Chapter 96 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 96: Another One

Translator: Lynn

Yan Boshang truly deserved to be the first person promoted to the Dragon Gate a.s.sembly. In front of his cave, thick purple smoke rose rapidly, unlike Cheng’an’s spa.r.s.e purple smoke from Liuhuomen last time. Yan Boshang’s purple mansion appreciation transformed into a long and majestic dragon instantly!

This purple dragon was deep purple, pure, and flawless like jade, free from any impurities. Unlike Cheng’an’s illusory smoke dragon, this one appeared real, with lifelike features, including mouth, eyes, beard, tail, and scales.

All the monks were captivated, witnessing Yan Boshang’s astonishing accomplishment. He had already condensed the Zifu Yanlong even before the consciousness of the heavenly Dao descended!

At this moment, a mysterious and wondrous consciousness descended from the vast sky, carrying the essence of water’s path. Yan Boshang, who had mastered the way of Renshui, boldly confronted the heavenly Dao’s consciousness. The dragon fearlessly collided with it, shaking its head and tail, and eventually swallowed the consciousness of the Dao in one gulp.

The dragon then retracted and entered the cave. The monks held their breath, witnessing a purple light flying out of the cave, transforming into a purple rainbow, and vanishing into the sky. A vast coercion emanated from the cave, signifying Yan Boshang’s successful foundation establishment.

The monks felt relieved, knowing that Yan Boshang had truly stepped onto the path of cultivating immortals by opening his Purple Mansion with a purple rainbow’s energy, capturing the heavenly Dao’s essence.

Everyone praised Yan Boshang’s extraordinary talent as the young sect master of the Tianyan Sect, the first person to establish a foundation among them, and a world-cla.s.s genius.

As the aura in the cave gradually subsided, the monks dispersed, planning to make friends with Yan Boshang after his seclusion to avoid wasting time in Tenglongfeng.

During Yan Boshang’s foundation building, Su Xin felt uncomfortable due to the dominance of Renshui’s breath. However, he realized that he might need to be cautious when facing water-attribute cultivators in the future, like Yan Boshang. Perhaps he would have to find ways to counter water’s power.

Xu Ziqing, on the other hand, benefited from his wood attribute that thrived under water’s nourishment. With 99% of his spiritual power converted into true energy, he reached the peak of the tenth level of Qi refining. As his true essence was activated by water vapor, his spiritual power transformed completely in just a few breaths.

Ten percent of the true energy filled Xu Ziqing’s dantian, and he exhaled in satisfaction. He felt a pleasant sensation coursing through his body, invigorating his spirit and vitality.

The true essence converged in his limbs and bones, responding to the call of the water element. It formed a gentle trickle that merged with his meridians, creating a harmonious union with the flowing river within him. The sound of gurgling water filled his ears, clear and soothing, as if it blended with the celestial rhythm.

Observing others during their foundation building had yielded valuable insights.

After some time, Su Xin lightly patted Xu Ziqing’s shoulder. Xu Ziqing turned to him and smiled, “Why haven’t you returned to the cave?”

Realizing that Xu Ziqing had made progress during his epiphany, Su Xin had stayed to protect him, ensuring no interruptions disturbed his breakthrough. Xu Ziqing expressed his grat.i.tude for Su Xin’s safeguarding.

Su Xin shook his head, dismissing the thanks. “It was just a small effort, nothing worth mentioning.” He then brought up a piece of news, asking Xu Ziqing, “Have you heard that Zhang Chi from Wuliang Sect has been expelled?”

Xu Ziqing smiled knowingly. “So that’s what this is about. Yes, I am responsible for disabling Zhang Chi’s dantian.” Su Xin’s expression became complicated upon hearing Xu Ziqing’s confession. “So, it was truly him who came looking for trouble.”

Xu Ziqing nodded. “He launched a surprise attack on me initially, attempting to destroy my dantian. As time went on, his intent to kill grew stronger. I couldn’t tolerate him any longer, so I struck him with a heavy blow.”

Su Xin sighed in response. “Zhang Chi has always been stubborn and obstinate. Wuliang Sect, once a formidable force in Upper Luzhou, has unfortunately declined with each pa.s.sing generation. Now, it’s easy for someone like Zhang Chi to cause trouble. If he had focused on cultivation, Wuliang Sect might have produced a peerless master. But now, Hu Guangyuan has ruined him… Zhang Chi’s return to Wuliang Sect holds no value, and I wonder what fate awaits him. Perhaps he will come to regret his actions…”

Xu Ziqing smiled, remaining silent on the matter.

The decline of Wuliang Sect compared to previous generations was difficult to believe without the influence of the Loose Cultivator Alliance. There must be reasons behind a sect’s transformation. Wuliang Sect had stagnated, controlled by the Hu family. The so-called suzerain sought only to benefit the Hu family, neglecting the balance among disciples and the cultivation of exceptional talents.

In contrast, the Loose Cultivator Alliance operated differently.

Based on Xu Ziqing’s observations, both the inner and outer alliances of the Loose Cultivator Alliance had their own regulations. The inner alliance, in particular, displayed unity despite occasional disputes among the elders. The suzerain made arrangements, and if their decisions were inappropriate, the elders would provide guidance. This structure naturally benefited the members of the alliance. It was no wonder that the Loose Cultivator Alliance had gradually eroded Wuliang Sect over the years, to the point where they now shared Luzhou without even realizing it.

If this trend continued, Wuliang Sect would likely become weaker than the Loose Cultivator Alliance. This had implications for the matter of returning to the Longmen Conference.

Su Xin briefly expressed regret but didn’t dwell on it. He then turned his attention back to Xu Ziqing, asking with a smile, “Brother Ziqing, how are you progressing now?” He hastened to add, “I have only reached the tenth level of Qi refining and still have uncertainties about refining true energy.”

As both of them possessed single spiritual roots, there was nothing they couldn’t discuss openly.

“I have just experienced an epiphany,” Xu Ziqing revealed. “My true essence has been completely transformed. After some further refinement, I can attack the Purple Mansion and establish a foundation to embark on the path of Tao.”

Su Xin couldn’t contain his joy and asked eagerly, “Did you encounter any difficulties during the process?”

After pondering for a moment, Xu Ziqing replied, “No troubles at all. It required immense effort, especially when refining the first drop of true energy. I had to proceed with utmost caution.”

Su Xin let out a sigh of relief, saying, “It seems easier for those with single spiritual roots to establish a foundation compared to those with mixed spiritual roots, but when it comes down to it, I still feel somewhat nervous.”

Xu Ziqing chuckled and replied, “It’s normal to feel that way. Just don’t overthink it and let doubt shake your Dao Xin.”

The two chatted for a while, and Xu Ziqing’s rea.s.suring words eased Su Xin’s worries. They bid farewell, and Su Xin returned to his cave. With four months left until the opening of the Ascending Dragon Gate, diligent cultivation would surely lead to a successful foundation building.

Once Su Xin left, Xu Ziqing turned to head back as well.

However, he caught a glimpse of a sneaky figure lurking nearby, seemingly spying on him.

Frowning, Xu Ziqing called out, “Come out.”

The figure hesitated, seemingly wanting to retreat.

Unwilling to let the person escape, Xu Ziqing swiftly extended a green rope and captured the man’s calf, pulling him closer. As expected, it was someone he recognized.

The man appeared to be in his twenties and had only reached the seventh level of Qi Refining. He was among the lower-ranked monks of Tenglong Peak, likely selected for his spiritual roots. Bound by the green rope, he sat on the ground, looking quite embarra.s.sed.

Although Xu Ziqing couldn’t recall his name, he recognized him as the other remaining member of Wuliang Sect. This individual possessed dual spiritual roots—one thick and one thin—but despite his talent, he had only reached the sixth level of Qi refining at his age. This indicated a weak heart and impetuous personality, much like Hu Guangyuan. Xu Ziqing’s heart turned cold at the thought, and he questioned the man, “Why are you sneaking around here?”

The man retorted, “The road is open to the sky for everyone. Am I not allowed to pa.s.s here as well?”

Amused by the man’s excuses, Xu Ziqing said, “If you weren’t following me, why did you dodge like that?”

The man tried to justify himself, saying, “You ruthlessly disabled Zhang Chi a few days ago. I thought I might become your next target. Can you blame me for being cautious?”

Xu Ziqing glanced at him and replied, “If you believe I’m so vindictive, then why risk angering me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll take my rage out on you?”

The man turned his head and said, “Even if I’m in your hands now, what can I do? If you want to learn from me, I can’t stop you. There’s no point in pretending otherwise!”

Recognizing the man’s knack for manipulation and cunning, Xu Ziqing decided not to waste more time with him. He said sternly, “Since you’re so good at talking, let’s end it here. This green rope will bind you for a day and night. I don’t care where you go, but remember this: stay away from me and don’t attempt any tricks in secret. Otherwise, even if Senior Tang comes to your defense, I’ll kill you on the spot!” With that warning, he paid the man no further attention, slightly adjusting his position, and then floated away.

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