Chapter 182: Ji Qing Enters The Fray Personally! In The Dao Competition, Death But No Life!
In Heavenly Desolation City, Ji Qing first went to the Pill Shop.
He hadn’t been here in a long time.
“Hm?”
Ji Qing was a little surprised.
The Pill Shop before his eyes had changed.
It was no longer a single shop, but the entire building was dedicated to selling pills.
The name had also changed, becoming “Bamboo Green Pill Tower.”
“Bamboo Green… Zhao Xiaozhu, Ji Qing?”
Ji Qing pondered.
Most likely.
Indeed, upon seeing Ji Qing, Zhao Xiaozhu immediately came out to greet him.
Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia were also there.
However, the biggest change was Zhao Xiaozhu.
She was already a Golden Core?
This was truly a bit unexpected.
“Ji Qing? You’ve finally come to see the ‘Bamboo Green Pill Tower.’ The name has even changed now, and the monthly profits are substantial. Moreover, look who else has come to the Bamboo Green Pill Tower?”
Ji Qing focused his gaze.
It was an acquaintance, Black Water Daoist.
The last time, Ji Qing had only mentioned it in passing.
He hadn’t expected Black Water Daoist to actually come to the Bamboo Green Pill Tower.
One must know that Black Water Daoist was now a Golden Core True Person.
A Golden Core Alchemist.
No, there should be two Golden Core Alchemists now.
No wonder Zhao Xiaozhu expanded the Pill Shop. The current “Bamboo Green Pill Tower’s” alchemy capabilities were countless times stronger than before, and they could also refine higher-grade pills.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, long time no see.”
Black Water Daoist also spoke.
Ji Qing asked, “Fellow Daoist Black Water, how is this pill tower?”
“It’s good. This old daoist lives a very comfortable life here.”
Black Water Daoist was speaking the truth.
The “Bamboo Green Pill Tower” didn’t actually need many pills refined by a Golden Core Alchemist. After all, pills refined by Golden Core Alchemists were considered very high-end, and not many cultivators bought them.
And now the pill tower had more Foundation Establishment Alchemists.
There were even more Qi Refining Alchemists.
He, a Golden Core Alchemist, was more like a “resident overseer.”
He received a lot of Spirit Stones every month without any effort or worry, and even had more time for cultivation. This was much better than before.
“By the way, Fellow Daoist Ji, you can’t stay too long. For the past few months, a group from the Dan Ding Sect has been looking for you. The leader is a Nascent Soul True Monarch. You must be careful not to be cornered by them.”
Black Water Daoist reminded him urgently.
Of course, he also knew that in Heavenly Desolation City, even a Nascent Soul True Monarch wouldn’t dare to do anything to Ji Qing.
But once cornered, it would ultimately be troublesome.
“Coincidentally, I, Ji Mou, came specifically to find people from the Dan Ding Sect.”
Ji Qing didn’t hide his purpose.
“Hm?”
Ji Qing immediately had a sense.
Jiao Ling also turned around abruptly.
Several figures appeared in the void.
The leader among them was a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
However, Jiao Ling’s gaze was not on the Nascent Soul True Monarch, but on another plainly dressed man who, as if he were a drunkard, took out a wine gourd and took a swig.
But Jiao Ling sensed a hint of danger from him.
“Ji Qing of the Wind Thunder Sect, I am Tian Ding Daoist of the Dan Ding Sect!”
At this moment, the Nascent Soul cultivator spoke first.
Ji Qing also stepped out.
Their eyes met, and Ji Qing found that this Tian Ding Daoist’s gaze was very calm.
Not at all like someone who had been waiting for him for months.
The Golden Core cultivators from the Dan Ding Sect before had all shouted for his death upon seeing him.
This Tian Ding True Monarch was much calmer than those Golden Core True Persons.
“Greetings, Tian Ding True Monarch. Does True Monarch have business with me, Ji Mou?”
Ji Qing asked indifferently.
“This Monarch has come to Heavenly Desolation City to find Fellow Daoist Ji for only one matter, and that is the Creation Divine Soil. Regardless of how Fellow Daoist Ji obtained the Creation Divine Soil, those matters are in the past, and this Monarch will not pursue them further, as long as Fellow Daoist Ji returns the Creation Divine Soil.”
Tian Ding True Monarch’s tone was quite sincere.
It could be seen that he truly only wanted the Creation Divine Soil.
Unfortunately, the Creation Divine Soil was gone.
It wasn’t that Ji Qing absolutely wouldn’t give it.
Ji Qing shook his head and said, “Whether True Monarch believes it or not, I, Ji Mou, do not have the Creation Divine Soil on me.”
Ji Qing’s gaze was also very sincere.
“You truly don’t have it?”
“Definitely not.”
Tian Ding True Monarch fell silent.
For a moment, the atmosphere between the two sides also froze.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, this Monarch actually believes that you truly do not have the Creation Divine Soil, but you don’t know how important the Creation Divine Soil is to our Dan Ding Sect. When you, Fellow Daoist, infiltrated the Dan Ding Sect and stole the Creation Divine Soil, this Monarch was in seclusion breaking through to Nascent Soul and couldn’t stop you.”
“But now that this Monarch has broken through and become the only Nascent Soul in the Dan Ding Sect, I have the responsibility to retrieve the Creation Divine Soil. If there is no Creation Divine Soil, then Fellow Daoist will have a ‘Dao Competition’ with my Dan Ding Sect.”
“After the ‘Dao Competition,’ regardless of who wins or loses, this matter will be settled, and there will be no further entanglement!”
“Boom.”
As soon as Tian Ding True Monarch finished speaking, everyone was in an uproar.
A Dao Competition!
Tian Ding True Monarch actually wanted to have a Dao Competition with Ji Qing?
The so-called Dao Competition was actually a fight to the death.
Under a Dao Competition, there was no life, only death!
When there were disputes between general factions, and they didn’t want to engage in all-out war that would lead to the destruction of their sect, or mutual harm, what should they do?
They would have a Dao Competition!
Two cultivators of roughly equal strength would be put forward for a “Dao Competition.” Regardless of the outcome, all previous conflicts would be settled, and there would be no further grievances.
Through “Dao Competitions,” many factions had fewer conflicts.
It prevented constant sect wars that led to mutual harm or the destruction of a sect’s orthodox lineage.
This situation ensured the safety of many factions.
But it was extremely cruel for those participating in the Dao Competition.
Under a Dao Competition, there was no life, only death!
It showed how cruel it was.
And now the Dan Ding Sect wanted to have a Dao Competition with Ji Qing.
“Ji Qing, don’t agree!”
Just then, a familiar voice reached his ears.
Ji Qing was startled.
He turned his head sharply and saw a figure appear in the void at some unknown time.
As soon as this figure appeared, those around were shocked.
“That’s… a Martial Saint! A Martial Saint has arrived!”
“It seems to be Feng Jin Martial Saint of the Wind Thunder Sect. Why is he here? Has he been paying attention to Ji Qing’s situation all along?”
“The Dan Ding Sect wants to have a Dao Competition with Ji Qing. With Feng Jin Martial Saint arriving, they probably won’t let the Dan Ding Sect succeed.”
“It seems the Martial Dao lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect places great importance on Heavenly Man Ji. Even their only Martial Saint has rushed over.”
Ji Qing also recognized Feng Jin Martial Saint.
To be honest, he had only met Feng Jin Martial Saint once.
They had no other interactions.
Why was Feng Jin Martial Saint appearing now?
“Greetings, Martial Saint!”
Ji Qing also bowed to Feng Jin Martial Saint.
Tian Ding True Monarch naturally saw Feng Jin Martial Saint as well, but he wasn’t as fearful as others.
Martial Saints were indeed very strong, but Nascent Soul True Monarchs were on the same level as Martial Saints.
Moreover, the quality of Nascent Soul True Monarchs from the Dan Ding Sect was no weaker than that of a Martial Saint.
They even held a higher status than Martial Saints.
The reason was simple: Nascent Soul True Monarchs from the Dan Ding Sect could refine pills!
They could also refine pills for Nascent Soul or even Martial Saint levels.
This was the reason why countless Nascent Souls and Martial Saints “highly revered” them.
Otherwise, the Dan Ding Sect wouldn’t be so special.
Tian Ding True Monarch said coldly, “What? Does Feng Jin Martial Saint intend to interfere in the Dao Competition between my Dan Ding Sect and Ji Qing?”
Feng Jin Martial Saint calmly replied, “Ji Qing is a disciple of the Martial Dao lineage of my Wind Thunder Sect. How can I not interfere?”
“Is that so? Since Feng Jin Martial Saint is interfering, let’s do it by the rules. For a Dao Competition, one can invite anyone to fight. If Feng Jin Martial Saint is willing, Ji Qing can also invite Feng Jin Martial Saint to fight on his behalf, how about it?”
Tian Ding True Monarch wanted a “Dao Competition.”
Regardless of the outcome, a Dao Competition had to take place.
Otherwise, how could the Dan Ding Sect establish its footing in the future?
How could he convince the members of the Dan Ding Sect?
Even if the Dao Competition failed, it wasn’t terrifying.
What was terrifying was his inaction, doing nothing.
Therefore, Tian Ding True Monarch didn’t care at all who represented Ji Qing in the Dao Competition.
Of course, importantly, he had confidence in his heart!
“For no reason, who would go into a Dao Competition? Therefore… I refuse!”
Feng Jin Martial Saint refused immediately without hesitation.
For him to go into a Dao Competition?
That was absolutely impossible.
He valued Ji Qing, but not to the point of fighting a Dao Competition on his behalf.
Often, those who represented others in a Dao Competition owed them a life.
Or they had an immense debt of gratitude, more important than life itself, which they had to repay.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, you should also have some understanding of Dao Competitions. As long as a Dao Competition is agreed upon, you can invite anyone to compete for you. Even if a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord from the Wind Thunder Sect competes for you, my Dan Ding Sect will accept the bet and concede!”
“Therefore, do you dare to accept the Dao Competition from my Dan Ding Sect?”
Tian Ding True Monarch stopped talking to Feng Jin Martial Saint.
Instead, he turned his gaze to Ji Qing.
Ji Qing also knew the rules of a Dao Competition.
What Tian Ding True Monarch said was true.
Before a Dao Competition is finalized, no one knows who their opponent will be.
One could invite anyone to compete.
Only when they truly stepped onto the arena would they know their opponent.
As for inviting a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord to a Dao Competition?
Don’t be ridiculous, who could invite a Divine Lord?
Even if Ji Qing was a True Disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect, he couldn’t invite a Divine Lord!
Unless it was another Nascent Soul or Martial Saint acting in Heavenly Desolation City, then a Divine Lord would naturally intervene.
But a Dao Competition?
It was an open challenge, voluntary on both sides, and all parties abided by the rules.
A Divine Lord had no reason to intervene.
However, there were implicit unwritten rules for Dao Competitions.
That is, one couldn’t simply find a substitute to die.
For example, casually finding a mortal to compete.
Doing so would not only result in contempt but also force the person themselves to compete, which would be a loss.
But the approximate cultivation level of the competitor could also be stipulated to plug loopholes.
The specifics would depend on the agreement between both parties during the Dao Competition.
Ji Qing knew that Tian Ding True Monarch was using a tactic of provocation.
But True Monarch Tian Ding had already said as much as he did.
How could he refuse?
“Alright.”
Seeing Ji Qing agree, True Monarch Tian Ding immediately tore through the void, and a contract appeared.
Ji Qing glanced at the date.
“Three days later?”
Ji Qing shook his head; he couldn’t completely go along with the other party.
“I request three months from now!”
This was Ji Qing’s request.
He knew very well that the longer the time, the more advantageous it would be for him.
True Monarch Tian Ding hesitated for a moment, but then nodded in agreement.
“Fine, three months then! However, the Dao Competition must be at least at the Nascent Soul or Martial Saint level.”
Determining the cultivation level of the Dao Competition participants, this could be considered closing the last loophole.
Ji Qing thought for a moment and agreed.
Thus, Ji Qing also imprinted his Spiritual Imprint on this contract.
The contract took effect!
“Three months from now, in Heavenly Desolation City!”
True Monarch Tian Ding immediately transformed into a stream of light and vanished into the sky.
True Monarch Tian Ding left, and naturally, the other cultivators from the Dan Ding Sect also departed.
Feng Jin Martial Saint shook his head and said, “Ji Qing, you are truly too impulsive. The Dan Ding Sect has broad connections due to alchemy. Even for a Dao Competition, they can find many Martial Saints. Especially that Martial Saint drinking behind True Monarch Tian Ding just now, do you know who he is?”
Ji Qing shook his head.
He only knew that the other party was very likely a Martial Saint.
But who exactly, he didn’t know.
“He is the Wine Sword Martial Saint!”
As the words “Wine Sword Martial Saint” were spoken, some surrounding cultivators widened their eyes.
Clearly, this “Wine Sword Martial Saint” was no ordinary person.
“Previously, I fought with the Wine Sword Martial Saint and narrowly lost by one move!”
As Feng Jin Martial Saint spoke, Ji Qing’s eyes widened.
Feng Jin Martial Saint lost?
To that Wine Sword Martial Saint who looked drunk and unremarkable?
Ji Qing knew Feng Jin Martial Saint was powerful, but he hadn’t expected that such a powerful Feng Jin Martial Saint had once lost to the Wine Sword Martial Saint.
“I don’t know how close the relationship is between the Dan Ding Sect and the Wine Sword Martial Saint. But whether the Wine Sword Martial Saint will participate in the Dao Competition on behalf of the Dan Ding Sect is hard to say…”
Having said that, Feng Jin Martial Saint said no more.
He was merely reminding Ji Qing.
Now that the Dao Competition contract had been signed, regretting it was impossible.
Ji Qing would have to quickly find some powerful Martial Saints to fight for him in the Dao Competition.
But how easy is it to find a Martial Saint willing to fight to the death in a Dao Competition?
After all, Martial Saints stood at the peak of the Barren Domain.
Without a life-or-death friendship, or an enormous benefit, who would fight for Ji Qing in a Dao Competition?
Feng Jin Martial Saint also left.
Ji Qing signing the Dao Competition contract was his own affair.
He would not interfere.
The sect would also not interfere.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, this matter is of great importance, you must act with caution.”
Black Water Daoist’s expression was grave.
A Dao Competition is no small matter.
“Alright, I will be cautious.”
After speaking, Ji Qing turned and left, returning to the Wind Thunder Sect.
He immediately went to see True Monarch Baoyue.
Jiao Ling followed beside him.
Upon learning that Ji Qing had agreed to a “Dao Competition” with the Dan Ding Sect, True Monarch Baoyue also frowned and fell into thought.
“A Dao Competition? A trivial matter, I’ll go! At most, I’ll lose. I’m a puppet, I won’t die even if I discard all my Materials. You can just reforge me a new body later.”
Jiao Ling spoke up proactively.
True Monarch Baoyue’s eyes lit up.
This was indeed a good idea.
Jiao Ling was comparable to a Martial Saint, so it would definitely not be seen as Ji Qing casually fumbling the Dao Competition.
He possessed sufficient strength.
Even if he lost, he wouldn’t die.
At most, the puppet body would be lost, minimizing the risk.
However, Ji Qing shook his head and said, “It’s not that simple. The Martial Dao True Meaning of some Martial Saints is extremely terrifying. If your puppet body is truly shattered, with your spiritual body’s strength, you might be instantly annihilated by the Martial Saint’s Martial Dao True Meaning.”
Jiao Ling fell silent.
Indeed, there was such a possibility.
Puppets weren’t truly immortal.
Especially when facing a Martial Saint, who could even suppress them, these puppets.
“There are still three months, no need to rush.”
Ji Qing wasn’t in a hurry.
True Monarch Baoyue nodded.
But she also had to plan carefully.
She had to consider who to send for the Dao Competition.
It had to be at least Nascent Soul or Martial Saint level.
Who would participate in a Dao Competition at this level?
This matter was quite troublesome!
As time passed, the news of Ji Qing’s Dao Competition with the Dan Ding Sect completely spread.
The entire Heavenly Desolation City became lively all at once.
This was a Dao Competition.
It had been a long time since a Dao Competition at the Nascent Soul or Martial Saint level had been seen.
This was even rarer than a so-called challenge.
And more dangerous.
Because a Dao Competition was a fight to the death!
One person was destined to die.
Extremely brutal.
However, many people were now paying attention to Ji Qing and the Dan Ding Sect.
They were all speculating on who the two sides would invite to participate in the Dao Competition.
For the Dan Ding Sect, it was difficult for people to guess.
After all, the Dan Ding Sect had broad connections and a wide network of friends, and countless Nascent Soul and Martial Saint cultivators owed them favors to varying degrees.
Any Martial Saint could potentially participate in the Dao Competition.
But Ji Qing was different.
Although Ji Qing had a great reputation, he had few connections within the Wind Thunder Sect.
The number of Nascent Soul or Martial Saint cultivators who could fight in the Dao Competition for Ji Qing was extremely limited.
“Ji Qing is a disciple of the Martial Dao lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect, and the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage only has one Feng Jin Martial Saint. But Feng Jin Martial Saint has clearly refused to fight for Ji Qing in the Dao Competition, so who else can Ji Qing find among the Nascent Soul or Martial Saints?”
“Could it be True Monarch Baoyue? The relationship between Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue is very close. If Ji Qing weren’t a Heavenly Human, I would have thought Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue would become Dao companions.”
“It’s not impossible for an Immortal Dao cultivator and a Martial Dao cultivator to become Dao companions. However, even if Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue’s relationship is extremely close, concerning a Dao Competition, True Monarch Baoyue might not agree. She just advanced to Nascent Soul, and to participate in a Dao Competition would be suicidal, wouldn’t it?”
“Could it be that Ji Qing will personally participate?”
“That’s impossible. Who doesn’t know the danger of a Dao Competition? Ji Qing, a Heavenly Human, participating in a Dao Competition would be suicidal! That’s absolutely impossible!”
The crowd was discussing noisily, unsure of who Ji Qing would eventually find to fight in the Dao Competition.
However, even though they couldn’t guess who Ji Qing would ultimately find to participate in the Dao Competition, it didn’t stop many cultivators from traveling from afar to gather in Heavenly Desolation City, preparing to witness this Dao Competition battle!
…
In the Zhou Tian Sect, guest elder True Lord Tiansheng was observing a group of outer sect Qi Cultivation disciples.
Today was the Zhou Tian Sect’s Outer Sect Grand Competition.
Every outer sect disciple was trying their best to compete.
This not only related to the qualification to enter the inner sect, but if they performed well and were noticed by an Elder, they could be taken as a disciple, truly soaring to success.
Especially today, with a heavyweight elder present, True Lord Tiansheng, a guest elder who had recently joined the Zhou Tian Sect!
This was a great cultivator of the Nascent Soul stage.
Even as a guest elder, his authority was slightly diminished, but he was still a genuine Nascent Soul True Lord.
If one could become his disciple, it would be a tremendous Opportunity.
In general outer sect grand competitions, Nascent Soul Elders would not even pay attention.
At most, only some Golden Core Elders would be interested in watching.
It was precisely because True Lord Tiansheng was a newly joined Elder that he would be interested in coming to watch.
Elder Tiansheng genuinely wanted to watch.
The top ten in the grand competition would directly enter the inner sect, enjoy the inner sect’s Resources, receive Foundation Establishment Pills, and have a high chance of becoming Foundation Establishment cultivators.
As for other outer sect disciples, they would have to rely on their own abilities.
They would have to find ways to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills.
Elder Tiansheng wanted to see if there were any “seedlings” in the outer sect that could be molded.
After all, he couldn’t enter the Trial Sword Valley; only Foundation Establishment disciples could enter the Trial Sword Valley.
If he wanted to find two Guixu Sacred Law Fragments, he would have to let Foundation Establishment cultivators go to the Trial Sword Valley.
Directly finding Foundation Establishment cultivators was also possible, but not easy to control.
If he found outer sect disciples in the Qi Refining stage, it would be different.
He had many ways to control them.
But he still had to carefully select.
This kind of matter had to be handled with extreme caution and a gradual approach; he absolutely could not be hasty.
After all, this was the Zhou Tian Sect, and one wrong step could lead to him being annihilated by the many Nascent Soul or even Spirit Transformation Divine Lords of the Zhou Tian Sect.
True Lord Tiansheng already had a few potential candidates in mind.
But he was still evaluating them.
In this regard, True Lord Tiansheng was very patient.
The outer sect grand competition ended, and True Lord Tiansheng stood up and left the outer sect.
“Hmm?”
True Lord Tiansheng suddenly received a Communication Talisman from True Monarch Qing Xu.
It was True Monarch Qing Xu who had introduced him to the Zhou Tian Sect, so their relationship was quite good.
True Monarch Qing Xu knew that True Lord Tiansheng paid close attention to news about Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue, so as soon as there was any news about them, True Monarch Qing Xu would relay it to him, saving True Lord Tiansheng the trouble of obtaining the information himself.
“Ji Qing is going to have a Dao Competition with the Dan Ding Sect?”
True Lord Tiansheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.
This was very significant news.
True Monarch Qing Xu was still speculating on which Martial Saint or Nascent Soul cultivator Ji Qing would invite to participate in the Dao Competition.
But True Lord Tiansheng was different.
He almost immediately thought of one possibility.
That is, Ji Qing would personally participate in the Dao Competition!
A choice that seemed impossible to others, Ji Qing would surely make!
“A Dao Competition… After this Dao Competition, Fellow Daoist Ji’s reputation will likely grow even greater, truly shaking the Barren Domain!”
True Lord Tiansheng suddenly felt a sense of urgency.
What if Ji Qing grew too fast and didn’t even need the Guixu Sacred Law, but switched to practicing other Martial Arts? Then he would be filled with regret.
It wasn’t an impossible scenario.
Therefore, he needed to speed things up.
“Tian Xiaoguang, bearing deep family hatred, his family was massacred by a Golden Core Elder of the Zhou Tian Sect for personal gain, so he hid his name and joined the outer sect of the Zhou Tian Sect, looking forward to the day he could avenge his family…”
The outer sect disciples that True Lord Tiansheng had chosen all had some secrets, more or less.
They could hide from others, but not from True Lord Tiansheng.
In his early years, True Lord Tiansheng had played this kind of game too many times.
He had also seen too many schemes and tricks.
Those bearing deep family hatred, with flaws, were precisely what True Lord Tiansheng valued most.
Because of their flaws, they were easier to control.
“It’s you, Tian Xiaoguang!”
True Lord Tiansheng no longer hesitated, secretly selecting his candidate.
He had to quickly subdue Tian Xiaoguang and cultivate him to the Foundation Establishment stage, so that Tian Xiaoguang could retrieve the Guixu Sacred Law Fragment from Trial Sword Valley.
As for Ji Qing potentially failing in the Dao Competition, or even dying?
True Lord Tiansheng had never harbored such a worry.
His confidence in Ji Qing was perhaps even greater than Ji Qing’s own!
……
At the Wind Thunder Sect, Ji Qing once again stepped into the Martial Arts Library.
He had not forgotten that he could still choose two free Martial Arts at the Heavenly Human Realm level.
He could have chosen three, but he had already selected the Big Dipper Divine Illumination Technique earlier.
According to Jiao Ling, to break through the Martial Dao Seal set up by the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory, he would need to broaden his horizons, transcend the Barren Domain, and even transcend this world.
Because there was nothing to compare with the martial artists of this world.
The strongest martial artist of this generation could not break through the Martial Dao Seal of the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory.
His opponents had never been the martial artists of the Barren Domain.
He could only compare himself to the top heavenly talents from beyond the domain.
Currently, Ji Qing could not step into the outer domain.
Therefore, Ji Qing could only compare himself to himself.
He had to push every step to the extreme!
“Although my physical body is very strong now, it has not reached its limit yet; there’s always a little something missing. Then I will choose another martial art to strengthen my physical foundation, and then choose a Heavenly Human Realm martial art to cultivate true qi.”
“Physical body, true qi, and domain; not a single one can be missing. We must advance them all equally!”
Ji Qing was selecting within the Martial Arts Library.
Soon, Ji Qing discovered a very interesting martial art.
“True Dragon Treasure Body?”
“Requires merging a drop of True Dragon Bloodline to enter, and can strengthen the physical body with the help of True Dragon Bloodline.”
“The effect is to greatly enhance the physical body.”
This martial art was not cultivated by many people.
Because its cost-effectiveness was too low.
True Dragon Bloodline?
That was not easy to find.
Perhaps it could be extracted from a Flood Dragon, but it was estimated not to be very strong.
Whether the True Dragon Treasure Body was powerful depended on how pure the True Dragon Bloodline merged was.
The purer it was, the better the effect.
The reason why few people cultivated this divine skill was that its upper limit was very high, but its lower limit was also very low.
A drop of bloodline from an ordinary Flood Dragon had almost no significant effect.
The enhancement to the physical body was negligible.
But where could one find the legendary True Dragon Bloodline?
Over time, few people cultivated it.
But Ji Qing’s heart stirred.
He had heard Jiao Ling mention that when the master of the Immortal Mansion, Xuling Venerable, waged war in the outer domain, he had slain some Flood Dragons with extremely potent True Dragon Bloodlines, even comparable to those at the Tribulation Crossing stage.
The Immortal Mansion should still contain the corpses or essence blood of those Flood Dragons.
Cultivating this True Dragon Treasure Body would be very suitable.
Next was a divine skill for cultivating true qi.
Ji Qing’s true qi was mainly Five Elements True Qi.
It was indeed denser than other Heavenly Human true qi.
But it was far inferior when compared to those heavenly talents from beyond the domain.
Ji Qing had not paid much attention to the cultivation of true qi before.
The main reason was that after true qi became powerful, the increase in strength was not significant.
It was far from comparable to the power of the physical body.
But now that he needed to have no weaknesses, his true qi also needed to be improved.
When Ji Qing was promoted to the Heavenly Human stage before, the Five Elements Pill Granules shattered, and his true qi merged into his physical body.
But that did not mean his true qi ceased to exist.
On the contrary, the true qi had always existed.
It had merely merged with the physical body.
It was no longer confined to the dantian.
In this way, in reality, the stronger the true qi, the more it could promote the physical body.
This was actually the beginning of the merge between true qi and the physical body.
This was only the Heavenly Human stage; if one reached the Martial Saint stage, there would be no true qi at all.
All the power within the body would be unified and condensed into a special kind of power.
For example, the Power of Return to Void.
However, the Heavenly Human stage still required true qi.
Ji Qing could only strive to do his best.
After careful selection, Ji Qing finally chose a Heavenly Human stage true qi martial art named “Five Elements Qi Swallowing Divine Skill.”
This Heavenly Human stage true qi martial art had only one characteristic: immense true qi and a very fast recovery speed.
As for the cultivation threshold, it required the Five Elements Dao Body.
In reality, the cultivation threshold was very high.
Many Heavenly Humans could not cultivate it.
But Ji Qing already possessed the Five Prisons Samsara Saint Body, so cultivating the Five Elements Qi Swallowing Divine Skill was more than sufficient.
There was no difficulty at all.
Ji Qing immediately went to the white-robed elder and exchanged for these two martial arts.
“Ji Qing, I heard you are going to have a Dao Competition with the Dan Ding Sect?”
The white-robed elder suddenly asked.
“Yes.”
“The younger generation is formidable…”
The white-robed elder waved his hand, seemingly filled with emotion.
He knew that Ji Qing wanted to cultivate the Guixu Sacred Law.
He even vaguely sensed that Ji Qing’s strength was earth-shattering.
He suspected that Ji Qing would personally participate in the Dao Competition.
Therefore, he felt a sense of emotion.
Ji Qing cupped his hands towards the white-robed elder, then went to a secret chamber to cultivate. After memorizing the contents of the two martial arts, he left the Martial Arts Library.
Ji Qing immediately went to find True Monarch Baoyue.
“Fellow Daoist Baoyue, I wonder if there is any True Dragon Bloodline in the Immortal Mansion? The higher the bloodline level, the better, as I am cultivating the True Dragon Treasure Body and require True Dragon Bloodline.”
Ji Qing did not conceal anything and directly spoke about the True Dragon Treasure Body.
“True Dragon Bloodline?”
True Monarch Baoyue immediately inquired with Jiao Ling.
Jiao Ling pondered for a moment and said, “My master did kill many Flood Dragons back then. One of them was comparable to a Tribulation Crossing stage cultivator, its strength was unimaginable, and its True Dragon Bloodline was also extremely potent. After killing it, my master imitated it and ultimately refined this Flood Dragon Puppet I wear. Unfortunately, it’s far from the physical body strength of a Tribulation Crossing stage Flood Dragon…”
“If I remember correctly, the corpse of that Flood Dragon is still in the Immortal Mansion…”
True Monarch Baoyue immediately searched within the Immortal Mansion.
“Mmm… there really is.”
Ji Qing entered the Immortal Mansion and saw a Flood Dragon corpse on the ground.
This Flood Dragon corpse was extremely massive, like a small mountain.
Even though it was dead, it still emanated a terrifying aura, instilling awe.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, do you think the True Dragon Bloodline within this Flood Dragon is acceptable?”
True Monarch Baoyue asked.
“Yes, it’s more than acceptable!”
Ji Qing was overjoyed.
He could sense the potent True Dragon aura within this Flood Dragon.
And it far exceeded his imagination.
It was definitely infinitely close to a True Dragon.
Every True Dragon was an existence like a “True Immortal.”
“It’s good that Fellow Daoist Ji is satisfied. You can take as much True Dragon Essence Blood from the Flood Dragon as you wish.”
True Monarch Baoyue also showed a smile on her face.
Ji Qing took out a Porcelain Bottle.
He immediately attempted to tear open the Flood Dragon’s corpse.
To his surprise, he could not.
“Clang.”
Ji Qing drew his Demon Saber.
The sharp Demon Saber heavily chopped down on the Flood Dragon’s corpse.
The result was the same.
Not even a white mark was left, let alone a wound.
Without a wound, how could he “take blood”?
In reality, there were originally wounds on the Flood Dragon’s body.
But even though the Flood Dragon corpse was dead, after a long period, the wounds on its body slowly healed.
This was the terrifying aspect of a Flood Dragon.
Even when dead, its corpse could slowly heal.
Ji Qing pondered for a moment and still found a way.
He simply pried open the Flood Dragon’s mouth.
He extended the Demon Saber into the Flood Dragon’s mouth.
No matter how strong the Flood Dragon corpse was, its mouth was ultimately soft.
Although it was also tough, with Ji Qing’s persistent efforts, he eventually made tiny wounds in the Flood Dragon’s mouth.
From the wounds, Flood Dragon blood began to flow.
Ji Qing collected a whole bottle.
But this bottle contained Flood Dragon blood, and he still needed to extract True Dragon Bloodline from it.
In the end, Ji Qing extracted three drops of True Dragon Bloodline.
“Three drops should be enough for my True Dragon Treasure Body to reach the beginner stage.”
Ji Qing put away the Porcelain Bottle and bid farewell to True Monarch Baoyue.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, wait a moment.”
True Monarch Baoyue stopped Ji Qing.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, have you decided on the candidate for the Dao Competition?”
Ji Qing fell silent.
True Monarch Baoyue seemed to understand.
“Fellow Daoist, you intend to personally participate in the Dao Competition?”
True Monarch Baoyue asked.
“Yes. This matter ultimately started with me. I refined the Creation Divine Soil, so I must have a final resolution with the Dan Ding Sect. Using the method of a Dao Competition is good; regardless of victory or defeat, all past grievances will be severed!”
“But what if you lose…”
“I will not lose!”
Ji Qing’s tone was resolute.
How could he lose?
Ji Qing knew that True Monarch Baoyue was worried.
After all, he was only at the Heavenly Human stage now.
If he participated in the Dao Competition, he would mostly face Martial Saints, and top-tier Martial Saints at that.
But, so what?
Ji Qing’s target had never been the martial artists within the Barren Domain.
He was benchmarking himself against the heavenly talents from beyond the domain!
If he couldn’t even deal with the Martial Saints of the Barren Domain, how could Ji Qing pass the Martial Dao Seal of the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory?
“Good, then Fellow Daoist, be careful with everything. If you need anything, just ask.”
True Monarch Baoyue also knew Ji Qing’s personality.
Once something was decided, no one could persuade him otherwise.
Ji Qing left.
Jiao Ling watched Ji Qing’s retreating back and said meaningfully, “Fellow Daoist Ji knows what he’s doing. Since he dares to participate in the Dao Competition, he certainly wouldn’t gamble with his life. Moreover, if he wants to go to the outer domain, it’s more dangerous than participating in the Dao Competition. Therefore, this Dao Competition is nothing.”
“Furthermore, if Fellow Daoist Ji is truly in danger, True Monarch Baoyue can use the Immortal Mansion to protect him. Even if the rules are broken and the Immortal Mansion is exposed, so what? In this world, even Deity Transformation Divine Lords cannot do anything to Xuling Immortal Mansion. As long as Ji Qing is within the Immortal Mansion, he is in an invincible position!”
True Monarch Baoyue’s eyes lit up.
Yes, this matter isn’t that bad.
The rules of Dao Competition, they are meant to restrain ordinary cultivators.
But is she an ordinary cultivator?
Is Ji Qing an ordinary cultivator?
She is a disciple of Xuling Venerable, in charge of an Immortal Mansion.
Ji Qing is even more of a heavenly talent who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with outer domain heavenly talents, the hope of all martial artists in this realm.
Rules have always only been able to restrain the weak!
And True Monarch Baoyue, who possesses an Immortal Mansion, is an absolute powerhouse!
Ji Qing did not know that True Monarch Baoyue had secretly made up her mind, even if it meant exposing the Immortal Mansion, she would protect him.
It’s equivalent to saying that his Dao Competition this time would no longer be a matter of life and death.
But rather, he would definitely not die!
Ji Qing returned to the courtyard.
He took out the True Dragon Blood.
“Hmm, let’s try it.”
Ji Qing immediately began circulating according to the method for the True Dragon Treasure Body.
Afterward, a drop of True Dragon Blood was integrated into his body.
Ji Qing felt the True Dragon Blood slightly damaging his physical body.
But his physical body was too strong.
Although the True Dragon Blood was domineering, it was only a single drop; it was far from being able to damage his physical body.
In the end, it was still integrated into his physical body by the method for the True Dragon Treasure Body.
“Success?”
Ji Qing opened his eyes.
He flipped open the Demon Record to check his condition.
“True Dragon Treasure Body: Beginner （1%）”
Ji Qing was a little surprised.
It was this easy to reach beginner level?
One must know that the True Dragon Treasure Body is also a Heavenly Human realm martial art that strengthens the physical foundation.
It is by no means simple.
Reaching beginner level so quickly should be related to the True Dragon Blood.
After all, it is now very rare to find True Dragon Blood.
Since the True Dragon Treasure Body had reached beginner level, Ji Qing no longer hesitated.
“Improve the True Dragon Treasure Body to Perfection!”
“Boom.”
Ji Qing’s body trembled.
Thirty thousand Origin Points were consumed, exchanged for scenes flashing in Ji Qing’s mind.
These were scenes of cultivating the True Dragon Treasure Body.
In his memory, Ji Qing had integrated a lot of True Dragon Blood.
Drop by drop.
Due to the high quality of the True Dragon Blood, Ji Qing could clearly feel the improvement in his physical body.
Finally, the True Dragon Treasure Body was improved to Perfection.
At this moment, Ji Qing felt as if there was a true dragon within his body.
Of course, this was an illusion.
There couldn’t possibly be a true dragon.
After all, true dragons were “True Immortal” existences.
But Ji Qing’s physical body had improved by a large margin again.
Moreover, this time, Ji Qing had a feeling in his heart.
His physical body had reached perfection!
At the Heavenly Human realm, no matter how much he improved, his physical body would no longer see any improvement.
“Physical body perfection…”
Ji Qing carefully savored the perfection of his physical body.
Then Ji Qing discovered a terrifying fact.
Once the physical body reached perfection, it would naturally transform even if he did nothing.
Yes, it would naturally transform to a higher level.
From Heavenly Human to Martial Saint!
This was truly terrifying.
Ji Qing did not want a natural transformation.
A natural transformation could indeed lead to becoming a Martial Saint.
But it wouldn’t be a particularly powerful Martial Saint.
Ji Qing intended to cultivate the Guixu Sacred Law and master the Power of Return to Void.
A naturally transformed Martial Saint would be incapable of mastering the Power of Return to Void.
At most, it would be the condensation of a certain power based on the Five Elements Saint Body.
Therefore, Ji Qing now had to “suppress” his physical body.
He couldn’t let his physical body transform.
But Ji Qing had a feeling.
He couldn’t suppress it for too long.
At most a few years or ten years.
Beyond ten years, his physical body would transform no matter what.
“Ten years is enough!”
Ji Qing was confident that he could choose a Martial Saint method within ten years and thus break through to Martial Saint.
Since his physical body had reached perfection, Ji Qing could only cultivate true qi.
He immediately circulated the Five Elements Qi Swallowing Divine Skill.
This cultivation technique was too simple.
It reached the beginner level in just a few hours.
“Improve the Five Elements Qi Swallowing Divine Skill to Perfection!”
Ji Qing spent thirty thousand Origin Points, also improving the Five Elements Qi Swallowing Divine Skill to perfection.
A massive amount of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy poured into Ji Qing’s body.
Ji Qing even took out a large number of Spirit Stones to supply his spiritual energy needs.
Finally, the Five Elements Qi Swallowing Divine Skill also reached perfection.
The true qi within Ji Qing’s body surged, but it also reached its limit.
The limit of true qi was far easier to reach than the limit of the physical body.
The improvement in strength was also very limited.
Now Ji Qing’s physical body and true qi were both at perfection.
Then only the last aspect remained, the Domain!
“Three months, I wonder if I can unlock the third level of the Heavenly Mandate Lock?”
Ji Qing then focused all his energy on the Heavenly Mandate Lock.
In three months, he aimed to unlock the third level of the Heavenly Mandate Lock.
At that time, his Domain might reach perfection.
Ji Qing never showed his face again.
He was in seclusion, cultivating diligently.
And as the time drew nearer, Heavenly Desolation City became more and more lively.
A large number of cultivators poured in all at once.
Golden Core, Heavenly Human, Nascent Soul, Martial Saint, they all arrived at Heavenly Desolation City from all directions.
The purpose was singular: to witness the Dao Competition battle between Ji Qing and the Dan Ding Sect!
Moreover, the biggest event in the entire Barren Domain now was this Dao Competition between Ji Qing and the Dan Ding Sect.
Both sides kept their participating cultivators for the Dao Competition highly confidential.
Up to this point, many people were guessing, but there was no definitive information.
Until the three-month deadline arrived.
True Monarch Tian Ding of the Dan Ding Sect arrived, followed by a large group of people behind him.
Among them were quite a few Martial Saints.
But among these Martial Saints, only one would definitely participate in the Dao Competition battle.
Originally, everyone had some guesses.
But when they saw one of the Martial Saints behind True Monarch Tian Ding.
All their questions vanished.
Even though True Monarch Tian Ding had not announced who would participate in the Dao Competition battle.
But since that Martial Saint had come, were there any surprises?
There would be no surprises at all!
“So it’s him, the Extreme Sword Martial Saint!”
“With the Extreme Sword Martial Saint making a move, this Dao Competition is no longer in doubt.”
“Extreme Sword Martial Saint, the Dan Ding Sect can actually invite this Martial Saint…”
“Rumor has it that the Extreme Sword Martial Saint once owed the Dan Ding Sect a favor; originally thought it was a rumor, but now it seems to be true…”
Seeing the Extreme Sword Martial Saint, everyone couldn’t help but feel a chill in their hearts.
The Extreme Sword Martial Saint walked the legendary path of extreme martial arts!
He dedicated his life to the sword.
It was more like Sword Dao than Martial Way.
This kind of extreme martial path might make it difficult to become a Martial God, but its combat power was extremely terrifying.
No matter who Ji Qing invited to fight, they would surely die!
Time passed little by little.
Ji Qing, True Monarch Baoyue, Jiao Ling, and even Feng Jin Martial Saint arrived together.
“They’re here, Ji Qing is here.”
“Ji Qing has two Martial Saints behind him. Is it Feng Jin Martial Saint or that mysterious Martial Saint?”
“Whether it’s Feng Jin Martial Saint or a mysterious Martial Saint, facing the Extreme Sword Martial Saint, I’m afraid…”
Everyone shook their heads.
The outcome was no longer in doubt.
Now they just wanted to see which Martial Saint would meet their end on the spot?
Then, they saw Ji Qing and the others stop.
Instead, Ji Qing walked step by step into the void, his gaze sweeping over True Monarch Tian Ding.
“True Monarch Tian Ding, come and fight!”
“Boom.”
Upon hearing this, everyone’s hearts pounded?
As if they couldn’t believe it.
Could it be that Ji Qing would personally participate in this Dao Competition?
Is Ji Qing… insane?
Doesn’t he know the cruelty of competition?
If Ji Qing participates, he will die!
Confusion, doubt.
Everyone didn’t understand why Ji Qing dared to personally participate in the Dao Competition?
Even True Monarch Tian Ding was a little surprised.
He swept his gaze over the numerous Martial Saints and Nascent Souls behind him.
Finally, True Monarch Tian Ding cupped his hands towards a Martial Saint and said, “Extreme Sword Martial Saint, I trouble you!”
As expected, everyone had guessed correctly.
No surprises.
The participant chosen by the Dan Ding Sect for the Dao Competition was indeed the Extreme Sword Martial Saint!
ps: Thank you all! However, we are still dozens of spots away from the top 100. I hope everyone can put in a bit more effort and cast your monthly votes so that Old Yue can break into the top 100! Monthly votes, monthly votes, monthly votes! Old Yue thanks you!
