News of the bloody battle at Seven Stars Sect's mountain gate spread through the entire cultivation world as though it had grown wings. The feat of "Martial Venerable Chen Fan slaying three Nascent Soul Elders" shocked countless cultivators—how could a warrior without spiritual roots shake the high-level combat power of the cultivation system? It undoubtedly overturned everyone's understanding of "Spiritual Root Destiny."
On the third day after the battle, Chu Xinghe was accompanying Chen Fan in Seven Stars Sect's Reception Hall as they reviewed reports from various regions when a disciple suddenly announced from outside, "Sect Master, envoys from Heavenly Sword Sect, Pill Cauldron Sect, Ten Thousand Beasts Valley, Purple Haze Palace, and Pure Void Temple have arrived. They say they wish to meet Mister Chen Fan."
Chen Fan was slightly taken aback. These five great sects were all top-tier forces in the cultivation world, far stronger than Xianyun Sect. Their arrival at this moment was clearly because of him. Understanding flashed through Chu Xinghe's eyes as he smiled. "It seems your name has already made the entire cultivation world sit up and take notice."
Before long, the five envoys entered the Reception Hall one after another. Heavenly Sword Sect's envoy was a swordsman in a blue robe, with an ancient-looking sword at his waist and eyes as sharp as blades. Pill Cauldron Sect's envoy was a plump old man carrying a medicine case, his body steeped in the fragrance of herbs. Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's envoy was followed by a snow-white spirit fox, brimming with lively spiritual energy. Purple Haze Palace's envoy was a woman of peerless beauty, faint rosy clouds curling around her. Pure Void Temple's envoy was a Daoist holding a horsetail whisk, his expression tranquil and detached.
"Mister Chen Fan, I have long admired your name." The Heavenly Sword Sect envoy spoke first, his tone carrying a measure of respect. "My Heavenly Sword Sect proves the Dao through the sword and values the strong above all else. You slew Nascent Soul Elders at the Martial Venerable Realm; such strength is enough to make you a guest elder of Heavenly Sword Sect. If you are willing to join us, the sect can grant you a high-grade spirit sword and teach you the Sword Qi Manifestation technique, helping your Martial Path merge with the Sword Dao."
Before he had finished speaking, Pill Cauldron Sect's plump old man stepped forward with a smile. "Mister Chen, no matter how fine Heavenly Sword Sect's swords are, they cannot compare to the practical use of pills. My Pill Cauldron Sect possesses supreme pills such as the Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Pill and the Marrow Cleansing Body Tempering Pill. If you are willing to come, our sect can assign three alchemists to refine body-tempering pills specifically for you, helping you break through to the Martial Saint Realm as soon as possible. Furthermore, we can find False Spiritual Roots for your little brother, allowing him to embark upon the path of cultivation as well."
The moment those words were spoken, Lin Xiaohu's eyes lit up. He had always felt inferior because he was a mortal. If he could obtain False Spiritual Roots, he could grow stronger alongside Chen Fan and no longer hold him back. He could not help looking toward Chen Fan, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's envoy was unwilling to be outdone. "Mister Chen, my Ten Thousand Beasts Valley excels in Beast Taming Arts. If you join us, you may choose an ancient exotic beast as your companion. Not only can it assist you in battle, it can also carry you through perilous lands in search of ancient Martial Path inheritances. Moreover, our valley's Beast Soul Body Tempering Technique will allow you to fuse with the power of exotic beasts and raise your physical strength to another level."
Purple Haze Palace's female envoy spoke softly. "Mister Chen, while Purple Haze Palace is primarily composed of women, our techniques are exquisitely profound. The Cloud Haze Body Protection Art can withstand the full-force strike of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. If you are willing to come, the Palace Master will personally teach you the Purple Qi Comes from the East Art. This art can transform Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into your own true qi and will greatly benefit your Martial Path breakthroughs. In addition, our palace possesses the Celestial Maiden Chart left behind by an ancient Martial Immortal. It may be able to resolve the predicament of your Mortal Body Shackles."
At last, Pure Void Temple's Daoist slowly spoke. "Mister Chen, conflict never ceases in the cultivation world, and every great sect harbors selfish motives. My Pure Void Temple values purity, tranquility, and nonaction. If you are willing to come, you may cultivate peacefully in the temple without disturbance. The temple contains the Heaven and Earth Profound Yellow Array, which can gather Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy and block the prying eyes of the outside world. It is an excellent place for cultivation. Furthermore, our Temple Master once had dealings with an ancient Martial Immortal and may be able to guide you through the fog of the Martial Path."
The five envoys took turns extending olive branches, each offer more tempting than the last. They involved not only cultivation resources and inherited techniques, but also Lin Xiaohu's future. Chu Xinghe stood to one side without speaking. He knew this was Chen Fan's own choice, one that no one else could interfere with.
Lin Xiaohu tugged at Chen Fan's sleeve and said quietly, "Brother Fan, Pill Cauldron Sect said they can give me False Spiritual Roots..." His voice trembled slightly, carrying both anticipation and guilt—he knew that Chen Fan might choose Pill Cauldron Sect for his sake.
Chen Fan patted Lin Xiaohu's head, his eyes full of tenderness. Then he turned to the five envoys and said calmly, "Thank you all for your sects' generous regard. However, there are a few words I would like to say."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the five envoys before he spoke slowly. "I cultivate the Martial Path not to pursue overwhelming power, nor to obtain abundant resources. I do it to shatter the shackles of Spiritual Root Destiny and prove that mortals, too, can have a chance to defy fate and change their lives. Though your sects' terms are excellent, most require me to rely upon a sect and follow its rules. That does not accord with my Martial Path's original aspiration."
"As for Xiaohu's False Spiritual Roots," Chen Fan said, looking at Lin Xiaohu with an unwavering tone, "I will personally seek out a Martial Path inheritance for him, so that he can grow strong through his own efforts rather than relying on external things. The road of the Martial Path may be difficult, but as long as one perseveres, mortals can still carve out a sky of their own."
When Lin Xiaohu heard this, the anticipation in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by resolve. He nodded forcefully. "Brother Fan, I'll listen to you! I don't want False Spiritual Roots. I want to cultivate the Martial Path with you and become a warrior who can protect myself—and protect you too!"
The five envoys had not expected Chen Fan's refusal to be so decisive, and surprise appeared on every face. The Heavenly Sword Sect envoy frowned. "Mister Chen, do you know what you will lose by refusing us? Resources in the cultivation world are limited. Seven Stars Sect alone will likely struggle to support your breakthrough into the Martial Saint Realm, much less withstand Xianyun Sect's future retaliation."
Chen Fan smiled, a trace of pride in his voice. "The road of the Martial Path has always been one of defying the heavens. If I lack resources, I will fight to obtain them myself. If I lack inheritances, I will seek them out myself. As for Xianyun Sect's retaliation, I will receive it with my fists. My Martial Path, Chen Fan's Martial Path, has never relied on others. I rely only on myself!"
His words struck the ground like iron, leaving all five envoys silent. They had originally thought Chen Fan was merely a bold but reckless warrior, yet they had not expected him to possess such unwavering conviction. Approval flashed through the Pure Void Temple Daoist's eyes. "Mister Chen truly possesses the bearing of an ancient Martial Immortal. Since that is the case, we will not press the matter further. But if you encounter trouble in the future, Pure Void Temple is willing to lend a hand."
The other envoys nodded as well. Though they had failed to recruit Chen Fan, they had no wish to make an enemy of him. Heavenly Sword Sect's envoy left behind a sword talisman. "If Mister Chen requires Heavenly Sword Sect's assistance, crush this talisman, and disciples of our sect will arrive at once." Pill Cauldron Sect's plump old man left behind a bottle of pills. "These are Qi Nourishing Pills. They can nourish the meridians. Consider them a small token from our sect."
After the five envoys departed, Chu Xinghe walked to Chen Fan's side, his eyes full of admiration. "Chen Fan, your words just now truly made me see you in a new light. Now, I finally understand why you have traveled so far upon the Martial Path."
Chen Fan shook his head. "Sect Master, you flatter me. I am merely holding to my original aspiration. By the way, after this battle, Xianyun Sect has suffered a severe loss of strength. They likely will not come looking for trouble again anytime soon. I want to use this time to make a trip to Dragon Burial Abyss."
"Dragon Burial Abyss?" Chu Xinghe's expression changed. "That place is one of the cultivation world's dangerous lands. Not only are there powerful demon beasts within, there are also ancient restrictions left behind. Even Nascent Soul Realm cultivators would not dare enter lightly. What are you going there for?"
"I saw a record in the Martial Path Elixir Scripture. Deep within Dragon Burial Abyss lies a Dragonbone Flower. This flower can temper the body and help a warrior break through the second layer of Mortal Body Shackles. It is crucial to my breakthrough into the Martial Saint Realm." Determination flashed in Chen Fan's eyes. "And I have also heard that Dragon Burial Abyss contains ruins left behind by an ancient Martial Immortal. Perhaps I can discover more secrets concerning the Martial Path there."
Chu Xinghe knew Chen Fan's character. Once he made a decision, he would not change it easily. He sighed and said, "Since that is the case, I will not stop you. I will prepare sufficient pills and talismans for you, then send ten Golden Core Realm disciples along to help you deal with demon beasts and restrictions."
"Thank you, Sect Master." Chen Fan cupped his hands.
Lin Xiaohu walked to Chen Fan's side, his eyes full of determination. "Brother Fan, I want to go to Dragon Burial Abyss with you too! I have already begun practicing the basic fist technique you taught me. I can protect myself!"
Chen Fan looked at the determination in Lin Xiaohu's eyes. He did not refuse, merely nodding. "All right, we will go together. But you must listen to me and cannot act on your own."
Lin Xiaohu nodded forcefully. "I understand, Brother Fan!"
Three days later, Chen Fan set out for Dragon Burial Abyss with Lin Xiaohu and ten Golden Core Realm disciples. Their figures vanished into the distant mountain forests as they advanced toward one of the cultivation world's most dangerous forbidden lands. Yet they did not know that after they left, a dark shadow silently followed them, strange light flickering in its eyes. A new crisis was quietly brewing.
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