Reincarnated into World of Nine Heavens and Ten Earths

As the disciples milled about, Long Chen and Guo Ran arrived, having taken their time. Senior apprentice-brother Wan, who had been observing from a distance, nodded to Long Chen, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Not bad. I heard everything about what happened in the trial," he said, his tone approving.

Long Chen, ever humble, smiled back. "Don't tease your junior like this. Sorry we came late. The inspections aren't over yet, right?"

Senior apprentice-brother Wan, known for his upright and serious demeanor, merely nodded before turning to leave. But as he walked away, a strange light flashed in his eyes, a fleeting moment of intrigue that did not go unnoticed by Long Chen.

As they approached the registration area, Long Chen noticed over a dozen maidens being scolded by their senior apprentice-sister. Their faces were flushed with embarrassment, their expressions a mixture of frustration and shame. One of them, bored and listless, was playing with her brush, a scene that triggered a sudden memory in Long Chen's mind—a scene from a novel he had read in his past life.

"Sorry to trouble you, but we came late. Can we still register?" Guo Ran asked politely.

The maiden in charge of registration turned to look at Long Chen and Guo Ran, her expression brightening with absolute delight. It was as if they had just saved her life. She excitedly called out to the others behind her, "Those of you who haven't finished the trial, quickly come! There are two more people here."

The maidens, who had been dispiritedly enduring their scolding, suddenly perked up, their eyes lighting up with a predatory gleam as they turned to stare at Long Chen and Guo Ran. The two young men, feeling as if they had walked into a trap, could only brace themselves for what was to come.

A quarter of an hour later, Long Chen and Guo Ran left the plaza, their arms feeling as if they had been stung by a thousand bees. They had never imagined being used as experimental subjects by the eager maidens, but in the face of their pleading eyes and desperate pleas, they couldn't bring themselves to refuse. It was a small price to pay to help their junior sisters, but it left them both feeling more than a little dispirited.

As they made their way back to their mountain, the Xuantian Monastery's vastness became apparent once more. The journey from the plaza to their mountain took a full two hours, a testament to the monastery's immense size but it was no problem to Long Chen who just pulled Guo Ran with him.

By the time Long Chen and Guo Ran made their way back to the central courtyard, the entire assembly had already gathered. The atmosphere was electric, the disciples buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Tang Wan-er stood at the forefront, her presence commanding attention. Her eyes, usually so full of warmth and kindness, now flashed with irritation as she caught sight of the two stragglers.

"What were you two doing?!" she demanded, her voice sharp with impatience. Her gaze bore into them, a mix of frustration and concern. "Hurry up! The rewards are already being passed out."

Long Chen exchanged a quick glance with Guo Ran, both of them suppressing grins as they hastened their pace. They knew better than to keep Tang Wan-er waiting, especially not when the stakes were this high.

As they joined the circle of disciples, their attention was immediately drawn to the small jugs placed in front of each person. These were not ordinary vessels; they were exquisitely crafted, with intricate patterns etched into their surfaces, glowing faintly in the dim light. The jugs resembled traditional wine containers, yet what they held was far more precious than any vintage could ever be.

Inside each jug was a rare and potent substance known as the 'Ten Thousand Beast Essence Blood.' This blood, drawn from the essence of countless powerful beasts, had the extraordinary ability to elevate a person's blood energy to its absolute peak. This was not merely a boost in strength or stamina; it was an opportunity to achieve what was known as a flawless advancement in cultivation—a goal that every disciple in the monastery dreamed of, yet few ever attained.

In the world of martial cultivation, advancements were classified into four distinct levels: flawed, imperfect, flawless, and perfect. Each level represented a significant step in a cultivator's journey, with the quality of advancement directly influencing their future potential. For most martial artists in the secular world, the lack of necessary resources meant that their advancements were often flawed. These flawed advancements led to an unstable foundation, severely limiting their future growth and, in many cases, dooming them to mediocrity.

The imperfect level, while better than flawed, still left a minor blemish on the cultivator's foundation. This was typically the best that even powerful families could hope for, as the resources required to achieve anything higher were prohibitively rare and expensive. Flawless advancements, however, were the stuff of legends. Achieving such a level meant that the cultivator's foundation was virtually unblemished, providing a stable and strong base for future growth. It was a coveted dream, one that many experts would give anything to attain.

But there was one level beyond flawless—a perfect advancement. This was so rare, so incredibly difficult to achieve, that it was almost mythical in nature. Only those born with extraordinary talent, combined with immense luck and access to the most powerful resources, could even hope to reach this pinnacle. It was a level that most cultivators didn't dare to dream of, let alone attempt.

As the disciples stared at the jugs in front of them, they understood the significance of the opportunity they were being given. The 'Ten Thousand Beast Essence Blood' could very well be their ticket to achieving a flawless, or even a perfect advancement. It was an opportunity that could change their lives forever, setting them on a path to greatness.

Tang Wan-er, her earlier irritation now replaced with calmness addressed the group once more. "Outer disciples can exchange their medals for one spirit stone and 500 points each month, while inner disciples receive two spirit stones and 2,000 points," she explained, her voice steady and authoritative. Her words were met with murmurs of approval and excitement, as the disciples realized the significance of what she was offering.

"But listen carefully," Tang Wan-er continued, her tone growing more serious. "I want each of you to return to your residences, review the information on your room walls, and quickly make breakthroughs before the upcoming competition. Strength is paramount. Without it, you'll be nothing but targets, bullied within the monastery and unable to defend yourselves in the trials to come."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with implication. The competition she referred to was shrouded in mystery, but the message was clear: only the strong would survive and thrive in the monastery. Those who failed to make the most of this opportunity would be left behind, their potential wasted, their futures bleak.

One of the maidens, her curiosity piqued, dared to ask the question that was on everyone's mind. "Sister Wan-er, what kind of competition is it?"

Tang Wan-er smiled slightly, a knowing look in her eyes. "I can't tell you for now," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "But all you need to know is that the stronger everyone is, the more benefits and resources we can obtain."

Her answer, though vague, did little to quell the excitement buzzing through the group. The promise of rewards and the prospect of proving themselves in battle was more than enough to spur the disciples into action. With renewed determination, they began to disperse, eager to return to their immortal caves and begin their preparations.

However, as the crowd thinned, Tang Wan-er pulled Long Chen aside. Her earlier confidence seemed to waver slightly as she spoke to him in a more private tone. "Long Chen," she admitted, her voice soft, "I feel like my words didn't inspire the group as much as yours have in the past. Why is that?"

Long Chen chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That's because you're too modest," he explained, his tone light yet insightful. "True motivation comes from speaking so shamelessly that even the speaker doubts their own words."

Tang Wan-er rolled her eyes at his response, though a small smile played on her lips. "Rascal," she muttered, though there was no real heat in her words. "I'll leave the shameless speeches to you, then."

Just then, Meng Qi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward with a devilish grin on her face. "Long Chen," she said, her voice dripping with playful menace, "do you want your top-grade Ten Thousand Beast Essence Blood or not?"

Long Chen smirked, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "I don't need it," he replied, his tone casual.

Meng Qi's grin widened as she leaned in closer. "Oh, is that so?" she purred, her voice low and teasing. "Then I suppose you don't need us either." With that, she turned on her heel, pulling Tang Wan-er and Lu Fang'er along with her. The two women, who had been trying to suppress their laughter, now giggled openly as they followed Meng Qi.

Long Chen's sworn brothers, who had been watching the exchange with varying degrees of amusement, exchanged pitying looks with each other. Guo Ran, Lei Qianshang, and the others seemed to silently commiserate with Long Chen's predicament, though their expressions quickly shifted to nervousness when Long Chen shot them a warning glare. It was a look that promised retribution if they dared to laugh at his expense.

As the women disappeared from view, Long Chen's expression softened, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He suddenly recalled something important, and without a moment's hesitation, he sent out a pulse of his Spiritual Energy, extending it throughout the Central Area of the monastery. His energy swept through the immortal caves, touching on each disciple's presence, ensuring that his message was clearly received.

The message was simple but urgent: all disciples were to halt their breakthroughs to the Muscle Rebirth Realm immediately and gather at the Heaven Earth Faction's base. There was something that needed to be discussed, something that required the attention of all four factions within the monastery.

The response was swift and enthusiastic. The disciples, already accustomed to Long Chen's leadership and charisma, wasted no time in responding to his call. They rushed to the Heaven Earth Faction's base, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Long Chen's messages were never to be ignored; he had a way of making even the most mundane instructions seem like matters of life and death.

As the disciples arrived, they found the members of Tang Wan-er's faction already seated in meditative stances, divided into two distinct groups. The atmosphere was one of solemnity and focus, a sharp contrast to the usual lighthearted banter that characterized their gatherings.

Chu Feng and Yan Qi, two of Long Chen's most trusted allies, stepped forward to explain the situation. "There are two groups here," Chu Feng began, his voice calm and measured. "The first group is made up of all the men, overseen by the male members of Long Chen's group, including himself."

Yan Qi continued, "The second group is composed of all the women, taken care of by our sisters-in-law, Meng Qi and Lu Fang'er. Each faction leader is to be seated at the front, leading their respective groups."

As the four factions mingled and settled into their respective places, there was a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. The disciples greeted each other with quiet nods and smiles, acknowledging the shared journey they were all on. Despite belonging to different factions, they were united by a common goal—to grow stronger, to rise above the challenges that lay ahead, and to support one another in their pursuit of greatness.

As the disciples gathered in the central courtyard of the Xuantian Monastery, the air was thick with murmurs and excited chatter. The conversation swirled around them, a mix of speculation and anticipation about the reason for their urgent summons. Long Chen, standing at the center of the assembly, waited patiently for the clamor to subside. His expression was one of calm authority, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the crowd.

When the noise finally faded into an expectant hush, Long Chen stepped forward, his voice cutting through the silence with clarity and purpose. "I have called all of you here to assist you in breaking through to the Muscle Rebirth Realm and, more importantly, to awaken your ancestral marks."

The impact of his words was immediate and profound. A startled cry of disbelief and excitement echoed through the crowd, save for a few individuals. Meng Qi, Lu Fang'er, Shu Feng, and Long Chen's other close comrades remained composed. These were the ones who, like Long Chen himself, had Ancient Bloodline Runes awakened within them. They were well aware of the magnitude of what was about to unfold.

Long Chen didn't offer further explanation, instead casting a brief, meaningful glance toward Meng Qi. Understanding the unspoken command, Meng Qi stepped forward, her Spiritual Strength coming into play. She began recreating the moment she had awakened her Ancient Qi, carefully editing the display to match the current scenario. Her demonstration was mesmerizing, a dance of ethereal light and energy that left the female disciples in awe.

Meanwhile, Long Chen turned his attention to the male disciples, demonstrating the same process through Shi Feng and his fellow practitioners. The display was equally impressive, showcasing the intricate steps involved in awakening the Ancient Qi. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as the disciples prepared themselves for their own transformations.

Without wasting any more time, Long Chen set to work. He retrieved thousands of herbs, meticulously arranged in a precise order. The herbs varied in type and quality, each chosen for its unique properties. Altogether, there were up to 7,500 sets, each set comprising an assortment of these invaluable ingredients. Long Chen's movements were methodical and deliberate as he prepared for the next stage of the process.

Sitting down in the lotus position, Long Chen began chanting an ancient scripture. The words flowed from his lips with a rhythmic precision, their meaning imbued with the weight of centuries of knowledge. As he chanted, something extraordinary began to happen. Countless flame runes materialized in the air around him, their glow casting an otherworldly light. From within the flickering flames, a serpent formed—a magnificent creature composed entirely of fire.

The serpent undulated through the air, its fiery body consuming the herbs with a voracious appetite. Once it had devoured the herbs, it slithered into a large cauldron that had been carefully prepared for this moment. Long Chen's chanting continued unabated, the energy from the heavens and the earth converging on the cauldron. The scene was both mesmerizing and surreal, leaving the watching disciples in a state of disbelief.

Chen Hong, one of Long Chen's close allies, couldn't contain his excitement any longer. "Yes, your thoughts are correct," he announced, his voice filled with admiration. "Brother Long Chen is a Martial-Pill Dual Cultivator. To add to your knowledge, he is a peak Pill King."

As soon as these words reached the disciples, a wave of awe swept through the crowd. They looked at Long Chen with newfound reverence, their previous excitement now mingled with deep respect. The revelation of Long Chen's status as a Pill King was a game-changer. Only a select few could ever hope to reach such a level, and the disciples were now fully aware of the exceptional talent they were witnessing.

Just as the refinement process seemed to be nearing completion, the cauldron suddenly shook violently. The ingredients continued to be poured in, and the air was filled with an ominous energy. A sphere of intense energy appeared out of nowhere, its aura radiating with a powerful force that overshadowed even Long Chen's formidable presence.

The sphere's appearance was both startling and awe-inspiring. It hovered above the cauldron, its presence commanding the attention of everyone in the vicinity. The energy within the sphere seemed to be a manifestation of pure power, its brilliance illuminating the entire area.

Without warning, the sphere began to transform. One-third of its essence flowed into the cauldron, while the remaining two-thirds remained suspended in the air. A sudden, resounding blast echoed through the courtyard, sending shockwaves through the crowd. The disciples were thrown into a state of panic, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Long Chen, his expression calm and focused, immediately halted the refinement process. Tang Wan-er, her face etched with concern, stepped forward and asked, "Has the refinement failed?"

Long Chen simply smiled in response; his demeanour serene despite the chaos. He then glanced at Meng Qi and Lu Fang'er, giving them a subtle nod. The two women understood the signal and nodded back, their expressions a mix of anticipation and resolve.

The crowd was now thoroughly bewildered, with Guo Ran and the others among the most confused. The exception to their bewilderment was Long Chen and his comrades, who were well aware of the significance of what was happening.

Suddenly, a massive wave of Spiritual Pressure surged through the area. It crashed down upon the disciples, overwhelming them and rendering their bodies powerless. They felt as though they were mere puppets, their movements restricted by an invisible force. The Spiritual Pressure was emanating from Long Chen, Meng Qi, and Lu Fang'er, a testament to their immense power and control.

Despite their inability to control their physical bodies, the disciples could still speak. Guo Ran, his voice trembling with both fear and confusion, managed to ask, "Boss, have I done anything wrong?"

Long Chen's response was both reassuring and unnerving. "Don't worry," he said, his tone calm but firm. "This process will be extremely painful and will require your absolute focus and a conscious mind. I assure you, I am not trying anything devious. This is necessary for you to endure the pain while maintaining your prowess, especially you, dear Guo Ran."

Guo Ran's reaction was immediate and dramatic. "Huh? Me? Pain? NOOOO," he protested, his voice a mixture of dread and denial. His aversion to pain was well-known among the group, and the thought of enduring it now was almost too much for him to bear.

Long Chen's face took on a demonic expression, a reminder of the playful vengeance he was exacting for the earlier incident when Guo Ran had made him feel like a pervert. The sight of Long Chen's menacing grin did little to comfort Guo Ran, who could only brace himself for the ordeal ahead.

Shi Feng, ever the dutiful assistant, approached the cauldron and carefully lifted its lid. The sight that greeted them was nothing short of extraordinary. The cauldron was filled with a golden liquid, its surface shimmering with an ancient and desirable aura. The liquid flowed with a mesmerizing radiance that seemed to fill the entire Central Area of the Xuantian Sect with its presence.

Despite Long Chen's efforts to conceal the liquid's aroma and essence, the powerful scent was impossible to ignore. It began to attract even the elders of the monastery, who, drawn by the potent energy, hurriedly made their way toward Long Chen's location. The elders, accustomed to sensing such extraordinary phenomena, were eager to witness the source of the remarkable energy.

Before the elders could reach the base of the mountain, Long Chen took decisive action. He swiftly divided the golden liquid into approximately 7,500 equal droplets. With Shi Feng's help, all the Ten Thousand Beast Essence Blood was merged together and again placed in the jugs which were placed infront of everyone. Each jug was filled with a precise amount of the precious liquid, mixture of all different grades of Ten Thousand Beast Blood Essence and few more medicial Ingredients, the ensuring that every disciple would receive their share.

With the jugs prepared, Long Chen began to administer the essence to his fellow disciples. He used his Spiritual Energy to force the liquid into their bodies, ensuring that each disciple absorbed the powerful essence. The process was both swift and efficient, the liquid flowing into their systems and igniting their potential.

As the essence took effect, the disciples could feel its transformative power coursing through their veins. The pain, though intense, was accompanied by a profound sense of awakening and growth. The path to breaking through to the Muscle Rebirth Realm had been set in motion, and the disciples were now on the cusp of a new level of cultivation.

As the days unfolded, Long Chen took meticulous care in guiding the 7,500 disciples through the arduous process of breaking through to the Muscle Rebirth Realm and awakening their ancestral marks. With a profound sense of responsibility, he began by addressing the assembled disciples. His voice resonated with an authoritative yet reassuring tone as he spoke, "The process of awakening and breakthrough will require some time. To assist you in this endeavor, I will transfer the 'Starry River of the Sky Art' to each of you, except for my comrades, who have already mastered this technique along with me."

The disciples, their eyes wide with anticipation, listened intently as Long Chen continued. He initiated the transfer of the 'Starry River of the Sky Art,' an ancient and revered cultivation technique, into the minds of fellow disciples except his own comrades who had already learned. The disciples felt a surge of mystical energy as the art was imprinted onto their souls, a sensation akin to the awakening of a dormant power within them.

As Long Chen completed the transfer, he turned his attention to activating the Infinite Trial's seal. A shroud of enigmatic energy enveloped the courtyard, and in an instant, the 7500 disciples; including his beloved Tang Wan'er, and other faction leaders, were plunged into a deep, collective slumber. Within their subconscious, they found themselves transported to a surreal martial stage, an ethereal realm where their true selves could confront their innermost fears and aspirations.

In this soul realm, the runes of the 'Starry River of the Sky Art' floated before them, radiant and otherworldly. Long Chen had instructed them to cultivate this technique before they drifted into their respective realms of the Soul and Sea of Consciousness. The disciples immersed themselves in the art, their souls stretching and growing as they absorbed its profound essence.

The passage of time within this realm was indeterminate, an endless expanse where moments could stretch into eternity or pass in the blink of an eye. The disciples, guided by the teachings of the 'Starry River of the Sky Art,' diligently practiced the techniques. The simplicity of the art made it accessible to those with pure hearts, while its complexity posed not a challenge but a threat for those with darker intentions. Although it was a technique designed for those in the Immortal Realm, it had been modified to be more comprehensible for mortals, though it remained intricate and demanding.

After what felt like an eternity of cultivation, the disciples were required to face their ultimate test: a confrontation with their own inner demons. Each disciple had to battle an opponent unlike any other—an embodiment of their own self. This final trial was a profound test of their inner strength and self-awareness.

The elders of the Xuantian Monastery had arrived, drawn by the extraordinary events that had unfolded, and were eager to learn about the source of the profound and ancient energy from before. Long Chen, ever the strategist, had anticipated their arrival. With an air of nonchalance, he claimed responsibility for the refinement of high-grade pills which he had meticulously prepared over the course of five to seven hours.

The elders, though initially perplexed, were soon appeased by Long Chen's explanations and the gifts of the high-grade pills, specifically the Bone Tempering Pills. They were sent off with courteous farewells and well wishes, allowing Long Chen and his group to maintain the vigil over their fellow disciples.

Three days passed in the waking world, while within the soul realm, the disciples faced their trials. The intensity of the battles within their minds mirrored the physical struggles they would face upon awakening. The experience was both grueling and transformative, pushing each disciple to the brink of their endurance.

As the seventh day drew to a close, the disciples, now fully conscious, marveled at the profound changes within their bodies. They felt a newfound strength and vitality, a testament to the successful culmination of their breakthrough. The pain they had endured was now a distant memory, replaced by a sense of purity and transformation. Their bodies had undergone a complete metamorphosis, shedding impurities and emerging renewed.

Among the most striking transformations was Guo Ran, whose previously frail and somewhat devilish appearance had been replaced by that of a handsome young man with a robust and powerful physique. The sight of his transformation was nothing short of astonishing, particularly given his earlier aversion to pain. The suffering he had endured had been a necessary trial, one that had been enforced by Long Chen's Spiritual Strength.

The disciples, overcome with gratitude and admiration, attempted to bow to Long Chen in recognition of his guidance and support. However, Long Chen gently intervened, stating, "A person should only bow to their parents and worthy elders, as well as their relatives. No one else." His words carried a weight of humility and propriety, guiding the disciples towards a deeper understanding of respect and gratitude.

With their newfound strength and insights, the disciples made a solemn Soul Oath to follow Long Chen and uphold the principles he had instilled in them. This oath was a symbol of their commitment to the path they had embarked upon and their loyalty to their leader.

The unification of the Five Factions marked a significant turning point for the Xuantian Monastery. It was a moment of profound change, one that heralded the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history. The disciples, now more powerful and united than ever before, stood poised on the brink of an exciting and transformative era.

As the sun set on the seventh day, the Xuantian Monastery was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation and hope. The disciples, their spirits lifted and their resolve strengthened, looked towards the future with a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges that lay ahead would be formidable, but with Long Chen leading them and the power of the 'Starry River of the Sky Art' fueling their journey, they were ready to face whatever came next.

Long Chen, observing the transformation and growth of his fellow disciples, those who were going to be his sworn brothers and sisters, felt a profound sense of satisfaction. The journey was short but the results were beyond promising. The potential within each disciple was now fully unleashed, and the path to greatness lay open before them.

To Be Continued...