Are You Ready?

Meng Wanshu noticed that Li Guanqi's mood was slightly off. In a gentle voice, she said, "Weren't these things already destined the moment we stepped onto the path of cultivation?" Li Guanqi's heart stirred, and a wry smile appeared on his face. "Yeah... it was destined the moment we set foot on this path." Seeing Li Guanqi quickly adjust his mindset, Meng Wanshu smiled faintly. She linked her arm through his and walked slowly beneath an ancient tree shimmering with celestial spirit aura. The two stood upon the mountain formed of celestial spiritual energy, gazing at the dreamlike scene before them, both feeling a sense of unreality. Li Guanqi leaned against the trunk, his fingers tightly entwined with Meng Wanshu's, his state of mind gradually turning tranquil. A subtle power of frost stirred around Meng Wanshu; Senior Chen's breakthrough and tribulation had clearly brought her great benefit as well. Gradually, an inexplicably profound aura began to emanate from Li Guanqi. Having entered a state of cultivation, Li Guanqi did not notice the change. Meng Wanshu looked in surprise at the celestial spirit tree glowing behind them. The celestial spirit tree, woven of emerald light threads and ribbons, was currently radiating fluorescence. Such a thing was unheard of. The emerald fluorescence turned into specks of spiritual light that merged into Li Guanqi's body. In his meditative state, Li Guanqi suddenly felt an inexplicable force sweep through his body. It soothed his mind and strengthened the primal energy within him. Li Guanqi experienced an unprecedented serenity. It was also his first time sensing what celestial spiritual energy truly was. This power was far purer, yet it could not be wielded by him. This was a limitation of power tiers; he could not mobilize celestial spiritual energy, let alone refine it. He remained immersed in his own world, sorting through his strength. Guided by this energy, the speed at which he devoured and refined the origin of the Demon King Physique accelerated noticeably. Seeing that Li Guanqi had entered deep cultivation, Meng Wanshu did not disturb him. She cast a tender look at him, then rose and returned to the White Jade Tower. She did not want to fall behind, nor did she want to spend her life merely watching Li Guanqi's back as he forged ahead. With her talent and inheritance, she possessed more than enough foundation to keep pace with him. *** Inside the Armament Pagoda, one of the four Heavenly King Pagodas, Meng Jiangchu listened to the discourse of the elders, lost in thought. Although his thoughts had begun condensing his own dao, he ultimately chose to stand and leave. Seeing this, a white-haired elder hurriedly asked, "Jiangchu, why stop listening?" His back turned to the crowd, Meng Jiangchu sighed, his eyes gradually turning resolute. He turned back to the elders and said in a deep voice, "I am devoted to artifact crafting and love this path. "However... right now I wish to walk another path first. Artifact crafting... it will not be too late to return to it in the future!" With that, Meng Jiangchu headed straight for the Third Domain, the Realm of Fire! He would seek his origin of power within the boundless fire domain of the Third Domain. Su Xuan's display of the power of laws before his eyes that day, as well as his manipulation of the Five Yang Ghost Flame, had deeply shaken him. He knew the elder had been telling him that he ought to delve into the path of laws right now, rather than squandering his time on artifact crafting. After what happened with Chen Xianzhi, he had also felt the existence of the law barrier. Not just him—many people had felt the existence of the law barrier! This was precisely why Chen Xianzhi's death had left so many people feeling unresolved sorrow. *** Within the Third Domain, Ye Xuan sat cross-legged in midair, a dazed look in his eyes. Once proud and arrogant, he had led the Nine Dragons Immortal Sect to its pinnacle. Even across the vast Misty Immortal Domain, the Nine Dragons Immortal Sect had been a force no one dared ignore. Yet now, within the Seventh Domain, his strength could only be considered middling at best. He had faced mortal peril several times; had Qin Xiao not extended a helping hand, his head would have parted from his shoulders long ago. His thoughts were unsettled, and he sank into bewilderment. Qin Xiao, on the other hand, seemed to have arrived at a place tailored for him. Like a martial maniac, he sought out different powerhouses every day to challenge them. Though Qin Xiao was sometimes beaten black and blue, he advanced with every single battle. Before long, he would surely touch the law barrier. Not only the two of them, but Xu Junlin and Qin Wushang had also made tremendous progress. The two of them had even joined forces to slay a number of Lower Realm immortals. Yet... whenever they heard news of Li Guanqi and the others, they could only shake their heads with wry smiles. Their strength was no longer on the same level; Li Guanqi was advancing far too fast. Still, neither gave up, continuing to cultivate with desperate effort to elevate their strength. *** After an unknown amount of time, Li Guanqi slowly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing through them!! By now, he had thoroughly refined a portion of the Demon King Physique's power, growing considerably stronger. The demon transformation alone was enough to raise his power by twenty percent. Coupled with the surge of demonic power and the stacking of his other abilities... His strength could instantly double upon its original foundation!! Li Guanqi slowly rose, the power of laws churning around him as though it might drag him into the sea of law lightning the very next breath!! He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the power within him. It was not yet time for him to break through; he still needed time to solidify his current foundation. Furthermore... having witnessed the might of the heavenly tribulation of the Tribulation Transcendence realm, Li Guanqi dared not show the slightest carelessness. Later on, he would certainly have to ask Su Xuan for some good treasures. Yet just as he rose, Long Hou's voice suddenly sounded in his ear. "Are you ready?" The corners of Li Guanqi's mouth curved upward slightly, and he murmured, "I have been prepared for this day for a long time." Long Hou's voice carried a hearty tone. "I'll be waiting for you in the Fourth Domain!" As the words fell, Long Hou's aura gradually vanished. Li Guanqi took a deep breath and looked up at the firmament. Transforming into a bolt of lightning, he shot up from the ground. A streak of purple thunder cut across the heavens, heading straight for the light gate leading to the Second Domain!! Li Guanqi rushed all the way toward the Fourth Domain, his ferocious speed tearing through the void with rumbling booms!! This sight drew the attention of many. When they realized the aura belonged to Li Guanqi, they instantly grasped what was happening. In an instant, many cultivators surged toward the Fourth Domain. For this battle was very likely Li Guanqi directly confronting Long Hou!! Before this, many had already heard rumors of Senior Hong Zhi conceding without a fight. Moreover, word had spread that Long Hou had once ventured out and obliterated the Nether River region with a single spear thrust—all to rescue Li Guanqi back then. Furthermore, Li Guanqi had stated more than once that Long Hou was a senior he deeply admired. Thus, this upcoming battle was something everyone eagerly anticipated.