Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 208, page 249: Condensing the Elixir in the End of Dharma, Asking the Nine Heavens with the Sword (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets: 5050)

Cracks appeared on the newly formed rice-grain-sized golden pill.

Zhao Wuji quickly mobilized the three core divine senses again, unleashing the Ice Sword, Blood Sword, and Martial Halberd simultaneously.

"Long!"

The crack in the Gate of Mysterious Female widened slightly again, and with a "click," another wisp of ancient spiritual energy spilled out.

The millet-sized golden pill instantly swelled to the size of a mung bean, and there seemed to be a faint, illusory secret realm about to be born within its dantian.

But the next moment.

"Crack."

The crisp sound of the golden core shattering echoed within the dantian. The golden core burst forth with dazzling golden light, instantly disintegrating and transforming back into pure spiritual energy, which flowed into the illusory core and the blood demon crystal.

Zhao Wuji let out a muffled groan, his whole body trembled violently, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his lips, but the blood moon in his double pupils shone even brighter.

"Even with the three core divine senses working together, they could barely open a crack in the door. Within the inner realm, only a blurry, indistinct image could be seen."

He wiped away the blood, his gaze becoming serious.

Although two strands of ancient spiritual energy leaked out from behind the Gate of Mysterious Female, his own spiritual power and spiritual consciousness were lacking.

Even relying on that incredibly pure ancient spiritual energy, and truly condensing a small golden core phantom according to the inner vision refining method, it still failed.

At this moment, upon internal observation, several mysterious patterns appeared on the surface of the illusory pill suspended in the dantian, and the blood evil crystals became increasingly condensed.

The Immortal Dao cultivation and Martial Immortal Dao cultivation displayed on the surface of the Yin-Yang Pearl both increased by over a hundred points, saving two months of arduous cultivation.

This is also a gift from the two strands of ancient spiritual energy that tempered the body.

However, it is still far from being a true Lesser Golden Elixir.

Ultimately, it's because my own foundation is insufficient.

Zhao Wuji slowly withdrew his stance, a sudden realization dawning on him.

Ordinary cultivators need to reach the state of perfect concentration, where their spiritual consciousness is like mercury.

Only by combining this with the inner landscape refining method of the Yellow Court Inner Classic can one have the opportunity to sense the Gate of Mysterious Female in an era of flourishing spiritual energy.

He managed to forcibly capture the sect's traces in the Dharma-ending Age by relying on the guiding technique to draw upon the power of the stars, his double pupils to see through illusions, and the "Inner Landscape Refining Spirit Technique".

This can be described as making up for a lack of fundamental knowledge with techniques.

However, such a shortcut can at most produce the illusory form of a golden elixir, but it lacks the substance to truly condense a real golden elixir.

After all, he hasn't even reached the peak of the Concentration Realm yet, not even the late stage of the Concentration Realm.

"Wow!"

He rolled up his sleeve, and three Sword Heart Pills appeared in front of him.

The pills given by Mo Wenjian can enhance one's understanding of swordsmanship, increase one's spiritual power, and help break through the barriers of divine consciousness.

Now that we know our weaknesses, we should address them accordingly.

Zhao Wuji used his medical skills to perform hand seals, first recovering from the internal injuries caused by the attack on the Xuanpin Gate.

He then reached out and grabbed the last remaining Nourishing Spirit Flower beside the Yin Sha Spring.

The medical technique extracted a drop of Nourishing Spirit Dew, which quickly restored the greatly depleted spiritual energy.

After such a recovery.

It was already dawn on the second day.

Sensing that his spiritual power and divine sense were perfectly integrated, Zhao Wuji immediately picked up a Sword Heart Pill and swallowed it.

As soon as the elixir entered his stomach, he quickly formed hand seals and used the ingestion technique to refine it.

The sharp sword intent immediately surged into his sea of ​​consciousness.

"Zheng!"

The cores of the Ice Sword and Blood Sword trembled, and the swords solidified by three points at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Zhao Wuji closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, the image of his dantian reflected deep within his double pupils. Although that majestic gate had disappeared, it had left a clear imprint on his soul.

"First, accumulate your own foundation, then you can open the gate of mystery next time."

He slowly closed his five fingers, which were forming a hand seal, and said, "We must press on with all our might and complete the elixir condensation in one go!"

Seven days later, inside the Pot Heaven Space.

Zhao Wuji slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and the Sword Heart Pill floating in his palm turned into a wisp of green smoke and dissipated.

He looked inward into his sea of ​​consciousness, and the immortal cultivation level on the Yin-Yang Pearl clearly showed "Mid-stage Condensation of Spirit (4993/6000)".

Previously, his cultivation level in the Immortal Path had reached the mid-stage of the Condensation Realm (2731/6000).

One Sword Heart Pill helped him condense more than two thousand strands of spiritual power.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "The effect of the Sword Heart Pill is in no way inferior to that of the Luminous Cloud Immortal Mushroom."

The purification of spiritual energy at the mid-stage of the Concentration Realm is extremely demanding, and this pill is probably a rare item even in the Qilin Sword Sect... After consuming both pills, breaking through to the late stage should be a certainty.

One remains; it can be used to further consolidate the position.

Just as he was pondering this, Yan Lan's voice suddenly came from the communication jade talisman at his waist.

"Nephew, how is your seclusion cultivation going? Xiao Chenzhou, the fourth sword disciple of the Qilin Sword Sect, has come to visit, saying that he has brought the supplies promised by Elder Mo."

"Oh?"

Zhao Wuji was surprised, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

Two months have passed since we parted at the Sword Tomb.

The image of Xiao Chenzhou humbly seeking guidance after being defeated by the sword in the Sword Tomb is still vivid in my mind.

This person has an excellent character and is someone worth befriending. I never expected that the Qilin Sword Sect would send him this time.

He immediately turned and left.

Fly to the main peak of Linlang.

Inside the Octagonal Pavilion, Xiao Chenzhou, dressed in an indigo cloak, sat upright in the guest seat. Although he intended to conceal his identity, he had already removed his hood.

Two months had passed since they last met, and the fourth swordsman of the Qilin Sword Sect had become even more composed. His sword intent was as deep and restrained as an abyss, and the ancient blue sword lying across his lap occasionally flashed with a bloody light.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, how have you been?"

Zhao Wuji entered the hall with his hands clasped in front of him, already vaguely discerning the other party's improved cultivation.

Xiao Chenzhou put down his teacup, suddenly stood up and laughed heartily: "Fellow Daoist Zhao is truly more impressive! I heard you have already comprehended the realm of sword qi differentiation? You are not far from the differentiation of sword light."

His words were filled with astonishment, and a sword-like glint flashed in his eyes before disappearing. He glanced at Yan Lan, who was sitting in the main seat in red.

“My senior brother is no outsider.”

Zhao Wuji flicked his sleeves, causing the protective runes within the hall to circulate.

Xiao Chenzhou nodded upon hearing this, took out a storage bag from his robes and handed it over, saying solemnly, "Elder Mo specifically instructed that these supplies must be handed over to you personally, fellow Daoist."

"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Xiao."

Zhao Wuji took the storage bag and examined it briefly. The source crystals, ancient spirit stones, and other supplies promised by Mo Wenjian were exactly as promised.

They even gave him a storage bag worth at least three ancient spirit stones.

Just as he was about to express his gratitude, Xiao Chenzhou suddenly cupped his hands, his tone filled with anticipation: "Fellow Daoist Zhao, since we parted at the Sword Tomb, Xiao Mou has never forgotten your mastery of swordsmanship."

I've heard that you carved sword marks on the cliff face within your cave. May I have the honor of seeing them?
"I, Xiao, have prepared my own spirit stones and will absolutely not deplete the spiritual energy of your grotto-heaven."

"This man is truly a sword fanatic!"

Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly as he recalled Xiao Chenzhou's magnanimous admission of defeat at the Sword Tomb. A slight smile appeared on his lips as he raised his hand to lead the way: "Since Fellow Daoist Xiao is interested, I, Zhao, will gladly oblige. Please follow me."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Yan Lan, and with a slight movement of his lips, he transmitted his voice in secret: "Uncle-Master, I have already glimpsed some of the mysteries of the Inner Realm Refining Spirit Technique."

After this matter is resolved, I will discuss it in detail with my senior master. This matter still requires careful planning.

Upon hearing this, Yan Lan's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she could not hide her joy. She quickly replied telepathically, "Good nephew! You are indeed exceptionally talented! Then your senior uncle will brew tea at Crimson Flame Peak and wait for your good news."

Zhao Wuji immediately led Xiao Chenzhou on a cloud-riding journey, and in the blink of an eye they arrived at the Sword Cave of Lonely Cloud Peak.

But then one sees sword energy crisscrossing the rock face, with sword marks falling like a galaxy, each one containing exquisite sword intent.

Beneath the cliff face, more than ten disciples of the Linglang Cave Heaven sat cross-legged, some frowning in deep thought, others making sword incantations, all trying to comprehend the sword intent on the wall.

Xiao Chenzhou's gaze swept across the sword marks for a moment before finally settling on a strange sword mark shaped like a question mark. He said in a deep voice, "This sword intent must be Elder Mo's work."

He suddenly laughed and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhao's Sword Cave has a more impressive atmosphere than the Sword Tomb. However..."

He turned to look at Zhao Wuji, a sly glint in his eyes: "Why don't you leave the sword mark from when you used your eyes as a sword on this sword wall?"

"That sword mark you left on my face that day, fellow Daoist, kept me tossing and turning for days." Zhao Wuji chuckled upon hearing this: "Fellow Daoist Xiao certainly holds a grudge."

Xiao Chenzhou laughed loudly: "It's not that I'm holding a grudge, but rather that I'm excited about hunting. It just so happens that in the past two months, I've also gained some understanding of the art of eye-sword."

Before he finished speaking, his eyes suddenly shone brightly, like shooting stars, and drew two sharp sword marks in the void.

Although not as shocking as Zhao Wuji's performance that day, it was still sharp and edgy, causing the sword marks on the rock wall to resonate and tremble.

Finally, a faint mark of the sword was left on the rock wall.

This action immediately alarmed some disciples below who were immersed in comprehending the sword marks and sword intent.

Upon seeing Zhao Wuji, they immediately bowed respectfully, then turned their astonished and awe-inspiring gazes to Xiao Chenzhou, who was dressed in a black cloak.

Looking at the sword marks on the cliff face, Zhao Wuji's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He clapped his hands and praised, "After two months apart, you have actually reached the threshold of swordsmanship. Your swordsmanship comprehension is truly exceptional."

Xiao Chenzhou sheathed his sword, shook his head, and smiled, "I'm still far inferior to Fellow Daoist Zhao. However..."

He looked at the rock wall with great interest: "Now that we're here, why don't you give me some pointers, Fellow Daoist Zhao?"

Zhao Wuji stared at the question mark-shaped sword mark left by Elder Mo, and suddenly felt something.

All the sword intent he had ever comprehended was not something he had created himself.

The Xuanbing Sword Intent, the Qinglian and Bailian Sword Intent, the Yin-Yang Sword Intent... all of them are left by predecessors.

If we're talking about the true sword intent that belongs to him, perhaps it's only that trace of the Heavenly Tribulation Turbidity that has been refined within the Blood Sword.

But ultimately, half of that came from the Way of Heaven, rather than from his own enlightenment.

As for using the eyes as a sword and the thunderous sound of sword energy, these are merely sword control techniques and cannot be considered true sword intent.

"The true meaning behind the sword mark left by Mo Wenjian lies here," Zhao Wuji said, his eyes slightly closed, a thousand sword shadows seeming to flicker within them. "He was asking if I possess my own sword intent?"

"My own sword intent."

Memories of the past come flooding back like a tide.

He seemed to see himself again, after observing the medicine furnace, having traveled through time with the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Pearls, struggling bitterly in this depleted spiritual world of Dharma decline.

Initially, it was nothing more than practicing for the sake of cultivation, and seeking immortality for the sake of immortality.
"Up to now"

His eyes brightened slightly. "I want to uncover the truth behind this decline of Dharma, and break free from the shackles of spiritual depletion!"

"Otherwise, having a long lifespan but being unable to control life and death will make one like a stranded dragon in the Dharma-ending Age. How laughable is such longevity!"

He turned and looked up at the sky, his eyes blazing with sword intent: "One day, I will ascend to the heavens with my sword like Master Zhang, and like Xiang Yu after his double pupils opened, I will make the sky no longer able to block my view."

"We must ask those immortals and gods high in the heavens face to face why they absorb all the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, yet turn a blind eye to the tragic state of the lower realm!"

With each question, an unprecedentedly sharp sword intent erupted from the depths of his heart.

This is not just about questioning the sword, but also about questioning the heart.

How should one walk the path to heaven in this degenerate age?
"Sword Pierces the Nine Heavens"

He murmured to himself, his eyes suddenly flashing with a sword-like light.

"Shhh!!"

Two sharp sword intents pierced the sky like rainbows, leaving two deep sword marks on the rock wall.

At the beginning, the sword intent was unrestrained and wild, like an immortal treading on clouds, soaring straight up to ninety thousand miles, full of unbridled joy and heroism.

However, the sword intent, halfway through its journey, suddenly seemed to be blocked by an insurmountable chasm, abruptly turning downwards!

The sword light revealed a suffocating sense of despair, as if a great terror was descending from the heavens, causing even a sword immortal to perish.

Yet, in this abyss of despair, a faint light of yin and yang swirling appeared at the deepest part of the sword intent. That swirling light resembled the yin and yang sword intent, the double pupils of Xiang Yu, and the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Pearls.

Like fireflies in the darkness, though faint, they stubbornly refuse to go out, seemingly searching for new life in the face of adversity.
"This, this is."

Xiao Chenzhou, who was standing to the side, saw the sword marks on the rock wall. His pupils contracted sharply, and his mind was instantly drawn to the complex sword intent.

At first, he was somewhat dismissive, thinking that although the soaring sword intent landing on the cliff was wonderful, it was nothing special.

The so-called "sword energy soaring to the sky" refers to the exhilarating sword intent that any sword cultivator with lofty aspirations can unleash.

But as the understanding deepened, the despair that followed the exhilaration surged forth like a tidal wave.

He seemed to see a lone sword struggling in an endless abyss of darkness, surrounded by a terrifying, desolate darkness that swallowed everything, without a shred of hope.
"No, impossible! This is the Sword of Annihilation. Such sword intent would destroy the user before destroying the enemy. It's simply impossible to unleash it!"

Xiao Chenzhou suddenly groaned and staggered back three steps, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

He was horrified to discover that his sword spirit was wavering under the weight of this desperate sword intent.

If I hadn't withdrawn in time, my Dao heart would probably have been damaged.

"Where did Fellow Daoist Zhao's sword intent come from? It's impossible for a human to unleash such sword intent."

He looked around blankly, his eyes bloodshot, only to realize that Zhao Wuji had already left, and he was left alone in front of the rock wall.

Before I knew it, a light winter rain had begun to fall. The icy rain soaked through my clothes, and the chill went straight to my bones.

He had been standing there for who knows how long.
The disciples of the surrounding Linglang Cave watched from afar, their eyes filled with confusion and awe.

On the rock face, the sword mark trembled slightly as if it were alive. At first glance, it was exhilarating, but upon closer inspection, it concealed a sense of annihilation, inspiring both longing and trepidation.

"Senior Xiao, please have some tea."

Ji Mobai approached slowly, holding a cup of tea, and respectfully offered it to Ji Mobai.

Seeing Xiao Chenzhou's dazed expression, she couldn't help but follow his gaze to the rock wall, and was immediately captivated by the sword mark.

"Is this the new sword intent left behind by the cave master? It's truly exhilarating!"

Ji Mobai sincerely praised it.

"No," Xiao Chenzhou took the teacup, his fingertips still trembling slightly, "The exhilaration is just a facade. You can't see through it. The depths of this sword intent are terrifying!"

He didn't even dare to look up at the sword intent on the cliff face for a moment.

"I have never seen such complex sword intent. The first half is clearly the exhilarating feeling of a sword immortal soaring into the sky, but the second half..."

In a daze, he seemed to see a pair of cold eyes looking down on the human world from the heavens, and he couldn't help but shiver.

He suddenly downed his tea in one gulp and looked at Ji Mobai, "Where is your cave master?"

Ji Mobai shook his head: "The cave master only instructed me to come and serve tea after you have regained consciousness, and he did not say anything more."

Xiao Chenzhou's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Fellow Daoist Zhao, did you expect that I would not be able to escape this sword intent of despair? Could it be that there is a deeper mystery hidden in this sword intent?"

But then he recalled the suffocating despair he had just experienced. Even if there was some hidden meaning, with his current level of swordsmanship, he probably couldn't fathom it.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao is truly unfathomable. Unfathomable indeed."

He let out a long sigh of relief, his gaze sweeping over Ji Mobai like a sword: "I see you have quite a talent for swordsmanship, since Fellow Daoist Zhao has asked you to serve tea."

"I can't drink this cup of tea for nothing."

Ji Mobai's eyes lit up immediately.

Not far away, atop the main peak of Linlang, Zhao Wuji slowly lowered his double pupils to observe, his gaze as deep as an abyss.

Seeing that Xiao Chenzhou, though awake, had not yet grasped the true essence of that sword intent, was not entirely unexpected.

Five days ago, after creating this sword intent, he was also exhausted and, for the first time ever, hid in the Pot Heaven Space and fell into a deep sleep.

When he awoke, a dark sword shadow had quietly appeared deep within his sea of ​​consciousness. It was the nascent form of the fourth core of divine sense!

Although it was just a phantom and not real, it still surprised and delighted him.

Clearly, this is due to the fact that his spiritual foundation is still shallow.

"Once I break through to the late stage of the Condensation Realm, this core of divine thought, formed from my self-created sword intent, will surely solidify!"

He named this sword intent "Nirvana"!
From death to life, from destruction to creation. If one could truly ascend to heaven with a sword and perceive the truth, wouldn't that be a rebirth from the ashes?
The mystery of time travel and the secret of the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Pearls may all be revealed after Nirvana.

Now, all these secrets are sealed within this sword intent.

Among those of the same level, very few could withstand this sword strike!

"The Inner Realm Refining Spirit Technique for Condensing the Lesser Golden Core requires at least a Perfected Spirit Condensation foundation, and I must personally guide it. I have already explained this to my senior master!"

Zhao Wuji picked up the teacup beside him and pondered, "Next, I need to continue taking the Sword Heart Pill to accumulate strength."
With my current level of cultivation, I might be able to attempt to condense a Lesser Golden Core again, even without reaching the Perfected Stage of Spiritual Condensation.

"Perhaps, I can achieve the Lesser Golden Core stage before going to the Wang family!"

Zhao Wuji's heart stirred, and he made a hand seal to cast the Dream Marriage Technique, observing Lan Canghai's figure.

More than ten days ago, after returning from Qingming Cave, he sent Lan Canghai to the Wang family to be summoned as a guest minister.

Firstly, it was to let him scout ahead, and secondly, it was to let this late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator go to the Wang family to get some spiritual vein resources.

Otherwise, with his late-stage Concentration Realm cultivation, relying solely on the Source Crystal in a spiritless environment wouldn't be enough to sustain him for long before he fell from his cultivation level.

At this moment, as the dream unfolded, Zhao Wuji immediately saw Lan Canghai standing within the Wang family clan.
(End of this chapter)