飘零影音

Chapter 170 - Arc 11: The Sect\'s Grand Competition | Chapter 170: Match 17

Translator: Lynn

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At this moment, the martial arts arena underwent a profound transformation. The ground trembled, causing the fighting platforms to converge and amalgamate into a massive stone platform stretching hundreds of miles, towering tens of feet high.

Various formations in the void struck the stone platform, birthing flames that flowed like precious fire. It was a once-in-a-lifetime sacrificial spectacle.

As a result, many disciples had to retreat another hundred miles to distance themselves from the stone platform. A figure stood amidst the emptiness, accompanied by ten scattered phantoms representing the heads of the punishment hall and numerous executing elders. They supervised and managed the competitions.

In the boundless void, numerous masters and formidable figures remained hidden, making their traces imperceptible to those below. However, the people below could vaguely sense the countless perils they concealed. Consequently, the numerous stands that had risen from the ground only accommodated Golden Core Daoists. There was no sight of individuals above the Nascent Soul stage.

Within the Wuling Immortal Sect, there were millions of inner disciples, tens of thousands of whom were Golden Core cultivators. However, only a fraction, less than one-tenth of them, were selected to participate in this sect competition.

These thousands of Golden Core cultivators communicated via voice transmission in their spiritual thoughts, familiarizing themselves with their opponents. The manner of combat differed from the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Transformation stages.

Upon Yun Lie’s affirmation in response to Xu Ziqing’s inquiry, he moved gracefully and found himself standing atop the tall stone platform.

Presently, fifty Golden Core cultivators were stationed on the stone platform. The competition’s rule was simple in explanation but challenging in execution. They were to choose their opponents until only one person remained on the platform, who would be deemed the victor.

Though seemingly straightforward, this rule proved to be quite difficult to execute. However, if a Golden Core cultivator emerged victorious, it would showcase their enduring spirit and profound cultivation, earning them the title of a celestial talent.

Upon hearing Qiu He explain the rules, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but remark, “Wouldn’t it be better to compete against fifty people?”

Master Qiu He nodded and responded, “Indeed, but the disparity among Golden Core masters is substantial. Nonetheless, those with profound cultivation will typically subdue those with weaker foundations first before engaging in further battles. This minimizes hindrances.” His usually kind countenance grew solemn as he continued, “Ziqing, do you understand why there’s such a vast gap among Golden Core cultivators?” Xu Ziqing shook his head, puzzled. At his current stage, in the late Foundation Establishment, he had only begun to grasp the Golden Core Transformation period’s realm, let alone the higher realms.

The Golden Core stage is a critical juncture. Throughout history, countless cultivators have perished at this stage, missing their chance to tread the immortal path. One cannot afford to be careless!

Master Qiu He seldom had the opportunity to impart these teachings to his disciples, so he spoke slowly and deliberately, “You observed Yun’er’s Golden Core establishment before, witnessing the appearance of purple clouds. I told you, as your teacher, that this is a sign of profound accumulation. Do you recall?”

Xu Ziqing nodded earnestly, “Your disciple will certainly remember.”

Master Qiu He continued, “I briefly mentioned this before, but now I’ll explain it in detail.” He then beckoned one of them closer.

cultivators in the Golden Core Transformation period live for five hundred years, and those in the Golden Core period, eight hundred. Lifespans are finite. However, the path to immortality is lengthy, punctuated by checkpoints. Sometimes, a retreat can last ten or even eighteen years, which can be quite trying. Hence, cultivators often lament their short lifespans and limited aptitude. When they touch the opportunity for a breakthrough, they feel compelled to seize it and advance immediately to prolong their practice.

It’s unfortunate that many independent cultivators are unaware that this approach restricts their future progress. Not to mention those without the guidance of a master; if they have a master, the master should caution them.

Firstly, regardless of the type of elixir, excessive consumption can be detrimental to practice, so it should be ingested cautiously. Secondly, even if enlightenment is attained, one should refrain from rushing the breakthrough unless their life is nearing its end. Accumulation is the optimal approach to practice.

But why accumulate?

Firstly, to widen the meridians and expand the dantian, allowing for the storage of more true energy within the body;

Secondly, to familiarize oneself with various methods, ponder them carefully, integrate the concepts into a unified understanding, and birth one’s own comprehension, transforming it into the rudimentary form of supernatural powers;

Thirdly, to fortify the Dao heart.

Master Qiu He elaborated, “Expanding the meridians and dantian constitutes the accumulation of true energy. If a person, at the same cultivation level, can hold a certain amount of true energy in their dantian, I can store double that amount. When battling, if the opponent lacks sufficient energy, they will inevitably lose to me. This is a fundamental principle.”

Xu Ziqing listened attentively, nodding rapidly in understanding.

In reality, both the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Transformation phases serve as a cornerstone. During this period, the quantity of sects and miscellaneous techniques you engage with isn’t crucial. On the contrary, mastering them, the more the better.

Although embracing a variety of miscellaneous arts can potentially affect the specific exercises you practice, it also broadens your horizons, expands your mind, aligns with the exercises you’re practicing, and sometimes fuses with them.

This represents another form of accumulation. The more you observe, experience, and comprehend, the richer your understanding becomes.

When these artistic conceptions and insights converge, you can grasp a technique evolved from martial arts and your own intent, one that is more versatile and potent than ordinary techniques—a supernatural power.

However, supernatural powers can only materialize when the technique reaches its zenith. Therefore, while the experiences and mental states during the Golden Core Transformation period are not enough for perfection, the embryonic form of supernatural powers can manifest. Consequently, the more rudiments of magical powers condensed during the Golden Core Transformation period, the more magical powers are realized during alchemy formation, solidifying the foundation.

Concerning the initial apprehension regarding excessive miscellaneous learning, once the golden core is formed, it follows its own protocols to cleanse the body and mind. At that point, any concealed hazards and similar issues are tempered away, leaving only the essence, greatly benefiting the practitioner.

Ultimately, the pivotal goal is to condense the Dao Seed.

Xu Ziqing was taken aback, “The Dao?”

Master Qiu He nodded solemnly, “For cultivators like us on the immortal path, we cultivate not only our cultivation base but also our state of mind and understanding of the immortal path. It’s not merely about surging true energy. If that were the case, we’d just need to cultivate our bodies, ingest elixirs, and stimulate irrigation through our spiritual veins. Isn’t there more to cultivation?”

Xu Ziqing nodded in agreement, finding it highly reasonable.

Cultivating as an immortal isn’t akin to raising pigs or chickens. If one only cultivates true essence, how is it any different from fattening up for slaughter?

Master Qiu He continued slowly, “We immortal cultivators primarily focus on upright and righteous practices. Only when our hearts and spirits are pure and righteous can we ward off demons. If one harbors ulterior motives, demons will arise. Unless one possesses great perseverance and isn’t afraid, insanity might be the only outcome. Hence, while I am practicing, I also venture out to gain experience. It’s a means to broaden my knowledge, elevate my state of mind, and understand my own path through numerous challenges and perils.”

“If a cultivator in the Golden Core Transformation period doesn’t comprehend their body’s Dao, lacking a Dao seed in the dantian, although achieving the golden elixir isn’t impossible, it becomes exceedingly difficult if the golden elixir is gathered later, yielding fewer benefits. During a cultivator’s alchemy phase, the Dao of Heaven will bring trials and tribulations, but also rewards. Once tempered, one gains immeasurably. By condensing the Dao Seed earlier, during this tempering, the Dao Seed can take on the embryonic form of the Dao—the precursor to becoming an immortal. However, if you wait until after the golden core to condense the Dao seed, you must painstakingly conceive the embryonic form of the Dao on your own, an immensely arduous process.”

This emphasizes that having a teacher in this world can guide you through many potential detours, aiding numerous casual cultivators who embark on the immortal path unknowingly, unaware of the intricacies. Those who join a sect have their progress documented, but without a master, they must rely on their own resources. Who can be confident enough that they won’t stray from the correct path at every crossroad in their journey of practice?

It’s conceivable that even among Golden Core practitioners at the same stage, there could be considerable variations in the breadth and firmness of their dantian meridians, the abundance of supernatural powers, and their comprehension of their body’s way. This variation leads to a significant divergence in the real strength of individuals in the same realm.

Regarding this discrepancy, Xu Ziqing lacked knowledge, but Master Qiu He smiled and turned their attention towards the stone platform.

For individuals exhibiting the distinctive purple clouds, the inner world, supernatural powers, and Tao seeds were all crucial elements requiring comprehensive accumulation, far surpassing others. Yun Lie was one such individual.

Yun Lie stood on the stone platform, clad in clean, plain clothes. His face and posture remained motionless.

A chilling aura of intent to kill pervaded his entire being, causing even the tips of his exceptionally long black hair to tremble slightly.

On the same stage, there were forty-nine cultivators, but beside him, there was no one.

However, even though Yun Lie remained still, many other cultivators had already sprung into action.

These young Golden Core Daoists were full of vitality and quickly initiated combat.

In an instant, the true energy on the stone platform was in motion, scattering air currents and initiating countless collisions, causing the void to resonate continuously. The forces clashed and intertwined, and the powerful torrent of true essence leaked out. However, they ignored this and surged towards the numerous stands!

The impact from the collision of the Golden Core cultivators’ powers was substantial. As many cultivators from the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Transformation Stages sought to witness this higher-level competition, they willingly endured some consequences.

Consequently, when the colliding air currents swept through, many cultivators struggled to maintain their footing. Accidental exposure to the forces led to internal injuries, blood spewing, injuries, and even muscle and bone injuries.

Xu Ziqing’s high platform wasn’t far from the stone platform, so he too felt the effects.

Reacting swiftly, he released the green needle from his brow, maneuvering left and right to deflect some scattered power. Even so, there was still some tightness in his chest. If he didn’t shift his body promptly to evade, he would genuinely be injured.

The billowing sleeves of Qiu He’s robe protected the eight female disciples from the strong winds. He smiled and remarked, “Ziqing managed to evade safely, underscoring the solidity of his foundation.”

Xu Ziqing smiled wryly, “The strength of a Golden Core practitioner is truly formidable. Even these minuscule forces are challenging to resist. If I faced them directly, I fear there would be no chance of escaping.” After finishing speaking, he sighed. He always thought that senior brother was unfathomable, but now it seems that his abilities are indeed beyond measure…

Qiu He smiled kindly again and offered, “Ziqing, your senior brother has taken action, and it seems quite forceful. Come here, let me help you with mitigating some of the impact.”

Xu Ziqing was intrigued, and he glided towards Master Qiu He, but his gaze was captivated by his senior brother on the stone platform.

One could only see the plain-clothed sword cultivator raise his head slightly, and in his eyes, a pitch-black light flickered.

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