Chapter 72: The Six Sacred Lands of Central State

Peak of the Late Foundation Establishment Stage!

Yu Wan almost lost control of her composed expression, hastily masking her shock. A year ago, though she had considered the possibility that Cao Xuan might reach the peak of this stage, it was more a subconscious reaction to his string of breakthroughs. In truth, as Cao Xuan would later reflect, his cultivation arose from the simulations of two lifetimes provided by the system and the help of Li Yao's deep reserves. Likewise, Yu Wan later attributed his advancement to moments of sudden enlightenment—rare occurrences that could not be sought at will.

Yet after such revelations, long years of painstaking cultivation were the norm. In her view, it was actually Li Yao who had spent more time at the Foundation Establishment stage, accumulating a more profound foundation. If Li Yao had reached the middle of the late stage, it would already be commendable for Cao Xuan to do the same. But reality was that Cao Xuan had already reached the peak, just a step away from standing equal with her.

At this thought, she could not help but ask, “There’s still a month before the opening of the Azure Cloud Grand Assembly. We depart in two days, and Yun Prefecture is far from Central State. Is there any chance to break through to the peak along the journey?”

Cao Xuan understood what his master implied—it concerned the allocation of places for Azure Cloud Mist Cavern. Of the four Peak Masters, only Yu Wan, due to her connection with the little martial aunt Immortal Xiang Qiu, had secured a spot directly. The other three still needed their personal disciples to compete for a place.

“In fact, none of us four have ever attended the centennial Azure Cloud Grand Assembly. The last one from our sect to go was our little martial aunt!”

“So we’re not entirely sure what the requirements for the quota are.”

“If, in the end, the spots are scarce, you should decide for yourself.”

Yu Wan fell silent for a moment. “If you can break through to the peak, then use it for yourself. Don’t feel bad about it!”

Though even at the peak, painstaking accumulation was still required—often taking no less time than the journey from the initial stage to the peak—the purpose of the Azure Cloud Mist Cavern was precisely to nurture the Dao Foundation and shorten the process.

A cultivator must be resolute and a little selfish; as his master, she had to teach Cao Xuan this lesson. Compared to the other Peak Masters, each over a hundred years old, this prodigy of barely twenty could, if given a head start, go much further in the future. She dared not hope for Nascent Soul, but at least he might achieve greater things in the Golden Core stage.

Yu Wan believed that, more than herself, Cao Xuan was likely the true hope of Azure Cloud Sect in Yun Prefecture.

...

In Central State, Azure Cloud Sect, though only a second-rate power, had, in the past century, produced the peerless Immortal Xiang Qiu. This not only gave the sect hope of becoming first-rate, but even the heirs of the great sacred lands sought her as their Dao companion. Thus, the Azure Cloud Grand Assembly, meant to connect with the Xuanyua mainland’s branch sects, had this time attracted many from those sacred lands to witness the event.

Proximity brings first advantage; some first-rate sects had already arrived a year early, hoping to win Xiang Qiu’s favor.

Central State was home to six great sacred lands: three righteous, two demonic, and one neutral.

The three righteous were Xuanyua Dao Sect, Ziyang Sword Sect, and Qianyuan Academy; the two demonic were Jade Maiden Sect and Blood Transformation Divine Sect; the neutral was Saint Dragon Monastery.

Naturally, whether righteous or demonic, each was a sacred place on the path its disciples aspired to. Thus, they were known as the Xuanyua Sacred Land, the Blood Transformation Sacred Land, the Saint Dragon Sacred Land, and so on.

Throughout the entire Xuanyua mainland—the Central State, Eastern Wilderness, Southern Region, Northern Domain, and Western Sea Isles—these six sacred lands and their subordinate sects dominated almost all territory.

It is worth noting that Azure Cloud Sect was a subordinate of Xuanyua Dao Sect, which had repeatedly invited Xiang Qiu to become a candidate for their sacred successor—testament to her extraordinary talent.

No one knows how many ages it has taken for Xuanyua mainland to reach its current state. Without Xuanyua Dao Sect’s protection, peaceful cultivation for Xiang Qiu would have been impossible. Yet even now, at her peak Divine Transformation stage, she had already survived countless assassination attempts—some wishing to kill a prodigy, others to capture her as a cultivation vessel. The perpetrators were never identified; at least, none had openly violated the most crucial rules. After all, if genius disciples could be slain at will, a sect would perish overnight.

“Have you heard? Five years ago, Immortal Xiang Qiu faced her most dangerous assassination yet—almost captured. Had she not broken through to the peak Divine Transformation at the last moment and held out until elders from Xuanyua Sacred Land arrived, she wouldn’t have survived!”

“Ha, who doesn’t know? It’s said a Blood Transformation Elder, stuck at early Void Refinement, wanted to use forbidden arts on her!”

“Hush! Are you tired of living? If someone from that sect hears you, you’ll be dragged off to be drained!”

In the guest pavilion on one of Azure Cloud Sect’s welcoming peaks, many cultivators resided. The topic on everyone’s lips was naturally Immortal Xiang Qiu.

“What’s the difference? A demonic sect is still a demonic sect—changing its name to Blood Transformation Divine Sect doesn’t change its nature—ugh... cough...” As he spoke, suddenly he coughed up blood, clutching his throat, struggling for breath.

“Help... help...” he gasped, but those around him immediately withdrew in alarm.

At that moment, a gentle voice sounded from the sky. “Blood Drop Elder, for the sake of our Xuanyua Dao Sect, could you refrain from casual slaughter in Azure Cloud Sect?”

“Heh heh heh, so it’s Clear Void Elder. I’ll give you this courtesy. After all, our six sacred lands are like family—no need to let this brat ruin relations.”

Instantly, the afflicted cultivator released his throat and dropped to his knees, gasping like a fish out of water. After a moment, he scrambled to his feet. “Thank you, Elder Clear Void, for saving my life. I beg Blood Drop Elder’s forgiveness!” But there was no reply. Realizing this, he dared not linger, transforming into a streak of light and fleeing.

Little did he know, the lack of acknowledgment from Clear Void Elder, and the fact that Blood Drop Elder did not press further, meant more than he realized.

...

In a pavilion, two elders played a game of chess.

“Elder Clear Void, why didn’t you save that righteous disciple? Few dare speak so boldly against the demonic path.”

“Enough chatter. He’s already marked by Blood Drop Elder; within five years, he’ll turn to blood. The fact that no bloodshed occurred at Azure Cloud Sect means Blood Drop gave me enough face.”

“Heh, righteous and demonic...” Clear Void Elder paused, not finishing the thought.

“As for eradicating evil, one must know their own limits. I’ve seen too many perish from reckless bravado.”

“This will teach him a lesson in the dangers of loose talk.”

Opposite Clear Void sat Grand Elder Green Wood, peak Divine Transformation cultivator of Azure Cloud Sect. At those words, his heart chilled—dead in five years, and it was called a lesson!

Clear Void continued, “After this assembly, let Xiang Qiu come to Xuanyua Dao Sect for further cultivation.”

He placed a black stone on the board. Green Wood gave a wry smile, set down his white piece, and was about to speak when Clear Void added, “If, at this assembly, there are any disciples with sufficient talent, they may accompany Xiang Qiu to Xuanyua Dao Sect as well.”