Ding Ding Little Stone
Chapter 512 Breakthrough, Peak of Heavenly Core!
He raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing on his face.
For Chen Yuan, gradually refining these spiritual springs for his own use would indeed take a considerable amount of time, perhaps even months. And his time was clearly precious.
But he hadn't anticipated that this golden lotus could assist him.
It could only be said that everything was predestined.
He helped Moro seize this golden lotus, and now this golden lotus could help him accelerate the refinement of the powerful energy within the spiritual spring.
"Thank you, Senior."
Chen Yuan nodded his thanks. Then, without saying anything more, he stepped onto the golden lotus and sat cross-legged upon it, as if it were a lotus throne.
The moment he sat down, the light emitted by the golden lotus intensified. If the distance underground hadn't been too great, preventing it from reaching the surface, this golden light would have instantly shot upwards, drawing the attention of the Qi Shan Tribe's experts.
The golden lotus first bloomed, then closed at an extremely fast speed, enveloping Chen Yuan within.
An incredibly dense immortal spiritual energy instantly surged towards Chen Yuan. He didn't miss the opportunity, immediately concentrating and activating the Tai Xuan Sky-Mending Scripture to refine this energy.
The pill within his dantian was also rapidly rotating, constantly absorbing the suddenly increased power.
Now, Chen Yuan was confident that he could directly ascend to the peak of the Celestial Core Realm.
And once he broke through, he would reach the peak of both body refinement and Qi refinement, the resulting increase wasn't just one plus one equals two, but far greater than that number.
It would bring a qualitative leap to his combat strength.
Even the first on the Wind and Cloud榜 (Feng Yun Bang - List of Heroes), he would have the strength to contend with!
The golden lotus enveloping Chen Yuan not only accelerated the refinement of the spiritual spring, but he also felt an inexplicable force washing over his physical body.
From top to bottom, inside and out!
Chen Yuan sat there, like a statue, but the aura around him gradually rose...
Within the Imperial Slaughter Blade, Moro quietly watched this scene.
...
...
Time passed day by day. Unknown to Chen Yuan, the entire grassland was in turmoil. All the tribes under the Gu Jin Royal Court had dispatched half of their forces.
Like the Qi Shan Tribe, even Qi Shan Wang (King) and fifty thousand Qi Shan Iron Cavalry were conscripted.
Only the Great Shaman who had just entered the Huayang Realm, along with nearly fifty thousand elite soldiers, remained to guard the main camp.
Under the command of the Gu Jin Royal Court's Khan, no tribe dared to disobey. Besides powerful royal tribes like the Qi Shan Tribe, there were also many tribes of various sizes.
Some sent a thousand, some sent five hundred, all converging on Gu Jin Royal City.
Some were unwilling, feeling they were being sent to their deaths. Others saw it as a good opportunity. The Royal Court was using a large army to invade the Central Plains. Once they breached the Liangyou border, they could plunder at will.
Gold and silver treasures, cultivation resources, noble ladies, Central Plains slaves – these were the riches they desired, and plundering was undoubtedly the fastest method.
After all, a saying prevalent in the Central Plains was very applicable on the grasslands.
That was, "Riches are found in danger!"
Although there was a possibility of death, there was a greater chance of survival.
Some even felt that without women and wealth, what was the point of living?
They were nothing more than dogs under the command of those high and mighty nobles.
No...
Most people weren't even as good as dogs.
Therefore, the Royal Court's tribes were highly enthusiastic!
Everyone wanted to get rich overnight.
Chen Yuan and Xiang Qianqiu's disruption of the sacrificial ceremony was a reason for the Gu Jin Royal Court's attack on Liang Province, but not the main one. Even without them, Wanyan Tianba would have launched an invasion when the Central Plains showed signs of turmoil.
They... had merely intensified Wanyan Tianba's anger.
At this moment, outside Gu Jin Royal City, on the sacrificial platform prepared earlier.
Gu Jin Khan Wanyan Tianba calmly surveyed the endless army below, a faint smile playing on his lips. This was his world.
Wanyan's main tribe had dispatched three hundred thousand iron cavalry, and the various royal tribes had contributed a total of two hundred thousand elite soldiers. Adding the other miscellaneous grassland cavalry, the number reached seven hundred thousand.
And seven hundred thousand people, even if they were closely spaced on the grassland, still stretched as far as the eye could see.
The Royal Court's Great Shaman and Divine General Wanyan Shu stood on either side of Wanyan Tianba, their gazes also looking down at the sea of elite soldiers and iron cavalry below.
Although half of the cavalry were ordinary, among the main tribe's three hundred thousand iron cavalry, there were still several extremely powerful cavalry units, riding on different species of steeds.
Coupled with the heavy armor they wore, even when motionless, an aura of iron and blood emanated.
The seven hundred thousand people were noisy and discussed amongst themselves.
Wanyan Tianba took a step forward, his terrifying aura enveloping the entire world, silencing everyone. He stared at them all and said loudly:
"Five days ago, at the Royal Court's sacrificial ceremony, Central Plains martial artists..."
He spoke in a deep voice about the humiliation of that day, instilling this anger into everyone, letting them know that this time the Royal Court's wrath was like thunder, and only the blood of the Central Plains could wash it away.
Previously, there was still a lack of an excuse to incite everyone. This time, there was no need. Besides entering the Central Plains to plunder resources, they also had another reason.
That was revenge!
To repay the humiliation left by the Central Plains martial artists.
"The Royal Court cannot be humiliated. Those who humiliate it will surely die! This time, this Khan will personally lead seven hundred thousand iron cavalry to sweep across Liang Province and use the heads of the people of Liang Province and the Central Plains to build a Jingguan (a mound of enemy skulls).
And what you must do is charge forward, kill Central Plains martial artists, and seize Central Plains women. If this battle is won, endless riches and glory will be yours."
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Countless people cheered, the sound waves spreading for hundreds of miles. The terrifying fighting spirit even frightened thousands of nearby cattle and sheep to death, and the rest lay prostrate, trembling.
"They disrupted the sacrificial ceremony and angered the Barbarian God. We must use their blood to appease the Barbarian God's anger!" Wanyan Tianba raised his hands high.
Divine General Wanyan Shu immediately roared:
"Long live the Barbarian God! Long live the Khan!"
"Long live the Barbarian God! Long live the Khan!"
"Long live the Barbarian God! Long live the Khan!"
Seven hundred thousand people shouted in unison.
A look of satisfaction flashed in Wanyan Tianba's eyes. He turned his gaze to the Great Shaman and said:
"This time, this Khan is personally leading the expedition. The Royal Court will be entrusted to you. All the remaining hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry will be under your command. You must guard the Royal City well for this Khan!"
"Khan, rest assured, this subject will definitely guard the Royal City and will not allow the other two Royal Courts to seize any opportunity!"
The Great Shaman immediately expressed his loyalty.
The three Royal Courts of the Northern Desert were nominally allies, but in reality, there was considerable competition. If their foundation were seized while they were invading the Central Plains,
Then they would truly be making wedding clothes for others.
"Very good."
Wanyan Tianba nodded slightly.
"Divine General!"
"This subject is here!"
Wanyan Shu bowed in salute.
"Advance!"
Wanyan Tianba slowly uttered two words.
"As the Khan commands!"
Then, Wanyan Shu looked solemnly at everyone below, including nearly ten Huayang Realm Kings, raised the great axe in his hand, and shouted:
"Advance!"
"Advance!"
"Advance!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
War drums sounded, and bugles were blown.
A chilling aura swept across the world.
Within the Royal City, a royal chariot pulled by three exotic beasts hovered in the void. Wanyan Tianba stepped out and directly entered the luminous chariot.
Led by the elite soldiers of the royal main tribe, they immediately set off.
The massive movement of seven hundred thousand people was no less than a small earthquake. The rumbling sound was continuous, and the ground trembled incessantly.
On this day, Wanyan Tianba, the Great Khan of the Gu Jin Royal Court of the Northern Desert, personally led seven hundred thousand grassland iron cavalry to invade Liang Province!
This was also the second large-scale invasion since the establishment of the Da Jin Dynasty.
The first time was during the dynasty's transition, when the Central Plains was empty.
This time, Wanyan Tianba wanted to take advantage of the impending turmoil in the Central Plains to initiate a chaotic era.
Originally, he had not intended to create such a large commotion, only planning to have Divine General Wanyan Shu lead several hundred thousand soldiers, but Chen Yuan and Xiang Qianqiu's actions had clearly angered him.
In addition, with the ten thousand blood sacrifices to the Barbarian God, he decided to resolve the Liang Province problem once and for all.
The last time, immortals from Mount Wudang intervened. Now, calculating the time, they had probably already passed away. Under his sudden attack, let's see who could resist!
Even if he couldn't annex the Central Plains, he would seize You and Liang Provinces.
In this way, he could advance to attack and retreat to defend.
If the Central Plains were plunged into chaos, then the opportunity... would come!
...
...
Liang Province, atop a strategically important town and fortress.
Bei Liang Wang (King of Northern Liang) Wei Jinfeng looked solemnly at the distant grasslands, his heart filled with unease. This had been going on for more than a day or two. In fact, the signs had been there ever since Xiang Qianqiu told him to prepare for the Northern Barbarian invasion.
However, the unease had grown even stronger in recent days.
He couldn't help but wonder what Xiang Qianqiu would do on the grasslands and what made him so certain that there would be a large-scale invasion this time.
He was very puzzled.
But out of caution, he had made preparations early. He had not only deployed the Northern Liang's three hundred thousand iron cavalry in various key towns, but also stationed a Huayang general in each city gate.
Even if a True Monarch attacked, the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry's military formation could resist for a time.
He could also quickly reinforce them.
In addition, he had used a secret communication technique to convey this information to Shenjing City, urging Jingtai to take it seriously and send reinforcements.
"Father, are the Northern Barbarians really going to launch a large-scale invasion this time?"
Wei Wuque, the heir apparent, asked with a frown.
As a member of the Northern Liang Royal Court, how could he not know Wei Jinfeng's arrangements? Although Liang Province City was still calm, he could still see the undercurrents flowing beneath the surface.
He couldn't help but feel worried.
Although the Northern Barbarians had been knocking on the gates every year since he could remember, there had rarely been times like this.
"This matter cannot be completely confirmed, but it's always good to be cautious." Wei Jinfeng said indifferently.
"Son..."
Just as Wei Wuque was about to ask another question, a figure approached rapidly from afar and bowed respectfully before Wei Jinfeng: "Greetings, Your Highness!"
"Has the Imperial Court sent troops?"
Wei Jinfeng asked.
Although the capital had given him assurances, he didn't really trust the Sima family's nature. After all, they had dared to collude directly with the Northern Barbarians to attack the Central Plains in order to seize the throne.
Although it was just a tactic, it still made him dissatisfied.
If it hadn't been for the intervention of the Wudang Mountain cultivator, Liang Province City would have been breached more than two hundred years ago. That's why he had secretly established a separatist regime and expanded his elite cavalry to three hundred thousand in recent years.
Therefore, he had been keeping a close eye on the Imperial Court's movements.
"Reporting to Your Highness, the Duyu of Bing Province has deployed three thousand soldiers and has already gone to... You Province!" The general said in a deep voice.
Wei Jinfeng's eyes turned cold.
Three thousand... what use were three thousand?
Even if they were elite cavalry, they couldn't stop a Yang God True Monarch.
Moreover, the place they were going to... was You Province.
Liang Province was the bridgehead that blocked the Northern Barbarians, and it was bearing most of the pressure!
Although Wei Jinfeng nominally controlled the You and Liang Provinces, Liang Province was where he had real power. You Province was more like a nominal title, and the power he had there was not as great as in You Province.
It was closer to Bing Province, and the Imperial Court had already stationed two hundred thousand soldiers there, led by another True Monarch from the Imperial Court's military.
Although they still obeyed orders, if Wei Jinfeng wanted them to support Liang Province, he would probably need Jingtai's approval.
Of course, he knew what the Sima family was thinking.
They simply wanted the strength of Northern Liang to weaken, because that was more in line with the Imperial Court's interests.
Wei Jinfeng now only hoped that the Northern Barbarians wouldn't be too strong this time. Otherwise... with the Imperial Court's preparations, it would probably be a little dangerous.
"During this time, have the scouts closely monitor the movements of the grasslands. No department can slack off."
Wei Jinfeng ordered.
"Yes, General obeys the order!"
After saying that, he nodded to the heir apparent Wei Wuque and turned to leave.
As soon as the general left, two Jin Envoy from the Celestial Patrol Division were summoned by Wei Jinfeng. They exchanged glances and bowed, saying:
"This subordinate greets Your Highness."
Wei Jinfeng slowly turned around, carrying a powerful sense of oppression, and asked in a deep voice:
"Where is Chen Yuan?"
Feng Jiuying quickly said:
"Reporting to Your Highness, Master Chen has gone to carry out a secret Imperial order to track down the traces of the Wusheng Sect demons. This subordinate... this subordinate does not know where Master Chen is."
Wei Jinfeng frowned, thinking of what Chen Yuan had said before.
He must have gone to track down the Xiang family.
"When he returns, tell him to come see this King immediately. I have an important task to entrust to him." Wei Jinfeng waved his hand, signaling them to withdraw.
"Yes, this subordinate obeys the order. I will definitely tell Master Chen this message as soon as he returns."
"This subordinate obeys the order."
Huangfu Qi echoed.
Then, the two of them quickly withdrew.
After Huangfu Qi and Feng Jiuying had both left, Wei Wuque asked with some confusion:
"Father, summoning Chen Yuan... what important task is there?"
The Celestial Patrol Division was different from the military.
Wei Jinfeng didn't explain too much, just saying:
"I will tell you in the future."
This time, it was Xiang Qianqiu who had caused the trouble. Chen Yuan was his son, and Wei Jinfeng wouldn't let him sit idle. He had to contribute to resisting the Northern Barbarians!
Moreover, if Xiang Qianqiu really had some scheme in mind for him, he probably wouldn't let him be in danger.
Carrying out some missions was just right.
"This son understands."
A thoughtful look flashed in Wei Wuque's eyes.
...
...
Chen Yuan knew nothing about the Northern Barbarians' large-scale mobilization or the Northern Liang King's summons. At this moment, he was fully focused on his cultivation and had reached a critical juncture.
Seven days. Since Chen Yuan closed himself off, a full seven days had passed.
Most of the spiritual spring below had disappeared, and the golden lotus had grown exponentially, increasing several times in size and almost completely covering the spiritual spring. Although this vast golden light was separated by hundreds of feet, it had still escaped to the outside of the mountain cave.
Within a radius of hundreds of meters, everything was bathed in golden light.
And at the final stage of Chen Yuan's cultivation, the heaven and earth's origin energy in the void gradually began to stir significantly under the influence of the golden light and his own power.
The origin energy vortex was gradually growing larger...
The center of the origin energy vortex was directly above that small peak!
At the beginning, naturally no one paid attention to the situation here. After all, it was too deeply isolated, and the golden light had only leaked out a trace. In the deep mountain range, no one would notice.
But now it was different. The golden light and the origin energy vortex gradually resonated, and the movement became louder and louder. If it hadn't been discovered, it would have been abnormal.
Therefore, not long after the origin energy vortex condensed, the Qi Shan Tribe's guards discovered this and reported it to the higher levels one by one.
Soon, it reached the ears of the Great Shaman who was staying behind in the Qi Shan Tribe.
He immediately became suspicious and felt that it was very strange.
The Qi Shan Mountains' heaven and earth origin energy couldn't be considered dense. Usually, Qi Shan Tribe warriors would break through within a specific range, and such situations were rare.
And after checking, he quickly discovered that no one in the Qi Shan Tribe had broken through recently.
It was highly likely that a rogue cultivator from the grasslands was cultivating here, and judging from the reported movements, it seemed to be a Core Realm Grandmaster. Harboring different thoughts, the Qi Shan Tribe Great Shaman immediately led people to the vicinity of Chen Yuan's retreat.
By the time he arrived, the movements were already several times greater than before, and it seemed to be getting bigger and bigger.
"This is... someone breaking through to the Huayang Realm?"
The Qi Shan Great Shaman frowned, his eyes flashing.
If it was really a rogue cultivator, could he be absorbed into the Qi Shan Tribe?
Three Huayang experts would definitely make them the strongest tribe under the Royal Court, and their power would increase dramatically.
Thinking of this, he didn't rush to disturb him. Instead, he had people surround the area, preparing to wait for this person to emerge from seclusion. It would be best if they could absorb him.
If he was unwilling to join the Qi Shan Tribe, then he would have to pay a price for using their territory to break through.
A faint smile appeared on the Qi Shan Great Shaman's lips.
Deep beneath the small peak.
When Chen Yuan felt that the power had reached its peak, he suddenly opened his eyes and let out a long roar that pierced through the heavens and the earth. The golden light also shot from hundreds of feet underground into the void.
Causing great commotion.
The golden lotus slowly opened, revealing Chen Yuan in black robes. At this moment, his aura far surpassed that of before. After his physical body reached perfection,
His Qi refinement cultivation had also reached its peak.
Celestial Core Peak!
And his aura was very harmonious under the golden lotus's aid, without any sense of instability. Of course, as a price, the spiritual spring below was almost completely dried up.
After Chen Yuan successfully broke through, Moro quickly urged the golden lotus to collect the remaining power of the spiritual spring into the lotus for storage.
Before Chen Yuan could speak, Moro's voice immediately entered his ears:
"There is a Huayang True Person waiting outside. They are from the Qi Shan Tribe."
"How strong?"
"Early Huayang."
Chen Yuan smiled. Wasn't this a coincidence?
They had conveniently sent him a roughly equal enemy.
"Then today, I will leave seclusion by beheading a Huayang expert to celebrate!"
求月票! (Requesting Monthly Tickets!)
大场面要来了，兄弟们不要养书啊 (The grand scene is coming, brothers, don't hoard the book!)