Chapter 283-284 (Patreon)

283. Worry-free Sovereign's Decision

Worry-free Sovereign glanced at his own body, reduced to bare bones. It looked incredibly tragic. If he had acted even a moment later, his physical body would have been completely destroyed. At that point, even as a Martial Sovereign, he would have undoubtedly perished.

Dangerous!

This time, the risk was too great. Worry-free Sovereign had never expected that he might fall at Lin Fei's hands. Fortunately, he had chosen a life-saving Divine Ability as his third. Otherwise, this time would have been truly perilous.

The contests between Martial Sovereigns are this intense. Divine Abilities are mysterious and unpredictable. One can never be sure about the opponent's Divine Ability. In terms of mysterious and arcane techniques, they are even more enigmatic than Golden Core True Persons.

It's known that the way of the Qi cultivator has many techniques, like spells, magic treasures, and formations. Only a Martial Sovereign, possessing a Divine Ability, can truly match up with the Golden Core True Persons.

As Worry-free Sovereign channeled his Life Power, fresh flesh and blood grew at a speed visible to the naked eye. Quickly, Worry-free Sovereign was restored to its original state.

At that moment, Wind Sovereign laughed out loud, "Hahaha, Worry-free, how was that? Our Ancient Origin Sect's Martial Sovereign isn't too shabby, right? Sovereign Lin is just a newly advanced Martial Sovereign from our sect. Surprisingly, even after displaying three Divine Abilities, you're still no match for him. As long as Sovereign Lin is around, you'll always be overshadowed!"

Wind Sovereign's words were dripping with sarcasm. Worry-free Sovereign's expression changed repeatedly, while Lin Fei calmly asked, "Worry-free Sovereign, do you wish to continue the battle?"

Worry-free Sovereign looked deeply at Lin Fei and asked in a deep voice, "What was that wind just now?"

"Bone-Eroding Wind. A wind that reveals bones upon touch," Lin Fei answered succinctly.

"A formidable Bone-Eroding Wind," Worry-free Sovereign commented. "Sovereign Lin, I admit my defeat..."

He had lost. If the battle continued, he would still lose.

With Worry-free Sovereign's admission, the entire population of Illusion Worry City was in shock.

He lost! Worry-free Sovereign actually lost! Did this mean that the balance of power in Illusion Worry City would change? And it was Lin Fei who defeated him.

Who was Lin Fei? He was the rising star who, with the body of a Three Flowers Gathering Martial Sovereign, had repelled True Person Lu Feng.

And now, Lin Fei had just attained the title of Martial Sovereign. While others might still be diligently practicing a single Divine Ability, Lin Fei was already capable of challenging Worry-free Sovereign. He even defeated Worry-free Sovereign in one fell swoop.

Wind Sovereign felt so elated that the bottleneck in his cultivation of the Great Divine Ability seemed to loosen. Perhaps, the Divine Ability is on the verge of Transcendence!

"Sovereign Lin, the top-tier saber techniques you requested will be delivered as promised," Wind Sovereign assured.

"Tianyun, fetch the top-tier saber techniques," Worry-free Sovereign ordered.

"Yes, Master!" Jiang Tianyun responded, his expression complex. His previous bold claims seemed to have collapsed the moment Lin Fei defeated his master. His confidence was thoroughly shattered! Facing such a formidable Lin Fei, who would dare to catch up? Even the most resolute will would waver in front of Lin Fei.

Jiang Tianyun then flew back into Illusion Worry City. Meanwhile, Worry-free Sovereign and Lin Fei remained in a standoff. Even though he was defeated, Worry-free Sovereign would not permit Lin Fei to enter Illusion Worry City. It was a rule: no Sovereign should step into Illusion Worry City! This was not just his decision but also that of Illusion Heart True Person. After all, this was merely a martial arts spar. A real life-and-death battle would be a different story. No matter how powerful Lin Fei was, Worry-free Sovereign still possessed combat capabilities.

Lin Fei had no intention of entering Illusion Worry City, nor did he intend to kill Worry-free Sovereign. His current power was still somewhat forced. He might defeat Worry-free Sovereign, but to kill him would be too challenging. After all, he only had one Divine Ability, which was at a beginner level. His saber momentum was indeed formidable, comparable to an average Golden Core True Person or Martial Sovereign. Yet, it was just saber momentum and not enough to kill those of higher ranks.

Moreover, Lin Fei's objective was clear: he just wanted the top-tier saber techniques at the Martial Sovereign level.

Before long, Jiang Tianyun flew out of the city again, holding several martial arts manuals. However, there weren't many, perhaps less than ten in total.

"Sovereign Lin, here are the top-tier saber techniques of the Martial Sovereign level you requested," Jiang Tianyun said, presenting the items. "After searching throughout Illusion Worry City, we only found these nine top-tier saber technique manuals."

Lin Fei took a look at the manuals. They were different from the techniques in the Ancient Origin Sect, and they were indeed the top-tier saber techniques at the Martial Sovereign level, each capable of manifesting saber momentum. Nine top-tier saber techniques – it was sufficient!

"Wind Sovereign, let's leave," Lin Fei said, after safely storing the technique manuals. Without uttering another word, he and Wind Sovereign turned into streaks of light and vanished into the horizon.

As Lin Fei's figure disappeared, an elderly figure slowly emerged from the crowd.

"City Lord Illusion Heart!" Many were taken aback. Illusion Heart True Person had been amidst them, and they hadn't even noticed.

"This Sovereign Lin is truly remarkable," Illusion Heart True Person remarked thoughtfully. Lin Fei's decisive departure had not gone unnoticed. While others might not understand, how could he not? Lin Fei had detected his presence.

"Indeed, he's exceptional," Worry-free Sovereign coldly replied. "The Ancient Origin Sect might have truly ushered in a formidable Martial Sovereign. But this might not be a good thing. Don't forget, that Taiyi Dao Palace has set its sights on the Ancient Origin Sect and even on Lin Fei. A great battle between the three major powers and Taiyi Dao Palace seems inevitable..."

"Illusion Heart, I've decided to go into seclusion," Worry-free Sovereign continued, "I had intended to delay it, but recent events have made me realize that I've been too complacent. My Divine Ability, Quicksand, has reached perfection. Therefore, I can cultivate a fourth Divine Ability anytime. I was previously unsure whether to choose a Lesser Divine Ability or a powerful Great Divine Ability. Now, I've made up my mind. How much stronger can multiple Lesser Divine Abilities make me? Moreover, with my Divine Ability, Quicksand, I already have sufficient defensive capabilities. Thus, I have decided to cultivate a Great Divine Ability!"

It seemed that Worry-free Sovereign was deeply affected by recent events. In the past, even with Lesser Divine Abilities, he was able to defeat Martial Sovereigns like the Wind Sovereign who cultivated Great Divine Abilities. He had been somewhat proud, thinking his path of relying on Lesser Divine Abilities to defeat those with Great Divine Abilities was correct.

However, now he realized he was mistaken. Lesser Divine Abilities were just that – lesser. They couldn't compare to a true Great Divine Ability. He had defeated Martial Sovereigns like Wind Sovereign in the past, not because Great Divine Abilities were weak, but because those Martial Sovereigns were. Now, Lin Fei had defeated him using just one Great Divine Ability, shattering Worry-free Sovereign's pride.

Illusion Heart True Person looked deeply at Worry-free Sovereign and finally nodded, "It's wise. Not only should you seclude yourself, but even Illusion Worry City needs to stay low-key. I will handle everything; you focus on your cultivation."

With that, Worry-free Sovereign turned into a streak of light and flew into Illusion Worry City.

284. Saber Domain

Lin Fei and Wind Sovereign returned to the Ancient Origin Sect. Wind Sovereign even took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Lin Fei. Witnessing Lin Fei defeating Worry-free Sovereign firsthand illuminated Wind Sovereign's understanding, and even his long-stagnant Great Divine Ability seemed on the verge of Transcendence. Consequently, Wind Sovereign hurriedly went into seclusion.

Lin Fei, meanwhile, returned to his own cave dwelling. He arranged the nine top-tier saber technique manuals before him. The trip to Illusion Worry City had clarified his understanding of his own strength. While he could defeat both Wind Sovereign and Worry-free Sovereign, he only had a limited advantage over them. He could defeat but not annihilate them, indicating that his strength was still far from sufficient. However, should he be able to evolve the Saber Domain, things would be different.

"Let's begin," Lin Fei said to himself, looking at the nine top-tier saber techniques before him, without any more hesitation.

With a "boom", Lin Fei was enveloped by his saber momentum. Instantly, one after another, these top-tier saber techniques began to actively evolve their own saber momentum, which then merged into Lin Fei's saber momentum.

This was the advantage of having a higher realm. With a sufficiently high realm, Lin Fei could actively integrate martial techniques of lower levels into his own, as these techniques naturally followed the stronger entity.

Lin Fei's saber momentum was already at perfection, and his cultivation progress was at 65%. Now, as he began integrating one saber technique after another, each one increased his saber momentum's cultivation progress by 5%.

70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%...

By the time he integrated the seventh technique, Lin Fei's saber momentum cultivation progress reached 100%.

With another "boom", Lin Fei's saber momentum began to evolve. During this evolution, Lin Fei could clearly see that the originally illusory saber momentum was gradually becoming tangible.

Previously, due to the integration of the Flame Burning Heaven Saber's momentum, his saber momentum was filled with blazing flames, resembling a sea of fire. But it was ultimately just an illusion, not genuine flames. However, as Lin Fei's saber momentum evolved into the Saber Domain, everything changed.

From illusion to reality.

Terrifying flames surged skyward, blanketing the heavens and obscuring the sun. It felt as though one was truly immersed in a sea of flames.

"Fire..." Lin Fei murmured in awe.

Lin Fei observed the void as if it was distorted. It was scorched by the terrifying flames. Within his cave dwelling, wherever the Saber Domain enveloped, everything was burned to ashes!

Saber Domain!

This was the true Saber Domain!

The momentum transformed into a domain. It wasn't merely a change in name – it was a monumental shift, a qualitative transformation. Within the Saber Domain, Lin Fei could control everything: teleportation, acceleration, flames, saber lights, and more.

Whatever Lin Fei desired could be manifested in the Saber Domain. Even if he wanted to move mountains and drain seas within the domain, it would be a trivial matter. He could alter everything!

"Rise," Lin Fei thought.

A rumble resounded. The interior of Lin Fei's dwelling began to undergo tumultuous changes, reshaping according to Lin Fei's imagination. Sometimes the ground sank, at other times, the walls of the cave changed. If Lin Fei willed it, there seemed to be nothing impossible within the Saber Domain.

The spectacle left Lin Fei deeply astounded. This had surpassed the scope of mere "martial arts". It was even more magical than Divine Ability. When martial arts cultivation reaches higher levels, the abilities and methods acquired far exceed the understanding of average martial artists.

Lin Fei closed his eyes, sorting through the memories related to the "Saber Domain" in his mind. After an indeterminable amount of time, he opened his eyes. Before him was a stone, but with a mere thought, as the Saber Domain descended, the stone rapidly changed its shape. It disintegrated into fine powder and quickly reformed into a saber, which was then engulfed in flames and turned to ash. The ash once again coalesced.

This stone could be transformed into anything. Such was the domain – controlling everything.

Within this domain, Lin Fei could manipulate everything. The Saber Domain he had manifested inherently carried the sharpness of a saber. Within this domain, one would face relentless saber attacks. If someone was a saber master, they might even be slain by their own blade.

Such was the power of Saber Domain!

Lin Fei's heart surged with emotions. With the Saber Domain, he was no longer like any ordinary Martial Sovereign. If he were to encounter Worry-free Sovereign again, why would he bother with trivialities? He could simply envelop everything with his Saber Domain. The Divine Ability of Worry-free Sovereign would be merely wishful thinking to even touch him.

Inside the Saber Domain, Lin Fei was omnipotent. Unless someone could directly tear apart his Saber Domain. But that would require someone to be ten, or even a hundred times stronger than it. Otherwise, they would be at Lin Fei's mercy.

Paired with Lin Fei's Divine Ability, his threat level would skyrocket.

"System."

Lin Fei promptly accessed the system to inspect.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Realm: Early Martial Sovereign

Great Divine Ability: Black Wind Prison: Beginner (Progress 0%)

Saber Domain: Beginner (Progress 0%)

Upon the system's display, the saber momentum had vanished. It had transformed into Saber Domain. Yet, his cultivation progress stood starkly at zero.

Lin Fei recalled that his saber momentum had evolved into the Saber Domain. A mere integration of seven premier saber techniques had sufficed. Thus, he still had two saber techniques yet to merge.

Without hesitation, Lin Fei merged them. After which, he immersed himself in profound contemplation. There wasn't a trace of change in the Saber Domain. The cultivation progress remained unaltered at zero.

This signified that even if Lin Fei incorporated martial techniques from the Martial Saint realm, the sheer volume of integration would likely bear no meaning. It wouldn't enhance the Saber Domain by even the slightest degree.

However, Lin Fei wasn't overly taken aback. After all, the Saber Domain was aligned with the Martial Sovereign stage. Hence, the saber techniques of the Martial Saint realm were bound to be redundant.

Yet, Lin Fei found himself mired in puzzlement. Martial Sovereigns primarily cultivated Divine Abilities. Where then, did traditional saber techniques fit in? How would his Saber Domain further advance?

"Could it be that I need to cultivate the Divine Ability of the Saber Dao?"

A thought stirred within Lin Fei. While Martial Sovereigns had long ceased delving into saber techniques, saber masters were never in shortage. In their stead stood the Divine Abilities of the Saber Dao!

Albeit, Lin Fei possessed scant knowledge of these Saber Dao Divine Abilities. But he could always go to the Martial Arts Tower.

Lin Fei wasn't in a rush. The Ancient Origin Sect housed the Divine Abilities of the Saber Dao. He could engage in cultivation whenever he wished. For now, he sought to discern the limits of his Saber Domain.

To what extent could the Saber Domain envelop?

Lin Fei had an inkling. The Saber Domain, it seemed, was not merely a simple evolution of saber momentum.

"Whoosh."

In a blink, Lin Fei's silhouette vanished. He had departed from his cave dwelling, stepping directly into the void.

Floating in mid-air, Lin Fei gazed downward. He could see disciples of the Ancient Origin Sect below. Some practiced their fist and saber techniques, while others were immersed in their cultivation methods. It seemed as if all of creation was laid bare before his eyes.

"Boom."

Suddenly, Lin Fei's Saber Domain erupted. Terrifying power instantly permeated the void, radiating outwards in all directions. Consequently, the entire Ancient Origin Sect was ensnared within it.

The skies above the Ancient Origin Sect turned a fiery red, reminiscent of burning clouds. Lin Fei's Saber Domain was now ablaze with fierce flames, seemingly scorching the very fabric of the void.

Ten meters, a hundred meters, a kilometer...

Lin Fei's Saber Domain continued its rampant expansion, swiftly engulfing the entirety of the Ancient Origin Sect. It was as if a colossal formation had entirely isolated the Ancient Origin Sect from the outside world.

"What's happening?"

"Such terrifying flames!"

"Who is attacking our Ancient Origin Sect with such a fearsome formation?"

"Could it be the Taiyi Dao Palace?"

In an instant, the entire Ancient Origin Sect was abuzz. Countless disciples and elders held a trace of fear in their hearts. They gazed upward in alarm. Above them, all they could see was a sky consumed by flames that seemed poised to reduce the entire Ancient Origin Sect to ashes.

Observing the panicked disciples and elders below, Lin Fei remained unperturbed. He could distinctly feel, under the shroud of his Saber Domain, annihilating the Ancient Origin Sect would be effortless. Merely a thought would suffice.

Within the Saber Domain, Lin Fei was the true Sovereign!