Chapter 342
Chapter 342: The Land of Three Chan
Martial techniques grown from the fields required no cultivation; they were learned instantly. Thus, Wang Jie understood exactly how crucial the Indestructible Body was.
The practice of the Indestructible Body was actually quite straightforward: compressing the star force of a planet and forcibly merging it deep within. Then, this concentrated power would gather onto a chosen material from that planet, which would eventually fuse with one’s own bones, strengthening them immensely.
The material could be something external or even a fragment of one’s own bones. After the star force had thoroughly compressed into that fragment, it would be reintegrated back into the body. This method was known as “Gathering Stars into Bone,” for that bone fragment now contained the concentrated essence of an entire star.
The stronger the bones, the more lock force one could contain in the future.
Simply put, one could endure more punishment.
This method did not cultivate star force directly; compressing star force into the planet was just a means to an end. Star force was in constant flux, grinding the chosen material continuously. A planet simply acted as a standard measurement, as compressing an entire star link or star cloud would be impossible—even for world realm experts.
The more star-infused materials fused into the bones, the tougher the body would become. Blood vessels within the bones could handle greater strain, and muscles attached to those bones would grow more robust.
It was a method that enhanced one’s present strength and laid a foundation for the future.
Typically, when cultivators broke into the wandering star realm, star force naturally seeped into their bones and veins, allowing their bodies to adapt to the universe.
However, the Indestructible Body tempered one’s bones externally first.
No matter how one viewed it, this method was ahead of its time.
Yet the process would certainly be agonizing.
If one used their own bones, they’d first have to break off a fragment, toss it into the planet, then Force fully compress star force into it. Such pain would feel like being torn apart and melted down repeatedly.
Using external materials would be far more bearable.
[Why must my path of cultivation always be so painful?]
He wondered how long it would take to fully compress a planet’s energy—it seemed like a long-term project. Suddenly, a thought arose: [If I chose a special star, would my bones grow even stronger?] His mind drifted toward the Nan family’s hidden inheritance. [It might be worth trying—but only after ten years.]
Right now, he couldn’t waste time traveling so far.
Currently, cultivating the Indestructible Body meant seeking stars within the territory of Three Chan Heaven.
Moreover, having left Black White Heaven, he no longer had access to Devour Star. He needed a new way to replenish his lock force. Perhaps Three Chan Heaven had something similar.
Next, Wang Jie looked to his fields, ready to start planting anew.
First, he tried the nameless cultivation technique from his mysterious master.
Sitting in the field, he attempted to plant it.
No response.
The earlier nameless bone tempering method had yielded the Indestructible Body, yet this new method bore nothing. Such a pity.
Next, he planted Tempered Sword Silk—no response. Red Moon—nothing. Bone Motion Art—still nothing. Each attempt yielded no reaction. These methods either lacked further techniques or had simply reached their limit.
He could only sigh at his previous luck in successfully growing several powerful techniques.
He would have to wait until entering Three Chan Heaven to see if he could find new methods or techniques to plant.
It was finally time to head to Three Chan Heaven.
He summoned his board, soared into the starry sky, and gazed toward the distant Sect Encircling Corridor of Three Chan Heaven. It resembled that of Black White Heaven but was grander and far more magnificent. [Three Chan Heaven, here I come!]
…
The Sect Encircling Corridor in Black White Heaven was narrow, but Three Chan Heaven was different. Here, the Sect Encircling Corridor was wide, serving as the trial ground for those who wished to enter. But this had nothing to do with Wang Jie.
He stepped onto the corridor and presented his Zen Token.
A disciple immediately guided him to a place to wait.
On either side stretched the expansive corridor, and ahead lay a vast lake. Its sheer size was unmistakable, even from afar. That must be the Zen Lake of Three Chan Heaven.
Si Yao had explained to him previously:
Three Chan Heaven was divided into three cultivation stages: Entering Zen, Zen Transformation, and Zen Retreat. Each stage corresponded to a specific place—the Zen Lake, Zen Mountain, and Zen Hall.
Cultivators in Entering Zen trained exclusively in Zen Lake.
Zen Transformation cultivators trained on Zen Mountain.
Those in Zen Retreat stayed in Zen Hall.
These three stages could either be considered progressive or entirely separate paths. Each stage had its own cultivation system.
Someone could remain at Entering Zen their whole life, yet still reach the star-refining realm or even higher.
Thus, advancement through the stages didn’t necessarily indicate greater power. Some newcomers to Three Chan Heaven immediately reached Zen Retreat due to profound self-understanding, while some geniuses remained forever trapped in Entering Zen. Such occurrences were common.
Though Zen Retreat cultivators in Zen Hall were few, they weren’t excessively rare. Even star-breaking cultivators sometimes remained at Zen Retreat.
Each stage had its own supreme master, known as Yi Chan, Two Chan, and Three Chan.
And the master of Three Chan Heaven was called Chief Zen.
As Wang Jie contemplated, another disciple approached.
“Please wait here. Senior Sister Qing Dai will arrive soon.”
“Thank you.”
Wang Jie turned his head, having recognized a familiar voice. [Zhi He?]
Nearby, Zhi He simultaneously turned to him, politely saluting. “I, Zhi He of Black White Heaven, greet you, Brother Sir.”
Wang Jie was speechless. He hadn’t expected to encounter Zhi He here.
He recalled Elder Xing Xue once granting the Zen Token to Zhi He to protect the Silver Radiance Empire. It seemed Zhi He had come using that token.
Zhi He was at the wandering star realm, with strength equivalent to a Six Dao Wanderer. Improving further in Black White Heaven was difficult. Clearly, he’d come seeking the power of Three Chan Heaven to prepare for the Wandering Star Martial Meet in ten years.
At this moment, Zhi He couldn’t recognize Wang Jie.
He currently wore the appearance of Lu Bu Qi.
“I am Lu Bu Qi, an unaffiliated cultivator,” Wang Jie replied lightly.
Zhi He was startled, not expecting a wandering cultivator to possess a Zen Token. Clearly, this man had also been waiting here just like himself. Surprised, he asked, “Brother Lu, are you the one from the first Star Cloud?”
“I’m not certain myself,” Wang Jie replied calmly, “The starry sky is vast. I simply go wherever fate takes me.”
Zhi He nodded, beginning to chat idly with him. Usually, this man was cold and aloof, seldom speaking whether on the battlefield or in club activities. Yet here, he spoke freely. Indeed, one’s surroundings shaped their character. Within Three Chan Heaven, even Zhi He couldn’t maintain his usual pride.
Thinking about it, since Zhi He had arrived, perhaps others who possessed Zen Tokens would also appear soon. If not now, then when else? Wang Jie wondered whether any familiar faces would appear as well.
Every major sect had tokens similar to the Zen Token, each with distinct requirements. Three Chan Heaven was especially favored because it asked only for the Zen Token, caring nothing for one’s origins or background. Thus, even if it wasn’t the strongest among the Big Dipper bridge pillars, its Zen Token was still far more precious than even the Armor One Sect’s tokens.
As they spoke, someone else approached—a woman with a plain appearance, so ordinary that one could scarcely remember her after a single glance. Yet no one would dare underestimate her. Wang Jie, upon first seeing her, instinctively felt cautious. [This woman is absolutely powerful.]
The woman stopped in front of Wang Jie and Zhi He and spoke softly, “I am Qing Dai, a Cheng Chan Disciple. Since both of you possess Zen Tokens, you will become Cheng Chan Disciples upon entering the sect. You may choose your cultivation ground from Zen Lake, Zen Mountain, or Zen Hall—only one of the three unless your cultivation advances further.”
“You two may now choose.”
They asked no questions about their background or cultivation. Upon entering, anyone with a Zen Token would become a Cheng Chan Disciple—meaning a true disciple—eligible for the greatest resources the sect had to offer. Such was the value of the Zen Token.
Zhi He did not hesitate, declaring immediately, “I choose Zen Hall.”
Qing Dai turned her eyes toward Wang Jie.
Wang Jie asked gently, “Senior Sister, might you briefly explain the differences between the three locations?”
Qing Dai replied clearly, “Zen Lake is the training ground for disciples at the Entering Zen Stage. It requires a sincere, pure heart and practicing the Profound Truth Transformation Scripture. From entering the painting until losing oneself within it, forgetting one’s self is the path to true understanding. Skills learned there include Single-Mindedness and Silent Zen, suitable for cultivators of lower comprehension and lower realms.”
“Zen Mountain is the place for Zen Transformation disciples, capable of completely remolding one’s physical body through the Celestial Form Refinement Diagram, drawing starforce into one’s form. Its techniques include Heavenly Punishment Five Wounds and Refined Slash.”
“As for Zen Hall, it is the place for Zen Retreat disciples, requiring balanced inner harmony, cultivating Zen Martial Precepts to achieve unity of heaven and humanity, thus discovering one’s own strength. It offers techniques like the Palm Zen Style.”
“Junior Brother, you may now choose.”
Wang Jie paused thoughtfully for a moment before deciding, “I choose Zen Mountain.”
Qing Dai was startled. Zhi He also appeared surprised, unable to hold back his words, “Brother Lu, those who use a Zen Token to enter Three Chan Heaven almost always aim directly for Zen Martial Precepts.”
Wang Jie smiled at him and replied softly, “I know, but my aptitude is humble, and I’m aware that my comprehension is limited. Zen Hall might not suit me. Yet, I’m unwilling to settle for Zen Lake alone. Perhaps Zen Mountain will be the best place for me.”
Seeing Wang Jie’s determination, Zhi He didn’t press further.
Qing Dai gave Wang Jie another glance and said, “All three places of our Three Chan Heaven have their own strengths and weaknesses. We never judge disciples solely on their realm; you may choose freely wherever suits you best.”
“Let’s go.” As soon as she spoke, the ground beneath them split neatly, smoothly carrying Wang Jie and Zhi He into the heart of Three Chan Heaven.
Three Chan Heaven also had an Outer Zen area, where borrowed disciples and those unable to enter the true Zen practiced. The man known as Disorder Blade, borrowed from Galaxy Combat Equipment Company, had mastered the Outer Zen’s first blade technique—the Hundred Million Instant Slash. Yet, anyone arriving with a Zen Token would naturally never be sent to Outer Zen.
Wang Jie never even considered Outer Zen, for disciples of Zen Lake, Zen Mountain, and Zen Hall could freely visit Outer Zen, but those from Outer Zen could never enter the inner grounds.
Soon, Wang Jie passed by Zen Lake and was brought beneath Zen Mountain. Qing Dai had already contacted another disciple of Zen Mountain to guide him inside. She herself accompanied Zhi He toward Zen Hall.
Before departing, Zhi He turned back and called out a farewell to Wang Jie.
Watching them disappear into the distance, Wang Jie finally withdrew his gaze. His choice of Zen Mountain had been settled even before he arrived. Si Yao had previously explained Three Chan Heaven to him in detail. Asking Qing Dai to explain again was simply to confirm if Si Yao had left anything out.
The Celestial Form Refinement Diagram of Zen Mountain suited him perfectly.
This method involved drawing starforce into one’s body in a unique manner. Unlike others who merely fused starforce into their bones, blood, and meridians, practitioners of this method shaped it uniquely within themselves. Though perhaps not overly complex, it would undoubtedly grant greater strength than typical cultivation methods, effectively allowing the cultivator to form a small personal world even in the Wandering Star Realm.
Rumor had it that cultivating this method greatly improved one’s chances of attaining the World Realm.
However, currently, Wang Jie knew his first goal was to reach the Star Refining Realm.
The ideal time to cultivate this method was precisely during the Full Star Realm stage, the point when starforce first entered the body. This method would allow him to achieve two goals simultaneously, resonating strongly with the cosmos upon breaking through into the Wandering Star Realm.
This was true for both starforce and lockforce.
Because of this method, Zen Mountain was considered a place capable of completely transforming one’s physical essence. It was particularly well-suited to cultivators who focused on refining their physical bodies.