Cultivation starts from simplifying the exercises

Chapter 2166 The Opportunity to Break Through to the Heavenly Monarch Level

As time went on, the buzz surrounding Chen Fei's breakthrough to two realms overshadowed other discussions about the ancient Heavenly Court ruins.

"Have you heard? Senior Brother Chen Fei from Cuiping Peak has broken through to the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm."

"What? How is that possible? I remember that Senior Brother Chen just broke through to the early stage of the Tai Cang Realm not long ago, right? How long has it been? At most, it's been less than half a year?"

“It’s absolutely true, I saw it with my own eyes. When Senior Brother Chen returned, although he was injured, his aura was condensed and heavy, and his power was overwhelming. He was definitely a late-stage Tai Cang Realm cultivator. Moreover, he seemed to be several levels stronger than an average late-stage Tai Cang Realm cultivator.”

"My god... In less than a year, he broke through two realms from the initial stage and reached the later stage? This... this is too heaven-defying! Are the opportunities from the ancient Heavenly Court ruins really this powerful?"

"They must have obtained an extraordinary opportunity, perhaps the inheritance of an ancient powerhouse, or they have consumed a heaven-defying spiritual item that can directly enhance their cultivation."

"Sigh, it's true what they say, comparisons are the thief of joy. I've been stuck at the mid-stage of the Tai Cang Realm for three thousand years, unable to make any progress... Senior Brother Chen's luck, tsk tsk..."

"Luck? Do you think those ancient celestial ruins are a place for leisure? Haven't you heard how many people perished this time? Our Danchen Sect suffered heavy losses. Senior Brother Chen was able to return alive and even obtain an opportunity to break through; this in itself is a manifestation of strength and luck."

"That's true... However, breaking through two realms in a row... This news will probably even alarm the elders at the Heavenly Monarch realm, right?"

The discussions were in full swing.

Envy, jealousy, amazement, curiosity, inquiry... all sorts of gazes and discussions began to focus on Cuiping Peak and on Chen Fei.

However, among those who returned alive this time, there were also those who gained a great deal.

Aside from Chen Fei, who broke through two realms in succession, other disciples either obtained precious ancient pills and cultivation manuals, or found rare refining materials and spiritual plant seeds.

Among them, some disciples broke through from the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm to the peak of the Tai Cang Realm in one fell swoop. Other disciples broke through from the middle stage of the Tai Cang Realm to the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm.

These breakthroughs, even under normal circumstances, would be enough to spark considerable discussion and be worthy of celebration.

However, compared to Chen Fei's exaggerated improvement from the initial stage to the later stage in less than a year, these normal breakthroughs suddenly seemed somewhat dim.

Cuiping Peak, outside Chen Fei's cave, has become noticeably more lively lately.

While it wasn't exactly bustling with visitors, the number of fellow disciples coming to visit and seek advice had clearly increased.

Some were acquaintances with him, while others were complete strangers.

Chen Fei declined most of the visits, citing his ongoing injuries and the need for rest and recuperation.

Chen Fei's low profile did not quell the discussion; instead, it fueled further speculation.

Especially when someone inadvertently revealed that Chen Fei seemed to be traveling with Cao Feiyu in the ruins and that they had a close relationship, and that Cao Feiyu had also broken through to the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm, more associations and speculations arose.

Cao Feiyu is considered exceptionally talented within the inner sect, and possesses stunning beauty. She and Chen Fei both came from Kunyuan and returned together, inevitably leading to speculation that Chen Fei's opportunities might be related to Cao Feiyu.

Or, what did the two of them obtain together in the ruins?

However, these discussions quickly subsided a few days later with the release of a piece of news.

After her injuries stabilized, Cao Feiyu took the initiative to compile her experiences in the ancient Heavenly Court ruins of Kunyuan into a detailed mission report and record of her observations, which she then submitted to the sect.

In this report, Cao Feiyu did not mention in detail what treasures she and Chen Fei obtained, but she described in detail the illusory area in the ruins that contained special law fluctuations.

She mentioned that she and Chen Fei were unexpectedly caught up in it, went through many illusionary trials, and after breaking through the illusion, they gained a complete understanding of the Tai Cang Realm.

Cao Feiyu emphasized that the illusion was extremely dangerous, and one could easily fall into it and perish both in body and soul.

As for the true nature of that illusion, Cao Feiyu said she didn't know, because the ruins were on the verge of collapse and fraught with danger at the time, so there was no time to investigate.

Soon, the contents of the report circulated within a certain range of the inner sect.

Thus, the truth behind Chen Fei's breakthrough of two realms seems to have a reasonable explanation.

He did not cultivate evil arts, nor did he use forbidden methods. Rather, in the strange illusion of the ancient Heavenly Court ruins, he accidentally triggered some kind of ancient inheritance or seal, and after gaining a lot of insights into the Tai Cang Realm, his cultivation level skyrocketed.

What was the ancient Heavenly Court like?

What incredible opportunities are hidden within its ruins? Even a supreme expert at the Primordial Dao Source Realm had to personally participate in the competition, so for a cultivator at the Tai Cang Realm to break through two realms in a row seems... not so hard to accept.

After all, that's the legendary place that rules over all the heavens and myriad realms and possesses boundless creation; any miracle could happen there.

Moreover, Chen Fei wasn't the only disciple who made significant progress in cultivation among those who returned alive from Kunyuan. It's just that Chen Fei's improvement was the greatest and fastest, which made him stand out.

The rumors gradually subsided. Envy and amazement replaced doubt and curiosity.

While in his cave, Chen Fei received a brief message from Cao Feiyu via a communication jade talisman. It contained only one sentence: "The matter of the illusion has been reported. Do not worry."

Chen Fei looked at these simple words and smiled slightly.

The illusion that gave Tai Cang Realm enlightenment was real, and this can be verified. This is also why Chen Fei fully revealed his cultivation level.

Just as the attention of the Dan Chen Sect disciples began to shift to the sect's handling of the aftermath and rewards and punishments for the Kun Yuan expedition, a questioning session, directly ordered by the sect's higher-ups, was quietly launched, targeting all disciples who participated in the Kun Yuan expedition and returned alive.

This was not an interrogation, nor was it coercive; it was more like a routine record-keeping and assessment.

Led by the elders or senior deacons of each peak, in a relatively relaxed environment, the disciples were asked about their general experiences, what they saw and heard, what they gained and what they lost in the ruins, and a brief assessment of the disciples' condition and the value of what they gained was made.

The purpose is twofold: first, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation within the ruins and assess the impact of this incident; and second, to record the disciples' achievements and losses, serving as a basis for subsequent distribution of contribution points, compensation, and even rewards.

Chen Fei also received a summons. The person in charge of the inquiry was an elder surnamed Zhou from Cuiping Peak. He had a kind face and a profound aura.

The process was not complicated. Elder Zhou simply asked Chen Fei about his general route after entering the ruins, his encounters, and how he escaped. He did not delve into the specifics of the opportunity. He only glanced at Chen Fei when recording his insights into the Tai Cang Realm in the illusion.

In the following days, more information about the trip to the ancient Heavenly Court ruins began to circulate among the disciples. But soon, all these discussions were suppressed by a message from the sect.

The Dan Chen Sect will offer three sets of sixteenth-grade top-quality spiritual materials as a reward to its late-stage Tai Cang Realm disciples.

Countless cultivators of the Tai Cang Realm who were in seclusion, cultivating in seclusion, or carrying out missions were alarmed by this news.

Sixteenth-grade spiritual materials are treasures that would drive even cultivators in the Tai Cang Realm crazy, let alone top-grade sixteenth-grade spiritual materials.

The Danchen Sect itself doesn't have many such treasures in reserve. After all, there are so many disciples in the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm. Even if they have some left, they will all be eagerly exchanged by disciples of this realm.

The martial arts duel will be won by the victor!

These eight words, which came out along with the news, dashed the hopes of many disciples who had originally planned to spend their entire fortune to exchange for it, while also making some disciples who were confident in their strength eager to try.

The discussion about the martial arts duel determining the ownership of top-grade spiritual materials continued to escalate over the next few days, becoming the hottest topic among inner disciples. Intense discussions about this matter could be heard from disciples in teahouses, taverns, cave courtyards, and even outside the skill transmission pavilion and alchemy rooms.

"I can't figure it out, I really can't figure it out."

Inside a bustling teahouse, several cultivators at the mid-stage of the Tai Cang Realm sat around a table. One of them, a man with a kind face, spoke in a low voice, with a jade slip containing a list of exchanges placed in front of him.

"In the past, the sect's rewards for top-grade spiritual materials were strict, but there were always some clues to follow. They were either awarded for great merit, amazing contribution points, or by the patriarch's personal favor. This time, however, they just set it up in the martial arts arena, and whoever has the strongest fist gets to take it."

Then wouldn't all of our hard work, accumulating years of tasks and contributions, be wasted?

A senior brother with a calm demeanor and slightly older appearance took a sip of spiritual tea and slowly shook his head:

“Junior Brother Li, you are mistaken. The sect has a deeper meaning in doing this. Look, apart from those three top-grade items, aren't all the other sixteen grades of high, medium, and low-grade spiritual materials, including the fifteenth grade, and even some rare pills, magic treasures, and cultivation techniques, clearly priced and exchangeable with contribution points?”

Junior Brother Li frowned: "But how can those compare to top-grade spiritual materials?"

"Opportunities also require the ability to enjoy them and the capacity to receive them."

Another slender disciple interjected, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, "Senior Brother Wang is right. The sect's intention in presenting these three top-grade items is probably not just as a reward. Think about it, how many fellow disciples did our sect lose during the Kunyuan expedition?"

What a sect needs most are outstanding individuals who can uphold its spirit during potential future turmoil. Contribution points can be accumulated over time, but combat strength, character, and decisiveness often cannot be built up with time alone.

Senior Brother Wang nodded and added, "That's exactly right. Contribution points are by no means useless. For the vast majority of fellow disciples, contribution points can still be slowly exchanged for rank-specific spiritual materials, and at worst, they can be synthesized again at the end."

Upon hearing this, Junior Brother Li's expression softened slightly, but he was still somewhat unconvinced: "That's true, but... I still feel it's a bit unfair. Those senior brothers and sisters with strong combat power are already exceptionally strong, and they have more opportunities to obtain high-ranking spiritual materials than we do."

Senior Brother Wang sighed, gazing at the misty mountains outside the window, and said meaningfully, "Junior Brother Li, how can there be absolute fairness on the path of cultivation? Talent, opportunity, temperament, background... all these are helpful."

Sect resources are limited, so naturally they must be allocated to the disciples who will provide the greatest future rewards. Compared to other smaller sects outside, we are already extremely fortunate to have entered the Dan Chen Sect.

The discussions in the teahouse were just a microcosm of countless similar debates within the Danchen Sect.

Some were indignant, some were understanding, some were calculating, and some were at ease. But in any case, now that the rules have been announced, everyone's attention has turned to the next question.

Who is qualified to participate in this competition for top-grade spiritual materials?

Cuiping Peak is famous for its lush greenery and spring-like climate all year round. Although it is not the most vibrant, its serene and elegant scenery has always made it a top choice for inner disciples who enjoy quiet cultivation.

A newly opened courtyard at the summit is nestled beneath several ancient pine trees, backed by a cliff and facing a sea of ​​clouds.

A spring flows through the courtyard, converging into a small pond where several spirit carp swim leisurely. The courtyard architecture is simple and rustic, blending seamlessly with the surrounding scenery, exuding a serene and otherworldly tranquility.

At this moment, inside the stone pavilion in the courtyard, Chen Fei, Cao Feiyu, and Wei Zhongqian were sitting around a green jade table.

On the stone table sat a set of simple and elegant celadon teaware. Cao Feiyu brewed tea with her delicate hands, her movements fluid and graceful. The wafting aroma of tea mingled with the slightly chilly, fresh air of the mountaintop, creating a truly delightful experience.

Wei Zhongqian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and savored the refreshing spiritual energy and subtle sweetness that spread between his lips and teeth. He couldn't help but praise, "Junior Sister Cao's cooking of Snow Peak Cloud Sprouts is becoming more and more exquisite. The spiritual energy is not diminished at all, but rather enhanced with a touch of clarity."

He put down his teacup, his gaze sweeping subtly over Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu, who were sitting side by side opposite him, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

Not long after Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu returned from Kunyuan, they began living together in the new courtyard on Cuiping Peak. This caused quite a stir on Cuiping Peak and even in a large part of the inner sect.

Cao Feiyu possessed unparalleled beauty and had many suitors within the inner sect, but she always treated people with indifference, like an ice peak and snow lotus, desirable but unattainable.

Chen Fei had only recently joined the Dan Chen Sect. Although the two were connected through the Xuan Yu Realm, it was quite unexpected that they would end up together like this.

What did these two experience in the Kunyuan Ruins? Why did they quickly come together after returning, and even jointly choose a cave dwelling courtyard?

The speed of this progress truly astonished many disciples who secretly admired Cao Feiyu, and they discussed it amongst themselves.

Upon hearing this, Cao Feiyu smiled and refilled Wei Zhongqian's teacup, her voice calm and even: "Senior Brother Wei is joking, it's just a cup of coarse tea."

After a brief silence, Wei Zhongqian put down his celadon teacup, the bottom of which gently touched the stone table, making a crisp "ding" sound.

He suppressed his smile, his expression becoming more serious. His gaze shifted between Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu as he whispered, "Junior Sister Cao, Junior Brother Chen, are you interested in vying for those three sets of sixteenth-grade top-rank spiritual materials?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Feiyu did not answer immediately, but instead turned her head slightly and glanced at Chen Fei, who was sitting quietly beside her.

The morning light filtered through the branches of the ancient pine tree, casting dappled shadows on her exquisitely beautiful profile. Her cool, clear eyes reflected Chen Fei's silhouette, and a bright smile appeared on her face.

"There are plans."

Cao Feiyu withdrew her gaze and looked at Wei Zhongqian, "My Heavenly Sword Technique, after being tempered by the illusion of the ruins, has reached the ninth threshold. Once this barrier is broken, my sword intent can advance further."

She paused, then continued, "A sixteenth-grade top-rank spiritual material, for me, could directly allow me to break through to the peak of the Tai Cang Realm. It is something I cannot afford not to fight for."

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear. After speaking, Cao Feiyu looked at Chen Fei, her smile deepening.

Chen Fei felt Cao Feiyu's gaze and Wei Zhongqian's questioning look, and smiled: "I will go too."

"Those three top-grade spiritual materials are indeed unparalleled opportunities, worth fighting for with all our might, but..."

Wei Zhongqian changed the subject, his expression becoming slightly serious, "There are quite a few contenders. Junior Brother Chen, your cultivation has improved rapidly, but you still have a short time ahead of you, so please be careful when the time comes."

Chen Fei knew that Wei Zhongqian meant well, so he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your advice, Senior Brother Wei. I will be careful."

Cao Feiyu nodded slightly: "What you say is very true, senior brother. This competition will surely be a fierce battle."

Her eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Chen Fei, her gaze full of confidence.

Seeing this, Wei Zhongqian laughed and said nothing more. He had already witnessed Chen Fei's strength when they fought two late-stage Tai Cang Realm vengeful demons together in the ruins.

Thinking of this, Wei Zhongqian's eyes revealed an undisguised envy and emotion.

He naturally gained something from this trip to the ancient celestial ruins. But compared to the two before him, it all seemed rather insignificant.

Cao Feiyu broke through to the late stage of the Tai Cang Realm, while Chen Fei directly broke through two realms, moving from the early stage to the late stage. Moreover, the two seemed to have gained almost all the insights of the Tai Cang Realm in that illusion.

This means that there will be almost no bottlenecks in their cultivation at the Tai Cang Realm level.

"By the way, are you still going to the Heavenly Mandate Palace?" Wei Zhongqian suddenly asked.

Upon hearing those three words, the atmosphere inside the stone pavilion seemed to subtly shift once again. He looked at Chen Fei, his eyes questioning.

Upon hearing this, Chen Fei pondered for a moment. His original plan did indeed include the Heavenly Mandate Palace, since it would save him a certain amount of spiritual material, which was an opportunity for him.

Even if one goes to the peak of the Tai Cang Realm and passes through the Heavenly Fate Palace, one can raise their cultivation to the position of half-step Heavenly Monarch.

But the plans couldn't keep up with the changes.

"I was originally going to go, but..."

Chen Fei paused for a moment, then continued, "But recently I heard some news within the sect that, supposedly, three months from now, the Yan Yang Immortal Dynasty royal family will unite with the top sects and ancient families within its borders to hold the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects in the imperial capital, Yan Yang City."

"That's true." Wei Zhongqian nodded.

"This seems to be a spur-of-the-moment decision by the Yan Yang Immortal Dynasty, but the top five in the competition will each receive a set of seventeenth-grade low-rank spiritual materials provided by the Immortal Dynasty's royal family and several top forces."

Wei Zhongqian nodded, then suddenly realized something and looked at Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu in surprise, "Junior Brother Chen, Junior Sister Cao, you two are still planning to participate in this Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects?" (End of this chapter)