Chapter 266: Chapter 217 Immortal List! [Thanks to ‘Jan_King’ for the generous tip of 20000!]
[Magical Treasure: Taiyi Evil Dragon Boat]
[Grade: Third-order]
[Description: A pre-ancient magical treasure, forged using Western Geng Metal Essence for the boat’s body and infused with the souls of nine-headed evil dragons. Extremely fast when traveling near water.]
...
Mid-section of Slaughter Ring Sea.
Thunder poured down like torrents, wind and fire swept through, waves surged high into the sky.
A golden boat rode the winds and waves, unaffected by the lightning. Inside the boat, Master Baiyun was at the helm, accompanied by Cheng Beixuan, Xue Xiao, and Chen Jichuan.
"The mid-section of Slaughter Ring Sea, between the inner and outer sea regions, has experienced turbulent storms of wind, fire, and thunder since the ancient wars between immortals and demons. These storms disrupt the void, interfering with transmission formations, making crossing impossible."
"The only way to traverse between the inner and outer sea is either by physically crossing or using a magical treasure. Otherwise, only a True Person of the Second-order or above can safely pass."
Xue Xiao explained to Chen Jichuan.
"So that’s how it is."
Chen Jichuan nodded upon hearing this.
Finally, he understood why Master Baiyun hadn’t simply transported them to the Central Continent via transmission formations.
Transmission formations are extraordinarily mystical.
Their stability varies depending on distance, grade, and the spatial conditions between the two ends.
The void in the mid-section of Slaughter Ring Sea is chaotic, making it difficult even to set up short-distance transmission formations. Crossing it requires brute force and effort.
For those newly advanced to Late-stage Qi Refinement, without the protection of Second-order Magical Treasures, they would find the raging winds, fire, and thunder to be extremely perilous. Without a Second-order Magical Treasure for travel, even flying would take an immense amount of time.
Thus.
If a disciple of Nine Refinement Immortal Mansion reached Late-stage Qi Refinement before the age of one hundred and became a True Disciple of Heaven Mending Sect, Master Baiyun would personally escort them.
Firstly, to ensure safety and save time.
Secondly, to visit old friends at Heaven Mending Sect and entrust them to look after his disciples.
This time.
Cheng Beixuan and Xue Xiao happened to be returning home to visit family and had stayed at Crown Lion Mountain for a while, so they joined the journey.
Master Baiyun is a Second-order cultivator.
His Taiyi Evil Dragon Boat is a Third-order Magical Treasure.
Riding the wind and waves, the boat was as steady as a mountain, moving at a speed far superior to Chen Jichuan’s full exertion of the Little Four Nine Wind and Thunder Escape Method.
"A Second-order cultivator."
"Combined with a Third-order or even Fourth-order Magical Treasure, even if my techniques were heavenly, I wouldn’t stand a chance against them. Facing someone like my teacher, equipped with a travel treasure, even escaping would be a futile dream."
Chen Jichuan silently warned himself to avoid careless mistakes in the future.
Over the years, whether in Jade Spring World, Qinling World, or Great Hui World, he had been a dominant force of his time. Supported by his foundation—
Such as high-grade cultivation techniques.
Or high-order secret techniques.
Or high-grade magical treasures.
By relying on these, he had defeated prodigies and heroes, achieving unimpeded victories, embodying invincibility amongst mortals.
But this time.
"Slaughter Ring Sea was prosperous in ancient times. Countless ruins and legacies remain here, along with abundant pre-ancient treasures. High-level and super-level secret techniques are not uncommon."
"With my current setup, it’s merely average here; there’s no room for arrogance."
Chen Jichuan knew himself well.
He understood the root of his previous invincibility.
Take Cheng Beixuan and Xue Xiao as examples.
Both were True Disciples of Heaven Mending Sect, equipped with side-door level cultivation techniques, mastering two to three high-level secret techniques, and possessing at least Second-order treasures.
They likely carried countless hidden talismans and pills as well.
With Chen Jichuan’s current cultivation and possessions, it wouldn’t be guaranteed he could prevail against either of them.
"Stay humble!"
"The priority now is to learn. This is such a rare opportunity; don’t throw your life away!"
Chen Jichuan thought to himself.
So, he conversed more eagerly with Cheng Beixuan and Xue Xiao, gaining insights into the inner sea of Slaughter Ring Sea, Central Continent, and Heaven Mending Sect to prepare himself thoroughly.
The Taiyi Evil Dragon Boat sped along swiftly.
Even so.
In this thunderous and roaring sea region, it took an entire month to cross.
Afterward, the journey became much easier.
Heaven Mending Sect had constructed transmission formations in the inner sea, enabling them to reach Central Continent within three days.
...
"This is the Central Continent?"
Standing at the bow of the boat, Chen Jichuan gazed at the boundless land ahead, feeling its weight and majesty, incomparable to Radiant Light Island.
"Yes, this is the Central Continent."
Cheng Beixuan smiled at Chen Jichuan.
Looking at him, Cheng Beixuan seemed to see his past self. He recalled the awe he felt when following his teacher to the Central Continent for the first time—
Mountains rolling endlessly.
Vast plains stretching for miles.
Rivers criss-crossing.
Everything appeared so natural, so grand and magnificent, exuding a trace of desolation from ancient times, capturing one’s heart and spirit.
Upon entering Central Continent.
Transmission formations grew denser, but the flow of people also increased.
"The Seven Immortal Sects of Central Continent took the lead, pooling resources with dozens of smaller sects to construct a transmission network across Central Continent, assigning Second-order True Persons to safeguard it from demon interference."
"Independent cultivators and other sects can also use these transmission formations."
"As long as they pay enough Spirit Stones."
The Taiyi Evil Dragon Boat raced toward the nearest transmission formation as Xue Xiao introduced the setup to Chen Jichuan.
Chen Jichuan listened attentively.
Transmission formations are akin to pathways—each with a set start and end point. In Jade Spring World or Qinling World, cultivators lack the ability to detect spatial fluctuations, let alone sever transmission formations.
But Slaughter Ring Sea and Central Continent are different.
Cultivators here are more powerful, possessing various secret techniques and treasures. The frequent activation of transmission formations makes them easily detectable by enemies or demonic forces, risking disruption.
After experiencing mutual destruction and losses in sabotage, the Central Continent sects united to establish the transmission network, agreeing to its joint protection.
However, due to the vast territory of Central Continent and the limited number of Second-order True Persons, the transmission network remains sparse.
Until demons are thoroughly eradicated, expanding the network’s scale seems unlikely.
"Even in the Immortal Cultivation World, constructing roads isn’t easy!"
Chen Jichuan mused.
He also understood that demons arise from the myriad spirits, magic is born from the heart, and as long as the myriad spirits of heaven and earth are intact, how can demons ever be truly eradicated?
Building a transmission network across the entire Central Continent and eliminating all demons is unrealistic.
Unless transmission formations can be encrypted further, or more manpower is devoted to their protection against demonic threats.
"Currently, there are seven routes, just barely functional."
"The sects have no desire to expand them further for now."
Cheng Beixuan explained as the boat arrived at a transmission station.
...
Central Continent.
Mount Tailao.
Mount Tailao stands tall on the shore of the East Sea, surrounded by water on three sides, with the mountains backing onto the other.
Legend tells that in ancient times, the mother of sages cultivated indigo within its woods, attained immortality there, and ascended; thus, it was called "Mother." Later renamed "Tailao," it is said the immortals of the East Sea frequently gathered here, earning it the title "Sea Immortal City."
Heaven Mending Sect, one of the Seven Immortal Sects of Central Continent, is located on Mount Tailao.
On this day.
Master Baiyun brought Chen Jichuan, Cheng Beixuan, and Xue Xiao to the gates of Heaven Mending Sect.
For the first time, Chen Jichuan looked up to see a lofty peak shaped like the ritual tablets held by court ministers during their audience with the emperor.
Its summit touched blue skies, its base rooted deep in the earth, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and harnessing the essence of sun and moon, standing gracefully and upright.
True to its resemblance, it bore rows of inscriptions upon itself, forged in strokes of iron and silver, sharp and imposing.
Focusing his gaze, Chen Jichuan saw three characters at the very top—
"Immortal List!"
Scrolling further down.
The list included hundreds of names in flowing script, with the tenth position reading "Cheng Beixuan" and the one hundred twenty-fourth position reading "Xue Xiao."
"This is—"
Chen Jichuan turned to Cheng Beixuan and Xue Xiao.
"The Immortal List."
"Also known as the True Inheritor List."
"It records the names of all True Disciples of Heaven Mending Sect, ranked based on cultivation level, battle record, merit, and other accomplishments. Third Senior Brother is ranked tenth, famously known as the ’Seven-Handed Yaksha.’"
Xue Xiao explained as Chen Jichuan stared at the Yuhu Mountain Wall.
True Inheritor List, Tenth!
"Seven-Handed Yaksha" Cheng Beixuan!
Chen Jichuan looked at Cheng Beixuan with newfound respect.
Previously, he thought this Third Senior Brother’s amiable demeanor was all there was. Who could have anticipated his strength? Ranking tenth among hundreds of True Inheritors in Heaven Mending Sect, his abilities could undoubtedly hold their ground in Slaughter Ring Sea’s Qi Refinement ranks.
"Impressive! Truly impressive!"
"I stand corrected!"
Chen Jichuan clasped his hands toward Cheng Beixuan, then toward Xue Xiao, saying, "Fifth Senior Sister, at Qi Refinement Ninth Layer, ranked one hundred twenty-fourth. When she advances to the Tenth Layer, she too will undoubtedly climb to the top ranks."
Xue Xiao beamed with delight upon hearing this.
"The sect rankings can’t be taken too seriously."
Cheng Beixuan waved his hand and spoke humbly, "True Inheritors of the sect who reach two hundred years of age will transition to Elders, Peak Masters, or Deacons, managing sect affairs or defending territories. They will no longer be classified as True Disciples or included in the Immortal List. In the Qi Refinement Realm alone, even within Heaven Mending Sect, there are at least twenty individuals stronger than me."
Cheng Beixuan was modest.
But Chen Jichuan understood that the Immortal List measures more of potential than strength.
Cheng Beixuan had reached tenth place before the age of one hundred; his future was undoubtedly bright.
Second-order was within reach.
They lingered outside the gates for a while.
Afterward.
Cheng Beixuan and Xue Xiao guided Chen Jichuan directly to the Immortal Hall that manages True Disciples. Master Baiyun departed to reunite with his old friends.
...
A month passed by swiftly.
Upon arriving at Heaven Mending Sect, Chen Jichuan spent an entire month immersed in tasks and finally settled everything. He accompanied Master Baiyun to meet the latter’s old friends at the sect and saw him off.
Finally, peace returned.
"True Disciples do not handle mundane affairs, focusing solely on cultivation, enjoying the quietest lives."
"Junior Brother, since you’re newly arrived."
"You can first browse the Scripture Pavilion’s extensive collection and select a secret technique of interest for cultivation. The Immortal Hall organizes lectures by Preaching Elders every month. These Elders are Second-order True Persons, possessing high cultivation levels and rich experience. Whether in cultivation techniques, secret techniques, alchemy, artifact refining, or arrays, their knowledge and achievements are extraordinary."
"Attending a single lecture surpasses reading books for ten years."
"Don’t miss it."
Cheng Beixuan and Xue Xiao, experienced and caring, frequently gave Chen Jichuan helpful advice, doting on their young Junior Brother.
Chen Jichuan, meanwhile, had his own plans.
He divided his time between daily cultivation, alchemy, artifact refining, familiarizing himself with Heaven Mending Sect and Central Continent, and occasionally attending lectures.
His schedule was packed to the brim.
Yet Chen Jichuan delighted in it.
Particularly when he heard about Heaven Mending Sect’s profound techniques, secret methods, and treasures—all of which ignited fervent excitement in his heart.
"Five Techniques and Nine Methods, Twelve Treasures."
Five side-door level cultivation techniques.
Nine super-level secret techniques.
Twelve sect-defining treasures.
These represented the foundational strength of Heaven Mending Sect, one of the Seven Immortal Sects, and became Chen Jichuan’s goals for this lifetime.
"True Inheritor status is far from sufficient."
"Far, far from enough."
Chen Jichuan felt his yearning grow.
While the title of True Disciple seemed impressive, within Heaven Mending Sect, it merely meant being a disciple.
To Heaven Mending Sect, only Second-order True Persons stand as the backbone of the sect.
Only Second-order True Persons could access super-level secret techniques and wield sect-defining treasures.
As for True Disciples like Cheng Beixuan, despite being ranked tenth on the Immortal List, his cultivation included only one side-door level cultivation technique, high-level secret techniques, and ordinary magical treasures.
"Second-order."
"To advance to Second-order as soon as possible—that’s the true goal!"
Chen Jichuan set his sights and poured himself into cultivation ever more diligently.
...