Yuan’s Ascension

Dragon Star Immortal Sect headquarters, training grounds of Wu Yuan’s World Residence.

My progress has greatly sped up with Master’s guidance. Wu Yuan stood in the air, silently reviewing what he learned twenty days ago. Every piece of advice from his master allowed Wu Yuan to reap significant benefits.

It was simply because High Immortal Nan Yin was on a whole other level. He could see through Wu Yuan’s every move and action. There was nothing Wu Yuan could hide from him.

They are the same moves, yet when Master executes them, his sword intent is practically omnipresent, making it impossible to trace his whereabouts. His movement technique also makes him highly agile and elusive.

The gap was huge.

Compared to Master, my sword techniques are still lacking. Wu Yuan quickly suppressed the various thoughts in his mind.

Such a huge gap was only natural. But Wu Yuan believed that step by step, he could also reach his master's level of effortless mastery someday.

At the Dragon Star Tournament, the Golden Core hereditary disciples I'll face will likely all be ninth-stage Golden Core cultivators.

Their mana pools will be larger than mine, especially Xing Luo and the other two. I believe their lifebound artifacts have already reached the level of third-grade spirit equipment as well.

Apart from Wu Yuan, there were seven other Golden Core hereditary disciples in the Dragon Star Immortal Sect who were capable of clearing level fifty of the one-star tower.

Among these seven, three Golden Core hereditary disciples possessed third-degree immortal roots—Xing Luo, Chen Chuan and Hao Shanjing.

They were Wu Yuan's greatest rivals.

Once a third-degree immortal root cultivator reached the ninth-stage Golden Core phase, they could refine their lifebound artifacts to the level of third-grade spirit weapons.

The transition from fourth-grade to third-grade spirit equipment was a qualitative change.

My advantage lies in a stronger soul and a greater number of lifebound artifacts. Wu Yuan was well aware of this. The only issue is my smaller mana pool.

Possessing more lifebound artifacts, complemented by numerous auxiliary ones, naturally led to greater mana consumption in battle.

So, if it really comes down to it, I cannot afford to drag out the fight. Every battle must be resolved swiftly and decisively. Wu Yuan thought to himself.

If he found himself at a stalemate, that would be troublesome. As the fight dragged on, his mana would eventually get depleted, and he would be like a lamb awaiting slaughter.

Wu Yuan didn't believe he could defeat these Golden Core hereditary disciples just by controlling artifacts with his Soul Force.

One had to remember that these hereditary disciples of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect were all peerless geniuses, all capable of fighting Amethyst Cradle Reverends even at the Golden Core phase.

They were not weak. It was just that Wu Yuan was too strong, which gave off the impression that the other Golden Core hereditary disciples were less gifted.

When the soldiers come, block them with generals. No matter who my opponent is, all I need to do is defeat them. Wu Yuan's fighting spirit soared.

I refuse to believe that anyone can withstand my Thousand Swords Array.

Strength brought confidence.

Swords, to me. Wu Yuan gave a mental command.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Nine sword pellets flew out from the qi sea in an instant, separating from his skin and flesh.

After transforming at breakneck speed, nine dazzling flying swords orbited around Wu Yuan. Torrent of earthy-yellow qi streams swirled around them. All of them were fourth-grade spirit flying swords, exuding formidable sword intent.

As his lifebound artifacts, Wu Yuan painstakingly refined them with all his heart and soul. Currently, the power of these nine fourth-grade spirit flying swords was comparable to that of second-grade spirit weapons.

Go. With another mental command, nearly a thousand flying swords appeared, blanketing the sky.

They were all fourth-grade spirit flying swords as well.

On the blades of the swords, cryptic patterns of the Earth Dao were carved, increasing their power. They are perfectly suited for Wu Yuan, all purchased from the Dragon Treasure Tower over the years.

These 729 fourth-grade spirit flying swords cost more than seven hundred thousand catties of ethercrystal.

Practically all of Wu Yuan's remaining ethercrystal was exhausted, and he even had to sell off some of his older treasures.

Wu Yuan also spent about six hundred thousand dragon crystals to purchase two sets of sword arrays, each composed of seven hundred and twenty-nine blades.

These two sword arrays were even more precious, so precious that ordinary outer disciples could not acquire them; they could only be redeemed with dragon crystals.

Their power was also stronger.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Each of his nine lifebound flying swords led eighty swords. Countless earthy-yellow Celestial Body cryptic patterns materialized. On the surface of each flying sword, Celestial Body cryptic patterns also appeared, emitting radiant light.

In the blink of an eye, nine Hundred Swords Arrays were formed. Though separate from one another, they were subtly connected, firmly protecting Wu Yuan at the center.

Nine Hundred Swords Arrays, combined into a Thousand Swords Array.

Star Domain. Wu Yuan activated the power of the Domain with a thought, instantly merging the nine Hundred Swords Arrays into one.

In an instant, a radiant Star Domain was formed, emitting vast sword intent! It looked like a miniature world of swords.

This was the fifth step of the Dark Earth Sword Array — Sword Intent Tempest!

Activate!

With a single stride, a vast wave of sword intent immediately engulfed him. The Thousand Swords Array that covered several dozens of li abruptly expanded, swiftly covering a radius of three hundred li.

Within three hundred miles, only a tempest of sword intent could be seen, Wu Yuan's position could hardly be spotted.

Simultaneously, the Hundred Swords Arrays merged into one, forming a series of terrifying divine swords.

Nine divine swords zipped about at maximum speed, appearing and disappearing like phantoms within the massive sword array, showing a terrifyingly sharp edge that would make the hearts of any onlooker tremble.

This lasted for six breaths.

Boom! As a figure descended from the sky, the sword array dissipated. The raging sword intent calmed down, and hundreds of sword lights quickly converged, returning to Wu Yuan's side.

Sword Intent Tempest. Now that I’ve reached the fifth step, it's fair to say that I've made a small accomplishment. Wu Yuan smiled.

In terms of pure Dao comprehension, I'm no weaker than those seven Golden Core hereditary disciples.

The Dark Earth Sword Array consisted of ten steps.

Theoretically, to grasp the fifth step, Sword Intent Tempest, the minimum requirement was to reach the fourth-level True Intent stage.

That was the Dao comprehension level of the level fifty guardian of the one-star tower.

But that was merely the initiate threshold of proficiency, and only possible in theory.

To form a sword array consisting of nearly a thousand flying swords with a single thought like Wu Yuan? That was nothing short of a dream.

Even if they met the minimum criteria for Dao comprehension level, many Golden Core cultivators couldn't execute it. Why? They didn’t have enough mana!

The reason why Wu Yuan could do it, apart from his high Dao comprehension level, was due to his powerful soul. If his soul wasn't strong enough, he wouldn't be able to execute it either.

Five years ago, when I challenged the one-star tower, my Dao comprehension was slightly weaker compared to the guardian of level fifty. It was all thanks to my powerful soul that I was able to bulldoze my way through. Wu Yuan thought to himself.

And now? Even without the power of his soul, Wu Yuan knew he could easily defeat the level fifty guardian.

However, I still have a way to go before clearing level sixty. Wu Yuan silently shook his head.

Over the past five years, he had made the occasional attempt.

A year ago, he made it through level fifty-eight, only to fail at fifty-nine.

If he tried again now? Wu Yuan estimated that he could get through level fifty-nine, but there was still a considerable gap between his current level and the guardian of level sixty.

I need to put in the effort. My master has challenged me to conquer level sixty before I reach the age of sixty. It should be quite a challenge. Wu Yuan continued to study the sword codex.

Guided by the Celestial Body Law Codex, along with the mentorship of his master, Wu Yuan progressed at a rapid pace.

Similar to the other Golden Core hereditary disciples, starting from level fifty, clearing a single level could take over a decade.

Time passed.

Hm? Wu Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. He had just received a message from the Dragon Star Immortal Voidrealm. It was a message that could not be ignored.

Wu Yuan immediately began to read it.

"Hereditary disciple Li Xia, the Dragon Star Tournament held every thirty years by the sect is about to commence. Please arrive at the Hereditary Disciple Tower in Greendragon City of the immortal voidrealm in two hours." The message was from Earth Immortal Xu You.

Earth Immortal Xu You was in charge of managing the hereditary disciples of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

Over the last decade, Wu Yuan had met him numerous times within the Dragon Star Immortal Voidrealm, and was well-acquainted with him.

This was the norm. Meeting in the real world? With disciples scattered everywhere, it was too difficult. Meeting in the voidrealm was far more convenient.

Hm? Kuang Long is here to meet me? Wu Yuan shook his head with a smile, sending a strand of his consciousness into the Redmoon Immortal Voidrealm.

…

Within a gigantic mansion on Dragon Star Island in the Redmoon Immortal Voidrealm.

This was Kuang Long's mansion. As a hereditary disciple, his mansion was as vast as Wu Yuan's, but the layout and furnishing could be adjusted according to each disciple’s preferences.

Wu Yuan’s avatar materialized at the mansion’s entrance.

"Greetings, Heir."

"Greetings, Heir. The two Golden Core followers at the door hurriedly bowed with utmost respect, recognizing Wu Yuan at a glance.

Moreover, within Dragon Star Island, each individual’s identity was publicly displayed.

"Heir Li Xia, Heir Kuang Long has prepared a banquet. You may proceed directly to the main hall," one of the Golden Core followers respectfully informed him.

Wu Yuan responded with a slight nod and strode forward.

Along the way, the Golden Core followers who served under Kuang Long bowed respectfully to him.

"Senior Brother Li Xia is here."

"Great Senior Brother has arrived."

"Senior Brother Li Xia."

Upon arriving at the main hall, the five figures already present all rose to their feet. Their gazes were locked onto Wu Yuan, and their enthusiasm was palpable.

"Senior Brother Li Xia, please take a seat." The burly Kuang Long said warmly, making an inviting gesture.

Wu Yuan swept the room with a glance. Six jade platforms were arranged in a circle, none appearing more prominent than the others. He took his seat. [1]

On each jade platform was a low table laden with exquisite wines and gourmet dishes.

"Shi Yun, Qing Guang, even if Kuang Long, Luo An and the others address me as ‘Senior Brother, you two are my seniors by order of seniority. Why are you addressing me as ‘Senior Brother’ too?" Wu Yuan asked with a smile.

"Senior Brother Li Xia, we only entered the sect a few years before you,” Shi Yun, a bald-headed youth, shook his head.

"Once Senior Brother takes first place in the Dragon Star Tournament, you will naturally become the senior brother of all Golden Core disciples."

"He is right. Senior Brother Li Xia, we are just changing your address a bit earlier, that’s all." Qing Guang, a handsome man dressed in purple robes, added.

Wu Yuan gave a rueful smile.

Among hereditary disciples, seniority was determined by the order in which they joined.

There was only one exception—the first-place winner of the Dragon Star Tournament! Once a disciple seized first place, regardless of when they entered, they became the Great Senior Brother of their peers.

The six disciples gathered here all became hereditary disciples in the last ten to twenty years, and were exceptionally talented. They could be considered fellow freshmen, naturally forming a tighter bond with each other.

Moreover, since it was their first Dragon Star Tournament, there was little competitive pressure, so their mindsets were relatively relaxed.

But most importantly, there was Kuang Long, a seemingly rugged but extremely socially adept hereditary disciple.

Over the years, Wu Yuan declined most of Kuang Long's frequent banquet invitations. But the few times he did attend, he got to know some of the hereditary disciples. At least, he could recall their names and roughly understood their personalities.

Everyone ate and drank as they chatted away.

"Senior Brother Li Xia, I’ll be honest with you. Even though we all advanced straight to the top thirty-two places, we are all well aware that five of us are just here to make up the numbers. The first battle will undoubtedly end in defeat for us," said Kuang Long with a grim voice.

"You are the strongest among us. Do you have the confidence to seize first place?" Kuang Long’s eyes were fixed on Wu Yuan.

Immediately, Shi Yun, Qing Guang, and the others couldn’t help but look over, somewhat curious to hear his answer.

"First place?" Wu Yuan savored the fine wine in his cup, smiling faintly, "Is that even up for debate?"

1. Actual raws translate to ‘he chose the seat in the center.’ But if it’s a circle, where’s the center? Unless there are five seats surrounding one? ☜

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