Chapter 527: Chapter Five Hundred and Twenty-Six: Making an Appearance
"After a round of cultivation, I finally managed to fully control my own power, and conveniently raised my Immortal Technique Realm to the Peak of the Divine Realm," he said,.
Within the cultivation secret chamber, Bai Ziyue slowly opened his eyes.
The Peak of the Divine Realm already stood at the pinnacle of this tier.
What needed consideration next was the extreme breakthrough and the condensation of the Golden Core.
"However, for me, the Peak of the Divine Realm was not truly the ultimate.
I had to completely accumulate the energy required for the third Divine Transformation," he thought to himself.
Bai Ziyue silently looked at the Attribute Panel, showing the twelve hundred million Soul Energy needed for the third Divine Transformation, feeling a tremendous pressure.
Although the Spirit Stones he possessed were quite plentiful, he currently had sixteen thousand top-grade Spirit Stones.
Yet, he had other plans for these Spirit Stones, and he did not intend to use them for the time being.
"In seclusion, time flew by without realizing it; unexpectedly, three months had already passed.
This was truly my longest period of secluded cultivation."
"Moreover, now that the Cloud-Piercing Dharma Assembly was about to begin, it was time to make an appearance as the candidate for the next Hall Master of the Pill Treasure Hall in the Qingxu Sect," he thought.
Bai Ziyue silently calculated the time, his thoughts stirring in the quiet, and finally, he stood up and walked out of the cultivation secret chamber.
Compared to three months ago, Cloud-piercing City had become at least twice as prosperous. Not only was there a significant increase in the number of people, but the strength of the Immortal Cultivators seen outside was also noticeably stronger.
Every now and then, disciples from various Immortal Technique Sects could be seen strolling about, either under the guidance of elders or grouping in threes and fives, entering and exiting various bustling places.
However, it was precisely in such situations that various discussions reached his ears.
"A top-grade of the Fifth-Grade Initial-Stage Spirit Meridian has emerged; this time, it will probably stir up a bloody storm," someone said.
"Not just that, although the news was blocked, I still heard from my sect elders that Demonic Cultivators had appeared near the Spirit Meridian.
A group of cultivators originally planning to investigate the gradation of the Spirit Meridian were slaughtered.
It’s said that even the Thunder Sect, one of the Four Great Immortal Sects, was involved, with a warship breached and lost there," another added.
"Demonic Cultivators? Could it be that they’ve received the news and want to seize this Spirit Meridian?" a third person questioned.
"Heh, you all have it wrong. I heard that the supposedly hidden Spirit Meridian was actually always the true old nest of the Demon Sect. This time, with the Spirit Meridian discovered, the Demon Sect got truly exposed."
"Don’t be fooled by the calm among the various Immortal Technique Sects now; I suspect they are all brewing some significant moves.
The relationship between the Immortal Sect and the Demon Sect is one of relentless conflict. Just wait, I predict a great battle will break out soon," someone speculated.
...
Although many people deliberately lowered their voices, their discussions could not escape Bai Ziyue’s ears.
"The Fifth-Grade Spirit Meridian? Could it be the one we discovered?
Is it really the old nest of the Demon Sect, where the True Demon Sect Mountain Gate is located?" he thought, his expression changing with shock.
*He never expected such a significant event to occur during his secluded cultivation.*
Particularly the thought that the Demon Sect’s old nest was near the hidden Spirit Meridian sent a chill down his spine.
*Fortunately, they did not linger too long because the Soul-controlling Demon Monarch’s array shielded them, and they did not stir up much noise. Otherwise, even with his formidable strength, it would be difficult to escape if the Demonic Cultivators were drawn over.*
The True Demon Sect, being able to contend with the Four Great Immortal Technique Sects for over a thousand years, indicated its strength.
The Soul-controlling Demon Monarch was merely a Golden Core Realm Demon Cultivator from the True Demon Sect a thousand years ago. Although powerful, it was definitely not the strongest existence within the True Demon Sect.
He intended to inquire more but sensed that these people generally possessed low strength. Even if they knew some news, it would only be superficial; thus, he refrained.
"This Cloud-Piercing Dharma Assembly will indeed be lively.
The Four Great Immortal Sects have all had Golden Core Realm True Monarch powerhouses arrive.
Moreover, accompanying them are the next generation of true inheritors and many potential cultivators from each Immortal Sect.
"Master Swordless from the Taiyi Sword Sect, Master Leidong from the Thunder Sect, Yuanqing Buddha Son from the Great Buddha Sect, and Master Zhao Hann from the Qingxu Sect—all had already reached the Peak of the Divine Realm. They would surely shine brightly in this assembly," he thought.
"Besides them, Guo Yue of the Sword Saber Sect, the True Buddha Jingxin of the Little Saint Buddha Sect, and Liu Qianshan of the Beast Taming Sect... their strengths are not weak either," he noted.
"I wonder if you noticed that the early prodigy from the Qingxu Sect, initially designated as the next Sect Leader candidate, Wang Tuijian, Master Tuijian also appeared," someone mentioned.
"Master Tuijian? Hasn’t he been absent for nearly a century?
Wasn’t it said that he was ambushed by demon cultivators, had his foundation damaged, and was forever unable to progress, having completely fallen?" a voice spoke curiously.
"Why bother attending this Cloud-Piercing Dharma Assembly?
To think those contemporaries of his, like Tong Zhan from the Taiyi Sword Sect and Yuanding from the Great Buddha Sect, who initially were not even as talented or powerful as him, had already condensed their Golden Cores becoming Golden Core Realm True Monarchs. Even Master Sunx Feng from the Thunder Sect, although not having broken through to the Golden Core Realm, possesses half-step Golden Core Realm strength, and it isn’t without the possibility of further progression.
By the way, I heard that Tong Zhan and Yuanding appeared as well.
With his current strength realm, he would need to salute the two if he meets them. Could he really bow down?"
"Your information is outdated.
According to rumors, the reason True Monarch Tuijian remained dormant nearly a century is due to his ambitious goal of creating a cultivation technique that was most compatible with himself.
Now that he’s completed his creation, he immediately broke through the realm and condensed the Golden Core. Now, he is also a true Golden Core Realm True Monarch," someone revealed.
"Is that so? But even having just broken through to the Golden Core Realm, he is probably already far behind Tong Zhan and Yuanding, right?"
"Who knows? Such talents are not within our estimation," was the closing thought.
...
Bai Ziyue was walking, and a conversation immediately caught his attention.
"With the Cloud-Piercing Dharma Assembly approaching, it’s no surprise that various skilled practitioners are appearing.
These people indeed possess considerable strength. As for Alchemists and Artifact Refiners, although they hold high status, they clearly do not garner as much attention as these powerful individuals.
Hmm? Master Tuijian?
Did he come too? And he even broke through to the Golden Core Realm?
But thinking about it, it makes sense. He had remained at the Peak of the Divine Realm for over a hundred years, accumulating a tremendous amount of power. With the creation of a new Cultivation Technique, he could naturally transition to this new technique and reach the peak again effortlessly.
Being able to break through to the Golden Core Realm was quite normal.
The only uncertainty was what grade the Golden Core he formed this time would be?"
*Bai Ziyue murmured to himself, not surprised.*
Master Tuijian’s Cultivation Technique, which he had created, was already mostly perfected. With the guidance he left behind, it was natural to complete the cultivation method seamlessly.
*Since the technique specialized in breaking through realms, he naturally excelled.*
The only thing that piqued his curiosity was the grade of the Golden Core that the other had formed in this breakthrough.
Would it be as hoped, forming an Upper Third-Grade Core, or would complications arise, leading to only a Middle Third-Grade Core?
As he pondered, a towering mansion quickly came into view before him.
It was precisely one of the Qingxu Sect’s establishments within Cloud-piercing City.
While he hadn’t spent much time in Cloud-piercing City, he knew of this place.
However, he had never revealed his identity nor visited it before.
This time, with the Cloud-Piercing Dharma Assembly about to commence, he had been entrusted by Hall Master Dan Chen to participate in this Alchemist-related gathering. Naturally, he needed to present himself and gain some understanding now.
"Is this Elder Bai from the Pill Treasure Hall?"
At the entrance of the residence, two Enlightenment Realm cultivators stood guard. Upon seeing Bai Ziyue approach from afar and recognizing his sect attire and the Identity Token at his waist, they were startled and quickly greeted him respectfully.
"Indeed!"
Bai Ziyue nodded, not surprised that the two recognized him.
The Alchemist’s Robe he wore and the Purple Gold Token at his waist were forms of identity proof.
"Please, Elder Bai!"
One of them quickly rushed into the mansion, while the other respectfully led him into the courtyard.
"Who is leading our team this time? Who from the Pill Treasure Hall has arrived?"
Bai Ziyue asked casually as he walked.
"Hall Master Lingjiu from the Foreign Affairs Hall is coming forward. Additionally, Senior Brother Tuijian has come along.
However, they are currently out visiting friends and are not within the residence.
I heard that Elder Dongfang is managing the Pill Treasure Hall’s engagement in the assembly..."
As they spoke, a group of people quickly emerged from within the courtyard, led by Elder Dongfang Ming of the Pill Treasure Hall and Master Guohuo.
Along with them was Ma Zhen, Bai Ziyue’s registered disciple.
"Elder Bai!"
"Elder Bai, you finally arrived."
"Master!"
The group quickly came up to greet him.
"You’ve all worked hard during this time."
Bai Ziyue felt a bit embarrassed and cupped his hands in thanks.
Shortly after, the group exchanged pleasantries before settling down in a lounge together.
"Elder Bai, if you hadn’t returned, our Pill Treasure Hall would have been at a loss again for this event.
This time, each Immortal Sect is fully prepared, intending to steal the spotlight.
As far as we know, Shini True Buddha from the Great Buddha Sect has already reached the level of a High-tier Third-Grade Alchemist. Additionally, Fengyi Fairy of the Taiyi Immortal Sect has greatly improved her alchemical skills. If it were only me and Master Guohuo, we wouldn’t be able to hold our ground and would likely suffer humiliation.
Especially since we’ve long been the weakest among the Four Great Immortal Sects, often subject to mockery."
Elder Dongfang smiled wryly as he spoke.
"Rest assured, this time, no one will be able to humiliate us."
Bai Ziyue smiled slightly, speaking with composure.
For when it came to Alchemy, he was quite confident.
"That’s certainly true. With Elder Bai being a Fourth-Grade Initial Stage Alchemist, who can compete, aside from a few veteran Fourth-Grade Alchemists?
I reckon those seniors wouldn’t even bring themselves to compete with Elder Bai, right? Haha..."
Hearing this, Dongfang Ming said excitedly.
Bai Ziyue only chuckled at this.
Fourth-Grade Initial Stage?