Cultivation: I Can Traverse Otherworlds

「Half a month later.」

The Drunken Daoist, Yann Lai, and Huu Lishu became Daoist companions.

The Yann Family funded an expansion of Yann Lai’s courtyard and even gifted the couple over ten acres of Spirit Fields behind it, along with all the Spiritual Plants growing there.

Dao Foundation Cultivators becoming Daoist companions was not a common occurrence on Yunjing Island, so visitors came in a continuous stream to offer their congratulations.

”Fellow Daoist, congratulations!”

”You’re too kind! Please, come in!”

”...”

”Fellow Daoists.”

Zhu Ju had prepared a High Grade Spiritual Artifact as a wedding gift. He handed it to a junior member of the Yann Family and cupped his fists in salute, saying:

”Congratulations to you both on this joyous union.”

”I wish you both success on the Great Dao, a long life together, and a household full of children and grandchildren.”

”Haha...” The Drunken Daoist laughed heartily.

”We’ll take you up on those auspicious words, Fellow Daoist.”

”Quickly!”

”Please, come inside!”

Unlike Mortal weddings, when Cultivators became Daoist companions, both husband and wife would come out to greet their guests.

There was no custom of the bride not showing her face.

Besides, both the Drunken Daoist and Huu Lishu had been married before, so there was no reason for them to be shy.

”Fellow Daoist Zhu.”

Huu Lishu, wearing heavy makeup and a festive expression, glanced at the High Grade Spiritual Artifact, and the smile on her face grew even wider.

”This gift is too generous. I wonder if we’ll ever have the chance to return the favor.”

”Of course you will!” the Drunken Daoist slapped his thigh.

”If Fellow Daoist Zhu is interested, I can find a suitable companion for you within a month.”

”No, thank you,” Zhu Ju said, waving his hand.

”I appreciate the kind thought, but I’d rather not trouble you.”

Before he could finish speaking, an uproar erupted not far away.

”Excellent!”

”Brother Chen’s use of that Magic was brilliant! Truly the pinnacle of skill. He turned the tide of the Combat in a single move.”

”...”

”A few Fellow Daoists were bored and decided to have a small contest of Magic,” the Drunken Daoist explained, looking over.

”It seems Fellow Daoist Chen Tong won this round.”

’Chen Tong?’

Zhu Ju nodded.

His residence was also nearby. He was a Mid-Stage Dao Foundation Cultivator highly skilled in Combat, a formidable opponent.

”Junior Brother!”

Just as he was observing, a familiar voice called out.

”Come!”

”Let’s have a friendly spar.”

Yann Ying.

He was beaming today, laughing as he waved in their direction.

”Senior Brother,” Zhu Ju said with a wry smile.

”Let’s not. How could I possibly be a match for you?”

”As Cultivators of our generation, we must not only have the skills to support our families but also the Magic and Divine Techniques to protect our path,” Yann Ying said, leaping into the air.

”Junior Brother!”

”There’s no time like the present! Let me see your Sword Technique today!”

...

From the Cloud Tower hidden within the Celestial Cloud Layer, a ray of iridescent light descended, enveloping a hundred-acre area of empty space.

Once the Array was formed, nothing inside could affect the outside world.

SWISH!

Zhu Ju leaped up and into the Array. The Ten Directions Sword circled around him, its sharp Sword Intent aimed directly at his opponent.

”Senior Brother, please go easy on me.”

”I can’t do that. How can you improve without pressure?” Yann Ying lightly formed a Sword Pointing gesture, and his vibrant, seven-colored Smoke and Mist Sword shot out with a clang, eager for battle.

”Junior Brother, my Flying Sword was forged from the Nine Heavens Clouds and Mist, fused with Celestial Spirit Evil Qi and Five-Colored Crystal Stone.”

”Even among Top-Grade Spiritual Artifacts, it is considered High Grade.”

”I’ve long heard of its fame,” Zhu Ju sighed and pointed to the Flying Sword beside him.

”The Ten Directions Sword!”

”Forged from Taibai Soft Crystal and Pole Profound Ice. Nothing special about it, but it too is a Top-Grade Flying Sword.”

”Senior Brother, receive my sword!”

He formed a Sword Pointing gesture and thrust it forward. The Ten Directions Sword shot out like a flash of lightning, a streak of white light heading straight for Yann Ying’s abdomen.

Its momentum was astonishing.

SWISH!

CLANG...

A rainbow-colored haze materialized, blocking the Ten Directions Sword. The two swords clashed lightly and were both sent flying backward.

’Hm?’

Yann Ying’s eyebrows twitched.

He was already a Mid-Stage Dao Foundation Cultivator. Even if he held back his strength, it should have been difficult for an Early Stage Dao Foundation Cultivator to block.

He never imagined...

Their first clash had been an even match.

’It seems Junior Brother Zhu’s Sword Control Method follows a fierce and domineering path. His power is far beyond that of an ordinary person.’

SWISH!

The Smoke and Mist Sword trembled slightly, creating a series of afterimages as it slashed forward.

Zhu Ju’s expression was grave as he directed his Ten Directions Sword to meet the attack. Sword Light flashed as he struck more than a hundred times in an instant.

CLANG!

CLANG...

Because he had connected it to his Essence Spirit and Power Spirit, his control over the Flying Sword was ferocious and its momentum was sustained.

And because the Flying Sword contained the Martial Arts Will of the Ten Directions Killing Dao, its Sword Light was even sharper.

For a moment,

he was actually holding his own against Yann Ying.

”A fine Sword Technique, Junior Brother.”

After several dozen rounds, Yann Ying couldn’t help but praise him.

”It’s still a bit unrefined, but its power is extraordinary. With time, fighting above your Realm won’t be a problem.”

”Take this!”

The misty haze swept across like a rainbow hanging in the sky, trapping the Ten Directions Sword within it. The sword could only thrash about frantically and helplessly.

Zhu Ju’s eyes flickered, and he asked in surprise:

”The Mist Cloud Sword Technique?”

The Bright Void Sect’s lineage mostly originated from the Jade Void Sect, so he had naturally heard of the Jade Void Sect’s Sword Formulas.

The Mist Cloud Sword Technique was one of the Jade Void Sect’s top-tier Sword Control Methods.

This Sword Formula could both gather and disperse. Gathered, it formed a rainbow beam that shot across the void; dispersed, it became a misty haze that could blot out the sun.

It was versatile in both offense and defense, its variations endless.

”Correct.”

Yann Ying nodded.

”Can you break it, Junior Brother?”

He was suppressing his Cultivation, using only the strength of an Early Stage Dao Foundation Cultivator to control his Flying Sword and execute the Sword Formula.

’If he can’t break it, then this is as far as it goes.’

CLANG!

Before his voice had even faded,

a sharp ringing of a sword echoed across the field.

Sword Light Division!

The Ten Directions Sword trembled lightly and split into ten beams of Sword Light, which charged into the misty haze above and tore through the expanse of light.

The beams crisscrossed, attacking Yann Ying.

”Good!”

Yann Ying’s eyes lit up. His previously casual expression turned serious, and the power of his Smoke and Mist Sword flared once more.

’Sword Light Division?’

’I know that one too!’

’And...’

’I can make more.’

Using the same Early Stage Dao Foundation Cultivation, his Smoke and Mist Sword split into twenty beams of Sword Light that shot toward the Ten Directions Sword.

This wasn’t just because his Sword Control was stronger than Zhu Ju’s, but also due to the inherent properties of the Sword Formula.

The Smoke and Mist Sword...

had innate techniques related to Sword Light Division.

CLINK CLANK...

BANG!

A moment later,

as the two Flying Swords collided, Zhu Ju broke out in a sweat. He recalled the Ten Directions Sword and cupped his fists toward Yann Ying.

”Senior Brother’s techniques are impressive. I am no match for you.”

”Thank you!”

Although it was framed as Combat between the two of them, Yann Ying had really been acting more like a sparring partner, helping him become more proficient with his Sword Control Method.

This duel, lasting less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, was more beneficial than half a month of solitary Meditation. The gains were immense.

”We’re martial brothers; there’s no need for such formalities.”

Yann Ying waved his hand, his voice filled with admiration.

”Still, your Sword Control Method is extraordinary, Junior Brother. It’s powerful and heavy, and it conceals a sharp Sword Intent.”

”It’s just unpracticed for now. Once you master it, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be your match at the same Realm.”

This wasn’t false modesty.

It was a fact.

As a Sword Control Method of the Jade Void Sect, the Mist Cloud Sword Technique was extraordinary. How could it be broken so easily?

And yet, against the Ten Directions Sword, one had to use Heart Concentration and Spirit Observation to even block it.

The Sword Momentum of the Ten Directions Killing Dao was extremely fierce, and every clash sent a jolt of pain deep into one’s core.

Killing intent!

A tangible killing intent cut through the Flying Sword and into his Sea of Consciousness.

It was only because Yann Ying’s Cultivation was higher and his Divine Soul was stable that he was fine; otherwise, a few clashes would have injured his spirit.

”What wonderful techniques!”

The Drunken Daoist clapped his hands lightly.

”Truly worthy of Cultivators from the Dazhou Immortal Sects. Your Sword Control Methods are exquisite. You’ve really opened our eyes.”

”Indeed,” Huu Lishu said, her eyes filled with amazement.

”Truly impressive.”

The others all chimed in with praise.

Although the East Sea was vast, its Cultivators were too scattered. Its top factions were far inferior to those in Dazhou, and their legacies were likewise lacking.

The sword duel today was utterly stunning to the onlookers.

Zhu Ju was one thing—his Cultivation was still shallow, and many shortcomings could be seen in his Sword Control Method. But the Sword Technique wielded by Yann Ying was a sight to behold.

”Fellow Daoist Zhu.”

Yu Lou had sidled up to Zhu Ju at some point. He cupped his fists and said:

”Fellow Daoist, what a refined Sword Technique! Although your Cultivation is a bit low, with time you will surely become a great figure.”

”Tsk tsk...”

”Having a proper lineage really makes a difference.”

”You’re too kind.” Seeing the other man’s smiling face, Zhu Ju politely cupped his fists in return.

”Fellow Daoist, your Cultivation is profound. What does it matter if my Sword Technique is sharp? Ultimately, it’s not of much practical use.”

”Hm?”

”What’s going on over there?”

Both men turned their heads to look toward the courtyard gate.

”Quick!”

”Quick, go look!”

Someone shouted urgently:

”Fellow Daoist Zhuang is dead! He died in his own Cave Mansion!”

What?

An uproar instantly swept through the crowd.

*

*

*

Fellow Daoist Zhuang’s full name was Zhuang Yiyang. His residence wasn’t far, but as a Guest Minister of the Zhuang Family, he had declined the invitation to avoid any potential awkwardness.

The Drunken Daoist felt that since he lived so close, he couldn’t possibly not attend, so he had sent someone to invite him again.

But they never imagined...

He was dead!

Under the canopy of a massive tree, a desiccated corpse lay amidst fallen leaves, half of its body covered by them.

”He’s been dead for at least seven days.”

Someone whispered.

”It wasn’t suicide, illness, or old age. His essence and blood were drained completely. Someone murdered him.”

This was Yunjing Island, protected by a Tier Three Array. Not even a Golden Core Grandmaster could hope to force their way in.

Who could kill someone here so silently?

”Fellow Daoist Zhuang was a Dao Foundation Cultivator. Although not yet at the Mid-Stage, he had a hundred years of Cultivation and a stable foundation. Killing him would have been no easy task.”

”What’s more...”

”He was in his own estate, his essence and blood silently drained until he died.”

Chen Tong’s voice was cold and harsh.

”Looking at the entire Yunjing Commerce Association, I’m afraid there are very few who could do this!”

”Heh...” Yu Lou’s eyes flickered as he said in a low voice,

”The reason I joined the Yunjing Commerce Association was because it’s safe here. Even a Golden Core Grandmaster can’t beat a Tier Three Array.”

”Now...”

”A Dao Foundation Cultivator has died mysteriously in his own Cave Mansion. Shouldn’t the Yunjing Commerce Association give us an explanation?”

”To sneak in here and kill Fellow Daoist Zhuang, the perpetrator must be at least Late-Stage Dao Foundation,” someone spoke up.

”And...”

”They would have to be familiar with the Array here!”

The area fell deathly silent.

’Those requirements...’

’An inside job?’

”Everyone, there is no need to panic.”

The Drunken Daoist held up his hands and said slowly,

”Yunjing Island has its Array. All past events leave traces. We can find out who entered and left, even from a private estate.”

”Rest assured!”

”We will definitely find the real culprit and bring justice to Fellow Daoist Zhuang.”

As he said this, the tense atmosphere in the crowd immediately eased, and the taut expressions on many faces relaxed.

That was right.

Magic that could review past events was common, and a Tier Three Array could perceive everything. Finding the culprit shouldn’t be difficult.

But some people’s faces remained grim.

Like Zhu Ju.

He knew that Fellow Daoist Zhuang wasn’t the only one who had died. There were others, and the Yunjing Commerce Association had failed to find the true culprit.

”Hmph!”

Someone snorted coldly.

”Yann Lai, why deceive yourself?”

”This is the third Dao Foundation Cultivator to die! If the Commerce Association could find the murderer, they would have caught them long ago!”

The moment these words were spoken, the crowd erupted into chaos again.

”What?”

”Two other Dao Foundation Cultivators are already dead?”

”Why was this hidden?”

”...”

”Damn it!” Yu Lou shouted at the Drunken Daoist, his forehead beaded with sweat.

”When the Yann Family invited me to the island, they said Yunjing Island was perfectly safe! They said that as long as one didn’t break the island’s rules, every Dao Foundation Cultivator could live out their natural lifespan! That’s the only reason I agreed to come!”

”That’s right!”

”The same goes for us!”

”Silence!” Just then, an icy voice rang out as several streaks of Tunneling Light descended from the sky.

An aura of Dao Foundation Perfection descended, bringing the commotion to an abrupt halt.

The Patriarch of the Fang Family.

Fang Wang!

A powerhouse who ranked among the top five in the Yunjing Commerce Association, whether by strength or status. Even he had come.

”Examine the body. Don’t touch anything else here.”

Sweeping his gaze over the crowd, Fang Wang spoke in a cold voice.

”The rest of you may leave if you have no other business. Rest assured, the Commerce Association will give everyone an explanation for this matter.”

”Everyone,” a Female Cultivator stepped out from behind him, cupping her fists apologetically.

”Please disperse. The chaotic auras will interfere with the investigation.”

’Eh?’

Zhu Ju’s eyebrows twitched.

’Dong Ping!’

’She’s a Guest Minister of the Yann Family. Why is she with the Patriarch of the Fang Family?’