Reincarnated into World of Nine Heavens and Ten Earths

Chapter 22: Chapter-20: Within Xuantian Monastery[Part-I]



Tu Fang, with a wave of his hand, signaled the elders to begin and so, the Elders all placed their hands on the stone pillars, causing the air around them shimmer as theey supply their energy as forces lit some runes on the screen. Those 7500 new disciples of Xuantian Sect, those who had passed the sect's trial, had passed through the gate and the moment they passed through the gate they all felt an inexplicable lightness overcome their bodies, a sensation that rippled through their very souls. It was as if they were being lifted by an unseen force, their forms dissolving into the ether, only to reappear in a completely different world.

When their eyes fluttered open, the gasps of awe that escaped their lips were almost in unison. They found themselves in a place that seemed to be plucked straight from the legends of old, a paradise so sublime it defied description. They stood atop a small mountain, its peak rising majestically to forty miles, piercing the sky. The lush trees that adorned the slopes swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves a vibrant green that seemed to glow with an inner light. The fragrant grass beneath their feet was so soft and aromatic that it felt like walking on a cloud of perfume. The ground was a verdant carpet, unbroken by stone or dirt, creating an unblemished, flawless scene.

From this lofty vantage point, they could see the breathtaking expanse of their surroundings. The landscape spread out before them like a canvas painted by the gods themselves. A waterfall cascaded down the mountainside with a thunderous roar, its crystal-clear waters glinting in the sunlight as they plunged into a pristine pool below. The air was filled with the sound of trickling streams that wound their way through the land like veins of liquid silver. The cries of birds, unseen but ever-present, added a harmonious melody to the symphony of nature that surrounded them. This place was alive, pulsating with a vitality that was almost tangible.

At the very peak of this mountain, where they now stood, was a cave. But this was no ordinary cave. Its entrance was framed by polished stones that sparkled as if embedded with countless tiny jewels, catching the light and refracting it in a dazzling display. The stones had been worked to such perfection that the cave appeared less like a natural formation and more like a sacred temple crafted by divine hands. Above the cave entrance, massive, intricate lines were carved into the rock. These lines were no mere decorations; they were conduits of power, slowly but steadily absorbing spiritual qi from the air and funneling it into the cave, creating a dense concentration of energy within.

An stepped forward to address the group. His said calmly, "This will be your home now," he began, his tone imbued with a sense of solemnity and purpose. "This particular cave is the immortal cave of the core disciple. Within these walls, you will find spiritual qi so dense, so potent, that it defies the imagination. It is a place of unparalleled cultivation, where the energies of the world converge to nourish your spirits and enhance your powers."

The elder gestured down the mountainside. "The other disciples' caves, i.e. for Outer and Inner Disciples, are located below, spread across the slopes. There are, in total, two thousand immortal caves on this mountain, each a sanctuary of its own. You may arrange and adorn them as you see fit, to reflect your personal preferences and needs."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "This mountain is now your territory. It is a place of your own, where you will build and define your faction. Think carefully about the name you choose for your faction, for it will represent your identity and purpose within the Xuantian Monastery. Once you have decided, ensure it is properly registered."

The elder's voice softened as he concluded, "For now, you should rest and recover. You have faced many trials to reach this point, and your bodies and spirits need time to heal. A team of healers will arrive shortly to tend to your wounds and restore your vitality."

The group took a moment to absorb their new reality. They were alone now, their surroundings quiet except for the soothing sounds of nature. The gravity of their situation began to dawn on them. They had been transported to a place of immense beauty and power, but it was also a place of a new chapter in heir of life with countless challenges and opportunities.

Among those present were Tang Wan-er's faction and Long Chen's group, the only ones who had been brought to this mountain. The others, it seemed, had been sent to different locations, likely similar mountain where they wereseparated by their factions.

"Respected Elder, please wait a moment," Long Chen called out, his voice respectful yet firm as he saw elder leaving.

The elder paused and turned back, a slight furrow of curiosity on his brow. "What is it, Long Chen?" he asked, his tone patient.

Long Chen, his expression earnest, asked, "Elder, I wish to inquire about the Skywood Palace. Now that I have joined the Xuantian Monastery, I believe it is time for me to seek an opportunity to visit my comrades in Skywood Palace. I am deeply concerned about their well-being."

The elder's eyes widened slightly in surprise, his disbelief evident. "The Skywood Palace is behind the Skywood Mountain," he responded slowly, as if processing Long Chen's request. "But what of it?"

"Could you point out which mountain it is?" Long Chen continued, his tone casual but with a determination that was hard to miss as he wated to meet Xiao Hua and Chu Yao. "When I have some free time, I would like to take a trip to the Skywood Palace."

The elder's reaction was immediate and incredulous. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief, as if he couldn't quite trust what he had just heard.

Long Chen, maintaining his calm demeanor, repeated, "I wish to cross Skywood Mountain to visit the Skywood Palace." Knowing why the elder was so shocked.

The elder shook his head slowly, as if in disbelief at Long Chen's naiveté. He pointed towards the distance, his finger steady as he indicated a direction. "Do you see that?" he asked, his voice now laced with a mix of amusement and seriousness. "That is Skywood Mountain. Do you really think you can just stroll over it?"

The group turned to follow the elder's finger, but their view was obstructed by something massive, blocking their sight. They could not see far beyond, but what they could make out was enough to leave them stunned.

Long Chen was the first to react, his gaze following the elder's pointing finger. As he and all other disciples raised their eyes towards the sky, a collective gasp rose from the group. Everyone's jaws dropped as they took in the sight before them and even though Long Chen knew of how high it could be it surpassed his imagination. The mountain range that loomed in the distance was unlike anything they had ever seen. It was so enormous, so impossibly vast, that it seemed to stretch beyond the heavens themselves.

This was no ordinary mountain. It was a colossal range that towered so high that its peaks disappeared into the clouds. The sheer scale of it was mind-boggling. The top of the mountain was obscured by a thick layer of clouds, making it impossible to see where it ended. The group, awestruck, could only stare in disbelief.

"Heavens, how is this mountain so large?" someone murmured, their voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder might disturb the gargantuan presence before them.

The elder chuckled softly, though there was a hint of seriousness in his tone as he replied, "Let alone you, even our sect leader wouldn't dare claim that he could stroll over the Skywood Mountain. Perhaps it would be wise for you to rest a bit first, Long Chen."

The revelation hit the group like a thunderbolt. Even the sect leader, a figure of near-mythical power and authority, could not scale this mountain? Su Heng and Yan Qi, two of Long Chen's closest comrades, were left speechless. The enormity of the task that Long Chen was considering suddenly became all too clear.

"Even the sect leader is unable to cross that mountain?" Su Heng muttered, his voice filled with disbelief. "Just how high is it?"

The elder's expression turned grave as he responded, "No one knows for sure. That's because no one has ever climbed to the top. It is said that our seventh-generation sect leader, a master of unparalleled skill, once attempted to conquer this mountain. He climbed for seven days and seven nights, pushing himself to his absolute limits. But in the end, he was defeated by the astral winds that rage high above. He barely escaped with his life, gravely injured, and since then, no one else has dared to attempt it."

The weight of the elder's words settled over the group like a shroud. The idea that even a master-level sect leader, someone whose strength was legendary, could not conquer this mountain was both humbling and terrifying. It was a stark reminder of the sheer scale of the world they had entered, where even the mightiest could be brought low by nature's wrath.

"So, we can only walk around it, then," Lu Fang'er said, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. She, like Long Chen, had hoped to find a way to reach her two loved sisters, but the mountain's size's challenge before them seemed insurmountable.

The elder nodded solemnly. "That is the only way. But be warned, this mountain range is incredibly long. To reach its end, you would need to travel one hundred and eighty thousand kilometers. And then, of course, you would need to walk all the way back."

The number hung in the air like a death knell. "One hundred and eighty thousand kilometers?!" Chu Feng exclaimed, his voice echoing the disbelief that gripped them all. "Has there been a mistake? What kind of mountain could possibly be that long?" as he felt he would not get to meet his sister soon.

The elder, ever patient, allowed a small smile to grace his lips as he responded, "I can understand your disbelief. I, too, was astonished when I first learned of it. But this mountain has a story, one that has been passed down through the ages. According to legend, in ancient times, a battle was fought among the gods, a battle so fierce that it shattered the very stars. One of those stars fell to the earth, creating a massive crater. The edges of that crater are what formed the Skywood Mountain."

He paused, letting the story sink in the minds of the young people before continuing. "Because the star fell at an angle, it left behind a long, deep gulch, and that is why the Skywood Mountain stretches as far as it does. It is not just a mountain; it is a remnant of a cataclysmic event, a scar left on the world by forces beyond our comprehension."

The elder's tale left the group in a state of stunned silence. The idea that the mountain they were looking at was the result of a battle among gods, that it had been created by the fall of a star, was almost too much to comprehend. It was a reminder of the ancient, unfathomable powers that shaped their world, powers that were far beyond the reach of mere mortals.

With that, the elder turned to leave, his parting words a final reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. Tang Wan-er, noticing the somber mood that had settled over the Long Chen's group members except him, approached Long Chen. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice gentle but concerned.

Long Chen shook his head, a wry smile on his lips as he sighed, "They've been duped by an old ghost. Ah, these old ghosts are always so crafty."

As Tang Wan'er stood amidst her faction members, the air around her buzzed with a mixture of confusion. She had always been sharp, but this situation had her at a loss. How could she have known that the "old ghost" they referred to was none other than the revered and enigmatic Elder Tu Fang of the Xuantian Monastery? A figure of immense virtue and importance, Elder Tu Fang was a legend among the disciples, his presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating as a truly righteous and capable person.

Amidst this air of mystery, Tang Wan'er's voice rang out, clear and commanding, as she addressed her faction. "Alright, everyone, you may now go and select your own immortal caves," she declared, her tone infused with a mix of authority and excitement. There was a palpable buzz among the disciples, their eyes alight with anticipation at the prospect of claiming their own piece of the mountain. The immortal caves, nestled on the slopes of the mountain, were sanctuaries of immense power, each one a conduit for the spiritual qi that permeated the very air of this sacred place.

The peak of the mountain was reserved for the most exalted, and only a few immortal cave stood there, made for the Core Disciples, commanding a view that stretched across the entire landscape. The remaining caves, each unique in its own right, dotted the waist of the mountain, like jewels embedded in a crown. The disciples, unable to contain their excitement, hurried down the slopes, eager to discover their new homes. The thrill of exploration and the promise of a sanctuary where they could cultivate their spiritual powers spurred them on, their footsteps echoing across the mountain.

Amidst this flurry of activity, Long Chen lingered at the peak, his expression one of quiet contemplation. He was about to go on certain direction moving in flow with others when he felt a firm hand grip his arm, pulling him back. Startled, he turned to find Tang Wan'er standing there, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Where do you think you're going?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of playful irritation.

Long Chen blinked in surprise. "I'm picking a nest for myself," he replied, his voice tinged with confusion. His thoughts had been elsewhere, and he hadn't anticipated Tang Wan'er's intervention.

Tang Wan'er couldn't help but laugh at his response, shaking her head in disbelief. "Have you become dumb? There's a perfect one right here, waiting for you," she said, gesturing towards the peak where the most prestigious immortal cave was located.

Long Chen looked at her, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Wait, are you serious? I know I promised to stand by your side, but don't you think you're moving a bit too fast? I mean, how about we take things slow and give me some time to adjust also, aren't there your two elder sisters whom I have to marry first?"

Tang Wan'er's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, her eyes flashing with anger. "You irritating fool!" she snapped, her voice rising in frustration. "Do you really think that's what I meant? This immortal cave is more than big enough for me and sister Qing Yu to cultivate together. It's not like I'm asking you to marry me right here and now and also isn't your cave also one of here?"

The realization dawned on Long Chen like a bolt of lightning. His gaze shifted from Tang Wan'er to the other members of his group, who had been watching the exchange with growing amusement. Among them were Tang Wan'er's sister Qing Yu, his fiancées Meng Qi and Lu Fang'er, as well as his sworn brothers and comrades—Shi Feng, Fatty Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, Chu Feng, and Yan Qi. They were all there, their eyes twinkling with barely suppressed laughter.

Qing Yu, Meng Qi, and Lu Fang'er moved closer to the now flustered Tang Wan'er, whispering among themselves before casting a collective glance at Long Chen. Their expressions were a mix of teasing and disapproval, as if they were silently accusing him of harboring inappropriate thoughts. Long Chen, sensing their judgment, immediately began to stammer out an explanation, his face turning an uncharacteristic shade of red. But before he could get a word out, his comrades, Shi Feng and Fatty Yu Yong, stepped forward, placing their hands on his shoulders with a sigh.

"Ah, Brother Long Chen," Su Heng said with a resigned shake of his head, "we thought you were a man of virtue. But it seems we were wrong."

The laughter that followed was both lighthearted and merciless, as the group delighted in Long Chen's discomfort. Tang Wan'er, still fuming, huffed in frustration before turning on her heel and marching towards the cave, Qing Yu, Meng Qi, and Lu Fang'er following close behind. "We're going inside," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. "If you don't want to join us, feel free to stay outside and wallow in your foolishness."

With that, the four women disappeared into the cave, leaving Long Chen standing there, flustered and embarrassed. The situation was made all the more mortifying by the presence of Guo Ran, who had been lingering at the back of the group. Always the opportunist, Guo Ran had been recording the entire exchange with a Photographic Jade, capturing every awkward moment and every embarrassed stammer.

Before Long Chen could stop him, Shi Feng and Yu Yong grabbed him, holding him in place as Guo Ran gleefully distributed copies of the recording to the other disciples. The whispers and chuckles spread through the group like wildfire, and Long Chen could hear the murmurs of disbelief and disappointment.

"Haizz, Brother Long Chen seemed like such a good person," one disciple sighed, shaking his head. "But who would have thought he was a pervert?"

The words stung, and Long Chen felt his face burn with shame. Unable to bear the ridicule any longer, he rushed off to his own cave, seeking the solitude and quiet it offered. He needed time to collect himself, to shake off the embarrassment that clung to him like a second skin.

After some time had passed, the atmosphere around the mountain began to shift. Over twenty men and women, all clad in the distinctive robes of the Xuantian Monastery, made their way towards the peak. At their head was a woman in her twenties, her green robes swaying gently in the breeze as she approached with a calm and composed demeanor. Her presence exuded a peaceful air, and the disciples who saw her felt an immediate sense of respect and admiration.

The woman stopped a few paces away from Tang Wan'er's group, her gaze sweeping over the disciples before settling on them with a questioning look. "Which one of you is the core disciple?" she asked, her voice carrying a gentle authority.

Tang Wan'er, Meng Qi, and Lu Fang'er emerged from the cave, accompanied by Long Chen and his comrades. They stepped forward in unison, a united front, and replied, "We all are."

The woman's eyes widened slightly in surprise as she took in the sight of the group before her. "Such a large number of core disciples?" she murmured to herself, clearly impressed. Her gaze lingered on the three women, and she couldn't help but offer a warm smile. "Sisters, you all are truly are an outstanding, fairy-like beauty. Your talent is remarkable, and it's no wonder people look upon you with envy."

Tang Wan'er, Meng Qi, and Lu Fang'er exchanged modest glances before responding in unison, their voices tinged with humility. "We don't dare accept such praise. May we ask what brings sister here today?"

The woman, realizing she had yet to introduce herself, smiled apologetically. "Oh, how rude of me. My name is Qi Yue, and I am your senior apprentice-sister. We are the previous generation's disciples, and we belong to the Healing Hall. We've come to examine and treat your bodies, to ensure you're in the best possible condition after the trials you've faced."

There was a collective sigh of relief among the disciples as they realized the purpose of the visit. The Healing Hall was renowned for its mystical techniques, capable of mending both physical and spiritual wounds with a finesse that bordered on the miraculous. Qi Yue's spiritual qi, in particular, was said to possess a recovery force so potent that it rivaled even the most powerful spirit medicines.

As the members of the Healing Hall began their examinations, they were pleasantly surprised by the overall health of the disciples. Despite the intense trials they had undergone, most of the injuries were minor, with only a few internal disturbances that needed attention. Senior Sister Qi Yue and her team worked quickly and efficiently, their hands glowing with soft, ethereal light as they healed the disciples' internal fluctuations, restoring them to perfect health.

However, not everyone was content with the peaceful proceedings. Among the crowd was a man named Lu Chuan, though the leader of this group but smong his generation, known for his brash demeanor and inflated sense of self-importance. His eyes, dark with jealousy and rage, fixated on the three women who stood close to Long Chen. The sight of these fairy-like beauties associating with a man he deemed unworthy ignited a fire within him. Without knowing the full extent of Long Chen's power or the events that had transpired at the entrance of the monastery, Lu Chuan, driven by his unchecked arrogance, decided to challenge Long Chen.

Feigning concern, Lu Chuan approached Long Chen under the guise of offering healing. His true intentions, however, were far from benevolent. He sought to humiliate Long Chen, to assert his dominance in front of the entire. But as Lu Chuan made his move, attempting to strike Long Chen, he found himself met with an unexpected and overwhelming force.

Long Chen's reaction was swift and decisive. As Lu Chuan's hand reached out, Long Chen moved with a grace and speed that belied his calm exterior. In a flash, he caught Lu Chuan's wrist, his grip firm and unyielding. There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone watched, breathless, as Long Chen exerted just the slightest pressure, sending Lu Chuan staggering back, his expression one of disbelief.

But Long Chen was not finished. With a casual, almost lazy motion, he raised his hand and delivered a slap to Lu Chuan's face. It was just a mere slap; it was a simple strike, but one that carried the weight of Long Chen's majestic aura. The sound of the slap echoed across the entire mountain, and to everyone's astonishment, Lu Chuan was sent flying through the air, his body hurtling across the hill like a ragdoll.

The entire assembly was left in stunned silence. The power Long Chen had displayed was beyond anything they had expected, and the fact that he had so effortlessly bested Lu Chuan, a man at the peak of the Tendon Transformation Realm (Muscle Rebirth Realm), was nothing short of extraordinary. Lu Chuan, who had believed himself invincible, lay crumpled on the ground, too shocked to even attempt to rise.

Qi Yue, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, was the first to break the silence. She stepped forward, her expression a mix of awe and respect. "Many thanks, Brother Long Chen, for your assistance," she said, bowing slightly. "Your strength is truly remarkable. Would you care to join us inside for some tea?"

Long Chen, ever the gracious host, smiled warmly. "I appreciate the offer, Sister Qi Yue, but I believe you have other duties to attend to. Perhaps another time?"

Qi Yue nodded, her smile returning. "Indeed, we must return and report that our mission is complete. But I hope we'll have the chance to meet again soon. Until then, take care."

With that, Qi Yue and her group made their departure, leaving Long Chen and his comrades to reflect on the events that had just unfolded. As they watched the Healing Hall members disappear down the mountain, Meng Qi sent a message to the remaining disciples, her voice calm and reassuring.

"Everyone can disperse now," she said, her tone filled with authority. "According to the Elder's explanation, we have three days of rest ahead of us. After that, we'll report to the monastery plaza. You don't need to gather together; just make your way there on your own. If you're curious, feel free to explore the surroundings, but be careful not to get lost."

As the disciples began to scatter, their minds buzzing with the day's events, Long Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him. Despite the embarrassing moments, the unexpected confrontation with Lu Chuan and slapping him made him feel more lighter and better. And suddenly he thought of a new idea which was learning some palm technique and learning in a way to make him slap more unexpected to others while marking it inevitable, destructive and direct.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the Xuantian Monastery, the atmosphere within the sect became almost mystical. The shadows of the towering mountains stretched long and deep, and the cool night air began to settle over the monastery, bringing with it a sense of serenity and introspection.

The disciples, who had spent the day recovering from their trials and tribulations, slowly made their way to a secluded area within the monastery grounds. It was a night that would be etched into their memories for years to come.

They gathered under the vast canopy of the night sky, the stars twinkling like a million eyes watching over them. The moon, full and luminous, bathed the gathering in its soft, silvery light, casting an ethereal glow over the disciples who now stood in a loose circle. The air was thick with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy, as each one of them knew that tonight they would share their pasts, their stories, and their secrets. It was a moment of bonding, of laying bare their souls to one another, and in doing so, forging an unbreakable bond of camaraderie.

As the night deepened, and the murmurs of conversation died down, Long Chen began to speak. His voice was steady, carrying the weight of someone who had seen and experienced far more than his years should have allowed. He spoke of his life before joining the Xuantian Monastery, of the hardships he had endured, and the trials he had overcome. The disciples listened with rapt attention, their eyes widening in shock and disbelief as Long Chen recounted his tale.

Of course, Long Chen was careful to omit certain details—details that were far too dangerous or personal to share. He said nothing of his past life, of the memories Pill Sovereign, or the techniques he had learned that were beyond the comprehension of most. Instead, Long Chen wove a tale that was as much fiction as it was fact, a carefully crafted story that would explain his extraordinary abilities without revealing the true source of his power.

He told them of a mysterious elder from the Pill Tower, a legendary figure who had recognized Long Chen's genius in alchemy and martial arts. According to Long Chen, this elder had taken him under his wing, not only teaching him the secrets of pill refinement but also awakening his hidden potential as a martial artist allowing him to cultivate the Martial-Pill Dual Cultivation. Long Chen also told about Elder Xie and the encounter with him while only telling about awakening of Ancestral Marks like Runes and boos tin cultivation and finding out about the huge Spirit Stone Mine within the Phoenix Cry Empire. Long Chen spoke of how with the help of elder Xie, Long Chen had discovered his unique physique, the 'Dragon Phoenix Martial Body,' a rare and powerful constitution that allowed him to dual cultivate both alchemy and martial arts with unparalleled skill.

As Long Chen spoke, the disciples were entranced, their imaginations running wild with the possibilities. The idea that Long Chen possessed such a powerful and mysterious physique, combined with his natural talent, elevated him in their eyes to something almost godlike. The story was a masterpiece of deception, a twisting of the truth but near to truth that painted Long Chen as a prodigy destined for greatness.

But Long Chen was not the only one with a story to tell. As his tale came to an end, there was a moment of silence, a collective intake of breath as the weight of his words settled over the group. Then, one by one, the others began to share their own stories. Following Long Chen, all of his comrades share their real life experience but a twist at some points. The most shocking one was when they heard Long Chen fighting off in against of a Meridian Forming Cultivator and his Rank-4 Magical Beast and defeating them all alone with Majestic force without much of a problem.

As each person shared their story, the atmosphere grew more intimate, the bonds between them strengthening with each passing moment. There was laughter and tears, moments of joy and sorrow, as they opened their hearts to one another. And then, finally, it was Tang Wan'er's turn to speak.

Tang Wan'er stood at the edge of the circle, her eyes downcast as she gathered her thoughts. There was a vulnerability about her, a softness that was at odds with the fierce warrior she had shown herself to be. When she finally began to speak, her voice was tinged with a mixture of pride and sadness.

"Back in my Tang family, I was the number one person in my generation and had the highest status. So all seniors in my family would pamper me greatly. At that time I was very headstrong and liked to be annoying—"

Tang Wan'er paused, her lips curling into a small smile as she remembered those carefree days of her youth. But before she could continue, Long Chen interjected, shaking his head with a teasing grin.

"What are you talking about? Even now you like to be annoying," he said, his tone light and playful.

Tang Wan'er shot him a glare, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Rascal, don't interrupt me," she snapped, giving him a playful shove. Long Chen chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender, and Tang Wan'er continued.

"As I gradually grew up in my family, I started to realize that in their love and pampering for me, they had given me far too much blood and sweat. That was because they hoped I would one day revive the ancestral mark, awakening the bloodline, and revitalizing the Tang family.

"From that moment on, I felt a huge pressure on myself. Even without the elders telling me to, I would bitterly cultivate."

Tang Wan'er's voice grew softer as she spoke, the weight of her words heavy with emotion. She told them of the trials she had faced, the expectations that had been placed upon her, and the crushing disappointment she had felt when she failed to revive the ancestral mark. The Tang family, once so full of hope and pride, had become a place of silent judgment and unspoken sorrow.

"After I entered the Blood Condensation realm, my family purposely set up a couple of 'assassins' in order to force me into despair, hoping I could revive the ancestral mark during a life and death moment. But it failed. If the first time fails, then later on the probability decreases even more.

"After seven times, I still failed to revive the ancestral mark. Although none of them said anything, I know how disappointed they were. I…"

Tang Wan'er's voice broke, her words trailing off as tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to continue, but the emotions were too much to bear. With a choked sob, she turned away, hiding her face in her hands. Meng Qi was by her side in an instant, wrapping her arms around her friend and holding her close. Lu Fang'er joined them, her own eyes misty with unshed tears.

The sight of Tang Wan'er, usually so strong and confident, now reduced to tears, struck a chord in the hearts of everyone present. It was a reminder that even the strongest among them had their moments of weakness, their fears, and their doubts. In that moment, the bonds between them were strengthened, not by shared strength, but by shared vulnerability.

After a few moments, Tang Wan'er regained her composure, wiping away her tears and taking a deep breath. She looked around at the faces of her friends, the people who had become like family to her, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for being here, for listening."

The others nodded, their expressions filled with understanding and compassion. They had all been through so much, and yet they were still standing, still fighting. It was a testament to their resilience, to the strength of their spirits.

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to other topics. They spoke of the challenges that lay ahead, of the other four areas—the Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern regions—from which more factions and stronger people would arrive. There was an air of excitement and anticipation as they discussed the upcoming battles and the powerful disciples from previous generations who would be joining them.

Long Chen, ever the leader, promised to help everyone get stronger with time. He spoke of awakening the ancestral marks within them, of unlocking their full potential. There was a sense of determination in his voice, a promise that they would not face these challenges alone. The others listened intently, their spirits lifting at the thought of what they could achieve together.

To prove his point, Long Chen, along with Chu Feng, Meng Qi, Lu Fang'er, Shi Feng, Fatty Yu Yong, Su Heng, Chen Hong, Song Ming, and Yan Qi, revealed their Ancient Marks. The sight of these marks, similar to the Ancestral Marks, left the others in awe. It was a powerful reminder of the potential that lay within each of them, waiting to be unlocked.

Finally, the time came to decide the name of their faction. It was a moment of significance, a name that would carry the weight of their ambitions and dreams. They wracked their brains, throwing out ideas, debating the merits of each. But as the moon rose high in the sky, casting its light over them, Long Chen spoke softly, his voice carrying the weight of finality.

"Heaven Earth Faction," he said, his words hanging in the air like a proclamation.

There was a moment of silence as the others absorbed the name, the meaning behind it. And then, one by one, they nodded in agreement. It was a name that resonated with power and authority, a name that would strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. Tang Wan'er was chosen as the leader, her strength and determination making her the perfect candidate to lead them into the battles to come.

By the time the third day was over, everyone's spirits had already recovered. The life and death experience they had shared had forged them into something more than just a group of spoiled disciples. They were no longer the same people who had entered the Xuantian Monastery. The brilliance within them had begun to blossom, and though they had yet to fully unsheathe their sharp airs, they were no longer a group of trash. They had the embryonic air of experts, and it was only a matter of time before they would rise to claim their place among the strongest in the world.

The following day, thousands of disciples gathered in the Xuantian plaza. The huge plaza, hundreds of miles wide, was bustling with noise and activity. At the center of the plaza stood a massive sculpture, hundreds of meters tall. The sculpture depicted a man with a longsword in his hand, pointing up to the heavens with a will that seemed to wish to challenge the world.

This statue, said to be of the Xuantian Dao Sect's ancestral founder, had been there long before the monastery had even been established. Despite the erosion of time, the statue still stood tall, its disdainful will unchanged. The disciples, filled with a sense of awe and reverence, gathered here for the 'Ten Thousand Beast Essence Blood,' eager to condense their cultivation and break through to the next realm.

To Be Continued...


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