Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 280: Formal Challenge

"An opportunity to unify the Middle Land?" Wu Yuan pondered aloud.

“Young Master, it might be viable to conquer the world by sheer martial force, just like Jin Quan. But as cultivators, our goal of unifying the world goes beyond just training the next generation of disciples or gathering resources. The main goal is gathering Faith Incense." Fang Xia stated.

"To inspire belief and adoration in both commoners and fellow cultivators, you must establish a foundation of genuine benevolence and unwavering power."

"Even if Jin Quan successfully unifies the world, it will still take a significant amount of time to restore his damaged reputation and gain the genuine devotion of the people. This process would involve manipulating historical records, spreading propaganda through education, and even destroying books and scriptures for generations to come."

"Faith Incense can only be obtained from the heartfelt sincerity of the people," Fang Xia said.

Wu Yuan nodded. Faith Incense would serve various purposes once he advanced to the Amethyst Cradle phase.

Acquiring more Faith Incense would be advantageous, but the shortage of it wouldn't hinder him.

"Fang Xia, what strategies do you have in mind?" Wu Yuan asked. "How can we kill Jin Quan?"

Fang Xia chuckled, "The first approach is to besiege him. Two months ago, he was able to trap us in Cloudhill with his strength. He no longer fears leaving the Holy Capital. If we can lure him here, then Young Master, along with myself, Qiong Sea, and others, can join forces to lay siege to him and potentially end his life."

"What other strategies do you have?" Wu Yuan asked.

Fang Xia answered, "The second approach is to exercise patience. The power of Young Master's soul has grown tremendously and your progress is astounding. It may take some time, but whether within a year or several years later, you’ll definitely acquire the strength to kill Jin Quan in a direct confrontation."

"One to several years? That's far too long." Wu Yuan shook his head slightly and asked, "You mentioned earlier that Jin Quan has a method to leave the Middle Land?"

Fang Xia confirmed with a nod, "Yes. In the beginning, Jin Ji tried to win over Zhao Xing and Hai Feizhang by offering them a safe way to leave the Middle Land.” After the calamity, Hai Feizhang promptly informed Fang Xia about this matter.

Qiong Sea King focused on the ongoing conversation.

“Old Fang, as you said, the best way to assert our dominance in the eyes of the world will be to confront him directly. If we besiege him, how can we ensure that all other parties involved will submit to us?" Wu Yuan slowly said.

Fang Xia sank into contemplation.

"Send a messenger to the Holy Capital to deliver a formal challenge to Jin Quan."

"Today is August 8th. On September 8th, I will arrive at the Holy Capital to face him in a battle to the death." Wu Yuan declared

"What?" exclaimed Fang Xia, completely astonished.

"Master," Qiong Sea King was surprised, "Are you planning to go to the Holy Capital on your own? Isn’t a month too soon? Jin Quan is a Golden Core sword cultivator after all."

A sly smile crossed Wu Yuan's face, "I am aware."

"Young Master, how confident are you?" Fang Xia asked, staring intently at Wu Yuan.

"30%," said Wu Yuan stated.

"Only a 30% chance of victory?" Fang Xia balked. "Young Master, as a body refiner, you may have incredible self-preservation abilities, but the risk is still substantial."

“30% certainty that I will slay him, and 99% certainty that I’ll defeat him," Wu Yuan said calmly.

Fang Xia and the Qiong Sea King fell silent.

In their previous fights, Fang Xia led an array, accompanied by Qiong Sea King and Mountain Devil King. However, when they faced Jin Quan in the Holy Capital, they could only flee with their tails between their legs.

Wu Yuan was 30% certain he could kill him?

"Don't worry," Wu Yuan continued with a smile. "I have closely studied your fights with him. Even if I lose, I will still survive. Plus, both you, Fang Xia, and Qiong Sea King can provide support from a distance."

Fang Xia nodded involuntarily, feeling his anxiety ease.

The strength Wu Yuan had shown previously was no weaker than the power of the array when led by Fang Xia. Even if he truly couldn’t defeat Jin Quan, his survival shouldn't be a concern.

“While the formal challenge is on the way to the Holy Capital, spread the word far and wide, calling on all those who wish to witness the match to gather at the Holy Capital." Wu Yuan's voice was calm, though a hint of pride flashed in his eyes. "I hope that after this clash, all chaos in the Middle Land will cease once and for all."

"Very well," Fang Xia nodded. Though he was still a little worried, he couldn’t go against Wu Yuan’s orders.

"When will you return, Young Master?" asked Fang Xia.

Wu Yuan smiled and said, "I've nearly reached the Chu Continent, but it will take some time before I can return to Cloudhill. There’s no rush."

Fang Xia immediately understood that Wu Yuan was planning to visit the Fourth Eldritch Realm.

"Qiong Sea, guard Cloudhill diligently during this period," Wu Yuan instructed. "Oh, and Old Fang, how is my family doing?"

Through Qiong Sea King, Wu Yuan learned that the Starcom Consortium had published news of his supposed demise.

He was very worried about his family, particularly his mother.

"They are fine. Your mother still doesn't know because we made sure to keep the news hidden from her," Fang Xia chuckled. "But your sister knows. That girl is strong and has a similar demeanor to yours, Young Master."

"Oh?" Wu Yuan smiled. If Fang Xia praised his sister, it means she must have done well.

"Young Master, do you wish to meet the Arctic King and the others?" Fang Xia asked.

"Invite the Arctic King, Black Jiao King, Wu Nonghan, and Liu Junxing to the immortal hall," Wu Yuan said.

These individuals formed the core of the Middle Land Immortal Cultivators Alliance.

...

Upon receiving the notice, the Heavenly Rankers in Cloudhill swiftly entered the Middle Land Immortal Hall.

"Daoist Wu Yuan!”

“How are you?” The Arctic King, Black Jiao King, Wu Nonghan, and Liu Junxing were thrilled to see Wu Yuan.

Despite Fang Xia's previous assurances, they still harbored some doubts since they had yet to actually meet Wu Yuan.

Wu Nonghan exclaimed excitedly, “Haha, with Wu Yuan by our side, our chances of killing Jin Quan have risen greatly!"

Everyone shared his enthusiasm.

At twenty-one years old, Wu Yuan had nearly reached the Golden Core phase. He was an exceptional prodigy!

Everyone firmly believed that Wu Yuan would easily advance to the Spiritual Body phase. They also had high hopes that he would eventually lead the immortal path civilization of the Middle Land to even greater heights.

That was why Daoist Wan Xing and Emperor Dong Pan had arranged for Wu Yuan to succeed them and take over the leadership of the Starcom Consortium and Wu Sect after their deaths.

Wu Yuan looked around at the gathering and stated, "I've already instructed Ancestor Fang Xia to draft a formal challenge and send it to the Holy Capital. On September 8th, I will fight Jin Quan there."

"The battle will determine not only who wins and who loses, but also who lives and who dies!"

His words were met with expressions of shock and disbelief.

...

Inside the jade chamber under Cloudhill, Qiong Sea King shook his head while laughing, "Hahaha, Old Fang, did you see the look on the Arctic King's face just now?"

Fang Xia sighed and said, "I find it difficult to understand the reason for the young master’s confidence. Jin Quan is a Golden Core sword cultivator after all."

"Just have faith in our young master," Qiong Sea King replied, not too concerned.

...

About 30 li north of Cloudhill was a recently restored mountain. Several grand pavilions and halls stood on the summit of the mountain.

Within one of these halls.

"Wu Yuan has returned?" Bei Li exclaimed with astonishment.

"Mm," the Arctic King nodded faintly. "Just now, Fang Xia summoned me, Wu Nonghan, Qiong Sea King, and a few others for a meeting at the Middle Land Immortal Hall. Wu Yuan showed up."

"He seems to have grown even stronger." the Arctic King remarked.

"Stronger? That's great," Bei Li nodded. "Although Fang Xia is strong, he isn’t strong enough to defeat Jin Quan alone. With Wu Yuan joining forces with him, our chances will improve significantly."

It was clear that Bei Li acknowledged Wu Yuan's capabilities.

The Arctic King's expression turned grave as he spoke, "Wu Yuan plans to enter the Holy Capital alone and challenge Jin Quan to a life-or-death battle. From his tone, it's clear that he is confident in his ability to defeat Jin Quan."

"Enter the Holy Capital alone?" Bei Li was taken aback.

There was a moment of silence.

"Elder Brother, what should we do next?'" Bei Li asked.

"After observing the situation for some time, it’s clear that Qiong Sea King, Wu Nonghan, and Liu Junxing have all chosen to side with Wu Yuan. If he fails to defeat Jin Quan, then so be it."

"If he succeeds, or kills Jin Quan... No, even if their match ends in a stalemate, we’ll have no choice but to submit to him." the Arctic King sighed softly.

Bei Li fell silent, lost in thought.

If Wu Yuan's strength turned out to be comparable to Jin Quan's, then as representatives of the relatively weak Arctic Alliance, Bei Li and the Arctic King had to align themselves decisively with one side.

Continue to remain undecided? That was the quickest way to bring about their downfall.

"Let's wait for the outcome of this battle," the Arctic King decided. "If Wu Yuan wins, we'll be the first to propose that he should be the leader of the Middle Land Alliance and the ruler of the Middle Land."

"Understood," Bei Li agreed. "I will make the necessary preparations at once."

A wise man submits to the circumstances.

...

Wu Yuan's formal challenge to Jin Quan sent shockwaves through the Middle Land Immortal Cultivators Alliance.

While the various faction leaders pondered over their response, Wu Yuan reached the summit of Jiexian Mountain in the Chu Continent.

This time, the invisible energy instantly transported Wu Yuan to a different realm before he could announce his arrival. As usual, he was brought to the temple.

Glancing at the far end of the temple, Wu Yuan immediately spotted the towering figure of the realm master.

“Realm Master,” Wu Yuan greeted with a smile.

In the past, the realm master had always seemed mysterious to Wu Yuan. However, now that he had reached the Yang Soul level, Wu Yuan was able to sense certain aspects of the realm master's aura that eluded him previously.

"Is the worm devil dead?" the realm master asked, surprise evident in his gaze.

He took a step forward, standing before Wu Yuan. As the controller of the Fourth Eldritch Realm's essence, he was keenly aware that Wu Yuan's aura was vastly different from before.

From the realm master’s perception, Wu Yuan's vital aura was still relatively feeble, yet his soul shone with a brilliant radiance, as dazzling and intense as a blazing sun.

"Mm," nodded Wu Yuan. "We paid a price but managed to kill it successfully. The Middle Land has overcome the calamity."

"Tell me the details," the realm master requested.

"Of course," Wu Yuan agreed, quickly retelling the events of the worm devil catastrophe, purposefully leaving out any reference to the black pagoda.

The realm master listened attentively, taking in every word.

When Wu Yuan mentioned comprehending a Domain, the realm master looked astonished.

When Wu Yuan recounted the voluntary sacrifices of Daoist Wan Xing, Emperor Dong Pan, and Niu Hao, the realm master seemed to grow slightly emotional.

Finally, when Wu Yuan informed him that he had reached the Yang Soul stage, the realm master was flabbergastered.

“Unbelievable,” the realm master blurted out. "Wu Yuan, release your Soul Force and Domain power at the same time. It will be best if you can combine them."

He needed to witness Wu Yuan’s progress for himself.

Wu Yuan nodded, "Very well."

Instantly, the Delirium Landbreaker Saber materialized before his chest. This battle saber could be wielded by both qi refiners and body refiners.

Streams of earthy-yellow energy formed around him, filled with immense power and resonating with a low hum. In a blink, they spread throughout the temple, surrounding Wu Yuan and the realm master completely.

Regular Heavenly Rankers were unable to tap into heaven and earth's power with the Fourth Eldritch Realm. However, those who reached the Domain stage understood the laws of heaven and earth's power, which even the Fourth Eldritch Realm could not restrict.

Without warning, layers of earthy yellow qi streams encased the black saber. Then, the saber sliced through the air at incredible speed, leaving a blinding trail of light. The slash mark remained visible for a long time.

The realm master couldn't help but exclaim, "Magnificent! That strike could kill a ninth-stage Qi Sea cultivator!"

He continued, "It's a shame that you don't possess essentia. With your powerful Soul Force, your ability to control artifacts will only improve."

The realm master looked seriously at Wu Yuan. "Wu Yuan, it's time for you to unlock your qi sea."

“Unlock my qi sea?” Wu Yuan's eyes brightened. The goal of his trip here was exactly that, but he never expected the realm master to bring up the subject first.

With his qi sea opened, he would be able to cultivate essentia and wield much greater control over artifacts. This was what gave Wu Yuan the confidence to issue the formal challenge.

"I’ve underestimated you. There’s no way your soul talent is just average first-class. It’s definitely at the exceptional tier, even more exaggerated than your body refining talent," the realm master exclaimed.

"Reaching the Yang Soul level at 21? I am inclined to believe that you might actually be the reincarnation of some ancient powerhouse."

Wu Yuan could only laugh.

"With your soul, it would be a complete waste if you don’t pursue the path of eldritch universal cultivation," the realm master said wistfully.

“You may unlock your qi sea at any time. However, you must carefully consider which path to take next.”