Chapter 555: Maturing disciples
Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
Xiao Yan, looking at Shi Tianhao, was simultaneously annoyed and amused. He turned and said to Xiao Zhener, “Zhener, have you ever thought that that cute and adorable kid would grow up to become such a cheeky and lazy boy?”
With this, a smile surfaced on both Xiao Zhener and Shi Tianhao’s faces, and their eyes became overcome with nostalgia.
That fateful day when they first met was still when Lin Feng took Xiao Yan as his disciple in Wuzhou City. Shi Tianhao then had just become Lin Feng’s disciple; he was still a child, less than four years of age, cherubic and endearing.
Actually, Shi Tianhao now was outstanding in terms of physical appearance as well; a head of long, smooth black hair that rested on his shoulders, distinct features, and a handsome face. Even though he was only twelve or thirteen, but he already has a tall stature, appearing striking and energetic.
Since they parted, in the Great World, it has only been four plus years; but because he has been cultivating in the time-acceleration world, Shi Tianhao has not seen Xiao Zhener for many years.
Xiao Zhener, still smiling, said, “Now, Tianhao is already a proud boy whose name rings across the Divine Lands.”
Shi Tianhao grinned; before he can speak, at the side, Xiao Yan already said cooly, “What proud boy, just like when he was a child, still a gluttonous brat.”
Beside, Wang Lin, Yue Hongyan and Yang Qing all smiled, while Shi Tianhao curled his lips.
As they talked and laughed merrily, the party came to the foot of the Black Heavenly Treasure Tree. Xiao Zhener paused in her gait and looked at Xiao Yan. “Brother Xiao Yan, I’ll wait for you here.”
Xiao Yan opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Lin Feng’s voice sounded beside his ear. “Come in, no worries.”
Xiao Zhener hesitated for a moment, but did not refuse and bowed. “Thank you, Sir. I shall take the liberty.”
They rose into the air together and flew to the summit of the Treasure Tree, entering the Heavenly Cosmic Ray World.
In the Alternate World, Lin Feng was sitting on the top branch of the miniature Treasure Tree silently as he looked smilingly upon the posse of Immediate Disciples coming to him.
After they bowed to Lin Feng, Lin Feng first looked at Shi Tianhao. “Tianhao, as you know, your cultivation and mental state will both attain perfection after the battle with that Man with Polycoria. Only then, would be the opportunity for you to pass the Thunder Tribulations and form your Nascent Soul.”
“You can attempt the Thunder Tribulations now, but without perfection, even if you pass successfully, there will be some flaws after forming your Nascent Soul.”
Shi Tianhao nodded. “Yes, Master. I understand.”
Lin Feng glanced at Wang Lin, smiling. “Your Third Senior has already tested the waters for you. Whatever trump cards that Man with Polycoria have, they have already been utterly exposed.”
Hearing this, everyone laughed, while Wang Lin shook his head, with a slight hint of bitterness in his smile.
“Obviously, your opponent knows this as well, so before his battle with you at the Dragon Battle Arena, he will definitely put in effort to prepare some new things. The Great Void Sect would not stand idly by either; although his left Polycoria eye has been blinded, but when it’s time for the battle, I’m afraid his strength might even increase.”
As Lin Feng spoke, he extended his right hand and pushed lightly with a finger. A ball of purple gas flowed out; within the purple gas, the Fences of the Heavens and the Heaven-Bearing Seal together suppressed the corpse of a colossal beast.
This beast’s form resembled a yellow sack. It was crimson like ember flame; it has six legs and four wings, but lacks features or even a face. It was none other than one of the Four Immemorial Fearsome Beasts – Hundun.
“You studied the Four Appearances Heaven Cleaving Script and derived the new Abhijna that belonged to you and yourself alone. Previously, you have already forged the first Chaos Hole with the blood essence of the Taotie, forming the black land of the abyss,” Lin Feng said.
“Now, you can forge your second Chaos Hole with the blood essence of this Hundun.”
“Don’t worry, Master. I will work hard.” Shi Tianhao answered.
He cultivated the Four Appearances Heaven Cleaving Script and forged the Four Abhijna Chaos Holes, but he did not necessarily need the blood essence of the Four Immemorial Fearsome Beasts. Any of the top Demon bloodlines would do; but after careful consideration, he still decided to use the blood essence of the Four Fearsome Beasts – Hundun, Taotie, Qiongqi, and Taowu.
Recently, the little Taotie, Tuntun, has been way more quiet than usual; not a trace of her can be seen in Mount Yujing. Not because her personality suddenly changed, but rather as a result of having provided large amounts of blood essence for Shi Tianhao to forge his Abhijna.
Right now, the little one was still resting and recovering in Wasteland Valley, devouring the many spiritual items that Shi Tianhao provided as reward, teary-eyed. She has the nagging feeling that she made a bad trade.
At this moment, Lin Feng gazed at Yang Qing and, with a light smile on his face, said, “Little Qing, the greatest juncture in your cultivation is a matter of mental state. In addition to cultivation, to form the Aurous Core, you must also see through the Plight of Mortality.”
“Almost falling into the Void Battleground, to you, is one trial, but it’s still not enough.”
Yang Qing bowed in acknowledgment. “As you say, Master. Recently, when I cultivated on Mount Yujing, I had the same feeling.”
“I always have the feeling that I still lack the last little bit to forming the Aurous Core.” Some embarrassment appeared on his face. “I know, that is the fear of death. At the point of life and death, my mental state will still waver.”
Xiao Yan, Wang Lin, and the others’ expressions remained calm. No one will mock or laugh at Yang Qing; even Xiao Zhener’s face did not change in the slightest, even though she just met him for the first time.
Great fear hangs over life and death. To see through life and death – none would call it an easy enterprise.
In fact, even after forming the Aurous Core, with the passage of time and the attrition of lifespan, it was unavoidable that the fear would return to the hearts of many cultivators as long as they do not attain Immortal Soul. Apart from the minority of the strong-willed, who possessed great perseverance and determination, most people must wrestle with the Plight of Mortality for their entire lives.
Forming the Aurous Core was nothing but the start.
Lin Feng smiled. “No worries. Actually, you can try the way Nanhua used to see through the Plight of Mortality.”
Yang Qing and the others were slightly surprised. “Mr Kang?”
Lin Feng nodded. “Although Nanhua is cultivating in seclusion now and you would not be able to find him directly, I can guide you as well.”
After listening to Lin Feng’s explanation, Yang Qing muttered to himself, “Sealing all of your strength and cultivation, go challenge fatal danger like an ordinary, mortal man?”
Whether it was his character or life experiences, deep inside Yang Qing’s heart, terror and insecurity still resided.
The path that Lin Feng pointed out, to a certain degree, touched exactly the anxiety within him.
However, after a slight moment of hesitation, Yang Qing’s gaze became firm. “I understand. I will not disappoint you, Master.”
Lin Feng, though, shook his head and touched Yang Qing’s chest with his finger. “Cultivation, is for yourself and not me.”
“This, actually, is also a barrier of the heart on your cultivation journey. Whenever you see through it, your cultivation will skyrocket.” He said slowly.
Yang Qing’s expression was a mixture of daze and panic. After a long while, he spoke softly. “I…understand.”
“Hmph. Understand, and then work hard to achieve it.” Looking at him, Lin Feng smiled briefly. “I believe that you can do it. All I hope is that that day do not come too late.”
Yang Qing nodded intensely. At his side, Xiao Yan patted his shoulder. Yang Qing turned to see Xiao Yan smiling. “Think more about what is it that you truly want. If you understand, it will not be difficult.”
Yang Qing started laughing as well.
At this moment, Lin Feng looked at Yue Hongyan and asked, smiling, “How do you feel about the battle with that Marquis of Jinghuan’s avatar?”
“Although he’s a lecher, he is very strong,” Yue Hongyan’s crimson brows rose slightly. “The Intermediate Aurous Core avatar…superb martial prowess, strong martial will. With that golden poleaxe, I must use the Rising Sun spear technique if I were to defeat him. If I only use the Space-destroying Spear Technique, I cannot guarantee a victory.”
Chuckling, Lin Feng asked, “What if that avatar of his is Advanced Aurous Core?”
Yue Hongyan did not rush into replying; after careful thought, she answered, “If he was Advanced Aurous Core, I must use the second of the Tri Avīci Slaughtering Spear Techniques. If I were to kill him, I’m afraid I’ll have to use the third spear technique.”
Xiao Yan and Shi Tianhao, who witnessed the battle themselves then, both nodded in agreement. Shi Tianhao looked at Yue Hongyan. “Fourth Senior, If I weren’t mistaken, the last technique of your Tri Avīci Slaughtering Spear Techniques has not yet been perfected completely?”
“It can already be used, but the strain on myself is too great, so it needs to be polished and perfected further.” Yue Hongyan said.
As she said this, a smile flashed across the red-haired girl’s face. “But I have learned much from this battle. After this, with a period of intense study, I can truly perfect the third spear technique.”
Lin Feng nodded, satisfied. “Very good.” With his level of cultivation, he can easily help Yue Hongyan to perfect the entire martial Abhijna, but Lin Feng did not plan to do so. More than that, he hoped that his disciple could, through her own exploration, forge a unique path.
Guiding them forward was not a problem, but Lin Feng did not plan to hold their hands and support them as they walk, with the exception of extremely exceptional circumstances.
“Your original weapon has been destroyed. This Dragon Demon Battle Poleaxe is just right to be your new weapon; I have already completely wiped off the previous individual imprint on it, and you just have to cultivate it yourself.” Lin Feng spread opened his hand; amidst the flashing golden glare, a large golden poleaxe landed in front of Yue Hongyan.
Yue Hongyan’s gaze flickered, as if thinking about her splintered Black Ember Poleaxe.
…It was the personal weapon that her previous Master, Zhang Lie, gave her.
The look in Yue Hongyan’s crimson pupils quickly returned to calmness once again. The past, everything that had happened, dissipated like clouds in the clear azure sky; taking the golden Dragon Demon Battle Poleaxe, she bowed towards Lin Feng. “Thank you, Master.”
Lin Feng gazed towards Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhener and said with a smile, “Little Yan, the Abhijna and Mana you cultivated are all overly aggressive, which actually made forming the Nascent Soul more difficult for you. In those situations, you must calm your heart, nourish your Mana peacefully, and balance the power of Primordial Fire. In time, all will be well when the time is right.”
“But with Zhener accompanying you, I believe that your mental state will not fluctuate much.”
Xiao Zhener’s demeanor was open and unreserved as usual, and a smile appeared on her lips. On the contrary, it was Xiao Yan who appeared somewhat embarrassed as he looked at Lin Feng. “Master, even you are mocking me as well?”
“The two of you are finally reunited after separation for so long, I feel only happiness for you,” Lin Feng chuckled. “The Ancient Royal Sword is yours to wield for now. Study it together with Zhener; the teachings of the Emperor of the Ancients’ line are greatly beneficial to you for controlling the Nanming Primordial Fire.”
Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhener together bowed in acknowledgement.
Lin Feng, after sending off the other disciples, turned his gaze to Wang Lin. Wang Lin was looking at him with a smile as well.
“Okay, Little Lin, you can start now,” Lin Feng said, smiling. “You have toiled long and hard in the Void Battleground, and now, the season to reap the fruits has arrived.”
Wang Lin nodded, smiling. He immediately sat down, cross-legged, and activated his mantra and Mana silently. Black gas and white light rose up around his body, alternating and oscillating.
