Deep within the grand hall, behind an enigmatic stone door, the two stepped into another profoundly mysterious domain space.
Kaleidoscopic ribbons of light flickered unceasingly. The sight caused Li Guanqi's brow to furrow slightly, for he could sense an unprecedented suppressive force here.
In the center of the dazzling ribbons of light, Long Hou sat silently upon a pitch-black stone, his long hair draped over his shoulders.
Li Guanqi recognized at a glance that the stone was a Dao comprehension stone.
However, its surface was inscribed with an incomparably intricate array of runic formations, through which the surrounding suppressive force emanated outward.
Hong Zhi spoke with a grave expression. "Ah Long's power is too immense. Going all out in this battle actually allowed him to comb through and vent a great deal of it."
At this point, Hong Zhi paused slightly, her gaze softening considerably as she looked at Li Guanqi.
It was truly thanks to Li Guanqi's total commitment in the battle. At the very least, it would allow Long Hou to move about without restraint for decades to come.
The moment the two appeared, Long Hou slowly opened his eyes, and an inexplicable aura of pressure gently surfaced.
Sensing this pressure, Li Guanqi's lips curved upward slightly. He cupped his fists in salute and chuckled softly. "Congratulations, Uncle Long."
A flash of golden light flared deep in Long Hou's eyes. Looking at Li Guanqi, he could not help but smile as well. "Thank you."
A look of ecstatic joy flashed across Hong Zhi's face. Flitting over to Long Hou's side, she crouched down and asked eagerly, "Ah Long, did... did you feel it?"
Long Hou looked at Li Guanqi with burning eyes. "This time, it is all thanks to Guanqi."
Li Guanqi smiled without speaking, while Long Hou turned to Hong Zhi. "Hong Zhi, step outside for a moment. I have something to discuss with Guanqi."
Hong Zhi nodded slightly, then rose and walked out of the meditation room.
Long Hou gestured with one hand and said softly, "Have a seat."
Wasting no words, Li Guanqi stepped forward, flashed before Long Hou, and sat down.
The moment he sat, he felt an immensely powerful suppressive force rippling outward. Li Guanqi reached out and rested a hand on Long Hou's shoulder. With a surge of power, he completely absorbed the residual energy lingering inside him.
As his divine sense surged forth, every detail of Long Hou's internal injuries and remaining power was laid bare.
Feeling the changes within his body, Long Hou breathed a sigh of relief. The process was relatively slow, as Li Guanqi's power still lingered within his meridians.
At this moment, Long Hou's eyes gleamed as he asked in a low voice, "How did you do it?"
Li Guanqi did not answer directly, only replying softly, "My secret."
A sharp light flashed deep within Long Hou's eyes, and he nodded slightly, pressing the matter no further.
In truth, the reason Long Hou had been able to thoroughly touch the core of laws this time was precisely because, at the final juncture, he had felt an inexplicable power envelop him.
That power had sharpened his perception of laws to an astonishing degree. Coupled with the fierce combat against Li Guanqi, his essence, energy, spirit, and aura of laws had all reached their absolute peak.
Thus, after that aura radiating from Li Guanqi enveloped him, he was left with the impression—nay, the absolute certainty—that the next time, he would definitely be able to break through!
Li Guanqi had come here precisely to confirm this matter with Long Hou.
He wanted to verify one thing through Long Hou: could his Spirit-Devouring Dao Body use the power of resonance to influence others?
As it turned out, he could.
However, the cultivator in question also needed to possess exceedingly profound mastery over the power of laws to begin with.
Eyes closed, Long Hou allowed Li Guanqi's power to flow freely through his body. He spoke in a solemn voice, "Does anyone else know about this besides you and me?"
Li Guanqi shook his head and said softly, "No. That was my first attempt."
Long Hou pursed his lips, his voice carrying a trace of awkward hesitation as he murmured, "Could you... perhaps do it for..."
"I can."
"However, only for them."
Long Hou's eyes snapped open!
Meeting his gaze was Li Guanqi's gentle, smiling face.
Even as Li Guanqi drew back the remainder of his energy from Long Hou's body, he said, "In my heart, whether it is you, Senior Hong Zhi, or the others, you are all elders and seniors I deeply respect. Back when my strength was feeble, all of you showed me immense care and grace. Now that I possess the ability to help you take that step further, it is my bounden duty."
Long Hou's intention was obvious.
He wanted Li Guanqi to use the power of resonance to help all of the Seven Generals break through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm.
And the reason Li Guanqi had released this power so covertly at the final juncture was also to confirm whether he was capable of doing so.
It was not just the Seven Generals; the brothers by his side needed such power as well.
Ye Feng was already close to touching the barrier of laws. Both Long Hou and Ye Feng were top-tier Geng Gold cultivators. Not to mention, Long Hou had attempted to break through the shackles of laws over a dozen times; his experience was invaluable to Ye Feng.
If Xiang Huaizhi could break through, it would also bring tremendous benefits to Cao Yan.
In essence, when it came to the laws, the Seven Generals could serve as pathfinders.
Li Guanqi slowly withdrew his hand. "All done."
Long Hou slowly stood up, looking at Li Guanqi with a solemn expression. The tall, imposing man spoke with utmost earnestness, "These brothers and sisters of mine will definitely keep this secret for you!"
Li Guanqi smiled and nodded, saying with a playful air, "Regarding Yu Shan... there is a condition."
Long Hou's eyes flickered, the corners of his lips curling slightly. "You want Yu Shan to teach Gu Li his secret technique for dividing the spirit and soul?"
Li Guanqi shrugged and said calmly, "I firmly believe that Gu Li's talismanic talent is foremost in the Human Spirit Realm, unmatched by anyone. Although his ideas can be wild and unrestrained at times, I feel he truly needs Senior Yu Shan's technique!"
Long Hou sighed, giving Li Guanqi a deep look. "You should know that Yu Shan and Wu Mian are fundamentally one and the same person. Then again... I forgot that Ji Yuchuan is already independent and follows you. I cannot make the decision on this matter; I must respect Yu Shan's wishes."
Li Guanqi smiled and nodded. "Of course. Even if Senior Yu Shan refuses, I will still do everything in my power to assist all of you seniors. This is neither a transaction nor an exchange, but a request from me as his eldest brother. As the eldest brother, I have to look out for my younger brothers."
At this, Li Guanqi and Long Hou looked at each other and could not help bursting into hearty laughter.
When had Long Hou ever begged anyone? Yet, to secure this opportunity, he had been willing to cast aside his pride and negotiate this with Li Guanqi.
Likewise, Li Guanqi was willing to make a request of Long Hou for Gu Li's sake.
Yet Long Hou was a man of principle. Even though Li Guanqi could use the power of resonance to help all of them, if Yu Shan was unwilling to expose his secret, Long Hou would respect his wishes—even if it meant missing out on a monumental opportunity like Li Guanqi's resonance with heaven and earth.
And Li Guanqi knew full well that this matter was far from simple. He stated frankly that regardless of whether Yu Shan agreed, he would give his all to help everyone.
Chapter 1287