Chapter 164: Ancient Martial Dao, Dao Foundation Nine Layers, Used to Nourish the Spirit!
Three figures came to a stop not far in front of Fang Xu.
The leading figure looked at Fang Xu and Yun Wan, a hint of joy appearing in his eyes.
"Yun Qing?"
Behind Fang Xu, Yun Wan hurriedly tried to rush forward.
But the two blood-robed figures behind him, whose strength had reached the fifth level of Martial Venerable, directly blocked Yun Wan's path.
"Get out of the way!"
Yun Wan exuded the aura of a Martial Venerable, coldly shouting.
"So fast, sister has broken through to Martial Venerable."
Behind the two, Yun Qing slowly spoke: "Move aside."
"Transformation?" Yun Qing laughed, extending his palm.
"Derive Spirit!"
Fang Xu smiled faintly as he looked at him: "What, do you want to keep me?"
Yun Qing said nothing, directly waving his hand: "All of you, make way for this seat!"
He tugged at Yun Qing's clothes, Yun Wan pleaded again.
"Go back?"
"You are not like this, this is not you..."
"Leave?"
"In the eyes of the millions of commoners of Zhongshan Covenant, I am their god..."
The two blood-robed figures slightly cupped their hands, then returned to his side.
After saying this, Yun Qing turned his head to look at Fang Xu: "It's been years, and you're still only a fifth-level Martial Scholar—truly disappointing."
Yun Qing slowly removed the strange mask from his face, gazing at Yun Wan before him, a flicker of excitement crossing his face, then he spoke with indifferent coldness: "Sister, why don't you stay properly at the Ascension Immortal Assembly, what are you doing running here?"
He lightly grasped his scale-covered palm, then suddenly swung it at the man on the ground whose legs Fang Xu had crippled.
A violent force directly turned that man into minced meat.
"What's wrong with my hand?"
As his words fell, countless kneeling commoners shouted loudly!
"Sister may leave, but you cannot."
Yun Wan despaired, not knowing why her brother had become like this, nor whether he could still turn back now.
He used his sharp, pointed fingernail to lightly scrape the bloodstain from his face, then stuck out his tongue and licked it with evident relish.
Supporting Yun Wan, Fang Xu stared at Yun Qing: "Have you accepted the Derive Spirit Sect's transformation?"
"Yun Qing, your hand!" Seeing his brother's hand turned into this inhuman, non-ghostly form, Yun Wan cried out in alarm.
"This is power..."
"Going back to be a stray dog?"
Yun Wan looked at her brother with a heartbroken expression, dazed.
Fang Xu frowned slightly, unsure what Yun Qing was up to.
"Yun Qing, come back with me."
Hearing this, Yun Wan looked at Yun Qing with a face full of shock.
But Yun Qing seemed not to feel anything wrong with himself.
Swish!
Yun Qing fiercely swung his sleeve, strong force flinging Yun Wan into a stumble.
This time, Fang Xu finally saw clearly.
"Let's go." Glancing at Yun Qing at this moment, Fang Xu spoke directly.
As he swung his sleeve, Fang Xu caught a glimpse of Yun Qing's arm, his face flashing with shock!
It looked like an arm covered in scales!
Yun Qing's face showed a satisfied smile, teasingly looking at Yun Wan: "See it?"
"You came knocking on your own today, still want to leave?"
A hint of evil charm flashed across Yun Qing's face, then he glanced at the kneeling commoners who dared not raise their heads and laughed: "Sister, have you seen my current status?"
……
Scattered blood splattered on his body, face...
Facing the gazes of Fang Xu and Yun Wan, Yun Qing smirked evilly.
Looking at Fang Xu, Yun Qing smiled faintly: "The Master Father has always been looking for you."
"Derive Spirit!"
Unaccustomed to Yun Qing's attitude, Yun Wan pleaded.
"Yun Qing, come back with sister."
The commoners kneeling around, hearing this, hurriedly stood and retreated, clearing a space.
"Those wastes at home all say your strength is great."
"Again and again you strike out, yet everyone runs..."
"Today I want to see just how strong your strength is."
Yun Qing said this while slowly walking toward Fang Xu.
"Yun Wan, step back a bit."
Fang Xu now also felt some anger in his heart.
This state of Yun Qing is obviously no longer the Yun Qing he knew.
To bring him back, the only way is to completely subdue him.
The aura on his body gradually condensed, a flash of light in his hand, and that black iron rod appeared in his hand.
He has made up his mind.
Since it cannot be resolved peacefully, then today let's have a good fight.
Behind Yun Qing, two blood-robed figures of the Fifth Realm of Martial Venerables also slowly walked towards Fang Xu at this time.
"Let me come myself!"
Yun Qing seems to be very confident in his current strength, refusing the help of the two.
The two Fifth Realm Martial Venerable disciples of the Yanshen Sect glanced at each other, and in the end still did not take another step forward.
Boom!
A flash of killing intent appeared in his eyes, Yun Qing suddenly clenched his fist, and flashed towards Fang Xu with a boom!
Thud!
The fist covered in scales smashed onto the black iron rod, the terrifying force stirring up an invisible shockwave, shaking the surrounding houses!
The attack was blocked, Yun Qing's eyes suddenly turned scarlet, and then he stretched out his other arm as well!
Also covered in scales and sharp claws!
After the two arms stretched out, he resembled a raging ferocious beast, his huge fists like two great iron hammers, madly pounding!
Fang Xu raised the iron rod to block, his body constantly retreating.
I don't know from what ferocious beast these two arms of Yun Qing were transplanted, but the power is extremely terrifying.
This is Fang Xu; if it were any other martial artist, even if he were a Martial Venerable realm, he probably couldn't withstand this kind of violent attack!
"Fight back!"
"Aren't you strong?!?"
"Fight back! Trash!"
Yun Qing looked like a madman, shouting while he fought!
Fang Xu's eyes narrowed slightly, seizing the gap in his attack, the black iron rod in his hand suddenly thrust forward!
While blocking the incoming fist, he directly swept sideways, striking Yun Qing's flank!
The terrifying force directly flung him away, his body like a cannonball, crashing into the surrounding houses!
"Yun Qing!"
Behind him, Yun Wan saw this, somewhat worried about her brother's safety.
But the next moment!
A scarlet figure flew straight out of the smoke and dust!
In mid-air, Yun Qing directly swung his claws at Fang Xu!
One after another, scarlet claw marks tore through the air as they swept towards Fang Xu!
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
……
Fang Xu dodged and blocked with the black iron rod!
The huge claw marks cut into the surrounding houses, those built of blue stone were as fragile as tofu!
Some nearby civilians were caught in the claw marks, and were disemboweled on the spot!
Seeing this, Fang Xu frowned tightly.
He knew that at this moment, Yun Qing had lost all humanity, and if they continued fighting here, the surrounding civilians would be slaughtered by the aftermath of their attacks.
He tapped his toes, and immediately rushed towards the distant uninhabited grassland.
Yun Qing pursued relentlessly, and Yun Wan and the two blood-robed figures of the Yanshen Sect also followed.
Arriving at the grassland, Fang Xu finally could let go.
Seeing Yun Qing chasing up, he suddenly sprang out!
Roar!
A dragon's chant rang out!
The Dragon Roam activated, Fang Xu's body transformed into a five-clawed golden dragon, with the black iron long rod as the dragon's head, directly charging towards Yun Qing!
Bang!
Yun Qing, who had just rushed up, failed to dodge in time, and was directly sent flying by Fang Xu's strike!
His body plowed a trench tens of zhang long on the grassland, and he staggered to a stop.
After bearing this blow, he seemed not to have suffered much injury.
He roared again and charged up once more.
Seeing this, Fang Xu suddenly leapt up!
The next moment, while in mid-air, a huge Kui ox phantom appeared on his body surface!
Boom!
The single leg of the Kui ox phantom stepped down towards Yun Qing below!
The grassland was trampled by Fang Xu's foot, leaving a huge footprint!
In the footprint, Yun Qing was stepped on by Fang Xu, and no matter how he struggled, he could not move Fang Xu in the slightest.
"Enough!"
Fang Xu shouted coldly.
He guessed that Yun Qing's transformation into this state was very likely due to the transplantation of these two arms.
For now, the plan is to find a way to subdue him first, then bring him back to the Ascension Immortal Society to see if Elder Xu Changqing can save him.
"Roar!"
Stepped on by Fang Xu, Yun Qing's eyes turned bloodshot as he let out an angry roar!
The two Yanshen Sect disciples who arrived later, seeing this, also rushed forward to help!
Then, at this moment, Yun Qing seemed to be completely enraged, reaching into his bosom to pull out a bottle of black potion, which he shoved into his mouth along with the bottle!
The next moment!
A terrifying power erupted from within his body, directly blasting Fang Xu flying!
"Roar!"
"Roar!"
After consuming the divine blood, Yun Qing let out successive roars from his mouth, and his body began to rapidly undergo mutation!
His swelling body tore apart the blood robe on him, and his body shot up to over one zhang in height at a visible speed!
A large number of scales grew on his body's surface, his back bulged, and several sharp bone spurs stained with blood protruded from his spine!
After the mutation ended, the one standing before Fang Xu was no longer Yun Qing, but a complete monster.
After taking the divine blood, the transformed Yun Qing seemed to have undergone an even more thorough mutation than the ordinary Yanshen Sect disciples.
With his greatly increased strength, plus the two Yanshen Sect disciples at the fifth level of Martial Venerable, the three formed a pincer movement, surrounding Fang Xu in the middle.
On the outside, Yun Wan saw this and immediately drew her own weapon, preparing to rush forward to help.
"Step back a little!"
Fang Xu immediately stopped her.
Whether it was the mutated Yun Qing or the two Yanshen Sect disciples, neither could be dealt with by Yun Wan, a newly promoted Martial Venerable.
Yun Wan froze for a moment, glanced worriedly at Fang Xu, and ultimately chose to trust him, not rushing forward.
On Fang Xu's side, seeing the three form a surrounding posture, he no longer held back, and a huge phantom of a demon ape directly appeared behind him!
Since last time, when he observed Chu Ren Di using the energy of heaven and earth to display divine powers on the Life and Death Platform, Fang Xu himself had been trying to figure it out for a long time.
Now, when he again performs the Demon Ape Three Transformations, he no longer relies solely on his own Blood Qi Power.
The huge demon ape phantom appeared, more terrifying than the mutated Yun Qing!
The demon ape phantom held in its hand a terrifying great staff completely condensed from heavenly and earthly energy!
He directly swung it down at the three!
After constructing the Demon Ape War Heaven Star Chart within his body, he now uses the divine power of the Demon Ape Three Transformations, which is much stronger than before.
The huge staff formed from Blood Qi descended from the heavens, its terrifying might causing the two Yanshen Sect disciples with Martial Venerable fifth-level strength to involuntarily feel a trace of fear in their hearts!
Too strong!
Is this brat really a fifth-level Martial Scholar?
The two dared not directly block Fang Xu's move, and both dodged by flashing aside!
But at this moment, Yun Qing did not deign to dodge; he surged forward to meet the descending heavenly staff shadow!
Boom!
The Blood Qi staff came crashing down; Yun Qing's body had just lifted off the ground when it was directly slapped down by the Blood Qi staff!
Boom!
The terrifying force directly slammed his body into the ground of the grassland!
After the two Martial Venerable fifth-level Yanshen Sect disciples dodged this blow, they immediately launched an attack on Fang Xu's main body.
But at this moment, Fang Xu had no fear whatsoever; facing the two rushing in, he brought down his black iron staff straight onto their heads.
Possessing the Kui Ox and Casting Tripod special star charts, not only are his attacks, but even his Blood Qi Power, extraordinarily heavy.
The black iron staff came down with an unmatched momentum; one of the Martial Venerable fifth-level Yanshen Sect disciples immediately tried to raise his weapon to block.
But his weapon was merely two strangely shaped short swords, clearly taking the light and agile path; facing Fang Xu's heavy and powerful strike, it could not possibly block it.
The strange twin swords crossed above his head, precisely blocking the black iron staff, but that terrifying force still numbed his arms, and his feet directly sank into the soft grassland ground.
Fang Xu's attack was not only overwhelmingly powerful but also extremely fast.
After the strike landed, giving him no time to react, the staff was retracted and extended, directly turning into a spear, thrusting toward his chest!
Clang!
Just as the staff was about to pierce his body, another Yanshen Sect disciple also rushed over, his long sword directly lifting Fang Xu's black iron staff, saving his companion's life.
He reached out and pulled his companion from the grass; the two, one on the left and one on the right, launched a fierce offensive!
For a moment, sword lights spanning nearly a hundred zhang ravaged this grassland, countless scarlet blades swirling around Fang Xu in chaotic flight!
Martial Venerable experts can channel their own star charts; the external release of martial energy that Martial Scholars can possess, in the hands of Martial Venerables, is played out in new variations!
Moreover, by leveraging the power connected through star charts, Martial Venerables' attacks become more sucking, and their power also greater!
The two launched a violent offensive, and in a short time, they actually managed to suppress Fang Xu!
Boom!
At the same time, Yun Qing, who had been blasted into the earth by Fang Xu's staff, now burst out of the ground, his monstrous body charging straight toward Fang Xu, the black aura emanating from his entire body looking extremely evil and strange!
Roar!
Seeing Yun Qing charge over, the three-zhang demon ape phantom behind Fang Xu let out an angry roar, then immediately clenched its huge ape hands toward the charging Yun Qing!
The Blood Qi-formed big hand directly grabbed Yun Qing's body, then violently swung him left and right!
Boom!
Boom!
……
Yunqing's body, in the hands of the demon ape's phantom, was like a torn sack, being swung repeatedly onto the ground!
The soft earth of the grassland at this moment was completely ravaged, pitted with holes from the impacts!
After being beaten hundreds of times, Fang Xu directly hurled Yunqing toward the two Martial Lords of the Ascension Assembly!
The two dared not dodge, each exerting their strength to catch the thrown Yunqing.
After the three steadied their stances, Yunqing seemed dazed from the beating, his body trembling, his fully beastified head shaking violently, then he suddenly broke free from their support and charged once more at Fang Xu!
Bang!
But as his figure just lunged out, a massive bronze cauldron suddenly descended from the heavens, directly trapping him inside!
Last night, all of this, Fang Xu gazed at the two Martial Lords of the Yanshen Sect, and in his eyes each rose a puff of purple-black flame.
This eerie sight made the two feel their hairs stand on end; just as they tried to resist, purple-black flames erupted on their bodies!
"Fire!"
"You're on fire!"
One Martial Lord looked at his companion's purple-black flames, somewhat astonished.
The companion turned: "You have it too!"
"What the hell is this?!"
The two stared at the purple-black flames burning on each other, yet felt no burning sensation, not even a singe on their clothes, faces full of confusion.
But the next moment, a piercing pain surged forth, the black flames instantly igniting their souls!
Having the soul burned is a hundred, even a thousand times more painful than the body burning!
At this moment, the two could barely endure, rolling in agony on the ground!
On Fang Xu's side, the purple-black flames in his eyes burned fiercely, but his face grew increasingly pale.
The soul-searing ability brought by the Divine Flame Star Chart, when unleashed, consumes vast amounts of his own soul power.
Simultaneously targeting two fifth-realm Martial Lords, this drain, even with his Xuanwater Soul, he could barely sustain for a moment.
But he cannot give up.
At this moment, the demon ape's phantom behind him had already vanished.
If he cannot annihilate these two in one strike, he will have no means left to oppose them.
Not far off, the trapped Yunqing, after his mutation, also possesses formidable strength.
The purple-black flames still burned; after the initial panic, the two Martial Lords fully mobilized their soul power, trying to dispel the strange flames clinging to their souls.
Time passed bit by bit, as Fang Xu seemed about to collapse, Yunwan nearby suddenly realized she ought to do something.
Seeing the two Yanshen Sect Martial Lords desperately resisting the black soul-flames, she drew her longsword and slashed several sharp sword qi at them!
At this moment, both had all their attention on the soul-burning black flames; even seeing Yunwan's sword light, they could not dodge for a while.
Pfft!
Pfft!
……
The sharp sword qi tore through their blood-red robes, leaving deep wounds visible to the bone on their bodies!
Yunwan, seeing this, a flash of sword light crossed her eyes!
The next moment, she slowly raised her longsword; brilliant sword qi gathered slowly on the blade, ultimately forming a heaven-reaching sword!
Drink!
With a soft shout, that heaven-reaching sword qi swept directly toward the two Yanshen Sect Martial Lords!
Cannot be blocked!
The fleshly body simply cannot withstand this strike!
Though they are fifth-realm Martial Lords, Yunwan's cultivation has reached the first-realm Martial Lord; this sword is nearly her full twelve-tenths of power—once struck, they feel their bodies will surely be easily cleaved!
With purple-black flames burning their souls within and heaven-reaching sword qi seeking to cleave their flesh without, both panicked.
After weighing their options, they immediately abandoned resisting the purple-black flames, choosing first to preserve their fleshly bodies.
But the instant they abandoned resisting the purple-black flames, the flames on their souls instantly flared!
Intense pain surged, leaving them unable to mount any defense.
Pfft!
The sword qi swept over, their bodies were directly severed into two!
Two fifth-realm Martial Lords died thus, frustrated, on the grassland!
Having dealt with them, Fang Xu quickly turned to Yunqing nearby.
The bronze cauldron is controlled by his consciousness; as he matched soul power with those two Martial Lords, his soul power was rapidly depleted, and his control over the bronze cauldron grew weaker and weaker.
At this moment, the bronze cauldron had already been battered by Yunqing into a state riddled with cracks!
Boom!
The frenzied Yunqing struck again, shattering the bronze cauldron outright, then angrily charged at Fang Xu!
"Yunqing!"
Yunwan, seeing this, raised her sword to block beside Fang Xu, still trying to awaken her brother.
But at this moment, Yunqing had utterly lost reason, and punched his sister!
A crimson fist, like a burning meteor, smashed toward Yunwan!
Bang!
Seeing Yunwan seemingly unprepared to defend, Fang Xu, enduring the weakness from soul consumption, flashed forward and scattered the crimson fist imprint with the black iron staff in his hand!
"He now has no sanity left; the only way is to beat him awake."
Fang Xu spoke.
Yun Wan's face was sorrowful, her sword-holding arm trembling incessantly, as if she could not bring herself to strike.
Fang Xu raised his black iron staff to block her face and said: "Leave it to me."
He swung the black iron staff in his hand, launching a violent assault against the rushing Yun Qing.
The so-called divine blood of the Yanshen Sect can only be cleansed of its energy through the most violent assault, allowing the user to regain consciousness!
The heavy iron staff struck Yun Qing's body again and again, yet it was difficult to inflict any fatal damage upon him.
Again and again he was flung back, again and again he charged forward.
Their wild, desperate battle ravaged the grasslands for over ten li in all directions.
Seeing Yun Qing still fearlessly charging forward, Fang Xu's eyes narrowed slightly.
In the next moment, purple-black flames flared once more in his eyes.
At the same time, purple-black flames ignited on Yun Qing's body opposite him.
Compared to the two Yanshen Sect cultivators of the Fifth Martial Reverence Realm, Yun Qing's soul power was far inferior.
His original strength was merely that of a Ninth-Rank Martial Master; perhaps he had broken through after joining the Yanshen Sect, but this formidable strength of his came more from his transformed arms than from innate power.
His fundamental soul was not particularly strong.
His soul bore the scorching of the Divine Flame Fire, Yun Qing emitted deathly cries as his massive body rolled incessantly across the grassland.
The purple-black flames in Fang Xu's eyes burned ever brighter.
The Profound Water Soul also had an advantage: its self-healing ability was very strong.
Earlier, when competing with two Fifth Martial Reverence Realm Yanshen Sect members in soul power consumption, the soul power lost had already largely recovered during this period of fighting Yun Qing.
For Fang Xu, attacking Yun Qing's soul with Divine Flame Fire posed little pressure.
Yun Qing, whose body burned with purple-black flames, grew weaker in his cries; his scales gradually receded, and his mutated form slowly returned to normal.
Curled up in a patch of dead pasture grass, he finally ceased struggling.
Fang Xu withdrew the Divine Flame Fire.
Yun Wan hurried over.
At this moment, Yun Qing appeared miserable; several bloody bone spurs on his back had not faded, and his body was covered in bloodstains.
He weakly opened his eyes, gazing at Fang Xu and Yun Wan before him, and slowly revealed a faint smile.
"Sister, Fang Xu..."
"Yun Qing, sister will take you back..." Yun Wan, her face streaked with tears, looked at the miserable Yun Qing and spoke.
"Sis, I can't go back." Yun Qing forced a smile, turned his head to glance at Fang Xu, and spoke with a complex expression:
"Fang Xu, seeing how strong you are, I can rest easy."
"My sister... I entrust her to you."
Fang Xu crouched down, examined Yun Qing's body, and his expression suddenly changed.
He could clearly feel that the two monster arms transplanted into Yun Qing, having suffered severe trauma, were now incessantly devouring his qi and blood in a desperate attempt to recover.
"Found it out, huh?" Yun Qing gave a miserable smile: "I can't go back; losing these two arms means death, keeping them also means death..."
"Moreover, my soul has already been corrupted; it is your strange flame that has temporarily restored my clarity."
"Fang Xu, kill me."
"Don't let me become that bloodthirsty, savage monster again."
Fang Xu shook his head: "There will be a way; I am now taking you back to the Ascendant Immortal Assembly..."
"I told you to kill me!" Yun Qing's emotions flared; in an instant, his eyes gradually shifted toward a crimson hue.
But soon, those crimson tones slowly receded, and his face showed the color of painful struggle.
"I can barely control myself anymore!"
"Please, kill me..."
Yun Qing looked pleadingly at Fang Xu, his face full of entreaty.
But Fang Xu simply could not bring himself to act.
"Sis, help your brother..."
"You don't want to see your brother become that inhuman, non-ghostly form again, do you?"
"Sis, help me..."
Seeing Fang Xu unwilling to strike, Yun Qing could only turn to his sister for help.
But at this moment, Yun Wan's face was already streaked with tears as she gazed at her pleading brother, her sword-gripping palm trembling violently.
She shook her head frantically, her face full of anguish.
"Yun Qing, come back with us; sister will surely find a way to save you!"
"Yun Qing..."
Before she could finish speaking, Yun Qing suddenly embraced her.
"Sis... live well."
"The grudge between Father and the Yun clan, brother can no longer help you avenge..."
As his words fell, he directly seized the long sword in Yun Wan's hand and fiercely plunged it into his own heart.
"The river water flows clear and clear..."
"Like that girl's sweet smile..."
"The willow branches sway gently... like that girl... bending her waist in laughter..."
Leaning on Yun Wan's shoulder, Yun Qing quietly gazed at the distant sky, and before him, unbidden, arose the memory of his childhood, following his father carefree through Huangzhou City.
Humming the folk song of the Huangzhou region, his eyes gradually lost their luster.
"Sister... take me home..."
The voice grew fainter and fainter, and finally he slowly closed his eyes.
"Yun Qing!!"
The sorrowful cry echoed across the grassland!
Yun Wan tightly embraced Yun Qing's corpse and sank into grief-stricken weeping.
Zhongshan Qi Tribe.
Yun Wan held an urn of ashes in her arms, standing silently beside Fang Xu.
Before the two, the chief of the Zhongshan Qi Tribe, a man with somewhat graying hair and a sturdy build, looked at Fang Xu and said: "Warrior from the East, thank you for saving the people of the Zhongshan Qi Tribe."
Fang Xu waved his hand: "Chief Wulun, you're too polite."
"Warrior, Wulun represents the Zhongshan Qi Tribe and hopes you can stay a few more days so the tribe can properly entertain you both." Wulun extended the invitation.
Fang Xu glanced at Yun Wan, who was gently stroking the urn beside him, and then declined Wulun's invitation.
"Chief Wulun, we will meet again."
Seeing this, Wulun could only have someone bring over two Tianma steeds.
"Warrior, the Zhongshan Qi Tribe produces fine Tianma steeds; your two steeds are too old. These are the tribe's finest two Tianma steeds—consider them a gift."
Looking at the two Tianma steeds with gleaming coats before him, Fang Xu clasped his hands: "Thank you, Chief Wulun."
"Yun Wan, let's go."
The two mounted their steeds and then rode straight eastward.
Zhongzhou, Grand General's Manor.
Zhao Wujì sat cross-legged in a secret chamber; before him stood a massive meteorite emitting a faint red glow.
Those red glows emanated from the meteorite and swiftly surged into Zhao Wujì's body.
At this moment, numerous ferocious and terrifying blood-colored apparitions appeared behind him!
If outsiders witnessed this scene, they would be frightened enough to have their legs go weak.
Yet these ferocious and terrifying apparitions were gradually worn away by the red glow emanating from Zhao Wujì's body.
Transformed into the purest energy, they were absorbed by his body.
As these ferocious and terrifying apparitions gradually faded, only a figure clad in blood-colored armor remained standing behind him.
The blood-colored armor figure was surrounded by surging killing intent; under the nourishment of the red glow emanating from the meteorite, it continued to solidify.
At the same time.
Behind Li Cangwu deep in the imperial palace stood a golden imperial apparition!
This golden imperial apparition continuously drew golden specks of light from the jade carving before Li Cangwu.
In terms of solidity, the golden imperial apparition actually surpassed the blood-colored armor apparition behind Zhao Wujì.
Ascension Immortal Society, rear mountain bamboo cottage.
Jiang Feng awoke from meditation, gazed into the distance, and slightly shook his head.
"Whether relying on killing intent or faith, it's ultimately a petty path that cannot reach the grand stage or go far."
"Master, Junior Brother Fang Xu has returned." At that moment, a voice sounded from outside the door.
Jiang Feng came to his senses, slowly rose, and said: "Let him come see me."
The outer disciple clasped his hands: "Yes!"
Bamboo Grove Thatched Hut.
Fang Xu looked at Jiang Feng before him and clasped his hands: "Greetings, Master."
Jiang Feng slightly nodded, gestured with his hand, and said: "Please, have a seat."
Fang Xu sat down.
Jiang Feng looked at him and said: "I heard you carried out a mission at the Zhongshan Qi Tribe?"
Fang Xu nodded: "Yes, I thwarted a plot by the Yan Shen Sect."
The Zhongshan Qi Tribe mission was somewhat unpleasant for him.
Yun Qing died.
Yun Wan has still not recovered to this day.
"The Zhongshan Qi Tribe is a new force I am preparing to establish for the Ascension Immortal Society; tell me your thoughts on it." Jiang Feng spoke.
Upon hearing this, Fang Xu's gaze sharpened.
He had previously guessed that Jiang Feng's target should be the Zhongshan Qi Tribe.
"The Zhongshan Qi Tribe is a nomadic tribe similar to the Mu Yun Kingdom, with a population of several million, scattered settlement, and most people living by following water and grass."
"The martial arts of the entire tribe are quite backward; the strongest among them only reach the ninth level of Warrior."
"Simply put, barbaric and uncivilized."
Fang Xu expressed his understanding of the Zhongshan Qi Tribe.
Jiang Feng nodded, slowly rose, and said: "The Mu Yun Kingdom has been destroyed, the Yu Shan Kingdom has been ruined; among the remaining forces of the Ascension Immortal Society, only the Yu Kingdom and the Fu Shan Kingdom remain."
"Now the Yu Kingdom is plunged into internal chaos, the immortal isle faces threats, and opening new territory is urgent."
Regarding this, Fang Xu expressed no opinion.
He also did not understand why Jiang Feng was telling him these things.
Seeing Fang Xu silent, Jiang Feng slowly turned around, looked at him, and said: "During this time, focus on cultivation; I have already instructed that all resources of the Ascension Immortal Society are available to you at half price."
Half price!?
Fang Xu stood up somewhat startled and said: "Master, what price must the disciple pay?"
Sudden attention often comes with a purpose; he did not want to be sold out at a critical moment.
Seeing his wary expression, Jiang Feng laughed: "Kid, what do you think I would scheme against you for?"
"I will let you enjoy the resources of the Ascension Immortal Association at half price; I have only one request."
"Please give your orders, Master." Fang Xu cupped his hands and said.
Jiang Feng sighed, then spoke: "The Immortal Island has encountered a crisis; recently, many strong disciples from the Yu State branch were transferred away."
"I intend to give you the quota for this year's core disciples."
"But there is one condition: you must reach the Martial Sovereign realm by the year-end core disciple assessment."
Reach Martial Sovereign by year-end?
Upon hearing this, Fang Xu couldn't help but furrow his brow.
He is currently at the fifth level of Martial Master; reaching Martial Sovereign by year-end is still somewhat difficult.
The Profound Water Soul has given him the capital to forcibly open the stone gate, open the apertures, and construct the star chart, but he can clearly feel that the power of the Profound Water Soul is limited.
That is to say, with sufficient star charts, he might be able to raise his realm in one go to Martial Master level seven, or even eight.
But Martial Master level nine is probably difficult.
Moreover, breaking through from Martial Master to Martial Sovereign requires a large amount of time to temper, using star chart power to forge the star platform.
"What's wrong, lacking confidence?" Seeing Fang Xu silent, Jiang Feng asked with a smile.
Fang Xu shook his head: "Just dare not guarantee it, afraid to disappoint Master's expectations."
"No problem, rest assured and cultivate." Jiang Feng comforted him.
After returning from the bamboo hut behind the mountain to the Law Enforcement Hall, Fang Xu went to see Chu Ren Di, and simply told him what Jiang Feng had said.
After a moment of thought, Chu Ren Di nodded and said: "This matter, as your teacher, I also approve."
"Now the situation is complex; your strength is strong, but your realm remains a shortcoming."
"I am planning to tell you: during this time, try not to go out on missions; seize the time to raise your cultivation first."
Fang Xu nodded.
Since Chu Ren Di also finds this feasible, then I have nothing to hesitate about.
His current realm is Martial Master level five; he still has one Mirage Dragon Star Chart unused; next, he only needs three more star charts.
His contribution points are roughly over three hundred thousand.
According to Jiang Feng, using the Ascension Immortal Association's resources requires only half the contribution points.
That three hundred thousand contribution points are enough for him to enter the Star Palace twice.
Gaining insight into three star charts twice should pose no problem.
After bidding farewell to Chu Ren Di, Fang Xu returned to his residence and found Yun Wan had already left.
Without thinking much, he directly hung a lantern at the door, preparing to first use the Mirage Dragon Star Chart to raise his cultivation to Martial Master level six.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Fang Xu closed his eyes and began to contemplate the Mirage Dragon Star Chart in his sea of consciousness.
After his mental attribute reached 140, his comprehension improved significantly.
In just two days, he already fully understood it.
But at the moment he comprehended the Mirage Dragon Star Chart, Fang Xu suddenly discovered that its quality was only equivalent to that of twelve star charts in the Star Palace.
His first five star charts were all of the quality of the top twelve; now using a medium one, he found it hard to accept.
He slowly opened his eyes and paced in the room.
After thinking for a long time, he ultimately decided not to settle!
If using, use the best!
Turning around and tidying up, he was about to head to the Star Palace when his gaze inadvertently caught a painting hanging on the wall.
This painting was what he brought out from the fourth layer of the Ti Lan Shan ruins; the painting depicted exactly Chen Xing Zhen Huang Jun Qi Li, one of the Seven Luminaries Gods.
Sunlight streamed through the door crack onto the painting, scattering points of light that sparkled.
"This painting..."
Staring at the painting on the wall, Fang Xu suddenly discovered that this thing seemed to be a star chart!
With this guess, he immediately studied it carefully.
The more he looked, the more he felt that this painting before him was absolutely a star chart!
Too miraculous!
Someone actually managed to paint a star chart on a painting!?
Not even bothering to go to the Star Palace, Fang Xu directly took down the painting on the wall and carefully examined and contemplated it.
Time passed day by day.
This contemplation lasted half a month.
Now, in Fang Xu's sea of consciousness, a huge star chart hangs silently!
The star chart is so large that the constructed Qi Li image stands directly amidst hundreds of millions of stars in the starry sky!
What level of star chart is this?
Looking at the star chart before him, Fang Xu was somewhat startled!
With his current comprehension, a star chart took him fifteen days to fully comprehend; during this period, the number of stars contained in this star chart made Fang Xu feel his head swell.
Never mind!
First construct it, then talk! 1
Using Blood Qi Power to build a divine bridge, Fang Xu prepared to construct the Chen Xing Star Chart within his body.
After confirming the apertures to be used for the star chart, he directly used the power of the Profound Water Soul to forcibly open the stone gate of the sixth aperture!
The Stone Gate world was similarly triggered, and a large number of sharp stone cones shot out from the Stone Gate!
And the Stone Gate that had been blasted with cracks healed completely in the blink of an eye.
Seeing this, Fang Xu was stunned.
Fortunately, golden thunder appeared at this time, and with the help of the golden thunder, the Stone Gate in the aperture space was successfully shattered, and a vast amount of primordial energy surged out from the Stone Gate world.
Under the impact of this energy, the apertures required for the Chenxing star chart were instantly blasted open!
The star chart lit up, and the image of Chenxing Zhenjun Qixian instantly appeared!
At this moment, a large amount of information flooded into the sea of consciousness, and Fang Xu's consciousness sank.
The boundless black ocean reappeared, and the consciousness body walked in the black ocean, as if sensing something, Fang Xu slowly turned his body.
That was a man wearing a black long robe, tall and slender.
The man stood silently on the black ocean, his back to Fang Xu, with his hands behind his back.
Fang Xu stepped forward slowly, came to a place not far behind the man, and cupped his hands, saying: "Senior, are you Chenxing Zhenjun?"
The man did not turn around, only sighed and said: "I never thought that after so many years, someone in this world could still come here."
Fang Xu was a little puzzled.
"Senior Qixian, where is this?"
At this moment, Qixian slowly turned around, his dignified and handsome face looked somewhat feminine and soft, but not unpleasant.
Staring at Fang Xu, Qixian observed him quietly for a moment and said with a light smile: "It turns out that Yanshen left behind an inheritance."
"Not bad, although that madman's idea was somewhat absurd, his insights on the path of cultivation were very profound."
"Little one, I will bestow upon you a fortune."
As soon as Qixian finished speaking, Fang Xu felt the surrounding black ocean begin to boil!
The boundless black sea surged, and in front of him, it forged into a huge disk!
The black water froze, and the huge disk, like a piece of black jade, floated silently on the water surface.
"This is the foundation of the Xuan Shui Dao."
It seems he knew Fang Xu did not understand what the foundation represented, so Qixian added: "That is what you in this world call the Star Platform."
"The foundation has nine layers, used to nurture the spirit."
"But your world only nurtures one layer of foundation, no wonder it is declining more and more."
"I bestow the Xuan Shui foundation upon you; I look forward to the day we meet in the future."
The black ocean disappeared, and Fang Xu's consciousness returned to his physical body.
At the moment his consciousness entered the sea of consciousness, he suddenly saw a disk resembling black jade truly floating in his sea of consciousness!
Complex patterns covered the disk; just glancing at it a few times made him feel dizzy.
"The foundation has nine layers, used to nurture the spirit..."
Qixian's words surfaced in his mind, and Fang Xu's expression instantly became solemn.
Qixian's words undoubtedly overturned his understanding of martial cultivation.
In this world's martial way, after a martial master reaches great perfection, they begin to connect the star charts within their body, using the power of the star chart to construct a star platform within.
The star platform is nine chi, one chi per level.
When the nine-chi star platform is fully constructed, it is the ninth level of Martial Venerable.
From the ninth level of Martial Venerable to the great perfection of Martial Venerable is a very dangerous process.
This process is also called the Realm of Soul Fall.
Simply put, it means letting one's soul fall onto the star platform.
The soul fall test examines whether the martial artist's daily cultivation foundation is solid and stable.
If the star platform's power is too weak, at the moment of soul fall, the star platform collapses, and the soul is immediately shattered by the destructive power of the star platform's destruction, leading to death and the extinction of the Dao.
Conversely, if the star platform's power is too strong and the soul is not strong enough to endure, at the moment of soul fall, the star platform's power will directly tear the soul apart.
The star platform precisely represents the physical body.
In short, to break through from the ninth level of Martial Venerable to the perfection of Martial Venerable, both the soul's power and one's cultivation must be sufficiently strong and able to match each other.
Yet now Qixian tells me to nurture the soul with nine layers of foundation?
This...
Fang Xu pondered for a long time, but still decided to first go ask his master, to see if his master knows these things.
Law Enforcement Hall.
Chu Ren Di heard Fang Xu's question and said curiously: "Breaking through to Martial Venerable as a martial master, didn't I tell you that?"
Fang Xu gave an embarrassed smile: "Disciple knows, but I have a doubt in my heart."
Chu Ren Di nodded and said: "Then speak, let me hear."
Fang Xu thought for a moment and said: "Disciple saw in an ancient book that the great beings of antiquity, when martial masters broke through to Martial Venerable, seemed able to forge multiple star platforms..."
"Where did you see that?"
Before Fang Xu finished speaking, Chu Ren Di immediately interrupted with a solemn expression.
This...
Fang Xu was stunned for a moment, not expecting Chu Ren Di's reaction to be so strong.
"Alas!"
Looking at Fang Xu, Chu Ren Di slowly said: "This is a forbidden method, discarded by the current martial way."
"In ancient times, martial masters indeed nurtured the soul with multiple star platforms; it is said that the Martial Venerable of that era and the Martial Venerable of today are worlds apart."
"Back then, Martial Venerable was one level, one star platform, fundamentally not today's one level, one chi."
"I also do not know the reason for this, but I can tell you that on the immortal island of my Ascension Immortal Association, there is a senior."
That senior was the third star platform.
Upon hearing this, Fang Xu's heart secretly trembled, and he quickly spoke: "Has that senior now broken through to the Yuanwu Realm?"
Chu Ren Di shook his head: "He is dead."
That senior's talent was near demonic; at ten years old he had already reached the peak of Martial Master, and at fifteen he had attained the Ninth Level of Martial Venerable.
Afterwards, he somehow learned from somewhere that the great martial powers of ancient times were one realm, one star platform. At seventeen, he cultivated to the peak of Martial Venerable, yet did not choose to fall into the soul realm, but instead constructed another star platform atop the nine-foot star platform.
At thirty, the second star platform was completed, and he had constructed a third.
But because the first two star platforms existed, the difficulty of forging his third star platform surged to a terrifying degree.
For this, he exhausted his own potential, and in the end could only die in frustration.
Having revealed this secret, Chu Ren Di looked solemnly at Fang Xu and said: "As your master telling you this, I only wish to tell you: never act impulsively."
With your talent, breaking through to the Yuanwu Realm is merely a matter of time.
But if you learn from that senior, you will likely find it extremely difficult to break through even after a lifetime.
Because once the second star platform begins construction, it signifies you are walking the ancient path; without being able to construct nine star platforms, there is no way to nourish the spirit.
Fang Xu said nothing.
"Do you remember my words?" Seeing him seem lost in thought, Chu Ren Di shouted sternly.
In this matter, he does not allow Fang Xu to continue pondering the path walked by ancient martial artists.
"Disciple remembers." Fang Xu clasped his hands.
Leaving the Law Enforcement Hall, his mind still lingered with Qi Xi's words.
"The Ninefold Dao Foundation is used to nourish the spirit!"
"No wonder the martial artists of this world have all declined."
"I bestow upon you the Xuan Shui Dao Foundation, hoping we may meet again in the future."
What realm is Qi Xi in?
As one of the Seven Luminaries, he must at least be an immortal, right?
Using the nine-foot star platform to nourish the spirit, can I reach Qi Xi's height?
One question after another arose in his mind, and Fang Xu suddenly felt he should not listen to his master Chu Ren Di's words.
What the ancient masters could do, I should also be able to do.
Using the nine-foot star platform to nourish the spirit is clearly a shortcut, a lazy way.
If I truly follow this method, then at the moment I break through the peak of Martial Master, I will directly enter the peak of Martial Venerable.
After all, my sea of consciousness already contains a nine-foot Xuan Shui star platform.
I must nourish the spirit with a ninefold star platform; otherwise, wouldn't I be wasting the Xuan Shui Dao Foundation bestowed by Qi Xi?
Having made up his mind, Fang Xu immediately went to the Star Palace.
His current realm has already reached the Sixth Level of Martial Master; next, he only needs to comprehend three more star charts to reach the Ninth Level of Martial Master.
It is now the seventh month of summer, with five months left until the year-end core disciple examination; he must hurry.
The mountain guardian of the Star Palace is absent; when Fang Xu arrived, he was stopped by two inner disciples.
Upon learning Fang Xu wished to enter the Star Palace, one disciple immediately went to inform Jiang Feng.
After Jiang Feng arrived, Fang Xu directly paid contribution points and then entered the Star Palace.
The last time he came, the upper-grade twelve star charts had already been screened once by him; previously, he felt some star charts were not quite suitable and had discarded them.
But now, wanting to break through quickly, he cannot find other star charts suitable for comprehension in a short time.
The martial path: myriad laws share the same source; upon careful thought, it seems unnecessary to cling to the form of techniques.
Whether using sword or knife, spear or staff, upon reaching a certain realm, they are all interconnected.
Upon entering, he wasted no time, immediately beginning comprehension.
This time, the first star chart he chose was the one closest to him among the upper-grade twelve star charts.
It is a divine sword!
The stars form the sword hilt, an entire Milky Way forms the sword blade!
Where the edge passes, it seems capable of splitting the entire chaotic starry sky!
Fang Xu carefully pondered it.
After the spiritual attribute enhancement rose, he suddenly discovered his comprehension speed this time was much faster than before.
Clang!
After pondering for an unknown duration, a clear sword cry suddenly came from the depths of his sea of consciousness!
Fang Xu slowly opened his eyes; he did not ask himself how much time remained.
Upon entering, he had already greeted Jiang Feng in advance; if he exceeded the time, he should not disturb him, as Jiang Feng would later make up the contribution points.
Continue pondering the second star chart.
This time, the chosen one is that giant turtle roaming in the Milky Way.
Likewise, he comprehended this star chart at an extremely fast speed.
After the celestial giant turtle, Fang Xu hesitated only briefly, then directly chose the Qing Deng star chart.
Having comprehended the three star charts, he then rose and left the Star Palace.
Outside the cave, looking at Jiang Feng waiting at the cave entrance, Fang Xu said with some concern: "Master, how long did this take me?"
Having experienced the cliffside stone palace before, he still carries a shadow to this day.
"One day remains." Jiang Feng smiled and said: "Somewhat wasted."
One day remains?
Fang Xu silently thought: Wasted, I cannot afford.
Because I no longer need the star chart now.
With the sixth stage of Martial Master, plus the three star charts, I only need to go all out in the next assault, and I should quickly reach the ninth stage of Martial Master.
Achieving Martial Master with nine special star charts, then nurturing the spirit with nine layers of Dao foundation, Fang Xu's heart can be said to be filled with heroic ambition at this moment.
He wants to break the existing martial rules and forge a path straight to antiquity.
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
