Chapter 1023: Soar Into Existence
“Two hundred ninety-nine names indeed…” Ling Xiaoshuang murmured. Above the golden core state trial tablet floated an empty white jade tablet, unmarked and seemingly extraneous.
“Soar Into Existence!” she exclaimed softly. She was certain Ye Mo's name resided on that white jade tablet, making him the top-ranked golden core cultivator, though hidden for some reason. Even nine-star sect disciples wouldn't understand the significance of "Soaring Into Existence." It wasn't merely topping the trial tablet; it heralded an impending cataclysm in the cultivation realm. The golden core trial tablet protected this individual, concealing their name until they could protect themselves. Ling Xiaoshuang knew her master possessed this knowledge, though few others did.
Determining if Ye Mo was this individual was simple. A successful addition to the tablet would yield three hundred names; the trial tablet would automatically remove the last entry, leaving the "Soar Into Existence" name permanently inscribed. No future cultivator, however powerful, could surpass it. Countless years the tablets had stood, and only the nascent soul state cultivator tablet held a permanently inscribed name: Chu Jiuyu, who used magic artifacts during the trial. However, Chu Jiuyu hadn't attempted other tablets, implying his name, while first, could be surpassed. Ye Mo might be that successor. Who was he, and what fortune had elevated him to such a height?
Ling Xiaoshuang approached the golden core state trial tablet, intending to test both her own abilities and Ye Mo's status. She disliked showing off, avoiding even the golden core hall of fame, but her master had urged her to try the tablet before forming her nascent soul, claiming significant benefits. Despite the potential for ridicule should she fail, she proceeded.
“Ling Xiaoshuang attempts the trial…”
“She's not even in the golden core hall of fame; the tablet cares nothing for appearances…”
“Silence! Do you wish to die? How dare you speak of her so?”
Her presence excited the onlookers. Clad in a snow-white dress, she resembled a vibrant lily before the tablet. But before they could fully admire her, she soared into the air. The intense pressure and palpable killing intent revealed the trial's true purpose, confirming her master's wisdom. Reaching twenty-one meters, she recognized her limit. Disappointment mingled with acceptance as she inscribed her name, "Ling Xiaoshuang." The words transformed into a pale white ray, embedding themselves within the tablet.
“Ling Xiaoshuang ranks twenty-third on the golden core state trial tablet…” the news spread rapidly. Her achievement, placing her among the top twenty-three, was remarkable, considering her absence from the hall of fame. She examined the tablet, noting the restoration to three hundred names. Ye Mo truly was the "Soar Into Existence" individual. She had to inform her master immediately.
Ling Xiaoshuang departed, leaving behind a flurry of discussion that even eclipsed Xiao Fei's.
“Hmm, who said a name was missing? I've recounted them; it's three hundred.” Someone corrected the earlier observation.
“Indeed, three hundred. What happened before?”
The discussion ceased abruptly as a wave of fear washed over the square. An overwhelmingly powerful spirit sense swept the area repeatedly, followed by two more, leaving the cultivators unnerved. The senses, clearly emanating from Cauldron Filling state cultivators or higher, carried a potent and angry killing intent.
A chilling voice echoed across South Peace City: “Lightning Cloud Sect’s core disciple, Tian Aofeng, was slain at the Heartless Sea. The culprit may be in South Peace City. Those who provide information will receive a Cao Huan Pill (golden core cultivators), Hollow Meridian Pill (nascent soul cultivators), and protection from the Lightning Cloud Sect. Assisting this person will incur the wrath of the Lightning Cloud Sect…”
“A Truth Realization state cultivator…”
The city's inhabitants understood that only a Truth Realization state cultivator could project their voice throughout the city. The death of core disciple Tian Aofeng, who showed promise of surpassing Fang Zhongshi, sent shockwaves through the populace. Who dared commit such an act?
The city lord dispatched investigators, too afraid to protest. Within the city lord's estate, a gathering of Body Condensation state cultivators and above had formed, making it a temporary Lightning Cloud Sect base.
“On the ship, Aofeng severed a solo cultivator's arm, and a level nine golden core cultivator intervened. Given Aofeng's nature, even after the sea monster incident, he wouldn't have let that golden core cultivator go; he likely pursued him,” a Body Condensation state cultivator explained.
The elder, whose age was unreadable and commanded respect even from the Cauldron Filling state cultivators, inquired, “Recount the events precisely. Was the armless cultivator found?”
“Yes,” the Body Condensation cultivator replied. “As the level nine golden core cultivator reached the deck, the severed arm fell before him. Aofeng ordered the cultivator to retrieve and return it. Instead, he reattached the arm, and the armless cultivator vanished during the spirit beast attack, likely consumed.”
“Could Aofeng have… fallen victim to the spirit beast?” a Cauldron Filling state cultivator asked.
Elder Tian interrupted, “Impossible. The spirit beast didn't target Aofeng, and he possessed powerful world transmission runes. He could escape at will. A cultivator is the only likely culprit.”