"A grand sect assembly?"
"Are they declaring the schedule for the Holy Son competition tomorrow, and finalizing the contestants?"
With eyes narrowed to slits, Fang Yuan's fists gradually tightened. "The Holy Son competition... It's not only that I must enter; I also must secure the Holy Son's title!"
If Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning had remained dormant, Fang Yuan would have dismissed the notion of participating.
It would have been nothing less than inviting humiliation.
But now, his cultivation had regained its equilibrium!
Emboldened by an unyielding conviction and a robust fighting spirit, he was resolute in his pursuit of the Holy Son's title!
"The Holy Son's title shall undeniably be mine!"
Inhaling deeply, Fang Yuan clenched his fists even tighter.
However, a subsequent message from the Deacon Hall, directed towards the true disciples, furrowed his brows.
The Deacon Hall desired his protection for the sect's perimeter, but wouldn't that prevent him from participating in the Holy Son competition?
Such an outcome was simply unacceptable!
"It appears I must resort to invoking my Clan's influence."
Fang Yuan was besieged by a sense of powerlessness, but nonetheless, he extracted his transmission jade token.
His cultivation base had been steadily declining, yet he had managed to endure, owing not only to his unyielding willpower but also the sustaining aid from his Clan.
Without the continuous supply of cultivation resources from the Fang Clan, he likely would have descended to the Spiritual Awakening realm, or potentially, an even lower realm.
In such dire straits, his ability to persevere was questionable.
At this juncture, Fang Yuan made contact with his father, Fang Yehao.
After a series of negotiations, he successfully found a substitute.
"Hmph!"
"Even in my current state, you persist in harassing me and causing distress. This grievance will not be forgotten!"
Fang Yuan's fists tightened, a chilling glint emerging in his eyes.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Within Jiang Chen's provisional dwelling.
'Has the issue been resolved?'
'It seems the Fang Clan still holds some sway within the Purple Heaven Holy Land.'
'However, if you believe that my machinations end here, then you are sorely mistaken!'
Receiving a message from Rong Liangcai, Jiang Chen learned that Fang Yuan had procured a replacement.
However, this development failed to provoke much surprise.
After all, Fang Yuan was an individual with an impressive Heavenly Fate Value nearing twenty thousand, and the Fang Clan to which he belonged commanded a degree of influence.
Subsequently, Jiang Chen dispatched a message to Rong Liangcai.
His instructions directed him to assign patrols along the routes Fang Yuan was likely to travel.
Once Fang Yuan was en route, they were to seek any plausible excuse to delay him!
Rong Liangcai respectfully accepted the directive, then promptly departed to carry out the task.
'What follows now...'
'Firstly, the breakthrough to the Inquiring Journey realm!'
A subtle smile adorned Jiang Chen's countenance as he extracted the 'Heavenly Ascent Origin Return True Pill' he had traded from the system, and then swallowed it.
Time flowed serenely by.
Within the chamber, a deeply mysterious aura began to permeate slowly.
Suddenly!
A translucent, orb-like oscillation exploded from Jiang Chen's body, and then swiftly contracted back within him.
Boom.
An aura surpassing the Heavenly Origin realm by a hundred times momentarily flashed around Jiang Chen's figure!
'Breakthrough accomplished!'
'Is this the power of the Inquiring Journey realm? Such phenomenal strength, a total qualitative transformation!'
'No wonder the Inquiring Journey realm is considered the Second Step of the Cultivation Path. It far outstrips the Heavenly Origin realm!'
Jiang Chen's heart was brimming with immense elation, as he inwardly scrutinized his transformed physique.
Within his dantian, he observed a pristine Heavenly Core, as flawless as a perfect moon, that had now metamorphosed into an entity resembling a radiant sun!
As described in the annals of the 'Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture', this was referred to as a 'Dao Core' or 'Dao Cauldron', serving as the most critical foundation for the Second Step of the Cultivation Path.
Armed with the Dao Cauldron, one could comprehend the Dao, refine the Dao, and thus ascend to the Dao Palace realm.
Upon attaining the Inquiring Journey realm, the power of a cultivator also metamorphosed from Heavenly Yuan Power to Dao Yuan Power.
At this juncture, waves of Dao Yuan Power, brimming with colossal energy, coursed through Jiang Chen's physique.
With a mere casual gesture, he could lay waste to a vast expanse.
'System!'
'Activate the attribute panel!'
At Jiang Chen's mental command, a panel materialized before him.
[Host: Jiang Chen
Aptitude: Perfect Grade
Innate Talent: Eternal Boundless Body (Death Calamity True Dragon)
Realm: Early-stage Inquiring Journey
True Battle Power: Late-stage Inquiring Journey
Cultivation Methods: Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture (Dao Palace, main cultivation), Silent Annihilation Heavenly Sword Secrets (Inquiring Journey, perfect-level), Wind Void Steps, Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets, Seven Extremes Body Refinement, Heavenly Spring Coalescing Sea Records, Void Rainbow Sword Technique (Heavenly Origin, perfect-level)... partially omitted
Main Equipment: Unbroken Thousand Strings Rainbow Boat (Heavenly Origin, top-grade), Shadowblade Sword (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Carefree Heavenly Extreme Robe (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle (Mysterious Platform, top-grade)...
Villain Value: 10,900 points
Black Heavenly Fate Value: 15,848
Heaven-Defying Fate Changer: Villain's Eye, Burning World Red Lotus, Eternal Vows Binding Ring, Wordless Heavenly Jade
System Mall: Level 2]
'My True Battle Power has now ascended to the Late-stage Inquiring Journey realm!'
'With such an elevated cultivation base, dealing with Fang Yuan is bound to be significantly simpler.'
A subtle smile traced the contours of Jiang Chen's lips.
Then, employing the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring, he veiled his aura and resumed his cultivation.
Time unfurled.
In the early morning hour, within the immense expanse of heaven and earth.
The eastern horizon was laced with hues of purple and red, a harbinger of good fortune.
Surveying from the vast and limitless sky, three colossal peaks, none inferior to the Starry Abyss Heavenly Peak, stood towering high.
An expansive plaza, hewn from white jade, was nestled within the waist of these three peaks, filling the crevice between the mountains.
Upon the mountain closest to the plaza, numerous impressive black halls were erected.
Their soaring eaves seemed to caress the heavens, creating a truly majestic spectacle.
On the most significant hall, oriented due south, a plaque hung, engraved with the characters for 'Purple Heaven Holy Land'.
These four characters, imbued with an ancient, time-worn aura, radiated a profound grandeur that commanded veneration at first sight.
On the immense Holy Land Square, amid the encompassing clouds and mist, a crowd gathered so densely that people were brushing against each other!
Stretching to the horizon, one could see all were disciples garbed in the uniform of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
The standard attire of the Purple Heaven Holy Land was primarily white, embellished with patterns of purple clouds.
The number of cloud patterns signified one's status—more patterns denoted a higher rank.
As for the true disciples, golden cloud patterns would be added atop the purple base, and the sect's uniform would appear even more refined, more dignified.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen found himself standing within the sect's Main Hall.
Under the guidance of Ji Mingxiu, he respectfully paid homage to the four Dao Palace realm Supreme Elders and the eighteen Dao Comprehension realm Elders.
Among the four Dao Palace realm Supreme Elders, one was the erstwhile Holy Lord, known as Mo Yu.
Utilizing the Villain's Eye, Jiang Chen committed to memory the names and Fate Values of these twenty-two influential individuals.
He observed that their Fate Values were quite commendable, all exceeding a thousand.
This signaled that they would not meet their demise within a brief span of time.
'It seems...'
'In the original narrative, the protagonist Fang Yuan did not annihilate this Purple Heaven Holy Land in the end. Instead, he merely purged those who showed him profound disrespect.'
'People like Rong Liangcai and others.'
Positioned beneath a congregation of eminent figures, Jiang Chen silently reflected on these thoughts.
Those above, figures such as Ji Mingxiu and Mo Yu, observed Jiang Chen with a sense of satisfaction.
Even though this young man had achieved substantial accomplishments at a tender age, he did not exhibit an air of arrogance or pride.
On the contrary, he exuded a vibe of determination and dependability - a person one could rely upon!
"This indeed is the future of our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Indeed, in my assessment, the position of Holy Son is unquestionably destined for Jiang Chen."
"Hahaha, the other disciples are not devoid of strength either. Let's see how Jiang Chen confronts these formidable adversaries."
"..."
Such were the whispers that rippled amongst the elders.
However, unbeknownst to them, Jiang Chen had already advanced to the Inquiring Journey realm!
Moreover, his battle strength had even ascended to the Late-Stage Inquiring Journey realm!
At this instant, Ji Mingxiu broke the silence, asserting, "The appointed time is nearing. Please, Supreme Elders, accompany me."
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
"A grand sect assembly?"
"Are they declaring the schedule for the Holy Son competition tomorrow, and finalizing the contestants?"
With eyes narrowed to slits, Fang Yuan's fists gradually tightened. "The Holy Son competition... It's not only that I must enter; I also must secure the Holy Son's title!"
If Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning had remained dormant, Fang Yuan would have dismissed the notion of participating.
It would have been nothing less than inviting humiliation.
But now, his cultivation had regained its equilibrium!
Emboldened by an unyielding conviction and a robust fighting spirit, he was resolute in his pursuit of the Holy Son's title!
"The Holy Son's title shall undeniably be mine!"
Inhaling deeply, Fang Yuan clenched his fists even tighter.
However, a subsequent message from the Deacon Hall, directed towards the true disciples, furrowed his brows.
The Deacon Hall desired his protection for the sect's perimeter, but wouldn't that prevent him from participating in the Holy Son competition?
Such an outcome was simply unacceptable!
"It appears I must resort to invoking my Clan's influence."
Fang Yuan was besieged by a sense of powerlessness, but nonetheless, he extracted his transmission jade token.
His cultivation base had been steadily declining, yet he had managed to endure, owing not only to his unyielding willpower but also the sustaining aid from his Clan.
Without the continuous supply of cultivation resources from the Fang Clan, he likely would have descended to the Spiritual Awakening realm, or potentially, an even lower realm.
In such dire straits, his ability to persevere was questionable.
At this juncture, Fang Yuan made contact with his father, Fang Yehao.
After a series of negotiations, he successfully found a substitute.
"Hmph!"
"Even in my current state, you persist in harassing me and causing distress. This grievance will not be forgotten!"
Fang Yuan's fists tightened, a chilling glint emerging in his eyes.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Within Jiang Chen's provisional dwelling.
'Has the issue been resolved?'
'It seems the Fang Clan still holds some sway within the Purple Heaven Holy Land.'
'However, if you believe that my machinations end here, then you are sorely mistaken!'
Receiving a message from Rong Liangcai, Jiang Chen learned that Fang Yuan had procured a replacement.
However, this development failed to provoke much surprise.
After all, Fang Yuan was an individual with an impressive Heavenly Fate Value nearing twenty thousand, and the Fang Clan to which he belonged commanded a degree of influence.
Subsequently, Jiang Chen dispatched a message to Rong Liangcai.
His instructions directed him to assign patrols along the routes Fang Yuan was likely to travel.
Once Fang Yuan was en route, they were to seek any plausible excuse to delay him!
Rong Liangcai respectfully accepted the directive, then promptly departed to carry out the task.
'What follows now...'
'Firstly, the breakthrough to the Inquiring Journey realm!'
A subtle smile adorned Jiang Chen's countenance as he extracted the 'Heavenly Ascent Origin Return True Pill' he had traded from the system, and then swallowed it.
Time flowed serenely by.
Within the chamber, a deeply mysterious aura began to permeate slowly.
Suddenly!
A translucent, orb-like oscillation exploded from Jiang Chen's body, and then swiftly contracted back within him.
Boom.
An aura surpassing the Heavenly Origin realm by a hundred times momentarily flashed around Jiang Chen's figure!
'Breakthrough accomplished!'
'Is this the power of the Inquiring Journey realm? Such phenomenal strength, a total qualitative transformation!'
'No wonder the Inquiring Journey realm is considered the Second Step of the Cultivation Path. It far outstrips the Heavenly Origin realm!'
Jiang Chen's heart was brimming with immense elation, as he inwardly scrutinized his transformed physique.
Within his dantian, he observed a pristine Heavenly Core, as flawless as a perfect moon, that had now metamorphosed into an entity resembling a radiant sun!
As described in the annals of the 'Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture', this was referred to as a 'Dao Core' or 'Dao Cauldron', serving as the most critical foundation for the Second Step of the Cultivation Path.
Armed with the Dao Cauldron, one could comprehend the Dao, refine the Dao, and thus ascend to the Dao Palace realm.
Upon attaining the Inquiring Journey realm, the power of a cultivator also metamorphosed from Heavenly Yuan Power to Dao Yuan Power.
At this juncture, waves of Dao Yuan Power, brimming with colossal energy, coursed through Jiang Chen's physique.
With a mere casual gesture, he could lay waste to a vast expanse.
'System!'
'Activate the attribute panel!'
At Jiang Chen's mental command, a panel materialized before him.
[Host: Jiang Chen
Aptitude: Perfect Grade
Innate Talent: Eternal Boundless Body (Death Calamity True Dragon)
Realm: Early-stage Inquiring Journey
True Battle Power: Late-stage Inquiring Journey
Cultivation Methods: Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture (Dao Palace, main cultivation), Silent Annihilation Heavenly Sword Secrets (Inquiring Journey, perfect-level), Wind Void Steps, Dormant Spirit Stirring Divine Secrets, Seven Extremes Body Refinement, Heavenly Spring Coalescing Sea Records, Void Rainbow Sword Technique (Heavenly Origin, perfect-level)... partially omitted
Main Equipment: Unbroken Thousand Strings Rainbow Boat (Heavenly Origin, top-grade), Shadowblade Sword (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Carefree Heavenly Extreme Robe (Heavenly Origin, lower-grade), Black Crystal Sky Piercing Shuttle (Mysterious Platform, top-grade)...
Villain Value: 10,900 points
Black Heavenly Fate Value: 15,848
Heaven-Defying Fate Changer: Villain's Eye, Burning World Red Lotus, Eternal Vows Binding Ring, Wordless Heavenly Jade
System Mall: Level 2]
'My True Battle Power has now ascended to the Late-stage Inquiring Journey realm!'
'With such an elevated cultivation base, dealing with Fang Yuan is bound to be significantly simpler.'
A subtle smile traced the contours of Jiang Chen's lips.
Then, employing the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring, he veiled his aura and resumed his cultivation.
Time unfurled.
In the early morning hour, within the immense expanse of heaven and earth.
The eastern horizon was laced with hues of purple and red, a harbinger of good fortune.
Surveying from the vast and limitless sky, three colossal peaks, none inferior to the Starry Abyss Heavenly Peak, stood towering high.
An expansive plaza, hewn from white jade, was nestled within the waist of these three peaks, filling the crevice between the mountains.
Upon the mountain closest to the plaza, numerous impressive black halls were erected.
Their soaring eaves seemed to caress the heavens, creating a truly majestic spectacle.
On the most significant hall, oriented due south, a plaque hung, engraved with the characters for 'Purple Heaven Holy Land'.
These four characters, imbued with an ancient, time-worn aura, radiated a profound grandeur that commanded veneration at first sight.
On the immense Holy Land Square, amid the encompassing clouds and mist, a crowd gathered so densely that people were brushing against each other!
Stretching to the horizon, one could see all were disciples garbed in the uniform of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
The standard attire of the Purple Heaven Holy Land was primarily white, embellished with patterns of purple clouds.
The number of cloud patterns signified one's status—more patterns denoted a higher rank.
As for the true disciples, golden cloud patterns would be added atop the purple base, and the sect's uniform would appear even more refined, more dignified.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen found himself standing within the sect's Main Hall.
Under the guidance of Ji Mingxiu, he respectfully paid homage to the four Dao Palace realm Supreme Elders and the eighteen Dao Comprehension realm Elders.
Among the four Dao Palace realm Supreme Elders, one was the erstwhile Holy Lord, known as Mo Yu.
Utilizing the Villain's Eye, Jiang Chen committed to memory the names and Fate Values of these twenty-two influential individuals.
He observed that their Fate Values were quite commendable, all exceeding a thousand.
This signaled that they would not meet their demise within a brief span of time.
'It seems...'
'In the original narrative, the protagonist Fang Yuan did not annihilate this Purple Heaven Holy Land in the end. Instead, he merely purged those who showed him profound disrespect.'
'People like Rong Liangcai and others.'
Positioned beneath a congregation of eminent figures, Jiang Chen silently reflected on these thoughts.
Those above, figures such as Ji Mingxiu and Mo Yu, observed Jiang Chen with a sense of satisfaction.
Even though this young man had achieved substantial accomplishments at a tender age, he did not exhibit an air of arrogance or pride.
On the contrary, he exuded a vibe of determination and dependability - a person one could rely upon!
"This indeed is the future of our Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"Indeed, in my assessment, the position of Holy Son is unquestionably destined for Jiang Chen."
"Hahaha, the other disciples are not devoid of strength either. Let's see how Jiang Chen confronts these formidable adversaries."
"..."
Such were the whispers that rippled amongst the elders.
However, unbeknownst to them, Jiang Chen had already advanced to the Inquiring Journey realm!
Moreover, his battle strength had even ascended to the Late-Stage Inquiring Journey realm!
At this instant, Ji Mingxiu broke the silence, asserting, "The appointed time is nearing. Please, Supreme Elders, accompany me."
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
