"It's done."

All that remained was to break through the peak of the 4th level.

Once this final barrier fell, the Celestial Jade Physique Scripture's cultivation would reach perfection.

The essence and blood would complete their transformation, becoming an even more potent Original force.

"The Dharma body realm has reached its peak," Ethan mused, feeling a surge of power.

"One step away from the Nirvana realm. Only one more stage in the Celestial Jade Physique Scripture remains."

His gaze sharpened, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Now if I meet Oswin again—Oswin who has reached the eighth turn Mahayana realm—I no longer need to flee. I'm strong enough to face him head-on."

Rising, Ethan disbanded all the formations lingering in the cave.

His mind stirred, and the ghostly mask that had long cloaked his face melted into dark liquid, seeping away with the shadows.

Changing into fresh clothes, he prepared to leave the secluded cave.

His next destination: Noble Sun City.

There, he hoped to acquire the heavenly and earthly attribute treasures necessary to aid his breakthrough to the peak stage, completing the essence and blood transformation.

Only then could he summon the Nirvana Tribulation and attempt to pierce through to the Nirvana realm.

Such an ascent would horrifically amplify his strength and greatly extend his lifespan.

A classic quote in cultivation whispered in his mind: if you don't enter Nirvana, you will eventually become an ant.

Only by stepping into the Nirvana realm could one claim the true capital to chase immortality and the pinnacle of martial arts.

A sudden "Bang bang bang~!" echoed.

The majestic heartbeat of life vibrated from within Ethan's ring as he drew out the Phoenix egg.

Its intricate lines brightened and surged with fiery power, the breath of life growing ever more vibrant.

Throughout his seclusion, Ethan had to feed his blood essence to the Phoenix egg.

With him being in the last stage of the 4th level now, the Phoenix egg absorbed deeper blood and vitality, greatly shortening its incubation.

He could feel his heart pounding with renewed vigor.

It would not be long before the egg broke free from its shell.

Then, it would be his powerful ally and stunning mount.

"Grow up quickly," Ethan whispered, feeding it a precious drop of blood essence before safely tucking it away.

Spry and resolute, he vaulted upwards and took to the skies, flying the same path he had come.

Noble Sun City was distant, requiring him to circle back to Sun Moon City where the teleportation formation awaited.

As he shed the Onyx Orchid mask, Ethan was confident even Oswin himself would never recognize him.

"Breathing Technique!" he muttered, activating it to disguise himself as a cultivator in the Nascent Soul Realm.

Faint spiritual energy rippled over his form, though he lacked actual spiritual energy.

Yet with spirit stones and crystals backing him, the Breath Technique easily cloaked his true essence.

Five days passed.

At last, Ethan glimpsed the familiar spires and battlements outlining the city.

He found a nearby town and settled temporarily.

Purchasing a unicorn horse renowned for endurance, he mounted his dusty ascetic guise—bamboo hat tilted low, iron sword slung across his back—and traveled the road.

By ten o'clock that night, he reached Sun Moon City's gate.

Following the sudden upheaval in Sun Moon Lake, the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets had seized control of the city's defenses.

Now, the city was heavily guarded.

One could expect strict scrutiny when entering or leaving.

Dismounting, Ethan followed the guards through the gates, eyes flicking upward.

There, affixed to the massive city wall, stood a colossal wanted poster.

Ethan's own likeness stared back, painted with uncanny precision.

Beside it, detailed information warned all:

Aether, ranked fifth on the Heaven's Prodigy list in Skyreach Territory.

Marked as a person the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets must kill.

A high reward was promised for information leading to his capture.

"Interesting..." Ethan muttered under his breath.

But then he smiled faintly.

"What does what Aether did have to do with me?"

The city guards, eyes narrowing suspiciously, sized him up.

"You brat, who are you looking at? Know him?"

One asked, voice gruff.

Ethan replied confidently, "Of course I recognize him. Aether is a famous figure. I only met him once during a arena challenge and have not crossed paths since."

"I can't receive the Pavilion's grand reward," he sighed, feigning disappointment.

"What's your name? Why come to Sun Moon City?"

"Ethan," he said truthfully. "And naturally, I'm here to use the teleportation formation."

"Ethan…"

The guard's eyes flickered thoughtfully.

Recall of Oswin's orders came to mind.

Though Aether was a pure physical cultivator, anyone bearing no spiritual energy must be thoroughly investigated.

A careful scan revealed faint spiritual energy flowing at the Nascent Soul realm—clearly not Aether's.

"Go in," the guard finally consented.

"Thank you," Ethan bowed lightly.

Leading his unicorn horse through the gate, he then sold it to the nearest inn.

No way would Oswin recognize him here, much less the city guards.

After brief inquiries, Ethan learned more about the teleportation formation's current state.

Ancient and powerful, Sun Moon City's teleportation formation had long existed.

Once controlled by three major families, its reins had been wrested by the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

Yet the three families retained shares, unwilling to part without profit.

Mobilizing the formation required a hundred peoples now.

Each activation consumed hundreds of spiritual crystals.

Riders were charged ten top-quality spiritual crystals or one hundred ordinary ones.

Alternatively, offering a spiritual essence granted guest privileges from both the Pavilion and the three clans.

Ethan made his way south of the city, approaching the ancient formation.

Guarded heavily by elite cultivators from the families and the Pavilion itself.

Two buildings stood flanking its sides—the inn stations of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

Anyone wishing to use the teleportation array had to register and pay upfront.

Only when one hundred people gathered would the formation be started.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

Realms: Qi-gathering, Foundation Establishment, Core formation, Nascent Soul, Soul formation, Void Amalgamation, Body Integration, Tribulation Transcendence/Dharma Body, Mahayana/Nirvana, Supreme, Emperor.

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