by Fang Xiang
The golden lights were the Great Day essence energies that were born from Zuo Mo’s cultivation of the Great Day mo physique. The Great Day essence energies nurtured his body and made it even stronger. At this time, these Great Day essence energies were like a school of fish that smelt blood and leapt at the dots of starlight merging into the flesh and blood.
This was … …
Pu Yao was shocked. How could Great Day essence energies swallow star spiritual sand?
Shocked, his expression became grave. What was happening in front of him was beyond the realms of his knowledge. He was skilled in all kinds of yao arts. To his knowledge, spiritual cultivation and the mo physique were clearly divided and never interacted.
Who could have thought the two would actually integrate!
It appeared as though the Great Day essence energies were swallowing the star spiritual sand, but Pu Yao clearly saw that the star spiritual sand did not put up any resistance. Otherwise Zuo Mo’s body would have become a terrifying battlefield.
The Great Day essence energies were tyrannical but the star spiritual sand was profound. If the two conflicted, it definitely would be a fierce battle.
This was what Pu Yao was worried about the most. In his predictions, the best result was the two sides were fine. Out of caution, he made up several plans to resolve this issue, but he had not expected that the Great Day essence energies and the star spiritual sand wouldn’t conflict at all, but attracted each other.
He looked dazedly at such a fantastical scene.
Could the spirit and the mo physique be cultivated together? But it had never succeeded in history. He actually knew of many great geniuses who had died on this path. The connection between yao and mo had never been broken. The two sides general maintained a friendly relationship since they had the same enemy.
Under this kind of cultural exchange, the idea of cultivating the spirit and the body at the same time naturally was produced. This idea had appeared many years ago, but there had never been one that actually cultivated the spirit and the body. The conclusion everyone made was that the combination of the two were fine in lower stages. But as one cultivated to higher stages, the drastic gap between the two sides would be expressed.
The reason that Pu Yao had not restricted Zuo Mo from cultivating the Great Day mo physique was because of how powerful the Great Day mo physique was at this stage as it was life-saving. The other reason was that his level was presently too low to cause significant problems.
But the scene in front of him defied Pu Yao’s expectations and knowledge.
These Great Day essence energies were not great in number but each was peerlessly powerful. The dots of star spiritual sand could only be produced by yao that had awakened their second spirit. How could they integrate?
The entire process continued for six hours. Dots of star light came continuously from between Zuo Mo’s brows. The Great Day essence energies swam everywhere and furiously swallowed the starlight. The starlight released between the brows gradually thinned. When the last bit of star light was consumed, the Great Day essence energies retreated back into the flesh and blood.
Zuo Mo opened his eyes at this time.
His body felt unspeakably comfortable and content. His spiritual power had completely recovered, and he felt it was slightly full as though it had leveled up again. His body was also filled with strength. Had Great Day mo physique also advanced?
Zuo Mo felt it was strange. When he had been at Wu Kong Mountain, the feeling when he was cultivating [Embryonic Breathing Spiritual Cultivation] was not so beautiful. Now, he felt very pleasurable each time and it was really addicting. The difference between past and present was too great. He was worried that his cultivation had gone wrong somewhere.
“Pu,” The slightly worried Zuo Mo hurriedly found Pu Yao in the sea of consciousness, “there isn’t any incorrect places in my cultivation, right?”
A strange look flashed across Pu Yao’s face. He did not answer directly, and asked interestedly, “What? Is somewhere feeling not right?”
“No, that’s not it.” Zuo Mo shook his head. “I feel that cultivation is becoming increasingly pleasurable. If cultivation is always this pleasurable, wouldn’t everyone be intoxicated with cultivating every day?”
The dullness and hardship of cultivation was very securely rooted in Zuo Mo’s knowledge.
Pu Yao’s expression was slightly displeasured. He felt Zuo Mo’s words were too ungrateful. Despite his displeasure, he was very interested in this matter. Taking Zuo Mo’s start, he followed along and said, “Then let me inspect you.”
As Zuo Mo’s strength increased over time, Pu Yao could not manipulate Zuo Mo’s body like he used to without getting permission.
After the inspection, the strange expression on Pu Yao’s face grew. Zuo Mo instantly panic, “What is it?”
“Your Great Day mo physique is almost at first maturation!”
“First maturation? Maturation? This quickly?” Zuo Mo still and was then overjoyed. The maturation of a mo physique was the representation that a mo physique was advancing. After each maturation was completed, the maturation level of the mo physique would go up a whole level. The more mature a mo physique was, the more power it contained.
No wonder he felt a bit strange. So his Great Day mo physique was maturing!
Zuo Mo was very happy. He hadn’t though the first maturation of the Great Day mo physique would come so quickly. He was also slightly surprised. He had only spent a short time with the Great Day mo physique, and he was already facing the first maturation.
As expected of the Great Day mo physique that ranked second of all brigadier mo physiques. It wasn’t just powerful, it was easy to cultivate.
If Pu Yao knew what Zuo Mo was thinking at this moment, he would die from spitting blood. He didn’t look any different on the surface but there were tsunamis in his heart.
It was true that Zuo Mo’s Great Day mo physique was facing its first maturation, but Pu Yao hadn’t said the second part which was the maturation of the Great Day mo physique had already begun! The maturation of the Great Day mo physique this time was completely different than any of the mo physiques maturations he knew about.
Mo physique maturation was an extremely important and dangerous time for any mo because the mo physique would reorganize itself during this time. If it was successful, their strength would grow, but if it failed, then it was the end. So mo were extremely sensitive to the maturation of their mo physique. When it was the time for a mo maturation, they would find a safe place to safely finish the maturation.
Zuo Mo did not know that his Great Day mo physique had entered the time of maturation. The Great Day essence energies were silently changing his body, yet he did not know. The maturation process that should have been strong and dangerous had become much slower in tempo, so slow that Zuo Mo could not detect it.
As the tempo slowed, risk decreased to the point there almost was no danger at all. It was very clear to Pu Yao that Zuo Mo would have no problems in finishing the first maturation, but it would just occur over a longer time frame.
Pu Yao knew what this meant. The percentage of mo that died during their maturations was the highest of those that cultivated the mo physique.
His expression changed slightly.
Zuo Mo did not notice Pu Yao’s abnormality. Since it was a good thing, he was too lazy to think further. Just as he left the sea of consciousness, Lil’ Pagoda came over and glued itself onto him. Lil’ Fire chirped as it floated around his body.
Lil’ Black was in deep slumber on A Gui’s head, and Silly Bird was lazily lying beside A Gui.
A black figure flew out of the fiendish mist like a sharp arrow in front of Zuo Mo. It was Tenth Grade. Tenth Grade exuded a killing energy all over. His black crescent had grown slightly. Zuo Mo couldn’t resist praising him, “Tenth Grade is really working hard!”
Tenth Grade clearly was very motivated by Zuo Mo’s praise. He raised his little head. Just as he wa
s going to start a speech, he suddenly saw a light flash through the narrow crack of Silly Bird’s eyelids who had been sleeping. He instantly shook, and the words that reached his mouth were swallowed back down.
Just at this time, a strange sound came from the sky. The enormous egg-shaped fiendish mist ball suddenly cracked!
A vast and viciously sharp presence exploded and spread like a gale wind.
Such strong sword essence!
Zuo Mo was shocked. Ma Fan was in that ball of fiendish mist. He hurriedly raised his head and looked at the sky. The noise disturbed the entire camp. Vermillion Bird Camp and Guard Camp all stopped.
The vast yet vicious sword essence made them feel fear.
Ma Fan looked to be in very sorry state. His clothing was in tatters, and was covered in wounds that seeped blood. What made others feel strange was that his face was unusually peaceful and calm without any hint of pain.
He slowly opened his eyes.
Even though he was very far away, Zuo Mo still clearly captured the joy that spilled from Ma Fan’s eyes.
Had he succeeded?
Zuo Mo didn’t get to think closely when he saw Ma Fan’s body began free falling. He paled. The Light Void Wings suddenly appeared on his back, and he disappeared from his spot.
Almost at the same time, he appeared below where Ma Fan was falling. He caught the unconscious Ma Fan and flashed back to the camp.
This change happened in a lightning flash. Before everyone could react, Zuo Mo had retreated to the campsite.
He carefully place Ma Fan on the ground. Xie Shan worriedly came over. ”Daren, is Ma Fan alright?”
Zuo Mo carefully inspected and said, “Nothing, he only fainted from exhaustion.”
Everyone finally was released from their worry.
———
In the depth of the fiendish mist, Wei Sheng suddenly stopped moving and his eyes lit up. “Sword essence!”
* * *
Translator Ramblings: Yes, I was a bit off yesterday. I edited and then scheduled the post before dropping off into sleep. I’m still very tired but perfectly fine otherwise. Sitting on a car is tiring and so is driving even if there are breaks. I have never appreciated those long distance bus drivers more than now. Unfortunately, I didn’t translate at all on the trip so I need to find my rhythm again.
Wei Sheng senses Ma Fan’s sword essence first. There’s going to be POV switching going on in the upcoming chapters as we are introduced to new characters and stuff will be going on.
Chapter 344: Yi Zheng
Mu Xi observed the troop of xiuzhe in the distance and could not disguise the shock in her eyes. It wasn’t just her, even Yan Feng who usually looked down on everyone had uncertain and shocked expressions.
The formation of this xiuzhe troop was not organized, they appeared interlocked together which gave Mu Xi the impression of teeth. The murderous intent was like an undercurrent. The continued fights between the two forces had left a deep impression of this troop.
These xiuzhe were not powerful, and were of equal strength to her subordinates, but she had not won any advantage from this troop in their successive battles.
Her eyes landed on the white-clothed youth at the very center. She suddenly had a feeling that this person may be her archrival.
In their successive encounters, this young xiuzhe was cautious in command, slow and unhurried with the mannerism of a great battle general. She admired him. This person definitely was a core disciple of a large sect and had been well-taught. It was possible to see hints of this from the xiuzhe around him. In order to protect him, they did not care for their lives.
Mu Xi’s eyes glittered. She suddenly floated out of the ranks and loudly said, “This one is Mu Xi. We will bid farewell today and meet on another battlefield. Sire, take care!”
The enemy ranks separated, and the white-clothed youth came forward. He said with a slightly smile, “No wonder. As expected of the Palace Lake Wood Clan! Lin Qian is honored!”
Mu Xi was shocked and did not disguise the shock on her face. “Brother Lin actually knows of the Palace Lake Wood Clan, you have vast knowledge, this little female is full of admiration!”
Wood Clan was one of the five largest clans of the yao world, and was the clan with the most branches. Even in the yao world, not every person would recognize her origins. It was a testament to how powerful Lin Qian’s background was to know her origins, especially since he was a xiuzhe.
Lin Qian saw Mu Xi was straightforward and honest and was not putting on a performance. He couldn’t help but show hints of admiration in his eyes. “Miss, take care!”
Mu Xi smiled brightly and gracefully bowed. “Have a good trip, Brother Lin!”
Seeing the people disappear, Yan Feng said with slightly anger, “We are just letting them escape like this?”
Mu Xi glanced at him. “Can we stop them?”
Yan Feng stopped. He argued, “If we can slow them down, when the other daren rush over and surround … …”
“Then we won’t have completed our task,” Mu Xi interrupted him. She said faintly, “Don’t forget what we came to do!”
Yan Feng was speechless.
“This person will become a great enemy of Daren!” the middle-aged person beside Mu Xi said worriedly with a grave face.
Mu Xi combed her hair, and said with a smile, “There are so many daren in the military, when would it ever be my turn to worry about this?”
“Daren is too modest!” the middle-aged person said smilingly. He deeply believed that Mu Xi had a bright future. Off to the side, Yan Feng dismissively twisted his mouth but did not say any words that would provoke public fury.
Lin Qian’s procession quickly travelled away. After fighting multiple times with this yao military troop, they had sustained fatalities and injuries on both dies. Lin Qian’s expression was as clear as water, calm and steady. No hint of hurry was shown. The xiuzhe that accompanied him were well trained and disciplined. No one spoke extraneously.
———
Xuan Kong Realm
The sound of bells echoed among the mountain range. A nondescript little temple was settled amongst the peaks. The yellow temple walls were covered in creeping vines, and were topped with grey-green terracotta shingles. There were many stone statues of life-like buddhas placed inside the temples. A small rainstorm had just passed, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of green grass. The rain remaining on the shingles flowed following the eaves like pearls off a broken string. As they hit the puddles on the stones, ding ding dong dong, the sound was very pleasing to hear.
Two dhyana xiu were sitting in the main hall of the little temple.
“Shixiong, I’m afraid I will have difficulty getting time to come visit Shixiong during this trip!” The young dhyana xiu was reluctant to leave. He was wearing blue monk robes. His features were handsome, untouched by mortal matters. A faint layer of light glistened over the pair of eyes. He looked to be about twenty years old, a kind of stillness within his handsomeness. Kneeling on the meditation mat, one could still feel his high spirits.
The older dhyana xiu smiled warmly and said, “It’s good for you to go, you will return in the end.”
The faint yellow monk robe that he wore had been washed for innumerable times. The colour was already faded and patchwork mending could be seen to dot the robe. There were no signs of ling power anywhere on his body. He was not any different than a normal person.
“En, I’ve already ordered the people below to deliver each month’s allowance on schedule!” the young dhyana xiu said in a light voice. “I’ll return very soon.”
Shixiong waved his hand and smiled lightly. He said, “You know that I do not need these material items.”
“That is not alright!” The spine of the young dhyana xiu straightened and he said seriously, “Shixiong needs to promise me to take care of yourself. Only then can I feel safe leaving. There are still some more ling grasses needed for the Nine Song Dan. I can go and thoroughly s
earch when I leave this time. When the Nine Song Dan is made, Shixiong’s cultivation will recover. Hmph, let’s see who dares to harass Shixiong then!”
When he got to the end, a thread of violence flashed through his eyes.
“Shidi, you have to avoid corruption,” the yellow-robed dhyana xiu said lightly.
”Shixiong is right to lecture me.” The young dhyana xiu lowered his head and hurried to admit his wrongs.
“Even if you are out, do not slack in training your Samadhi.”
“Yes.”
Yi Zheng looked back at the little temple at the back of the mountain, leapt up and disappeared into the sky. He hadn’t flown for a long time before he encountered some people. When he saw the people clearly, Yi Zheng’s brows couldn’t help but slightly furrow.
The others quickly noticed Yi Zheng as well, and slowed down their flight speed.
“I heard that Shidi is going on a long trip, congratulations, congratulations!” The person coming smiled as he bowed with folded hands.
Yi Zheng calmly returned the greeting, “It is due to the protection and love from all the shixiong.”
The two sides chatted a bit more, and then left after detecting that the other had no intentions of talking more.
Yi Zheng’s mood hadn’t been good to start with, and his mood now was even worse. This group of people were the disciples of Cui Shishu’s branch. The sect was prosperous right now. The number of disciples had increased, and the number of conflicts and inner struggles had grown.
Yi Zheng’s master had left on a mission and never returned. Shixiong had raised him alone. Shixiong was very talented, and ranked within the top ten of this generation. All the elders of the sect thought he had a good future. Unexpectedly, Shixiong was heavily wounded during a mission. Even though his life had been saved, but his cultivation became non-existent.
Starting from that point on their branch declined even further. Shixiong came to Little Stone Buddha Temple to recuperate. Yi Zheng had been thirteen then, and had worked even harder after that. Fortunately, while Shixiong’s cultivation had disappeared, he could still guide Yi Zheng’s cultivation. In the last dhyana exam, he had claimed the fifteenth rank and re-entered the eyes of the sect elders to take on this mission.