163: Chapter 163 Li Wen Descends the Mountain

He quickly replied to inquire about the arrival time. After receiving the specific coordinates, he didn't delay for a second; with a slight movement of his body, he vanished from the study.

With a cultivation at the Middle Stage of the Bright Moon Realm, combined with the extreme speed granted by the Ninth Layer Perfection of the Nine Heavens Divine Body,

Li Wen's figure turned into a blur of purple lightning, difficult for the naked eye to discern. At a speed far exceeding the Great Sun Realm, he flashed past the layered buildings and mountain Peaks of Nine Heavens Peak in an instant.

In just a few moments, he had already arrived at Kindling University's massive external air transportation hub, the ultra-large landing pad.

A few minutes after he landed, another figure arrived in a hurry; it was Fang Chenghong, who had received the notification.

“Brother Wen, you're way faster than me,” Fang Chenghong greeted with a smile as he landed.

After four years, he had also entered the Flying Star Rank. Having broken through with the Seventh Layer Perfection of the Nine Heavens Divine Body, he was already outstanding among his peers, though he seemed less brilliant under Li Wen's radiance.

“I just got here,” Li Wen nodded with a smile. “Do you know why Teacher Fang is coming this time?”

Fang Chenghong shook his head. “Brother Chengwu didn't say; he only informed me that he was coming.”

After a brief conversation, the two of them turned their gazes toward the horizon together.

A sleekly designed aircraft broke through the clouds and landed steadily on the landing pad.

The hatch slid open, and a figure both familiar and somewhat strange strode out.

The refined appearance, meticulous grey suit, and gold-rimmed glasses from four years ago were nowhere to be seen.

The current Fang Chengwu was dressed in a sleek tactical suit. His frame was still lean, but his features looked as if they were carved by a knife and axe, and his gaze was as sharp as a hawk's.

What made Li Wen and Fang Chenghong's hearts tremble slightly was the sharp Aura naturally radiating from the man.

That was a sharp Spear Intent, as if he himself were a Piercing Sun long spear soaring straight into the clouds.

“Teacher Fang, you—you've reached the Dao Realm?” Li Wen was the first to speak, his tone carrying a sense of certainty.

This Concept could not be mistaken.

“Yes.” Fang Chengwu's lips curled into a thin, sharp arc as he nodded.

A simple response, yet it was filled with the heavy stillness of one who had weathered many storms.

“The Dao Realm! Brother Chengwu, you really broke through?!” Fang Chenghong's shock was even greater, and he practically blurted it out.

Fang Chengwu patted his cousin's shoulder and didn't say much. “Let's go, let's head inside first.”

Since Fang Chengwu had not yet stepped into the Flying Star Realm, the three of them took an aircraft to Nine Heavens Peak and landed at Li Wen's First Grade Courtyard.

The three soon returned to Li Wen's First Grade Courtyard, which sat atop Nine Heavens Peak overlooking the sea of clouds.

The intelligent butler served energy tea drinks, and the host and guests took their seats.

After some brief pleasantries, the conversation turned to the purpose of Fang Chengwu's visit.

Both Li Wen and Fang Chenghong looked at their former teacher, whose temperament had changed drastically, with questioning gazes.

Fang Chengwu picked up his teacup, his knuckles clear and powerful, his fingertips seemingly bearing marks left by years of holding something.

He took a light sip, his tone calm yet carrying a sense of determination. “I've come back this time to re-attempt the ninth layer of the Nine Heavens Divine Body.”

“The ninth layer?!” Fang Chenghong was surprised once again.

Fang Chengwu looked out at the sea of clouds, his eyes holding a hint of memory. “Back then, I was stuck at the Eighth Layer Perfection and failed to break through to the ninth layer. It was only because my willpower didn't meet the standard. Unwilling to accept that, I chose to descend the mountain to seek other paths.”

He set down the teacup, and that heavy spear Dao Aura inadvertently became clearer, as if his entire being was a divine spear ready to be unleashed.

“In these years, I've traveled to various places, experiencing life-and-death trials. What I tempered was the spear in my hand, and also the ambition in my heart. Not long ago, my spear technique finally entered the Dao Realm. By seeking the Dao through the spear, that Bottleneck of willpower—I finally felt it loosen, a crack has been pried open.”

His gaze turned toward Li Wen, carrying a hint of gratification and an unquestionable resolve. “So, I am back. I've returned to step into the Lightning Induction Tower again, to induce the ninth kind of divine lightning for Body Tempering, and try to cross that threshold I failed to cross back then—to charge for the ninth layer!”

Li Wen looked at his former teacher.

The once-elegant teacher had now become a Martial Artist in the spear Dao Realm with willpower like steel.

That persistence and tenacity, spanning ten years of time, was still burning hot.

This was, in a way, another form of 'accumulating deeply and breaking out thinly.'

“When will you go?” Li Wen asked with concern.

“This very afternoon,” Fang Chengwu's answer was clean and crisp. “Better sooner than later.”

Fang Chenghong was about to say something, but Fang Chengwu looked toward the direction of the towering Lightning Induction Tower outside the window, his sharp eyes revealing a desire that was almost tangible.

“It's been delayed for too long.”

“”

Battle Intent burned like fire in Fang Chengwu's eyes.

After ten years of waiting, today he was finally going to face that path of thunder leading to the Peak of a higher divine body again!

Afternoon.

The third floor of the Lightning Induction Tower.

After many years, Fang Chengwu stepped into this place once more.

The familiar roar of thunder echoed, and the air was filled with lightning-shale particles that made one's skin sting.

But unlike before, he had not a hint of hesitation or fear.

The current him was himself a war weapon eager for tempering and the pursuit of the ultimate.

The ninth layer of the Nine Heavens Divine Body corresponded to divine lightning that was even more overbearing than the eighth layer.

This lightning contained high temperatures and destructive impact; it could not only temper the Physical Body, but also directly incinerate and refine the mind and willpower.

Fang Chengwu slowly walked into the core area enveloped by the pillar of lightning.

“Roar—!” Without many words, he gave a low growl, and the Spear Intent around his body suddenly erupted, violently colliding with the surging Purple-shale Flame Lightning!

In an instant, blinding lightning illuminated the entire tower floor.

Destructive energy flooded into his body, like billions of red-hot steel needles simultaneously piercing and tearing every single cell.

His skin instantly charred and carbonized, only to be rapidly regenerated under powerful vitality; his muscles and bones seemed about to be crushed and recast amidst the explosions.

Even more terrifying than the physical reconstruction were the heart-scorching demonic thoughts and boundless illusions that invaded his Sea of Consciousness along with the thunder.

Those were the fears, regrets, and weaknesses accumulated over more than a decade of hovering on the edge of life and death. They were instantly amplified in the thunder-fire, turning into countless hideous roars that wanted to swallow him and pull him into the abyss.

Outside the tower.

Li Wen and Fang Chenghong stood side by side, silently watching the exceptionally brilliant, flickering purple lightning on the third floor of the Lightning Induction Tower.

Fang Chenghong could not hide the worry in his eyes. “Big brother has been away for too long. To directly charge for the ninth layer—”

“Teacher Fang will make it,” Li Wen's voice was calm and certain, his gaze piercing through the tower walls as if he could see the figure inside fighting against purgatory. “Willpower after finding the Dao, and tenacity forged through life-and-death trials—this is the path of breaking through he has chosen.”

Time trickled by.

Every minute and every second, the lightning inside the tower pulsed like a heart, releasing terrifying energy fluctuations.

Sweat unconsciously soaked Fang Chenghong's forehead.

A full two hours passed.

Rumble—

A low yet heavy roll of thunder came from deep within the tower, as if some kind of shackle had been completely shattered.

Immediately after, that wildly rampaging lightning pressure suddenly withdrew. In its place, a majestic, deep, and rock-solid Aura of tenacity slowly spread out, like a rebirth.

At the third-floor window, that figure as straight as a spear appeared once again.

Fang Chengwu stood by the window, his clothes entirely shredded, his body covered in char and blood scabs, yet he stood perfectly straight.

Beneath his deep bronze skin, new flesh was rapidly growing, replacing the parts destroyed by the thunder-fire.

A sense of pressure far stronger than the eighth layer Realm naturally flowed out.

He had succeeded.

After thirteen years away, having experienced the smoke of human battlefields and finding the Dao through Spear Intent, Fang Chengwu finally broke through the limits of the seventh layer and stepped into the Ninth Layer of the Nine Heavens Divine Body.

Fang Chenghong clenched his fists in excitement.

Li Wen's eyes also revealed a heartfelt smile as he nodded in greeting to the figure inside the tower.

Time flowed silently like a stream, and in a flash, another half-year passed.

January 1st, galactic calendar Year 231.

The morning light of New Year's Day carried a biting chill, passing through the window frames of the Mingde Peak First Grade Courtyard and falling upon the young man sitting in quiet meditation.

[Name: Li Wen]

[Age: 23]

[Realm: Bright Moon Realm Late Stage (Level 47.0)]

[Class: Scholar Lv13 (297,400/409,600)]

[Skills: Blade Technique - Soul Realm (40%), Xuanqiong Five Styles (Star Gallop 100%, Thunder Strike 100%)]

[Cultivation Technique: God-Shocking Sting - Fifth Layer (100%)]

Three days ago, on the night of his twenty-third birthday, his majestic True Qi finally broke through the final barrier and became steadily anchored at the Late Stage of the Bright Moon Realm.

For these three days, while consolidating his newly attained Realm, he also tried to push that faintly touched blade Dao opportunity one step further.

The result was surprisingly harmonious. The 'Thunder Strike' style among the five blade styles of the Profound Vault Rainbow Silence Chapter also reached a state of perfect mastery as if it were only natural. With every movement, his Saber Intent flowed smoothly without any more obstruction.

At this point, of the five styles of the Profound Vault Rainbow Silence Blade, only three styles remained that were not yet thoroughly understood.

Today was of extraordinary significance.

It was the day Li Wen officially ended his nearly five-year study at Kindling University and descended the mountain.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

In the afternoon, the purple saber light and the sound of thunder on the Martial Arts Field were much more restrained than usual.

After just three hours of tempering, Li Wen sheathed his saber and cast his calm gaze into the distance.

That was where Kindling University customarily held farewell ceremonies for Disciples descending the mountain.

The farewell site had been meticulously arranged by well-trained attendants. The area was spacious, with wine cups laid out on a temporarily erected platform, creating an atmosphere that was solemn yet not stifling.

When Li Wen arrived, the scene was still quite empty, but moments after he set foot there, several familiar figures arrived together.

Walking at the front were Fang Chengwu, whose physique had become increasingly lean and tough, and Fang Chenghong, whose demeanor was even more composed.

Fang Chengwu's gaze landed on Li Wen, complex and difficult to describe.

Within it lay the reluctance of parting and worry about the dangers down the mountain, but above all, it held a blessing as deep and solid as iron.

Fang Chenghong felt the same.

For these students of Kindling University, being able to Cultivate successfully early on and step down the mountain to slay monsters and eradicate evil was an honor, a responsibility, and the realization of their life's ambition.

Precisely because this wish was so pure yet so heavy, the academy would hold this 'Farewell Ceremony' with great solemnity every time someone descended the mountain.

"Brother Wen!" Fang Chenghong stepped forward first and gave Li Wen a firm hug. "Take care on your journey!"

"You too, Cultivate well." Li Wen smiled and patted his back in return.

Fang Chengwu stepped forward, looking at this student who had already reached a height far beyond his own reach. A thousand thoughts ultimately condensed into a single sentence: "Down the mountain is not like up here. Think carefully when encountering problems; coming back alive is more important than anything else."

He paused, his voice low but filled with powerful confidence. "I haven't wasted these past six months; I've finally squeezed into the Late Stage of the ninth level of the Nine Heavens Divine Body. Once I polish it to Perfection, I can begin preparing for a Breakthrough to the Flying Star Realm."

Upon hearing this, a flash of approval, and even an expectation, passed through Li Wen's eyes.

He stepped closer, his voice clearly entering Fang Chengwu's ears: "Teacher Fang, remember what I said. The ninth-level Perfection recorded in the classics is not the end. Beyond that Perfection, there should be a whole new world."

"Understood." Fang Chengwu nodded.

Following that, more people arrived upon hearing the news.

Sun Rui strode through the crowd, his gaze as sharp as a blade, as if he wanted to carve the retreating figure before him into his mind.

After experiencing the time of the 'Twin Prides of Nine Heavens' side by side with Li Wen, Li Wen was not only his Senior Brother but also a target he chased and even longed to surpass.

There were many other familiar faces in the crowd. Su Yingxue, who had become increasingly capable, looked on with heartfelt respect for the strong. Zhao Qiming, who had once stood out on Wudao Peak, was now excited and full of admiration. Then there was Zhao Yue from Lietian Peak, and the Senior Sister from Xingyan Peak who had once clashed with him during the Breath Condensation competition—they all stepped forward one by one. In their brief exchanges, they offered warnings, blessings, or expressions of respect.

Finally, with all the concerned gazes converging upon him, Li Wen picked up the specially brewed clear wine brought by an attendant and faced all the teachers and fellow students who had come to see him off.

"Respected teachers, fellow Disciples," his voice was not loud, yet it echoed clearly in everyone's ears, carrying a steady strength tempered by time. "Four and a half years ago, I stepped into Kindling University with ignorance. Today, as I descend the mountain, I am willing to use the blade in my hand to protect the peace of the Human Race as the Kindling is passed on."

"Slaying monsters and eradicating evil, protecting the borders and the people, is the duty of our generation of Kindling Martial Artists. Parting today, although the road ahead is dangerous, my heart grows firmer. This cup of wine is to honor the academy's nurturing grace, to honor the brotherhood of my peers, and even more, to honor all the heroic souls like Senior Lin Zhan who spilled their hot blood for the world! May our Human Race flourish forever, and may the Kindling shine upon Blue Star eternally!"

"Cheers!"

The clear, cold wine poured down his throat, carrying a hint of spiciness, and ignited a boundless heroic spirit in his chest.

As his voice faded, before sorrow could spread again, Li Wen scanned the crowd, his gaze pausing briefly on a few particularly familiar faces, then he turned around resolutely.

Without any exaggerated movements, his entire being transformed from the inside out into an extremely concentrated beam of purple light.

"Whoosh—!"

A slight sound of breaking air rang out, and that magnificent purple light shot into the sky, carrying an indomitable determination and sharpness.

In the instant before anyone could react, it pierced through the sky and vanished at the far edge of the horizon, leaving only the faint lingering resonance of thunder in the air, speaking silently.

The farewell site fell into a momentary silence.

Fang Chenghong stared blankly at the sky, muttering to himself: "Just like that—he's gone—"

A trace of melancholy welled up in the young man's eyes.

"The path he walks is faster and further than ours." Fang Chengwu took a deep breath, his tone complex. "Beyond the ninth-level Perfection—was what he said true?"

The information Li Wen had just revealed was like a seed, quickly taking root and sprouting in his heart.

Sun Rui clenched his fists tightly, staring at the direction where the purple light had vanished. There was no longer the slightest confusion in his eyes, only a burning, almost tangible Battle Intent and a determination to catch up: "I will definitely catch up to your pace!"

Meanwhile, in the depths of the bamboo forest behind the quiet Wudao Peak. The Principal, with frost at his temples, sat by a stone table, gazing deeply in the direction where the purple light had vanished.

His fingers gently rubbed the edge of the stone cup. His face wore the calm of someone who had weathered many storms, yet deep in his eyes surged a hint of gratification.

And that inexpressible worry, the kind a father feels when facing a child setting off on a long journey.

Ultimately, all emotions dissolved into a silent sigh and a heavy, weighty expectation.

And at the top of the main hall of Nine Heavens Peak, which towered into the clouds, Peak Master Fang Qinghan stood alone in the cold wind like an unsheathed, peerless ice spear.

Deep within his eyes, which reflected the cold stars, a subtle glimmer passed by, like the faint light cast by churning magma beneath the crust of a dormant volcano.

He was gratified that a peerless talent from Nine Heavens Peak had finally bloomed brilliantly, yet worried about whether this treasure of a Genius could grow to the Peak unscathed on that bloody and cruel battlefield.

Ultimately, all of this transformed into an incomparably sharp expectation—expecting to see how this divine blade, forged with all of Nine Heavens Peak's efforts, would truly bloom with a brilliance that would make the starry sky tremble on the battlefield between the Human Race and the Yao Race.

The sky was vast and high, and the long road was boundless. That purple light cast itself unhesitatingly toward the wider and unknown world outside the mountain, opening a new chapter of monster-slaying for Li Wen.

January 4th, 231, galactic calendar. Several dozen miles west of Qingshi County. The once desolate land was now covered by a small, sturdy underground fortress.

Metal walls, fully several dozen meters high, rose from the ground, tightly enclosing the Interstellar Gate that floated more than ten meters above the ground, radiating energy of spatial fluctuations in the center.

This city wall was like a giant wellhead, trapping the rift leading to another world.

Around the outside of the walls, various functional buildings were arranged in an orderly fashion, effectively forming a miniature yet well-ordered military fortress.

A little further outside the walls was the living area built for the garrison personnel, forming a small town attached to the fortress.

Surrounding the inner perimeter of the walls were ten large courtyards, each wider and equipped with independent Martial Arts Fields, stationed at the four main cardinal directions.

These were the residences of the ten Bright Moon Realm Martial Artists responsible for guarding this place, along with their support staff.

Inside a quiet room in one of the courtyards on the north side, a young man sat upright at a desk.

His face was calm, and his gaze scanned every line of text in the ancient book in his hands with focus.

On the desk, there was only a cup of clear tea, the steam curling up, yet it did not distract him in the slightest.

This young man was Li Wen, who had descended the mountain from Kindling University three days ago and had proactively chosen to return to his hometown, the Qingshi County region, to take responsibility for guarding this Interstellar Gate.

Considering Li Wen's personal wish to return home to guard it, as well as the needs of the overall defense system of Blue Star.

He would be primarily responsible for this small-to-medium-sized Interstellar Gate, which had been expanding for a year and a half and whose threat level had quietly risen.

The portal, which could originally only allow the passage of those at the Late Stage of the Bright Moon Realm, was now stable and large enough to support the passage of Yao Race at the Peak of the Bright Moon Realm.

Therefore, the garrison team was also equipped with more powerful forces. The captain was an experienced, veteran Martial Artist at the Peak of the Bright Moon Realm, along with nine other Late Stage Bright Moon Realm Martial Artists, and dozens of Flying Star Realm Martial Artists rotating on guard duty.