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6.77% Painting of the Nine Immortals / Chapter 68: The Undefeatable Territory

Capítulo 68: The Undefeatable Territory

Editor: Rainystars

"It would be an honor to call you my Mistress. But I don’t want to. What can you or anyone do to me?"

Ling Xian’s voice echoed throughout the magical realm, an ironclad will, an untameable heart.

The air around them froze in terror.

"Well said, whatever can I do to you." The cold voice of the Untainted projected through the air. Eyeing the fearless youth with a hint of amusement, she continued, "You should know exactly who I am. If I were to become your Mistress, not only will I pass onto you the most powerful weapons and sorcery, but I can guarantee that you will never encounter obstacles you cannot overcome. Under my guidance, you will rule this realm in 500 years at most."

"I must admit, your proposition does tug at my heartstrings." Ling Xian smiled softly. With all his heart, he believed it was true. He would have all those things if she became his Mistress. This was a proposition no one dared to pass on.

If this proposition had come earlier, he would have accepted without hesitation. Liao Cang Qiong had made it clear that he was the student to all nine Immortals of the Painting. His Master does not mind, and the rules are not written in stone.

However, Ling Xian was a changed man since surviving the Hidden Territory. He reassessed his life and reset his bottom lines. Liao Cang Qiong treated him like a son.

Even if that person was the Keeper of Land and Sea.

In this life and the next, he will have no other Master.

"My apologies, I admit I am moved by your proposition. I also hope for an umbrella that can protect me from the storm. But I have a Master. He is the Almighty Master. Therefore…" Ling Xian stared straight into the beautiful cold eyes of the Untainted, "...I must decline."

"Very well." The eyes of the Untainted narrowed to reveal the gaze of a killer.

At that moment, a strong gust of wind stormed through the air and ripped leaves off of their branches in a violent tussle.

"Tennnggg…"

Ling Xian took three giant steps backward. Blood seeped down the corner of his mouth. He laughed bitterly, "No wonder they call her the Keeper of Land and Sea. A tiny bit of killer instinct was enough to restrain me."

"I’m going to ask you one last time, do you want me as your Mistress?" The Untainted was quickly losing her patience. She was the Keeper of Land and Sea, the most perfect woman in the history of all humanity. How can a lowly cultivator reject her not once but twice?

"You already have my answer. I do not. I answer to only one Master, and his name is Liao Cang Qiong." Ling Xian wiped the blood off his face and responded coldly, "If you wish to kill me, then kill me. I’ve lived a century, I have made up my mind. I will only do things I choose to do. You can’t change my mind. To continue living would be ideal, but I will never live like a coward."

This time, the Untainted kept her silence. After a long pause, she let out a deep sigh. "Liao Cang Qiong has got himself a good student."

Her killer instinct dissipated. Suddenly, Ling Xian felt as if a mountain had been lifted off his back. "Thank you for showing me mercy," he said in a hurry.

"It was not my original intention to make you my student, even if you did possess the Majestic Blood. You are indeed gifted beyond my imagination. However, what I saw in you was the heart of a true cultivator. You have the courage to weather any storm life throws at you."

The Untainted then shook her head. "When I saw you walk out of the Fantasy, I understood why Liao Cang Qiong had chosen you. You have the gift, the courage and the heart that will make you a legend someday. So I wanted you for myself."

"You flatter me." Ling Xian showed no emotion. The old Ling Xian would have fallen over for such adulation from the Keeper herself. But the century-old Ling Xian had heard it all.

A hint of disappointment flashed across the beautiful eyes of the Untainted. "Let it go. Perhaps it’s fate. You were never destined to be mine."

"If you so wish, I will find another cultivator worthy of you." Ling Xian smiled slyly. The truth was, he too was desperate to be that person. How could anyone resist such perfection?

Even without the guidance of the Keeper of Land and Sea, he was certain he will one day reach the peak of Taoism through his own hard work and determination.

Of course, a shortcut would have been ideal, but he was not disappointed with this loss.

"Perhaps we’ll discuss that later," The Untainted sighed softly and continued. "Absorb the Essence of the Hidden Territory, then leave the place."

Before her voice disappeared, she had morphed into a flash of light and vanished.

Ling Xian pondered a moment, then muttered to himself, "It’s time to upgrade. It’s already been half a month inside the Territory, and I’m still lingering at the sixth realm. Too slow!"

He was fortunate in that no one was inside the Painting of the Nine Immortals to hear him complain about the speed of his progress. Perhaps if they did, they would want to break his bones and snap his tendons. It had only taken him one month from embarking on this journey to reaching the sixth realm of Taoism.

This was indeed a feat unthinkable to the ordinary mind, or even the most brilliant and the ungodly gifted of his generation.

"After I absorb this Essence, I should complete my meditation training." Ling Xian’s heart skipped a beat. A murky matter emerged from thin air, exuding a magical Qi.

This was the heartbeat of the Hidden Territory. Any living being, human or beast, upon consumption, would experience a breakthrough from their existing level.

Ling Xian sat with knees folded, calm and focused. He inhaled deeply, the shadowy air swirled around and attacked his pores. The magical Qi followed arteries and reached every corner of his body.

The Essence of the Hidden Territory was incredibly dense. Even a mere 10% would require a long time for the body to fully absorb. If forced down abruptly, the pressure and density of the Qi could cause one’s body to explode.

Therefore Ling Xian had no choice but to complete this process slowly and with care.

Eyes shut and nothing but pure thoughts, Ling Xian focused his attention on absorbing every last drop of the Essence.

His breath became heavier. After only a month, he broke through the sixth realm to reach the seventh. At that point, he had only absorbed 1% of what he was given.

Ling Xian remained seated, eyes shut, and continued absorbing his precious Essence.

Time passed as swiftly as the wind.

Three months later, he broke through to the eighth realm.

Four months later, he reached the ninth.

The moment he broke through to the ninth realm, Ling Xian suddenly opened his eyes. A flash of lightning shot through his pupils, then slowly vanished into darkness.

"The ninth realm…" Ling Xian mumbled to himself with a hint of anticipation.

According to the laws of Taoism, the ninth realm marked the end of the meditation training. The next level would be the foundational period.

However, there were those rare breeds that were not bound by the laws of the ordinary and unexceptional. Those cultivators would reach the rare in-between realm known as the tenth realm, the Realm of Perfection, or the Undefeatable Territory.

Just as its name suggests, any cultivator that reached this realm became undefeatable.

To illustrate in a simple example, a cultivator of the tenth realm was ten times more powerful than a cultivator of the first realm. If no special powers were used in a battle, the cultivator of the tenth realm would destroy his opponent with ease.

To enter this realm, one would need much more than just Qi. Only with exceptional skills, incredible courage, and sharp savviness could one obtain entry.

In plain terms, only the truly extraordinary, the best of the generation could score an invite into this realm.

Despite this unsurmountable challenge, many cultivators at some point in their lives would attempt fate. Such was the power of this mythical realm.

The Undefeatable Territory was the first major Territory a cultivator would encounter on his journey. This was where the most important foundation was located. Reaching this Territory guaranteed a smooth journey to the foundational level and beyond.

As a result, most cultivators chose to suppress their powers at this critical point to ensure that they did not miss the entry to the Undefeatable Territory. They used this as their transition to the foundational level.

Ling Xian was no exception. Many had failed before him. However, he was fortunate to possess the Majestic Blood. During the century he spent inside the Fantasy, he had already achieved this feat.

Even though that process took an entire year, he knew he could do it again.

To put it into perspective, even for an exceptionally gifted youth of his generation, reaching the Undefeatable Territory would require an extended period of time. Only after many rounds of defeat and lessons learned could he possibly break through.

"Last time it took me a year. This time it shouldn’t take that long." Ling Xian stopped absorbing the Essence and began focusing on his inner enlightenment.

Having experienced this process once, he knew what to expect. When he felt a tiny opening emerging inside his body, he began deeply inhaling the Essence.

Four more months passed. Ling Xian had absorbed every last drop of the Essence of the Hidden Territory. He finally broke through to the tenth round, the Realm of Perfection.

"I did it, finally! From this day on, my life is no longer a frail as a sheet of paper." Ling Xian tightened his grip. The air inside the Painting of the Nine Immortals suddenly turned dense.

"How incredible! No wonder they call it the Undefeatable." Ling Xian’s dark hair flowed against the wind, his face glowed in the sun, his body surrounded by a magnificent aura.

He had conquered the Realm of Perfection. He was half a step away from the foundational level.

Ling Xian was far ahead of Lin Tian Qing, who was also half a step away from the foundational level but half a step from the ninth realm. In a duel between the two, Ling Xian would come out victorious every time.

To exaggerate further, even if the Clan Prefects from the other two Clans joined the dual against Ling Xian, they would still lose, collectively, every time.

Because he was in the Undefeatable Territory!


Capítulo 69: The Storm is Coming

Editor: Rainystars

A year had slipped away before anyone took notice.

During this period, two major events shocked the residents of the City of Qing.

First, near a dozen top warriors from the Fang Clan, including Fang Han, the Clan’s most gifted leader of the next generation, a mighty cultivator of the seventh realm, all perished inside the Hidden Territory. Not one person left the Territory alive. But nobody knew who the killer was.

However, the Elders of the Fang Clan knew clearly that only the Lings dared to, and were capable of committing such a massacre.

The Lings, of course, denied any involvement in this tragedy. Lacking evidence and still grieving from the loss, the Fangs decided against a direct confrontation. Instead, they shut their doors to the world as if brewing up a larger storm.

The second event that shocked the City was the death of the City’s youth protégé Ling Xian inside the Hidden Territory.

This belief was indeed shared by every resident of the City. The Ling Clan could not deny it.

Any external entity could only survive inside the Hidden Territory for a month at most. This was an undisputable fact. Passed this time, the laws of the Territory dictate certain death.

Ling Xian had not been seen for a year. In the mind of the every member of the Ling Clan, death was the only plausible explanation.

In addition, the members who escaped the Territory had related every detail of their encounters on the inside, including the Kill Order issued on Ling Xian.

As a result, the Elders of the Ling Clan had no more doubts about his fate.

Hundreds of thousands of terrifying beasts plus four supreme leaders of the eighth realm, how could Ling Xian defend himself against all of them?

Nobody believed he could escape the pursuits of the beasts, nor that he could survive the terrifying forces of the Hidden Territory.

Nobody, except Ling Tian Xiang. Perhaps she did not wish to accept the truth, but she alone believed in Ling Xian. Every day she would return to the Forest of Mount Qian and wait for him to appear and recapture her soul.

Sadly, she waited in vain for a year.

On the last day, as she turned to walk away, tears flooded down her cheeks. Turning to look behind her every few steps, she felt hope fading away.

“Ling Xian… you promised me I will be in the front row when you rise to the top. That moment has yet to come, you cannot die!”

Ling Tian Xiang let out a long, hopeless sigh, turned and walked away without looking back.

Inside the Great Hall of the Ling Clan, Ling Tian Qing and the other Elders sat together and appeared worried and anxious about something.

Soon after, Ling Tian Xiang arrived. She sat down without a word, appearing equally somber.

“You went to the Forest again?” Ling Tian Qing inquired, his heart aching at the sight of her shattered state. “Why do you do this to yourself? It’s a year. Every beast in the realm was after him. He could not have survived.”

“I know, but I just can’t accept that he’s gone,” Ling Tian Xiang responded miserably. She knew very well that his chances of survival were slim, but she simply didn’t want to believe.

“You…” Ling Tian Qing continued helplessly, “must try to forget him. Even if he was still alive, you and him could never be together.”

“Brother, stop. I understand all of that.” Ling Tian Xiang shook her head, not wanting to continue this topic. “Let’s talk about actual business. I hear the Fangs are mobilizing.”

Ling Tian Qing’s expression stiffened instantly. In a serious voice, he continued, “This is what I’ve called you all here for. According to our spy, just yesterday, that old fart Fang Yun Sheng took audience with the Leader of the Qi Clan. They appeared to have reached an agreement. Of course, we don’t know what the topic of discussion was, but it’s not difficult to guess they plan to join forces.”

“Join forces to launch an attack on us!” Ling Tian Jiao shouted without reservation. He was no doubt the brains of the Clan.

“Indeed.” Ling Tian Qing nodded. “We are the strongest amongst the three noble Clans of this City, followed by the Fangs, then the Qis. But if they joined forces, our chances of defeating them are slim to none. We need to come up with a plan.”

The Elders eyed each other in search of an agreement.

Ling Tian Jiao broke the silence, “Brother, we can’t just sit by and let this alliance happen. Perhaps they have already reached an agreement, but we can still reach out to the Qis. We can’t let them create such an alliance.”

“I have thought of this,” Ling Tian Qing responded sternly then asked an impossible question, “If we fail, what then?

“Then we reach out Master Ye of the City. Even though the Qin Dynasty forbids outside interference on domestic disputes, we would only ask that he makes an appearance on our behalf,” Ling Tian Jiao suggested.

“That may be a temporary solution. Master Ye has an unpredictable character. He won’t be so easily convinced.” Ling Tian Qing let out a bitter, hapless smile and turned to Ling Tian Xiang. “Sister, what do you think?”

Ling Tian Xiang shook her head, “if that fails, we fight for it.”

“We’ll never win. Their alliance would be too strong for us to defend.” Ling Tian Qing turned to Ling Tian Ao, “Brother, what do you think?”

“What more can I possibly add?” Ling Tian Ao was a spoilt, merry youth who frequented brothels and gambling dens. He was the joke amongst the four siblings.

The third oldest son in name only, he was in reality utterly useless.

“How did I know you’d have nothing to add.” Ling Tian Qing had no expectations whatsoever but seeing his brother’s sluggish state, he was suddenly overcome with fury. “Our Clan is in grave danger. Look at your attitude! Are you thinking up different curses to exterminate the Lings even faster?” He barked.

Ling Tian Ao’s whole body shrank in an instant. He explained in a hurry, “Of course not! Don’t you know me? Never done anything exceptional but love this family to death!”

“Hmmm!”

Ling Tian Qing bothered with him no more and returned his attention to his clever brother, “Can you think of anything else at all?”

“Well…” Ling Tian Jiao was suddenly inspired by a memory. He recalled events from the Auction a year ago and quickly suggested, “Do you remember there was a mysterious man at the Auction here last year who invited you into his trailer. You can try to find him. Perhaps he will be able to help us.”

“My thought as well, but we simply acquainted at the Auction. I had never seen him here before, and our encounter then was brief. I still do not recall how we ended up in his trailer.” Ling Tian Qing let out a confused smile as he recounted the details of their meeting. However, he was certain they had never met prior to that event.

“I see.” Ling Tian Jiao could not conceal his disappointment. Pondering a moment, he insisted one more time, “Regardless how well acquainted you are, you can pay him a visit offering him exclusive gifts. He is our last hope. If you can’t find him, we’re doomed.”

“No one has seen the mystery man for a year. I have no idea where to begin the search. Perhaps he has already left the City of Qing.” Ling Tian Qing sighed heavily. “Who knows, perhaps the Fangs waited until he’s long gone to initiate this attack on us.”

Ling Tian Jiao’s eyes darkened in disappointment. He shook his head and kept quiet.

The air suddenly died.

The three of them all understood the direness of the situation. However, none were able to come up with a suitable solution.

“Regardless, we can’t simply sit around. Do what he says. We will negotiate with the Qis first.” Ling Tian Qing stood slowly and shifted his gaze onto the useless sibling while addressing the clever one. “This will be an important meeting. I can’t trust anyone but you. I believe even if you can’t break the alliance, you will be able to create some distance between them. During the battle, if the Qis have any reservation towards the Fangs, we’ll have a chance.”

“Rest assured Clan Leader, I won’t disappoint you.” Ling Tian Jiao nodded heavily. By referring to his brother as ‘Leader’, he was acknowledging the importance of this task as well as his determination to succeed.

Ling Tian Qing patted him on the back and directed his gaze onto Ling Tian Xiang. “Sister, I know you are acquainted with the daughter of Master Ye. I’ll leave this task to you. Remember, do not push for it. If he rejects, it is not your fault.”

“Rest assured Clan Leader, I will do my best.” Ling Tian Xiang followed suit.

“You, the third one, I’ll leave you to complete the last task.”

Ling Tian Qing’s gaze finally rested on Ling Tian Ao. “You are incompetent and dimwitted, so I'll give you the easiest task. Use those good-for-nothing friends of yours to gather any information you can on the mystery man from the Auction. I don’t hold much hope. But if you do succeed, you’ll be the savior of our Clan. Can you do that for me? For us?”

“Yes, Clan Leader, I won’t disappoint you. I will extend my reach and dig up the earth to find this man!” Ling Tian Ao responded confidently.

“Good, now go get it done.” Ling Tian Qing nodded to all of them. After their departure, Ling Tian Qing took a long, hard look into the distant sky and recounted to himself, “The prophecy given to me by that mysterious man is about to be fulfilled. The Ling Clan will be pushed to the edge of destruction, and a gifted youth will arrive to save us from ruin. But Ling Xian is dead. Who else could this be?”

His gaze exuded helplessness, confusion, and sorrow.

The storm is coming. The prophecy will soon come true. Where is the savior?


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