Chapter 167: Gathering Of Forces (1)
Shortly after, Bu Yu set aside the report on Heavenly Ranker Wan Liu. Then, she began cultivating with the Moontide Sword.
Claiming ownership over a first-grade divine weapon is truly no easy task. One must either resonate perfectly with the weapon or possess a powerful soul capable of subduing its spirituality. Bu Yu sighed inwardly.
Regrettably, she had yet to accomplish either. The sword intent of the Moontide Sword, as well as the saber intent of the Sunfury Saber, did not resonate harmoniously with her.
Back then, I ventured into the Huang Continent, risking my life to battle a demonic dragon to obtain Soul Condensing Pills, but their effects were disappointingly minimal. She knitted her brow.
Bu Yu's disposition differed from that of Huan Jian. Whilst Huan Jian had embarked on the path of a qi refiner after journeying to the Xin Continent years ago, diligently persevering in silent meditation for three decades before finally achieving a breakthrough at the age of 90, Bu Yu lacked such patience.
Her temperament was characterized by volatility. Whether it was tempering herself in the fires of adversity, stretching her potential in the face of life and death, or venturing into the unknown to hunt for treasures, none had yielded the desired success.
She had traversed the world, accruing gains that steadily improved her strength. Even without the Moontide Sword recognizing her as its master, she had ranked among the top twenty in the World Land Rankings in her prime!
Even in her later years, she exerted immense pressure on East King Jin Jiu during the Battle of Hillstride eleven years prior, forcing him to retreat rather than engage her in a fight to the death. But despite these accomplishments, she still hadnt managed to take that crucial last step.
Failure to break through at 100, a lifetime unable to enter the Heavenly Rankings. Although this adage may not be absolute, it can only be delayed by a year or two at most. Bu Yu was acutely aware of this reality.
At 100, her combat prowess would gradually wane, yet there was still a flicker of hope for a breakthrough. But if she still failed to achieve a breakthrough even after another three or four years went by, then all hope would be lost! This was because once the aging process began, it was not just the physique that deteriorated, but the soul as well.
Apart from the legendary Qi Sea Pill and Spiritlight Flower found in the immortal relics of the Xin Continent, the most powerful external item that could potentially help me is the Purplewood Spirit Fruit. And it can only be found in the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm!
If I acquire a Redwood Spirit Fruit, it would also allow me to temporarily maintain my peak combat prowess and physical constitution.
Hm? Bu Yu suddenly furrowed her brows, turning towards the entrance of the grand hall.
Soon, a figure dressed in black robes rushed into the hall, hastily kneeling. "Hierarch, Lord Chang Dong from Yuanhu Villa has arrived in Cloudhill City and requests an audience with you."
Chang Dong? Why has he come here all of a sudden? A cold glint flashed through Bu Yu's eyes but quickly disappeared.
"Send a message to Cloudhill City. I accept his request and permit Grandmaster Chang to ascend the mountain," Bu Yu said faintly.
"Yes." The black-robed man left to deliver the message.
Less than two hours later, Lu Feng, the sect leader of the Cloudstride Sect, received a man dressed in red robes at the base of Cloudhill.
The man was slender with a dark complexion, his narrow eyes giving one a feeling of aloofness, though he had a smile on his face at the moment.
The two strolled along the mountain path.
"The Cloudstride Sect, led by Sect Leader Lu, is truly the most prominent force in the Jiang Continent!" The black-haired elderly man glanced at the Cloud Martial Hall in the distance, where numerous disciples were diligently practicing in the open-air training ground.
"Senior, you flatter me," Lu Feng replied politely. "The Yuanhu Villa, established single-handedly by Senior, has become a formidable sect within just 20 years. It's an achievement that I greatly admire."
The black-haired man let out a chuckle.
When he initially established Yuanhu Villa, he didnt think much of the Cloudstride Sect. He even believed he could rival Grandmaster Yun Shan. However, the true difficulties of founding a sect only revealed themselves as he embarked on one task after another.
"I have heard tales of Wu Yuan's unparalleled talent, a prodigy that the Jiang Continent hasnt seen in a thousand years. I wonder if he is currently residing in your sect?" The black-haired man inquired nonchalantly.
"Wu Yuan?" A sense of caution welled up within Lu Feng, but he responded with a chuckle, "He has been diligently training under The Sword Hierarch, although I cannot say for certain."
He was well aware of the animosity between Shadow Blade and the black-haired man. He was even more cognizant of the potential connection between Wu Yuan and Shadow Blade.
"Brother Huan Jian truly proves himself a worthy hierarch of the sect, tirelessly guiding the disciples." The black-haired elderly man smiled.
"Senior, if you would kindly follow me," Lu Feng quickly redirected the conversation.
The two swiftly scaled the mountain, arriving at the outskirts of the Cloud Hall.
"Chang Dong, please enter the hall," a gentle voice called out from within, "Lu Feng, there is no need for you to accompany us. I have important matters to discuss with Chang Dong."
"Understood," Lu Feng responded respectfully.
As the black-haired man strode into the hall, his eyes were instantly drawn to the divine sword resting on a stack of documents. A tinge of envy flickered within his heart. The first-grade divine weapon, the Moontide Sword.
"Chang Dong, please have a seat," Bu Yu occupied the host seat, wearing a welcoming smile.
"I apologize for the sudden visit, I hope Grandmaster Yu doesn't mind," Chang Dong cupped his hands politely before settling down, "I presume Grandmaster Yu is already aware of the purpose behind my arrival."
This black-haired man was none other than Old Yuanhu, Chang Dong.
"Purpose?" Bu Yu squinted slightly. After a moment, she spoke slowly, "It must be the Chu-Jiang Token, correct? According to my calculations, the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm will open next month. And as far as I know, Brother Chang, you possess a Chu-Jiang Token."
"Yes, indeed," Chang Dong nodded. "I do possess a Chu-Jiang Token. And from my knowledge, the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm will open for a period of ten days. Once it opens, if you fail to enter within those ten days, you'll have to wait for another hundred years.
Chang Dong continued, "Given the dangers lurking within the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm, I propose an alliance, Grandmaster Yu. Together, we stand a better chance of facing any challenges or enemies."
"An alliance?" Bu Yu's expression remained unchanged as she casually responded, "The Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm is indeed perilous. However, it takes at least six Chu-Jiang Tokens to open it. And between us, we only possess two. Whether we can successfully unlock it in the first place remains uncertain."
Without at least six Chu-Jiang Tokens present, the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm would remain sealed according to the intelligence left by the Chu-Jiang Empire.
"Grandmaster Yu, let's not play coy about its opening," Chang Dong stated, shaking his head. "We both know that more than ten Chu-Jiang Tokens have surfaced in the world already."
"Missing this opportunity would mean waiting for another hundred years," Chang Dong added. "The value of the treasures within the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm rivals those found within the relics in the Huang Continent. Those who possess Chu-Jiang Tokens will not sit idly by."
Bu Yu casually replied, "Even if it is opened, that alone is not enough reason for us to form an alliance. Besides the natural treasures, there are two precious spirit fruits that neither of us would be willing to give up to the other."
Chang Dong smiled, "The hunt for treasures will depend on our own abilities. What I truly mean by forming an alliance is protecting ourselves from Great Jin."
"Great Jin?" Bu Yu's eyes narrowed slightly.
"When Chu-Jiang was destroyed, both you and I were officials under Chu-Jiang, and we are well aware of the power Great Jin wields," Chang Dong said in a lowered voice. "They have already obtained at least three out of the eighteen Chu-Jiang Tokens."
"And from my sources, the two Chu-Jiang Tokens possessed by Eastdream and Westdream have fallen into the hands of Great Jin!"
"What?" Bu Yu was genuinely shocked. With one Chu-Jiang Token, one Grandmaster could enter the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm. And the more people from the same faction, the greater their advantage within the relic.
Eastdream and Westdream each possessed one Chu-Jiang Token since the era of the Chu-Jiang Empire; this was a widely known fact.
"Can we trust this information?" Bu Yu questioned, fixing Chang Dong with a piercing gaze.
Chang Dong replied with a resolute nod, "It is reliable. The Great Jin Empire possesses no fewer than five Chu-Jiang Tokens, allowing them to deploy five Grandmasters."
"Great Jin, driven by their insatiable thirst for dominance, aspires to conquer the world. The Jiang Continent is a piece of meat they are determined to devour."
"You and I, pillars of our respective sects, will find ourselves trapped once we step foot into the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm. Escape is nearly impossible, leaving us with no choice but to confront our enemies head-on," Chang Dong whispered, his tone filled with urgency. "I strongly believe that given the opportunity, the Great Jin Empire would not hesitate to eliminate us."
"Moreover, neither of us can afford to forfeit the chance to enter the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm; it is our greatest chance to achieve a breakthrough," Chang Dong continued.
Bu Yu fell silent, contemplating his words. She naturally understood that joining forces would offer an additional measure of safety compared to acting alone.
"How can I be certain that you are not deceiving me?" Bu Yu challenged.
Chang Dong shook his head. "There is no point. If I were to align myself with the Great Jin Empire, considering my age, they would hardly grant me the rights to retain Yuanhu Villa, as is customary for them."
"You are well aware of my aspirations," Chang Dong emphasized. "Firstly, I wish to enter the Heavenly Rankings. Secondly, I want to ensure the enduring legacy of my sect. Great Jin cannot fulfill either of these desires."
Bu Yu nodded slightly, acknowledging the truth in Chang Dong's words. Land Rankers mostly hoped to establish factions and ensure their prosperity once they saw no hope of entering the Heavenly Rankings.
Many aspired to be revered as the ancestor of a clan or sect, remembered by generations of future disciples.
"Even if the two of us were to form an alliance, we are no match for Great Jin," Bu Yu murmured, "You and I both understand that among the top ten in the Land Rankings, Great Jin has already claimed three spots."
"In addition," Bu Yu added, "there's a strong possibility that there are Land Rankers among its ranks who have yet to reveal themselves publicly. The full extent of Great Jin's power remains shrouded in mystery."
Whether it be the Human Rankings or the Land Rankings, they only documented martial artists and their corresponding strengths based on public track records.
For sects or clans consisting of only a few Grandmasters, concealing their power was nearly impossible. Why? Because these Grandmasters were the foundations of their respective sects. If they didnt showcase their strength, they could not intimidate and deter their foes.
As for the immensely powerful sacred martial sects or the top-tier major forces? They had an abundance of experts! Many Grandmasters might go years without displaying their might. When they finally achieved a breakthrough, nobody was aware, thus they did not appear on the Land Rankings.
Take Huan Jian, for example. He possessed strength nearly on par with Heavenly Rankers, but how many people were privy to this knowledge?
"No matter how formidable Great Jin may be, there are only a limited number of Chu-Jiang Tokens in total," Chang Dong calmly stated. "I will also reach out to Chu Ping. Our three factions shall advance or retreat as one."
"And then there's your sect's Land Ranker, Shadow Blade. With our three factions united, even if we are not as formidable as the experts of Great Jin, we wont be much weaker," Chang Dong declared.
Upon hearing this, Bu Yu knew the other party had come prepared.
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