Chapter 304: Five Elements Tribe's Secret Plot

Outside the Ninth Dao Institute by thirty thousand li lies a vast region known as the Five Elements Plain.

This land features extraordinary mountains and waters, with the five major terrains of Goldpeak Mountain, Myriad Woods Forest, Coldwater Marsh, Smolderfire Valley, and Earthfertile Hill interwoven and distributed, each exuding rich and pure single-attribute spiritual qi.

This is one of the primary gathering places of the Five Elements Tribe in the Spirit Realm.

At the heart of the Five Elements Plain stands a majestic and ancient palace, constructed entirely from spiritual materials of the five attributes—golden tiles, wooden beams, water curtains, fire patterns, and earth foundations—unified as one, emanating the profound resonance of the Five Elements Dao. This is the Five Elements Tribe's important stronghold in the eastern Spirit Realm—the "Five Directions Hall."

At this moment, in a secret chamber deep within the Five Directions Hall, five figures sit in a circle.

The walls of the secret chamber are inlaid with top-grade spiritual stones of the five elements attributes, emitting a soft glow that illuminates five faces, each with a different expression but all bearing deep and solemn auras.

The five wear distinctly colored robes: the gold-robed elder has a stern visage with sharp lines at the corners of his eyes; the blue-robed middle-aged scholar bears elegance mixed with vibrant vitality; the green-robed beautiful woman's eyes flow like water; the red-robed burly man has bristling hair and beard, his aura blazing; the yellow-robed old matron has a kind countenance and a heavy, substantial aura.

They are precisely the five chief elders of the radical faction of the Five Elements Tribe in the eastern Spirit Realm: Goldpeak, Wood Evergreen, Water Traceless, Fire Blazing, and Earth Spirit Matriarch. All five have cultivation at late Nascent Soul or above, with Goldpeak and Earth Spirit Matriarch being half-step Divine Transformation beings.

"Has the intelligence been verified?" Goldpeak Elder's voice was cold and hard, like the clash of gold and iron.

"Multiple verifications confirm it beyond doubt." Water Traceless spoke in a soft, alluring tone, yet carried a chill, "The Ninth Dao Institute's Wang Ping, at Golden Core completion, passed the eleventh layer of the Heaven-Reaching Tower, earning the evaluation 'Unprecedented in Ancient Times,' triggering the tower's resonance and a chaotic light pillar piercing the heavens.

His display of Five Elements Dao arts is pure and orthodox, already touching the threshold of chaos... These align highly with the description in our tribe's lost core inheritance, the 'Chaos Five Elements Heavenly Scripture.'"

"What is the attitude of the Grand Elder's lineage?" Fire Blazing Elder, whose temper is the most violent, spoke with a voice like a great bell.

Wood Evergreen let out a soft sigh: "The Grand Elder issued a decree, stating this child bears the orthodox lineage, thus it is heavenly decree, ordering our tribe to adopt a pacifying strategy, possibly to win him as an external ally, or even... to welcome him back into the tribe and enshrine him as Dao Child."

"Absurd!" Fire Blazing slammed the table, rising to his feet, shaking cracks into the jade stone seat beneath him, "How could our Five Elements Tribe's supreme inheritance fall into outsiders' hands? Moreover, it is a human! The Grand Elder has grown senile!"

"Fire Blazing, watch your words." Earth Spirit Matriarch spoke slowly, her voice aged yet carrying undeniable authority.

"The Grand Elder is the tribe's stabilizing divine needle; his considerations are profound, not for us to rashly speculate. But..." she shifted her tone, "Regarding inheritance, it concerns our tribe's foundation and indeed requires caution."

Goldpeak Elder's eyes flashed with sharp light: "Earth Elder speaks wisely. The Grand Elder's pacifying stance has its considerations. But as pillars of our tribe, we too must plan for the tribe's long-term future.

Though Wang Ping possesses extraordinary talent, he is ultimately human, not of our kind, his heart unfathomable. If we truly let him rise using our tribe's inheritance, whether he will be friend or foe in the future remains uncertain."

Water Traceless interjected: "Goldpeak Elder's concern is most reasonable. Moreover, the current Spirit Realm situation is delicate, with myriad clans contending. Though our Five Elements Tribe is strong, we also have ancient enemies lurking. If this child's inheritance matter spreads, it may invite more covetousness. By then, will our tribe protect him or seize him? Either way, we are in a dilemma."

The secret chamber fell into brief silence.

"Then, according to your views?" Wood Evergreen looked toward Goldpeak.

Goldpeak tapped his fingers rhythmically on the tabletop, producing a steady tat-tat sound; after a long while, he spoke slowly:

"Open seizure is inadvisable—Jiang Mingyuan is not easy to deal with. Covert theft also carries great risk, for this child now stands atop the Cloud Sea Summit of the Dao Institute, a human stronghold with layered restrictions and countless experts. Thus, the plan... is to break it with a 'Yang Scheme.'"

"Yang Scheme?" The others glanced sideways.

"Indeed." A glint of calculation flashed in Goldpeak's eyes, "Since the Grand Elder speaks of 'orthodoxy,' we shall begin from those two words. Summon the tribe's top youthful prodigies, under the banner of 'Exchanging Insights on the Five Elements Great Dao, Clarifying the Source of Orthodoxy,' and challenge that Wang Ping to a 'Five Elements Dao Discussion Challenge.'"

Fire Blazing frowned: "A Dao discussion challenge? What if Jiang Mingyuan is unprepared?"

"Dao discussion is not a life-or-death duel, but a common occurrence among cultivators." Goldpeak said lightly, "Moreover, our tribe can first create momentum. Spread the news that Wang Ping appears to possess our tribe's supreme inheritance throughout the Spirit Realm as appropriate, stirring public opinion. Then, the youthful prodigies will naturally come seeking fame to challenge. If Jiang Mingyuan blindly protects his own, he will instead appear guilty, damaging the reputation of the Ninth Dao Institute and himself. Given his pride, he will likely agree, at least not forcibly prohibit it."

Water Traceless's beautiful eyes flowed: "This plan is excellent. If we can, through open and righteous means, suppress Wang Ping in the Dao discussion, we can prove our tribe's inheritance has worthy heirs, needing no reliance on outsiders. We can also demonstrate to the Grand Elder's lineage that the radical strategy is not unworkable."

Earth Spirit Matriarch pondered: "Personnel selection must be careful. They must represent our tribe's youthful top level, yet possess a calm temperament and understand propriety. Though Dao discussion is not a death match, involving the name of orthodoxy, it must not be taken lightly."

"How about Han Que?" Wood Evergreen proposed, "This youth is a once-in-a-century genius of the Earth Lineage, with Golden Core perfection cultivation, having mastered the 'Earth Carries All Things Art' to the 'Ninefold Mountain' realm, his foundation extraordinarily solid, rare among peers.

Even rarer is his profound insight into the essence of earth; he once secluded himself for three years deep in the Earthfertile Hill, realizing the 'Earth Vein Resonance' technique, able to draw strength from the earth, his combat power far exceeding that of his peers. Having him act would be the most secure."

"Han Que..." Goldpeak pondered a moment, then nodded, "Acceptable. This youth has firm resolve, dislikes empty fame, only seeks the Dao. Inviting him under the pretext of 'Clarifying the Five Elements Orthodoxy, Verifying the Path Ahead,' he will surely respond.

Moreover, he cultivates earth like Wang Ping, making him a perfect match for direct confrontation."

Fire Blazing added: "Relying solely on Han Que may not suffice. Wang Ping's ability to pass the eleventh layer of the Heaven-Reaching Tower suggests astonishing methods. I suggest adding two more: 'Bai Xuan' of the Metal Lineage and 'Yan Jin' of the Fire Lineage.

These two are our tribe's strongest Golden Core prodigies in slaughter, having once slain early Nascent Soul cultivators across levels. Three taking turns challenging, or a wheeling Dao discussion, we must uncover Wang Ping's true foundations!"

"Bai Xuan, Yan Jin..." Water Traceless slightly furrowed her brows, "These two have excessive killing intent, likely unaware of restraint; if they lose control in the Dao discussion..."

"No problem." Goldpeak waved his hand, "The Dao discussion venue can be chosen at the Ninth Dao Institute's 'Questioning Dao Platform,' where ancient Divine Transformation cultivators have laid protective formations, sufficient to ensure safety. Moreover, with us observing covertly, we can intervene at critical moments. To probe the real and false, we precisely need such sharp-edged individuals."

Earth Spirit Matriarch finally decided: "Thus, it is settled: Han Que as main, Bai Xuan and Yan Jin as assistants. Wood Elder, you have old ties with Han Que, so you shall go contact him, clarify the pros and cons. Remember, do not let the Grand Elder's lineage detect this too early."

Wood Evergreen nodded: "Understood."

Goldpeak surveyed the group, his tone solemn: "This matter concerns our tribe's inheritance and future; you all must be cautious.

All actions shall be under the banner of 'Exchanging Insights on Dao Discussion,' leaving no room for gossip. If we can force out Wang Ping's inheritance secrets, or cause his Dao heart to suffer setback in the discussion, it will be a great merit.

Then, the Grand Elder's lineage's pacifying strategy will naturally collapse without attack."

The five discussed further for a long time, finalizing many details, before each dispersed.

Outside the secret chamber, the night sky over the Five Elements Plain was deep and dark, starlight dim, as if foreshadowing an approaching storm.

At the same time the Five Elements Tribe conspired, on the southwestern edge of the Ninth Dao Institute's sphere of influence lies a place called the "Soul-Burying Valley," a land of utter desolation.

This place is year-round shrouded in gray-black miasma, with gloomy winds wailing, no sunlight visible.

Bones litter the valley—human cultivators and demon beasts alike, all having mistakenly entered this place over long ages, devoured by the valley's naturally formed "Soul-Corroding Yin Wind" and "Bone-Rotting Toxic Miasma," their souls unable to escape, hence the name "Soul-Burying."

At this moment, beside a black pool deep in the valley's lowest point, surrounded by piled white bones, three figures appeared like ghosts.

All three wore black tight-fitting robes, the fabric neither silk nor leather, its surface bearing dark flowing light that seemed to absorb all light.

On their faces were hideous bronze ghost masks, revealing only three pairs of icy, lifeless eyes devoid of any human emotion.

Their auras were restrained to the utmost; if not seen with one's own eyes, they would nearly blend into the surroundings.

Yet the pervasive yin chill, deathly stillness, and bloody intent caused even the few struggling ghost-face mushrooms by the pool to instantly wither and die.

They are the Yin Net Tribe, elite assassins of the "Shadow Kill Hall"!

The central figure is slightly taller, his aura the most profound, with a dark red vertical line on the brow of his bronze mask, like a closed third eye.

He is the leader of this operation, codename "Deep Pupil," mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, gold-medal assassin of the Shadow Kill Hall, having slain more than a handful of Nascent Soul cultivators by his hand.

The left assassin is slender, his aura fluctuating unpredictably, codename "Ghost Shadow," skilled in concealment and evasion, early Nascent Soul cultivation.

The right assassin is somewhat stocky, with faint bloody killing aura seeping from his body, codename "Blood Claw," exceptionally strong in direct combat, also early Nascent Soul cultivation.

"Target intelligence updated." Deep Pupil spoke, his voice dry and hoarse, like sandpaper rubbing dry bones,

"Wang Ping, personally transmitted disciple of Ninth Dao Institute Chief Jiang Mingyuan, Golden Core completion cultivation (estimated), actual combat power suspected to reach the Nascent Soul threshold. Bears suspected supreme inheritance of the Five Elements Tribe, setting the 'Unprecedented in Ancient Times' record on the Heaven-Reaching Tower.

Currently resides in the Ninth Dao Institute's forbidden zone 'Cloud Sea Summit,' under Jiang Mingyuan's strict protection."

Ghost Shadow's voice was sharp: "The peak of the Cloud Sea... that is Jiang Mingyuan's blessed cave and Daoist sanctuary, with countless restrictions. It is said that even a Nascent Soul cultivator who trespasses recklessly risks falling. Why would the Hall Master take on such a task? The success rate of assassination is less than one in ten."

Blood Claw snorted coldly: "The Hall Master has his own considerations. This mission is not necessarily to kill, but mainly to 'probe'. If an opportunity arises, we apply the 'Corrupt God Thorn' to destroy his Dao foundation — that would be a great merit. Even if unsuccessful, gathering intelligence on his background and probing Jiang Mingyuan's reaction still holds value."

Dark Pupil nodded: "What Blood Claw says is correct. This Wang Ping boy has astonishing potential, already drawing the apprehension of our clan's upper echelons. If we can strike early to kill or severely wound him, we can eliminate a future calamity.

Even if unsuccessful, we can use this to probe the attitudes of the Ninth Dao Institute and the Five Elements Clan, providing grounds for our clan's subsequent plans."

He flipped his hand to take out three ink-black talismans, their surfaces flowing with dark blue water light, and three poison needles as fine as ox hair, about three inches long, entirely black-green, emitting a nauseating stench of decay.

"These are the 'Netherwater Shadow Veil Talismans' bestowed by the Hall Master, capable of maintaining perfect shadow-veil state for three hours — difficult to discern by Nascent Soul divine sense or special illusion-breaking pupil techniques.

These are the 'Corrupt God Thorns', refined from ten-thousand-year-old corrupt soul wood heart mixed with ninety-nine kinds of deadly toxic souls, specifically targeting cultivators' soul foundations. Those struck, without special detoxifying holy items or a Mahayana adept's intervention, will have their souls gradually rot, Dao foundation collapse, and wish for death."

He distributed the talismans and poison needles to the two.

"The plan is as follows: we use the Netherwater Shadow Veil Talismans to infiltrate the Ninth Dao Institute's sphere of influence, approaching within a hundred miles of the Cloud Sea Peak. Then, we release the 'Shadowless Soul-devouring Worm'. This worm is formless and substanceless, specially devouring divine sense fluctuations, able to slowly seep into the restriction's spiritual energy flow. If we can infiltrate the forbidden ground and approach Wang Ping, we can feedback his aura, condition, and even cultivation method fluctuations. If fortune favors us, we might even stir his heart demon or create an instant opportunity to unleash the Corrupt God Thorn."

Ghost Shadow doubted: "Though the Shadowless Soul-devouring Worm is hidden, Jiang Mingyuan's like, whose divine sense blankets the entire Dao Institute, would likely not be fooled."

The corner of Dark Pupil's mouth beneath the mask seemed to twitch: "The Hall Master prepared long ago. Three days prior, our clan's 'Delusion Heart Elder' secretly arrived in the Eastern Domain of the Spirit Realm and should now be causing trouble at the 'Shattered Star Sea' thirty thousand li north of the Ninth Dao Institute, drawing Jiang Mingyuan and other Dao Institute seniors' attention. Meanwhile, the Hall Master activated a replica of the ancient strange treasure 'God-Chaos Bell', which, though only able to disturb divine sense below Nascent Soul level, combined with the Netherwater Shadow Veil Talismans, suffices to buy us a window for infiltration."

Blood Claw licked his lips, bloodlust flashing in his eyes: "If I could personally cripple a future giant, hehe... this merit would be enough to exchange for that 'Blood Infernal Slaughter Canon'."

"Do not be careless." Dark Pupil warned, "Everything is to probe, act according to circumstances. If the matter cannot be done, retreat immediately, do not cling to battle. Jiang Mingyuan's name is no empty fame. Three hours later, whether successful or not, we rendezvous at the Soul-Burying Valley."

"Yes!" Ghost Shadow and Blood Claw solemnly assented.

The three said no more, simultaneously crushing the Netherwater Shadow Veil Talismans in their hands.

The black talismans exploded, turning into three strands of dark blue water light that enveloped the three figures. The next moment, the water light retracted, and the three's figures and aura vanished completely, leaving only three extremely faint, nearly undetectable water stain traces on the spot, like rainwater traces, swiftly 'flowing' toward the Ninth Dao Institute direction, speed comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator fleeing at full speed!

Netherwater Shadow Veil, traceless escape.

However, they did not know that from the moment they entered the Soul-Burying Valley, a pair of calm and deep eyes had, through endless void, already noticed this place.

At the peak of the Cloud Sea, in the stone pavilion.

Jiang Mingyuan stood with hands behind his back at the pavilion's edge, his gaze seemingly falling upon the surging Cloud Sea, yet also as if penetrating space to fall upon the Soul-Burying Valley thirty thousand li away.

When the three of Dark Pupil crushed the Netherwater Shadow Veil Talismans and turned into water traces to flee, in Jiang Mingyuan's eyes, a trace of indiscernible cold light flashed.

"The Netherdark Clan... Shadow Killing Hall... Netherwater Shadow Veil Talismans... and the commotion caused by that Delusion Heart Old Ghost in the Shattered Star Sea..." he murmured softly, a faint arc of indifference appearing at the corner of his mouth, "Lure the tiger away from the mountain? Make a sound in the east to strike in the west? Quite a calculation."

He did not turn around, nor make any grand gesture.

He merely pointed lightly toward the Soul-Burying Valley direction, across thirty thousand li of void.

The motion was casual, like brushing nonexistent dust from his sleeve.

A hundred li outside the Soul-Burying Valley, the three strands of Netherwater Shadow in stealth suddenly froze!

No earth-shattering explosion, no divine light of myriad zhang.

Only an irresistible, incomprehensible force of 'erasure', as if originating from the very will of heaven and earth, descended from nowhere!

This force did not act upon the flesh, but directly upon their 'essence' of existence!

The laws constituting the Netherwater Shadow shattered inch by inch; the divine sense maintaining their concealment shattered instantly; the three's souls were as if simultaneously pierced and torn apart by billions of invisible fine needles; their flesh began to disintegrate from the microscopic particle level, turning into primordial energy dust, dissipating between heaven and earth.

Even the Corrupt God Thorns in their bosoms, the unreleased Shadowless Soul-devouring Worms, and some backup talismans and treasures were reduced to nothing under this force.

From Jiang Mingyuan's finger flick to the annihilation of form and spirit of the three Nascent Soul Shadow Killing Hall elite assassins, with all traces erased, the entire process took less than one-tenth of a breath.

Fast! Accurate! Ruthless!

Neat and clean to the extreme, also terrifying to the extreme!

After doing all this, Jiang Mingyuan seemed to have merely done a trifling matter, his gaze withdrawing from the Soul-Burying Valley direction and returning to the Cloud Sea.

"Strike the mountain to shock the tiger, yet also needs to draw blood." He said lightly, voice only he could hear, "Since the Netherdark Clan has stretched out its claws, then let them be cut off. Also to let those lurking petty villains know that some bottom lines must not be touched."

He pondered for a moment, a divine thought silently transmitted toward the Ninth Dao Institute's Law Enforcement Court.

Shortly after, a message spread among the Dao Institute's senior echelons in a small range: there were two (actually three, but one was completely erased to the extent that even the Dao Institute's monitoring did not fully capture) suspected top assassins of the Netherdark Clan, who, while attempting to infiltrate the Dao Institute's sphere of influence, were struck down by the Institute Lord's long-distance strike, their form and spirit annihilated!

The Institute Lord declared: anyone daring within the Ninth Dao Institute's sphere of influence to harm Dao Institute disciples, especially those disadvantageous to its direct disciples, regardless of origin or background, shall be killed without pardon!

Though the message was not public, it was enough to make many senior figures of powers secretly monitoring this affair tremble in their hearts, quietly retracting some dangerous thoughts.

The wrath and methods of a Mahayana realm sovereign are far beyond what they could estimate or endure.

At the peak of the Cloud Sea, Wang Ping was not entirely unaware of the undercurrents and killing intent stirred by the outside world around him.

Although Jiang Mingyuan did not detail it, in daily guidance he would occasionally mention a sentence or two, letting him understand his situation and not lose vigilance due to secluded cultivation. Wang Ping, naturally thoughtful, could roughly infer from his master's occasional fragments of speech and subtle atmospheric changes within the Dao Institute.

Besides feeling grateful for his master's protection, his Dao heart became ever more profound and resolute.

All external troubles stem from insufficient strength. If he had his master's Mahayana cultivation, would the radical faction of the Five Elements Clan dare to covet? Would the Netherdark Clan's Shadow Killing Hall dare to assassinate? Only by swiftly raising his strength, condensing the Chaotic Five Elements Nascent Soul, truly entering the ranks of high-level cultivators, could he master his own fate and fear no wind and rain.

Thus, he cultivated with ever greater diligence.

Each day at the Yin hour morning practice, he absorbed the eastern purple qi and Cloud Sea spiritual mist, stabilizing his cultivation and nourishing his Golden Core.

From Chen to Wu hour, he cultivated the 'Refine God Decree', attempting the fourth divine sense condensation.

This time, he used the strand of chaotic qi in his left arm as a guide, combining his insight into 'chaos embraces all things, evolves the five elements', with difficulty igniting the 'Chaos Dao Fire'. Though the process was perilously dangerous, his soul several times neared the brink of collapse.

But relying on the steadfastness of the Will-Constellation Stars and the solid foundation laid by the previous three condensations, he finally succeeded in the thirty-second condensation on the tenth day!

Divine sense strength formally entered the middle Nascent Soul stage, and carried a trace of chaotic attribute, achieving an astonishing level in controlling and transforming five-element spiritual energy.

From Wei to You hour, he studied spells, contemplated the various five-element classics bestowed by Jiang Mingyuan, deduced the evolution rules of runes on the Will-Constellation Stars, and attempted deeper fusion of Nascent Soul-level divine sense with five-element Dao methods. He created several exquisite five-element combined techniques, power and variation far surpassing peers.

After Xu hour, he sat in stillness to contemplate, feeling every bit of progress, letting the surging power perfectly merge with body and mind.

In this single-minded bitter cultivation, another half month passed.

Wang Ping's cultivation had already reached Golden Core perfection. Yet his actual combat power, even he himself could not accurately estimate. Middle Nascent Soul divine sense, perfected Spirit-Pointing five-element Dao foundation, perfected Golden Core cultivation,, and the continuously evolving Will-Constellation Star runes... numerous advantages stacked, giving him confidence to face middle Nascent Soul cultivators head-on, even to win!

This afternoon, Wang Ping was in the quiet room deducing a nascent form of a new technique combining five-element divine light and divine sense impact, when he suddenly sensed fluctuations in the restriction outside the quiet room.

His divine sense swept out — the visitor's aura was fierce and vigorous, carrying a hint of wind and thunder intent, exactly his good friend Luo Qingyang.

Wang Ping's face broke into a smile as he rose to open the door and welcome him.

"Luo Senior Brother, rare guest." Wang Ping smiled, guiding Luo Qingyang into the quiet room, waving his hand to set up a soundproof restriction, "I heard you've been rigorously trained by the Chimeric Thunder Elder lately, still have time to come here?"

Luo Qingyang now bore an even greater aura than before, his entire body radiating fused thunder and fire qi, faintly having the momentum of wind and thunder following. Hearing this, he gave a bitter smile:

"Don't mention it, the old man is nothing short of a devil! Either he summons heavenly thunder to strike me, or he throws me into the earth-fire cavern to roast me, all under the pretense of 'tempering the true body with thunder and fire.' My bones are about to fall apart!"

Though he said that, his eyes were full of high-spirited fighting spirit, clearly having gained greatly.

The two sat down, and Wang Ping took out the "Cloud Mist Spirit Tea," a specialty from the summit of the Cloud Sea, to entertain. The tea liquor was crystal clear, fragrant upon entry, and had the effect of calming the mind and settling the qi.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Luo Qingyang's expression turned serious: "Wang brother, I came this time for two reasons: one is to see how your cultivation is progressing, and two is to bring you some of the latest news from the outside world. Now that you live in seclusion and rarely go out, many of the world's shifting tides may not be clear to you."

Wang Ping set down his teacup and said earnestly: "I am willing to hear the details."

"First, it's about the Five Elements Clan." Luo Qingyang lowered his voice, "My master attended a high-level small gathering the day before yesterday and heard several elders who had old ties with the Five Elements Clan mention that there seems to be great controversy within the clan regarding your matter.

The radical faction has been active recently, secretly contacting several top-tier Golden Core heaven's chosen within the clan, apparently preparing to issue a challenge to you at the Ninth Dao Institute under the banner of 'discussing the Dao'!"

"A Dao-discussion challenge?" Wang Ping raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Yes. Nominally it's about exchanging views on the Five Elements Great Dao to clarify the orthodox source." Luo Qingyang said, "But everyone knows this is aimed at your inheritance. If they can publicly overwhelm you, they can damage your prestige, shake your 'orthodox' name, and then create momentum for them to seize the inheritance.

It is said that their chosen candidate is no ordinary person; the leader is named Han Que, a hundred-year genius of the Earth Vein lineage of the Five Elements Clan, with Golden Core perfected cultivation, foundations solidly established to a terrifying degree, once called the 'Son of the Earth.'

Additionally, there is Bai Xuan of the Metal Vein lineage and Yan Jin of the Fire Vein lineage, both ruthless slaughterers, with battle records of slaying Nascent Soul cultivators while being of a lower realm!"

Wang Ping listened calmly, his expression unchanged: "Those who come harbor ill intent."

"Not just ill intent!" Luo Qingyang's tone grew grave, "Any one of these three, placed among the Golden Core disciples of my Ninth Dao Institute, would be enough to rank in the top ten!

If they take turns challenging you, or join forces in a Dao discussion, the pressure would be immense. Wang brother, although your combat prowess is outstanding, your cultivation has not yet recovered to its peak, and they have undoubtedly studied your cultivation method, so you must be extremely cautious!"

Wang Ping nodded: "Thank you, Brother Luo, for the reminder. I have this matter in mind. Dao discussion and sparring, after all, are not bad opportunities to verify one's own learning."

Seeing Wang Ping so composed, Luo Qingyang felt somewhat relieved and continued: "The second piece of news concerns the Netherworld Clan. Not long ago, a Netherworld Clan assassin sneaked into the sphere of influence of our Dao Institute and was killed by the Institute Master from afar!

Although this matter was not made public, the high-level echelons all know of it. The Institute Master has issued a stern warning: anyone who dares to act against you will be killed without mercy!

The Netherworld Clan has been quiet for now, but given their nature of seeking revenge for the slightest grievance, they will likely not let this go easily, merely biding their time in silence for now."

A flicker of coldness passed through Wang Ping's eyes. The Netherworld Clan... the grudges with Mingxue, the assassinations from the Shadow Killing Hall—this account, he has noted down.

"Third," Luo Qingyang's tone became somewhat complex, filled with emotion and fervor, "concerns the movements of several other major Dao Institutes and even the younger generation of the entire Spirit Realm. Wang brother, the news that you cleared the eleventh level of the Heaven-Reaching Tower and received the evaluation 'Unprecedented in Ancient Times' has spread like a storm throughout the Spirit Realm! It has thoroughly stimulated all the top heaven's chosen!"

He counted on his fingers:

"The sword maniac of the First Dao Institute, after returning, directly went onto the Life-and-Death Platform, fought three consecutive battles, and slew three outstanding peers of the same realm. His sword intent is said to have broken through to the supreme state of 'Sword Heart Penetrating Brightness,' after which he announced he would enter closed-door seclusion to impact the Nascent Soul realm! He declared that upon emerging from seclusion, he would discuss the sword way with you again!"

"Yu Liuli, possessing the ancient Jade Clear Dao Body, is naturally transcendent and extraordinary. After hearing of your affairs, she resolutely entered the clan's forbidden land, the 'Liuli Pure Pool,' said to be seeking to condense the 'Liuli Flawless Nascent Soul' with the pool's power, and after emerging from seclusion, she also wishes to discuss the Dao with you."

"Tianji Zi Yunyi, Huanxianzi Meng Qingcheng... these usually elusive, peerless heaven's chosen who appear like dragons showing their heads but not their tails, have recently all appeared, either entering closed-door seclusion to break through or going out to seek opportunities, clearly unwilling to be left far behind by you, and determined to catch up with all their might!"

"The demon clan side is even more lively!" Luo Qingyang's eyes sparkled, "Ao Zhan of the Azure Dragon Clan has returned to the Azure Dragon Ancestral Abyss, said to be drawing upon the ancestral dragon's qi for baptism, condensing the 'Azure Dragon War Infant'! Feng Qing'er of the Phoenix Clan has entered the Phoenix Nirvana Pool, seeking to undergo Nirvana transformation!

Li Hanshan of the White Tiger Clan has plunged into the Western Geng Metal Killing Ground to hone the slaughterous path! Plus the Xuanwu Clan, Qilin Clan, and Golden-Winged Great Peng Clan... the top-tier existences of the younger generation of the demon clan have almost all set into motion! Across the Spirit Realm, in secret realms, perilous places, and ancient ruins, one can now see the figures of these heaven's chosen!"

Wang Ping listened calmly, his heart stirring slightly.

Cangxuan's Hand of the Heavenly Sky, Yu Liuli's Jade Clear Dao Body, Ao Zhan's Azure Dragon War Blood, Feng Qing'er's Nirvana Divine Fire... these peerless heaven's chosen whom he had either met briefly or heard of in the Heaven-Reaching Tower, each possesses astonishing potential and foundation. His own rise is like a massive stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up thousands of waves, causing these already proud and lofty heaven's chosen to erupt with unprecedented fighting spirit and potential.

A true great age has arrived, with heaven's chosen rising together, contending and vying for the Dao—its curtain has already been drawn!

"Besides that," Luo Qingyang's tone grew even more mysterious, "there are also some heirs of hidden ancient clans and ancient sects who have begun to appear in the world one after another. I've heard that in the southern borders, the Witch Clan has produced a 'Witch God Son'; in the northern wilderness, the Ice Palace has an 'Ice Snow Holy Maiden' awakening; in the western desert, the Buddhist Kingdom has a 'Reincarnated Holy Child'... Wang brother, you are now being watched by countless eyes, both a benchmark and a target!"

Wang Ping lifted his teacup, took a light sip, the tea fragrance melting in his mouth, also letting his state of mind become even more clear.

"Only when heaven's chosen rise together does the great Dao show its sternness." He spoke slowly, his eyes holding no fear, only eager anticipation and firm resolve, "To be able to live in the same era as so many outstanding talents, competing for the great Dao, is both a fortune and a driving force. They regard me as a benchmark and a target; I likewise regard them as a whetstone and a mirror. Only thus can I temper my advance and not waste this life's Dao path."

Upon hearing this, Luo Qingyang was stunned for a moment, then burst into loud laughter, vigorously patting Wang Ping's shoulder: "Good! Not unworthy of being my brother Luo Qingyang! One should have such spirit! What Five Elements Clan heaven's chosen, what hidden world heirs—come one, fight one; come two, fight a pair! Although I cannot match you, I will absolutely not drag behind! That brat Lei Zhen is also holding his breath, recently going crazy taking missions, saying he wants to break through to the late stage as soon as possible, so as not to embarrass you!"

Wang Ping felt warmth in his heart and smiled: "Having brothers like you is my fortune, Wang Ping."

The two chatted for a long while longer, Luo Qingyang sharing with Wang Ping the outside world's anecdotes, secret realm rumors, and even some cultivation insights he knew, while Wang Ping occasionally offered Luo Qingyang some pointers on the key points of harmonizing thunder and fire, greatly benefiting Luo Qingyang.

Until the sun slanted westward, Luo Qingyang then took his leave.

After seeing Luo Qingyang off, Wang Ping stood alone on the Cloud-Viewing Platform, gazing at the surging Cloud Sea, the setting sun like blood.

The evening wind brushed his face, carrying the unique dampness and coolness of the Cloud Sea.

Yet in his heart, a flame burned.

The Five Elements Clan's Dao-discussion challenge is imminent, the Netherworld Clan watches with tiger-like eyes, the younger generation of all clans in the Spirit Realm rises to pursue... the road ahead seems filled with thorns and strong enemies.

But what of it?

"Chaotic Five Elements Nascent Infant..." Wang Ping murmured softly, his hands unconsciously clenching.

He turned and walked back to the quiet chamber, his steps firm.

The urgent task is to quickly restore his cultivation to the perfected ninth revolution of Golden Core, and adjust his state to peak. Then, he must begin the final preparations for condensing that legendary supreme Nascent Infant.

Resources, insights, opportunities, state of mind... none can be lacking.

He knows that his master, Jiang Mingyuan, and the Ninth Dao Institute will provide him with as much support as possible, but the most fundamental thing is still to rely on himself to strive, to seize, to comprehend!

Sitting cross-legged, Wang Ping closed his eyes, and his mind sank into cultivation.

In his dantian, the golden light of eight-revolution peak golden cores flowed and intertwined, their qi interacting, faintly giving rise to chaotic qi.

In his sea of consciousness, the stars of will shone brightly, the mid-Nascent Soul divine awareness like a vast nebula, controlling all.

In his left arm, that thread of chaotic true intent slowly wandered, resonating with the five-elements spiritual power.

He could feel that he was only a thin layer of window paper away from Golden Core perfection, and the opportunity to condense the Nascent Infant also seemed to be quietly approaching in the dark.

"Come." Wang Ping silently thought in his heart, facing the impending challenge, and also that supreme Dao.

"Let me see, in this great age of wind and clouds, just what kind of legend can be forged."

At the summit of the Cloud Sea, a lone peak stands alone.

Cloud mist gathers and disperses unpredictably, veiling the peak's scenery, also veiling that which is accumulating, a mighty power capable of shaking the future.

The hidden dragon lies in the abyss, silently awaiting the convergence of wind and clouds.