met free Chapter 82: Breakthrough
Chapter 82: Breakthrough
In the guest seats, the gazes of cultivators from various sects frequently swept over Li Wu, some with curiosity, some with scrutiny, and some with indifference.
Li Wuduan remained seated, his gaze calmly fixed on the square, as if the discussions had nothing to do with him.
Su Wanqing glanced at him sideways and nodded inwardly.
This kind of composure is indeed not something ordinary people possess.
"Knock knock knock!"
The three chimes, long and resonant, echoed throughout the summit of Biyang Peak.
The square immediately fell silent.
The gates of Biyang Palace slowly opened, and a group of people dressed in splendid attire filed out.
Leading the group was Xuan Qing, the sect leader of Biyang Sect. Today, he was dressed in a purple Taoist robe, wearing a jade crown and holding a whisk, exuding an air of elegance.
Behind him followed more than ten elders, each with a profound aura, the weakest of whom was at least in the late Foundation Establishment stage.
This demonstrates the profound foundation of the Biyang Sect.
Li Wu finally understood that this selection ceremony was also a grand event to showcase one's abilities to the outside world.
Li Wuxin pondered:
"Once I break through to the Purple Mansion realm, I might be able to get one at Qing Shi Sect as well."
Master Xuanqing walked to the center of the platform in front of the Biyang Palace and stood there. His gaze swept across the entire area, and his voice, calm yet clear, reached the ears of everyone present:
"Today is the once-in-a-decade selection ceremony for inner disciples of my Biyang Sect. I am deeply grateful to fellow Daoists from various sects and factions who have traveled from afar to witness this ceremony."
Having said that, he bowed slightly.
The cultivators from all walks of life in the arena returned the greetings.
Xuanqing continued:
"The selection ceremony follows the same rules as before. First, we test one's character, then one's aptitude, and finally one's combat skills. Only those who excel in all three aspects can enter the inner sect of my Biyang Sect."
As soon as he finished speaking, an elder stepped forward, unfurled a jade scroll, and loudly read out the list of disciples participating in the selection.
The selection process is lengthy and complicated.
As the sun began to set, the selection ceremony finally came to a close.
The top ten disciples stood before the Biyang Hall to receive personal commendation from Master Xuanqing.
Cultivators from various sects stepped forward to offer their congratulations, creating a lively and extraordinary scene.
At this moment, Xuanqing suddenly shouted:
"Fellow Daoists, I have something else to announce."
The square fell silent again.
Xuanqing looked at Li Wu and gestured for him to come forward.
Li Wuxin's heart stirred, and he stood up and walked steadily to Xuan Qing's side.
Master Xuanqing smiled and said:
"This is Li Wu, the head of Qing Shi Sect. He is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, yet he can already overpower cultivators at the mid stage of Foundation Establishment. His mastery of lightning magic is so high that he can be considered a leader in Danfeng Continent."
"From this day forward, Fellow Daoist Li Wu will be a guest elder of my Biyang Sect, sharing the same breath and helping each other."
Even though everyone was somewhat prepared, it still caused an uproar.
"A guest elder? He's only in the early Foundation Establishment stage!"
"Qingshi Sect? That small sect?"
Voices of doubt and resentment rose and fell.
Xuan Qing raised his hand and pressed down, his voice still calm, yet carrying an undeniable authority, and said in a deep voice:
"My decision has its reasons. You need not say more."
The room fell silent immediately.
If a cultivator who has reached the peak of Core Formation speaks, who would dare to question him to his face?
Li Wu remained calm and bowed to Xuan Qing, saying:
"Thank you for your trust, Sect Leader."
Xuan Qing nodded slightly and took out a storage bag from his sleeve, handing it to him.
"This is what I promised you."
Li Wu took it, scanned it with his spiritual sense, and was immediately delighted.
The three lightning-attribute spiritual items were neatly placed in the bag, each exuding a rich lightning-attribute spiritual energy.
"Thank you, Sect Leader."
Li Wu accepted the storage bag, his heart stirred slightly, but he remained expressionless on his face, simply cupping his hands in thanks.
Xuan Qing nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Time is of the essence. The Initial Saint Sect will make its move within six months at most. You need to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage as soon as possible."
"I understand."
Li Wu nodded in agreement.
Xuanqing summoned a disciple and instructed him:
"Take Elder Li to his secluded retreat in the back mountain. All expenses will be provided according to the standards for elders of our sect."
The disciple respectfully accepted the order and led Li Wucong along a small path beside Biyang Peak toward the back of the mountain.
Along the way, Su Wanqing followed, walking beside Li Wu, and whispered:
"The sect leader is quite generous to you. Only Core Formation elders are usually qualified to use the cave dwellings in the back mountain."
Li Wu nodded with a light smile.
Upon reaching the back of the mountain, one sees caves built against the mountainside amidst swirling clouds and mist, their spiritual energy so rich it's almost tangible.
The cave entrance was protected by a barrier, and spiritual light flowed around it, indicating that it was of a high rank.
The disciple led Li Wu to a cave dwelling in an excellent location and respectfully said:
"Elder Li, this is your cave dwelling. If you need anything, just activate the communication jade talisman inside the cave, and someone will deliver it to you."
Li Wuwei nodded slightly and pushed open the door to enter.
The cave dwelling is quite spacious, with simple yet complete furnishings.
The most wonderful thing is that deep inside the cave is a spiritual spring with a strong earth vein, whose spiritual energy is even more concentrated than that outside.
Su Wanqing stood at the cave entrance, not following them in, but simply smiled and said:
"I won't disturb Fellow Daoist Li's seclusion any longer. I wish you a speedy breakthrough."
Li Wu nodded and said:
Thank you.
Su Wanqing turned and left, her skirt swaying gently as she disappeared into the clouds.
Li Guan did not enter the cave entrance and trigger the restrictions before sitting cross-legged in the quiet room.
He took out the storage bag, probed it with his spiritual sense, and three lightning-attribute spiritual objects appeared before his eyes.
The first item was a fist-sized piece of ore, entirely purplish-black, with fine lightning patterns on its surface, faintly flashing with lightning.
【Thunder Pattern Stone】, a foundation-building spiritual object, contains pure thunder elemental energy. It can be used to refine thunder elemental magical artifacts, and can also be absorbed and cultivated by thunder elemental cultivators.
The second item was a spiritual herb with stems and leaves like swords, its entire body silvery-white, and tiny lightning beads condensed at the tips of its leaves, crackling and popping.
【Lightning Strike Grass】, a foundation-building spiritual object, grows in places struck by lightning and takes a hundred years to mature, containing the vitality of lightning.
The third item was a jade bottle containing a translucent, pale purple spiritual liquid. When gently shaken, tiny sparks of lightning could be seen moving within it.
【Thunder Essence Liquid】, a Foundation Establishment spiritual item, is formed from underground thunder veins and is extremely rare. It can be directly consumed and refined.
Li Wu looked at the three spiritual items and was quite satisfied.
Including the [Heavenly Thunder Stone] in his hand, he now possesses four Foundation Establishment level lightning-attribute spiritual items.
"Breaking through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment in six months shouldn't be a problem," Li Wuxin estimated.
After all, he had been looking forward to the Foundation Establishment stage for quite some time, so the breakthrough was just a natural outcome.
It won't take too much time.
He first took out the Thunder Pattern Stone, held it in his hand, and closed his eyes.
The lightning-attribute spiritual energy within the lightning-patterned stone, like a living thing, surged into his meridians through his palm, merging with the lightning essence in his dantian.
Li Wu used his cultivation technique to guide the spiritual energy to flow through his meridians, tempering his physical body and magical power bit by bit.
Time passed, and day and night were no longer distinguished in the cave.
Within the Qi Sea, thunderclouds churned, drawing in lightning-attribute spiritual energy, which was then tempered and assimilated by the silvery-white lightning.
This, in turn, nourishes the thunderclouds.
In less than a month, Li Wu opened his eyes, a flash of lightning appearing briefly in them, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
"Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, accomplished."
Although he had broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, Li Wu did not rush to leave seclusion, but continued to consolidate his realm in the cave.
…………
Li Wu left the cave precisely on time.
There is less than a month left until the six-month period that Xuanqing mentioned.
As soon as the barrier outside the cave was opened, Su Wanqing was seen sitting cross-legged on a blue stone not far away, with spiritual energy flowing around her, indicating that she was cultivating.
"It seems she's been waiting outside all this time." Li Wu frowned slightly.
She noticed the movement, opened her eyes, saw it was Li Wu, and smiled:
"Fellow Daoist Li has broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage?"
Li Wuwei nodded slightly.
Su Wanqing stood up, looked him up and down, and nodded:
"Mid-Foundation Establishment stage, his magical power has become much stronger. It seems those three spiritual items were not wasted."
"The sect leader has been waiting for you to break through; let's go quickly."
Su Wanqing turned and led the way, saying in a deep voice:
"The First Saint Sect has been making more and more frequent moves lately."
The two walked briskly along the mountain path, passing through several barriers, and arrived at the council hall behind the Biyang Palace.
There were already seven or eight people sitting in the hall, each exuding a deep aura.
Xuan Qing sat upright in the main seat. When Li Wu entered, he glanced at him and nodded slightly.
"Solid foundation, stable aura, not bad."
"Thank you for bestowing this spiritual item upon me, Sect Leader." Li Wu bowed.
"Please sit down," Xuan Qing gestured.
Li Wu sat down at the last seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
Aside from Xuanqing, a cultivator who had reached the peak of Core Formation, there were five other Core Formation cultivators sitting in the front row, all of whom possessed considerable aura.
The remaining few were at the late Foundation Establishment stage, possessing formidable strength.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin," Xuan Qing said in a deep voice.
With a wave of his hand, a map formed from condensed spiritual energy appeared before everyone.
The map shows the entire Danfengzhou, but at the southern end of Danfengzhou, there is an area marked in blood, which is particularly eye-catching.
"The Kingdom of Xu, where the Chusheng Sect is located, is situated at the southern end of Danfeng Continent, about eight thousand miles away from the Biyang Sect."
Xuanqing pointed to the blood-red area.
"The sect leader of the First Saint Sect is named Lü Yang. He has been cultivating demonic arts for over two hundred years and has countless lives on his hands."
"Several years ago, the Chu Sheng Sect began to set up array foundations throughout the Xu Kingdom, intending to sacrifice a million people to forcibly break through to the Nascent Soul stage."
Li Wu looked at the map, his brows furrowing slightly.
"A million people?"
A cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage gasped in shock.
"Exactly."
Xuan Qing's expression was solemn, and he said in a deep voice:
"If he succeeds, not only will the people of Xu Kingdom suffer, but the entire Danfeng Continent will face a catastrophe."
"Senior brother, is that Myriad Spirits Blood Sacrifice Array really that powerful?" a Core Formation cultivator asked.
Xuanqing nodded and said:
"This formation is an ancient demonic formation that uses the essence and blood of living beings as a guide to forcibly connect with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and to empower the cultivator at the center of the formation. Once successful, the amount of spiritual energy empowered is enough for a cultivator who has reached the peak of the Core Formation stage to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."
"But this formation also has a fatal flaw."
Xuan Qing paused, then turned his gaze to Li Wu.
"When the great formation is in operation, extremely dense Yin energy will gather at the core of the formation, and Yin energy fears things that are extremely Yang."
Li Wu suddenly realized:
"Therefore, we need lightning magic."
"good."
Xuanqing nodded and said:
"Thunder magic is extremely powerful and yang, and it can suppress all yin and evil. I have come to find you because I hope that you can use thunder magic to destroy the yin and evil energy at the core of the formation at the critical moment of its operation."
"At that time, I will lead people to hold Luyang back from the front, while you will sneak into the center of the formation from the flank and break the formation with lightning magic."
Li Wu pondered for a moment and asked:
Are there any guards at the center of the formation?
"Of course."
Xuan Qing nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"According to the scouts, the core of the formation is personally overseen by a Core Formation elder from the Chu Sheng Sect, with more than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding it."
Li Wu raised an eyebrow and said:
"A Core Formation cultivator? I'm just a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, I'm afraid I'm no match for him."
"You don't need to worry about that."
Xuanqing raised his hand, took out a jade talisman from his sleeve, and handed it to Li Wu.
"This is the [Life Concealment Talisman], which I obtained by chance many years ago. It can conceal one's aura, making it difficult for even a Core Formation cultivator to detect. If you use this talisman to infiltrate the core of the formation, you will not be discovered as long as you do not take the initiative to attack."
"As for that Core Formation cultivator..."
Xuanqing looked at an elderly man with white hair and beard seated in the room and said:
"Junior Brother Xuanxin, you will secretly follow Li Wu. When he breaks the formation, you will be responsible for blocking the Core Formation cultivator."
The old man nodded slightly and said in a hoarse voice:
"Don't worry, senior brother."
After giving his instructions, Xuan Qing waved his hand and stood up:
"There's no time to lose. We'll depart in three days. Everyone, go back and prepare. We'll meet at Biyang Peak then."
…………
Three days later, at the summit of Biyang Peak.
Before the morning mist had dissipated, more than a dozen figures had already gathered in front of the hall.
Today, Master Xuanqing changed into a black robe, with an ancient sword hanging at his waist, and his aura was more sharp than usual.
He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and said in a deep voice:
"This trip is of great importance, so everyone must proceed with caution."
Everyone responded in unison.
Xuan Qing raised his hand and waved, and the group transformed into an arc of light and flew south.
The further south you fly, the thinner the spiritual energy between heaven and earth becomes, replaced by an unsettling, chilling aura.
"We're almost there."
Xuanqing slowed his escape speed, and his voice reached everyone's ears.
"The territory of the Xu Kingdom is three hundred miles ahead. Please be extremely careful."
They flew for a while longer.
The surrounding trees were withered and overgrown with weeds, and a faint stench of decay filled the air.
Xuanxin looked around and sighed:
"This Xu Kingdom was originally quite prosperous, but now it has been ruined by the First Holy Sect."
Xuanming remained expressionless and said coldly:
"This is the same wherever the Demonic Sect goes. Therefore, we cannot afford to lose this battle."
Xuan Qing raised his hand to interrupt the two, and said in a deep voice:
"Proceed according to plan. Junior Brother Xuanxin, you take Elder Li and circle around from the east side, heading straight for the center of the formation. The rest of you, follow me and launch a feint attack from the front to draw Lu Yang's attention."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Xuan Xin flew to Li Wu's side and said in a hoarse voice:
"Elder Li, stay close to me and don't stray even a step."
Li Wuwei nodded slightly.
"Walk."
The two broke away from the main group and flew eastward close to the ground.
The land of Xu Kingdom is no longer recognizable as it once was.
The original farmland and villages were all bulldozed and replaced by towering stone platforms, which were covered with twisted, blood-red runes.
Every few miles there is such a stone platform.
Beneath the stone platform, piles of white bones lay.
Li Wu's expression was solemn, and his killing intent toward Lü Yang grew stronger.
The actions of the First Saint Sect are no less than those of the powerful families in the Qi Gathering Realm.
Even better.
Xuanxin seemed to sense his emotions and whispered:
"This is how the demonic path always operates. When breaking the formation later, do not let your emotions control you. Just focus on casting your lightning spells."
Xuanxin carried Li Wu at breakneck speed, keeping close to the ground as they used hand seals to completely conceal their figures and auras.
The deeper Li Wu went into the Xu Kingdom, the stronger the chilling aura in the air became. He could even feel the dense deathly energy seeping into his body with each breath.
If it weren't for his cultivation of the [Divine Thunder] path, he might have actually been affected by these auras.
The two continued their stealthy journey for about an hour until their view suddenly opened up ahead.
A vast plain appeared before them, upon which countless blood-red rivers crisscrossed, forming a giant magic array covering an area of more than ten miles.
At the center of the magic circle was a blood-red altar about a hundred feet high, with a huge black object hanging from the top of the altar, which was constantly pulsating, like a heart.
Inside the black heart, countless distorted faces can be faintly seen, emitting silent roars.
Around the altar stood twelve blood-red stone pillars, each with a black-robed cultivator sitting cross-legged on it, their bodies shimmering with blood-red light, clearly pouring their magical power into the great formation.
Directly below the altar, a gaunt-faced old man in black robes sat cross-legged; he was clearly a Core Formation cultivator.
"That's the core of the formation."
Xuanxin pointed to the black heart at the top of the altar, his voice extremely low and deep:
"That Soul Gathering Crystal is the core of the great formation. When the great formation reaches the critical moment, the Yin energy will surge out from that heart. At that time, you can use thunder magic to strike the heart and trigger thunder and fire to burn away the Yin energy."
Li Wu nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators before settling on the Core Formation elder, and said in a deep voice:
"Twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators and one Core Formation cultivator—can you really hold them off alone, senior?"
Xuan Xin's lips curled into a smile, her voice hoarse:
"Although I am only in the early stage of Core Formation, I can still hold off a cultivator of the same level for a while. You just need to focus on breaking the formation."
Upon hearing this, Li Wuwei nodded slightly, then took out the [Life Concealment Talisman], activated it to conceal himself, and then rushed towards the center of the formation.
Time passed by, second by second.
On the altar, the light emanating from the black heart grew stronger and stronger, and the twisted faces inside the heart became clearer and clearer, with faint, mournful roars emanating from it.
The old man who had reached the Core Formation stage opened his eyes, looked up at his heart, and said in a hoarse voice:
"The grand formation is nearing completion, and the sect leader should be starting soon as well. Everyone, please be alert and avoid making any mistakes."
The twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators responded in unison.
Just then, a deafening roar came from afar.
A streak of purple-gold sword light shot into the sky, illuminating half of the sky. This was followed by intense fluctuations in spiritual energy, indicating that cultivators were fighting with all their might.
"The people from the Biyang Sect have arrived!"
The old man who had reached the Core Formation stage suddenly stood up, looked in the direction from which the sword light had appeared, and snorted coldly, saying:
"Just as the sect leader predicted."
He turned to look at the twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators and said in a deep voice:
"You all continue to maintain the great formation, I will go to assist the sect leader."
Before the words were finished, a gray figure appeared above the altar.
Xuanxin appeared before him, her body surging with spiritual light, and said in a hoarse voice:
"Your opponent is me."
The old man's expression changed, his gaze fixed on Xuan Xin, and he said coldly:
"Xuanxin? I didn't expect you to be here too."
"Lu Yang has committed numerous evils; today is his death day."
Xuanxin raised his hand, and a gray flying sword flew out from his sleeve, hovering beside him, exuding a sharp sword intent.
"You?"
The old man who had reached the Core Formation stage sneered, raised his hand, and a blood-red banner appeared in his hand. Countless vengeful spirits surged on the banner's surface, and their mournful howls echoed across the surrounding area.
"It's enough for me to hold you off."
Xuanxin said no more, and his flying sword transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for the face of the Core Formation elder.
The old man waved the blood banner, and countless vengeful spirits surged out from it, forming a blood-red barrier that blocked the flying sword.
The two instantly clashed, and the aftershocks of their magical clash caused the surrounding stone platform to crack.
The twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators looked solemn, but dared not leave their posts. They could only desperately pour their magic power into the great formation to maintain the stability of the formation's core.
Li Wu took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the black heart at the top of the altar.
He didn't rush to make a move.
Now is not the time.
The grand formation is still in operation, and the Yin energy has not yet fully condensed. Although attacking at this time can also destroy the grand formation, the effect will inevitably be greatly reduced.
He is waiting.
When the grand formation reaches its most crucial moment.
In the distance, the battle between the Biyang Sect and the Chusheng Sect was growing increasingly fierce.
Xuanqing's sword light crisscrossed the sky with fierce intensity, relentlessly battling a blood-red figure, each strike causing the heavens and earth to change color.
That blood-red figure was clearly Lu Yang, the sect leader of the First Saint Sect.
Looking from afar, Li Wu saw that Lu Yang was surrounded by blood-red light, and every strike he made carried a strong bloody smell. He was actually fighting Xuan Qing to a standstill.
"Hmph! I, Xuanqing, had already anticipated your arrival!"
In the sky, Lu Yang, dressed in black, was surrounded by a blood-red aura, his face cold and handsome.