Chapter 95 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 95: Abolishing Dantian
Translator: Lynn
A sharp glint appeared in Xu Ziqing’s eyes. Even though the ground in front of him was about to split open, he remained unafraid.
His confidence stemmed from the fact that wood can overcome the earth. Although Zhang Chi had reached the tenth level of Qi refining after six months of practice, the wood attribute’s physique had inherent advantages at the same cultivation level. Xu Ziqing decided to put away the steel and wood sword, realizing that it was time to fight with skills, not just sword techniques.
With a clap of his palms, countless green energies burst forth, transforming into blue light spots that rapidly flew out. They fell on the rolled soil, and in an instant, sprouts emerged, growing rapidly into fluffy spring grass, spreading across the soil like a green blanket and emitting the fragrance of fresh grass. However, the grass wasn’t superficial; its roots intertwined and formed a dense network, swiftly extending underground.
The thin grass roots transformed into thick ones, intertwining and forming a web-like structure underground. The rolling ground was firmly held in place by these web-shaped roots, halting its advancement.
Thus, the advancing “spider web” stopped abruptly, three steps away from Xu Ziqing.
Addressing Zhang Chi, Xu Ziqing spoke, “I also have a trick I’d like to show you, Fellow Daoist Zhang.” He spun and rubbed his palms together, causing the “turf” to move.
Countless fluffy thin grasses grew rapidly, twisting into green grass ropes in mid-air and entangling to form a net that overwhelmed Zhang Chi.
Seeing Xu Ziqing’s counterattack, Zhang Chi remained focused. He drew his flying sword and created several sword lights in the air, forming a “scorched earth” technique. When the grass net met the sword light, it turned pitch black as if it had been burned, and then fell from mid-air, turning into fly ash.
The sword light continued, falling onto the “turf” that was still growing. Consequently, the “turf” quickly turned black and gradually turned into vegetation ashes, blending into the mud.
While wood can restrain the earth, it still depends on the soil and cannot cut off its vitality. Xu Ziqing’s green grass, while powerful, could also be turned into fertile soil.
These two techniques were a set of continuous moves in the “Bengtu Sword Art,” designed for wood attribute monks to combat their counterparts. Zhang Chi, being a wood attribute practitioner, could break Xu Ziqing’s technique instantly. However, using this sword move was quite costly, and Zhang Chi’s complexion paled slightly after executing it.
Yet, Zhang Chi’s moves didn’t cease. He swung his sword again, using the “Landslide and Earth Crack” technique. The edge of the sword emitted a brown light, forming a circular cut, and the sword light around it created an arc, bursting out in all directions.
The sound of rumbling was incessant, and the mountain wall collapsed, sending rocks tumbling down like rain. Simultaneously, the fertile soil on the ground subsided, forming huge cracks in the harder parts and a broad swamp in the deeper areas.
Faced with the falling rocks, Xu Ziqing’s green leaf floated three feet off the ground. He couldn’t find a place to land amidst the dense rock shower and had to dodge left and right. Yet, the barrage was relentless, and Xu Ziqing realized he couldn’t evade it entirely. He quickly slashed out the steel wood sword with his backhand, breaking rocks in his way.
The duel continued with Xu Ziqing’s deft maneuvers, dodging rocks, and skillfully slashing his way through the onslaught.
Amidst the countless boulders, the young man in the green shirt, treading on green leaves, seemed to be floating in the rain, appearing slender. However, he wielded the Wujin obedient sword in his hand, effortlessly chopping off all the rocks thrown down upon him. His movements were not flashy, but they were sharp, crisp, and precise, without a hint of panic.
Xu Ziqing remained calm and composed, while Zhang Chi below began to feel a bit uneasy. He had expended most of his spiritual power using these three sword moves, which he had carefully cultivated for years to specifically counter wood-type monks like Xu Ziqing. The power behind them was immense, and maintaining control, especially during the third form “Landslide and Earth Crack,” required utmost concentration. Any loss of focus might lead to a loss of control over the technique.
Xu Ziqing, on the other hand, was fully immersed in his sword moves, finding it challenging to deal with the deluge of boulders at first. However, once he got into the rhythm, he found it easy. Though the rocks rolled down quickly, he could easily predict their trajectory. By using the green leaves under his feet to position himself opposite to the boulders, he would then apply the foundational sword techniques taught by Yun Lie with decisiveness, efficiently cutting them off.
Xu Ziqing had been diligently swinging his sword 30,000 times a day for the past six months, and this practice bore fruit as he handled the rocks with ease. Compared to Zhang Chi, who was intently focused on maintaining the technique, Xu Ziqing wasted no spiritual power in his sword moves. Each strike was precise and energy-efficient.
Zhang Chi had initially thought Xu Ziqing would not be able to hold on for long under the constant barrage of rocks, but to his surprise, Xu Ziqing’s movements remained steady and undisturbed even after half an hour had passed. This left Zhang Chi increasingly anxious as if he couldn’t take Xu Ziqing down with this technique, he would be at a disadvantage, making it extremely difficult for him to turn the tide.
As a monk at the tenth level of Qi Refining, Zhang Chi took a deep breath and composed himself. He raised two fingers and muttered some words. The long sword in his hand flew up, circled his head a few times, and then hovered above him, emitting a brown light that rippled outward.
Zhang Chi closed his eyes and meditated for a moment, then suddenly opened his mouth and pointed, uttering a word: “Disperse!”
The flying sword turned into a brown light, stabbing at Xu Ziqing’s back heart!
Unaware of the impending danger, Xu Ziqing’s mind and body remained immersed in the sword practice. However, he was conditioned to partially devote his attention to correcting Yun Lie’s sword moves during their regular training sessions. As a result, even during this intense focus, Xu Ziqing detected the approaching murderous intent before the flying sword could strike. Reacting swiftly, he split the boulder in front of him and turned around, perfectly intercepting the flying sword.
“Clang! Clang!” The flying sword vibrated with a buzzing sound as Xu Ziqing deflected it. At the same time, more boulders were falling from behind, creating a perilous situation with attacks coming from both sides.
Now, both combatants faced grave danger. The murderous intent emanating from Zhang Chi was clear to Xu Ziqing. He knew that Zhang Chi blamed him for everything and now sought to kill him. Despite the life-threatening situation, Xu Ziqing suppressed his fear and kept his wits about him. His dantian’s exercises ran rapidly as he strategized on how to escape from this treacherous scenario.
In a sudden turn of events, Xu Ziqing had a clever idea and let out a whistle, summoning his pet eagle, Chonghua. The loyal eagle understood Xu Ziqing’s plan without needing any explicit command and created a path for him to escape the perilous situation.
On the other hand, Zhang Chi realized that his previous powerful attack had drained much of his strength. He reached for a very thin flying sword, a dazzling and almost spiritual weapon bestowed by the Wuliang Sect’s leader. This sword had been cultivated by Zhang Chi for a decade and was on the verge of becoming his natal magic weapon. But now, he had to use it urgently, as his Killer Lan technique had depleted his resources. Without hesitation, he unleashed several spells in succession, controlling the boulders in mid-air and directing them toward Xu Ziqing.
In the midst of the chaotic onslaught, Xu Ziqing deftly evaded the rocks, narrowly avoiding a life-threatening blow. Although his sword skills were still basic, his quick reflexes and ability to fend off mud snakes from the rising swamp showed his potential. Meanwhile, Chonghua, the eagle, tried its best to assist in the battle, although limited by its cultivation level.
As Xu Ziqing fought for survival, Zhang Chi’s focus was on controlling the boulders and swamps, directing them to attack Xu Ziqing indiscriminately. Utilizing his spirit sword, Zhang Chi took advantage of the chaos to further enhance the sword’s power. Despite the risks, Zhang Chi infused the spirit sword with his blood to speed up the integration process.
In a moment of desperation, Zhang Chi closed his eyes and forcefully expelled more blood from the tip of his tongue to hasten the process. The spirit sword reacted, gaining profound meaning and displaying the strength of the earth element. Zhang Chi’s ecstasy grew as he sensed the imminent success of his plan.
On the other side, Xu Ziqing sensed something amiss and quickly flew to a higher position. From there, he saw Zhang Chi’s progress with the spirit sword, which made him feel uneasy. Suddenly, the boulders, now free from Zhang Chi’s control, turned erratic and targeted Xu Ziqing, threatening to crush him.
The battle intensified, and both opponents were fighting with everything they had. Xu Ziqing’s survival instincts kicked in as he dealt with the chaotic boulders, aware that Zhang Chi’s spirit sword was gaining dangerous power. The outcome of this fierce encounter was far from certain, and the danger loomed large for both Xu Ziqing and Zhang Chi.
Xu Ziqing swiftly changed his direction, disregarding all else, and flew towards Zhang Chi. He had realized that Zhang Chi’s spirit sword, now completed, posed a severe threat. However, he couldn’t let Zhang Chi succeed in his plans, so he had to intervene.
As Xu Ziqing approached, dozens of boulders chased after him, pushed by Zhang Chi’s spirit sword. Zhang Chi quickly tried to control the situation, directing his spirit sword to disperse the boulders and quell the rising swamp. He didn’t anticipate that Xu Ziqing’s sudden move would cause his spirit sword to inadvertently become a danger for him.
Realizing this predicament, Zhang Chi’s brow furrowed, but he managed to keep his composure. Xu Ziqing also recognized the immense power of the spirit sword, which was far superior to ordinary flying swords. He knew that confronting it directly with his steel-wooden sword was futile. Yet, he had to figure out a way to deal with this potent weapon.
As Xu Ziqing maneuvered, the spirit sword relentlessly pursued him, moving with incredible speed and precision. Xu Ziqing knew he couldn’t afford to face it head-on again. He had to buy time, and wait for Zhang Chi’s spiritual power to deplete and make the spirit sword unsustainable. But there was no assurance of survival in this desperate situation.
With each move, Xu Ziqing tried to evade the spirit sword, but it kept coming back for him. He realized that he needed to adopt a more assertive approach. Knowing this was Zhang Chi’s last stand, Xu Ziqing resolved to stand his ground. The danger he faced was due to others’ jealousy of his talent, and he could no longer tolerate such ill intentions.
With determination, Xu Ziqing devised a plan. He feigned fear, pretending to be overwhelmed by the spirit sword, while subtly moving closer to Zhang Chi. He hoped to approach him gradually without raising suspicion.
Zhang Chi, seeing Xu Ziqing’s apparent panic and vulnerability, felt a sense of victory approaching. His spiritual power was dwindling, and his guard lowered. Meanwhile, Xu Ziqing’s eyes turned cold as he advanced steadily toward Zhang Chi. When the moment was right, Xu Ziqing made his move, rushing straight toward Zhang Chi.
As Xu Ziqing drew closer, the spirit sword followed closely behind, ready to strike. However, just as the spirit sword was about to collide with Zhang Chi, Xu Ziqing vanished from sight.
Zhang Chi let out a cry of agony, realizing that he couldn’t stop the spirit sword in time. It pierced through his dantian, obliterating the relaxed state that he had achieved.
The consequences were dire, as Xu Ziqing had succeeded in thwarting Zhang Chi’s plans and inflicted a major blow on him. The destruction of Zhang Chi’s dantian left him in a vulnerable state, unable to continue his attack.
The force of the spirit sword, incompatible with Xu Ziqing’s relaxed dantian, struck with such intensity that it instantly shattered Zhang Chi’s already depleted dantian.
Zhang Chi coughed up blood and collapsed to the ground, his expression filled with exhaustion. Unable to control the spirit sword any longer, it fell a few feet away from him. Turning his head, Zhang Chi’s eyes showed a hint of resignation.
Unbeknownst to Zhang Chi, a massive tree had grown just three feet away, its blackish body resembling gold. It was the millennium steel and wood body, created by Xu Ziqing’s steel and wood sword. Emerging from within the steel and wood, Xu Ziqing, usually gentle-faced, displayed a coldness, his smiling lips slightly pursed with a mixture of anger and pity.
It was Xu Ziqing himself.
Using the wood escape technique, he had hidden within the steel and wood, allowing the spirit sword to rebound and strike its master. Tang Wenfei’s rule to spare lives prevented Xu Ziqing from killing Zhang Chi. Xu Ziqing had no intention of reasoning with him either.
Since Wuliang Sect had sought to destroy his dantian, Xu Ziqing felt compelled to give their most promising genius of the generation a taste of his own medicine.
Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Xu Ziqing cast a final glance at Zhang Chi before departing. The matter was now concluded, and he could resume his cultivation. As for Zhang Chi’s future, Xu Ziqing no longer concerned himself with it.
As expected, in the following days, no one visited Xu Ziqing’s cave, and Tang Yunfei did not summon him. It was as if nothing had happened, leaving no trace behind.
Xu Ziqing continued with his peaceful routine, waking up in the morning, swinging his sword 30,000 times, and then meditating to refine his true energy. He didn’t feel fatigued despite the repetition.
Two months later, a peculiar sign appeared outside the cave.
Xu Ziqing opened his eyes and murmured, “Another person building their foundation?”
Recalling Cheng An’s failure to build a foundation, which resulted in the destruction of his soul and spirit, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but feel a sense of fear.
Who had overcome their inner demons this time to dare to build their foundation?
Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but admire the individual’s courage and perseverance. As he made up his mind to go and observe this remarkable monk, Xu Ziqing stepped out of his cave and descended to the mountain wall, just as he had done previously.
Like before, many monks had already gathered, their anticipation more palpable than the last time. The young man in red, accompanied by members of the Loose Cultivation Alliance, greeted Xu Ziqing with a smile, commenting on his tardiness. Xu Ziqing responded with a smile, stating, “Sometimes, one cannot be too hasty. Overflow occurs when water is full.”
Su Xin joined the conversation, maintaining a mysterious expression. He teased Xu Ziqing, saying, “Guess who is building their foundation this time?”
Realizing Su Xin’s trickery, Xu Ziqing surveyed the surroundings before turning around, slightly surprised. He exclaimed, “Young Master Yan?” Su Xin nodded, confirming that it was indeed Yan Boshang from Tianyan Sect.
Xu Ziqing’s brows furrowed slightly. If it was Yan Boshang, it was only natural for the monks to eagerly watch the proceedings.
Su Xin continued, explaining that during Cheng An’s failed attempt at foundation building, his hasty decision had resulted in impurities on his smoke dragon, leading to his defeat. However, Yan Boshang was cautious and waited until his cultivation base was close to building a foundation. Now, he aimed to eliminate impurities before moving, displaying his characteristic prudence. Su Xin believed that Yan Boshang had at least a 90% chance of success this time.
Understanding the situation, Xu Ziqing nodded and remarked, “So, there’s a 90% chance of success in his foundation building this time.”
Su Xin confirmed Xu Ziqing’s understanding, and together they anticipated witnessing a successful foundation building, lifting the cloud of uncertainty that had hung over the monks since Cheng An’s failure.
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