Lin Yu and Li Shubao endured countless hardships before finally escaping the ruins and stepping through the mountain gates of the Qingyun Sect. Their clothes were tattered and covered in the marks of battle, yet their eyes betrayed an uncontainable mix of excitement and exhaustion. As soon as they entered the sect, Lin Yu eagerly looked toward the familiar buildings, a complex array of emotions welling up inside him. This trip to the ruins had shown him the brutal truth that danger and opportunity coexist in the world of cultivation.
The sect leader had already received word and summoned them to the main hall. Lin Yu and Li Shubao stood inside as the leader's gaze swept over them, nodding slightly. "It is no small feat that you have returned safely and brought back these spoils. However, the path of cultivation ahead of you is what truly matters." The two thanked the sect leader and withdrew.
Back in their quarters, Lin Yu hastily shut the door and took out the mysterious jade slip he had obtained in the ruins from his storage pouch. The jade slip was covered in strange runes and emitted a faint glow. When he channeled his spiritual power into it, a massive wave of cultivation knowledge instantly flooded his mind. This was a top-tier technique that would allow him to make a leap forward in his cultivation realm. Lin Yu was overjoyed; this was a crucial opportunity for him to become an all-around master, and he could already picture himself standing at the peak of the cultivation world. Meanwhile, Li Shubao was organizing the spiritual plants he had harvested. These plants were immensely valuable, and selling them would fetch a massive amount of cultivation resources. The thrill of sudden wealth filled him with boundless drive.
Chapter 22: A First Foray into Alchemy
Time flew by, and two months passed in the blink of an eye. Aside from his cultivation, Lin Yu turned his gaze to the field of alchemy. The ancient alchemy arts inherited within his Immortal Eye served as his golden cheat code as he stepped into this domain. Combined with the rich knowledge he had accumulated at the Spirit Plant Garden, he was like a tiger given wings.
For his first attempt at alchemy, Lin Yu was both nervous and excited. He carefully placed the precious spiritual plants he had obtained from the ruins into the alchemy furnace. He had handpicked each of these plants, and every single one contained a dense concentration of spiritual power. Taking a deep breath, he activated his Immortal Eye and began controlling the flame according to the steps etched in his memory.
Inside the furnace, spiritual power began to surge, and the various spiritual plants gradually fused under the high heat. Suddenly, the spiritual power within the furnace spun out of control, the flames spiked fiercely, and the furnace began to shake violently. Lin Yu's heart skipped a beat, and fine beads of sweat popped up on his forehead. Yet he did not panic. Relying on the Immortal Eye's acute perception of spiritual power, he quickly pinpointed the cause of the surge. He adjusted how he channeled his spiritual power, and after some difficult maneuvering, he finally managed to stabilize it.
After an unknown length of time, a crisp sound echoed from inside the furnace. The lid slowly opened, and a few glowing pills lay quietly within. Although they were only low-tier pills, when Lin Yu ingested one, he clearly felt the spiritual power within his body surge, and his strength improved significantly. This small success filled him with anticipation for alchemy and let him glimpse the hope of rising rapidly in the cultivation world.
Chapter 23: Black Market Transactions
To acquire more cultivation resources, Lin Yu disguised himself and headed to the mysterious black market. Carrying the pills he had refined, he prepared to make a fortune there.
As soon as he entered the black market, a cacophony of voices and various bizarre peddling shouts washed over him. Lin Yu found a stall and neatly arranged his pills. Exuding an alluring sheen, the pills quickly drew everyone's attention.
"These pills are of fine quality! Give me ten!" a burly man shouted loudly.
"I'll take the lot! Name your price!" a shrill voice rang out from the crowd.
People scrambled to buy them, and Lin Yu felt a secret surge of pride. Skillfully navigating the crowd, he drove the price of the pills up to a satisfying height. Before long, he had reaped a full pouch of cultivation resources, achieving a taste of sudden wealth.
Just as he was preparing to leave, an unassuming, archaic cauldron sitting in a corner caught his eye. Lin Yu's heart stirred; he recognized it as the legendary Nine Heavens Mysterious Yellow Cauldron. This cauldron contained immense spiritual power and served as a tremendous aid to alchemy. Lin Yu walked over and casually inquired about the price. Seeing his interest, the vendor began to boast about the cauldron's virtues, trying to jack up the price. Lin Yu already had a plan in mind. Maintaining an impassive expression, he bargained with the vendor and ultimately secured the item for a pittance.
Chapter 24: Sudden Crisis
Lin Yu and Li Shubao left the black market in high spirits, unaware that danger was quietly descending. They had barely walked far when a group of mysterious figures suddenly swarmed in from all directions, surrounding them tightly.
"Hand over the goods, and we'll spare your lives!" the lead mystic figure growled, his gaze fierce and his voice ice-cold.
The expressions of Lin Yu and Li Shubao shifted drastically; they never expected to be tracked. The enemy vastly outnumbered them, and their strength far exceeded theirs. In an instant, the two were driven into a desperate plight. The weapons in the hands of the mysterious figures gleamed with a chilling light as they closed in step by step.
Back-to-back, Lin Yu and Li Shubao assumed defensive postures. Lin Yu circulated his Immortal Eye, attempting to spot the enemy's flaws, while Li Shubao gripped his weapon tight, preparing to fight to the death. The mysterious figures launched their assault first, firing off bolts of spiritual power like sharp arrows. Lin Yu and Li Shubao resisted with all their might, pulling out all the stops, yet they were steadily pushed back. The sound of colliding spiritual energy and shouts intertwined, and before long, both men were coughing up blood, their clothes in tatters.
Chapter 25: Life and Death Together
The battle grew increasingly fierce, the attacks of the mysterious figures as relentless as a violent storm. Suddenly, a flash of cold light pierced forward, a sharp blade driving straight for Lin Yu's chest. At the hair's breadth of a crisis, Li Shubao shouted, "Watch out!" and lunged at Lin Yu, using his own body to block the fatal blow.
"Brother Li!" Lin Yu cried out in agonizing grief. Li Shubao's right arm had been severed, and blood sprayed like a gushing fountain, staining the ground red. Li Shubao's face was pale and his breath weak, yet he forced himself to say, "Lin Yu, leave me be..."
With eyes burning with fury, Lin Yu erupted with all his strength, but still failed to stem the enemy's onslaught. In his panic, he pulled out an advanced random teleportation talisman bought from the black market, and with Li Shubao in tow, vanished from the spot in an instant. The flash of teleportation flickered, and the two figures gradually faded from the sight of the mysterious figures, leaving behind only a battered battlefield.
As the light dissipated, Lin Yu and Li Shubao appeared in an unfamiliar valley. Lin Yu hurriedly checked Li Shubao's injuries, his heart heavy with self-reproach and guilt. He swore a silent oath that he would definitely cure Li Shubao's severed arm and restore him completely.
Chapter 26: Healing and Returning to the Sect
The teleportation talisman had brought them to a secluded valley. The surroundings were dead silent, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds. Forgoing his own injuries, Lin Yu hurriedly rushed to stem Li Shubao's bleeding. With trembling hands, he took healing pills from his storage pouch and fed them to Li Shubao, then swallowed a few himself and began to meditate and heal.
After recuperating for a few days, their injuries had slightly improved, and Lin Yu brought Li Shubao back to the Qingyun Sect under the cover of night. Looking at the unconscious Li Shubao, Lin Yu's heart was filled with guilt and self-blame. He vowed inwardly to brew the Grade 7 Bone-Regrowing Vitality Pill from his Immortal Eye's memories to cure Li Shubao's severed arm.
Back at the sect, Lin Yu carefully settled Li Shubao in his room before setting out to search everywhere for information on the Grade 7 Bone-Regrowing Vitality Pill. He pored over a vast number of ancient texts in the sect's Library Pavilion, yet he failed to find any critical clues. Still, he did not lose heart; he knew that concocting such an advanced pill would undoubtedly demand immense effort.
Chapter 27: Spiritual Plants and Alchemy
After returning to the Qingyun Sect, Lin Yu went to the Spirit Plant Garden early every morning to meticulously tend to the spiritual plants. These plants were not only vital ingredients for his alchemy, but also his hope of growing stronger.
Drawing upon his understanding of spiritual plants, Lin Yu selected the varieties best suited for alchemy and cultivated them with care. He watered and fertilized the plants, using the power of the Immortal Eye to sense their growth needs. Under his meticulous care, the spiritual plants flourished, radiating a dense spiritual energy.
Aside from his work at the Spirit Plant Garden, Lin Yu poured all his time into alchemy. He stood guard day and night before the furnace, constantly testing new formulas and refining his alchemy techniques. The flames within the furnace burned without rest day and night, illuminating his resolute face. He failed time and time again, yet he never gave up. He knew deep down that only through constant tempering could he achieve a breakthrough on the path of alchemy.
As time passed, his alchemy skills gradually improved, and the quality of the pills he refined grew better and better. He began experimenting with some mid-tier pills; though the process was arduous, his confidence never wavered.
Chapter 28: Li Shubao's Despondency
Because of his severed arm, Li Shubao had sunk into a deep depression. He locked himself in his room all day, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. When the fellow disciples in the sect learned that he had lost an arm, they frequently subjected him to cold ridicule.
"With him in this state, he still wants to cultivate? Keep dreaming!"
"He's nothing more than a disabled cripple with a severed arm; from now on he'll have to rely on others just to get by."
These harsh words struck like sharp blades, piercing Li Shubao's heart. He looked at his empty right arm, filled to the brim with despair. Yet whenever Lin Yu came to visit, he always forced a smile, unwilling to let Lin Yu worry.
When alone, however, his eyes were full of desolation and reluctance. He often sat by the window, gazing into the distance and recalling his former self, vowing in his heart to reclaim his past strength and stop being a burden to Lin Yu. He began trying to cultivate with a single hand; though the process was grueling, he never gave up.
Chapter 29: News of the Inner Sect Assessments
One day, while chatting with a senior sister, Lin Yu learned an important piece of news: in three months, the inner sect assessments were set to begin. The top three contestants would not only receive the precious Foundation Establishment Pill but also gain direct entry into the inner sect, while anyone ranking fourth or lower would miss out entirely.
Lin Yu's heart stirred. He knew full well the importance of the Foundation Establishment Pill to himself. Only by relying on the pill to break through his bottleneck, enter the inner sect, and obtain more resources could he hope to reattach Li Shubao's severed arm sooner, uncover the truth behind his wife's murder, and track down his mother's whereabouts.
Thus, he secretly made up his mind to achieve outstanding results in the inner sect assessments. Back in his quarters, Lin Yu eagerly began mapping out a cultivation plan, scheduling his time down to the very minute and letting slip no opportunity to boost his strength. He knew these three months would mark a major turning point in his life, and he had to give it his all.
Chapter 30: The Dilemma of the Ninth Layer
Following months of arduous cultivation, Lin Yu's strength reached the Qi Condensation Ninth Layer. Yet he found himself stuck at this bottleneck, unable to break through no matter how hard he tried. Every time he charged the barrier, he felt an invisible wall holding him back, causing his efforts to fall short at the final hurdle.
To achieve Foundation Establishment, one had to rely on the power of the Foundation Establishment Pill, which only made Lin Yu more determined to crack the top three in the inner sect assessments. He tried every method imaginable—adjusting his cultivation technique and altering his spiritual energy circulation routes—all to no avail.
The presence of the bottleneck weighed heavily on Lin Yu, but he did not harbor a single thought of backing down. He understood that in this cultivation world where the strong reigned supreme, only by constantly breaking through oneself could one seize control of one's destiny. Day and night he pondered, thumbing through ancient texts in hopes of finding a way past the bottleneck and thoroughly preparing for the upcoming inner sect assessments.
Chapter 31: Early Research into Formations
To elevate his strength, Lin Yu began studying elementary arrays. Pulling up data on formations from the memories of his Immortal Eye, he studied them day and night. The principles of arrays were complex and profound, and the combination of various runes and spiritual energy was dizzying.
Sitting in his room with various rune-drawing tools and materials arrayed before him, Lin Yu pored over the data and attempted to draw his first array. Runes slowly manifested beneath his brush, but the moment he poured spiritual energy into them, the array instantly collapsed.
Failure did not dishearten him. Re-evaluating his steps, he pinpointed the source of the problem. After multiple tries, he finally succeeded in setting up his very first elementary array. Though its power was limited, this success gave Lin Yu a glimpse of hope. He began continuously refining the array, attempting to weave in different spiritual energies and runes in hopes of boosting its might.
Chapter 32: Ninefold Chaos Slash
From the memories of his Immortal Eye, Lin Yu selected a martial technique of tremendous might—the Ninefold Chaos Slash. When cultivated to the ninth layer, this technique could split the chaos, and its power was astonishing. Yet since ancient times, no one had ever managed to cultivate it to the ninth layer.
Lin Yu went to the back mountain, sword in hand, and began practicing in accordance with the chants etched in his memory. Cultivating even the first layer proved fraught with difficulty; the chant was obscure and hard to grasp, and the circulation of spiritual energy was extremely complex. His arm grew achy and sore, yet he gritted his teeth and persisted.
Every single sword swing carried his yearning for power. He constantly adjusted his posture, feeling the flow of spiritual energy within his body. As time wore on, he gradually grasped the essence of the first layer, successfully executing the first form of the Ninefold Chaos Slash. Though its power was still insufficient, this was his first step toward might, and he firmly believed that with unremitting perseverance, he would eventually push this martial skill to its absolute limit.
Chapter 33: Arduous Cultivation
From then on, Lin Yu lived a life of rigorous training day and night. By day, he practiced the Ninefold Chaos Slash inside an array, utilizing the formation's power to bolster his own strength. The spiritual energy of the array encircled him, blending with his own to make his cultivation twice as effective with half the effort.
He constantly challenged his physical limits, swinging his sword repeatedly until sweat drenched his garments. By night, he pored over alchemy before the furnace, honing his craft. The leaping flames inside the furnace mirrored his focused expression.
Though despondent, Li Shubao would occasionally visit the back mountain to watch Lin Yu train hard and cheer him on. Amidst the grueling cultivation, Lin Yu continually broke through his physical limits, eventually advancing the Ninefold Chaos Slash to the third layer while growing increasingly proficient in array deployment. His strength grew day by day, bringing him ever closer to his goal.
Chapter 34: Fellow Disciple Provocation
As Lin Yu's strength grew, his reputation within the sect swelled as well. This drew the jealousy of certain fellow disciples, who sought him out in the back mountain while he was cultivating to provoke him.
"You think you can enter the inner sect? Keep dreaming!" one disciple sneered with utter disdain.
"Look at your background—what makes you think you can fight us for resources?" another echoed.
Seeing this, Li Shubao immediately stepped forward to speak up for Lin Yu. "Don't go too far!" With words breaking down, the two sides resorted to violence. Because of his severed arm, Li Shubao's combat prowess was severely compromised, and he quickly found himself at a disadvantage.
When Lin Yu finished his cultivation and saw Li Shubao being bullied, a blaze of fury ignited within him. Unleashing the Ninefold Chaos Slash, his formidable power instantly beat back the provoking disciples. He cast a cold glance at them. "Dare to provoke us again, and don't blame me for being impolite!" Grudgingly, the disciples retreated, while Lin Yu helped Li Shubao up and comforted him, telling him not to take it to heart.
Chapter 35: The Mysterious Letter
One day, after finishing his cultivation, Lin Yu discovered an extra letter in his room. It bore no signature; upon opening it, the contents left him utterly shocked. The letter hinted that his wife's death and his mother's disappearance were inextricably linked, seemingly concealing a massive conspiracy behind the scenes.
Lin Yu's hand trembled slightly. He knew full well that this letter might be the crucial clue he needed to uncover the truth. He began to carefully recall every single word in the letter, attempting to ferret out further traces of evidence. He resolved that no matter the cost, he would tear open this conspiracy and demand justice for his wife and mother.
Safely stowing the letter away, he made a silent vow to make the mastermind pay the price. From then on, whenever he wasn't cultivating, he began asking around for news related to the clues in the letter, letting no detail slip past.
Chapter 36: Breakthrough in Alchemy
Lin Yu finally achieved a major breakthrough in alchemy. He successfully brewed higher-grade pills that not only boosted his strength but also aided his cultivation. During the refining process, he skillfully fused multiple rare spiritual plants and adjusted how he channeled his spiritual energy; after countless tries and failures, he finally succeeded.
Upon ingesting the pills, Lin Yu's strength advanced another step, and aided by their potency, the Ninefold Chaos Slash smoothly broke through to the fourth layer. He felt himself drawing closer to his goal, and confidence filled his future.
He began mass-producing these pills, not only securing his own cultivation but hoping to help Li Shubao recover his strength as well. Looking at the softly glowing pills resting in the alchemy furnace, a profound sense of accomplishment filled his heart, as if he could already see the strong future awaiting both him and Li Shubao.
Chapter 37: Li Shubao's Transformation
Seeing Lin Yu work so hard for his sake and to uncover the truth, Li Shubao was deeply moved. He realized he could no longer wallow in self-pity. Stirring himself into action, he began scouring for techniques suited for one-handed cultivation.
Encouraged and aided by Lin Yu, Li Shubao gradually reclaimed his former self-confidence. He threw himself into rigorous training; though the journey was tough, he never gave up. He attempted to execute various martial arts with a single hand, constantly adjusting his posture and method of exerting force.
Every single failure he treated as a stepping stone for growth. The two men encouraged each other and progressed side by side. Li Shubao's strength gradually recovered; he was no longer that desolate youth with a severed arm, but had reignited his fighting spirit, marching forward shoulder to shoulder with Lin Yu.
Chapter 38: Eve of the Assessments
The day of the inner sect assessments grew ever closer, and Lin Yu and Li Shubao stepped up their preparations. Lin Yu constantly refined his arrays and the Ninefold Chaos Slash, drilling repeatedly to spot flaws and mend them. He also fused the power of the Immortal Eye with his martial arts and arrays, forging even more formidable methods of attack.
Li Shubao similarly worked to master his new technique, training day and night to break through his limits. Both men understood that this assessment was critical to them. They looked forward to proving themselves in the trials and changing their destiny.
On the eve of the assessments, Lin Yu and Li Shubao sat facing one another, offering mutual encouragement. A resolute glint shone in their eyes, as if they could already picture themselves achieving stellar results in the evaluations. Lin Yu carefully checked Li Shubao's gear to ensure nothing went amiss, while Li Shubao patted Lin Yu on the shoulder. "Brother, we've got this!"
Chapter 39: Intense Assessment Battles Erupt
The combat phase of the inner sect assessments finally kicked off. Standing on the martial platform, Lin Yu exuded a restrained aura. His first opponent was a youth wielding a sharp sword, confidence and arrogance written all over his eyes.
"Kid, today I'll show you what true strength looks like!" With a loud cry, his opponent made the first move. In a flash, he moved like a streak of black lightning, his sharp sword carrying fierce sword qi as it thrust straight for Lin Yu's chest.
Keeping his expression calm, Lin Yu unhurriedly circulated the spiritual power within his body and unleashed the Ninefold Chaos Slash. "Boom!" A powerful wave of spiritual energy erupted from his hands, colliding with his opponent's sword qi to produce a deafening crash.
The opening exchange ended in a dead heat. Lin Yu grew inwardly vigilant; this opponent's strength was indeed extraordinary. Activating his Immortal Eye, he carefully observed his opponent's sword technique, trying to find an opening. The Immortal Eye gleamed, capturing every single movement of his opponent with crystal clarity.
As the battle wore on, the opponent's swordplay grew increasingly fierce, and Lin Yu began to struggle slightly. Yet he showed not the slightest intent of retreating; instead, it fueled his fighting spirit. Taking a deep breath, he drove his inner spiritual power wildly, boosting the might of the Ninefold Chaos Slash once more.
"Take this!" Lin Yu shouted. The spiritual energy in his hands converged into a massive sword wave that slashed toward his opponent. Seeing this, the opponent hurriedly raised his sword to block. "Bang!" The immense impact sent the opponent stumbling back several steps, and Lin Yu seized the opening to press his attack, successfully claiming the first victory and advancing smoothly.
Meanwhile, Li Shubao was fighting bitterly on a separate martial platform. Wielding his weapon with his single arm, he engaged in a fierce exchange with his opponent, relying on the fruits of his arduous training over this past period. Though the process was nail-biting, he managed to clear the first round through sheer willpower and exceptional combat skills.
Chapter 40: A Clash of Speed and Power
Lin Yu's second-round opponent was a lithe, slender man whose speed was lightning-fast, allowing him to dart freely across the martial platform in the blink of an eye. The moment the fight began, the opponent deployed ghostly footwork, launching continuous attacks against Lin Yu.
"Hmph, let's see how you block my speed!" the opponent sneered, stabbing at Lin Yu with a short blade like driving rain.
Lin Yu's expression turned grave. His attacks were effortlessly dodged by his opponent, while the incoming blows dogged his every step, plunging him into an uphill battle. Several wounds had already appeared on his body, blood staining his clothes.
"Am I going to fall here?" Lin Yu felt an unwillingness to accept defeat; he knew how vital this match was. Right then, he suddenly thought of the power of the Immortal Eye. Activating it, everything around him instantly slowed down, and he clearly caught the trajectory of his opponent's spiritual energy flow.
"So that's how it is!" Joy stirred in Lin Yu's heart as he spotted the opponent's flaw. Taking a deep breath, he drove the Ninefold Chaos Slash to its second layer, gathering formidable power in his palms and slashing straight toward the opening.
"Boom!" With a massive roar, the opponent was blasted flying by the overwhelming force, crashing heavily onto the ground. Lin Yu successfully advanced to the next round.
Over on the other side, however, Li Shubao's match had run into trouble. Targeting the weakness of his single arm, his opponent launched a ferocious onslaught. Despite fighting back desperately, Li Shubao ultimately suffered defeat due to the gap in strength, knocked out of the competition.
Chapter 41: The Semifinal Showdown
Lin Yu stood upon the semifinal martial platform. His opponent was a tall man emitting powerful spiritual energy fluctuations. This man excelled in defensive spells, his entire body draped in a thick shield of spiritual energy that seemed utterly impenetrable.
"Kid, your attacks are useless against me. Just be a good sport and concede!" the opponent said with utter confidence.
Lin Yu remained silent. Gripping his spiritual energy tightly, he unleashed the Ninefold Chaos Slash, sending a mighty force slicing toward his opponent. Yet when the strike made contact with the defensive barrier, it was effortlessly deflected back.
Lin Yu's expression grew solemn; he knew this fight would not be easy. As he racked his brain for a countermeasure, he suddenly remembered the arrays he had researched. Swiftly laying down a formation upon the stage, he attempted to disrupt his opponent's spiritual energy.
As the array activated, the opponent's shield began to ripple. Seeing this, Lin Yu's heart leaped. Seizing the opening, he once more unleashed the Ninefold Chaos Slash. This time, the attack successfully pierced his opponent's shield and blasted him off the stage.
Lin Yu successfully advanced to the finals. Down below, though Li Shubao had been eliminated, his eyes were filled with eager anticipation and encouragement for Lin Yu. He knew Lin Yu would surely achieve stellar results in the finals.
Chapter 42: The Final Choice
On the finals arena stage, Lin Yu stood in a standoff against his opponent. His opponent was a renowned genius disciple within the inner sect, possessing extraordinary strength. As the battle commenced, the opponent immediately unleashed a powerful spell, the formidable spiritual energy fluctuations causing the surrounding air to tremble.
Lin Yu did not dare to be careless, deploying the Ninefold Chaos Slash and the Free and Unfettered Step to engage in a fierce clash with his opponent. The two were evenly matched, and the battle escalated to white-hot intensity.
However, Lin Yu gradually realized during the fight that striving with all his might for first place would inevitably draw too much attention; standing out too prominently was not a good thing. Weighing the pros and cons in his heart, he decided to retain a sense of mystery.
Therefore, Lin Yu deliberately exposed some flaws, giving his opponent an opening. Seeing this, the opponent immediately launched a fierce attack. Lin Yu feigned defeat, retreating step by step. In the end, Lin Yu secured third place.
Although he only achieved third place, Lin Yu successfully entered the inner sect, while Li Shubao remained in the outer sect. Though situated in different places, the two encouraged one another, their convictions growing firmer as they resolved to forge ahead on their respective paths and strive toward their shared goal.
Chapter 43: Foundation Establishment and New Transformations of the Immortal Eye
After entering the inner sect, Lin Yu could not wait to consume the Foundation Establishment Pill. A powerful surge of spiritual energy erupted within his body, and he felt his physique undergoing earth-shattering changes. His meridians grew tougher and more resilient, and the circulation of his spiritual energy became smoother.
During the Foundation Establishment process, his Immortal Eye also underwent new transformations. The Immortal Eye awakened to the first tier, and a potent surge of power flooded into his mind. More precious content emerged within his memory, among which was a powerful movement technique—the "Free and Unfettered Step."
"This is exactly what I need!" Lin Yu was overjoyed, recalling how he had fallen into dire straits previously while being hunted down precisely due to insufficient movement techniques. Now, with this martial skill, his strength would undoubtedly reach the next level.
Lin Yu immediately began practicing the "Free and Unfettered Step." Following the incantation in his memory, he circulated his spiritual energy and attempted to take the first step. At the very beginning, his movements were somewhat unfamiliar, but through continuous practice, he gradually grasped its essence.
Every single session of cultivation greatly enhanced his speed and agility. He felt as though he could freely weave through the wind, completely free and unconstrained. Lin Yu was filled with anticipation for his future cultivation, knowing that he was stepping closer and closer to his goal of becoming an all-around master.
Chapter 44: Refinement of the Ninefold Chaos Slash
While practicing the "Free and Unfettered Step," Lin Yu did not forget to hone the Ninefold Chaos Slash. He knew deeply that in this cultivation world where the strong preyed on the weak, only by continuously enhancing his own strength could he remain undefeated.
He arrived at the inner sect's cultivation ground, grasped spiritual energy tightly in his hand, and executed the Ninefold Chaos Slash. As he practiced, the might of the Ninefold Chaos Slash grew increasingly formidable. Every single slash triggered violent fluctuations in the surrounding spiritual energy.
After a long period of arduous cultivation, he finally succeeded in mastering the second tier of the Ninefold Chaos Slash. When he unleashed the second tier, a mighty force erupted from his hand, tearing open the surrounding air.
"Mastering the second tier has increased my strength by fifty thousand catties!" Lin Yu felt the surging power within his body, his heart filled with a sense of achievement. His strength was no longer what it used to be.
Yet, Lin Yu was not satisfied with this; he knew that higher realms of the Ninefold Chaos Slash awaited him to break through. He continued his diligent cultivation, constantly challenging his limits. He believed that as long as he persevered tirelessly, he would certainly be able to elevate the Ninefold Chaos Slash to an even higher realm and unleash even more devastating power.
Chapter 45: Opportunities at the Immortal Armory Pavilion
Remembering that the top three finishers in the martial tournament were permitted to go to the Immortal Armory Pavilion to select a weapon, Lin Yu knew this was a prime opportunity for him to boost his strength. Thus, on the second day, he arrived at the Immortal Armory Pavilion full of anticipation.
Before the Immortal Armory Pavilion, an elderly man with white hair sat quietly. He looked completely ordinary, without the slightest ripple of cultivation base emanating from him. Feeling puzzled, Lin Yu nonetheless walked up politely, greeted the elder, and stated his purpose.
The old man glanced at Lin Yu and slowly said, "Disciples in the Foundation Establishment stage may only go to the first floor to choose a weapon." With that, he opened the doors of the Immortal Armory Pavilion.
Lin Yu stepped into the first floor of the pavilion, which was filled with all sorts of weapons emitting various radiances. He wove through the multitude of weapons, carefully searching for one that suited him.
However, most weapons failed to pique his interest. Just as he was feeling somewhat disappointed, he suddenly spotted a massive saber in a corner. This saber was taller than a person, covered in rust, and looked shabby and dilapidated.
Lin Yu walked forward and gently gripped the hilt, a heavy sensation washing over him. He lifted it with effort and discovered that this saber actually weighed a staggering fifty thousand catties, making it somewhat strenuous to hold. Yet for some reason, an inexplicable feeling arose in his heart: this saber was definitely not simple.
Chapter 46: The Secret of the Rusted Saber
Gripping the rusted saber with both hands, Lin Yu labored to lift it from the corner. Flakes of rust fell away from the saber with his movements, revealing the dark, heavy blade beneath. He carefully observed the weapon; although it looked dilapidated, the blade faintly emanated a mysterious aura.
"What secret does this saber actually hold?" Lin Yu was filled with questions, but his intuition told him that the weapon was absolutely not as simple as it appeared on the surface. He decided to take the saber away and study it thoroughly.
When he emerged from the Immortal Armory Pavilion cradling the heavy saber, the guard at the door was dumbfounded. The old man never imagined that this frail-looking youngster could actually lift a fifty thousand catty saber.
"The kid has decent strength, managing to lift that saber. But he must be a fool, thinking bigger sabers are always better. That thing hasn't caught anyone's eye in thousands of years here, so at least someone taking it saves trouble," the old man muttered quietly, shaking his head.
Paying no heed to the old man's words, Lin Yu carried the saber back to his quarters. As soon as he returned to his room, he eagerly began examining the weapon. He channeled his spiritual energy, attempting to awaken the power within the blade, but the saber remained completely unresponsive.
"Could my method be wrong?" Lin Yu frowned and began pondering alternative approaches. He believed that as long as he found the correct method, he would certainly unlock the secret of this saber.
Chapter 47: The Awakening of the Saber
Upon returning to his quarters, Lin Yu poured all his energy into researching how to awaken the saber. He experimented day and night without rest, channeling his internal spiritual energy into the blade in various ways and scouring numerous ancient texts to find clues related to the weapon.
However, several consecutive days passed, and the saber still showed no movement whatsoever. Lin Yu felt somewhat discouraged, yet he refused to give up. He firmly believed that since this saber had managed to catch his attention, it must possess unique qualities.
On this day, just as usual, Lin Yu once again poured his spiritual energy into the saber. Just as he was on the verge of giving up, the weapon suddenly emitted a faint humming sound. Joy welled up in Lin Yu's heart; he knew his efforts had finally paid off.
As the humming echoed, the rust on the saber rapidly shed, revealing a razor-sharp edge. The blade gleamed with a cold light, and a formidable aura emanated from it.
"It's finally awakened!" Lin Yu shouted excitedly. He could feel that a wondrous connection had seemingly been established between the saber and himself. He gave the heavy weapon a light swing, and the heavy sensation vanished, replaced by a feeling of effortless mastery.
Lin Yu knew that this saber had acknowledged him as its master. He could not wait to test the power of the blade, believing that with its help, his strength would rise to an even higher level.
Chapter 48: Tuning with the New Weapon
After acquiring the awakened saber, Lin Yu began his journey of tuning and adapting to it. He went to the inner sect's cultivation ground, executed the Ninefold Chaos Slash and the Free and Unfettered Step, and continuously practiced new combat techniques combined with the saber's might.
Wielding the heavy saber, every slash he delivered carried tremendous force. The saber combined perfectly with his movement and martial skills, multiplying its destructive power. In the process of adaptation, Lin Yu gradually mastered the characteristics of the saber: its attack range was wide and its force immense, but it also consumed a relatively large amount of spiritual energy.
To better unleash the saber's full potential, Lin Yu began working hard to increase his spiritual energy reserves and recovery speed. He practiced unceasingly, absorbing the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth to make his spiritual energy more abundant.
As the synchronization deepened, the tacit understanding between Lin Yu and the saber grew ever stronger. He could control the weapon's power at will, unleashing its maximum might. His own strength also grew steadily during this process, and his reputation within the inner sect swelled.
Chapter 49: Challenges in the Inner Sect
Lin Yu's outstanding performance in the inner sect invited jealousy from certain disciples. These individuals believed that Lin Yu, a newcomer who had just entered the inner sect, had no business showing off so conspicuously. Consequently, they decided to teach Lin Yu a lesson.
One day, several inner sect disciples blocked Lin Yu's path. At their head was a tall, burly man who looked at Lin Yu with utter disdain. "Kid, I hear you've been acting quite arrogant lately! Today, I'll let you know that the inner sect isn't a place where you can just run wild!"
Lin Yu frowned. He had no desire to stir up trouble, but these people were clearly looking for a fight. He said calmly, "I don't look for trouble, but I'm not afraid of it either. If you insist on fighting, don't blame me for being unpolite!"
"Hmph, you certainly talk big!" the man sneered, taking the initiative to attack. He unleashed a powerful spell, charging straight at Lin Yu.
Unflustered, Lin Yu channeled his internal spiritual energy, deployed the Ninefold Chaos Slash, and swung his heavy saber to meet the opponent's attack. "Boom!" The formidable spiritual energies collided, producing a deafening crash.
During the combat, Lin Yu fully utilized the might of the saber, the Ninefold Chaos Slash, and the Free and Unfettered Step. His attacks were as fierce and violent as a tempest, making it difficult for his opponents to fend them off. Before long, his adversaries were defeated one after another.
"Don't ever come looking for trouble with me again!" Lin Yu cast a cold glance at the opponents lying on the ground, then turned and walked away. From that day on, those who envied him never dared to provoke him lightly again.
Chapter 50: A New Journey
Having firmly established his footing in the inner sect, Lin Yu made an agreement with Li Shubao to explore higher realms together. He learned that there was a mysterious cultivation ground within the inner sect, rumored to conceal countless opportunities and challenges.
Lin Yu decided to set out and explore this mystical place. He knew this would be a new journey filled with unknowns and dangers, but he felt no fear. He believed that with his own strength and wisdom, he would surely reap rewards in this mysterious realm.
Before departing, Lin Yu returned once more to the cultivation ground to make his final preparations and training. He brandished his saber, executed the Ninefold Chaos Slash and the Free and Unfettered Step, pushing his strength to the absolute limit.
"Lin Yu, you must be careful!" Li Shubao arrived at the cultivation ground and said, looking at him.
Turning around, Lin Yu looked at Li Shubao and said with determination, "Rest assured, Brother Li. I will return safely. When I come back, we'll continue our cultivation efforts together!"
With that, Lin Yu packed his belongings and embarked on the journey toward the mysterious realm. His gaze was filled with anticipation and resolve; he knew this would be a crucial step toward becoming an all-around master. On this cultivation journey full of unknowns, his bond with Li Shubao would also grow increasingly profound as they marched resolutely toward their shared goal.
Chapter 51: Winds and Clouds Converge
In the Azure Firmament Continent, major sects were scattered like stars, and the Qingyun Sect, as an outstanding leader among them, recently ushered in a grand event. The once-every-decade trial in the inner sect's mysterious realm was about to open—this was not merely a contest for fortuitous encounters, but also a test of strength among the younger generation of various sects.
When the first ray of dawn spilled over the mountain peaks of the Qingyun Sect, talented Foundation Establishment disciples from the major sects of the Azure Firmament Continent arrived riding upon their flying swords. For a time, lights flashed across the sky and sword shadows intertwined, presenting a truly magnificent spectacle. Each of these disciples was high-spirited, their eyes gleaming with a thirst for the opportunities hidden within the mysterious realm.
Standing in the plaza of the Qingyun Sect, Lin Yu looked at the diverse faces around him and grew secretly vigilant. He deeply understood that this trial, while seemingly an opportunity for growth, was actually fraught with danger. On the surface, the major sects maintained peace, but beneath the surface, struggles raged incessantly; and he, a special existence possessing a Ninefold Spiritual Root, had become a threat in everyone's eyes.
"Hmph, so this is the kid from the Qingyun Sect with the Ninefold Spiritual Root? Doesn't look like much, after all." A sharp voice rang out from the crowd. Following the sound, Lin Yu saw a man dressed in black robes looking at him with utter contempt. Beside the man, several others dressed similarly burst into snickering laughter.
Lin Yu frowned, choosing to ignore them. He knew that in this world of the jungle where the strong preyed on the weak, strength was the ultimate truth. What he needed to do was seek his own fortune within this mysterious realm, enhance his strength, and face the upcoming challenges.
Meanwhile, the elders of various sects were holding a secret meeting. They understood Lin Yu's potential all too well; if allowed to grow, he would inevitably pose a threat to the balance of power among the sects in the future. After a fierce discussion, they unexpectedly reached a secret cooperation, resolving to eliminate Lin Yu within the mysterious realm.
Chapter 52: Opening of the Mysterious Realm
Accompanied by the resounding chime of a melodious bell, the entrance to the inner sect's mysterious realm slowly opened. An ancient and mystical aura rushed forth, as if summoning everyone to step inside.
Lin Yu took a deep breath, invoked the Free and Unfettered Step, and plunged headfirst into the mysterious realm like a streak of black lightning. He knew the importance of seizing the initiative; only by penetrating deep into the realm could he find greater opportunities and elevate his strength.
Inside the mysterious realm, mist billowed and ancient trees towered into the sky. Lin Yu proceeded with utmost caution, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings. Suddenly, he heard cries for help.
"Help!" The voice was crisp and anxious. A thought stirred in Lin Yu, and he sprinted in the direction of the voice. Upon arrival, he saw a woman surrounded by three male cultivators in white robes. The woman possessed peerless facial features, her crystal-clear eyes filled with terror—it was none other than Murong Xue, whom Lin Yu had met once before.
All three white-robed cultivators had a sword tattooed on their chests, clearly making them disciples of the Sword Sect. The Sword Sect, acting as the premier martial force sect in the Azure Firmament Continent, had always been arrogant and domineering, throwing its weight around to bully the weak. At this moment, they wore ferocious grins as they tried to commit unspeakable acts against Murong Xue in this deep mountain forest.
"Hmph, little beauty, you might as well obediently submit to us today!" Sword Unrivaled, the leader, laughed lewdly and reached out to grab Murong Xue.
At that instant, a surge of anger welled up in Lin Yu's heart. Without hesitation, he deployed the Five Elements Maze Formation. In an instant, thick fog rose all around, reducing visibility to zero. Sword Unrivaled and his cohorts panicked, shouting loudly, but received no response whatsoever.
"What is going on here?" Sword Unrivaled brandished his sword in panic, attempting to disperse the fog. Yet they were utterly incapable of breaking the Five Elements Maze Formation, left stamping their feet in anxious helplessness on the spot.
Chapter 53: Escape from Desperate Straits
Taking advantage of the billowing fog, Lin Yu rapidly reached Murong Xue's side, grabbed her hand, and deployed the Free and Unfettered Step to dash into the distance. The two shuttled through the mountain forest like ghosts, quickly vanishing from the sight of Sword Unrivaled and his men.
They sprinted through the mountain woods for a long time until they were certain Sword Unrivaled's group had not pursued them, whereupon they finally halted. Looking around, Lin Yu spotted a mountain cave and pulled Murong Xue inside to hide swiftly.
"Quick, help me block the entrance," Lin Yu said, channeling his internal strength to shatter a massive boulder and seal the cave opening. Murong Xue hurriedly assisted, and through their combined efforts, they finally blocked the entrance tight.
"Phew, safe for now." Lin Yu let out a long breath and leaned against the cave wall. He knew Sword Unrivaled and the others would not let the matter rest, and they needed to figure out a way to leave as soon as possible.
Looking at Lin Yu, Murong Xue's eyes were filled with gratitude. "Young Master Lin, thank you for stepping in to save me. If not for you, today I..."
Lin Yu waved his hand with a smile. "No need for formalities. When injustice crosses one's path, draw the sword to help. It is only what I should do."
After the two rested briefly in the cave, Lin Yu retrieved a Great Returning Pill purchased from the black market out of his storage pouch. This Great Returning Pill was one of the finest pills available post-Foundation Establishment; consuming it could enhance one's strength. Sitting cross-legged, Lin Yu swallowed the pill and began absorbing its medicinal efficacy.
He circulated his spiritual energy, rapidly dispersing the pill's potency throughout his entire body. Immediately, a powerful force surged within him, and he felt his strength continuously climbing. Murong Xue quietly stood guard beside him, not daring to relax for even a moment.
Chapter 54: Enhancement of Strength
Lin Yu immersed himself in cultivation, wholeheartedly absorbing the medicinal power of the Great Returning Pill. His meridians, like parched riverbeds, greedily absorbed the spiritual energy brought by the medicinal potency, every single cell rejoicing as if welcoming a feast of power.
As the medicinal power continued to be absorbed, Lin Yu's aura gradually grew formidable. A faint radiance flickered beneath his skin, a manifestation of brimming spiritual energy. His already resilient meridians, nourished by the medicinal potency, grew broader and tougher, capable of accommodating even greater amounts of spiritual energy.
Watching Lin Yu from the side, Murong Xue was filled with astonishment. She had never witnessed anyone absorb medicinal potency at such a rapid pace, and so thoroughly at that. Lin Yu's cultivation speed made her look at this seemingly ordinary youth in a completely new light.
After an unknown passage of time, Lin Yu slowly opened his eyes, a brilliant flash darting through them. Feeling the surging power within his body, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly into a satisfied smile. Following this cultivation session, his strength had markedly improved, reaching the Mid Foundation Establishment stage and standing only a step away from the Late Foundation Establishment stage.
"Young Master Lin, you... you succeeded?" Murong Xue asked in surprise.
Lin Yu nodded, stood up, and stretched his limbs. "Mm, thanks to this Great Returning Pill. Now, we have a much better grasp on dealing with the dangers outside."
Just then, a commotion suddenly echoed from outside the cave. Lin Yu and Murong Xue exchanged glances, their expressions instantly turning grave. They knew Sword Unrivaled and his crew had likely tracked them down.
Chapter 55: A Narrow Encounter
Holding their breath, Lin Yu and Murong Xue listened quietly to the commotion outside the cave. The sound of footsteps grew closer—clearly, Sword Unrivaled and his men had discovered this cave.
"Hmph, I knew they were hiding in here," Sword Unrivaled's voice drifted in from outside the cave, filled with anger and triumph. "Open up the cave entrance for me!"
Amidst violent vibrations, the boulders blocking the cave entrance began to shake. Lin Yu and Murong Xue quickly readied themselves for battle, knowing a fierce clash was imminent.
"Murong Xue, in a moment I'll charge out to draw them away, and you take the opportunity to escape," Lin Yu whispered to Murong Xue.
Murong Xue shook her head with resolute determination. "No, I cannot abandon you. We will fight together!"
Seeing the steadfast look in Murong Xue's eyes, a wave of warmth surged through Lin Yu. He nodded and said, "Alright, then we fight side by side!"
Right at that moment, the boulders at the entrance were blasted apart, and Sword Unrivaled and his men rushed in. Catching sight of Lin Yu and Murong Xue, savage glares appeared in their eyes.
"Kid, I didn't expect you to be so good at running. But today is your death day!" Sword Unrivaled declared, brandishing his sword as he lunged at Lin Yu.
Unflustered, Lin Yu executed the Ninefold Chaos Slash. Potent spiritual energy gathered in his hand, forming a massive sword qi that met Sword Unrivaled's attack head-on. "Boom!" With a loud crash, the sword qi and the blade collided, the powerful shockwave driving Sword Unrivaled back several paces.
Chapter 56: Fierce Battle with Sword Unrivaled
Stabilizing his footing, Sword Unrivaled flashed a look of surprise. He had not anticipated that Lin Yu's strength would improve at such a rapid pace. However, he quickly regained his composure, a ferocious grin spreading across his face.
"Hmph, you've got some skills. But do you really think this is enough to stop me?" Sword Unrivaled barked, once again swinging his sword to attack Lin Yu. This time, he unleashed the Sword Sect's ultimate art, "Illusionary Sword Dance." Instantly, his figure fractured into countless illusions, stabbing toward Lin Yu from all directions.
Lin Yu's expression grew serious as he sensed the formidable might of Sword Unrivaled's move. Daring not to be careless, he deployed the Free and Unfettered Step, weaving freely amidst the sword shadows. Simultaneously, he channeled his Immortal Eye, attempting to spot Sword Unrivaled's flaw.
Light flickered within the Immortal Eye, and Lin Yu finally located Sword Unrivaled's opening. Taking a deep breath, he drove the Ninefold Chaos Slash to the third tier, gathering immense power in his hand to slash directly at the opponent's flaw.
"Boom!" With a thunderous explosion, Sword Unrivaled's illusions vanished instantly, and he himself was sent flying by the overwhelming force, crashing heavily to the ground.
"Big Brother!" Seeing this, the other two Sword Sect disciples hurriedly rushed over to help Sword Unrivaled up. Looking at Lin Yu, their eyes were filled with terror.
"You... how could you possibly be this strong?" Sword Unrivaled coughed up a mouthful of blood, staring at Lin Yu in disbelief.
Lin Yu looked coldly at Sword Unrivaled and said, "This is the consequence of bullying the weak. Today, I spare your lives. If you dare to commit atrocities again, you won't be so lucky next time!"
Pale with fright, Sword Unrivaled and his companions hurriedly hoisted their leader up and fled the cave in a panic.
Chapter 57: Appearance of the Mysterious Ruins
Watching Sword Unrivaled and his crew retreat, Lin Yu and Murong Xue let out a long sigh of relief. They knew they had narrowly escaped a disaster this time.
"Young Master Lin, you are too amazing!" Murong Xue looked at Lin Yu, her eyes filled with admiration.
Lin Yu smiled. "Just sheer luck. Still, we cannot linger here for long; we should leave as quickly as possible."
The two left the cave and continued pressing forward through the mysterious realm. Along the way, they carefully avoided various hazards while continuing to search for fortuitous encounters.
Suddenly, Lin Yu spotted a mysterious radiance flashing ahead. A thought stirred in him, and he said to Murong Xue, "There's movement ahead. Let's go take a look."
The two walked toward the source of the light. As they drew closer, they discovered that the glow was emanating from an ancient ruin. This ruin appeared to have existed for ages, its walls covered in various mysterious runes and patterns, exuding an ancient and mystical aura.
"What place is this?" Murong Xue asked in astonishment.
Lin Yu shook his head and said, "I don't know either. However, since there is a glowing light flashing here, there might be some kind of opportunity. Let's go in and take a look."
The two of them cautiously walked into the ruins and found it empty, with only a huge stone tablet standing in the center. The stone tablet was covered with dense characters, which seemed to record some important information.
Chapter 58: The Mystery of the Stone Tablet
Lin Yu and Murong Xue came before the stone tablet and carefully studied the characters upon it. These characters were ancient and obscure, brimming with a mysterious aura, as if they were recounting a forgotten history.
Lin Yu circulated his Immortal Eye, attempting to decipher the characters. Light flickered within the Immortal Eye, and gradually, he discovered that these characters actually formed an ancient cultivation technique.
"Murong Xue, look, what's recorded here is a cultivation technique," Lin Yu said excitedly to Murong Xue.
Murong Xue also stepped closer, looking at the characters on the stone tablet, a look of pleasant surprise appearing in her eyes: "Really? What kind of technique is this?"
Lin Yu carefully read the characters on the stone tablet and discovered that this was a technique called the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula. This technique could fuse various spiritual powers, transforming them into a unique power of tremendous might.
"This technique is just right for me!" Lin Yu felt great joy in his heart. He possessed ninefold Spiritual Roots and was capable of absorbing spiritual powers of all attributes. And this Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula could precisely fuse his spiritual powers to unleash their maximum might.
Lin Yu immediately began attempting to cultivate the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula. Following the guidance on the stone tablet, he circulated his spiritual power, fusing the various spiritual powers within his body together. At first, the fusion process was extremely difficult, with the various spiritual powers conflicting with one another and causing him to feel a wave of sharp pain.
Yet Lin Yu did not give up; he clenched his teeth and continued his efforts. Gradually, he found the method to fuse the spiritual powers, and the various spiritual powers began to gradually merge together, forming a powerful and unique force.
Chapter 59: Cultivation Breakthrough
Lin Yu was immersed in the cultivation of the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, whole-heartedly devoted to the fusion of spiritual powers. His body seemed to have transformed into a massive crucible, with spiritual powers of various attributes rolling and blending within it.
As the cultivation deepened, Lin Yu's strength began to improve by leaps and bounds. His originally formidable spiritual power became even more boundless after the fusion. Under the impact of the powerful spiritual power, his meridians continuously widened and strengthened, enabling them to accommodate even more force.
Murong Xue quietly guarded Lin Yu from the side, watching the constantly flashing light upon his body with a heart full of astonishment and joy. She had never seen anyone able to cultivate a technique so rapidly, let alone achieve a breakthrough so smoothly.
Not knowing how much time had passed, Lin Yu slowly opened his eyes, a brilliant flash of light passing through them. Feeling the surging power within his body, the corners of his lips curved upward into a satisfied smile. Through this cultivation session, he had successfully broken through the Mid Foundation Establishment stage, reaching Late Foundation Establishment.
"Young Master Lin, you... you've broken through?" Murong Xue asked in astonishment.
Lin Yu nodded, stood up, and stretched his muscles: "Yes, thanks to this Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula. Now, my strength has risen to yet another level."
Right at that moment, a commotion suddenly came from outside the ruins. Lin Yu and Murong Xue exchanged a glance, their expressions instantly turning solemn. They knew trouble had arrived once again.
Chapter 60: The Return of a Formidable Enemy
Lin Yu and Murong Xue swiftly walked out of the ruins, only to see a crowd of people marching toward them. At the lead was a tall man clad in magnificent robes, arrogance and disdain leaking from his gaze.
"Hmph, you're the ones who found the opportunity here?" The man looked at Lin Yu and Murong Xue, speaking coldly.
Lin Yu frowned slightly and asked, "Who are you? Why block our path?"
The man sneered and said, "I am Zhao Tianba of the Heavenly Profound Sect. The opportunity here should belong to my Heavenly Profound Sect. If you know what's good for you, hand over whatever you obtained; otherwise, don't blame me for being discourteous!"
A wave of anger surged in Lin Yu's heart. He had not expected this Zhao Tianba to be so overbearing. He looked coldly at Zhao Tianba and said, "If you want the items, earn them with your skill!"
Zhao Tianba's expression sank, and he said, "Fine! Since you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, don't blame me for being ruthless!" With that, he brandished the long spear in his hand and lunged toward Lin Yu.
Unflustered, Lin Yu unleashed the Free and Unfettered Step as formidable spiritual power gathered in his hand, forming a massive sword qi that met Zhao Tianba's attack. With a thunderous boom, the sword qi and the long spear collided, and the powerful shockwave forced Zhao Tianba back several steps.
Regaining his footing, a trace of surprise flashed in Zhao Tianba's eyes. He had not expected Lin Yu's strength to be so formidable. However, he quickly recovered his composure, a ferocious smile appearing on his face.
"Hmph, you've got some skills. But do you think you can stop me with just that?" Zhao Tianba said, once again brandishing his long spear to attack Lin Yu. This time, he unleashed the Heavenly Profound Sect's peerless art, the Heavenly Tyrant Spear Technique. His long spear struck out like a flood dragon leaving the sea, its might astonishing.
Chapter 61: Perilous Situations
Watching Zhao Tianba unleash the Heavenly Tyrant Spear Technique, Lin Yu's expression turned solemn. He felt the formidable power of this move; every thrust of the long spear carried a mighty force, as if it intended to tear him apart.
Daring not to be careless, Lin Yu employed the Free and Unfettered Step, weaving freely through the shadows of the spear. At the same time, he circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, fusing the spiritual power within his body to form a robust defensive barrier.
"Boom!" Zhao Tianba's long spear struck the defensive barrier with a deafening crash. The powerful impact caused Lin Yu's body to tremble slightly, yet his defensive barrier remained indestructible.
"Hmph, let's see how long you can hold out!" Zhao Tianba snorted coldly, his attacks growing even more ferocious. His spear technique grew faster and deadlier, dazzling to the eye.
Dodging left and right within the spear shadows, Lin Yu, though temporarily avoiding serious injury, gradually fell into a predicament. His spiritual power consumption escalated, and cracks began to appear on his defensive barrier.
Watching Lin Yu fall into jeopardy from the side, Murong Xue felt extremely anxious. She wanted to step forward and help, but she knew her own strength fell far short of Zhao Tianba's, and rushing in would only make her a burden to Lin Yu.
"Young Master Lin, hold on!" Murong Xue shouted from the side.
Clenching his teeth, Lin Yu pondered a countermeasure in his heart. He knew things could not continue this way; he had to find a way to disrupt Zhao Tianba's attacking rhythm.
Suddenly, inspiration struck Lin Yu. He deployed the Five Elements Maze Array, and instantly, dense fog rose all around, so thick one could not see a hand in front of one's face.
Chapter 62: Turning Defeat into Victory
Caught completely off guard by the sudden Five Elements Maze Array, Zhao Tianba brandished his long spear in an attempt to disperse the mist, only to find he could not see his surroundings at all.
"What kind of ghost trick is this?!" Zhao Tianba roared angrily.
Taking advantage of the lingering fog, Lin Yu unleashed the fourth form of the Ninefold Chaos Slash. Formidable power gathered in his hand, forming a massive sword qi that slashed toward Zhao Tianba's direction.
With a thunderous crash, the sword qi cut a dazzling arc of light through the mist, striking Zhao Tianba squarely. Uttering a miserable cry, Zhao Tianba was blasted backward by the immense force, slamming heavily onto the ground.
The fog slowly dissipated, and Zhao Tianba lay on the ground, his face pale, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth. Looking at Lin Yu, his eyes were filled with terror and reluctance.
"You... how could you possibly be this strong?" Zhao Tianba said with difficulty.
Lin Yu looked coldly at Zhao Tianba and said, "This is the consequence of your arrogance and tyranny. Today, I spare your life. If you dare come looking for trouble again, I won't let you off so easily next time!"
Terrified and pale, Zhao Tianba scrambled to his feet with difficulty and fled the scene in disarray along with his subordinates.
Watching the retreating backs of Zhao Tianba and the others, Lin Yu let out a long breath. He knew this crisis had been temporarily resolved, but even more dangers awaited him within the mysterious realm.
"Young Master Lin, are you alright?" Murong Xue hurried over and asked with concern.
Lin Yu shook his head.
Chapter 63: Myriad Phenomena Unification, Glimpsing the Threshold
Lin Yu successfully cultivated the first stage of the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula. Boundless spiritual power converged and blended within his body, akin to a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, forming a unique and formidable force. He could feel the meridians throughout his body cheering and rejoicing, wantonly accommodating this newborn power. Before he could even recover from his joy, the characters on the stone tablet began to flow slowly before pouring directly into his mind—the remaining four stages of the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula had been branded into his consciousness.
Lin Yu was both startled and delighted. Yet in the blink of an eye, the writing on the stone tablet vanished completely, leaving behind a blank surface. Only then did he realize this was a mental imprint technique; unfortunately, it currently only possessed the first 5 stages, while the latter 4 stages would still require him to search for them himself in the future. Though slightly regretful, Lin Yu also understood that this Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula was a technique developed by ancients mimicking the Nine Profound Creation Scripture, making it the most suitable cultivation method for him at present, given his ninefold Spiritual Roots.
Having resolved the urgent crisis regarding his cultivation technique, Lin Yu and Murong Xue continued onward along an ancient path. Guided by the sect map stone tablet, they arrived at the outer periphery of a canyon. Looking out, the canyon was wreathed in clouds and mist, exuding a mysterious and dangerous aura. Lin Yu knew this was the place named the Death Great Canyon by various sects; those who had entered before had never returned alive, but his innate adventurous spirit and desire for opportunity made him step forward without the slightest hesitation.
Chapter 64: Canyon Disputes, Peril All Around
Lin Yu and Murong Xue cautiously ventured deep into the canyon. They had not walked far before hearing fierce shouting coming from ahead. Stepping closer quietly, the two saw disciples of the Hundred Flowers Sect and the Sword Sect arguing intensely over a spiritual herb emitting a strange glow.
"We found this spiritual herb first! If you know what's good for you, get lost!" A Sword Sect disciple brandished the sword in his hand, his face arrogant.
The Hundred Flowers Sect disciples refused to yield: "On what grounds? First come, first served! Don't always throw your weight around just because you're from the Sword Sect!"
Both sides were at daggers drawn, the atmosphere explosive. Lin Yu and Murong Xue exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. Right at that moment, a Sword Sect disciple happened to catch sight of the two, his eyes instantly lighting up: "Hmph, two more courting death! Perfect, we'll deal with them together, and then no one will fight us for this spiritual herb!"
Lin Yu furrowed his brow, a surge of anger rising in his heart: "We don't want to stir up trouble, but we aren't afraid of it either. If you continue to press us, don't blame me for being discourteous!" With that, spiritual power surged around his body, and the aura of the Ninefold Chaos Slash faintly radiated outward.
Feeling the formidable aura emanating from Lin Yu, the Sword Sect disciple felt a chill in his heart, but saving face, he gritted his teeth and charged forward anyway. Lin Yu snorted coldly, deployed the Free and Unfettered Step, and instantly appeared before the disciple, striking out with a wave of his hand to deliver a strand of chaotic sword qi. Before the disciple could even react, he was sent flying, crashing heavily onto the ground.
Seeing this, the other disciples wore expressions of shock and dared not act rashly again. Taking advantage of the moment, Lin Yu and Murong Xue left this right-and-wrong place and ventured deeper into the canyon.
Chapter 65: Stumbling into a Secret Chamber, A Teleportation Encounter
As Lin Yu and Murong Xue groped their way forward through the canyon, they unconsciously wandered into a hidden cavern. A damp aura permeated the cave, and strange lights flickered along the walls. Following the cavern all the way forward, they suddenly discovered a giant stone gate blocking the path ahead.
Stepping forward, Lin Yu observed the stone gate closely and found it covered with ancient runes. He attempted to channel his spiritual power into the runes, and to his surprise, the stone gate slowly swung open. Behind the stone gate lay a massive secret chamber, and in the center of the chamber stood a glowing teleportation array.
Lin Yu and Murong Xue exchanged glances, seeing curiosity and hesitation in each other's eyes. Ultimately, curiosity triumphed over fear, and they cautiously stepped into the teleportation array. With a flash of light, the two felt the world spin, and when they regained their senses, they had appeared before the gates of a majestic and magnificent palace.
Towering into the clouds with majestic momentum, the palace looked like a heavenly palace descended to the mortal realm. However, the plaque by the gate had shattered into pieces. Only after looking closely could Lin Yu recognize this as the ruins of the ancient Body Refining Sect. Gazing at the dilapidated grand hall before him, Lin Yu couldn't help feeling a sense of emotional turmoil; a former sacred ground for body refining had now come to this state—what kind of great battle could possibly have driven this sect to complete destruction?
Chapter 66: Remnant Soul Manifests, A Pact of Inheritance
Lin Yu and Murong Xue walked into the palace, looking around. Suddenly, a gust of gloomy wind blew, and an illusory figure slowly materialized. This figure was none other than the remnant soul of Lian Potian, the master of the Body Refining Sect. His gaze held vicissitudes and exhaustion, but the instant he saw Lin Yu, a trace of pleasant surprise flashed through his eyes.
"Ten thousand years! I've finally waited for a human to arrive!" Lian Potian's voice echoed through the palace, carrying a touch of emotion.
Lin Yu and Murong Xue quickly bowed in salute. Lian Potian waved his hand and slowly recounted the events surrounding the destruction of the Body Refining Sect. Back then, in order to contend for resources and territory, the various sects had united to deal with the Body Refining Sect. After a tragic and fierce battle, despite fighting desperately, the Body Refining Sect was ultimately outnumbered and suffered utter destruction.
"A sect can be destroyed, but its inheritance cannot be broken." Looking at Lin Yu, Lian Potian's eyes were filled with anticipation. "Young man, are you willing to accept the trials of the Body Refining Sect and inherit my sect's legacy?"
Lin Yu's heart stirred; he knew well that this was a rare opportunity. After a moment of hesitation, he solemnly nodded: "I am willing!"
Lian Potian smiled slightly and gave a grand wave of his hand. As a beam of light flashed past, Lin Yu felt his vision darken, and he found himself beside a mysterious immortal pool. The liquid within the immortal pool radiated five-colored light, exuding a powerful fluctuation of force. Taking a deep breath, Lin Yu leaped directly into the immortal pool.
Chapter 67: Tempering in the Immortal Pool, A Rebirth
The moment Lin Yu entered the immortal pool, he felt an immense force wrap around him. This force felt like countless pairs of small hands, gently yet powerfully kneading his body; every inch of his muscle and every bone underwent earth-shaking changes under this tempering force.
His meridians began to expand continuously. His already wide and resilient meridians grew even thicker, capable of accommodating increasingly vast amounts of true qi. Lin Yu felt as though his body had transformed into a massive vessel, able to absorb and store energy endlessly.
As the tempering deepened, impurities within Lin Yu's body were continuously expelled, and his skin turned crystal clear, radiating a faint glow. Nourished by this force, his ninefold Spiritual Roots also grew sturdier, emitting even denser spiritual power fluctuations.
Standing beside the immortal pool and watching Lin Yu's transformation, Lian Potian wore a satisfied smile on his face: "This youth is extraordinary; he will surely accomplish great things in the future!"
After days of tempering, Lin Yu finally stepped out of the immortal pool. Feeling the surging power within his body, he felt as though he had undergone a complete rebirth, his strength achieving a qualitative leap.
"Little friend Lin Yu, are you willing to take me as your master?" Lian Potian looked at Lin Yu, his eyes full of anticipation.
Overjoyed, Lin Yu immediately dropped to his knees and kowtowed: "Disciple Lin Yu greets Master!" From that moment on, Lin Yu became the successor of the Body Refining Sect, shouldering the heavy responsibility of carrying on its heritage.
Chapter 68: The Inheritance Treasury, Saint-Grade Technique
Watching Lin Yu kneel before him, Lian Potian smiled with gratification. With a wave of his hand, a spatial ring and a jade talisman appeared before Lin Yu.
"Inside this spatial ring are all the resources of the Body Refining Sect, including countless spiritual crystals, medicinal herbs, and magic treasures. As for this jade talisman, it records the Body Refining Sect's Saint-grade technique—the Underworld Sovereign Suppresses the Heavens." Lian Potian said, "From now on, the continuation of the Body Refining Sect's heritage depends on you."
Excitedly, Lin Yu received the spatial ring and the jade talisman, feeling the formidable power and profound legacy contained within them. He knew this was a heavy responsibility, yet he was also filled with confidence and anticipation.
Over the next month, Lin Yu devoted himself entirely to the cultivation of the Underworld Sovereign Suppresses the Heavens. Training diligently day and night, he continuously pushed past his limits. As his cultivation deepened, his strength rose rapidly, soon reaching the Late Ninefold Heaven stage. His combat prowess soared, and he was estimated to be capable of fighting against practitioners at the Half-Step Golden Core stage, possessing self-preservation strength even if he encountered a Golden Core expert.
Witnessing his own transformation, Lin Yu felt a myriad of emotions. He knew well that this adventure in the mysterious realm had brought him bountiful harvests, not only resolving his cultivation technique dilemma but also acquiring the inheritance of the Body Refining Sect, achieving a qualitative leap.
Chapter 69: Emerging from the Body Refining Sect, A Bloody Storm
Having completed his cultivation, Lin Yu strapped the once rust-covered saber—now smooth, white, and radiating a chilling, murderous aura—onto his back and stepped into the teleportation array. When he reappeared in the mysterious realm, the scene before him shocked him deeply.
The entire mysterious realm was suffused with a towering aura of blood. Demonic path moles were slaughtering everywhere, corpses littered the ground, presenting a tragic scene. A wave of anger surged in Lin Yu's heart. Without the slightest hesitation, he drew his saber, unleashed the Underworld Sovereign Suppresses the Heavens, and charged toward the demons.
"Underworld Sovereign Suppresses the Heavens, open!" Lin Yu shouted loudly, and the Asura Underworld Saber in his hand carried the force of ten thousand jun as it slashed fiercely toward a demon. Seeing this, the demon hurriedly raised its sword to parry. With a thunderous crash, the powerful impact forced the demon back several steps. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu launched a flurry of attacks, the flashing blade light too fast for the eye to follow.
Over the next three days and three nights, Lin Yu engaged in a soul-stirring battle against the demons. Combined with the 100,000-jin Asura Underworld Saber, his Underworld Sovereign Suppresses the Heavens unleashed tremendous might, rendering him invincible across the battlefield—truly peerless beneath the Golden Core stage. Gradually unable to withstand Lin Yu's attacks, the demons ultimately retreated in defeat.
Chapter 70: Clearing the Battlefield, The End of the Secret Realm
After the demons retreated in defeat, Lin Yu and the remaining fifty-odd disciples from various sects began cleaning up the battlefield. Looking at the tragic scene before them, grief filled their hearts, and they burst into sobs. The demons were utterly detestable, actually attempting to annihilate all the sects with methods so vicious they made one's hair stand on end.
Together with the others, Lin Yu silently buried the corpses of the disciples from the various sects. Gazing at those rows of fresh graves, Lin Yu secretly vowed in his heart that he would make the demons pay the price. Afterward, he sat cross-legged to rest alongside the others, waiting for the secret realm to open.
Two days later, the exit of the secret realm slowly opened. Lin Yu and the others stepped out of the secret realm and informed the various sect masters of the demons' conspiracy. Upon hearing the news, the sect masters flew into a rage, successively issuing orders for all disciples to descend the mountain for experiential training and unconditionally execute any demons on sight.
Returning to the Qingyun Sect, Lin Yu received a warm welcome from the sect master and fellow disciples. He knew his adventure had only just begun, and even more challenges awaited him in the future. Yet he felt not the slightest fear, for he had grown even stronger; carrying the heritage of the Body Refining Sect and his own convictions, he would carve out his own domain in this turbulent world of cultivation.