Beast-Taming Cultivator from Two Realms

Chapter 355 : The Assembly of Heroes Begins

What was a Golden Core Great Perfection cultivator?“Taking the Golden Core as the foundation, merging with the Divine Core; opening the Purple Mansion, initially condensing the Yang Spirit.”

Though this sentence appeared simple, it was in fact fraught with difficulty.

After Immortal Alliance cultivators advanced to the peak of the Golden Core stage, they had to gradually draw their three souls and seven spirits into the Golden Core, nurturing and tempering them with immortal golden nature and Earthly Sha True Qi, expelling turbid yin residues, and transforming their divine soul from Yin Spirit into Yang Spirit—comprehending the profound state where “the spirit resides within the core, and the core is the spirit.”

Then, within the Purple Mansion at the glabella—the Upper Dantian Mud Pill Palace—they had to condense a nascent form of the Yang Spirit that possessed both the characteristics of the “true self” and the “companion.”

To put it plainly, the nascent Purple Mansion Yang Spirit was the preliminary fusion of a Golden Core True Person’s Companion Dao and their three souls and seven spirits. It was also a rehearsal before a Golden Core cultivator proved the Dao to become a Nascent Soul True Monarch and forged the Purple Mansion Nascent Soul. More importantly, it was a metamorphosis and sublimation of the essence of life and the essence of the soul.

However, becoming a True Monarch was exceedingly difficult. The reason most Immortal Alliance Golden Cores halted at the level of True Person, unable to reach True Monarch, was not because proving the Dao to become a Nascent Soul True Monarch was unimaginably hard, nor because the heart-demon tribulation was especially terrifying.

Rather, it was because many Golden Core cultivators did not know how to achieve core-formed Purple Mansion, Yang Spirit emerging from the shell, crossing to the far shore of the Purple Mansion, and smoothly entering the Golden Core Great Perfection realm.

It was precisely for this reason that Chen Beiwu was moved when he heard the name Flame-Yang Liquid.

Flame-Yang Liquid was no ordinary item. It was a renowned Fourth-Tier rare mystic liquid of the Tianyan Immortal Sect.

It resembled flowing crimson gold. It felt warm and smooth to the touch and contained pure Yang energy. After a Golden Core cultivator consumed it, it could expel yin residues within the divine soul and accelerate the condensation of the nascent Yang Spirit.

Yet this alone was not enough for Flame-Yang Liquid to gain such a grand reputation and become the object of desire for countless Golden Core True Persons of the Immortal Alliance.

Its true marvel lay in the fact that its effects were not fixed, but were closely related to the cultivator’s own talent, Companion Beast, and Golden Core foundation.

Those of mediocre talent, after consuming Flame-Yang Liquid, often needed only a few years to successfully condense a nascent Yang Spirit.

However, such nascent Yang Spirits were usually dim in spiritual radiance, somewhat blurred in form, and their true-self characteristics were not distinct. The cultivator would need to spend great amounts of time repeatedly tempering them.

Those of exceptional talent and profound foundation, however, had a certain probability of entering a state of enlightenment known as “Pure Yang Soul Tempering.”

In this enlightenment state, the process of condensing the nascent Yang Spirit became extraordinarily long. It might last more than ten years, or even several decades.

During this period, the cultivator had to endure the agony of Pure Yang Soul Tempering. Those lacking firm will could easily lose mental control; those with insufficient foundation could fail in condensing the Yang Spirit and see all prior efforts wasted.

But as compensation, once successful, the nascent Yang Spirit formed would carry a trace of Purple Mansion Yang Spirit might. Its spiritual radiance would shine brilliantly, innately extraordinary, perfectly compatible with the cultivator’s true body, greatly increasing the probability of proving the Dao to become a True Monarch in the future.

“It's only a single Dao discussion. This item is far too precious.”

Chen Beiwu waved his hand and declined.

He was currently at the peak of the Golden Core stage. If he could obtain Flame-Yang Liquid and consume it, he could likely save considerable cultivation time and advance to Golden Core Great Perfection.

But Chen Beiwu also understood that spirit stones did not fall from the heavens. Flame-Yang Liquid delivered to his door might well burn his hands. It was better to decline first and see what Zhao Chen truly intended.

Hearing this, Zhao Chen was slightly startled.

Born into nobility, this was his first time giving a gift—and one that Golden Core peak cultivators would find difficult to refuse. He had not expected to be rejected.

‘Is it not enough?’

Zhao Chen quickly reacted and took out another entirely crimson jade bottle from his storage ring.

The moment the jade bottle appeared, the temperature of the entire hall soared.

“Crack!”

The jade bottle opened, revealing a fiery-red pill that swayed slightly, emanating spiritual charm. Crimson霞 radiance flowed across its surface.

“This is a Third-Tier peerless treasure pill, the [Lihuo Pill]. If consumed by a fire-attribute Companion Beast, it can awaken intelligence, nourish the divine soul, increase cultivation years, and break through one minor realm,” Zhao Chen introduced.

Chen Beiwu: “…”

He looked up at Zhao Chen and saw sincerity filling the latter’s eyes. For a moment, he was somewhat stunned.

Had he misunderstood? Perhaps the other party truly harbored no schemes—simply someone who repaid kindness with kindness?

“Brother Chen, please accept them.” Zhao Chen offered the map and pill with both hands and bowed slightly.

This time, Chen Beiwu did not hesitate and accepted them.

At this point, further refusal would only make him seem affected.

Seeing this, Zhao Chen relaxed visibly, a smile appearing on his face as he took the initiative to bid farewell.

Watching Zhao Chen’s figure leave, Chen Beiwu felt somewhat emotional.

For the sake of a bit of gratitude from Dao discussion, he had given away a Fourth-Tier mystic liquid and a Third-Tier peerless treasure pill so readily.

Compared to a second-generation prodigy of the Immortal Alliance like Zhao Chen, born into wealth and nobility, he—a cultivator possessing resources from two realms—appeared somewhat impoverished.

But this could not be helped. Wherever one went, high-level cultivation resources were always exceedingly rare and scarce.

Even as the Mirror Moon Dao Child, without sufficient merit, Chen Beiwu would find it difficult to obtain precious Fourth-Tier mystic medicines and Fourth-Tier mystic artifacts within the Mirror Moon Sect.

The Yuqing Immortal Sect was the same.

Even if the sect produced a prodigy who forged a Yuanshi Golden Core, they would only grant sufficient待遇 and status. They would not fully shoulder all resources, lest the rising prodigy lose spirit due to pulling seedlings to help them grow.

Chen Beiwu could understand this.

Of course, the sect would still bestow resources that a peerless prodigy deserved, such as Companion Beast evolution resources and certain special treatment.

As for foundational Immortal Arts, those were not Companion cultivation methods an ordinary prodigy could obtain.

If Chen Beiwu had not forged the Yuanshi Golden Core and created the Taiyi Foundation-Laying Marvelous Method to offer to the sect, he might not have received recognition from his master and the upper echelons of the Yuqing Immortal Sect, nor been exceptionally granted transmission of an Immortal Art.

To put it bluntly, Chen Beiwu knew clearly in his heart that although the Taiyi Foundation-Laying Marvelous Method was excellent, it could not compare to a foundational Immortal Art.

After all, those were supreme cultivation methods that even the chief disciple of an Immortal Sect might not be qualified to cultivate!

Dispelling his stray thoughts, Chen Beiwu lowered his head and glanced at the map.

‘Crimson Flame Realm? Isn’t that the venue for this session’s Assembly of Heroes?’

His brows furrowed slightly in surprise.

“Woof.”

At that moment, Iron Egg—who had been feigning sleep—suddenly got up and leapt into Chen Beiwu’s arms, acting coquettishly.

Its eyes were fixed tightly on the Lihuo Pill, its tail wagging wildly.

“No rush. Wait a bit longer.”

Chen Beiwu rubbed Iron Egg’s head and put away the map and Lihuo Pill.

If cultivation years rose too quickly, it might not be a good thing.

After Iron Egg refined the Soul-Stabilizing Flame and stabilized its bloodline cultivation, it would not be too late to consume the Lihuo Pill and break through.

“Buzz!”

His phone vibrated, and a message popped up.

Chen Beiwu glanced at it, somewhat surprised.

Interesting. The Nine Heavens Immortal Sect actually intended to join hands with the Yuqing Immortal Sect to clear the field.

As a show of sincerity, Lei Hao was willing to share the specific locations of the Yuxu Immortal Sect, Bixiao Immortal Sect, and Fulong Immortal Sect.

“Buzz.”

Not long after, ten more messages popped up in succession.

After reading them, a trace of strange expression flashed through Chen Beiwu’s eyes.

Aside from the ten great Immortal Sects, Wang Chan of the Taiqing Immortal Sect also intended to ally with him to eliminate the Shangqing Immortal Sect.

Of course, these verbal alliances were hard to distinguish between true and false. Chen Beiwu would not take them seriously.

These days, public alliances and secret betrayals were hardly novel.

…

Tianyan Immortal Sect, Teaching Department.

“Knock!”

“Knock!”

“Knock!”

Zhao Chen tapped three times. A calm voice came from within.

“Enter.”

As the words fell, the door’s restriction light rippled and silently vanished.

Zhao Chen’s expression grew solemn. He took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.

Inside, at a tea table, sat three indistinct figures, seemingly fused with heaven and earth.

“Disciple Zhao Chen pays respects to Master, True Venerable Purple Star, and True Venerable Long Yao!”

“How did it go?” True Venerable Tao Yan turned his head to look at his disciple.

“Brother Chen has accepted the Flame-Yang map and the Lihuo Pill,” Zhao Chen replied honestly.

Though he was clear about grudges and gratitude—repaying kindness and vengeance alike—he would not pretend to be grand.

Without his master’s sponsorship, he could not have produced Flame-Yang Liquid. At most, he could have taken out a bottle of Lihuo Pills to settle karma.

“Very well. You may leave. Prepare well for the Assembly of Heroes.”

After a slight pause, True Venerable Tao Yan added, “Remember to keep in contact with Chen Beiwu.”

“Yes.” Zhao Chen bowed and withdrew.

“Brother Zhao is truly bold.” True Venerable Purple Star shook his head slightly.

To dare to covet and attempt to win over the peerless prodigy of the Yuqing Immortal Sect—True Venerable Tao Yan was indeed daring.

Though Divine Transformation True Venerables held exalted status and were high-level figures within the Immortal Alliance, they were only high-level on the surface. The direction of the great vessel that was the Immortal Alliance was always controlled by Void-Refining Dao Venerables and above.

For True Venerable Tao Yan to scheme beneath the eyes of Void-Refining Dao Venerables was somewhat overestimating himself.

“What harm in trying? This old man neither schemed nor forced anything,” True Venerable Tao Yan replied calmly.

Whether or not the Zhao Clan could form a marital bond with Chen Beiwu, having Zhao Chen befriend him would never be a bad thing.

After all, a peerless prodigy like Chen Beiwu would not stop at Divine Transformation True Venerable in the future!

“The Assembly of Heroes is about to begin. Which sect do you think will take the crown?” True Venerable Long Yao changed the subject.

“Yuqing Immortal Sect,” True Venerable Tao Yan answered.

After a brief hesitation, True Venerable Purple Star gave the same answer.

Hearing this, True Venerable Long Yao raised his brows. “You both think so highly of Chen Beiwu?”

“The Assembly of Heroes differs from the Dao Discussion Battle format,” True Venerable Tao Yan chuckled. “If Yuqing and Taiqing join hands, they may well pull the Shangqing Immortal Sect down.”

“My view differs from Brother Zhao’s,” True Venerable Purple Star shook his head. “During the Dao Discussion Battle Finals, I seemed to see the shadow of someone in Chen Beiwu.”

“Oh? Who?” the other two asked with interest.

After a moment’s thought, True Venerable Purple Star said, “Gu Qinghan.”

At these words, ripples flashed through the eyes of the two Divine Transformation True Venerables.

The Supreme Yin Saintess Gu Qinghan?

Though Chen Beiwu had forged the Yuanshi Golden Core and comprehended the Third Exalted Seat of the Yuqing Thirty-Six Divisions Primordial Immortal Arts, how could he be compared to the Supreme Yin Saintess?

The Immortal Alliance’s prodigies were divided into upper and lower ranks. The same applied to Innate Dao Bodies—some as different as clouds in the sky and mud on the ground.

Gu Qinghan’s Innate Dao Body was publicly acknowledged by the Immortal Alliance’s upper echelon as one of the most top-tier—born bearing the origin of the Supreme Yin Star Soul. At the late Nascent Soul stage, she had survived a frontal strike from an extraterrestrial Divine Transformation cultivator.

Though external objects had been used, her survival under a Divine Transformation True Venerable’s attack far exceeded mere brilliance.

“Heh.” True Venerable Long Yao laughed lightly. “Chen Beiwu may be strong, but to compare him with the Supreme Yin Saintess is somewhat exaggerated.”

“That is why I said a shadow,” True Venerable Purple Star smiled faintly.

True Venerable Tao Yan, however, took the words seriously and quietly extinguished certain thoughts in his heart.

The spiritual intuition of a Divine Transformation True Venerable was no small matter—especially one skilled in deduction and physiognomy like True Venerable Purple Star.

If what he said were true, then perhaps the Yuqing Immortal Sect valued Chen Beiwu even more than he had estimated.

…

A week passed in the blink of an eye.

Tianyan Immortal Sect, Myriad Realms Mountain.

The rising sun cast its brilliance upon a towering mountain gate.

Forged of unknown material, entirely deep black, it was engraved with mountains, rivers, sun, moon, and stars, emanating an ancient and vast aura.

Opposite the mountain gate lay a vast white-jade plaza, filled with figures—the top prodigies of the Thirteen Immortal Sects gathered there.

Chen Beiwu raised his head, gazing at the Myriad Realms Gate not far away, astonishment in his eyes.

From that deep-black gate, he sensed a faint yet familiar aura—somewhat similar to the Gate of Ten Directions within the chaotic heaven and earth.

Yet the Gate of Ten Directions was far grander and more eternal, its aura far more profound, not comparable to the gate before him.

At that moment, a figure appeared without warning.

Clad in simple coarse Daoist robes, thin in build, yet possessing an aura of authority without anger, the middle-aged male cultivator drew the gaze of all present.

“This old man, Zhao Ziping of the Tianyan Immortal Sect.”

His voice was not loud, yet it clearly entered everyone’s ears. “Head of the Teaching Department of the Tianyan Immortal Sect. I will preside over this Assembly of Heroes.”

After a brief self-introduction, True Venerable Tao Yan went straight to the point.

“Beyond this gate lies the Crimson Flame Realm. Within the realm is its own heaven and earth.”

“The rules of the Assembly of Heroes—you all know them. The victor is king; the defeated are bandits. I will not repeat them, but will emphasize three points.”

“First: once you enter this gate, background no longer matters—only temperament, cultivation, cultivation years, and tactics. Those whose jade plaques are seized must immediately leave the Crimson Flame Realm and may not linger.”

“Second: opportunities are self-obtained, each by their own means. Within the Crimson Flame Realm lie legacies of Immortal Alliance sages, heavenly materials and earthly treasures, and spiritual vein nodes. Whether you can seize opportunities, strengthen yourselves, defeat other sects, obtain the most jade plaques, and remain until the end—all depends on your ability and fate.”

“Third: no killing without cause within the Crimson Flame Realm.”

At this point, True Venerable Tao Yan’s gaze sharpened.

“Whoever dares kill without cause—this old man will annihilate them. Conduct yourselves accordingly.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, the deep-black gate—silent for a hundred years—roared open, revealing a pitch-black passage connecting to the void.