Chapter 429.1: The Ancestral Blood Art

Purple Fate Ancestor’s black robes billowed as principle laws flowed around him. He no longer resembled a living being, but rather the embodiment of a certain fundamental law. Standing beyond the heavenly canopy, his gaze was profound.

After an unknown amount of time, another black-robed figure appeared beside him, emanating powerful fluctuations. He was unmistakably a Principle cultivator! As the only Minor Principle of Purple Fate Heaven, he was the foremost expert aside from the ancestor himself. Yang Spirits were exceedingly difficult to produce. Within the Sixth Heaven, any Principle cultivator was an absolute titan.

Clans like the Purple Fate Clan drew their strength from their bloodline, but were also constrained by it. Once a branch produced a Major Principle expert, it became extraordinarily difficult for another Yang Spirit to emerge afterward. By contrast, bloodlines like the Moluo Clan had more Yang Spirits and Principle Yang Spirits than Purple Fate Heaven despite lacking a Major Principle expert.

Thus, clans like the Purple Fate Clan constantly expanded by seeking out other bloodline branches, bringing gifted descendants into their ranks. Every additional Yang Spirit was precious beyond measure.

Purple Fate Tan bowed respectfully, not daring to look directly at the ancestor. “Greetings, Ancestor. Blood Robe has already arrived in Purple Fate Heaven. Would you like to summon him?”

In his perception, the ancestor had no fixed form, but was instead the incarnation of Principle itself.

Purple Fate Ancestor shook his head. “No.”

Unsurprised, Purple Fate Tan, respectfully asked, “What level of treatment should he receive?”

At the same time, he silently tried to judge just how extraordinary Blood Robe's bloodline talent truly was.

Purple Fate Ancestor replied calmly, “Within Purple Fate Heaven, he is the foremost beneath Yang Spirit.”

Purple Fate Tan showed no surprise. “As you command.”

Anyone capable of drawing the ancestor's attention had to possess, at the very least, the potential to reach the Principle realm. Receiving treatment superior to Purple Fate Daxue's was perfectly normal.

“Here's a welcoming gift. Deliver it to him.”

A flash of light appeared, and a black storage pouch landed in Purple Fate Tan's hands. He respectfully accepted it as countless thoughts crossed his mind.

Since Purple Fate Heaven was suffering from a shortage of successors, it was understandable that the ancestor cared so much. After all, they only had a single Principle cultivator, namely himself. Moreover, they only had a few Yang Spirits. They were far weaker compared to the other branches. This had cost the ancestor considerable face.

“Give him the Ancestral Blood Art. Tell him that once he cultivates it to the seventh layer, he may come see me. I shall grant him one small wish.”

Purple Fate Tan nodded, keeping his voice low. “Yes.”

“Oh, by the way, what level has Black Sword cultivated the Ancestral Blood Art to?”

“The exact level is unknown. However, according to the news circulating these past years, at least the ninth layer.”

Purple Fate Ancestor's tone changed ever so slightly. “The seventh layer is too easy. Let him come see me once he reaches the ninth layer instead!”

Purple Fate Tan couldn't help but smile wryly. The ancestor still loved comparing people. The ninth layer of the Ancestral Blood Art was simply too difficult. Blood Robe would probably fail to reach it even after becoming a Yang Spirit. Even Purple Fate Daxue, now on the verge of Yang Spirit, had only reached the sixth layer.

Extremely unusual, the Ancestral Blood Art’s cultivation speed depended solely upon bloodline and comprehension. The relationship between the two could be summarized as ninety-nine parts bloodline and one part comprehension.

When Black Sword first received the Ancestral Blood Art, he reached the third layer within half a month, astonishing everyone. That had remained as the fastest cultivation record. Even Purple Fate Ancestor's own master had failed to match it. His master, who was also Black Sword's master, was the First Elder among the Nine Elders of the Black Demon Abyss.

***

Qi Yuan looked around. “Everything in your Black Demon Abyss is pitch black and gloomy. It doesn't look like a proper, righteous cultivation sect at all.”

Even the rivers flowed with black water. The trees were dull gray, almost looking fake.

Purple Fate Daxue immediately used his words against him. “You're judging by appearances now? Didn't you say everyone is equal?”

Qi Yuan froze, completely speechless. Then, he sighed. “I never expected the light of humanity to be found in the Black Demon Abyss—in you. You're the one who truly believes everyone is equal!”

Just then, space rippled, and a black-robed man emerged. A single ox horn protruded from his forehead. Instead of making him look rough, it somehow lent him an elegant, scholarly bearing.

Qi Yuan immediately became alert. Purple Fate Heaven truly contained many experts. Earlier, he had vaguely sensed two overwhelmingly powerful beings secretly observing him. Now, another Principle cultivator had appeared!

Seeing the newcomer, Purple Fate Daxue immediately beamed. She waved her hands excitedly, clearly asking for credit. “Dad! I brought Blood Robe back!”

The bold, carefree demeanor of Sister Horns disappeared entirely, replaced by the image of a little girl seeking praise.

Purple Fate Tan smiled warmly. “So, what gift do you want this time?”

As a Principle Yang Spirit, how could he fail to see through his daughter's little tricks? He simply indulged her willingly.

Purple Fate Daxue's eyes sparkled. “I want a Black Cloud Blood Rider! I've always wanted my own Black Cloud Blood Rider ever since I was little. Riding across the worlds would be so cool!”

During their journey, Qi Yuan had already heard her mention the Black Cloud Blood Rider more than once. In spite of its name, it was actually a vehicle for cultivators, or a motorcycle in Blue Planet terms.

It fit Sister Horns’ stereotype in Qi Yuan's mind perfectly. Of course, the Black Cloud Blood Rider was far more than a mere motorcycle. It also possessed limited spatial-jump capabilities, though quite random ones. Once activated, nobody knew where it would end up, which made it incredibly thrilling. After all, the Sixth Heaven was boundless. Even Yang Spirits could not fully explore it.

“A few years ago, your cousin crashed his Black Cloud Blood Rider into a mysterious realm and died. And you still want one?”

Purple Fate Daxue stiffened, warmth welling up in her heart. “Dad, you are right, I shouldn't be so willful.”

“What do you mean willful? I actually think your cousin's Black Cloud Blood Rider is pretty nice. Do you want it?”

Purple Fate Daxue blinked. Finally, she took a deep breath. “Yes!”

Purple Fate Tan added, “But remember your cousin's lesson.”

“I know. I won't run around recklessly.”

Her father clarified, “No. I meant don't casually take passengers. That brat took another man's newlywed dao companion sightseeing alone everywhere. When her husband contacted her through a communication jade slip, that woman turned out to be ruthless.

“She immediately swore to the heavens that if she were out fooling around with another man, she'd be struck dead by lightning. It just so happened that your cousin was taking her through a lightning domain. The lightning struck the Black Cloud Blood Rider, causing it to malfunction. They fell into a mysterious realm and died.”

Purple Fate Daxue blinked. She had never expected her cousin's death to have such dramatic comedic timing. “Dad, I've learned my lesson. Don't worry, I won't fool around on a Black Cloud Blood Rider with another woman's husband.”

Purple Fate Tan answered calmly, “What I meant was if you do bring someone, make sure to seal his mouth shut so he doesn't say anything reckless.”

Qi Yuan, standing nearby, found himself speechless. Why does everyone in the Purple Fate Clan seem so strange? Is there really something wrong with their bloodline?

Translator thoughts: Qi Yuan?? SPEECHLESS? Never thought this day would come