Chapter 1573: 99: Path of Tribulation _2

Chapter 1573: Chapter 99: Path of Tribulation _2

“Indeed, who could have imagined?”

In less than five hundred years after the heavenly transformation, relying on the rearing of spirit beasts, they managed to accumulate the immense Dao domain required to open a Taoist field.

Even now, he still feels a dreamlike sense of unreality in his heart.

To construct a Taoist field, even the most basic one, requires no less than thousands of Dao domains—and a single Dao domain signifies one Immortal Ascension cultivator…

“But… now that the will of the heavens and earth have slightly awakened, the constraints on Immortal Ascension cultivators have been loosened somewhat. Spending such an enormous cost to construct this Taoist field—could it not be a bit…”

Pang Xiu’s face flashed with a hint of doubt.

Times were different now. Perhaps, after the upheaval in the heavens and earth had finally settled down, the heavenly will had slightly relaxed its restrictions on cultivators. Nascent Soul cultivators crossing the Immortal Ascension Tribulation were no longer deliberately targeted by the heavens, and even early-stage Divinity Transformation cultivators, as long as they didn’t act with full force, wouldn’t be individually targeted by heavenly will.

Under such circumstances, the need for constructing the Taoist field seemed unnecessary.

However, upon hearing Pang Xiu’s words, Jiang Yi instead shook his head and said:

“You are, after all, failing to see the bigger picture. Previously, I did not support Wang Ba’s decision to construct this Taoist field because Dao domains are rare and the cost is immense—success seemed nearly impossible. But now, if he can indeed open a Taoist field, it would be a monumental blessing for Wanxiang Sect and this realm!”

“First, this Taoist field, being constructed within the world barrier itself, can extract spiritual energy decomposed from Chaos Origin Substance crossing through the boundary, greatly lessening reliance on the Little Cang World. Second, within the Taoist field, cultivators can perceive Dao intention and condense Dao secrets much more easily.”

“And most importantly, as this Taoist field continues to grow, it will progressively accommodate higher cultivator realms. By then, even if the Little Cang World imposes restrictions, cultivators will still have the opportunity to transcend tribulations and ascend, leaving this world by relying on the Taoist field!”

Upon hearing Jiang Yi’s words, Pang Xiu’s expression shifted slightly.

“However…”

Jiang Yi’s face soon showed a trace of gravity.

“However what?”

Pang Xiu hastily inquired.

Jiang Yi did not hold back and directly explained: “The successful construction of a Taoist field is fraught with immense difficulty and danger, requiring three stages: Aperture Opening, Purification and Turbidity, and Gate Opening.”

“Aperture Opening refers to the act of selecting a location beforehand and creating a space within the world barrier, akin to an acupoint in the human body. Though it may seem small, it contains unimaginable vastness within. At this phase, the Dao domain hasn’t yet been infused, so the difficulty is not extreme. However, once the infusion begins, the process will provoke minor retaliation from the Little Cang World—any moment of carelessness could result in being crushed to death by the world barrier!”

Pang Xiu’s expression grew tense, but he quickly seemed to recall something and spoke aloud:

“The sect has already invited several Patriarchs to personally intervene. They should be able to hold it steady without much trouble.”

Jiang Yi gently shook his head:

“Simply holding steady is not enough. The changes in the world barrier triggered by the Taoist field’s construction may also attract World Eaters from beyond the barrier. This is known as the ‘tribulation’. At that point, we would have to deal with both the world barrier’s backlash and the assaults from the World Eaters. Following that, the stage of ‘Purification and Turbidity’ involves taking the essence of the heavens and earth’s initial division. It requires immense strength to widen the space, both upward and downward. Though the Little Cang World’s barrier strength is relatively lower, the process is still beyond the capabilities of most.”

“And after ‘Purification and Turbidity’, the final step is ‘Gate Opening’. What is Gate Opening? It means internal stability and external security—only when the Taoist field is firmly established can the gate be opened without collapse.”

“If even a minor error occurs during the construction process, the final ‘Gate Opening’ will not succeed, rendering all prior efforts wasted.”

“This—how troublesome!”

Pang Xiu couldn’t help but reveal a touch of astonishment on his face.

Immediately, his brows knitted in thought.

Just from listening to Senior Jiang explain this, he could already perceive the unimaginable difficulties and complexities involved. Although Martial Nephew Wang had always been steady and prudent, could he truly have such confidence to face this?

Or was it possible that he wasn’t even aware of such challenges?

“Your Deputy Sect Master knows far more about this matter than you do. Since he dares to proceed, he must have considered it thoroughly.”

Jiang Yi seemed to discern Pang Xiu’s thoughts and shook his head in rebuttal, then wondered aloud:

“Though it’s true—it’s been quite a while since I last saw him. While his disciples are always lingering here, the auspicious moment for opening the Taoist field is fast approaching. Why hasn’t he appeared yet?”

Pang Xiu heard this and likewise shook his head questioningly, speculating: “Perhaps he’s still preparing?”

As they spoke, both instinctively turned their gazes toward the direction of the mountain gate.

“Sect Master Liang from Longevity Sect, Vice Tao Temple Master Xiong from Youxian Temple, and Qin Yunjian of the Qin Family have all arrived…”

Pang Xiu’s eyes showed little surprise.

Wanxiang Sect’s attempt to open a Taoist field carried unpredictable risks, so requests for aid had been sent to the other two sects and one clan.

The Three Sects and One Clan were intrinsically close in relations. Upon receiving the message, they had promptly responded, arriving almost simultaneously.

Due to the slight relaxation of heavenly constraints, even the Divinity Transformation cultivators from the three sects and one clan had come personally. Although each group only dispatched one individual, their presence was sufficient to demonstrate sincerity.

As Wanxiang Sect finally completed its grand-scale preparations for opening the Taoist field, along with the arrival of protective Divinity Transformation cultivators from the other sects and clan…

A figure clad in a cyan robe finally emerged step by step from among the peaks.

Hovering quietly in mid-air, he saluted the gathered cultivators from the Three Sects and One Clan, his voice serene and flowing like a clear spring:

“Wang Ba of Wanxiang Sect offers sincere gratitude to all Taoist friends for coming to safeguard my sect.”

From the group, the foremost figure—a long-bearded, black-haired middle-aged cultivator—responded with an elegant smile and cupped hands in return:

“Liang Wuji of Longevity Sect. A hundred tales pale in comparison to witnessing it firsthand. Taoist friend indeed possesses the demeanor of a heavenly human. As for offering thanks, there’s no need for such words. Once, Taoist friend turned the tide and resolved the Eightfold Sea Yuanci disaster. Today, we safeguard Wanxiang Sect—it is only fitting.”