Put Away Your Divine Techniques Now! Chapter 1149 - 342: Hard Times Are Over

East Sea’s face twisted into a peculiar grin. "Perhaps you will find yourself disappointed upon seeing it."

"Oh?" Chen Yan’s gaze fell upon East Sea.

"It is merely a ghostly ritual," East Sea stated, his hands clasped behind his back, his tone placid and detached. "The cultivation technique of the Ghost Race draws its origin from the ancestor. The most significant characteristic and benefit of the Ghost Race’s cultivation lies in its ability to sense the Heavenly Dao from the moment one embarks on the path. Other cultivation methods typically necessitate reaching the Celestial Human Realm and ascending to the Extraordinary Tier before one can perceive the Heavenly Dao and harness the Power of Rules. However, the Ghost Race’s cultivation technique, right from its inception and the First Realm, empowers cultivators to harness and utilize the Power of Heavenly Dao Rules."

"This is precisely why cultivators of the Ghost Race exhibit greater strength compared to those from other sects and families within the Domain Realm. Yet, in essence, this formidable power stems directly from the ancestor."

Chen Yan’s heart subtly fluttered.

East Sea chuckled, shaking his head. "Have you ever pondered why, despite the creation of such a cultivation technique, every Ghost Race cultivator must participate in a Heaven-Crashing Ceremony? And why does this ceremony demand the personal officiation of the ancestor? Furthermore, this Heaven-Crashing Ceremony permits only a restricted number of participants each time—never an excessive multitude. Each cohort comprises merely about one or two hundred individuals."

"Throughout this world, various cultivation techniques impose their own limitations, generally restricting talent, spiritual roots, mental disposition, and so forth. Which cultivation technique, however, imposes a limit on the sheer number of individuals who can practice it?"

Observing the enigmatic, half-smile gracing East Sea’s features, Chen Yan suddenly grasped the implication. "So..."

"The so-called Heaven-Crashing Ceremony, presided over by the ancestor, is in reality a process analogous to 'cultivation transference.' The Ghost Race cultivators who partake in the ceremony gain the ability to comprehend Heavenly Dao Rules from the outset because the ancestor imparts her own understanding of the Heavenly Dao Rules to them. Consequently, for the vast multitude of Ghost Race cultivators, the Heavenly Dao Rules they comprehend are fundamentally those that the ancestor herself cultivated. They all share the same foundational lineage as the ancestor. Even if there were millions more, they would never achieve comprehension of the path of Heavenly Dao Rules trodden by other Venerable Saints."

"In truth... it cannot even be classified as self-comprehension—for the power of Heavenly Dao Rules wielded by us Ghost Race cultivators is not something we have personally realized and cultivated, but rather a seed planted within our hearts by the ancestor. A seed, once planted, will invariably grow into the form it was destined to be."

Chen Yan experienced a profound epiphany, nodding in understanding. Yet, he couldn't help but cast a questioning glance at East Sea. "Then... when you, with but a single sword strike, annihilated those nine elders at the Celestial Human Realm, how was it possible to defeat nine simultaneously..."

"I bear the Magic Sword bestowed by the ancestor, and naturally, the Power of Heavenly Dao Rules she granted resides within it. The power of Heavenly Dao Rules for Ghost Race cultivators is entirely derived from the ancestor; therefore, when confronted with the ancestor's Magic Sword, their strength originates from her, and since she possesses the ability to reclaim it at will, they are understandably incapable of withstanding me."

Unbeknownst to them, the pair had arrived at a sizable earthen structure.

Chen Yan looked up, recognizing it as the very building he had occupied upon his initial arrival at the Black Wood Tribe. It was the largest, most capacious, and most imposing amongst them all.

"You shall continue to reside here, and within are provisions prepared for you," East Sea stated, placing a hand on Chen Yan’s shoulder, his tone softening. "After all, having undertaken such a arduous journey, the ancestor is aware of your modest means, and life within the Domain Realm has not been easy for you. I heard you even ventured beyond Snow Cliff Pass, hunting heads of the Fierce Beast Race for meager bounties."

With that, East Sea offered Chen Yan a knowing wink. "Kid, from this day forward, your days of hardship are at an end."