Chapter 81: Chapter 79: Strength Soars—Bai Lian Again?

Celestial Cloud Mountain Range.

The usual tranquility was shattered as numerous magnificent flying ships pierced through the sky, standing above the Celestial Cloud Mountain Range.

Because the decennial Celestial Cloud Secret Realm was about to open.

The initial appearance of the Celestial Cloud Secret Realm caused a bloody storm, and the sects that first discovered the secret realm were destroyed, fading into history.

After various struggles, the major forces in Qingzhou reluctantly achieved a balance, jointly possessing the Celestial Cloud Secret Realm, opening it every ten years to train the younger generation of disciples.

As for the other forces, Zhou Chen was not clear, but the disciples of Cyan Cloud Sect retained any treasures obtained after entering the secret realm, without the sect’s interference.

Regarding this, Zhou Chen felt quite pleased.

Upon arriving in the sky above Celestial Cloud Mountain Range, Zhou Chen felt a broadened horizon, with dazzling young talents everywhere within sight.

Zhou Chen practiced Qi Observation Technique and could roughly sense that over ninety percent present were above the Ninth Layer of Body Refining, even talents with four or five transformations were everywhere.

But it’s to be expected, considering Qingzhou’s six prefectures and the plethora of people; geniuses are abundant.

Except for him, Cyan Cloud Sect’s True Inheritors were all above three transformations, totaling thirty-three.

Boom!

The sound of breaking through the air was sharp, the clouds churned, and Zhou Chen looked up to see a flying ship slicing through the clouds like a sword.

A black banner fluttered on the ship, embroidered with a divine sword, alongside three golden characters ’Celestial Sword Sect’.

“It’s Celestial Sword Sect!”

“Celestial Sword Sect has arrived!”

“Is that Celestial Sword Sect’s Sect Leader Jian Lingtian?”

“Behind him must be Sword Hero, ranked second on the Hundred Flowers List and Celestial Pride List!”

Countless eyes glanced over.

Zhou Chen also looked over, seeing Celestial Sword Sect’s Sect Leader Jian Lingtian, clad in black, standing straight with formidable Sword Qi.

Behind him, Sword Hero, also dressed in black, had a slender build, handsome and cold, resembling a sentimentless divine sword.

“Sword Hero is more formidable than Senior Sister; he must have reached above ten transformations…”

Zhou Chen scrutinized Sword Hero, finding it difficult to judge his exact transformation.

For each transformation involved body tempering, changes occurred, though not as significant as the first time.

“Sadly, he seems cold and emotionless like a soldier…”

Zhou Chen secretly shook his head, wondering if her heart was equally cold or fiery?

A moment later.

Great Zen Temple arrived.

Great Zen Temple had a hundred quotas, equal to the combined total of Celestial Sword Sect and Cyan Cloud Sect.

Although Cyan Cloud Sect and Celestial Sword Sect were listed among Qingzhou’s three great sects along with Great Zen Temple, they were actually a tier below.

Zhou Chen’s gaze fell upon the group of shining bald heads.

Ignoring the leading old monks for the moment, Zhou Chen’s attention focused on the leading young monk.

This monk’s appearance was handsome, contrasting Zhou Chen’s preconceived notion of a hairy face and thunderous mouth.

He was Qingzhou’s Celestial Pride List champion, Great Zen Temple’s Buddha’s Son, Monk Wukong.

As Zhou Chen observed Monk Wukong, the latter suddenly glanced over, giving Zhou Chen the illusion of being fully seen through.

It was a relief that he possessed Heaven-Deceiving Divine Techniques.

Even if it was just the first layer, it was unlikely to be seen through entirely.

“This monk is indeed formidable, likely possessing Celestial Eye…”

Zhou Chen had recently read many books and, compared to his initial ignorance as a country rogue cultivator, he had gained some insight.

Their eyes met, Monk Wukong smiled slightly, nodding.

Zhou Chen slightly nodded, considering it a greeting from afar.

“Cyan Cloud Sect’s Divine Arrow Peak’s new True Inheritor Zhou Chen seems somewhat interesting…”

Monk Wukong’s grin curled as his Celestial Eye, though not revealing others’ cultivation levels instantly, could discern seven to eight parts.

Zhou Chen gave him a different feeling, like seeing through a foggy flower, seemingly simple yet complex, undoubtedly contrary to rumors of his indulgence in brothels and playthings.

As Zhou Chen bypassed Great Zen Temple, besides Qingzhou’s three main sects, many others came this time.

For instance, numerous Court officials were present.

As well as various large and small clans and gangs.

Although they didn’t measure up to the three main sects and the Court, they couldn’t be underestimated either; while some had only ten or more quotas, and a few even had just one or two.

Their sheer number compensated for the three main sects and the Court’s combined tally.

“Time is almost up!”

A burly middle-aged man emerged from the Court’s flying ship, donning armor, his stern countenance exuding a powerful voice that resonated deeply.

He was Ye Guting, the Vice Hall Master of Qingzhou Branch of Great Qian’s Qiankun Guard.

“Amitabha Buddha!”

The leading old monk from Great Zen Temple, Le Kong, clasped his hands together, voicing a Buddha name, then strode into the air.

Cyan Cloud Sect’s Sect Leader Qing Yuyao and Celestial Sword Sect’s Sect Leader Jian Lingtian equally stepped forward.

In the next moment.

The four simultaneously erupted with terrifying pressure.

Ye Guting seemed to practice spear techniques, and behind him loomed a divine spear’s shadow, seemingly ready to pierce the heavens.

Le Kong gleamed with radiant gold, behind him vaguely appeared the Buddha Dharma Aspect.

Qing Yuyao and Jian Lingtian each had a sword behind them.

Zhou Chen’s gaze burned brightly, sensing incredibly dangerous aura from the four, far exceeding the Divine Sea Realm.

Boom!

All four released an attack simultaneously, and the originally empty sky above Celestial Cloud Mountain Range suddenly bloomed with brilliant light.

A shield resembling an overturned jade bowl could vaguely be seen.

A massive array lay there.

With Qing Yuyao’s combined Divine Power pouring into the array, it transformed, wind and clouds billowed, the void shifted, exposing a passage akin to rippling water.

The entrance to the passage spanned ten zhang wide.

“Entering the secret realm, you have one month!”

Ye Guting’s voice thundered like a bell, his words followed by the Court’s ship promptly approaching the passage entrance, their members filing into the passage.

Following closely.

Great Zen Temple, Celestial Sword Sect, Cyan Cloud Sect.

“Boy, stay sharp, martial skill isn’t high, survival is paramount!”

Li Changfeng couldn’t resist reminding Zhou Chen.

“As the saying goes, good men don’t live long; evildoers endure for a thousand years, Master you can rest assured.”

Zhou Chen grinned broadly, filled with confidence.

“Scram!”

“Let’s go!”

Zhou Chen and Li Changhen trailed Cyan Cloud Sect’s main group into the passage.

Upon entering, Zhou Chen felt dizzy as an invisible force propelled him forward.

In the next moment.

Zhou Chen’s eyes brightened, landing upon a vast green field, regrettably, without any sheep.

“Is this the Celestial Cloud Secret Realm?”

Zhou Chen sensed his surroundings; the air was fresh, and Spiritual Qi abundant, akin to Cyan Cloud Sect established upon a spirit vein.

His Divine Sense swept across the vicinity, detecting no immediate danger, aside from some small animals.

“Fengxia, Ruyi, keep watch around.”

Zhou Chen gave an order and began to allocate his points.

Firstly, it was the ninth layer of Red Emperor Fire Divine Skill.

Thirty thousand Wind and Moon Points consumed.

Originally at the critical point from Qi Refining Eighth Layer Perfection to Early-Stage Qi Refining Ninth Layer, his cultivation improved dramatically, his Magical Power surged to Qi Refining Ninth-Layer Great Perfection, just short of breaking through to Foundation Establishment Realm.

[Red Emperor Fire Divine Skill Tenth Layer (60/1000000)]

Zhou Chen glanced at the required Wind and Moon Points, a full million, temporarily unable to advance.

At this moment.

Zhou Chen, cultivating both Immortal Martial Dual Cultivation, had reached Body Refining Ninth Layer Perfection and Qi Refining Ninth-Layer Perfection. Even without considering external boosts, his strength would certainly not be weaker than a strong practitioner of the Tenth Body Refining Transformation.

As to exactly how powerful, Zhou Chen lacked a frame of reference, making it difficult to judge.

“And there are still seven hundred thousand Wind and Moon Points…”

Thinking that he was unfamiliar with the Celestial Cloud Secret Realm and wanted to find treasures, he immediately made a decision.

“Qi Observation Technique, allocate points.”

Ten thousand Wind and Moon Points consumed, Zhou Chen seemed to have cultivated for decades, reaching a brand-new stage of understanding of the Qi Observation Technique.

[Qi Observation Technique Third Layer (0/1000000)]

Zhou Chen’s gaze changed once more, seeing the world anew.

All things have Qi; strong objects have strong Qi, evil objects have evil Qi. Observing the Qi of all things allows one to discern the strength and virtue of all things…

“These ten thousand Wind and Moon Points were really worth it; treasure hunting will be as simple as having radar later…”

Zhou Chen was quite satisfied as he looked at the remaining six hundred thousand Wind and Moon Points.

“Electric Light Divine Step, allocate points!”

Zhou Chen allocated points twice consecutively, consuming sixty-four thousand plus one hundred twenty-eight thousand Wind and Moon Points, totaling one hundred ninety-two thousand Wind and Moon Points.

Electric Light Divine Step completed Body Refining Eighth Layer Golden Body Realm and Ninth Level of Body Refining and God Refining Realm cultivation, and Zhou Chen finally completed another Body Refining, reaching the Body Refining First Transition Realm.

Electric Light Divine Step focused on body technique, and Zhou Chen now seemed as light as a feather, moving effortlessly across dozens of yards, as if transcending in mid-air.

“Completing two Body Tempering processes truly makes a difference!”

Zhou Chen felt the changes in himself, with his body undergoing a second tempering, becoming stronger on one hand, and Electric Light Divine Step significantly boosting his speed.

Compared to before, the increase in strength might not be substantial, but the speed was leagues ahead.

Ancestor Cyan Cloud cultivated seventy-three martial arts, reaching Seventy-Two Body Refining Transformations, likely having no weaknesses all over, and Zhou Chen couldn’t imagine how strong that would be?

No wonder Body Refining Realm could defeat Divine Sea Realm.

“General Slayer Saber, allocate points!”

Zhou Chen continued.

General Slayer Saber was one layer lower than Electric Light Divine Step, consuming an additional thirty-two thousand Wind and Moon Points, totaling two hundred twenty-four thousand Wind and Moon Points.

General Slayer Saber reached Body Refining Ninth Layer Perfection.

Zhou Chen completed three Body Refining processes, coupled with the main cultivation technique, mastering three martial arts, reaching the Realm of the First Transition.

General Slayer Saber followed a route of grand open moves and fierce domination, with Zhou Chen’s overall strength increasing significantly more than Electric Light Divine Step.

Especially his arms, which were more attuned to the saber!

Zhou Chen grasped the General Slayer Saber, casually swung it, and the light of the blade flashed suddenly, with the speed of the swing being at least twice as fast as before!

A sense of ’with a single saber, the world is mine’ naturally arose.

“There’s still eighteen thousand four hundred, Overlord Fist can’t be elevated to perfection…”

Zhou Chen thought for a moment and allocated ten thousand Wind and Moon Points to the Yi Arrow Skill’s Sun-Shooting aspect.

Instantly.

Zhou Chen felt as if he had practiced archery for decades, seemingly witnessing Hou Yi shooting the sun, an arrow penetrating the sun, with boundless divine power. Invisible momentum surged, with a shadow of Hou Yi shooting the sun appearing behind Zhou Chen.

“Arrow Soul!”

“This is the Arrow Soul of the Yi Arrow Skill—Sun-Shooting Arrow Soul.”

Zhou Chen’s eyes sparkled with excitement, feeling immensely powerful.

At this moment.

He felt that with one arrow, he could shoot down the sun.

While this might be an illusion.

He estimated that one arrow could definitely kill a regular Divine Power Realm.

Although his strength could only allow for one arrow.

“One arrow is enough!”

Zhou Chen felt uplifted and emboldened, knowing that the remaining eight thousand four hundred Wind and Moon Points wouldn’t enhance his strength much, but could be reserved for healing and recovery.

Being confident as he was, in this unfamiliar environment, injuries were always a possibility.

Once injured, the danger would increase.

But as long as he had Wind and Moon Points, Zhou Chen could instantly recover, being a life-saving Divine Artifact.

“Now, I am fully armed, ready to seek treasures with ease!”

Zhou Chen carried the General Slayer Saber, wielded the Sunset Bow, applying Heaven-Deceiving Divine Techniques to suppress his aura to Body Refining Seventh Layer, employing the Qi Observation Technique to search for treasure.

Where his sight reached, he saw a faint green glow amidst which a dazzling green shine lay.

Zhou Chen stepped over in a few strides and immediately saw a thousand-year-old ginseng.

“Not bad!”

Zhou Chen’s lips curved upwards as he casually dug it up and proceeded with treasure hunting.

Within a short time, Zhou Chen found dozens of Spirit Elixirs.

He didn’t need Spirit Elixirs and pills much, but his women did.

And when his women grew stronger, they could provide him with more Wind and Moon Points.

Such a virtuous cycle.

“Hmm, Bai Lian?”

Suddenly, Zhou Chen’s brows furrowed upon seeing an unexpected person.

That woman from the inn, whom he had a free meal with, using her for one night.

“Why is she here?”

As the thought crossed, Zhou Chen did not hide or evade.

Bai Lian quickly noticed him.

“Zhou Chen! It’s you!”

Bai Lian gritted her teeth and rushed towards Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen’s pupils suddenly shrank:

“No, she’s not Bai Lian!”

“Earlier, I probed Bai Lian deeply; she was definitely only at the Seventh-Layer Qi Refining.”

“Yet this woman, although having the appearance and voice, even her expression upon seeing me resembles that after catching a tout, she’s definitely not Bai Lian!”

After enhancing his Qi Observation Technique, Zhou Chen’s observational skills surged, and although this woman was hiding very intricately, her strength was definitely stronger than Li Changhen.

He even felt that the opponent might also cultivate Immortal Martial Dual Cultivation.

“Why would she disguise herself as Bai Lian?”

Zhou Chen contemplated diligently, pretending to hesitate over whether to escape.

He wanted to see what this woman intended to do?

Maybe he could leverage the situation, and a free conquest would be a definite gain!

…

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