161: Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate

"Shi Cang was not favored by heaven and earth."

Inside the cockpit, Qin Jin's eyes lowered slightly as a thought flashed through his mind.

"Is it because he's missing an opportunity?"

"The sky is covered by divine cauldron fragments, shielding everything. It was only after I entered the Cave Heaven Realm that I was detected by heaven and earth and granted a Cave Heaven True Name, due to the connection between the Heavenly Azure Method and this world."

"This point is quite easy to verify. Once Shi Cang breaks through to the Cave Heaven Realm, the result will be clear."

His thoughts flickering, Qin Jin did not dwell on the matter. His calm voice rang out, echoing within the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

"I once accidentally obtained a treasure."

As his voice sounded, enveloped by the Power Of Will and utilizing the mecha's built-in teleportation device, the nine-layered small tower left the cockpit and appeared within the hall.

The Power Of Will shrouding it receded, and the small tower revealed its original form, suspended quietly in mid-air.

"Can you discern the origins of this object?"

Qin Jin's inquiry rang out.

After the cracks on its body received some repairs, the wudao stele's consciousness had awakened and it had recovered some of its abilities. Hearing the question, light shimmered on the stele's body and projected onto the small tower.

It seemed to be identifying and sensing it. After a careful confirmation, its voice spoke.

"I have never seen this object."

"In the past, before that Great Cataclysm occurred, I resided in the extreme north of heaven and earth. Living beings often visited to seek my traces and borrow my power to comprehend the true essence of cultivation, but I myself never traveled far."

"Therefore, I know little about the treasures of the outside world."

At this point, its voice wavered slightly. "However, I can sense that the Aura of this small tower is unique. Its origin should be similar to mine—it is also a treasure born of heaven and earth."

"Treasures of heaven and earth like this are born with innate spirituality. After existing for a long time, they can communicate with other living beings just as I do."

"This small tower is extremely severely damaged, and its spirituality is clouded. But you are favored by heaven and earth. When you cultivate, you can draw upon the power of heaven and earth. I expect that after doing so a few more times, although you won't be able to fully repair it, awakening its spirituality will not be a problem."

The wudao stele explained with great seriousness.

After all, it was thanks to Qin Jin that it could wake up early. When Qin Jin opened his second Cave Heaven, it received further repairs and had personally witnessed the scene of Divine Light falling from the sky, confirming the truth of the matter.

Being able to awaken early and remain by Shi Cang's side meant that the possibility of being fully repaired in the future was a step higher. Thus, it took Qin Jin's questions very seriously.

"I understand."

"Thank you."

Offering his thanks, Qin Jin called Shi Cang back and watched the little fellow leave with the wudao stele.

"Although I don't know its specific origin, at least it's confirmed that this treasure was also born of heaven and earth. This removes many potential risks, and I now know the direction for its repair."

With a slight thought, the small tower was brought back into the cockpit.

The broken small tower hung quietly before him.

Qin Jin's spirit made contact with it. His Spirit Ruins trembled as he took the initiative to draw it in.

The small tower was guided into the Spirit Ruins.

Having confirmed it was indeed a treasure born of heaven and earth, Qin Jin felt at ease and chose to place it in the Spirit Ruins for nourishment. This was also how Immortal Dynasty Cultivators treated precious treasures.

His mind swept over the various wonders within the Spirit Ruins. Under Qin Jin's spiritual control, the small tower streaked across the sky and finally settled within the Thunder Marsh.

Upon entering the Thunder Marsh, the small tower suspended itself above, and the lightning autonomously drew near, passing through the tower.

"Within my Spirit Ruins, the Thunder Marsh is currently the place with the deepest connection to heaven and earth. Perhaps it can speed up the repairs."

"However, to awaken its spirituality, I can only do so when breaking through Realms, just like when I assisted the wudao stele."

A hint of anticipation flashed in Qin Jin's eyes.

Although this small tower was broken, it was born of heaven and earth and had an extraordinary background. Its ruined state meant it must have also experienced the events of the ancient Immortal Dynasty.

Such a long-lived treasure would surely not disappoint him with the role it could play once repaired.

The thought flashed by.

Qin Jin had already made a plan. His mind sank into the tiancang jade pendant.

His attention fell upon two true scriptures.

[Nine Secrets of Star Seeking]

[Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Heart Scripture]

His mind swept over them, and Qin Jin made a decision.

"First, I will cultivate the Nine Secrets, then the Heart Scripture."

"It's the perfect time to test the hypothesis in my heart."

As the thought arose, information regarding the [Nine Secrets of Star Seeking] surfaced in the space above the tiancang jade pendant, the characters enlarging until they filled the sky.

Ji Lianxing had written quite a few true scriptures. Qin Jin had always been picking the ones most suitable for his own cultivation.

Among them, the Thunder Marsh Law and the Fire God Law were both cultivation methods. Based on the Heavenly Azure Method, they extended into various extraordinary variations, increasing in difficulty but also in effectiveness.

Besides cultivation methods, the true scriptures within the tiancang jade pendant also included pure [Techniques]—purely extraordinary means.

The [Nine Secrets of Star Seeking] was one of them.

Qin Jin himself was still in the early to Middle Stages of the system, which was why he chose to cultivate methods first to accumulate his foundation before practicing techniques.

At this moment, the characters illuminated the sky.

This true scripture was closely related to the stars in the sky. Cultivators would sense the stars, establish a connection, and create a star projection within their Spirit Ruins. By exploring the Nine Secrets of cultivation, they could derive various techniques.

Furthermore...

According to the records in the true scripture, if a Cultivator could master this law, they would be like a fish in water within a future minor Realm of the Heavenly Azure Method system, breaking through easily without being blocked by barriers.

Throughout the long history of the Immortal Dynasty, this cultivation system had been thoroughly explored by them.

Carefully browsing the content and imprinting it in his heart, Qin Jin closed his eyes. Following the information in the true scripture, the Spirit Qi within his Spirit Ruins began to circulate. His spirit gradually entered a wondrous state where his perception of the surroundings was pitch black and everything was void.

The first step of Star Seeking: Star Attraction!

To establish a connection with a star, the first step was to attract the star's attention.

Within the Nine Secrets of Star Seeking, there was a special Star Attraction Secret Technique.

During the Immortal Dynasty period, prodigies with extraordinary talent could attract a star's attention and master this law by their own ability.

For those slightly less talented, the Immortal Dynasty also had architectural creations like the Star Gazing Tower and the Star Attraction Platform to assist Cultivators in their practice.

Qin Jin had previously made conjectures about this law, but now that he had undergone the tempering of the heaven and earth Divine Light and his own talent had improved, he naturally had to try it for himself.

Time passed.

Within his perception, there was only darkness; there was no reaction.

After a long time.

Qin Jin opened his eyes.

"As expected, it doesn't work."

Qin Jin let out a long breath, not surprised.

He looked at the shan he remnant piece within his Spirit Ruins. "Divine cauldron fragments are scattered across the sky. Although some gaps have appeared due to the passage of time, allowing heaven and earth to perceive this place..."

"However, the gap between myself and the divine cauldron fragments is too large. Performing the Star Attraction Secret Technique makes me like a single grain of sand in an endless desert. Even if I emit some light, it cannot be known by the stars under the shroud of the divine cauldron restriction."

"In that case, I'll directly try the second plan!"

The thought flashed by, and the azure lightning dark halberd, along with himself, vanished from the hall... Lei Yu Star.

The entire planet was silent.

After receiving the law gifted by Qin Jin, the Venerable Observer had returned to the other dimension and remained quiet.

With no one around, Qin Jin had fewer concerns. He left the interior of the azure lightning dark halberd and stood in the courtyard.

"Star, planet—only one character's difference."

"Would the stars outside the Great Desolate World and the planets in the Star Sea be the same thing? Do they have similarities?"

Practical results outweighed everything.

Qin Jin's eyes closed as he stood in place. As his Spirit Qi circulated, the secret technique was activated!

His spirit entered a special state, and everything around him was dark.

But... after only a moment of darkness, an extremely dazzling spherical orb of light appeared within Qin Jin's spiritual perception.

"It really works."

Qin Jin's spirit was shaken.

"Is it because they are similar in essence?"

"Or is it because the planet I am on is extraordinary?"

Within the entire dark space, only one orb of light appeared, and there was no further movement.

That undoubtedly represented Lei Yu Star.

According to the information in the true scripture, the top prodigies of the Immortal Dynasty, with the help of special buildings, could even attract many stars to choose from.

Although this scene was a bit meager, Qin Jin was already satisfied.

His spirit extended and made contact with the orb of light.

Star Attraction was only the first step.

To cultivate this law, after attracting a star, one needed to undergo the tempering of the chosen planet—it could also be called a trial. Only after passing it could a projection be established within the Spirit Ruins.

This was also the most dangerous step in cultivating this law.

However.

At the moment his spirit touched the orb of light, Qin Jin did not encounter any so-called trial. He only felt a sense of affinity emerge. From within this orb of light, core power that had been meticulously categorized and could be carried by Qin Jin surged out towards him.

"Talk about having connections."

Qin Jin muttered to himself. "I suppose this counts as getting on the bus before buying a ticket. With the Authority given by the Venerable Observer, I already have an extremely deep connection with Lei Yu Star. There's no need for any so-called trial at all."

His spirit guided that core power into the Spirit Ruins.

The moment it entered the Spirit Ruins, Spirit Qi surged violently. In various parts of the Spirit Ruins, Spiritual Qi tornados swept up, rising continuously to surround the core power.

The two combined to construct a star projection within the Spirit Ruins... At the same time.

Within the other dimension.

The massive divine body of the Lei Yu Watcher was suspended in the air. At this moment, the characters on His body changed, as if He were lowering His head.

In the center of the divine body, countless characters faded away, replaced by a pool of Thunder Marsh that exuded a miraculous Aura.

As a being born extraordinary, there was no Spirit Qi in the Star Sea, but through other forms of evolution, He had already shaped a Thunder Marsh.

Within the Thunder Marsh, things were very calm at first, until a certain moment when the lightning within surged and climbed upward.

The lightning branched out, converging from two places. As they rose, they formed two tall pillars. After reaching a certain height, the lightning extended from the tops and joined between the two pillars, forming a Heavenly Gate!

This Heavenly Gate constructed of lightning took shape and rose slightly, detaching from the Thunder Marsh.

Meanwhile.

Within the Thunder Marsh, the lightning surged and actually transformed into brilliant golden carps, lifelike in appearance.

The Thunder Marsh was like a surging great river, and the Heavenly Gate was the Dragon Gate. Under the Star God's gaze, carps leaped bravely from the Thunder Marsh, seeking to leap over the Dragon Gate!

Some fell back into the Thunder Marsh, shattering into lightning, while others jumped higher and higher.

Then, at a certain moment.

One thunder carp made a powerful leap and just barely cleared the Dragon Gate. As it leaped over, it underwent a transformation: its head turned into a dragon's, dragon whiskers grew, its body became slender, and dragon claws sprouted... "Interesting."

The voice of the Lei Yu Watcher echoed within the other dimension.

As He spoke these words, He looked at the thunder carp that had turned into a dragon, while also peering through the other dimension at Qin Jin, who was in the midst of cultivation and actively establishing a connection with the planet.

Vaguely.

A sense of anticipation was revealed.

Qin Jin's attempt naturally could not be hidden from Him.

Subsequently, He withdrew His gaze and continued to focus on His research of the two Immortal Dynasty true scriptures... After establishing the connection, everything went more smoothly than Qin Jin had anticipated.

The power of the planetary core drawn into the Spirit Ruins was small in quantity but extremely high in quality, and it was exceptionally cooperative.

Within the Spirit Ruins, a small phantom of a planet emerged from nothingness, hanging high in the sky.

Time passed.

As the spiritual energy settled, Qin Jin suddenly opened his eyes.

Standing where he was, with a slight thought, the Planetary Projection within the Spirit Ruins flickered, and a continuous stream of power poured into his body.

Not only from the projection, but Qin Jin also sensed that the earth beneath his feet provided power to support him, using the projection as a medium.

"On Lei Yu Star, I have received the maximum degree of amplification."

"When I leave Lei Yu Star and travel to other parts of the sea of stars, this amplification will weaken, but it will still be considerable. Moreover... this enhancement is just an incidental ability of the Nine Secrets of Star Seeking. Only by gradually completing the cultivation of the Nine Secrets can I truly reproduce the extraordinary nature of this true scripture."

The thought flashed through his mind.

Qin Jin put away the azure lightning dark halberd and re-entered the Great Desolation.

The moment he appeared in the Great Desolation, the continuously surging power came to a halt.

"It cannot break through the restrictions between the two worlds."

Qin Jin was not surprised: "However, the Planetary Projection itself has stored power, so it won't affect my use of the Nine Secrets in the Great Desolation in the future."

"And..."

"One day, when I truly leave this Great Desolation and am no longer covered by the divine cauldron restriction, I can also try to establish a connection with the real stars within this world."

He had initiated the new method.

Qin Jin was in no hurry to try the Nine Secrets; instead, his gaze fell upon another method.

[Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Heart Scripture]

This true scripture was related to the lightning attribute, but Qin Jin had delayed cultivating it.

Because this method involved cultivation on the spiritual level. To cultivate it, one needed to temper their own mind and first break through the Thunder Prison!

This was not a task that could be accomplished in a short time, so Qin Jin had saved it for now.

Now that his vacation had started early and he had plenty of time, Qin Jin no longer had any reservations and began to try... Time passed, and days went by.

After the martial law on Lei Yu Star continued for a while longer, it was finally lifted.

The entire Star Domain returned to a scene of bustle. Construction continued, starships shuttled back and forth, and the original residents of Lei Yu Star, who had been temporarily relocated, returned to their homes one after another.

The level of defense within the entire Star Domain was raised to a higher level.

However, it was worth mentioning that after the martial law on Lei Yu Star was lifted, no other changes appeared immediately. The planetary wonders had already begun to gestate, but no outsiders had yet come specifically for them.

As the holidays arrived, the various academies within the star system began their break, and a wave of people returning home swept through the sea of stars.

Shortly after the holidays began.

A piece of news spread throughout the Corridor Star System, drawing the attention of countless people.

In the Corridor Star System, the major Martial Arts dojos were restarting their grand dojo events, performing martial arts demonstrations to compete for the title of the number one dojo in the Corridor Star System.

Such a grand event attracted many spectators.

Before the martial arts demonstrations had even begun, news was announced at the venue.

The dojos participating in this demonstration would join forces to establish a brand-new large-scale academy, primarily focused on the Martial Arts Department.

The dojo master who emerged victorious in this demonstration would become the first principal of this new academy.

Once the news came out, it set the sea of stars ablaze.

In the Early Stages of the emergence of Martial Artists, dojos played a crucial role. However, with the development of the Federation and the appearance of large-scale institutions, Martial Arts dojos began to decline.

Nevertheless, to this day, the remaining dojos in the various star systems still steadily supply excellent Martial Artists to the Federation.

No one had expected that the various dojos in the Corridor Star System would be able to put aside their sectarian biases and unite with one another.

The foundations of these dojos were not bad, and some even had support from large corporate groups. After the news spread, many people speculated that if they could truly cooperate with all their might, then... the Seven Major Academies of the Corridor Star System might soon become eight!

...Great Desolation.

Inside the Si Huo Tribe, the air was filled with the sound of voices.

As the sacrificial ceremony approached, except for those necessary for defense, most of the clansmen who had gone out for hunting and exploration had returned. The entire tribe was filled with a festive atmosphere.

The invitation range for this ceremony was restricted to a certain area to avoid long travel times. Now... visitors from other tribes had already arrived at the Si Huo Tribe, all of whom were figures of significant status within their own tribes.

The former Si Huo Tribe had some reputation of its own. Now that the new Si Huo Tribe had appeared and actively sent out invitations, it drew even more attention.

Today.

It was exactly noon.

Under Qi Chuan's arrangement, the guests who came to observe the ceremony were properly entertained.

The future was unpredictable, but for now, those who came were guests, and the Si Huo Tribe would not make any unnecessary moves in this regard.

In the tribe, a dining area had been set up directly. Bonfires were burning, and the beast meat roasting above emitted an enticing aroma.

At the same time.

At the entrance of the tribe, there were two small teams. Upon approaching, they spotted each other and stopped.

One team consisted of about a dozen people, each with a lean build. There were three people with Treasure Technique patterns on their skin. Beside them, there were actually two massive, unknown giant birds. Their wings were broad, and they looked like eagles, quite fierce, but they had already been tamed. Their wings were folded as they followed obediently.

The Iron Tooth Tribe!

This was a tribe located to the north of the Si Huo Tribe. They had even tamed flying Vicious Beasts. On their way to the Si Huo Tribe, they had traveled by riding these giant birds. After approaching the Si Huo Tribe, they were detected by the Si Huo clansmen and were guided to land here.

The other team had more people. Everyone had patterns on their bodies, but they didn't seem to be naturally gestated like Treasure Technique patterns. Instead, they looked like they had been actively smeared with beast blood. Each one had a fierce expression and looked difficult to provoke.

The Fei Xue Tribe.

In front of them, there were also Si Huo clansmen leading the way. Now that they had encountered each other, they were scattered on both sides of the tribe entrance.

The leader of the Fei Xue Tribe was a man with a thick beard. At this moment, his gaze fell upon the people of the Iron Tooth Tribe, showing his hostility without any concealment: "What rotten luck, to meet you group of bird-men here."

As the words fell.

A commotion arose within the Iron Tooth Tribe's team: "Didn't the last battle beat you into submission? Talking big here—when we get back, we'll completely exterminate your tribe."

"Talk is cheap. Why don't you try it then?"

The thick-bearded man snorted coldly: "If it weren't for the fact that you ran fast enough..."

Those who were assigned to guide the various tribes were all clever individuals. Hearing the conversation between these two tribes, they immediately realized there was a conflict between them. While trying to persuade them with words, they also signaled to the clansmen at the entrance.

The events here quickly attracted more attention, and guests from other tribes also watched from a distance.

At the entrance.

The conflict grew more intense.

These two tribes had likely just had a conflict, perhaps even a war, not long ago. Neither side had gained the upper hand. Now, seeing their enemies made their eyes turn red with rage. Amidst the exchange of words, they could no longer restrain themselves. The leader of the Fei Xue Tribe took a step forward, the patterns all over his body glowing as if burning, and he charged directly.

On the other side, the Iron Tooth Tribe showed no weakness. Their leader's Treasure Technique patterns flickered as he prepared to strike.

It was at this moment.

At the entrance of the tribe, a figure flashed out, with flames bursting around his body. Without any hesitation, he rushed into the center.

He intercepted them with his body, one arm blocking each side. Their attacks were both blocked by him as they struck. A dull sound echoed from the physical collision, followed by a swirl of flames and a sudden explosion of power!

On either side of this flaming figure, the two figures retreated simultaneously under the impact, their eyes revealing a look of solemnity.

Charred marks could even be seen where their bodies had made contact.

The flames enveloping his body dissipated, revealing the person inside.

It was Ding Yang!

His gaze was steady as his voice rang out: "Everyone, our Si Huo Tribe cannot interfere with the grudges between you. However, as our tribe's sacrificial ceremony is approaching, all who come are guests. I hope you will not cause trouble within our tribe."

"Otherwise..."

He made no attempt to hide his threat.

Before joining the Si Huo Tribe, he was one of the powerhouses stationed at the Spring Stream Tribe, and he understood one principle well.

In this Great Desolation, only the strong have a say. Showing weakness will only make others become increasingly audacious.

As he finished speaking.

The expression of the Fei Xue Tribe's leader changed, and he prepared to say something.

Just then... the sky was still clear, but in mid-air, there was a sudden roar of thunder.

A bolt from the blue.

Countless people looked toward the source of the sound, which was exactly the center of the tribe.

Under everyone's gaze, a wondrous sight appeared above the center of the tribe. Spiritual energy surged, and lightning condensed into strands and threads, intertwining and overlapping, as if constructing a Thunder Prison in the low sky!

Since it was mealtime, the visiting guests from various tribes were all outside and clearly saw this scene.

"Where is that?"

"That is the place where our Lord Sacrificial Spirit resides."

"I heard the former Sacrificial Spirit of the Si Huo Tribe was a strange stone and was very powerful. Now, the Sacrificial Spirit of this new Si Huo Tribe looks even more formidable."

"Is this sacrificial ceremony being prepared for him?"

"With such a Sacrificial Spirit, I'm afraid this Si Huo Tribe will be unstoppable."

Whispers of conversation rose everywhere.

At the tribe entrance.

The thick-bearded man watched this scene, his eyes flickering as the burning patterns around his body dimmed. He looked toward the Iron Tooth Tribe people on the other side and snorted coldly: "I will give the Si Huo Tribe some Face."

"Once this ceremony is over, we will see who is truly superior on the battlefield."

After saying that.

He turned back and signaled for the Si Huo clansman who had brought them to lead the way.

The group entered the tribe.

On the other side.

The leader of the Iron Tooth Tribe was a fair-faced man without a beard.

He looked at Ding Yang with a solemn expression: "How should I address you?"

"Ding Yang."

"I will remember that."

"I didn't expect that there would be an expert like you in this recently rebuilt tribe."

After saying this, he also led the others into the tribe. Under guidance, they headed to the area arranged within the Si Huo Tribe.

Ding Yang watched the two teams enter.

"After this sacrificial ceremony, I'm afraid things will not be peaceful anymore."

The thought flashed through Ding Yang's mind.

In the past, the tribes in the surrounding areas were all wiped out, and the Si Huo Tribe developed in secret. But after the ceremony, this tribe of theirs would completely enter the sight of other tribes.

"Fortunately."

He looked toward the Thunder Prison in the center: "With the protection of Lord Sacrificial Spirit, and the clansmen never stopping their bitter cultivation, if any other tribe truly has ill intentions, we will wipe them out in one fell swoop."

Ding Yang stepped back into the tribe.

At the center of the tribe.

After the Thunder Prison lasted for a while, it shattered with a bang.

Inside the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

Qin Jin opened his eyes at this moment, his gaze shining brilliantly and his Aura soaring.

The Nine Heavens Thunder Prison Heart Scripture... was complete!