"If you're planning to keep those heavy clothes and armor on, how exactly am I supposed to unblock your qi channels? I can't alter your inner workings from a distance." My voice was firm,yet innocent, as I met her gaze.
Reluctantly, she complied, shedding her outer garments and revealing the bare skin of her back. I placed my hand gently on her shoulder. Closing my eyes, I extended my divine sense, meticulously mapping each energy channel within her body. Every intricate pathway unfolded before me, and with the Library of Heaven's Path (LoHP), I saw not only her bloodline's limitations, but a tapestry of flaws woven from cultivation techniques to a fundamental misunderstandings of the martial path.
I activated the Life Divine Dao, not to heal her wounds, but to harness the life force from my inner world's faith and soul realms' heavenly energy. Channeling it into her blocked meridians, I precisely unleashed the heavenly energy to remove every blocked entrances. Her body tensed as a sharp pain surged through her; she let out low growls as the meridians cleared, but I was quick to flood the channels with life energy, soothing the pain and initiating rapid recovery and even forming new subchannels thaat could enhance her. Following the guidance from LoHP, I reinforced the connections within her energy network, further dulling her discomfort.
One by one, I repeated this process, targeting each major and minor blocked channel, aligning her displaced veins, restoring balance within her. As the treatment concluded, the results were instantaneous—crimson scales erupted across her body, glistening with newfound strength. Her aura pulsed, greedily absorbing the surrounding energy at an astonishing rate.
"Yes, I overdid it" I sighed.
Seizing the moment, I slipped a diluted Phaseless Fruit Essence pill into her mouth just as she opened it to cry out. The pill's potent medicinal energy flooded her system, providing the necessary boost for the intense transformation. "Circulate your cultivation technique," I instructed directly to her soul, watching her as she closed her eyes and focused.
Her cultivation surged, leaping from the 4-Fate to the 7-Fate Heavenly Realm within several minutes. Her clothes had been torn apart during the transformation, and she stood before me, power radiating from her as she took in her new strength. I could feel the air around her shift as she slowly adapted to her rising power.
"Open your eyes," I said softly, "and find something to wear." I couldn't help but let my gaze linger over her scaled form. Now that she was my girlfriend, the need for formality between us seemed unnecessary. She blushed, quickly turning to the side as she covered herself with a cloth.
Her expression faltered as she glanced down at the scales on her skin. "Try retracting them inward," I suggested casually. With a bit of concentration, the scales gradually withdrew, revealing her smooth skin once more.
"Now, recite your cultivation technique for me," I added. She looked hesitant, but I continued, "Don't give me that look. I'm not interested in using it—I have plenty of my own methods. I just need to sense if there are any flaws in it based on my understanding of martial path. I know it was taught to you by your master, but it's always worth checking."
"It's called <
We sparred briefly so she could get a feel for the changes. She unleashed her full strength, while I relied solely on my physical power and the 10 Dragon Pillars. Her punches didn't even register as forceful—only the sensation of contact reached me. After some time, sweat beaded on her brow, and she sat down, exhausted. I joined her, still unfazed, sitting beside her on the rock. Her flushed face drew my eyes, and as they settled on her lips, I felt the heat of her breath mixing with mine. Her gaze met mine with the same intensity, and before I knew it, we kissed—soft and slow, the moment stretching into what felt like eternity. When we finally pulled apart, we both returned to reality, and I played it cool, though her embarrassment was clear. Her bloodline power had activated, causing her scales to flare up in reaction to her deep blush.
Without saying much, we quietly left that episode behind and returned. There was no sign of Huo Yan's team members. Before we parted, I reminded her, "Keep our relationship secret for a while, even from your family. I don't want your mother or even worse grandmother Hierarch Ling long coming to test me or something. Cultivate and increase your strength for a while. After a while we could discuss about creating a faction for yourself in your family."
A few days later, Nie Li decided to venture outside, joined by myself, Lu Piao, and Li Xianjun's followers. Nie Li's objective was clear—he sought nearly depleted deity lakes that others were willing to sell, and he extracted the deity roots. He had already gathered seven, but I knew he wanted more. That's when I stopped him.
"Nie Li, you've already destroyed seven deity lakes. The sect was alerted when an outsider ruined one of Gu Heng's deity roots in the northeast. If you continue with this, the sect will notice. How will you explain it without drawing suspicion? You can't risk your world storage treasure being exposed. If you're planning to establish a league, you'll need a legitimate source of income. Isn't seven roots enough to sustain 3,000 members? We'll only attract trouble if we overreach without sufficient strength. Wait until you've at least reached the Heavenly Star Realm before making more moves."
"But we can't maintain a large team I envisioned with just that," Nie Li countered.
"You exposed the Myriad Miles Map to us. The heavenly energy inside is 1,000 times more potent than what we have here. Each deity root you've taken will produce exponentially more output than what any other team can offer. We can afford to be generous at first, giving new members more than what others are paying, and gradually decrease the amount over time. Plus, you can offer superior cultivation techniques, guidance, and even lower-rank treasures. That will keep them loyal."
Nie Li paused, clearly weighing the options. "I didn't consider that. You're right."
With that resolved, Nie Li and Gu Bei enthusiastically began recruiting members for the Demon League, while Lu Piao and I went out to spread the word. Recruitment started well. The gradual reduction in spirit stone distribution to new members created a sense of urgency, drawing many to join us. Momentum held strong as Nie Li taught them new techniques, while I helped them in training sessions.
However, when we ventured outside, Gu Heng's Blood Moon League began pressuring us, joining forces with other Heavenly Star and Heavenly Axis Realm cultivators to try and crush us. Fortunately, the Heavenly Path League, led by the Ashen Family, came to our aid, reducing the casualties to a few occasional losses. But their tactics escalated, increasing the number of Heavenly Star and Axis Realm cultivators targeting us.
Meanwhile I had a discussion with Long Yuyin into contesting for position of young patriarch in her family. I told her to quietly acquire strength and form a league, profound note league. Her forces are not affiliated with demon league, but is planned to do so after some months, where she could get a proper league formed.
After a few months, while I was outside,sensing their ambushes from miles away with my divine sense, I left the group and shifted into my feminine form, altering my appearance slightly to avoid detection. Hovering above the warriors near a high-ranking deity lake, I smiled. Jackpot. I activated the Slaughter Space—a 7th rank ability from my Killing Divine Dao. A dense wave of killing intent spread across the battlefield, and I unleashed my sword domain, shredding their bodies without revealing my true sword intent. Blood flowed freely but it won't heal and continued to poor down as they where within my slaughter space as their qi channels collapsed, rendering them unable to muster their power. In just 10 seconds, the last Heavenly Axis Realm fighter fell. Under the guise of disappearing, I extracted the deity root and left without leaving a trace.
Word of the massacre spread quickly among the leagues. Some even launched investigations. Our members, relieved that the numerical advantage had been overturned, were emboldened. Nie Li devised a plan to find informants within Gu Heng's ranks to uncover their locations and stay a step ahead of their next moves.
Some of the sect higher-ups took notice of the changes, their interest piqued by the sudden shift in power dynamics. Strangely, this led to an unexpected pause in the ongoing faction wars, as if a silent agreement had been reached.
The high-grade deity root proved to be immensely valuable, generating tens of thousands of spiritual stones each day. I gathered every last stone with my powers, piling them into a massive heap before me. As I began absorbing the energy, I felt the immense energy of the heavenly dao swirling within me, which creation energy transformed into useful energy. The heavenly energy was transformed into creation energy. After absorbing about 100,000 spiritual stones, I felt a surge within me—the creation energy fully restored. My cultivation advanced, and I had reached the Dragon Dao Realm.
The shift in my body was immediate and profound. My physical strength soared to new heights, a noticeable increase in every fiber of my being. But more than that, my body had gained a remarkable new ability—the power to transform into whatever I desired. It was as if my very essence had begun to adapt to my will. I marveled at how my evolving body had quietly kept up with the sudden and drastic biological changes. So many subtle transformations must have occurred throughout my previous realms, unnoticed at the time. Now, I realized my body was slowly converting into something more abstract, more conceptual with each passing realm.
What surprised me further was that my adaptive evolution ability wasn't just keeping pace with these changes—it was evolving alongside them. If I ever achieved a fully conceptual body, my evolution would still work in tandem with it, ensuring I could continue growing stronger even on that plane. My Soul Realm had also expanded greatly, its capacity growing beyond anything I had experienced before.
Unfortunately, I couldn't yet access the Sea of True Meaning in this world; otherwise, with my increasing soul power, the path to the Saint Realm would be within reach. Unlike Luo Zheng, who needed every divine dao to reach perfection, I could take a more focused approach. All I needed was to master a few divine daos' to great perfection, and I could ascend. If I chose to refine the others later, that option would remain available, but for now, I had a clear path ahead.
As I left the Myriad Miles Painting behind and stepped out into the open world, a day passed in relative calm. But soon enough, an invitation came from Hierarch Skycloud, summoning both Nie Li and me to visit him. In the meantime, Nie Li had already advanced to the Heavenly Fate 8-layer realm, thanks to absorbing vast amounts of heavenly aura from the painting and the Starfall Fruit.
We made our way to meet the venerable Hierarch. Upon seeing Nie Li, he immediately praised his remarkable progress, expressing an interest in taking him on as a disciple. However, one jealous young master, known as Venerable Flameless, couldn't hold back and shamelessly ridiculed Nie Li, accusing him of being presumptuous because he dared to have conditions for accepting the offer. Despite some friction and open hostility between them, Hierarch Skycloud still accepted Nie Li as his disciple, recognizing the genius in front of him.
As for me, I had stood silently to the side throughout the entire exchange.
Later rest of the disciples were ordered to leave the hall. But the Hierarch, having already taken notice of the spiritual root talent I had displayed—especially my control over cultivation and sword intent—,but still hasn't joined associated with any family. He turned his attention toward me. He was particularly interested to understand how someone like me who showed a defying performance at saint soul ground understand dao.
" Your spiritual root talent is among the apex of what our divine feather sects has. Your cultivation is important, but I am more interested in what you comprehend about martial path. I judged Nie Li by the same, so I could judge you stand worthy of being my personal disciple or that of my disciples. Do tell me what is the way of martial arts?"
invited me for a Dao discussion.
Taking some time to collect my thoughts,
"Venerable Hierarch Skycloud," I began, "the Dao I wish to discuss today reflects the culmination of my understanding of martial arts up to this point. Throughout my cultivation, one question has always plagued my mind: what lies at the end of this path? Is there something that remains illusory yet all-encompassing?"
I paused briefly, gathering my thoughts before continuing, "In this vast universe, every warrior seeks to attain the pinnacle of martial arts, believing that when they reach the end of the path, they will find completion. But what if the peak we strive for isn't the true end? What awaits us beyond the so-called 'heavenly law' we cultivate? I don't believe this realm is the final stage. My belief, my conviction, has allowed me to glimpse the true nature of Dao.To the realms further beyond ancestor realm.."
The Hierarch's eyes remained fixed on me, but I could sense the intrigue in his gaze.
"Beyond the heavens themselves lies the Grand Dao," I continued, my voice steady. "Dao is both the path and the destination. The true meaning of natural Dao lies in something far greater than we can comprehend."
I could feel the atmosphere shift as I spoke, the very air around us trembling slightly, resonating with the truths I was beginning to articulate few words of true meaning of nature with intent..
"The essence of cultivation is to reach eternity through sheer will. The natural laws of existence cannot be comprehended by ordinary means. Something unknown, something beyond the birth of heaven and earth, exists—a force without shape or form, profound and elusive. Its voice cannot be heard, and yet it influences all. The natural Dao is something I have come to understand not through study, but by surrendering to the nature of the world itself. Laws are not to be comprehended but to be felt as part of existence."
As I delved deeper into my understanding, I began to immerse myself in the Dao. The surrounding world shifted and bent trying to form constructs, reacting to my comprehension. Those who heard my words—Nie Li, the Hierarch, and others—sensed something within themselves awakening, though the specifics of my speech would slip from their memory the moment I finished speaking.
---
I paused, my words hanging in the air like the echo of a distant bell. I had reached the end of my thought, but it felt like a beginning.
"This is the path I have understood," I continued, my voice calm yet resonant with certainty. "A path I have comprehended by my own effort. Though I was born with exceptional comprehension, the profound truths of the universe still elude me, vast and infinite as they are..." I trailed off, reminding the vastness of cosmos and the path I have witnessed in the sea of true meaning. "Please, I humbly ask for your guidance."
The room fell into an awed silence. The Hierarch, usually so poised and dignified, seemed stunned by the raw honesty of my admission.
Then, after a few heartbeats, he spoke. "The mysterious Tiny World is indeed producing geniuses—vessels for the world's progress." His gaze lingered on me before shifting to Nie Li, acknowledging the brilliance we both carried. "Thank you both for opening my eyes to deeper truths."
With that, the tension melted, and a profound discussion began. The three of us—Nie Li, Hierarch Skycloud, and I—delved into the vast and intricate mysteries of the dao. Nie Li introduced new, revolutionary concepts that intertwined seamlessly with our own understanding of the Heavenly Way. As he shared, I listened intently, my mind racing to connect the new insights to my own cultivation.
Together with Hierarch Skycloud, I began to deduce key principles from Nie Li's teachings, synthesizing them into something that transcended our previous comprehension. My mind has become one with LoHP as I have wished at the beginning. Now I could sense the flaw of whatever my divine sense lands own and whatever I could perceive. It was good to engage with people who seek truth.I have been accepted as his disciple.
We been to treasure pavilion. Nie Li brought us a set of grade 6 armour and sword. But I only accepted the sword. As, I showed him the armour I was wearing made by myself from Gods Domain. I explained (lied) to him that this Armor was with me all the way from divine continents nine layered death lands. It was able to grow with myself.
I have been accepted to eastern institute along with Nie Li and Lu Piao, Gu Bei,Long Yuyin etc. Long Yuyin reached Heavenly star realm. Nie Li reached Heavenly fate 9 peak. Lu Piao is Heavenly fate 6 peak, so is Gu Bei. We were asked to challenge. Nie Li bashed down Murong Yu really hard, since he was also robbed at the beginning before I dealt with him. Nie Li didn't even needed any artifact as he was already strong enough to beat him down due to his higher cultivation than in the plot.
Venerable flameless then allocated heavenly star realm fighter to kill him. But Nie Li showcased him his mutated saint wing jio dragon that got him to beat down the initial star realm also. So flameless' plan also failed. Later I came and the aura I released is of heavenly star realm 4th rank which is even higher than that of some of the people at East institute. I randomly selected a 5 star realm and effortlessly subdued him and won. Venerable flameless didn't go away as he learned of my admission as his junior brother, so with my high cultivation I was assigned to fight with a 9 star realm, I don't know what their plan is, but it sure involves eliminating me. This time the person assigned was a women probably a genius of some standing. Even with my friends saying no, I stayed.
She introduced herself as Feng Yueqing. I took a moment to circulate aura myself and get ready.
She was a sword cultivator. So I also brought out my grade 5 sword. Feng Yueqing lunged, her blade a blur as she reached near me in an instant using some movement technique. Her strikes were powerful, but lacked the finesse of someone who comprehended full sword intent. I sidestepped her attacks with ease, my movements as graceful as in sword steps. Our blades clashed briefly, but I parried her blows with a practiced ease. With a flick of my wrist, I sent her stumbling backward.
Her eyes burned with fury. Her sword technique used this anger and killing intent to condense a sword intent. Interesting technique. But her anger was also her undoing. Her attack power increased but I could parry it away with ease as her techniques lost their efficiency in exchanged for power. Finally, as I had enough, I cut a deep gash in her arm with my sword, drawing a thin line of blood. I could have ended her there, but I chose to let her live.
Feng Yueqing retreated; her pride wounded. She tried to attack me from a distance, but I activated my domain of sword will, neutralizing her intent. The spectators could only see myself and my sword and everything became dark and void. When domain was dropped, I stood before her, my sword on her neck, and her body full of cuts. She suddenly thanked me for sparing her and left, surprising me with her unexpected, graceful walkaway, for someone who fought with the intention to kill.
I had barely turned away when she entered a Draconic Skyclaw Spirit and clawed her dragon claws over to me destroying the stage. I distanced myself.I countered by entering my mutated Void winged Luan Dragon, God Level growth rate Dragon bloodline Draconic demon spirit, I bought from Nie Li . She came to me in forms a blur of light, but I waited until, when she was near 1m of myself, I opened my mouth and released 0.1% of the dao dragon level law attack beam, in my anger. The power was not from demon spirit ability, but my soul realms as I just concealed it as demon spirits. I condensed it in an instant. I unleashed a devastating beam of law energy, sending her flying. Well it probably was too much, as even the barrier of heavenly axis realm elder who was monitoring our battle was blown away.
I turned back human, stored my sword inside my storage ring and came to her in an instant. Some of the elders called to spare her. Her clothes were already torn apart laying exposed, and was wounded deadly, so I covered her with some clothes.
("I don't want to make an enemy by humiliating her in front of everyone and leaving her exposed. People here kill for the smallest reasons. Anyway, I am being praised for my magnanimity—hitting two birds with one stone.")
Seeing me treat her, others stopped their accusation and feeling her near death, I used a life divine ability to heal her, by holding her hands, forming a flawless concealing array drawn over my palm instantaneously by manipulation of law energy. I didn't want to risk her dying, especially if she had not placed her star soul in the Soul Hall. After about 10 seconds or so her internal injuries are stabilized and healed the major ones that risked her death, if not treated within seconds. An elder came and supplied her healing pill. As she regained consciousness, I left, my task complete.
And we that seeing my performance, many of them were silent. Long Tianming treated me as threat. But judging by me following Nie Li as the leader of demon league, he plans to take action against demon league.
The people understood importance of talent. a person who was an earthen fate a year and half was able to cultivate to a stage of overpowering a near heavenly axis cultivation merged with demonspirit while still being 4 star heavenly realm. But they also witnessed rise of demon league, two geniuses with a god level growth rate Draconic spirit.
I didn't go to antagonize that venerable guy. But that dude has to antagonize me into a Demon Gods Sect's Spy.
"My actions may have been overboard, but I realized these people's intentions. I will expose you sooner or later. Naming your faction as demon league, destroying deity lakes, possessing mutated draconic god level demon spirits, spirit stones to buy grade 6 and grade 7 artifacts, without any support? I suspect these people are likely to be spy from demon god sect. You might be able to fool Hierarch Skycloud. My loyalty towards divine feathers sect is known by the heaven and earth."
"Venerable Flameless, while I respect your position, let's be clear: your accusations are unfounded. The Demon League is a coalition of individuals striving for strength and unity in a world that often overlooks us." Nie Li argued back.
"You are clearly making this up. You are the spy. you felt threatened by their talent and tried to kill them." Li Xingyun replied.
"If you truly check on it, you would have seen we have bought out worn out deity lakes by paying spirit stones. And we have repeatedly been harmed by certain factions while going out, which is the only reason we went after them. You are just a shameless guy even willing to kill us for obtaining favoritism from Hierarch Sky Cloud." I added.
"Moreover, we have paid our members generously after their acts to help us if they got killed in the outside world. We trained our members with better techniques and training sessions. The only reason we brought these artifacts is to protect from people like you assassinating us." added Gu Bei.
The descendants of major families including Long Yuyin supported us. Venerable losing face, dropped the case and went away.
Later performance of long Yuyin also shown, she also fought against 2 level higher than herself and won. Lu Piao and Gu Bei also performed well. The thing is my ranking went so far high up in the east district rankings as I am now within top 70. For Nie Li and Long Yuyin, its within top 150. Seeing the potential of new geniuses and their affiliations to demon league many people were willing to join us which also included some spies.