Chapter 367: This Gu Worm Has Fate with My Sword Pavilion!
Chapter 367: This Gu Worm Is Fated for My Sword Pavilion!
Almost simultaneously with the earth dragon's upheaval, Lü Yang lowered his eyelids and opened his Dharma Eye, piercing through the earth's crust to gaze toward the source of the tremors.
Numerous rock layers could not obstruct his vision.
The first thing that entered his sight was a slowly operating grand formation, its coverage severing heavenly secrets and obscuring karma, its transformations profoundly intricate.
He had previously scanned this area with his divine sense but found nothing. Had it not been for this seismic disturbance causing a slight misalignment in the otherwise flawless formation, he might still be oblivious—unable to detect what lay right before his eyes!
'Truly a treasure indeed.'
A flicker of thought passed through Lü Yang's mind as his vision extended further, soon penetrating the gradually failing formation to glimpse the scene concealed within.
—It was a pool of liquid.
Moon-white radiance flowed within the pool. Lü Yang recognized it instantly—it was the essence of the Lunar Yin, the origin of the Eight Minerals: [Xin Metal]!
Yet this was merely an embellishment.
As one of the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends, the value of [Xin Metal] was undeniable. But at this moment, all its mysteries were overshadowed by a single point of golden light within the pool.
Like a crane standing among chickens.
Lü Yang's gaze fell upon that golden speck, and in an instant, he felt his divine sense ignite as if mortal eyes were staring directly at the blazing sun!
'[Tribulation Wave]!'
With a thought, Lü Yang invoked the divine wonder of [Clear Insight], calming his mind and steadying his spirit to dispel the burning sensation in his divine sense, allowing him to clearly see the scene before him.
It was a silkworm.
Its hue was pure gold, resembling a spark of starlight. Yet upon closer inspection, what met the eye was an endless expanse of wildfire.
This golden silkworm, seemingly no larger than a fingertip, was intricately patterned with designs that shifted in color and form every moment. Each transformation symbolized a type of gu worm, and the refinement of each gu worm was a miracle between life and death—now all layered together.
In the next moment, information naturally surfaced in Lü Yang's mind:
'[Ten Thousand Calamities Gu]!'
With the formation's protection lost, the heavenly secrets of this gu worm could no longer be concealed. With a mere pinch of his fingers, Lü Yang immediately understood its origin.
'This is the supreme gu worm of the Myriad Poison Sect.'
'[Ten Thousand Calamities Gu] is merely a false name to obscure heavenly secrets. Its true name is [Myriad Tribulations Indestructible Gilded Silkworm]!'
'Since the sect's founding, it has been fiercely guarded, never leaked. Cultivated generation after generation, it has only now fully matured...'
As for its purpose, it was simple.
—Breakthrough.
This silkworm was a supreme treasure specifically designed to aid in achieving Foundation Establishment Perfection! This single item could increase the success rate by a full thirty percent!
'At the late stage of Foundation Establishment, True Persons must endure the [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation], reforging their Dao foundation under heavenly lightning. However, the Three Calamities of wind, fire, and thunder end at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. By conventional reasoning, this step marks the limit of heaven and earth—even the [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation] carries a subtle warning.'
A warning to cultivators: You may go no further.
If a cultivator persists stubbornly, continuing to pursue Foundation Establishment Perfection, what awaits is no longer the Three Calamities but the great tribulation known as the [Five Decays of Heaven and Man]!
'Gathering five divine abilities is intolerable to heaven and earth.'
'Thus arises the [Five Decays of Heaven and Man], causing the physical form to gather filth, the Dao foundation to be tainted, divine abilities to wither, magic power to fade, and heart demons to proliferate—until complete annihilation!'
Only by overcoming this trial can one achieve Foundation Establishment Perfection.
Only then can there be hope to refine metal essence, construct a blessed land, and ascend to seek fruit positions.
Fail, and all turns to dust.
If heaven and earth previously showed some tolerance toward cultivators, the [Five Decays of Heaven and Man] is true divine retribution—a merciless means of extermination!
Thus, Foundation Establishment Perfection is not something one can falsely claim by merely acquiring an additional divine ability.
To this day, only the Dao Court can falsely claim Foundation Establishment Perfection, and even there, the [official positions] of such cultivators are exceedingly rare.
This illustrates the preciousness of Foundation Establishment Perfection.
By the same token, the value of treasures that can aid in achieving it goes without saying... At this thought, brilliance erupted from Lü Yang's eyes.
[Myriad Tribulations Indestructible Gilded Silkworm]!
This gu worm's purpose is to help one survive the [Five Decays of Heaven and Man]!
'Once refined, this silkworm can only be used once. It forms a golden cocoon for its master, locking all states within.'
'Even the [Five Decays of Heaven and Man] struggles to affect it.'
'Thus, the master can patiently endure the tribulation within the cocoon, emerging once it passes—success achieved!'
Without a doubt, this is an irresistible temptation for any Grand True Person.
Yet Lü Yang restrained himself.
Faced with the sudden appearance of the [Myriad Tribulations Indestructible Gilded Silkworm], he remained as steady as Mount Tai, merely frowning slightly before scoffing disdainfully:
"I thought it was something impressive."
"Guarded so tightly, I assumed it was a superior Dharma Sword... Turns out it's just an external aid. Minor sects truly lack vision."
His words dripped with contempt.
Yet upon hearing this, Long Yue secretly sighed in relief. The divine ability she had prepared to unleash if Lü Yang made a move relaxed slightly.
'He doesn't want it?'
'That's a supreme treasure aiding Foundation Establishment Perfection... He truly doesn't desire it? But if he doesn't seize it... His arrogance works in my favor.'
Despite this thought, Long Yue couldn't help but inwardly sneer.
An external aid? So what?
In this world, cultivation realms reign supreme. Even if one relies on external aids and is slightly weaker within the same realm, they can still effortlessly crush those beneath them!
Outwardly, however, she wore an ingratiating smile. "Apologies for the embarrassment, Fellow Daoist," she said, then raised her hand to summon the [Myriad Tribulations Indestructible Gilded Silkworm], eagerly retrieving it. Seeing Lü Yang make no move to stop her, she finally relaxed.
'After all, he's from the righteous path...'
Long Yue felt she had somewhat misunderstood the Sword Pavilion. She had assumed they were no different from the Saint Sect, but now saw some distinction.
The next moment, Lü Yang spoke:
"This pool of [Imperial Flow Essence] is quite decent."
His bright eyes showed clear interest. "I wish to forge a Dharma Sword and require a Heavenly Gang or Earthly Fiend. Might Fellow Daoist be willing to part with it?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Having secured the [Myriad Tribulations Indestructible Gilded Silkworm], Long Yue cared little for mere [Xin Metal]. With a graceful wave, she said, "Fellow Daoist may take it!"
"My thanks."
Lü Yang smiled faintly, then raised his hand to draw the pool of [Imperial Flow Essence] toward him. With a clench of his fingers, it instantly refined into a stream of light.
[Xin Metal]!
Without hesitation, Lü Yang stored this Xin Metal within his sea of consciousness, then replicated the process—transferring it through his Dharma Body directly into his original form's grasp.
The original Lü Yang's face lit with excitement.
'With this, my immortal spirit form can gather three divine abilities, reaching mid-stage Foundation Establishment Perfection! Combined with [Law Holding], I too shall be a Grand True Person!'
Though [Law Holding] could only empower one form at a time—unable to simultaneously enhance both avatar and original—used wisely, it could effectively simulate the strength of two Grand True Persons.
At this thought, Lü Yang's expression shifted abruptly.
Within the Myriad Poison Sect of the Southern Frontier.
Lü Yang's consciousness returned to his avatar. Lowering his eyelids, he concealed the change in his expression... Against a single Grand True Person, the Myriad Poison Sect was a dragon's pool and tiger's den to me.
But with two Grand True Persons?
'[Myriad Tribulations Indestructible Gilded Silkworm]... This gu worm is fated for my Sword Pavilion!'