Chương 14: Tomb of Emperor Xuan

Wu Yang was startled when he received the report from his servants. "It seems like Wu Li came back to the sect! So soon, I thought he will come back when he will have to fight against Yang Chen." he thought to himself. Turning to his servant Zhao Xia, a beautiful girl with long black hair and porcelain skin, Wu Yang asked, "Where did you say you saw him?"

Zhao Xia's soft, musical voice answered Wu Yang's question. "I saw him in the Mission Orchid Pavilion," she said. "He was arguing with an Outer Disciple who is in charge of handing out the rewards, his name is Chen Xiaoyun."

Wu Yang's eyebrows didn't flinch at all. "Arguing with Chen Xiaoyun?" he repeated. "That sounds like something that Wu Li would do. Tell me what they were arguing about."

Zhao Xia hesitated for a moment before replying, "I didn't hear the whole conversation, Young Master. But I believe it was about the rewards he received for his last mission. Wu Li seemed unhappy with what was given to him."

Deep in thought, Wu Yang nodded slowly before speaking. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "There's no issue then. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Zhao Xia." He paused for a moment before continuing. "You may go now."

Zhao Xia bowed respectfully, her long black hair falling over her shoulders, before turning to leave the room. She closed the door softly behind her, leaving Wu Yang alone to ponder the situation at hand.

Wu Yang shook his head, his brow furrowed in thought. "I wonder how much he's improved," he mused to himself, determined to find out for himself if Wu Li had truly made progress in his cultivation.

Eager to find out what was happening, Wu Yang headed towards the Mission Orchid Pavilion.

Upon his arrival, Wu Yang was taken aback by the sight of a large group of disciples crowded around the mission board. They were all eager to catch a glimpse of the latest missions. Wu Yang estimated that there were over a thousand disciples present.

The missions assigned to members of the Extreme Jade Sword Sect were categorized into four grades: Yellow, Black, Earth, and Heaven.

Yellow Grade Missions are typically assigned to Outer Disciples whose cultivation is below the Core Formation Realm. These missions involve tasks such as gathering herbs and mining. On the other hand, Black Grade Missions are also for Outer Disciples below the Core Formation Realm, but they entail fighting Spiritual Beasts of the same level.

As a disciple advances in cultivation, they can accept higher-level missions. For instance, Earth Grade and Heaven Grade Missions are mostly taken by Inner Disciples whose cultivation has reached the middle stages or above of the Core Formation Realm. These missions are more challenging and require a higher level of skill and strength, but this doesn't mean that an Outer Disciple can't accept an Earth Grade or an Heaven Grade Mission, since some missions can be repeated, such as collecting materials, and there's no harm in accepting them.

Wu Yang remembered that Wu Li had taken on an Earth Grade Mission, which he knew was a difficult task even for a cultivator at the middle stage of the Core Formation Realm. As he approached the Mission Orchid Pavilion, he noticed a commotion around the reward area. Curious, he pushed his way through the crowd to see Wu Li in a heated argument with Chen Xiaoyun.

Wu Yang's gaze fell upon Wu Li and he couldn't help but notice the aura of a Core Formation cultivator emanating from him. He was impressed but also somewhat envious of the young man's rapid progress. "As expected of a protagonist," Wu Yang thought to himself, a hint of admiration in his voice. "It won't be long before his cultivation level surpasses my own, and his battle prowess is for sure superior to mine already."

Wu Li was caught in a heated argument with Chen Xiaoyun, one of Yang Chen's lackeys. Frustration etched on his face as he explained the situation, "The mission required me to kill two early Core Formation Realm Crimson Jade Snakes and get their scales. These scales may have a few dents, but they're still perfectly usable. You're being unreasonable, Chen Xiaoyun."

Knowing that Chen Xiaoyun was one of Yang Chen's underlings, Wu Li understood why he refused to accept the scales. However, the mission clearly stated that the scales couldn't have signs of high damage on them, which they didn't.

Chen Xiaoyun spoke with a disdainful tone, "Wu Li, fine. I can accept them, but I can't give you the full reward. Two Crimson Jade Snakes' scales in perfect condition would mean that you will get 100 low-grade Spirit Stones. Since your scales' condition is too bad, I can give you 50 low-grade Spirit Stones at most."

Wu Li gritted his teeth at the unfair treatment but knew he couldn't do anything to change the latter's decision.

Observing the scene, Wu Yang noticed Wu Li's predicament and decided to step in to help.

"Junior Brother Chen," Wu Yang said, "I don't think the scales are in such bad condition. How about you offer Wu Li 80 low-grade Spirit Stones instead?"

Chen Xiaoyun took a moment to think, knowing that Wu Yang held a higher rank in the Extreme Jade Sword Sect than Yang Chen. He had to take his opinion into account.

"Senior Brother Wu, I understand your point, but I believe that Wu Li's scales are not worth that much. Your estimation is a bit overboard. I can offer 75 low-grade Spirit Stones at most," Chen Xiaoyun responded, his tone filled with caution.

Wu Yang turned to Wu Li, who nodded in agreement and spoke up, "Okay, I accept." Wu Li then produced an impressive amount of scales, equivalent to ten Crimson Jade Snakes. The onlookers were astonished, realizing that Wu Li had completed this mission five times in a row.

As for the mission's requirement of killing two Crimson Jade Snakes at the early stage of Core Formation Realm, it was because they needed a partner to advance to the next stage. Killing one of the snakes was not enough, as the other would relentlessly pursue the killer until either the snake or the cultivator was dead.

Chen Xiaoyun had no choice but to give in and reluctantly handed over the 7 medium-grade Spirit Stones and 50 low-grade Spirit Stones to Wu Li. To put this in perspective, the value of one medium-grade Spirit Stone was equal to one hundred low-grade Spirit Stones, while one high-grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to one hundred medium-grade Spiritual Stones.

After resolving the dispute, Wu Yang invited Wu Li to visit his cave abode at Misty Forest Peak. Only Inner Disciples like Wu Yang had a cave abode. Over tea, they caught up on each other's lives since they last spoke. Wu Yang had been quietly cultivating inside his abode, receiving occasional lectures from his master Li Yun on the Extreme Sun Sutra.

Wu Li shared his own adventures, but was careful not to reveal certain details in order to protect his secrets, despite his trust in Wu Yang and gratitude for the latter's help.

"Brother Yang, I've stumbled upon something interesting during one of my adventures," Wu Li said, his voice brimming with excitement. "You know how in the Core Formation Realm, you can form a maximum of three Dao Marks, right? This information might help you form more than three Dao Marks."

Wu Yang's interest was piqued. "Really? What did you find?"

"I came across an inheritance that talks about the importance of the Dao Marks that have been formed and how they can influence how many Dao Marks you can cultivate," Wu Li explained. "And I think I've figured out why some cultivators can surpass the three-mark limit."

Curiosity gnawing at him, Wu Yang asked, "How so?"

"Well, take your Extreme Sun Sutra, for example," Wu Li said. "It's an incredibly powerful cultivation method, but the problem is that the Dao Marks you cultivate are too low-level. That's why your foundation won't be able to handle more than three Dao Marks."

Wu Yang frowned, mulling over Wu Li's words. "So, what are you suggesting?"

Wu Li's smile was sly. "I have some benefits for Brother Yang, since you've helped me countless times. Trust me and cultivate these new Dao Marks instead of the three in the Extreme Sun Sutra. It won't affect the latter part of your cultivation, only enhance it."

Wu Li extended his hand, presenting Wu Yang with a stack of nine books, each one with a unique Dao Mark. "Crimson Blaze, Scarlet Flame, Golden Sunfire, Burning Inferno, Fiery Ember, Phoenix Flame, Burning Heaven, Lava Eruption, Heavenly Fire," he listed off as he passed them to his companion.

Wu Yang examined the books closely, feeling a sense of awe wash over him. "These are incredible, Brother Li," he said, flipping through the pages. "But, I hope I'm not asking for too much, can I also study Dao Marks from other Daos?"

Wu Li didn't mind at all, and he replied, "There's no issue with satisfying your curiosity, Brother Yang. However, I must ask that you keep this to yourself. Don't share these with anyone, not even your master. It's better to keep this a secret, or else we may be interrogated about it."

Wu Yang nodded, fully understanding Wu Li's request.

But what mattered the most to Wu Yang right now was gaining as much knowledge about cultivation as he could. He knew that even if he were to die, he would reincarnate using the Great Saṃsāra System. With this in mind, he was determined to absorb as much information as possible, knowing that it would help him in his future lives.

"Brother Li, I'm really curious. Just how powerful are you?" Wu Yang asked. "I mean, when you were in the Foundation Building Realm, you could take on cultivators with higher cultivation levels than yours."

Wu Yang's interest was piqued because he knew that in about four years, Wu Li would have to face off against Yang Chen. As the protagonist, Wu Li's strength had to exceed his cultivation level, but just how much stronger was he?

"I can defeat cultivators who have condensed their first Dao Mark," Wu Li replied, a confident smile on his lips.

Wu Yang's eyes widened in surprise. Yang Chen was currently in the middle stage of the Core Formation Realm, meaning he had already formed his first Dao Mark. Although Yang Chen was less talented than Wu Yang, he had a higher cultivation level because Wu Yang had to rebuild his cultivation using the Extreme Sun Sutra. Still, it was only a matter of time before Yang Chen was surpassed.

This meant that Wu Li could be Yang Chen's match already! This is a very fast rate of improvement. As expected of a protagonist.

"Brother Yang, I've been thinking about how to improve my cultivation as fast as possible," Wu Li said. "I recently obtained a map of the tomb of an ancient Emperor mighty cultivator, so I'll be going on another dangerous adventure."

Wu Yang nodded, "I have faith that you will come out alive, Brother Li."

What does it mean for a cultivator to be bestowed the title of Emperor? It signifies that their cultivation has reached the Great Ocean Realm!

After talking for a few more hours, Wu Li left Wu Yang's cave abode and the next day, he also left the Extreme Jade Sword Sect. As he was preparing to embark on his journey, Liang Xia, the grandpa inside Wu Li's ring, spoke up, "Be careful brat! Emperor Xuan was a mighty figure of the Great Ocean Realm. I dare say that when he arrived on the Eastern Continent, he was one of the strongest beings under the Mortal Extremity Realm. His tomb must be filled with danger."

Wu Li nodded in agreement with Liang Xia's warning about the danger of Emperor Xuan's tomb. However, he also knew that where there is danger, there is also great opportunity. Wu Li believed that he was ready to face any challenge that awaited him in the tomb.

[A/N: If you have read this chapter, please give your thoughts about it. I used ChatGPT to rewrite paragraphs. Also, I want to know how many of you are still reading this novel. Please add a comment!]