Chapter 205 : Setting Off

Chapter 205: Setting Off

“Hu!”

Chen Beiwu let out a turbid breath, carefully sensing the changes in his essence, qi, and spirit—especially the radiant Guarding-the-One Mirror within his Sea of Consciousness.

The Guarding-the-One Mirror was a spiritual phenomenon that appeared only after the visualization method of Tai Xuan Guarding the One reached minor success. It possessed four major effects.

First, Mirror Light Guarded the Spirit—the brilliance emitted by the mirror could protect the spiritual platform, preventing external demons from invading and seizing control.

Second, it Cleansed Dust and Purified Thoughts—the mirror light could evaporate unformed distracting thoughts, nourish the divine sense, and slowly enhance the purity of one’s spiritual roots.

Third, it Dispelled Obscurity and Broke Barriers—by using the Guarding-the-One Mirror to comprehend obscure cultivation methods, one could automatically unravel difficult parts, capture the true intent of the method, and even perceive the flow of an opponent’s mana to predict their movements.

Fourth, it Revealed Subtle Truths—the mirror light could reflect inward upon one’s foundation, detecting flaws in cultivation circulation and hidden injuries within the body.

“Gulu.”

At the same time, through the feedback of the Companion Contract, Gold Egg’s body underwent obvious changes, the scales on its surface shining with dazzling golden brilliance.

Under Chen Beiwu’s gaze, a mighty aura erupted violently from within Gold Egg.

It was the dragon might of a flood dragon, comparable to—or even surpassing—that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“Roar!”

In that moment, Chen Beiwu seemed to hear an enraged dragon roaring by his ear.

‘One hundred and fifty-two years of cultivation. Not bad!’

With the contract’s feedback and two and a half months of seclusion, Gold Egg had fully consumed the Thorn-Bone King Fish, transforming its flesh and cultivation into nourishment for itself, increasing its Dao years by a whole fifty-two in one breath.

At the same time, through the Dao years fed back by Gold Egg, Chen Beiwu condensed thirty-six drops of Clearwood Mana within his body.

“Gulu?”

Gold Egg opened its eyes and looked at Chen Beiwu.

Strange—obviously, it had improved the most during this time. By cultivation standards, it was equivalent to a human cultivator leaping from early Foundation Establishment to mid Foundation Establishment.

Yet now, as it looked at Chen Beiwu, it discovered its master’s changes were even greater!

Within its divine sense perception, the Chen Beiwu standing before it was no longer a Qi Refining cultivator, but a Foundation Establishment powerhouse far above itself.

Was he late-stage Foundation Establishment? Or even at its peak? Gold Egg simply could not discern.

‘Don’t overthink it. That’s just an illusion.’ Chen Beiwu smiled.

With the blessing of Tai Xuan Guarding the One, in terms of divine sense alone, he was no different from a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But for a cultivator, essence, qi, and spirit—all three were indispensable.

Though an increase in divine sense could drive improvements in essence and qi, changing one’s aura greatly, it was not enough to transform battle strength qualitatively.

Chen Beiwu estimated that, with his current divine sense advantage, his combat power should be about equal to a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even when facing late-stage Foundation Establishment opponents, he would be able to retreat safely.

“We should head back now.”

Chen Beiwu put away Gold Egg and activated the Gate of Ten Directions, returning to his cultivation room at home.

……

“What should we do? Should we ring the cultivation room bell?” Chen Dong frowned slightly.

Two and a half months had passed, yet his son Chen Beiwu was still in seclusion without any sign of movement.

But the registration date for Yuqing Immortal Sect had been September 15, and today was already October 12.

Beiwu had already missed registration by nearly a month.

“Beiwu knows what he’s doing. If he suddenly chose to seclude himself, he must have gained some insight. We shouldn’t disturb him.” Madam Huang Xiaoling glanced at her husband.

Was she nervous?

Naturally, she was nervous.

After all, this was Yuqing Immortal Sect. In Fallen Dragon Manor, no cultivator had been admitted to such a sect in the past fifty years.

But recalling Beiwu’s instructions before going into seclusion, Madam Huang Xiaoling suppressed the urgency in her heart.

One must forge iron with one’s own strength.

The reason Yuqing Immortal Sect was willing to accept Beiwu was because her child’s talent, aptitude, and strength were strong enough.

If they became anxious, they would only cause more trouble.

“Click.”

At that moment, the door of the cultivation room opened, and Chen Beiwu walked out.

Huang Xiaoling and Chen Dong were both slightly stunned.

Though their cultivation was not high, they could clearly sense the change in Chen Beiwu.

“Long time no see, Dad, Mom.” Chen Beiwu smiled confidently, greeting them.

“Why do you both look like that? Can’t you recognize me?”

“Son, did you form your Foundation?” Huang Xiaoling swallowed hard.

“Clatter.”

Hearing this, Chen Dong’s face lit up with joy. Even when the teacup in his hand fell to the floor, he did not care, his eyes fixed firmly on Chen Beiwu.

A flawless body, mana like liquid, divine sense like thunder.

Yes—every trait matched that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Hahaha! At last, the Chen family had produced a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

“Not yet. I’m just one step away from Foundation Establishment.” Chen Beiwu shook his head calmly.

With his current divine sense, defeating an ordinary early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would take no more than a single glance, shattering them with illusion arts.

“Alright then.” The smile on Chen Dong’s face faded. He had been happy too soon.

“Beiwu, did you forget the registration date?” Huang Xiaoling asked with concern.

Chen Dong also looked worried. “Yes, son. If you missed registration, won’t Yuqing Immortal Sect cancel your admission?”

“No need to worry about such trivial matters.” Chen Beiwu smiled confidently. “I didn’t seclude myself for nothing. I’ve already cultivated Tai Xuan Guarding the One to minor success. If Yuqing Immortal Sect dares to cancel my admission, I can simply apply to join Pure Yang Grotto-Heaven instead.”

“???”

Huang Xiaoling and Chen Dong’s hearts trembled as they looked at each other in disbelief.

“What did you say? You cultivated Tai Xuan Guarding the One to minor success!” Father Chen said in shock.

Beiwu becoming a disciple of the Thirteen Immortal Sects had already made him the most forward-thinking father in Yuan-Kong County—and even Fallen Dragon Manor—when it came to raising children for cultivation.

If Beiwu could become a disciple of Pure Yang Grotto-Heaven, would that not let him soar to the heavens, with his reputation as a “father of a genius” spreading throughout the whole Kaiyuan Prefecture?

“Yes, it’s fine.” Chen Beiwu nodded. “If I really missed registration, then that should be Yuqing Immortal Sect’s regret, not mine.”

Truth be told, if not for having already decided on his choice earlier and accepted the promised reward, changing his application at the last moment would easily offend True Monarch Jiang Chuan. Otherwise, Chen Beiwu truly wanted to apply for Pure Yang Grotto-Heaven.

‘Now, let’s see how much Yuqing Immortal Sect values me.’ Chen Beiwu’s eyes narrowed slightly.

After dinner, he purchased a ticket for the Fuxi Train to Yuqing City, saying he would take Iron Egg along to cultivate together at the sect.

Though his parents were reluctant, they knew this was a good thing for Iron Egg as well, so they did not object.

Boarding the train, Chen Beiwu let out a sigh.

“The Fuxi Train may be fast, but it’s still not as convenient as a teleportation formation.”

In the Immortal Alliance, which prized saving spirit stones, teleportation formations were generally only activated during wartime, except for those with high-level authority.

Normally, cultivators could only rely on the Fuxi Train as transportation.

After quickly finding his seat, Chen Beiwu pulled out his phone to reply to messages—especially those from Xu Ziqing, the two girls, and True Monarch Jiang Chuan.

The main line of the Fallen Dragon Xu Family had a Nascent Soul True Monarch overseeing them, with considerable renown.

But Xu Ziqing was only from a branch family, and with her parents at odds and no Golden Core True Person fully supporting her, she could only enter one of the Seven-Nine Upper Sects, the Nine Refinement Sect, to continue studying the Dao of Artifact Refining.

Meanwhile, Xu Lingling had indeed entered one of the Thirteen Immortal Sects, the Tianyan Immortal Sect, and often shared amusing stories about her sect with him.