True Martial World - Chapter 1346: Changes in the Massive Array

When Patriarch Pillheart began meditating amid the incense, Ouming Yin had also begun conditioning his mind. He used a completely different method from Patriarch Pillheart. His was a special breathing technique to inhale and exhale the Heaven Earth essence.

People could see that the surrounding Heaven Earth essence automatically condensed into points of light, with him in the center of it all. The points of light gathered towards him.

After these points of light phased into Ouming Yin's body, they naturally vanished. Slowly, Ouming Yin entered an ethereal state which followed the concept of "No Law, No Shape, No Void, No Me."

"This is a Qi uplifting mystic technique that Ouming Yin inherited from his ancestors! The two alchemist sages are revealing their true abilities!"

The other alchemists were envious of Ouming Yin and the Pillheart Sect's deep roots and mystic techniques. They did not possess such Qi uplifting mystic techniques and could only meditate the standard way. Although the effects were weaker, they had to make do with it.

Many alchemists had already begun studying the divine alchemist's array. They held no illusion that they could crack the array but were only there to learn and broaden their horizons. The numerous array patterns all contained abstruse and profound alchemical knowledge. Understanding even a few of the array patterns was an opportunity in itself for them.

The Herb Nurturing Array was like a towering mountain, the peak of which they could not see. However, they had enough time to scale it just a little.

A few hours later, the meditating Ouming Yin suddenly retracted his aura. At the same time, Patriarch Pillheart opened his eyes. The Soul Oozing Incense was burnt clean!

They ended their Qi uplifting techniques simultaneously.

"Hehe, Curmudgeon Solitary, you opened your eyes the moment I retracted my aura. Why? Are you feeling anxious? Didn't you take several days to uplift your Qi in the past? Why did you stop after only a few hours? Are you worried about losing that Purple Numinous Herbal Soil and the divine alchemist heritage? If that's the case, wouldn't the Soul Oozing Incense have been burnt for nothing?"

Ouming Yin looked at Patriarch Pillheart in a derisive manner.

But in response, Patriarch Pillheart only gave a sneer. Without a sound, he beckoned with his hand, producing a mark. That mark flew into the ground and, following that, an array rune lit up on that piece of ground. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

The array rune was about ten feet long, and the rune on the surface coruscated as though it had come alive.

This is…

People looked at Patriarch Pillheart in astonishment. The alchemists who were ruminating over the array came to a stop without realizing it.

The array rune in front of them grew to an intense brightness, as if a tiny sun was being born!

This left them dumbfounded. Patriarch Pillheart had been meditating all this while and did not even spend any time studying the array rune. But now, the moment after he ended his meditation, his casual production of a mark was enough to trigger an array rune.

Seeing the resplendent array rune, everyone knew that it meant that Patriarch Pillheart had already understood the logic behind that particular array rune!

"How is he so fast?"

Everyone was astounded. Ouming Yin's expression instantly darkened. In truth, accomplishing that didn't necessarily mean much. He too could study an array rune and trigger it, but it would take time. Yet, Patriarch Pillheart had managed to do so almost instantly!

"You must have seen this array rune before," said Ouming Yin in a deepened voice.

"Never seen it before." Patriarch Pillheart sneered. "However, many things in this world stem from the same logic. Furthermore, I have seen a portion of the divine alchemist's manuals, so I can naturally draw parallels and inferences. It was enough to instantly figure out the profundity behind it," Patriarch Pillheart said proudly.

His words left people bemoaning their inadequacies before him.

The lot of them had studied for hours but had failed to make a chink in the profound array. Patriarch Pillheart had managed to see through one of the runes instantly. The difference was too massive.

"If this continues, won't Patriarch Solitary be able to crack this Herb Nurturing Array soon?"

When an alchemist made that comment, even he found it unbelievable.

"It can't be that fast… Patriarch Solitary already said he would take a century or two. However, there is no doubt that Patriarch Solitary is the person with the highest hopes of cracking this Herb Nurturing Array."

Many people were convinced of that conclusion. At that moment, the Pillheart Sect disciples were extremely proud. Their patriarch was far more impressive than anyone else.

"This is how brilliant our patriarch is. I have long heard that our patriarch is peerless in alchemy. No one can match him and it's truly my good luck that I managed to see him in action today."

"I think even the divine alchemist was not much better than our patriarch. There might come a day when our patriarch will become the next divine alchemist."

A few Pillheart Sect juniors discussed excitedly as if the person who cracked the array rune at a glance was them.

"What about that shortsighted Yi Yun?"

A Pillheart Sect disciple with tiny eyes suddenly recalled Yi Yun. Everyone looked up and scanned the area, and saw that Yi Yun was already deep in the desolate lands. They were baffled as to what he was up to.

"What an ambitious attempt without any sense of his pitiable limitations. His overestimation of his abilities is truly laughable," the tiny-eyed disciple sneered.

However, just as he finished saying that, his voice came to a pause. Following that, he looked in astonishment at Yi Yun's feet.

It was unknown when it had happened. But wherever Yi Yun walked, golden threads would appear.

The golden threads spread out like a spider web for hundreds of feet.

"What is… that?"

The tiny-eyed disciple was surprised. With him blurting out the question, many people looked in Yi Yun's direction.

They only saw the golden threads twinkling randomly. Although the twinkling glows were not very obvious, they were increasing in number.

Gradually, the golden threads gathered together.

The dimness in the glow continued like ambers that had yet completely finished burning, suffusing the last bits of light.

"What's so surprising about that? Patriarch cracked an array rune at a glance. This punk has been studying it for a long time. Making something happen after so long isn't anything impressive."

The tiny-eyed disciple kept up with his bluster but he was extremely astounded deep down. A godly person like the patriarch needed no explanation, of course he would make something happen. There was more than ten thousand people around and none of them had managed to cause a stir despite all this time. Yet, Yi Yun, someone who had yet to cultivate for two hundred years, was able to make the ground produce golden threads.

He didn't even understand the golden threads so how could he not be jealous?

"Wait, that is…"

Someone suddenly discovered something unbelievable. He pointed towards the constantly amassing golden threads. They were already in the form of a golden blob of light and growing taller. One end had already separated from the ground.

Following that, a scene that dropped their jaws happened. The blob of light expanded in mid-air and flattened, forming a golden door of light!

The door was about ten feet tall. Its surface was shimmering like mercury. It was unknown where it led to.

And this door appeared right in front of Yi Yun.

Yi Yun looked at the door of light and gently exhaled. He turned to look at the Nine Li Magus Maiden behind him. "Let's go in."

"What…"

The Nine Li Magus Maiden looked at the door in shock too. She knew that Yi Yun had found the entrance to the array!

All these years, so many alchemists, even alchemist sages, had come to study the Herb Nurturing Array. Their strategy was to study the array outside in.

But Yi Yun, he was going to start taking action from within!

Nine Li Magus Maiden showed no hesitation. She glanced at Yi Yun as her eyes shimmered with a strange glint. She nodded and said, "Alright!"

Following that, Nine Li Magus Maiden followed Yi Yun and walked into the door!

Aged Blackrock was also extremely shocked. He never expected the young Yi Yun to accomplish such a feat. It was actually possible that he could complete the array one day!

He was worried for the Nine Li Magus Maiden's safety, so he followed behind them.

At the next moment, the door vanished.

With the disappearance of the golden door, the desolate lands returned to their silent state as though none of the previous events had happened.

The ten thousand alchemists present, including Patriarch Pillheart and Ouming Yin, watched helplessly as the scene unfolded before them.

In that moment, Patriarch Pillheart's old face was as black as a wok's bottom.

"Patriarch, what did Yi Yun do…" The tiny-eyed disciple had yet to realize what had happened.

His question was like pouring salt on Patriarch Pillheart's wounds.

The disciple was truly rubbing his nose into it. He stared at the Pillheart Sect disciple. Yi Yun had found the array's entrance by himself but his Pillheart Sect's junior did not even understand what Yi Yun had done. This comparison made Patriarch Pillheart suddenly feel like the painstaking efforts he put into the Pillheart Sect were for nothing. He had nurtured a bunch of trash!

Patriarch Pillheart did not respond. But the abhorrent look in his eyes was enough to make the tiny-eyed disciple tremble. He realized he had said something wrong, something that incurred the patriarch's disgust.

The tiny-eyed disciple felt as though he had been punched in the head. A junior disciple like him was loathed by the patriarch?

"Yi Yun has entered the Herb Nurturing Array's interior!"

A Pillheart Sect elder could not tolerate seeing the junior in such a state, so he sent a Yuan Qi voice transmission to alert him.

But this alert scared the disciple out of his wits. "He entered the array's interior and will study the array from the inside?"

It was obvious what the difference between studying something from the inside and from the outside was.

The ten-thousand-strong alchemists present also understood what Yi Yun had done.

Everyone looked at each other, all at a loss for words. Previously, they thought Yi Yun was studying the array runes. But in fact, Yi Yun was only finding the array's entrance.

The spot he stood at from the beginning had already exceeded them. This was built on the foundation of ability. Even if they wanted to study it from the inside, they could not find the entrance.

"Can we enter too?"

Many people looked at Patriarch Pillheart.

Yi Yun's actions might have astounded them but Patriarch Pillheart had managed to figure out an array rune instantly. He was even able to trigger it. That had also far exceeded their expectations.

Perhaps Patriarch Pillheart would be able to find the entrance to the array too!

The Pillheart Sect disciples were extremely confident in their patriarch. They imagined that when their patriarch found the entrance, they could enter together. They were bound to gain more insights in the Herb Nurturing Array's interior!

Patriarch Pillheart walked deep into the desolate lands with a sunken expression. He wanted to search for the array's entrance.

Ouming Yin followed as well. His expression was equally ugly. Thinking back to the scene of him using the Qi uplifting technique, he realized he had done so for nothing. Compared to Yi Yun, his actions only made him look like a retard.

True Martial World - Chapter 1345: Soul Oozing Incense

Patriarch Pillheart narrowed his eyes as he looked at Yi Yun. He never expected that while the Pillheart Sect was trying to obtain Yi Yun's divine alchemist heritage, Yi Yun was also plotting to obtain his Pillheart Sect's Purple Numinous Herbal Soil.

This was akin to a lion almost catching a mouse, when the mouse suddenly and loudly proclaims that if the lion fails to catch it, the lion would have to slice off a piece of flesh for the mouse to eat.

How could Patriarch Pillheart not be angry?

"Do you really think that an ant like you who has only lucked out has the right to make a bet with my Pillheart Sect? Without the Nine Li Magus Empire protecting you, you would have long been crushed under my foot like an ant!"

As Patriarch Pillheart spoke, his aura was locked onto Yi Yun. He was like a primordial behemoth that was opening its mouth to devour Yi Yun.

But suddenly, a ice-cold chill befell the sky. It went from the back of his neck into his clothes, and all the way to the back of his feet. It left him stifled for a moment.

Then, he turned his head and saw Aged Blackrock staring coldly at him.

"Are you already turning a blind eye to my warning?" Aged Blackrock's voice already contained killing intent. "Humans are truly forgetful. Perhaps my Nine Li Magus Empire has been silent for too long, and people have come to think that my Nine Li Magus Empire stands aloof from the world. Yet they forget which factions have been decimated by my Nine Li Magus Empire. I've been warning you repeatedly but you seem to completely ignore my words and instead, continue making a scene in my Nine Li Magus Empire. My patience is limited. Do you not believe that if I were to ever find out that the Pillheart Sect took action against Yi Yun, I could wipe the Pillheart Sect from the annals of history!?"

Aged Blackrock spoke slowly but every word seemed like a dagger that stabbed into Patriarch Pillheart's heart.

Patriarch Pillheart's heart froze up. He knew Aged Blackrock was not joking.

"You… My Pillheart Sect has a hundred thousand disciples in total. You would massacre my Pillheart Sect for a mere Yi Yun?"

His Pillheart Sect had been in existence for tens of millions of years and it had countless estates and businesses, with numerous disciples. Yet, Yi Yun had only lived for a century or two. This was akin to killing an elephant for an ant.

Aged Blackrock sneered and said, "Do you think decimating your Pillheart Sect is an impressive task? My Nine Li Magus Empire has watched hundreds of millions of years pass. Throughout this long history, too many sects have been destroyed. Your Pillheart Sect has only been in existence for thirty million years. That's considered quite a while."

Upon hearing Aged Blackrock's words, Patriarch Pillheart was left reeling as though he had petrified. In his subconscious, he had indeed recognized the Nine Li Magus Empire as a supernatural existence. It would only fight with high and mighty factions and not intervene in other matters. He had forgotten that the Nine Li Magus Empire was truly a primordial behemoth. Aged Blackrock had vanquished numerous ancient factions.

Yi Yun remained silent as he stood to the side. The Nine Li Magus Empire was indeed a massive entity. They could easily destroy the Pillheart Sect on a whim.

Of course, Yi Yun knew that this was because the Nine Li Magus Empire had put high hopes on him, wishing that he could complete the heaven-defying Fate Changing Pill. Yi Yun was also determined to complete for his own reasons, no matter how difficult it was.

Patriarch Pillheart burned with anger as he looked at Yi Yun. But now, simply staring at Yi Yun left him shuddering in fear, much less cursing him. That was because the Nine Li Magus Empire was too terrifying. It could massacre an entire sect for no good reason. Who would dare try their luck against them?

"Oldie, you have some Purple Numinous Herbal Soil on you now, right? I can’t imagine that you would not have the most important wealth of the Pillheart Sect with you at all times. If you produce the Purple Numinous Herbal Soil, I can use the manuals left behind by my master to make a bet with you. Everyone here can be witness to it. I can swear on my Dao heart and will not be a sore loser."

Yi Yun was bent on obtaining the Purple Numinous Herbal Soil. It had everything to do with his cultivation of the Dragon Emperor Technique.

As for the divine alchemist's manuals, Yi Yun felt that he had no right to use the divine alchemist's legacy as a bet. However, he was very confident about the Herb Nurturing Array. It was definitely not something so easily completed.

Upon hearing Yi Yun's words, Patriarch Pillheart fell silent.

He did have twenty-five kilograms of Purple Numinous Herbal Soil on him. Although it was only a portion, the Purple Numinous Herbal Soil was extremely precious. It was what the Pillheart Sect relied on for survival. He had to ponder it seriously.

However, the divine alchemist's heritage was just too alluring. He did not wish to abandon it for he knew very well that if he gave up the chance, he and the divine alchemist's heritage would forever be parted. After all, the Nine Li Magus Empire had already said that they would wipe out his sect if they even tried to attack Yi Yun. Who would take that risk?

"You and I shall swear. Twenty-five kilograms of Purple Numinous Herbal Soil for all the manuals left behind by the divine alchemist. In addition, I want the Divine Alchemy Cauldron! The limit of the contest will be two hundred years! Whoever completes it first wins."

When Yi Yun heard the two-hundred-year limit, he was stunned. That long?

Although Patriarch Pillheart had added the condition of the Divine Alchemy Cauldron and the amount of Purple Numinous Herbal Soil had been reduced to twenty-five kilograms, Yi Yun still nodded. "Deal!"

From Patriarch Pillheart and the other alchemist’s point of view, two hundred years was a very short amount of time. That amount of time was just enough to get them running.

No one expected that the situation would develop to this stage. Yi Yun, a junior, had made a bet with Patriarch Pillheart.

"This Yi Yun truly doesn't know his place."

"If not for the Nine Li Magus Empire, his challenge against Patriarch would be a joke."

The Pillheart Sect disciples looked at Yi Yun as though he was a retard. In their eyes, Patriarch Pillheart was a godlike existence. He was peerless in the domain of alchemy after he became an alchemist sage a million years ago. He was the most experienced and powerful alchemist sage in the Heavenly South Great World at present.

Even the alchemist sage, Ouming Yin was Patriarch Pillheart's junior.

Yi Yun couldn't be bothered wasting his time with the Pillheart Sect. He turned towards the Herb Nurturing Array and began studying the array patterns meticulously.

And at that moment, Patriarch Pillheart surprisingly did not begin studying the array. People could see that Patriarch Pillheart had sealed off a portion of space, where he meditated within and breathed Heaven Earth Yuan Qi in and out. The Pillheart Sect disciples also placed long benches in the space. An unadorned incense cauldron was placed on all the benches. A fragrant incense stick was lit as they burned with spiraling smoke.

Patriarch Pillheart was preparing himself quietly in front of the incense cauldrons as though he was completely isolated from the world.

"It's the Soul Oozing Incense. Each stick is worth more than a million middle-grade Spirit Jade. With twelve lit, it's equivalent to burning more than twenty million Spirit Jade!"

Many alchemists present had a keen eye. They instantly recognized what incense Patriarch Pillheart was burning.

Top alchemists would follow a series of rituals before they refined any divine medicine. They would burn incense, bathe, and wash their hands. Some would even take a month to prepare themselves before they began any refinement.

This ritual was not done without reason. It was to allow one to reach the optimum state of mind.

The stage with the burning of incense was very particular. The incense burned were luxurious items made to enrich one's soul.

The lighting of one incense stick could heal a sickly mortal and extend their lives. Its effects on alchemists were much lower but it was still expensive. And the Soul Oozing Incense was one of the best.

To alchemists, burning twenty million Spirit Jade in one shot might not be anything. However, this was only the first time. The studying of the Herb Nurturing Array would continue on for one or two centuries. The incense would continue burning in the future which meant burning immense amounts of Spirit Jade.

"The Pillheart Sect does have deep pockets. Just the simple ritual of burning incense puts many other factions in their place."

Many a time, details meant everything. One did not need to count the number of experts a large sect had to determine its wealth. One could tell simply from the way they operated daily.

"A beard lathered is half shaved. The few days of easing one's mind might be nothing compared to two hundred years. Just Senior Solitary's cultivation of his mind far exceeds other alchemists!"

A black-clothed elder spoke. As he fawned over the Pillheart Sect, he looked disdainfully at Yi Yun. "Unlike others who are as anxious as a monkey. He hasn't even taken in as many as a few breaths after arriving in the Nine Li Magus Empire before beginning to study the array. It would be ridiculous if he can figure out anything."

From the elder's point of view, such a profound Herb Nurturing Array needed a long period of time to comprehend. Being anxious only ran counter to one's desires.

Yi Yun was indifferent to the discussion. At that moment, his mind was immersed in the Herb Nurturing Array, and he was completely focused…

True Martial World - Chapter 1344: Item that must be obtained

The Nine Li Magus Maiden's mortality made it so that she lacked any form of life preservation. With so many riffraff in the crowd, it was naturally unsafe for her to walk through.

At that moment, behind the Nine Li Magus Maiden, Aged Blackrock pressed down on the air, forming an invisible wave that spread out. Anyone who came into contact with the wave was pushed back by a tremendous force. They retreated back further and further.

"What's the matter?"

The crowd was infuriated. They were people of standing, so the sudden push made them unhappy. However, they did not dare protest because it was done by Aged Blackrock.

The wave went deep into the desolate lands, forming a path a hundred feet wide that was clear of any obstruction.

The Nine Li Magus Maiden stepped into the passage and said to the crowd, "I'm sorry. I’ve suffered from a frail body since I was very young. I can only inconvenience everyone to make way. Sorry to anyone I’ve offended."

The Nine Li Magus Maiden's voice was gentle, like a whistling wind in spring. It made the furious mob calm down.

"Who is this woman?"

They could tell that she enjoyed an extremely high status from the way Aged Blackrock treated her. She was definitely an important figure in the Nine Li Magus Empire.

But what really vexed them was that the path that was opened up by pushing them away was not only walked by the Nine Li Magus Maiden, but Yi Yun as well.

Yi Yun followed the Nine Li Magus Maiden and walked almost alongside her.

Everyone there was a true alchemist. Yi Yun was only a junior. What gave him the right to enjoy such preferential treatment?

People were unconvinced that Yi Yun deserved it, especially those from the Pillheart Sect. They were even more frustrated. Their Pillheart Sect had always been treated as esteemed guests no matter where they went. Yet here they were, reduced to being small players and belittled.

"Curmudgeon Solitary, you have always claimed that your Pillheart Sect is the number one alchemy sect in the Heavenly South Great World. But aren't you still being pushed aside to make way for a junior and a mortal? It doesn't seem that impressive to me!" said a white-dressed middle-aged man standing beside Patriarch Pillheart with a smile.

This white-dressed man was none other than Ouming Yin. Like Patriarch Pillheart, he too was an alchemist sage. Although he was generationally lower in standing than the Patriarch Pillheart, he thought highly of himself. He never showed much respect to the Patriarch Pillheart. This caused quite a rift between them.

"Isn't it the same with you? You claim to be the number one genius in the world of alchemy but in the eyes of the Nine Li Magus Empire, you are nothing but shit," said Patriarch Pillheart coldly.

That put an end to the verbal war with Ouming Yin, so instead the Patriarch Pillheart followed Yi Yun and the Nine Li Magus Maiden into the depths of the desolate plains.

He held back his anger for he wanted to fully comprehend the Herb Nurturing Array, smacking the Nine Li Magus Empire's figurative face in the process. At the same time, he wanted to settle scores with Yi Yun. The Pillheart Sect's Elders would not have died in vain.

Behind Patriarch Pillheart, many alchemists followed him into the desolate lands.

They walked rather slowly and, after an hour, they arrived in the middle of the Herb Nurturing Array.

"This is the array's core."

Although the alchemists that were present could not fully comprehend the Herb Nurturing Array, it was not difficult for them to identify its core.

At that moment, they saw Yi Yun begin to probe the area. He would stop in front of every array pattern for a moment to ponder over it.

When Patriarch Pillheart saw Yi Yun's actions, his expression sank.

"This little bastard obtained the divine alchemist's heritage out of sheer luck. Does he really think that he's some figure of importance? There he is, deliberately acting mysterious and putting on a show."

The Patriarch Pillheart knew that the Herb Nurturing Array was no trifling matter. If one's cultivation level was lacking, it would be impossible to probe it. It was the same even if one knew the theory behind a tiny portion of the array patterns. Furthermore, how could the heritage left behind by the divine alchemist be so easy to fully understand?

"Blackrock!" Patriarch Pillheart spoke again. Although he was a lot younger than Aged Blackrock, he did not think himself as Aged Blackrock's junior. He called to him directly. "The Nine Li Magus Empire has not mentioned what rewards it will offer if the pill inside this massive array is completed."

When Patriarch Pillheart said that, everyone looked over. Instantly, the din subsided. Everyone looked at Aged Blackrock, for all of them were concerned about the question.

Aged Blackrock looked indifferently at Patriarch Pillheart and said, "Everyone has different needs. When the time comes, my Nine Li Magus Empire will naturally fulfill the needs of person who succeeds as a form of remuneration. By asking me this now, are you doubting that my Nine Li Magus Empire can afford it?"

"Hehe." Patriarch Pillheart sneered. "How could that be? After all, we will be spending a century or two here. Isn't it better to decide on the remuneration before we invest so much? Don't you think so?"

"No." Aged Blackrock disregarded him completely. "You seem to be mistaken on one point. My Nine Li Magus Empire has never invited your Pillheart Sect to study this array. It was one of your Elders named Seven Kills that kept pleading before I permitted all of you to follow. Why do you now speak as though your spending of a century or two here is sacrificing your time for the Nine Li Magus Empire? If you are unwilling to do so, just leave. If you want some remuneration, show at least some ability to complete this array before we negotiate any further."

Aged Blackrock's response left Patriarch Pillheart at a loss for words. He had a twisted expression on his face. There was nothing wrong in what was said. Indeed, his Pillheart Sect had tagged along voluntarily.

If this were any other time, the Patriarch Pillheart would have lost decorum. But now, he kept his calm.

Patriarch Pillheart said with a heavy expression, "You are thinking too lowly of the tens of millions of years of heritage my Pillheart Sect has. Although you are powerful, you do not know a thing about alchemy. Please do not draw wild conclusions or it will only end up incurring insult on yourself."

"If the Pillheart Sect can complete this pill, I do not want anything from you. All I would ask is for the Nine Li Magus Empire to not interfere with the matter between the Pillheart Sect and Yi Yun!"

As the Patriarch Pillheart said that, he suddenly looked at Yi Yun with a cold glint in his eye.

Yi Yun stopped and turned to look at Patriarch Pillheart. He locked eyes with the old freak that had lived for tens of millions of years. The old freak had set his sights on him again after reeling off on his spiel.

"That can't be done." Aged Blackrock simply and directly rejected it.

"You…" Patriarch Pillheart burned with rage. He yearned to massacre the Nine Li Magus Empire but his strength was greatly lacking.

"If you cannot accept that, just leave. My Nine Li Magus Empire would not stop you."

Aged Blackrock sneered inwardly. He did not care if the Pillheart Sect stayed. In the history of the Nine Li Magus Empire, they had invited alchemist sages to complete the array but all of them failed. What could a mere Pillheart Sect accomplish?

Aged Blackrock didn't even put any hopes in Yi Yun. After all, it was too difficult to mend the array left behind by Senior Divine Alchemist. Its nurturing could produce something that could defy fate itself. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

Just as the atmosphere turned tense, Yi Yun suddenly spoke out. "Senior Blackrock, thank you for speaking up for me. The Nine Li Magus Empire has already rendered a lot of help in my feud with the Pillheart Sect. I do not wish to trouble you any further."

Yi Yun smiled and looked back at Patriarch Pillheart. He knew that the Pillheart Sect would definitely not let the matter rest since he was still carrying the divine alchemist's heritage.

Besides, the Pillheart Sect had something Yi Yun needed. He needed the plantation methods for the Unwithering Grass so that he could make Longevity Extending Pills!

In fact, it was not only for Old Snake but for Yi Yun himself.

This plantation method involved the Pillheart Sect's most valued divine item. It could also be considered the core foundations of the Pillheart Sect!

Yi Yun said, "Your wish that the Nine Li Magus Empire would not intervene in our feud isn't anything at all. You want to obtain the divine alchemist's heritage from me and I happen to want something from you…"

"What do you want?" Patriarch Pillheart frowned. Yi Yun's indifferent expression made him extremely uncomfortable.

"Purple Numinous Herbal Soil!"

The Patriarch Pillheart's expression changed drastically when he heard Yi Yun's words.

The Pillheart Sect's possession of the Purple Numinous Herbal Soil was one of its core secrets. How did Yi Yun know?

Yi Yun continued, "You wish to obtain the divine alchemist's heritage without paying the price? Since you are that confident in your Pillheart Sect's alchemical heritage, we can give it a try. If you can complete this array, I will personally request that the Nine Li Magus Empire not intervene in our feud. But if I succeed in doing it, I want fifty kilograms of Purple Numinous Herbal Soil from the Pillheart Sect!"

Back when Yi Yun killed Su Boyang and company, he had used Poison Demon to devour and search their souls. He knew how the Unwithering Grass was planted. Unfortunately, it wasn't a problem with the technique but a result of the Pillheart Sect's special herbal soil—Purple Numinous Herbal Soil.

Through the use of Purple Numinous Herbal Soil, Unwithering Grass could be constantly grown.

Purple Numinous Herbal Soil was extraordinary. It was also recorded in the divine alchemist's manuals but even the divine alchemist had only received a tiny pot of the soil. Purple Numinous Herbal Soil was soil that had been stained with the blood of phoenixes and dragons, formed after absorbing the Heaven Earth essence for hundreds of millions of years.

Just like the Heretical God Fire Seed existed in this world, the soil also had its soil spirit that was even rarer.

If he obtained the Purple Numinous Herbal Soil, he could rear all sorts of spiritual herbs for double the results and half the effort!

True Martial World - Chapter 1343: Fate Changing

Patriarch Pillheart was an illustrious figure. Legend said that he had become an alchemist sage millions of years ago. Furthermore, he was not only an alchemist sage, he was also extremely powerful. Although they had been insulted by him, the crowd present did not dare retort. All they could do was put up with his tirade.

"Since Patriarch Solitary is that confident, quickly complete this Herb Nurturing Array and broaden our horizons."

Among the top alchemists among the ten-thousand-strong crowd, there were also other old fellows with great seniority. They did not agree with Patriarch Pillheart.

"The completion of the Herb Nurturing Array is definitely not something that can be done in a day or two. This array itself has been in operation for hundreds of millions of years. Spending a hundred years to complete would be considered too fast. If you have the patience, stay here and watch. If not, leave early," Patriarch Pillheart said with a sneer. As death was approaching him, he became more eccentric. He did not care if he offended others.

From Patriarch Pillheart's point of view, spending a hundred years or even a few centuries on studying the Herb Nurturing Array was a reasonable amount of time.

Many alchemists from large factions also had the same thoughts. To them, a few centuries wasn't considered long. Furthermore, they could understand more of the divine alchemist's Herb Nurturing Techniques from studying the array's processes. They were bound to reap immense benefits.

Of course, to Yi Yun, a few centuries sounded ridiculous. He had only cultivated for slightly more than a hundred years to date.

Yi Yun silently observed the Herb Nurturing Array left behind by the divine alchemist. He also understood the source of that familiar aura—

This was because the Herb Nurturing Array had too many similarities with the Herb Nurturing Array in the Sun Burial Sandsea!

Yi Yun had personally entered the Sun Burial Sandsea's Herb Nurturing Array. As he needed to help Ling Xie'er escape the array, he had conducted a detailed observation and study of the array patterns in the Sun Burial Sandsea.

Yi Yun felt that the Herb Nurturing Array in the Sun Burial Sandsea was more profound. It was a reasonable conclusion, as the Herb Nurturing Array in the Sun Burial Sandsea was the divine alchemist's last piece of work.

Back then, the divine alchemist had left the Heretical God Fire Seed as well as the Divine Alchemy Cauldron in the Sun Burial Sandsea, in order to refine an Elixir of Resurrection. Unfortunately, he failed.

Regardless, a pill that made the divine alchemist set up a Herb Nurturing Array was destined to be extraordinary. It was understandable why it was so difficult to refine.

This left Yi Yun somewhat curious about the pill's effects.

"Your Highness, sorry if I'm imposing. What pill is inside this Herb Nurturing Array?"

Upon hearing Yi Yun's question, the Nine Li Magus Maiden sighed slightly. She did not give him a direct answer.

"I was only curious. Your Highness, it's fine if you do not reveal it."

The Nine Li Magus Maiden shook her head. "Actually, there is nothing much to be said. Its name is the Fate Changing Pill. One pill can change one's fate, and reverse the effects of samsara."

"Oh? The Fate Changing Pill?"

Upon hearing the name, Yi Yun felt a jolt through his heart. Samsara Fate sounded abstruse. It was so abstruse that one wouldn't even know how to change it.

However, Yi Yun knew that Samsara Fate was a Great Dao law. However, there were fewer people that comprehended this Great Dao than the Chaos Dao. And those that truly grasped it was likely close to none.

Legends had it that if one grasped Samsara Fate, they would live a life similar to that of a god. One would control the samsara of all life.

At that stage, it was an unimaginable realm. No one present had any fate to be part of that.

Therefore, even though the Fate Changing Pill sounded impressive, Yi Yun did not know what it could be used for after it was successfully refined.

The Nine Li Magus Maiden seemed to read Yi Yun's thoughts and said softly, "The Fate Changing Pill was prepared for me."

"Oh? "What’s that?"

Yi Yun felt a jolt. Suddenly, he realized something.

"You can probably tell that I'm mortal. However, I was not born mortal. My fate has been changed by someone and now I'm cursed to undergo endless samsara, unable to cultivate or condense energy."

When the Nine Li Magus Maiden said this, she sighed lightly. Yi Yun was astonished when he heard that.

Back when he met Huan Chenxue, he already made similar guesses but he was unable to confirm them.

"Your Highness, how are you able to live for such long periods of time if you cannot cultivate?"

The Nine Li Magus Maiden said wistfully, "Time is a terrifying force. Without being able to absorb the Heaven Earth Yuan Qi, I'm no different from mortals. My lifespan is limited but my consciousness is indestructible. I can undergo samsara and be reproduced from Heaven Earth Yuan Qi, gaining new life."

"I have no idea how many years it has been. I have repeatedly lived through samsara and even though my consciousness does not fade, I cannot escape the natal fog. Every time I'm reborn from the Heaven Earth Yuan Qi, I have another portion of my memories sealed."

"There are many things I cannot remember after all these generations. Perhaps I will recall these memories after I defy my fate…"

"I see…" Yi Yun muttered.

The Nine Li Magus Maiden definitely had an impressive origin. If not, no one would use a curse of the Heavenly Dao to deal with her. What would happen if a Fate Changing Pill could restore her?

Huan Chenxue too. What if Huan Chenxue could be restored as well?

Yi Yun wanted to ask the Nine Li Magus Maiden what her relationship with Huan Chenxue was, but he decided against it after some deliberation.

After all, he did not know the history behind the Nine Li Magus Maiden and Huan Chenxue. It would be terrible if they were enemies. It did not seem like the Mirage Sea Realm was the Nine Li Magus Empire's match at all.

"Young Master Yi, this pill is extremely important to me. Unfortunately, the Herb Nurturing Array left behind by Senior Divine Alchemist is too complex. It will be a huge undertaking to fully understand it. I believe it will be extremely difficult for you. At least, it would be for your present self."

"Young Master Yi, I invited you here mainly to acquaint myself with you. At the same time, I also wanted you to have some contact with this Herb Nurturing Array. I hope that, one day, you would be willing to help me when you are more accomplished in alchemy. My Nine Li Magus Empire would be eternally grateful."

The Nine Li Magus Maiden's words were honest and poised. She did not conceal her motives at all. She even mentioned her hopes of befriending him. Such irreproachable conduct was something Yi Yun liked.

"Your Highness, you are being courteous. I'll do my best."

Yi Yun was also very interested in the Fate Changing Pill. After all, Huan Chenxue probably needed it to recover as well.

However, Yi Yun also knew that replicating the divine alchemist's Fate Changing Pill would be extremely difficult. There was, however, still some hope of him refining a weaker version of it. Together with the Mirage Snow sword that had something to do with Huan Chenxue's curse, perhaps that was a chance he could restore Huan Chenxue to normal.

Of course, all of this depended on him being able to complete the Fate Changing Pill.

The massive array left behind by the divine alchemist was excessively grand. Completing was not going to be a simple task.

"Your Highness, if it's convenient, I would like to enter the Herb Nurturing Array's core to take a look before making a judgment."

"Of course."

The Nine Li Magus Maiden smiled and nodded. She personally accompanied Yi Yun into the deep depths of the array.

True Martial World - Chapter 1342: Divine Alchemist's Legacy

It could've been a coincidence if only their eyes were similar, but the Nine Li Magus Maiden was also mortal. Her situation was identical to Huan Chenxue's. That made a coincidence quite unlikely.

The two women must have been related somehow.

"Senior Old Snake, regarding this woman…"

Yi Yun questioned Old Snake. Since Old Snake knew Huan Chenxue, he naturally had to understand the secret behind the Magus Maiden.

However, Yi Yun never expected Old Snake to spend a while pondering before sending Yi Yun a voice transmission. "I do not know who she is either."

"Senior, you don't?" Upon hearing Old Snake's words, Yi Yun was speechless. From Yi Yun's point of view, Old Snake had lived for eons. He should’ve known a thing or two.

"What's so strange about it? It's not like I'm omnipotent and omniscient. That lass Chenxue's race is even more ancient than my Soaring Serpent race. Although I have had some interaction with her, I do not fully understand the various secrets of that ancient secret race."

…

"My young friend, Yi Yun. This is our Magus Maiden," introduced Aged Blackrock.

At that moment, the black-dressed woman had already stood up. She walked towards Yi Yun. "Young Master Yi, it's a pleasure to meet you. Sorry for troubling you by making you come all this way."

Yi Yun cupped his fists and said, "Your Highness, it's nothing. The Nine Li Magus Empire helped extricate me from a tough situation in Cloud Pool City, so how could it be a trouble?"

Upon hearing Yi Yun's words, the Nine Li Magus Maiden gave a faint smile and said, "I heard from Senior Blackrock that although you were surrounded when he arrived, you appeared unflustered. I'm sure you would have extricated yourself from that perilous situation even without our help."

The black-veiled woman's voice was gentle and alluring. The way she spoke no doubt easily won a favorable impression from others.

Yi Yun smiled without a response. Instead, he asked, "Your Highness, I wonder what the Nine Li Magus Empire has invited me here for."

The Nine Li Magus Maiden shook her head and said, "Young Master Yi, there's no rush. My main goal in inviting you here is to acquaint myself with you. As for what must be done… I'll bring you there to take a look. However, the matter is just too difficult. Perhaps you might not be able to complete it now, but there will come a day when it can be completed. When that happens, my Nine Li Magus Empire will definitely be eternally grateful."

As the Nine Li Magus Maiden spoke, she stood up. Yi Yun and Aged Blackrock followed behind her as she went through a corridor and entered a massive square. There were already more than ten thousand people gathered there. These people were the alchemists and warriors from elsewhere.

The people from the Pillheart Sect were naturally there too.

"It's Yi Yun. That little bastard is coming."

Upon seeing Yi Yun, the Pillheart Sect members spoke in murmurs. As the saying goes, enemies see red the moment they meet. This was even more apparent when the Pillheart Sect realized that Yi Yun had received preferential treatment. He had been brought by Aged Blackrock to meet someone but they had been left waiting. They were naturally unhappy about it.

"Who is that woman?"

The Pillheart Sect crowd were baffled when they saw the Nine Li Magus Maiden. Wasn't she a mortal?

Why would a mortal appear here? Furthermore, she seemed to be of high standing?

"Since all of you come from afar, join us in witnessing this."

The Nine Li Magus Maiden did not mind the huge crowd in the square. She produced a tiny, exquisite dagger seemingly from nowhere and sliced her palm, causing it to drip blood.

The blood did not drip onto the ground and instead was absorbed by some energy. It flew into mid-air and the drop of blood seemed to land on an invisible water surface before disappearing. Simultaneously, the blood drop seemed to stir ripples across the water surface as beautiful ripples emanated outwards slowly.

"This is…"

At the moment the ripples appeared, people felt an ancient and vast aura inundate them. It made them feel like they had transmigrated to an ancient void where they witnessed the legends of the ancient world.

They saw an entrance appear in the middle of where the blood drop was. From the entrance, they could see the boundless edge of another massive world. That world seemed like a scene of devastation. It was filled with swaths of desert that resembled an ancient battlefield.

"Here is it. Those who want to see it, follow me."

After the Nine Li Magus Maiden said that, she slowly walked into that world.

At that moment, the entrance had expanded to two hundred feet wide. After a slight hesitation, the crowd from the square began to shuffle in.

When they stepped into the desert, it felt like they were stepping on the vestiges of history from hundreds of millions of years ago. The crowd proceeded slowly until a dark red ancient runic pattern appeared beneath the sand. It seemed to turn the sand into blood.

It was a massive array.

Everyone was astonished. The massive array was no trifling matter. It was unknown what its purpose was.

And when Yi Yun stepped in, he felt something extremely familiar. It was…

"This world is a pocket world created by my Nine Li race. Senior Divine Alchemist had set up a massive array in this world. This array has already existed for a very, very long time. Its goal is to… nurture a pill."

When the Nine Li Magus Maiden said those words slowly, everyone present felt a jolt.

Nurture a pill?

A massive array that filled a world was actually a Herb Nurturing Array!

There were many alchemists present. They knew how difficult it was to refine many pills. Alchemists would often choose to refine an incomplete pill before placing it in a massive array to nurture it for thousands of years before the pill would be ready.

But the massive array before them was not as simple as any ordinary Herb Nurturing Aray. Just from the numinous array patterns, they could appreciate how terrifying the massive array was.

"What pill is it that requires one to go to such great lengths?"

"It was said that Senior Divine Alchemist left something unfinished. Could it be this pill? Then, wouldn't it mean that this array has been in operation for hundreds of millions of years?"

People realized this conundrum as they drew gasps. It would be extremely shocking to nurture a pill or herb for a hundred thousand years using typical Herb Nurturing Techniques. A million years of nurturing almost never happened. After all, Divine Lords only lived for a few million years.

What did it mean to nurture a pill for hundreds of millions of years!?

The Nine Li Magus Maiden nodded. "That's right, this is a legacy of Senior Divine Alchemist. However, this array formation was not meant to be in operation for hundreds of millions of years. Unfortunately, Senior Divine Alchemist never returned after he left. He was unable to finish the pill within the array. And with Senior Divine Alchemist gone, no alchemist has been capable of finishing it. My Nine Li race has gathered alchemists from all over the world numerous times to study it but to no avail."

"We have been maintaining the operation of this massive array all these years. The worldly essence that has been accumulated over hundreds of millions of years has reached an unimaginable amount. We do not know how much the pill within the array has evolved…" said the Nine Li Magus Maiden lightly. Every word she said left one astonished!

If that were the case, the value of the pill was beyond imagination!

"That is truly a huge commitment…" An alchemist who was advanced in his years said wistfully. "Only Senior Divine Alchemist could leave behind such a miracle. I will not be able to attain Senior Divine Alchemist's level even after dedicating all my life to alchemy…"

"This array is too majestic in scale. We will probably not be able to complete it." another alchemist said.

They had come hoping to broaden their horizons after hearing about the item the divine alchemist had left behind. They also had the wish that they might be able to complete the item left behind by the divine alchemist. If they succeeded, not only would they gain fame, they would also receive immense benefits. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

But just from looking at the Herb Nurturing Array that had been in operation for hundreds of millions of years, they began bemoaning their inadequacies. How were they to complete an array of such massive scale?

Instantly, many alchemists decided to give up. All that was left was for them to broaden their horizons.

…

At that moment, an elderly voice resounded among the crowd. The person was an elder who wore a heavy cape.

"To think an unfinished Herb Nurturing Array frightens you that much. None of you even have the courage to probe the profundity of it. With such a disposition, how can you call yourselves alchemists?"

When they heard the elder's words, the alchemists who had previously commented were enraged. Who was it that spoke so arrogantly!?

Just as they were about to retort, they instantly shut up when they saw who the caped elder was.

The elder was standing amongst the Pillheart Sect delegation. It was unknown why no one noticed him in the beginning.

And what was more shocking was that the Pillheart Sect's True Lord Seven Kills was respectfully standing behind him.

"What…"

People knew True Lord Seven Kills's standing in the Pillheart Sect. He was nearly equal to the sect master. There was only one person that could garner True Lord Seven Kills's respect—Patriarch Pillheart.

"That elder is the Patriarch Pillheart!? The Patriarch Pillheart actually came here too?"

"Didn't he seal himself in Bloodcull Jade? It has been more than a million years since he last showcased his skill."

People were astounded. In order to extend their lifespans, patriarchs would seal themselves in Bloodcull Jade. Only when their sects experienced danger would they appear to ensure the light bestowed on the sect by providence lasted for tens of millions of years.

Old monsters that sealed themselves in Bloodcull Jade would have their lifespans greatly shortened every time they came out of it. People never expected that the Patriarch Pillheart would pay such a price to come personally for the divine alchemist's legacy in the Nine Li Magus Empire!

True Martial World - Chapter 1341: River of Forgetfulness

In the northern desolate lands of the Heavenly South Great World was a desert that spanned half a million kilometers. It was dry and silent in a way that made it seem untraversable.

Not only were beasts few in these desolate lands, the Yuan Qi was also extremely thin. It made it difficult to produce any natural treasures; therefore, few warriors would ever go there.

However, people did know that the most mysterious Nine Li Magus Empire of the Heavenly South Great World was located in this stretch of desolate land. It took up about five thousand kilometers of it.

Over the past few days, groups of warriors and alchemists would rush over to the northern desolate lands and locate the entrance to the Nine Li Magus Empire using maps.

From afar, one could see the Nine Li Magus Empire was situated on a lofty mountain that had clouds lingering around it. The entire empire was being enveloped in an array formation, as though it was sealed in an alternate dimension.

"This is the Nine Li Magus Empire."

"The Heavenly South Peaks Meet has ended. Yi Yun should be arriving here with Aged Blackrock. When that happens, the entrance to the empire will naturally open."

There were more than ten thousand people gathered outside the empire's entrance. Most of them were alchemists and many of them had come from afar. They had specially traveled there to witness the spectacle.

The red sun was gradually setting in the west as night began to fall over the vast wilderness. Aged Blackrock and company were scheduled to arrive anytime now.

At that moment, there was a faint phoenix cry. When they looked up, they saw a golden phoenix that reflected the blood sun as it flew in from the west.

The phoenix flew slowly but in moments, it had arrived outside the Nine Li Magus Empire's entrance. It circled the land before charging back up into the sky. A white-dressed middle-aged man landed from the phoenix's back.

He looked radiant and his skin was as tender as a baby's. He tied his hair with a band and looked extraordinarily handsome.

People were shocked when they saw him.

"West Desolate Alchemist King—Ouming Yin!"

Someone identified the newcomer. He was not from the Pillheart Sect but an alchemist sage from the West Desolate Great World!

Before Aged Blackrock and the Pillheart Sect arrived, an alchemist sage had already arrived.

The appearance of an alchemist sage overshadowed many alchemy sects. Many of the sects had never produced an alchemist sage since their inception.

People began to truly realize the massive stir the grand event had brought to the alchemy world. It was more intense than they had expected.

The sun finally set as the bright moon appeared in the sky. At that moment, people saw the gigantic Tenebrous City floating over from another direction in the sky.

The Nine Li people were finally here!

Following the Nine Li Tenebrous City was a massive cauldron. It belonged to none other than the Pillheart Sect.

It was obvious that the item left behind by the divine alchemist was something the Pillheart Sect placed great importance on. Furthermore, the Nine Li Magus Empire was involved. The Pillheart Sect had sent its strongest delegation, with even the Pillheart Sect's alchemist sage coming as well.

With the descent of Tenebrous City, the Nine Li Magus Empire's entrance finally opened. It was as though the skies opened up, revealing a passage into another world.

The extremely mysterious Nine Li Magus Empire finally pulled off its veil to the world.

The Tenebrous City directly entered while the Nine Li Magus Empire did not prevent any other faction from entering. However, they had set up a passage specifically for the visitors. They could only follow the pre-established path and were not allowed to wander around.

The number of people entering the Nine Li Magus Empire continued to increase. People discovered many mighty figures that they had never noticed while waiting.

The people followed Tenebrous City. The path set up by the Nine Li Magus Empire was extremely special. It looked like a meandering riverbed with its waters long dried up. Every spot on the riverbed had lingering vestiges of time.

They followed the dried-up riverbed and walked for a very long time. With the speed warriors could travel, they estimated they had far exceeded five thousand kilometers. If they were outside the Nine Li Magus Empire, they would have long traversed the empire in its entirety. But now, it seemed impossible for them to see the end of the riverbed.

"Little Yun, this riverbed is somewhat odd…"

In Tenebrous City, Old Snake's voice suddenly sounded in Yi Yun's ears.

Over the past few days, Old Snake had leisurely stayed in Yi Yun's God Advent Tower. Naturally, he came with Yi Yun to the Nine Li Magus Empire.

"What's odd about it?"

Yi Yun also felt that the riverbed was somewhat abnormal. As they proceeded across the riverbed, it felt like they were retrospecting history. Every segment they passed seemed as though they had just experienced a completely different time in space.

"This river's waters have already dried. I cannot be completely certain but the nomological auras left behind remind me of the River of Forgetfulness…"

Old Snake had lived for very long so he was extremely knowledgeable. His words left Yi Yun astonished.

River of Forgetfulness!?

The ancient twelve Fey Gods were Extreme Yang Illumination, Extreme Yin Nether Glow, Empress Earth Dao Tree, etc. They were all manifestations of the various laws.

They were not necessarily all in the shape of a lifeform. For example, the eighth Fey God, River of Forgetfulness, was an endless surging river. And what flowed in the river was not water, but time.

The river of time advanced forever and the direction in which it surged forward was the future. And the past was destined to be forgotten as history would eventually be buried by the vestiges of time.

Therefore the river of time was also named the River of Forgetfulness.

Both the eighth Fey God, River of Forgetfulness, and the ninth Fey God that represented the spatial dimension laws, Solitary Nothingness, represented the original space-time laws that were first formed in the universe's chaotic state. Therefore, how could Yi Yun not be astonished when Old Snake mentioned that he could sense the aura of the River of Forgetfulness from the dried riverbed?

"Senior Old Snake, are you telling me this riverbed is what it looks like after the River of Forgetfulness withers away?"

"I'm not sure. Perhaps it's just a distributary of the River of Forgetfulness. Perhaps the River of Forgetfulness's waters had flowed in it at one time. Regardless, the Nine Li Magus Empire is a lot more mysterious than I originally guessed."

While Yi Yun was conversing with Old Snake, Tenebrous City finally descended.

What appeared in front of Yi Yun was an ancient palace complex. Yi Yun saw the people living in the palaces. They were the people of the Nine Li Magus Empire but they looked no different from ordinary people.

In the middle of the palace stood a tall altar. Six massive columns, with each of them seemingly propping up the sky, maintained an ancient fortification array formation.

As for the dried riverbed, it did not end at the palace. Instead, it continued beyond the palace and stretched into the horizon with an unknown terminal point.

"We are here. I'll bring you to meet the Magus Maiden," said Aged Blackrock. When he said that, he walked straight into a palace.

Yi Yun silently followed. As for the others that had entered the Nine Li Magus Empire, they were still waiting outside the palace.

Yi Yun followed Aged Blackrock as he passed through numerous corridors. The Nine Li Magus Empire's palaces were oddly quiet and there were few people in them. It was spartan, lacking the commonly seen rockery and streams of other palaces. Replacing those fixtures were ancient and mysterious totem sculptures, as well as Nine Li hex imprints everywhere.

"It's here."

Aged Blackrock pushed open a door that led into a hall. Yi Yun looked at the door. On both sides of it were twelve carvings. They were none other than the twelve Fey Gods. Of course, after the ninth Fey God, Solitary Nothingness, the remaining three spots were empty.

The engravings of the twelve Fey Gods contained the laws that each Fey God represented. It made anyone standing in the hall experience a strong shock.

And following that, Yi Yun saw the owner of the hall. She was a women with a black veil across her face.

The instant Yi Yun saw the woman, he felt an extremely familiar aura. He could not help but falter.

Had he seen this woman before?

His gaze could not help but land on the Nine Li Magus Maiden's eyes. Searching through his memories, Yi Yun was astonished. The eyes resembled those of one person.

Huan Chenxue!

"You are…"

Yi Yun nearly blurted out the name Huan Chenxue but he immediately stopped himself from doing so.

He came to the realization that the Nine Li Magus Maiden in front of him was not Huan Chenxue. Although she had covered her face, he could sense minute differences between the aura effused by the Nine Li Magus Maiden and that of Huan Chenxue.

Huan Chenxue was like a lofty mountain in white snow. She reflected sunlight, pure and without blemish. Although she was cold, it made others wish to approach her.

As for the woman in front of him, her eyes were identical to Huan Chenxue’s. But they were not as clear as Huan Chenxue's. Instead, they were like a deep, bottomless lake. And her aura was even more mysterious, like an Abyssal Red Lotus.

However, there was one aspect in which she was identical to Huan Chenxue. Yi Yun could not detect any energy fluctuations from her body.

She was only a mortal…

True Martial World - Chapter 1340: Grand Event of the Alchemical World

In fact, many large sects had rather underhanded origins. It was difficult to be rich without a windfall, after all, so if one were stuck putting all their time into honestly gathering resources and cultivating, how was one to establish a formidable sect that dominated several Great Worlds?

However, to actually flaunt heritage that had been obtained from tomb robbing as the product of the sect’s own efforts and create many historical fabrications to conceal that fact, it would be embarrassing if that were exposed by others.

At that moment, Elder Seven Kills was undoubtedly feeling extremely embarrassed.

"So that's how your Pillheart Sect was able to thrive," said Jing Yuesha with a sneer. She was previously stifled by Elder Seven Kills and felt extremely uncomfortable. Now, she had finally obtained a chance to strike back. "You even accused Yi Yun of stealing your heritage. How shameless. You should give your heritage to Yi Yun."

In the quiet square, Jing Yuesha's voice easily resounded through the area. Elder Seven Kills's face turned as black as the bottom of a wok.

"You lass, you have no right to comment on my Pillheart Sect's history!" Although the Pillheart Sect's origins had been exposed, Elder Seven Kills continued gritting his teeth and said, "Senior Blackrock is right. However, who hasn't obtained a tiny portion of ancient heritage from ruins? Didn’t Yi Yun do the same? What right does he have to say that his heritage is more legitimate?"

"Your Pillheart Sect used an array fragment to determine that the Divine Alchemy Cauldron is with Yi Yun. If you weren't sure that Yi Yun's heritage was extraordinary, would you have gone to such great efforts? Since you have already made the judgment, why do you ask despite knowing the answer?"

Aged Blackrock's words left True Lord Seven Kills speechless.

He never expected that the divine alchemist had such deep ties with the Nine Li Magus Empire. With the Nine Li Magus Empire barging into the matter, it made it impossible for the Pillheart Sect to take Yi Yun away. But how could True Lord Seven Kills be willing to end up with nothing?

"Yi Yun, what's your opinion on the matter I discussed with you earlier?" Aged Blackrock did not even care about True Lord Seven Kills. True Lord Seven Kills's reaction towards Yi Yun's staying or departing was not something he cared about either way.

Yi Yun smiled. He naturally would not reject such an offer. He cupped his fists and said, "Senior, I'm willing to go with you. However, the Heavenly South Peaks Meet is about to begin. My companions are participating in the Heavenly South Peaks Meet, so is it possible to wait for a few more days? After that, can I head to the Nine Li Magus Empire with my companions?"

Yi Yun was worried that if he left with Aged Blackrock, the Pillheart Sect would harm the Clear Lunar Island people.

Aged Blackrock nodded. "Definitely. It has been so long since Senior Divine Alchemist departed, so a few days will make no difference. I will have Tenebrous City stay above Cloud Pool City. If you are interested, you can enter Tenebrous City with me and watch the Heavenly South Peaks Meet's tournament from there."

Many people from large factions had indescribable feelings when they heard Aged Blackrock's words. Yi Yun had truly lucked out!

They originally thought that Yi Yun was doomed but they never expected him to be invited to the Nine Li Magus Empire. Furthermore, he could step into the Nine Li Magus Empire with Aged Blackrock. Who knew how many opportunities would be made available to him!

"Senior, thank you for your invitation. I'll just watch here from the square."

When Yi Yun said that, Aged Blackrock nodded. Just as he was about to return to Tenebrous City, True Lord Seven Kills suddenly shouted, "Wait!"

"Oh?" Aged Blackrock looked at him.

"Senior Blackrock. I have a question. Was the item left behind by Senior Divine Alchemist in the Nine Li Magus Empire related to alchemy?"

Aged Blackrock hesitated slightly before nodding.

True Lord Seven Kills drew a gasp. A glint coruscated in his eyes. "Senior Blackrock, I will not deny that my Pillheart Sect's heritage comes from the Windsong Ruins as you mentioned. However, you should understand that the Windsong Ruins' heritage is only a portion of the various heritages my Pillheart Sect has!"

"My Pillheart Sect has been established for thirty-eight million years. Before we even entered the Windsong Ruins, we had already accrued a lot. After the Windsong Ruins, my Pillheart Sect similarly took in all of the ancient heritage and in the past ten million years, my Pillheart Sect has produced numerous elites. All of them have been geniuses with deep knowledge in alchemy!"

"Senior Blackrock, if you were to say that my Pillheart Sect is inferior to Senior Divine Alchemist, I would admit that!"

"But if you claim that my Pillheart Sect's ten million years of collective experience is incomparable to a lad like Yi Yun, I refuse to believe it!"

True Lord Seven Kills's voice was forceful. Furthermore, it was said with reason, winning him the agreement of others.

How could the famous Pillheart Sect be inferior to Yi Yun?

Aged Blackrock gave Seven Kills a nonchalant glance. "The item left behind by Senior Divine Alchemist is not something that can be mended with heritage alone. Although I have specially invited my young friend, Yi Yun, to take a look, I do not bear any hopes that he can accomplish the task. If you insist on participating, I will not stop you either."

After Aged Blackrock said that, he turned and flew away.

In fact, he agreed with True Lord Seven Kills on something. Yi Yun was still lacking in experience. Although the divine alchemist's heritage was impressive, what Yi Yun could have learned in his few years was limited. If the Pillheart Sect's alchemical experts joined, they might even give Yi Yun some inspiration.

…

The intervention of the Nine Li Magus Empire at the Heavenly South Peaks Meet caught many people by surprise, especially when the matter involved mending something left behind by the divine alchemist. It left many people excited. As for the Heavenly South Peaks Meet tournament, people’s interest in it waned.

In a few days, the news about the Heavenly South Great World spread. Even neighboring Great Worlds sent alchemical sages, with them hoping to probe the secrets of the divine alchemist's heritage. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

People knew very well that the item left behind by the divine alchemist was extremely important to the Nine Li Magus Empire. They could not help but be curious over what it was.

Three days later, the results of Jing Yuesha's participation in the Heavenly South Great World's tournament were out. Jing Yuesha fought very seriously and her final results were rather good. She entered the finals and obtained twentieth place. She deserved to be proud for obtaining such a ranking in a genius tournament jointly organized by numerous Great Worlds.

Clear Lunar Island Lord was very pleased with her disciple's results. With the tournament ending, it was time for Yi Yun to leave with Aged Blackrock.

And at that moment in Cloud Pool City, the number of experts from all walks of life increased instead of decreasing. It was very easy to see alchemists and their helpers on the roads. Over the past few days, all the alchemical stores in Cloud Pool City had a surge in business.

The name Divine Alchemist was just too influential. Even though he had been forgotten by ordinary warriors, he was a godlike existence in many alchemical sects with long histories. Being able to see the divine alchemist's heritage was a long cherished goal.

Aged Blackrock only watched silently as more and more alchemists entered Cloud Pool City. He did not stop them.

In fact, the ancient Nine Li had once gathered alchemists all over the world in a bid to complete the item left behind by the divine alchemist. Back then, the situation was no way inferior to what was happening now.

However, too much time had passed and that grand event was lost to the ravages of time.