Chapter 183: Chapter 99 Winter’s End_1

Except for Xuan Kong, Shen Yuan, and a few others on the top deck of the cruise ship, no one had a clear view of what had transpired.

In their eyes, a massive ice-blue hand descended like divine punishment, freezing all of the Aquatic Tribe it encompassed, including the Evil Yue River God.

The large ice sculpture still contained the terrified expression of the Evil Yue River God, but the Elemental Qi transformed into ice had frozen his spirit soul, completely cutting off his vitality.

After the initial fear, joy welled up on everyone’s faces. The elimination of the threat of the Evil Yue River God was undoubtedly great news for all.

Some people cheered out of surprise and joy, some knelt and prayed to their god, while others leaned on the railing regretting the possessions they threw overboard too soon.

Whether intentionally or unknowingly, the cheering crowd overlooked Xuan Le and Xuan Kong, who stood at the front of the deck.

On the topmost deck of the cruise ship, Xue Mingzhi watched Gong Buyu, who had just floated back into the room. Shock still lingered in his eyes.

He considered himself quite knowledgeable, having witnessed Qi-training cultivators in action in both Imperial Capital and Yunfu Market.

However, none of them could compare with the aloof young girl in front of him.

If this was because those Qi-refinement cultivators hadn’t revealed their true strength, Xue Mingzhi firmly believed that even if they did, they still wouldn’t hold a candle to the girl before him.

“At this level, she’s only considered a disciple in name under Teacher Shen?”

“What kind of prodigies must Teacher Shen’s favored disciples be?”

Xue Mingzhi’s thoughts were a storm. Meanwhile, Gong Buyu walked towards Shen Yuan.

A hint of anticipation in her eyes, Gong Buyu who was looking at Shen Yuan resembled a little girl who had just finished her homework, waiting for her parents’ praise.

Although Shen Yuan knew that Gong Buyu’s mental age was much younger than her appearance and demeanor suggested, he couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth when faced with her expectant look.

It’s absurd that the formidable individual who had effortlessly killed the Evil Yue River God a moment ago now appeared as innocent as a little girl. If this were to spread, it would likely astonish everyone.

Shen Yuan extended his right hand, lightly stroking Gong Buyu’s silvery-white hair, and praised, “You did very well.”

Gong Buyu’s face showed little change, but her slightly upturned lips revealed her deep joy.

Ever since Shen Yuan spiritually awakened Gong Buyu under the Starry Sky Bodhi, she had loved when he petted her head.

For Gong Buyu, this was a reward far better than any miracle remedy.

At that moment, Xue Mingzhi, filled with doubts, inappropriately stepped forward and quietly asked,

“I’ve seen great Qi-training cultivators in action, but even when holding a spirit treasure, they still can’t compare to Sister Gong.

Is there such a huge gap among the peak stages of Qi Refinement Realm?”

Although he wasn’t accepted as a disciple by Shen Yuan, Xue Mingzhi had managed to build a closer relationship with them along the way, going so far as to address Gong Buyu as Sister Gong.

Gong Buyu rarely offered opinions on matters and did not object to being addressed in this manner.

Shen Yuan didn’t point out Xue Mingzhi’s little trick, and instead shook his head slightly and said,

“It’s not that there is a large gap between the Peak Stage of Qi Refinement Realm and other stages of the Qi Refinement Realm. Within the Qi Refinement Realm, there can be a vast difference in strength between different cultivators.

Strong Qi-training cultivators can hold their own against ten opponents, and even escape from a Great Cultivator of Transforming God.

However, even if weaker Qi-training cultivators reach the Peak of the Qi Refinement Realm, they won’t stand out.”

Ultimately, it all boils down to these four words: Qi of Heaven and Earth!”

Talking up to this point, Shen Yuan felt a little emotional. Had it not been for possessing Zhuming Chengye, he wouldn’t have been able to find the Electronic Scripture Depository to intensively study and answer Xue Mingzhi’s question.

“In the early stages of the Cultivation World, there were no universally accepted cultivation realms like the Four Steps of Immortality Ascension.

Golden Core Path, Primordial Spirit Path, the Life Talisman Method, ancient sword cultivators, Qi-training path, Same Participation, Body As the Array… Various cultivation methods co-existed, but not all of them led to the Immortal Path.

Many cultivation methods were phased out over time, leaving only two paths: the Primordial Spirit Path and the Qi-train Path.”

“The Primordial Spirit Path emphasizes instant enlightenment to achieve Yin God, then resisting nine tribulations to form the indestructible Yang God.

Meanwhile, the Qi-training path focuses on perceiving the Qi of heaven and earth, deciphering the secrets of the cosmos.

Both paths have their pros and cons. The entry barrier for the Primordial Spirit Path is incredibly high. Even those with unrivaled talents might still spend their whole life unable to achieve Yin God.

While it’s easy to study but hard to master the Qi of heaven and earth on the Qi-training path, and the Immortal Path is difficult to seek due to the scarcity of Qi of heaven and earth.”

“In the end, under the enlightenment of an ultimate prodigy, the two paths merged into one.

The Qi-training path laid the foundation for the Essence Refining, Qi Transformation, and Qi-training stages. The Primordial Spirit Path accomplished the Transforming God and Spirit Refining stages, forming the basis of the Four Steps of Immortality Ascension.”

“This Qi-training realm, as an embodiment of the ancient Qi-training path, has a gap that can’t simply be divided by realms.”

Shen Yuan’s explanation made Xue Mingzhi’s eyes appear momentarily enlightened.

At this point, Shen Yuan turned to look at Gong Buyu, his interest piqued.

“The Divine Skill you used is the Profound Divine Power passed down by the Qi-training lineage, the Innate Great Qi Capture.