txolops Chapter 198 Attending the Banquet and Returning to the Void, Transforming into a Divine Being at Wil
Chapter 198 Attending the Banquet and Returning to the Void, Transforming into a Divine Being at Wil
Chapter 198 Attending the Banquet and Returning to the Void, Transforming into a Divine Being at Will
The sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.
Outside the gate of the Liuyun Sect, a white jade flying boat cuts through the sky, its hull carved with dark cloud patterns and gleaming with a warm luster.
Gu Yan stood at the bow of the boat, his fox fur coat obscuring his upright spine.
He would occasionally cover his lips with a handkerchief and let out a muffled cough.
To outsiders, the leader of the Demon-Slaying Alliance was undoubtedly drained of his life force by the heaven-defying formation thirty years ago, and has yet to fully recover.
Shen Youwei stood on the stone steps of the mountain gate, her gaze fixed on the flying boat.
Although she didn't know the contents of the jade slip, she could tell from Gu Yan's solemn expression that this matter was by no means simple.
However, Gu Yan only gave her a reassuring look before embarking on his journey to the Far East alone.
The flying boat passed over the bustling cities of Dongzhou, skimmed over the continuous green mountains, and the terrain gradually became flat and open.
The edge of the Far Eastern Sea is a pencil-gray color.
The seawater here is not as clear as that on inland lake shores, but rather a deep blue that is almost black.
After the airship entered the sea area, the surrounding temperature plummeted, and the salty sea breeze, mixed with a biting chill, pounded wildly against the airship's protective shield.
Looking into the distance, jagged rocks pierce the sky, and surging waves crash against the shore.
Black, raging waves crashed against the jagged reefs, shattering into thousands of piles of white foam.
The air here is filled with turbulent water and thunder spiritual energy. If an ordinary cultivator were to step in, their protective true essence would be rapidly corroded.
Gu Yan put away the white jade flying boat, replaced it with an ordinary green steel longsword, and rode on the sword.
His aura was locked at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm by the Concealing Breath Turtle-Snake Technique, which was the cultivation level he should have had on the surface after many years of seclusion.
Ahead, a gigantic black whirlpool appeared in the center of the sea.
The seawater spun wildly in a clockwise direction, forming a giant funnel with a diameter of hundreds of miles, sucking all the surrounding life and spiritual energy into the dark seabed.
At the edge of the whirlpool, countless black stone pillars, thousands of feet tall, burst forth from the sea. The pillars were covered with dark red runes that flickered with the rise and fall of the waves.
Gu Yan's figure appeared as insignificant as a drop in the ocean in front of these towering stone pillars.
"Who goes there? This is the forbidden territory of Guixu; trespassers shall die!"
A loud shout came from the seabed.
Immediately afterwards, countless sharp sword lights flashed on the stone pillars on both sides of the vortex.
The 108 cave dwellings are built on the base of stone pillars and are known as the 108 Cave Masters.
These cave masters are at least at the early Golden Core stage, and they are responsible for guarding the outermost defensive line of the Guixu Sect.
At this moment, dozens of cave masters ascended into the air on their swords, their black sword energy weaving into a net in mid-air, sealing off all of Gu Yan's escape routes.
Gu Yan stopped his sword flash, his figure swaying gently in the cold wind.
He reached into his robes and took out a Holy Son Token with flowing cloud patterns, his voice calm but slightly weak: "Gu Changsheng of the Flowing Cloud Sect has come to enjoy tea at the invitation of the Guixu Sect Master."
The sound wasn't loud, but it reached the ears of every cave master.
"The Holy Son Gu Changsheng?"
The cave masters exchanged glances, and the fierce sword formation subconsciously loosened a little.
In today's Dongzhou, the name Gu Changsheng represents the backbone of the righteous path and serves as a role model for millions of young cultivators.
"Please, Holy Son, enter the battle!"
From deep within the stone pillars, an even deeper voice resounded once more.
That was one of the seventy-two peak masters.
The black stone pillars moved slowly, and a straight sea path was split open in the originally chaotic vortex.
Gu Yan strode forward, and the seawater beneath his feet automatically froze into ice steps, supporting his every step.
Beyond the group of stone pillars, the view ahead suddenly opens up.
At the deepest part of the black vortex, the seabed rises upwards.
One after another, solitary and proud peaks rise abruptly from the ground, each with its top cut off to create a cold and imposing sword palace.
These mountains comprise seventy-two peaks, known as the Seventy-Two Peaks, and each peak master is a top-tier cultivator in the late Golden Core stage.
Above these seventy-two peaks, there are also thirty-six islands suspended in mid-air.
These islands are connected to each other by thick iron chains, which clang in the wind.
The island is covered with ancient trees and wolf forests, waterfalls and springs, and a dense, deathly atmosphere that has condensed into a substantial gray mist.
That was the residence of the thirty-six island lords, each of whom was a top-tier expert who had reached the Golden Core stage or even the early Nascent Soul stage.
Above the Three Soils and Six Islands, at the highest point where dark clouds loom overhead, sit nine magnificent black and gold palaces.
That place is the power core of the Guixu Sect, the fiefdom of the nine elders.
Every time Gu Yan walked a certain distance, his disciples would report to him in turn.
The 108 cave masters all bowed.
The seventy-two peaks stand in rows on both sides.
The thirty-six island lords leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance.
This level of welcome is only reserved for the leaders of other sects.
But today, the Guixu Sect actually gave such a grand display to a junior in the Golden Core stage, which is unprecedented and incomprehensible.
Gu Yan remained calm and walked steadily.
Mo Tianwen was already waiting at the entrance of the Hall of Nine Elders.
Thirty years had passed, and the elder looked even older.
He had burned too much of his lifespan at Tianlang Pass back then, and now, even with all sorts of elixirs and medicines to replenish him, his aura appeared weak.
"Alliance Leader Gu, it's been thirty years since we last met. You've lost weight."
Mo Tianwen quickly walked down the stone steps, reached out and supported Gu Yan's arm, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
There was admiration, gratitude, and a hint of guilt that he himself was unaware of.
"It is a blessing for Dongzhou that Elder Mo is in good health."
Gu Yan smiled in response and coughed lightly twice more.
Mo Tianwen sighed, his gaze sweeping over Gu Yan's somewhat weak spiritual energy fluctuations, and he felt increasingly uneasy.
Thirty years ago, the once spirited and ambitious Holy Son of the Flowing Clouds was tormented by the backlash of that heaven-defying formation, leaving him in his current frail and sickly state.
The reason Gu Changsheng ended up in such a predicament was all to save these old bones and to prevent Dongzhou from being overthrown by the Demonic Sect.
"The Alliance Leader's righteousness is deeply appreciated by everyone in the Guixu Sect. The Sect Leader invited the Alliance Leader here today, probably hoping to take advantage of the Guixu Sea Eye to see if it can help you repair some of your Dao foundation."
Mo Tianwen spoke sincerely and turned around to make a gesture of invitation.
"The sect leader's main hall is located at the highest peak of Guixu. There's still some distance to go, so let me lead the way for you, Alliance Leader."
.
Gu Yan nodded, wrapped the fox fur coat even tighter, and followed Mo Tianwen onto the suspension bridge paved with deep-sea cold iron.
Below the suspension bridge lies a bottomless black vortex, where gale-force winds surge upwards from the abyss, rattling the chains.
As Gu Yan walked, he glanced at his surroundings out of the corner of his eye.
The 108 cave masters guard the outer perimeter, like worker bees in a beehive, responsible for defending against sea beasts and external enemies, and also serving as the foundation of the entire sect's massive sword formation.
The seventy-two peak masters occupy the strange peaks rising from the seabed, a strategically important location. Their sword energy is intertwined, forming an impenetrable killing net.
The thirty-six island lords stood suspended in mid-air, looking down from above and controlling the entire sect's resources and spiritual veins.
The nine elders are like pillars of stability, sitting atop the clouds, overlooking all living beings.
Such a strict hierarchy, such a massive war machine.
If he were to launch a direct attack, even with his current cultivation at the late-stage Nascent Soul realm, he would likely have most of his true essence consumed in this endless sea of swords.
But instead of fear, Gu Yan felt a surge of greed.
Such a vast foundation, such a rich aura of sword cultivators.
If one day he could uproot the Guixu Sect and turn it into nourishment for his divine and demonic nascent soul, he would surely be able to directly cross the threshold of the Divine Transformation realm and reach the Void Refining realm.
"Alliance Leader Gu, looking down into this abyss, does it make your heart tremble?"
Mo Tianwen walked ahead, pointing to the pitch-black sea below, his voice sounding somewhat faint in the wind.
Gu Yan composed himself and followed Mo Tianwen's finger to look.
"The seawater is flowing backwards, the spiritual energy is violent and filled with deathly stillness. The name 'Gui Xu' is truly well-deserved."
Gu Yan answered softly, his voice filled with admiration.
Mo Tianwen stroked his gray beard, a look of reminiscence appearing in his eyes.
"Ten thousand years ago, there was no such whirlpool in the Far East Sea. At that time, an ancient black dragon was entrenched here. The black dragon stirred up storms and devoured millions of coastal people, causing great suffering to the people of Dongzhou."
Mo Tianwen's voice became low and solemn, as if echoing the passage of time.
"The founder of my Guixu Sect was just a wandering swordsman who carried an unnamed iron sword. He traveled from the inland to the coast and saw thousands of people in mourning along the way. He heard the cries of the masses. The founder could not bear it, so he sat on the beach for seven days and seven nights."
A cold wind swept across the suspension bridge, and Gu Yan listened quietly.
He knew that Mo Tianwen was showing him the pride of the Guixu Sect and subtly bringing the two of them closer.
"On the eighth day at dawn, the Patriarch rose and drew his sword only once."
Mo Tianwen stopped and turned around abruptly, a piercing light flashing in his cloudy eyes.
"That sword stroke drained the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within a radius of 100,000 li, severed the black dragon's head, and cleaved open the seabed that was tens of millions of feet deep."
Mo Tianwen pointed to the enormous black funnel at his feet.
"Dragon's blood stained the seawater black, and the cracks in the seabed formed sea eyes that can never be filled."
"In order to suppress the resentment of the Black Dragon and prevent the sea eye from overflowing and flooding Dongzhou, the founder established a sect here, using his own body as a formation, and became the cornerstone of this Guixu."
"The path of sword cultivators is not in the heavens above, but in the space between life and death. Our Guixu Sect has been established for ten thousand years, and we believe that all things have an end, but only the sword intent is immortal."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yan's face revealed just the right amount of shock and admiration.
He took half a step back and bowed deeply towards the abyss.
"Our ancestor's lofty ideals and the Way of Returning to Nothingness deserve the incense offerings of future generations."
Gu Yan's tone was utterly sincere, without a single flaw.
But deep down, he was sneering.
With a single sword, he slays the dragon; with his own body, he calms the sea.
How heroic and magnificent it sounds!
But what is the truth?
It was just that so-called founding ancestor who took a liking to the enormous blood and energy of the Black Dragon after its fall, as well as the unique, extremely cold spiritual vein in the sea eye.
The so-called suppression of the sea eye is nothing more than a high-sounding excuse to monopolize this peerless spiritual vein and prevent outsiders from touching it.
There has never been a savior in the world of cultivation.
Every prestigious sect is built upon the corpses of countless lives and lies.
However, Gu Yan did not expose him. He needed this facade of righteousness, and he needed Mo Tianwen and other old bones to continue to show him awe and gratitude.
The two continued climbing.
When passing through the area of the seventy-two peaks, the sword energy was like tangible ice rain, which stung people's skin.
Gu Yan deliberately slowed his pace, his breathing became somewhat rapid, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
A cultivator whose foundation has been damaged, upon arriving in this environment filled with the desolate sword energy, should naturally feel uncomfortable.
"Alliance Leader, be careful."
Upon seeing this, one of the seventy-two peak masters immediately stepped forward.
The peak master was dressed in coarse linen clothes, carried a broad-bladed greatsword on his back, and had a rugged appearance with a full beard.
Without a word, he stood beside Gu Yan, his late-stage Golden Core spiritual power surging out and transforming into a sword energy barrier, blocking all the restless sword winds around him.
"I am Tie Zhan, the master of Kuangfeng Peak. Thirty years ago, during the battle of Tianlang Pass, if it weren't for the Alliance Leader's transmission of the Nascent Soul Formation, we would have long since become food for demons. With the Alliance Leader's esteemed presence today, how could this mere cold wind disturb the Alliance Leader's sacred body!"
Tie Zhan's voice was loud and clear, and his eyes were filled with fanatical worship as he looked at Gu Yan.
In his eyes, Gu Changsheng was not a junior, but a living saint.
Gu Yan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and gave Tie Zhan a weak smile.
"Many thanks to Master Tiefeng for his protection. I am ashamed of my lack of talent and have made you all laugh."
"Alliance Leader, what are you saying! Everyone in the world knows how you got these injuries. If anyone dares to laugh at you, I, Tie Zhan, will be the first to chop off their head!"
Tie Zhan blew his beard and glared, his hand resting on the greatsword behind his back.
The other peak masters around him nodded in agreement, their respectful gazes falling upon Gu Yan.
Mo Tianwen watched this scene and felt a surge of emotion.
The sword cultivators of the Guixu Sect have always been arrogant and only respect the strong, regardless of their background.
In the entire Eastern Continent, Gu Changsheng is probably the only one who could make them so willing to lower their heads and take the initiative to protect a junior in the Golden Core stage.
With Tie Zhan and others escorting them, the rest of the journey became much easier.
Crossing thirty-six suspended islands.
Although the Nascent Soul stage island lords on the island did not directly approach Gu Yan to curry favor like Tie Zhan did, they all came out of their caves, stood by the chains, and nodded to Gu Yan in greeting.
This silent respect carries more weight than any words.
Finally, we climbed the long flight of stairs.
Gu Yan and Mo Tianwen arrived at the rear of the Hall of Nine Elders.
Ahead lies a solitary, suspended stone path, leading straight into the depths of the clouds.
That place is the highest point of the Guixu Sect, and also the place in the entire Dongzhou that is closest to the sky.
"Alliance Leader Gu, the Sect Master's secluded cultivation place is just ahead. The Sect Master has ordered that only you be seen, so I can only escort you this far."
Mo Tianwen stopped and pointed to the stone path that seemed to disappear into the clouds.
Gu Yan turned around and bowed to Mo Tianwen and the high-ranking members of the Guixu Sect who were escorting him along the way.
"Thank you for your help, Elder Mo, and also thank you all for your guidance along the way."
After saying that, Gu Yan set off alone onto the stone path leading to the main peak.
As he took his first step, the high-ranking members of the Guixu Sect behind him were gradually obscured by the clouds and mist.
The higher you go, the thinner the air becomes.
The deafening roar of the ocean waves, the whistling of sword energy, and the clanging of chains that had been below vanished without a trace the moment they stepped into the area of the main peak.
This stillness is not the absence of sound, but rather the instant all sound is emitted, it is directly erased by an invisible, terrifying law.
Gu Yan's footsteps landed on the stone slabs without making a sound.
His breathing was cut off, and the sound of his blood flowing was forcibly erased from this space.
He knew that this was the oppressive aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
This pressure is not the oppression of spiritual power, but the control over the rules.
At this moment, the main peak of Guixu had broken free from the jurisdiction of the outside world and become an independent domain absolutely controlled by Mo Wuhen.
The stone path came to an end.
Ahead lies a very large platform.
There were no luxurious palaces, no throngs of maids.
On the flat, black rock, only a dead old tree grows.
There was a stone table and two stone stools under the tree.
On the stone table, a clay stove was boiling water, the fire glowing an eerie, dark blue, but without any heat.
The water in the kettle was boiling, but it didn't make the slightest gurgling sound.
A man dressed in a pure black Taoist robe was standing with his back to Gu Yan, holding a handful of withered tea leaves in his hand, slowly and methodically putting them into boiling water.
The man's hair was casually tied up with a wooden hairpin, and his back view looked like that of a schoolteacher in an ordinary village.
But it was just this silhouette.
However, this caused the Divine Demon Nascent Soul within Gu Yan's body, which had reached the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, to instinctively shrink back.
Gu Yan stopped ten steps away from the stone table, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply.
"Gu Changsheng, a junior of the Liuyun Sect, pays his respects to Sect Master Mo."
Gu Yan's voice broke the deathly silence of the space.
Or rather, Mo Wuhen allowed his voice to be heard here.
Mo Wuhen did not turn around; he was still brewing tea.
He poured boiling water into a rough porcelain cup, where the tea leaves tumbled.
"You're here, have a seat."
Mo Wuhen's voice was very calm, lacking both the arrogance of a superior and the kindness of an elder greeting a junior, as if he were greeting a stranger passing by.
Gu Yan straightened up, walked to the opposite side of the stone table, and slowly sat down.
The very moment he sat down.
The surrounding environment has changed.
The once black rocks and withered old trees have disappeared.
The blazing sun that should have been hanging in the sky was replaced by thick, dark clouds.
The temperature dropped to freezing point in an instant.
Large, fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky.
However, when a snowflake landed on Gu Yan's fox fur cloak.
Gu Yan's pupils suddenly contracted.
That's not snow.
That was pure to the extreme, compressed into a solid state of annihilation sword energy.
The falling snow is like a sky full of deadly blades.
The snowflakes fell on the stone table, leaving no trace, and landed on the clay stove, where the fire remained a deep blue.
When it landed on Gu Yan, it brought a terrifying chill that froze his body and soul.
This is not an illusion; it is the exclusive power of a Nascent Soul cultivator. His words become law, and his mind changes his circumstances.
With a single thought, Mo Wuhen could transform this world under his control into a fiery inferno or an abyss of extreme cold.
He didn't need to lift a finger; just raising his eyelids was enough for the endless, desolate snowflakes to slowly kill a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Mo Wuhen turned his head.
It was the face of an ordinary old man, with deep crow's feet at the corners of his eyes.
But those gray eyes were like lifeless sea eyes, unfathomable.
He picked up the freshly brewed cup of tea and gently pushed it in front of Gu Yan.
Mo Wuhen looked at him, a strange smile suddenly appearing on his lips.
"Young friend Gu."
Mo Wuhen spoke slowly.
"The Blood Pool in the capital of the Great Yan Kingdom, does it taste... good?"
Mo Wuhen's words floated lightly onto the snow.