Cultivation: Start From Simplifying Martial Arts Techniques

Chapter 89: Spirit Tempering Realm

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Guo Linshan retrieved an object from his pocket and took a few steps back, aiming it at Chen Fei and the approaching green ghost.

“Photostone? Senior Brother, what are you doing?” Chen Fei looked at the item in Guo Linshan’s hand, surprised and confused about his intentions.

“Leave some evidence. Junior Brother, you’re going to contribute this time!” Guo Linshan’s face lit up with a bright smile. He used the Photostone to capture a picture of Chen Fei holding a sword with one hand, with dozens of green monsters in the background, and most importantly, the white candle.

Chen Fei couldn’t help but laugh at Guo Linshan’s unexpected possession of a Photostone. He had prior knowledge about the limitations of the Photostone—no sound, short duration, and slightly blurry images. It was similar to the video stone used during Chen Fei’s assessment in the Alchemist Alliance, which only recorded key moments, not the entire process.

Furthermore, the Photostone had a limited number of uses before it would break. It was expensive and not durable, making it impractical for frequent use. Otherwise, if it had a longer lifespan, it could potentially spawn a new industry in this world.

“Let’s go, Senior Brother!” Chen Fei glanced at the approaching green specters. After Guo Linshan revealed the Photostone, the atmosphere shifted. Chen Fei, who was initially nervous and fearful, now felt like he was on a vacation.

“Roar!” Suddenly, a green ghost leaped out and lunged at Chen Fei. With a slight movement of his arm, Chen Fei formed a shield of sword light, blocking the green ghost at a distance.

“Alright, let’s go.” Guo Linshan put away the Photostone and laughed heartily.

“Good!” Chen Fei grabbed Guo Linshan’s shoulder, and they continued running down the mountain. The number of green monsters chasing them didn’t increase much. There were about 40 to 50, indicating that those were probably all there was.

As they ran, the green monsters piled up and overlapped, creating a terrifying sight. However, with the white candle in Guo Linshan’s hand, which had burned halfway, and Chen Fei’s speed, it should last until they reached Immortal Cloud City without a problem.

Fortunately, Feng Xiupu and the others had managed to hold off the big monster. Otherwise, Chen Fei would have inadvertently attracted a stronger monster with this wave. It wouldn’t have been so easy to deal with.

“Lure them directly to Immortal Cloud City?” Chen Fei asked in a low voice.

“Yes, we’ll lead them straight there. The city has a protective array formation. Once these creatures approach, they will surely meet their demise,” Guo Linshan affirmed, nodding his head.

“Senior Brother, what is a Spiritual Sword?”

As they lured the monsters, Chen Fei’s mind wandered to the Green Ridge Sword in Feng Xiupu’s possession. He couldn’t help but be intrigued by it, especially after observing Feng Xiupu’s handling of the sword.

Chen Fei glanced at his own longsword, which had already corroded from blocking the green specters. A few more strikes and it would likely become unusable.

“A Spiritual Sword is a sword imbued with spirit,” Guo Linshan pondered for a moment before providing an explanation.

Chen Fei almost stumbled upon hearing Guo Linshan’s response. Wasn’t that an overly literal explanation?

“Hahaha, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure either. I’ve only heard Master mention it on occasion,” Guo Linshan chuckled. “I heard that it’s a weapon used exclusively by experts in the Spirit Tempering realm. For those of us in the Body Tempering realm, we can’t unleash its desired effect. You’re familiar with the Spirit Tempering realm, right?”

“I’ve heard people mention that after reaching the Visceral Tempering realm, one can continue to cultivate and break through to reach the Spirit Tempering realm,” Chen Fei nodded, seeking clarification.

“That’s right. The Spirit Tempering realm is the next stage after the Visceral Tempering realm. However, the Spirit Tempering realm is a general term. The subsequent realm after Visceral Tempering is called the Aperture Tempering Realm. By using our spirit to open the mysterious Aperture acupoints in our bodies, we can further stimulate the potential within,” Guo Linshan explained with a tinge of yearning.

“Is Master in the Aperture Tempering realm?” Chen Fei asked in a hushed voice, finding Feng Xiupu’s strength somewhat peculiar. Feng Xiupu’s aura didn’t differ much from an ordinary Visceral Tempering realm cultivator; it was just slightly more profound.

“He used to be, but Master suffered severe injuries, causing his realm to decline. Nevertheless, since his master was in the Aperture Tempering realm, he retained some of his powers and could control the Green Ridge Sword,” Guo Linshan sighed.

Chen Fei gained some clarity. Just as he was about to inquire further, a loud sound echoed from a distance of over ten miles. Despite the distance, the two of them could discern it clearly.

They turned their heads and witnessed a sword light soaring into the sky before quickly vanishing.

“Is that the Green Ridge Sword?” Chen Fei inquired eagerly.

“I don’t know. It’s too far to tell,” Guo Linshan replied, shaking his head.

“Those creatures have stopped!” Chen Fei observed the green monsters in the distance. They had come to a halt, and the white candle’s peculiar effect seemed to have ceased.

“Hisss!” A low, sharp sound emanated from the mouths of the monsters. Subsequently, they abruptly turned around and rushed up the mountain.

“The leader must be injured, prompting them to summon the subordinates back,” Guo Linshan’s eyes sparkled as he extinguished the remaining white candles.

“Shall we return to the sect now?” Chen Fei asked softly.

“Yes, let’s head back,” Guo Linshan nodded. “The sect is already aware of the situation here, so help should arrive soon. We’ll return and await Master and the others.”

“Sounds good!” Chen Fei agreed, and the two of them dashed toward the main gate of the Primordial Sword Sect.

Due to the secluded path they had taken down the mountain, it took them an hour to return to the sect.

“Eldest Senior Brother is back!”

“Eldest Senior Brother! Junior Brother Chen, it’s a relief to see you both unharmed!”

Upon seeing Guo Linshan and Chen Fei, everyone swarmed around, their faces filled with joyful smiles. Escaping the disaster and making it back safely was akin to being reborn for many. They had believed that their lives were doomed, but now they were pleasantly surprised by their survival.

“Is everyone accounted for?” Guo Linshan scanned the crowd, realizing that a few individuals were still missing. The others fell silent upon hearing his question.

It had been a considerable amount of time. If those missing hadn’t returned by now, it was unlikely they would ever return.

Guo Linshan sighed, recognizing that he and Chen Fei had done everything they could. Although the white candle had attracted the monsters, its range was limited, and it couldn’t lure all of them at once. Unfortunate encounters with the green monsters might have cost some lives.

Two hours later, Feng Xiupu and the others finally arrived.

They bore evident injuries, with some even missing an arm. Feng Xiupu was drenched in blood, but thankfully, he was safe.

Feng Xiupu was taken aback by the number of returnees. Dealing with the monsters had proven far more challenging than anticipated, and their defenses had been breached repeatedly.

He had intended to give chase, but he found himself entangled with the leader of the monsters. If not for the sect reinforcements arriving in the nick of time, Feng Xiupu and his comrades might have perished alongside the creature.

“Rest for now. We’ll discuss everything later,” Feng Xiupu sighed heavily and retired to his quarters. The others dispersed accordingly.

The night was long, and many struggled to find peace in their beds.

The following morning, as Chen Fei approached Feng Xiupu’s courtyard, he was met with an unusual commotion. Voices were raised in a heated argument..