Chapter 161: Traverse the World (3)
Among the three overseas continents, the Qiong and Feng Continents were expansive islands that stretched for thousands of li, and lay just a thousand li away from the Middle Land. Only the Xin Continent was located an unfathomable distance away.
Over eight centuries ago, a Heavenly Ranker, driven by curiosity, set out to explore the ends of the world and stumbled upon this continent.
Even now, the true size of the Xin Continent remained shrouded in mystery, with explorers from the Middle Land barely scratching the surface of its staggering expanse. The separation between the two landmasses was daunting, making conquest of the Xin Continent an impossible dream for any power. The presence of fearsome demonic beasts further hindered the migration of the common folk.
Something's not right. Logically, to determine its size, one would only need to circle the Xin Continent. There's no need to venture deep into the continent.
However, the book he held in his hands, a collection of accounts from the Cloudstride Sect's three surviving Grandmasters who had dared venture into the Xin Continent, failed to provide an answer to his question.
Only Grandmasters possess the ability to travel to the Xin Continent?
Though it was a well-known location for immortal relic hunting, it was more accurate to call the Xin Continent a mysterious, uncharted island.
Demonic beasts actually exist in this world? Wu Yuan shook his head slightly, but soon understood why this was the case. After all, in the Middle Land, the human genome was incredibly advanced, let alone the genomes of its wild animals.
He recalled the encounter he had with a powerful tiger during his travels in the Southcloud Province. It could be considered a savage beast, with strength surpassing any animal he had encountered in his past life, capable of rivaling a second-rate Adept.
After the Martial King divided the land into thirteen continents, the Central Plains became a haven for humans for thousands of years. Scarcely any demonic or savage beasts are still present there, with most retreating to the rivers and mountains.
But none of them dared stir chaos, for those who did were dead meat. As a result, many common folk and even martial artists rarely encountered wild beasts throughout their lives.
However, once one ventured beyond the seven continents of the Central Plains, visiting places such as the Min Continent, the Nan Continent, the Huang Continent, or the overseas Qiong and Feng Continents where populations were sparser, the presence of demonic beasts grew more prevalent.
Among these continents, the Huang Continent was home to the largest number of demonic beasts. It was a vast landmass, rivaling the Holy Continent in size. While sparsely populated by humans, it teemed with wildlife.
Animals who possess the strength of third-rate Adepts are considered savage beasts. And those who possess the strength of Savant experts, though classified as demons, are mere lesser demons who pose little threat. Wu Yuan smiled faintly.
Beyond the lesser demons, however, existed the greater demons. Each of these beings was on par with a Grandmaster and many of them had caused significant upheaval throughout the history of the Middle Land.
Wu Yuan delved into book after book, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the Middle Land. It also sparked many theories.
All historical records trace back to the time of the Martial King, over 3000 years ago. Wu Yuan began to comprehend why the Martial King held such a revered position. He was akin to the Yanhuang [1], Suiren [2], Nuwa [3], Fuxi [4], and other legendary figures from his past life. He was the forefather of humanity, the catalyst for the birth of civilization. Before the Martial King, the world of the Middle Land was engulfed in chaos.
As for the emergence of the immortal relics in the Middle Land, it can be inferred that there once existed an immensely powerful civilization that spanned the entire world, most likely a qi refining civilization. Wu Yuan speculated.
A Heavenly Ranker was, in essence, a qi refiner. However, Heavenly Rankers were exceedingly scarce, and there simply werent enough of them to establish immortal sects or forge a systematic civilization. To put it more accurately, the Middle Land had evolved into a flourishing martial arts cultivation civilization.
From historical texts, there seems to have been a notable rise in the overall standard of martial arts over the course of the past several thousand years. The emergence of Savant experts and Grandmasters has become increasingly common.
Wu Yuan attributed this phenomenon to population growth and the strengthening of martial arts heritage in the Middle Land. Nevertheless, these were mere speculations on Wu Yuan's part. What truly captivated and troubled him was the mystery surrounding the collapse of this formidable qi refining civilization in history.
The presence of immortal relics brought to mind the mysterious black pagoda that once stood on the Blue Planet. That world seemed to house a powerful immortal cultivation civilization that had inexplicably vanished. However, Wu Yuan chose not to dwell too much on these speculations, leaving them for future investigation if the chance ever arose. If not, he simply didn't feel inclined to pursue them.
Once I become a Heavenly Ranker, and eventually a qi refiner powerhouse, many secrets will naturally be unveiled.
Wu Yuan continued reading. On the page spread in front of him were the words Chu-Jiang Relic. The Cloudstride Sect had granted Wu Yuan access to a wealth of meticulous intelligence regarding the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm.
The Cloudstride Sect is truly a sect that has endured for centuries in the Chu-Jiang Empire. Their information is far more trustworthy and comprehensive than that of the Pleiades Guild.
Such was the advantage of having an influential background. The accumulation of this classified knowledge must have cost the Cloudstride Sect copious resources, whether time, effort or even lives.
It appears that there are three entrances. Wu Yuan made a mental note.
After five days, Wu Yuan finally read through every last book, committing every word to memory.
Books are truly the stepping stones of civilization. A slight smile tugged at his lips. Now, I fully understand the Middle Land. Step by step, I shall traverse its length and breadth.
Having delved deep into numerous books, Wu Yuan's comprehension of the world expanded exponentially. The thirteen vast continents of the Middle Land, though grand in scale, seemed minuscule compared to the endless oceans that surrounded them. An insatiable desire for exploration ignited within him, fuelling ambitions that stretched to the farthest reaches of the world.
It is time to leave this mountain. There are still several months until the Chu-Jiang Secret Realm opens. Once I descend from the mountain, I shall embark on a journey across the world. Then, on the 22nd of August, I shall make my way to the Chu Continent, to fulfill my promise to Li Yan.
Wu Yuan had not forgotten his agreement with Li Yan. Initially, he had intended to seek advice from the two hierarchs. Yet, even after revealing his true strength and identity, they remained silent on this issue, refraining from prying into his affairs. Thus, Wu Yuan chose to forgo his questions. The agreement with the Pleiades Guild was an equal exchange, and he had no intention of betraying it.
Martial artists killed decisively, but they were not without principles. Some actions were necessary, while others were strictly forbidden.
Before I depart, I shall pay the hierarchs a visit. He rose to his feet. After a moment's hesitation, he went upstairs and prepared some ink and paper. In the quiet solitude of his chamber, he began to write.
Year 3227 of the Eastern Martial calendar, 12th of March.
It was early spring, but the air on Cloudhill felt as warm and inviting as early summer. The paths leading up the mountain were adorned with blossoming flowers, creating a picturesque scene.
Greetings, Heavens Heir. Two custodians at the foot of Cloud Hall greeted Wu Yuan with respectful demeanors. Normally, even sect elders werent casually granted an audience with the hierarch.
In no time, Wu Yuan stood in the Cloud Hall, facing The Rain Hierarch. He had come to recognize the hierarch's penchant for extravagant clothing. "Wu Yuan pays respects to the Hierarch," he greeted with a slight bow.
The Rain Hierarch regarded him with a gentle gaze, her voice carrying a soothing timbre. "Wu Yuan, are you preparing for your excursion beyond the mountain?"
"Mm," replied Wu Yuan. "In these past few days, I have reached a basic proficiency over the Sunfury Saber, and absorbed the knowledge contained within the books gifted by Hierarch. I feel prepared to begin my journey. Hence, I've come to bid farewell."
The Rain Hierarch smiled approvingly. Not bad, I see you dont lack patience. Go forth and explore the world, but remember, it's not just about fighting and killing. Prioritize your safety. I anticipate seeing your name grace the Heavenly Rankings."
Cultivation was not only achieved in the hardships of life and death trials, but also in the pursuit of personal growth and self-preservation.
"Disciple understands," Wu Yuan affirmed. With a graceful motion, he removed his wrist guard and placed it on a nearby desk. "Hierarch, I am forever indebted to our sect and have no means to repay everything youve done for me. As a token of my gratitude, I have prepared some items for you. I humbly request that you accept them."
Before The Rain Hierarch could respond, Wu Yuan took a step back, bowing respectfully. "Farewell, Hierarch." With that, he exited the hall, walking down the steps.
"This youngster, he even left us a farewell gift?" A subtle grin crept onto The Rain Hierarchs face.
With a brisk stride, she approached the desk and picked up the wrist guard.
A storage artifact? Surprise flashed in her eyes as she perceived the item. Its capacity isnt too large. Could he have acquired this after killing Wang Huang?
Carefully, she began to examine the contents within the space. Inside, she found around eight third-grade divine weapons, all acquired through the demise of experts like Wang Huang and Qi Zai at Wu Yuans hands.
They were worthless to Wu Yuan, hence he bequeathed them to the sect. Why didnt he bequeath them to the Wu Clan? There wasnt a single first-rate Adept in the Wu Clan at present. Possessing these treasures was more a curse than a blessing!
The original edition of Majestic Earth and Oceans, Secret Art: Thousand Mountains, Secret Art: Ghostwalk, Secret Art: Bloodstack'. The Rain Hierarch flipped through the stack of manuals, not too surprised by the first few.
However, when she reached the final three, a glimmer of confusion flitted across The Rain Hierarch's eyes.
1. "Yanhuang" are the two legendary leaders of ancient China. Yan is Yan Di, Huang is Huang Di. The Yanhuang people are considered to be the ancestors of Chinese civilization, and the Han people (called the Huaxia people before the Han Dynasty) are called the descendants of the Yanhuang people.
2. Suiren appears in Chinese mythology and some works that draw upon it. He is credited as a cultural hero who introduced humans to the production of fire and its use for cooking.
3. Nuwa is the mother goddess of all mankind, credited with the creation of humanity and repairing the broken Pillar of Heaven.
4. mythical creator of humanity
Whysee's Thoughts
For your reference:
Thirteen continents of the Middle Land: Holy (previously Zhong), Dong, Wu, Jiang, Chu, Yuan, Yan, Min, Nan, Bei, Mo, Xi, Huang
Overseas continents: Qiong, Feng, Xin
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