After the Great Dao Died

Qi Chuan stood in the void above the lingering, scattered sword light, the qi around him churning erratically.

His Dark-Sinking Spiritual Sword had already returned to its sheath, yet his twelve sword pills continued to radiate a piercing brilliance.

He tried his utmost to keep his expression calm, but anger steadily rose in his eyes.

”It’s this Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light again.”

Having cultivated the sword for so long, he naturally knew the origins of this sword light.

This strike was the famous ultimate art of Marquis Yuhu of the Thunder Pool. Its killing power was exceptionally violent, renowned for destroying anything in the same realm.

When he sent an avatar to Slumbering Deer Peak earlier, it had been slashed apart by this very sword light. At the time, Qi Chuan merely felt the technique was quite extraordinary, but certainly not enough to rival his Mangchuan Sword Curtain—after all, the gap in cultivation realm between him and Chen Lingxi was immense.

Yet he never imagined that Chen Lingxi’s Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea sword light would be even more explosive this time.

And then there was that Thunder Prison Heaven Instant Fruit Divine Ability...

”Great Prison Furnace...”

Qi Chuan narrowed his eyes.

Behind him, the three disciples from Illuminating Sword Profound Peak were already trading shocked expressions.

First Profound Realm, and his sword light could actually shatter Senior Brother Qi’s sword pills?

This Yuan Zhiling from Slumbering Deer Peak actually possessed such extraordinary attainments in the Dao of the Sword.

At this moment, the sword qi Qi Chuan had just suppressed began to slowly circulate around his body once more.

This sword intent was like a sunken stone in a deep pool or a placid ancient well. Yet, the Dao Origin contained within was so thick and condensed that it far surpassed the strength of his previous sword curtain.

At the Dao Foundation Middle Stage, two Profound Roots stood upon his Dao.

Qi Chuan said, ”Little Martial Uncle, this sword strike of yours truly has some skill to it.”

He paused, his eyes gradually turning ice-cold. ”But does Little Martial Uncle truly believe that simply breaking one of my Mangchuan Sword Curtains with a single strike is enough to defeat me, Qi Chuan, in the Dao of the Sword?”

The moment his voice fell, the sword qi around him surged violently, instantly shredding all the clouds within a hundred zhang!

The speed at which his sword qi climbed was terrifyingly fast.

In the blink of an eye, a chilling, murderous aura permeated the air!

Chen Lingxi remained where he stood, his expression unchanging.

A Second Profound cultivator at the Dao Foundation Middle Stage, with two Profound Roots upon his Dao, three Great Divine Abilities, and an incredibly profound foundation!

”If he truly attacks with his Dao Foundation Middle Stage Dao Origin, I’ll be hard-pressed to win. However...”

Chen Lingxi had never been one to take risks; a sliver of his Dao Origin had already slipped into his Vast Void Pouch.

If Qi Chuan really threw caution to the wind and attacked, he would instantly activate the talisman given to him by True Person Xiangshu and strike him down!

Right at this moment.

Beside him, Zhu Mi sensed Qi Chuan’s killing intent. Circulating their divine sense, Zhu Mi transmitted a soundless message directly into Qi Chuan’s ear.

”Senior Brother Qi, this is Southern Brightness Peak, after all. If you start a fight here and alarm the experts on the peak, it might not end well for you.”

”Hold back for now.”

”If you truly want to make trouble for this Little Martial Uncle, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Just yield to him this once today. No one will look down on you for it.”

Qi Chuan fell silent for a moment.

His qi remained just as heavy, his Dao Foundation Middle Stage Dao Origin still churning relentlessly around him.

His gaze was sharp as a knife, as if he were weighing something.

After a long while, he finally withdrew his qi. The sword intent circulating around him slowly receded until it fell completely silent.

Qi Chuan settled back into his original position, standing upon the clouds with his hands clasped behind his back.

He turned away, his voice drifting over leisurely.

”I will remember what Little Martial Uncle said today.”

”You and I will have a chance to meet again.”

With that, he flicked his sleeve. The clouds beneath his feet suddenly swelled, lifting him and the three Illuminating Sword Profound Peak disciples into the air as they shot straight up into the churning sea of clouds.

It wasn’t long before the trail of clouds vanished into the distance.

On Southern Brightness Peak, the hundreds of probing divine senses also withdrew in amazement.

Zhu Mi merely gave Chen Lingxi a slight nod in greeting before also soaring away on the clouds.

In a matter of moments, the clouds gathered once more above Medicine Weaving Valley, but the people were gone.

Chen Lingxi withdrew his gaze from the sky and slowly turned, just about to leave.

Just then, the grayish-white array curtain at the entrance of Medicine Weaving Valley silently split open down the middle.

A current of air flowed out from within, carrying a rich medicinal fragrance mixed with the sharp, bitter scent of vegetation.

A middle-aged man in a grayish-white Daoist robe stepped out through the gap.

He had a gaunt figure, slightly high cheekbones, and an unremarkable appearance.

Yet his eyes were exceedingly spirited, his gaze clear and bright.

This man was none other than Daoist Qiaohe.

Daoist Qiaohe stepped out of the array curtain. He first cast a glance at the dissipating clouds in the distance before shifting his gaze to Chen Lingxi.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

”The Little Martial Uncle of Slumbering Deer Peak has certainly brought some liveliness to the entrance of my Medicine Weaving Valley today.”

Hearing this, Chen Lingxi cupped his hands in a bow. ”Greetings, Daoist Friend Qiaohe.”

Daoist Qiaohe waved his hand and said, ”No need for formalities. I am somewhat acquainted with that Qi Chuan from just now.

He came here today to make things difficult for you, yet you managed to shatter his sword curtain with a single strike. That is a sight this Medicine Weaving Valley hasn’t seen in a long time.”

Chen Lingxi replied, ”Senior praises me too highly.”

Daoist Qiaohe did not dwell on the matter of Qi Chuan. He simply stepped aside and gestured toward the inside of the array curtain.

”For Little Martial Uncle to grace my Medicine Weaving Valley with your presence, it must be for the sake of alchemy.

Please, come inside and we will talk.”

Chen Lingxi was slightly taken aback.

The two disciples guarding the valley had clearly just said that Daoist Qiaohe was currently receiving a distinguished guest and could not see anyone.

Yet here the Daoist was, personally stepping out to invite him in without the slightest hint of perfunctory evasion in his words.

With a quick turn of his thoughts, Chen Lingxi came to a realization.

Shi Xi must have finished refining that furnace of pills.

He didn’t hesitate any longer. After giving Daoist Qiaohe another bow, he followed the man through the array curtain and stepped into Medicine Weaving Valley.

The inside of Medicine Weaving Valley was entirely different from the outside.

Within the array curtain, the air was saturated with a rich, sharp, and lingering scent of vegetation.

The valley floor was broad and flat. Growing along the cliffs on both sides were countless varieties of spiritual herbs; their leaves curled and stretched in vibrant shades of crimson and emerald, a dazzling array of colors.

Right in the center of the valley rested a large furnace atop a stone slab.

The furnace was about a zhang tall and entirely bronze in color. Intricate runes were carved across its surface. Although the fire had mostly died down, a slender wisp of golden-purple medicinal vapor still curled out of the opening, refusing to dissipate.

Daoist Qiaohe led Chen Lingxi to a stone table on one side of the valley floor and offered him a seat.

Two celadon cups were already set on the table, filled with a pale spiritual tea.

”This is grown right here in the valley. It is called [Clear Heart Tea], and it can clear away distracting thoughts.”

Daoist Qiaohe took a seat on the other side of the table, poured himself a cup, and then filled Chen Lingxi’s.

Chen Lingxi picked up the cup and took a sip. The tea was slightly bitter, but its aftertaste was incredibly crisp and refreshing. It truly did have a calming effect on the mind.

He set the cup down and said, ”Daoist Friend, I have come today to request a specific pill from you.”

Hearing this, Daoist Qiaohe asked, ”May I ask which pill Little Martial Uncle is seeking?”

”The [Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine],” Chen Lingxi replied.

Daoist Qiaohe chuckled. ”I do indeed have the Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine here.

Its purpose is to briefly illuminate the profound workings of heaven and earth, aiding a cultivator in comprehending grand momentum divine abilities.

Since Little Martial Uncle has already reached third place on the First Profound Ranking, taken True Person Xiangshu of Slumbering Deer Peak as a master, and is cultivating a grand momentum Great Divine Ability...”

He paused and looked at Chen Lingxi. ”Are you seeking it to cultivate the [Heavenly Statute Edict]?”

Chen Lingxi nodded frankly. ”Exactly.”

”That Great Divine Ability is far too profound; very few people ever manage to master it.” As Daoist Qiaohe spoke, he waved his hand. From deep within the valley, next to the Great Chu Golden Cauldron, a sandalwood medicine box flew over on its own and landed steadily on the stone table.

The lid of the box gently clicked open, revealing a Mutton-Fat Jade Bottle resting quietly inside.

The jade bottle was about three inches tall, its surface completely unadorned. It was sealed only with a smear of cinnabar.

Yet the moment Daoist Qiaohe picked it up and slightly tilted it in his palm, Chen Lingxi clearly sensed an incredibly profound aura drifting out from within.

Just catching a whiff of that aura caused the comprehension of the Heavenly Statute Edict deep in his mind to suddenly flare with activity.

It felt just like when he had first obtained the Innate Jade and glimpsed the ”rules” within the afterglow of that mystic light.

Only this time, the aura was far richer and much more direct.

Daoist Qiaohe placed the jade bottle in the center of the stone table and slowly said, ”The Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine is right here.”

”Consider it a gift for Little Martial Uncle.”

Chen Lingxi’s heart stirred.

Was it really this easy?

This sort of specialized third-grade pill was truly invaluable. Many Dao Foundation Middle Stage cultivators would willingly bankrupt themselves just to obtain a single one.

After thinking it over, he stood up and bowed to Daoist Qiaohe. ”May I ask what Daoist Friend wants in exchange?”

Daoist Qiaohe waved his hand. ”To Little Martial Uncle, this item comes at the perfect time. To me, it is merely a furnace of pills.”

He paused, his gaze filled with a deeper meaning as he looked at Chen Lingxi.

”As for the matter of compensation... there is no need to speak of it for now.”

Chen Lingxi narrowed his eyes slightly and didn’t press the matter.

”In that case, I will remember this favor.”

He didn’t refuse. He solemnly bowed to Daoist Qiaohe once more, took the Mutton-Fat Jade Bottle with both hands, and stowed it in his Chaos Pouch.

Daoist Qiaohe gave a slight nod, saying no more.

Chen Lingxi asked a few more questions regarding the intricacies of consuming the Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine, which Daoist Qiaohe answered one by one.

Once Chen Lingxi had committed all the details to memory, Daoist Qiaohe finally stood up and personally escorted him back to the valley entrance.

In the distant sky, three massive suns radiated their brilliance, painting the evening sky in a vivid array of gold and crimson.

Chen Lingxi cupped his hands to Daoist Qiaohe and soared into the sky on a cloud, flying straight in the direction of Slumbering Deer Peak.

Once Chen Lingxi was far away, Shi Xi quietly emerged from the valley.

Daoist Qiaohe looked a bit puzzled. ”Since Daoist Friend Shi Xi wanted to assist the Little Martial Uncle of Slumbering Deer Peak, even going so far as to trade a treasure to obtain a Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine from me, why not just tell him directly and forge a good relationship?”

Shi Xi’s long hair fluttered in the wind. She shook her head, murmuring inwardly, ’Just consider it repaying the debt I owe to Sun Observation Peak.’

Meanwhile, the heavenly winds howled as the sea of clouds churned like waves beneath Chen Lingxi’s feet.

Sitting cross-legged atop his cloud, Chen Lingxi’s thoughts tumbled endlessly in his mind.

That sandalwood medicine box was now resting quietly inside his Chaos Pouch.

’Why did Daoist Qiaohe give me this Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine?’

Chen Lingxi pondered the question over and over again in his mind.

He had no reason to be so generous.

Even if a furnace of Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine wouldn’t bankrupt a third-grade alchemist, it was certainly not an insignificant transaction.

He and Daoist Qiaohe had no prior relationship. There had to be a reason behind what happened today.

Chen Lingxi replayed every detail of his time in Medicine Weaving Valley in his mind.

When the Daoist had mentioned the ”Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine,” his tone had been open and his expression completely natural, without the slightest hint of pretense.

And when he had asked for it, Daoist Qiaohe had simply set the matter aside with a ”we will discuss it later,” showing no intention of asking for anything in return...

Reaching this point in his thoughts, Chen Lingxi slowly shook his head.

”Whatever the reason, the Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine is already in my hands.”

”Using it to fully master the Heavenly Statute Edict is the most important matter at hand.”

He set his thoughts aside and silently urged the Cloud Soaring Technique beneath his feet, speeding through the air.

Some time passed, and the phantom image of the divine deer, hanging high in the boundless void, finally came into view in the distance.

He had arrived at Slumbering Deer Peak.

Chen Lingxi guided his cloud down, descending deep into the Water Curtain Cave.

The moment he parted the curtain of water, the thunderous roar of the thousand-zhang waterfall enveloped him once more.

The cave was as dim as ever, lit only by a few night spirit stones embedded in the stone walls, casting a familiar, faint, warm glow.

Chen Lingxi walked straight to the smooth bluestone slab and sat down cross-legged.

He took the Mutton-Fat Jade Bottle out of his Chaos Pouch and rested it on his palm.

The bottle was slightly warm. Around the cinnabar seal, a wisp of faint, pure qi slowly circulated.

Chen Lingxi took a deep breath and slowly peeled away the cinnabar seal on the Mutton-Fat Jade Bottle.

A burst of pure qi wafted out of the opening. It was faint at first, then thickened as it crossed the rim, ultimately condensing into a faint, translucent wisp of radiant light that slowly flowed into his nostrils!

The moment the radiant light entered his body, Chen Lingxi felt a crisp, refreshing coolness wash over his entire Sea of Consciousness.

His five senses suddenly grew sharper than ever before.

The spiritual energy flowing through the void, the sunlight piercing into the cave from outside, the mist rising from the thousand-zhang waterfall, and the muted glow of the night spirit stones in the walls—everything became distinct and perceptible.

At the same time, his comprehension of the Heavenly Statute Edict deep in his mind surged with activity!

The Celestial Ranking Spiritual Energy, the Innate Jade, and the Yi Turtle Shell each began to exude their own profound mysteries!

Chen Lingxi immediately popped the Heaven-Sensing Spiritual Medicine into his mouth and slowly refined it.

Once the medicinal power entered his body, it transformed into a profound streak of enlightenment that shot straight into the depths of his Sea of Consciousness.

Chen Lingxi felt his comprehension regarding the Heavenly Statute Edict instantly magnify!

All those previously hazy, half-grasped intricacies suddenly laid themselves bare one by one!

”So that’s how it is!”

Chen Lingxi opened his eyes, a spiritual light flashing within them!

Outside the cave, the sunlight was perfect.

The thousand-zhang waterfall still cascaded down with a thunderous roar.

Chen Lingxi walked out of the Water Curtain Cave and hovered in midair. He slowly raised his right hand, pointed at the cave, and softly spoke two words:

”Edict.”

”Halt!”

The instant his voice fell.

A profound spiritual energy surged out of his body!

In the next breath, countless ripples converged in the void, transforming into the heavy, absolute sound of an edict.

[Halt]!

The curtain of water, which had been plummeting endlessly with the roar of thunder, actually froze in place!

At the same time!

Within his body, upon the Dragon-Stripping Dao and directly beneath the Thunder Prison Profound Root, another Profound Root slowly began to emerge in what was previously an empty space!

A second Profound Root!

It was exactly the Heavenly Statute Profound Root!

This newly-born Profound Root resembled a jade-colored tendon. It slowly sprouted from the depths of his Dao, barely a few inches long!

Yet it radiated an unparalleled, solemn Daoist mystique.

A profound, mighty power surged out from within it like a rushing river!

”It is finally complete!”

Standing within the Water Curtain Cave, Chen Lingxi exhaled a breath of impure qi.

The Heavenly Statute Edict Great Divine Ability had been successfully cultivated.

His second Profound Root had also finished growing.

Now, he only needed to wait for the Profound Root to settle upon his Dao, and he would be able to advance to the Dao Foundation Middle Stage!