The way of Essence Refinement requires one to move forward step by step, without taking shortcuts.
After all, this world is simply a projection of the real world within a simulator. Unable to use the simulator to boost the cultivation process, all Pei Xuanjing can do is grind slowly, step by step.
However, there is an upside: Pei Xuanjing will have a deeper understanding of the mystery of Essence Refinement and gain insights that he was previously unable to perceive while using the simulator.
Pei Xuanjing is not satisfied with the recent encounter, but the white-haired old man across him has a completely different view.
Murderous intent flares up in the eyes he fixes on Pei Xuanjing.
Even though he didn't give it his all this time, the fact that Pei Xuanjing could withstand one of his strikes is incredibly shocking to him.
After all, a Heavenly Rank power is absolutely overwhelming compared to any non-Heavenly Rank Martial Artist, no matter how talented or powerful they are.
The young man before him today has broken this rule. If the news spread, it would likely cause shock and hysteria amongst both the Heavenly Rank powerhouses and ordinary Martial Artists.
"Humph!"
The white-haired elder snorted coldly, then launched another fierce attack.
He leapt up into the air, standing aloft and exuding a terribly oppressive aura as his clothes billowed and energy swirled around him.
Several consecutive punches were thrown by him, transforming into a rumbling force that became countless gargantuan wolves, howling to the sky and charging towards Pei Xuanjing from above.
At the same time, the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi within several tens of meters surrounding the two seemed to be manipulated by him, applying silent pressure towards Pei Xuanjing.
This is the real power of a Heavenly Rank expert. They can combine their own True Qi with the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi in their surroundings, effectively turning the power of Heaven and Earth to their advantage.
Even though this white-haired elder can only control the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi within several tens of meters, it is already absolutely overwhelming to any power below the rank of Heavenly Rank.
Huh?
Pei Xuanjing, with his sharp senses, noticed this and narrowed his eyes.
Shenxiao Heaven's Intention was hastily activated, with celestial phenomena manifesting above his head and the Four Seasons Rotation wrapping around him while the purple and blue light of his innate Thunder Gang Qi formed a light shield around his body.
The purple and blue light shield expanded rapidly, forming a shield that was several meters in diameter around Pei Xuanjing, blocking the power of Heaven and Earth projected by the opponent.
However, Pei Xuanjing realized that such a move was merely a temporary measure and would not last long.
His expression became stern, and then he rapidly slapped out with both palms.
Boom, boom, boom…
Loud rumbling sounds, one after another, echoed like thunder.
Various palm strikes were continuously unleashed, causing ripples in the air that flowed like waves, as if even the void was stagnating, then shattering.
With a wave of his hand, countless purple-blue Thunder powers, carrying a terrifying aura of destruction, surged upward from below.
It was as if the Heavenly River was reversing its course, surging upward in an unstoppable manner.
Boom, boom, boom.
The sky trembled, and the entire firmament changed color.
The clash between the two caused a fierce fluctuation, carrying their respective explosive powers as it surged towards both of them.
The face of the white-haired old man was stern as he waved his sleeves to fend off these energy blasts.
Pei Xuanjing's expression remained unchanged. He utilized the technique of Universe Shift to stimulate his own potential. Using the skill of moving and deflecting forces, he was able to block these attacks without taking any damage.
Moreover, consciously or unconsciously, he mobilized his Gang Qi to counteract these forces, in order to speed up the integration of his internal and external Gang Qi.
"What audacity!" The white-haired elder realized Pei Xuanjing's intent and shouted coldly.
He couldn't believe that the youngster before him was so arrogant. Even in combat with him, the youngster didn't give it his all and still intended to use their fight as an opportunity to practice integrating his internal and external Gang Qi. This audacity was bordering on suicidal.
However, he couldn't help but recognize in his heart that this young man truly was extraordinarily gifted.
Even someone as exceptional as the recently deceased Li Tiange, who entered the Gang Qi Realm at the age of twenty and was barely able to master his internal Gang Qi and begin practicing using his external Gang Qi, was referred to as a once in a lifetime genius.
Yet the youngster before him seemed to be only fifteen and had already begun trying to integrate his internal and external Gang Qi, perfectly in harmony as one. Given his extraordinary pace of cultivation, coupled with his displayed combat prowess, how could this not startle the elder?
Today, this youngster had to die, else he would undoubtedly emerge as a significant threat in the future.
The potential danger that this youngster could pose to the great Li empire was out of the question. Just having a feud with such talent was enough to warrant a disaster.
His heart filled with an icy murderous intent, the elder was about to make a move. Just then, he heard Pei Xuanjing let out a hearty laugh:
"Hahaha, I have seen the techniques of a Heavenly Rank expert. Why don't we let you assess my techniques?"
Pei Xuanjing reached out his right hand and grabbed. A long sword flew out of nowhere and landed in his hand.
This was a regular divine sword that Pei Xuanjing brought along when he left Yunzhong City. It's essentially just an Indomitable Weapon from the Daming World.
Although it's just an Indomitable Weapon, it could enhance Pei Xuanjing's swordsmanship several times over.
Originally, Pei Xuanjing didn't think he would meet anyone in the Yunzhong grassland worth drawing his sword against, but to have unexpectedly met a Heavenly Rank expert, he really ended up using it.
The moment the sword entered his hand, Pei Xuanjing's aura changed dramatically. A piercing sharpness emanated from him, seemingly capable of piercing both Heaven and Earth.
Above the daytime sky, stars faintly appeared, as if they were real yet illusory.
Starlight fell from the sky onto Pei Xuanjing and the sword sheath in his hand.
The First Move: Nine Luminaries.
Along with the clanging sound of a sword being unsheathed, a radiant beam of sword light appeared abruptly, as if it had pierced through time and space, presenting itself without a moment's notice.
The piercing sword light instantly drew in numerous Heaven and Earth Essence Qi, transforming into a giant sword of several meters in size. The sword's body had nine stars flickering, forming a terrifying array that slashed towards the white-haired old man.
This was the sword art that Pei Xuanjing used during the competition at
Yunzhong Academy, a sword art he created by combining all of his learning. Starting with Nine Luminaries, it enhances to Eight Extremes, Seven Stars…and ultimately reverses to cultivate Yin Yang Mixed Origin.
In Pei Xuanjing's view, even if this sword technique is not yet complete, in terms of power alone, it is not weaker than many unique martial arts in the Daming World.
Pei Xuanjing has big ambitions for this sword art. According to his ideas, when this sword technique truly reaches perfection and its limit, it should step into the realm of Immortal Path and become a true Immortal Sword Skill.
The white-haired old man's face changed. He recalled in the information about the youngster that at the climax of the competition, he defeated more than ten opponents of the same rank with a final formidable sword technique.
Looking at the incoming sword, he felt as if all things around were annihilated by the sword light. There was nothing else, there was only this sword.
Facing such a terrible sword, the white-haired elder showed a cautious look on his face. Countless Heaven and Earth Essence Qi were rallying towards him..
Staring down Pei Xuanjing's terrifying strike, the white-haired elder dared not underestimate him. Pei Xuanjing's capabilities, already displayed, sink the understanding into him that underestimating this youth was out of the question.
He twitched, the resonating sound of his Qi exploding danced in the air. The waves of Heaven and Earth Essence Qi rolled tumultuously like shocking waves crashing upon the shore.
In an instant, everything within dozens of feet seemed to halt, controlled by his will alone.
Boom!
His fists thrust out, the sky roaring in response, the power of his fists disturbing the air into a vacuum, colliding brutally with Pei Xuanjing's sword.
The moving waves of Qi swept across the surroundings, their sharp intent pouring out ceaselessly, like a river cascading uncontrollably.
Pei Xuanjing's sword shone brightly, the spirit within it roared like a Thunder Dragon, rolling and leaping. The path traced by the flash of his sword cut through the air. Unrivalled in its intimidating edge, countless sword spirits crisscrossed chaotically.
Their clash bore a fierceness resembling the intensity of a dam breaking, the end of heaven and earth, as well as an overwhelming sense of dread akin to a sky collapsing and the earth caving in.
Boom boom boom…
The continuous echoing roar, akin to the muffled thunder of nine heavens, reverberating above the plains, stirring countless wind and clouds.
"Heavenly Rank experts are truly terrifying!" Pei Xuanjing muttered, frowning.
After several rounds of combat, the opponent maintained his momentum. The omnipresent Heaven and Earth Essence Qi was utilized by him, appearing endless, showing no indications of being exhausted.
Although Pei Xuanjing could manipulate the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi around him temporarily with the help of Innate Thunder Gang Qi, it wasn't infinite. As time wore on and the battle prolonged, he was inevitably at a disadvantage.
"I will definitely kill you today!" The white-haired elder laughed manically.
Although he was unclear how Pei Xuanjing could manipulate the forces of Heaven and Earth without reaching Heavenly Rank, he understood one thing: this method couldn't last for too long.
So, he completely abandoned the idea of a quick battle and sought to drag the fight out until Pei Xuanjing completely exhausted his strength, perhaps then he could capture him.
Sure enough.
After several exchanges, his opponent started showing signs of weakening.
Upon hearing the words of the white-haired elder, Pei Xuanjing turned pale, knowing in his heart that he couldn't afford to drag this out.
And through his previous engagements, he also had a rough understanding of the exquisite aspects of a Heavenly Rank expert.
To deal with these Heavenly Rank experts practicing the Path of Qi Refinement, they could be deemed as having an endless supply of True Qi. With the help of infinite Heaven and Earth Essence Qi, they would never run out of True Qi.
Therefore, to kill such a strong opponent, he had to resort to a killing blow.
Skywalker!
His body twisted abruptly, soaring freely into the sky, brandishing his sword.
Unrestrainedly executing the move Shenxiao Heaven's Intention, the power of Yin Spirit slowly released, a palpable aura permeated.
Pei Xuanjing, from above, seemed like a Heaven God. Awe-inspiring as if
casting judgement, ruling the lives below.
Everywhere his Shenxiao sword passed, was turned into a vacuum. Like a heavenly sword raining down from the sky, piercing brightly like a white stream of light.
The Indomitable Weapon in Pei Xuanjing's hands shone starkly at this moment. After being infused with the power of Yin Spirit, its might was on par with a thousand-refined Divine Weapon, radiating an unrivaled edge that seemed as if it could sever the soul itself.
"What!" The white-haired elder's face turned pale. He observed this sword strike with trepidation in his eyes.
This sword!
The supposed to be confident white-haired elder suddenly changed his countenance, a shiver running down his spine. Confronted with this sword, he felt a genuine aura of death.
In his eyes, this sword, coming from on high,
Shining bright, as if holding the might of the heavens, dividing everything within the Four Cardinal Directions, as though it could split heaven and earth themselves.
The might of a single strike was terrifying indeed!
"Just a mere third level, could he really defy and slay a Heavenly Rank?" The white-haired elder coldly replied, his eyes emanating fury.
As he spoke, he slowly raised and clenched both fists, as if he had the entire heaven and earth within his grasp.
His overflowing will to fight ignited, seemingly seeping through the heavens, turning into a vivid red.
Kill!
His fists smashed outwards, causing even the Earth to quake. It seemed as though the earth had sunk a bit, followed by the magnificent punches aimed straight at Pei Xuanjing.
Glittering quickly with an exceedingly rapid sword move, the sword spirit restrained yet prepared, the frightening sword edge shined brilliantly. The sword light shimmered unpredictably, like an electric spark or a long rainbow across the sky.
Bang!
In the flash of the clash, Pei Xuanjing's Indomitable Sword instantly shattered like fragile tofu, bursting into fragments.
Pei Xuanjing, hit by the fist mark on his arm, spat out coagulated blood. His entire body was blasted back, plummeting down from the sky.
"Haha…it's a pity you only have an ordinary divine weapon. If you had an unparalleled divine sword, I, today, might indeed fall at your hands." The white-haired elder laughed wildly.
Following which, he spoke solemnly; "To have such frightening power at such a young age, I almost suspect you to be a reincarnation of a Heaven God. However, regardless of your origins, your death today is certain…"
Suddenly, his expression froze, his whole body stiffened, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock. He fell to the ground, lifeless.
A Heavenly Rank expert, dead!
"Cough cough…" Struggling to his feet, Pei Xuanjing murmured, "I may have bitten off more than I could chew this time. If it weren't for the use of the Yin Spirit's power, I might have met my end in this simulated world."
The Heavenly Rank experts of this world were comparable to the Spirit Realm experts of the Daming World, but they focused on Qi Refinement, connecting to Heaven and Earth, drawing upon the forces of Heaven and Earth.
However, they are not proficient in Refining Spirit, as was evidenced, the white-haired elder was in the early stages of Gathering Soul in Spirit Refinement.
If he were battling another Heavenly Rank expert of this world, this would be no disadvantage.
But, compared to Pei Xuanjing, who had already cultivated a Yin Spirit, it became a glarinz weakness.
If they were cautious, perhaps they could defend against it. But, all the white-haired elder's focus was on Pei Xuanjing's attack, completely unaware that it was merely a feint. Pei Xuanjing's true killing blow targeted his Divine Soul.
So, while he blocked that sword strike, he couldn't defend against the terrifying power of the Yin Spirit, allowing Pei Xuanjing to strike him down in one shot.
Boom boom boom…
The sky transfigured, thunder exploding relentlessly. In the blink of an eye, the sky turned overcast, hinting of a heavy downpour.
Looking at the sky, Pei Xuanjing muttered to himself, "Does Heaven and Earth feel the death of a Heavenly Rank expert?"
According to some records he had seen, Heavenly Rank experts are interconnected with Heaven and Earth. If one were to die, there will be changes in the heavens and earth.
[Fifteen years old: You killed a Heavenly Rank expert on the Cloud Prairie, sending shockwvaves around the world.]
Pei Xuanjing looked at the simulation prompts in his mind, shaking his head slightly.
He swiftly cleaned up the battlefield and hastily departed.
He knew that such a significant celestial event was bound to attract people, but under his current circumstances, it was not advisable to take action..
"Even with my current strength, engaging a Heavenly Rank powerhouse might grant me victory, but I fear I won't escape unscathed. Not to mention, if I face someone even stronger, there's a risk I could die." Pei Xuanjing pondered in his mind.
Even though he was fortunate enough to slay a Heavenly Rank powerhouse this time, Pei Xuanjing didn't grow arrogant but instead became more cautious.
At this moment, he had a rough estimation of his own strength. When confronting a Heavenly Rank powerhouse with their guard down, he could use his Yin Spirit power as a trump card for a decisive kill.
He had already decided that in the future, before he himself broke through to the Heavenly Rank, if he needed to face such powerhouses, he shouldn't draw out the battle. He should strike decisively and end it quickly.
Like an assassin, killing with a single blow.
If he failed, he would retreat from a distance.
Otherwise, if he got stuck in an endless entanglement, it certainly wouldn't benefit him.
At this time, it had been a month since Pei Xuanjing had killed Li Tiange and the Heavenly Rank powerhouse.
Though he had killed the Heavenly Rank powerhouse that day, Pei Xuanjing had also suffered considerable injuries. After leaving the battle, he immediately sought out a secret place to begin his healing meditation.
"From now on, there's no need for training. Maybe it's time to return to Yunzhong City for secluded cultivation and figure out how to breakthrough." Pei Xuanjing murmured to himself.
His venture into the Yunzhong Prairie was intended as a training journey for himself. He didn't expect to encounter a Heavenly Rank powerhouse, saving himself much time.
This encounter allowed Pei Xuanjing to successfully refine his internal and external Gang Qi, taking the final step into the third-tier Gang Qi Realm, flawlessly merging his internal and external Qi into one.
Now, he was standing at the doorstep of the Heavenly Rank. If he could break through the Mysterious Pass, connect with Heaven and Earth, he would truly step into the Heavenly Rank, standing in the highest rank of this world.
As for breaking through the Mysterious Pass to ascend to the Heavenly Rank, Pei Xuanjing saw two paths. After pondering for a while, he chose to focus his energy on secluded cultivation in Yunzhong City, gradually refining his skills.
After all, the other path, while faster, carried a risk of fatal deviation. One careless step could result in complete failure.
In his current situation, Pei Xuanjing naturally wouldn't freely choose that path.
While Pei Xuanjing was preparing to return to Yunzhong City, he remained unaware of the enormous wave that his actions half a month ago had caused.
Yunzhong City, being the boundary between the Empire and the Prairie, constantly experienced friction. News of fights between the two sides occasionally reached the citizens of Yunzhong County, who had become accustomed to this.
However, this time, no one had expected such a large conflict, with nearly ten thousand of the Da Li cavalry advancing southward, intimidating Yunzhong and seemingly intending to trample the city.
This situation shocked everyone accustomed to the constant friction between the two sides. The attack by the Da Li cavalry had not occurred in nearly a decade.
Though uncertain of the reason, fear was not an option. The County Guard of Yunzhong issued orders, and with the backing of the Black Cloud Knights, they prepared to meet the attack head-on.
The situation was tense, with the clouds of war gathering over Yunzhong City, ready to break out at any moment.
It was at this moment that everyone realized why Da Li had taken such actions.
The leading figure of Da Li's younger generation, Li Tiange, was dead.
And he was killed by the Pei family's newly distinguished Young Master Min, on the Prairie.
Upon hearing this news, everybody in Yunzhong County found it hard to believe, assuming it was nonsense.
While they did acknowledge Young Master Min's talent, being aware of his extraordinary skills and considering him the best of their peers,
They were, like Mr. Pei Laozhu, anticipating next year's contest in the Capital, hoping Young Master Min would represent the Empire in a duel against Da Li's prodigy, Li Tiange.
However, no one had seen it coming.
No one had thought that during his training on the Prairie, Young Master Min would encounter Li Tiange and kill him.
This was incredibly shocking to everyone.
Even Mr. Pei Laozhu, who was quite impressed by the news, was lost for words. He had dispatched someone to follow and protect Pei Xuanjing during his training in the Yunzhong Prairie but had been easily shaken off by him.
Just as he was hesitating whether to venture into the Prairie himself to escort Pei Xuanjing, he heard this stunning news. Even though he had a high opinion of Pei Xuanjing, he never expected this result.
The Empire's Pei Min, at the age of fifteen, defeated Da Li's top figure of the younger generation, Li Tiange.
This news spread, causing uproar.
However, when they were still shocked, another piece of news was delivered, plunging Yunzhong County into silence.
Not only did Pei Xuanjing defeat Li Tiange in a single move, but he also engaged and killed Li Tiange's Taoist protector, a Heavenly Rank powerhouse, with his third-tier martial arts strength.
A third – tier martial artist killed a Heavenly Rank martial artist!
This was indeed shocking news.
If they were surprised, but accepting, of Pei Xuanjing's victory over Li Tiange, This piece of news was simply madness. They all thought Da Li was bluffing.
While a third-tier Gang Qi Realm martial artist could be considered a peak mortal, a hero in the world, and hold a significant position in the army, he was nothing compared to a Heavenly Rank martial artist – they were worlds apart, unfit to be compared to each other.
If a third-tier Gang Qi Realm martial artist could be compared to an eagle soaring in the sky, then a Heavenly Rank martial artist would be like a phoenix flying in the highest heavens. They were fundamentally different, simply incomparable.
Since history has been recorded in this world, there has never been a record of a third-tier Gang Qi Realm martial artist defeating a Heavenly Rank martial artist.
Even the most powerful third-tier Gang Qi Realm martial artist throughout these millenniums, could only hold his ground against a Heavenly Rank martial artist, but there has never been a record of a third-tier Gang Qi martial artist killing a Heavenly Rank martial artist.
However, when the County Guard received a flying eagle letter from the
Imperial Astronomical Observatory, he had no choice but to accept this news.
"Pei family's Young Master Min from Yunzhong killed Li Tiange in the
Yunzhong Prairie with a single move. Afterward, he fought against Li Tiange's
Taoist protector. "
"Young Master Min, only fifteen, used his third- tier Gang Qi Realm power to fight against a Heavenly Rank martial artist and eventually killed him with a terrifying sword technique."
"Currently, Young Master Min appears to be injured. Promptly bring him back to Yunzhong. Someone will personally escort him to the Capital.'
After reading these messages, the County Guard of Yunzhong's face turned pale. He had never imagined that it was even possible to kill a Heavenly Rank martial artist at the third-tier Gang Qi Realm.
This was practically unprecedented in history, turning a legend into reality. Such news, when spread, would certainly cause a huge uproar in the world..