After Gongyi Tianheng came out of seclusion, he found out that he had inadvertently spent a little more than two months in the hidden chamber. At this time, the bodies of Gu Qi and Zhao Ji had already been nursed to the optimal state for practicing martial arts — Nothing else had to be said. Their outward appearances had undergone massive changes.
In the end, Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were both forty-something year old men. No matter how well they took care of themselves, there were fine lines at the corners of their eyes. With just a look, one would feel that their ages were at least past thirty. But what about after soaking for eighty-one days? Those wrinkles had vanished, and their skin had become firm and supple. Although it couldn’t be said that they looked like teenagers, they were definitely youths with exuberant qi and blood!
From this, one could see the miraculous effects of the medicinal decoction.
Gu Qi was naturally in an extremely good mood.
Currently, it felt like he and Zhao Ji had found the dozen or so years they had once lost, and completely recovered their peak states. They no longer had the lethargy of being trapped for many years. Instead, they were full of energy, and regained that certain feeling of confidence.
Only with this kind of mentality could they persistently move forward and forge ahead on the path of martial arts!
Tianheng left the hidden chamber. Because of the path of martial arts he practiced, of those two blood pools, one had been completely emptied and more than half of the other had already been used up. After coming out, the qi emissions across his whole body were vigorous and firm, and there was a type of all-encompassing suppressive force — Of course, the uncontrolled leakage of imposing aura was only due comprehending his own methods just a while ago. Once he walked out, the imposing aura was smoothly restrained by him.
It was like the hearts of Gu Zuo and Tianheng had a tacit exchange of feelings. Originally, he was right in the middle of refining pills. At this moment, he promptly lifted his head, and looked over.
Tianheng faintly smiled, and appeared in front of him in a flash.
Gu Zuo suddenly got up, and threw himself at the other.
Tianheng caught Gu Zuo in his arms, and with a bit of strength, he ruffled Gu Zuo’s hair: “Ah Zuo, how have you been doing these days?”
Gu Zuo fluffed his own feathers: “Very good! My strength has broken through to the peak!”
He had been refining medicine day and night. On top of that, he had unravelled the heart knot that always caused him to worry about his dad. Now that his whole body was relaxed, it was to be expected that his strength would rise dramatically. A worry-free heart would naturally have a breakthrough.
Tianheng was pleased. When he flipped his hand, a palm print was silently stamped into the side of a mountain stone. The entire process didn’t leave the slightest trace of debris. In the blink of an eye, that mountain stone had already caved inward, like a palm pressing into a block of tofu.
If it was before, it would’ve been simple for a palm from a martial artist to shatter a mountain stone. But to accomplish something this meticulously, one’s control had to have reached the pinnacle. That wasn’t so easily done.
Most of all, the amount of strength used here was neither too much nor too little — If it was too strong, the mountain stone would’ve crumbled. If it was too weak, the palm print wouldn’t have been this detailed and life-like. Even the palm lines were clear and easy to see!
Gu Zuo was elated: “Big brother broke through to the Atomic Realm!”
These words weren’t false. Tianheng didn’t only demonstrate this extremely exquisite level of control. It was because, after sorting out his own comprehensions, Tianheng directly broke through from peak Immortal Realm to the Atomic Realm the moment he created his own body cultivation method!
Shortly thereafter, Gu Zuo paused.
Many prodigies suppressed their advancements during the Immortal Realm. It wasn’t because they couldn’t break through, but to consolidate their foundations. In the past, these two people were always accumulating in this way. When they went to the modern world for a number of months, although Tianheng didn’t abstain from cultivating, he only consumed medicinal pills the entire time. With regards to the ambient qi, he didn’t absorb much... Upon returning, there wouldn’t be a problem having an immediate breakthrough, right?
With a concerned heart, Gu Zuo swiftly arrived in front of Tianheng. A hand grasped his wrist to check.
Tianheng guessed what Gu Zuo was thinking, and didn’t refuse. He only looked at Gu Zuo with a smile across his face.
Gu Zuo quickly finished his check-up, and only felt that his dear big brother’s foundations were incredibly sturdy, and his accumulations were incomparably robust. Soon after, he was a little embarrassed.
Right. When had his big brother ever been shortsighted or sought instant benefits? He was worrying excessively.
Subsequently, Tianheng lightly pinched Gu Zuo’s cheek, and walked to Gu Qi and Zhao Ji: “Hello, uncles.”
Currently, Gu Qi had gained much more knowledge and insight. Naturally, he saw that there was something different about Tianheng from before. He guessed that this reason was due to the breakthrough. He smiled and said: “Congratulations on breaking through, Tianheng.”
Tianheng faintly smiled: “Uncle Gu, since your and Uncle Zhao’s bodies have been nursed appropriately, we should select a school of martial disciplines as soon as possible. You’ll properly cultivate, and step onto the path of martial arts with all speed.”
Gu Qi had this idea long ago. Now that Tianheng took the initiative to bring this up, he promptly nodded his head: “This makes sense. Previously, Xiao Zuo already tested us. I have fire and wood attributes, and Zhao Ji has earth and metal attributes. While I have an affinity for fire, Zhao Ji has an affinity for metal. Tianheng, I heard from Xiao Zuo that your power of comprehension is extremely high, and that you’ve read countless martial disciplines. Since you’ve come out of seclusion, would you help us choose a discipline?”
Since Tianheng mentioned this, it was only natural that he had this intention. Nothing else had to be said. For the sake of his little pharmacist’s face, he also had to make suitable arrangements for Gu Qi and Zhao Ji so that they could get stronger and have the capital to stand tall.
He wouldn’t pass on his responsibilities to others: “If Uncle Gu says it this way, this nephew certainly won’t refuse. At the present time, there are two ways. The first is that I’ll go and fetch two complete sets of martial disciplines. You two will study from the human level. As your realms rise, the martial disciplines will be switched in succession. At that time, the lowest achievement will be the earth level. The second way is a school of martial disciplines that I have just comprehended. It’s just that they’re still very simple and crude right now. Moreover, my qi oceans are special. If it’s these two uncles, I’m afraid that each of you will only be able to practice one of them.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Qi realized that Tianheng had great confidence in his own comprehended martial disciplines. One ought to know that the first method he offered was one that would ultimately lead straight to the earth level. In terms of the two choices he brought out, wouldn’t it mean Tianheng believed that, even though the martial disciplines he had right now were only embryonic forms, he felt they were comparable to earth-level martial disciplines?
If it was like this, then choosing would be a bit difficult.
With the first method, because countless people have tested it before, they were certainly capable of smoothly cultivating to that level. As for the second method, the risks were relatively large. However, considering Tianheng’s aptitude, so long as he didn’t perish halfway, these martial disciplines could possibly advance to the heaven level, or even higher &#k2014; But that was a matter for another time.
Which one should he choose: The stable earth level, or the heaven level that might not be possible?
Each had its strengths and weaknesses.
Tianheng also knew why Gu Qi was hesitant, so he said: “Actually, these two uncles might not necessarily be unable to study a compatible school of ordinary martial disciplines first. Once your strength is higher, this nephew will think of a way to get two slots for inner sect disciples. At that time, based on what these two uncles are good at, you can select and practice the derivative martial disciplines of the sect’s ten heaven-level ultimate knowledges. After some progress, it will be deepened accordingly until you finally learn the heaven-level ultimate knowledge. This path should be the most dependable.
“It’s just that when the aptitudes of these two uncles are at their most optimal, you won’t be able to study the finest martial disciplines. At equivalent realms, you might not be a match for those powerhouses. It’s somewhat regrettable.”
This third path appeared rather appropriate, and it seemed better than the first two methods. But when all was said and done, this world respected the strong. If the inner qualities of one’s body were restored to their optimal states, but they couldn’t get in touch with the most refined martial disciplines, the adverse effects were very far-reaching — Not only was it possible to be injured by a powerhouse when out adventuring, the development of a martial artist’s comprehension might be delayed. When accessing profound martial disciplines in the future, because one’s mind wasn’t fast enough, it would affect their ability to grasp ideas.
Though, there was nothing to be done about it. With Tianheng’s identity, it wouldn’t be a problem for him to bring them into the sect to receive training. There also wouldn’t be any issues letting his adherent households and forces into his manor to enjoy the resources he allocated. However, these were all his subordinates, not the sect’s subordinates. He wouldn’t have any choice but to allocate things from his own resources, and he wouldn’t be able to let them enjoy the treatment of sect disciples.
In other words, it was fine for Tianheng to teach the martial disciplines he obtained himself, but if he wanted to let these people study the martial disciplines of Ten Ultimates Sect’s Path Comprehending Pavilion, unless they were specially permitted, it was absolutely impossible. Once discovered, even Gongyi Tianheng wouldn’t be able to take responsibility.
Therefore, if Gu Qi and Zhao Ji wanted to learn the martial skills derived from those heaven-level ultimate knowledges, they needed to have the identities of inner sect disciples first. And this kind of status couldn’t be obtained with just a word.
Heaven-level ultimate knowledge was the foundation of Ten Ultimates Sect. Anyone who had the qualifications to study those things had to pass strict and rigorous selections!
When Gu Qi and Zhao Ji finished listening to everything Tianheng said, they were well aware of the situation.
After pondering for a short while, Gu Qi said: “I’ve heard that there’s a Sect Offering Academy in the periphery of Ten Ultimates Sect?”
Gu Zuo, who had been listening to the conversation of his big brother and dad the whole time, suddenly responded: “Dad, are you thinking about going to study at the Sect Offering Academy with father?”
Gu Qi nodded his head: “I’ve asked about the enrollment requirements of the Sect Offering Academy. Houtian Realm martial artists who want to enroll must be below ten years old to pass the first round of assessments. However, I’ve also heard that this is to ensure that the ages at which martial artists practice martial arts are the best. This is to avoid having no future prospects. Your father and I are ordinary people, but our physical ages are already maintained at five or six years old. If we use some connections, we can probably enroll?”
It was true that Tianheng didn’t have the authority to directly recruit them as inner sect disciples. However, if it was giving two placements in the Sect Offering Academy, it wouldn’t be a problem for two people, whose physical conditions reached the standard and whose mindsets were relatively mature, to enroll in the academy — After all, whether Gu Qi and Zhao Ji were able to enter the inner sect depended on their academic performances. If they did well enough, and they had a relationship with someone like Tianheng, why would Ten Ultimates Sect reject them?
Hence, Tianheng also nodded: “Uncle Gu’s way of thinking is proper. I’ll make the arrangements immediately. I’ll get two academy enrollment slots so these two uncles can enter the academy and learn martial arts.” He pondered for a little while, “That’s how it’ll be. I’ll pick a school of martial disciplines that can reach straight to the earth level for these two uncles. Cultivate these first, so that your comprehensions can be nurtured. In the future, once you become inner sect disciples, it won’t be too late to replace them with other derivative martial disciplines.”
Doing it like this was indeed the best way. It was because, although Tianheng had the utmost confidence in his own methods, it would be extremely difficult to successfully cultivate with those six schools of martial disciplines. Speaking of which, it wasn’t actually a good way to learn the basics... But after Gu Qi and Zhao Ji grew stronger, Tianheng’s martial disciplines would also be more comprehensive and well-developed. At that time, perhaps it would be an even better opportunity to impart his teachings.
As for those who truly suited the martial disciplines that Tianheng comprehended, apart from himself, it ought to have been the Tianlong Guards.
When he thought about the Tianlong Guards, Tianheng’s gaze faintly moved. However, he quickly snapped out of it, and gave several instructions to the concealed battle slave on the side. That battle slave immediately flashed out. The direction he travelled towards was precisely the Sect Offering Academy. What he needed to do was to acquire two placements.
Gu Qi heard how attentive and thorough Tianheng’s considerations were. It was only natural that he was grateful: “Tianheng, we’ve troubled you.”
Tianheng slightly shook his head, and said to Gu Qi: “It’s no trouble at all... Uncle Gu, it’s just that when you and Uncle Zhao are in the Sect Offering Academy, this nephew won’t be able to give any help.”
Gu Qi straightforwardly replied: “It isn’t necessary for you to do so much. Letting us get in is already a great help. It’s better to leave the rest to us old codgers. Otherwise, we’ll only end up holding you back in the future.”
Tianheng had this idea, too.
Although he said that he wouldn’t be able to give any help, how could it be possible that there truly would be no help? Even if he gave a single command, he could allow Gu Qi and Zhao Ji to pass effortlessly through the academy. Merely, since they were determined to choose this path, he wouldn’t rashly involve himself. That would’ve really caused trouble.
An individual’s ability was best obtained through personal cultivation.
Zhao Ji agreed with Gu Qi’s words unconditionally, so Gu Qi made up his mind.
The two quickly gained a school of martial disciplines, and cultivated painstakingly — At this time, even Zhao Ji, who always depended on Gu Qi, was able to clear his thoughts and focus on cultivation. Undoubtedly, even though there were still problems with his mind, for the sake of protecting his and Gu Qi’s safety, he knew that getting stronger was extremely important.
Soon, the battle slave returned with the placements. It was agreed that Gu Qi and Zhao Ji would be brought to the academy in the next few days.
According to Tianheng’s way of thinking, the two had to at least draw ambient qi into their bodies before they could be called martial artists. Only then would they have more weight to their words when they entered the academy.
Gu Qi had absolutely no objections. Currently, because Zhao Ji had a simple mind and strong willpower, he was able to smoothly absorb qi in less than four hours. Gu Qi was somewhat slower than him, but it also only took him about a day to succeed.
The two’s aptitudes weren’t bad. On the third day, they brought their placement letters, and proceeded to the Sect Offering Academy together.
Before they left, Gu Zuo got suitable inter-spatial tools for them, and placed large quantities of golden banknotes, spirit crystals, medicinal pills, and spirit weapons inside. Several sets of defensive inner armor were also prepared. Only then did he barely feel reassured.
Gu Qi and Zhao Ji, who had massive reserves prepared, enrolled into the Sect Offering Academy without a hitch, and started their journey of arduous cultivation at such “old” ages.
Following this, Tianheng stood at the edge of the cliff with his hands clasped behind his back. He turned around to face Gu Zuo, and said: “Ah Zuo, I want to make a round-trip to the Peripheral Continents, and welcome over my clan members. Would you be able to pilot the Void-Breaking Shuttle, and find the right direction?”
Gu Zuo was stunned.
He definitely didn’t expect big brother to tell him this...
However, after carefully thinking about it, this didn’t seem that strange?
Only, there was still a problem.
Gu Zuo was a bit hard-pressed: “Big brother, you know that my current strength is enough to pilot the shuttle. We also need to use other energies for replacement...”
Tianheng’s gaze was gentle as he spoke two words: “Spiritual source.”
Gu Zuo paused: “...Big brother’s idea is to use the spiritual source? But, that was saved up for big brother. It’ll be used for future breakthroughs. We can’t use it casually.”
The Void-Breaking Shuttle’s rank was high, and the grade of required energy was also high. Originally, it was said that using source crystals was the best option, but spiritual sources were much purer than source crystals. Of course, it was possible to make use of it.
When they were in the modern world, they could’ve used the spiritual source to travel through spacetime. It was just that, after asking the system, it directly gave a method to resolve the problem. For a short while, Gu Zuo didn’t think about the spiritual source that was still stored inside big brother’s bangle.
But even though Gu Zuo didn’t think of it, would Tianheng fail to consider such a thing?
Gu Zuo’s heart stirred, and he looked at Tianheng.
Tianheng saw the puzzlement on Gu Zuo’s face. He faintly nodded his head: “Because the spiritual source was stored within this elder brother’s spatial bangle, I had already thought about it at that time. However, since a method was provided by the system, it wouldn’t necessarily be without benefits to me...”
Gu Zuo: “...”
He understood in a split second.
Big brother purposefully wanted to use the power of chaos to temper his body from the start! And on the off-chance that there wasn’t enough energy during the journey, he could take out the spiritual source at that moment.
Gu Zuo suddenly felt a little speechless.
He couldn’t help thinking. Was the system aware that they had the spiritual source, and deliberately didn’t mention it? Or was it because the spiritual source wasn’t stored inside the Divine Medicine Palace Hall, and the system forgot?
Taking a second look, it wouldn’t be the latter, right?
Gu Zuo’s brows furrowed: “The spiritual source still shouldn’t be wasted. If worst comes to worst, I can look for more treasured crystals. As for the source sand, there’s also...”
His words subtly came to a halt.
That wasn’t right! He only had a couple grains of source sand remaining to act as souvenirs. What was there to use?!
Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo’s appearance, and couldn’t help walking over and hugging him: “Ah Zuo, don’t worry. Although the Void-Breaking Shuttle will use the spiritual source, the energy contained within it is extremely powerful. Just five hundred grams should be enough for a round-trip. Previously, we used up all those treasured crystals and source sand, but that’s because the Uninhabited Region is too far away from the Spirit-Martial Region. While the Central Continent and the Peripheral Continents are far apart, they’re still within the same world. It definitely won’t consume much. And this also won’t negatively affect my future cultivation.”
Gu Zuo leaned against his family’s big brother, and slowly collected his thoughts.
Yes. It was within the same world. If they used the spiritual source, there really wouldn’t be too much used up. Since it was like this, they could go and bring back big brother’s clan members, which would also be a load off his mind.
Tianheng kept holding Gu Zuo in his arms, and slowly said: “Now that this elder brother barely has some foundations, and has the protection of our master, the situation is considered stabilized. However, the members of my Gongyi Clan are still persistently struggling on the Peripheral Continents. Although they can enjoy the honor and glory of being the number one aristocratic family of the Cangyun Empire, that nation is too small in the end. The ambient qi is also very thin. If the Gongyi Clan develops in that place from beginning to end, how will they truly rise up? Of course, there also wouldn’t be any objections in ruling the roost in such remote places.
“Originally, this elder brother could’ve waited until he was stronger to usher them in, but the path of martial arts can only be slowly taken one step at a time. For the time being, there’s no need to discuss those seniors and elders, but the younger generations of the Gongyi Clan have even better prospects. They shouldn’t be overlooked or have their time wasted.”
Gu Zuo nodded: “Tianteng would’ve grown up a little, too. He should be at the right age to set the foundations and cultivate. After he’s brought over, with big brother’s personal tutelage, he’ll definitely be nurtured into a pillar of the Gongyi Clan. There’s also Tianyang and Mingxia. Mingxia will be okay with Senior Sect Brother Huang’s guidance, but Tianyang is somewhat inferior. Unfortunately, the girl he adores has a special constitution. We have to provide a better environment for him so that he can have more confidence...”
Tianheng listened as Gu Zuo started to ramble, and his heart warmed.
He knew full well that if it wasn’t for the incredible care his Ah Zuo had for him, how could Gu Zuo think of such meticulous considerations for his family members? The love that Ah Zuo held in his heart for him would be reciprocated by the love in his heart for Ah Zuo.
When traveling along the path of martial arts together, if the person he cherished couldn’t keep up with his footsteps, perhaps even falling in love wouldn’t make him completely happy. He, Gongyi Tianheng, was just this lucky. Although it had been a last bout of madness to gamble with his life back then, he could now hold Ah Zuo in his arms. They complemented each other, and helped one another.
While thinking these things, Tianheng couldn’t help lowering his head, and pressing against Gu Zuo’s lips.
Gu Zuo was in the middle of talking. Suddenly, he was kissed. His body promptly stiffened.
Kissed, kissed, and kissed again...
After that, Gu Zuo closed his eyes as he experienced this with his heart and soul.
In fact, he also like doing this with him.
Tianheng kissed even deeper this time than in the past. Lips crashed together, tongues entwined, and breaths were inseparable. Their breathing had quickened somewhat. Compared to every time before, this one was even more soft and tender. And compared to every time before, this one was even more invasive and domineering. It was precisely because of this gentle aggression that Gu Zuo was soon immersed in this kissing session. He was dizzy and heady. Before he knew it, he didn’t even know what day it was.
Though unaware of how long they had been kissing, Gu Zuo had some accomplishments in cultivation, and felt that breathing was a little difficult. Thus, he opened the pores all over his body to change the way of breathing.
When he made this switch, Tianheng took pause.
Immediately following this, Tianheng lifted his head. He couldn’t help hugging him tighter, and burying his head into the hollow of his shoulder with laughter. Tianheng’s chest lightly shook with an indescribable joy. It was rare for him to express his happiness without restraint.
Gu Zuo was exasperated.
Big brother, what are you laughing at? How can someone kiss and kiss, and suddenly laugh like this?!
Tianheng laughed for a good while. Then, he couldn’t help leaning his head over. He kissed the side of Gu Zuo’s neck, he kissed his face, he kissed the tip of his nose, and finally, he kissed his lips again.
He slowly calmed his breathing, and wore a smiling expression: “Ah Zuo is seriously...cute.”
Gu Zuo held his breath... Eh? He didn’t have any breaths to hold.
He recalled what he had just done, and was immediately flooded with embarrassment.
He suddenly felt that he didn’t have the face to meet others...
Tianheng looked at Gu Zuo’s distressed appearance, and laughed once more. It wasn’t until Gu Zuo’s blushing face was about to bleed and his eyes were stained with a glimmering layer of baffled anger that he calmed his state of mind and stopped teasing Gu Zuo.
Subsequently, he caressed Gu Zuo’s face: “Okay, Ah Zuo. Since we’ve decided to go back, we need to take care of some matters first.”
The first thing was to give instructions to Yu Cheng, who had already “sold his body”. While he stayed in the Sect Offering Academy, he would unobtrusively watch over Gu Qi and Zhao Ji.
The second thing was to make arrangements for matters after they departed. They also had to let the battle slaves build courtyards in a rather good, lower section of the manor to welcome the newcomers.
And the third thing was that they had to report this matter to their master, the Blood Transformation Palace Master, before leaving.
This time, they wouldn’t make him so worried.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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