King of Ten Thousand Years

Elder Mao and the sharp-nosed man fled in disarray. He immediately sent a voice transmission to the Third Elder about the incident.

”That Alchemist is even stronger than you?” the Third Elder questioned, slightly doubtful.

”That’s right. We exchanged dozens of blows, and I was slightly outmatched.”

Elder Mao replied via the transmission.

’Dozens of blows?’

The sharp-nosed man looked puzzled.

He remembered hearing the sounds of battle for less than two breaths before his master was sent flying out by Mu Yunshi.

’As expected of an Earth Element Realm expert. To exchange dozens of blows in just two breaths.’

”Third Elder, what should I do about this?”

Elder Mao’s voice was filled with intense hatred.

’Mu Yunshi is just an Honored Guest Elder, yet he actually dared to strike me! I must get revenge for this!’

”You were the one who barged into his mansion, after all. It’s understandable that he would strike you. You can report this to the Sect Leader and see how he handles it.”

The Third Elder responded coldly.

Elder Mao was stunned. ’The Third Elder isn’t going to help me?’

He was angry, but there was nothing he could do.

”Disciple, let’s go see the Sect Leader. I, your master, will not let that master and disciple get away with this!”

With his anger flaring, Elder Mao headed straight for Yunxiao Hall.

「Meanwhile, at the Third Elder’s Mansion.」

”Idiot! Useless!”

The Third Elder’s face darkened as he muttered a curse.

He had instructed Elder Mao to go find Mu Yunshi, originally expecting him to put Mu Yunshi in his place.

In matters between Elders, as long as there was no clear right or wrong, the Sect would almost always appease both sides and prioritize harmony.

So Elder Mao wouldn’t have gotten into much trouble, especially with the Third Elder backing him.

But in the end, Elder Mao was the one who got beaten up by Mu Yunshi.

’Just what is Mu Yunshi’s background...?’

The Third Elder’s eyes narrowed.

The Yunxiao Sect never accepted people of unknown origin, yet when he checked Mu Yunshi’s personal information, he came up with nothing.

Connecting that with today’s events, the Third Elder felt more and more that there was more to Mu Yunshi than met the eye.

’No, that master and disciple are both far from simple.’

During the last incident between Ying Feihang and Luo Tian, the Sect Leader had actually helped Luo Tian behind the scenes.

”He’s just an Honored Guest Elder. What kind of background could he possibly have? Master, you’re overestimating him.”

Below him, Ying Feihang said with a smile.

The Third Elder glanced at Ying Feihang, feeling more and more that this disciple of his was brainless.

”For the time being, do not provoke Luo Tian. Focus all your energy on preparing for the competition for the Xuankong Mountain spots!”

The Third Elder instructed Ying Feihang.

Relatively speaking, the opportunity in Xuankong Mountain was far more important.

Besides, there was no good opportunity to deal with Luo Tian at this stage.

They could just deal with Luo Tian inside Xuankong Mountain after it opened.

”Master, I can break through to the Ninth Layer of Spirit Sea Realm at any time now!”

Ying Feihang said with smug pride.

If his master hadn’t warned him not to rush for quick success and to build a solid foundation, Ying Feihang would have broken through long ago.

With his current strength, he was more than capable of crushing Luo Tian inside Xuankong Mountain.

”These are some of the rules and taboos I summarized from my time in Xuankong Mountain. Study them carefully.”

The Third Elder took out a booklet and tossed it to Ying Feihang.

”Thank you, Master!”

Ying Feihang was overjoyed.

The Third Elder had entered Xuankong Mountain twice and had even obtained a heaven-defying opportunity inside.

The Third Elder’s experiences and insights were incredibly precious. They would surely help him sweep through Xuankong Mountain, looking down on all others, and reap great rewards.

...

As Luo Tian returned to his residence, he saw Elder Mao and the sharp-nosed man flying off into the distance.

’Hm? How did that guy’s master get injured too?’

Luo Tian was slightly puzzled.

He didn’t think much of it and returned to his residence to rest.

Comprehending True Martial Arts Intent was a mentally exhausting task. As he rested, Luo Tian consolidated what he had learned.

「The next day.」

Luo Tian learned from other disciples that Elder Mao had taken his disciple to settle scores with Luo Tian’s master.

The result, however, was Elder Mao fleeing with his tail between his legs.

He had even gone to the Sect Leader to report the matter. As for what the Sect Leader said, no one knew besides him and Elder Mao.

But Luo Tian was fine, and Mu Yunshi was fine. That was all that mattered.

”How domineering! He just went and beat up Elder Mao!”

Luo Tian started to feel a bit of fondness for his seemingly unreliable master.

Luo Tian had a certain degree of confidence in Mu Yunshi’s strength.

He had once used the Qi Observation Technique to observe Mu Yunshi’s Destiny Chart and future prospects, and his cultivation strength was reflected in it.

Furthermore, the fact that Mu Yunshi could perfect Earth Level Upper Grade Martial Skills like the Wind Manipulation Technique and the Nine Heavens Sword Technique also proved that his Cultivation Foundation was definitely not weak.

’Looks like I didn’t choose the wrong master!’

Although Mu Yunshi seemed unreliable, he was responsible toward Luo Tian and would protect him completely when trouble arose.

「In the following days.」

Luo Tian focused on his closed-door cultivation, preparing for the opening of Xuankong Mountain.

On the trip to Xuankong Mountain, he would be entering with the strongest batch of Upper Sect disciples, including the ten Core Disciples.

Luo Tian’s progress was indeed fast, but when placed among that group, he seemed rather ordinary.

He had to close the distance as much as possible before Xuankong Mountain opened.

’My weapon and armor still have room for improvement!’

Luo Tian headed to the Artifact Refining Peak to find Cheng Wanli.

”You want to inscribe another Inscription on your weapon and Defensive Treasure Armor?”

After hearing Luo Tian’s request, Cheng Wanli fell into deep thought before finally saying, ”I’ll give it a try!”

Inscribing an Inscription not only tested the skill of the Artifact Refiner but was also sometimes related to the material of the Treasure Artifact itself.

Fortunately, the materials of Luo Tian’s two Treasure Artifacts were excellent, so it shouldn’t be a major issue.

So, Luo Tian left both the Ice Trace Sword and the Defensive Treasure Armor there.

”I’ll come back for them before Xuankong Mountain opens!”

Luo Tian wasn’t in a particular hurry.

”To enhance two Upper Grade Treasure Artifacts, it will be two thousand Spiritual Essence Coins and two thousand Contribution Points in total.”

Cheng Wanli stated the price, and that was after giving Luo Tian a discount.

”Hey, Brother Luo, don’t leave so quickly. I was hoping to discuss Artifact Refining with you.”

Cheng Wanli said with a dry laugh.

”...If you want to ask for advice, just say so. If you waive the fee, I might be willing to give you a few pointers!”

Luo Tian’s expression stiffened slightly.

After all, he didn’t know the first thing about Artifact Refining. He was relying entirely on the Celestial Book to resolve Cheng Wanli’s questions, and using the Celestial Book consumed Energy.

”Between brothers, talking about money sours the relationship. It’s free, free!”

Cheng Wanli could only agree. Who could he blame but himself for needing Luo Tian’s help?

After giving guidance on a few questions, Luo Tian left immediately.

Before leaving, Luo Tian briefly observed Cheng Wanli and noticed that his Cultivation had already broken through to the Peak of the Eighth Layer of Spirit Sea Realm.

’As expected of someone with Earth Tier Top Grade Martial Veins. And Cheng Wanli has a powerful background, too.’

...

After returning to his residence, Luo Tian went into focused, closed-door cultivation.

His Cultivation and Martial Skills advanced in parallel.

Inside the Cultivation Secret Room, Luo Tian swallowed an Essence Cultivation Pill, circulated the Guiyuan True Skill, and absorbed the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to digest the pill’s effects.

He was neither arrogant nor impatient, and he had the Essence Cultivation Pill to aid his cultivation.

「Three days later.」

The completion of the Sixth-Layer Spirit Sea Vortex inside Luo Tian’s body reached eighty percent.

「Half a month later.」

The Sixth-Layer Spirit Sea Vortex was completely formed.

The six layers of his Spirit Sea Vortex merged into one, rotating slowly. His True Qi rapidly filled it, becoming several degrees more refined than before.

Luo Tian’s Cultivation broke through to the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Sixth Layer!

He continued his closed-door cultivation for another five days to completely consolidate his new realm.

As for breaking through to the Spirit Sea Realm Seventh Layer, Luo Tian was not in a hurry.

Next, he turned to practicing the Nine Heavens Sword Technique and the Wind Manipulation Technique.

「Martial Arts Cultivation Room.」

SWISH! WHOOSH!

Luo Tian seemed to transform into a wisp of clear wind, elusive and formless. Cold whirlwinds gusted throughout the Cultivation Secret Room.

Within the cold wind, several piercingly sharp Sword Lights bloomed, leaving shallow marks on the specially made, hard black floor.

Luo Tian practiced the Wind Manipulation Technique and the Nine Heavens Sword Technique simultaneously.

He discovered that after his cultivation breakthrough, the obstacles to practicing these two Martial Skills had weakened considerably. It was even a smooth process now, and his understanding of the Swordsmanship and Body Technique rapidly deepened.

”It seems my Cultivation was too low before, which was holding back these two Martial Skills,” Luo Tian said with a smile.

「One month later.」

「Martial Arts Cultivation Room.」

”Flowing Wind and Clouds!”

Sword Qi danced wildly, transforming into a cloud of Cold Mist and wind. Within it, endless, hazy Sword Lights seemed to flicker, emitting the dense, grinding sound of Sword Qi as it swept in all directions.

By now, Luo Tian had brought the second technique of the Nine Heavens Sword Technique to the Perfection Realm. The Sword Qi was impenetrable and could be used for both offense and defense.

”Third Technique, Sharp Sword and Wind!”

Luo Tian suddenly changed his move. The Wind and Snow Sword, wreathed in a sharp Sword Wind, transformed into a Gale Sword Light that pierced through the sword cloud of Cold Mist.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Luo Tian’s Swordsmanship was fierce yet graceful. His Sword Techniques were ferocious and sharp, as swift as lightning. Strike after strike emanated an aura that seemed to soar to the heavens.

In terms of destructive power, the third technique could easily break through the second and completely overpowered the First Technique.

After executing the move, Luo Tian stopped to rest.

He was still not proficient enough with the third technique, and executing it was a bit strenuous.

Overall, however, Luo Tian’s progress in the Nine Heavens Sword Technique was immense.

In addition, his Wind Manipulation Technique had also reached the Small Success Realm.

The average elite disciple of the Upper Sect probably practiced an Earth Level Low Grade Body Technique, or an Earth Level Middle Grade one at best.

Luo Tian’s current speed completely surpassed theirs, approaching the level of the Core Disciples.

”Today seems to be the day of the competition for the Xuankong Mountain spots.”

Luo Tian recalled.

However, he already had a spot and didn’t need to participate.

After finishing his cultivation, Luo Tian left the Martial Arts Cultivation Room and returned to his residence.

From a distance, Luo Tian saw a dozen or so Upper Sect disciples gathered outside his courtyard.

”Luo Tian, you’re finally back!”

A man with a wide nose, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes cold and stern, spoke up. The corner of his mouth curled up into a slight smirk.

His Cultivation had reached the Peak of the Eighth Layer of Spirit Sea Realm, and the airflow around his body roiled as he moved.

”What can I do for you?”

Luo Tian didn’t recognize the wide-nosed man.

”I am Lin Zhuo, and I challenge you!”

the wide-nosed man, Lin Zhuo, shouted.

”Do we have a grudge?”

Luo Tian looked baffled. He didn’t know this Lin Zhuo at all, yet the man had shown up and challenged him right away.

”No! But your Cultivation is at the very bottom of the entire Upper Sect, yet you’re holding a spot for Xuankong Mountain. Don’t you feel ashamed?”

Lin Zhuo’s expression was cold.

”Not at all.”

”Hmph! Fight me. If I win, you will give your spot for Xuankong Mountain to me!”

Lin Zhuo snorted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

”Oh? So you suffered a crushing defeat in the competition for the Xuankong Mountain spots, didn’t get one, and now you’ve come to take mine!”

Luo Tian finally understood the reason for Lin Zhuo’s challenge.