Chapter 1181: Chapter 1181

After leaving Yuxu Star, Fang Chen did not travel with Pu Yuanzhu and Chu Jia. Instead, he made a trip to the capital city and summoned the Monarchs, including Shen Tucang.

Fang Chen's gaze swept across the monarchs and finally landed on Marshal Xiao Lang. He asked, "How is the operation in Prison Wind progressing?"

Everyone's expression shifted slightly. In recent years, most of their attention had been focused on Tuxiong Star. But with the Spirit God Sect steadily retreating, their efforts had shifted mostly to the Chaotic Star, especially Prison Wind.

Marshal Xiao Lang reported, "According to your instructions, the Killing Spiritual Division has worked in tandem with the Underworld Official Division to compile a complete list of individuals in Prison Wind Lands suspected of being Spirit God Sect cultivators. We have people watching them daily. About ninety percent have already been confirmed as sect members, while the rest have yet to expose themselves.

"Our people have taken no rash actions during this time and have not alerted the enemy."

"What about Longyuan, Minghu, and Sihui?" asked Fang Chen.

"We're understaffed. Those three locations were only screened roughly. There are no major findings."

"It's fine. The fact that Song Zhili is stationed at Prison Wind means that's the place the Spirit God Sect values the most."

Fang Chen smiled. "Pass the word. Begin preparations. It's just about time to cast the net."

Everyone was slightly shocked.

Time to cast the net?

Song Zhili was not a lightweight. He had two third-transformation sword cultivators backing him. For the Lesser Underworld Realm to attempt a full-scale roundup, they would need at least four third-transformation Ghost Gods. So far, the only confirmed third-transformation expert on their side was Yu Tingzhai of the Yin Holy Sect.

"Song Zhili is in trouble at the moment. Li Wuwang and the other deputy commander of the Heavenly Sword Division might not intervene. Still, I've prepared for the possibility that they might. Your targets are the first-transformation Loose Immortals and the other cultivators below them. Ignore the rest."

Fang Chen's words made the situation clear. He already had contingencies in place for Li Wuwang and the other third-transformation sword cultivator.

This operation to cast the net was likely triggered by some issue Song Zhili had encountered. He might not even be on Chaotic Star anymore.

Indeed, it would be an excellent opportunity to shatter the Spirit God Sect's foundation on Chaotic Star in one move. Even if they wanted to reestablish themselves later, it would take a very long time.

"Marshal Xiao, you'll coordinate this operation. Marshal Shen Tucang and the others will assist you," Fang Chen instructed. For origınal chapters go to 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝕟𝕖𝕥

Marshal Xiao nodded silently. A cold gleam flickered in his eyes. His aura felt abnormal. It was different from typical Ghost Gods, perhaps because he followed Xing Jintuo's martial path.

As the various monarchs departed, Fang Chen gestured for Xing Jintuo to stay behind.

Fang Chen circled Xing Jintuo, studying the three protrusions on his head. "Any progress with the Three Flowers Crown on your head?" F

"Lord, I've spent years absorbing void energy and have even developed an entry-level martial path." Xing Jintuo smiled. "Many spirits in the Martial God Division have taken the path. These three horn-like growths might be part of the process. I have a feeling that once they fully bloom, I'll reach the next level."

"I've not paid much attention to it before. Let's hear your insights," Fang Chen said.

Xing Jintuo's expression turned solemn as he explained, "I call the first realm the Opening of the Heaven Gate.

"Those who open the Heaven Gate can connect with void force, drawing on it briefly to unleash power strong enough to kill a cultivator in the Dao Union Realm. Back then, I focused on martial cultivation and even gave up all my immortal cultivation. Not long after, I reached this level."

Fang Chen looked slightly conflicted. "Power strong enough to kill someone in the Dao Union Realm with a single strike?"

Void energy was clearly different from spiritual energy or immortal essence, yet in terms of pure offensive might, it far surpassed them. He wasn't sure if it belonged in the same tier as immortal essence.

Xing Jintuo explained, "The Opening of the Heaven Gate is the first realm. The second is the forging the Golden Body. In that realm, a mortal body can absorb void energy and merge with it.

"When I stepped into this realm, I clearly felt that my lifespan was being eroded by the void energy. This suggests that those who walk the martial path in mortal flesh live short lives.

"Barring exceptions, most martial artists who reach this stage are already entering old age. At this level, one could likely injure a figure like Lord Qiu Jing."

Fang Chen mused silently. So one could injure a first-transformation Loose Immortal and kill a cultivator in the Ascension Realm?

"After the Golden Body comes the Void Step realm. At this level, you begin to faintly sense your mortal body stepping into the realm of void energy. You can briefly enter that world and use its overwhelming force to temper yourself," Xing Jintuo explained. "I believe I reached this realm that year."

Fang Chen looked at the man's forehead. "So you're saying your current cultivation level is already stronger than when you were alive?"

Xing Jintuo shook his head. "My case is somewhat unusual. My current path has deviated from what I originally envisioned, possibly due to this body. Now, I have only reached the Golden Body realm. These three bumps on my head might be related to that."

"That's already impressive. You're blazing a path no one's walked before. Getting this far by groping through unknowns is no easy feat." Fang Chen sighed. "Back in Yongan City, everyone mocked you for forsaking the immortal path to pursue a mortal one. Who would've thought you'd actually carve out a style that no one could rival?"

Xing Jintuo didn't grow arrogant. Instead, he gently shook his head. "To be truly unrivaled, the immortal path is still superior. I wonder what kind of glory the first person to achieve immortality must have possessed."

His words reminded Fang Chen of the many ways to attain immortality. He found himself quietly agreeing.

They were merely following the steps of the ancients. Naturally, it was easier for them than it had been for the pioneers.

Xing Jintuo rubbed his forehead. "Now, in the Martial God Division, eight people have opened their Heaven Gates. Once they forge their Golden Body, we'll know whether the bumps on my head are unique, or just a natural phenomenon along this path."

"If I'm not mistaken, Marshal Xiao has already opened his Heaven Gate, too." Fang Chen remarked.

Xing Jintuo nodded with a smile. "Marshal Xiao has strong insight into martial cultivation. Forging a Golden Body and stepping into the void shouldn't be too difficult for him."

"You should take the disciples who've opened their Heaven Gates with you to the Mortal Realm for a round of experience," said Fang Chen, patting Xing Jintuo on the shoulder.

He then walked out of the hall.

In the Central Continent Empire, many cultivators noticed sudden activity among the Daoist sects. Cultivators in Daoist robes were frequently seen breaking through the skies, some traveling alone, others in groups.

"Is some ancient treasure being unearthed?" one cultivator asked curiously.

"It's not a treasure. I heard the Daoist sects of the Central Continent Empire are organizing a grand ritual. Every Daoist cultivator must attend."

"Everyone? That's quite overbearing. Is it organized by the three great Daoist Sects?"

"You're out of touch. There are no longer three great sects. There are only the Three Great Dao Palaces. This ritual is being hosted by the Three Thousand Dao Sect."