Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 75: Stealing a Hundred Years of Life, the Peak Master Invites a Challenge (Large Chapter, 5K Chapter, Seeking Subscriptions)

Outside the main hall of Hanyue Peak, Dai Zhiyun, a disciple in green robes, paced back and forth, occasionally looking up at the hall shrouded in an array, her eyes filled with undisguised worry.

For three whole days, there was no movement inside the palace.

If the peak master hadn't said it himself, she would have almost doubted whether that junior brother Zhao could really alleviate the danger of the cold poison invading the body.

For now, she could only wait quietly and dared not disturb them.

Inside the sleeping quarters.

A ray of morning light pierced through the icicles of the window and fell on Hua Qingshuang's pale lips, revealing a trace of long-lost color.

She slowly opened her eyes, a slight ripple appearing deep within her icy gaze, and looked towards the person opposite her.

Zhao Wuji was sitting cross-legged on the ground, circulating her internal energy. Her face was as pale as paper, clearly due to the excessive use of acupuncture, which had depleted her spiritual power. She was trying her best to regulate her breathing, and a rare fluctuation appeared deep in her icy eyes:
"This time, it's all thanks to you."

Her voice remained cool, yet it unusually revealed a hint of warmth.

After regulating my breathing, I slowly finished my practice and opened my eyes, having regained my composure.

"You're too kind, Peak Master." He cupped his hands slightly. "The first thing to do upon entering the Peak is to cure your cold ailment."

"Moreover..." His eyes flickered slightly, "The Heart-Cleansing Mantra that the Peak Master previously taught me has greatly helped me in the two tests of questioning my heart and determining my nature."

If we're talking about gratitude, it's actually me who should be thanking the Peak Master.

Hua Qingshuang's eyes flashed and she said, "Although the incantation of the Heart-Cleansing Mantra is useful, it requires you to have sufficient cultivation. You were lucky this time."

"As for the other disciples, they have no cultivation, so obtaining the Heart-Cleansing Mantra would be useless to them."

Zhao Wuji's gaze darkened slightly, and he said in a low voice, "This move by Dongtian... is like 'Illusory Dream Imprisoning a Dragon.' How did the Peak Master break free back then?"

"Break free?"

A mocking smile played on Hua Qingshuang's lips, her eyes filled with a mixture of coldness and complexity. "Look at this body of cold poison I'm covered in... does it look like I've broken free?"

"what?"

Zhao Wuji's pupils contracted sharply, and his heart felt as if a thunderbolt had struck.

"Knowing too much is of no benefit to you." Hua Qingshuang's gaze swept over you like an icy blade. "In the Dharma-ending Age, the cultivation of cultivators by grotto heavens is merely for the purpose of extracting resources. Why would they do a losing business?"

She traced the frost on the table with her fingertips and said calmly, "All spiritual treasures will ultimately end up in the hands of the strongest."

“However…” her tone softened slightly, “at Cold Moon Peak, you can still find a moment of peace. If you can heal me… perhaps we can still…”

A flash of fierceness appeared in her icy eyes, then vanished into silence, and she abruptly flicked her sleeve.

whoosh-

The jade medicine bottle and two jade slips floated in the air and landed steadily in Zhao Wuji's palm.

"The Azure Spirit Pill can refine the Yin and Cold Qi you have absorbed."

She stood up and turned around, her skirt frosting with white. "Once you break through to the second level of Qi Refining, you will learn the 'Sky Flight Technique' and the 'Mysterious Ice Sword Art'..."

She waved her sleeves, and the palace doors burst open with a roar, letting in wind and snow.

"Come back to treat me in a few days."

"Thank you Peak Master!"

Zhao Wuji accepted the pills and jade slip, immediately expressed his gratitude, and felt excited and joyful.

He had already secretly collected a lot of Yin energy as benefits, and now more benefits were coming his way, which made him secretly delighted.

With this flight technique as a starting point, perhaps he could trigger the wind-controlling technique.

Moreover, having absorbed so much Yin-cold energy from the peak's body, along with the Azure Spirit Pill, he can naturally break through to the second level of Qi Refining in a short time, don the blue robe, and become a true disciple.

They are qualified to visit the Cave Heaven Scripture Pavilion to read more ancient books and magical techniques.

"The only thing that's causing us headaches now is the accumulation of Yang energy in the Yang Pearl."

Zhao Wuji pondered to himself, and seeing that Hua Qingshuang was already showing signs of weariness, he immediately stood up, bowed, and took his leave.

"Zhiyun is waiting outside the hall."

Hua Qingshuang spoke calmly, yet meticulously instructed, "You will go with her to find a place to stay on Cold Moon Peak."

If you have any questions about cultivation, you can go to the Spirit Herb Garden to consult Steward Zhong. He was a disciple my father took in back then.”

"Steward Zhonghu?" Zhao Wuji's heart stirred slightly. He kept these instructions in mind, thanked him, and turned to leave.

Hua Qingshuang watched the receding figure, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed.

The origin of the acupuncture technique that injected warmth was never revealed by the other party.
But she won't ask any further questions.

She knew better than anyone that the path to immortality was not easy, that keeping secrets meant keeping one's life, and that only by concealing one's true nature could one attain true enlightenment.

During the weak period of each immortal species, the grotto-heavens would try every means to uncover all their secrets.

She guarded her secret and respected Zhao Wuji's decision to keep it to herself.

This young imperial physician had already earned her rare trust.

Outside the bedchamber, Dai Zhiyun seemed to have received a message from Hua Qingshuang.

Seeing Zhao Wuji step out of the hall, he immediately strode forward, his eyes filled with undisguised joy: "Junior Brother Zhao, is the Peak Master alright?"

"Of course!"

Zhao Wuji smiled and nodded: "Peak Master is fine now, Fellow Daoist Dai need not worry."

"That's great! I'm relieved that the Peak Master is alright."

Dai Zhiyun originally wanted to praise Zhao Wuji's medical skills, but then she remembered the peak master's instructions and swallowed her words back. Instead, she gave him a thumbs up, her eyes filled with even more admiration and curiosity.

"Junior Brother Zhao, you've worked hard. Please come with me."

As Dai Zhiyun walked, she spoke in a light and quick voice, like the tinkling of a stream, “These past two days, I have had the servants prepare your residence. If you are not satisfied, we can look at other places.”

"Our Cold Moon Peak isn't as lively as the other peaks. Apart from the Peak Master and me, only Steward Zhong comes back occasionally, along with a few disciples who handle miscellaneous tasks."

She suddenly turned around, smiling broadly and very talkative, "Now that you're here, it finally adds some liveliness."

Before long, the two reached the mountain neck.

A stone building on the edge of a cliff came into view, quiet and secluded, only half a mile away from the peak master's bedroom.

Zhao Wuji's spiritual senses stirred slightly, and he noticed that the spiritual energy here was more than 30% denser than that of Lotus Peak. He couldn't help but nod to himself.

He did not change his residence immediately. After chatting with Dai Zhiyun for a while, she left because she did not want to disturb his meditation.

Zhao Wuji entered the stone building and looked at the residence, which had been cleaned and renewed.

It is large enough, with a complete set of alchemy rooms, talisman-making rooms, cultivation rooms, and spell-performing rooms, but it is empty and a bit deserted.

"Once things settle down, I'll have Xiaoyue come over to get some experience and help me with some miscellaneous tasks and medicinal herbs, so it won't be so lonely."

Zhao Wuji thought to himself, walking around to familiarize himself with the environment. He quickly realized that the stone building did not have the same array protection as the peak master's bedroom, and he couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.

In this era of declining cultivation, it's likely that apart from the higher levels of the grotto-heavens, even true disciples in blue robes would find it difficult to enjoy the protection of any formations.

"They're all really poor. Once I learn the array formation technique from the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, I'll set up a dozen or so arrays for myself."

Zhao Wuji turned left and right, shook his head, closed the door latch, opened the skylight, and immersed his mind in the Yin-Yang Pearl, observing his own condition and the current state of the Yin-Yang Pearl.

"Cultivation level in Immortal Path: Qi Induction Level 3 (30/100), Cultivation level in Martial Path: Returning to Truth Realm (Perfect)"

"Yin Pearl (One): Yin Marrow (1/1), Yin Qi (Complete)"

"Yang Pearl (One): Yang Marrow (0/0), Yang Qi (1491 strands)"

In the past twelve days, he only spent nine days cultivating. For the last three days, he stayed in the hall of Peak Master Hua to give him acupuncture to dispel the cold.

As a result, his cultivation in the immortal path did not improve much, and he lost more than twenty strands of yang energy during the treatment.

However, the Yin Pearl being perfectly complete is the greatest blessing.

He focused his mind on the Yin Pearl and felt the Yin marrow enveloped by its rich Yin energy.

Numerous messages flashed through my mind.

The first single bead is perfect, signifying a lifespan of a hundred years.

If both beads are complete, lifespan will be doubled, and the dead can be healed by restoring flesh to bones.

However, this longevity did not extend out of thin air.

The so-called Yin pearl steals longevity, while the Yang pearl prolongs life.

The lifespan stolen by the Yin Pearl was taken from the Heavenly Dao, and it also contains cause and effect, meaning that a Heavenly Dao calamity will occur a hundred years later.

Only by accumulating full Yang Pearls can one purify the karmic obstacles of Yin Pearls, refine the chaotic lifespan into "flawless vitality," and resolve or weaken calamities.

The natural order is balanced; the longer one lives, the stronger the tribulations one will encounter.

Just as a Nascent Soul True Monarch experiences the Tribulation of the Three Nine Lesser Heavens, a Deity Transformation Daoist Monarch also experiences the Tribulation of Deity Transformation into Mortal.

Magic is no match for supernatural powers, and supernatural powers are no match for karma.

"Calamity. So that's how it is. All the cultivators of past dynasties have been submerged in the dust of history. Could it be that it was not only due to the depletion of spiritual energy, but also because of the calamities they faced after their cultivation became powerful?"

"Or perhaps, the depletion of spiritual energy is a calamity for all cultivators in the world?"

Zhao Wuji vaguely understood.

The greater the attainment of the true principles of the Way, the heavier the burden of its consequences.

To achieve longevity and immortality is to play a game of chess with Heaven, to win by half a move against Heaven, and to live as long as Heaven.

Thus, natural calamities follow one after another.

"A hundred years of lifespan is but a fleeting moment in the world of cultivation."

Zhao Wuji stared intently at the perfect Yin Pearl, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

In this degenerate age, a mere hundred years may not be enough to help him break through to the Golden Core stage. Moreover, breaking through requires resources, and perfecting the Yang Pearl also requires resources.

If this bead is not used, one can avoid the calamity of a hundred years of life.

Or perhaps it could be used in his twilight years, which might delay the calamity, but it would also mean that the secrets of the second and even other Yin Pearls would remain sealed away for a long time. After pondering for a long time, Zhao Wuji's gaze suddenly became firm.

He has relied on the Yin-Yang Pearl all along, so how could he abandon it because of calamity?

Moreover, as long as one accumulates enough Yang Pearls in the future, one can resolve karmic obstacles and weaken or even eliminate calamities.

There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Those who sought immortality in the past all faced calamities on their journey because they gained too much. It is a pity that Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han eventually returned to dust, and Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizu of Song could not escape their fate.

Zhao Wuji wields the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Pearls; his longevity may only be a facade.

True fortune lies in the celestial arts of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Technique.

This is the true reliance for transcending tribulations and ascending to immortality!

Zhao Wuji had a thought.

The yin marrow and yin energy contained within the yin pearl suddenly began to circulate.

In an instant, a profound rhythm surged from the dantian to the limbs and bones.

The flesh and blood were refreshed as if by sweet rain, the bones shone with a jade-like luster, and the soul was bathed in a clear light.

His entire body seemed to be infused with some kind of immortal rhythm.

The signs of aging are washed away layer by layer, as if youth has lasted forever.

This seems to be a different kind of "youthfulness" from that of ordinary people. It is a kind of calm vitality, with the vicissitudes of time and the vitality of new life. However, the vitality is entangled with the impurities of karma and is not pure.

His mind suddenly became clear, and his spirit grew much stronger.

Suddenly, a sense of terror seemed to emerge from the heavens, like thunder rumbling in the dark clouds, searching for the one who stole lifespan, but it vanished in an instant, leaving one terrified.

Are there gods watching from above?
Or is it a calamity or destiny within one's lifespan and karmic force?
Zhao Wuji's heart stirred, his eyes snapped open, and the dried scabs on his face cracked open. "Once the Yang Pearl is complete, Yin and Yang can harmonize, cleansing karmic obstacles, and this tribulation can be resolved!"

He felt as if a layer of paste had been applied to his face, and his whole body felt light and comfortable. When he reached out and wiped it, a layer of old skin peeled off.

He exhaled through his nose, and a piece of blood scab spurted out.

"The legendary snake shedding its skin? Or spraying feces from its pores?"

Zhao Wuji got up and stretched his limbs, feeling as clear and sharp as the moon shining on a cold pool.

His soul was like a precious sword hidden in its sheath. Although his physical body was full of vitality, he knew that this hundred years of lifespan was ultimately stolen from the heavens, a confidence to fight against fate.

"Spells and magic are still more practical."

Zhao Wuji focused his mind and looked inward. The seal on the second Yin Pearl in his sea of ​​consciousness had been completely broken, and the tadpole-like secret text flowed and shone.

He took out the "True Teachings" from his bosom and devoted himself to deciphering the true meaning of swordsmanship within the Yin Pearl.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he took out the jade slip given to him by Hua Qingshuang.

"Mystic Ice Sword Technique!"

Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly as he pressed the jade slip to his forehead.

With focused concentration, the profound meaning of the sword technique unfolded in my mind like a scroll painting.

As I comprehend the sword technique.

The tadpole-shaped sword patterns on the surface of the second Yin Pearl became increasingly brilliant, with countless messages intertwining and integrating to form clear sword principles.

The Seventy-Two Earthly Fiend Techniques, the True Explanation of Swordsmanship, is known as the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

It can gather to form a shape, and disperse to become Qi. This is called the ability to appear and disappear without limit, which is the most basic technique of condensing sword Qi into threads.

Sword energy condenses into threads, forming an invisible sword net array. The sword threads become blades, capable of cutting through gold and jade, yet remaining condensed and unyielding.

After that, the sword energy transformed into a rainbow, spanning thousands of feet, destroying cities and splitting mountains, with astonishing speed, and the rainbow light dispelled evil.

The sword's aura is like thunder, its strike like lightning, its sound shaking the very soul, killing without a trace.
The sword light splits, one sword splits into thousands of sword lights, like a cascading galaxy, reality and illusion are determined by the heart.
One sword, myriad techniques; the sword contains myriad transformations; wind, fire, thunder, and lightning can all be imitated, its changes endless.

And this is only information from the early stages of swordsmanship; at a higher level, it includes controlling the enemy's sword and unifying all swords.
Zhao Wuji pondered slowly, and compared to the vast and profound Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Sword Techniques, this Profound Ice Sword Technique did indeed seem rather rudimentary.

However, this was just a starting point; the Xuanbing Sword Technique was that starting point, opening the door to the path of swordsmanship for him.

"I wonder how skilled the Peak Master is with flying swords? She taught me the Profound Ice Sword Technique but didn't accept me as her disciple. If my swordsmanship surpasses hers in the future, I can use the techniques from her swordsmanship to give back to her."

As a transmigrator, Zhao Wuji had a relatively open mind. He didn't think that giving guidance to the peak master in the future would be offensive. He only felt that he had become stronger and could repay the master in some way.

Moreover, the skills among the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiend Techniques are enough to enlighten many cultivators.

Time flies, and the summer solstice brings a dazzling array of beauty.

The frost and snow on Hanyue Peak had not yet melted, but more than two months had passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, on Cold Moon Peak, Zhao Wuji, dressed in a true blue robe, made a sword incantation with his hands, the blue robe fluttering in the wind.

A small, icy flying sword instantly transformed into countless points of light, like raindrops, entangling and enveloping Dai Zhiyun opposite her.

Instantly, Dai Zhiyun's ears were filled with the sound of countless swords shattering into countless rings, and her eyes were filled with the bright silver light of swords, like the sun shining on a snowy plain.

Moreover, a biting cold air swept in, as if the summer heat had instantly turned into a harsh winter with icy rain.

Frost covered the moss underfoot, and the grass was crystallized, creating a chilling atmosphere.

"Mysterious Ice Rain!"

Not far away, Hua Qingshuang stood with her hands behind her back, a strange light flashing in her icy eyes.

genius!

This "Mysterious Ice Flying Rain" is one of the killing moves in the sword technique, and ordinary disciples would find it difficult to even grasp its essence after three years.

I didn't expect Zhao Wuji to grasp it so quickly.

Despite being at the second level of Qi Refining, he has already mastered techniques for killing opponents of higher levels.

At this moment, Zhao Wuji is capable of fighting even against ordinary cultivators at the third level!
At this point, Dai Zhiyun was almost unable to hold on.

It felt as if a vast expanse of sword light was attacking from all directions, like mercury pouring onto the ground.

The chilling sword energy alone made her body stiff and cold, her meridians stagnant, and even her hands, which were forming hand seals, stiffened and trembled.

"I admit defeat, Junior Brother Zhao!"

She hurriedly summoned her magical artifact, the Vine Armor Shield, to protect herself, but the artifact's azure light was immediately covered by frost. "This Xuanbing Sword Qi is truly unbearable for Senior Sister!"

Swah——

The sword energy, which had been like a rain of ice, suddenly subsided and transformed into a thin line of snow that flew back.

The Frost Soul Flying Sword hovered beside Zhao Wuji, spinning rapidly and still humming and vibrating, as if it had not yet had enough.

This masterful swordsmanship once again impressed Hua Qingshuang, who nodded in satisfaction. With a flick of her sleeves, she arrived in the arena, her icy eyes filled with frost yet concealing her approval.

"Wuji, you broke through to the second level of Qi Refining in just one month, and mastered the 'Flying Rain' killing move of the Profound Ice Sword Technique to this extent in just two months. How did you manage to comprehend it?"

Zhao Wuji smiled upon hearing this, already having a plan in mind.

He also wanted to share his thoughts, hoping they would be helpful to Master Hua and Dai Zhiyun.

The so-called killing move of the Xuanbing Sword Technique barely touches the edge of the most basic "Sword Qi Condensation" among the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiend Sword Techniques.

Since completely deciphering the true meaning of swordsmanship two months ago, he has mastered the essence of the Xuanbing Sword Technique.

Even the swordsmanship he just displayed was merely a small test.

If one were to exert all their strength, the sword energy would condense into a net, forming a small earth net sword formation that could be formed by a single person!
At that time, as long as spiritual energy is abundant, combat power will be even more astonishing.

At this moment, Zhao Wuji shared some of his insights.

Although it does not explicitly mention the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Sword Techniques, the sword principles described are all derived from them, making every word a gem and containing hidden mysteries.

Dai Zhiyun was completely bewildered. Although she didn't understand it clearly, she couldn't grasp its true meaning and looked utterly lost.

Hua Qingshuang's expression gradually hardened, her eyes flickered, and she went from deep thought to sudden realization, finally turning into amazement.

Zhao Wuji's words actually touched and resonated with her.

"If you meet a swordsman on the road, you must present your sword; if you are not a poet, do not discuss poetry."

She gazed at Zhao Wuji, a rare hint of regret in her eyes, "Wuji, it's truly a pity you didn't become a sword cultivator."

After a slight pause, she sighed softly, "It's a pity that my Linglang Cave Heaven is ultimately not a sword cultivation sect."

She was always proud and arrogant, and rarely felt sorry for others, but at this moment she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She glanced at Dai Zhiyun, who hadn't understood at all, and shook her head inwardly.

The difference between genius and mediocrity is now evident.

Her question to Zhao Wuji about the method of comprehension was actually unnecessary.

True talent is something that ordinary people cannot fathom.

"You flatter me, Peak Master."

Zhao Wuji smiled modestly and presented the Cold Soul Flying Sword with both hands.

This priceless flying sword was ultimately not something a newly promoted disciple like him could possess.

Even though he was a superior immortal seed, he only received a rattan armor shield from the Artifact Hall after he displayed the strength of the second level of Qi Induction a little over a month ago and was promoted to Blue Robe.

Such precious items as flying swords have always been bestowed only upon candidates for the position of peak master.

"This sword was originally a magical weapon that I replaced; I'll leave it with you for now."

Hua Qingshuang did not draw the sword, but suddenly changed the subject: "The Crimson Flame Peak Master has been aggressive these past two months. I originally only intended to have Zhiyun fight the disciples."

Her icy gaze fixed on Zhao Wuji, and she uttered a startling statement: "Although your cultivation is somewhat shallow, your combat strength is not bad."

Now, would you be willing to engage in a magical duel for me?
Regardless of victory or defeat, this sword is yours.

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(End of this chapter)