Chapter 336 The Nine-Nine Heavenly Tribulation is within reach!
"Holy smokes! We've hit the jackpot! This is the true legacy Heavenly Path Venerable left behind!" Ethan was practically giddy with excitement.
For years, the Blackwood family had relied on a single Earth-grade technique, the 'Azure Cloud Undying Scripture,' while Amelia and Olivia's techniques and magic formulas were unique to their bloodlines.
But after experiencing the legacy of Crystal Crest, Ethan realized just how... well, let's just say the Azure Cloud ancestors wouldn't be offended.
It was like comparing a basic Earth-grade technique to a legendary one.
As for combat techniques, the Blackwoods only possessed Mysterious-grade ones.
This 'Hundred Glories Celestial Net Technique' from Crystal Sacred Mountain was a game-changer.
Mastered, it allowed one to draw upon the power of an entire region, making them virtually invincible within their level, even capable of defeating opponents from higher realms!
"If the family used this technique to draw upon the power of Glory City... could they even challenge a Basic Mastery expert?" Ethan chuckled, lost in his fantasies.
These two techniques alone were enough to elevate the Blackwoods to a whole new level of power.
As for the 'Living Sacrifice Formation'... Ethan wouldn't dare let his family touch it.
Its limitations were too severe, and the potential karmic backlash was terrifying.
Marcus, despite his misfortunes, had once again proven his worth.
His earlier acquisition of numerous cultivation techniques from the Sky Sect had already propelled the family forward.
Now, he had stumbled upon an even greater treasure!
As Ethan reveled in their newfound fortune, Marcus retrieved his Psychic Position, his face beaming with joy as he bowed towards Ethan.
"Forebearer, I finally see a path forward! The key to breaking free from this predicament lies within the Heavenly Path Tear! After experiencing two thousand years of Heavenly Path Venerable's life, my understanding of the Heavenly Laws has deepened. I can sense it... the Nine-Nine Heavenly Tribulation is within reach!"
"Excellent!" Ethan's heart swelled with pride.
Not only had the family acquired invaluable treasures, but they were about to gain another Nine-Nine Heavenly Tribulation Rising Star.
He watched as Marcus prepared for his breakthrough, then vanished, his thoughts turning to his other descendants.
"Hopefully, those kids haven't gone overboard with... well, it's probably fine."
...
Ethan's own understanding of the Heavenly Laws had deepened after experiencing Heavenly Path Venerable's memories.
[Congratulations! You have gained insights into the Water, Lightning, and Wind Laws...]
He had already begun comprehending the Metal, Wood, Fire, and Earth Laws through his interactions with his descendants.
Julian's constant forging had exposed him to the Metal and Fire Laws, though his understanding was rudimentary, requiring further exploration.
The Primordial Blood Tree had granted him insights into the Wood and Earth Laws, which he was still deciphering.
Heavenly Path Venerable's memories had filled in many gaps in his understanding.
Once his comprehension of the Laws reached a sufficient level, allowing his Competent Force essence to transcend his physical form, he would be able to construct his own personal realm, a miniature world known as a Domain.
Lost in thought, Ethan arrived at his descendants' location.
However, their plans had gone awry.
The Blackwood descendants within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary were huddled together, their faces etched with worry.
Even the usually composed Joseph and Jessica seemed shaken.
[Special Event: Closure of the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary]
[Within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary, the resting place of Heavenly Path Venerable has been discovered. In a fierce battle for control of the sanctuary's treasures, Kyle of Carter Duke's Mansion in Golden Valley single-handedly fought against seven Competent Force Psychics, one of whom ranked thirty-third on the Pinnacle Apprentice Leaderboard.]
[Kyle emerged victorious, slaying two of his opponents. However, the intensity of their battle triggered the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary's defensive formations, sealing the entrance and concealing the entire space within.]
"What's going on?" Ethan's expression darkened.
No wonder his descendants were in such a state.
With the sanctuary sealed, their plans were in ruins.
He gazed at the unchanging sky of the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary, a chilling realization dawning upon him.
Concealed space... that meant the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary had been transported from its original location in Misty Mount.
Its current whereabouts were unknown.
The sanctuary's entrance was sealed, trapping countless Psychics within a space the size of a large county.
Who knew what chaos would unfold?
Katie's face was pale.
"We're doomed! My life is over! I haven't even defeated all the experts in Sunshine Mansion, haven't made the family rich! I'm going to die in this forsaken place!"
Joseph stared at his three grandfathers, who were still engrossed in a game of Gomoku, taking turns placing five stones in a row with unwavering seriousness.
He shuddered, imagining spending the rest of his life trapped with these eccentric elders and the equally boisterous ancestors within his storage ring.
But amidst his frustration, a sense of relief washed over him.
"At least the plans I set in motion within Sunshine Mansion will continue. The family can still prosper."
Jessica's heart was heavy with worry.
"The Druids... without me, I don't know if Larry can lead the Azure Cloud army to victory, to eradicate those monsters."
...
This unforeseen turn of events had caught everyone off guard.
Ethan reappeared beside Marcus, relaying the news.
"The Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary is sealed? Could this... be related to my refinement of the Heavenly Path Tear? Forebearer, please forgive me!" Marcus's face contorted in anguish as he knelt before Ethan, begging for forgiveness.
Ethan's heart softened.
Despite overcoming his inner demons thanks to the Sky Palace, Marcus still blamed himself for this disaster.
[It is not your fault.]
Ethan's words, conveyed through the Forebearer Psychic Position, brought Marcus immense relief.
He bowed deeply towards the glowing object.
"Forebearer, now that the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary is sealed, what should I do?"
Ethan frowned, observing Marcus's demeanor.
He possessed immense talent and had once possessed an unyielding spirit.
But over the years, he had become increasingly hesitant, indecisive, even allowing his juniors to surpass him.
He had grown accustomed to following orders, his once-fierce spirit dulled.
This was the same Marcus who had dared to slay his enemies within the Sky Sect, defying the entire sect with his audacity.
After a moment of contemplation, Ethan chose not to dictate Marcus's next move.
Instead, he sent a simple message through the Forebearer Psychic Position.
[Marcus, you are the eldest Blackwood within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary. Your family looks to you for guidance.]
Marcus stared at the message, his mind racing.
"I am the elder... the children's last hope within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary... their hope..."
As he pondered his newfound responsibility, Neil's voice echoed from outside the Sky Palace, her tone sharper, more menacing than before.
"Marcus, life is a series of choices. But sometimes, a single misstep can lead to irreversible consequences."
Ethan's brow furrowed.
He and Marcus had been engrossed in the Heavenly Path Tear's secrets for the past fortnight, oblivious to the events unfolding outside.
Neil, however, had likely known about Kyle's battle and the sanctuary's closure for some time.
He had been pondering the potential consequences of countless Psychics trapped within a sealed space, cut off from the outside world.
"Isolated, with no fear of repercussions, they will..."
"Do as they please!"
Ethan and Marcus, within the Sky Palace, exchanged a chilling look, their eyes hardening with resolve.
Neil's voice continued, laced with impatience.
"Elders, this fool refuses to see reason. It seems we have no choice but to..."
Her words were cut short.