Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 356: Earth Immortal Qing Feng’s Guidance

Earth Immortal Qing Feng? Wu Yuan was surprised.

Naturally, he didn’t forget how Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng had mentioned that ‘Brother Qing Feng’ had spoken highly of his talents back when he assessed Wu Yuan in Rising Dragon City.

Wu Yuan had been puzzled back then, wondering why such an important figure would recommend him.

Perhaps this was part of Zhuo Haiyue’s arrangements? Wu Yuan pondered. He had long speculated that Qing Feng might be an Earth Immortal of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

However, even as a member of the sect, Wu Yuan wasn’t qualified to know the names of the Earth Immortals yet.

The title of Earth Immortal included the word ‘immortal’. These were figures with extremely high statuses.

The Dragon Star Immortal Sect boasted a large number of powerhouses in their ranks at present with nearly 200,000 Reverends, most of whom were Amethyst Cradle cultivators and a small fraction of Shambhala cultivators.

An Amethyst Cradle cultivator lives for 3000 years, while a Shambhala cultivator lives for 10,000!

As for the 3000 Eminences of the sect, Void Refiner cultivators live for 10,000 years, while Elysian Field cultivators live for 30,000 years.

With the passing of countless generations of cultivators, nearly a million Amethyst Cradle cultivators were produced in total. Yet, the number of Void Refiner Eminences emerging from the sect only numbered in the thousands. The odds of breaking through were extremely low.

As for Earth Immortals?

Whether Divided Soul or Dharma Body Earth Immortals, they have a common lifespan of 90,000 years. The Earth Immortals within our sect are the product of 100,000 years of accumulation. Wu Yuan mused to himself.

Despite their longevity, their overall numbers were far lower than the Void Refiner Eminences.

On average, one hereditary disciple is added every few years, with at least tens of thousands of such hereditary disciples arising every 100,000 years. Wu Yuan shook his head. But how many can advance to become Divided Soul Earth Immortals?

Fewer than one in a hundred!

No matter how talented one was; the treacherous trials on the path of cultivation claimed the lives of countless immortal cultivators, geniuses included.

This harsh reality was why few hereditary disciples aspiring to become disciples of immortals were actually accepted. Most immortals paid little heed to hereditary disciples of the sect.

Meanwhile, Earth Immortal Qing Feng not only endorsed me previously, but has personally visited me today? Wu Yuan wasted no time, transforming into a streak of light and darting out of his meditation chamber.

He arrived at the spatial vortex atop his world residence, the gap bridging the two worlds.

After receiving the order, Lu Zhu swiftly notified the numerous Golden Core followers, who quickly flew over from the sky city's various sectors.

Buzz~ The spatial vortex rippled slightly, heralding the arrival of a refined, middle-aged man clad in white robes. His gaze was gentle yet possessed a deep, penetrating quality that seemed to see through all before him.

When Wu Yuan met his eyes, a profound shock seemed to shake his soul, plunging his world into darkness before returning to normal a moment later. His heart trembled with indescribable reverence.

An Earth Immortal! This white-robed figure exuded a power more terrifying than Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng, concealing boundless strength beneath his serene expression.

"Disciple Li Xia pays his respects to Elder." Wu Yuan greeted him with a respectful bow.

Lu Zhu, along with the other Golden Core followers, bowed in unison, their hearts filled with astonishment and awe.

An Earth Immortal! Apart from the entrance selection once a decade and the Dragon Star Tournament held once every two decades, these ordinary disciples rarely had the opportunity to see a Divided Soul Earth Immortal in the flesh. And even if they did, they could only bow toward them from afar without exchanging words.

"Li Xia, your soul isn’t bad at all!" Earth Immortal Qing Feng smiled at Wu Yuan. "Lead me to your hall. The rest of you may continue with your duties."

"Of course." Wu Yuan replied, a wave of relief washing over him.

With a swift movement, Earth Immortal Qing Feng flew ahead, followed closely by Wu Yuan, as they made their way into the central hall.

Earth Immortal seems to hold Heir Li Xia in high regard. Lu Zhu thought. With a stern, low voice, he addressed the group of subordinates, "Did all of you see that? In the future, exercise caution whenever you act. Serving the Heir may very well lead to opportunities for you."

"Understood." The numerous Golden Core followers echoed in unison.

In recent days, Wu Yuan's refusal to accept challenges had led to much criticism. As his followers, the various feedback and news they received left them feeling rather apprehensive. After all, their fate was tied to his.

However, Earth Immortal Qing Feng's attitude today gave them a sense of reassurance.

...

Within the hall, Earth Immortal Qing Feng naturally assumed the host seat, while Wu Yuan stood respectfully at the side.

"Li Xia, it was I who recommended you to the sect, prompting them to evaluate your abilities." Earth Immortal Qing Feng spoke with a gentle smile, appearing amiable.

"I am grateful for Elder's recommendation." Wu Yuan expressed his gratitude.

"However, if we go further back, it was Her Highness Haiyue who provided me with your information." Earth Immortal Qing Feng chuckled.

"I shall always remember Her Highness's benevolence." Wu Yuan responded, inwardly a little surprised.

So it was Zhuo Haiyue! Judging by Earth Immortal Qing Feng's tone, it seemed that Zhuo Haiyue held a higher status than him.

What could Zhuo Haiyue’s background possibly be? Wu Yuan's curiosity deepened. It was evident that she was more than just a member of the Zhuo royal family. There seemed to be no end to her capabilities.

"I have been informed of your assessment process by Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng," Earth Immortal Qing Feng said softly. "Your talent is truly exceptional, ranking among the top three, or possibly even the first, out of the millions of disciples in this generation."

"I am honored by your praise, Elder," Wu Yuan replied respectfully.

To be recognized among the millions of Golden Core and Amethyst Cradle cultivators in the Dragon Star Immortal Sect was a remarkable achievement. Being considered in the top three, or even potentially the first, was a high commendation indeed.

"I speak only the truth, your talent has not gone unnoticed by the higher echelons of the sect," Earth Immortal Qing Feng chuckled.

Wu Yuan gave a slight nod. It seemed that the elders had been keeping a watchful eye on him since his arrival at the sect, although not openly revealing their interest.

"It is not surprising that you aspire to become a disciple of Ancestor Dong Yang. Every sword cultivator in our sect dreams of such an opportunity," Earth Immortal Qing Feng remarked. "However, the ancestor has his own considerations. He may have already reviewed your profile or observed you discreetly. I cannot say for certain."

"The ancestor's Ninth Tribulation may be approaching, but postponing it for several thousand years isn’t too abnormal."

Wu Yuan listened quietly.

The Tribulation phase was the final phase before one became an Archimmortal. At this phase, one had an incredibly long lifespan where living for hundreds of thousands of years was not a problem.

"Patience is key, focus on your cultivation within the sect. As long as you shine brightly enough, you will catch the attention of the ancestor," Earth Immortal Qing Feng advised.

"Disciple will heed your words," Wu Yuan said.

Everything he had mentioned so far echoed Zhuo Haiyue's guidance.

"In the last few days, you’ve gotten a good grasp of how the sect works. And even caused a stir," Earth Immortal Qing Feng chuckled.

"I hope I have not caused any undue trouble, Elder," Wu Yuan felt a hint of unease.

He was worried that his cleverness might have veered into recklessness, potentially fostering dissatisfaction among the higher-ups.

"Fret not, as long as your actions do not contravene sect regulations, you are free to act as you see fit. There is no stipulation stating that disciples who refuse challenges must face punishment," Earth Immortal Qing Feng reassured with a smile.

"However, during the upcoming Dragon Star Tournament, you mustn’t shy away from a fight. Instead, strive to showcase your prowess."

"Even if the Earth Immortals and High Immortals do not attend the tournament in person, the proceedings will be recorded and relayed to them. It serves as a crucial opportunity for immortals to select disciples," Earth Immortal Qing Feng elaborated.

"Disciple will work hard," Wu Yuan replied solemnly.

"I may not be skilled in swordsmanship, and I cannot offer you specific guidance on your cultivation," Earth Immortal Qing Feng began, his voice calm and measured. "However, I do have a couple of suggestions for you. You do not have to adhere to them strictly, but rather, consider them as a point of reference.”

Wu Yuan listened attentively. This was probably the real reason why Earth Immortal Qing Feng was here.

"Firstly, as a newcomer to the sect with limited strength, do not be impatient to exchange your dragon crystals for teachings or secret arts at the Archimmortal level," Earth Immortal Qing Feng advised. "Instead, explore the nine treasure lands. Each treasure land is an immense treasure with profound origins, serving as the foundation of our Dragon Star Immortal Sect. Even many High Immortals cultivate while Visualizing the treasure lands."

"Do not get distracted. Being too greedy will lead to indigestion. Determine the treasure land that resonates with you the most, and focus your efforts on contemplating it," he added.

“Understood.” Wu Yuan nodded in acknowledgment.

"Secondly, your advantage lies in your soul and nine lifebound flying swords," Earth Immortal Qing Feng remarked with a slight smile.

This revelation caught Wu Yuan off guard. He had never disclosed the number of lifebound flying swords he had to anyone.

"Haha, don’t be surprised. Your abilities cannot escape the notice of Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng," Qing Feng chuckled. "It is precisely your lifebound flying swords that set you apart from the rest, garnering praise from the higher-ups. Otherwise, with your Dao comprehension level and immortal root, your talent would hardly rank among the top three of the sect’s younger generation."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

That made sense. The hereditary disciples of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect all had high comprehension aptitude. As for immortal roots? Although a third-degree immortal root was rare, as far as he knew, a few disciples in each generation of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect were able to establish it.

"Other sword cultivators possess few lifebound flying swords and lack soul strength. Thus, they are limited to cultivating only one sword codex, mastering mainly either offensive or defensive sword techniques. You, on the other hand, have the ability to cultivate two sword codices simultaneously," Qing Feng explained.

"This advantage allows you to fully maximize your potential as a sword cultivator."