The oaths uttered in the main hall still echoed in his ears, yet Fu Shaoping already felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. The Era of Returning to Nothingness was about to begin; this was no mere speculation. As his connection to his own Great Dao deepened, the subtle yet immense "tidal" force in the world became increasingly clear. Spiritual energy became active and restless, and some previously stable rules of heaven and earth seemed to be subtly loosening.
This presents both an opportunity and a tremendous challenge. It means that cultivation speed may increase and breaking through bottlenecks may be easier, but it also means that past experience may no longer be entirely applicable, and unknown dangers will emerge one after another.
Fu Shaoping had no time to gradually adapt. He knew that he had to increase his strength and consolidate his sect as much as possible before the tide fully erupted and the demonic path and various unknown forces fully surfaced.
He first found Shen Qingshan.
At the summit of Luoxia Peak, the master and disciple stood side by side, gazing at the surging sea of clouds.
"Master, what are your thoughts on the matter of the Era of Return to Nothingness?" Fu Shaoping asked.
Shen Qingshan's gaze was distant, as if piercing through layers of clouds and mist to see a more distant future: "The change of eras is like the cycle of the seasons, which cannot be stopped by human power. Under the tide, mud and sand rise together, ancient beings will awaken, silent secret realms will reappear, and the eyes of the outside world will be cast upon them. For cultivators, it is a once-in-a-millennium ladder to heaven, but also a Shura field with countless corpses."
He turned to look at Fu Shaoping, his eyes deep: "Your Reincarnation Sword Dao is in harmony with the cycle of birth and death of an era, and may shine brightly in this age. But remember, the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. Your talent has already been revealed, so you must be more cautious in your future actions."
“Disciple understands.” Fu Shaoping nodded. “The most urgent task is to improve the overall strength of the sect. I intend to open up some of the sword dao insights about Foundation Establishment and Core Formation from the Beichen Sword Immortal’s inheritance and place them in the Transmission Hall for the disciples to study. At the same time, I would like to ask Master to take action to reinforce the Luoxia Peak formation, draw on the power of the stars, and transform it into a new sacred cultivation ground for the sect.”
His actions undoubtedly benefited the sect by giving back his own opportunities. The inheritance of the Northern Star Sword Immortal was incredibly precious; even a partial understanding was enough to elevate the Qingxuan Sect's swordsmanship to a higher level. Furthermore, drawing upon the power of the stars was a secret technique within the "Star Sensing Chapter," greatly beneficial for disciples to temper their divine sense and comprehend the rules.
A hint of approval flashed in Shen Qingshan's eyes: "Alright. This matter will benefit future generations. Go ahead and do it. I will fully support you."
With his master's approval, Fu Shaoping immediately took action.
He spent several days condensing the essential sword techniques from the Beichen inheritance—including the basics of swordsmanship, the understanding of its essence, and some sword techniques suitable for Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages—into dozens of inheritance jade slips. He personally delivered these slips to the highest level of the Transmission Hall, setting a restriction that only disciples who had made sufficient contributions to the sect and whose character had been tested could exchange them for study.
This move caused a huge sensation within the sect! Countless disciples who had been stuck at their bottlenecks for many years were overjoyed, and their gazes toward Luoxia Peak were filled with gratitude and reverence.
Subsequently, he joined forces with Shen Qingshan to set up the "Zhou Tian Xing Chen Gui Ling Grand Array" using Luoxia Peak as a base. Fu Shaoping used the Beichen Sword to draw upon the power of the stars, while Shen Qingshan used his unparalleled cultivation to stabilize the mountains and rivers. When the array was completed, starlight cascaded down Luoxia Peak every night, the concentration of spiritual energy increased several times over, and it even contained a trace of pure stellar Dao charm, instantly becoming the most sought-after cultivation treasure land in the sect.
Having dealt with these urgent matters, Fu Shaoping began his own cultivation. The tide was approaching, and he needed greater power.
He ventured deep into the Sword Tomb once more. This time, he wasn't searching for a sword embryo, but instead went directly to the dark golden skeleton of the Northern Star Sword Immortal. In the past, his cultivation was insufficient, forcing him to passively accept the inheritance. Now, having achieved the Golden Core stage and condensed the Great Dao of Chaos Reincarnation, he might be able to comprehend even more from it.
He sat cross-legged opposite the skeleton, with the Jingji and Beichen swords hovering in front of him. His own Samsara Sword Domain slowly unfolded, silently communicating with the eternal sword intent on the skeleton.
This time, he was no longer passively accepting, but actively "asking questions".
His divine sense, like the finest tendrils, cautiously probed into the profound sword marks on those bones. In an instant, he seemed to transcend time and space, witnessing a more complete life of the Northern Star Sword Immortal, his ultimate application of the rules of the stars, the earth-shattering scenes of his clashes with truly powerful beings, and even his reflections and deductions in the face of the cycle of eras and the return to nothingness of the Great Dao!
These insights were far more profound and systematic than any inheritance he had received before! In particular, the part about how to draw upon the power of the stars to fight against and even utilize the power of "Return to Nothingness" was a revelation to him!
His Chaotic Reincarnation Golden Core trembled slightly in resonance, and the runes on its surface, shimmering with light and swirling with starlight, became increasingly clear. Within his sea of consciousness, the evolution of the Sunset Sword Domain surged, and within the illusory image of the setting sun, the essence of Nirvana seemed to be nourished, beginning to flourish!
Unbeknownst to him, his cultivation level steadily advanced towards the peak of the early Golden Core stage.
Just as he was immersed in enlightenment, the True Disciple Elder Token in his arms suddenly vibrated rapidly, and at the same time, the Sect Master's urgent voice transmission sounded in his mind:
"Shaoping, come to the main hall immediately! Something has happened on the shores of the East Sea!"
Fu Shaoping suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them. The East Sea? He immediately recalled the secret realm he had explored years ago.
Without the slightest delay, he transformed into a golden rainbow and vanished from the Sword Tomb in an instant, appearing in the main hall of the main peak the next moment.
The atmosphere inside the hall was tense. The sect leader, several supreme elders, and the elders of the battle hall were all present. In the center, a water mirror floated, reflecting the scenery of the East Sea coast!
The once azure sea was now marred by a colossal, black vortex, shaped like an eye! The vortex slowly spun, devouring the surrounding seawater and light, emanating a chilling aura of primordial chaos! Above the vortex, lightning flashed and thunder roared, space distorted, and the faint outlines of shattered palaces and flickering unfamiliar runes could be seen!
"This is... the Eye of the Ruins?!" A knowledgeable elder exclaimed in shock. "Legend has it that during the transition of eras, passages connecting other worlds or lost realms will randomly appear! Behind this Eye of the Ruins, there is probably an ancient ruin that has never been recorded, or... a fragment of some other world that is approaching our world!"
The sect leader's expression was grave: "According to the reports from the disciples left behind, this vortex, which appeared only half a day ago, has already emitted an extremely strong devouring power, and a pure and ancient aura is emanating from it. The demonic beasts in the nearby sea have all become unusually violent. What's even more troublesome is that various forces of the demonic path, as well as some reclusive families and rogue cultivators, have all heard the news and are rushing to the East Sea!"
He looked at Fu Shaoping: "Shaoping, such an opportunity must not fall into the hands of the demonic path! The sect must immediately send elites to investigate and compete for it! You have the highest cultivation and the strongest strength, so you will lead the team this time. You must seize the initiative for our Qingxuan Sect in the Eye of the Void!"
As Fu Shaoping gazed at the bottomless black vortex in the water mirror, which seemed capable of swallowing everything, and felt the Daoist rhyme of Guixu emanating from it, which resonated faintly with his Samsara Sword Intent, a surge of heroic spirit and fighting will rose in his heart.
The Eye of the Ruins? A portal to another world?
Just in time!
His sword needs this kind of whetstone to prove the great Dao of the Era of Return to Nothingness!
He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his voice resolute:
"Disciple accepts the order!"
"Disciple obeys!" Fu Shaoping's voice fell without the slightest hesitation. He knew that the appearance of the Eye of the Void meant that the struggle had already begun. If he was slow to react, he might miss the initiative or even allow the demonic path to take the lead.
"This journey is perilous. The situation within the Eye of Guixu is unclear, and the demonic path and various other forces are also eyeing us covetously." The sect leader's expression was solemn as he took out a jade pendant carved with the Azure Profound Mountains and flowing with a hazy, precious light, and handed it to Fu Shaoping. "This is the 'Azure Profound Mountain-Suppressing Talisman,' which contains the power of the sect's ancestors throughout the ages. It can withstand a full-force attack from an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator and can also serve as a location beacon, potentially saving your life in critical moments."
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Fu Shaoping solemnly accepted it, for this was undoubtedly one of the sect's most treasured life-saving items.
"As for personnel, you can choose them yourself, but make sure they are highly capable," Elder Zhan Tang added. "The sect will provide full support; pills, talismans, and array plates are all at your disposal!"
After a moment's thought, Fu Shaoping quickly pointed out a few names: "Yan Feng, Chen Lin, Zhao Ming, and ten more experienced late-stage Foundation Establishment disciples from the Battle Hall will suffice."
Yan Feng is brave and skilled in battle, Chen Lin is meticulous and proficient in treatment, and Zhao Ming is quick-witted. With the addition of ten elites, they are capable of handling most situations. Having more people would only make them a hindrance.
"Alright! Get ready immediately. We'll meet at the mountain gate and depart in half an hour!"
Fu Shaoping accepted the order and returned to Luoxia Peak in a flash. He first adjusted his condition to its peak, and then went to the sect's treasury to collect a large number of high-level pills and talismans, especially those for dealing with spatial turbulence, soul impact, and rapid recovery of true essence.
Half an hour later, at the gate of the Qingxuan Sect.
Thirteen figures stood solemnly, their auras refined and their eyes sharp. Apart from the three named by Fu Shaoping, the other ten disciples of the Battle Hall were also top-notch talents, clearly indicating that the Battle Hall had made careful arrangements.
Fu Shaoping's gaze swept over the crowd. Without offering any further instructions, he said in a deep voice, "You all know the purpose of this trip. The Eye of the Ruins holds both opportunities and dangers. Remember, follow orders in all actions and do not act on your own. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, preserving your lives is the top priority. Let's go!"
He summoned the Sun Chaser, which had been refined once more. Its hull shimmered with iridescent light, and its speed and stealth were even greater than before. The thirteen figures transformed into streaks of light and entered the ship. The Sun Chaser emitted a deep hum, tore through the clouds, and sped eastward!
The boat traveled swiftly, and in just one day and one night, it had already approached the shore of the East China Sea.
Even before arriving, one could sense the chaotic and powerful energy fluctuations emanating from ahead. The air was filled with the salty smell of the sea, the sharp sensation of space being torn apart, and the chilling aura emanating from various powerful cultivators.
Fu Shaoping stood at the bow of the ship, his divine sense spreading forward like a tidal wave. In the distance, where the sea met the sky, a massive, pitch-black vortex, like the eye of a demon god, slowly rotated, devouring everything around it and emanating a chilling aura of the Dao of Returning to Nothingness. Around the vortex, towering waves surged, and countless frightened sea beasts roared madly.
Meanwhile, in the sky and sea surrounding the vortex, dozens of figures and various flying magical artifacts were already suspended and anchored! There were Taoist cranes, demonic bone boats, aristocratic ships, and even some strangely dressed, ancient-looking rogue cultivators. They were clearly separated from each other, wary of one another, yet all staring intently at the Eye of Return to Nothingness, eager to make their move.
Fu Shaoping even spotted a few familiar faces. Among the flying swords of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Ling Juexiao was prominently displayed, his aura even colder and more profound than during the Heavenly Sword Tournament, seemingly having also broken through to the Golden Core stage! On the Flame Flying Boat of the Li Huo Sword Sect, Xiao Lie was rubbing his hands together, his fighting spirit boiling. Further away, there were some figures shrouded in shadow or exuding a savage aura, clearly from other regions or even alien races.
"The situation is more complicated than we expected," Chen Lin said in a low voice, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Fu Shaoping remained calm, maneuvering the Sun Chaser to a stop in a relatively open area of the sea, not in a hurry to approach the center of the whirlpool. He needed to observe first, to understand the movements of all parties and the characteristics of this Eye of the Ruins.
At this moment, a sudden change occurred!
The enormous Eye of the Ruins suddenly accelerated its rotation! An even stronger devouring force erupted, creating a huge depression on the sea surface. Some low-level cultivators and demonic beasts that were nearby were caught off guard and screamed as they were sucked into the vortex and disappeared instantly!
At the same time, from the distorted space at the center of the vortex, a dazzling, crystal-clear light suddenly shot out, soaring straight into the sky! Within the light was an extremely pure life force, seemingly not belonging to this world!
"It's a treasure from a secret realm!"
"A primordial spiritual creature has been born!"
Instantly, all the waiting cultivators went crazy! No one knows who made the first move, but streaks of light rushed towards the Eye of Returning to Nothingness like moths to a flame, trying to seize that radiance!
"Stop them!"
"The treasure is mine!"
A chaotic battle erupted instantly! Various spiritual lights, demonic energy, and demonic power clashed fiercely in the air, accompanied by deafening roars and screams! Blood instantly stained the sea red!
“Elder, we…” Yan Feng looked at Fu Shaoping, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.
Fu Shaoping's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at the chaotic battle and the still slowly rotating, bottomless Eye of the Void. He shook his head: "No rush. The appearance of that light is strange, and the devouring power of the Eye of the Void has not weakened. If we rush in now, we'll face almost certain death."
Before he finished speaking, as if to confirm his words—
The streaks of light that rushed to the front of the vortex suddenly slowed down as they approached the edge of the vortex, as if they had hit an invisible wall! Then, several translucent tentacles, formed entirely from the power of chaotic space and the aura of the Void, suddenly emerged from the vortex and, as if they were alive, instantly entangled the cultivators!
"No!"
"help me!"
The terrified screams abruptly ceased. The cultivators, along with their protective spiritual light, were rapidly melted and decomposed by the tentacles, as if they had been thrown into ice with strong acid. They were eventually transformed into the most basic energy particles and swallowed by the vortex!
This scene caused the cultivators rushing in from behind to stop in shock, breaking out in a cold sweat!
That Eye of the Ruins not only connects to the unknown, but is itself a huge trap and millstone!
“There’s definitely something strange about this.” Fu Shaoping’s eyes narrowed slightly. “This Eye of the Ruins seems to be… filtering. Those who are not strong enough or whose will is not firm are not even qualified to get close.”
He noticed that not everyone was blocked. Some cultivators with exceptionally powerful auras or special protective methods, such as Ling Juexiao, Xiao Lie, and several old monsters shrouded in powerful light, were still struggling to resist the devouring power and spatial tentacles, slowly approaching the light at the center of the vortex, although their speed had slowed down.
"When do we make our move?" Chen Lin asked.
Fu Shaoping observed the rotational pattern of the vortex and the frequency of the spatial tentacles' appearance, rapidly calculating in his mind. Simultaneously, the Chaotic Reincarnation Golden Core within his body trembled slightly, subtly resonating with the Daoist aura of Returning to Nothingness. His Reincarnation Sword Intent seemed to possess a natural adaptability to this power representing "ending" and "devouring." (End of Chapter)
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