King of Ten Thousand Years

The residential area for Upper Sect Disciples.

Ying Feihang also learned of Luo Tian’s score in the Survival Grotto Heaven.

”How could it be so high?”

Ying Feihang wore a look of stunned surprise.

Generally speaking, the elite disciples of the Upper Sect scored around thirty-five thousand Points.

And Luo Tian’s score was already very close to that.

One had to remember that Luo Tian had only just entered the Upper Sect.

Ying Feihang felt this was becoming difficult. After the Four Grotto Heavens trials ended, Luo Tian would surely attract the attention of the Yunxiao Sect’s upper echelons. It wouldn’t be a problem for him to become the disciple of some Elder.

When that time came, if his master found out about all this, Ying Feihang would definitely be severely punished.

’Getting rid of Luo Tian... The opportunities are few and far between. This is difficult...’

Ying Feihang’s expression darkened slightly.

Should he wait for Luo Tian to enter the Slaughter Grotto Heaven a second time and arrange for someone to act then?

Using the same plan twice in a row was even riskier.

”Hm?”

Ying Feihang’s Identity Token suddenly pulsed with Energy.

He pressed the Token to his ear and heard the message transmitted from within.

’Master is looking for me?’

Ying Feihang didn’t dare to delay and immediately headed for the Third Elder’s Mansion.

His Fifth Senior Brother, Qiao Hai, was also here.

”I wonder what instructions Master has for this disciple?”

Ying Feihang said respectfully.

The Third Elder, seated high on a platform, fixed his gaze upon him. His murky, profound eyes instantly brought down an immense, formless pressure.

”Feihang, are you the one handling that matter?”

The Third Elder’s voice was cold and clear, as if he were just asking casually.

Ying Feihang instantly understood what his master was referring to and sensed his dissatisfaction.

’How does Master know about this?’

Ying Feihang’s heart sank. This was completely unexpected.

It seemed his master’s attitude toward Luo Tian wasn’t as indifferent as he had let on.

THUD!

Ying Feihang knelt directly on the ground. He first admitted his mistake, then said with a sincere attitude, ”Master, this disciple has handled this matter poorly. But please rest assured, Master, I will take care of Luo Tian as soon as possible!”

”Hmph, what other methods do you have?”

The Third Elder snorted lightly.

Ying Feihang was speechless. He truly hadn’t thought of a good plan.

”The Heart Demon Grotto Heaven is about to open. I have two rare Spiritual Secret Techniques here that might be of some help to you!”

”The first Secret Technique is called the *Heart Concentration Technique*. It can condense and strengthen your mind, giving you strong resistance to certain spiritual disturbances!”

”The second Secret Technique is called the *Heart Confusion Technique*. It can disrupt an enemy’s mind and will, leaving behind mental flaws, even causing them to suffer Qigong Deviation and descend into madness and evil!”

”Which one do you want?”

the Third Elder asked calmly.

”I choose...”

Ying Feihang really wanted to choose the *Heart Concentration Technique*. It would be somewhat difficult for him to obtain a total of one hundred thousand Points in the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven.

Once he obtained this Secret Technique, he would be able to shine brightly in the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven’s trial!

But Ying Feihang knew that among the choices his master had given him, there was really only one option.

”I choose the *Heart Confusion Technique*.”

SLAP!

A Secret Manual came flying over and landed at Ying Feihang’s feet.

”If Master has no further instructions, this disciple will take his leave!”

Ying Feihang exited the grand hall.

’Luo Tian, I will make your death a very ugly one!’

Ying Feihang’s face was ashen, his gaze Yin Cold.

The trial of the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven was extremely difficult. The slightest misstep could leave one with a Heart Knot, and in severe cases, could lead to Qigong Deviation.

This Grotto Heaven ranked third in terms of mortality rate, yet it was the one that disciples were most reluctant to enter.

And now, Ying Feihang had obtained the rare Spiritual Secret Technique, the *Heart Confusion Technique*. If someone undergoing the trial of the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven were to be disturbed by this Secret Technique, the difficulty of their trial would double.

Even one of the ten great Core Disciples could be brought down by this, to say nothing of Luo Tian!

’However, this matter is very risky. I can’t put myself in danger...’

Ying Feihang murmured to himself.

...

After bidding farewell to Cheng Wanli, Luo Tian returned to his residence to enter seclusion.

When he grew tired of practicing the Creation Technique, he would switch to cultivating the *Guiyuan True Skill* to raise his Cultivation.

Luo Tian still had two more chances to participate in the Slaughter Grotto Heaven. If his Cultivation could be improved, it would be a great help.

Moreover, through frenzied combat and slaughter, he could also consolidate his cultivation and strength.

「Ten days later.」

He broke through to the Great Achievement Realm in the Fifth-Layer of the *Guiyuan True Skill*, which increased his cultivation speed and made his True Qi more condensed.

Furthermore, a small portion of the Ten Thousand Spirits Blood-devouring Pill’s effects still remained in Luo Tian’s body, making his cultivation highly efficient.

Inside his Qi Sea.

The five-layered Spirit Sea Vortex spun slowly, and the fifth layer of the vortex was seventy percent complete.

Luo Tian estimated that with another ten days of seclusion, he would be able to break through to the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Fifth Layer.

’The Heart Demon Grotto Heaven should be open by now!’

Luo Tian opened his eyes, ending his seclusion.

In the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven’s trial, the level of one’s Cultivation didn’t have a huge impact, unless there was a massive gap in cultivation levels.

Luo Tian decided to go and have a look.

He cultivated the Heaven and Earth Marvelous Skill, the *Celestial Destiny Creation Technique*, and had some confidence in himself.

...

Many people had gathered in front of the Four Grotto Heavens.

The Heart Demon Grotto Heaven was already open!

The slots for the Slaughter Grotto Heaven and the Survival Grotto Heaven were already full, but inside the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven, there was only one person undergoing the trial.

’It seems this Grotto Heaven is not only difficult but also not very popular.’

Luo Tian found it interesting.

”Luo Tian!”

A shout came from behind him. He saw Cheng Wanli, dressed in the attire of an Artifact Refiner, walking over.

”What are you doing here?”

Luo Tian was very surprised.

’You’re an Artifact Refiner. Why aren’t you properly practicing Artifact Refining? What are you doing running over here?’

”Just here to have some fun.”

Cheng Wanli smiled, a little awkwardly.

In reality, he wanted to beat Luo Tian just once.

Previously, in the Survival Grotto Heaven, he had given his all and only managed to get twenty-six thousand Points—a full six thousand less than Luo Tian. This had made Cheng Wanli deeply doubt himself for a time.

Therefore, Cheng Wanli wanted to compete against Luo Tian in the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven!

Cheng Wanli was completely confident when it came to the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven!

Within the Yunxiao Sect, there was an incomplete Ancient Soul Cultivation Technique. No more than ten people in the entire Sect cultivated it, and he was one of them.

’Fun? Going to the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven for fun?’

Ordinary Upper Sect Disciples were usually reluctant to enter the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven for its trial.

’And you? You want to go to the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven for fun.’

The corners of Luo Tian’s mouth curled up. He saw right through Cheng Wanli’s thoughts.

”Uh, it’s more fun when it’s difficult!”

Cheng Wanli’s reasoning wasn’t very convincing.

”However, although the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven is difficult, the opportunities one can gain in this Grotto Heaven are also the greatest!”

Cheng Wanli started to change the subject.

”The Heart Demon Grotto Heaven makes a Trial Taker face the things they are most unwilling to confront in their hearts. It helps to strengthen one’s will, even resolve a Heart Knot, and elevate one’s mind and the state of their Martial Arts Heart!”

”The most exaggerated case was when an Upper Sect Disciple, after tempering himself several times in the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven, had his mental state greatly elevated and took the opportunity to comprehend a sliver of True Martial Arts Intent!”

”That person is now the number one of the ten great Core Disciples!”

Cheng Wanli spoke eloquently.

These benefits were all real, but there were also many downsides. Several disciples, after experiencing the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven, had fallen onto the Evil Dao and betrayed the Sect.

”You sure know a lot.”

Luo Tian was a bit surprised.

He, an Upper Sect Disciple, didn’t even know these things, yet Cheng Wanli was just an Artifact Refiner.

”But of course. I grew up in the Yunxiao Sect.”

Cheng Wanli said smugly.

Seeing Cheng Wanli’s smug look, Luo Tian couldn’t help but laugh. ”Impressive. Don’t tell me you’re the Sect Leader’s son?”

Cheng Wanli was suddenly startled and stared at Luo Tian.

’How did he figure it out? I didn’t give anything away, did I?’

Cheng Wanli was shocked. ’This Luo Tian is unfathomable!’

”What’s wrong? I was just joking.”

Seeing Cheng Wanli’s agitated reaction, Luo Tian felt that something was amiss.

”Hahaha, a joke! Right! But, Brother Luo, this is the Yunxiao Sect. You shouldn’t casually joke about the Sect Leader.”

Cheng Wanli laughed awkwardly.

The Yunxiao Sect Master had high hopes for Cheng Wanli, expecting him to become the number one prodigy of the Yunxiao Sect and take over the position of Sect Leader in the future.

But Cheng Wanli’s ambition was to be an Artifact Refiner. Because of this, he’d had a huge fight with his father.

His father eventually compromised but forbade Cheng Wanli from telling anyone he was his son or using his name to receive any special treatment.

”The Heart Demon Grotto Heaven just happened to have two trial spots open up. Let’s go together.”

Cheng Wanli once again forcefully changed the subject.

”Alright!”

Luo Tian nodded.

The two of them approached the entrance and entered the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven, one after the other.

In a corner of the crowd.

Li Zhiyun took out his Identity Token and sent a message.

A short while later, Ying Feihang arrived and asked via voice transmission, ”Did Luo Tian go in?”

Li Zhiyun nodded and replied via voice transmission, ”Yes, but the trial spots for the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven are full now.”

”Wait!”

Ying Feihang’s brow furrowed as he said in a low voice.

There was no other choice but to wait.

”Senior Brother Ying, someone’s coming out!”

Li Zhiyun said suddenly.

”It seems our luck is pretty good!”

A cruel smile tugged at the corners of Ying Feihang’s mouth.

...

Inside the Heart Demon Grotto Heaven.

Luo Tian seemed to have arrived in a paradise. Mist and clouds drifted about, with flowing water, peach blossoms, and beautiful lake and mountain scenery—it was breathtakingly beautiful.

Luo Tian’s mind grew focused, already on guard for the trial that could begin at any moment.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Suddenly, the clouds and mist ahead parted, revealing a simple house.

”This is...”

Ripples stirred in Luo Tian’s eyes.

This was his former home, the residence in Qingchang City where he had spent his childhood.

Back then, his father hadn’t left, and Xueyao hadn’t disappeared.

Luo Tian couldn’t help but take a step forward, drawing closer to this beautiful place in his heart.

After approaching the house.

Luo Tian discovered that the layout inside was exactly the same as the home in his memories.

”How nostalgic!”

Luo Tian sighed with emotion, feeling as if he had truly returned to that home in Qingchang City.

At that moment, a tall and heroic man walked out of the master bedroom. His gaze was profound and world-weary, and he had an unkempt stubble.

”Tian’Er, have you been cultivating diligently lately? Have you been slacking off again?”

The heroic man stared at him, asking sternly.

”Father...”

Luo Tian’s mind wavered.

Just then, a plainly dressed girl of pure and exquisite beauty walked in from outside.

”Uncle Luo, Xiaotian has been working very hard on his Cultivation, he hasn’t been slacking!”

The young girl winked at Luo Tian, then spoke to the heroic man.

”Xueyao...”

Luo Tian’s eyes shone as he looked at the young girl so close to him, and ripples stirred in his heart.

”Father, I have been cultivating very diligently.”

Luo Tian turned to the heroic man and said with a faint smile.

Xueyao went into the kitchen to cook, and after a short while, she brought out a table full of delicious dishes that looked and smelled wonderful.

The three of them sat down to eat, chatting happily. The atmosphere was joyful and harmonious.

After the meal.

”Tian’Er, Father has to go on a trip to find a method for your Meridian Opening...”

The heroic man left, his back receding into the distance.

”Xiaotian, if one day I also have to leave you, you must not be sad.”

Xueyao pursed her lips, reluctance hidden in her eyes.

Luo Tian sat quietly at the dining table.

”Sigh, this is no fun anymore!”

He sighed, circulated the Creation Technique, and his gaze instantly became clear and sharp.

Under his direct gaze, the scene before him blurred and slowly dissipated.

He had willingly immersed himself in the Illusion Realm, pretending not to have noticed, simply because he wanted to reminisce about the happiest times of his past.

When the Illusion Realm started to develop in a direction he didn’t like, there was no longer any need for it to exist.