Chapter 969 - 506: Outer Realm Sects

Chapter 969: Chapter 506: Outer Realm Sects

"How could it be so severe!"

Li Mu couldn’t imagine the scene of the End of the Dharma Era. His cultivation had always relied on planting Spirit Plants and absorbing Plant Spirit Attributes to advance. If the End of the Dharma Era arrived, let alone cultivation, even planting Spirit Plants would be impossible.

His cultivation method was closely linked to the life force of this vast Spirit Realm. The thriving of each Spirit Plant was the foundation of his fight against time and pursuit of immortality. If the End of the Dharma Era descended, it seemed everything would be in vain, leaving Li Mu feeling unprecedentedly powerless.

"The depletion of Spiritual Qi is not a matter of days. This started a long time ago and has only worsened recently!" Sword Master Feng said wistfully, as if lamenting being born in the wrong era: "Back in the day, the Spirit Realm was at its peak, Daoist Monarchs were numerous, and all paths vied for superiority—it was glorious! But now, that brilliant era is nothing but smoke and dust of the past. Even ten thousand years ago, the Spirit Realm had no fewer than a hundred Daoist Monarchs, and now, even the strongest Sect in Central State Spirit Realm has only two Daoist Monarchs. For us to make further progress is as hard as climbing to the heavens, alas!"

Hearing this, Li Mu also had no words to respond, feeling Sword Master Feng’s desolation yet not knowing how to console him.

Over a millennium, Li Mu had confidence in reaching the Mahayana Daoist Monarch realm by cultivating numerous Tier Seven Spirit Plants in seven Secret Realms. The Painting Realm Treasure Mansion in his hand was like a mobile Secret Realm that allowed him to temporarily evade turmoil, accumulate resources, and survive the end of the Dharma Era for a while.

But this lingering survival is ultimately not a long-term solution.

The Treasure Mansion Space cannot produce Spiritual Power out of thin air. Spirit Stones and Spirit Veins will eventually be exhausted, so in the end, the problem of Spiritual Power depletion must be completely resolved.

After a long silence, Li Mu looked at Sword Master Feng and couldn’t help but ask, "Sword Master, after the depletion of Spiritual Qi and the descent of the End of the Dharma Era, is there truly a day when Spiritual Qi could recover?"

Facing such a grand change of the era, individual power seemed insignificant. Even if he reached the position of a Daoist Monarch after a thousand years, Li Mu had no confidence to face such a problem.

Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng was slightly stunned. After pondering for a while, he replied, "The resurrection of Spiritual Qi is not something human strength can easily predict. But according to ancient books, all things in heaven and earth undergo reincarnation. The rise and fall of Spiritual Qi also follow this Dao. In the past, the Spirit Realm endured several cycles of Spiritual Qi depletion and resurrection, each resurrection accompanied by celestial phenomena, the emergence of Spiritual Objects, and the flourishing of Daoist Skills."

"However!" Sword Master Feng changed his tone, his voice carrying a heavier weight, shaking his head as he spoke: "If the End of the Dharma Era truly arrives in full, its duration and impact would far surpass previous occurrences. Whether we can once again welcome a day of resurrection, and when that might be, all remains uncertain."

These words stirred ripples in Li Mu’s heart—a mix of fear for the unknown and a yearning for hope. Thinking of something, Li Mu looked at Sword Master Feng and proposed his idea, "Sword Master, in the face of such a predicament, could we consider exploring a different path? For instance, actively unsealing the Two Realms Passage and seeking an opportunity to ascend to the Upper Realm? Perhaps there, a ray of hope could be found?"

Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng’s mouth curved into a complex smile—a smile recognizing Li Mu’s imagination, yet acknowledging the harshness of reality.

"What you mentioned, about opening the Two Realms Passage indeed potentially enabling ascension to the Upper Realm, is possible. However, the difficulties and dangers involved far exceed what you and I can imagine. The Sealing Domain Array was set to protect the Spirit Realm from the incursions of the Demon Abyss. If the seal is lifted, we’d face the Demon Abyss’s invasion immediately. Furthermore, even if the Two Realms Passage seal were broken, whether the Upper Realm would accept us, or if it truly possesses the source of Spiritual Qi we need, remains unknown. Besides!" From Sword Master Feng’s words, there was a hint of helplessness, as he added, "The matters of the Upper Realm are far more complex and variable than those of the Spirit Realm. Venturing there recklessly might not only fail to find life but could lead to even deeper crises."

Facing Sword Master Feng’s deeply meaningful gaze, Li Mu nodded awkwardly.

Sword Master Feng smiled wryly, continuing, "Not to mention the matter of unsealing the Two Realms Passage and the Demon Abyss invading this realm. Speaking of ascending to the Upper Realm itself is no easy task either. The Upper Realm has placed numerous restrictions and tests on ascenders from the Spirit Realm, and these restrictions aren’t just about cultivation or strength."

"The Upper Realm demands extremely high cultivation from ascenders. Without Mahayana Perfection or comprehending some Supreme Law, it’s difficult to gain acceptance in the Upper Realm. Yet, this is just the beginning; the true trials lie ahead."

"Additionally, the forces in the Upper Realm, to maintain their own balance and order, have implemented a strict quarantine examination system on ascenders, rigorously guarding against each ascender. Rarely are ascension cultivators recognized and accepted by Upper Realm forces."

"Moreover, since the sealing of the Two Realms Passage ten thousand years ago, all contact with the Upper Realm has been severed. Even if the passage were opened and ascended, we’d likely face cold reception and exclusion, or even the suppression by hostile forces," Sword Master Feng said with deep and solemn eyes.

Li Mu frowned at Sword Master Feng’s depiction, unsurprised by the scenario. Yet, if Spiritual Qi were to deplete in the Spirit Realm, ascending to the Upper Realm would undoubtedly be a promising path.

As if seeing through Li Mu’s thoughts, Sword Master Feng smirked, reminding, "Elder Li, your aspirations are lofty! But ascending to the Upper Realm is no child’s play, nor fit for casual talk. Not to mention the Two Realms Passage being resealed now. With the current level of Spiritual Qi, breaking through the last barrier of Mahayana Daoist Monarch is as hard as climbing to the heavens! Otherwise, the two Daoist Monarchs wouldn’t risk venturing into the Nine Netherworld."