In the Central Plains Spiritual Domain, Seven Profound Sect, on the square, colorful flags were fluttering, and the atmosphere was warm and solemn, interwoven with an indescribable sense of ritual. At this moment, it was precisely the grand event of the Sect's once-a-decade True Disciple Grand Competition.
The Seven Profound Sect Disciples, dressed in unified Sect attire, with their sleeves fluttering, resembled a flowing painting. Their gazes were like torches, tightly focused on the eighteen towering competitive arenas, where splendid battles were unfolding.
The eighteen competitive arenas, like stars adorning the night sky, were independent yet mutually illuminating. They were inlaid with countless top-grade Spirit Crystals, each emitting a soft and mysterious light, driving powerful protective barriers that glowed faintly. This not only protected the Disciples on the stage from accidental injury but also added a sense of mystery and solemnity.
At this moment, on all eighteen arenas, two Nascent Soul Disciples were engaged in fierce combat. The duels were grand in scale, with Spells and Martial Skills complementing each other, presenting a dazzling spectacle that was hard to take in.
Above the square, on the viewing platform, Sect Master Lin Maoshan sat as still as a pine, his eyes deep and wise, as if he could see through everything in the world. On either side, several Peak Masters of the Sect were arranged in order. They were all Venerable Deity Transformation, and the Aura emanating from them was majestic and solemn, making the atmosphere of the entire venue even more solemn.
However, within this solemn atmosphere, a secret communication, unknown to others, was hidden.
Sect Master Lin Maoshan was dressed in a luxurious robe embroidered with Five Elements totems. The robe was mainly golden, interspersed with auspicious clouds of green, red, yellow, and black, symbolizing the supreme Realm of Five Elements cultivation. The cuffs and hem of the robe were intricately outlined with delicate rune patterns in golden threads, subtly flowing with the faint light of Five Elements Spiritual Power, showcasing his profound Cultivation and extraordinary status as the Sect Master.
His figure was as tall as a pine, with broad shoulders and a thick back, exuding an Aura of natural authority. A simple jade hairpin bundle tied his black hair behind his head, making him appear both dignified and unrestrained. His facial features were well-defined, with a high nose bridge, and a faint yet profound smile hung at the corner of his mouth, as if everything in the world was within his grasp.
At this moment, Lin Maoshan's eyes were fixed on the battles on the arena. However, his mind was not entirely immersed in the Disciple competition before him; instead, he quietly sent out a wisp of Divine Sense to engage in a silent conversation with the Sect Elders.
The Seven Gods Peak of the Seven Profound Sect had all changed to a new generation of Peak Masters. Zhao Tianchen, the Peak Master of Gold Divinity Peak, was seated first on Lin Maoshan's right. He was tall, dressed in a dark green tight-fitting suit that outlined his strong muscles, making him as steady as a mountain. His hair was like a waterfall, tied back with a simple jade belt, and a few strands of hair on his forehead swayed gently in the wind, adding a touch of unrestrainedness to him.
Su Hongxiu, on the other hand, presented a different kind of charm. She wore a fiery red long dress, its skirt light and flowing, like dancing flames, complementing her gentle yet resolute temperament. Su Hongxiu's skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, and a gentle smile always hung on her lips, but behind that smile lay an un underestimated tenacity and wisdom. She Cultivated a fire-attribute Cultivation Technique, and a warm and ardent Aura constantly emanated from her.
Liu Yuqian, with her graceful figure, wore a light blue long dress that swayed gently in the wind, like a Fairy in the water, fresh and refined. Her long hair was like silk, gently tied up, with a few strands falling by her ears, adding a touch of softness to her. Liu Yuqian's eyes were like autumn water, bright and deep, revealing a gentle and intelligent demeanor. As a Soul Transformation Cultivator, water-attribute Spiritual Power flowed within her, making her movements as fluid as flowing water, agile yet elegant, exuding grace in every gesture.
Ji Hao, with his burly figure and bulging muscles, was clad in a black tight-fitting suit that enveloped his robust physique, appearing as if cast from black iron, giving off an indescribable sense of oppression. His face was stern, and his gaze was firm. He Cultivated an earth-attribute Cultivation Technique, and a heavy and steady Aura emanated from him, like the earth itself, providing a solid sense of reliance.
Xiao Qingyun, on the other hand, wore a white robe as pure as snow, ethereal and unworldly, like an Immortal above the clouds. His face was delicate, his eyes clear as water, and a gentle smile often hung on his lips, giving people a feeling of being bathed in spring breeze.
... ...
Hundreds of years later, the Qi Refining Cultivators—Zhao Tianchen, Su Hongxiu, Liu Yuqian, Ji Hao, Xiao Qingyun, and Zhong Yuling—have all become Soul Transformation Cultivators.
Zhao Tianchen, with the highest Cultivation, had already entered the Late Stage of Soul Transformation, just one step away from breaking through to the Void Refining Realm. He sat slightly below Lin Maoshan's right, his brows revealing steadiness and confidence. Occasionally, he would look up at the arena, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes.
“Senior Brother Lin, we have all advanced to Soul Transformation, but our reverence and longing for Master are growing day by day. Is Master still unwilling to show up for this Grand Competition? Have you invited him?” Su Hongxiu asked softly with Divine Thought, her voice gentle and concerned, revealing her deep longing for Master Li Mu.
“Yes! Senior Brother Lin, we haven't had the chance to see Master's true face for over two hundred years. We are truly worried.” Liu Yuqian also echoed with Divine Thought, her voice carrying a hint of imperceptible sadness.
Everyone's gazes fell on Lin Maoshan's face, seeking an answer.
After everyone advanced to Soul Transformation, they already knew that the 'Master' who had diligently taught them one-on-one was a Soul Transformation Clone from Grandmaster Li Mu, who had not personally guided them. However, the assistance Grandmaster Li Mu provided them was undoubtedly the best.
Top-grade Spirit Pills, exclusive Cultivation Techniques, protective Spirit Treasures, and Spiritual Artifacts—none of them were anything but exquisite. This kindness, like spring rain nourishing the fields, nurtured the hearts of each of them, enabling them to go further and further on their Cultivation path.
Hundreds of years had passed, and they only bore Master's kindness, yet they had no chance to see him. This feeling was like a huge rock, weighing heavily on everyone's hearts.
Lin Maoshan looked at their expectant gazes, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Compared to his Senior Brothers, Junior Brothers, and Junior Sisters, he was fortunate enough to follow Li Mu and enter his Master's Cave Heaven Spirit Treasure to Cultivate, and he even obtained his personal Spirit Treasure—the five elements spiritual ring. With this, he passed the Lightning Tribulation and advanced to Soul Transformation. No one cherished this Master-Disciple relationship more than him.
“Master, he has always disliked being disturbed. I also haven't seen Master for a long time. For this Grand Competition, I went to Master's secluded place to inquire, but Master is at a critical moment of his secluded Cultivation and should not be disturbed.” Lin Maoshan's Divine Thought gently rippled through everyone's Sea of Consciousness, carrying a hint of reverence, as he explained.
“Junior Brother Lin, Master is in secluded Cultivation? Is he trying to break through to the Body Integration Realm this time?” Zhao Tianchen was slightly taken aback and asked with concern via telepathy.
“This, I do not know!” Lin Maoshan frowned and replied to everyone via telepathy, “However, Master has always been seeking an opportunity to Breakthrough to the Body Integration Realm. This secluded Cultivation is even more crucial, so let's not inquire too much!”
Everyone exchanged glances, nodded, and continued to focus on the ongoing Grand Competition.
As the competition progressed, the battles on the eighteen arenas grew fiercer. The Nascent Soul Disciples, vying for the title of True Disciple, displayed their skills, with Spells and Martial Skills complementing each other, making the entire square seem enveloped in a thick layer of Spiritual Qi.
Below the stage, countless Sect Disciples watched, mesmerized, occasionally erupting in cheers and exclamations.
Soon, the competition had entered the final stage.
In the final stage, two particularly striking figures stood on two adjacent arenas. They were the two most outstanding Nascent Soul Disciples of the Seven Profound Sect in recent years—Zhao Wuji and Qin Jingfeng.
Zhao Wuji, dressed in a black robe, stood tall as a pine. His eyes were deep, and he held a heavy black sword, exuding a heart-pounding pressure. He was skilled in heavy pressure sword techniques, where his sword moves manipulated the gravity of heaven and earth, making it difficult for opponents to move under the immense pressure.
Qin Jingfeng, on the other hand, held a slender Spiritual Artifact sword named “Flowing Light.” The sword body was crystal clear, as agile as flowing water, and his sword moves were like meteors streaking across the night sky, both beautiful and deadly. Qin Jingfeng excelled in speed and agility; his sword technique was like a dance, light and elegant, yet capable of releasing fatal strikes unexpectedly.
The two immediately engaged in a fierce exchange. Zhao Wuji's moves carried immense force, making it difficult for Qin Jingfeng to counter. While dodging, Qin Jingfeng's Flowing Light sword moves sometimes deflected force, sometimes struck directly at vital points, forcing him into a defensive stance, and sometimes, like a venomous snake, darted straight for Zhao Wuji's weaknesses.
The two went back and forth, sword lights intertwining, and the clang of swords roaring. The entire square seemed to be captivated by their superb sword skills, watching intently, afraid of missing any detail.
However, amidst this excitement and clamor, an unusual Aura quietly permeated the air. This Aura was ancient and profound, as if it contained some unknown power, causing the Elders of the Sect present to stiffen.
On the platform, the expressions of the high-ranking Sect members all tightened. Their Divine Sense swept towards the Gold Divinity Peak of the Sect, where the Sect Leader's Mansion was located, and even more importantly, the Sect's treasury.
“Senior Brother Lin, what's going on over there? There seems to be an unusual fluctuation, could it be…” Su Hongxiu's expression was grave. Her Divine Sense also captured that ancient and profound Aura, and an inexplicable worry arose in her heart.
Lin Maoshan's brows were tightly furrowed, sensing the source of that Aura with full concentration. As the Sect Master, his understanding of the Sect's treasury far surpassed that of others. Not only did it store countless treasures of the Sect, but it was also Grandmaster Li Mu's secluded Cultivation place.
“Everyone, do not worry. The treasury has not been stolen. That is Grandmaster's secluded Cultivation place. Perhaps Grandmaster has made some gains from this secluded Cultivation!” Lin Maoshan's words were like a stabilizing anchor, gradually calming the somewhat panicked atmosphere.
“But, Junior Brother Lin, how can Master's secluded Cultivation cause such a strong fluctuation? This Aura is ancient and profound, containing some fundamental principles of heaven and earth. Our Cultivation is still shallow, making it difficult to fully grasp it. It's truly too strange. Master won't have any accidents, will he!” Zhao Tianchen frowned slightly. Although he had entered the Late Stage of Soul Transformation, he still felt an inexplicable palpitation facing this unknown Aura.
Before Lin Maoshan could respond, that ancient and profound Aura suddenly intensified, as if some ancient power between heaven and earth had been awakened, enveloping the entire Seven Profound Sect in an indescribable pressure.
Zhao Wuji and Qin Jingfeng on the arena also had their battle forced to a halt due to the interference of this power. They sheathed their swords, their expressions solemn, and looked towards the direction of Gold Divinity Peak, clearly having also sensed that unusual Aura.
“What happened?”
“It's over at the Sect's treasury! Could someone have broken into our Sect's treasury?!”
“How is that possible? Didn't you see the Sect Master and all the Elders watching? If someone broke into our Sect's treasury, how could they not react?!”
“Exactly! Our Sect's protective array was personally set up by the Grandmaster. With the grand array he set up, no outsider can break in, let alone the even more heavily guarded Sect treasury!”
“Then what's going on?! This power is so strong! It seems to be coming from inside the treasury!”
... ...
The Disciples below the stage also stopped their actions, their gazes focused on the direction of Gold Divinity Peak, discussing animatedly, their expressions full of confusion.
“Fellow Disciples, there is no need to panic. This power is an unusual phenomenon caused by Grandmaster's secluded Cultivation. He is currently attempting to Breakthrough to a higher Realm. We just need to wait patiently, and I believe Grandmaster will safely emerge from his secluded Cultivation.” Lin Maoshan's voice echoed above the square, carrying an undeniable firmness.
However, not everyone was as calm as Lin Maoshan. Some Disciples with lower Cultivation were intimidated by the pressure of this power, even experiencing unstable Cultivation. Their faces were pale, and their bodies trembled slightly, clearly unable to withstand the oppressive force.
Just then, a gentle power emanated from Lin Maoshan's body, enveloping the entire square. This power was like a spring breeze, making the Disciples feel a sense of comfort and peace. They all looked at Lin Maoshan, their eyes filled with gratitude and respect.
“Thank you, Sect Master!” The Disciples said in unison, their voices trembling slightly.
Lin Maoshan nodded slightly and said, “You are welcome. The reason our Seven Profound Sect can stand strong is entirely due to Grandmaster's protection and guidance. Now that Grandmaster is in secluded Cultivation to Breakthrough to a higher Realm, we must unite as one and collectively guard the Sect.”
Under Lin Maoshan's soothing words, the Disciples' emotions gradually stabilized, and they returned to their original seats.
“You two have not yet determined a winner, continue!” Lin Maoshan looked at the two Nascent Soul Disciples who had stopped their fight and instructed.
“Yes!”
Zhao Wuji and Qin Jingfeng nodded in unison.
Following Lin Maoshan's signal, Zhao Wuji and Qin Jingfeng once again focused their attention on each other, and the atmosphere on the arena instantly became tense.
The surrounding Disciples also held their breath, their gazes fixed on these two outstanding Disciples, anticipating the even more intense battle that was about to unfold.
Although the competition was interrupted for a period due to the interference of this power, the enthusiasm of the Disciples did not wane. They looked forward to an even more exciting competition.
And in the direction of Gold Divinity Peak, that ancient and profound Aura continued, but as time passed, it gradually became gentle and stable, as if some power between heaven and earth had been controlled by someone and was tending towards moderation.
Gold Divinity Peak, inside the Sect's treasury, within the divine space of the Five Elements Shifting Array.
Li Mu floated in the air, his Chaos Dao Body fully displayed.
This divine space seemed to be wantonly distorted by an invisible hand, forming dizzying illusions. Dense fog swirled, indescribable, both obscuring vision and seemingly containing endless secrets. The raging Spiritual Power storms were even more wild and unrestrained; they were not only suffocatingly dense but also carried destructive power capable of destroying everything, like the chaotic tides at the beginning of the Universe, surging wildly.
However, beneath this chaotic frenzy and disorder, an indescribable order and harmony lay hidden. Li Mu was the core maintaining this hidden order and harmony, and a vast amount of Chaos Power converged. At this moment, within this Chaos space, he had become an isolated island, allowing the raging storms outside to wreak havoc as they pleased, yet his mind remained as still as an ancient well, unmoved. (End of Chapter)
