Chapter 87: A Choice Concerning Fate

Chapter 87: A Choice Concerning Fate

Huntian Palace.

Sect Master Tuoba Wuxiang sat at the head of the hall, with figures exuding dense Dao Rhythms seated on either side. The entire palace was suffused with a profound aura of Dao Rhythms.

"Elder Lin, are you certain everything you’ve said is true?" Tuoba Wuxiang’s gaze fell upon a slightly hunched figure as he spoke with solemn gravity.

"Indeed," replied the elder, who was the same one who had previously led Chen Feng and the others to the Primordial Spirit Cave. He was also a high-ranking elder of the Huntian Sect. "Sect Heir Candidate Han Daoling possesses a semi-God-Grade Divine Trait, the Primordial Spirit Dao Body. After his journey to the Primordial Spirit Cave, he stands on the verge of transformation and is certain to evolve into a true God-Grade Divine Trait—it is only a matter of time. However, Han Daoling’s temperament still requires refinement."

"As for Sect Heir Candidate Chen Feng, though he possesses a Mortal Body, it is truly an Inverse Mortal Body. His cultivation has already reached the pinnacle of the Twelfth Transformation of the Body Forging Realm. With sufficient support, there is hope he may break through the shackles, surpass his limits, and forge a Supreme Body Forging Foundation."

"Therefore, this elder proposes that we devote our full efforts to assisting Sect Heir Candidate Chen Feng in his attempt to reach the Supreme Body Forging Realm."

"I disagree," another voice interjected, holding a differing opinion. "I believe we should first assist Sect Heir Candidate Han Daoling in evolving his Primordial Spirit Dao Body into a God-Grade Divine Trait. As for his temperament, it can be tempered through further trials."

"Why can’t we support both at the same time?" someone else countered.

"Esteemed elders, whether it is accelerating Han Daoling’s evolution of the Primordial Spirit Dao Body into a God-Grade Divine Trait in a short time or aiding Chen Feng in breaking through the shackles of the Body Forging Realm to forge a Supreme Body Forging Foundation, both will require immense resources," Tuoba Wuxiang spoke calmly. "Given the current state of our Huntian Sect, we can only choose one in the short term."

A dilemma of choice!

"I believe we should prioritize supporting Han Daoling. With our assistance, his Primordial Spirit Dao Body will undoubtedly evolve into a God-Grade Divine Trait in a short time. However, if we choose to support Chen Feng, there is no guarantee he will succeed in breaking through the shackles of the Body Forging Realm and forging a Supreme Body Forging Foundation."

"Indeed. Since our Huntian Sect can only choose one in the short term, we must ensure success."

"With Sect Heir Candidate Chen Feng’s talent and the sect’s support, there is at most a ten percent chance he will break through the shackles and forge a Supreme Body Forging Foundation. The probability of failure exceeds ninety percent. If he fails, the loss will be immense."

If the Huntian Sect were still in its prime, such considerations would be unnecessary. Supporting two—or even ten—would not be an issue.

But now, the Huntian Sect has declined.

Compared to its peak, it possesses less than a tenth of its former strength.

"Sect Master, make the decision."

All eyes turned to Tuoba Wuxiang, awaiting his verdict.

This decision would carry significant consequences.

Tuoba Wuxiang pondered deeply.

Difficult.

Extremely difficult.

He had to weigh all considerations, balancing the pros and cons.

Even though Han Daoling was his disciple.

"Sect Master, I support Han Daoling. Once his Primordial Spirit Dao Body evolves into a God-Grade Divine Trait, his chances of breaking through the shackles of the Body Forging Realm will be far greater, and he will have a higher likelihood of forging a Supreme Body Forging Foundation."

Suddenly, another elder spoke up.

By supporting Han Daoling, the Huntian Sect would soon possess a God-Grade Divine Trait. Moreover, a God-Grade Divine Trait—especially one like the Primordial Spirit Dao Body, which is exceptionally suited for cultivation—holds a greater likelihood of breaking through limitations, at least a 50% chance.

In other words, by choosing to support Han Daoling, the Huntian Sect could gain a monstrous genius with a God-Grade Divine Trait and a tremendous hope of forging a Supreme Body Forging Foundation.

However, if they chose to support Chen Feng, there would be at most a 10% chance of achieving a Supreme Body Forging Foundation.

Tuoba Wuxiang's mind seemed to clear as if dispelling a fog, swiftly becoming decisive. "In that case, we shall first support Han Daoling. Afterward, we can find a way to lend Chen Feng a hand." Taking a deep breath, Tuoba Wuxiang finally made his decision.

A trace of regret lingered in his heart.

Resources were limited—otherwise, both could have been supported simultaneously rather than prioritizing one over the other.

But for now, this choice was the most appropriate, offering the greatest benefit to the Huntian Sect.

"Congratulations to Sect Heir Candidate Chen Feng of the Huntian Sect for successfully challenging the Huntian Battle Tower and ranking 100th on the Strongest Body Forging Ranking!"

A majestic, boundary-breaking voice resounded, sweeping across the Huntian Sacred Mountain and even reaching the depths of Huntian Palace.

Tuoba Wuxiang and the elders trembled in unison.

"Sect Master, should we reconsider our decision?" Elder Lin asked. "After all, it has been a century since anyone from our Huntian Sect has ranked on the Strongest Body Forging Ranking."

"I believe there is no need to reconsider. While Sect Heir Candidate Chen Feng has indeed broken our sect's century-long stagnation, he has only reached the Twelfth Transformation of the Body Forging Realm—not the Thirteenth Transformation."

"Wait."

Tuoba Wuxiang's voice cut through the discussion.

The group continued to wait, and before long, another majestic voice boomed forth.

One announcement followed another, stirring increasing unrest among them.

"Oh, this kid even defeated his own master," some elders remarked teasingly upon hearing Chen Feng's listed rankings.

"Wang Yuandao truly has a worthy successor."

"I heard Wang Yuandao has entered seclusion—probably attempting once more to merge with the Dao."

"Merge with the Dao again? Impossible, unless some great opportunity arises."

As they conversed, Chen Feng's ranking climbed higher and higher.

"Congratulations to Sect Heir Candidate Chen Feng of the Huntian Sect for successfully challenging the Huntian Battle Tower and ranking 11th on the Strongest Body Forging Ranking!"

"Eleventh place! Next, he’ll challenge the tenth, won’t he?"

For a moment, even Tuoba Wuxiang and the elders were filled with awe.

"But the tenth rank won’t be an easy challenge."

"Indeed. Starting from the thirtieth rank, all are at the Thirteenth Transformation of the Body Forging Realm. But by the tenth rank, it’s not just the Thirteenth Transformation—they’ve also successfully awakened the Human Body's Hidden Treasure and mastered Destiny Power. Their strength is on an entirely different level."

"Mastering Destiny Power truly separates two realms."

"Only a Supreme Body Forging Realm cultivator who has mastered Destiny Power can be considered a true Supreme Body Forging Realm."

The elders' words were laden with admiration and envy.

Because that was a realm beyond their reach.

Not to mention a true Supreme Body Forging Realm with mastery over Destiny Power—even the Supreme Body Forging Realm itself was unattainable for them.

Silence fell over the group as they waited.

For what came next was the most critical moment, one that would determine Tuoba Wuxiang's decision.

Though the Huntian Sect was not an autocracy, as its sect master, he still wielded immense authority.

...

On the ninetieth floor of the Huntian Battle Tower, Chen Feng stared intently at the seemingly illusory figure before him.

The figure was indistinct in gender, standing right before him yet shrouded in a haze, as if enveloped in mist—so unreal it seemed it might dissipate with the wind, dreamlike and ethereal.

Its aura was equally elusive, impossible to grasp.

Yet Chen Feng dared not underestimate it in the slightest.

After all, this opponent ranked tenth on the Huntian Sect's Strongest Body Forging Ranking.

And though he had defeated the eleventh-ranked challenger just moments ago, it had required his full effort—a hard-fought victory.

Gathering his thoughts, his eyes sharpened. In an instant, Chen Feng drew his sword, his figure flickering unpredictably—imbued with the mysteries of Phantom Form, the acceleration of Treading Waves Step, the swiftness of Wind Demon Hundred Strikes, and the agility of Heaven and Earth Wandering Dragon.

A single sword strike tore through the air!

Like a gale sweeping across, yet also a tempest raging violently.

Heavenly Wind Annihilating Slash!

This sword technique, which Chen Feng had continuously refined, had grown increasingly formidable.

An ordinary Thirteenth Transformation of the Body Forging Realm cultivator would hardly withstand it.

Yet, as Chen Feng's blade slashed forward, it met only empty air. His opponent had somehow drifted aside, appearing beside him in an instant. A palm, hazy as mist, struck with an illusory, dreamlike force.

Even with Chen Feng's exceptional vision and heightened perception, he struggled to discern its true nature.

Its trajectory was unfathomable.

For a moment, Chen Feng felt a chill in his heart.

Is this the strength of the tenth-ranked on the Huntian Sect's Strongest Body Forging Ranking?

But—it was not unbeatable.

Nor was it beyond his ability to defeat.

Compared to the eleventh-ranked, this opponent was at most evenly matched.

Without hesitation, Chen Feng immediately entered the Sword Unity Realm.

With his unparalleled foundation and relentless training, his essence, qi, and spirit had grown increasingly refined. Now, he could sustain the Sword Unity Realm for a full thirty breaths.

In this state, not only did his perception rise slightly, but his power also became more concentrated—every strike doubling in might.

Dodging the opponent's mystifying palm strike, Chen Feng swung his sword horizontally.

Each slash was executed with effortless mastery, as unpredictable as an antelope's fleeting shadow—landing squarely on his opponent's body.

Yet Chen Feng's expression shifted.

The moment his blade connected, he sensed an overwhelming, lofty aura emanating from his opponent.

That aura was as vast as the heavens, profound and unfathomable.

An indescribable dread surged through Chen Feng—as if he were facing suppression from a higher plane of existence.

At the same time, a faint, dreamlike glow flickered around his opponent's body, seemingly thin yet effortlessly blocking his sword strike.

Could it be...

That is the so-called Destiny Power?

A flash of insight burst forth in Chen Feng's mind.

The Thirteenth Transformation of the Body Forging Realm was a level that shattered limits—a metamorphosis.

But even within the Thirteenth Transformation, there were distinctions.

One was the ordinary Thirteenth Transformation—though still extraordinary, far surpassing the Twelfth Transformation.

One is the Thirteenth Transformation of the Body Forging Realm, which awakens the Human Body's Hidden Treasure and masters Destiny Power, also hailed as the true Supreme Body Forging Realm.

Monstrous geniuses possessing God-Grade Divine Traits have a considerable chance of breaking through constraints to forge the Supreme Body Forging Realm. However, awakening the Human Body's Hidden Treasure to master Destiny Power is no easy feat.

To think that Chen Feng now faced an opponent who very likely wielded Destiny Power.

Far from feeling fear, Chen Feng's heart surged with even greater excitement.

What did it matter if his opponent mastered Destiny Power?

There was only battle!

Why fear a fight?

With unwavering conviction, Chen Feng's aura grew increasingly refined, as if on the verge of shattering its limits.

His soaring presence and intensely condensed power erupted with full force, channeling into his blade as he unleashed the most formidable strike of his life thus far— First Form of the Juejian Sword Art!