A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 262 Ascension
Inside the entrance, Gu Xu continuously absorbed spiritual energy, his five-colored radiance constantly rotating, eventually condensing into five dazzling light swords. These swords then merged into Gu Xu's body, followed by the black and white Tai Chi pattern. Two yin-yang fish swam back and forth around Gu Xu, and with each rotation, Gu Xu's aura intensified. After thirty-six rotations, the black and white yin-yang fish suddenly merged, transforming into a mark that shot straight towards Gu Xu's brow. Gu Xu's body trembled, his aura surged, and a burst of spiritual light broke through the entrance's restrictions, soaring directly into the sky!

Outside the Xuanxin Sect, Jin Guang and the sect's high-ranking members watched the palace eunuchs leave. Zhu Que, standing to the side, had a very unpleasant expression and was about to say something, but was stopped by Qinglong's eyes.

"Azure Dragon, have all the disciples of the sect returned?"

"Reporting to the sect master, all disciples have received their orders. Five hundred disciples have already returned to the sect, and more than fourteen hundred are still on their way."

The Xuanxin Sect has branches in almost every part of the Central Plains. Although they received the order at the same time, the distances between them varied. Those that were closer naturally took the lead, while those that were farther away were speeding up their pace to try to reach the capital in the last half month.

"Ah."

Jin Guang nodded, and just as he was about to say something, he suddenly had a thought and turned to look in the direction of the Xuanxin Hall. Yan Chixia and his wife also turned to look. The four Xuanxin generals saw that the sect leader's face was solemn and thought that something had happened. They all held their weapons in their hands. At this moment, everyone suddenly saw a beam of light shoot straight into the sky, stirring up the clouds and dominating the heavens. The beam of light was five-colored and flowed endlessly. It was accompanied by auspicious clouds and spirit beasts, which made it even more powerful.

"What an amazing aura! Junior Brother Gu Xu has already reached that level."

Yan Chixia was both surprised and delighted. Since the founding of the sect, no one had ever achieved this. Now that Gu Xu had taken this step, it meant that more disciples would follow this path in the future. This was a momentous event that would be recorded in the history of the sect.

"Senior Brother Gu Xu."

Jin Guang looked at the spiritual light and smiled, but there was a hint of bitterness hidden in the smile. He had his own abilities to become the sect leader, but the main reason was that he had Gu Xu as his support. This allowed him to fight against the demonic path without any scruples. It could be said that most of the credit for his achievements today should go to Gu Xu.

Now that Senior Brother Gu Xu is about to ascend to immortality, I will be supporting the sect alone.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother, Jin Guang will definitely carry forward the sect and live up to your expectations!"

Just after the light appeared, the emperor in the palace also saw it clearly, and a look of horror appeared on his face as he tightly gripped a jade ruyi in his hand.

"what on earth is it!"

The Emperor was both shocked and furious. He looked at Liu Xin, who was serving him, and realized that he had just bestowed the Xuanxin Zhengzong upon him, and the Xuanxin Zhengzong had caused such a commotion. Wasn't this a slap in his own face?

"Your Majesty, please do not be angry. This is Daoist Gu Xu, whose cultivation has reached its peak and who is about to ascend to immortality."

A voice rang in the Emperor's ears. Liu Xin looked in the direction from which the voice came and saw a middle-aged swordsman in a green robe. He recognized the man as Xue Jian from Cangling Mountain, one of the martial arts masters in the palace. His Canghai Sword Technique combined both elusiveness and ferocity. He once killed four bandits with a single sword strike, which made him famous. Later, he was recruited by the palace.

"Master Xue, what exactly is ascension? Is it as I think?"

The Emperor looked at Xue Jian with great anxiety, and even Liu Xin turned his gaze over. Upon hearing this, Xue Jian's expression turned solemn. After bowing to the Emperor, he slowly said, "Your Majesty may not know, but the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect is a legitimate lineage of Taoism. Although its martial arts are similar to ours, they are fundamentally different."

At this point, Xue Jian took a deep breath and continued, "It is said that after mastering the Xuanxin Orthodox Martial Arts to its peak, one can ascend to heaven and become immortal. Originally, I just laughed it off. But what I saw today clearly shows that someone has achieved perfect cultivation, with spiritual light shining through the top of their head and energy reaching the clouds. Judging from the looks of it, in at most six days they will be able to achieve the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and the Five Qi Converging at the Origin, thus entering the realm of immortals."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's eyes flashed with a sharp light. The name of the immortal has existed since ancient times, but very few people have ever seen one. Now, he was able to witness such a grand spectacle as his life was about to end, which was a great honor.

"Master Xue, I also know a little about this Daoist Gu Xu. He has always been detached from worldly affairs. Is this sudden display of skill intentional or unintentional?"

The Emperor came to his senses and began to ponder. If Gu Xu had intentionally done this, then even if he didn't change his plans, he would have to be more restrained to avoid incurring bad luck. For a Taoist master who was about to ascend to immortality, dealing with a mere mortal like him would be extremely easy.

"Master Gu Xu has always been upright and honest, and he disdains such schemes and plots. He must have other considerations. Your Majesty would be better off remaining still. That would be the best choice."

Although Xue Jian had never met Gu Xu, he often traveled the martial arts world and had become a court official, so he naturally knew some information. In his eyes, this Taoist Master Gu Xu was a pure person who hated evil and was single-mindedly devoted to cultivating Taoism. If he wanted to deal with the imperial court, it would be an easy matter. Why bother to make it seem mysterious?

Xue Jian also reminded the Emperor not to provoke Gu Xu. Now that Xuanxin Zhengzong has received the imperial decree, it means that Jin Guang has no intention of opposing the court. They already have a huge advantage, and it is not worth interfering for some variables. If the variables change, there may be more trouble, which is not the result that Xue Jian and others want.

Liu Xin glanced at Xue Jian, then advised the Emperor, "Master Xue is right. Since the Golden Light Sect Master has resigned from his position as Imperial Preceptor, it means that the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect intends to withdraw from the court. At this time, it is better to remain still than to act. Your Majesty should observe how things develop."

Upon hearing their conversation, the Emperor nodded in agreement. However, he then said, "Master Gu Xu is a highly accomplished Taoist master who is about to ascend to immortality. The court cannot fail to make a gesture of respect. Issue an edict to have the Crown Prince attend the ceremony on my behalf and bring the thousand-year-old cold jade from my treasury as a congratulatory gift."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xin and Xue Jian were both shocked. It was one thing for the Crown Prince to attend the ceremony, but the Thousand-Year Cold Jade was an unparalleled treasure, a dream treasure for martial artists. Long-term nourishment under the Cold Jade could transform one's body and cleanse one's marrow and meridians.

"Yes, I obey your order!"

The Emperor waved for the two to leave. Looking at the dazzling pillar of light in the distance, he couldn't help but sigh. He did have some ideas, but now that the world had finally settled down, if war broke out again, the country might change hands.

"What does not belong to me will never belong to me; it is fate!"

If it were during his prime, His Majesty would have taken action against the Xuanxin Sect without hesitation, no matter the cost. But now, his ambition has faded, and he no longer has that drive.

Inside the Xuanxin Sect, Jin Guang ordered the outer perimeter of the Xuanxin Hall to be guarded, and no one was allowed to approach without his order.

"Sect Master, all the array formations and restrictions within the sect have been activated."

Following Jin Guang's instructions, Qinglong activated all the formations just in case, something that hadn't happened in hundreds of years, demonstrating how much importance Jin Guang placed on this matter.

"Send a message to Yun Song Temple, Tian Hai Sect, Qian Ji Pavilion, Cang Zhen Mountain, Wan Jian Sect, and Miao Yun Que, inviting them to attend the ceremony in my name."

Upon hearing this, Qinglong immediately accepted the order and left. Then Zhuque stepped forward, bowed to Jinguang, and said solemnly, "Sect Master, news has come from the palace that His Majesty is preparing to send the Crown Prince to attend the ceremony. How should we respond?" "Just proceed as usual. After this matter, Xuanxin Sect will retire into seclusion. We should part ways with the court amicably. The Crown Prince's residence can be placed in Tianshui Pavilion, which can be considered as fulfilling his wishes."

Zhuque's expression turned slightly serious upon hearing this. This Tianshui was one of the eight spiritual energy gathering points of the Xuanxin Sect, containing the essence of water, which was of great benefit to those who cultivated Taoism and practiced martial arts. Although the prince was not a master, his martial arts were passable. If he absorbed the essence of this water, he would be strong and healthy, and it would not be difficult for him to live a few more years.

"I obey my orders."

After bowing again, Zhuque immediately withdrew. Baihu and Xuanwu exchanged a glance, and Baihu stepped forward, saying to Jinguang, "Sect Master, will any villains come to cause trouble after Uncle-Master Guxu's ascension?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang naturally knew which side Bai Hu was referring to. He turned halfway around, glanced at Bai Hu and Xuanwu, and said in a deep voice, "Although His Majesty is old, he is not senile. Those so-called martial arts masters are no match for our sect. Even with the thousands of imperial guards he secretly trained, they would only be sent to their deaths. This time, he sent the Crown Prince here precisely to maintain the current situation."

Looking at the soaring spiritual light not far away, Jin Guang said solemnly, "Senior Brother Gu Xu's ascension is the last gift he gave to our sect. With this deterrent, the imperial palace will at least not break off relations in the short term. By the time they come to their senses, we will have already left."

Upon hearing this, Baihu and Xuanwu breathed a sigh of relief. Their concern was nothing more than the Emperor. The Xuanxin Sect had always been dedicated to slaying demons and monsters and would never harm innocent civilians. If the Emperor really disregarded everything, it would probably lead to another bloody battle, which was not what they wanted to see.

"Where did Liuyun go?"

"Reporting to the sect leader, Liu Yun and Hong Ye are currently with Yan Chixia and his wife."

Jin Guang nodded upon hearing this. He knew that Zhuge Liuyun had feelings for Yan Hongye. As the successor to the next sect leader, Jin Guang was happy to accept this. After all, with Yan Hongye's assistance, he could rest assured that the Xuanxin Sect would be handed over to Zhuge Liuyun in the future.

"When Liu Yun returns, have him come to my place."

After speaking, Jin Guang turned and walked to a side hall of the Xuanxin Hall. Baihu and Xuanwu both responded and said yes. After giving a few instructions to the guarding disciples, the two turned and left.

In another side hall, Zhuge Liuyun had a silly grin on his face, and Yan Hongye was no longer as indifferent as before, with a blush on her face.

"After Junior Brother Gu Xu ascends to immortality, the Xuanxin Sect will retire to the mountains. Before that, you and Liu Yun need to settle your marriage and get married at a suitable time."

"I will follow your instructions, Master Uncle." Zhuge Liuyun came back to his senses and bowed respectfully to Yan Chixia and his wife seated on the table.

Yan Chixia and his wife nodded in satisfaction at Zhuge Liuyun's demeanor. Zhuge Liuyun was of superior character and cultivation, and as the next sect leader, his status was extremely noble. Although Hongye also came from a prestigious family, she paled in comparison. However, seeing how sincere Zhuge Liuyun's feelings for Hongye were, these minor flaws were insignificant.

After exchanging a few more words with Yan Chixia and his wife, Zhuge Liuyun took his leave and left. As soon as he stepped out of the hall, a disciple immediately came to greet him.

"Senior brother, the sect leader has instructed you to go to the left hall of the Xuanxin Hall, saying he has something to tell you."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liuyun thanked the disciple and then quickly left.

Upon arriving at the Xuanxin Left Hall, after announcing his arrival, Zhuge Liuyun entered the hall, bowed to the golden light, and then asked, "Sect Master, what are your instructions for sending me here?"

“After your Uncle Master Gu Xu ascends to immortality, the sect will go into seclusion. After that, I intend to devote myself to cultivation, and the position of sect leader will be passed on to you. You should be prepared for this.”

"Disciple understands. Disciple will definitely guard the sect well and live up to the sect master's expectations."

Zhuge Liuyun didn't say anything to refuse. Since the sect leader had asked him to take on the responsibility, it meant that the sect leader valued him. It would be inappropriate to decline or back down.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang's face showed a look of relief. Although Zhuge Liuyun's cultivation was slightly inferior, he was more than capable of protecting the sect's foundation. If his cultivation advanced further in the future, there was no doubt that he could lead the sect to its peak.

Six more days have passed, and now the Xuanxin Sect is overflowing with people. All the disciples from the branch sects have returned. Looking at the majestic spirit pillar in the direction of the main hall, every disciple has a proud expression on their face. Their sect has produced an ascended senior, which is an unparalleled honor.

"I have long heard that Master Gu Xu's cultivation is extraordinary. He has reached the realm of immortality in less than thirty years of cultivation. He is truly admirable."

Master Tianyun felt a surge of admiration for Gu Xu, and Fang Kong and the others beside him nodded in agreement. Although they were all experts, they knew that once one's cultivation reached this level, advancing any further would be extremely difficult, let alone reaching the legendary Flying Immortal Realm.

"With such a person in the Xuanxin Sect, its foundation will last for ten thousand generations. It is truly enviable."

Jin Guang watched as the soaring spiritual light slowly receded, knowing that his senior brother had reached the final moment. The pillar of light condensed into a beam, like a thin thread. Although it was small, its light was still incredibly dazzling. At this moment, amidst the exclamations of the crowd, a graceful and handsome figure slowly flew towards the sky above the Xuanxin Hall. Auspicious clouds swirled around him, and five-colored light spread out, forming a staircase leading to the heavens. Gu Xu stepped onto the staircase, glanced back at the crowd below, and then turned to continue walking upwards.

"Respectfully seeing off Senior Brother!"

With a loud voice, Jin Guang bowed his head in reverence, and the other sect leaders and all the disciples followed suit, kneeling and shouting in unison.

Upon seeing this, Master Muyang and the others bowed respectfully to the person above, while the Crown Prince, standing to the side, had a glint in his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

Amidst the respectful farewells of the crowd, Gu Xu flew higher and higher, arriving at the boundary barrier in an instant. Gu Xu poured all his stored spiritual energy into the jade pendant in his sea of ​​consciousness. The jade pendant shone brightly, enveloping Gu Xu within it. Before the barrier was broken, Gu Xu's figure had already disappeared.

Gu Xu, who was flying through the void, did not know how much time had passed. He saw a realm with a faint spiritual light ahead and threw himself into it. In a moment, Gu Xu had entered this realm and saw that he was on a snow-capped mountain peak. Gu Xu released his divine sense and knew which world he had entered.

"I thought it would be a high-level martial arts realm, but I ended up here instead. This is quite interesting."

(End of this chapter)