Start getting stronger by modifying your breathing method

Chapter 513 Taoist Companion?

A fierce wind howled all around, and the scenery changed rapidly.

But Hu Qi keenly sensed that they had not left the world region of the main peak and were still within it.

In the blink of an eye, a magnificent palace came into view.

The layout of this palace is quite similar to that of Hu Qi's residence, but it has a more somber and imposing atmosphere.

The moment the two landed, as if sensing the presence of the newcomers, the side door of the palace opened with a heavy creak.

A maid dressed in a light green silk skirt stepped out gracefully, her clothes fluttering lightly, and the jade pendant at her waist made a crisp sound.

"Welcome to you, Lord Sect Master."

The maidservant gave a graceful bow, her voice as clear as a spring striking a rock.

Her gaze was calm when she looked up, clearly indicating that she had anticipated the visitor.

Zhang Huo remained expressionless, only nodding slightly.

Hu Qi followed closely behind, his gaze noticing the fresh snow clinging to the maid's shoes, leaving faint wet marks on the bluestone ground behind her.

You know, it's a sunny day right now.

The three of them walked through the winding corridors, the copper bells on the eaves trembling slightly in the cold wind.

The outside temperature was like springtime, but the further in you went, the colder the air seemed to get.

After several twists and turns, the view suddenly became clear.

A courtyard, draped in silver, stood quietly in the moonlight.

Unlike Hu Qi's residence, this place exudes elegance in every corner.

It was clearly arranged in a specific way.

The carved window lattice with plum branches leaning across the sky, the lake stones covered with a thin layer of frost, and the jade-like petals fluttering in the air.

Hu Qi opened his mouth, and the white breath he exhaled condensed into frost.

The snowflakes falling in the courtyard were actually real snowflakes.

You should know that it is clearly early morning outside.

There was absolutely no sign of snow.

But stepping into this place felt like instantly entering the cold winter night.

This situation is clearly a kind of domain-like power.

Seeing this, Zhang Huo smiled faintly and explained.

"Don't be surprised, this is just a basic ability of the Martial Saint realm. You will be able to do it when you break through to the Martial Saint realm in the future."

A Martial Saint can wield the power of the Holy Realm and influence the surrounding environment at will.

Of course, there are other ways to achieve similar results.

Whether it's setting up intricate arrays and rituals, or utilizing technologically advanced weather interferometers, it can all be achieved.

"Some special cultivation techniques have extremely strict requirements for the cultivation environment."

Some need to cultivate in the crater surrounded by scorching lava, while others must be in the midst of howling winds.

The 'Nine Tribulations of Heavenly Desolation Body' you practice is particularly special. Its essence lies in using battle to sustain battle and breaking through limits in life-and-death struggles.

Every life-or-death duel is the best opportunity for enlightenment in this skill.

at this time.

Ahead, under an old plum tree, the accumulated snow suddenly began to fall softly.

As the plum blossoms swayed in the breeze, a slender figure emerged from the snow.

The woman was about twenty years old, with a graceful figure like a slender bamboo. Her hair was styled into a bun and secured with a jade hairpin.

A plain blue robe covered her slender figure, the hem of which fluttered slightly in the wind, making her appear even more aloof and cold.

His face was as white as frost and snow, with a hint of aloofness between his brows and eyes, but the corners of his eyes were slightly upturned, adding a touch of sharpness.

While her appearance may not be considered stunningly beautiful, it is certainly excellent.

Behind her was a long silver spear wrapped in coarse cloth.

Occasionally, a glint of cold light would peek out from between the fabric of the spear tip.

As you walk, the gun sways gently with your steps, and the fabric rustles softly as it rubs against the ground.

A bright red gourd hung from her waist, its fiery red patterns like burning flames, standing out starkly against her plain clothes.

The gourd swayed gently with the movement, occasionally touching the gun handle and making a crisp 'ding' sound.

In a few steps, he stood in front of the two.

Looking at Zhang Huo, she lowered her gaze slightly.

With hands clasped in a fist and a deep bow, one can pay respects!
"Disciple Jiang Jiu greets Master!"

Hear the words.

Hu Qi's eyes flickered slightly.

He was familiar with the name Jiang Jiu.

Because there are two divine bodies inside Zongshi Mountain.

One of them is Jiang Jiu, who is the current Holy Maiden of Zongshi Mountain.

The awakened divine body is called the Phoenix Immortal Embryo Body, and its abilities are nothing short of heaven-defying.

In this world where martial arts are profound and mysterious, the Martial Saint Embryo, which ordinary martial artists must overcome countless hardships to condense, she was born with.

In short, upon awakening his divine body, he stepped into the realm of Martial Saint.

They are simply incomparable to ordinary people.

He has cultivated for less than two thousand years and has already reached the Martial Emperor realm.

He is only one step away from becoming a Martial God.

In terms of aptitude, he can be said to be number one in the entire Zongshi Mountain. Even the Holy Son is slightly inferior to him in terms of cultivation speed.

However, the opponent doesn't have a good reputation in Zongshi Mountain; he's notoriously warlike.

He was also known as a drunkard.

He tends to go crazy when he drinks.

At this moment, Jiang Jiu's gaze swept towards Hu Qi.

There was a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

"This must be Junior Brother Lü Yang, right?"

"Not bad!"

Zhang Huo spoke up to explain to Hu Qi.

"This is your senior sister, and also the Holy Maiden of Zongshi Mountain, Jiang Jiu."

"Greetings, Senior Sister Jiang!"

Hu Qi followed suit and bowed in greeting.

Jiang Jiu's eyes darted around as she carefully examined the person in front of her.

A slight smile appeared on her lips.

"Although his appearance is ordinary and his cultivation is average, his temperament is quite good."

She walked slowly forward, her skirt swaying gently, carrying a faint fragrance.

"Ordinary people either tremble with fear or fawn over me when they see me."

Speaking of it.

Suddenly, she reached out and took the mottled red lacquer gourd from her waist, tilted her head back and took a swig of strong liquor.

The amber-colored wine trickled down her slender white neck, spreading like transparent flowers on her plain blue dress.

The alcohol seeped into her eyes, turning her porcelain-white cheeks a begonia color.

She didn't care at all.

Looking at Hu Qi, she suddenly smiled.

"But you, you can remain completely unfazed in front of me."

This smile was like the thawing of an ice river, instantly transforming the previous imposing, frost-like aura into a gentle spring breeze.

However, the next sentence took a sudden turn!
"Remember this well, your senior sister's name is Jiang Jiu, and her cultivation is at the peak of the Martial Emperor realm."

From this day forward, I will be your Daoist partner. If you are ever bullied, just mention my name, and I will protect you!

The words fell.

A brief silence fell over the surroundings, broken only by the soft sound of snowflakes falling.

Hu Qi's expression froze.

He glanced at Zhang Huo on the side.

He hadn't expected that joining Zongshi Mountain would actually involve being assigned a Daoist partner.

However, such a trivial matter shouldn't disturb his meditation!
It seems they noticed this.

"Cough cough..."

Seeing this, Zhang Huo coughed twice.

Throughout history, there have been thousands of divine bodies, some of which are naturally compatible and mutually beneficial.

Just like the two energies of Yin and Yang, seemingly opposed, they are actually mutually generative and complementary.

Speaking of which.

He paused, looking at Hu Qi and Jiang Jiu beside him.

"Among these, the Desolate Heaven Overlord Body and the Phoenix Immortal Dao Embryo Body are a perfect match."

If the two can be combined, with both strength and gentleness in harmony, it will greatly benefit each other's spiritual practice.

It can be said that they are a match made in heaven, truly blessed by the Great Dao; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them destined Daoist partners.

Say it.

Zhang Huo continued.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. You two should get along well!"

Before the two could answer, Zhang Huo vanished in a flash.

Only two people remained here.

"Come here, sit down and let's have a good talk!"

At this time.

Jiang Jiu sat down at the stone table in the wooden pavilion next to her.

His expression returned to its previous cold and aloof state.

Hu Qi's eyes flickered, as if he had thought of something.

Instead of refusing, she walked over and sat down opposite Jiang Jiu.

"Junior Brother Lü Yang, do you like me?"

Jiang Jiu asked directly.

Hu Qi paused for a moment, then smiled somewhat awkwardly.

"Well, Senior Sister is exceptionally talented and so beautiful. All the male disciples in the sect admire her. But we only met today. Isn't it a bit too hasty and lacks a foundation of affection?"

"Why should we martial artists be bound by worldly etiquette and rules?"

Jiang Jiu remained calm.

"As for feelings, affection will naturally arise over time."

At this point, she continued.

"Moreover, although we have been designated as Daoist partners by the sect, we must wait until your cultivation level is comparable to mine before we can officially become Daoist partners."

Before this, the practice of dual cultivation is strictly forbidden.

Jiang Jiu gazed at Hu Qi with eyes as clear as water.

"This is for your own good. Although you and I are blessed with complementary divine bodies, a match made in heaven, our cultivation levels are too different. Forcing us to cultivate together will only damage your foundation."

In this regard.

Hu Qi naturally had no objections.

Just say.

"Don't worry, Senior Sister, Junior Brother will definitely work hard in his cultivation!"

Hearing what Hu Qi said, and seeing the other party's serious expression, they realized that Hu Qi was very serious.

Jiang Jiu nodded in satisfaction.

"If you can break through to the Martial Emperor realm within 1,300 years, you might be able to enter the Azure Lotus Realm. This would be an incredible opportunity for you!"

"I wonder what the Pure Lotus Realm that Senior Sister is talking about is?"

Upon hearing this, Hu Qi's usually calm and unperturbed mind finally stirred with some interest.

"The Azure Lotus Realm is rumored to be related to the Dao Lord of the Black Disc Star System, and it only opens once every ten thousand years. There are still thirteen hundred years until the next opening."

Jiang Jiu explained softly.

"Is it related to the Dao Lord?"

A glint flashed in Hu Qi's eyes, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

"Could Senior Sister tell Junior Brother about the deeds of this Dao Lord?"

"My knowledge is limited; it's just some hearsay. Since you're interested, Junior Brother, I might as well tell you."

Jiang Jiu said.

The two then engaged in a lively question-and-answer session, chatting happily.

Hu Qi gradually realized that although Jiang Jiu had cultivated for a thousand years, her mind was still as pure and flawless as a young girl's due to her years of seclusion and cultivation.

In contrast, Hu Qi, though not much older than the other party in terms of age, had experienced the ups and downs of countless worlds and absorbed the memories of many living beings, which made him understand people's hearts very well.

He subtly guided the conversation, sometimes retreating to advance, sometimes feigning indifference, weaving the dialogue into a carefully orchestrated game of chess.

Jiang Jiu was completely unaware of this; she only felt that this junior brother Lü Yang was knowledgeable, eloquent, and that every word he uttered resonated with her.

The two surprisingly shared some common interests and hobbies.

As for Hu Qi, he also learned some rumors about this Daoist Master from it.

The veracity of these legends is unverifiable.

As for the relationship between the Azure Lotus Realm and it.

It is said that it was transformed from its companion artifact, which contains the inheritance of that Dao Lord.

……

Time passed, and half a month went by.

During this period, Jiang Jiu would come to Hu Qi for long talks almost every day.

According to her, the two of them were developing feelings for each other.

We talked about this for a few days.

After Hu Qi realized that he could not get any useful information from him.

Using the excuse of needing to cultivate, they refused to let him in.

...

Soon, the day of the apprentice-acceptance ceremony arrived.

The world where the main peak is located.

The Primordial Heavenly Palace floats in the center, with nine star rivers descending from the endless void, transforming into countless dazzling rays of light that surround this magnificent palace, comparable to the stars.

Above the sky, the sun and moon shine together, and billions of stars revolve.

Inside the main hall, clouds and mist swirled, and celestial radiance rose.

Nine towering dragon pillars support the vast dome, and the dragons coiled around the pillars are not mere decorations, but ancient dragon souls suppressed by supreme power.

Between the opening and closing of the dragon's eyes, it seemed as if stars were being born and dying; the dragon's might was vast and awe-inspiring, shaking all living beings.

At the end of the main hall, atop the nine jade steps, Zhang Huo, the sect leader of Zongshi Mountain, sat in the frontmost seat.

On both sides of the hall, figures sat upright, each exuding an aura as deep and boundless as the sea.

These are the masters of the various peaks of Zongshi Mountain.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on a figure on one side.

"This must be my junior disciple Lü Yang. He truly is a handsome and talented man!"

"I wonder if Junior Nephew Lü Yang is married? I happen to have a granddaughter..."

"Alright, old ghost Yang, you still have the nerve to talk about your granddaughter's looks? Why don't you come to my Hundred Flowers Peak? Every disciple there is a peerless beauty!"

"I see that my junior nephew has already broken through to the Martial King realm at such a young age. I have a strand of Taixu Qingming Qi here, which can help you increase the chances of condensing a perfect Martial Core when you break through to the Martial Emperor realm..."

The voices of the peak masters echoed throughout the hall.

He treated Hu Qi with kindness and friendliness, without any airs whatsoever.

They even gave away various rare and precious natural treasures.

After all, as a divine being, the other party will soon reach the same level as them, or even surpass them.

Befriending them now will bring you favor from an invincible Martial Emperor or even a Martial God of the same rank in the future. Why not?

……

The apprenticeship ceremony, to put it bluntly...

It's about publicizing Hu Qi's identity; it can be seen as a ritual to make him more recognizable.

In this regard.

Hu Qi remained smiling throughout, sitting to one side.

After a grand apprenticeship ceremony.

In addition to the gifts from the various peak masters, there were also congratulatory gifts from the Three Thousand Dao Domains and other forces.

There were so many top-tier natural treasures that ordinary martial artists rarely saw or even heard of that they couldn't all be contained.

……

After the apprenticeship ceremony.

Return to your place of residence.

Hu Qi then announced that he was going into seclusion and declined any visits from anyone.

Of course, seclusion is just an excuse.

It doesn't take that long to improve your strength.

Doing this was secondary; avoiding Jiang Jiu's harassment was the main reason.

Most importantly, he has other things to do.

Think about this.

He closed his eyes.

next second.

Within his body, within Lü Yang's soul.

Within a secluded mental space.

It was pitch black all around, and not a single beam of white light shone down.

Under the beam of light.

Hu Qi sat cross-legged.

He stretched out his right hand, palm open, and a ball of purple light appeared within it, before finally fading away.

It transformed into a purple book.

This is the very essence of the Reincarnation Bookstore: 'Book Recording'.

It was a Dao artifact crafted by the Dao Master of the Heavenly Evolution.

It has rules for selecting readers to send messages, issuing tasks, and enhancing exchanges.

As Hu Qi gradually adapts to the laws here, he can naturally also use them in the Origin Realm.

However, it will still be subject to some limitations.

A wisp of divine soul power spread across it.

For an instant.

Hu Qi's consciousness was constantly elevated.

A vast star field appeared in his mind, a scene that Hu Qi was no stranger to.

Because this is the Silver Ring Starfield where he is currently located.

This also means that, under the current circumstances, the Reincarnation Bookstore's capabilities can only extend to this one star region.

As for going any further, that's impossible.

This is a far cry from the power of the previous Reincarnation Bookstore.

This is why this situation occurs.

Previously, within the Sea of ​​Sumeru, the power of the rules belonged to the 'Record Book'.

Within this Origin Realm, there are even more powerful laws that constrain it.

The results are naturally different.

of course.

And the most important point is...

Although Hu Qi currently has the authority to 'record' the book.

However, it cannot truly unleash its power.

As a Dao artifact, only the Dao Lord can fully unleash its power.

However, Hu Qi was not without other options.

Think about this.

He opened his right palm, and a black banner appeared out of thin air, its dark surface moving without wind.

(End of this chapter)