Chapter 215

A tremendous boom rang out in the sky, as if heaven and earth were being split apart, and the lightning and thunder scattered in response.

Translation: "A tremendous boom rang out, as if heaven and earth were being split apart in the sky, and the lightning and thunder scattered in response."

A tremendous boom rang out in the sky as if heaven and earth were being split apart, and the lightning and thunder scattered in response.

That sword light then sliced toward the firmament; where it faded, space instantly twisted and deformed, birthing a rift.

Translation: "That sword light then sliced toward the firmament; where the sword light dissipated, space instantly twisted and deformed, giving birth to a rift."

That sword light then sliced toward the firmament, and where it dissipated, space instantly twisted and deformed, giving birth to a rift.

Within the rift, a mysterious light flickered faintly, as if it led to another world, while the chaotic suction leaking out sent out a wave of energy that made the heart race.

Translation: "Within the rift, a mysterious light could be faintly seen, as if it led to another world, and the chaotic suction leaking out from it emitted a wave of energy that made one's heart palpitate."

Within the rift, a mysterious light could be faintly seen, as if it led to another world, and the chaotic suction leaking out from it emitted a wave of energy that made one's heart palpitate.

At that moment, a figure appeared in midair above the mountainside; after glancing back at the brightly lit mountaintop, he slowly raised his head and walked step by step toward the rift.

Translation: "At that moment, a figure appeared in midair above the mountainside; after glancing back toward the brightly lit mountaintop, he slowly raised his head and walked step by step toward that rift."

A figure appeared in midair above the mountainside, after glancing back toward the brightly lit mountaintop, he slowly raised his head and walked step by step toward that rift.

With each step, the space beneath his feet rippled like layers of waves, and his figure grew increasingly translucent.

Translation: "With each step, the space beneath his feet seemed to ripple in layers, and his figure gradually turned illusory."

With each step, the space beneath his feet seemed to ripple in layers, and his figure gradually turned illusory.

"Sect Leader!!" Upon meeting that gaze, Su Lu Zhi shouted excitedly, "Our sect leader is about to become an immortal!"

Translation: ""Sect Leader!!" Upon meeting that gaze, Su Lu Zhi shouted excitedly: "Our sect leader is about to become an immortal!""

Upon meeting that gaze, Su Lu Zhi shouted excitedly: "Sect Leader!!" "Our sect leader is about to become an immortal!"

"Really, Uncle!" A look of surprise and joy burst across Chen Jin'er's gorgeous, radiant jade-like face.

Translation: ""Really, Uncle!" A look of surprise and joy burst across Chen Jin'er's gorgeous, radiant jade-like face."

Really, Uncle! A look of surprise and joy burst across Chen Jin'er's gorgeous, radiant jade-like face.

But then, as if thinking of something, her smile suddenly froze; she tightly gripped the railing beneath the eaves with her bare hands, her gaze fixed blankly on that figure, and she murmured:

Translation: "But then, as if thinking of something, her smile suddenly froze; she tightly gripped the railing beneath the eaves with her bare hands, her gaze fixed blankly on that figure, and she murmured:"

But then, as if thinking of something, her smile suddenly froze; she tightly gripped the railing beneath the eaves with her bare hands, her gaze fixed blankly on that figure, and she murmured:

"He's going to leave……."

Translation: ""He's going to leave……""

He's going to leave……

At this moment, the people around clearly realized this as well; Han Xiao Ying, Yan Huai xi, Bao Xiruo, and the others' eyes filled with panic and helplessness.

Translation: "At this moment, the people around clearly realized this as well; Han Xiao Ying, Yan Huai xi, Bao Xiruo, and the others' eyes began to fill with panic and helplessness."

At this moment, the people around clearly realized this as well; Han Xiao Ying, Yan Huai xi, Bao Xiruo, and the others' eyes began to fill with panic and helplessness.

In the distance——

Translation: "In the distance——"

In the distance——

Niu Dingtian stepped through the air to the rift's edge, closed his eyes, and could clearly feel the chaotic suction surging from within, as well as this world's strong repulsion toward him.

Translation: "Niu Dingtian stepped through the air to the rift's edge, closed his eyes, and could clearly feel the chaotic suction surging from within, as well as this world's strong repulsion toward him."

Niu Dingtian stepped through the air to the rift's edge, closed his eyes, and could clearly feel the chaotic suction surging from within, as well as this world's strong repulsion toward him.

"If I step in, life or death aside, I fear I may never return……."

Translation: ""If I step in, life or death aside, I fear I may never return……""

If I step in, life or death aside, I fear I may never return……

Niu Dingtian muttered to himself.

Translation: "Niu Dingtian muttered to himself."

Niu Dingtian muttered to himself.

At this moment, he suddenly understood the one who had lain dormant in Shaolin's rear mountains.

Translation: "At this moment, he suddenly understood the one who had lain dormant in Shaolin's rear mountains."

At this moment, he suddenly understood the one who had lain dormant in Shaolin's rear mountains.

Outside the void, the turbulence was too violent; standing here, he also felt his heart race, and stepping in would be no different from courting death.

Translation: "Outside the void, the turbulence was too violent; standing here, he also felt his heart race, and stepping in would indeed be no different from courting death."

Outside the void, the turbulence was too violent; standing here, he also felt his heart race, and stepping in would indeed be no different from courting death.

But if he lingered and did not leave, he felt that this world would at any moment strike him with thunder, relentless and endless.

Translation: "But if he lingered and did not leave, he felt that this world would at any moment strike him with thunder, relentless and endless."

But if he lingered and did not leave, he felt that this world would at any moment strike him with thunder, relentless and endless.

"As long as one's strength is strong enough, what are thunderbolts, what is the void's turbulence……."

Translation: ""As long as one's strength is strong enough, what are thunderbolts, what is the void's turbulence……""

As long as one's strength is strong enough, what are thunderbolts, what is the void's turbulence……

Thinking of the people behind him still awaiting a wedding with several women, Niu Dingtian let out a soft sigh and decided to linger for a while.

Translation: "Thinking of the people behind him still awaiting a wedding with several women, Niu Dingtian let out a soft sigh and decided to linger for a while."

Thinking of the people behind him still awaiting a wedding with several women, Niu Dingtian let out a soft sigh and decided to linger for a while.

At the very least, first clear out some people—one by one, including Innate experts. Before our side gives birth to an Innate, this world will not allow any overpowered existence.

Translation: "At the very least, first clear out some people—one by one, including Innate experts. Before our side gives birth to an Innate, this world will not allow any overpowered existence."

At the very least, first clear out some people—one by one, including Innate experts; before our side gives birth to an Innate, this world will not allow any overpowered existence.

Niu Dingtian slowly opened his eyes, his deep, abyss-like pupils flickering slightly; he lightly raised his right hand, condensed a mysterious force, and reached it toward the rift before him.

Translation: "Niu Dingtian slowly opened his eyes, his deep, abyss-like pupils flickering slightly; he lightly raised his right hand, condensed a mysterious force, and reached it toward the rift before him."

Niu Dingtian slowly opened his eyes, his deep, abyss-like pupils flickering slightly; he lightly raised his right hand, condensed a mysterious force, and reached it toward the rift before him.

The rift slowly closed; the night receded like a black tide, and the lightning and thunder gradually faded away.

Translation: "The rift slowly closed, the night receded like a black tide, and the lightning and thunder gradually faded away."

The rift slowly closed, the night receded like a black tide, and the lightning and thunder gradually faded away.

On Jiugong Mountain, tranquility was restored once more; the autumn rain fell as before, as if everything that had just happened were merely a dreamlike vision.

Translation: "On Jiugong Mountain, tranquility was restored once more; the autumn rain fell as before, as if everything that had just happened were merely a dreamlike vision."

On Jiugong Mountain, tranquility was restored once more, the autumn rain fell as before, and it seemed as if everything that had just happened were merely a dreamlike vision.

"Wait for me to return!!"

Translation: ""Wait for me to return!!""

Wait for me to return!!

A loud voice rang out to the mountain peak; everyone instantly woke up, looked up again, and Niu Dingtian's figure had already vanished.

Translation: "A loud voice rang out to the mountain peak; everyone instantly woke up, looked up again, and Niu Dingtian's figure had already vanished."

A loud voice rang out to the mountain peak; everyone instantly woke up, and upon looking up again, Niu Dingtian's figure had already vanished.

Shaoshi Mountain, deep within the Damo Cave.

Translation: "Shaoshi Mountain, deep within the Damo Cave"

Shaoshi Mountain, deep within the Damo Cave

The darkness was like thick ink, as if it possessed a tangible force, permeating every inch of space, so still it made one's heart palpitate.

Translation: "The darkness was like thick ink, as if it possessed a tangible force, permeating every inch of space, so still it made one's heart palpitate."

The darkness was like thick ink, as if it possessed a tangible force, permeating every inch of space, so still it made one's heart palpitate.

"A variable……."

Translation: ""A variable……""

A variable……

A soft murmur suddenly sounded.

Translation: "A soft murmur suddenly sounded."

A soft murmur suddenly sounded.

As the silence was broken by this sound, a glint of gold flashed in the vast darkness, growing brighter and brighter, gradually illuminating the scene within the cave.

Translation: "As the silence was broken by this sound, a glint of gold flashed in the vast darkness, growing brighter and brighter, gradually illuminating the scene within the cave."

As the silence was broken by this sound, a glint of gold flashed in the vast darkness, growing brighter and brighter and gradually illuminating the scene within the cave.

Beside a dried-up spring, an old monk with a gaunt frame sat cross-legged, eyes closed, his whole body emanating an aura of undecay.

Translation: "Beside a dried-up spring, an old monk with a gaunt frame sat cross-legged, eyes closed, his whole body emanating an aura of undecay."

Beside a dried-up spring, an old monk with a gaunt frame sat cross-legged, eyes closed, his whole body emanating an aura of undecay.

Sensing a domineering aura rapidly approaching from afar, the old monk slowly opened his deep, abyss-like eyes.

Translation: "Sensing a domineering aura rapidly approaching from afar, the old monk slowly opened his deep, abyss-like eyes."

Sensing a domineering aura rapidly approaching from afar, the old monk slowly opened his deep, abyss-like eyes.

"Namo Amitabha——."

Translation: ""Namo Amitabha——""

Namo Amitabha——

Amid a chorus of Buddhist chanting, the old monk's decaying aura dissipated entirely, as if a blazing sun burned behind him.

Translation: "Amid a chorus of Buddhist chanting, the old monk's decaying aura dissipated entirely, as if a blazing sun burned behind him."

Amid a chorus of Buddhist chanting, the old monk's decaying aura dissipated entirely, as if a blazing sun burned behind him.

He gazed toward the cave mouth and slowly sighed: "After parting for three days, one should look anew; young master, you truly are a person of great fortune."

Translation: "He gazed toward the cave mouth and slowly sighed: "After parting for three days, one should look anew; young master, you truly are a person of great fortune.""

He gazed toward the cave mouth and slowly sighed: "After parting for three days, one should look anew; young master, you truly are a person of great fortune."

"Was it you who caused trouble in the Scripture Pavilion that year?"

Translation: ""Was it you who caused trouble in the Scripture Pavilion that year?""

Was it you who caused trouble in the Scripture Pavilion that year?

A figure emerged from the void into solid form, appearing in the cave; Niu Dingtian's eyes blazed as he fixed his gaze on the old monk beneath the stone wall, and he slowly asked.

Translation: "A figure emerged from the void into solid form, appearing in the cave; Niu Dingtian's eyes blazed as he fixed his gaze on the old monk beneath the stone wall and slowly asked."

A figure emerged from the void into solid form, appearing in the cave; Niu Dingtian's eyes blazed as he fixed his gaze on the old monk beneath the stone wall, and he slowly asked.

The old monk smiled faintly, speaking with deep meaning: "It is you who cultivated my technique. I misjudged you; I originally thought you were merely a fortunate moth, and that on the day the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill reached perfection, you would surely fly to me, but I never expected an anomaly to arise."

Translation: "The old monk smiled faintly, speaking with deep meaning: "It is you who cultivated my technique. I misjudged you; I originally thought you were merely a fortunate moth, and that on the day the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill reached perfection, you would surely fly to me, but I never expected an anomaly to arise.""

The old monk smiled faintly, speaking with deep meaning: "It is you who cultivated my technique. I misjudged you; I originally thought you were merely a fortunate moth, and that on the day the Arhat Subduing Demon Skill reached perfection, you would surely fly to me, but I never expected an anomaly to arise."

"Saying that makes it sound like I'm in the wrong," Niu Dingtian said lightly.

Translation: ""Saying that makes it sound like I'm in the wrong," Niu Dingtian said lightly."

"Saying that makes it sound like I'm in the wrong," Niu Dingtian said lightly.

"The Arhat Subduing Demon Skill repeatedly produced anomalies; it turns out you, old ghost, used tricks—so you deserve even more to be sent to heaven."

Translation: ""The Arhat Subduing Demon Skill repeatedly produced anomalies; it turns out you, old ghost, used tricks—so you deserve even more to be sent to heaven.""

"The Arhat Subduing Demon Skill repeatedly produced anomalies; it turns out you, old ghost, used tricks—so you deserve even more to be sent to heaven."

For years he had been doubtful about the technique, originally thinking he might have made a mistake in his cultivation; but after drinking the spiritual spring water in Peach Spring to great fulfillment, he no longer dwelled on it.

Translation: "For years he had been doubtful about the technique, originally thinking he might have made a mistake in his cultivation; but after drinking the spiritual spring water in Peach Spring to great fulfillment, he no longer dwelled on it."

For years he had been doubtful about the technique, originally thinking he might have made a mistake in his cultivation, but after drinking the spiritual spring water in Peach Spring to great fulfillment, he no longer dwelled on it.

But this time, in closed-door cultivation, upon breaking through to the Heaven-Man Realm, he sensed that the technique itself was flawed; it turned out someone had tampered with it.

Translation: "But this time, in closed-door cultivation, upon breaking through to the Heaven-Man Realm, he sensed that the technique itself was flawed; it turned out someone had tampered with it."

But this time, in closed-door cultivation, upon breaking through to the Heaven-Man Realm, he sensed that the technique itself was flawed; it turned out someone had tampered with it.

"Everything has cause and effect." The old monk shook his head and laughed softly.

Translation: ""Everything has cause and effect." The old monk shook his head and laughed softly."

"Everything has cause and effect." The old monk shook his head and laughed softly.

"I merely inscribed the technique on a scroll and left it in my hermitage, awaiting a predestined person. Later it was obtained by a visiting eunuch, and I never expected it to end up in your hands, young master."

Translation: ""I merely inscribed the technique on a scroll and left it in my hermitage, awaiting a predestined person. Later it was obtained by a visiting eunuch, and I never expected it to end up in your hands, young master.""

"I merely inscribed the technique on a scroll and left it in my hermitage, awaiting a predestined person. Later it was obtained by a visiting eunuch, and I never expected it to end up in your hands, young master."

"A eunuch? Could it be him……."

Translation: ""A eunuch? Could it be him……""

"A eunuch? Could it be him……

Niu Dingtian's eyes flickered slightly, and he instantly thought of the Kuihua Old Ancestor, who bore a male body with female appearance.

Translation: "Niu Dingtian's eyes flickered slightly, and he instantly thought of the Kuihua Old Ancestor, who bore a male body with female appearance."

Niu Dingtian's eyes flickered slightly, and he instantly thought of the Kuihua Old Ancestor, who bore a male body with female appearance.

After all, the scroll came from Qu Lingfeng's secret chamber, and all the treasures inside were items from the palace.

Translation: "After all, the scroll came from Qu Lingfeng's secret chamber, and all the treasures inside were items from the palace."

After all, the scroll came from Qu Lingfeng's secret chamber, and all the treasures inside were items from the palace.

Thus, the only palace eunuch qualified to visit the old monk back then would have been someone as formidable as the Kuihua Old Ancestor.

Translation: "Thus, the only palace eunuch qualified to visit the old monk back then would have been someone as formidable as the Kuihua Old Ancestor."

Thus, the only palace eunuch qualified to visit the old monk back then would have been someone as formidable as the Kuihua Old Ancestor.

"Actually, between me and you, young master, there's no grudge that cannot be resolved."

Translation: ""Actually, between me and you, young master, there's no grudge that cannot be resolved.""

"Actually, between me and you, young master, there's no grudge that cannot be resolved."

The old monk said softly: "If you are willing to let go of grudges, we can sit down and discuss the Dao, jointly exploring the path to longevity in the world."

Translation: "The old monk said softly: "If you are willing to let go of grudges, we can sit down and discuss the Dao, jointly exploring the path to longevity in the world.""

The old monk said softly: "If you are willing to let go of grudges, we can sit down and discuss the Dao, jointly exploring the path to longevity in the world."

"Longevity……."

Translation: ""Longevity……""

"Longevity……"

Niu Dingtian, lost in thought, let his gaze wander and finally fell upon a withered corpse beside the wall, saying: "So, is this your path to longevity?" He paused, then exclaimed in surprise:

Translation: "Niu Dingtian, lost in thought, let his gaze wander and finally fell upon a withered corpse beside the wall, saying: "So, is this your path to longevity?" He paused, then exclaimed in surprise:"

Niu Dingtian, lost in thought, let his gaze wander and finally fell upon a withered corpse beside the wall, saying: "So, is this your path to longevity?" He paused, then exclaimed in surprise:

"Just sucked?"

Translation: ""Just sucked?""

"Just sucked?"

He noticed the corpse was abnormal; moisture still lingered on its skin, unlike a desiccated corpse of years.

Translation: "He noticed the corpse was abnormal; moisture still lingered on its skin, unlike a desiccated corpse of years."

He noticed the corpse was abnormal; moisture still lingered on its skin, unlike a desiccated corpse of years.

"His name is Juezhen, the current abbot of Shaolin." The old monk smiled.

Translation: ""His name is Juezhen, the current abbot of Shaolin." The old monk smiled."

"His name is Juezhen, the current abbot of Shaolin." The old monk smiled.

"He also has a junior fellow disciple named Juexing, who went to Xiangyang two years ago and never returned; likely he met with misfortune, and you, young master, should know him."

Translation: ""He also has a junior fellow disciple named Juexing, who went to Xiangyang two years ago and never returned; likely he met with misfortune, and you, young master, should know him.""

"He also has a junior fellow disciple named Juexing, who went to Xiangyang two years ago and never returned; likely he met with misfortune, and you, young master, should know him."

Niu Dingtian remained silent and said nothing more.

Translation: "Niu Dingtian remained silent and said nothing more."

Niu Dingtian remained silent and said nothing more.

Seeing this, the old monk's deep eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, and he said: "Young master, could it be that you have stirred compassion?"

Translation: "Seeing this, the old monk's deep eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, and he said: "Young master, could it be that you have stirred compassion?""

Seeing this, the old monk's deep eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, and he said: "Young master, could it be that you have stirred compassion？"

"Five years ago, the scene of me going up the mountain still seems before my eyes; I just didn't expect him to end up like this." Niu Dingtian said softly.

Translation: ""Five years ago, the scene of me going up the mountain still seems before my eyes; I just didn't expect him to end up like this." Niu Dingtian said softly."

"Five years ago, the scene of me going up the mountain still seems before my eyes; I just didn't expect him to end up like this." Niu Dingtian said softly.

He paused, then suddenly fixed his gaze and said, "Actually, I'm quite curious what your previous identity was, to be able to secretly reside in the Shaolin sacred ground and create Buddhist martial arts."

The old monk smiled and shook his head, speaking softly: "You have already asked enough, young master. You need to answer two questions, and then I will tell you everything I know."

Speak.

Niu Dingtian said lightly.

The old monk pointed at the dry spring before him, gazing at Niu Dingtian, his deep eyes unable to hide his eagerness, and asked:

"Have you ever drunk spiritual spring water?"

"I have."

Niu Dingtian did not conceal it; if his guess was correct, this old ghost already had a suspicion.

"How were the swords you previously forged made?" the old monk pondered, then asked again.

He also knew asking about the whereabouts of the spiritual spring water would be futile, so he settled for second best.

"With blood poured over it."

Niu Dingtian answered truthfully.

"Indeed so!" the old monk exclaimed with feeling, "Essence is the source of all things; if spiritual water still remains, why would this world lack immortal spirits? My senior brother truly did not deceive me back then."

"Senior brother?"

Niu Dingtian stared at the old monk.

"Buddhism is fundamentally the Dao."

The old monk smiled and said: "Five years ago, when you last escaped from the Shaolin Temple, the lightness skill you used was created by my senior brother."

"Is your senior brother Xiaoyaozi?" Niu Dingtian raised his eyebrows, unable to hide his surprise.

His gaze fell upon the earlier desiccated corpse, his heart jolted, and he said calmly: "Is Xiaoyaozi still alive?"

"Naturally he lives, though he should no longer be in this realm." The old monk's eyes flashed with a hint of nostalgia as he softly sighed, "Some people's longevity is earned through arduous cultivation; others' is predetermined from birth."

"My senior brother was born in the Valley of Eternal Youth; although we both received our master's enlightenment together, he was destined to walk the immortal path. I, however, have struggled for two hundred years, still striving for longevity."

"What meaning does such longevity have?" Niu Dingtian suddenly said, "A person without family or love, hiding in a cave all year like a rat—I would rather end my own life if I were you."

"Oh?" The old monk's eyes flickered with surprise, and he chuckled lightly, "So this is your choice, young master?"

Niu Dingtian's tone turned slightly cold as he said softly, "You covet my power, just as I now also covet yours; I also want to know how strong I would become after refining your power."

"Young master, you truly have wisdom." The old monk sighed with a hint of envy, "You are fortunate, as is my senior brother; as long as I absorb you, I can go pursue my senior brother's footsteps."

"A mere mouse that fears the heavens dares to say such things?" Niu Dingtian sneered, "I heard you were once wounded by a half-step heavenly person."

The old monk's smile faded as he stared at Niu Dingtian and said slowly, "Could it be that you are overly confident?"

Niu Dingtian said lightly, "You are stronger than I imagined, but that's all. You are too old, harboring fear and jealousy toward Xiaoyaozi; an old ghost who cannot even match a half-step heavenly person is not worthy of my regard."

The old monk's face turned slightly cold as he said indifferently, "I hope your hands are harder than your mouth."

His words had not yet faded.

Niu Dingtian's eyes narrowed slightly, and the entire cavern instantly filled with blinding golden light, scorching hot.

Swish—

In an instant.

Niu Dingtian's body surged with sky‑filling snow‑white cold air, instantly eroding the golden light and freezing half of the Damo Cave into a world of ice and snow.

One flame, one chill; the boundary between Niu Dingtian and the old monk was stark—one side rolling heat waves, golden light blazing, the other side bone‑piercing cold, permeated with extreme chill.

"Huh?" The old monk's eyes flashed with surprise as he exclaimed, "Such pure cold air, even purer than the Six Yang Divine Art I cultivated back then."

"Six Yang…" Niu Dingtian murmured, his surrounding cold undiminished, white light flaring as it held its own against the incoming golden radiance.

Both were probing each other's techniques.

The old monk gave a light chuckle, seeming to think Niu Dingtian didn't understand, and said, "Six represents old yin; extreme yin gives birth to yang, hence it is also called the Yin‑Yang Divine Art, which I created years ago and is in no way inferior to my senior brother's technique."

Niu Dingtian remained silent, his expression unchanged; he merely recalled the technique he had once heard from Ouyang Ke.

"Do you have a Reverse Gate Meridian?" Niu Dingtian stared at the old monk, his gaze growing deep.

The next moment, he thrust his hand forward, and endless white light burst from his body, like a blazing sun, instantly radiating outward. (End of chapter)