Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 344: Peerless Genius

How conceited! How arrogant! It was undeniably audacious of Wu Yuan to speak in such a manner. But as everyone in the hall recalled the overwhelming power he had just displayed, they grudgingly acknowledged that Wu Yuan had the prowess to back up his arrogance.

Fei Lang, his handsome features contorted with a mixture of grief, anger, and humiliation, could do nothing but clench his jaw in silence. There was no disputing the fact that he had been thoroughly defeated.

“This Li Xia, with his pride and unparalleled talent, certainly lives up to the reputation of a sword cultivator. No wonder Her Highness values him so highly,” Zhuo Yuansheng exchanged a knowing glance with Zhuo Qiuhong.

Previously, they were somewhat puzzled by Zhuo Haiyue's high regard for Wu Yuan, but this assessment helped shed light on it.

"Is this the caliber of a hereditary disciple?"

"Fei Lang is formidable enough, yet he was defeated in one move?" The accompanying disciples were shocked by Wu Yuan's power.

"It's no wonder Elder Xiang Sheng deemed him worthy of a personal visit," the two Void Refiner Eminences from the Dragon Star Immortal Sect chatted via telepathy. "No matter how strong his immortal root is, he’s only a first-stage Golden Core cultivator. Yet, the power of his sword strikes has reached the threshold of the Amethyst Cradle phase."

In terms of attack power, he had reached the Amethyst Cradle phase.

"That sword strike he exhibited wasn’t too profound, hence he shouldn’t have comprehended True Intent. Yet its sheer force was astonishing."

"His mastery over such a powerful sword array speaks volumes about his soul’s strength. It’s unimaginably strong!”

These Void Refiner cultivators were all highly knowledgeable and were able to accurately analyze Wu Yuan's capabilities. His Dao comprehension had reached a high level in the Domain stage. While it had yet to reach the True Intent stage, it was not far off. His soul was very strong, and his immortal root was also extraordinary.

While the Void Refiner cultivators could discern some of Wu Yuan's abilities, Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng was the only one who grasped the crux. The nine flying swords he employed at the start were very unusual. They clearly looked like fifth-grade and sixth-grade spirit equipment, yet they could exert such power?

Could they be lifebound flying swords?

Yes, I wouldn’t have perceived it wrongly. Nine lifebound flying swords!

Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng didn't just rely on direct observation. He was able to perceive a lot more details through the essence of the Swirling Water World.

By right, with a third-degree immortal root, he should have only been able to forge six, maybe seven lifebound flying swords. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng pondered. Even though his soul is robust, it is only at the first-stage Golden Core phase. Was his soul already this strong when he first unlocked his qi sea?

The more Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng contemplated, the more perplexed he grew. There were numerous contradictions. If Wu Yuan did not possess a powerful soul when he first opened his qi sea, he wouldn't have been able to craft nine lifebound flying swords. However, if Wu Yuan did indeed have a formidable soul at the onset, then after decades of cultivating to advance to the Golden Core phase, his soul should have gotten even stronger.

It is not uncommon for gifted individuals to stumble upon great opportunities. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng reflected. Providence and chance play a role in one's strength, there is no need to overanalyze it.

The only thing that matters is that this budding sword cultivator with unmatched talent now belongs to my Dragon Star Immortal Sect. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng felt a surge of excitement, though he maintained an outwardly calm expression.

His assessment of Wu Yuan had risen to new heights - unmatched talent! To be described as unmatched denoted that one was truly the cream of the crop. With a robust immortal root, high comprehension aptitude, a powerful soul, nine lifebound flying swords...if he wasn't a budding sword immortal, then who was?

Moreover, Wu Yuan’s confidence was akin to the sharpness radiating from a divine sword, poised to overcome all obstacles in its path. The more Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng observed Wu Yuan, the more he liked him.

While others perceived Wu Yuan's demeanor as arrogant, Xiang Sheng saw it as confidence. There was only a fine line separating the two.

Array cultivation, alchemy, talisman crafting, and so on, all require a steady heart and mind. Those specializing in these classes must learn to calm their minds and smooth out their edges. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng mused inwardly.

This was why he got Wu Yuan to give Fei Lang a good beating. He hoped to temper Fei Lang’s sharpness and prompt introspection, thereby instigating real transformation.

Sword cultivation was different. It was the ultimate path of killing, requiring a fearless and unhesitant heart that propelled one forward without faltering. When it is time to hold back, hold back. When it is time to show your edge, show it without fear.

It is no wonder Qing Feng spoke so highly of Li Xia, believing him suitable to be a disciple of the ancestor. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng thought. I wonder if Ancestor Dong Yang shares the same sentiment towards Li Xia.

In his eyes, none of the current so-called sword cultivation prodigies in the sect could match up to Wu Yuan.

As various thoughts swirled within Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng's mind, he chose to keep the number of Wu Yuan's lifebound flying swords a secret.

Over the years, the Dragon Star Immortal Sect had made formidable adversaries who, while unable to annihilate the sect, would not hesitate to eliminate promising talents if given the chance. Hence, they would always conceal their peerless prodigies until they were strong enough to protect themselves.

We must return to the sect promptly. Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng decided.

...

"The winner of this match is Li Xia." Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng’s voice reverberated through the hall, lacking any discernible emotion.

It was as though Wu Yuan's performance had just met his expectations, not exceeding them by much.

Wu Yuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had already given his all. If his best was still not enough, well, there wasn’t more he could have done.

"Fei Lang, even if you’re a prodigy, there will always be a greater prodigy out there. Do you understand this now?" Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng turned his gaze to Fei Lang.

"I have learned my lesson," Fei Lang bowed his head humbly, contemplating his own shortcomings.

Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng gave a slight nod.

Though Fei Lang's talent paled in comparison to Wu Yuan's, he still had hope of becoming a hereditary disciple as long as he cultivated diligently.

"Li Xia," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng addressed Wu Yuan.

Wu Yuan gave a respectful bow.

"You possess great talent, having already completed level 40 of the one-star tower at such a young age," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng remarked with a smile. "What sets you apart is your valor and decisive sharpness, both of which are crucial in a sword cultivator."

"In the competition along the immortal path, you must fight for and seize opportunities. Even if your strength and talent are lacking, you must maintain confidence and never bow your head easily."

"I trust that you will uphold this pride. Perhaps in time, you may rise to become a renowned sword immortal," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng commented.

"I will keep these words in mind," Wu Yuan replied respectfully.

Sword immortal? While a Divided Soul Sword Immortal and a Tribulation Sword Immortal both fell under the category of sword immortals, Wu Yuan aspired to surpass that—one who transcended the six phases of cultivation, an Archimmortal with a lifespan rivaling that of the heavens.

"Very well, the test ends here. Li Xia, you have performed admirably," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng declared with a smile, rising to his feet. "Daoist Yuansheng, Daoist Qiuhong, I am grateful for your assistance."

"It’s our honor, Senior," Zhuo Yuansheng and Zhuo Qiuhong replied respectfully.

Though they were disciples of the prince-rank Zhuo Family, the power of their faction was overshadowed by the Dragon Star Immortal Sect. On top of that, Xiang Sheng was a full-fledged Earth Immortal, they dared not act presumptuously.

Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng smiled. "Since I’ve settled my matters here, it’s time to return to the sect. Li Xia, you will be coming with me."

"Now?" Wu Yuan's eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of surprise in his voice. They were leaving so urgently? He didn’t even have the chance to inform Zhuo Haiyue of this sudden development.

"Yes, now," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng's tone was firm. "Immortal cultivation waits for no one."

"Do you have any unfinished worldly matters that need attending to? Don't worry, for minor matters, the sect will arrange for someone to handle them after your enrollment."

“I understand.” Wu Yuan could only obey.

They’re leaving right away? Zhuo Yuansheng quickly spoke up, "Senior Xiang, perhaps it would be better to rest for a day before setting off."

He sensed something amiss but didn't know what it was. After all, it was a done deal that Wu Yuan would be joining the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

But Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng shook his head, replying without hesitation, "There is no need. Making this trip to the Zhuo residence to assess Li Xia wasn’t part of my original plans. The abbot is expecting my return. There are important matters that require my attention."

The mention of the abbot silenced any further objections. That was an absolute powerhouse in strength and status, with numerous tasks on his plate. Why would he pay attention to the recruitment of a few disciples?

Zhuo Yuansheng and the others could only nod in agreement.

"Alright," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng said with a tone of finality. "Li Xia, come with me to the sect headquarters."

“Understood.” Wu Yuan nodded.

Though unsure of the situation, he would just comply for now. He would relay all the details to Zhuo Haiyue through the Redmoon Immortal Realm later.

"Let us depart," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng declared, striding out of the hall.

The two Void Refiner cultivators hurried to keep pace, along with Fei Lang and the other newly recruited disciples.

"Elder," Wu Yuan spoke up suddenly, "I have a spirit beast at my accommodation that has yet to join us. I ask for your patience." Qiong Sea King didn't follow him to the hall.

"A spirit beast?" Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng raised an eyebrow in surprise, but then chuckled. "Very well, tell it to come swiftly. I shall wait."

This scene astonished the two Void Refiner cultivators. When these inner disciples were accepted, they were not allowed to bring along their spirit beasts. Indeed, different people were treated differently.

In a few moments, an azure jiaolong darted across the sky. Its body shrank as it swiftly approached Wu Yuan, bowing respectfully before Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng.

Wu Yuan had already relayed the situation to Qiong Sea King.

"A jiaolong? Its bloodline appears to be quite pure," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng remarked, casting a glance at Qiong Sea King. "Little jiaolong, it appears you understand proper etiquette. After you enter the sect with your master, be sure to seize the opportunities that come your way."

"Thank you, Immortal," Qiong Sea King replied sincerely.

Wu Yuan was stirred by his words. Opportunities? His thoughts shifted to the Dragon Star Immortal Sect and Zhuo Haiyue's mention of an Archdemon backing the sect.

After Qiong Sea King paid his respects, he transformed into a streak of light and wound himself around Wu Yuan's arm, concealing his form.

"It is time," Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng declared, as an invisible force surrounded Wu Yuan, Fei Lang, and the group of disciples. Soon, they flew out of the Zhuo Family's estate, out of Zhuo Yuansheng and Zhuo Qiuhong’s perception range.

"What should we do? Her Highness instructed us to keep watch, but he’s been taken away," Zhuo Yuansheng pondered.

"He’s an Earth Immortal, and it’s within his authority to do so," Zhuo Qiuhong replied with a sense of resignation.

Suddenly, Zhuo Qiuhong looked slightly surprised, “I’ve received a message from Her Highness. She’s aware of the situation.”

"She instructed us to transmit the recording of the battle between Wu Yuan and the Dragon Star Immortal Sect disciple to her through the Redmoon Immortal Realm immediately."

...

Shortly after.

Within the courtyard of Zhuo Haiyue's residence in Zhuo Star City of the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

Clad in silver armor, Zhuo Haiyue observed a projection alongside a mysterious figure cloaked in black.

The projection showed the confrontation between Wu Yuan and Fei Lang, as well as the outcome of the Cauldron of 10,000 Manifestations’ evaluation.

"Thirteenth Ancestor, what is your assessment?" Zhuo Haiyue asked.

"That Xiang Sheng is quite astute," the burly man in black remarked. "You may have misjudged this Li Xia."

"Misjudged?" Zhuo Haiyue questioned, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Did you not mention his potential to reach the Tribulation High Immortal phase?" the man asked.

“Mm,” Zhuo Haiyue nodded. "Although he has only completed level 40 of the one-star tower, his young age suggests that he may conquer level 50 in due time. If he doesn’t die an early death, he is capable of reaching the Tribulation phase."

The man shook his head with a smile. "In my estimation, this youngster has the potential to become an Archimmortal," he declared with conviction. "While he isn’t as talented as you, he deserves to be called a peerless genius."