Cultivation: I Can Traverse Otherworlds

With his Outer Body Incarnation at his side, Zhu Ju, alone with his sword, forced over a dozen Demon Dao Dao Foundation Cultivators to retreat.

Among them was even a Fake Pill Cultivator.

This left Xi Chen and Jir Mingxi, who had just fled back to the encampment, looking at each other in utter dismay.

This was especially true for Xi Chen.

In his mind, his master was just an unremarkable Mid-Stage Dao Foundation Cultivator.

An honest, quiet man with a rather solitary personality.

He never would have imagined.

Sword Qi Thunder Sound!

That legendary Sword Dao Skill actually appeared in his master’s hands. With a single move, he killed two Demon Dao Dao Foundation Cultivators, rescuing the two of them from danger, and even forced the horde of Demonic Demon People to withdraw.

What incredible might was this?

”Go back.”

Zhu Ju sheathed his sword, gestured to the two of them, and transformed into a beam of Tunneling Light that descended into the main hall.

”Senior Brother!”

Liuu Huang’er, who was controlling the Array, hurried to greet him, her face flushed with excitement as she said urgently:

”You actually comprehended the Sword Qi Thunder Sound Divine Technique!”

She had seen everything that just happened outside with perfect clarity.

When Jir Mingxi was lured out of the Array by the Demonic Demon People and Xi Chen unfortunately followed in his footsteps, Liuu Huang’er’s heart had been filled with despair.

In her eyes, the two of them, surrounded by Demonic Demon People, had no hope of survival.

Until Zhu Ju made his move.

The situation changed in an instant!

”Just a bit of luck.” Zhu Ju waved his hand, his face slightly pale. ”I’ve only just grasped it and am not yet proficient. The Sword Qi Thunder Sound is powerful, but its consumption is also immense.”

He shook his head gently as he spoke.

He had just killed two Demon Dao Dao Foundation Cultivators in succession. It looked easy and casual, but in reality, the Magical Power consumption was staggering.

Every single slash.

Had directly drained over twenty percent of his Magical Power.

Even with the Blood-Burning Curse active, given Zhu Ju’s formidable recovery rate, he still couldn’t have executed many more of those slashes.

If not for this, how could he have just stood by and watched the crowd of Demonic Cultivators retreat?

’To use the Sword Qi Thunder Sound, one’s Essence, Qi, and Spirit must be perfectly fused, and one must achieve Sword Heart Clarity. My Cultivation is ultimately too low.’

”Oh!”

Seeing the others look at the figure beside him, Zhu Ju came back to his senses.

”Let me introduce you all. This is a Fellow Daoist I met in the East Sea. His Daoist name is Wukong.”

”Benefactor.” Liuu Huang’er took a step forward, her voice filled with gratitude.

”Last time, I was saved thanks to you. Now that you’ve come to the Bright Void Sect, you must stay for a while.”

”Elder Wukong,” Xi Chen asked curiously, ”are you a Golden Core Cultivator?”

Void Shifting—in theory, only Golden Core Cultivators possessed such an ability.

”No.”

Zhu Ju spoke, controlling ’Wukong’.

”By a fortunate coincidence, I acquired a Curious Object that allows me to use Void Shifting. I am also a Dao Foundation Cultivator.”

He then nodded towards Liuu Huang’er.

”Miss Liuu, you are too kind.”

”Fellow Daoist Wukong met with a mishap some years ago and his Physical Body was destroyed, so he does not reveal his true form to others,” Zhu Ju ’explained’ why Wukong was wrapped in a black Magic Robe, then said to Jir Mingxi:

”First, go and settle the members of the Jir Family.”

”...Yes.” With a complex look in his eyes, Jir Mingxi took a deep breath and bowed his head deeply to Zhu Ju.

”Thank you, Martial Uncle, for saving my life.”

Zhu Ju waved his hand.

”Since you call me Martial Uncle, how could I possibly stand by and watch you die?”

”Xi Chen!”

”Take Fellow Daoist Wukong to rest.”

”Yes.”

”Junior Sister Liuu, you’re pregnant, so you should go rest as well. We can all gather together this evening.”

”...Yes.”

After seeing that everyone was settled, Zhu Ju returned to the core of the Array, sat down cross-legged, and took out the Ten Directions Cross Sword.

The three-foot Longsword floated quietly before him.

A feeling of being connected by blood arose in his mind. The Flying Sword before him felt like a part of his own body.

He had never felt anything like it before.

Even after refining it with his heart’s blood, he had never been able to perceive the Magical Treasure’s condition so clearly.

’The Divine Refining Technique!’

Zhu Ju’s eyes flickered as he fell into thought.

Among the methods for refining Magical Artifacts and Magical Treasures, there was an extremely unique technique: Primordial Spirit Refining.

Once completed,

a Spirit Binder could wield their Magical Treasure as if it were an extension of their own arm, moving it as they wished.

It must have been from the years of struggling against the Broken Sword Intent. Unknowingly, he had allowed this treasure to be imbued with the aura of his Primordial Spirit. After the Broken Sword Intent vanished, the Flying Sword naturally completed the Divine Refining Technique.

BZZZT...

The Longsword trembled lightly, its hum melodious and clear.

Zhu Ju gently caressed the Longsword, a trance-like look flashing in his eyes, as if he had returned to the moment the Sword Intent disintegrated.

Back then.

The Ten Directions Killing Dao and the White Tiger Fierce Killing Sword had been locked in a desperate battle within the Illusion Realm.

The Ten Directions Killing Dao, at a disadvantage, was about to collapse. Even he had already given up and was preparing to try again next time.

But he never expected it.

The White Tiger Fierce Killing Sword suddenly shattered, its Sword Intent surging like a tide. Countless sword technique secrets and Sword Control Methods flooded into Zhu Ju’s consciousness, leaving him momentarily stunned.

In a daze.

He didn’t know how much time had passed.

By the time Zhu Ju came to his senses, the Sword Intent within the Ten Directions Cross Sword had vanished.

In its place was a feeling of being connected by flesh and blood. Commanding the sword as its Spirit Binder felt smoother than ever before.

Furthermore, he had naturally comprehended the Sword Qi Thunder Sound Divine Technique.

Only then was he able to save the two of them.

With a mere thought.

SWISH!

The Ten Directions Cross Sword trembled slightly. Afterimages flickered through the hall as sharp beams of Sword Light spread out in all directions.

Ten Directions Killing Dao!

Ten beams of Sword Light appeared abruptly.

The Sword Light was like threads, descending in straight lines. Wherever the Sword Intent spread, all life felt a killing chill, and the Primordial Energy stagnated.

The entire hall seemed to be peeled away from the present world, forcefully carved out by the Sword Intent of the Ten Directions Killing Dao.

Within this area,

Zhu Ju was confident he could easily slay even a Late-Stage Dao Foundation Cultivator.

’Even without the Sword Qi Thunder Sound Divine Technique, my Sword Control Technique has reached an astonishing level.’

’Elder Songx truly lived up to his reputation as a Late-Stage Golden Core master, to be able to leave behind his Sword Intent inheritance for posterity hundreds of years after his death.’

That’s right!

That Broken Sword Intent wasn’t just a wisp of Sword Intent; it was the inheritance left behind by Songx Jie of the Jade Void Sect.

It included several of the Jade Void Sect’s top-tier Sword Dao inheritances, including the White Tiger Fierce Killing Sword.

It wasn’t until Zhu Ju had completely worn down the Sword Intent that he finally understood.

And it was precisely because he had obtained Elder Songx’s inheritance that his comprehension of the Sword Dao had increased so dramatically in such a short time.

「Night.」

Everyone gathered in the main hall.

Firstly, to thank ’Wukong’ for his help; secondly, to celebrate Zhu Ju’s comprehension of the Sword Qi Thunder Sound Divine Technique; and thirdly, to celebrate the rescue of the Jir Family’s bloodline.

”Senior Brother.”

Despite being pregnant, Liuu Huang’er, influenced by the atmosphere, took a couple of small sips of Spirit Wine and said with a smile:

”Qingfeng sent me a message. He said the situation at the Marketplace is excellent. They even managed to plot and kill a Demonic Golden Core Cultivator.”

”News has also come from all corners of the Immortal Alliance. The Demon Dao has hit a hard rock this time and should be retreating any day now.”

”Oh!” Zhu Ju’s face broke into a smile. ”That is good news.”

This invasion by the Demon Dao, while ferocious, was not backed by many reinforcements. It wasn’t surprising that they failed to achieve their goals when faced with the united front of the Righteous Immortal Alliance.

However...

Knowing the Six Paths Demon Monarch’s personality, he likely wouldn’t rest until the Righteous Dao was eliminated. The next demonic calamity would surely be even more dangerous.

’I wonder if the Immortal Alliance can withstand it.’

’And how many times can they withstand it?’

”The southward migration must continue.”

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Ju spoke.

”Jir Mingxi, after a while, once you’ve confirmed that the nearby Demonic Cultivators have retreated, you will take a portion of the disciples south.”

”Yes.”

Jir Mingxi nodded hastily.

*

*

*

「Several months later.」

After noticing the Demon Dao’s attacks had become weak and listless, the Righteous Immortal Alliance began their counterattack, and the Demon Dao’s defensive line collapsed.

The tables had turned.

SWOOSH!

The Wind and Thunder Blade Wings on his back vibrated gently. Zhu Ju transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for the Immortal Alliance’s encampment.

In his hand, he held a message from Pei Jingque.

Liuu Huang’er’s due date was approaching, and the Marketplace was now safe, so Zhai Qingfeng naturally had no desire to stay there any longer.

He wanted to come back and be with Liuu Huang’er.

Shui Qianning was injured and also needed to return to the Sect’s encampment to recuperate.

As the two of them were returning, Zhu Ju was heading to the Marketplace to take their place as the Bright Void Sect’s designated Dao Foundation Cultivator.

”Halt!”

”Who goes there?”

Two beams of Tunneling Light flew up from below, blocking his path.

”Zhu Ju of the Bright Void Sect.” Zhu Ju tossed an object towards them. ”This is my Token.”

”The Bright Void Sect?” One of them heard this, and his expression shifted slightly. ”Fairy Pei’s sect?”

”My apologies for the disrespect.”

After inspecting the Token, the two cupped their hands and made way, their polite expressions tinged with a bit of reverence.

This reverence was clearly not for him.

’Senior Sister Pei...’

’What did you do?’

Upon entering the Marketplace, Zhu Ju went straight to the area where the Immortal Alliance had quartered the Bright Void Sect’s disciples.

”Junior Brother Zhu!”

Pei Jingque was dressed in her usual crimson palace gown, the flame pattern on her brow more brilliant and solid than ever.

Even standing still, she exuded an invisible, powerful aura.

”Senior Sister.”

Zhu Ju smiled. ”Primordial Energy like a Tide—this is a sign of Dao Foundation Perfection. Congratulations are in order.”

”Mmm...” Pei Jingque smiled, pursing her lips. ”I was lucky enough to kill a few Demonic Cultivators recently. I used the merit points to exchange for some Elixirs from the Immortal Alliance, which boosted my Cultivation a little.”

”However...”

”It’s still nothing compared to you, Junior Brother!”

Her beautiful eyes were smiling, sparkling with a radiant light, and her tone couldn’t hide her excitement.

Over the past few months, Pei Jingque had made quite a name for herself in the Marketplace, earning the title Fierce Flame Fairy.

Her strength was comparable to that of a Fake Pill Cultivator.

”Sword Qi Thunder Sound...”

”With that technique alone, plus the Ten Directions Cross Sword, you could challenge a Fake Pill Cultivator, Junior Brother.”

Not many in the Righteous Immortal Alliance knew that Zhu Ju possessed the Sword Qi Thunder Sound technique, but Pei Jingque, of course, had known for a long time.

”It’s not that easy,” Zhu Ju said, shaking his head.

”The Sword Qi Thunder Sound is powerful, but my Cultivation is too weak. I’ll be completely drained after just a few slashes.”

”It’s fine against weaker opponents, but it won’t work against experts.”

”No matter.” Pei Jingque took his hand and had him sit down.

”Once you reach the Late-Stage Dao Foundation, your Magical Power True Essence will be abundant. By then, even a Fake Pill Cultivator might not be your match.”

”Given time, you have a good chance of reaching the Golden Core realm, Junior Brother.”

”And with Xi Chen as a Golden Core Seed, the Bright Void Sect’s legacy will be secure for the next thousand years.”

”Oh, right.”

She took something out.

”With the Righteous Dao’s great victory this time, many people have acquired spoils of war, so the Immortal Alliance is holding an exchange.”

”This exchange is a bit special—you can conceal your appearance.”

”Oh?” Zhu Ju was puzzled. ”Why is that? Aren’t they afraid of Demonic Cultivators sneaking in?”

”The Marketplace has an Array. Any Demonic Demon People who show their faces would just be courting death. Even if they got in, they’d have to do it secretly,” Pei Jingque explained.

”As you well know, Junior Brother...”

”Some of the spoils are likely the belongings of fallen comrades. Trading them openly would be troublesome, but not trading them means you can’t get what you need. Concealing one’s appearance is beneficial for everyone involved.”

Zhu Ju nodded.

Similar transactions usually took place in the Black Market or Dark Workshops.

The Immortal Alliance must be aware of this, so they decided to organize an exchange themselves to better control the situation.

”By the way.”

Pei Jingque remembered something and said,

”Junior Sister Dong came by a while ago. She said that if you came, you should go see her.”

”Dong Yuelan?” Zhu Ju’s expression flickered. ”Is the Hundred Flowers Sect all right?”

”...” Pei Jingque shook her head.

”The Hundred Flowers Sect suffered devastating losses. Besides Junior Sister Dong, only a handful of Qi Refiners managed to escape.”

”Last time we met, she was discussing selling the access rights to their Secret Realm with me.”

”Sigh!”

After a sigh, she said,

”Fortunately, a group of disciples went south ahead of time, so their foundation remains. They still have a chance to recover.”

Zhu Ju nodded slowly.

Although they were victorious overall in this invasion by the Demon Dao, the destruction of sects like the Hundred Flowers Sect was not an uncommon occurrence.

For Dong Yuelan to have escaped was a great fortune in the midst of tragedy.