Chapter 477: Secret Information |
Inside the Nine Heavens Pavilion, sandalwood incense burned quietly in the bronze burner.
Outside the window was a snow-covered mountain cliff. The branches of several ancient pines slanted horizontally, weighed down low by accumulated snow. Occasionally came the rustling sound of snow blocks falling.
Li Yujun sat alone behind a rosewood long table.
Since Chen Qing had succeeded as Myriad Techniques Peak Master, the power structure within the sect had quietly shifted.
Resources that had originally leaned toward the Nine Heavens lineage now had a considerable portion allocated to the True Martial lineage. Although discussion among disciples had been suppressed, that invisible pressure was like this winter cold, seeping through bit by bit.
Just then, footsteps sounded from the corridor outside the door.
"Come in."
Li Yujun raised her eyes, looking toward the tightly closed pavilion door.
The door was silently pushed open. A slightly stooped gray-robed figure stepped into the pavilion.
He still wore that worn gray robe, his hair gray-white.
"Senior Martial Brother Hua." Li Yujun slowly stood up.
Hua Yunfeng hadn't set foot in the core area of Nine Heavens Peak for over a hundred years, let alone this Nine Heavens Pavilion.
The last time he came here, Senior Martial Brother was still present. Thinking of it now, it seemed like a lifetime ago.
"Sit."
Li Yujun suppressed the waves in her heart, indicating for Hua Yunfeng to sit on the meditation cushion opposite.
"The last time I came to Nine Heavens Peak,"
Hua Yunfeng didn't stand on ceremony, sitting cross-legged, "was over a hundred years ago."
Li Yujun nodded, "Indeed it was."
The two fell silent for a moment. Only the fine crackling of the furnace fire could be heard.
"Senior Martial Brother Hua,"
Li Yujun raised her eyes to look at Hua Yunfeng, "Coming to find me today, it shouldn't be just to reminisce about old times, right?"
Hua Yunfeng nodded slightly, "Coming this time, I do have some matters I want to discuss with you."
Li Yujun didn't speak.
Hua Yunfeng taking the initiative to visit was definitely unusual.
She listened quietly, waiting for what would follow.
Hua Yunfeng slowly said, "Chen Qing, as you should know, is currently the most outstanding seed in the sect. His future prospects are immeasurable."
Li Yujun's eyelids twitched.
Chen Qing.
This name now resounded like thunder throughout the sect.
First among True Disciples, Myriad Techniques Peak Master. With ten-refinement cultivation, he had defeated Nan Zhuoran who had eleven refinements.
She had witnessed that battle with her own eyes. Even she had to admit that this person's talent, temperament, and combat power were all shockingly extraordinary.
He was Senior Martial Brother Luo's disciple, yet he was also the one who defeated the successor she'd devoted her life's effort to cultivating, shaking the foundation of the Nine Heavens lineage.
She agreed with Hua Yunfeng's words, yet felt not the slightest joy in her heart. Instead, a complex emotion arose.
At the same time, she vaguely guessed part of Hua Yunfeng's purpose in coming.
"Chen Qing is Senior Martial Brother Luo's disciple," Hua Yunfeng continued, "Senior Martial Brother Luo back then broke through to Grandmaster with ten refinements. His foundation was vast and deep. Chen Qing now also has ten refinements. His combat power has already reached the peak of this realm."
"But you should know that True Origin refinement—the number of times—affects not only combat strength in the True Origin realm. The deeper the refinement, the more pure and condensed the True Origin. When breaking into the True Core realm, the Golden Core condensed will be more stable and of higher quality. This relates to the upper limit of strength in the Grandmaster realm, and even... concerns whether one can glimpse that thread of heavenly light toward the Primordial Spirit realm."
Li Yujun naturally understood.
This was common knowledge in martial Dao, and also the fundamental reason why all major sects treasured high-level refinement methods and placed such importance on geniuses who could complete high-number refinements.
That Nan Zhuoran could complete eleven refinements, besides his own talent and willpower, the refinement method in Ancestor Panwu's inheritance was crucial.
"Chen Qing's foundation is incomparably deep."
Hua Yunfeng withdrew his gaze, looking at Li Yujun again, "With his will, temperament, and the resources he can now mobilize as Peak Master, I believe... he completely has the opportunity to attempt an eleventh refinement."
The air in the pavilion seemed to freeze for an instant.
Li Yujun's brows furrowed slightly. She finally spoke, her voice revealing no emotion, "What does Senior Martial Brother Hua mean by this?"
Hua Yunfeng looked directly at her, saying word by word, "If possible, I hope that Nan Zhuoran can share with Chen Qing the method for eleven refinements from that portion of Ancestor Panwu's inheritance in his possession."
As expected, Li Yujun's guess was confirmed. A stifled breath faintly condensed in her chest.
She fell silent, not immediately responding. Thoughts raced through her mind.
Hua Yunfeng had actually come to seek a refinement method for Chen Qing?
And he was directly requesting one of Ancestor Panwu's core inheritances?
This request could be called excessive.
Refinement methods, especially high-level methods that were untransmitted secrets, were core inheritances in anyone's hands. How could they be easily given to others?
Moreover, Chen Qing and Nan Zhuoran had just experienced a life-and-death duel. The Myriad Techniques Peak Master position had changed hands because of it. The Nine Heavens lineage's reputation had suffered damage...
However, a trace of doubt arose in her heart.
She had originally always suspected that Chen Qing could rise so rapidly with such heaven-defying combat power because, besides his own talent and Luo Zhixian's teaching, he had very likely secretly obtained the inheritance of some hidden sect ancestor.
He might even possess an even higher-level refinement method, just hidden and unrevealed.
But now hearing Hua Yunfeng's tone... could it be she had guessed wrong?
Did Chen Qing truly only have the ten-refinement method passed down by Senior Martial Brother Luo?
Was his urgent need for an eleven-refinement method to make up for that slight gap in foundational potential with Nan Zhuoran?
If this were true... the shadow in Li Yujun's heart produced by Chen Qing's great victory seemed to disperse slightly.
Ten refinements and eleven refinements—though seemingly differing by only one time—represented a not insignificant gap in potential ceiling.
If Chen Qing could only stop at ten refinements, his future achievements might still be very high, but might not necessarily completely surpass Nan Zhuoran.
But Hua Yunfeng's next words interrupted her thoughts.
"The matter of Li Qingyu, and the sect's future,"
Hua Yunfeng's voice deepened several degrees, "In the end, someone must shoulder the heavy responsibility."
A flash of cold light suddenly crossed Li Yujun's eyes. That cold light was mixed with bone-deep hatred.
"Li Qingyu's vengeance," Li Yujun's voice suddenly turned cold, "the Nine Heavens lineage will resolve ourselves!"
"Resolve?"
Hearing this, Hua Yunfeng's face showed no expression. He merely asked blandly, "How will the Nine Heavens lineage resolve it? Can you, Li Yujun, resolve it?"
His tone was bland, yet like an ice-cold awl.
"Do you truly believe that Li Qingyu is just Li Qingyu?"
Hua Yunfeng slowly said, "Standing behind him is the entire Great Snow Mountain, the restlessly moving Jinting Eight Divisions, the mysterious and unfathomable Night Clan. Can you resolve these?"
Li Yujun's breathing hitched.
Hua Yunfeng's words laid bare the question she had never dared think deeply about, bloody and raw, right before her eyes.
Yes, how to resolve it?
Li Qingyu had betrayed the sect and joined Great Snow Mountain. Now he was even entangled with Night Clan and Jinting forces.
Great Snow Mountain itself was a top-tier northern power with unfathomably deep foundations. Its master was an even more mysterious and powerful Primordial Spirit realm giant.
Not to mention the mysterious Night Clan.
Which of these parties could the Nine Heavens lineage alone contend with?
Even... they were existences that even the entire Tianbao Upper Sect found difficult to oppose.
Although she, Li Yujun, was already a Grandmaster and could be considered an expert within Yan Kingdom's borders, placed on this Northern Cang chaotic chess board with various powers standing side by side, she was merely a chess piece of slightly heavier weight. Revenge? How could it be easy!
"Furthermore!"
Hua Yunfeng's voice sounded again, carrying a kind of complexity, "Do you truly believe that Li Qingyu's betrayal of the sect back then was merely for the Tianbao Tower? And the benefits Great Snow Mountain promised?"
Li Yujun's entire body shook. Her brows twisted into a knot, "Senior Martial Brother Hua, you... what do you mean by this?"
But Hua Yunfeng didn't go deeper. He merely slowly shook his head, "Many things are not as simple as you think. The undercurrents beneath the water's surface are far more turbulent than what's visible."
"I've said my piece. Think it over."
Having said this, he turned and pushed the door to leave.
Li Yujun sat alone in the spacious Nine Heavens Pavilion, motionless.
Hua Yunfeng's final few words repeatedly echoed in her mind.
...
Inside the quiet chamber at Myriad Techniques Peak.
Chen Qing sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, eyes tightly closed, the circulation of qi and blood throughout his body pushed to the limit.
Beneath his skin, dark golden Sanskrit characters moved and flickered like living things. Each brightening and dimming was accompanied by low rumbling, as if dragons and elephants were awakening and roaring within his body.
In the air above the quiet chamber, faint golden phantoms of dragons and elephants appeared in turn, intertwining with one another and emanating an ancient, oppressive aura of power.
The air was pushed aside by this power, forming visible ripples that slowly spread outward.
[Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body: Eighth Layer (119500/120000)]
Chen Qing's mind was as calm as an ancient well, focusing all his mental energy internally.
The remaining blood essence in his body was like a point of scorching flame suspended above his dantian.
He hesitated no longer. True Origin gently wrapped around it!
"Boom!"
The blood essence dissolved!
Qi and blood essence exploded like a volcanic eruption, transforming into myriad scorching torrents that rushed toward his four limbs and hundred bones, five viscera and six bowels!
"Hum—!"
Chen Qing’s body violently trembled. The dark golden light on his surface suddenly flared brilliantly!
His spine rose like a great dragon raising its head, climbing section by section, producing crackling explosive sounds like thunder.
Muscles throughout his body madly swelled and contracted. From deep within his bones came dense tempering sounds like rain beating plantain leaves.
The sound of blood rushing echoed through the quiet chamber, like a great river bursting its banks, angry waves beating the shore.
The dragon and elephant phantoms behind him completely solidified. One dragon, one elephant, head and tail connected, circling and dancing, emanating terrifying momentum that could suppress mountains and rivers.
Pale golden qi and blood seeped from Chen Qing's every pore, actually condensing into a thin golden radiance outside his body, setting him off like a dharma-protecting Vajra enshrined in a temple.
[Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body: Eighth Layer (119800/120000)]
[Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body: Eighth Layer (119900/120000)]
[Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body: Eighth Layer (119950/120000)]
The proficiency jumped at a visibly rapid rate. With each jump, Chen Qing could feel a subtle yet clear "cracking" sound transmitting from deep within his physical body, as if some kind of shackles were being broken layer by layer.
Chen Qing urged the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body mental cultivation method to an unprecedented extreme.
Qi and blood like raging dragons wildly surged through his meridians, madly attacking that invisible bottleneck barrier.
"Crack—!"
Like glazed glass shattering, yet also like metal clashing.
An even more tremendous power thunderously erupted from the deepest part of his body!
[Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body: Ninth Layer (1/150000)]
Breakthrough!
In an instant, all phenomena in the quiet chamber suddenly retracted.
The dragon and elephant phantoms cried out once before transforming into two golden lights that disappeared into Chen Qing's body.
The golden radiance surrounding his body also flowed like hundreds of rivers returning to the sea, instantly retracting beneath his skin.
Chen Qing still sat cross-legged, but his entire aura had undergone earth-shaking changes.
Previously, at the eighth layer, although his qi and blood were as vast as the sea and his strength supremely powerful and unmatched, it ultimately carried a sense of being “scattered” and “turbid.” Despite the great power, it required careful condensation and deliberate activation.
But at this moment, having stepped into the ninth layer, everything was completely different.
With a slight movement of his mind, the qi and blood within his body spontaneously condensed, transforming into streams of force as solid as steel.
This force was no longer mere flesh-and-blood power, but had fused bone essence and marrow, visceral vitality, and had been qualitatively transformed into golden light.
“This is… the qi-and-blood golden light of the Buddhist dharma-protecting Vajra’s permanent realm?”
Chen Qing slowly opened his eyes. Golden light flashed briefly in his pupils.
He raised his right hand, lightly clenching his five fingers.
"Hum!"
A heavy, solid force field spread outward with his palm as the center, as if a casual grip could crush spirit treasures.
Compared to the eighth layer, the greatest improvement of the ninth layer was not the explosive increase in total qi and blood, but the qualitative transformation of its force.
Previously it was "great force flying bricks," relying on brutally domineering tremendous force to crush.
Now it was “lifting the heavy as though it were light.” Every fraction of power was condensed like silk, flowing and retracting freely, combining both hardness and softness.
Wherever his mind reached, force could instantly concentrate at a single point, the penetrating power and destructive force that burst forth far exceeded before by several times!
He even felt that with just the true qi of his current physical body, without using True Origin or divine abilities, relying solely on fists and feet, he could forcibly contend with someone at ten-refinement True Origin and even achieve victory.
“Buddhist body cultivation—the first eight layers emphasize foundation. Starting from the ninth layer is when tremendous qi and blood are truly refined into force that belongs entirely to oneself.”
Chen Qing understood in his heart.
This force seemed formless, but in reality, it was already a unique power existing between qi and blood and True Origin.
He took a deep breath and slowly stood up.
Tendons and bones throughout his body rang out together, producing a pleasant crisp sound like gold and jade striking. That was a sign of bone density further increasing, approaching 'jade transformation.'
His skin appeared no different from an ordinary person's, but its toughness was already comparable to treasure armor.
"This breakthrough—physical body strength has increased by nearly double compared to the eighth layer. Especially the condensation and control of force is far beyond what it was before."
Chen Qing slowly paced in the quiet chamber. Each step fell as light as a feather, yet faintly carried the weight of a thousand jun. His control over power had reached the minutest level.
“Just broken through, qi and blood still churning, not yet settled. With my strength explosively increased, I still need time to stabilize and master it.”
He wasn't impatient, deeply knowing the importance of a stable foundation.
Martial Dao cultivation, especially the path of body refinement, most feared rash greed for achievement.
“Just right. I’ll use this opportunity to consolidate the ninth-layer realm. Once my physical body has fully adapted and my qi and blood are perfectly harmonized, I’ll proceed with the eleventh True Origin refinement.”
Chen Qing's gaze turned toward the jade boxes in the quiet chamber's corner. There was still half a stalk of Earth Vein Purple Pattern Ginseng, as well as Profound Yang Spirit Fusion Pills.
These two items were sufficient to support his consumption in attacking the eleven-refinement barrier.
The thirteen-refinement method recorded in the Supreme Void True Scripture.
Eleven refinements was merely the next step toward that goal.
"After breaking through, I'll go find Old Man Li."
Chen Qing decided in his heart.
He sat cross-legged again, cultivating the ninth layer mental method of the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body, slowly guiding the surging qi and blood within his body, making it like streams returning to the sea, gradually settling.
Time flowed in silence.
Two days later.
"Creak—"
The heavy stone door of the top-floor quiet chamber at Myriad Techniques Peak slowly opened.
Chen Qing stepped out.
He raised his eyes to look. Outside the window, the sea of clouds churned, distant mountains held verdant hues. Several ancient trees' branches had already sprouted tender green buds that swayed gently in the breeze.
Spring had quietly enveloped the Tianbao Mountain Range.
"Senior Brother!"
A clear call came from downstairs.
Qingdai carried a tea tray. Seeing Chen Qing emerge from seclusion, her face immediately bloomed with a delighted smile, "You've finally come out! I'll immediately prepare hot water and food!"
"No rush." Chen Qing waved his hand and asked, "Are Uncle Ping and Zhu Yu here?"
"Uncle Ping has been handling peak affairs all along. Senior Brother Zhu Yu just returned from the mountain base the day before yesterday."
Qingdai quickly answered, "I'll go summon them right away!"
"Mm. Have them meet me at the 'Cliff-Facing Pavilion' next door."
"Yes!"
Chen Qing turned and walked toward the refined quarters on the other side of the same floor.
This pavilion was built facing the cliff, hence its name.
The pavilion's furnishings were elegant. A wide rosewood table was placed before the window, already equipped with paper, brush, and tea implements.
Chen Qing sat behind the table. Before long, footsteps sounded outside the door.
First was Uncle Ping. After entering, he respectfully saluted, "Peak Master."
"Uncle Ping, no need for excessive courtesy. Sit."
Chen Qing pointed to the meditation cushion opposite, "During these days I was in seclusion, how have things been at the peak?"
Uncle Ping sat down. After briefly pondering, he reported methodically, "Reporting to Peak Master, all matters at the peak have been stable..."
Subsequently, he briefly reported on recent personnel changes at Myriad Techniques Peak, including the promotion of several stewards and adjustments to the books and cultivation methods in various pavilions.
After listening, Chen Qing nodded, "You've worked hard, Uncle Ping."
"It's my duty." Uncle Ping cupped his fists. Seeing Chen Qing had no other instructions for the moment, he tactfully took his leave.
Just as Uncle Ping left, Zhu Yu arrived.
His eyes carried several parts excitement. After entering, he cupped his fists in salute, "Senior Brother Chen!"
"I heard you went down the mountain the day before yesterday? What news did you gather?" Chen Qing indicated for him to sit.
Zhu Yu lowered his voice, his tone carrying several parts gravity, "Senior Brother, during the days you were in seclusion, a major event occurred in the outside world! It shocked the entire Yan Kingdom!"
"Oh? Tell me in detail." Chen Qing's expression remained calm.
"It's Que Religion!"
Zhu Yu said, "Que Religion Sect Master's personal transmission disciple, named Shang Yuming, arrived in Jade Capital City about half a month ago. He set up a challenge platform at the Imperial Martial Arts Field, publicly challenging the younger generation experts of our Yan Kingdom!"
Chen Qing's fingertip lightly tapped the table, "Shang Yuming?"
Zhu Yu's tone was urgent, "This person's strength is extremely terrifying! It's said he's already cultivated Que Religion's town-protecting body cultivation secret transmission, Giant Whale Overturning Seas Technique, to the ninth layer. His True Origin refinement has even reached a horrifying twelve times! In Jade Capital City, the head of the Martial Academy, the newly enfeoffed Marquis Pingding Yue Qianfeng, suffered severe injuries and defeat at his hands!"
Chen Qing wasn't particularly surprised. This Shang Yuming's strength was indeed shockingly extraordinary.
"How did the court react?"
"His Majesty the Yan Emperor was furious, but also knew this matter concerned national dignity and face. He's already issued an edict to the Six Great Upper Sects, ordering each sect to dispatch their current generation's most outstanding disciples to Jade Capital to face that Shang Yuming!"
Zhu Yu said, "Right now Jade Capital City is where wind and clouds gather—extremely lively! All parties are watching this contest. This is no longer simply victory or defeat among the younger generation, but concerns the struggle between two nations!"
"Have the other great upper sects all sent people?" Chen Qing asked.
"They have! Purple Sun Upper Sect's True Disciple Chief Wang Jing, Cloudwater Upper Sect's 'Sea' generation senior martial brother Lin Haiqing, have both arrived at Jade Capital. Mystic Heaven and Lingxiao sects have also sent True Disciples, but..."
Zhu Yu paused, "Taiyi Upper Sect's Jiang Tuo didn't go. It's said he's currently in seclusion attempting to break through the Grandmaster bottleneck."
Chen Qing nodded. He knew of this person Jiang Tuo—Taiyi Upper Sect's current generation's number one.
“With a single court summons, the Six Great Upper Sects responded so readily. Could there be some other hidden scheme in this?”
Zhu Yu immediately said, "Senior Brother is perceptive! The court has promised that whoever can defeat Shang Yuming may enter the imperial secret vault and freely select one 'Earth' level treasure!"
"'Earth' level?" Chen Qing's eyebrows rose slightly.
“Yes! The treasures of the imperial secret vault are divided into four grades: ‘Heaven,’ ‘Earth,’ ‘Profound,’ and ‘Yellow.’ Even the ‘Earth’ level is an ultimate treasure beyond ordinary imagination!”
Zhu Yu's eyes showed longing, "It's said hundred-year precious medicines are everywhere within, and there are also ancient Shu relics, rare spirit minerals, and even extremely powerful divine ability secret techniques recorded! This kind of reward—even the Six Great Upper Sects are greatly moved. Otherwise they wouldn't respond so actively."
People die for wealth, birds die for food.
The court's move was indeed brilliant.
Chen Qing understood in his heart.
With both the righteousness of national grievance and actual tremendous benefits behind it, the heaven's chosen of the Six Great Upper Sects would naturally flock to it.
"What's the Main Peak's attitude toward this matter?" Chen Qing asked.
"Lineage Master Han sent word the day before yesterday saying this matter is for Senior Brother to decide yourself. Going or not going are both acceptable."
Zhu Yu said, "Within the sect, Senior Brother Nan Zhuoran's injuries haven't healed. Senior Brother Ji Yunliang also seems to be in seclusion advancing. The other True Disciples... their weight probably seems somewhat insufficient. Right now many people are speculating whether you, Senior Brother, will take action."
Chen Qing was silent for a moment before shaking his head, "The other great upper sects have all dispatched genius disciples. I won't go join in the excitement."
He had the remaining medicinal power of the flood dragon blood essence that needed consolidating. More pressing was attacking the eleven-refinement barrier.
Going to Jade Capital City at this time to compete with that Shang Yuming would only disrupt his own cultivation rhythm.
"I understand." Zhu Yu nodded, not surprised.
Having followed Chen Qing for a long time, he knew deeply that this senior brother’s temperament was steady and deliberate. He would never act rashly for the sake of empty fame or momentary pride.
"By the way," Zhu Yu suddenly remembered something, "there's another matter. Just the day before yesterday, a woman with the surname Miao claiming to be a Gu Sect elder came to pay respects at the mountain, specifically requesting to see Senior Brother. She said she's an old acquaintance of yours."
"Miao Yuniang?" Chen Qing's eyebrows rose as he asked, "Where is she now?"
"Arranged to temporarily stay at Guest Reception Peak." Zhu Yu answered.
Chen Qing pondered briefly before saying, "Bring her here."
"Yes! I'll go right away!"
Zhu Yu stood up and hurriedly left.