Promise!

Chapter 266, Mystery of Longevity

"The Yangshen realm only lasts for three Jiazi (60 years) and has a lifespan of 180 years. Is that really so short?"

Zhuang Jin frowned. The strength and lifespan of these martial arts realms were simply exaggerated and mismatched: the Innate True Qi Realm was already unafraid of being surrounded and could fight an entire army by himself; the Yin God Realm even had a domain, and could mow down ordinary elite troops and military formations as if they were grass; the Yang God Realm, which was even higher, was described in the Yang God chapter of the Black Fiend Technique as being like a humanoid nuclear bomb, yet it only had such a lifespan.

In his previous life, he had heard the saying, "The path of immortality values ​​life, while the path of martial arts values ​​power." But even if the path of martial arts values ​​power, lifespan shouldn't be this short. After all, breakthroughs in major realms are often accompanied by leaps in life level. But now, he was directly blocked at this step.

All of this seems to be... a deliberate act.

Zhuang Jin noticed that the lifespan of martial artists at the Yang Shen and Yin Shen realms was limited by the "limitations of the environment" as Shangguan Yunchang had mentioned. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "If one breaks through to the Yin Shen realm or the higher Yang Shen realm, is it still not possible to artificially create an environment with extremely rich spiritual energy?"

"This is not a matter of the primordial energy of heaven and earth; no matter how high the concentration of primordial energy of heaven and earth is, it is still the same."

Shangguan Yunchang shook her head slightly and voiced Shangguan Jinfeng's guess: "The primordial energy of heaven and earth is a combination of spiritual energy, yin and yang, and the five elements. It seems that in an environment with a low concentration of spiritual energy, spiritual energy and the yin and yang and the five elements will combine on their own and there will be no free spiritual energy. If the spiritual energy is so rich that it exceeds a certain threshold, it should be able to exist independently and be used directly."

She wasn't sure about this statement either, using uncertain words like "seems" and "should".

“Eight hundred years ago, before that immortal arrived, the records of the aristocratic families were very few, just a few words. But what is certain is that at that time, although the concentration of spiritual energy in the Great Qian Nine Provinces was low, it was not as low as it is now, and there was no wandering spiritual energy. All the changes are related to that immortal eight hundred years ago.”

Shangguan Yunchang paused here, then continued, "The creation of martial arts techniques; the unique lands in each of the Nine Provinces; the changes in the environment... all happened eight hundred years ago. Taking eight hundred years ago as the dividing line, that upheaval, and the various actions of that immortal, laid the foundation for the current structure of the Great Qian Dynasty."

"Why did that immortal do this? How did that immortal manage to do it across the vast lands of the Nine Provinces? That immortal created the laws and left behind various relics, like a sage, did he really have no purpose?"

"These questions are so difficult that even the most powerful clans, let alone established families, might not be able to answer them."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Jin nodded slightly, and at that moment, many thoughts came to mind: the immortal relics left behind, containing cultivation techniques, secret methods, and treasures, prevented aristocratic families from monopolizing or blocking knowledge-related resources; the existence of the Nine Wonder Lands and the existence of large and small Yuan Qi tides prevented aristocratic families from blocking resources.

The strange beasts in the wondrous land must be consumed to maintain a dynamic balance, otherwise a terrifying beast tide will brew, which requires the presence of rogue martial artists.

The final environmental changes and lifespan of martial artists eliminated the possibility of a top martial artist directly dominating for hundreds or thousands of years, leaving a sliver of a gap for class solidification.

Admittedly, due to the different levels of martial arts, the difficulty of breaking through each level increases exponentially, and the difference in strength is enormous. Even so, a glimmer of possibility, a hope that is not a hope, remains, which is already rare.

Looking back now, these arrangements, each linked to the next, resemble a precise system and were clearly meticulously designed.

"Everyone has their own selfish desires. Take, for example, the few people I've encountered outside of aristocratic families who have reached the Corpse-Slaying Realm. To those below them, those at the True Qi Realm and罡气 Realm, they seem to have no desires or wants, but in reality, each of them harbors deep secrets. Whether it's Mai Yinghuang, who insisted on breaking through in public despite advice; Li Shicong from Yong'an in the capital; Ao Zhiqi, whose soul was damaged; Ge Zhaoqing; or Bian Zhihao from Hanzhou, who kept saying he hated risks—they all seem to be hiding something."

The immortal, after all, is still associated with the word "human," and Zhuang Jin doesn't believe that he has no ulterior motives.

However, we are still far from the pinnacle of martial arts within the opponent's framework. Thinking too much about it now is like worrying about nothing, useless and pointless.

……

In the following days, after Zhuang Jin, as the dean of Bailu Martial Academy, had initially taken control of the academy, he stopped.

While consolidating power may bring greater benefits, excessive concentration of power can also dampen the enthusiasm of subordinates, keeping them constantly busy.

The current balance is just right. It's both relaxed and leisurely, with ample time for cultivation, and it also provides enough resources for accumulating cultivation levels, as well as the "Nine Revolutions Golden Body Technique".

Zhuang Jin was carefree and relaxed. Apart from needing to be present every day, things were no different from before. But where you cultivate doesn't matter, so this little problem was nothing.

Time passed just like that, and more than ten days went by in the blink of an eye.

During this period, news of Mai Yinghuang's breakthrough to the Yin God realm in public had already spread throughout the state city, causing a sensation.

Such a thing is beneficial to Zhuang Jin, a martial artist at the Corpse Severing Realm, and can be considered an opportunity.
In the eyes of martial artists at the Qi Condensation Realm and True Qi Realm, it is also a grand event, embodying their own expectations, similar to a 'pilgrimage', which they cannot miss.

For martial artists below them, whose levels are too far apart, it's difficult to feel the reality of the situation, and they mostly just watch the spectacle.

Amidst great anticipation, the second day of the second lunar month of this year, the day the dragon raises its head, arrived.

……

On the second day of the second lunar month, known as "Dragon Raises Its Head," as mentioned before, there is a tradition of dragon boat racing on this day, which is held in five regions: east, south, west, north, and central.

The central area is the core, and the venue is Linghu, located between the Second and Third Ring Roads. The three major families take turns hosting the event, and this year it is the Shangguan family's turn.

Near this Spirit Lake, there are 108 unique Iceberry Trees. To ensure the safety of these trees and to maintain the local ecosystem, the area is not usually open to the public. Only on this day of the year are independent martial artists and ordinary people allowed to enter, making today extremely lively.

For the past six or seven years, Zhuang Jin had avoided encountering Yin Shen warriors, staying in the district on this day every year. This was the first time he had come to the central district.

Now his realm and status are different. He is a Xiantian Corpse-Slaying Realm cultivator, one of the top twenty or so people in Cangzhou City, as can be seen from the fruit platter in front of him.

Those at the Innate True Qi Realm, such as Cen Zhanshan, Hong Baoshu, Leng Kui, and Min Zhongmin, had fruits from second-old trees that ripened once a year on their plates. These fruits, about the size of peaches, emitted a purple-blue glow and had five leaves at the bottom. According to the one to three patterned Xuan Snake Tokens, there were one, two, and three fruits respectively.

Those at the Innate Qi Realm, such as Qin Douzhan and Xi Guiling, also had fruits from the second-oldest trees in front of them, which, according to the one- to three-patterned black python tokens, were four, five, and six respectively.

Zhuang Jin, being at the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm, is different. According to the Purple Serpent Tokens with one to three patterns, in addition to the seven, eight, or nine fruits from the second-oldest trees in front of him, he also happened to have one fruit from each of the old trees this year.

The fruit of this old iceberry tree blossoms once every five years, bears fruit once every five years, and matures once every five years. Each tree produces only seven fruits, each as large as a pomegranate, with seven leaves on each stem, radiating a purple-blue glow, and the primordial energy of heaven and earth swirling into mist above.

After consuming this fruit, there is a chance that one's innate spiritual light will be awakened. Although the probability is small, there are no side effects and it will not increase the difficulty of the last two stages of the three innate stages. It deserves to be called a 'rare treasure'.

Above the Innate Corpse-Slaying Realm are the heads of the three great families: Shangguan Jinfeng of the Shangguan family, Cen Chongxuan of the Cen family, Ge Daoqian of the Ge family, and Governor Xuanyuan Zhengji.

Only three people arrived today: Shangguan Jinfeng from the Shangguan family, Cen Chongxuan from the Cen family, and Governor Xuanyuan Zhengji. Ge Daoqian, the head of the Ge family, was said to be absent due to health reasons. In front of each of them were twelve fruits from secondary old trees and three fruits from old trees.

Zhuang Jin subconsciously glanced at the governor, Xuan Yuan Zhengji, besides the heads of the three major families.

This governor has a very low profile. When people talk about the top powers in Cangzhou, they usually mention the Suspended Heaven Division and the heads of the three major families. This person is often subconsciously overlooked.

Yet, the taxes of Cangzhou were paid in full every year, and individuals received their due benefits without fail. On the contrary, the core conflicts in Cangzhou City were between the Xuantian Division, aristocratic families, and independent martial artists. This governor and the state government seemed to be merely bystanders, hardly mentioned at all. 'A skilled warrior has no illustrious achievements; the more so, the more extraordinary he is!' he thought to himself, withdrawing his gaze.

……

Before the dragon boat race begins, this is also a platform for people to get to know each other and exchange ideas. Old acquaintances, such as Hong Baoshu, Min Zhongmin, and Qin Douzhan, bring their beloved juniors to visit. Zhuang Jin is also generous, and each of them presents a berry from a second-old tree.

He watched as these younger generation members were excited and grateful, bowing deeply to him. He felt a little complicated; he had unknowingly reached the position of a senior who was giving out red envelopes to others!
Another noteworthy point is that the old tree with seven-leaf stems and iceberries is now useless to Zhuang Jin. At most, he can only taste it. When he saw Ji Tongwei and Ge Mingzhi coming over, he originally planned to give it to them and share it with them.

Shangguan Yunchang stopped her and gave her own old tree with seven leaves and iceberries.

In fact, Ji Tongxiu accepted a favor on behalf of Ji Tongwei, and she lowered herself even more before Shangguan Yunchang. Zhuang Jin didn't say anything about these tricks and maneuvering between women.

In the dragon boat race here, each boat also has a warrior from the Hidden Dragon Ranking. This is the central region competition, and most of the top warriors on the Hidden Dragon Ranking are gathered here. The prize for first place is a seven-leaf iceberry from an old tree.

Just by looking at the prize, one can tell how precious the Seven-Leaf Ice Berry given by Shangguan Yunchang is. Those people on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, senior students who have already graduated from Bailu Martial Academy, went to great lengths, fiercely competed for the prize, and still had to rely on a bit of luck, while Ji Tongwei and Ge Mingzhi directly obtained it.

I wonder how many people noticed this scene, and they were filled with envy and jealousy, almost grinding their teeth in frustration: Ji Tongwei had a good older sister, and he relied on her power; but his feelings towards Ge Mingzhi were more complicated. She came from a prestigious family, was very talented, and had nothing to lack, yet she got more of what she already had.

However, these people quickly lost interest because the dragon boat race had started, with prizes to be won, and everyone was vying for it, making it extremely exciting.

Such events naturally involve betting. Martial artists and ordinary people watching, hoping for good luck, would place bets, and when the dragon boat race actually started, they would cheer for their supporters. As the drumbeats became more and more rapid, their voices would often become hoarse from shouting.

When the dragon boats that supported the bets rushed to the front, they cheered loudly, as if the louder the shouts, the faster the dragon boats would go; those that were lagging behind were not to be outdone and cheered them on as well. When they saw a boat falter at a crucial moment, they would turn red in the face, clench their fists, and wish they could rush up and take the fall for it.

The dragon boat race in the central area was attended by many juniors at the Innate True Qi Realm and Innate Gang Qi Realm. These people were also slightly affected by the tense atmosphere and their emotions were stirred.

Only someone of Zhuang Jin's caliber, who doesn't care about the prizes at all, can truly be at peace and look at those dragon boats and the top martial artists on the Hidden Dragon Ranking as if they were crickets in a fighting bowl.

……

After the dragon boat race ended and the prizes were distributed, the most exciting part of the day for ordinary people and martial artists was over. However, in the eyes of Zhuang Jin and others, the main course of the day had just begun.

Next, let's move on to the first ring road.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Mai Yinghuang appeared and arrived at the top of the Star-Picking Tower.

To break through to the Yin Spirit realm, one naturally needs an environment abundant with the primordial energy of heaven and earth. This is not something that can be done just anywhere. It could be either the third ring of a state city, a wondrous place within the primordial energy tide, or, like Zhuang Jin, possessing a treasure such as the Holy Spirit Pearl and storing a massive amount of energy in advance.

Mai Yinghuang's decision to flee without taking the incomplete "Burning Manual" was partly due to this reason.

Not to mention the possibility of being watched, if he dares to escape, which is so undignified, someone will likely help him save face.

—Well, Zhuang Jin was quite certain that Mai Yinghuang would dare to do such a thing; it was bound to happen.

Even if they did manage to escape, unless they possessed a powerful treasure and stored energy like Zhuang Jin, they would only be able to break through in a strange place within the Yuan Qi Tide, where strange beasts roam freely and there would be too many dangers.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists. Today I am breaking through to the Yin Spirit realm in public. Please keep quiet and witness this moment."

After saying this, Mai Yinghuang sat cross-legged in silence and began to regulate his breathing, seemingly waiting for something.

……

The Star-Picking Tower, the ninth floor, is just a few dozen steps away.

The three major families' Corpse-Slaying Realm warriors, as well as those outside the families of Li Shicong, Ao Zhiqi, Bian Zhihao, and Ge Zhaoqing, are clearly divided into two groups.

Yes, Zhuang Jin and Shangguan Yunchang mingled with the aristocratic families.

Martial artists at the Innate Qi Realm and True Qi Realm are further away, while those below the Innate Realm are located on the streets below.

As for powerful Yin spirits like Shangguan Jinfeng, Cen Chongxuan, Ge Daoqian, and Xuanyuan Zhengji, they don't need to watch, and they are not here to avoid suspicion, but they are certainly paying attention to this place.

"Mai Yinghuang has already adjusted his energy and spirit to their best, so why is he holding back? Wait, something's not right, this person is subtly resonating with the surrounding environment?" Zhuang Jin transmitted his voice to Shangguan Yunchang.

Shangguan Yunchang nodded slightly and replied in the same voice transmission: "According to the information, Mai Yinghuang's physique and cultivation method are both of the lightning attribute. I used the Suspended Sky Mirror's permission to sense that this person has established a connection with the thunderclouds in the sky. His choice to break through today must be for a purpose and calculation."

……

call!
Suddenly the wind picked up, and several dark clouds drifted in from the sky, seemingly getting lower and lower, giving people an indescribable sense of oppression.

Mai Yinghuang had already adjusted his energy and spirit to their peak, and now he finally began to break through. He rapidly burned his spiritual power with the "Burning Technique," and a dark silver light appeared between his eyebrows, which suddenly turned purple and became brighter and brighter.

At that moment, his clothes moved without wind, and a faint light shone behind his head. This was a sign that his senses were opening in the Niwan Palace.

Rumble, rumble!

Suddenly, a series of spring thunderclaps boomed in the sky.

Almost simultaneously, Mai Yinghuang's raging spiritual power, like a raging fire and a forest, broke through the Niwan Palace in one fell swoop. The purple light spot between his eyebrows turned into purple vertical lines, corresponding to the thunderclouds, changing the celestial phenomena, and causing countless electric snakes to roll in the thunderclouds.

At the same time, as he opened the Yin-Yang Mystic Treasure, the hazy light behind his head solidified in an instant, like a halo, and a vast pressure swept outwards in all directions from its center.

This is... the first of the three trials of Yin Shen—Shen Sensing—has been broken.

……

(End of this chapter)