Archean Eon Art c1-766

by I Eat Tomatoes, Wo Chi Xi Hong Shi, 我吃西红柿

  Now, he needed to flatten the small mound first!

  His will was constantly tempered by the excruciating pain. A precious sword needed to be tempered; likewise for his will. It was like a saber that was sharpened constantly, making it sharper.

  It was unknown how much time had passed, but the pain his body finally subsided like the tide. Previously, he felt like he was in hell, but with the pain gone, he felt light and ethereal. He felt comfort, extreme comfort. Meng Chuan understood that this was all an illusion. He had gotten used to the pain and torture after experiencing it for a long time. Now that the pain was gone, he felt extremely comfortable.

  Today’s Godfiend body cultivation has ended. Meng Chuan stood up from the bathtub. Quintessential Essence circulated around his body, and the water slid off his body. Following that, he simply put on his robes and walked out with a bounce in his step.

  Creak.

  He opened the wooden door and saw Liu Qiyue walking over. Liu Qiyue smiled and said, “Ah Chuan, you must be hungry. I just made some food for you.”

  Meng Chuan’s heart warmed. He knew Qiyue treated him really well. If he could spend the rest of his life with Qiyue in the future… how wonderful it would be. However, he and Qiyue had to cultivate diligently. Archean Mountain had high expectations for her, considering how she had awakened a phoenix bloodline.

  Neither of them could slack off.

  “I’m really hungry,” said Meng Chuan with a smile. The two of them came to the dining table, where two bowls of rice porridge and some other dishes were placed.

  After Meng Chuan sat down, he immediately had a large mouthful of porridge and found his stomach warm. He nodded. “I don’t usually find porridge this delicious.”

  “Then, I’ll make you some porridge after you’re done cultivating every night.” Liu Qiyue was also eating the porridge when she couldn’t help but ask, “Ah Chuan, are you in such pain when cultivating every night?”

  Meng Chuan smiled and said, “How can it be easy to master a transcendent-grade Godfiend body? Suffering now to become stronger in the future is something I can bear with.”

  “It’s been five days since you’ve completed the Seven Refinement, right?” asked Liu Qiyue.

  “Yes, the fifth day.” Meng Chuan nodded.

  “You refine baneful aura every day?” asked Liu Qiyue.

  “With the help of the medicinal bath, my body will have completely recovered the next day. Of course, I have to cultivate every day,” said Meng Chuan. “I have to make use of my cultivation time.”

  Liu Qiyue couldn’t help but say, “But the Eighth Refinement seems to be very painful. I asked Steward Liu. It takes four hours. Four hours of pain and torture… I don’t think your mind can take it if you experience such torture every day. My master once said that the mind has its limits. Exceeding it can break one’s mind! I think it’s better for you to cultivate every other day and take breaks in between.”

  “Haha,” Meng Chuan laughed. “Qiyue, this is just the Eighth Refinement. The Ninth Refinement requires the Six Desires baneful aura. It’s much more demanding on my will. I’m trying to master the Lightning Devastator Fiend Body’s Ninth Refinement. The Eighth Refinement happens to temper my will through pain.

  “Although I’ll be tired, I still have to persevere. My will is strengthened every time I do this. This is a rare opportunity to temper my will,” said Meng Chuan with a smile. “Why would I take breaks in between my cultivation? By lessening the pressure, the tempering effect will weaken.”

  “Tempering?” Liu Qiyue was stunned.

  She had never expected such a thing. She believed that pain and torture meant hardship; yet, Ah Chuan treated it as another form of cultivation—his willpower cultivation! He was preparing for the Ninth Refinement.

  “This is the fifth day after I began the Eight Refinement. It will last 120 days,” said Meng Chuan. “I believe that after 120 days, my willpower will have improved tremendously. If I can reach the willpower requirements to withstand the Six Desires baneful aura through this, that will be great. However, I estimate that the Six Desires baneful aura has high requirements for willpower. It won’t be that easy.”

  “Ah Chuan, you’re already very impressive,” Liu Qiyue consoled him. “You haven’t been on Archean Mountain for a year, and you’ve already mastered a transcendent-grade Godfiend body and a Black Metal Sutra move.”

  “I haven’t mastered a transcendent-grade Godfiend body,” said Meng Chuan.

  “Once you reach the Seventh Refinement, you will be able to attain a Lightning Devastator Fiend Body at any time,” said Liu Qiyue. “Your cultivation speed is extremely astonishing since you’ve entered the sect. You are faster than Xue Feng and Xiao Yunyue. There’s no need for you to go all out.”

  Meng Chuan turned his head and looked through the window. The night was hazy, and a crescent moon hung in the sky.

  “Qiyue,” said Meng Chuan. “My cultivation is never about competing with others. I don’t even care about Xue Feng or Xiao Yunyue. What’s on my mind are the powerful Godfiends who have left their names in history! I want to catch up to them and even surpass them. Only by matching and exceeding these powerful Godfiends, will I slay all the demons in the world.”

  Liu Qiyue listened dazedly. She had never heard Meng Chuan mention such thoughts before.

  “Slay all the demons in the world?” Liu Qiyue muttered. She was somewhat shocked. It was the dream of all human Godfiends in the past 800 years, but no one could do it.

  “It sounds a little silly,” said Meng Chuan with a smile. “I know I’m overestimating myself. Even Master and the other existences—who have surpassed Regis Godfiends—can’t accomplish it. They are still suppressed by the demons. More and more demons have come to kill humans. All the city passes have had human Godfiends die in battle, but I will continue striving towards this goal.

  “Even if I can’t slay all the demons in the world, I’ll do my best to kill as many as I can,” Meng Chuan said. “As long as I’ve tried my best, I won’t have any regrets even if I die in battle.”

  Liu Qiyue held Meng Chuan’s hand, and solemnly said, “I will accompany you.”

  “Let’s walk alongside each other for the rest of our lives.” Meng Chuan looked at Liu Qiyue. “Either we kill all the demons in the world and bring peace to the world, or we die in battle.”

  Liu Qiyue blushed slightly, but she still nodded. “Let’s fight together.” Following that, Liu Qiyue laughed. “Does this mean you intend to marry me?”

  Meng Chuan looked at her. “Do you agree?”

  “When the demons invaded, I fought at Blazing Sun Castle. When I saw Blazing Sun Castle about to be breached by the demons and everyone was about to be killed,” Liu Qiyue looked at Meng Chuan, “I saw you, rushing over from afar. You spared no expense to save me. I knew then that… I would marry only you.”

  Meng Chuan held Qiyue’s hand and whispered, “I swear that I will never let you down.”

  “I trust you, Ah Chuan.” Liu Qiyue’s eyes were filled with happiness.

  In this life, they would walk down this path together.

  They would fight on the battlefield and fight to the death, slaying all demons.

  While in life, we shared the same coverlet, and in death, we shall share the same cave.

  Chapter 106 - Another Year’s December

  As days passed, Meng Chuan continued practicing his saber at Thousand Sabers Cavern every morning. Liu Qiyue also increased her cultivation time in the Earth Fire Lava Pond.

  In the afternoon, Meng Chuan painted while Liu Qiyue watched from the side, and learned some calligraphy.

  To Qiyue, painting was too difficult. She had an easier time with calligraphy. Every time the two raised their heads, they would smile when their gazes met.

  Afterward, they would spar each other on Bright Scenic Peak. One moment, Liu Qiyue would be shooting arrows while Meng Chuan blocked them. The next moment, Meng Chuan was chasing after Liu Qiyue, who f
led in panic.

  The two no longer hid their relationship.

  At the Dao Exchanges and Grotto-Heaven Pavilion lectures, the couple showed their intimacy. Many male Godfiends—who wanted to pursue Liu Qiyue—could only sigh helplessly.

  …

  Winter came as the landscape of withered leaves turned to snow. Meng Chuan and Liu Qiyue lived their lives happily.

  Meng Chuan spent over four hours refining baneful aura in the herbal bath every night. Every day, he suffered torture from hell. It drained him mentally, but after enduring the pain, he would have Qiyue’s porridge awaiting him. It strengthened his resolve to withstand the pain and torture.

  15 days, 30 days, 50 days, 80 days… Meng Chuan recorded the days he underwent the Eighth Refinement. Every time he finished a session, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He neared the Eighth Refinement’s completion.

  Finally, the final day—the 120th day—of absorbing baneful aura arrived. Meng Chuan would complete the Eighth Refinement. Coincidentally, today was 23rd December. Today, new disciples entered Archean Mountain.

  Archean Mountain, Yellow Reverence Peak, Blood Red Cliff.

  The matriculation ceremony was in progress.

  “…These images number a total of 15,283 Godfiends…” Archean Mountain Lord explained to the new disciples.

  Beside him were Godfiends and senior disciples who had not become Godfiends. Meng Chuan was one of the senior disciples.

  When he heard Mountain Lord’s introduction, he sighed inwardly. Last year, there were 15,271 Godfiends. In just a short year, 12 Archean Mountain Godfiends have died?

  Including ordinary Godfiends, there were even more Godfiends who had died in the Great Zhou Dynasty—around sixty. In the entire world, roughly 200 Godfiends died a year. Most Godfiends died on the battlefield or died from severe injuries back in their hometowns. There were very few Godfiends who could live out their whole lifespan due to the never-ending battle with the demons.

  The loss of so many Godfiends made it easy to imagine how intense the war against demons across the world was.

  Humans were still able to maintain their prosperity. Many people in cities could drink and enjoy themselves and sustain their population because Godfiends—as well as mortal soldiers who had reached the Marrow Cleansing realm—constantly fought the demons. This forced demons—who infiltrated the human world— to either hide or flee after they carried out a slaughter!

  I want to finish my cultivation quickly, leave the mountain, and kill demons. Meng Chuan sighed.

  …

  The same night.

  The water temperature was rising. Meng Chuan still endured the pain. He used the pain to temper his will.

  It was the last day.

  120 days without any rest. It’s already the last day. Meng Chuan felt a sense of accomplishment. Although he had already set up a plan for himself, he knew how difficult it would be to last four hours every day for 120 days. Yet, he had managed it.

  Meng Chuan didn’t bite a towel anymore. He only gripped the stone wall tightly. His body was completely red, and his veins protruded. Blood even seeped out from his skin surface.

  The pain came from the deepest parts of his body. Even now, it was difficult for him to endure the pain. He held on thanks to his willpower.

  The pain finally subsided. His body once again felt light and comfortable.

  Meng Chuan knew that the Golden Crow baneful aura he had absorbed today had been completely refined. It no longer damaged his body.

  Yes. He extended his finger and a wisp of black-gold baneful aura condensed on his fingertip. It held extreme destructive power. Meng Chuan nodded slightly. I’ve completed the Eighth Refinement.

  Following that, he stood up and evaporated all the water on his body before putting on his robe and heading out.

  Liu Qiyue smiled as she stood in the corridor. She looked at Meng Chuan. “Ah Chuan, congratulations on completing the Eighth Refinement.”

  “Yes.” Meng Chuan couldn’t hide his joy. “I’ve finally completed it.”

  “It’s really not easy to complete the Eighth Refinement,” said Liu Qiyue. “The last time Archean Mountain had anyone cultivate the Lightning Devastator Fiend Body to the Eighth Refinement was 83 years ago. The last one to reach the Ninth Refinement was over 200 years ago. Ah Chuan, you have already mastered the Eighth Refinement. Furthermore, you still have a chance of reaching the Ninth Refinement.”

  “The Ninth Refinement won’t be easy,” said Meng Chuan with a smile. “Let’s eat the porridge.”

  “To celebrate your success with the Eighth Refinement today, I also prepared a few more dishes,” Liu Qiyue said in a mysterious manner.

  The duo arrived in the dining hall. The table was indeed filled with a sumptuous spread.

  The two sat down and ate.

  Although Meng Chuan seemed to be eating happily, he actually recalled several matters.

  “What’s wrong? What are you thinking about?” Liu Qiyue asked.

  “Just now, you mentioned the Archean Mountain seniors—who had completed the Lightning Devastator Fiend Body’s Eighth and Ninth Refinement—were from 83 years ago and over 200 years ago respectively,” Meng Chuan said softly. “When I chose this Godfiend body, I carefully studied its history. The senior brother from 83 years ago was called Gao Cong, and he became a Great Solar Godfiend. The one from 200 years ago ended up as a Marquis Godfiend.”

  “I know. It’s Marquis Sea Return,” said Liu Qiyue immediately.

  Meng Chuan nodded. “Do you know how Marquis Sea Return died?”

  Liu Qiyue was stunned and shook her head gently.

  “I’ve investigated it carefully,” said Meng Chuan. “Gao Cong died at Nine Tunes Pass 36 years ago. Back then, the World Entrance at Nine Tunes Pass expanded, and over 30 third Firmament demon monarchs surged in. There were over 100 second Firmament demon monarchs. Nine Tunes Pass was directly breached, and seven Godfiends—including Gao Cong—died in battle. Nine Tunes Pass has now become a medium-sized city pass. It’s managed by Marquis Nine Tunes.”

  Long ago, there were no demons in the human world. All battles were fights between humans.

  However, many World Entrances appeared and connected the human world to the demon world 800 years ago.

  In the beginning, World Entrances were rare and small.

  Gradually, World Entrances grew in number and expanded in size. The Great Zhou Dynasty now had seven major city passes. The number of small to medium-sized city passes was even more astonishing.

  Back then, Nine Tunes Pass’s incident was due to a World Entrance expanding.

  “Gao Cong’s death is quite normal.” Meng Chuan shook his head gently. “As for Marquis Sea Return, he completed the Ninth Refinement for his Lightning Devastator Fiend Body. He was extremely fast, and even many Regis Godfiends couldn’t catch up to him. Even a fifth Firmament demon monarch found it difficult to chase him. According to Archean Mountain records, he died while carrying out a special mission.”

  “Special mission?” Liu Qiyue was puzzled as well.

  “I don’t know what kind of mission it was. We aren’t even Godfiends, so there are many things that are hidden from us.” Meng Chuan shook his head gently. “Seniors who reached the Eighth or Ninth Refinement have died for various reasons.”

  “Although they died in battle, we have had more powerful Godfiends appear,” said Liu Qiyue.

  Meng Chuan nodded as he smiled.

  Indeed.

  Perhaps due to the extreme pressure, the entire human race was desperately cultivating. There was large-scale conscription, forcing many people to unleash their potential. Perhaps the war had tempered every Godfiend; therefore, in the past 800 years, there were many more powerful Godfiends emerging than before. Although there were instances when Marquis and Regis Godfiends died in battle, new Marquis and Regis Godfiends would take their place!

  …

  The next day, Meng Chuan went to the Treasure Repository at Yellow R
everence Peak alone.

  “Lord Meng Chuan?” Inside the Treasure Repository, a cyan-robed man at the counter smiled at Meng Chuan. “Might I ask why Lord Meng is here?”

  “I want a bottle of Six Desires baneful aura,” said Meng Chuan.

  “A bottle of Six Desires baneful aura requires three thousand credits,” said the cyan-robed man with a smile.

  “I’ve already completed the Lightning Devastator Fiend Body’s Eighth Refinement. I can obtain it for free,” said Meng Chuan. Completing the Ninth Refinement required a total of 90 Six Desires baneful aura bottles. He couldn’t even afford to exchange for them!

  “Obtain for free?” The cyan-robed man was alarmed. Lightning Devastator Fiend Body Eighth Refinement? How many years had it been since he heard of one?

  “Lord Meng Chuan, please wait a moment. I’ll get the Elder over,” said the cyan-robed man hurriedly.

  Chapter 107 - Dazzling

  Translator: CKtalon Editor: CKtalon

  The Treasure Repository was a special place on Archean Mountain. Large amounts of treasures and resources were stored here. It had plenty of stewards and servants.

  Lightning Devastator Fiend Body, Eighth Refinement? Three stewards and ten servants—who were in charge of serving the disciples on this floor—heard what Meng Chuan said. They were secretly astonished. They had been stationed at the Treasure Repository for a long time, and they knew that it had been many years since somebody—who had completed the Eighth Refinement of the Lightning Devastator Fiend Body—had appeared.

  “I’ve been stationed at the Treasure Repository for almost sixty years. I’ve never seen a disciple that had completed the Eighth Refinement.”

  “Lord Meng Chuan has only been on the mountain for a year, and he’s completed the Eighth Refinement. I bet that Lord Meng family’s future achievements will be in no way lesser than King Calm Sea’s fifth son.”

  The two stewards behind the counter looked at Meng Chuan and secretly talked via voice transmission.