Chapter Seventy-Six: One Hundred Thousand Miles

“This method of tempering the body and blood emphasizes understanding—each person must discover their own insight and fate.”

“That’s why the manual for this method contains no detailed instructions.”

Xu Chen’s face showed disappointment.

“There aren’t any, but this path, because of its subtle effectiveness, is the preferred choice among many heirs of great families, especially those focused on magical arts and supernatural abilities.”

“Although achieving unity of form and intent is one in ten thousand, the sheer number of practitioners makes up for it.”

“So, thirty thousand miles west of the capital of Leizhou, our Dragon Elephant Grandmaster opened up a road spanning a hundred thousand miles.”

“Along this road, the scenery surrounding it accelerates through time—life and death, yin and yang, the four seasons cycle in just four days, while those inside remain apart from time.”

“Within, one can deepen their insight into the Seven Methods of Celestial Evolution for body and blood cultivation.”

The steward answered Xu Chen while reading from the projection.

“Thank you for telling me, senior.”

Just as Xu Chen was about to leave, the steward called him back.

“I haven’t finished. Entering the hundred-thousand-mile road isn’t free—it costs two million spirit stones. Prepare in advance.”

Hearing the price, Xu Chen hesitated only briefly before making up his mind.

Cheap things are never good; expensive things must have their reasons.

“I understand, senior.”

Leaving the Imperial Dao Tower, Xu Chen calculated his resources.

He could gather two million spirit coins, but it would leave him penniless.

Just then, a beast carriage stopped in front of him.

“Xu Junior Brother!” Zong Changshou’s head poked out from the window.

“Zong Senior Brother, what a coincidence.” Xu Chen greeted him with a smile.

“Get in, I’ll treat you to a meal.” Zong Changshou seemed happy to see Xu Chen, though his tone carried a hint of gloom.

“Alright.”

Leizhou Capital, Dao Fragrance Pavilion, within a small secret realm.

Xu Chen accompanied Zong Changshou in drinking.

“Senior Brother, were you injured in the Trial Realm?” Xu Chen probed after finishing a cup.

“No, but someone beat me to it.”

“No honor at all—they seized the opportunity when I was away and took the immortal artifact.”

Zong Changshou’s face darkened as he poured another drink, clinking cups with Xu Chen.

“So the greatest opportunity in the Trial Realm has been found. What kind of immortal artifact was it, and what strength did those foreign beings possess?” Xu Chen asked curiously.

“They were all prodigies—ten possessed the strength of six dragons, three had seven, and one had eight.”

“If not for our little grandmaster, our sect’s disciples at the body and blood stage would have no chance.”

“But with the little grandmaster, I only need to gather a few more prodigies and it would be easy.”

“Unfortunately, those brats from Jade Purity Gate got there first,” Zong Changshou said, full of resentment.

“As for the artifact, it’s a lower-grade immortal sword—Azure Luan Sword, with the sword spirit Azure Luan inside. Once recognized as master, it’s easy to wield in battle.”

“Alas, the next time our grandmaster releases an immortal artifact will probably be years from now.”

“By then, who knows if the sect can still gather such prodigies.”

Xu Chen silently refilled both cups.

“If there’ll be more artifacts in the future, we still have a chance.”

After lamenting, Zong Changshou turned his attention to Xu Chen.

“I saw you just left the Imperial Dao Tower. Which method are you planning to cultivate?”

“The Seven Methods of Celestial Evolution. I hoped for guidance, but was told that this path requires traveling ten thousand, even a hundred thousand miles.”

“The Seven Methods—I’m cultivating them too, but this method is extremely mysterious.”

“Everyone’s experience differs—only personal insight counts.”

“I’ve traversed that hundred-thousand-mile road seven times—only then did I master the Seven Methods.”

“If you need help, just ask,” Zong Changshou said with a generous wave.

“Thank you, Senior Brother. If I need anything, I’ll certainly ask.” Xu Chen smiled.

He had to admit, these second-generation immortal elites were all shrewd and careful, always leaving no gaps in conversation or action.

At least, Xu Chen found interacting with them enjoyable.

After the meal, learning Xu Chen was heading to the hundred-thousand-mile road, Zong Changshou decided to accompany him.

A massive spirit vessel, holy white and a hundred feet long, slowly took off, flying toward the road.

“Senior Brother, isn’t this a bit extravagant?”

Xu Chen looked at the huge vessel, resembling a carrier, used just to carry two people thirty thousand miles west—it seemed wasteful.

“There was nothing suitable at home, so I had to use this,” Zong Changshou replied, pointing ahead.

“Accelerate!”

The massive vessel suddenly sped up, nimble as a bird.

Thirty thousand miles passed in the time it took to finish a cup of tea.

“This is the hundred-thousand-mile road.”

In the distance, spiritual mist shrouded the area, enveloped by a grand array gleaming with spiritual light.

Xu Chen gazed at the endless mist covered by the array, deeply moved.

How many spirit coins must it take to maintain this each day?

Outside the grand array stood a palace-like building.

Zong Changshou led Xu Chen in with practiced ease.

“Junior Brother, the hundred-thousand-mile road is a closed loop. Once inside, you’ll be randomly transmitted to a certain point.”

“I have spirit coins stored here. Would you like to enter with me?” Zong Changshou invited.

“No need, thank you for your kindness, Senior Brother.” Xu Chen nodded and politely declined.

“I understand. I’ll go in first then.”

There weren’t many people inside the hall, but from time to time, well-dressed heirs from great families entered the teleportation array.

At the payment counter, Xu Chen took out two hundred yellow crystal cards.

“Senior, I wish to enter the hundred-thousand-mile road,” Xu Chen said to the steward on duty.

“You don’t look like you’re from a great family,” the steward remarked.

“Let me tell you, this road only benefits certain special methods of body and blood cultivation.”

“For most with poor talent—in short, anyone below exceptional grade—entry usually brings only basic mastery.”

“To progress further, you’ll burn through time and spirit coins.”

“If your family isn’t wealthy, you might be better off choosing another method.”

Seeing Xu Chen’s attire and bearing, the steward couldn’t help but advise him.

He had seen too many heirs spend tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of spirit coins without ever reaching the transformation stage.

“Thank you for your guidance, senior.”

“But I’ve made up my mind—only by entering this gate can one see the world.”

“If I don’t go, I may regret it for life.”

Xu Chen’s words made the steward’s expression turn odd.

“That phrase is a bit dated. Eight years ago, a kid said exactly the same thing.”

“Go ahead.”

The steward took the two million spirit coins and pointed toward the teleportation array, letting Xu Chen in.

“Senior, what happened to that kid in the end?” Xu Chen asked, pausing at the entrance of the array.

“It was miserable. The two million spirit coins were his whole fortune—enough to cultivate to the Void Return stage.”

“But he gambled it all here. The girl he loved ran off with a rival, his parents expelled him from home.”

“His cultivation isn’t high, so now he drives beast carriages in Leizhou capital for a measly few dozen coins a day.”

“I won’t hold you up. Go on and enter.”

“Good luck.” The steward waved Xu Chen through.