Ye Wen had a restless night, consumed entirely by thoughts on how to mend the fundamental flaw in the Shu Mountain Sect's cultivation techniques. From the Vermilion Bird Divine Lord, he was certain that the current Shu Mountain methods were perfectly adequate for the needs of the Immortal Realm; yet, without rectifying that deficiency, the sect could never truly rise to prominence.

The issue was easy enough to grasp, especially with a clear example like Nangong Huang. His power was already considerable, and after a year or two of careful recuperation, his cultivation could resume its ascent, eventually reaching the Void Shattering realm, thanks to the abundant spiritual energy in the Immortal Realm.

However, in his present condition, Nangong Huang absolutely could not cross that threshold—though ascending to Earth Immortal status bypassed the typical heavenly tribulation and lightning strikes, every cultivator facing that transition underwent a perilously severe test. Only by surviving it did one become an Earth Immortal, regenerating the physical body and even restoring youth; failure meant utter annihilation of both form and spirit.

Even without a formal tribulation, this hurdle was functionally equivalent to one. Ye Wen and others had encountered similar trials, but he had passed through easily, and his disciples had suffered no ill effects due to his protective presence.

This had previously kept him from focusing on the matter. But now, ignoring it was impossible; given the current circumstances, only a handful of these Shu Mountain disciples might cross this chasm through sheer personal strength.

Zhou Zhiruo counted as one, and Guo Jing another! Beyond them, it was unlikely any of the eighth-generation disciples could smoothly clear this threshold; both Nangong Huang and Wei Hong were highly likely to perish at the door of this great gate.

As for Li Xuan… if he could discover the correct method, and resist the urge to boost his power immediately, instead re-tempering his physical body, he might stand a chance. If he attempted to force an entry into the Earth Immortal realm now, death would be the absolute, unquestionable outcome.

Furthermore, if the other disciples continued their current training methods, their internal power growth would far outstrip their physical fortitude. This was because the current methods for strengthening the body within the Shu Mountain Sect were quite crude; only a sparse few prioritized physical hardening through external martial arts, while the rest heavily emphasized internal energy cultivation.

Coupled with the rich ambient spiritual energy, the speed of internal power advancement was significantly faster than in the Nine Provinces Cauldron World, further causing the disciples to neglect physical conditioning. While inner arts did confer some bone-strengthening benefits, it was merely incidental.

In the past, accidents didn't occur because even rapid internal power growth never reached the level seen now; the body could sustain it. The current situation, however, risked creating a massive contingent of Shu Mountain disciples strong in inner power but physically frail, potentially resulting in their mass demise upon reaching the Earth Immortal gateway.

A shiver ran down his spine, and Ye Wen could no longer lie still. He sprang up from the couch, sat upright, and began seriously pondering solutions.

“It seems handling Chris and Zheng Ying will be relatively straightforward!” Although the Seven-Colored Dou Qi was an internal cultivation method, it placed great emphasis on the physical body, granting Chris and the others substantial physical strength. The Absolute Domain, needless to say, was an entire system designed specifically to enhance bodily toughness.

However, this alone did not satisfy Ye Wen. While both techniques were balanced, they each had their focus.

Ye Wen was now considering whether it was possible to fuse these two distinct power systems, allowing one person to cultivate both simultaneously. The problem he couldn't solve before was that both energy structures converted the power within the body into the form required by the practitioner.

When ambient spiritual energy was limited, although both systems were undemanding, they couldn't absorb excessive world energy at once. But things were different now.

In this Immortal Realm, even casual breathing drew world energy into the body; for cultivators, this environment was enough to drive one mad with joy. Chris’s cultivation had been skyrocketing over the years, currently peaking at Violet Dou Qi.

Had it not been for the terrifying side effects of Black Dou Qi, he might have already stepped across that threshold. Under these circumstances, Chris had been actively suppressing his Dou Qi level.

He now possessed the foundation to cultivate another power system—converting the majority of absorbed energy into the Absolute Domain, which would also suppress his Dou Qi and slow its advancement. The true unknown was what would happen when both powers were cultivated concurrently: would one devour the other, or would they form a perfect cycle, one dominating the internal and the other the external?

Baibu Shishang Di Yi Zhangmen Ba. “If successful, with ultimate external power, augmented by internal Black Dou Qi, and further insight into the special abilities derived from the power of the Great Universe, the strength of these disciples might become terrifyingly immense!” This was the ideal scenario.

If this fusion could not be achieved, Chris’s cultivation might hit a ceiling here. Even if he could neutralize the side effects of Black Dou Qi, he would lack any higher-tier manual for breakthrough.

The original work mentioned Phantom Dou Qi, but Ye Wen specifically consulted the manual for the Seven-Colored Dou Qi he had summoned, which explicitly stated that Black Dou Qi was the limit. Future practitioners could only enhance their Black Dou Qi infinitely; the legendary Phantom Dou Qi did not exist—perhaps the Ring’s creator deemed Phantom Dou Qi too troublesome and explicitly removed it from this version?

He hadn't paid much mind to this then, but now that he considered it, he glanced at the ring on his finger before turning his thoughts to the other disciples. He had no concerns regarding Guan Luyan and his daughter’s Crimson Force.

That technique inherently included body-tempering effects, making it seem more aligned with the cultivation philosophy of this world. Thus, as long as they followed the established path, there was nothing to worry about, save for diligently instructing them in the required moves.

The Martial Saint Spear Technique and the Tang Family Overlord Spear had long been passed down, but since Guan Shuying chose the Seven-Star Azure Dragon Spear—a weapon famed as a great killer in ancient battle formations—mere spear techniques were insufficient. Fortunately, having now established a connection with the revered Guan Yunchang, he could send the young woman to her ancestor for instruction.

Though Guan Yu was renowned for his spear, the long spear was no unfamiliar weapon to him—Zhang Fei was a noted practitioner of the long spear, and some even argued Guan Yu favored the long spear. “These are all secondary concerns…” Drawing his focus back, Ye Wen concentrated his energy on that core group of direct disciples.

Their techniques were the most orthodox Shu Mountain methods, originating from the Nine Provinces martial arts world, and consequently, utterly mismatched for the current environment. This group was also the largest component of the Shu Mountain Sect, its most vital part, and simultaneously the group facing the greatest peril.

Figuring out how to solve their crisis was truly the most vexing problem. The Absolute Domain, which Ye Wen had considered earlier, was one potential solution.

The body-tempering capability of the Absolute Domain was undeniably the strongest among the techniques he possessed, and it was not restricted by internal power level. The Qiankun Adamantine Body was stronger, and beyond that lay the even more monstrous Qiankun Limitless Body, but both required extremely high cultivation to initiate.

This did not suit the immediate needs of the Shu Mountain Sect. Even the lowest tier, the Qiankun Malleable Body, was unsuitable for the majority of disciples.

Ye Wen needed a solution for the entire sect; if it were just a few individuals, the Malleable Body might suffice. Put another way, Ye Wen possessed advanced body-refining methods and some mid-to-high-tier techniques, but he lacked a suitable entry-level technique universally applicable to the entire sect.

The only method potentially universal enough faced a severe incompatibility issue with most of the sect's internal cultivation manuals. This stumped Ye Wen for half the night, his long hair nearly becoming a bird’s nest from him pulling at it, yet no good solution emerged.

As dawn broke, he could even hear the sounds of Dongfang Kui stirring in the adjacent room, but Ye Wen still hadn't conceived of a viable fix. He didn't rush to clean up, as daylight arrived earlier in the sky, leaving some time before breakfast.

He used every second to focus on finding a solution. “If all else fails, I will have to seek out and acquire a relatively rudimentary body-refining method!” He hadn't come up completely empty-handed, though.

He thought the most ideal path would be to drastically revise the Qiankun Malleable Body, lowering its requirements significantly—though this would necessarily reduce its effectiveness—and then fuse it with the sect’s core heart method, allowing disciples to temper their bodies while cultivating their primary arts. However, he personally leaned toward improving the Absolute Domain, transforming this overbearing technique into something universally usable.

That would elevate the combat prowess of the Shu Mountain Sect to an almost insane degree. Baibu Shishang Di Yi Zhangmen Ba.

Imagine the scene: when the armies of Mount Olympus charge, several hundred Shu Mountain disciples simultaneously unleash their auras and roar, “Grant me strength, I am Hee—” No, lost focus again! They would unleash their auras together, surge forward with overwhelming ultimate power, ignoring the enemy's numerical superiority and their clashing swords and blades.

They would crash into the ranks like rabid wolves tearing through a flock of sheep, slashing left and right as if in an empty field, occasionally unleashing a finishing blow—what a glorious sight! Moreover, the Olympian gods would never dare look toward Shu Mountain again; as long as Shu Mountain existed, Western powers would never set foot in the Eastern Immortal Continent.

At that point, even the Jade Emperor of the Celestial Court would have to treat him with deference! Alas, these were merely his wishful fantasies, and he had wasted a whole night without devising a way to modify the Absolute Domain.

Setting aside whether his revised Absolute Domain could retain its original power, the technique’s peculiar structure left him with no clear starting point for alteration. Headaching from the strain, Ye Wen finally got up from the couch, grabbed a towel placed nearby, dipped it in water from the basin, and haphazardly wiped his face.

In his current state, he no longer needed to go through the motions of washing; even if his body were coated in dust or filth, a mere thought could render him perfectly clean. This action was partly habit forged over many years, and partly a physical stimulus intended to clear his chaotic mind.

He hadn't expected that his movement would coincide exactly with Dongfang Kui’s voice from the doorway: “Sect Master Ye, are you awake?” “Ah, I am awake! The door isn't bolted!” With a creak, Dongfang Kui opened the door from the outside, immediately spotting Ye Wen, his hair a veritable bird’s nest: “Sect Master Ye, what in the world…?” She stared at him in surprise, then broke into a smile: “How did you manage to get into this state?” “Hm?” Luckily, a mirror stood nearby.

Ye Wen turned and saw the ridiculous sight his appearance presented. He smoothed his hair with a few swipes and replied awkwardly, “Well… I’m not a calm sleeper!” Dongfang Kui curbed her laughter.

“You didn’t sleep well last night, Sect Master Ye?” “Oh? How can you tell?” “I heard sounds of you turning over constantly from your room all night, occasionally punctuated by sighs.

I surmise you didn’t sleep at all!” “Ah… you didn’t sleep either!” Ye Wen suddenly realized Dongfang Kui had also been awake all night, otherwise how would she have noticed the activity next door? “No,” Dongfang Kui stepped up behind Ye Wen, who was sitting before the mirror trying to tame his hair, and casually picked up a wooden comb, reaching over to arrange his messy, nest-like locks.

“Uh… I can do it myself…” Dongfang Kui said nothing, but her actions didn't cease; she meticulously combed his hair. Ye Wen found it awkward to forcefully snatch the comb away, so he finally fell silent, submitting to her ministrations, feeling a peculiar sense of temporal displacement.

“Sect Master Ye… regarding the Phoenix Nirvana Art…” “Ah, that technique…” Ye Wen understood instantly why Dongfang Kui had been awake. Before the Vermilion Bird Divine Lord departed yesterday, he had left the complete version of the Phoenix Nirvana Art.

Ye Wen hadn't examined the details, simply handing it over to Dongfang Kui before retiring. Hearing her bring it up today, he said, “That art… while the Vermilion Bird Divine Lord said the complete version isn't as agonizing to cultivate, your current physical condition makes it unsuitable for continued practice.

We will address your body’s issues in a while before anything else.” After a brief pause, silence settled in the room. Ye Wen felt the situation becoming too awkward and decided to continue, “Actually, I think it might be better if you didn't practice that art at all!” “Oh?” Dongfang Kui finally stirred, clearly surprised that Ye Wen would advise her to stop.

“That art was never meant for human practice. Before the Seventh Transformation, it’s manageable, with no strange anomalies!

But if you reach the Eighth or Ninth Transformation, and these stages prove impossible to complete—what happens if an accident occurs?” Dongfang Kui remained silent, understanding Ye Wen was worried for her, but after considering it, she could only reply helplessly, “If I don't practice this, what else can I practice?” “We will eventually find a suitable technique!” It was a phrase he himself uttered without much conviction. Although he possessed the Ring—a massive trump card—it offered no guarantee of summoning a technique suitable for Dongfang Kui.

He had long known that even if he extracted some of Dongfang Kui's true qi and channeled it into the Ring, there was no 100% certainty of obtaining a fitting cultivation method; there was still a chance of receiving a random manual if no perfect match existed. He had tested this in the Changbai Immortal Realm, learning that the Ring was not omnipotent and had its limitations.

Dongfang Kui smiled without speaking, assuming Ye Wen was just trying to comfort her. She finished arranging his hair coronet and placed the comb back in its spot, murmuring, “Done!” Ye Wen then noticed his hair was perfectly aligned, not a single strand out of place, testifying to the meticulousness of her work.

Standing up, Ye Wen said casually, “Thank you, Miss Dongfang. Perhaps next time, I can comb yours?” The words left his mouth, and he immediately felt the impropriety of the statement.

Decades spent back in the mortal world seemed to have revived his habit of speaking without thinking; he had forgotten that Dongfang Kui hadn't grown up on Earth. Fortunately, Dongfang Kui said nothing and showed no visible reaction, nor any annoyance.

She merely glanced at him before looking away, and an awkward silence returned to the room. “Ah… well… let’s go eat some breakfast!” He stepped out first, only to find a soldier approaching, who bowed respectfully: “The True Lord invites Sect Master Ye and Miss Dongfang to the main hall!” Though he didn't know the reason, it was certainly preferable to the awkwardness in the room.

He waved his hand and said, “Lead the way!” The two followed the soldier to where Yang Jian was waiting. Yang Jian hadn't called them for anything momentous, merely to share breakfast and to inform Ye Wen: “Yun Chang has departed with three thousand troops toward the vicinity of Shu Mountain, and a person skilled in minor array formations is accompanying them!

However, this individual needs to assist Yun Chang in setting up some simple arrays first before proceeding to Shu Mountain. It’s estimated that by the time you return, he will be finished and can accompany you directly.” Hearing this, Ye Wen knew Yang Jian was fulfilling his promise.

He cupped his hands in thanks, and everyone quietly began their meal. “As for the person skilled in alchemy and artifact crafting, I will need to inquire after them once we reach the Celestial Court!

However, Sect Master Ye, since you know Cui Jun of the Heavenly Mystery Gate, why not speak with him?” “Talk to him? If he finds out I eliminated Yu Lin, someone he highly valued on Earth, that old demon will surely seek retribution!” His initial reaction was that the idea was preposterous, but Ye Wen quickly realized—who would know?

How long had it been since anyone ascended to the Immortal Realm from Earth? Moreover, only a select few among the Shu Mountain disciples knew he had killed Yu Lin.

As long as those few kept silent, no one in the Immortal Realm would ever know. “Perhaps… there is indeed room for discussion?” Besides, from their few interactions, he could tell that although the Gourd Immortal enjoyed throwing drunken tantrums, he wasn't entirely unreasonable.

Even if he discovered Ye Wen had killed Yu Lin, if the matter were explained clearly, he shouldn't be completely set on antagonism. “More importantly, Yu Lin wasn't officially a disciple he took in; this old man likely won't risk his life fighting me over Yu Lin!”