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Chapter 289 The Six Sacred Places_1
Chapter 289 The Six Sacred Places_1
The Sumi Buddhist Sect, Mount Tianzhu, The Infinite Pathway Sect, Burning Heaven Valley, Vault of Sky Sword Sect, Cloud Heaven Palace, the names of the six sacred lands have been known throughout the world for countless years, even among the common folk of the nine provinces who speak of the six sacred lands with longing and reverence.
From ancient times until now, through tens of thousands of years, the nine provinces have changed beyond recognition, with changes in the world, people, and things, generation after generation, but the six sacred lands, like the eternal sun above the sky, stand tall and unchanging.
Seeing Gu Chen's expression remained usual, Qin Wu nodded slightly and said, "It seems you've already heard the news."
Gu Chen said, "His Majesty informed me earlier, and he also mentioned that the successors of the six sacred lands are coming into the world and advised me to be extra cautious."
"How much do you know about the six sacred lands?" Qin Wu asked.
After pondering for a moment, Gu Chen replied, "Commander, I know very little, please enlighten me, Qin Command."
Having said this, Gu Chen clasped his fist and gave a bow.
Qin Wu nodded slightly and said, "The first great sect of Da Xia, the Great Snow Mountain Dragon Elephant Buddhist Sect, was established many years ago by a martial artist who was expelled from the Sumi Buddhist Sect."
Gu Chen nodded, his only understanding indeed was of the Sumi Buddhist Sect, for he once had a battle with Ananda.
A sect that was created by an outcast from the Sumi Buddhist Sect, after leaving the sacred land, had become the leading force within the realm of Da Xia; it provided a glimpse into just how transcendent the six sacred lands were.
At that moment, Gu Chen seemed to think of something and asked, "Commander, since the Great Snow Mountain Dragon Elephant Buddhist Sect was founded by an outcast of one of the six sacred lands, the Sumi Buddhist Sect, why didn't they reclaim their legacy, instead allowing the Great Snow Mountain Dragon Elephant Buddhist Sect to be passed down to this day?"
In the nine provinces, regardless of sect or school, succession was extremely valued; one would never allow their family's martial arts to be scattered elsewhere, let alone the six sacred lands.
Qin Wu said, "The founder of the Great Snow Mountain Dragon Elephant Buddhist Sect held a high position in the Sumi Buddhist Sect and was highly regarded. It was only because his personal beliefs conflicted with those of the sacred land that he was expelled.
The heritage of the Great Snow Mountain Dragon Elephant Buddhist Sect is but a tiny fraction of the Sumi Buddhist Sect's, and only their sect-guarding Dragon Elephant Heart Method could be considered noteworthy within the Sumi Buddhist Sect."
"However, the Dragon Elephant Heart Method passed down by the Great Snow Mountain Dragon Elephant Buddhist Sect is incomplete, and within the Sumi Buddhist Sect, the Dragon Elephant Heart Method is not considered the strongest, but rather, it is only regarded as superior."
Gu Chen was shocked to hear this; he had personally experienced the power of the Dragon Elephant True Body. If Ananda hadn't been overconfident, the outcome of that battle would still be uncertain.
Yet such a powerful Dragon Elephant Heart Method was only incomplete?!
An intact Dragon Elephant Heart Method, its power unimaginable, yet within the Sumi Buddhist Sect, there existed even more powerful methods and martial arts.
The depth of a sacred land was here revealed.
Seeing Gu Chen's amazement, Qin Wu said, "The Dragon Elephant Heart Method really isn't much within the Sumi Buddhist Sect. You must know that the six sacred lands are powers passed down from ancient times. Even in the ancient times, they were among the very top, with few able to stand against them.
The myriad of heritages within are too numerous to count, and one can say they are dazzling to behold."
"Heavenly Martial Skills, and even the extremely rare ultimate techniques, are not unattainable in the six sacred lands."
Gu Chen's expression became solemn; just in terms of heritage alone, the six sacred lands were enough to crush all the forces in the nine provinces.
More than that, Gu Chen knew that the environments within the six sacred lands were different from those in the nine provinces, similar to the ancient times, and were extremely suitable for martial arts cultivation. Like the legendary blessed lands, they couldn't be compared to the nine provinces. Cultivating martial arts there was truly blessed.
At that moment, Qin Wu suddenly asked, "Do you know why the successors of the six sacred lands are emerging at this time?"
Gu Chen said, "I have heard His Majesty say that every few decades, the six sacred lands would have successors travel the world to experience the spectrum of life and phenomena of the nine provinces."
Qin Wu slightly nodded and said, "That's one reason. This time, the information I received indicated that the successors of the six sacred lands are coming down the mountain due to the possible reappearance of an ancient secret realm in the world."
"An ancient secret realm?" Gu Chen raised an eyebrow in surprise.
He did not doubt the reliability of the information, for the Jing Tian Department had agents spread throughout the world with their own unique intelligence system. Almost every piece of information was very accurate, and it was rare for mistakes to occur.
After all, if the intelligence was incorrect, it could very well endanger the lives of the Jing Tian Department warriors on missions. Every piece of information was verified several times before being passed on.
Qin Wu, seeing Gu Chen's curiosity, explained, "The world of ancient times was very different from today's nine provinces; there were many secret realms, each a separate small world. Some were naturally formed by heaven and earth, while others were created by humans."
"Humans created worlds?!"
Gu Chen was astonished. Was that not akin to playing God? To what heights must one's martial arts reach to have such extraordinary abilities?
Qin Wu's expression grew grave as he said, "The means of warriors in ancient times were many, and today's martial arts cannot compare to those of ancient times, not even close. Of course, creating worlds is a technique that, even in ancient times, only the most supreme warriors could achieve.
Otherwise, why do you think warriors of the Tian Ren (Heavenly Human) Stage are called immortals of the land?"
Gu Chen was astonished and deeply shaken.
The martial arts of ancient times were indeed worthy of longing; what kind of existence was Tian Ren Stage?
"Commander, if the martial arts of ancient times reached such heights, how did they come to an end?" Gu Chen asked a question that everyone in the world wanted to know.
However, even Qin Wu, a grandmaster with god-like martial prowess, knew nothing of this question and could only shake his head.
The disappearance of the ancient era remained a mystery, known only to the six sacred lands.
Qin Wu said, "The ancient secret realm, just like the fabled blessed lands of legend, contains all sorts of opportunities. Even during the martial arts golden age of antiquity, each emergence of a secret realm would see countless people vying to enter. In more recent times, the secret realm has appeared very rarely. This is a rare opportunity."
Qin Wu's words were intended for Gu Chen, who nodded in agreement. It was clear—given that all six sacred lands had sent people to enter—that the opening of this ancient secret realm would be extraordinary.
With a profound gaze, Qin Wu continued, "Undoubtedly, the ancient secret realm lacks neither treasures of heaven and earth nor the inheritance of various techniques. It has been over ten thousand years since the last emergence of a secret realm, and to think that I would experience such an event in my lifetime."
"In that case, why doesn't the commander enter and try his luck?" asked Gu Chen.
Hearing this, Qin Wu shook his head and said, "Entering the secret realm comes with various conditions and limitations. Some realms are only accessible to the youth; martial artists of advanced age are unable to enter."
"I see," Gu Chen replied, suddenly enlightened.
At that moment, Qin Wu looked at Gu Chen and spoke in a solemn voice, "The reason I have called you here is to have you participate in this emergence of the ancient secret realm. With your age and strength, if the realm truly does appear and you can reap great benefits from it, you might be able to break through to the Innate Stage in one fell swoop."
"Thank you, commander," Gu Chen responded earnestly, rising to his feet and bowing to Qin Wu in gratitude.
For Gu Chen, this was an enormous opportunity.
With a resolute face and an imposing aura, Qin Wu cautioned, "Don't be too pleased just yet. The emergence of the ancient secret realm is still but a rumor that might not even be true. And even if it is true, the descendants of the six sacred lands and countless exceptional Heroes of the World will enter.
It will certainly be a battle of dragons and tigers the likes of which have never been seen before. You are formidable indeed, but with your age, you might be at a disadvantage when facing the scions of the six sacred lands."
Gu Chen nodded. He understood this; given time to slay demons and continually gain points, he believed he was second to none.
But now, though his strength could be compared to that of a martial arts master in the early stages of the Hundred Orifices Stage, the scions of the six sacred lands were no mediocrities. They were all geniuses among geniuses, nurtured with abundant resources of the sacred lands. One could imagine just how terrifying their prowess must be.
"That's not all. On this trip, I have an additional task for you," Qin Wu added.
"Please, commander, go on," Gu Chen said, all ears.
In a heavy tone, Qin Wu instructed, "The news of the secret realm's emergence has not only reached us; the Six Union God Sect is undoubtedly aware as well. According to rumors, there is a young lord within the Six Union God Sect who has received the true teachings of the sect leader and possesses extraordinary talent and power.
He has already appeared in the jianghu, yet our Jing Tian Department's intelligence officers cannot discern his true identity. I want you to investigate discreetly and find out exactly who he is."
"If, as expected, the secret realm does emerge, you will certainly encounter this person. If possible, I want you to eliminate him on the spot!" Qin Wu's eyes showed a hint of murderous intent at the mention of the Six Union God Sect.
Had it not been for the Six Union God Sect's meddling, the world would not be in such chaos. The battle in Yan State cost Da Xia dearly.
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"Rest assured, commander," Gu Chen said with a grave expression, accepting the mission.
"By the way, commander, may I ask where the secret realm has appeared this time?"
"East Province!"
East Province, located in the eastern part of the Nine Provinces, was tens of thousands of miles away from Da Xia. It was similar to Yan State, which was in the west. Traveling from Shen Zhou would take roughly a month and a half.
Of course, if Gu Chen were to travel at full speed, it would take significantly less time.
Qin Wu said, "There's no need to rush. The emergence of the secret realm still requires some time. Once you've arrived in East Province, if you need anything, you can always contact the Jing Tian Department there; I'll have informed them ahead of time."
"Understood," Gu Chen nodded.
"You might take this time to prepare. If there's anything you need, feel free to let me know," Qin Wu advised.
After receiving a nod from Qin Wu, Gu Chen took his leave.
Upon exiting the Jing Tian Department, Gu Chen found that Grand Eunuch Huang had been waiting for him.
Ever since the crown prince ascended to the throne, Grand Eunuch Huang's position had risen dramatically, wielding considerable power. Few dared to provoke him in the imperial court.
Lately, Grand Eunuch Huang had been the essence of success, pursued daily by countless people seeking his favor. He could summon and dismiss many at will, a privilege he never enjoyed as the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace.
Despite his newfound status, when Emperor Ji Yuan asked him to find Gu Chen at the Jing Tian Department, Grand Eunuch Huang dared not show the slightest arrogance and respectfully waited upon learning that Gu Chen was with Qin Command, the department's vice commander.
"Oh, Lord Marquis, you've finally made me wait," Grand Eunuch Huang said upon seeing Gu Chen. His face immediately creased into a smile, tinged with a hint of sycophancy.
No one knew better than Grand Eunuch Huang how esteemed Gu Chen was in Ji Yuan's eyes. Ever since Gu Chen had risked his life to protect the emperor during the Great Prince's revolt, in Emperor Ji Yuan's view, Gu Chen had become the most trustworthy person in Da Xia.
In Ji Yuan's heart, Gu Chen's status was exceedingly high, beyond even that of Grand Eunuch Huang.
"May I ask what affair Grand Eunuch Huang seeks me for?" asked Gu Chen.
"The emperor is looking for you," said Grand Eunuch Huang, beaming as he spoke softly, "It's regarding the matter of your fief."