Chapter 1035: Number One King of Nascent Soul State

Thinking about this, Ye Mo sneered and turned to leave, ignoring Wu Yu. He knew taking Dongfang Nana was impossible here, but he now knew her location: the 7-star Eternity Sea Sect. That was enough.

“You want to go? Leave an arm behind…” Wu Yu said coldly. His fan snapped open, unleashing several sharp, bleak rays aimed at Ye Mo’s arm. He intended not merely to sever it, but to pulverize it.

Ye Mo immediately felt a powerful cultivation essence wall sealing him off. Wu Yu made it look effortless, but Ye Mo knew he was merely avoiding a commotion. Even an ordinary Nascent Soul State level three cultivator couldn't withstand this. Any counterattack would cause a significant disturbance.

However, Ye Mo refused to lose an arm. Without hesitation, he prepared to release Zi Xu. But before he could move, a white sword ray streaked past Ye Mo and Wu Yu, easily dissipating Wu Yu's attack and the restraining essence wall.

Ye Mo immediately understood he'd received help. His spirit sense tracked the white ray, which transformed into a flying sword landing on a man's back upstairs. The sword's sheathed state was unusual, further adding to the strangeness of the man carrying it.

Wu Yu hadn't expected intervention after reporting to his sect, but he instantly recognized his rescuer. “Xu Changji, what is the meaning of this? What concerns you? You'd oppose me for a lone cultivator?”

The cultivator replied lazily, “I enjoy interfering in others' affairs. If you object, we can settle it on the dao discussion stage.”

“You…” Wu Yu, clearly outmatched, his face fell. He turned to Dongfang Nana. “Let's go!”

He didn't even bother approaching the spirit rest tower. Dongfang Nana cast a fearful glance at Ye Mo and followed closely. At the door, Wu Yu turned to Ye Mo. “Consider yourself lucky. Don't let me see you again, or it won't just be one arm.”

Ye Mo responded expressionlessly, “The same goes for you. I hope we don't meet again.”

Wu Yu's eyes flashed with contempt before departing. After his exit, the cultivators in the tower erupted in laughter. Ye Mo understood their amusement—his magic artifact resembled an ugly kitchen knife.

Ye Mo stowed Zi Xu as if nothing had happened and saluted the cultivator. “Thank you for your assistance, friend.”

He found the name Xu Changji familiar, though the source eluded him. This middle-aged man, seemingly no older than three hundred years, possessed only Nascent Soul State peak-stage power. Why was Wu Yu so afraid?

Xu Changji laughed, gesturing to Ye Mo. “Brother, care to join me for a chat?”

“Okay.” Ye Mo, sensing no malice, obliged.

Ling Xiaoshuang glared at Ye Mo, saying coldly, “That lecher's lucky. Without Xu Changji, he'd be crippled. Xu Changji rose to fame rapidly, yet I heard he's quite the character. Why would he associate with someone like Ning Xiaoma?”

Ye Mo observed that Xu Changji's intervention silenced further discussion, as if everyone feared him—especially given his status as a lone cultivator. Xu Changji's top-grade room offered a view of the dao discussion stage.

“Brother Xu, thank you,” Ye Mo reiterated.

Xu Changji poured spirit tea for Ye Mo before stating, “You're Ye Mo, from the North Far State, right? Pei Hai City’s Mo Yue also belongs to you.”

Ye Mo stood abruptly, staring at Xu Changji in shock. He'd never met this man; how did he know so much?

Xu Changji smiled. “Don't worry. I suspect you dealt with Tian Aofeng. You only dared because you didn't know who he was.”

Ye Mo's head spun; this information leaked, he'd be forced into hiding. How did he know? He wasn't even certain he'd killed Tian Aofeng.

His detailed knowledge—North Far State origin—implied a Hollow Spirit State cultivator. Yet, how did Xu Changji arrive? Another referral? Suddenly remembering, Ye Mo blurted, “I remember! You're the number one of the fifty Nascent Soul State kings in North Far State, right?”

North Far State lacked a formal Nascent Soul State hall of fame, but fifty kings were recognized. Ye Mo had heard Xu Changji was the foremost.

Xu Changji smiled and nodded. “Indeed. Seeing your unique purple kitchen knife, I recognized you as the Ye Mo Wang Yue sect's Shan Di qian bei mentioned. I was also recommended, by Ling Zhongtian qian bei.”

“North Sand’s top master?” Ye Mo knew Ling Zhongtian, North Far State’s foremost cultivator, also a lone cultivator.

Xu Changji nodded. “Correct. Ling qian bei is undoubtedly the best in North Far State, but the cultivation disparity between North Far State and South Peace State is vast. He wouldn't even rank among the top hundred in South Peace State.”

“Really?” Ye Mo asked, shocked.

“Yes. South Peace State's cultivation surpasses appearances. Many Truth Realization State cultivators remain hidden, aiming for ascension. We rarely hear of them,” Xu Changji affirmed.

Ye Mo inquired, “Brother Xu, since Ling Zhongtian qian bei recommended you, why didn't you join a sect?”

Xu Changji shook his head. “My situation is complex; joining a sect won't resolve it. Besides, even if I did, I couldn't break through Nascent Soul State.”

“Why?” Ye Mo asked instinctively.

Disillusionment flickered in Xu Changji's eyes. After a moment, he said, “My cultivation method is unique and advanced, but it only extends to Nascent Soul State. There are no further stages. A hundred years ago, I reached Nascent Soul State tertiary stage, and I remain there. Without a new method, I'll remain at this level until I die.”

Ye Mo understood. Without a Hollow Spirit State method, forced advancement could prove fatal. He didn't question Xu Changji's choice.

Xu Changji continued, “Ling Zhongtian qian bei knew my predicament and tirelessly sought the latter part of my cultivation method, without success. He used a recommendation to send me here, to seek my own fortune. I've traveled extensively, gaining renown, but found nothing.”

Though Ye Mo could craft a new method using the Three Birth Chant, he hesitated, unsure of Xu Changji's trustworthiness. The Three Birth Chant was an immense secret.