Chapter 157: Chapter 157
"After the battle between the Black Demon Sect and the Azure Origin Dao Sect a hundred years ago, we are still able to breathe freely," Wisteria Gale’s voice rang with quiet pride and bitter nostalgia. His eyes, shining with confidence, scanned the room as he spoke.
"The Ancestor of the Black Demon Sect and many masters were suppressed under the Demon Sealing Cave. The conditions for the Black Demon Sect to cooperate with us must be connected to the Demon Sealing Cave."
His words weighed heavily on those gathered, who had long anticipated such a grim request.
Obsidian, the Supreme Elder, nodded slowly and added, "That’s true. The Black Demon Sect is cunning. They claim to be lurking near the Azure Origin Dao Sect, but in fact, they fear the other forces in the Skyreach Territory. Thus, they hold reservations and only send part of their force to assist us."
His tone carried a mix of respect and caution. "They also seem self-aware enough not to get involved with the Azure Origin Dao Sect’s heritage and resources. As for the place of inheritance—let’s secure it first, then deal with the aftermath."
Wisteria Veil’s eyes narrowed, her voice steady, "Moreover, no one from the Azure Origin Dao Sect has obtained the ultimate inheritance of the legendary Blue Void Ancestor for so many years. Unless the saints and masters of the Black Demon Sect venture there in person, the chances are slim."
Obsidian smiled, rubbing his beard, "Yes, she is as talented as Lyralei. Lyralei wasn’t able to bring out the ultimate inheritance left by the Blue Void Ancestor back then, and it is even less likely for others."
"Kai, is monstrous in talent," Veil continued, "with extraordinary understanding and one of the top ten spiritual bodies from ancient records. He will definitely obtain the ultimate inheritance from the Blue Void Ancestor."
Obsidian’s face lit up with anticipation. "With Kai’s talent and the foundation and inheritance of the Azure Origin Dao Sect, the Wisteria Cloud Valley could become the foremost among the four great sects of the Skyreach Territory and completely dominate the southern part of the Skyreach territory!" His tone held wonder and hope for the future.
Yet, Wisteria Gale stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Although the situation seems excellent, the Black Demon Sect intends to act within half a year. Isn’t that too tight of a schedule?"
Veil nodded, echoing her brother’s concerns. "Half a year is indeed too little time."
"The safest approach would be to wait ten or twenty years, allowing Kai to grow stronger before confronting the Azure Origin Dao Sect," Gale proposed solemnly.
"But there are risks associated with waiting," Obsidian’s expression darkened.
"The Azure Origin Dao Sect has its own geniuses—Saint Seraphina, the Master of Sword Peak, and the legendary Ethan. If they find a chance to grow stronger or draw allies, the threat will only intensify."
After a moment’s pause, he continued, "Reply to the Black Demon Sect. Suggest we set the time horizon at ten years."
"If they refuse, then we use the forbidden technique—one of the sect’s ancient inheritances," Wisteria Gale offered carefully.
"The forbiddance of that technique?" Obsidian’s eyes widened at the mention.
"There are only small references in our ancient books," Gale explained.
"Its specific functions remain unknown. Legend says the first Lord of Wisteria Cloud Valley used it to obtain extraordinary power."
"But since then, the first lord disappeared, leaving behind a warning—use forbidden techniques only when absolutely necessary."
Veil’s voice softened but carried firm resolve. "Uncle Master, this may be our only chance to soar. If we miss it, we may not get another."
Obsidian’s gaze betrayed his worry. "Forbidden arts are called so for a reason. Odds are, they contain taboos or dangers beyond our understanding."
Veil raised a hand, reassuring him. "We can study the forbidden technique first. If we truly discover danger, we simply won’t use it."
The elder exhaled slowly. "That may be the only way."
...
The forest around Ethan was a twilight painting of scattered shadows and fading gold. His steps were slow, hands casually resting behind his head, enjoying a rare moment of freedom after his long confinement within the Demon Sealing Cave.
The sun’s afterglow filtered through leafy boughs, mottling his form with patches of light and shade, as if nature itself acknowledged the balance of power and peace he now sought.
His thoughts drifted between seclusion for cultivation and the constant dance of conflict with others. Whichever it was, both demanded his all, leaving little room for peace.
Ethan lowered his gaze, relaxing deeply. Then, he closed his eyes and reached out with his mind to communicate with Alicia.
"Alicia," he asked, voice low, "how do you gather your divine power through physical cultivation?"
Though he wielded the Chaos Clock, an artifact of bewildering potential, it remained shackled.
Its true power lay dormant, driven only faintly by his blood essence. The resulting strength was a mere whisper, less than one percent of its full power unleashed.
Despite his formidable physique, his blood essence could only condense to a limited extent. Worse, he now bore the burden of a phoenix egg, demanding ever more of his blood essence to nurture it.
No matter how strong one became, such a drain was unsustainable.
Alicia’s voice came softly, her presence always a comfort.
[When you reach the Supreme Realm, the essence and blood in your body will complete the transformation and become divine power.]
Ethan frowned deeply. "Supreme Realm..." he murmured. He had only just formed his Dharma body and had a long path to Nirvana realm.
The path ahead was brutal, marked by harsh conditions requiring the energy of heaven and earth, enduring nine cycles of Nirvana tribulations, each a crucible alone.
Physical cultivation was far more painful than spiritual paths. It would take decades—if not longer—to reach the Supreme Realm.
He shook his head, letting out a soft sigh. "The Supreme Realm... we have to wait so long for that."
His mind pushed further. "Is there no other way?"
After a brief pause, Alicia responded, [Sir, please wait a moment. Alicia is searching...]
Her voice vibrated gently with intent and purpose.
[Keywords: divine power.]
A faint chime sounded—a ding that carried promise and mystery.
[The method has been found.]
And with that, a faint thread of hope flickered anew in Ethan’s heart.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
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200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters