Promise!

Chapter 255, Slaying the Corpse

hum!
Zhuang Jin reached the peak of the third level of the Innate Qi Realm, and then broke through the bottleneck of the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm. A bright dark silver light appeared between his eyebrows.

At this moment, he sensed an invisible force extending outwards, replacing his eyes and allowing him to truly 'see' this world like never before: the various attributes and subtle colors of the天地元气 (heaven and earth energy) within the room...

This is precisely the spiritual power manifested outwards from the soul.

At the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, one has made initial contact with the Divine Fusion with Heaven and Earth. This 'divine' does not refer to the direct divine soul, which can only be achieved at the Yin God Realm. Currently, it is merely the spiritual power manifested by the divine soul.

In this respect, the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm is somewhat similar to the Fetal Breathing Realm in the Great Realm of Breath Accumulation, both being transitional stages from one great realm to another!
Previously, Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang had studied the Yin-Yang Union Technique together and had come into contact with spiritual power. However, that was an extremely high-level secret technique from the immortal ruins. In the eyes of that immortal, it could be used as a trump card to cheat. Under normal circumstances, before the Innate Corpse Severing Realm, a martial artist's spiritual power is difficult to manifest.

Another point is that the manifestation of spiritual power under those special circumstances is limited to the practice of secret techniques. One knows how but not why. It is difficult to do at other times and cannot be used for other purposes.

However, it was precisely because of his experience in practicing secret techniques that he was able to quickly become familiar with and master them.

'Quiet your mind and concentrate your thoughts, observing the minute details of the human body.'

Zhuang Jin adapted instantly, using his spiritual power to observe himself internally, examining his skin, blood vessels, internal organs, and even the smallest, most subtle parts of his body. He 'saw' three things—blue, white, and red—that resembled insects, like a leech clinging to the bone, emitting a faint black aura, and drawing upon his own essence.

Without needing confirmation, one's own intuition immediately senses that this is the Three Corpse Worms, and this in turn transmits an instinctive feeling of disgust.

'Of the three corpse worms, first slay the upper corpse worm, the green worm! Slay it!'

With a thought, he concentrated his spiritual power, fused it with his martial will, and transformed it into a sword of divine intent, which he then slashed down.

Wow!
This sword strike contained neither too much nor too little power. The green worm shattered instantly, turning into black mist and dissipating, yet it did not harm the body—it was just right.

This step went extremely smoothly, without any setbacks or repetitions.

After slaying the corpse worms and green worms, Zhuang Jin felt an indescribable lightness in his heart, as if a shackle had been removed. His body immediately sensed and changed, as if a shackle had been broken, and began to greedily absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth like a black hole.

hum!
At this moment, the Holy Spirit Pearl, which was connected to Zhuang Jin's mind, flew out and hovered behind his head with a thought. The pure ice attribute energy of the Xuanbing Marrow that he had absorbed in the ice lake of the underground cave was released and transformed into spiral purple light strands that spun down and continuously gathered into his body.

—For the sake of secrecy, Zhuang Jin did not choose to go to the Star-Picking Tower. Instead, he used the Holy Spirit Pearl to store energy for his breakthrough. Having absorbed all the Xuanbing Marrow energy from the underground ice lake and the cave of the immortal ruins, he was now rich and powerful and did not care about this. The consumption during the breakthrough was not a drop in the ocean, but it was really nothing.

In addition, the energy in the Holy Spirit Pearl can also make the Qi Yuan after the breakthrough one or two parts purer.

After slaying the green worms, the body undergoes a transformation. The innate qi in the dantian, which had previously reached a dead end, begins to leap forward once again. During this process, spiritual power intervenes, making the crystallized innate qi pure and clean, as if it were radiating a bright light.

At this point, the innate qi has been transformed into a higher level of energy—innate qi essence!
A full half hour later.

Swish!
The dark silver light between Zhuang Jin's brows disappeared. The moment he opened his eyes, the dissipated spiritual energy transformed into a storm, causing a buzzing sound in the quiet room that lingered for a long time.

……

"The Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm has been achieved!"

Zhuang Jin spoke softly, then rose gracefully. Her skin was rosy and radiant, seemingly enveloped in a hazy glow, and her breath carried a natural, refreshing quality.

This is precisely the effect of eliminating one of the three corpse worms, the green worm.

'From then on, until I die peacefully in my sleep, my face will remain forever young, my skin will never wrinkle, and my teeth will never fall out.'

He nodded slightly, sensing that the innate qi within his body had been completely transformed into innate qi essence. This purple, materialized energy seemed to radiate a faint, gentle, and bright light, filled with an indescribable purity and cleanliness.

'The biggest difference between Innate罡元 (Qi) and Innate罡气 (Qi) is that the latter incorporates spiritual power, making it far more readily available, as easy as controlling an limb, and allowing for effortless mastery.'

"Now, with my Meridian-Severing Divine Sword and Myriad Swords Returning to One, the combined sword energy can cover all the major acupoints on an enemy's body. This move can be considered the nemesis of beasts at the Blood Exchange Realm."

The Blood Transformation Realm of a Beast is roughly equivalent to the Corpse-Slaying Realm of a Martial Artist. Three blood transformations correspond to the severing of the three corpses. Like a Martial Artist, the Blood Transformation Realm is also a transformation and transitional stage for a Beast towards the higher Vajra Realm. In this realm, the Beast will exhibit some of the characteristics of a Vajra Realm Beast. Under the influence of supernatural power, its entire body becomes incomparably solid, like metal.

However, without reaching the Vajra Realm, one is still far inferior and will have a 'weak point'. The strength of a weak point is relative. For martial artists below the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, even if they discover a 'weak point', it is difficult to break through. But for martial artists of the same realm, it is a flaw.

For example, Zhuang Jin's combination of the Meridian-Severing Divine Sword and the Myriad Swords Returning to the Origin, which simultaneously attacks acupoints all over the body, is absolutely the nemesis of beasts of the same realm.

"Oh, I possess the ultimate attribute, allowing me to fight across realms. A beast of the same realm that has undergone a single blood exchange can be easily killed without even finding its weakness. As for beasts that have undergone a second blood exchange... well, never mind. Perhaps we should talk about martial artists who have severed their two corpses; they should still possess some self-defense capabilities."

Thinking of this, Zhuang Jin took out the upgraded version of the Ice Soul Divine Sword. This sword was forged when he was at the third level of the Innate Qi Realm. He had broken through too quickly, and the current version was slightly outdated.

His experiments revealed that when Shen Tu Biao was at the third level of the Innate Qi Realm, he could use five over-limit bursts after optimization, but now that he has broken through to the Innate Corpse Slaying Realm, he can only use it once.

"However, once is enough. Now, with my current level of the Innate Corpse-Severing Realm, having severed one corpse, combined with the upgraded Ice Soul Divine Sword, using the One Sword Returns to Origin technique, I can severely injure, or even kill, a martial artist who has severed two corpses."

Returning to the topic of spiritual power, it's not just about merging with innate qi to advance to innate qi essence; its uses are boundless.

"Internally, introspection allows martial artists to have a keen sense of their own subtle conditions, like seeing the lines on their palm. If there is any minor damage, they can seize the opportunity to repair and restore it, maintaining their physical integrity and thus climbing to higher realms."

'And outwards?'

Zhuang Jin closed his eyes, extending his spiritual power outwards, like tentacles merging into the environment. This was another sign of the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm—divine fusion with heaven and earth, instantly forming a metaphysical and mysterious 'momentum'.

The so-called 'momentum' is actually a unique energy field formed by the influence of the surrounding environment after a martial artist in the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm merges with heaven and earth.

With the support of 'momentum', the power of a martial artist's moves will be greatly enhanced; while if the opponent is below the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm and has a slightly weaker martial will, their mind will be vulnerable, they will be afraid before the battle even begins, and their combat power will be greatly weakened.

'In battles between those at the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, the clash and struggle for power will undoubtedly be a crucial part.'

Zhuang Jin understood immediately and muttered to himself, "Speaking of which,"

He recalled the secret technique given to him by Shangguan Yunchang on the day he cleaned up the round table meeting. Now that he had broken through to the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, he figured he could use it. He summoned the Holy Spirit Pearl and began to try it out.

hum!
Under his control, within the Holy Spirit Pearl, a lifelike ice phoenix formed from terrifyingly pure ice-attribute energy circled and flapped its wings, exhaling streams of purple energy. In the blink of an eye, it condensed in front of Zhuang Jin, according to his thoughts, into a purple energy shield with a diamond-like structure.

Now Zhuang Jin understood why Ming Guangxie had used this secret technique on the Wind Spirit Pearl, instead of condensing it into a spherical energy shield like innate qi, but simply making it a shield.

The other party, like him at this moment, is not unwilling, but simply unable to do so.

"Innate Qi is one's own, flowing freely and effortlessly. The energy within spirit pearls, whether it's the Wind Spirit Pearl or the Holy Spirit Pearl, is external, ultimately separated by a layer."

Just as a person encountering danger can use a shield to block one direction, but cannot use many shields to completely protect themselves like a sphere.

'However, the one-sided protection formed by the Holy Spirit Pearl is quite remarkable. According to my estimation, even a strike from a martial artist at the Innate Corpse-Severing Realm who has severed two or even three corpses would struggle to break through it.'

Unlike Ming Guangxie who used the Wind Spirit Orb, Zhuang Jin did not completely connect the energy shield she formed with the Holy Spirit Orb, so that if one was damaged, the other would be damaged as well.

This is because the Holy Spirit Pearl contains terrifying ice-attribute energy. If that were to happen, it would be easy to accidentally blow it up, which would be awkward. Regardless of the enemy, the first one to be killed would definitely be him, making it a mutually destructive move.

"Speaking of which, in Cangzhou City, among the three great families of Shangguan, Cen, and Ge, each family has only three or four Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm martial artists. Those outside the three great families have even fewer, each one exceptional. Now that I have broken through, I can be considered to have entered the top ranks of Cangzhou City."

"If I also consider my ultimate ice attribute, the upgraded Ice Soul Divine Sword - One Sword Returns to Origin, and the Holy Spirit Pearl shield, even if I can't defeat a Yin God, I still have the ability to protect myself. Self-destructing the Holy Spirit Pearl is something even Yin God warriors would have to be wary of. Only now do I feel somewhat safe!"

Zhuang Jin nodded slightly, thinking about what to do next.

'Within the icy lake of the underground cave, I obtained the complete Black Fiend Technique. I needn't worry about the technique itself, and I'm no longer bound by the Suspended Heaven Division.'

Regarding cultivation resources, once you reach the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, it's best to switch to a high-grade Black Yuan Pill made primarily of Black Jade Grass that's over two hundred years old. This is a bit troublesome, but you can use a mid-grade Black Yuan Pill for now, and absorb the energy stored in the Holy Spirit Pearl to make up the difference.

'This is indeed somewhat wasteful, even bordering on a squandering of resources, but compared to immediately attracting the attention of the Suspended Heaven Bureau and the three great families, it's better to delay as much as possible.'

Unlike other innate corpse-slaying martial artists, Zhuang Jin had a plan to marry into the Shangguan family to avoid the suppression of the Suspended Heaven Division. However, the relationship between aristocratic families was not harmonious. As long as they could hide, they naturally did not want to stand out and planned to wait until there was no way to avoid it.

Just then, after breaking through to the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, his spirit merged with heaven and earth, and his spiritual power manifested outwards, making the Holy Spirit Pearl's concealment ability three times stronger. It would not actively expose itself, or arouse vigilance or suspicion, and would be even more difficult for Yin God Martial Artists and Suspended Heaven Realm cultivators to detect.

'However, the marriage can be postponed, but we should inform Shangguan Yunchang about the breakthrough in due course, to avoid any lingering resentment.'

……

Emerging from the secluded meditation room, I found the snow falling even harder outside. Snowflakes, like goose feathers and reed catkins, swirled and danced, blanketing the world in a vast expanse of white.

Zhuang Jin subconsciously merged with the heavens and earth, his spiritual power enveloping everything around him. With keen observation, he 'saw' the diverse shapes of snowflakes—some star-shaped, some tree-branch-shaped, some hexagonal flakes—and the traces of ice-attribute heaven and earth energy within their composition; beneath the ground, hidden in the soil, were the delicate textures of withered grass roots, and the dormant wood-attribute heaven and earth energy within them…

All of this is like taking off thick glasses after wearing them for a while, and seeing the true nature of the world clearly. It is a huge change equivalent to the awakening of martial arts intuition at the Meridian Opening Realm.

“Mr. Zhuang!” Ji Tongxiu came over, and under a gaze that seemed to see right through him.

"Ok!"

Zhuang Jin nodded slightly, and after scanning her body, he discovered the subtle damage to Ji Tongxiu's meridians caused by taking the breakthrough pill. That's why, despite her current Eight Meridians Fetal Breathing Realm, she would be fine if she didn't try to break through to the Innate Realm, but if she did, she would surely die.

Ji Tongxiu suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and got down to business: "There are a few things I need your help with, sir. Mu Bai and Xiu Xian's child will be one month old the day after tomorrow. They want you to come over and say thank you for your understanding that day..."

Zhuang Jin thought of her brother-in-law, who had come to the city with her, from a naive and sycophantic boy to someone who had been toughened up and matured, from struggling with his marriage to accepting it and now living a happy life. A few ripples appeared in her heart: "There's no need for you to go. If I go, they'll all feel uncomfortable. You can give them a gift for me!"

Ji Tongxiu nodded slightly and continued, "My younger sister, Tongyi, married into the Hong family. She returned home to visit relatives the other day and mentioned that Venerable Hong Baoshu intervened to protect a member of the collateral branch of the Li family, ensuring that Venerable Li Tingguan could continue the family line..."

The Suspended Heaven Division doesn't care if someone doesn't reach the Innate Realm, but it also won't cause trouble for itself. If there were no Innate Realm martial artists intervening, the Li family, to which Li Tingguan belongs, would definitely wipe them out completely, leaving no one alive.

If Hong Baoshu, who was in the small circle of the Innate True Qi Realm, had interfered like this, it might have been noted by the Suspended Heaven Division. But Zhuang Jin is different; such a trivial matter can be resolved with just a word.

Zhuang Jin recalled how Li Tingguan had introduced him to the circle. Although it was a transaction with Hong Baoshu, there was still a bond of kinship between them. Also, during the incident at the underground cave and ice lake, Ming Guanglie had helped, and the other party had also contributed. He was not a heartless person after all, and as long as it did not affect himself, he would not mind lending a hand: "Please also deliver a gift for me!"

That's enough to show our stance.

"Ning Tongxuan of the Ning family will be married next month..."

Ning Tongxuan failed to break through to the Innate Realm in the past. To repay his family, he worked hard every day. Later, because of Zhuang Jin, his situation improved a lot. However, the Ning family probably forced him to marry and have children so that he could continue this relationship.

Speaking only of Ning Tongxuan himself, he accepted his fate in this life, but he did not want to have descendants to repeat his path. However, due to pressure from his family, he had to do some things that he did not want to do.

Back then, Teng Yuansong hid in a county town and refused to return. This was because he was filled with despair at the involution of the prefecture and wanted to escape this suffocating place.

As Zhuang Jin listened to these things, reflecting on the changes in the world and people's hearts, he felt a surge of emotion. His spiritual power became more intense and active under the slight stimulation, showing signs of growth. He realized that this was the essence of the so-called tempering of the heart in the mortal world.

……

Zhuang Jin stayed indoors, focusing on familiarizing himself with and solidifying his Corpse-Slaying Realm. A few days later, Qin Douzhan came over and told him some news that surprised him quite a bit.

……

(End of this chapter)