Chapter 260: Sixth Jia Golden Lotus! [First Update!]
On this day.
Chen Jichuan sat cross-legged in his cave residence, activating the "Sword Map."
Mysticism rested in his heart, as mana circulated.
Holding a Spirit Crystal in each hand, with a pill in his mouth, his pores slightly opened, absorbing the Spiritual Energy refined by the Heaven Mending Sect's mountain-protecting array—the "Circulation Dragon Formation."
Chen Jichuan's mana steadily climbed.
Sword Qi within him was continually nurtured.
Upon advancing to the Fifth Layer Heaven and opening the Fifth Aperture, Chen Jichuan's mana made great progress, with 5,244 strands of Sword Qi already cultivated within him.
Absorbing and refining nature's Spiritual Energy.
Absorbing and refining Spirit Stones and Spirit Crystals.
Consuming and refining various pills.
Though Chen Jichuan had broken through merely twenty-odd years ago, having cultivated for only eleven years, he had already journeyed through two-tenths of the Fifth Layer Heaven.
If he maintained this pace, in a maximum of one hundred years, Chen Jichuan would fully cultivate 6,000 strands of Sword Qi, reaching the pinnacle of the Fifth Layer Heaven.
However, while mana was easy to cultivate, realms were difficult to achieve.
Even if he reached the peak of the Fifth Layer Heaven, breaking through to the Sixth Layer Heaven still seemed distant and uncertain.
…
"Hoo, hoo!"
Completing the nine circulations of the "Nine Revolutions," Chen Jichuan halted his cultivation.
Mana and Sword Qi flowed through his meridians and Dantian on their own, nurturing the slightly damaged meridians caused by intense cultivation, while simultaneously growing and refining themselves.
It's a pity that this natural circulation progressed far too slowly; yet human lifespan was far too short. Otherwise, Chen Jichuan could leave his physical body behind in the Dao Fruit World to cultivate idly.
"Just wait a little longer."
"Once I reach the Divinity Transformation Realm, I can cultivate division-type Magic Skills. By then, splitting my Primordial Spirit will allow me to simultaneously contend with both reality and the Dao Fruit World, without this current predicament."
Enlightenment marks the Second-order realm.
Divinity Transformation marks the Third-order realm.
It is merely a difference of one order. Even if this world fails, the next shall succeed.
Chen Jichuan was filled with anticipation.
But as of now, he was merely at the Fifth Heaven of Enlightenment—still distant from the Third-order realm—and did not dwell on it too much, pressing down the thought of Divine Separation deep in his mind.
Ceasing his cultivation.
Chen Jichuan spread his palms; with a flash of light, two Magical Treasures appeared in his hands.
…
[Magical Treasure: Heart Mirror]
[Level: Fourth-order]
[Description: One of the Twelve Treasures of the Heaven Mending Sect, it can reflect an individual's inner truth. Using the medium of the "Heart Demon Oath," should anyone defy it—from thousands of miles away—the Heart Mirror can unleash the destructive Divine Light to annihilate the body and shatter the soul.]
…
[Magical Treasure: Sixfold Golden Lotus]
[Level: Fourth-order]
[Description: One of the Twelve Treasures of the Heaven Mending Sect, when placed atop one's head, it is impervious to water, fire, and weapons, and resistant even to powerful Magical Treasures. Sixfold defense, impervious to all evil.]
…
"Heart Mirror."
"Sixfold Golden Lotus."
Holding a copper mirror in his left hand and a golden lotus in his right, Chen Jichuan's eyes sparkled with a smile.
He had been Hall Master of the Dharma Transmission Hall for two years.
And now, after much effort, the two Magical Treasures of the Dharma Transmission Hall were finally refined, allowing him to wield them with some degree of proficiency.
"Ultimately, Fourth-order Magical Treasures are best utilized by Fourth-order cultivators. At my current level of Fifth Heaven Second-order, I cannot wield them with perfect control."
"I can only barely activate part of their power."
Chen Jichuan understood this clearly.
With his current strength, he could not fully unleash the potential of the Fourth-order Magical Treasures. Even activating a portion of their abilities was astonishingly exhausting.
Nonetheless.
The power of Fourth-order Magical Treasures exceeded all imagination.
Even a partial activation rendered them unbeatable under normal Second-order circumstances; those who sought to resist were indulging in pure fantasy.
"With the 'Sixfold Golden Lotus atop my head, there are barely any Second-order True Persons capable of harming me!"
Chen Jichuan's smile grew, his heart steadied in satisfaction.
Among the Twelve Treasures of the Heaven Mending Sect, the "Sixfold Golden Lotus" was unparalleled in defense. Having it in his possession seemed like placing it in the care of its rightful master.
Chen Jichuan was greatly pleased.
Compared to the Heaven Mending Sect's other treasures—
Like the Danyi Hall's "Fire Dragon Immortal Banner."
The "Flame God Banner" he currently possessed was merely a replica based on the "Fire Dragon Immortal Banner."
Even as a replica, once cultivated to the Third-order realm, its power was remarkable; the original "Fire Dragon Immortal Banner," being a Fourth-order Magical Treasure, was the pinnacle of offensive capability in the earthly realm.
Danyi Hall Master Zhang Zheng wielded this treasure, which he typically used for alchemy or to provide guidance on Fire Skills. But once a fight broke out, when the "Fire Dragon Immortal Banner" was unleashed, even the strongest beings of the Ninth or Tenth Layer Heaven would be obliterated without a Fourth-order Magical Treasure to protect them.
Its reputation was renowned.
Besides the "Fire Dragon Immortal Banner," other offensive treasures of the Heaven Mending Sect include the "True Essence Scissors," "Xuanguang Ruler," and "Evil Extermination Blade."
Among them, the Five Directions Hall Master Ji Liuyun wields the "True Essence Scissors," another offensive treasure. When unleashed, the scissors cut, splitting foes into two; survival is impossible.
The Immortal Hall Master Bai Nianyun wields the "Evil Extermination Blade," comprised of 108 blades capable of annihilating all malevolence. Even though Bai Nianyun can only activate fewer than ten blades, few in Central Continent can withstand her might.
As Sect Master, Gu Feng was unparalleled.
Internally, he possessed the "Star Armor," protecting 365 major apertures, making him impervious to external evils and resistant to all spells.
Externally, he wielded the "Xuanguang Ruler," another offensive treasure. This ruler's "Xuanguang Phenomena" emitted endless radiant rings. Striking opponents is always precise, and it has the ability to dispel confusion formations and illusion arrays as well as counter Yin Fire and Thunder Fire with ease.
Should Chen Jichuan use an Illusion Realm against Gu Feng, the latter's mere use of the "Xuanguang Ruler" would negate it.
Similarly, attacking with the "Five Thunders True Skill" would be ineffective.
Both the Heaven Mending Sect and the other Six Sects amongst the Seven Immortal Sects maintain dominance over the Slaughter Ring Sea due to their carefully preserved treasures, which play a massive role in this power equilibrium.
The Hall Masters of the Heaven Mending Sect's Six Halls enjoy immense prestige; upon appointment, their names resound far and wide.
This is partly because those qualified to become Hall Masters are already figures of renown.
The more important reason, though, is that each Hall Master of the Heaven Mending Sect wields one or even two of its treasures.
Fourth-order treasures are considered "Supreme Treasures."
In the Slaughter Ring Sea, where Second-order Magical Treasures—let alone Third-order ones—are a rarity, a Heaven Mending Sect Hall Master who possesses Second-order late-stage cultivation and Fourth-order Magical Treasures is truly invincible and commands universal fear.
This is the primary reason why the Heaven Mending Sect's Hall Masters can intimidate the Slaughter Ring Sea simply by their titles.
As the Dharma Transmission Hall Master, Chen Jichuan also wields two Supreme Treasures.
One is the "Sixfold Golden Lotus."
Compared with offensive treasures within the sect, Chen Jichuan favors defensive ones.
Should he need to kill,
his "Seven-star Sword Diagram" and "Five Thunders True Skill" are already formidable in offense. As his cultivation progresses, the power of these two techniques will continue to scale significantly.
Against Second-order True Persons, they are sufficient.
For defense, however—
Should anyone wield Fourth-order Magical Treasures like the "True Essence Scissors" or "Evil Extermination Blade," his current cultivation and the "Three-in-One Indestructible Golden Light Body Protection Technique" might not endure a few rounds.
With the addition of the "Sixfold Golden Lotus," survival becomes significantly more secure.
Besides the "Sixfold Golden Lotus," Chen Jichuan's second wielded Supreme Treasure is the "Heart Mirror."
Back when he entered the Scripture Pavilion to study the Absolute Skills "Daluo Heavenly Sleeve," "Heaven Mending Seal," and "Daluo Heavenly Fire," he visited the Heart-Shining Hall three times and made three Heart Demon Oaths under the Heart Mirror.
Having encountered it several times.
But at that time, he was merely the object being observed by the Heart Mirror.
Now, he was the master wielding this treasure.
"Compared to the 'Sixfold Golden Lotus,' the 'Heart Mirror' feels a bit lackluster."
"The 'Heart Mirror' comes with many restrictions. While it can emit 'Divine Light' to kill opponents, it cannot leave Mount Tailao. Its primary function remains to illuminate the sect disciples entering or exiting the Scripture Pavilion, serving as a medium for Heart Demon Oaths."
"Restricted to Mount Tailao, it offers no use in battle or defense."
Chen Jichuan shook his head.
Thankfully, as the pivotal Dharma Transmission Hall Master, Chen Jichuan not only wields the Heart Mirror but also the Sixfold Golden Lotus for defense of the Scripture Pavilion.
"The 'Sixfold Golden Lotus' is a Fourth-order defensive Magical Treasure. Arising from atop my head, unless a Ninth Heaven or Tenth Heaven powerhouse wielding a Fourth-order offensive Magical Treasure attacks, I'll be in an undefeated position!"
Chen Jichuan admired the "Sixfold Golden Lotus," deeply satisfied.
Even without utilizing Magical Treasures, given Chen Jichuan's current strength of—
Fifth Heaven of Enlightenment cultivation.
Ninefold-refined Side Door Level "Sword Map."
Four Super-level Techniques cultivated to the Fourth Realm, eleven to the Third Realm.
Aside from cultivation being slightly lacking, his mastery of Cultivation Techniques and Magic Skills far surpasses the cultivators of the Slaughter Ring Sea, leaving them in the dust and clouds afar.
Across the Slaughter Ring Sea, few compare with Chen Jichuan on these two aspects.
The disparity bridges the gap in cultivation, elevating Chen Jichuan's overall prowess to rival the Eighth Layer Heaven, contend against the Ninth Layer Heaven, or even exceed them by a margin.
Moreover, thanks to the powers of the "Daluo Heavenly Sleeve," Chen Jichuan benefits from an edge in Magical Treasures as well—
One sweep of the sleeve, treasures are seized.
Enemies left bereft, he fully equipped; this advantage is undeniable.
"That said."
"Given my current cultivation and mastery, the 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve' can seize Second-order and Third-order Magical Treasures, but cannot yet claim Fourth-order treasures."
"In future encounters, I must remain vigilant to avoid being caught off guard."
Chen Jichuan cautioned himself accordingly.
…
Standing up.
Chen Jichuan left Tachen Peak, his stride swift and bold, heading deeper into Mount Tailao.
The Twelve Treasures of the Heaven Mending Sect are divided among the Sect Master and Hall Masters for safeguarding. Their respective uses differ substantially.
Some specialize purely in offense.
Such as the "Evil Extermination Blade" and "True Essence Scissors."
Others combine offensive capabilities with auxiliary functions.
As seen in the "Fire Dragon Immortal Banner," which boasts unparalleled offensive power, while also being utilized for alchemy or artifact refinement.
Danyi Hall's other treasure, the "Six Yang Cauldron," offers versatility—it can both refine pills and be unleashed to strike opponents or serve as a protective barrier. Its uses depend on the wielder's intentions.
There are also purely mysterious treasures.
For instance, the "Heart Mirror," aside from its ability to unleash Divine Light, primarily functions to illuminate inner truths.
The Examination Hall's "All Living Beings Ring" shares this mystical quality, observing all beings and inspecting heaven and earth. It proves invaluable in verifying disciples' achievements for falsehood; none escape its scrutiny.
Finally, among the most mystifying—
"Law Enforcement Hall."
"Dragon-locking Well."
Departing Tachen Peak, Chen Jichuan made his way directly toward the Law Enforcement Hall's Dragon-locking Abyss.
…