《Carefree Cultivation》


 Ch 1

    One day, a boy was born with unrivaled talent in cultivation.


    In this world, people cultivate what is known as qi, and there are levels according to their accomplishments.


    Body tempering


    Foundation establishment


    Core formation


    Soul Cleansing


    Deity Transformation


    For the least to greatest, these are the stages of cultivation. Once one surpassed Deity Transformation, a new world would be opened for them.


    The boy with unparalleled talent was named Hong Chi. He lived in a small village in which majority of the residents were illiterate and lived as farmers.


    Hong doesn''t know how to cultivate, he doesn''t even know cultivation exist. But in fact, he was already at the fifth stage of Body Tempering at the mere age of six! Even geniuses of large clan only start cultivation at the age of four, and the most they could achieve during the short time was the first stage of Body tempering.


    Hong Chi was physically strong since birth and had never been afflicted by sickness. The adults were often baffled and terrified by his strength, as he could crush rocks with his fist alone. But they grew accustomed to his strangeness and credited everything to a dirty spirit that is supposed to live in the boy''s body.


    No one in this small village knew cultivation, this is the most rational thing they could think of.


    Hong turned ten years old and his strength became even more tyrannical. What he and the others didn''t know was that he had already reached Foundation Establishment and had formed a whirlpool of qi in his body.


    This was a stage many cultivators will not reach until twenty.


    One day, Hong Chi grew bored of living in his poor village and decided to leave to see the world. The villagers grew fond of this strange boy and bid them farewell, his parents were among them as well.


    "Farewell son!"


    The father yelled, but Hong Chi already vanished to the forest.


    There was more than two reasons while his parents eventually agreed to let him leave despite the dangerous journey ahead. First, he was strong and fast enough to fight wolves and eradicate a group of bandits. In this place, and in his parents eyes, he was the strongest person in the world they had seen. There was no one who could threaten him.


    Hong Chi tried pass the unknown forest and walked into a grassland. A town was not far ahead.


    Walking into the the town, the guards gave him a doubtful look.


    ''A child, did he come alone?'' Is what they thought.


    But nevertheless, it was none of their business whether a child was missing or simply wandering alone, they were paid to watch the gate and nothing more.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Hong Chi walked to a store and dropped his harvest in the forest, medical herbs, beast pelt, and some piece of suspicious equipments. He got the latter from a bandit group who knew not what is good for them. During the fight, he advanced to the eight stage of Foundation Establishment.


    In every realm, there are nine stages, after the ninth stage, a cultivator may advance to the next realm.


    Hong Chi was only a short distance away from Core Formation. This was the realm most cultivators could not step into.


    Sect masters of small sects were in this realm.


    After trading his harvest into rations and supplies, Hong Chi toured the town and ended up in the library. The library smells of old papers. Hong Chi opened a book, but gave up after learning that he could not understand a single word.


    Hong Chi decided that he knew enough about the town and went on a journey once again. His walking speed was incredibly fast. His body was light and he felt like he could fly. His cultivation advanced to the second stage of Core Formation at this moment.


    If a Core formation expert learned of his insane cultivation speed, they would really doubt their knowledge. When did Core formation became so easy to tread?


    But Hong Chi was a genius among genius, so this was natural. All that he was lacking are martial arts. As for pills, he had no need of those.


    One day Hong Chi found a road. He followed the road and come upon a carriage being sieged by bandits. Men in uniform formed a circle around the carriage pointing their weapons towards the messily dressed bandits.


    Hong Chi glanced at them and judged that the group did not need any help. He did not move away but stayed to watch.


    "Razor Leaf sect, I am indeed blessed to have encountered you silkpants today! Now please lay all your valuables to the ground and we shall be diplomatic with you!"


    One of the bandits said. The uniformed men did not budge and did not speak.


    "Hey, hey, did you not hear what boss said?"


    One bandit carelessly approached the encirclement, and he payed dearly. With a cold face, one of the uniformed man waved his blade and a fountain of blood spurt out from that bandits neck.


    Watching this, Hong Chi wasn''t fazed and continued to watch.


    "You, I showed mercy only to be despised! Men, leave their corpses here!"


    The bandit announced. He seem to be the leader.


    "Oraah!"


    The bandits carefully circled around the carriage, eyeing the uniformed men. At the back, a group of bandits loaded their crossbows.


    They pointed at the guards and fired. The guards calmly intercepted the bolts with their swords but a few of them were unfortunate and the bolts hit their marks. Even after they died, the uniformed men remained indifferent.


    "These poker faced guards sure are creepy." The bandit leader murmured to himself. He watch the fight from a distance on the top of his horse. Occasionally firing his bows towards the carriage.


    The guards fought valiantly but their strength was lacking. The bandits soon annihilated them. The greedy bandits raided the carriage, there was no one inside. This left them disappointed as they hoped for a female but the sight of gold, pills and jade slips caused their eyes to flutter.


    "B-boss, I think we hit it rich! These bunch actually stored some precious treasures here!"


    "Oh my goodness, isn''t this the Razor Leaf sword art?!"


    Hong Chi watched all this silently. Just as he had expected, these bandits did not need any help. Hearing their commotion, Hong Chi was curious about the contents of the carriage. But he did not break his stealth and calmly watch.


    The bandits walked out carrying chest and one of them proudly waved a Jade slip around, running towards the bandit leader.


    "Look here boss! The Razor Leaf sword art!"


    "Very good!" The bandit leader laughed loudly. "Take these things and let''s leave!"


    Th bandits carried their loots and moved away. Hong Chi locked his gaze on the jade slip on the leader''s hand. This object contains something similar to the invisible current in his body, providing him with power.


    Hong Chi dashed out of cover and snatched the Jade slip in the bandit''s hand before disappearing like the wind. The bandit leader did not even notice that he was holding air until he stopped talking.


    "Shit, where is it?!"


    The bandit''s angry roar resounded in the sky. Of course, he could do nothing as Hong Chi was already far away.

 Ch 2

    The difference between a random mob like the bandit leader and a Core Formation realm expert like our MC, is like the difference between heaven and earth. The bandit leader had no idea where the Jade slip had gone.


    Hong Chi already walked far away from the crime scene and curiously examined the Jade slip.


    He noticed that the invisible whirlpool in his body was attracted to the energy within the Jade slip. Once both forces met, an image appeared in Hong Chi''s mind.


    He watched a male wave his sword around. After a minute, Hong Chi grew bored of watching the man and disconnected from the Jade slip.


    He returned to reality where he picked up a stick from the ground and casually waved at the trees. He roused this energy inside him to let it flow in his body in a profound way. He copied what the man in the Jade slip did and his branch made a crackling sound as it unleashed a sharp wind to the tree.


    Swoosh! The thick tree that grew suspiciously in the middle of the grassland was cut into two, as though it was meant for practice.


    "Amazing." Hong Chi said, learning that he could manipulate the strange energy within him.


    "But this technique seems crappy."


    The technique which was refined generations after generation by Razor leaf sect was slighted by someone who only saw a martial arts for the first time.


    Hong Chi continued his journey with a branch in his hand. When he was bored of the scenery, he would wave his sword around modifying the Razor Leaf Sword Art as he deem fit. His cultivation rose to the third level during this time and he barely noticed it at all.


    Just when the sun begins to set, he saw a city ahead with many carriages lining up in the gate.


    Hong Chi noticed that people exchanged coins for entry so he sneaked in to the city with the guards not noticing his existence.


    Hong Chi did not like to waste coins, and he did not want to spend them either, he only want to hoard them till they formed a mountain. This was his dream since he was a child.


    The city was large and the buildings were exquisitely built. Hong Chi finally saw the difference between a village and a city.


    He wandered around the street wearing wild beast leather. A ten year old child wandering alone did not attract attention from the crowd, they thought he was a beggar and people actively avoided him for the fear of being asked for coins.


    Hong Chi saw through them and thought. ''People here are so petty.'' He indeed want to get a few coins from them.


    While walking, he saw a group wearing loose robe, in a similar fashion to the people the bandits fought. Their clothing were different in design but the people wearing them almost had the same temperament.Stolen story; please report.


    Hong Chi immediately got curious towards this group and secretly tailed them as they went out of the city.


    The group tread the mountain and arrived into a mysterious place. This place had structures housing several hundreds of people.


    The group entered the arc in front of the mountain path and blended in with similar clothes people.


    Hong Chi stayed among the shadows because his appearance would catch attention should he reveal himself. If he decided to remain hidden, there are few experts who could find him. Ever since he was a child, he had always been good at hide and seek.


    On a wide clearing, rows were formed by several people. There was a middle aged man in the front, yelling instructions from time to time.


    "Right Punch!"


    "Hah!" The people moved at the same time and threw a punch.


    "Left kick!"


    "Hah!" They shot their left foot forward in a synchronized movement.


    Hong Chi watched them for a while and secretly laughing at how silly they are.


    Hong Chi left the place and sneaked into a building which had the most visitors. The building looked conspicuous with two metal statues standing at the entrance. Hong Chi saw CPU tiles shelves inside.


    He utilized the modified Razor Leaf Sword Art to travel silently in between shelves to hide there. Not even a sound was produced and the wind stayed the same despite his speed.


    Some individuals saw something from the corner of their eyes but failed to notice something amiss.


    The place was like a library, but it was not silent as one. Young people were discussing about certain topics while laughing occasionally.


    Instead of books, Hong Chi saw bamboo slips and jade slips as well as drawn scrolls stacked on the shelves, this made his eyes lit up.


    He could not read words, but he found out that he could understand these jade slips and drawings.


    He waited for night to come but the place was still bustling as in the day. The old librarian didn''t seem to feel tiredness from all these hustle.


    Having no other choices left, Hong Chi sneakily caught a few Jade slips before running out of the building. A few seconds later, an alarm rang on the old man''s wristband and a look of surprise appeared on his face.


    "Good, very good." He smiled. "Someone actually dare to steal from here and I didn''t even notice a thing."


    This wasn''t the first time this happened. In fact, there were at least ten cases of theft every year. Every single one of them was caught later on and was fined. Most of them were new disciples unfamiliar with the old librarian, which led them to committing this mistake.


    The librarian''s wristband was a special artifact refined for him by the sect. It kept a record of every single works stored in the library and once something was secretly delivered outside or someone did not return it on the agreed time, the wristband would alert him.


    The wristband could also track the stolen object within the distance of three miles.


    The old librarian waved his hands and the two statues standing outside began to move.


    The people who saw this were many and some of them laughed mockingly. "Someone had the guts to violate the rules!"


    "Let''s see how the fellow ends up."


    Some people remained indifferent and merely sneered at the sight before continuing in their tasks.


    The statues drew their weapons, one of them wield two swords and the other wields a giant halberd.


    The statues shot forwards and followed the location of the jade slips in Hong Chi''s hand like a pair of hunting hounds.


    "We got to see these Library guards act again."


    "I heard that they were capable of fighting a Foundation Realm expert. That person who did something will encounter misfortune."


    "Let''s go. Let''s see whose so bold."


    Those who were not busy with anything followed the two human armors. Included amongst them were the former violators. They too had the opportunity to taste the power of these sick metal statues.


    "Yan Lin, someone is following your footstep."


    A boy said to the other boy running besides him.


    "Our footsteps." Corrected the other boy called Yan Lin. "Once I observed the habits of these things, I will be able to beat them and successfully steal techniques from the second floor."


    Hong Chi noticed the commotion from the library. He looked and saw the two statues running followed by a line of people with eager faces.

 Ch 3

    It came as a surprise to Hong Chi that statues could move. His surprise soon turned into interest, how are they able to move?


    Hong Chi waved a branch towards the statues and a blade made from the wind came blowing towards them. The statues were not able to evade because it came out of nowhere, and under the astonished eyes of the crowd, they were sliced into pieces.


    "That sword art seems familiar!" Yelled a person.


    "You are right, that is the Razor Leaf sword art!"


    Knowing the identity of the martial arts is equivalent to knowing the identity of the culprit. Currently, that''s how their thought works.


    "Damn Razor Leaf sect, how dare they mess with my Sunshine Sect!"


    The old librarian felt his connection with the metal statues break and he rushed out roaring.


    "Kill that scum!"


    The aura of a peak foundation establishment expert exploded from the body of the elder.


    Hong Chi at this moment had ran out of the sect. On the way, he saw a person coming from below the mountain, wearing the same uniform as the rest.


    Hong Chi knocked out the poor fellow and seized his clothes. Out of pity, Hong Chi covered the naked guy with a pelt before returning to the sect.


    The old librarian and other sect disciples rushed out and they found the body of the poor disciple. Yan Lin who followed the crowd halted and examined the face closely.


    "It''s senior brother Wang!"


    The old librarian''s face was grim.


    "Junior Wang had already advance to the 6th stage of Foundation Establishment. He was knocked out without resistance, and the culprit took his clothes."


    The old man barked orders.


    "Some of you return to the sect and inform Vice Head Li about the matter. Search for any suspicious person in the sect! As for the others, search the mountain!"


    Unbeknownst to them, the ''culprit'' was looking at them from far away. Hong Chi was sitting on a tree branch, wearing the uniform he stole. He watch them take the nude guy back to the sect and the group separated to search the mountain.


    Hong Chi turned his attention back to the Jade slip and his energy interact it, projecting images in his mind. Along with the image, information also flowed directly to his head, explaining what the image is all about. This was different from the first Jade slip he obtained.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    From this information, he learned what people call the energy he had, it was called qi. Growing this energy is called cultivation, and he also learned that there are different realms of cultivation.


    The Jade slip he held instructs how to cultivate from Body Tempering to Foundation Establishment. He didn''t know what those enigmatic words means, and he didn''t bother knowing, feeling that it is unnecessary to learn it.


    He withdrew a scroll this time and he opened it. Seeing the contents, Hong Chi felt like he had a severe headache. It was a wall of text and the letters meant the same to him even if he turn it upside down.


    But somehow, his hands can''t put it down and his gaze was attracted to the wall of text. In his sight, the text flowed and danced, then they entered his head and imparted knowledge to him.


    He blinked and the wall of text was still the same. He just shrugged and put it back to his makeshift pouch and pondered about the knowledge he obtained.


    Once again, he felt his cultivation advance as he did this. The knowledge the scroll imparted on him was about making a beam with his qi.


    "Sounds easy." Hong Chi yawned and opened his palm, a golden ball suddenly formed.


    He pointed the ball to the horizon and the golden ball transformed into a golden beam.


    According to the scroll''s description, his level of execution should be ''Perfect''.


    Hong Chi rummaged his pouch for the things he retrieved from the library, all these mystical things works the same. They impart information directly to the mind of those who either view or insert qi in them.


    Hong Chi soon finished absorbing the contents of the jades slips and scrolls and during this short period of time, he learned and memorized the realms of cultivation and their characteristics.


    He matched his findings with his current state and learned that he is a Core Formation stage expert. He felt satisfied, despite not knowing what that entails.


    Hong Chi all the things back to his pouch after browsing them and planned to return them after the Sunshine Sect members cooled down their heads.


    Hong Chi stood on the ground and wielded a branch as though it was a sword. Among the Jade slips he obtained, many of them were sword arts. He combined his previous knowledge with the knowledge he obtained to improve his sword arts.


    As Hong Chi moved, his figure transitioned from clear to vague. He was like a ghost, sometimes his sword resembled the brilliance of the sun, sometimes it was light and unpredictable like a falling leaf.


    When he stopped, the enormous sword intent that envelopes him disappeared and the branch he held shattered into pieces. Hong Chi was satisfied. The trees around him stood strongly, yet Hong Chi could cut them in an instant if he wanted to.


    His practice had not gone unnoticed however, and he this so he left the place quickly and moved to another location.


    The old librarian reached the place he where practiced sword arts. The old man frowned, the air seem sharp and deadly.


    Suddenly, the old man shivered and cautiously stepped back.


    "What''s wrong elder Li?" Asked the disciples behind him.


    Elder Li shook his head. "Nothing."


    The old man traced his fingers to his neck and outlined the small cut that suddenly appeared there.


    He didn''t noticed it at all until he felt the pain. There was no malice nor killing intent, because it wasn''t made by someone, but it was formed by the sharp aura that remained in the place.


    "Let''s go back." The old man suddenly announced, shocking the disciples. "What''s wrong Elder Li?"


    "Let the higher ups deal with this. This is not a thing we could handle." Elder Li said.


    The group retreated and Elder Li''s face flowed with cold sweat. The opponent was not anyone he could defeat. He knew that if the opponent wanted it, he would have died without him being aware of it.

 Ch 4

    Hong Chi watched the group retreat and soon decided to follow them. They returned back to the sect and reported the matter to the higher ups.


    "A member of Razor Leaf sect infiltrated the library and managed to evade your pursuit, and you are telling me that this person was able to consolidate a sword intent?"


    Vice Head Wang looked at the group with Elder Li kneeling on the front.


    "That''s basically it, senior Wang."


    The old librarian was sweating bullets as he spoke. The Vice Head was simply too intimidating and his aura caused the younger disciples to pale. This was a Core Formation expert! Yes, this was the second character with this level of cultivation!


    Hong Chi who scouted them from the practice ground did not feel it wise to approach nearer as there was a troublesome character inside.


    "Punch!"


    The instructor bellowed and Hong Chi watched the disciple near him throw a punch. The instructor went from person to person, correcting their postures and beating those who thought more than 1 second to comprehend his words.


    The instructor walked before Hong Chi and scanned him with sharp eyes.


    "Hmm?"


    The instructor could not help but nod. Hong Chi''s stance was perfect.


    "Punch!"


    The instructor''s spittle sprayed on his face but Hong Chi did not want the end up like the poor guy who dared to wipe it in front of the instructor.


    Hong Chi executed a punch perfectly. The instructor''s eyes gleamed.


    "What is your name?"


    "It''s Hong Chi, instructor."


    "Your fist is good."


    The instructor moved on to another disciple.


    "Punch!"


    "Hah!"


    "I said punch you idiot, not yell!"


    Hong Chi turned his attention in the meeting occurring in a certain building. The meeting just concluded and the previous group went strange people following them out.


    These people were dressed in black and wore silver masks to cover their faces.


    The instructor turned his head towards them and said.


    "Why are the sect enforcers going out?"


    "Instructor, I heard that someone from another sect stole from the library."


    The instructor frowned. "Which sect?"


    "I have not yet been informed, instructor."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Alright, let''s not mind them and continue training!" The instructor said.


    The black clothed people separated into groups and began searching for the intruder. They all have reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, and had honed their martial arts unlike the frail old librarian.


    A group of the black clothed people went to the practice ground and eyed every disciples present, causing them to sweat nonstop.


    Suddenly, their eyes behind the mask became fixed on Hing Chi''s figure.


    "We have found you, intruder." One of them said.


    The instructor acted quickly upon hearing this, arriving at Hong Chi''s side and unhesitatingly throwing a punch to his flank.


    Suddenly, the instructor''s eyes widened in disbelief. The instructor''s body fell at Hong Chi''s foot. Hong Chi withdrew his fist and turned to the black clothed men.


    The disciples were shocked to see the instructor who was invincible in their hearts fall, with the same punch he taught them a while ago.


    "The devil is fallen!" One disciple blurted out his thought. Other disciples looked at this disciple with vicious gaze.


    Once the instructor woke up, he would do so with burning rage, and they will let this guy handle the brunt of his anger.


    They had the same thoughts as this guy, but thoughts like this are better not said.


    Hong Chi saw one of the black clothed person drew out a sword and pointed to him.


    "I heard that you have formed a sword intent, allow me to experience it." He said.


    After saying this, he flew towards Hong Chi and brandished his sword tracing light in the air.


    "This is the Sunlight Swordsmanship! This person actually mastered such a difficult martial arts!" Exclaimed one disciple in the background.


    Hong Chi felt this sword art familiar and he realized that he learnt the same swordsmanship a while ago.


    The other black robes people did not stay idle during this time. Two of them vanished, and the remaining two joined the fray.


    A golden beam flashed from one of the black clothed person and Hong Chi evaded the beam. A radiant arc suddenly greeted him while he was in the air. Hong Chi twisted his body slightly and allowed the sword to pass harmlessly by his side.


    Hong Chi landed and he dashed away from the scene.


    The third black clothed person acted this time, running after Hong Chi.


    "It''s futile to es-" the fellow did not get to finish his sentence as Hong Chi delivered a stomp to their face. The person was blown away like a kite and their mask formed cracks. The fellow did not stood up after that.


    Hong Chi held back with the kick, or else the power of a fourth stage- was it fifth?- Core Formation expert would have blasted that person''s head.


    Reinforcement finally arrived at the scene and tried to chase Hong Chi. When Hong Chi went out of the sect, he quickly ran forward and grabbed a branch then he turned towards his pursuers.


    The group also halted. Although their opponent looked young, they did not underestimate him after seeing him battle.


    Hong Chi tested the branch first by waving at the group. A massive blade of wind suddenly appeared before them.


    "Dodge!" Yelled one of them. The group leaped to the air while the ground below them was torn by the sharp wind.


    Seeing this, Hong Chi was satisfied.


    The black clothed people felt their scalps go numb.


    "So this is the power of sword intent..." The swordsman whispered. He felt the hand holding his sword tremble at the attack.


    The group secretly communicated at each other, then they vanished as their speed reached the limit.


    Hong Chi could have escaped from them long ago, but he saw this as an opportunity to refine his skills.


    Hong turned and slashed with his branch. The sword which it passed was cut without resistance.


    "Impossible!" The swordsman exclaimed. Hing Chi punched his stomach and he was out cold.


    The branch did not stop moving at it intercepted attacks from the others.


    Hong Chi was feeling happy smacking their heads with the branch.


    After a while, the black clothed group all lied on the group, powerless and full of bruises. They could not even touch their opponent''s clothes.


    Hong Chi looked up and saw a person descends majestically from the sky.


    This person was Vice Head Wang. He glanced at the fallen folks and his eyes twitched in irritation. He then faced Hong Chi with a sharp glare.


    Hong Chi had advanced to the eight stage of Core Formation and he determined that this man was no longer a threat for him.


    "Let''s see your strength, intruder!" Vice Head Wang made seals with his hands and seven golden orbs appeared on his back.


    He made another seal and the orbs transformed into seven golden dragons. The dragons had frightening visage and their roars continuously resounded on Hong Chi''s mind.


    Vice Head Wang revealed a look of concentration and he started to chant while his hands did not stop from forming seals. The dragons roared along with him.


    "Behold our Sunlight sect''s secret skill, Seven Sunlight Dragons!"

 Ch 5

    Seven golden dragons danced around Vice Head Wang, seeing this majestic sight, Hong Chi was determined to learn this move later.


    In the meantime, he took a pose with his branch.


    "Impudent!" Vice Head Wang roared when he saw the familiar stance. Isn''t this the Sunlight Swordsmanship? Also, was he trying to fight him with a branch?


    Vice Head Wang extended his arms and the docile dragons transformed into furious beast as the rush towards Hong Chi.


    The dragons attempted maw him down but they were blocked by the frail branch. That ordinary branch seemingly had an eye on its own as even if the dragons maneuvered towards Hong Chi''s blind spot, they were unable to attack him.


    "Seven Dragons Formation!" Yelled the elder. He did not look down on the boy who looks no older that ten. A ten year old Core Formation Expert? Even if he was beaten to death, he would not believe it.


    The dragons circled around Hong Chi and formed a golden wall.


    "Destroy!" Vice Head Wang formed the last seal and in the center of the formation, a pillar of light rose towards the sky incinerating everything on its path.


    Vice Head Wang withdrew the dragons and approached the burnt ground. ''He probably burnt to ashes.''


    "Phew, that was really close." An immature voice sounded behind him.


    "I knew it isn''t easy to kill a Core Formation expert!" Vice Head Wang said as he made a seal.


    But Hong Chi did not let him finish whatever he was doing he attacked with the branch. Vice Head Wang evaded but the branch grazed his cheeks slightly.


    Hong Chi displayed his impeccable Swordsmanship again as he countered the Vice Head''s techniques.


    Vice Head Wang flew to the sky to have some breathing room but Hong Chi trailed behind him and showered him with slashes.


    The Vice Head was barely able to fight Hong Chi''s Swordsmanship. Fortunately, the dragons were there to shield him from unexpected strikes.


    "Sunlight Finger!" Vice Head Wang yelled and his fingers traced a golden light before colliding at the frail branch.


    Th old man gritted his teeth. His body was covered in countless cuts and gashes. His clothes had been shredded, his elegant demeanor was nowhere to be found.


    The branch found its way around his defense, thrusting towards his forehead. Vice Head Wang smacked the branch away with a palm strike, changing its trajectory. His palm went numb but he managed to avoid being pierced by the branch.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ''I won''t last long.'' Vice Head Wang thought as he looked at the boy who didn''t look tired.


    The technique he displayed was similar to his sect''s Sunlight Swordsmanship and Razor Leaf sect''s Razor Leaf Sword Art.


    But the essence was entirely different. Vice Head Wang had not seen a sword technique as deadly as this. If the boy had the intention to kill him, he would have died many times over.


    As Hong Chi was about to end the fight by smacking the old man''s head, a large beam flashed towards him. Hong Chi turned and split the beam with a slash.


    The Vice Head was too exhausted and when he saw a familiar figure floating in the sky, he smiled and fell unconscious. His body fell from the sky and one of the disciples who was secretly watching the fight caught his body before retreating to the sect.


    Hong Chi hovered in the air eyeing at the figure floating from a distance. The one who unleashed the beam.


    Only now did Hong Chi noticed that he was also floating and he didn''t know how. But it was an ability available to Core Formation stage expert.


    In the sky, Hong Chi saw that the figure was a beautiful lady with a mature body and a dazzling red hair.


    "If you return what you have taken from my sect, I would not pursue this matter anymore and let you leave in peace." The lady said.


    "Its the sect master."


    "So gorgeous." The disciples below murmured.


    Hong Chi threw his makeshift pouch containing the things he stole from the library. The lady was surprised but she grabbed the pouch and confirmed that nothing was missing. She turned to Hong Chi.


    "You can go."


    Hong Chi disappeared in their sight but stayed in the mountain. The lady was a Core Formation Expert who was only slightly stronger than the Vice Head. Definitely not a threat towards him but there was no reason to fight anymore since he got what he wanted and even got the opportunity to return what he took from their library.


    The lady stared at the place for a while before unclenching her fist. It was good that she avoided confrontation. She knew her strength and she was able to watch the fight between the intruder and Vice Head Wang. The boy merely used qi equivalent to a Foundation Establishment expert, relying on a branch coupled with masterful swordsmanship to defeat the old man at Core Formation realm.


    The lady imagined herself going against that swordsmanship and saw no hope of winning. She had come across many sword arts from various large sect yet none of them put an impression of being invincible.


    Conceding was the best she could do.


    The lady went to her sect and the disciples cheered at her arrival.


    "Welcome back, Sect Master!"


    "Sect master scared the intruder shitless, hahaha!"


    "Our sect master is the best, very beautiful!"


    The lady smiled.


    "Some of you know that only two months are left after the Mystic Realm opens. Various sects will surely come for this event, even the largest sects and ancient clans on the continent will not miss this chance."


    She said. "Those who wanted to go must at least reach Foundation Establishment. The Mystic Realm, although it is a treasure trove of cultivation resource, it is extremely deadly. Be aware that some of you might not return alive in this journey. So if you are not confident in your ability, I suggest that you grow your strength and wait for a another chance in the coming year."


    The Sunlight sect disciples were motivated to train harder with their Sect leader''s words.


    The Mystic Realm was a place that could change ones fate. A genius may fall there, and an ordinary cultivator may rise up as an unparalleled genius. This wasn''t merely an empty hope, in fact, there were precedents of such matters occurring throughout the continent.


    In the Mystic Realm, luck is more important than strength.

 Ch 6

    Hong Chi stayed inside a cave in the mountain, near the Sunlight sect.


    Occasionally, he would disguise himself as a disciple to infiltrate the sect and listen to news.


    "I need to practice my movement technique, it would be handy in the Mystic Realm."


    "I think so to, if you can''t fight, run."


    By listening to the disciples, Hong found out the latest news which is the opening of a place called Mystic Realm. It seems that everyone is looking forwards to it.


    Hong Chi was also interested in this place after hearing people speak about it.


    He returned to his cave to practice his martial arts. He currently have two offensive techniques which is his own sword art and the Sunlight Beam. Although he only have two, he deemed it enough to defeat anyone of the same level as him.


    One month passed and during this time, Hong Chi honed his own swordsmanship. Modifying it further so that it was faster, stronger and more unpredictable. It was as Vice Head Wang calls it, extremely deadly.


    His Sunlight Beam has reached perfection long ago but he was not satisfied. It''s not that the Sunlight Beam lacks power, but Hong Chi thought that a good martial art must not stop improving. Thus, he modified this signature technique of the Sunlight Sect too.


    Hong Chi stood under a clear sky and a white orb floated in his palm. The orb flashed a beam to the sky and the beam travelled forward with fast speed. The beam pierced through the clouds and beyond before fading. However, there was a conspicuous ''hole'' in the sky where the clouds parted and the air around the beam''s path trembled continuously.


    Sunlight Sect Master was in the midst of her contemplation when she jerked her head to the sky.


    "This..." She saw that tyrannical beam carve a path beyond the clouds, it was many times stronger than her Sunlight Sect''s Sunlight Beam.


    As he watch this beam vanish, she was hit by an epiphany.


    She hurriedly sat down with legs crossed and closed her eyes. The air around her palms trembled and a simple white orb materialized.


    She opened her eyes which gleamed brightly. "Success!"


    She managed to strengthen the power of her Sunlight Beam by adding her comprehension light to the technique.


    Time passed quickly. Hong Chi who was lazily bathing in the sun had nothing else to do. He once thought that martial arts need to improve constantly, but he discovered that he was just bullshitting to sound cool.


    It was only one week before the Mystic Realm opens and the world was showing some conspicuous signs. For example, the sky had a violet hue during sunset.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    After two weeks, all the major forces in the continent will act and send their members below Soul Cleansing realm to enter the place.


    Hong Chi stared at the violet sky with a frown on his face. He thought that it was weird, his cultivation advancement had reverted to its normal speed just like when he was younger. During these pass days, he had only advanced in one stage. Currently, he was a peak Core Formation expert.


    "This is weird, is something wrong with me?"


    If any cultivator heard this, they would surely spurt blood from anger. We spent many years to advance in one stage and you who do not even cultivate managed to advance many levels in the blink on an eye, you call it ''wrong''? Wrong your head!


    Hong Chi thought that this is because he was inactive during these days, that''s why his cultivation slowed down. When he sneak into the Mystic Realm, there would surely fights and he would advance to the Soul Cleansing stage in a moment. He didn''t know if he would be kicked out for surpassing the maximum level.


    What he didn''t know was that breaking-through the Soul Cleansing realm while inside was acceptable. Many organizations knew this fact and those who suppressed their cultivation at the peak stage of Core Formation realm had a great advantage on this event.


    Time passed and everyone waited patiently for the grand event. Hong was the same, standing on the top of a tree while nibbling a blade of grass.


    One day, a tremendous thunder resounded. The clouds seem to swirl in circles as violet rifts opens up like countless eyes on the sky. Countless experts instantly swarmed towards the rifts, some flying on their own, some rode on artifacts and flying swords.


    Hong Chi waited and he soon saw the Sunlight Sect members flying towards the rift above their mountain. Hong Chi also flew towards a rift directly above him.


    A feeling of weightlessness suddenly came to him as lines of violet continuously danced around his surroundings.


    When the violet lines subsided, he found himself standing on a rubble. There are many people like him who looked around curiously. He saw the Sunlight Sect not that away from him and he nodded his head.


    He had a slight sentiment with the Sunlight Sect with their disciples and elders since he occasionally visits them.


    In the Mystic Realm, the sky was eternally purple and there is no day or night. The land was even larger than the continent and contains forest, seas and mountains.


    Hong Chi examined the people around him and noticed that many of them were in the Body Tempering Realm, with some in the Foundation Establishment Realm and a few Core Formation expert mixed among them.


    Some arrived in groups and some arrived as an individual.


    There were violet flashes around him spitting up people. The violet flashes did not stop even after an hour had passed and the veterans did not hurry to explore the mysterious realm. They waited for a total of five hours staying on their places and occasionally greeting people from other organizations.


    After five hours, the violet flashes stopped appearing and at this time and a pillar of light rose from the center of the realm.


    Seeing this, the people began to move and head on their own way. The Sunlight Sect also started walking led by their Sect Master.


    Hong Chi looked up to the sky as a some cultivators riding on artifacts flew towards the pillar of light.


    Many people saw this and sneered. Soon, Hong Chi knew why people walked instead of flying. The flying cultivators reached 2 miles before a large bird swept over them and they were gone. Their fates were unknown but it could easily be imagined.


    These cultivators did not belong to any organization, much like Hong Chi. Thus they had no prior knowledge in the Mystic Realm, and after seeing someone fly, they naturally thought that it was safe the do so. Most of them were in Body Tempering realm and some Foundation Establishment realm who did not enter the Mystic Realm before.


    Hong Chi thought it was a pity and looked towards the group approaching him.

 Ch 7

    These group have different attires and ages. The young man walking in front walked in front of Hong Chi, smiling.


    "Greetings senior." The young man said. "My name is Xiao Tian and everyone of us here are rogue cultivators. We are gathering other lone wolves to join us explore the Mystic Realm, if you wish, we would be glad to have you in our company."


    Xiao Tian was the the peak of Body Tempering Realm, very impressive considering his age. He had noticed the boy standing alone and felt a massive pressure bearing down on him when his eyes went across them. Xiao Tian had determined that this man was also a lone wolf like them, it would be good if they had someone powerful in their group and that''s why he asked him to join.


    Hong Chi nodded. Even a Core Formation like him would be in danger inside the Mystic Realm, it was better to follow someone familiar with the place.


    "Thank you." Xiao Tian smiled and bowed. He turned to the rest of the group, in which the strongest is a Foundation Establishment old man and the weakest being a Body Tempering Realm at the seventh stage.


    "Lets go then."


    The group began their exploration. Hong Chi chatted with the for a while and the group was shocked to find that the boy was a Core Formation expert. Even Xiao Tian did not expect that he invited a formidable expert. One must know that a Core Formation expert was at the level of a Sect Master.


    The group was in daze for a short time before they showed grins on their faces.


    The scout among the group returned bringing good news.


    "I found an ancient ruins in the middle of the forest."


    The group looked towards Xiao Tian.


    "We shall go and see if there are treasures."


    Led by the scout, they march towards the forest and saw the ruins the scout was speaking about. There were pillars standing about and all of them was damaged and even pulverized but retained their shapes.


    Hong Chi run his fingers on a pillar and felt the delicate engravings etched on it.


    Before them was an elevated stone floor with cracks spreading on the surface.


    The group advanced further and saw many buildings scattered about. When they entered one of the buildings to see what it had, they saw skeletons as well as ancient items inside. Their eyes flashed with greed by they held it in remembering their agreement.


    Xiao Tian gathered all the things and handed them to the old man who was the strongest besides Hong Chi.


    "Master Feng, please appraise these."


    Master Feng took the things and knocked his fingers on the objects many times and it turned out that these objects were magical items.


    "Lets choose an item and toss the die." Xiao Tian announced and revealed an eight sided die on his hand.


    Hong Chi was briefed about the rule of the group regarding item distribution so he knew what to do.


    "I want the lamp." He said and tossed the die. This die was an artifact found in the Mystic Realm. It was called Fate Die by Xiao Tian and it couldn''t be affected by external forces, the result was random.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Hong Chi tried to control the die with his qi but it felt like he was moving a large mountain with a rope. He gave up and watched the die turn. The result was seven.


    There was another person interested in the lamp and so rolled the die too. It was seven again.


    Hong Chi and that person rolled the die again and it was Hong Chi''s victory with his roll totaling fifteen while the unlucky opponent rolled 1 on his second try.


    After getting the lamp, the group raided more buildings and found many items on them. What followed was a scene of people rolling a die.


    Hong Chi obtained a lamp which could emit light perpetually and an old book with pages that would seem to crumble into ashes anytime.


    The group sat in an empty area. While they were resting, they felt a tremor in the ground, and then it stopped.


    Xiao Tian stood up and signaled the group to take cover.


    The tremor appeared again and they heard a large sound near them. A building had collapse and behind it was a pearl like creature. It was a huge and had a stocky figure and had blue eyes.


    "A construct!" Xiao Tian sucked in air as he look at the creature.


    The creature had pearly white plates attached on some parts of the creature. Beneath the plates, its black metallic body was showing.


    The creature seem to scan the group before it''s eyes fell to their hiding place.


    One of them kicked towards the ground and dashed to escape. No one could blame the man for escaping, in fact, they too were planning to run away, just that the man had beaten them to it.


    A white light flashed however, and the man who attempted to escape suddenly fell. There was a hole on his chest where smoke rose up, spreading the smell of burnt flesh.


    The faces of the people paled, and only Hong Chi calmly analyzed the creature, searching for its weakness.


    After felling the first man, the creature turned its eyes towards them and an eye on its forehead glowed.


    "Dodge!" Xiao Tian yelled.


    A bright beam descended on their location.


    Just when they thought they could have a little bit of time to breath, another beam was released and it pierced their scout. The scout fell lifeless.


    The creature slightly turned its head and aimed at Hong Chi. A bright beam pierced the air.


    Hong Chi held his weapon, a smooth wooden rod which he polished for days. He swung it with a speed that even surpasses the beam of light.


    The beam directly split into two and went to his sides, wrecking havoc in the surrounding. The sword wave travelled the distance and left a scratch on the creature''s armor.


    Hong Chi saw this and his frown deepened.


    Suddenly, he appeared before the creature before it could fire another beam, the wooden rod pierced through the third eye and caused an explosion on the creature''s forehead.


    However, it did not cease. Hong Chi jumped back as the creature threw a punch that made a small tornado in the air.


    "Let''s escape, we can''t beat that thing!"


    Xiao Tian shouted at him. The others were already running for their lives. Hong Chi turned towards him and nodded.


    "I''ll hold it back till you escaped."


    Xiao Tian seemed surprise, then he nodded. Hong Chi was the strongest among them and judging by what he had shown so far, he could escape if he wanted to.


    "You have my gratitude, senior. I''ll be off."


    Xiao Tian''s body turned blurry as he retreated.


    Hong Chi jumped to the side and barely evaded a punch from above. The white plated arm penetrated deep in the stone floor.


    Hong Chi sliced at the gap between the plates and his rod coated with sword intent was not able to cut its body.


    The creature faced him and opened its mouth. Energy gathered and was fired at him. Hong Chi also fired his improved Sunlight Beam and there was an explosion as two energy clashed.


    Suddenly, from the smoke a wooden rod attacked like a viper breaking one of its bead like eyes. Another brilliant brilliant beam came from the dust and destroyed the creature''s remaining eyes.


    The creature calmly waved its arms around it and although it was clumsy, it had enough power to knock a Core Formation Realm out cold.


    The arm hit nothing. Hong Chi emerged from the dust and appeared above the creature''s head. The creature immediately reacted and opened its mouth towards him, attempting to blast him with another beam. Hong Chi plunged the wooden rod inside its mouth and transferred his qi to the rod. The rod trembled slightly but did not break.


    "Swallow this!" Hong Chi activated Sunlight Beam at the tip of the rod and fired it inside the creature''s mouth. The improved Sunlight Beam coupled with his sharp sword intent made a compact explosion in the creature''s mouth.


    Propelled by the explosion, Hong Chi leaped to the air and landed on the ground.


    The creature remained standing and its posture was still the same as when Hong Chi stabbed it on its mouth.


    "Did I defeat it?" He muttered out loud.

 Ch 8

    Hong Chi was about to walk away when he heard a rumbling sound behind him. Turning his face, he saw the creature move slightly. There were some changes to its body. The white plates now had azure marks on its surface, glowing coldly.


    Suddenly, a pair of metallic wings appeared on its back, shocking him.


    The plate on its chest opened up, revealing a small compartment. From there, a familiar glow was radiated.


    Hong Chi''s eyes widened as realized that it was another laser.


    The lines on the creature flashed sharply, and so does the hole in its chest as it fired a more powerful beam.


    Hong Chi walked to the side as an extremely high temperature beam swept past him like a raging storm. He could even feel the heat from his back.


    The creature turned and tried to sweep the beam towards Hong Chi after realizing that its attack missed.


    Like a sword of light, the beam made a horizontal sweep at Hong Chi.


    ''I''m done playing with this thing.'' Realizing that it was getting dangerous, Hong Chi was about to unleash his Core Formation Energy to blast the damn thing to pieces, when a voice like ringing bells sounded from above.


    "En!"


    A girl dressed in white and azure robe descended from the sky with a spear in her hand. The girl possessing the aura of a peak foundation stage expert thrust her spear to the creature. The image of a giant spear appear behind her before speeding at the creature.


    Naturally, as even Hong Chi with his formidable sword arts and modified Sunlight Beam could not stop the creature even after hitting what seem to be like weak points. Nevertheless, the spear did manage to hold the powerful beam.


    With the impact, the creature was forced to take a couple of steps back. The girl had also descended to the ground. Her face was colored in surprise after seeing that her spear technique left only a shallow mark on the creature.


    "You there!" Hong Chi yelled at the girl. "You can''t beat that thing with your level."


    "There''s nothing my spear could not pierce!" The girl said without even turning to face him. "And I''m not ''you there'', my name is Ling Mei!"


    Hong Chi felt helpless. Did she not see that her spear only left a tiny dot on its paint? And yet she claimed that there''s nothing she could pierce with her spear.


    The creature recovered and spread out its wings. Looking closely, those metallic wings resemble razors in their sharpness.


    The stocky figure lowered its body, then it run forward and left a crack in the stomach before floor beneath its feet.


    Its speed was incredible despite its large body, reaching the girl in an instant. The girl prepared for the charge, but the creature halted, and instead slashed with its nimble wings. The girl''s spear blocked the attacks with difficulty but her forehead was cut slightly.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    While attacking Ling Mei, the creature did not forget that send beams on Hong Chi''s way.


    Hong Chi cut the beams apart and muttered. "So annoying."


    He scanned the surroundings and found the lamp he had won over, safely on the stone floor. It was fortunate that their battle did not harm it in anyway. This was Hong Chi''s first legal hoard so he had some sentiments with it.


    "What''s with this thing?!" The girl shrieked as she was assaulted with sharp wings and laser beams.


    Hong Chi did not rush to help. He glanced at the surrounding and noticed a presence hiding in the vicinity.


    Sure enough, the girl yelled out. "Uncle, help me with this!"


    "You deal with this on your own." Said a voice.


    With this, Hong Chi finally discovered the hidden person. He also noticed that he had upgraded to the Soul Cleansing stage. He felt happy that this fight brought benefit to him.


    The qi in his Dantian was now akin to sea with a moon, which is his Core, hovering above it.


    Hong Chi decided that his group had already escaped far away and there was no longer any need of staying. Seeing the creature still preoccupied with the girl, Hong Chi turned around to leave.


    He didn''t expect the girl to also run after seeing him retreat, so much for her cool words.


    "Hurry, its catching up!" The girl said.


    "I can see that."


    The two reached the area where the land was visible once again and there were trees around.


    Once they stepped out of the stone floor, the creature stopped chasing and watched them for a while before leaving.


    "It''s gone." The girl heaved a sigh and looked at the figure standing nearby. She looked closely and was shocked to find a boy.


    Suddenly, his uncles voice sounded in her ears. "Be careful, I can''t see this man''s cultivation. He''s likely a senior."


    That made her alert. There were few people that could abuse his uncle to be vigilant in the Mystic Realm. Few Core Formation Experts are here, and her uncle happens to be one of the best.


    "Senior, how should I address you. Also, forgive me for my rudeness back then. You know, I was caught up in the moment." She said.


    "..."


    Hong Chi did not know why people kept calling him senior despite his young age. But since it felt good to the ears, he did not bother correcting them.


    "May I ask what senior''s cultivation is?"


    "Soul Cleansing." Hong Chi saw no reason to hide so he just stated it truthfully.


    Ling Mei and her uncle in the background sucked air when they heard him. The uncle had suspected of this, but hearing it from the person itself was shocking.


    In the entire continent, there are only at least twenty known Soul Cleansing stage expert. Most peak stage Core Formation expert will run out of lifespan first before they reach the Soul Cleansing. In the Mystic Realm, no Soul Cleansing expert could get inside, but they could advance inside and still remain.


    This means that unless another expert broke to the Soul Cleansing realm like the expert before him, he was probably the strongest force in the entire Mystic Realm.


    Regarding this, Ling Mei had some doubts. With his power, this ''senior'' should be able to deal with a construct. She did not voice out her thoughts since her uncle said nothing about it.


    At this moment, footsteps were heard from the trees and Xian Tian appeared. He saw Hong Chi and sighed in relief.


    "I''m glad that you are safe, senior." He then faced Ling Mei with curious eyes.


    "My name is Xiao Tian, lady."


    "Ling Mei."


    Hong Chi ignored the two and already began walking to see more curious things. He had a lamp on one of his hands which could glow for an entire day just by feeding it with a small amount of qi. He expected to earn more hoards in this Mystic Realm.


    The two followed him for some reason, but Hong Chi did not mind some company so he let them. Ling Mei''s uncle had already shown himself. Hiding from a Soul Cleansing expert while only being at Core Formation is pointless, and so to avoid being rude, he stopped hiding himself.


    Sensing the figures leave together, the white plates creature turned its back and returned to the depths of the ruins.

 Ch 9

    In the barren land, a group of young people and one middle aged uncle was walking.


    It was exactly Hong Chi''s group. They went out of the forest and travelled into this barren land. Along the way, they encountered monsters which Hong Chi quickly disposed.


    Everyone was amazed at his swordsmanship. Specially the Core Formation expert, Ling Mei''s uncle.


    ''That''s a sword intent!''


    He knows only few people who were able to comprehend a sword intent. They were all people with high status.


    With Hong Chi leading the front, they were able to cleave their way in the vast wasteland.


    While they were walking, they saw a sandstorm ahead, covering their vision. The wind was fierce, causing dust to spread around.


    During the way here, they had found ruins and treasures, but they had yet to find something valuable. Most of them were common artifacts and the only value they have is their oldness.


    Hong Chi became the de facto leader of the group as he is the strongest. Just as he decided to turn away, he noticed Ling Mei squinting her eyes to the sky.


    "What are you looking at, Mei''er?"  Uncle Ling also looked up but he only saw a huge shadow.


    ''Shadow?'' Uncle Ling looked again with qi enhanced eyes and saw the form of the shadow. He was astonished.


    "That''s a floating island." Hong Chi said.


    Xiao Tian said. "But we hadn''t seen it when we were far and the sky was clear."


    Uncle Ling pointed at the sandstorm and said. "That sandstorm is probably the Core of a concealment formation. We had unknowingly entered and thus we are able to see the island. This Formation only works from outside."


    Ling Mi said. "What shall we do now?"


    "I will go." Hong Chi won''t let this opportunity pass. He was eager to explore, and that''s why he left the village in the first place. As for cautiousness? He had never felt the need to worry about such trivial matter. Ever since he was born, he had never encountered danger and had never lost in a fight. Be it bandits or clan elders or a white plated organism.


    Uncle Ling said. "Ling Mei, you decide. I was only sent here to protect you. But I don''t recommend that you go there."


    Uncle Ling saw small shadows flying around the island. They were large predatory birds that would render a Foundation Establishment expert helpless, and could corner a Core Formation if one was careless and got surrounded.


    While they were discussing, Hong Chi already shot towards the sky. Xiao Tian revealed a look of determination and followed after him riding an artifact. If he wasn''t willing to take a risk, then going to the Mystic Realm was vain.


    Ling Mei didn''t say anything and followed them too with Uncle Ling dying by her side.


    Seeing a monstrous presence approaching them, the large birds were frightened and they scattered with great speed.


    Hong Chi''s group safely landed on the floating island. Grass grew on top of island and before them was a large palace.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Currently, they stood before its gates. The gates were opened as if welcoming them.


    Hong Chi entered without hesistation, looking curiously around. The gates as well as everything around didn''t seem to be well maintained as dust covered them. The courtyard of the palace had weeds and shrubs, giving it a messy appearance.


    After walking pass the gate, they stood in front of two imposing doors. Hong Chi gave a push and the door opened while blowing dust. Inside was dark and full of stale air. Hong Chi raised the magic lamp which light up after injecting qi. The light revealed the floor made of mirror like materials as well as the webs hanging all over the place.


    The group did not speak as they advanced further and under the light of the lamp, Hong Chi saw steps ascending up. He raised his lamp to reveal what was on the top. When the light bring to notice a high chair and an old skeleton covered in dust and webs, Ling Mei and the others let out gasp but calmed down as soon as they confirmed that it doesn''t move.


    Hong Chi climbed the steps bravely until he arrived before the chair where the skeleton sat. Hong Chi examined the remains carefully before reaching out his hands and tugged a necklace hanging on the skeleton''s neck. Although the tug was gentle, the skeleton was very old and fragile, thus the neck was broken and the skull dropped on its thigh.


    While he was inspecting the corpse, the group had scattered to examine the place. Cultivators could see faintly in the dark so they don''t need the lamp to move around freely. Hong Chi only took up the lamp because he felt it suits the atmosphere.


    "What is this?" Xiao Tian''s voice was heard through the darkness and everyone turned their heads to his direction. They clambered around Xiao Tian and inspected a peculiar dent on the wall. They tried pushing their hands on the dent, injecting qi and even attacking it with their techniques but to no avail. Hong Chi walked to the dent and noticed its familiar shape. He looked at the pendant in his hands, and then at the dent.


    Without hesitation, Hong Chi inserted the pendant on the small dent. The pendant fit in nicely and then the entire place began to vibrate with a hum, and it the vibration could clearly be felt spreading out from the pendant. The pendant glowed and its light flowed on the mysterious markings on the walls, lighting up the whole place for a moment.


    The wall in front of them suddenly split up into two, revealing a passage within.


    "Welcome fellow practitioner of the Dao. I welcome you to my domain, the Sky King Palace." A voice was heard seeming to come from every corners.


    Xiao Tian said. "Senior, please show yourself!"


    The voice ignored Xiao Tian and went on. "As you enter this passage, you will face many trials. Once you have triumphed over them, you will obtain my inheritance. Good luck to you, fellow practitioner. May your journey be filled with difficulties and may your luck be sufficient to overcome them all."


    After saying this, the voice was heard no more. Hong Chi went ahead and entered the passage. It was just a normal stone passage. But he saw a wide chamber ahead of him.


    Ling Mei said. "This is amazing."


    The chamber was flanked by giant statues possessing massive aura. The auras burdened their body and mind, every step they took was akin to lifting a giant rock with their feet.


    "Is this e trial?" Uncle Ling said. "This is too easy."


    "That''s not it I think." Hong Chi said then he pointed at one of the statues. The one sitting with legs crossed  ahead of them. This statue emits a magical aura, wisp of flames and multi colored light swirls around it in circle.


    The group cautiously approached it. When they were near enough, a thought appeared in their minds. They instantly knew what to do.


    "Place your hands on the statue."


    Following the instructions, four of them simultaneously placed their hands on the statue. The eyes of the statue shone in azure blue. Hong Chi felt his body turn numb and his consciousness was sucked inside the statue. Since he hadn''t felt danger, he didn''t resist and allowed himself to be absorbed.


    The same feeling was experienced by the other three.


    In the empty chamber, the bodies of the four went listless. Their eyes were closed before suddenly dropping into lotus position.


    As for their minds, they saw that they had entered into another place.


    The structure had no ceilings, and the floor was made of bricks. Around him were step like seats but there were no spectators.


    Hong Chi looked around him but didn''t see his companions. It seems like they were separated into individual places.


    There came a rumbling sound in front of him. The ground in front of him sank and a transformers into a pool of sand. A creature rose up from this spot. It shook the sands from its body, revealing a metallic luster. The creature soon traveled itself fully, a lean, slender humanoid figure, covered in smooth and slender armor. There were no sharp edges nor spikes in its armor, making it look elegant.


    Looking at this creature, Hong Chi was alarmed. Even more so when a sharp blade extended from one of its arms.


    Hong Chi immediately went into a stance.