114-115 (11.2k)

Chapter 114: The Terrifying Unity Realm

Facing Wu Yuan's question, Supreme Elder Yu and Sword Elder exchanged a glance and simultaneously smiled.

"Wu Yuan, the strength among warriors is not something that words can convey. Are you willing to spar with Sword Elder?" Supreme Elder Yu chuckled. "Without using weapons."

Spar, meaning a trial.

"Spar with Sword Elder?" Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with a hint of battle intent. "I'm naturally willing, but I wonder if Sword Elder is willing?"

"Sister, you know my stance." Sword Elder cast a displeased glance at Supreme Elder Yu.

"Wu Yuan is about to descend the mountain. Consider it a temporary guidance for the junior, making him aware of the vast world and teaching him not to be arrogant when venturing outside," Supreme Elder Yu smiled.

After a moment of contemplation, Sword Elder nodded, "Alright, but remember, restrain yourself."

"Got it." Wu Yuan's eyes lit up.

Although he wasn't sure if Sword Elder had truly reached the Unity Realm, Wu Yuan could sense that the other party's realm was significantly higher than his.

Much higher!

Above the Cloud Hall, beyond the main hall and the ancestral hall, there was an extra-large martial arts arena spanning more than fifty yards.

While not suitable for life-and-death battles between masters, a simple comparison?

More than enough.

Soon, Wu Yuan and Sword Elder each arrived at one end of the martial arts arena, separated by thirty yards, facing each other from a distance.

The only spectator was Supreme Elder Yu.

As for the other disciples?

On normal days, without an order from the Supreme Elder, no disciple dared to approach the Cloud Hall. Therefore, they were unaware of the impending duel.

"Wu Yuan."

Sword Elder spoke softly, "I know you want to gain insight into the path of your own skills through a real battle with me. So, attack freely. I don't like to fight, but I'm quite skilled in defense. Attack as much as you want."

Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with determination.

He understood Sword Elder's intention.

Unleash full power without reservations.

Taking a deep breath, Wu Yuan seemed to make up his mind. He felt a surge of battle intent throughout his body and said in a low voice, "Alright, Elder, I won't hold back. Let's fight bare-handed. I specialize in palm techniques. Please enlighten me."

Wu Yuan was skilled in using knives and axes, and these two were somewhat related to palm techniques when fighting without weapons.

In his previous life, Wu Yuan had a fondness for palm techniques.

"Haha, palm techniques?" Sword Elder chuckled. "Fine, my expertise lies in palm techniques as well. Come at me."

Sword Elder did not enjoy combat. He pursued longevity.

However, as a master on the Earth List, he had experienced countless battles.

When faced with combat, he wouldn't shrink back either.

"Wu Yuan, come." Sword Elder waved his hand, standing casually as if he were an ordinary middle-aged person with no martial arts skills.

It seemed like they were underestimating Wu Yuan.

However, from Wu Yuan's perspective, the experience was entirely different. This was because Sword Elder, with a simple stance and seemingly casual movements, gave Wu Yuan a feeling of helplessness.

Swoosh!

Wu Yuan's figure suddenly moved, transforming into afterimages as he swiftly covered a distance of over ten yards, seemingly preparing to attack from a different angle.

Hoo! Sword Elder merely took a step, still giving Wu Yuan an invincible feeling.

"What's this?" Wu Yuan stopped, staring at Sword Elder with amazement, finding it difficult to express his shock in words.

Incredibly unbelievable!

In terms of skills, Wu Yuan had already reached the perfect level of 'Body Fusion.' It could be said that none of the masters he had fought before could match him.

Even against Supreme Elder Yu, while Wu Yuan was wary, it was more due to the influence of the Moonlit Sword.

Facing Sword Elder was different.

Merely standing there, every glance and movement gave Wu Yuan a sense of inexhaustible lethality, as if the entire world were about to press down on him.

"Wu Yuan didn't hold back; he truly employed the Dark Knife, without any concealment."

"His footwork is exquisite, and the natural environment exerts no suppression on him. In terms of realm, he is no less than me." Supreme Elder Yu sighed inwardly as she observed.

Regarding Wu Yuan's identity.

Neither side explicitly mentioned it, but they tacitly revealed it to each other.

"However, wanting to win against Huan Jian?" Supreme Elder Yu shook her head slightly. "I wonder how far he can push Huan Jian."

She was well aware of Huan Jian's strength.

Peeking into the realm of Unity Realm was by no means an empty claim!

... "Is this the Unity Realm? The true unity of man and nature?" Wu Yuan continuously flashed around Sword Elder, finally confirming.

The opponent's skill was too brilliant.

It had a fundamental difference from his own.

"No more probing, let's kill." Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with a hint of battle intent. Without further reservations, he consolidated all his bones, muscles, and tendons into one, and his speed instantly soared to the extreme.

Definitely surpassing the speed of sound!

Full-fledged eruption! Having already been seen through and genuinely trusting the two elders, Wu Yuan had no need to conceal anything further.

"So fast!"

"Master!" Both Supreme Elder Yu and Sword Elder's eyes flashed with astonishment simultaneously. Although they had anticipated it, witnessing this scene still left them shocked.

A Grandmaster at the age of seventeen!

The two were only about twenty yards apart, and with Wu Yuan's speed burst, how terrifying was it?

It was almost going to reach them in an instant.

However...

"What's this?" Just as Wu Yuan had dashed out more than ten yards, he saw Sword Elder suddenly swing his arm, and a palm came rushing towards him.

In an instant, Wu Yuan felt that the surrounding environment was undergoing rapid changes.

The previously unobstructed surroundings were suddenly oppressed by a terrifying force.

"Boom, boom, boom!" A sharp and ear-piercing sonic boom resounded.

Wu Yuan's speed sharply decreased.

"Bang!" The palms of the two clashed violently, creating a clearly visible circular shockwave in the air that blasted in all directions!

Wu Yuan erupted with a force exceeding six hundred thousand kilograms, how terrifying?

But after just one collision, his face turned instantly red, and he was swiftly pushed back nearly ten yards, taking over ten steps in succession. This left deep footprints and cracks in the sturdy ground.

The shockwave impacted in all directions, causing countless rocks to fly.

On the other hand, Sword Elder, who was in the midst of the clash, remained standing in place, only retreating one step.

The disparity was astonishing.

"This! How is this possible?" Wu Yuan stared fixedly at Sword Elder, waves of shock and awe roiling within him.

A force of a million kilograms!

Wu Yuan believed that during the recent head-on collision, Sword Elder had unleashed a force that reached a million kilograms! How incredible.

Can a master truly exert such terrifying power?

"No, it's not just physical strength. It's as if the oppression of the entire world is an attack, a combination of the forces of heaven and earth assaulting me," Wu Yuan realized.

Human strength has limits, while the power of the world is limitless!

"Try again!" Wu Yuan wouldn't easily surrender. He roared, "Elder, be careful!"

He charged out once again.

As Wu Yuan's figure just moved, he felt a tremendous air resistance, generating a series of sonic booms.

It seemed as if it were a different world, and the insights into the realm of body fusion were useless.

"Charge!" Wu Yuan gritted his teeth, and a word burst out from between them. Surprisingly, his speed not only didn't decrease but increased.

Mystical Art: Phantom Movement!

"Whoosh!" Palms shaped like knives, Wu Yuan's biceps bulged, seemingly more robust than steel. The air vibrated violently as he forcefully broke through the terrifying air resistance, howling towards Sword Elder.

However, in the next instant, something that almost made Wu Yuan vomit blood happened.

"Hmm~" Wu Yuan felt a sudden change in the surrounding force of heaven and earth.

It no longer hindered him but, instead, an invisible force suddenly boosted his speed, causing his sprinting velocity to skyrocket in an instant.

The change occurred in just an instant.

This sudden change caught Wu Yuan off guard, and even his body's structure seemed to distort slightly.

"Boom!" "Boom!" The two figures crossed each other, and in two lightning-fast exchanges, the first palm saw Sword Elder easily blocking Wu Yuan's slightly deformed palm technique.

In the second palm, Sword Elder deftly cut through the space between their arms.

Directly sending Wu Yuan flying.

However, the force of the second palm was not too terrifying. It only sent Wu Yuan flying more than ten yards, heavily falling to the ground, causing his blood and energy to surge relentlessly.

He didn't suffer much damage.

"This, this kind of power?" Wu Yuan widened his eyes, staring at Sword Elder, sensing the magical force continuously changing around him.

So terrifying!

With a thought, one could either block the enemy's attack like rushing water, or suddenly change, turning hindrance into enhancement, causing the opponent's moves to deform.

When masters face off, life and death are decided in an instant!

Wu Yuan was well aware that if both sides had weapons and judging from their recent exchange, he might have already lost his life.

"Wu Yuan, still want to try?" Sword Elder smiled and said, "I will release my control over heaven and earth."

"No need!" Wu Yuan bit his teeth, stood up, and the fighting spirit in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest. "Elder, I want to try again."

After saying that...

"Boom!" Wu Yuan's figure moved again.

His speed once again soared, but was oppressed by that terrifying force.

Then, his palms transformed into knives, striking towards Sword Elder.

"Hmm~" The terrifying force that had suppressed Wu Yuan suddenly dissipated.

This special change was enough to make even top-notch experts find it difficult to adapt. However, Wu Yuan's changes this time were minimal, almost unaffected!

This is the expertise of a master in the realm of body fusion; their skills are sophisticated enough.

In the previous blow, Wu Yuan was caught off guard, but with mental preparedness, he could instantly adjust his fusion state with the world.

Combined with his meticulous control over his body.

"Peng!" "Peng!"

The two instantly engaged in a terrifying clash. Unexpectedly, Sword Elder remained motionless, using only the power of his waist and abdomen to make each palm explode with nearly a million kilograms of terrifying force.

Simply astonishing!

The crucial point was...

Sword Elder's palm techniques were continuous, like endless waves, without any pause, as if no adjustments were needed at all.

Every palm of Sword Elder sent Wu Yuan flying.

Wu Yuan charged up again.

The two clashed repeatedly, and the horrifying shockwaves turned the martial arts arena into chaos, with the green stones beneath their feet completely turned into ruins.

Wu Yuan's offensive was like a raging tide.

Yet, it couldn't shake Sword Elder at all. He was like a towering mountain. Regardless of your numerous methods and changes, I will just strike you down with one palm!

"Is this Wu Yuan's strength? Or should I say, this is the strength of the Dark Blade?" Rain Elder beside them was astonished.

Amazing explosive power, sophisticated skills, and enduring endurance!

Rain Elder truly realized that Wu Yuan indeed possessed the strength of a grandmaster.

However,

What truly left her somewhat disheartened was the 'Sword Elder' who allowed countless rubble to stir, yet not even a speck of dust could approach him.

Wu Yuan's assault could be described as fierce. If it were her, she would probably have been forced to retreat, maybe even resorting to using the Moonlit Sword.

Yet, Sword Elder only occasionally stepped back to unload force.

"The gap between me and Huan Jian has reached such a level unconsciously?" Rain Elder sighed inwardly.

Back then, she was the first genius of the sect in this generation!

"So, this is the Unity Realm? Sensing the world, transforming the power of heaven and earth into one's own power." Rain Elder's eyes flashed with a hint of envy.

This is the true path to transcendence.

Finally,

After countless unsuccessful attempts, Wu Yuan suddenly flashed, creating a gap of ten yards, and stopped. He lowered his head and looked at his hands.

He felt his arms trembling and tingling!

Taking a deep breath, Wu Yuan said in a low voice, "Elder, I've lost!"

He lost completely.

From start to finish, Wu Yuan didn't gain any advantage. If Sword Elder hadn't chosen to defend without attacking, he would have been defeated long ago.

"Haha, haven't fought for decades. I start fighting, and I meet a grandmaster like you. It's quite refreshing." Sword Elder laughed.

He was also quite shocked.

Wu Yuan adapted too quickly. At the beginning, when he used the power of heaven and earth, it could still affect Wu Yuan.

But as time went on, apart from the power suppression of the power of heaven and earth, there was no additional power.

"Both of you are very powerful, even stronger than me." Rain Elder smiled and walked up, seeming somewhat helpless. "Later, the two of you can leave, but you're leaving me with this mess."

She pointed to the ground.

Wu Yuan and Sword Elder then noticed that the green stones within a radius of two or three dozen yards were completely destroyed, turned into countless rubble.

Especially the area where they clashed up close.

In the terrifying collisions between Wu Yuan and Sword Elder, it had already turned into powder, leaving only a large amount of dust.

"Rain Elder." Wu Yuan smiled awkwardly.

"Sister." Sword Elder glanced at Rain Elder but said indifferently, "It was you who asked me to spar with Wu Yuan. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself."

Rain Elder glared at him.

However, Sword Elder completely ignored her gaze.

Wu Yuan smiled.

He felt that the way these senior brother and sister interacted was quite interesting, like true siblings.

"Wu Yuan." Rain Elder looked at Wu Yuan and said with a smile, "If you were still hiding and holding back just now, Sword Elder and I would probably find it hard to hold back against you."

"It's the disciple's excessive concern." Wu Yuan replied sincerely.

"Wu Yuan." Sword Elder whispered, "For you to become a grandmaster at seventeen and possess such terrifying physical qualities, it probably can't be explained by saying you have 'high talent'."

"Everyone has secrets, and we don't want to pry."

"I just want to ask one question. You can answer it or not," Sword Elder said softly. "Are you really you?"

Wu Yuan's pupils contracted.

This kind of question? Could it be that Sword Elder has figured something out?

After a moment of thought, Wu Yuan said, "Two Elders, I am Wu Yuan! Also, I am the true successor of the Heavenly Martial Arts of the Hengyun Sect."

At this point,

Sword Elder and Rain Elder knew that further questioning was not meaningful. Their concerns had been mostly set aside.

"Good, we believe you."

"Haha." Rain Elder's eyes released a hint of light. "In any case, a grandmaster at seventeen, once this news spreads, it will probably shake the entire world!"

"It will also attract concealed top experts from all over the world," Sword Elder glanced at her.

Wu Yuan also sighed inwardly.

A grandmaster in their fifties or sixties wouldn't attract much attention from major forces. But a grandmaster under twenty? They would be feared by various forces.

For such an uncontrollable great threat,

Many top experts, once they find out, will probably rush to eliminate it as the first priority.

"Wu Yuan, you are destined to become the future leader of the sect, I won't hide it from you." Sword Elder said indifferently, "In our battle just now, I used the 'Power of Heaven and Earth' unique to Unity Realm experts."

"Heaven and Earth's Power?" Wu Yuan murmured to himself.

He understood.

The 'Sword Elder' who seemed ordinary in the eyes of the world was actually a terrifying expert.

He had surpassed all the ancestors of the Hengyun Sect, even surpassing the founder, Master Fang Xia.

Becoming the first 'Unity Realm' expert in the history of the sect!

"Heaven and Human Unity, the first two steps, perception and integration, involve gradually integrating oneself into the surrounding environment and reducing the rejection of oneself by the world." Sword Elder whispered, "Unity means completely turning oneself into a part of 'Heaven and Earth'!"

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

These were insights not mentioned in the experiences of the grandmasters. After all, those grandmasters only speculated about the 'Unity Realm'.

And Sword Elder had already entered this realm.

"Sword Elder, how can one enter the Unity Realm?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.

Over the past year, he had tried many methods.

Unfortunately, he had not succeeded and couldn't even find the door.

Rain Elder, on the side, was also listening. Her combat skills were almost on par with Wu Yuan, maybe even superior, but she also found no way in.

"There are four paths to go from the Integration Realm to the Unity Realm."

Sword Elder slowly explained, "The first is like me, meditate, contemplate, and practice in silence, gradually turning yourself into a part of Heaven and Earth. I sat for thirty years, and unconsciously, I stepped into the Unity Realm!"

"Everyone has secrets, and we don't want to pry."

"I just want to ask one question, you can choose to answer or not." Sword Elder said softly, "Are you really you?"

Wu Yuan's pupils contracted.

This kind of question? Could it be that Sword Elder has seen something?

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Yuan spoke softly, "Elders, I am Wu Yuan! Also, the true inheritor of the Hengyun Sect's Sky Martial True Transmission."

At this point, Sword Elder and Rain Elder, aware of the situation, knew that further questioning would not be meaningful. Their concerns had been mostly put down.

"Good, we believe you."

"Haha." Rain Elder's eyes released a glimmer of light. "Regardless, a grandmaster at the age of seventeen, once this news spreads, it will probably shake the entire world!"

"It will also attract the hidden top experts from all over the world," Sword Elder glanced at her.

Wu Yuan also sighed inwardly.

A master in their fifties or sixties doesn't concern major powers much.

But a grandmaster under twenty? Various forces will be wary.

For such an uncontrollable great threat,

Once many top experts find out, there is a high probability that they will move quickly to eliminate it.

"Wu Yuan, you are destined to become the future leader of the sect, I won't hide it from you." Sword Elder said lightly, "In our battle just now, I used the 'Power of Heaven and Earth' unique to masters of the Unity Realm."

"The Power of Heaven and Earth?" Wu Yuan muttered to himself.

He understood.

The 'Sword Elder' who was at the bottom of the Earth Ranking in the eyes of the world was, in fact, a terrifying powerhouse.

Surpassing all the ancestors of the Hengyun Sect, even surpassing the founder, Fang Xia.

He became the first master of the Unity Realm in the history of the sect!

"Heaven and man are one. The first two steps, sense of intent and body fusion, involve gradually integrating oneself into the environment of heaven and earth, gradually reducing the rejection of heaven and earth towards oneself," Sword Elder said softly. "And unity means completely turning oneself into a part of 'heaven and earth'!"

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

These are insights not mentioned in the master's experience. After all, those masters only speculate about the 'Unity Realm'.

But Sword Elder has entered this realm.

"Sword Elder, how can one enter the Unity Realm?" Wu Yuan couldn't help asking.

In the past year, he had tried many methods.

Unfortunately, he couldn't succeed; he couldn't even find the doorway.

Rain Elder, on the side, was also listening. Her combat skills were almost on par with Wu Yuan's, perhaps even higher, but she was also stuck.

"Want to go from the body fusion realm to the unity realm, there are four ways."

Sword Elder slowly said, "First, it's like me. Meditate, contemplate, and act calmly, gradually turning oneself into a part of heaven and earth. I sat for thirty years, unconsciously entering the Unity Realm!"

"One sentence, sense the naturalness of heaven and earth."

Wu Yuan and Rain Elder listened thoughtfully.

They were aware of this path, but to tread it successfully? How difficult is that? Especially for Rain Elder, there is almost no spare time.

"The second way."

"It's what I learned from wandering in Xinzhou in the past." Sword Elder said softly, "Technique close to the Dao, called unity. This is the ultimate in skill, but it is also the starting point for understanding the mysteries of heaven and earth."

"There are some extremely terrifying existences among the Qi Refiners. Their strength surpasses the Earth Ranking, and they control 'intent.'"

"If they are willing to consume divine power and energy, they can naturally lead cultivators to feel the mysteries of the 'Power of Heaven and Earth.' Sword Elder shook his head. "Sensing the naturalness of heaven and earth is extraordinary and inexplicable. If one can sense it first and then practice, the difficulty of cultivation will be reduced by more than ten times."

"Intent?"

"Existences beyond the Earth Ranking?"

Wu Yuan was shocked. He vaguely understood that in this vast world, there are many secrets he still doesn't know.

However,

This second method is essentially impossible! After all, the strongest in the current world is the Earth Ranking.

Beyond the Earth Ranking? Never heard of it.

"What about the third method?" Rain Elder asked.

"Divinity!" Sword Elder didn't hesitate. "A strong body will nurture the divine soul. After the unity of heaven and man, the divine soul will also be more nourished by heaven and earth."

"A strong divine soul can make thinking more sharp and greatly improve deductive abilities."

"Similarly, when the divine soul grows to a high level, it will naturally perceive the operation of all things in heaven and earth. The stronger the divine soul, the easier it is to comprehend the mysteries of heaven and earth." Sword Elder said softly, "It's like knowledge that a child cannot understand, but it becomes much easier to learn as one grows up."

"So, like many top experts on the Earth Ranking, clearly breaking through the body fusion realm when they first advanced, but with the growth of the divine soul, most of them can slowly elevate their realm to the 'Unity Realm.'"

Rain Elder listened helplessly.

Strengthening the divine soul?

Equivalent to nonsense!

But Wu Yuan's eyes lit up, feeling quite excited.

"The fourth method is to rely on rare treasures! Treasures!" Sword Elder said, "Some treasures nurtured by heaven and earth may contain incredible power. Once used, it can naturally bring the user into the realm of unity between heaven and man, and even surpass the Unity Realm, it is possible."

"Of course, such treasures are extremely rare." Sword Elder sighed softly. "The vast majority of immortal family ruins are hard to come by."

Four methods.

The first and third methods can be practically combined into one, relying on oneself to strengthen oneself.

The second is to rely on the guidance of ancestors.

As for the fourth? It is purely relying on external objects!

"Treasures? Divine soul? Relying on oneself?" Rain Elder silently pondered.

In fact, she roughly knew this information in the past.

"Sword Elder, now that you have reached the 'Unity Realm,' how long will it take to enter the Earth Ranking?" Wu Yuan asked curiously.

"It will take some time."

"Once you reach the Unity Realm, there are two main effects."

"One is the ability to deeply sense the mysteries of heaven and earth, activate some of the power of heaven and earth, and see the entire world more clearly," Sword Elder said softly. "The second is to guide the power of heaven and earth into the body, further enhance strength, and rejuvenate the body."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

According to Rain Elder's previous statement, as long as one hasn't crossed a hundred years of age, almost everyone who reaches the Unity Realm can break through!

"The younger you are, the easier this process is! Like me, I've been in this realm for two years, and it will probably take several more years to break through." Sword Elder smiled and continued, "As for you, with boundless vitality, as long as your body strength reaches 'four hundred thousand pounds,' it will take at most one or two months to circulate your energy throughout your body, open up your Qi Sea, and achieve a breakthrough."

"Four hundred thousand pounds?" Wu Yuan whispered, "Do top experts on the Earth Ranking have four hundred thousand pounds of strength?"

"Yes!"

Sword Elder nodded, "The physical quality of top Earth Ranking experts far surpasses that of Earth Rank masters. Four hundred thousand pounds is the limit of the power of heaven and earth enhancing physical strength!"

"Of course."

"For top experts on the Earth Ranking, body strength is just one aspect."

"What makes them truly powerful is 'Qi.' Although True Qi cannot explode with the same strength as physical strength, it is flexible and versatile. It can kill enemies outside the body, control objects to kill enemies, and perform 'spells' with infinite power."

"At the same time."

"Once top experts on the Earth Ranking achieve unity between heaven and man, initially mastering the power of heaven and earth, like me, they can control about a hundred thousand pounds of power at first. With the increase in strength, they can eventually control about two hundred thousand pounds of the power of heaven and earth."

"Combining various strengths allows top experts on the Earth Ranking to easily unleash two or three million pounds of power." Sword Elder sighed softly, "Earth Rank masters? Unless they have a top-grade divine weapon, they might resist one or two moves."

"Otherwise, Earth Rank masters facing top experts on the Earth Ranking will be completely helpless!"

"A top-grade divine weapon?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.

---

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 115: Walking the World

"A top-grade divine weapon?" Wu Yuan was slightly stunned.

"You have already obtained the Fiery Sun Blade. I won't go into more details. Once you become familiar with the divine blade, you will understand my meaning," Sword Elder said casually. "Just remember one thing: the divine blade has a spirit, and the path of artifacts can only be used as a reference, not an obsession."

"The path you walk on your own is the strongest." Sword Elder looked at Wu Yuan.

"Disciple understands and will remember." Wu Yuan replied.

Sword Elder nodded and then looked at Rain Elder.

"Good, Wu Yuan, you are now the true heir of the Heavenly Martial Legacy. Here is the Heavenly Martial Token." Rain Elder flipped her hand, revealing a snowy-white token.

As she spoke, she tossed the token towards Wu Yuan. The speed was not fast, and Wu Yuan gently caught it, carefully examining it.

This round white token was about half the size of a palm, as thick as a pinky finger. It felt warm and jade-like, but not entirely like jade.

Because it was exceptionally heavy!

Although this token seemed small, Wu Yuan estimated it to be around twenty catties with just a slight thought, which was simply astonishing.

Clearly, it was made of a very special material.

On its front, the words 'Heavenly Martial' were engraved, and on the back were the words 'Hengyun.'

"Hmm? Spiritual energy?" Wu Yuan, with a slight touch, felt the faint spiritual energy contained inside the token.

"This Heavenly Martial Token is crafted and engraved after consuming the spiritual energy of 'Premium Source Stones,'" Rain Elder explained softly. "Although it no longer contains spiritual energy, its material itself is nurtured by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Carrying it has a calming effect."

"Premium Source Stones?" Wu Yuan looked at the token in surprise.

He had some understanding of Source Stones when reading the insights of the Grandmasters, but he had never seen one.

It was a very special kind of 'jade' containing extremely pure spiritual energy from heaven and earth, somewhat similar in essence to 'Ancient Immortal Dew.'

However, Ancient Immortal Dew was in a 'liquid' state, easy to absorb.

Source Stones, on the other hand, were in a solid state, typically only absorbable by high-level masters or made into a 'Jade Platform.'

Sitting on it for a long time would make the foundation of the body stronger.

Throughout the history of the world, many kings and emperors in the Central Region had used large amounts of Source Stones to make 'Jade Coffins' in hopes of achieving immortality for a thousand years.

Source Stones were the 'best' among jade stones.

"A pound of ordinary Source Stone is worth at least one hundred thousand taels of silver, but how heavy is this a little?" Wu Yuan thought to himself. "And this Premium Source Stone is worth at least a hundred times that of a regular Source Stone! It can be considered a priceless treasure."

According to the insights of Grandmaster Fang Xia mentioned in "Fang Xia's Insights," a pound of Premium Source Stone, if exchanged for silver, was worth at least ten million taels of silver, which was very useful for top experts on the Earth Ranking.

Of course, the spiritual energy in Wu Yuan's Heavenly Martial Token had been almost exhausted, greatly reducing its value.

However, based on the material alone, weighing twenty catties, it was worth at least several million taels of silver.

"Wu Yuan, everything that needs to be said has been said to you." Rain Elder smiled. "Get ready for your journey down the mountain."

"Remember, it's not that we won't let you return home or to the sect. It's just that, until you have enough strength, don't come back in a high-profile manner." Rain Elder reminded Wu Yuan.

"I understand," Wu Yuan replied.

Not long after, Rain Elder and Sword Elder watched Wu Yuan leave until he disappeared into the dense mountains and forests.

"What do you think?" Rain Elder whispered.

"He probably isn't the reincarnation of a Celestial Being," Sword Elder said slowly. "If he were, it would only mean that he disguised himself too well and had too much courage. Just now, I had the opportunity to kill him."

Rain Elder nodded gently.

In reality, whether he was or not didn't make much of a difference now," Sword Elder shook his head slightly. "Since a decision has been made, why hesitate again?"

"I've thought about it a long time ago," Sword Elder continued. "Even if there are remnants of a deity in his body, it's impossible to reach this level in such a short time without his innate talent. Look at those on the Earth Ranking, can they easily cultivate new Earth Rank experts?"

Rain Elder fell silent.

New Earth Rank?

In the Central Region, Earth Rank experts were not something you could cultivate just by wanting to.

"A Grandmaster at the age of seventeen has done everything we could. If he still can't reach the Earth Ranking in the future?" Sword Elder shook his head. "It's not our fault."

"Hmm."

"The Earth Ranking?" Rain Elder's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. She sighed, "Unknowingly, you have far surpassed me. Before, you didn't even mention reaching the level of Celestial Harmony."

"Perhaps there is really some luck involved. After Wu Yuan came up the mountain, I touched upon this level," Sword Elder said softly. "For more than a year, I've been cultivating and haven't had time to tell you."

"Oh?" Rain Elder's eyes flashed with surprise.

She originally thought Huan Jian was just casually mentioning it to Wu Yuan.

Never thought it was true.

"Fortunately, you have broken through. When Wu Yuan grows up in the future, if we can have two Earth Rank experts in the sect, the Hengyun Sect will flourish." Rain Elder's eyes showed a hint of anticipation.

In the Great Jin Empire, relying on Emperor Jin alone, they gradually expanded and eventually became a vast empire spanning several states and occupying nearly a hundred prefectures.

For any sect, having two Earth Rank experts would inevitably lead to rapid expansion.

"Sister, don't put your hopes on me. You know my temperament." Sword Elder said calmly. "I have no interest in sects, families, or other worldly trifles. The struggle for supremacy among sects is like clouds floating in my eyes. I am single-mindedly focused on the path of immortality."

The excitement in Rain Elder's eyes diminished by half.

"What about the Chujiang Token? Will you go?" Rain Elder asked softly.

"If I enter, I will only be suppressed by the natural forces there, greatly reducing my strength," Sword Elder shook his head. "Moreover, for me, the most important thing right now is to evolve my body, striving to open the Sea of Qi as quickly as possible."

"The longer it takes, the more my body will age, and the more difficult it will be," Sword Elder said lightly. "If you want to go, go ahead and challenge it."

Rain Elder helplessly sighed.

She could see that her junior brother truly had no desires or demands.

"Sister, before Master passed away, he instructed me to take good care of you."

"Thirty years ago, before Dong'er left, she also wanted me to promise a prosperous life for my little chubby at home," Sword Elder said softly. "This is my promise and my Dao heart. It's my last worldly attachment."

"If not for you all, I'm afraid I would have faked my death and wandered freely in the world," Sword Elder said softly.

Rain Elder smiled bitterly.

How could she not understand Huan Jian's temperament?

"Including Wu Yuan, I have no particular fondness or aversion towards him. Today, if you hadn't spoken up, even if he had extraordinary talent, I wouldn't bother guiding him," Sword Elder said casually. "I will fulfill my promise to you. When the military might of the Great Jin Empire arrives in the future, I will protect Yunshan."

"However."

"This is a one-time thing."

"The rise and fall of dynasties, the prosperity and decline of sects, the principles of heaven and earth, we shouldn't force them," Sword Elder said indifferently. "Whether Yunyun Sect prospers or becomes strong, it will eventually decline."

"But it must not decline in our hands," Rain Elder gritted her teeth.

"The sect is yours, not mine," Sword Elder said with a faint smile. He took a step forward and set foot on the distant path.

Surprisingly—walking through the void!

Accompanied by the distortion of the environmental light caused by the power of heaven and earth, his figure became increasingly blurred until it was completely invisible.

Only the last sound remained: "After seeing off Sister and Little Chubby, there will be no more Huan Jian in Yunyun Sect."

Sword Elder's figure completely disappeared.

This is the terror of the unity of man and nature.

Controlling the power of heaven and earth is not just about simple combat oppression.

There are many magical techniques.

They are far superior to the Earth Rank Masters.

On the Cloud Hall, Rain Elder was left standing in place, sighing lightly, her eyes full of unwillingness and worry.

...

In the Cloud Martial Hall.

Wu Yuan stayed in his own independent courtyard, on the first floor of the martial arts hall.

He was not in a hurry to leave the sect.

Instead, he checked the treasures given by Rain Elder one by one.

"Hmm? This book is about how to use a top-grade divine weapon?" Wu Yuan scanned through the numerous volumes left by Rain Elder.

One of them was titled "Brief Description of Spiritual Tools."

Wu Yuan quickly flipped through it.

"So, whether it's a storage magical artifact or a top-grade divine weapon, both are called 'spiritual tools,'" Wu Yuan whispered to himself. "Spiritual tools are also divided into many types. For example, storage magical artifacts belong to auxiliary spiritual tools."

"Not every spiritual tool possesses formidable power," Wu Yuan perused.

These pieces of information were slowly collected by Yunyun Sect over hundreds of years.

Some information seemed simple, but in reality, it was obtained through lessons, even at the cost of lives.

"Controlling spiritual tools is unexpectedly so complex," Wu Yuan marveled.

The first step is to acknowledge ownership, by dripping blood and imprinting the life mark.

The second step is to nurture!

This is to truly communicate with the spiritual tool, even to better unleash its power.

After finishing reading the entire book.

"A top-grade divine weapon, the Liet Yang Blade," Wu Yuan flipped his palm, and the blade, covered by the scabbard, appeared in his hand.

One hand gripped the scabbard, the other hand grabbed the handle.

"Clang!" Drawing the blade!

"Boom!" The fiery red blade emerged, and a terrifying intent burst forth immediately, as if a volcano was about to erupt.

"Such a frightening blade intent, as if it's about to manifest in substance," Wu Yuan marveled.

With his strong divine consciousness, he easily resisted this blade intent.

His palm gently stroked the blade.

"Suppress." Wu Yuan's divine consciousness detached, pressing onto the Liet Yang Blade, making the entire blade tremble slightly.

But soon it became quiet again.

However magical, being labeled as 'spiritual,' in the end, it is just a weapon without an owner.

"Acknowledge the owner!"

Only at this moment did Wu Yuan drip blood to acknowledge the owner, quickly feeling a faint connection with the war blade.

He could easily perceive the presence of the war blade.

"According to the 'Brief Description of Spiritual Tools,' some Earth Rank Masters have too weak divine consciousness and can't suppress the spirituality of a top-grade divine weapon," Wu Yuan smiled slightly. "They can only reluctantly use it and unleash a small portion of its power."

"In reality, even Moonlit Sword and Rain Elder haven't truly acknowledged ownership."

Yes.

In theory, dripping blood is enough to acknowledge ownership.

But this is just a means. If an ordinary person, even with the endorsement of a superior, drips blood on an ownerless spiritual tool, they will be rejected.

Just like when Wu Yuan became the true heir of Tianwu, the final ceremony was a foregone conclusion, and the whole sect had already accepted it.

If it were an ordinary disciple, even with the endorsement of a superior, so what?

It would only be looked down upon; the principle is the same.

"Conceal." Wu Yuan held the war blade, his thoughts slightly moved, his divine consciousness suppressing and activating it, quickly making the terrifying blade intent emitted by the Liet Yang Blade converge.

It became like an ordinary war blade.

No longer distinguishable in terms of strength.

"That's more like it."

Wu Yuan sighed inwardly, "If a weapon makes people alert involuntarily even before it is used, it loses the element of surprise."

"Let's try again."

Wu Yuan gripped the war blade, began to focus and sense, and in just a moment.

Perhaps it was because he truly acknowledged ownership or because Wu Yuan's divine consciousness was powerful.

Through the war blade!

Wu Yuan felt that in the vast and chaotic 'heavenly and earthly spiritual energy' of the world, there was a faint clarity in 'divine perception.'

"This is the true face of heavenly and earthly spiritual energy?" Wu Yuan murmured.

As the 'Sword Elder' said.

Heavenly and earthly spiritual energy is divided into many categories. In divine perception, there are many 'colors,' some with a hint of golden, some slightly brown, and some are 'yellow'... quite mysterious.

It's important to note that in Wu Yuan's divine consciousness exploration, there were no colors.

Color is essentially the reflection of light.

But now, his 'divine perception' can distinguish many different heavenly and earthly spiritual energies through colors.

Among the various heavenly and earthly spiritual energies.

Wu Yuan sensed most clearly a kind of bright red and dazzling heavenly and earthly spiritual energy.

"Fire attribute. According to the 'Brief Description of Spiritual Tools,' this Liet Yang Blade belongs to the seven spiritual energies of gold, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, and thunder, and it corresponds to 'fire.'" Wu Yuan had a realization, "Once it erupts, it can easily activate the spiritual energy of fire."

Through the war blade!

Wu Yuan could more clearly sense the heavenly and earthly spiritual energy of the fire attribute. At the same time, he could also spy on a mysterious power.

Making his divine consciousness genuinely feel warmth.

"This is the power of heaven and earth." Wu Yuan finally understood.

Why the Sword Elder said that an Earth Rank Master controlling a 'top-grade divine weapon' could slightly resist a Heavenly Rank expert.

The reason is the power of heaven and earth!

A top-grade divine weapon can mobilize the power of heaven and earth.

"Let's go, let's try it out!" Wu Yuan took a step, and as the door opened slightly, he disappeared into the room.

Outside was the night.

On Yuncui Mountain, it was usually quiet.

Wu Yuan stood in his courtyard, without making the slightest sound. He held the war blade, his divine consciousness spread around, and his body completely merged into the environment, feeling the magical power gathering around him.

Controlled by himself.

After thoroughly perceiving it.

"Swoosh!" Wu Yuan held the war blade, slightly activating his divine consciousness.

Immediately, the power in the surrounding heavenly and earthly environment surged and surged, all converging onto the war blade. Then, abruptly, it slashed forward!

A visible blade glow emerged.

It cut through several zhang (units of length), only then dissipated!

"Blade glow?" Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with surprise.

He finally figured out the strength of a top-grade divine weapon.

"First, through the divine weapon, I can better sense the 'spiritual energy of fire' and slightly perceive the power of heaven and earth. This is somewhat beneficial for me to step into 'Heavenly Harmony,'" Wu Yuan pondered.

Although the perception is very vague, relying more on the inherent power of the top-grade divine weapon.

Far less effective than a powerful Qi practitioner using their own 'intent' to help junior martial artists sense the power of heaven and earth.

But at least, it's better than a blind person feeling an elephant.

"Second, it's the inherent power of the divine weapon. Just after acknowledging ownership, it supported the 'power of heaven and earth' by about thirty thousand jin." Wu Yuan pondered.

Thirty thousand jin might sound small.

As physical strength approaches its limits, it becomes harder to improve. Masters, if they can't achieve unity with heaven and man, generally only have a basic fist strength of just over 200,000 jin.

"When I nurture the divine weapon and truly achieve harmony with it, the power of heaven and earth it can manipulate will become stronger and stronger," Wu Yuan thought.

The power of a top-grade divine weapon can reach up to manipulating over 100,000 jin of the power of heaven and earth!

Of course.

Compared to true experts in the 'unity realm,' the power of a divine weapon has many flaws. For example, it can't make the power of heaven and earth flexible and is difficult to assist oneself. In most cases, it can only burst forth at the point of the war blade.

But no matter what.

Once the power of a top-grade divine weapon is unleashed, it can significantly boost the strength of an Earth Rank Master, and the probability of advancing to the Heavenly Rank will also increase.

...

After initially acknowledging the Liet Yang Blade, its power was completely restrained.

Just like an ordinary divine weapon.

Wu Yuan slung it over his body.

The so-called nurturing is essentially a resonance between the spirit and the war blade. "Brief Description of Spiritual Tools" mentions the simplest and most practical method - sleeping together, eating together, walking together.

In this way.

Over time, one can naturally achieve harmony with the divine weapon, eliminating any barriers.

In fact, many Earth Rank Masters with insufficient 'divine consciousness' strength rely on such a clumsy method to slowly subdue a top-grade divine weapon and eventually truly acknowledge ownership.

Wu Yuan did not rush down the mountain.

While nurturing the divine weapon and practicing body tempering, he began to read a large number of books prepared by Rain Elder for him.

Sharpen the knife without missing the chopping block!

"To travel the world, one naturally has to have some understanding of various aspects of the world," Wu Yuan read one book after another.

With his divine consciousness, he could easily remember them.

"Records of Jiangzhou Scenery," "Three Thousand Years of Dongzhou," "Legends of the Heavenly List," "Comprehensive History of Shengzhou," "Chronicles of a Thousand Years in Zhongyuan," "Wind and Clouds in Beizhou," "Beasts of Huangzhou," "Records of Immortal Ruins Around the World," "New Zhou"...

One book after another.

"Originally, in the entire Central World, there are more than a hundred known immortal ruins?" Wu Yuan was secretly surprised. "Among them, over eighty are small ruins, and there are only a dozen large ruins."

Small ruins may not have significant effects.

Some were left by ancient Qi practitioners, containing internal cultivation methods and powerful magical weapons.

Others contained special items.

"For example, in my Hengyun Sect, deep within Yuncui Mountain, there is an immortal ruin?" Wu Yuan looked at this description and was shocked.

Regarding Yuncui Mountain, it was marked with the words 'Top Secret,' apparently added separately by the two Elders.

Because of this immortal ruin.

The entire Yuncui Mountain only experienced spring-like weather all year round and was continually producing 'Cloud Spring Blood Essence' and 'Ancient Immortal Dew.'

This was the true reason for the long-lasting prosperity of Hengyun Sect.

Throughout the world, those large sects and nations with ancient legacies, more or less, control immortal ruins.

What is truly miraculous and dangerous is the large immortal ruins.

"New Zhou!" Wu Yuan stared at the simplified map in the book.

Looking at the description of 'New Zhou' in the book.

Among the sixteen large ruins known to Hengyun Sect, more than ten are either extremely difficult to enter, closed year-round, or have been occupied by some powerful forces for a long time.

Only three are open.

One is deep in Huangzhou, one is on a remote island overseas.

The last one, also the largest, is New Zhou.

These three immortal ruins all contain treasures left behind by many ancient Qi practitioners and are extremely dangerous.

"The Huangzhou ruin, Earth Rank Masters entering will surely die?" Wu Yuan thought, "And the 'Fairy Demon Island' in the South Sea has become increasingly barren over thousands of years, with fewer and fewer martial experts venturing there."

"Only New Zhou!"

Starting from Dongzhou, heading southeast, and going straight for twelve thousand miles will bring you to a vast and desolate continent.

On this continent, the wilderness is unpredictable, inhabited by countless terrifying beasts and even monsters, but at the same time, it is also home to countless magical treasures!

There are also many immortal ruins.

"Twelve thousand miles," Wu Yuan sighed, "In over two thousand years since the Martial King, the strong in the thirteen states of the Central World, including Heavenly Rank experts, have not discovered it, no wonder, it's just too far away."

Overseas Three Provinces.

Qiongzhou and Fengzhou are large islands spanning thousands of miles, but they are only a thousand miles away from the Central Continent.

Only New Zhou is unbelievably distant.

It was first discovered eight hundred years ago when a Heavenly Rank expert wanted to explore the end of the world and found this province.

The size?

New Zhou is vast and endless, and until now, the Central World has not been able to fully explore its size. However, based on the known area, it is astonishingly vast.

The distance between them is so vast that no force can occupy and rule it.

The terrifying monsters on the island make it impossible for ordinary people to immigrate.

"Something is wrong. In theory, to determine its size, you just need to go around the entire New Zhou." Wu Yuan thought, "There's no need to delve into the interior of New Zhou."

However.

The book did not provide an answer to Wu Yuan's question.

It only roughly described some anecdotes about New Zhou, all witnessed and heard by three masters from Hengyun Sect who had explored it in the past.

In fact, four masters went, but unfortunately, only three returned.

"Is master-level strength required to go to New Zhou?" Wu Yuan thought.

This so-called New Zhou, rather than being an immortal ruin, is more like a mysterious continent that has not yet been fully explored.

"In this world, there are still fierce beasts and monsters?" Wu Yuan shook his head slightly, then understood.

In the Central World, human genes are so strong, let alone beasts?

Like the fierce tiger Wu Yuan encountered during his travels in Nanyun Mansion, it was much more formidable than the tigers from his previous life.

It could rival second-rate martial artists and be considered a fierce beast!

"Since the Martial King divided the thirteen states, for thousands of years, the entire Central Region has long become a paradise for the human race." Wu Yuan thought, "Not to mention monsters, even fierce beasts are scarce. Most of them hide in large rivers, deep mountains."

But they also dare not cause trouble.

Those who dare to cause trouble are doomed to die!

So, like many common people and even many martial artists, from childhood to adulthood, they seldom encounter fierce beasts.

And once you leave the seven central states, places like Minzhou, Nanzhou, Huangzhou, or overseas provinces like Qiongzhou, Fengzhou, have relatively fewer populations, and there are more fierce and monster beasts.

Apart from the distant New Zhou, Huangzhou has the most monster beasts.

It is a large province not inferior to Shengzhou in size but has a very small population yet is home to numerous monster beasts.

"With the strength of a third-rate martial artist, they can be considered fierce beasts."

"And the strength of top-notch experts, even if they are monsters, can only be considered as small demons, not a big threat." Wu Yuan smiled slightly.

Above small demons, there are big demons!

Big demons, each capable of rivalling master-level experts, have caused much chaos in the history of the Central World.

After reading through several books, Wu Yuan gradually gained a more detailed understanding of the entire Central World.

Countless speculations also formed in his mind.

"All historical records originated from the Martial King over three thousand years ago." Wu Yuan understood why the Martial King's status was so high.

He was like the legendary figures of the previous world such as 'Yan Huang,' 'Sui Ren Shi,' 'Nu Wa, and Fu Xi.'

The progenitors of civilization, the beginning of culture.

Before the Martial King in the Central World? It was a world of chaos and ignorance!

"And based on the immortal ruins appearing in the Central World now, it can be deduced." Wu Yuan speculated, "There was once an incredibly powerful civilization that covered the entire world, very likely the 'Qi Refining Civilization.'"

Heavenly Rank experts are Qi practitioners.

However, the number of Heavenly Rank experts is too small. They simply don't have the ability to create new 'immortal sects' one after another and form a systematic civilization.

The current Central World is more accurately described as a 'Martial Dao Cultivation Civilization.'

"However, from historical records, for thousands of years, the overall level of martial arts in the entire Central World has been getting higher and higher." Wu Yuan keenly observed this: "There are more emerging top-notch experts and master-level experts."

This is related to population growth.

It is also related to the increasingly strong accumulation of martial arts heritage in the entire Central World.

All of these are just Wu Yuan's conjectures.

What he is truly curious and wary about is how this powerful 'Qi Refining Civilization' in history came to an end?

Because.

These immortal ruins remind him of the mysterious black tower on Blue Star, which also seemed to have a powerful cultivation civilization that completely perished.

Of course.

Wu Yuan did not delve too much into these speculations. If he has the opportunity in the future, he will naturally explore them.

If there's no chance?

He wouldn't bother.

"When I become a Heavenly Rank expert, or even a more powerful 'Qi Practitioner,' many secrets will naturally reveal themselves." Wu Yuan thought to himself as he continued to flip through the books in front of him.

This page reads: Chujiang Ruins...

This is all the detailed information about the Chujiang Immortal Realm within Hengyun Sect, presented in front of Wu Yuan without reservation.

"Hengyun Sect, indeed, has stood for hundreds of years in the Chujiang Empire, and the information they provided is much more detailed and reliable than the intelligence from the 'Seven Star Tower.'" Wu Yuan marveled to himself.

That's the advantage of having a background.

These hidden pieces of information were gathered by generations of Hengyun Sect, who spent a lot of time and effort, even shedding blood.

"So, there are three main entrances..." Wu Yuan read through and silently remembered.

Time passed.

Five days in total.

Wu Yuan finally finished reading all the books, and he remembered them all.

"Books are indeed the ladder of civilization."

"Now, this vast Central World is already in my heart." Wu Yuan smiled slightly, "Next, I will have to measure step by step."

Having read the books, Wu Yuan gained an understanding of the vastness of the world. The thirteen provinces of the Central World were extensive, but compared to the boundless four seas, they still seemed small. Naturally, Wu Yuan felt the desire to explore the world.

With a heart connected to heaven and earth and aspirations reaching all directions, he muttered to himself, "It's time to descend. The Chujiang Secret Realm will open in a few months. After descending the mountain, I'll explore various places before heading to Licheng County in Chuzhou on August 22."

"Then, I'll fulfill my promise with Li Yan."

Wu Yuan didn't forget the agreement with Li Yan. Initially, he intended to inquire with the two Elders. However, after revealing his true strength, they didn't ask. Wu Yuan gave up.

The transaction with Seven Star Tower was a fair agreement, and from Wu Yuan's perspective, he didn't want to violate it. Warriors are decisive, not ruthless. There are things to do and things not to do.

"Before leaving, let's go see the Elders." Wu Yuan stood up, hesitated for a moment, walked to the second floor, and put away the writing materials.

He silently wrote.

...

In the year 3227 of the East Wu Calendar, on the twelfth day of the third month, early spring on Yunsan was warm and pleasant, with many flowers already blooming along the way.

Beneath the Yun Hall.

"Greetings, Tianwu." Two attendants bowed respectfully.

"I hope to inform the Elders, saying that I want to see him." Wu Yuan said.

Normally, ordinary elders couldn't see the Elders casually.

Before long, Wu Yuan entered the Yun Hall and met Elder Yutai.

"Wu Yuan, greetings, Elder." Wu Yuan bowed slightly. He had noticed that Elder Yutai seemed to like luxurious clothes.

"Wu Yuan, are you ready to descend the mountain?" Elder Yutai's voice was gentle.

"Yes."

Wu Yuan nodded. "In these days, the disciple has initially familiarized himself with the 'Fiery Sun Blade' and has read all the books prepared by the Elder. I feel adequately prepared and ready to descend the mountain. Therefore, I came to bid farewell to the Elder."

"Good, patience is commendable, no need to rush." Elder Yutai smiled. "Go down the mountain, but remember, exploring the world is not necessarily about fighting and killing. Safety first. I look forward to your return as a Heavenly Rank expert."

Life and death tempering is a form of cultivation, but not all cultivation involves life and death trials.

"I understand."

Wu Yuan nodded and immediately took off the wrist guard from his hand, placing it on the table. He said, "Elder, for the great kindness shown by the sect, the disciple has prepared something as a token of gratitude. I hope Elder will accept it."

Without waiting for Elder Yutai to say anything, Wu Yuan respectfully saluted and slowly exited the main hall, heading straight down from the Yun Hall.

"This kid, he left something behind before leaving?" Elder Yutai showed a slight smile.

She didn't pay much attention to it. Stepping forward, she arrived at the table, picked up the black wrist guard, and sensed it.

"A storage magic treasure?" She showed a hint of surprise in her eyes. "The internal space is not large. Could it be obtained from killing that Wang Huang?"

She carefully examined the internal items. There were seven or eight third-grade divine weapons, all obtained by Wu Yuan from the group of experts such as Wang Huang and Qi Zai that he had killed. Since he had no use for them, he decided to leave them for the sect.

Left for the Wu Clan? The Wu Clan currently didn't have even one first-class expert. Holding these treasures would be more of a curse than a blessing.

"'Da Di Cang Ming' Original, 'Thousand Mountains Secret Technique,' 'Shadowy Art of Secrets,' 'Blood Iteration Secret Technique.'" Elder Yutai flipped through the stack of books. The first few books didn't surprise her much.

It wasn't until she reached the last three books.

"'Tiger Leopard Bone Cultivation Technique,' 'Dragon Refining Marrow Technique,' 'Hundred Apertures Divine Connection Technique.'" A hint of doubt flashed in Elder Yutai's eyes.

Just from the names, she felt they were unusual, different from ordinary secret techniques.

She directly took them out and started reading.

How high was her cultivation level? Just reading the first book, "Tiger Leopard Bone Cultivation Technique," and looking at the detailed explanation on it, her expression changed.

And when she put down the first book and read "Dragon Refining Marrow Technique," cross-referencing it with her own situation, her expression changed even more dramatically.

She was profoundly shocked.

"Body-refining Sacred Techniques!" Elder Yutai's eyes showed an unbelievable expression. "This is definitely a Body-refining Sacred Technique! I'm afraid even the 'Sacred Techniques' cherished by the top forces might not be as powerful."

She was well aware that top forces in the world were powerful not just because of resources, but more importantly, because of their cultivation techniques.

Legend has it that these forces possessed 'Body-refining Sacred Techniques' specifically designed for practitioners at different stages.

"How could Wu Yuan have such incredible cultivation techniques?" Elder Yutai's mind was once again filled with numerous thoughts.

After speculating for a while.

"Enough!" Elder Yutai shook her head, muttering to herself, "No wonder Wu Yuan's physical qualities have improved so rapidly. So, this is the reason."

Although she still found the seventeen-year-old grandmaster inconceivable, having seen these two sacred techniques, she could understand a bit more.

"With these two Body-refining Sacred Techniques, the foundation of our Hengyun Sect has been greatly enhanced." Elder Yutai thought, "It can now be compared to several top forces."

She felt so.

With just these two great techniques, the numerous treasures previously given to Wu Yuan were completely worthwhile.

"As for this 'Hundred Apertures Divine Connection Technique'?" Elder Yutai glanced through it and murmured, "Wu Yuan even noted that it hasn't been perfected and should be practiced with caution?"

She didn't quite understand it.

After all, her spiritual consciousness could only perceive the central Dantian Palace. As for the one hundred and eight apertures? She could only sense dozens of them.

Naturally, she didn't know whether this technique was good or bad.

"Let Senior Huan take a look." Elder Yutai thought and promptly left the Yun Hall.

Heading towards the cliff of ten thousand ren.

...

After Wu Yuan handed over the storage magic treasure obtained from killing 'Jin Ren Su' to Elder Yutai, he went straight down the Yun Mountain.

"The sect has bestowed so much upon me, even a first-grade divine weapon." Wu Yuan felt very calm in his heart. "The only way I can repay them is with these three major techniques."

He didn't care much about the leakage of these three major techniques.

These techniques were indeed formidable.

But it also depended on who was cultivating them.

Like the Human Federation, what if they had three major techniques? Masters would still be one in a million!

With the Hengyun Sect having these three major techniques, their foundation had become deeper.

Given enough time, they would likely become even more powerful in the future.

"In the Central World, those martial arts sacred sects also have some body-refining techniques. However, I haven't heard of a grandmaster at the age of seventeen." Wu Yuan chuckled.

Not to mention a grandmaster at the age of seventeen.

Even grandmasters at the age of thirty were rare in history.

For an individual, while external conditions were important, the core factor determining how far one could go would always be oneself.

"First, go and see my mother and sister." Wu Yuan descended the mountain quickly.

Not long after, Yunshan City was already in sight.

Entering the city without alarming anyone, Wu Yuan went to the mansion, sealed off the news, and spent only a day and night with his mother and sister.

He also met with Wu Qiming, inquiring about the recent situation of the clan.

Late on the second night.

Leaving behind only a letter and without bidding farewell to his mother, Wu Yuan quietly left the mansion after packing his things.

As the day gradually brightened, on the spacious official road.

Two black, tall horses slowly moved forward on the official road. In the early spring weather, the cold wind was still biting.

Occasionally, farmers cultivating fields could be seen on both sides.

Sitting on the front horse, a rough and tough-looking man who appeared to be around thirty years old, wore only a thin layer of clothes. Under the clothes was a layer of soft armor, and he carried a battle knife on his back.

He looked like a swordsman.

He seemed not easy to mess with.

"Haha, last time, I passed through seven or eight prefectures in Jiangzhou, mostly through deep mountains and forests." Wu Yuan rode on the horse, moving leisurely forward without any hurry. "This time, I'll follow the official road, pass through cities and counties, travel freely, and see the scenery of this world."

Stop when you want to stop.

Move when you want to move.

Without a specific goal, only a general direction, which is to enter Yuanzhou along Jiangzhou, then pass through Shengzhou, and finally go around to Chuzhou.

Yuanzhou, Shengzhou, Chuzhou.

The route that Wu Yuan planned for his adventure is mostly within the territory of the Great Jin Empire.

"Hehe, exploring the world, you might have to kill people."

"Killing, naturally, has to be the enemies." Wu Yuan, after undergoing Easy Bone, had already changed his appearance: "I'm afraid no one would expect that the mighty 'Dark Blade' would boldly enter the territory of the Great Jin."

"There are many who use knives in the world."

"From today, I'll call myself 'Wanshui.'"

"As long as I don't expose the master's strength, few will suspect me."

"Moreover, even if I'm exposed, so what? As long as I don't directly confront the top experts of the Great Jin, I can just escape." Wu Yuan didn't care much.

For a master, escaping thousands of miles in one night is effortless!

By then.

Even if the Great Jin wants to encircle him with numerical superiority, the speed of spreading the news may not be faster than Wu Yuan's escape.

"Go!" Wu Yuan urged the horse forward.

These two excellent 'Black Frost Horses.'

He bought them for two hundred taels of silver from a passing village after leaving the city.

Of course, it's unknown whether the owners were willing to sell.

...

Traveling all the way, in the past few days, while still in the core area of Yunshan Prefecture, the Hengyun Sect's army was sweeping frequently, and naturally, there were no encounters with reckless bandits.

What's more.

As for a swordsman like Wu Yuan, who looked difficult to mess with and didn't carry much cargo, ordinary land bandits were not willing to provoke him.

And Wu Yuan, he was completely casual.

If he found a nice scenery, he would stop and practice knife and fist techniques.

When he arrived somewhere, he would choose a restaurant to eat and drink to his heart's content.

Enjoying the mortal world, that's all it was.

In the brothels and wine shops, he didn't mind watching, and when he was happy, he would throw out a stack of silver bills, making him the most generous person in the place!

Of course, Wu Yuan didn't stop practicing his body, observing the Black Tower to strengthen his divine power.

He was fully immersed in this kind of unrestrained cultivation.

"Cultivating the heart, understanding the heavens and earth, doesn't necessarily require distancing oneself from the mortal world." This was the path Wu Yuan chose: "The worldly distractions are also a part of the heavens and earth."

Until more than ten days later.

Gradually arrived at the border area of Yunshan Prefecture, Hengshan Prefecture, and Dongmeng Prefecture.

Wu Yuan encountered his first ambush since embarking on his journey.

On a narrow official road.

"Kid, leave your knife and your horse." Over a dozen bandits, riding horses, some carrying spears and wearing armor, others holding knives.

They blocked Wu Yuan's path, their eyes greedily fixed on Wu Yuan's horse.

"My horse?" Wu Yuan smiled.

The two horses he was riding had already transformed into a green color. They were precisely the 'Green Thunder Horses' he had bought for several thousand silver coins from the village he passed by.

Why did he do this?

Naturally, to attract bandits to rob.

"Who made me use quite a bit of blood mist?" Wu Yuan thought, then smiled recklessly. "Alright, as long as any of you can take a hit from me, the horse is yours."

Before the group of bandits could speak, there was a 'swoosh' sound.

Silently, a terrifying flash of the knife swept by, and in an instant, more than ten heads were thrown into the air, and more than ten bodies fell off their horses.

Wu Yuan had already returned to his own horse.

"Too weak." Wu Yuan took a sip of fruit wine, tilted his head back and said, directly urging the horse to pass through the bloody scene. "The weaker the strength, the less blood mist they provide me. I hope the next wave of bandits will be more formidable."

"Let's go!"

(End of this chapter)