Ringing the Bell for a Hundred Years, I Became the Sect’s Ancestor – Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Celestial Being Xiao Passes Away

Time always flies when one cultivates through bell ringing.

In the blink of an eye, half a year had passed.

Li Qian had already figured out the supplementary cultivation effects of the upgraded Time Bell.

With his current cultivation at the late stage of the Celestial Being Realm, he could increase his cultivation level by one point every fifteen days. At this rate, he estimated that it would only take him four years to break through to the Martial Saint Realm, which was above the Celestial Being Realm.

Such a cultivation speed was astonishing.

When he was at the middle stage of the Celestial Being Realm, it took him a month to increase his cultivation level by one point.

Now that his cultivation level had increased, his cultivation speed had doubled.

One could only say that the supplementary cultivation effects of the upgraded Time Bell were too amazing.

As for the progress of his sword intent, it had also increased from the original half-year to one point to two months to one point. At the current rate, it would only take him a little over twelve years to reach the level of 99.

Both the Great River Sword Qi and the Blood and Qi Sanctuary improved by one point every thirty to forty days, and their progress had also accelerated significantly.

During this time, Liu Ming left the Time Bell Pavilion and officially entered the Inner Sect.

As for the two registered disciples, Bai Yun and Chai Shao, their Hidden Root Bones were gradually manifesting. In addition, they received the effect of sudden enlightenment from the Time Bell once a day, so their cultivation of the Sword-Piercing Fist was extremely rapid. Bai Yun had reached Minor Completion and should not be far from Major Completion.

Chai Shao was even faster and had already trained the Sword-Piercing Fist to Major Completion.

After observing them for more than half a year, Li Qian had a comprehensive understanding of these two registered disciples.

Their disposition was not bad.

Especially Chai Shao, who had a calm mind, was conscientious and responsible, and worked hard. He never neglected the cultivation of the Sword-Piercing Fist and devoted himself wholeheartedly to it.

Bai Yun, on the other hand, was relatively simple and lacked initiative. However, under Chai Shao’s influence, she eventually managed to cultivate the Sword-Piercing Fist patiently.

Dong, dong, dong.

The clear sound of the bell rang out.

After ringing the bell, Li Qian began to cultivate.

At this moment, a figure arrived at the Time Bell Pavilion.

With a shaved head and dressed in a black robe, it was Pang Bai.

Pang Bai now looked much more weathered.

After all, he was already in his forties or fifties.

When he saw the two teenagers cultivating the Sword-Piercing Fist, he was quite surprised.

He had been at the Xuan Province Branch for a long time and had not returned to the Divine Sword Sect for a long time.

He only came back after the Xuan Province Branch was abolished.

“Are you all Odd-Job Disciples? Where is Liu Ming?”

Seeing that Li Qian was still cultivating in the Bell Tower, Pang Bai did not disturb him and watched the two practice their fist techniques with great interest.

He noticed that they were both practicing the Sword-Piercing Fist and assumed they were Odd-Job Disciples.

After all, Inner Sect Disciples had long since cultivated Internal Skill Manuals, so who would still practice this basic fist technique?

“Senior, we are Inner Sect Disciples. Also, Brother Liu has already entered the Inner Sect.”

Chai Shao quickly replied.

“Eh? Inner Sect Disciples? Could it be that you are Junior Brother Li’s disciples?”

Pang Bai was astonished.

Under normal circumstances, Inner Sect Disciples would not appear here.

“Martial Uncle, yes, but…we are only registered disciples.”

Chai Shao nodded.

“Since you are Junior Brother Li’s disciples, why are you still cultivating the Sword-Piercing Fist?”

Pang Bai was very puzzled.

He could not sense any Internal Qi from these two Inner Sect Disciples, indicating that they had not yet entered the ranks of martial artists.

Normally, after Inner Sect Disciples cultivated Internal Skill Manuals, it was very easy for them to become Ranked Martial Artists.

“Martial Uncle, Master only allows us to cultivate the Sword-Piercing Fist.”

Bai Yun said.

Screech!

An eagle’s cry rang out in the air.

Immediately afterward, a large black shadow swooped down from the sky, whistling past Pang Bai’s side.

But Pang Bai was very fast and grabbed the shadow’s claws in an instant.

Flap, flap.

Little Black cried out, flapping its wings desperately, trying to break free.

But Pang Bai held on firmly.

“You bird, you’ve grown so big, and you’re still so vengeful?”

Pang Bai grumbled.

Although Little Black had changed a lot, he still recognized it.

“Senior Brother Pang, Little Black is just greeting you.”

Li Qian’s voice rang out from the Bell Tower.

“Junior Brother Li, Little Black has changed so much. Has it mutated?”

Pang Bai released Little Black.

Little Black immediately flew away, circling in the air and screeching incessantly.

“It has mutated.”

Li Qian jumped down from the Bell Tower. “Senior Brother Pang, when did you come back?”

“Just a while ago. Wasn’t the Xuan Province Branch abolished? I had no choice but to return.”

Pang Bai touched his shiny bald head and then asked, “Why did you suddenly want to accept disciples?”

Li Qian smiled. “I just wanted to, that’s all. Why so many questions?”

Pang Bai asked curiously, “Since you’re accepting disciples, why are you still making them practice the Sword-Piercing Fist?”

Li Qian replied, “This is the rule of my Heartless Lineage.”

“What kind of rule is that? Isn’t that a waste of their time? Martial arts cultivation is a race against time.”

Pang Bai was a little puzzled.

“It won’t be a waste of time.” Li Qian shook his head.

Chai Shao and Bai Yun came out of the house, carrying spirit tea.

Li Qian took it and drank a sip.

“After all these years, you still haven’t become an Elder?”

Pang Bai asked curiously.

Li Qian smiled. “It doesn’t matter to me whether I become one or not.”

He was quite content with being able to freely stay at the Time Bell Pavilion and cultivate through bell ringing.

“You are really laid-back. If it were me, I would go to the Divine Sword Hall Plaza and curse them out.”

Pang Bai said.

He naturally knew the reason.

Li Qian did not go on meritorious missions, giving those elders of the Divine Sword Sect a reason to say that his merit was insufficient. Although the Sect Master nominated him many times, it was never approved.

At noon, Chai Shao and Bai Yun cooked some dishes to go with the alcohol, and Pang Bai stayed for lunch and drinks.

“I heard that Nangong Bei became a Great Grandmaster two years ago.”

Pang Bai finished the wine in his cup and said suddenly.

Li Qian said, “He is a True Disciple and has been cultivating in the Sword Grinding Cave, so it’s normal for him to be a Great Grandmaster.”

Pang Bai sighed and said, “Ji Ming is also a Great Grandmaster now.”

Li Qian smiled. “It shouldn’t be long before you become a Great Grandmaster too.”

“I’m far from it. I guess there’s no hope for me.”

Pang Bai shook his head.

He used to be proud and aspired to become the youngest Elder, a Real Authority Elder of the Divine Sword Sect. But after being beaten by time, he knew that his Root Bone talent was only average.

Li Qian did not say much.

If one could stay in the Divine Sword Sect for a long time and receive the baptism of the first bell ringing every day, there was still a great chance of stepping into the Great Grandmaster realm.

After eating and drinking, Pang Bai left the Time Bell Pavilion slightly drunk.

In the afternoon, Li Qian went to the Formation Valley to study the Divine Roaming Armor Mother-Child Formation.

With his current formation mastery, it was very difficult for him to set up the Fifth Foundation Formation in the Panyuan Cave Mansion.

Therefore, he had to go to the Formation Valley every few days to use the Divine Roaming Armor Mother-Child Formation to make some progress.

As time went on, the demonic traces in Great Chang became increasingly serious.

In just over a year, there had been multiple demonic traces within the Taiwu Circuit alone.

Fortunately, with the establishment of the Taiwu Circuit Lord’s Residence and a more powerful Circuit Lord in charge, although demonic traces occurred frequently, they did not spread and were all under control.

One morning, a powerful aura suddenly surged from a certain peak of the Divine Sword Sect, condensing into a sword shadow entwined with lightning in the air. Rolling Yuan Qi gathered, attracting the attention of many Grandmasters and Great Grandmasters of the Divine Sword Sect.

“Is it Purple Lightning Peak?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu immediately walked out of the Divine Sword Hall and looked in a certain direction, a hint of joy in his eyes.

As a Great Grandmaster, he could sense the higher level of sword intent contained within this powerful aura.

“True Image Level Martial Intent, Celestial Being.”

This meant that another Celestial Being had been born in the Divine Sword Sect.

After the aura gradually subsided, he hurried to Purple Lightning Peak.

Not only Sect Master Feng Shaoyu, but many other Peak Masters and Elders also gathered.

After a long time, a middle-aged figure in a green robe walked out of Purple Lightning Peak, flying through the air before landing in front of everyone.

“Good, good, good, Qingsong, you have finally broken through to the Celestial Being Realm.”

Celestial Being Xiao was the first to arrive at the scene.

He looked much older.

He had been staying at the Divine Sword Sect for the past few years.

He rarely went out anymore.

Mainly because he felt that he was not far from his end.

He had been seriously injured many times in the past, and although that senior had bestowed a divine medicine upon him, restoring a portion of his Natal Yuan Qi and allowing him to live a few more years…

…he was over two hundred years old.

In the past year, he could clearly feel himself aging rapidly.

This meant that he was not far from passing away.

Now, seeing that another Celestial Being Realm expert had been born in the Divine Sword Sect, he was overjoyed.

Moreover, Qingsong had broken through on his own, which meant that Qingsong had higher potential than Hou Shuwen.

“Grand Martial Uncle, I was very lucky. I thought I wouldn’t be able to break through.”

Elder Qingsong said with a light smile.

He was not originally a True Disciple. For the past thirty years, he had been serving the Dragon Guarding Temple and only returned a few years ago.

He had not held much hope of breaking through to the Celestial Being Realm.

However, over the past year or so, he found that every morning after the Mao Bell rang, he always gained something from comprehending sword intent. Over time, he changed his entire sword intent comprehension schedule to the period between the Mao Hour and the Chen Hour in the morning.

Unexpectedly, during his cultivation today, his sword intent suddenly broke through to the True Image Level, allowing him to smoothly step into the Celestial Being Realm.

“Junior Brother Qingsong, you must tell us about your breakthrough experience.”

Peak Master Wan Xiangu of Purple Lightning Peak said with a smile.

She and Qingsong had the same master, so she was naturally very happy that Junior Brother Qingsong had broken through to the Celestial Being Realm.

“I don’t have much experience to share. However, I think cultivating and comprehending sword intent between the Mao Hour and the Chen Hour every morning should be beneficial.”

Elder Qingsong said after thinking for a moment.

“Eh? Junior Brother Qingsong, do you really think that cultivating between the Mao Hour and the Chen Hour is more effective?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu quickly asked.

Because he also liked to cultivate during this time.

At first, he did not pay much attention to it. But in recent months, he found that cultivating during this time was significantly more effective, especially for comprehending sword intent, where he always gained something.

“Yes, has the Sect Master also noticed it?”

Elder Qingsong nodded and said.

“Yes, I also discovered it in recent months.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu nodded and said.

The other Elders and Peak Masters were all surprised. Everyone had their own cultivation habits, and many people liked to cultivate at night.

So they did not notice anything unusual.

Some people had occasionally cultivated between the Mao Hour and the Chen Hour, but they had done so very few times and did not pay much attention to it. However, now that they heard Elder Qingsong, who had broken through to the Celestial Being Realm, say this, they all began to recall their experiences.

“Whether cultivating during this time period is more effective or not, everyone can go back and try it out for themselves.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu smiled. “Moreover, over the past year or so, I have noticed that the newly entered Inner Sect Disciples seem to be progressing in their cultivation much faster than previous batches.”

As the Sect Master, he had been paying attention to the cultivation progress of those Inner Sect Disciples who had not yet taken a master.

Mainly to select Inner Sect Disciples who were worth nurturing.

These outstanding Inner Sect Disciples would often receive more cultivation resources after they stood out.

Therefore, he discovered from the compiled data that this batch of Inner Sect Disciples was clearly cultivating faster.

“Oh, there’s such a thing?”

Xiao Wendao was surprised. He never cultivated or comprehended sword intent in the morning.

“Grand Martial Uncle, if cultivating during this time period is indeed more effective, I suspect it might be related to the changes in heaven and earth.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu said.

◈◈◈

“Hmm, if this is truly the case, then it must be promoted within our Divine Sword Sect.”

Xiao Wendao nodded and said.

This seemingly simple change in cultivation time might bring about earth-shattering changes to the Divine Sword Sect.

Time Bell Pavilion.

Li Qian sensed the aura coming from the direction of the Inner Sect.

“Has someone broken through to the Celestial Being Realm again?”

Standing on the Bell Tower, Li Qian had his hands behind his back, his eyes gleaming.

He was a little curious if this sudden breakthrough to the Celestial Being Realm had anything to do with the first bell ringing of the Time Bell?

“I wonder if the higher-ups of the Divine Sword Sect have discovered that cultivating in the Mao Hour is more effective?”

Li Qian stroked his chin.

But he would definitely not reveal it.

It was up to the people of the Divine Sword Sect to figure it out themselves.

Anyway, at the Time Bell Pavilion, he required his two registered disciples to start cultivating the Sword-Piercing Fist after waking up, for at least an hour.

Suddenly, Li Qian looked at Chai Shao, who was cultivating the Sword-Piercing Fist below the Bell Tower, and his face revealed a look of surprise.

Because Chai Shao’s fist technique had actually generated an invisible fist momentum, causing the surrounding air to stir. Every movement contained a sharp sword-like edge.

Chai Shao’s Sword-Piercing Fist had actually reached Perfection today.

As for Bai Yun’s fist technique, it was still a little lacking.

Bai Yun also noticed the abnormality in Senior Brother Chai’s fist technique and quickly stopped, watching from the side.

At this moment, Chai Shao had completely entered the state of Perfection in the Sword-Piercing Fist.

Li Qian sensed that a trace of Internal Qi had begun to generate within Chai Shao’s body.

Not only had the Sword-Piercing Fist reached Perfection, but he had also become a Ranked Martial Artist.

Back then, Li Qian had become a Ranked Martial Artist first before perfecting the Sword-Piercing Fist.

After a long time, Chai Shao withdrew his fist momentum and let out a long breath.

He felt the Internal Qi flowing within his body. Both the Ren and Du Meridians had been opened, and he had become a Ranked Martial Artist.

“Senior Brother, have you broken through?”

Bai Yun quickly asked.

“Yes.”

Chai Shao nodded slightly.

“Less than two years, Sword-Piercing Fist Perfection, and entering the ranks of martial artists at the same time, not bad.”

Li Qian stood on the Bell Tower with his hands behind his back and said calmly, “Bai Yun, you need to work harder.”

“Master, I understand.”

Bai Yun quickly replied.

Next, Li Qian called Chai Shao into the house, taught him the Heartless Sword Manual, and instructed him not to privately teach it to Bai Yun before she had perfected the Sword-Piercing Fist.

Li Qian was not worried that Bai Yun would not be able to perfect the Sword-Piercing Fist.

After all, Bai Yun had good talent, and her Hidden Root Bone was almost fully manifested. Moreover, she cultivated at the Time Bell Pavilion every day and could hear the first bell ringing of the Time Bell at close range.

“Senior Brother, did Master teach you the Internal Skill Manual?”

Bai Yun saw Chai Shao come out of the house with a sword and immediately asked in a low voice.

“Yes, Junior Sister. Master said that you cannot cultivate the Internal Skill Manual before you perfect the Sword-Piercing Fist.”

Chai Shao quickly replied.

“I know, you thought I would ask you to teach me, huh?”

Bai Yun wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure I’ll be able to perfect the Sword-Piercing Fist and enter the ranks of martial artists soon.”

“Senior Brother, your sword is so beautiful. Can I play with it?”

Her eyes rolled, landing on the sword in Chai Shao’s hand, and she said with a grin.

“No.”

Chai Shao shook his head. “Master said that a sword is a part of one’s body, how can it be touched by others casually?”

“Stingy.”

Bai Yun snorted and ran to the side to continue practicing the Sword-Piercing Fist.

Chai Shao smiled and returned to his room, starting to browse through the Heartless Sword Manual that Master had given him.

Half a month later.

Divine Sword Hall.

Many Elders and Peak Masters were gathered together.

Including the three Celestial Beings.

“After this period of visits and experiments by the Elders and Peak Masters, it is now basically confirmed that cultivating between the Mao Hour and the Chen Hour does have unexpected benefits.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu said, “However, this is only limited to our Divine Sword Sect. Such an effect has not been found elsewhere for the time being. Perhaps there have been changes within our Divine Sword Sect that we are not aware of.”

“Isn’t that even better? It’s a huge benefit to our Divine Sword Sect. Maybe we can even produce more Celestial Beings in the future.”

A Real Authority Elder said with a smile.

There were still many Top-Tier Great Grandmasters in the Divine Sword Sect. Since Elder Qingsong could break through to the Celestial Being Realm, other Top-Tier Great Grandmasters who chose to cultivate between the Mao Hour and the Chen Hour would also have some hope.

“Haha, I hope so.”

The Sect Master nodded.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Time Bell Pavilion.

Master Zhou Buping returned from the Inner Sect, bringing back news.

“Morning practice system? No wonder, for the past year or so, every time I cultivate after ringing the Mao Bell, I always feel that the effect is better than before.”

Li Qian nodded and said.

He was relieved to know that the higher-ups of the Divine Sword Sect had finally discovered this issue.

He believed that the higher-ups of the Divine Sword Sect would definitely make the most of this good opportunity for cultivation.

“Well, it’s normal for you to notice this.”

Zhou Buping was not surprised.

He knew that his disciple had a strange habit of practicing sword techniques after every bell ringing, day after day, year after year, almost without interruption.

“Grandmaster, I can’t seem to practice this sword technique properly. It feels very awkward.”

At this moment, Bai Yun ran over.

Perhaps stimulated by Chai Shao, she had also successfully perfected the Sword-Piercing Fist two days ago and entered the ranks of martial artists.

“Xiao Yun, practice it for Grandmaster to see.”

Zhou Buping said with a smile.

“Okay, Grandmaster.”

Bai Yun quickly took her sword and began to practice.

“Your problem is very obvious.”

Zhou Buping saw the problem at a glance and immediately began to give pointers.

Li Qian just smiled at this scene. Ever since Master knew that the two disciples had perfected the Sword-Piercing Fist and entered the ranks of martial artists, he had become even more attentive, personally guiding them every day.

Anyway, now, whenever the two disciples had a problem, they would go to Grandmaster instead of him, their Master.

However, he was happy to be free.

More than a year passed like this.

One day, an Inner Sect Disciple suddenly came up the mountain from the Divine Sword Hall.

“Martial Uncle Li, Ancestor suddenly summoned all the sect members above the Grandmaster level to the Dao Inquiry Hut, saying that he has something to announce.”

The Inner Sect Disciple said after bowing.

“Announce something?”

Li Qian was stunned at first, then his heart skipped a beat, and he understood.

Celestial Being Xiao must have felt that he was about to pass away and was preparing to give his last instructions.

Celestial Being Xiao had suffered multiple serious injuries in the past, and his Natal Yuan Qi had been greatly depleted. Although he had given him a pill to restore a lot of his Natal Yuan Qi, it could not be restored to its peak state.

In fact, it was already beyond expectations that Celestial Being Xiao could live for so long.

Unfortunately, taking more of that pill could only heal injuries, not replenish Natal Yuan Qi.

Otherwise, Li Qian would not have hesitated to give Celestial Being Xiao another pill.

Li Qian said, “You can go back first. I’ll be there right away.”

The Inner Sect Disciple nodded and went down the mountain.

Li Qian went to the vegetable field behind the mountain and found Master Zhou Buping, who was busy working.

Master’s spirit and energy were still good, although he had aged a lot.

Li Qian had not given Master that pill yet, mainly because Master had taken a Life-Gathering Pill before, so extending the interval between pill consumption would have a better life-prolonging effect.

Li Qian found Master and told him about Celestial Being Xiao’s summons.

Master Zhou Buping’s expression immediately became serious, understanding that Grand Martial Uncle was about to give his last instructions.

Celestial Being Xiao, as the highest-ranking elder of the Divine Sword Sect, was the backbone of the sect. It was under his leadership that the Divine Sword Sect had gone through the most difficult and dangerous times.

Therefore, Celestial Being Xiao’s prestige in the Divine Sword Sect was unmatched.

“Let’s hurry over.”

Zhou Buping sighed and said.

Li Qian nodded.

He had always respected Celestial Being Xiao.

Now that Celestial Being Xiao was about to pass away, he should at least go and see him off.

Li Qian and Master Zhou Buping arrived at the Dao Inquiry Hut where Celestial Being Xiao was cultivating in seclusion. Many martial arts experts of the Divine Sword Sect, above the Elder level, had already gathered here.

Many retired elders had also arrived one after another.

Everyone understood what it meant for Celestial Being Xiao to summon them to give instructions, so everyone had a solemn expression, and the atmosphere was heavy.

Inside the Dao Inquiry Hut.

Celestial Being Xiao sat cross-legged, but his face was ruddy, and his spirit was very good.

The other two Celestial Beings of the Divine Sword Sect, Hou Shuwen, the Peak Master of Unity Peak, and Elder Qingsong, stood in front of Celestial Being Xiao.

Although they were also Celestial Beings, they were juniors in front of Celestial Being Xiao.

“I leave the Divine Sword Sect to you two from now on.”

Celestial Being Xiao said calmly.

He did not have much regret about his impending death.

After all, he could see that the Divine Sword Sect had two more Celestial Beings, and there were successors.

Moreover, the Divine Sword Sect would definitely become even more prosperous in the future.

“Grand Martial Uncle, please rest assured, we will definitely live up to your trust.”

Peak Master Hou Shuwen of Unity Peak said.

“Qingsong, there is one more thing I need to tell you. It concerns a top secret of our Divine Sword Sect. I originally wanted Shuwen to tell you, but I’ll tell you personally.”

Celestial Being Xiao looked at Elder Qingsong and said.

“Grand Martial Uncle, please speak.”

Elder Qingsong was a little puzzled.

So, Celestial Being Xiao talked about the fact that the Divine Sword Sect still had an Ancestor in hiding.

Elder Qingsong was dumbfounded.

He did not expect that his own sect actually had such a hidden foundation?

“You just need to know this in your heart.”

Celestial Being Xiao said, “You two must remember that Li Qian of the Time Bell Pavilion cannot be treated as an ordinary disciple. No matter what happens in the future, nothing can affect the Time Bell Pavilion. No matter what he does, you must not interfere.”

“Grand Martial Uncle, we remember.”

Hou Shuwen and Elder Qingsong quickly replied.

Since Li Qian of the Time Bell Pavilion had an extraordinary relationship with that Ancestor, he must be treated with great care.

After giving his instructions, Celestial Being Xiao got up and walked out of the Dao Inquiry Hut.

Hou Shuwen and Elder Qingsong, the two Celestial Beings, followed behind Celestial Being Xiao.

When Celestial Being Xiao came out of the Dao Inquiry Hut, the originally chaotic scene immediately quieted down.

Almost instantly, everyone knelt down.

In the Divine Sword Sect, only Ancestor Xiao was worthy of their kneeling.

Celestial Being Xiao’s eyes swept across the crowd, lingering on each person as if to remember every single one. Then he said with a light smile, “Everyone, please rise. Today, I will issue my last decision. From this day forward, above the Sword Envoys, Peak Masters, and Sect Master, the Divine Sword Sect will establish the position of Supreme Elder, who will have the highest decision-making power in the sect. Only Celestial Beings are qualified to hold this position. I will be the first Supreme Elder of the Divine Sword Sect, Hou Shuwen will be the second, and Qingsong will be the third.”

“We obey Ancestor’s decree.”

Everyone shouted in unison.

“Ancestor… Haha, I don’t deserve to be called Ancestor. Everyone, disperse.”

Celestial Being Xiao smiled, waved his hand, and turned to walk towards the Sword Tomb.

The Sword Tomb was his final resting place.

No one left. Instead, they all saw him off until Celestial Being Xiao’s figure disappeared into the Sword Tomb.

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