Achieving physical sainthood starting from Hunyuan Gong

Chapter 110 Heavenly Tribulation Transformation

A challenge letter turned the once aloof Ziyang Sect into the talk of the town.

As the leading sect in the martial arts world of the Southern Frontier, apart from the sacred lands, the Ziyang Sect dares to claim that it is unmatched in the world.

Its rigorous selection process, the sheer number of masters under its tutelage, and the wide geographical range of talents it attracts have left even the most resentful people in the martial arts world with no choice but to grit their teeth and admit its excellence.

Once a young person enters the Ziyang Sect, they become different in the eyes of the world, as if they are surrounded by a halo.

For so many years, the Ziyang True Men, who only had eyes for the purple sun high in the nine heavens and regarded the mortal world of Jianghu as weeds, were actually slapped in the face by this inexplicable challenge.

This is a resounding slap in the face.

Only the unknown power is truly indescribable; once it reveals its weakness, its grandeur and magnificence are greatly diminished.

Since the day of the duel was leaked, and the location was subsequently decided, betting odds in the martial arts world have sprung up like mushrooms, and countless people have been eagerly anticipating the duel overnight.

However, Song Shen, the rising star who just killed the demon lord, is still experiencing a slight dip in popularity.

That genius with the Great Sun Wheel Seal engraved between his eyebrows was simply too dazzling, his rise to fame took too long, and the powerful figures behind him were far too profound.

In the midst of this storm of public opinion, there are always those who stand out from the crowd.

Ziyang Sect.

Huiyan Peak.

Cao Yu had been here for about two months and had fully adapted to life here.

This is a paradise exclusively for geniuses, and when it comes to cultivation, she excels in it.

However, she didn't know if she had met that person before. Now, when facing the so-called geniuses and arrogant people around her, she would unconsciously use them as a yardstick to measure herself against her peers, or rather, those who were generally a few years older. The results were truly shocking.

That's a huge difference.

Rather than being inferior, it is more of an ineffective comparison. Imagine, what value does the number obtained by measuring a stubborn rock with the same ruler used to measure mountains have?

Having seen the true dragon, all tigers and wolves are but wild dogs.

This emotion was constantly driving her. At this moment, a purple sun shone high in the heavens, and she was as if she were in harmony with the world. The true energy of the purple sun, which was full of rosy light, surged within her body, endlessly. Whenever she was about to ascend to the heavens alone, there was always a strong gravity pulling her down.

A familiar figure suddenly appeared before my eyes.

Exit meditation, and let your inner energy circulate around your body until the glow fades and everything returns to emptiness.

"Tomorrow is the day of the duel—"

Cao Yu's thoughts soared. Lately, his mind had been filled with these meaningless distractions, as if he were the one facing a life-or-death challenge.

No, if it were me, I wouldn't struggle at all.

It was this deadly worry, and the shame of realizing that she was worrying, that turned into a tormenting fire, scorching her.

That person————

Perhaps she never thought of him, but she, oblivious to her shame, still longed for him.

Thinking back to the agreement that wasn't really a promise, she felt deeply frustrated and ashamed. To this day, she still hasn't been able to rise like a comet.

She withdrew her surging true energy, and a series of footsteps entered her vast network of perception.

"Junior Sister Cao!"

A figure rushed over and called out to her.

Cao Yu frowned slightly. "Senior Brother Ji, is something the matter?"

This senior brother is named Ji Guangyuan. He is the son of Ji Ye, the Prince of Zhennan, who is enfeoffed in Longzhou. Born into the royal family, he is extremely talented, proud, and knowledgeable.

Although he was born out of wedlock, this Prince of Zhennan did not hold real power in Longzhou, but his arrogance only intensified.

But he was particularly moved by the aloof and beautiful Junior Sister Cao.

It wasn't because of the woman's perfect and beautiful appearance, but rather because of her willpower and lofty aspirations, which were stronger than those of countless men, that moved him.

This interest grew day by day, eventually becoming an inseparable, unwavering desire.

Cao Yu had already keenly sensed this. She had absolutely no interest in this senior brother's attention; the royal title held no deterrent power for her.

"Junior sister, I remember that Song Shen, who was being chased by Yao Ri Peak, was he originally a servant in your family?" Ji Guangyuan asked.

Cao Yu frowned and said calmly, "Let me reiterate, you are not a servant, but family. Please remember this, Senior Brother Ji. If you make this mistake again, we will sever all ties and never speak to each other again!"

"you----"

Ji Guangyuan dared not directly criticize him, and he was shocked to see how cowardly he was.

He was a key member of the Immortal Dragon Society, an inner sect of the Ziyang Sect's Returning Goose Peak, and held great prestige among the disciples. However, when faced with this woman who was as cold as ice and as sharp as a knife, he felt a fear that prevented him from getting angry.

Maybe that's what I like about her.

"Alright, family." Ji Guangyuan forced a smile and nodded. "However, I think this man is about to meet his end. Ha, those of humble origins often have this problem; they always want to soar to the top and gain fame. But this guy seems to have no idea what he's challenging. Who does he think he is! Daring to challenge the pride of my Ziyang Sect!"

Cao Yu's expression suddenly turned somewhat gloomy, but he remained silent, concealing his inner turmoil.

However, Ji Guangyuan was skilled at reading people's expressions and immediately noticed Cao Yu's subtle changes.

Why does this junior sister react so strongly when Song Shen is mentioned?

Thinking about this, he suddenly felt that Song Shen's challenge was really good, because Cao Yu's attitude made him very much looking forward to seeing Song Shen beheaded on the spot.

From a psychological perspective, Feng Jianqiu was also born into nobility and received guidance from renowned teachers from a young age. Later, he went straight to Ziyang and was personally instructed by Feng Lei Gu Canghai. Such a person is the kind of person who fits the characteristics of being invincible.

If someone like Song Shen, who came from a humble background, were to rise to power, where would someone like him, a descendant of royalty, put his face?

However, for Cao Yu, no matter how many times she heard these words these days, they still stirred ripples in her heart.

"Song Shen has also made contributions, so why do you all view him this way?"

Ji Guangyuan said calmly, "It's not me, it's us. We all think this way, even though those guys from Yaori Peak have always been arrogant..."

"How arrogant! No matter what, our Ziyang Sect should unite against this common enemy! Besides, those people from the Demon Suppression Division always boast and claim to be saving the world, but their true intentions are nothing more than personal gain. Who knows if they'll lie about military intelligence or exaggerate their achievements? I know the court has been secretly investigating the truth of this matter. Who knows if they're just trying to embellish their own image? Their exaggerated claims are clearly exaggerated, humph! For merit, for promotion, for advancement, for a second glance from others, these lowly peasants will do anything!"

Cao Yu could no longer contain his anger.

"Slaying the Demon Lord, destroying the Demon General, and saving the people—such achievements make him a national hero! Who would dare to lie about such achievements? Senior Brother Ji is making baseless accusations. We are righteous people, not shameless villains or heartless blockheads."

Ji Guangyuan snorted twice, "Putting aside the facts, isn't Song Shen also problematic? This man first killed the immortal seedlings and elders of the Ziyang Sect, then killed several true disciples, and still dared to provoke them. He is far too arrogant and domineering. This duel will expose his true colors. The pride of the Ziyang Sect will eventually shine through everything."

"Junior sister, this man is an enemy of our Ziyang Sect. How can you stand with him? Are you only concerned with past friendships and not with the sect's reputation?"

Cao Yu's expression was slightly mocking.

"Why can't we transcend personal grudges? This is a grand feast of martial arts; must it be reduced to vulgar feuds, a black-and-white, either-or situation?"

"The world is a binary of black and white, so don't be deceived by those so-called martial arts spirits. You are still young and don't know the dangers of the world. We, the Ziyang Sect, are all seekers of the Dao. These vulgar people are simply not worthy of our attention."

He put on airs and watched helplessly as the iceberg crumbled, doubting himself, correcting his mistakes step by step, and resolving his past misconceptions.

Who knows what will happen next?

"Hypocritical and narrow-minded as you are, how could you possibly understand what a true hero looks like? You still talk about seeking the Way, clinging to the past and hiding in a corner, indulging in self-deception and self-delusion. How dare a clown who has never experienced the trials of life call himself a seeker of the Way?"

"You—Junior Sister! Do you even know what you're saying?"

Ji Guangyuan's eyes widened, his voice trembled slightly, and his face flushed red.

"You're betraying your master and disloyal to your ancestors! Are you still a disciple of my Ziyang Sect? This is tantamount to disloyalty and betrayal of human ethics! I advise you to take back your words and apologize sincerely. Once your words get out, will this sect still tolerate you? You've joined forces with the enemies of my Ziyang Sect!"

Cao Yu looked at his senior brother as if he were a dead man.

"I come from a small town, and perhaps I am not much different from the peasants you speak of. I have also witnessed with my own eyes how those demons caused the people at the foot of the mountain to lose their homes and everything step by step. The so-called seekers of the Tao cannot be a reason for you to be high above others, nor can they be a safe haven for your self-deception."

Ji Guangyuan continued, "You—you have betrayed the sect and your heart is with outsiders—"

Cao Yu shook his head, losing all interest in the conversation.

"Even if I told you the principles of being a great man, you wouldn't understand. You would just bark wildly like a stray dog, spouting nonsense that's not worth a second glance."

"As you say!" She turned her head as she spoke. "We who seek the Dao express our aspirations through the Dao. If Senior Brother Ji wishes to prove himself right, he may draw his sword! Beyond that, we have nothing more to say! Please leave!"

I would have my heart to the bright moon, but the bright moon illuminates the ditch.

Faced with his secretly yearning gaze, the woman before him met him with a cold-blooded sword, leaving him feeling deeply humiliated and angry.

This is not just a failed relationship due to wishful thinking; it is an unacceptable, incomprehensible, and unforgivable situation where the other party blatantly treats me like a worthless roadside wretch, worse than a stray dog!

"Alright! Let's set a date and have a match! Discussing the principles of swordsmanship is far better than any harsh words!"

Cao Yu straightened her clothes and stood up. "Suit yourself, I'm always ready. Get lost!"

"Very well, I guessed you were going down the mountain to find your so-called family, right? Now I see it clearly. This isn't some martial arts camaraderie at all. What's hidden here is actually your secret affair, isn't it?"

Her words resonated in her heart like the sound of a hammer.

This is true in the eyes of a petty person, and it is also true in the eyes of a virtuous person. So why should one deceive oneself and not dare to face this emotion?

Thinking of this, he glanced at his senior brother with disdain and strode away.

The answer was already clear in my heart. Tomorrow was the day of the rumored duel. There were some unspoken regrets, and I wondered whether the feelings were real or fake. It would be better to see it for myself.

As for defying the world's will?

She was by no means a coward!

Tomorrow is the day of the duel.

Song Shenyi was oblivious and continued with his work.

He follows a regular routine: after get off work, he goes home, opens the control panel, and begins his pre-nap exercise.

【Sun Wind True Intent Blade (Transformation 85%)】

【Thunderous True Intent Blade (81% Transformation)】

【True Intent Blade of Departing Fire (74% Transformation)】

[Skill and Dao Fruition: 489 years]

[Essence of Dao Fruit: 149 years]

"Deducing the True Meaning of the Xun Wind Blade."

[True intent is like a knife, and the will of Heaven is upon you. In the past, you have already experienced countless battles and honed this supreme art of warfare to its current level, yet you are still not satisfied and are still pursuing greater perfection and stronger limits.]

This is not without its costs.

You climb to the peak, plunge into the valley, and grasp the true meaning; your heart never dies.

Sixty-three years later, the true meaning of your Xun wind.

But this is just the beginning, the very beginning of a beginning. You know clearly that beyond this mountain peak lies a vast world, but the chasm that lies before you separates everything, and the mist that obscures your view conceals everything.

In the end, you realize you're nothing more than a clown borrowing the power of heaven and earth, a mere fox using the tiger's might, and you begin to doubt everything, growing disgusted with yourself.

[Having not used a knife for ten years, you seem to have forgotten how to wield a sword, as if you've returned to life, as if you've settled into the mundane, until you see mischievous children playing and fighting on the long street, dressed as knights with crude wooden swords, wielding them freely.]

[Admit it! You've never forgotten the long sword hanging at your waist. No matter how much you deceive yourself, you still carry it with you every day when you go out. It may be a habit, but taking it off is like forgetting to breathe. You remember the days when you had never grasped power and intent, when you held ordinary iron in your hands. You were just as powerful back then. You looked at the desolate trees on the riverbank in winter and resolved to let your sword intent die.]

[Cease the summoning, endure the emptiness. You and the sword's intent suffer together. You still wield your sword every day, not to draw the wind, but to prevent yourself from forgetting the sword itself. Hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, waist, legs, feet—your body silently maintains the posture of wielding the sword. The bodily memory of each time you drew the wind over hundreds of years has not disappeared. You begin to understand that if this judgment truly intends to take everything away, it will first take away your bodily memory, and your body is more stubborn than heaven and earth.]

[In the 209th year, one morning when you swung your sword, you felt an extremely faint stream of energy seeping from your palm. The energy was very light and faint, but it was definitely there. It slid forward a few inches along the trajectory of your sword swing, and then dissipated. Like a withered tree coming back to life, you felt a slight breeze growing within you, beginning to flourish.]

[In 274 years, you wield your sword once more, its sharp arcs intertwining and twisting in the air, clashing and cutting. You control them with unrestrained power, sweeping across the earth like the wind.]

A fierce wind from the heavens followed, intertwining with true intent, and a wisp of power called rules slowly emerged.

Three hundred years later, when you unleash a single slash, it is like a flying sword driving the wind, sweeping and violently rising, the sword intent is indestructible, like a calamity descending. You know that this sword intent, condensed from the rules deep within the chaos, is something that those who have not undergone tribulation cannot possibly resist.

You named your new sword technique "Sun Wind Transformation Blade".

【The Wind-Transforming Calamity Blade (First Calamity)】

Opening his eyes, Song Shen was deeply moved as he felt the immense power of the rules entering his sword.

It is foreseeable that only after these numerous calamities will this Dao shine brightly amidst the disasters.

He then infused the Dao Fruit into the Wind God Nine Illusions Body Technique, pushing it to its ultimate perfection.

With a new understanding of the wind's meaning, Song Shen's movement technique became even stronger. Now, he was truly a living wind god, no longer needing to rely on celestial phenomena, and could simulate them purely on his own.

【The Great Perfection of the Nine Illusions of the Wind God】

A brand new beginning.

A brand new path.

Song Shen knew that with his current Core Formation level, if he used the Tribulation Transformation Blade, those who had not yet reached this level would be completely unable to resist him and would be killed on the spot.

Within the same realm, this is a killing move akin to a nuclear weapon.

Immediately afterwards, Song Shen's attention turned to the Essence and Dao Fruit section. For over a hundred years, Song Shen had been using it to deduce the Golden Elixir Method, while the [Eight Gates of the Divine Art (Unskilled)] section...

Song Shen's Nine Stars Burning Fate technique is no longer up-to-date with the current version.

Even in the Wuji Hunyuan True Body stage, Song Shen's Nine Stars Burning Life could not be fully unleashed to its limit. Now, after mastering the Hunyuan Wuji Myriad Manifestations Undying Body, the Nine Stars Burning Life can no longer completely break through his limitations.

This Eight Gates Formation, which forcefully opens all eight gates and delves into the mysteries of the human body, perfectly suits Song Shen's unique needs.

For most people, a nine-star burning fate means they're practically half dead.

But for Song Shen, he was just slightly tipsy and getting into the swing of things.

"Deducing the Eight Gates Formation!"

[Begin deducing the Eight Gates Formation]

[In your first year, you'll experience the charm of this skill]

[In the seventy-second year, the Eight Gates Formation was partially mastered]

[Chapter 127, Mastery of the Eight Gates Formation]

After completing this upgrade, Song Shen pushed open the door and stepped out of the house, when suddenly a figure descended from the sky.

"Tomorrow is the day of the duel, are you nervous?"

Xiao Pingzhe, carrying a pot of wine, murmured, "Life and death are of great importance. Even though I know you are strong, I still have to be on tenterhooks for this battle. Who wouldn't be afraid of an opponent like Feng Jianqiu? Let's have a good drink tonight and go on stage tomorrow without regrets."

Many people were nervous, and many others had doubts.

But Song Shen himself was surprisingly calm.

What do life and death matter? With lofty aspirations, we dare to sacrifice ourselves and change the world.

He came to this world to enjoy the thrill of battle. The self-control he used to have was broken with a single punch. From now on, he would wield a sword and pursue the supreme path.

However, Xiao Pingzhe's good intentions should not be ignored, especially since the wine pot in his hand was still uncorked and had a refreshing fragrance, which was definitely not an ordinary product.

"You felt it, didn't you?"

Xiao Pingzhe smiled casually, removed the stopper from the kettle, and a clear, cool scent carrying the aroma of pine needles and winter plum blossoms wafted out. It was not strong or pungent, but it felt like a fine needle piercing deep into the nasal cavity, even making the top of the head feel slightly numb.

"This wine is called 'Red Pine Infusion.' Ji Wuwang, the Grand Master of the Nine Cauldrons Palace, once lived in seclusion at the foot of Lonely Cloud Peak in Qingzhou for ten years, studying there. In his courtyard stood a thousand-year-old red pine, which bore only thirty-six pine cones a year. On the night the pine cones fell, he would dig three feet into the ground under the pine tree and bury newly brewed wine. When the pine cones fell again the following year, he would unearth it, naming it 'Red Pine Infusion.' After the brewing method became known, it was bought up by several powerful clans in the Central Plains for a large sum, with an annual production of no more than a hundred jars. This particular jar was purchased by my Xiao family from Luoyang years ago. Countless wine lovers yearn to even smell it. Tonight I stole a bottle from the cellar; I might get a beating from my old man tomorrow."

"Such a powerful background?"

The next moment, Song Zhen took out a wine glass from inside the house and said with a smile, "It's such a pity to use such a bad glass with such good wine."

The.

Xiao Pingzhe looked up and smiled, "It's not a pity at all, Ah Zhen, would you like a drink?"

Song Zhen hurriedly shook her head and said, "This servant doesn't drink alcohol."

"Hehe, you won't even have the chance. This wine isn't for you," Xiao Pingzhe said cryptically.

Song Zhen also said that he meant to have a good drink with Song Shen and wanted to take out the leftover pork knuckle from breakfast so as not to waste it, but Xiao Pingzhe told her to stay aside for now.

She went back to her room, feeling wronged.

Just as Song Shen was about to remove the stopper, Xiao Pingzhe reached out and pressed his hand down, saying, "Brother, I didn't make myself clear earlier. This wine isn't for me to drink with you."

"What does it mean?"

Song Shenru was completely bewildered. "I can't possibly drink by myself, can I?"

Xiao Pingzhe slowly shook his head. "No, you shouldn't be alone tonight. Indeed, I originally wanted to have a drink with you, but I changed my mind before we came in."

"What the hell are you doing?" Song Shen said speechlessly.

"Come in!"

Xiao Pingzhe suddenly said.

Suddenly the courtyard gate opened, and a woman dressed in spotless white appeared.

Song Shen paused for a second, then asked, "Third Miss?"

Cao Yu smiled and said, "Everyone says you can just call me Senior Sister."

"Hehehe, is there some drama to watch here?" Xiao Pingzhe laughed exaggeratedly, while dragging Song Zhen, who wanted to come over to say hello, away.

"Alright, time is running out. You two should have a good chat, and enjoy the wine."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Cao Yu slowly sat down in front of Song Shen, and the two faced each other.

The bright moon hangs in the sky.

The Milky Way is dazzling.

"It's only two months, why does it feel like ten years?"

Cao Yu sighed.

Song Shen poured himself a glass of wine and said with a sigh, "If only Master were here."

Suddenly I remembered that I hadn't sent the Great Perfection of the Innate Primordial True Explanation back to the old man. I should write it down and send it to him later, lest the old man die with resentment.

"No, this is perfect, don't you think?"

Cao Yu smiled with her eyes narrowed, her face slightly flushed at that moment.

He was already drunk even though he hadn't drunk any wine yet.

Song Shen hesitated for a long time, but his mouth remained closed.

Cao Yu spoke first, saying, "Please don't say those things. I'm not here to add to your burden."

Song Shen asked in surprise, "What burden is there?"

Cao Yu, somewhat confused, asked, "You—aren't you nervous? I've sensed you've been very nervous since just now. Isn't it because of the upcoming duel? I know you're saying that tomorrow is a matter of life and death, so you don't want to talk about matters between men and women—"

"Uh—" Song Shen thought for a moment, then decided not to explain and poured himself a drink.

"Actually, I remember what you said back then: we could only meet when I rose like a comet, but—"

She gritted her teeth and didn't continue.

Song Shen said helplessly, "That's not what I meant—my home is right here, you can come anytime you want."

"real?"

"real."

"Alright then."

The two clinked glasses and drank a cup. Song Shen immediately felt as if a furnace had been poured into his stomach, and even his current strength felt a bit overwhelmed. On the other hand, Cao Yu's face turned red, and he instantly showed signs of drunkenness.

"Again!"

She, however, became quite bold.

"Is everything alright?" Song Shen asked with concern.

"Of course—of course, no problem!" Her tongue began to tie itself in knots. "Fill it up. Fill it up."

Song Shen sighed. Xiao Pingzhe was definitely up to no good.

After three cups, Cao Yu was as if she had been drugged and could no longer sit still. The usually aloof beauty was now alluring and charming after drinking. There were probably few women in the world more beautiful than her at this moment.

"Senior Sister————"

"May I call you by your first name?"

"Xiao Yu".

"Yes, fill it up, fill it up!"

Song Shen poured the wine helplessly. It seemed that the two of them hadn't really spoken much since she arrived, but perhaps there was no need to say more.

"Let me stay with you tonight. I've overcome many self-imposed barriers to get here, and I will never back down."

She said, slightly drunk.

Seeing that her breasts were about to collapse, Song Shen quickly helped her up.

As soon as her hand touched him, she fell over.

The unexpected story did not happen. Song Shen stared at the wine glass in a daze, but at this moment he was unwilling to put her anywhere else.

"Good wine shouldn't be wasted."

He held his beloved in his arms, drinking alone under the moon, letting time slip away silently.

The next day, the sky was bright and clear.

Cao Yu woke up with a start in her room, vaguely recalling the events of the previous night. Her face flushed red, and she subconsciously looked at herself, finding that all her clothes were still on.

I was so disappointed. Why was I so weak? I got drunk so easily. But in my daze, I still remembered the moment I passed out drunk and fell into a warm and generous embrace.

Perhaps, nothing did happen.

Suddenly, I remembered why I came here: to duel!

That's right, a duel!

Has the duel ended?