Novel11 Chapter 365 : Invitation and Harvest
Chapter 365 : Invitation and Harvest
“You can now try to wield the Five Elements Radiant King Wings and test their compatibility,” said True Venerable Taoyan with evident interest.A Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure was no ordinary object. It carried within it the Dao’s rhythm of Heaven and Earth. In the hands of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, it could draw upon a portion of Heaven and Earth’s authority, causing one’s strength to multiply dramatically.
But such mighty power was far beyond what a Golden Core True Person could command.
If a Golden Core True Person lacking sufficient strength dared to forcefully use a Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure, backlash would most likely follow, harming the user more than benefiting them.
Chen Beiwu was an exception. Though his cultivation was only at the peak of the Golden Core realm, the thickness of his foundation had already brushed against the threshold of a Nascent Soul True Monarch. His divine sense was even more astonishing, comparable to that of a mid-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch.
For such an unreasonable, peerless Golden Core prodigy, so long as he remained cautious, drawing upon a portion of a Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure’s power should not pose a problem.
Hearing this, Chen Beiwu’s thoughts stirred. The Five Elements Radiant King Wings behind him slowly emitted a vast yet stable Five Elements Dao rhythm. Their brilliance surged, and he gently flapped them.
“Swish!”
In an instant, a thunderous roar rang beside Chen Beiwu’s ears. The surrounding scenery rapidly twisted and elongated before abruptly transforming into an unfamiliar world.
Yet Chen Beiwu had no leisure to observe his surroundings. He quickly took out a recovery pill and swallowed it, his mind instinctively sinking into his dantian.
The reason was simple—after merely a single flap of his wings, more than half of the Yuanshi True Qi within his dantian’s qi sea had been consumed. A faint ache pulsed through his meridians. This was a negative symptom caused by excessive and rapid depletion of Earthly Sha True Qi within a short period.
“Not bad.”
At that moment, True Venerable Taoyan’s figure appeared instantly and praised, “The Five Elements circulate, ripples arise in the void. In a single instant, you shifted five thousand li. This escape speed already surpasses that of great True Monarchs. Truly rare.”
Upon hearing this, Chen Beiwu suddenly understood, though surprise still flickered across his face.
Given his current divine sense strength and range, he could not accurately measure the distance of this shift. However, the words of a Divine Transformation True Venerable were generally trustworthy.
Five thousand li in a single instant—what did that mean?
It meant that with but a thought, Chen Beiwu could escape the vast majority of perilous situations, leaving most Nascent Soul True Monarchs far behind, unable to catch him.
‘I truly chose correctly!’ Chen Beiwu rejoiced inwardly.
Before knowing the exact distance, he had thought this was the drawback of a Golden Core True Person wielding a Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure—immense consumption, more than half of his Yuanshi True Qi expended with each use.
But now, he felt the Five Elements Radiant King Wings were worthy of their status as a Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure. Their power was unfathomable and astonishingly efficient—five thousand li for only half his Yuanshi True Qi, rather than draining him completely.
If an ordinary Nascent Soul True Monarch were to shift a thousand li five consecutive times, more than half of their Heavenly-Gang mana would likely be exhausted, greatly weakening their combat strength.
“Recognizing you as its master is only the beginning.”
Seeing Chen Beiwu’s expression, True Venerable Taoyan reminded him, “To truly wield the Five Elements Radiant King Wings, you must refine them day and night, nourish them, and communicate with their core origin. Only when your divine intent aligns with theirs can you unleash the full might of a Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure.”
“Of course, this is not something accomplished overnight. Once you return, enter seclusion in tranquility. Use your spirit as fire and your qi as fuel. Sooner or later, you will refine its origin core.”
“Remember—do not rush for quick success.”
After explaining the precautions for refining a Heaven-Reaching Profound Treasure, True Venerable Taoyan changed the topic and spoke of official matters.
“By the way, the Transmission Hall of Tianyan Immortal Sect is currently short of lecturers to expound the Golden Core Great Dao. Little Friend Chen, would you be willing to open a lecture and teach?”
Chen Beiwu did not hesitate and nodded directly.
One who benefited from another could hardly refuse a reasonable request.
As the host of this Immortal Sect Exchange Conference, Tianyan Immortal Sect had consistently shown him goodwill.
Such a fair and reasonable request did not warrant refusal. In fact, it might even increase Chen Beiwu’s fate.
……
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Tianyan Immortal Sect, Lecture Hall.
“That will conclude today’s session. If fate allows, we shall meet again.”
With those words, Chen Beiwu did not glance at the young prodigies below who appeared deep in contemplation. He turned and stepped down from the Dao platform, walking toward a corner of the lecture hall.
Xu Lingling, dressed in a pure white gown, quickly put away her jade slip and stood, lifting her gaze toward Chen Beiwu.
In the next moment, under the watchful eyes of numerous Tianyan Immortal Sect prodigies, the two walked out of the lecture hall side by side.
“Are they together?”
“Unlikely. Probably just old classmates meeting again.”
“Tch, there’s no such thing as pure friendship between men and women.”
“Indeed. If it were you, would you miss someone like Senior Brother Chen?”
Several graceful young female cultivators whispered among themselves, indulging in gossip.
Meanwhile, Chen Beiwu and Xu Lingling strolled along a small path, attracting the gazes of passing cultivators.
On Xu Lingling’s shoulder rested a red snake about as thick as an arm. It raised its triangular head toward Chen Beiwu, its crimson tongue flicking incessantly.
“You’re leaving?” Xu Lingling’s voice carried a trace of reluctance.
“Yes. I’ll return by flying vessel today,” Chen Beiwu replied.
Defeating foes across realms was less reliable than crushing them with superior cultivation.
Though he was at the peak of Golden Core, it still felt somewhat insufficient. It would be better to return to the sect, enter seclusion, consolidate his foundation, break through to Golden Core perfection, and then attempt to prove the Dao as a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Only by becoming a Nascent Soul True Monarch could he access the Immortal Alliance’s true secrets.
Xu Lingling pursed her lips, falling silent. The atmosphere grew quiet.
“When do you plan to break through to Golden Core?” Chen Beiwu asked, changing the topic.
Xu Lingling was already at the peak of Foundation Establishment, only one step away from Core Formation. It was time to begin preparing Fire-Attribute Earthly Sha Essence to temper her mana.
“No rush to form the Core. I’ll wait until the Scarlet-Patterned Scorchfire Serpent recovers its origin,” Xu Lingling replied, gently stroking the red snake.
Originally, she had intended to form the second-grade Golden Core her father recommended. But after learning the Taiyi Golden Core method from Chen Beiwu, she glimpsed the possibility of forging a first-grade Golden Core. Her ambition had grown accordingly, and she did not mind continuing to accumulate foundation during Foundation Establishment.
Chen Beiwu’s brows faintly furrowed. He sharply sensed a familiar aura rapidly approaching.
Looking up, he saw a fiery red escape light descend from the clouds, revealing Zhao Chen.
“Brother Zhao, what brings you here?” Chen Beiwu asked.
“Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven has sent a letter. I was tasked with delivering it to you.”
A flicker of light passed through Zhao Chen’s storage ring as a jade slip appeared in his hand. He respectfully presented it with both hands.
“Senior Brother Zhao.”
Following sect etiquette, Xu Lingling offered a salute, inwardly astonished.
Zhao Chen was the contemporary chief disciple of Tianyan Immortal Sect.
Even though Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven stood above the Thirteen Immortal Sects, there was no need for Zhao Chen to personally deliver a letter unless the sender held extraordinary status within Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven.
“Thank you, Brother Zhao.”
Chen Beiwu accepted the jade slip and infused it with divine sense.
【Special Invitation to Chen Beiwu, Prodigy of Yuqing Immortal Sect】
【With this letter, you may enter Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven for further study】
【Duration: Ten Years】
【Effective upon receipt, usable at any time】
The contents were brief—only four lines—yet they stirred faint ripples in Chen Beiwu’s heart.
The Five Great Grotto-Heavens were the rulers of the Immortal Alliance. For cultivators of the Thirteen Immortal Sects, gaining eligibility to study at Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven was akin to a carp leaping through the Dragon Gate, transcending the Thirteen Immortal Sects to access higher-level Dao teachings and the philosophy of Borrowing Beasts to Cultivate.
Moreover, such eligibility was exceedingly rare—a form of invisible recognition reserved only for the most outstanding disciples.
“May I ask—this is a Grotto-Heaven invitation, correct?” Zhao Chen asked.
If Chen Beiwu had indeed obtained such eligibility, it meant he had already received a measure of recognition and attention from the Immortal Alliance’s upper echelon.
All those praises of his Divine Transformation potential would become undeniable reality.
“How did you know?” Chen Beiwu nodded in return.
“Because the letter is signed by the Holy Maiden of the Supreme Yin, Gu Qinghan,” Zhao Chen replied, admiration evident in his tone.
At the familiar name, Chen Beiwu’s brows knit slightly as memories of his crushing defeat in the Struggle Realm resurfaced.
That defeat had taught him what it meant that beyond mountains lay higher mountains.
Compared to the Immortal Alliance’s true top prodigies, the Southern Wastes’ talents were hardly worth mentioning.
“Unfortunately, with my mediocre talent, I fear I will never receive an invitation from the Holy Maiden of the Supreme Yin,” Zhao Chen sighed, unable to conceal his envy.
“Brother Zhao, what difference does it make?” Chen Beiwu sensed something amiss.
Though Grotto-Heaven eligibility was rare, Zhao Chen, as chief of Tianyan Immortal Sect, was no ordinary prodigy.
“You don’t know?” Zhao Chen explained, “This letter is not merely for further study—it is also an invitation to the Supreme Yin Gathering.”
“The Supreme Yin Gathering?”
Chen Beiwu and Xu Lingling exchanged interested glances.
Zhao Chen nodded solemnly. “Indeed. The Supreme Yin Gathering was personally founded by the Holy Maiden of the Supreme Yin, Gu Qinghan. It admits only top prodigies she acknowledges.
Those who enter are all the cream of the Grotto-Heavens and Immortal Sects. Their future achievements will be at least Divine Transformation True Venerable.”
He paused slightly. “For the Holy Maiden to personally invite Senior Brother Chen is itself proof of strength.
From today onward, your profile will likely become top-secret, ranked alongside the Five Great Grotto-Heavens’ elite prodigies, perhaps even placed upon the desks of the Immortal Alliance’s high officials.”
Chen Beiwu’s mind grew solemn.
Without Zhao Chen’s explanation, he would not have known how much lay hidden behind a simple letter.
For him, attention from the Immortal Alliance’s upper echelon was a double-edged sword.
It could grant him resource prioritization and rising status—but it might also expose what was extraordinary about him.
Yet a sharp awl in a sack would inevitably pierce through.
If he wished to prove the Dao and become a True Venerable, he must display his uniqueness and gain the Immortal Alliance’s attention.
Only then could his path stretch further.
As for whether his extraordinary traits might lead the Immortal Alliance to suspect Nine-Breath Chaos, he considered it nearly impossible.
If the Immortal Alliance’s upper echelon could detect the existence of fate itself, Nine-Breath Chaos would not have remained with the Huang Clan for so many years.
Moreover, history had produced genius prodigies before. One more would not be strange.
“Senior Brother Chen, my task is complete,” Zhao Chen said, glancing at Xu Lingling and stepping back. “I won’t disturb your date.”
With that, he departed in a streak of light.
“When will you go to Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven?” Xu Lingling asked, cheeks faintly flushed.
“With my current cultivation, it’s still too early,” Chen Beiwu shook his head calmly.
He had his own rhythm.
Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven could wait. For now, his goal was seclusion and breaking through to Golden Core perfection.
That very night, Chen Beiwu and Yu Zhaohua returned aboard a flying vessel.
……
Cosmos Splendor Grotto-Heaven.
Tianyuan Prefecture, Yuqing Immortal Sect.
The flying vessel passed through the Yuqing Mountain Gate and landed before the Student Affairs Hall.
As Chen Beiwu and his companions stepped into the air, they found the cloud steps leading to the hall crowded with Yuqing cultivators.
The most eye-catching sight was the massive banners they held aloft with mana:
“Dao Unites the Heroes—The Champion Returns in Glory!”
“Pride of Yuqing—Role Model of Our Generation!”
“Welcome Senior Brother Chen Beiwu’s Victorious Return—Bringing Glory to Yuqing and Claiming First Place!”
Beneath the banners, five graceful female cultivators stepped forward, presenting Yuqing Spirit Ephemeris flowers.
Chen Beiwu accepted them with a courteous smile, listening to the surrounding praise.
After the welcome ceremony, he proceeded directly to the Teaching Department on the third floor of Wuji Tower.
He had claimed first place at the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference.
Now was the time to reap the rewards.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Three gentle knocks.
“Enter.”
Chen Beiwu pushed open the door and offered a respectful salute.
“The Sect Master has already informed me.”
He Zhengyu nodded. With a sweep of his sleeve, three Fire-Suppressing Profound Lamps floated forth and descended before Chen Beiwu.
【Azure Phosphor Karmic Flame】
【Emerald Heart-Transforming Flame】
【Sea-Void Flame】
Chen Beiwu’s eyes gleamed with delight.
“You led the team to victory, rendering great merit to the sect. These three exotic flames are the Sect Master’s promised reward. Use them wisely and do not disappoint his expectations,” He Zhengyu instructed.
“Thank you, Sect Master. Thank you, Minister. This disciple will cultivate diligently and never betray the sect’s trust.”
He Zhengyu nodded in satisfaction.
Seizing the moment, Chen Beiwu mentioned the invitation from Supreme Yin Grotto-Heaven.
“No matter. Whether you go sooner or later is up to you,” He Zhengyu said lightly before adding, “As for the Supreme Yin Gathering—you would do best not to join.”
“Understood. This disciple will absolutely not join.”
Chen Beiwu responded without hesitation.
Compared to Zhao Chen’s words, he trusted Yuqing Immortal Sect’s Divine Transformation True Venerable more.
“Good.”
He Zhengyu revealed, “Though the Supreme Yin Gathering appears to be a place where top prodigies discuss the Dao, in truth, it is where Gu Qinghan selects a Dao Companion.
If you join, regardless of your intentions, the Immortal Alliance’s upper echelon will see you as seeking to become her subordinate. It would stain your reputation and harm your future Great Dao.”