Chapter 174: Nascent Soul Enters The Fray? Everyone Is Shocked!
“Senior Ji, this is… a misunderstanding!”
“Yes, a huge misunderstanding. We are companions of Fellow Daoist Black Water, companions on a mission.”
Ji Qing remained noncommittal and said indifferently, “Is that so? How much pill medicine did you take from Fellow Daoist Black Water? You should compensate accordingly, there’s no need for me to say more, is there?”
“No, definitely no need for Senior to say more.”
Several Black Robe Seven Stripes cultivators immediately took out all the spirit stones and pills they had on them.
This was far more pill medicine than they had obtained from Black Water Daoist in the preceding several months.
They were scared.
Ji Qing was clearly backing Black Water Daoist; how would they dare to be foolish?
If they were truly foolish, perhaps True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect would be a cautionary tale!
This “Senior Ji” before them was a ruthless individual who dared to kill Golden Core cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage; how could they dare to play any tricks?
“Scram.”
“Yes, yes…”
These several Black Robe Seven Stripes cultivators, with their heads lowered, quickly left the courtyard.
How could they dare to linger any longer?
Ji Qing allowing them to “scram” meant that the matter was settled, and he would not trouble them in the future.
After leaving the courtyard, the several Black Robe Seven Stripes cultivators were all drenched in sweat and felt a sense of relief in their hearts.
“Such terrifying pressure! We only saw that senior open the Heavenly Gate from afar before, who would have thought it was so terrifying?”
“Black Water Daoist said long ago that he had the backing of that senior. We should have been trying to curry favor, why would we have treated him like that?”
“Heh, that sounds nice, but even if Black Water Daoist had said it, would we have believed him?”
“Forget it, let’s just consider ourselves unlucky. Keep this matter buried, don’t complain, don’t resent, and certainly don’t harbor any ulterior motives, or it could lead to disaster…”
These several Black Robe Seven Stripes cultivators were actually quite significant figures within the inner sect of the Wind Thunder Sect.
But in front of Ji Qing, they were truly insignificant.
They didn’t even dare to harbor resentment and could only leave dejectedly.
Inside the room, only Ji Qing and Black Water Daoist remained.
Black Water Daoist invited Ji Qing to sit and said with a bitter smile, “You must think I’m a joke… Alas, when I was in the Northern Mausoleum Immortal Palace, this old man was considered exceptionally talented. I never expected that after coming to the Barren Domain, my talent would be completely insignificant. Achieving Golden Core is exceedingly difficult, and even my combat power can only be ranked as Black Robe Five Stripes…”
Black Water Daoist’s talent was actually not bad.
The reason his combat power could only be ranked as Five Stripes was due to the limited time.
He had been delayed at the Northern Mausoleum Immortal Palace.
If he had more time, or if he had established his Foundation in the Barren Domain, Black Water Daoist would have definitely been ranked Black Robe Seven Stripes or higher.
However, for Black Water Daoist now, ranking was not the most important matter.
The most important thing was achieving Golden Core!
Only by achieving Golden Core could one live for a thousand years, undergo a transformation, have the chance to cultivate to Nascent Soul, and continue on the immortal path.
Otherwise, the longer he delayed, the slimmer his hope of achieving Golden Core would become.
Ji Qing, however, smiled faintly and said, “Fellow Daoist Black Water, don’t worry. Look at this.”
With a flip of his hand, he produced a porcelain bottle.
He poured a pill the size of a longan from the porcelain bottle.
Instantly, a fragrant aroma permeated the entire room.
“Swish.”
Black Water Daoist’s gaze was fixed intently on the pill in Ji Qing’s hand.
His eyes widened, and his whole body trembled with excitement.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, is this… the Four Symbols Solidifying Elixir?”
Black Water Daoist recognized the pill.
This was a pill he had dreamed of; how could he not recognize it?
It was a pill that could increase the chance of achieving Golden Core by thirty percent.
One Four Symbols Solidifying Elixir had an exchange price of four thousand merit points in the Wind Thunder Sect.
How much effort had Black Water Daoist spent accumulating merit points?
Even with his best estimate, it would take him three years to accumulate four thousand merit points.
If things didn’t go smoothly, this time could even be longer.
And now, this single pill was before him.
Ji Qing put the pill back into the porcelain bottle and, with a wave of his hand, sent the bottle floating towards Black Water Daoist.
Black Water Daoist knew immediately what Ji Qing meant.
He was going to give it to him!
“Fellow Daoist Ji, this is truly too precious…”
Ji Qing shook his head and said, “To Fellow Daoist Black Water, this pill is very precious, but how was the ten thousand spirit stones that Fellow Daoist Black Water lent me not precious back then? Without those ten thousand spirit stones, I would not have been able to apprentice under Elder Qi, nor would I have become an inner sect disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect’s martial path lineage, and I would not be where I am today.”
Black Water Daoist also sighed with emotion.
When he lent Ji Qing ten thousand spirit stones, he had indeed thought that Ji Qing might be able to help him in the future.
As a result, he had indeed helped him now.
This pill was far more valuable than ten thousand spirit stones.
“Since that is the case, then this old man thanks Fellow Daoist for the pill…”
Black Water Daoist accepted the Four Symbols Solidifying Elixir.
“Do you have confidence in achieving Golden Core, Fellow Daoist?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Before, I only had a thirty to forty percent chance. Now, with this Four Symbols Solidifying Elixir, I should have a seventy to eighty percent chance. I still have spirit stones, and if I purchase some Golden Core spiritual materials, I should have a ninety percent chance, which should not be a big problem.”
Black Water Daoist replied truthfully.
“Good, as long as you have confidence. If you encounter trouble in the future, you can directly send me a communication talisman. Don’t hesitate. It wasn’t easy for us to come from the Boundless Sea Region to the Barren Domain, so we shouldn’t be so distant.”
Black Water Daoist was now open-minded.
After all, with the Four Symbols Solidifying Elixir in hand, achieving Golden Core was just around the corner, so his mindset naturally improved.
“By the way, your alchemy skills are quite good. You might consider joining Zhao Xiaozhu’s Pill Shop. The treatment will definitely not be bad. Even after you achieve Golden Core, you will have sufficient cultivation resources.”
Ji Qing mentioned it in passing.
Whether Black Water Daoist would go or not was up to him.
Afterward, Ji Qing departed.
He briefly inquired about matters concerning the “Tianbao Kingdom.”
It was similar to what Baoyue Zhenren had said.
Tianbao Kingdom was a country very far from Heavenly Desolation City.
The imperial family had a Nascent Soul Old Ancestor overseeing them, expanding their territory and dominating the region.
However, as the imperial family’s Nascent Soul Old Ancestor’s lifespan neared its end, Tianbao Kingdom began to decline.
Once the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor passed away, and the Tianbao Kingdom imperial family no longer had a Nascent Soul True Monarch, there would be considerable trouble.
Ji Qing also roughly understood why Baoyue Zhenren did not wish to become the emperor herself.
The Emperor of Tianbao Kingdom had both advantages and disadvantages.
But for Baoyue Zhenren, the disadvantages certainly outweighed the advantages.
She was now a true disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect.
In the future, she had the hope of achieving Nascent Soul, and even Spirit Transformation.
Why would she still care about the mere position of Emperor in Tianbao Kingdom?
Upon ascending the throne, one would have to deal with mundane affairs and various schemes and intrigues every day; how could they focus on cultivation?
This time, Baoyue Zhenren was also fighting for the throne for the people of her father’s lineage.
It was just unclear whether it was a disciple or a nephew.
In any case, it was someone relatively close to her.
“The imperial family of Tianbao Kingdom also produced Martial Saints in the past, so their martial arts legacy should not be lacking. Moreover, with the strength of an entire nation, how could they not gather a large number of martial arts techniques? I’ll go to Tianbao Kingdom to assist Fellow Daoist Baoyue, and at the same time, I’ll visit the imperial family’s Library to look through their martial arts.”
It would be even better if there were a divine skill like the Big Dipper Divine Illumination Technique.
Of course, that depended on luck.
Soon, the next day arrived.
Baoyue Zhenren arrived at Ji Qing’s courtyard.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, we can set off.”
Ji Qing nodded.
“I’ll still use my Domain Turning into Rainbow to bring you, Fellow Daoist.”
Baoyue Zhenren nodded.
Ji Qing immediately grabbed Baoyue Zhenren’s hand, a thought arose in his mind, and his domain enveloped them both. They instantly transformed into a white light and disappeared into the sky.
In the void, Ji Qing’s domain was like a white rainbow, piercing through the void.
The speed was incredible.
In the past, Ji Qing could only sustain this for half an hour.
But now, things were different.
Ji Qing had already advanced to the Heavenly Human realm.
With a thought.
The boundless Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy around him swiftly poured into Ji Qing’s body.
His true qi seemed inexhaustible.
No matter how much the Domain Turning into Rainbow technique consumed, Ji Qing could easily handle it.
At the Heavenly Human realm, it was indeed difficult to be “worn down.”
At least it was difficult to deplete his true qi.
However, Tianbao Kingdom was truly too far away.
Ji Qing spent a full three hours before finally arriving at Tianbao Kingdom.
It should be noted that it only took Ji Qing a mere half an hour to travel from Heavenly Desolation City to the Dan Ding Sect.
And now, it took a full three hours to travel from Heavenly Desolation City to Tianbao Kingdom.
If it were other Golden Core or Heavenly Human realm cultivators, how long would they have to fly?
Perhaps they wouldn’t arrive for months.
And in the vast Barren Domain, even Golden Core and Heavenly Human cultivators would find it difficult to traverse every corner.
Only at the Nascent Soul level could one use evasion techniques to travel, and distance would no longer be an obstacle.
Therefore, it was typically only Nascent Soul cultivators who undertook inter-domain journeys.
For example, from the Barren Domain to other domains.
Below Nascent Soul, it was best to stay within the Barren Domain.
Traveling across domains?
That would consume too much time.
“Whoosh.”
Ji Qing stopped and withdrew his domain.
This was Tianbao City, the capital of Tianbao Kingdom, which had a national defense formation. Moreover, the national defense formation was currently active, so they could not fly directly into Tianbao City.
They had to stop.
“The national defense formation is even activated; it seems the situation within Tianbao City is very grim… or perhaps, some people are already impatient?”
Baoyue Zhenren said coldly.
Having been born into the imperial family, she knew the sordid dealings within the royal court.
With the Old Ancestor’s lifespan nearing its end and his imminent demise, it was normal for some people to become restless.
The two flew to the city gate.
Baoyue Zhenren directly threw a token to the soldier guarding the city.
“Open the formation.”
Upon seeing the token, the soldier’s expression changed slightly.
However, he did not open the formation. Instead, he respectfully said, “Your Highness Princess Qingyuan, the Emperor has decreed that the city gates are open for exit but not for entry. Without the Emperor’s decree, no one is permitted to enter the city. Please forgive us, Princess!”
Baoyue Zhenren had once been granted the title of Princess, with the posthumous title of “Qingyuan.”
This indicated her high status within the imperial family.
After all, not all members of the imperial family were granted titles such as Prince or Princess.
Titles represented status.
Baoyue Zhenren was “Princess Qingyuan,” and she even had a dedicated Princess Qingyuan Mansion.
It was just that for many years, Baoyue Zhenren had not returned to Tianbao City, so the Princess Mansion had not been lived in much.
However, upon hearing the soldier’s words, Baoyue Zhenren became enraged.
“I’m not allowed to enter? What does the Emperor intend?”
Baoyue Zhenren’s expression turned grim.
She, the dignified Princess Qingyuan, was actually unable to enter Tianbao City.
The Emperor’s intentions were already clear.
Clearly, the Emperor also intended to go all out and struggle.
After all, once the Old Ancestor died, he, the Emperor, would certainly no longer be able to hold his position.
“Fellow Daoist Baoyue, it seems we cannot enter Tianbao City. Why don’t I try?”
Ji Qing was somewhat eager to try.
A mere national defense formation was similar to the mountain protection formation of the Dan Ding Sect back then.
He could have torn apart the Great Formation protecting the nation if he went all out.
Baoyue Zhenren, however, shook her head and said, “Fellow Daoist Ji, it is not yet time for you to make a move. The Emperor can issue decrees and even has the right to activate the Great Formation, but I am Princess Qingyuan, and the Great Formation cannot stop me!”
Baoyue Zhenren directly produced a token.
That was her Princess Token.
This Princess Token was not just symbolic.
It was also a Magic Tool.
As long as one possessed the Princess Token, they could freely enter and exit the Great Formation protecting the nation.
“Your Highness, this is His Majesty’s decree, you…”
The city guard’s expression changed, and he wanted to say something more.
But Baoyue Zhenren directly led Ji Qing and stepped across the Great Formation.
Indeed, with the Princess Token, the Great Formation protecting the nation was like an empty shell. Baoyue Zhenren and Ji Qing passed directly through the formation and entered Tianbao City.
Seeing Baoyue Zhenren enter the Great Formation, the city guards stopped speaking.
They no longer dared to speak.
He was merely a soldier, and it would not have been a major issue for Princess Qingyuan to kill him.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, let’s go.”
Baoyue Zhenren did not bother with the city guards.
She also knew that these soldiers were merely following orders.
Ji Qing asked curiously, “Fellow Daoist Baoyue, since you have the Princess Token to directly enter the Great Formation, what is the point of the Emperor activating the Great Formation and forbidding anyone from entering?”
“Of course, it has a point. Not everyone has a token like the Princess Token that allows free entry and exit of the Great Formation. Most members of the Imperial Family actually cannot freely enter and exit the Great Formation, which significantly reduces the Emperor’s pressure.”
Ji Qing understood.
“However, the Emperor is indeed too hasty in doing this. The Old Ancestor has not yet passed away, yet he is rushing so much, making himself almost a target of public criticism. Moreover, once the Old Ancestor passes away, he definitely won’t be able to continue as Emperor…”
Ji Qing did not know much about the situation of the Tianbao Kingdom’s Imperial Family.
However, he was too lazy to understand the complex relationships among these imperial family members.
In any case, he had come at Baoyue Zhenren’s request, and he would act when necessary.
Baoyue Zhenren did not go directly to the Imperial Palace but stayed at the Princess Residence.
The Princess Qingyuan Residence still had many servants.
Even though Baoyue Zhenren spent very little time at the Princess Residence, it had always been maintained.
Seeing Baoyue Zhenren arrive at the Princess Residence, some of the servants and guards there hurriedly knelt on the ground.
“This old servant greets Your Highness!”
The leader was an old wet nurse.
She was only a Qi Refining Cultivator, but it seemed she had a close relationship with Baoyue Zhenren.
“Granny Zhang, get up.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Granny Zhang rose, and the servants and guards of the Princess Residence also rose.
“Who is this…”
Granny Zhang asked cautiously.
She only glanced at Ji Qing, not daring to look too much.
Someone personally brought back by the Princess, how could they be an ordinary person?
Their status must be extremely noble.
“This is Fellow Daoist Ji, a Heavenly Human Realm expert from the Martial Dao Lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect!”
“So it’s Heavenly Man Ji.”
Granny Zhang also bowed to Ji Qing.
Although her cultivation was very low, she had followed Baoyue Zhenren for a long time and was knowledgeable, so she naturally knew what “Heavenly Human” represented.
That was equivalent to Golden Core.
And this time, with their Princess returning and bringing a Heavenly Human expert, they were likely aiming for contention.
Baoyue Zhenren returned to the living room and immediately inquired about matters in Tianbao City.
Granny Zhang answered every question.
Baoyue Zhenren quickly got a general understanding of Tianbao City’s situation.
The Imperial Ancestor’s life was coming to an end, and he was about to pass away.
Currently, the main contenders for the throne were the six lineages.
The Emperor’s lineage, King Wu’s lineage, King Jing’s lineage, King Xuan’s lineage, King Kang’s lineage, and Moon King’s lineage.
Among them, the Emperor’s lineage wished to retain the throne.
But everyone knew that this lineage had little hope.
Once the Old Ancestor passed away, the Emperor’s lineage would definitely lose the throne.
After all, the Emperor’s lineage had few experts and had always relied on the Old Ancestor’s protection.
After the Old Ancestor’s death, by what merit could the Emperor’s lineage continue to rule Tianbao Kingdom?
The remaining five lineages each had their own influence.
And the Moon King’s lineage was the faction supported by Baoyue Zhenren.
Baoyue Zhenren’s return this time was also to assist the “Moon King” in ascending the throne and becoming the Emperor of Tianbao Kingdom!
“Report, Your Highness, Moon King requests an audience.”
A guard quickly came to report.
“Moon King? He is quite well-informed, arriving so quickly. Let Moon King in.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Soon, a man in brocade robes, with an imposing demeanor, walked in.
When he saw Baoyue Zhenren, he immediately bowed and said, “Greetings, Great Aunt!”
Moon King was a junior of Baoyue Zhenren.
Moreover, the greatest support for Moon King’s lineage was actually Baoyue Zhenren.
This was why Moon King, upon learning of Baoyue Zhenren’s return, had hurried to pay his respects.
“Alright, Moon King, no need to be so formal, please sit.”
“Yes, Great Aunt.”
Moon King appeared very respectful.
Currently, the five imperial lineages were eyeing the throne like tigers.
Moon King was naturally very eager.
He needed to hold onto Baoyue Zhenren tightly.
Everyone knew that Baoyue Zhenren had gone to the Wind Thunder Sect and become a Golden Core True Person.
There was even a slight hope of her becoming a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
In the future, she would very likely be the pillar of support for the entire Tianbao Kingdom’s Imperial Family!
“By the way, who is this…”
Moon King glanced at Ji Qing. He was certain he had never seen Ji Qing before.
However, Ji Qing could sit down, and his aura was profound, so he must not be an ordinary person.
“This is Fellow Daoist Ji, a Heavenly Human expert I invited from the Wind Thunder Sect.”
“Heavenly Human Realm senior? This junior greets Heavenly Man Ji!”
Moon King’s eyes lit up.
A Heavenly Human.
He didn’t expect his Great Aunt to invite back a Heavenly Human?
His Great Aunt was truly amazing.
Such a powerful external support, only his Great Aunt had the ability to invite a Heavenly Human.
And it was a Heavenly Human expert from the Wind Thunder Sect, so they must be extraordinary.
“Moon King, no need to be so polite.”
Ji Qing narrowed his eyes slightly. This Moon King was smooth in handling matters and had deep schemes, showing extreme respect to both Baoyue Zhenren and Ji Qing.
It was no wonder Baoyue Zhenren wanted to support Moon King in the contention for the throne.
“Moon King, tell me how many Golden Core and Heavenly Human experts you currently have by your side.”
Baoyue Zhenren asked directly.
“Great Aunt, I currently only have two Golden Core True Persons by my side. One is Elder Zhao Zhenren from my mother’s clan, and the other is Loose Cultivator Golden Core Wang Zhenren recruited by the Moon King’s manor. The two True Persons are also outside the manor.”
Moon King replied truthfully.
“Oh? If they are outside the manor, why aren’t you inviting them in?”
“Yes, Great Aunt.”
Ji Qing glanced at Moon King.
The man could even keep Golden Core True Persons waiting outside the door and come to pay respects to Baoyue Zhenren alone.
This showed his respect for Baoyue Zhenren.
Soon, two Golden Core True Persons arrived.
Upon seeing Baoyue Zhenren, the two Golden Core True Persons immediately bowed and said, “Greetings, Princess Qingyuan.”
“You are both Golden Core True Persons, so we can address each other as Fellow Daoists. Please have a seat, Fellow Daoists.”
Zhao Zhenren and Wang Zhenren both sat down.
They sat below Ji Qing.
Both of them could obviously see that Ji Qing was a Heavenly Human, and their hearts grew solemn.
They knew he was brought back by Baoyue Zhenren.
Clearly, this “Princess Qingyuan” was indeed extraordinary, not only being a Golden Core True Person but also bringing back a Heavenly Human.
After all, it was widely known that the combat power of a Heavenly Human was superior to that of a Golden Core.
At this juncture, the struggle for the throne would likely involve battles.
With a Heavenly Human, the Moon King’s lineage’s combat power would undoubtedly increase significantly.
In the living room, there were a total of three Golden Cores and one Heavenly Human.
This was currently the strongest combat force of the Moon King’s lineage.
It was also the Moon King’s lineage’s reliance.
“Moon King, what is the Old Ancestor’s current condition?”
Baoyue Zhenren asked sternly.
If there was anyone in the Imperial Family that Baoyue Zhenren feared.
It would only be that Old Ancestor.
“The Old Ancestor… his time is likely running out, at most one more month!”
“One month…”
Baoyue Zhenren knew that in the next month, the five imperial lineages would likely engage in overt and covert struggles.
“Among the five lineages, the King Wu lineage is currently the strongest, with a total of three Heavenly Humans and one Golden Core! Especially among the three Heavenly Humans is Huang Jiutian, known as the foremost Heavenly Human in Tianbao Kingdom. He is at Heavenly Human Perfection and has fought almost all Heavenly Humans around Tianbao Kingdom without a single defeat.”
“King Jing’s lineage is second only to King Wu’s lineage. King Jing’s lineage has two Golden Cores and two Heavenly Humans. One of these Heavenly Humans is the previous Sword Son of the Ancient Sword Holy Land, Wei Tianyi! For some reason, this Wei Tianyi became the Dao Companion of King Jing’s daughter, and his arrival to assist King Jing’s lineage has greatly boosted their momentum.”
“The remaining King Xuan and King Kang lineages are slightly weaker, but they each have three Golden Cores, some of whom are quite strong and not to be underestimated.”
“Originally, our Moon King lineage had some distance from King Jing and King Wu, only slightly stronger than King Kang and King Xuan. But we didn’t expect Great Aunt to invite Heavenly Man Ji. With this, our Moon King lineage’s momentum is no less than that of King Jing and King Wu’s lineages.”
After Moon King finished speaking, he even looked at Ji Qing cautiously.
He truly couldn’t gauge Ji Qing’s strength.
He was afraid of offending Ji Qing with his words.
Tianbao Kingdom was too far from Heavenly Desolation City, and news from Heavenly Desolation City was difficult to spread to Tianbao Kingdom, so Moon King naturally had not heard of Ji Qing’s reputation.
He could only regard Ji Qing as an ordinary Heavenly Human.
Saying that the Moon King lineage’s momentum was no less than King Jing and King Wu’s lineages was actually very understated.
In terms of overt strength, in Moon King’s opinion, the Moon King lineage was still slightly inferior to King Jing and King Wu’s lineages.
Baoyue Zhenren smiled.
She saw through Moon King’s little thoughts at a glance.
Wanted to know how strong Ji Qing was?
They would find out in a few days.
Since Baoyue Zhenren had invited Ji Qing, it meant she was absolutely certain and had absolute confidence!
“Alright, I have the basic situation understood. The Old Ancestor has not yet passed away, so it is not advisable for us to act rashly.”
“There is only one word now: wait!”
“Everything will be discussed after the Old Ancestor passes away.”
Moon King nodded as well.
With Great Aunt’s return, he felt relieved. The Moon King lineage now had a backbone.
Unlike before, when the Moon King lineage was the most low-key among the five lineages.
They were afraid something might happen to Baoyue Zhenren and she wouldn’t be able to return.
“Great Aunt has just returned to Tianbao City and needs to rest well. I will not disturb you any longer.”
Moon King left the Princess Residence with the two Golden Core True Persons.
As soon as he got into the carriage after leaving the Princess Residence, Moon King couldn’t help but ask, “Zhao Zhenren, Wang Zhenren, what do you think of that Heavenly Man Ji’s strength? Can he compare to Huang Jiutian and Wei Tianyi?”
Zhao Zhenren and Wang Zhenren exchanged glances.
Zhao Zhenren said thoughtfully, “Fellow Daoist Ji’s aura is indeed powerful, but to me, it doesn’t feel as dominant as Huang Jiutian’s, nor as terrifying as Wei Tianyi’s Sword Intent. However, this is normal. Although Huang Jiutian is from Tianbao Kingdom, he has had fortunate encounters, and his strength among Heavenly Humans is truly hard to find an equal. As for Wei Tianyi, he is even less to be discussed. The previous Sword Son of the Ancient Sword Holy Land, how could he be an ordinary person?”
Wang Zhenren also nodded, agreeing with Zhao Zhenren’s assessment.
Huang Jiutian and Wei Tianyi are indeed very powerful within the Heavenly Human Realm. It is a rare and invaluable opportunity for King Wu and King Jing to have these two assisting them.
It is already very good that Baoyue Zhenren can find a fellow disciple from the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage who is in the Heavenly Human Realm.
How could they demand that Ji Qing contend with Huang Jiutian and Wei Tianyi?
After all, the Wind Thunder Sect is an Immortal Path sect, and its Martial Dao lineage has little presence, naturally leading to a lack of powerful Heavenly Humans.
King Moon sighed, “Alas, why didn’t Great Aunt break through to Nascent Soul? Wasn’t it said that Great Aunt is a descendant of the Old Ancestor and the one with the highest Immortal Path talent in the Imperial Family? If Great Aunt had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, would this throne have fallen to another…”
True Person Zhao and True Person Wang said nothing.
Breakthrough to Nascent Soul?
How could it be that easy?
Even for the Heavenly Talents of great sects at the Spirit Transformation stage, breaking through to Nascent Soul is fraught with difficulty.
Princess Qingyuan is at the Golden Core Perfection stage; it would be good enough if she had a slight hope of breaking through to Nascent Soul.
How could they hope for more?
However, both of them knew that King Moon was currently in a state of anxiety and apprehension.
“Your Highness, perhaps Princess Qingyuan obtained some Magic Treasures at Tianbao Sect, making her strength extraordinary? As long as the throne is not decided, then Your Highness has hope. You must not be disheartened now.”
King Moon nodded.
Thus, the horse carriage slowly drove away from the Princess’s mansion.
At this moment, Baoyue Zhenren and Ji Qing were sitting in the living room. Baoyue Zhenren asked with a smile, “Fellow Daoist Ji, how are the juniors of my lineage?”
“Acceptable.”
Ji Qing actually didn’t care about King Moon.
As long as Baoyue Zhenren and he were powerful, even if King Moon were an ordinary person, they could push him onto the emperor’s throne.
Instead, Ji Qing was more interested in Huang Jiutian and Wei Tianyi, whom King Moon had mentioned.
“Fellow Daoist Baoyue, what is going on with this Huang Jiutian? How can Tianbao Kingdom produce such a powerful Heavenly Human?”
Ji Qing asked.
He was very curious about Huang Jiutian.
Baoyue Zhenren’s expression turned solemn, and she said in a deep voice, “This Huang Jiutian is indeed extraordinarily talented. From a young age, he was discovered to have Martial Way talent by people from the King Wu lineage. They took him into the King Wu’s mansion and meticulously cultivated him, eventually achieving the Heavenly Human realm.”
“In reality, the King Wu’s mansion has somewhat hindered Huang Jiutian. Otherwise, with Huang Jiutian’s talent, he would have gone to some Martial Dao Holy Lands long ago, and even joining the Martial God Orthodox Lineage would not have been impossible. However, the King Wu’s mansion, in order to keep Huang Jiutian, did not hesitate to marry a woman from the royal family to him, and even relocated his entire clan to Tianbao City, marrying into many of Huang Jiutian’s clansmen. Now Huang Jiutian is completely tied to the King Wu’s mansion; no matter how vast the world is, he cannot escape.”
Speaking of this, Baoyue Zhenren also felt a sense of sigh.
A Martial Dao genius with extraordinary talent was thus confined to the King Wu’s mansion.
Parents, relatives, friends, as well as children and descendants, and so on.
These were all invisible shackles that prevented Huang Jiutian from breaking free.
“Huang Jiutian should possess a special Fire Attribute physique, making him very powerful. Fellow Daoist Ji, you must not let your guard down.”
“However, no matter how astonishing Huang Jiutian or Wei Tianyi are, how can they compare to you, Fellow Daoist Ji, reversing the attack on a Heavenly Human while at the Dao Foundation stage?”
A flash of brilliance flickered in Baoyue Zhenren’s beautiful eyes.
If it were about anything else, that would be fine.
But when it came to combat power, she had absolute confidence in Ji Qing!
After all, in the entire Barren Domain, Ji Qing was the only one who could reverse the attack on a Heavenly Human while at the Dao Foundation stage.
With Baoyue Zhenren’s return, currents surged within Tianbao City.
The various princely mansions still appeared to be restrained on the surface.
However, in secret, various forms of recruitment and contention were intensifying.
Nevertheless, they had not completely fallen out.
There was only one reason.
The Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor was not dead!
As long as the Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor was alive, Tianbao City would not fall into chaos.
This was the deterrent power of a Nascent Soul True Monarch!
On this day, the Princess Qingyuan’s mansion received an imperial edict.
It was an edict from the Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor!
Baoyue Zhenren’s face showed a hint of solemnity.
She immediately summoned Ji Qing.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the Old Ancestor has issued an edict for many imperial family members to go to the Imperial Palace. I fear the Old Ancestor’s lifespan is truly nearing its end…”
Ji Qing seemed lost in thought.
“The Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor is nearing the end of his lifespan and is about to pass away. A Nascent Soul True Monarch, with their profound insight, likely has a clear understanding of the current situation in Tianbao City and the circumstances of each princely mansion.”
“This trip to the Imperial Palace will likely decide the succession to the throne.”
Baoyue Zhenren also nodded.
She naturally understood this point as well.
Therefore, this time, King Moon’s lineage would also have to bring out all their experts.
Most other princely mansions would likely do the same.
As for how the succession would be decided, it was likely that the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor would provide a fair and reasonable method, allowing each lineage to contend, and the victor would be king!
As for the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor forcefully appointing someone?
That was simply impossible.
In fact, the current emperor was essentially appointed by the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor.
If the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor were still alive, then there would be no issue.
He could designate anyone as emperor.
But once the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor passed away, who would be convinced?
At that time, Tianbao Kingdom would instead fall into turmoil.
The best method was for the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor to be present, and under his witness, each lineage would compete with their strength to determine the succession to the throne.
“Fellow Daoist, when we go to the Imperial Palace, I will likely have to rely on you heavily…”
Baoyue Zhenren knew very well that although her own strength was good, she might not be able to deal with Huang Jiutian and Wei Tianyi.
This was determined by the system.
Unless a Golden Core cultivator possessed a more powerful Magic Treasure, the combat power of a Heavenly Human would slightly surpass that of a Golden Core.
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist, no one will snatch this throne!”
Ji Qing’s calm tone revealed unparalleled confidence!
…
The Imperial Palace of Tianbao City was solemn.
One figure after another landed before the palace gates, including not only the various princes and princesses but also Golden Core and Heavenly Human cultivators.
The palace guards were extremely respectful to each of them.
They were well aware of the current situation in the Imperial Palace; the Old Ancestor’s lifespan was nearing its end, and this gathering of numerous princes and princesses would likely lead to the selection of a new emperor.
Perhaps it would be one of these people.
How could they dare to offend?
The King Wu lineage, the King Jing lineage, the King Xuan lineage, and the King Kang lineage had all entered the Imperial Palace.
Only the King Moon lineage remained.
Soon, the King Moon lineage also arrived.
Leading them was the legendary “Princess Qingyuan,” rumored to be an Inner Sect disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect, at the Golden Core Perfection stage, and the one among all imperial family members most likely to break through to Nascent Soul.
“Greetings, Princess Qingyuan Your Highness.”
The palace guards checked their tokens and immediately granted them passage.
Everyone proceeded to the training ground.
The people from the other lineages had also arrived.
When Baoyue Zhenren and her entourage arrived, gazes swept over everyone one by one.
However, more people’s attention converged on Baoyue Zhenren.
After all, at the Golden Core Perfection stage, among all the Golden Core True Persons present, she was likely the one with the highest cultivation and the greatest hope of breaking through to Nascent Soul.
“Qingyuan, you have been diligently cultivating at the Wind Thunder Sect, why must you get involved in this mess?”
Suddenly, an old man with white hair and beard spoke.
He was also a Golden Core True Person.
Being able to call Baoyue Zhenren by name meant he was either of the same generation or an elder within the imperial family.
Baoyue Zhenren glanced at him.
It was an elder from the King Jing lineage, a member of the imperial family.
His seniority was higher than hers.
But Baoyue Zhenren was not one to be appeased, and she sneered, “Second Uncle, I think you are muddled in your old age. Royal blood flows through my veins too, and I have an obligation to ensure Tianbao Kingdom prospers. If a nobody or a corrupt official is chosen, that would be a disgrace to the imperial family!”
“You…”
The old man with white hair and beard’s face turned red.
Baoyue Zhenren was not polite at all, leaving him speechless.
“Princess Qingyuan Your Highness, if you were to take this throne, we would all be convinced! If you intend to support King Moon, then we will not be convinced. Let strength decide! What qualifications does King Moon have to covet the throne?”
The speaker was King Jing.
His words were eloquent and powerful because he knew Baoyue Zhenren would not become emperor.
The throne was desirable, but compared to the hope of breaking through to Nascent Soul, it was insignificant.
Baoyue Zhenren would definitely choose to cultivate in seclusion at the Wind Thunder Sect.
King Moon’s face darkened, and he immediately retorted, “King Jing, if we are talking about qualifications, your King Jing lineage is the least qualified to contend for the throne. Don’t forget, your ancestor was a traitor and was demoted to commoner status! It is already a grace that your King Jing mansion has been restored; how dare you covet the throne?”
King Moon was not to be outdone.
Who in the entire imperial family didn’t know about the messy affairs of the King Jing lineage?
It was just that everyone was afraid to speak of it due to the King Jing lineage’s power.
But King Moon now had no reservations.
Since everyone had dropped the pretense, why bother with face?
“You…”
King Jing’s face darkened, hating King Moon immensely.
He hated it the most when someone brought up the affairs of his ancestor.
In the past, King Jing’s ancestor had rebelled, and the entire King Jing lineage was demoted to commoner status. Fortunately, a person of exceptional talent emerged from the King Jing lineage and rendered a great service, which led to the restoration of the King Jing mansion.
Seeing the argument between King Jing and King Moon, the people from the other lineages stood by as spectators.
“The Emperor has arrived!”
Soon, the Emperor arrived.
The current Emperor was known as Emperor Baode.
His reign as emperor was mediocre.
He had no outstanding qualities, but he also committed no absurd acts.
Unfortunately, everyone knew that Emperor Baode’s throne was precarious, and no one took him seriously anymore.
Especially since Emperor Baode had activated the national protection Great Formation, preventing many imperial family members from entering the city.
He clearly had his own ulterior motives.
The other imperial family members were even more displeased with Emperor Baode.
In their view, Emperor Baode activating the national protection Great Formation was merely a dying struggle.
It was meaningless.
With Emperor Baode’s arrival, everyone stopped pretending, and even omitted their bows.
This made Emperor Baode’s expression extremely gloomy, and his entire body trembled.
That was anger.
Unfortunately, no one took him seriously.
Without the Old Ancestor’s protection, how could Emperor Baode have become emperor?
“Whoosh.”
Suddenly, a figure appeared silently in the void.
The figure was ancient, withered, and deathly pale, yet it exuded a terrifying aura.
That was the aura of a Nascent Soul!
“Greetings, Old Ancestor!”
“Greetings, True Monarch!”
Everyone bowed towards the figure in the void.
That was the Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor, a Nascent Soul True Monarch whose lifespan was nearing its end!
The Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor’s expression was blank, and he said indifferently, “I have summoned you all here to elect a new emperor! My lifespan is nearing its end, and I am about to pass away, but the imperial family cannot be in chaos, and Tianbao Kingdom cannot be in chaos.”
“According to the old rules, each lineage shall send forth their experts to compete in the training ground. The strong shall be respected, and the victor shall be king! No matter what means you employ to subdue the other lineages, the throne shall be yours.”
The Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor’s words stirred the hearts of all lineages.
Although they knew the Old Ancestor’s lifespan was nearing its end and the throne would likely be contested by each lineage,
they dared not act presumptuously as long as the Old Ancestor had not spoken.
Now that the Old Ancestor had spoken, they were completely relieved.
“If you have no objections, then…”
Before the Imperial Family’s Old Ancestor could finish speaking, Emperor Baode suddenly stood up and interrupted him.
“Old Ancestor, I also wish to participate!”
“Hmm?”
The other lineages were somewhat surprised.
Emperor Baode wants to participate?
What virtue and ability does Emperor Baode possess?
Emperor Baode’s lineage, doesn’t it rely solely on the Imperial Ancestor?
Even if Emperor Baode enters the fray, what outcome can be achieved?
The Imperial Ancestor glanced coldly at Emperor Baode and said faintly, “Approved. If you can send forth an expert to defeat the various lineages, then the imperial throne is yours, and no one can snatch it!”
“Thank you, Old Ancestor.”
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Emperor Baode’s face.
He had endured for so long, paying such a great price, all for today!
Thus, Emperor Baode waved his hand and shouted loudly, “True Lord Shenglong, please reveal yourself.”
As Emperor Baode’s words fell, a rosy-faced elder with the appearance of a crane and the countenance of a child walked out from the crowd.
“I am Shenglong, greetings, Fellow Daoist!”
The elder cupped his hands towards the Imperial Ancestor in the sky, and addressed him as Fellow Daoist.
Moreover, Emperor Baode referred to the elder as “True Lord Shenglong.”
Clearly, the other party was a Nascent Soul True Monarch!
Emperor Baode, without anyone knowing, actually invited a Nascent Soul True Monarch?
For a time, the entire Training Ground erupted in an uproar!
