I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

"Ah."

Jiang Wang nodded, his tone indifferent, "Just a fluke."

"Let's go back to the inn first; I need to rest."

The two nodded quickly, helped Jiang Wang up, and flew towards the post station.

At this time, the other challengers also emerged from the Secret Realm Tower one after another, most of them looking dejected, clearly having failed in their challenge.

Hong Ling, Ao Bing, and Jin Chanzi also emerged. Hong Ling and Ao Bing both made it to the third level but were defeated by Shi Ji. Jin Chanzi made it to the fourth level but was repelled by the tower guardian. However, he remained calm, clearly having anticipated this.

Seeing Jiang Wang being helped back by Tu Jian and Tu Qiang, Hong Ling's eyes flashed with surprise, then she stepped forward with a hint of arrogance: "Hey, you've also made it to the third level? Judging from your appearance, you must have been badly beaten by Lady Shiji, right?"

In her view, Jiang Wang was only at the first level of the Strength Saint realm, and even if he could break through to the third level, he would inevitably suffer a crushing defeat.

Jiang Wang glanced at her indifferently, said nothing, and walked straight into the post station.

Hong Ling was so angry that she gritted her teeth and wanted to lash out, but Ao Bing stopped her.

Ao Bing shook his head and said, "Don't be impulsive. He must have something special to make it to the third level, and judging from his appearance, it doesn't seem like he suffered a crushing defeat."

He had just sensed the terrifying power fluctuations emanating from the third level of the Secret Realm Tower. Clearly, the battle there was extremely fierce, and it was already quite remarkable that Jiang Wang had survived.

Jin Chanzi watched Jiang Wang's retreating figure, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. He smiled, shook his head, and followed him into the post station.

Back in his room at the inn, Jiang Wang sat cross-legged and began circulating his internal energy to digest the medicinal power of the Blood Dragon Fruit while repairing his remaining minor injuries.

The blood dragon fruit was extremely potent, not only repairing his injuries but also continuously nourishing his body and enhancing his cultivation.

Three days later, Jiang Wang slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.

His cultivation has successfully broken through to the peak of the first level of the Saint of Strength, and his physical strength has also reached a new level, only one step away from the perfection of the Innate Treasure.

"Young Master, you're awake?"

Hearing the commotion, Tu Jian and Tu Qiang immediately came in, their faces beaming with joy. "Your cultivation has broken through?"

"Yes, I've broken through to the peak of the first level."

Jiang Wang nodded, stood up, and stretched his limbs. A crackling sound came from within his body, filled with power.

"Great!"

Tu Jian and Tu Qiang were overjoyed. "Young Master, with your current strength, you could easily defeat even a cultivator at the peak of the second level of the Strength Saint realm, right?"

Jiang Wang smiled faintly: "More or less."

By the way, what's the situation outside? Are people still challenging the Secret Tower?

Tu Jian said, "No, apart from you and Daoist Jin Chanzi, all the other challengers failed this time. Many have already left. Princess Hongling and Prince Ao Bing are still at the post station, seemingly waiting for you."

"Waiting for me?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. "What do they want with me?"

Tu Qiang said, "We inquired and it seems that Princess Hongling wants to have a match with you to see just how strong you are."

Prince Ao Bing wishes to invite you to visit the East Sea, saying that the East Sea Dragon Palace possesses many rare and precious treasures that might help you improve your cultivation.

Jiang Wang nodded slightly and said, "I understand."

Go tell them that I don't have time to compete with them, nor do I have time to visit the East China Sea.

I plan to rest for two days before challenging the fourth level of the Secret Realm Tower.

"What?! Young Master, you're going to challenge the fourth level?"

Tu Jian and Tu Qiang's expressions changed. "The guardian of the fourth level is a cultivator at the first level of the Great Dao Saint realm! You are only at the peak of the first level of the Great Dao Saint realm, you are no match for him at all!"

"I have my measure."

Jiang Wang said firmly, "Although the guardian of the fourth floor is a first-level Great Dao Saint, I may still be able to fight him."

Moreover, the fourth level might very well hold a fragment of the "Nine Extremes Primordial Chaos Technique," I must give it a try.

Tu Jian and Tu Qiang wanted to persuade him further, but Jiang Wang stopped them with a single look.

Jiang Wang is a man of few words; once he makes a decision, he won't easily change it. He could only sigh helplessly, turn around, and go out to reply to Hong Ling and Ao Bing.

Before long, Tu Jian and Tu Qiang returned, their faces looking rather grim: "Young Master, Princess Hong Ling was furious after hearing what you said. She said you were arrogant and conceited, and that she would definitely teach you a lesson when you failed your challenge."

Crown Prince Ao Bing expressed his understanding and said that if you need help, you can contact him anytime.

Jiang Wang smiled faintly, not caring about Hong Ling's provocation.

All he wants to do now is rest as soon as possible and then challenge the fourth level of the Secret Realm Tower; nothing else matters.

Two days later, Jiang Wang had fully recovered to his peak condition. His physical strength was even stronger than before, and he could even faintly sense the aura of the Great Dao.

He got up and flew towards the Secret Realm Tower, while Tu Jian and Tu Qiang remained at the post station to wait.

Arriving at the foot of the Secret Realm Tower once again, the old man was still standing at the tower entrance.

Upon seeing Jiang Wang arrive, a hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes: "You still want to continue the challenge?"

"Yes, the fourth floor."

Jiang Wang handed over the token.

The old man took the token, confirmed it was correct, and nodded: "Entry permitted."

However, I must warn you, the guardian of the fourth level is a first-level Great Dao Saint. If you are no match for him, give up immediately and do not be reckless.

The old man spoke calmly, yet with a hint of goodwill in his words.

"Thank you for reminding me."

Jiang Wang nodded, turned around, and stepped into the secret tower.

After passing through the first three levels again, Jiang Wang successfully reached the fourth level.

The fourth-floor stone chamber was even more spacious than the third floor, resembling a starry sky. The walls were covered with star runes, the air was filled with a rich power of the Great Dao, and the ground was covered with ancient formations, exuding an aura of suppressing everything.

In the center of the stone chamber, an old man dressed in a golden Taoist robe stood quietly. The old man had a dignified face and deep eyes. He was surrounded by a rich power of the Great Dao. His cultivation had reached the mid-stage of the first level of the Great Dao Saint. He held a whisk in his hand, which exuded a faint immortal aura.

"The guardian of the fourth level is Venus, a mid-stage first-level Great Dao Saint."

A cold voice rang out. Venus looked up at Jiang Wang, his eyes filled with approval: "A peak first-level Saint of Strength, to be able to break through to the fourth level, your physical strength is rarely seen throughout history."

He was Venus, the planet of the Heavenly Court, and was ordered to guard the fourth level of the Secret Realm Tower. He had seen countless challengers, but he had never seen a Saint of Strength with such a powerful physical body.

Jiang Wang said, "Make your move. I want to pass the fourth level."

Venus smiled faintly: "Young man, you have guts."

However, the power of the Great Dao cannot be resisted by physical strength. If you give up now, I can spare you this time.

His tone was calm, without the slightest hint of disdain; he was simply stating the facts.

"Try it and you'll know."

Jiang Wang spoke firmly, his physical strength began to circulate, and a layer of dazzling golden light shone on the surface of his skin, the aura of an innate treasure permeating the entire area.

A hint of surprise flashed in Venus's eyes. He then slowly raised his hand, flicked his whisk, and a dense power of the Great Dao condensed, transforming into a white streak that swept towards Jiang Wang.

The ribbon contained terrifying power of the Great Dao, capable of easily tearing apart the physical body and suppressing the soul.

He could sense the terror of the power of the Great Dao, a power at a higher level than the power of physical strength, which posed a great threat to his physical body and soul.

He moved his feet and quickly dodged, while simultaneously raising his hand and striking the white ribbon with his palm.

With a muffled thud, the palm strike collided with the bolt of lightning. Jiang Wang felt a terrifying force surge into his body through his arm, impacting not only his physical body but also his soul.

He grunted, staggered back several steps, his face paled slightly, and his physical strength surged violently as he barely managed to block the attack.

"How was it? Did you feel the terror of the power of the Great Dao?"

Venus said calmly, "The power of the Great Dao can be used for both offense and defense, and it can also erode the soul. No matter how strong your physical body is, it cannot withstand the erosion of the power of the Great Dao."

Jiang Wang took a deep breath, and the power of his physical body circulated again, repairing his injuries and stabilizing his soul.

Taibai Jinxing was telling the truth; the power of the Great Dao is indeed at a higher level than the power of physical strength. To defeat Taibai Jinxing, one must find a way to break through the power of the Great Dao.

"Again!"

He pushed off with his feet and instantly appeared in front of Venus, raising his hand to strike Venus's head.

His palm strike contained a powerful physical force, and at the same time, his divine sense also erupted with all its might, attempting to interfere with Venus's soul.

Venus snorted coldly, waved his whisk, and once again unleashed a white streak. At the same time, a faint barrier of the Great Dao rose around him, blocking Jiang Wang's divine sense interference.

"A trivial skill."

Jiang Wang dodged the bolt of lightning once again, and at the same time circled around behind Venus, raising his hand to strike Venus's back.

Venus was prepared. He turned around and waved his whisk. The silk ribbons of the whisk were like steel needles, piercing towards Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang sidestepped, and at the same time raised his hand to grab the silk ribbon of the whisk, applying a little force.

With a "snap," he forcefully tore off the silk ribbon of the whisk.

A flash of anger crossed Venus's eyes. He unleashed all the power of the Great Dao within him, causing his aura to surge instantly. The star runes on the four walls lit up, radiating terrifying power.

"Since you don't know what's good for you, then I'll have no choice but to cripple you!"

He raised his hand and waved it, and countless white streaks of light swept towards Jiang Wang from all directions. The streaks of light contained a rich power of the Great Dao, forming a huge encirclement that trapped Jiang Wang inside.

At the same time, he chanted incantations, and the star runes on the four walls began to operate, forming a huge star array that suppressed Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang's eyes narrowed, and he activated all the physical power within his body. The golden light on his skin became even more intense, and the aura of a supreme innate treasure permeated the entire area.

He raised his hand and struck the bolt of lightning in front of him. At the same time, he exerted force with his feet and spun rapidly, creating a huge physical storm in an attempt to break through the encirclement.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Countless loud noises echoed as the bolts of lightning crashed against Jiang Wang's body, the power of the Great Dao relentlessly eroding his flesh and soul.

Jiang Wang felt excruciating pain all over his body, cracks began to appear in his flesh, and his soul also felt waves of stinging pain.

But he did not give up. He continued to rely on his strong willpower, channeling the power of his physical body to resist the power of the Great Dao.
The discussions in the sect leader's hall gradually subsided. Tu Siyuan's gaze swept over the elders below, and his tone was calm: "This matter concerns the future fortune of my One Heart Realm. The test must be done subtly. We must see his strength, but we must not damage his foundation."

As soon as he finished speaking, an elder dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes with a resolute face stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said loudly, "Sect Master, this subordinate is willing to go."

This man, named Tu Lie, is an elder in the Yixin Sect known for his physical strength. He is a Saint of the Third Heaven in Strength, and in terms of physical strength, he is second only to Tu Siyuan in the sect. It is most appropriate for him to test Jiang Wang.

Tu Siyuan nodded slightly: "Elder Tu Lie, please remember not to suppress others with your cultivation level. Only focus on physical combat to see how much he is really capable."

"Understood."

Tu Lie agreed, and with a swift movement, he transformed into a streak of black light, rushing straight out of the sect master's hall and heading towards the village where Jiang Wang was located.

At this moment, Jiang Wang was standing under the old locust tree at the entrance of the village, surrounded by a faint yellowish-brown halo, which was the essence of his body released when the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique was in operation.

Tu Ba stood to the side, his face full of worry. He would look up from time to time in the direction of the One Heart Realm and mutter to himself, "I hope that Si Yuan is reasonable and that Little Grandma can show some real skills so that the elders can rest assured."

Jiang Wang noticed his grandfather's anxiety and turned to smile, "Grandpa, don't worry. If Elder Tu Lie comes to test me, I will definitely not disappoint him."

"You knew it was Elder Tu Lie who came?"

Tu Ba was somewhat surprised.

"Within the Yixin Sect, when it comes to physical combat, apart from the sect leader Tu Siyuan, Elder Tu Lie has the most authority to speak on the matter."

Jiang Wang spoke calmly, his fingertips lightly tapping his palm, "If they want to test my strength, they will naturally send the person who understands physical strength best."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a whooshing sound came from the sky, and a black light arrived in an instant, landing in front of the two of them.

As Tu Lie landed, the bluestone slab beneath his feet instantly cracked with spiderweb-like patterns. His gaze sharpened as he looked Jiang Wang up and down, his tone scrutinizing: "Little Tu, the sect leader and elders all disapprove of your decision to venture into the Secret Realm Tower on the Auspicious Continent at this time. I've come today to see what gives you the confidence to act so recklessly."

Jiang Wang bowed slightly, his attitude respectful but not humble: "Elder Tu Lie, you are too kind. This junior is not being reckless, but I know that time waits for no one."

"If the elder wishes to test me, I will gladly oblige. However, I beg the elder to show mercy, as I need to conserve my strength for conquering the Secret Realm Tower."

"Quite the boast."

A hint of surprise flashed in Tu Lie's eyes, followed by a cold laugh. "I will grant your wish and only rely on physical strength, without using the power of laws. If you can withstand three of my punches without falling, I will plead for you in front of the sect leader and agree to lend you the teleportation array."

But if you can't handle it, you'll obediently go back and cultivate for another five hundred million years, how about that?"

Upon hearing this, Tu Ba quickly stepped forward: "Elder Tu Lie, Little Milk has only been a Daoist for a hundred million years. You are a Saint of Strength in the Third Heaven. Aren't these three punches a bit too harsh?" (End of this chapter)