Chapter 1888: Chapter 19: Ascending Immortal Platform (Part 2)
"Later, when the Immortal Path reopened, these Heavenly Demons once again gathered here, and there were no more evil spirits appearing in the Mortal World, effectively making this place a venting outlet for the Heavenly Demons entering the Mortal World, and thus, it cannot be blocked."
The young cultivator immediately understood upon hearing this; when the barrier between the Immortal Realm and the Mortal World weakened, Heavenly Demons could also descend to the Lower Realm from there. However, due to the opening of the Guiding Immortal Road here, it allowed them to primarily enter from this location, and with us guarding here, it ensures more effective protection of the Mortal World from being affected.
"Indeed, you have a point, fellow Daoist. If this venting outlet is blocked, unforeseen issues may arise. Rather than globally searching for mischievous Heavenly Demons, it’s better to let them walk into the trap. This way, we save much effort in searching, and avoid the tragedy of mortals being slaughtered."
The mature cultivator nodded and said:
"True, yet this means someone must be here to guard at all times, and the Guiding Immortal Road must remain open. I’ve heard that the Spirit Stone consumption is not a small number. Tianyuan Sect has maintained its opening for three years—such foundation is beyond what us loose cultivators can imagine."
The young cultivator expressed yearning:
"Tianyuan Sect is the pioneer of cultivation sects, leading the way for countless ages. If I could join them, how fortunate I would be."
"Your words make sense, Daoist, which is why we are here to help guard. Knowing that not everyone can attain this guarding opportunity, not only does it require strength but also the temperament to meet high standards. For you and me to be here, among cultivators in this world, is already considered lucky."
"Well, I’m not sure how long you’ve been here. I’ve only been here for over a month, and everything still feels unfamiliar. I hope you’ll guide me along."
"You’re welcome; we’ve conversed and hit it off. I shall consider you a friend indeed. I’ve been here for nearly two years, so I’m an elder here. Just under two more months, and with a bit of martial merit, I’ll be able to join Tianyuan Sect. Then I will have a real standing in the cultivation world..."
"Oh, then congratulations in advance, senior brother."
"Haha, likewise, likewise. With your talent, junior brother, surely two years from now, you’ll also be able to join Tianyuan Sect like senior brother."
"..."
Their conversation, which began discussing matters related to the Guiding Immortal Road, subtly shifted to methods of joining Tianyuan Sect—resulting in fascinating topic transitions.
There are many cultivators like them, with most of the loose cultivators here aiming for this goal.
Since Tianyuan Sect widely introduced cultivation techniques to this world, several cultivation sects have emerged over the decades. However, due to the spiritual energy recovery being recent, most people remain part of the loose cultivator group, all seeking a good guardian, naturally setting sight on Tianyuan Sect, reputedly opening the doorway to the cultivation world.
Tianyuan Sect is recognized as the origin of cultivators; this is already a universally acknowledged fact.
Just that the large number of loose cultivators makes it impossible for Tianyuan Sect to accept everyone, hence it’s quite challenging to join.
Now, to resist the invasion of Heavenly Demons, Tianyuan Sect has opened a swift path for cultivators to gain cultivation resources and join the sect—this being the guarding mission of the Small Immortal Palace the two just mentioned.
Anyone who can guard the Small Immortal Palace for a certain duration and has slain enough Heavenly Demons in battle will receive the qualification to join Tianyuan Sect.
Of course, if someone doesn’t wish to join the sect, they can exchange these merits for rewards of cultivation resources.
Various precious Spirit Stones and enticing cultivation techniques are available for exchange at the Immortal Fate Pavilion established here, creating a flood of people in the cultivation world eager to enter for this reason.
At this moment, seated at the center of the Ascending Immortal Platform, Su Changqing suddenly opened his eyes, his golden pupils unexpectedly gazing toward the heavens.
Before him, a light that connected the heavens and earth enveloped the entire mountain peak, and from this light, black ripples suddenly emerged, followed by hundreds of clawing figures rushing out from within.
"It’s Heavenly Demons! Heavenly Demons are here! Prepare for battle! Initiate the Thousand Tribulations Locking Spirit Array!"
A Tianyuan Sect elder shouted, promptly casting a spell and the ground beneath everyone suddenly gleamed with a blinding light. Everyone felt a vast influx of spiritual power entering their bodies, instantly boosting their battle strength.
This Thousand Tribulations Locking Spirit Array is a simplified version of the Ten Thousand Tribulations Soul Locking Array, arranged beneath the Ascending Immortal Platform to fend off incoming Heavenly Demons.
The cultivators present each unleashed their magic treasures, and tens of thousands of rays of light instantly drowned those suddenly appearing Heavenly Demons.
"Roar! Roar!!"
Heavenly Demons let out roaring cries of discontent, but were obliterated in an instant by the multitude of magic treasures; despite their formidable life force, they couldn’t withstand the simultaneous attack from so many.
"Haha! I just crushed one!"
One cultivator couldn’t help but shout in delight, although he quickly quieted down after receiving a glaring look from a nearby inspector cultivator.
Loud noise is forbidden near the Ascending Immortal Platform; it’s the rule here.
However, most people were very excited at that moment. Though they didn’t cause a ruckus, they started talking in low voices.
The inspecting cultivators didn’t reprimand much upon seeing the situation, knowing that celebrating a victory against invading Heavenly Demons is quite reasonable; as long as the noise isn’t too loud, they usually wouldn’t interfere.
At the center of the Ascending Immortal Platform, Su Changqing intended to restrain his aura and maintain the Guiding Immortal Road when he noticed something unusual in the sky.
"Hmm? An overlooked fish?"
In the sky, as the corpses of the Heavenly Demons dispersed, there remained one figure standing, not only standing but actively absorbing the leftover aura from its companions, significantly boosting its strength.
"It’s a Divinity Transformation Level Great Demon; it appears that ordinary cultivators here can’t handle this..."
Su Changqing assessed the opponent’s strength inwardly, immediately preparing to personally eliminate it to prevent further trouble.
However, just as he was about to act, a flash of white light streaked across the sky, and before everyone below could react to what happened, the Heavenly Demon in the air was already sliced into pieces by the white light.
"Such powerful Sword Qi! Who is that!?"
"Not sure, should be a Tianyuan Sect elder taking action, extremely impressive, defeating a Divinity Transformation Stage Great Demon with just one sword strike!"
Discussions started below when following the dissipation of the astonishing Sword Qi above, a figure soon appeared in their field of vision.
It was a white-haired elder dressed in plain linen clothes, carrying a large Sword Box on his back. The elder stood suspended upon a Qi Sword formed of True Qi, with a wholly white Flying Sword floating by his side, emitting piercing sword cries continuously.
"It’s him! The Great Elder of Tianyuan Sect! Sixth Master Pei!!"
The crowd below showed expressions of astonishment, evidently startled by the identity unveiled.
"Unexpectedly it’s the Great Elder himself here, no wonder they could kill with one sword, it’s no surprise then."
"Indeed, legends claim Master Liu is the foremost Sword Immortal today, witnessing such extraordinary swordsmanship, my life is truly without regret."
"Hey, look quick, Master Liu is descending."
Under the attention of the crowd, Pei Laoliu maneuvered his Flying Sword and descended onto the Ascending Immortal Platform, arriving next to Su Changqing.
"Master Liu, what brings you here?"
Even though Su Changqing, as the Inspector, remained respectful to this elder of his mentor.
"Haha, so it’s Changqing here. I came to relieve your position at the Ascending Immortal Platform; I’ve recently hit a bottleneck in cultivation and intend to utilize the immortal energy from the Guiding Immortal Road to feel it out for a breakthrough attempt."
Master Liu chuckled as he sheathed his sword, naturally having a favorable impression of this junior—not to mention Su Changqing is Zhang Xiaoman’s disciple, essentially his own family.
