Chapter 196: Exchanging Grotto-Heavens

Chi Xinglai wore a smile, gazing at Daoist Shu Rong.

Beside him, Xiao Yaoguang looked thoughtful, though it was impossible to tell what was on his mind.

Known throughout the Nine Quarters Cultivation Realm as Daoist Chixing and Daoist Yaoguang, the two possessed extraordinary cultivation. Having shone brilliantly in several border-expanding wars, they held extremely high status within the Xuanzang Court.

The Xuanzang Master had delegated many of the court's affairs to their judgment, content to enjoy her leisure.

Hearing Daoist Chixing's question, Daoist Shu Rong finished a cup of tea handed to her by a young attendant before answering. "Speaking of which, this Chen Lingxi's aptitude is quite extraordinary. He has obtained numerous fortuitous encounters even within that Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, to the point of already possessing Spiritual Aperture Aptitude.

"Moreover, he harbors a few secrets that have greatly aided his path of cultivation."

At this, a broad smile spread across her face. "Naturally, my Pool Soul Courtyard wishes to take him in as a disciple.

"However, he practices the Thunder Pool's Thunder-Concealing Sword Scripture and has even reached the Wondrous Gazing Realm. Perhaps once he steps into the Dao Foundation Realm, he will be able to unleash the Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light. His comprehension of the Dao of Thunder is incredibly profound.

"Because of this, I wanted to request the Chixuan Thunder Great Divine Ability on his behalf."

The Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light?

Chi Xinglai and Xiao Yaoguang exchanged a glance, surprise flashing across their faces.

The Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light was the most lethal sword light divine ability wielded by Marquis Yuhu of the Thunder Pool in his youth.

For this cultivator surnamed Chen to have comprehended the Thunder-Concealing Sword Scripture to such a degree, he truly could be counted as a genius.

Xiao Yaoguang, who had remained silent all this while, slowly nodded.

He was a sword cultivator himself, and the Great Divine Ability he practiced was the Taihuang Huangzeng Dao's [Delusion-Breaking Sword Light]. This sword path did not seek sharpness, but rather absolute penetration. With a single slash, wherever the sword light passed, all illusions would melt away like morning mist under the rising sun.

All illusion arrays, concealed disguises, and false paths would be reduced to nothingness.

He was a spectacularly renowned sword cultivator within the Nine Quarters Realm.

Hearing True Person Shu Rong, Chi Jianshu, mention that Chen Lingxi was on the verge of mastering the Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light, his interest was finally piqued.

"He could... enter my tutelage," Xiao Yaoguang said, his unnervingly handsome face still devoid of expression.

A glimmer of joy flashed through True Person Shu Rong's eyes. She nodded and said, "Speaking of which, Senior Brother Yaoguang's killing power ranks first beneath the Golden Palace realm in our Dao Palace. If Chen Lingxi enters your tutelage, cultivates the Chixuan Thunder, and later learns the Delusion-Breaking Sword Light, he will be able to shatter all tangible truths and intangible falsehoods with a single strike.

"In the future, when Senior Brother Yaoguang contends with Daoist Chongjue of the Southern Heaven Region, you will certainly have another powerful source of support."

Listening to her martial siblings converse, the Xuanzang Master knew that Senior Brother Yaoguang's interest had been moved.

She was naturally happy to help them achieve this.

Seeing the expressions of her three martial siblings, Daoist Shu Rong knew the matter was settled and couldn't help but feel delighted.

"Chen Lingxi is good friends with Suri. Once he formally joins the Dao Palace, we can also ask him to guide Martial Nephew Suri a bit.

"Martial Nephew Suri's aptitude is at its peak. If his Dao heart remains firm and points straight toward the Great Dao, attaining Golden Palace Cultivation is not out of the question for him."

The Xuanzang Master was just about to speak.

Daoist Shu Rong suddenly raised an eyebrow. With a flip of her palm, a jade pendant appeared in her hand.

Sensing the message transmitted from the jade pendant, she immediately frowned.

Up on the high platform, Daoist Chixing noticed Chi Jianshu's expression and couldn't help but ask, "Why the frown, Junior Sister? Has something happened?"

Chi Jianshu sighed. "There is a slight change regarding the apprenticeship."

Beside him, Daoist Yaoguang's expression shifted slightly. "What change? Could it be that Chen Lingxi is unwilling to join our Dao Palace?"

Chi Jianshu shook her head. "Martial Nephew Suri went to find Chen Lingxi, and sent back news...

"That Chen Lingxi isn't a reincarnator of Seeker Rebirth at all. He is a native of the Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven!"

A native?

A trace of surprise appeared on the Cangxuan Master's cold, aloof face.

Daoist Yaoguang and Daoist Chixing exchanged another look, equally astonished.

"Junior Sister, didn't you just say that Chen Lingxi's aptitude was extraordinary, perhaps even far superior to many disciples in our Dao Palace?"

"How could a native of the Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, someone who has never been exposed to formal cultivation or taught by a master, possess greater talent than the disciples of our Dao Palace?" Chi Xinglai asked.

Chi Jianshu sighed and said, "It is absolutely true. I speak no lies."

Beside them, a smile formed on Daoist Yaoguang's face. "Is there any cultivator in this world who has made a name for themselves without a trick or two up their sleeve, without a few secrets?

"Since Chen Lingxi is a native of that grotto-heaven and yet still possesses such aptitude, it more than proves just how incredibly high his talent is!

"If he can be taken into our Xuanzang Court and carefully guided by me, he is bound to achieve great things.

"Perhaps one day, he might even surpass the strongest sword cultivator among the younger generation in the Southern Heaven Region, Sun Xingyan."

At that moment, Chi Xinglai suddenly shook his head and said, "Senior Brother Yaoguang, you are deeply devoted to cultivation, but you are unaware that matters in the Great Xuanzhuo Realm are not so simple."

Daoist Yaoguang looked at Chi Xinglai.

Daoist Chixing's expression was grave. "That Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven already belongs to the Que Star Xi Family. The Que Star Xi Family is a True Monarch fairy clan, and they have recently produced an exceptionally extraordinary genius. It is said that this Xi Hengsu has the potential of a True Monarch!

"Word is that True Monarch Xi prepared a Golden Palace art for Xi Hengsu long ago, intending to let him forge the Great Profound Golden Palace three hundred years early.

"The crucial element of this plan lies within that very grotto-heaven.

"Once the Truth-Seeking concludes, True Monarch Xi intends to refine that grotto-heaven into a Realm Essence... If a native is missing from it, I fear that Realm Essence won't be entirely perfect.

"For that genius of the Que Star Xi Family, this would undoubtedly be viewed as stealing his Great Dao."

Daoist Shu Rong slowly nodded, knowing that Daoist Chixing was not merely fear-mongering.

"And to be precise, within the Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven—aside from the magical treasures that drifted in from the turbulent void and the faint spiritual energy that quietly seeped inside—every living creature, every river and mountain, down to every single blade of grass and tree, belongs to the Que Star Xi Family.

"In other words, as a mortal of the Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, Chen Lingxi is the private property of the Que Star Xi Family.

"If our Under-Dao Academy rashly takes him out of the Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, I fear we will completely offend the Que Star Xi Family in the future."

Daoist Chixing laid it out in detail. Catching a glimpse of the dismissive look on Xiao Yaoguang's handsome face, he continued, "When it comes to foundational strength, our Under-Dao Academy is absolutely not inferior to the Que Star Xi Family.

"Even the Dao Master's Heaven-Determining Brush is one of the most famous Cauldron Vessels in the Great Xuanzhuo Realm.

"I know you don't fear the Que Star Xi Family, Senior Brother Yaoguang, but to antagonize a True Monarch figure over a mortal disciple... that simply isn't worth it.

"Not to mention, the cultivation world has its own rules. Since that grotto-heaven already belongs to the Que Star Xi Family, it would be unreasonable for our Dao Palace to blatantly interfere."

Hearing Chi Xinglai's explanation, Xiao Yaoguang thought for a moment before suddenly looking up, a smile spreading across his face.

"How about this... let me borrow the eyes of Junior Sister's incarnation to take a look at this Chen Lingxi.

"If his aptitude is truly as extraordinary as you say, I am willing to exchange my own grotto-heaven for him, giving it to the Xi Family."

Exchanging grotto-heavens?

Daoist Shu Rong was rather delighted. She asked, "Senior Brother, you want to trade the grotto-heaven you own to the Que Star Xi Family?"

Xiao Yaoguang chuckled. "The Que Star Xi Family wants to refine a pure Realm Essence from a Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven unsullied by the dust of the Great Xuanzhuo Realm... It just so happens that I also possess a Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, one far more vast than theirs. If they want to refine a Realm Essence, mine would be much more suitable.

"There might be quite a few secrets within the grotto-heaven Chen Lingxi inhabits, but with my current cultivation, I can't descend into it anyway. It's just sitting there. Trading it for a disciple to my liking isn't a bad deal."

Daoist Shu Rong did not delay. In an instant, a radiant golden strand of divine sense was left suspended in the void.

"Please go take a look in that Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, Senior Brother."

Xiao Yaoguang similarly sent out a strand of divine sense. The two divine senses collided, instantly rippling out in a faint wave.

Meanwhile, atop the snowy peaks of the Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven, the healing Chi Jianshu opened her eyes.

It was as if this incarnation no longer belonged to Daoist Shu Rong. Her expression turned solemn, and her aura shifted drastically, becoming colder and sharper.

She stood up and transformed into a streak of flowing light, heading straight toward Yuanjiang Prefecture.

Not far away, Jiang Xiu and Wei Qingran saw their Martial Aunt leave and hurriedly tried to follow, but a divine sense transmission rang out in their minds.

"Wait here quietly. I will return shortly."

The two stopped in midair, exchanging blank looks.

—

Clouds and mist churned Atop Cuojin Mountain, where green pines dripped with emerald hues. With the evening glow reflecting off the sea of clouds, the scenery was quite magnificent.

Chen Lingxi sat cross-legged at the summit of Cuojin Mountain, his eyes closed as he regulated his breathing.

He was currently cultivating in hopes of stepping into the Qi Circulation Eleventh Floor Realm when he suddenly sensed an aura drifting toward him from deep within the sea of clouds.

He withdrew from his breathing exercises and gazed out at the distant clouds.

He saw a figure in red part the clouds, stepping gracefully through the void to arrive before him.

Recognizing the newcomer, Chen Lingxi stood up and bowed. "Senior has come personally. Forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."

'Daoist Shu Rong' slowly shook her head, sizing Chen Lingxi up and down with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"Your cultivation is solid and weighty. You don't seem at all like a native loose cultivator of this Qi-Depleted Grotto-Heaven."

Chen Lingxi replied, "I merely had a few fortuitous encounters. Senior praises me too highly."

Viewing this world through the eyes of Daoist Shu Rong via his divine sense, Daoist Yaoguang quietly scrutinized Chen Lingxi.

He noted that the youth before him was extremely young, yet his eyes were remarkably serene, and his aura was exceptionally steady.

Standing tall, he was neither servile nor overbearing, and there was not much expectation visible in his gaze.

'His disposition is not bad,' Daoist Yaoguang praised inwardly. He then immediately flicked his finger!

In an instant, a blazing sword light abruptly erupted from the void. It pierced through the clouds and mist, transforming into a long bridge amid the sea of clouds Atop Cuojin Mountain.

To call it a long bridge was misleading; it was actually the edge of a sword blade. The blade's glint was incredibly thin and obscenely sharp. Any surrounding gusts of wind that blew against it were instantly shredded to pieces.

Chen Lingxi stared at the blade in shock, a look of astonishment finally surfacing in his eyes.

He carefully scrutinized the blade edge, sensing profound sword dao contained within. Numerous sword lights flowed across it, and an indescribable aura manifested into all sorts of profound mysteries, leaving Chen Lingxi struggling to take it all in.

"Senior, this is..."

'Daoist Shu Rong' pointed lightly at the sword edge and slowly said, "Chen Lingxi, you and I are fated to meet today, and I have a mind to help you escape your plight.

"However, in the Great Xuanzhuo Realm, all things are judged by their value.

"I wonder if you dare to walk across this sword edge of mine? If you can cross it, I am willing to pay a tremendous price for your sake—even guaranteeing the safety of this entire grotto-heaven!"

A glint of light flashed in Chen Lingxi's eyes. He glanced at the sword edge, then back at 'Daoist Shu Rong' in front of him, and suddenly bowed again.

"This junior, Chen Lingxi, greets you, Senior."

Surprise flickered in Xiao Yaoguang's eyes. "You figured it out?"

Chen Lingxi nodded. "I have met Senior Shu Rong before. Her aura is completely different from yours. Furthermore, I saw this sword blade.

"The sword dao within this blade is perfectly pure, and its principles are incredibly profound. I imagine you haven't cultivated any other techniques, Senior, but have dedicated yourself entirely to the path of sword light."

"To possess such insight and discernment at the Qi Circulation realm is truly commendable," Xiao Yaoguang praised, his gaze shifting back to the sword edge.

"So... do you dare to tread upon my Hanging Moon Sword Light?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Chen Lingxi smiled confidently. With a slight flick of his finger, a streak of lightning sword light abruptly materialized in the void.

As that lightning sword light tore through the air, the booming sound of a heavenly drum could faintly be heard, as if a divine being were pounding upon it.

The void itself was dyed cyan by the blade's glow.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Lingxi used the sword light to pave the way. He stepped forward, plunging into the sea of clouds and landing directly on that impossibly thin, impossibly sharp edge.

For a moment, Xiao Yaoguang's expression shifted.

Looking closely, he saw Chen Lingxi dressed in black, his robes flapping wildly in the fierce winds of the cloud sea.

At the same time, the youth clasped his hands behind his back, standing perfectly straight atop the sword light.

The lightning sword light beneath his feet crackled with a dazzling brilliance, standing up against Xiao Yaoguang's Hanging Moon Sword Light as an equal, thereby establishing an incredibly profound equilibrium.

Such balance was immensely difficult to achieve.

'With just a single glance, this Chen Lingxi saw right through the flaws I intentionally left in the sword light,' Xiao Yaoguang mused inwardly.

'By slotting the numerous sword lights of the Twelve Chimes of the Heavenly Drum right into those flaws, he is able to match my sword light despite only being at the Qi Circulation realm. What an absolute...'

'Genius.'

'Still, holding his own for a short time doesn't mean he can completely cross my blade.'

Xiao Yaoguang stood with his hands behind his back, his red robes snapping loudly in the wind.

Meanwhile, Chen Lingxi stood on the blade amidst the cloud sea. Sensing the sharpness emanating from it, a wave of enlightenment washed through his mind.

'This sword light is so sharp, it's as if it harbors some kind of profound dao mystery. If I can comprehend it...'

'...the Profound Edge Qi nurtured by my Six Qi True Method will inevitably become even sharper as well.'

'I can then apply it to my own sword light, massively boosting my killing power.'

Delighted, he felt no rush to move forward. Instead, he remained rooted at the very beginning of the blade, closed his eyes, and began to meditate.

Standing Atop Cuojin Mountain with his hands clasped behind him, Xiao Yaoguang saw Chen Lingxi halt at the starting edge of the blade and refuse to move further. His brow furrowed slightly.

He waited in silence for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Xiao Yaoguang's frown deepened.

'It seems the flaws I left in this sword light are a bit too obscure, and some are hidden far too deeply.'

'Chen Lingxi's comprehension of the sword dao is extraordinary, but at the end of the day, his cultivation is merely at the Qi Circulation realm. How could he possibly see through them all?'

Shaking his head slightly, Xiao Yaoguang was just about to retract the blade in the cloud sea when his expression abruptly shifted again.

He sensed a subtle change brewing within the lightning sword light beneath Chen Lingxi's feet.

A moment later, Xiao Yaoguang's eyes flew wide open.