Promise!

Chapter 289, Encyclopedia

"This cyan light cluster, like the Void Stone, was also obtained by Xiao Linye from that immortal's ruins. Its original functions were three: 1. Exploration and identification; 2. Summarization and generalization; 3. Breaking through bottlenecks."

As Zhuang Jin sensed the resonance of his divine soul power, he murmured the information fed back by the cyan light cluster.

First, investigation and identification.

For oneself, it reveals one's own situation, making every bit of progress clear and distinct. This visible feedback can greatly enhance the motivation to cultivate oneself and allow one to take targeted actions based on one's own situation. For the outside world, it can also be used to examine the items one carries and make assessments.

This so-called panel is merely an external manifestation of the information, which is reflected based on the infused divine soul power.

'If I'm not mistaken, the database for this item should come from that immortal. With that immortal's knowledge, isn't this practically an encyclopedia?!'

This point is extremely useful. The world is vast and there are countless wonders. No one dares to claim that they can recognize them all. Zhuang Jin is not from a noble or aristocratic family, so this is even more true. However, with the help of this strange blue light, he can make an identification.

He tried to focus his mind on the Holy Spirit Pearl in the item section, and immediately a message appeared: "Born from the creation of heaven and earth, this spiritual pearl separates Yin and Yang, evolves the Five Elements, and encompasses the Three Powers. It has various effects such as accelerating cultivation, improving and enhancing aptitude, and shielding aura... If one devours the ten spiritual pearls of Yin Yang, Five Elements, Wind, Thunder, and Ice, it can generate its own internal space to store physical objects... It has already devoured the Wind and Wood spiritual pearls and the broken Void Realm Stone, and has the potential to advance to a secret realm!"

Subsequently, the identification of the Vajra Relic and the "Nine-Nine Qiankun Gong" provided more precise information, but it was largely consistent with what was previously known.

Secondly, summarize and generalize.

The panel visualizes individual circumstances, summarizes and categorizes them, and provides targeted suggestions, such as the first suggestion: learn a secret technique for protecting the soul.

Previously, Zhuang Jin had not practiced the secret technique for protecting the soul, but wanted to wait for Shangguan Yunchang to break through to the Yin God realm so that they could practice the Yin-Yang Shield that came with the Yin-Yang Union Technique together.

—Even among the secret techniques for protecting the soul, there are different levels. The Yin-Yang Shield that comes with the "Yin-Yang Union Technique" is undoubtedly one of the top-tier ones.

In addition, his own divine soul is powerful, and he is strong enough to throw bricks. He only uses the power of his divine soul to shield and isolate, and the strength of his protection is no less than that of ordinary divine soul protection techniques.

'Then another suggestion: to increase the probability of breaking through the major bottleneck of Yang Shen, perhaps change your cultivation method, search for a secret technique to aid in breaking through Yang Shen, or find a Yang-extremity divine object? But I don't have a bottleneck at all!'

'This thing also has limitations; can't it detect my talent that has no bottlenecks?'

This reassured Zhuang Jin somewhat. Although the immortal from eight hundred years ago might not have been able to see it even in person, it at least meant that his talent possessed a high degree of secrecy, meaning that the immortal's artifacts would be undetectable.

Third, break through the bottleneck.

According to the feedback, one must refine and incorporate the divine soul before opening the sub-section 'Power of All Beings' to specifically feel and experience it. However, Zhuang Jin was not willing to do so. He did not have any bottlenecks, so why bother with unnecessary steps?
Moreover, this breakthrough is subject to limitations. According to feedback, it requires the assistance of the "Nine-Nine Heaven and Earth Technique" and the collection of the collective mental energy of all beings. The higher the level of the bottleneck, the greater the requirement. When the bottleneck reaches the Yang God level, it requires at least a cross-state level of kingship.

'No wonder. Before, I only looked at the cultivation method and found it a bit strange how the power of sentient beings' thoughts could help break through bottlenecks. I thought it required refining the 'seed of qi' and truly cultivating, but now I understand its mystery. It turns out it needs to be used in conjunction with this item.'

However, this held even less appeal for Zhuang Jin; it was inferior to even the most useless item.

'This item is absolutely divine to ordinary people, especially in Xiao Linye's possession. Combined with the *Nine-Nine Heaven and Earth Technique* and the Void Realm Stone, it's practically a protagonist's possession. But for me, some of its uses are rather useless; it's just a decent item overall.'

'Perfect, I don't need the third bottleneck-breaking function. The first two functions can be used as an encyclopedia or reference guide; they don't require incorporation through soul refinement, and can be used externally through resonance with soul power.'

Although this thing is no different in essence from other rare treasures, such as the Qingyuan Pot and the Treasure Basin, and is just an inanimate object, it was forged by that immortal after all, so who knows if there is a backdoor inside it?
Refining and incorporating it into his soul—this most crucial and vital place—was something he wouldn't normally feel at ease with, given his cautious nature. But this was the best outcome.

……

Just as Zhuang Jin was taking stock of his gains, the Azure Dragon Society in Cangzhou City was completely eradicated. From top to bottom, Dragon King Xiao Linye was killed by Zhuang Jin, and the core members under him were also targeted and eliminated by the Suspended Heaven Division.

On that day, Cangzhou was teeming with people, and the air was thick with the stench of blood, creating a chilling atmosphere.

In fact, due to the environment in Cangzhou, the Xuantian Division carried out various purges on the Round Table Small Meeting, leaving behind many slippery and extremely shrewd rogue martial artists. In this Azure Dragon Society incident, Xiao Linye relied on his special skills and the accompanying secret techniques to bewitch people, recruiting them and forcing them to join the Liangshan bandits, thus ensnaring many of them.

Now, the Xuantian Division will not let this opportunity pass by. Taking advantage of the situation, they have cleaned up and accurately caught many of the fish that had slipped through the net in the previous cleanup.

Under such a cleanup, Xiao Linye's various strange methods were exposed. Shangguan Jinfeng was no fool and suspected that Xiao Linye had entered the immortal ruins and obtained great opportunities. However, now that this person had died at Zhuang Jin's hands, even if that was true, those opportunities had become spoils of war and fallen into Zhuang Jin's hands.

As for this matter, it's hard to say for sure, because Xiao Linye was someone she had schemed to give to Zhuang Jin to make a move, in order to make Zhuang Jin take sides.

More importantly, Zhuang Jin's current strength is enough to secure such an opportunity. Therefore, Shangguan Jinfeng felt a little regretful. She should have taken action herself back then, but it was too late to regret it.

—This is Shangguan Jinfeng overthinking things. If it were her, or the other two family heads Cen Chongxuan and Ge Daoqian, or even the governor Xuanyuan Zhengji, Xiao Linye would most likely have escaped with his various methods. It can only be said that this is Zhuang Jin's good fortune, but Xiao Linye's great misfortune.

In the following days, Zhuang Jin took out the 'Diamond Relic' of the Teng Snake and asked the Shangguan family to refine a pill to accelerate the accumulation of Yin Spirit realm and strengthen the physical body—he would not take the initiative to show off this matter, but he would not be restrained by hiding it.

This Vajra Relic signifies the death of a Vajra Realm beast. Shangguan Jinfeng immediately understood, recalling Zhuang Jin's mention of "encountering a Vajra Realm beast after killing Xiao Linye and entering the Triple Death Zone."

At this point, the three major families had to reassess Zhuang Jin's strength.

On the day of the Qingming Festival memorial service, Zhuang Jin broke through to the Yin God realm and beat Xuan Yuan Zhengji until he was covered in blood and fled back. At that time, they guessed that Zhuang Jin had just broken through and had not yet cultivated Yin God martial arts. However, they thought to themselves that even if Zhuang Jin completed the Yin God martial arts, they would not be much worse off with the terrifying bonus of the Suspended Sky Mirror.

But now that Zhuang Jin has slain a Vajra Realm beast, in comparison, the three great family heads are only confident that they can protect themselves from Zhuang Jin within the three rings.

Truth exists only within the range of cannons, and dignity exists only on the basis of strength. With this clear understanding and self-positioning, the tests that Zhuang Jin used to find unbearable and that he would test her every now and then completely disappeared.

Furthermore, some people were so frightened that they dared not step out of the Third Ring Road, fearing that Zhuang Jin would resort to underhanded tactics.

Specifically, among the three major families...

Because of her personal status, Shangguan Jinfeng was not worried about Zhuang Jin resorting to underhanded tactics. However, the previous preparations were made to prepare for Shangguan Yunchang to take over as the head of the family. Whether or not she would relinquish power, and how quickly, would depend on the situation. If necessary, she might still have to negotiate and weigh the options. Now, she had abandoned all her previous plans and completely downplayed her own presence.

Cen Chongxuan, the head of the Cen family, became even more obedient. From that day forward until Zhuang Jin completely left Cangzhou, he almost never stepped outside the third ring road of Cangzhou. Ge Daoqian, the head of the Ge family, on the other hand, repeatedly tried to curry favor with Ge Mingzhi and Ji Tongwei.

Governor Xuanyuan Zhengji also learned through his own channels that, while he was recuperating from his injuries, he had come out of seclusion and sent another apology gift.

Following the example set by those above, the forces under the Cangzhou government and the three great families, though unaware of the specifics and reasons behind the actions of those above, inevitably followed suit. As a result, the Ji and Teng families, who were related to him, saw their thresholds nearly broken down and enjoyed a period of great prominence.

……

The attack on the Azure Dragon Society was already at the end of the year. In the primordial tide of December, the year quickly passed, and a new year began.

The fifth day of the first month of the sixty-sixth year of the Qianyuan era.

At night, Zhuang Jin returned home under the clear, bright moonlight.

"Why did you come back so soon, my husband?"

"I made an appearance at the Ji family banquet, and all I saw was flattery; it was quite boring."

Those who were rigid and dogmatic, tyrannical and cruel, or mean and ungrateful, who were solemn and authoritative figures at home, the pillars of their families, all became incredibly humble and obsequious in front of Zhuang Jin at the banquet, in a way that their female relatives and servants could never have imagined. They tried to leave an impression on him and gain some benefit that Zhuang Jin considered as insignificant as ants fighting over crumbs of bread.

Not only these people, but even in the Ascension Pavilion, Chu Jing and Miao Yunzhen are the ultimate dream targets of the top-ranking women on the ninth floor. Outsiders can never imagine how humble, or even despicable, those goddesses and fairies who are unattainable, high above, and as pure and untainted as the moon in their hearts can be in front of him.

This contrast greatly satisfies people's vanity and brings them a sense of satisfaction.

It's only because Zhuang Jin isn't a pervert or has a twisted mind that he could destroy the Dao hearts of so many people by assigning tasks and developing gameplay.

"Is my husband thinking about something bad?" Shangguan Yunchang said, pinching Zhuang Jin's arm.

Now, in the entire Cangzhou City, only she dares to do this. Zhuang Jin shook his head slightly and came back to his senses: "Pursuing strength is to allow oneself to do things one does not want to do, which is freedom. Just like when I left on a whim before, those people did not dare to have any objections. But this kind of freedom requires one to have a bottom line and self-restraint, and not to do some extremely bad things, otherwise one is no different from a beast."

As he spoke, he pulled Shangguan Yunchang into his arms, and together they looked up at the fireworks that were rising and falling in the sky, exploding into a dazzling display of colors.

"Yun Chang, have you completed your 'Ice Soul Glazed Body' technique?"

"With the elixir made from your half of the Vajra Relic, my husband, the 'Ice Soul Glazed Body' will be completed this afternoon."

When do you plan to break through?

Upon hearing this question, Shangguan Yunchang looked at the dazzling fireworks in the sky and suddenly had an idea. She parted her lips slightly and said, "Today...at this time."

She doesn't adhere to rituals or insist on choosing an auspicious day and time. If she feels that the moment is the best, she starts spontaneously. This natural approach may increase her chances of success.

"and many more."

Zhuang Jin took out the cyan light ball, which also greatly attracted Shangguan Yunchang. He explained the reason and potential hidden dangers, not to let her absorb it, but to use spiritual resonance to identify it. The probability of breaking through to the Yin God realm was as high as 87%.

A moment later, in their courtyard, under the laurel tree, amidst the falling laurel blossoms, Shangguan Yunchang sat cross-legged, regulating her breathing.

At this moment, Zhuang Jin looked on, not thinking much about things like, "If Shangguan Yunchang succeeds in breaking through, we can transfer the authority from Shangguan Jinfeng and be completely safe from then on," or "After Shangguan Yunchang breaks through, the two of us can learn the soul protection secret method in the Yin-Yang Union Technique." He was simply worried and focused.

If Shangguan Yunchang encounters any problems, she can use the connection between their souls through the "Yin Yang He Shen Shu" to have someone else play for her.

After a short while, Shangguan Yunchang adjusted her energy and spirit to their peak and began to break through. The primordial energy of heaven and earth gathered in an instant, swirling like a nebula.

Shangguan Jinfeng appeared at some unknown time and also came to act as a protector.

The first step, sensing the spirit, passed by in an instant for Shangguan Yunchang as well.

The Yin God's secrets were activated, and a halo appeared behind his head. An invisible wave swept across the area, which was sensed by the other three Yin God warriors in Cangzhou City. They all looked in the direction of the Shangguan family.

The second stage is Rongyuan.

With Zhuang Jin's cultivation of the "Yin Yang He Shen Technique," which nourished her soul, and her own innate Gang Yuan attribute being the ultimate ice, as well as her perfected physical body technique "Ice Soul Glazed Body," with her essence, qi, and spirit all in perfect condition, Shangguan Yunchang was naturally not stuck. It only took the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to pass.

The final hurdle: stay calm.

In this stage, the ultimate ice attribute already provides a bonus, and once the initial moment of greatest pressure passes, it's just a matter of time.

Half an hour later.

Shangguan Yunchang rose gracefully, the silver vertical line between her brows, as white as snow, disappeared, and the moonlight in the sky seemed to be drawn down, with the white osmanthus flowers in the courtyard rising and swirling, a realm as clear as the moon's radiance descending.

Dressed in a moonlit white gown, she now appeared even more ethereal and aloof under the glow of the domain, like a celestial palace, yet in that instant, she displayed human emotions, her voice joyful: "Husband, Grandmother, I have broken through to the Yin God realm!"

"Congratulations, Yun Chang!" Zhuang Jin nodded with a smile.

Shangguan Jinfeng understood her granddaughter's position in her heart from the order in which she subconsciously addressed her. She thought to herself, "Girls grow up and leave home," and nodded with a smile. Her departing figure carried a hint of loneliness: "The future belongs to you young people. Chang'er, come over tomorrow, and I will hand over the Shangguan family to you."

……

(End of this chapter)