Meng Chuan
20th August.
Final Chapter of Volume—Godfiend
Chapter 117 - Dao Exchange Meet
“It’s really well-drawn.” Liu Qiyue only spoke after Meng Chuan finished painting. She looked at the painting in amazement. “Ah Chuan, I’ve seen you paint many times at Archean Mountain. Although the painting today is simple, I think it’s the best you’ve painted.”
Paintings could resonate with a person’s emotions.
One scene after another seemed to come alive.
Liu Qiyue had seen Meng Chuan painting on many occasions. She knew that his paintings were stunning, but none of them resonated with her like today.
“Yes.” Meng Chuan nodded. He also admitted that this was the best painting he had drawn since he entered Archean Mountain. His Essence Soul currently emitted a spiritual glow. His Essence Soul was transforming, becoming more corporeal and clearer.
“Qiyue, I’m going to send this painting back today. Do you want to include anything?” Meng Chuan asked.
“I’ll write to my father,” said Liu Qiyue immediately. “Wait for me. I’ll be quick.” With that said, Liu Qiyue sat at her desk and immediately wrote her letter.
Meng Chuan smiled as he sat down and began writing. The painting was a gift for his father. He still had many things he wanted to tell his father. He also wanted to know the situation back home.
An hour later, he got the servants to prepare some silk to wrap the painting scroll and letters. He placed them in a wooden tube that was made by himself. The wooden tube’s interior was hollowed out by a saber beam, making it extremely smooth. The wooden tube was then stuffed with a stopper.
Afterward, he rushed to the Treasure Repository and got Archean Mountain to send the tube to his father, Meng Dajiang—who was at Eastcalm Prefecture.
“Lord Meng Chuan, don’t worry. It will be sent out tonight, and it will arrive at Eastcalm Prefecture tomorrow afternoon,” said a Treasure Repository steward warmly.
Only then did Meng Chuan leave.
When he left, he also observed his Essence Soul. In the vast sea of consciousness, his Essence Soul had stopped transforming. It was much more corporeal than before. Meng Chuan deduced that although the painting didn’t take much time, his Essence Soul had transformed no less than when he painted “Facing the Morning Sun!”
Clearly, the Essence Soul isn’t dependent on painting duration. It mainly transforms when I seek answers from my inner self. This was something his master had told him before. Every time he sought answers from his inner self, his mind and Essence Soul would transform.
The more profound an answer he sought, the greater the transformation.
This painting that stemmed from his intense longing for his father and his twenty years of life, began a transformation comparable to the one after “Facing the Morning Sun” was completed. As for “People Resonance,” he wasn’t sure how much it affected his soul because he hadn’t condensed an Essence Soul prior to that. He only condensed an Essence Soul after he was done painting “People Resonance.” Thus, the increase in his soul’s strength was unknown.
Although my Essence Soul has improved, it hasn’t changed qualitatively. Meng Chuan understood that it was difficult for his Essence Soul to change qualitatively. The perception domain remains a hundred feet big. My sensing range is still half a kilometer. The control over my body and Quintessential Essence is still the same as before.
He was still making progress. Only after cultivating his Essence Soul to the limit could it completely transform. This was not something he could rush.
…
Dao Exchange Peak, night.
The day Meng Chuan became a Godfiend was August 20th, and it happened to be when a Dao Exchange occurred.
“Please follow me, Lord Meng Chuan.” The steward of Dao Exchange Peak led the way.
Dao Exchange Peak was usually split into two areas. One for disciples who had not become Godfiends, and the other area was for Godfiend disciples.
This was the first time Meng Chuan went to the area for Godfiend disciples.
“Lord Meng Chuan, please wait a moment,” said the steward with a smile. “Every time a newly-advanced Godfiend attends a gathering, there will be a simple celebration ceremony. We are still in the midst of preparing. You can head over in a while.”
“Okay.” Meng Chuan waited patiently in the hall.
After a short while, a servant nodded from afar. The steward said to Meng Chuan, “Lord Meng Chuan, we can head over now.”
Under his lead, Meng Chuan arrived in a garden. Nearly two hundred Godfiends were gathered there. They were chatting in groups when they saw Meng Chuan being led in. All the Godfiends immediately stood up and raised their cups.
Godfiends and mortals gave people different feelings.
Godfiends had various mysterious powers. Meng Chuan was no exception. He had heavenly lightning and baneful aura. As most Godfiends present had reached the Realm of Intent, their auras were extraordinary.
When all of them stood up and looked at him, Meng Chuan felt an invisible pressure.
“Lord Meng Chuan.” A servant brought over a wooden tray with a cup of alcohol—it was filled to the brim.
Meng Chuan took the cup.
“Junior Brother Meng Chuan, congratulations on passing the Life-and-Death juncture and becoming a Godfiend.” The Godfiends raised their cups and congratulated him.
“Thank you, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters.” Meng Chuan raised his cup as well.
Following that, they downed their drinks.
Becoming a Godfiend wasn’t easy! They celebrated every new Godfiend that joined their ranks. It had been an Archean Mountain Godfiend tradition for generations.
Many Godfiend disciples smiled at Meng Chuan. Most of them sat down and continued chatting in their respective groups.
“Junior Brother Meng Chuan.” Four men and a woman walked over. They were all Indestructible Godfiends.
“Senior Brother Qiao Yong,” greeted Meng Chuan. “Senior Brothers and Senior Sister.”
Among the five, he was only familiar with Qiao Yong. Since Qiao Yong liked to befriend people, he often went to the mortal disciples’ area and befriended them.
“My name is Zheng Can. Greetings, Junior Brother Meng Chuan. I’ve long heard of your name. This is the first time I’m speaking to you.”
“My name is Zheng Ruyu. Greetings…”
Qiao Yong and the other seniors were very friendly. They introduced Meng Chuan to all the Godfiend disciples at the Dao Exchange. This was also a sect tradition.
Compared to mortal disciples, Godfiend disciples were more united and had a better relationship. This was because many of them would leave the mountain after reaching the Indestructible realm. They had to protect the humans all over the world! Some might never return.
“There isn’t much difference after becoming a Godfiend,” said Qiao Yong. “However, there are a few things you have to remember. Firstly, all Godfiends have to attend the Dao Exchange whenever there’s a new Godfiend. Secondly, on the day a Godfiend disciple leaves Archean Mountain after passing the Nine Mystical Caves, all other Godfiend disciples have to send them off. Thirdly, when a Godfiend disciple dies in battle, their name will be engraved on Blood Red Cliff. You have to be present. Unless there’s a special reason, attendance is compulsory.”
Meng Chuan nodded slightly.
These three matters were very important to Godfiend disciples. Becoming a Godfiend, leaving the mountain, and dying in battle.
“Junior Brother Meng, let’s go. Time to introduce you to your fellow disciples,” said the only female, Zheng Ruyu. The five seniors led Meng Chuan around. They would drink and chat, acquainting themselves with each other.
…
“Senior Brother Wang treated me very well. He often guided me in my sword arts. Together, we practiced our swordplay on Myriad Sword Peak for three years.” A rather dispirited Godfiend disciple drank as he spoke.
“After he left the mountain, he spent three years at a city pass, safe and sound. It was when he was guarding a prefecture that he was ambushed by a demon monarch and died.
“The city passes are dangerous battlefields, but that’s obvious. In seemingly safe cities, demon monarchs might be lurking after infiltration.”
“There are very few demon monarchs who have infiltrated human cities. Furthermore, Marquis Godfiends and Regis Godfiends often patrol the world to kill those demon monarchs. The demon monarchs in hiding usually have special motives before they act.”
“Junior Brother Lu, don’t be too sad. Everyone knows that we might die in battle after leaving the mountain. I believe Senior Brother Wang was already prepared,” said the other Godfiend disciples.
The dispirited Godfiend disciple shook his head and said, “I’m only feeling indignant on Senior Brother Wang’s behalf. After leaving the battlefield, he had just gotten married and didn’t even have a child. Furthermore, he even sent me a letter a few days ago saying that he would definitely reach the Great Solar realm in two years! If he had reached the Great Solar realm, the demon monarch wouldn’t have been able to do anything to him. He was just two years short of reaching the Great Solar realm! Because of those two years, he lost his life! Senior Brother Wang was from an ordinary family, so it hadn’t been easy for him to cultivate to this stage. I’m truly heartbroken.”
The other fellow disciples also consoled him, but Archean Mountain suffered casualties every year. Over time, the grief became bearable. However, the dispirited Godfiend disciple had a deep relationship with Senior Brother Wang. He was beyond upset.
“Everyone.” Qiao Yong and the others led Meng Chuan to the group. “This is Junior Brother Meng Chuan.”
Immediately, the Godfiend disciples in the circle stood up.
“Junior Brother Meng Chuan, we’ve long heard of your name after you completed the Ninth Refinement.”
“Junior Brother Meng, I’m Liu Hezhou.”
They also started chatting casually.
“Junior Brother Lu Fang.” Qiao Yong asked, “What happened to you?”
“Nothing.” The dispirited Lu Fang stood up and looked at Meng Chuan. He raised his cup and said, “Junior Brother Meng Chuan, you have attained a perfected Lightning Devastator Fiend Body and also mastered a Black Metal Sutra move. You are one of the best among us. In the future, you must kill more demon monarchs and avenge our fellow disciples.”
“I cultivate to kill demons,” said Meng Chuan.
“Good.” Lu Fang’s mind jolted as he raised his cup. “That’s right. We cultivate to slay demons. Just this statement is worth toasting. Cheers.”
“Cheers.” The others accompanied Lu Fang.
Chapter 118 - Going out to Battle
Translator: CKtalon Editor: CKtalon
Meng Chuan and his five seniors went around to talk to other disciples.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the garden, Qian Yu, Fu Chang, Bai Yi, and eight other Godfiend disciples were gathered together.
“This Junior Brother Meng of ours is truly impressive. He attained a perfected Lightning Devastator Fiend Body after entering the sect for a year, and he has also mastered a Black Metal Sutra move. He’s in no way inferior to King Calm Sea’s fifth son,” said a handsome youth with a fan wistfully.
“Among the disciples in the past twenty years, Meng Chuan and Xue Feng are indeed the best.”
“Both of them have a chance of becoming Marquis Godfiends.” They praised Meng Chuan and Xue Feng.
As they had attempted to master transcendent-grade Godfiend bodies and Black Metal Sutra moves, they knew how difficult achieving these things were.
Mastering a Black Metal Sutra move without intent guidance meant that one would have to comprehend things by themselves. Cultivation was extremely difficult. According to Archean Mountain, after becoming a Great Solar Godfiend with a condense Essence Soul, they would be able to inherit a complete Black Metra Sutra legacy. Most Archean Mountain disciples were only able to become Great Solar Godfiends. They were unable to condense Essence Souls.
This caused many disciples to be incapable of inheriting a Black Metal Sutra legacy for their entire lives. Without intent guidance, how long would they take to master a Black Metal Sutra move? Let alone an entire legacy?
Therefore, most disciples immediately gave up after a few attempts and realizing they couldn’t master a Black Metal Sutra move anytime soon.
“Everyone.” Hearing the praises from the people around him, Qian Yu finally said, “I once did something embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing?” Everyone was stunned.
“Yes.” Qian Yu didn’t hide it as he said, “Back then, Meng Chuan had been in the sect for half a year, so he wasn’t famous. When I went to visit Junior Sister Liu Qiyue, I happened to encounter Meng Chuan. Therefore, I gave him some advice as a senior brother. I told him how difficult it was to cultivate a transcendent-grade Godfiend Body, and that he shouldn’t waste so much time only to fail. I told him to give up when he should.”
“You asked Junior Brother Meng Chuan to give up?”
“Qian Yu, you even asked him to give up?” The others immediately laughed.
“How would I know?” Qian Yu said helplessly. “When I said that, he didn’t have many accomplishments. However, in just two months, he began the Lightning Devastator Fiend Body’s Eighth Refinement. He has also mastered a Black Metal Sutra move. Just thinking of what I said back then makes me cringe. I feel so ashamed that I usually avoid him.”
“I reckon Junior Brother Meng is coming over soon. Do you want to hide?”
“When he comes, you can go to the latrine.”
“We’ll tell him that Senior Brother Qian Yu can’t bring himself to see you and that he’s hiding in the latrine,” the others quipped.
Qian Yu helplessly glanced at his fellow disciples.
“Right, I’ve decided,” said Qian Yu. “I’ll attempt the Nine Mystical Caves this month. I’ll leave the mountain on the 15th of September.”
“That fast?” Fu Chang couldn’t help but say, “Senior Brother Qian Yu, didn’t you agree that we will leave the mountain together? I have attempted the Nine Mystical Caves, but my strength is still lacking. It will probably take another three to four months.”
“That’s right, didn’t we agree to leave together?”
There were a total of eleven Godfiend disciples present. Some of them already had the strength to clear the Nine Mystical Caves, while some were just a little short of passing. They had agreed to leave the mountain together before the end of the year!
This was very normal in Archean Mountain. If many Godfiend disciples descended the mountain together, they would usually arrange for two or three fellow disciples to go to the same city pass.
Archean Mountain knew their disciples’ strength. The difficulty of the Nine Mystical Caves test was relatively lower for those with average talent. It was much harder for those with greater talent. Although weaker disciples could pass the Nine Mystical Caves, they knew that they weren’t strong enough. Archean Mountain didn’t mind them cultivating on the mountain for a few more months. Archean Mountain would only force them to leave if they delayed for too long.
“I’ve had enough of staying at Archean Mountain. I’ve been here for more than ten years,” said Qian Yu. “I’d like to leave the mountain as soon as possible so that I can contribute to the human race greatly!”
The other disciples fell silent.
“Forget it. I’ll clear the Nine Mystical Caves this month too. Let’s leave the mountain together next month.
“Count me in as well.”
“If you are weaker, cultivate for a few more months. I’ll join you. I’ve been on the mountain for about thirty years. It’s about time I leave.”
Those who had the strength to pass the Nine Mystical Caves test followed Qian Yu—who was spearheading the movement.
After being on the mountain for so many years, who didn’t want consi
derable achievements? Those who came from ancient Godfiend family clans also wanted to show their clan’s upper echelons their capabilities!
“Alright. Brothers and sisters, let’s go together,” said Qian Yu heroically. “We can’t compare to Xue Feng and Meng Chuan. We don’t wish to be conferred the title of marquis, but we should at least get conferred the title of earl.”
“Yes, become earls!”
“Aim for earlship first. In the future, we might get conferred the title of marquis or king.”
The Godfiends were filled with anticipation.
To be conferred earlship, one was required to make contributions amounting to five million credits! Although an earl was of lower ranking than a marquis, it was still very difficult to obtain the title. Typically, one in ten Great Solar Godfiends would be conferred earlship. They had contributed to humanity greatly, and it was a great honor to be awarded a title.
“We agreed to leave the mountain together. Now, the five of you are leaving first.”
“Who told you to be so slow in your cultivation?”
They were teasing each other.
Soon, Meng Chuan and the others arrived.
“Junior Brother Meng Chuan, these eleven are seniors who will be leaving the mountain soon.” Qiao Yong introduced them with a smile. “They are confident that they can pass the Nine Mystical Caves this year.”
Meng Chuan was familiar with these seniors. He had also met Senior Brother Qian Yu before.
Qian Yu suddenly took the initiative to say, “Junior Brother Meng Chuan, I seek forgiveness for my prior rudeness.”
“Senior Brother Qian Yu, you were only advising me out of good intentions. It wasn’t rude at all,” said Meng Chuan with a smile. He hadn’t paid much attention to what had happened back then. Furthermore, he was very friendly to every human Godfiend. This was because all human Godfiends dedicated their lives to protecting humanity. They would one day go out into battle, and this included Senior Brother Qian Yu and the others. Very few would live to old age.
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