Chapter 95 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 95: Abolis.h.i.+ng Dantian

Translator: Lynn

A sharp glint appeared in Xu Ziqings eyes. Even though the ground in front of him was about to split open, he remained unafraid.

His confidence stemmed from the fact that wood can overcome the earth. Although Zhang Chi had reached the tenth level of Qi refining after six months of practice, the wood attributes physique had inherent advantages at the same cultivation level. Xu Ziqing decided to put away the steel and wood sword, realizing that it was time to fight with skills, not just sword techniques.

With a clap of his palms, countless green energies burst forth, transforming into blue light spots that rapidly flew out. They fell on the rolled soil, and in an instant, sprouts emerged, growing rapidly into fluffy spring gra.s.s, spreading across the soil like a green blanket and emitting the fragrance of fresh gra.s.s. However, the gra.s.s wasnt superficial; its roots intertwined and formed a dense network, swiftly extending underground.

The thin gra.s.s roots transformed into thick ones, intertwining and forming a web-like structure underground. The rolling ground was firmly held in place by these web-shaped roots, halting its advancement.

Thus, the advancing spider web stopped abruptly, three steps away from Xu Ziqing.

Addressing Zhang Chi, Xu Ziqing spoke, I also have a trick Id like to show you, Fellow Daoist Zhang. He spun and rubbed his palms together, causing the turf to move.

Countless fluffy thin gra.s.ses grew rapidly, twisting into green gra.s.s ropes in mid-air and entangling to form a net that overwhelmed Zhang Chi.

Seeing Xu Ziqings counterattack, Zhang Chi remained focused. He drew his flying sword and created several sword lights in the air, forming a scorched earth technique. When the gra.s.s net met the sword light, it turned pitch black as if it had been burned, and then fell from mid-air, turning into fly ash.

The sword light continued, falling onto the turf that was still growing. Consequently, the turf quickly turned black and gradually turned into vegetation ashes, blending into the mud.

While wood can restrain the earth, it still depends on the soil and cannot cut off its vitality. Xu Ziqings green gra.s.s, while powerful, could also be turned into fertile soil.

These two techniques were a set of continuous moves in the Bengtu Sword Art, designed for wood attribute monks to combat their counterparts. Zhang Chi, being a wood attribute pract.i.tioner, could break Xu Ziqings technique instantly. However, using this sword move was quite costly, and Zhang Chis complexion paled slightly after executing it.

Yet, Zhang Chis moves didnt cease. He swung his sword again, using the Landslide and Earth Crack technique. The edge of the sword emitted a brown light, forming a circular cut, and the sword light around it created an arc, bursting out in all directions.

The sound of rumbling was incessant, and the mountain wall collapsed, sending rocks tumbling down like rain. Simultaneously, the fertile soil on the ground subsided, forming huge cracks in the harder parts and a broad swamp in the deeper areas.

Faced with the falling rocks, Xu Ziqings green leaf floated three feet off the ground. He couldnt find a place to land amidst the dense rock shower and had to dodge left and right. Yet, the barrage was relentless, and Xu Ziqing realized he couldnt evade it entirely. He quickly slashed out the steel wood sword with his backhand, breaking rocks in his way.

The duel continued with Xu Ziqings deft maneuvers, dodging rocks, and skillfully slas.h.i.+ng his way through the onslaught.

Amidst the countless boulders, the young man in the green s.h.i.+rt, treading on green leaves, seemed to be floating in the rain, appearing slender. However, he wielded the Wujin obedient sword in his hand, effortlessly chopping off all the rocks thrown down upon him. His movements were not flashy, but they were sharp, crisp, and precise, without a hint of panic.

Xu Ziqing remained calm and composed, while Zhang Chi below began to feel a bit uneasy. He had expended most of his spiritual power using these three sword moves, which he had carefully cultivated for years to specifically counter wood-type monks like Xu Ziqing. The power behind them was immense, and maintaining control, especially during the third form Landslide and Earth Crack, required utmost concentration. Any loss of focus might lead to a loss of control over the technique.

Xu Ziqing, on the other hand, was fully immersed in his sword moves, finding it challenging to deal with the deluge of boulders at first. However, once he got into the rhythm, he found it easy. Though the rocks rolled down quickly, he could easily predict their trajectory. By using the green leaves under his feet to position himself opposite to the boulders, he would then apply the foundational sword techniques taught by Yun Lie with decisiveness, efficiently cutting them off.

Xu Ziqing had been diligently swinging his sword 30,000 times a day for the past six months, and this practice bore fruit as he handled the rocks with ease. Compared to Zhang Chi, who was intently focused on maintaining the technique, Xu Ziqing wasted no spiritual power in his sword moves. Each strike was precise and energy-efficient.

Zhang Chi had initially thought Xu Ziqing would not be able to hold on for long under the constant barrage of rocks, but to his surprise, Xu Ziqings movements remained steady and undisturbed even after half an hour had pa.s.sed. This left Zhang Chi increasingly anxious as if he couldnt take Xu Ziqing down with this technique, he would be at a disadvantage, making it extremely difficult for him to turn the tide.

As a monk at the tenth level of Qi Refining, Zhang Chi took a deep breath and composed himself. He raised two fingers and muttered some words. The long sword in his hand flew up, circled his head a few times, and then hovered above him, emitting a brown light that rippled outward.

Zhang Chi closed his eyes and meditated for a moment, then suddenly opened his mouth and pointed, uttering a word: Disperse!

The flying sword turned into a brown light, stabbing at Xu Ziqings back heart!

Unaware of the impending danger, Xu Ziqings mind and body remained immersed in the sword practice. However, he was conditioned to partially devote his attention to correcting Yun Lies sword moves during their regular training sessions. As a result, even during this intense focus, Xu Ziqing detected the approaching murderous intent before the flying sword could strike. Reacting swiftly, he split the boulder in front of him and turned around, perfectly intercepting the flying sword.

Clang! Clang! The flying sword vibrated with a buzzing sound as Xu Ziqing deflected it. At the same time, more boulders were falling from behind, creating a perilous situation with attacks coming from both sides.

Now, both combatants faced grave danger. The murderous intent emanating from Zhang Chi was clear to Xu Ziqing. He knew that Zhang Chi blamed him for everything and now sought to kill him. Despite the life-threatening situation, Xu Ziqing suppressed his fear and kept his wits about him. His dantians exercises ran rapidly as he strategized on how to escape from this treacherous scenario.

In a sudden turn of events, Xu Ziqing had a clever idea and let out a whistle, summoning his pet eagle, Chonghua. The loyal eagle understood Xu Ziqings plan without needing any explicit command and created a path for him to escape the perilous situation.

On the other hand, Zhang Chi realized that his previous powerful attack had drained much of his strength. He reached for a very thin flying sword, a dazzling and almost spiritual weapon bestowed by the Wuliang Sects leader. This sword had been cultivated by Zhang Chi for a decade and was on the verge of becoming his natal magic weapon. But now, he had to use it urgently, as his Killer Lan technique had depleted his resources. Without hesitation, he unleashed several spells in succession, controlling the boulders in mid-air and directing them toward Xu Ziqing.

In the midst of the chaotic onslaught, Xu Ziqing deftly evaded the rocks, narrowly avoiding a life-threatening blow. Although his sword skills were still basic, his quick reflexes and ability to fend off mud snakes from the rising swamp showed his potential. Meanwhile, Chonghua, the eagle, tried its best to a.s.sist in the battle, although limited by its cultivation level.

As Xu Ziqing fought for survival, Zhang Chis focus was on controlling the boulders and swamps, directing them to attack Xu Ziqing indiscriminately. Utilizing his spirit sword, Zhang Chi took advantage of the chaos to further enhance the swords power. Despite the risks, Zhang Chi infused the spirit sword with his blood to speed up the integration process.

In a moment of desperation, Zhang Chi closed his eyes and forcefully expelled more blood from the tip of his tongue to hasten the process. The spirit sword reacted, gaining profound meaning and displaying the strength of the earth element. Zhang Chis ecstasy grew as he sensed the imminent success of his plan.

On the other side, Xu Ziqing sensed something amiss and quickly flew to a higher position. From there, he saw Zhang Chis progress with the spirit sword, which made him feel uneasy. Suddenly, the boulders, now free from Zhang Chis control, turned erratic and targeted Xu Ziqing, threatening to crush him.

The battle intensified, and both opponents were fighting with everything they had. Xu Ziqings survival instincts kicked in as he dealt with the chaotic boulders, aware that Zhang Chis spirit sword was gaining dangerous power. The outcome of this fierce encounter was far from certain, and the danger loomed large for both Xu Ziqing and Zhang Chi.

Xu Ziqing swiftly changed his direction, disregarding all else, and flew towards Zhang Chi. He had realized that Zhang Chis spirit sword, now completed, posed a severe threat. However, he couldnt let Zhang Chi succeed in his plans, so he had to intervene.

As Xu Ziqing approached, dozens of boulders chased after him, pushed by Zhang Chis spirit sword. Zhang Chi quickly tried to control the situation, directing his spirit sword to disperse the boulders and quell the rising swamp. He didnt antic.i.p.ate that Xu Ziqings sudden move would cause his spirit sword to inadvertently become a danger for him.

Realizing this predicament, Zhang Chis brow furrowed, but he managed to keep his composure. Xu Ziqing also recognized the immense power of the spirit sword, which was far superior to ordinary flying swords. He knew that confronting it directly with his steel-wooden sword was futile. Yet, he had to figure out a way to deal with this potent weapon.

As Xu Ziqing maneuvered, the spirit sword relentlessly pursued him, moving with incredible speed and precision. Xu Ziqing knew he couldnt afford to face it head-on again. He had to buy time, and wait for Zhang Chis spiritual power to deplete and make the spirit sword unsustainable. But there was no a.s.surance of survival in this desperate situation.

With each move, Xu Ziqing tried to evade the spirit sword, but it kept coming back for him. He realized that he needed to adopt a more a.s.sertive approach. Knowing this was Zhang Chis last stand, Xu Ziqing resolved to stand his ground. The danger he faced was due to others jealousy of his talent, and he could no longer tolerate such ill intentions.

With determination, Xu Ziqing devised a plan. He feigned fear, pretending to be overwhelmed by the spirit sword, while subtly moving closer to Zhang Chi. He hoped to approach him gradually without raising suspicion.

Zhang Chi, seeing Xu Ziqings apparent panic and vulnerability, felt a sense of victory approaching. His spiritual power was dwindling, and his guard lowered. Meanwhile, Xu Ziqings eyes turned cold as he advanced steadily toward Zhang Chi. When the moment was right, Xu Ziqing made his move, rus.h.i.+ng straight toward Zhang Chi.

As Xu Ziqing drew closer, the spirit sword followed closely behind, ready to strike. However, just as the spirit sword was about to collide with Zhang Chi, Xu Ziqing vanished from sight.

Zhang Chi let out a cry of agony, realizing that he couldnt stop the spirit sword in time. It pierced through his dantian, obliterating the relaxed state that he had achieved.

The consequences were dire, as Xu Ziqing had succeeded in thwarting Zhang Chis plans and inflicted a major blow on him. The destruction of Zhang Chis dantian left him in a vulnerable state, unable to continue his attack.

The force of the spirit sword, incompatible with Xu Ziqings relaxed dantian, struck with such intensity that it instantly shattered Zhang Chis already depleted dantian.

Zhang Chi coughed up blood and collapsed to the ground, his expression filled with exhaustion. Unable to control the spirit sword any longer, it fell a few feet away from him. Turning his head, Zhang Chis eyes showed a hint of resignation.

Unbeknownst to Zhang Chi, a ma.s.sive tree had grown just three feet away, its blackish body resembling gold. It was the millennium steel and wood body, created by Xu Ziqings steel and wood sword. Emerging from within the steel and wood, Xu Ziqing, usually gentle-faced, displayed a coldness, his smiling lips slightly pursed with a mixture of anger and pity.

It was Xu Ziqing himself.

Using the wood escape technique, he had hidden within the steel and wood, allowing the spirit sword to rebound and strike its master. Tang Wenfeis rule to spare lives prevented Xu Ziqing from killing Zhang Chi. Xu Ziqing had no intention of reasoning with him either.

Since Wuliang Sect had sought to destroy his dantian, Xu Ziqing felt compelled to give their most promising genius of the generation a taste of his own medicine.

Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Xu Ziqing cast a final glance at Zhang Chi before departing. The matter was now concluded, and he could resume his cultivation. As for Zhang Chis future, Xu Ziqing no longer concerned himself with it.

As expected, in the following days, no one visited Xu Ziqings cave, and Tang Yunfei did not summon him. It was as if nothing had happened, leaving no trace behind.

Xu Ziqing continued with his peaceful routine, waking up in the morning, swinging his sword 30,000 times, and then meditating to refine his true energy. He didnt feel fatigued despite the repet.i.tion.

Two months later, a peculiar sign appeared outside the cave.

Xu Ziqing opened his eyes and murmured, Another person building their foundation?

Recalling Cheng Ans failure to build a foundation, which resulted in the destruction of his soul and spirit, Xu Ziqing couldnt help but feel a sense of fear.

Who had overcome their inner demons this time to dare to build their foundation?

Xu Ziqing couldnt help but admire the individuals courage and perseverance. As he made up his mind to go and observe this remarkable monk, Xu Ziqing stepped out of his cave and descended to the mountain wall, just as he had done previously.

Like before, many monks had already gathered, their antic.i.p.ation more palpable than the last time. The young man in red, accompanied by members of the Loose Cultivation Alliance, greeted Xu Ziqing with a smile, commenting on his tardiness. Xu Ziqing responded with a smile, stating, Sometimes, one cannot be too hasty. Overflow occurs when water is full.

Su Xin joined the conversation, maintaining a mysterious expression. He teased Xu Ziqing, saying, Guess who is building their foundation this time?

Realizing Su Xins trickery, Xu Ziqing surveyed the surroundings before turning around, slightly surprised. He exclaimed, Young Master Yan? Su Xin nodded, confirming that it was indeed Yan Boshang from Tianyan Sect.

Xu Ziqings brows furrowed slightly. If it was Yan Boshang, it was only natural for the monks to eagerly watch the proceedings.

Su Xin continued, explaining that during Cheng Ans failed attempt at foundation building, his hasty decision had resulted in impurities on his smoke dragon, leading to his defeat. However, Yan Boshang was cautious and waited until his cultivation base was close to building a foundation. Now, he aimed to eliminate impurities before moving, displaying his characteristic prudence. Su Xin believed that Yan Boshang had at least a 90% chance of success this time.

Understanding the situation, Xu Ziqing nodded and remarked, So, theres a 90% chance of success in his foundation building this time.

Su Xin confirmed Xu Ziqings understanding, and together they antic.i.p.ated witnessing a successful foundation building, lifting the cloud of uncertainty that had hung over the monks since Cheng Ans failure.

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