Chapter 254 : Wind and Rain Approaching

Chapter 254: Wind and Rain Approaching

“Shen Yuanbao actually conceded?”

A cultivator murmured, tone tinged with emotion.

As someone who had once been defeated by Shen Yuanbao, he knew all too well how proud and powerful the latter was.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that Shen Yuanbao would one day lower his head and admit that his strength was inferior.

“Marvelous Method of Companion Beast Landscape is indeed powerful, but compared to the Purifying World Thunder Lotus…”

At this, an older student of the same generation as Ye Xinya shook his head with a sigh. “There really shouldn’t be such a huge gap.”

He too had practiced the Marvelous Method of Companion Beast Landscape and had cultivated a Bestowed Beginning of the Scene unique to himself.

But he could only raise his Companion Beast by one minor realm and couldn’t, like Chen Beiwu, break through the realm restrictions and let his Companion Beast leap in cultivation to such a degree.

“To be defeated by the Third-Realm Flood Dragon—Shen Yuanbao didn’t really lose unjustly,” Gu Xiao tightened his grip on his sword, his expression complex.

After entering the Yuqing Immortal Sect, he too had studied the Marvelous Method of Companion Beast Landscape.

However, for Foundation Establishment cultivators, constructing a Bestowed Beginning of the Scene was a meticulous and long-term project.

Even now, he had not yet condensed even a rudimentary form of the Landscape.

That Chen Beiwu could complete the Beginning Scene Landscape within a year showed a level of comprehension that was undoubtedly top-tier among the geniuses of the Immortal Alliance. No wonder he could immediately leap to third on the Rising Stars List.

Only, there was one thing Gu Xiao couldn’t understand—how could an Exotic Golden Scale endure the Dao cultivation and bloodline transformation of a Third-Realm Flood Dragon?

Logically speaking, at the very moment when the Exotic Golden Scale transformed into a Third-Realm Flood Dragon, its body should have collapsed, exploding into death.

Not only the present geniuses, even Nascent Soul True Monarchs observing from afar were slightly surprised.

“With just the Foundation Establishment realm, he manifested the true intent of the Heaven-Reaching Tree, All-Encompassing River, Ascending Profundity, and Five Elements Unified Dragon Transformation... forging an unprecedented Landscape Beginning.”

“The junior brother’s mastery of the Companion Beast Landscape is something that probably only the monsters from the Five Great Grotto-Heavens among the younger generation can rival. Even Yu Zhaohua falls slightly short,” commented True Monarch Jiang Chuan, eyes narrowing slightly as he watched the illusory image of the Third-Realm Flood Dragon.

“If he can continue to refine and perfect the Landscape Diagram, this junior brother might just have the potential to forge a Supreme Landscape.”

A Flawless Foundation wasn’t enough to challenge an Innate Dao Body—it would lead to a crushing defeat. Gu Xiao, Shen Yuanbao, and the others were living examples.

But a Flawless Foundation paired with a Supreme Companion Beast Landscape was an entirely different concept. It might even surpass the Innate Dao Body.

“Marvelous!”

True Monarch Jiang Chuan let out a hearty laugh, his gaze piercing through the void, as if glimpsing the future battle among dragons and tigers within the Immortal Sect.

One perfected in the innate, the other in the acquired to the extreme!

It was no exaggeration to say—with Chen Beiwu’s presence, the chief seat of this generation of Yuqing Immortal Sect would definitely see some turbulence.

“Marvelous Method of Companion Beast Landscape is still somewhat lacking. With the junior brother’s aptitude, he should walk the strongest cultivation path—cultivate the Immortal Alliance’s supreme Companion method, Three Pure Ones Marvelous Method of Companion Landscape Immortal Art.”

True Monarch Jiang Chuan nodded slightly, deciding to request permission from his master.

The Three Pure Ones Marvelous Method of Companion Landscape Immortal Art was of great importance—it was the supreme inheritance of the Yuqing Immortal Sect.

Even as a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he wasn’t qualified to grant junior brother access to comprehend the Immortal Art. But one word from his master could settle it.

…

“Catch.”

Shen Yuanbao wiped away the blood from the corner of his mouth. A flash flickered on the storage ring at his fingertip, and a streak of lightning arced through the air.

With a thought, Chen Beiwu caused the lightning to vanish. An archaic command token landed in his palm.

“This isn’t in line with the rules.”

Chen Beiwu cast a glance at the Cave Dwelling token, upon which the words “Qiyun Residence” were inscribed in seal script.

According to the rules of the Cave Dwelling Challenge, the loser didn’t need to hand over their cave. They only needed to pay a hefty amount of credits as the price of defeat, to prevent students from arbitrarily challenging each other.

“Rules? A loss is a loss. It’s not like I can’t afford to lose.”

Shen Yuanbao put away his Purple Lightning Thunder Leopard and turned to leave. After a pause in his step, he said sharply, “Once I’ve mastered the Purifying World Thunder Lotus, I’ll take the Cave Dwelling token back from you myself.”

Chen Beiwu rubbed the token with his fingertip, looking in the direction Shen Yuanbao left, a look of admiration in his eyes.

Freely giving up a Fourth-Tier Cave Dwelling—this prodigy of the Shen Clan was truly generous.

It wasn’t a waste of time to duel him, after all.

“Gulp.”

Just then, Golden Egg lowered his dragon eyes, his whole body radiating light as his dragon form shrank, finally reverting to the form of a Fish-Dragon.

Then his eyes rolled up, and he fainted.

Chen Beiwu picked up Golden Egg and activated his divine sense to examine him, finding that it was a case of entering deep sleep due to his essence, energy, and spirit reaching their limit.

During this deep sleep, Golden Egg’s Dao cultivation and bloodline would undergo some degree of transformation.

‘A few more rounds of Companion Beast Landscape resonance, and Golden Egg’s Dao cultivation should rise past four hundred years—stepping into the peak of Foundation Establishment.’

As Chen Beiwu pondered this, several dozen figures had already surrounded him from all directions.

“Junior Brother Chen, I’m Chen Mo, a Level Eight student from the sect, cultivation at late-stage Foundation Establishment. Would you be interested in a sparring match?”

“Senior Brother Chen, I’ve recently been studying the Marvelous Method of Companion Beast Landscape. I’m willing to trade a Third-Tier precious herb in exchange for your guidance.”

“Junior Brother Chen!” A female cultivator in purple robes gazed at him with glistening eyes and said softly, “I’ve just received a fresh batch of premium Cloudtop Dragon Sprouts. Would you like to join me for tea at my cave?”

Within the Yuqing Immortal Sect, there were those with prideful personalities who disdained bowing to aristocratic clans, and those who were sociable and excelled at networking, as well as second-generation disciples with strong backgrounds hoping to win over prodigies—this was all normal.

Every place had its own circles. Even in the genius-gathering Yuqing Immortal Sect, various kinds of social groups existed like a miniature world.

Only, these circles had their own hierarchies and thresholds.

Some cultivators, lacking background, cultivation, or talent—even if they cast aside all pride and begged on their knees—would never be able to step into higher-tier circles.

But prodigies like Chen Beiwu were exceptions.

All factions and circles within the sect, big or small, didn’t mind extending an olive branch to welcome such a powerful potential member—ranked third on the Rising Stars List.

Chen Beiwu was well aware of this.

So in the face of these attempts to befriend him, he responded amicably, exchanging contact information one by one, before politely excusing himself by saying his Companion Beast had fallen into a coma.

“The Exotic Golden Scale is so strong, not even Earthly‑Sha Treasure Beasts are its match!”

Watching Chen Beiwu’s departing figure, a second-generation disciple from a True Venerable aristocratic family couldn’t help but exclaim, “Hey, do you guys think I should contract an Exotic Golden Scale for my next Companion Beast?”

At these words, the surrounding sect students looked at each other speechlessly—some even rolled their eyes.

Anyone with eyes could see it—Chen Beiwu wasn’t just monstrously talented, the Companion Beast he contracted was an Exotic Golden Scale so extraordinary it defied logic.

But for an Exotic Golden Scale to transform into a Flood Dragon, the hardest part was Walking the Dragon Path.

If one couldn’t Walk the Dragon Path, no matter how high the potential of an Exotic Golden Scale, it would all be in vain. Sooner or later, it would be eliminated for failing to keep pace with the cultivator’s progress.

Given the talent and brilliance Chen Beiwu had just demonstrated, the upper echelon of the Immortal Sect likely wouldn’t mind helping to resolve the issue of Walking the Dragon Path for his Golden Scale. But they themselves had no means of doing so.

If they blindly followed the trend and contracted an Exotic Golden Scale, they would likely find themselves stuck—unable to proceed with the transformation due to the lack of a suitable Dragon Vein location.

Noticing the expressions of those around him, the second-generation disciple who had spoken finally realized just how foolish his question had been.

Back at the Jiuyue Cave Residence, Chen Beiwu noticed that Xu Ziqing’s appearance and attire had changed.

Not only had she applied more delicate makeup, but even her clothes had changed from Daoist robes to a modern-style camisole dress, perfectly outlining her tall, fair figure and revealing long, jade-like legs.

“Did you win?” Xu Ziqing asked curiously.

To avoid unnecessary gossip, she had not followed Chen Beiwu to the battle.

“I don’t lose.”

With just those few words, Chen Beiwu revealed the confidence in his heart.

Among this generation’s newcomers in the Yuqing Immortal Sect, the only one he was wary of was Yu Zhaohua, who possessed an Innate Dao Body and held the top spot on the Rising Stars List.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Chen Beiwu’s neck.

“I'm leaving tomorrow. Don’t you plan to leave me something before I go?” she breathed gently, her voice fragrant as orchids.

Before reaching Foundation Establishment, one who cultivated the One Yang Limitless Illumination Heart Sutra must not lose their purity, or else it would cause imbalance between Yin and Yang, jeopardizing the future forging of a Flawless Body.

But that didn’t mean she couldn’t use intimate contact to deepen their bond.

“What if—just what if,”

Chen Beiwu lowered his head, gazing into Xu Ziqing’s gradually dazed eyes and said softly, “If you fail to exceed the Qi Refining limit next year, you can come find me.”

“Find you?” Xu Ziqing raised an eyebrow, grabbing the mischievous hand playing about her chest, unsure what Chen Beiwu meant.

“I have a dual cultivation method. If you fail to break through, I can help you harmonize Yin and Yang and cultivate the Kan-Li Dao Foundation,” Chen Beiwu said directly.

He wasn’t someone who was cold and unfeeling.

If Xu Ziqing were truly devoted to following him, Chen Beiwu was willing to help her advance further on the path of cultivation.

Besides, when he became a True Monarch and eventually achieved Divine Transformation, he would want someone familiar by his side to witness that moment.

Otherwise, wouldn’t it be like wearing brocade in the dead of night—wasted and tasteless?

At those words, Xu Ziqing’s eyes lit up. “Why not now?”

“Using a dual cultivation method to break through the Qi Refining limit isn’t ideal.”

Chen Beiwu smiled and explained, “If you can use the One Yang Limitless Illumination Heart Sutra to forge a One-Yang Dao Foundation, you’ll have a better chance of reaching Core Formation in the future.”

“Alright then. To repay Lord Chen’s great kindness, sit down and let this concubine serve you properly.”

Xu Ziqing knelt down, casually tying up her cascading hair, and began learning part of the knowledge from the Secret Record of Primordial Dragon-Tiger Kan-Li.

…

The next morning.

Chen Beiwu rose feeling refreshed, glancing at the beauty sleeping beside him—Xu Ziqing’s exquisite features and slightly flushed lips.

Beauty could lead one astray.

Ever since acquiring the Nine-Breath Chaos Divine Ability, he had been diligent in cultivation every night, never forgetting to accumulate fate.

But last night, he had made an exception.

Still, the rare relaxation brought Chen Beiwu a clearer mind, with his divine sense subtly expanded. Only, Tai Xuan Guarding the One remained at the minor accomplishment stage.

Sensing his gaze, Xu Ziqing frowned, opened her eyes, and lazily asked, “What time is it?”

“Nine in the morning.”

The moment Chen Beiwu answered, Xu Ziqing jumped out of bed, not caring that the bedsheet slipped off to reveal her jade-like body.

They had spent too long fooling around the night before—she had nearly missed today’s train.

The rules of the Nine Refinement Sect were no less strict than those of the Thirteen Immortal Sects.

Missing even once could cause her to fail the sect’s annual assessment this year.

“Don’t worry. There’s enough time.”

After a simple breakfast with Xu Ziqing and seeing her off onto the train, Chen Beiwu returned to Jiuyue Cave Residence to start moving.

Qiyun Residence, Three‑Peak Cave Residence.

Chen Beiwu took out the Cave Dwelling token. The protective formation lifted automatically, and the heavy stone door opened, releasing a surge of thick thunder-attribute spiritual energy.

Stepping inside, the first thing he saw was a dome inlaid with 365 Lightning-Attracting Pearls.

These pearls were high-grade Second-Tier spirit ores that could automatically convert ambient heaven-and-earth spiritual essence into thunder-attribute spiritual energy.

Yet compared to the pearls, what drew Chen Beiwu’s attention most was the two-zhang wide thunder pool in the center of the residence.

The liquid within the pool was not spiritual water, but pure and dense enough to form thunder pulp—a concentration of spiritual energy nearly unimaginable.

‘Such pure spiritual essence gathered—truly worthy of a Fourth-Tier Cave Dwelling reserved for Nascent Soul True Monarchs!’ Chen Beiwu thought with awe.

He had once believed that Sky Abyss Star lacked spiritual essence and spirit veins, unable to support the cultivation of so many Immortal Alliance cultivators.

Hence the Immortal Alliance laws regarding charging for spiritual energy and punishing those who stole it.

But as his level rose, Chen Beiwu began to understand.

Compared to the Southern Wastes, the Immortal Alliance didn’t lack cultivation resources—the problem was that most resources flowed to upper-tier cultivators and prodigies, leaving barely anything for those at the bottom.

Those at the lowest level of Qi Refining, with no talent, no background, and no spirit stones, never had a chance to rise in status. They toiled every month for a handful of spirit stones until perhaps one descendant with excellent talent appeared.

‘Thunder-attribute spiritual energy is too fierce—good for Golden Egg’s body-tempering, but not suitable for cultivating All Laws Converge, Heaven Book of the Divine Tree.’

Chen Beiwu activated the Cave token with a thought. Spiritual energy in the cave residence shifted from thunder to water and wood dual attributes.

“Rumble rumble!”

As the grand formation rotated, the Lightning-Attracting Pearls on the dome dimmed and vanished, replaced by 365 Azure-Mystic Jades.

These were also called “Dual-Spirit Attracting Jades,” and functioned similarly, converting spiritual essence into water and wood attributes.

Simultaneously, the Fourth-Tier Spirit-Gathering Formation in the thunder pool began to change, causing the thunder pulp within to sink and dry up, replaced by a vibrant pool of water and wood spirit energy.

‘Not bad!’

Chen Beiwu nodded, retrieved Golden Egg from the Spirit Beast Pouch, and placed him into the Azure-Wave Cold Pool. Then he turned his gaze to the courtyard behind the cave.

The courtyard included spaces for Companion Beast cultivation and a small medicinal field.

After a moment’s hesitation, Chen Beiwu refrained from planting precious herbs from the Tianyan True Realm. Once he confirmed there were no monitoring formations within this cave, he activated the Gate of Ten Directions and teleported to the Southern Wastes.

…

Southern Wastes, Ze Kingdom.

In the mountains near Shuishan Town.

‘Damn it, I was careless!’

Shu You held her breath, clutching the wound at her side tightly.

She hadn’t expected that the one holding a grudge against the Dao Child and harboring rebellious intent wasn’t someone from the Shen Clan—

But a subordinate of Outer Sect Elder Hua Buqi.

The result was that the Law Enforcement Bureau disciples who accompanied her were all ambushed and slaughtered.

“Give up. You can’t escape my grasp.”

An old man in an indigo Daoist robe, with a long beard hanging to his chest, blocked Shu You’s path, expression calm.

“To betray the sect means certain death. Even the Heavy Gold Sect can’t protect you.”

Shu You issued a warning, then shifted her tone, “But if you’re willing to abandon darkness for light and surrender, I might put in a good word for you before the Dao Child and spare your life.”

“Still talking tough even on the brink of death.” Hua Buqi smiled slightly, unfazed by Shu You’s threat.

Hesitation was a fatal flaw in action.

His lifespan was already nearing its end. He had only two options left.

Either fail to break through to Golden Core and die, or succeed and gain another 800 years of life.

Betraying the sect and defecting to the Heavy Gold Sect was the only path to survival.

As for the fate of his family—he couldn’t afford to care anymore.