Cultivation starts from simplifying the exercises

Chapter 2189 The Method of Half-Step Heavenly Monarch

Chen Fei remained calm and showed no displeasure at Elder Qingyuan's reminder. Instead, he nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Elder. I understand the key points."

"That is precisely why we must go. Working in isolation will never allow us to fully grasp the Great Dao. Engaging with truly top-tier geniuses, regardless of victory or defeat, is invaluable experience. Only by witnessing the vastness of the world can we understand our own shortcomings, calm our minds, and clarify our path forward."

Elder Qingyuan looked into Chen Fei's eyes, which showed no trace of arrogance, and his heart stirred slightly. This young man's confidence did not stem from ignorance, but was built upon a clear understanding of his own strength and a steadfast pursuit of a higher realm.

He then looked at Cao Feiyu. Cao Feiyu's cool face remained expressionless; she simply nodded slightly, indicating that she would stand with Chen Feiyu.

Elder Qingyuan pondered for a moment, then stroked his beard and smiled: "Good. Not arrogant or discouraged, not shying away from difficulties, with such a mindset, what is there to worry about not achieving the Great Dao? Since you have made up your minds, I will register you."

He didn't try to persuade him any further. He took out a specially made jade talisman, and his fingertips flashed with spiritual light as he began to input information.

A moment later, two tokens, each emitting faint spatial fluctuations and bearing the Dan Chen Sect mark on its back, flew towards Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu respectively.

"This is your participation token for the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects. An elder will lead you to the tournament venue in two months."

Elder Qingyuan said solemnly, "The important thing about this trip is participation and broadening your horizons. Don't worry too much about the ranking; returning safely is the greatest gain. Remember, do what you are capable of."

"Disciple understands, thank you Elder." Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu accepted the tokens, bowed again, and took their leave.

Watching the two figures depart, Elder Qingyuan's smile gradually faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

He then shook his head, stopped thinking about it, and picked up the jade slip again to handle his affairs.

The news that Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu had registered to participate in the Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects was leaked out somehow, instantly causing a new uproar within the Danchen Sect.

In just one day, the news spread like wildfire throughout the entire Danchen Sect. From true disciples and elders of each peak to ordinary inner and outer disciples, and even servants, almost everyone was talking about it.

"Have you heard? Senior Brother Chen Fei and Senior Sister Cao Feiyu have officially registered for the Ten Thousand Sects Grand Competition."

"Really? You've decided so quickly?"

“It’s absolutely true. Someone saw them come out of the Hall of Merit with their own eyes, holding the Token of Ten Thousand Sects.”

"As expected, he went. I knew that someone like Senior Brother Chen Fei would definitely go to such a grand stage to compete."

"But...didn't Elder Qingyuan try to dissuade them? After all, Senior Brother Chen Fei and Senior Sister Cao have just broken through."

"Dissuade him? I heard that Senior Brother Chen Fei was very determined, saying that he wanted to see the real geniuses and temper his Dao heart, so Elder Qingyuan agreed."

"Hiss... That's bold. Knowing there are tigers in the mountains, yet still venturing into the tiger's den."

"This is the mindset a true prodigy should have. What kind of skill is it to just stay hidden in your sect?"

"That's true, but the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects... that's a place that gathers the young monsters of the entire Immortal Dynasty. Senior Brother Chen Fei is very powerful in our inner sect, but compared to the entire Immortal Dynasty..."

"Senior Brother Chen Fei is exceptionally talented, but his cultivation time is ultimately too short. Those who participated in the Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects, which one of them hasn't cultivated for thousands or tens of thousands of years? The difference in their foundation is too great."

"That's right, and this Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects involves opportunities at the Heavenly Monarch Realm, making the competition exceptionally fierce. Many heirs from reclusive families and major sects have emerged, including a great many at the half-step Heavenly Monarch level."

"A half-step Heavenly Monarch... that's someone who has already stepped into the Profound Sky Realm, fundamentally different from an ordinary peak Tai Cang Realm cultivator. Senior Brother Chen Fei is strong, but against a true half-step Heavenly Monarch, I'm afraid..."

"Sigh, I hope Senior Brother Chen Fei and Senior Sister Cao will have better luck and not run into those monsters in the first round."

"No matter what, it's commendable that he dared to go. I support Senior Brother Chen Fei; who knows, he might create another miracle?"

"I hope so too, but reality... sigh, being in the top 1,000 is already an amazing achievement for me."

Various discussions were heard constantly in the market, in the training grounds, in front of the cave dwellings, and during leisure time.

Supporters were ecstatic, believing Chen Fei would create another miracle. Those with concerns offered a more rational analysis, noting the difficult road ahead.

Some disciples who had previously harbored doubts or envy about Chen Fei's rapid rise to power were now secretly thinking that Chen Fei was being overly ambitious and that he would likely suffer a major setback if he went there, which would be a good opportunity to curb his arrogance.

However, regardless of the circumstances, Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu's participation in the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects was a foregone conclusion, attracting the attention of almost everyone in the sect.

The heated discussion about Chen Fei, which was originally sparked by the Inner Sect Competition, not only did not subside, but became even more intense because of the news of the Ten Thousand Sects Competition.

Everyone was curious and speculating about how far this young leader, who had just created a miracle within the sect, could go on that grand stage that gathered the top geniuses of the entire Immortal Dynasty.

Will they continue their triumphant advance, as they have within the Dan Chen Sect, astonishing the world? Or will they, as most fear, suffer a crushing defeat after witnessing the true vastness of the world?

Just as the Dan Chen Sect was abuzz with discussion about Chen Fei and his companion's registration, more detailed information about the rules of this year's Ten Thousand Sects Competition gradually circulated through various channels, sparking another round of heated debate.

"Single-elimination system? Lose one game and you're out? That's so cruel."

"That's right. I heard that there are too many sects and people participating in this competition. In order to save time and increase the intensity, the most direct single-elimination method has been adopted. There is no loser's bracket and no resurrection match. The winner is determined in one battle."

"My God, that's a huge luck factor. If you draw one of those top-tier prodigies in the first round, wouldn't you be eliminated in the first round?"

"So, while strength is important, luck is equally crucial. If Senior Brother Chen Fei and Senior Sister Cao are lucky enough to draw relatively ordinary opponents in the first few rounds, they might actually be able to advance a few more steps and broaden their horizons."

"Ordinary? How can anyone who can participate in the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects be ordinary? At the very least, they are the core disciples carefully cultivated by each sect, and they are among the best in the peak of the Tai Cang Realm. It's just that they seem a bit ordinary compared to those monsters who are half-step Heavenly Monarchs."

"Even so, the hope is slim. I've heard that there are at least a hundred confirmed prodigies with the strength of a half-step Heavenly Monarch. There are also some heirs from ancient families and hidden sects whose strength is unfathomable. Nobody knows just how strong they are."

"A hundred half-step Heavenly Monarchs? This... how can we possibly fight them? No matter how strong Senior Brother Chen Fei is, he's only at the peak of the Tai Cang Realm. Facing true half-step Heavenly Monarchs, I'm afraid..."

"Sigh, let's do our best and leave the rest to fate. Perhaps Senior Brother Chen Fei has some other tricks up his sleeve."

"We can only hope they have good luck in the draw."

The brutal competition format dampened many people's overly enthusiastic expectations for Chen Fei to create a miracle, and also made the discussions more realistic and serious.

Single-elimination means there's no room for error; every match is a life-or-death struggle. Under this format, unless you possess overwhelming strength, luck becomes an extremely important factor.

Amidst the commotion and endless speculation, the two individuals at the center of the storm remained uninvolved.

After registering, Cao Feiyu returned to the courtyard, activated the protective array, and entered a state of complete seclusion.

The injuries she sustained during the inner sect competition have long since healed, and her sword intent has reached a new level. What she needs to do now is to take advantage of the afterglow of this breakthrough and the other resources bestowed upon her by the sect to push her newly stabilized peak Tai Cang Realm cultivation towards its limit.

Cao Feiyu sat cross-legged on the cold jade ice bed, her sword aura concealed and not released. A point of icy blue light between her brows, like a star core, slowly rotated, absorbing the dense, impenetrable primordial energy within the cave.

Her aura was steadily increasing, slowly but with unwavering determination. She knew that with her current strength, she probably wouldn't achieve much in the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects, but even so, she would do her best to improve herself.

Furthermore, one must experience the grand stage firsthand and hone one's skills and resolve.

After receiving the Myriad Sect Token, Chen Fei did not return to his courtyard to enter seclusion.

The shifting light and shadows before his eyes, the feeling of time and space flowing, vanished in an instant. When Chen Fei's vision returned, he found himself in a strange space.

The Martial Arts Arena of All Realms!

Chen Fei was no stranger to this place; he had been here several times before. He walked straight to the center of the void, where a milky white sphere of light floated.

Arriving in front of the sphere of light, Chen Fei reached out and gently touched it.

"Buzz!"

A ripple spread out from the sphere of light, and Chen Fei's figure was swallowed by the light and disappeared again.

The next moment, he appeared atop a solitary peak suspended above a sea of ​​clouds.

The summit is not large, only about an acre in circumference. In the center stands an ancient hexagonal stone pavilion with a mottled wooden plaque hanging above it, inscribed with the two characters "Lin Yuan".

The pavilion overlooks a sheer cliff, with a sea of ​​clouds churning at its feet and the distant, indistinct outlines of the mythical mountains—a magnificent yet solitary sight.

Inside the pavilion, there is a stone table and two stone benches.

An elderly man with white hair and beard and a slender face was sitting on a stone bench, playing chess alone.

On the chessboard, black and white pieces intertwined, creating a seemingly complex situation. The old man held a white piece in one hand and a black piece in the other, playing against himself with a focused expression.

"Young hero, you've arrived." The old man looked up at Chen Fei, a gentle smile on his face.

Chen Fei stepped forward, entered the pavilion, and respectfully bowed: "Greetings, Senior."

"No need for such formalities."

The old man pointed to the stone bench opposite him, "Young hero, please sit down. What would you like to exchange for?"

Chen Fei sat down as instructed, and without beating around the bush, directly stated his purpose: "Senior, I do have a question and would like to ask for your guidance."

"Oh? Please speak freely." The old man looked at Chen Fei with great interest.

After a moment's thought, Chen Fei said, "I am about to participate in the Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects. As far as I know, there are many powerful figures in the competition, many of whom have already stepped into the half-step Heavenly Monarch realm."

Although my cultivation has reached the limit of the Tai Cang Realm, I am still lacking compared to a half-step Heavenly Monarch.

Chen Fei paused for a moment, then continued, "This junior would like to ask, without relying on higher-grade spiritual materials, is there any other way for this junior to possess power comparable to a half-step Heavenly Monarch at the limit of the Tai Cang Realm?"

This is Chen Fei's purpose in coming here: the Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects, a single-round elimination tournament.

Although he was confident that he was no weaker than any Tai Cang Realm expert, it would be even better if there were other ways to make up for some of his shortcomings.

The pavilion was silent, with only the sea of ​​clouds silently churning beneath one's feet.

After hearing Chen Fei's question, the old man in the gray robe did not answer immediately. Instead, he picked up the teapot on the stone table and poured Chen Fei a cup of tea. The tea was clear, steaming, and emitted a light, refreshing fragrance that calmed the mind.

The old man took a sip of tea, and instead of answering Chen Fei's question directly, he asked in return:

"Young hero, in your opinion, after a cultivator refines a high-grade spiritual material, their realm improves and their strength increases dramatically. But what exactly is being improved in essence?"

Chen Fei was slightly taken aback, not expecting the old man to ask such a question.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Fei slowly spoke: "Senior, in my opinion, while the pure energy contained within a material is fundamental to refining a spiritual material of a certain rank, the more crucial element is the fragments of the Great Dao rules carried by the material itself, or what we might call the rank of the Heaven and Earth."

"When cultivators absorb these fragments of rules and refine them into themselves, they are actually deepening their understanding and control of the corresponding Great Dao of Heaven and Earth."

With increased control over the fundamental principles of the Dao, one's own foundation expands and strengthens, thereby enabling the absorption and control of even greater power. Therefore, the essence of advancing in one's realm is the improvement of a cultivator's understanding and control over the rules of heaven and earth.

The old man listened to Chen Fei's explanation, a smile of approval appearing on his face. He gently put down his teacup and nodded, saying:

"Good, you understand very well. Now, let's go back to your original question. You want to obtain power comparable to a half-step Heavenly Monarch without having a rank-level spiritual material."

The biggest difference between a half-step Celestial Monarch and a peak Tai Cang Realm cultivator lies in the fact that they have progressed further within the origin of the Great Dao and are able to control stronger forces of heaven and earth.

Chen Fei nodded. Yes, a half-step Heavenly Monarch is strong because of the suppression at the level of rules.

Chen Fei asked solemnly, "Senior, do you have a way to bridge this gap?"

Facing Chen Fei's gaze, the gray-robed old man did not answer immediately, but instead picked up his teacup again and slowly took a sip.

After a moment, the old man withdrew his gaze, looked at Chen Fei again, and a smile appeared on his face:

“Of course, there are methods. The world is vast and full of wonders. There are always some exceptionally talented individuals who can comprehend a trace of the true meaning of the Heavenly Monarch in the Tai Cang Realm. Some of these methods exist in the inheritance of certain ancient ruins, while others are treasured by certain reclusive great clans.”

He paused, then continued, "These kinds of methods are all extremely rare and priceless, and may even involve huge karmic consequences. Currently, there are no such methods available for exchange in the Martial Arts Arena of the Myriad Realms."

Chen Fei frowned slightly, but he wasn't too disappointed, because he had expected this situation.

"Of course, it's not entirely hopeless. This Martial Arts Arena of the Myriad Realms connects all the realms and offers countless opportunities. Besides direct exchange, there is another way: exploration and trading."

You can spend contribution points to enter certain ancient battle spaces or Dao discussion star systems to search for clues, gain insights, or trade information with geniuses from other worlds. However, this method is time-consuming and the chances of success are slim.

Chen Fei nodded. The old man was right. The Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects was just around the corner, with only two months left. Exploring those unknown ruins was too unpredictable, and there simply wasn't enough time.

If there is enough time, Chen Fei can go directly to the Heavenly Mandate Palace, where it is certain that he can attain the realm of a half-step Heavenly Monarch.

Inside the Linyuan Pavilion, the sea of ​​clouds surged and the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Seeing Chen Fei deep in thought, the old man in the gray robe knew he was weighing the pros and cons, so he didn't urge him. Instead, he poured him another half cup of tea before slowly speaking:

"It seems that direct exploration of the ruins is not a good option for you at the moment. So, perhaps we can return to some relatively common paths among the major sects and forces."

Upon hearing this, Chen Fei withdrew his gaze from the sea of ​​clouds and looked back at the old man with a focused expression in his eyes: "Please enlighten me, senior."

The old man tapped his fingers lightly on the stone tabletop, producing a crisp tapping sound, before speaking after a moment:

"Within the major sects, the most widely accepted method for peak Tai Cang Realm disciples who wish to advance further and touch the mysteries of the Xuan Qiong Realm is for a true Heavenly Monarch Realm expert to use their own Dao Domain as a guide to protect the soul of the peak Tai Cang Realm cultivator and allow them to deeply step into the origin of the Great Dao."

He paused, then explained in detail: "The Heavenly Monarch powerhouse used the power of his Dao Domain to carve out a relatively calm area in the raging Sea of ​​Origin, allowing the souls of the Tai Cang Realm cultivators to immerse themselves in it and personally experience the vast and boundless ocean of the Dao."

Such close-up insights often bring tremendous inspiration and enlightenment. If one can seize the opportunity, one may take a step forward in one's understanding of a certain path and leave one's own mark on the origin of the path.

Once successful, this mark will allow one to draw upon more of the power of the laws of heaven and earth to empower oneself. Although one will not truly possess the corresponding heavenly rank, one will already be able to exert a portion of the power of a Heavenly Monarch; this is what is known as a half-step Heavenly Monarch.

Chen Fei listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

"This method is most widely circulated and relatively mature in major sects, especially in forces with Heavenly Monarch Realm experts in charge."

The old man continued, "However, implementing this method will cause considerable damage to a Heavenly Monarch Realm expert. Moreover, each protection session lasts for at least several hundred years, and time is equally precious for a Heavenly Monarch."

"Moreover, the Great Dao origin contains boundless power, filled with endless Dao impact and assimilative power. A Heavenly Monarch Realm expert protects you with their Dao Domain, which is equivalent to holding up an umbrella for you, but this umbrella is not omnipotent."

Your own temperament and understanding determine how far and how deeply you can see and comprehend under the umbrella. If you lack natural talent, you may be negatively affected by the power of your inherent innate position, leading to instability or even collapse of your position.

"The status has collapsed?" Chen Fei's eyebrows twitched slightly.

“That’s right.” The old man nodded. “If the foundation is not stable, forcibly raising it is like a tree without roots. It may look lush, but a strong wind may break it. Therefore, even in those major sects, those who use this method must go through layers of screening.”

Chen Fei felt a chill run down his spine. He had only known that this method was time-consuming, but had not delved into its risks. Now, after hearing the old man explain it in detail, he realized the dangers involved.

However, almost all the half-step Heavenly Lords in the various sects of the Immortal Dynasty have achieved this method. After all, using half a portion of seventeenth-grade low-level spiritual materials to achieve half-step Heavenly Lord status is far too extravagant. (End of Chapter)