Chapter 913
Chapter 913
Asking the City of Inquiry and the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Laws
After leaving Luoxia Mountain Market, Fu Shaoping did not immediately go to the Tianji Pavilion branch.
He needs time to digest what he learned from the Black Wind Cave, deduce the methods of "contract transfer" and "causal grafting," and combine them with his idea of purifying the "Pillar." At the same time, he also needs to further familiarize himself with the environment of the Central Plains and confirm his next goal.
He rented a secluded courtyard in Mingxin City, a medium-sized immortal city in the southern part of Donghua Domain, set up an array, and began a secluded cultivation that would last for several months.
The focus of this retreat is not on breaking through cultivation levels (reaching perfection from the late stage of Golden Core requires both hard work and a suitable opportunity), but rather on integrating and deepening the Dao of Contracts.
Six months later, Fu Shaoping emerged from seclusion. The light in his eyes had become more subdued, and his aura had become increasingly profound. The transfer and grafting techniques in the Ancient Contract Fragment had been initially integrated with his own inheritance. Although there was still a gap before it could be practically applied to the "Contract Pivot," the concept had become much clearer.
“It’s time to go to the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.” Fu Shaoping took out the token given to him by Xing Yanzi—a blue jade pendant engraved with the words “Heavenly Secrets”.
He left Mingxin City, took the inter-domain teleportation array, and after several days and many transfers, finally arrived at the core area of the Central Divine Continent—the Central Heavenly Domain.
The central celestial region boasts a spiritual energy concentration far exceeding that of its peripheral areas. Its mountains and rivers are exquisitely beautiful, with dragon veins winding through the air. High-level cultivators can be seen soaring through the skies, and giant flying boats shuttle back and forth. The mountain gates and mansions of powerful sects and ancient families are either hidden in misty, celestial mountains or stand tall in bustling metropolises, each possessing its own unique grandeur.
The core of the Central Heavenly Domain is the renowned megacity—the City of Inquiry.
This city is not controlled by a single power, but is jointly managed by five of the most powerful super powers in the Central Plains: the Heavenly Evolution Sect, the Taixu Sword Palace, the Nine Heavens Thunder Palace, the Great Bright Temple, and the Creation Academy, maintaining a delicate balance. Private fights are prohibited in the city, and order is well maintained. It is the undisputed political, economic, cultural, and cultivation center of the Central Plains.
When Fu Shaoping stepped into the City of Inquiry, even with his extensive knowledge and experience, he couldn't help but be awestruck by the grandeur of this colossal city.
The city wall, over a thousand feet high and stretching for countless miles, was entirely constructed of Nine Heavens Mystic Jade. Array formations shimmered upon it, subtly resonating with the laws of heaven and earth. At the city gate, cultivators thronged, their auras varying in strength, yet all moved with hurried steps, displaying a confidence and busyness unique to the core region.
After paying an entrance fee of one hundred high-grade spirit stones (the cost of living in Wen Dao City is the highest in the Central Plains), Fu Shaoping entered the city.
The streets, hundreds of feet wide, were paved with white jade, spotless and immaculate. Towering pavilions on both sides soared into the clouds, their carved beams and painted rafters radiating spiritual light. In the sky, planned "flying passages" allowed countless cultivators to navigate in orderly fashion, riding various flying magical artifacts and spirit beasts along specific streaks of light. The air was thick with spiritual energy, almost liquefied, and filled with the strange fluctuations emanating from high-grade pills, magical treasures, and spiritual materials.
"As expected of the core of the Central Plains," Fu Shaoping thought to himself, following the flow of people towards the city center.
The headquarters of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion in the Central Plains was located on the most prosperous "Heavenly Pivot Avenue" in the City of Inquiry. It was a tower-shaped building with ninety-nine floors, made entirely of star-refined gold. A huge phantom of a "Celestial Sphere" floated on the top of the tower, slowly rotating as if it were deducing the secrets of heaven, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
Fu Shaoping arrived in front of the Tianji Pavilion and showed Xing Yanzi's token, a jade pendant.
Upon seeing the jade pendant, the guard's expression immediately became respectful. He led him to a quiet room and quickly informed the others.
Before long, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in a star-patterned Daoist robe, with a refined appearance and unfathomable aura, pushed open the door and entered. Fu Shaoping's heart skipped a beat. This person gave him the feeling that he was even stronger than Xing Yanzi, at least at the peak of the Golden Core stage, and perhaps even... half a step into the Nascent Soul stage!
"I am Guan Xingzi, the elder of the Central Plains Branch of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion." The middle-aged cultivator smiled and cupped his hands. "Fellow Daoist Lu has come bearing a token from Junior Brother Xingyan of the Northern Branch, so you must be one of us. May I ask what brings you here, Fellow Daoist Lu?"
Fu Shaoping rose and returned the greeting: "Senior Guan Xingzi, I am Lu Ping. Entrusted by Senior Xing Yanzi, I have come to the Central Plains to travel and seek a method to purify the evil energy of 'Qi Shu' and an opportunity to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. I am new here and have come to pay my respects. I also hope to borrow some of your books and information about ancient contracts, purification techniques, and the general situation of various forces in the Central Plains."
He briefly told him about the situation in the Northern Territory regarding "Qi Shu" and the Wanqi Alliance, as well as his cooperative relationship with the Tianji Pavilion (omitting core secrets such as "Qi Yuan Stone").
After listening, Guan Xingzi's expression turned solemn: "So Fellow Daoist Lu is the contract genius from the Northern Territory who possessed the 'Contract Token' and assisted in sealing the 'Contract Pivot'! Junior Brother Xingyan praised you highly in his message, and seeing you today, it is indeed true to your reputation. With a late-stage Golden Core cultivation, your contract essence is so pure and profound, which is truly rare."
He pondered for a moment: "Our pavilion has been researching the 'Qi Shu' purification. The main library does indeed have a number of related ancient books, including fragments of ancient purification methods. Fellow Daoist Lu is not only a guest of our pavilion but also shoulders important responsibilities, so it is no problem for him to consult these books."
"As for breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage..." Guan Xingzi smiled, "Fellow Daoist Lu has arrived at just the right time. The 'Ten Thousand Laws Conference' in twenty-three years from now, specifically the 'Contractual Dao Discussion' sub-forum, may be your opportunity."
"Oh? Please explain in detail, senior." Fu Shaoping perked up.
Guan Xingzi said, "The Myriad Laws Assembly is a grand cultivation event held once every hundred years in the Central Plains, hosted by the five super powers in rotation. Next time, it will be the turn of the 'Tianyan Sect'. The assembly aims to exchange Daoist methods, hone skills, and exchange resources. Among them, the 'Contract Dao Discussion' forum, although not the most lively fighting arena, is the most important exchange platform for contract cultivators. At that time, not only will many extraordinary people who cultivate the Dao of Contracts be present, but there will also be an opportunity for 'Contract Origin Initiation'."
"Contract Origin Initiation?"
“Indeed. It is said that the Tianyan Sect possesses an entrance to an ancient 'Contract Dao Source' ruin, which can be opened once every hundred years, drawing upon a wisp of the purest contract origin power to baptize destined contract cultivators. If one can withstand the impact of the origin, not only will their understanding of the contract Dao greatly increase, but it may even help them break through bottlenecks and increase their chances of condensing their Nascent Soul!” A hint of longing appeared in Guan Xingzi’s eyes. “However, to obtain the qualification for initiation, one must perform exceptionally well in the 'Contract Dao Discussion' and gain the joint recognition of the Tianyan Sect and the several contract grandmasters present.”
Fu Shaoping's heart burned with excitement. The Contract Origin Initiation! This was an opportunity tailor-made for him! If he could receive this initiation, his Contract Origin would undoubtedly become even stronger, providing tremendous assistance in purifying the "Contract Pivot" and breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.
"Twenty-three years... that's not a lot of time, but it's enough for preparation," Fu Shaoping thought to himself. He needed to push the Dao of Contracts to the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage during this period and gather as many methods as possible for purifying the "Contract Pivot".
"Thank you for your guidance, senior." Fu Shaoping cupped his hands in thanks. "May I go to the library to consult the classics now?"
“Of course. I will arrange a quiet room for you and give you a temporary reading token. Except for the ‘Heavenly Secrets Treasury’ on the top floor, you can consult and copy all the other books. In addition, if you need anything during your stay in Daocheng, you can also use this token to get some assistance from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.” Guan Xingzi took out a silver token and handed it to Fu Shaoping.
"I am extremely grateful."
For the next few months, Fu Shaoping lived a simple life between the quiet room arranged for him by the Tianji Pavilion and the library. The sheer volume of books in the Tianji Pavilion far exceeded his expectations. The records about ancient contracts were vast, though mostly incomplete or vague, they still gave him a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient contract system, schools, and rise and fall. The records about contracts involving "purification," "sealing," and "transfer" in particular provided him with much inspiration.
He combined this knowledge with his own inheritance, continuously refining his concept of purifying the "Qi Shu," and even initially designed a purification scheme framework called the "Three-Turn Purification Qi Shu Array." This array requires the "Qi Yuan Stone" as its power source, the fragment of the "Purification Heavenly Stele" as its core beacon, and the "Contract Transfer and Grafting" technique as its bridge. It is divided into three steps to gradually peel off, transfer, and purify the evil energy of the "Qi Shu."
Of course, this is just a theoretical framework. Its implementation requires massive resources, meticulous planning, and his own cultivation level of at least the Nascent Soul stage, as well as a profound understanding of the contract rules.
During this period, he also kept a close eye on the developments of various parties in the Central Plains through the intelligence network of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, especially regarding any clues about the "Ten Thousand Contracts Alliance." However, the Ten Thousand Contracts Alliance seemed to be keeping an extremely low profile in the Central Plains, with no obvious traces other than the chance encounter at Black Wind Cave.
A year later, Fu Shaoping had basically finished reading through all the useful books in the library. He felt that his understanding of the Dao of Contracts had deepened, and his cultivation at the late stage of Golden Core had become completely stable, faintly touching the threshold of the Golden Core Perfection.
“It’s time to go out and explore. Staying behind closed doors is not the best strategy. We need to verify what we have learned through travel, seek opportunities, and prepare for the Grand Assembly of All Laws.” Fu Shaoping made his decision.
He bid farewell to Guan Xingzi and left Tianji Pavilion.
Over the next twenty years, Fu Shaoping's footprints covered the Central Heavenly Domain and several surrounding domains.
He has visited remnants of ancient contracts, such as the Fire Element Contract Remnant Array in "Fire Cloud Cave" and the Contract Black Iron Ore Vein in "Golden Stone Abyss"; he has also ventured into some dangerous and desolate places to search for rare contract-attribute spiritual materials; and he has exchanged and sparred with many cultivators who practice the Way of Contracts, including both orthodox inheritors and eccentric geniuses who practice unorthodox contract methods.
He witnessed the prosperity and cruelty of the cultivation world in the Central Plains, experienced several life-or-death crises, and also gained several opportunities. His practical experience became increasingly rich, and his contractual methods became more flexible and versatile. Under his constant harmonization and application, the two fragments of the "Contract Order" became more and more closely connected. Although they were not yet fully integrated, the "dual-core linkage" was already as easy as using his own limbs.
His cultivation, through repeated trials and insights, naturally broke through to the perfect Golden Core stage. His Golden Core was flawless, his nine orifices spontaneously formed, and his efficiency in absorbing and expelling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth far surpassed what it had been before. He was only one opportunity away from forming his Nascent Soul.
He had also encountered several attempts to probe or track him by suspected members of the Wanqi Alliance, but they were extremely cautious and would disappear without a trace at the slightest sign of trouble. Fu Shaoping was in no hurry to alert them, and simply silently noted down the clues.
Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye.
There are only three years left until the Grand Assembly of All Laws.
Fu Shaoping returned to the City of Asking Questions.
This time, he was no longer keeping a low profile. His perfected Golden Core cultivation, coupled with the composed demeanor he had cultivated over the years, made him a figure of considerable interest in the City of Inquiry. Those who cultivated the Dao of Contracts, in particular, could sense the pure and unique Daoist aura emanating from him.
He rented a cave dwelling with abundant spiritual energy near the "Tianyan Sect" headquarters in Wendao City and began making final preparations for the Myriad Laws Conference.
He needs to thoroughly integrate what he has learned from his twenty years of travels, adjust the way of contracts to its best state, and deduce several secret methods or insights that he can use in "discussions on contracts" and that can demonstrate his mastery of contracts.
At the same time, he also began to pay attention to the contracted cultivators who participated in the All-Laws Assembly.
Through intelligence gathered by the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion and rumors circulating in the city, he learned of several individuals who might become formidable rivals or key figures to watch:
Meng Qingyuan, the chief true disciple of the "Contract Lineage" of the Tianyan Sect, has reached the Golden Core stage and is said to have received part of the true teachings of the "Contract Dao Source". He is one of the strongest contenders for the initiation qualification this time.
Luo Bingyun of Taixu Sword Palace, although a sword cultivator, also cultivates the "Heart Sword Contract," using sword intent to carry the contract. This unique approach makes her strength not to be underestimated.
Lei Dong of the Nine Heavens Thunder Palace cultivates the "Thunder Pact," which is fierce, violent, and extremely destructive.
The "Old Man of Ghostly Calculation," a master of contracts among rogue cultivators, is skilled in contract deduction and curse contracts. His actions are both righteous and wicked, and no one dares to underestimate him.
Huo Ling'er, from the "Heavenly Fire Sect" in the Southern Li Domain, specializes in the "Fire Element Contract," has a fiery temperament, and possesses exceptional talent.
In addition, some contracted cultivators from reclusive lineages or special races may also make an appearance.
"What a gathering of talents!" Fu Shaoping felt the pressure, but also became even more excited. Sharing the stage with the world's most outstanding contract experts was the best opportunity to test his own knowledge and hone his skills in the art of contracts.
During the final year of his seclusion, Fu Shaoping focused his main efforts on developing a combination of contractual techniques that integrated offense and defense, and demonstrated his understanding of the true meaning of contracts such as "purification," "transfer," and "judgment." He named it the "Three Contracts Returning to the Source Technique."
This method is based on the dual core of "Contract Command" and simulates part of the power of "Contract Pivot". It can evolve into three forms: "Contract of Purification", "Contract of Transfer" and "Contract of Judgment" to deal with different situations.
Three years flew by in the midst of intense preparations.
The day for the Great Assembly of All Dharmas to be held has finally arrived.
The entire City of Inquiry was in an uproar. Countless cultivators from the Central Divine Continent and even the surrounding regions poured in like a tidal wave. The five super powers also dispatched a large number of disciples to maintain order, and powerful divine senses swept across the sky from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the grand event.
The main venue for the grand assembly was located in the center of Daocheng, at the "Myriad Manifestations Dao Performance Arena," jointly established by the five major powers. The space within this arena had been temporarily expanded to accommodate a million spectators. Dozens of arenas and discussion platforms were set up in the center, each corresponding to a different cultivation school. (End of Chapter)