The Post Sky Tipping Era
Chapter 626 - 446: The Candidate

Chapter 626: Chapter 446: The Candidate

After Li Yi revealed the matter of cross-realm cultivation, no cultivator in Taiyi Palace could resist the allure. As former experts in the Tri-Floral Realm, they longed deeply to restore their cultivation one day. Yet, in the End of Dharma Era, even if one’s strength returned, it would be futile; as soon as Spiritual Energy became depleted, their realm would quickly plummet once again.

This world no longer holds any hope for enlightenment.

Initially, everyone had accepted this cruel reality. They had resigned themselves to merely surviving, preparing for the day they would sit silently into death.

But Li Yi’s words rekindled the hope buried within their hearts. This hope was no longer vague and unattainable, but tangible and now within their reach.

Under the current circumstances, even those with exceptional composure could not avoid falling into mania.

Li Yi, however, still had to ensure they calmed down first.

About two hours later, their emotions finally settled significantly. The frantic postures and burning expressions disappeared, and they returned to their usual demeanor, sitting back onto the meditation mats. Yet, this time, their eyes were alight with vigor. Even Wu the Taoist, whose life span was at its end, swept away his physical exhaustion, replaced with newfound hope for survival.

"Respected seniors, before I began cultivation, my strength was weak. Though I managed to cross realms, my resources are limited. I can only open the cross-realm gate one more time at most. I hope that after taking a few seniors with me to cross realms and restore their strength, they can assist me in acquiring cross-realm resources, gradually transferring the rest away." Li Yi spoke again at this moment.

"Taiyi, you need not worry. Once I restore my cultivation, even if it means razing cities to the ground, I will seize the cross-realm materials for you!" Xiang Xiangzi immediately declared with a murderous tone, assuming the cross-realm resources were the invaluable Seven-Colored Stones, difficult to obtain, and prepared to slaughter her way through.

Xuan Yuezi also nodded and said, "Matters concerning enlightenment justify employing thunderous measures."

"Taiyi, rest assured. If this old Taoist regains his strength, as long as the cross-realm materials exist, I will acquire them for you." Wu the Taoist straightened his spine and proclaimed solemnly. Immediately afterward, he addressed the group: "Daoist friends, please rest assured as well: regardless of who crosses realms first, it is imperative to assist Taiyi, following his guidance. Should anyone harbor ulterior motives, heaven and earth shall bring judgment upon them."

Though his words were not harsh, the meaning was clear to all.

If anyone crossed realms and then disregarded others, turned against Taiyi, or even acted against him—thus cutting off others’ hope of crossing realms—it would be an intolerable betrayal.

Li Yi subtly fluttered his eyelids.

Judging from the demeanor of these cultivators, once their peak strength was restored, they truly could treat mortals like ants, paying no regard to anyone.

His concerns were justified.

Tu Daoist sneered coldly at this moment and said, "Taiyi’s sincerity can be trusted—his initiative to raise this matter demonstrates the honesty in his heart. However, others can’t be trusted. Once their Three Flowers are reopened, who can restrain them? As Wu the Taoist pointed out earlier: harboring impure intentions, being capricious—what then? Mere words condemning them to heaven’s judgment are insufficient as binding constraints."

"The bald man speaks truth. People’s minds are unpredictable. Among you old ones, each is a seasoned schemer; no matter how pleasant the words spoken, they are hollow. Should the cross-realm be successful and strength restored, who can guarantee what will happen? It is not like me, whose Primordial Spirit Flower resides in Taiyi. When Taiyi flourishes, I flourish; when Taiyi perishes, I perish," Xiang Xiangzi said.

"Immortal, would we follow Taiyi to the treasure grounds, only to commit acts of ingratitude?" a Taoist instantly argued.

"Indeed, I have cultivated for many years, never betraying commitments."

"If my strength is restored, I will assuredly serve Taiyi with devotion."

The Taoists all voiced their loyalty, fearful of being misunderstood.

But at this moment, a toothless old Taoist spoke grimly: "Words are meaningless. The Sacrifice Spell must be cast. Everyone’s lives shall be under Taiyi’s control, preventing unforeseen mishaps."

Sacrifice Spell?

The mention of those words caused many cultivators’ expressions to shift, but their gazes soon firmed again. "If the Sacrifice Spell must be cast, so be it. Anyone unwilling to accept this spell must harbor impure motives and should be struck down immediately, to avoid future trouble."

"Good idea! Let’s cast the Sacrifice Spell and dispel mutual suspicion."

"Exactly—once the spell is cast, everyone’s lives are bound with Taiyi’s. Should anything happen to Taiyi, we all perish together."

Without hesitation, they unanimously agreed to this proposal.

"What is the Sacrifice Spell?" Li Yi, still novice in cultivation, didn’t understand the spell, but he sensed it likely involved controlling others’ lives.

Divine Lady Yun explained: "The Sacrifice Spell is an extremely ruthless incantation. It extracts a sliver of everyone’s Primordial Spirit Power and refines it into a curse through a secret technique, casting it onto you. From that day forward, your death would mean all of our deaths, and you would have the ability to end our lives at will through the curse. This spell is irreversible, lasting a lifetime, only disappearing if we die."

"Because the caster sacrifices their own life, the spell is named ’Sacrifice Spell.’"

Li Yi froze momentarily.

This world of cultivation was indeed bizarre—a spell that lets the caster voluntarily surrender their life to another.

"Since everyone agrees, let’s waste no time. Those willing to cast the Sacrifice Spell stay; those unwilling can leap off this mountain now to end their lives. The matter of cross-realm cultivation absolutely cannot be leaked—if a powerful expert forcibly regains their strength and interferes, it will spell calamity for us all," Tu Daoist snapped.

He then used the remnants of his Mana to form a simple spell seal, which emitted a clear light coiling around his fingertips.

"Taiyi, receive the spell."

The next moment,

Tu Daoist pointed his finger, and a ray of light struck Li Yi’s hand. Upon contact, an odd and mysterious curse mark immediately surfaced on the back of his hand.

The mark resembled a tattoo etched into his skin, impossible to erase.

Even if Li Yi severed his arm, this mark would reappear if the arm regrew.

"Taiyi, receive the spell."

Wu the Taoist and Nun Liu, unwilling to lag behind, also cast the Sacrifice Spell, sending two more rays of light onto Li Yi’s body, embedding additional curse marks.

The Heavenly Dao Sect’s two immortals and Divine Lady Yun Feizi likewise wasted no time casting the Sacrifice Spell, fearful their delay might be misconstrued as dubious intentions.

Li Yi gained three more curse marks.

The remaining Taoists also cast the Sacrifice Spell in succession. Those who lacked Mana borrowed Spirit Stones from Tu Daoist to restore their Mana. Those unfamiliar with the spell learned from peers—it was simple enough for Tri-Floral Realm experts to grasp after observing and receiving a few pointers.

In less than two hours, all forty-nine Tri-Floral Realm masters present had left behind curse marks—none abstained.

Li Yi did not resist this procedure, understanding that it was a means to reassure everyone.

"Taiyi, after crossing realms, how many do you plan to take with you? Do you have any particular requirements?" With the Sacrifice Spell settled, Tu Daoist promptly inquired.

Li Yi replied, "This time, I intend to take three seniors with me to test the waters. As for requirements...my hope is that the seniors accompanying me across realms have intact realms—the Tri-Floral Realm must remain fully opened, so that strength can be restored as quickly as possible."

"With the assistance of three Tri-Floral Realm masters, I can also obtain the necessary cross-realm materials more swiftly, allowing me to initiate a second crossing and gradually bring the others away."

"Three individuals, then?" Upon hearing this, the group scanned each other.

Among the forty-plus present, they wondered who would be fortunate enough to secure the first cross-realm opportunity.

"According to Taiyi’s requirements, the three chosen for this crossing must have fully opened Tri-Floral Realms to rapidly recover their strength, establish footing, and support Taiyi in facilitating the next crossing." Tu Daoist spoke with regret. "This old Taoist has already fallen from the Tri-Floral Realm, no longer retaining peak strength. Perhaps some Daoist friends may wish to volunteer."

The cultivators began detailing their realms. A few had only a single flower left; the majority had fallen completely from the Tri-Floral Realm into the Chao Yuan Realm—forced to sever their realms for survival.

"Oh no, I myself have regressed to the Chao Yuan Realm. Could it mean I won’t be able to cross realms with Taiyi this time?" Xiang Xiangzi cried bitterly, nearly shedding tears. She gazed at Li Yi with pleading eyes, hoping he might show her favor.

But Li Yi could only shake his head in refusal. This cross-realm endeavor pertained to survival and thus required utmost caution. Without Tri-Floral strength, the risks would remain substantial.

"Taiyi, allow me to go. I still retain two flowers. Should my strength return after crossing realms, I will surely assist you in achieving your goals," Xuan Yuezhi suddenly stood, unwilling to forgo this chance.

The other Heavenly Dao Sect cultivators sighed in relief at this sight.

At least one immortal had stepped forth, ensuring the sect would not be left behind.

"This old Taoist retains the Tri-Floral Realm; permit me to undertake this venture,"

Suddenly, an elderly Taoist raised his eyelids and slowly spoke. "To preserve these three flowers, this old Taoist has exhausted the sect’s reserves. Now, my lifespan is nearly exhausted. Taiyi, should my strength revive after crossing realms, I will repay your generosity. In the future, I would only ask an opportunity to revisit the sect and tend to the disciples who remain."

"It’s Senior Cang Erzi."

The group turned toward the aged Taoist, their expressions filled with astonishment.

The End of Dharma Era had lasted so long—yet Senior Cang Erzi had managed to keep the Tri-Floral Realm intact? How unfathomable.

No.

Wait.

The realization hit them abruptly.

It likely wasn’t that Cang Erzi had preserved the Tri-Floral Realm, but that his realm had fallen to this level.

Was Cang Erzi once an Enlightened being?

"Then I’ll trouble the senior," Li Yi bowed in acknowledgment.

Cang Erzi’s old face shifted slightly, a gratified smile forming. "Taiyi, it is I who must thank you. Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t survive the year."

"The first two cross-realm individuals have been set: Heavenly Dao Sect’s immortal, Xuan Yuezhi, and Senior Cang Erzi. As for the third, it seems none present retain two flowers in their realm. Thus, we must choose from among those with a single flower," Tu Daoist suggested, offering plans for Li Yi despite his own lack of an opportunity to cross realms.

"I, Tian Jizi, one of the thirty-six Protectors of the Heavenly Dao Sect, possess unparalleled combat prowess and can accompany Taiyi across realms to serve as his protector." Suddenly, a middle-aged man stood from his meditation mat. Though the single Primordial Spirit Flower atop his head was withered and nearly fallen, he was still a cultivator of the One Flower Realm.

"Taiji, step aside. The Heavenly Dao Sect has already secured one slot. This final opportunity should be offered to other Daoist friends," Divine Lady Yun Feizi said coldly.

"What the Goddess says is true—it was my oversight." Tian Jizi then bowed respectfully to the group, apologized, and returned to his seat.

He was no fool and understood quickly.

If the Heavenly Dao Sect occupied two out of three slots, how would the others react?

But now Xiang Xiangzi unexpectedly interjected, "Taiyi, I propose letting Wu the Taoist go. That elderly figure, trembling and frail, has little life span remaining—he can’t hold out long."

At this, Wu the Taoist on his mat looked astonished toward Xiang Xiangzi. He never imagined this immortal, who often berated him, would nominate him now.

Had his old eyes faltered, creating an auditory illusion?

Li Yi was equally surprised. After a brief contemplation, he nodded slightly, addressing the group, "If no one objects, the last individual will be Senior Wu."

The other cultivators smiled and nodded, offering no dissent.

They were pleased with the arrangement.

After all, everyone eventually faces the reality of a dwindling lifespan. The nomination of Wu the Taoist aligned well with sentiments, and as someone not from a top-tier sect, his inclusion was politically expedient.