Han Yi returned to his courtyard, activated the double-layered formation arts, and entered his meditation chamber.
Then, his divine sense plunged into his Sea of Consciousness.
Once a Qi Refining cultivator reaches the Late-Stage Qi Refining, their divine sense becomes aware of the Upper Dantian, also known as the Sea of Consciousness. This mysterious space is filled with primordial chaos. At its center resides a profound entity: the 'self,' also known as the Divine Soul.
In truth, divine sense is merely an intangible emanation of the Divine Soul. However, due to the weakness of their Divine Souls during the Qi Refining Stage, cultivators perceive it as a separate entity.
As one advances through the Eighth and Ninth Layers of Qi Refinement, this 'self' grows stronger. The strengthened Divine Soul amplifies the power of divine sense, allowing cultivators to wield higher-grade magic artifacts with greater ease.
Upon reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, the three Dantians within the body undergo a transformation. The Upper Dantian expands rapidly, enlarging the Sea of Consciousness, while the Divine Soul also evolves, gaining mobility and even the ability to temporarily leave the body.
This explains why Divine Soul Secret Techniques are typically practiced only by Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators. The enhanced mobility and strength of the Divine Soul at this stage are necessary to withstand the demands of casting such soul techniques.
Yet at this moment, as Han Yi's divine sense entered his Sea of Consciousness, he dimly perceived a towering, illusory tower at its very center. The number of tiers of the tower remained indistinct, its many layers blurred into the chaotic void. At its base, his frail Divine Soul sat cross-legged outside the structure.
The Divine Soul closed its eyes, and the Illusory Tower materialized.
At Han Yi's thought, the frail Divine Soul at the base of the tower strained to open its eyes, its gaze unfocused. So weak was it that even this simple act proved arduous.
Yet, the moment the Illusory Tower's reflection filled the soul's eyes, an inexplicable realization surged through Han Yi's mind.
Seized by intuition, Han Yi abruptly opened his eyes and saw that the pale crimson Proficiency Panel he had just summoned had already updated:
Name: Han Yi
Lifespan: 47/149
Cultivation Realm: Ninth Layer of Qi Refining (91/100)
Cultivation Technique: Fire Astral Profound Art (Perfected, 49/100)
Skills:
- Alchemy Technique (Perfected Purity, 49/100)
- Spirit Void Finger (Peak Perfection, 39/100)
- Sword Control Technique (Peak Perfection, 46/100)
- Light Body Technique (Peak Perfection, 38/100)
- Fire Shield Technique (Peak Perfection, 27/100)
- Turtle Breath Technique (Perfected Purity, 65/100)
- Wind Wall Technique (Perfected Purity, 39/100)
- Li Fire Sword Manual (Perfected Purity, 89/100)
- Aura Concealment Technique (Masterful, 29/100)
- Qi Observation Technique (Masterful, 11/100)
- Talisman Crafting Art (Initial Glimpse of the Dao, 29/100)
- Ninefold Soul Tower (Beginner, 1/100)
Han Yi's face lit up with delight as he spotted the last entry.
"It's done!"
The Divine Soul Inheritance had already appeared on his Proficiency Panel. Now, it was simply a matter of grinding Proficiency.
And that, Han Yi knew well.
However, cultivating this Soul Technique differed from training ordinary Spells or Skills.
After some experimentation, Han Yi discovered that, at this stage, mastering the Soul Technique required him to continuously focus his Divine Soul on observing the Illusory Tower within his Sea of Consciousness.
The Illusory Tower represented the Inheritance itself. Once the first layer was condensed, that layer would manifest as a phenomenon within his Sea of Consciousness.
In other words, if he could condense the first layer before reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, he could forge a First-Grade Immortal Foundation.
This realization struck Han Yi with sudden clarity, as if divinely guided.
Gu Yu's words had proven true.
Overjoyed by this conclusion, Han Yi resumed his secluded cultivation. As for the ongoing conflicts between the Heavenly Soul Sect and the Blood God Sect, even if he emerged, his actions would have little impact.
Rather than dwell on worries, he chose to focus on cultivation.
Three days later.
The Divine Soul within his Sea of Consciousness trembled slightly. His previously weakened body had more than doubled in strength, and opening his eyes no longer felt like such a struggle.
Ninefold Soul Tower (Initial Glimpse of the Dao 1/100)
More than twenty days later.
The Divine Soul within his Sea of Consciousness had risen to its feet and was pacing back and forth. Approaching the Illusory Tower, it reached out with both hands, only to grasp at swirling chaos. The tower seemed not to exist physically within the Sea of Consciousness, merely a phantom projection—a conduit for the Inheritance.
Ninefold Soul Tower (Hall Entry 1/100)
Three months later, a deep azure robe suddenly materialized around Han Yi's Divine Soul, finally providing it with clothing. As the robe solidified, his Divine Soul became indistinguishable from an ordinary person's, save for its size.
Ninefold Soul Tower (Masterful 1/100)
One year later, Han Yi's Divine Soul underwent another transformation within his Sea of Consciousness. His divine sense evolved into true Divine Sense. A black longsword materialized behind him, a tangible manifestation of his Divine Sense—a Soul Sword that could be wielded in combat. This demonstrated that Han Yi's Divine Sense had reached a formidable level.
Ninefold Soul Tower (Perfected Purity 1/100)
Eight months later, after a total of one year and eight months of secluded cultivation, Han Yi emerged from his retreat.
His departure wasn't due to reaching a cultivation bottleneck, but because the twenty-year agreement between the Profound Pill Sect and the Blood God Sect had reached its end. Yuan Shun's promise to grant Han Yi four years of undisturbed cultivation had also expired.
Regardless, he needed to venture out and assess the situation.
Upon leaving his secluded chamber, Han Yi chose to visit Combat Peak first. Within the Profound Pill Sect, Combat Peak served as the primary hub for information, a gathering place for disciples from both the Inner and Outer Peaks, where news flowed like a vast ocean.
As Han Yi ascended Combat Peak, his heart skipped a beat. The peak was eerily deserted. Not a single duel was taking place on the six Combat Arenas, which had been expanded over the years, and even many shops along the perimeter had shuttered their doors.
Sensing something was amiss, Han Yi hurried to the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild. Fortunately, the guild remained open. Inside, Shopkeeper He Fangwei was scribbling in a ledger. When he saw Han Yi, he looked up in surprise.
"Fellow Daoist Han, have you just emerged from seclusion?"
Han Yi nodded. "That's right. I had a sudden insight and entered seclusion to cultivate. By the way, Shopkeeper He, what's happened? Why is Combat Peak so deserted?"
He Fangwei shook his head. "Fellow Daoist Han, your seclusion lasted longer than you realize. The Sect has been embroiled in a major crisis."
Han Yi's heart lurched.
"A year and a half ago, the Heavenly Soul Sect suddenly launched an attack on our Profound Pill Sect. Were you aware of this?"
Han Yi nodded, and He Fangwei continued:
"After that, the Heavenly Soul Sect advanced directly into Taibai County, aiming to seize all our remaining assets there. Fortunately, our Sect reacted swiftly. We had contingency plans in place and immediately sold all our properties in Taibai County to the Great Qian government, leaving the Heavenly Soul Sect empty-handed."
"After that, the Heavenly Soul Sect marched straight into Nanyang County, but they were met with a joint defense from our Sect and the Primal Beast Sect."
"Now, a full-scale war has erupted across all fronts."
"The reason Combat Peak is so deserted is that over eighty percent of the Sect's cultivators, from both the Inner and Outer Peaks, have left to join the battlefield, following the Sect's orders."
"However, the fighting has been brutal."
He Fangwei clearly knew more than he was letting on, his heart heavy as he spoke the truth.
"How brutal?" Han Yi pressed, unwilling to settle for vague platitudes. Their long-standing relationship had matured into genuine friendship.
He Fangwei sighed. "The casualties have been staggering."
"The Heavenly Soul Sect's disciples are masters of Divine Soul Secret Techniques, giving them a distinct advantage in combat."
"Worse, the Primal Beast Sect, once a close ally, has inexplicably withdrawn half its forces from Nanyang County over the past six months. The remaining troops are only going through the motions, offering little real support."
"This has plunged our Sect into an even more precarious situation."
A thought struck Han Yi. "By the way, the twenty-year deadline has passed. Has the Blood God Sect shown any unusual activity?"
He Fangwei nodded, his voice heavy with concern. "The twenty-year deadline has passed, but our Sect can't even cross the border into Taibai County. The flames of war have already spread to Nanyang County. The promise made twenty years ago to return the mineral vein assets to our Sect has proven to be nothing more than a phantom, like the moon reflected in water or a fleeting bubble."
"Moreover, our Sect has discovered..."
"The Heavenly Soul Sect's invasion is backed by the Blood God Sect. Our disciples frequently encounter Blood God Sect members disguised as Robber Cultivators on the battlefield."
"This is a major reason for the loss of our Sect's cultivators."
As he spoke, He Fangwei's tone grew even more grave.
"Furthermore, a year ago, Supreme Elder Mu Jianxu was ambushed at the border between Taibai and Nanyang Counties by the Heavenly Soul Sect Leader and two mysterious Golden Core cultivators. Mu Jianxu killed one of the Golden Core cultivators, barely escaped with severe injuries, and entered secluded cultivation. His fate remains unknown to this day."
"Three months ago, Supreme Elder Jiang Zhan was ambushed on the battlefield. He detonated himself, taking one of the enemy's Golden Core cultivators with him in mutual annihilation."
"Adding to this, Supreme Elder Su Changkong fell to the Heavenly Soul Sect a year and a half ago. Of our original nine Golden Core cultivators, only six remain capable of fighting."
"In addition to that, over a dozen Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators have fallen, and more than ten cultivators who had previously signed agreements with the Profound Pill Sect to serve as Consultant Elders have unilaterally withdrawn from those agreements. These fickle turncoats believe they can escape unscathed, but in the end, no matter who wins, they will all meet their doom."
He Fangwei finished with a cold laugh.
Han Yi remained silent, digesting the wealth of information He Fangwei had revealed, particularly that opening statement.
Mu Jianxu was a Supreme Elder of the Sect and the very cultivator who had broken through to the Golden Core Stage using the Pill Sword Technique. In terms of strength, he ranked second only to Yuan Shun within the Sect, making him the Sect's second most powerful fighter. The fact that even he had been ambushed, critically wounded, and left to die helplessly demonstrated just how dire the situation had become.
Jiang Zhan, another Supreme Elder, had been killed outright in battle. This meant that the Sect had already lost two Golden Core Stage cultivators at the hands of the Heavenly Soul Sect.
The animosity between the Profound Pill Sect and the Heavenly Soul Sect ran even deeper than their conflict with the Blood God Sect.
What could possibly drive the Heavenly Soul Sect to commit such reckless sacrifices and pour all their resources into annihilating the Profound Pill Sect?
Han Yi simply couldn't fathom it.
The Heavenly Soul Sect had never had any prior conflict with the Profound Pill Sect, and they were separated by a considerable distance. The Profound Pill Sect lay north of Shu Prefecture, while the Heavenly Soul Sect resided in the southwest, with several other sects in between.
Why go to such lengths when a simpler solution is at hand?
These questions flashed through Han Yi's mind, but he quickly dismissed them. Dwelling on them now served no purpose.
As he gathered his thoughts, He Fangwei continued, "However, Elder Mu Jianxu's rampage, Elder Jiang Zhan's valiant death, and the fierce resistance of numerous Foundation Establishment Stage Elders and Qi Refining Stage Disciples have inflicted heavy losses on both the Heavenly Soul Sect and the clandestine Blood God Sect."
"Over the past month, the battle lines have stabilized into a stalemate. The pressure on our sect's cultivators has lessened somewhat compared to the initial stages of the conflict."
Han Yi replied solemnly, "We must not let our guard down."
He Fangwei nodded. "Of course. After enduring countless trials over the centuries, the Profound Pill Sect is no longer the same as it was decades ago."
"Anyone seeking to destroy us must be prepared to descend to the Netherworld Ghost Realm with us."
A palpable killing intent radiated from He Fangwei's face.
This was the first time Han Yi had witnessed such unbridled ferocity from He Fangwei. This aged Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement cultivator, who had served as the shopkeeper of the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild, had never been a pushover.
Han Yi fell silent again, his silence born from observing an emotion in He Fangwei—an emotion shared by most of the sect but lacking in himself:
A deep sense of belonging to the sect.
He Fangwei, He Fengdi, Zheng Hai—every cultivator Han Yi had encountered in the sect possessed a deep sense of belonging. None considered shirking their duties or abandoning the sect in its time of need.
This, it seemed, was the norm in the Cultivation World: a profound allegiance to one's sect.
At that moment, Han Yi honestly questioned his own sense of belonging to the Profound Pill Sect.
Did he have it?
Yes.
Was it strong?
Yes.
Would he willingly die for it?
No.
This stemmed from his being a transmigrator, his innate personality, and his experiences in the Cultivation World.
"Fellow Daoist Han... Fellow Daoist Han..."
A voice snapped Han Yi out of his reverie.
"Hmm?"
"I was asking if you planned to descend the mountain. The sect desperately needs reinforcements, and with your strength, Fellow Daoist Han, you'd be a formidable asset at the Qi Refining Stage."
"However, if you join the battlefield, you must exercise extreme caution."
"The traditional rule that Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators don't target Qi Refining Stage cultivators from opposing sects has eroded. In this escalating conflict, that custom is becoming increasingly obsolete."
"When you descend the mountain, be particularly wary of Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators from the Heavenly Soul Sect and the Blood God Sect."
Han Yi acknowledged the warning, thanked him, and was about to leave when a sudden thought struck him. He paused and asked another question.
"By the way, what's Great Qian's official stance on this?"
He Fangwei scoffed. "Great Qian would love nothing more than to see all the warring sects annihilated, so they can seize our cultivation resources."
"Oh? Aren't they afraid that a conflict between the Profound Pill Sect and the Heavenly Soul Sect could destabilize Shu Prefecture?"
He Fangwei sneered. "This isn't twenty years ago. Back then, when the Demon Cave emerged, Great Qian suffered heavy losses. They intervened to prevent domestic unrest."
"But now that Great Qian has recovered, they'd rather watch us tear each other apart. That way, they can swoop in to clean up the mess and annex both sects' resources."
"Fellow Daoist Han, do you think the twenty-year deadline was just a coincidence? It was essentially a trap set by Great Qian from the start."
"Our sect knows this, and the Blood God Sect knows it too. But neither of us can afford to back down. This isn't just about the mines in Taibai County. If we show weakness, countless other sects will pounce on us like vultures."
"During those twenty years, the Blood God Sect forged an alliance with the Heavenly Soul Sect, using them as a shield. This temporarily neutralized Great Qian's trap from two decades ago. Of course, the Heavenly Soul Sect's willingness to play that role likely stems from reasons unknown to us."
Upon hearing this, Han Yi's pupils constricted sharply, as if struck by a sudden blow.
Twenty years ago, Han Yi had naively believed that the Blood God Sect's proposed twenty-year usage period for the mine was merely a pretext to secure long-term control. He never imagined that Great Qian had also played a part in this complex scheme.
Now, entangled in this web of intrigue, Han Yi admitted to himself that he had oversimplified the situation.
After bidding farewell to He Fangwei, he ascended Azure Dragon Peak and entered Azure Dragon Palace. The palace bustled with disciples hurrying to and fro, their faces grim and determined. Some even bore dried bloodstains on their robes, a silent testament to recent bloodshed.
"Han Yi, come to the tower's summit," a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
Han Yi stiffened. It was a Divine Sense transmission, and the voice was unmistakable: Supreme Elder Fu Xuanxu.
"Senior Uncle Fu, this disciple will be there immediately," Han Yi replied mentally.
"Hmm? Your Divine Sense..." Fu Xuanxu's voice betrayed surprise, but he didn't press further, ending the transmission.
Moments later, Han Yi arrived at the tallest tower deep within Azure Dragon Palace—the secluded cultivation sanctuary of the Supreme Elder who presided over the peak.
When Han Yi saw Fu Xuanxu, his heart skipped a beat. The elder's aura was noticeably disturbed, even to Han Yi's untrained senses. Fu Xuanxu's energy flowed erratically, a clear sign of serious injury.
"Senior Uncle Fu, are you injured?" Han Yi asked, the grim details of the battle He Fangwei had described now hitting him with full force. It was clear that some of the fiercest clashes remained hidden from lower-level cultivators, known only to those at the Foundation Establishment or even Golden Core Stage.
Fu Xuanxu didn't deny it. Instead, his gaze burned intently as he fixed Han Yi with a penetrating stare. "Has your Ninefold Soul Tower broken through?"
Han Yi shook his head. Though his Divine Soul had undergone several transformations through cultivating the Ninefold Soul Tower, the illusory Soul Tower within his Sea of Consciousness remained hazy. Even the lowest level, the First Heaven, hadn't solidified. Strictly speaking, he hadn't truly broken through this inheritance.
True advancement required solidifying the First Heaven and comprehending the first Soul Technique. Only then would he have a chance of manifesting a Divine Soul Phenomenon during his Foundation Establishment breakthrough.
No wonder it's a Holy Land inheritance, Han Yi mused. Even after reaching the Perfected Purity realm, I haven't managed to set foot on the First Heaven.
Seeing Han Yi's denial, Fu Xuanxu showed no disappointment. "Even if you haven't broken through, your Divine Sense is already approaching that of a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator. You could break through to Foundation Establishment right now without any issues."
"Given that you've already reached the peak of Qi Refinement, and with our protection, your chances of breaking through to Foundation Establishment are undoubtedly over ninety percent," Fu Xuanxu calculated aloud.
Han Yi's brow furrowed at these words. "Senior Uncle Fu, has the war truly reached such a critical point?"
Fu Xuanxu's meaning was clear: he wanted Han Yi to reach Foundation Establishment as quickly as possible and join the battle. The urgency in his voice suggested that the situation on the battlefield was dire.
Fu Xuanxu nodded gravely. "I believe you're aware of the current state of the war. On the surface, our sect appears to be holding its ground, and the Heavenly Soul Sect seems to be retreating."
"However, in reality, only the low-level Qi Refining cultivators are withdrawing. At the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core levels, the Heavenly Soul Sect is pressing forward with overwhelming force. Coupled with covert assassinations by the Blood God Sect, the early retreat of the Primal Beast Sect, and the meddling of rogue cultivators stirring the pot, our sect faces immense pressure. We urgently need fresh reinforcements."
Having said this, Fu Xuanxu fixed his gaze intently on Han Yi.
Han Yi shook his head. "This disciple's foundation is still unstable, and I have yet to reach Foundation Establishment. Senior Uncle Fu, please grant me another year."
Han Yi had a premonition that when his Ninefold Soul Tower reached Peak Perfection, it would trigger a crucial breakthrough. At that level, the tower should be able to condense its First Heavenly Layer and allow him to comprehend his first Soul Technique.
More importantly, condensing the First Heavenly Layer of his Soul Tower would greatly increase his chances of forming a First-Grade Immortal Foundation within his Divine Soul when he broke through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.
A First-Grade Immortal Foundation was crucial to his future on the Immortal Path, and he couldn't afford to abandon this opportunity. Han Yi refused to give up unless absolutely necessary.
Fu Xuanxu's brow furrowed. Despite his severe injuries, his displeasure radiated a terrifying aura. Though the pressure wasn't directed at Han Yi, the young disciple standing before him trembled violently, nearly collapsing to his knees.
The oppressive force vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
"Enough. Go," Fu Xuanxu said, waving his hand dismissively and closing his eyes, refusing to look at Han Yi again.
Han Yi bowed deeply and hastily retreated from the tower.