Chapter 436: Chapter 419: Probing
Wang Meng’s and Mingren’s situations reflected a current trend: though some Sects might have low rankings, the open nature of the Star Alliance provided their disciples with limitless opportunities. As a result, the chances of major figures emerging from Small Sects were on the rise.
"The Holy Daughter is my idol. If only I could meet the Holy Daughter!" Song Yifan said, her big eyes blinking adorably.
"Heh, what’s so admirable about her?" Wang Meng chuckled.
Bu Qingyun and the others were stunned. Even Fan Xiaoniao stared at Wang Meng, dumbfounded.
Wang Meng shrugged helplessly. "*Cough, cough.* Is there a problem?"
"Brother Wang, you really are something else. The Holy Daughter is the core of the Star Alliance, guiding its overall direction. Even the Star Lord has to follow the plans the Holy Daughter lays out. Many of the Star Alliance’s actions, even this Battle of the Other Shore, are the Holy Daughter’s handiwork. And her Ninefold Heaven Holy Statue is one of the Ten Great Sacred Bodies. She’s perfect! If I could just see her once, I could die without regrets."
Yi Fan had an infatuated expression on his face.
Master Wang was rather speechless. ’It’s a common failing of disciples from prominent families. They’re so quick to worship and envy. Someone like me, who came up from the mortal realm, could never get into that habit.’
’The more powerful someone is, the more it ignites my fighting spirit.’
"Brother Yi said everything I wanted to say. If I could become the Saintess’s Guardian Knight, I’d do anything." Fan Xiaoniao’s eyes were sparkling, full of longing.
Hann Yun snorted coldly. "Worry about reaching Great Perfection first."
Fan Hong froze, scratching his head in embarrassment. He was just expressing his desire. In the Little Holy Hall, everyone chatted and bragged like this, but it seemed you couldn’t just boast casually here.
Wang Meng patted Fan Hong’s shoulder. "You should set a goal of conquering the Saintess."
Fan Hong, who was usually more flamboyant, quickly waved his hands this time. "You can’t say things like that! She’s a Fairy in my heart. It’s blasphemy, pure blasphemy!"
Wang Meng rolled his eyes. ’The Saintess is just a woman, not some monster with three heads and six arms. Is it that serious? I’ve even manhandled the Dragon Princess’s ass.’
"A toad trying to swallow the heavens. What a big mouth." Hann Yun couldn’t stand the sight of Wang Meng. ’The guy just reached Minor Perfection. He must have gotten by on some dogshit luck. Instead of keeping a low profile, he’s acting this arrogant.’
Wang Meng just smiled faintly, not bothering to argue with Hann Yun and waste his breath.
"The Holy Statues are indeed powerful and can’t be underestimated. During his trip to the Dragon Tomb, Lin Jinghao absorbed the pure Dragon Slayer from within. He must have gained immense benefits. Don’t be fooled by his somewhat roguish attitude; he’s the strongest person I know of right now."
Bu Qingyun had the highest status among the group, so he clearly wasn’t speaking carelessly. Sharing information was also a way for him to strengthen his leadership position among them.
Lu Chenfeng was the leader of Storm City, and its future belonged to him. The people around him would one day become the city’s backbone, so building good relationships now was extremely important.
’Unless you become as heaven-defyingly powerful as those in the Pure Land, you can’t accomplish anything alone. Allies are a must.’
"Isn’t Jii Wanli a bit stronger?" Hann Yun was quite interested in these kinds of things.
’The wielders of Sacred Bodies are always so high and mighty, completely untouchable. Now there’s finally a chance to bring them down to earth. Many people are rubbing their hands in glee. Defeating someone with a Sacred Body is a surefire way to become famous overnight.’
’So many Cultivators have been waiting for a chance like this. The Star Alliance, or rather, the Pure Land, has finally done something good for once.’
Bu Qingyun’s expression turned solemn. It was his habit to speak seriously when discussing people he took seriously. "Jii Wanli is very strong, and he has excellent strategic awareness. The Golden Wing Roc Holy Statue grants him abilities related to speed. You could say he’s already in an unbeatable position before a fight even begins. He’s very difficult to deal with. To defeat him, you must first find a way to trap him."
Wang Meng’s interest was piqued. He, too, was full of anticipation regarding the Holy Statues. It was a pity he hadn’t succeeded in the final trial. ’I just wonder if the Life Wheel can even copy a Holy Statue.’ The thought made Wang Meng’s heart race.
"What about Zou Chuang?" Wang Meng asked. Since Zou Chuang was from the Taiyin Sect, and Wang Meng himself was so familiar with Mo Chen, he was curious how others saw him.
"Zou Chuang is the most focused of them all. His combat experience is definitely greater than anyone else’s. Legend has it... he once attempted to assassinate a Great Perfection Master. He apparently failed, but managed to escape with his life. The Silent Extinction White Tiger Body is all about killing. Engaging in Magical Combat with him is a life-or-death battle. The slightest bit of carelessness, and you’re dead for sure."
Bu Qingyun continued, "The Taiyin Sect and the No Illusion Demon Sect have incredibly deep foundations. In this age where the Saint wanes and the Demon waxes, it will be extremely difficult for us to break their suppression."
This struck a chord with everyone. The Pure Land remained aloof from worldly affairs. The No Illusion Demon Sect and the Taiyin Sect were both for Demon Cultivators. Jii Wanli’s Ten Thousand Spirits Sect was a type that didn’t distinguish between Saint and Demon. The first Saint Cultivation Sect in the rankings was Longyue’s Saint Cultivation Sect of Holy Light, and it was only at number five.
"Then what kind of ability is Longyue’s Lofty and Refined Body?" Song Yifan asked curiously.
"I don’t know. Longyue has never used it publicly, but for it to be recognized by the Star Alliance, it can’t be weak." Bu Qingyun shook his head slightly. Although they were both Saint Cultivators, he and Longyue weren’t acquainted.
It was mainly the Star Alliance’s system that placed those with Holy Statues on a pedestal, and with Bu Qingyun’s personality, he wasn’t particularly willing to get close to such people.
"Thanks to Wu Wang, the Ghost Sect’s ranking shot up to eleventh place. The Night Parade of Hundred Demons Body is likely some kind of control-type ability, and an extreme one even among Demon Cultivators. This person is even more dangerous than Zou Chuang. While Zou Chuang is ruthless, he has principles. Wu Wang, on the other hand, is completely unscrupulous and will do anything for personal gain. However, his strength really can’t be underestimated."
Bu Qingyun glanced at Wang Meng. "As for Mingren and Ling Fei, Wang Meng should know them quite well."
Everyone looked at Wang Meng. He smiled. "Actually, Ling Fei and I aren’t as close as you might think. I only saw her Peacock Ming King Statue once when we were venturing into the Dragon Tomb. It seems to be a Magic-type, but Ling Fei was only testing the waters back then. As for Mingren... we were the closest of friends, and now we’re the greatest of strangers. I knew him well before he cultivated the Holy Light Demon Collapse Holy Statue, but unfortunately, I don’t know him at all after. I do know that the Holy Light Demon Collapse Holy Statue has the ability to dissolve and devour," Wang Meng said.
Bu Qingyun, who was listening at the side, nodded. "I saw him in action in the Dragon Tomb. Wandering Souls were either directly dissolved or devoured. Based on that, it’s highly likely that Magic has no effect on Mingren."
Everyone was stunned. Magic has no effect?
’Then what’s the point? Does that mean only Body Cultivators can fight him?’
’Does he completely counter ninety percent of all Cultivators in the world?’
"I’m afraid it’s more than that. Devouring doesn’t just mean destruction; it probably means absorption."
Bu Qingyun dropped another bombshell, and a chill went down everyone’s spines. No wonder even the Pure Land was being so cautious. If this Holy Light Demon Collapse Holy Statue was properly nurtured, its wielder was on the path to becoming the number one expert in the world.
Even someone as proud as Hann Yun had no boastful retort.
Some people could intimidate the entire world before their power had even fully taken shape. Mingren was one such person.
One person had achieved this in the past: the Star Alliance Saintess. Now, Mingren had been added to that list.
"Looks like we have quite a few rivals," Yi Fan said, shaking his head.
Unless you reached the very top, there would always be times when you felt powerless. This was true even for disciples like them, who came from prestigious and powerful sects.
Unlike the others’ caution and pressure, Wang Meng felt an endless fighting spirit and hope. It was precisely because there were so many experts that he was more interested; this was the motivation for his cultivation.
’To challenge the unknown and the powerful.’
Song Yifan kept looking at Wang Meng. While everyone else felt the heavy weight of the news, this man’s eyes were bursting with enthusiastic light. That light was dazzling. How should she put it... it was the kind of light that could make a girl feel very safe, as if nothing in the world could ever stump him.
Bu Qingyun smiled. "These are just the ones we know about, the obvious targets. There are plenty of hidden masters as well. I don’t think every expert is willing to make a public appearance. This time, the Pure Land has tossed a huge boulder into a calm pond. Who knows what kind of figures it will stir up."
As expected of the Young Master of the Cyan Cloud Sect, his insight was impressive. For example, an existence like Linglong was by no means inferior to the Star Alliance Saintess in either status or power, yet she remained completely unknown.
’Whether this Battle of the Other Shore lives up to its name will depend on its quality. I don’t really care what rank I get, but what I care about most is being able to participate in such a grand event.’
’The beauty of life lies in a process like this.’
"It seems the young people are having a good chat."
"Heh, they are all our future. Fan Ru, aren’t you a bit too harsh on your son? You should at least put in some effort to help him," Yun Potian said. With Fan Ru’s power, it really wouldn’t be difficult to help Fan Hong reach Minor Perfection.
"Heh, I haven’t interfered with him at all so far. It’s good for him to hit a few walls and suffer some setbacks. The real beginning is after Minor Perfection."
Fan Ru smiled. He was doing it on purpose. Only by experiencing this could Fan Hong understand the fickle nature of the world and develop a true craving for power. A small head start wasn’t important; the one who laughs last is the true victor.
Fan Ru himself was like that. Being a late bloomer was no joke. Fan Ru had been watching them the whole time. A gathering like this was the easiest way to make Fan Hong understand.
As the Sect Leader of the Dharma Flower Sect, a Great Perfection Master, and one of the top experts, no matter how "useless" Fan Ru was, it wouldn’t be to the point where he couldn’t help Fan Hong reach Minor Perfection.
But standing at their level, one would understand that everything before Minor Perfection was just child’s play. Minor Perfection was when you officially entered the game, and only at Great Perfection could you truly see the world.
A bit of tempering at the beginning isn’t a bad thing. It’s just easier said than done. There really was no one else who could be as ruthless with their own son as Fan Ru.
"It’s still early. Brother Wang and Brother Fan, since this is your first time in Storm City, how about we go for a walk together?"
Bu Qingyun suggested. At his side, Song Yifan immediately raised both hands in agreement; she loved to go shopping more than anything.
In the evening, Storm City was still brightly lit, with Lighting Crystal Stones everywhere. The immense energy supply highlighted the city’s prosperity. At night, the number of Cultivators on the streets actually increased.
The taverns were even more packed, filled with the boisterous sounds of feasting. The pursuit of power was a tedious affair. Only a very small minority could endure the monotony. Most people used hobbies to make their lives more interesting.
Along the way, Bu Qingyun told everyone about Storm City. He was the kind of person who easily made a good impression on others. Moreover, Wang Meng believed that Bu Qingyun’s strength was likely no less than that of Lin Jinghao and the others. ’A person who can view his rivals so objectively can’t be weak,’ he thought. ’Especially with the hint of underlying confidence in Bu Qingyun’s tone as he spoke.’
Perhaps only Wang Meng would have noticed such a detail.
’Bu Qingyun came away from the Dragon Tomb empty-handed, yet he’s still so calm. This man can take both gains and losses in stride. He’s definitely a formidable character.’
(I suddenly realized it’s the end of the month, and Skeleton has made a grave error. I haven’t seriously asked for monthly tickets! This is unforgivable. So today, I am seriously, seriously, seriously asking for monthly tickets. Thank you ^_^)(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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