution can truly exert its power only in places where spirit qi is abundant.

And the spirit qi density of the entire Wuzhou, in fact, simply cannot reach the level of fully unleashing the Spirit-Resonant Dao Body's might; one cannot properly experience its benefits.

It is like the Spirit-Resonant Dao Body is a sea fish — only the vast ocean is its true home, letting it roam thoroughly — whereas reality is that Wuzhou is not so much a puddle as merely a not-too-large river.

And the feeling Yu Zhangsheng got was that only inside this Luo Ya Abyss was there the faintest hint of that vast-ocean feeling, more suited to him.

Feeling his body's instinctive impulse, Yu Zhangsheng exhaled a long breath of turbid qi, suppressing the palpitations in his heart; a flash of sharp light flickered in the depths of his eyes.

"Such high spirit qi density — is it because of the accumulation over these thousands of years? And there is something strange about this Luo Ya Abyss; spirit qi seems only to enter, not to leave; under constant immersion, it makes my Spirit-Resonant Dao Body produce an instinctive yearning..."

"Inside here, my constitution's advantage can be exerted to the maximum extent; I have a premonition that if I cultivate here for a while, perhaps my cultivation base can advance a thousand li in a day!"

Yu Zhangsheng pondered in his heart, somewhat excited yet also hesitant.

"The Heavenly Dao Qi can let me ignore the resentment and fiendish qi accumulated over thousands of years inside this abyss; coupled with the Heavenly Dao Golden Core's command, it can instead bolster my cultivation base and combat power; and the Spirit-Resonant Dao Body, in this environment, can be exerted to the maximum, so that I almost need not worry about endurance problems in here."

Yu Zhangsheng swallowed a mouthful of saliva, his gaze bright.

"In other words, inside this Luo Ya Abyss, I will possess unique, unmatched advantages; this place is the battlefield most suited to me!"

Having thought these through, Yu Zhangsheng's heart settled, and he felt much more at ease; the corners of his brows and eyes carried a faint smile.

One week later would be the Luo Ya Abyss expedition for the heaven's-chosen under a hundred years of cultivation from the two states. Although Yu Zhangsheng was fairly confident in his own cultivation base and combat power now, the Qingzhou side was something he could not fathom.

The pressure was naturally not small; although it had not yet begun, he had already seized the right timing and terrain, which would make things much easier for him.

Starlight like dots, moonlight like water, great sheets of it slanted down, rippling into a whole, adding a mysterious, hazy feel to the Luo Ya Abyss. Beneath the fissure was pitch black, but relying on Yu Zhangsheng's eyesight, he could still see a portion of the situation inside.

There, within the darkness, was a layer of faint thin mist, so dense that even the violent gang winds blowing could not disperse it. That was not water mist — when spirit qi reaches a certain density, spirit qi turns to mist. One can imagine: if one breathed in a mouthful of qi in there, over time one's cultivation would increase considerably.

"As expected, the Luo Ya Abyss is both perilous and opportunity! For me, it is even more a must-go!"

Yu Zhangsheng's gaze was bright, full of anticipation. Gazing into the distance, across the abyss, he could vaguely see on the opposite shore, beneath the flashing formation light, a vast stretch of green great camps clustered, high platforms reaching the sky, rows of vague human figures tall and stately, yet orderly.

In the very center of the great camp, a sky-piercing flagpole rose into the heavens, thrusting straight into the cloud heights; under the moonlight it emitted a dim glow, and there were also strands of invisible qi mechanisms surrounding it.

The flag obscured the sky, fluttering without wind, standing unfallen. The character on it — even across a hundred li of fissure — Yu Zhangsheng could still see clearly with the naked eye.

It was precisely a large "Qing" character, dragon-flying phoenix-dancing, revealing Dao rhyme and killing intent, making one frown, not to be ignored.

And in fact, on the Wuzhou side, not far behind Yu Zhangsheng's camp, there still stood a giant flagpole, equal in height to the other, rising from the ground to pierce the sky; on it a "Wu" character reached the clouds and met the moon, light transforming and flowing, flashing divine radiance.

The two each condensed their respective sides' momentum, confronting each other from afar beneath this night sky.

…………

At the same time, on the opposite shore, Qingzhou, on the tallest Watching Stars Platform by the shore, a tall, slender youthful figure stood quietly, gazing across the abyss toward the Wuzhou direction.

This youth wore a suit of dark robes; inside was a bright-yellow court robe; on his head a nine-pendant treasure crown; the upper garment embroidered with a five-clawed great python, lifelike; dark-yellow patterns transformed into auspicious clouds, engraved upon it; at his waist a dark-yellow dragon-carved jade belt; on his feet seven-colored auspicious boots; in his hand a gold folding fan; his eyes fixed on the Wuzhou camp's location. Over his shoulders draped a layer of silver gauze; at his waist was tied a white silk ribbon.

Face like a jade crown, eyes like glazed glass, lips as if painted vermilion — exceptionally handsome and extraordinary. Amid the rise and fall of his brows, it was like a great dragon lying dormant. Standing there, he was the focal point of the crowd, naturally dazzling. His pupils were deep, as if stars were being born and perishing endlessly within, revealing a kind of indifference; yet the corners of his mouth often carried a faint smile.

From head to toe, he naturally exuded an innate noble air, needing no external adornment; moreover an invisible aura set off his body, making him increasingly sacred. He just stood there, yet naturally there was a momentum linking heaven and earth, heaven and man as one.

It was precisely the Qingzhou Crown Prince, Huangpu Yuanji! "Your Highness, the night wind is piercingly cold; if there is nothing else, please return to camp early to rest."

Beside Huangpu Yuanji, an elderly-faced man looked on, brows and hair all white, slightly bowing, attitude respectful, cupping his fists toward him and speaking in a gentle voice.

He looked at Huangpu Yuanji's back, his gaze fervent and reverent; even though his cultivation was somewhat higher, his attitude was still reverent from the bottom of his heart — he was precisely Huangpu Yuanji's Protector of the Dao. The Crown Prince was silent; after a long while he turned his head, smiled gently at this old man, and said softly:

"Chen Bo, you say — this abyss expedition, will I get my wish? If my perception is not wrong, my opportunity to advance to the Purple Mansion lies inside here."

Chen Bo, hearing this, stroked his beard and laughed lightly, saying: "Relying on Your Highness's heavenly endowment, within the two states, what heaven's-chosen can match you? Entering this abyss — isn't that just a wolf entering a flock of sheep? Relying on that mob on the opposite side — how can they be Your Highness's opponent?"

"Your Highness's trip will certainly be smooth sailing, without obstruction."

Huangpu Yuanji shook his head slightly, his gaze condensed a little, smiled faintly: "Is that so? I heard that Wuzhou has newly risen a monster, advancing without retreat, also a Heavenly Dao Golden Core, called Yu Zhangsheng. What do you think of that person?"

"A petty heaven's-chosen from a barbarian land — though he has some radiance, it is merely the light of a firefly; how can it compete with Your Highness's bright moon?"

Chen Bo laughed lightly, said faintly.

"But that person, it is heard, is Cao Jinxian's Junior Brother. Of course that person once pressed our imperial house until it could barely breathe, nearly causing a change of ruler."

Huangpu Yuanji suddenly spoke, his expression calm.

Chen Bo's hand stroking his beard abruptly paused; his complexion flashed a trace of unnaturalness; after a long pause, he continued: "Those are all past matters. Even if so, what of it? He is merely a Junior Brother, not him. Even Cao Jinxian with such heaven-gifted talent — in the end, did he not still fail to escape the Dao fading and body perishing?"

Chen Bo spoke respectfully, once again bowing lightly to Huangpu Yuanji.

"But this debt — let it be settled on his body then."

Huangpu Yuanji lowered his brows; after a long while, he shook his head and smiled faintly, his gaze flickering, a trace of dim light brewing within.

"Good. This time, the Abyss Journey looks like it will be very interesting..."

The night sky was deep, the stars and moon bright; only Huangpu Yuanji's figure in the night sky was even more dazzling.

"Qingzhou, Wuzhou..."

Yu Changsheng murmured softly, his thoughts also drifting with the Luo Ya Abyss, floating beyond it.

Having crossed into the Cultivation World for a very long time, as his strength continuously increased, he only felt his own insignificance more and more; fortunately, he had climbed up step by step, and finally stepped into the ranks of the top Heaven's Chosen among them, the things he could come into contact with no longer limited to a single point.

"It seems this Abyss Journey, only like this, is exciting enough!"

After a long while, Yu Changsheng smiled lightly, his smile brilliant; under this night sky, even more brilliant...

Time slowly passed; during the following one week, the Three Gates and Six Sects, Heaven's Chosen from all paths, gathered one after another.

The entire Military Camp was much more lively than before, but the murderous aura was also more obvious.

After all the high-level members of the Three Gates and Six Sects had gathered, a meeting unfolded; in the end, removing some disciples who retreated and gave up halfway, the final candidates for entering the Luo Ya Abyss were confirmed and announced to all.

The number was not large, only two hundred sixty-six people in total; these people could be said to be the elite among elites under a hundred years of age in all of Wuzhou, the Heaven's Chosen among Heaven's Chosen.

For this Luo Ya Abyss Journey, the Wuzhou side could be said to attach great importance; therefore, almost all the foundations of each sect were deployed; as long as their age had not exceeded a hundred years, even ninety-nine-year-olds were dispatched.

Under this situation, almost most people's Cultivation Base had reached Golden Core. Those with slightly lower Cultivation Base were all at Foundation Establishment Peak, yet also possessed Golden Core Combat Power.

After all, under the Luo Ya Abyss, the environment is harsh, different from other places; at that time, although there would be Formations weakening it, temporarily opening a path to survival, those with too low Cultivation Base still cannot survive inside.

Golden Core is the relatively suitable Cultivation Base for it.

Under this situation, to avoid unnecessary losses, in the further screening, among all the people of the Wanxiang Sect, another ten people were filtered out in the end; these people, although they had some reluctance, no one had any opinion, secretly even letting out a breath of relief.

The Wanxiang Sect's Heaven's Chosen personnel entering the Abyss totaled twenty-six people; among these people, most were Golden Core, age near a hundred; Yu Changsheng's familiar Shen Xingchen, Li Minghan, and Zhang Tianwen were suddenly among them; and what made Yu Changsheng somewhat surprised yet also felt normal, Shen Xingchen had unknowingly, quietly advanced to Golden Core at some unknown time.

"This guy, was originally mysterious and secretive; with his talent, advancing to Golden Core is normal; it can also let my pressure be a bit smaller."

Yu Changsheng muttered in his heart, glanced at Shen Xingchen, then didn't ask further, but coughed once; instantly the thirty-two disciples quieted down, looking at Yu Changsheng with a trace of admiration.

Among these people, it could be said Yu Changsheng's age was the smallest, only twenty-two; the rest of the people, most were one Jia or more, or near a hundred; but towards Yu Changsheng's side, there wasn't a single one unconvinced.

In the Cultivation World, strength is respected; and Yu Changsheng undoubtedly used strength to win their admiration.

"Prepare a bit, we leave."

Yu Changsheng looked at everyone, confirmed no mistakes, then listening to the drumbeats echoing in the Military Camp, led everyone towards the Abyss side.

"Boom boom boom!!"

Drumbeats like thunder, resounding through Heaven and Earth; this is the urgent assembly order in the Military Camp; following the echoing drumbeats, from within the camps of the Three Gates and Six Sects, figures one after another walked out, orderly advancing towards the Abyss edge.

There, above the Abyss, a Long Rainbow piercing through both banks, spanning the cliff universe, blooming boundless brilliant light; tall figures from the two States, on both sides of the Long Rainbow, emitting terrifying might, confronting each other from afar... (Chapter End)