Ch. 131 - Seven Holy Lands Gathering

Legend has it that long ago, there was a Daoist named Qing Yangzi.

He firmly believed that animals had existed far earlier than humans.

In his view, humans had simply evolved from a certain type of animal. Aside from differences in thinking and intelligence, humans were essentially just a higher species of animal.

After the dawn of the cultivation era, humans developed martial cultivation, and beasts became infernal beasts.

The biggest difference between human martial artists and infernal beasts was that humans cultivated much faster, more than twice as fast, in fact.

Infernal beasts, on the other hand, were born with powerful bodies. A martial artist at the same realm would struggle to even break their defenses. As a result, martial artists were usually no match for infernal beasts at equal levels.

But because their bodies were so strong, infernal beasts needed enormous amounts of blood essence to advance, which made their cultivation painfully slow.

They often killed each other as well, devouring the flesh and blood of their kind was a shortcut to replenishing blood essence.

…

Qing Yangzi had long pondered whether it was possible to merge the bloodlines of humans and infernal beasts.

The goal: allow humans to retain their superior cultivation speed while gaining the infernal beasts' formidable physiques.

Grand Emperor Bao, the first infernal beast in history to bear the Heaven’s Will, had a lasting impact on beastfolk, just as Grand Emperor Zhen Wu had on humankind.

Before his ascension, Grand Emperor Bao passed down his emperor-level cultivation technique, the Strength Scripture, to many infernal beasts, hoping that more talents would emerge among them.

Several eras later, a giant python transformed into a true dragon and became the bearer of the Heaven's Will.

Because this dragon had started cultivating with the Strength Scripture, in honor of Grand Emperor Bao’s legacy and selflessness, it crowned itself with the imperial title of Grand Emperor Li.

During Grand Emperor Li’s era, Qing Yangzi sought him out and shared his idea, he wanted to create a perfect hybrid species.

Grand Emperor Li agreed. After centuries of joint effort, they succeeded in creating a brand-new species: Beastmen.

Their experiment was both a success and a failure.

Beastmen didn’t cultivate as quickly as humans, but they were stronger physically than most martial artists.

Though they couldn’t match infernal beasts in raw power, their cultivation speed far outpaced them.

In short, beastmen combined the strengths of both humans and infernal beasts, and also inherited their weaknesses.

But their existence was tragic. Carrying traits of both humans and beasts, they were accepted by neither.

Worse still, because their bloodlines weren’t pure, their internal energies clashed. When the conflict became too great, their bloodlines would collapse, eventually killing them.

Grand Emperor Li blamed himself. He scoured the world for a solution to save the beastmen.

He eventually discovered the Pure Moon Altar.

If beastmen replaced their blood every three months and stayed under the altar’s purifying light, their lifespan could be significantly extended.

But as the saying goes: “The pitiful often have their hateful sides.”

In that era, the beastmen, emboldened by Grand Emperor Li’s guilt, became arrogant and tyrannical. They looked down on both humans and infernal beasts.

After Grand Emperor Li’s ascension, punishment followed swiftly.

The beastmen of that time were hunted like vermin, on the brink of extinction.

Only a few survived by hiding and struggling on. After countless eras, their numbers gradually grew again.

These new beastmen formed a sect around the Pure Moon Altar. They called it the Myriad Beasts Sect.

As time passed, the grudges and misunderstandings faded.

…

Xu Zimo and Ren Pingsheng finally returned to the True Martial Sacred Ground after a long journey. The sect was unusually lively these days.

Disciples everywhere were talking about the upcoming Seven Holy Lands Gathering, and the geniuses from each sect.

The tournament was the most anticipated and grandest event in the Western Region. Held once every three years, the only rule for participants was that they had to be under thirty years old.

Each sect could send up to ten disciples.

It was said that after the seven great sects stabilized the region long ago, they agreed to host this tournament every three years. The tradition was ancient.

This year, it was True Martial Sacred Ground’s turn to host.

Invitations had already been sent to the other six sects half a month ago.

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the sect’s grand hall was heavy.

The Third Grand Elder spoke: “Sect Master, the Myriad Beasts Sect sent word, they’re closing their gates for the foreseeable future and won’t be participating in any external affairs. Looks like they won’t be coming to the tournament either.”

“What happened?” Xu Qingshan frowned slightly. “Didn’t they already accept the invitation before?”

“We’re still investigating,” the Third Grand Elder replied. “There’s no solid evidence, but I suspect it’s related to their bloodline issues.”

“You’re in charge of this tournament,” Xu Qingshan said calmly. “I don’t want any unexpected problems. If they’re not coming, then notify the entire Western Region, it’ll now be a Six Holy Lands Gathering.”

“How should we select our disciples for the competition?” the Third Grand Elder asked. “Most of our core disciples are already over thirty, they can’t participate. If there are no objections, I’ll choose from the inner court based on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.”

“Hui’er is still under thirty,” the Fifth Grand Elder interjected. “He just never bothered with rankings, which is why he’s not on the list. But his strength absolutely qualifies him for the tournament. You should consider him.”

As the Fifth Grand Elder finished, the Sixth Grand Elder, Xiao Ruoxuan, added, “Xiao’er may not be on the ranking either, but she’s fully inherited the Grand Empress’s legacy. She must have a spot.”

“How am I supposed to choose if you all keep pushing your people?” the Third Grand Elder looked helplessly at Xu Qingshan. “Vice-Lord, how about we hold an internal trial within the sect and let the top finishers represent us?”

“No need for that,” Xu Qingshan replied. “I know what Xia Hui and Baili Xiao are capable of, add them to the list. As for the rest, select based on the Hidden Dragon Ranking. Announce that in three days, we’ll finalize the participants based on the ranking. Let those who’ve been hiding their strength give it their all and fight for their place.”

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