Chapter 277: Chapter 225: Advance to the Next 2 Levels! [1 more!]
Mount Tailao.
Jincheng Peak.
Seven or eight people are gathered in the cave mansion, sipping tea and discussing the Dao. Each carries themselves with extraordinary grace, appearing youthful.
If outsiders were present, they would certainly recognize that all seven or eight of them are True Inheritors of the Heaven Mending Sect. Even the weakest among them is ranked within the top fifty of the ’Immortal List,’ and the three leading figures among them are ranked within the top ten, boasting renowned names inside and outside the sect.
Among the over four hundred True Inheritors of the Heaven Mending Sect, being ranked in the top fifty or even the top ten virtually assures a future of limitless potential.
However.
’Jade-faced Judge’ Dai Zong has occupied the top spot on the Immortal List for close to a hundred years, casting a shadow over all the True Inheritors of the Heaven Mending Sect, which has diminished their brilliance.
Especially in recent days.
"I had thought my ’Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light’ had reached a modest threshold, and entertained the idea of competing with Brother Dai. Now it seems, Brother Yun has overestimated himself."
Yun Yi shook his head with a bitter smile.
Ranked third on the Immortal List and known as the ’Chongyue Sword,’ Yun Yi is undoubtedly a rare talent of his time. He had acquired the Heaven Mending Sect’s ’Nine Great Skills’ ’Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light’ years ago and diligently practiced it for over twenty years. At last, he entered its essential threshold. When unleashed, the skill was unparalleled among the First-order, rendering opponents helpless and utterly subdued.
Brimming with confidence, he intended to challenge Dai Zong before Dai reached the age of two hundred.
But just as he emerged from his retreat, news spread of Dai Zong’s consecutive defeat of four Second-order demons.
In an instant.
Yun Yi lost all desire.
"Brother Yun, do not underestimate yourself."
"With your strength now, Xi Pu might not even be a match for you."
"But Brother Dai—"
Jiang Tong offered words of comfort but shook his head as he mentioned Dai Zong.
Ranked fifth on the Immortal List, Jiang Tong is formidable in both ability and talent. Yet at the thought of Dai Zong, even he felt inferior. While he referred to Xi Pu, ranked second on the Immortal List, by name, when speaking of Dai Zong, he instinctively honored him with the formal title of ’Brother,’ even when not addressing him directly.
It says much.
"Daluo Heavenly Sleeve."
"Heaven Mending Seal."
"Brother Dai has mastered two Absolute Skills and devoted decades to diligent cultivation. With his True Inheritor title nearing its end, he unleashed his power, defeating four Second-order demons in swift succession. Word from the Examination Hall suggests that Brother Dai’s proficiency with the ’Heaven Mending Seal’ may be average, but his progress with the ’Daluo Heavenly Sleeve’ has astonished even the sect Elders and Hall Masters."
"Such extraordinary talent—no wonder he stands alone at the pinnacle."
Mei Huatian spoke, sharing the news he had gathered in recent days, his tone somewhat startled.
Absolute Skills are notoriously difficult to cultivate.
This is common knowledge among the disciples of the Heaven Mending Sect.
Mei Huatian, who has long hovered between the fifth and tenth ranks of the Immortal List, lacks the qualification to study Absolute Skills, but he’s heard plenty from his mentors and people like Yun Yi.
And this time.
Dai Zong wielded the ’Daluo Heavenly Sleeve,’ effortlessly confiscating all the Magical Treasures of the Second-order demons with a wave of his sleeve. With another flick, he trapped the demons in place, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Once they could no longer resist, he killed them using the ’Heaven Mending Seal,’ absorbing their Qi-Blood and life force. Having slain four Second-order demons, the power of the ’Heaven Mending Seal’ has likely grown significantly.
All told.
Dai Zong has only practiced the ’Daluo Heavenly Sleeve’ for about ninety years, making his progress truly astounding.
"Approaching two hundred years of age."
"Brother Dai’s sudden emergence this time is said to be in pursuit of his third Absolute Skill—rumored to be the ’Daluo Heavenly Fire.’ In recent days, many True Inheritors have been rushing about, either preparing Exotic Fires or acquiring information about them, awaiting the moment Brother Dai finishes his retreat to deliver them."
"Within ten years, Brother Dai will certainly achieve notable proficiency with the ’Daluo Heavenly Fire.’"
"When he possesses three Absolute Skills, it will be even harder to find an equal among those of the same stage."
Jiang Tong spoke, seeming disdainful of the sycophants chasing after Dai Zong. Yet deep down, he couldn’t help but feel envious, realizing that Dai Zong, still in the True Inheritance Stage, had managed to obtain three Absolute Skills—a feat Jiang Tong himself had yet to achieve even one of.
"The same stage?"
"Brother Dai intentionally lingered in the First-order for so long to master the sect’s Absolute Skills. Now that he’s about to acquire the ’Daluo Heavenly Fire’ and approach his two-hundredth year, he has nothing left to delay him."
"It’s likely he’ll soon begin preparing for the breakthrough into the Second-order True Person."
Dai Zong’s intentions are no secret within the Heaven Mending Sect, and Yun Yi is naturally aware of them as well.
Seven or eight people continued their conversation.
Occasionally, they cast glances toward Qingniu Peak. And just as Yun Yi finished his words—
Woooooo!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Dark winds howled, muffled thunder roared.
"Hmm?"
Yun Yi, Jiang Tong, Mei Huatian, and others immediately stood up, leaving the cave mansion and turning their eyes toward Qingniu Peak, where they saw dark winds rising and muffled thunder reverberating, as dark clouds converged in the sky.
This is—
"Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation!"
...
Qingniu Peak.
The skies cleared after the storm.
The Heavenly Tribulation dissipated.
Chen Jichuan flicked his long sleeves and revealed a smile.
The Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation was all too familiar to him, posing no threat whatsoever. On the contrary, utilizing his third-realm ’Daluo Heavenly Sleeve,’ he absorbed all thirty-six layers of heavenly thunder into his sleeve. With some additional effort, he could craft hundreds of ’Heavenly Thunder Seeds’ from it in the future—potent weapons against demons and evil cultivators, truly a worthwhile yield.
Heavenly thunder is violent.
It touches upon life and destiny. Ordinary individuals dare not take the risk; even if willing, they often lack the skill to capture the thunder. Only Chen Jichuan, seasoned in overcoming tribulations and adept with the ’Daluo Heavenly Sleeve,’ could achieve this.
"Once refined, even Second-order True Persons will need to tread cautiously."
Chen Jichuan felt a surge of anticipation.
Soon after.
He set that thought aside and turned his attention to his surroundings. As the Heavenly Tribulation dissipated, the disciples of the Heaven Mending Sect observing from around Qingniu Peak directed their gazes toward him.
Many of them approached right away.
"Brother Dai."
"Congratulations, Brother Dai."
Shortly afterward, they ascended the peak, each extending their congratulations to Chen Jichuan—most of them were True Inheritors of the sect.
"Thank you."
Chen Jichuan replied to each person courteously.
After some time, he used the excuse of consolidating his cultivation to bid everyone farewell and returned to his cave mansion, finally finding peace and quiet.
...
"I’m finally Second-order."
Within the cave mansion, Chen Jichuan sat cross-legged, feeling a sense of reflection.
He had hovered on the edge of Second-order before, but it never truly counted—it was never properly acknowledged. Now, advancing within Mount Tailao, atop Qingniu Peak, under the eyes of many witnesses, he had formally ascended to the Second-order. From this point on, regardless of the setting, he was indisputably a Second-order True Person of the Heaven Mending Sect.
In the wider Slaughter Ring Sea, he was now a figure of significance.
"Advancing to Second-order."
"From now on, I am no longer a True Inheritor. Once I have consolidated my cultivation, I must decide whether to return to the Nine Refinement Immortal Mansion or remain in the Heaven Mending Sect."
"Of course, I will stay in the Heaven Mending Sect."
"If so, I must select one of the sect’s ’Six Halls and Thirty-Six Peaks’ to join."
Having advanced multiple times before, consolidating his cultivation required little effort from Chen Jichuan. His thoughts were already occupied with planning for the future.
The core of the Heaven Mending Sect is the ’Six Halls,’ while the ’Thirty-Six Peaks’ serve subordinate roles.
"Examination Hall."
"Dharma Transmission Hall."
"Law Enforcement Hall."
"Danyi Hall."
"Five Directions Hall."
"Immortal Hall."
Among the Six Halls, Chen Jichuan had previously interacted most with the Examination Hall and Dharma Transmission Hall. As their names suggest, the Examination Hall oversees the performance evaluations of all sect disciples—not just True Inheritors, but ordinary disciples and even Second-order True Persons, wielding considerable authority.
The Dharma Transmission Hall oversees the teaching of Magic and Cultivation Techniques. It also functions as a research institution and repository for magical methods and techniques across the realm, serving as the spiritual backbone of the Heaven Mending Sect.
Sacred sites like the Scripture Pavilion, where Absolute Skills are stored, fall under the purview of the Dharma Transmission Hall.
Apart from these two halls:
The Law Enforcement Hall is responsible for apprehensions and punishments.
The Danyi Hall oversees alchemy and other technical pursuits.
The Five Directions Hall primarily deals with external affairs, specializing in exterminating demons and maintaining peace.
The Immortal Hall manages lower-level branches like the Nine Refinement Immortal Mansion and handles sect disciples’ administrative matters, including talent recruitment.
"Having advanced to Second-order, my focus should be cultivation, supplemented by honing combat techniques."
"Among the Six Halls, the Five Directions Hall offers the most opportunities for combat and the fiercest challenges. If I aim to refine my battle skills, joining the Five Directions Hall would be optimal."
Chen Jichuan pondered carefully, his mind beginning to settle on a decision.
The Dharma Transmission Hall leans toward academic research.
The Law Enforcement Hall specializes in internal audit matters.
The Examination Hall is burdened with miscellaneous tasks.
The Immortal Hall is focused on administration.
Only the Danyi Hall made him waver. It houses countless pill recipes and numerous Alchemy Masters. Seeking guidance there would undoubtedly greatly enhance his abilities in alchemy.
And not only alchemy.
The Danyi Hall embraces the full breadth of cultivation arts, including artifact refining, talisman making, array formations, and more. It features master-level practitioners in each domain, and joining its ranks would be immensely beneficial.
However, considering his true alchemical talents, Chen Jichuan decisively ruled out the Danyi Hall: "If I enter the Danyi Hall, my façade will be exposed within mere years."
Chen Jichuan shook his head.
The path of cultivation is unpredictable.
A former prodigy struggling to progress in cultivation is still plausible.
But a proclaimed alchemy genius reaching Second-order Alchemist status within forty years, then stagnating after advancing to Second-order True Person, even with access to master-level teachers, would be utterly inexplicable.
"The Five Directions Hall remains the best choice."
Chen Jichuan sealed his decision.
...
Half a month later.
Slaughter Ring Sea.
Nine Yang Island.
Located in the southwestern seas outside Central Continent, Nine Yang Island is a large landmass. Viewed from above, nine fiery regions dot the island, resembling nine blazing suns—hence the name ’Nine Yang Island.’
"Master Cui."
Chen Jichuan descended onto Nine Yang Island, propelled by Wind Thunder, and greeted an elder with a respectful bow.
Nine Yang Island belongs to the Heaven Mending Sect and is under the jurisdiction of the Five Directions Hall. After advancing to Second-order and joining the Five Directions Hall days ago, Chen Jichuan’s first assignment was to guard Nine Yang Island for thirty years.
The assignment is not demanding and cannot be considered a prized post. Nevertheless, the island’s blazing flames create an ideal environment for cultivating Fire Skills, alchemy, and artifact refining. Moreover, it produces ’Taiyang Flame,’ used to craft ’Fire Thunder Seeds,’ yielding substantial benefits for its guardian.
More importantly.
Chen Jichuan cultivates the ’Daluo Heavenly Fire.’ Residing on Nine Yang Island offers immense advantages.
Being assigned to Nine Yang Island is undoubtedly a favorable opportunity.
Previously, the island’s guardian was the elder standing before him—’Master Cui.’ The Heaven Mending Sect operates under a generational system, with one generation spanning two hundred years. Thus, Cui Xiong, who joined the Heaven Mending Sect two centuries earlier than Chen Jichuan, is technically a generation older and should be addressed as Master.
However, in terms of cultivation.
Cui Xiong is currently at the Second Realm of Enlightenment, having unlocked two Eye Acupoints, making his cultivation higher than Chen Jichuan’s. But in an actual confrontation, it’s possible that the ’Daluo Heavenly Sleeve’-wielding Chen Jichuan would prevail.
"Brother Dai."
Cui Xiong had clearly heard of Chen Jichuan’s reputation. Despite being senior in age and cultivation, he did not act imperious, greeting Chen Jichuan with a smile: "Brother Dai has lingered in the First-order for nearly a century, and finally chose to ascend to the Second-order."
Chen Jichuan is widely known in the Heaven Mending Sect, thanks to his near-century dominance atop the Immortal List.
Cui Xiong had also heard of him.
However, he hadn’t expected that as his guardianship was drawing to a close, Chen Jichuan would arrive to take over. Upon receiving the news days earlier, Cui Xiong had been eager, and seeing Chen Jichuan today, his attitude was very cordial.
...