C8 Qiankun Emperor

The first book bore only the title "Ten-thousand Elephants Palace" on its cover. Zhang Chen skimmed through it, quickly grasping the myriad of rules and systems that governed the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace. He planned to delve into these details later. However, what truly captivated him was the Bone Refining Technique lying adjacent to it.

The name alone suggested that this was an introductory cultivation technique for initiates of the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace, and upon opening the book, Zhang Chen confirmed his suspicion. The method outlined in the Bone Refining Technique was straightforward and meticulously detailed, such that even a literate layperson could practice it after careful study. The essence of the technique involved channeling the body's Qi and blood to surge through the body, refining it over time to enhance one's strength.

Zhang Chen read through the technique in one sitting and realized that the Bone Refining Technique was only applicable up to the Energy Master Stage, with no guidance for advancement beyond that level.

Despite having the Cultivation Technique at his disposal, Zhang Chen did not rush into practice. Instead, he turned his attention to the third book, which was filled with titles like "The Empire of the Empire," "Observations of Yunzhou," "The Six Paths of Immortals and Demons," "Blessed and Heavenly Lands," and "The Outer World."

The book, titled "Firmament Record," seemed enigmatic and substantial to Zhang Chen. Only after perusing the table of contents did he realize that it likely contained the observations and experiences of a venerable senior from the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace, along with a collection of extraordinary occurrences.

Having swiftly browsed through the Firmament Record, Zhang Chen couldn't resist exhaling a deep breath. He mused, "The sage who penned the Firmament Record must have transcended beyond the Divine Transformation Stage, yet even he could not fully comprehend the mysteries of the universe."

The Firmament Record concluded by suggesting that its contents were merely a fraction of the wonders that exist in the universe. To fully grasp the vastness of creation would require an entity of unimaginable greatness.

With the three books now closed, Zhang Chen felt no urgency to commence his practice of the Bone Refining Technique. Instead, his thoughts lingered on the insights he had gleaned from the Firmament Record.

Magic Treasures, Medicine Pills, and Cultivation Techniques are all categorized into grades according to the records. There are four levels: Common, King, Dao, and Immortal, each with subgrades of Lower, Middle, Upper, and Supreme. The Bone Refining Technique is merely a Middle Grade technique within the Common Level.

"This means the Universe Diagram is at the very least a Dao Level Magic Artifact!" Excitement was unmistakable in Zhang Chen's eyes.

Only Magic Artifacts of the Dao Level or higher can manifest an Artifact Spirit, and the might of the Artifact Spirit reflects the power of the Magic Artifact itself. Some particularly formidable Artifact Spirits can even reincarnate or undertake Soul Possession to begin their own cultivation journey.

Zhang Chen vividly recalled the Young Man In White mentioning his intent to accumulate power for a Soul Possession of the Universe Diagram. This implied that the Universe Diagram was far more formidable than Zhang Chen had initially thought. To not claim such a treasure would be a travesty!

Yet, earning the allegiance of such a treasure is no simple feat; it is fraught with peril. A moment's carelessness could lead to entrapment and eventual possession by the Artifact Spirit.

A successful Soul Possession by an Artifact Spirit necessitates a robust physical body; without it, the body could collapse, the possession would fail, and vital energy would be squandered.

The Firmament Record prescribes a method for gaining a supreme treasure's recognition: refining Blood Essence alone is insufficient; one must also subdue the Artifact Spirit.

To subdue the Artifact Spirit, Zhang Chen must allow the Young Man In White into the depths of his mind. This presents a risk of possession, but it also offers a chance to use his own spirit to overpower the Artifact Spirit. Success would bring untold benefits and recognition; failure would mean being possessed by the Young Man In White, with Zhang Chen's identity lost forever.

"I must take this risk; otherwise, my prospects of standing out with my modest talents are virtually nil."

With this thought, Zhang Chen bit his tongue and let his blood fall upon the Universe Diagram. Instantly, the Universe Diagram enveloping him began to contract and resist, while a formidable will battered his mind, threatening to obliterate his consciousness and claim his body.

Zhang Chen's body was constricted, his breath short as an oppressive fatigue washed over him, threatening to drag him into slumber.

"If I fall asleep, the Young Man In White will possess me!" he thought.

"You insignificant ant, you dare to dream of making me acknowledge you as my master? Today, I will take over your body!" The Young Man In White's figure slowly took shape in Zhang Chen's mind, an exact replica of Zhang Chen himself, but with a face twisted in malice.

Unfazed by the threat, Zhang Chen retorted sharply, "You've been sealed for eons and have sustained severe injuries, losing 99% of your strength. I'm curious to see how long you can hold out!"

The Young Man In White's face contorted in shock, clearly rattled by Zhang Chen's accurate guess.

Suddenly, the Young Man In White brandished a long sword, and a flurry of sword shadows danced menacingly in Zhang Chen's mind, nearly piercing through his consciousness. He was desperate to shatter Zhang Chen's spirit and seek refuge in the Universe Diagram.

"If he reaches the Universe Diagram, with my current strength, subduing him would be nothing but a pipe dream," Zhang Chen knew.

Yet, Zhang Chen was well aware of the stakes. With a menacing grin, he taunted, "Think you can just leave after entering?"

His thoughts sharpened, his spirit concentrating in a flash. The Young Man In White was swiftly engulfed by Zhang Chen's mental prowess.

"No... Ah! Ah! Ah!" The Young Man In White's screams dwindled until they ceased altogether.

In a blink, Zhang Chen vanished, reemerging before a towering cave abode that soared into the clouds, shrouded in mist, a dwelling that seemed fit for immortals.

A timeless will emanated from within, instilling a deep reverence in Zhang Chen's heart. "Qiankun Cave Heaven!" he murmured in awe.

His mind now composed, Zhang Chen's eyes settled on the entrance of the cave. The four black characters inscribed there were bold and powerful, stirring the soul.

Stepping inside, he was greeted by a resplendent golden radiance, where countless beams of light wove together, and an ancient tome glimmered faintly amidst them.

"Qiankun Spell!"

Upon seeing those three bold characters emblazoned on the book, Zhang Chen felt his blood surge with excitement.

The divine technique he had longed for lay before him. How could he contain his exhilaration?

Instinctively, Zhang Chen moved to peruse the pages, but an unseen force kept him at bay.

"I am the Life-bound Magic Artifact of the Qiankun Emperor, his companion through countless battles across the heavens. The Qiankun Spell is a cultivation technique created by the Qiankun Emperor himself. However, you are not yet ready to practice it!" A wisp of white mist coalesced, and the Young Man In White materialized before Zhang Chen.

In this moment, the Young Man In White bore no trace of pride; rather, he exuded a profound humility.

Yet, his modesty was not for Zhang Chen, but for his former master—the Qiankun Emperor!

Unable to cultivate?

"Why?"

Zhang Chen's brow creased as he listened to the Young Man In White.