122-124(11k)
Chapter 122: Ten Thousand Years, You Finally Came
Unified Jiangzhou? Wu Yuan and Bu Yu exchanged glances.
They had to admit that this Chu Jun was a smart person.
How could they not have such thoughts?
When the Chujiang Empire fell and the situation was chaotic, Hengyun Sect allowed Baijiang King and Yuanhu Villa to rise, primarily because their strength was insufficient.
However, with the successive breakthroughs of Huan Jian and Wu Yuan, coupled with the sudden death of Chu Ping, perhaps Wu Yuan didn't have too many thoughts. Still, Bu Yu's ambition had long skyrocketed like wild grass.
However, due to the current situation in Chujiang Wonderland, with many people around, Bu Yu did not discuss these matters with Wu Yuan in detail.
The territory needed to be vast! The emergence of martial arts powerhouses would increase, and the sect's foundation would become more stable.
"Elder, I admire your character!"
"Elder is also a person from Jiangzhou," Chu Jun said solemnly. "In the future, when Elder enters the Celestial Rankings, leads the Baijiang Four Prefectures, and becomes the leader of Hengyun Sect, whether it's Guangping Prefecture, Dalong Prefecture, or Dongmeng, Ximeng, and Yuanhu Prefectures, they will all bow down at Elder's command."
"At that time, Elder will easily become the ruler of Jiangzhou."
"Jiangzhou should not be a pawn for the Linhai Four Provinces."
"Jiangzhou should be the Jiangzhou of the people of Jiangzhou." Chu Jun emphasized, seemingly excited. "Even in the future, when Elder's strength becomes stronger, the two provinces of Jiang and Chu will unify, rebuilding the Chujiang Empire, gaining worldwide fame, and surpassing the Jin Emperor. The future is unpredictable."
Wu Yuan fell silent for a moment.
This Chu Jun, seemingly straightforward, unexpectedly had such delicate thoughts, instantly drawing a big picture for Wu Yuan.
However, this pie was not easy to digest.
"An Dao."
Bu Yu, on the side, smiled, "Master Chu's words are not wrong. If you become the Lord of Baijiang, the sect will undoubtedly support you in unifying Jiangzhou."
Wu Yuan shook his head, smiling bitterly.
Unified Jiangzhou? Even if he theoretically established his own kingdom, in the end, it would inevitably be handed over to the sect for management.
Why? With vast mountains and rivers, such a huge territory required people to guard and manage.
Wu Yuan himself didn't have the patience to deal with these trivial matters.
As for the Wu family members? With just a few small cats, why should they control such a vast territory?
Even the Imperial Family of Great Jin, with more than one Grandmaster born in each generation, still needed to recruit numerous Grandmasters to share power.
Otherwise, the territory would be unstable.
In the world of martial arts and immortals, gathering the world's great power in one person's hands was extraordinary. Unless one had power superior to everything else, it was impossible to establish a stable dynasty.
As powerful as a Grandmaster on the Earth Rankings or a Master on the Celestial Rankings might be, they might be loyal to the country, family, or sect, but it was challenging to make them submit to a king with weaker strength.
"Master Chu."
"Do you want me to become the Lord of Baijiang, with the certainty of subduing the various forces under Baijiang King's command?" Wu Yuan said calmly.
The land of the Four Prefectures covered thousands of miles, with a population of millions. To subdue a vast territory like this with just words?
"Can!" Chu Jun nodded. "I will persuade Wu Hongxuan. Since the lord has died, as long as the two of us join forces and Elder An Dao sits in command, it will be enough to clear away all dissent."
Wu Yuan nodded.
As far as he knew, Chu Jun usually led the elite 'Baijiang Army' under Baijiang King's command. Wu Hongxuan served as the 'Prime Minister,' and the two of them working together could indeed control the Baijiang court.
"I can promise you."
Wu Yuan whispered, "However, I have to tell you, I won't establish a nation, let alone a royal family. The future ruler of Jiangzhou will undoubtedly be Hengyun Sect!"
Chu Jun was momentarily stunned.
In Bu Yu's eyes, a hint of joy appeared. Although she verbally supported Wu Yuan, she had some concerns in her heart.
Nation or sect?
These were the two choices for the top forces in the Middle Earth world. Some chose to establish a royal nation, while others preferred to found sects.
Each had its pros and cons!
"At that time, would you and Wu Hongxuan be willing to join Hengyun Sect?" Wu Yuan seemed to ask casually.
Chu Jun hesitated for only a moment before immediately smiling, "As long as it is Elder's wish, I am willing to do anything!"
Once the bow is drawn, the arrow cannot be retracted.
He thought thoroughly. Since he initiated this matter, refusing Wu Yuan now would offend him, causing more harm than good.
Moreover.
Hengyun Sect birthed a Celestial Ranking powerhouse. As long as they could withstand the onslaught of the Great Jin, unifying Jiangzhou was just a matter of time.
Did it matter if there were thoughts within the Baijiang Four Prefectures?
"Man for the cutting board, I for the fish." Chu Jun sighed inwardly, "Your Highness, don't blame me. Wu Shu and I cannot manage such a vast territory. Once news of your death spreads, it will only attract covetous eyes from all sides."
Something that cannot be kept forever.
It's better to take advantage of the current 'life-and-death friendship' with Wu Yuan and Bu Yu and take the initiative to sell.
Perhaps, they could get a good price!
At least, judging from Chu Jun's observations, Wu Yuan would not push him to a dead end!
And as expected by him.
"Chu Jun." Bu Yu and Wu Yuan glanced at each other. While on the road, she spoke up, "What are your conditions?"
"Baijiang Four Prefectures will be led by Hengyun Sect. His Highness's funeral will use the 'Prince's Rites,' and I hope to enshrine His Highness's heirs as 'First-Rank Dukes,' hereditary and irreplaceable, with annual sacrifices to soothe the hearts of the Four Prefectures," Chu Jun said. "At the same time, the military and political affairs of the Four Prefectures should remain unchanged, and there should be as little action as possible in the short term."
"Civil and military officials of the Four Prefectures should be of the same rank as disciples of Hengyun Sect."
"In the future, the residents of the Four Prefectures can join Hengyun Sect without any obstacles, to make the Four Prefectures loyal." Chu Jun listed four demands in one breath.
Obviously.
He had thought about this for a long time, not just a momentary impulse.
"Baijiang King was self-proclaimed by Chu Ping. In theory, he cannot be buried using royal rites," Bu Yu directly shook her head.
Chu Jun's heart skipped a beat.
Bu Yu changed her tone, "However, he pacified the Four Prefectures and made the people live in peace, achieving great deeds. He can be buried with 'Prince's Rites.' As for his heirs, they can only be titled as 'First-Class Marquises,' but we can promise hereditary and irreplaceable."
Wu Yuan nodded.
Normally, in the sects, there would be no royal titles.
Therefore, First-Class Marquis was the highest title. All marquises would be ranked in sequence, and families like Hengyun Sect's 'Master Family' typically held the title of First-Class Marquis, hereditary and irreplaceable.
"For the military and political affairs of the Four Prefectures, they must all be under Yunshan's jurisdiction. Important positions like governors, garrison generals, and martial arts academy directors, from the county level and above, must pass the sect's assessment before deciding whether to stay or leave," Bu Yu declared firmly. "Similarly, civil and military officials in the Four Prefectures must also undergo an assessment."
"As for the last condition, I can promise that the sect will treat the Four Prefectures impartially and not show favoritism." Bu Yu added the last sentence, "In addition, Master Chu, your and Master Wu's powers and responsibilities will remain unchanged."
The last sentence made Chu Jun, who had originally wanted to argue a bit more, hesitate.
He gave up.
He understood that the Baijiang Four Prefectures were destined not to remain independent.
The treatment offered by Hengyun Sect was much better than his bottom line. At least, it was much better than being conquered by the Great Jin in the future.
The most crucial thing was that he had secured a good future for himself.
"Hengyun Sect now has only two Grandmasters." Chu Jun thought to himself, "The breakthrough of Dark Blade is imminent, and a new powerful force sitting on the Celestial Rankings. Joining in now, in the future, my status will surely rise."
As for Baijiang Wang?
Chu Jun asked himself if he could secure the prosperity and wealth of Baijiang Wang's offspring, and he would do his best.
"Alright," Chu Jun nodded, "Elder Dark Blade, Master Bu Yu, I agree to all these conditions. Once I return to Jiudong Mansion, I will discuss it with Prime Minister Wu as soon as possible. Within twenty days, I will give you a definite answer."
Twenty days, neither long nor short!
"Good."
...After the recent negotiation.
The relationship between Wu Yuan, Bu Yu, and Chu Jun seemed to have grown closer inadvertently. Chu Jun even began to consider himself a subordinate of Wu Yuan.
Of course, while Wu Yuan and Bu Yu greeted him with smiles, they wouldn't completely trust him.
Trust takes time.
As for Song Guang and Li Yan? It's not clear what negotiations Wu Yuan and the others had. Moreover, since the encounter with over thirty Red Soil Assassins, the two groups had not faced any attacks and had not naturally converged.
However, what made them slightly frustrated was that they had been moving forward but had not encountered any 'Spirit Fruit Birthplace.'
Finally.
After traversing over five hundred miles into the inner region and crossing a small mountain range that reached a hundred feet in height, they stood atop the mountain.
Both groups simultaneously stopped, and the seven Grandmasters were all in awe as they looked toward the end of the world.
"So vast!"
"Truly enormous!"
"Could that be the Witch Hall?" Everyone watched in awe, even Wu Yuan's eyes revealed a hint of shock.
From afar.
One could see, a hundred miles away, at the end of the world, slightly blurred, stood a majestic bronze temple. It looked like a towering mountain, emitting a vast and distant aura that impacted their souls.
It was truly massive!
"At a hundred miles, it's so clear?" Chu Jun couldn't help but speak, "In my estimation, it's probably five to six hundred feet tall."
"About right."
"In width, it's estimated to be over ten miles." Wu Yuan whispered.
First, estimate the approximate distance between the two sides, then, based on the size in their line of sight, one could roughly estimate the height and width of this towering bronze palace.
"Witch Hall?"
Running over, Li Yan shook his head, "How is this a hall? Clearly, it's a giant palace! I really don't know how it was built."
A group of Grandmasters agreed.
Even with their strength, they found such a spectacular building too incredible. It was not something that human labor could easily accomplish.
"This is the great power of the ancient Qi Refiners!"
Song Guang's eyes were filled with longing, "It is said that ancient Qi Refiners could pluck stars and moons, travel through the heavens. Building such a gigantic palace is not difficult for them."
"Let's go."
"This kind of giant palace, if it had appeared before, the Chujiang Empire would definitely have records. But there's no record." Song Guang said solemnly, "It means it's the first time it has appeared."
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat.
All of them were Grandmasters, and even the weakest 'Chang Dong' knew quite a bit about secrets.
They knew very well what it meant for an 'Ancient Remnant' to appear for the first time.
Immortal treasures! Divine weapons! Extraordinary items! Profound techniques!
Swoosh! Swoosh! The group no longer wanted to delay, swiftly transforming into streams of light, each person's speed approaching the speed of sound, all rushing towards the towering palace at the end of the world.
They were filled with anticipation.
Filled with motivation.
Wu Yuan was no exception; caution was necessary when needed, but when a great opportunity presented itself, it was also essential to take risks.
At this moment.
Wu Yuan, Bu Yu, Li Yan, and Song Guang all understood why Jin Qing had wanted to attack them from the beginning.
It was probably because he had long anticipated the existence of such a large Immortal Remnant.
Even now.
At this moment, everyone was subtly on guard against other teammates, especially against Wu Yuan and Song Guang, fearing that they might suddenly turn hostile.
It was not without reason.
However, Wu Yuan took the lead and rushed to the forefront, with Song Guang slightly behind. Both showed no signs of making a move, which allowed other Grandmasters to relax a little.
"Take action?"
Wu Yuan thought thoroughly, "Even if my strength is formidable, I might not be able to kill Song Guang quickly. Once I make a move, it might cause Grandmasters from all sides to scatter and flee."
Wu Yuan was not confident in killing all the Grandmasters.
Moreover.
Up to now, they hadn't encountered any strong individuals from the Great Jin Empire. Naturally, Wu Yuan didn't want internal conflicts that would benefit the enemy.
For Wu Yuan and the Hengyun Sect.
The Great Jin Empire was always the number one enemy.
...As Wu Yuan and the others rapidly approached the colossal bronze palace.
Inside the palace, in a mysterious space.
"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!" A gigantic figure, towering three zhang tall, fiercely swung punches.
Every punch caused the air to explode.
Every kick made the earth tremble!
Swoosh! A figure, nearly two meters tall, shrouded in black armor, was awkwardly dodging the fierce attacks of the giant, avoiding each thunderous blow.
He dared not engage in combat.
"The power of this sorcerer's punch is too terrifying, with a strength probably exceeding two million jin." Jin Qing's mouth oozed blood, yelling in his heart, "Why is this trial so difficult?"
Initially, he wanted to fight with the opponent and try to kill this giant.
But just one punch made him act more cautiously.
The giant's combat skills were very ordinary, probably not understanding the finesse of strength and techniques. However, its absolute strength and speed allowed the giant to unleash an incredible fighting force.
Even with a spiritual weapon battle armor, Jin Qing still didn't dare to confront it head-on.
Close combat?
He had just tried it, and the giant's arms, waist, back, and thighs could all turn into weapons, releasing astonishing power.
Flawless!
It could be called the perfect fighting machine.
"Delaying is the only option; endure for ten breaths, and I can pass this level." Jin Qing's eyes were filled with determination, "We've reached this point; we must not give up."
As he had this thought in his mind.
"Whoosh!" The giant, whose punch had missed, suddenly turned around. A lightning-fast side kick came, and the earsplitting sonic boom sound clearly surpassed ten times the speed of sound!
"Bang!" It hit Jin Qing, who had just dodged to one side, and he was sent flying like a meteor.
He crashed heavily into the wall!
"Boom!" The fist, the size of a sandbag, followed, smashing towards him. Jin Qing had almost exhausted all his strength to dodge, feeling the wall and the ground trembling.
"Damn it, I have to go all out! I'll be smashed to death if I don't!" Jin Qing's eyes were bloodshot, and blood kept overflowing from the corners of his mouth.
He charged towards the giant.
Soon, he was once again sent flying by the giant's punch!
Completely honest now!
When Jin Qing was brutally beaten inside the palace, outside the majestic bronze palace, it was desolate, and the earth was perfectly level.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Wu Yuan, Bu Yu, Li Yan, and the others finally rushed over a hundred miles and arrived here, looking up at this majestic bronze divine temple.
Everyone held their breath.
The closer they got, the more they could feel the grandeur of the temple, and the more they were awed by this marvelous power.
The closer they got, the more they could sense a vast and ancient aura coming towards them.
Standing in front of the temple, it felt like ants facing a giant dragon. The sense of towering and invincible presence made their hearts tremble.
Even Wu Yuan was no exception.
"This palace, compared to the Black Tower I saw back then, is even more majestic, truly a method of immortals and demons." Wu Yuan was impressed.
Even the 'Interstellar Spaceship' that he had seen, which was over ten kilometers long, didn't give Wu Yuan this kind of awe.
However, Wu Yuan had an instinctual feeling.
The Black Tower was more mysterious and noble!
The group of seven people all stopped a few hundred meters in front of the palace.
"Haven't seen Jin Qing and the others." Tie Tuo said in a deep voice, "We came all the way, and we haven't seen their tracks."
"Perhaps deliberately concealing their footprints." Song Guang whispered, "For Grandmasters, passing without a trace is not difficult."
"And now."
"They've probably entered the palace."
"This palace is so majestic, and there are quite a few doors." Song Guang pointed to the nearby palace.
Everyone fell into contemplation.
The bronze palace, over five hundred zhang in height, seemed to stretch endlessly, and the width was nearly twenty li.
It didn't look like a palace but more like an enormous city wall.
Underneath the palace, there were densely packed doors, each spaced one or two hundred meters apart, extending all the way to both ends.
"Calculating the distance, this should be the center of the sorcery realm, and this should be the 'Witchery Chamber,' there's no mistake." Li Yan said softly, "And that mysterious voice hasn't reminded us again. I think if we want to get the treasure, we probably have to go in."
"Now, it's time to make a choice."
"Either go in together through one door."
"Or go in separately?" Li Yan's gaze swept across everyone, finally resting on Wu Yuan, "Brother Dark Blade, this time, I choose to go alone."
"Fine." Wu Yuan nodded.
No one knew what was inside the palace.
You should know that those doors weren't particularly large, just about two zhang high, but the inside was pitch black, and no one knew where they led.
Going alone was more dangerous.
But getting the treasure meant not having to share with others.
"I'll go alone too." Song Guang said similarly.
"Let's split up!"
"Going alone, with so many doors, the likelihood of encountering a Great Jin expert is very low." Everyone made their choices one after another.
Opportunity was right in front of them.
Everyone wanted to take a chance.
"Dark Blade, although it's safer to follow you, by going through one more door, there's also a greater chance for the sect to seize rare treasures." Bu Yu looked at Wu Yuan, "Besides, if we do encounter danger, I won't drag you down."
She was very careful, even though the voice was audible only to the two of them, she still didn't use Wu Yuan's real name.
"Be careful." Wu Yuan said only two words.
"Same goes for you."
In the end, the seven great experts entered different doors with a tacit understanding.
Song Guang entered first and quickly disappeared into the darkness, leaving no echo behind.
The second was Bu Yu... In the end, only Wu Yuan remained standing in front of the towering and endless palace.
He observed all the doors.
However, there were no clues. Each Grandmaster entered, and there was no sound, as if all were swallowed by darkness.
"Let's go." Wu Yuan made a decision.
Closing his eyes, he randomly chose a door.
He stepped in with large strides.
When his whole body was immersed in the darkness, and there was no trace of light ahead, making him hesitate about whether to continue forward.
"Hum~" an invisible fluctuation swept through, and a hint of astonishment flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes.
Before he could turn and escape, like ripples in space, he had disappeared from the spot.
...
"Hum~" Wu Yuan felt his vision blur and his head become dizzy. It was similar to the feeling when he first entered the 'Chujiang Immortal Realm.'
When the surroundings solidified, he felt his feet on solid ground.
"What is this?" Wu Yuan's pupils slightly contracted. Before him was a majestic hall, estimated to be a hundred zhang tall, with a width and length reaching hundreds of zhang, truly astonishing.
The walls and the ground were all made of bronze.
In the palace, there were giant jade thrones, not like those meant for ordinary humans but seemed more suitable for giants.
Suddenly.
"Ten thousand years, you have finally come." A voice, ancient and indifferent, echoed suddenly in the vast palace.
---
ps: Two chapters, adding up to over ten thousand words. The grand opening of the whole book is about to begin, seeking votes!
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 123 - Struggle of the Great Dao (Seeking Subscription and Monthly Votes)
"Ten thousand years? Who are you?" Wu Yuan was suddenly shocked, his gaze sweeping across the magnificent hall in front of him, and his heart filled with vigilance.
This bronze palace was too mysterious.
The techniques displayed in the entire Chujiang Immortal Realm were even more unimaginable! Whether it was this vast world, the Red Soil Assassins, Tree Demons, etc., each revealed extraordinary abilities.
Apart from true immortals and demons, Wu Yuan couldn't think of anyone else who could have the means.
And now, waiting for ten thousand years?
It sounded incredibly unbelievable!
"No one?" Wu Yuan's gaze swept across this majestic yet tightly closed hall, but he couldn't find the source of the voice.
Suddenly—
Countless colorful rays of light appeared out of thin air in the void, quickly converging in the center of the hall to form an illusory throne about several zhang high and nearly ten zhang wide.
Then, the illusory throne slowly manifested a robust figure seated on it, exuding a terrifying aura that made Wu Yuan instinctively pause.
"This? A holographic projection?" Wu Yuan's pupils contracted.
He was a giant, bald, estimated to be over ten meters tall, covered in a finely crafted metal battle armor, entirely black, appearing extremely majestic, with only his head and palms exposed.
The metallic boots trod on the void, as if ruthlessly stepping on Wu Yuan's heart.
Making Wu Yuan shudder.
"What kind of person is this? Even if it's a Heaven-rank expert, I'm afraid it's not even one percent as powerful as this, an ancient Qi Refiner?" Wu Yuan held his breath, feeling an inclination to kneel and submit.
This was not due to Wu Yuan's weak will, but the gap between them was too large, a natural reaction of a lower life encountering a higher life.
Too frightening!
It should be noted that this black-armored giant was not the real body, just a projection! In theory, it shouldn't have such a powerful aura.
"Be careful!"
"Stay alert!" Wu Yuan suppressed his spiritual sense, trying hard to restrain the fear and the impulse to bow down in his heart, lowering his head and not looking at the other party.
After a long time.
"Youngster Wu Yuan, I have seen the elder!" Wu Yuan forced himself to bow slightly towards the black-armored giant.
He had a premonition that the voice just now should have come from this black-armored giant.
"Haha!"
The black-armored giant suddenly burst into a thunderous laughter. "Impressive to withstand my pressure at the age of seventeen after waiting for ten thousand years. Well done."
His laughter echoed in the hall.
"Seventeen?" Wu Yuan thought to himself. The strength of his will at this age was the result of both this life and the past.
However, there was no way to explain it.
"Wu Yuan, raise your head." The black-armored giant spoke again.
Wu Yuan respectfully stood up, but then he noticed that the overwhelming aura emanating from the black-armored giant had disappeared.
Looking at the giant again, it now appeared like a true projection.
Although it still gave Wu Yuan a sense of oppression, it was merely due to its enormous size, not actual strength.
Just as Wu Yuan was about to speak.
"You don't need to speak, listen to me." The black-armored giant's figure was illusory, but once he spoke, his voice was thunderous, echoing throughout the hall.
Wu Yuan couldn't close his mouth and listened quietly.
"I know your heart is full of doubts, and I will answer each one for you," the black-armored giant said slowly. "Ding Wu Realm is a world opened by a powerful 'Wu' peak, barely considered a 'Cave Heaven.' Its purpose is to select suitable mortal lives, cultivate Wu methods, and become the 'New Wu' of the peak."
"Wu, Wu Peak? Cave Heaven? New Wu?" Wu Yuan blinked, listening to this series of new terms.
He roughly understood.
Chujiang Immortal Realm, that is, this 'Ding Wu Realm,' was actually a 'New Wu Talent Training Base'?
"Ding Wu Realm has been opened for over ten thousand years and has produced many powerful Wus," the black-armored giant said calmly. "And I am the spirit of the Cave Heaven. You can call me the Realm Lord."
Over ten thousand years? Wu Yuan held his breath.
For Wu Yuan, whether in this life or the past, it was a long and incredible era! In the past, Blue Star had countless deeds, but civilization was only about five to six thousand years old.
In this life, the Martial King divided the thirteen provinces, becoming the human ancestor, but only a little over three thousand years had passed.
"I have seen the Realm Lord again," Wu Yuan said respectfully.
Realm Lord? From the name alone, these warriors had always been curious about an invisible force controlling the entire Ding Wu Realm. The source of everything was probably the black-armored giant in front of them.
"You must be curious. Over ten thousand years have passed, and everything about Wu Peak, Wu, Tribe, has disappeared without a trace of legend," the black-armored giant smiled and said, "So why am I still here?"
Wu Yuan nodded.
Yes!
Outside, there was no Wu, and immortals and demons had disappeared long ago. Could this Realm Lord have lived for over ten thousand years?
"I am not a life form," the black-armored giant said lightly. "I am a 'spirit' created by the Wu Peak, with intelligence, capable of thinking, but unable to break free from the limits like a true life form."
"Spirit?" Wu Yuan was stunned.
He felt that this was quite similar to the countless scientists in his previous life who were striving to create 'artificial intelligence'?
Unfortunately, until he crossed over, the Human Federation had not yet overcome this hurdle.
"At the beginning of Ding Wu Realm's creation, it played a significant role for the Wu Peak Tribe." The black-armored giant sighed lightly. "Unfortunately, about ten thousand years ago, an unprecedented war erupted in the 'Green Ling Great Boundary.'"
"A war that swept across more than half of the Great Boundary, with ancient beings taking action."
"Countless Qi Refiners, Wu, Demons, and Monsters fell."
"I estimate that the flourishing cultivation civilization suffered a severe blow."
"The Wu Peak Tribe was completely destroyed, and I also fell from the 'Green Ling Great Boundary' to the 'Xia Mountain World' in that great war. Therefore, I don't know the final outcome of that battle." The black-armored giant sighed again. "However, judging from the fact that the entire Xia Mountain World was affected and mostly destroyed, the outcome is probably not good."
Wu Yuan listened with a shocked heart.
Green Ling Great Boundary? What is that?
Xia Mountain World? Is it the unified term used by ancient Qi Refiners and Wus for their living Middle Earth?
"You're right, Xia Mountain World is the world you are in." The black-armored giant said slowly. "However, although Xia Mountain World is far from being comparable to Green Ling Great Boundary, for mortals, it is quite vast. The 'Middle Earth' you are in is just a part of Xia Mountain World."
"Middle Earth is just a part of Xia Mountain World?" Wu Yuan widened his eyes.
He couldn't help but think of the records about the New State.
This goes southeast for tens of thousands of miles!
But how big is the New State? What is beyond the New State? Is it the end of the world? There are no answers!
"I fell down and can now only sense the Ding Wu Realm within a radius of hundreds of miles. Since I didn't have much knowledge of the 'Xia Mountain World' to begin with, I can't provide you with more information," the black-armored giant said softly. "However, even if I knew some information, it probably wouldn't be of much use to you now."
"Ten thousand years ago, the earth-shattering battle in the Green Ling Great Boundary affected many spatial dimensions, and the entire Xia Mountain World suffered heavy damage."
"Severely, just like the region where your Middle Earth is, the world is shattered."
"Almost all living beings were on the brink of extinction."
"Until the recent tens of thousands of years, the laws of heaven and earth, the operation of the world, gradually restored vitality. In the recent thousands of years, cultivation practitioners have gradually emerged again," the black-armored giant said indifferently.
Wu Yuan immediately understood.
No wonder Middle Earth only has a history of over three thousand years, and no wonder there are so many remnants of immortals. The once Qi Refiners have disappeared without a trace.
Perhaps, the cultivation civilization of Middle Earth was destroyed by the terror of that war ten thousand years ago.
Thinking about this, Wu Yuan felt a shiver. What kind of vast power was it that almost destroyed a vast world like Xia Mountain with just the aftermath of a war? How terrifying was the war in the Green Ling Great Boundary? Was this the power of immortals and demons?
"I fortunately survived that battle," the black-armored giant said softly, with a touch of emotion in his eyes. "Although the Wu Peak Tribe was destroyed, I still adhere to the first principle when Wu Peak created me – to cultivate new Wus!"
"At the beginning of my fall, I survived two world spiritual tide calamities, gradually repaired the Ding Wu Realm, and fell into a deep sleep."
"I've been waiting."
"Until tens of thousands of years ago, humans appeared again in Middle Earth, until thousands of years ago, the martial path rose again in Middle Earth."
"For these thousands of years, I have made many attempts to select new Wus."
"For example, directly bringing people into the Ding Wu Realm within my sensing range." The black-armored giant said, "Or, distributing some tokens, trying to make various forces compete to select some talented geniuses."
"Unfortunately."
"No one has been able to catch my eye. Xia Mountain World is ultimately a small realm, and there have been no Qi Refiners born in the vast time. The bloodline of Middle Earth creatures has long since degraded and is not as strong as the creatures in the great realm. It's too difficult to give birth to a true 'Wu,'" the black-armored giant recalled the past.
Wu Yuan listened in astonishment.
Heavens!
Even if humans in Middle Earth didn't cultivate, once they reached adulthood, they could easily burst out with a strength of two to three thousand kilograms. And such a bloodline was considered degraded?
What kind of strong bloodline did the creatures in the great realm have?
"If I have enough time, I can continue waiting until Xia Mountain World gradually recovers to its peak. By then, there will be many Qi Refiners and countless warriors."
"At that time, I will have more room to choose new Wus."
"Unfortunately, the time left for me is not much."
"Fortunately."
"Wu Yuan, you have come," the black-armored giant's gaze fell on Wu Yuan, with a hint of expectation. "Perhaps heaven has taken pity, allowing Middle Earth to give birth to a genius like you!"
"In the Green Ling Great Boundary, even if your talent cannot compare to some top-notch monsters, it is still considered top-notch," the black-armored giant sighed. "Even in the heyday of Xia Mountain World, it probably would take decades or even hundreds of years to give birth to a genius like you."
"The time left for me is not much."
"You are my best choice," the black-armored giant said.
Wu Yuan was intrigued.
Talent? Top-notch?
He could tell that during the peak of the Xia Mountain World, there were probably many talented cultivators. As for the so-called 'Green Ling Great Boundary,' it was probably much stronger than the Xia Mountain World.
Stronger geniuses than himself? That was normal!
"This is your talent test," the black-armored giant raised his hand, pointing towards the void, and countless points of light gathered.
Wu Yuan couldn't help but look.
"Age, seventeen!"
"Spiritual Level: Spiritual Perception."
"Spirit Talent: First Rank."
"Cultivation Talent Initial Test: First Rank Lower Grade."
"Physical Cultivation Talent: Superb."
Wu Yuan was a bit confused and turned to look at the black-armored giant.
He could understand these words, but their specific meanings were unclear.
"Realm Master, what does it mean to have Spiritual Level: Spiritual Perception?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"You will understand these messages one by one shortly; there is no harm in telling you now," the black-armored giant said slowly. "Spiritual Perception, in the order from weak to strong, is divided into Yin Soul, Mind Stabilization, Soul Awareness, Spiritual Perception, Yang Soul, Divine Sense, Elemental Spirit, and Divine Splitting, eight levels!"
"Yin Soul is the spiritual level of ordinary people. If it reaches its peak, it can linger in the mortal world after death. Some people with great resentment, if they die during extremely yin moments or in extremely yin places, may become vengeful spirits. This is known as Yin Soul Not Dispersed."
"Mind Stabilization is generally able to barely achieve introspection. Most first-class warriors in your Middle Earth are mostly at this level."
"Soul Awareness can clearly sense the movements of the five viscera and six bowels, blood vessels, and meridians. Easily achieving introspection, just opening your eyes can make others shudder. If there are corresponding techniques, you can even manipulate some Qi Refiner's magical instruments. To become a Qi Refiner, you must reach the Soul Awareness level," the black-armored giant explained.
Wu Yuan suddenly understood.
This so-called Soul Awareness level probably referred to the ability to rudimentarily control objects, but the control was very weak.
"Spiritual Perception is your current level," the black-armored giant looked at Wu Yuan. "It can multitask, greatly improving the power of divine sense and divine perception. The speed of comprehending the mysteries of the world will increase significantly. You can easily control powerful magical instruments, manipulate and kill enemies from hundreds of meters away. Typically, the spiritual level of a Qi Refiner in the Golden Core Realm is generally at this level."
Wu Yuan was stunned.
"Realm Master, my control over objects is very slow. Not to mention Qi Refiners, I'm afraid even top-notch experts can easily evade it," Wu Yuan couldn't help but say.
"Foolish!"
"Do you think Qi Refiners are all foolish, using divine sense to forcibly control objects? How much energy would that consume?" The black-armored giant shook his head. "Using spiritual tools and magical techniques, infusing true yuan, all of these will significantly increase the power of magical instruments!"
"Do ordinary people not know how to use tools? Don't you?"
"Spiritual Perception is the foundation, just like tempering the flesh, training strength. Do you fight with bare hands? You also need to forge weapons, battle armor, and learn some combat skills."
"Spiritual tools, magical techniques, all fall under the category of 'tools.'"
"The stronger your spiritual perception and true yuan, coupled with using good tools, will naturally amplify your strength tenfold or even a hundredfold," the black-armored giant explained.
A few words enlightened Wu Yuan.
Yes!
Controlling objects and killing enemies, it's like chopping down a big tree. If you try to chop it down with bare hands, how much strength would you need?
But once you have more axes, the demand for strength will decrease tenfold.
Spiritual Perception is crucial, but control techniques and spiritual tools are equally important. Combining the two can unleash powerful strength.
"Above Spiritual Perception is Yang Soul, with stronger control over objects. It can even send thoughts to attach to weak creatures, invade their souls. Of course, it's just invasion and cannot replace them. Those who can achieve this are mostly called 'Purple Mansion True Immortals,' and they can roam freely in a region in the Green Ling Great Boundary and are considered top-notch during the peak of the Xia Mountain World," the black-armored giant continued.
Yang Soul? Purple Mansion True Immortal? Wu Yuan listened quietly.
Silently noted.
"As for higher levels like Divine Sense, Elemental Spirit, Divine Splitting, I am not very knowledgeable about them; they can be considered magical methods of immortals and demons," the black-armored giant said solemnly.
"Don't aim too high; your spiritual talent is very high. You reached the 'Spiritual Perception' level even before becoming a Qi Refiner."
"But progressing in spiritual perception, like cultivating in martial arts, advances quickly in the early stages. Later on, even if you want to grow from Spiritual Perception to 'Yang Soul,' it's hard to say how many years it will take," the black-armored giant lamented.
Wu Yuan nodded slightly, but his mind was contemplating.
High spiritual talent?
Others might not know.
But Wu Yuan understood that his rapid growth in spiritual perception was not just due to his innate nurturing of his flesh; it was also because of 'observing the Black Tower.'
"In the great realms, talents are generally assessed based on age, physical qualities, lower dantian palace, middle dantian palace, and many other aspects. They are divided into three major levels: A, B, C, and each major level is further divided into upper, middle, and lower sub-levels."
"In total, there are nine levels of talent."
"Your spiritual talent and Qi Refining talent are both at the A level, which is excellent."
"In the Green Ling Great Boundary, you could easily join some major sects," the black-armored giant smiled. "Hehe, being able to find you in the ruins of the Xia Mountain World is my luck."
"Of course, your ability to enter the Ding Wu Realm is also your luck, with the will of the heavens," the black-armored giant said.
Luck?
"Realm Master," Wu Yuan couldn't help but say, "Is it just a simple test of talent? Are other aspects not evaluated?"
Like when the Hengyun Sect recruits disciples.
Talent, perseverance, intelligence, and many other aspects are key points.
"Other aspects?" the black-armored giant smiled. "If it's an ordinary person, like the group of warriors who traveled with you this time, they would need to pass five or six levels at the very least, maybe even seven or eight levels, to have the chance to see me. I might not even bestow them with a legacy technique."
"But you are different!"
"The practical test, passing through what you call the 'Red Earth Assassins,' has already been a preliminary evaluation for you."
"Being able to cultivate to your current level at the age of seventeen in the Xia Mountain World, I guess you must be very diligent in your cultivation."
"Most importantly, it's talent!"
Wu Yuan shook his head. "In the past hundred thousand years, waiting for you is already a lot, waiting for someone with higher talent than you might take another hundred thousand years."
"Why waste time with additional tests?"
"Effort is essential."
"But sometimes, effort is worthless compared to talent. To truly become a Divine Witch or Immortal, natural talent, perseverance, and luck are all important."
"I only ask that you become a witch of the 'Mountain and River Realm.' Even if you lack in other aspects, your talent is enough to compensate for everything."
Wu Yuan couldn't help but be stunned.
But he also had to admit that between effort and talent, which was more important? It was impossible to say.
Because those who truly reached the peak were the ones who had everything.
Talent, effort, and luck!
"Realm Master, what you just mentioned about the Mountain and River Realm and the Golden Core Realm, what do they refer to?" Wu Yuan asked curiously.
"Haha, your sect is probably very average; you don't even know this information. Does it not have a single Qi Refiner? In the past few thousand years in the Middle Earth world, at least a hundred Qi Refiners have been born," the black-armored giant laughed. "However, this further illustrates that you practice diligently and work hard."
Hundreds of Qi Refiners? Wu Yuan was secretly amazed.
To go back a bit.
Since the establishment of the thirteen states by the Martial King, have there been over a hundred extraordinary individuals emerging throughout the world?
"The world is vast, and there are numerous cultivation systems, such as the Golden Elixir Dao, Witchcraft, Witch Body, Demon God Dao, Devil Dao, Blood Demon Dao, and so on, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, intricate and ever-changing," the black-armored giant said. "However, if we discard all external differences and explore the internal, there are only two types—Qi Refiners and Body Refiners!"
Cultivating Qi? Cultivating the body?
"A First Rank Warrior, as you call them, has basically reached the pinnacle of pure physical cultivation!" the black-armored giant said. "At this point, the lower dantian palace becomes powerful to the extreme. Then, the soul and spirit intertwine, opening the sea of Qi and forming the true core in the middle dantian palace, naturally giving birth to advanced energy—True Yuan!"
"This is the Sea of Qi Realm."
"Reaching this realm is the beginning of Qi cultivation, and one is qualified to be called a Qi Refiner, which is what you call a 'top expert.'"
Wu Yuan suddenly understood, finally grasping the true path of transcendence.
So, a top expert is a Qi Refiner in the Sea of Qi Realm.
"The Sea of Qi Realm has a lifespan of five hundred years! It is divided into nine levels!" the black-armored giant said. "They can control flying instruments, wield swords to kill enemies, and manipulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to perform various miraculous feats."
"Like spiritual weapons, what you call 'top-grade divine weapons,' can only be refined when one reaches the Sea of Qi Realm."
"Generally speaking, Qi Refiners, when facing ordinary warriors, whether in close combat or long-range attacks, can crush them." The black-armored giant smiled. "However, nothing is absolute."
"For example, you."
"Killing a top expert when reaching the limit of the human body is not without hope!" the black-armored giant laughed.
Wu Yuan was stunned.
Killing a top expert?
"Don't find it strange. In terms of skill level, you are not weaker than them. You also control the power of heaven and earth," the black-armored giant said. "Ordinary First Rank Warriors can be beheaded at a glance; essentially, it's because their bloodlines are too weak, and the strength of their bodies is too weak. But you are different."
"You now have over two hundred thousand pounds of strength."
"When you complete marrow washing and blood exchange, and the organs reach their limits, the punching power of a single arm will reach an unimaginable level."
"Having True Qi, so what?"
"Qi Refiners in the Sea of Qi Realm, especially those below the third level, mostly rely on close combat. Even with True Qi, their strength, when combined with their bodies, is just over two million pounds."
"By then, you will be able to unleash the power of millions of pounds with a single punch."
"True Yuan is limited, and the endurance of martial artists is long. Killing some weak Qi Refiners when crossing realms is not difficult." The black-armored giant smiled.
"If they choose to control objects to kill enemies? Relying solely on True Qi strength, spiritual instruments can fly at most a few dozen yards away, while you can flash hundreds of meters in a blink. Where can they hide?"
"Moreover, strong vitality can drive spirits, and you control the power of heaven and earth. Those weak artifacts might not even get close."
"The only concern is that Qi Refiners can fly, avoiding your pursuit. But as long as your strength is strong enough, simply bending a bow and shooting arrows will be enough to kill some Qi Refiners who are too slow to evade." The black-armored giant spoke confidently.
In the long years, he had witnessed countless Qi Refiners.
He was very familiar with Qi Refiners in the Sea of Qi Realm.
Wu Yuan suddenly understood that this was similar to what he had speculated before.
Seemingly the same realm, but different foundations create vastly different strengths.
"Of course, it's only dealing with weak Qi Refiners. If you reach the fourth level of the Sea of Qi Realm and True Yuan increases, you have to be careful." The black-armored giant said. "However, with your talent, once you reach the limit of the human body, you should soon become a true 'Witch.'"
"By then, it's not impossible to rival Qi Refiners in the Sea of Qi Ninth Level."
The black-armored giant smiled. "At least, dealing with those 'wild road' Sea of Qi Realm Qi Refiners in the Middle Earth world won't be difficult for you!"
Witch?
Wu Yuan's anticipation grew stronger. He could tell that this Realm Master probably mastered a very complete 'Witchcraft' system.
"Cultivating Qi, Cultivating the body, essentially, it is a battle of the great Dao!"
"Qi Refiners believe that the universe is boundless. They aim to explore the 'middle dantian palace,' absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, continuously control the power of heaven and earth, kill enemies with a thought nine days away, bury a world with one technique, and finally shed the flesh, feather out independently, and live forever between heaven and earth," the black-armored giant said softly.
"Body Refiners, on the other hand, do not agree. They believe that the body is unique in the world."
"The so-called limit of the human body is only the limit of the lower dantian palace among ordinary people."
"Body Refiners, uniting spirit and flesh, bring forth various unimaginable powers from the body. They don't like too many magical treasures because the body is their strongest magical treasure," the black-armored giant sighed.
"They don't practice too many spells."
"Because, with one punch, they can break through ten thousand spells!"
—
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(End of this chapter)
Chapter 124: Mountain and River Realm, Lifespan of Ten Thousand Years
"So powerful?" Wu Yuan was quite shocked.
Before this, he had only heard of Qi Refiners. Looking at the information he had encountered, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth indeed seemed more advanced, flexible, and stronger than physical strength.
Now, seeing it for himself, in the true extraordinary world, besides the known Qi Refiners, there were also so-called 'Body Refiners' who cultivated their physical bodies?
It seemed to be more in line with warriors, right? No need for magical treasures; the body itself is the strongest magical treasure? Without practicing spells, one punch can break through ten thousand techniques? It sounded exhilarating.
"Do you think Body Refiners are powerful?" The black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan.
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
"Far from it," the black-armored giant shook his head. "The path of a Body Refiner is extremely difficult. The so-called miniature world within the body, forming a complete cycle, can you imagine how difficult it is to refine the body to a level comparable to the external world?"
"Difficult!"
"Cultivating the body is a rugged path," the black-armored giant sighed. "Moreover, the more powerful a Body Refiner becomes, the more they will be rejected by heaven and earth, and the harder it is to continue."
"Rejected by heaven and earth?" Wu Yuan was puzzled.
What kind of reasoning is this? However, Wu Yuan had just entered the Unified Realm, and he hadn't even mastered the power of two hundred thousand pounds of heaven and earth. His comprehension of the mysteries of heaven and earth was still superficial. Talking about these things now naturally left him confused.
"That is the origin of the battle of the great Dao, spanning endless years in the Qingling Great Realm." The black-armored giant sat on the towering throne. "But these are not your worries. At least, when you reach the Purple Mansion Realm and the Mountain and River Realm, it's not too late to consider these issues."
Wu Yuan nodded.
Right, what great Dao battle, what Qi cultivation, body refinement.
In the present world, in the thirteen states of Middle Earth, most are probably Qi Refiners in the Sea of Qi Realm. As long as he becomes a true 'Witch,' it should be enough to dominate the world.
As for more distant matters? We'll talk about that in the future.
"You just asked about the Golden Elixir Realm." The black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan and smiled. "The Nine Levels of the Sea of Qi—essentially, it is about continuously expanding the Sea of Qi, compressing True Yuan. When the Sea of Qi becomes large enough, you can enter the second realm of a Qi Refiner."
"This is the 'Golden Elixir Realm.'"
"Looking at the 'Qingling Great Realm,' Qi Refiners in the Sea of Qi Realm are as common as ants, and they don't even have the qualifications to raise their heads. However, Golden Elixir Realm Qi Refiners are different. They are qualified to be called 'upper-level individuals.' If they don't provoke some big shots, they can live carefree lives. The Golden Elixir Realm is also divided into nine levels! Lifespan of a thousand years!" The black-armored giant said.
"Golden Elixir individuals? Lifespan of a thousand years?" Wu Yuan sighed secretly.
It's truly worthy of being said that 'Qi Cultivators find it hard to die.' Once they step into the so-called 'Golden Elixir Realm,' they have a lifespan of a thousand years.
"Your thirteen states of Middle Earth should have some Qi Refiners in various forces."
"Are there any Golden Elixir individuals? Hard to say! After all, I can't investigate the entire Middle Earth." The black-armored giant shook his head. "However, even if there are, there are probably only one or two, and they might not necessarily limit their vision to Middle Earth."
"For Golden Elixir individuals, Middle Earth is tiny."
"They are completely above the Sea of Qi Realm, and their strength cannot be described with 'how many pounds.' That's just a joke."
"One spell of a Golden Elixir individual can truly burn mountains and boil seas, travel ten thousand miles in a day as if it's nothing, roam freely between heaven and earth, and truly exude an immortal and demonic charm," the black-armored giant said. "In a word, it should be easy for a Golden Elixir individual to unify the entire Middle Earth."
Wu Yuan was shocked to hear this.
So powerful?
Listening to it, an ordinary Sea of Qi Realm Qi Refiner can't even contend with a Golden Elixir individual.
"Nine levels of the Golden Elixir represent the absolute purity of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within the body. Going further, one can derive the 'Purple Mansion' within the Sea of Qi."
"Purple Mansion is not an inner world but uses the meridians as the source, breaking through the last obstacle with heaven and earth! Purple represents both heaven and earth. Qi Refiners make heaven and earth their dwelling place. Their spirits can travel through heaven and earth, and their lifespan will significantly extend to three thousand years." The black-armored giant sighed, "At this point, for a Qi Refiner, only one step away from transcending the mortal realm, they can be called true individuals."
Sea of Qi Realm, lifespan of five hundred years.
Golden Elixir Realm, lifespan of a thousand years, called upper individuals.
Purple Mansion Realm, lifespan of three thousand years, called true individuals. Wu Yuan silently noted this information.
"A true individual in the Purple Mansion Realm is no different from a true immortal or demon for ordinary warriors. They have already had some contact with space. Storage treasures, like the ones you use, can be created by Purple Mansion true individuals." The black-armored giant said, "Ten thousand years ago, before the great war, Purple Mansion true individuals were the peak powerhouses in the vast Xia Mountain world."
"Purple Mansion true individuals, to completely destroy the entire Middle Earth, is just an ordinary matter, requiring only a few spells."
"Ten thousand years have passed, and the Xia Mountain world has been heavily damaged."
"Nowadays, whether there are Purple Mansion true individuals in the Xia Mountain world is hard to say."
"In many fairy islands in the Qingling Great Realm, Purple Mansion true individuals are quite remarkable and receive great attention in top sects and schools." The black-armored giant smiled, "They can completely command vast territories and rule over billions of subjects."
"Moreover, in worlds like Xia Mountain, if one reaches the ninth level of the Purple Mansion, senses the world's heart, there is a complete hope to ignite the 'faith incense,' radiate brilliance, and for ordinary people, Purple Mansion true individuals are no different from true immortals."
"Normally, in a world like yours, Middle Earth, it's difficult for a Purple Mansion true individual to be born." The black-armored giant said softly.
Wu Yuan listened.
He roughly understood that Purple Mansion true individuals are extremely powerful existence among Qi Refiners, once belonging to the 'dominant' level in the former Xia Mountain world.
As for what faith incense is and what a world's heart is?
He didn't quite understand, and it wasn't appropriate to ask.
"Wu Yuan, with your talent, if you hadn't met me, spending over a hundred years, it's possible to become a Golden Elixir individual." The black-armored giant said softly, "However, wanting to become a Purple Mansion true individual without guidance? Difficult!"
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
He instinctively felt it was difficult. Destroying the entire Middle Earth with just a few spells? The strength of a Purple Mansion true individual was truly unimaginable.
"Sea of Qi Realm, Golden Elixir Realm, Purple Mansion Realm—these are the paths of Qi Refiners." The black-armored giant spoke slowly, "But this is not the path of a Witch! And certainly not the path I've prepared for you."
Wu Yuan was slightly stunned.
The path of a Witch? He just thought that Witchcraft, like Qi Refining, was a special existence among Qi Refiners, much like the difference between swords and blades.
But now it seemed different.
"Is 'Witch' a path for Body Refiners?" Wu Yuan thought.
According to what the other party just said, the road to transcendence is broadly divided into these two categories.
"Very strange?" The black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan, smiling. "Do you know what a Witch is?"
"I don't know." Wu Yuan shook his head.
"At the beginning of the world's chaos, even the Qingling Great Realm had not yet been opened. Ancient gods fought, and demons and monsters ran rampant. Humans were born in the wilderness, but they were just another race." The black-armored giant said softly, "And there was such a group of people. They stepped on the earth, held primitive weapons, declared war on demons and monsters. They struggled to explore and cultivate the land, creating a paradise for the human race."
"They studied all things and could communicate with heaven and earth, benefiting all people!"
"They fought against heaven and earth, causing ancient gods and demons to retreat, and demons and gods to surrender their heads."
"In the end, all races in various realms submitted, and humans became the 'leader of all races.'" The black-armored giant spoke slowly, "They have a common name—Witch!"
"Those who stand tall and undefeated against heaven and earth are Witches!"
"Those who comprehend the myriad paths and communicate with heaven and earth are Witches!"
"Witches are the oldest cultivators, apart from ancient gods and demons," the black-armored giant said. "Its strength and age can be traced back to the oldest 'Source Era.'"
Wu Yuan was shocked to hear this.
The word 'Witch' indeed carried extraordinary meaning!
"Witchcraft has two types: 'Witcher' and 'Witch.'"
"However, as time changes, there are no eternal myths in the world. As the Dao of Immortality and Qi Refining rose, Witchcraft gradually declined," the black-armored giant said. "Yet, it remains an extremely powerful cultivation system that has never truly declined."
"Witchers originally imitated the cultivation of ancient gods and demons, gradually perfected their methods, and eventually formed a complete system of Witcher cultivation."
"Many 'Body Refiners' among humans and even demons are fundamentally derived from Witches or simplified Witchers," the black-armored giant said softly. "Becoming a Body Refiner is not difficult. Like those first-tier warriors, practicing some weaker Body Refining methods, almost all can become Body Refiners. However, as you advance, the cultivation becomes increasingly challenging, and in the end, it may be impossible to break through."
"Only an extraordinary genius can become a Witch."
"If you want a simple understanding, a Witcher is the most powerful and perfect type of 'Body Refiner.'" The black-armored giant said lightly, "It is also the core inheritance of my Ding Wu Realm."
Extraordinary genius? Wu Yuan thought.
"Look at your talent assessment. Spirit Talent and Qi Refining Talent are only considered upper class, but Body Refining Talent is exceptional!" The black-armored giant sighed, "If you don't cultivate into a 'Witcher' and instead follow the path of 'Qi Refining,' it would be a waste of this innate talent."
"By following Qi Refining, you can become a decent Qi Refiner!"
"But as a Witcher, you would be a top-tier Body Refiner. If you work hard and have some luck, you might eventually reach the stage of 'one punch breaking a myriad of laws,'" the black-armored giant said solemnly.
Wu Yuan understood.
The inheritance of Ding Wu Realm, at its core, belonged to the inheritance of Witches, a type of 'Body Refiner.'
However, despite the intimidating words, Wu Yuan still felt a bit uneasy. Was what the other party said true?
If Witchcraft is so powerful, why did it decline?
Why did the Dao of Immortality and Qi Refining become mainstream? These were questions in Wu Yuan's mind.
"Realm Master, how does one cultivate as a Witcher?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask. "Cultivating Qi Refining involves merging spirit and energy, while Body Refining seems fundamentally different."
"Correct!"
"For Qi Refiners, as long as they reach a certain realm and their spirit reaches a certain level, they can open up their Sea of Qi, though the strength may vary," the black-armored giant said. "But becoming a Witcher is different."
"The first challenge for a novice Witcher is the physical body."
"The human body's limit must reach a single-arm strength of six hundred thousand kilograms; this is the bottom line, the higher, the better," the black-armored giant said. "At the same time, there is a high requirement for the spirit, at least reaching the level of spiritual perception."
"In addition, there must be a dedicated 'Witcher's Treasure' integrated into the body. The stronger the Witcher's Treasure, the more powerful the final 'Primordial Witch Base' will be!"
"This Witcher's Treasure is not what you call 'heavenly materials and earthly treasures'; that term would be an insult."
"Witcher's Treasures are thousands of times more precious than what you consider Redwood Spirit Fruits or Purplewood Spirit Fruits."
Wu Yuan listened with wide eyes.
He somewhat understood why the black-armored giant was so confident, believing that just becoming a Witcher could rival a Sea of Qi Ninth Realm Qi Refiner.
Incredible physical qualities! Powerful spirit!
Add to that the rare and precious Witcher's Treasures building the foundation!
In the end, only by crossing the threshold of becoming a Witcher, could those ordinary Qi Refiners who merely passed 'spiritual energy through their bodies' compare?
At the same time, Wu Yuan vaguely understood why Witches fell into decline.
One significant reason was probably the difficulty of cultivation. It seemed challenging just to enter, and the further one progressed, the harder the breakthroughs would become. In the Central Earth world, after emerging from ruins, hundreds of Qi Refiners appeared within a few thousand years, and there might have even been born Golden Core experts.
However, the Realm Master hadn't even managed to cultivate a qualified 'Witch.'
How to compare?
Indeed! Most Qi Refiners might be weaker, but with ease of entry and a surprising quantity, there would always be talented geniuses born among them.
"Once becoming a Witch, the first realm is called 'Xuan Tong Realm,' also capable of 'eating Qi.' It also has nine levels, and the physical strength will become stronger, and the restorative power will also increase. It can cultivate various 'Witchery,' even derive various bodily powers, compared to the Sea of Qi realm! Lifespan reaching a thousand years," the black-armored giant explained.
"Isn't the Sea of Qi realm a lifespan of five hundred years?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.
"Joke! What kind of physique do they have? What kind of physique do Witches have? Even if ordinary Body Refiners have a longer lifespan, it's usually around six or eight hundred years," the black-armored giant shook his head. "Qi Refiners seek to live as long as heaven and earth, while Witches ultimately seek to endure even if heaven and earth perish."
Wu Yuan listened attentively.
He finally felt the uniqueness of Witches, especially in terms of lifespan! Merely the first realm was a lifespan of a thousand years, comparable to a Golden Core expert.
"The second realm for Witches is called 'Spiritual Body Realm.' Once reaching this level, the strength will be stronger, and the most terrifying aspect is vitality. The head and heart will no longer be weak points. Even severed limbs can regenerate, and beheading can heal. It's practically invulnerable," the black-armored giant proudly declared.
"Regenerating severed limbs? Invulnerable?" Wu Yuan felt the terrifying vitality.
Once reaching that level, various fatal points like those of ordinary martial artists would no longer be weaknesses. In life-and-death struggles, how frightening would that be?
"Moreover, the lifespan of the Spiritual Body Realm will reach five thousand years," the black-armored giant looked down at Wu Yuan. "Not to mention Golden Core experts, even compared to Purple Mansion True Immortals, the lifespan of Spiritual Body Realm Witches is superior."
Five thousand years? Wu Yuan was stunned.
Cultivation, what's it for? Isn't it about powerful strength and a long lifespan?
Both of these points were perfectly met by Witches.
"The third realm for Witches is called 'Mountain and River Realm,'" the black-armored giant said slowly. "This realm is the crucial point distinguishing Qi Refining and Body Refining."
"Purple Mansion True Immortals use the Sea of Qi to reflect heaven and earth, making preparations for refining the virtual feathers."
"However, in the Mountain and River Realm, Witches comprehend heaven and earth, engraving the imprints of mountains and rivers within their bodies, laying the foundation for a Daoist sanctum."
"One seeks the Dao externally, while the other seeks the Dao internally!"
"In the Mountain and River Realm, the lifespan is ten thousand years," the black-armored giant said. "Upon reaching this level, one can be reborn with a drop of blood, mental imprints are difficult to erase, and with treasures added, it's difficult to approach the 'Mountain and River Dao Domain.' This will truly possess the potential to break a myriad of laws with a single punch."
A few brief words.
The black-armored giant had undoubtedly demonstrated the strength of Witches.
Xuan Tong Realm, lifespan of a thousand years.
Spiritual Body Realm, lifespan of five thousand years.
Mountain and River Realm, lifespan of ten thousand years!
The mere difference in lifespan and the incredible vitality made Wu Yuan have an irresistible impulse to cultivate.
However.
Wu Yuan still restrained himself.
"Realm Master, if Witches are so powerful, what about Wizards?"
Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask, "According to what you said, Wizards probably lean toward the path of 'Qi Refining.' Is it possible to walk both paths simultaneously?"
"You little brat, walk both paths?" The black-armored giant glared, "Not bad in skill, but quite ambitious."
Wu Yuan remained silent.
He could tell that the black-armored giant did not directly deny it, perhaps there was a chance.
Are Witches powerful? Indeed, they are powerful!
As the black-armored giant said, if he completely gave up the path of a Witch and directly pursued the path of a Qi Refiner?
Qi Refiners gradually abandon their physical bodies, step by step, with Qi as the source.
The blood-red mist emerging in the Black Tower allowed Wu Yuan's physical body's essence to evolve to an unimaginable extent.
Completely abandoning Body Refining? Wu Yuan indeed felt unwilling.
But only walking the path of a Witch? Wu Yuan instinctively felt that might not be entirely correct.
"Witch Cultivation in both paths, ordinary people find it challenging to walk even one path," the black-armored giant said slowly. "However, you?"
"Your Spiritual Power talent is quite high. If you have ambition, you could try the path of 'Witchery of the Heavenly Dao!'"
"However, it's difficult to traverse and will be extremely painful!"
---
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(End of this chapter)