Chapter 261: The Four Great Sacred Lands Head to the Northern Domain!

The Four Great Sacred Lands Head to the Northern Domain!

[Northern Territory Imperial City]

It had been a full half month since Wang Cheng returned before he was summoned.

On the way to see his father, the Emperor, his mind was somewhat preoccupied.

From the beginning to the end, his father had never seemed to fear the Gu Family much, and he had never taken Gu Changge seriously.

But after this visit, he felt that Young Master Gu was not so simple…

Escorted by two guards, Wang Cheng made his way through the luxurious halls and finally arrived at his father’s sleeping quarters.

Seeing his father clad in a black Emperor Robe, Wang Cheng quickly knelt in reverence, “This son pays respect to Father Emperor.”

The two guards also tactfully retreated to wait outside the door.

As for the safety of the Emperor of the Northern Domain, there was no need for them to worry.

“How did the trip to Qingzhou go?”

The Northern Territory Emperor asked casually, his gaze never leaving the booklet in his hand.

He did not take that Young Master of the Gu Family too seriously.

What truly troubled him was Gu Kuang’s breakthrough to the Ninth Grade.

“After my investigation, the tales of the rebirth of an Immortal are false.”

“As for that Immortal Artifact, it is also a fake, but it is a Heavenly Grade Supreme Treasure!”

Wang Cheng didn’t dare to lift his head and could only report honestly.

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“Nonsense.”

“Yue’er has already relayed these details.”

The Northern Territory Emperor frowned slightly.

“Besides… that Young Master Gu is no ordinary individual.”

“He has now reached Perfection in the Ruins Realm, surpassing even Little Sister in his Realm.”

“It is said that he recently faced off against the Legitimate Daughter of the Dongfang Family of Central State and easily triumphed across a Great Realm.”

“Moreover, he has won the heart of said Dongfang Family’s Legitimate Daughter and has fixed an engagement as Daoist Couple.”

Seeing his father was displeased with the information, Wang Cheng’s forehead began to sweat as he hurriedly continued.

“Triumphing across a Great Realm with ease…”

The Northern Territory Emperor slightly raised his gaze, glancing at the kneeling Wang Cheng. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

“It seems that boy is indeed not so simple.”

“However, it’s of no importance.”

“After all, he is merely a junior.”

“Wang Xing will soon head to Central State and enter the Immortal Ascension Sect.”

“You will assume his duties as Crown Prince in the meantime.”

“Is that clear?”

The Northern Territory Emperor pondered briefly, and although he now took Gu Changge somewhat seriously, he did not consider him to be worthy of too much attention.

The greatest trouble with Young Master Gu in his eyes was his engagement with the Legitimate Daughter of the Dongfang Family.

But it was not something that he needed to worry about too much.

During this time, he had already established relations with a Sage of the Immortal Ascension Sect.

And he intended to send Crown Prince Wang Xing to Central State to become the Direct Disciple of that Sage.

As long as he cultivated diligently in Central State and built connections within Central State’s forces, he would become his greatest support in unifying the Northern Domain!

“I will heed all of Father Emperor’s commands…”

Hearing that the Crown Prince would actually go to the Holy Land of Central State, Wang Cheng couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.

Though he was temporarily assuming responsibilities, it was all to pave the way for Wang Xing, the Crown Prince!

When he returned, all that he had done would be credited to him.

“You are dismissed.”

Upon hearing his father’s words, Wang Cheng had no choice but to bow deeply again and respectfully retreated with his head lowered.

“Father Emperor, we should still be wary of that Young Master Gu.”

“His speed of breakthrough is too astonishing.”

“If he continues like this, in less than a decade, the Gu Family will have another Ninth Grade Annihilation Realm!”

“By then, it could be detrimental to our Imperial Family.”

“It might affect the grand strategy…”

After Wang Cheng left, a figure emerged from a room in the sleeping quarters—it was Crown Prince Wang Xing.

He had heard all of the conversation between the two clearly.

Among the many princes, only he was valued by the Emperor, but even when speaking to the Emperor, Crown Prince Wang Xing was bending his body respectfully, careful not to overstep.

“This is not for you to worry about.”

“The booklet contains a list of Central State forces that I have prepared for you.”

“Once you go to the Immortal Ascension Sect, try to build connections with these people.”

“As for that Gu Family brat…”

“Unless he never leaves the Gu Family… otherwise, he will never see the day he reaches the Ninth Grade.”

The Northern Territory Emperor tossed the booklet at the Crown Prince’s feet, letting him bend down to pick it up.

“Furthermore…”

“The Gu Family has obtained a Heavenly Grade Supreme Cultivation Technique.”

“Hasn’t Wang Yue reported this yet?”

His voice paused as he looked at Wang Xing plainly.

“That…”

“Indeed, I haven’t received any news about this from Little Sister.”

Crown Prince Wang Xing furrowed his brows and answered truthfully.

“Hmm…”

“In the future, all messages from Wang Yue will need to be verified.”

The Northern Territory Emperor concluded, then waved his hand to dismiss him.

After Wang Xing left the sleeping quarters, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Being with the Emperor always required him to be highly vigilant, with no room for mistakes.

He wondered whether Little Sister had deliberately omitted it or simply overlooked it.

She had failed to report the news of the Gu Family obtaining a Heavenly Grade Supreme Cultivation Technique.

At this moment… in the Emperor’s eyes, Little Sister was obviously no longer reliable.

Looking at the list in his hands, he no longer dwelled on it and left quickly.

Soon, envoys from the Immortal Ascension Sect would come to lead him to Central State, to enter the Holy Land and become a Direct Disciple.

Currently, his own Realm was not low; at just about thirty years of age, he had reached the Late Stage of the Sixth Grade Refining Void Realm, which was enough to be considered a genius in the Northern Domain.

If he went to the Holy Land of Central State, his cultivation would only progress faster!

…

Meanwhile, in one of the Holy Lands of Central State, the Sword Sect, numerous Elders gathered together because of a piece of news.

Even the Sect Master, a Moon Unification Realm True Monarch had a serious expression as he listened to an Elder report the news.

The lowest among those present were of the Ninth Grade Annihilation Realm, and the Elders of higher Realms even had a substantial number in the Sage Realm!

“Talent of Dao Body, is the news confirmed?”

The Sword Sect Master, Wu Hen Monarch, clad in a white Daoist robe, exuded a restrained presence. Merely sitting in a high position, he appeared as an Immortal, commanding awe and reverence.

Faced with the news provided by an Elder, that a Talent of Dao Body had emerged from the Northern Domain, he harbored some doubts.

“The news is reliable; it was sent back by our sect’s Tributor, Xue Zheng.”

“He has followed this individual for quite some time; there’s no mistake.”

The reporting Elder, also above the Ninth Grade Realm and known as Sage Jian Chen, was quite powerful.

Facing the Sect Master’s question, he spoke with certainty.

“Regardless of its truth, we should still dispatch an Elder to take a look.”

“Which power from the Northern Domain does this individual hail from?”

“The Heavenly Cold Sect, Wang Family, or the Gu Family?”

Other Elders voiced their suggestions upon hearing this.

“The Northern Domain’s Gu Family, the current Young Master Gu Changge.” Sage Jian Chen slightly nodded, agreeing that someone should be sent to investigate first.

“Gu Changge?”

“Such a familiar name…”

“Indeed, it sounds familiar.”

“It’s like…”

“That’s right! Isn’t that the husband proclaimed by Dongfang Mingyue, that Young Master Gu Changge of the Gu Family?”

“It seems… it really is that name.”

Upon this realization, the Elders were suddenly taken aback, all finding the name strangely familiar.

Once someone made the connection, they quickly came to the realization: Wasn’t this the very husband Dongfang Mingyue had recently announced to the public?

No wonder…

With these two pieces of news colliding, the credibility was much higher!

The fact that Dongfang Mingyue had taken a liking to her husband was obviously no ordinary matter; if he possessed an Acquired Dao Body, it wouldn’t be surprising at all.

And since he had caught Dongfang Mingyue’s eye, the likelihood of him having an Acquired Dao Body was greatly increased.

“Since Sage Jian Chen was the first to learn of this news,”

“Let Sage Jian Chen personally make the trip to the Northern Domain.”

Wu Hen Monarch pondered for a moment and, looking casually toward Sage Jian Chen, spoke.

Without waiting for a response, he continued, “Meet any conditions the other party proposes, within reason.”

“If there are any unresolved decisions, communicate with me at any time.”

“The matter of the Talent of Dao Body is of great importance; Elder Jian Chen, please set out as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications.”

Truth be told, many Elders wanted to personally make the visit.

If they could persuade Young Master Gu from the Gu Family to join their sect, it would be a huge win!

As for any promised benefits, those would come from the Sword Sect, requiring little personal contribution.

Their current Saint Heir from the First Peak was a once Talent of Dao Body.

Now barely over a thousand years old, he had already reached the Moon Unification True Monarch Realm, his cultivation not far from that of Wu Hen Monarch himself.

However, since he was wholeheartedly pursuing Dao, the Sword Sect simply provided him with cultivation resources, only calling upon him when absolutely necessary.

“If that’s the case, I’ll depart today.”

Sage Jian Chen slightly bowed and readily accepted the task.

Without regard for the others, he swiftly left to make preparations for his immediate departure to the Northern Domain.

The news of the Talent of Dao Body couldn’t be kept secret.

Certainly, some of the Elders would divulge the news to other Holy Lands or their own families in exchange for some benefits.

The Sword Sect had no effective countermeasure to this, save for doling out punishment if someone was caught in the act.

Once Sage Jian Chen had left, the grand hall was abuzz with discussion.

“If we could recruit another Talent of Dao Body, I wonder if we could replicate the grandeur of the First Peak from back then!”

“Heh, that’s definitely impossible now. After all, that Saint Heir has an Innate Sword Body, not just an ordinary Talent of Dao Body.”

“Yet if we could bring him into our Sword Sect, we should indeed strive with all our might.”

“This young fellow hails from the Northern Domain; he likely won’t ask for too much.”

“As long as our Sword Sect makes the first move and settles the matter, the other Holy Lands will have no ground to stand on.”

Hearing the discussion among many Elders, Wu Hen Monarch proceeded to take out a Communication Jade Token to contact Dongfang Hongyi of the Dongfang Family.

Being Dongfang Mingyue’s Daoist Guardian, Dongfang Hongyi must have been involved in her visit to the Northern Domain.

The details of this Young Master Gu needed to be thoroughly ascertained.

Before long, the Jade Talisman received a reply.

A single line was inscribed, yet it caused Wu Hen Monarch to furrow his brow.

[Acquiring Young Master Gu of the Gu Family is worth any price. Failing to bring him into the Sword Sect would be our greatest loss.]

“It appears…”

“This Gu lad is far from simple.”

“To elicit such high praise from Daoist Fellow Hongyi.”

Though not detailed, such an assessment had already given Wu Hen Monarch a good understanding.

Still…

It was unclear whether this was merely Dongfang Hongyi inflating the worth of Dongfang Mingyue’s husband on her behalf.

In any case, the Talent of Dao Body was not to be missed!

…

No sooner had Sage Jian Chen of the Sword Sect, a Sage Realm Elder, departed,

The news of Young Master Gu of the Gu Family from the Northern Domain, bearing the Talent of Dao Body, had already spread to the other three Great Sacred Lands!

[Immortal Ascension Sect]

Elders and the Sect Master gathered at the peak.

“A Talent of Dao Body from the Gu Family in the Northern Domain, what do you all think?”

Enshrined above on an Immortal Crane, the True Monarch Realm Sect Master already bore half the visage of an Immortal.

“We must certainly strive for it.”

“The Sword Sect already boasts the First Peak’s Innate Sword Body Saint Heir, the Buddhist Sect has a Buddha Son who is a Talent of Dao Body, and even Wan Hua Valley has that girl born with a Charming Bone. Only our Immortal Ascension Sect has lost our fifth Saint Heir who was a Talent of Dao Body to an unfortunate demise.”

“However, the Sword Sect has the upper hand, so our sect should be prepared to offer a higher price.”

Numerous Elders expressed their agreement that the Talent of Dao Body must not be overlooked.

In no time, a Sage Realm Elder volunteered to head to the Northern Domain to recruit Young Master Gu of the Gu Family, the Talent of Dao Body.

But after all, the other party has deep connections with the Sword Sect and the Dongfang Family as well, so if they wanted to draw him in, the promises needed would naturally be more substantial!

Currently, within the Four Great Sacred Lands,

only the Immortal Ascension Sect lacked a Taoist Body with the capability to make a grand appearance!

They had no choice but to compete!

[Buddhist Sect]

Countless golden and magnificent stupas stood tall.

The tallest of these stupas shone brilliantly for tens of miles around, its Buddhist light gracing all.

“Buddha Master, should our Buddhist Sect draw in this Acquired Dao Body?”

Inside the stupa, Buddhas on either side, with hands clasped, posed the question to the Buddha Master seated high upon the lotus throne.

“Let nature take its course,”

“One person of a Buddhist heart can bring ten thousand years of brilliance to our sect.”

The Buddha Master radiated faint golden light, with a golden halo behind his head that emitted an aura of merit, enlightening all.

Though he spoke thus, he still arranged for a Sage Realm Buddhist to take a trip to the Northern Domain.

[Wan Hua Valley]

True to its name, this Holy Land sat among mountains and valleys of flowers, their fragrance refreshing to the soul.

Especially the fairies of its sect, dressed lightly, unbothered by the absence of men.

The Master of Wan Hua Valley, upon hearing the recent news, frowned, “If it’s a man, why bother reporting it?”

“Valley Master… he has the Talent of Dao Body after all.”

“If we can ensure his survival, he will be a future Human Immortal!”

“Please consider this thoroughly, Valley Master.”

“Especially for Mei’er, if she can find a suitable Daoist Couple, it would be greatly beneficial.”

“She looks down upon ordinary individuals, and that one from the Sword Sect is close to reaching the Land Immortal Realm, impossible now, and that from the Buddhist Sect… is utterly immersed in his foolish Buddhist cultivation, even less likely.”

“Isn’t this one now a prime candidate?”

Unlike other sects, Wan Hua Valley doesn’t have Elders, but Valley Masters of each individual flower valley.

Half of them disagreed with coursing this Gu Family Young Master who possessed the Talent of Dao Body, but another fifty percent felt it’s worth trying to draw him in.

Especially when Mei’er was mentioned, this person from Wan Hua Valley renowned for her Charming Bone.

The others were momentarily indecisive.

“Forget it, since the Orchid Valley Master proposed to attract him, you should go.”

Eventually, the Master of Wan Hua Valley spoke, permitting that proposing Orchid Valley Master, a Sage Realm, to make a trip to the Northern Domain.

“It’s a pity, if only Mei’er wasn’t in seclusion.”

“If she went to the Northern Domain, that Young Master Gu would surely join our Wan Hua Valley willingly…”

After Sage Orchid left under orders, she couldn’t help but shake her head in lament.

With Charming Bone naturally irresistible, that Gu Family Young Master would not be able to resist the temptation, if only she beckoned, she could make him willingly join Wan Hua Valley!

…

At this very moment, Gu Changge was as usual.

After finishing a night of cultivation, he casually glanced at his panel.

After reaching the Void Refining Realm, his speed had slowed down slightly.

[Host: Gu Changge]

[Root Bone: 761]

[Comprehension: 707]

[Cultivation Technique: Emperor Dragon Control Secret, Heavenly Cold Technique, Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Technique, Purple Qi Eastward Technique.]

[Realm: Void Refining Realm · Early Stage (5/100)]

[Divine Skills: abbreviated…]

[Talent: Transcendence, Protection, Taoist Pupil, Fatian Xiangdi, Hidden Breath, Dragon Flame]

[Attribute Point: Thirty thousand]

It had been two days since he broke through to the Void Refining Realm,

yet the progress in the Realm section had only increased to five.

“Two points a day, with normal cultivation, it will take fifty days to break through a Small Realm…”

“This speed is way too slow.”

Looking at the progress on the panel, he was accustomed to breaking through a Small Realm in a month, and now he was somewhat dissatisfied.

However, if he could get some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to feed his wife, he might speed up the process.

About forty days to break through a Small Realm would be adequate.

“Based on this, to break through to the Seventh Grade Unlimited Realm, I would need about one hundred and sixty days, almost half a year…”

Gu Changge shook his head, still feeling dissatisfied after calculating.

But this speed, if it were anyone else, would probably astound them.

By the Sixth Grade Refining Void Realm, breaking through a Realm would typically take years to calculate.

Let alone he had opened four Qi Seas, each breakthrough requiring four times the Spiritual Energy and accumulation compared to others!

If not for building the perfect foundation, he could indeed break through a Small Realm in ten days!

“Hmm?”

“A message from Senior Xue?”

Suddenly he felt a slight pulse emitting from the Communication Jade Token.

[The message has been sent back to the Sword Sect, an Elder will come to see you within half a month.]

“Senior Xue really works efficiently…”

Gu Changge put away the Jade Talisman, not taking the matter too seriously.

Little did he know, he had already caused quite a stir in Central State.

Just the announcement by Dongfang Mingyue that they were to become a Daoist Couple had already spread his fame throughout Central State.

Now, the sudden news of him being a Talent of Dao Body had immediately sparked discussions among the Four Great Sacred Lands, with each sending envoys to try and draw him in.

Even he himself did not realize how much impact the Acquired Dao Body would have.

After all…

By now, he no longer cared about the Acquired Dao Body.

Even the Small Success Saint Body was not far off!

With nothing pressing to do, Gu Changge decided to check the Gu Family Treasure Vault for any appropriate Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to bring back and feed his wife.

Otherwise, the normal rate of cultivation was very unsatisfying to him!

In no time at all, he had reached the Gu Family Treasure Vault, guarded by an Eighth Grade Elder.

“Greetings, Young Master.”

As he approached, the originally bored-looking Fourth Elder immediately became spirited, standing and performing a respectful hand gesture.

“Is the Young Master lacking anything?”

“Feel free to take whatever you need, if the Gu Family Treasure Vault doesn’t have it, I can help the Young Master find it outside.”

The Fourth Elder waved his hand grandly, usually, even Deacons and Elders of the Gu Family had to state what they were taking from the Treasure Vault, what it was to be used for, leaving a record behind.

But the Young Master was an exception!

“You overstate, Elder…”

“I’m just taking some materials needed for cultivation.”

Gu Changge slightly bowed and proceeded directly into the Treasure Vault, the Fourth Elder followed behind, after picking and choosing for a while, he finally left satisfied with the findings.

Seeing this, the Fourth Elder sent him off, couldn’t help but beat his chest in regret: “Our Gu Family’s heritage is still not sufficient, nothing caught the Young Master’s eye!”

“This must be improved quickly, from now on more Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures should be collected from the Northern Domain, so the Young Master can choose at any time.”