Chapter 214: Enemies At The Doorstep

Soulquake Art?

Wu Yuan understood what he meant in an instant.

Fang Xia’s Clone Gu would be responsible for the first two functions of the killing array. While its strength was not quite on par with Fang Xia himself, it was nearly identical until the Clone Gu’s essentia was depleted.

Whenever the killing array harnessed spiritual qi to launch an attack, the array controller would also expend some energy, hence the need for essentia.

The Clone Gu’s strength did not lie in direct combat. However, it proved quite useful in critical moments, capable of confusing enemies, exploring risky areas, acting as a substitute array controller for the main body, refining pills, and much more. Even before mentioning anything else, the fact that it could provide an additional ten percent of one’s soul strength and essentia made it immensely valuable.

The first two functions of the killing array harnessed the spiritual qi, but the third function, Soulquake, was different. It did not require heaven and earth's power or spiritual qi and its effects only targeted the soul. Naturally, the stronger the soul of the array controller, the greater the effectiveness of Soulquake.

"Alright." Wu Yuan grinned. "When the time comes, I shall unleash a Soulquake through the array. It will be enough to deliver a paralyzing blow at the crucial moment."

Secret arts involved the physical body, arcane arts involved essentia, and soul arts involved the soul. Countless types of arts existed, none inherently stronger or weaker. It all depended on how cultivators implemented them in battle.

"Young Master, I also have some good news for you." Fang Xia smiled. "After cultivating in seclusion for over a month, Bu Yu has achieved Unity."

Wu Yuan's eyes sparkled. "The Rain Hierarch has made a breakthrough?"

"Yes," Fang Xia gestured toward a distant chamber within the cave, still barricaded by a curtain of light. "She has yet to emerge or speak to me, but as the controller of the array, I can sense the changes in heaven and earth's power surrounding her."

"She has indeed advanced," Fang Xia asserted.

A hint of elation appeared on Wu Yuan's face. While he was happy that the Cloudstride Sect had gained another qi refiner, he was even happier for Bu Yu herself for achieving a breakthrough after devoting herself tirelessly to the sect. With this advancement, she could now live for 500 years. It was truly a cause for celebration.

"Young Master, your vital aura brims with vigor. Physically, you may even surpass me in strength. Your training over the past month appears to have come along well," Fang Xia looked at him with eager anticipation. "I await the day you become a true eldritch warrior."

“Haha, alright,” Wu Yuan chuckled.

"Young Master, as an array controller, you can harness its power as long as you remain within its range," Fang Xia informed him. "Once Bu Yu emerges from seclusion, you will sense it. Why don’t you return for now? We can celebrate her achievement after she joins us."

“Mm.” Wu Yuan nodded.

...

The killing array was established with Cloudhill at its core, encompassing a radius of hundreds of li, including the entirety of Cloudhill City.

Through the monitoring array, Wu Yuan could see how his family and fellow clansmen were doing with a mere thought, even while he was physically on Cloudhill.

A profound sense of tranquility enveloped his heart. As he continued his training, his consciousness grew sharper. And now, at long last, the Cloudstride Sect could be said to have laid a preliminary foundation, a cornerstone that would last millennia.

...

In the Baihu Provincial City of the Jiang Continent was a stronghold of the Cloudstride Sect.

As the heart of the sect's rule in Baihu, it accommodated a large number of disciples, a sizable contingent of stationed troops, and naturally, numerous training grounds, courtyards, and edifices. All in all, it spanned a vast expanse.

Inside the central hall of a grand edifice in the stronghold, a man in hemp clothing patiently waited.

I clearly received a message about my transfer to the Chu Continent, with the task of gathering intelligence for the impending war. Why the abrupt summons? From what Sect Elder Tian has written, it appears a Grandmaster wishes to meet me?

Thoughts swirled in his mind.

Among first-rate Adepts, his abilities were considered decent. However, was branded a sinner within the sect. Why would he be granted an audience with a Grandmaster out of the blue?

Could it be that something has happened to Mother or Yu’er? Or perhaps they caused some trouble?

His mind raced, dismissing the thought almost immediately.

No! It shouldn’t be. They are safe and imprisoned in Cloudhill City. What trouble could they possibly stir up?

He went through every possibility, but still couldn’t figure out the reason for this meeting with a Grandmaster.

Suddenly, two figures emerged from a corridor at the side of the hall. One was an elderly man with a flowing white beard. The other was a middle-aged man clad in black armor, exuding an extraordinary presence. Both figures made their way to the center of the hall.

"Sect Elder Tian, Hall Master Gu," the man dressed in hemp attire greeted with a bow.

The man in black armor was Gu Wang, the hall master of the Inspection Hall.

"Gu Ji. It has been over a decade since we last met. At that time, you committed a grave sin," Gu Wang's voice was deliberate and measured as he gazed down at the man in hemp attire. "Your memory is certainly sharp."

"I would never dare to forget the hall master’s appearance," Gu Ji humbly lowered his head.

At this moment, his brain was thrown into complete chaos. From what he knew, Gu Wang, now a Grandmaster and commander of several armies, guarded the Baihu Province. What kind of pressing matter could warrant him taking time out of his busy schedule just to meet him?

"Gu Ji." Gu Wang began slowly, "Thirteen years ago, you committed a grievous crime. According to the law, your entire family should have faced execution, but the sect chose to show mercy. Your family was imprisoned, and you became a sacrificial pawn of the sect."

"The sect struck a deal with you – perform ten significant meritorious deeds, or reach the level of a Savant expert, and you may receive a reduced sentence. Complete thirty significant meritorious deeds, or rank among the top twenty in the Human Rankings, and your entire family will be set free. Am I correct?" Gu Wang asked softly.

"Indeed," Gu Ji lowered his head.

That one mistake had inflicted tremendous losses on the sect, resulting in countless casualties. As someone who grew up within the sect, Gu Ji felt deep regret every time he recalled that incident. He would carry the weight of guilt for a lifetime.

Despite the severe punishment, he harbored no resentment. A mistake was a mistake! Throughout the years, he had toiled diligently, not seeking forgiveness from the sect, but yearning to improve the life of his imprisoned family.

"The sect has decreed that starting today, your family is fully pardoned and hereby liberated," Gu Wang said softly. "Your sentence will be lightened significantly. However, you must join my army and fight in the imminent war for the Jiang Continent!"

"As long as you accumulate 3000 military merits, true freedom will be yours. Your past crimes will be forgiven, and you will be granted the rank of protectorate within the sect," Gu Wang continued.

Gu Ji was utterly flabbergasted. Accruing 3000 military merits was no easy task, but compared to the previous requirement of thirty significant meritorious deeds, it was hardly difficult. Most importantly, his family was now declared innocent and allowed to go free.

Gu Ji's eyes welled up. After thirteen years, he had finally lived to witness this day.

"Gu Ji thanks the sect for its benevolence!" Gu Ji prostrated on the ground, kowtowing over and over again.

"It is indeed the sect's benevolence that spared your life," Gu Wang said lightly. "But you must also express your gratitude to Heavens Heir Wu Yuan. It was he who examined your case and pleaded on your behalf, hoping to secure your freedom."

Wu Yuan? The realization hit Gu Ji like a bolt of lightning, sending shockwaves through his heart. He had never anticipated this turn of events. In just two years, that young prodigy had become someone who could absolve him of his heinous crimes with just a passing comment?

Young Master Wu Yuan did not forget his promise to me.

Gu Ji continued to kowtow with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

...

Inside Wu Yuan’s private courtyard in Cloudhill City.

Gu Ji's family has been released?

Wu Yuan read through the scroll delivered by the Inspection Hall.

He could perceive the entire Cloudhill City with just a thought, allowing him to get real-time updates on Gu Ji's family’s situation.

The crime was committed by Gu Ji.

Wu Yuan placed the scroll on the table before him.

He had never forgotten his promise to Gu Ji. However, while he was actively taking on the identity of Shadow Blade, it wasn’t the appropriate time to carry out such a task, nor could he easily uncover the details behind the matter.

It was only after returning to Cloudhill and understanding Gu Ji's situation over the past few days that Wu Yuan realized a direct release could not be justified. To grant absolution without addressing the lives lost because of his mistakes would be a great disservice to the sect's disciples and the citizens who had suffered.

For thirteen years, he has diligently served the sect, amassing countless merits without making a single error. Such an individual deserves a chance to make amends. At the very least, his family should not be burdened by his sins.

It was this conviction that prompted Wu Yuan to speak to Gu Wang. The top echelons of the sect, such as Gu Wang, Zhang Changsheng, and Lu Feng were all aware of Wu Yuan’s real identity.

He casually set the scrolls aside. The fulfillment of the promise made to Gu Ji signified the completion of a karmic cycle.

In the immortal slip, it was mentioned that promises and oaths carried a weighty karma. Destiny and karma, profound and enigmatic concepts, were far beyond the grasp of mortals or weak cultivators. However, for those at high cultivation levels, destiny and karma were extremely important. If entangled by numerous karmic ties, one's cultivation would be adversely affected.

Both Great Jin and the Starcom Consortium are truly masters of endurance.

Wu Yuan closed his eyes, suppressed his numerous thoughts, and resumed his cultivation.

...

Soon, it was the 8th of October. In the Stellar Province of the Dong Continent, situated roughly a hundred li away from the headquarters of the Starcom Consortium, lay a canyon. This place was strictly off-limits, except for specific personnel of the Starcom Consortium.

The canyon was perpetually shrouded in fog, making it difficult for anyone without a special token to navigate its depths.

"Honored Starcom Elders," a black-robed old man entered a courtyard house nestled deep within the canyon and spoke respectfully, "A message has been delivered from Great Jin. On the 12th of October, Heavenly Rankers from the three holy sanctuaries will join forces to overthrow Cloudhill. They specifically extended an invitation for our Starcom elders to witness this event."

Silence engulfed the courtyard for a moment.

"Very well, understood. Inform the overseer not to intervene. The Starcom Consortium shall continue to operate within the territory of the Cloudstride Sect," a detached voice replied, "This matter concerns the deities, we’ll handle it ourselves."

"Yes," the black-robed elderly man responded deferentially.

...

𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

A battle on the 12th of October?

A similar invitation for Meng Cai had also arrived at the Pleiades Guild headquarters.

After a moment of contemplation, he reached a decision.

I’ll go have a look! Big Brother only told me not to interfere in the great war between the three factions. But merely observing should not be a problem.

For a battle of such magnitude, even Jin Quan might make a move, how rare is that? This is a once-in-a-century event in the Middle Land!

Mm, I should inform the other two guild elders.

...

“Haha, there hasn't been a peep from the Starcom Consortium since Wu Jianzhong's demise. On the contrary, Great Jin can’t wait any longer.”

“Our Wu Sect should naturally go watch this spectacle.”

...

"Fang Xia is rumored to be a ninth-stage Qi Sea cultivator. One cannot help but wonder if Jin Quan will make his presence known again."

...

"As the Arctic King, it’s only natural that I observe the Central Plains engage in their internal strife."

...

In a brief span of time, Heavenly Rankers from the Starcom Consortium, Pleiades Guild, Ninedeaths Circle, Wu Sect, Huang Temple, as well as major factions in the Nan Continent, Bei Continent, and Mo Continent, were invited to witness the Great Jin Empire assert their dominance.

Several Heavenly Rankers declined the invitation. However, with Fang Xia’s name making waves recently, along with the Great Jin Empire’s domineering might, numerous Heavenly Rankers were eager to witness the spectacle.

...

Soon, the 12th of October arrived. Apart from a handful of top echelons from various top-tier major factions, everyone else, including commoners and most Grandmasters, was unaware of the imminent war in the Jiang Continent.

This was the reason why Heavenly Rankers seldom appeared in the mundane world. They existed on a completely different level.

On Cloudhill, all was calm. As the days passed, neither the Great Jin Empire nor the Starcom Consortium made any moves toward aggression, and Wu Yuan and Fang Xia maintained their calm.

During this period, Bu Yu emerged from seclusion, and the upper echelons of the Cloudstride Sect rejoiced upon receiving news of her breakthrough.

The weather today was perfect, with just the right amount of sunshine and a cloudless sky.

Wu Yuan reclined leisurely at the edge of Razor's Edge Cliff, his eyes shut as if basking in the sunlight. Even in Huan Jian's absence, this place remained a forbidden zone.

Cultivating while lying down and being physically close to the earth allows me to comprehend the profoundness of the Land even more vividly than when I am sitting up.

Wu Yuan found this rather amusing.

Besides honing his body, Wu Yuan dedicated the rest of his time to comprehending the profundity of the Land.

Suddenly, Wu Yuan's eyes snapped open, and he looked up at the sky. Numerous figures were vaguely visible. His gaze hardened.

Heavenly Rankers? Quite a number of them.

Has it finally begun?