Cultivation starts from simplifying the exercises

Chapter 2168 The Grand Competition Begins

"I wonder what instructions Senior Brother Chen has given Tianxuan here?" Venerable Tianxuan composed himself and asked seriously.

“Venerable One, I have gained some insights from this trip to Kunyuan. Back in the Xuanyu Realm, you took great care of me and gave me much guidance. I will never forget this kindness.”

Chen Fei paused, looking at the hint of doubt and confusion in Venerable Tianxuan's eyes, and slowly raised his right hand, palm up, fingers loosely clenched.

A single point of light, seemingly encompassing a myriad of colors, suddenly shone brightly.

The light wasn't dazzling, but it carried an indescribable weight. As the light spread, a crystal with countless fine nebulae slowly rotating inside appeared out of thin air in Chen Fei's palm.

The moment the crystal appeared, the entire space of the hall seemed to freeze for a moment. It wasn't a physical pressure, but a pull originating from the very source of the Great Dao.

The originally stable flow of spiritual energy within the hall began to converge uncontrollably towards the crystal, forming visible ripples of energy around it.

Sixteenth-rank, low-grade spiritual material.

Venerable Tianxuan's pupils suddenly contracted, and his expression froze. All his thoughts, words, and actions were completely frozen in this sudden sight.

Throughout countless days and nights of cultivation, especially during the battles against demonic cultivators in the Xuan Yu Realm, Venerable Tian Xuan had always desired a sixteenth-grade low-level spiritual material in order to break through to the Tai Cang Realm.

However, they are not available in the Xuan Yu Realm. Even in the Primordial Continent, a sixteenth-grade low-level spiritual material is something that a fifteenth-level cultivator can only dream of.

Why did Chen Fei take this out so casually at this moment? Was he going to give it to him?

No, not possible!

The Heavenly Profound Venerable's reason was frantically denying this conjecture; how could such a treasure be given away so easily?

Just as Venerable Tianxuan was shaken to his core and his mind was in turmoil, Chen Fei gently lifted the spiritual material in his palm, and it was lifted by an invisible force, slowly floating towards Venerable Tianxuan.

The chaotic halo, as it moved, left a hazy trail in the air, casting flickering light on Venerable Tianxuan's gaunt face.

It wasn't until the crystal floated to within a foot of him and hovered there quietly that Venerable Tianxuan snapped out of his extreme shock and daze.

"This……"

Venerable Tianxuan subconsciously took half a step back and looked up at Chen Fei.

Chen Fei maintained his calm smile and nodded. "These sixteenth-grade low-rank spiritual materials are specially given to you, Venerable One. They should help you break through the bottleneck and enter the Tai Cang Realm in one fell swoop."

He paused, looking at Venerable Tianxuan's dreamlike expression, and added, "This item is not of any use to me for the time being. Keeping it would be a waste. Today, I will use this item as a small token of my gratitude. I hope that Venerable will accept it."

The four words, "You must accept this," seemed to possess some strange magic, drilling into Venerable Tianxuan's ears and stirring up even more violent and turbulent waves in his mind.

My soul is trembling.

The Celestial Profound Venerable has been trapped at the peak of the fifteenth level for countless years. His internal energy has been honed to perfection, and his soul has been tempered to an unparalleled solidity. It seems that he is only separated from the mysterious and profound Tai Cang Realm by a thin layer of paper.

But this thin layer of paper seemed like an insurmountable chasm, and no matter how he tried to break through it, how he understood it, or how much he accumulated knowledge, he could never get through it.

He knew that what he lacked was that one opportunity, that one spark that could trigger the resonance between his own Dao foundation and the higher-level laws of heaven and earth.

Countless fragmented images and chaotic thoughts surged uncontrollably into his mind like a flood bursting its banks.

At the summit of Mount Hunyuan in the Xuanyu Realm, he comprehended the primordial chaos of heaven and earth, yet he was unable to advance any further.

The Destroyer, leading thousands of demonic cultivators, swept through the Xuan Yu Realm, leaving devastation in his wake.

As the leader of the Xuan Yu Realm, he could only do his best to maintain its stability.

Arriving on the Primordial Continent and joining the Dan Chen Sect, the contribution points required to exchange for sixteenth-rank spiritual materials were an astronomical figure for him, but at least there was a path ahead.

He could only wait and see, and had already made various plans, all in order to eventually be able to exchange for a sixteenth-grade low-level spiritual material.

Just when he had almost gotten used to this slow accumulation, buried his hopes for a breakthrough deep in his heart, and prepared to face it with the most ordinary mindset...

Chen Fei, the young man he once admired, mentored, and witnessed miraculously rise to prominence, casually presented him with a sixteenth-grade low-level spiritual material.

Without any conditions, without any demands, and without even many words, it was simply because of the protection he had shown Chen Fei back in the Xuan Yu Realm.

Looking at Chen Fei's calm and sincere face, and seeing his own reflection in those eyes, a complex and indescribable emotion surged into Tianxuan Venerable's heart.

Time seemed to have passed for a long time, yet it also seemed to have only been a moment.

Venerable Tianxuan abruptly closed his eyes, forcibly suppressing the churning memories in his mind and the surging emotions in his chest, and took a deep breath.

The rich and refreshing primordial energy in the main hall at the summit flowed into his lungs, carrying a slight coolness. When he opened his eyes again, the excitement and emotion in his eyes had been replaced by reason.

He glanced at the spiritual material of high rank that was within reach, then at Chen Fei, whose gaze was calm. "This item is far too precious. Tianxuan feels unworthy to accept it and cannot accept it."

Chen Fei seemed to have anticipated his refusal, and his smile remained unchanged.

“Venerable One, back in the Xuan Yu Realm, if it weren’t for your continuous support of the various resources and scriptures I needed for cultivation, and your personal intervention to protect me and deter the villains at the crucial moment of my breakthrough, my path of cultivation would never have been so smooth.”

Those feelings, that support, are worth far more than a piece of fine material in my heart.

Chen Fei's voice was calm and clear, reaching Venerable Tianxuan's ears: "Moreover, when the Xuanyu Realm was calamized back then, if it weren't for Venerable stepping forward to fight against the demonic cultivators and give us a chance to survive, the Xuanyu Realm might have been destroyed long ago, let alone the fact that you and I are still here today."

Today's action is merely a reciprocation of kindness; why should I feel ashamed to receive it?

Chen Fei's words stirred up more memories for Venerable Tianxuan.

Yes, back in the Xuan Yu Realm, he did have high hopes for Chen Fei's potential, believing that this boy would surely become a great figure in the future and add strength to the fight against demonic cultivators.

Therefore, when Chen Fei's cultivation was still weak, he spared no expense in opening up the sect's treasury, and even personally received Chen Fei after his breakthrough, thus intimidating all sides.

He did all this not only out of a desire to cherish talent and a sense of righteousness in fighting against demonic cultivators, but even more so out of appreciation for the younger generation. He never imagined that one day he would receive such an amazing reward.

“It’s different, Senior Brother Chen.”

Venerable Tianxuan shook his head and smiled bitterly, "Back then, the Xuanyu Realm was in turmoil. As the leader of the righteous path, it was my duty to fight against demonic cultivators and protect the younger generation."

Besides, what I gave you back then were merely ordinary resources, nothing special to me. But what you're giving me today is a sixteenth-tier spiritual material. Its value far surpasses those insignificant items from back then.”

Venerable Tianxuan looked at Chen Fei and said earnestly, "Senior Brother Chen, I appreciate your kindness. But I absolutely cannot accept this item. Your cultivation has improved significantly, and you need a large amount of resources to consolidate your realm and break through to a higher level. It is only right that you keep this spiritual material for yourself."

Venerable Tianxuan spoke these words with genuine sincerity; he was not being hypocritical or merely being polite.

In his eyes, and in the eyes of most people, a genius in the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm is in the golden period of vigorous progress and preparation for breaking through to a higher realm. Every resource is extremely precious, especially high-grade spiritual materials.

How could I give it away so easily?

Despite Venerable Tianxuan's heartfelt refusal and persuasion, Chen Fei's smile remained unchanged.

"Your Excellency, you are overthinking it. This level of spiritual material is not particularly precious to me right now."

Not too precious?

Upon hearing this, Venerable Tianxuan was stunned once again. This supreme treasure, capable of helping one break through to the Tai Cang Realm, was coveted by countless peak fifteenth-level cultivators, who would go mad for it.

How did it become not too precious in Chen Fei's words?

Chen Fei didn't give Venerable Tianxuan any more time to think. He stepped forward and placed the spiritual material in Venerable Tianxuan's palm.

The crystal feels slightly cool to the touch, yet warm and smooth, like fine jade.

However, the vast and pure chaotic Dao essence contained within it seemed to have come alive, seeping into the palm of his hand in strands, instantly causing Venerable Tianxuan to tremble all over, and his internal Yuan Power involuntarily accelerated its circulation.

"Venerable One, please accept this. This item is of little use to me now. But for you, it is a smooth path to the Tai Cang Realm. Are you willing to be trapped at the peak of the fifteenth rank? Do you not wish to see with your own eyes the scenery of the Tai Cang Realm and even higher?"

Each question was like a heavy hammer blow, striking at Venerable Tianxuan's wavering defenses.

Unwilling to accept it?

Of course I'm not willing to accept this!

Venerable Tianxuan remained silent, but the hand holding the crystal trembled even more violently. He bowed to Chen Fei, a bow filled with unspoken gratitude and a promise.

He didn't refuse again, because he knew that Chen Fei was right.

This spiritual material might not be too precious to Chen Fei, but it is a stepping stone for him.

To refuse again would be pretentious.

Seeing that Venerable Tianxuan had finally accepted the spiritual materials, Chen Fei smiled slightly. Then, he glanced around the hall and said calmly, "Venerable, there's no need for such formalities. Breakthrough is the priority."

As he spoke, Chen Fei raised his right hand and gently waved it towards the empty wall on one side of the main hall.

As the sleeves swept across the wall, the surface of the wall made of bluestone rippled like water, and the outline of an ancient stone door slowly emerged from the ripples, becoming real.

The stone gate was tightly closed, its surface engraved with complex array patterns, with faint flowing light emanating from it.

"This is one of the core quiet rooms attached to the main hall. Its formation is perfect, its energy is abundant, and it can isolate the movement of internal and external energy, making it most suitable for closed-door cultivation and breakthrough."

Chen Fei looked at Venerable Tianxuan with a calm gaze, "Venerable is about to break through. Why not take advantage of this spiritual material right here and break through in one fell swoop?"

Upon hearing this, Venerable Tianxuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

Chen Fei not only gifted him with a high-ranking spiritual material, but also even thought of a place for him to break through.

Venerable Tianxuan didn't say much. At this moment, any words seemed inadequate. He tightened his grip on the spiritual material in his hand and walked towards the slowly opening stone door.

A passage leading to a secluded depth was revealed inside the stone gate, and a rich, primordial energy rushed towards you.

Tianxuan Venerable looked back at Chen Fei one last time, then stepped into the stone gate without further hesitation.

"Om..."

The heavy stone door slowly closed behind him, the array patterns on its surface shimmering and then quickly disappearing.

The wall was restored to its original state, and Chen Fei was once again the only one left in the hall.

Chen Fei did not leave, but casually sat down on a rosewood chair on one side of the main hall, closed his eyes, and seemed to enter a meditative state.

Venerable Tianxuan had been stuck at the peak of the fifteenth level for a long time, but his foundation was solid. Now, with the help of this spiritual material, breaking through was a natural outcome. He stayed here to protect him in case of any unforeseen circumstances, and also to witness this senior from the Xuanyu Realm embark on a new path.

Time passed slowly in silence.

Outside the main hall, clouds drifted and the sun slanted westward.

About an hour later.

"Whoosh..."

A deep humming sound came without warning from the secret chamber deep within the main hall.

The buzzing sound wasn't loud, but it possessed a peculiar penetrating power, ignoring the isolation array of the secret chamber and clearly echoing in the spacious hall, even faintly penetrating outside.

Immediately afterwards, a profound and powerful pressure suddenly erupted from the location of the secret chamber.

This pressure was not violent, but it was incredibly profound and pure, carrying the unique Dao Domain aura of a Tai Cang Realm cultivator who had begun to merge with the laws of heaven and earth.

Like an invisible tide, it instantly broke through the last barrier of the secret chamber formation, spreading outwards in all directions from the main hall at the summit.

"boom!"

An invisible wave of energy swept through, creating a sudden gust of wind within the hall, causing Chen Fei's robes to flutter loudly. The luminous pearls and crystals on the ceiling shone brightly, their brilliance complementing the newly emerging aura of the Tai Cang Realm.

At this moment, all the cultivators on Cuiping Peak, no matter where they were, felt a sense of urgency and stopped what they were doing, looking up towards the direction of the main hall at the summit.

"This is... the aura of the Tai Cang Realm?"

"Someone has broken through to the Tai Cang Realm, in the main hall at the summit."

"Which senior brother or sister has broken through?"

After a brief silence, from all corners of Emerald Screen Peak, countless divine senses, some astonished, some curious, and some envious, swept towards the summit. The next moment, the sound of air being torn apart rang out one after another.

call out!call out!call out!

Streaks of light of various colors shot up from the caves and grottoes of Cuiping Peak, rushing toward the main hall at the summit.

The owners of these streaks of light were all cultivators of the Tai Cang Realm.

In just a few breaths, twenty or thirty figures had already landed on the plaza in front of the main hall at the summit, including Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu.

The crowd gathered in the square, their eyes filled with curiosity and inquiry as they looked at the still tightly closed palace doors and the gradually stabilizing and rising aura of the Tai Cang Realm emanating from within.

"It's definitely the direction of the core quiet room."

"Many disciples are approaching their bottleneck, but very few have the opportunity to obtain a sixteenth-grade low-level spiritual material."

"Although this aura is new to the Tai Cang realm, it is quite solid, and the Daoist charm is pure. It seems that the foundation is extremely solid, and this breakthrough is a natural outcome!"

"Great news! Another Tai Cang Realm expert has joined Cuiping Peak."

The crowd was buzzing with discussion, most of them wearing smiles.

Within a sect, when a fellow cultivator on the same peak breaks through to a higher realm, it is a good thing for the entire mountain, meaning increased strength and potentially more favorable resource allocation.

Soon, the palace doors slowly opened inward with a low rumble.

Chen Fei stepped out first, his expression calm, his green robe unchanged. But when the many cultivators from Cuiping Peak gathered in the square saw him, they all immediately nodded in greeting.

This newly promoted late-stage Tai Cang Realm expert is now a renowned figure throughout the entire inner sect.

Chen Fei nodded slightly to everyone as a greeting.

Immediately after, a figure followed Chen Fei and stepped out of the hall's threshold.

It was none other than Venerable Tianxuan.

Although he was still wearing the same Taoist robe and his appearance had not changed much, his entire demeanor had undergone a complete transformation.

Like an ancient sword that has been unsheathed after a thousand years of silence, though its sharpness is yet to be revealed, it possesses a keenness and vibrant vitality that has been cleansed of all artifice.

His aura flowed freely, and his fusion with the primordial energy of heaven and earth was far smoother and more natural than before. Between the opening and closing of his eyes, a glint of light appeared, which was an external manifestation of the qualitative change in both his soul and primordial power.

"Congratulations to Junior Brother Tianxuan on successfully breaking through to the next realm and stepping into the Tai Cang realm. The Great Dao is within reach."

The crowd waiting in the square, regardless of their cultivation level or whether they were acquainted with each other before, all wore smiles and offered their congratulations in unison.

Looking at the familiar and unfamiliar smiling faces before him, and listening to the congratulatory voices, Venerable Tianxuan was filled with mixed emotions.

Just over an hour ago, he was only at the peak of the fifteenth level. In the blink of an eye, he has become a cultivator of the Tai Cang Realm. His path of cultivation has been reopened, and his status in the Dan Chen Sect will rise accordingly.

All of this stems from Chen Fei, and from the help he received in the Xuan Yu Realm back then.

Venerable Tianxuan suppressed the turmoil in his chest, revealed a sincere smile, and bowed to the surroundings: "I was fortunate to break through, and I am grateful for the concern of my fellow senior brothers and sisters. Thank you."

After another round of pleasantries and congratulations, the atmosphere was lively.

Chen Fei stood aside, watching Venerable Tianxuan surrounded by the crowd, feeling completely at ease.

After the crowd of congratulatory people had subsided, Venerable Tianxuan found an opportunity to come to Chen Fei and bowed solemnly once again. Chen Fei smiled and nodded in return.

A month has passed since we parted ways at the main hall on the summit.

During this month, Chen Fei devoted a significant portion of his energy to guiding Cao Feiyu in her cultivation.

Finally, on the day before the sect competition officially began, a sword intent that seemed to return to its original simplicity slowly rose from Cao Feiyu's body.

The ninth level of the Heavenly Sword Technique has been fully comprehended.

The day of the grand competition finally arrived.

Before dawn, when the sky was just beginning to lighten, the Danchen Sect was already bustling with activity.

Countless streaks of light, from all directions, from every peak and valley, roared through the morning's tranquility, converging in the same direction: the Nine Peaks of Martial Forging.

The Nine Peaks of Martial Arts are not a single mountain, but rather nine giant peaks arranged in a ring.

These nine peaks were not formed naturally, but were created by the Danchen Sect to serve as a venue for large-scale martial arts competitions within the sect, and even for resolving irreconcilable conflicts among disciples.

At this moment, the area around the Nine Peaks of Martial Arts was already packed with people.

Not only did all the late-stage Tai Cang Realm cultivators who had registered for the competition gather, but disciples and elders from various inner sect peaks, with cultivation levels at the fifteenth and sixteenth ranks, also arrived early, just to secure a good spectator position. (End of Chapter)