Chapter 28: Heavenlock Space Cage
Ximen Wei was seated in a lotus-position in his residence, he was studying Bai Gu Jing's legacy the [Devilish Paroxysm] and trying to figure out ways to make his own Qi Technique, since Ximen Wei is going to be a dual space-time path cultivator, using other paths' Qi Techniques would be inefficient and even damaging to the harmony of his cultivation. Plus, the power of Qi Techniques belonging to other paths would naturally be lower in comparison to space-time path Qi Techniques.
Recently, he kept having lucid dreams of the White Devil slaying immortals and fiends alike, correspondingly, his mastery and understanding of [Devilish Paroxysm] improved by leaps and bounds. If he unleashed [Devilish Paroxysm], his power would improve by multiple folds, surpassing even his most powerful state when he actives [Strengthen], [Enfeeble], [Iron Fist], [Iron Body] and [Bedevilment] combined.
The [Devilish Paroxysm] could be considered a superb Qi Technique amongst Qi Techniques, comparable to some of the most powerful Magical Arts of Qi Experts.
Unfortunately, Ximen Wei could not make a space-path or a time-path related Qi Technique no matter how he wracked his mind. These two paths are considered to be one of the most profound, most mysterious paths ever in the entirety of the Qi World, because of various reasons such as rarity of Qi Condensation Manuals, talent, aptitude, there would rarely be any space-path or time-path Qi Cultivator, let alone a dual space-time path Qi Cultivator.
In the entirety of the Immortal Devil Sect, there is only one space-path Qi Expert and there are no time-path Qi Experts, from this alone one can tell how difficult it is to cultivate these paths.
However, space-path and time-path Qi Cultivators possess a tremendous advantage over their peers, their Qi Techniques and Magical Arts accompany with it the many profundities and mysteries of space and time, making them incredibly powerful and hard to fathom.
'Sigh, in essence Qi Technique feel awfully similar to the computer programming languages of Earth, I feel that with a little bit of effort, I should be able to create my own Qi Technique, however, space-time is so complicated, I don't even know from where to start. Plus, there are no Qi Techniques in the [Five Niyamas of Space and Time] suitable for my cultivation base, the only Qi Techniques available are for Rank 1 Qi Experts and above.' Putting the matter of developing a Qi Technique on the back of his hand, Ximen Wei continued to cultivate bitterly, in the hopes of breakingthrough to the third level of Qi Trainees.
Outside the Tang Mountains, a small regiment was composed. They wore the military uniform of Western Wen, however, the soldiers had emblems attached to his arm, these emblems depicted the logos of the various Noble Families of the Green Lotus City.
The regiment only consisted of three thousand people or so, however, every single soldier was at least an elite, a blood forged warrior with many experiences in battle. There were over 500 Level 1 Qi Trainees, almost 100 Level 2 Qi Trainees and around 30 or so Level 3 Qi Trainees.
Not only that, there were 9 people radiating indomitable auras that made it hard for the surrounding soldiers to breathe, they were the various Noble Families' Patriarch, illustrious Rank 1 Qi Experts, one of them was the Song Family's Patriarch, Song Laohu. Such a terrifying force is more than enough to dominate a small kingdom in the Divine Star Continent.
"Brothers and sisters of the Green Lotus City, the Immortal Devil Sect has gone too far and the Alliance won't lend us a hand in fighting against this evil. In order to survive this storm, we have to bond together and join forces." Song Laohu said as he looked towards the 8 Rank 1 Qi Experts.
"Although the Immortal Devil Sect is a powerful hegemon of the Divine Star Continent, we the ancient Noble Families are not pushovers, they can not encroach upon our territory, slay our descendants and uproot our foundation whenever they wish. Today, we will give them a run for their money and annihilate all their outer-sect disciples."
When the various patriarchs heard Song Laohu mention the annihilation of the outer-sect disciples of the Immortal Devil Sect, they immediately raised complaints and some of them were even intent on leaving.
"Impossible! The Immortal Devil Sect is one of the top ten sects of the Divine Star Continent, even the legendary Nine Mountains Immortal Sect and the Harmonious Gate Sect failed in invading their headquarters despite trying several times. We're just Rank 1 Qi Experts, as long as they deploy one single legacy disciple, they'll slaughter us all."
"Patriarch Chu Hua is right, we're simply too weak, we even had to run away from the Green Lotus City to escape the storm, and now you're telling me we're going to invade the outer courtyard of the Immortal Devil Sect? This is simply suicide, we have no chance to fight back at all."
"Song Laohu, you better give me an explanation right here right now, or else I would withdraw my forces!"
Song Laohu simply chuckled, he brought out the Jade Talisman and showed it to the nine Rank 1 Qi Experts.
"This is a Jade Talisman I've acquired through a tremendous stroke of karmic luck, according to the intelligence reports, the Immortal Devil Sect is divided into two parts, the outer courtyard where the various outer-sect disciples reside, and the inner courtyard where the main experts of the sect reside. We'll use the Jade Talisman to lock space around the inner courtyard, although it'll only last for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, with our current forces, that's more than enough to slaughter the entire outer sect courtyard!" The Song family's patriarch said with an expression full of confidence.
"Hmph, what a mere Jade Talisman can do? The Immortal Devil Sect's headquarters are protected by multiple layers of terrifying formations that make it even impossible for Qi Paragons to barge in, you think your little measly talisman can shake those formations?" Chu Hua, an old man with a head full of white hair, mocked.
"Elder Chu, this is not any ordinary talisman. This is a [Heavenlock Space Cage] talisman, it can bind Qi Paragons effortlessly, in fact, in can bind any living being and disable any formation in a radius of a thousand miles. If we used it to bind their inner courtyard, none of their experts would be able to come out, and their protective formations will be temporarily disabled." Song Laohu's eyes shone fervently, he was eager to get revenge for his grandchild and get back [The Bronze Lamp].
When the various patriarchs of the Noble Families heard of the Jade Talisman's name, they were astonished.
"A [Heavenlock Space Cage] talisman? Are you sure about that?"
"Impossible, the [Heavenlock Space Cage] talisman is an item of legends, Song Laohu, from where did you get such an item?"
"If the various superpowers and powerhouses heard that you possess such an item, they would spare no expenses in hunting you down for it."
"Truly admirable! With such a peerless Jade Talisman, I can finally take revenge for my daughter!"
The various heads and patriarchs voiced out what's going on their minds, some were suspicious, some were happy, some were envious etc.. However, they didn't dare to harbor any ulterior motives against Song Laohu, most of them shared the same goal, which is to get revenge for their lost clansmen and show the Immortal Devil Sect the Noble Families' power and might, they wanted to intidimate the sect.
Plus, if one of them dared to make a move against Song Laohu, the various other patriarchs will immediately jump and kill that person! Every single one of these Rank 1 Qi Experts was an old sly fox, they knew that without external aid, stealing the [Heavenlock Space Cage] Jade Talisman is practically impossible.
"Good good, does anyone have any complaints? Since no one has any complaints, then we will proceed with the plan, and move out by tonight, I have a [Nightcloak] pearl which we will use to hide the presence of our army, with such a treasure no one below the Qi Master rank will be able to detect us." Song Laohu took a black pearl as well, when he crushed it, energy came out of the rubble and engulfed the three thousand-man army, masking their presence.
"Song Laohu, your Song family truly have a lot of precious treasures, supposedly you even have a Qi Artifact, admirable, admirable! No wonder you are ranked only second to the Green Lotus City Lord in terms of strength." A black-robed young man praised.
"You flatter me too much, patriarch Mo, you've passed Qi Ascension at the young age of twenty five, in terms of latent talent and aptitude, I'm naturally inferior to you." Song Laohu praised back. Since the plan is set, and with such a peerless treasure at hand, the tense atmosphere that hung around these nine figures almost disappeared, they've engaged in talk and flattery, and one of them even pulled out a table filled with wine and food out of nowhere, and invited the various patriarchs to a feast.
In the Imperial Palace of Western Wen, Blitzsword and Emperor Wen were discussing miscellaneous, basically engaging in small talk, until one servant came up and handed a thick book to the emperor.
"Daoist Blitzsword, the records and reports you've requested have arrived, please take a look." Emperor Wen handed Blitzsword the thick book.
"Thank you Emperor Wen, I'll make sure to repay back this favor." Blitzsword stood up from his seat and expressed his thanks to the emperor.
"It's just a small matter, please."
With that, Blitzsword exited the palace, flying in the direction of the Immortal Devil Sect, he had a faint feeling that the cause of the River of Fate's disturbance have to do something with the Immortal Devil Sect.
"Don't tell me that old, terrifying monster is still alive? And that he's behind the River of Fate's turbulence.." Blitzsword murmured to himself.
In the boundless Flamboyant Demonheart Forest, the old man from the Godstar Temple was taking a walk, admiring the beauty and surrealness of the nearby plants, as if he's in his home's backyard, if a cultivator saw this, his eyes would popout from his sockets, it must be understood that the Flamboyant Demonheart Forest is considered one of the very few forbidden zones of the Divine Star Continent, a place dwelled by many dangerous Qi Beasts and demi-humans, even Qi Lords and Qi Paragons would find it hard to survive in such a place, and yet this Godstar Temple old man was leisurely walking, even taking some time to pluck some flowers from the ground and smelling them.
None of the surrounding fauna dared to disturb the old man's walk, at some point, the old man stumbled upon a sleeping Rank 4 Qi Beast, when the beast sensed the old man, it was disturbed and thus woken up from it's sleep, at first it acted fiercely, growling and snarling viciously, however, upon noticing that it was facing the old man from the Godstar Temple, all the hair on it's body stood on end as it ran away with it's tails between it's legs.
Surprisingly, the old man had no aura at all, if one looked at him, they would see an old mortal who is apparently at the end of his life, however, people like these are the most dangerous of all!
As to why it makes them dangerous, there are two explanations.
One is that the man is using a Qi Technique or a Magical Art to hide his aura, such as Ximen Wei's [Cloaking] Qi Technique, however, why would one use a cloaking technique in the Flamboyant Demonheart Forest? To hide one's aura from dangerous animals and Qi Beasts? Even if you use a supreme cloaking technique to hide your aura, almost all of the Qi Beasts here can determine your cultivation base and your whereabouts just from the scent alone.
Another reason is that, the man has extreme, almost never-heard of control over his facilities, where not a single strand of his power leaks, which means that the man is absurdly powerful.
Rank 4 Qi Beasts naturally upon cultivating the Qi of Heaven and Earth, gained some intelligence, since it can not determine the cultivation base of the man in front of it through scent and scanning techniques, it came to the conclusion that the man in front of it is one of those eccentric, extremely powerful and ancient experts!
"Damn you Ravana, even in death you're relentless." A dangerous light shone in the eyes of the man from the Godstar Temple.
Back in the Immortal Devil Sect, Ximen Wei was still seated cross-legged, absorbing the Qi of Heaven and Earth into his Extraordinary Meridians to strengthen his cultivation base, unbeknownst to his knowledge, some extremely powerful figures were looking for him, thankfully he was under the protection of the Immortal Devil Sect, or else he would have fallen into unpleasant hands.
'I can't absorb any more for today.' With that, Ximen Wei left his residence and headed towards the battle arena. In the outer-sect courtyard, there were multiple battle arenas where various disciples battle and duel against each other, this is a school after all, and battles are one of the most necessary elements in cultivation to strengthen the Dao-Heart. A strong, healthly Dao-Heart will ensure one will walk far down the path of cultivation.
Plus, battle is used to temper one's skills and techniques, without fighting, one won't be able to know his shortcomings and the drawbacks of his fighting style, therefore he won't be able to fix them.
Ximen Wei went to a coliseum near the main headquarters of the sect, there were multiple disciples there, either engaging in battle or watching the ongoing matches. In fact, it was quite lively, the arena was divided into multiple parts, and cultivators could be seen inside casting spells and Qi Techniques, viciously fighting against their targets.
In the battle arena, killing is allowed! As a result, most of the fights were relentless and vicious, with blood being spilled everywhere, sometimes there were even deaths, however, if one gives up and admits defeat, naturally he would be spared as per the sect's rules.
Ximen Wei was not scared of getting killed, he has experience battling against three Level 1 Qi Trainees, and even escaped the pursuit of a Level 2 Qi Trainee, albeit with a little bit of outside help.
Plus, he has defensive Qi Techniques such as [Iron Body], and all-encompassing techniques such as [Devilish Paroxysm], and not only that, he has opened eight Extraordinary Meridians, the amounts of techniques and spells he can cast is naturally superior to his opponent's. It could be said that he possesses a tremendous advantage against his peers.
He went to the counter and issued a challenge, any disciple could accept his challenge and duel against him, since Ximen Wei is considered as poor as a pauper at the moment, with only twenty or so points in his balance, he did not put up any bets.
After the time it takes an incense stick to burn, someone took up the challenge! However, when Ximen Wei saw who took the challenge, his face changed.
"It's Zeng Li!"
In the Immortal Devil Sect, there are only 6 outer-sect disciples, including Ximen Wei, with Heaven-tier talent, one of them is Zeng Li, a 13 year old child who is just like Ximen Wei, a 4th Heaven outer-sect disciple.
4th Heaven disciples are almost guaranteed to have eight Extraordinary Meridians, so Ximen Wei's advantage in that regard is nullified, in terms of techniques and battle experience, it goes without saying that Zeng Li is superior! He has been cultivating for almost one year now, while Ximen Wei has only been cultivating for a month or so. Pretty much, Ximen Wei is lacking in every aspect in comparison to Zeng Li, however, Ximen Wei was not dispirited, he had the legacy of the White Devil, [Devilish Paroxysm] up his sleeves, he can use it to deal a devastating blow to his opponent.
Upon entering the designated arena, a young boy with crimson hair and azure eyes greeted Ximen Wei, he had a friendly smile on his face and acted very courteously.
"It is my honor to duel aganist you, junior apprentice Ximen Wei, supposedly you're also a 4th Heaven disciple, just like me, so I came here to ask for pointers." Zeng Li was very polite, just like all other Immortal Devil Sect disciples, these people acted polite, civil and well-mannered, but they were scheming, sinister devils who will stab a knife on your back the moment you show any weakness or vulnerabilities!
Naturally, Ximen Wei was unfazed by the hypocritical act of the demon in front of him, in fact, he did not care whatsoever whether his opponent is rude or polite, he kept analyzing Zeng Li's actions, the way he moves, the way he talks, he way his expression change, in search for a single weakness, a single opening, a single vulnerability.
What Ximen Wei cared about was winning this fight, when doing so, he would gain face in the sect, giving him the chance to be noticed and apprenticed to one of those higher figures who survey the sect, plus his prestige and status would also increase, and who knows, maybe his talent evaluation will also increase, allowing him to get more resources from the sect itself.
"It is too an honor for me to fight against you, senior apprentice Zeng Li, I've long since heard of your illustrious name, and I've been itching to test out my fellow peers' strength." Ximen Wei replied in a dull, almost mechanical voice. On the outside, he was totally expressionless, with not a shred of emotion on his face.
"Here I come!"
And with that, the fight between Zeng Li and Ximen Wei started. Both of them were peerless geniuses of the Immortal Devil Sect, at the 4th Heaven, and both were Level 2 Qi Trainees.
Zeng Li, relying on his marvellous footwork, got close to Ximen Wei, intending to engage in close martial combat, naturally Ximen Wei wouldn't give him the chance to do, he embarked on the path of cultivation a month ago, and naturally he was inexperienced in both close combat and ranged combat, but since Zeng Li is infamous for his close combat skills, he wouldn't dare to engage in his enemy's strength.
"Oh, you're quite cautious." Zeng Li mocked, Ximen Wei did not pay Zeng Li any heed, after making some distance between the two, Ximen Wei decided to drop all formalities and casted his only long-range Qi Technique.
"Qi Technique - [Blood Spirit]."
A two-horned head headed straight towards Zeng Li, leaving behind a trail of blood and gore, when it reached Zeng Li, it exploded all over the place, raining down corrosive liquid. Zeng Li have heard of this technique, using his formidable footwork, he dodged the explosion.
"Hmph." Zeng Li harrumphed, his vision was obscured by the puff of blood in front of him, but that didn't matter, because Ximen Wei just depleted some of his energy and qi in casting that Qi Technique.
"Junior apprentice brother, I can't help but notice you're quite inexperie-" midway in his mockery, Zeng Li was caught off-guard because the puff of blood in front of him parted as a leg welcomed him! Fortunately for Zeng Li, by relying on his vast battle experience, he barely dodged.
"Qi Technique - [Iron Fist]." Ximen Wei's voice could be heard once again, and a fist rained down on Zeng Li, carrying with it immense power, no matter what Zeng Li does, he won't be able to dodge this one, his only choice would be to defend. So naturally his hands moved in an incantation gesture, casting a defensive Qi Technique.
"Qi Technique - [Bloodshield]!" Zeng Li yelled one, the faint outline of an azure shield appeared in front of him, once Ximen Wei's fist made contact with it, it instantly shattered, however, the power behind Ximen Wei's fist dissipated, rendering it harmless.
"Tsk." Seeing his attack get nullified, Ximen Wei instantly made some distance between him and Zeng Li, however, how could Zeng Li let Ximen Wei get away after he suffered three attacks in succession? Naturally he would counter-attack!
"Get back here! Qi Technique - [Bloodhand]." Zeng Li's right hand instantly become engulfed in blood, making it as large as an adult human's head, it tore through the air as it reached to grab Ximen Wei's hand.
This was similar to Song Jianyi's [Azure Hand], however, since [Bloodhand] is a technique belonging to the Immortal Devil Sect, it was naturally more powerful despite it's small size.
Seeing the blood-colored hand reaching out for him, Ximen Wei gritted his teeth and casted [Bloodspirit] in order to defend himself. A head that oozed of blood shot towards the hand, colliding with it and exploding into a haze of blood, despite the small explosion that happened, Zeng Li's [Bloodhand] was unimpeded, although it's speed got slower, it was still reaching out to Ximen Wei in a grabbing motion.
'This Zeng Li's techniques and powers are levels above that Level 2 red-haired young man!'
The [Bloodhand] latched onto Ximen Wei's left arm firmly, Zeng Li let out a laugh as he said mockingly.
"Now you won't be able to escape my [Bloodhand]'s grasp!" with that, Zeng Li retracted his [Bloodhand], dragging Ximen Wei to him.
"Qi Technique - [Bedevilment]!" Demonic, fiendish qi swirled around Ximen Wei, elevating and strengthening his powers, but in turn, sacrificing some of his lucidity and making him numb to all sort of pain.
"I too have that technique, [Bedevilment]!" Zeng Li as also a disciple of the Immortal Devil Sect, naturally he had access to [Bedevilment] as well.
[Bedevilment] is an iconic Qi Technique of the Immortal Devil Sect, it could be said to be it's trademark, with every single disciple knowing of it.
"Junior apprentice brother Ximen Wei, looks like you are only a 4th Heaven disciple in terms of talent only, not battle prowess, if this was a true life and death battle, you would've died a long time ago!"
Ximen Wei looked at the [Bloodhand] latched onto his arm with blood-shot eyes, he wouldn't allow himself to be dragged to Zeng Li's position because once he engaged with Zeng Li in close combat, the duel would be over and he would certainly lose!
His free arm moved in quick incantation gestures, casting two Qi Techniques succession.
"[Strengthen]!"
"[Iron Fist]"
The combination of both [Strengthen] and [Iron Fist] can allow Ximen Wei to explode forth with unprecedented power, his empowered fist shot towards the [Bloodhand], instantly severing it. The [Bloodhand] was weakened by the collision of Ximen Wei's [Bloodspirit], plus the corrosive properties of [Bloodspirit] ensured that it's losing strength overtime, now that Ximen Wei used the combo of [Strengthen] and [Iron Fist], naturally it was severed.
"Oh? Junior apprentice brother, you've casted quite a few techniques, now at most you'll be able to cast two or three more before you'll run out of energy, while in turn I only casted three... The result of this match is quite obvious." In front of the mockery of Zeng Li, Ximen Wei stayed emotionless, he still didn't use his trump card yet, [Devilish Paroxysm]. He's still studying his opponent and waiting for the right opportunity to use it, because once he unleashed it, if he didn't win in one go, his opponent might very likely be wary and defend against it.
"Haha! Take my [Blood spit]." Zeng Li spat a mouthful of blood that turned into a sharp blood arrow which shot towards Ximen Wei, the attack was too fast, and it hit Ximen Wei firmly in the shoulder, exiting from his back.
Ximen Wei's face changed as this was a serious injury! However, because he was under the effects of [Bedevilment], he did not feel any pain or a sense of danger whatsoever, still, because he maintained complete control over his mental faculties, he knew the dire situations he's in.
'I underestimated this Zeng Li.' Ximen Wei thought to himself as he hurriedly casted a healing Qi Technique to stop the bleeding.
"Qi Technique - [Wound Crystallization]." A layer of crystals materalized over the wound, barely stopping the bleeding, once Ximen Wei saw that, he took couple steps back, maintaining a great distance between himself and Zeng Li, and heaved a sigh of relief.
"What's wrong junior apprentice brother? You're making all this fuss over a small flesh wound? Haha!" Zeng Li moved closer and closer towards Ximen Wei, his footwork is amazing, and therefore he was pretty fast, if this went on for a little bit longer, he would definitely catch up to Ximen Wei and engage in close combat, once that happened the duel would be over!
"Where are you running? Qi Technique - [Enfeeble]!" A sense of weakness spread throughout all over Ximen Wei's body, his speed and prowess decreased by a great margin, and he even started feeling a little sleepy, now it was time for Ximen Wei to feel what it's like to feel weakened.
"Qi Technique - [Iron Body]" Preparing himself for the worst, Ximen Wei casted a defensive Qi Technique over himself and backed into a corner, his eyes shone with a bloody light thanks to the [Bedevilment] technique. He was waiting... waiting for the right opportunity to catch his opponent off-guard and finish him once and for all.
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