Chapter 216: Sword Cavern

Before cultivating a Jin Dan, a cultivator's physical body is known as the Primordial Treasure Body, serving as the foundation for attaining the Dao.

Once damage occurs,

such as severed hands, severed feet, and the like,

if precious treasures and medicines are not used in time to reconnect the limbs and regenerate them,

then that crucial "Nature of the Primordial Divine Spirit" is lost, making future cultivation extremely difficult and arduous.

Even when the physical body suffers injury, one must carefully nurture it, ingest external elixirs, and slowly restore one's original primordial qi, lest imperceptible hidden injuries remain within the flesh to hinder future Mei Mei Gongxing.

Wei Wei Wanhua's casual swipe, even though partially blocked by the Qinglu Sword, still nearly shattered half of Chen Heng's ribcage, shook his five viscera, and severely injured his internal organs.

For injuries such as these,

if it were an ordinary cultivator, it would require six months of dedicated effort to slowly recover without leaving any lingering complications.

Even with the aid of great external elixirs, the time required could be reduced by at most fifty percent.

The remaining half

still requires one to personally regulate qi and nurture the meridians and bones throughout the body; it is not something that can be achieved quickly...

However, after Chen Heng cultivated the Tai Su Yu Shen, not only was his entire body refined into a unity harder than metal, but as long as sufficient spiritual opportunity was available for nourishment, any injuries he sustained could gradually heal completely.

In other words,

as long as he was not killed on the spot by an opponent during a magical battle and managed to preserve his life,

then afterward,

if he could obtain abundant spiritual opportunity for nourishment,

he would be able to gradually heal his injuries, restore his whole body, and return to his former peak condition!

Even severe injuries like severed hands or severed feet were no exception whatsoever!

This kind of physical marvel

allowed Chen Heng to go all out during magical battles without any worries about the future.

This was merely the cultivation level of the Tai Su Yu Shen at the eighth layer of the Mystic Realm.

Above this, the Yuan Realm and the Shi Jing possessed their own subtleties.

Although the cultivation scripture for the Tai Su Yu Shen briefly mentioned them, it was truly beyond Chen Heng's current horizon to fathom or describe...

At this moment,

the waterfall- and tide-like sounds emanating from Chen Heng's body also startled the Dun Dun Jiesuo nearby.

He rose from his feigned slumber, fixed his gaze on Chen Heng, and only after seeing Chen Heng nod slightly did he set his mind at ease.

"I say, young Chen Heng, if we use the remaining Dharma coins as assistance, can we push your physical cultivation up another layer?"

the Dun Dun Jiesuo asked curiously.

After being refined by Chen Heng using that Total Truth Seal and becoming one of their own,

he had learned some inside information, knowing that the method Chen Heng cultivated for sanctifying the flesh was extraordinary; as long as sufficient spiritual opportunity was available for support, his divine abilities would be self-sufficient.

However, the amount of spiritual opportunity required to Xiu Xing Ci Fa was an astronomical figure.

Even some second-rate sects would find it difficult to sustain and would feel greatly troubled when dealing with it.

"That is indeed hard to say; perhaps there is still some insufficiency, or perhaps it is enough; truly, it is unknown... However, those remaining Dharma coins are reserved for you, Senior, to employ the Nuo Yi Fa; they cannot be recklessly used.

We do not yet know what we will encounter next; caution never causes great harm."

Hearing this, Chen Heng shook his head.

The Dun Dun Jiesuo's lifespan was now nearing its limit; he was already in a state like a tree without roots or water without a source.

The magic power within his body—

for every portion used, one portion less remained.

Once exhausted, his true consciousness as a dharma treasure would return to dust, never to exist again.

Previously, whenever the Dun Dun Jiesuo employed the art of translocation, he used Dharma coins as a substitute for magic power, thus not depleting his own true spiritual opportunity.

As for those Dharma coins,

they were naturally a generous gesture specially offered by Xie Xie Huizhai when he met Chen Heng after the Husang Dharma Assembly, to demonstrate his sincerity in seeking peace and posing no harm.

However, although the number of Dharma coins was considerable, it was not infinite; after the Dun Dun Jiesuo used them several times, the amount had decreased by several tenths.

Now, with the road ahead uncertain,

Chen Heng naturally needed to keep a way of retreat and could not stake everything on a single throw...

Hearing these words, the Dun Dun Jiesuo's Bai Mei twitched; he naturally understood Chen Heng's true intention in saving the Dharma coins, sighed deeply in his heart, and was just about to speak when a sudden shouting noise erupted from outside the door.

"I will go out and take a look."

Chen Heng exchanged a glance with the Dun Dun Jiesuo and said.

The place where they were sheltering was located in the northern region of Dongmi Province, under the jurisdiction of a small kingdom named "Zhao."

It was said that apart from a few members of the royal family who possessed some cultivation, the monarch was a Xian Dao Gao Gong at the Purple Palace Third Layer who had once displayed divine magical abilities, casting spells to drive clouds and bring rain, thereby relieving several droughts in the northern frontier.

The rest of the officials and nobles possessed no significant magical abilities and were merely ordinary.

At most, they had learned some methods for preserving health and visualization; compared to common mortals, they were somewhat stronger and healthier, but ultimately not superior by much.

Such a situation was somewhat similar to that of the Rong Kingdom in the southern region.

Although slightly stronger, it was not worth Chen Heng having too much apprehension.

Moreover, due to the Dun Dun Jiesuo's deliberate actions, the distance between the Zhao Kingdom and Heming Mountain was still quite considerable, completely divergent as if going south while aiming north.

Thus, it could serve as a temporary shelter for regulating breath and organizing qi...

Chen Heng raised his sleeve, and as he pushed the door open to exit,

the bones and tendons throughout his body made cracking sounds.

In the blink of an eye, his tall stature inexplicably shortened by three inches, his features shifted, and his jade-like skin glow receded deeply, becoming much rougher.

In an instant.

An ordinary-looking yellow-faced scholar manifested.

Within the orthodox immortal path, upon cultivating to the second layer of Foundation Establishment—the Ru Yi Jing Zhi Jie—one can alter one's own bones, tendons, skin, and membranes to transform one's physical form.

And now, with his Purple Mansion cultivation performing this act, his ability to disguise had ascended another level, nearly flawless!

Not to mention ordinary mortals; even some Foundation Establishment true cultivators with slightly lacking abilities would detect not a single flaw when facing Chen Heng.

The yellow-faced scholar smiled slightly and went out to greet the visitor at the courtyard gate.

Soon, the voices of several people rang out.

Upon hearing them, Dun Dun Jiesuo merely tilted his head to listen, his expression turning slightly strange, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he could barely suppress laughter.

After a long while.

When Chen Heng turned back and closed the room door.

Only then could he finally no longer restrain himself; he clapped his hands and burst into loud laughter.

"What did that steward from Master Wang's family say to you?"

he asked teasingly.

"Why does Senior pretend to ask what he already knows?"

Chen Heng said.

"With your current appearance, having concealed your true features, and fabricating an identity as a traveling scholar from elsewhere... for someone like that Master Wang to still wish to recruit you as a son-in-law and betroth his daughter to you?"

Dun Dun Jiesuo said, unable to hold back his amusement:

"He even said, 'Seeing your noble bearing, you will certainly not be an ordinary person in the future.'

'As long as you are willing to marry his daughter, relying on his connections in the court, after you go to the capital for the imperial examinations, you will surely obtain a lucrative post.' Such words are indeed interesting! We have only been in Yicheng of this State of Zhao for a few days, yet you have already found such a good destination? Marvelous! Marvelous!"

Chen Heng shook his head slightly and did not answer.

After laughing for a while, Dun Dun Jiesuo could not help but speak again, saying:

"However, we still need to remain in this State of Zhao for a few days; when do you plan to depart for Heming Mountain? Since we have already reached the Northern Region, we cannot miss the opportunities within the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Heng did not rush to answer; after pondering for a moment, he slowly said:

"One month from now is the Shan De Ri Qi when the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian completely descends back onto Heming Mountain; at that time, masters from all four academies will gather, and disciples from everywhere will converge. Under the watchful eyes of all, even if the noble clans wish to play tricks, they will likely find it difficult to act; and once we enter the Fan Fan Dongtian..."

Because the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian was ultimately too dilapidated and on the verge of sinking, degrading into the status of a Xuanzhu Xuanzhu Fudi.

If the Jin Dan masters from the four academies rashly entered.

Their qi mechanisms would inevitably accelerate the Fan Fan Dongtian's descent; in that case, the loss would outweigh the gain.

Thus, although those entering the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian would inevitably include members of noble clans with Dongxuan cultivation, making the situation still perilous.

Compared to the current situation.

It was already a difference between heaven and earth...

Furthermore, Chen Heng's entry into the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian was merely to borrow the flow of time within it to sit in meditation and cultivate, advancing his cultivation so that his cultivation base would not fall too far behind in the Four Academies Grand Competition six years later.

So-called seizing the opportunities within the Fan Fan Dongtian was secondary.

With the Scattered Radiance Concealing Form Art to mask his qi mechanism, even a Dongxuan Refiner investigating would find it extremely difficult to detect any clues.

And even taking a step further.

Once inside the Fan Fan Dongtian, he would simply hide himself deep within the mountains and streams of the Shenshan.

With the power of the Scattered Radiance Concealing Form Art.

No matter how hard those noble clans racked their brains, they would likely fail to find his tracks, their efforts proving futile...

"One month? Very well; let us see if we have the good fortune to hide for a month. If my prediction is correct, those noble clans, since your escape, must be uneasy and searching for you like madmen!"

Dun Dun Jiesuo muttered to himself.

"I need to enter secluded cultivation these few days to comprehend a crucial Xue Xuan Gong; I beg Senior to guard me."

Chen Heng shook his head and suddenly said earnestly.

Seeing him speak with such seriousness.

Dun Dun Jiesuo dared not be negligent in the slightest; his expression turned solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice:

"Rest assured; with Old Man here beside you, simply cultivate in peace. If any wind blows or grass stirs, Old Man will carry you fleeing through the void, escaping out of this Ci Fang Di Zhi Jie!"

Having spoken.

He nodded to Chen Heng, then parted ways and went to the side room to sit in meditation.

Although the small courtyard Chen Heng had rented was not particularly large, because it bordered a Dahu with splendid scenery, and traveling scholars from elsewhere often came to reside here, the courtyard owner had specially renovated it, constructing several side rooms.

After the door was closed.

Chen Heng slowly closed his eyes and sank into meditative absorption.

In an instant.

He felt all sounds cease; between heaven and earth, there was complete silence.

During these few days in Yicheng of the State of Zhao, he had not merely been absorbing spiritual energy and nursing his injuries.

At the same time, he had thoroughly digested the spiritual message the crimson small sword intended to transmit to him, learning the true circumstances within.

The Formless Lue Sword Cave—

This object had an immense background; it could even be said to be astonishingly great! It was a rare immortal fortune and opportunity!

It was an ancient supreme treasure that the Red Dragon Xu Family, through the heroic efforts of twelve generations and countless casualties, had brought out from the "Gate of All Wonders"; it was profoundly marvelous, so much so that even Crown Prince Changming of the Dao Court had praised it, from which its extraordinariness could be seen!

And the greatest.

And only function of the Formless Lue Sword Cave.

It could even aid one in comprehending the Sword Dao and elevate one's own Sword Dao cultivation!

This treasure corresponds to the ten realms of the Sword Dao and is likewise divided into ten layers, with each layer's sword cave formed entirely by the substance of sword qi from a single realm.

If one places oneself within it, one can fully comprehend the profound mysteries of that layer's Sword Dao; the insights gained therein are truly difficult to describe, surpassing even the personal teachings and face-to-face instructions of elders from one's sect.

It is as if all the profound mysteries of that realm's Sword Dao were unrolled like a scroll, laid out plainly and displayed entirely before one's eyes.

Whatever one wishes to think.

Can be casually reached out and plucked, then taken into one's body!

However, the Formless Boundary Sword Cave cannot be entered at any time; one may only enter to comprehend once per month.

And once divine consciousness enters the sword cave, it will remain stationed there for a full seven days.

Yet those seven days inside the Formless Boundary Sword Cave are merely an instant in the present world, passing in the snap of a finger, delaying nothing and hindering no proper cultivation.

This point.

Shares a similar wonder with the True Dharma Realm...

And at this moment.

That spiritual message specifically warned Chen Heng repeatedly, stating that he was not a blood descendant of the Red Dragon Xu family; although granted special permission to enter, he had taken a side path and did not walk through the upright and proper "Gate of the Four Marquises."

For this reason.

Although its efficacy was not reduced by even a fraction.

When Chen Heng entered the Formless Boundary Sword Cave once each month, he had no fixed location; it was entirely random and ever-changing.

It might be in the first layer, "Ten Steps, One Kill."

Or it might be in the eighth or ninth, or even the tenth layer of the Formless Boundary Sword Cave; all were entirely possible!

If it were the former, that would be easy enough to handle.

Though one would gain no insights or realizations, one would not need to suffer.

But if it were the latter, placing one's divine consciousness deep within the Formless Boundary Sword Cave.

At such a level, hoping to comprehend anything from it would be nothing short of a fool's daydream, as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Moreover...

The spiritual message stopped right there, saying nothing more.

As for the so-called background of the Red Dragon Xu family, and why he had the opportunity to obtain this credential and enter the Formless Boundary Sword Cave.

Not a single word was mentioned; it remained a mystery.

Chen Heng pondered briefly, then hesitated no longer; he stirred his mind and intent, establishing communication with the small sword within his Purple Palace.

In an instant.

He felt his body become light, experiencing a sensation as if his soul had detached from his flesh.

Amidst a moment of Xiao Daze, he suddenly felt his feet sink, and he was already situated within the Formless Boundary Sword Cave.

Once he saw everything before him clearly.

Master Master Yantong's pupils could not help but constrict, his heart shaking with shock:

"This is..."

The next instant, countless blood lines surged out from all over his body.

Immediately, his body exploded into a handful of scarlet blood mist, tragically brilliant and dazzling!

At the same moment.

In the Third Heaven.

Just as Chen Heng entered the Formless Boundary Sword Cave, Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi, who had been lazily sitting cross-legged on a cloud bed yawning, seemed to sense something.

He tilted his head, his two eyes bursting with brilliant light that illuminated the entire palace until it was dazzlingly bright, with rays of light shooting straight into the cloudy heavens.

"I recall mentioning in that spiritual message that since he did not enter the sword cave through the upright and proper 'Gate of the Four Marquises,' he cannot select his own location; it is highly probable that upon going, he will enter directly into the tenth layer..."

Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi clicked his tongue, appearing somewhat startled.

Although he now wished to see Chen Heng's situation, this place, the Formless Boundary Sword Cave, was not under his control, so he had the intention but lacked the power.

Thinking of the predicament Chen Heng might currently be facing, Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi felt his teeth ache involuntarily and sighed repeatedly:

"Without madness, there is no survival... I saw early on that that lad had a heavy killing nature, but seeing him today, he is even more ruthless than I imagined."

No update tomorrow; requesting a day off.

End of chapter.