Compared to the shock and bewilderment of Xu Shu, Yu Jingcheng, Instructor Xu, and the rest, Old Man Yun, situated within a tranquil mountain valley, felt exceptionally fortunate.
Standing beside a lounge chair, he spoke to the green-robed elder who was leisurely bathing in the warm sunlight: "Fortunate! How fortunate that I listened to your words, Brother Kong, and didn't go to Funing to seize the secret treasure from Huang Tian! Otherwise, I would never be seeing you again!"
Kong Ji turned his head in confusion from the lounge chair. "Why this sudden epiphany?"
Old Man Yun let out a sigh. "You've been staying in the valley, so you wouldn't know. Huang Tian has pulled off yet another momentous feat!"
Kong Ji sat up slightly straighter. "Elaborate."
"Do you still remember what I told you when I visited the valley two months ago—that Huang Tian had slain Xiahou Yin as a mere Rank Four?"
"Of course I remember," Kong Ji said. "Didn't you even invite me to go to Funing with you to seize his treasure?"
"Good thing you didn't agree, or neither of us might have made it back alive."
Old Man Yun gave a sheepish smile. "A few days ago, Demonic Cult Saint Yang, Xiahou Yang, infiltrated our Great Gan alone from the State of Lan to avenge his younger brother..."
Kong Ji was startled and rose abruptly to his feet. "Xiahou Yang? The saint within the Demonic Cult most favored to bridge the chasm to Celestial Being?!"
"That's him."
"Don't tell me Huang Tian defeated him?"
"Not only defeated him..."
A trace of bitterness appeared at the corners of Old Man Yun's mouth. "For reasons unknown, Xiahou Yang's tracks were discovered by Huang Tian. Just as he reached the banks of the Raging Dragon River, Huang Tian intercepted him. The two clashed upon the great river. Xiahou Yang had an arm severed, fled into the mountains in utter disarray, and was ultimately slain by him. His severed head has already been delivered to the provincial capital."
Kong Ji took a deep breath. "Xiahou Yang is dead?! He actually died?"
Pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back, he suddenly asked, "Huang Tian has broken through to Rank Three, hasn't he?"
"Indeed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to kill Xiahou Yang," Old Man Yun replied.
"Counting the time, it's only been a month or so, at most two months, and he has already reached Rank Three. No wonder you're thanking your lucky stars you didn't make a move against Huang Tian." Kong Ji clicked his tongue in wonder.
Old Man Yun shook his head and marveled, "If I had moved before his breakthrough, I might have traded several hundred blows with him. But after his breakthrough, I'm afraid I would have been beaten to death in a single exchange."
He let out a long sigh. "All in all, I must thank you, Brother Kong, for knocking sense into me. Had I been blinded by greed, I reckon this old life would have been thrown away."
"In the end, it was your own sobriety. Otherwise, even if I talked until the heavens fell, you wouldn't have come to your senses," Kong Ji said, raising a hand dismissively. "For loose cultivators like us, reaching the Rank One realm is exceedingly difficult. All the more reason to act with the utmost caution."
As it turned out, the two of them were the only two loose Rank One Grandmasters in all of Qin Province.
In total, Qin Province possessed ten Rank One Grandmasters: four served the imperial court, four were Supreme Elders of the Four Great Sects, and then there were the two of them.
As fellow loose cultivators, the two maintained close ties and relied on one another. Weathering countless perils and hardships, they had both ascended to the Rank One realm—a feat celebrated as a fine tale throughout Qin Province.
Yet over the years, as their life limits drew near, while Kong Ji remained relatively at peace, Old Man Yun had grown restless, eager to seek an opportunity to step into the Celestial Being realm. However, opportunities capable of aiding someone across the Celestial divide were exceedingly few, and all were legendary artifacts—such as the five Void Realm divine armaments.
Yet he judged himself incapable of wrestling them from Celestial Being powerhouses, so he simply gave up on going to Yong Province to vie for the divine armament. It was right around then that Huang Tian's deeds spread through Qin Province, prompting his designs on Huang Tian...
Just as he was quietly rejoicing in his own sobriety for not letting greed over the so-called secret treasure cloud his mind, Kong Ji suddenly asked, "Where is Huang Tian right now?"
Old Man Yun froze for a moment, then replied, "In the provincial capital, within the book pavilions of the various yamens. Everyone knows he favors martial arts techniques above all else. Since he arrived in the provincial capital, how could he not go take a look?"
Saying so, Old Man Yun added, "I hear he's searching for spirit-based secret arts. Several major factions and prominent clans in the provincial capital are helping him gather them."
Kong Ji understood. "He's preparing to nurture divine intent."
"Most likely."
"Brother Yun, if I remember correctly, you possess a few spirit secret arts penned hundreds of years ago by Venerable Master Fengyuan?"
"Ah, you want to gift them to him?"
"Precisely," Kong Ji said. "I also have several secret arts authored by Loose Cultivator Yushen. Combined with yours, we can send them all to him."
Venerable Master Fengyuan and Loose Cultivator Yushen were both brilliant Rank One Supreme Grandmasters of Great Gan centuries ago. Both had taken several steps along the path of nurturing divine intent. Though neither had ultimately condensed divine intent, their research into the 'spirit' held considerable value.
"You're doing this to befriend him?"
"That's part of it. The other part is that I want to test a few moves against him, to see how wide the gap truly is between myself and the strongest beneath the Celestial Being realm!" Kong Ji let out a faint sigh.
Old Man Yun pondered for a moment. "Very well. I'll fetch them for you shortly."
"Will you come with me to the provincial capital?"
"No, no. Truth be told, I'm still shaken with lingering fear. Just the thought of meeting him face-to-face makes me panic, so you'd best go alone." Old Man Yun waved his hands repeatedly in refusal.
"Fine, fine... Hahaha!" Seeing his old friend so timid, Kong Ji couldn't help bursting into laughter.
Dark lines crossed Old Man Yun's forehead. "What's so funny? Only when you truly find yourself standing on the opposing side of Huang Tian will you understand how I feel right now!"
"All right, all right, I won't laugh. Brother Yun, hurry and bring the martial arts over." Kong Ji reined in his laughter, though a hint of amusement lingered at the corners of his lips.
Rendered speechless, Old Man Yun ignored him further and left the valley to retrieve the techniques.
About an hour later, carrying nearly ten spirit-type secret arts, Kong Ji departed the valley and set out for the provincial capital.
***
While Kong Ji was traveling, inside a magnificent palace in the Imperial Capital.
A young man clad in black robes with white jade hanging from his waist spoke: "Jingning, we'll be departing for Qin Province shortly. Once we get there, don't forget what you must do."
Facing him, a lovely young maiden pressed her lips together. "Fourth Brother, I know. Imperial Father wants me to get close to him—ideally to take him as my husband."
"Are you unwilling?"
"No, I'm just a bit nervous."
Princess Jingning said, "Born into the imperial family, I anticipated matters of marriage long ago. It is nothing more than a political union—either with a great prominent clan, a martial powerhouse, or an unrivaled genius. How could it ever be my own choice? And this Huang Tian is exceedingly talented and a worthy match. Yet I worry he might look down on me, and I worry about his character... In short, there are too many concerns."
"Rest assured. I've looked into him. He treats others gently and values old acquaintances. So regarding character, you need not worry. As for whether he will be moved by you and forge a good match... it would be best if it works out, but if it doesn't, so be it. Merely befriending him is enough."
The Fourth Prince said, "Imperial Father values him immensely, believing he is very likely to become our Great Gan's second Chief Commander! That is why, taking advantage of delivering his promotion decree, Imperial Father dispatched the two of us to contact and befriend him. We must seize this opportunity."
"The second Chief Commander?" Princess Jingning blinked. "Could that be... an exaggeration?"
Chief Commander Wan Shenyang truly hung like a blazing sun over the Imperial Capital. In the thirty years he had presided there, not a single Celestial Being powerhouse had dared act wildly within the Imperial Capital; his might suppressed all four quarters!
"Not an exaggeration in the slightest. You simply haven't heard the news that arrived from Qin Province last night."
The Fourth Prince briefly recounted how Huang Tian had slain Xiahou Yang, then continued, "When the news reached the Chief Commander's ears, he personally said that when he was at Rank Three, he too was inferior to Huang Tian. His expectations for him are exceedingly high."
Princess Jingning's rosy lips parted slightly. "Even the Chief Commander was inferior to him?"
The Fourth Prince smiled. "Perhaps it was modest phrasing, no need to overthink it. You only need to know that he has the potential to become the next Chief Commander. That is why I urge you to seize this opportunity. If you marry him, then throughout the vast five states, you will be supremely exalted, held in higher esteem than even emperors and empresses!"
Born into the imperial family, few were immune to the allure of power, or rather, untouched by its influence. Suppressing the soaring thoughts in her heart, Princess Jingning nodded gently. "I understand."
Whoosh—
Just then, a mighty wind surged outside the palace as two massive wind eagles landed on the ground.
These wind eagles could carry people aloft and travel nearly ten thousand li in a single day. They were rare birds bred by the Great Gan imperial house. To tame these beasts, generations of breeders had spent a hundred years before managing to train a mere dozen or so wind eagles that were slightly less intractable. Each was treated as a treasure. That two could be mobilized for their journey demonstrated Emperor Gan's profound regard for Huang Tian.
"The wind eagles are here. Let's go."
"Alright."
Taking their sabers, swords, and precious elixir pills, the two mounted the back of a magnificent wind eagle, while another wind eagle carried an accompanying Rank One Grandmaster and Rank Two martial artist.
"Screech!"
With a piercing cry, the two wind eagles flapped their wings, parting billowing waves of air, and soared straight into the clouds, flying toward Qin Province.
***
"The martial arts in the provincial capital's yamens are indeed abundant, yielding a rich harvest. Unfortunately, spirit-based secret arts are few, leaving Samsara Heaven just a sliver short of perfection..."
Stepping out of the Six Doors Book Pavilion, Huang Tian felt a slight touch of regret.
For nearly twenty days, he had stayed inside the various yamens' book pavilions without stepping out a single foot, peacefully engrossed in his studies. As for matters like bathing and eating, for a martial artist of his realm, his body remained untainted by dust, and nourishment could be replaced by drawing in spiritual qi; fasting for months was no problem at all.
Over those twenty days, working without sleep day and night and never pausing for a moment, he had finally flipped through all the martial arts across the major book pavilions. His gains were immense, but spirit-based secret arts were ultimately scarce, leaving him temporarily unable to push Samsara Heaven to absolute perfection.
"Still, it's only short by a fraction..."
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a Six Doors clerk stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Assistant Commissioner, Provincial Governor Ning instructed this humble official to wait here for you to emerge and convey a message: a fellow Daoist has arrived at the provincial yamen to pay a visit. If you have some free time, he invites you to make a trip over."
"A fellow Daoist?"
Anyone whom Ning Heyuan would address as a fellow Daoist had to be a Rank One martial artist. Huang Tian nodded. "Understood."
He then set out for the provincial yamen. A short while later, he entered the compound. Soon, Ning Heyuan, having received word, came out to greet him alongside a green-robed elder.
"Brother Ning."
"Brother Huang, this is our Qin Province's famed loose Grandmaster, Fellow Daoist Kong Ji!" Ning Heyuan introduced with a smile.
Kong Ji quickly scanned Huang Tian, inwardly marveling at his youthful appearance. He spoke, "I have long heard of Assistant Commissioner Huang's illustrious name. Meeting you today, you truly possess an extraordinary bearing!"
"You are too kind. I have also long heard of the Two Loose Cultivators of Qin Province."
After trading pleasantries, Kong Ji did not beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly: "This old man heard that Assistant Commissioner Huang is sending people to search for spirit-type secret arts. It so happens I have several secret manuals penned by Venerable Master Fengyuan and Loose Cultivator Yushen. I am willing to present them to Brother Huang for your perusal."
Huang Tian raised his brows slightly. He had read about the deeds of these two Rank One Grandmasters in the records of renowned figures preserved in the book pavilion, and naturally knew the value of the spirit secret arts they authored.
"However, this old man has a presumptuous request."
"Please speak."
"I would like to exchange a few moves with Brother Huang to see how wide the gap is between myself and the strongest beneath the Celestial Being realm!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Ning Heyuan cast a surprised glance. He had guessed Kong Ji had some request in asking to see Huang Tian, but had not expected it to be a spar.
Though slightly surprised, Huang Tian nodded. "I wouldn't dare claim to be the strongest beneath the Celestial Being realm, but a few sparring moves are fine."
"Then let us head to the drill grounds."
Ning Heyuan led the two to an immense drill ground, where they stood facing each other.
Whoosh—
A gust of wind swept past, causing their robes to snap and flutter. Kong Ji's expression turned solemn as he spoke, "Brother Huang, please do not hold back."
Huang Tian grew thoughtful. 'A fine opportunity to test the results of my recent insights...'
He nodded slightly. Then, an indescribable aura emanated and surged outward from his body.
Rumble!!
In an instant, Kong Ji, engulfed by this aura, felt as though he had fallen into an illusion.
Opening his eyes, he saw a boundless celestial firmament where a sea of clouds stretched ten thousand li, bottomless to behold. Palaces nestled within the nine heavens, their peaks unreachable. Spiritual light flowed into rainbow bridges, while immortal mists coalesced into jade steps!
Whoosh—
Suddenly, a cold, detached gaze looked down from high above. Kong Ji shuddered and looked up, only to behold, amidst myriad expanses of purple qi and drifting clouds, a colossal figure standing ten million zhang tall with hands clasped behind his back.
Upon his head rested a crown with twelve beaded tassels, pearls dangling down; about his body draped a dark robe bearing the sun, moon, and stars, while within his sleeves, galaxies seemed to flicker and the universe shone with brilliance.
His gaze held neither benevolence nor malice, neither sorrow nor joy—viewing all things merely as straw dogs.
Trembling!
Engulfed in this gaze, his blood and qi nearly froze, his true qi difficult to mobilize, just like an ant facing a divine deity, unable to muster the slightest thought of resistance!
"No! I cannot!"
He would never allow himself to lack even the courage to strike. With a furious roar, his blood and qi detonated, and his true qi surged wildly.
Instantly, air currents around him surged and stampeded, as if an invisible celestial dragon was coiling and roaring. The thunderous reverberation of his muscles and bones sounded like a dragon's cry, and the earth beneath his feet cracked inch by inch.
"Break!!"
His body surged forward with a boom, unleashing a palm strike that displaced and detonated the billowing air, emitting a long wail like an ancient giant elephant trumpeting to the heavens.
Across from him, facing this palm, Huang Tian returned a palm strike with absolute calm.
As that palm pushed forward, in Kong Ji's eyes, it was as if the Divine Emperor and Heavenly Sovereign within that vast celestial realm had hurled a palm strike across countless billions of li—within that single palm, stars flickered, purple qi surged by the myriad, and lightning danced madly like dragons and serpents!
Boom!!
The two palms collided, and a crimson mushroom cloud rose above the drill ground. Sonic booms rang out incessantly, and countless shockwaves billowed outward in all directions, sending earth and stones flying and lifting ash into the sky wherever they passed.
And amidst the sky-filling dust and smoke, a silhouette was blasted straight toward the horizon from the center of the explosion like a streak of light!
Hurtling backward through the air, Kong Ji wore a stunned expression. In the instant their palms met, he felt an indescribable force completely dissolve his maximally unleashed palm power. Yet it did not invade his body; instead, it transformed into a surge of ocean-like repulsive force that violently hurled him into the sky!
High above, amid continuous concussive booms, he flew backward for dozens of breaths before finally stopping. Standing dazed in midair, he looked down and realized the drill ground was roughly ten li away from where he now stood.
"A single palm... blasted me ten li across the sky?!"
Chapter 131