Daily Divination From Market Rogue Cultivator To Immortal Venerable - Chapter 398

Chapter 398 The Arrogant Artifact Spirit Breaks the Record (Seeking Subscriptions)

Hearing Long Niu’s words, Li Chang’an felt helpless.

He could naturally see the purpose of Wang Yannian and Jiang Xuanyuan’s visit.

And both of them knew each other’s purpose.

That’s why

the atmosphere was so strange.

This strangeness continued until that evening.

Wang Yannian and Jiang Xuanyuan looked at each other again, ultimately saying nothing, and each left Changqing Mountain.

“Phew…”

Li Chang’an breathed a sigh of relief.

He would rather fight the White Tiger True Monarch than be asked about his feelings by these two.

For the next month, no further disturbances occurred.

The entire birthday banquet ended smoothly.

People from various forces took their leave.

After seeing everyone off,

Li Chang’an boarded the Zixia Sect’s flying boat and headed to the Zixia Sect with Zi Xi and others.

The purpose of their journey was naturally the ancient Beast Taming Sect ruins within the Zixia Sect’s secret realm.

On the way,

Zi Xi told Li Chang’an about the specifics of the Zixia ruins.

“Fellow Daoist Li, the outer perimeter of that ruin is worthless; you don’t need to waste your time exploring it.”

“Only the core area is controlled by the spirit of the fifth-tier Beast Taming Wheel, and no one has been able to enter to this day.”

“In that area, perhaps you can find the fourth-tier forging method you seek…”

The biggest difficulty in this matter is just as she had mentioned through the contact treasure.

To enter the core area, one must gain the spirit’s approval.

But the spirit is too arrogant.

No one can gain his approval.

Almost all the Nascent Soul True Monarchs of the Purple Cloud Sect throughout history, as well as many Holy Sons and Holy Daughters, have gone to see that spirit, but none have succeeded.

Zi Xi’s beautiful eyes were like water as she gazed in the direction of the Purple Cloud Sect, sighing softly, “Many years ago, I also went to see the spirit, but he said my talent was mediocre and not worthy of his approval.”

“Holy Daughter, did the spirit set up any tests? If there were no tests, how did he judge a person’s talent?”

“Yes.”

Zi Xi nodded gently and continued.

Initially, there were no tests; the spirit simply judged the talents of many Purple Cloud Sect cultivators based on his observations.

Later…

Within the Zixia Sect, a prodigy with a Heavenly Spiritual Root was born.

This prodigy went to see the artifact spirit, expecting a different evaluation, but was still simply told “mediocre talent.”

After that evaluation,

everyone in the Zixia Sect was unconvinced.

A Heavenly Spiritual Root was already the most top-tier spiritual root in the entire cultivation world; even cultivators with such roots weren’t considered outstanding, so what constituted excellence?

They questioned whether the artifact spirit could see talent at all, and was merely using an excuse to discourage them.

Therefore, to convince everyone,

the artifact spirit set up a test.

He had declared that

anyone who passed the test would gain his approval.

However, ten thousand years have passed, and no one has yet passed the test.

Hearing this,

Li Chang’an was curious.

“What kind of test is it? Could it be related to beast taming?”

“No, it’s slaughter.”

“Slaughter?”

“That’s right, pure slaughter!”

Zi Xi calmly explained the test to Li Chang’an.

After accepting the test,

the artifact spirit would send him to a strange space.

In that space, demonic beasts of equal cultivation level would continuously be born.

If the cultivator is in the late Golden Core stage, then late-stage Tier 3 demonic beasts will appear.

The spirit’s requirement is simple: kill demonic beasts using your own strength.

The more you kill,

the higher your evaluation.

Ordinary cultivators, without using external trump cards, will find it difficult to kill even one demonic beast of the same tier, let alone multiple in succession.

Moreover, that space is very small.

As time passes,

the rate at which demonic beasts are born will increase.

If you cannot kill them in time, you will eventually be surrounded by demonic beasts of the same tier!

Li Chang’an asked, “Holy Maiden, how many demonic beasts did you kill back then?”

“One hundred and three.”

Zi Xi did not hide anything and recounted her assessment process.

At first, it was relatively easy, but it became increasingly difficult as it progressed. In the end, she had to face dozens of demonic beasts of the same tier simultaneously.

“Holy Maiden, what does the spirit think of this number?”

“Still the same, mediocre talent.”

Hearing this, Li Chang’an was secretly surprised.

Zi Xi’s record was already quite astonishing, equivalent to killing more than one hundred cultivators of the same tier in succession within a confined space.

Even so, he still didn’t receive an excellent evaluation.

According to Zi Xi,   the most outstanding performer

in the entire history of the Zixia Sect was a prodigy from over six thousand years ago.   That prodigy possessed exceptional talent, not only having a Heavenly Spiritual Root but also a Spiritual Body, making him one of the most talented individuals in the entire cultivation world.   However, the artifact spirit’s evaluation of him was also mediocre.   Unconvinced, he entered the assessment space set up by the artifact spirit and ultimately slew one hundred and fifty demonic beasts of the same level.   This achievement far surpassed Zi Xi’s, yet he still didn’t receive an excellent evaluation.   After him,   no one surpassed this achievement.   Not to mention one hundred and fifty, even exceeding one hundred was rare.   The Zixia Sect had basically given up on that assessment, but would still allow outstanding disciples to try their luck.   …   A few days later,   the group arrived at the Zixia Sect.   The others departed, returning to their cultivation grounds.

Li Chang’an followed Zi Xi into the main hall of the Zixia Sect to pay his respects to True Monarch Zixia.

True Monarch Zixia already knew his purpose.

She did not make things difficult for him, only saying, “Li Chang’an, no one in our Zixia Sect has passed the Spirit Weapon Assessment in ten thousand years. You cannot force yourself.”

“This junior understands.”

“Alright, follow me.”

True Monarch Zixia beckoned, leading Li Chang’an and Zi Xi to the Zixia Sect’s exclusive secret realm.

On the way,

Li Chang’an learned that

several people would be entering the secret realm with him, and one of them was an old acquaintance:

Liu Xuanfeng!

Many years had passed, and Liu Xuanfeng had passed the Holy Son Assessment, becoming the newly promoted Holy Son of the Zixia Sect.

He and his father were both Holy Sons, a remarkable story.

This time

, Liu Xuanfeng would lead several talented geniuses from the Zixia Sect to undergo the Spirit Weapon Assessment.

“Li Chang’an!”

He frowned, immediately recognizing Li Chang’an.

Li Chang’an also saw him.

“Fellow Daoist Liu, it’s been many years. I heard you’ve become a Holy Son, congratulations.”

“Becoming a Holy Son is merely the starting point of my Nascent Soul journey. The road ahead is long, nothing to be overjoyed about,”

Liu Xuanfeng replied coldly, his expression indifferent.

Zixia Zhenjun was aware of the conflict between them.

She said to the two, “You are both righteous cultivators; you should focus on fighting against the demonic path and not contend over past events.”

“Yes!”

they both responded in unison.

Zixia Zhenjun’s eyes were calm, taking in their expressions without saying anything more.

Soon, Li Chang’an and Liu Xuanfeng’s group passed the inspection of the Profound Treasure and entered the secret realm one after another.

Zixia Zhenjun did not leave, waiting outside the secret realm. Also

waiting were

Zixi and Liu Haichao.

Liu Haichao cupped his hands, explaining the previous situation.

“Xuanfeng is young and impetuous; please forgive him, Elder. As he grows older, he should have a different mindset.”

“It’s alright,”

Zixia Zhenjun said calmly, unconcerned.

Her eyes were calm as she gazed into the depths of the secret realm, asking the two beside her,

“What do you think their assessment results will be?”

“Elder, the younger generation led by Xuanfeng, while talented, aren’t top-tier. The number of demonic beasts they slay should be between thirty and sixty,”

Liu Haichao respectfully replied, stating his assessment.

More than thirty was already quite good; most ordinary Zixia Sect cultivators couldn’t exceed ten.

“As for Xuanfeng… his talent is stronger than those younger generation, but far inferior to Fellow Daoist Zixi.”

Liu Haichao paused, seemingly pondering.

After a moment,

he gave a rough estimate.

“Xuanfeng should be able to slay between eighty and ninety demonic beasts.”

“Hmm.”

True Monarch Zixia nodded slightly, agreeing with this guess.

Zixi remained silent, which also signified her agreement.

Liu Haichao glanced at her and asked, “Fellow Daoist Zixi, what do you think Li Chang’an’s outcome will be?” “

While Fellow Daoist Li’s talent isn’t outstanding, he possesses many methods. I think the number of demonic beasts he slayed should exceed ninety.”

“Exceeding ninety? Isn’t that too many?”

Liu Haichao’s tone carried a hint of doubt.

During his own assessment, he barely exceeded ninety, slaying ninety-one demonic beasts.

Zixi’s words clearly implied that Li Chang’an’s talent was no weaker than his own, the Holy Son of the Zixia Sect.

“In my opinion, Li Chang’an will at most exceed seventy,”

Liu Haichao stated his prediction.

Hearing this, Zixi said nothing more, simply gazing quietly into the depths of the secret realm, awaiting the end of the assessment.

…

Meanwhile.

Li Chang’an was within the secret realm, observing the entire world.

Looking around, the secret realm was desolate, with dark red sandstorms howling between heaven and earth.

The withered bones of demonic beasts were scattered everywhere on the ground.

A sense of oppression and deathly silence was almost omnipresent.

“Roar—”

A roar echoed in the distance.

Not long after,

a ferocious, crimson-red beast attacked.

Its eyes were bloodshot, its entire body radiating madness, its strength nearing the late third tier. It closed in on the group in an instant.

“Slash!”

Liu Xuanfeng’s expression was cold as he pointed.

A beam of spiritual light shot from his storage bag, transforming into a sharp blade that instantly cleaved the beast in two.

Blood splattered, staining the ground crimson.

Behind him,

several disciples of the Purple Cloud Sect showered him with praise.

“I’ve heard that the beasts in the sect’s secret realm are all insane, fearless, and far more difficult to deal with than ordinary beasts, yet Senior Brother Liu can kill them so easily.”

“Truly worthy of being called the Holy Son, we are far inferior…”

While praising him,

they also reminded Li Chang’an,

“That outsider, stay close. Don’t leave casually. If something happens to you, Senior Brother Liu won’t be able to explain to the Supreme Elder!”

They had no goodwill towards Li Chang’an, this outsider.

In their eyes, Li Chang’an was only able to enter because of Zi Xi’s connections; his own abilities were probably not that great.

The strength of rogue cultivators was always inferior to that of sect cultivators. Li Chang’an,

however

, didn’t care.

He remained calm and silent, quietly sensing the surrounding world.

Along the way, they frequently saw desolate and dilapidated ancient sect ruins, most of which were buried by sandstorms.

Several days later,

they arrived at the center of this secret realm.

Before Li Chang’an stood a colossal Beast Taming Wheel, comparable in size to a mountain.

It was about ten thousand feet tall, its entire body a dark gold, its surface covered with various complex patterns and demonic beast designs. It was mostly broken, with only a large portion remaining, leaning against the ground like a crescent moon.

“A fifth-tier Beast Taming Wheel!”

Li Chang’an’s gaze was profound as he looked at the wheel.

Although damaged, its aura was still incredibly powerful, giving even this Nascent Soul True Monarch an indescribable sense of oppression.

Surrounding the Beast Taming Wheel lay a desolate and dilapidated ruin of the Beast Taming Sect.

They entered the ruins and arrived before the Beast Taming Wheel.

The next instant,

a beam of light emerged from the Beast Taming Wheel, transforming into a boy in a red robe before them.

It was the spirit of the Beast Taming Wheel!

“Halt!”

He said with an unfriendly expression, his gaze sweeping over the group.

“This is the location of a branch of the Beast Taming Sect. If you force your way in, don’t blame me for being impolite!”

“Senior, we are disciples of the Purple Cloud Sect.”

Liu Xuanfeng stepped forward and bowed.

Hearing this, the spirit’s coldness lessened, replaced by arrogance.

“Again, you Purple Cloud Sect trash?”

Hearing this, the Purple Cloud Sect cultivators behind Liu Xuanfeng were somewhat indignant.

Although they had anticipated the spirit’s attitude, they still couldn’t help but speak up.

“Senior, we are exceptionally talented, diligent in our cultivation, and have never slacked off. Few among our peers can compare. Why are you considered trash in your eyes?”

“If even we are trash, what are ordinary cultivators?”

They were all proud and questioned him one after another.

But the spirit of the artifact simply replied indifferently,

“Trash has no right to ask me a question.”

Hearing this, the disciples were filled with anger, but they had to restrain themselves.

They knew very well that

if they started fighting, they would be easily crushed by the spirit of the artifact.

At this moment,

the spirit of the artifact glanced at Li Chang’an.

“Even someone with a low-grade spiritual root can come. Does your Zixia Sect have no one left?”

“Senior, this person is not a member of my Zixia Sect, but someone from outside.”

“Oh, not even considered trash…”

As he spoke, he waved his hand casually.

Several gates shimmering with dark light appeared before everyone’s eyes.

“You have all come here to undergo the assessment. Go in.”

“Yes.”

Liu Xuanfeng was the first to enter, followed closely by the others.

Li Chang’an remained calm and was the last to enter.

A moment later,

the gate closed, isolating him from the outside world.

Li Chang’an was alone in a dark and cramped space.

The indifferent voice of the artifact spirit rang in his ears: “You have the cultivation of the late Golden Core stage. The demonic beasts here will be of the late third rank. If you are no match for them

, just give up, and I will send you out of here.” Without giving Li Chang’an any time to prepare,

a demonic beast appeared instantly.

It was a fire wolf demon, its body ablaze with dazzling flames, howling as it charged at Li Chang’an.

“Slash!”

Li Chang’an casually unleashed a sword aura, piercing through the wolf demon’s body.

The artifact spirit’s slightly surprised voice appeared.

“I underestimated you. A mere low-grade spiritual root, yet your magical power is so abundant. You must have formed an immortal golden core. I didn’t see through you immediately. I retract my previous assessment of you.”

“Senior, what assessment do I receive now?”

Li Chang’an asked.

A moment later,

the artifact spirit uttered four familiar words:

“Average talent!”

This was the assessment Zi Xi had received before.

Li Chang’an didn’t ask any further questions, but simply focused on continuing to kill the demonic beasts.

Before long,

he had killed over fifty late-stage third-tier demonic beasts.

As time passed, the number of demonic beasts appearing simultaneously increased, and the frequency rose, with new beasts appearing almost every moment.

Li Chang’an’s mana was being consumed rapidly, and his golden core was no longer as bright.

After a while…

He had slain over ninety demonic beasts, steadily approaching one hundred.

At this moment, the spirit’s voice rang out again.

“Your Immortal Golden Core power is stronger than ordinary Immortal Golden Cores; it must have been formed through a perfect cultivation technique.”

“Your swordsmanship is quite impressive; you can almost imbue every strand of your power with killing intent.”

“The number of demonic beasts you can slay this time might surpass that of all the cultivators of the Purple Cloud Sect throughout history.”

Hearing this, Li Chang’an’s heart stirred slightly.

According to Zi Xi’s description, this spirit almost never spoke during the assessment, only coldly watching it end.

Clearly, Li Chang’an’s special abilities had caused the spirit to change, offering a few more words of evaluation.

Li Chang’an said nothing and continued slaying demonic beasts.

The number of demonic beasts slain broke one hundred in the blink of an eye, and continued to rise.

One hundred and one, one hundred and two, one hundred and three…

Soon.

Li Chang’an broke through the one hundred and fifty barrier.

Just as the spirit had said, he had surpassed all the cultivators of the Purple Cloud Sect throughout history.

Even that genius from back then, who possessed both a Heavenly Spiritual Root and a Spiritual Body, was inferior to him!

Ultimately,

it was because Li Chang’an’s swordsmanship was too astonishing.

Over the years, he had gained considerable benefits from the symbol within Ye Mengxian’s body.

The killing power of a casual wisp of his sword energy surpassed that of many cultivators’ full-force Heavenly-grade spells.

However,

after breaking through 150,

his killing speed slowed considerably.

Within his dantian, his Immortal Golden Core also grew increasingly dim.

Just then, the artifact spirit’s voice rang out for the third time.

“Your limit should be 180 kills. If you can’t manage, don’t force it.”

Hearing this, Li Chang’an asked,

“Senior, what kind of evaluation would a record of 180 kills receive?”

“Talent is acceptable.” “

Acceptable? With such an evaluation, can you enter the core of this ruin?”

“No!”

The artifact spirit flatly refused Li Chang’an.

Li Chang’an asked again, “Senior, could you give me a specific number? How many demonic beasts of the same rank do I need to kill to enter the core of this ruin?”

“Three hundred. That’s my bottom line, but you can’t reach it.”

As they talked,

Li Chang’an’s speed in killing demonic beasts slowed down even further.

His magical power was nearly exhausted.

Just as the artifact spirit had predicted, the total number of demonic beasts he had slain was approaching one hundred and eighty.

“Alright, don’t push yourself too hard!”

The artifact spirit was about to move him away.

But at that moment,

the fluctuations of magical power around Li Chang’an suddenly subsided, and he stopped using any spells.

Facing the numerous ferocious demonic beasts attacking him, he made no defensive moves, simply grabbing one and tearing it apart with a casual flick.

“Rip…”

The demonic beast was instantly torn in two, dripping with blood!

Seeing this

, the artifact spirit’s voice held a hint of surprise.

“A third-tier body cultivator?”

“Yes, senior, does third-tier body refinement count as part of my own strength?”

“Of course it does, but your enemies will no longer be demonic beasts skilled in demonic arts, but demonic beasts with powerful physiques.”

The artifact spirit reminded Li Chang’an.

Body refinement is different from magical power.

Between body refinement cultivators or demonic beasts of the same rank, there is almost no possibility of overwhelming each other.

“Many third-tier body refinement cultivators have undergone the trial, but they could only kill a handful of demonic beasts with their physical strength, which was irrelevant to their final results. Have you considered this?”

“Senior, I have considered it.”

“Good, let me see…”

The spirit’s body appeared before Li Chang’an.

He scrutinized Li Chang’an, trying to discern his specific body refinement cultivation level, but the more he looked, the more surprised he became.

“This is truly strange.”

“Senior, what is it?”

Li Chang’an asked him in a puzzled tone.

The spirit pondered for a long time before slowly uttering a sentence.

“I suspect you are not human.”

(End of Chapter)