Chapter 276-277 (Patreon)

276. Black Wind Prison

The Sect Master and Wind Sovereign had both left. Inside the cave-dwelling, only Lin Fei remained. Now, Lin Fei truly stood as a Martial Sovereign. He possessed a newfound strength, Life Power. Furthermore, his physical form underwent yet another transformation.

The cultivation of a Martial Sovereign required the practice of Divine Ability. This was an area Lin Fei had never ventured into before. In terms of creating his own Divine Ability, everyone knows that self-created Divine Abilities are superior. But without even understanding the fundamental principles of Divine Abilities, how can one create?

Thus, Lin Fei honestly decided to visit the Martial Arts Tower. Leaving his dwelling, he arrived at the Martial Arts Tower. The elder of the tower, upon seeing Lin Fei, widened his eyes. He immediately stood up, reverently saying, "Greetings, Sovereign Lin!"

Clearly, the entire Ancient Origin Sect was aware of Lin Fei's ascension to Martial Sovereign.

"Is the cultivation method for Martial Sovereigns available on the fourth floor?"

"Yes, all martial arts at the Martial Sovereign level are on the fourth floor of the Martial Arts Tower. Furthermore, there's a rule within the Ancient Origin Sect. All Martial Sovereigns can freely view any martial art in the tower without spending any contribution points."

The elder of the Martial Arts Tower explained. In reality, this was a privilege! Even if one were a true disciple, a potential Martial Sovereign, or even an elder of the sect, they wouldn't have this privilege.

Practicing martial arts typically requires contribution points. But it's different for Martial Sovereigns. A Martial Sovereign represented the pinnacle within the Ancient Origin Sect. They were akin to the pillars supporting the heavens for the sect. The entire Ancient Origin Sect relied on Martial Sovereigns for stability and protection.

The only assistance the sect could offer to a Martial Sovereign was access to these martial arts. How could they not have such a privilege?

Lin Fei nodded. Consequently, he directly ascended to the fourth floor of the Martial Arts Tower. The fourth floor was empty; aside from Lin Fei, there was no one else.

Martial Sovereigns in the entire Ancient Origin Sect could be counted on one's fingers. Only a few existed. For centuries, Lin Fei was the first Martial Sovereign of the Ancient Origin Sect. As for the other Martial Sovereigns, most of them had already almost mastered their martial arts. Basically, they wouldn't visit the Martial Arts Tower anymore.

"Divine Ability..."

Lin Fei didn't hastily start reviewing the Divine Abilities. Although he had listened to the Sect Master and Wind Sovereign's introduction, he still held many questions about the cultivation of a Martial Sovereign.

For instance, what lies beyond the realm of Martial Sovereign? And why does the cultivation of a Martial Sovereign require Divine Ability?

Only by understanding the principles of martial cultivation can one have a clearer vision of the Martial Dao. Instead of blindly practicing Divine Ability without any comprehension.

On the shelves, not everything was about martial arts. Indeed, there were some miscellaneous notes. For example, elaborations on cultivation philosophies or martial arts concepts.

Lin Fei carefully picked one up for a closer look. It outlined some martial cultivation concepts, organizing them into a system, and even contrasting it with the immortal cultivation system.

For example, Qi cultivation progresses from Qi cultivator, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core to Nascent Soul. But what about the Martial Dao?

For Qi cultivators, it's equivalent to the Innate realm. It progresses from Innate, Martial Saint, Martial Sovereign, to Martial King. Above Martial Sovereign, lies the Martial King. Martial Sovereign signifies the pinnacle of the Martial Dao, while Martial King means the king of the Martial Dao.

Golden Core cultivators need to step by step transform their Golden Cores into Nascent Souls. Upon reaching the Nascent Soul, they can gradually transcend the physical body. Even if the body perishes, the Nascent Soul can reincarnate, avoiding death.

At this juncture, there's a clear divergence between Immortal Dao and Martial Dao. The Martial Dao continuously strengthens the physical body. The body is fundamental! For instance, to attain Martial Sovereign, one must condense the Energy Flower.

Transitioning from Martial Sovereign to Martial King, one needs to integrate the Nine Great Divine Abilities and merge them with the body. Harnessing the terrifying power of the Nine Divine Abilities to completely reshape the body. Once successful, every move of the Martial King is infused with the force of Divine Abilities.

Furthermore, being transformed by Divine Abilities, a special bloodline forms throughout the body. This is the Martial King Bloodline!

If a Martial King has descendants, these descendants could inherit one or even two Divine Abilities from the Martial King Bloodline. This is akin to being born with Divine Abilities, affording them a tremendous advantage from the outset.

A Martial King can have a lifespan of ten thousand years, matching the mighty Nascent Souls, becoming beings that can suppress the ages!

If one could say, a Martial Sovereign might briefly shine and then vanish, with their family or power declining due to their disappearance, this is not the case for Martial Kings because they can leave behind a bloodline, a bloodline that contains the potency of Divine Abilities.

The descendants of a Martial King might awaken these Divine Abilities, hence, possessing a natural advantage. Thus, the Martial King Bloodline can perpetuate, allowing the family of the Martial King to continue and flourish, growing stronger with each generation!

"Thud."

Lin Fei closed the notes. He now had a clearer understanding of the principles of the Martial Dao ahead. Starting from Martial Sovereign, there's a significant emphasis on the body.

In fact, the ultimate goal of practicing martial Divine Abilities is to transform and upgrade the physical body. Whereas, the Nascent Soul powerhouses in the Immortal Dao aim to gradually transcend the physical body. They seem like two different paths, but in essence, they serve the same purpose - to prolong life, to live longer. The chosen paths are just different.

"From Martial Sovereign to Martial King, the ultimate goal is to transform the body," Lin Fei pondered. "It's essentially about using martial Divine Abilities to achieve this transformation. So, the requirements for the Divine Abilities must be extremely stringent. Lesser Divine Abilities may not successfully transform the body, meaning they can't help one achieve the Martial King status. Only Great Divine Abilities can achieve this transformation, giving rise to the Martial King Bloodline."

Lin Fei's understanding grew clearer, and he felt more confident about his path. He then shifted his attention back to the martial arts techniques and Divine Abilities on the bookshelf.

This time, Lin Fei didn't wait for a martial art technique to "voluntarily" select him. He knew that when martial techniques are of the same level or even higher than oneself, they won't willingly follow one unless under very special circumstances. Having just achieved the rank of Martial Sovereign, what advantage did he possess to attract martial techniques to automatically follow him? He decided to pragmatically and carefully make a choice.

"Divine Ability, Raging Sun! Once cast, it's like the scorching sun in the sky, suppressing all dark and evil powers!"

This Divine Ability was pure and dominant, capable of restraining dark and malevolent forces. It seemed promising, but its power was slightly lacking. It was merely a Lesser Divine Ability.

Combining Lin Fei's saber momentum with three martial saint-level saber techniques, he might already rival or even surpass the power of Lesser Divine Abilities. As such, Lin Fei decided not to choose this particular Lesser Divine Ability.

"Divine Ability, Black Wind Prison! Once unleashed, it feels like plummeting into hell. It seals the five senses, and directions become indistinguishable. The wind within is bone-eroding. When it blows, it decays flesh and turns it into white bones in the blink of an eye."

Upon reading about this Divine Ability, Lin Fei was taken aback. Black Wind Prison was indeed terrifying! It was a true Great Divine Ability. Not only was it adept at imprisoning, creating illusions, and sealing, but its most fearsome attribute was the bone-eroding wind. Even peers of the Martial Sovereign rank could be eroded by this wind and reduced to mere bones. A truly invisible and deadly technique; it was a sinister and dreadful Divine Ability.

Of course, there were also saber-related Divine Abilities. Lin Fei could follow a lineage, choosing only saber-related Divine Abilities. If he did, once he achieves the rank of Martial King, the bloodline he would form would be centered around the saber. However, finding a saber-related Great Divine Ability was not that simple.

Another important consideration was that if Lin Fei exclusively practiced saber-related Divine Abilities, it would essentially narrow his Martial Dao. He aimed for a diverse approach, absorbing techniques from multiple sources rather than pursuing an extreme path. Only those with unyielding resolve like Shen Lianxin would choose such a singular direction.

"Then, I'll choose the Black Wind Prison Divine Ability for now."

Lin Fei reached out and took this Divine Ability. But he didn't start cultivating it immediately. Instead, he spoke to the Black Wind Prison's Divine Ability manual, "I wish to ascend to the pinnacle of the martial world. Black Wind Prison, are you willing to become my Divine Ability and lend me your strength?"

After asking, Lin Fei waited silently for any signs or responses.

277. Fusion Saber Momentum

"Divine Ability Black Wind Prison desires to be with a host who is ruthless, cunning, and has a propensity for bloodshed."

"Thus, Divine Ability Black Wind Prison refuses to be your martial technique."

The system's voice echoed in Lin Fei's mind.

Lin Fei remained silent. For the first time, he was rendered speechless. Not only was Black Wind Prison refusing him, but it was also essentially saying that it was "looking down" on him. It considered Lin Fei too kind...

"Who said martial techniques don't have a sense of good and evil?" Lin Fei murmured, shaking his head. Black Wind Prison certainly had a peculiar personality.

But was Lin Fei really that "kind"?

"Fire."

With a mere thought, a tiny flame appeared on Lin Fei's fingertip. With a swift motion, he flicked the flame onto the Black Wind Prison manual. Instantly, the manual caught fire, burning vigorously.

Wasn't Black Wind Prison claiming Lin Fei was "too kind" and not ruthless enough? Well, Lin Fei just showed it some ruthlessness. The manual for the Black Wind Prison was now on fire.

"Divine Ability Black Wind Prison deems the host as ruthless and decisive. You are indeed the perfect choice for a host."

"Black Wind Prison wishes to voluntarily become your martial technique. Do you accept?"

A faint smile appeared on Lin Fei's face.

"Approved!"

With a wave of his hand, the flames on the Black Wind Prison manual were immediately extinguished.

In reality, even if the Black Wind Prison manual was burned, Lin Fei wouldn't have been worried. He had glanced over it and had pretty much memorized the contents. If Black Wind Prison chose "death over submission", Lin Fei would simply reproduce the manual.

However, it appeared Lin Fei had overestimated Black Wind Prison's resolve. It actively sought to be Lin Fei's technique, and of course, he wouldn't refuse. This was a Great Divine Ability after all, and indeed an impressive one at that.

A booming sound resounded within Lin Fei's mind. Following that, a set of memories appeared. Within these memories, step by step, Lin Fei learned the Divine Ability Black Wind Prison. At least, he was now a beginner.

"System."

Lin Fei immediately accessed the system interface.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Level: Early Martial Sovereign

Great Divine Ability: Black Wind Prison: Beginner (Progress 0%)

Saber Momentum: Perfection (Progress 0%)

Seeing that Black Wind Prison had reached the beginner stage and become his martial technique, Lin Fei manifested his Life Wheel. Instantly, a black luminous ring appeared on his Life Wheel. This vast and obvious circle signified that Lin Fei now possessed a Divine Ability.

However, Lin Fei realized that this was as far as he could go for now. To start practicing a second Divine Ability, he would first have to perfect the first one. Due to this restriction, many Martial Sovereigns progressed very slowly in their martial journeys. Many, even after decades or centuries, only mastered one Divine Ability.

Lin Fei remembered observing Wind Sovereign's Life Wheel and noting that it bore only a single luminous circle. Despite centuries of practice, Wind Sovereign had managed to master just one Divine Ability. With such a pace, one's martial journey would essentially stagnate.

Most Martial Sovereigns reached a point of contentment with just achieving the Martial Sovereign rank and enjoying a long lifespan. As for reaching the rank of Martial King? That was an incredibly arduous endeavor. Throughout the entire history of the Ancient Origin Sect, no one had ever reached that esteemed rank.

"Currently, I have no clues on how to advance Black Wind Prison," Lin Fei thought. "Let's see how much progress I can make with daily diligent practice. However, there's potential for growth with saber momentum. Once it evolves into Saber Domain, my strength will transform from being abstract to tangible, making a significant leap."

Even though Lin Fei didn't choose a saber-related Divine Ability, he didn't abandon the evolution of his saber momentum. Transforming it into a Saber Domain would bring about a metamorphosis in his strength.

After some contemplation, Lin Fei decided to head to the third floor of the Martial Arts Tower.

The entire Martial Arts Tower was at Lin Fei's disposal, and the third floor was no exception.

Lin Fei arrived at the third floor with the primary intention of selecting a saber technique. His Saber Momentum had already reached perfection, and to evolve it into the Saber Domain, he needed to continuously integrate various saber momentums to enhance its foundation until it ultimately transformed into the Saber Domain.

"Buzz."

As soon as Lin Fei stepped onto the third floor, he activated his saber momentum, enveloping the entire level. The Martial Saints present at the moment immediately bowed in respect and hastily left the third floor. Now, Lin Fei was the only one left.

"I wish to evolve into Saber Domain. If anyone wishes to assist me in this evolution, manifest your saber momentum and integrate it with mine. Are there any saber techniques willing to lend me their strength?"

Lin Fei dangled the allure of "Saber Domain" – the transformation from abstract to tangible. He believed no Martial Saint-level saber technique could resist such a temptation.

"Buzz."

As expected, various saber techniques began to resonate. Lin Fei promptly unlocked their seals.

"Yin Blood Saber has manifested the saber momentum and merged into your saber momentum."

"Unfeeling Saber has manifested the saber momentum and merged into your saber momentum."

"Supreme Desolation Saber has manifested the saber momentum and merged into your saber momentum."

One after another, top-tier Martial Saint saber techniques, all manifested saber momentum, eagerly infused into Lin Fei's saber momentum, wishing to be integrated.

Lin Fei welcomed them all without hesitation. As long as they could bolster his saber momentum's foundation, why would he reject any?

However, as each saber momentum integrated, Lin Fei noticed a drastic decrease in the progress added to his cultivation. Now, integrating a Martial Saint-level saber momentum only contributed around 5% to his progress. In contrast, earlier, a single integration would boost his progress by 40%.

Upon reaching the pinnacle of saber momentum, the efficiency had sharply diminished. In the entire Ancient Origin Sect, there were only about sixteen saber techniques capable of evolving saber momentum. Lin Fei had already practiced three, leaving only thirteen more for him to master.

Now, these thirteen saber techniques had all evolved their saber momentum, merging seamlessly into Lin Fei's own. Yet, it only added 65% to his cultivation progress. He still had a ways to go to reach 100% and evolve into Saber Domain.

However, this progress instilled hope in Lin Fei. He estimated that if he could find seven more Martial Saint blade techniques capable of evolving saber momentum, he would achieve the Saber Domain evolution. This alone set him apart and above countless Martial Sovereigns.

Within the entire Ancient Origin Sect, not a single Martial Sovereign had managed to evolve a Domain. Now, Lin Fei's Great Divine Ability was already at the beginner stage, and his path to Saber Domain had been illuminated. He just needed seven more blade techniques.

"The Ancient Origin Sect has no more top-tier saber techniques," Lin Fei mused. "Where else can I find them?"

A thought flashed across his mind: Illusion Worry City.

In Illusion Worry City, one could purchase anything if one had the necessary resources. Perhaps, there he could find the seven top-tier saber techniques he sought. However, Martial Sovereigns were not permitted inside Illusion Worry City. Moreover, Lin Fei's relationship with the city's leader, Worry-Free, was far from friendly.

"I should consult Wind Sovereign," thought Lin Fei. Without hesitation, he left the Martial Arts Tower and flew towards the Enforcement Hall. Whether it was about top-tier saber techniques, Illusion Worry City, or the Worry-Free Sovereign, Lin Fei believed that Wind Sovereign would have some answers for him.