The Desolate Era

by S.H.A aifu

Fate had never been kind to Ji Ning. Wracked by illnesses and infirm his entire life on Earth, Ning knew early on that he would die as a teenager. What he didn’t know was that there really was such a thing as life after death, and that the universe was a far larger place than he thought. A lucky twist of fate (one of the few in Ning’s life) meant that Ning was reborn into a world o

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Read The Desolate Era - Chapter 21 – The Top Twenty-Four online free - Novel Full

Chapter 21 – The Top Twenty-Four

The Xia Emperor, Lu Dongbin, and the rest of the nine Pure Yang True Immortals were watching the two competitors within the grand sealing formation. Upon hearing their dialogue, all nine of them couldn't help but laugh.

"This Zhuxiang…he is fearless due to his ignorance." Lu Dongbin shook his head and sighed, "Actually, everyone who has been watching this Conclave already has a rough sense of who the most powerful individuals of the ninety-six are. By contrast, the ninety-six themselves actually aren't clear about how powerful many of them are."

Indeed.

Zhuxiang had only been warned by a Celestial Immortal Patriarch of the Redlotus Sect that Ji Ning was one of the most difficult to deal with contestants in this Conclave, and that he had to fight with full power and not be the slightest bit overconfident. But Zhuxiang himself had never fought against Ning; how could he understand how powerful Ning was?

The spectators on the outside had seen all the battles within the Diagram. The Wanxiang Adepts themselves, however, were ignorant despite having been actually within the Diagram itself. Even Ning himself had only fought against ten or so members of the other 95.

"The first round of duels doesn't matter that much." The Xia Emperor nodded. "The purpose of this first round is to separate the most powerful experts; I'm not actually having the most powerful ones fight against each other yet. Ji Ning truly is far more powerful than Zhuxiang."

"Senior apprentice-brother, you had best hurry up and prepare those Immortal-ranked magic treasures. All forty-eight of the winners are going to need one." Sovereign Hao let out a loud laugh. "Right; are the forty-eight Immortal-ranked magic treasures going to be low-grade or middle-grade?"

"Low grade, of course!" The Xia Emperor laughed.

"I knew it!" Sovereign Hao nodded as well.

"You aren't ashamed to take out low-grade Immortal-ranked magic treasures? The Immortal-ranked magic treasures I carry with me and which I hand out on a whim are all at least high-grade!" Lu Dongbin glanced sideways at the Xia Emperor, who instantly felt resigned. "I have many subordinates under my command, and I also need to keep control over an entire major world. It isn't easy, you know! I can't just randomly throw out Immortal-ranked magic treasures like you, Lu Dongbin. You are free to do what you please."

Ning exploded forth with his full power. His six Immortal swords simultaneously chopped downwards towards Zhuxiang of the Redlotus Sect like a series of catastrophes, giving him no chance to fight back at all.

"I admit defeat," Zhuxiang called out loudly. He then gave Ning a hard look, as though memorizing Ning's appearance. This defeat had been simply too disastrous…

"Mm. One Immortal-ranked magic treasure down." Ning quickly returned to normal, then lazily left the grand sealing formation and returned to King Yan's side within the palace, moving to stand together with his cousin and Yu Wei.

Soon, all forty-eight battles came to an end. The battles in this first round were all fairly simple; after all, the Xia Emperor had arranged a strong competitor to fight a weak competitor in each duel, with the goal of selecting out the strongest competitors.

"The forty-eight of you have each won a duel in the first round. Each of you shall receive an Immortal-ranked magic treasure. Now, I shall bestow them unto you." The Grand Xia Emperor, seated high up above them on his throne, waved his hand. Instantly, magic treasures that emanated massive ripples of power came flying out. There were ropes, flying swords, clocks, millstones, needles, shuttles, spikes, warhammers, grand sealings, longstaffs, silk ribbons, flywhisks…

The forty-eight Immortal-ranked magic treasures all flew outwards to the forty-eight winners.

It was an Immortal-ranked sword that flew towards Ning. The sword-ki revolving around the Immortal sword transformed into the appearance of an old man that looked towards Ning with curiosity.

"This is…" Ning stretched his hand out, catching the Immortal sword and sending his senses into it briefly.

He was someone who had seen the Azuresilk Godfire Lamp and the Thousandbull Sword, after all; Ning had the feeling that this was comparable to the ripples given off by the Azuresilk Godfire Lamp.

"It should be a low-grade Immortal-ranked item." Ning mused secretly to himself, "But it is still a flying sword, extremely suited to attacks. The Grand Xia Emperor saw that I am a Sword Immortal and so bestowed an Immortal sword upon me? Mmm…it's probably worth around 1.75 million kilograms of liquefied elemental essence."

He had expected this Immortal-ranked magic treasure to be low-grade. After all, the top twelve would receive five million kilograms of liquefied elemental essence. It was reasonable for the top forty-eight to be bestowed with a low-graded Immortal-ranked magic treasure.

"Thank you, your Imperial Majesty!"

Ning and the rest of the forty-eight all kowtowed as their voices rang out in unison. Some of them had looks of uncontrollable excitement on their faces.

Low-grade Immortal-ranked?

Not all of these Wanxiang Adepts were as lucky as Ji Ning! Many Loose Immortals were not in possession of Immortal-ranked magic treasures; for them to possess one was already quite incredible.

Whoosh. The Xia Emperor smiled and nodded. Instantly, rainbow-colored raindrops appeared above Ning and the others. As they landed upon the bodies of the Ning and the others, Ning could feel his divine power and elemental ki be quickly restored. Those who were wounded were all quickly healed as well. Although most of them had spirit-pills that could have accomplished this, Ning and the others couldn't help but feel excited that the Xia Emperor had personally healed them.

"Arise. All of you can go back and get some rest. Prepare for the next competition," the Xia Emperor said.

Ning and the others all returned to their respective locations. Ning and the Sloppy Daoist returned to King Yan's side.

Soon, the Xia Emperor ordered for the second round of duels to begin.

"The second round of duels shall begin now," the Xia Emperor said calmly. "In the first battle, Xiangtian Xiao of the Xiangtian clan shall face Kindwater Gan of the Kindwater clan." 1.

Xiangtian Xiao…he was the final remaining competitor of the Xiantian clan within this Conclave. Kindwater Gan, in the same way, was the final disciple the Kindwater clan had within this Conclave.

Both of these ancient clans hoped for their own disciples to win.

However, victory was determined after a few short exchanges in this duel. Xiangtian Xiao, with clear superiority, defeated Kindwater Gan.

"Xiangtian Xiao is quite powerful." The Sloppy Daoist watched the battle outside the palace and spoke out in praise.

"Yes." Ning nodded. "His Dao is the Grand Dao of the Sabre; the Dao of the Sabre is a Grand Dao that is comparable to the Dao of the Sword…and it is even more dominating and overbearing. Xiangtian Xiao himself is quite a heroic and straightforward figure, and his sabre arts are like him…he is indeed a formidable foe."

"He can indeed be described as a formidable foe," the Sloppy Daoist nodded.

"The second battle shall be between the unaffiliated Adept Blackstone and Adept Danzhu of the East Seas," the Xia Emperor proclaimed.

Upon hearing this, Adept Danzhu, as beautiful as a fairy from the Moon Palace, couldn't help but frown. Still, she still walked into the grand sealing formation outside of the main palace. As for Adept Blackstone, he appeared as he always did; barefoot, bald, and pitch-black. He leaned on a gnarled staff as he walked forward with a calm smile.

"The Xia Emperor actually pitted Adept Danzhu against Adept Blackstone? Based on what we saw from the first round…the Xia Emperor generally pits a strong fighter against a weak fighter, so as to ensure that strong fighters won't clash against each other too early on." Ning shook his head. "It seem as though in the Xia Emperor's eyes, Adept Danzhu's power should be in the bottom twenty-four of these forty-eight."

"Right. Although Adept Danzhu is quite famous, she still isn't a Fiendgod Body Refiner," the Sloppy Daoist agreed. "When Ki Refiners fight against Fiendgod Body Refiners, they are generally at a significant disadvantage…especially seeing as how all the competitors in this Conclave are supreme geniuses. The weaknesses of Ki Refiners are made even more apparent."

Ning nodded. It was true. And this was before the tribulation; upon a Fiendgod Body Refiner becoming an Empyrean God, his power would immediately be on the same level as a Pure Yang True Immortal! From this, one could tell how major an advantage Fiendgod Body Refiners towards the late stages!

The battle between Adept Blackstone and Adept Danzhu was an extremely weird battle.

Adept Blackstone only had to use his Fuxi Staff Formation to cause Adept Danzhu to be completely unable to fight back. In the end, she had to admit defeat. From start to finish, Adept Blackstone hadn't been forced to fight in close combat a single time.

"What a terrifying Adept Blackstone." This caused Xiamang Zishan, Ji Ning, Adept Ninedeaths, Cangwu Jiu, and the other geniuses to all memorize what had just happened.

One competition after another.

Several figures appeared who caused Ning to be secretly alarmed. There were some whom he wasn't too familiar with, such as the likes of Adept Goldcrow, Adept Primalback, or Adept Unicosmo. Actually, everyone in the top twenty four was quite frighteningly strong.

"The twenty-fourth battle. The unaffiliated Adept Saberslave shall fight against Adept Bloodfiend of the Heaven Piercing clan."

This was the final battle of the second round.

Adept Bloodfiend was a fairly dazzling figure; his berserkness and his bloodlust had caused everyone watching to firmly fix them in their minds.

But…

He was actually defeated miserably!

Just two blows of the saber! The first blow caused Adept Bloodfiend to be knocked flying backwards, but he had enough power to want to come back and try to fight again. The second blow, however…it chopped his body completely in half! The bisected Adept Bloodfiend hurriedly called out loudly, "I admit defeat!"

"What?!"

"How can this be?!"

Ji Ning, the Sloppy Daoist, Xiamang Zishan, Adept Blackstone, Adept Ninedeaths, and the others were all tremendously shocked. A serious look appeared in their eyes.

A formidable foe! Without question, a formidable foe! Nobody dared to say that they were confident in being able to defeat this mysterious 'Adept Saberslave.'

Adept Saberslave was a black-robed man that carried a warcleaver. He was cold-faced and didn't say anything at all. When he stood there silently, he was easily overlooked…but when acting against Adept Bloodfiend, he revealed his fierceness!

"This wandering cultivator…he should be the disciple of a good friend of mine. Previously, he didn't cause any stir at all, and I thought that he simply had the same Daoist title. But those two saber blows, and his status as a wandering cultivator…there should be no doubt about it." Lu Dongbin's eyes lit up, and he laughed as he praised, "This good friend of mine once mentioned this disciple of his; he said that his disciple had taken on the Daoist title 'Saberslave' and had sworn that he would offer everything he had to the Dao of the Saber. He was going to infuse everything he had into the Dao of the Saber, and that he was willing to be a slave to the Dao of the Saber!"

"Oh? Intriguing." Truelord Chiji's eyes lit up. "Eastflower, who is friend of yours?"

"Umm…nice weather we have today!" Lu Dongbin suddenly turned his head to stare into the void of the skies.

Truelord Chiji was instantly speechless.

The Xia Emperor and the others couldn't help but smile. Still, they could tell that Lu Dongbin clearly didn't want to name this friend of his; most likely, this friend of Lu Dongbin most likely belonged to an alliance that was an enemy of one of the Daofathers supporting Lu Dongbin! Lu Dongbin made friends throughout the Three Realms; he even dared to befriend some enemies and some vile demons.

"There are quite a few solitary wandering cultivators this time," the Xia Emperor said. "This Adept Saberslave is one of them. There are some truly powerful figures amongst this group; some most likely come from other worlds. No matter where they are from, however…since they have participated in this Conclave, I will naturally treat them all equally."

"However, for this Saberslave to suddenly explode with such power causes me a bit of a headache." The Xia Emperor shook his head. "Based on my previous understanding of their power levels, in the third round, I had already made plans for who would fight who…but for this Saberslave to explode with such power in the final battle of the second round makes it so that I don't know what to do."

"I have a recommendation," Lu Dongbin suddenly said.

"Oh?" The others all looked over.

"This Saberslave should be the most powerful expert of the Dao of the Saber out of these remaining twenty-four. As for that Dao-companion of the little girl I like, that Ji Ning…he's the most powerful expert of the Dao of the Sword. One is a Sword Immortal while the other is a Saber Devil; having the two of them fight each other will undoubtedly be quite interesting." 2

The Xia Emperor, hearing this, let out a laugh. "Each of the twenty-four are formidable. No matter who I put Adept Saberslave against, it will still cause me a headache. Since you've spoken out, Lu Dongbin…then let's have this Ji Ning fight against this Saberslave."

1. Xiangtian Xiao is an interesting name; Xiangtian means 'facing the heavens', while Xiao means laugh; his name thus means 'laughing towards the heavens'

2. In Chinese, the sword (jian) refers to thin, double-edged longswords that are used for slashing and piercing. The saber (dao) can refer to either daggers (duan dao, short saber), or to (usually) single-edged bladed weapons meant for hacking and chopping, such as backswords/broadswords and cleavers. The sword is viewed as the weapon of the gentleman due to its more graceful stances and elegance, while the saber is viewed as the sword of a brute/warrior due to its violent, hacking blows that are extremely suited for the battlefield.

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Chapter 22 – Ji Ning and Saberslave

Ji Ning, Yu Wei, the Sloppy Daoist, and Yuchi Xiyue were quietly whispering amongst each other, discussing each of the remaining twenty-four competitors.

"Adept Woodpass always defends passively, reacting to whatever the enemy throws at him…but he ended up winning, just like that." Yuchi Xiyue sighed. "I have the feeling that he hasn't shown his full power yet."

"Adept Ninedeaths, her body is like a magic treasure. Enemies aren't able to do anything to her at all."

"Adept Goldcrow is bizarre and savage."

"That Adept Saberslave is also quite terrifying."

"Ji Ning, the Xia Emperor isn't going to arrange for you to fight against the Sloppy Daoist, is he?"

"The Xia Emperor wouldn't, unless senior apprentice-brother and I both make it into the top three."

They continued to chat amongst themselves. Not a single remaining expert was easy to fight; after all, all of the twenty four were favored by the Xia Emperor. Although it seemed as though Ji Ning, Adept Ninedeaths, Adept Blackstone, Xiamang Zishan and the others were the most outstanding, the others weren't much weaker. Perhaps they were hiding supreme techniques, or perhaps they might make a sudden breakthrough.

At a time like this, anything could happen.

"The twenty-four of you!" The Xia Emperor suddenly spoke out.

The entire main hall of the Skylight Palace fell silent. All of them listened carefully. The closer they were to the finale, the more cautious the Celestial Immortals present were; after all, a disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu had appeared in this Conclave, and one of the final three would definitely become the disciple of Daofather Crimsonbright.

"In the third round of duels, the twelve winners shall each receive five million kilograms as a reward," the Xia Emperor said calmly. "I hope that you will all use your full power. Don't let it all be for nothing."

Ning and the rest of the twenty-four held their breaths as they waited eagerly.

"In the first battle of the third round…Ji Ning of the Black-White College shall fight against the unaffiliated Adept Saberslave," the Xia Emperor said.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Countless gazes turned towards Ji Ning and Adept Saberslave.

The faces of Yuchi Xiyue Yu Wei both changed. They were both looking towards Ning as well. To both of them, Ji Ning was the most important person in their world. Although they had great faith in him…Adept Saberslave's earlier performance had been simply too shocking. In addition, they had the feeling that they hadn't seen the full extent of his power.

Ning and Adept Saberslave both began to walk towards the grand sealing formation outside the palace.

"It is the two of them?"

The delegates from the 3600 commanderies and four seas who were watching from the imperial citadel plaza were all completely focused. During this past year, they had been relaxing, chatting, eating, and drinking…but these were the final battles between the ninety-six. This was going to be the most dazzling spectacle in this entire Conclave.

This was especially true now that only twenty-four remained! Each of them were incomparably amazing, supreme geniuses. In addition, this Conclave itself was far more dazzling than previous ones; the top twenty-four were each capable of being ranked in the top three of ordinary Conclaves.

The Sloppy Daoist, Saberslave, Adept Goldcrow, Adept Ninedeaths, and most of the others had originally not planned to come. It was only because their subconscious called them to come that so many peerless monsters had gathered in this place!

"This Adept Saberslave, when fighting against Adept Bloodfiend earlier, chopped through him as easily as chopping through vegetables. He's terrifyingly strong."

"Ji Ning was also one of the most dazzling figures in the world of the Brightmoon Diagram of the Mountains and Rivers. He is tremendously strong as well. For these two to fight…it's truly going to be hard to say who shall win."

Everyone present couldn't help but hold their breaths.

As for the disciples and Loose Immortals of the Black-White College, which had skyrocketed in fame during this Conclave, all of them were extremely nervous. This was because the person who was going to enter battle was Ji Ning, of their own school!

"Master." Little Qing watched without blinking.

"Ji Ning." Northmont Baiwei looked towards his good friend as well. When he had first met Ning, Ning was nothing more than a youth of Swallow Mountain…but now, he had become the focal point of attention for the entire Grand Xia Dynasty.

Within the grand sealing formation.

Ji Ning and Saberslave stood there atop the cloud, staring at each other from afar.

Ning carefully inspected Saberslave. The black-robed man who carried a warcleaver appeared to be extremely calm. He was as still as water, and his aura was completely withdrawn; it was indeed easy for others to pay no attention to him.

"For him to be able to remain so calm at a time like this…for his heart to have reached such a level…when he explodes forth with full power, it will be extremely terrifying. Even I didn't pay any attention to him before he unleashed his full power." Ning was quite cautious.

Adept Saberslave was inspecting Ji Ning as well. This delicate-looking fur-clad youth before him seemed to be like a young bumpkin from the vast wilderness, quite ordinary-looking without appearing to be the slightest bit threatening. But Adept Saberslave had watched the two previous rounds of duels; he naturally knew how terrifying this seemingly-delicate youth could be when he exploded with power.

And his eyes…they were as deep as a bottomless pool of water, but within them one could faintly make out a spirit that was as sharp and fierce as the blade of a sword!

This was quite a terrifying youth.

Based on the intelligence reports he had seen earlier, this youth had trained for only thirty years or so. He truly was an incredible monster.

"I have to attack with full power," Adept Saberslave mused to himself. He had often fought those at a higher level of power, and had even killed quite a few Primal Daoists. However, he had never encountered such a terrifying foe who was also at the Wanxiang Adept level, just like he was.

"I have to fight with full power." This was Ning's private conclusion as well.

Bang! Bang!

Their bodies simultaneously flickered as they both transformed, one into a 54-meter tall giant and the other into a 60-meter tall giant. Clearly, Ji Ning had spent comparatively less time training in the [Heavenly Transformations, and so was slightly lacking in this regard.

Next, the two of them simultaneously executed [Three Heads, Six Arms]!

[Heavenly Transformations] and [Three Heads, Six Arms]…these were two extremely widespread divine abilities in the Three Realms, and were viewed as absolutely necessary for all true experts who trained as Fiendgod Body Refiners.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

The two charged towards each other like a pair of true Fiendgods. Ning wielded six Immortal swords in his hands, while Adept Saberslave wielded six warcleavers.

As they moved next to each other…both of them released their most powerful divine abilities as well! Ning held nothing back, immediately executing his [Starseizing Hand].

Clang! Clang! Clang! ……

A consecutive, frantic flurry of sounds could be heard as the swords and sabers collided. The sounds were actually incomparably clear as they spread far away.

In total, they exchanged a total of twelve blows. The six Immortal swords and the six warcleavers clashed against each other twice.

Whoosh. Adept Saberslave suddenly retreated at high speed, transforming into a streak of black light. He retreated all the way to the edge of the grand sealing formation. His entire body seemed to be brimming with dim flames, and he stared coldly towards Ning with a dark gaze. His six hands had already split open at the juncture between his thumb and forefinger, and blood was dripping out.

Adept Saberslave stared at Ning, his pupils contracting. "What a terrifying strength this Ji Ning possesses, and what terrifying sword arts! Sabers are single-edged weapons that are thicker at the back, allowing them chop out with even greater force. In terms of weapons…if two opponents with equal strength fight against each other, the side wielding a saber will have a greater advantage. But I was actually at a disadvantage!"

Practitioners of the Dao of the Sword were referred to as Sword Immortals; they were agile, relaxed, refined, and free-spirited.

Practitioners of the Dao of the Saber were referred to as Saber Devils; they were savage, brutal, vicious, and ferocious.

These were two diametrically opposed styles!

But in a frontal clash…Adept Saberslave had actually been at a disadvantage.

"I've reached the twelfth stage of the [Crimsonbright Diagram of the Nine Heavens, and my Fiendgod-like body is incomparably mighty. I also have the [Starseizing Hand]; in terms of pure strength, I am definitely number one in this Conclave of Immortal Destiny! My sword arts are comparable to his saber arts; in a frontal clash, how can he compare to me?" Ning felt complete self-confidence.

Although he looked like a delicate youth, his physical strength was definitely number one in this Conclave! His [Starseizing Hand] allowed his hands to explode forth with truly tremendous power; after all, it was ranked as one of the top ten divine abilities to be invented ever since the universe had been created!

Ning refused to believe that in this Conclave, there would appear another divine ability that ranked in the top ten divine abilities of the Three Realms. That was simply too unlikely.

"You are the most powerful Wanxiang Adept I have ever met. However…a battle isn't just about fighting head-on against your foes," Adept Saberslave growled.

"In terms of agility, the Dao of the Sword has always been superior to the Dao of the Saber," Ning replied tranquilly.

As soon as Ning's words came out…

Swish!

Adept Saberslave, moving like a ghost, suddenly appeared in front of Ning. His six arms simultaneously chopped down with his warcleavers, all moving in an extremely strange pattern. It was as though a series of illusions had appeared, each of which was completely silent, either stabbing or hacking towards Ning.

Ning immediately used his own Windwing Evasion, and his six arms also executed his own sword arts. His sword-light was like silk, dancing and fluttering about in the surrounding area with absolute beauty.

It was quite bizarre. There were no sounds of weapons colliding at all.

Their sword-light and saber-light howled past each other repeatedly, seeming to almost clash but then separate before actually doing so.

Adept Saberslave's warcleavers were truly unfathomably strange.

Ning's swords were moved about in a profound, agile manner.

Ning still held the upper hand! After all, in terms of agility, the Dao of the Sword was indeed slightly superior to the Dao of the Saber.

"The saber…is my life!" Suddenly, a hoarse voice rang out.

Adept Saberslave's eyes suddenly brimmed with a fiery light. His six hacking warcleavers suddenly began to move with incomparable speed! One chop after another…they all chopped down towards Ning. The six warcleavers seemed to have transformed into the spokes of a wheel. A limitless amount of saber-light was constantly descending towards Ning, and Adept Saberslave's eyes, glowing with fiery light, appeared to burn with insanity.

In this moment, he had forgotten himself. Only the saber remained!

In this world of the saber…

Fast! Faster! Fastest! One blow after another!

CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG!!!

Ning fought back against his foe, and their two figures began to appear in multiple places throughout the grand sealing formation. The saber-light flashed at a simply incomparably fast rate; after all, sabers were single-edged weapons that were used to hack and chop. In terms of raw speed…their attacks had an advantage over the attacks of a sword.

"Break! Break! BREAK!"

Ning, assaulted and pressured by countless saber-assaults that flashed as fast as fire, instantly exploded with power. Previously, he had been planning to use this as a chance to temper himself, but he now had no other choices. His six Immortal swords instantly became unfathomable in their movements; some were invincibly savage and ferocious, some were as nimble and dextrous as an Immortal maiden sewing clothes, while others solely focused on support.

"YOU CANNOT WITHSTAND ME!" Adept Saberslave had gone completely berserk. In the area around him, a fiery dragon suddenly appeared. The fiery dragon wrapped itself around him as it launched sneak attacks against Ning, disturbing Ning's rhythm.

Around Ning's own body, an enormous Waterflame Lotus suddenly appeared. The Waterflame Lotus bloomed open, the petals of the lotus swiveling against each other.

Slash! Slash!

Blood flew everywhere as the two battled with utter madness.

Adept Saberslave could only be described in a single word – fast!

Ji Ning, in turn, brought out all of the magnificent splendor of the Dao of the Sword.

CLANG! A warcleaver was suddenly knocked aside…and attached to it was a severed hand.

"I admit defeat." A hoarse voice rang out.

The two separated with a swoosh.

Adept Saberslave's entire body was covered in wounds. The wound on his chest was particularly bad; it had torn apart almost his entire chest. His face was covered with many savage wounds, and one of his hands had been severed, causing his warcleaver to fly away.

Ji Ning, by comparison, was a bit better off. He only had a single vicious wound on his chest, as well as several wounds that were about to completely finish healing.

"You weren't completely defeated yet." Ning looked at Adept Saberslave.

"With six sabers, I still lost a hand. With only five sabers…you probably would've taken my life." Adept Saberslave gently shook his head. He picked up his discarded warcleaver, then walked out of the grand sealing formation. Ji Ning walked out as well.

All of the Wanxiang Adepts within the main hall had extremely solemn looks on their faces.

The battle between Ji Ning and Adept Saberslave had been too berserk, too violent. The two had pulled out almost all the stops in their battle, releasing the full power of the Grand Dao of the Sword and the Grand Dao of the Saber, the two Grand Daos that were most suited for attacking. This caused all of the spectators to feel nervousness in their hearts. Many of them would most likely have been defeated had they been the one to encounter Adept Saberslave.

Fortunately, it was Ji Ning, a Sword Immortal, who had been the one to fight. He had managed to suppress this Saber Devil!

And now…Adept Saberslave had admitted defeat, leaving behind the even more terrifying Ji Ning!

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Chapter 23 – Ji Ning's Divine Ability

"Ji Ning won!"

"Ji Ning of the Black-White College of Stillwater Commandery won!"

The imperial citadel plaza was a hubbub of noise. The delegates from the 3600 commanderies and four seas were all excitedly discussing this most recent battle. It had indeed been quite spectacular! This was because the other competitors, such as Xiamang Zishan, Adept Ninedeaths, or the Sloppy Daoist all relied on their hands or on staffs.

When they fought, their techniques might be more exquisite or more violent…but in terms of murderous savagery, they were far from being a match for the Dao of the Sword or the Dao of the Saber. Sword Immortals and Saber Devils were highly suited to combat! Previously, the two had easily defeated their foes, but this time when they collided against each other…they finally, truly revealed the strengths of Sword Immortals and Saber Devils, these two major schools of combat.

The sight of their battled caused hearts to shudder and grow numb.

The sword-light, the saber-light…any casual blow was capable of slaughtering a Primal Daoist!

Ning walked back into the main hall of the Skylight Palace, moving behind King Yan and seating himself alongside the Sloppy Daoist, Yuchi Xiyue, and Yu Wei once more.

The gazes of many individuals within the main hall all fell upon Ning.

"I absolutely can't exchange blows head-on against this Ji Ning. I need to use my strengths to seize his weaknesses."

"Sword Immortals truly are formidable in an all-out fight."

"I can't take him head-on."

The rest of the twenty-four Wanxiang Adept competitors were all pondering. Only when knowing one's self and one's enemies could one win a hundred battles without fail. They all knew that Sword Immortals specialized in attacking, and they naturally knew where their own advantages lay as well…and so the likes of Adept Ninedeaths, Xiamang Zishan, Cangwu Jiu, Youngflame Zhan, and Adept Blackstone were all quietly pondering on their plans.

The nine Pure Yang True Immortals seated on high, by contrast, began to grow puzzled.

"I wasn't able to see it clearly previously," the Immortal Elder of the Northlands said in a suspicious manner, "But during the battle between Ji Ning and Saberslave, everything became apparent. In terms of their levels of comprehension regarding the sword and the saber, the two were on par…but when they fought head-on, Ji Ning actually held the upper hand. This Saberslave is the disciple of a good friend of Eastflower; his divine abilities shouldn't be weak. So…this Ji Ning should train in an even more powerful divine ability! Or perhaps the power of the swords he wields is greater!"

Truelord Chiji nodded as well. "Ji Ning has only trained for around thirty or so years, but has already reached such a level; he should have had a tremendous stroke of luck that allowed him to learn a powerful divine ability. However, this divine ability is a support-type divine ability that is quite low-key, making it extremely hard to detect from the surface."

"He should indeed have a formidable divine ability." Lu Dongbing laughed loudly. "But each of those who have managed to survive this Conclave thus far are the darlings of this entire major world of the Grand Xia; I'm sure that all of them have had tremendous strokes of luck. Since the universe was established, countless divine abilities have been invented. Some are for attack, others are for suppressing and sealing, others are for poison, while some are for raw strength…they are all different. Ji Ning should have trained in one meant for raw strength."

"Right.

"His speed isn't exceptionally impressive."

They all nodded.

There were, after all, far too many variables that could affect a person's combat power. Some were exceptionally talented; even if they were also just at the twelfth stage of the [Crimsonbright Diagram of the Nine Heavens, their talent made it so that they were a bit stronger! Not everyone at the same level would necessarily have the exact same level of strength! Even those who trained in the same Ki Refining technique, such as the [Flowing Watersource, would need different levels of liquefied elemental essence for a breakthrough. After all, each of them were born with unique bodies that had their differences; the only thing that could be said was that the difference between them wouldn't be too ridiculous.

Different weapons, different insights into different Daos, particularly special divine abilities, or secret arts that allowed elemental ki to explode in certain ways…

These could all cause differences in one's level of power.

Previously, they hadn't even been able to tell that Ning possessed a powerful divine ability, but in Ning's battle against Saberslave, the two had simply been too similar! One was of the Dao of the Sword, the other was of the Dao of the Saber. Putting them side by side made the differences very easily detected, which was why the Pure Yang True Immortals were able to ascertain that Ning should be in possession of a powerful divine ability.

But that was nothing special.

There were plenty of formidable divine abilities; the imperial treasury of the Grand Xia Emperor even held the [Torch Dragon's Eye, one of the top hundred grand divine abilities of the Three Realms. However, the treasury only held the first part of the [Torch Dragon's Eye]; it was only suitable for Void-level Fiendgods to train in. They didn't have the higher-level training techniques.

In truth, a grand divine ability like this, ranked in the top hundred in the entire Three Realms, shouldn't actually have been transmitted to outsiders, even if it was just the first part. The reason the imperial treasury of the Grand Xia had it was because…the creator of the [Torch Dragon's Eye, the major power of the Three Realms known as the Torch Dragon, had died long ago during the era of the Primordial World!

"Ji Ning might have learned a unique divine ability developed by some Empyrean God or major power," the Pure Yang True Immortals believed.

The divine abilities developed by major powers weren't necessarily the most supreme abilities.

For example, Grand Emperor Xuanwu; only his 'Grand Black Tortoise' divine ability was exceptionally famous. He would occasionally develop some other unique divine abilities as well. Some were suited for fleeing, others were suited for defense, while still others were suited for attacking…these types divine abilities, which he would create in a fairly casual manner, were comparatively speaking of much lower value. Only supreme abilities which the creator poured all of their blood and sweat into would become truly precious.

For example, the 'Grand Black Tortoise' divine ability of Grand Emperor Xuanwu.

Or for example, the [Starseizing Hand] of Daoist Threelives.

"In the second duel, the unaffiliated Adept Ninedeaths will battle against Adept Rainflower of the Soaring Immortal School."

This was a battle between two women.

Adept Ninedeaths had a body like a magic treasure; Adept Rainflower was completely unable to do anything to her. After all, her attacks weren't as powerful as that of a Sword Immortal like Ji Ning!

In this battle…Adept Ninedeaths was the victor!

"The third duel…"

"The fourth duel…"

One duel after another. The people watching from the imperial citadel plaza below were all breathless. The Celestial Immortals and Pure Yang True Immortals seated within the main hall of the Skylight Palace were all watching attentively as well. The only reason why the Pure Yang True Immortals were paying so much attention was because Daofather Crimsonbright would choose one of them as a disciple.

"The eighth duel shall wee Youngflame Zhan fight against Xiangtian Xiao."

This was a battle that many people cared about.

This was because, amongst the twenty-four competitors, only four came from the major clans of the Grand Xia Dynasty – Xiamang Zishan of the imperial Xiamang clan, Cangwu Jiu of the Cangwu clan, Youngflame Zhan of the Youngflame clan, and Xiangtian Xiao of the Xiangtian clan. Just four of them! This proved that in terms of searching for geniuses, the number of geniuses within the various clans was vastly inferior to the number of geniuses spread out within the entire world.

In this battle, Xiangtian Xiao was quite berserk. He completely displayed the legendary valor and savagery of the Xiangtian clan, famous for being willing to challenge the heavens themselves. However…he still lost. His power was indeed quite a bit lower than Youngflame Zhan's. 1

In addition, Youngflame Zhan had been entrusted with the hopes of his clan; he had also gone all out.

The victor of the eighth battle was Youngflame Zhan!

"Good, good, good. Very good!" Watching the battle, Patriarch Arcanum couldn't help but laugh so hard his mouth was about to split apart. Everyone knew how crazed and cold-blooded he was; it was rare to see him smile a single time in ten thousand years. But right now, he was laughing! And in truth, the other Celestial Immortals all understood how Patriarch Arcanum was feeling.

"Zhan, child, well done. Charge forward in just this manner. You've already made it to the top twelve." Patriarch Arcanum watched as Youngflame Zhan walked to his side, then immediately encouraged him, "You are very, very, very close to being in the top three now."

Finally, the twelve competitions in the third round came to an end.

This resulted in the final twelve being determined!

Ning and the rest of the twelve all stood in a neat line in the main hall, awaiting the Grand Xia Emperor's bestowal of five million kilograms of liquefied elemental essence.

"Xiamang Zishan. Cangwu Jiu. Ji Ning. Sloppy Daoist. Youngflame Zhan. Adept Woodpass. Adept Blackstone. Adept Ninedeaths. Adept Whitedragon. Adept Unicosmo. Adept Primalback. Adept Goldcrow." The Xia Emperor stood at the front of the hall, listing out the names of all twelve before continuing. "The twelve of you have ranked in the top twelve in this Conclave of Immortal Destiny. I said previously that those who made it into the top twelve would each receive five million kilograms of liquefied elemental essence."

The Xia Emperor waved his hand. Instantly, twelve violet-jade bottles appeared out of nowhere in the air before them. One of the twelve violet-jade bottles flew to each of the twelve victors.

This caused even the Celestial Immortals present to stare towards the bottles. Five million kilograms! This caused even them to feel envy and desire. These twelve little fellows ended up acquiring so much!

Ning and the others reached out to grab them. They then swept the bottles with their divine senses!

"Wow." Ning secretly sighed in amazement. "This violet bottle is a wonderful treasure for storing liquefied elemental essence as well. It is actually able to hold five million kilograms of it. It's comparable to a high-grade Heaven-ranked flying sword in value."

"With these five million kilograms, my Primaltwin should be able to charge all the way to the peak of the Void-stage," Ning mused to himself. "But there's no need to rush it; my Primaltwin has spent very little time at the Primal level. I should keep it there for a period of time longer and understand it better."

At every single level, there were different insights to be gained. Reincarnated Immortals might have already trained at a certain level, so it didn't matter, but Ji Ning was no reincarnated Immortal. It was best for him to spend a bit of extra time at each level. But of course, after his true body broke through to become a Primal, his Primaltwin could make the breakthrough to the Void-level.

"You shall first enter the world of the Brightmoon Diagram of the Mountains and Rivers," the Xia Emperor suddenly said. "I will change the flow of time in the place where you reside. I shall wait for you for two hours in the outside world; within the Diagram, you will have three days to quietly train."

Ning and the others were flabbergasted. Train for three days within the Diagram?

"Strange. Previously, when the hundred thousand-plus competitors entered the world of the Diagram, wasn't the flow of time inside it the same as the flow of time outside it? Why is it that all of a sudden, three days in the diagram becomes equal to two hours outside of it?" Ning was puzzled.

"Ji Ning!" The giant yellow bear's voice rang out in Ning's mind. "It seems as though the emperor of your Grand Xia Dynasty has quite a bit of insight into the Grand Dao of Time. However, changing the flow of time will use a tremendous amount of energy; although the Grand Xia Emperor is a Pure Yang True Immortal, he still wouldn't dare to try and change the flow of time for more than a hundred thousand people. The twelve of you represent a much lower burden to him."

Swoosh swoosh swoosh!!!

Ning and the rest of the twelve were teleported straight into the world of the Diagram, and then the scroll of the Diagram itself flew into the Grand Xia Emperor's hands.

"Xiamang, you want to let them train for three days?" Truelord Chiji laughed. "It seems you truly do place tremendous importance on this Conclave."

"It's not that I place importance on it; it's that I must not only be hard-working in service to Master, I also must put thought into it," the Xia Emperor said. "There are only twelve who remain in this Conclave. The previous battles they engaged in have caused their hearts to be tempered through the invisible pressure their competitors placed upon them…and they are currently in the process of evolving. I am giving them three days. Perhaps, this will be enough to let them make a breakthrough. I naturally wish to ensure that only the three best geniuses are presented to Master for the choosing."

"Right. When you are working for your master, you need to not only be hard-working, but also put thought into it." Lu Dongbin nodded and smiled. "No wonder Daofather Crimsonbright likes you so much, Xiamang."

Ji Ning and the others appeared atop a mountain peak. The mountain peak was more than a three hundred meters in size; naturally, it was enough for twelve cultivators to train in. In addition, there were invisible barriers surrounding the mountain peak; there was no way for Ning or the others to walk out from the area of the peak.

Ning and the others immediately sat down into the lotus position, not even saying anything to each other.

They all felt as though their souls had been filled with new insights; perhaps this might be their chance to apply them and make a breakthrough. A little bit of a breakthrough might make a tremendous difference in whether or not they would be able to be selected into the top three! That meant a chance to become the disciple of Daofather Crimsonbright! Who wouldn't go all out for that chance?

Ning, too, had the ardent desire to become Daofather Crimsonbright's disciple!

1. Remember, Xiangtian means 'facing the heavens'.

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Chapter 24 –The Sloppy Daoist Against Adept Ninedeaths

While Ji Ning and the rest of the twelve were in secluded meditation and training within the world of the Brightmoon Diagram of the Mountains and Rivers. The imperial citadel's plaza.

Twelve names repeatedly came up in conversations: Xiamang Zishan, Cangwu Jiu, Ji Ning, Sloppy Daoist, Youngflame Zhan, Adept Woodpass, Adept Blackstone, Adept Ninedeaths, Adept Whitedragon, Adept Unicosmo, Adept Primalback, Adept Goldcrow.

"The top twelve have been determined."

"Our South Seas have Adept Woodpass."

"Our North Seas have Adept Goldcrow!"

"Our Quchang Commandery has Adept Whitedragon."

"You guys are nothing. Our Stillwater Commandery has two people; Ji Ning and the Sloppy Daoist!"

Only twelve finalists had emerged from the 3600 commanderies. Two of them belonged to Stillwater Commandery, and both were from the Black-White College!

Immortal Fivecraze was grinning so broadly his jaw was almost crooked. Clutching a calabash of wine, he gulped it down happily, occasionally chatting through divine sense.

"Oh, you are the leader of the Myriad Beasts School? Haha, yup, I'm Fivecraze. Yup, Ji Ning and little Sloppy both belong to our Black-White College. To be honest, Yu Wei of our Black-White College was poisoned; otherwise, she would've made it into the top ninety six as well. She might have even entered the top twelve! What? You would like to get to know the disciples of our Black-White College? You want to go spend some time viewing the Black-White Diagram within the Black-White College? Sure, no problem! How about letting the disciples of our Black-White College also go take a look at the ten thousand beasts of your school?"

"Xiangtian clan? Your Xiangtian clan wishes to send its disciples to the Black-White College? But, but…the Black-White College is in Stillwater Commandery, after all. We have very little room, and it's not convenient for us to have too many disciples! That's why we are extremely strict whenever we take on new students. What's that? Your Xiangtian clan wishes to send an envoy delegation to the Black-White College? No problem. Our Black-White College will definitely take good care of them."

Many people had come to seek out Immortal Fivecraze.

It must be understood that the Xiangtian clan and the Myriad Beasts School were some of the most supremely powerful schools in the entire Grand Xia Dynasty. They had all learned from their Celestial Immortal Patriarchs that the Sloppy Daoist was the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu. Given how outstanding Ji Ning was as well…all of the major powers were puzzled.

"For a small school to suddenly produce one outstanding genius is one thing; that can just be attributed to luck. But they actually produced two! The entire Grand Xia Dynasty has only twelve on their level…and one of them is the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu. I imagine that this Black-White College must be one of the places within our Grand Xia Dynasty where luck is gathering and flourishing."

"It must be a place of tremendously positive karmic luck."

Many major powers came to this conclusion.

Luck; it couldn't be seen, nor could it be touched. But some places were just naturally lucky! When the imperial capital of the Grand Xia had been built, the Grand Xia Emperor had invited a major power to personally choose a site with great karmic luck to build on, then set up a grand formation that guarded the entire world from the site.

"We have to send our disciples over there. When they train in a place of such karmic luck, they too will be blessed by luck."

"Right. We also need to go spend some time observing the Black-White Diagram of this Black-White College."

The main hall of the Skylight Palace. An hour had passed.

The Grand Xia Emperor sat above all others atop his throne. With a wave of his arm, a furled scroll appeared in his palm. It was the Pure Yang treasure, the Brightmoon Diagram of the Mountains and Rivers. The scroll opened, and twelve streaks of light flew out and landed on the ground. It was Ji Ning, the Sloppy Daoist, and the rest of the twelve.

"We prostrate ourselves before you, your Imperial Majesty," Ning and the others said as they all fell to their knees.

"Mm."

The Grand Xia Emperor glanced at them, then nodded in satisfaction. He could vaguely sense that after three days of quiet training, all twelve of these had made some improvements. Some of them had improved considerably.

"This is now the most important part of this Conclave. Three of you shall emerge from the twelve…and one of the three shall definitely be chosen by my master as a disciple," the Xia Emperor said. "There is no time to waste. Let the first battle in the fourth round of duels begin. Let us have the Sloppy Daoist of the Black-White College fight against the unaffiliated Adept Ninedeaths. The others can all rest, watch, and prepare for their own duels."

Ning, Xiamang Zishan, and the others were all surprised.

The Sloppy Daoist against Adept Ninedeaths?

Adept Ninedeaths was extremely strong, and she had yet to unleash all of her full power. As for the Sloppy Daoist, the Celestial Immortals had all gushed over him endlessly. Xiamang Zishan and the others had all heard their respective Celestial Immortal Patriarchs praise the Sloppy Daoist and warn them to be wary of him. It was as though the Sloppy Daoist was the strongest amongst them.

Due to the warnings of their Celestial Immortal Patriarchs, all of them were paying very close attention to the Sloppy Daoist.

Sloppy against Ninedeaths? So soon?

As for the Sloppy Daoist and Adept Ninedeaths, they each gave the other a glance, then walked out from the main hall and towards the grand sealing formation.

The nine Pure Yang True Immortals seated at the front of the main hall of the Skylight Palace began to argue amongst each other.

"Xiamang, is something wrong with your head?" Truelord Chiji said with a frown, "This is just the fourth round, meant to determine the top six; why are you pitting the Sloppy Daoist against Adept Ninedeaths? Adept Ninedeaths has mastered five complete Dao-Paths long ago, and her divine abilities and training techniques are all incredibly powerful. Her might is significant! She should rank amongst the very top, and definitely has a chance to become number one. The Sloppy Daoist is the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu; he should rank at the top as well, and also has a chance to become number one. For you to have them fight now…that means one of them will have to be discarded prematurely."

"It is indeed too early. It isn't appropriate to have the two of them compete so soon." Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta slowly spoke out as well.

"Do all of you think that I can't tell that Adept Ninedeaths is powerful?" The Xia Emperor shook his head.

"Xiamang has his own difficulties." Lu Dongbin shook his head. "Actually, by now, I have a favorable impression of eight…but six must be eliminated! Thus, no matter how you match them up, at least two of the eight I like will be eliminated."

The Xia Emperor nodded. "Right. By now, of these twelve, I have a particularly favorable impression of Xiamang Zishan of my own clan, Ji Ning, Adept Goldcrow, Adept Woodpass, Adept Blackstone, the Sloppy Daoist, and Adept Ninedeaths! No matter how I match them up, two of these seven will have to end up fighting each other. I pondered for a long time about what to do. The Sloppy Daoist is already the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu; Master definitely won't try to steal someone else's disciple. As for Adept Ninedeaths, she's the only female amongst the seven. They stood out. So, I ended up deciding to stop worrying about it and just have the Sloppy Daoist and Adept Ninedeaths fight. Whoever wins will stay behind."

"That's quite decisive of you."

"The reason you are having Adept Ninedeaths fight the Sloppy Daoist is actually because she's female?" The other Pure Yang True Immortals couldn't help but laugh.

Ning, Yu Wei, and Yuchi Xiyue were all behind King Yan. They were staring at the distant grand sealing formation outside the hall. Within the formation, there were two individuals; a sloppy, chubby youth and a similarly dirty maiden.

"Both of them are incomparably slovenly. They are a good match," Yuchi Xiyue whispered.

"But both are very powerful," Yu Wei praised.

"They are indeed. When Adept Ninedeaths puts on those silver gloves, even I can't tell how great her power is. Although I fought against her previously, she hadn't used that magic treasure at all." Ning watched carefully. "Eldest apprentice-brother's power is unfathomable as well. It's hard to say who will win."

They were all staring at this battle. The Pure Yang True Immortals were paying absolute attention as well.

The Sloppy Daoist? A disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu.

Adept Ninedeaths? Everyone had noticed long ago that she was one of the two masters of five Dao-Paths, and she had a body like a magic treasure.

"They are starting." Yuchi Xiyue stared intently.

Ning's eyes instantly narrowed. "They are finally showing their powers. Adept Ninedeaths…she truly is frightening." Till now, Adept Ninedeaths had never before revealed her full power. When she had fought Ning, she had mainly focused on tying him down. But this time, in her duel against the Sloppy Daoist, she actively launched a sudden, violent attack.

Gloves on hands, Adept Ninedeaths six arms had become six incomparably fierce weapons!

Attack!

Sometimes, her hands hacked down like blades with invincible sharpness.

At other times, they glided like water, swirling about in a soft, circular manner.

Adept Ninedeaths circled around the Sloppy Daoist, attacking wildly. The two of them both used their divine abilities, both having transformed into three-headed, six-armed giants.

"Which Grand Dao is this?" Ning frowned. The attacks of Adept Ninedeaths were extremely strange. They created an extremely uncomfortable stifling feeling, while her own attacks were constantly fluctuating in style in an unfathomable manner. "It shouldn't be an especially well-known one. I, at least, have never seen this Grand Dao."

"The Grand Dao of Mortality 1! This little girl truly is quite ambitious. The Grand Dao of Mortality…it is one of the most supreme of the many Grand Daos. It is extremely hard to train in. She actually dares to trod on this Grand Dao?" Lu Dongbin shook his head with a sigh. "But if she reaches a certain level in this Grand Dao, then overcoming the Celestial Tribulation will become significantly easier by comparison."

The Grand Daos of Taiji, the Sword, and the Saber were all technique-focused Daos!

By contrast, the Grand Dao of Mortality contained the infinite mysteries of life and death within it, as well as the technical principles regarding how life and death interchanged.

It was a Grand Dao that not only contained many profound mysteries, but also ways to apply techniques! It was extremely difficult to train in, even more so than the Daos of the Sword or the Saber.

"Interesting."

"This little lass truly is formidable."

Adept Ninedeaths attacked wildly, occasionally becoming as savage and vicious as a God of Death, while at other times seeming to be as gentle and soft as the caress of a mother. The interchange and the linkages between life and death…they caused even the Sloppy Daoist to be suppressed for a period of time.

However…

The Sloppy Daoist was truly too stable and unshakeable. When executing the Grand Black Tortoise divine ability, he also executed his Grand Dao of Taiji.

The Sloppy Daoist seemed to have transformed into a whirling and spinning turtle-shell. His defense was absolutely impregnable. The Grand Black Tortoise divine ability was exceptionally suited for defense, and the Grand Dao of Taiji was also extremely suited for defense.

"Damn." Adept Ninedeaths let out a furious growl as she grew even more berserk.

By contrast, the Sloppy Daoist was incomparably relaxed and leisurely. His six arms seemed to have transformed into the spokes of an enormous windmill, blocking one attack after another.

HISS!

A sound like the hissing of a serpent.

The Sloppy Daoist had been defending this entire time, his guard as tight as a turtle shell, allowing the opponent no flaws to slip attacks through. All of a sudden, his arm came slamming out! His hand struck out in a serpentine stance, viciously stabbing forth! As it did, it just so happened to strike at a flaw in the stances of the frantically attacking Adept Ninedeaths, tearing her arm apart at the shoulder and sending it flying off.

Slash…

After his first attack, the Sloppy Daoist suddenly exploded with power. He charged forth with the power of a formerly dormant volcano that was suddenly exploding, and his six arms had all transformed into vipers that moved with strange savagery.

His defense had been completely impregnable. His attacks…they were as terrifying as the strikes of a viper.

"Perfect. I was afraid you'd keep hiding!" Adept Ninedeaths wasn't startled; in fact, she was delighted. If her opponent had continued to defend, he might have been able to exhaust her divine power. That would be an unfair way to lose! Adept Ninedeaths immediately moved forward to exchange blows, and her severed arm was quickly regrowing.

Both of them truly did have the power to contend for the number one position!

1. Literally, life/death

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Chapter 25 – Secret Art 'Wavefolding'

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Sloppy Daoist's six arms were currently striking out like six venomous serpents, moving with unstoppable ferocity and extreme viciousness! His savage attacks seemed as torrential as a storm of rain, and each strike was potentially lethal. Clearly, he wanted to seize this chance to break down Adept Ninedeaths; after all, she had lost an arm and now had only five remaining.

"Hahaha…hahaha…" Adept Ninedeaths actually let out a delighted laugh. Each of her palm blows seemed to contain the power of life and death within them, causing everyone who looked at her to feel a stifled feeling. She madly blocked all of the Sloppy Daoist's attacks, and she even used her own body to block some strikes to win a little bit of time.

The Sloppy Daoist was ferociously attacking, while Adept Ninedeaths was striving to hold on until her severed arm had regrown.

"Not good!"

Ji Ning, Yu Wei, and Yuchi Xiyue all felt nervous as they saw this. Even though Adept Ninedeaths only had five arms, the Sloppy Daoist remained unable to shatter through her defenses. She was currently planning to hold on until her sixth arm grew back…at which point, it would be even harder for the Sloppy Daoist to defeat her.

"Is this all he has…this disciple which Grand Emperor Xuanwu took such a fancy to?"

He can't even defeat an unaffiliated cultivator like Adept Ninedeaths?" The True Immortals at the front of the Skylight Palace were all quite puzzled. As they saw it, given Grand Emperor Xuanwu's status, his disciple should naturally be extraordinary. Otherwise, that would be an utter loss of face for Grand Emperor Xuanwu.

Lu Dongbin, by contrast, was staring far into the distance. Smiling, he said, "This battle is interesting. This Adept Ninedeaths has an extremely deep level of insight into the Grand Dao of Mortality; in fact, I even suspect that she has memories from several previous lives…she is definitely extremely strong. Can it be that the Sloppy Daoist is actually going to lose to her?"

"It wouldn't be strange if he did," Truelord Chiji agreed.

"Just because someone is going to become a Celestial Immortal in the future doesn't mean they cannot lose a battle in the present." Sovereign Hao shook his head.

All of the Pure Yang True Immortals felt that the outcome of this battle was now in doubt.

Based on their judgment, both the Sloppy Daoist and Adept Ninedeaths had used all of the powers available to them. The Sloppy Daoist had am impregnable defense, and his attacks were absolutely savage as well…and yet, he remained unable to do anything to his opponent. This was indeed quite dangerous for him.

The Sloppy Daoist suddenly took a break from his frantic attacks, beginning to launch a different tempo of strikes.

"This is…?!" Adept Ninedeaths face suddenly changed. The Sloppy Daoist was currently very calm; his six arms moved in unfathomable ways, and at almost all times four of them were defending while two of them were attacking! They felt like the waves of the sea. Each successive wave was increasingly powerful, and the same was true for the Sloppy Daoist's attacks. When defending, he was accumulating power…and when attacking, he would let it erupt forth!

Accumulating power, then unleashing it!

This sort of strange tempo caused the Sloppy Daoist's attacks to slowly become increasingly ferocious. One wave after another continued to merge into each other, causing Adept Ninedeaths to feel increasingly stifled.

"What what what…what is this?!" Adept Ninedeaths couldn't understand it at all. The waves were growing increasingly savage in power!

BOOM!

The Sloppy Daoist suddenly struck out with all six arms. They all struck out as fists with a power that felt faintly similar to an enormous black tortoise slamming against the pillars of heaven. Boom….Adept Ninedeath blocked the blows, but was knocked flying backwards. Her body had split open at many places from the force of the collision, and blood was flowing from the wounds nonstop.

Whoosh. The Sloppy Daoist took a single step, appearing before Adept Ninedeaths. His six fists once more moved to strike out.

"I admit defeat." Adept Ninedeaths discontented voice rang out. She was now using all her efforts to dodge. Only now did the Sloppy Daoist come to a halt. The turtle-shell runes covering his body disappeared as well as he returned to normal.

The dirty face of Adept Ninedeaths was filled with resentment and an unwillingness to accept this. She looked towards the Sloppy Daoist: "Sloppy Daoist; your level of comprehension of the Dao is limited, and whether I am attacking or defending, I can handle you. So why is it that this last technique of yours became increasingly hard for me to withstand…until in the end, I had to admit defeat?"

The Sloppy Daoist just laughed. This was a battle technique he had developed after gaining insight into the Grand Black Tortoise divine ability. When he had been transmitted this Grand Black Tortoise divine ability, he had sworn an oath to the Dao of the Heavens that without permission, he absolutely wouldn't teach anyone any part of it at all. This technique involved some of the profound mysteries of the Grand Black Tortoise divine ability; naturally, he couldn't teach it to anyone else.

"What is the name of this sort of battle technique?" Adept Ninedeaths quickly asked.

"Wavefolding!" The Sloppy Daoist responded to her.

"Wavefolding…one wave after another, folding onto each other…I was trapped within the waves, and death was the only way out…I clearly wasn't weaker than you, but I was still defeated…wavefolding…wavefolding…" Adept Ninedeaths walked away, murmuring the word 'wavefolding' to herself. She even had a sudden feeling…that if she could comprehend the mysteries of this 'wavefolding', then she would have a chance to overcome the Celestial Tribulation and become a Celestial Immortal!

This was a stroke of luck for her! But if she was unable to comprehend it, then in this life, her ninth life, she would probably once more fail the tribulation!

Within the Skylight Palace's main hall. The nearly thousand-strong Celestial Immortal Patriarchs were all frowning. Although they were very experienced, even they couldn't understand what had just happened. Clearly, these two were both on par with each other in terms of divine abilities, comprehension of the Dao, and Fiendgod Body Refining techniques. In fact, Adept Ninedeaths was even at a slight advantage. So why, in the end, had she been defeated like this?

It had seemed as though Adept Ninedeaths had walked into an endless tide; no matter how much she struggled, it was useless. In the end, the tide had completely drowned her.

"What was that?"

"How could that have happened?"

"I don't understand."

The Celestial Immortals all felt that there were strange mysteries to what had just happened. It should have been some sort of battle art they just saw, but none of them could comprehend it.

"He truly lives up to being the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu." This was the only thing they could come up with.

"Wavefolding!" The Xia Emperor and the rest of the nine Pure Yang True Immortals all revealed a look of surprise and amazement.

"I sigh in amazement. I sigh in amazement!" The Immortal Elder of the Northlands shook his head and sighed with emotion, "This Sloppy Daoist truly has astonishing comprehension abilities. He was even able to comprehend some of the true exquisiteness of this secret art of Grand Emperor Xuanwu's…when I watched that battle just now, I was even reminded of that scene from back when I was listening to Grand Emperor Xuanwu expound on the Dao."

"Truly incredible!" Lu Dongbin sighed in disbelief as well.

"Formidable." The Xia Emperor seemed to show a hinit of envy.

"Grand Emperor Xuanwu…he truly is a major power!" Truelord Chiji's eyes were filled with admiration.

At their level, they actually all understood the profound principles behind the Sloppy Daoist's 'wavefolding' technique. This was a technique that constantly circulated and accumulated waves of power; the longer the power was stored up for, the more terrifying the final explosion of power would be! But even if one was taught this technique and completely understood its principles, that didn't mean one would necessarily be able to use it. This was a matter of heart, a matter of comprehension.

They all understood some of the profound underlying principles, but as the saying goes, some things are 'easy to understand, but hard to do'! Understanding was one part; actually executing the technique was something else entirely.

"We can comprehend the mysteries of this Sloppy Daoist's 'wavefolding' technique, but when the Grand Emperor personally executes it, the profound mysteries are countless times more complicated," Lu Dongbin sighed. "Grand Emperor Xuanwu's 'Grand Black Tortoise' divine ability…its true exquisiteness lies in a single word; the so-called 'folding'."

Ning was frowning as he watched. He could vaguely sense that the final battle technique the Sloppy Daoist had used had seemed to contain an utterly heaven-shaking profound mystery. He could even sense that the Grand Dao of Taiji was mixed into it. But Ning himself did not walk upon the Grand Dao of Taiji; he couldn't understand what he had seen at all.

"Yu Wei, what do you think?" Ning looked towards the nearby Yu Wei; she herself was walked upon the Grand Dao of Taiji.

"I don't understand it. It is very profound, unfathomably so. I can vaguely sense the exquisite essence of the Grand Dao of Taiji, but that's just one part of this secret art. I imagine that eldest apprentice-brother has only mastered the tiniest portion of this secret art." Yu Wei completely couldn't understand the technique either; she couldn't get the slightest bit of insight into it.

The Celestial Immortals were puzzled, while Ning and the others were completely baffled. Just like that…this battle ended.

One of the top six had been determined…the Sloppy Daoist!

Rumble…

Suddenly, a ripple of the Dao descended within the main hall of the Skylight Palace.

"Eh?"

Everyone's gazes turned in unison to stare at the point where the Dao-ripple had descended. They saw Cangwu Jiu, seated in the lotus position behind a Celestial Immortal Patriarch of the Cangwu clan. In the area around him, a hint of a black wind could vaguely be seen.

"He comprehended a Dao?"

"He comprehended yet another complete Dao-Path?"

"He actually comprehended a complete Dao-Path by watching that battle?"

Everyone present was completely astonished. Generally speaking, it was fairly common for someone to suddenly make a breakthrough during the course of a battle, but Cangwu Jiu had just been watching the battle. In that tense atmosphere, he had actually gained sudden mastery over a complete Dao-Path?

Ning, Xiamang Zishan, Youngflame Zhan, Adept Blackstone, Adept Woodpass, Adept Whitedragon, Adept Goldcrow, and the rest of the twelve Wanxiang Adepts all sensed a new threat.

Cangwu Jiu had been very powerful to begin with. And now, he had mastered yet another complete Dao-Path….and in doing so had immediately become a truly formidable foe!

"But, but…" The Grand Xia Emperor, seated atop his throne above the others, shook his head and laughed bitterly. He looked towards the other eight Pure Yang True Immortals. "Everyone, how do you think I should arrange these next battles? With this breakthrough, he has now mastered five complete Dao-Paths. In addition, this breakthrough was in one of the Daos of the Wind, one of the Five Elements. He was already exceptionally fast; he now will be even more formidable."

He had already come up with a plan for matching up duelists. But Cangwu Jiu's sudden mastery of a new Dao-Path, combined with the fact that he was already very formidable…this made him an even more shocking competitor.

"I view Cangwu Jiu quite positively," Lu Dongbin said with a laugh. "He was actually able to make a breakthrough just by watching a battle…I imagine that his level of luck must be quite high as well. He was already quite formidable, and had never exploded forth with his full power; now that he has made another breakthrough, I imagine that his power is most likely not inferior to even the likes of Adept Ninedeaths."

"This is going to be trouble." The Grand Xia Emperor was pondering. He immediately made some slight mental adjustments to the pairings he had come up with earlier. He had originally ranked Cangwu Jiu as number eight or nine amongst the twelve, but now he ranked him somewhere around the third or fourth.

A sudden breakthrough in the main hall of the Skylight Palace…this naturally attracted quite a bit of attention. The Celestial Immortal Patriarch of the Cangwu Clan had extremely long eyebrows, and he was currently extremely excited. He stared at Cangwu Jiu, this disciple of his clan. Upon seeing him open his eyes, the Celestial Immortal immediately said, "Good, good, good. Jiu, child, this is an excellent breakthrough. For you to make a sudden breakthrough here in the Skylight Palace must be the arrangement of the heavens; this time, you'll definitely make the top three."

The Celestial Immortal Patriarch was almost able to visualize how glorious the Cangwu clan would be in the future.

Why did the Cangwu clan necessarily have to submit to the Xiamang clan? With Daofather Crimsonbright supporting them, in the future the Cangwu clan would be able to grow and develop to the point where they would be able to sit down with the Xiamang clan as equals.

"The second duel in the fourth round shall see Adept Whitedragon of the Divine Dragon Mountain against Cangwu Jiu of the Cangwu clan." The Xia Emperor's voice suddenly echoed in the main hall of the Skylight Palac as well as the vast imperial citadel plaza below.

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Chapter 26 – Ji Ning Battles Youngflame Zhan

Cangwu Jiu against Adept Whitedragon!

Every person who had battled through the Conclave of Immortal Destiny to this point was a peerless genius. As if by unspoken agreement, they had all but given up using divine will attacks or spell-based attacks against each other! This was because using magic treasures and elemental ki was not enough to threaten their foes; they all had to rely on divine abilities to battle. Ji Ning had given up the [Lesser Thousand Swords Formation] as well!

BOOM! WHOOSH!

Cangwu Jiu and Adept Whitedragon were battling savagely against each other. Both of them used [Heavenly Transformation] and [Three Heads, Six Arms, then each unleashed their respective divine abilities.

Adept Whitedragon had completely transformed into a snowy white divine dragon, while Cangwu Jiu had exploded forth with a level of speed that was utterly amazing. The only thing that could be seen was a howling wind which flashed with streaks of lightning. Within the berserk lightning, the vague form of Cangwu Jiu could be barely made out. He flashed forward repeatedly at an utterly astonishing speed…it was as though a group of Cangwu Jius were fighting against this single snowy white divine dragon!

"What terrifying speed."

"What shocking agility."

Everyone was secretly amazed.

Ning, Xiamang Zishan, the Sloppy Daoist, and the others all felt their hearts sink. In terms of speed, Cangwu Jiu had always been ranked number one in this Conclave! Now, with this additional new breakthrough, his speed and agility had reached an unfathomable new level.

In close combat, speed and agility were even more important than strength!

"What a terrifying Cangwu Jiu."

"A single overwhelming advantage can be used to great effect everywhere. Just by relying on his absolute advantage in speed and agility, he is an extremely terrifying foe."

There was no question about it. In t his battle between two powerful Fiendgod Body Refiners, Cangwu Jiu could attack when he wished and could retreat when he wished; he completely controlled the tempo of battle! Although Adept Whitedragon was powerful, in the face of Cangwu Jiu's agility and speed, he had no tactical options available at all. In the end…he was defeated.

The second of the sixth finalists in this Conclave had been chosen…Cangwu Jiu!

"Goodd, good, good!" The long-browed Celestial Immortal Patriarch of the Cangwu clan grew even more excited, and his eyes gleamed with light. He was a Celestial Immortal; naturally, he could tell that although by this point there shouldn't be any tremendous differences in power amongst the finalists, Cangwu Jiu was able to make his enemies helpless against him, thanks to his tremendous advantage in speed. If this continued…he would definitely be in the top three as well.

The Grand Xia Emperor spoke out once more. "The third duel in the fourth battle…Ji Ning of the Black-White College shall battle Youngflame Zhan of the Youngflame clan!"

His voice echoed forth everywhere.

Ning was seated by King Yan. His pupils contracted. Youngflame Zhan? The Youngflame clan? It was well-publicized that he had a major feud against the Youngflame clan…and his opponent would actually be Youngflame Zhan?

"Ji Ning." Yu Wei held Ning's hand in her own as she looked at him. "Be careful."

"Right." Ning nodded.

By now, none of the remaining opponents could be underestimated.

On the other side.

Patriarch Arcanum's face had changed slightly as well. Ji Ning? He had long ago desired to find a chance to get rid of Ji Ning, but compared to the chance of having a clansman becoming the disciple of Daofather Crimsonbright, getting rid of Ji Ning was much less important. He had put that in the back of his mind, and his entire focus was on Youngflame Zhan making the top three.

"Zhan, child." Patriarch Arcanum looked at Youngflame Zhan, who was by his side. He instructed mentally, "This Ji Ning is a Sword Immortal; he's most skilled in attacking and battling. There is no need for you to fight him head on…and your talents don't lie in fighting head on either. Use your strengths to strike as his weaknesses. You absolutely can win."

Youngflame Zhan nodded gently as well. This battle…it was more important than life or death!

Whoosh. Youngflame Zhan immediately walked over towards the outside of the main hall.

"Xiamang, when you instructed Ji Ning and Youngflame Zhan fight…why is it that I felt as though the atmosphere within the Skylight Palace became a bit strange? Those Celestial Immortals seem to be looking at Ji Ning and Youngflame Zhan in a rather queer manner," Lu Dongbin said, puzzled.

The other Pure Yang True Immortals had noticed this as well.

The Xia Emperor laughed loudly, "Everyone, you don't know this, but there is a feud between Ji Ning and the Youngflame clan. To be honest, it's actually become a bit of a legend."

"Legend?" Lu Dongbin and the others all began to listen carefully.

All of these True Immortals had arrived after this Conclave had already begun; they didn't have much of an understanding regarding these Wanxiang-level geniuses of the Grand Xia Dynasty. Naturally, they didn't know of the matters between Ning and the Youngflame clan. The only reason the Grand Xia Emperor himself knew about it was because he had collected intelligence reports on all of the geniuses, which was why he learned of it.

"The Youngflame clan had a member known as Youngflame Nong, who was going to be their next clan leader…"

"…and in the end, that Deathsworn which the Youngflame clan sent out ended up being killed by this Ji Ning's Primaltwin," the Xia Emperor said with a loud laugh. "So…you now understand the feud between Ji Ning and the Youngflame clan, yes?"

The other Pure Yang True Immortals now all understood.

"Xiamang, that's a nasty little trick. You know that there is a feud between them, and yet you intentionally set them up against each other. Still…given that such a feud exists, they are definitely going to fight even more insanely against each other."

"Mm. This battle is definitely going to be quite exciting."

Two of the six finalists had already been determined. Ji Ning and Youngflame Zhan; only one of them could enter the final six! So long as they could enter the final six…they would be very close to becoming the three victors. Just one step away!

"The disciple of Daofather Crimsonbright should be me." Youngflame Zhan's gaze was cold. He was a very low-key person; in the younger generation of the Youngflame clan, the most famous person had been Youngflame Nong. He, Youngflame Zhan, had kept his head down and focused on quietly training; his goal had always been to overcome the Celestial Tribulation and become an immortal, free, unconstrained Celestial Immortal!

He had never held that playboy, Youngflame Nong, in any regard at all. Youngflame Nong merely relied on the affection of the Patriarch; he would only be able to dominate for a period of time.

"To become a disciple of a Daofather…this is indeed a chance that rarely comes even after a thousand reincarnations. I have to seize it." Youngflame Zhan walked into the grand sealing formation, then stared at the distant Ji Ning.

"The Three Realms are unfathomably mysterious. After I become Daofather Crimsonbright's disciple and have the guidance of a Daofather, I shall be able to advance along my path in a faster, more stable manner!" Ji Ning knew very well that personal hard work and comprehension abilities were only part of it; luck and fate were another part. For example, if he hadn't had the [Nuwa Painting] visualization technique as he had worked hard under the tutelage of his father, Ji Yichuan…although he still might have been able to surpass his father and become a major figure of Stillwater Commandery after a few centuries, it was thanks to the [Nuwa Painting] that his rise to prominence had become more than ten times faster!

In fact, were it not for the [Nuwa Painting]…he probably would've died when he had entered the underwater estate. Strictly speaking, without the [Nuwa Painting, Ning's talent might not have been high enough for the underwater estate to even teleport him inside.

An initial advantage snowballs into continuous advantages!

To walk farther, to make it to a higher position, to become a major power of the Three Realms…one had to seize every single opportunity possible!

"I am definitely going to enter the top three, and perhaps even become number one!" Ning looked towards Youngflame Zhan. "This Youngflame Zhan…he's a stumbling block, a tiger blocking a critical juncture in my path of Immortal cultivation. I must annihilate him."

Their gazes collided from far away.

Even their gazes seemed to be striking at each other. Everyone could sense the resolute aura emanating from the two. Either I can live, or he can…we cannot coexist!

Boom! Boom! Their bodies moved at the same instant as both transformed into three-headed, six-armed giants!

Ning's six arms were holding six Immortal swords, while Youngflame Zhan's six arms were holding onto six long black whips.

"Ji Ning, although your swordplay is indeed formidable, I perfectly counter you. You will definitely lose." Youngflame Zhan's voice echoed forth from his chest as his six arms struck out. The six long black whips began to dance, each one contorting and twisting in the air like an enormous, coiling black serpent. The whips were tipped with a series of sharp spikes, and were also covered with runes. A powerful aura sprang out from each of them.

"Youngflame Zhan, once you get into close combat with me, you will definitely lose." Ning's voice was also incomparably valorous and echoing.

Although both their words held some degrees of truth, they were actually trying to cause their opponent's Dao-hearts to become unstable.

At their level, if their Dao-hearts became the slightest bit unstable, then the amount of power they could unleash would be slightly lessened. If a strike at a critical moment was slightly weaker…one might be defeated.

Ning was pondering to himself. "Youngflame Zhan is an expert in using whips. Once one whip entangles me, the other whips will come to surround me as well. By then, I will be in serious trouble, and might even lose! Thus, I absolutely cannot give him that chance. That means I can't be too straightforward and rely on brute force…in this battle, I need to focus on agility."

Against different opponents, different battle tactics were needed.

Suddenly…

The two of them, who had been speaking and sensing each others auras, suddenly began to charge forward. The battle had instantly begun!

Swish! Swish!

A Waterflame Lotus bloomed around Ning. He stood at the pistil within the center of the lotus, within the leaves. This Waterflame Lotus was capable of affecting the opponent's whips…although the amount of influence was miniscule, it was enough to be of tremendous help in this fight.

Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!

Three long black whips simultaneously lashed out, unleashing crackling sounds of thunder as they did. They were like three black Flood Dragons, containing an incomparably dominating power! As for the other three long black whips, they silently struck out like deadly vipers towards Ning as well.

Ning brandished his Immortal swords while doing his best to close the gap with his foe. The closer they were to each other, the greater his advantage was! Whips…they needed sufficient space to unleash their power. The closer they were in distance, the less of a threat a whip would be.

Crackle…

Sword-light like silk. Silken rays of sword-light flew about in midair, constantly colliding against the whips.

The flying, dancing silken rays of sword-light carried an incomparable resilience. They came out in an interconnected, unending cycle.

"What tremendous strength." From this first exchange, Youngflame Zhan immediately sensed how terrifying Ning was. Although Ning had not chosen to fight him head-on, and had instead chosen to rely on a sword technique that was like water, repeatedly carrying away the strikes of the long whip…each time the sword-light and a whip collided, a terrifying tremor of power would be unleashed!

Youngflame Zhan even felt as though his six arms were beginning to slightly grow numb! Each time he lashed out wih his whip, they were knocked to the side.

After using the [Starseizing Hand, Ning truly did have an absolute advantage in terms of power against him.

Immortal Fivecraze of the Black-White College, Uncle White, Little Qing, Yu Wei, Yuchi Xiyue, and the others were all watching nervously.

Patriarch Arcanum was incomparably nervous as well.

Both Ji Ning and Youngflame Zhan seemed to be quite cautious in their clashes. They were both familiarizing themselves with their opponent's techniques, giving their foe no chances at all.

"Kill him, kill him!" Patriarch Arcanum's narrow eyes flashed with cold light as he quietly chanted these words to himself.

Suddenly…

Within the grand sealing formation, Youngflame Zhan's six arms suddenly, simultaneously changed. His arms actually became covered with many black scales, as though he himself had transformed into serpent as well. His arms instantly became soft and boneless. His whip strikes, which had previously been savage and vicious…immediately became softer and more insidious as they frantically moved forward to encircle and bind Ning.

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Chapter 27 – The Six Finalists

"Youngflame Zhan has lost for sure." Upon seeing Youngflame Zhan execute this divinen ability, and upon seeing how the whip grew even more insidious and soft in its movements, the Xia Emperor couldn't help but shake his head and say these words.

"Indeed. Youngflame Zhan lost his composure. He actually made a mistake like this!" Lu Dongbin shook his head disdainfully. "Ji Ning has been extremely cautious and hasn't used any power attacks…thus, Youngflame Zhan's whips seemingly held the upper hand for a while. In reality, however, Ji Ning's attacks are the most powerful amongst the top twelve! Just because he didn't reveal his fangs doesn't mean that he isn't powerful; rather, he was just being cautious against whip-type weapons. Who would've thought that Youngflame Zhan, frantic to achieve victory, would have immediately used this divine ability as soon as he held the upper hand. He wants to use the whips to try and entangle and bind Ji Ning…but in reality, he's doomed himself!"

Pure Yang True Immortals had exceptional judgment. They saw right away, as soon as Youngflame Zhan executed this unnamed divine technique, that the divine technique was meant to make one's arms soft and boneless, so as to allow the movements of the whips to become even more insidious and softer as well. However, this caused the strength of the attacks to actually drop.

In this battle between Ning and Youngflame Zhan, Youngflame Zhan was already at an absolute disadvantage in terms of strength! And now, he was being so hot-headed as to execute this divine technique and further lower his own strength…wasn't this the same as dooming himself?!

Ning had started off quite cautious, and his six Immortal swords flowed like water in an airtight defense. Youngflame Zhan, upon seeing this, had immediately used a divine ability to make his arms soft and boneless, making his whip movements even more softer and insidious as well. He thought to himself, "Although my strength will lessen slightly, the movements of my whips will become even more unfathomable and insidious. So long as I can tie him down, I'll definitely win."

Youngflame Zhan had gone completely berserk; in the face of this opportunity to become the disciple of a Daofather, even someone as cold and calm as him had grown hot-headed.

"Eh?" Ning was surprised and speechless. "I haven't even started fighting at full power; I've just been carefully guarding. I wasn't trying to seize an advantage, just working to ensure I didn't suffer a loss. This would allow me to get a clear look at the secrets of his whip techniques. Why has this Youngflame Zhan suddenly lowered his own strength?" Upon discovering the changes in Youngflame Zhan's whips, Ning felt surprised and perplexed. "He's dooming himself!"

Ning trained in the [Crimsonbright Diagram of the Nine Heavens]!

His divine ability was the [Starseizing Hand]!

In terms of raw strength, he had an absolute advantage! He was just being very careful and cautious, but his opponent actually lowered his own strength in a frantic rush towards victory…

"He's delivering a present to my door." Ji Ning suddenly exploded with power.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Six brilliant streaks of sword-light flashed through the air, each one incredibly dominating and savage! The power of the [Starseizing Hand] and his Fiendgod-like body simultaneously exploded forth!

BOOM!

A black whip was blasted away as soon as Ning's sword-light brushed past it. The difference in power between the two was simply too great, causing the whips to be blasted away. Although Youngflame Zhan managed to keep his grip on it, the skin between his thumb and forefinger had split apart and blood was leaking out.

The six streaks of sword-light, carrying extraordinary savagery and ruthlessness, swept, chopped, and slammed against the whips, blasting all of them apart.

Whoosh. Ning instantly charged right next to Youngflame Zhan.

Youngflame Zhan was tremendously shocked. His face instantly turned ashen as he realized that he had acted too impetuously and rashly. He had completely underestimated Ji Ning. Previously, he had watched Ji Ning's other battles, but only now did he realize how savage and powerful Ji Ning's attacks actually were. At the very beginning, when his hands were turning slightly numb from the colliding blows, Ning had actually been fighting very carefully and conservatively; he hadn't exploded forth with full power at all.

He now knew how utterly terrifying Ning was when fighting him head-on. Unfortunately, it was too late. Ning had already reached him.

"I admit defeat!" Youngflame Zhan's face was ashen as he called out these words loudly. His six arms brandished his whips as well as he frantically tried to create a wall of whips in front of him.

Whoosh! Slash! Ning's six rays of sword-light streaked out before Youngflame Zhan's voice actually rang out. As soon as he spoke out, Ning immediately came to a halt. This was in accordance with the rules of the duel. Anyone who dared violate them would be killed by the Grand Xia Emperor.

Even though Ning had halted, Youngflame Zhan's body had already been chopped into several sections. His body quickly began to pull together and reconnect.

"I lost." Youngflame Zhan rose to his feet, a look of self-mocking in his eyes. "I, Youngflame Zhan, have always felt myself to be an extremely cold and calm person. I didn't imagine…that this time, I was defeated because I wasn't calm enough. The allure of becoming a disciple of a Daofather combined with your ability, Ji Ning…they put me under too much pressure. I wanted to win too badly."

Ning also felt that this battle had been too easily won.

In his previous battle against Saberslave, he had to go all out in order to win. This battle against Youngflame Zhan, however, he had won easily. He had actually been fighting very carefully and conservatively, for fear of the unpredictable movements of the whip.

In truth, amongst the top twelve, all of the Pure Yang Immortals including the Xia Emperor and Lu Dongbin felt the most favor towards the Sloppy Daoist, Ji Ning, Xiamang Zishan, Adept Blackstone, Adept Woodpass, Cangwu Jiu, and Adept Goldcrow. As for Youngflame Zhan…they actually didn't hold in much favor. Still, any of the top twelve, no matter how weak, shouldn't have been defeated so calamitously.

If he hadn't been in a rush to win, and had instead moved to make the blows of his whips more powerful, so as to counter his disadvantage in strength…Ning probably would've had to first understand and familiarize himself against the whip technique.

"Useless thing!" Patriarch Arcanum gave Youngflame Zhan a glance, his gaze filled with nothing but ice. "You knew that his attacks were powerful, but still lowered your own strength…you are utterly useless."

Youngflame Zhan sat down in the lotus position silently.

Patriarch Arcanum felt like his belly was filled with fire…but he had forgotten that all the things he had told Youngflame Zhan earlier had actually also contributed to Youngflame Zhan being insufficiently calm.

"Calm…even in the face of a tremendous stroke of fortune, one still must be calm."

"This was a tremendous fall for me. Patriarch Arcanum even cursed me as 'useless'. I imagine that upon my return to the clan, the other high-level clan members will also be filled with endless rage." Youngflame Zhan came to a decision. "Since I would have to endure the mockery and insults of others within the clan…after this Conclave concludes, I shall leave the clan and go adventuring."

He had always been an extremely calm person. This rare case of hotheadedness had caused him to lose his chance. This was a tremendous loss to him.

But one learns wisdom from each setback. He became even calmer as he coolly reflected on the path he should take in the future.

The Xia Emperor had originally viewed seven favorably. He had been forced to decide on having the Sloppy Daoist and Adept Ninedeaths fight, but then Cangwu Jiu had unexpectedly made a breakthrough. The number of people the Xia Emperor viewed favorably had suddenly risen to eight as a result.

Of the eight, the Sloppy Daoist and Adept Ninedeaths had already fought. But what should his next arrangements be?

In the fourth duel, Adept Woodpass battled Adept Primalback! Adept Woodpass was like a human-shaped tree; he was too sturdy and resilient, seemingly even tougher to deal with than the Sloppy Daoist. He, too, was a terrifying foe that was extremely, extremely good on defense. He forced Adept Primalback to use up all of his divine power…and in the end, forced him to admit defeat.

In the fifth duel, Adept Blackstone battled Adept Unicosmo! The bald, bare-footed youth, Adept Blackstone, was indeed extremely powerful. He executed the Fuxi Staff Formation, then relied on it to launch sudden attacks and then vanish. Adept Unicosmo was thoroughly abused until he was finally forced to admit defeat.

In the sixth duel, Xiamang Zishan battled Adept Goldcrow!

The most vicious, bloody battle was the sixth duel; that between Xiamang Zishan and Adept Goldcrow! Both of them were viewed favorably by the Pure Yang True Immortals. Per the Xia Emperor's original plans, Xiamang Zishan was going to fight Adept Whitedragon, while Adept Goldcrow was going to fight Cangwu Jiu. But Cangwu Jiu's sudden breakthrough had transformed him into an extremely formidable figure.

There was nothing for it. The second duel had become Cangwu Jiu against Adept Whitedragon. The sixth one had thus become Xiamang Zishan against Adept Goldcrow.

"That Adept Goldcrow is truly formidable; he will be a test for Zishan. If he cannot even defeat Adept Goldcrow, how can he possibly become Master's disciple?" The Xia Emperor was quite harsh in dealing with with the disciples of his clan.

And thus, this battle was an exceptionally violent one!

Xiamang Zishan was even more powerful than he had been when battling Ji Ning; his staff techniques were now even more overbearing and dominating than before. As for Adept Goldcrow, his speed and agility were second only to Cangwu Jiu, while his attacks were even more savage vicious and savage.

The two battled until their blood flowed like rivers. It was an incomparably savage sight. In the end, because Adept Goldcrow had been badly injured and had used up almost all of his divine power, he had been forced to admit defeat!

In this battle…Xiamang Zishan had won!

And so, the six finalists of this Conclavef of Immortal Destiny had finally emerged from the crucible.

They were the Sloppy Daoist, Cangwu Jiu, Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, Adept Blackstone, and Xiamang Zishan!

"Two of the top six are actually of the Black-White College of Stillwater Commandery."

"But but but…what sort of a place is this Black-White College? Two of these six peerless monsters are actually from them?"

"I hear that the Black-White College is merely a school within Stillwater City that takes up a very small amount of land. They have a total of just a few hundred disciples."

"What?! They only have a few hundred?! Our school has nearly a million, and is one of the most supreme, large schools of the entire Grand Xia Dynasty, but we didn't even make it into the top ninety-six. But they actually have two in the top six?!"

Of the top six finalists, two came from major clans; Xiamang Zishan and Cangwu Jiu. Two were unaffiliated wanderers; Adept Blackstone and Adept Woodpass. Two came from a school…and they both actually came from the same school, the Black-White College; Ji Ning and the Sloppy Daoist.

"Ahaha, ahahaha…" Immortal Fivecraze was laughing so hard his jaw was turning crooked. He was utterly beside himself with delight. "Haha, I didn't expect that an old alcoholic like myself would actually be showered with such glory before dying. Even if I die right now, it would be worth it. Ji Ning, little Sloppy, well done, well done, ahahaha! If that little girl Yu Wei had also entered the top six, things would be even better!"

"Patriarch, you want senior apprentice-sister Yu Wei to make the top six as well? This…is a bit too ambitious, isn't it?" Upon hearing this, the nearby Mu Northson's eyes couldn't help but twitch.

"You think this is ambitious? Nope…in fact, I'm still hoping for little Sloppy and Ji Ning to both make it into the top three. That would be even better. Ahahaha! Two of the top three finalists of this entire Conclave of the Grand Xia Dynasty both belonging to the Black-White College…I'd wake myself up laughing whenever I fell asleep. When I die and go to the Netherworld Kingdom, I'd be able to brag a bit with the Judges of the Dead." Immortal Fivecraze was indeed absolutely overjoyed.

The imperial citadel plaza was incomparably lively right now, but the atmosphere in the main hall of the Skylight Palace was rather stifled.

This was because the top six had been determined! Next would come the top three! One of the top three would definitely become the disciple of a Daofather.

"Top three…" Xiamang Zishan's gaze was crackling with hidden thunder.

"Top three…" Cangwu Jiu was seated, head lowered. He murmured these words to himself.

Ji Ning, the Sloppy Daoist, Adept Woodpass, Adept Blackstone…they were all silent.

In fact, they weren't even talking to the people nearby them. An invisible pressure had completely surrounded the six of them. With one more fight, it would be determined whether or not they would make it into the top three.

Six people. Three duels. Three eliminations. Three victors!

Who would be eliminated? Who would remain?

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Chapter 28 – The Sloppy Daoist Battles Adept Woodpass

The Xia Emperor sat above all others atop his throne. Staring downwards, he said calmly, "This is the most crucial point of this Conclave of Immortal Destiny. Xiamang Zishan. Cangwu Jiu. Ji Ning. Sloppy Daoist. Adept Woodpass. Adept Blackstone."

Ning and the other six all looked towards the Xia Emperor.

"This next round will determine which three of you six will have the chance to be chosen by Master as a disciple." The Xia Emperor's voice was calm, but his gaze swept past Ning and the other of the six. He knew very well that if the Grand Xia Dynasty's world was to produce a peerless hero in this upcoming period of upheaval for the Three Realms, it would most likely be one of the six! In addition, it was guaranteed that one would be taken on by Daofather Crimsonbright as a disciple, while a second one was already a disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu.

"First, spend two hours calming your minds. After two hours, the final, crucial battles shall begin," the Xia Emperor said calmly.

Ning and the rest of the six were instantly stunned. Calming their minds for two hours? The pressure of making it into the top three had already made it hard for them to even breath. They were all prepared to start beginning their one-on-one duels…but who would have imagined that the Xia Emperor would instruct them to spend two hours calming their minds.

"After two hours, the duels shall begin. These duels shall be the fulcrum on which your destinies shall turn," the Xia Emperor said calmly, then fell silent.

"Xiamang, you are quite the tormenter," Lu Dongbin said with a smirk. "As the saying goes, death isn't frightening; the terror you feel right before dying is what is frightening. If they were to compete right away, that'd be one thing, but you insisted on delaying for two hours…during these two hours, the invisible pressure they are feeling will most lkely torment all of them."

"How can a chance to become a Daofather's disciple be so easily given?" The Xia Emperor said calmly, "The nine of us all encountered countless life-and-death tribulations before making it to our present levels. They, however, are merely Wanxiang Adepts. They must be tempered a bit, and the invisible pressure created by this chance of becoming a Daofather's disciple is an excellent form of tempering."

"Everyone, which one amongst the six do you think the Daofather will choose?" The Immortal Elder of the Northlands said.

"The Sloppy Daoist won't have any problems entering the top six, but he is already the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu. There's no way the Daofather will choose him. Mm…it might be Xiamang Zishan. Xiamang Zishan's dominating aura is bone-deep, and he is most likely being assisted by the karmic luck that surrounds the Xiamang clan. As long as he can become the Daofather's disciple, his future potential will be limitless."

"I favor that bald, bare-foot youth. I keep on feeling as though I can sense the shadow of the Shennong clan on him." 1

The human race was the most powerful of the countless races of the Three Realms. In the Primordial World which Pangu had established after creating the universe, after Maiden Nuwa created humanity, the human race began to flourish nonstop. They learned, they grew powerful, and they began to embark upon the Immortal path…and so even as far back as the era of the Primordial World, mankind had already given birth to countless supreme powers.

The Emperor of Mankind, the Divine Farmer Shennong, was one of them.

"Mahāsthāmaprāpta, is something wrong with your head? That bald, bare-foot lad uses the Fuxi Staff Formation; if anything, he arguably has a connection to the Fuxi clan."

"I favor Ji Ning. This Ji Ning has trained for just thirty years, but he's already such a monster; his talent is limitless. Perhaps the Daofather shall choose Ji Ning."

"I think Adept Woodpass is not bad."

"I favor Cangwu Jiu."

The Xia Emperor and the rest of the nine Pure Yang True Immortals each had their own favorites amongst the top six, aside from the Sloppy Daoist.

Ji Ning, Yu Wei, Yuchi Xiyue, and the Sloppy Daoist were currently seated together. Yu Wei and Yuchi Xiyue looked at each other, not daring to say a word. As for Ning and the Sloppy Daoist, they were silent as they meditated calmly.

"Yu Wei, the two of them are…" Yuchi Xiyue sent a worried mental message.

"Don't worry about them. Although both their Dao-hearts are formidable, the allure of becoming a Daofather's disciple is simply far, far too great. In addition, this is the final, critical battle. It's good for them to sit quietly for a time and temper their Dao-hearts," Yu Wei said. Her training experience was, comparatively speaking, much greater; after all, she had her memories from her past life.

Although Ning also had memories from his past life, not only was his past life a short one, he had also been an ordinary mortal.

Time flowed on. In the blink of an eye, two hours passed.

"The fourth round. The most important round." The Xia Emperor's voice suddenly rang out.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!

Ji Ning, the Sloppy Daoist, Xiamang Zishan, Adept Blackstone, Cangwu Jiu, and Adept Woodpass; their gazes turned scorchingly hot as they simultaneously turned to look towards the Xia Emperor.

"After careful consideration, the six of you shall fight these three battles."

"In the first battle, the Sloppy Daoist shall fight Adept Woodpass."

"In the second battle, Adept Blackstone shall fight Cangwu Jiu."

"In the third battle, Ji Ning shall fight Xiamang Zishan."

His voice was deep and resonating. It echoed throughout the hall.

Ning and the rest of the six instantly turned their gazes towards their respective opponents.

The Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpass both appeared to be simple, honest, good-natured individuals…and yet these two good-natured individuals had both battled their way into the top six. Only one of the two could enter the top three. Their gazes turned towards each other…but both were very calm. However, behind the calmness, an unshakable resolve could be seen.

Adept Blackstone and Cangwu Jiu were both unconventional. The bald Adept Blackstone always walked around barefoot, leaning on his staff. Cangwu Jiu, in turn, always appeared to be like a hawk, his gaze predatory and devouring. The two gave each other a glance, and their eyes both seemed to spark with fire.

Ji Ning and Xiamang Zishan were the two most ferocious individuals of the six. Xiamang Zishan's domineering, tyrannical temperament was bone-deep, and his staff techniques were similarly overbearing. Ji Ning, in turn, was the number one Sword Immortal of this Conclave; although he looked like a handsome, delicate youth, in terms of strength, he was the strongest of them all.

Good-natured against good-natured.

Unconventional against unconventional.

Savage against savage.

"The first battle. Sloppy Daoist, Adept Woodpass, the two of you can go to the grand sealing formation. You can begin now," the Xia Emperor instructed.

"Yes." The Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpass both responded with respect, them immediately both moved towards the outside of the hall.

"Xiamang, your arrangements truly are like pitting the point of the nail against the tip of the needle." Lu Dongbin shook his head. "Not even I would dare guess as to which of them shall become the top three. I can't tell, I truly can't tell."

"It's precisely because we can't tell that makes this intriguing." Although the Xia Emperor was chatting with Lu Dongbin, his gaze was focused on the grand sealing formation outside the palace. He had to pay extremely close attention to each of these three battles…after all, watching with his own eyes was completely different from watching using a water scryinig technique.

Water scrying techniques only transmitted images. Watching with his own eyes, however, allowed him to sense the ripples of the Dao.

"Ji Ning, which of the two will win?" Yuchi Xiyue was extremely nervous.

"I don't know." Ning shook his head, then gave a sideways glance towards the nearby Xiamang Zishan.

Xiamang Zishan seemed to feel his gaze, as he turned to look back at Ning as well. Their gazes met…and then both turned away to look towards the battle outside that had just begun.

The Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpass; one of them would make it into the top three.

Who would it be?

Within the grand sealing formation.

The Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpass were staring at each other from far away.

"You are the most powerful foe I have encountered so far in this Conclave." Adept Woodpass normally looked quite amiable, but right now his eyes were as sharp as knives. He said seriously, "I watched you defeat Adept Ninedeaths, but…you will be defeated by me."

"Oh. Just saying the words is nothing; if you have any formidable techniques, bring them out," the Sloppy Daoist said with a chortle.

Boom! Boom!

The two simultaneously transformed into towering giants, each with three heads and six arms.

Each of the six arms of Adept Woodpass clutched a giant hammer, while the Sloppy Daoist remained barehanded. However, with the Grand Black Tortoise divine ability, he truly didn't need any weapons at all. Actually, Ning didn't need to use any weapons either; his [Starseizing Hand] made his hands comparable to Immortal-ranked magic treasures, after all. But the implications of the [Starseizing Hand] were simply too great; Ning didn't dare to casually reveal this technique.

If he revealed it in front of Daofather Crimsonbright, that was one thing, but the Conclave of Immortal Destiny had too many eyes and ears present. Once he revealed the technique, news would surely spread like wildfire, and most likely many individuals within the Three Realms would learn of it. Perhaps some of the major powers who held grudges against Daoist Threelives would decide to wipe out Ning, the successor to Daoist Threelives' legacy!

Ning didn't dare to make this gamble. Thus, he had never used his bare hands to block magic treasures, even though his hands were even more powerful than the Darknorth swords!

"Growl…"

An enormous Turtle-Snake had appeared. It was even letting out a slight growl. The Sloppy Daoist, in the very center of the Turtle-Snake, came crushing downwards towards Adept Woodpass with an absolutely dominating air.

"This is my world…" Adept Woodpass narrowed his eyes, a look of intoxication appearing on his face. Instantly, fruit tree saplings began to appear and grow throughout the sealed region. The saplings quickly grew into towering trees which died, transformed into ash, then gave birth to new saplings. Countless saplings were growing, and the three-headed, six-armed Adept Woodpass was himself like a human-shaped tree, with his six arms like tree branches and the giant warhammers in his hands like fruit.

BANG! The Sloppy Daoist's attack had arrived. His fist smashed down like thunder, crushing downwards. Adept Woodpass, in turn, waved a great warhammer.

BOOM! The warhammer met the fist. Adept Woodpass just took one heavy step back after another, deflecting the force of the collision. He continued to look like a human-shaped tree as he brandished about those six giant warhammers.

"I couldn't break through?" The Sloppy Daoist was surprised. "He truly is a peerless genius who was famous even as far back as three cenuturies ago who insisted on stifling himself for three hundred years as he waited for this day."

The Sloppy Daoist's attack form c hanged. He immediately executed the 'Wavefolding' secret art, and his attacks began to seem to turn into the waves of the sea, each wave more savage than the last as power continuously accumulated! Even Adept Woodpass, legendary for his defense, was finding it increasingly difficult to handle.

"For trees to grow, they need water!" Adept Woodpass' face changed slightly as he suddenly spoke out in a gravelly voice.

Rumble…

The trees that had sprung up within the sealed region began to be surrounded with a large amount of water. The vast amount of water swirled around the trees…and the feeling which Adept Woodpass gave off changed. He previously seemed like a man-shaped tree, but now he seemed more agile, with perfect dexterity.

"Two Grand Daos?"

"He actually has embarked on two Grand Daos?"

Lu Dongbin, the Xia Emperor, and the rest of the Pure Yang True Immortals were instantly shocked. During the previous duels as well as when he was within the Brightmoon Diagram of the Mountains and Rivers, Adept Woodpass had always used the Grand Dao of Verdant Wood. This Grand Dao of the Watersource, Adept Woodpass had never before revealed.

The Grand Dao of the Verdant Wood. The Grand Dao of the Watersource. These were two Grand Daos that reinforced and supported each other. For a Wanxiang Adept to simultaneously train in two Grand Daos to such an extremely high level, at very least at the Grand Dao Domain level…in this entire Conclave, only Adept Woodpass had accomplished such a thing.

This seemingly amiable and honest Adept Woodpass had never before revealed this, and upon doing so, he shocked everyone.

1. Shennong, lit. 'Divine Farmer', is the name of one of China's legendary Emperors from thousands of years ago. He was supposedly also the father of Chinese medicine, as he tested countless plants for their medicinal properties, then wrote them all down.

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Chapter 29 – Ji Ning Enters the Fray

"It's hard to say who will win and who will lose." Watching the battle, Lu Dongbin said softly, "The two of them really are similar…their battle styles are both majestic, using absolute power to crush their foes."

"Right." The Xia Emperor and the others nodded as well. Adept Woodpass and the Sloppy Daoist were indeed quite similar. And both were extremely skilled at defense!

As for attacking? The Sloppy Daoist had always used his bare hands, while Adept Woodpass used six large warhammers. But in reality, those six large warhammers were just bigger fists! Since Adept Woodpass didn't have the Grand Black Tortoise divine ability, he naturally didn't dare to actually use his bare hands to fight. The Sloppy Daoist's fists were definitely no weaker than the large warhammers in power.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The two were clashing head on. The Sloppy Daoist was like a wave that was growing increasingly savage and powerful. Adept Woodpass, in turn, seemed incredibly resilient. His six arms swung about those six giant warhammers, counterattacking again and again.

Warhammers and fists. Boom, boom, boom! They slammed against each other repeatedly!

"They really are similar." Ji Ning, seated behind King Yan, couldn't help but mumble to himself, "Eldest apprentice-brother and Adept Woodpass are both so majestic in their attacks…and the more majestic their attacks, the harder it is to defend against them."

Both of them had extremely strong defenses and would fight opponents head on! Other peerless geniuses, when encountering them, would most likely use up all of their divine power and then be forced to admit defeat.

"Eldest apprentice-brother seems like a black tortoise divine beast."

"Adept Woodpass seems like a mobile, man-shaped tree."

Just as Ning and the others were watching and pondering, suddenly…

The Sloppy Daoist, whose aura had been growing increasingly wild and explosive, suddenly came to a halt. The folding waves of attacks came to a halt as well. Adept Woodpass immediately noticed this weakening, and with a grand hammer blow, he directly caved in the Sloppy Daoist's chest.

BOOM! This hammer blow was incomparably heavy, and cracks appeared on the turtle shell runes on the Sloppy Daoist's body as he spat out a mouthful of blood.

BOOM BOOM BOOM! Adept Woodpass struck out repeatedly with his great hammer, showing no mercy at all in seizing the advantage. The Sloppy Daoist was smashed by multiple hammers in virtually the same instant. Heavily wounded, he struggled to defend while calling out: "I admit defeat!"

Whoosh! Adept Woodpass immediately retreated, the giant hammers in his hands disappearing as he returned to a normal size.

The Sloppy Daoist returned to a normal size as well. He looked at Adept Woodpass with a hint of resignation. "I lost…but I'm convinced by my defeat."

"Your attacks clearly had me at a disadvantage. Why did you suddenly stop?" Adept Woodpass asked, puzzled, "Your earlier attacks were becoming increasingly berserk…if that continued, I probably would've lost."

"If the 'wavefolding' secret art can continue to explosively increase in power into perpetuity, wouldn't that make me invincible?" The Sloppy Daoist shook his head.

Adept Woodpass now understood. Right. If the power of this wavefolding technique could increase without end…how crazy would that be?

"The length of time I sustained in using this secret art today…it is already the longest I have ever used it in all these years." The Sloppy Daoist shook his head and laughed. "But no matter what, this Conclave has proven to be a tremendous tempering experience to me, and my wavefolding abilities have increased dramatically as well."

Adept Woodpass instantly began to feel admiration for the Sloppy Daoist.

The top three…they had a chance of becoming a Daofather's disciple. Losing such a supreme chance was something that would definitely cause a major mental setback towards one's self-confidence. And yet, this Sloppy Daoist was actually able to recover from it almost instantly; he was even able to laugh. This sort of Dao-heart alone was already enough for Adept Woodpass to feel endless admiration.

In addition, when they fought earlier, Adept Woodpass also noticed that both their personalities and their paths were quite similar!

The path of Immortal cultivation was an incomparably difficult one. Upon finding a powerful figure that was very similar to one's self…they were practically bosom friends now. Adept Woodpass felt tremendous affection and admiration for him.

"Congratulations, fellow Daoist Woodpass," the Sloppy Daoist said with a laugh.

"This duel with you, fellow Daoist Sloppy, was a truly joyful one for me. It is rare for a person to encounter a bosom friend on the Immortal path, but you, fellow Daoist Sloppy, feel like a bosom friend to me…if you are free, you must come to the South Seas. When I'm free, I'll definitely visit the Black-White College of Stillwater Commandery," Adept Woodpass said.

"Definitely." The Sloppy Daoist nodded as well. Over the course of this battle, he had also come to feel very positively towards Adept Woodpass.

There were some people who had never met before in the past, but upon meeting a single time would become bosom friends with each other! The Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpass were two such people…their Dao-hearts, their beliefs, and their ideas were all very similar. It was rare to encounter such a similar bosom-friend!

The Xia Emperor, Lu Dongbin, and the rest of the Pure Yang True Immortals all nodded silently. When Adept Woodpass had suddenly demonstrated yet another Grand Dao, they had all come to believe that the results of this battle had become hard to predict.

Adept Woodpass winning was reasonable.

"Wavefolding has a limit…upon reaching it, it will collapse and become uncontrollable." Lu Dongbin nodded. "This is true even when Grand Emperor Xuanwu personally uses the technique. Although it might not actually collapse, upon reaching the limit, there will be no way to increase the power of the wavefolding any further. For this Sloppy Daoist to be able to use this technique for so long is already quite rare."

"This Adept Woodpass is a rare talent as well. He was actually able to defeat the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu," Mahasthamaprapta said. His gaze was focused on Adept Woodpass; clearly, he felt quite positively about him.

"For the Sloppy Daoist to be defeated makes sense," the Xia Emperor said. "This Sloppy Daoist, when entering the Black-White College of Stillwater Commandery, was a fairly ordinary disciple in the sect. However, he grew increasingly formidable; in training, he's one of those that becomes increasingly brilliant as time goes on. His late-blooming potential is tremendous. In terms of amount of time spent training, the Sloppy Daoist has trained for much less time than Adept Woodpass has. For him to lose by a stroke isn't strange. I imagine…that if we were to give them another century, most likely the Sloppy Daoist would be able to defeat Adept Woodpass."

"Right."

"Tremendous late-blooming potential."

They all nodded.

There were far too many 'geniuses' in the Three Realms that were exceptionally brilliant early bloomers. Much rarer were those who were not only dazzling in the early stages, but were also able to train all the way through the Primal and Void levels, or even all the way up to the Celestial Immortal and True Immortal levels! Those who grew more formidable as more time passed…these late-bloomers were the true, unpolished jade. After being 'sculpted' properly, they would become even more dazzling. Clearly, the Sloppy Daoist was one such person.

When he was young, he was very unremarkable. Afterwards, he entered the Black-White College but was still just an ordinary disciple. After even more time passed, he became the number one figure amongst the Black-White College's third generation disciples. And now, he was so incredibly dazzling in this Conclave for the entire major world.

This sort of rise…was quite terrifying.

"And more importantly…his heart!" Lu Dongbin sighed. "I can tell that this Sloppy Daoist doesn't actually know that Grand Emperor Xuanwu has taken note of him; he's been working hard this entire time in the hopes of making it into the top three and apprenticing himself to Daofather Crimsonbright. But just now, after losing that battle…he should have felt a tremendous psychological blow. And yet, he was able to almost instantly grow calm again, and he was even able to laugh. A heart like his…incredible."

"Right." They all nodded. The more these Pure Yang True Immortals watched the Sloppy Daoist, the more strengths they discovered. No wonder Grand Emperor Xuanwu accepted him as a disciple.

In this first battle to determine the top three…the Sloppy Daoist had been eliminated!

This caused the members of the Black-White College, such as Immortal Fivecraze, Mu Northson, and Adept Vastriver to all feel tremendous regret. Ning shook his head and sighed as well. There was nothing to be done; there was nothing that could be said regarding this loss. These two fought each other in a completely head-on manner…and in the end, the Sloppy Daoist had lost.

The second battle had begun!

Adept Blackstone against Cangwu Jiu!

"Sloppy." Yuchi Xiyue began to chat with the Sloppy Daoist. "You have good judgment. Can you tell who is going to win in this fight between Adept Blackstone and Cangwu Jiu?" The two had already begun battling within the grand sealing formation outside.

"Let me watch for a bit first." The Sloppy Daoist watched in a seemingly casual manner, but his eyes were very intent. After watching for just a brief moment, he gently nodded. "Adept Blackstone has a major advantage. He has a higher chance of winning."

"Oh?" Yuchi Xiyue was puzzled. "But that Cangwu Jiu seems to be quite formidable, and he's also astonishingly fast. Why do you think Adept Blackstone has a better chance of winning?"

Yuchi Xiyue actually wanted to ask Ning his opinion as well. But this was the second duel; the third would be Ning's. She naturally didn't want to disturb him.

The Sloppy Daoist laughed, "Adept Blackstone is skilled in the Fuxi Staff Formation. Through his usage of the formation…he has actually made it so that Cangwu Jiu is already unable to use his speed to its full potential. Adept Blackstone can just hide inside the formation, and there's no way Cangwu Jiu can even find him. Adept Blackstone has complete control over the tempo of this entire duel. He can attack when he wants to and flee when he wants to!"

"Based on what you are saying, by relying on his formation, Adept Blackstone is now invincible?" Yuchi Xiyue was puzzled.

"No." The Sloppy Daoist shook his head. "This sort of duel has to come to a conclusion. Although Cangwu Jiu is trapped within the formation, if Adept Blackstone doesn't actually attack, Cangwu Jiu can just relax and wait within the formation. He wouldn't need to use up any divine power at all, but Adept Blackstone needs to maintain that powerful formation. It definitely is consuming a large amount of elemental ki. And, as time passes, I imagine that the Xia Emperor will also order Adept Blackstone to attack. Otherwise, who knows how long this would drag out to?"

Yuchi Xiyue nodded gently.

"Thus, in the end, it is still Adept Blackstone's close combat ability that will determine victory or defeat! But of course, he still benefits from the advantages of his formation. And, based on what I saw from their close combat previously, Adept Blackstone is definitely no weaker than Cangwu Jiu in close combat!"

"Comparable power in close combat, but with Adept Blackstone having the advantage of a formation, and Cangwu Jiu being unable to fully utilize his speed…in this battle, Cangwu Jiu is completely countered. He should lose."

Just as the Sloppy Daoist's words were concluding…

Within the formation, Cangwu Jiu was like a hawk that had been trapped within a cage. He was injured repeatedly until finally, Adept Blackstone saw his opportunity and seized it, suddenly delivering a heavy wound to Cangwu Jiu. Cangwu Jiu was unwillingly forced to call out, "I admit defeat!"

And so, the second of the three had been chosen…Adept Blackstone!

"Xiamang, are you trying to prevent this Cangwu Jiu from entering the top three? It wouldn't have been so bad if he had encountered Ji Ning, Xiamang Zishan, the Sloppy Daoist, or even Adept Woodpass; he would've been able to make full use of his speed and agility. He's at the greatest disadvantage when fighting against Adept Blackstone, a master of the Fuxi Staff Formation," Lu Dongbin said with a smirk.

"The ambitions of the Cangwu clan are a bit too grand," the Xia Emperor said calmly.

He was suppressing them by doing this! The other major clans all had extremely deep roots of power; if given a chance, they would be able to soar into the skies! And so, he let Ji Ning fight Youngflame Zhan while having Adept Blackstone fight Cangwu Jiu. In truth, this was his scheme to suppress them.

As for Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, and the others, they didn't come from major clans.

The third duel was now beginning.

"Ji Ning, be careful." Yu Wei held Ning's hand and spoke gently to him.

Ning nodded lightly, then rose and began to walk towards the grand sealing formation outside the hall!

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Chapter 30 – Desiring To Accept a Disciple

Ji Ning and Xiamang Zishan both walked towards the outside of the main hall.

Within the main hall of the Skylight Palace. The nine Pure Yang True Immortals and nearly one thousand Celestial Immortals were all gazing towards these two young men. Two of the top three had been determined; Adept Woodpass and Adept Blackstone. Now, only the last one remained…

"Which of them will win?" Lu Dongbin said softly.

The Xia Emperor and the others were all silent. Only after a long moment did Truelord Chiji say slowly, "Their power is comparable, and both are extremely skilled in close combat. The end of this battle will most likely come when one side runs out of divine power and admits defeat."

"Right." Lu Dongbin nodded gently as well.

"Zishan has a better chance," the Xia Emperor said.

Yu Wei looked quietly at Ning. She knew very well that Ning wanted to seize this chance to become a Daofather's apprentice and thus soar into the heavens. She was eager for his success…but she hoped even more that Ning would be safe.

"Ji Ning, be careful." Yu Wei watched him nervously.

"One last step before entering the top three." Ninelotus was seated behind the Dongyan Forefather. In this moment, she was quietly hoping to herself, "Ji Ning, I hope you succeed."

Although they had broken up, in her heart, Ji Ning would forever be a peerless genius. She didn't want to see him discouraged and defeated.

"Master." Little Qing raised her head, staring at the massive curtain of water and the scene within it.

"Ning, son…" The Whitewater Hound was even more restless.

"Senior apprentice-brother, you have to win!" Mu Northson called out in a high voice.

Atop the clouds, within the grand sealing formation.

Ning and Xiaman Zishan stared at each other from afar. Both of them just stood there with seeming tranquility. However, underneath the tranquility, there was a savage self-confidence…they had to win! Both of them felt incomparable desire for entering the top three, but to do so, they had to defeat the opponent before them.

One of them was a young man dressed in violet; the other was a youth dressed in furs.

Their auras were completely different. The violet-robed young man was born with a dominating aura, as well as an air of nobility that came from being born into an imperial clan.

By contrast, due to Ji Ning's sufferings in his former life as well as this life, Ning looked like just an ordinary, bumpkin-like youth…but due to having come from a world of peace, he showed neither subservience nor arrogance.

"We meet again." Xiamang Zishan's voice boomed out heroically. "Last time, you were defeated by me. This time, you will be defeated again."

"I have only trained for a bit more than thirty years," Ning said calmly. "It has only been ten or so years since I became a Zifu Disciple…and during these ten years, I've reached my current level. That year of nonstop battling in the world of the Diagram was definitely equivalent to ten years of hard training in the outside world. The battle between us was more than half a year ago…and during that half a year, my power has vastly surpassed your imagination."

Xiamang Zishan's pupils shrank. Indeed. Ji Ning's short period of training truly did cause astonishment.

"You improved during the past half year. So did I." Xiamang Zishan's natural, inborn aura of arrogance caused him to release an angered laugh. "If you have any techniques to show, go ahead and show them. Otherwise…when you are defeated, you won't be thoroughly convinced."

"Come." Ning looked calmly towards Xiamang Zishan. This sort of calmness…masked an even more berserk desire for battle!

Xiamang Zishan's body instantly flickered as he transformed into a 60-meter tall giant that had three heads and six arms.

With regards to the [Heavenly Transformation, it was true that Ning had spent several fewer centuries training in this technique compared to Xiamang Zishan. However, unlike other divine abilities such as the [Myriad Hibernating Venoms, the amount of power the early stages of the [Heavenly Transformation] granted significantly weaker. In the early stages, other divine abilities were better than the [Heavenly Transformation].

However, the latter stages of [Heavenly Transformation, especially during the Empyrean God stage, were truly and terrifyingly formidable.

As for now?

Ning used the second Cycle of the [Starseizing Hand]; thus, [Heavenly Transformation] didn't increase the power of his hands in even the slightest.

"Taste my staf!" Xiamang Zishan bellowed with incomparable savagery.

Three black steel staffs simultaneously smashed through the air, carrying an invincible aura as they slammed towards Ning.

Staves were heavy weapons. Only powerful experts with truly great strength would be able to unleash the advantages of staves. Compared to sabers and swords, staves were inferior in terms of agility. Compared to spears, which were also long weapons and even had sharp tips, staves naturally were naturally inferior in terms of piercing power.

But staves had a tremendous advantage as well. This was…in smashing as one pleased! In the Three Realms, especially amongst Empyrean Gods who were famed for their strength, there were very many people who used staves! The power of a single staff blow could pierce through the heavens…and could smash apart the earth!

These two were the same in terms of strength, level of cultivation, and divine abilities. A staff-wielder was naturally much more savage and overbearing than a sword-wielder; this was due to the differences in the weapons. The 'best' type of weapon was the weapon that was most suited to you…and clearly, Xiamang Zishan was best-suited for wielding staves.

BOOM!

The staves cleaved through the skies, causing the world to change in color.

Ning wielded six Immortal swords in his hands. Although it wasn't too suitable for him to brashly use Immortal swords to block head-on, Ning wanted to give it a try, given the power of his divine abilities. He blocked the attacks head on!

The three staves thundered forth with the power of a flood!

They were met by six dazzling sword-lights!

They smashed directly onto each other. They caused the surrounding area to tremble with the terrifying force of the collision…and the result of this head-on strike was that the two were actually on par with each other!

"We're actually on par." Ning was startled. "Last time, I was at an absolute disadvantage. I've made repeated breakthroughs…but this Xiamang Zishan has made some breakthroughs as well. It seems there's no hope of defeating him in a head-on fight. In addition, the amount of divine power my [Starseizing Hand] uses up is quite astonishing; it can't be used for prolonged combat!"

Ning knew exactly what his own weakness was. Although he was very powerful in the Grand Dao of the Sword, with regards to 'ordinary' Daos, he had mastered only two Dao-Paths.

Xiamang Zishan's 'Grand Dao of Lightning' might be a bit weaker than Ning's own 'Grand Dao of the Sword', but he had mastered four complete 'normal' Dao-Paths! In addition, after spending the past half year constantly infusing all four Daos into his staff technique, his staves had become increasingly powerful.

The power of Ning's divine ability compensated for this weakness…but the power of his divine ability resulted in a similarly astonishing rate of using divine power. After fighting for a prolonged period of time, his divine power would probably be exhausted.

"I am a Sword Immortal; why should I fight him head-on?" Ning's swordplay began to change. Previously, his six streaks of sword-light had flown out in straight lines, but they now changed. Ning's sword-light became like an unending flow of water, constantly striking in a steady stream towards Xiamang Zishan. Xiamang Zishan continued to do as he normally did, releasing his staff strikes as he pleased, either smashing down, lashing out, or suddenly sweeping forth.

Ning's swordplay was like water, flowing without an end. Xiamang Zishan's staff techniques were unable to accomplish anything at all…but in turn, Ning was unable to leave even a single wound on Xiamang Zishan's body.

"There's no chance at all. It seems I'll have to use that unfinished sword technique," Ning mused to himself.

Whoosh!

Ning's sword changed once again. Of Ning's six Immortal swords…some of them suddenly blazed like fire, containing the fierce sharpness of the Dao of the Sword! Others flowed like an unbroken stream of water, continuously moving to entangle and hinder his foe! The rest fluctuated unpredictably with tremendous speed!

After, this sort of sword technique placed a great deal of strain on Ning's mind and spirit upon execution.

This sort of combat technique was something Ning had thought up when he had watched the Sloppy Daoist battle with his 'wavefolding' technique. The Sloppy Daoist used four arms to defend and two arms to attack, and then formed a 'folding', circular wave of power…although Ning didn't understand it, he had still been stimulated by the Sloppy Daoist's combat method.

"The sword can be used as a spear, but it doesn't have as much penetrative power as the spear. It can be used as a warblade, but it doesn't have a warblade's savage chopping power. It can be used as a staff, but it isn't as heavy as a staff…"

"Swords have two edges; they are incomparably agile, and can be used in many different manners of battle. After using the [Three Heads, Six Arms] divine ability, if I were to use the six arms to fight in different manners…perhaps they might affect each other and cause a loss of power, but it's also possible that just like with the Sloppy Daoist, the power will actually join together increase."

Prior to this battle, Ning had been constantly visualizing and hypothesizing regarding this technique in his mind. Earlier, during the previous battle, he had been completely silent, partially because he had been spending part of his attention in pondering the [Lesser Five Elements Sword] that he had learned back at the Black-White College. Within the manual, there was a combination technique that used the Five Elements. Ning carefully reflected on these things, and had already come up with a vague technique in his mind. In this moment, he unleashed it.

Whoooosh.

Sword-light like water, sword-light like fire, and sword-light that fluctuated unpredictably…

Ji Ning was incomparably agile and graceful, occasionally advancing and occasionally retreating. His swordplay became similarly illusory and fluctuating as large amounts of sword-light howled everywhere. Suddenly, all sorts of different types of sword-light appeared…it was like a melody that was occasionally soft, occasionally bright, sometimes flowing, and sometimes explosive…

The Daos of Water, Fire, Wind, Space, and the Sword.

He infused all of his insights into the Dao of the Sword and into his hands. Ning had a wonderful feeling, as though many different types of sword techniques were cooperating together and supporting each other. It was all so natural that he didn't even have to intentionally come up with next sword techniques; everything came out naturally, in accordance with this marvelous feeling.

He didn't want to disrupt this sort of feeling; he wanted to flow with it and let it unleash what it could!

"Beautiful."

"So beautiful."

"So swordplay can actually become this beautiful!" The nearly one thousand Celestial Immortal Patriarchs within the main hall of the Summerlight Palace all felt a carefree, relaxed feeling in their heart as they watched. Ning's three-headed, six-armed form executed various different sword techniques. It was just like he was painting a beautiful watercolor painting. The watercolor splashed everywhere, but it had a beauty that moved the heart.

In this moment, Ning's form was like the wind. His six Immortal swords were graceful and agile, putting the exquisite essence of the sword on complete display.

The sword was by nature incomparably complicated. Even the most simple of sword techniques could be divided into thirteen different basic movements, which was far more complicated than the spear, the staff, and the saber. This sort of complicatedness…to a true expert, it represented many materials to work with, allowing him to produce a consummately beautiful product. For a weakling, however, too much complicated was actually a bad thing.

"Genius!" Lu Dongbin, within the main hall of the Skylight Palace, couldn't help but sigh in amazement. "He's actually able to enter such a deep state during such a crucial battle. If my judgment is correct, he is currently in a state of no-thought, where everything simply flows from the heart…when executing swordplay in this state, the power is naturally going to be extraordinary. In addition, he will also firmly memorize these extraordinary sword techniques. After this battle ends, his insight into the Dao and into swordplay will both rise dramatically."

"He is indeed a rare genius of the Dao of the Sword," Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta couldn't help but say. "We Buddhists are willing to accept this sort of genius."

"He has only mastered two ordinary Daos, but his Dao of the Sword is at such a high level that he is absolutely the number one genius Sword Immortal of the Conclave." Lu Dongbin couldn't help but say, "He was indeed born to be a Sword Immortal. His talent in the Dao of the Sword is absolutely inconceivable. Xiamang…if you don't accept this Ji Ning, can I take him on as my disciple?"

"Eastflower, is your heart feeling itchy?"

"Even the Buddhists are feeling itchy. Why can't I?" Lu Dongbin looked back at the Xia Emperor.

The Xia Emperor shook his head. "All of the top six in this Conclave must first be given to my master and his many disciples for choosing! If no one picks Ji Ning, then you, Lu Dongbin, can be his master. What do you say?"

"Bullshit! Are you telling me that you guys won't choose a potential peerless Sword Immortal like him?" Lu Dongbin immediately shook his head.

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Chapter 31 – Closed Door

The Xia Emperor laughed, saying nothing else. Ji Ning and the others were of the Grand Xia Emperor's world to begin with; thus, as the saying goes, 'fertilizing water must not be allowed to flow into the fields of another'. He naturally had to keep these individuals who had a chance of becoming experts of the Three Realms on his side. How could he release them?

"You old scallywag." Lu Dongbin pursed his lips. "Look at how smug your smile is. Haven't you noticed that Ji Ning's power is currently increasing, and that his opponent Xiamang Zishan is at an increasing disadvantage? This is someone of your Xiamang clan."

"Indeed, in this battle, Zishan is going to lose." The Xia Emperor was extremely calm. "I have nothing to say if he is beaten by Ji Ning. In addition, given Zishan's temperament…he's too brash and wild, making him excessively hard and brittle. Given Master's temperament, I imagine that he would choose Ji Ning even if both he and Ji Ning were in the running."

"This guy Xiamang…"

The other Pure Yang True Immortals all shook their heads. Still…given that the Xia Emperor had spoken out, all of them had no choice but to give up any thoughts of acquiring Ji Ning. In truth, given how turbulent the undercurrents were in the Three Realms right now, and how the Grand Xia Dynasty's major world was one that was exceptionally blessed by karmic luck, this world did indeed have a very good chance of giving birth to a future expert of the Three Realms.

However…not even they fully understood how enormous the impending tribulation would be.

The greater a tribulation, the more powerful major figures would born from it. In fact, even multiple Daofathers might be born! However, they would be spread out throughout the three thousand major worlds and the trillion minor worlds. It was very hard to say exactly how many experts the Grand Xia Dynasty's major world would give birth to.

"The Sloppy Daoist, as a disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu, must be blessed with luck."

"Of the top three…one of them will become a disciple of Daofather Crimsonbright. He too will be blessed by luck. For this single Conclave of Immortal Destiny to give birth to two future experts would be quite remarkable."

And precisely because of this, their desire to acquire Ji Ning wasn't too burning; after all, Ning was still just a Wanxiang Adept. No one could tell how far he would be able to actually make it…

Within the grand sealing formation.

Xiamang Zishan was growing increasingly surprised and worried. The Ji Ning before him wielded those six Immortal swords as though they were parts of a moving melody. They danced with tremendous beauty, and just watching them felt like a form of enjoyment! But this sort of 'enjoyment' wasn't something which Xiamang Zishan could withstand. He only felt increasingly stifled, and no matter how he fought back, he remained at a disadvantage!

Ji Ning's swords were simply too inconceivable. They were savage, gentle, fast, slow…Xiamang Zishan was unable to keep up, and wounds began to appear repeatedly on his body. Blood sprayed everywhere as his divine body had to heal repeatedly as well.

"No."

"I don't accept this. I'm going to win. I have to win." Xiamang Zishan's eyes were crackling with thunder as he grew increasingly berserk.

If before this, he could be described as 'dominating' in a heroic manner that subjugated his foes, then his current berserk status was like a sort of utter madness, a madness born from despair.

He was struggling to hang on! And it was lucky for Ning that he did. His struggle to hang on allowed Ning to continue to stay immersed in this wondrous state for even longer. This sort of level of no-thought didn't actually mean that one had lost all consciousness; rather, it allowed one to unleash one's full potential and be guided by the invisible hands of the heavens…simply put, it was as though gods were helping him reach a perfect state that he normally would find it hard to enter.

For example, some poets might suddenly feel divinely inspired and write a line of poetry that would be passed down for ages…but for the rest of their lives, they would never again be able to write something to match it.

This was the wondrous state which Ning was currently immersed into.

"I admit defeat!" Suddenly, an unhappy, dissatisfied voice rang out.

Only now did Ning come back to his senses. Whoosh. Ning came to a halt. The area around him was completely splattered with blood, and half of Xiaman Zishan's body was lying off in the distance. His two halves quickly flew to each other and began to fuse together, but his bloodshot eyes remained filled with discontent.

"A pity that it ended so soon." Ning understood how rare it was for him to have entered such a state just now. If Xiamang Zishan had been able to hold on for a bit longer, it would've been even better for him. However, more than half of Ning's divine power had been used up as well; it was enough for him to have battled for so long.

And then…a look of wild joy appeared in Ning's eyes. "I won!"

"I won."

"Won."

"The top three. The Xia Emperor will send a recording of my battle to Daofather Crimsonbright. He might choose me as a disciple." Ning was filled with eager expectation. "But ideally, I shall become number one in this Conclave of Immortal Destiny. That way, I'll have a better chance of being chosen."

"I won."

The imperial citadel plaza was filled with delegates from the 3600 commanderies. Amongst them, many of the delegates from Stillwater Commandery began to call out in celebration. Although they each belonged to different powers within Stillwater, they were all from the same commandery! They had all felt regret when the Sloppy Daoist had been defeated, but now that Ji Ning had successfully entered the top three, they all felt incomparably proud.

"Senior apprentice-brother, senior apprentice-brother, I knew you'd do it! Haha, and to think the Heavenly Treasures Mountain ranked Xiamang Zishan at number one. He still got taken care of by my senior apprentice-brother!" Mu Northson was incomparably delighted. He called out loudly, "Number one! Number one! Take number one in this Conclave!"

"Take number one!" Little Qing spoke out in the human tongue as well as she called out in excitement.

The Whitewater Hound grinned as well.

A series of joyful shouts swept the plaza.

Yu Wei watched from afar as Ning walked out from within the grand sealing formation. In this moment, all of the Celestial Immortal Patriarchs within the main hall of the Skylight Palace were watching Ning. Ning was the most dazzling figure of them all at present.

Yu Wei felt a surge of excitement as well. Excitement for Ning. "Right. He's entered the top three. Perhaps Ji Ning shall become the Daofather's disciple."

Ninelotus was watching from afar as well. A hint of a faint smile appeared on her face. In this instant…her heart and soul suddenly became tranquil. With regards to Ning and Yu Wei being together, she still felt jealousy, but with regards to Ning himself…she was filled with nothing but hopes for the best for him.

With the most important top three victors of this Conclave being now chosen, all three of them advanced to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the main hall of the Skylight Palace, awaiting the Grand Xia Emperor's orders.

Even the Celestial Immortal Patriarchs had a hint of envy in their eyes.

"One of the three will definitely become the Daofather's disciple."

"Such luck…and yet, we can't touch that luck."

"Perhaps in the future, one of them shall become a figure which we must revere with tremendous respect." The Celestial Immortal Patriarchs all sighed with emotion.

Still…only one of the three would become a Daofather's disciple. The other two by comparison wouldn't be nearly as well-off. If they were lucky, they might become a disciple of a Pure Yang True Immortal, but there was an enormous difference between becoming the disciple of a Pure Yang True Immortal and a Daofather's disciple.

Upon becoming a Daofather's disciple, it was virtually assured that one would become a Celestial Immortal.

However, far too many disciples of a Pure Yang True Immortal would fail in their Celestial Tribulation. It could only be said that compared to ordinary cultivators, they had a much higher chance. Perhaps not even one out of a hundred thousand Void-level Earth Immortals would successfully pass the tribulation. If a Pure Yang True Immortal patiently taught his disciple, then perhaps one out of ten might become a Celestial Immortal.

And individual variables mattered as well. Some were very skilled at training disciples, while others were not.

For example, in terms of training disciples, Lu Dongbin was clearly far superior to the Xia Emperor. Lu Dongbin's disciples even included another Pure Yang True Immortal. This was often spoken of and praised in the Three Realms.

The Xia Emperor looked down upon the three youths, revealing a smile. "I have to congratulate you. You are all extremely fortunate…and in the future, many years from now, you will understand how special this Conclave of Immortal Destiny was for you! This is a critical turning point in your lives. It is clear that all three of you shall soar into the heavens. Only, it's hard to say exactly how high you shall each soar."

Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone all listened obediently.

"One of you three shall definitely become the Daofather's disciple," the Xia Emperor said. "As for the other two…I can promise you that you shall both become disciples of a Pure Yang True Immortal."

Whoooosh. The nearly thousand Celestial Immortals were all stunned. What?! For a Daofather to take a disciple was one thing, but the other two would also become the disciples of a Pure Yang True Immortal? Pure Yang True Immortals didn't casually take on disciples either. Why would two suddenly be taken on today?

"It seems this Conclave truly is special. First a Daofather chooses a disciple, but then even Pure Yang True Immortals will take on disciples." These Celestial Immortals now all realized how unique this was.

In truth, because they didn't have a high enough status, they only came to realize this now. As for the experts and major powers of the Three Realms, they had long ago understood that a storm was coming…and that this storm would most likely be a major one. Naturally, these major powers would have to plan early in advance!

"A Daofather's disciple." Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone all wished to become a Daofather's disciple.

As for a Pure Yang True Immortal? There was a thousandfold difference between a Daofather and a Pure Yang True Immortal! For Ji Ning, in particular…since he had already received the legacy of Daoist Threelives, and the Stellar Hall provided guidance in multiple Dao-Paths and Grand Daos…what was a Pure Yang True Immortal? They weren't that attractive for Ning. He still felt more desire for becoming a Daofather's disciple.

"But of course, all of you will desire to become the Daofather's disciple, and so these final battles are still very important," the Xia Emperor said. "Two hours from now, the three of you shall engage in the final duels, divided into three sets."

Ji Ning battling Adept Blackstone.

Adept Blackstone fighting Adept Woodpass.

Adept Woodpass battling Ji Ning.

Three duels…each person would compete twice against the others.

"I shall use a water scrying technique to record all three duels and give it to Master. Master shall watch all three of your duels, then choose who his disciple will be," the Xia Emperor said. "In these three competitions, you need to display out all of your abilities; after all, the number one victor in this Conclave isn't necessarily going to be the person the Daofather shall choose. The choice is his. But of course…if you become number one, the chances the Daofather shall choose you might be a bit higher."

Ning and the other three all waited quietly.

"Now, all three of you shall enter the world of the Brightmoon Diagram of the Mountains and Rivers. Two hours in the outside world shall be equivalent to a month of quiet training in the Diagram," the Xia Emperor said. "In this month, you need to reflect on the experiences you have gained in this Conclave and prepare for the final competition."

"Yes," Ning and the other three all said.

The Xia Emperor waved his arm, and the Diagram floated up into the skies. Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone were all sucked into it.

Within the Diagram. The moonlight continued to shine everywhere. Atop a mountain peak, Ning seated himself in the lotus position. In two other corners of the peak were Adepts Blackstone and Woodpass, also seated in the lotus position.

These three were the most powerful competitors in this Conclave. Of the three of them…only one could become a Daofather's disciple.

"Mm…?" Ning sat there in the lotus position, beginning to reflect on what he had learned and gained during his battle against Xiamang Zishan. Many insights began to fill his mind…

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Chapter 32 – Number One

In terms of appearance, Ji Ning appeared the youngest of the three, like a youth. However, although that was younger than his actual age of over thirty, the other two had trained for more than a century.

"This is…?" Adept Blackstone and Adept Woodpass both turned their heads to stare at Ning. They saw Ning sit there in the lotus position as sudden gusts of wind began to swirl around him. At the same time…ripples of the Dao descended.

"What? He broke through?" Adept Woodpass and Adept Blackstone both felt shock. They could naturally tell that Ning should've completed an entire Dao-Path pertaining to wind.

"He was actually able to master yet another Dao-Path at such a critical moment. Ji Ning was formidable to begin with. In close combat, Adept Saberslave and Xiamang Zishan were both very powerful, but both were defeated by him. For him to make a breakthrough now…his close combat ability will most likely be superior to even me." Adept Blackstone made some calculations. Instantly, he began to grow nervous.

During the competition in the world of the Diagram, he had somewhat of an advantage. This was because the most important part in that competition was to stay alive and have enough talismans! Naturally, he was able to put on full display all of his advantages gained from his mastery of formations. But in a one-on-one fight, where one side had to win, he was at a disadvantage. The aid provided to him by his formations skills wasn't as significant.

"However, the Daofather isn't necessarily going to pick the number one winner for his disciple," Adept Blackstone mused to himself. "When the duel comes, I'm going to unleash all of my insights in the art of formations so as to let the Daofather see my full potential…and I believe he will choose me."

He was very powerful in close combat as well, close to Xiamang Zishan's level. But he was more confident in his formations ability! He had spent far, far too much of his blood and sweat on formations.

Ning could sense the ripples of the Dao from around him. He opened his eyes, revealing a hint of a smile. The Dao of the Gale…he had finally mastered this Dao-Path!

Actually, long ago when he had mastered the Dao of the Raindrop, his Dao of the Inferno and Dao of the Gale had already been close to mastery. These two Daos had been just slightly lacking…but the many battles over the past year had been very helpful towards him. In the end, he had finally mastered both the Dao of the Inferno and the Dao of the Gale.

"Three Daos. Rainwater, Inferno, Gale. I've mastered them all." Ning had primarily been spending his time meditating on these three Daos, and they had all advanced in unison. It wasn't too strange that by the time of the Conclave, he would have mastered all three.

"My Dao of the Sword improved tremendously as well," Ning celebrated. During his earlier battle with Xiamang Zishan, his insights into the Dao of the Sword had indeed increased significantly. However…there was a huge gap in difficulty between the seventh, eighth, and ninth stances of the [Three-Foot Sword].

After all, the eighth stance was comparable to an ordinary Celestial Immortal's technique, while the ninth stance was a skill that allowed a Loose Immortal like Immortal Northwalker to unleash the power of a Celestial Immortal!

Ning's current level of insights into the Dao of the Sword was between the seventh and the eighth stance. He had yet to be able to unleash the eighth stance…but he had still improved enormously. His combat power had risen by a large amount.

"The Xia Emperor gave us a month. During this month, I need to fuse the Daos of Rainwater, Inferno, and Gale into my Dao of the Sword, making the power of my sword increase even further," Ning mused to himself, then calmed down and began to meditate.

The main hall of the Skylight Palace. Everyone was waiting for the two hours to conclude, and for the three final duels to begin. These three final duels would be recorded and given to Daofather Crimsonbright to watch.

"In his battle with Xiamang Zishan, Ji Ning entered a state of no-thought; I imagine that he must've improved considerably. By the time they have left their secluded meditation, Ji Ning's power will most likely have risen significantly yet again. In terms of attack power, he is most likely the absolute number one in this Conclave. As for Adept Woodpass, he should be the absolute number one in terms of defense. Adept Blackstone…he's a bit worse off. If this was a battle in the outside world, his skill in formations would make it difficult for others to slay him. But this is a duel in the Conclave in which a victor must be determined," Truelord Chiji said calmly. "As I see it, the number one position should go to either Ji Ning or Adept Woodpass."

"Mm."

"Right."

"It'll be a bit harder for Adept Blackstone."

Lu Dongbin and the others all nodded in agreement. Even the Xia Emperor nodded as well. "Ji Ning has mastered yet another Dao-Path in secluded meditation in the world of the Diagram. This should be part of what he gained during the previous battle with Xiamang Zishan."

"No-thought, no-self; as expected, he has gained power after having entered that state of mind." The Pure Yang True Immortals were all quite calm.

Comparatively speaking, in the final three duels, who won and who lost wasn't as important. This was because the Daofather wouldn't necessarily choose the top-ranked person. However, without question…the victor would have a better chance of being chosen. After all, over the course of history, victory and defeat usually determined who would be acclaimed as the hero.

In the blink of an eye, two hours passed.

Swish swish swish! Three figures flew out from the world of the Diagram, appearing on the main hall.

"Your Imperial Majesty." Ning and the other two both called out in unison with respect.

"With regards to these three duels, the first shall see Ji Ning against Adept Blackstone," the Xia Emperor instructed. "After these three duels, I'll arrange for all of you to go to the imperial treasury of my Grand Xia Dynasty and pick out a divine ability of your choice. However, compared to becoming the disciple of the Daofather, choosing a divine ability is naturally a small matter."

Ning and the other two just listened quietly.

"Let it begin, then," the Xia Emperor instructed.

"Yes." Ning and Adept Blackstone exchanged a glance, and then both walked towards the outside of the hall.

By now, Ning and the other two no longer had any more tricks up their sleeves. They had long ago unleashed all of their abilities, which was why Lu Dongbin and the others were able to get a very good picture of what would happen!

Adept Blackstone was clearly a master of formations, but Ning just stood there without moving, just using a Waterflame Lotus to protect himself. As soon as Adept Blackstone moved near him, Ning would fight him…but if he didn't, then Ning wouldn't move about randomly.

And so…

Adept Blackstone began to put on his 'performance', unleashing all of his abilities as a master of formations. The seemingly simple Fuxi Staff Formation unleashed one mighty formation after another. Some were illusory, others were meant to kill, while still others were meant to seal. In fact, the formations actually were layered atop each other, causing the area to be filled with illusions and killing intent.

But Ning didn't even try to break the formation; all he had to do was wait for Adept Blackstone to move close to him and start fighting.

Only after putting on a show of displaying his formidable formations did Adept Blackstone begin to actually fight with Ning. And indeed…in close combat, now that Ning had improved even further, he ended up defeating Adept Blackstone!

In the first battle…Ji Ning won!

As for the second battle, Adept Woodpass and Adept Blackstone fought against each other. Adept Woodpass was even more shameless than Ning! Although Ning had stood there without moving, he had still at least engaged Adept Blackstone in a frenzied battle.

Adept Woodpass, however, had just stood there as unmoving as a mountain. Like a giant, human-shaped tree, he just stood there and let Adept Blackstone whale on him. No matter how Adept Blackstone attacked, Adept Woodpass was still able to withstand it…and he didn't even counter-attack! And so, just like that…Adept Blackstone's divine power ended up being exhausted. He was forced to admit defeat!

In the second battle, Adept Woodpass had won!

The third duel was between Ning and Adept Woodpass. This battle was clearly much more exciting than the last two. In the two previous battles, Ning and Adept Woodpass hadn't dared to run about randomly within Adept Blackstone's formations. In this battle, the two fought each other head on!

Ji Ning was the most powerful attacker in this Conclave! His [Crimsonbright Diagram of the Nine Heavens] was at the twelfth stage, his Dao of the Sword was at an extremely high level, and he had three complete Dao-Paths as well as the [Starseizing Hand]!

In this battle…

Ning put his sword arts on full display, wildly unleashing all of his attacking abilities. At the beginning, Adept Woodpass had attempted to counter-attack, but he was quickly forced by Ning into a point where he was spending 90% of his efforts on defense, with only the occasional counter! This was because Ning was different compared to the Sloppy Daoist; the Sloppy Daoist's wavefolding technique would eventually collapse, whereas Ning's sword arts would not. His sword arts came out in an endless series, causing Adept Woodpass to begin to be injured. With each injury, he would have to spend divine power to heal it…and in the end, Adept Woodpass was forced to admit defeat!

"I used up more than 70% of my divine power in wild attacks before he admitted defeat." Ning felt cold sweat trickle down his back as well. His [Starseizing Hand] used up far too much divine power. If Adept Woodpass had been able to hold on for a bit longer, Ning's own divine power probably would've been used up.

Three duels. Ning won two! Adept Woodpass won one! Adept Blackstone won none!

"He won!"

"Ahaha, won, won, WON!!!" The Stillwater Commandery delegation in the imperial citadel plaza let out an incomparably excited roar of delight. They all called out jubilantly and their roars of laughter rang out.

There were more than a million delegates present from the 3600 commanderies and the Four Seas, but the number of them who knew that the Daofather would choose a disciple could be counted on one hand. To them…seizing the number one position in the Conclave was a matter of the utmost glory.

"Number one, number one!" Mu Northson was so excited, his entire face was red. He was incomparably delighted as he said, "My senior apprentice-brother Ji Ning is number one!"

Adept Vastriver sighed with emotion. "In the past, when I saw junior apprentice-brother Ji Ning kill Youngflame Nong, all sorts of worries had appeared. But unexpectedly, after such a short period of time, senior apprentice-brother Ji Ning actually became number one in this Conclave. This is really…a miracle. A real miracle!"

"NUMBER ONE!" Immortal Fivecraze was so excited that he actually tossed his gourd of wine to the ground. He seemed to have gone mad, and was so excited he seemed berserk. "Ahahaha! A disciple of my Black-White College has become number one in this Conclave! This has never before happened in the entire history of my Black-White College, never ever! Haha, the champion of the Conclave…belongs to a disciple of my Black-White College! Haha, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!"

"Ji Ning truly is incredible." Northmont Baiwei's breathing was rather ragged. He was simply too excited. "He actually became number one in the Conclave. I didn't even dare imagine this happening. This is truly unfathomable."

"Master is so amazing." Little Qing's eyes were glowing.

"Big brother…" The Whitewater Hound thought back to the scenes of Ji Yichuan and Yuchi Snow teaching Ji Ning swordplay. "Can you see this? You taught him movement arts…taught him swordplay…and now, sword in hand, he has become the champion of the Conclave of Immortal Destiny of this entire vast Grand Xia Dynasty! Can you see it? Can you see it?!"

The Whitewater Hound's tears began to fall. He was incomparably agitated.

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Chapter 33 – Grand Emperor Xuanwu

Deep within the void of the Three Realms. There was a world here that had been born from chaos, filled with endless, fathomless amounts of seawater.

The fathomless oceans had several islands within it, and Immortal cultivators as well as Immortals were very common.

At the very center of this ocean world, atop an island surrounded by the waters of the sea, there were a series of indescribably beautiful palaces. Immortal maidens, celestial generals, and celestial soldiers were everywhere to be seen. On the top of the highest palace, there was an enormous diagram of a yin-yang taiji symbol that hung high up in the air, constantly emanating boundless amounts of white and black light…

An old black-haired man was seated atop a bed formed from clouds, and the enormous yin-yang taiji diagram was directly above him.

"Mm?" The old black-haired man opened his eyes. "Novice," he said calmly.

Beneath him were a pair of male and female novices, who were obediently awaiting his orders. The golden-robed male novice immediately responded obediently, "Patriarch."

"Go and call out your uncle-master, Seatopple," the black-haired elder instructed.

"Yes." The golden-robed male novice acknowledged with respect, then took a single step forward through a ripple in the air that had appeared. He teleported away and disappeared.

Deep within the sea of this world, there was an underwater palace. The golden-robed novice teleported straight into the depths of the sea, and where he passed by the waters of the sea parted, allowing him to go straight to the jade-colored underwater palace. There were many soldiers and guards protecting this underwater palace, and upon seeing this person approach, they immediately moved to block him.

"Uncle-master Seatopple," the golden-robed novice called out. His voice echoed within the sea.

Within the underwater estate. There was a tall, skinny man dressed in deep green armor whose eyes flashed with deep green light and a gaze that caused the hearts of others to quiver. In front of him was a white-robed cultivator. The two were happily drinking and chatting with each other.

"It isn't that I, your big brother, don't want to help you. You must understand, I've been confined to this place by Master…I want to help, but there's nothing I can do. But come, come, come, let's stop talking about these unhappy things. Let's drink." The tall, skinny man in the deep green armor lifted up a large bowl of wine, drinking happily. That bowl contained at least a kilogram of wine, but he gulped it all down at once.

"Eh?" The green-armored man's face suddenly changed. With but a thought…

Whoosh. The golden-robed novice that had been outside the underwater palace was instantly teleported inside.

"Uncle-master Seatopple." The golden-robed novice bowed respectfully.

"Apprentice-nephew, why have you come to my place?" The green-armored man asked hurriedly. Although this golden-robed novice was merely a Celestial Immortal, he was permanently stationed by the side of Grand Emperor Xuanwu to carry out his orders. Thus, the green-armored man was very courteous to him and didn't dare show him any discourtesy.

The white-robed cultivator next to him hurriedly rose to his feet as well. "I greet you, Immortal novice."

The golden-robed novice glanced sideways at the white-robed cultivator, just nodding slightly at him, then said, "Uncle-master Seatopple, I have come per the orders of the Patriarch. The Patriarch wishes to see you."

"Oh." Upon seeing this, Seatopple immediately said, "Then I shall go right away." Seatopple then immediately said to the white-robed cultivator next to him, "Master is ordering me to go to him. I must…"

"Big brother, no worries; go take care of your matters first. I won't stay here any longer; I'm going to pay the Heaven Realm a visit and see if I can find anyone to help that poor child of mine," the white-robed cultivator hurriedly said, then left gracefully.

"Master!" The green-armored man called out with respect.

Above him was the black-haired elder, seated atop a cloud. He nodded lightly, then said with a smile, "Seatopple, there is something I am going to have you go do."

"Master, please instruct me," Seatopple said respectfully.

"A hundred years ago, I accepted a disciple in the world of the Grand Xia, one of the three thousand major worlds," the black-haired elder said with a calm laugh. "In other words, a junior apprentice-brother for you."

"A junior apprentice-brother?" Seatopple was amazed. A hundred years ago? When his master took on a disciple, it was a matter of tremendous importance. And yet, he had no idea of this whatsoever.

"His true name is Zhang Qi. He is learning the Dao in a small school known as the Black-White College within the world of the Grand Xia. He is currently just a Wanxiang Adept, and others refer to him as the Sloppy Daoist." The black-haired elder said with a laugh, "The Grand Xia world has just held a Conclave of Immortal Destiny. Your junior apprentice-brother attended this Conclave, which has now concluded. Go to the imperial capital of the Grand Xia's world and bring your junior apprentice-brother before me. Remember…on this trip, you absolutely cannot cause any trouble. All you need to do is bring your junior apprentice-brother back here."

"Understood," Seatopple said respectfully.

"Go then," the black-haired elder nodded.

Seatopple immediately departed respectfully, and then he left this major world to go to the world of the Grand Xia.

The world of the Grand Xia Dynasty. The imperial capital. The main hall of the Skylight Palace.

Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone were all standing there respectfully, awaiting the order of the Grand Xia Emperor.

"This Ji Ning truly is formidable."

"He's only trained for thirty or so years, and yet became number one in this Conclave. It seems he has an extremely good chance of becoming the Daofather's disciple."

"It'll be soon. His Imperial Majesty is about to deliver the scryer recording of the duels to the Daofather."

The nearly thousand Celestial Immortals were all chatting amongst themselves. The Conclave had come to an end, with Ji Ning number one, Adept Woodpass number two, and Adept Blackstone number three. However, right now what everyone was paying attention to was…who the Daofather would choose as a disciple! The 'champion' of the Conclave was nothing but a meaningless title; to become the disciple of the Daofather was what really matter and came with real benefits.

"The three of you." The Grand Xia Emperor's voice once more rang out. Ning and the other two immediately listened carefully.

"I have already recorded all three of the previous duels using the water-scrying technique. I am now going to go to my master's place and offer them to Master for the viewing." The Grand Xia Emperor's voice once more rang out, and a second, white-robed Xia Emperor appeared by his side who looked identical to the main body of the Xia Emperor.

Swoosh! The white-robed Xia Emperor took a single step forward, entering the skies above them, then tearing open the void and departing from this major world.

Ning and the other two were incomparably nervous. The white-robed Xia Emperor was clearly the clone or Primaltwin of the Xia Emperor. Clearly, he had gone to visit Daofather Crimsonbright. Now, they were going to wait for the Daofather's selection.

Who would be chosen?

"My formations are even more formidable than my personal close combat strength. The Daofather will naturally have excellent judgment and will be able to see how special and blessed I am in formations." Adept Blackstone was ranked number three. He had very complicated feelings in his heart right now. "Given my talent in formations…the Daofather should choose me."

"I became the champion. I did everything I could. Next, all I can do is wait for the Daofather's decision," Ning said to himself silently.

"Let's see if this destiny is mine," Adept Woodpass silently mused to himself.

The Grand Xia Emperor, seated up high, once more spoke out. "My Primaltwin has already headed towards Master's place, but it is hard to say when Master will meet me and when he will choose a disciple." The Grand Xia Emperor looked down at the three nervous individuals below him. Clearly, it was hard for Ning and the other two to feel at ease for even a second. "Since the three of you are the top three of this Conclave, you can go pick a divine ability of your choosing from the Grand Xia's treasury."

"King Qi," the Grand Xia Emperor spoke out.

"Your Imperial Majesty." King Qi immediately rose and acknowledged him.

"Lead these three to our Grand Xia treasury. Let them choose a divine ability," the Grand Xia Emperor said.

How could Ning and the other two be in a mood to choose a divine ability right now? In a normal situation, yes, they would be incomparably excited at this chance to choose a divine ability from the Grand Xia's treasury. But they were waiting for Daofather Crimsonbright's decision. Their hearts felt suspended, and they only had one thought in their minds…

Who will the Daofather choose…who will be the one to be chosen…?

Choose me, choose me, choose me…

"Go. After my Primaltwin returns, I will naturally notify you of Master's final decision," the Grand Xia Emperor said.

"Yes," Ji Ning, Woodpass, and Blackstone both responded respectfully. Then they moved to follow King Qi through a side corridor leading away.

The nearly thousand Celestial Immortals in the main hall, as well as the eliminated Wanxiang Adept geniuses, all watched the three leave with envious eyes…

The Grand Xia Emperor had already informed them all that one would be chosen by the Daofather as a disciple, while the other two would be chosen by Pure Yang True Immortals as disciples. In other words, all three of them would see their statuses suddenly and dramatically change. How could the eliminated contestants not feel envious?

"Yu Wei, Sloppy, do you two think Ji Ning will be chosen by the Daofather as a disciple?" Yuchi Xiyue was both excited and nervous. He was her most important family member; naturally, she hoped that Ning could ascend to the heavens with a single step. That way, it would also be much easier for Ning to deal with the Youngflame clan in the future.

"He will. The Daofather definitely will." Yu Wei was holding Yuchi Xiyue's hands.

"Sloppy?" Yuchi Xiyue looked towards the Sloppy Daoist, who shook his head. "I don't know the Daofather's temperament. It's hard to say. Still…since junior apprentice-brother Ji Ning has become number one in this Conclave, and has trained for such a short period of time…he is indeed the most dazzling figure of the three. There is a very high chance that the Daofather will choose junior apprentice-brother Ji Ning. However…no one can be absolutely certain regarding this."

Those who cared deeply about something would often find their thoughts in a jumble because of it. Both Yu Wei and Yuchi Xiyue cared far too deeply about Ning.

"But even if he cannot take on Daofather Crimsonbright as his master, he'll be apprenticed to a Pure Yang True Immortals. There's no need to be too nervous," the Sloppy Daoist said with a sigh. "I wonder if I would have this same good fortune to become the disciple of a Pure Yang True Immortal one day."

"Eldest apprentice-brother, you were also quite dazzling in this Conclave. You should be accepted by a Pure Yang True Immortal as well," Yu Wei said.

"It won't be as simple as that. Pure Yang True Immortals won't casually accept new disciples." Although the Sloppy Daoist did feel a hint of hope, he maintained a calm heart.

Suddenly, a heroic but terrifying aura spread out from the main hall. At the same time, a voice rang out: "Xiamang, long time no see."

Whoosh! Nearly a thousand Celestial Immortals, along with the eliminated Wanxiang Adepts, all turned to stare towards the outside in astonishment. This aura was so powerful and the words were so grandiose that this was clearly an extraordinary person.

"Hahaha…" The Xia Emperor rose to his feet, and the other eight Pure Yang True Immortals rose to their feet as well.

From the outside, a tall, skinny man dressed in deep green armor strode in. He had a heroic aura of vigor that caused all the surrounding Celestial Immortals to feel stunned.

"That's Great Sage Who Topples the Seas."

"Empyrean God Seatopple!"

"Demon King Seatopple!" 1

The nearly thousand Celestial Immortals all cried out in their hearts.

The Xia Emperor was now on his feet. He said with a laugh, "Seatopple, it has indeed been a long time. The Three Realms are currently filled with the stories of your heroics."

"Seatopple, have you come to receive your junior apprentice-brother?" Lu Dongbin said with a lazy grin.

"Right." Seatopple had an incomparably dominating aura, and his deep green eyes swept the surrounding figures. He immediately called out, "Who here is known as Zhang Qi? Who here is known as the Sloppy Daoist?"

The sloppy-looking fatty seated behind King Qi trembled with shock. What the hell?

1. This figure is a figure from Journey to the West. Early in the story, Sun Wukong (aka 'Monkey King') swore brotherhood with six other powerful demons. The Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong, took on the title of 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven', while this demon, the Flood Dragon Demon King, took on the title of 'Great Sage Who Topples the Seas.

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Chapter 34 – A Mighty Divine Ability

Seatopple was an extremely famous figure of the Three Realms. He was a Diremonster who had trained all the way to the Empyrean God level. Generally speaking, others would refer to him as 'Empyrean God' or 'Great Sage' when being respectful to him…but in reality, since Empyrean God Seatopple was something of an unruly, lawless individual who was also quite savage and tyrannical, others would often secretly refer to him as the 'Demon King'.

The sloppy, chubby youth had indeed been badly frightened. After all, Seatopple's savage aura…was utterly terrifying within the main hall of the Skylight Palace. Even the Celestial Immortals were shocked by it, to say nothing of the Wanxiang Adepts.

"I, I am…" The Sloppy Daoist rose to his feet.

"Oh?" Seatopple turned to look at him, then nodded in satisfaction as he revealed a smile. "You really are pretty sloppy-looking."

As he spoke, he walked over, then grabbed the Sloppy Daoist by the arm, pulling him over as he walked towards the Grand Xia Emperor. A new table had already been prepared, covered with Immortal nectar and fruit.

The Sloppy Daoist was slightly panicking now. Still…this Empyrean God, Seatopple, was far too powerful. After having his arm grabbed, the Sloppy Daoist was completely unable to resist.

"What in the world is going on? Why has this savage-looking man with a dark-green Flood Dragon armor sought me out upon entering the Skylight Palace? Even the Grand Xia Emperor is polite to him, but I have never met such a formidable figure before." The Sloppy Daoist was panicking, but could do nothing but just go with the flow.

At the same time…the Sloppy Daoist that the gazes of those nearly thousand Celestial Immortals who were looking at him were filled…with envy! In fact, some of these Celestial Immortals smiled in a friendly manner towards him.

"I was eliminated…but these Celestial Immortal Patriarchs are still this polite towards me? And they are envious of me?" The Sloppy Daoist's mind began to be filled with many thoughts.

"Junior apprentice-brother, come and sit." Seatopple first sat down, then pulled the Sloppy Daoist to sit next to him.

"Junior apprentice-brother?" The Sloppy Daoist was completely bewildered now.

"Seatopple, it seems your junior apprentice-brother doesn't understand the situation yet," the Xia Emperor laughed.

Seatopple turned his head to look at the rather confused Sloppy Daoist. He said in a very straight manner, "Junior apprentice-brother, Master ordered me to come to the Grand Xia world, one of the three thousand major worlds, in order to take you back!"

"Senior, are you…sure you aren't mistaken?" The Sloppy Daoist was feeling rather unnerved. He had no idea who this person was.

"Little Sloppy," Lu Dongbin laughed, "This person before you is a disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu, Empyrean God Seatopple! He's not just an Empyrean God; he's also reached the Pure Yang True Immortal as a Ki Refiner as well. In the Three Realms…he is extremely well-known. Not too long ago, he actually wrecked the Celestial Court."

"Empyrean God? Pure Yang True Immortal? Wrecked the Celestial Court?" The Sloppy Daoist stared at this savage-looking man, completely shocked.

"Hahaha…" Seatopple began to laugh loudly. Slapping the Sloppy Daoist on the shoulder, he said, "Junior apprentice-brother, I have come on Master's orders to receive you. Master said that you took part in this Conclave, and said that you come from the Black-White College, that your name is Zhang Qi, the Sloppy Daoist. There shouldn't be a second person in this entire Conclave who comes from the Black-White College and who is known as the Sloppy Daoist Zhang Qi, right?"

The Sloppy Daoist nodded. In this competition, the Black-White College only sent a total of three participants. There was naturally only one called the Sloppy Daoist.

"Little Sloppy," the Xia Emperor laughed as well, "Don't question it. Earlier, the divine ability which you displayed is called the 'Grand Black Tortoise' divine ability. Did you know that?"

"I did." The Sloppy Daoist nodded.

"The Grand Black Tortoise divine ability was created by Grand Emperor Xuanwu. Without his permission, there's no way you could've learned this divine ability," the Xia Emperor laughed. "Perhaps you don't realize this, but Grand Emperor Xuanwu has long ago viewed you as his disciple. He is a major power of the Three Realms, on the same level as my own master. He is a Daofather! When you put your divine ability on display earlier during this Conclave, all of us already guessed that you are the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu."

The Sloppy Daoist began to think back to the strange encounter he had so long ago…

"So…he was Grand Emperor Xuanwu…" The Sloppy Daoist was stunned.

So…there had been no need at all for him to fight so crazily in order to become Daofather Crimsonbright's disciple. He had long ago been chosen as a disciple by Grand Emperor Xuanwu. However…this Conclave had been extremely beneficial to him. His insights into the Dao, especially into the 'wavefolding' secret art, had reached a very high level.

"Junior apprentice-brother, you've learned the Grand Black Tortoise divine ability? Then there's no mistake about it; without Master's permission, there's no way you could've learned this." Seatopple knew quite well that someone who had been accepted by his master at the Wanxiang Adept level or perhaps even earlier was someone who his master clearly viewed with tremendous favor. Thus, it would be best if he made friends with this Sloppy Daoist.

Seatopple himself usually caused quite a bit of trouble. In the future, once this junior apprentice-brother became powerful, he'd be able to give Seatopple a hand.

As the saying went, every hero should have at least three helpers by his side. The more powerful figures by his side, the better. That would naturally give him more confidence in roaming the Three Realms!

"Greetings, senior apprentice-brother," the Sloppy Daoist immediately said while saluting him.

"Hahaha, don't be so courteous." Seatopple was extremely happy. "A while ago, I wrecked the Celestial Court and was confined by Master to my quarters. It's rare for me to be allowed out. And today, I've even run into Eastflower, this old fogey from the Northlands, and all of these others as well. I'm just going to drink some wine first; in a bit, I'll take you back to meet Master."

"I'll listen to your arrangements, senior apprentice-brother." The Sloppy Daoist naturally was willing to follow his lead.

Seatopple patted the Sloppy Daoist on the shoulder. "Junior apprentice-brother, you have quite a good temper."

"Eastflower, this Grand Xia world is holding a Conclave…why have all of you come as well?" Seatopple's gaze swept forward as he asked this question. He felt quite puzzled. Pure Yang True Immortals were considered experts of the Three Realms. For nine of them to be gathered in one place was indeed fairly rare.

"This Conclave is quite special. One of the top three of this Conclave shall be chosen by Daofather Crimsonbright as a disciple," Lu Dongbin said with a laugh. "Including little Sloppy, this Conclave actually includes two Daofather disciples."

"What? Daofather Crimsonbright is taking on a disciple?" Seatopple looked towards the Xia Emperor. "Who is he choosing? Let me take a look."

"The top three of this Conclave consist of Ji Ning, Blackstone, and Woodpass," the Xia Emperor said. "As for who Master shall choose…my Primaltwin is heading towards Master's estate right now. After a little bit more time, I imagine we'll know the results."

Seatopple immediately nodded, his eyes gleaming. Daofather Crimsonbright was taking on a disciple? This was quite an interesting affair. He had been confined to his quarters for years now, and had been incredibly stifled.

"Come, let's drink while chatting. Xiamang, you are of the Primordial Imperial Clan…you need to prepare more wine." Seatopple immediately guzzled down all the wine on his table, causing the corners of the Xia Emperor's eyes to begin twitching. The others were drinking in a fairly graceful way, but this Great Sage Who Topples the Seas was a Flood Dragon; it was a minor matter for him to swallow all the water of a river with a single gulp. In drinking Immortal wine, he was similarly savage beyond all compare.

The imperial treasury of the Grand Xia was located on the sixth floor of the main hall of the Skylight Palace.

"This place holds the abridged versions of all of the books held by the Dao Repository of our imperial Xia clan," King Qi said with a laugh as he pointed towards countless bookshelves that were filled with books. "You can choose a divine ability at will, or a secret art or technique. But only one!"

Ji Ning, Adept Blackstone, and Adept Woodpass all nodded.

Although their minds were still occupied with the matter of becoming Daofather Crimsonbright's disciple, for now they put that matter aside. The three began to search through this Dao Repository.

Soon, they saw a black jade table that was the most eye-catching of all.

This enormous black jade table was filled with abridged versions of divine abilities! On another table, a white jade table, there were abridged versions of precious secret arts.

[Moving Mountains, Overturning Seas] [Qiankun Arrow] [Myriad Hibernating Venoms] [Formless Illusions]

Ning and the other two hurriedly grabbed one divine ability book after another, flipping through them. These books all had had some prerequisites listed on the front; for example, some required a person to have reached a certain level in order to train in it. These requirements, however, were all meant for the clansmen of the imperial Xia clan. Ning and the other two could choose as they pleased.

They read for a long period of time.

They flipped through all the secret arts as well. In the end, as if by tacit agreement, all three of them chose the same divine ability – [Torch Dragon's Eye]!

"Are you certain you are going to choose the [Torch Dragon's Eye]?" King Qi asked.

"Yes." Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone all nodded in unison.

"Fine." King Qi revealed a smile. "Come with me, then." King Qi was actually fairly happy that all three had chosen the [Torch Dragon's Eye, because this technique was still fairly widespread amongst the various major powers of the Three Realms.

However, this [Torch Dragon's Eye] really was the most powerful divine ability within the imperial treasury of the Grand Xia! Although this was only the first part to the whole technique…this was still a technique that ranked in the top hundred of the Three Realms.

Rumble…a stone door was pushed open. King Qi led Ji Ning and the others into the stone room. In the center of the stone room, there were bamboo books that was hovering in midair, emanating a dreamy light and covered with restrictive spells.

"This is the [Torch Dragon's Eye]." King Qi pointed towards a bamboo book. "The restrictive spells covering them have been unsealed. The other ones remain sealed; there's no way for you to touch them."

"All you need to do is touch the bamboo with your hands. The large amounts of information contained within the bamboo will instantly be transmitted into your soul," King Qi said. "Fortunately, this is merely the first part of the [Torch Dragon's Eye, and so it won't take too much time to accept the transmission. For each person, it will at most take as much time as needed to brew a pot of tea."

Ning understood. This divine ability was one of those that increased dramatically in difficulty at the higher levels. Most likely, the part meant for Empyrean Gods was thousands of times more difficult than the part meant for Void-level cultivators. In addition, the part meant for True Gods would be thousands of times more complex than the part meant for Empyrean Gods.

Ning had accepted the complete transmission of the [Starseizing Hand, which was why it had taken him months to do so.

"Ji Ning, you come first," King Qi said. Ning nodded, stretching out his hand and pressing it against the hovering bamboo book.

As soon as he touched it!

Boom! Instantly, a large amount of information began pouring into his soul. Although the transmission wasn't as efficient and fast as when he had received the [Starseizing Hand] transmission, Ning's soul was far more powerful than it had been back then, and the speed at which he accepted the data was faster as well. In just a short while, the complete first part of the [Torch Dragon's Eye] had been transmitted into Ning's soul.

"So that's how it is." Ning was secretly startled and delighted. The [Torch Dragon's Eye]…this was a divine ability developed by the Torch Dragon, one of the major powers of the Three Realms. This divine ability was extremely famous! The legends often mentioned abilities like the [Torch Dragon's Eye] or [Houyi Shooting the Sun]. Now, upon seeing the real method to activate this technique and its real power, Ning was secretly startled as well.

The [Torch Dragon's Eye, in short, relied on harvesting the light of the Nine Heavens and focusing it in the eye, and then cultivating a so-called 'innate torch-light'.

"Although this is just the first part, which any Fiendgods up to the Void-level can train in…it's enough. After all, beyond that is the tribulation that results in Empyrean Gods. Upon becoming an Empyrean God, I'd be someone on the level of the Xia Emperor. I can just rely on my own powers to search for the second part to the [Torch Dragon's Eye]." Ning was extraordinarily excited.

Aside from the [Starseizing Hand]…he had finally acquired yet another truly powerful divine ability.

Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone all meditated on the contents of the [Torch Dragon's Eye]. Each of them felt delighted in their hearts; after all, this was a technique comparable to the [Grand Black Tortoise] technique. If it hadn't been for the fact that the Torch Dragon had perished, how could they have had a chance to learn this?

"Alright," King Qi suddenly said. Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone all raised their heads to look at him.

"His Imperial Majesty has sent word to me that Daofather Crimsonbright has chosen a disciple. The three of you need to hurry back with me to meet his Imperial Majesty at the main hall," King Qi said.

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Chapter 35 – Daofather's Disciple

Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone all felt their hearts clench. The joy they felt upon acquiring the [Torch Dragon's Eye] instantly fled to the back of their minds. All three of them had the same question in their heart: "Who did the Daofather choose? Was it me?"

"Let's go," King Qi said.

"Right." Ning and the other two obediently followed behind him, but in their hearts, they felt their emotions surge like the waves of the ocean.

The main hall of the Skylight Palace. The Xia Emperor's face changed as he revealed a look of surprise.

"What is it, Xiamang?" Lu Dongbin, Seatopple, and the rest of the nine all looked towards the Xia Emperor.

"Xiamang, can it be that the Daofather has already chosen a disciple?" Lu Dongbin chortled as he spoke. These Pure Yang True Immortals were all clever fellows; a simple change in expression by the Xia Emperor instantly drew their attention and caused them to be able to guess at what had happened. After all, given the Xia Emperor's status, why would he suddenly appear surprised for no reason at all?

"Hahaha…" The Xia Emperor laughed and nodded. "I really can't hide anything from you all. Indeed, my Primaltwin has visited Master, and Master just made his choice."

"Who?"

"Who did the Daofather choose?"

These Pure Yang True Immortals from the Celestial Court, the Buddhist Sangha, and the Daoist Path were all filled with curiosity as they asked the Xia Emperor.

"No rush, no rush. I've already sent for King Qi to bring those three little fellows back," the Xia Emperor laughed. "After those three little fellows return, I'll make the announcement."

"Show-off!" Seatopple pursed his lips, then glanced at the Sloppy Daoist. "Junior apprentice-brother, this Conclave you participated in the world of the Grand Xia really is quite special. You are a disciple of Master, while Daofather Crimsonbright is going to accept a disciple as well…the news that there were two disciples of a Daofather in a single Conclave is most likely going to soon spread throughout the Three Realms."

The Sloppy Daoist just smiled. In front of these True Immortals and Empyrean Gods, he rarely said anything.

"Who will the Daofather choose?" The Sloppy Daoist felt puzzlement in his heart as well. "Will it be junior apprentice-brother Ji Ning?" In his heart, he hoped that his own junior apprentice-brother would be the one to be apprenticed to the Daofather. If that were to happen, then things really would be perfect for the Black-White College this time.

Moments later. King Qi led Ning and the other two back into the main hall. Instantly, the gazes of the nearly thousand Celestial Immortals present swung towards them.

"Why have the three of them returned?"

"Can it be that the Daofather has already made his choice?"

The Celestial Immortals instantly guessed at the reason, and they all felt nervousness in their hearts.

"Your Imperial Majesty, the three have come," King Qi said respectfully. Ji Ning, Adept Woodpass, and Adept Blackstone stood obediently behind him.

"Mm." The Xia Emperor nodded slightly.

King Qi retreated to one side, sitting down in the lotus position in the seat he had been in previously. Ning and the other two were now the focal point for the entire main hall of the Skylight Palace. They found it difficult to hide the restlessness and nervousness in their eyes. Although all three of them were monstrous geniuses, they were still extremely nervous right now!

The Xia Emperor, seated above them atop his throne, revealed a rare smile. He said in a clear voice: "Master has already chosen a disciple amongst you three. The disciple shall be…"

When these words came out, everyone held their breaths.

"Gotta be Ji Ning. Gotta be Ji Ning." Yuchi Xiyue was tightly clenching Yu Wei's hands.

"Ji Ning. Ji Ning."

Ninelotus raised her head to watch as well.

"Don't let it be Ji Ning. Don't let it be him!" Patriarch Arcanum's narrow eyes were filled with frantic worry. If Ji Ning became the Daofather's disciple, then in the future, he would most likely prove to become a true disaster for the Youngflame clan!

Many people were waiting silently. Some hoped it would be Ning; others hoped it would be Adept Woodpass; still others hoped it would be Adept Blackstone. They each had their own supporters and detractors.

For the world of the Grand Xia to give birth to a new disciple of a Daofather was something that would completely, fundamentally change the balance of power in the entire Grand Xia Dynasty.

The Xia Emperor's gaze swept downwards, pausing to intentionally prolong the tension. Only upon seeing Seatopple glare angrily at him and Lu Dongbin rub his nose did the Xia Emperor declare, "The Daofather's chosen disciple is…Adept Woodpass!"

"Adept Woodpass!"

The Xia Emperor's voice echoed within the entire main hall. For a moment, the entire main hall was completely silent.

"Adept Woodpass!"

"The Daofather's disciple…Adept Woodpass!"

"Adept Woodpass!"

In perfect unison, all of the Celestial Immortals and eliminiated Wanxiang Adepts within the main hall all turned their gazes towards the simple, honest-looking youth, Adept Woodpass. For a time, all of the Celestial Immortals found it difficult to mask the envy and desire they felt. They knew very well that this honest-looking youth's status had just soared into the heavens!

The Daofather's disciple! Adept Woodpass!

In this instant, Adept Woodpass had become the most dazzling figure in the entire Skylight Palace!

"It was actually Adept Woodpass!" Yuchi Xiyue, Yu Wei, the Sloppy Daoist, and some others all turned to look at Ji Ning. They felt unhappy on Ning's behalf.

Ning had already tried his best. He was the youngest of the three, and was number one in this Conclave. Why hadn't he been chosen?

However, they didn't argue against this decision, because the decision was Daofather Crimsonbright's! Only the person who the Daofather took a favoring to would be chosen…and that person didn't necessarily have to be number one.

"The Daofather's chosen disciple is…Adept Woodpass!" The voice rang out in Ning's ears. He felt dazed.

For an extremely brief moment, Ning's entire mind went blank. However, he quickly came back to consciousness. Although he was clear-headed now, in his heart, he still felt countless emotions.

"Why would it be him? Why did the Daofather choose him?" Ning's heart was filled with urgency, resentment, rage…and helplessness!

He was helpless. Truly helpless. The choice of a disciple was up to the Daofather; no matter how dazzling Ning had proven himself to be, if the Daofather didn't like him, it was all for nothing.

"If I had completely exposed my [Starseizing Hand, then perhaps Daofather Crimsonbright would have chosen me." This thought suddenly came to Ning's mind…but it was nothing more than a disgruntled thought. Ning knew very well that given how many people were watching this Conclave, as soon as his [Starseizing Hand] was revealed, the after-effects would be completely unpredictable!

The Three Realms were currently filled with turbulent undercurrents that were simply too mysterious. Daoist Threelives' status was unknown. Ning didn't dare take this risk.

"Congratulations, brother Woodpass." Ning immediately turned to the nearby Adept Woodpass, expressing his congratulations.

On his other side was Adept Blackstone, who had an extremely complicated look in his eyes. Upon hearing Ning's words, he immediately came to his own senses. In his heart, he secretly felt ashamed; in the face of this mental blow, he had actually taken longer to recover than Ji Ning, who had trained for just thirty or so years. But no matter what…he hadn't been chosen. It was guaranteed that two of them would be eliminated.

"Congratulations, brother Woodpass," Adept Blackstone said as well.

Adept Woodpass's eyes were filled with joy. He immediately said, "Brother Ji Ning, brother Blackstone, I was just lucky. Neither of you are inferior to me."

The Xia Emperor, seated on his throne, nodded slightly upon seeing this.

Ji Ning and Blackstone's Dao-hearts were fairly formidable. The chance of becoming the Daofather's disciple had suddenly disappeared; this was a tremendous blow that would cause some people's Dao-hearts to completely crumble, and perhaps even cause them to go insane. For Ji Ning and Adept Blackstone to be able to quickly recover from this blow and regain their faculties…they did indeed live up to being top of the top three contestants in this Conclave.

"Ji Ning, Blackstone," the Xia Emperor said. "The two of you don't need to be depressed. I told you that the two of you will both be able to apprentice yourselves to a Pure Yang True Immortal! I will help you select a suitable master…and if others do not take you in, then I, Xiamang Xun, will personally take you on as my disciples. However, I do not travel on the Dao of the Sword, nor do I travel on the Dao of Formations. I'm not necessarily the best suited master for you two. Go and spend three days in the imperial capital first. Within three days, I'll send someone to meet you two."

"Thank you, your Imperial Majesty." Ning and Adept Blackstone both responded respectfully.

"The two of you can leave now," the Xia Emperor said. He was quite favorably disposed towards both Ji Ning and Adept Blackstone. The attack on the Six Paths of Reincarnation and its collapse…the fact that this Conclave gave birth to two Daofather's disciples…the Xia Emperor felt increasingly certain that this Conclave was going to give birth to future heroes of the Three Realms. Ji Ning and Adept Blackstone both had this potential!

"Junior apprentice-brother Woodpass, go ahead and seat yourself next to junior apprentice-brother Sovereign Hao," the Xia Emperor said.

Adept Woodpass couldn't breath. 'Junior apprentice-brother'? The Xia Emperor had just referred to him as junior apprentice-brother? Adept Woodpass now truly understood…that from today onwards, his destiny had indeed been completely changed. He truly was about to soar into the heavens.

"Yes." Adept Woodpass obediently walked forward. Sovereign Hao grabbed him and pulled him over to sit next to him.

"Eh?" Only now did Adept Woodpass see Empyrean God Seatopple, as well as the Sloppy Daoist who was beside him. "Why is the Sloppy Daoist sitting here as well?"

This place was a place where the True Immortals and Empyrean Gods were seated; not even the Celestial Immortals were permitted to come close. Why was the Sloppy Daoist here? And who was this man dressed in deep green Flood Dragon armor?

Ning was seated back before King Yan once more. King Yan consoled him, "Ji Ning, don't feel dispirited. After all, you shall still become the disciple of a Pure Yang True Immortal. Even if there are no suitable ones…you will at least become his Imperial Majesty's personal disciple. For him to become your master means that in the future, you will have no troubles at all within the world of the Grand Xia Dynasty. You will no longer need to fear the Youngflame clan."

Ning nodded lightly. Since he couldn't become the Daofather's disciple, then all he could do was lower his expectations for now. Pure Yang True Immortals were truly formidable figures of the Three Realms as well. Perhaps they might know about whether Daoist Threelives was alive or not. In addition, with a Pure Yang True Immortal as his master, he would have a powerful backer in the future!

"Ji Ning." Yuchi Xiyue looked towards Ning with concern.

"Ji Ning." Yu Wei looked towards him as well.

Both of them were worried about him.

Ning, after sitting down, smiled gently. "There's no way I can change the Daofather's decision on whether or not too choose me! No matter what, I've already done all I can."

"Right." Both Yu Wei and Xiyue let out sighs of relief. Ning's Dao-heart was even more firm and strong than they had expected.

Ning then looked towards the place where the True Immortals and Empyrean Gods were gathered. He immediately whispered, "Why is eldest apprentice-brother seated over there? Who is that fellow dressed in the dark green Flood Dragon armor in front of him?"

Yu Wei and Xiyue exchanged a glance. Xiyue spoke out, "When you went to choose a divine ability, that Empyrean God known as Seatopple arrived. He is the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu, and he has come to this Conclave for the express purpose of bringing back the Sloppy Daoist."

"He's taking him away?" Ning was puzzled.

Yu Wei said, "You didn't see it, Ji Ning. Everyone in the main hall was talking about it earlier. The divine ability which eldest apprentice-brother uses is known as the 'Grand Black Tortoise' divine ability, which was created by Grand Emperor Xuanwu, one of the major powers of the Three Realms. In reality…he had been chosen by Grand Emperor Xuanwu long ago to be his disciple. After this Conclave, he is going to be taken before Grand Emperor Xuanwu and truly taught the Dao."

"What?!" Ning was stunned. Woodpass was a major power's disciple, and now the Sloppy Daoist was becoming one as well?

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Chapter 36 – Lu Dongbin Accepts a Disciple

Ji Ning, Adept Blackstone, and Adept Woodpass quickly came to understand the situation. It wasn't so bad for Adept Woodpass, but Ji Ning and Adept Blackstone found it hard to refrain from feeling envy.

Becoming a Daofather's disciple! Aside from personal effort, luck was another part of it!

"Xiamang," Seatopple said, puzzled. "I heard you say earlier that it seems as though of the three, Ji Ning is the youngest. In addition, he also became number one in this Conclave. In turn, Blackstone is a grandmaster in formations. Why would the Daofather end up choosing Adept Woodpass?"

"How should I know?" The Xia Emperor shook his head. However, in his heart, the Xia Emperor thought back to his Primaltwin's visit with Daofather Crimsonbright.

Beyond the Three Realms, within the infinite void. There was a mountain that was hovering within the void. The mountain was a million kilometers in size, and it was filled with palaces. This was the place where Daofather Crimsonbright, a major power of the Three Realms, resided.

"Master, here are the recordings of the top three youths who participated in this Conclave of Immortal Destiny." The white-robed Xia Emperor stood there respectfully while handing over a scroll.

Off in the distance, there was an elder with long azure hair seated in the lotus position atop a stone. The void around the place where he was seated seemed to be incomparably stable and steady.

The azure-haired elder nodded gently. The scroll instantly unfurled, its surface flashing through the images of those three duels.

Whoosh…the scene of the first battle suddenly turned dramatic and exciting. Instantly, the battle between Ji Ning and Adept Blackstone began to proceed.

"Mm." The azure-haired elder revealed a hint of a smile as he nodded lightly. "This young fellow who uses formations truly is quite remarkable in this respect. If he were to focus on it, in the future, he would most likely become a true grandmaster of the Dao of Formations! By relying on the Dao of Formations, he has a chance of overcome the Celestial Tribulation and becoming a Celestial Immortal. He is worth nurturing!"

"The young fellow who uses the sword isn't bad either. His sword-intent is quite formidable; he should be an excellent potential Sword Immortal," the azure-haired elder said in praise.

The white-robed Xia Emperor said respectfully, "Master, of the final three in this Conclave, the number one victor is the sword-wielding one. His name is Ji Ning, and he has only trained for thirty years. This formations wielder is known as Blackstone; he ranked number three, and has spent a hundred years in his training. As for the last one, his name was Adept Woodpass. He ranked number two in this Conclave, and has trained for more than three hundred years!"

"Thirty years?" Daofather Crimsonbright was surprised. He nodded lightly, a look of delight appearing in his eyes. "It seems his talent in the Dao of the Sword is quite astonishing. He's worth nurturing as well."

The white-robed Xia Emperor nodded lightly as well. That went without saying. Even Lu Dongbin had grown intrigued, and he was someone who was quite skilled at guiding disciples, and who had exceptional judgment. He had taken a liking to Ji Ning…and had long ago praised him as being a genius in the Dao of the Sword.

Whoosh. Daofather Crimsonbright flicked through to the second battle. This was between Adept Woodpass and Adept Blackstone.

Upon seeing seeing this battle, Daofather Crimsonbright's eyes lit up. He immediately flicked through to the third battle, the one between Ji Ning and Adept Woodpass.

"Good, good, good." Daofather Crimsonbright said the word 'good' three times in a row.

The white-robed Xia Emperor was immediately surprised and perplexed. Who was Daofather Crimsonbright praising? Was it Ji Ning?

"Master, there was someone else in this Conclave known as the Sloppy Daoist. He is the disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu, and has trained for a hundred years. The Sloppy Daoist was actually himself kept in the dark, and had no idea that he was the Grand Emperor's disciple. In the end, Seatopple personally came to receive him back to meet with Grand Emperor Xuanwu," the white-robed Xia Emperor added.

"The Turtle-Snake's disciple?" Daofather Crimsonbright was curious. "Do you have a scryer recording?"

"I do." Since the white-robed Xia Emperor had mentioned the Sloppy Daoist, he naturally had come prepared. He immediately offered yet another scroll, this one with multiple battles recorded, including that between Adept Woodpass and the Sloppy Daoist, where the Sloppy Daoist had been defeated in the end.

After viewing that battle, Daofather Crimsonbright couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha, that old Turtle-Snake's temperament is very similar to mine, and his judgment is the same. This Sloppy Daoist that he chose…he is quite low-key and quite reliable, with a solid, deep foundation that has no flaws. Although in his youth he may have seemed to be slow in training, as time passes…his deep, solid foundation will allow his Immortal path to be a long and stable one."

"Woodpass and this Sloppy have almost identical Immortal cultivation paths," Daofather Crimsonbright nodded with a sigh. "Both have incomparably perfect and stable foundations, and both have extremely strong Dao-hearts."

The white-robed Xia Emperor was startled. Judging from these words…it seemed as though his master favored Adept Woodpass.

"Daofather, can it be that you are going to choose Adept Woodpass?" The white-robed Xia Emperor couldn't help but speak out. He had spent the most time training out of the top three.

"Remember," Daofather Crimsonbright said with a calm laugh, "Don't just judge a person just by his temporary prominence. The path of Immortal cultivation is an incomparably long and limitless one…and these three have just embarked on it a short while ago. In choosing a disciple, one must see through the present and into the infinite future."

"Thirty years? A hundred years? Three hundred years? In the fact of the long Immortal path, these timeframes are nothing," Daofather Crimsonbright said. "The Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpath are both unrushed and stable, with calm, leisurely dispositions! Just by looking at their combat styles, I can tell that they didn't waste any of their attention on small tricks and benefits."

The white-robed Xia Emperor nodded. Indeed, the Sloppy Daoist and Adept Woodpass were quite similar.

"This sort of temperament is the best sort of mentality and heart for an Immortal cultivator," Daofather Crimsonbright said with a laugh. "Or at least, it's the sort that I and the old Turtle-Snake favor."

Daofather Crimsonbright was an extremely good-natured person; everyone knew this. As the saying goes, when a turtle sees a pea, he would like it for its color! Daofather Crimsonbright favored Woodpass for his heart and mind. He knew very well that although the Immortal path required a certain degree of comprehension ability and talent, towards the later parts of the path, it required even more regarding one's mind and Dao-heart!

"It'll be Woodpass," Daofather Crimsonbright nodded. "As for the other two, they are moldable talents as well. Go and seek out your fellow disciples and see which of them are willing to accept these two as disciples. The Three Realms are in a state of upheaval; perhaps my gaze has gone astray and either Ji Ning or Adept Blackstone shall become formidable in the future as well. Thus, we should still bring them into my Crimsonbright League!"

"Yes," the white-robed Xia Emperor nodded. "Ji Ning is a Sword Immortal. I shall go seek out junior apprentice-brother Evergreen! Junior apprentice-brother Evergreen is a Sword Immortal as well. As for this Blackstone…it seems as though none of us are truly peerless with regards to the Dao of Formations."

"If you can't find anyone suitable, then you can accept this Blackstone yourself. Although your talent in formations isn't amongst the top within the Three Realms, it is more than enough to teach this Blackstone," Daofather Crimsonbright said.

The white-robed Xia Emperor nodded in acknowledgment.

Back within the main hall of the Skylight Palace.

Amongst the True Immortals and Empyrean Gods, Lu Dongbin was the strongest. He was ranked at the very top amongst the Pure Yang True Immortals of the Three Realms, and was a peerless Sword Immortal who had an extremely good chance of becoming a Daofather of the Great Firmament.

As for the Daofathers supporting him…they were Lieges of the Daoist Path.

He was viewed with great favor by those two Daofathers, and had even produced a disciple who became a Pure Yang True Immortal. Lu Dongbin's vision was particularly astute! Long before the others had realized how special Ji Ning was, Lu Dongbin had been able to somewhat sense it.

"Xiamang," Lu Dongbin said with a laugh, "Since Daofather Crimsonbright has not accepted Ji Ning as his disciple, then I'll shamelessly raise this topic again; Ji Ning truly has exceptional potential as a Sword Immortal, and I like him very much. I wonder, Xiamang, if you would ber willing to give me some face and let me take Ji Ning. I truly do want to take on this disciple."

"Lu Dongbin…" The Xia Emperor shook his head. "Although Master didn't choose Ji Ning, he still praised him multiple times. So…please don't make things hard for me, Lu Dongbin."

"Xiamang, it is just a Wanxiang Adept." Empyrean God Seatopple pursed his lips. "Since Eastflower has asked this of you…can it be that Eastflower's face is worth less than a young Wanxiang Adept? In addition, your Crimsonbright League only has a single Pure Yang Sword Immortal, Immortal Evergreen, right? Immortal Evergreen isn't a good teacher; it's been so many years, but I've never heard of him producing a single Celestial Immortal."

The corners of the Xia Emperor's eyes twitched.

"Since Eastflower has made the request, just give him some face, Xiamang," the Immortal Elder of the Northlands spoke out as well.

At the beginning, Lu Dongbin had mentioned this in a joking way, but had been refused. But this time…he was being extremely serious.

Lu Dongbin had many good friends. He was very influential, and his backers were very powerful. All of the True Immortals and Empyrean Gods present aside from Sovereign Hao, who was also Daofather Crimsonbright's disciple, were speaking out on his behalf.

"Xiamang, you know what sort of a temperament I have. I've always been a blunt, straight-talker. I truly am intrigued by this Ji Ning, and I want to take him on as my disciple. Xiamang, help me out here. I'll owe you a favor and I won't forget it. What do you say?" Lu Dongbin spoke out earnestly.

The Xia Emperor was startled. A favor from Lu Dongbin? That was quite valuable indeed.

But…Daofather's Crimsonbright's words remained within his mind. Although the Daofather hadn't chosen Ji Ning and Blackstone, he still had a very good impression of them. He had said that perhaps Ji Ning and Blackstone would also be quite astonishing in the future…and that they had to be brought into the Crimsonbright League.

"Lu Dongbin, it's not that I won't allow it, it is that Master has given his orders." The Xia Emperor shook his head. "There's nothing I can do."

Lu Dongbin frowned.

The Xia Emperor could tell that Lu Dongbin was unhappy…but there was nothing he could do about it. He had to make this refusal.

Lu Dongbin shook his head and sighed. It seemed as though he truly was not destined to become Ji Ning's master! He didn't dare to actually kidnap and forcibly take away Ji Ning…after all, that would be the equivalent of slapping Daofather Crimsonbright directly in the face! A Daofather who had emerged from the primordial chaos and had survived into the present era…he absolutely would not offend such a person for no good reason.

"Then Ji Ning's Dao-companion, Yu Wei. I rather like this little lady as well. If I take her as my disciple, you won't stop me, will you Xiamang?" Lu Dongbin said.

"Haha, that's a small matter. Lu Dongbin, you can pick anyone you want from outside the top ninety-six. Even if you choose them all, it'd be fine." The Xia Emperor spoke out in a very magnanimous way. He knew that he had caused Lu Dongbin to feel unhappy, and so he naturally now spoke out in a way to make him feel better.

Lu Dongbin nodded, then turned his gaze towards King Yan's side, towards Yu Wei. She was currently holding hands with Ji Ning and whispering with him.

"Little girl, come over here," Lu Dongbin smiled towards Yu Wei. His voice rang out directly within her ears.

"Eh?" Yu Wei was startled. Raising her head to look over, she immediately saw that the Xia Emperor and the others were all looking towards her.

"Yu Wei, come here," the Xia Emperor said as well.

Only now did Yu Wei, rather puzzled and lost, rise to her feet. She began to walk towards them…and in doing so, caused quite a few of the Celestial Immortals and Wanxiang Adepts present to pay attention to her.

"Little girl," Lu Dongbin said with a laugh as he looked at Yu Wei, "I, Lu Dongbin, wish to take you on as a disciple. Are you willing?"

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Chapter 37– Sword Immortal Evergreen

Lu Dongbin didn't mask his voice at all. It echoed throughout the entire main hall of the Skylight Palace, and all of the nearly thousand Celestial Immortals as well as the various Wanxiang Adepts were all incomparably surprised.

"Exalted Immortal Eastflower is taking on that little girl of the Black-White College?"

"Why is Lu Dongbin taking on this little girl?"

"Lu Dongbin's judgment is exceptional. Even I would like to take him on as a master, but he wouldn't even look at me! But why is it that today…"

Many of the Celestial Immortals present were rather jealous. Becoming the disciple of a Daofather was a stroke of tremendous karmic fortune! They didn't even dare to dream of such a thing, and so most of them actually hoped for becoming a disciple of a Pure Yang True Immortal.

Lu Dongbin was one of the very top True Immortals or Empyrean Gods, and his background was incredible as well. He was also superb at teaching his students! He was a passionate man, and whenever he took on a disciple, he would use all his heart in training them. Compared to him, many of the other True Immortals or Empyrean Gods were focusing on training in the Dao, and didn't care as much about their disciples.

"Lu Dongbin?"

"The legendary Lu Dongbin?" The Wanxiang Adepts, such as Adept Ninedeaths, Cangwu Jiu, Xiangtian Xiao, Youngflame Zhan, and the others all turned red-eyed with jealousy. They had fought into the top ninety-six, and some had even fought into the top twelve or top six!

Lu Dongbin's fame was such that even many ordinary mortals and commoners had heard of it. This was because figures such as Houyi, Father Kua, and the Eight Immortals of the High Caves were simply too famous and too well-known in the legends. As for Lu Dongbin…he was the leader of the Eight Immortals of the High Caves!

Although they were red-eyed with jealousy, the Celestial Immortals all knew that this was the type of person Lu Dongbin was.

"Are you willing?" Lu Dongbin asked once again.

Yu Wei was stunned. This sudden, unexpected surprise had made her somewhat speechless. Of course she was willing! Who wouldn't be willing to be an apprentice to Lu Dongbin? This was something that was second to only becoming a Daofather's disciple!

But she had just become Dao-companions with Ji Ning…were they going to be separated just like this?

Yu Wei turned her head to look towards the distant Ning. Ning understood what she was feeling. Although he couldn't bear to let her go, he knew that Yu Wei was also a person whose heart was focused on the Dao. He nodded gently.

"Don't feel too much regret for your little lover." Lu Dongbin saw Yu Wei turn her head towards Ji Ning. He explained, "Your little lover is definitely going to become an apprentice to a True Immortal or Empyrean God as well; he's definitely going to spend some time by their side. And so, regardless of whether or not you accept me as your master, in a short period of time, Ji Ning himself will depart from the world of the Grand Xia."

Yu Wei now understood. She gave the distant Ning another glance. Ning himself repeatedly gestured with his eyes at her while nodding.

"Can I ask how long it will be?" Yu Wei asked nervously.

"At least a few decades, at most a century," Lu Dongbin said with a laugh. "Don't worry; once I hear that Ji Ning has returned to the world of the Grand Xia, I will soon let you come back and reunite with your little lover."

Yu Wei said with desire, "Then can Ji Ning take you on as his master as well?" She knew that Lu Dongbin was a Sword Immortal; he was quite suited to teach Ning.

"I want that too," Lu Dongbin said, shaking his head and sighing. "But unfortunately, this Grand Xia Emperor of yours won't allow it no matter what." As he spoke, he gave the Xia Emperor a glance.

The Xia Emperor just sat there smiling, not saying a single word. Clearly…there was no room for discussion on this at all!

Yu Wei nodded. She no longer hesitated at all. Falling to her knees, she called out respectfully, "Your disciple greets you, Master."

"Hahaha…" Lu Dongbin began to laugh loudly. "Good, good, good. To be able to take on a good disciple such as you…this trip of mine to this Conclave was worth it. Yu Wei, go spend some more time with your little lover; in a short while, when the Conclave concludes, we shall leave this world of the Grand Xia."

"Yes, Master." Yu Wei once more headed right back to Ning's side.

"Yu Wei, congratulations." Yuchi Xiyue was very happy for Yu Wei. Her cousin's Dao-companion had become Lu Dongbin's apprentice; this was a joyous matter indeed.

"Ji Ning, after this Conclave concludes, the True Immortals and Empyrean Gods will leave. Master will take me away from this world of the Grand Xia as well." Yu Wei had a look of longing in her eyes.

Ning gently took Yu Wei's hand in his own. "Both of our hearts are focused on the Dao. An opportunity like this is rare; how can we let it pass by? In addition, I'm going to be apprenticed to a True Immortal or Empyrean God as well. By then, I'll be stayed permanently by Master's side…and I too shall leave this world of the Grand Xia."

Although he wasn't going to be able to become a Daofather's apprentice…by becoming a True Immortal or Empyrean God's apprentice, he would still have a powerful backer! He would also learn more about the various powers within the Three Realms! Ning had already decided to spend some time alongside the True Immortal or Empyrean God and focus on training with him or her.

Yu Wei nodded. "Master said the same thing. He will probably take me away for a few decades, no more than a century. Once you come back, Ji Ning…Master will know and will quickly release me as well."

"We'll both work hard," Ning said softly. "We are both going to overcome the Celestial Tribulation and become Celestial Immortals. We truly be together for eternity."

"Together for eternity." Yu Wei nodded as well, her eyes slightly red. To be by the side of her lover for all eternity…how beautiful that would be.

"But can I truly be together for eternity with Ji Ning?" Yu Wei once more thought back to her past life, and her heart began to be filled with a surge of terror. "…no matter what, I will rather let my soul be destroyed than harm Ji Ning in the slightest. At least before I die…everything will be perfect."

Within one of the trillion minor worlds of the Three Realms.

This was a beautiful world with fragrant flowers and chirping birds. The people were simple folk. Although the world was separated into three nations, they usually just engaged in shouting matches against each other. Occasionally, some Immortal cultivators would compete against each other in order to win some advantages for their respective nations, but actual large-scale wars were very rare.

Whoosh. A tear in space appeared.

The white-robed Xia Emperor strode out from the void. Upon arriving within this minor world, he soon headed towards a mountain. Atop the mountain, there was a Daoist monastery, known as the Evergreen Monastery. Evergreen Monastery was extremely ordinary, and in this minor world very few knew of it. It was only known in the nearby counties and towns.

How could the people of this minor world have any idea that within this Evergreen Monastery, there was a truly exalted and peerless Sword Immortal.

"Junior apprentice-brother Evergreen, so all you do is train in the Dao alongside your four or five novices within this crappy monastery?" The white-robed Xia Emperor went to the back of the monastery, where several farm plots were located. A young man was next to a pool of water.

"You can manage your major world. As for myself, I have nothing holding me back. Why should I trouble myself with various things?" The young man said calmly.

"What about your disciples?" The white-robed Xia Emperor shook his head. "If you are going to stay in this monastery, why don't you bring those disciples of yours over and give them some good tutelage."

"Teachers can show you the way, but cultivation relies on one's own abilities. I guided them for ten years and taught everything which I should've taught. It is enough. As for what they will end up like, and as for whether or not they will become Celestial Immortals…there's nothing more I can do." The young man sat down casually, scooping up a ladle of water from the water bucket in front of him and drinking it. He sighed to himself, "Such sweet water."

The white-robed Xia Emperor felt resigned. Anyone capable of becoming a True Immortal or an Empyrean God was an expert of the Three Realms; even the Celestial Court would have to treat them with courtesy. Every person had a different personality. He was unable to persuade this junior apprentice-brother of his.

"I've come on Master's orders," the white-robed Xia Emperor said.

"Master?" The young man immediately became serious.

The white-robed Xia Emperor said. "You know that three or so decades ago, the Six Realms of Reincarnation suffered an attack and collapsed. The Three Realms are filled with hidden, dangerous undercurrents. A major storm is most likely coming, and it is unavoidable. And…the more chaotic an era, the more heroes will emerge from it into the Three Realms."

The young man nodded.

"My Grand Xia world is blessed by karmic luck. During this Conclave of Immortal Destiny, even Master choose one of the top three to be his disciple, a man named Adept Woodpass. Even a disciple of Grand Emperor Xuanwu appeared in this Conclave," the white-robed Xia Emperor said.

"Oh?" The white-robed man said in surprise, "One Conclave, two Daofather disciples?"

"According to Master's instructions, all three of the top three in this Conclave are to be brought into our Crimsonbright League. Master himself chose Adept Woodpass, while the other two are known as Adept Blackstone and Ji Ning. Ji Ning is a potential peerless Sword Immortal; he's only trained for thirty years, and even Lu Dongbin wanted to take him as a disciple. I didn't let that happen, though. In addition…he was born shortly after the Six Paths of Reincarnation were destroyed. Perhaps he truly is blessed by tremendous luck," the white-robed Xia Emperor said in a persuasive manner.

"No need to try and sway me." The young man shook his head. "Whether or not Lu Dongbin takes on a disciple has nothing to do with me. That personality of his…he can even take on ordinary mortals as disciples. As for the fact that this Ji Ning has trained for just thirty years, and was born shortly after the collapse of the Six Paths of Reincarnation…that's an utter joke!"

"The reason why heroes emerge from periods of chaos in the Three Realms is because those periods are periods of constant battle. Many experts will die, and their luck will dissipate from them and gather around others…" The young man continued, "With each storm in the Three Realms, old experts fall and new experts rise. Even some Daofathers fall, while new Daofathers emerge. The total number of experts in the Three Realms has remained constant."

"Whether or not one will become an expert depends entirely on whether or not one can seize the right opportunity during periods of chaos in the Three Realms!"

"As for the time of their birth? Hmph, try that line on someone else."

The young man wasn't swayed in the slightest.

The white-robed Xia Emperor could only laugh.

Even Daofathers could re-establish the cycle of reincarnation! Everyone knew what the secrets of reincarnation were. A person's destiny, however, wasn't determined by their birth; what mattered was what happened to them after it! Nobody was guaranteed to be a Daofather upon birth! There was no such thing. At most, one might be born into a good family, thanks to good karma stored up from a past life.

"And, senior apprentice-brother…it's not that I want to criticize you," the young man said, "But so what if a storm is coming to the Three Realms? Whether or not one takes on a disciple doesn't matter at all. What matters is one's personal power!"

"The only ones we can trust, that we can control, are ourselves!"

"Disciples can turn traitor. Subordinates can turn traitor. Even friends can stab you in the back…only by increasing your own power can you fundamentally grow strong," the young man said. "As far as I am concerned, this period of chaos in the Three Realms is a chance for me, Evergreen, to break through to become a Daofather of the Great Firmament. As for taking on disciples? Even if my disciple trained to become a Daofather, it wouldn't mean a damn thing for me!"

The white-robed Xia Emperor no longer said anything. He and Sword Immortal Evergreen were on two completely different paths; he himself was born from the lineage of the Primordial Imperial Clan, and so his way of thinking was naturally different. He immediately took out a scroll. "Take a look. These are the scenes of Ji Ning's duels."

The scroll unfurled. One scene of battle appeared after another.

"A Sword Immortal?" The young man nodded. He gave the white-robed Xia Empror a small azure sword. "This kid truly is quite talented. Since Master has ordered it, then I shall take on this Ji Ning as my apprentice. This is my talisman; arrange for someone to give it to him. If he is willing to take me on as Master, then let him crush it within ten days, and I will go find him. After ten days, the talisman will automatically dissipate."

Even if a master was willing to accept an apprentice, the apprentice also had to be willing to take on this master.

Lu Dongbin had needed to ask Yu Wei for her agreement. The same was true for Sword Immortal Evergreen. If Ji Ning wasn't willing…then given his arrogance as a Pure Yang True Immortal, he naturally wouldn't run over to beg Ning to accept him.

"Alright." The white-robed Xia Emperor accepted the little azure sword, then said with a laugh, "Then junior apprentice-brother, I won't disturb your leisurely life in your monastery any more." After speaking, he vanished into thin air.

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Chapter 38 – A Friend Comes From Afar

The Conclave of Immortal Destiny had concluded.

The Skylight Palace. The various Celestial Immortals were all beginning to leave.

"It's rare that I'm allowed out, but I have to go back now." Empyrean God Seatopple opened his mouth, and all of the platters of delicacies on his table flew into his mouth. He then rubbed his belly, then said in satisfaction, "Xiamang, Eastflower, everyone, I'm going to take my junior apprentice-brother back now."

And then, he pulled the Sloppy Daoist by the arm. Whoosh! He flew onto a cloud and disappeared deep into the depths of the sky.

"Time to go, apprentice," Lu Dongbin said as he looked towards Yu Wei, who was next to Ji Ning in the distance.

Yu Wei and Ning were speaking to each other. Upon hearing Lu Dongbin urge her to leave, she couldn't help but feel even more reluctant to part from Ning. She gave him a tight hug, and Ning held her in his arms.

He could sense Yu Wei's heart. This was a woman with a cold exterior but a scorchingly hot heart. Upon becoming Dao-companions with her, he could sense the warmth of her heart.

"Wait for me," Yu Wei said softly.

Ning pressed his face against Yu Wei's, feeling the warmth of her skin. He whispered back gently, "Gotta. I swear it."

"No need for oaths." Yu Wei released Ning, tears appearing in her eyes. "I believe you." And then, she turned and ran to Lu Dongbin's side.

"Sorry for making you wait so long, Master," Yu Wei said hurriedly.

"Silly child, silly child." Lu Dongbin shook his head and sighed. A cloud appeared beneath their feet, and they too quickly flew into the skies and disappeared.

Ning raised his head to watch.

Atop the cloud, Yu Wei lowered her head to look at him.

Their gazes met…but soon afterwards, the cloud completely disappeared.

After this departure…they had no idea how long it would be before they met again.

"Senior apprentice-sister Yu Wei and Ji Ning…they are very suited to each other." Ninelotus looked at Ning and Yu Wei, at the looks in their eyes as they parted. Their gazes were filled with longing and a reluctance to part. "The feelings between them are deeper than the feelings between myself and Ji Ning had been. My heart and Ji Ning's heart…they were never so close."

"Let's go."

"We should leave as well."

Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, the Immortal Elder of the Northlands, and the others all flew away gracefully as well.

"Junior apprentice-brother Woodpass, come with me to meet Master." The Xia Emperor left alongside Adept Woodpass.

Instantly, the nearly thousand Celestial Immortals present all began to depart as well. Ji Ning and Yuchi Xiyue departed alongside King Yan, while Ninelotus left alongside the Dongyan Forefather.

Per King Qi's command, the delegations from the 3600 commanderies and Four Seas began to leave in an orderly fashion. As for Ji Ning, he flew back to return to the Stillwater Commandery's delegation.

"Ji Ning."

"Ji Ning! The champion of the Conclave!"

"Adept Darknorth!" The delegates of Stillwater Commandery saw Ji Ning fly down from the skies. Instantly, they began to call out in celebration.

They didn't know about the matter of the Daofather accepting a disciple. All they knew was that Ji Ning was the champion of this entire Conclave! This was an incomparable glory, a proud moment for the entire Stillwater Commandery.

"Master." Little Qing transformed into a streak of light that flew towards Ning, then wrapped herself around Ning's arm.

"Ning, child." The Whitewater Hound flew to Ning's side as well.

"Little Qing. Uncle White." Ji Ning was feeling rather miserable due to Yu Wei's temporary departure. He immediately felt much better; at least Little Qing and Uncle White would continue to accompany him.

"Senior apprentice-brother Ji Ning, you are too awesome." Mu Northson called out excitedly, "The champion of the Conclave. The champion! The entire world of the Grand Xia has 3600 commanderies, as well as countless islands in the Four Seas. You've only trained for thirty years, but you actually seized the championship. You are too awesome. The person I admire most in the world is you, senior apprentice-brother!"

"Congratulations, junior apprentice-brother Ji Ning," Adept Vastriver said as he and others came over as well.

"Ji Ning." Northmont Baiwei walked over as well, delight on his face. He pounded Ji Ning on the chest. "What a fellow. When you first said you were participating in the Conclave, I actually tried to stop you. It seems I underestimated you! You are so formidable that you actually were able to become the champion of this Conclave. You are now a truly major figure in our Stillwater Commandery; in fact, your name will be ringing throughout the entire Grand Xia Dynasty."

Ning could only laugh.

If this Conclave of Immortal Destiny had only been an ordinary one, then he would indeed feel quite delighted. But the most important part of this Conclave had been the Daofather's choice of a disciple. As for the empty title of 'champion', it wasn't that important. Sadly…he wasn't able to be apprenticed to the Daofather.

"Ji Ning, our Black-White College has really gained a lot of face this time," Immortal Fivecraze said in a gratified manner. "Both you and little Sloppy entered the top six, and you even became champion. Haha…our Black-White College has to memorialize this occasion. Even after a million years, even after a hundred million years…so long as our Black-White College still exists, we'll make sure that those who come after us know of this matter. This is the pride of our Black-White College!"

"Where is eldest apprentice-brother?"

"Where is senior apprentice-brother Sloppy?"

"And senior apprentice-sister Yu Wei, where is senior apprentice-sister Yu Wei?" One question after another.

Ning sent mentally to Immortal Fivecraze, "Eldest apprentice-brother was accepted as a disciple by a Daofather, Grand Emperor Xuanwu, while Yu Wei was accepted as a disciple by a Pure Yang True Immortal, Lu Dongbin. They have all been taken away from this major world."

"What…" Immortal Fivecraze was greatly shocked.

Grand Emperor Xuanwu?

Lu Dongbin?

Fivecraze was the longest living Loose Immortal the Black-White College currently had. He had met Celestial Immortals before, and had a vague understanding of the Three Realms. He knew what it meant for a person to become a Daofather's disciple. Lu Dongbin accepting Yu Wei as a disciple was also an earth-shaking matter for the Black-White College.

"Understood. Don't let anyone learn of this," Immortal Fivecraze said.

"Right." Ning nodded.

"And you?" Immortal Fivecraze sent mentally.

"I should be arranged to be apprenticed to a Pure Yang True Immortal," Ning sent. "The Xia Emperor told me to spend three days in the imperial capital to await word."

Upon the conclusion of this Conclave, the various Celestial Immortals all departed. A long time later.

Whoooosh. In the air above the imperial capital. Deep within the void. A tunnel was ripped in space.

A white-robed youth with long, unbound hair leisurely strolled out from this corridor. He stared downwards, his gaze passing through space and seeing the vast imperial capital of the Grand Xia before him.

"Grand Xia?" The white-robed youth nodded gently. He quickly moved through the void, descending into the imperial capital.

He walked forward in a very relaxed manner. A short time later, he arrived outside King Yan's Estate.

"Junior apprentice-brother." Outside King Yan's Estate, Ning gave Northson a hug, then separated. "Both myself and your senior apprentice-sister Yu Wei will be apprenticed to a Pure Yang True Immortal. Once the Xia Emperor's notification comes, I trust that I will soon follow the True Immortal to leave this major world of the Grand Xia. After this departure, it may be decades or a century before I return. It will be many years before we two brothers shall meet again."

Of his fellow disciples, Ning had the closest relationship with Northson. They were true, lifelong brothers.

"Senior apprentice-brother, you are following a Pure Yang True Immortal in order to overcome the Celestial Tribulation and become a Celestial Immortal. This is a good thing." Northson's eyes were turning slightly red. "However…I really can't bear to part from you, senior apprentice-brother."

"Hahaha, we two brothers will still meet again," Ning said.

"Although you will be following a Pure Yang True Immortal, don't get too cocky. I, Mu Northson, will also train hard. If you get lazy, upon your return, our big Champion of the Conclave might end up be weaker than me, Mu Northson. Ahaha, that would be a huge joke," Northson laughed.

Ning laughed as well.

"Alright, no need to send me off! When you return to the world of the Grand Xia, come find me," Northson said.

"Definitely. I'll definitely seek you out." Ning nodded.

"Right." Northson turned and left, riding an azure dragon and soaring into the skies. The other disciples had bid farewell to Ning long ago, after they left the imperial citadel. Only Northson, who was closest to Ning, had escorted Ning all the way to King Yan's Estate.

Ning watched him fly away atop the azure dragon. He watched for a long moment, then turned and led Little Qing and the Whitewater Hound into King Yan's Estate.

"Hm!" The white-robed youth who had been quietly watching from afar shook his head. "It seems this Ji Ning is a fellow who cares quite a bit about relationships. Not bad, no bad." As he spoke, he leisurely sauntered towards King Yan's Estate.

King Yan's Estate had many guards watching the gate, but when the white-robed youth leisurely sauntered through it, none of them seemed to notice a thing.

"The restrictive spells covering King Yan's Estate have a bit of power behind them. This new Celestial Immortal, King Yan…he's not too shabby." As the white-robed youth walked forward, he encountered quite a few maids and soldiers on his path. None of them, however, noticed a thing. It was as though he was invisible, as though he didn't exist.

The royal estate was very tightly guarded, and it was protected by restrictive spells. It was no weaker than any major sect. Logically speaking, as soon as someone entered, the master of this royal estate, King Yan, would have immediately noticed.

But the white-robed youth walked in without a single person noticing him!

Rustle…

By the side of a creek, there was an Immortal estate. This was the place where Ning was living.

"Ji Ning is just a Wanxiang Adept, but he's not doing too bad for himself." The white-robed youth walked to the door of the Immortal estate, then entered it. Not a single one of the spells covering the Immortal estate activated.

Within the Immortal estate. Ning, who had just returned to the estate, quietly sat down within a pavilion. Yu Wei had already left along with her master, Lu Dongbin. This caused Ning to feel a melancholy feeling in his heart.

"Ji Ning, someone entered. Someone entered your Immortal estate." The giant yellow bear's voice rang out in Ning's mind.

"Entered my Immortal estate? I'm the master of this Immortal estate; how could I not have noticed?" Ning's face changed.

"He's very powerful. Even I can only vaguely sense him; I don't dare to really go test him," the giant yellow bear said urgently. "This person is very powerful; he should be on the level of a True Immortal or an Empyrean God. Your Immortal estate is merely an ordinary residence-type magic treasure, and the door to your estate was open. How could you possibly notice someone like him?"

Ning was shocked. A True Immortal or an Empyrean God? This was someone comparable to the Grand Xia Emperor. They were quite rare in the Three Realms, and were very powerful.

"You became the champion of the Conclave, but not only do you not celebrate with friends, you actually sit here by yourself, drinking wine unhappily? Strange, quite strange." An airy voice rang out, and a white-robed, long-haired youth strolled forward into the spacious courtyard.

Within the courtyard, Ning hurriedly rose to his feet.

"A friend has come from afar; is this not a wonderful affair?" The white-robed youth said with a smile, "Young friend Ji Ning, I've made quite a long and arduous journey to come to your place. Aren't you going to at least invite me to have a cup of wine?"

"Senior, please do!"

Ning waved his arm, and the table before him became filled with Immortal nectar and spirit-fruit.

"Although the wine and the fruit are a bit lacking, I suppose they are edible." The white-robed youth took a step forward and sat down in front of Ning. Picking up a gourd of wine, he took two sips.

"Senior, might I ask why you have come to see me?" Ning asked nervously.

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Chapter 39 – The Most Mysterious Daofather

The white-robed youth laughed as he spoke. "Young friend Ji Ning, you are a bit too nervous. You don't even know who I am, but you are asking me what I'm doing here. Aren't you being a bit too impatient?"

Ning muttered to himself. Nervous? A Pure Yang True Immortal had just sat down in front of him. How could he not be nervous? After this Conclave, Ning had come to understand quite well that unless a True Immortal or an Empyrean God had taken a fancy to you, they wouldn't pay you any heed, even if you were a so-called genius. After all, there were far too many 'geniuses', but how many would be able to overcome the Celestial Tribulation to become a Celestial Immortal? Much less become a Pure Yang True Immortal.

"Dare I ask who you are, senior?" Ning asked.

"A carefree figure of the Three Realms, born in the era of the ancient Primordial World, where I gained my Dao. I am Lord Jiang." The white-robed youth said with a sigh, "I rarely roam the outside world, and even when I do I rarely use my own name. Thus, there are very, very few people who know of me."

He then winked towards Ning. "I just told you my real name."

Ning relaxed a little bit. It seemed as though this person bore him no ill-will.

"Also, don't addresss me as senior this and senior that. You can just address me as brother Jiang," the white-robed Lord Jiang said.

Ning was startled. Brother Jiang? For a Pure Yang True Immortal to tell him to refer to him as just 'brother'…Ning was no fool. He naturally understood the meaning hidden within these words.

"But it seems if I don't spell things out, you won't be able to calm down." The white-robed Lord Jiang glanced sideways at Little Qing and the Whitewater Hound. "Have your two spirit-beasts step back for now."

"Alright," Ning immediately said. He had Uncle White and Little Qing temporarily leave. A Pure Yang True Immortal could crush him to death; Ning was naturally going to listen to his instructions with obedience.

Within the courtyard, only Ji Ning and Lord Jiang were present. They were seated facing each other.

"I imagine that you have already guessed that I have come today per the orders of my master to receive you," the white-robed Lord Jiang said with a smile. "In other words, my master wishes to take you on as a disciple, and you shall become my junior apprentice-brother."

Ning could barely breathe. He couldn't help but ask, "Then brother Jiang, your master is…?"

"He is naturally one of the most supreme major powers of the Three Realms, a Daofather-level figure," the white-robed Lord Jiang said.

Ning's eyes lit up. It was as he had thought. When this person had instructed him to refer to himself as 'brother Jiang', Ning had already been able to guess at what this was about. But upon hearing the full explanation, he still couldn't help but feel that this was inconceivable.

A Daofather!

He had fought and clawed to become the champion of this Conclave, but in the end, Daofather Crimsonbright still did not choose him to be his disciple. The Sloppy Daoist, in turn, was chosen as a disciple by Grand Emperor Xuanwu. There was nothing Ning could do about these things, and he had already resigned himself to becoming the disciple of a lower-ranked Pure Yang True Immortal. But now, a Pure Yang True Immortal named Lord Jiang had appeared, saying that he represented his master!

"Ji Ning." The giant yellow bear's voice suddenly rang out in Ning's mind. "Lord Jiang said that he was born in the Primordial Era, and gained his Dao in that era as well! But…I've never even heard of him. And he says his master is a Daofather…you need to figure out exactly which Daofather it is. Some of the Daofathers of the Three Realms were good friends of my master, Daoist Threelives…but some of them were his mortal enemies! Don't end up becoming an apprentice to one of his mortal enemies. Given a Daofather's vision, if you learn the Dao from him, he will sooner or later see hints of the truth and discover that there is a relationship between you and Daoist Threelives. If you become apprenticed to one of his mortal enemies, then you'll be throwing yourself up for capture."

Ning instantly came to his senses. He felt as though someone had just poured a bucket of ice water over him!

"Dare I ask which Daofather it is?" Ning asked.

Lord Jiang's eyes had a look of reverence in them as he spoke.

"Master was born from the primordial chaos, and was good friends with Pangu and Nuwa."

"He became famous in the Primordial Era, and has killed many Fiendgod Daofathers."

"His name is known throughout the Three Realms, but very few have ever seen him."

"The Buddhist Sangha, the Daoist Path; he is a master of both. With but a dream, he knows of all the affairs of the Three Realms."

"He has many disciples, but very few know this."

"In terms of who is the most mysterious figure in the Three Realms…it is my master!"

The white-robed Lord Jiang nodded as he spoke.

Ning, hearing this, was stunned. "Who on earth is he?"

"Mount Innerheart 1, the Tristar Crescent Abode…Patriarch Subhuti!" 2 The white-robed Lord Jiang's eyes lit up, and he smiled as he looked at Ning.

"It's him. It's him! The Tristar Crescent Abode…the most mysterious Daofather…the most secretive Daofather! Ji Ning, you've hit the jackpot. I…ahahaha…you really hit the jackpot! Patriarch Subhuti actually knows about you. He actually knows about your existence. How in the world does he know?!" The voice of the giant yellow bear rang out within Ning's mind. Clearly, he was incomparably excited.

"…is it really necessary for you to be so worked up?" Ning asked mentally.

"Of course! You have no idea how mighty he is! Ji Ning, let me put it to you this way…in terms of teaching disciples, Patriarch Subhuti is definitely one of the absolute most peerless figures of the Three Realms. What this Lord Jiang said earlier was absolutely correct; Patriarch Subhuti truly has produced many formidable disciples. However, Patriarch Subhuti has a rule; whenever the disciples he has taught leaves his side, unless he gives permission, they are forbidden from telling others that he is their master. Thus, even back in the Primordial Era, there were already many powerful and seemingly unaffiliated wandering Immortals who were actually under the command of Patriarch Subhuti!" 3

"Ordinary people don't know about this, but my master, Daofather Threelives, did. He knew exactly how formidable Patriarch Subhuti is." The giant yellow bear was extremely excited right now.

"Oh." Ning asked, "Why is he the most mysterious, then?"

"Right, he really is the most mysterious Daofather!" The giant yellow bear said with absolute certainty, "In the Three Realms, not even Pangu or Nuwa were as mysterious as him! In fact, to this very day, no one even knows where his estate is located. Without his permission, no one can even find his estate."

"The estates of the other major powers of the Three Realms are all findable; after all, major powers often interact with other figures of the world, and they will often invite their good friends into their estate."

"Patriarch Subhuti has taken in many disciples, and also invites his friends over to his estate. But be it disciples or friends…upon leaving his estate, they'll never be able to find it again. You must understand that all of his friends are also at the True God level. After having entered the estate once, how is it that they cannot locate it again? Isn't this completely bizarre? Isn't this very mysterious?"

"He's that mysterious?" Ning was amazed.

Daofathers were major powers of the Three Realms who controlled a Heavenly Dao. For a Daofather to visit a place, then be unable to find it again afterwards? How bizarre!

"No one knows where his estate is. Even his disciples who have trained within the estate for many years are still unable to find it upon leaving. Unless Patriarch Subhuti nods and permits it, none of them can return." The giant yellow bear sighed emotionally. "In the past, my master Daoist Threelives once said…in the entire Primordial World, of all the major powers, Maiden Nuwa would be ranked number one in terms of survival abilities, but right after her was the legendarily mysterious Patriarch Subhuti."

"Patriarch Subhuti. He's so secretive that other major powers can't even find his estate. You tell me; how formidable are his survival skills?" The giant yellow bear sighed, "If Master had Patriarch Subhuti's survival skills, he would definitely still be alive to this very day."

Ning was speechless as he heard these things. This was an absolute bizarro amongst the major powers of the Three Realms. No one could even find his estate, and his survival abilities were second only to Maiden Nuwa.

"Patriarch Subhuti trains in both Buddhism and Daoism. 4 With a single dream, he learns of all the matters of the Three Realms. His power is simply unfathomable. This Lord Jiang said earlier that Patriarch Subhuti has slaughtered many Fiendgod Daofathers. Although I don't know much about this, it should be true. There should have been Daofathers and True Gods who had fallen to him, and not just one," the giant yellow bear said.

"What a formidable figure." Ji Ning felt stunned.

"Most importantly of all, your master Daoist Threelives and Patriarch Subhuti were true lifelong friends who went through life and death together!" The giant yellow bear was extremely excited. "They were true lifelong friends! The relationship between Master and him was even closer than the relationship Master had with Daofather Crimsonbright. When Master forged this underwater estate, he even asked Patriarch Subhuti to come help out!"

"Ah?!" Ning now understood exactly how close the relationship between Daoist Threelives and Patriarch Subhuti was.

"Given Patriarch Subhuti's status, he definitely won't harm you at all," the giant yellow bear said.

Ji Ning was mentally speaking with the giant yellow bear. Gradually, traces of unbearable excitement and astonishment appeared on his face.

The white-robed Lord Jiang laughed as he watched. "My master learns of the matters of the Three Realms in a single dream. In his dream, he saw the Conclave in your world of the Grand Xia. It was as though he watched in person. During this Conclave, Master took no interest in anyone else; just you."

"He watched personally?" Ning instantly understood. Perhaps True Immortals and Empyrean Gods would find it hard to discover his [Starseizing Hand, but greater powers could, especially one who was such an incredibly good friend with Daoist Threelives.

"In addition, Master instructed me to deliver a message. He told me to say: 'Little yellow-furred bear, how have you been'?" Lord Jiang continued, "He said that after I delivered this message, you would agree to leave with me."

Ning's pulse began to speed up. Little yellow-furred bear? He was speaking of the spirit of the underwater estate!

"Ji Ning, Patriarch Subhuti must have discovered your [Starseizing Hand] through his 'Dream of the Three Realms'. He must have guessed that you are Master's heir. That's why he personally ordered someone to receive you." The giant yellow bear's voice was filled with excitement. "Hurry, hurry and go! So long as you go to Patriarch Subhuti, we can learn about what has happened to Master."

The spirit of the underwater estate…he truly wanted to know if his master was alive or dead.

As Ning and the white-robed Lord Jiang were chatting, King Qi had arrived at King Yan's estate.

"This Conclave of Immortal Destiny has concluded. Why have you come to my place?" King Yan said with a laugh.

"Because of Ji Ning, of course," King Qi laughed as well. "His Imperial Majesty personally went to visit uncle-master Evergreen. You know what sort of a temper he has; he doesn't like to teach students, and is an extremely solitary person. Still…since this was the Daofather's order, uncle-master Evergreen nodded and agreed to accept Ji Ning as his disciple."

"Oh. Uncle-master Evergreen is a Sword Immortal, while Ning was born to be a Sword Immortal. He is quite suited for teaching Ji Ning. However, I'm just worried that uncle-master Evergreen…" King Yan was rather worried.

"That's not for you to worry about." King Qi shook his head. "I'm here on his Imperial Majesty's orders to give uncle-master Evergreen's talisman to Ji Ning."

"It seems as though Ji Ning really is going to become uncle-master Evergreen's disciple," King Yan said.

Because of his granddaughter, King Yan had actually been hoping for Ji Ning to be apprenticed to a better teacher. However…of the Pure Yang True Immortals under Daofather Crimsonbright's command, the only Sword Immortal was Sword Immortal Evergreen.

The two chatted and laughed as they walked to Ning's Immortal estate.

"Ji Ning," King Yan called out.

1. In Chinese, this was 'fangcun', which literally means a square inch, but metaphorically refers to the workings of a person's inner heart.

2. Subhuti is not only a famous disciple of Gautama Buddha in real history, he is also extremely famous as being the teacher of Sun Wukong, the person who taught Sun Wukong Daoist magic and his legendary 72 Transformations.

3. This is a play off what happened in Journey to the West. When Sun Wukong left Subhuti's tutelage, Subhuti ordered him not to tell anyone that he had been Sun Wukong's master; he knew how unruly this monkey was and was afraid he would lose face/be implicated if others realized that he was the one who had taught Sun Wukong.

4. This historical Subhuti was a Buddhist figure. Because he taught Sun Wukong Daoist magic in Journey to the West, he is often conflated as both a Buddhist and Daoist figure.

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Chapter 40 – A Swift Departure

At the entrance to Ning's Immortal estate.

Ning came out to the entrance to greet them. Upon seeing the two, he immediately said with respect, "Greetings, King Yan, King Qi."

"Ji Ning, good news has arrived," King Yan said with a laugh.

"Oh?" Ning was startled. Good news? Could it be that the Grand Xia Emperor had found a Pure Yang True Immortal to be his master?

The nearby King Qi said with a laugh, "His Imperial Majesty has sought out his junior apprentice-brother, Sword Immortal Evergreen. Sword Immortal Evergreen is a Pure Yang True Immortal. He is very powerful, and has thoroughly mastered the Grand Dao of the Sword. He is quite a famous Sword Immortal in the Three Realms…he is quite suited for teaching you."

Ning nodded gently. Sword Immortal Evergreen?

"Ji Ning," King Yan said in a lowered voice, "This Sword Immortal Evergreen is rather arrogant and aloof. You need to be careful around him and be very respectful."

Ning's heart twitched. To respect one's master was only proper; that didn't need to be said. But for King Yan, as a Celestial Immortal, to describe a Pure Yang True Immortal like Sword Immortal Evergreen as arrogant and aloof, then tell him to be very respectful…Ning thought to himself, "I imagine this Sword Immortal Evergreen isn't merely 'aloof' and 'arrogant'. Luckily, I don't need to take him on as my master at all."

"Don't say so many things," the nearby King Qi frowned.

King Yan laughed, saying nothing else.

"Ji Ning." King Qi waved his hand, and a little azure sword appeared within it. "This is Sword Immortal Evergreen's talisman. I'll hand it to you now. All you need to do is crush it, and Sword Immortal Evergreen will come find you and take you away! Remember – you have to crush it within ten days. After ten days, the talisman will automatically disintegrate. By then, given Sword Immortal Evergreen's temper, he probably won't take you on as a disciple."

Ning immediately accepted the talisman. "I understand."

"The talisman is in your hands now. I'm going to leave now." King Qi smiled towards Ning, then turned and left.

King Yan whispered softly, "Sword Immortal Evergreen has a rather bad temper. You have to remember this. Also, before you leave with your master, let Xiyue know. You don't need to inform me of it. I'll pray that when you leave, you'll be able to learn some real abilities, and that you shall overcome your Celestial Tribulation in the future and become a carefree and unbound Immortal."

Ning could feel King Yan's caring towards him. "Thank you, King Yan. Ji Ning will remember it."

"Good." King Yan immediately left.

Just moments later.

Yuchi Xiyue arrived at Ning's estate.

"Cousin." Ning didn't want to part with her either. He truly was about to leave, but it wasn't with Sword Immortal Evergreen; rather, it would be to meet the most mysterious major power of the Three Realms, Patriarch Subhuti. After this departure, it would probably be decades or a century before he could return.

"Little brother." Xiyue sat down, then took Ning by the hand. Her eyes were filled with tears…but they were tears of joy. "The two of us were together for two or three years, but it is now time to part. However…don't feel unhappy. This is your chance, your chance to soar into the heavens. Although you weren't able to become a Daofather's disciple, it's still quite good for you to become a Pure Yang True Immortal's disciple."

Ning truly wanted to tell his cousin that he was taking on Patriarch Subhuti as master.

However…

When he had gone to greet King Yan and King Qi, Lord Jiang had instructed him, "Remember, no matter what you cannot tell them of this. Upon Xiamang Xun learning of this, he will move to obstruct it. He might even pull in Daofather Crimsonbright, who stands behind him. That will make things troublesome."

"Cousin, after I leave the world of the Grand Xia, you need to take good care of yourself," Ning said. "Don't let yourself suffer because of your hatred for the Youngflame clan. In the future, I will overcome my tribulation and become a Celestial Immortal. By then, dealing with the Youngflame clan will be much easier."

"Right, right." Xiyue nodded. "I get it. I get it."

The two chatted for a long period of time. Xiyue only left when the sky was completely dark.

Within the Immortal estate.

"Brother Jiang, what should I do with this talisman of Sword Immortal Evergreen?" Ning pulled out the little azure sword. "If I crush it, Sword Immortal Evergreen will come take me away. If I don't crush it, it will dissipate naturally."

"Give it to me," the white-robed Lord Jiang said with a laugh. He stretched his hand out, and the little azure sword flew into it.

"This world of the Grand Xia is part of the territory of Daofather Crimsonbright, after all." Lord Jiang said with a laugh, "We can't be too brash here. Fortunately…when a Pure Yang True Immortal takes on a disciple, the disciple has to be willing. If you don't crush it within ten days, then Sword Immortal Evergreen will assume that you weren't willing to accept him as your master…and they will have no idea that you've actually taken on Patriarch Subhuti as your master. They will probably think that you are adventuring in the outside world. Even if you reveal hints of it upon returning once you are powerful, causing someone to learn that you are Patriarch Subhuti's disciple, so what? In the Three Realms, my master has quite a bit of face."

Ning nodded. "Then my two spirit-beasts?"

"You can bring your spirit-beasts into the Tristar Crescent Abode," the white-robed Lord Jun said. "However, they cannot take on Master as their teacher."

"As long as I can bring them." Ning nodded repeatedly in delight.

"If there's nothing else, we can head out right now," the white-robed Lord Jiang said.

"Right." Ning nodded, them immediately called out, "Uncle White, Little Qing."

The distant Little Qing flew over with a swoosh, wrapping herself around Ning's arm. Uncle White arrived by Ning's side as well.

"Uncle White, Little Qing, we are preparing to leave the world of the Grand Xia," Ning said.

"Leave the world of the Grand Xia?" The two of them were both amazed. Leave this world? "To where?" Little Qing asked.

Ning turned to ask, "Brother Jiang, where is the Tristar Crescent Abode?"

"The Tristar Crescent Abode…it consists of a crescent hook and three stars. Tell me, what character is this?" The white-robed Lord Jiang said with a smile.

"A crescent hook and three stars? The character for heart '心'?" Ning instantly understood.

"Right. The character 'heart'. The Tristar Crescent Abode is Master's estate. The Three Realms is vast, but no one can find the location of Master's estate. This place is a place where one can only go through the heart, a place you find with your heart," the white-robed Lord Jiang said.

Ning instantly felt that this was incomparably mysterious. A crescent hook and three stars? This was indeed the character 'heart' 心. This name which Patriarch Subhuti gave his cavern estate was quite interesting.

"Patriarch Subhuti, the Tristar Crescent Abode…" Ning began to think back to one of the mythological fantasy novels he had read in his world, [Journey to the West]. [Journey to the West] was a novel written by ancient individuals, and it included Pangu, Nuwa, Patriarch Subhuti, and others. However, there was no mention of the three thousand major worlds or trillion minor worlds.

Ning had gone to the Netherworld Kingdom and been reincarnated before learning a few things about the Three Realms.

Ning now understood that every single world shared some legends, especially those regarding formidable figures such as Pangu, Nuwa, Houyi, and Kuafu, were discussed by countless people of the Three Realms. Novels like [Journey to the West] were influenced by even more ancient legends; for example, the legends of Pangu establishing the heavens or Nuwa creating humanity didn't come from [Journey to the West].

Actually, in the world of the Grand Xia as well, there were some novels and literature regarding various Gods and Immortals; these novels even recorded down tales involving divine abilities such as [Heavenly Transformations] or the [Torch Dragon's Eye, which compiled into various stories. Some of these stories were real while others were false. Some even got the names wrong!

Perhaps in the ancient days on Earth, there were actual Immortal cultivators. In fact, some humans on Earth might have been reincarnated Immortals who had awoken their previous memories, and so had left behind certain legends to the world.

"The Three Realms have countless legends, and many of them have been compiled into novels. However…the true secrets of the Three Realms remain unclear to me, even though I have slaughtered Loose Immortals and received the legacy of Daoist Threelives." Ning sighed to himself, "Why was the previous Primordial World destroyed and transformed into the three thousand major worlds and trillion minor worlds? Who on earth attacked the Six Paths of Reincarnation?"

These were mysteries!

"The Tristar Crescent Abode is an estate of one of the major powers of the Three Realms, and the most mysterious one at that. Although I've always remained within the Tristar Crescent Abode, I don't actually know where it is. I have to have Master guide me into it in order to return." The white-robed Lord Jiang said with a sigh, "Let's go. Pick up your Immortal estate."

"Right." Ning willed it. Instantly, the Immortal estate was collected. Ning stood there on the grass next to the river, Little Qing around his arm and the Whitewater Hound by his side. The white-robed Lord Jiang said, "This journey will last decades or even longer. Is there anything you need to do?"

Ning shook his head gently. There was nothing.

The reason he had left Stillwater Commandery was because of the Youngflame clan's pursuit. He had told Autumn Leaf and the leaders of the Ji clan that he would be leaving for a very long period of time! Yu Wei had already been taken away by Lu Dongbin to train in the Dao, while he had already told his cousin, Yuchi Xiyue, of his departure. He had also bade farewell to his fellow disciples of the Black-White College."

"Then let us go." The white-robed Lord Jiang willed a cloud to appear beneath their feet. The cloud floated upwards, carrying Lord Jiang, Ji Ning, and the Whitewater Hound to quickly soar into the skies, completely bypassing the restrictive spells as they flew deep into the void.

Soon, they reached the very highest parts of the sky.

Riiiip. Lord Jiang waved his hands. The dim, twisting void above them was instantly torn apart, and a corridor emerged. Within the corridor, one could vaguely see twisted, distorted rainbow light.

"Let's go." The white-robed lord Jiang gave the little azure sword a toss, and it fell down many tens of thousands of kilometers towards the ground. He then led Ji Ning, Little Qing, and the Whitewater Hound into the spatial tunnel.

Whoosh.

The spatial tunnel quickly closed. Everything was back to normal.

Within the world of the Grand Xia…there was no longer a Ji Ning to be found.

Twelve days passed after the conclusion of the Conclave of Immortal Destiny.

The Xia Emperor was within a side hall of the Skylight Palace, seated in the lotus position with eyes closed.

"Eh?" The Xia Emperor suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a confused look. "Why has junior apprentice-brother Evergreen come?"

Soon, a young man walked into the side hall. The servants and guards present didn't seem to see him at all.

"Senior apprentice-brother," Sword Immortal Evergreen said.

"Junior apprentice-brother, why have you come to my place?" The Xia Emperor asked, puzzled.

"This is the twelfth day. The talisman I gave you has long since dissipated." Sword Immortal Evergreen shook his head. "Normally, I couldn't be bothered to come; after all, Ji Ning didn't crush the talisman, and so I couldn't be bothered to take him as my disciple. But since this was Master's instruction…I came to make a trip to this world of the Grand Xia. If Ji Ning is willing, I'll give him another chance to be my disciple."

"What did you say?!" The Xia Emperor was shocked. "Ji Ning didn't crush the talisman?"

"Right. He didn't crush it." Sword Immortal Evergreen shook his head.

"But Ji Ning left King Yan's estate long ago. I thought that you had taken him away. I thought that because of how arrogant and aloof you are, you simply didn't inform me." The Xia Emperor was flabbergasted. "I even did an investigation; he's no longer in the imperial capital of the Grand Xia. Lu Dongbin, Mahasthamaprapta…they wouldn't go so far as to offend the Daofather for the sake of this little fellow, right? Can it be that Ji Ning is just too young? He became the champion of the Conclave, but wasn't able to become the Daofather's apprentice, and so in his anger he decided not to accept a Pure Yang True Immortal as his master and instead left by himself?"

Sword Immortal Evergreen snorted coldly. "Oh? You say he left the imperial capital long ago? If that's the case, then senior apprentice-brother, I've already done all I can. This matter no longer has anything to do with me."

After speaking, Sword Immortal Evergreen turned and departed, quickly leaving this major world.

He really didn't care about Ji Ning at all. He had only made a trip here because of his master's instructions.

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