Chapter 441: I'll Make a Breakthrough Then!
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
Complete silence.
The spectators and soldiers on and below the Heaven's Altar, numbering up to several tens of thousands, were all dumbfounded.
With just his words, Old Ancestor Ding Hong was able to force everyone here to submit to him. The valiant sight of him entering the field on the Steelback Winged Dragon was engraved deep into everyone's mind.
Everyone thought that Zhang Xuan would be crushed helplessly, but before Ding Hong could even wound the other party, he ended up falling from the sky...
The heck!
Could things get any more ridiculous?
For an expert like you, walking out from the royal palace wasn't a big deal. Yet, you just had to put on a show and enter the field riding on the Steelback Winged Dragon. On top of that, you chose to fly at such a high altitude in an attempt to play god and bring heaven retribution onto others... Yet, retribution did appear, but the target seemed to be you.
All gazes immediately turned toward the silhouette who was stabbed more than half a meter deep into the ground. Everyone's mouths were twitching, and they couldn't help but wince at the tragic sight.
Even Transcendent Mortal experts were incapable of flight. Falling from an altitude of fifty to sixty meters unprepared might be insufficient to kill him, but it was more than enough to incapacitate him for a short moment.
It was fortunate that Ding Hong had a strong cultivation. At that height, even a Zhizun realm expert would find himself crippled.
"The Steelback Winged Dragon is a Half-Transcension savage beast, why would it suddenly lose its stability and fall from the skies?"
Recovering from the astonishment, bewildered exclaims echoed amidst the crowd.
It wasn't like this was an untamed savage beast intentionally trying to cause damage. The Steelback Winged Dragon had already served as Xuanyuan Kingdom's guardian beast for several centuries, and it was a respected guardian deity in the hearts of all the citizens.
For such a noble savage beast to plummet from the skies all of a sudden and crash so heavily that it couldn't even push itself up anymore...
Even though they had witnessed this sight with their own eyes, they had no idea what to make out of this matter.
"It seemed like... that fellow dropped right after Zhang shi released a bizarre sound!"
"Indeed! I heard it as well. It sounded crisp and clear, reminiscent of the sound a cow makes, as well as a deafening thunder on the ground. To cause the Winged Dragon to panic like that... I wonder what it was?"
Some of the keener people who noticed the entire proceedings of the matter commented.
The savage beast was perfectly fine a moment ago, but after that crisp call from Zhang Xuan, it suddenly plummeted to the ground. Could there be a relationship between the two?
While the crowd was struck by astonishment, Old Ancestor Ding Hong finally recovered and pulled himself out from the ground. He was so furious that he could explode from rage at any moment.
He thought that as long as he killed Zhang Xuan on the Winged Beast, he would be able to win the hearts of the people and restore ultimate power to the Ding Clan. Yet, never in his dreams did he expect to nearly die from a fall.
If he were to become the first Transcendent Mortal to die from falling from too high up, he wouldn't have the face to meet anyone even as a ghost.
Wiping away the dust from his face, he glared at the young man with reddened eyes. If looks could kill, holes would have appeared on Zhang Xuan.
"Kill him!"
Glancing at the Steelback Winged Dragon which was still recovering from the impact, Ding Hong roared.
However, right after he issued the command, he realized a hint of fear in the gaze of the Winged Dragon directed toward the young man in front of it. Putting aside killing him, it seemed as though it didn't even dare approach him.
"You trash!"
Ding Hong was infuriated.
What the heck was this!
As the bearer of the Dragon Bloodline, you always act so arrogantly in the royal court, disregarding everyone else. Yet, you act so cowardly before an enemy?
Can you be any more useless?
Back then, you even slaughtered a spirit beast before! The other party is just a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert...
Ding Hong bellowed at the Winged Dragon several more times, but this fellow seemed to be adamant not to make a move even if it spelled his death. Suppressing his anger, Ding Hong turned his gaze over to Zhang Xuan.
"To be able to persuade it not to make a move on you, I admit that you're a capable man. But since that's the case... I'll do it myself then. It's your honor to die by my hand!"
Ding Hong didn't know the reason behind the attitude of the Steelback Winged Beast, but it had to be a doing of the brat before him.
But so what?
The other party was just a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator. Even if he could defeat a Half-Transcension expert, he was still a huge way from matching up to a Transcendent Mortal like him. With the huge disparity in strength, no matter what aces the other party had up his sleeves, it was all useless.
Boom!
Harrumphing coldly, Old Ancestor Ding Hong charged forward to make a move.
With a thrust of his hand, rampaging zhenqi infused with the Origin Energy from the world formed a gigantic handprint, and it charged straight toward Zhang Xuan.
Spirit low-tier battle technique, Origin Energy Palm!
Back then, on the back of the savage beast, the other party had used long-range sonic offensive means on him. Even though it was powerful, the distance had whittled down the might of the attack significantly so Zhang Xuan wasn't able to get a clear gauge on the other party's strength. However, at such close proximity, he finally understood how fearsome Transcendent Mortals were.
In an instant, Zhang Xuan felt overwhelming energy rushing toward him, causing his entire body to stiffen from the pressure. Under such a pressure, even driving his own zhenqi felt arduous.
"I'll have to go all out!"
Transcendent Mortal experts possessed great control over the environment they were in, and knowing this, Zhang Xuan knew that it was impossible for him to escape. Thus, he drove his Heaven's Path zhenqi to its maximum capacity and faced the other party's palm with his fist.
Heaven's Path Fist Art!
Propelling the strength of his muscles, zhenqi began gushed forth from his fist. An immense strength exceeding 60,000 ding burst out as though a massive primordial beast tearing open the heavens, colliding with the other party's Origin Energy Palm.
Peng!
Under the intense collision, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but retreat ten steps back. His face flushed and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.
Even though he had massively improved in the past few days, and his strength exceeded that of ordinary Zhizun realm pinnacle experts as well, he was still far from matching up to a true Transcendent Mortal.
There was no way he could remain unharmed from that blow.
"You withstood the attack? Not bad. Let's see how much more can you take then!"
Ding Hong was astonished to see Zhang Xuan survive his Origin Energy Palm.
It was no wonder that this fellow could defeat even Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong. His strength was indeed formidable.
Even Half-Transcension experts would definitely end up severely injured under his Origin Energy Palm. Yet, the other party was only forced to retreat several steps.
On top of that, he realized that the other party's physical body was on par with him.
A mere Zhizun realm cultivator actually possessed a physical body on par with a Transcendent Mortal?
How can that be?
Boom!
Even though Ding Hong was surprised, there was no hesitation in his movements at all. His next palm came striking down as soon as he saw Zhang Xuan successfully warding off his first attack.
Upon noticing the absurd resilience of Zhang Xuan's body, he chose to exert more force this time around. Before the palm print even reached the other party, a huge fissure had already been torn on the ground.
"Origin Energy Palm is formed via the ability of a Transcendent Mortal to manipulate the Origin Energy in the world. Flaws: No. 1, if one only cultivates it to the level of an initiate, one won't be able to control if perfectly..."
The various flaws of the other party's battle technique surfaced in his mind.
The Origin Energy Palm possessed immense might, but as a Spirit low-tier battle technique, it was impossible for Ding Hong to fully comprehend it with his cultivation as a Prolonged Longevity realm cultivator. Even if he had studied it for a significant period of time, he would only be able to comprehend the basics.
And in truth, he was a far way off from reaching Consummation.
The Master Teacher Pavilion had allocated various tiers of mastery for battle techniques, and they were namely: Novice, Initiate, Minor Accomplishment, Major Accomplishment, and Consummation.
At Novice, one had a surface understanding of the battle technique and could forcefully execute it.
At Initiate, one would be able to bring out the essence of the battle technique but was still lacking in control.
At Minor Accomplishment, one's understanding of the battle technique had already reached a deep level, and it could be relied on as a life-preserving means.
One must know that most of the cultivators had only reached Minor Accomplishment in the mastery of their battle techniques.
As for Major Accomplishment and Consummation, without decades of practice, it would be impossible to reach that level.
Ding Hong might have studied the Origin Energy Palm for a very long time, immersing him into it for more than several decades, but due to the lack of a teacher and his insufficient cultivation, his comprehension of the skill was severely limited.
Thus, he was only able to reach the level of Initiate.
"Initiate Origin Energy Palm has a total of seventeen flaws..."
Knowing that it would just be a matter of time before he died if he were to face Ding Hong face on, Zhang Xuan hurriedly looked for a flaw in Ding Hong's technique.
The current him wasn't a match for a Transcendent Mortal at all. Only through exploiting the enemy's flaw was there a possibility of him retaliating.
"Found it!"
Suddenly, Zhang Xuan caught sight of something and his eyes gleamed in delight.
Hu!
He finally found a flaw that he could exploit. Without any hesitation, he immediately stepped aside, dodging the other party's assault, and with a flick of his wrist, he whipped out a spear from his storage ring and stabbed it straight toward the opening.
Heaven's Path Spear Art!
He had obtained quite a few weapons from the Lin Clan, and most of them were stored in his storage ring in case of emergency.
It was their time to shine now.
That flaw was actually an opening in between the interval of the execution of the previous attack and the charging of the next Origin Energy Palm.
His spear whizzed and stabbed forward like a valiant dragon.
"Formidable! That Zhang shi's eye of discernment is indeed fearsome!"
On top of the back of a savage beast, Jin Conghai witnessed Zhang Xuan making this pierce and his eyes narrowed.
Despite being a Transcendent Mortal expert, even he was unable to find a flaw in Ding Hong's battle technique yet. For Zhang Xuan to be able to find it in an instant, his battle sense was truly terrifying.
"However... it's a pity that his offensive power is too weak. Even if he augmented his strength with a spear art, it's futile!"
Recovering from his shock, Jin Conghai shook his head.
"Futile?" a bewildered 'Gongzi' asked.
Since Zhang Xuan had found the other party's flaw, why would it be useless?
"That's right!"
Placing his hands behind him, Jin Conghai spoke with a deep gaze, "The Transcendent Mortal Realm... isn't as simple as it seems!"
...
Weng!
Unaware of the conversation of the duo above, Zhang Xuan's spear dived swiftly toward Ding Hong's opening as though a roaring dragon charging toward its prey.
"Hmph!"
Ding Hong narrowed his eyes and he hurriedly retreated.
Huala!
For a moment, the air seemed to have solidified. It was as though the spear was trapped in a bog all of a sudden, and its movement abruptly slowed.
Hu!
The next moment, Ding Hong grabbed the end of the spear.
Kacha!
Exerting his zhenqi, the Phantom spear broke into countless splinters instantaneously. At the same moment, Zhang Xuan felt an ache in his chest, and he was knocked back more than a dozen steps.
"Damn it!"
Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.
He had found the flaw, and the spear was aimed and timed perfectly. Yet, he was still unable to hurt the other party at all.
Transcendent Mortals were indeed fearsome existences. No Fighter, even at Zhizun realm, was a match for them.
"You're indeed incredible to make use of the temporary lapse in between my attacks against me. I truly didn't expect it!" Ding Hong turned his gaze over to Zhang Xuan.
It was impressive for a Zhizun realm cultivator to find the flaw of a Transcendent Mortal cultivator so quickly. If not for Ding Hong having reached Transcendent Mortal realm, he would have surely been injured by the previous attack.
"However, you're too weak! If your cultivation was at Half-Transcension, I might have been injured just now. However, it's a pity that... at Zhizun realm pinnacle, you're still a long way off! Even if you can find my flaws... what can you do to me?"
Ding Hong sneered coldly, "As a show of respect for you, I'll face you with my full strength!"
"You're right!"
Zhang Xuan faced the other party's threat nonchalantly. He simply shook his hands and said, "My offensive capability is indeed far too lacking. With the cultivation of a Zhizun realm pinnacle, it's impossible for me to wound you!
"Since you said that I'd require the strength of a Half-Transcension..."
"I'll make the breakthrough now then!"
Upon saying so, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist and threw something resembling a seed into his mouth.
Boom!
In that instant, it was as though he was set ablaze.
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Chapter 442: Making Breakthroughs As Though Drinking Water, Reaching New Realms Like a Walk in the Park!
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
The gap between a Zhizun realm and Transcendent Mortal wasn't just limited to strength... perception, spirit, and many other factors were included as well.
If Zhang Xuan remained at Zhizun realm pinnacle, then even if he were to find all of the flaws in the other party's battle techniques and cultivation, it would still be impossible for him to defeat Ding Hong.
No matter how many times he tried, the same scenario would just occur.
There was only a single solution then... Making a breakthrough!
Since that was the case, there was no reason for Zhang Xuan to hesitate anymore!
He had already compiled and read through the Zhizun realm Heaven's Path Divine Art. The only reason why he hadn't made a breakthrough yet was due to the lack of spirit stones to augment his cultivation.
If he were to attempt to make a breakthrough via absorbing from spirit stones, it would definitely take several hours before he could reach Half-Transcension.
Even if he had sufficient spirit stones, it would be impractical for him to do so now.
Unless he made use of that treasure——
Crimson Flame Lotus Seed!
This object was formed through countless years of accumulation of spiritual energy by the Crimson Flame Lotus at the vein of the Red Lotus Range. It contained an immense amount of energy, to the point that it even raised the success rate of a Fighter reaching Transcendent Mortal realm by twenty percent.
Since it was effective even on Half-Transcension experts, it wasn't too difficult to imagine how terrifying it was.
The reason why Zhang Xuan hadn't used it yet was because he was saving it for his breakthrough from Half-Transcension to Transcendent Mortal. However, he had no other choice but to consume it now.
Boom!
The lotus seed melted as soon as it entered his mouth, and a violent energy immediately flowed into his meridians.
Propelling the energy according to the circulation method of the Heaven's Path Divine Art, Zhang Xuan's aura grew stronger rapidly, and in an instant, he broke through his bottleneck.
Zhizun realm intermediate stage!
Zhizun realm advanced stage!
Zhizun realm pinnacle!
...
He was originally at Zhizun realm primary stage, but as the Heaven's Path Divine Art greedily took in the energy flowing through his veins, in less than ten breaths, he consecutively broke through three small realms, reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle.
"Thi-this..."
"That's is Zhizun realm! It would take at least an entire decade for one just to raise his cultivation by one small realm... Yet, in the blink of an eye, his cultivation rose from Zhizun realm primary stage to Zhizun realm pinnacle?"
"Is he still a human? How can this be..."
"AH! OUCH... What are you doing?"
"I just wanted to check whether I was dreaming or not!"
"Since you're the one who wanted to ascertain whether you're dreaming or not, why did you pinch me?"
"Wouldn't I feel pain if I pinched myself?"
"..."
...
Upon seeing this sight, everyone fell into a frenzy.
Their lips twitched uncontrollably.
They had seen people making a breakthrough in their cultivation before, but consecutively within such a short period of time? Never.
Others took several years just to raise their cultivation by one small realm. On the other hand, when that young man realized that he wasn't a match for Ding Hong, he immediately raised his cultivation realm from Zhizun realm primary stage to Zhizun realm pinnacle...
Can you get any more exaggerated than that?
It was no wonder you dared to face the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom alone. With such capability, you can already bash through the heavens!
...
"Making breakthroughs as though drinking water, reaching new realms like a walk in the park?"
'Gongzi's' face paled, and his body trembled in agitation.
He was the envoy of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and having spent most of his time reading books from a young age, he knew quite a lot about the talented figures on the continent. However, this was the first time he had seen or heard something as absurd as this.
To achieve breakthroughs in the midst of a battle... How in the world did he do it?
"The Crimson Flame Lotus Seed... But even though it harnesses a great amount of energy, it shouldn't possess such great effects!"
Gu Mu's eyes were also completely widened.
He had obtained the lotus seed along with his senior granduncle at the Red Lotus Range back then, and he was given one of them. Thus, he was well-aware of its prowess. Even though it harnessed a gigantic amount of energy, it was insufficient for one to raise one's cultivation by so many realms consecutively.
That fellow seemed to be defying common sense...
Is the other party mad, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?
"I've only seen this kind of breakthrough in a book before. It was said that a humble cultivator had once chanced upon the lecture of an 8-star master teacher out of some fortuitous coincidence, and he managed to achieve consecutive breakthroughs in his cultivation... To think that I would bear witness to such a sight myself!"
Jin Conghai swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
He was a Transcendent Mortal expert with a great amount of worldly experience, but upon seeing this sight, even he couldn't help but be shocked as well.
If not for his powerful self-control, he might have fainted on the spot.
Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's body stiffened in shock.
"The energy harnessed within the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed is violent and destructive, as though an ignited gunpowder. The moment it seeps into one's vein, one would have to drive the energy furiously around. With a slight misstep, one might potentially implode and die... Yet, to achieve so many breakthroughs consecutively without any hesitation, I can't fathom how deep his understanding of the Zhizun realm is. How confident does he have to be to dare to take such a risk? Also, what kind of cultivation technique was he cultivating to be capable of absorbing such a vast amount of energy in this short period of time?"
Achieving a breakthrough in one's cultivation wasn't just about absorbing energy. More importantly, one had to have a deep understanding of the cultivation realm, one's cultivation technique, and possess absolute control of one's body.
To break through three small realms in a single shot, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing found it difficult to imagine how deep the other party's understanding of the Zhizun realm was.
One must know that consuming such nourishment to attempt to achieve a breakthrough was a double-edged sword.
If one was unable to drive the energy properly, the energy could potentially clog up at a certain location and eventually result in one's death.
There were countless precedents of cultivators being unable to fully absorb the nourishment they had consumed and exploded.
Even if the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed might be gentler compared to many of the other consumable treasures, its violent nature made it far from suitable for the direct consumption for a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator.
Yet, not only was that fellow fine after eating it, he even managed to achieve a breakthrough. What kind of powerful cultivation technique could allow a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator to take in that vast amount of energy contained within it?
And how confident was he in the cultivation technique to do so without any hesitation?
"Look, he's attempting to break through Half-Transcension!"
Just as Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was overwhelmed by shock, shock exclaims echoed from the bottom. Thus, he hurriedly turned his gaze over.
Despite having broken through three small realms previously, that violent energy within Zhang Xuan's body didn't fade. Rather, it seemed to be gathering strength to make that final breakthrough to Half-Transcension.
He was attempting to surpass Zhizun realm with just a single Crimson Flame Lotus Seed!
...
While everyone was overwhelmed with shock, Ding Hong nearly died from shock.
When he said that only a Half-Transcension could hurt him, he was trying to provoke the other party so as to build a powerful reputation for himself among the citizens present here. Yet...
That fellow really made a breakthrough, not to mention, it all happened in just a few short breaths!
In his short, momentary daze, the other party's cultivation soared from Zhizun realm primary stage to pinnacle, and from the looks of it, it was about to reach Half-Transcension as well.
If he knew how frightening the other party was, he wouldn't have wasted so many words on him.
Wasn't this courting death?
From that fellow's sharp and precise movements, if the other party were to succeed, there would be a high chance that he might really breathe his last breath here.
"Attempting to achieve a breakthrough right before me? You must be dreaming!"
Roaring furiously, Ding Hong clenched his fist and shot it straight toward Zhang Xuan without any hesitation.
Phantom pinnacle battle technique, Merchant Luo Fist!
Spirit battle techniques were far stronger than Phantom battle technique, but given Ding Hong's cultivation as a Prolonged Longevity primary stage cultivator, it was nigh impossible for him to cultivate the Origin Energy Palm to the mastery of Minor Accomplishment, and thus, he was unable to bring out the full strength of it.
In that sense, using a Phantom battle technique that he had reached the level of Consummation in was far more practical.
Merchant Luo Fist was a technique created by a merchant from Luoshui. Even though no one knew the true name of the merchant, the might of his fist, which was comparable to the ceaseless, rapid tides of a river, became a legend throughout Xuanyuan Kingdom.
Eventually, before the merchant's death, he passed this fist art on to the Xuanyuan royal family, and it had been passed on ever since then.
Zhenqi began gushing out ceaselessly from Ding Hong, filling the entire Heaven's Altar. For an instant, it felt as though an endless tide of water was surging through the area.
Amidst the endless water, Zhang Xuan seemed as though a solitary boat that could possibly capsize at any moment.
"Shameless!"
"How can someone be so despicable as to launch an assault when the other party is making a breakthrough in his cultivation..."
"And to think that he's a Transcendent Mortal expert, how shameless!"
Not expecting Ding Hong to attack at this crucial moment, the crowd suddenly exclaimed anxiously.
It was dishonorable for a Transcendent Mortal to strike his enemy when he was defenseless, not to mention, the other party was a member of the royal family.
"Ding Hong's life hinges on a thread now. If Zhang shi were to succeed, he would be put in a dire state. No one can blame him for making a move at such a crucial moment!"
Jin Conghai was infuriated, but he could understand the other party's stand. Once Zhang shi succeeded in making the breakthrough, he would surely be defeated.
In the end, this was a true battle, not a duel!
"Gongzi..."
Jin Conghai anxiously looked at 'gongzi'.
"Since he dares to attempt a breakthrough at this moment, he must have a countermeasure. Let's just watch on..." 'Gongzi' understood Jin Conghai's intentions, but he shook his hands and rejected it.
The young man below had left him astounded time and time again. Every single time that he was placed in a desperate situation, he would reverse it in the blink of an eye.
So this time... Would the same situation happen again?
After all, without any aces up one's sleeves, no sane person would dare to attempt a breakthrough during a battle.
"Yes..."
Jin Conghai nodded and turned his gaze back to the battle. Then, his body froze before trembling slightly, "Shit! He isn't trying to block the other party's attack at all!"
Below, Zhang Xuan seemed to be completely immersed in his cultivation, oblivious to Ding Hong's fist. He stood perfectly still on the spot, allowing the rampaging torrent to drown him.
Even though the Merchant Luo Fist was created by a merchant, it didn't feel crass or subservient. Instead, there was a dominance that threatened to crush everything that stood in its path.
Being in the midst of his breakthrough, Zhang Xuan was completely defenseless. If that fist were to land on Zhang Xuan, he would definitely die on the spot.
Boom!
A loud explosion sounded. A cloud of dust flew into the air, and small rock fragments shot into the surroundings. In an instant, the young man's figure had completely disappeared from sight.
"Zhang shi..."
'Gongzi' narrowed his eyes, and he nearly fell to the ground.
Zhang Xuan's turning of the tables time after time during a dire situation had already built an infallible image within him. Thus, 'gongzi' thought that, like many times before, Zhang Xuan would do the same this time... Yet, the other party didn't do anything at all. On top of it, he was struck in the midst of his cultivation, when he was completely defenseless!
Under that immense might of the blow, could he be dead already?
After all, that was a Transcendent Mortal expert using his full might! Even a fellow Transcendent Mortal expert would find it hard to withstand the attack, lest be said, a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator!
"It's over..."
Wei Yuqing and Gu Mu also saw the sight before them turning dark.
They were both Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators, and putting themselves in the other party's situation, they could see themselves being completely crushed into bits.
They thought that a miracle would happen once more. After all, the young man below had defied common sense too many times... No one could have imagined that he would be killed just like that...
"That's impossible... Zhang Xuan, you can't die!"
Mo Yu's face paled, and her eyes reddened.
Zhang Xuan, aren't you going to save Lu Chong? How can you die here?
If you really die here, how can you face your students who have entrusted themselves to you...
You can't fall here! You mustn't!
"Haha! Attempting a breakthrough on the spot? Such a foolish notion! You deserve to die..."
Ding Hong also didn't expect his attack to work, and he howled furiously in delight.
However, at the very next moment, a familiar voice echoed amidst the dust.
"Thank you for helping me break through my bottleneck!"
Boom!
A powerful aura abruptly surged, and as though a flood dragon, it ascended into the skies, shaking the heavens.
Half-Transcension realm reached!
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Chapter 443: Strength of a Hundred Thousand Ding
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
"What?"
Narrowing his eyes, Ding Hong saw the dust clearing, and a figure was slowly walking toward him.
Who else could it be if not Zhang Xuan!
At this current moment, Zhang Xuan was still in perfect condition, and there wasn't even a speck of dust on his clothes. It was as if the target of the previous attack wasn't him.
But what stood out the most was the overwhelming aura he was exuding. Ferocious might exuded from every single point of his body; he was clearly many times stronger than before.
"Yo-you..."
Ding Hong's body froze.
He had launched an attack with his full might, and he was certain that the attack landed on the other party. Yet, not only did Ding Hong fail to kill him, the other party even managed to achieve a breakthrough and reach Half-Transcension. This... This can't be real!
As for 'gongzi' and the others who thought that Zhang Xuan was doomed this time, they were completely dumbstruck.
Was he a cockroach?
How could he be fine after being punched like that?
"So what if you've reached Half-Transcension? Die!"
With eyes reddened with frenzy, Ding Hong clenched his teeth, flicked his wrist, and whipped out a sword. Then, he charged straight toward Zhang Xuan.
The reason why he didn't use a weapon before wasn't because he was intentionally going easy on Zhang Xuan, but rather, he didn't think that there was any use for it.
However, given that the other party had reached Half-Transcension realm and considering his incredible means, if he didn't give it everything he had, he would really die here.
Huala!
The cold gleam of the sword shone across the entire Heaven's Altar.
Ding Hong had immersed himself within swordsmanship for more than a hundred years, and he had already reached an incredibly high mastery in the art. With this slash, white sword qi gushed out from his sword, reaching a distance of more than several dozen meters, making it difficult for anyone to approach him.
"It's Sword Intent!"
Everyone's faces froze.
Those who comprehended Weapon Intent had achieved an extremely profound level of understanding of weapons, to the point that their weapon felt no different from an extension of their hands.
This was an abstract state, and it took countless years of hard work before one could achieve it. However, the benefits it brought were massive as well. One who had comprehended Sword Intent could be said to be invincible among those of the same cultivation realm.
"Not only has he comprehend Sword Intent, he's even advanced rather far in it!"
Jin Conghai frowned. "Seems like it's not possible for Zhang shi to achieve victory!"
If Ding Hong had used Sword Intent earlier on, Zhang Xuan might have lost immediately. Even though Zhang Xuan had managed to reach Half-Transcension, the situation was still against his odds.
Sword Intent was a representation of one's level of achievement in swordsmanship, and the strikes of those who have reached this level tended to be swifter and sharper.
This Zhang shi wasn't even twenty yet, and on top of that, he was a spear user. His understanding of the sword was probably far inferior to the other party. It would be nigh impossible for him to achieve victory.
'Gongzi', Wei Yuqing, and the others didn't speak, but every single one of them had a grim expression on their faces. Clearly, they shared the same thoughts as well.
A Transcendent Mortal who had comprehended Sword Intent was a truly terrifying force to reckon with. Even Jin Conghai would face some trouble with him.
Huala!
A sword qi flew across the air, leaving a deep tear on the ground.
Different from the anxious crowd, Zhang Xuan didn't seem flustered in the least. He smiled lightly and stepped forward.
His figure faded, and in the blink of an eye, he had already advanced four to five meters.
It was as though he could foresee the future. His body moved from the left to the right, and the sharp sword qi simply slid past his skin, without leaving a single cut on him.
At that moment, Zhang Xuan seemed as though an agile fish. Even though the sword qi before him was spread widely like a net, he was still able to easily find an opening and slide through.
"Half-Transcension... is indeed powerful!"
Feeling the immense strength surging through his body, Zhang Xuan thought.
Under normal circumstances, it would have been impossible for him to reach Half-Transcension.
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen had gathered a huge collection of Zhizun realm manual under his request, but very few of them detailed the method to breaking through to Half-Transcension. As such, after compilation, a Half-Transcension Heaven's Path Divine Art couldn't be formed.
This was precisely the reason why Zhang Xuan stopped right after he had reached Zhizun realm pinnacle.
However, the energy within the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed far exceeded his expectations. He wanted to stop, but the violent nature of the energy prevented him from doing so. Thus, he was forced to continue striving for Half-Transcension.
Under normal circumstances, without a compiled Heaven's Path Divine Art, it would be hard for him to achieve a breakthrough. It could potentially lead to his cultivation going berserk, and in the worst case scenario, he might even sustain severe internal injuries.
The situation back then was precarious, and Zhang Xuan nearly lost control of the rampaging energy within it.
And at that crucial moment, Ding Hong made a move.
The strong external force that struck the Zhang Xuan who was on the verge of exploding suppressed the rampaging energy within him. Not only was he fine from the collision of energy, he was even able to make use of this as an impetus to advance his cultivation.
If Ding Hong hadn't made a move, Zhang Xuan might have been severely injured from the rampaging energy of the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed.
Even though the other party had intended to kill him, he ended up doing him a big favor instead.
Thus, Zhang Xuan's 'thanks' before was truly earnest.
But of course, if Ding Hong were to learn of it, he might have died out of anger.
What the heck was this!
If only I knew earlier, I wouldn't have been so anxious to strike...
...
The thought disappeared as soon as it appeared.
Entering the sea of sword qi created by the other party, Zhang Xuan's fist struck out.
At the same moment, lines of insight flowed within his eyes.
Eye of Insight.
His Eye of Insight could peer into the flaws of a cultivator a small realm above that of his cultivation.
Ding Hong was a Transcendent Mortal Prolonged Longevity realm primary stage expert, and thus, under the flowing lines of insight, all of the flaws of his movements and cultivation appeared in Zhang Xuan's sight.
Boom!
The Heaven's Path Fist Art, augmented by overwhelming zhenqi, shot straight to the center of the sword qi.
"Damn it!'
Ding Hong didn't expect the other party to slide through the sea of sword qi that he had produced and to even throw a fist straight at him. His face paled, and roaring furiously, he twisted his sword and blocked the fist with the body of his sword.
Ding!
The fist landed on the sword, and a deafening metallic sound reverberated in the air from the collision. Ding Hong couldn't help but retreat two steps back.
"Hundred thousand ding? The strength of a 1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm cultivator?"
Ding Hong's face paled.
Zhizun realm was known as the Ten Thousand Ding realm, and it was representative of the level that a cultivator's strength finally exceeded 10,000 ding.
After that, every small cultivation realm would add an additional ten thousand ding of strength.
Thus, a normal Zhizun realm pinnacle would possess a strength of 40,000 ding.
As for Transcendent Mortals, even though they had reached a level of existence and could draw energy from the heavens to augment themselves, there was a limit to their might as well.
At 1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm, the limit of one's strength was 100,000 ding.
Thus, it was also termed the Hundred Thousand Ding realm.
If Ten Thousand Ding represented Zhizun, then Hundred Thousand Ding represented Transcendent Mortal.
The fellow before him was clearly just a Half-Transcension cultivator... How in the world did he manage to achieve a strength of a hundred thousand ding?
Initially, Ding Hong had been thinking that even though the other party had achieved a breakthrough, he would surely be unable to match up to him in terms of might. However, after taking a blow, he realized that he had lost this advantage.
"So what if your strength has reached 100,000 ding? Do you think that your fist art can defeat my Sword Intent? Don't even dream of it!"
Ding Hong clenched his teeth tightly.
Huala!
His sword began dancing about, and Sword Intent surged out as though a burst of light. In the blink of an eye, it wrapped itself around him, forming a flowing barrier.
"Shameless!"
Upon seeing the move, 'gongzi' harrumphed
"He's indeed shameless!"
Jin Conghai nodded. "Making use of Sword Intent as a defensive measure... To think that a Transcendent Mortal expert would be forced by a Half-Transcension to take defensive maneuvers!"
Ding Hong seemed to have given up on offense, choosing to focus entirely on defense instead.
The Sword Intent had an incomparably sharp nature, and it covered the area around him entirely. No matter how powerful Zhang Xuan's fist was, it was impossible for him to strike through the wall of sword qi.
In other words, Ding Hong was afraid of Zhang Xuan.
He knew that it was impossible for him to kill the other party, so he chose to fight defensively instead.
Transcendent Mortals were respected even in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Yet, at this moment, one was being forced into a corner by a Half-Transcension cultivator. Even though they were witnessing this sight personally, they still felt faint-headed.
"But even though other party had chosen to focus on defense... Isn't Zhang shi helpless before it as well?" Wei Yuqing asked.
"Indeed, there's nothing he can do about it. The Sword Intent has covered his body entirely, and there are no openings to be exploited here. Unless Zhang shi has comprehended Sword Intent as well, otherwise it'll be extremely difficult for him to break through Ding Hong's defense!" Jin Conghai replied.
Within the flowing Sword Intent was incomparably sharp sword qi. No matter how tough one's fist was, it was still made of flesh and blood. How could it face sword qi which was publicly acknowledged for its sharpness?
"Zhang Xuan, you might be formidable, but there's nothing you can do about me now! Since Ding Mu is already dead, why don't we drop this matter?"
Having blocked the other party's attack, Ding Hong heaved a sigh of relief. He turned to the young man not too far away and said.
The other party had killed his most beloved and valued progeny. Thus, he wanted to destroy the other party and restore prestige to the Ding Clan. Yet, at this very moment, he realized that not only was he unable to defeat the other party, he might even die from the other party's assault. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to take a step back.
Ding Mu was already dead, and he had many other progenies. As long as he survived, the Ding Clan could still start anew.
"There's nothing I can about you?" Zhang Xuan shook his head. "You're overestimating yourself!"
"My Sword Intent is flowing around my entire body; do you really think that your fist can break through it?"
Ding Hong sneered coldly. "It's impossible unless you comprehended Sword Intent and face my Sword Intent face on... But do you think that it's possible?"
You must be joking!
To comprehend Sword Intent, he had traveled across and lived in all kinds of barren and desolate lands for more than thirty years before he succeeded.
On the other hand, that fellow wasn't even twenty yet. Even if he started cultivating from his mother's womb, how much could he have comprehended about swordsmanship?
Furthermore, the other party had executed a spear art previously. Judging from his sharp and forceful movements, he clearly possessed some aptitude in it.
Even though there was no limit to the Weapon Intent one could cultivate, there was a limit to a human's talent and energy.
It was already incredible for him to bring his spear art to that height. To be capable of utilizing Sword Intent on top of that... Was it even possible?
"Sword Intent? That's indeed not quite possible!"
Knowing the other party's thoughts, Zhang Xuan chuckled lightly. With a flick of his wrist, a sword appeared in his hands.
"Sword Intent is too mediocre for me!"
As Zhang Xuan spoke, he slowly drew his sword.
Weng! Weng! Weng!
Before the sword was fully drawn, the swords by the waists of the swordsmen amidst the crowd began buzzing. It was as though they were paying respect to their emperor.
"Call of the Myriad Swords, Roar of the Dragons... Thi-this... the realm beyond that of Sword Intent... Sword Heart?"
Ding Hong's vision turned dark.
,
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Chapter 444: Slaying a Transcendent Mortal
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
Sword Heart was the state of driving one's sword with one's heart, controlling it with one's intentions. Every move made in this state could be considered as a sword art in itself.
In contrast with it, Sword Intent was extremely mediocre and immature.
It was like the difference between a weed and a towering tree.
Ding Hong thought that with his Sword Intent, even if he couldn't kill the other party, he could at least force a draw and step down from there. Yet, never in his dreams did he expect that everything he did was only a farce to the other party... The other party's sword mastery was far above his own, reaching the level of Sword Heart!
That was a realm that countless Transcendent Mortal dreamt of and dedicated their lives to, only to never reach it in their lifetime. Yet, a fellow who wasn't even twenty yet and who had just barely reached Half-Transcension actually managed to comprehend it...
When he mocked the other party for being unable to fly, the other party yelled and the Steelback Winged Dragon immediately fell from the sky.
When he mocked the other party for being too weak to hurt him... in the blink of an eye, the other party broke through to Half-Transcension.
When he mocked the other party for his incapability to wield Sword Intent, the other party topped him with the higher realm Sword Heart...
Brother, can you at least tell me what you aren't capable of? At the very least, I can prepare myself. Do you know how terrifying it is...
Ding Hong felt his confidence crumbling.
"You're right, it's indeed Sword Heart!"
Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan finally drew his sword completely.
His sword came from the Lin Clan, and it was only at Phantom intermediate-tier. At the same time, it wasn't too sharp either. Yet, it had an indomitable presence.
Sword qi flowed around its edge. With a slight flick of Zhang Xuan's wrist, the air seemed to have been torn to shreds.
Huala!
Under normal circumstances, as long as one's strength didn't exceed him by too much, Ding Hong's Sword Intent barrier would be hard to break. Yet, for some reason, as soon as the blunt-looking sword came into contact with it, the barrier immediately dissipated without the slightest resistance.
Puhe!
A sword qi flew across, severing Ding Hong's left arm. It was so sharp that not even blood flowed out of his wound.
The sword qi emanated by a swordmaster who had comprehended Sword Heart was indomitable. On top of that, Zhang Xuan's strength also wasn't inferior to him as well. Even though the other party was a Transcendent Mortal expert, he wasn't able to withstand the attack.
"Escape!"
Knowing that he would surely die if he remained here, Ding Hong's face paled. He immediately turned around and fled.
He had stepped in ferociously back then, but he ended up escaping with his tail between his legs.
No one expected for the legendary old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom, a Transcendent Mortal expert, to meet with such an ending. It was truly beyond expectations.
"Incredible!"
"To achieve a breakthrough at that crucial moment and slay a Transcendent Mortal, how valiant! This is how a man should act!"
"From today on, Zhang shi shall be my idol. Don't even try to steal him from me!"
"This is what a true genius is. Compared to him, Ding Mu was nothing at all."
...
The eyes of the spectating youngsters burned with passion.
When Zhang Xuan came alone to challenge the incumbent crown prince, everyone thought that he was being too arrogant and they felt intense loathing toward him. But after undergoing his teachings via the Impartation of Heaven's Will and becoming his half-students, their feelings for him gradually changed into gratitude.
And at this moment, looking at him sending even the old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom fleeing, it evolved into veneration.
A person single-handedly standing against an entire country!
That is how a man should be!
"You all might not know, but I heard that the reason why Zhang shi came after Ding Mu is because the latter had killed his student!"
"How did you know?"
"My cousin, Zhou Jin, is an Imperial Beast Tamer serving the crown prince. He blurted the matter out when he was drunk!"
"Standing up against an entire country alone to avenge his student, even going to the extent of standing against a Transcendent Mortal?"
"On top of that, when he came, he wasn't that strong yet. How much courage must it have taken to make this move..."
"With such a teacher, even if I were to die now... it would be worth it!"
...
Amidst the crowd, some of the well-informed ones spoke of the matter from start to the end. The eyes of the listeners gradually reddened, and they clenched their fists tight.
The greatest fortune that a cultivator could encounter was a good teacher.
Not only was Zhang shi strong and capable at teaching, more importantly, he cared for his students. He stood up against an entire Conferred Kingdom alone just for his student. With such sentiments, he was more than worthy of being addressed as a 'teacher'.
...
While everyone was overwhelmed with agitation, on the Heaven's Altar, Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed as he noticed Ding Hong escaping.
"Hmph, do you think that you can get away?"
Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up, and exerting force on his feet, he immediately dashed forward.
After the matter with Ding Mu, he realized the danger of sparing one's enemies. Since he had already fallen out with the other party, he had to clear them out cleanly. Otherwise, the one who would be threatened would be him.
If not for his compassion back then, Lu Chong wouldn't have been sacrificed.
Thus, he was determined to leave no more threats behind.
"Don't even try!"
With a flick of his wrist, Zhang Xuan's sword sliced down.
Tearing through a hundred meters of space, a sword qi flew toward the escaping Ding Hong.
After reaching Half-Transcension, Zhang Xuan had already gained a certain level of control over the environment. In the past, the range of his sword qi was limited to only a dozen meters. However, with his enhanced degree of control and enhanced zhenqi, a hundred meters was no longer a problem.
Huala!
The sword qi struck the other party's back, tearing open a massive, glaring wound in an instant.
Due to the long distance, the sword qi had dissipated significantly. Otherwise, it would have been more than sufficient to slice Ding Hong into two.
"Blood Tribute!"
Feeling the sharp pain on his back, Ding Hong was alarmed. He knew that it wasn't easy for the other party to kill him due to the long distance, but if he were to be struck any more of that sword qi, he would surely die. Thus, gritting his teeth, Ding Hong burned his life force and his speed abruptly increased by a single fold.
Like the Blood Tribute that Ding Mu used back then came from him, even though it allowed him to utilize strength and speed beyond his current cultivation, it had a time limit. After the duration, one's cultivation would automatically fall.
It was a technique that hurt oneself as much as it hurt one's opponent.
It was a move that wouldn't be used unless the situation truly called for it. Usually, Ding Hong would surely go after the other party if he activated the Blood Tribute to avenge his great grandson... But this time, he was truly frightened by the other party.
Every time that fellow looked as though he were going to lose, he would always make a shocking comeback.
He was afraid of the means that the other party would continue pulling out if he chose to continue to fight. If so, once the Blood Tribute duration ran out, he wouldn't be able to even escape.
Sou!
With his hastened speed, Ding Hong disappeared amidst the labyrinth-like infrastructures of the capital.
"Damn it!"
Seeing the other party vanish into the shadows, Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.
Even though he had managed to reach Half-Transcension, he had suffered quite a few traumas in the midst of doing so.
On top of that, he had used the Heaven's Path Movement Art too many times previously, and he was already reaching his limit now. If he were to attempt to catch up, he might collapse before he could catch up with the other party.
On the other hand, he had never learned any other movement arts before. Furthermore, his cultivation was beneath that of Ding Hong, so it would be difficult for him to catch up.
"There's no need to feel pity over this. That fellow has lost his arm, and on top of that, he even used the Blood Tribute. Even if he manages to get away with his life, his cultivation would definitely plummet.
"Based on my estimations, it'll be hard for him to even sustain his cultivation as a Half-Transcension. Thus, he's not a threat anymore!"
Zhang Xuan was just thinking whether he should make use of these soldiers to search through the entire city to cut off the weed at its root when a voice echoed.
Turning around, he saw a youth walking toward him with a bright grin on his face.
He was around the same age of Zhao Ya, but his body seemed a little weak. His black eyes were gleaming with spirit, and his skin was smooth. All in all, he had an exquisite appearance.
"A woman?"
Zhang Xuan frowned.
Even though the other party was dressed in the clothes of a man, it wasn't sufficient to deceive Zhang Xuan's Eye of Insight.
This was an ability that only a 6-star master teacher had the chance to comprehend. It could even see through the hidden flaws of a cultivator, lest to say, a cross-dresser.
"I am Zhao Feiwu, and I came from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Nice to meet you, Zhang shi!"
The youth didn't know that her identity had been exposed, and she clasped her fists with a carefree smile.
This youth was the 'gongzi' from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Just that, no one could have expected that 'he' was actually a she.
"Envoy, thank you for your help!"
Upon hearing that the other party came from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, Zhang Xuan immediately understood the situation.
That alliance decree that declared Ding Mu's inauguration as illegitimate probably came from this person.
Otherwise, he couldn't think of anyone else.
"The Xuanyuan Kingdom has acted on their own whim, conducting an inauguration ceremony without reporting the matter to the alliance. I am just dealing with this matter as per the rules!"
'Gongzi' Zhao Feiwu smiled admiringly at the young man before her. "Speaking of thanks, I should be the one thanking you instead. It's due to your treatment method that I was able to recover. Otherwise, I would still be lying on the bed waiting for my death now!"
"Treatment method?"
Zhang Xuan was stumped.
"It was the final question that Zhang shi solved in your alias as Liu Cheng on the Wall of Dilemma in the Tianwu Kingdom Physician Guild. I was afflicted with the illness, and my father had consulted countless physicians about the matter but they were all at a loss. It's only because of you that I was able to make a full recovery!" Zhao Feiwu said.
The noble 'gongzi' who was cross-dressing as a male was the second princess of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance who lay sickly on her bed just a few days ago.
Upon knowing that the one who provided the treatment method was a physician named 'Liu Cheng' from a Tier 1 Kingdom, she immediately rushed over along with her subordinate, Jin Conghai.
While passing through Xuanyuan Kingdom, Jin Conghai received a message from Gu Mu and headed over to the Poison Hall. Over there, the two of them met Sun Qiang, and upon learning that Liu Cheng was Zhang Xuan, they chose to head over to Xuanyuan Royal City to assist him.
Otherwise, given how the both of them were unrelated, there was no reason for Zhao Feiwu to favor a 2-star master teacher over a vassal Conferred Kingdom, or even harboring the thought of sending Jin Conghai over to save him?
"Innate Muscular Deficiency?"
Zhang Xuan also recalled the matter.
Back then, he only solved the problem thinking that it was a necessity for him to become a physician. He didn't expect to save a person due to that.
Furthermore, from the looks of it, this lady seemed to have a powerful background.
"Exactly!" Zhao Feiwu nodded.
"My treatment method has saved you, but you have already returned the favor by helping me out of this matter. So, we're on equal footing now!" Zhang Xuan clasped his fist.
Zhang Xuan didn't want to owe a debt to anyone as this could bring about a karmic cycle.
Since he had helped the person before, in a sense, the other party's actions could be considered as returning the favor. Thus, neither of them owed anything to the other anymore.
"Equal footing?"
Zhao Feiwu was taken aback.
Despite learning that she was the envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and on top of that, it was clear that she was expressing goodwill toward him, he actually shrugged it off, not demanding anything at all. He was truly a peculiar person.
There were very few people who could resist this kind of opportunity.
However, Zhao Feiwu quickly recovered and smiled, "Let's do that then! However... you've killed the emperor of a Conferred Kingdom and driven away his old ancestor. How should we settle this matter? If we don't resolve this matter properly, it could cause a huge pandemonium."
To think that the royal family of a Conferred Kingdom could be reduced to such a state; the inaugurating emperor dying and the old ancestor fleeing in a fluster. If other kingdoms were to learn of it, they would definitely make use of this opening.
"This..."
Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
He was too preoccupied with avenging Lu Chong that he failed to consider this matter.
The current circumstances were indeed dire for Xuanyuan Kingdom. If this matter wasn't resolved properly, it would be a matter of time before the entire kingdom falls into chaos.
"Actually, I have an idea in mind."
Seeing the other party's hesitation, Zhao Feiwu's eyes twinkled and she smiled.
"Oh?"
"Since you were the one who destroyed the royal family, I believe that no one would dare to raise any objections if you became the new emperor. This way, I'll be able to report the matter to my superiors as well," Zhao Feiwu suggested.
The main reason why she had spoken her previous words wasn't to put Zhang Xuan in a spot but to bring up this suggestion.
In truth, she had already considered this outcome. Otherwise, she wouldn't have helped Zhang Xuan.
The person before her was able to stand up against an entire kingdom on his own. If he were to become the emperor, he would surely be able to bring the kingdom to greater heights.
At the same time, she could return the favor as well. Thus, in her opinion, this was a win-win situation.
"Becoming the emperor?"
Zhang Xuan shook his head. "I'll pass on that."
He had to reach 9-star master teacher before thirty to live on. The thought of staying here as the emperor had never crossed his mind.
"This..."
Not expecting to be rejected, Zhao Feiwu was stunned.
An emperor wielded absolute authority over the territory he governed; it was a dream for countless people. Yet, the other party turned her down without any hesitation...
"However, it's indeed my fault that Xuanyuan Kingdom was reduced to its current state. Even though I'm reluctant to become the emperor, why don't I nominate another candidate?" Zhang Xuan said, after a moment of hesitation.
But no matter what, a country mustn't go a day without an emperor or else it would lead to social instability and various other problems. This wasn't what Zhang Xuan hoped to see.
"Oh?"
Not expecting Zhang Xuan to reject it and nominate another candidate instead, Zhao Feiwu stared at him with an intrigued expression, "Nominating another emperor? May I know who it is? Don't tell me that you're going to nominate Sun Qiang!"
If it was Sun Qiang, she would probably burst into tears on the spot.
That fellow was weak, yet he was exceptionally arrogant and boastful. More importantly, the words 'wise' and 'astute' were in a whole different world from him. If he were to become the emperor, Xuanyuan Kingdom might fall into greater ruins.
"Sun Qiang? How can that be? There's no way such a great talent should be placed in such a humble position!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.
Sun Qiang was his butler, and he was going to venture out into the larger world alongside him. How could he leave the other party behind in such a shabby location?
"... Cough cough!"
Zhao Feiwu choked on her own saliva.
Truly, the attitude of the servant reflected the personality of the master.
At the start, she thought that Sun Qiang's boastful nature was an individual problem. However, after looking at Zhang Xuan, she realized that it was impossible for him not to be boastful with such a young master...
An ignorant Pixue realm cultivator becoming the emperor of a Conferred Kingdom, and you think that it's a waste of his talents... Can we still talk properly?
Suppressing the stifling sensation in her chest, Zhao Feiwu asked, "Then who are you nominating?"
"Her..."
Zhang Xuan smiled as he beckoned to the skies, "Mo Yu, come down!"
Roar!
The Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast in the skies howled furiously and swooped down. Mo Yu immediately rushed up to Zhang Xuan with reddened eyes, wanting to dive into his embrace. However, she hesitated and eventually decided against it.
He had truly left her worried just now.
However, she was aware that the other party harbored no feelings toward her. If she were to dive into the other party's embrace, that would truly be awkward.
"Her?"
Not expecting the candidate that Zhang Xuan was going to nominate to be a lady, Zhao Feiwu was perplexed.
"Indeed, I want her to become the first empress of Xuanyuan Kingdom. I wonder if it's acceptable?" Zhang Xuan chuckled.
"Empress? Xuanyuan Kingdom's empress?"
Upon hearing Zhang Xuan's words, Mo Yu's body began trembling uncontrollably.
.
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Chapter 445: Raising Mo Yu's Cultivation
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
Tianwu Kingdom's Emperor, Mo Tianxue, had always been grooming his daughter to become the empress of the kingdom. Thus, even though Mo Yu was still young, she was already adept in the process of governing a country.
In that sense, she would become a much better ruler for Xuanyuan Kingdom than him.
"Her?"
Zhao Feiwu was dumbstruck. She couldn't help but refute, "Her cultivation seems to have only reached Zongshi realm..."
Xuanyuan Kingdom was a land filled with Zhizun realm cultivators. A Zongshi realm cultivator simply wasn't strong enough to stabilize the lands.
"Her cultivation is indeed a little too weak. However, to be able to possess this kind of strength at her age, she could already be considered as a top-notch genius. As long as she has sufficient cultivation resources in the future, it won't be too difficult for her to gain sufficient strength to become a powerful ruler in the future!"
Despite coming from a Tier 1 Kingdom, Mo Yu still managed to reach a high level of cultivation at her age. Once the resources of Xuanyuan Kingdom were channeled toward her, her cultivation would surely soar swiftly. It wouldn't be a dream for her to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle or even Half-Transcension in the future.
"I believe in her talents as well, but what about the present state? The people's hearts are currently in turmoil, and if there isn't a sufficiently strong presence to hold things together, I fear that a calamity may occur!"
Zhao Feiwu was speechless to see how lightly Zhang Xuan was taking this matter.
Not everyone could become the ruler of a country. The primary requisite for it was for one to possess top-notch cultivation. Otherwise, who would be willing to listen to a weakling?
Without sufficient strength, even if Mo Yu were to ascend to the throne with the backing by the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, she might very well be assassinated by her rivals.
After all, the seat of an emperor of a Conferred Kingdom was an incredibly prestigious one. There were countless people who had their eyes set on this position.
Electing a weak emperor would only cause chaos and strife, and this would push the country straight toward the flames of destruction.
"Is that so..." Knowing that his thoughts lacked depth, Zhang Xuan scratched his head in embarrassment. Thus, he turned to Mo Yu and asked, "Do you wish to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle?"
"Of course I do!"
Even though Mo Yu didn't know the significance behind Zhang Xuan's words, she still nodded her head.
Who didn't wish to become stronger?
But could Zhizun realm pinnacle be that easily achieved?
Of the countless cultivators in the world, probably not even one out of ten thousand was able to reach that legendary realm. The difficulty of the matter was unimaginable.
Zhao Feiwu felt perplexed when she heard Zhang Xuan's words.
What is this fellow up to this time?
"Good. Open your mouth then!"
Ignoring the onlookers' bewilderment, Zhang Xuan flicked his finger.
Before Mo Yu could react, a lotus seed was shot into her mouth.
It immediately melted into immense, violent energy which seeped into her meridians in an instant. However, her cultivation was still far too weak for her to bear such immense energy, and she immediately swelled up, nearly exploding into shreds.
"Sit down!" Zhang Xuan immediately commanded.
"Yes!"
Not daring to hesitate, Mo Yu hurriedly sat down. Following which, she felt a huge hand being placed on the top of her head.
Boom!
Dense, pure zhenqi seeped down her body, controlling the rampaging energy of the lotus seed. It guided the rampaging energy in a unique circulation pathway around her body.
Kacha! Kacha! Kacha!
A series of popping sounds echoed, and Mo Yu felt her body abruptly lightened. The bottlenecks which had kept her out previously was broken through in an instant.
Zongshi realm intermediate stage!
Zongshi realm advanced stage!
Zongshi realm pinnacle!
Half-Zhizun!
...
Mo Yu's aura grew stronger at a pace visible to the eye.
"This, this..."
Zhao Feiwu's eyeballs were about to pop out of her head.
She'd thought that this fellow was up to something, and she was right!
Making someone achieve consecutive breakthroughs in the blink of an eye?
Even the most capable 4-star pinnacle master teacher in Myriad Kingdom Alliance was incapable of such a feat!
You... Are you still human?
It was no wonder that Sun Qiang stared at her with such disdain back then. Upon seeing Zhang Xuan's means, she realized that there was a much larger world outside that of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.
"To induce a breakthrough in another so easily..."
Jin Conghai also felt a dryness at the back of his throat.
He was a Transcendent Mortal expert, but he was incapable of such feat, and he had never seen anyone achieving such a feat either. Yet, the fellow before him accomplished it so easily, as though it was a walk in the park...
I would like to know if there's anything you are incapable of.
When did such a ridiculous monster appear in Tianwu Kingdom? This is way too frightening...
Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong's mouth was also twitching violently from fear. If not for his strong mental fortitude, he might have turned insane on the spot.
As a master teacher, he understood clearly how difficult it was to achieve that feat.
To be able to achieve multiple breakthrough himself, Zhang Xuan could be considered as a genius. However... To do the same for others as well, that was already surpassing the realm of a mere genius.
"This is... Cultivation Impartation?"
A phrase surfaced in Luo Qianhong's mind amidst his trembling.
It was said that formidable master teachers could design a cultivation technique based on their student's physique and use their own zhenqi to impart energy into the latter to raise their cultivation.
But to do so, there were several conditions that had to be fulfilled.
Firstly, one had to be a 6-star master teacher. Secondly, one had to have absolute understanding of the student, be it the state of their meridians, their body's limit, and innumerable other factors. Lastly, the cultivation technique one designed must be completely compatible with the other party's physique...
There mustn't be the slightest lapse in any of the three conditions, or else the other party's meridians could rupture and die. Yet, this fellow did it so easily without the slightest preparation. On top of that, there didn't seem to be any side effects at all...
Are you really a 2-star master teacher?
Are you sure you are under twenty?
In an instant, Luo Qianhong felt that his time spent studying and understanding the master teacher occupation had been for naught. In the end, despite his efforts, he didn't seem to have achieved anything at all...
"To raise someone's cultivation so easily... My heavens, can anyone tell me that this isn't a dream?"
"Idol, he's truly my idol. I want to acknowledge him as my teacher!"
"Incredible! This is the means of a god..."
...
The soldiers who saw this sight were dumbfounded as well.
They had seen geniuses, but they had never seen such a talented genius.
In fact, the word 'genius' seemed like a gross underestimation.
Kacha! Kacha! Kacha!
Amidst everyone's shocked gazes, Mo Yu's aura continued rising rapidly. Eventually, when it slowed down and came to a stop, Mo Yu opened her eyes and a sharp glint reflected from within.
Zhizun realm pinnacle, achieved!
She had been cultivating ever since she was six, and it took her seventeen years for her to reach Zongshi realm. She thought that it would take at least twenty years before Zhizun realm would be in her reach.
Never had she ever thought that she would succeed in just a few breaths.
This rate of progression was like a dream to her.
"Thank you, Zhang shi!"
Knowing that it was impossible for her to succeed without the help of the person before her, Mo Yu stood up and bowed earnestly.
Her address also changed from Zhang Xuan to Zhang shi.
Initially, she was still harboring thoughts of competing with this young man, hoping to win the other party's admiration one day.
But at this moment, she realized that there was a world of a difference between the two of them, and this gap would only continue growing larger. It would be impossible for her to catch up with the other party.
Putting aside competing and winning his admiration, she probably wasn't even qualified to become the other party's student. In the end, they were just passers-by in this vast world.
"It's no problem at all!"
Oblivious to her thoughts, Zhang Xuan shook his hands. Then, turning to gongzi, he asked, "Is it fine now?"
After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Feiwu said, "She has reached Zhizun realm pinnacle so she does have the qualifications to become the emperor now. However... it'll take more than that to win everyone's trust..."
While a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator was indeed powerful in Xuanyuan Kingdom, there were many others of the same cultivation realm here as well. Just this by itself wouldn't be sufficient for Mo Yu to stabilize the entire country. At the very least, she would require the strength of a Half-Transcension to do so.
After all, those who were listed in the Green Leaf Board had all reached this realm. Zhizun realm pinnacle was just sufficient for one to be listed in the Young Leaf Board.
"That... Alright then!"
Rubbing his hands, Zhang Xuan turned to the trembling Steelback Winged Dragon and said, "Acknowledge Mo Yu as your master, and from today on, protect her and obey all of her commands!"
"Ah?"
Hearing these words, everyone was dumbfounded.
Even Mo Yu and Zhao Feiwu were perplexed.
Are you speaking nonsense?
This fellow was the guardian beast of the Xuanyuan royal family! On top of that, it was a proud bearer of the Dragon Bloodline. For it to submit to Mo Yu on the first meeting...
How was that possible?
Roar!
Just when everyone thought this massive fellow wouldn't agree to it, the Steelback Winged Dragon smiled in delight and hurriedly climbed over. It began rubbing its massive head on Mo Yu in an attempt to fawn on her.
"The heck..."
"This... Isn't it being way too shameless?"
Everyone's body trembled violently and they nearly spat out blood.
As a proud bearer of the Dragon Bloodline, the Steelback Winged Dragon was usually condescending toward humans. Yet, it fell from the sky with a call from Zhang Xuan and abandoned its owner. Then, it even went on to obey every single command from him...
Can you at least possess some dragon pride?
You make yourself seem as though you're no different from a pug, how can a powerful savage beast like you act so shamelessly!
"This fellow seems to wield a strength that simply leave others speechless..." Grand Elder Wei Yuqing who had just climbed down from the back of the savage beast sighed.
Somehow, this fellow was able to accomplish what others deemed impossible easily. Sometimes, one couldn't help but wonder if he was a high-ranked master teacher in disguise.
"Now that the matter with the kingdom is settled, it's time for me to deal with the Master Teacher Pavilion!"
Zhang Xuan turned around to look at Luo Qianhong with a composed look.
For a Master Teacher Pavilion to cover up Ding Mu's villainy against one of their own members, it was about time to deal with it.
On top of that, if Zhang Xuan didn't resolve this matter cleanly, his action of making a move against a 3-star master teacher would become a permanent blemish on his records. If so, it would be difficult for him to take the subsequent master teacher examinations.
After all, master teachers prided themselves on their morals.
For a master teacher to disregard the clear hierarchy and defy a higher ranked master teacher, no one would be willing to see him climb through the ranks.
"Are you certain that... you want to crash the Master Teacher Pavilion?" Zhao Feiwu asked worriedly.
If Pavilion Crashing only consisted of fighting against the master teachers in the Master Teacher Pavilion, there would be nothing for Zhang Xuan to fear. After all, he was someone who could even slay a Transcendent Mortal. Even the strongest master teacher, Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong, was only a Half-Transcension. There was nothing for Zhang Xuan to fear from them.
"Pavilion Crashing is equivalent to challenging all of the master teachers that have gone through Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion ever since its inception. Even though the location of this Master Teacher Pavilion is remote, it has several thousand years of history behind it. Based on the records, a 5-star master teacher and three 4-star master teachers once emerged from here..."
Zhao Feiwu clenched her fists tightly, "Even though they are already dead, their lingering wills are imprinted within the Master Teacher Pavilion. To crash it meant to stand against them as well. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider the matter?"
If Pavilion Crashing only meant challenging the incumbent master teachers, there was nothing much for Zhang Xuan to worry. However, the tricky part was the deceased seniors.
Some of them had reached 4-star and even higher. As a mere 2-star master teacher, how could you stand against them?
"My mind is made up!" Zhang Xuan said.
There was nothing for him to worry about! Those people were only lingering wills now; if they thought that he would be an easy target, they were about to be proven wrong!