Chapter 284: September 8th (2)

"Wu Yuan, it is important to remember that your exaggerated talent as a qi refiner is solely attributed to your soul," said the realm master. "As you advance to the Spiritual Body and Shambhala phases, the importance of your soul will diminish. At that point, your attacks in close-quarters combat will be as powerful as your long-range attacks."

"Furthermore," the realm master continued, "your heavenly endowed second-degree eldritch tattoos enhance your chances of achieving a first-degree immortal root in body refining. Do not neglect your cultivation of the eldritch warrior path."

"I understand," said Wu Yuan solemnly.

Although Wu Yuan's current qi refining abilities might seem impressive, it was only temporary. In contrast, eldritch warriors grew stronger as they advanced through each cultivation phase, and they were able to unleash greater force with their ether arts as they progressed.

Among the countless worlds, the combat power of eldritch warriors rivaled that of sword cultivators.

Wu Yuan’s goal was to cultivate both paths.

"What are your future plans?" the realm master asked.

"Studying sword arts," Wu Yuan smiled. "The 'Dark Earth Sword Path' contains profound sword arts that not only unleash the full potential of my flying swords but also enhance my understanding of the profundity of the Land."

The true value of profound sword arts lay in the fact that they contained the profundities of the Dao.

"Mm. That’s fine too. As you begin your cultivation journey, it's crucial to learn from those who came before you. Once you gain strength, you'll be able to develop your own unique sword arts and saber techniques," advised the realm master. "But when it comes to sword arts, I suggest focusing on understanding the 'Dark Earth Sword Array' from the 'Dark Earth Sword Path'."

“Dark Earth Sword Array?” Wu Yuan was puzzled.

"It’s a type of array, just like the other coordination arrays. You would be wasting your nine lifebound flying swords if you don’t learn a sword array." The realm master shook his head.

"In terms of harnessing heaven and earth's power of the land, The Dark Earth Sword Array, the first array within the 'Dark Earth Sword Art,' is one of the best.”

"Right now, you have the first half of the cultivation teachings, which details the first six steps. Once you have a strong grasp over the initial six steps, you will be recognized as a powerhouse even with the Greenridge Macrocosm."

Wu Yuan nodded.

The realm master was not a true living being. However, he had existed for countless ages and obtained all sorts of knowledge. As a result, Wu Yuan placed great importance on his advice.

"Will you comprehend the sword arts here, or do you wish to return?" asked the realm master. "You can take those metals with you, but I won't be giving you any other treasures until you reach the Spiritual Body phase."

Wu Yuan smiled awkwardly. “Realm Master, I would like to return, please send me out.”

He was concerned that Jin Quan would launch a surprise attack on Cloudhill during his prolonged absence.

...

Wu Yuan left the Fourth Eldritch Realm and headed straight for Cloudhill, reaching his destination in just an hour.

After a brief chat with Fang Xia, Wu Yuan paid his family a visit. News of his upcoming clash with Jin Quan had spread quickly, hence his younger sister, Wu Yijun, knew he was still alive. Meanwhile, his mother remained blissfully unaware.

In response to his family's concerns, Wu Yuan put on a show of confidence to reassure them. After soothing his worried clan, he spent the night in Cloudhill City.

The next morning, Wu Yuan returned to Archeldritch Mountain. He gave the maidservants several instructions, then entered his meditation chamber and began cultivating in seclusion.

The core sword art of the ‘Dark Earth Sword Path’ is the Dark Earth Nine Swords, followed by the Dark Earth Sword Array.

Numerous relevant details unraveled in his mind.

After reading through them, he understood that the Dark Earth Sword Array was essentially the advanced version of the Dark Earth Nine Swords. To learn the Dark Earth Sword Array, one had to first comprehend the Dark Earth Nine Swords.

The Dark Earth Sword Array has three main forms. The first is known as the Nine Swords Array, which consists of nine flying swords.

Next is the Hundred Swords Array, which is a combination of nine Nine Swords Arrays, consisting of a total of 81 flying swords.

The third form is the Thousand Swords Array. It is a combination of nine Hundred Swords Arrays. This array consists of 729 flying swords.

Comparing the three forms, the Thousand Swords Array was naturally the strongest. However, Wu Yuan understood that the Hundred Swords Array and Thousand Swords Array were simply multiples of the Nine Swords Array.

The Nine Swords Array is the foundation, the core. How can a Hundred Swords Array made up of 81 ordinary flying swords compare to the power of a Nine Swords Array composed of nine lifebound flying swords?

When it came to controlling artifacts, it wasn’t the more the better. A single powerful artifact could surpass a million weaker ones.

𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Moreover, the more artifacts one controlled, the more it strained one’s soul and consumed one’s mana. It was similar to a battle between two mortal armies, where having more soldiers didn't guarantee victory. 10,000 seasoned cavalrymen could easily defeat a million foot soldiers.

The Dark Earth Sword Array is divided into ten steps.

As one progressed along the steps, it grew increasingly difficult to cultivate, but it also corresponded to an increase in power.

Reaching the first level of the Domain stage means having the potential to cultivate the first step of the Sword Array.

The difficulty was astronomical, but Wu Yuan couldn't help but feel an intense excitement.

Was it challenging? Of course. But the challenge was what made it exciting.

There are less than twenty days left until September 8th. If I can master the first step of the sword array, it will greatly enhance my control over the nine flying swords.

Wu Yuan completely immersed himself in understanding the sword art.

...

Time flowed by rapidly, and September 8th arrived in an instant.

The first light of dawn appeared on the horizon.

"Master, we have all assembled and are waiting for you at Cloudhill," Qiong Sea King's voice echoed in Wu Yuan's mind.

"Got it," Wu Yuan said.

The doors to the meditation chamber on Archeldritch Mountain swung open, releasing a streak of light that pierced through the thick veil of white mist. The figure swiftly headed for the sky above Cloudhill.

"Daoist Wu Yuan."

“Daoist Wu Yuan is here.” The dozens of Heavenly Rankers gathered above Cloudhill all turned in unison as Wu Yuan arrived.

Wu Yuan had short hair and was dressed in white robes that fluttered in the wind. At a glance, he looked like an ordinary man. However, his piercing eyes held a sharp edge that could strike fear into the hearts of even the most powerful individuals; the Arctic King and Mountain Devil King dared not meet his gaze.

The same thought instantly arose in all the gathered Heavenly Rankers’ minds: what a strong aura!

"Apologies for the delay," Wu Yuan said with a gentle smile on his face.

"Haha, there’s no need to rush. The sun has just risen," chuckled the Arctic King. "If we leave now, we’ll reach just on time."

Wu Yuan gave a subtle nod.

"Wu Yuan, we will form the Goldstone Penta Array and journey together to the Holy Capital with Qiong Sea King," Fang Xia said, "The rest of the Heavenly Rankers will protect Cloudhill and watch the battle from the immortal hall."

Wu Yuan chuckled. Fang Xia's actions revealed his underlying anxiety. He was afraid that if Wu Yuan lost and Cloudhill wasn’t well protected, many Heavenly Rankers would lose their lives.

"No need," Wu Yuan calmly asserted.

"Ancestor Fang Xia, leaving your clone behind will be enough," Wu Yuan said confidently. "All the other Heavenly Rankers can go witness the battle."

"This is the final battle before the unification of the Middle Land."

Without waiting for Fang Xia to reply, Wu Yuan propelled himself skyward and soared toward the West.