Chapter 635 - 98: Reinforcements for Gusu
'So this is the Purple Void Divine Fire? I wonder how powerful it is.' Song Changsheng mused, watching the purple flame burn fiercely within his Purple Mansion Melting Furnace.
Although he knew his master would never give him anything substandard, he couldn't rest easy without testing it for himself.
With a flip of his right hand, a Scale Armor Shield appeared in his palm.
He waved his sleeve, tossing the shield into the air. Pointing a finger from a distance, he poured a surge of Mana into it, fully activating the Scale Armor Shield's defenses. Palm-sized, diamond-shaped Light Shields materialized in the air, arranging themselves in overlapping layers like fish scales.
Next, Song Changsheng tried to mobilize the Purple Void Divine Fire dwelling within his Purple Mansion Melting Furnace.
With a flick of his finger, he felt a searing heat spread from his chest as a small gout of purple flame shot from his fingertip, striking the Fish Scale Array before him.
The instant it made contact, the Purple Void Divine Fire spread rapidly, viciously consuming the Fish Scale Array. In just a moment, it burned straight through. Even the Scale Armor Shield itself wasn't spared; a fist-sized hole was scorched into it, rendering it completely useless.
Song Changsheng was inwardly speechless at the sight. A Tier Two Top-Grade artifact, destroyed so effortlessly. If he were to use his full power, its might could only be described with a single word: terrifying.
But such great power came at the cost of extreme consumption. That single attack had already depleted a significant amount of his Mana. If he were to use it like he had used the Earth Core Cold Flame—casually unleashing seas of fire—his current Cultivation would likely be drained dry in an instant.
However, given the might of the Purple Void Divine Fire, using it that way would be a complete waste. Its true strength lay in concentrating its power on a single point to shatter a defense. A focused attack would undoubtedly give any opponent a nasty surprise.
"It's not a Spiritual Fire, but it's even better than one. What an incredible technique! This calls for a celebration."
Having mastered a new ability, Song Changsheng was in high spirits. He took the Wine Gourd from his waist and took several large gulps. GLUG, GLUG, GLUG. The crisp liquor slid down his throat, and a pleasant sensation washed over him, making him feel as light as a feather.
"Oh, right. There's this, too."
Song Changsheng suddenly remembered something. He swiped a hand over his Storage Bag, and a white Jade Scroll appeared in his palm. Inscribed on its side in a flamboyant, ancient script were the three words, "Flowing Cloud Hand."
This was a Little Divine Technique he had excavated from the ruins of the Lieyang Sect's Gold Storage Pavilion. It was the signature skill of a Purple Mansion Independent Cultivator from the Daqi Cultivation World, and was fairly well-known in Daqi. He had no idea how it had ended up in the Lieyang Sect's possession.
But none of that mattered now. The Lieyang Sect had been destroyed, and that Purple Mansion Independent Cultivator had long since passed away. Even if Song Changsheng learned the technique, no one would come looking for trouble.
* * *
"Clan Leader, Ascendant Niu from Luoxia City is here to visit. May I ask when you plan to come out of seclusion?" a Steward inquired respectfully from outside the heavy stone door.
Song Changsheng had not activated the cultivation chamber's Restriction, which indicated he wasn't in death-seclusion. Otherwise, the Steward wouldn't have had the nerve to disturb him.
RUMBLE
The heavy stone door rumbled open, and a stubble-faced Song Changsheng stepped out. He looked at the Steward in confusion. "Why have I never heard of an Ascendant Liu from Luoxia City?"
The Steward didn't dare delay and quickly replied, "In response to the Clan Leader, the visitor calls himself Niu Dazhuang, the First Disciple of the Second City Lord. He says he is your senior brother. I have already compared his appearance to his portrait and checked his Plaque; his identity is confirmed."
"Second Senior Brother?"
Upon hearing this, Song Changsheng was stunned for a moment before becoming overjoyed. "Second Senior Brother has broken through to the Purple Mansion realm?" he asked hastily.
"He is confirmed to be a Purple Mansion Great Cultivator, without a doubt," the Steward replied, cupping his hands. When he looked up again, Song Changsheng was already gone...
Inside the Song Clan's main hall, Niu Dazhuang, dressed in simple, practical clothes, sat fidgeting in a wicker chair with a teacup in hand. He looked anxious, glancing toward the entrance from time to time.
Seeing his impatience, Song Luyun, who was keeping him company, spoke softly. "I have already sent someone to inform the Clan Leader. He is not in death-seclusion, so I imagine he will be here shortly. Please wait a little longer, Ascendant."
But Niu Dazhuang paid her no mind. He looked at Song Luyun, annoyed. "Why is that kid so damn slow? Take me to his seclusion chamber. I'm going to drag him out myself."
A wry smile touched Song Luyun's lips. She had long heard that this senior was impulsive and hot-tempered, and seeing him today, it seemed he truly lived up to his reputation.
Just as she was about to offer a few comforting words, a figure in a green robe strode in from outside. He chuckled and cupped his hands toward Niu Dazhuang. "Congratulations on ascending to the Purple Mansion realm, Senior Brother. I am a step late, please forgive me."
"What's there to celebrate about breaking through to Purple Mansion? You still beat me to it," Niu Dazhuang said, rolling his eyes.
He had emerged from his own seclusion some time ago, thinking he was the first of his generation to reach the Purple Mansion realm. He'd been quite smug about it for a while, only to be told later that Song Changsheng had broken through even earlier. The news had instantly wiped away all his joy.
"Breakthroughs are a matter of luck to begin with," Song Changsheng said, laying on the flattery. "With your talent and skills, Senior Brother, it's only a matter of time before you surpass me. Why let this bother you?"
Niu Dazhuang's face immediately broke into a wide grin. He tilted his head back proudly. "Of course! You just got lucky this time, kid. You won't be so fortunate next time."
Standing to the side, Song Luyun couldn't help but press a hand to her forehead. 'He actually fell for such obvious flattery. He's truly... truly a man of simple character.'