Chapter 159: Ji Qing’s Saber Domain Unleashes Its Might, Heavenly Human Combat Power Shocks The Crowd!
On the flying boat, everyone stared at Ji Qing with their mouths agape.
As if they couldn’t believe it.
The sea surface was already a sea of crimson.
All blood.
The sea surface had been dyed red.
Everyone was still somewhat dazed.
This was a Dao Foundation?
I’m afraid even Heavenly Humans or Golden Cores wouldn’t be this impressive…
No, even Golden Cores and Heavenly Humans wouldn’t present such a shocking sight.
“Fellow Daoist Black Water, pilot the flying boat to speed up!”
Ji Qing said calmly.
“Alright!”
Black Water Daoist didn’t hesitate at all and immediately piloted the flying boat to speed up.
Then, the flying boat’s speed surged.
Regardless of whether there were demons ahead, they charged straight through.
Any demon they encountered was enveloped by the Saber Domain and directly shredded by saber qi.
Strong!
This is simply too strong!
Not a single demon could resist.
So many demons attacking.
But for Ji Qing, this wasn’t a battle, but a one-sided slaughter!
As time passed.
After an hour, everything calmed down again.
The storm had also disappeared.
The weather had also become clear.
Ji Qing then withdrew his Saber Domain.
Maintaining the Saber Domain at full power had been possible, but the Five Elements Pill Granules within him were almost consumed.
He needed some time to recover.
The flying boat sailed peacefully on the sea.
Many Foundation Establishment cultivators had complex expressions.
The entire flying boat was silent.
After a long while, Ji Qing opened his eyes.
Black Water Daoist couldn’t help but ask, “Fellow Daoist Ji, what was that just now…”
Ji Qing glanced at Black Water Daoist.
Then he looked at the many Foundation Establishment cultivators on the flying boat.
Then he said calmly, “That was a Saber Domain!”
“Saber Domain?”
Everyone looked at each other, having never heard of it.
“It is something I comprehended and deduced from Saber Intent. As for its effect, you have all seen it. Once someone enters the Saber Domain, they will be continuously shredded by saber intent and saber qi; even Demon Kings are no exception.”
Ji Qing’s words sent a shiver through everyone’s hearts.
Demon Kings are no exception.
They had witnessed it with their own eyes.
They knew Ji Qing wasn’t exaggerating.
Putting themselves in his shoes, what would happen if they entered Ji Qing’s Saber Domain?
It probably wouldn’t be much better than those Demon Kings.
Some Foundation Establishment cultivators even boldly speculated.
Even if a hundred of them, Foundation Establishment cultivators, attacked together, could they withstand it if covered by Ji Qing’s Saber Domain?
At this thought, many Foundation Establishment cultivators felt a chill in their hearts.
Withstand it?
How could they withstand it?
The sky-covering saber qi in the Saber Domain, and the suppression of Saber Intent on a spiritual level.
How could they withstand it?
At this moment, many Foundation Establishment cultivators finally seemed to realize what Ji Qing’s truly terrifying aspect was.
It wasn’t his saber technique.
It wasn’t even his Saber Intent.
It was his improvement!
Ji Qing’s improvement was too fast.
Almost every time they met after a period of time, Ji Qing’s strength would have improved significantly.
He never expected that Ji Qing’s improvement would be so great now.
However, this was a good thing.
With Ji Qing present, their journey to the Boundless Sea Region would be much safer.
A defensive Great Formation formed by a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators, combined with Ji Qing’s Saber Domain attack, was simply an excellent combination.
As long as they didn’t encounter Golden Core-level demons, there would be no problem.
Even if they encountered Golden Core-level demons, they might still be able to escape.
Time passed slowly.
As time went by, the vast Boundless Sea Region seemed to become even calmer.
But Ji Qing and the others had been sailing for several months.
As a result, the surroundings were still boundless.
Not even a single island.
“This is why the Boundless Sea Region is named ‘Boundless’… it’s almost endless, as if one can never reach the end of the Boundless Sea Region…”
Fortunately, they were all Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Their minds were still quite firm.
After a few months, everyone wouldn’t feel too much.
However, time continued to pass.
One year, three years, five years, eight years, ten years…
No one could have imagined that their group had been drifting in the Boundless Sea Region for ten years.
That was a full ten years!
At the speed of a flying boat, ten years of drifting meant what distance?
In ten years, the flying boat encountered too many demons.
They had even encountered demons comparable to Golden Cores.
Fortunately, relying on Ji Qing’s Saber Domain, they had managed to pass through safely.
What shocked everyone was that even when facing Golden Core-level demons, Ji Qing’s Saber Domain was not inferior.
In fact, that Golden Core demon ultimately died within Ji Qing’s Saber Domain.
This was simply unbelievable.
Ji Qing’s Saber Domain was so strong it could defeat Golden Cores?
Of course, in that battle, Ji Qing not only used his Saber Domain but also almost all his other means.
However, being able to kill a Golden Core demon meant that Ji Qing possessed Golden Core combat power.
Not a Golden Core, but better than a Golden Core!
This was even more terrifying than Ji Qing achieving Heavenly Human status.
Ji Qing was already this strong now.
Once he ascended to Heavenly Human, how strong would he be?
It was simply unimaginable.
However, in the Boundless Sea Region, the stronger Ji Qing became, the greater the benefit to everyone.
On the flying boat, Ji Qing sat cross-legged, quietly gazing at the sea ahead.
After ten years of drifting, many Foundation Establishment cultivators’ minds were in turmoil.
But Ji Qing was not.
He remained calm.
If ten years weren’t enough, then twenty years.
If twenty years weren’t enough, then thirty years, fifty years.
He refused to believe he couldn’t leave the Boundless Sea Region.
However, not everyone possessed Ji Qing’s steadfast willpower.
If it truly took twenty or thirty years, many Foundation Establishment cultivators’ lifespans would likely be nearing their end.
After all, they were cultivators sealed for a thousand years.
Their remaining lifespan was not much.
How could they endure twenty or thirty years of hardship?
Fortunately, everyone’s luck was good.
After exactly ten years, a coastline appeared in the distance.
“Look quickly, is that a coastline?”
“Stretching endlessly… it is indeed a coastline.”
“So, we’ve arrived at a continent?”
“Ten years, we have finally crossed the Boundless Sea Region…”
Many Foundation Establishment cultivators were overjoyed.
Ten years.
If it weren’t for Ji Qing, such a “variable,” it would have been a fool’s dream for over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators like them to cross the Boundless Sea Region.
But they had ultimately crossed the Boundless Sea Region.
And they had all survived.
Not a single person had perished.
This was simply a miracle!
“Everyone, when we reach that continent, we should still be cautious with our words and actions.”
Black Water Daoist said.
The other Foundation Establishment cultivators nodded.
They naturally understood what was going on.
Arriving here as newcomers, not knowing anything, they had no idea what the consequences would be if their origin from the Boundless Sea Region were exposed.
But everyone dared not take the risk.
Therefore, except for the five “representatives” previously chosen, no one could move freely or speak to others.
Everything would be decided after they understood the continent better.
Soon, the flying boat arrived at the shore.
Everyone directly flew down.
Stepping onto the beach.
For a moment, everyone felt a sense of stability.
There were actually many people on the beach.
Most of them were ordinary fishermen.
But there were also many cultivators.
Seeing over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators, the cultivators on the beach kept their distance.
Seemingly afraid to approach.
“Everyone, please wait a moment. This old Daoist will go find a cultivator to ask.”
Everyone nodded.
Black Water Daoist immediately flew towards a late Qi Cultivation cultivator.
The others surveyed their surroundings.
They were completely in the dark about this continent.
However, one thing they could sense was the spiritual energy.
The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was simply too dense.
Just on this beach, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was more than ten times denser than in the Immeasurable Domain.
If this were a blessed land or if they set up a spirit-gathering formation, wouldn’t it be tens or even hundreds of times denser?
In such a dense spiritual energy environment, giving birth to Golden Cores would surely be easy.
Even Nascent Souls, above Golden Core, wouldn’t be impossible.
Black Water Daoist talked with the late Qi Cultivation cultivator for a long time.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Black Water Daoist returned.
Black Water Daoist’s face showed a hint of joy.
“Everyone, we have come to the right place. This is the Barren Domain!”
“This continent is divided into many domains, and the Barren Domain is located near the sea, with a generally poorer environment.”
“In the Barren Domain, only Golden Core Orthodox Lineages can establish sects, but they require occupying Spirit Veins…”
Following Black Water Daoist’s introduction, everyone gained a direct understanding of the Barren Domain.
The Barren Domain is a place where sects are numerous.
There are no mortal kingdoms here.
Everything is ruled by sects.
Powerful sects have many affiliated sects or families beneath them.
Affiliated sects need to pay tribute to their superior sects, such as Spirit Stones, Spiritual Objects, Magic Tools, and so on.
If they do not pay tribute, they cannot establish a sect and can at most be rogue cultivators.
Rogue cultivators, however, do not need to pay tribute to any sect.
But cultivating as a rogue cultivator is difficult.
Qi Cultivation is fine, but to reach Foundation Establishment, one needs a Foundation Establishment Pill.
However, rogue cultivators can more or less obtain some Foundation Establishment Pills; the key is the Golden Core.
To form a Golden Core, a Third Order Spirit Vein is required.
Spirit Veins are often controlled by powerful sects.
This is the method by which superior sects control subordinate ones.
To achieve Nascent Soul, a Fourth Order Spirit Vein is even more necessary.
“There are some Golden Core sects near the sea. You are all Foundation Establishment cultivators, so you can try these Golden Core sects and see if you can join them.”
“If you are willing to go further, such as to the center of the Barren Domain, there are even Nascent Soul lineages and Deity Transformation lineages!”
After Black Water Daoist finished his introduction, all the Foundation Establishment cultivators began to discuss.
What was the purpose of their arduous journey here?
Wasn’t it to break through to Golden Core?
Once a Golden Core is condensed, one’s lifespan is a thousand years!
“My time is running short, so I won’t wander around anymore. I’ll choose a nearby Golden Core sect to try, and perhaps there’s a glimmer of hope in attempting to form a Golden Core sooner.”
“My talent is actually not high; Golden Core will be my limit. Higher? I haven’t thought about it, and I don’t want to continue further. I’ll just find a Golden Core sect nearby, and being able to condense a Golden Core is enough.”
“I still want to try for a Nascent Soul lineage, or even a Deity Transformation lineage!”
“Since I’ve come this far, I’m not content to stop at Golden Core. I want to enter a Nascent Soul lineage…”
In an instant, a division appeared among the over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators.
This is actually quite normal.
These over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators, upon arriving in the Barren Domain, essentially had to fend for themselves.
Everyone had their own choices.
In the end, about half of them chose to join nearby Golden Core sects.
The remaining fifty-plus Foundation Establishment cultivators still wanted to take a chance.
They aimed to join Nascent Soul sects or even Deity Transformation sects.
“Everyone, it wasn’t easy for us to come to the Barren Domain. Let’s each leave behind a Communication Stone, so we can contact each other if needed.”
Black Water Daoist said.
In reality, cultivators from the same place should naturally stick together.
They could gather periodically.
Even if it was just to exchange insights.
However, cultivation is a very personal matter.
Without sufficient trust, how can one exchange ideas?
How can they gather?
If someone achieved Golden Core while others remained at Foundation Establishment, could they still interact as equals during gatherings?
If it was only about benefits, what good things could Foundation Establishment cultivators offer that Golden Core cultivators would value?
Therefore, leaving contact information is sufficient.
This is considered a final favor.
Upon arriving in the Barren Domain, everyone had to go their separate ways.
Unless they entered the same sect in the future.
Or were in the same location, very close to each other.
Then perhaps they could still keep in touch often.
Otherwise, there would be no need.
“Everyone, the nearest Nascent Soul sect is Vast Sect, which is said to be relatively lenient in accepting disciples. For Foundation Establishment cultivators, joining Vast Sect should not be a problem.”
Black Water Daoist said.
Of the fifty-plus people, nearly forty were willing to go to Vast Sect.
Only about ten people remained.
Among these ten people were Black Water Daoist, Master Ku Hai, Ye Qijun, and Crimson Sword Daoist.
Of course, Ji Qing was also among them.
Master Ku Hai said, “I am a Buddhist cultivator and plan to go to the Western Buddhist Sect to try my luck.”
Black Water Daoist was not surprised.
Ye Qijun also said with a smile, “I am a demonic cultivator, and there are always some conflicts between demonic cultivators and those of the Righteous Path. Therefore, I plan to go to the Black Demon Sect.”
Black Water Daoist nodded.
Gradually, several others also had their destinations.
In the end, only Black Water Daoist, Crimson Sword Daoist, and Ji Qing remained.
Ji Qing had not had a chance to ask earlier.
Now that everyone had a destination, Ji Qing asked, “What about the Martial Way sects? Have you inquired about them, fellow Daoist?”
Black Water Daoist seemed to have expected Ji Qing’s question. He smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist Ji is quite patient, only asking now. I did specifically inquire about Martial Way sects.”
“In the Barren Domain, Immortal Path is still the main focus, and there aren’t many Martial Way sects. However, the Martial Way is not a lower tier in the Barren Domain. On the contrary, Martial Artists battle heaven and earth, each possessing astonishing combat power. Within Immortal Sects, there are also two lineages: Immortal Path and Martial Way.”
“Crimson Sword Daoist and I are planning to go to Heavenly Desolation City. This is the center of the Barren Domain, and it contains many top Immortal Path sects, as well as Martial Way sects. Why don’t you, Fellow Daoist Ji, come with us to take a look before deciding?”
Ji Qing nodded, “Alright, let’s go to Heavenly Desolation City!”
“Okay, Heavenly Desolation City is very far from here, we must set off quickly!”
Thus, the three boarded a Flying Boat and headed to Heavenly Desolation City at the fastest speed.
It took almost half a year before the three finally arrived at Heavenly Desolation City.
The three landed outside the city.
As they looked at Heavenly Desolation City ahead, their hearts were filled with shock.
In their impression, it was just a city; they had seen plenty of those.
But upon truly arriving at Heavenly Desolation City, they realized they had been “too casual.”
The city before them actually towered into the clouds.
They didn’t know how high it was.
Layer upon layer, densely packed.
Terrifying Spiritual Energy surged towards them.
In the vicinity of Heavenly Desolation City alone, the Spiritual Energy was several times more abundant than at the beach.
If it were within Heavenly Desolation City, it would be unimaginable.
As for the vast Heavenly Desolation City, it was impossible to see its end at a glance.
To call it a city.
It’s likely that this city alone could rival the territory of Great Shang back then.
This is the Barren Domain.
It’s too vast.
The three came to the Barren Domain, their other feelings were not deep, but regarding the vastness of the Barren Domain, they deeply understood.
“It is said that Heavenly Desolation City has three Fifth Stage Spirit Veins, which gave birth to three Deity Transformation Sects, making it a behemoth!”
“And there are countless smaller sects, with many Nascent Soul sects and Golden Core sects.”
“Only by coming to the Barren Domain can one truly understand what an immortal aura looks like,”
Black Water Daoist said with emotion.
Compared to Heavenly Desolation City, Northern Mausoleum Immortal Palace, where he came from, was insignificant.
Mere Golden Core lineages were common everywhere in the Barren Domain.
The three entered Heavenly Desolation City and found an Inn to settle down first.
In the Barren Domain, Spirit Stones are the hard currency.
Therefore, settling down was not a problem for the three.
All three went out to gather information.
Mainly to inquire about Deity Transformation Sects and Nascent Soul Sects.
To see which one to go to.
A few hours later, all three returned to the Inn.
Black Water Daoist spoke first, “I inquired about three Deity Transformation Sects: Wind Thunder Sect, Heart Sword Sect, and Yin Yang Sect.”
Ji Qing shook his head, “The information I gathered is that above Heavenly Human is Martial Saint, and above that is Martial God. Martial Saints are comparable to Nascent Soul, and Martial Gods are comparable to Deity Transformation. However, there are no Martial God sects in Heavenly Desolation City.”
“As for Martial Saint sects, there are a total of seven.”
Crimson Sword Daoist immediately said with a smile, “I will naturally choose Heart Sword Sect and try my luck.”
Black Water Daoist was not picky; any Deity Transformation sect would do.
As for Ji Qing, he was actually the same as Black Water Daoist.
As long as he could enter a Martial Saint sect, it would be fine.
As for Heavenly Human sects?
Ji Qing did not consider them at all.
“Alright, then we will all try. Regardless of success or failure, we will gather back at the Inn.”
Black Water Daoist proposed.
“Okay.”
Ji Qing and Crimson Sword Daoist also nodded.
Over a hundred people came to the Barren Domain, and now only these three were still staying together temporarily.
If they all joined sects in Heavenly Desolation City, they might need to help each other in the future.
Gathering more often was quite normal.
The three parted ways again.
Ji Qing found detailed information on the seven Martial Saint sects.
Since he was going to join a sect, he naturally wanted to join the strongest Martial Way sect in Heavenly Desolation City.
Thus, he came to the first Martial Way sect, called Golden Dragon Holy Land.
It is said that Golden Dragon Holy Land ranks first among all Martial Way sects in Heavenly Desolation City.
The sect has several Martial Saint powerhouses.
It is almost the strongest sect under the three major Deity Transformation lineages.
Other Nascent Soul sects seem to be inferior to Golden Dragon Holy Land.
Such a powerful sect was Ji Qing’s first choice.
Ji Qing arrived outside Golden Dragon Holy Land.
He saw that Golden Dragon Holy Land was indeed recruiting disciples.
However, there were many people queuing.
He also went up to queue.
The people around were very curious.
“Brother, you should be Innate, right?”
A man in the middle said beside him.
“What about it?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Golden Dragon Holy Land only recruits disciples who are below Innate. As for those above Innate, they can only become external stewards, not disciples of Golden Dragon Holy Land. For specific details, you can go and ask over there.”
The person pointed to another area.
There were also some Dao Foundation Martial Artists there.
But there were not many people.
Ji Qing immediately went up and asked, “I want to join Golden Dragon Holy Land.”
The person looked up at Ji Qing.
“With existing skills?”
“Yes.”
The person sized up Ji Qing.
“Cultivation level?”
“Dao Foundation.”
“Hmm? Dao Foundation?”
The person seemed a bit surprised.
“If you are Dao Foundation, you don’t need to become an external steward, but can become an external elder.”
“Can external elders learn the martial arts within Golden Dragon Holy Land?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Outer sect elders entering a Holy Land must stay for five years before being granted cultivation techniques. Furthermore, they must accumulate enough merit points to exchange for cultivation techniques. Some core cultivation techniques within the Holy Land cannot be redeemed by outer sect stewards or elders; only inner sect disciples or elders can redeem them.”
The other party simply explained.
Ji Qing understood.
The outer sect elders of the Golden Dragon Holy Land were essentially like “hiring” or guest elders.
They couldn’t enter the core of the Golden Dragon Holy Land.
They weren’t even trusted.
Compared to inner sect disciples, inner sect elders, and so on, it was a world of difference.
Even to redeem some cultivation techniques, they had to risk their lives to earn merit points.
No wonder few people were willing to be an outer sect steward or elder in these sects.
Ji Qing immediately went to the second establishment, the Netherwater Holy Land.
He inquired in detail and found the situation to be similar to the Golden Dragon Holy Land.
He could only become an outer sect elder.
Then Ji Qing went to the third, fourth, and fifth establishments…
Up to the seventh establishment.
He had inquired at almost all the Martial Saint Sects in Heavenly Desolation City.
Basically, the treatment was the same.
Ji Qing could only become an outer sect elder.
There was a world of difference between the outer sect and the inner sect.
In the outer sect, whether disciples, stewards, or elders, they could never compare to the inner sect.
“Do I have to go to a Heavenly Human sect?”
Ji Qing was currently at the Dao Foundation realm.
If he went to a Heavenly Human sect, at most he would obtain Heavenly Human cultivation techniques. After advancing to the Heavenly Human realm, he could slowly consider if he could obtain Martial Saint methods.
If there was no other way, he could only do so.
But the gap between Heavenly Human sects and Martial Saint sects was too great.
Whether in scale or foundation, the gap was too large.
The cultivation techniques within the sects also had a huge disparity.
Ji Qing would not choose a Heavenly Human sect unless absolutely necessary.
By the time Ji Qing returned to the inn, it was already dark.
Black Water Daoist and Crimson Sword Daoist had both returned.
Crimson Sword Daoist said with a smile, “I was very lucky to have joined the Heart Sword Sect.”
Black Water Daoist said, “I was rather unlucky. I went to the Yin Yang Sect first, but it didn’t go smoothly. Then I went to the Wind Thunder Sect. I almost didn’t get in, but after contributing a treasure, I finally entered the Wind Thunder Sect.”
Both of them had joined Deity Transformation Immortal Sects.
Even though Black Water Daoist had some detours, he had still entered in the end.
Ji Qing shook his head and said, “I’ve inquired at seven Martial Saint Sects. For Dao Foundation Martial Artists like me, who are ‘entering with existing skills,’ I can only become an outer sect elder. But the outer sect is not the core of the sect at all, and I still need to wait several years to exchange for cultivation techniques with merit points.”
“So I’ve been thinking, if there’s no other way, I’ll go to some Heavenly Human sects. As long as I can enter the inner sect and learn Heavenly Human realm cultivation techniques, that will be enough.”
Black Water Daoist and Crimson Sword Daoist exchanged glances.
In fact, among their group of over a hundred people, Ji Qing was the one with the highest talent.
They both knew very well how strong Ji Qing was.
For someone like Ji Qing, all he needed was an opportunity.
With an opportunity, he could soar to the heavens!
However, the sects in Heavenly Desolation City had their own rules, and being unfamiliar with the place made it difficult to break them.
Black Water Daoist could only comfort him, “Fellow Daoist Ji, your talent and comprehension in the Martial Way are astonishing. I believe you will definitely find a suitable sect.”
Ji Qing nodded. “I congratulate you two fellow Daoists on achieving your wishes and entering Deity Transformation Sects. May you achieve Golden Core and Nascent Soul, and attain eternal freedom!”
The next day, Black Water Daoist and Crimson Sword Daoist both left.
After all, they were cultivators.
Although they were also Foundation Establishment cultivators, and not cultivated by the sect from a young age, cultivators and martial artists were different.
After entering a Deity Transformation Sect, they could integrate into the sect in a short amount of time.
It was much harder for martial artists.
If one entered the outer sect, they would always be in the outer sect.
Ji Qing did not get discouraged and began to inquire at the Heavenly Human sects in Heavenly Desolation City.
The conditions for Heavenly Human sects were much more relaxed.
But it was still entering the outer sect.
However, once enough merit points were accumulated, they could transfer to the inner sect.
This required time.
But ultimately, one could enter the inner sect.
It was equivalent to leaving a loophole for outer sect elders.
Heavenly Human sects had no choice.
After all, Heavenly Human sects couldn’t compete with Martial Saint sects for talent, so they had to find other ways.
And “bringing existing skills,” whether Innate or Dao Foundation, was ultimately combat power.
It was quite important to Heavenly Human sects.
For three consecutive days, Ji Qing inquired at various Heavenly Human sects.
He was evaluating and comparing.
He was looking for which Heavenly Human sect was more suitable for him.
Ji Qing narrowed it down to two establishments.
The Holy Saber Gate and the Sacred Sword Sect.
Although these two sects were Heavenly Human sects, they were genuine Martial Saint orthodox lineages.
They had produced Martial Saints in the past.
Of course, compared to other Martial Saint sects, their foundation was much weaker.
But compared to other Heavenly Human sects, their foundation was considered deep.
Just as Ji Qing was hesitating, Black Water Daoist arrived at the inn.
“Fellow Daoist Black Water, why have you come?”
Ji Qing was a little surprised.
Black Water Daoist and Crimson Sword Daoist had both joined Deity Transformation Immortal Sects.
Why were they back at the inn?
Black Water Daoist smiled slightly, “Fellow Daoist Ji, have you decided which sect to join?”
Ji Qing frowned and did not conceal anything, directly stating, “I’m hesitating between the Holy Saber Gate and the Sacred Sword Sect.”
“Although these two sects are Martial Saint orthodox lineages, they have long since declined and are now Heavenly Human sects. I’m afraid they have very few Martial Saint inheritances…”
“However, I do have a piece of news that might be helpful to Fellow Daoist Ji.”
“What news?”
Black Water Daoist smiled mysteriously, “Fellow Daoist Ji, you should know that I joined the Wind Thunder Sect. And the Wind Thunder Sect is not just a Deity Transformation Immortal Sect; it is actually a sect where immortal and martial arts coexist, although the ‘Martial Way’ lineage within the sect is not well-known. But in reality, the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect is not weak, and it has Martial Saint experts. Even if taken out alone, it would be a proper Martial Saint sect!”
Ji Qing frowned, “Fellow Daoist Black Water, are you suggesting I join the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect? But even within the Martial Way lineage, as a Dao Foundation Martial Artist with ‘existing skills,’ can I enter the inner sect?”
Black Water Daoist shook his head, “Under normal circumstances, Fellow Daoist Ji could only go to the outer sect and could not enter the inner sect. This is a common rule for martial sects in Heavenly Desolation City and even the entire Barren Domain. Martial artists are different from us cultivators; those with ‘existing skills’ find it difficult to gain the trust of the sect.”
“However, there are exceptions to every rule. I’ve heard that in the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect, there is an Elder Qi at the Heavenly Human realm who is kind and likes to mentor the younger generation. As long as there is sufficient sincerity, one can become Elder Qi’s disciple, and Elder Qi’s disciples are naturally inner sect disciples. Of course, there must be sufficient ‘sincerity,’ and if one joins the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect in this manner, their reputation might be affected…”
Ji Qing hadn’t fully understood yet.
“Fellow Daoist Black Water, the ‘sincerity’ you mentioned refers to…”
“Ten thousand Spirit Stones! This is the price I’ve inquired about. As long as you offer ten thousand Spirit Stones to Elder Qi, you can take Elder Qi as your master. Of course, it’s only a nominal master-disciple relationship; Elder Qi will not provide any assistance, only an inner sect disciple status.”
Ji Qing understood.
This so-called “sincerity” was actually bribery…
Ten thousand Spirit Stones was a huge sum.
However, Ji Qing did have it.
After all, Ji Qing was the master of the Heavenly Martial Sacred Land and had obtained the wealth of the former Talisman Master Zhao Da Fu.
It wouldn’t be difficult to part with ten thousand Spirit Stones.
As for the damage to his reputation…
It was equivalent to him using connections and bribing his way in.
Such an entry method would not be welcomed anywhere.
But Ji Qing didn’t care about reputation.
He also didn’t care that Elder Qi was only a nominal master and would not provide any help.
Ji Qing’s purpose in wanting to join a Martial Saint sect was simply to obtain cultivation techniques.
As long as he had the status of an inner sect disciple, he could access the cultivation techniques of a Martial Saint sect.
For Ji Qing, this was enough!
“Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Black Water. If I can join the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect, I owe you a favor!”
Ji Qing said solemnly.
Black Water Daoist was so concerned about his matters, even going to the trouble of finding out about Elder Qi from the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Way lineage.
Wasn’t he just trying to befriend him?
Ji Qing naturally had to give a promise!
“You’re welcome, you’re welcome. We all come from the Boundless Sea Region, so we naturally have to support each other.”
Black Water Daoist couldn’t hide his smile.
Others might not know, but didn’t he?
Ji Qing was no ordinary Dao Foundation Martial Artist.
He was a Dao Foundation Martial Artist with Heavenly Human combat power!
Once Ji Qing advanced to the Heavenly Human realm, how strong would his power be?
It would likely be second only to a Martial Saint.
At that time, his status in the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect would also be second only to a Martial Saint.
Even if Ji Qing could advance further one day… Black Water Daoist didn’t dare to imagine.
At that time, a favor from Ji Qing might even help him form a Golden Core.
This was the reason why Black Water Daoist worked so hard to help Ji Qing join the Martial Way lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, do you have enough Spirit Stones? If not, I have some Spirit Stones here…”
Ji Qing shook his head. “Thank you, Fellow Daoist Black Water, my Spirit Stones are sufficient. I was just wondering when I should go see Elder Qi?”
“We can go now. Follow me, Fellow Daoist Ji.”
Black Water Daoist knew that Ji Qing was eager to finalize the matter with Elder Qi.
He didn’t delay and immediately took Ji Qing to the Wind Thunder Sect.
Soon, the two arrived at the Wind Thunder Sect.
Ji Qing looked up; the Wind Thunder Sect stretched up for countless layers.
It was truly an immortal-like atmosphere.
Everywhere, there were cultivators riding swords or flying boats.
As for cultivators riding the wind, they were all poor; usually, only rogue cultivators would ride the wind.
Moreover, the colors of the robes on these cultivators were different.
Some even had numbers on the back of their clothes.
Suddenly, a white-robed cultivator rushed out.
Black Water Daoist’s expression changed, and he immediately pulled Ji Qing to the side.
His face was filled with reverence and solemnity.
The other cultivators were the same.
Upon seeing the white robes, they all lowered their heads with respectful expressions.
“This white-robed cultivator…”
Ji Qing asked.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the Wind Thunder Sect has strict hierarchy. High-level cultivators are aloof and do not allow any low-level cultivators to offend them. The person wearing white robes just now must be a Golden Core True Person.”
“In the Wind Thunder Sect, gray robes are for Qi Cultivation, black robes for Foundation Establishment, white robes for Golden Core, and red robes for Nascent Soul. I’ve heard there are also purple robes for Spirit Transformation, but I haven’t seen them yet.”
Ji Qing understood.
The color of the robes represented the cultivation level.
This was quite unusual.
However, judging by the appearance of the Wind Thunder Sect cultivators, they were likely accustomed to it.
“Let’s go, Fellow Daoist Ji, I’ll escort you to the Martial Way lineage to meet Elder Qi!”
Ji Qing nodded.
Thus, he followed behind Black Water Daoist into the Wind Thunder Sect.
After entering the Wind Thunder Sect, the two flew for several hours.
This showed how vast the Wind Thunder Sect was.
Finally, Black Water Daoist stopped.
Ji Qing could faintly sense that the aura of the people flying around was no longer the ethereal energy of cultivators.
Instead, it was a familiar, heavy feeling.
Only Martial Artists possess this sense of gravitas.
Clearly, most people here are Martial Artists.
The two arrived at a courtyard.
The Black Water Daoist dared not enter rashly and instead called out loudly, “Black Water, a disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect, is here to pay respects to Elder Qi!”
Soon, a slender woman walked out from the courtyard.
The other party glanced at the black robe on the Black Water Daoist, then at Ji Qing, and said indifferently, “Are you the one who wants to become a disciple?”
“Yes.”
“Have you prepared the Spirit Stones?”
“They are ready.”
“Good, follow me in.”
Ji Qing glanced at the Black Water Daoist.
The Black Water Daoist transmitted his voice, “This woman is Elder Qi’s maid. It is said she is very favored by Elder Qi, so do not offend her at all costs.”
Ji Qing understood in his heart and followed the woman into the courtyard.
The woman led Ji Qing to a room outside.
Then she said indifferently, “Where are the Spirit Stones?”
Ji Qing immediately took out ten thousand Spirit Stones.
The woman counted them and said, “Just kowtow and become a disciple here. It’s just a formality. Elder Qi injured some vital energy when he last attempted to break through to Martial Saint and is currently in seclusion to mend his Foundation. He will not see you. However, since you have given Spirit Stones, you will naturally become an Inner Sect Disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage.”
“However, you should understand the rules. Ten thousand Spirit Stones in exchange for the status of an Inner Sect Disciple, and you and Elder Qi will be clear of each other, with no further ties. Do you understand?”
Hearing the woman’s words, Ji Qing felt it was too pragmatic.
But upon careful consideration, it was actually a good thing.
Elder Qi clearly did not want any entanglement with those who used connections.
Similarly, Ji Qing did not actually want to become Elder Qi’s disciple.
Both parties got what they needed.
Now that things were made clear, it would avoid future trouble.
Ji Qing immediately performed the disciple’s rites towards the room.
Then he stood up.
The woman, expressionless, called out loudly, “Luo Xiong.”
“This disciple is here.”
A burly man walked over.
“Luo Xiong, take the Elder’s token to the inner sect and register him. By the way, what’s your name?”
“Ji Qing.”
“Luo Xiong, take Ji Qing along.”
“This disciple accepts the order.”
Luo Xiong took the token and said to Ji Qing, “Follow me.”
Ji Qing did not hesitate and followed Luo Xiong out of the courtyard.
The woman, holding the Spirit Stones, respectfully walked into the room.
Inside the room, an old man sat cross-legged on the ground.
The woman respectfully presented the Spirit Stones.
The old man opened his eyes.
“Ten thousand Spirit Stones, that’s almost enough to buy a potent medicinal herb… Qing He, you’ve worked hard during this time.”
The woman said quickly, “Qing He is not tired. As long as Elder can quickly recover his Foundation, Qing He will do anything willingly.”
“Alas, recovering one’s Foundation is not easy.”
“By the way, what’s the situation with this person?”
The old man was Elder Qi.
However, he knew next to nothing about Ji Qing.
“He was recommended by an Inner Sect Disciple from the Immortal Path lineage. I heard he was a rogue cultivator before, and these ten thousand Spirit Stones have almost emptied his savings.”
Qing He answered respectfully.
“Forget it, how many Spirit Stones can a mere Dao Foundation rogue cultivator have? Don’t contact him again. These types of rogue cultivators who get into the inner sect through connections mostly seek the status of being an inner sect disciple.”
“As for advancing further to become a Heavenly Human? That’s completely impossible. These rogue cultivators simply forged their Dao Foundation in the outside world, and their Foundation is shallow, yet they are unaware of it. From the moment they casually forge their Dao Foundation, they are destined to have no chance of becoming a Heavenly Human, so there’s no need to pay them much attention in the future.”
Elder Qi said indifferently.
“Elder, this person is indeed sensible, he obediently offered ten thousand Spirit Stones and agreed not to trouble Elder again in the future. It’s settled between you.”
Elder Qi was very satisfied.
“Qing He, you did well. When I’ve mended my Foundation, I’ll give you some guidance, so you too can Forge a superior Dao Foundation!”
“Thank you, Elder!”
The maid Qing He was overjoyed and quickly knelt on the ground, thanking Elder Qi for his grace.
“I have spared no effort to humble myself and serve Elder Qi for so many years, all for the hope that Elder Qi would guide me and help me Forge a superior Dao Foundation! This day is finally near…”
Qing He had also been in the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage for a long time, knowing that it was not easy to advance to Heavenly Human. One had to lay a solid Foundation when forging the Dao Foundation, preferably a superior Dao Foundation, to have a chance of advancing to Heavenly Human in the future.
This was also why she had delayed forging her Dao Foundation; she wanted to receive Elder Qi’s guidance and support to Forge a superior Dao Foundation.
Qing He harbored lofty ambitions.
Towards rogue cultivators like Ji Qing who used connections to get into the inner sect, even if their cultivation wasn’t as high as Ji Qing’s, she actually looked down on them deep down.
Therefore, she merely treated Ji Qing as a perfunctory task according to Elder Qi’s instructions, quickly dismissing him.
In fact, it wasn’t just Qing He; even Luo Xiong, who was now taking Ji Qing to the inner sect, was the same.
The look of disdain was almost written on his face.
He hadn’t said a single word along the way.
The Black Water Daoist transmitted his voice, “Fellow Daoist Ji, this Luo Xiong is Elder Qi’s true disciple, who Elder Qi has placed great hope in, and has a chance of becoming a Heavenly Human. However, Elder Qi was injured when he attempted to break through to Martial Saint years ago and needs to mend his Foundation. He has begun to accept many disciples solely to obtain a large amount of Spirit Stones. Luo Xiong looks down on these disciples who got in through connections.”
“After all, disciples who get in through connections have a bad reputation, which has also tarnished Luo Xiong’s reputation. That’s why Luo Xiong’s attitude is like this…”
Ji Qing nodded secretly.
Luo Xiong, a genuine inner sect genius.
He thought he would soar to new heights after becoming Elder Qi’s disciple.
However, he was “dragged down” by a group of disciples who got in through connections, and had now become a laughingstock in the inner sect.
It was no wonder Luo Xiong’s attitude was not good.
Ji Qing, however, didn’t care; becoming an inner sect disciple was enough.
However, Luo Xiong did things by the book.
Even though he didn’t give Ji Qing a second glance, he still took Ji Qing to the inner sect to register and collect a set of Inner Disciple Robes.
Luo Xiong said, “Inner Sect Disciples will be assigned a separate courtyard and several sets of changing clothes. If you have Spirit Stones, you can also Hire some people from the outer sect as maids or servants to attend to you.”
After speaking, Luo Xiong turned and left.
As if unwilling to say another word to Ji Qing.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, since you have entered the inner sect, I shall take my leave as well. Now that we are both in the Wind Thunder Sect, we are considered fellow disciples. If you need anything, you can contact me, and we can support each other in the future.”
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Black Water.”
With that, the Black Water Daoist also turned and left.
Ji Qing, holding his Identity Token, arrived at Courtyard Number 36.
This was his residence in the inner sect from now on.
Before Ji Qing entered the courtyard, he saw his “neighbors” on both sides.
Both neighbors wore black robes, indicating they were Dao Foundation Martial Artists of the inner sect.
One was a man with a scar on his forehead, who looked quite fierce.
The other was a delicate and graceful woman with a clear and beautiful appearance.
Ji Qing glanced at the two, gave a slight nod as a greeting, and without speaking, walked directly into the courtyard.
The fierce man and the woman exchanged glances.
The man said with a smile, “It seems Luo Xiong brought him. Most likely he bribed Elder Qi to get into the inner sect. He’s either a rogue cultivator or a good-for-nothing from a Prominent Family. And he’s already at Dao Foundation, so his Foundation is probably very shallow. He’ll never have a chance to reach Heavenly Human in this lifetime.”
The woman didn’t speak.
However, she seemed to agree with the man’s words.
After all, “Elder Qi” often brought in so-called disciples into the inner sect for Spirit Stones.
Most of them had bribed him with Spirit Stones.
These disciples already had a notorious reputation.
In the inner sect, they were basically at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and anyone could step on them; Elder Qi wouldn’t interfere anyway.
Ji Qing ignored the discussions of his “neighbors.”
He entered the room and put down the Inner Disciple Robes.
“Hmm?”
Suddenly, a piece of white paper fell out of the clothes and landed on the ground.
Ji Qing picked up the white paper and looked closely.
Immediately, a strange expression appeared on Ji Qing’s face.
