After the Great Dao Died

Even though Chen Lingxi had now reached the tenth floor of Qi Circulation and could be considered a figure of note within this Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, he was still far too lacking compared to the experts from the Great Xuanzhuo Realm who were about to descend upon this world...

’Furthermore, I am only one step away from the Qi Circulation eleventh floor. After the twelfth floor of Qi Circulation, a cultivator can practice a great divine ability and manage divine ability spiritual objects, using them to step into the Dao Foundation realm.’

’As of now, I still lack a single great divine ability. In this Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, I also have no idea how to find divine ability spiritual objects. I must make plans early.’

Reaching this conclusion, he closed his eyes again and continued to meditate.

It was not until the next day that Chen Lingxi sank his consciousness into the Divine Chamber and activated the Vision Roaming Divine Ability.

Soon after, he let out a soft sound of surprise in his mind and opened his eyes.

He actually could not sense Emperor Daye’s location.

’Where did Emperor Daye go?’

Chen Lingxi was puzzled.

After he reached the Qi Circulation tenth floor, his perception range had expanded to eight thousand li in all directions.

’Eight thousand li... What a vast distance... yet I have no idea where Emperor Daye has actually gone.’

He knew Emperor Daye had exposed the location of the Immortal Slough. Before long, many experts would inevitably descend upon this grotto-heaven.

If Emperor Daye remained in Great Li’s Imperial Palace, he would become a conspicuous target.

However, he had a faint guess.

’Emperor Daye sustained injuries in his battle against Daoist Shu Rong and has not yet refined the Space-Disrupting Flower. Moreover, the Imperial Palace is extremely unsafe.’

’Not to mention those numerous experts, Daoist Shu Rong might also make a comeback... He likely went into hiding to heal his wounds and refine the Space-Disrupting Flower to reach the Dao Foundation middle stage.’

’Once I hear back from Lin Suri, I will travel around this grotto-heaven and search for Emperor Daye’s trail.’

With the Vision Roaming Divine Ability, he only needed to step within eight thousand li of Emperor Daye for the ability to react.

Not to mention...

Once he advanced to the Qi Circulation eleventh floor, his Vision Roaming range would expand even further.

’That works, too. Emperor Daye entering seclusion means he temporarily has no time to meddle in other affairs within the grotto-heaven.’

’For me, this is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

He had to improve his strength as much as possible before the numerous experts of the Great Xuanzhuo Realm descended.

And right now...

He lowered his head in thought for a moment before suddenly raising his hand and taking a jade pendant out of his Vast Void Pouch.

It was the exact one Lin Suri had given him.

Previously, when he informed the other party about Emperor Daye’s breakthrough, he had gone to that snowy peak in person; relying merely on the jade pendant to send such a critical message would have been far too trifling.

But today, Chen Lingxi slowly infused a wisp of spiritual sense into the jade pendant.

More than ten li away, at the summit of that snowy mountain.

Lin Suri sat cross-legged, cultivating the Six Qi True Method with his eyes closed to regulate his breathing.

Right at that moment, the jade pendant at his waist suddenly lit up with a faint layer of brilliance that flashed and vanished.

Lin Suri opened his eyes, glanced down at the jade pendant, and raised his eyebrows slightly as a smile touched his face.

He stood up, turned around, and bowed respectfully toward Daoist Shu Rong, who sat cross-legged amid the clouds and mist.

”Martial Aunt, Daoist Brother seeks a Dao Foundation great divine ability, along with its corresponding divine ability spiritual object,” he said.

Daoist Shu Rong, who had been meditating with closed eyes to heal her injuries, slowly opened them.

Her aloof features carried a hint of pallor, and her aura remained somewhat sluggish.

She lowered her head in thought for a moment before saying softly, ”Chen Lingxi possesses the aptitude of a spiritual aperture and harbors hidden serendipity. He is indeed worth a Dao Foundation great divine ability.”

”Moreover, if not for him passing along the news about the Immortal Slough this time, we probably would have still thought this Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven posed no threat. We wouldn’t have known that Emperor Daye actually held the Space-Disrupting Flower and was about to enter the Dao Foundation middle stage... There is no need to elaborate on the dangers involved.”

Having said this, she pondered carefully again before continuing, ”If there is a chance in the future, we can recruit this person into our sect.”

”Agree to it. I will ask the Chi Soul Master for a great divine ability on his behalf.”

Lin Suri’s eyes flickered, a flash of joy sweeping past his gaze.

Soon after, he suddenly thought of a great divine ability that suited Chen Lingxi perfectly. He bowed and requested, ”I once heard that Cangxuan Court houses a great divine ability called [Chixuan Thunder]. I wonder if we could request this technique?”

Daoist Shu Rong’s expression stirred as she frowned. ”[Chixuan Thunder] is an exceedingly extraordinary offensive great divine ability, and quite precious.”

”This method requires drawing heavenly thunder into the body to brew five directional profound thunders, with each of the five being extraordinary in its own right.”

”When it comes to the height of its offensive power, it ranks among the best of the academy’s many Dao Foundation great divine abilities.”

Speaking up to here, she shook her head slightly. ”But Chen Lingxi is an outsider after all. There is competition among the Six Courts of the Academy. While he has done our Pool Soul Courtyard a favor, Cangxuan Court likely won’t be willing to give it to him.”

Lin Suri furrowed his brow.

Daoist Shu Rong thought for a moment and sighed. ”Chen Lingxi harbors many secrets; he is indeed worth investing in.”

”Cangxuan Court has always wanted our Pool Soul Courtyard’s vacant [Chu Spirit Mountain]. We might as well use this famous mountain grotto-mansion as an offering to make a trade with them.”

Lin Suri was overjoyed.

Yet he heard Daoist Shu Rong continue, ”Even if the trade succeeds and Cangxuan Court gives it to him, they will probably demand he join their branch. Thus, he won’t be able to become a martial brother in the same courtyard as you.”

Lin Suri naturally knew what was at stake, yet he still said softly, ”Daoist Brother Chen cultivates the Thunder-Concealing Sword Scripture, and his accomplishments are exceedingly remarkable. His comprehension of the Dao of Thunder is bound to far surpass his grasp of other methods.”

”For him, the [Chixuan Thunder] divine ability is definitely the most suitable. It will also greatly increase his chances of casting a Dao Platform, planting a Profound Root, and establishing his Dao Foundation.”

He raised his eyes, meeting Daoist Shu Rong’s gaze frankly, his tone growing even more earnest. ”With so many benefits, what does it matter even if he doesn’t join our Pool Soul Courtyard?”

”Cangxuan Court is likewise one of the six courts of our Under-Dao Academy. He will still be my martial brother.”

Daoist Shu Rong glanced at him, thought it over, and finally nodded. ”Since that is the case, go and invite Chen Lingxi. I will act as his guarantor so he can formally join the Under-Dao Academy.”

”As for my true body, I will naturally head to Cangxuan Court to seek out the Cangxuan Master and a few senior brothers.”

Lin Suri straightened up, his eyes full of delight.

He bowed deeply to Daoist Shu Rong and said, ”Then I will go find Daoist Brother Chen in person.”

”Our Under-Dao Academy possesses an impressive foundation, being illustrious even across the Nine Quarters Realm. Daoist Brother Chen surely won’t refuse me.”

Saying this, he infused a wisp of spiritual qi into the jade pendant, focused his mind with closed eyes, and sent out a spiritual sense message.

On Cuojin Mountain, inside the King of the East’s Traveling Palace.

Chen Lingxi sat upon the rosewood throne. He glanced down at the softly glowing jade pendant in his hand, a smile curling the corners of his mouth.

He stood up and immediately rode the clouds into the air, leaving Cuojin Mountain and heading straight for Yuanjiang Prefecture.

Since Lin Suri was coming, he naturally had to host him well.

He bought a few liang of the finest [Qinghua Spring] in the Yuanjiang Prefecture market, and also found a porcelain tea set carrying a trace of spiritual energy.

Only then did he return to the King of the East’s Traveling Palace on Cuojin Mountain.

He carefully wiped a desk in the main hall clean, arranged the tea set upon it, and then took out some crisp mountain spring water from his Vast Void Pouch to boil.

With everything properly prepared, he sat cross-legged at the desk and quietly waited for Lin Suri’s arrival.

Barely two days later, a faint golden streak of light pierced through the clouds on the horizon, flying toward Cuojin Mountain.

The light flew incredibly fast. In just a brief moment, it arrived above Cuojin Mountain, promptly descended through the clouds, and landed on the stone steps before the doors of the King of the East’s Traveling Palace.

The newcomer was none other than Lin Suri. Dressed in a luxurious brocade robe with a warm jade belt and his hair tied high in a crown, he retained his usual calm and unhurried demeanor.

Chen Lingxi had long since stood up to welcome him. The two exchanged formalities outside the hall doors and shared a smile.

”With Daoist Brother coming in person, this humble dwelling on Cuojin Mountain is brought to brilliance,” Chen Lingxi laughed with cupped hands, stepping aside to guide Lin Suri into the hall.

The two took their seats.

Chen Lingxi poured a cup of tea for Lin Suri, and they sat across from each other like this, sipping tea and discussing the Dao.

After three rounds of tea, Lin Suri set down his cup. The smile on his face slowly receded, replaced by a touch of solemnity.

He straightened his robes and said to Chen Lingxi with a serious expression, ”Brother Chen, I came today because I have a major matter to discuss with you.”

Chen Lingxi raised an eyebrow slightly and set down his teacup, waiting for him to continue.

”Martial Aunt Shu Rong has already agreed to ask our Under-Dao Academy’s Pool Soul Courtyard for a Dao Foundation great divine ability on your behalf.”

Lin Suri got straight to the point, looking directly at Chen Lingxi.

”Not only that, but Martial Aunt is also willing to personally go to Cangxuan Court to request an offensive great divine ability named [Chixuan Thunder] for you. This divine ability requires drawing heavenly thunder into the body to nurture five directional profound thunders!”

”When it comes to the height of its killing power, it is considered a top-tier ultimate art even among the many Dao Foundation great divine abilities of our Under-Dao Academy.”

He paused, his tone growing ever more earnest. ”I know Brother Chen cultivates the Thunder-Concealing Sword Scripture and has attained extraordinary mastery over it.”

”This Chixuan Thunder divine ability is extremely compatible with your chosen path. If you can successfully cultivate it, it will undoubtedly yield twice the result with half the effort when you cast your Dao Platform and plant your Profound Root in the future.”

”Daoist Brother...” Listening to this, a wave of indescribable emotion washed over Chen Lingxi.

How precious was a Dao Foundation great divine ability? It was an absolute necessity for advancing one’s cultivation.

Not only had Lin Suri requested a great divine ability from his sect on his behalf, but he had even carefully considered exactly which one would suit him best.

Such dedication was far beyond what the word ”friendship” could describe.

Chen Lingxi sighed emotionally as he recalled the origin of his step onto the immortal path.

The only reason he had been able to embark on the path of cultivation was entirely thanks to secretly learning those few breathing techniques by using Vision Roaming on Lin Suri.

Although he had later helped Lin Suri out of a siege on the Ancestral Mountain and saved his life during the Battle of Cauldron Seizing by the Zhuzhao Riverbank, he had ultimately done so with ulterior motives.

Thinking about it now, the way he treated Lin Suri was nowhere near as sincere as how Lin Suri treated him.

Seeing Chen Lingxi remain silent, Lin Suri spoke again, his tone even more pressing. ”Brother Chen, with your natural talent, if you join our Under-Dao Academy, your future path will be limitless.”

Chen Lingxi set down his teacup and raised his head to meet Lin Suri’s sincere eyes, feeling somewhat ashamed.

He thought for a moment before suddenly shaking his head. ”Daoist Brother Lin, I don’t wish to deceive you.

”I do have many fortuitous encounters that allowed me to step onto the path of cultivation... but I am not a seeker rebirth...”

Lin Suri’s expression froze. ”Not a seeker of truth, could it be...”

Chen Lingxi nodded. ”I am a native of this grotto-heaven. It was only later, through a stroke of serendipity, that I acquired cultivation methods and stepped onto the immortal path.”

Lin Suri stared blankly at Chen Lingxi, a look of astonishment surfacing on his face.

Chen Lingxi remained silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. ”The reason I am telling you my origins is because I don’t want to let down your good intentions.”

”You must also know that this grotto-heaven has long belonged to the Que Star Xi Family.”

”The head of the Xi Family is a True Monarch. Wielding the Cauldron Vessel Realm-Refining Furnace, he intends to refine this world into Realm Essence to cast a Great and Profound Golden Palace for the clan’s genius, Xi Hengsu.”

”If I were to join the Under-Dao Academy, it wouldn’t bring any benefit to the academy. Instead, it would offend a figure like the Xi Family’s True Monarch because of me.”

”If I entered the academy, I would inevitably put Daoist Brother Lin in a dilemma...”

Chen Lingxi treated him with complete honesty.

This was only because he remembered how long he had spent spying on Lin Suri through the Vision Roaming Divine Ability, reaping countless benefits from him time and time again.

Yet this Daoist Brother Lin had treated him with nothing but sincerity from the very beginning, never harboring even the slightest sliver of doubt toward him.

Furthermore... even if he didn’t mention this matter.

With the sheer number of experts in the Under-Dao Academy, it was bound to be exposed sooner or later anyway.

Lin Suri furrowed his brow tightly, thinking carefully for a while before suddenly raising his head. ”Since that is the case, if Daoist Brother cannot leave this grotto-heaven, won’t you be refined inside that furnace by the Xi Family’s True Monarch? Your body dying and your Dao vanishing forever?”

Chen Lingxi nodded calmly. ”I am currently searching for a sliver of a chance to survive.”

Lin Suri took a deep breath, his eyes turning resolute once more. ”Daoist Brother, you saved my life twice. I must repay this kindness.”

”I will return immediately and discuss this with Martial Aunt Shu Rong to see if there is a way to break this deadlock.”

Lin Suri drank the last cup of tea, stood up at once, bade farewell to Chen Lingxi, and left.

Meanwhile, in the Nine Quarters Great Domain of the Great Xuanzhuo Realm.

The Under-Dao Academy.

The Under-Dao Academy was incredibly vast, stretching for tens of thousands of li.

It contained immortal mountains and immortal lakes, along with countless beautiful sights. Spiritual energy was so abundant it formed a nearly tangible mist that wreathed the mountain ranges.

Immortal cranes cried in unison among the peaks, sweeping through the clouds in neat lines, their clear and melodious calls echoing endlessly through the mountains.

Immortal deer dashed through the forests with vines caught on their antlers; as they ran, small flowers from the vines drifted down, scattering across the ground.

Further away, palaces hung suspended in midair. With their sweeping eaves and upturned corners, they were resplendent and magnificent, cradled by the clouds like immortal islands floating on a sea of mist.

Many academy disciples had also carved out grotto-mansions among the numerous peaks to cultivate in, with spiritual light shining everywhere in a myriad of spectacular phenomena.

Daoist Shu Rong’s true body transformed into a crimson streak of light, piercing through the clouds and mist as she flew straight toward Cangxuan Court.

Passing several suspended palaces and crossing a few winding rivers of flowing spiritual energy, she finally halted her light before a towering palace.

The palace was constructed entirely from some kind of profound jade, within which countless dense runes could be faintly seen slowly circulating.

The palace hung above a sea of clouds, guarded by several slightly smaller pavilions around it like a myriad of stars holding the moon, exuding an extraordinary grandeur.

This was Cangxuan Court, one of the Six Courts of the Academy.

Daoist Shu Rong stepped onto the jade steps before the palace with an unhurried gait.

She walked straight into the main hall. The furnishings inside were extremely simple. In the very center hung a massive Dao diagram depicting a sky full of stars, with every single star slowly rotating.

Upon a jade platform, the Cangxuan Master sat cross-legged.

She was a female cultivator wearing a plain white Daoist robe. Her face was as pale as jade and her eyes were like bright stars. Her dark hair was pinned up high and secured by a green jade hairpin, spilling down over her shoulders.

Her age was impossible to tell from her face. She possessed both the clear elegance of a sixteen-year-old girl and the grace of a mature woman; these two completely distinct temperaments blended together flawlessly in her.

What was most heart-palpitating was the aura surrounding her...

Fluctuations of Dao Origin quietly wreathed her body, naturally giving off a heavy, imposing pressure as deep as an abyss and towering as a mountain, making others not dare to look her directly in the eye.

A cultivator sat on each side below the jade platform.

The man on the left was named [Chi Xinglai]. He appeared to be only in his twenties, his features extremely youthful, but the vicissitudes of time revealed in his eyes were absolutely not something someone of that age should possess.

Dao Origin similarly circulated around his body, and his aura was actually not the slightest bit weaker than Daoist Shu Rong’s. He was impressively also a figure at Dao Foundation Perfection, only one step away from stepping into the Realm of the Golden Palace.

The man on the right was named [Xiao Yaoguang]. He had a tall, slender build and wore his long hair draped over his shoulders. His features were so handsome they bordered on demonic. With an aura as deep and heavy as an abyss, he sat there as unmoving as a pine tree.

Daoist Shu Rong walked into the hall and bowed to the Cangxuan Master on the jade platform. ”Greetings, Senior Sister.”

Then, she gave a slight nod to Chi Xinglai and Xiao Yaoguang on the left and right.

The Cangxuan Master opened her eyes. Her clear yet bottomless gaze fell upon Daoist Shu Rong.

”Why has Junior Sister come?” she asked.

Daoist Shu Rong straightened up and spoke frankly, ”I have come to request a cultivation method.”

As she spoke, she recounted the matter concerning Chen Lingxi from beginning to end.

Chi Xinglai, who had been sitting quietly below the jade platform listening all this while, suddenly laughed.

”Since this little cultivator surnamed Chen did Pool Soul Courtyard a favor, why doesn’t Pool Soul Courtyard take him in? Why come seeking our Xuanzang Court’s [Chixuan Thunder] divine ability?”