Chapter 456: Alternative Metamorphosis, Martial Proof Hall |
"This..."
Staring at that line of crimson text, Su Chen couldn't help but be in a daze for a while.
"Eternal Physique, Cinderless Flame, Verdant Wood Guest... lose all augmentations and abilities..."
Although these were three Holy Classes, in reality, because of the existence of the Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree, the main one used was still the Eternal Physique.
"The Cinderless Flame and Verdant Wood Guest are originally only used under specific conditions. As for the Eternal Physique..." Su Chen calculated briefly.
As long as this "short period of time" of using the World-Slaying Manifestation with zero consumption was longer than the time he could hold up under normal conditions, it would be very suitable.
And based on his previous estimation, even if he used his Limit Break ability to raise himself to the 9th-Tier, with all eight Sky-Scars active, he would probably be drained after just one or two strikes.
As of now, it was definitely more suitable to utilize this [Harsh Gold Essence-Devouring].
After calculating for a while, Su Chen's gaze returned to the Status Panel: "This Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree is becoming increasingly abnormal. Currently, among the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, only water is missing."
After purchasing the Harsh Gold Stone, he had less than fifty portions of Faith Essence left in his hands.
"Not only do I need to buy the Water Spirit Current, but also the Perfect-Grade Eldritch God Source Power..."
The Nine Prisons of Thunder Eruption was still waiting to be inducted. Not only was this crucial to his important scheme to clear his identity, but it could also harmonize with the Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree.
Naturally, it was impossible for him to slowly and painstakingly prepare for the induction, nor did he have that much time.
The Dust Star Sea would definitely supply a large amount of Faith Essence to Bronze Heaven in the future, but this process would probably not be completed within a few years, or even a decade or more.
And according to what Old Yuan said, within a few years, it was estimated that the remaining members of the Taixuan family in the Abyssal Domain would all be captured.
Although Perfect-Grade Eldritch God Source Power could massively weaken the requirements for a Holy Class, based on his past experience, it couldn't weaken them enough for direct induction.
"Hmm... If I add the Grand Vow Crystal, it'll definitely be fine. That makes a deficit of one thousand three hundred portions of Faith Essence."
"Calculating it this way, the benefit the Heavenly Sovereign granted me previously by letting me directly induct into the Holy Class was worth at least one thousand Faith Essences." Su Chen couldn't help but think, shaking his head helplessly.
It was a pity that kind of benefit could only be obtained under the catalysis of Mist Source.
And as for this thing called Mist Source, whether within Lingxiao or the Abyssal Domain, no information about it could be found at all.
There was no description of this thing in Taoist Wood's paid articles either.
Su Chen didn't believe the Abyssal Domain had never encountered Mist Source. Rather, it must involve certain great secrets for this to be the case.
After his thoughts wandered for a moment, Su Chen converged them, and then dispatched the World-Slaying Manifestation, which had just finished its metamorphosis.
"Go borrow the Seven Treasures Refinement, go borrow the Seven Treasures Refinement..."
Before dispatching it, he gave a strong psychological suggestion again.
"Four Holy Classes that harmonize with the Seven-Branch Wondrous Tree have already been dispatched. Give me some power."
Su Chen put away the Status Panel and turned back. Wei Zhenghong and Shen Yi'an were still chatting listlessly in front of the hall doors, neither in a good mood.
"Junior Martial Uncle, if the three of us are going to enter the Nether Realm together, it's best to stand together," Shen Yi'an said when he saw Su Chen turn back.
"Stand together?" Su Chen raised an eyebrow. How to head to the Nether Realm, just like how to use the rainbow bridge, was an extremely basic method that wouldn't be recorded in any materials.
Taoist Wood wouldn't study these things either, so Su Chen truly wasn't too familiar with it. Following Shen Yi'an's guidance, the three stood in a circle.
"In a moment, Junior Martial Uncle just needs to not resist," Shen Yi'an urged. Seeing Su Chen agree, he didn't make any movements, but ripples faintly seeped out from his body.
"Hmm... I've already advanced to the 8th-Tier, so undergoing Spirit-Flesh Unity ahead of time should be quite normal..." Su Chen pondered in his heart. His mental energy and physical body had long since merged into one; he couldn't separate his Spiritual Entity individually to head to the Nether Realm.
But now that his talent had been cleared, it wasn't hard to explain.
Just as he was thinking, he felt the token merged into his body quiver slightly, and a message naturally surfaced in the bottom of his heart—[Received an invitation to enter the Nether Realm together. Do you agree?]
Su Chen assented, and immediately felt a substance resembling thick, viscous liquid being released from the void, gradually enveloping him as if he were sinking into a swamp.
The ground beneath his feet was gradually replaced by a silvery-white metal, which then rapidly spread outwards. In merely an instant, low hums and cacophony flooded into Su Chen's ears in unison.
"This..." His brow twitched. The first thing that caught his eye was a vast, continuous expanse of metallic buildings, high-rises arranged in neat rows, layer upon layer.
This place was like a gigantic city; almost no traits characteristic of the Nether Realm could be seen.
"To actually be transformed to this extent..." Su Chen looked around, unable to help but click his tongue.
"Yeah..." Old Wei's voice came from his side. "When the two of us first came here, we were also extremely shocked. Compared to here, the area our sect opened up in the Nether Realm is like primitive society."
The place where they were standing was an extremely vast space with no obstructions around. It seemed to be a landing zone. From time to time, flickering figures would appear, and without stopping, they would walk outwards.
"Wait..." Su Chen caught sight of a few people whose vital auras were clearly not very strong, and couldn't help but be surprised. He turned to look at Wei Zhenghong and Shen Yi'an beside him.
As expected, these two guys had also entered the Nether Realm in their physical forms.
"To actually wrap the body into it directly..." Su Chen was secretly astonished. In this way, he could save himself the trouble of explaining.
"Junior Martial Uncle, let's go first. We can't stay here for more than three minutes, or we'll be expelled," Shen Yi'an reminded him from the side.
Su Chen also realized that the number of people this place could accommodate was limited. Someone had even appeared less than a meter away from them.
The three quickly walked out of this area. The buildings on both sides were of varying heights, each with its own characteristics. If one didn't know this was the Nether Realm, one might truly think it was a city on some planet.
In mid-air, figures would occasionally fly past. It seemed flying wasn't restricted here, but there was order amidst the chaos.
Shen Yi'an sighed with emotion, "The Abyssal Domain's development and utilization of the Nether Realm has reached an unimaginable degree. This is only the outpost opened up by Lingxiao. There's even an area jointly opened up by the Five Pillars, which is said to be even vaster."
"In that case, even if two people are extremely far apart in the Reality World, they can share a room in a very short time through this Nether Realm?" Su Chen pondered, but thought of another matter:
"Since that's the case, why do things bought from other places still take several months to arrive?"
Shen Yi'an explained, "Although it's convenient to travel to these places through the Nether Realm, it's not simple. One needs to pass through an Abyssal Rift, which is not open to the public during normal times."
"Moreover, the transportation process has actually already gone through the Nether Realm; otherwise, it wouldn't be possible to only wait for a few months."
"I see..." Su Chen understood. Ultimately, the Pillars didn't truly have free transit between them. If they completely opened up such unrestricted passage, who knew what kind of chaos would ensue.
"There are even residences in this place?" Su Chen stopped walking and looked up at an extremely tall metallic high-rise. It was silvery-white throughout, its surface covered in dense nano-patterns that undulated continuously.
On the outside floated a holographic screen, its light leaving blue-purple hues on Su Chen's face.
[Lowest Price! High-rise residences for only 'Ninety-Nine' Faith Essences!]
"What's the benefit of living in this Nether Realm?"
"No special benefit. These residences are mainly lived in by Abyss Explorers." Shen Yi'an seemed to know quite a bit about this.
"People who explore the Guixu?" Su Chen guessed.
"That's right..." Shen Yi'an also looked up. "In Lingxiao, there are many people who make a living exploring the Guixu. The various heavens even cultivate dedicated Abyss Explorers."
"Discovering the Guixu and exploring the Guixu present opportunities that bring substantial benefits. However, bringing some of the things found inside back to the Reality World isn't that simple. If one's own mental energy isn't enough, they can only ask Lingxiao for help, and Lingxiao charges a fee for its help."
"Some Abyss Explorers simply hoard their goods in the Nether Realm, and only take them out when someone buys them."
"Tsk..." Su Chen had a rough understanding of this place. Thinking of his own Spirit Essence deficit, he couldn't help but ask one more question, "What is the process for this exploring the Guixu?"
"Hmm..." Shen Yi'an hesitated briefly, glanced at Wei Zhenghong, but still explained, "The Guixu is generally located deep within the Nether Realm. Only some specific professionals can discover them from slightly further away."
"After discovering one, they first determine its scale. The coordinates can be sold to Lingxiao, earning anywhere from 50 to 200 Faith Essences depending on the scale, or they can be sold to individuals in need."
"Exploring the Guixu is not a good job; there's real danger inside. Under Lingxiao's governance, the number of Abyss Explorers from the various heavens who perish because of it every year is not small." Wei Zhenghong interjected, reminding him:
"Although the benefits are many, the dangers are also many. Those who generally go are basically all old folks who are Dual Ninth-Ranks. They are seeking an Alternative Metamorphosis. Young people rarely go; even Morning Stars won't go unless they have special needs or the benefits are large enough."
However, Su Chen caught a somewhat unfamiliar term in Wei Zhenghong's words. "Alternative Metamorphosis, what does that mean?"
Shen Yi'an responded, his eyes filled with emotion as he said, "Advancing to Morning Star by being selected by a Morning Star Spirit is considered a normal advancement."
"In this Abyssal Domain, it's not impossible for those Dual Ninth-Ranks to undergo metamorphosis into Morning Stars. They can catalyze their own Vocation Spirit, causing it to undergo metamorphosis into a Morning Star Spirit, and they themselves can undergo metamorphosis along with it. This is Alternative Metamorphosis."
"You can actually do that..." Su Chen was enlightened, clicking his tongue in wonder. He knew there were methods to catalyze a Morning Star Spirit, but he didn't expect Dual Ninth-Ranks could also advance through this method.
Shen Yi'an quickly added, "But catalyzing a Morning Star Spirit requires a huge amount of materials. Lingxiao naturally has them in storage, but exchanging for them requires merit."
"And most of those materials come from the Guixu, so Dual Ninth-Ranks are the core strength in exploring the Guixu."
There really are a lot of good things in this Guixu... Su Chen's thoughts stirred. If he could find core materials for catalyzing a Morning Star Spirit from within, or something like Profound Limit Celestial Light, then he would be set to take off.
There were many twists and turns involved in exploring the Guixu, so Su Chen only understood the general idea. Then, he shifted his attention to the matter he cared more about right now.
"The rotation of the Lingxiao Morning Star Ranking requires the help of the Martial Proof Hall..." Shen Yi'an pointed. Su Chen looked over. Although this giant city was extremely vast, with his current eyesight, he could naturally see that square, rhombic structure suspended in the firmament.
There were many dense black spots around it, seemingly a gathered crowd of figures.
"Is it also like our Bronze Sect? Going in and fighting projections and the like?" Su Chen inquired.
"The difference isn't small..." Shen Yi'an shook his head. "Ranking rotations all require challenging a real person."
"A real person?" Su Chen was surprised. He believed Lingxiao should have—and it should be more formidable than the Bronze Sect's—methods for recording projections. Why must one challenge a real person?
"At first, we were also very puzzled..." Shen Yi'an was helpless, smiling bitterly as he said, "Later, we discovered it was because the Dust Star Sea is too backward."
"There are too many methods for rapid induction in the Abyssal Domain. The strength of the people on the ranking might not be changing every moment, but there will indeed be massive augmentations in a short period of time."
"However, the vast majority of people can't possibly leave behind projections at every moment. Only the real person represents their strongest state at that specific moment."
Su Chen thought about it carefully, and it seemed to truly be the case. Over in the Dust Star Sea, inducting into a single profession required a very long time of preparation.
At most, strength changed because of development progress, and the changes weren't too drastic, so the error between the projection and one's own strength was extremely rare.
But here in the Abyssal Domain, there were too many methods for rapid induction. If resources were abundant, one might be able to induct continuously within a few months. If it was solely judged based on projections, it would be very unfair.
And this ranking was related to resource allocation, and even the various heavens had internal rewards, so they naturally had to strive for no objections whatsoever.
"Then what if they pretend to have no time or refuse?" Su Chen naturally thought of this.
"If they have no time, they can delay it. Refusal is deemed as admitting defeat." Shen Yi'an glanced at Su Chen. Generally speaking, no one would intentionally not accept a challenge.
After all, there was a chain of contempt among the various heavens. If one intentionally didn't accept a challenge and was discovered by the other party, they would lose major face.
"Then what if someone constantly challenges a specific person?" Su Chen asked again.
Shen Yi'an was speechless, not knowing why this Junior Martial Uncle was thinking of all these underhanded tactics.
"Challenging also requires qualifications; one needs a Martial Proof Win Rate." He said helplessly, "After entering the Martial Proof Hall, one can also engage in projection battles, which is also a form of tempering."
"You will be randomly matched against the strongest projections left behind by people at the same tier who have never reached the top ten on the Star Potential Ranking throughout all these years in Lingxiao."
"After fighting a full hundred matches, you'll have a Martial Proof Win Rate. To challenge the top hundred, your win rate must be above 90%. To challenge the top ten, it must be 95%. Other ranks also require specific win rates as thresholds."
"So it's this kind of format." Su Chen understood. Using win rates to create challenge thresholds could prevent people from intentionally challenging constantly.
He looked at the two of them with some curiosity. "I wonder what the win rates of you two are..."
Shen Yi'an's face looked somewhat embarrassed, shifting several times before he said, "23%..."
Wei Zhenghong turned his head away. "17%..."
What kind of composure did Su Chen have? Hearing this, he merely nodded without showing any abnormality, skipping the topic and proposing:
"Then let's go over and take a look. It seems there are quite a few people over there."
Seeing Su Chen so indifferent, Wei Zhenghong and Shen Yi'an both breathed a sigh of relief in unison and hurriedly nodded.
Even though there was no Nether Mist here, looking at the Martial Proof Hall, Su Chen still found it somewhat blurry; this was caused by the distance being too far.
The three soared into the air, and Su Chen immediately felt the token in his body react—[You have connected to the High Firmament Clairvoyance. Please follow the guidance flight.]
He didn't resist. He only felt a special power submerge into his eyes, and instantly, various colored shuttle guides surfaced before him.
This token was the navigation, and it was also the important reason why, although there were people everywhere in this firmament, it remained well-ordered.