area51novel Chapter 228 Nascent Soul Formation Failed, You Read That Right
Chapter 228 Nascent Soul Formation Failed, You Read That Right
Chapter 228 Nascent Soul Formation Failed, You Read That Right
Chen Yi ignored the two and turned his gaze back towards Xingfeng.
After another ten days or so, the spiritual energy in the world suddenly underwent a dramatic change.
The spiritual energy that was originally scattered around seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, frantically converging towards the star peak, gradually forming a huge spiritual energy vortex that covered an area of two hundred miles.
The tip of the vortex was directly facing the white-clad figure atop Star Peak.
Meanwhile, the magical power surrounding Ping Xingye began to fluctuate wildly, the originally abundant magical power belonging to a Golden Core cultivator...
At this moment, a qualitative change is taking place at a speed visible to the naked eye, and a pressure far exceeding that of the Golden Core stage is slowly spreading out.
That was the oppressive aura that only Nascent Soul cultivators possessed, the power to control the spiritual energy of heaven and earth with a wave of their hand, which grew increasingly intense as the vortex of spiritual energy spun.
"Successfully breaking through the core and transforming into an infant, Ping Xingye truly deserves to be called the number one genius of the Star Moon Sect in three hundred years. His foundation is indeed excellent."
Several miles away in mid-air, the late-stage Core Formation deacon of Qingyun Cave looked towards Xingfeng and commented softly with a hint of approval in his tone.
Chen Yi had previously learned about the complete process of forming a Nascent Soul, and knew that breaking the core to form a Nascent Soul was only the first step in transcending the tribulation.
In the cultivation world, nine out of ten late-stage Core Formation cultivators are stuck at this crucial step.
Either one's magical power is insufficient to support the shattering of the core, or one's divine sense is unable to control the newly formed nascent soul, or one's foundation is insufficient to withstand subsequent changes.
Successfully transforming into an infant requires extremely high levels of magical power, spiritual strength, innate talent, and even mental stability from the cultivator.
However, precisely because of this, most of the cultivators who are stuck at the Core Shattering stage can still keep their lives, but their cultivation level is difficult to improve.
However, for true geniuses, once they successfully shatter their core and transform into an infant, they will immediately attract a heavenly tribulation.
This is a test from Heaven for cultivators to break through their realm; there is no escaping it.
Heavenly tribulations are divided into lightning tribulations and inner demon tribulations. Regardless of the type, both carry the risk of death and annihilation.
Moreover, once the heavenly tribulation descends, there is no turning back; those who cannot overcome it will most likely perish, their souls scattered.
Sure enough, the endless vortex of spiritual energy that covered an area of two hundred miles in the sky began to slowly dissipate after three days.
Just as the vortex of spiritual energy was about to completely dissipate, within a hundred miles above Star Peak,
The once clear sky suddenly gathered dark clouds, and inky black thunderclouds rolled and surged, with faint flashes of purple lightning within. A chilling divine might slowly descended.
The true Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation has arrived.
Soon, a deafening roar of thunder shook the heavens and the earth, and a bolt of purple lightning as thick as a bucket struck down from the depths of the thunderclouds, heading straight for Pingxingye atop Xingfeng Peak.
At first, Hirahoshino was able to stand in the air, dressed in white, and withstand the lightning with his magic weapons and spells;
But as each bolt of lightning grew stronger than the last, he gradually became overwhelmed.
Finally, he was struck by a thick bolt of lightning and sent flying backward, crashing heavily onto the mountaintop, creating a deep crater. His white robes were burned black and tattered.
The last two lightning bolts, in particular, were far more powerful than the previous ones.
Hirahoshino had no choice but to unleash two rare lightning-transforming treasures in succession.
One was the "Mysterious Tortoise Thunder Pattern Armor" that could draw lightning into the ground, and the other was the "Green Bamboo Thunder Screen" that could weaken the power of lightning. With these two treasures, they barely managed to withstand the last two bolts of lightning.
After the six tribulations of lightning, Ping Xingye sat slumped in the pit, covered in injuries. Although he had successfully survived the tribulation, he was in a sorry state.
Judging from his performance during the tribulation and the intensity of the lightning tribulation, Chen Yi secretly judged that the nascent soul that Ping Xingye formed this time should only be of medium quality, not top-notch.
After the lightning tribulation, the dark clouds in the sky did not completely dissipate; only the intensity of the lightning within them gradually dissipated.
Instead, a chilling and eerie atmosphere prevailed, as if countless unseen demonic figures lurked within the clouds.
This is a sign that the Heavenly Demon is about to descend; the tribulation of inner demons has already begun.
Immediately afterward, despite his injuries, Ping Xingye transformed into a streak of light and flew back to Xingfeng's cave. The restrictions outside the cave instantly activated.
By shutting out all prying eyes, outsiders can no longer see the specific situation inside.
Unlike the direct and visible tribulation of lightning, the tribulation of inner demons exists only at the level of a cultivator's soul. Outsiders have no way of knowing how the tribulation is conducted, or what illusions and trials are encountered.
We can only get a general idea of what the inner demon tribulation looks like from the accounts of those cultivators who successfully formed their Nascent Souls in the past.
It comes in many forms and has no fixed shape.
It is necessary to consider not only the strength of the invading demons, but also the spiritual wounds in the past lives of the cultivators undergoing tribulation.
For example, obsession, regret, and greed can all become weaknesses in the Heavenly Demon's attack.
Moreover, the time required to overcome inner demon tribulations is not fixed; those with excellent aptitude and mental state may be able to see through the illusion in less than a quarter of an hour.
Those with impaired mental state or stronger demonic influence may need to endure the ordeal for a full day and night.
For thousands of years, almost no cultivator's inner demon tribulation has lasted more than three days. If it exceeds this time limit, it is mostly because the soul has been eroded by the heavenly demon, and there is no possibility of survival.
For the rest of the time, everyone outside Xingfeng sat cross-legged.
While awaiting the final outcome of Hirahoshino's tribulation, he also sensed the power of heaven and earth that had dissipated when the lightning tribulation had just descended.
This is an extremely rare opportunity for insight, which may be helpful for future breakthroughs.
Chen Yi also closed his eyes and immersed himself in a state of perception.
The instant the lightning tribulation descended, he activated his Insightful Eyes and simultaneously used the Method of Perceiving Heaven and Earth to clearly see the energy structure of every bolt of lightning.
He discovered that the lightning of the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation was completely different from ordinary lightning.
It contains not only a violent power capable of destroying everything, but also a faint yet pure power of rebirth.
That is the key to helping cultivators transform their magical power and divine soul, and control the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
As for the overall intensity of the lightning tribulation, Chen Yi secretly assessed it in his mind and felt that it was not particularly strong.
With his current late-stage third-order body refinement, even without the aid of magic weapons, he should have no problem withstanding two or three bolts of lightning.
Of course, Chen Yi also clearly sensed that when he was about to undergo his tribulation, he absolutely could not rely solely on his physical body to withstand the lightning tribulation.
Otherwise, even if one manages to survive the tribulation, the nascent soul will struggle to absorb enough of the regenerative power of the tribulation, resulting in a nascent soul of extremely low quality.
It is very likely that, like True Monarch Xuanshui, his nascent soul foundation will be damaged, almost cutting off any possibility of further advancement in this life, which is definitely not the result he wanted.
The moment the lightning tribulation descended and Hirahoshino absorbed the new life force to nourish his nascent soul,
Chen Yi had deliberately activated his Insightful Eyes and simultaneously activated the Method of Perceiving Heaven and Earth, keenly capturing a wisp of indescribable Dao essence permeating the world.
The aura swirled like a thin mist, eventually slowly sinking and settling around Hirahoshino.
"The Nascent Soul spirit body seems to be closer to the power of heaven and earth, and may even be able to make initial contact with the laws of heaven and earth?"
Chen Yi couldn't help but make this guess, and his understanding of the Nascent Soul realm deepened.
Three days passed in this state of quiet contemplation, sensing the lingering effects of the tribulation lightning.
Three days later, the entire Star Moon Sect territory was unusually quiet, without the slightest sound of sect-wide celebration.
Normally, if Ping Xingye successfully overcomes his inner demon tribulation, the Xingyue Sect would surely celebrate wildly. However, the silence at this moment clearly indicates a heavy message.
Chen Yi's heart sank slightly: Ping Xingye failed to overcome his inner demons and ultimately died and his cultivation vanished?
During his years at the Star Moon Sect, he could vaguely sense that Ping Xingye was extremely wary and always guarded against him, but Chen Yi did not take it to heart.
He never intended to harm the sect. Over the years, he has provided the sect with beast pills and participated in sect affairs, and his contributions are undeniable.
For him, the sect's ability to have a newly promoted young and strong Nascent Soul cultivator would ensure stability for the next few hundred years, allowing him to cultivate in peace without being disturbed by external turmoil.
However, if Ping Xingye fails to transcend the tribulation and dies, the situation of the Xingyue Sect will take a sharp turn for the worse.
If that old Nascent Soul Grand Elder were to run out of lifespan or meet with misfortune in the next few decades, and the sect did not have a new Nascent Soul cultivator to take his place...
At that time, the Star Moon Sect's status will be in jeopardy, and his cultivation environment within the sect will naturally be unstable.
Thinking of this, Chen Yi stopped meditating, immediately opened his eyes, and activated his Insightful Eyes once more.
At the same time, he narrowed the scope of his perception of heaven and earth to the territory of the Star Moon Sect, carefully observing the changes in the energy of heaven and earth related to the sect and himself.
This time, the energy of heaven and earth was exceptionally clear:
In the past two days, a noticeable dimming effect has appeared in the overall energy of the Star Moon Sect.
The old Nascent Soul Grand Elder's aura was no longer stable and showed obvious downward fluctuations;
Meanwhile, there were two Core Formation Peak cultivators within the sect.
That is, the aura of Ping Xingye and another Gemini cultivator, one of which has completely dimmed and disappeared without a trace.
"well"
Chen Yi sighed softly, confirming in his heart that Ping Xingye had indeed failed his tribulation and died.
He couldn't help but wonder to himself: Is the Nascent Soul Heart Demon Tribulation really this difficult?
Even a top genius from a major sect like Ping Xingye has stumbled at this step?
What puzzled him even more was why the Nascent Soul Elder's energy suddenly declined significantly.
What exactly happened in the past two days?
Putting aside Ping Xingye's matter for the time being, Chen Yi used his ability to sense the heavens and earth to deduce the future fortune of the Xingyue Sect, and the result clearly showed a downward trend.
"I wonder how much lifespan that Nascent Soul Grand Elder has left."
"Can she hold on until I reach the late stage of the Golden Core realm? I hope she can persevere for several more decades."
He silently pondered, feeling that his future path of cultivation seemed to have gained another layer of uncertainty.
Finally, Chen Yi calmed his mind, eliminating all other complex energies he sensed in the world, focusing solely on himself.
He activated his Insightful Eyes once more, focusing his gaze on his Qi Sea, Consciousness Sea, and physical body, carefully analyzing the changes in his own Qi and outlining his future cultivation path.
In his view, his future path of cultivation, at least until he reaches the peak of the Golden Core stage, is relatively clear:
To understand the path of body refinement, one needs to consult with a highly skilled master to determine the most precise direction for advancement.
Other paths, such as the path of the soul and the path of magical power, already have clear cultivation paths and do not have significant barriers to entry.
Moreover, since mastering the Spirit Eye, I have gained a greater understanding of the spiritual power of ingredients in my culinary arts.
He can see the mechanism patterns in puppetry more clearly now, and he will definitely usher in a period of rapid improvement.
Therefore, as long as the future cultivation environment remains stable and the necessary cultivation resources can be obtained normally...
In addition, it has a devouring system to assist it.
He knew very well that his cultivation would inevitably enter a state of steady improvement without any major setbacks.
Just as he was carefully sensing his own energy and its connection with heaven and earth, he discovered something unusual:
"Huh? My cultivation momentum doesn't seem to have been affected by Hirahoshino's failed tribulation; on the contrary, it seems to be showing a slight upward trend?"
To confirm this conclusion, Chen Yi continued to sense for a while longer.
The spiritual power within his sea of consciousness was greatly depleted due to the intense operation, barely managing to capture this subtle change in energy.
"Hirahoshino's death doesn't seem to have much of a negative impact on me; it might even trigger a small opportunity?"
This led to a somewhat vague but clear conclusion.
"Then let's observe further."
Chen Yi nodded slightly, having already made up his mind.
Given the current unclear situation within the Star Moon Sect, it is unwise to act rashly. It would be better to remain still for now.
We should remain on the sidelines and observe the situation until the circumstances become clearer before making any further plans.
At this moment, the atmosphere inside the fourth-tier spiritual vein cave at the top of Star Peak was so oppressive that it was almost stagnant.
The spirit lamps on the cave walls emitted a faint glow, illuminating the woman who looked to be around forty years old, with silver streaks in her hair—none other than the Nascent Soul Grand Elder of the Star Moon Sect, True Monarch Yuelan.
She sat forlornly on the jade chair, her gaze falling on Yue Qingqiu, who was equally downcast, before her. She spoke slowly, her voice tinged with undisguised weariness:
"The tribulation of inner demons is formless and invisible. Even if I intervene, I cannot truly touch the struggle at the level of the soul."
However, I sensed that Hoshino had almost overcome his inner demons at the last moment.
It was the demonic imprint residing within his body that suddenly erupted at the most crucial moment, completely disrupting his mind and dragging him into an endless abyss.
Even though I immediately used the Nascent Soul technique, expending all my spiritual power to try and draw his soul back, I ultimately failed to save him.
At the end, she sighed heavily, her eyes filled with regret and helplessness:
"Alas... Qingqiu, even I, your grandmaster, cannot hold on much longer."
"Within the next fifty years, you must find a way to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, otherwise our Star Moon Sect lineage may truly be severed."
"Grandmaster...I..."
Upon hearing this, Yue Qingqiu's body stiffened slightly, and she instantly felt an immense pressure bearing down on her.
She knew very well that Ping Xingye's failure to form a Nascent Soul this time not only caused the sect to lose a future Nascent Soul cultivator, but also exhausted the Nascent Soul resources that the Star Moon Sect had accumulated over the past hundred years.
If one wants to break through to the Nascent Soul stage again within fifty years, the spiritual materials, pills, and spiritual energy required will almost all have to be re-accumulated by the sect. However, the sect is currently in turmoil, so how easy is that?
Suppressing her panic, Yue Qingqiu composed herself and, recalling Ping Xingye's previous arrangements, quickly reported:
"Grandmaster, my senior brother left some advice before he attempted to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."
He expressed his hope that the former sect leader, Xinghe Shangren, would retire and relinquish the sect's third-grade superior spiritual vein cave and the position of sect leader.
He suggested entrusting the spiritual vein cave to Chen Gongfeng, a newly promoted mid-stage Core Formation cultivator who kept two spirit pets and was also a quasi-third-level puppeteer and a third-level mid-grade spirit chef.
As for the position of sect leader, Senior Brother Xingye suggested that it be taken over by True Person Xingmu, who is in charge of the Immortal City.
Grandmaster, what do you think of this arrangement?
Upon hearing this, the Nascent Soul Grand Elder remained silent for a moment, a helpless sigh flashing in his eyes, before slowly nodding:
"Since it was Xingye's arrangement beforehand, let's do as he said."
"There's one more thing,"
Yue Qingqiu continued.
"Star Moon Immortal City still needs an elder to oversee and coordinate the affairs of the city. This person must have sufficient strength and reliable character."
After observing him, I think that Consort Chen is a fairly decent person.
In terms of strength, although he usually humbly claims that he is not good at fighting, he has two mid-stage third-tier demonic beasts under his command, so if it really comes down to a fight, his strength is not far behind.
The disciple wants to give Chen Gongfeng more responsibilities and have him go to the Immortal City to oversee things for a while.
In this way, the third-grade high-level spiritual vein cave within the gate can be vacated naturally, making it easier for subsequent arrangements.
"Grandmaster, do you think this is feasible?"
"Chen Yi?"
Moon Orchid True Monarch frowned slightly, and the words that Hirahoshino had mentioned to her before becoming a child flashed through her mind.
At the time, Hirahoshino did not have a good impression of Chen Yi and was always somewhat wary of him.
She spoke slowly, her tone full of caution:
"Chen Yi has only been in the sect for ten years, so his loyalty is still hard to determine, and his character needs further investigation."
Although the Immortal City only has a mid-grade third-tier spiritual vein, it is the source of a large amount of resources for our sect, and we cannot afford to make the slightest mistake.
She paused, then continued:
"I recently used my divine sense to scan the area around the sect and happened to see Chen Yi waiting outside the mountain gate when some people from Eagle Mountain Ridge approached him."
This young man excels at making high-level beast pills, and the effects are excellent. In terms of development direction, he is actually more suitable for beast-taming sects like Eagle Mountain Ridge.
Now that my sect is weak, if he stays in the sect, he may be able to make more contributions to the sect.
But if he were sent down to the Immortal City, what if the worst-case scenario occurred?
If he leads the Immortal City to betray us, then we will truly suffer a great loss.
Let's investigate this matter further.
Yue Qingqiu opened her mouth, intending to explain that Chen Yi was not a treacherous person and would not easily break the contract, but she swallowed the words back.
After all, you can't judge a book by its cover, and there are some things she can't guarantee.
If Chen Yi were truly placed in the Immortal City, and if Eagle Mountain Ridge or other sects offered him irresistible temptations, she wouldn't be confident she could keep him.
"Sigh...then I'll listen to my master."
Yue Qingqiu sighed softly, then composed herself and continued.
"After that, Chen Yi was allowed to move into the old sect leader's third-grade high-quality spiritual vein cave."
As for Master Xingmu returning to take over as sect leader, let him temporarily reside in a mid-grade third-level spiritual vein cave.
"If one day he can advance to the late stage of Core Formation and has hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, then Senior Brother Xingye's fourth-grade low-level Nascent Soul seed cave will be left to him."
She made this series of arrangements in one go. Now that the sect is in a difficult situation, she has no choice but to step forward and coordinate more affairs.
Although the sect leader is in charge of miscellaneous affairs of the sect, when it comes to truly important matters such as the mobilization of resources, the decision ultimately rests with the Nascent Soul Ancestor and her, the "Nascent Soul Seed."
"Okay. Let's leave it at that."
Moon Orchid True Lord spoke calmly and did not interfere further.
She knew very well that her days were numbered and that the power of the sect would eventually be handed over to the next Nascent Soul cultivator. And right now, it seemed that only Yue Qingqiu had that hope in the short term.
But when she thought that even someone as talented as Ping Xingye had failed, the probability of Yue Qingqiu successfully forming her nascent soul would be even lower, she couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness.
Watching Yue Qingqiu turn and leave, preparing to handle Ping Xingye's funeral arrangements discreetly and arrange sect affairs one by one, True Monarch Yue Lan sighed softly.
Actually, there was one more thing she didn't say.
Hirahoshino was not completely annihilated.
When he advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, his spirit and soul made some progress. At the very last moment before his death...
Moon Orchid True Monarch used the sect's top-grade magic treasure, the "Moon-Embracing Ring," to barely protect a corner of his nascent soul.
Long before Yue Qingqiu entered, she had already sent that wisp of true spirit, carrying the Moon-Embracing Ring, away from the cave where she was undergoing tribulation.
As for where Ping Xingye went, who he would possess, and what impact he would have on the sect, True Monarch Yuelan was no longer able to care.
This time, the use of secret techniques and magical treasures has further depleted her vitality, and now even the speed at which her magical power recovers is much slower than before.
"Sigh..." A sigh echoed in the empty cave, filled with worry for the future of the sect.
At this moment, at the viewing area hundreds of miles outside Xingfeng,
A laugh rang out beside Chen Yi.
"Hehe, what a pity, it seems that Hirahoshino Yui failed."
"Young friend Chen, what have you thought about what I told you before?"
Elder Kumamoto's voice rang out again, tinged with pride and joy.
"This child failed to form a Nascent Soul, and the Star Moon Sect may very well have no Nascent Soul cultivator left to govern it in a few decades."
By then, it will be hard to say who will be in charge of the sect's spiritual veins and caves, while my Eagle Ridge Mountain will be thriving.
If you abandon the darkness and embrace the light now, you'll receive better treatment sooner.
If you agree now, I can grant you a Grade 3 High-Quality Dragon Beard Pill.
This will help you break through to the late stage of Core Formation and become a truly capable Core Formation cultivator. How about it?
The Dragon Beard Pill is a high-grade, third-tier breakthrough pill, and its value is not much lower than that of the Crystal Condensation Pill. Its market price is around 20,000 spirit stones.
Chen Yi sighed inwardly: Eagle Ridge Mountain really went to great lengths to win him over.
Unfortunately, not even two hundred thousand spirit stones could sway his decision, let alone twenty thousand spirit stones for the pills.
Moreover, he was not an ordinary True Core cultivator; he did not need to rely on breakthrough pills to break through to the late Core Formation stage.
"Feel sorry."
Chen Yi's tone was firm, without the slightest hesitation.
"Elder Kumamoto, since I have already agreed to stay in the Star Moon Sect, I will not break my promise."
This has nothing to do with elixirs or spirit stones, but rather with the basic integrity of being a human being.
Whether the Star Moon Sect prospers or declines, as long as the sect doesn't abandon me, I, Chen, have no reason to betray it.
He refused clearly again, extinguishing the other party's hopes.
"Excellent! Venerable Chen, our Star Moon Sect was right about you!"
Just then, a beam of bright moonlight suddenly pierced the daytime sky, drawing a swift arc like a silver ribbon, and landed beside Chen Yi.
As the moonlight faded, a fairy dressed in a white moon-colored dress gracefully appeared—it was Yue Qingqiu.
Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like autumn water frozen in frost, and she was surrounded by a faint, cool aura.
Even standing outside the bustling mountain gate, she is like a fairy in the moon, detached from the mortal world, making people dare not easily desecrate her.
(End of this chapter)