by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
"Take my command medallion and immediately notify the palace master to come," the overseer commanded. The figure accepted the medallion before vanishing right where he stood.
Meanwhile, Xiang Shaoyun had arrived at the fourth limit room. He pushed the door open and entered with no hesitation. The fourth room was different from the third room. Here, there were no demonic beasts. Rather, within the room was an illusionary realm.
Within the illusionary realm, numerous hellish devils and other terrifying monsters would appear. The illusion was extremely lifelike and served primarily to assault the challengers of the room with an intense fear.
When Xiang Shaoyun stepped inside, what he saw greatly frightened him. "What the f*ck! Why are there so many scary monsters? Are they real?"
Wuuu—
Terrifying sounds rang in the air again and again, making one's hair stand on end in fear. Xiang Shaoyun also felt his hair standing up from the creepy scene he was seeing. By reflex, he drew his Golden Wolf Sword and started slashing at the monsters.
"Get away from me!" Xiang Shaoyun slashed madly.
However, the monsters were completely unaffected. Even after being slashed, they still pounced Xiang Shaoyun and bit him.
"AHHH!"
The monsters looked incredibly real. Even their bites felt real: Xiang Shaoyun bled from them, and the pain caused him to start shouting. He continued waving his sword around madly and even utilized his astral energy in an attempt to destroy all the monsters.
Unfortunately, his attacks had no effect on them whatsoever. Even after the monsters were sliced into pieces, the pieces simply joined together to form a brand new monster. These monsters were simply unkillable. In the blink of an eye, Xiang Shaoyun was completely submerged in a sea of monsters.
"Ahhhh!"
Xiang Shaoyun was feeling not only physical pain from being bitten but a pain so extreme it reached his soul. The intense pain almost caused him to lose consciousness then and there. His only sensation was that his physical body had been completely eaten by these monsters, and it was now his soul's turn to be eaten. Death had never felt so near.
"Am I going to die here?" Xiang Shaoyun questioned with the final strain of consciousness he had. Suddenly, the images of the numerous betrayals he had suffered in the past replayed in his mind, and a deep sadness surfaced in his heart, one that caused a surge of willpower to burst out of him. He yelled, "How can I die like this before reclaiming what was taken from me? F*ck off, all of you!"
He bit his tongue, causing it to bleed, helping him regain some of his consciousness. Immediately, he circulated his Heaven Conquering Overlord Manual and chanted, "To live is to worry, to worry is to suffer. Without birth, there is no death. Without darkness, there is no light. Without high, there is no low. Life comes from nothingness. Nothingness can give birth to something, and something can return to nothingness. One's mindset frames how one views the world..."
That was a Buddhist mantra, one that helped calm the mind. After repeating the mantra an unknown number of times, Xiang Shaoyun seemed to have entered a unique state of mind.
He had the sensation that he was now beyond the mundane world and could look at the mortal world and all its worries as a mere observer, seeing through the world’s appearances while all human emotion departed him. This gave him a taste of what it was like to be beyond human, beyond the mundane.
Without him realizing it, the monsters in his soul all retreated, and the pain in his physical body also vanished. The world fell into silence. Abruptly, he opened his eyes. The monsters were all still there, baring their claws and fangs at him.
"Break!" Xiang Shaoyun muttered indifferently as two rays of light shot out from his eyes. The two rays penetrated all the monsters, destroying the illusions around him.
It was also at this moment that Xiang Shaoyun understood that this was a room that tested only one's willpower. One's strength and cultivation level played no role here. Those without a strong enough willpower would be stuck here, and even if they did not die, they would end up mad. In comparison, this room was much more terrifying than the third room.
"Fourth limit room, completed. One star congregation jade will be given as a reward," an emotionless voice suddenly rang out.
Xiang Shaoyun focused and saw that a shiny, green jade pendant had appeared on the platform before him. That was his reward for completing this room’s challenge.
"I did not receive anything like this from the first three rooms, but they are giving me something like this for the fourth room? Nice!" Xiang Shaoyun muttered gleefully before picking the jade up. He weighed the jade in his hand and muttered in disappointment, "What bullshit star congregation jade is this? At most, it only qualifies as a star jade of inferior quality."
Chapter 58: You Sure You Want to Challenge Another Room?
The star congregation jade was a wondrous jade capable of gathering astral energy, and it was helpful in increasing the speed at which a cultivator could gather astral energy. It was in a sense a tool to help grow one's strength, and each such jade was exceedingly expensive. In fact, this jade was even more expensive than an ordinary spirit medicine.
Xiang Shaoyun had at first expected to receive a real star congregation jade, but he had instead received a star jade of inferior quality. The so-called star jade was simply a jade capable of gathering a tiny amount of astral energy, and it had a much weaker effect compared to a real star congregation jade.
"Kid, you are calling the star congregation jade an inferior star jade?" a disgruntled voice rang out from outside the room. The voice had come so suddenly Xiang Shaoyun was given a fright.
An old man was standing outside the door. He had average looks at best. However, he also radiated a certain majesty, one that inspired awe in all who looked at him. The overseer was standing beside the old man. From how deferential he was behaving, it was obvious this old man was no ordinary person. The old man was the present master of Martial Hall Palace, Yang Gaochuan. He was one of the strongest experts in the Martial Hall Palace.
"You are?" Xiang Shaoyun asked as he had never met Yang Gaochuan before.
"This is our revered palace master!" introduced the overseer.
"Ahh, so it's the revered palace master. Pleased to meet you, palace master!" Xiang Shaoyun remained calm and saluted the palace master.
When Yang Gaochuan saw how composed Xiang Shaoyun was, a slight trace of astonishment flickered in his eyes. Evidently, Xiang Shaoyun's reaction had surprised him. The astonishment did not linger in his eyes as he proceeded to say, "You're Xiang Shaoyun? I have long heard of your name. This is the first time I'm seeing you, and you indeed do not disappoint. You have actually broken two limits in a row?"
"The palace master is too kind with his praise," Xiang Shaoyun said humbly, something rarely seen.
"But why did you claim that the star congregation jade is an inferior product? Have you seen a true star congregation jade before?" Yang Gaochuan asked.
"Haha, how is that possible? I merely felt that this star congregation jade feels different than what is recorded in the books. Just look at the color and luster. It's obvious enough. Even if this jade can gather astral energy, the amount gathered will be rather limited," Xiang Shaoyun explained with a hearty laugh. In truth, he had seen real star congregation jades before. He was just too embarrassed to admit it.
"You've got good eyes. This star congregation jade is not a true high-quality star congregation jade, but it is good enough for an Astral Realm cultivator. It can increase your cultivation speed by at least 30 percent!" Yang Gaochuan said.
"Hehe, true. It's still better than nothing." Xiang Shaoyun smiled and stowed the star congregation jade.
"Looks like you have quite the big appetite, kid. Since you have successfully broken two limits in a row, I can give you an additional reward," Yang Gaochuan said.
"For real? Can I get anything I want, such as weapons, battle techniques, or even spirit medicines?" Xiang Shaoyun asked joyfully.
"Yes. I can even warn the thirteenth elder on your behalf if you want," Yang Gaochuan promised.
"No, I don't need that. It's not like he would dare pull anything if I stay here anyway," Xiang Shaoyun said. He then continued, "If possible, can the palace master reward me with some tier-3 or tier-4 weapons, battle techniques, and spirit medicines? I suppose those are already the best the Martial Hall Palace can provide."
After Xiang Shaoyun said that, the overseer's face darkened as he cursed inwardly, This kid sure has a big mouth. What does he mean by those are already the best?
"Haha, that is quite a big request." Yang Gaochuan chortled and said, "Since you have broken two limits in a row, I will only reward you with two items. You can take your pick between a tier-3 weapon, a battle technique, and a low-grade spirit medicine."
When Xiang Shaoyun heard that, he replied gloomily, "I'll break another limit then."
"If you can break the next limit, I will double your rewards," Yang Gaochuan promised.
"Deal! I'll be going ahead then," Xiang Shaoyun said and headed straight toward the fifth room.
After Xiang Shaoyun left, the overseer said, "But the next limit can only be broken by those at the third stage of Astral Realm or higher!"
"I don't think this kid will have any problem breaking that limit either," Yang Gaochuan said, stunning the overseer.
After an hour, Xiang Shaoyun came out from the fifth limit room. His body was covered in wounds, looking to be in quite a sorry state. Fortunately, his vitals were still well protected.
"H-he broke the fifth limit too!" the overseer yelled. He had been staring at the jade plate in front of the fifth room all this while. The jade plate had dimmed, signifying that the challenger had succeeded.
"Phew. That room sure is dangerous. Traps are everywhere, and any mistake would have been the death of me. I was even forced to use my weapon!" Xiang Shaoyun grumbled. He still felt some lingering fear when he recalled the numerous traps in the fifth room.
Even with his combat prowess, which was the equivalent to a third-stage Astral Realm cultivator’s, he still nearly failed the challenge. Fortunately, he had his gift of instincts and Overlord's Nine Nether Steps. Otherwise, even if he had survived, he would've been seriously injured.
However, his gain from this room had been great. He had utilized the Lightning Spear Technique to deal with many of the traps, greatly increasing his mastery over the technique. After all, actual combat would always be the best way for one to grow. Apart from that, he could also sense that he was not far from second-stage Astral Realm now.
"Splendid. Nicely done," Yang Gaochuan said, his eyes brightly lit. Then, he sighed before saying, "Looks like there will be a surprise to this time's Battle of Towns. Too bad we only have half a year before then. We will be a bit hard-pressed for time."
Astonished, the overseer said, "Battle of Towns? Palace master, you are thinking of—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Yang Gaochuan interrupted him with a wave of a hand. Yang Gaochuan said to Xiang Shaoyun, "Tell me. What do you want for your reward?"
"Oh, that can wait. My question is, will the reward be doubled again if I break the next limit?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
Once again, Yang Gaochuan and the overseer were stunned.
"You sure you want to challenge another room?" Yang Gaochuan asked after he recovered from his shock.
"If the reward will be doubled, I will consider doing it," Xiang Shaoyun replied.
"Consider it properly. Even a fourth-stage or fifth-stage Astral Realm cultivator might not survive the next room," Yang Gaochuan warned.
"How will we know without trying?" Xiang Shaoyun did not seem to mind.
"Sure. If you can survive even half an hour in the sixth room, I will count that as completion and will double your reward again," Yang Gaochuan said.
Generally speaking, each limit room corresponded to a different level of strength. For instance, the first room corresponded to the seventh-stage Basic Realm, the second room corresponded to anyone in the Basic Realm, the third room corresponded to those who had recently entered the Astral Realm, and so on. As for the sixth room, it corresponded to those between the fourth and fifth stage of the Astral Realm.
Surviving for an hour in any of the rooms would count as a completion. This time, Yang Gaochuan had made an exception and allowed Xiang Shaoyun to stay for only half an hour. In a sense, he was halving the limit challenge for him. But of course, Xiang Shaoyun had still created a brand new record to reach the sixth room when he was a mere first-stage Astral Realm cultivator.
Chapter 59: Second-Stage Astral Realm
Looking at Xiang Shaoyun heading toward the sixth room, the overseer asked anxiously, "Palace master, will...this be fine?"
"Nothing bad will happen. Since he has the courage to try it, it can only mean that he has yet to reach his limits. I am quite looking forward to the surprise he is about to give me," Yang Gaochuan said. After a slight pause, he muttered, "Right, there is an elder guarding the sixth room too. I need to remind him to take it easy and don't mess the kid up too badly."
"It's too late for that. The kid has already gone inside," the overseer said.
"Shit! When one gets old like me, one will be slower to react. Oh well, let's go see what happens," Yang Gaochuan said, slapping his forehead.
As for the overseer, he wiped the sweat off his forehead and muttered, "Good luck, kid."
Meanwhile, Xiang Shaoyun was already within the sixth limit room. This room had a very serene ambiance. There was even an old man seated on a praying mat. At present, the old man had yet to do anything to him.
"Greetings, senior," Xiang Shaoyun bowed and greeted the old man. Although he couldn't sense the old man’s strength, he was sure the old man was certainly seated here in meditative cultivation all year long. That much was obvious from the layer of dust on him.
The old man's eyes remained shut, yet an ancient voice rang out, "Only first-stage Astral Realm. Too weak. Leave."
Xiang Shaoyun blanked out. He had never imagined that the old man would tell him to leave.
"Senior, I am here to challenge the limit," Xiang Shaoyun clarified.
"I repeat, leave," said the old man with a tone that allowed no argument.
"Umm...can you let me stay here for half an hour instead? Just half an hour will do!" Xiang Shaoyun negotiated. He only needed half an hour to complete the challenge. If he could just wait here, that would be much better.
"Leave!" The old man's voice turned aggressive.
"Come on, senior. Please don't be so heartless. Alright, I'll buy you a pot of wine or two," Xiang Shaoyun flattered.
"Scram!"
Xiang Shaoyun was not done with his flattering when the old man suddenly bellowed. The voice reverberated throughout the room, causing Xiang Shaoyun's ears to pulse. His blood went berserk.
Heaven Conquering Overlord Manual!
Xiang Shaoyun quickly circulated his cultivation manual and forced his blood to calm. When he looked at the old man again, with a pale face, he said, "Senior, you don't have to be so fierce even if you're chasing me away, right?"
"Scram! Scram!"
The old man repeated the word two times with more force. The sound waves roiled out like a storm, sending Xiang Shaoyun crashing into the wall. From the crash, he coughed up a mouthful of blood. It would seem he had sustained quite a heavy injury. The old man had injured him just with sound waves alone. What kind of strength was that?
"He is at least a late-stage Transformation Realm expert, or even stronger!" Xiang Shaoyun lay weakly on the ground and muttered to himself. At present, he could only feel that his flow of blood was in complete disorder. Even his organs had suffered differing extents of damage.
Xiang Shaoyun stood up and circulated his cultivation manual to stabilize his injuries. He grumbled, "What a bully!"
"You can still stand? No wonder you can reach this room. I've decided to give you a chance to challenge this room," the
old man said, finally opening his ancient eyes.
"This is not fair. You first injured me before allowing me to challenge the room. That's the same as cheating!" Xiang Shaoyun protested.
"It doesn't matter. I will consider that as part of the challenge. It will only benefit you in your assessment," the old man replied indifferently. He then said, "Now, let us begin. How long can you resist the suppression of my presence?"
Right after saying that, an immense pressure swept out of the old man and pressed down on Xiang Shaoyun. Presence was something incorporeal, something that couldn't be touched or seen, yet it existed.
Those with weak presence were normally timid. And those with powerful presence could threaten the universe.
To start utilizing the power of presence, one must first reach the Transformation Realm. After all, that was a power for the strong, a force capable of causing the enemy to cower by mere presence. And presence was precisely the limit being challenged in the sixth room.
Only those capable of resisting the old man's presence suppression could pass the challenge. This old man was no regular Transformation Realm expert. He was a person with an extraordinary power of presence. The only thing Xiang Shaoyun felt was a suffocating sensation before an incorporeal pressure crushed down upon him.
After coughing up another mouthful of blood, Xiang Shaoyun was sent flying again. This time, the old man was no longer holding back. He continued his suppression, not even giving Xiang Shaoyun a chance to stand up.
Xiang Shaoyun felt like a mountain was pressing down on him. Even his bones started making cracking sounds, as if they were on the verge of breaking apart. If this continued, he could very well be crushed to death.
Xiang Shaoyun had challenged multiple limit rooms, but he had never felt so powerless. Crushed to the ground, he couldn't even fight back. The very thought of his helplessness vexed him greatly.
Damn it! Have I fallen so low to the point I can't even raise my head anymore? No, I, Xiang Shaoyun, am a giant among men, one who will keep on fighting in the face of all adversaries! Nobody can hope to break me! Not even a Transformation Realm expert! Xiang Shaoyun roared inwardly as he started circulating his Heaven Conquering Overlord Manual again. His nine stars pulsed repeatedly as he squeezed out all the power available to him. Even the astral cosmos sea in the middle of his nine stars started shining resplendently.