Yuan’s Ascension

Among the hundreds of thousands of geniuses participating from the Silvermist Immortal Nation, some stood out brilliantly.

Peerless geniuses who had conquered level sixty of the one-star tower or level fifty of the two-star tower were specially marked, their information collated and sent to various divisions of the Bloodforge Devil Hall.

Wu Yuan had also perused the list of top-tier geniuses from the immortal nation, identifying over forty who posed a threat to him.

The Seven Star Luminaries Tower categorized challengers by age, not cultivation phase.

Those under a hundred years old were only able to challenge the one-star tower.

Those between 100 and 299 years old were only allowed to challenge the two-star tower.

This was fundamentally different from the Dark Star, which categorized challengers by cultivation phase.

The overall difficulty of the two-star tower was a notch higher than the one-star tower; the difficulty of level sixty of the one-star tower was equivalent to level fifty of the two-star tower.

Generally speaking, anyone who could conquer these levels had achieved a Dao comprehension at or above the seventh-level True Intent stage (Lesser Law), comparable to the Dao comprehension level of a Void Refiner or Elysian Field cultivator.

For the peerless geniuses from the Bloodforge Devil Hall, those who could clear level fourteen of the Dark Star typically had a similar level of Dao comprehension.

This Gao Yun. Wu Yuan's eyes were apprehensive.

Though he only has a third-degree immortal root, he managed to reach level fifty-nine of the two-star tower. Even if it was due to a mighty soul, it still indicates that he has certainly reached the ninth-level True Intent stage of a Law under the Metal Dao, nearing the Dao Field stage.

At the ninth-level True Intent stage, one’s Dao comprehension could rival Void Refiner or Elysian Field powerhouses.

According to Wu Yuan's intelligence, Gao Yun only comprehended the Searing Aurum Dao, a Lesser Law. However, a Lesser Law wasn’t necessarily weaker than an Intermediate Law; the determining factor was how deeply one comprehended that Dao.

Transitioning from the True Intent to the Dao Field stage was an evolution. Even for peerless geniuses, this step was immensely challenging, which was why High Immortal Nan Yin previously mentioned that the probability of geniuses at the Dao Field stage appearing in the Bloodforge Battle was extremely low.

Once one grasped a Dao Field, it signified that as long as one's immortal root wasn't among the bottom three degrees, one could smoothly cultivate to the Divided Soul or Dharma Body phase, earning the title of immortal.

Moreover, his soul is likely approaching the peak of the Yang Soul level, no weaker than a late-stage Amethyst Cradle cultivator. The more Wu Yuan pondered, the more wary he became.

A powerful soul provides an overwhelming advantage for qi refiners, especially in the early stages.

With his overall strength, he should be able to conquer level sixteen of the Dark Star.

Within the Bloodforge Battlefield, Gao Yun is publicly acknowledged as the strongest Golden Core cultivator. Wu Yuan's mind churned.

Perhaps there were stronger contenders hiding in the shadows, but as far as what the public knew, Gao Yun was the strongest. Wu Yuan's qi refiner self would likely be defeated in a face-off against him.

In reality, this wasn't the first time Wu Yuan had encountered a genius with a powerful soul.

Indeed, constant Visualization of the black pagoda strengthened Wu Yuan's body refiner self's soul. However, after discussions with his master and Zhuo Haiyue, Wu Yuan understood that the black pagoda might be a great opportunity, but it was far from invincible. In this vast, boundless heaven and earth, there could be opportunities far greater than the black pagoda.

Consider Zhuo Haiyue, whose name was obscure in her early years but experienced a meteoric rise after her hundredth birthday. In just a few decades, she became a once-in-ten-thousand-year genius of the immortal nation. How could there not be any significant opportunities involved in her ascension?

In this vast heaven and earth, peerless geniuses who rose to prominence all had their fortuitous encounters; it was just that others remained unaware of their experiences.

It was just like Wu Yuan’s two true selves. Apart from those he trusted, who knew he possessed another true self?

Even within the Dragon Star Immortal Sect, there exist treasures like the Dragonsoul Crystal Bead; what about other powerful factions? Wu Yuan mused inwardly.

Upon learning that my qi refiner self reached the Soul Will level, my master was astonished but not incredulous.

Why? Because history had seen the appearance of geniuses ten, hundred, or even ten thousand times more monstrous than Wu Yuan.

For example, those who could conquer level one hundred of the one-star tower before the age of a hundred! Or those with the legendary innate first-degree immortal roots or first-degree eldritch roots.

The more Wu Yuan's horizons expanded, the more he realized his own insignificance, and his awe at the enormity of heaven and earth grew.

In the immortal world, my talent might be considered top-notch of this era. But in the grand scope of time and space, it’s nothing. A spark of battle intent glinted in Wu Yuan's eyes.

But at least, this Gao Yun's talent and fortune should not surpass mine. It’s just that he’s been cultivating for longer.

All these thoughts flashed through Wu Yuan's mind in an instant.

Boom! With a flap of his wings, Wu Yuan shot out of the cave in a flash, simultaneously applying the profundities of the Celestial Body Dao.

As Wu Yuan ascended into the sky, he saw over a thousand golden flying swords spread out over a thousand li, forming a Metal Sword Domain. The pressure of this sword domain limited Wu Yuan's Celestial Body Domain to merely a li in radius. The difference was astounding!

However, Wu Yuan wasn’t surprised; qi refiners held an absolute advantage in domains due to their mana. Moreover, the opponent's Dao comprehension was far superior to his, given that he only harnessed the Celestial Body Dao.

The two top-tier geniuses stood two hundred li apart, facing each other.

"Seeing that you can withstand my attack; your strength is impressive indeed." Gao Yun's voice carried a hint of coldness. "But your Dao comprehension hasn't reached the True Intent stage... You must be Wu Yuan!"

Top-tier geniuses were limited in number, and aside from a few occasional surprises, their information was publicly known.

Wu Yuan's hallmark traits were his sabers and Teng Snake wings in the Beast Fusion state. As for appearance and robes? Those could change and were unimportant.

"Gao Yun, others say your strength rivals that of Ao Qi, but I see you're still far from it." Wu Yuan's voice was icy. "Moreover, you've disturbed my rest."

"Rest? Wu Yuan, this is the Bloodforge Battlefield." Gao Yun shook his head slightly. "According to the intelligence, you've cleared level thirteen of the Dark Star, but from your saber technique just now, you can most likely surpass level fourteen."

"You can only consider yourself unlucky that you’ve encountered me. Talent is just talent; only true strength is real."

"From your Blood Devil Token rank, it appears you haven't used up your retry yet." A glint of frost appeared in Gao Yun's eyes. "I shall help you on your way."

Immortal nation participants had only one chance. Death meant the end!

But Bloodforge Seeds of the Bloodforge Devil Hall had one retry opportunity; even if they were defeated, they would be teleported away to safety. However, they had to start afresh with their Blood Devil Token count at zero.

This was how the Bloodforge Devil Hall protected its genius disciples. However, if they were still killed despite the extra life, it indicated that they lacked strength or luck.

If you died, you died. Even a genius like Wu Yuan was no exception to this. Such were the rules of the Bloodforge Devil Hall.

"Retry?" Wu Yuan licked his lips, a crazed gleam in his eyes. "I'll send you on your way first."

Boom! His wings fluttering slightly, Wu Yuan lunged straight towards Gao Yun, tearing through layers of the sword domain in a flash.

Swoosh! Behind Gao Yun, a pair of wings also appeared, and he retreated swiftly with his movement techniques.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Of the 729 flying swords spread across the air, eighty-one swiftly assembled into the form of a golden divine sword.

"Go!" Gao Yun flicked his finger.

The golden divine sword responded immediately, shooting towards Wu Yuan.

A sword domain mimicked a Dao Field. One could manipulate any eighty-one flying swords within a Thousand Swords Array to form a divine sword, its power rivaling the full force of a Thousand Swords Array.

If it were a Hundred Swords Array, then any Nine Swords Array within the sword domain could emulate the power of the Hundred Swords Array.

The golden divine sword whistled through the air.

What a sharp sword intent. Wu Yuan was inwardly astonished. No wonder the Metal Dao is famed for its attack power. It’s truly extraordinary.

Each Greater Law had its specialty. The Earth Dao excelled in defense; the Wood Dao in recovery; the Fire Dao in explosive attacks, ideal for large-scale offense. The Metal Dao had the highest piercing attack, excelling in single-target fights.

This Gao Yun has mastered his control over flying swords to perfection, truly agile. Thoughts flickered through Wu Yuan's mind, yet he didn't hesitate.

Swoosh! With a slight tremor of his wings, he activated his Four-Armed Form, wielding a saber in each hand. A myriad of blade rays filled the sky, intercepting the lightning-fast golden divine sword.

Clang! Clang~ Clang! Saber and sword collided repeatedly.

The divine sword was swift and versatile, striking as quickly as lightning.

Wu Yuan stepped back under the relentless assault of the golden divine sword, yet his stance remained unyielding like a towering mountain, and his saber defense showed no flaws.

His saber was like a mountain, each strike swift as the wind! Through sheer tenacity, he managed to exhaust the power contained within the golden divine sword, forcing it to retreat.

Terrifying, his attacks are even stronger than my qi refiner self’s. Wu Yuan thought to himself. However, if my qi refiner self goes all out on defense, I should be able to hold my ground easily.

His qi refiner self could unleash the Earth Dao and Wood Dao. Meanwhile, his body refiner self could only exhibit the Celestial Body Dao.

What an impressive saber technique, and his strength? Gao Yun also frowned slightly, analyzing Wu Yuan's power through the divine sword.

Wu Yuan had to exert tremendous effort just to block each strike. The muscles of other body refiners would have distorted under such repeated impact. Then, he would be able to break through their defenses easily and slice them apart. But Wu Yuan held his ground.

“You may block me once. But can you block me forever?” Gao Yun's eyes grew cold as he focused.

Mana surged forth. Another eighty-one flying swords swiftly assembled into a golden divine sword, slicing through the sky towards Wu Yuan.

“Kill!” Wu Yuan swung his four battle sabers, treading on air. Each footfall seemed to make the fabric of space tremble.

Gao Yun’s form flashed, and he dodged the attack.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

And so, the two sides clashed again and again. Each collision of saber and sword seemed to rend heaven and earth asunder, terrifying shockwaves radiating in all directions.

Wu Yuan repeatedly attempted to close the gap. Yet, the divine swords were able to form at any point within the sword domain, effortlessly blocking him each time.

In every head-on clash, the fearsome golden divine sword managed to send Wu Yuan flying. It could be said that Gao Yun held the upper-hand in this duel, as if toying with Wu Yuan. Yet, no matter how agile the golden divine sword, it couldn't break through Wu Yuan's saber defense.

In short, Gao Yun couldn’t turn his advantage into victory.

Attacks of the Metal Dao are indeed terrifying; his divine sword always follows the lead of his lifebound flying swords.

Furthermore, Gao Yun is highly skilled in movement techniques. Even if I unleash the Longevity Dao, defeating him will prove difficult. This was Wu Yuan’s first time meeting a top-tier genius in the Bloodforge Battlefield.

His opponent was truly worthy of being called the strongest Golden Core cultivator.

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