The Transmigrator’s Cultivation

Arc 19: Qianyuan Greater World | Chapter 361: Battle For The Sky

The more the sky pillar trembled, the more furious the people of the Wuling Mountain Domain became.

At that moment, Xu Ziqing saw Venerable Xing strike out with a blast of energy, which transformed into a giant hand that stabilized the sky pillar.

Then, Ke Hong leaped up, swiftly flying toward the pillar. His figure resembled a shooting star, or perhaps a cannonball, disappearing into the clouds in the blink of an eye.

Xu Ziqing was astonished. Could it be that Senior Ke had reached the top of the sky pillar? With this thought, he asked, “Seniors, what is this…?”

The handsome young man, Mi Xing, who had first presented the greeting gift, suppressed his anger and smiled, “Xu shidi, Yun shidi, you should address us as ‘Shixiong.’ Here, we don’t differentiate by rank, only by when we arrived. Those who came first were Shixiong, and those who came later were Shidi. Only the Domain Lord and Venerable are exceptions, as they carry more responsibilities and deserve greater respect.”

Xu Ziqing complied, calling them Shixiong.

Mi Xing then explained, “Three hundred miles to the southwest is the Baiyun Mountain Domain. They’ve always caused trouble for our Wuling sect, and today is just another routine ‘Battle for the Sky.’ You’ll get used to it soon.”

Xu Ziqing was even more puzzled. “Then… what is this ‘Battle for the Sky’?”

It didn’t seem to be literal and likely had a deeper meanin

At this point, several more Shixiong approached, and one, a refined and handsome youth with a jade-like face, spoke calmly, “The Zhoutian Immortal Sect is very different from our Wuling Immortal Sect. Since you’re here now, you should indeed be aware of some common matters.”

This youth, named Gongye Feibai, proceeded to explain the situation.

It turned out that the towering sky pillars Xu Ziqing had seen were present in every mountain domain—eight in total, positioned at eight critical points. These pillars were the key points of the domain.

Each of these key points—each sky pillar—had to be guarded by a person.

Therefore, for a mountain domain to be properly defended, at least eight guardians were required. If the number fell below eight, they would lose the right to control the mountain range and would be forced to retreat to a single peak, or even to some barren place.

That would be a great humiliation.

Currently, the Wuling Immortal Sect had only nine cultivators who had been accepted into the Qianyuan Greater World.

The Domain Lord was a great cultivator in the Tribulation Stage, responsible for overseeing an entire mountain range—if his cultivation were weaker, he might not command enough respect, and the domain would be at risk of being taken.

At the same time, the Domain Lord’s lofty status meant that he couldn’t easily participate in battles for guarding the pillars.

Below the Domain Lord was the Venerable.

The Venerable’s cultivation wasn’t strictly limited, but they were usually the highest-level cultivator among the disciples. The Venerable had the duty of overseeing the pillar guardians and was expected to be their support, managing the eight sky pillars.

Since the Wuling Immortal Sect only had eight capable individuals now, each one had to guard a pillar—including Venerable Xing, who had no choice but to participate personally.

The so-called “Battle for the Sky” was a war for resources.

When one mountain domain coveted the resources of another, they could openly challenge the domain. The signal for this challenge was an attack on a sky pillar, inviting the pillar guardian to the top for a duel. Before the duel, the domains would establish the stakes. If a domain was weak, other domains would ruthlessly plunder it, making the struggle cruel and direct.

Fortunately, if a domain had only one pillar guardian, they could only be challenged one at a time, and not by multiple opponents. Otherwise, weaker domains would be unable to survive and would be immediately crushed.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing was astonished by the methods of the Zhoutian Immortal Sect.

Such cold and harsh practices—did they not encourage disciples to seize and plunder through brute force? These methods were truly overbearing!

No wonder the sect master had been so secretive when mentioning the main sect…

As he thought more about the current state of the Wuling Immortal Sect, he couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of concern.

The Wuling Mountain Domain had few people; one person per pillar was their limit, and there was no way to rotate the defenders. Every time they were challenged, it was likely a dangerous and risky battle. Over the years, they probably hadn’t won every time and had to give up quite a lot of resources in defeat.

Moreover, though Domain Lord Hang was a great cultivator in the Transcending Tribulation Stage, once a cultivator at this level accumulated enough power and received a summons from the heavens, they would have to ascend to immortality immediately. After that, the Wuling Immortal Sect would naturally have to rely on Venerable Xing to take over as Domain Lord.

But Venerable Xing was only in the late Spirit Severing Stage. Even if he advanced to the Great Ascension Stage in time, he would still lag behind the other Domain Lords, putting the Wuling Immortal Sect in even greater danger.

As for the other Shixiong, though their cultivation was strong, none had shown the ability to rise to the responsibility of becoming the next Venerable.

Thinking this through, Xu Ziqing realized that this was likely the reason the sect master had such a complex mix of emotions after receiving the mandate.

After the Shixiongs had finished speaking, Venerable Xing suddenly said, “Now that Yun Shidi is here, according to the rules of the main sect, I can no longer assist in defending the pillar. The pillar I had been guarding will now be entrusted to Yun Shidi.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Lie nodded slightly and replied, “As it should be.”

Seeing Yun Lie’s calm expression, the others were reassured.

It was a good sign that the newly arrived Shidi was so composed. At least he wouldn’t cause any additional trouble. And if any problems did arise, Venerable Xing was still there to provide support. They only hoped that, through many battles to defend the pillar, this Shidi would quickly grow stronger and become a reliable force.

Venerable Xing then turned to Xu Ziqing and said, “Since you and Yun Shidi are bonded dual cultivators, you should accompany him in defending the pillar. However, this is not strictly required. What do you think, Xu Shidi?”

Xu Ziqing smiled and replied, “Of course, I will stand alongside Shixiong.”

If he could fight side by side with his Shixiong, what would there be to fear, even if hundreds or thousands of enemies came?

Seeing this bold spirit in such a young cultivator still in the Golden Core Stage, the others became even more satisfied with the two newcomers.

They only hoped that Xu Shidi had some good fortune. If he could reach the Nascent Soul Stage sooner, defending the pillar alongside Yun Lie would be even more secure.

Just as they finished this conversation, which had taken less than a quarter of an hour, a thin line suddenly began to snake down from the top of the sky pillar.

Xu Ziqing looked up and could only see a blurry shadow. He couldn’t make out what it was, but in the next moment, he understood.

A black figure fell from the sky like a bird with broken wings, plummeting toward the ground. However, halfway down, a streak of blue light shot through the air and transformed into a cloud, catching the figure.

It was clearly a person—someone who had been knocked down from midair.

The thin line on the sky pillar from earlier was undoubtedly this person’s blood.

Seeing that it wasn’t Shixiong Ke, Xu Ziqing felt somewhat relieved.

It seemed that in this first “Battle for the Sky,” Shixiong Ke had managed to hold his ground.

Soon, the other sky pillars began to hum and vibrate, as more challengers arrived.

Several of the Shixiongs leaped into the air—three or four in total—each charging toward a different pillar, like eagles soaring into the sky, their momentum awe-inspiring.

Before long, several more cultivators were knocked down.

Moments later, all of the sky pillars began trembling simultaneously.

It seemed they had angered the Baiyun Mountain Domain, prompting such a widespread assault.

Venerable Xing sighed, “I had hoped to give you two some time to adjust, but unfortunately, you must defend the pillar now.”

Xu Ziqing hadn’t expected to face such a fierce battle so soon after arriving in the Greater World of Qianyuan, but he smiled and said, “Since my Shixiong and I are both part of the Wuling Immortal Sect, it is only natural for us to contribute to our sect. Venerable Xing, there is no need for concern. Now that someone is causing trouble, we’ll just drive them back.”

Upon hearing this, Venerable Xing let out a hearty laugh. “Well said! As men of the Wuling Immortal Sect, we must possess such fearless spirit!” He then pointed toward the only remaining sky pillar. “That is the pillar you and Yun Shidi will defend. Quickly repel the enemy!”

Xu Ziqing’s expression turned serious, and he immediately responded, “Yes.” After speaking, he looked toward Yun Lie.

Yun Lie extended his hand, and Xu Ziqing grasped it.

The two then transformed into a stream of black and gold light, swiftly soaring upward. In just a few breaths, they disappeared into the clouds.

Venerable Xing and Domain Lord Hang stood side by side, both looking up.

Domain Lord Hang sighed, “Let’s hope the two of them can pass this test and establish themselves.”

Venerable Xing smiled, “Though Xu Shidi is somewhat weaker, his cultivation method seems extraordinary. As for Yun Shidi, with his sword intent, his abilities should be nothing to scoff at.”

Hearing this, Domain Lord Hang stroked his beard and smiled as well.

Meanwhile, Xu Ziqing, ever since his dual cultivation with his Shixiong, had unknowingly developed a unique technique by absorbing his Shixiong’s aura.

Usually, when someone used a movement technique to carry another, their speed would be somewhat affected. However, Xu Ziqing could turn himself into a floating leaf, seamlessly hidden within Yun Lie’s light without causing the slightest burden.

This time was no different. Hand in hand, they ascended together. The sky pillar seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, as though there was no end in sight.

But in reality, it only took a few moments. With Yun Lie’s rapid speed, they soon reached the top of the sky pillar.

The summit was much larger than it appeared from below, with a vast area spanning dozens of meters across—plenty of room for battle without feeling cramped.

On the other side of the pillar, five or six cultivators were already waiting. Each of them exuded a strong, malevolent aura that was palpable at a glance, making them instantly unpleasant to behold. It was clear they were from the Baiyun Mountain Domain.

Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly. This was just a pillar-defense battle, and since the enemy had initiated the challenge, they probably hadn’t sent all their disciples. Yet even so, there were several opponents in this one battle. In comparison, the Wuling Immortal Sect was indeed at a disadvantage. It was no wonder they were often treated as an easy target by the Baiyun Mountain Domain.

The cultivators from Baiyun burst into loud laughter upon seeing Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing. “Ha ha ha! So it’s just a couple of newcomers! A mere Nascent Soul and a Golden Core, and they dare to face their ancestors in battle? Such boldness!”

“If you kneel down and lick your ancestors’ feet, maybe we’ll spare your lives!”

“Surrender quickly, and we’ll leave your bodies intact!”

Their crude taunts echoed non-stop, filled with vulgarity.

Xu Ziqing had encountered many high-level cultivators before, and regardless of whether they were righteous or demonic, most carried a certain demeanor. But this group, barking like wild dogs, was utterly repugnant. However, he quickly realized that despite their insults, their minds were anything but dull.

One of them, a dignified-looking man, raised his hand, silencing the others. With ill intent, he said, “If you only had one defender like in previous years, we from Baiyun Mountain Domain would only send one challenger. But since there are two of you now, we will also send two fighters.”

The Baiyun Mountain Domain had already received word that the Wuling Immortal Sect had taken in a young Nascent Soul cultivator with immense potential, though his current cultivation level was still low.

For this reason, the Baiyun Mountain Domain sent five late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and one Divine Transformation cultivator to this pillar.

Their goal in this Battle for the Sky was not only to ensure the young Nascent Soul cultivator’s downfall but also to use the opportunity to extort something from the Wuling Immortal Sect!

Translator: Lynn

Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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