Villainous Junior Chapter 36
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 36: God Transformation
The news of the Xianle City Lord's madness and demise spread quickly. The Taixuan Sect disciples, being half-witnesses to this incident, on one hand lamented for Li Chen, and on the other hand couldn't help but feel regret, as Xianle City had been destroyed in an instant and could never be seen again.
However, the disciples didn't have much time to grieve and sigh, as they soon immersed themselves in tense preparations—
The disciples of Zhenwu Manor were coming to visit Taixuan Sect for an exchange.
In the world of immortal cultivation, exchanges and visits between different sects and factions were common. It allowed them to learn from each other's strengths and share resources. Disciples from various sects could also take this opportunity to compete with more talented individuals, honing their skills and broadening their horizons, thereby improving themselves. It was a mutually beneficial event for both individuals and sects.
Zhenwu Manor was also a renowned sect in the immortal cultivation world, with strength comparable to Taixuan Sect. After receiving their visitation letter, the Taixuan Sect Leader gladly accepted. He ordered the disciples to be well-prepared and disciplined in the coming days, to be cautious in their words and actions, to diligently cultivate, and to warmly welcome the guests, showcasing the sect's spirited demeanor.
Although it was a friendly exchange, they were essentially equal opponents. While Taixuan disciples might occasionally slack off during their usual cultivation at home, these days they were all in high spirits, walking with their heads held high, determined not to embarrass their sect.
The Zhenwu Manor disciples seemed to have the same mindset. On the day of their arrival, fifty disciples led by the Zhenwu Sect Leader formed a neat square formation. They wore golden uniforms, which, combined with their tall and sturdy physiques, created an impressive and intimidating aura.
The welcoming formation from Taixuan Sect wore uniform sky-blue uniforms. Although they might not have been as tall as the Zhenwu disciples, they all stood with straight backs and resolute gazes, standing there neat and orderly, like fresh bamboo standing tall after rain, catching everyone's eye.
The disciples from both sides each had their merits, all being the most elite and outstanding disciples. At a glance, it was difficult to determine which side was superior.
Xiao Guan, standing in the first row of the formation, whispered to Zhao Jingchen, "What do you think they were thinking, choosing gold for their uniforms? Looking at them, they're like a bunch of vajras."
Zhao Jingchen maintained a friendly smile on his face, his lips barely moving as he replied, "Senior Brother, shut up."
The Taixuan Sect Leader exchanged pleasantries with the Zhenwu Sect Leader with a smile, then had Xiao Guan, Zhao Jingchen, and other senior disciples lead the Zhenwu disciples to settle in at Qingfeng Cottage. They agreed to hold a disciple competition in three days.
Meng Chen was also aware of this matter, but since the Sect Leader hadn't assigned him any tasks, only asking him to attend the competition in three days, he continued to focus on his breakthrough at Qixue Residence.
The Xuanjue technique he had cultivated earlier, though harmful, had directly pushed him through the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul stage to the peak of Nascent Soul. He only needed to take one more step to break through to the God Transformation realm.
The God Transformation realm was a watershed on the path of immortal cultivation. Only by breaking through to God Transformation could one truly undergo a qualitative transformation, have the hope of charging towards the realm of great power, and touch the threshold of tribulation and ascension.
But this final step, he still couldn't achieve.
His spiritual power had already completed its cycle, and his mental state had passed the test. Meng Chen didn't understand why he couldn't pass the final hurdle.
This was clearly when he needed power the most.
He was plainly more eager to become stronger than anyone else—
The young man's gaze was stubborn and fierce. He focused his mind once again to break through, mobilizing all his spiritual power to assault that invisible barrier. Once, ten times, a hundred times... His spirit and physical strength were draining at a terrifying speed. Though his will remained unyielding, his body could hardly support it anymore. A tearing pain exploded bit by bit from every part of his body. A thick taste of blood welled up in his throat, and his temples felt as if they were being pierced by a thousand needles—
At this moment, a cool spiritual flow surged into Meng Chen's body. It was soothing yet powerful, like a thick but steady wave, instantly extinguishing the searing pain in Meng Chen's body, comforting and repairing the meridians that had become battered and bruised from the unbearable strain.
"Focus your mind and calm your breath."
A voice tinged with snow sounded beside his ear. Meng Chen had already realized that his impatience was leading him towards a qi deviation. He immediately calmed his mind and focused his thoughts. With the assistance of that external force, he slowly guided the rampaging spiritual power in his body back to its proper place.
He opened his eyes, only then realizing how much time had passed. When he had begun his meditation, the sky was bright, but now moonlight dappled the window outside.
At the same time, he also saw Zhongli Jing beside him. His heart suddenly rang alarm bells, and his expression froze.
Seeing the cold sweat on his face, Zhongli Jing took out a handkerchief and reached out to wipe his forehead. But Meng Chen, as if startled, immediately leapt off the bed, retreating two steps to distance himself from Zhongli Jing. He lowered his head and said, "Master... why are you here?"
Zhongli Jing didn't answer. His hand holding the handkerchief paused for a moment, then slowly withdrew. "You were too impatient."
Meng Chen gently pursed his lips.
"Breaking through should follow the natural course. Being too eager for success will only backfire," Zhongli Jing said. "If your spiritual body is damaged because of this, it will also be a hidden danger for future cultivation."
"Yes," Meng Chen said. "This disciple will remember."
Zhongli Jing: "Go take a medicinal bath. Be careful not to catch a chill."
Meng Chen: "...Yes."
After giving these two instructions, Zhongli Jing left.
Standing by the bed, Meng Chen realized that he had broken out in a sweat during his forced breakthrough attempt. Now, with the cool breeze from the window, he indeed felt a bit cold.
He rubbed his temples, which still ached slightly, planning to take a bath to clean up. His gaze inadvertently glanced over, and he saw a wooden box on the nearby table.
He hesitated for a moment, walked over, and opened the lid. A faintly sweet fragrance slowly wafted into the air.
It was a plate of osmanthus cakes.
****
Three days quickly passed, and the eagerly anticipated exchange competition officially began.
The event was arranged at Taixuan Sect's combat arena. In the center was a square arena over a hundred zhang wide. Taixuan Sect disciples and Zhenwu Manor disciples sat on opposite sides of the arena, with an excellent view. There was even a canopy overhead to block the sunlight, making it very suitable for watching the battles.
"The purpose of this exchange competition is to learn from each other's strengths and follow what is good. You must not be vicious or fight only to win," the Taixuan Sect Leader said. "Disciples from both sides can freely choose opponents for exchange, but those of higher realms cannot actively challenge those of lower realms. Those of lower realms challenging higher realms cannot exceed more than one level difference."
"The competition will last for three days. The rest of the time is now up to you." After saying this, the Sect Leader smiled and stroked his beard, then walked down from the arena.
Although it was a friendly exchange, both sides hoped their own sect would achieve a great victory. This was especially true for the Taixuan Sect disciples—if they were to be defeated on their own turf, how could they face others in the future?
Therefore, this first exchange match seemed particularly important. As the saying goes, a good start is half the battle. Whichever side won would greatly boost their side's morale.
"Look at them, still unable to contain their excitement," Zhenwu Sect Leader said, shaking his head and sighing as he watched the group of disciples flexing their muscles and eager to try.
Taixuan Sect Leader laughed, "Isn't this how the young should be?"
"That's true," Zhenwu Sect Leader said. "But there are also calm ones. Those disciples from your Tianji Peak, I admire them every time I see them. How did you get so lucky to gather such a group of treasures?"
"Oh, not at all," Taixuan Sect Leader said modestly. "Your Lu Yuanshan is quite impressive too, isn't he?"
A slight smile appeared on the Zhenwu Sect Leader's face. "Yuanshan is indeed hardworking. Back then, he and Meng Chen both broke through to the Nascent Soul stage in their early twenties, and were hailed as once-in-a-century cultivation prodigies. Now, three or four years have passed, Yuanshan's cultivation has improved considerably, and he's always wanted to find an opportunity to have a good match with Meng Chen."
As soon as he finished speaking, a tall, sturdy young man walked out from the Zhenwu disciples' camp. His appearance was ordinary, but his demeanor was exceptionally calm. He stepped onto the arena, his voice resounding like a bell. "Zhenwu Manor disciple Lu Yuanshan requests a battle with Taixuan disciple Meng Chen!"
Like a stone causing a thousand ripples, an excited discussion immediately erupted in the stands.
"Wow, is it this exciting right from the start!?"
"Two Nascent Soul powerhouses going head-to-head, phew, I'm a bit nervous."
"I don't care, my Senior Brother Meng is the best, Senior Brother Meng will definitely win!!"
"Although I also support Senior Brother Meng, I've heard that this Lu Yuanshan is also very powerful, he was once on par with Senior Brother Meng. And look at his build, his aura, it's so steady, so steady that it makes me a bit uneasy..."
The two were indeed equally renowned geniuses back then, but in the past few years, the name people mostly talked about was Meng Chen, rarely mentioning Lu Yuanshan.
There was no particular reason, just that Meng Chen was good-looking.
Between two people of equally formidable strength, if one also possessed extraordinary looks, people would inevitably pay more attention to them. The disciples of Zhenwu Manor often felt this was unfair to Lu Yuanshan, but Lu Yuanshan himself didn't mind.
He only wanted to have a fair and square match with an equally matched opponent.
Amid the crowd's anticipation, Meng Chen stood up from his seat and walked towards the arena. As he passed by someone, his robe was gently tugged.
He turned his head and met Xue Lang's slightly nervous eyes.
This was the first time in days that the young man had taken the initiative to speak to him.
"You... be careful, that person is not easy to deal with," Xue Lang anxiously advised. "It's okay if you lose, just don't get hurt."
Meng Chen curled his lips slightly and pressed his hand on Xue Lang's head.
"I won't lose."
He walked onto the stage and cupped his hands towards Lu Yuanshan. "Please guide me."
Lu Yuanshan nodded silently, then drew his sword and struck directly at Meng Chen.
Usually, when two parties exchange skills, they would first exchange pleasantries and say some polite words before fighting. But Lu Yuanshan didn't say a word and started attacking immediately. His simple and unadorned style somewhat resembled his name.
Before the Taixuan disciples could marvel at Lu Yuanshan's uniqueness, their expressions collectively changed.
Because they had already sensed that powerful sword aura!
From the moment Lu Yuanshan drew his sword, a thick and vast aura, like a surging sea, silently overflowed from the blade. The terrifying power contained within it was crystal clear to everyone even at the foot of the stage—
This was actually the power of the peak Nascent Soul realm!
As this sword strike came out, even the Taixuan Sect Leader exclaimed in surprise. "Ninth layer of Nascent Soul? How could he have made such great progress in just three or four years!?"
Ordinary cultivators, from entering the Nascent Soul Stage to reaching its peak, needed at least a hundred years. Those with exceptional talent might take several decades. But to break through to the peak in just three or four years was simply unheard of!
The Zhenwu Sect Leader revealed the answer with a smug look. "Yuanshan's father was from the beast-man race. He inherited the beast-man bloodline."
Beast-men were a naturally gifted race, born with powerful physiques. Like demons and evil cultivators, their cultivation speed was much faster than ordinary cultivators. With beast-man blood and diligent cultivation, it was indeed possible to reach this level in three or four years.
The Taixuan Sect Leader knew Meng Chen's chances of winning were slim. He frowned and grunted.
The disciples below were all shocked and disoriented.
"Did I see that right? Nascent Soul ninth layer?? Was this Lu Yuanshan raised on spirit-enhancing pills?"
"Even with spirit-enhancing pills, it's impossible to reach such a terrifying level. It's over, it's over. What kind of monster is this? Senior Brother Meng is going to lose!"
The disciples couldn't be blamed for wavering so quickly. This cultivation speed was truly horrifying. No matter how amazing Meng Chen was, he couldn't possibly be stronger than someone at the peak of Nascent Soul, could he?
In contrast to the panic and disbelief of the Taixuan disciples, the Zhenwu disciples wore smug smiles.
Hah, let them keep praising how good-looking Meng Chen was. Although... he was indeed quite handsome, but could good looks put food on the table? Strength was what mattered most! Their Senior Brother Lu was undoubtedly the number one genius!
While the audience below was in a chaotic mix of emotions, the two on the stage remained unmoved, fully immersed in their duel.
Lu Yuanshan's swordsmanship was methodical and simple, yet purely powerful. Even the disciples below could feel its terrifying might, let alone Meng Chen who faced the blade directly.
There was no benefit in meeting it head-on, so he unhesitatingly chose to evade.
But in the instant he dodged, Lu Yuanshan let out a great shout. His blade cleaved through the air like waves breaking, and in a split second, he had struck eighteen times!
A disciple below exclaimed involuntarily. "So fast!"
Not only was the power of the blade immense, but its speed was also incredibly swift!
Eighteen blade lights, sharp and murderous, surrounded Meng Chen layer by layer, cutting off all his escape routes. Just as all the disciples held their breath, worried for Meng Chen, they saw his blue figure flicker slightly, and suddenly disappear from the arena!
All eighteen strikes hit nothing but air. When the light and shadows dissipated, Meng Chen's figure reappeared, standing in his original position as if he had never moved.
"Tread Flowing Wave!" Xiao Guan slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "I know this move too, but only at the beginner level. To use it to this degree, there might not be more than a few in this world!"
Seeing all his moves miss, Lu Yuanshan's eyes showed a hint of surprise, but then burned with even stronger fighting spirit. He once again gathered his true essence into his blade and slashed horizontally.
This time, Meng Chen didn't retreat. The long sword at his waist made a clear "zing" as it left its scabbard.
Many cultivators would name their swords, but Meng Chen hadn't.
His sword was as ordinary as could be, without any special name, yet it had silently and loyally accompanied him for two lifetimes.
The sword hilt quivered slightly in its master's hand, not from fear, but from excitement. A layer of frost-white quickly condensed on the bright blade, carrying an unparalleled sword intent, thrusting straight towards Lu Yuanshan!
As sword blades met, invisible true essence suddenly collided. An unseen wave of energy, centered on the two of them, paused for a moment before rapidly expanding outwards. In an instant, fierce winds arose, and faint cracks even appeared at the edge of the arena.
Almost simultaneously, Meng Chen and Lu Yuanshan both withdrew their strikes, and in the next moment, they both attacked again, clashing once more.
The Taixuan disciples, who had been anxious and worried for Meng Chen, realized that he didn't seem to be at a disadvantage. His figure appeared much slimmer than Lu Yuanshan's, and his thin long sword couldn't match the imposing presence of Lu Yuanshan's large blade. Yet, every time the sword blades met, his demeanor remained composed.
Before long, the two had exchanged over a hundred moves. Even for those at the Nascent Soul realm, such intense consumption of energy would eventually lead to exhaustion. Lu Yuanshan's blade strikes remained as steady as at the start, but their speed had imperceptibly slowed. Meng Chen's eyes suddenly focused, seizing the opportunity. In the instant after dodging a sweeping blade, his long sword thrust out horizontally, at an unexpected and tricky angle, directly towards Lu Yuanshan's chest!
"Good!" A Taixuan disciple couldn't help but clap and shout. The Zhenwu disciples also tensed up, but remembering Lu Yuanshan's realm, they suppressed their nervousness.
It's useless, they thought. The protective true qi of the Nascent Soul realm is formidable, and at the peak of Nascent Soul, it's practically impenetrable. Unless it's a powerhouse above the Mahayan Realm, it's impossible to break through!
Lu Yuanshan also knew this sword strike was unavoidable, so he let out a great shout, mobilizing all his spiritual power to erect a solid barrier of protective true essence before him.
The Taixuan disciples couldn't help but feel greatly disappointed. "It's over—"
Meng Chen, however, remained coldly composed. As if he couldn't see the transparent yet thick barrier before him, he steadily thrust his sword forward.
With a soft "swish," everyone watched as Lu Yuanshan's protective true essence, like a thin sheet of paper, was easily pierced by the sword tip.
It was only then that people sensed the terrifyingly powerful aura emanating from the sword tip.
"This is—" A disciple stood up abruptly from his seat, his face changing in shock.
"God Transformation!"
