"At last, the moment has arrived!"
"I'm curious to see what kind of protagonist we'll come across this time."
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Chen stood up and exited the meditation chamber.
"Jiang Chen, you've emerged!"
To his surprise, Ning Xian awaited him outside. "Today, you'll be venturing into the Cave Heaven secret realm. Exercise caution!"
"Don't fret."
"Here, take these items and train diligently while you wait for my return."
Jiang Chen gave a nod, then presented a storage ring to Ning Xian.
Contained within were an array of medicinal pills, cultivation techniques, and various other essentials.
After accepting the storage ring, Ning Xian accompanied Jiang Chen to the edge of the courtyard, her steps halting with a hint of reluctance.
With a warm smile and a wave, Jiang Chen took to the skies!
Glide sweeping past several peaks crowned with towering ancient trees.
A vast black hall emerged into view, imposing and dignified, exuding an air of solemnity at first glance.
This was the Deacon Hall of the Starry Abyss Sect!
In the plaza before the hall.
Over a dozen disciples already stood there, their expressions somber and serious.
Sect Master Feng Jun, Grand Elder Yu Wenyao, Deacon Hall Master Tao Fengyu... one by one, the seasoned Mysterious Platform realm experts assembled.
The matter of the Cave Heaven secret realm bore significance to the entire future of the Starry Abyss Sect and was of utmost importance!
"Disciple pays respects to the Sect Master, the Elders, and the Hall Masters."
Jiang Chen touched down in the plaza and offered a slight bow to everyone present.
"Hmm! Not bad!"
The eyes of Feng Jun, Yu Wenyao, and the other sect elders fell upon Jiang Chen, and they nodded in unison!
Evidently, Feng Jun had already apprised the others of Jiang Chen's remarkable breakthrough in cultivation.
Nonetheless, those disciples remained unaware.
Upon discerning that Jiang Chen's aura had intensified, they instantly regarded him with astonishment!
"Brother Jiang Chen! You've genuinely advanced to the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm!"
"Incredible! Weren't you at the Early-stage Spiritual Awakening? Now you've reached the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening, truly surpassing us in a single stride, remarkable!"
"Brother Chen, how did you cultivate? Enlighten me, your junior brother!"
"..."
A cluster of Spiritual Awakening realm disciples encircled Jiang Chen in amazement, engaging in animated conversation.
Even the Chief Disciple Duan Ziming and the two True Disciples Xia Ding and Nie Wei were astounded.
While the competition among the disciples was intensely fierce in private, they maintained amicable relations on the surface, and even fostered profound friendships among themselves.
At this moment, with the sect master and others present, the atmosphere was decidedly harmonious.
Furthermore,
Since Jiang Chen's cultivation base had surged to the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening in a single bound,
The majority of core disciples promptly altered their form of address, referring to him as senior brother.
In response to everyone's inquiries, Jiang Chen simply stated that he had seized an opportunity during his training beyond the sect's confines.
He then advised that they should not solely rely on the Starry Abyss Heavenly Peak for cultivation and should venture out to explore when time permitted.
The junior brothers and sisters wholeheartedly accepted this notion.
Contemplating the upcoming visit to the Cave Heaven secret realm, everyone was filled with anticipation, envisioning that they, too, could obtain incredible opportunities like Jiang Chen and swiftly advance to higher realms.
As a result, the disciples' morale appeared to have significantly improved.
Sect Master Feng Jun and others regarded Jiang Chen with even greater appreciation!
Shortly,
All thirty disciples had assembled.
Three were in the Mysterious Platform realm: Duan Ziming, Xia Ding, and Nie Wei!
Six individuals, including Jiang Chen, were in the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm.
The combined number of those in the Early-stage and Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening realm totaled twenty-one, with fourteen in the Middle-stage.
"Everyone is here, let's proceed!"
Feng Jun surveyed the group, then gestured with his hand, unveiling a colossal spirit boat.
A magnificent vessel, gleaming in the sunlight, levitated above the ground.
Its exterior was embellished with elaborate patterns and symbols that appeared to undulate and contort as if sentient.
This was a top-grade flying artifact in the Mysterious Platform realm, a treasured heirloom bequeathed by the Starry Abyss Sect's ancestors.
'A flying artifact!'
'I truly need one of these; perhaps I can acquire one through exchange.'
'With a flying artifact, mobility is significantly enhanced, allowing for more strategic retreats with ease.'
'Furthermore, consider exchanging for long swords, as well as defensive and auxiliary treasures!'
Jiang Chen contemplated, then joined the others in boarding the spirit boat.
Boom!
The spirit boat quivered gently, transforming into a beam of light and vanishing into the horizon.
Aboard the spirit boat.
Jiang Chen feigned closing his eyes to rest, but in reality, he was browsing the system mall.
He accessed the 'Artifacts' category.
Instantly, an extensive array of weapons, armor, and diverse artifacts materialized before Jiang Chen's eyes.
Jiang Chen proceeded to select artifacts for the Mysterious Platform realm and the Heavenly Origin realm.
A cultivator could only wield weapons corresponding to their own realm.
If the weapon's rank was too high, it would resemble a child attempting to use an oversized hammer - the question of whether they could lift it would arise, and the possibility of self-inflicted harm would be another concern.
Naturally, gifted individuals could utilize more potent weapons, but they couldn't surpass their own realm by a considerable margin.
Otherwise, complications would arise.
At the moment.
Jiang Chen's true combat prowess was at the 'Peak-stage Mysterious Platform', rendering him nearly invincible below the Heavenly Origin level.
With such formidable capabilities, he could already employ Heavenly Origin realm artifacts with lower prerequisites.
These Heavenly Origin realm artifacts were more powerful than top-grade Mysterious Platform realm artifacts and constituted Jiang Chen's primary choice.
Of course, there were also the Villain Value points to take into account!
'First, let me exchange for a weapon!'
Jiang Chen promptly searched for all the top-grade Mysterious Platform realm and lower-grade Heavenly Origin realm longsword weapons.
His weapon of choice was the longsword, and his mastery encompassed the first six moves of the Heavenly Origin realm sword technique, known as the Void Rainbow Sword Technique.
'Hmm?'
'Shadowblade Sword!'
Jiang Chen's gaze swept through the list and halted on a black longsword.
The Shadowblade Sword!
A lower-grade Heavenly Origin realm weapon that could grow stronger by integrating Shadowblade Crystals!
'A growth-type weapon!'
'While its potential may not be extraordinary, it suffices for short-term use!'
'It's you!'
Jiang Chen smiled faintly and opted for the exchange.
[Ding! You have expended 2,000 Villain Value points and successfully exchanged for the Shadowblade Sword*1!]
Under Jiang Chen's command.
The newly acquired Shadowblade Sword materialized within the Moondust Ring.
Extending his divine sense.
The visage of the Shadowblade Sword immediately entered his perception.
It was a longsword with a dark hilt that progressively deepened in hue from the spine to the blade. This imbued the blade with an air of mystery, and a chilling gleam seemed to flow across its surface!
'Sure enough, it's a Heavenly Origin realm long sword!'
'Even if it's a lower-grade, it's far more formidable than a top-grade Mysterious Platform realm weapon!'
'Next, I'll exchange a flying artifact!'
Jiang Chen refocused his attention on the system mall panel, disregarding the weapons and seeking flying artifacts.
Before long, he chose a top-grade Mysterious Platform realm flying artifact: the Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle!
This flying artifact resembled a shuttle.
In Jiang Chen's eyes, it looked like a cigar from his memory.
It was entirely black, sleek, and possessed a streamlined elegance.
'Flying artifacts naturally consume vast amounts of Yuan Power.'
'It's challenging for me to operate a Heavenly Origin realm flying artifact for an extended duration.'
'This Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle has a speed burst feature, which can temporarily elevate its speed to the range of the Heavenly Origin realm. Quite impressive!'
Jiang Chen stroked his chin and opted to exchange.
[Ding! You have spent 1,500 Villain Value points and successfully exchanged for the Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle*1!]
As the system prompt echoed, the Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle materialized within the Moondust Ring.
'I still have eight thousand seven hundred Villain Value points remaining!'
'Time to exchange another defensive artifact!'
Jiang Chen surveyed his leftover Villain Value points and resumed browsing the system mall!
"At last, the moment has arrived!"
"I'm curious to see what kind of protagonist we'll come across this time."
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Chen stood up and exited the meditation chamber.
"Jiang Chen, you've emerged!"
To his surprise, Ning Xian awaited him outside. "Today, you'll be venturing into the Cave Heaven secret realm. Exercise caution!"
"Don't fret."
"Here, take these items and train diligently while you wait for my return."
Jiang Chen gave a nod, then presented a storage ring to Ning Xian.
Contained within were an array of medicinal pills, cultivation techniques, and various other essentials.
After accepting the storage ring, Ning Xian accompanied Jiang Chen to the edge of the courtyard, her steps halting with a hint of reluctance.
With a warm smile and a wave, Jiang Chen took to the skies!
Glide sweeping past several peaks crowned with towering ancient trees.
A vast black hall emerged into view, imposing and dignified, exuding an air of solemnity at first glance.
This was the Deacon Hall of the Starry Abyss Sect!
In the plaza before the hall.
Over a dozen disciples already stood there, their expressions somber and serious.
Sect Master Feng Jun, Grand Elder Yu Wenyao, Deacon Hall Master Tao Fengyu... one by one, the seasoned Mysterious Platform realm experts assembled.
The matter of the Cave Heaven secret realm bore significance to the entire future of the Starry Abyss Sect and was of utmost importance!
"Disciple pays respects to the Sect Master, the Elders, and the Hall Masters."
Jiang Chen touched down in the plaza and offered a slight bow to everyone present.
"Hmm! Not bad!"
The eyes of Feng Jun, Yu Wenyao, and the other sect elders fell upon Jiang Chen, and they nodded in unison!
Evidently, Feng Jun had already apprised the others of Jiang Chen's remarkable breakthrough in cultivation.
Nonetheless, those disciples remained unaware.
Upon discerning that Jiang Chen's aura had intensified, they instantly regarded him with astonishment!
"Brother Jiang Chen! You've genuinely advanced to the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm!"
"Incredible! Weren't you at the Early-stage Spiritual Awakening? Now you've reached the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening, truly surpassing us in a single stride, remarkable!"
"Brother Chen, how did you cultivate? Enlighten me, your junior brother!"
"..."
A cluster of Spiritual Awakening realm disciples encircled Jiang Chen in amazement, engaging in animated conversation.
Even the Chief Disciple Duan Ziming and the two True Disciples Xia Ding and Nie Wei were astounded.
While the competition among the disciples was intensely fierce in private, they maintained amicable relations on the surface, and even fostered profound friendships among themselves.
At this moment, with the sect master and others present, the atmosphere was decidedly harmonious.
Furthermore,
Since Jiang Chen's cultivation base had surged to the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening in a single bound,
The majority of core disciples promptly altered their form of address, referring to him as senior brother.
In response to everyone's inquiries, Jiang Chen simply stated that he had seized an opportunity during his training beyond the sect's confines.
He then advised that they should not solely rely on the Starry Abyss Heavenly Peak for cultivation and should venture out to explore when time permitted.
The junior brothers and sisters wholeheartedly accepted this notion.
Contemplating the upcoming visit to the Cave Heaven secret realm, everyone was filled with anticipation, envisioning that they, too, could obtain incredible opportunities like Jiang Chen and swiftly advance to higher realms.
As a result, the disciples' morale appeared to have significantly improved.
Sect Master Feng Jun and others regarded Jiang Chen with even greater appreciation!
Shortly,
All thirty disciples had assembled.
Three were in the Mysterious Platform realm: Duan Ziming, Xia Ding, and Nie Wei!
Six individuals, including Jiang Chen, were in the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm.
The combined number of those in the Early-stage and Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening realm totaled twenty-one, with fourteen in the Middle-stage.
"Everyone is here, let's proceed!"
Feng Jun surveyed the group, then gestured with his hand, unveiling a colossal spirit boat.
A magnificent vessel, gleaming in the sunlight, levitated above the ground.
Its exterior was embellished with elaborate patterns and symbols that appeared to undulate and contort as if sentient.
This was a top-grade flying artifact in the Mysterious Platform realm, a treasured heirloom bequeathed by the Starry Abyss Sect's ancestors.
'A flying artifact!'
'I truly need one of these; perhaps I can acquire one through exchange.'
'With a flying artifact, mobility is significantly enhanced, allowing for more strategic retreats with ease.'
'Furthermore, consider exchanging for long swords, as well as defensive and auxiliary treasures!'
Jiang Chen contemplated, then joined the others in boarding the spirit boat.
Boom!
The spirit boat quivered gently, transforming into a beam of light and vanishing into the horizon.
Aboard the spirit boat.
Jiang Chen feigned closing his eyes to rest, but in reality, he was browsing the system mall.
He accessed the 'Artifacts' category.
Instantly, an extensive array of weapons, armor, and diverse artifacts materialized before Jiang Chen's eyes.
Jiang Chen proceeded to select artifacts for the Mysterious Platform realm and the Heavenly Origin realm.
A cultivator could only wield weapons corresponding to their own realm.
If the weapon's rank was too high, it would resemble a child attempting to use an oversized hammer - the question of whether they could lift it would arise, and the possibility of self-inflicted harm would be another concern.
Naturally, gifted individuals could utilize more potent weapons, but they couldn't surpass their own realm by a considerable margin.
Otherwise, complications would arise.
At the moment.
Jiang Chen's true combat prowess was at the 'Peak-stage Mysterious Platform', rendering him nearly invincible below the Heavenly Origin level.
With such formidable capabilities, he could already employ Heavenly Origin realm artifacts with lower prerequisites.
These Heavenly Origin realm artifacts were more powerful than top-grade Mysterious Platform realm artifacts and constituted Jiang Chen's primary choice.
Of course, there were also the Villain Value points to take into account!
'First, let me exchange for a weapon!'
Jiang Chen promptly searched for all the top-grade Mysterious Platform realm and lower-grade Heavenly Origin realm longsword weapons.
His weapon of choice was the longsword, and his mastery encompassed the first six moves of the Heavenly Origin realm sword technique, known as the Void Rainbow Sword Technique.
'Hmm?'
'Shadowblade Sword!'
Jiang Chen's gaze swept through the list and halted on a black longsword.
The Shadowblade Sword!
A lower-grade Heavenly Origin realm weapon that could grow stronger by integrating Shadowblade Crystals!
'A growth-type weapon!'
'While its potential may not be extraordinary, it suffices for short-term use!'
'It's you!'
Jiang Chen smiled faintly and opted for the exchange.
[Ding! You have expended 2,000 Villain Value points and successfully exchanged for the Shadowblade Sword*1!]
Under Jiang Chen's command.
The newly acquired Shadowblade Sword materialized within the Moondust Ring.
Extending his divine sense.
The visage of the Shadowblade Sword immediately entered his perception.
It was a longsword with a dark hilt that progressively deepened in hue from the spine to the blade. This imbued the blade with an air of mystery, and a chilling gleam seemed to flow across its surface!
'Sure enough, it's a Heavenly Origin realm long sword!'
'Even if it's a lower-grade, it's far more formidable than a top-grade Mysterious Platform realm weapon!'
'Next, I'll exchange a flying artifact!'
Jiang Chen refocused his attention on the system mall panel, disregarding the weapons and seeking flying artifacts.
Before long, he chose a top-grade Mysterious Platform realm flying artifact: the Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle!
This flying artifact resembled a shuttle.
In Jiang Chen's eyes, it looked like a cigar from his memory.
It was entirely black, sleek, and possessed a streamlined elegance.
'Flying artifacts naturally consume vast amounts of Yuan Power.'
'It's challenging for me to operate a Heavenly Origin realm flying artifact for an extended duration.'
'This Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle has a speed burst feature, which can temporarily elevate its speed to the range of the Heavenly Origin realm. Quite impressive!'
Jiang Chen stroked his chin and opted to exchange.
[Ding! You have spent 1,500 Villain Value points and successfully exchanged for the Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle*1!]
As the system prompt echoed, the Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle materialized within the Moondust Ring.
'I still have eight thousand seven hundred Villain Value points remaining!'
'Time to exchange another defensive artifact!'
Jiang Chen surveyed his leftover Villain Value points and resumed browsing the system mall!
