Chapter 263-264 (Patreon)

263. Human-faced Fruit

Within the Immortal Mansion, Lin Fei was greeted by an astonishing sight. The water that surrounded the mansion outside was nowhere to be found. Instead, it resembled a typical, grandiose mansion one would expect on land. The air was fresh, and it felt as though he was standing above ground.

The Immortal Mansion's interior truly showcased its miraculous nature. Lin Fei deduced that the entire mansion was, in essence, a treasure unto itself. If it could be claimed entirely, it would be the most valuable acquisition. Yet, even the Taiyi Dao Palace, with its profound heritage, could not currently harness the entire mansion's essence.

Within the vast hall of the mansion, members from the various factions exchanged glances, sizing up potential rivals. The eyes of those from the Taiyi Dao Palace especially rested upon Lin Fei. However, none took immediate action. They were all aware that their primary objective was the treasures within, and initiating conflict without even locating the treasures would be premature.

Leading the way, the twenty-odd Foundation Establishment True Persons from the Taiyi Dao Palace advanced in one direction. Their figures soon vanished, seemingly melding with the mansion's intricate architecture. Their choice not to split up was a strategic one. Alone, they might be vulnerable to members from the Ancient Origin Sect, Red Hades Mansion, or Profound Light Cave Heaven. There was strength in numbers, and staying together was the safest option.

Profound Light Cave Heaven and Red Hades Mansion, however, looked at each other, sensing a palpable mutual distrust. They silently decided on diverging paths, ensuring they would not inadvertently clash.

Soon, the expansive hall was devoid of anyone but Lin Fei.

Taking his time, Lin Fei meticulously surveyed his surroundings. While the mansion was adorned with intricate carvings and various curious artifacts, none of these items appeared to be the treasures everyone sought. Had there been any, the members of the other factions wouldn't have left in such haste.

Making his decision, Lin Fei picked a pathway that seemed promising and ventured deeper into the Immortal Mansion, ready to uncover its hidden secrets.

The paths within the Immortal Mansion branched in all directions, resembling a labyrinth at first glance. Inside the Immortal Mansion lay treasures, the most coveted of which were undoubtedly the magic treasures.

Yet, Lin Fei held little regard for such magic treasures. Even though the Ancient Origin Sect wished for him to amass a vast collection of these treasures, Lin Fei had his plans upon entering the Immortal Mansion. His primary concern was enhancing his saber intent. Lin Fei's saber intent had already reached the level of Transcendence. Only by advancing it to perfection could he potentially evolve his Saber Momentum.

However, what within the Immortal Mansion could possibly elevate Lin Fei's saber intent? Lin Fei was as much in the dark about that as anyone. He could only press on.

After what felt like an eternity of wandering without encountering any perils, Lin Fei began to suspect that the Nascent Soul Creat Being truly hadn't set any treacherous traps within the mansion. It made sense, after all. This wasn't some test; it was the Immortal Mansion left behind after the fall of a Nascent Soul Creat Being, the very abode where they had resided. Who would lace their dwelling with snares?

Moreover, with a being as formidable as a Nascent Soul Great Being, even without defenses, who would dare trespass into their Immortal Mansion as long as they lived?

"Hmm? Is this... an herb garden?" Lin Fei's wandering suddenly brought him out into the open. Before him stretched an expanse of lush verdancy – an extensive herb garden. Qi cultivators, whether Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, or even Golden Core, all seemed to have an inherent affinity for alchemy. To craft various elixirs, an abundance of rare medicinal herbs was essential. Given that this Nascent Soul Graet Being had an Immortal Mansion, it seemed only natural for there to be an herb garden.

Though Lin Fei couldn't recognize many of the precious herbs in the garden, a mere whiff of many of them invigorated him, clearing his mind and refreshing his spirit. Without hesitation, he moved closer to explore.

With a swift "whoosh", a strand of saber essence shot out, slashing a vast stretch of plants before him, which Lin Fei promptly stashed in his storage bag. Though he hadn't found any magic treasures, these rare herbs were a good find. After all, such treasures that even a Nascent Soul Graet Being valued couldn't be ordinary.

Lin Fei harvested the herbs vigorously. Had a Golden Core True Person been present, they would've surely accused him of being wastefully extravagant. Many of these divine and earthly treasures required special harvesting methods. Lin Fei's direct approach, slashing them with his saber, undoubtedly damaged many. It was truly heart-wrenching for any cultivator to see. However, Lin Fei was indifferent to whether he diminished their efficacy; he just wanted them all.

Suddenly, a refreshing aroma caught Lin Fei's attention. Looking up, he spotted a tree situated at the garden's prime spot. Strangely, this tree bore only a single fruit. And even more oddly, this fruit bore the resemblance of a human face – vivid and lifelike. Just as Lin Fei reached out to pluck it, the fruit unexpectedly opened its eyes. Yes, just like a human.

Lin Fei's eyes tightened, and his saber essence was on the brink of launching. But then, the fruit spoke, "Don't be alarmed. I am but a Human-faced Fruit. What harm can I possibly cause you? You're a martial artist, aren't you? Good, martial artists won't eat me, nor use me for pill concoction."

This fruit, referring to itself as the Human-faced Fruit, surprisingly had a voice, which was youthful, much like a little girl's.

"A Human-faced Fruit? Why can you talk?" Lin Fei inquired.

"I am the Human-faced Fruit. Planted here by the Seven Sacred Daoist in the Immortal Mansion, I don't know how many years ago. Over time, I gradually gained consciousness. In essence, I am a spirit object! If you promise not to eat me or refine me into a pill, I can guide you to any place within the Immortal Mansion. Having been a spirit for so long, I understand the mansion much better than newcomers like you, especially a warrior like yourself. To be honest, there's hardly anything in this entire Immortal Mansion that would be of use to you."

"The only thing that might be of use to you in the Immortal Mansion is the prison," the Human-faced Fruit continued. "Many fearsome individuals were once held there, all captured by the Seven Sacred Daoist. Among them are powerful martial artists, many times stronger than you, even a hundred times more potent!"

Lin Fei's eyes lit up at this revelation. Anyone that much stronger than him was undeniably a Martial Sovereign.

"So the Seven Sacred Daoist is the master of the Immortal Mansion? That Nascent Soul Great Being?" Lin Fei inquired.

"Yes, the Seven Sacred Daoist is the lord of the Immortal Mansion," the fruit affirmed.

Lin Fei, with a glint in his eyes, pressed on, "Such a prominent Nascent Soul figure planted you in this medicinal garden, in its prime spot no less. That means you are held in high regard. You must not be just an ordinary spirit."

The Human-faced Fruit appeared visibly flustered at Lin Fei's deduction and hastily replied, "Indeed, I'm not ordinary. I have a specific use for Nascent Soul cultivators, particularly for those in the Dao of Immortality. As a martial artist, even if you consumed me, it wouldn't benefit you. As long as you spare me, we can negotiate. I can guide you to the prison in the Immortal Mansion, where you might find what you're seeking."

This fruit did not dare to conceal anything. As merely a spirit object, anyone could consume it. All it wished for was survival.

"So, I should just pluck you?" Lin Fei asked.

"Yes, I'm mature and have become a spirit. Just pluck me and store me in a box. As long as I can absorb spiritual energy later on, I'll remain in this state," the fruit answered.

Lin Fei nodded and, with a flick of his finger, used his saber essence to cut the Human-faced Fruit from its branch.

"Oops!“

The fruit let out a yelp as it tumbled to the ground. Lin Fei ensured that it was unharmed before picking it up again.

"Lead the way to the prison in the Immortal Mansion," Lin Fei ordered with a calm demeanor.

Despite the rough handling, the Human-faced Fruit didn't dare complain. Complying with Lin Fei's directive, it began guiding him deeper into the Immortal Mansion, towards the prison.

264. Honing the Saber Intents

The Immortal Mansion was expansive, but with the Human-faced Fruit leading the way, Lin Fei quickly located the prison deep underground. As they descended flights of stairs, Lin Fei lit up an oil lamp, illuminating the prison's second layer.

His expression shifted slightly when he discovered corpses within the cells. The bodies, though lifeless, remained remarkably intact, devoid of the usual signs of decay. They appeared as though they had just met their life's end.

The prison was compartmentalized with many cells, each secured with formidable arrays and formations. It was evident that these arrangements, which were capable of holding the occupants inside, were set up by the Nascent Soul Great Being. Such an extraordinary feat.

However, every inhabitant within the cells was dead. Even if they were once at the Golden Core True Person level, they would only have a lifespan of a millennium. The master of this mansion, the Seven Sacred Daoist, had been dead for perhaps tens of thousands of years.

Lin Fei ventured deeper into the prison until he felt a sudden surge of powerful saber intent emanating from one of the cells, possibly even Saber Momentum. Though he couldn't see the source due to the distance, the overwhelming force it exerted was palpable.

"This intense saber intent, possibly even Saber Momentum! The being inside that cell must be an incredibly formidable martial artist," Lin Fei mused. "A Saber Saint? Unlikely that a Saber Saint would be imprisoned here. It might actually be a Martial Sovereign!"

A realization dawned upon him. Why would a Nascent Soul Great Being have a Martial Saint imprisoned? It seemed improbable. A Nascent Soul cultivator was a supreme being, capable of walking the vast ancient continent without fear or challenge. To be caught and imprisoned by such an entity, one had to be of extraordinary power, at least at the Golden Core or Martial Sovereign level.

Amid the intimidating aura of the cell, Lin Fei faced the challenge head-on. The menacing Saber Momentum and Saber Intent emanating from the cell made it almost impossible for him to approach. Such potent forces, even after the death of its possessor, made Lin Fei realize the indomitable spirit of the person once imprisoned.

But challenges like this were what Lin Fei lived for. This was the type of environment in which he thrived. To him, these intimidating forces weren't mere obstacles; they were opportunities for growth.

Without hesitation, Lin Fei sat cross-legged and began his meditation. Soon, his three unique saber intents manifested before him: The Rainbow Transformation Saber, the Holy Spirit Saber, and the Flame Burning Heaven Saber. These saber intents had seen little progress after reaching that transcendence stage. But now, with this immense pressure and saber aura around him, Lin Fei saw a chance to push his limits and refine these saber intents further.

As he unleashed his three saber intents, the overwhelming force from the cell nearly dispersed them. The oncoming saber intent threatened to shatter Lin Fei's intent. But his own Saber Momentum surged to protect his saber intent, forming a shield that kept them intact. This back-and-forth battle not only prevented his saber intents from dissipating but also refined them, making them stronger.

Lin Fei could feel the incremental growth in his strength. Just a short session had increased his saber intent's strength by 1%.

"With such formidable saber intent and Saber Momentum to contend with, the rate at which my saber intent grows is impressive," he thought. "If I have a month under such conditions, to what level can I elevate my saber intent?"

Uncertainty lingered, but Lin Fei was undeterred. With determination burning in his eyes, he set forth to harness as much of this unique opportunity as he could, pushing his saber intents to new heights.

1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%...

As Lin Fei's cultivation progress of saber intents progressed, he began to stride forward.

One step, two, three, four, five...

With the enhancement of his saber intent, Lin Fei found himself resilient enough to withstand the saber intent and saber momentum within the prison. He moved closer, albeit only by a few steps, but with the prison being a hundred steps away, even this small advancement signified his increasing proficiency.

Days turned into nights.

Lin Fei's attention had wholly drifted away from the rest of the Immortal Mansion. Upon his arrival at the mansion, he had already amassed numerous heavenly treasures, sufficient to present to his sect. Such an opportunity to encounter and cultivate using this caliber of saber intent and saber momentum was rare and invaluable. Missing it would be a real loss.

In his heart, Lin Fei harbored the ambition to perfect his saber intent and evolve it into Saber Momentum.

One day, two days, three days...

In the blink of an eye, fifteen days had passed. Throughout this time, Lin Fei persisted within the Immortal Mansion's prison, harnessing the formidable saber intent and saber momentum to refine his own.

However, among his three saber intents, their rates of improvement varied. Some progressed rapidly, while others advanced slowly.

Suddenly, there was a resonant hum. The Flame Burning Heaven Saber intent within Lin Fei underwent a profound transformation. Simultaneously, a voice echoed in Lin Fei's mind.

"Your Flame Burning Heaven Saber intent has reached 100% proficiency. It has now achieved perfection."

"Has it truly reached perfection?"

Lin Fei paused momentarily in astonishment. At that moment, his Flame Burning Heaven Saber intent soared into the skies, its power surging explosively. Astonishingly, it could now contend with that formidable saber intent head-on!

Of course, there was still a difference. After all, that was the saber intent of a Martial Sovereign. However, it was likely that the adversary had been long deceased, hence their saber intent had undoubtedly weakened significantly over time.

Moreover, Lin Fei's saber intent was far from ordinary. It was the saber intent born from a pinnacle martial technique of the Martial Saint tier — naturally exceptional.

At that moment, Lin Fei took a brief glance. He had managed to advance a mere ten steps! Any further progress seemed virtually impossible.

A glint of determination flashed in Lin Fei's eyes, and a thought crossed his mind. The saber intent of the Flame Burning Heaven Saber had reached its peak and could no longer be enhanced. At this juncture, there was only one recourse — evolve it into Saber Momentum!

Once Saber Intent achieves perfection, its evolution to Saber Momentum becomes the natural next step. However, Lin Fei couldn't afford to wait. His experience with evolving Saber Momentum was extensive, so with perfected saber intent, he was confident in his ability to make this transition.

If he didn't make the shift to Saber Momentum, augmenting his current Transcendence Saber Momentum, Lin Fei would find himself at an impasse, unable to forge ahead. The progression speed of the saber intents of the Rainbow Transformation Saber and the Holy Spirit Saber was evidently slower than that of the Flame Burning Heaven Saber. This indicated that these two saber intents required more profound pressures for advancement. Lin Fei needed to draw closer to that dominant Saber Momentum to hasten the development of the other two saber intents.

With that, Lin Fei closed his eyes. He knew this day was inevitable. He had to evolve his Saber Momentum. Without hesitation, he resolved, "Let it commence, Flame Burning Heaven Saber, evolve into Saber Momentum!"

"Boom."

The next moment, a thunderous resonance erupted in Lin Fei's mind. The evolution of the Saber Momentum had begun!