Chapter 251 - 249: Cultivation Advances Again, The Grotto Heaven Opens

The Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill worked slowly, seeping through his blood and meridians until it reached his very marrow, cleansing it layer by layer.

The sensation was incredibly soothing.

When a normal person bathed, they only cleaned the surface of their body. But at this moment, Luo Tian felt as if he were being thoroughly cleansed from the inside out.

Half a day passed.

The medicinal effects of the Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill faded completely, and the soothing sensation vanished.

But Luo Tian felt light all over, as if he had been reborn in a new body—completely transformed.

Luo Tian opened his eyes to see his body covered in a layer of dark red, viscous filth that emitted a foul stench.

This was all the impurities and filth that the Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill had purged from his body. Part of it was even the residual blood-fiend aura from the Ten Thousand Spirits Blood-devouring Pill.

Luo Tian immediately went to wash the filth from his body.

Afterward, he returned to the Cultivation Secret Room.

’The Four Grotto Heavens are open to all Upper Sect Disciples, but my cultivation is definitely the lowest in the entire Upper Sect...’

In terms of strength as well, Luo Tian, having just become an Upper Sect Disciple, was at the very bottom.

’When the Four Grotto Heavens open, I’m afraid I’ll only be able to scrape by.’

’Even if I’m just scraping by, I have to make the most of it!’

Luo Tian’s eyes glinted with determination.

No one was content with mediocrity or liked being at the bottom, and Luo Tian was certainly no exception.

He resolved to enter seclusion and focus on his cultivation before the Four Grotto Heavens opened.

He would face the Four Grotto Heavens in peak condition.

’First, I’ll break through to the next level!’

The gap between his cultivation and that of the other Upper Sect Disciples was simply too large.

He had already stabilized his foundation, and the hidden dangers had been eliminated.

Circulating the Guiyuan True Skill and activating his Divine Vein, Luo Tian frantically absorbed the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

WHOOSH!

A massive vortex of Spiritual Qi formed with Luo Tian at its center, covering a radius of over ten meters as Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi surged wildly toward him.

At the same time, Luo Tian also activated some of the lingering medicinal effects of the Ten Thousand Spirits Blood-devouring Pill.

His cultivation speed instantly increased several-fold.

Half a day passed.

The fifth layer of Luo Tian’s Guiyuan True Skill broke through to the Small Success Realm, and his cultivation speed increased once more.

Inside his Qi Sea.

Above the four existing Spirit Sea Vortexes, a fifth one gradually began to take shape.

The quantity and quality of Luo Tian’s True Qi were both enhanced.

’I’ve broken through to the Spirit Sea Realm Fifth Layer!’

Luo Tian let out a long breath.

The reason his cultivation had improved so quickly was largely due to the Ten Thousand Spirits Blood-devouring Pill.

Luo Tian estimated it would take a long time for him to completely absorb the residual medicinal effects of the pill.

During this period, his cultivation speed would be greatly amplified, allowing him to advance by leaps and bounds.

Next.

Luo Tian shifted his focus to his martial skills.

The Nine Heavens Sword Technique and Wind Manipulation Technique he was currently practicing were both Earth Level Upper Grade. They were incredibly difficult and required a great deal of time to comprehend.

Luo Tian didn’t dare practice his martial skills in his courtyard for fear of destroying it.

Aside from the Xuanwu Pavilion, which was shared, the Upper and Lower Sects each had their own exclusive facilities.

For example, the Upper Sect also had a Cultivation Tower, and in terms of both environment and efficiency, it far surpassed the one in the Lower Sect.

Luo Tian rented a Martial Arts Cultivation Room.

Here, he could practice his swordsmanship without holding back, even unleashing his Sword Intent at full power.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

The Ice Trace Sword flashed with a sharp, cold light as it crisscrossed through the air, its Sword Qi fierce and unstoppable.

The swordsmanship resonated with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, creating an imposing aura reminiscent of a cold, vast sky.

Luo Tian had already cultivated the first technique, One Sword Piercing Clouds, to the Great Success level, though he was still some way from reaching Perfection.

As for the second technique, Flowing Wind and Clouds, it was much more difficult, and Luo Tian had yet to master it.

For the first three days, Luo Tian focused on his swordsmanship. But since his progress was slow, he decided to combine his swordsmanship and body technique, practicing them simultaneously.

Luo Tian was only experimenting, but to his surprise, it went smoothly.

Practicing two Earth Level Martial Skills at once didn’t increase the difficulty by much.

In fact, Luo Tian felt that the Nine Heavens Sword Technique and the Wind Manipulation Technique had much in common and complemented each other perfectly.

’Looks like I didn’t choose the wrong Body Martial Skill!’

After patting himself on the back, Luo Tian immersed himself in his cultivation.

...

「Meanwhile.」

All the Upper Sect Disciples were in a state of intense preparation. Places like the Martial Arts Cultivation Rooms and the Cultivation Tower were packed with people.

Everyone planned to showcase their abilities during the trials of the Four Grotto Heavens.

「Third Elder’s Mansion.」

Ying Feihang and a broad-faced man spoke respectfully, "Greetings, Master."

"Hmph. In a few days, the Four Grotto Heavens will open. Are you two ready? Don’t you dare embarrass me when the time comes!"

The Third Elder’s murky, profound eyes swept over Ying Feihang and the broad-faced man.

"Rest assured, Master. I will certainly not tarnish your prestigious name!"

Ying Feihang said with a smile.

The broad-faced man also gave a faint nod.

"Qiao Hai, you must secure a spot in the top ten on the various leaderboards for the Four Grotto Heavens. If you can, push for the top five!"

The Third Elder said to the broad-faced man.

The broad-faced man, Qiao Hai, was his most prized disciple and was now one of the ten Core Disciples of the Yunxiao Sect.

"I will do my best!"

Qiao Hai’s brow twitched slightly as he nodded.

"Feihang, just treat the Four Grotto Heavens as a great opportunity to increase your strength. I won’t have high expectations for your performance there. However, I require you to become a Core Disciple within half a year!"

The Third Elder gazed at Ying Feihang; he had high hopes for him as well.

"A Core Disciple within half a year?"

Ying Feihang was taken aback and felt a flicker of pressure, but he nodded solemnly. "I will do everything in my power!"

After the Third Elder gave them a few more instructions, Ying Feihang and Qiao Hai took their leave.

"Junior Brother, how is that matter you were handling coming along?"

Qiao Hai asked.

He was referring to the matter with Luo Tian.

"You mean Luo Tian? I’ve been in seclusion recently, but I’ve already ordered my subordinates to handle it. I’m sure there will be results soon!"

Ying Feihang said vaguely, feigning composure.

In truth, he was already growing anxious.

’If my Senior Brother finds out that Luo Tian still managed to enter the Upper Sect despite my obstruction, he’ll laugh me to death.’

’And if word of this reaches Master, the consequences will be even more severe.’

Ying Feihang returned to his residence and immediately sent a servant to fetch Wang Fu and Liu Yi.

"Senior Brother Ying, is there something you need?"

Wang Fu and Liu Yi bowed and scraped.

"Luo Tian must be dealt with as soon as possible. We absolutely cannot let him live past the Four Grotto Heavens!"

Ying Feihang’s face was cold as ice.

’Experiencing the Four Grotto Heavens will be enough to greatly increase Luo Tian’s strength. Dealing with him after that will be even more difficult.’

’Moreover, Master might take notice of Luo Tian by then, and I’ll be the one to suffer.’

"But we don’t have a suitable opportunity!"

Wang Fu and Liu Yi looked troubled.

For the past several days, Luo Tian had been in secluded cultivation.

"There is an opportunity! It’s the Four Grotto Heavens!"

A cold glint flashed in Ying Feihang’s eyes.

His understanding of the Four Grotto Heavens far surpassed that of Wang Fu and Liu Yi.

"The first Grotto Heaven is called the ’Slaughter Grotto Heaven.’ It’s where accidents, and even deaths, are most likely to occur. This is your perfect chance!"

Ying Feihang’s voice rang out.

As for the later Grotto Heavens, the danger level drops sharply, leaving basically no chance to make a move.

"Yes! We’ll follow all of Senior Brother Ying’s instructions!"

Wang Fu and Liu Yi no longer had any other choice.

...

「Three days later.」

「Martial Arts Cultivation Room.」

"One Sword Piercing Clouds!"

FWOOSH!

An incredibly condensed, snow-white Sword Light shot out, exuding a biting chill and a fierce aura that seemed ready to pierce the very heavens.

The sword strike hit the Array Barrier of the Martial Arts Cultivation Room, sending ripples across its surface as a thin layer of frost condensed upon it.

’The first technique of my swordsmanship has reached Perfection! The increase in power is massive!’

Luo Tian estimated that this single strike was now powerful enough to pose a serious threat to Wang Fu, who was at the Spirit Sea Realm Seventh Layer.

Luo Tian had also become much more proficient with his Wind Manipulation Technique, and his movement speed had improved as well.

’It’s a shame. There isn’t much time left for me to improve. The Four Grotto Heavens open tomorrow...’

Luo Tian walked out of the rented Martial Arts Cultivation Room.

Six days had only cost him three hundred Contribution Points.

After a night’s rest.

The next morning, Luo Tian woke early and made his way to the location of the Four Grotto Heavens.

’It’s just up ahead!’

Luo Tian saw a spacious canyon, and inside it, an ancient plaza that seemed to hum with the weight of ages.

Many other disciples were around, all heading toward it.

’What an astonishing aura! That person up ahead... their cultivation seems to be at the Peak of the Eighth Layer of the Spirit Sea Realm!’

Luo Tian was inwardly shocked.

The Upper Sect was truly a gathering place for talented experts. It made Luo Tian feel insignificant, but it also ignited his fighting spirit.

’Huh? That woman...’

Luo Tian saw an elegant young woman who looked familiar.

She had delicate features, a well-proportioned figure, eyebrows like willow leaves, and skin as white as snow.

"It’s you?"

The elegant young woman saw Luo Tian as well, her pretty face filled with surprise.

"Thank you for the residence you gave me, Senior Sister Ning."

Luo Tian said gratefully.

This elegant young woman was none other than Ning Xin. When Luo Tian had first entered the Lower Sect, Ning Xin had just passed the assessment to join the Upper Sect and had given her excellent residence to him.

"It’s truly surprising. In just a few short months, you actually made it to the Upper Sect."

Ning Xin’s beautiful eyes sized up Luo Tian, her interest in the young man piqued.

"I was lucky."

Luo Tian said politely.

Ning Xin nodded slightly, pleased with Luo Tian’s humility.

The Upper Sect Disciple assessment during the last two months had been the most intense one yet. For Luo Tian to have secured a spot, no matter how lucky he was, he must have possessed the necessary strength and means.

"Don’t think too much about the Four Grotto Heavens. Just treat it as an opportunity for tempering and focus on improving yourself."

Ning Xin said coolly.

She wasn’t looking down on Luo Tian, but rather reminding him to be realistic and not be overly ambitious.

"Understood!"

Luo Tian nodded.

Just then.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Three figures suddenly descended from above the clouds, each one emitting a terrifyingly boundless aura.

These three were none other than the Three Great Elders, second only to the Yunxiao Sect Master!

"Open!"

The Three Great Elders began chanting a spell, and a power as vast as the sea coalesced into a brilliant pillar of light that blasted into the center of the canyon plaza!

A vast, boundless pressure washed over the disciples, making it hard for them to breathe.

RUMBLE!

The ground trembled, and on the ancient plaza, mysterious and complex array patterns began to glow.

In an instant, a distorted black point of light appeared in mid-air, rapidly expanding to form an oval-shaped Light Cave.

"The Four Grotto Heavens are open! The time limit is three months. Each Upper Sect Disciple has three opportunities to enter!"

From high above the canyon, the voice of the leading Grand Elder boomed like thunder!

After the announcement was made, the Three Great Elders departed together.

The eyes of all the Upper Sect Disciples immediately fell upon the oval Light Cave.

"Why is there only one?"

Luo Tian murmured.

"The Four Grotto Heavens open in sequence. The one that’s open now is the Slaughter Grotto Heaven. The second one won’t open for another half-month."

Ning Xin said with a faint smile from beside him.