A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality: Wang Yu’s Rebirth as the Reincarnation Dao Ancestor - Chapter 155

Chapter 153 Divine Consciousness Takes Form, The Sky Is High Enough for Birds to Fly

Normally, a cultivator’s Core Formation is achieved by an individual or family pooling their resources and resources.

This Qi Yuan from the Thousand Bamboo Sect, a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator, is a rare example of crowdfunding for Core Formation.

And crowdfunding is clearly not the norm.

“What exactly is the meaning of a sect’s existence?”

Han Li murmured to himself.

He had never understood.

Was the meaning of a sect’s existence simply a company-like operation where high-level cultivators used it to facilitate wealth accumulation, allowing lower- and middle-level disciples to collect the various rare and precious materials they needed? Or was it that high-level cultivators treated their sects like a family business, with the greater sect protecting the lesser sect within its capabilities, and the lesser sect giving back to the greater

sect within its capabilities? He still remembered the kind attitude of the Foundation Establishment cultivators who didn’t look down on him, a pseudo-spiritual root cultivator, when he infiltrated the Falling Cloud Sect years ago. He

also clearly remembered the contemptuous attitude of the Foundation Establishment managers in Yellow Maple Valley when they tried to use underhanded methods against him for the Foundation Establishment Pill represented by the Ascension Token.

Yellow Maple Valley and Falling Cloud Sect were very different.

And his newly rebuilt Thousand Bamboo Sect seems to be following suit from top to bottom?

And the cultivators here seem to be even more eager for such a leader?

“Could it be that Shi Jian just fell in love with this place, then wholeheartedly protected it, and then perished together with others because of a struggle for profit?”

“…”

“No, it’s not time for anyone to give an explanation yet. The major sects of the righteous path are not something I can afford to offend right now.”

Even if someone has to give an explanation, it will be the Great Evolution Divine Lord who will demand one.

No matter how hard he tries, it’s all in vain if he can’t win over that Great Evolution Divine Lord.

“We also need to plan ahead regarding the Five Elements Spiritual Infant.”

Or, perhaps, just wait and see?

“It’s done, it’s done! Look at the celestial phenomena!”

The funnel-shaped clouds, several miles long, absorbed a large amount of spiritual energy from the surrounding heaven and earth and began to pour back, providing assistance for the cultivators below to condense their cores.

The existence of rules governing heaven and earth seemed to materialize at this moment.

“Excellent! It’s done! Our Thousand Bamboo Sect has gained another Core Formation expert!”

“Great! Great!”

The members of the sect were overjoyed.

Each of them seemed to see their own future when they formed their Core.

Only those who had experienced it could understand their joy and excitement.

Their happiness was not only based on the fact that a senior in the sect had successfully formed his Core, but also on the fact that they were no longer burdened by the shackles of the Golden Sect Leader, and on the fact that they could receive the strong support of their fellow sect members in the future.

Han Li was delighted with this.

The atmosphere of the Thousand Bamboo Sect had indeed changed a lot after the adjustments of the past few years, especially after the first batch of hundreds of Foundation Establishment Pills were used.

In the past few years, newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivators had sprung up like mushrooms after rain. Those with

dual spiritual roots, special physiques, unique spiritual roots, and some outstanding triple spiritual roots accumulated over the past decades had successfully formed their Foundations in droves.

This made the cohesion among the people here grow day by day?

It seemed to be looking towards the Falling Cloud Sect?

However,

it was not enough.

“Our far west has never lacked spirit stones. However, the resources available to us native cultivators have been divided up by various powerful forces, leaving you with only a pittance. If you wish to achieve immortality, please rely on your own efforts and protect your own interests. Why can’t the spirit stones of the far west support dozens of Core Formation cultivators?”

Han Li’s voice was powerful and resonant, carrying for hundreds of miles.

It also caused countless cultivators to ponder.

After all, the thousands of mid-grade spirit stones he had taken out were genuine.

“I wonder… what will the Great Evolution Divine Lord’s feelings be when he sees this scene after being rescued?”

Han Li slightly curled the corners of his mouth, revealing a kind smile.

…

Afterwards, he summoned two newly promoted Core Formation cultivators and more than twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“Sect Leader, these are all the spirit insects on the Strange Insect Ranking that the sect members have collected over the past two years from the far west.”

A Foundation Establishment manager respectfully handed over more than twenty spirit beast bags.

“Oh? You’re quite thoughtful.”

The advantages of possessing a powerful force were evident at this moment.

“I am not a stingy person; I always keep my word. You have rendered meritorious service; you can exchange your merits for the cultivation pills you need at the Merit Hall. In addition, consider these things as extra benefits from me. Take them and distribute them.”

With that, he tossed out some pills and top-grade magic artifacts.

“And you two, you must cultivate diligently in the future and not slack off.”

He gave Fang Zheng and Qi Yuan two bottles of Core Formation level pills and two unused Chaotic Star Sea magic treasures.

Afterward, he encouraged everyone and instructed these mid-level members of the sect to take good care of the far west.

“I will seek a quiet place to retreat into seclusion for a period of time. The affairs of the sect will be managed by you two; ensure no major mistakes occur. When I return, if the Thousand Bamboo Sect is thriving and prosperous, I will reward you both.”

“The other managers will also receive corresponding rewards.”

“But if it becomes chaotic and develops into a complete mess… Hmph!”

Han Li snorted coldly, startling the twenty or thirty people present and causing them to cool down from their excitement and envy.

“We will obey the sect leader’s orders.”

“Hmm, if any more individuals with firm Dao hearts and abundant blessings achieve Core Formation, have them take this token to my cave dwelling and obtain cultivation supplies from my spirit beast according to their needs.”

Han Li tapped his knuckles on the armrest of his chair, his gaze fixed on the mountain palace complex not far away.

There, he had a temporary cave dwelling.

Inside, he kept a level six Azure Jade Mantis and left behind a considerable amount of pills refined primarily from demon beast inner cores—enough to reward ten people.

His other backup plan was an elderly man who did odd jobs.

The old man held the main array flags of several large arrays he had set up.

In other words, he controlled all the arrays.

That old man was none other than the Wind Spirit Root Elder from the Falling Cloud Sect who had failed the selection process.

Several years had passed, and his cultivation had now risen from the fifth level of Qi Refining to the twelfth level.

After everyone dispersed, he met with the old man.

“Chang Sheng, my departure is not for seclusion, but for a great matter. I will be away from the far west for a long time. Perhaps ten years, perhaps twenty, perhaps even thirty or fifty years. Are you prepared?”

The old man’s name was Wang Chang Sheng, and he had spent his entire life pursuing the Great Dao of Immortality.

His name reflected his ambition.

He had previously taken him as a disciple and passed on the forbidden inheritance.

Back in the Luo Yun Sect, he had specifically inquired about this man’s past: he was originally the only son of a wealthy family, kind-hearted, and had helped those in need. He was principled, helping in times of emergency but not in times of poverty; if outsiders tried to steal his things, this old man would defend them fiercely, and if he found an opportunity, he would even retaliate. He was a kind person, but not the kind who was indiscriminately kind. Moreover, he was intelligent, learned quickly, and not only preserved his family’s business but also expanded it. Most importantly, he was filial, observing three years of mourning for his parents who were in their seventies or eighties.

Sadly, an epidemic struck, and the elderly lost their son and grandchildren, both grieving the disease. The loss of several family members left them without any other offspring. His wife, overwhelmed with grief, also died, leaving him utterly alone.

Over the decades, he endured much hardship.

In his despair, he unexpectedly embarked on the path of immortality.

He then generously bestowed upon the few neighbors who had cared for his family in the past. It was during this time that he changed his name to Wang Changsheng, severing ties with his past and focusing solely on immortality.

The earlier crowdfunding campaign for Core Formation was also initiated by this old man, who set a good example.

“Master, as long as Changsheng is alive, I will do everything in my power to protect all of this,”

the old man bowed.

“If the righteous sects like the Heavenly Extreme Sect pursue this matter, you will surely die.”

“With Master here, that risk is nothing.”

“Good, your lifespan is short, you should quickly establish your foundation. The twenty Foundation Establishment Pills I gave you earlier are not only enough for your foundation establishment, but also enough for you to train a group of followers. Take these cultivation supplies as well, they are enough to help you advance your cultivation by leaps and bounds to the late Foundation Establishment stage or even the Pseudo-Core stage in more than ten years.”

Han Li said, tossing out more than ten pill bottles.

Without exception, they were all rare Foundation Establishment pills from Tiannan.

They were all refined with high-grade demon cores.

In the Chaotic Star Sea, only the direct descendants of major sects would enjoy such treatment.

“Master…”

Wang Changsheng’s eyes reddened.

He was not chosen and was pitied when he participated in the Ancient Sword Sect’s ten-year grand event.

He was not chosen and was disliked when he participated in the Hundred Crafts Academy’s grand opening.

He tried to join the Falling Cloud Sect, but was also rejected by the rules.

He understood those sects.

But he was unwilling to accept this.

And just as he lamented the brevity of life and the uncertainty of the path to immortality, his master appeared.

Although he placed restrictions on him to ensure certain secrets wouldn’t be revealed, he was initially quite resistant. However, his master treated him exceptionally well afterward, providing him with inherited cultivation techniques, abundant resources for cultivation, and unreservedly imparting his cultivation insights, as well as providing top-grade magical artifacts and talismans.

He was treated like a son.

He once asked his master why he had taken a liking to him.

His master’s answer was only two words: “Pleasing to the eye!”

He couldn’t quite grasp the meaning and weight of those two words.

But he deeply understood the principle of dying for one’s confidant.

He also understood that what is free is often the most valuable.

His master was the greatest benefactor on his life’s journey! As long as his master didn’t betray him, he would certainly not betray this master.

“I’ve prepared some resources for you in advance for Core Formation…”

“And these Core Formation insights…”

“By the way, this token is the restriction token of the cave where I condensed my Nascent Soul. When you enter the Pseudo-Core stage and prepare to condense your Golden Core, you can go there to seek an opportunity for Core Formation.” “Take the

Thousand Bamboo Sect Leader’s token; it might come in handy after you form your Core.”

Han Li had given so much; naturally, he wanted even more in return.

In his view, this person had a better chance of reaching the Nascent Soul stage than many geniuses with different spiritual roots. Having experienced

the trials of the mortal world, this person had basically gone through everything before the age of fifty.

No attachments.

No flaws.

During the inner demon tribulation, he only needed to guard against regret.

And with this person’s Dao heart, regret was not a flaw, but rather a driving force for progress.

Just like him, not having the small bottle, though a regret, was also a driving force.

“If I’m not entirely confident about my future ascension and want to leave behind descendants to protect certain things, this person would be an excellent steward, a good protector and assistant…”

Of course, he’d have to wait until this old fellow could try to form a Nascent Soul before making a decision.

Whether he should follow the example of the Twin Saints of Heavenly Stars and leave behind descendants depended on the subsequent situation.

If he accidentally built a foundation, leaving descendants to inherit it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

If not, then so be it.

Fewer worries meant fewer troubles on the path to immortality.

“The Western Lands, the Thousand Bamboo Sect—let’s consider this my first test.”

This was his first testing ground.

If it worked well, he’d preserve it.

If not, he’d simply become the Supreme Elder of the Falling Cloud Sect. He had far too many options

…

Just as Han Li was preparing to leave the Western Lands to visit Yuanwu Kingdom and other places,

an uninvited guest arrived .

There were two of them.

They had just crossed the desert region from the southeast and headed straight for the Thousand Bamboo Mountains.

The array left in the Thousand Bamboo Mountains was quickly and violently dismantled by the two.

Han Li, sensing the location of the Thousand Bamboo Sect’s headquarters within a 20,000-mile radius, immediately thought:

“Huh? Who’s going to disturb my fake cave dwelling in the Thousand Bamboo Mountains?”

He then realized what was happening.

His eyes narrowed instantly.

“Wasn’t the Thousand Bamboo Mountains, with its superior spiritual veins, the place I initially chose for seclusion?”

The next moment, his figure vanished from the main hall.

He wanted to go and see what was going on there.

Thousand Bamboo Mountains.

A male and a female cultivator had already broken through 30% of the Inverted Five Elements Array and jointly entered the fake cave dwelling that Han Li had created a few years ago.

Upon entering, a quick scan with their divine senses revealed a slight change in their expressions:

“No, this isn’t that person’s secluded cultivation place.”

“Is this a fake cave dwelling used to deceive others?”

The two exchanged a glance, their expressions growing increasingly serious.

The female cultivator in palace attire was particularly worried.

“Senior brother, something’s wrong. That person is clearly wary of the Thousand Bamboo Sect. Not only did he not have any Thousand Bamboo Sect disciples protecting him, but he also tricked everyone. This… we can’t interfere with his Nascent Soul formation at all.” Let alone deliberately trying to sabotage him: “If we can’t stop him from forming his Nascent Soul, then our previous plan…” The more

she thought about it, the more panicked she became.

Because their sect didn’t actually want them to prevent someone from forming their Nascent Soul.

They had even proposed a plan to win him over.

If they couldn’t win him over, then they would try to stop him.

But these two, driven by selfish motives and focused on maximizing their own profits, hadn’t even considered the option of winning him over first.

“Don’t worry, Junior Sister, forming a Nascent Soul isn’t that easy.”

The male cultivator was much calmer and not flustered:

“Junior Sister, you know that in this far west, there are only two or three spiritual veins suitable for assisting in forming a Nascent Soul. The Thousand Bamboo Mountains are just one of them. If the people aren’t here, they’re most likely in the other two places.”

The main altar, due to years of use by a large number of followers, has actually deteriorated in quality.

In recent years, it’s been difficult to even supply enough for cultivators to form their Core Formation, let alone Nascent Soul.

“Furthermore, we rushed here immediately after receiving Master’s message. Even counting the two years it took for our sect’s spies to relay the message, only a little over three years have passed. How difficult it is for that person to form a Nascent Soul in just over three years?”

“Then, Senior Brother, what should we do next?”

“Investigate this place more thoroughly. That person might still be hiding nearby; we mustn’t be misled. If he’s hiding in this spiritually rich area of the Thousand Bamboo Mountains, then we’ll proceed according to the original plan. If not, we’ll immediately head to the other two locations; we’ll surely catch him…”

The male cultivator’s analysis was logical and aligned with their interests.

Hearing this, the female cultivator relaxed considerably.

“Alright.”

What if that person successfully formed a Nascent Soul before their interference?

With their sect and Master protecting them, if the other party dared to harm them, it would be tantamount to going against the Heavenly Extreme Sect and their Nascent Soul stage master. From a self-interested perspective, unless this person no longer wanted their foundation in the far west, they wouldn’t go to such extremes.

If they were truly captured, they could simply apologize and lower their stance. A dignified Nascent Soul stage elder wouldn’t stoop to the level of two Core Formation stage juniors over such a trivial matter; he would most likely just consider it a misunderstanding.

Besides, cultivators in the far west are never truly unyielding among those of the same level.

Moreover, their combined attack technique wouldn’t be much weaker than an ordinary Nascent Soul stage cultivator.

This was their greatest source of confidence.

For the next half hour, the two of them acted without restraint, turning the entire Thousand Bamboo Mountain Range upside down.

They didn’t miss any of the older spiritual trees in the forest, pocketing them all.

The spiritual herbs and plants planted in this medicinal garden were also thoroughly looted; not a single one over three hundred years old was left behind.

“This Red Luo Flower is nice, but it’s a pity it’s a bit young…”

The female cultivator picked up a spiritual herb from a medicinal garden.

“This ironwood tree is a few years away from becoming a thousand-year-old ironwood. Tsk, bad timing.” The male cultivator chopped down an ironwood tree with a slight regret, then turned to another: “Yan Jie of the Giant Sword Sect was once a formidable late-stage Core Formation cultivator, but he’s been dead for over a hundred years and still holds that position?”

With a sneer, he crushed the sign hanging on a branch and then chopped down the nine-hundred-year-old spirit tree: several thousand spirit stones in hand.

Not far away, several Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining disciples of the Thousand Bamboo Sect in charge of this area dared not speak out in anger.

No matter how much their hearts bled, no matter how white their lips turned from biting them, they could only force a smile.

There was nothing they could do; the difference in cultivation was simply too great.

They were just a group of Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators.

On the other side were two late-stage Core Formation cultivators.

Even if they sacrificed their lives, they couldn’t stop them in the slightest.

The corpse of a very responsible Foundation Establishment manager on the ground had already shown them how to remain silent.

“Let’s go, they’re not here. Let’s check the other two spiritual veins…”

On his way here, Han Li encountered a group of followers heading to headquarters to report the news.

Upon arrival, they saw a jar of still-warm ashes.

“Two people came, both Core Formation cultivators. They not only destroyed my cave dwelling but also plundered the spiritual materials and herbs of the Thousand Bamboo Mountains. They even killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator who tried to stop them? Is that right?”

Han Li asked calmly.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators nodded sadly.

“Master, let it go. Those two are Core Formation experts from the Heavenly Extreme Sect. Their cultivation is unfathomable. There’s no need for you to risk your life. We can seek justice from them after you become a Nascent Soul Ancestor.”

One of the two Foundation Establishment cultivators who had guided him here years ago advised.

The other one had perished.

His ashes were placed in the urn in front of him.

“Yes, Master, those two are clearly after you, and they might even have malicious intentions. We shouldn’t confront them directly; we should avoid a direct confrontation.”

If they had another Nascent Soul cultivator to oversee the far west and protect their Thousand Bamboo Sect, they wouldn’t have to suffer such humiliation, would they?

“Are you all afraid of provoking the Heavenly Pole Sect?”

“Yes.”

Who wouldn’t be afraid?

That’s the second largest sect of the righteous path, with nearly ten Nascent Soul ancestors

and over a hundred Core Formation cultivators .

They’re simply not someone the Thousand Bamboo Sect can afford to offend. If

the Heavenly Pole Sect really wanted to deal with them, they wouldn’t even need to lift a finger; they could simply have a minor sect affiliated with the Heavenly Pole Sect do it.

“Then, what if I absolutely have to kill those two from the Heavenly Pole Sect?”

Sometimes, yielding and forbearance can indeed buy a brief respite.

But sometimes, the more you yield and forbear, the more counterproductive it becomes, and you’ll be seen as easy to bully.

If he were still only at the Core Formation stage, forbearance would be necessary.

But he’s already

at the Nascent Soul stage. Why should he continue to be someone else’s lackey?

If he really can’t win, he can simply go to the Chaotic Star Sea to hide for a while.

Besides, what does Li Feiyu’s Thousand Bamboo Sect trouble have to do with Han Li?

“This…”

“I ask you, if I kill those two, and in turn offend the Heavenly Extreme Sect, and thus bring you great trouble, will you hate me?”

“Ah?”

Everyone was shocked. They

shuddered in shock.

Dozens of people looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

Two figures who were flying rapidly along another of the three great spiritual veins in the far west shuddered for no reason at the same time.

“Alright, go and gather all the followers in the far west. Convey my decree: from this day forward, the Thousand Bamboo Sect will no longer compromise with any external forces. All cultivation resources within the territory belong to our Thousand Bamboo Sect.”

Han Li began to issue orders.

He also made several adjustments:

“Tell all followers what we will face. Followers below the Foundation Establishment stage and their families are allowed to leave the sect. Followers above the Foundation Establishment stage should prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. Those willing to stay and live or die with me and the Thousand Bamboo Sect should continue to wear the sect’s standard robes.”

“Sect Leader…”

someone hesitated.

They felt this was far too impulsive.

“Go, everyone go and spread the word. As soon as possible.”

Han Li didn’t care about anything else.

Helpless, everyone could only clasp their fists and agree:

“…Yes!”

“Which direction did those two go when they left?”

“Sect Leader, they went northeast.”

Northeast?

Could they be planning to go to the Liupan Mountain spiritual vein, one of the three major spiritual veins in the far west?

That makes sense.

These two came here and directly broke into my cave. Their purpose was most likely to ruin my Nascent Soul formation and then take advantage of my failed Nascent Soul formation and plummeting cultivation.

Han Li thought to himself.

“Everyone assumed that I, Han, would choose one of the three great spiritual veins as my Nascent Soul formation site, but how could I not have foreseen the hidden dangers? Furthermore, with the Hurricane Desert blocking the way, the people you arranged to cause trouble arrived too late; I, Han, have already successfully formed my Nascent Soul.”

Also…

“I thought there would be Nascent Soul cultivators coming to test me, to win me over, to obstruct me, or something like that. Unexpectedly, only two Core Formation

cultivators came.” One Nascent Soul cultivator would have been fine; it would have been a sign of respect and attention.

But only two Core Formation cultivators came, and not only did they destroy my cave, but they also killed my people and stole my things—this was truly humiliating.

“Since you’re here, don’t leave.”

The Liupan Mountain spiritual vein is tens of thousands of miles away.

For an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, it would take about two days. A late-stage Core Formation cultivator could fly much faster.

But for him, flying would only take a few hours.

Han Li reached out and extracted a wisp of energy from where the other party had left.

This Thousand Machine Technique could be used at the Core Formation level; it was a common tracking technique, and its effectiveness was even greater for a Nascent Soul cultivator like himself.

“It seems they really did head northeast. By the way, how long have they been gone?”

“Reporting to the Sect Leader, including the delay, they’ve been gone for less than a quarter of an hour.”

Only a quarter of an hour?

“Hmm.”

Good for catching up.

Immediately, they unleashed their escape light and shot off.

Seeing that exaggerated wind escape technique that could reach the horizon in the blink of an eye, dozens of Thousand Bamboo Sect cultivators were dumbfounded.

Wasn’t the Sect Leader only at the late Core Formation stage?

Can a Core Formation cultivator fly that fast?

…

Thousands of miles away.

The two figures that were originally flying slowly suddenly sensed something and immediately stopped their escape light, looking back with surprise and uncertainty.

“Senior Brother, is…is someone chasing us?”

The male cultivator was silent for a moment upon hearing this.

Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly realized something was wrong, and his expression changed drastically:

“No, this speed…”

So fast!

“Senior Brother…”

The female cultivator also sensed something and immediately became alert and tense.

“I’ve cultivated a special divine sense amplification technique, which allows me to clearly perceive things within a range of over forty miles, and vaguely perceive things sixty or seventy miles away. This person crossed the boundary of that vague perception in just a few breaths…”

This speed is definitely a Nascent Soul level escape technique!

The next instant, an incomparably terrifying divine sense pressure pressed down on the two of them.

Upon contact with this divine sense, the two turned deathly pale:

“Not good, it’s a Nascent Soul old monster! And the strength of this divine sense…”

is much stronger than their master’s!

The opponent is at least a mid-Nascent Soul level old monster?

But… how is that possible?

How could there be a mid-to-late Nascent Soul level ancestor in the far west?

And why is he targeting them, his senior brother and sister?

“Senior brother, what do we do?”

Escape was too late.

Even if the two of them joined forces to use a secret technique to escape, temporarily gaining a flying escape technique comparable to the early Nascent Soul stage, it wouldn’t change anything.

“When that senior arrives, we’ll ask him why. He might not do anything to us,”

the male cultivator reassured them again.

Not long after, Han Li arrived.

Upon seeing Han Li, the two hurriedly clasped their fists in greeting:

“Senior…”

However, Han Li remained unmoved upon hearing this.

His escape technique not only didn’t slow down or stop, but actually accelerated. Without any intention of communication, he immediately tried to capture them.

“Senior, what is the meaning of this?”

“Senior, we are disciples of Elder Xu of the Heavenly Extreme Sect…”

Sensing Han Li’s hostility, the two dared not remain in place. They immediately retreated rapidly.

As they retreated, they each summoned their respective defensive magic treasures:

a ring and an umbrella.

The ring formed a ring of fire resistance, blocking anything that approached.

The dazzling red light from the open red umbrella formed a blood cocoon within its inner ring.

With these two additional layers of defense, the two felt slightly safer and had a brief moment to catch their breath.

But the next moment, Han Li raised his hand and unleashed a barrage of wind blades. Hundreds of wind blades slashed at the double defense formed by the two magical treasures, instantly annihilating the resistance fire ring and shattering the red blood cocoon. The two magical treasures were then cleaved away by the remaining wind blades, their spiritual light momentarily lost.

This wasn’t the end.

Behind Han Li, another Han Li appeared. Along with him appeared more than ten golden flying insects—the Gold-Eating Insects.

“Go!”

The more than ten Gold-Eating Insects, growing increasingly larger, split into two arrowheads, bypassing Han Li and rushing straight at the two magical treasures. Before the two could retract their treasures, the Gold-Eating Insects bit down and wouldn’t let go.

At first, the two didn’t take it seriously.

But soon, their faces grew increasingly pale and frightening.

Because the magical artifacts connected to their minds were riddled with holes in a very short time.

The two treasures, which they had thought could hold off the Nascent Soul stage monster for a moment, did indeed have an effect, and their purpose was achieved, but the price was too high and too painful.

“Wow… how… how is this possible? The Crimson Moon Umbrella is my natal magical artifact, tempered with alchemical fire for over three hundred years!”

The female cultivator, her mind injured, vomited blood.

Sensing the ferocious aura emanating from the Gold-Eating Insects, her face paled.

“What kind of spirit insect is that? How can it even devour magical artifacts?”

Although the male cultivator hadn’t lost his natal magical artifact, the destruction of the artifact connected to his mind drained all color from his face, and his lips trembled.

Fear made his hands and feet icy cold, his movements sluggish and stiff, and his thoughts dulled.

“Still trying to run? Hmph, did I let you go?”

The pressure of divine sense descended again, causing the two to stagger.

What drove the brother and sister to utter despair was:

“Divine sense…transformation?”

This Nascent Soul cultivator before them could actually manifest his divine sense?

The male cultivator’s mouth was filled with bitterness.

This kind of ability was generally reserved for top-tier mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators approaching the level of a Grandmaster. Such powerful figures, capable of manifesting their divine sense, could launch a variety of attacks against non-Nascent Soul cultivators within the range of their active divine sense, if they so desired.

And with their current methods, they couldn’t even attack the divine sense of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Yet, this divine sense, capable of forming a physical form, could restrict them.

Sure enough, before they had even run a thousand feet, they were entangled by a swamp of swirling winds that suddenly appeared in the void. They truly felt as if they were trapped in an endless swamp, unable to break free no matter how hard they struggled.

They were trapped.

The Nascent Soul cultivator behind them had actually condensed this swamp of divine sense—one they couldn’t destroy or cut through—with his powerful and refined divine sense. Immediately afterward, a large hand, formed from his immense magical power, reached out to grab them.

“Senior brother, what do we do?”

Meeting Han Li’s icy gaze, the female cultivator, barely managing to protect herself within her protective aura, shivered and quickly averted her eyes.

She was absolutely certain that the other’s manifested divine consciousness was something their mid-Nascent Soul master lacked.

“Senior, there must be a misunderstanding! We two have not bothered you!”

the male cultivator pleaded pitifully, still desperately trying to survive.

“Hmph.”

Han Li completely ignored their pleas.

His powerful magic hand descended, grabbing the two of them, one on each side.

The protective aura that the divine consciousness swamp couldn’t penetrate shattered rapidly before the mighty magic hand. The other two protective magic treasures they had summoned were also bitten by the gold-devouring insects Han Li had thrown out, losing much of their spiritual power and becoming useless.

“Senior, senior, why, why?”

He wanted to die knowing why.

Han Li didn’t answer. Instead, he manipulated the other man’s body to move closer, then pressed his hand on the male cultivator’s forehead:

Soul Search!

Did he need to explain so much to a Core Formation cultivator like himself who had trespassed into the Far West and acted recklessly? He didn’t

care whose Nascent Soul disciple he was; if you killed his people, took his things, and tried to ruin his future, even if a Grandmaster was present, he would still search your soul.

He didn’t want to waste words; he just wanted to get straight to the point.

He just wanted to quickly understand the true story.

Then,

he learned the information he wanted.

“So they were two fools blinded by selfishness and led astray by greed, making the most foolish choice.”

Through the soul search, he understood the attitude of the Heavenly Pole Sect’s higher-ups towards the Far West and towards him. Their strategy was:

try to win them over if possible.

If not, find an opportunity to eliminate them.

The situation in Tiannan was delicate; they couldn’t afford to make too many enemies, let alone provoke Nascent Soul stage enemies.

In short, try to win them over first.

But these two, after discussing it, simply skipped the process of winning him over. They only wanted to kill him, divide his resources, and thus prepare themselves for their own Nascent Soul stage.

As for why they disobeyed their sect elders and acted on their own,

there are many reasons.

One of the most important reasons was that when the righteous and demonic forces invaded the heartland of Tiannan, the righteous Tianji Sect seized the opportunity and made the most of the country’s resources. The sect even gained two new Nascent Soul cultivators as a result.

These two had obtained great opportunities through battlefield victories and smoothly entered the Nascent Soul stage.

Seeing their two junior brothers’ success, how could they not be envious? Therefore, after some deliberation, they wanted to get compensation from Han Li and replicate the Nascent Soul formation process of their two junior brothers.

“So-called righteous path, so-called demonic path, are nothing but birds of a feather!”

*Crack*.

Han Li snapped the male cultivator’s neck, extracted his soul and stuffed it into a bottle, then took out the golden core from his body.

This scene terrified the palace-dressed female cultivator beside him, her eyes filled with pleading:

“Senior, my senior brother only perished accidentally while crossing the hurricane desert, I can testify for you…”

Han Li’s eyes twitched upon hearing this.

“You’re quite talented too.”

“However, I don’t need you…”

Han Li shook his head and casually tossed out a fire, instantly reducing the male cultivator’s body to ashes.

The female cultivator in palace attire panicked even more:

“Senior, sparing us two is more valuable than killing us. My master will surely be willing to compensate you for your losses.”

“No, a life for a life is only right. Since you killed my men, you two should leave your lives behind. That’s fair.” It would also be more beneficial to win over some people within the Thousand Bamboo Sect.

“Senior, my senior brother and I only casually killed a troublesome Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

The female cultivator said sadly.

How could the life of a Foundation Establishment cultivator be compared to the lives of two Core Formation cultivators? And they were even in the late Core Formation stage.

“In the eyes of you Core Formation cultivators, Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators are indeed nothing but ants. But in my eyes, aren’t you two just ants too? I merely casually annihilated two ignorant Core Formation cultivators.”

“Senior, do you intend to become an enemy of my Heavenly Extreme Sect?” “

You’re mistaken.”

Han Li’s tone was indifferent.

“What?”

“Firstly, you two defied the sect’s higher-ups’ wishes to win me over, so the problem isn’t with me. Killing you two was your own doing. Secondly, it’s not that I want to become an enemy of the Heavenly Extreme Sect because of you two, but rather, would the Heavenly Extreme Sect become an enemy of a Nascent Soul cultivator like me because of you two incompetent and troublesome fellows?”

Pinching the female cultivator’s chin, Han Li’s eyes were deep and his tone was meaningful:

“You seem to underestimate the value of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and overestimate your own worth.”

Han Li’s hand and tone sent chills down the female cultivator’s spine.

“Below the Nascent Soul stage… all are ants.”

“Although you two are Core Formation cultivators of the Heavenly Pole Sect, you are at best tools of your sect. Tools have developed their own will, and even almost arrogantly brought disaster upon their masters. Guess what your master would think and do?”

“No, Master spoils me so much.” The female cultivator’s teeth chattered.

“Just two pets you raised. They’ve become disobedient and caused trouble everywhere. Why would I continue to spoil them?”

Releasing the woman’s chin, Han Li shook his head again:

“If you two had succeeded, successfully taking advantage of my misfortune, naturally everything you did would have been right, and the person behind you would be proud of you. But you failed, missing your opportunity.”

In the end, it’s all about the victor.

“And you two clearly realize you’ve missed your chance, yet you still insist on going your own way, wanting to gamble on luck and try to gain something. It’s your greed that’s driving you. Even now, you’re still thinking of dragging your sect down with you. Do you really think the person behind you and the entire Tianji Sect are willing to stand up for troublemakers like you?”

Upon hearing this, the female cultivator’s eyes showed even greater fear: “Yes, they will, they definitely will! How could the sect abandon me and my senior brother?”

“Senior, this far west is your foundation. You don’t want this foundation to be destroyed, do you?” Even

before facing death, she still wanted to threaten him.

“Heh, if your master and the entire Tianji Sect really want to fight me for the sake of you two, I’ll fight to the end. As for this far west? Anyway, this place is not my homeland, nor do I have anyone here to care about. I’ve just been taking it under my wing for fun.”

This far west was just a casual move for him.

Whether it succeeds or fails, it doesn’t matter.

He wouldn’t care if it’s damaged.

Threatening him with this?

“Are you still playing house like a child?

His foundation, and indeed the foundation of any Nascent Soul cultivator, has always been only himself.

Only when one is doing well does life have meaning.

“Besides, this world is vast, and the Heavenly Pole Sect will always have enemies, won’t it? If you really force me to that point, then the Heavenly Pole Sect should be considering how to face my wrath.”

“Finally, don’t feel innocent. From the moment you wanted to attack others, you should have been aware of the possibility of being killed in return. The wrath of a Nascent Soul cultivator is not so easily quelled,”

Han Li said coldly.

The female cultivator opened her mouth slightly, speechless.

“Alright, you can go now.”

Han Li patted the woman’s delicate face, then suddenly pulled out her primordial spirit.

“Senior, spare my life! I know I was wrong, I’m willing to make amends…”

“After I kill you two, the losses will naturally be recovered.”

Flames ignited, and the female cultivator’s body scattered into ashes in the blink of an eye.

She was burned to ashes by the infant fire.

“Senior, I’m willing to be your slave…”

The shadow of death loomed over her, and the primordial spirit trembled even more violently.

“No need, I don’t lack women.”

He had no interest in playing games with a broken primordial spirit.

With that, he pinched it off, and the primordial spirit scattered into specks of firefly light.

In the end, only the male cultivator’s remnant soul, who had witnessed everything, remained.

Later, he would pack this remnant soul into a magic artifact bottle and then have it sent to the Heavenly Extreme Sect.

…

Inside the Thousand Bamboo Sect.

At this moment, chaos erupted.

When they learned that Han Li had killed two high-level cultivators from the Heavenly Extreme Sect, many people’s world… collapsed.

And after Han Li returned, he only did two things.

One was to conduct a heart-searching examination on all Foundation Establishment stage cultivators within the sect.

With his current spiritual strength, the heart-searching technique was second nature to him, and those below the Nascent Soul stage had no chance of evading or hiding it.

Then, he actually managed to pluck out seven or eight spies from among the hundreds of former sect leaders and deputy leaders. Every single one of these eight spies was either bribed or planted by major righteous sects years ago.

He had zero tolerance for these traitors.

However, he released the spy from the Heavenly Pole Sect:

“Take these things to the Heavenly Pole Sect. You only have a year and a half.”

Han Li tossed the man a bottle containing a remnant soul and two recording stones.

“Sect Leader, your subordinate, your subordinate…”

“Get out of here before I change my mind. You’d better pray you survive the Hurricane Desert.”

Besides plucking out the spies, he also had the middle-level members of the Thousand Bamboo Sect carry out his previous orders.

Those willing to leave could quickly withdraw from the sect.

He didn’t like forcing things.

His decision led to the departure of most of the members of the Thousand Bamboo Sect for three consecutive months, voluntarily relinquishing their official positions and becoming independent cultivators in the region.

However,

a steady stream of Qi Refining cultivators continued to join.

Even after Han Li expanded the Thousand Bamboo Sect’s disciple quota to 100,000, it was quickly filled.

The far west had its share of spineless cowards, but that didn’t mean it lacked fearless individuals.

“Greetings, Sect Leader.”

At the main altar, Han Li summoned the more than 10,000 veteran members who had returned from various parts of the far west and insisted on not leaving.

“Do you know what price and risks you will bear if you continue to stay?”

When these junior Qi Refining cultivators were asked, their eyes showed fear, but there was no hesitation or retreat:

“We understand.”

“Why?”

The crowd remained silent for a long time.

Then, someone finally spoke:

“This disciple likes the current atmosphere within the sect and only wishes to contribute my meager strength.”

These words might be true, or they might just be polite words.

But they sounded good nonetheless.

“This disciple wants Foundation Establishment Pills, because in this land, only those who join the sect have a chance to obtain them.”

Another junior cultivator spoke up.

This person is indeed straightforward.

His target is the Foundation Establishment Pill.

This statement also resonated with many disciples.

“The fact that the Sect Leader could kill two late-stage Core Formation experts shows that the Sect Leader’s strength far surpasses theirs, perhaps indicating that he has reached the point of attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. This disciple believes the Sect Leader can achieve Nascent Soul. As long as the Sect Leader can successfully become a Nascent Soul Ancestor, even if the Heavenly Extreme Sect wants to eliminate him, they’ll have to think twice…” The person

who said this was clearly betting their future.

Success meant meteoric rise.

Loss meant being eliminated, or at worst, becoming a hero again years later.

“No other reason?”

“Sect Leader, fortune favors the bold.”

“Then I must remind you all. As the saying goes… fortune favors the bold, but also loses it. One in ten is gained, nine in ten is lost.” Han Li laughed.

“Ah, this…” Someone was stunned, swallowing hard.

“Heh, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. Regardless of your previous reasons for staying, I just want to tell you all… you little ones, you made the right bet.”

The next moment, Han Li soared into the air.

Immediately following, a hundred-foot-tall giant of spiritual energy rose from the ground, appearing close behind him.

This was a dharma body, similar to a Dharma form, created by a Nascent Soul cultivator using their Nascent Soul to manipulate the surrounding spiritual energy. Although it couldn’t be maintained for long or used in combat, it was intimidating enough, another major characteristic of Nascent Soul cultivators.

Human body, Nascent Soul, Nascent Soul Dharma body.

Similar to the transformed body, demon soul, and true form of an eighth-level demon cultivator.

At this moment, Han Li no longer held back his aura and cultivation.

“This, this is…”

All the Qi Refining cultivators present felt immense pressure, and involuntarily collapsed to the ground. When they looked up, they were all dumbfounded.

After a moment of staggering, the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the arena managed to regain their footing. Some steadied themselves by meditating, exhaling, and channeling their full magical power.

Two newly promoted Core Formation cultivators, however, were still dazed, their breathing rapid:

“A giant? A spiritual giant?”

“Could this be the Nascent Soul Dharma Form of a Nascent Soul cultivator?”

“So tall, so huge!”

The giant’s appearance immediately shocked the entire arena.

A moment of deathly silence followed, then chaos and commotion.

What followed was an indescribable excitement, an uncontrollable ecstasy.

“A Nascent Soul cultivator, a Nascent Soul cultivator…”

Once the followers confirmed this, without exception, their faces flushed red.

Their eyes were all bloodshot.

“Our leader is a Nascent Soul Ancestor! A Nascent Soul Ancestor!”

“Our leader broke through early?”

“Our Thousand Bamboo Sect isn’t without Nascent Soul cultivators! Our Thousand Bamboo Sect has its own Nascent Soul Ancestor!”

“Hahaha…”

“Hahaha…”

For those who had risked their lives to stay, this was undoubtedly good news, a huge unexpected joy. It was an indescribable boost to their morale.

“Buzz…”

After the spiritual giant dissipated, the towering figure, hundreds of feet tall, remained etched in everyone’s minds.

That figure in their minds remained unforgettable for a long time.

It was at this moment that Han Li began to declare loudly:

“From this day forward, the minerals of the Far West will be mined and used by the Thousand Bamboo Sect itself, and will never be handed over to outsiders.”

“From this day forward, the spiritual herbs of the Far West will be cultivated and used by the Thousand Bamboo Sect itself. Outsiders who want them must purchase them with spirit stones.”

“From this day forward, the spiritual materials of the Far West will be cultivated and forged by the Thousand Bamboo Sect itself. Anyone who dares to brand their own materials will face the wrath of me and the rising stars of the Thousand Bamboo Sect.”

“…”

“The Far West no longer needs to pay tribute to anyone, nor does it need to pay protection money to anyone. This land should be ruled by our own people.”

“You can now stand up straight and start anew.” His voice

, transmitted through divine sense, traveled over a hundred miles.

The entire arena erupted in cheers.

“Roar! Roar!”

“The Sect Leader is mighty! Long live the Sect Leader!”

“No giving, no surrender, no more kneeling…”

“The resources of the Far West are all ours!”

“Victory to the Thousand Bamboo Sect!”

“…”

Just then, Fang Zheng stepped forward, his face filled with worry and fear: “Sect Leader, but we have killed two Core Formation stage cultivators from the Heavenly Extreme Sect. If the Heavenly Extreme Sect comes knocking…”

His voice lacked confidence, trembling with apprehension.

Han Li, however, waved his hand dismissively:

“What are you afraid of?” His

voice filled with boundless pride!

“If the Heavenly Extreme Sect wants to break ties, then even if it means giving up this entire Far West, I will burn their lineage and sect to ashes.”

The crowd: “…”

Sect Leader, what are you saying?

Where’s your domineering aura and head-on confrontation?

Why have you suddenly become so servile?

Although, Master, your words are somewhat shameless; however, they are indeed the most powerful retort and the best threat to break the deadlock.

After all, the fear brought by Nascent Soul cultivators is never about direct confrontation.

It’s about secretly attacking and undermining those at the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages.

Even worse, they might bully the weaker Qi Refining stage of their enemies.

If the Heavenly Pole Sect were to provoke such a Nascent Soul cultivator who disregards dignity and martial ethics, they would undoubtedly face a major headache.

…

After the rather ceremonial gathering, Han Li left the far west.

My children, wait for my return.

The hardships of the early stages will pass.

The future belongs to you young people.

It’s clear that

whether it was sending back the male cultivator’s remnant soul, his conversation with the female cultivator, or this gathering showcasing his cultivation, all of these demonstrated his attitude.

Whether the Heavenly Pole Sect will confront this newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator depends on their weighing of the pros and cons.

…

Meanwhile, those cultivators who had left the Thousand Bamboo Sect were filled with regret.

Had they known their sect leader was a Nascent Soul cultivator, they would have risked everything.

Unfortunately, they disembarked halfway.

…

It took him over a year to traverse the Hurricane Desert.

Every few days, he would fly up to the Gale Layer to collect the Nine Heavens Gale Wind.

In terms of escape techniques, his speed and agility had increased. His

physical strength was also steadily improving.

In the following months, he concealed his presence and used his full escape speed, simply traversing the Gale Layer above 200,000 zhang, crossing the righteous path’s territory.

At this height, even Nascent Soul cultivators were unwilling to linger for long.

Thus, when he entered the territory of the Yuanwu Kingdom, he attracted no attention whatsoever.

Through this trip, he also discovered another major oversight of the major forces in Tiannan.

Besides the lack of defenses underground, making it easy for someone to escape using earth escape techniques,

the high altitude was also lacking in defenses. For a Nascent Soul cultivator like him who had mastered advanced wind escape techniques, it was completely undefended.

“The sky in the human realm is ten thousand miles high!” “

From one thousand to four thousand miles is the lower three layers of the Nine Heavens Gale Layer; from four thousand to seven thousand miles is the middle three layers; from seven thousand to ten thousand miles is the upper three layers…”

“Nascent Soul cultivators rarely encounter the Gale Layer when traveling by air.”

“In the future, if I conceal myself and operate within the high-altitude Gale Layer, who can stop me?”

If he wants to raid a base, ordinary outer defense systems are useless.

If he wants to escape, ordinary interception systems are equally ineffective.

This is the principle of “the sky’s the limit.”

“After cultivating several ancient wind-type secret techniques, this Wind Spirit Root actually has so many advantages?”

(End of Chapter)