Fairy Sheds Mortal Coil, Martial Discussion Convention

Locust Flower Old Lane, Ge Family Courtyard.

Seated cross-legged on the bed, Ge Huolang, who had been busy all night.

He glanced disdainfully at the broom in the wooden box in the corner. Inside was the Pretty Young Woman, who had long since returned to her soul abode. He heard the shameless fellow shake his head and hum: "So young, can't last long. Not as good as this merchant."

It was fortunate the Pretty Young Woman was resting, otherwise, upon hearing this, she would have floated out to spit at him.

This fellow deserved to be spat at. It was one thing to have someone accompany him while he studied the Melon Cultivation Art by lamplight, but to have someone accompany him while he researched the burial soul bottles of the Western Jin Dynasty in the latter half of the night? What fun could there be in that? Truly unacceptable.

The Broom Spirit had stayed up all night for nothing, while he, Ge Xian, had reaped immense rewards.

Both these items were from the Jin Dynasty.

One was a collection of elixirs for a counterfeit Melon Cultivation Art, and the other was an evil and strange artifact.

Ge Xian was most delighted by the former. Most of those bizarre and inexplicably terrifying elixirs could not be cultivated.

But some seemed like they could be tried.

For instance, there was a strange melon called the [Myriad Marvelous Gourd]. It used ordinary gourds as the base seed, then nurtured it with various malevolent energies. The more malevolent energies collected, the more likely it was to cultivate a true Myriad Marvelous Gourd.

When the melon ripened and fell from the vine, one had to recite the incantation "Myriad Marvels Return to Me" while consuming it. This would surely grant one or several mysterious innate talents out of thin air.

The melon was good, but unfortunately, its cultivation was extremely difficult.

From the Jin Dynasty all the way to the Dayuan Dynasty's Dade era, only two holders had successfully cultivated it.

Both had irrigated it with over ten types of malevolent energies, but the new talents they ultimately obtained were mediocre. Thus, they both wrote comments in the annotations like "liar" and "self-taught elixir recipes are so stupid."

Ge Xian chuckled at this. These annotations from past holders were precisely what he enjoyed reading the most.

Between the lines, one could glimpse the customs and cultivation details of various eras, not to mention occasionally revealing some earth-shattering secrets.

For example, one matter greatly surprised Ge Xian.

"The cultivation paths in this world are exceptionally prosperous, countless in number."

"And the number of cultivators who have reached the [Harmony Dao Realm] is extremely high, from ancient times to the present, across all dynasties. However, the number of those who successfully ascended is pitifully small."

"To say one in a hundred is not an exaggeration."

"Most 'die' in the heavenly tribulations before ascension. But in the small booklet, a few unknown reclusive cultivators, while annotating related elixirs, casually wrote their suspicions: Ascension is extremely difficult, but failing ascension does not necessarily mean death."

"Of course, the mysteries within this are not for me to delve into for now," Ge Xian muttered. His gaze then shifted to the gray pottery soul bottle.

He had already determined that if he could absorb it, he would obtain a pair of "Gray Eyes" with hypnotic and bewitching powers. Their effect would be extremely potent. Those below the Foundation Establishment Realm would have no solution if they fell victim. If one was not careful, even those in the Foundation Establishment Realm might be ambushed by him.

Not only would he be hypnotized and obey Ge Xian, but many memories within his soul would also be seen by him.

Very clearly!

This was another essential demonic energy for Home Travel and adventuring outside, sounding very useful.

The only pity was that if he couldn't find the relevant cultivation path and gather the conditions to solidify the Gray Eyes within his body, even if he performed Cai Bu, he could only retain them for three to five days.

After that, his body could only retain one or two percent, with the rest dissipating.

"I'll keep it for now."

"Sister Bai, please watch over it. Don't let this jar run out and harm people."

As he spoke, Ge Xian placed the soul bottle into the wooden box, making it neighbors with the foul-smelling Jade Pig Dragon that could nurture corpses.

It was almost foreseeable that regardless of whether Ge Xian could overcome his hoarding tendency in the future, such strange and eerie objects would accumulate more and more.

Because his cultivation path also required them.

Ge Xian was currently a Dao Entry Realm cultivator whose combat power was comparable to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Therefore, despite staying up all night, he didn't feel tired at all and was still spiritedly contemplating:

"My identity as a peddler is very suitable for going door-to-door, entering cities, and traveling through the Wilderness to collect all sorts of strange and eerie objects."

"But the efficiency is still too slow."

"Normally, official organizations should possess the most such strange and eerie objects. If I could join one and become an official, wouldn't I have the advantage of proximity?"

"Hmm, that makes sense. I'll find time to ask around if there are any such channels."

Ge Huolang was contemplating how to become a corrupt official who steals while on duty when, suddenly, he sensed something again.

First, he looked at the invitation from the Ancient Tomb Sect on the wooden table from last night.

Then, through the roof, he suddenly looked in a certain direction.

Without time to sense carefully, the next moment, a clear, cold, and sinister voice, audible only to cultivators, resounded throughout Qiantang County and the surrounding areas.

"I am Li Wa, the sect leader of the Ancient Tomb Sect, and I have decided to relocate our sect to the Qiantang region."

"As we are new to your territory, we hope all fellow Daoists will forgive any lack of etiquette."

"Upon arrival, we received permission from Daoist Lu, the Magistrate of Qiantang County, to select a desolate and dangerous place outside the county town, inaccessible to humans, as our new sect headquarters."

"I have heard that Sunset Mountain is a remnant of a Song Dynasty Daoist lineage, fraught with danger, which is precisely suitable for our Ancient Tomb Sect to settle."

"From today onwards, our sect will see the light of day again and open our gates wide. We invite Daoists from all directions to witness our sect's opening ceremony."

It was unknown how high the cultivation and attainment of this Ancient Tomb Sect leader were.

These words traveled extremely far, even reaching the Dragon Clan at the bottom of the Qiantang River.

Other cultivators and demon beasts from different regions were even more excited, spreading the news and rushing towards Sunset Mountain.

Ge Xian also stood up in surprise, tucked the invitation into his pocket, and left the courtyard, heading out of the city.

Along the way, he encountered Xu Bai Lian, the Gong Family Second Shopkeeper, and a group of Evil Cultivators. Only the Wang Family Eldest Daughter-in-law was missing. However, with just a thought about the identity of the person who had spoken, he could guess that the Wang family sister must have already rejoined her sect and gone to attack Sunset Mountain.

As the cultivators headed towards the county town, they exclaimed in awe.

"Sunset Mountain, Leifeng Pagoda, the Ancient Tomb Sect has made quite a move."

"Such swift action. They only received the invitation to the martial arts competition yesterday, and today they're attacking the ancestral ruins and planning to relocate their sect."

"Rumor has it the Ancient Tomb Sect is just a sect of women who cultivate Bizarre Martial Arts. Their strongest sect leader is only a [Foundation Establishment Realm] female cultivator. She's stronger than us, but can she take down Sunset Mountain? You know, that's a place even Demon Cultivators who practice Dragon Clan Secret Techniques are unwilling to venture into."

"They must have great confidence to act like this. The Ancient Tomb Sect has big plans. As far as I know, we only received invitations because we are nearby. The ones truly and solemnly invited are powers that cultivate Bizarre Martial Arts, such as the [Shaolin Temple], [Wudang Sect], [Ming Cult], and [Beggar Sect]."

"They probably want to use the martial arts competition as an excuse to hold a martial arts gathering or something."

"Are they that confident? Rumor has it that Leifeng Pagoda houses a complete demon beast at the Great Perfection of the Mortal Transformation Realm, who has lost all self-awareness. It's not only mad and terrifying but also has a significant background. Even the Qiantang River God is unwilling to provoke it by opening the pagoda..."

The cultivators exited the city gates, talking animatedly.

The next moment!

All the cultivators and demon beasts rushing towards Sunset Mountain from within and outside the county, as well as some martial artists who had received invitations in advance and happened to arrive, including Ge Xian, all looked up as if sensing something at this very moment. Then, they witnessed a scene that shook their souls.

It was early morning. The first light of dawn appeared, clouds rolled, rosy clouds surged, and auspicious energy soared. A sea of misty clouds, shimmering with icy light, drifted over.

Immediately, a sweet rain descended, and the sound of springs tinkled.

Then, above the clouds, stood dozens, even nearly a hundred, beautiful figures.

All were dressed in white, all seemed carved from ice jade, and all were incomparably beautiful.

Especially the one at the very front. She was astonishingly tall, perhaps eight feet, taller than most men. But her appearance was extremely beautiful, with eyebrows reaching her temples, skin like white jade, and her hair tied with a red rope. She wore a snow-white robe with wide sleeves. Even without a smile, just standing there on the clouds, she was the most beautiful female cultivator in this region.

Although Qiantang County was a prosperous county renowned throughout the land, and its cultivators and demon beasts had seen countless beauties, they all admitted that the Ancient Tomb Sect leader was too beautiful to be human.

While many were stunned, the Bizarre Martial Art cultivators who had arrived one after another began to spread the fame of this Sect Leader Li.

Ge Xian, mixed in the crowd, overheard a few conversations. Her astonishing deeds were indeed numerous.

"Rumor has it that Sect Leader Li mastered her sect's martial art, the Jade Maiden Immortal Scripture, when she was still a maiden. Later, she mastered the [Three Flowers Gathering on the Crown] divine skill and went to the Wudang Sect to seek guidance. Although she narrowly lost to the Wudang Sect Leader's Nine Yang Divine Skill, she became famous from that battle."

"That's enough. You must know that once the Nine Yang Divine Skill is mastered, it can produce nine heads, each with a different power. Sect Leader Li only lost by one move, which shows her strength."

"Later, she went to the Shaolin Temple and used her Ice Jade Divine Finger to freeze the demon bones and tendons within the Shaolin Abbot's body, breaking his Muscle Tendon Classic. However, unexpectedly, the Abbot had also mastered the Marrow Cleansing Scripture and thirteen of the Seventy-two Divine Skills. He grew ten extra arms, each using a different divine skill, and defeated Sect Leader Li."

"A glorious defeat, everyone knows the Shaolin Abbot is the strongest in the martial arts world."

"Not necessarily. The Ming Cult Leader cultivates two supreme divine arts simultaneously. When they clash, the Shaolin Abbot might not be his opponent. Besides, the Wudang Sect Leader isn't weak either. He hasn't just cultivated Nine Yang, but also the Heavenly Silkworm Skill. With Cloud Ascending Steps, he can soar through the clouds and ride the mists..."

"Hmph, what's the point of arguing? Even if we win, we who cultivate bizarre martial arts are still at the bottom of the Cultivation World. After Foundation Establishment, there's no further path."

"Yeah, apart from some vague legends, none of us who cultivate bizarre martial arts have reached the Mortal Transformation Realm. How can we contend with those Spirit God cultivators and Evil God cultivators?"

Quite a few martial artists were invited by the Ancient Tomb Sect. Through their disputes, Ge Xian's knowledge increased.

However, as he listened, he began to sense something was amiss, originating from the Ancient Tomb Sect Leader.

"Those who cultivate Bizarre Martial Arts have a distinct difference in their Qi aura compared to other Demon Cultivators."

"Logically, this Ancient Tomb Sect Leader should be cultivating Guǐ Wǔ, but why do I feel a sense of familiarity? It's just that she's wrapped in that layer of ice-jade-like Skin Sac, and my perception can't quite grasp it..."

Ge Xian was frowning and muttering to himself.

Suddenly, the crowd stirred again, and amidst gasps of surprise, an astonishing scene and turn of events immediately unfolded:

As the Ancient Tomb Sect Leader, who resembled an ice-jade fairy from the upper realms, led her disciples, soaring through the clouds and riding the mists towards Sunset Mountain, which was also perpetually shrouded in clouds and mist, the two seas of clouds did not merge. Instead, they collided, and then, silently, all the clouds dissipated.

What followed was a chorus of sharp intakes of breath.

First, the assembled cultivators finally saw the scene on Sunset Mountain. What the clouds had concealed was, unexpectedly, a beautiful landscape. Flowers bloomed everywhere in the mountains, ancient trees formed dense forests, and life teemed with vitality, with birds and beasts present.

What shocked them was that not a single one of these creatures was normal.

Creatures like apes, tigers, leopards, deer, and snakes all had mutated bodies. Any cultivator with some knowledge could guess that the creatures in the mountains had likely all been contaminated by some kind of "demonic Qi." If humans with talent could absorb this Qi into their bodies, they could enter the Dao.

But these wild beasts, after being contaminated, could only transform into mindless, low-level demons. Their flesh was contorted, their temperaments violent, and once they encountered each other, they would fight to the death.

Now, they were all staring at the fairies who had intruded into the mountain.

As the clouds dispersed, the white robes of the sect leader, named "Li Wa," gradually became transparent. But what was revealed was not a lewd sight, but an exceptionally beautiful, ice-jade Skin Sac. She floated into the mountain like a celestial fairy from beyond the heavens and spoke:

"All disciples, follow me and open the mountain!"

"Kill!"

With this shout, nearly a hundred disciples and elders also appeared as ice-jade beauties.

Each wielding an ice sword, they charged into the mountain.

A battle ensued, both bloody and breathtakingly beautiful. The mutated creatures that filled the mountain, while they could devour mortals, were no match for these mysterious and eerie women. Not only were they all slaughtered, but their shattered flesh inexplicably condensed into flesh flowers, and the rising blood mist in the air also formed blood flowers.

Gradually, everyone's expression grew solemn.

"This... this is Li Wa's self-created Flying Flower Sword Art?"

"Shattering flesh and blood, forming flying flowers."

A few with weaker stomachs immediately began to vomit.

It was easy to understand. Don't look at Sunset Mountain now, where everything in sight was scarlet flesh-flowers, with bloody ice-flowers drifting in the air. Add to that the ice-jade beauties leaping and moving, and it was truly beautiful.

But if one looked closely, the flowers bloomed from shattered flesh, condensed from fresh blood, and occasionally eyeballs, teeth, and ears could be seen frozen within. Who could bear not to feel disgusted?

Before the cultivators and martial artists could say anything, a truly terrifying change occurred.

At some unknown time, Li Wa had already killed her way to the mountain peak. Her red sash had broken, her black hair flying freely. She was laughing heartily as she dragged a terrifying demon from a dilapidated, exploding Buddhist pagoda.

A roar that pierced the soul and caused several low-level cultivators to die on the spot suddenly echoed through the air.

The cultivators covered their ears, struggling to look.

It was an incomparably huge, pale giant snake, large enough to coil around Sunset Mountain. Its eyes were scarlet, its scales like plates, its color like withered bone. Its belly bore a massive, festering wound that had seemingly never healed for who knew how many years. Pus and blood flowed into the mountain stream, dyeing the originally clear river an unbearable stench.

Seeing this, the cultivators finally understood the source of Sunset Mountain's pollution, and finally knew what kind of demon was sealed within the legendary Leifeng Pagoda, a remnant of a Daoist lineage.

"Mortal Transformation Realm? No, with such potent demonic energy, this White Snake is likely close to the Spirit Connection Realm. It's just that for some reason, it has completely lost its self, degenerated into a frenzied demon, and has been sealed in that pagoda for years."

"No wonder County Magistrate Lu, who has clearly stabilized his Mortal Transformation Realm, hasn't come to open the pagoda and retrieve the snake. He must have known how powerful this demon is."

"Hiss, quick, quick, look, the Ancient Tomb Sect has gone mad..."

Amidst the exclamation of a martial artist, everyone witnessed another unbelievable scene.

It was already astonishing when the Ancient Tomb Sect used that strange, horrifying sword technique earlier.

And now, as they watched with their own eyes as the beautiful sect leader named Li Wa, after freezing the White Snake with a palm strike, led dozens of disciples to dig open the White Snake's flesh and blood and crawl inside to sit in meditation, even Ge Xian couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

Afterward, about a few dozen breaths passed.

The White Snake demon, capable of coiling around the mountain, began to dissolve. Its massive body transformed into countless ice-crystal blood flowers, surging madly into Li Wa and the disciples.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, their cultivation realms began to skyrocket.

First, they saw that dozens of white-clad beauties each had three delicate flesh-and-blood flowers condensed above their heads. Vein-like roots connected to their brains. Weaker martial artists felt their Qi Blood surge and became dizzy just by looking.

Many martial artists and martial artists were now shouting like madmen:

"Three Flowers Gathering on the Crown!"

"This... this is impossible, has everyone in the Ancient Tomb Sect achieved Three Flowers Gathering on the Crown?"

"They, they are going to unify the martial arts world."

Even seeing all the Ancient Tomb Sect disciples achieve Three Flowers Gathering on the Crown was already like this.

The next moment, after they personally witnessed Li Wa's transformation, many more went mad.

She could no longer be considered human.

Her size swelled again, reaching over ten feet. Her body became completely ice-jade, her eyes scarlet, her appearance almost demonic, with an incredibly potent demonic aura overflowing and condensing into hundreds, even thousands, of alluring blood-red flowers around her.

Any living being that met her gaze seemed to have their soul and self stolen.

At this point, the cultivators and martial artists finally understood!

The Ancient Tomb Sect clearly knew about the existence of that White Snake demon long ago, and had a method to restrain it. They had dragged it out, divided it, and consumed it to collectively advance.

Since all the disciples and elders had refined into Three Flowers Gathering on the Crown, as the Sect Leader who received the greatest benefits, Li Wa should now be...

"Mortal Transformation Realm?"

"How is this possible? Can one enter Mortal Transformation by cultivating Guǐ Wǔ?"

"Sect Leader Li, you... you've entered Mortal Transformation?"

The Guǐ Wǔ cultivators, who were originally horrified and jealous, suddenly realized something and roared out their questions.

Li Wa stood up, not answering immediately.

Instead, she revealed a seductive smile, then suddenly opened her mouth and exhaled a breath towards the entire Sunset Mountain.

Hoo!

Like sweet dew and fine rain, a spring breeze.

In an instant, Sunset Mountain changed.

Everything in sight began to turn into jade, including the bloody, horrifying corpse fragments, which transformed into blood-jade-like objects.

This scene directly drove the Demon Cultivators and Bizarre Martial Artists present into a frenzy.

"Divine Ability!"

"Is this a Natal Divine Ability?"

"Ancient Tomb Sect Leader Li Wa, today she consumed a demon, entered Mortal Transformation, comprehended a Natal Divine Ability, and with a single breath, turned Sunset Mountain into jade."

The cultivators and Bizarre Martial Artists seemed to have witnessed the most incredible thing in the world.

The common knowledge of cultivation in this world, and one of its iron laws, was that those who cultivated Unconventional Martial Arts had an upper limit of Foundation Establishment Realm. Without a method for visualization, they could never completely shed their mortal bodies and could not comprehend terrifyingly powerful Natal Divine Abilities.

But today, was the iron law broken?

The Demon Cultivators were merely shocked, while the invited Bizarre Martial Artists in the arena completely erupted.

Immediately after, when they heard another clear, cold voice from Jade Sunset Mountain Peak, they fell into uncontrollable ecstasy.

"Fellow martial artists!"

"A few days ago, Li Wa was perusing ancient texts and had a sudden realization. From the 'Spirit Flesh Union Longevity Borrowing Method' advocated by ancient Qi Refiners, she has comprehended a method for us martial artists to transcend the mortal realm."

"This method can help all fellow martial artists break through their shackles and shed their mortal bodies. Therefore, Li Wa does not wish to keep it to herself."

"In three days, we will convene the [Martial Discussion Convention] at Sunset Mountain. At that time, I will publicly reveal this method. Anyone who cultivates Guǐ Wǔ will be able to learn it."

"Incidentally, I will also be holding a martial arts tournament to find a good husband for my child."

As these words echoed, everyone knew that it wouldn't just be the foot of Sunset Mountain that would be boiling. It was likely that all cultivators practicing Bizarre Martial Arts across the land would erupt in joy and rush over without hesitation.