Chapter 23: The Allure of Ascension and the Path of the Villain

Ascending to Immortality was the ultimate pursuit of countless cultivators across the Great Cosmos Continent.

The so-called Cult Master was no exception.

Speaking of ascending to immortality, one could not help but mention a particular number.

Nine.

Nine, being the extreme of yang numbers, symbolized a new cycle after the ‘nine-nine unity’ (TL Note: A concept where the culmination of nine repetitions leads to a new beginning), thus foreshadowing a cultivator’s rebirth and transformation.

Ascending to immortality after enduring nine layers of Heavenly Tribulation was considered the most orthodox path.

However, not everyone could withstand the nine layers of Heavenly Tribulation, for each successive layer intensified exponentially.

Throughout history, nearly eighty percent of cultivators attempting the tribulation on the Great Cosmos Continent had perished beneath its majestic heavenly might.

Some claimed this was their destiny, yet the path of cultivation inherently involved battling against the heavens, defying fate itself.

Thus, over countless millennia, cultivators lacking sufficient power, unwilling to resign themselves to their fate, began researching secret techniques to bypass these nine layers of Heavenly Tribulation and ascend directly.

Indeed, a few individuals succeeded, though the secret methods they employed were taken with them upon their ascension, leaving very little behind.

As for the Cult Master of the Myriad Dharma Heavenly Sect (TL Note: ‘ – Wànfǎ Tiānjiào), centuries ago, during his very first Heavenly Tribulation, he was nearly incinerated into a crisp.

He understood then that his current strength would never allow him to follow the orthodox path.

Consequently, he had no choice but to suppress his cultivation, pinning his hopes on unorthodox methods.

Therefore, the prospect of an early ascension to immortality held a fatal allure for him.

Qin Yangjun was convinced the Cult Master would be tempted.

At the same time, Qin Yangjun was keenly aware that those from the demonic path were inherently untrustworthy.

While they might appear normal on the surface, their hearts were brimming with malicious schemes, and they would betray others without the slightest hesitation.

This was evident from the likes of that scoundrel, Cheng Lieqing.

Only due to the constraints of his plan had Qin Yangjun refrained from slapping him dead.

He had long since devised a plan: once he acquired that magical artifact, he would reveal his true identity to his sister, claiming he had endured humiliation and hardship solely to uncover their hiding place.

Playing out this ‘Infernal Affairs’ (TL Note: A Hong Kong crime thriller film, referring to a double-agent scenario) scenario, he would eliminate one protagonist, secure the artifact, and make his sister happy.

His future would instantly become bright and clear.

After indulging in his happiness for a brief moment, Qin Yangjun regained his composure.

This, however, was merely the best outcome he had envisioned.

The plot had already deviated, and unforeseen complications might arise midway.

Furthermore, Yu Lingyue was not the only threat Qin Yangjun faced.

The second protagonist, who would appear later, was the quintessential ‘trope’ (TL Note: ‘trope refers to a web novel with common, often simplistic, tropes) character: forced into a broken engagement, possessing an old master residing in a ring, and whose strength would skyrocket like a rocket.

Therefore, he could not afford to be complacent.

True power was the ultimate truth.

With this realization, Qin Yangjun sharply tapped the golden-threaded fan in his hand.

‘Within this month, I absolutely have to master that technique!’

Action followed thought.

Qin Yangjun decided against returning home, instead sending a sound transmission to Ah Ling to inform her of his impending seclusion.

He then immediately made his way to the cultivation pagoda of the Yuqian Sect.

The cultivation pagoda, rich in spiritual energy, was equipped with an ancient Spirit Gathering Array, allowing for twice the results with half the effort.

While others required contribution points to enter the cultivation pagoda, Qin Yangjun was an exception.

This was the privilege afforded to him as a ‘connected individual’

Under the cover of night, Qin Yangjun strode purposefully into the cultivation pagoda.

Time, like a white steed flashing past a crevice, swiftly galloped by.

A month had passed in the blink of an eye, during which no major events transpired within the Yuqian Sect; everyone continued their lives in an orderly fashion.

Hua Yaoyao, guided by Qin Yangjun’s insights on sword practice, gained new enlightenment, comprehending her own unique sword art, and subsequently broke through to the early Golden Core stage.

Yueyao, like Qin Yangjun, had entered seclusion to cultivate after returning, and had yet to emerge.

Relying on the resources provided by Qin Yangjun, Yu Lingyue successfully broke through to the peak Qi Condensation stage within a month, having mastered all the Profound-tier cultivation techniques he had given her.

Moreover, throughout that month, Qin Yangjun’s exploits—presiding over the grand competition and battling Yueyao—had spread far and wide due to the zealous promotion of the disciples.

His reputation even transcended the Southern Domain.

Thus, without his knowledge, Qin Yangjun’s fame skyrocketed.

The geniuses from the other three sects also began to genuinely pay attention to this ‘Azurewater Young Master’ .

Previously, their interest in Qin Yangjun had stemmed from Mu Xianxian.

Now, however, their attention was drawn by the truly astonishing abilities he had displayed.

He might prove to be a formidable opponent in the upcoming Four Domains Grand Competition.

In summary, a month had passed uneventfully.

Early that morning, all the new disciples were gathered in the grand hall where they had first entered the sect.

Today marked their inaugural mission outside the sect.

Yu Lingyue, Li Xuanyang, and Cheng Lieqing were all among them.

This time, Qin Yangjun was not late; he had arrived early.

In truth, he had only just emerged from seclusion.

During his previous battle with Yueyao, he had serendipitously stumbled upon the cultivation method for that particular technique.

It involved continuously depleting his spiritual energy, pushing past his limits, and repeatedly refining his Qi Sea.

The process was truly arduous, and Qin Yangjun had endured considerable hardship over the past month.

Yet, he had fulfilled his own demands; that technique had finally achieved minor success, and his cultivation realm had also broken through to the late Golden Core stage.

Nevertheless, he dared not use that technique indiscriminately.

Firstly, he was simply too weak; his spiritual energy could sustain it for a mere three to five seconds at most.

After using it, his spiritual energy would be utterly depleted, leaving him to await death.

Secondly, the technique itself was truly exaggerated.

Even if others didn’t recognize the specific cultivation method, upon witnessing its power, they would undoubtedly covet it.

He understood the principle that ‘possessing a treasure invites calamity’ .

While his sister was considered among the pinnacles of the Great Cosmos Continent, several others were nearly as strong as her, with a few even surpassing her slightly.

Humans were inherently greedy.

Should those individuals covet the technique and launch a coordinated attack, even Mu Xianxian might not be able to protect him.

In such a scenario, he, the great villain, would likely perish prematurely before even fully developing.

Suffice it to say, he now possessed a trump card.

It could only be used when no one else was present, or as a last resort.

Just then, a flash of crimson silhouette swept past Qin Yangjun, and with a waft of fragrant breeze, he snapped back to reality.

Looking up, he saw Hua Yaoyao, grinning playfully at him.

“Senior Brother, what are you thinking about?”

This time, for the new disciple trial, not only would Qin Yangjun lead the team, but another disciple would also accompany them.

According to the original plot, it was indeed a disciple from the Third Elder’s lineage who was supposed to come, but it certainly wasn’t Hua Yaoyao.

However, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’ .There was no need to dwell on what had already occurred.

“Nothing, I was merely lost in thought for a moment.But Junior Sister, your cultivation seems to have advanced considerably again…”

Upon hearing this, a hint of shyness bloomed on Hua Yaoyao’s face.

To join the new disciple trial, she had pestered relentlessly, even agreeing to many harsh conditions set by her master.

Yet, after seeing Qin Yangjun, she felt that all her previous efforts had been entirely worthwhile.

“Oh, Senior Brother, your words are too kind.It’s all thanks to the guidance of Master and yourself.”

“Junior Sister, you give me too much credit.It is all your own hard work.”

“…….”

The two chatted amiably, exchanging pleasantries, completely unaware that the disciples below were all observing them.

Some even began to whisper amongst themselves.

Faintly, words like ‘Golden Boy and Jade Girl’ could be heard circulating.

Hearing such remarks, Yu Lingyue, standing amidst the crowd, felt a bitter pang.

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