“What?”
“We’re not qualified?” Earth Immortal Lie Shan and Earth Immortal Long Hong were taken aback, their voices carrying a hint of disbelief.
“Xing Jiu, what is the meaning of this?” Earth Immortal Lie Shan questioned Xing Jiu’s intentions. He was dressed in purple robes, and exuded an air of power and authority. “Are you planning to take Li Xia as your disciple? Shouldn’t the choice be up to Li Xia himself?”
Earth Immortal Long Hong, clad in white robes, also looked somewhat confused.
“Xing Jiu, clarify your words,” urged Earth Immortal Qing Yu, attempting to diffuse the tension. He knew Xing Jiu’s prideful nature all too well.
“I have no intention of taking a disciple,” Earth Immortal Xing Jiu shook his head resolutely. “But someone else has already laid claim to Li Xia.”
With that, he simply gestured upwards.
The expressions of Earth Immortal Lie Shan and Earth Immortal Long Hong shifted slightly, understanding the implication behind Xing Jiu’s words.
“Which veteran elder is it?” Earth Immortal Lie Shan inquired in a hushed tone, evidently unwilling to give up just yet.
“Do not press the matter further,” Xing Jiu cautioned. “I am not allowed to disclose the details. All I can say is that Li Xia is deeply involved in highly confidential sect secrets. If you don’t believe me, you can give it a try. I can guarantee that the sect will not approve it.”
The Dragon Star Immortal Sect encouraged its immortals to take on disciples, but they had to go through the necessary application procedure. Under normal circumstances, as long as the disciple was willing, the sect would approve it.
Upon hearing Xing Jiu’s words, the Earth Immortals were taken aback, including Earth Immortal Qing Yu.
He knew that Earth Immortal Xing Jiu was proud and aloof, but he had a reputation for honesty. Since he said Li Xia was involved in the sect’s secrets, then it must be true.
“Lie Shan, Xing Jiu is preparing for an expedition and will not be taking on disciples. There’s no need for him to deceive you. Since you are both here, let’s watch Li Xia’s progress and see how far he can go.” Earth Immortal Qing Yu suggested.
Earth Immortal Lie Shan and Earth Immortal Long Hong exchanged a glance before nodding.
In fact, before receiving the notification, they had no idea who Li Xia was. As Earth Immortals with long lifespans, many of them didn’t pay attention to the hereditary disciples.
“He has passed level fifty-one.” Earth Immortal Xing Jiu suddenly said, “He’s about to start challenging level fifty-two.”
…
On the fifty-second level, a series of explosions echoed, disrupting the stillness of space.
Wu Yuan immediately invoked the Star Ruins Sword Array, unleashing a Thousand Swords Array in a fierce clash with the black-robed guardian.
Their attacks met head-on, revealing the stark gap in their strengths.
“Fall!” Wu Yuan’s attacks were relentless, his celestial body thirty li in diameter overwhelming his opponent.
The battle ensued with repeated collisions, each strike a brutal display of power.
After nearly fifty intense clashes, Wu Yuan’s assault shattered the guardian’s Star Ruins Sword Array, and he emerged victorious.
Wu Yuan was filled with fighting spirit. “I’ve reached the current record. Continue to level fifty-three!”
…
In the special observation space, four Earth Immortals observed the battle.
“He has grasped the Celestial Body Dao?” The surprise of the newly arrived Earth Immortal Lie Shan and Earth Immortal Long Hong were evident.
As fellow contemplators of the Earth Dao and highly knowledgeable powerhouses, they quickly recognized it. They originally thought that Wu Yuan had comprehended one of the Lesser Laws to a high level. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be an Intermediate Law.
“Now, do you see what I meant?” Earth Immortal Xing Jiu asked, prompting nods of acknowledgment from Lie Shan and Long Hong.
Such a rare genius was destined for greatness, likely to be accepted as a disciple by a High Immortal.
“Li Xia was able to conquer level fifty-two, but he was clearly struggling. I doubt he will be able to pass the next level,” Earth Immortal Qing Yu caressed his dragon horn as he made his prediction.
…
“Win! I must win!” Wu Yuan, his eyes feral with obsession for victory, finally emerged triumphant after a grueling battle against the guardian of level fifty-three.
“Congratulations, Li Xia, you have set a new record in the Dragon Star Immortal Sect,” the tower spirit’s voice was now friendlier, its attitude toward Wu Yuan clearly warming.
“Continue!” Wu Yuan declared.
“Let’s see how many levels I can conquer.” His eyes brimmed with competitive fire.
For eight years, Wu Yuan had endured patiently, turning away all challenges and keeping his true strength hidden. Naturally, he knew all about the rumors circulating within the sect. But he had endured it all, biding his time.
He understood only absolute power could quell the doubts of others and catch the attention of Sword Immortal Dong Yang.
Today marked the beginning of his rise, the first step of carving out a name for himself.
After years of silence, he was going to make a resounding impact.
…
In the observation space, the number of Earth Immortals watching the battle had increased to six, their attention piqued by recent developments.
“Qing Yu, it seems your judgment was inaccurate,” Earth Immortal Lie Shan chuckled with amusement.
“How did he win? It defies reason! Has he been concealing his true power?” Earth Immortal Qing Yu struggled to accept the reality before him.
Considering Earth Immortal Qing Yu’s sharp perception, he should’ve gotten an accurate assessment of Wu Yuan’s strength, especially after witnessing numerous battles.
“Li Xia’s soul is even stronger than I thought. He has been masking his true abilities,” Earth Immortal Qing Yu remarked, a glint of intrigue in his eyes.
…
On level fifty-three, Wu Yuan continued his intense clash with the guardian.
The battle seemed to unfold like a carefully scripted drama; After a bitter and arduous fight, Wu Yuan emerged victorious once more.
At this juncture, the Earth Immortals could discern a pattern: each of Wu Yuan’s battles appeared perilous and hard-won, yet he cunningly concealed his true power.
“He’s assimilating the guardian’s combat experience!” Earth Immortal Qing Yu marveled. “His understanding of the Dao falls short of the guardians so he’s gaining experience and growing with each battle.”
…
On level fifty-four, space stretched endlessly, bathed in starlight.
Wu Yuan immediately launched into battle against the guardian.
It’s only four levels higher, yet the guardian’s Dao comprehension has markedly improved, his combat techniques more fluid. Having cleared more than ten levels in one go, Wu Yuan keenly observed the increase in the guardian’s strength.
The guardian of level fifty-four is far stronger than his predecessor on level fifty.
Both are able to execute Solid As A Rock, but this guardian’s sword array is truly as immovable as a rock. Wu Yuan analyzed, absorbing every detail of their battle.
Since the guardian also invoked the Star Ruins Sword Array, Wu Yuan felt as though he was looking at a reflection of himself.
Through clashing with a mirrored version of himself, the gaps in his understanding of the Dao were made clear to him.
In terms of Dao comprehension level, Wu Yuan knew that passing level fifty would be tough. Yet, why was he so confident that he would set a new record?
Naturally, it was because of his soul!
Eight years ago, my qi refiner self was just created and my soul had yet to recover fully. But now, after eight years of diligent nourishment and daily Visualization of the black pagoda, my soul has progressed greatly.
In terms of soul strength, his present-day qi refiner self surpassed even his body refiner self.
Thousand Swords Array? Wu Yuan could assemble one with minimal difficulty.
Under the precise control of his strong soul, Wu Yuan’s sword array possessed a terrifying edge, nigh unbeatable in the Golden Core phase.
It’s about time. Wu Yuan decided, sensing that his opponent had exhausted all tactics.
His eyes turned cold. It’s time to defeat you.
A flurry of flying swords enveloped Wu Yuan’s form, earthy-yellow qi streams interwoven with intricate cryptic patterns, swiftly converging to create a colossal, near-tangible divine sword.
The moment the divine sword materialized, it plunged forward.
A thunderous boom echoed as the divine sword streaked through the heavens, leaving a trail of sword light.
The fourth step of the Dark Earth Sword Array – Light Of The Land!
“What? Another Thousand Swords Array?” The guardian could scarcely believe his eyes.
However, there was no time for astonishment. The Dark Earth Divine Sword had already reached him.
With a resounding rumble, the Dark Earth Divine Sword descended, nearly shattering the guardian’s miniature star.
Before the black-robed guardian could react, another massive miniature star descended forcefully, causing the guardian’s already fragile miniature star to rupture.
Shockwaves rolled through the air as the guardian’s form dissipated into nothingness.
It doesn’t matter how high your Dao comprehension level is. Without reaching a critical threshold of qualitative transformation, you are unable to unleash its full strength without sufficient mana and a resilient soul. Wu Yuan contemplated with clarity.
During the early cultivation phases of a qi refiner, a robust soul provided one with an incomparable advantage.
With an invisible fluctuation, the records in the distant light screen altered once more.
“Continue to level fifty-five!” Wu Yuan’s voice rang out. Then, he vanished once more.
…
Within the observation space, there were now a total of eleven figures.
“He won again?”
“Two Thousand Swords Arrays? Heavens, isn’t this Li Xia’s soul a little too strong? Is he really a Golden Core cultivator?” The Earth Immortals present were all dumbstruck.
His soul talent appeared to transcend the realm of geniuses.
“Given the strength of his soul, it is no surprise that he comprehends the Dao at such a rapid pace,” interjected Earth Immortal Lie Shan.
“Nonsense!” another Immortal scoffed. “Li Xia’s soul may be remarkable, but it is just one factor contributing to his incredible Dao comprehension aptitude.”
“Those Amethyst Cradle hereditary disciples may boast stronger souls than him, but can they match the speed of his Dao comprehension?”
The other Earth Immortals murmured their agreement, thoroughly convinced.
Time went by.
“He’s conquered level fifty-five!”
“Level fifty-six!”
“Level fifty-seven! Though he won, it was a close call.”
As Wu Yuan continued to break the records, the number of Earth Immortals gathered to witness his feats grew to twenty-seven.
Such a turnout was truly remarkable. Dozens of Earth Immortals gathering to watch a Golden Core disciple challenge the one-star tower?
While not all present were looking to take him as a disciple, their discerning eyes quickly recognized Wu Yuan’s exceptional talent. To witness the ascent of a peerless genius was a rare occurrence even in their lengthy lives.
“He’s about to lose!”
“The two guardians on level fifty-eight are able to overwhelm him with their joint efforts,” the Earth Immortals conversed amongst themselves.
And so, under the scrutiny of numerous eyes, the miniature star formed by a sword array crumbled, and Wu Yuan’s winning streak was broken at level fifty-seven.
“To have achieved such strength after only eight years in the sect?”
“According to Xiang Sheng’s reports, he has not even reached fifty years old. It’s unbelievable!”
“Not yet fifty, and he has conquered level fifty-seven?”
“He undoubtedly has the potential to surpass level sixty in the future,” the Earth Immortals marveled.
Time passed.
It wasn’t just the Earth Immortals engrossed in discussions. The records of the Seven Towers World had always been the benchmark of the peerless geniuses, attracting considerable attention.
And now, a new record for the one-star tower in the Dragon Star Immortal Sect had been set! It surpassed the previous record by a significant margin, and the challenger was not yet fifty years old. It was highly possible that he would go on to set an even higher record.
Perhaps, he might even break the longstanding million-year records of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect and the entire immortal continent!
Like a tempest, this news was swiftly disseminated throughout the Dragon Star Immortal Realm and the Redmoon Immortal Realm’s Dragon Star Island.