After the Great Dao Died

The golden light settled!

Chen Lingxi stood above the sea of light and looked up.

His Dao Origin settled in the third slot of the golden ranking.

The dozens of Dao Origins already suspended on the golden ranking lit up one after another, like a swath of neatly arranged stars suddenly shifting in unison to fall back into place.

The Dao Origin at the very top trembled slightly. It did not shift its position, though its luster brightened a fraction. This belonged to Zhu Mi of Southern Brightness Peak.

The one below it concealed a faint, almost imperceptible sharpness. This was Xu Sanchi of Illuminating Sword Profound Peak.

Further down, the third Dao Origin was forcibly pushed out, dropping down a slot.

Chen Lingxi’s Dao Origin settled into the third place!

The third row on the First Profound Ranking!

Beneath the sea of light, Lian Sheng’s avatar standing in the middle section shifted slightly.

He lowered his eyes, looking at the newborn Dao Origin that had squeezed into third place on the golden ranking. His face held little surprise.

At this moment, outside the golden light, before the statue of the true dragon...

Yuan Lingyu kept her head raised, staring unblinkingly at the hundred-zhang golden ranking. Only when the golden light settled did she slowly exhale.

Beneath that golden light stood the many disciples of the Dragon-Revering Sect who had rushed over upon hearing the news. They looked up at the third slot of the golden ranking with varying expressions.

”Third?”

Yuan Ji of Heaven Pacifying Peak slowly lowered his eyes, and the heavy, earth-like aura around him gradually retracted.

With Chen Lingxi ascending to third, he had naturally fallen from fourth to fifth.

Not far away, Liu Tongqing scrutinized his own name as it dropped from third to fourth.

His gaze was complicated, making it hard to tell whether he was angry or simply unresigned.

Upon the golden ranking, Zhu Mi and Xu Sanchi stood at the highest peaks of the golden light.

Neither spoke.

Xu Sanchi merely gave a slight nod before his figure slowly faded away in the golden light, reverting to a Dao Origin with restrained sharpness that quietly hung on the ranking.

The two figures at the top of the First Profound Ranking calmly withdrew their Dao Origin avatars, not sparing the newcomer another glance.

Right at this moment.

Within the statue of the true dragon, a swirling mist seemed to appear in the dragon eyes that had been shut tightly for countless years.

There, a chaotic aura slowly circulated.

Within it, many Dao Origin avatars were silently watching.

These Dao Origin avatars belonged to the other rankings of the Dragon Transformation Immortal Roll.

These Second Profound, Third Profound, and even Fourth Profound experts were also curious about today’s ranking change.

They hung in overlapping layers deep within the dragon’s eyes, separated from each other by extreme distances, yet seemingly watching the world below in unison.

The golden light surrounding Chen Lingxi dispersed, and the space of the Celestial Ranking abruptly vanished with it.

He descended from the void, turned around, and gave a slight nod to a joyous Yuan Lingyu.

The two of them rode the clouds into the air, leaving the Dragon-Revering Main Sect to fly straight toward Slumbering Deer Peak.

Outside the Dragon-Revering Main Sect, the sea of clouds surged like waves. Sunlight shone down amidst the mountains, plating the peaks in a layer of bright radiance.

On the First Profound Ranking, someone had squeezed their way in, and someone had been squeezed out.

Meanwhile, deep within the eyes of the true dragon statue, two figures sat upright upon another patch of golden light. One on the left, one on the right, each possessed a vastly different appearance and demeanor.

The figure on the left was extremely tall. He wore a deep purple robe whose hem hung heavily over his crossed knees. His aura was like a bottomless abyss or a towering mountain, naturally carrying a steady, unmoving bearing.

His features could not be considered handsome, but between his brows was an unspoken, profound sense of chilling sternness.

This person was [Qi Chuan] of Illuminating Sword Profound Peak, the number one figure on the Second Profound Ranking of the Dragon-Revering Sect!

The person on the right was a female cultivator.

She wore a moon-white long dress. Her features were sparse and indifferent, and her temperament was cold and clear, much like an extremely thin wisp of smoke at the edge of the sky.

Her name was [Liang Qiongyu], a cultivator from Radiant Peach Peak. Her cultivation base was formidable, and the Dao she practiced was perfectly suited for tranquility.

The two of them sat upon the golden light, remaining completely unmoved as the chaos swirled around them. In the void before them, the golden First Profound Ranking quietly surfaced.

The newborn Dao Origin on the ranking was currently suspended in the third position.

Qi Chuan sat upright in the golden light, looking at the ranking.

He suddenly spoke, ”Daoist Friend Qiongyu, your Radiant Peach Peak’s Liu Tongqing was pushed out of the top three by this Little Martial Uncle. Radiant Peach Peak has suffered quite a loss.”

Liang Qiongyu did not turn her head, merely watching the Dao Origin that had been moved to the fourth slot on the golden First Profound Ranking.

”The Celestial Ranking naturally has its own spirit,” she replied softly. ”Junior Martial Brother Tongqing is inferior to this Little Martial Uncle, so what can be done?”

Her voice was cold and clear, her aura ethereal like snow falling upon a mountain peak or wind blowing through a pine forest.

The corners of Qi Chuan’s mouth twitched slightly.

He gazed at the Dao Origin in the third position on the ranking.

”I’ve never heard that True Person Xiangshu of Slumbering Deer Peak had taken in such a disciple,” he said.

He paused for a moment, shifting his gaze away from that Dao Origin to land on Xu Sanchi in the second slot and Zhu Mi in the first.

”However,” he said, ”someone of the martial uncle generation lagging behind Zhu Mi of Southern Brightness Peak and Xu Sanchi of my Illuminating Sword Profound Peak... this martial uncle is somewhat undeserving of his title.”

Liang Qiongyu shook her head.

”This martial uncle is simply a bit too young,” she said.

Qi Chuan was unconvinced.

”Aptitude and comprehension do not grow much with age, unless one encounters a great fortuitous opportunity,” he said.

No joy or anger could be seen on Liang Qiongyu’s face.

”The visit of the immortals from Great Encompassing Heaven means they will inevitably set down the Cauldron Vessel, the [Great Encompassing Heaven-Observing Mirror], within our Dragon-Revering Sect as well,” she said.

Her tone was cold, but she spoke of another major matter.

”From then on, we will be connected to all the other sects and factions throughout the Nine Quarters. Once the precious mirror hangs high, all the geniuses of the Nine Quarters will be equal to holding the vessel to seek out opportunities.

”Opportunities will be shared, and destinies will compete together.

”Senior Martial Brother Qi Chuan, this is an opportunity, and also a tempering trial!”

Her tone remained as calm as before, yet a rare, vibrant gleam of vitality flashed across her remarkably still eyes.

”From then on, the numerous geniuses of the Nine Quarters will share in many opportunities, and more figures of the same realm will vie against each other.

”I wonder whether you, Senior Martial Brother Qi Chuan, will be able to rank first in the Second Profound just as you do in the Dragon-Revering Sect today?”

The moment those words were spoken, Qi Chuan’s aura, which had been steady as a mountain, shifted imperceptibly.

He remained silent for a moment, then stood up and walked out from the golden light.

With a single step, his avatar emerged from the chaos deep within the dragon’s eyes, standing in the air above the ancient true dragon statue.

Qi Chuan stood in the void, his aura scorching. His appearance was ordinary, but he naturally possessed a bearing that made all things submit. A brilliant light of irrepressible confidence flashed in his eyes.

”If not me, then who?”

As his voice fell, a brilliant golden light flared violently in the eyes of the ancient true dragon statue, then returned to dead silence.

—

Chen Lingxi and Yuan Lingyu had already arrived just outside Slumbering Deer Peak.

In the distance, the thin layer of spiritual mist at Slumbering Deer Peak rose, welcoming both of them within the mountain gates.

Across the many summits of Slumbering Deer Peak, the previously tranquil scenery was now quite different.

Before they had even landed on the peak, Chen Lingxi and Yuan Lingyu could see a dense crowd of people standing before the waterfall, right outside the Water Curtain Cave.

They wore all sorts of robes and included men, women, the old, and the young. More than half were ordinary cultivating disciples of Slumbering Deer Peak.

There were also a few who were slightly older with heavy, settled auras. Judging by their attire and bearing, they were capable cultivators serving beside the hall masters of the peak.

The moment the crowd saw Chen Lingxi descend from the clouds, a wave of low murmurs swelled among them like a rising tide.

”Is this the Spirit-Enforcing Martial Uncle?”

”The one who unleashed a single sword strike to break the combined attack of Yuan Ji and several senior martial brothers...”

”Third on the First Profound Ranking.”

Before Chen Lingxi could react, a tall cultivator stepped forward from the crowd.

He cupped his hands in a salute and called out in a clear voice, ”Senior Martial Brother Spirit Enforcer!”

The few people behind him followed suit, stepping forward to salute and offer their congratulations.

In a short while, three groups of people successively walked out from the crowd.

Their numbers were not large, only three or four to a group, but their robes were woven of premium spiritual silk. The jade talismans at their waists also bore patterns—the marks of individuals with significant status under the various hall masters.

Their etiquette was impeccable and their words polite. The ones leading them were especially measured in their speech.

”The three hall masters of [Law Enforcement], [Opportunity Seeking], and [Law Transmission] were overjoyed to learn that Senior Martial Brother Spirit Enforcer ascended to third place on the First Profound Ranking. They ordered us to come offer our congratulations and deliver gifts personally prepared by the hall masters.”

The visitors held out three differently sized jade boxes with both hands. Sealed with spiritual talismans, they faintly exuded a rosy light and presented a rather grand bearing.

Chen Lingxi was somewhat surprised, but he accepted them one by one and politely returned the salute.

He exchanged pleasantries with the crowd before saying in a gentle tone, ”My cave dwelling is meager, and it is getting late today. Please allow me to invite all of you fellow disciples for a gathering another day.”

Naturally, the crowd did not stay any longer. They cupped their hands and took their leave.

Outside the Water Curtain Cave, peace and quiet were restored once again.

Chen Lingxi and Yuan Lingyu pushed aside the curtain of water and entered the cave.

The cave maintained its usual appearance. Green stone formed the walls, spiritual grass grew lushly, and several night-spirit stones were embedded in the walls, scattering a faint and tranquil glow.

Chen Lingxi placed the three jade boxes on a rock, gestured for Yuan Lingyu to sit down, and personally took up a small stove to brew her a cup of clear tea.

Yuan Lingyu accepted the teacup with both hands. Her eyes were bright as she looked at Chen Lingxi, as if she wanted to say something but was hesitant.

After gazing at him for a long while, she finally spoke.

”Senior Martial Brother, I truly never imagined that you possessed such a foundation and aptitude,” she said in a low voice.

Her tone was filled with genuine awe and admiration. As she watched Chen Lingxi, it was like looking at a person who should have achieved such accomplishments long ago, but had only revealed his brilliance today.

”It turns out Senior Martial Brother Spirit Enforcer’s natural talent is actually this extraordinary.”

When she said the word ”talent,” her expression shifted as if she had suddenly remembered something. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her tone became indignant.

”Those two immortals from Great Encompassing Heaven...”

Yuan Lingyu looked up at Chen Lingxi.

”They really have eyes but fail to see!” she said.

Chen Lingxi smiled and pointed at the three jade boxes on the stone.

”Junior Martial Sister, come take a look with me at these congratulatory gifts sent by the three hall masters,” he said.

As he spoke, he raised his hand and unsealed the talisman on one of the jade boxes.

The moment the first jade box opened, the glowing energy filling the room surged.

Inside lay a palm-sized stone bar colored like blue-black ink. One end of the stone was engraved with the word ”Sharp,” while the other end was dotted with a ring of faint spiritual patterns, making it look rather ordinary.

Chen Lingxi looked into it with his Method of Qi Observation. Only then did he sense a trace of extremely fine, sharp qi flowing within the gloomy depths of the stone.

That aura was continuous and enduring. It seemed to want to seep out of the stone, but someone had firmly bound it inside using a restrictive formation.

Aside from this stone, the first jade box also contained an ink slip inscribed with a few lines of text.

Chen Lingxi picked up the ink slip, glanced over it, and nodded.

”A gift from the Hall Master of Law Enforcement.”

”It is called a [Sword-Grinding Stone].”

He explained to Yuan Lingyu, ”This stone doesn’t seem to be of a high grade; it is merely a fifth-rank spiritual artifact.

”However, it can hone the edge of a spiritual sword. By constantly tempering it with a spiritual sword and Dao Origin, it can slowly enhance the sword’s might.”

Yuan Lingyu leaned in to take a look.

”A fifth-rank spiritual artifact naturally doesn’t count for much in the hands of the hall masters, but this piece has its unique qualities,” she said with a nod.

Chen Lingxi put away the Sword-Grinding Stone and went to unseal the second jade box.

The jade box opened, revealing a handful of dirt.

The soil was dark brown with extremely fine granules. Its color was deep and gentle, but it lacked any breathtaking spiritual light. At first glance, it didn’t look much different from ordinary moist garden soil.

Yuan Lingyu craned her neck and studied it for a long time, but she couldn’t make heads or tails of it.

She blinked and looked up at Chen Lingxi.

”Senior Martial Brother, what miraculous use does this handful of soil have?” she asked.

Chen Lingxi hadn’t seen through it at a glance, either.

He gently lifted the soil and rubbed a granule with his fingertip. The soil felt as fine and smooth as spring mud, bringing a slight dampness to his palm, yet it also seemed to possess a separate sentience.

He paused slightly, then closed his eyes and slowly channeled a wisp of spiritual qi into the handful of soil.

The moment his spiritual qi entered the earth, Chen Lingxi’s gaze focused, and his expression shifted slightly.

This soil actually contained a deep, continuous, and boundless life force!

That life force circulated through the soil granules—dense, gentle, and vastly different from ordinary spiritual energy. Rather, it was more like the spiritual qi contained within a small pocket world, used to nurture and grow all things.

His heart skipped a beat. His eyelids flicked up slightly, and he immediately flipped his palm.

Many azure bamboo shoots abruptly appeared in the void.

These bamboos were of varying lengths; they were the spiritual materials he had previously seized from Yellow Luminary Peak.

Having formed a hypothesis in his mind, Chen Lingxi took down the azure bamboo shoots one by one and laid them across the soil.

Originally, it had just been a handful of dark brown dirt resting quietly on the rock. But when the azure bamboo fell onto it, the soil actually seemed to come alive.

The soil granules silently spread apart. As soon as the roots of the azure bamboo touched the dirt, they were gently embraced by the soil, subsequently transforming into a shallow forest of green bamboo that enclosed a corner in front of the Water Curtain Cave.

Chen Lingxi looked at the azure bamboo.

”So that’s how it is,” he said softly.

”When I chopped down this azure bamboo at Yellow Luminary Peak, the elder there was deeply heartbroken. He said I was ruthlessly wasting heavenly gifts, claiming that if this bamboo fully matured, it would become [Sharp-Net Green Bamboo], enough to forge a third-rank spiritual sword.”

”I had thought that after I cut them down, they would just be ordinary spiritual materials. But with this handful of soil, the bamboo is radiating vitality once again. I can just slowly wait for them to mature here now.”

Yuan Lingyu instantly understood.

”To think the Hall Master of Opportunity Seeking would send such a treasure!” she said, clapping her hands. ”He’s certainly generous.”

Chen Lingxi smiled slightly but didn’t respond, merely opening the third jade box.

Quietly lying within the box was a broken half of a ruler.

A few ancient, blurry engraved patterns could still be vaguely seen on its surface, and an indescribable, faint white halo of mist seeped from its broken edge.

It carried an extremely rich aura of antiquity.

Chen Lingxi’s gaze shifted slightly.

”The [Reverse Generation Ruler].”

”Is it a Cauldron Vessel Fragment?”