Chapter 273-275 (Patreon)

273. Life Wheel

Within the hallowed halls of the Taiyi Dao Palace, Lu Feng returned in utter disarray. He personally sought an audience with the Palace Master.

"Palace Master," he began, his voice weighed with regret, "I have failed in our mission to the Immortal Mansion. Not only have I faced defeat, but the accompanying two dozen elite disciples have all perished. Worse yet, even the five Golden Core level Great Mountain Seals have fallen into the hands of the Ancient Origin Sect."

Meeting the gaze of the Palace Master, Lu Feng held nothing back, laying bare every event that transpired within the oceanic depths of the Immortal Mansion.

With a swift movement, the Palace Master's eyes opened, the cold glint of murderous intent dancing within them.

"Elder Lu, for the grave losses suffered under your leadership, you shall be punished."

Lu Feng trembled, but he recognized the weight of his failure. Those two dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators were among the most promising disciples of Taiyi Dao Palace. Their untimely deaths held the potential loss of future Golden Core True Persons. The blow to the Palace was indeed monumental. Such a loss necessitated accountability. Thus, even as a revered Golden Core cultivator, Lu Feng was not exempt from the penalty.

Gritting his teeth, Lu Feng declared, "Palace Master, I will accept any punishment the sect deems fit."

"Yet," he continued with a fire in his eyes, "the Ancient Origin Sect disregards our Taiyi Dao Palace so blatantly. We must not show leniency. Moreover, that martial saint from the Ancient Origin Sect, Lin Fei, although merely at the saint level, already rivals Golden Core cultivators in power. Should he ascend to become a Martial Sovereign, who can fathom the extent of his might? Lin Fei is undoubtedly a looming threat to our Taiyi Dao Palace. He must be eliminated."

The Palace Master regarded Lu Feng inscrutably. "Elder Lu Feng, be on your way."

Without further words, Lu Feng departed to accept his punishment.

Lost in thought, the Palace Master stared into the void. He saw through Lu Feng's ulterior motives. Yet, the unyielding stance of the Ancient Origin Sect, coupled with the pressure from other powerful factions, rendered Taiyi Dao Palace somewhat powerless.

The emergence of Lin Fei was indeed a cause for concern.

"Over the years," he mused, "our Taiyi Dao Palace has enjoyed peace for too long. Many have forgotten the true might that we wield. Perhaps it's time to remind the world..."

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes as he pondered the path forward.

...

In places like the Red Hades Mansion and the Profound Light Cave Heaven, many Foundation Establishment cultivators too made their return to their respective sects.

As the Foundation Establishment cultivators returned to their sects, word about the events in the Immortal Mansion beneath the sea spread like wildfire. Among the many tales, one stood out as the most sensational.

Elder Lin Fei of the Ancient Origin Sect, despite being at the Martial Saint stage, had not only faced off against Taiyi Dao Palace's Elder Lu Feng but also vanquished over two dozen top Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The news was met with disbelief from both the Taiyi Dao Palace and the Ancient Origin Sect.

Many in the Taiyi Dao Palace could not fathom its truth. However, the undeniable fact was that over twenty of their elite Foundation Establishment cultivators had vanished. And, astoundingly, rumors emerged that Elder Lu Feng faced punishment, imprisoned within the Fiery Dungeon to endure a decade of torment.

This was a severe penalty, especially given that Lu Feng was a Golden Core cultivator. Gradually, many within the Taiyi Dao Palace began to believe the astonishing reports.

When the news reached the Ancient Origin Sect, it left everyone stunned. The information had come from outside, while within the sect, there hadn't been a whisper about it. Had it been any other individual, some might have expressed skepticism. But the rumor was about Lin Fei, who as a Martial Saint with the Three Flowers Gathering stage, could challenge a Golden Core cultivator. This made it difficult for the Ancient Origin Sect members to dismiss.

Lin Fei's reputation within the Ancient Origin Sect was already legendary. His previous battles, especially the one where he bested five elders, had sent shockwaves through the sect. Now, to hear that he could match a Golden Core cultivator seemed fantastical, yet not entirely implausible.

Many within the Ancient Origin Sect turned their eyes towards Lin Fei's cave dwelling. However, no one dared to disturb him, for Lin Fei had entered seclusion.

"System," Lin Fei whispered, summoning his system interface to check his martial progress.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Realm: Three Flowers Gathering

Saber Momentum: Perfection (Progress: 0%)

Lin Fei's system interface appeared quite simple. The martial techniques he had perfected had vanished from the display. Of course, while they were gone from the panel, his skills remained intact.

The only thing that hadn't disappeared was the saber momentum. Even though it had reached perfection, there was still a progress indicator, albeit at 0%. In a way, this hinted that beyond the perfection of saber momentum, there lay another realm.

Through his conversations with Wind Sovereign, Lin Fei had come to understand the realm that lay beyond saber momentum, called the "Domain" or more precisely, "Saber Domain." According to Wind Sovereign, once the saber momentum evolves into a Saber Domain, it would transform from an abstract force to a tangible power, possessing incredible abilities.

However, the specifics of the Saber Domain's capabilities remained shrouded in mystery even to Wind Sovereign. Throughout the history of the Ancient Origin Sect, no martial artist had ever evolved their skill to such a level. Thus, the concept of the Saber Domain was more of a legendary realm within the sect's lore.

For Lin Fei, the Domain seemed distant, without any clear path toward it. In contrast, the next stage, the Martial Sovereign, felt tantalizingly close.

Lin Fei was now at the Three Flowers Gathering stage. According to Wind Sovereign, the only barrier left was to break the shackles of the Life Wheel, manifesting it and thus gaining mastery over his destiny. But this task was easier said than done. It was extremely challenging.

Lin Fei had sought guidance from Wind Sovereign on breaking these shackles. However, Wind Sovereign had merely shaken his head, stating that the method to do so varied for each Martial Sovereign. The key was to sense the shackles of the Life Wheel and then muster all one's strength to shatter them. For a martial artist, this process was akin to defying fate itself.

It bore similarity to a Foundation Establishment cultivator facing the heavenly tribulation. If they succeeded in crossing it, they would evolve into a Golden Core cultivator. But failing meant obliteration. Similarly, breaking the Life Wheel's shackles was a gamble. There was only one attempt allowed. Failure meant the three flowers of a Martial Saint would shatter, leading to physical disintegration, reversal of the true essence, and eventual death.

Hence, it was a path where success led to ascension, and failure meant certain death.

Wind Sovereign hadn't provided an extensive guide. And even if he had, it wouldn't have been of much use. The only thing he emphasized was that Lin Fei shouldn't hold back or prepare excessively, as it would be futile. Reaching the Three Flowers Gathering stage meant that Lin Fei had peaked in his cultivation; no amount of extra preparation would make a difference. Whether he could break through the shackles of the Life Wheel was essentially predetermined at the moment of reaching the Three Flowers Gathering.

Now, all Lin Fei needed was to adjust his mindset and sense the Life Wheel. After spending days in seclusion, he decided to face his destiny.

"Let's begin," Lin Fei murmured, closing his eyes. The Three Flowers atop his head vibrated subtly, and with the addition of the saber momentum, Lin Fei began to attune to every part of his being.

Gradually, he seemed to disconnect from the external world, drawn deep into himself. There was a place within him, calling out, and he was drawn to it. And then he saw it.

Deep within his being, there was a massive wheel emanating faint rays of light – the Life Wheel. The glow was subtle, flickering inconsistently. On its surface, dark streams flowed, looking much like chains that held the wheel in place— the shackles of the Life Wheel.

Seeing his Life Wheel and its bindings brought a wave of realization over Lin Fei. To break these shackles, he had to combine the energies of his Three Flowers, merging spirit, energy, and qi into one. It was an all-or-nothing move, a desperate gamble against fate itself.

274. Life Wheel Manifests

Lin Fei's eyes snapped open. Without a moment's hesitation, the three flowers above his head swayed ever so slightly.

"Merge!"

In the very next moment, the trio of blossoms atop Lin Fei's head began to merge seamlessly. These flowers, in essence, symbolized the Qi, energy, and spirit of a martial artist – the foundation of their prowess.

"Boom."

The merging process was smoother than Lin Fei had ever imagined. Once the three flowers converged, a power, unparalleled and novel, coursed through Lin Fei. He felt as if he could reach out and "touch" the Life Wheel. Even the shackles binding that wheel seemed palpable.

A low "hum" resonated.

In the next instant, a vast luminous circle materialized behind Lin Fei. It was reminiscent of the luminous halo he'd seen behind the Wind Sovereign. That was the Life Wheel – the very heart of a martial artist.

However, unlike the Wheel behind the Wind Sovereign, Lin Fei's Wheel was ensnared by streams of dark energy, binding it tightly. These were the shackles of the Life Wheel.

Through the merger of the three flowers, Lin Fei had forcefully drawn out the Wheel from within him, letting it hover where the blossoms once did. This was Lin Fei's golden opportunity. His sole chance is to shatter the shackles and fully reveal the Life Wheel.

"Break!"

With a fierce roar, Lin Fei's Qi, energy, and spirit converged into the form of a blade. Not that he intended to manifest a blade. However, following the merger of the three flowers, a blade was naturally formed. This blade was the crystallization of Lin Fei's martial prowess, integrated and singular. This very blade bespoke of Lin Fei's path – the Dao of the saber.

Once, Lin Fei harbored the intent of the fist. But as his journey evolved, he realized the saber's way was the path meant for him. Thus, the blade birthed from the merger of the three flowers became Lin Fei's most formidable saber.

"Slash!"

With unmatched ferocity, the blade slashed toward the shackles on the Life Wheel. In this singular strike lay the culmination of countless saber techniques that Lin Fei had learned. His vitality, saber essence, saber momentum, willpower, enlightenment, and much more were all embedded within.

With this strike, Lin Fei's journey through the Nine Profound Sect, his initial ventures into saber techniques, body cultivation, the birth of his inner power, his first brush with true essence, his awakening to saber intent, the evolution of his saber momentum, and myriad other milestones flashed before him. All these formative moments led him to this pivotal day.

"The Life Wheel is the self..."

At that moment, a profound epiphany washed over Lin Fei. He understood. The reason behind severing the shackles of the Life Wheel was that the Wheel itself embodied one's true self. And those very shackles? They were the many veils obscuring one's true self, both from external and internal sources. All that clouded the self must be decisively cut away!

"Boom."

As Lin Fei's blade struck the shackles of the Wheel, what seemed like a simple, ordinary slash resonated with profound power. Against the Life Wheel's vast array of dense shackles, it appeared inconsequential. Yet, this unassuming strike upon the Wheel's shackles caused the entire Wheel to quiver ever so slightly.

"Crack."

It felt as if something had "shattered". As if something had been "severed."

Atop Lin Fei's head, the Life Wheel, which was once shrouded in a dark miasma, now saw that very miasma recede. Upon closer inspection, the darkness had been "broken", severed cleanly by Lin Fei's singular strike.

"Boom."

In the next instant, the Life Wheel behind Lin Fei expanded dramatically. Its terrifying visage even pierced through his dwelling, manifesting in the vast expanse of the void.

The skies of the Ancient Origin Sect seemed to suddenly accommodate an enormous, luminous wheel.

The moment it appeared, it felt as if the entirety of the Ancient Origin Sect was suppressed. Even the Limit Martial Saints, those who had formed the Energy Flower and Qi Flower, felt an existential dread. It was as though deep within their souls, something was suppressing them with overwhelming force.

This sensation was one of sheer terror; it made their very souls tremble.

"Is that... the Life Wheel?"

"It truly is! The Wheel of a Martial Sovereign!"

"Whose terrifying Life Wheel could that be?"

"That direction... It's Elder Lin's dwelling."

"Yes, the Wheel hovers right above Elder Lin's abode."

"Could it be that Elder Lin successfully shattered the shackles of the Wheel, manifesting it and thus achieving the stature of a Martial Sovereign?"

"Has the Ancient Origin Sect birthed a new Martial Sovereign?"

Everyone could clearly see the Life Wheel hovering in the void.

"Whoosh, whoosh."

Two figures appeared in the void.

The Sect Master of the Ancient Origin Sect and the Head of the Law Enforcement Hall, Wind Sovereign! Both of them were Martial Sovereigns!

Gazing upon the Life Wheel above Lin Fei's dwelling, the Sect Master and Wind Sovereign exchanged glances, their eyes filled with astonishment and joy.

"Just one year! In merely one year! Lin Fei truly broke the shackles of the Life Wheel and advanced to Martial Sovereign. It's incredible! Wind Sovereign, you're right. With Lin Fei, our Ancient Origin Sect might truly rise to prominence."

"Hahaha, Lin Fei, you didn't disappoint me! Breaking the Wheel's shackles and advancing to the Sovereign Realm so quickly."

It had been centuries since the last Martial Sovereign was born in the Ancient Origin Sect. The youngest Sovereign was Wind Sovereign, but even he was several centuries old. If the Ancient Origin Sect didn't produce another Martial Sovereign soon, the Sect Master would have grown anxious.

Yet, who could have expected that the one to advance to Martial Sovereign wouldn't be a core disciple or even a Martial Sovereign seed, but an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall? And not just any elder, but one who had risen from the outer sect, step by step, to become an elder of the Enforcement Hall.

At this moment, Lin Fei sensed that the Life Wheel within him had materialized. As the Life Wheel manifested, a mysterious power flowed from it into his body, causing earth-shattering changes. His skin began to molt rapidly, his vital essence roared within him, and every bone, every piece of flesh underwent monumental transformations.

But even more notable was the "Force of Life" or, to put it differently, lifespan. Intuitively, Lin Fei could sense his lifespan skyrocketing. It surged from 500 years to a staggering 1,000 years!

Martial Saints had a lifespan of 500 years. Martial Sovereigns possessed a lifespan of a millennium!

This meant that the emergence of a Martial Sovereign could potentially ensure the prominence and prosperity of a martial arts sect for a thousand years. This was the true significance of a Martial Sovereign.

While Lin Fei's physical body was undergoing transformations, so was his saber essence. However, the transformation of the saber essence seemed to gradually integrate into the Life Wheel and then vanish.

Indeed, his saber essence had disappeared. Moreover, Lin Fei could sense a subtle movement in the Life Wheel inside him.

"Boom."

The Life Wheel seemed to transform into a black hole, drawing in the Spiritual Qi of the surroundings. The Spiritual Qi from tens of miles around was being forcefully absorbed by the Life Wheel. Massive amounts of this energy entered the Life Wheel and then disappeared as if the Life Wheel was nurturing something.

Lin Fei wasn't hasty. He waited patiently, sensing that the longer the Life Wheel nurtured this new essence, the more powerful and astounding it would become. This could potentially benefit him greatly. So, he waited.

Time passed by slowly.

An hour, two hours, three hours...

Lin Fei had no idea how long he'd waited. The sky was almost dark. The amount of Spiritual Qi he'd absorbed was vast. He could even sense that the Sect Master of Ancient Origin and Wind Sovereign were aiding him from the void, capturing even more Spiritual Qi for him.

The vast amounts of spiritual energy and the saber essence continuously entered the Wheel, nurturing something within.

"Boom."

Finally, the Wheel quivered slightly. A brand-new power had been nurtured and born. It flowed from the Life Wheel into Lin Fei's body, infusing him with newfound strength and potential.

275. Great Divine Abilities and Lesser Divine Abilities

Suddenly, Lin Fei's physique began its metamorphosis. This marked the inception of becoming a Martial Sovereign. It was akin to a leap in one's life force.

The Golden Core True Person had to face the trial of heavenly thunder. In the midst of the thunder's strikes, life was rejuvenated.

At that moment, it was a transition, a leap in life itself. Yet, a Martial Sovereign did not require the trial of the heavenly thunder.

However, the power nurtured within the Life Wheel was essential for the body's transformation. Swiftly, every aspect of Lin Fei's being—his muscles, flesh, bones, and even his skin— began undergoing this transformation.

Moreover, this transformation was irreversible. It would endure for an extended period.

One day, two days, three days...

Lin Fei's transformation lasted an extensive duration. His Life Wheel absorbed vast amounts of Spiritual Qi daily, turning it into a mysterious force. Then, that force reshaped his physique.

In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Lin Fei's body resembled a cocoon.

With a crisp "snap," the cocoon abruptly broke open. Emerging from it, Lin Fei stepped out. With a soft swish, he opened his eyes. A streak of golden light seemed to flash across them. Simultaneously, he lifted his hand.

Upon observing his arm, it was delicate and fair. Moreover, the very constitution of his muscles and veins had altered profoundly from before. Subtle hints of golden radiance emanated from him.

At the same time, a novel power surged within Lin Fei's grasp. This power, birthed from the Life Wheel, had once been too immense for his former physique. Now, with his newly transformed body, he could effortlessly harness it.

In that very instant, two figures appeared in Lin Fei's cavern abode.

"Sect Master, Wind Sovereign!"

These individuals were none other than the Master of the Ancient Origin Sect and the Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall, Wind Sovereign. Joy sparkled in the eyes of the Sect Master.

"Seven days, Elder Lin. Your transformation took a full week! Incredible, truly remarkable!"

"Hmm? What's significant about these seven days?" Lin Fei inquired, unaware of the importance of a week-long transformation.

Wind Sovereign replied with a smile, "The difference is immense. The longer the transformation, the more thorough the rejuvenation of one's body and the greater the life force expended. Of course, once the transformation is complete, your body will inevitably be more robust. It's an all-encompassing enhancement. This transformation prepares the body to bear the Life Power. This represents a holistic enhancement. The transformation of the flesh was, after all, to harness Life Power. The nature of Life Power thus determines the characteristics of your mortal vessel.

Ah, perhaps you're unfamiliar with Life Power. Life Power is the novel force forged through your Life Wheel. This Life Power emerges slowly, crafted from the convergence of your Qi, energy, and spirit. Its attributes and strength are intrinsically linked to your Qi, energy, and spirit. Your lengthy transformation suggests the potency of your Life Power."

Lin Fei grasped the concept. Life Power dictated the metamorphosis of the flesh. The more potent the Life Power, the stronger the transformed flesh became. This Life Power was intrinsically connected to a martial artist's Qi, energy, and spirit, also known as the Three Flowers.

"Life Power..."

Lin Fei extended his hand, and a strand of Life Power shimmered above his palm. This Life Power exuded a peculiar aura, glinting with a faint golden luminance.

A thought struck Wind Sovereign. With a snap of his fingers, a strand of Life Power sped towards Lin Fei. Lin Fei responded in kind, and their Life Powers collided ferociously. It wasn't a world-shattering impact, nor was it an entanglement difficult to untwine.

The two Life Powers merely grazed each other, and then... nothing.

The strand of Life Power from Wind Sovereign vanished. Yes, simply vanished. It seemed to be entirely absorbed by Lin Fei's strand of Life Power. To put it another way, it was devoured.

Lin Fei's Life Power clashed with that of Wind Sovereign and, in an instant, "swallowed" Wind Sovereign's Life Power.

"What is this...?"

Wind Sovereign, the Sect Master, and even Lin Fei himself were utterly astonished. With a wave of his hand, the strand of Life Power seamlessly integrated back into Lin Fei's body, showing no signs of discordance. In fact, it felt slightly more robust.

"Devouring? Is the nature of your Life Power devouring?"

Wind Sovereign's eyes widened in disbelief, his emotions running wild. His gaze bore the weight of seeing the unimaginable. Every Life Power has its unique attributes.

For example, the distinguishing feature of Wind Sovereign's Life Power was its "explosiveness". Even a single wisp of Life Power bore immense might. In contrast, the Sect Master's Life Power was stability— profound stability. The Sect Master too unleashed a wisp of his Life Power.

Similarly, Lin Fei manifested a strand of his Life Power. Once again, they clashed. And just like with Wind Sovereign, the result was the same. Lin Fei's Life Power "devoured" the Sect Master's Life Power.

"It truly devoured the Life Power. What sort of trait is this Life Power?"

The Sect Master was taken aback. Never had he heard of someone's Life Power possessing the characteristic of "devouring". But upon closer introspection, Lin Fei had a theory. It wasn't really devouring; it was more akin to fusion. An all-encompassing embrace!

Because Lin Fei's saber momentum had, in essence, integrated the strengths of countless styles. It was the confluence of numerous blade techniques, saber intent, and saber momentum. Only through such amalgamation could the saber momentum be perfected, culminating in the Qi Flower.

Life Power, too, was birthed from the foundation of saber momentum, saber essence, and more. Its hallmark was the fusion of all elements, an all-embracing merger.

Even Lin Fei's very flesh likely embraced this concept of universal integration. As for the specifics, further experimentation was necessary on Lin Fei's part. Moreover, simply "devouring" with Life Power didn't lead to direct cultivation enhancement.

Upon reaching Martial Sovereign, progression wasn't solely reliant on Life Power.

"Lin Fei, do you know what a Martial Sovereign cultivates? It isn't just the cultivation of Life Power. It's the cultivation of Divine Ability! While a Golden Core True Person has magic treasures, we, the Martial Sovereigns, possess Divine Abilities!

In fact, only upon attaining the rank of Martial Sovereign can martial artists truly stand on par with immortal dao cultivators. No longer fearing the spells and magic treasures of the Golden Core True Persons. Our spells are every bit as potent as, if not superior to, those of the Golden Core True Persons.

Have you noticed the layers of radiant rings on our Life Wheel? Each luminous ring represents a Divine Ability. At the pinnacle of Martial Sovereign, one possesses nine such rings, equating to nine Divine Abilities.

Of course, not all Divine Abilities are created equal. They're categorized into Great Divine Abilities and Lesser Divine Abilities. To journey further and ascend beyond the realm of Martial Sovereign, each of your Divine Abilities must be of the Great category. Otherwise, cultivating even a single Lesser Divine Ability might severely hinder one's chances of transcending the Martial Sovereign realm.

There had also been people who had first cultivated Lesser Divine Abilities and then advanced them to Great Divine Abilities with their supreme talent. But that's too difficult.

So, having just achieved the rank of Martial Sovereign, the most pressing matter is to cultivate a Divine Ability. As for whether you opt for a Great Divine Ability or a Lesser Divine Ability, That's a decision you'll have to make.

However, typically, only those who find it genuinely challenging to master a Great Divine Ability would choose to cultivate a Lesser Divine Ability, aiming to enhance their combat capabilities.

Divine Ability can be self-comprehended or learned from others, essentially amounting to martial arts at the Martial Sovereign level. Generally speaking, a Divine Ability that one comprehends on their own tends to be highly compatible and potent.

Learning a Divine Ability from another will always have certain inadequacies. But it's undoubtedly a quick way to cultivate a Divine Ability. Specifically, Elder Lin can weigh this for yourself."

Both the Sect Master and Wind Sovereign were imparting Lin Fei with foundational knowledge on Martial Sovereign cultivation. This gave Lin Fei a very direct understanding of the cultivation process at the Martial Sovereign level.