Chapter 338-340 (Patreon)

To try to avoid cliffhangers, I need to tweak the posting rules a little. I will be posting one full episode at a time at a rate of at least one chapter per day.

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338. Summon the Great Mountain Divine Seal

In the void above, the silhouette of Lin Fei manifested once again. That nebulous mist of blood never dissipated. Instead, it coalesced swiftly, forming Lin Fei.

Witnessing this spectacle, over a hundred Golden Core True Persons gazed in sheer disbelief as if they couldn't fathom the truth.

"How can this be? He was clearly reduced to a blood mist by the Great Mountain Seal. How could he possibly remain unscathed?"

"Transformed into a blood mist and yet able to reform; what sort of Divine Ability is this?"

"Even the famed undying physique doesn't possess such terrifying regenerative prowess."

For a moment, a profound shock gripped the hearts of all Golden Core True Persons present. They had indeed seen the undying physique of Martial Sovereigns before. In fact, they'd witnessed its power on numerous occasions.

However, even the mightiest of these undying physiques, at most, boasted formidable defense and rapid recovery. Never before had they seen a Divine Ability where one, having been reduced to mere mist, could be reborn in such a manner.

Perhaps 'reborn' wasn't the right word. After all, Lin Fei's Saber Domain and Gravity Domain remained intact, signifying that he had never truly perished to begin with. But how could he have survived the combined force of the Great Mountain Seals, summoned and driven by over a hundred Golden Core True Persons?

A sense of hopelessness engulfed many of the Golden Core True Persons. Their most potent weapon had failed. The numerous Great Mountain Seals had shattered. Bereft of the Great Mountain Seals, what other means did they possess to combat this threat?

There, in the vast expanse, Lin Fei stood. He cast a cold gaze upon the multitude of Golden Core True Persons ensnared within the formation. Indeed, moments ago, he had been reduced to a blood mist by the numerous Great Mountain Seals. Yet, he did not perish. The sensation was peculiar. All of this was due to the effect of his Divine Ability, the Undying Seal.

The Undying Seal, a passive Divine Ability, is only triggered when one's life is endangered or one's body is gravely harmed. Having been reduced to what could aptly be termed "utter annihilation," Lin Fei would certainly have met his demise had it been before. The combined might of over a hundred Golden Core True Persons and their myriad of magic treasures wasn't mere rhetoric; it was a terrifying force to be reckoned with.

Choosing the Undying Physique as his fifth Divine Ability was a decision Lin Fei had made after considerable contemplation. It now seemed his choice was judicious. Battling a power like Taiyi Dao Palace, survival was paramount. After all, no one truly knew the depths of Taiyi Dao Palace's strength. Who would have imagined that Taiyi Dao Palace would suddenly bolster its ranks with so many Golden Core True Persons?

In the midst of the intense atmosphere, Lin Fei's voice resonated, cold and unwavering, signaling the unleashing of his divine abilities.

"Divine Ability, Annihilation! Divine Ability, Dual-World Saber! Saber Domain, tri-saber merge, Strike!"

Lin Fei's gaze was chilling. The Life Wheel behind him emitted two distinct rays of luminescence, each signifying the release of top-tier Great Divine Abilities. Added to that, the infinite saber beams from his Saber Domain surged toward the group of Golden Core True Persons like a tsunami.

A colossal explosion erupted. Despite the combined strength of the hundred Golden Core True Persons, they found themselves outmatched by Lin Fei's overwhelming assault. The two Divine Abilities and the Saber Domain's onslaught clashed head-on with the formation. The formation, already compromised due to the destruction of the Great Mountain Seal and subsequent backlash, barely lasted three breaths before shattering.

The ear-piercing shatter echoed. The formation, bolstered by the combined power of over a hundred Golden Core True Persons, crumbled instantaneously under the combined weight of the Annihilation, Dual-World Saber, and the Saber Domain. This jarring event left each Golden Core True Person physically and mentally shaken.

A subtle tremor emanated from the first layer of Lin Fei's Life Wheel. The wind began to blow, but it wasn't any ordinary gust. This was the bone-eroding wind, capable of reducing flesh to mere bones in an instant.

As this deathly wind swept over, terror painted the faces of the Golden Core True Persons. Their flesh rapidly dissipated, revealing pale skeletons. Given their current vulnerable state, they'd only be able to withstand this wind for a few breaths. Beyond that, certain death awaited.

Although they were nearing the end of their lifespans, few among them could face the reality of death with true equanimity.

Inside Taiyi Dao Palace, all eyes were trained on the epic showdown between Lin Fei and the Golden Core True Persons. Every elder, disciple, and even the Palace Master knew the terrifying power of these hundred Golden Core True Persons. When they saw the Great Mountain Seal transform Lin Fei into a mist of blood, relief, and joy were evident on their faces.

However, Lin Fei's "resurrection" and subsequent annihilation of the Great Mountain Seal and the formation stunned them into fearful silence. Now, with the formation shattered, the lives of these Golden Core True Persons hung by a thread. Although these Golden Core True Persons were nearing their natural life's end, there was a stark difference between dying of natural causes and being slain by Lin Fei's hand.

If Lin Fei managed to defeat over a hundred Golden Core True Persons from Taiyi Dao Palace single-handedly, it would signify a catastrophic blow to the prestige and might of the Taiyi Dao Palace.

"Palace Master, we must find a solution!"

"Call back the Golden Core True Persons from outside."

"How has Lin Fei become so formidable? Not even hundreds of Golden Core masters can challenge him."

"Lin Fei possesses five top-tier Great Divine Abilities. He also has the Saber Domain, which even reaches the level of Transcendence."

"A Saber Domain of Transcendence is almost equivalent to the power of two, perhaps even three top-tier Great Divine Abilities."

"By this calculation, Lin Fei can nearly match a Martial Sovereign with seven or eight top-tier Great Divine Abilities."

"He's merely a step away from becoming a Martial King..."

Many of the elders went silent. Perhaps some disciples are unaware of the significance of possessing seven or eight top-tier Great Divine Abilities, but the elders are fully aware.

For a typical Martial Sovereign, having one or two Great Divine Abilities is already remarkable. If every one of their Divine Abilities is of the 'Great' variety, they certainly are on the path to becoming a Martial King.

Most of these individuals hail from Martial King lineages, bearing the bloodline of a Martial King and inheriting the Divine Abilities within that bloodline. This is how they might possess multiple Great Divine Abilities. However, it's rare, almost unheard of, to have each one at the top-tier level.

As for Lin Fei? Every one of his abilities is top-tier! The distinction is monumental! Even the Martial Sovereigns from those esteemed Martial King families would likely be overshadowed when faced with Lin Fei.

It's not that the multitude of Golden Core True Persons are weak; it's simply that Lin Fei is overwhelmingly strong. His strength surpasses their wildest imaginations.

They had initially discouraged the Palace Master from using the Great Mountain Divine Seal, thinking it might be an overreaction. But now, in hindsight, they realize their grave error. Only the Palace Master had the foresight to truly understand the threat Lin Fei posed from the beginning. Yet, even with that awareness, they couldn't thwart Lin Fei when he was still in his nascent stages. Now, he has fully come into his own.

The Palace Master remained silent, gazing quietly at the mountain entrance. What solutions can he possibly think of now? Every tactic and ounce of power at his disposal has been exhausted. He even went to the extent of summoning past generations of Golden Core True Persons. Yet, they were still no match for Lin Fei. The only strategy remaining is the final resort of Taiyi Dao Palace – its very essence and foundation.

The Palace Master was hesitant to employ this, unless absolutely necessary. But now, there's no choice.

"Summon the Great Mountain Divine Seal!"

In the following moment, the Palace Master presented his command token. Channeling his Spiritual Qi into it, a resonating hum filled the air, and the token illuminated brightly. Mysterious runes emerged from the token, ascending and embedding into the towering mountain peak above.

With a deafening rumble, the towering mountain quaked vigorously, exuding an aura of ancientness, wilderness, and vastness. This ancient divine mountain is Taiyi Dao Palace's guardian treasure – the Great Mountain Divine Seal!

339. The Power of Great Mountain Divine Seal

The gates of Taiyi Dao Palace trembled violently. All the disciples and elders stared in horror at the towering, ancient divine mountain that reached the clouds. Their eyes widened in disbelief.

"Could that ancient divine mountain be the Great Mountain Divine Seal?"

"It's unfathomable. We've been at Taiyi Dao Palace for so long, yet we had no idea that the Great Mountain Divine Seal was here all this time."

"It's said that the Great Mountain Divine Seal was crafted by the founding master from an ancient divine mountain. I thought it was a mere legend. Who would have believed it to be true?"

"This ancient divine mountain seems to have always been within Taiyi Dao Palace. I never imagined it to be the Great Mountain Divine Seal..."

Many were taken aback. After all, this ancient divine mountain had been in Taiyi Dao Palace for ages. Not just the disciples, but most of the elders were also unaware.

The Great Mountain Divine Seal hadn't been used for countless years. At the very least, it hadn't been invoked in millennia. It was only natural for the disciples and elders to be oblivious.

However, the Palace Master was undoubtedly aware that the majestic mountain standing tall in the Taiyi Dao Palace was indeed the Great Mountain Divine Seal!

With a thunderous roar, as the Palace Master invoked the Great Mountain Divine Seal with a command token, the ancient divine mountain tore from the earth. Whistling, it headed straight for the gates of Taiyi Dao Palace.

"Hmm?"

Lin Fei abruptly raised his head.

All at once, darkness enveloped the sky! It was the shadow of a mountain. Eclipsing the sun and sky, an imposing, mysterious, vast, and terrifying aura emanated. It was suffocating, and that aura instantly locked onto Lin Fei. He found himself trapped, with nowhere to run.

"Great Mountain Divine Seal!"

Lin Fei's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He had deduced it instantly. It had to be the Great Mountain Divine Seal. Although it bore the semblance of a mountain peak, one could discern its true nature when sensed with intuition.

It was a magic treasure and it far surpassed the caliber of a Golden Core treasure. It was a Nascent Soul magical treasure!

While a Nascent Soul magical treasure didn't represent a true Nascent Soul, such a treasure could easily obliterate any Golden Core cultivator. Overpower any Martial Sovereign! Such overwhelming and crushing power, it was incomparably formidable.

"Gravity Domain! Annihilation!"

Without a moment's hesitation, the Life Wheel on Lin Fei's back shone brightly from its second and fourth layers. Two top-tier Great Divine Abilities erupted simultaneously.

As gravity intensified, given the massive size of the ancient divine mountain, the force was immensely daunting. Yet, the ancient divine mountain continued its descent towards Lin Fei. Without a hint of acceleration, it remained steady.

This meant Lin Fei's Gravity Domain hadn't affected the ancient divine mountain in the slightest. Even the power of the Annihilation Divine Ability, when unleashed upon the ancient divine mountain, proved futile. There wasn't even a slight tremor. Such was the power of the Great Mountain Divine Seal!

Simultaneously, the Great Mountain Divine Seal finally descended upon Lin Fei's Saber Domain. With a soft crunch, Lin Fei's Saber Domain shattered almost instantly.

For the first time, Lin Fei's Saber Domain was broken. Ever since he had developed the Saber Domain, it had been unbeaten. But now, it was violently "smashed" open by the Great Mountain Divine Seal.

Once the Saber Domain was crushed by the Great Mountain Divine Seal, Lin Fei was momentarily rendered unable to utilize it. Thus, even if he wished to use the Saber Domain for "teleportation", he was powerless. Such is the prowess of the Nascent Soul magic treasure!

It remained dormant until it struck with earth-shattering force, leaving no escape.

"Sovereign Lin!"

"Is that the Great Mountain Divine Seal?"

"How terrifying! This is truly the backbone of Taiyi Dao Palace!"

"Great Mountain Divine Seal, a Nascent Soul magic treasure, is invincible..."

The numerous Martial Sovereigns of the Ancient Origin Sect, upon witnessing the terrifying might of the ancient divine mountain, felt despair sinking into their hearts.

Before witnessing the Great Mountain Divine Seal and experiencing the Nascent Soul magic treasure firsthand, they could speak confidently. However, when they did see and feel its terror, they realized how horrifying the Nascent Soul magic treasure truly was. It wasn't something a Martial Sovereign or a Golden Core could contend with. Seemingly, no force or Divine Ability could withstand it.

With a deafening boom, the Great Mountain Divine Seal finally descended, instantaneously pressing down on Lin Fei. And Lin Fei's body was instantly crushed into dust by the Great Mountain Divine Seal!

If the Great Mountain Seal could turn Lin Fei into dust, the Great Mountain Divine Seal would naturally fare even better. Yet, Taiyi Dao Palace still chose to deploy the Great Mountain Divine Seal because of its unique power that the Golden Core magic treasure didn't possess.

Perhaps, it could shatter Lin Fei's undying physique. After all, in this world, there's no such thing as a truly undying physique. It's bound to have flaws.

The Great Mountain Seal failed to eradicate Lin Fei solely due to its insufficient power. But the strength of the Great Mountain Divine Seal, being a Nascent Soul magic treasure, greatly exceeded the former. It was the source of the Palace Master's hopes.

This time, as the Great Mountain Divine Seal descended, Lin Fei was crushed to dust. Not even a mist of blood remained. He seemed to have vanished completely.

However, in the next instant, a figure emerged from the void. It was Lin Fei! His figure reappeared, seemingly unscathed.

"Nascent Soul magic treasure is just this much."

A glint of something unusual flashed across Lin Fei's eyes. Within Taiyi Dao Palace, the thing he dreaded most was this Great Mountain Divine Seal. After all, being a Nascent Soul magic treasure, no one truly knew the extent of its terrifying power.

But just now, as Lin Fei was pressed down by the Great Mountain Divine Seal, it was undeniably powerful. Lin Fei's physical body was crushed without resistance, reduced to mere dust. This was even more thorough than the Great Mountain Seal, with not even a mist of blood remaining, and to the naked eye, no trace of Lin Fei's body could be found.

However, Lin Fei was ultimately not dead. This was because even the Great Mountain Divine Seal could not grind the "particles of his body" into dust. These particles were invisible to the naked eye. Lin Fei's Undying Seal was present in every single particle of his body. As long as these particles persisted, Lin Fei would not die. The power of the Great Mountain Divine Seal seemingly could not reach this "particle" level.

So, even if Lin Fei was turned to dust hundreds of times, it would have no substantial effect on him. What's more, the one controlling it was merely a Golden Core cultivator. Hence, Lin Fei naturally revived.

Suddenly, the Great Mountain Divine Seal descended once more, and just like before, Lin Fei's body disintegrated into dust. But the next moment, a tower-shaped magic treasure fiercely flew out from within Taiyi Dao Palace.

"True Fire Tower, Refine!" The voice of Taiyi Dao Palace Master rang out. This was a magic treasure specifically meant for suppression and sealing. Although it was of the Golden Core tier, once something was trapped within the True Fire Tower, it would immediately be refined by the true fire inside. The flames within the tower weren't ordinary flames but true fire, the kind used specifically for refining tools and pills. It could melt almost anything.

The Taiyi Dao Palace Master's eye was incredibly sharp. He immediately identified Lin Fei's "weakness." Lin Fei could not resist the Great Mountain Divine Seal, given its Nascent Soul magic treasure status. But the Great Mountain Divine Seal also couldn't kill Lin Fei outright.

Lin Fei's undying physique was indeed formidable. But the strategy seemed clear now - use the Great Mountain Divine Seal to crush Lin Fei into dust, then employ the True Fire Tower to suppress and refine him with its fire. This true fire could melt everything. He refused to believe that he couldn't refine Lin Fei to death!

As a result, inside the True Fire Tower, the flames roared and blazed, engulfing the entire area where Lin Fei was, frantically refining him.

340. Concession

Inside the True Fire Tower, Lin Fei did not manifest physically. However, his consciousness persisted. The true fire inside the tower burned ferociously. It was indeed formidable, capable of turning even top-tier Martial Sovereigns into ashes. Once enveloped by the true fire, death was almost certain.

Yet, Lin Fei's Undying Seal remained unaffected. This seal had penetrated down to the particle level. Thus, even the scorching flames couldn't harm these particles. As long as the particle level remained undamaged, nobody could kill Lin Fei.

"Neither the True Fire nor the Great Mountain Divine Seal can touch the particle level," Lin Fei mused, "Perhaps only a true Martial King or a Nascent Soul Great Being can touch that level, maybe even annihilate the particles entirely."

Lin Fei felt enlightened. He realized that his self-created fifth Divine Ability, the Undying Seal, might have touched upon powers akin to those at the Nascent Soul or Martial King levels to some extent.

Particle level! Perhaps that's where the power of a Nascent Soul Great Being or a Martial King truly reached!

Even though Lin Fei didn't have a physical form and remained in a particle state, invisible to the naked eye, this didn't prevent him from wielding his Saber Domain or his Divine Abilities. Therefore, breaking out of the True Fire Tower was not a difficult task for him.

In the next moment, Lin Fei's Saber Domain erupted with explosive force. Simultaneously, a force of annihilation also burst forth from within the tower.

"Divine Ability, Annihilation!" he declared. The internal explosion of the Annihilation Divine Ability impacted the tower severely. The top-tier Golden Core level magic treasure, the True Fire Tower, started showing cracks all over its surface.

"Wh-what is this?" Everyone watched in shock. The appearance of these cracks meant only one thing: The True Fire Tower couldn't trap Lin Fei!

In the next heartbeat, the tower shattered. Fragments scattered in all directions, blanketing the sky. The True Fire Tower was destroyed. Lin Fei's silhouette once again appeared, standing dominantly in the void, hands behind his back, overlooking Taiyi Dao Palace.

A solemn silence descended upon the palace. The Palace Master remained silent, refraining from any further action. Despite having the Great Mountain Divine Seal to crush Lin Fei into dust, what was the point?

"All True Persons, return," Taiyi Dao Palace suddenly commanded the hundreds of Golden Core True Persons outside. Perhaps the only use of the Great Mountain Divine Seal was to prevent Lin Fei from slaying these True Persons. But in the grand scheme of things, it was inconsequential. Sooner or later, these Golden Core True Persons would meet their end. Whether Lin Fei was the one to end them or not didn't matter.

With a "whoosh," hundreds of Golden Core True Persons swiftly returned to the Taiyi Dao Palace. They remained silent, their expressions somber. Such a vast and reputable Taiyi Dao Palace was now unable to deal with just one Martial Sovereign. This was nothing short of humiliating. Even after employing their most potent artifact, the Great Mountain Divine Seal, they still couldn't vanquish Lin Fei. It was an undeniable fact: They could not kill Lin Fei.

Once all the Golden Core True Persons had returned, the Taiyi Dao Palace Master withdrew the Great Mountain Divine Seal. His gaze met Lin Fei's in the void. After a long moment, he finally spoke, "Sovereign Lin, we of Taiyi Dao Palace admit that we cannot defeat you. However, you cannot overcome the protective formation of our palace either. If you don't believe me, you're welcome to try."

The Palace Master was wise. He knew why Lin Fei had come. Lin Fei probably had the same intentions as he had with the Profound Light Cave Heaven, wanting to decimate the Taiyi Dao Palace. But this wouldn't be an easy feat. The Taiyi Dao Palace wasn't like the Profound Light Cave Heaven.

"I will indeed try," Lin Fei declared, standing amidst the void. Behind him, a Life Wheel manifested, displaying five layers of radiant light. At this moment, three of those layers shone brilliantly.

"Divine Ability, Gravity Domain! Divine Ability, Dual-World Saber! Divine Ability, Annihilation!"

All three Divine Abilities were offensive ones, each fearsomely powerful and unique in its own way. Instantly, the trio of top-tier Great Divine Abilities erupted with an overwhelming might. This wasn't all; there was also the Saber Domain, which condensed into a formidable saber, cleaving violently towards the gates of Taiyi Dao Palace.

A deafening "rumble" echoed. Taiyi Dao Palace's protective formation emitted a blinding light, shaking violently like never before, even causing the entire palace gates to quiver.

"Great Divine Mountain, return to your place!" The Palace Master chanted calmly, activating a seal. The Great Mountain Divine Seal swiftly returned to its initial position.

Once the seal was back in place, the intense tremors at the palace gates began to subside quickly. In the end, the protective formation stood unbreakable. Even with Lin Fei's three Great Divine Abilities combined with the Saber Domain, he couldn't shake the protective formation of the Taiyi Dao Palace.

Lin Fei refrained from making another move, his gaze fixed intently on the Great Mountain Divine Seal within the Taiyi Dao Palace.

The Great Mountain Divine Seal was originally an ancient divine mountain and likely served as the central nexus or the 'heart' of the Taiyi Dao Palace's protective formation. With the Great Mountain Divine Seal anchoring the formation, one could only hope to break through the formation if they managed to destroy the seal.

However, with Lin Fei's current strength, he couldn't budge the Great Mountain Divine Seal at all. This was expected; if the Taiyi Dao Palace was so easily breached, it wouldn't be the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul lineage.

Seeing that Lin Fei couldn't breach the formation, the Palace Master slowly said, "Sovereign Lin, it must be clear to you now that you cannot break through our formation."

"True, I cannot break the formation," Lin Fei responded, "But I can stand guard outside and slay anyone who attempts to leave the Taiyi Dao Palace!"

This declaration sent shockwaves through everyone in the Taiyi Dao Palace. Lin Fei's intention was evident; he was in for a long haul, ready to engage in a battle of attrition.

"Sovereign Lin, why resort to such extremes?" the Palace Master reasoned. "If you blockade our entrances, you'd also be trapping yourself here. Your potential far surpasses any of ours. You might even have the chance to become a Martial King. Wasting time here could cost you that opportunity. We, the Taiyi Dao Palace, admit defeat. We vow never to provoke members of the Ancient Origin Sect or the Red Hades Mansion. How does that sound?"

In truth, both Lin Fei and him realized this was the best possible outcome, restoring the previous standoff between the three major powers. However, this time Lin Fei had the upper hand.

"Let there not be a next time. If you dare act against us again, Taiyi Dao Palace, ensure you are fully prepared. If we truly drag this out, even if all of you perish, I will remain standing," Lin Fei coldly declared. With that, he took a step and, along with the Martial Sovereigns of the Ancient Origin Sect, swiftly left the entrance of the Taiyi Dao Palace.

Inside the Palace, everyone exchanged uneasy glances. "Palace Master, what now?" Many were at a loss for words.

"Did you all hear?" the Palace Master began. "The next time we act, we must be fully prepared. Unless we can have a Nascent Soul Great Being intervene, Taiyi Dao Palace should remain still."

The idea of a Nascent Soul Great Being was almost a legend—invoking such a power would be tremendously difficult for the Taiyi Dao Palace. Conversely, Lin Fei's potential seemed boundless. If he were to achieve the rank of Martial King, the Taiyi Dao Palace would be in grave danger.

However, the Palace Master had a plan. While the Palace might not have a Nascent Soul Great Being of its own, it could potentially seek one out. Although recruiting such a figure would be a monumental challenge, it wasn't entirely hopeless. If they could secure the assistance of a Nascent Soul Great Being, they might stand a chance against Lin Fei.

Both Lin Fei and the Taiyi Dao Palace Master understood a stark reality: their paths would likely cross again in a grand confrontation. And when that day arrives, one side will undoubtedly be obliterated.