Chapter 181: Ji Qing Faces The Martial Saint Head-on, Receiving A Strike From The Martial Saint!
Ji Qing glanced at True Lord Tiansheng.
The other party’s attitude had changed rather quickly.
Previously, he had seemed high and mighty with a strong sense of integrity.
Now, he seemed to have lost his reserve.
However, Ji Qing couldn’t sense any awkwardness from the other party.
It seemed this was True Lord Tiansheng’s true nature.
“Hand it over.”
Ji Qing took two fragments from True Lord Tiansheng.
He immediately pieced them together with the other two fragments.
They were indeed one body.
The four fragments could be joined together without any incongruity.
Most of the content of the Five Elements Void Sacred Law could already be seen on the fragments.
But it was still incomplete; two more fragments had not been found, so this Five Elements Void Sacred Law could not be cultivated.
“Fellow Daoist Tiansheng, how did you obtain these two fragments from the Guixu Sect?”
Ji Qing asked.
Thus, True Lord Tiansheng recounted his entire process of going to the Guixu Sect.
“Fellow Daoist, you are truly cautious…”
Ji Qing was somewhat surprised.
He had actually been very cautious, not appearing himself and letting True Lord Tiansheng handle it.
He didn’t expect True Lord Tiansheng to be even more cautious.
A dignified Nascent Soul True Monarch actually wore a mask, altered his appearance, concealed his aura, and blamed the “Black Owl Old Demon.”
One might think True Lord Tiansheng had infiltrated a major Spirit Transformation sect.
Who would have thought that True Lord Tiansheng was facing a mere Heavenly Gate sect?
True Lord Tiansheng said with a smile, “One must be cautious; I cannot completely destroy the Guixu Sect. What if someone from the Guixu Sect achieves Martial Saint in the future? Although this possibility is very low, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“I, this old Daoist, concealed my identity and blamed the Black Owl Old Demon. Even if a Martial Saint emerges from the Guixu Sect, and they seek revenge or the Guixu Sacred Law, they will seek out the Black Owl Old Demon. What does it have to do with this old Daoist?”
Ji Qing gave True Lord Tiansheng a deep look.
Since True Lord Tiansheng was so cautious, why didn’t he act that way before?
If he were truly so cautious, True Lord Tiansheng wouldn’t have taken advantage of the situation and thought to pick up scraps after True Monarch Tianbao’s passing.
“Alright, two more fragments are missing. Didn’t you also sense fragments in another direction?”
“Yes, the other direction is quite far.”
True Lord Tiansheng once again led Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue on their journey.
This time, it was only a vague sense.
But after only an hour, the sense became clear, indicating they were within ten thousand li.
A few hours later, Ji Qing and the other two had to stop.
This was because a city in the distance was somewhat unusual.
“Zhou Tian City… True Lord Tiansheng, are you sure the fragments are in Zhou Tian City?”
Ji Qing turned his gaze to True Lord Tiansheng.
“Absolutely! My senses will not err. The fragments are in Zhou Tian City!”
Ji Qing fell silent.
Zhou Tian City was a bit troublesome.
The reason was simple: Zhou Tian City had developed precisely because of the Zhou Tian Sect.
Therefore, the Zhou Tian Sect was the core of Zhou Tian City.
The Wind Thunder Sect and the Zhou Tian Sect had many dealings, often with friction, and even engaged in mutual killings.
They could be considered enemy sects.
The key was Ji Qing’s special identity.
He had previously killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect while still at the Foundation Establishment stage.
This was no small matter.
Within the Zhou Tian Sect, there was still a bounty on Ji Qing.
It was just that no one accepted the bounty.
After all, Ji Qing was now “notoriously famous,” and no one dared to accept a bounty on him.
But once Ji Qing went to Zhou Tian City, it would be different.
The Zhou Tian Sect would definitely discover Ji Qing, and they would also discover True Monarch Baoyue.
The identities of both of them could not be hidden.
As for concealing their auras?
That was simply impossible.
Zhou Tian City had a great formation, so their identities could not be hidden.
However, the remaining two fragments were very crucial.
Ji Qing immediately turned his gaze to True Lord Tiansheng.
True Lord Tiansheng instantly understood.
After all, he knew the identities of Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue.
They were both from the Wind Thunder Sect, which was at odds with the Zhou Tian Sect.
Especially since Ji Qing had gained fame by defeating True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect while still at the Foundation Establishment stage, essentially stepping on the Zhou Tian Sect to rise to prominence.
If Ji Qing hadn’t gone to Zhou Tian City, the Zhou Tian Sect couldn’t do anything to him.
But if Ji Qing went to Zhou Tian City, could the Zhou Tian Sect tolerate it?
No matter how strong Ji Qing was, facing countless Nascent Souls, Martial Saints, and even Spirit Transformation Divine Lords personally intervening was not impossible.
Therefore, True Lord Tiansheng didn’t wait for Ji Qing to speak and took the initiative to say, “Fellow Daoist Ji, Fellow Daoist Baoyue, this old Daoist understands that due to your identities, you cannot enter Zhou Tian City, but my identity is not an issue. At most, the Zhou Tian Sect will discover that I am a Nascent Soul cultivator, and this old Daoist has a name and reputation in the Barren Domain. Moreover, I previously had some conflicts with the two of you, so the Zhou Tian Sect will not suspect me.”
Ji Qing did not expect True Lord Tiansheng to be so “sensible.”
He hadn’t even spoken, and True Lord Tiansheng already knew what to do.
It was good that True Lord Tiansheng was so “sensible,” which also saved Ji Qing some worry.
“Alright, then I’ll trouble you, Fellow Daoist Tiansheng.”
“You are too kind, Fellow Daoist. This old Daoist will return after confirming the fragments in Zhou Tian City.”
True Lord Tiansheng finished speaking and flew directly towards Zhou Tian City.
Seeing True Lord Tiansheng disappear into Zhou Tian City, Ji Qing immediately said, “Let’s go, change locations!”
Ji Qing then moved away from Zhou Tian City.
He stopped only when he was a considerable distance away.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, True Lord Tiansheng entering Zhou Tian City this time opens up many options. He can cooperate with the Zhou Tian Sect and bring people to attack us. I believe the Zhou Tian Sect would also be very willing to kill us.”
“Even if he doesn’t join forces with the Zhou Tian Sect, he can find the Guixu Sacred Law fragments without us. As long as he stays in Zhou Tian City, we can do nothing to him.”
True Monarch Baoyue said.
She saw very clearly that True Lord Tiansheng had too many choices after entering Zhou Tian City.
The other party might not return.
This was precisely why Ji Qing immediately took True Monarch Baoyue to a different location.
It was to guard against True Lord Tiansheng.
“Fellow Daoist Baoyue, you are right. On the surface, True Lord Tiansheng indeed has many options, but in reality, he has only one choice: to fulfill the agreement between us and then be granted his freedom!”
“After all, the Guixu Sacred Law fragments are not some treasure; they are of no use to him as a Nascent Soul cultivator. As for joining forces with the Zhou Tian Sect, the possibility is even more minuscule. He knows my strength; unless a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord intervenes, even if several Nascent Soul True Monarchs join forces, they might not be able to keep me. If they cannot keep me, it will be an irreconcilable situation. Unless he can truly hide in Zhou Tian City forever, but in that case, wouldn’t he effectively become subservient to the Zhou Tian Sect?”
“Moreover, even if he kills me, what great benefit would he gain?”
Ji Qing’s words made True Monarch Baoyue suddenly realize.
Indeed, True Lord Tiansheng was a smart person, and no matter what he chose, there was only one option.
Therefore, True Lord Tiansheng would most likely return.
Thus, the two waited quietly.
On the other side, True Lord Tiansheng had indeed entered Zhou Tian City.
And the moment he stepped into Zhou Tian City, he was discovered by people from the Zhou Tian Sect.
“Whoosh.”
A figure appeared before True Lord Tiansheng.
It was a Nascent Soul True Monarch, True Monarch Qing Xu of the Zhou Tian Sect.
“Fellow Daoist Tiansheng.”
True Monarch Qing Xu immediately identified True Lord Tiansheng’s identity.
After all, Nascent Soul True Monarchs in the Barren Domain were all famous.
They did not suddenly appear from some obscure corner; each of them had a traceable origin.
“Fellow Daoist is…”
True Lord Tiansheng did not recognize the Nascent Soul cultivator in front of him.
“This old Daoist is Qing Xu.”
“So it’s Fellow Daoist Qing Xu.”
True Lord Tiansheng suddenly realized.
He had heard of True Monarch Qing Xu of the Zhou Tian Sect, although he had never met him.
It was said that he held a rather high position in the Zhou Tian Sect and had some connection with the Spirit Transformation Divine Lord of the Zhou Tian Sect.
“Fellow Daoist Tiansheng, not staying in Tiansheng Kingdom to be a revered ancestor and living a carefree life, what business do you have in Zhou Tian City?”
True Monarch Qing Xu asked.
If it were a Golden Core or a Heavenly Human, he would merely have people pay attention.
But Nascent Soul True Monarchs were different.
True Monarch Qing Xu would personally come into contact with any Nascent Soul cultivator.
To ascertain their purpose.
After all, Zhou Tian City was not a trading hub.
A Nascent Soul True Monarch appearing unannounced was naturally unusual.
After entering the city, True Lord Tiansheng had been sensing the fragments of the Guixu Sacred Law.
Although he was stopped by True Monarch Qing Xu, he still sensed the precise location of the fragments.
That location was within the Zhou Tian Sect.
This was now troublesome.
True Lord Tiansheng reacted quickly; he immediately sighed and said, “Fellow Daoist Qing Xu, you are unaware, but I have run into trouble.”
“What trouble?”
“The Old Ancestor of Tianbao Kingdom passed away, and I intended to pick up some scraps. However, I encountered Princess Qingyuan of Tianbao Kingdom who was breaking through to Nascent Soul. I wanted to kill Princess Qingyuan, but I was stopped by a Heavenly Human. You probably know that Heavenly Human, it is Ji Qing from the Wind Thunder Sect. And Princess Qingyuan is also True Monarch Baoyue from the Wind Thunder Sect. No, she should be called True Monarch Baoyue now.”
“What, Baoyue has been promoted to Nascent Soul?”
True Monarch Qing Xu seemed not to have received the news yet.
But this was not a secret.
The Zhou Tian Sect would know sooner or later.
Therefore, True Lord Tiansheng did not conceal it and nodded, saying, “That’s right, True Monarch Baoyue is already a Nascent Soul cultivator. And I am being pursued by True Monarch Baoyue and Ji Qing. Especially that Ji Qing, he is very troublesome, and combined with True Monarch Baoyue, he gives this old Daoist a huge headache. Under duress, I have come to the Zhou Tian Sect, hoping to become an honorary elder of the Zhou Tian Sect and receive protection from the Zhou Tian Sect.”
What True Lord Tiansheng said was basically true.
He only vaguely described Ji Qing’s strength.
Ji Qing certainly did not want others to know that he could fight against Nascent Soul cultivators.
The specific details of the battle between Ji Qing and True Lord Tiansheng were known only to the two of them.
True Lord Tiansheng saying that True Monarch Baoyue and Ji Qing had joined forces to pursue him would not make Ji Qing seem too out of place.
True Monarch Qing Xu’s expression became solemn.
This was big news.
However, both Tianbao Kingdom and Tiansheng Kingdom were too far from the Zhou Tian Sect, and they also had no particular connection with the Zhou Tian Sect. Therefore, the Zhou Tian Sect had not paid much attention to news from Tianbao Kingdom.
Who would have thought such a major event had occurred?
This matter was too significant, and True Monarch Qing Xu judged that it was likely true.
True Lord Tiansheng had no reason to deceive him on such a major issue.
“Fellow Daoist Qing Xu, does your sect perhaps not need guest elders?”
“Of course not. It is the good fortune of our Zhou Tian Sect for Fellow Daoist Tiansheng to come and be a guest elder here! Please accompany this old man into the sect for a chat.”
“Good.”
Thus, True Lord Tiansheng followed True Monarch Qing Xu into the Zhou Tian Sect.
Upon arriving at the Zhou Tian Sect, True Lord Tiansheng carefully sensed the fragments of the Guixu Sacred Law.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He saw a valley in front of him.
There were many cultivators inside, generally Foundation Establishment cultivators.
“What is that…”
True Lord Tiansheng asked.
“That is Trial Sword Valley. The sect’s cultivators throughout the generations have lost many Flying Swords in Trial Sword Valley. As long as a Foundation Establishment disciple, they can go to Trial Sword Valley to try their luck. If they can obtain a Flying Sword, they can take it with them.”
“Only Foundation Establishment cultivators are allowed to enter Trial Sword Valley; any Golden Core or Nascent Soul elders need not interfere. For many Foundation Establishment disciples, Trial Sword Valley can be considered a place of opportunity. Often, some Foundation Establishment disciples can obtain powerful Flying Swords inside, which can significantly increase their strength.”
True Monarch Qing Xu said with a smile.
He was clearly satisfied with Trial Sword Valley.
This is also a major characteristic of the Zhou Tian Sect.
True Lord Tiansheng’s heart sank.
Oh no!
The Guixu Sacred Law is actually in Trial Sword Valley?
Only Foundation Establishment disciples of the Zhou Tian Sect can enter, Golden Core and Nascent Soul Elders are not allowed to interfere, let alone enter.
Moreover, Trial Sword Valley is vast.
For a while, True Lord Tiansheng couldn’t confirm the location of the Guixu Sacred Law Fragment.
Unless it’s a lengthy process of elimination.
It seems the Zhou Tian Sect is truly infiltrated!
Otherwise, there’s no hope of obtaining the Guixu Sacred Law Fragment.
One day, two days, three days…
For three consecutive days, True Lord Tiansheng remained within the Zhou Tian Sect.
This was actually intentional on the part of True Monarch Qing Xu.
He was having the matters of Tianbao Kingdom and Tiansheng Kingdom investigated.
Three days were enough to thoroughly investigate the situations of both kingdoms.
The news arrived.
It was almost identical to what True Lord Tiansheng had said.
Baoyue had indeed broken through to Nascent Soul.
And True Lord Tiansheng did intend to take advantage of the situation to attack True Monarch Baoyue, but was intercepted by Ji Qing, leading to a great war. In the end, True Lord Tiansheng disappeared and never returned to Tiansheng Kingdom.
Upon receiving the news, True Monarch Qing Xu was completely reassured about True Lord Tiansheng.
And True Lord Tiansheng had indeed joined the Zhou Tian Sect, becoming an honored elder!
……
Half a month later, Ji Qing met True Lord Tiansheng at a location far from Zhou Tian City.
Upon hearing True Lord Tiansheng’s account, Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue exchanged strange glances.
“So, Fellow Daoist, in order to gain True Monarch Qing Xu’s trust and to help me retrieve the Guixu Sacred Law Fragment, you actually became an honored elder of the Zhou Tian Sect?”
Ji Qing couldn’t help but want to hear True Lord Tiansheng’s definitive answer.
“Yes, I am now an honored elder of the Zhou Tian Sect in name. But Fellow Daoist Ji, rest assured, I have no intention of truly joining the Zhou Tian Sect; it’s merely a temporary expedient. That Trial Sword Valley is too vast, and it’s impossible to determine the fragment’s location in a short time. Furthermore, even if the location were determined, as an honored elder, I would still be unable to enter Trial Sword Valley, so we must proceed cautiously.”
Ji Qing fell silent for a moment.
True Lord Tiansheng’s actions far exceeded his expectations.
If True Lord Tiansheng had intended to collude with the Zhou Tian Sect to deal with Ji Qing, there would have been no need for such a circuitous route.
But to help him retrieve the Guixu Sacred Law Fragment, True Lord Tiansheng was willing to go to the Zhou Tian Sect as an “undercover” agent – this seemed incredibly strange.
Ji Qing had previously used threats to make True Lord Tiansheng perform the Ten Thousand Mile Tracking Technique.
By what right did True Lord Tiansheng wholeheartedly help him find the Guixu Sacred Law Fragment?
“The reason! I need the reason, Fellow Daoist!”
Ji Qing stared intently at True Lord Tiansheng.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the reason is simple. I fear, I truly fear! You, at the Heavenly Human realm, are already comparable to a Martial Saint. What if you truly become a Martial Saint? Will you then be comparable to the legendary Martial God?”
“That’s a Martial God… Ordinary Deity Transformation Divine Lords might not even be your match. By then, even if I hid in the Zhou Tian Sect, I wouldn’t escape death! To oppose you would undoubtedly be a dead end, so why not simply pledge allegiance to you?”
“You must also promise me a small request. If I find the last two Guixu Sacred Law Fragments, you must provide me shelter. Afterwards, I will join the Wind Thunder Sect. Without your protection, I cannot.”
If True Lord Tiansheng were to join the Wind Thunder Sect again, it would be equivalent to betraying the Zhou Tian Sect.
The consequences would be severe!
Without anyone to protect him, his situation would be truly perilous.
But since True Lord Tiansheng was acting for Ji Qing, Ji Qing naturally had to protect him.
“Agreed! I promise you. If you truly manage to retrieve the last two Guixu Sacred Law Fragments, I will ensure your safety!”
Ji Qing’s tone was firm.
“Good, then it’s settled!”
Having said that, True Lord Tiansheng flew back into Zhou Tian City.
Watching True Lord Tiansheng’s disappearing back, Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue felt a sense of absurdity.
True Lord Tiansheng’s logic was truly… clear-headed!
Yes, clear-headed!
While it seemed far-fetched, upon careful analysis, this was indeed True Lord Tiansheng’s best option.
After all, True Lord Tiansheng believed he could never kill Ji Qing, no matter what.
If he were to truly become Ji Qing’s enemy, and Ji Qing eventually became a Martial Saint with combat power comparable to a Martial God, what would True Lord Tiansheng do then?
Since he could not be Ji Qing’s enemy, he might as well pledge allegiance to Ji Qing.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the last two Guixu Sacred Law Fragments cannot be found in a day or two, so let’s leave it to True Lord Tiansheng. This person is cautious and meticulous, with a thorough mind; with him in the Zhou Tian Sect, he is likely to help you find the Guixu Sacred Law Fragments.”
“Now, we should return to the Wind Thunder Sect.”
Ji Qing nodded.
He indeed had to return to the Wind Thunder Sect.
There was no further use in staying here.
Back at the Wind Thunder Sect, he could also try to see if he could find other martial arts.
“Let’s go!”
Thus, Ji Qing and True Monarch Baoyue quickly transformed into two streaks of light and vanished into the sky.
……
Upon their return to the Wind Thunder Sect, True Monarch Baoyue and Ji Qing immediately caused a stir.
This time, it wasn’t Ji Qing causing the commotion, but rather… True Monarch Baoyue!
Who would have thought that True Monarch Baoyue would become a Nascent Soul True Monarch after just one trip out?
This was no small matter.
Any great sect at the Spirit Transformation realm in the Barren Domain would hold a “Nascent Soul Banquet” to celebrate the birth of a Nascent Soul.
Every Nascent Soul was a pillar of the sect, holding significant importance.
Even among the true disciples of great Spirit Transformation sects, half of them ultimately failed to advance to Nascent Soul.
This clearly demonstrates the immense significance of a Nascent Soul, absolutely worthy of great celebration!
Conversely, Ji Qing was not attracting much attention under True Monarch Baoyue’s radiance, which suited Ji Qing quite well.
However, Ji Qing was constantly troubled by the lingering gloom of the “severed path to Martial God.”
Even after Jiao Ling’s explanation, possibly due to the rarity of Divinity Creatures, this explanation only slightly alleviated Ji Qing’s doubts.
Therefore, Ji Qing utilized his privileges as a true disciple.
He applied to visit the only Martial Saint of the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage, Feng Jin!
The reason why the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage could not compare to other Martial Saint sects in Heavenly Desolation City was quite simple: the Martial Saints!
More precisely, the number of Martial Saints.
The Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage had only one Martial Saint.
However, other Martial Saint sects had more than one.
At least on the surface, the difference in strength was clear.
Under normal circumstances, a Heavenly Human might not even be able to meet Martial Saint Feng Jin.
But a true disciple could.
Soon, Ji Qing received a communication talisman.
He was instructed to go to the main peak of the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage to meet Martial Saint Feng Jin.
Soon, Ji Qing arrived at the main peak of the Martial Dao lineage.
This main peak was very unique.
Normally, Heavenly Humans would have servants in large numbers.
Even those who were a bit more frugal would have some servants to tidy up.
But the main peak was different.
On the main peak, Ji Qing saw no ordinary people at all.
The vast main peak appeared desolate and lonely.
Only Martial Saint Feng Jin was there.
Ji Qing encountered Feng Jin on a towering tree on the main peak.
It was a man who appeared somewhat thin, with a face that showed no signs of age.
But his aura was like that of an abyss.
“Swish.”
Feng Jin opened his eyes.
His gaze fell upon Ji Qing.
Instantly, Ji Qing felt as if he were being pricked by needles, and a faint sense of threat arose in his heart.
This shocked Ji Qing greatly.
His current strength could almost crush a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Even if a Martial Saint were stronger, Ji Qing felt he was by no means inferior to an ordinary Martial Saint.
But facing Feng Jin?
A mere glance made him feel a sense of threat.
Clearly, Martial Saint Feng Jin was terrifying.
Absolutely not an ordinary Martial Saint!
“Disciple Ji Qing, greetings Martial Saint!”
Ji Qing bowed respectfully.
Even as a Heavenly Human, he dared not be negligent in the face of a Martial Saint.
“Ji Qing… reversing the kill of a Heavenly Human at the Dao Foundation realm! The sole true disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage, you are indeed remarkable! Speak, for what purpose do you use your true disciple privileges to seek me out this time?”
Feng Jin said indifferently.
Ji Qing took a deep breath and said solemnly, “I once heard a Divine Lord say that the path to Martial God is almost severed, and the Barren Domain has not produced a Martial God in eight thousand years! Later, I heard that to become a Martial God, one must comprehend Divinity, and currently, Divinity Creatures are almost extinct in the Barren Domain, forcing one to hunt Divinity Creatures in the Outer Domain.”
“I boldly ask, Martial Saint, is going to the Outer Domain the only path to becoming a Martial God?”
Feng Jin raised his head in surprise.
“You know quite a lot, even the Outer Domain. It seems you’ve had quite an Opportunity! Then…”
Feng Jin extended a finger.
“Whoosh.”
This finger pointed directly at Ji Qing.
It was very sudden!
Feng Jin’s finger strike was incredibly sudden.
Ji Qing hadn’t expected Feng Jin to suddenly attack him?
However, Ji Qing was battle-hardened and extremely experienced.
He reacted immediately.
Ji Qing directly unleashed a punch.
The seven Deities above his head leaped out and merged into one.
Terrifying Power was infused into Ji Qing’s punch.
Combined with the Eighteen Transformations of Reversing Fate, Ji Qing’s physical body strength reached an unbelievable level.
Therefore, this punch, excluding the Domain, utilized almost all of Ji Qing’s power.
After all, facing a Martial Saint, Ji Qing dared not be careless.
Especially the Martial Saint Feng Jin before him, it was evident he was not an ordinary Martial Saint.
“Bang.”
Fist and finger collided, and Ji Qing immediately felt his fist “shatter.”
An incredibly insidious Power surged into his fist.
This Power wasn’t particularly large.
But it was incredibly condensed.
Condensed to the extreme.
It was like the difference between ordinary pig iron and refined steel.
When countless pig iron condensed into refined steel, its strength would be completely different.
Therefore, although the Power of Ji Qing’s punch was far greater than Feng Jin’s, he suffered the most damage.
The condensed Power surged from Ji Qing’s fist, spreading and destroying deep within his body.
But Ji Qing’s Physical Body was too strong.
Even though he was caught off guard at first, he was quickly able to completely annihilate this strange Power with his formidable Physical Body.
“Hmm?”
Feng Jin seemed somewhat surprised.
A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.
His Power was annihilated so quickly?
This was not like a Heavenly Human.
Even the strongest Heavenly Human couldn’t annihilate his Power so quickly.
Furthermore, the Power of Ji Qing’s punch also made Feng Jin feel uncomfortable.
Moreover, the power of Ji Qing’s punch also made Feng Jin feel very uncomfortable.
This power is too immense.
The terrifying power even shook Feng Jin’s physical body.
Causing Feng Jin’s physical body to tremble incessantly.
But that was all.
Both sides ceased their attacks and looked at each other evenly.
“Such a strong physical body! Everyone thought you were a monster for reversing kills against Heavenly Humans as a Dao Foundation cultivator, and that this monstrous nature would disappear after becoming a Heavenly Human. But the power your physical body is erupting with now is more terrifying than that of an ordinary Martial Saint.”
“It’s not an exaggeration to say you can reverse kill Martial Saints; truly worthy of being the Wind Thunder Sect’s sole true disciple of the Martial Way!”
A hint of unusual light flickered in Feng Jin’s eyes.
Astonishment!
He was truly astonished!
He had originally just felt that Ji Qing’s physical body was a bit strange, so he wanted to test it.
He didn’t expect to discover Ji Qing’s “foundation.”
The strength of his physical body was inconceivable.
Martial Saints were far inferior.
As for why Ji Qing’s physical body was so strong, Feng Jin had also roughly guessed.
“The Big Dipper Divine Illumination Technique, the Five Elements Dao Body, and some divine skills that strengthen the physical foundation have all been cultivated to perfection. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it…”
With just one strike, Feng Jin could see many of Ji Qing’s secrets.
“Martial Saint, the power you just unleashed, although not immense in quantity, possessed such destructive force? It could easily damage my physical body…”
Ji Qing couldn’t help but ask.
He was very curious about that extremely condensed power.
“That is one of the characteristics of a Martial Saint: extremely condensed power. Once one cultivates to the Martial Saint realm, they will unify their physical body, true qi, and other powers, merging them into a single, extremely condensed force.”
“The condensed power of each Martial Saint is different. For example, the power I condensed is called the ‘Power of Ashes,’ a power with extremely high destructive force. Another example is the Power of Return to Void cultivated through the strongest Guixu Sacred Law by a Five Elements Dao Body like yours; it’s said to be a terrifying power that leads all things to ruin.”
Ji Qing’s heart trembled.
He heard about the Guixu Sacred Law again.
And the Power of Return to Void was so highly praised by Feng Jin, rumored to lead all things to ruin?
However, Feng Jin’s words also gave Ji Qing a deeper understanding of Martial Saints.
So, Dao Foundation or Heavenly Human realms, the physical body, true qi, and so on, were not unified; they fought separately and were relatively scattered.
Ten units of power could only unleash at most five units of might.
But Martial Saints were different.
Martial Saints could unify all their power, whether physical body or true qi, achieving perfect control over themselves, allowing ten units of power to unleash twelve units or even more might.
This was why Feng Jin’s finger strike, despite its seemingly ordinary power, could surge into Ji Qing’s body and destroy everything like a torrent.
Compared to Nascent Soul cultivators, Martial Saints seemed even more terrifying.
Of course, there was also a reason.
Immortal Path cultivators relied on Magic Treasures.
And in the Barren Domain, what powerful Magic Treasures could Nascent Soul cultivators, even those from great Spirit Transformation sects, possess?
If it were True Monarch Baoyue piloting an Immortal Mansion, would Ji Qing still be able to do anything to True Monarch Baoyue?
The fact was, Ji Qing could not break through the Xuling Immortal Mansion.
A Nascent Soul True Monarch without powerful Magic Treasures could only be crushed by a Martial Saint!
If they possessed powerful Magic Treasures, even stronger than the Xuling Immortal Mansion, then Nascent Soul cultivators could kill Martial Saints effortlessly.
“Martial Saint, you haven’t answered my question yet.”
Ji Qing asked.
Feng Jin looked at Ji Qing, pondered for a long time, and finally spoke slowly: “Regarding Martial Gods, it was not permitted to reveal anything before reaching the Martial Saint realm, but since you already possess Martial Saint combat power, there’s no harm in telling you.”
“You are correct. Not only in the Barren Domain, but Divinity Creatures in other major domains are almost extinct. One can only hunt Divinity Creatures in the Outer Domain to comprehend divinity.”
“However, there is one point you are unaware of. The Divine Lord said there is a reason why the path to Martial God is severed. The Outer Domain is indeed the only hope for Martial Saints, but the crucial point is that the path to the Outer Domain is now sealed. The Immortal Path system is not affected; Nascent Soul and Spirit Transformation cultivators can travel to the Outer Domain, but the Martial Dao lineage cannot. All Martial Artists, regardless of whether they are Martial Saints or Martial Gods, must pass through the Martial Dao Seal to travel to the Outer Domain.”
“And this seal has been in place for eight thousand years, with not a single Martial Artist able to pass through the Martial Dao Seal to reach the Outer Domain. Therefore, this is the reason the Divine Lord spoke of the severed path to Martial God. If Martial Saints cannot go to the Outer Domain, how can they hunt Divinity Creatures to comprehend divinity? Without comprehending divinity, they can never be promoted to Martial God.”
“Hunting Divinity Creatures is also difficult in the Outer Domain. For the Immortal Path system, one must be a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord, or a top-tier Nascent Soul True Monarch, to hunt Divinity Creatures. But which Divine Lord is not busy with countless daily affairs, and can spend a large amount of time helping Martial Saints hunt Divinity Creatures?”
Ji Qing understood.
What Jiao Ling said was correct; hunting Divinity Creatures indeed required going to the Outer Domain.
But Jiao Ling was unaware of the Martial Dao Seal.
“Who is so malicious? Isn’t this meant to destroy the Martial Dao lineage?”
Ji Qing asked in a deep voice.
Targeting only the Martial Dao, not the Immortal Path.
What kind of Demon was this, who held a grudge against the Martial Dao?
“Destroy the Martial Dao lineage?”
Feng Jin Martial Saint shook his head and sighed, “Ji Qing, do you think the Martial Dao Seal targets Martial Dao cultivators to destroy the Martial Dao lineage? Actually, it’s the opposite. Other places are incredibly envious of us. This Martial Dao Seal is precisely a tremendous opportunity for Martial Dao cultivators! Other places can’t even beg for it…”
“A tremendous opportunity?”
Ji Qing was a bit confused.
Just moments ago, he was lamenting the severed path to Martial God.
And deeply resented the Martial Dao Seal.
Now, this Martial Dao Seal had become a tremendous opportunity?
Ji Qing couldn’t imagine what kind of opportunity the Martial Dao Seal could be.
“The Martial Dao Seal was placed by the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory, a grand sect of the Martial Dao in the Outer Domain. These Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory are a top-tier Martial Dao sect even in the vast Outer Domain. Their original intention was to select the most exceptional Martial Dao geniuses, but their methods were too domineering and extreme.”
“If one cannot break through the Martial Dao Seal, then all Martial Artists will sink together. If one can break through the Martial Dao Seal, they will be guided into the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory and truly soar to great heights!”
“Such an opportunity exists in the Outer Domain; countless Martial Artists are incredibly envious. Do you say this isn’t an opportunity?”
Ji Qing understood.
From what Feng Jin said, these Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory were likely quite powerful.
This Martial Dao Seal was also an opportunity, not a restriction.
Of course, if no one could break through the Martial Dao Seal, then this Martial Dao Seal would be a restriction.
Leaving all Martial Artists helpless.
“Wait, Martial Saint, can Heavenly Humans travel to the Outer Domain?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Heavenly Humans? Don’t even think about it. To travel to the Outer Domain, one must be Nascent Soul or above, or Martial Saint or above. Heavenly Humans cannot even find the path to the Outer Domain. This has nothing to do with strength; it is simply a rule of this world.”
“Rules?”
Ji Qing understood a little.
Similar to a realm’s protective mechanism.
The Outer Domain was certainly very dangerous.
Beings with too low a life level would only be courting death if they went out.
So the world simply disallowed beings of lower life levels from leaving.
Ji Qing had originally thought it was a matter of lacking strength to leave. Given how strong his physical body was, he might have been able to try, to see if he could exploit a loophole and travel to the Outer Domain without passing through the Martial Dao Seal.
But such a “loophole” simply did not exist.
If Ji Qing wished to leave, he would have to become a Martial Saint and then attempt to break through the Martial Dao Seal.
“I understand… The Martial Dao Seal can block so many exceptionally talented Martial Saints; it must have very high requirements.”
“Yes, the requirements are not only very high, but even terrifyingly high. I once attempted to break through the Martial Dao Seal, but I couldn’t even pass the first test…”
Feng Jin had also attempted to break through the Martial Dao Seal.
But it was too difficult.
He even doubted if anyone could actually pass the Martial Dao Seal.
“Thank you, Martial Saint!”
Ji Qing understood, then bowed to Feng Jin before leaving the main peak.
Originally, Ji Qing had been a little pleased with his current strength.
But now it seemed, his opponents were never those in the Barren Domain or even the Central Region.
Rather, it was the Martial Dao Seal.
Since the Martial Dao Seal aimed to select geniuses, they must be top-tier Martial Dao geniuses even in the Outer Domain.
Otherwise, how could they be favored by the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory?
And what was the situation in the Outer Domain?
Jiao Ling had said that the Outer Domain was a true era of cultivation, with geniuses like rain and monstrous talents emerging in large numbers.
His current cultivation and strength were far from a time for relaxation.
Ji Qing thought for a moment, then went to find True Monarch Baoyue again.
“Fellow Daoist Baoyue, I wish to enter the Immortal Mansion to have a chat with Fellow Daoist Jiao Ling.”
True Monarch Baoyue thought Ji Qing was coming to see her.
Her eyes showed some surprise for a moment.
But she still brought Ji Qing into the Immortal Mansion.
Inside the Immortal Mansion, Ji Qing found Jiao Ling.
“Fellow Daoist Jiao Ling, do you know of the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory?”
Ji Qing asked directly.
If the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory truly had such great prestige, then Jiao Ling, who had followed Xuling Venerable in venturing through the Outer Domain, would certainly have heard of them.
Jiao Ling was surprised: “Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory? Of course, I know them. They are one of the top Martial Dao sects in the Outer Domain, and they are extremely overbearing. Even my master at the time dared not provoke them easily. Why are you asking about this?”
Ji Qing suddenly realized.
These Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory were even more terrifying than he had imagined.
In fact, Feng Jin and others probably knew that the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory were strong, but they likely didn’t have a clear concept of just how strong they were.
But now, Ji Qing knew just how strong the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory were.
Xuling Venerable was a Tribulation Crossing Stage expert.
One step away from Mahayana, they were the closest to “immortality.”
Such an existence was wary of the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory.
This showed how terrifying the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory were.
Ji Qing did not conceal anything and revealed the information he had learned from Feng Jin.
“What? Your realm has been sealed by the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory?”
Jiao Ling’s eyes widened, and his voice trembled.
“Yes.”
“Hahaha, an opportunity! This is a tremendous opportunity! Ji Qing, you must seize this opportunity. Once you seize this opportunity and join the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory, you can walk sideways in the Outer Domain.”
Jiao Ling was very excited.
The Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory.
Its masters were more than just untouchable.
They were beings one couldn’t even dare to think about approaching.
A mere Tribulation Crossing cultivator was not even considered by the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory.
Perhaps only Mahayana cultivators could make the cultivators of the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory look at them slightly more seriously.
But that was all.
This was a top force in the Outer Domain that could truly act with impunity.
And their methods were quite domineering.
“Ji Qing, even if you cultivate the Guixu Sacred Law and cultivate the Power of Return to Void, you probably won’t be able to pass the Martial Dao Seal of the Thirteen Meridians of Purgatory. You need to cultivate every aspect of yourself to the extreme at the Heavenly Human stage!”
“Not just the physical body, but also true qi. Your current true qi is very ordinary; you need to cultivate some more top-tier cultivation techniques.”
“However, you also have an advantage, and that is your Domain! Even among top geniuses in the Outer Domain, not everyone can comprehend a Domain. But you have evolved a Domain, though it’s not enough. Ideally, your Domain should reach Perfection, or even advance further, breaking through the Domain and transforming into Space. That would be your greatest advantage!”
Jiao Ling seemed even more excited than Ji Qing.
He immediately began to strategize for Ji Qing,
Pointing out Ji Qing’s shortcomings and areas that needed improvement.
“Domain transforming into Space?”
This was the first time Ji Qing had learned that Space was above Domain.
But clearly, this step was even more difficult.
If comprehending a Domain could make one a top genius in the Outer Domain,
Then a Domain transforming into Space would be a terrifying talent that dominated an era!
This demonstrated how difficult this step was.
This wasn’t a jump from one to ten, or even from one to a hundred.
It was from one to ten thousand!
Such was the magnitude of the leap.
However, Ji Qing still had hope.
He had the Heavenly Mandate Lock.
Ji Qing estimated that unlocking the third layer should allow his Domain to reach Perfection.
As for Space?
He didn’t know.
Perhaps unlocking the fourth layer would be enough, but it was more likely that unlocking the ninth layer would be necessary.
And Ji Qing’s current progress.
A portion of the third level of the Heavenly Mandate Lock has been unlocked.
One step closer to fully unlocking the third level of the Heavenly Mandate Lock.
Ji Qing left the Immortal Mansion.
True Monarch Baoyue suddenly smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist Ji, the Dan Ding Sect still has some trouble.”
“Dan Ding Sect?”
Ji Qing had almost forgotten.
But thinking about it carefully, he had refined the Dan Ding Sect’s Creation Divine Soil.
But didn’t the Dan Ding Sect withdraw?
What trouble could there be now?
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the Dan Ding Sect has produced a Nascent Soul True Monarch named Tian Ding True Monarch. This True Monarch is very interesting. After learning of my promotion to Nascent Soul, he said the matter had nothing to do with him and that the Infant Nurturing Grass would be a gift for my Nascent Soul promotion. However, since Fellow Daoist Ji obtained the Creation Divine Soil, he insists that Fellow Daoist Ji return it.”
Ji Qing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He naturally understood the reason behind Tian Ding True Monarch’s actions.
Seeing that Baoyue had become a Nascent Soul True Monarch and was not to be trifled with, they decided to “target” him, a Heavenly Human Martial Artist?
This was treating him like a “soft persimmon”!
That wouldn’t do.
Ji Qing needed to have a good talk with this “Tian Ding True Monarch.”
Since the other party could gift the Infant Nurturing Grass to True Monarch Baoyue as a congratulatory gift, he could certainly gift the Creation Divine Soil to himself.
The main principle was treating everyone equally!
“Where is Tian Ding True Monarch?”
“In Heavenly Desolation City!”
Ji Qing nodded.
“By the way, could I borrow Fellow Daoist Jiao Ling?”
Ji Qing thought for a moment; he still shouldn’t be too high-profile.
After all, he hadn’t forgotten that the Zhou Tian Sect had been watching him.
What if that Spirit Transformation Divine Lord from the Zhou Tian Sect, shamelessly, personally intervened? Then he would be in trouble.
Therefore, it was better to keep a low profile for now.
Moreover, dealing with a mere Tian Ding True Monarch, Jiao Ling was more than sufficient!
True Monarch Baoyue waved her hand, and Jiao Ling was teleported out of the Immortal Mansion.
“Fellow Daoist Jiao Ling, I’ll trouble you this time.”
As Ji Qing explained, Jiao Ling also understood the situation.
“No problem, dealing with an ordinary Nascent Soul True Monarch is a trivial matter.”
“But under what name should I appear?”
Jiao Ling asked.
“Appear under my name. Fellow Daoist Ji is a Heavenly Human, and Jiao Ling is clearly a puppet refined by an Immortal Dao Cultivator. It’s normal for me to have some opportunities to cultivate to Nascent Soul so quickly, right? If I say I lent Jiao Ling to Fellow Daoist Ji, it can also reduce some pressure on Fellow Daoist Ji.”
“Alright.”
Jiao Ling nodded.
Actually, Ji Qing was the most terrifying existence.
In terms of both talent and strength.
Jiao Ling was also willing to help Ji Qing; perhaps it would be a great opportunity in the future!
Thus, Ji Qing and Jiao Ling transformed into two streaks of light and flew towards Heavenly Desolation City.
ps: Two updates, twenty thousand words burst, please vote with your monthly tickets! Vote with your monthly tickets! Vote with your monthly tickets!
