A World Worth Protecting

by Stayrr

By the year 3029 CE, Earth’s technology has developed rapidly, borders no longer exist, and Earth has been unified, marking the beginning of the era of the Federation. At that time, a huge sword flew from the heavens, piercing the sun and causing a huge sensation on Earth. Perhaps because the scabbard of the sword was already in tatters, countless shards have broken off from it f

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Read A World Worth Protecting - Chapter 469 - Extraterrestrial Dharmic treasure! online free - Novelfull

Chapter 469: Extraterrestrial Dharmic treasure!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"Envelope? Can you open it?" The old State Preceptor's answer made Wang Baole feel refreshed and curious. After asking that question and seeing the old State Preceptor shake his head, Wang Baole picked up the stone box and examined it in detail silently.

He couldn't find a link between it and an envelope no matter how he looked at it. However, seeing how confident the State Preceptor was, he thought about it, and with a mix of trust and suspicion, he took out a Dharmic treasure and tossed it to the old State Preceptor. Then, he gazed intently at the young boy.

The young boy grew nervous instantly, but he didn't dare to blame Wang Baole. Therefore, he vented all his dissatisfaction towards the State Preceptor. The young boy felt sabotaged by the fact that the old codger with the torn clothing knew what the box was and didn't say so, only doing so after he had spoken.

After noting the incident down, the young boy hurriedly tried to think of ways to mediate the situation. When it saw the pill bottle, its eyes lit up, and it hurriedly spoke.

"Master, those pills shouldn't be eaten carelessly. After all, as the system of each civilization is different, there are differences in physical attributes. It is likely that supplements to them would be poison for us!"

"However, I am quite proficient in recognizing pills, and I can solve this problem for you, master!" As the young boy spoke, he quickly went towards the pill bottles. He touched and smelled them, eventually choosing two of the pill bottles and placing them in front of Wang Baole.

"Master, there are no side effects for the pills in these two bottles. They are the daily supplements for Nascent Soul realm cultivators. As for the other pills, despite having some side effects, it would only require a small expenditure of time and life essence to alter the impurities in them, making them suitable for you, master!" The young boy spoke hurriedly. Seeing that Wang Baole looked satisfied, the young boy heaved a sigh of relief. He even felt excited as he looked at the old State Preceptor while gloating.

This made Wang Baole feel comforted, but at the same time, he pitied the old State Preceptor. Standing in the shoes of the old State Preceptor, he thought that the State Preceptor wasn't afraid of his competitor being more capable, only afraid of them being more of an idiot than him.

However, that wasn't a matter Wang Baole would be troubled about. Instead, he was impressed by the young boy. Therefore, he smiled more amiably at the young boy, which made the young boy even more excited as he took away the remaining pills, thumping his chest and declaring that the would only need a maximum of a few months to remove the impurities in them. With that, he turned and vanished.

The old State Preceptor felt extremely annoyed, but he didn't show it on his face. He greeted Wang Baole respectfully before disappearing before him. As for the burly Boat Spirit, he remained expressionless from start till end. It wasn't that he was stupid, but to a certain extent, tasked with the responsibility to help Wang Baole ascend the throne, he was the guardian of the Dark Artifact that Wang Baole trusted most.

Just like this, as the three Artifact Spirits dispersed on their own, Wang Baole gripped his right hand and brought the tri-colored flying sword towards him. After taking a closer look at it, based on the strong aura given off by the flying sword, Wang Baole felt that this treasure was definitely not seventh-grade but could be eighth-grade or higher. He felt this way despite being unable to find out its grade.

Ninth-grade Dharmic Armament? It doesn't seem like it… Of these precious babies, no remnant spirit consciousness that is characteristic of a Dharmic Armament exists. They seem to simply be Armament Items!

After thinking about it for a while, Wang Baole narrowed his eyes and made seals with his right hand, pointing towards the tri-colored flying sword. Instantly, the flying sword shook, and as Wang Baole's Spirit Qi entered it, it glowed brightly a few times before quickly dimming.

It's not because my cultivation is insufficient. Instead, it's the wrong method of activating it… If it were someone else, they would have long run out of ideas and would have sought the help of a Dharmic Armament cultivator to solve the problem. However, Wang Baole was a Dharmic Armament cultivator himself, and he was also a pro at refining seventh-grade Dharmic Armaments. Therefore, a glow flashed across his eyes. As he raised his right hand, a ball of fire appeared out of thin air.

Wang Baole felt that the temperature wasn't high enough, and as he waved his right hand, a flash of lightning appeared from his palm and wriggled into the fireball. That seemed to have stimulated the fireball such that it immediately expanded. That wasn't all. The Dark Core inside Wang Baole's body shook, and his Dark Core cultivation surfaced as a result, causing a chilly aura to appear around the fireball's exterior.

The two balls of fire, hot on the inside and cold on the outside, originally seemed to be going against each other, but the lightning connected them. With Wang Baole's cultivation suppressing them, the two were integrated with each other, and when he pointed at it, the ball of fire instantly enveloped the tri-colored flying sword.

The moment it enveloped the sword, Wang Baole quickly activated his hand seals. Inscriptions appeared out of thin air, and as the flying sword was being infiltrated by the fireballs, the inscriptions were inscribed on the tri-colored flying sword. He had planned to refine the tri-colored flying sword for a second time!

It seemed to be a refinement process, but was actually a process to break it down!

The inscriptions were like a key, constantly opening up and simplifying the mysteries of a system that was different from that of the Federation. As the mysteries were solved, the initial persistence of the tri-colored flying sword was quickly overcome. It began disintegrating into numerous small parts, revealing thin black threads within it!

These thin threads seemed to be formed from some sort of energy. They were like a linkage that joined all the parts together.

That made Wang Baole's eyes glow. This was the first time he made contact with the structure of a non-Federation Dharmic treasure. His understanding of Dharmic Armaments seemed to deepen through the process of breaking the foreign treasures apart. It was as if he had learned from a knowledgeable person.

There are no inscriptions in their Dharmic treasures… Instead, they are composed of numerous tiny parts joined together by these peculiar energy threads that make the entire Dharmic treasure whole! Wang Baole created seals with both his hands at an even faster speed. After half an hour, having broken the tri-colored flying sword apart completely into many smaller components, Wang Baole raised his left hand and gripped a stone the size of a fist from amongst the pile of components!

This rock is the core of this Dharmic treasure, and also the source of the energy threads! Wang Baole looked at the stone in his hand. He didn't need to analyze it for long to recognize that it was a Stellar Source!

It was different from the Stellar Source taken away by the Artifact Spirit, as it had been through a unique refinement process. Even as a Dharmic Armament master, Wang Baole was unable to decipher the rock.

However, having reached this step, it is still possible to control the extraterrestrial Dharmic Armament, just that the force would be slightly smaller. After thinking about it, Wang Baole felt that rather than it being useless, he could control it in his own way, and it wouldn't go to waste.

As for the way to do it, Wang Baole had already found a method when he was breaking it apart. He would inscribe inscriptions on the Stellar Source to assist him in controlling the treasure. It was similar to tying a thin string in the mechanisms of a wooden puppet's four limbs. The string would be controlled by Wang Baole. He may not be able to control this treasure, but he could control the strings and indirectly unleash part of the force of this extraterrestrial Dharmic Armament!

As for the ribbon and the scales, they were also treated similarly by Wang Baole. After several days, he had completed inscribing the inscriptions on them. He waved his hand, and the tri-colored flying sword shone brightly, surrounding him with large numbers of flying swords that formed a sword formation!

At the same time, a ribbon also circled him like those belonging to the legendary Nezha 1 , looking extremely impressive.

These two Dharmic treasures were so astonishingly powerful that they were similar to eighth-grade Dharmic Armaments!

If I have a chance, I need to learn how to refine these extraterrestrial Dharmic treasures. Wang Baole looked satisfyingly at the flying sword beside him. He waved his hand and kept the flying sword and the ribbon, before turning his palm around, where the three scales were being held.

It's a pity that the cracks are so severe that they can only be a single-use bomb. They should be relatively powerful. Wang Baole patted his tummy. Feeling satisfied, he began to think about whether he should leave, especially after he thought about the Five Generation Sky Clan's plot to convert the new City into a special zone. Wang Baole rolled his eyes, and his mind grew active.

Previously, he would be extremely furious at that. However, everything was different now. To Wang Baole, the Five Generation Sky Clan's plot gave him an opportunity.

However, there is still a problem. I have formed a Dark Core… but I learned the Lightning Art in Ethereal Dao College. Once my cultivation dissipates, the Dark Core will inevitably be revealed… Wang Baole rubbed his glabella before gritting his teeth and lowering his head to look at the pills.

Maybe I can try to make a Lightning Core using the Lightning Dao: First Volume. This way, I will be a Lightning Dao Core Formation cultivator on the surface, but in reality, I will be different from others, with two cores! Wang Baole cleared his throat, waving his raised right hand. With his power over the Dark Artifact, he sealed his surroundings and sat with his legs crossed. He gripped his right hand and took out the pills that the young boy said was capable of raising one's cultivation without any side effects.

If Nascent Soul realm cultivators can raise their cultivation with this, the effect will definitely be greater for me if I eat it!

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Chapter 470: Spectating

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

After eating this… I won't be so bloated that I will explode, right? Wang Baole grabbed the pill bottle and took out two pills. The pills were purple-colored and were without any herbal fragrance, only having complex rune marks on them. Even though he didn't understand them, based on his experience, Wang Baole still felt that the pills were impressive.

He was somewhat nervous. He felt that they were pills that belonged to Nascent Soul realm cultivators, and he had no idea if he, as a Core Formation realm cultivator, could digest them.

What's the big deal? It's just a pill. If Nascent Soul realm cultivators can ingest them, so can I! After struggling internally for a brief moment, Wang Baole lowered his head to look at his own body, and a look of determination appeared in his eyes.

I'm a lucky person, and I definitely won't die from this. Furthermore, I'm still inside the Dark Artifact. What's more, the most important thing is… I am the slimmest and most handsome person in the Federation, and I can put my weight here. Nothing to fret about! With that thought, Wang Baole immediately began to break the pill apart forcefully.

It's quite tough… Wang Baole stared and used more strength. He tore half of it out and tossed it into his mouth.

As the pill entered his mouth, a sour and spicy sensation instantly filled Wang Baole's mouth. The sourness was like swallowing a large bowl of wild grapes in a single mouthful. All his sense of taste seemed to have been lost instantly, and all he could feel was a gushing feeling that charged towards his brain. Wang Baole couldn't control himself as his body stiffened, and his facial expression twisted as he widened his eyes.

This is bad!

However, before Wang Baole could adapt, the sourness disappeared, replaced by a spiciness that far exceeded that of the Death Pills he swallowed previously. The spiciness was like a bomb exploding in his mouth, the impact reverberating in his mind.

Ahhhhh! Wang Baole wanted to scream, but couldn't produce any sound. He wanted to find himself some water, but even before he found it, activity exploded noisily in his mind again, such that he couldn't even scream. He held his throat tightly, jumping up from his original cross-legged position, and began running in all directions like a maniac.

This continued for the next ten minutes, after which, Wang Baole fell down with a loud bang and fainted. Before he lost consciousness, the only question in his mind was why he decided to seek death for himself…

Despite having lost consciousness, his body continued convulsing without him feeling anything. His limbs behaved as if they had been electrocuted, raising and lowering by themselves even though Wang Baole had collapsed on the floor.

This not only shocked the surrounding ferocious beasts, but also the three Artifact Spirits who appeared after sensing something was amiss. They surrounded Wang Baole, staring at his convulsing body with their mouths agape with shock, before looking at each other with a puzzled look.

"This… Our new owner didn't just die in this manner, did he?" the young boy mumbled, a look of confusion in his eyes. The scene before him was too unbelievable and unexpected.

The old State Preceptor who was standing in a corner cleared his throat, looking approvingly at the young boy and patting his head hard with his right hand.

"Well done!"

The young boy was confused, as he didn't understand what the old State Preceptor meant by that. However, he quickly realized what was going on and was immediately gripped with shock. He understood that Wang Baole had just eaten the pills that he claimed had no issues…

"This… This…" The young boy was on the brink of tears. Seeing the old State Preceptor approaching him, wanting to give him a pat, a look of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes. He was about to retaliate when the burly Dark Sampan Artifact Spirit spoke calmly.

"Enough, both of you. This has nothing to do with Old Oar. Master himself was the one who wanted to break apart the pills before swallowing them. Usually, the external parts of the pills would have been processed such that, after being swallowed, the taste of the materials inside them wouldn't be experienced. However, Master is tough and strong, with an unusually high body weight, so nothing will happen to him!" As the Boat Spirit spoke, a strong Spirit Qi suddenly emerged in waves from Wang Baole, who was still convulsing on the ground. Initially, the Spirit Qi flowed out of his stomach like a stream, but before long, it was like a voracious river churning in his body.

By the time the Boat Spirit finished speaking, the Spirit Qi had become like the ocean, crashing vigorously. Spirit Qi flowed out from Wang Baole's sweat pores, forming a Spirit Fog that spread in all directions.

At the same time, the unconscious Wang Baole, being stimulated by the Spirit Qi, was momentarily awakened. Even though he was still in a state of confusion, he instinctively activated Lightning Dao: First Volume. As he unleashed it, sounds of thunder emerged from within his body. The Spirit Qi seemed to be drawn by it, surging directly into Wang Baole's meridians and traveling throughout his entire body. Eventually, it seeped into the third lotus seed head whose petals had just opened up!

After seeping into it, the Spirit Qi was like nourishment and a maturation agent to the petals that had yet to become a lotus. It caused the petals to bloom visibly, and in the process, arc-shaped lightning was produced and traveled swiftly within Wang Baole's body.

The entire process continued for six hours. As the explosive waves of Spirit Qi gradually died down, Wang Baole's body returned to normal. He slowly opened his eyes, looking confused. At the same time, an incredible pain spread throughout his body, and he uncontrollably groaned in discomfort.

The three Artifact Spirits who were beside him initially had disappeared before he regained consciousness.

As he screamed painfully, Wang Baole struggled to climb up. He shuddered when he recalled the scene just before losing consciousness. The sensation of sourness and spiciness frightened him. Right now, his first instinct was to give up, but at that moment, he widened his eyes. He felt that the petal that was originally on the green lotus inside his body had become a lotus that was in the process of blooming!

It's effective! Wang Baole was pleasantly surprised. He hurriedly stood up and activated his cultivation. As he waved his hands, flashes of lightning transformed with a frightening sound. After gauging its force, Wang Baole concluded that his skills in exhibiting the Lightning Dao cultivation technique as someone who had perfected Foundation Establishment realm cultivation had improved. It was akin to a pseudo Core Formation realm cultivator, without him needing to use the power of the Dark Core.

This was the result of just half a pill!

That made Wang Baole extremely happy. He gritted his teeth as he picked up the other half of the pill and swallowed it. Then, he immediately stiffened, gripping his throat and falling onto the floor as he screamed painfully. He convulsed as he lost consciousness, and the three Artifact Spirits reappeared as spectators then…

"He's godly!"

"What a ruthless person!"

"How strong!" The three Artifact Spirits discussed amongst themselves. Seeing that Wang Baole wouldn't die from it, they disappeared before Wang Baole regained consciousness.

In this manner, Wang Baole began his torturous cultivation process. It wasn't that he didn't want to swallow a pill whole. In reality, he felt that he should proceed in small steps. If he was too forceful, he might just kill himself in the process by accident.

In reality, Wang Baole was correct to think this way. If he really swallowed the entire pill in one go, he might be able to survive, but he would definitely injure his body. Taking half of it at a time like he was doing allowed his body to absorb it. Even though it was painful, there would be no consequences.

Therefore, after swallowing the two pills, the lightning in Wang Baole's body struck continuously. As the lotus flower went into full bloom and the lotus seed head appeared, a Lightning Core was produced from within the lotus seed head!

A Core Formation aura that had a characteristic of lightning instantly emerged from Wang Baole's body. It spread in all directions, and the sound of his laughter reverberated amidst his excitement.

Wang Baole didn't know if there were other people like himself who had managed to produce two cores. However, after trying it out, he realized that the two cores were like a transit point. As his Spirit Qi seeped into the Lightning Core lotus seed head, the lightning that was produced gave off a force that was similar to a Core Formation realm cultivator with a lightning characteristic.

When it seeped into the Dark Core, everything was activated. The force that belonged to the Dark Core instantly spread.

The two parts interacted with each other. Even though the process was still not smooth, it seemed that as long as the body got used to it and as he grew more familiar with it, Wang Baole could interchange his Core Formation power according to his preferences during battle!

At the same time, there was also a change that surprised Wang Baole, and that was the high concentration of the Spirit Qi and meridians in his body. The meridians and Spirit Qi had been unleashed once previously when he achieved a breakthrough and reached the Dark Core stage. When the meridians spread, the Spirit Qi had also been boosted. Right now, what he did was similar to having spread and boosted his meridians and Spirit Qi twice!

That made his combat powers exceed that of his peers significantly, despite him still being an early-stage Core Formation realm cultivator!

After realizing this, Wang Baole was extremely delighted. In his happiness, he began putting away all the items and decided to leave the barrier. He was in high spirits, and as the three Artifact Spirits watched him with respect, he emerged out of the barrier and stepped into the underground passageway of the city. Wang Baole patted his tummy arrogantly, taking out his voice transmission ring to send a voice transmission to the Martian Colony Governor. However, the Governor didn't pick up, so Wang Baole decided to leave a message.

"Governor, I, Wang Baole, didn't disappoint your expectations. After months of seclusion, I've reached a breakthrough in my cultivation without any difficulty. I've entered… the Core Formation realm!"

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Chapter 471: Baole Is a Good Kid

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole didn't wait for the Martian Colony Governor to reply. He happily sent another voice transmission to the Sect Lord of the Ethereal Dao College. However, no one picked up his call. Wang Baole was already experienced with such matters, so he left a message.

"Sect Lord, I, Wang Baole, didn't disappoint your expectations. After months of seclusion, I've reached a breakthrough in my cultivation without any difficulty. I've entered… the Core Formation realm!"

Wang Baole was simply overcome with excitement. He hurriedly left the Federation President another message. He felt that his reaching the Core Formation realm was an important milestone. The entire Federation should be celebrating, and he should be receiving congratulatory gifts from important people. That was the only respectable way to treat a Primary Rank Three Noble.

As Wang Baole was sending messages to the Governor and the others, the Governor was sitting inside her office in the Martian Colony City. On her desk was a jade slip. It exuded a strange light that enveloped her entire person.

The same thing was happening to the Sect Lord of the Ethereal Dao College, as well as the other three Sect Lords of the other three Dao Colleges. Similarly, to the Head Senator and a few senators of the Senate, and even the representatives of the other political forces such as the Five Generation Sky Clan and the upper echelons of the military. The various important figures in the Federation were currently sitting in their respective offices, enveloped in the light of identical jade slips.

That was why even though they noticed Wang Baole's voice transmission, they didn't have the time to attend to it. This was because, at this moment, they were conducting a Federation summit via this unique jade slip!

The location of this summit was the Federation Capital on Earth, on the top floor of a towering building whose design was a combination of the sun, moon, and stars. Within this building was an enormous conference room.

Nine statues stood on the sides of the conference room, each statue exuding an intense battle aura. Within the circle of statues was an enormous, oval-shaped, stone table. More than a dozen large chairs lined the table, and projected on each chair was an illusory figure!

There was the Martian Colony Governor, the Sect Lords of the four Dao Colleges, the representative of the Trilunaris Corporation, the Head Senator, as well as Lin You and two other senators. There were also five Elders from the Five Generation Sky Clan, the Grand Elder from the Galactic Dusk Sect, and the Sect Lord of the Plume Manifestation Connate Sect. A great proportion of the most important figures of the entire Federation were in this room.

The Federation President had no projection. He was there in person, seated in the chair in the center of the table. Even though there was a difference in size between his person and the chair, the aura that he exuded formed a Dharma body that was the exact same size as the other attendees. His presence overpowered the rest.

This was the fifth summit. It had been going on for an entire day and was about to reach its end. The main issues they discussed during the summit were the Mercury crisis and the whereabouts of the three extraterrestrial cultivators.

However, no matter how hard the Federation searched, they were unable to locate traces of these three extraterrestrial cultivators. There were many views about this, but no conclusion was reached. The intense defensive measures that the Federation had put in place and the activation of the array formations across the entire Solar System was expending a great deal of energy. To the Federation, which was only in the dawn of its cultivation civilization, the longer they kept this up, the more challenges they would face maintaining the status quo.

They finally reached a consensus as the summit neared its end. It was then that Federation President Duan Muque. Everyone around him stopped their discussion and raised their heads to look at Duan Muque.

"Senior Mo Gaozi has already searched the entire Solar System, and the Federation array formation has been activated this whole time. Despite that, we haven't found any clues. Based on Senior Mo Gaozi's assessment… the three extraterrestrial cultivators have either perished or have left the Solar System through means that are unknown to us," Duan Muque said, his low voice ringing out in the conference room.

"The chances of them perishing are low, but it's still possible. After all, within this Solar System exists things that we cannot comprehend… some strange mysterious powers!

"The possibility of them having escaped the Solar System is greater. If that is the case, that means that… we might be facing greater threats in the future!"

"Regardless, there's no reason to keep the Solar System array formation activated. However, as a lesson from the Mercury crisis, the greater array formations for the respective planets should be activated fully at all times!" As Duan Muque said that, his expression remained unchanged. His thoughts were indiscernible. Those around him seemed deep in thought, but no one said a word.

He glanced at everyone, then laughed suddenly. He knew that even if certain things remained unspoken, they would still be heard by those sat there. After all, they were all experienced strategists.

It might seem that Duan Muque was prepared to deactivate the greater array formation and lower the threat level. However, he had also secretly spoken to Senior Mo Gaozi, who had harbored goodwill all these years. They planned to use such a method to lure the three extraterrestrial cultivators out. They planned to wait for them to reappear. As a result, Mo Gaozi's search wouldn't end yet.

However, even though he believed that the Federation wouldn't have traitors who would betray the entire species, he still decided to be cautious and guard against the possibility of someone in their midst colluding with the extraterrestrial cultivators. He hadn't shared the full details of his plans. He had, in fact, secretly put in place greater preventive measures.

Having spoken his piece, Duan Muque was about to get up and end the summit. It was then that an extremely handsome middle-aged man from the Five Generation Sky Clan laughed suddenly.

"Comrade Duan Muque, since the important matters have been decided, and the Solar System array formation will be deactivated, then it means that everything will be returning to normal. Should we then talk about the matter of promoting the city status of the new Martian city?" The person who had spoken was the head of the Chen family in the Five Generation Sky Clan—Chen Mu's father!

As soon as he said that, the other clan leaders in the Five Generation Sky Clan nodded. The head of the Zhuo family, especially, said with a smile.

"The new Martian city is an extremely important asset, but its current scale is unable to support the excavation of the Divine Armament. There are also unknown security issues regarding its defenses. I support the proposal to promote its status to a special regional city!"

After the Five Generation Sky Clan representatives spoke in succession, the grand elder from the Galactic Dusk Sect also smiled faintly and nodded.

"The Galactic Dusk Sect extends their support for this matter!"

Soon, the Sect Lord of the Plume Manifestation Connate Sect also touched his chin. He stared at the Five Generation Sky Clan, then at the four Dao Colleges. He supported the proposal as well.

The Trilunaris Corporation didn't speak, and the Senate was the same. Lin You had a slight frown on his forehead, narrowing his eyes as he glanced towards the Ethereal Dao College.

The expression of the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord seemed slightly strange in his eyes. He kept lowering his head as if he was reading something… As for the other three Dao Colleges, the Sect Lord from the White Deer Dao College, especially, snorted but didn't say anything. The matter about promoting the status of the new Martian city had been set in stone. The various political forces had reached a consensus. They had divided the various posts in the special regional city amongst themselves as well. If not for the appearance of the extraterrestrial cultivators, this matter would have been a done deal.

Even the Governor of the Martian Colony was expressionless. However, no one had noticed that she had lowered her head earlier. She seemed to have taken a look at her voice transmission ring.

Finally, with the support of the great majority, the promotion of the new Martian city's status was decided. Duan Muque didn't stop the motion. He simply concealed the faint devious look in his Dharma body's eyes.

"Since the matter of the special regional city has been decided, the next matter would be to decide the City Lord of the new special regional city." The Martian Colony Governor, who hadn't said a single word earlier, suddenly spoke.

"The candidate must be level-headed and have a Core Formation realm cultivation. This is unfortunate for Wang Baole. He is a good kid, but he is not at the Core Formation realm." The Zhuo family head from the Five Generation Sky Clan shook his head and sighed.

"We might be old, but we still have to support the Federation and give the next generation enough time to grow into their talents and powers. Especially Wang Baole, who has shown such potential. We cannot take up his precious time, which can be better spent on cultivation!"

As these people spoke hypocritical words, the Sect Lord of the Ethereal Dao College suddenly slammed his fist on the table and roared.

"Wang Baole has made undeniable and great contributions to the Federation and to Mars. He built the new Martian city from scratch. I propose that the Federation set a precedent and allow Wang Baole to become the City Lord of the special regional city!"

"There's no need for such agitation, Sect Lord of the Ethereal Dao College. I agree that Wang Baole is indeed exemplary, but rules are rules, how could we simply amend them like that? If Wang Baole's cultivation was at the Core Formation realm, I would support him as well, but the Martian special regional city is closely tied with the Divine Armament. This is no joking matter. Sect Lord, you shouldn't allow your personal feelings to affect decisions regarding the welfare of the Federation!" the Chen family head of the Five Generation Sky Clan said coolly. The pitch of his voice wasn't high. However, the harshness of his tone rang clearly through his words.

"You…" The Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord's face darkened and then paled, then darkened again as he tightened his fists. He had nothing to say to that.

"I can understand what the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord is feeling. Wang Baole is indeed the best candidate, but his cultivation doesn't meet the requirements. Besides, based on Federation laws, the City Lord of a special regional city would have to join the Senate. He would also have to be at least a Secondary Rank Two Noble. One of the requirements of a Secondary Rank Two Noble is a Core Formation realm cultivation!" The grand elder of the Galactic Dusk Sect sitting at one side shook his head and sighed.

"That's the principle of the matter…"

The Five Generation Sky Clan, the Galactic Dusk Sect, and the other supporters started to sigh. Those from the Five Generation Sky Clan were especially hypocritical in their expressions of pity.

Just as they were about to declare that they had reached a consensus on whom the new City Lord was to be, suddenly, the Martian City Governor, who had been standing at one side, said coolly, with no expression on her face.

"I just received news. As you've all agreed, the best person for the job, who unfortunately lacked sufficient cultivation, is Wang Baole. He just ended his seclusion. He… has reached the Core Formation realm!"

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Chapter 472: The President's Autobiography

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"He's… reached the Core Formation realm…"

Those words were like a slight breeze passing by the ears of the group discussing the best and most suitable candidate to take over supervision of the Martian special regional city. It stirred gentle ripples, and the discussion about potential City Lord candidates continued for a few more moments…

Finally, the voices faded. The various important figures gradually froze, then abruptly turned towards the expressionless Martian Colony Governor. There was a moment… when the entire hall descended into a deathly silence.

It was during this silence that the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord coughed. The sound of his cough echoed in the quiet halls. His voice, which the rest found annoying then, drifted amongst the group.

"I've also just received the news. Now that Wang Baole, whom everyone has agreed is the best choice for City Lord of the special regional city, has reached the Core Formation realm, I thank all my Fellow Daoists present for your recommending him to the post. I shouldn't be displaying such favoritism, but for the good of the Federation, and since everyone here approves of and believes so strongly in this disciple of my sect, as a Sect Lord, I naturally am not in a position to decline or refuse the recommendation!"

"Esteemed President, on behalf of the Ethereal Dao College and the four great Dao Colleges, I recommend that Wang Baole take over as City Lord of the Martian special regional city. In addition, given his contributions to the Federation and to Mars, I believe he should be promoted to a Secondary Rank Two Noble!" the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord said suddenly. As his words rang out, a late-stage Core Formation realm cultivation erupted from his person. It was like a hurricane that spun inside the great halls. His words were filled with an… overpowering aura that he hadn't had earlier!

This was because he wasn't only speaking for the Ethereal Dao College but also the four great Dao Colleges. His words meant that the other three Dao Colleges couldn't refute him if the alliance of the four Dao Colleges was to remain strong. Regardless of their internal conflicts and in-fighting, they had to present a united front in such summits!

Should there be any opposing voices amongst the four Dao Colleges, it would create a tremendous adverse impact on the four great Dao Colleges. There would even be a fracture in the alliance between the Ethereal Dao College and the other Dao Colleges!

In addition, what the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord had said was indeed true. Regardless of anything else… Wang Baole was a member of the four Dao Colleges. That was why the Sect Lords of the other three Dao Colleges, after staring at the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord, didn't challenge his words. A strange feeling began to rise within them. The Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord at this moment was different from the familiar Sect Lord that they had known. He had changed.

The Sect Lord of the White Deer Dao College was silent for a few moments. He might dislike Wang Baole, but he spoke immediately as well.

"I, too, recommend Wang Baole to be promoted to a Secondary Rank Two Noble and take over as City Lord of the special regional city!"

His recommendation was followed by the recommendations of the other two Dao Colleges. Lin You smiled lightly and became the first senator to support the proposal!

Witnessing Lin You's declaration of support, the remaining members of the Senate looked at one another, then at the Head Senator.

There was no expression on the Head Senator's face. However, he glanced towards Lin You, then smiled slightly. He nodded and said, "This is a great outcome!"

The expressions on the representatives of the Five Generation Sky Clan, the Galactic Dusk Sect, and the Plume Manifestation Connate Sect changed then. The Head Senator's words carried great weight, which was why they began to frown. The few clan leaders of the Five Generation Sky Clan felt an indescribable resentment surface within them. They were frustrated beyond measure. Wang Baole had picked the best time for his breakthrough to happen!

They still had to maintain their reputation, so there was no way they could go back on what they had just said. They were thinking about how to address this matter, perhaps using another approach after first setting this matter aside for later discussion, when the representative from the Trilunaris Corporation suddenly laughed. He was an elder who hadn't participated in the discussion earlier. He was the younger brother of Master Jin, who was the head of the Trilunaris Corporation.

"The Trilunaris Corporation will increase its investments in the special regional city!"

As soon as he said that, the pressure on the Five Generation Sky Clan and gang grew. The Trilunaris Corporation might not have explicitly made a stand, but the fact that the elder hadn't mentioned increasing their investments earlier and had only done so now showed very clearly where they stood. There was no need to put that in words.

The Martian Colony Governor didn't say anything. However, they knew that she need not say anything. Her position on the matter had been made clear the moment she had announced that Wang Baole had reached the Core Formation realm.

This was the same with the military. They didn't state their position on the matter, but the seeming smiles on their faces seemed to hide deep, unfathomable meaning!

The sudden turn of the tables caught the Five Generation Sky Clan by surprise. The final blow came… from Federation President Duan Muque!

Duan Muque didn't give the Five Generation Sky Clan a chance to speak and simply waved his hand.

"Credit must be rewarded, and an able man must be put to good use!

"I've said before that the Federation needs a hundred Wang Baoles. Today, I'm amending my statement. The Federation needs ten thousand Wang Baoles!"

"Declare to the people of the Federation that Wang Baole will be given the title of a Secondary Rank Two Noble and promoted… to the City Lord of the Martian special regional city. He will also join the Senate as its eighteenth senator!" Federation President Duan Muque announced decisively before he rose to his feet and ended the summit.

The pupils of the various clan leaders of the Five Generation Sky Clan contracted. They sensed something was amiss. Duan Muque had decided too quickly on the matter. They looked at one another, deep in thought. The other political forces also had considering looks on their faces, and they all carried their thoughts with them as they left.

Their projected forms soon disappeared in the great conference halls. Finally, Duan Muque rose to his feet and walked across the vast halls, towards the door.

His back was akin to a sharp sword. With every step he took, the spirit energy exuding from his person rippled. It was as if he was holding his cultivation back!

Soon… the time for a breakthrough is near… it's just a pity that I'm still one step behind the old guy. Duan Muque shook his head and smiled. He had seen the considering looks in the eyes of those who had left, but he paid them no heed. He believed that they would soon find out.

There were three reasons that Duan Muque had made such a decisive decision. The first was that he had great expectations of Wang Baole, though not to the extent that he would give him a hand up. The second was that… the current Federation needed a hero!

After the Mercury tragedy, the people of the Federation hadn't yet recovered from their sorrow and worry. The Federation needed to reshape its image in the eyes of its people. It needed to have a hero that everyone knew!

This hero would draw the attention of the people and rouse them into uniting. Wang Baole's image didn't really match what he had been looking for. He might come from a family background that would invite no complaints, and he might have climbed to the top, step by step, in the eyes of the people. However, he hadn't done enough to warrant Duan Muque picking him in the end.

If there had only been these two reasons, Duan Muque might have delayed this matter and used it as a bargaining chip. He would wait for both sides to make their bids, then as he re-calibrated the balanced relationships amongst the various political forces, he would reap as much as he could from this selection of the Martian special regional city's City Lord.

However, with the addition of the third reason, everything would change. The third reason formed the basis for everything. With the third reason, he had to reassess the importance of the first two reasons. Without the third reason… nothing would have happened!

This third reason was… the Grand Supreme Elder of the Ethereal Dao College—the former Federation President who had led the Federation in the way of founding the cultivation era, the former most powerful person in the Federation—Li Xingwen, was about to achieve a breakthrough from the Core Formation realm and enter the Nascent Soul realm!

The Ethereal Dao College might have been able to hide this from others, but they couldn't hide this from Duan Muque, who was also about to achieve his own breakthrough. He had long since felt, indistinctly, a fearsome presence within the Ethereal Dao College that was unnoticed by others and that seemed about to rise towering into the skies!

It was because of this that the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord had a basis for his newfound confidence. It was the basis of the overpowering sense of authority exuding from his person!

"The construction of the teleportation array formation can be sped up…" Duan Muque said softly as he walked into the distance.

The summit ended, and the announcement of Wang Baole's appointment was made. Wang Baole, having returned to the new Martian city and realizing that nothing had changed since his disappearance, finally heard the news that he was waiting for!

Wang Baole burst out into happy and loud laughter when he received the news. He was beyond excited. He could feel the distance separating him from the Federation President's office closing with every step he took. It had been such an unreachable goal, but now it was almost within reach!

From now on, I'm going to start on my autobiography. When it's done, I'll use it to tell the future generations how the legendary Federation President Wang Baole relied on his own hard work and perseverance, worked diligently, step by step, without relying on anyone else, relying only on his own sweat and tears, to become the fated son of Lady Fortune!

I've even thought of a name. It'll be called the President's Autobiography! Wang Baole laughed maniacally. He felt that he had reached a peak in his life.

As Wang Baole basked in a joy that was beyond words, the media agencies across the entire Federation began simultaneously promoting Wang Baole like crazy. Every city on every Federation planet in the Solar System flashed the poster of Wang Baole on all available projection screens immediately.

An excited voice was accompanied by grand music as it declared Wang Baole's appointment!

The youngest Core Formation realm cultivator in the whole of Federation history!

The youngest Secondary Rank Two Noble who was a City Lord!

The youngest member of the Senate!

All of a sudden, Wang Baole's name spread across the entire Federation. He became a household name. There was no one who didn't know his name. He became… the new rising star of the Federation!

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Chapter 473: A Glorious Homecoming

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

As the various media outlets and the Spirit Internet continued to promote Wang Baole in every city on every planet of the entire Federation, stories about his childhood began to surface as those who knew the stories began sharing said stories.

"I'm the ex-husband of City Lord Wang Baole's elementary school teacher. I could tell since he was a young kid that he had the potential to be a hero. He studied hard in class and loved to help out the weaker female students. This is clearly the trait of the exemplary! He even actively got the other students together to lose weight. What a great kid. He did that to strengthen their bodies so that they might contribute to the prosperity of the Federation!"

"I'm City Lord Wang Baole's good friend. I sat behind him in class for three years. He was an inspiration to me those three years. He had a great impact on my life. It was Wang Baole who taught me to never stop improving myself!"

"This is all in the past, but City Lord Wang Baole once courted me. I didn't want to affect his future, that was why I silently wept as I turned him down. But now, I just want to say, Wang Baole, I'm here in Phoenix City waiting for you!"

All sorts of tidbits began to be revealed through the media outlets and drew great interest from the populace. Contradictory opinions surfaced as well. There were those who said that Wang Baole was a pervert. There were some who said that since he had been a kid, Wang Baole had enjoyed making friends with the powerful for his personal gains. There were also those who said that he had been a bully when he had been in school…

Such news was drowned out by the sea of compliments when they first surfaced, hardly making a ripple. A host on the Spirit Internet also contributed greatly to this series of promotions.

"Old friends, do you still remember me, Little Daoist? I graduated from the Ethereal Dao College and had a series of close interactions with the City Lord Wang Baole. I even reported many exclusive news stories then. Today, please stay tuned to my channel as I bring you into the inner world of City Lord Wang Baole, and as we get to know the City Lord!" Little Daoist, who had been a host at the Ethereal Dao College, seized this opportunity and returned to college again. He revisited many places on campus and, with great exaggeration, reported what could be seen as exclusive information about Wang Baole's student life on campus. It was a hit.

Such an explosive promotion fulfilled what the Federation set out to achieve, which was to distract the citizens' attention. The Mercury incident sank to the depths of the people's minds. It no longer hovered near the surface, before their eyes and at the top of their heads.

Wang Baole also found out through the Spirit Internet and countless voice transmissions that the Federation was carrying out widespread promotion regarding him. He became excited, spending most of his time every day logged on to the Spirit Internet and reading articles about himself. He would pat his tummy as he snacked, and his mood would soar to the heavens.

Perhaps it was because he had been in too good a mood and had overeaten, or that he hadn't been exercising, or because Li Wan'er's cultivation was nearing a breakthrough and she had gone into seclusion—resulting in her being unable to help him exercise—but Wang Baole felt a change in sensation as he patted his tummy. Based on his rich experience in losing weight, he could tell that… he had gained weight again.

The thought of being fat was akin to being hit by a Nascent Soul realm cultivator with all his strength. Wang Baole shuddered immediately. He wanted to throw aside the half-eaten drumstick in his hand. However, after some thought, he stood before the mirror and carefully examined himself and his figure, which still seemed somewhat slim. He was torn.

This is my last drumstick today. After finishing it, I'll start to lose weight tomorrow! Wang Baole gritted his teeth. It was as if he had a deep grudge against the drumstick. He finished it within two to three mouthfuls. After that, he sat down forcefully and took a deep breath, a look of determination in his eyes.

As the most handsome man in the whole of the Federation, I have to maintain my image. Such stress… Wang Baole lowered his head and stared at his tummy. He realized that he had let go of himself too much in the past few days. Even though the new city had risen to become a special regional city and his workload had increased considerably, he had experienced a few city expansions previously and had also resolved the problem of the Beast Tides from the catacombs. Everything was going according to plan.

Jin Duoming and the others also received a promotion in their ranks and appointments, causing the level of their authority to grow. As long as everything went according to plan, he would be left with plenty of leisure time.

I can't let myself relax… Wang Baole rubbed at his forehead. He thought for a while then decided to make a trip back to earth. He had the intention when he had returned. However, because of Li Wan'er's seclusion and the recent promotion in status for the city, Wang Baole had decided to supervise the city administration for some time first.

My Lightning Dao is only at the Foundation Establishment realm level. I need to return to the Ethereal Dao College to select a new mystic art at the Core Formation realm… It's a pity that the mystic arts inside the Dark Dream all had something to do with Dark Qi. Even those that have nothing to do with Dark Qi can only be practiced when I reach the Spirit Immortal realm… They're looking down on the Core Formation realm. Wang Baole sighed.

Even though it was important to return to the college and pick up his next mystic art, if that had been the only matter, Wang Baole wouldn't have needed to make a personal visit. He had been speaking to his parents via transmissions every now and then, but it had been some time since they had last met.

That was why Wang Baole was thinking about returning to Earth and visiting his parents, and he would make a trip to the college and pick up his next mystic art while he was there. He had another thing that he was considering as well. Wang Baole was wondering if his parents should continue to stay in Phoenix City and if that was still appropriate.

Even though it would be difficult for his aging parents to leave their hometown—with the rise in his cultivation and status, and with his increased knowledge and understanding of this world—Wang Baole knew that while the Federation might appear to be safe, there were still possibilities of catastrophes like the Mercury incident happening again.

Besides, even if the Federation administration seemed to be relatively stable, Wang Baole knew that there were many who envied him, held a grudge against him, or had conflicting interests.

Wang Baole wasn't confident of the safety that the Phoenix City could provide. His heart wouldn't be set at ease even if the Ethereal Dao College sent people to protect his parents secretly.

I'll discuss it with mom. It'll be best if they could move to Ethereal City. It'll be safer for them that way. Wang Baole made up his mind. He would return and discuss it with his mother. As for what his father thought, he wouldn't put too much weight on that. Based on his understanding, since the neighboring aunts had started addressing him as Old Wang, his status in their family had fallen to an extreme low.

I pity dad. The world is harsh. Old Li, Old Liu, and Old Zhang next door are all fine, but once they mention Old Wang next door… Wang Baole shook his head and sighed. He submitted a request to the Martian Colony Governor, then gathered Kong Dao, Jin Duoming, Lin Tianhao and the others for instruction. Soon, that day in the evening, his subordinates saw him off as he boarded a celestial cruiser that belonged to the Martian special regional city and left the planet.

As an important Secondary Rank Two Noble, every move that Wang Baole made needed to be reported to the Federation. The Federation immediately got hold of his calendar. The Martian military even arranged for a protection detail of four cruisers to accompany him on this trip.

The four cruisers circled the main cruiser as they dashed through space. As they passed the moon, three cruisers that belonged to the lunar base joined the fleet under Federation orders. Eight cruisers sped towards Earth.

As they continued to approach, Wang Baole, standing inside the main cruiser, first kicked the donkey that was licking the floorboard with a contemplative look—as if it wanted to take a bit out of the floor—then gazed outside the window. As the blue planet approached, thoughts of home and homesickness began to show in his eyes.

He recalled when he had first left many years ago. He had only just reached the Foundation Establishment realm and had only been a Secondary Rank Five Noble. He had carried his dreams aboard a cruiser to Mars, entered the education sector, and braved countless trials to arrive at where he was now.

Now, he was a Secondary Rank Two Noble. His cultivation had achieved a breakthrough, and he had entered the Core Formation realm. His status and rank of now and many years ago seemed worlds apart.

I'm going home! Wang Baole took a deep breath. The cruiser that he was in was surrounded by seven other escorting cruisers as they raced towards Earth. Soon, they entered the Earth's great array formation and were pulled in, entering the atmosphere before speeding towards the spaceport in the Federation Capital!

The Federation had made arrangements for a reception party for him at the sky port, a grand reception with over a hundred people. They looked, smiling, as the cruisers landed—the rumbling roars of the engines resounded in the port. The first to get out were the hundred-odd combat cultivators who had been inside the seven escort cruisers and had guarded Wang Baole during the journey to Earth. They raced out of the cruisers and secured the area. After ensuring that everything was safe and secure, the doors of the main cruiser opened gradually.

As soon as it opened, Wang Baole, who had just smoothened his attire and put on a serious expression, slowly walked out. The donkey followed behind him, clearly excited. It kept looking around, as everything on Earth was new to its eyes.

"City Lord Wang, welcome back to Earth!" As soon as Wang Baole appeared, those in the reception party immediately bowed and greeted Wang Baole!

Leading them was a middle-aged man with a cultivation at the Core Formation realm. There was warmth in his smile as he cupped his fists and saluted Wang Baole.

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Chapter 474: Going Home

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Even though Wang Baole didn't know the other man's exact rank and office, he had been working in the Federation administration for such a long time. He was long used to the social etiquette required of him at such events. After stepping off the cruiser, he first stood and returned a bow to those who had greeted him. Then, he cupped his fists and saluted the middle-aged man with a smile on his face.

The leading middle-aged man saw his reciprocal bow and smiled lightly. He had heard Wang Baole's name many times. Now that he was finally meeting him, he could tell from this small detail that Wang Baole was someone who knew how to conduct himself and play the crowd.

He liked such people. Even though they were more complicated, they suited the current Federation climate. As a smile surfaced on Wang Baole's face, he too laughed aloud. He took a few quick steps forward and approached Wang Baole. Wang Baole got to know who he was after a brief cordial exchange.

He was also a Secondary Rank Two Noble. However, unlike Wang Baole, who had been sent into space as an ambassador to colonize new lands, he was the head secretary of the Federation President's office. He was akin to the capital city's chief minister, and the loyal subordinate to the Federation President.

His reception was an expression of the Federation President's attitude towards Wang Baole. After realizing who he was, Wang Baole also realized what his presence meant. His smile widened as they chatted merrily. After clarifying why Wang Baole was heading towards Phoenix City, the middle-aged man immediately made arrangements for a cruiser to send him over.

"Even though we are tasked with protecting the whole of humanity and the Federation, we are still cultivators at heart. We are unable to travel through space, that's why we use cruisers, but now that I'm back on my home planet, there's no need for cruisers. I'll simply fly there." Wang Baole smiled as he turned down the offer tactfully. The middle-aged man gave his answer some thought and didn't insist further.

Wang Baole instructed the Combat cultivators who had escorted him back to Earth to await further orders in the capital city. He then bade farewell to the head secretary. With a single step and a wave of his hand, a flying sword flew out from his storage bracelet. He lifted one foot and got onto the flying sword before it dashed through the sky like a sudden rainbow arc and sped into the heavens.

The reception party gazed from the grounds beneath as Wang Baole stood on his flying sword. With the wind in his face, his hair stirred. Despite his rotund figure, he still appeared as if he were an immortal wandering the lands, ethereal and without a tinge of the earthly desires and needs that ruled the ordinary folk. In that manner, he disappeared gradually into the distance.

"We cultivators should be just like that!" the head secretary of the Federation President's office smiled and said. His words resounded in the air, and envy colored everyone's eyes when they heard what he had said.

After all, only a Core Formation realm cultivator could travel the skies via long-distance flight. A Foundation Establishment realm cultivator might be able to do the same for short distances, but once the journey lengthened, they would find it difficult to sustain such a mode of travel.

"I wonder when we'll get to be just like City Lord Wang Baole, traveling between cities on a flying sword!" The crowd sighed and slowly dispersed. As for Wang Baole, he was currently on his flying sword and had just left the parameters of the capital city—speeding towards Phoenix City.

His mood was merry, and his spirits high. He hadn't chosen to travel on a cruiser because he felt that, as he was already a Core Formation realm cultivator, it would be beneath his status to still take the cruiser.

Core Formation realm cultivators should be flying. That's the only method that befits their status. Wang Baole was brimming with happiness and pleasure. He increased his speed against the incoming winds.

He stirred a series of rumbling as he shot through the air, causing the beasts on land to freeze as they listened to the thunderous booms resounding above their heads. The Core Formation realm cultivation that Wang Baole exuded drove the Ancient Martial realm and True Breath realm beasts cowering, too frightened to lift their heads from the ground.

When he passed some of the smaller cities, the people in the cities also heard the loud thundering in the sky. When they looked up, they saw an indistinct figure dashing across the heavens like a bolt of lightning.

Gasps rose to the air. In the Federation, it was common to see a cultivator at the Ancient Martial realm. True Breath realm cultivators were also regular sightings. One might even cross paths with a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator. Core Formation realm cultivators though… were all important figures and numbered in the few. Rarely could anyone see one in person.

Wang Baole's flight via flying sword naturally drew too much attention during his journey back home. Even though there were many who didn't know Wang Baole's actual level of cultivation and didn't get a clear look of him, the Foundation Establishment realm cultivators inside the cities could still clearly sense the overpowering authority that exuded from the fleeting figure passing over their cities! It was a power that made them quake in their boots!

"A Core Formation realm cultivator!"

"There's a Core Formation realm senior flying past on his sword!"

Gasps of shock resounded in the air. As Wang Baole flew faster and faster, like a lightning bolt snaking through the air, he even managed to glimpse a few long-distance passenger cruisers as he passed them by. As he overtook them, he would catch the shocked looks in the passengers' eyes.

News began to appear on the Spirit Internet and even on some media outlets.

It didn't take too long before Wang Baole began to regret his decision… He had imagined a flight via flying sword being an incredibly enjoyable experience. However, when he finally did it—especially over such a long distance—Wang Baole got to know what it meant to have violent winds lashing him in the face, and what it meant to feel extreme, piercing cold.

The faster he flew, the stronger the winds got, and the stronger the resistance became. The idea of having the wind in one's face might seem somewhat poetic, but after a while, the winds became a chill that pierced deep into one's bones. If he were to activate his cultivation now as a protective barrier, he would be expending even more Spirit Qi.

Wang Baole muttered to himself, then decided to give up halfway on the plan to fly the entire way home. Compared to showing off his abilities, he felt that comfort was of greater priority. He corrected his earlier mistaken views that had arisen due to his just reaching the Core Formation realm and becoming a Secondary Rank Two Noble, and hurriedly pulled out his cruiser. Sat comfortably inside, he pulled out a bag of snacks and began snacking as he steered the cruiser towards Phoenix City.

While there was a considerable distance separating Phoenix City and the capital city, with the augmentation of Wang Baole's cultivation, the cruiser's speed increased considerably. The entire journey took but two hours, and Phoenix City soon came within sight.

There were hundreds of people waiting for him outside the city, but Wang Baole wasn't surprised to see that. Having read the high officials' autobiographies, he knew that as a Secondary Rank Two Noble, and having just returned to the Phoenix City, the City Lord would have to receive him personally. If not, it would mean that something had gone wrong somewhere.

When Wang Baole's cruiser landed outside Phoenix City, he was warmly received by the city officials, who were led by Liu Daobin's father. Liu Daobin's father was leading the reception party because he had been promoted to the City Lord of Phoenix City.

Naturally, this had a lot to do with Liu Daobin, who was Wang Baole's trusted subordinate, and Liu Daobin's appointment on Mars.

After a round of warm reception, Liu Daobin's father, aware that Wang Baole had returned to reunite with his parents, didn't take up too much of Wang Baole's time. He had ensured that the reception was brief while sufficiently expressing their attitude regarding Wang Baole's return.

Wang Baole was pleased as well, as he was also unwilling to spend too much time here. His heart was already looking forward to home, and he quickly withdrew from the group and headed home.

The area that his home was located had changed, and it was no longer the same as what he had remembered. There were many more unfamiliar faces around him, most of them at the True Breath realm, though he saw three Foundation Establishment realm cultivators. They appeared from around a corner, dressed in the robes of the Ethereal Dao College. They cupped their fists and saluted Wang Baole.

They were the disciples charged with protecting Wang Baole's family by the Ethereal Dao College. There were also city guards surrounding the residential area, which was clearly very well protected.

Wang Baole nodded. He cupped his fists and saluted the guards before walking towards his home. As soon as he approached, he could hear his father's voice, and the unhappiness in it, resounding inside their house.

"What's wrong with me receiving my own son? That Little Liu, he's too fixated on formalities. The moment I expressed my intention of receiving my own son, he had a look of panic on his face. He went on about how they can do it, and how he was worried that Baole might come to the wrong conclusions if I went!"

"Stop that. He has a difficult job as well. Besides, you're only the head of an archeology team. For a City Lord to show you so much respect whenever he sees you, what else do you want?" The voice of Wang Baole's mother rang out as well. The tone of voice seemed normal, but as soon as she spoke, his father didn't say another word.

Wang Baole's face split into a wide grin when he heard his parents' conversation. At that moment, he forgot that he was a Secondary Rank Two Noble, that he was the City Lord of a special regional city, and that he was a Core Formation realm cultivator. He had returned to who he had been as he pushed the door open and shouted.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home!"

As the door was flung open, the first thing that appeared before Wang Baole was a couch. His father sat on the couch, his arms crossed, while his mother wore an apron and had just placed a plate of pig's trotters on the dining table. They turned their heads and saw Wang Baole at the door.

"You little rascal, why did you greet your mom before your dad?" Wang Baole's father was delighted at the sight of his son. He was about to get to his feet when he sensed that something was wrong. He straightened his face and asked as he glared.

However, as soon as he glared at Wang Baole, Wang Baole's mother immediately glared at him.

"Quick, get the food in the pot out!" Wang Baole's mother ignored her husband and walked in front of Wang Baole, pinched his round face with pain in her eyes.

"Baole, is the food on Mars not to your taste? Look how thin you've gotten. Your old mother almost didn't recognize you…"

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Chapter 475: A Partner

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole watched as his mother came up to him and was about to pinch his cheeks. He sucked in a deep breath of air in fear and hastily suppressed the cultivation inside his body. He relaxed the muscles on his face so that his mother wouldn't receive any backlash from pinching his cheeks. It was somewhat challenging, but he was truly worried that his current cultivation and physical body might cause harm to his parents.

Fortunately, Wang Baole's reflexes were quick. As his cultivation was suppressed and the muscles on his face relaxed, his mother pinched his cheeks without noticing anything amiss. The aching and pain in her eyes sent warmth unfurling inside Wang Baole.

This was a warmth that couldn't be felt on Mars. Even when he had his friends with him, the feeling he had then wouldn't be able to compare with this current heat. He grinned and patted his tummy.

"Mom, look, there's so much meat on this tummy. Don't worry, I won't lose weight."

"Your tummy's grown smaller!" Wang Baole's mother sighed. She pulled Wang Baole onto the couch and began to interrogate him about his life on Mars, asking for all the details. Love filled her eyes, and Wang Baole felt a great warmth and began to relax.

"A girlfriend? Of course! Mom, let me tell you. I have so many girlfriends. Too many, in fact. They're so troublesome."

"Someone to take care of me? Mom, I'm a Secondary Rank Two Noble now. There are plenty of people waiting to kiss my ass and do things for me. I even have my own guards. Don't worry."

"Ah, mom, I realized when I arrived that you look younger now. Where did you get these clothes from? They look really fashionable!" Wang Baole unleashed his skills at changing the topic and instantly shifted his mother's attention away. He saw how effective it was and began to pile on more compliments.

In the end, Wang Baole's mother laughed and scoldingly smacked Wang Baole on the head. The love in her eyes brightened. She didn't even spare a glance at her husband, who had been taking the dishes out from the kitchen. Wang Baole could only sigh and feel sympathy for his father.

Soon, all the dishes were placed on the dining table. The family of three finally sat down together to have their first reunion meal after years of separation. Wang Baole led the conversation, and the atmosphere was warmed by his mother's endless laughter, which was punctuated by the dissatisfied snorts from his father.

The topic of conversation soon turned from Wang Baole to grandchildren. Wang Baole's mother seemed anxious about this particular topic.

"Baole, you say you have so many girlfriends. Why didn't you bring one home this round? You should settle down quickly… No, you follow me tomorrow, I'm bringing you matchmaking. I think Deputy City Lord Xu's daughter is quite a good match. She's especially friendly whenever I see her and seems the sort to bear sons!"

Wang Baole was stunned when he heard that. He had always thought matchmaking to be such an embarrassing thing, especially for someone like him. He was the most handsome person in the entire Federation. What need did he have for matchmaking?

"Nonsense!" Before Wang Baole could speak, his father placed his chopsticks down and lifted his jaw. He said solemnly, "Baole is a senator now, and the City Lord of a special regional city. How can we joke around with his marriage?"

"Old Wang, you've become quite impressive. You dare to raise your voice at me now? A mere leader of an archeology team who's basking in the glory of my son, how dare you pretend to be a somebody in front of me?" Wang Baole's mother was always kind and loving to Wang Baole, but when speaking to her husband, she was extremely stern and fierce. At present, her eyes were popping out as she glared. Wang Baole's father shuddered and dared not talk back, only lowering his head and muttering.

"That's my son too."

"Shut up and eat!"

Wang Baole's eyes squinted as he smiled at the sight. He was overcome with emotion. Suddenly, he felt as if he had changed. In the past, he hadn't had any special feelings when he visited home. This time though, he could feel a reluctance to leave them when the time came.

He suddenly wondered if he had been too busy working towards his ambition and had neglected the old folks at home…

He did frequently speak to his parents. He had also gotten people to send over pills to them quite a few times. Even though his parents lacked the talents for cultivation, with the aid of these pills, they had managed to reach the peak of the Ancient Martial realm.

To a certain degree, this could also increase their lifespan.

But Wang Baole was suddenly very afraid. He feared the cruel passing of time as he continued his cultivation. One day… perhaps he might enter seclusion, only to leave it and find the entire world changed, and the people he had known gone.

"Little Missy, are there pills or rare natural ingredients in this world that can increase the lifespan of an ordinary person?" Wang Baole asked quietly in his head.

Since Little Missy had said she was going to return to slumber in the Dark Artifact, she hadn't said a single word. When Wang Baole had first left the Dark Artifact and tried reaching out to her, she hadn't responded. Now though, Little Missy's voice echoed softly in his head. It was colored with slight sorrow and nostalgia, as well as a certain empathy.

"Yes!"

Wang Baole breathed in deeply. He smiled. As long as they existed, he would find a way to get his hands on them. This would make his worries go away. He looked at his parents, then said as he laughed.

"Mom, why don't we move? Let's move next to the Ethereal Dao College in Ethereal City!"

Wang Baole's father heard that and was about to say something when Wang Baole's mother snorted. He hurriedly lowered his head and continued eating rice. He followed exactly what his wife had said and only ate rice, not even touching the other dishes…

"Baole, I planned to discuss this with you even if you didn't raise this matter. It no longer feels as comfortable staying in Phoenix City. Moving away sounds like a good idea." Wang Baole's mother thought for awhile, then nodded her agreement. She didn't ask the exact reason, as she was already aware. Her son was so exemplary and held such a high ranking post. As parents, there were times such as this when all they needed to do was not cause their children any trouble.

Since their son said they should move, then they would move!

She also considered the matter of matchmaking. There would be more potential daughters-in-law to choose from in such a big city such as Ethereal City. She would have so many more options as compared to Phoenix City.

They finished a heartwarming dinner. Night descended. Wang Baole returned to his small bedroom and lay on his small bed, gazing at the moon outside. He smiled and didn't meditate or train, simply allowing himself to relax and shut his eyes. Then, he dreamed, something he hadn't done for a very long time.

Time passed. On the fifth day, after his parents had dealt with everything, the entire family boarded Wang Baole's cruiser and moved away.

Despite how reluctant Liu Daobin's father was to see them go, he knew that with Wang Baole's current status and cultivation, it was no longer appropriate for his parents to continue living in the city. Setting aside all other concerns, their safety would pose a problem. Phoenix City was, after all, a small city. It couldn't compare with Ethereal City, which was next to the Ethereal Dao College. It was nearly a stronghold and almost impenetrable.

Because of Wang Baole's status, his parents would receive a great deal of protection in Ethereal City. They wouldn't experience any hardship for the rest of their lives.

Having understood that, Wang Baole's old parents pushed down the reluctance they felt at leaving. They boarded the cruiser with their son as they were sent off by a crowd of people. The cruiser rose and sped, roaring towards Ethereal City!

Wang Baole allowed the cruiser to fly at a leisurely pace. On the one hand, this was to ensure that his parents wouldn't experience any discomfort during the journey. On the other, while his father was part of an archeology team and often left the city and ventured outside, his mother had never traveled to such far places in her entire life. Wang Baole intended to make use of this chance to bring his parents around for a tour.

With Wang Baole's cultivation and status, while not entirely invincible, he still had the ability to protect his parents from coming to harm on Earth. The sorrow of departure dissipated from the elderly couple's hearts as the scenery of this earth flashed across their eyes. They flew over mountain ranges and landed on a peak laden with snow. They melted the snow and brewed tea, stared at the layers of clouds in the heavens, and gazed at the blue lakes beneath the snow mountains!

They moved past patches of forests. They saw birds and sniffed flowers in the deepest parts of the thick forests. They watched as what should have been vicious, fearsome beasts turn into obedient little puppies, showing their bellies and seeking their favor.

They leaped over vast deserts and drank from the clear waters in the oasis within the deserts.

The cruiser led the family of three speeding under the blue skies, weaving through clouds, and flying over mountains and forests. A life that belonged to a cultivator was unveiled, fractionally, before Wang Baole's parents.

Mom, when I was a kid, I said that I would bring you and dad to travel the world… Wang Baole looked at his parents' happy, smiling faces, and watched as they took photos of every place they had visited. He stood on the cruiser, happiness filling his heart. This was a bliss that surpassed the happiness of being promoted to a Secondary Rank Two Noble.

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Chapter 476: Settling Down in Ethereal City

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

This was the first time Wang Baole had brought his parents on such a long trip after he had come of age. They went over mountains and crossed rivers. They traveled through forests and crossed the vast deserts.

It didn't matter if it was a dangerous place filled with ferocious beasts, a barren, deserted land, or somewhere with atrocious weather that no ordinary human dared venture. Excluding the few forbidden areas on Earth, with Wang Baole's current Core Formation realm cultivation, he would be able to bring his parents along and travel through the places without any difficulty.

The Nascent Soul realm was the highest cultivation realm that had been attained by anyone in the present Federation. Having entered the Core Formation realm… one would be identified as one of the most powerful cultivators in the Federation.

Besides, after being promoted to the Secondary Rank Two Noble, Wang Baole was able to access confidential information that only Secondary Rank Two Nobles and above were privy to. He read some documents about the Great Earth Array Formation. The documents stated clearly that… Secondary Rank Two Nobles and above had limited access to the Great Earth Array Formation. Even though the access was considerably limited, to even hold such access rights would ensure that few who were of lower ranks would dare to offend and cause him trouble.

The trouble-free vacation went on for more than a month, and Wang Baole could feel that his parents were beginning to tire, not physically but mentally. That was when he ended the vacation and brought them to… Ethereal City!

Ethereal City surpassed Phoenix City vastly. It was a grand spectacle that stood on the great lands. The size of the city and its population, as well as the number of powerful cultivators in the city and what it signified to Earth, placed Ethereal City comfortably in the top five of the seventeen main cities on Earth!

With the Ethereal Dao College right next to the city, its defenses were strengthened considerably as well. Furthermore, it sat in the center of the Federation's southwestern region, and its influence and power blanketed the entire region like a wide web. It was akin to the leading power in the southwestern region.

That was why huge hordes of cultivators and ordinary folk came to Ethereal City every day. They either transited here, came seeking work, or to do business. As a result, the city was constantly bustling with life and noise. In the day, it was crowded with vehicles and pedestrians, while at night, it shone and dazzled with neon lights.

Consequently, the price of things in Ethereal City was higher than those in Phoenix City. Land, especially, was extremely valuable, as there was a greater demand than supply.

After all, Ethereal City was the regional city of the southwestern region. It had been the center of economic and political activity through both eras of peace and unrest. Many rich and wealthy people gathered in Ethereal City, and countless resources and wealth unknown to the public had also been invested or placed inside the city.

No one walking on the streets of Ethereal City should be underestimated, as a seemingly dull-looking character might surprisingly be hiding hordes of wealth. This was a common occurrence.

The various superiorities gave Ethereal City residents a sense of superiority when facing outsiders. Additionally, Ethereal City's status and wealth often shocked the majority of visitors who were visiting the city for the first time. Awed by the majesty and grandeur of the great city, they couldn't help feeling inferior.

Wang Baole's parents were ordinary folk who had lived their entire lives in Phoenix City. Even though Wang Baole's father had been to Ethereal City in the past for work, this trip was different. They were going to settle down here. As the cruiser approached the city, he began to feel a myriad of emotions, and Wang Baole's mother felt the same.

"This city is too big… it's not as nice as our Phoenix City…"

"It's too big, and there are too many people. People won't be as friendly…"

"Baole, I heard that the folks in these great cities often ostracize outsiders…" Such thoughts hadn't passed Wang Baole's mother's mind during their journey here. However, as they approached, she was clearly feeling slightly hesitant, so she began to nag.

Wang Baole stood patiently by his mother's side with a smile on his face. After comforting her, she finally seemed to calm down slightly. It was clear that she still had many concerns though. It didn't matter that she knew how amazing her son was, or that she didn't know what exactly she was worried about, she simply felt that everything happening now was surreal and unbelievable.

Wang Baole understood how she felt. After some thought, he sent a voice transmission to Lin You when the cruiser approached Ethereal City's aerial port.

Lin You was in his residence, looking at the ancient tree before him when he received Wang Baole's voice transmission. He had a Spirit Stone in his hand. He wasn't cultivating though, only thinking about some matters concerning the Senate. He had a habit. He liked to touch the smooth surface of a Spirit Stone while he was thinking. This was something he had cultivated during the Beast War.

Lin You set his thoughts aside after receiving Wang Baole's voice transmission. He turned his voice transmission ring on, looked at it, then laughed. He had high expectations of Wang Baole, and Lin Tianhao was working extremely well with Wang Baole now. Besides, Lin You and Wang Baole currently shared a similar status. He placed great importance on Wang Baole's moving his family to his city, so he immediately made arrangements.

As a result, when Wang Baole's cruiser landed in Ethereal City's aerial port, he saw Lin You and his escorts waiting there to personally welcome his arrival. As soon as Wang Baole got out, he immediately cupped his fists and saluted Lin You as a junior would his senior. Lin You simply laughed, stepped forward, and gave Wang Baole a pat!

They shared few meetings with each other but had been communicating quite frequently. They didn't feel awkward or unfamiliar with each other at all as they chatted merrily. Lin You was also extremely cordial to Wang Baole's parents.

After learning that the man before them was the city lord of Ethereal City, Wang Baole's parents instinctively felt slightly nervous. Lin You sensed their nervousness. His smiles were kind, and he behaved like an ordinary person, like a neighbor who was friendly and not disinclined towards the occasional teasing.

"Brother Wang, Lady Wang, after settling down, please help me say a few good words to your son, Baole. It's really quite embarrassing, but my only son, that useless child, is now working for Baole."

Wang Baole's parents burst out into laughter as soon as they heard that. They knew that Lin You was joking. He was trying to put them at ease. At the same time, he was trying to remind them that Wang Baole was no longer just a typical, ordinary person. He was trying to strengthen their faith in him.

Wang Baole was extremely touched by the scene, and he bowed towards Lin You again.

Lin You had made comprehensive arrangements. After receiving Wang Baole's family, he brought them to the inner city area near the City Lord's residences. He lent a considerably-sized house to Wang Baole.

It was a loan in principle, but a gift in practice.

The residence's land area was vast. It had a lawn and gardens, as well as three pavilions. The place was elegantly decorated and quiet. Such quiet spots in the bustling city were worth a fortune. In addition, it was situated in the inner city area, and this set Wang Baole's heart at ease with regard to any safety and defense concerns.

Lin You had also made arrangements for servants. However, Wang Baole's parents weren't used to having servants. After Wang Baole tactfully turned down the offer, Lin You took his leave.

Even after Lin You left with his men, Wang Baole's parents continued to stare at the huge residence. They felt as if they were in a dream. Pride for their son unfurled in their hearts once again.

Lin You had made further arrangements. A few days later, after a discussion with Wang Baole's family, the city's archeology department welcomed an additional supervisor. It was Wang Baole's father!

A new position with considerable authority was created concurrently in the city's education department. The person appointed to the post was Wang Baole's mother!

Lin You believed that the best way to assimilate into a new city wasn't to go around announcing who Wang Baole was and having countless hordes of sycophants gathering around the family. It was to create a place for Wang Baole's parents within the Ethereal City's administrative system. This would allow them to form their own social circles.

There was no need to flaunt or intentionally hide who they were. Let nature run its course. After all, regardless of what happened, and regardless of any trouble that Wang Baole's parents might encounter, as long as it was something Wang Baole and Lin You could resolve, it wasn't an insurmountable problem!

The elderly couple started work in their new workplaces. They got familiar with their new environment and began to have something to fill their time with. Gradually, the family settled down in Ethereal City.

Wang Baole's father concentrated on work. In comparison, Wang Baole's mother had prioritized Wang Baole's marriage. She spent most of her time assessing potential partners for her son.

Wang Baole started to consider whether he should make a trip back to Ethereal Dao College now. He had to get his new Core Formation realm cultivation technique and settle some other matters.

A few days later, Wang Baole left his house in the morning. He transformed into an arc of rainbow and raced towards… the Ethereal Dao College!

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Chapter 477: Breaking Into the Alchemy Pavilion!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole was one of the most exemplary figures amongst the disciples who had ever graduated from Ethereal Dao College. If he had informed the college officially of his return, the college would have prepared a grand ceremony to welcome his return.

He might have been interested in having that when he had just been promoted to Secondary Rank Two Noble. Now, after some time had passed, such interest had wavered. In fact, he thought it troublesome instead. That was why he didn't notify the college officially about his return. He had only sent the Sect Lord a voice transmission before he dashed off and stepped into the college campus.

Wang Baole paused in mid-air when he passed the Lower Academy Island. He lowered his head and glanced at the students in the Lower Academy Island, spending a slightly longer time looking at those from the Dharmic Armament faculty. He couldn't help but laugh as memories of the past surfaced in his mind. Then, he turned and once again sped towards the Upper Academy Island.

The Upper Academy Island's array formation didn't stop Wang Baole from entering. He was a disciple of the Ethereal Dao College, after all. After passing the array formation without difficulty, Wang Baole didn't immediately look for the Sect Lord. His head turned abruptly towards the Alchemy Pavilion's mountain peak suspended in mid-air!

Besides getting a new cultivation technique, there was another important thing that he had planned to do when he returned to the college. It was something that he had felt unhappy about while he was on Mars, and had thought about getting done one day. It was about… Bunny's seclusion!

She's probably turned into an old bunny, staying in seclusion all that time. The Alchemy Pavilion must be doing this on purpose. They know about me and Bunny. That's why they're targeting Bunny! Wang Baole snorted. He had made up his mind. He was going to get an explanation out of Bunny's master. That old fellow must be the reason Bunny was always away in seclusion. Wang Baole was extremely displeased.

As soon as he dashed out from the array formation, he headed straight for the Alchemy Pavilion.

Even though he was moving extremely quickly, there were still a few out of the many disciples on the Upper Academy Island who saw the fleeting figure of Wang Baole. Others might not have been so visible, but Wang Baole was famous now. Besides… he was extremely easy to recognize.

Someone soon gasped.

"I think I just saw… Eldest Senior Brother Wang Baole?"

"I saw him too! It should be Senior Brother Wang. But why isn't he headed for the Dharmic Armament Pavilion but towards the Alchemy Pavilion?"

"Heavens, our eldest senior brother is back?"

Gasps rang out in the air, and someone even posted excitedly about it on the Spirit Internet. There was no doubt that Wang Baole had become a legend in the eyes of the disciples of the Ethereal Dao College, and increasingly more disciples began to address him as Eldest Senior Brother.

More people on the Upper Academy Island realized what was going on, and more disciples began appearing in the open, trying excitedly to locate Wang Baole. Wang Baole had arrived outside the Alchemy Pavilion and was about to break in when the Alchemy Pavilion's array formation unleashed its power in an attempt to stop him.

Every pavilion on the Upper Academy Island had its own separate array formation. Unless permission was granted, those who didn't belong to said pavilion wouldn't be allowed to enter. The array formation simply served as an obstruction though, not having the ability to attack. These were college disciples, after all.

The array formation proved a great obstacle to a True Breath realm cultivator. Even a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator would find it a challenge. But to a Core Formation realm cultivator… it was practically nonexistent.

As soon as Wang Baole entered the array formation and it was activated, a tremendous boom sounded. Wang Baole snorted. The Alchemy Pavilion's array formation began to distort. It was unable to hold Wang Baole back, and he marched straight into the pavilion!

As he took a forceful step in, alarms began to ring. They resounded throughout the entire Alchemy Pavilion, shocking its disciples and Elders.

"There's an intruder in the Alchemy Pavilion!"

"He wasn't stopped by the array formations!"

"Who is it? What guts, daring to barge into the Upper Academy Island!"

Alarmed, hordes of disciples rushed out of their cave abodes. A few Foundation Establishment realm Elders flew out furiously as well. They intended to punish the intruder. However, the disciples were soon stunned to see a familiar figure step out from the warped and distorted array formation.

"Eldest Senior Brother Baole?"

"It's Eldest Senior Brother Wang Baole!"

The Alchemy Pavilion's disciples gasped. They immediately forgot the fact that he had barged in and bowed at Wang Baole eagerly. Awe and adoration shone in their eyes.

There were a few disciples who had entered the Alchemy Pavilion after Wang Baole had graduated who were equally excited but still ventured to ask the person next to them uncertainly.

"Erm… what are we going to do about Eldest Senior Brother barging through our array formation?"

He was answered by those standing beside him, who looked at him with contempt in their eyes. They reprimanded him as they corrected what he had said.

"Have you turned stupid from refining too many pills? How is Eldest Senior Brother entering the Alchemy Pavilion a break-in? He's entering his own house. He just didn't knock first."

That sounded surprisingly reasonable. The newly admitted disciples immediately sensed that they were the ones who had misunderstood the situation. They agreed instantly and stopped thinking about the supposed intrusion.

The few Foundation Establishment realm Elders were at a loss. Their heads throbbed, but they said nothing about Wang Baole breaking in by force. Instead, they cupped their fists and saluted Wang Baole.

Wang Baole was pleased to find his junior brothers so understanding. He stood in mid-air, cupped his fists, and saluted the disciples of the Alchemy Pavilion around him.

"My fellow junior brothers and sisters, I understand that my sudden appearance might have interrupted your cultivation. I hope you don't mind." Wang Baole's voice was warm as it rang in the air. The disciples around him became even more excited and began speaking amongst themselves.

"Senior Brother Baole is simply too friendly. He's a prodigy but still speaks so kindly to us. I heard he doesn't have a girlfriend yet… Senior Brother Baole, I love you!"

"This is because Senior Brother Baole treats all of us like his junior brothers and sisters. He only shows his fearsome side to outsiders. We're family!"

"That's right. Senior Brother Baole, we don't mind. Besides, you're not being rude. It's like coming back home. You just didn't knock first. Anyway, who knocks on every door in their own house?"

"I've long found that array formation a sore sight. Senior Brother Baole's done a great job!"

More and more disciples of the Alchemy Pavilion appeared amidst the growing cheers, and soon, the entire pavilion was in an uproar. The liveliness and cheer drew the attention of the disciples of other pavilions who were passing by. Upon the sight, they stopped and gathered outside, trying to catch what was going on inside.

After cupping his fists and saluting everyone, Wang Baole took a deep breath and spoke again.

"Fellow disciples, there is a reason why I'm here today. When I was still a student on the Lower Academy Island, I had a close female friend called Bunny… no, that's not right, her name is Zhou Xiaoya. Since she became the disciple of an immoral master, she was forced into seclusion. We have not seen each other's face for years. Tell me, isn't this completely unreasonable?"

Wang Baole's words rang out loudly in the air, and because the disciples around him adored him, they naturally sided with him. They began to grow unhappy after this matter, and a few disciples turned and started yelling at the Alchemy Pavilion.

"Hand over Senior Sister Xiaoya!"

The disciples of the Alchemy Pavilion were all up in arms and ready to revolt. The sight of it cheered Wang Baole up as well. He felt that they were all his wonderful junior brothers and sisters. He turned towards the Alchemy Pavilion's mountain peak and shouted.

"Old man, you better hand over my Bunny right this moment. I'm going to count to three. If you don't hand her over, I'll fight my way up."

Wang Baole's voice was like thunder. It boomed and resounded in the air. On the mountain peak, a group of Elders were fretting and staring at an old man who was pacing in front of them and sighing.

This old man was Zhou Xiaoya's master. He had been one of the four Elders of the Alchemy Pavilion. Now, he was the Grand Elder of the Alchemy Pavilion.

"Grand Elder, please say something."

"Yes, this Wang Baole is at the Core Formation realm now. He fought his way through. He's a rare vicious character!"

"Grand Elder, you are at fault too. Xiaoya, that girl, might be quite gifted, but you shouldn't be tearing a couple apart. Why did you force her into seclusion? She's forever in seclusion. Even I can't stand this anymore." The other Elders began to protest fervently. Wang Baole had already started counting down outside…

"Three, two…"

As he counted, the Alchemy Pavilion's Grand Elder stomped his foot. He hollered at the Elders gathered around him.

"You can't blame this on me. I'm doing as the Grand Supreme Elder asked. What else can I do?"

When the Grand Elder said that, Wang Baole had just counted to three. He took a step forward. Lightning crashed, and thunder boomed, shaking the heavens and earth. He transformed into a bolt of lightning, dashing straight for the mountain peak. It appeared that he was about the break-in.

It was then that the voice of an old man rang out between the heavens and earth. It formed an invisible barrier that was like a seal, and it fell all around Wang Baole and caged him in!

"Little fatty, let's see you try and break through this barrier. I'll give you an answer if you manage to do that!"

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Chapter 478: Advance Without Retreat!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole would have glared if someone else had said that. He hated it when anyone called him fat and felt that he needed to correct the person's aesthetics by punching this person who had no idea what he or she was talking about.

After all, he was the slimmest and most handsome person in the entire Federation!

But… if the person saying this was an old man who was both strong-boned and had an ethereal air to him, who had a sharp intelligent glint in his eyes while giving off an impression of having a rather bad temper, then Wang Baole felt that it wouldn't be that embarrassing if he played the coward once in a while.

After all, no matter how great the old man was at pretending to be peaceful, Wang Baole could still distinctly sense the fearsome temper hidden deep inside him and the scorching heat he was exuding.

In addition… Wang Baole saw that the Grand Elder and Elders of the Alchemy Pavilion cupped their fists and saluted the old man respectfully when he had appeared. He even saw the Sect Lord and Deputy Sect Lords, as well as the other Grand Elders, appear in mid-air. They cupped their fists and saluted the old man as well. Wang Baole immediately realized… who he was!

He was the former Federation President, the Grand Supreme Elder of the Ethereal Dao College, Li Xingwen!

He doesn't really look like the statue in the capital city… Wang Baole blinked as he stared at the barrier around him. The Grand Supreme Elder was a short distance away from him, hovering in mid-air. He couldn't really sense the Grand Supreme Elder's exact level of cultivation through the barrier. However, he could vaguely sense an awesome spirit energy exuding from the old man. It was as terrifying as a hurricane.

I'm just here to find Bunny… how is the Grand Supreme Elder involved in this… and he's sealed me in. Is he trying to test how powerful I am? Wang Baole sighed. His fighting spirit was roused though. He wanted to test too, the difference in power between himself and a perfected Core Formation realm cultivator.

At that thought, and due to the anticipatory and encouraging looks given by the Sect Lord and the Grand Elder of the Dharmic Armament Pavilion, Wang Baole took a deep breath. A flare of lightning erupted in his eyes.

The light exploded and transformed into countless lightning bolts that wandered all over Wang Baole. Countless lightning bolts appeared in the air around him as well, and their crackling sounds resounded in the air. The seal that had been invisible to the eye began to show its form under the electrical disturbance.

It looked like a translucent box!

Since you want to test me… then, I'll show you everything I've got! Decisiveness flashed across Wang Baole's eyes. He trusted the Ethereal Dao College; it was his sect. That was why he didn't only intend to activate his Lightning Core but was also going to activate his Dark Core Lotus. He was going to unleash the full power of his dual Cores!

His external Lightning Core, his internal Dark Core, and the power of his physical form were all activated at the same moment. From afar, one could see a black light shining in Wang Baole's eyes. A chill seemed to be spreading out from his person at the same time, and beyond this chill were bolts of lightning crashing and thundering. A strong, powerful spirit energy continued to grow stronger and more powerful inside him, and cracks began to appear on the translucent box!

He hadn't even attacked yet, but the box was already showing signs of not being able to withstand his power!

Shock flashed across everyone's eyes as they witnessed the sight. The Sect Lord, the Deputy Sect Lords, and the respective Grand Elders, especially, widened their eyes. Their faces were colored with incredulity. Even the Grand Supreme Elder seemed slightly surprised. His eyes began to shine brightly, colored with approval and joy.

"Interesting. Seems like an early-stage Core Formation realm seal isn't sufficient to assess your actual strength. In that case… we'll strengthen it!" As he said that, Li Xingwen's right hand formed a series of hand seals. Then, he pointed at the box. Instantly, the box-shaped seal shone. It seemed to grow sturdier, and the earlier cracks sealed shut immediately.

Almost as soon as the box's cracks were healed close, Wang Baole raised his head abruptly, letting loose a low roar that sounded like thunder. He could feel his body, which used to have a constitution that surpassed his cultivation, struggling to support the full activation of both his Cores. He had no time to worry now though. He raised his right hand and tightened it into a fist. He didn't unleash any divine power or pretty trick, he simply held it before the barrier in front of him and… punched!

This single punch encapsulated the Supernova technique. It unleashed the full power of Wang Baole's physical form as well as the full, dual-Core cultivation of his Dark Core and Lightning Core. It could be said to be the strongest and most powerful punch that Wang Baole was capable of without using any mystic art!

An aura seemed to form around Wang Baole as he unleashed the punch. It was an aura… that spoke of relentless advance, that promised to blow everything in his path to pieces!

It was similar to when he had been in the Mystic Luna Realm, what he had unleashed then during those life-or-death situations. He had killed his way to survival and hadn't spared a single glance at those he had left dead.

It was similar to when he had been in the fight for the New Mars Region, in that last battle, when he had been faced with countless Beast Tides. He had stood alone amongst the monsters, as everything had fallen apart around him. He had advanced fearlessly!

His experiences over the years seemed to merge and fuse together at this moment, during the Grand Supreme Elder's test. They flowed into his fist, which unleashed… a punch… that carried his will!

Wang Baole yelled. His punch landed, and the strengthened seal that could hold a mid-stage Core Formation realm cultivator shuddered and warped violently, unable to withstand the attack. It cracked and broke upon the fist's impact, shattering into pieces!

From afar, it seemed as if Wang Baole's punch had broken through a mirror as countless semi-transparent shards were flung into the air. An incredible wave of spirit energy, like a furious tidal wave, surged outward. It rumbled and roared, rousing strong winds in the air.

The scene sent the Sect Lord, the Deputy Sect Lords, and the Grand Elders reeling back in shock. They stared at Wang Baole with incredulity and shock.

It was clear that… in their minds, they saw Wang Baole as someone who had just reached the Core Formation realm. He had not yet even began to practice any Core Formation realm techniques. As a Core Formation realm cultivator, this should be when he was at his weakest.

But… at what should have been considered his weakest moment, Wang Baole had unleashed a strength that had stunned everyone. One could imagine how much more powerful he would become after he had grown accustomed to his current cultivation and was in possession of a Core Formation realm technique.

Amidst the crowd's shocked stares, Wang Baole walked out of the surging energy waves. His long hair was loose and flowing in the wind, and lightning bolts snaked around his body. He was like a god of war, standing in a pool of lightning, in mid-air. He lifted his face skyward and looked up at Grand Supreme Elder Li Xingwen. He could feel the beginnings of self-satisfaction surfacing inside him. He was about to say something when he froze suddenly, his eyes widening.

His senses had been muted when he had been inside the box-shaped seal. Now that he had freed himself, when he looked at the Grand Supreme Elder again, he could immediately sense an awesome, terrifying spirit energy exuding from the Grand Supreme Elder. It was completely different from that of a Core Formation realm cultivator!

Wang Baole wasn't unfamiliar with such a spirit energy. It was identical to the spirit energies of the three extraterrestrial cultivator… the spirit energy of a Nascent Soul realm cultivator!

It seemed incomplete at the moment and appeared to still be growing rapidly. However, he was definitely not mistaken. He could indistinctly sense the Grand Supreme Elder's core dissolving and reforming inside his body. He was going to ascend to the Nascent Soul realm any day now!

Wang Baole blinked. His courage shriveled instantly, and he immediately put on an expression of complete obedience and respect, cupping his fists and saluting the Grand Supreme Elder.

"Your disciple Wang Baole greets the Grand Supreme Elder. I don't know why, but I felt an immediate familial closeness when I saw you, esteemed Grand Supreme Elder. It's almost as if I'm reminded of my grandfather… Baole wishes Grandfather Grand Supreme Elder, long life and everlasting fortune!" Everyone had a strange look on their faces when they heard what Wang Baole said. Grand Supreme Elder Li Xingwen simply had what seemed like a smile on his face. He clearly saw through Wang Baole's earlier aborted attempt at showing off. He might not know exactly what Wang Baole had planned to say, but they were likely arrogant words of a brash and overconfident youth.

Of course, he knew why Wang Baole had swallowed those words back down and shown his belly instead. However, he was growing increasingly fond of this Wang Baole. The kid had made some accomplishments while he had been in the college, which was why he had found the kid all right. Then, he had battled with his own disciple, which was when he realized he wasn't bad and had thought about having him as his own disciple.

It hadn't been an intense desire at the time. When he had been truly stirred was during the Mystic Luna Realm incident, which had been when he began to see Wang Baole with new eyes. Else, he wouldn't have acted on Wang Baole's behalf and captured the Core Formation realm Elder of the Galactic Dusk Sect alive.

He had been monitoring Wang Baole since his deployment to Mars, watching him grow in strength and advance to his current position. Wang Baole's exemplary performance during this brief period won his overwhelming approval. The outcome of his test today made him happier still. He liked Wang Baole's personality.

"This kid has many secrets. I believe he only revealed them because he's back with us. Based on his crafty character, he would have kept a tight lid on his secrets when he was outside. That's why… nothing that's happened today can be leaked to the outside world. I need you to handle this. Of course, it's not a problem even if there's a leak. I'd like to know who dares mess around with my people in the Ethereal Dao College when I'm around." Li Xingwen instructed the Sect Lord next to him, his tone extremely arrogant. The Sect Lord agreed respectfully. Then, Li Xingwen turned and looked at Wang Baole again, his eyes filled with unconcealed approval and praise.

"You rascal, follow me!" Having said that, Li Xingwen turned and marched straight into the halls of the Alchemy Pavilion.

Nothing that's happened today can be leaked to the outside world. I need you to handle this. Of course, it's not a problem even if there's a leak. I'd like to know who dares mess around with my people in the Ethereal Dao College when I'm around." Li Xingwen instructed the Sect Lord next to him, his tone extremely arrogant. The Sect Lord agreed respectfully. Then, Li Xingwen turned and looked at Wang Baole again, his eyes filled with unconcealed approval and praise.

"You rascal, follow me!" Having said that, Li Xingwen turned and marched straight into the halls of the Alchemy Pavilion.

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Chapter 479: My Last Name Is Zhao!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole answered obediently and hurriedly followed closely behind the Grand Supreme Elder, entering the great halls of the Alchemy Pavilion. There was no one there. After the Grand Supreme Elder stepped into the halls, he turned and looked at Wang Baole.

He still had that smile that wasn't quite a smile on his face. Wang Baole's hair began to stand, and he tried to put on a more docile smile. He blinked and attempted to show what he thought was his adorable side.

The Grand Supreme Elder remained silent but continued to smile. Wang Baole began to grow nervous. He felt that the Grand Supreme Elder was like an old fox. He couldn't tell what the other was thinking and wondered if he should switch tactics. At that thought, Wang Baole smiled openly and scratched his head. He tried to appear thick-headed and continued to trade stares with the Grand Supreme Elder.

"Baole, your cultivation is quite impressive." The Grand Supreme Elder observed how Wang Baole switched personalities within a short span of time before he placed his hands behind his back and spoke coolly.

"Your humble disciple's current achievements are partly due to my own blood, sweat, and tears, but most importantly, it is due to the grooming and teachings of the sect." Wang Baole took a deep breath immediately when he heard that and put on the face of a loyal subject.

"You can stop the boot-licking. It's true that our teachings are useful, but we've groomed and taught so many people. I don't see everyone with your achievements." Li Xingwen was secretly pleased with Wang Baole's attitude. However, he knew that Wang Baole's current accomplishments had more to do with the opportunities he had come across.

"Baole, I would've gotten you to make a trip down to the college even if you hadn't done so. There are some things… that you have a right to decide for yourself now, with your current cultivation." Li Xingwen eyed Wang Baole and spoke slowly. There was a meaningful look in his eyes.

Wang Baole saw the expression on the Grand Supreme Elder's face. His eyes narrowed slightly and didn't speak.

"The Federation Seedlings Initiative was of extreme importance. No one was supposed to be allowed to drop out of it. However, neither Duan Muque or I expect you to have a breakthrough in your cultivation and step into the Core Formation realm before the initiative was rolled out."

"Because of that, you now have the right to choose. Are you going to continue to participate in the Federation Seedlings Initiative… or are you going to drop out?" Li Xingwen didn't continue speaking. He waited, instead, for Wang Baole's reply.

A frown began to appear on Wang Baole's forehead. He couldn't make heads or tails of what the Grand Supreme Elder was saying. The information he had was incomplete, so he found it difficult to answer the other. It was clear that the Grand Supreme Elder had done this deliberately.

Is it another trial? Wang Baole secretly sighed as he rubbed at his forehead. He started to analyze what was going on by first recalling what he had read and found out about the Federation Seedlings Initiative.

Based on what he had learned then, the Federation Seedlings Initiative was part of the overall Operation Sword Sun. It was meant to support the latter. Everything was meant to prepare for the Federation's eventual landing on the ancient greenish-bronze sword.

When seen in that light, the message in Li Xingwen's words became clear…

Since the Federation Seedlings Initiative has to do with the ancient greenish-bronze sword landing, does dropping out of the initiative mean that I give up my chances of entering the ancient greenish-bronze sword? Wang Baole pondered. He believed that there must be risks involved in Operation Sword Sun, that was why the Grand Supreme Elder had asked him that question.

Li Xingwen waited patiently as Wang Baole deliberated. When he saw a discreet look of realization appear in Wang Baole's eyes, he smiled lightly.

"You've thought it through?"

"How dangerous is it?" Wang Baole didn't answer the question, asking a question of his own instead. There was a strange light in his eyes when he looked at the Grand Supreme Elder.

Li Xingwen once again showed his approval of Wang Baole when he heard Wang Baole's reply and saw the light in his eyes. He enjoyed speaking to intelligent people, and he liked this straightforward young person. So he said slowly, "Are you afraid of death?"

"Is there anything in it for me?"

The approval in Li Xingwen's eyes intensified when he heard Wang Baole's question. He burst out into laughter as he lifted his right hand and pointed his finger at Wang Baole repeatedly. Finally, he swept his sleeve aside.

"There's plenty. It can advance your cultivation tremendously. It can gift you with countless unimaginable opportunities. It can let you come into contact with a cultivation civilization that is different from that of the Federation. It can allow you to… trace the origins of the Federation's cultivation civilization. In addition, if you manage to accomplish something, it can give you a promotion in Noble. Becoming the future Federation President will become something within the realm of possibility!" Li Xingwen hadn't planned to include the last part of his speech, but he saw how unmoved Wang Baole had been the whole time, that was why he had added the last part about becoming the Federation President.

As he expected, the look on Wang Baole's face began to shift after he said the last few sentences, his eyes glowing with an intense light.

"Everything your humble disciple has now has been given by the sect. As long as the sect requires it of me, I will climb mountains and cross oceans without any complaints!" Wang Baole smacked his chest and declared loudly. He appeared completely selfless, as if he was doing everything for the sect.

Li Xingwen was rendered speechless at Wang Baole's ability to make such proclamations, regardless of the occasion. Dumbstruck, he laughed.

"Alright. In that case, you will continue to be a part of the Federation Seedlings Initiative. I believe you will soon find out the reason that this initiative was developed, so I'll not say too much at this juncture.

"As for Zhou Xiaoya… there's no need for you to be angry at the Grand Elder of the Alchemy Pavilion. Zhou Xiaoya's proficiency at refining standard pills is mediocre, but her soul has certain unique elements. That's why she has displayed great results when refining the Enlightenment Pills that are unique to my bloodline."

"Because of that, I've taught her a cultivation technique. It emphasizes gaining enlightenment, which is why she needs to be away in seclusion for long periods of time. Once she's gained enlightenment, I'll take her in as my personal disciple!" Li Xingwen explained Zhou Xiaoya's situation. It might have been fine if he hadn't done so, but once he had, Wang Baole immediately sucked in his breath.

"Enlightenment?" Wang Baole held no goodwill towards the Dao Enlightenment faculty. He had thought those from that faculty were all nut jobs when he had been on the Lower Academy Island. From what the Grand Supreme Elder had just told him, Bunny had somehow indirectly become one of the Dao Enlightenment faculty.

"Why, do you have complaints?" Li Xingwen glared.

Wang Baole sighed as he felt Li Xingwen's terrifying cultivation. He replied resentfully, "Such a fine girl in her youth, who's been misled and is now wasting her life away in a secret chamber in seclusion. Even if she's to achieve enlightenment like Li Wuchen, she's still not going to be able to put up much of a fight…"

"Rubbish. My Dao Enlightenment faculty is invincible. Just you wait, once Zhou Xiaoya gains enlightenment, she'll crush you like an ant!" Li Xingwen snorted. Even though he didn't think that was really possible, he had to stand up for the Dao Enlightenment faculty after seeing the dismissive attitude Wang Baole had towards it.

"As long as you're happy… but a person shouldn't be in seclusion all the time. Shouldn't there be some sort of work-life balance…" Wang Baole sighed and looked at the Grand Supreme Elder.

"Fine, fine. I'll make some arrangements later and give Zhou Xiaoya a few days off." Li Xingwen coughed. He did feel that he might have been too harsh and cruel. To have a girl in the prime of her youth locked away in seclusion every day… he agreed with a wave of his hand. With that, Li Xingwen prepared to end the conversation and leave.

"Wait, dear Grandfather Grand Supreme Elder, there's still something else. I mean… I'm already at the Core Formation realm, but I still don't have an equivalent cultivation technique. Does the esteemed Grand Supreme Elder, my dear grandfather, have some amazing cultivation technique that you can share with me?" Wang Baole said hastily, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"I've already gotten someone to prepare the full set of Core Formation realm cultivation techniques that the Ethereal Dao College has. Go look for Little Zhao, he'll explain to you in detail. Also, you should remain in the college during this period. Don't return to Mars first. Stay for another two weeks… I'm going to create an opportunity for the disciples of our sect!" Li Xingwen laughed arrogantly before he strolled out of the halls and vanished.

Wang Baole blinked. He could vaguely guess what the Grand Supreme Elder was referring to. He was slightly excited and looked forward to it. Then, he wondered about the Little Zhao that the Grand Supreme Elder had spoken of. After a great deal of thinking, he still couldn't figure out who this person was.

Curious, Wang Baole pulled out his voice transmission ring and sent a voice transmission to the Sect Lord of the Ethereal Dao College.

"Sect Lord, the Grand Supreme Elder told me to find Little Zhao for my mystic art. Who is that? I thought about it for a day, but no one comes to mind."

There was dead silence on the other side of the voice transmission ring. Then, a long moment later, the Sect Lord's ghostly voice drifted over.

"My last name is Zhao!"

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Chapter 480: The First!?

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole felt slightly embarrassed as he held onto his voice transmission ring. After muttering a few words, he left the great halls of the Alchemy Pavilion hurriedly and headed for the Sect Lord's pavilion located on the mountain peak of the Upper Academy Island.

When he arrived, he saw the Sect Lord deep in meditation. He observed the look on the Sect Lord's face. He wisely didn't mention the name "Little Zhao" and instead, sat beside the Sect Lord. He began to ask about the matter of his Core Formation realm cultivation technique.

"Baole, the Ethereal Dao College has seventy-nine complete cultivation techniques for the Core Formation realm cultivator. They are divided into grades A to D accordingly. There are seven Grade As, nineteen Grade Bs…" The Sect Lord gave Wang Baole a look, then pulled out a jade slip and handed it over.

Wang Baole's eyes brightened as he took it hastily and began reading.

The jade slip didn't document the detailed cultivation process of the various techniques, but briefly listed the pros and cons of each technique. It had information on complete techniques and incomplete techniques with missing information.

After a while, Wang Baole began to frown slightly. The seventy-nine complete techniques seemed extremely ordinary. Even the seven Grade A techniques didn't seem very impressive. They couldn't compare with his Dark Art, nor could they compare with the Lightning Dao: First Volume.

There were two that seemed all right, but the first, the Way of the Mist, seemed to focus more on speed and the ethereal. It was the principal cultivation technique of the Ethereal Dao College and was the technique that a majority of the Core Formation realm Elders practiced.

It didn't seem to suit Wang Baole though. Firstly, his was a Lightning Core. Secondly, he had developed his unique fighting style since he had begun his cultivation. It was an overpowering style that was at odds with the inherent essence of the Way of the Mist.

The other technique was the Art of Enlightenment that had partly been created by the Grand Supreme Elder. Wang Baole immediately disregarded it after a glance. He had no intention of becoming one of the Dao Enlightenment faculty.

As a result, he was faced with a challenge in his choice. There were a few good options amongst the incomplete techniques, but they were missing information and wouldn't be the most ideal choice.

The techniques that Wang Baole had read about in the Dark Dream had all been related to the Dark Art. Those that had nothing to do with the Dark Art were all techniques meant for the Spirit Immortal realm and beyond. Wang Baole began to frown.

"Sect Lord, I practiced the Lightning Dao: First Volume when I was at the Foundation Establishment realm. Isn't there a Lightning Dao: Second Volume?" Wang Baole didn't continue with his second question… if there had not been one, why had they allowed him to practice the first chapter?

"The Lightning Dao was acquired from a shard found within the college's Lightning Domain. Of course we have the second chapter." The expression on the Sect Lord's face remained unchanged. He pulled out another jade slip from his storage bracelet and handed it over to Wang Baole. Inside the jade slip was the Lightning Dao: Second Volume.

Wang Baole read through it, and doubt appeared on his face. He raised his head and looked at the Sect Lord. Since they did have the Lightning Dao: Second Volume and it seemed like a pretty impressive technique, he didn't understand why the Sect Lord hadn't given this to him at first.

The Sect Lord could sense Wang Baole's doubts. He shook his head and sighed.

"Baole, we originally planned for you to master the Lightning Dao: First Volume, and then, when you reached the Core Formation realm, you could have continued with the Lightning Dao: Second Volume. Even though we don't have the last chapter, we believed that, should you one day reach the Nascent Soul realm… it wouldn't be difficult for you to relearn another technique.

"However, no one expected that you would reach the Core Formation realm so quickly and show such power. That's why… even though the Lightning Dao: Second Volume is a powerful technique, it isn't the best one for you. In fact, it might even affect and hinder the progress of your cultivation and your fighting capabilities!

"That was why I hesitated and didn't immediately hand this to you."

Wang Baole had a contemplative look on his face after he listened to what the Sect Lord said. He placed the jade slip containing the Lightning Dao: Second Volume down and turned towards the Sect Lord. He must have discussed this with the Grand Supreme Elder before speaking to him. They must have come to a decision regarding his cultivation technique.

"The cultivation techniques of the Ethereal Dao College can be considered the best in the Federation. But that's only in the Federation. Based on our assessment, if we are to compare them with the techniques of the great cultivation civilizations, they might be seen… as obsolete and outdated!"

"The techniques with true value are the incomplete ones. But it is difficult to unleash their true worth…" The Sect Lord smiled when he saw that Wang Baole remained calm and wasn't flustered or agitated.

"However, as one of the Federation Seedlings, in the near future, you might have the chance to acquire… a cultivation technique that surpasses those found in the Federation!" At that juncture, the Sect Lord lifted his right hand and pointed vaguely at the sky.

Wang Baole narrowed his eyes immediately and lifted his head. Outside, in the sky, piercing through the midday sun, was the soul-shaking ancient greenish-bronze sword!

A clearer picture began to form in Wang Baole's mind as he consolidated what the Sect Lord was talking about with what the Grand Supreme Elder had said earlier. This meant that… the Federation Seedlings Initiative was about to formally commence. Operation Sword Sun and the endeavor to land on the ancient greenish-bronze sword was about to be rolled out as well!

The Federation had been able to advance to a cultivation civilization just from acquiring the shards of the ancient greenish-bronze sword's hilt. The resources and cultivation techniques that could be found on the ancient greenish-bronze sword itself would present unimaginable opportunities for any cultivator of the Federation!

"You can hold on to the Lightning Dao: Second Volume first. If possible… I'd still wish for you to practice a technique that befits a true prodigy. At least you won't lose out to the young ones from the countless civilizations in the universe!" the Sect Lord said earnestly. He stared at Wang Baole hopefully. There were some things that he wasn't saying, and that the Grand Supreme Elder hadn't said as well. Regardless, the whole Ethereal Dao College had reached the same consensus.

Wang Baole was going to be the rising hope of the Ethereal Dao College. He was going to follow in Li Xingwen's footsteps and become one of the future pillars of the Ethereal Dao College.

Wang Baole might not have known about this common understanding that the upper echelons had arrived at, but he had been able to get an inkling of what was happening during this visit. After some careful consideration, he kept the Lightning Dao: Second Volume and bade the Sect Lord farewell. Just as he was about to leave, the Sect Lord said casually, "Baole, I'm not sure if the Grand Supreme Elder has told you this, but don't return to Mars first. Stay in the sect… this is because he is reaching a breakthrough!

"He will be the first person on Earth to attain a breakthrough from the Core Formation realm and enter the Nascent Soul realm. When that happens, representatives from all the political forces will be here. Based on his assessment, at the moment of his breakthrough, an alarming amount of Spirit Qi will be drawn to him. This will be an opportunity for all our disciples.

"Especially for those of us at the Core Formation realm. This is a chance for us to draw lessons from the experience and gain enlightenment!"

Wang Baole's pupils contracted when he heard that. He wasn't surprised to hear that the Grand Supreme Elder was approaching a breakthrough in his cultivation. He had already seen signs of that. But he had been surprised when the Sect Lord said that he would be the first person to enter the Nascent Soul realm.

"The first?" Wang Baole asked immediately. He distinctly remembered what had happened after the Mercury tragedy. Even though he had been away in seclusion, he had tuned in to the Federation President's speech and had heard about the Nascent Soul realm elder who had been searching the Solar System for the extraterrestrial cultivators.

"That's right. The first… Earthling!" The Sect Lord gave Wang Baole a meaningful look. It was as if he had certain concerns about divulging more details while on Earth. He didn't elaborate.

The hints he was giving were extremely explicit. Wang Baole wouldn't have been able to become a Secondary Rank Two Noble in such a short period of time if he couldn't even discern the implicit message. Almost instantly, his eyes flashed. He came to an answer that didn't really surprise him that much.

This Nascent Soul realm cultivator might have come from… the ancient green-bronze sword! Wang Baole narrowed his eyes as he pondered. After a moment, he cupped his fists and saluted the Sect Lord. Then, he turned and left.

Wang Baole took a walk in the campus after leaving the pavilion. He had a faint smile on his face and would greet his junior brothers and sisters as he passed them by. Any other time, he might have teased them a little as well, but he had something on his mind today. He might not have learned much during this trip back, but he was still able to gather quite a number of clues.

This Nascent Soul realm cultivator from the ancient green-bronze sword probably harbors no ill will towards us. Else, with the Federation's current capabilities, it would be difficult for us to fight back against him…

It's still very interesting though. There was no news after the Federation announced the Federation Seedlings Initiative. Now, just after there's been a breakthrough in Master Zhao's Anti-Spirit Bomb research and when the Grand Supreme Elder is about to attain a breakthrough in his cultivation…

Only now, do they have the intention of activating the Federation Seedlings Initiative… Wang Baole narrowed his eyes. He might have some clues, but it would be challenging to pin down exactly what was going on if he thought this through normally. However, if he used what he had learned from the high officials' autobiographies, then suddenly… everything seemed to make much more sense.

As Wang Baole continued to immerse in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a roar filled with excitement and agitation rumbling from a distance away. Countless gasps of awe and surprise rang out and interrupted Wang Baole's thoughts.

Wang Baole recognized the familiar roar. He lifted his head and immediately saw a giant winged Diamond Ape bursting out from the clouds in the sky and charging towards him.

"Diamy!" Wang Baole laughed out loud, seeming happily surprised. He took a step and leaped into the air, flying towards the Diamond Ape.

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Chapter 481: Sweetheart

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The Diamond Ape was bored during the period of time Wang Baole was away. The disciples were fearful and respectful of it, but that was no fun, which made it miss Wang Baole even more.

Most importantly, the puppets that belonged to it had already been broken from its toying. It had been a long time since it received new puppets, and that made his longing for Wang Baole even stronger.

Therefore, when it smelled Wang Baole's scent, the Diamond Ape was exhilarated and agitated. It roared while it sped towards Wang Baole, its cultivation level having reached mid-stage Foundation Establishment realm.

Wang Baole laughed heartily as he quickly arrived beside the Diamond Ape. Despite being smaller, his aura was far stronger than that of the Diamond Ape. However, Wang Baole had toned down the strength of his aura, and as he neared and leaped into the air, he landed on the Diamond Ape's shoulders, patting it amiably.

The Diamond Ape was so happy that it sneezed several times. It hit its chest with its fists loudly, before looking at Wang Baole dazedly.

"Understood!" Wang Baole laughed, raising his right arm before waving it. Instantly, three puppets fell out of his storage bag. The moment the three puppets appeared, the Diamond Ape was filled with agitation as it roared with excitement, hugging the three puppets tight. When it looked at Wang Baole, its gaze was even more loving than when it saw its owner.

After catching up with the Diamond Ape, Wang Baole was about to leave when the Diamond Ape suddenly smelled Wang Baole's scent and revealed a look of suspicion. Others may not understand what it was thinking about, but Wang Baole was someone who had studied the Diamond Ape. After thinking about it briefly, he instantly understood. He lowered his head and took out a beast carrier. He emptied it, and the donkey rolled out from it.

Since returning to Earth, Wang Baole had kept the donkey in the beast carrier. After all, his parents were around, and Wang Baole was worried since the donkey was rude. He would have forgotten about the donkey had the Diamond Ape not smelled the unusual scent.

The Diamond Ape stared with its eyes wide open at the donkey, snarling. The donkey, who was sleeping, opened its eyes after falling to the ground, somewhat confused. After noticing the Diamond Ape before it, it blinked and called out.

"Son!"

"Roar!"

The reply to the donkey was a roar from the Diamond Ape. However, very soon, the donkey and the ape seemed to have established a conversation through their roars, and they both seemed to like each other.

Seeing what was happening before his eyes, Wang Baole was surprised. He had wanted to continue watching on, but the delightful voice from Bunny arrived through his voice transmission ring.

"Brother Baole, where are you? I'm free now."

Wang Baole's eyes lit up when he heard Zhou Xiaoya's voice, and he didn't want to bother with the donkey anymore. However, before he left, he warned the donkey that it wasn't to eat anything. After that, he didn't bother with it. He held the voice transmission ring and sent a reply to Zhou Xiaoya, then charged towards the Alchemy Pavilion!

With Wang Baole's departure, the donkey grew visibly more energetic. After exchanging roars with the Diamond Ape, the duo seemed to have communicated between themselves in some manner, and they left together with the three puppets…

Noticing what had just happened, the disciples beside them were bewildered as to why the Diamond Ape and the donkey were looking so excited and impatient…

Wang Baole's gaze when he saw Bunny was different from last time, especially after being amazed by Li Wan'er. Right now, at the foot of the hill in the alchemy pavilion, surrounded by the medicinal plants, the back view that appeared before his eyes was pure and beautiful.

Looking from a distance, the lady's beautiful face was facing a bouquet of flowers. She had a slim and slender figure, long hair that was tied together by a pink-colored string, and her side view was delicate and perfect.

The white skirt she was wearing shimmered in the afternoon sun, its beauty accentuated by the surrounding medicinal flowers. Complemented by a medicinal fog that was unique to the Alchemy Pavilion, one could feel a sense of haziness.

After hearing Wang Baole's movements in the wind, which signified his arrival, the lady quickly turned around, revealing a beautiful face that carried a delightful smile. Perhaps it was due to her being in seclusion for the past few years, but her skin was glowing white like snow. The lady was young and incomparably beautiful.

It was Zhou Xiaoya!

"Wow, you've grown up, Bunny." Wang Baole's eyes lit up. After all, it had been years since they met. Zhou Xiaoya, who had now grown up, looked even cuter and prettier than before. That made Wang Baole fall head over heels as he cleared his throat and teased her.

Listening to Wang Baole's teasing, Zhou Xiaoya shyly kicked her feet.

"Brother Baole, you're making fun of me again!"

Despite saying so, Zhou Xiaoya felt blissful. When she looked at Wang Baole, she was filled with happiness. In her simple life, Wang Baole was the first person of similar age and of the opposite sex that had entered her life. He was also the most capable person of the same age as her that she had ever seen. She had seen Wang Baole create a name for himself on the Lower Academy Island and rise through the ranks on the Upper Academy Island.

Even in seclusion, she would occasionally take breaks to keep up with what was happening outside.

Wang Baole's name had become well known through the various incidents that had happened throughout the years. Watching the person she had given her heart to making his way to glory, it made Zhou Xiaoya, who was already filled with love towards Wang Baole, admire him even more.

It could be said that Zhou Xiaoya was a pure and innocent person. She was vastly different than the boisterous Li Wan'er, and Zhao Yameng, who was an extraordinary fairy-like being. Zhou Xiaoya didn't have lofty ambitions and was like the girl-next-door. Now, looking at the person she admired but hadn't seen for a long time, her smile was pure, and her laughter similar to a bell—filled with genuine happiness that anyone could sense.

Wang Baole was extremely relaxed looking at Bunny. It was as if he had returned to childhood times, with him bringing Zhou Xiaoya around the Dao College, passing through the days, crossing the galaxies, witnessing the sunrise, and leaving their footsteps on the hills and valleys.

To Zhou Xiaoya, simply holding Wang Baole's hand was enough to make her heart palpitate and her face blush. She lowered her head, too shy to look at him. At the same time, happiness filled her entire being.

She loved listening to Wang Baole talk about his experiences on Mars and the moon. Sometimes, she would gasp in genuine surprise. She listened intently to every word Wang Baole said and was completely immersed in his stories.

Her pureness created ripples in Wang Baole's heart that reverberated, making time appear to slow. He didn't know how the future would play out, but right now, it was bliss spending time with Bunny.

As they immersed in each other's company during those few days, they met many other people they were familiar with, such as the Pavilion Head of the Dharmic Armament Pavilion, and the Foundation Establishment realm cultivator that Wang Baole disliked for finding trouble with him. When that Foundation Establishment realm cultivator saw Wang Baole, he was extremely uneasy, greeting him from a great distance.

Wang Baole had never cared about that ex-Pavilion Head, and would naturally not bother with him now. He merely smiled and nodded his head, as if to erase all the unhappiness between them. When he left, the Pavilion Head looked at Wang Baole and Zhou Xiaoya, a torrent of emotions in his heart as he bowed deeply towards Wang Baole while looking at his back.

Other than that, Wang Baole brought Zhou Xiaoya along as they visited Chen Yutong, who had just returned from a mission. He had chosen to stay in the sect back then and was now the Elder of the Dharmic Armament Pavilion. His cultivation level had reached the peak of mid-stage Foundation Establishment realm, being just a step away from advancing to late-stage Foundation Establishment realm. Upon seeing Wang Baole, he was excited.

The duo caught up in his cave abode, with Bunny brewing tea for the two brothers. She occasionally rested her chin on her hands, looking at Wang Baole with dewy eyes, her heart filled with happiness that could be seen through her eyes. It was as if her eyes had turned into crescents, making her look extremely adorable.

When the duo reminisced about what had brought them together, Xie Haiyang came to mind!

"Xie Haiyang of the Lower Academy Island… Until now, I still haven't figured out which high official he is close to in the Dao College, such that he could accomplish anything and everything in Ethereal Dao College…" Speaking of Xie Haiyang, even Chen Yutong laughed heartily.

"He is a businessman. Is he still in the Dao College?" The image of Xie Haiyang surfaced in Wang Baole's mind as he recalled the first transaction between them.

"He's no longer there. He graduated in the second year after you left for the moon. I only recognized his talent after becoming an Elder myself, and I had put in effort to locate him. However, he seemed to have vanished from the surface of Earth without a trace."

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Chapter 482: Major Event in the Ethereal Dao College

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

After catching up with Chen Yutong, the image of Xie Haiyang surfaced in Wang Baole's mind. He looked at Ethereal Dao College emotionally. He understood that it was normal for new students to enter and senior students to leave Ethereal Dao College every year.

Every generation and every year was like a large wave washing the sand away. On the one hand, it was a process to provide cultivators to the Federation in the era of immortal cultivation, and on the other hand, it was a process of accumulation to gather large numbers of outstanding disciples for the Dao College. This was the tradition of the four great Dao Colleges, and this format had persisted in the four great Dao Colleges since the beginning of cultivation civilization on Earth. If it could withstand the test of time, it would definitely last until the future.

After all, this was a different format from that adopted by the sects. They each had advantages and disadvantages, but with the changing times—despite the possibility of the format adopted by the sects and the family clans surviving elimination—Wang Baole felt that the future Federation would definitely belong to the four great Dao Colleges.

There were endless conflicts within the four great Dao Colleges, but through the years, Wang Baole had already understood that the management of the four great Dao Colleges shared a uniform and determined stand.

This was the basis for the foundation for the four great Dao Colleges in this era of immortal cultivation!

That was especially so as Grand Supreme Elder Li Xingwen was about to achieve a breakthrough. To the four great Dao Colleges, that was a significant event. Even though it was inevitable that the Ethereal Dao College would rise again, to the four great Dao Colleges, having a Nascent Soul realm cultivator was still something that excited them.

Therefore, one week later, after Ethereal Dao College had sent out the invitation to the Federation, spectators from the three other Dao Colleges soon arrived in droves.

White Deer Dao College, White Deer Branch College, and Holy River Dao College… The Sect Lords and Grand Elders from these three great Dao Colleges arrived. Even the Grand Supreme Elders of each college made their way there.

At the same time, outstanding disciples from each Dao College arrived with them. According to the records on the fragments, whenever a Core Formation realm cultivator breaks through to become a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, it would result in the accumulation of Heaven and Earth power, and that would allow the disciples to train their physiques in a short period of time.

As for the factions that didn't belong to the four great Dao Colleges, they couldn't participate without the invitation from the Ethereal Dao College, despite their desire to join in. However, even the three other great Dao Colleges were unable to spectate in the same location as the Ethereal Dao College and had to go according to the arrangements of the Ethereal Dao College. The innermost region of the Upper Academy Island could only be occupied by the Ethereal Dao College disciples, as well as the Sect Lords and Grand Supreme Elders from the other three great Dao Colleges.

As for the disciples, they could only stay on the deck outside the island that was constructed by the Ethereal Dao College.

The arrival of the other three great Dao Colleges also signaled the end of the carefree days that were shared between Wang Baole and Bunny. He was called over by the Sect Lord of Ethereal Dao College, together with other senior brothers and sisters from the same batch and status as him, in order to welcome the guests from the other three great Dao Colleges.

Those who were worthy of being called over by the Sect Lord had cultivation levels that were at least at perfected Foundation Establishment realm, and most of them were ranked above Secondary Rank Three. In the Federation's system, everyone was an elite, and they knew each other. Despite not seeing Wang Baole before, they had heard about him and were extremely passionate towards him the moment they met.

Wang Baole's extroverted personality made him thrive at making friends. He was good at handling interpersonal relationships, and by simply exchanging a few sentences, he became close to the people in his batch.

Despite being a Secondary Rank Two Noble, Wang Baole wasn't the highest-ranking disciple of Ethereal Dao College. There was another person who was also a Secondary Rank Two Noble, and one other person who was one rank higher in Noble.

The former was a senior sister, and the latter was a senior brother.

The Secondary Rank Two senior sister seemed to be in the early-stage Core Formation realm, and she wasn't far from reaching the mid-stage Core Formation realm. She wasn't stationed on Earth, and was instead the Deputy City Lord of the Venus Colonial City!

She looked to be about thirty years old, and despite her looks being nothing out of the ordinary, her elegance was transformed when she smiled. She made others feel that she was friendly and approachable. After seeing Wang Baole, this senior sister, who was named Lin Yunhui, smiled at him.

"Junior Brother Baole, if you have the chance, come visit Venus. In the purgatory of Venus, there is still an old friend of yours from the time you spent in the Mystic Luna Realm."

Hearing those words, Wang Baole immediately thought of the old lady from the Galactic Dusk Sect. She was sent there after being captured by the Grand Supreme Elder.

As the memories surfaced in his mind, Wang Baole laughed and agreed. He set a time with Senior Sister Lin before being pulled away by the only Primary Rank Two senior brother in the crowd.

That senior brother was Sun Buzheng!

His name was so unique that it immediately left a deep impression on Wang Baole. This senior brother named Buzheng wasn't only the highest-ranking person amongst the disciples of the Ethereal Dao College, but also held a unique position!

He was in charge of the intelligence unit of the Federation. Wang Baole came to know about a unit amongst the other ministries in the Federation, known as the Dark Ministry, only after becoming Secondary Rank Two Noble!

The word 'Dark' was unrelated to the Dark Sect. Instead, the headquarters of this ministry was located on Pluto 1 , and their activities were always hidden from public view, which gave rise to their name.

Sun Buzheng was the Minister of the Dark Ministry, and the amount of resources and power that he held were shockingly great. His cultivation was that of a late-stage Core Formation realm cultivator!

Wang Baole was polite towards this immensely authoritative Sun Buzheng. At the same time, he was extremely curious about his department. Sun Buzheng was also very interested in Wang Baole. After pulling him away, he smiled and spoke.

"Junior Brother Baole, do you want to consider changing your position and come to Pluto? If you agree, you would become the first Deputy Minister of the Dark Ministry, and I would handle all matters of the transfer!

"The welfare in the Dark Ministry is good. Besides, if you come, you'll have access to the intelligence of the entire Federation. At the same time, this department of ours is involved in missions related to connecting with extraterrestrial civilizations… Whatever the case, I guarantee that if you came, you would be able to see the Federation and the Galactic in a new light!"

Despite being interested in the Dark Ministry, Wang Baole had no plans to leave Mars. Of course, if he hadn't gained possession of the Mars Dark Artifact, he would perhaps be tempted. However, right now, he was worried that if he did go and leave the Dark Artifact behind, accidents might happen in the future. Therefore, he could only reject the offer with a smile.

Sun Buzheng wasn't anxious either. He patted Wang Baole's shoulders, telling him that he could contact him anytime if he changed his mind. After that, under the lead of the Ethereal Dao College Sect Lord, everyone began welcoming the three other great Dao Colleges.

The outstanding disciples and the Sect Lords from the three great Dao Colleges were also acquainted with each other. Wang Baole's name was also famous amongst them, and soon, hearty conversations were taking place between the outstanding group of disciples from the four great Dao Colleges.

After almost everyone from the other three great Dao Colleges arrived. Due to the inability to estimate the exact time that Li Xingwen would achieve a breakthrough, the Ethereal Dao College had made arrangements ahead of time to gather all disciples and students to first gather inside Upper Academy Island and meditate cross-legged while waiting in silence. As for the members of the other three Dao Colleges, they were seated outside.

Looking from the sky above, one could see that tens of thousands of people were gathered both inside and outside the Upper Academy Island of the Ethereal Dao College. It was a sight to behold as everyone waited for the moment when Li Xingwen would achieve his breakthrough!

Li Xingwen didn't take long to achieve a breakthrough. In the morning three days later, as the sound of the alarm was heard in all directions and reverberated throughout the Ethereal Dao College, a groundbreaking force was produced from within the Dao Enlightenment Pavilion Mountain on the Upper Academy Island!

As the force was unleashed, a beam of light that seemed to be produced from an accumulation of Spirit Qi instantly shot into the skies from within the mountain. It went straight through the cloud layers, resulting in the production of lightning flashes in the sky. As thunder erupted in waves, the clouds seemed to be ruffled by an invisible hand, spreading in all directions and forming a gigantic spherical Qi wave.

It spread in all directions, harnessing an astonishing force that was growing increasingly louder. It slowly formed a vortex in the clouds which spun rapidly, and a frightening suction force erupted from within, causing all the Spirit Qi on Earth to be drawn towards it!

At the same time, the people in each of the cities on Earth noticed the clouds in the skies moving at high speeds. At the same time, gusts of strong winds were moving along with the clouds, together with the Spirit Qi that they carried!

If a Core Formation realm cultivator were to break through and become a Nascent Soul realm cultivator in an immortal cultivation civilization where Spirit Qi was concentrated and mature, these effects wouldn't be produced. However, on Earth, Spirit Qi was brought along by the sky, which resulted in this shocking scene during Li Xingwen's breakthrough.

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Chapter 483: Leveraging on the Opportunity!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The vortex that gathered in mid-air above the Ethereal Dao College lasted for two hours, growing bigger as time went by. At the same time, a black hole sucked in all the Spirit Qi that had been dispersed in all directions, making all the spectators excited. They felt the indescribably concentrated Spirit Qi surrounding them.

The Spirit Qi was almost turning into a liquid state, resulting in a form of rain that landed both inside and outside the Ethereal Dao College. All the disciples were training at high speeds, and that was the case for the spectators outside the island as well. Even though it was incomparable to training inside the island, this was still a valuable chance to them.

At the same time, in the capital city of the Federation, Duan Muque was standing before the window of the President's Office, looking in the direction of Ethereal Dao College. In his eyes, clouds were still rolling by in the sky, but according to his senses, the aura belonging to Li Xingwen was being unleashed continuously in Ethereal Dao College—it was growing stronger by the moment. It had already exceeded that of the Core Formation realm, and to a certain degree, Li Xingwen was already a Nascent Soul realm cultivator right now!

However, he was different from an ordinary Nascent Soul realm cultivator. As a new generation Nascent Soul realm cultivator, it was extremely difficult for him to achieve a breakthrough. It could even be said that with Li Xingwen's astonishing qualities, the cultivation he possessed now would put him in a position that far exceeded that of a Nascent Soul realm cultivator if he were in other mature immortal civilizations.

In the Federation, there were fewer resources, less Spirit Qi, and weaker Stellar Sources, all of which limited his growth. However, that wasn't without its own advantages. The moment he achieved a breakthrough to become a Nascent Soul realm cultivator in that restrictive environment, he was naturally more powerful than the other new Nascent Soul realm cultivators in the other civilizations.

Right now, despite already reaching the Nascent Soul realm, he was still absorbing Spirit Qi in order to strengthen his physique, as well as to allow the disciples from the four great Dao Colleges to have more Spirit Qi to absorb!

As Federation President, Duan Muque didn't approve of such a move. That was because the Spirit Qi on Earth originated from the fragments. Even though it seemed limitless, it was finite in reality. Unless a method of replacing Spirit Qi could be found before the limit was reached, the immortal cultivation of the Federation would be ephemeral.

He was unable to accept that and therefore didn't approve of this forced absorption of Spirit Qi in order to nourish the cultivation of the later generation. However, he understood Li Xingwen as a person, as he, Duan Muque, was the current Federation President.

Therefore, after a period of silence, Duan Muque took a deep breath and retracted his gaze from the sky. He looked in the north-west direction before slowly closing his eyes, deep in thought.

In the direction Duan Muque was looking, there was a mountain range located a great distance away from the capital city. Within the mountain range was a pavilion, where a silver-haired elder sat with his legs crossed.

The elder, Feng Daogu, was dressed in a Daoist robe. The aura given off from his body far exceeded that of the Core Formation realm and was that of the Nascent Soul realm. This person was the Nascent Soul realm elite highlighted in Duan Muque's announcement, the one that had been filmed going to kill the three extraterrestrial cultivators in the video recording!

Right now, he was also looking in the direction of the Ethereal Dao College and at the clouds in the sky. He was staring in the direction of the aura that he sensed was rising up at high speeds, and he felt emotional and comforted.

"I hope that the wishes of Elder Feng could be fulfilled in this new era of immortal cultivation…" As he mumbled, the elder shut his eyes.

At the same time, Li Xingwen's advancement had reached a crucial juncture. As the Spirit Qi was accumulated amidst the loud booms, and as his breakthrough was continually achieved, all the disciples on the Upper Academy Island were shocked—their bodies trembling. The Spirit Qi here was simply so concentrated that they didn't even need to take the initiative to absorb it, as it would simply enter and flow throughout their bodies through their sweat pores!

Right now, Wang Baole was trembling vigorously. His facial expressions were changing rapidly, and a vortex seemed to have been formed where he was, sucking in all the accumulated Spirit Qi towards his body.

If he were to cultivate the Lightning Dao: Second Volume, Wang Baole would raise his cultivation level. However, after a moment of silence, Wang Baole didn't choose the Lightning Dao: Second Volume. Instead, after realizing that the entry of the Spirit Qi into his body could increase his cultivation level and also train his physique, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

Right now, I possess the Dark Core as well as the Lightning Core. My combat capabilities are on the level of a mid-stage Core Formation realm cultivator. However, when unleashed, my body, which was originally able to withstand this force, seems to be unaccustomed to it…

Therefore, perhaps what is most important to me right now isn't the cultivation technique required for the Core Formation realm. Instead, it's more important to increase my physical strength! Wang Baole took a deep breath and shut his eyes, looking at the green lotus inside his body. After seeing the lotus seed head that encompassed the Dark Core and the Lightning Core, his gaze fell on the main lotus seed head of the green lotus.

After obtaining the green lotus, he felt that it didn't significantly help in raising his cultivation level, but it did have a great impact on his physical body. Furthermore, in the Dark Sect ancient literature in his Dark Dream, Wang Baole didn't come across information regarding the green lotus, but he did see something about training his body.

However, all the cultivation techniques required Dark Qi, and at the same time, they could only be unleashed in the Spirit Immortal realm. Despite that, it gave Wang Baole a direction to proceed in. Therefore, right now, a thought popped up in Wang Baole's mind.

Perhaps I could make use of the Spirit Qi that the Grand Supreme Elder has gathered here to allow my body to form a core! With that thought, Wang Baole grew determined. Without hesitation, he sealed his hands, immediately directing all the Spirit Qi that had been absorbed into his body towards the main lotus seed head!

As the Spirit Qi entered, the main lotus seed head vibrated briefly before a green glow emerged from within. This glow seemed to able to pass through his internal organs and his flesh, causing Wang Baole to turn green.

As the green glow shone, his bones regenerated, and his flesh and blood grew. His internal organs also seemed to be boosted, which resulted in his heartbeat becoming louder and stronger, eventually being thunder-like as it arrived in Wang Baole's ears!

My physical strength is increasing! Wang Baole was exhilarated, and he decided to activate the devouring seed in his body. Instantly, the surrounding Spirit Qi was being sucked towards him. Very soon, the people around him realized what was happening and immediately dispersed, resulting in him being the only one who remained. Outside his body, a bigger vortex appeared. As loud booms sounded, the Sect Lords and others from the other three great Dao Colleges all noticed the anomaly with Wang Baole and shot him concerned looks.

However, Wang Baole didn't care about that. He was now immersed in strengthening his body, and a cycle had already formed inside his body.

Absorb the Spirit Qi, integrate it into the green lotus, release the green glow, and strengthen his body!

As the cycle proceeded, the green lotus in his body shook vigorously, and it even began to grow gradually!

The more it grew, the more the green glow that emerged had an increasing effect on strengthening his body. Amidst Wang Baole's agitation, a sense of comfort that was different from when he was training his cultivation techniques could be felt outside his body. It was as if there were countless small hands touching him all over his body, which made even his skin glow green. In the end, Wang Baole, who was sitting there with his legs crossed, had become green throughout!

The sound of his heartbeat even spread out of his body in all directions, resulting in echoes being produced!

This pounding sound made the Sect Lord of the Ethereal Dao College, as well as those from the other Dao Colleges, surprised. The Sect Lord from the Holy River Dao College even gasped in shock.

"His heartbeat sounds like thunder. I have read a tattered piece of record previously that mentions that this is a realm that belonged to someone who trained his physique in the Ancient Sword Civilization. That realm was known as the Heart Core Realm, and is similar to a Core Formation realm cultivator!

"Even though the cultivation technique wasn't outlined in the incomplete record, its description mentioned that this Heart Core literally means transforming one's heart into a core. When the sound of one's heartbeat becomes extremely strong, it becomes like a pill. If it jumps around a plate without forming an echo, it means that one has succeeded in entering the Heart Core Realm!"

As the Holy River Dao College Sect Lord spoke hurriedly, the other Sect Lords looked towards him. Even the Grand Supreme Elders from the three great Dao Colleges sensed something unusual, and as they turned to look…

A loud boom reverberated between the heavens and earth. A force that far exceeded the Core Formation realm, one that truly belonged to a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, was instantly unleashed in the mountain where Li Xingwen was in seclusion. As it was unleashed, the winds and clouds churned in the skies, forming a small human image. That image was of Li Xingwen standing in mid-air, looking in all directions. As he laughed, everyone was agitated as they greeted him. The small human returned the greeting, and his gaze suddenly landed on Wang Baole with a look of surprise.

"Interesting!" The small human image smiled. He sealed his hands and pointed to Wang Baole. Instantly, Wang Baole's body vibrated, the Spirit Qi around him becoming even more astonishingly strong as it surged into his body!

A cracking sound was produced instantly from his body, and the sound of his heartbeat transformed quickly at this moment. It originally produced echoes, but right now, the echoes all but disappeared. Listening to it, it was no longer like a heartbeat, and was more like a pill that had dropped onto a plate!

After this, Li Xingwen's Nascent Soul laughed heartily for a long time, before transforming into a purple glow that charged towards the mountains below!

The next moment, the mountains started vibrating vigorously, and a loud crack was produced. Li Xingwen, after becoming a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, emerged from within!

His appearance caused all the cultivators inside and outside the Upper Academy Island to hold their breaths. Other than Wang Baole's obliviousness towards everything, everyone else greeted Li Xingwen with a deep bow.

"Congratulations on becoming a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, Grand Supreme Elder!"

"Congratulations on becoming a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, Senior Li!"

"Congratulations on becoming a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, Fellow Daoist Li!"

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Chapter 484: Fatty, Give Me a Punch!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Everyone was celebrating Li Xingwen's advancement to the Nascent Soul realm. The Federation President gave him a congratulatory call, and so did the various factions that had their attention on this big event!

At this moment, regardless of whether it was the Senate, the Galactic Dusk Sect, the Five Generation Sky Clan, or the Plume Manifestation Connate Sect, they all realized that the four great Dao Colleges would never be the same again!

The four great Dao Colleges were already a formidable force even before this, and that was accentuated by their close ties with the Federation. However, as they were segregated into four different sections, it made others feel that they were untouchable.

However, right now, with Li Xingwen achieving a breakthrough, everything had changed. In the foreseeable future, the Ethereal Dao College would be the strongest force amongst the four great Dao Colleges, unless Duan Muque also achieved a breakthrough!

Even if Duan Muque achieved a breakthrough, the Ethereal Dao College's position had already far exceeded that of previous times, making them on par with the White Deer Dao College. This major event would also lead to a chain effect. For example, the disciples of the Ethereal Dao College would be able to be looked upon more seriously in society, and the other factions wouldn't provoke them without reason.

In the case of Wang Baole, had Li Xingwen achieved a breakthrough earlier, the troubles that he had faced as a City Lord would never have happened in the first place.

After all, right now, Li Xingwen was the most elite individual amongst all the cultivators in the Federation on Earth!

His personality, one that characteristically sheltered the shortcomings of people close to him, was well known amongst the various factions. Therefore, his advancement forced the other factions to be more down to earth. At the same time, the mainstream media channels of the Federation were all reporting the news with fervor. Of course, to the public, Li Xingwen wasn't the first Nascent Soul realm cultivator, but that was unimportant.

At the same time, Li Xingwen, who had just advanced to the Nascent Soul realm, sent out invitations to all the factions, inviting them to a grand banquet to be held at the Ethereal Dao College.

The banquet would gather all the elites of the Federation and was exceptionally high profile. Others may not do this, but Li Xingwen was different; his aim was to be high profile and create awe in order to send out a clear message to all the factions that he had become a Nascent Soul realm cultivator. They weren't to provoke him, his Ethereal Dao College, or the four great Dao Colleges!

Therefore, during the banquet, Li Xingwen didn't bother to converge his Nascent Soul realm aura and unleashed it at full force. It was such that all those who attended appeared respectful on the surface but were laughing bitterly in their hearts, cursing under their breaths with feelings of extreme helplessness.

However, from the start until the end of the banquet, Wang Baole didn't appear at all. He was still meditating, and Li Xingwen even personally put a protective covering in place in the area he was in so that others wouldn't disturb him.

The banquet came and went, and the visitors from the other three great Dao Colleges, as well as those from the other factions, took their leave. Seven days passed, and Wang Baole, who was meditating with crossed legs, finally opened his eyes.

The moment he opened his eyes, he instantly felt that the world before him was no longer the same. It seemed as though the colors had become more vibrant and that everything had become even more crystal clear. He could hear the sound of the wind and the sound of grass emerging from the ground. He could sense the path of the fish swimming underwater, and he could even hear the heartbeat of all the disciples in the Dao College, as well as the sound of their blood flowing!

It was all indescribably pleasant. Wang Baole was dazed, taking a moment to snap back to reality. Looking internally, he saw that inside the main lotus seed head of his green lotus—a new green core had appeared!

Success! Wang Baole was excited. In his exhilaration, he seemed to have sensed someone approaching, and he quickly turned around. He saw Li Xingwen standing behind him, who had appeared without him knowing.

Culminating the Heart Core could allow Spiritual Sense to surface? Li Xingwen seemed very surprised that Wang Baole could sense his presence, and therefore took several more glances at him.

Seeing that the Grand Supreme Elder had paid him a visit, Wang Baole hurriedly stood up and greeted him with cupped fists. At the same time, he sensed the aura emanating from the Grand Supreme Elder's body. He understood that it was no longer that of a Core Formation realm cultivator but was something extremely profound. It even gave him a feeling that it was superior to that of the square-faced and horse-faced extraterrestrial cultivators. Vaguely, it was similar to that of the extraterrestrial leader with the centipede on his face.

This surprised Wang Baole. He knew well that Li Xingwen had just advanced, and the fact that he could reach this level in such a short time meant that Li Xingwen was extremely formidable.

Old weirdo… Wang Baole mumbled in his heart with envy. However, what he didn't know was that Li Xingwen mumbled the same thing in his heart as well.

He's a young weirdo. He's merely in the early-stage of the Core Formation realm, but he already possesses the Lightning Core, and his body contains the Heart Core. At the same time, there's a unique aura being given off by him. What's more, Spiritual Sense is spewing out of him. D*rn it, it was only when I became a Nascent Soul realm cultivator that I gained Spiritual Sense, but he already has some right now! With a bizarre expression on his face, Li Xingwen spoke.

"Fatty, come give me a punch. I want to see how formidable the Heart Core is for myself."

"Heart Core?" Wang Baole was shocked.

"Are you stupid? The Heart Core is the thing you've been fiddling with. It's the equivalent to the Core Formation stage for your physique!" Li Xingwen stated, and Wang Baole instantly understood what he meant. Li Xingwen had made the request, and at the same time, he was also curious about his combat capabilities right now. Therefore, after taking a deep breath, Wang Baole unleashed the three cores in his body at the same time. A loud boom was produced, with flashes of lightning emerging and spreading. A chilly fire was also produced, and it was as if he was transformed into the god of combat as he punched Li Xingwen.

With that punch, the winds and clouds began churning, and a shocking, explosive force was instantly unleashed. However, when it neared Li Xingwen, it was suppressed simply by him raising his right index finger!

The loud boom grew even more deafeningly loud, as if a hurricane was sweeping between the two of them. Li Xingwen's hair was ruffled by the wind, and his shirt was flapping. He remained calm, without any changes in his facial expressions.

On the other hand, Wang Baole was trembling vigorously. All he could feel was a ricochet spreading throughout his body, making it extremely unbearable for all his internal organs. However, as the green lotus began shaking, a green glow appeared from his body, returning everything to normal.

Despite that, he was feeling extremely upset, as his punch was blocked by the Grand Supreme Elder with a simple gesture of pointing his index finger. He was disappointed, and after taking a few steps back, he sighed.

"That's all? I'll rate that as just passing. All right, you've been in the Dao College for too long, return to Mars." The Grand Supreme Elder lowered his hand and spoke arrogantly. He appeared as if he was giving Wang Baole unwilling recognition. He flailed his sleeves and turned to leave, leaving Wang Baole behind, upset and sighing about how weak he was.

However, when he reached an area where no one was around, the calm expression on Li Xingwen's face instantly changed. His internal organs were all squeezed together, and he wrapped his finger while gritting his teeth. He rubbed it for most of the day, and at the same time, the sleeves on his shirt had instantly turned to dust. Even the long robe he was wearing became torn and tattered.

This weirdo is too powerful. He's just in the early stage of the Core Formation realm, but he almost broke my finger with a single punch… Li Xingwen took a deep breath. Even though he knew that this had happened because he didn't unleash his spells, he was a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, and he was unbeatable by Core Formation realm cultivators who didn't have other trump cards. If a Core Formation realm cultivator were to take someone at the Nascent Soul realm on with just their cultivation as a weapon, they wouldn't even hurt the Nascent Soul realm cultivator one bit.

However, for Wang Baole, he had managed to injure someone at the Nascent Soul realm based on the physical force of his body alone. This made Li Xingwen extremely astonished.

The Heart Core is powerful, but the fact that he could achieve this means that the aura hidden within his body also plays a big role… This aura… Ah, this is a fella not to be belittled. The things that the various factions of the Federation desire… If they were taken away, trouble would result! Li Xingwen rubbed his glabella, mumbling under his breath as a look of determination appeared on his face.

Perhaps I'm over-thinking things. It must be because he was exposed to a little bit of it after spending time on Mars… Li Xingwen shook his head. However, knowing how capable the disciple from his Dao College was, he was still happy. After checking that there was no one around him with his Spiritual Sense, he turned and changed into an identical Daoist robe before taking his leave.

As for Wang Baole, he was now sighing, deep in thought about how weak he was. Therefore, his desire to restore the Dark Artifact on Mars intensified. He thought about how he could become the most formidable person if he could bring the Dark Artifact out.

With that thought, Wang Baole began to worry about his prolonged absence from Mars. He was worried about leaving the Dark Artifact there. After all, there were too many elites in the Federation who had their eyes on that treasure. Wang Baole didn't dare tell everyone that he was the owner of the Dark Artifact. Therefore, the desire to return intensified.

Therefore, he hurriedly informed the Sect Lord of his departure. At the same time, he bid farewell to Bunny. After seeing that Bunny had returned to her area for seclusion, Wang Baole took a deep breath. He found the donkey lying lazily around the Diamond Ape, seemingly infatuated. At the same time, he also saw several broken puppets beside the two beasts, which made him dumbfounded.

Finally, he sighed helplessly, leaving the Ethereal Dao College while pulling the donkey's ear. After returning to Ethereal City, he caught up with his parents, boarding the cruiser from the capital city the next morning. With the protection afforded by the eight other cruisers sent to him, he traveled through the clouds and into the cosmos, heading towards Mars at high speed!

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Chapter 485: The Vast Expanse Dao Palace!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

While Wang Baole was on his journey back to Mars, the various media outlets of the Federation were still celebrating the breakthrough achieved by the Ethereal Dao College's Grand Supreme Elder, Li Xingwen. Everyone was in a celebratory mood, and laughter filled the entire Federation.

At the same time, few people knew that Duan Muque, the Federation President, chose to enter seclusion on the fourth day after Li Xingwen achieved a breakthrough. At the same time, protective covering was put in place over the entire capital city to prevent accidents from happening. On the other hand, even though Li Xingwen was physically in the Ethereal Dao College, he still paid attention to the capital city. If anything happened, he would go forth and ensure Duan Muque's safety at the first instant.

After all, if Duan Muque could achieve a breakthrough as well, it would mean that the Federation would officially enter the Nascent Soul era. At the same time, what was most important was that if both of them achieved a breakthrough one after another, it would mean that it was possible for others as well.

The others would include people like the Senators, the Martian Colony Governor, the Grand Supreme Elders of the three other great Dao Colleges, the Galactic Dusk Sect, the Plume Manifestation Connate Sect, and even the Five Generation Sky Clan!

In reality, Duan Muque could be considered the second generation. He was considered a senior that had emerged from Armageddon, having experienced major transformations in the heavens and earth, as well as the beast crisis like Li Xingwen. Regardless of their capabilities or mindset, they were considered first generation elites!

Someone like him shouldn't remain in the Core Formation realm!

There were also others who were like Duan Muque and also entered seclusion. They all desired to achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation and enter the Nascent Soul realm!

However, this was an extremely difficult step. Not only did they need time, but they also needed the right opportunity. Even though the cultivation era had begun, allowing any elite to meet with opportunities, the opportunities still differed in scale and impact.

However, matters like these weren't a concern for Wang Baole. Right now, his cruiser had arrived on Mars. He immediately returned to the Martian special regional city, and only heaved a sigh of relief when he vaguely established a connection with the Dark Artifact underground and ensured that nothing had gone wrong.

After that, he felt troubled again. The Dark Artifact was powerful, but it was too severely damaged. If he couldn't repair it and couldn't take it out, it would make Wang Baole feel as if someone had handed him an extremely handsome picture of the slimmed-down version of himself. He could see and sense it, but he simply couldn't lose the weight!

That made Wang Baole sigh continuously. In his absence, nothing major happened in the special regional city. Li Wan'er was still in seclusion, and Lin Tianhao and company all carried out their delegated duties to manage the various areas of the special regional city assigned to them. The others seemed to be excited by Li Xingwen achieving a breakthrough, and seeing that Wang Baole had achieved a breakthrough before their eyes, they also went into seclusion.

It appeared as if all the cultivators in the Federation had become motivated by Li Xingwen's breakthrough, resulting in a cultivation craze!

Therefore, Wang Baole, who had just returned to Mars, decided to cultivate his Dark Art as well. However, just as he was about to begin cultivation in his cave, and just as the Federation was in a celebratory mood with the cultivation craze running high, an announcement was suddenly made!

Mercury was to be rebuilt!

Mercury, having experienced crisis, had been turned into a wasteland. The entire planet had nearly withered, and having been dealt with tremendous amount of damage, all it had was gloom. Riding on the high emotions of everyone, the plan announced by the Federation garnered the support of many.

At the same time, this entire matter was like a signal that made the leaders of the various factions of the Federation shocked. Based on the information that they had access to, the issue of rebuilding Mercury involved a truth that ordinary citizens didn't know about!

"The teleportation array formation of Mercury… its official construction is about to commence." This was the first thought that surfaced in the minds of all the leaders of the factions the moment they came to know about the Federation's announcement to rebuild Mercury.

In reality, that was the truth. The day after the news was announced, Wang Baole immediately received a voice transmission from the Martian Colony Governor. In the voice transmission, the Martian Colony Governor passed him numerous blueprints, ordering him to produce all the parts listed on the blueprint in a stipulated time.

The resources that were needed to produce those parts would be provided by Mars!

That made Wang Baole surprised. He felt as if a storm was brewing, and after thinking about what the Grand Supreme Elder and Sect Lord had mentioned to him, and complementing it with the announcement to rebuild Mercury made by the Federation, Wang Baole made some guesses. He immediately called the Martian Colony Governor to address his queries.

The Martian Colony Governor remained silent as she thought about whether she was allowed to reveal the information. After a moment, she took a deep breath, and with the Great Martian Array Formation suddenly in full activation through some unknown method of hers, the voice transmission between them was made even more private. This prevented anyone from eavesdropping, and it was only then that she began to speak.

"You must have heard the Federation's announcement to rebuild Mercury. However, this is just what appears on the surface. The underlying goal of rebuilding Mercury is to build a huge teleportation array formation there!

"Actually, this teleportation array formation is already in the process of construction. However, many resources are still lacking, and the time isn't ripe yet. Therefore, progress is slow. That, coupled with the crisis they just experienced, what's left behind are tatters.

"However, the right time is arriving. This is why the Federation has picked up speed. They are planning to proceed with the construction of the teleportation array formation that could lead to the ancient greenish-bronze sword!

"Therefore, in reality, not just you, but all the Dharmic Armament cultivators of the Federation have been tasked to produce the parts. These parts would eventually be gathered together to form the teleportation array formation!"

Listening to the Martian Colony Governor's words, Wang Baole was somewhat bewildered. A million thoughts ran through his mind, and he suddenly spoke.

"A mission for the Federation Seedlings?"

"Some matters could be made known to you based on your authority level. However, the method of informing you is especially stringent, and it couldn't be directly told to you on Earth. Of course, this issue seems exaggerated, and perhaps somewhat petty, but no one is willing to risk it. After all, this doesn't involve just one person, but the entire Federation, the entire civilization, and the livelihood of all humankind!" The Martian Colony Governor didn't give a direct answer. However, what she said explained why the Grand Supreme Elder and Sect Lord had been cryptic in their words while Wang Baole was in the Ethereal Dao College.

The more that was the case, the more bizarre Wang Baole's look was. He didn't say anything and instead waited for the Martian Colony Governor to give him the information.

Seemingly satisfied by how steady Wang Baole was in the face of such a major event, the Martian Colony Governor remained silent for a moment, and then she lowered her voice again as she spoke.

"Baole, what I'm about to tell you is a top secret that can only be released when ninety percent of the Secondary Rank One Nobles in the Federation agree…

"Over forty years ago, a transformation occurred in the cosmos, and an immense ancient greenish-bronze sword entered the Solar System. Its suppressive force alone overturned the entire cosmos, and this sword eventually pierced the sun, revealing a small portion of its tip!

"The sword handle was shattered, and its pieces landed within the Solar System. That resulted in energy failure throughout the Federation since the Spirit Inception Era, and the immortal cultivation emerged… However, in reality, this ancient greenish-bronze sword originated from another cultivation civilization whose level of civilization far surpasses that of our own. This sword alone is only a sect of that civilization!

"In other words, it was an ark. They escaped from danger but met with an accident, which resulted in them landing within the Solar System!"

"There are still people living on the ancient sword, and their numbers are significant!" As the Martian Colony Governor reached this point in her revelation, Wang Baole's breathing quickened, but he wasn't too surprised. Instead, after taking a deep breath, he waited for the Martian Colony Governor to continue.

"According to our intelligence, the sect of the ancient greenish-bronze sword is known as the Vast Expanse Dao Palace!

"The Vast Expanse Dao Palace, having gone through that series of events, suffered some damage. It has also been segregated into three factions that are each under the leadership of three leaders with different ideologies!

"One faction is known as the Darkness Faction, and they insist on leaving this place and heading to the destination that they had set out for in their original plan. However, as the ancient sword has been severely damaged, their plan is to ravage the entire solar system for resources to repair the sword and achieve their goal!

"If they become the main authoritative body, a crisis would fall upon the Federation. You can imagine that all of the Stellar Source in the Solar System would be lost. That, coupled with all of the energy of the sun being taken away, would result in the entire solar system becoming a wasteland. As for us, the most likely outcome would be becoming slaves of this sect!"

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Chapter 486: Secrets and History

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Upon hearing that, Wang Baole lifted his head abruptly. In that instant, the image of the Dark Sect's complete destruction appeared in his mind. He didn't know how the Darkness Faction would treat Earth's population should they succeed in their endeavor, but to have their lives at the mercy of these people would be something that not only he, but the entire Federation wouldn't allow!

"However, the Darkness Faction holds relatively less power in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. The faction that has the final say is the second faction, what we call the Light Faction. Of course, this is just a name we've come up for it.

"The Light Faction's political ideology is different from the Darkness Faction. They believe that since their home planet has already been destroyed, then it doesn't matter whether they head towards their originally planned destination or remain in the Solar System. They seem to approve of the Solar System as well, and wish to settle down permanently in here… They wish for a greater assimilation with the Federation, with the goal of integrating the Federation as part of their own!"

"They wish to build and grow with us. This might seem idealistic on their part, but it's the best scenario for us, who is the weaker party in this picture! As for the third faction, there's no need to consider them. They are a neutral party, away in seclusion and cultivation. They can't be bothered with these political spats." Upon saying that, the Martian Colony Governor paused. She waited for Wang Baole to digest all that she had just said.

"So, the Darkness Faction and Light Faction began fighting, and are now in conflict with each other?" After some thought, Wang Baole spoke.

"Based on our understanding of the situation, that is indeed the case, but the Light Faction has gotten the upper hand in the fight. That is why there is a teleportation array formation on Mercury!"

"What I've just told you are events that took place more than four decades ago. The construction of the teleportation array formation on Mercury began then as well… The damage to the ancient greenish-bronze sword caused a massive structural change within the sword, and due to its extreme proximity to the sun, it can only afford to maintain a heat protection barrier and is unable to teleport itself away. This means that the Vast Expanse Dao Palace is now trapped. If it leaves the protective barrier and forces its way out, it will melt before it could even leave!" Wang Baole frowned when he heard what the Governor said.

"Governor, aren't there some contradictions here? Since they're unable to leave, how can the Darkness Faction pillage the resources in the Solar System? In addition, how did the Federation come to know about all this information?" Wang Baole rubbed his forehead. He might have previously learned things about the ancient greenish-bronze sword that no ordinary person had known, but at this moment, he was still shocked by the new information that he was receiving.

"The Federation thought about the questions that you're asking now all those years ago. The Vast Expanse Dao Palace might be trapped, but that doesn't mean that it cannot leave. However, teleportation on the ancient greenish-bronze sword would expend a great deal of resources and labor. When the Light Faction finally got into power, it amassed an amazing amount of resources and finally teleported someone out. As their representative, he headed for the Federation, who was then undergoing a massive transformation!"

"You mean the Nascent Soul realm cultivator?" Wang Baole said immediately, shocked.

"The senior's name is Mo Gaozi. He's the Nascent Soul realm cultivator you're talking about. When he reached the Federation and found former President Li Xingwen, he didn't hide the purpose of his mission. He told Li Xingwen what was going on in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, and he worked closely together with the Federation… to teach and guide us on how to cultivate, amongst other things… His very presence was the reason why the cultivation civilization in the Federation developed at such an impressive speed!" When the Governor spoke about Mo Gaozi, her voice was filled with awe, respect, and mixed feelings.

Wang Baole's eyes widened when he heard that. This had exceeded his initial expectations. However, it did make sense if he thought about it more carefully. After all, it was simply too incredible to believe that the Federation had progressed to its current state within a brief four decades through their own efforts, and trial and error.

"During this period, the construction of a teleportation array formation began on Mercury, as requested by Senior Mo Gaozi. He told us explicitly that once the array formation was set up, Vast Expanse Dao Palace cultivators on the ancient greenish-bronze sword and the people in the Federation would be able to teleport freely between the two places. We would be opening a door for the cultivators on the ancient greenish-bronze sword!

"Most of what I told you earlier was what Senior Mo Gaozi shared with us. Both myself and the Federation's upper management are grateful for what Senior Mo Gaozi has done for us. He single-handedly pushed into motion the Federation's cultivation civilization. When he arrived on Earth forty years ago, the Federation… hadn't even had a single Ancient Martial realm cultivator. If he had harbored any ill will towards us then, the Federation wouldn't have become what it is today."

"But…" The Governor fell silent for a moment. Then she sighed. There seemed to be mixed feelings in her tone when she spoke next.

"He is, after all, not one of us. He's also not the one holding power in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace… We believe in his goodwill, but we can't bet on it. The price of failure is too great…

"That's why, after understanding the situation, former President Li Xingwen came to a decision when Senior Mo Gaozi requested the Federation gather resources and build a teleportation array formation. It was… to delay the construction of the teleportation array formation. At the same time, he requested Senior Mo Gaozi to do one thing for him as well!

"It was to… bring representatives of the Federation to the ancient greenish-bronze sword, so that they can see the world inside the sword with their own eyes and judge for themselves what is true and what is false!"

"You should be able to imagine that Li Xingwen was prepared to die going on that trip. He made the necessary arrangements if he should die. He even had contingencies for the scenario where he was controlled by others." The Governor sighed. Her voice was colored with nostalgia for a period of hardship she hadn't experienced personally.

Wang Baole became silent. Li Xingwen's image appeared in his mind. Suddenly, he seemed to realize… the responsibility that came along with the title of Federation President.

"No one knew how Li Xingwen communicated with Senior Mo Gaozi then, and he never mentioned it. In the end… Senior Mo Gaozi agreed to his request. He communicated with the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, and the Light Faction spent an even greater amount of resources, which was further supported by Senior Mo Gaozi's cultivation, and barely brought Li Xingwen and five other people onto the ancient greenish-bronze sword.

"They saw the Vast Expanse Dao Palace with their own eyes and came across opportunities that aided their cultivation. They verified the Light Faction's sincerity and both parties came to an agreement. Li Xingwen was carrying a baby when he returned. As for the other five people, one became an elder in the Five Generation Sky Clan, one is the current Head Senator, one founded the Trilunaris Corporation, and the remaining two became the elders of the Galactic Dusk Sect and the Plume Manifestation Connate Sect!

"The teleportation caused a great impact on the ancient greenish-bronze sword. That is why there have been no further teleportations since."

When Wang Baole heard that, he remembered what Zhuo Yifan had told him once. The Five Generation Sky Clan had a strange mystic art that could summon one's past lives. He had his guesses about the baby that the Grand Supreme Elder had brought back as well.

Li Wuchen… Wang Baole fell deep into thought until the Governor's voice rang out again.

"After that, the Federation began to prepare for Operation Sword Sun and the Federation Seedlings Initiative. We began searching for resources and building the teleportation array formation. Our plans were delayed though because of the beast sea. During this battle… Senior Mo Gaozi had gone into seclusion because of the cultivation that he had spent during the teleportation, so he hadn't participated in the fight.

"But it was precisely because of this battle that the Federation, having toiled, torn, and bled, grew stronger swiftly… After the battle, Li Xingwen began to have doubts once again about the plan to reactivate the teleportation array formation. He couldn't set his heart fully at ease even after having witnessed the Vast Expanse Dao Palace's sincerity. After all, once the teleportation array formation was set up, the cultivators on the ancient sword would be able to leave freely. This might be a golden opportunity, but he was also afraid that he might be opening the gates to hell.

"This concerns the safety of the entire Federation civilization, after all. It was right for him to have doubts! Even though Li Xingwen decided to go ahead with construction, he chose to drag it out. Having decided that, he chose to step down. His successor Duan Muque would inherit his plans and make his own deliberations.

"He proposed the research into Anti-Spirit Bombs, which would become the Federation's secret weapon. With that strategy in mind, he didn't hide anything from Senior Mo Gaozi, who had recovered and left seclusion. He told Senior Mo Gaozi that the Federation needed to be fully prepared and that it needed a secret weapon for peace of mind, and so that it could fully cooperate with him.

"Senior Mo Gaozi understood where he was coming from. He knew the worries that a weaker civilization might have when faced with a more powerful one, so he didn't interfere with the Federation's plans and waited patiently instead.

"Then, a few years ago, you pushed back the Beast Tide in a single battle. This meant that the Federation wouldn't have to split its attention and worry about the Beast Tides for a long period of time. There was also an initial success shown in the Anti-Spirit Bomb research. At the same time, Duan Muque was worried that Senior Mo Gaozi might grow impatient with waiting and that their agreed plans might change. That was why Operation Sword Sun was reinitiated, and the Federation Seedlings Initiative was carried out!

"That was the reason for getting you into the capital city, and the reason for the audition. The hundred Federation Seedlings were to be the first batch of Federation cultivators sent onto the ancient sword based on the agreement made between Li Xingwen and the Vast Expanse Dao Palace's Light Faction. They are to head for the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and learn and train there. Besides improving their cultivation, they will also be the first step towards assimilation with the Vast Expanse Dao Palace!"

The Martian Colony Governor's calm voice narrated the history that the Federation had gone through in the past forty years during the Spirit Inception Era. It was as if a painting had unrolled before Wang Baole's eyes. Emotions rippled inside him, and it was a long while before they quieted down.

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Chapter 487: Excavation of the Dark Artifact!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The Governor seemed to realize that what she had been sharing would be shocking to any cultivator. That was why she paused and waited for Wang Baole to absorb and digest everything before she continued.

"We were already in the midst of constructing the teleportation array formation when the Anti-Spirit Bomb research showed success. However, the Mercury tragedy destroyed all that we had accomplished on the planet… Now, alongside the reconstruction of the planet, we will also be rebuilding the teleportation array formation."

"However… even though the Federation has sufficient resources to rebuild the teleportation array formation, we still need some time to craft the majority of the essential components required. That's why I gave you the blueprints." Having explained everything, the Governor ended the voice transmission.

If this had happened when Wang Baole had just entered the Federation administration, he might have been shocked and overwhelmed to find out about the working relationship between the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and the Federation. However, he had since learned how to analyze and assess the words of other people.

That was why Wang Baole remained seated in thought after the Governor ended the voice transmission. After a while, his eyes suddenly flashed.

That's rather interesting… the impression that the Governor gave me during the conversation was that of urgency, that the components have to be made urgently… but she didn't give the exact time frame for when the parts are required…

Wang Baole was deep in thought as he recalled what the Governor had said. After a long period of contemplation, he seemed to have guessed the Federation's intentions. The Federation wanted to build the teleportation array formation so that they could advance the Federation civilization. But at the same time, they were worried about opening the gates to hell.

It was clear though, after decades of coexistence, they had developed a deep and great trust towards Senior Mo Gaozi. After all, if Mo Gaozi really harbored ill will towards them, he could have forcibly coerced and compelled them to do what he wanted based on his level of cultivation.

This must be why, despite intermittent progress, the construction of the teleportation array formation continued and was showing results. As for why the Federation hadn't given a fixed deadline for the delivery of parts, Wang Baole guessed that was because it was still making final preparations for contingency plans…

The Anti-Spirit Bomb is one of those contingency plans. The breakthrough in the Grand Supreme Elder's cultivation is yet another contingency plan. What other backup plans do they have? Wang Baole lost himself in thought. He had never met Mo Gaozi, which was why he still remained uneasy about the construction of this teleportation array formation.

However, even though he hadn't met Mo Gaozi before, he believed that there wasn't a single fool in the upper echelons of the Federation administration. They were all sly, cunning, conniving foxes. It was as the Governor had said, what he was worried about and what he thought were worries and thoughts that many in the administration had earlier.

At that thought, Wang Baole took a deep breath and set this matter aside, beginning his seclusion. During this period, he practiced the Dark Art Soul Guidance, as well as spent some time refining the teleportation components that the Federation required.

Seven days passed. Wang Baole's cultivation and refining progressed smoothly. Then, an inspection team from the Federation arrived unexpectedly and settled in the special regional city. They sought Wang Baole's approval and entered the catacombs, beginning to study and inspect the thickness of the barrier inside the catacombs.

There was no way for Wang Baole to refuse the request, but his guard was heightened. After three days passed and a second inspection team arrived on Mars, Wang Baole sucked in a breath of cold air and felt an impending sense of danger.

Is the Federation's third backup plan my Dark Artifact? Wang Baole felt torn at the thought. He wanted to help the Federation, but as the Dark Artifact's master, he knew that it would benefit both himself and the Federation if he could announce this matter when his cultivation had reached a sufficient level.

If this matter was to be exposed while he was still at his current level of cultivation, even though it might not be of any impact to the Federation, the impact on him, however… would be uncertain.

Wang Baole dared not make a gamble on this; he couldn't. He couldn't help but sigh. He felt sheepish thinking about how his own treasure was being coveted by such important personalities, on a daily basis.

The Federation seemed confident about their chances of getting the Dark Artifact. Even if they were to return with empty hands this round, they would likely send another inspection team shortly.

Wang Baole thought about this for a while. The inspection teams searched for a few days and finally left after collecting detailed data. It was then that he slipped into the Dark Artifact, unnoticed by others, and summoned the three Artifact Spirits. He began inquiring about the recovery status.

Wang Baole found out that they needed another month or so before the artifact could recover to ten-percent functionality. He left and began racking his brains, trying to think of a solution.

The remnants of the barrier should be able to hold back the Federation for a while before they decide it's time to blow it apart… but even if the Dark Artifact has recovered a greater degree of functionality by then, the Federation wouldn't be able to activate it. They would still covet the artifact though and keep thinking about it. This… is simply too unsettling… Rather than remaining under the Federation's constant, watchful eyes, I would rather… make the first move! Light flickered in Wang Baole's eyes as ideas flashed across his mind, and he began to settle on a plan of attack.

He knew very well the difference between taking on the offensive and remaining on the defensive. Instead of fretting about this matter constantly, he would rather instigate an activation and clear all threats, once and for all!

The plan was divided into two steps. In the first, he intended to wait for the Dark Artifact to recover one-tenth of its functionality before he withdrew the barrier voluntarily. That would draw the powerful cultivators from the various political forces in the Federation to the Dark Artifact. After which, he would carry out the second step when they were inside the Dark Artifact!

Wang Baole ran through his plan multiple times in his head carefully and in detail. He even practiced various ancient-sounding voices in his secret chamber. Time passed, and a month soon went by. He received the Boat Spirit's notification that the sampan had been recovered to ten-percent functionality and that he would be able to activate its defensive barrier anytime. Wang Baole's eyes flashed with a strange light.

He took in a deep breath and ran through the steps of his plans in his head once again. He immediately made arrangements for the city's cultivators and increased the degree of monitoring on the barrier inside the catacombs. At the same time, he secretly controlled the Dark Artifact and sped up the erosion of the barrier.

He soon received a report from the city's cultivators as he had expected. With the report in hand, Wang Baole immediately sent a voice transmission to the Martian Colony Governor and informed her excitedly about this matter.

His report immediately caught the Governor's attention and focus, and she made a personal visit to the special regional city. Secretly nervous but not showing a single emotion on his face, Wang Baole accompanied the Governor as she made her inspection. Then, she left and sent the results of the inspection to the Federation.

Everything happened almost too quickly, far more quickly than Wang Baole had expected. The entire process—from his initial report on the erosion of the catacombs barrier, the stirring in the Federation and the excitement across the various political forces, to the arrival of various groups of people in the city—took but two weeks.

Like Duan Muque, the various heads of the respective political forces were in seclusion. However, the news of the eroding barrier was simply too important. Despite not being able to make a personal visit, they all sent the strongest cultivators in their factions over. Cruisers from all over the Federation dashed straight for Mars, with Li Xingwen himself personally leading a team.

The Federation sent numerous priests over as well. Within two weeks, the special regional city saw a congregation of a majority of the Federation's Core Formation realm cultivators.

Besides Li Wan'er, who was still in seclusion, Wang Baole and the others—Lin Tianhao, Jin Duoming, and Kong Dao and the rest—busied themselves with receiving the influx of visitors. They also had to continuously monitor the rate at which the barrier was eroding.

After gathering comprehensive information, Li Xingwen finally settled the plans for blowing the barrier up. Prior to the actual execution of the plan, a hesitant Wang Baole approached Li Xingwen.

"Grand Supreme Elder, I've been feeling really nervous and uneasy these few days. Do you think… that someone might be controlling the barrier and speeding up its erosion?"

Li Xingwen was making the final preparations for the plan, but upon hearing what Wang Baole said, he lifted his head and glared.

"What's there to be afraid of? Who cares if there's someone pulling strings from behind the barrier? We'll know once we blow it up, won't we?"

Exasperation flooded Wang Baole, and he couldn't help but persist.

"Grandfather Grand Supreme Elder, I'm just worried. What if the owner of the Divine Armament isn't dead? What if he's still inside the Divine Armament? If we blow up the barrier…" Wang Baole blinked and stared at Li Xingwen.

Li Xingwen remained unfazed. However, there was a deep, meaningful look in his eyes when he returned Wang Baole's gaze. He said casually.

"Baole, do you know why I'm the one leading the team this round…"

Wang Baole froze. He was silent. Li Xingwen didn't continue with the same topic, but he lowered his head and stared at the floor. There was an unfathomable light in his eyes as he spoke slowly.

"There's something buried right at our doorsteps. We have to check whether it has an owner, whether there's any ill intention hidden behind its burial, and if it might pose a threat. We're in a critical period now. We cannot afford to have any unstable elements present… That's why the hundred Anti-Spirit Bombs in the Martian research facility have all been prepared and are ready to blast off any time… The Solar System Array Formation is also ready for activation.

"In addition, we have some other preparations in place as well… Unless the owner of the Dark Artifact is so powerful that we are unable to fight back against him, the Federation has already reached a consensus. I'm willing to talk reason, but the Federation's mind is fixed. It wants the Dark Artifact!"

"Do you understand what I'm saying, Baole?" Li Xingwen raised his head and gave Wang Baole a deep, meaningful look.

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Chapter 488: A Jaded Wang Baole

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Baole's expression remained unchanged when he heard what the Grand Supreme Elder said, but his heart dropped. Doubt arose in his mind. It seemed as if… there was another message hidden in Li Xingwen's words.

It seemed like all mist and fog, but when coupled with a certain premise, everything seemed clear. The premise being… that Li Xingwen knew who the owner of the Dark Artifact was!

That's impossible… Wang Baole felt slightly sheepish. He couldn't help but think about Li Xingwen's words with that premise in mind. With that in mind… it was clear that Li Xingwen was saying that the Dark Artifact's owner must display overwhelming power that would awe and overpower the Federation, all with an absence of ill intention. In that way, the Federation would be able to set its mind at ease completely. It would also not dare to harbor further covetous thoughts towards the Dark Artifact… at least, not in the short term.

If he wasn't able to achieve that, or if there were to be any misunderstandings between him and the Federation, then the result would be a targeted attack from Anti-Spirit Bombs and the Solar System Array Formation.

Wang Baole's heart palpitated. He hurriedly patted his chest, put on an expression showing extreme loyalty towards the Federation, and then looked at Li Xingwen and said.

"Grandfather Grand Supreme Elder, Baole understands now. The Federation has made up its mind to get the treasure underground. I'd originally intended not to follow the team down. But now, having understood everything, I've decided to come with everyone—to express my loyalty and also to contribute everything I've got for the Federation!"

Li Xingwen rolled his eyes at Wang Baole's declaration. He eyed Wang Baole again, then lowered his head and continued his study of the Federation's plans. He spoke again, seemingly casually.

"If we mess up such an important matter, I'm not going to be the one they send the next time we try." Having said that, Li Xingwen waved his hand without looking up and ended the conversation.

Wang Baole left hurriedly. After departing from Li Xingwen's residence, he glanced around and saw that no one was looking at him. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, and determination flashed in his eyes.

I've no choice. It doesn't matter if the Grand Supreme Elder has guessed correctly what is going on, I have to carry out the plans I've already made and execute my grand plan! Wang Baole sucked in a deep breath. He had made up his mind.

Nothing else mattered. He had already gotten his hands on the Dark Artifact, and there was no way he was going to give it away. That being said, he couldn't let anyone else know that it belonged to him. After returning to his own residence, Wang Baole sat down cross-legged and began meditating. He went through his plan in his head again and ensured that there were no problems with every single step in his plan. There were too many people in the city now, and most of them were monitoring the catacombs. To prevent any accidents from occurring, Wang Baole didn't communicate with the Artifact Spirits. Instead, he waited patiently for the day when the Federation would execute their plans to arrive.

He didn't have to wait long. Li Xingwen brought people down into the catacombs with him for repeated inspections of the barrier. After study and verification, and after submitting their data to the Federation, they finally received a confirmation from the upper levels of the Federation administration as well as the other political forces. Li Xingwen's proposal had been approved!

The plan would be carried out… three days later. They would forcibly blow the barrier apart, and everything would be ready for deployment then—the Anti-Spirit Bombs, the Solar System Array Formation, and the Core Formation realm cultivators from the various political forces. In fact, the number of Core Formation realm cultivators gathered in the special regional city had exceeded seventy!

There were fewer than two hundred Core Formation realm cultivators in the entire Federation, so more than a third of them were now gathered in the city. Nascent Soul realm cultivator, Li Xingwen, was going to head the party personally. The extent of strength and power gathered was enough to overpower and wipe out everything in their way.

It was clear as well that the Federation was intent on obtaining the Martian Divine Armament!

The arrival of the hordes of Core Formation realm cultivators was accompanied by the arrival of even more Foundation Establishment realm and True Breath realm cultivators. The latter groups would be responsible for support as well as foundational excavation efforts for the Martian Divine Armament. The special regional city was thus livelier than usual.

Three days passed in a blur. As the day they would blow apart the barrier arrived, masses of Foundation Establishment realm and True Breath realm cultivators gathered outside the catacombs. They were all prepared and ready to charge in once the barrier was blown apart!

Inside the catacombs, under Li Xingwen's leadership, the Martian Colony Governor and the other Core Formation realm cultivators were gathered before the barrier, ready to commence the plan!

Li Xingwen would play the primary role in the explosion. He stood before the barrier, his hands forming a series of hand seals, which was followed by waves of Nascent Soul level spirit energies erupted from his person. They seemed to transform into a sharp blade that stabbed the barrier repeatedly, and it shook violently under the series of attacks.

The others, including the Martian Colony Governor, unleashed their attacks as well. All of a sudden, the inside of the catacombs was filled with a great, alarming cacophony.

The rest attacked as well. From afar, an array of vivid colors flashed inside the barrier, and the spirit energy of Dharmic Armaments filled the air. It felt as if the earth itself was quaking, and as if the heavens were shaking.

Amongst the attacking horde was Wang Baole… At present, he continued attacking while watching the visibly thinning barrier. He sighed secretly. Even though he knew that his plan was almost infallible, he couldn't help but feel uncertain and anxious.

How exasperating…

While sighing inwardly, Wang Baole yelled and continued attacking, unleashing a spell that landed on the barrier. He might be the lord of this city, but amongst the numerous Core Formation realm cultivators, his own cultivation was only average and hence didn't draw much attention. This was what he had intended as well. As he struck, he even shouted at the Core Formation realm cultivator beside him.

"Everyone, give it all you've got. Let's fight to take down this Divine Armament as soon as possible and win another powerful weapon for the Federation!"

The Core Formation realm cultivator next to Wang Baole was an elder from the Five Generation Sky Clan. Even though he disliked Wang Baole, it wouldn't be appropriate to show his dislike so plainly before everyone. So, he made a few noncommittal comments and then ignored Wang Baole.

If it had been some other occasion, Wang Baole would have glared at the man, but at present, he was shaking inwardly while displaying seeming excitement. He felt like he was leading a party of bandits to his own doorstep. It was a feeling he couldn't shake off.

Bringing a group of bandits to your own house is one thing, but I'm actually going to blow up my own gates with them! Wang Baole sulked. Then, he recalled the many Anti-Spirit Bombs targeting this place and quickly calmed himself down. He continued to attack while cheering the rest on loudly.

Quite a few people heard his cheers, but they paid him no attention. After all, everyone was extremely excited. A few even began cheering along. The spirits of the Federation cultivators soared amidst the loud explosions.

However… Li Xingwen snorted secretly when he heard Wang Baole's voice. He had been about to unleash another attack on the barrier when he extended his spiritual senses and noticed the seemingly excited expression on Wang Baole's face.

"The rascal's quite a good actor!" Li Xingwen muttered secretly. He had his guesses based on his previous judgments as well as contact with Wang Baole. He hadn't known how Wang Baole had managed to accomplish what he had done, but he had been certain that there must be some connection between Wang Baole and the Dark Artifact.

I've already done what I could and told him what I could. The kid's not an idiot. If he doesn't get his act together… well, there's nothing to be done about that. Li Xingwen narrowed his eyes. He could have blown this barrier apart days ago, but he had continued to delay the execution of the plan with research and verification as an excuse. He had done that to give Wang Baole more time to make his preparations. He had done all that he could. Li Xingwen did some calculations and noted the time. He gathered his spirit energies, and decisiveness flashed in his eyes as his fingers formed a series of hand seals.

He hollered, "Fellow Daoists, gather your spells around me!" Having said that, Li Xingwen swung his hands out in a sudden wave. A layer of light erupted from his person. From afar, he looked like a glowing sphere of light.

The others flung their spells onto the sphere of light. Its light intensified, and its energies strengthened. Everyone shivered inwardly and acted immediately with a flurry of spells. The waves of spirit energy exuding from the glowing sphere increased rapidly, and a sudden destructive aura filled the air.

Wang Baole was alarmed. His heart trembled. He gritted his teeth and unleashed a spell that landed on the sphere of light. As the glowing sphere absorbed the power of the party, it began to give off a blinding, dazzling light. It was like a small sun. Finally, Li Xingwen roared. With a wave of his hand, the light sphere transformed into a large saber of light. He grabbed hold of it, pointed it towards the barrier before him, and slashed!

A deafening thunder erupted instantaneously—the sounds of shattering echoed in the catacombs. The barrier… seemingly unable to withstand the force of the attack at that moment, exploded. As it shattered into numerous pieces…

Suddenly, a purple light appeared from within the shattered barrier. It swept across the catacombs like a tornado and erupted. Behind the barrier, lay another barrier!

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Chapter 489: I Am Tian Shuaizi!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The second barrier… was clearly stronger than the first. The spirit energy it exuded alarmed everyone in the catacombs!

The purple protective barrier expanded as soon as it appeared. It looked like a veil of purple light, and waves swept outward and collided with Li Xingwen, who had been standing at the front of the party.

Alarm flashed across Li Xingwen's face. He couldn't fight back and was pushed backward by the light. The Governor and the remaining Core Formation realm cultivators were even more powerless to defend against the light. Shocked and alarmed, they were all shoved back by the light instantly.

The Governor's breathing quickened as she fell back. Alarm fell across her face. It was clear that she hadn't expected this, that she hadn't expected there to be another purple light barrier behind the first barrier. She even sensed that someone might be controlling the eruption of the second barrier.

Could it be… that this Divine Armament, this Dark Artifact, really has an owner? Doubts arose in the Governor's mind. She spared a quick glance at Li Xingwen as she retreated and noticed a similar suspicion in Li Xingwen's eyes then.

It was clear that this light barrier held no ill will towards the cultivators. It merely forced them back and didn't injure or harm anyone. Regardless, it still sent the crowd reeling in shock. Many gasped.

Wang Baole was amongst this group of people, apparent shock coloring his face as he gasped.

There was no question… that the strength the barrier had displayed had exceeded their expectations. As the party fell back, Li Xingwen's pupils contracted, and a jade slip appeared in his hand suddenly. Should he shatter it now, it would trigger the launch of the Anti-Spirit Bombs and the activation of the Solar System Array Formation. He didn't do so immediately. Doubt and uncertainty colored his eyes as he tilted his head and appeared to glance at Wang Baole.

It was then that an overpowering spirit energy that stirred the heavens erupted like a storm from within the purple light barrier!

The force of the spirit energy surpassed that of the Core Formation realm and overpowered that of the Nascent Soul realm. It filled the entire catacombs and appeared to transform into a consciousness that swept across everyone, including Wang Baole. Everyone's heads seemed to buzz, as if their minds were touched by this consciousness.

A stern, authoritative voice, tinged with mild displeasure, rang out in everyone's minds then!

"What a din!"

It was a voice like thunder, and it exploded inside the catacombs and boomed in everyone's ears. Everyone was stunned. They could sense the age in this voice, as if the person speaking had lived for a very, very long time. Even his voice sounded as old as time and as vast as space.

Shock flashed across every cultivators' face when the voice appeared. Some of them had had their guesses about the Divine Armament and had felt that its owner was residing in the Divine Armament, but the Federation had felt that the possibility of something like that was very slight.

Now, though, the voice reverberating in the catacombs proved that this very slight possibility had become reality. The master of the Martian Divine Armament was indeed residing within the Divine Armament!

He was clearly an unfathomable character. His words didn't originate from any civilization but formed a will that had originated from his consciousness and then had echoed in their minds. It was an exchange of minds that crossed the boundaries of language. It was a means that sent everyone reeling back in shock.

There's indeed someone inside! The Martian Colony Governor narrowed her eyes. This was a Divine Armament on her planet, but she only found out today that an extraterrestrial cultivator had been residing inside it all along. Emotions flooded her inside, and she grew extremely cautious. The Mercury tragedy was still fresh in her mind!

Wang Baole widened his eyes as well, displaying a look of complete shock and incredulity. Even his breathing stopped for a moment, and he seemed to instinctively retreat. Li Xingwen might have had his suspicions that Wang Baole had some connection to this Dark Artifact, but he grew doubtful now. He sucked in a deep breath, took a few steps back, then cupped his fists and saluted the purple light barrier.

"Senior, we hail from a civilization on Earth, which is part of the Solar System. This planet… belongs to our civilization. We didn't know you were resting here and disturbed your rest. We seek your forgiveness."

Li Xingwen tried his best to extend his own spiritual senses as he spoke, and did all he could to mirror his good intentions in his extended spiritual senses. In reality, he too was also shocked and awed by the purple light barrier.

Everyone's spirits trembled as Li Xingwen spoke. It was then that a voice tinged with doubt rang out from within the purple light barrier!

"Your civilization? I remember that this part of the universe belonged to the Dark Sect when I went into seclusion…" The voice paused at that point, and its consciousness seemed to erupt once again and sweep outwards. It expanded for a moment, and in the next, vanished. After a long silence, there was a sigh.

"To think that so much time has passed…"

Both Li Xingwen and the Governor were both shocked, once again, by the sudden eruption and disappearance of the consciousness. The breathing of the other Core Formation realm cultivators quickened as well. They quaked in their boots while Li Xingwen continued to hold the jade slip within his hand. He hesitated, then bowed towards the purple light barrier once again.

"Senior, this… is now where Earth's civilization is built!"

As soon as Li Xingwen said that, a sigh rang out from within the purple light barrier.

"I, Tian Shuaizi, have been pursuing the Dao of Heaven Trampling for hundreds of thousands of years here. While the Dao in one's heart may live eternal, time continues for the rest of the vast universe. Who would've known that the stars have since shifted and an age has passed…"

The old voice rang out once again from inside the purple light barrier and echoed in everyone's minds. The name Tian Shuaizi became seared in everyone's minds as they tried their best to calm themselves down. They hurriedly bowed and extended their greetings.

Wang Baole extended a shaky, nervous greeting amongst the crowd as well, but he was secretly brimming with satisfaction. The supposed master of the Divine Armament was his Artifact Spirit, the old State Preceptor.

Most importantly, his earlier speech had been thought up by Wang Baole. The name, Tian Shuaizi, was his brilliant idea. Even though the old State Preceptor almost couldn't say the name when he had first ordered him to do so, the old Artifact Spirit had still submitted to his commanded eventually.

The old State Preceptor didn't disappoint Wang Baole at all. Even Wang Baole almost believed what he had said.

The purple light barrier was the protective screen that the Dark Artifact Sampan had activated after recovering one-tenth of its functionality. Its power was akin to that of a perfected Spirit Immortal realm cultivator. This entire awe-inspiring scene was the first step to Wang Baole's plan!

Grandfather Grand Supreme Elder hinted to me that I needed to induce awe in the Federation, to prevent the Federation from coveting the armament. This should do it, right? I can't go overboard. Everything will be finished if the Grand Supreme Elder launches the Anti-Spirit Bombs! Wang Baole blinked. He knew that he had already successfully carried out the first step in his plans. All he needed to do was wait for the State Preceptor to speak again and complete step two of the plan.

Based on his plans, the first step was to shock and awe, and the second was to both instill fear while ensuring that the Federation President and the other political forces dared not have any ideas about the Dark Artifact again. However, he knew that the Federation had made a lot of preparation and many sacrifices in order to get their hands on the Martian Divine Armament. Even he made them leave completely empty-handed, they might continue to hold certain ideas and begin conspiring again.

That was why Wang Baole planned to throw them a carrot as well. As gears spun furiously in his head, the State Preceptor inside the purple light barrier spoke again. His voice, colored with age, rang out once again.

"Since the stars have shifted, and this place has become the origins of your cultivation, I will no longer be able to fulfill the agreement I made with the Dark Sect back then… Fine, as a heavenly being, I will not stay on your planet without giving something back in return. From now on, those who cultivate outside my cave abode will have a chance to gain the gift of immense vitality!"

As soon as those words were spoken, an overpowering spirit energy erupted from within the purple light barrier. It was thick with life and vitality, surging out from the special regional city and stirring the heavens and earth. The land under the city trembled and roared. Outside, countless cultivators reeled back in shock as thick vitality blanketed the entire city. Vegetation grew and blossomed in a single moment. At the same time, all cultivators and ordinary folks' breathing quickened suddenly, and they felt their bodies lighten. They felt a sudden burst of energy that cleared their minds and heightened their spirits as they stood on this land!

The sight sent everyone inside the catacombs reeling back in shock once again. Speechless and uncertain of what to do next, they all turned towards Li Xingwen.

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Chapter 490: Hot Spot for Healing

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Li Xingwen himself was plagued with hesitation and doubt. After a moment, he took a deep breath and respectfully cupped his fists and extended a deep bow towards the purple light barrier. Then, he led the rest out of the catacombs.

As soon as they exited the catacombs, Li Xingwen immediately issued orders that prohibited anyone from entering. Then, he left hurriedly with the Governor. It was clear that this matter had exceeded his control and level of jurisdiction. Even though he might be a Nascent Soul realm cultivator now, he still had to call for a meeting and reach a consensus on how to address their coexistence with the catacombs.

Before he left, he lowered his head and stared at Wang Baole, who was pale-faced and trembling, seemingly shocked by what he had witnessed. He narrowed his eyes and thoughts sped through his mind. Then, he withdrew his glance and dashed off like a speeding rainbow arc.

The other Core Formation realm cultivators were all plagued with doubts and suspicions as well. They immediately contacted their respective political forces, but they dared not linger in the city; most left for the main Martian city. They would await their next orders from the Federation and their respective political forces!

Wang Baole watched them leave, and he let loose a breath of relief secretly. Based on his understanding of the Federation, he predicted… that things would likely go according to plan. The Federation was unlikely to cause potential trouble by offending an unknown powerful entity "Tian Shuaizi" at such a critical time!

There was a great chance of them opting to compromise and give up on acquiring the Martian Divine Armament!

I, Wang Baole, am a reasonable man. I've taken something that should have gone to the Federation… I, Tian Shuaizi, will repay this favor doubly in the future! Wang Baole coughed. He slowly placed his hands behind his back as he watched the skies fill up with departing cruisers. He increasingly felt how much the name Tian Shuaizi suited him.

"Tian Shuaizi?" Li Xingwen, who had returned to the main Martian city, immediately called for a meeting that involved the Federation's various political forces. He described the full details of what had happened during their excavation attempt.

He didn't try to hide anything from the meeting. After all, the Martian Colony Governor and the Core Formation realm cultivators from the various political forces had participated and witnessed the entire thing with their own eyes. When Li Xingwen mentioned the name Tian Shuaizi, everyone in the meeting fell silent.

This was indeed an extremely serious matter. Even Duan Muque reappeared from his seclusion and attended the meeting. After Li Xingwen mentioned the name Tian Shuaizi softly, an awkward expression appeared on everyone's faces in the meeting.

There was no question that the appearance of Tian Shuaizi had been too sudden and unexpected. Most importantly… Li Xingwen hadn't been able to fight back against him. This meant that the mysterious Tian Shuaizi possessed the power to destroy the entire Federation.

The entire meeting fell into silence. Then, the Governor suddenly spoke.

"The Martian Divine Armament has been around for a very long time, and nothing serious has happened all this while… I propose a prudent approach when handling this matter!"

"How can we allow a stranger to sleep so merrily at our own bedside? To be giving such a good deal so freely shows that he must be hiding something!" The Chen Clan Leader of the Five Generation Sky Clan spoke, his eyes flashing with a cold light. He continued, having interrupted the Governor.

"This is an oversight of the special regional city's City Lord. The Federation has been pouring in tremendous resources into the city all these years. To think that he hadn't detected anything amiss with the Divine Armament!"

"Now isn't the time to place blame. What we need to do now is to determine if this entity is pulling wool over our eyes!"

The group started discussing heatedly. The Martian Colony Governor did not continue speaking, and the Head Senator kept his silence as well. They all fell into a contemplative silence. Li Xingwen grew impatient.

"Have your egos swollen? Have you forgotten what kind of firepower the Federation has? Pulling wool over our eyes? Are you willing to gamble on that? Let me tell you. Based on my assessment, this Tian Shuaizi residing inside the Dark Artifact is the owner of the Divine Armament. There's a great likelihood that he's attained phenomenal success at the Spirit Immortal realm. Else, he wouldn't have been able to assert such overpowering awe just by releasing his spirit energy."

"As for the way to handle this… unless you're looking for an early death, we shouldn't offend… an entity that we are unable to fight back against. I suggest we handle this matter the same way we did for the presence within Pluto." As soon as Li Xingwen said those words, the cultivators from the various political forces who had been discussing how to handle this matter fell silent. They were startled by Li Xingwen's mentioning of Pluto. Even though it might seem like they had plenty of ideas and suggestions, they all knew very well that, with Li Xingwen powerless against this entity, the best solution was to adhere to the agreement set out with the other.

Duan Muque sighed softly when he saw how the meeting had fallen into silence once again. He felt slightly exhausted. He sensed that there was something strange going on, but at present, his priority was a breakthrough in his cultivation. There was also the Federation Seedlings Initiative that was about to be kicked off, as well as the joint efforts to land on the ancient greenish-bronze sword. He didn't want more trouble.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Duan Muque's eyes flashed with decisiveness.

"Let's listen to Senior Li's advice. We'll slow down the Martian Divine Armament's excavation efforts, and this matter will be classified as a Rank Two Noble level secret. Let's keep to ourselves while within the special regional city and not step on one another's toes!"

With Duan Muque and Li Xingwen agreeing upon the same course of action, the matter regarding the Martian Divine Armament was settled for the moment. They would slow down the excavation of the Martian Divine Armament and would concurrently announce the existence of another barrier behind the first barrier in the catacombs. That would serve as a basis for the Federation to continue further studies and experiments, and provide a reason to ease public suspicions.

The rich vitality that was present within the Martian special regional city wasn't confidential, and news of it quickly spread. Many cultivators in the main Martian city, having heard of this, soon came investigating the matter. Upon sensing the vitality in the air, they were all shocked. Many chose to settle down in the special regional city for cultivation immediately.

Training at such spots rich with vitality had many benefits. The media paid a great deal of attention to this matter as well, and all of a sudden, the entire Federation became aware of the rich vitality present in the Martian special regional city.

Some cultivators with past injuries heard of this and chose to recuperate and recover in the city as well. Within two weeks, the Martian special regional city became a hot spot that grew ever more popular!

Jin Duoming played a prominent role in the current situation. He had been the first one to realize the economic opportunity open to them and had then quickly contacted Kong Dao and the others. He had been the first to come up with a proposal to redesign the city as a Martian hot spot for healing and cultivation, and he was the first who sought Wang Baole out.

Wang Baole's heart ached, but he knew he couldn't reject the idea. He knew that the Federation's decision to slow down the excavation efforts for the Divine Armament meant that it had, to a certain degree, given up on the city. The value of this land would fall continuously, and he would no longer receive priority in getting resources for the city. This was the time for them to establish some unique and special features for the special regional city, to prolong its survival and increase its value.

He gritted his teeth and agreed to Jin Duoming's proposal. What resulted was a series of promotions. Real estate cost continued to rise as well, and its value almost reached that of gold.

"A rise in the value of land isn't enough. After all, most people can't afford to buy land. What we need to do is build more hotels. We have to build a whole lot of them!" Wang Baole put out his own opinions as well and perfected Jin Duoming's proposal. They were going to rebrand the Martian special regional city into a haven not only for those seeking healing and cultivation, but also a haven for tourists!

Jin Duoming got excited immediately and began sketching out the plans eagerly. Even though Wang Baole ached for the mass absorption of vitality, which essentially was an expenditure of the Dark Artifact's energy, it was still rather insignificant a loss and within his control.

He also knew that once the special regional city became a hot spot for healing and cultivation, it would be able to gain a great deal of revenue from taxation alone. The net profit would be considerable after taking into account their expenditure.

This was a long-term gain though. What Wang Baole desired the most now was the swift restoration of his Dark Artifact. His heart burned with excitement as he thought about the power the Dark Artifact would be able to unleash once restored to its full functionality.

I need huge quantities of resources! Wang Baole took a deep breath. Even though the Federation had reached a consensus to slow down the excavation of the Martian Divine Armament, Wang Baole still felt uneasy. He knew too well the characters of those people in the Federation. Unless the impression of awe and power continued to remain and continued to grow stronger… they would make a second attempt on the Divine Armament sooner or later!

It should be safe in the short term, though. At that thought, Wang Baole released a slight breath of relief. He knew why he urgently needed resources to repair the Dark Artifact. The root of his problem lay in the fact that he was too weak.

If he were like Li Xingwen, a Nascent Soul realm cultivator now, no one would dare cause trouble for him even if he were to declare that he was the owner of the Dark Artifact.

I still need a higher cultivation! Wang Baole gritted his teeth and resumed his seclusion. He strove towards reaching a breakthrough into the mid-stage Core Formation realm as soon as possible. While he was in seclusion, Jin Duoming made full use of his business-savvy mind and executed his proposal flawlessly.

The Martian special regional city became a popular topic in the entire Federation. Advertisements featuring many cultivators as well as famous celebrities were broadcast by every media outlet in the entire Federation. They were rich with content and showcased the beauty of the Martian special regional city.

He even joined forces with the Trilunaris Corporation and designed a Martian travel package that had great discounts on round trip travel. The number of cruisers traveling from Earth and the other planets to Mars, and back, increased exponentially.

Lin Tianhao extended his full cooperation to Jin Duoming as well, doing his part in receiving the influx of visitors. Kong Dao, on the other hand, took charge of security matters and ensured heightened security in the city. With their combined efforts, the Martian special regional city's name resounded again and again across the Federation. Within a short span of two months, its reputation spread like wildfire in the Federation.

The growing fame and popularity of the special regional city would have persisted under Jin Duoming's efforts, should there not have been another major event taking place. The magnitude of this new event was simply too great. It overshadowed the growing fame of the special regional city…

In July of the forty-fifth year of the Spirit Inception Era… the Federation President, Duan Muque, advanced into the Nascent Soul realm!

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Chapter 491: A Transfer in the Federation!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Compared to the process of inviting spectators from the various factions to view Li Xingwen's advancement, Duan Muque's advancement was more low-profile. However, no matter how low-profile it was, with the movement of the Spirit Qi on Earth, everyone sensed it the moment he advanced. The official announcement from the President's Office confirmed the matter, and instantly, the Federation was in a celebratory mood—excitement overflowed!

In reality, with Li Xingwen and Duan Muque achieving breakthrough one after another, it meant that the immortal cultivation of the Federation had officially moved to the Nascent Soul stage from the Core Formation stage!

The anticipation towards the Nascent Soul realm became the spotlight of everyone in the Federation at this moment. They were all curious as to who would be the next to advance!

On the other hand, happening at the same time as Duan Muque's advancement and the public exhilaration being felt, was the pressure that Wang Baole felt from the Martian Colony Governor regarding the parts that he needed to produce for the teleportation array formation!

Wang Baole clearly felt the urgency to build the teleportation array formation quickly. He also realized that the Federation Seedlings Initiative was imminent!

Previously, the speed of construction was slow. Right now, it's clearly been sped up. Wang Baole, who was in seclusion, ended the voice transmission with the Martian Colony Governor. He sat there, deep in thought, and pondered for a while before picking up his voice transmission ring again to send a voice transmission to the Grand Supreme Elder. He sought clarification for his doubts, and also inquired about when the Federation Seedlings Initiative would commence.

Li Xingwen, who had returned to Earth from Mars, received Wang Baole's voice transmission in the Ethereal Dao College. He didn't avoid the topic as he did before. Instead, after a brief moment of silence, he spoke.

"Baole, the time remaining until the Federation Seedlings Initiative commences is fast counting down. You must begin making preparations soon. As for why the speed of construction was slow previously… In reality, it was because the Federation wasn't confident about it!

"After all, even though the construction of the teleportation array formation could bring numerous advantages to the Federation, there were also some shortfalls. It was only after Duan Muque and I managed to advance that we had better chances. That was similar to having another trump card other than the Anti-Spirit Bomb… This is the key reason why the construction of the teleportation array formation is being sped up!

"You don't have to fret over the other matters. Right now, what is most important for you is to make the necessary preparations. The first teleportation will take place three months from now, at the latest!"

As he listened to what the Grand Supreme Elder said, Wang Baole's breathing quickened. After a moment, he ended the call. A peculiar look flashed across his eyes. He grew determined to head to the ancient greenish-bronze sword. He must go there no matter what, as he needed to gain cultivation techniques, as well as resources.

He needed the resources to restore the Dark Artifact fully. The thought that one day he could completely repair the Dark Artifact and bring it with him off of Mars… It would be so powerful that it could destroy the planet!

This desire became an image that surfaced in Wang Baole's mind. That made him extremely excited, and his anticipation swelled.

I must definitely restore the Dark Artifact completely! Wang Baole took a deep breath. He knew that right now, on Mars, it was extremely challenging if he wanted to obtain the resources to repair the Dark Artifact. It was only if he went to the ancient greenish-bronze sword that it would become a possibility!

On top of that, there was another crucial reason. That was… duty and responsibility!

He knew well that as a Secondary Rank Two Noble, he wasn't allowed to go there. However, since he was a Federation Seedling, he had the duty and a set plan. He also understood that, to the Federation Seedlings, this project was an opportunity!

At the same time, it represented their eligibility. This was extremely advantageous for his advancement in Noble in the future. That was especially so as, one day, he could perhaps become President with his credentials of having entered the ancient greenish-bronze sword. That made Wang Baole's heartbeat even faster with excitement.

Furthermore, as a cultivator in the Spirit Inception Era, Wang Baole was filled with curiosity and countless thoughts about the ancient greenish-bronze sword, as well as the founding land that kick-started Earth's immortal cultivation era.

In his silence, Wang Baole caressed the mask he was holding. Even though Little Missy had remained silent for a long time, Wang Baole still remembered the sculpture that bore an uncanny resemblance to Little Missy in the interior of the fragments inside Spirit Breath Village!

However… since I'm about to leave, I should really start making preparations. After all, there is so much that is unknown surrounding the ancient greenish-bronze sword, and there will definitely be danger! Wang Baole narrowed his eyes as he recalled the question that the Grand Supreme Elder asked him regarding his fear of death!

With those words in his mind, Wang Baole laughed. A glow flashed across his eyes. Even though he hadn't spent long in cultivation, he had experienced many life-and-death scenarios. Regardless of whether it was the Mystic Luna Realm or the pursuit by the three extraterrestrial cultivators, he had only narrowly escaped death. If he wasn't careful, he could have died!

It could be said that Wang Baole wasn't a cultivator that had grown up in a sheltered environment. Instead, he had matured through actual battles, and despite his number of killings being incomparable to that of the demonic cultivators, he was no doubt ruthless.

It's impractical if I want to achieve a breakthrough in my cultivation in three months. After all, I don't have a cultivation technique that I can cultivate yet. Therefore, in these three months, the only thing I can do… is to refine Dharmic Armaments! After pondering about it, Wang Baole decided to stop cultivation temporarily. He took out his Dharmic treasures from his storage bag.

He had many Dharmic treasures. Other than those that he already owned, the others were what he gained from the three extraterrestrial cultivators.

I need to make use of these three months to upgrade all my Dharmic treasures to Dharmic Armaments! After taking a deep breath, Wang Baole waved his hand, and several mosquitoes emerged immediately, circling him.

What's most important is to see if I can upgrade my Intrinsic Dharmic treasure to a Dharmic Armament! Wang Baole had expectations towards the scabbard in his body. Right now, he was determined, and he immediately began refining his Dharmic treasures.

As for the resources needed to upgrade the Dharmic treasures, it didn't pose much of a problem to Wang Baole. He only needed to speak to Jin Duoming, who would solve all his problems.

In reality, the special region had become famous due to the confusing myriad of advertisements about it, as well as its true advantages for cultivation and rejuvenation. There were endless streams of tourists visiting it every day, and the various factions had also realized the potential of this special zone, and they began investing in it.

That made the Martian special regional city crowded with people. In addition, Wang Baole had assigned this matter to Jin Duoming and company, making the gains to be reaped from it extremely significant. Trilunaris Corporation would also stand to gain through this. Therefore, Wang Baole only needed to mention the resources he needed to upgrade his Dharmic treasures, and Jin Duoming would immediately contact the Corporation. Within three days, the resources had all arrived!

With the arrival of the resources, Wang Baole entered seclusion and began the upgrading process for his Dharmic treasures. That was especially so as he possessed the Dark Core, which made the attainment of the remnant thoughts of the gods even more convenient. He would enter the fugue state almost every day, and the moment he came across the god remnant thoughts, he would immediately capture them with the Dark Fire.

At the same time, the Soul Guiding Hand that he possessed made the process of capturing the god remnant thoughts even easier.

Time passed just like that, and soon, two months had gone by. In these two months, in order to support Wang Baole, Jin Duoming sent another batch of resources. If it were some other time, Wang Baole would perhaps be concerned. However, as his goal now was the ancient greenish-bronze sword, he accepted them all, and continued refining and upgrading his Dharmic Armaments.

Now, it was half a month left until the three-month limit. The teleportation array formation on Mercury had been constructed. This matter wasn't being announced by the Federation. Instead, every single Federation Seedling was notified of a transfer!

Not many details were given regarding the transfer, except that they were to gather half a month later on Mercury, and that the Federation Seedlings Initiative would commence then!

This matter immediately caused a commotion amongst the Federation Seedlings, despite them having an indication of it before this. However, the actual commencement of the Federation Seedlings Initiative still caused unrest and anxiousness in them. It was also difficult to keep this matter a secret, and soon, numerous media groups in the Federation had caught wind of it. With the Federation's silent recognition of it, the news regarding the commencement of the Federation Seedlings Initiative began to spread.

Through the investigations of some, the documents sent by the Federation regarding the initiative were found. It was clearly outlined in the documents that the initiative was just one segment amongst many projects. These projects were all aimed at one thing, and that was… to land on the ancient greenish-bronze sword!

Instantly, commotion arose within the Federation. All sorts of news emerged, and the entire Federation was in heated discussion!

It was also at this time that the Federation made an announcement!

"All Federation Seedlings are to gather on Mercury and become the first batch of cultivators sent to the ancient greenish-bronze sword. After that, there would be a selection for the second batch of Federation Seedlings. One round of selection and teleportation will take place every year, with the goal of sending three thousand cultivators to the ancient greenish-bronze sword within thirty years!"

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Chapter 492: The Goal: Mercury!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The moment the Federation made the announcement, commotion arose amongst everyone. After all, in this short one year, too many events had occurred. First, it was the crisis on Mercury, followed by the Nascent Soul's emergence, the Anti-Spirit Bomb declaration, then Li Xingwen and Duan Muque's advancement, and finally the commencement of the Federation Seedlings Initiative, along with the plan to land on the ancient greenish-bronze sword!

All these events made even those who were dense realize that something big was about to happen. At the same time, it was possible to see some clues from the series of events.

However, not many truly knew about the details. Only a small group of people knew the truth.

Wang Baole belonged to that small group of people. Right now, after receiving the news from the Federation, he didn't feel especially surprised. He simply knew that it meant that there wasn't much time remaining for him to make preparations.

Only half a month! Wang Baole, who was meditating with his legs crossed in the secret chamber, appeared calm. He lowered his head and looked at the results that he had obtained after the past two months. Before him were numerous Dharmic treasures, each giving off an astounding suppressive force, and each of them impressive in their own ways. If there were someone else beside him, they would definitely be shocked by those Dharmic treasures.

That was because all of those Dharmic treasures were Dharmic Armaments!

That was especially so for three of them. The aura given off by them wasn't that of a Dharmic Armament, but even so, it was comparable to that of a Dharmic Armament. These three items were the three different colored flying swords, a ribbon, as well as three scales!

They were Dharmic treasures from the three extraterrestrial cultivators!

The ribbon and scales were similar to eighth-grade Dharmic Armaments. As for the extraterrestrial leader's tri-colored flying sword… Based on Wang Baole's analysis, when the three swords were put together, even though its power may not fit the definition of a true ninth-grade Dharmic Armament, it had definitely exceeded that of an eighth-grade Dharmic Armament and was similar to a ninth-grade Dharmic Armament!

Other than that, there was also a megaphone in front of Wang Baole. The megaphone was still a seventh-grade Dharmic Armament, but as Wang Baole continuously upgraded it, it had become an extremely powerful seventh-grade Dharmic Armament. It glowed brilliantly, with lines of Hidden Marks swirling within it. It looked extremely impressive and was like a treasure.

There was also a rope and a big seal that Wang Baole picked out from amongst the Dharmic treasures to be upgraded to Dharmic Armaments after much thought.

The moment the rope was tossed out, it flew into the sky and disappeared. The big seal had quite a unique characteristic as well. When used, it vanished instantly, only landing insidiously and suddenly when the opponent was weakened.

Even though they were somewhat unreliable, Wang Baole still felt that they had huge potential. That was especially so as even he was unable to understand them, which made it even more difficult for his opponents to predict and grapple with them.

Perhaps when the time comes, these two unreliable Dharmic treasures could have a wondrous effect… Wang Baole sighed. In reality, if he had a choice, he wouldn't have upgraded those two unreliable Dharmic treasures. It was because after trying it out previously, he found out that out of all his Dharmic treasures, only those two unreliable treasures could be successfully upgraded, while the majority of them were extremely difficult to upgrade.

Luckily, after upgrading the two Dharmic treasures to become Dharmic Armaments, they were equipped with more miraculous functions. For example, once someone was tied up by the rope, they weren't only physically restricted, but their cultivation would be made ineffective. The cultivation of the person tied up by the rope would disappear, and he would become an ordinary being.

The big seal was even more cunning in terms of its characteristics. After analyzing it, Wang Baole realized that it worked according to some rules that even he was unable to understand. It seemed like if someone were hit by it, they would be so severely injured that it would be difficult for them to recover.

Looking at the rope and the big seal, Wang Baole sighed. In reality, what he wanted to upgrade most was the scabbard. However, that would require an extremely large amount of resources. Despite Wang Baole obtaining many resources from Jin Duoming, it was still insufficient, and right now, it was only thirty percent completed.

In order for it to be fully completed and to turn the scabbard into a Dharmic Armament, Wang Baole estimated that it would be near impossible to find the necessary resources on Mars.

Then, I shall find those resources on the ancient greenish-bronze sword! Wang Baole calculated the time needed, and a look of determination was seen in his eyes.

There's still half a month left… Let's see if I can use the remaining half a month to create an eighth-grade Dharmic Armament! With that thought, Wang Baole immediately went into seclusion again. On one hand, he entered the fugue state to capture the remnant thoughts, and on the other, he began trying to create an eighth-grade Dharmic Armament.

Days passed just like that. Soon, it was three days before the Federation Seedlings were stipulated to head to Mercury!

The journey from Mars to Mercury took three days, and that was at the highest speed possible for the cruisers from the Federation right now. Therefore, Wang Baole had no choice but to end his seclusion. However, he was still satisfied with what he had achieved in the last half a month.

He knew that it was simply too challenging and almost impossible to refine a true eighth-grade Dharmic Armament within half a month. Therefore, in that half a month, his goal wasn't to refine a true eighth-grade Dharmic Armament, but to focus on an eighth-grade Dharmic Armament for one-time use.

It was significantly less challenging to refine such one-time Dharmic Armaments, with the most significant hurdle being to obtain the god remnant thoughts. After all, to other Dharmic Armament cultivators, it was a matter of luck to obtain the god remnant thoughts. However, to Wang Baole, this was effortless. Right now, of all the remnant thoughts on Mars, over half had been captured by him.

This way, he could complete the refinement process to create a one-time Dharmic Armament. Through the process, he even made some peculiar treasures, such as a three-meter tall bell!

The bell was extremely sturdy. Even though it could only be used once, once unleashed, it gave off a protective force that would throw the enemy off balance, and could even restrict their Spirit Qi.

There was also a crystal-like Dharmic treasure. Originally, Wang Baole had planned to create a self-exploding crystal similar to that of a self-detonating flying sword. However, that was extremely difficult. He failed after many tries, but despite that, as there were god remnant thoughts in it, it was still equipped with some capabilities.

It was just that it couldn't self-detonate. Once used, the crystal would liquefy, forming an extremely strong glue. Wang Baole hadn't tried it out himself, but based on his analysis, the glue was extremely sticky!

That was just a small portion of everything. There were also some other unique treasures, but regrettably, they were all one-use. To a certain extent, they could scare his opponents, but their actual effectiveness depended on how they were used.

Forget it, I'll leave it as it is… Wang Baole wasn't particularly satisfied or disappointed as he kept his Dharmic Armaments. Before emerging out of seclusion, he entered the fugue state one last time. Using his Dark Core and Dark Art, he swept through Mars, using his Dark Fire to capture any remnant thought that he came across.

After the entire process, Wang Baole felt some regrets. He had entered the fugue state many times within these three months, with the hopes of coming across the divine god remnant thought that was like the sun, the one he had seen previously on Mars.

However, that remnant thought seemed to have gone into hiding after sensing a looming crisis. Wang Baole's time was limited, and he didn't manage to find it after searching for it many times. Now that he had to leave and hadn't managed to see it, he snorted.

Forget it. You're unlucky not to have the chance to become the remnant thought of such a handsome person like me. That's your loss. Wang Baole shook his head and ended the fugue state along with large amounts of god remnant thoughts. He then emerged out of seclusion.

Without staying for long in the special region, Wang Baole quickly gathered Jin Duoming and company and explained the situation. He addressed some matters, and even though he couldn't bear to, he still bid farewell to everyone with cupped fists.

"I'll put the Martian special regional city in the hands of everyone here!" With that, Wang Baole swept his gaze across everyone. His only regret was that Li Wan'er was still in seclusion, and he couldn't bid her farewell. However, he was no longer the newbie he was back when he first arrived on Mars from Earth. Despite experiencing a torrent of emotions, he knew that departures were inevitable as a cultivator in the Spirit Inception Era.

Therefore, he soon adjusted his thoughts and took a deep breath. He then turned and entered the cruiser destined for Mercury.

Kong Dao also left with him. As Jin Duoming, Lin Tianhao, and company weren't part of the first batch of Federation Seedlings, they couldn't participate in the project this time around. They sent Wang Baole and Kong Dao off, watching their cruiser navigating the sky and slowly disappearing into the distance.

As they watched, their minds were filled with thoughts. They didn't know when the next time they would see Wang Baole would be.

Lin Tianhao and Liu Daobin felt especially strongly towards it. Thankfully, the foundations had been deeply set by Wang Baole in the special region. They also had the backing of the Ethereal Dao College's rising. Therefore, even with Wang Baole away, everything would proceed smoothly, so long as Wang Baole wasn't away for too long.

Just like that, Wang Baole and Kong Dao's cruiser emerged from the pull of Mars, and they headed towards Mercury in the vast cosmos!

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Chapter 493: It Begins!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

At the same time, there were also other cruisers traveling at high speed within the Solar System, their destination being Mercury as well!

Those cruisers carried the elites from the various factions of the Federation who were from the batch of Federation Seedlings back then. Of them, the one with the lowest cultivation level was already at Foundation Establishment realm. Disregarding Wang Baole, the one with the highest cultivation level was at the perfected Foundation Establishment realm.

Wang Baole was the exception, with his cultivation reaching the Core Formation realm!

It could be said that Wang Baole was in the lead amongst this batch of Federation Seedlings, both in terms of cultivation and Noble. In the memories of the other Federation Seedlings, from when they were in the capital city back then earning the title of Federation Seedling, it was surprising, but not shocking that Wang Baole—who had annoyed almost everyone and behaved in an utterly despicable manner—achieved what he had today.

Therefore, despite their unwillingness, they had to recognize how powerful Wang Baole truly was. That was especially so for Li Yi, who felt upset about it as she made a vow in her heart to surpass Wang Baole on the ancient greenish-bronze sword.

Three days later, with the arrival of the Federation Seedlings, Wang Baole and Kong Dao's cruiser also landed on Mercury. They looked at the vast, barren land, and the majestic array formation in the distance.

That array formation was over a million feet wide and was like a crystal mounted on the ground. There were also hundreds of large pillars densely erected within the array formation. Large amounts of runes were carved on each pillar, and waves of suppressive force emerged from within the array formation, spreading throughout Mercury.

At the same time, the prototype of the construction on Mercury had been formed. Surrounding the array formation were different structures that seemed to be special. They seem not to be meant for housing people, but instead were more like another form of array formation!

When Wang Baole stepped out of the cruiser and looked at the ground, he could still vaguely feel that there was some movement beneath the ground…

When they noticed the surrounding structures, Wang Baole and Kong Dao looked at each other, and then Kong Dao began to speak softly.

"There are signs from the military surrounding this place. At the same time, the structures outside the teleportation array formation seem familiar. They should be the array formation created by the military…"

Wang Baole appeared to be thinking of something. He lowered his head to look at the ground and spoke softly.

"I went to the Anti-Spirit Bomb research facility once. The movement underground here is similar to there. If I'm not wrong, it's a new Anti-Spirit Bomb research facility underground. Perhaps it might be inappropriate to call it a research facility… There should be numerous Anti-Spirit Bombs buried underneath instead!"

As Wang Baole spoke, Kong Dao took a deep breath. They both recognized that this was the result of the Federation's cautiousness and preparation. They were prepared to prevent possible disasters that would arise from the bi-directional teleportation that would take place after the array formation was activated.

If something went wrong, the entire teleportation array formation would explode and be destroyed!

In addition, what they saw was perhaps only part of everything. The Federation likely made other preparations. Should anything sinister happen on the ancient greenish-bronze sword, it was very possible that Mercury would be turned to dust.

After all, with the loss of its Stellar Source, Mercury's value had already been greatly diminished!

That put Wang Baole in a solemn mood, and Kong Dao felt similarly as well. After leaving the cruiser, both of them were quickly led by the staff working there to their residence. They were also told that there were others who had yet to arrive. The time until the teleportation array formation was opened was set for dawn two days later!

To the Federation Seedlings who had arrived, as long as they didn't leave the area within the next day, they were still somewhat free to roam. After all, their capabilities and status were unusual. In addition, this project was extremely dangerous, and the Federation didn't impose strict restrictions on them.

Therefore, after arriving, the first thing Wang Baole did was find Zhuo Yifan, Zhao Yameng, and Kong Dao. The two had arrived earlier than Wang Baole, and the moment the four of them met, Wang Baole gave Zhuo Yifan a tight hug, patting his back forcefully. His eyes lit up when he saw Zhao Yameng.

Zhao Yameng, who was wearing a tight-fitting suit, looked extremely cool and even more appealing than before. In addition, in terms of looks, Li Wan'er and Zhou Xiaoya still lost to Zhao Yameng. It could be said that Zhao Yameng was the most perfect-looking person that Wang Baole had seen in his life.

Therefore, Wang Baole cleared his throat and opened his arms.

"Long time no see, Yameng. I have missed you!" With that, Wang Baole went forward to give her a bear hug.

Zhao Yameng raised her eyebrows. She didn't let Wang Baole hug her as she did before. Instead, she took a few steps back and avoided him before looking at Wang Baole while laughing.

Wang Baole was a little shocked that Zhao Yameng didn't let him hug her. In his memory, this wasn't the case in the past. He was about to ask what the matter was, but after seeing Zhao Yameng's facial expressions, Wang Baole had a gut feeling that it might not be the wisest thing to do. Therefore, he thought about it and pulled Kong Dao over from the side.

"As the Chairman of the Adonis Association, I hereby announce a new member of the first batch of the Adonis Association. Please welcome him, everyone!" Wang Baole patted Kong Dao's shoulders and smiled as he spoke.

Zhuo Yifan knew who Kong Dao was. After all, Kong Dao was the one who saved him on Earth back then. He smiled at him. As for Zhao Yameng, she was still elegant like she was back then, and she nodded her head at Kong Dao as a form of congratulations.

Kong Dao was a little confused about joining the Adonis Association. Despite that, he didn't reject the offer. In reality, after working with Wang Baole all these years, he had already given in to Wang Baole. The grudges between them were also forgotten.

The four of them spoke to each other, exchanging details regarding their understanding of the Federation Seedlings Initiative. Soon, night came, and they all decided to stay in Zhuo Yifan's room to meditate.

While meditating, Wang Baole thought about the change in Zhao Yameng's attitude. He came up with several theories but wasn't sure which one was the case. Eventually, he sighed and abandoned the thought altogether.

In this way, an uneventful night came and went. The dawn of the second day arrived, and as Duan Muque's voice reverberated between the heavens and earth, everyone emerged from their respective residences and gathered beside the teleportation array formation!

Other than the countless staff, there were also three people whose auras were extremely strong. Their auras spread in all directions and were extremely significant!

Of the trio, there were two whom Wang Baole was familiar with. They were the Federation President Duan Muque and the Grand Supreme Elder, Li Xingwen!

The third person was an elder wearing an ancient Daoist robe. He was Mo Gaozi, who had come from the ancient greenish-bronze sword!

With the trio standing there, the collective auras were so strong that it made Wang Baole and company breathe rapidly. At the same time, Wang Baole sensed that there were strong Core Formation realm auras all around him. It appeared that many Federation elites had been gathered here, in order to prevent any accidents from happening once the teleportation array formation was opened.

In this solemn setting, no one had the mood to size up the people around them. Everyone remained silent the moment they arrived.

"Step onto the pillar of the teleportation array formation!" Amidst everyone's silence, Duan Muque spoke suddenly, his voice like thunder spreading loudly in all directions. Wang Baole narrowed his eyes, being the first to charge out and stand on the pillar of the teleportation array formation.

After him, the other Federation Seedlings also nervously leaped up. When they landed, they had the opportunity to look at their other companions. They knew each other, as they had interacted with each other back then.

After all of them had managed to stabilize their footing, a glow flashed across Duan Muque's eyes, sweeping across the masses. His gaze stopped momentarily on Wang Baole before his authoritative voice was heard once again.

"I would think that all of you have come to know about the relevant information through various means. I won't repeat it. Now, I will tell all of you about the things that the Federation understands about the Ancient Sword Civilization. All of you are to listen closely, as it has implications on your lives there!" With that, Duan Muque greeted Mo Gaozi, who was beside him, with cupped fists. Mo Gaozi smiled and nodded, signaling that Duan Muque was allowed to reveal the information.

"There are three segments of the ancient greenish-bronze sword. The first segment is the region near the sword handle, which was the most damaged. Most of the fragments in the Solar System originated from that region!

"The second segment is the sword body that was pierced into the sun. It covers the largest area, and at the same time, having been eroded by the high temperature of the sun, it is the most treacherous!

"As for the third segment… It's the tip of the sword!

"The tip of the sword, having passed through the sun, appears to be segregated. It is difficult to go near it. In addition, the sword body is within the sun, which also makes it difficult to access. Therefore, the place you would go to this time would be the region near the sword handle!

"Even though that region is heavily damaged, the Ancient Sword is vast, with many habitable regions. Furthermore, in terms of safety, it is the most appropriate place to be!"

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Chapter 494: So Weak?

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

As Duan Muque's words reverberated, everyone, including Wang Baole, listened intently. He knew that getting hold of this information would bring him considerable convenience for his life on the ancient greenish-bronze sword.

Seeing that all the Federation Seedlings were listening attentively, Duan Muque fell silent after introducing the structure of the ancient greenish-bronze sword. He looked at Li Xingwen, who nodded, replacing Duan Muque as he began introducing the sect of the ancient greenish-bronze sword.

"On the ancient greenish-bronze sword, there is a sect whose level of civilization far exceeds that of the Federation. That sect is named… The Vast Expanse Dao Palace!

"There are three Patriarchs in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. Their cultivation levels have far exceeded that of a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, reaching the Soul Conduit realm. At the same time, there are tens of Nascent Soul realm cultivators and numerous other Core Formation realm cultivators!"

As Li Xingwen spoke, Zhuo Yifan, Zhao Yameng, Kong Dao, and the others were shocked. Li Yi and the other Federation Seedlings also widened their eyes, and they felt a torrent of emotions in their hearts. On one hand, the mentioning of the Soul Conduit realm allowed them to know about the realm above that of the Nascent Soul realm. On the other hand, the sheer number of those at the Nascent Soul realm in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace astonished them.

To them, the Vast Expanse Dao Palace was simply too powerful. They could easily squash Earth's Federation. At the same time, the fact that this was the place they were heading to shocked them deeply.

Only Wang Baole was the exception who didn't feel that way. He blinked several times and twisted his mouth, bewildered as he felt that not only did the Vast Expanse Dao Palace not sound powerful, but it felt weak instead…

Just three Soul Conduit realm cultivators? It's still considered a small sect based on that. However, if it's a small sect, how did it possess the Ancient Sword and even lead the Solar System into the Spirit Inception Era? Wang Baole felt that this entire matter was impossible. He couldn't wait and secretly sent a voice transmission to Little Missy to ask about it in his mind.

"Little Missy, you're from the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, right? That's all you've got?"

Little Missy, who hadn't replied since Wang Baole had returned from the Dark Artifact, finally showed some signs of activity. With a confused tone, her voice reverberated in Wang Baole's mind.

"Something's not right about this. In my memory, there are other Star Domain realm leaders, as well as numerous cultivators at the Eternal Star realm and Planet realm… In addition, one could only advance to become the core disciple of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace after reaching the Spirit Immortal realm!

"As for the Soul Conduit realm… In my memory, they are merely the most ordinary inner sect disciples…"

Little Missy was somewhat doubtful. After a moment of silence, her voice reverberated in Wang Baole's mind.

"I can only find out the details by sensing it myself when I go over…"

Listening to Little Missy's words, Wang Baole was surprised. Previously, he indeed felt that the Vast Expanse Dao Palace was weak. However, right now, after listening to Little Missy, he couldn't help but take a deep breath. In reality, after entering the Dark Planet, Wang Baole gained a complete understanding of the entire cultivation system. He knew how powerful the leader of the Star Domain realm was.

According to the records of the Dark Sect, elites like them held the power to destroy a galaxy. In addition, the Star Domain realm was vast, encompassing countless planets. From this, it could be seen how scary the Star Domain realm leader was.

Since there existed a leader like that on the ancient greenish-bronze sword, it was needless to say for the numerous other Eternal Star realms and Planet realms. That shocked Wang Baole, and his respect towards the ancient greenish-bronze sword grew.

In Wang Baole's shock, Li Xingwen's words were still reverberating as he introduced the masses to the information that the Federation had.

"The location where the Vast Expanse Dao Palace is at is the first region of the sword, and also the part nearest to the sword handle. Based on our understanding, the three Patriarchs of Vast Expanse Dao Palace are Senior Feng Qiuran, Senior Mie Liezi, as well as Senior You Ran. Of them, Senior Feng Qiuran is the one who took the initiative to collaborate with the Federation, to advance together and proceed as one!"

"Senior Mie Liezi, on the other hand, disagreed with it. As for Senior You Ran, he focuses only on Dao and not on matters of mankind." Li Xingwen was more direct in his words, speaking his mind even though Mo Gaozi was beside him. Furthermore, Mo Gaozi didn't seem to disagree with what Li Xingwen said.

As his words reverberated, the eyes of the Federation Seedlings glowed. All of them seemed to be deep in thought. When they first arrived, they already knew some things about the situation on the ancient greenish-bronze sword. Right now, complemented by Li Xingwen's words, they had a clearer interpretation of the entire situation.

That was the case for Wang Baole as well. He immediately realized that Feng Qiuran had a gentle nature. Mo Gaozi, who was beside Duan Muque, was sent by Feng Qiuran. On the other hand, Mie Liezi clearly preferred the idea of devouring and enslaving the Federation.

This means that the teleportation that will happen this time is indeed the first cooperation with the gentle faction… Wang Baole narrowed his eyes and thought about it. At the same time, Duan Muque softly cleared his throat, continuing Li Xingwen's narrative.

"All of you now know what you should know. As for the specific details, it would require all of you to find out by yourselves after you have entered the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. Put simply, all of you are people sent by the Federation to the Vast Expanse Dao Palace for training. I hope that all of you will have a good future there!"

With that, Duan Muque stopped speaking. His facial expressions grew more solemn, and his voice deepened as it spread in all directions.

"However… Do not forget about your missions. Even though Senior Mo Gaozi is right here, I still have to remind everyone that you all have two missions!"

"First, after entering the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, you must all go according to Senior Feng Qiuran's arrangements and support him as best as you can… Second, try your best to expose yourselves to as many cultivation techniques as possible, and teleport those cultivation techniques back using this teleportation array formation!" After he had finished speaking, Duan Muque greeted Mo Gaozi, who was beside him, with cupped fists.

Mo Gaozi, who had been expressionless from the start, now laughed, returning the greeting to Duan Muque as a sign of understanding. He didn't speak, but there were thoughts running through his mind. In reality, he had interacted with the Federation often, and it could be said that most of the cultivation civilization on Earth was driven by him, Mo Gaozi.

In these several tens of years, as he watched the rapid advancement of civilization on Earth and the emergence of Nascent Soul realms like himself, he was surprised. After all, before this, he had arrived on Earth with a mission. He had never thought that in tens of years, the immortal cultivation on Earth would reach the state it was now.

This was a rare occurrence, based on his memories of history. It simply meant that perhaps Earth was a more suitable place for cultivation than the Vast Expanse Tribe!

That was especially so in terms of caliber. After years of research, he found that earthlings, in general, had above average caliber. This alone was scary, and he couldn't help but ponder about what kind of place the Solar System was years ago, such that it bred this group of people.

This drove him to suggest the collaboration and advancement project to Feng Qiuran with confidence and backing. At the same time, as he was emotionally vested in Earth, he hoped to see that Earth would have a strong foundation. This could also address the Federation's efforts and concerns.

Duan Muque and Li Xingwen looked at each other after receiving Mo Gaozi's approval, and they heaved a sigh of relief as their hearts were filled with gratitude. However, personal emotions couldn't affect the fate of the entire Federation. Therefore, Duan Muque still needed to talk about what was necessary.

"It has only been tens of years since the beginning of the Federation's immortal cultivation era. The Spirit Qi appears unlimited, but it is actually limited. It is the factor that has the biggest impact on whether we advance. Cultivation techniques are also extremely important. All of you should remember this!

"At the same time, the Federation won't take your contributions without remuneration. I hereby promise that anyone here that teleports ten cultivation techniques will advance in Noble by one level!"

"In addition, once you have completed this round of further cultivation and return from it, resources will be given in excess according to your contributions!" Duan Muque's words were decisive. Furthermore, with Li Xingwen and the various factions as witnesses, it showed the Federation's desire for cultivation techniques.

The Federation Seedlings who were standing on the pillars felt a torrent of emotions as they understood the importance of this matter, and remembered whatever they had been told by heart. At the same time, there were many, such as Li Yi, who were hyperventilating. From their eyes, the look of ambition was evident.

Of them, the one who was most ambitious, and the one who was filled with the most enthusiasm, was no doubt Wang Baole. A wave of thoughts seemed to have arisen in his mind the moment he heard Duan Muque's words. His eyes widened, and there was only one thought bouncing around his mind, seemingly becoming the crash of thunder.

"Noble Advancement! Noble Advancement!"

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Chapter 495: Arrival on the Ancient Greenish-Bronze Sword!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Ten cultivation techniques and I can advance a rank. I'm now Secondary Rank Two, and I would only need thirty cultivation techniques to become Primary Rank One! No, it's forty cultivation techniques. The last ten are to allow me to surpass Primary Rank One to become President!

Forty cultivation techniques!

Wang Baole felt as if he was about to explode. He was boiling hot, and his eyes were about to turn green. The blood in his body was flowing rapidly. The journey to the ancient greenish-bronze sword this time was perhaps the last step to him becoming Federation President!

The feeling of his dream almost becoming a reality almost made Wang Baole laugh heartily out loud. However, he quickly got a hold of himself. There were so many other people around, and if the cultivation techniques they submitted were repeated, how would they be judged? Would they all not be able to advance in rank?

While Wang Baole was thinking about this issue, Duan Muque's voice was heard again.

"Next, each of you would receive a unique voice transmission jade slip. Other than sending voice transmissions, this jade slip can also be used for recording purposes. At the same time, it was created with the help of Senior Mo Gaozi, and it allows you to access the regional Spirit Internet on the ancient greenish-bronze sword."

"This Spirit Internet is the best mode of communication for all of you. In addition, for every cultivation technique that you send, you have to record it down on the Spirit Internet. This way, others will not send the same cultivation technique. The Federation will only recognize the first unique cultivation technique sent!" With that, Duan Muque looked towards Li Xingwen.

Li Xingwen remained silent. After confirming that he had nothing to add on, Duan Muque took a deep breath, raising his right hand and waving it.

"Right now, the teleportation will begin. Everyone, I hereby wish you a smooth-sailing journey through the skies and a safe return!"

As Duan Muque's words reverberated, a loud sound emerged from the teleportation array formation. Every single pillar vibrated, and the surrounding crystals shimmered rapidly. Gradually, the glow from the crystals grew increasingly brilliant, until it became a sea of light, enveloping every single person, as well as the entire area of the ground.

It was also at this time when Duan Muque, Li Xingwen, and Mo Gaozi rose to the skies, sitting with crossed legs in three different directions. They sealed their hands, unleashing their cultivation and officially activating the array formation!

At that moment, all eyes were on them!

At that moment, a new chapter of the Federation's Spirit Inception Era began!

At that moment, teleportation began!

A huge light ray shot up into the air from Mercury. It shook the planet, and at the same time, it formed a circular wave that spread throughout the planet.

Looking at it from afar, this was an extremely astonishing scene. At the same time, numerous military cruisers could be seen in space beyond Mercury. They appeared to be arranged by the Federation, just in case something awry happened.

At the moment the teleportation began, which was also the time where all the forces arranged by the Federation were in full force, the array formation of the Solar System was maximally boosted.

It was all put in place so that the Federation could destroy the teleportation array formation the moment an accident appeared, in order to prevent any further teleportation from happening!

Wang Baole and the other Federation Seedlings knew about it all. They were clear that the danger of this trip wasn't just present on the sword. In reality, the most dangerous moment was the moment they were teleported. All the judgments and deductions proved the Vast Expanse Dao Palace's sincerity in collaborating with the Federation, but human emotions were ultimately the most unpredictable.

Therefore, even after confirming it repeatedly, the Federation still made full-proof preparations. The moment the teleportation occurred, even the numerous Anti-Spirit Bombs under the teleportation array formation were being put on standby. They would immediately be activated with just a word from Duan Muque, Li Xingwen, or anyone.

At the same time, all the cultivators in and outside Mercury were on high alert. Even Li Xingwen and Duan Muque were extremely vigilant. They looked at the light beam that shot into the sky, one of them moving nearer to Mo Gaozi, while the other moved backwards to prepare to act quickly should the need arise.

Thankfully, during the fifteen-minute-long teleportation process, nothing peculiar happened to either Mo Gaozi or the teleportation array formation. In addition, according to the agreement between the Federation and Mo Gaozi, the first teleportation episode would only involve one party. Therefore, as the light beam slowly diminished and was finally extinguished, Li Xingwen and Duan Muque heaved a heavy sigh of relief, having made sure that nothing untoward had happened.

Simultaneously, the array formation of the Solar System ran numerous scans to ensure that all was well. It was only then that the cruisers outside Mercury were no longer on alert. The various elites all heaved a sigh of relief, but in order to prevent any accidents from happening, the Anti-Spirit Bombs beneath Mercury were still on standby. They weren't to be deactivated, and Li Xingwen would also stay on guard on Mercury.

A new chapter shall now begin for the Federation… After everything had been tuned down from an alert state, Duan Muque and Mo Gaozi took their leave. At that time, Li Xingwen, who was sitting with his legs crossed outside the array formation, raised his head to look at the sun—gazing at the vast sun, as well as the huge ancient greenish-bronze sword on it, a look of anticipation was seen in his eyes.

Little fatty, don't disappoint me. Come back… safely!

At the same time, Li Wan'er emerged from seclusion. She had achieved a breakthrough from the Foundation Establishment realm and had entered the Core Formation realm. However, she would naturally not be able to meet Wang Baole. All she could do was look in the direction of Mercury, as she stayed silent for a long time.

Liu Daobin and Lin Tianhao, as well as the friends and families of the Federation Seedlings, were all looking at the sun at the same time from different locations. They gazed at the ancient greenish-bronze sword on the sun, eagerly awaiting their return one day, and wishing for their success.

Wang Baole's parents were also amongst them. Before Wang Baole left for Mercury, he had already notified them that he would make the journey to the ancient greenish-bronze sword. Even though his parents were worried, they also understood that there was nothing they could do about it. Therefore, they could only wish him well, despite their unspoken concerns.

As the friends and family members of Earth's Federation Seedlings had all their attention on the sun, which was burning at such a high temperature that it seemed to be able to set everything on fire, a loud rumble was produced by the ancient greenish-bronze sword that was pierced into it. It was a rumble that hadn't been heard in years!

The rumble originated from the region near the sword handle. Looking from a distance, the space around the sword handle was warping under the high temperature, and a light enveloped the ancient greenish-bronze sword. Its interior couldn't be seen clearly, but the light seemed to be so powerful that it could shield against the sun's heat, allowing the ancient greenish-bronze sword to continue to exist within it.

If it were possible to go through the light now, one would definitely be able to see that the ancient greenish-bronze sword behind it was like a world of its own. It was extremely vast, and there seemed to be no land on it. Instead, it was an astonishingly vast ocean!

This ocean didn't contain water, but fire and lava!

Like a fire that could never be extinguished, this place was burning endlessly. On this sea of fire, there were several islands that were mostly pointed, similar to mountain peaks!

Numerous palaces could also be seen on the islands. At the same time, one could see figures of people flying in mid-air, emerging from the various islands, all charging towards the widest island in the center!

Compared to that island, the surrounding islands were like young children. The central island was a mature hunk, standing there, ferocious and extremely eye-catching.

On that large island, in an area where there was a huge public square, was an ancient teleportation array formation. Right now, that teleportation array formation was glowing brilliantly, causing the various figures to gather there from all directions. There were males and females, young and old, all dressed in ancient long robes that looked different from those on Earth. They all carried different facial expressions. Some were curious, some were filled with anticipation, some were scornful, and some were hostile.

All these gazes were focused on the large teleportation array formation on the public square. As the glow from the teleportation array formation reached its maximum before slowly dimming, numerous figures began to emerge from it!

Initially, those figures were still somewhat blurry. However, as the glow from the teleportation array formation slowly diminished, they began to appear clearer. In the end, when the glow from the teleportation array formation had completely dissipated, the figures of the Federation Seedlings could be seen clearly.

They slowly awakened the moment the teleportation process was completed. It felt like a dream to them. The previous moment, they were still in the Federation, but in the next, they had already reached the ancient greenish-bronze sword. At the same time, the side effects of this long-distance teleportation were felt at their maximum immediately. Signs of dizziness, nausea, and malaise all appeared at once.

Instantly, many almost tripped and fell. They all looked at their surroundings with their faces pale and their breathing unsteady. Their hearts throbbed vigorously, and amongst them, only Wang Baole stood without moving. He could completely withstand the side effects of the teleportation process. Therefore, he was the first to awaken amongst the crowd and the first to notice the look of the faces of the people around him.

They should all be the cultivators from the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. However, I dislike their gaze! Wang Baole uncontrollably narrowed his eyes as he grew alert of his surroundings. He slowly activated the storage bracelet on his right hand, making preparations to activate his Dharmic Armaments should anything untoward happen.

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Chapter 496: First Entry Into the Dao Palace!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

As the Federation Seedlings gradually awakened, like Wang Baole, all of them began to notice the people around them. They all grew alert and subconsciously moved towards each other. Somehow, be it willingly or not, they all gathered behind Wang Baole.

Everyone here had left their homes and stepped onto the piece of foreign ground that was the ancient greenish-bronze sword. Therefore, they needed to seek solace in each other's company. At the same time, even though they were unwilling to admit it, Wang Baole was no doubt the most capable. At that moment, Wang Baole's presence had instantly become an indicator of leadership without needing any words to explain it.

That was especially so for Kong Dao, Zhuo Yifan, and Zhao Yameng. Even though the three of them were elites on their own, at that moment, they still stuck by Wang Baole, looking at the surrounding cultivators from the Vast Expanse Dao Palace with vigilance.

Instantly, silence filled the entire teleportation array formation.

However, the silence didn't last long amongst the Vast Expanse Dao Palace cultivators, who were each experiencing different emotions. Soon, a rainbow emerged quickly from the mountain peak a distance away. It arrived so quickly that it created wind and thunder. Looking at it from a distance, one could see a person dressed in a blue Daoist robe, with flashes of lightning accompanying him, arriving at the speed of light.

As the loud boom reverberated and the sound of thunder grew louder, that person arrived in mid-air above the teleportation array formation, stopping. He was a middle-aged man, carrying an expressionless look. At the same time, waves of cultivation aura unique to a Nascent Soul realm cultivator emerged continuously from him, causing the space around him to warp.

The surrounding Vast Expanse Dao Palace disciples immediately greeted him with cupped fists, even though they didn't say anything. However, based simply on his cultivation and the reaction of the disciples, it could be seen that this person was of high status.

Wang Baole and company also raised their heads to look at the person who had just arrived. When their eyes met, Wang Baole held his breath. He felt that the man's eyes were like a sharp blade, causing his heart and mind to tremble.

As Wang Baole trembled and the other Federation Seedlings hyperventilated, the middle-aged man in mid-air retracted his gaze and began to speak calmly.

"Federation cultivators, Elder Feng is waiting for all of you at the Heavenly Questions Pavilion. Follow me right now!" The middle-aged man turned, stepping into mid-air as he moved towards the mountain peak. Looking from a distance, his hair was blowing in the wind, making this middle-aged man dressed in ancient robes seem like a mythical god that exuded an indescribable elegance.

Wang Baole narrowed his eyes and cupped his fists immediately. The other Federation Seedlings behind him followed suit. After that, with Wang Baole leading the way, all of them flew out. They followed the middle-aged man into mid-air towards the mountain peak, under the unfriendly gazes of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace cultivators.

As they rose to the skies, they saw a bird's eye view of the entire area. The skies were the color of fire, and even though it was lit, it was a blur, as if a veil was covering it. If they took a closer look, they could see that beyond the veil of the sky, there were flames rolling vigorously.

The ground consisted of a sea of fire and lava that gave off a heatwave in all directions. The entire world was like a gigantic steaming basket, making it difficult for one to breathe. However, it was also here that a level of Spirit Qi that was several times more concentrated than on Earth could be felt.

Even though the Spirit Qi didn't liquefy, it was extremely concentrated and seemed to be completely different in terms of quality to that on Earth. Wang Baole only took a few deep breaths and was shocked. The absorption of the Spirit Qi by their bodies, as well as their desire for it, made everyone tempted and surprised, and their eyes glowed brightly.

It seemed that the cultivation techniques that they had trained in and their cultivation were very suitable for the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, which was on the ancient greenish-bronze sword. Therefore, despite the high temperature, it was still a haven for cultivation for all of them, one that was even better than the Federation!

On top of that, the numerous islands on the fire sea caused Wang Baole and the other people to be shaken. No matter how they looked at it, the islands seemed more like mountain peaks, with the rest of the mountains buried under the fire sea. Only the tips of the mountains weren't submerged, and that formed the islands.

The island they were on was apparently the largest one in the region. It could also be said that it was once an astonishingly large mountain and that there existed numerous palaces on this mountain peak, covering it densely from the bottom to the top. The locations where the palaces were built seemed random, yet profound and intentional at the same time.

At the same time, the three halls on the mountain peak were especially eye-catching. They looked identical and were located at the highest point of the mountain. If one stood there, they could get a bird's eye view of all the smaller islands.

Behind the three halls was a huge rock, which had a wilted ancient tree growing on it. The ancient tree was leafless and only had thick branches spread wide in all directions. An astounding suppressive force was being given off from within it, and it also seemed to surpass the three great halls, becoming the god of the island and the mountain peak!

Even though the large tree had wilted, just by looking at its branches, it was imaginable that before it began to wilt, it was covered in leaves and definitely looked majestic and imposing.

This was what Wang Baole and company saw when they were in the skies. Even though there wasn't anything particularly special about the layout of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, they were still shocked by everything they saw.

The journey from the bottom to the top of the mountain was accompanied by a large number of auras given off continuously from the mountain peaks of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. The weakest of the auras were representative of the Core Formation realm, and occasionally, the aura of a Nascent Soul realm could be felt. That was especially so inside the palace where the mountain peak was at. There were three streams of force that were similar to that of heaven's power that were so strong that they gripped one in shock.

It was as if three gods existed on that mountain peak. That made Wang Baole hold his breath, and the Federation Seedlings behind him, including Zhao Yameng and company, also felt their hearts beat rapidly. They moved even closer to Wang Baole.

Compared to the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, the Federation is weak… Therefore, this cooperation is unequal. The Federation must be betting that this so-called Light Faction is indeed forming an alliance with the Federation willingly! Wang Baole narrowed his eyes. He hummed and heaved a sigh of relief, as based on his judgment, it would have been more suspicious if the other party had been courteous to them from the moment they arrived.

Even if the low-level cultivators weren't courteous but were treating them equally, it would have put Wang Baole on high alert. Therefore, the disregard and hostility he experienced from most of the other Vast Expanse Dao Palace cultivators seemed normal.

Let's see if I have the chance to test the waters… As Wang Baole thought, everyone silently followed the middle-aged man until they reached the mountain peak and arrived at the Heavenly Questions Pavilion in the middle.

The pavilion was vast and filled with an aura that was similar to a giant beast laying in ambush. It was so strong that it was able to shock the heavens and earth, and it made all of the Federation Seedlings nervous. After arriving, they didn't wait long before the gate of the Heavenly Questions Hall opened up. As it opened, an authoritative voice emerged from within the pavilion.

"Federation cultivators, enter the hall and make your greetings!"

The voice reverberated in everyone's ears. Wang Baole took a deep breath and was the first to step out into the hall. The moment he stepped in, he immediately saw that there were three seats at the top of the hall. Right now, there were three people sitting in them. Of the three people, the person in the middle was a middle-aged woman, who looked beautiful despite her age. She was clad in a colorful dress and appeared extremely elegant. Her gaze was gentle as she looked at Wang Baole and the other Federation Seedlings that followed behind.

On the left of this woman was a skinny middle-aged cultivator dressed in a black robe. He was expressionless, and his body was similar to that of a skeleton. His gaze was empty, which sent a chill down one's spine as if their spirits were also trembling with fear.

On her right was an elder. He had his eyes shut, as if in meditation. He seemed disinterested in the Federation Seedlings who had arrived.

Other than the three of them, there were also eight cultivators, a mix of young and old, men and women. They were all looking at Wang Baole and company. The middle-aged man who had led them here was amongst them.

At the same time, the young men and women who seemed to be of similar age to Wang Baole and company, and were beside the three leaders, didn't appear to have the opportunity to take a seat. Their cultivation levels seemed to be that of late-stage Core Formation realm, but the fact that they could stand beside the trio of leaders showed that they too held a high position. Wang Baole swept his gaze on them and seemed to have concluded that they were also disciples.

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Chapter 497: Your Mother Is…?

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Based on what he understood so far, Wang Baole immediately guessed that the three leaders must be Daoists Feng Qiuran, Mie Liezi, and You Ran, with the lady being Feng Qiuran.

The disciples standing behind them all carried the same facial expression as Feng Qiuran and company. The two behind You Ran had their eyes shut, apparently in deep thought, while the two behind Feng Qiuran, though expressionless, still carried a look of kindness in their eyes.

There was only one person beside Mie Liezi. He looked to be younger than thirty years old, and he appeared cold and unapproachable as he cast a contemptuous gaze on Wang Baole and the others.

Even though he had some basic understanding of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, Wang Baole still sighed in his heart when he noticed the situation. He felt troubled, as knowing was different from seeing it with his own eyes and experiencing things first hand. He was somewhat frustrated at the mission he had to carry out this time.

Zhao Yameng, Zhuo Yifan, and the other Federation Seedlings had the same thoughts as him. They all lowered their heads, their hearts experiencing a myriad of emotions. Inevitably, there were some who had begun to regret their decision, feeling that it was perhaps better if they had chosen not to come.

"Don't the cultivators from the Federation have some manners? There are mighty figures here, and all of you aren't greeting them? A low class and uncultured bunch indeed." While all the Federation Seedlings lowered their heads nervously, a Nascent Soul realm elder sitting in the lower seat laughed and spoke calmly.

That elder had a head full of long red hair that was extremely eye-catching. He looked very unfriendly, and his tone was scornful.

The moment he spoke, Feng Qiuran furrowed her eyebrows, somewhat unhappy, though she didn't chide him for it. Those words, coupled with the ambiance, made every single Federation Seedling who was hearing and seeing it uneasy. They felt insulted, and the rhythm of their breathing also changed.

Without a doubt, the comment that they were low class and uncultured was too hard to swallow.

Zhao Yameng clenched her fists, while Zhuo Yifan narrowed his eyes. Kong Dao made the most obvious show of unhappiness, with an aura of ferocity emanating out from him. Despite falling short in terms of his level of cultivation, he had the necessary show of might. On the other hand, while some of the other Federation Seedlings still hung their heads low, most of them chose to lift their heads up and put on an attitude that showed that they weren't to be belittled.

Wang Baole didn't give off any aura. In reality, he had kept his head up high without lowering it from the beginning. Now, as he listened to the elder's words, he threw a gaze at the elder as he muttered in his heart that this Nascent Soul realm cultivator was just a small fry. He was no one to be afraid of for him, someone who had killed many other Nascent Soul realm cultivators before.

With that thought, Wang Baole took a deep breath and stepped forward in the quiet hall, greeting the three Soul Conduit Elders on the higher seat with cupped fists.

"I am Wang Baole, a Federation envoy. I have been appointed by the President to lead my fellow cultivators from the Federation to come on board the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and pay a visit to the three seniors here!" Wang Baole spoke loud and clearly, putting extra emphasis on the term 'Federation envoy'.

As his voice reverberated, the Federation Seedlings standing behind him all took a deep breath, greeting Feng Qiuran and the other two figures with cupped fists.

"Cultivators?" As Wang Baole spoke, a scornful remark was heard from someone near the higher seats. The person who was speaking wasn't from the trio that consisted of Feng Qiuran. Rather, it was the youth standing beside Mie Liezi who carried a scornful look.

"Liang Long, how unruly of you!" A chilly look flashed across Feng Qiuran's eyes as she spoke emotionlessly. That youth named Liang Long immediately responded by cupping his fists at Feng Qiuran, as well as his Master, Mie Liezi.

"I admit my mistake. However, hearing these unintelligent beings address themselves as cultivators like us makes me feel so uncomfortable that I have forgotten my bearings. Please punish me, Elder and Master!"

This time, without waiting for Feng Qiuran, Mie Liezi, who was sitting beside him, began to speak.

"Elder Feng, I will discipline my own disciple! Liang Long, you are to go into seclusion for a month as punishment!"

"Yes, Master!" Liang Long bowed towards Mie Liezi with cupped fists. When he raised his head to look at Wang Baole, he looked even more scornful. Feng Qiuran, who was sitting at the side, was now looking at Mie Liezi with a peculiar look in his eyes. The entire hall was instantly filled with a tense atmosphere.

Wang Baole and the Federation Seedlings, having been insulted twice since their arrival at the hall, were all silent as they buried their unhappiness in their hearts. Many of them responded by clenching their fists, as they were unable to release their anger and could only keep it suppressed.

A chilly look also appeared in Wang Baole's eyes. He was a hot-tempered person and had a strong backing, especially with Little Missy around. Furthermore, based on his judgment, the fact that Duan Muque had sent them here meant that he had a certain level of confidence that there shouldn't be any major compromises to their safety despite the possibility of danger.

Even though he was not fully confident, he felt that if the Federation Seedlings simply swallowed their pride in response to the way they had been treated, there would definitely be similar insults being hurled at them in the future. Rather than keeping silent each time, it might be better to express it and use the chance to ascertain the Vast Expanse Dao Palace's attitude towards this collaboration.

With that thought, Wang Baole's anger intensified. With a flash appearing in his eyes, he set his target at Liang Long, who was beside Mie Liezi. He raised his leg and took a step forward.

"Junior here has once read an autobiography when I was in the Federation. It was mentioned in the autobiography that everyone uses double standards to treat themselves, as well as the people around them.

"I had once thought that such attitudes only existed within the Federation. However, today, Junior here has realized that attitudes like that are also being exhibited here!"

"My fellow Federation cultivators and I have just arrived and have not physically adjusted to the new environment, which made us feel uneasy. However, because of that, we have been reprimanded for being rude, and Fellow Daoist Liang Long here even interrupted me while I was greeting the three elders. Is that what is meant by being respectful here? I would like to ask Fellow Daoist Liang Long his reason for interrupting me!" As Wang Baole spoke, most of the Federation Seedlings standing behind him were shocked as they felt a torrent of emotions. However, there were also a small group of people like Li Yi who were angered by Wang Baole, as they felt that he had made a wrong move.

To them, matters like these would pass if they simply bore with it. There was no need to blow matters up the moment they arrived.

Wang Baole wasn't done speaking his mind. After expressing his anger, he took a deep breath as he greeted Feng Qiuran, who was on the higher seat, with cupped fists again.

"Senior Qiuran, Junior here didn't manage to suppress my anger after hearing the insult that we are dimwits. Please excuse me."

As Wang Baole spoke, everyone in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace instantly turned their attention towards Wang Baole. A glow flashed across their eyes as their gaze stayed on Wang Baole. It seemed that most of them had never imagined that the people from the Federation would dare to speak so impolitely despite having just arrived. That was especially so for Feng Qiuran, who was now looking at Wang Baole with a peculiar gaze in her eyes.

"How audacious!" With everyone's eyes still on Wang Baole, the red-haired Nascent Soul realm cultivator who was in the lower seat snorted, his voice similar to Heavenly Thunder as it shook the entire place. At the same time, Liang Long, who was behind Mie Liezi, laughed contemptuously as he heard Wang Baole speaking about him. He opened his mouth to speak in response.

"You…" However, even before he could finish his sentence, Wang Baole's cultivation was unleashed. As a loud boom reverberated, his body seemed to have transformed into a small hurricane that spread in all directions, and he turned abruptly to look at that red-haired Nascent Soul realm cultivator.

"Senior, you are the unruly one for insulting us Federation cultivators for no rhyme or reason!

"As for you, Liang Long, shut up! As the Federation envoy, I, Wang Baole, was representing the Federation to greet the three seniors. This is a form of interaction between two civilizations, and you have no right to interrupt twice and insult us in the process!"

"If you open your mouth again, I'll kill you!" An intention to kill vaguely flashed across Wang Baole's eyes. After that, he cupped his fists and greeted Feng Qiuran again.

"Senior Qiuran, the Federation has been very sincere in this alliance, and our sincerity is obvious. Kong Dao, and everyone else, please introduce yourselves to Senior Qiuran!" As Wang Baole spoke, Kong Dao, who was behind him, immediately greeted Feng Qiuran with cupped fists.

"I am Junior Kong Dao, and my father is Duan Muque, the President of the Federation!"

"I am Junior Zhou Lin, the direct line disciple of Plume Manifestation Connate Sect!"

"I am Junior Fang Mu, and my father is a senator of the Federation Senate!"

"I am Junior…"

Words like these emerged continuously from the mouths of the Federation Seedlings, reverberating in the entire great hall. Zhao Yameng's voice was also heard from somewhere behind Wang Baole.

"I am Junior Zhao Yameng, and my mother is the Governor of the Martian Colony!"

Wang Baole didn't react immediately upon hearing those words. He was about to introduce himself confidently when he suddenly realized what he just heard. He immediately turned, widening his eyes to stare at the expressionless Zhao Yameng while his mind buzzed.

"Your mother is…?"

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Chapter 498: Apologize to Me!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"My mother is the Governor of the Martian Colony!" Zhao Yameng looked at Wang Baole and replied calmly.

If he weren't in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace right now, perhaps Wang Baole would have already jumped up in shock. However, he couldn't react this way in this situation. Therefore, after trying hard to control himself, he turned around and took a deep breath before speaking loudly again.

"I am Junior Wang Baole. It has been less than ten years since I began my journey as a cultivator. As of now, my cultivation level stands at the peak of early-stage Core Formation realm, and I am the lead disciple of the four great Dao Colleges of the Federation. I am the leader of the tens of thousands of Dao College disciples and the leader of the Martian special regional city. There are millions of cultivators working under me, with many of them being in the True Breath realm or Foundation Establishment realm. I only need to send an order, and they would all obey!

"Senior Qiuran, most of us have been cultivating for less than ten years, having reached our levels in the settings of the Federation, where Spirit Qi is weak. At the same time, all of us have prominent statuses in the Federation. Amongst us, there is the son of the Federation President, the daughter of the Martian Colony Governor, as well as the disciples from the various factions. Right now, under the order of the Federation, all of us have come to carry out our duty. All this represents the Federation's sincerity, and the right for the Federation to form a union with the Vast Expanse Dao Palace!"

"However, we have been insulted today. For this matter, I would like Senior Qiuran to be the judge!" As Wang Baole spoke, he bowed deeply towards Feng Qiuran with cupped fists.

Despite feeling agitated, the Federation Seedlings behind him were still a little uneasy. They cursed under their breaths, but since Wang Baole had already made his statement, people like Li Yi still cupped their fists, no matter how unwilling they are.

"Please be our judge, Senior Qiuran!"

As the voices of the Federation Seedlings reverberated in the hall, everyone from the Vast Expanse Dao Palace fell silent. Even the red-haired Nascent Soul realm quickened his breathing. He still looked down on the Federation Seedlings, but it was undeniable that he felt the Federation's sincerity to collaborate. Despite being unhappy with Feng Qiuran's arrangement, he understood that he had no right to speak right now.

The other people, who were displeased as well, also chose to stay silent. It was clear that Wang Baole's words were incisive and impactful. It was also reasonable, neither haughty nor submissive. It made everyone speechless, and also cast a lasting impression of Wang Baole in their minds.

Mie Liezi didn't react or speak, while Daoist You Ran kept his eyes shut. However, a smile appeared on Feng Qiuran's face as her eyes lit up. A look of admiration towards Wang Baole was clear from her eyes. Tens of years ago, she still had the ability to suppress the rebellious voices from the sect in situations like these. Right now, however, even her subordinates were beginning to sense that the power of the entire sect was beginning to fall towards Mie Liezi.

That was why she was so laid back. However, Wang Baole's words rekindled hope in her, and at the same time, she could sense the Federation's sincerity. After all, it was impossible to lie about the background of these people. It was easy to know whether whatever they said was true simply by paying a small price and enlisting Mo Gaozi's help.

Furthermore, she believed that Wang Baole wouldn't lie about this matter. Even if he was lying, she would find a way to turn the lies into truths. On the other hand, if everything was true, it would boost her confidence.

"Chi Lin and Liang Long, the two of you… Apologize!" With that thought, Feng Qiuran suddenly spoke. Despite being a woman, her voice carried a decisive tone. The red-haired cultivator on the lower seat remained silent for a while. Suppressing his unhappiness, he had wanted to perfunctorily apologize, but before he could do that, Wang Baole took a step forward and took the initiative to greet the red-haired cultivator with cupped fists.

"There is no need for Senior to go through all that effort. Junior here was too sensitive just now, and I hope Senior won't take offense at that." Wang Baole's words caused Feng Qiuran's eyes to light up once again. This time, a flash could be seen even in Mie Liezi's eyes, and his gaze fell on Wang Baole for the first time since his arrival.

A complicated look appeared in the eyes of the other Nascent Soul realm cultivators. The red-haired cultivator looked at Wang Baole intently and suddenly laughed.

"What a capable young man. I hereby hope all of you meet with opportunities in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and reap great returns!"

"Thank you, Senior!" Wang Baole courteously greeted the red-haired cultivator again. This action of his significantly relieved the tension in the great hall. His tactful manner, and the fact that he knew when to give and take, changed the incisive impression that he had cast in other people's minds previously.

This change left a deep impression of Wang Baole in the minds of the people. However, Wang Baole didn't go easy on Liang Long. In reality, if his level of cultivation were high enough, he wouldn't go easy even on the red-haired Nascent Soul realm. Therefore, after adjusting his posture, a provocative look appeared in Wang Baole's eyes as he looked towards Liang Long, who was beside Mie Liezi.

Liang Long looked solemn as he couldn't accept having to apologize to the Federation cultivators. He turned to look at Mie Liezi, his Master, who spoke after a brief moment of silence.

"Apologize."

That word caused Liang Long to rage as he looked at Wang Baole. There was an extreme look of unhappiness in his eyes, but he could only bear with it. He took a deep breath and spoke unwillingly.

"Wrong!" With that, he turned his head. His heart was filled with hostility, and he felt that this was a great insult to him.

However, Wang Baole was determined to get back at him. Furthermore, he was unwilling to let go of the advantage that he now had. He raised his eyebrows upon hearing those words.

"Who's wrong? Me?"

"You!" Liang Long abruptly turned his head upon hearing those words, and he looked at Wang Baole with intense hostility.

"What? If you're unhappy, let's engage in battle. I'll show you what I'm capable of!" Wang Baole stared hard at Liang Long and snorted.

Liang Long gritted his teeth, the intention to kill in his eyes intensifying. He was about to speak again when Mie Liezi snorted, standing up and stepping out of the great hall. Liang Long felt a chill in his heart as he realized that his Master was unhappy at him. Therefore, he bitterly greeted Wang Baole with cupped fists.

"I… I'm wrong!" With that, he lowered his head and swiftly left with his Master. His desire to kill Wang Baole was intensified to the maximum at that moment.

Wang Baole narrowed his eyes as he looked at Liang Long leave. A similar intention to kill flashed in the depths of his eyes.

I must find a chance to kill this fella. If not, trouble would occur sooner or later!

Two others at the Nascent Soul realm left together with Mie Liezi. Daoist You Ran also opened his eyes and nodded his head at Feng Qiuran, taking his leave together with his disciples and two Nascent Soul realm cultivators. Soon, only Feng Qiuran and her subordinates remained in the great hall.

There were a total of four Nascent Souls, with the red-haired Chi Lin being one of them!

Wang Baole constricted his pupils. He exchanged gazes with Zhuo Yifan, Zhao Yameng, and Kong Dao, but didn't speak.

With the other people gone, the smile on Feng Qiuran's face became even more welcoming as she looked at the Federation Seedlings and Wang Baole.

"Wang Baole, please don't mind what happened. Not everyone in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace acknowledges the Federation. Perhaps this is a situation that we need to change together.

"All of you can stay in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace in peace. I have already made the necessary arrangements. From now on, all of you are disciples of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace as well. However, there are three matters that you must understand clearly.

"First, there are similarities between the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and the Federation. However, there are also different rules and regulations. Everything here is to be exchanged using battle credits. In principle, as long as you have sufficient battle credits, you can exchange them for any Vast Expanse Dao Palace item to increase your cultivation!

"Second, according to the original agreement with the Federation, all of you can send the cultivation techniques that you have obtained here back to the Federation. We do not forbid that, but… Right now, the situation is slightly different in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. Therefore, it is impossible to allow you to send it back without compensation. As such, for every cultivation technique you send back, one thousand battle credits would be involved!

"At the same time, obtaining cultivation techniques also requires battle credits. There are many cultivation techniques in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace which can be exchanged using a thousand to millions of battle credits."

"Therefore, your focus here should be on the battle credits… In order to obtain the battle credits, you must complete the various missions released by the sect or make some unique contributions." With that, Feng Qiuran paused, her gaze sweeping past Wang Baole and the other people.

"All of you have just arrived and are foundational disciples. Everyone will obtain a cultivation technique known as the Vast Expanse Skill. This is the basic cultivation technique of the Foundation Establishment realm in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, and it is suitable for all of you to cultivate.

"Arrangements have also been made for all of you. You will be spread out across the various islands outside Vast Expanse Dao Palace. I hope that all of you will work hard to improve your cultivation and integrate into the Vast Expanse Dao Palace!"

With that, Feng Qiuran looked at Wang Baole with a look of admiration that she didn't bother to hide.

"As for Wang Baole, as the only Core Formation realm cultivator amongst the Federation's cultivators, I won't give you the Vast Expanse Skill. Instead, you will be given a thousand battle credits that you can use to exchange for anything of your choice in the Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber!"

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Chapter 499: Lightning Immortal Transformation!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

With the arrangements made by Feng Qiuran, the Federation Seedlings didn't have the chance to communicate their thoughts with one another before they were brought away by Feng Qiuran's subordinates. Everyone was given a Vast Expanse Dao Palace Daoist robe, as well as information and a map of the sect. As they were each brought away, only Wang Baole remained in the peak of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. Feng Qiuran seemed to have other plans and didn't immediately assign a place for Wang Baole to go. Instead, she had her disciples bring Wang Baole into the suite of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace.

The Vast Expanse Dao Palace was vast and had many suites. However, they were usually unoccupied. Typically, only returning disciples from the outer islands would stay in them for several days.

Therefore, it was very quiet when Wang Baole was being led into the region where the suites were. Only a few Vast Expanse Dao Palace disciples were seen occasionally.

Regardless of whether it was the people who brought him there or the Vast Expanse Dao Palace disciples in the region where the suites were, they all viewed Wang Baole—the cultivator from Earth's Federation—with contempt, despite not showing it on their faces. Compared to the sheltered disciples who had spent their entire lives cultivating on the ancient greenish-bronze sword, Wang Baole's profile and experience far surpassed the, even if it might be too much of an exaggeration to call him a sly fox.

Therefore, Wang Baole could sense the contempt in their hearts very clearly.

These weaklings. If we were to really fight, I could easily terminate tens of them! Wang Baole snorted in his heart and didn't pay further attention to them. After returning to his assigned suite, he immediately took out the regional Spirit Internet jade slip given to him by Duan Muque and contacted Zhuo Yifan and the others.

The regional Spirit Internet jade slip was indeed miraculous. It also worked the way Duan Muque had described, allowing the Federation Seedlings to use it on the ancient greenish-bronze sword. Put simply, it had two functions. One was to send an intended recipient a voice transmission, and the other was to allow a chat group to be established. Right now, as Wang Baole opened up the jade slip, many others were already conversing with each other.

Most of them were talking about the islands they had been sent to, while some of them were still on the way to their assigned islands that were further away. In addition, as they had just arrived, most of them were nervous and agitated. Therefore, the group chats were refreshed quickly.

At the same time, some people were researching the so-called Vast Expanse Skill. In the group chat, they seemed to be surprised by the cultivation technique. Soon, with an increasing number of people researching the cultivation technique, discussions of the Vast Expanse Skill became the hottest topic.

Looking at everyone discussing the new cultivation technique, Wang Baole also grew anxious.

Everyone has a cultivation technique. If someone is quick to send it back, wouldn't I fall behind?

However, sending it back requires a thousand battle credits, and it's not certain how easy it would be to obtain these thousand battle credits… It shouldn't be easy… With that thought, Wang Baole felt assured. He then planned to go to the so-called Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber to find a cultivation technique that would be suitable for him.

However, before that, there were more important matters to do. With a look of determination, Wang Baole took a deep breath, and after hesitating for a while with the jade slip in his hand, he sent a voice transmission to Zhao Yameng.

"Yameng, are you there…?"

"Speak!" Before long, Zhao Yameng's peaceful voice emerged from the jade slip.

"Haha, the weather is great today, right? So… Your mother is the Martian Colony Governor?" Despite having asked that question before, Wang Baole was still very shocked by it and instinctively raised the question again.

"What's the matter? You don't approve of it?" A hint of sharpness could be sensed in Zhao Yameng's calm tone.

Hearing the slight hostility in Zhao Yameng's voice, Wang Baole instantly felt troubled. In reality, when he was on Mercury, he had already felt that something was amiss. Now, as he found out about Zhao Yameng's background, he felt guilty. Therefore, he took a deep breath and spoke gently into the jade slip.

"Yameng, I have to thank you for all the years I have spent on Mars…"

Hearing that sentence, Zhao Yameng fell silent. After a brief moment, she seemed to have calmed down, but what she said next still made Wang Baole's heart skip a beat.

"Other than me, you should also thank Li Wan'er, don't you think?" With that, Zhao Yameng hung up the voice transmission.

"Huh?" Wang Baole widened his eyes. After a long while, he slapped himself on the forehead and let out a long sigh. In reality, the very moment he found out that the Martian Colony Governor was Zhao Yameng's mother, he had a gut feeling that despite the fact that the relationship between him and Li Wan'er was secretive, it was unlikely that it would remain unknown to the Martian Colony Governor.

It seemed like Zhao Yameng knew about it as well.

However… Zhao Yameng and I are brothers. Could it be that… She likes Li Wan'er? Wang Baole laughed bitterly, shaking his head as he sighed. However, very soon, he thought of Jin Duoming, and immediately grit his teeth and widened his eyes.

"Jin Duoming, it seems like you know what is going on. Back when we were in the research facility, he was clearly trying to hoodwink me. Rascal, just you wait!" Wang Baole mumbled and rubbed his glabella. It all felt too mentally exhausting to him, and he decided to not think about it any further. After adjusting his breathing, he noticed that the skies were still bright. He changed into the Daoist robe from the Vast Expanse Dao Palace, deciding to take a stroll outside the suite and head to the Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber while he was at it, the map of the sect in his hands.

The Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber was built behind the mountain, not far away from the forbidden grounds of the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. With the map in his hands, Wang Baole walked through the narrow passageways with hot wind blowing in his face, soon arriving at the Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber.

The Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber was a pentagonal shaped four-story building. There was a bell on the ledge of every floor, ringing crisply in the wind. The chime from the bells seemed to have a miraculous force that calmed Wang Baole down significantly when he heard it. As he neared, the chimes from the bell sounded continuously, and he calmed down completely when he neared.

So miraculous? Wang Baole blinked. He noticed that the door to the Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber was closed and unguarded. Therefore, he took a few steps forward. As he neared, a sliver of Spiritual Sense emerged from the chamber, sweeping past him as if to ascertain his identity, before the door opened automatically.

This made Wang Baole amazed. As he stepped into the Techniques Chamber, he hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed in all directions.

"Disciple Wang Baole hereby greets the Seniors."

However, there was no response even after he had waited for a long time. Wang Baole narrowed his eyes, wondering in his heart about whether the Techniques Chamber was a Dharmic Artifact, and whether the scan that was done just now was conducted by an Artifact Spirit.

Suppressing the doubts in his mind, Wang Baole began to flip through the jade slips placed on the shelves on the first level of the Techniques Chamber. Most of them were about cultivation techniques, with brief descriptions and terms of exchange being written on them. They could mostly be exchanged with a thousand battle credits, but there were also some that required more battle credits.

"Primordial Chaos Conduit Art!"

"Golden Body Dao!"

"Cloud Dragon One Breath Art!"

Wang Baole swiftly picked up the jade slips. The more he read them, the more excited he was. The cultivation techniques that required a thousand battle credits were, to him, on par with the top cultivation techniques in the Ethereal Dao College in terms of quality, and he was only at the first story of the Techniques Chamber.

Wang Baole took a deep breath and went up to the second story, which had a similar layout as the first, with numerous shelves filled with jade slips. There were also three other Vast Expanse Dao Palace disciples other than him there, each of them choosing their own cultivation techniques. They merely cast a quick glance at Wang Baole, who had just arrived, without paying much attention to him.

The cultivation techniques here made Wang Baole even more excited. He realized that any of the cultivation techniques on the second story far exceeded that of the top cultivation techniques of the Ethereal Dao College, and cultivation techniques like those were present in the hundreds here.

There's still the third and fourth story… Wang Baole thought, and he planned to check out what was on the third level. However, the moment he stepped onto the stairs, he was blocked by a softly lit light screen. After interpreting the situation, Wang Baole realized that he was blocked either because he didn't have sufficient rights, or that there were certain requirements in terms of cultivation level.

What a pity. I wonder if there's a chance for me to take a look upstairs. Wang Baole shook his head and decided to stay on the second level. He began to seriously choose a cultivation technique that was suitable for him. He looked at every jade slip in detail and spent a lot of time reading their descriptions, thinking it through before looking at another jade slip.

In this manner, as he picked up the jade slips, time passed quickly, and soon half an hour had gone by. He managed to choose three cultivation techniques that he liked, but he didn't settle on one immediately. Instead, he picked up new jade slips, one after another. However, just as he picked up a new jade slip, Little Missy's soft voice surfaced in his mind.

"Why is this cultivation technique here… Baole, choose this!"

Wang Baole responded and lowered his head to look at the jade slip in his hand. Instantly, the name of the cultivation technique written on the jade slip surfaced before his eyes.

Lightning Immortal Transformation!

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Chapter 500: Battle Credits Are Most Important!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

There was only a single sentence describing this cultivation technique.

The heavens and earth transform with a point of the Lightning Immortal's finger!

It sounded overbearing, but in reality, there were other cultivation techniques which were described in an even more overbearing manner. In addition, the records of the Lightning Immortal Transformation on the jade slip were sorely lacking.

That made Wang Baole hesitate, but as he thought about how dependable Little Missy had always been, he decided to exchange his battle credits for this cultivation technique. Even though Little Missy didn't act consistently regarding the Dark Artifact, Wang Baole still felt that it was probably better for him to not offend Little Missy now that he was on the ancient greenish-bronze sword.

Therefore, seemingly having arrived at a decision, he checked the number of battle credits needed to exchange for the cultivation technique and immediately used a thousand battle credits to unlock it. The moment it was unlocked, his mind buzzed noisily. The shocking aura released from the jade slip rushed into his mind directly, and the complete cultivation technique surfaced and was branded into it.

This Lightning Immortal Transformation consisted of four levels and one technique!

The four levels were similar to the initial-, mid-, late-, and perfected stage of Core Formation. As for the technique, it would be the unique technique for a Core Formation cultivator to break through to the Nascent Soul stage!

The first level was Lightning Complementation!

This level was simple. Once successfully cultivated, one could complement lightning and thunder on their physical bodies as well as their Dharmic treasures in order to boost their powers and numb others. It would be extremely impressive once it was unleashed.

From the second level onwards, things become more mysterious. The second level was named Lightning Avatar, and in reality, it was an avatar formed from lightning. The avatar would carry part of the power of the original person, and once it self-detonated, it would be highly lethal.

The third level was known as the Lightning Escape. True to its name, it used the Thunder Art to further boost one's speed, which by itself was already very fast. It would allow the person cultivating it to reach an astonishing speed. In addition, there was another divine power to the third level, and that was that it could interchange instantly with the Lightning Avatar cultivated from the second level, having a shape-shifting effect to a certain extent!

It could be said that after reaching the third level of the Lightning Immortal Transformation, it would be difficult for one to be killed by their peers. In terms of speed or how bizarrely flexible everything was, it was sufficient to make anyone who cultivated it unpredictable!

The fourth level was known as… The Lightning Immortal Point!

As the last level of the Lightning Immortal Transformation, it could only be cultivated by someone who had perfected Core Formation realm cultivation. Its combat power far exceeded that of the previous three levels and could be viewed as the most powerful trump card of the cultivation technique!

Such an astonishing Lightning Dao cultivation technique should have been cultivated by many people in theory. However, despite there being people who were cultivating it, they weren't present in large numbers. That was because there were two restrictions to this cultivation technique. The first was that one had to choose the Lightning Dao when they were at the Core Formation realm, that way they could smoothly transition into cultivating the Lightning Immortal Transformation after reaching Core Formation realm.

The second restriction was about the incompleteness of the cultivation technique. It lacked a defined method to achieve a breakthrough, and without it, it would be extremely difficult to break through from Core Formation realm to Nascent Soul realm, making it far more challenging than the other cultivation techniques.

Those two factors made both its price and the number of people cultivating it low. After all, there were seven to eight other similarly powerful cultivation techniques like the Lightning Dao on the second story. There were some which were even more powerful, exceeding that of the Lightning Dao cultivation technique. However, those cultivation techniques needed an exorbitant amount of battle credits, in the tens of thousands.

What tempted Wang Baole most was another cultivation technique named Lightning Thearch's Arrival. It was one of the most expensive cultivation techniques on the second level, requiring hundreds of thousands of battle credits.

Everything here requires battle credit… After leaving the Vast Expanse Techniques Chamber, the skies had already turned dark. The sky was transformed by the astonishing array formation on the ancient sword, and day was switching to night. It was now changing towards night time.

Even though there were changes in the color of the sky, the hot winds that blew were still dry. That made Wang Baole, who was looking at his battle credit balance that had now returned to zero, shut his eyes.

Daily cultivation requires exchanging battle credits for pills!

Creating Dharmic Armaments requires exchanging battle credits for materials!

Obtaining cultivation techniques also requires battle credits!

Advancing in rank to become Federation President requires battle credits more than anything!

D*rn it… Perhaps finding a girlfriend in this Vast Expanse Dao Palace also requires battle credits! Wang Baole shook his head. He was determined to obtain battle credits, as they meant everything. However, before that, he still needed to understand more about the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and find time to cultivate the Lightning Immortal Transformation.

As for the incompleteness of this cultivation technique, Wang Baole didn't concern himself too much about it. He was very confident that there would definitely be a way. After all, throughout his entire life, he had fought on with his own efforts.

With that thought, Wang Baole raised his head, proudly thinking about how he had achieved everything by himself despite having a strong background and powerful people supporting him.

"Little Missy, I will have to depend on you for the breakthrough technique that is lacking." Wang Baole sent a voice transmission to Little Missy in his mind. He then returned to his residence, and before sitting with his legs crossed to begin cultivation, he took out a bag of snacks from his storage bracelet. He licked it several times, before putting it back, as he couldn't bear to finish it.

There's another major issue… I must find out if there are any snacks for sale on this ancient greenish-bronze sword…

Time passed by slowly as Wang Baole engaged in cultivation. Soon, half a month went by. During that period of time, Wang Baole cultivated the Lightning Immortal Transformation on one hand, and on the other, he found out more information about the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and the ancient greenish-bronze sword. At the same time, the group chat with all the Federation Seedlings as participants became the main channel where they exchanged information.

Even though everyone had some reservations, and there were conflicts that occurred occasionally, everyone understood that they only had each other to depend on being so far from home.

Therefore, everyone shared the information that they had obtained in the group chat. With everyone's efforts, they all came to gain a better understanding of the ancient greenish-bronze sword and the Vast Expanse Dao Palace.

For example, there were approximately four hundred islands in the entire Vast Expanse Dao Palace, and there were a few million people in total. At the same time, of these four hundred islands, other than the central Dao Palace main island, the other islands were classified according to levels. The best islands were controlled mostly by Nascent Souls, some by Core Formation realm cultivators, while the rest were distributed between the Foundation Establishment realm cultivators and True Breath realm cultivators.

The quality of the islands depended on the amount of Spirit Qi they contained and produced. The Federation Seedlings were scattered on different islands, and while some were secluded, resources could be easily obtained. As for the other Federation Seedlings, they might have been arranged to be under the lead of Core Formation realm cultivators, but the amount of resources they could obtain was also significant.

It seemed that Feng Qiuran put in great effort in making the arrangements. On one hand, the Federation Seedlings were under the protection of the Light Faction. On the other, in terms of obtaining resources, there was no great difference regarding how much one could get. Only people like Kong Dao and Zhao Yameng, who had an advantageous background, could obtain slightly more resources needed for daily cultivation.

Wang Baole was initially not anxious. However, after half a month had passed, and everyone assumed their own roles on the islands they were on, he grew nervous. After all, until now, he was still living in the suite, and the arrangement by the sect hadn't been made known to him.

What is going on… Wang Baole felt troubled. He wanted to find out about the situation, but as it was his first time here, he didn't have friends in the sect. Furthermore, he had spent most of his time so far cultivating, obtaining most of the information through the group chat, and therefore didn't loiter outside much.

Waiting like this won't work… After three days, upon realizing that there was still no arrangement being made known to him, Wang Baole thought about whether he should make use of the time to earn some battle credits.

Therefore, he ended the cultivation process and left his residence. According to the maps, he found the specified location where one could take on missions released by the Vast Expanse Dao Palace. It was a large stone stele standing in the middle of the valley in the Vast Expanse Dao Palace.

Looking from afar, the suppressive force was large, with numerous runes shining brightly on it. A peculiar suppressive force emanated from it, forming a visible wave that spread continuously.

When Wang Baole arrived, there were already many Vast Expanse Dao Palace disciples present there. They were either taking on the missions or were choosing them. The entire place was buzzing with activity.

At the same time, there was no need to physically touch the stone stele. As long as one was within range, they could make use of the suppressive force and waves emerging from the stone stele to take on a mission. Therefore, as Wang Baole neared and entered the valley, his mind buzzed, and numerous options for the missions appeared in his mind.

There were so many missions of various categories. Some involved collecting herbs, some involved finding materials, while some involved creating Dharmic treasures. Every mission gave a different amount of battle credits as a reward. After browsing through it, Wang Baole realized that most of the missions didn't give many battle credits, and there weren't many that gave battle credits above two digits.

So little? Wang Baole frowned. He realized that it was challenging to obtain battle credit. Therefore, he began to look at the higher level missions and noticed a trend.

The missions that gave the most battle credits involved obtaining an identity token. No detailed descriptions were given, with the only instruction being to head towards the body of the ancient greenish-bronze sword that was buried in the sun. One was to obtain the identity tokens of ex-Vast Expanse Dao Palace disciples and exchange them for battle credits.

This mission was posted officially from the Vast Expanse Dao Palace and was valid all year round.

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