There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 168 Using Some Military Tactics is Justifiable [First Update]

Inside the main hall of Zhenyuan Xuan Palace.

Chen Qing sat cross-legged beneath the enormous "Heavenly Evolution and World Order Chart" mural. His figure appeared tiny against the backdrop of the magnificent mural, yet his aura flowed like a deep pool, subtly resonating with the majestic figure in the mural.

As the breath flowed, it even caused the frost that had accumulated on the mural for thousands of years to tremble slightly, emitting a fine "crackling" sound.

This scene amazed Ao Yu, who was watching from the side, his dragon eyes sparkling with wonder.

“My junior brother is truly remarkable! Could it be that he has activated the residual Daoist energy within the painting? His comprehension is probably even more astonishing than the rumors suggest!” He stroked his chin and turned to Lu Zhao, whispering, “I was thinking that when we get back, should I have a serious talk with my mother and ask her to consider returning to the sect? With someone like him, how can Hidden Star not flourish? Returning now would be a timely help, and if the sect rises again in the future, going back would be the icing on the cake.”

Lu Zhao shook his head with a wry smile: "Brother Ao, it's too early to think about these things now. The most important thing right now is how Yujing will respond! Junior Brother Jiming has killed the Immortal Envoy. This matter could be big or small, depending entirely on how the higher-ups define it. However, he has refused the appointment, which makes things a bit complicated."

Ao Yu waved his hand dismissively: "What's there to worry about? Our attitude is clear, and Junior Brother Jiming has lived up to expectations and already demonstrated his value! My mother taught me that those people above often think with a bit of a servile mentality. Whether you get preferential treatment doesn't depend on what you can accomplish, but on whether you can prevent them from getting things done!"

The Ice Soul Girl next to him suddenly interjected, her voice laced with sarcasm: "That's true. The more you can cause trouble and overturn tables, the more they will be wary of you and try to win you over and appease you. If you only know how to work hard, then you will suffer endless hardships and exhaustion."

Ao Yu seemed to have found a kindred spirit and his spirits lifted: "That's exactly right! Based on my understanding of those old Dong... seniors, when the news gets back, they'll definitely think they have the situation under control and send some people to show their power and get revenge! Junior Brother Jiming is so fierce, he even killed a Nascent Soul cultivator. Next time, the one who comes will be an even more powerful character. But Nascent Soul cultivators are more bound by the laws of the Immortal Dynasty, and their seniority is also there. It's easier for them to be squeezed out by the rules."

Lu Zhao, however, said with a solemn expression: "Do not underestimate the heroes of the world! The Immortal Dynasty has a vast territory and a long history. There are indeed Golden Core cultivators who have cultivated their protective techniques, supernatural powers, and magic treasures to the point of being comparable to Nascent Soul cultivators. However, such people are all core disciples nurtured by major sects and aristocratic families with all their resources, and they rarely show themselves in the world."

He just finished speaking.

"Om-"

A streak of light pierced through the wind and snow outside the palace, ignoring the remaining restrictions of the palace, and hovered precisely in front of Lu Zhao, transforming into a jade talisman wrapped with dragon-shaped energy.

"The news has arrived!"

Lu Zhao's expression turned solemn. He reached out and took the jade talisman, immersing his divine sense into it.

A moment later, his expression changed slightly, and he slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"They're actually... asking that person from Luojia Mountain to come out of seclusion?"

Upon seeing this, Ao Yu hurriedly asked, "Who? Who did Yujing send? Judging from your expression, you must be someone important?"

Lu Zhao took a deep breath and uttered three words: "Yang Yunling".

"Yang Yunling?" Ao Yulong's eyes widened as he searched his memory, but he had no recollection of her. "Never heard of her! Is she very powerful?"

"More than just powerful!" Lu Zhao's tone was solemn. "This woman is one of the most outstanding disciples of the Huanglong Sect in this generation! She is one of those Golden Core cultivators I just mentioned who can cultivate their protective techniques to a level comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator! Moreover, she is far beyond the reach of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators!"

He looked at Ao Yu and explained in detail: "This woman is skilled in the art of illusion and illusion, and she also possesses the unpredictable 'Heaven-Severing Technique'! She once single-handedly suppressed three long-established Nascent Soul Grandmasters of the Righteous Law Sect!"

"Suppressing three Nascent Soul Grandmasters?!" Ao Yu was taken aback, his relaxed expression completely vanishing. "If that's true, then the Huanglong Sect has really gone all out this time!"

Lu Zhao nodded and said, "Because her talent was too outstanding, the main lineage of the Huanglong Sect was afraid that she would stand out from the crowd. After she became famous, they immediately sent her to the Luojia Mountain Secret Realm to study the ancient ruins and protected her strictly. She was not allowed to travel to Yujing, so her reputation did not become well-known. However, those who truly knew her achievements regarded her as one of the future pillars of the Huanglong Sect!"

As they talked, their gazes involuntarily drifted to the figure sitting quietly beneath the mural.

“Junior Brother Jiming is also the future pillar of the Hidden Star lineage!” Ao Yu couldn’t help but say, “Given this situation, shouldn’t we try to help our junior brother? We can’t just stand by and watch him be bullied, can we?”

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhao seemed to be deep in thought.

Beneath the mural, Chen Qing seemed oblivious to the conversations taking place outside.

His mind was immersed in a wonderful realization.

After his divine sense touched the mural, he clearly felt that deep within the mural, there was a pure and ancient power, which was the power of incense offerings containing prayers and beliefs!

"The name of the Hidden Star True Lord has been passed down for thousands of years. Even if someone deliberately downplays it, how can it be completely erased? When this Xuan Palace was in operation, the people in the palace faced this painting every day. Some of them made devout worships, and the resulting wishes were sealed by the Xuanbing ice and have survived to this day."

Chen Qing's mind stirred slightly, and he tried to draw upon a trace of his willpower.

The power of that wish was mellow and gentle, yet it carried a certain stubborn "direction," as if countless voices were whispering in one's ear, expressing reverence and admiration for the figures in the murals, as well as the desire for protection and blessings.

"Incense is poisonous and can easily corrupt the mind. But if used properly, it can be a great help."

He now condenses two "projections of the other self," one based on his past life "Chen Xu," carrying some of the true meaning of annihilation; the other based on his present-day self, which is purer.

"I can use this incense to feed the projection of 'Chen Xu'. This projection originated from the past. Even if it is eroded and mutated by the power of will, or even eventually collapses, it will not harm my main body. It can be re-condensed after a period of time. If I can withstand it, I may be able to refine a unique incense deity avatar projection, which can be considered a trump card."

"The other projection of the main body is used to melt those Ice Soul Eyes. This thing is mysterious and the girl described it as something miraculous. It may greatly enhance the projection's insight and power."

Once he made up his mind, Chen Qing immediately felt the urgency of time.

"If the Immortal Dynasty sends people again, they will definitely be well-prepared and highly targeted. Many of my methods have already been exposed, and I must quickly acquire new trump cards. In addition, my Golden Core seventh stage realm needs to be stabilized, the new power system generated by the fusion of many Dao paths needs to be sorted out and clarified, and my natal magic weapon needs to be carefully nurtured and refined... There are many things to do, and all of them require time."

With this thought in mind, he took a deep breath, no longer hesitated, and suddenly opened his eyes.

Seeing the people beside him, he was about to speak about his seclusion, preparing to set up a protective array and leave behind an awakening spell.

However, Ao Yu and Lu Zhao brought news from the Immortal Dynasty first. "Junior brother," Ao Yu scratched his head, "a message came from the Jade Capital, saying that they want to send someone else to spar with you. If you lose, you must obey the order and go to the Jade Capital; if you win, this matter will be put aside for the time being. I am just responsible for delivering the message. Whether you respond or not is up to you. We will deliver the message for you."

Lu Zhao interjected, his tone even more earnest: "Junior Brother Jiming, the Immortal Dynasty's accumulated strength over ten thousand years is beyond our comprehension. This person who has come is definitely not someone like Lin Ruhui, who relies on external aids and is inept at combat. It is rumored that she is a true disciple hidden away by the Huanglong Sect, skilled in killing techniques, and protected by a secret treasure. She should not be underestimated. If Lin Ruhui's Shattered World Piece were in her hands, the situation would be difficult to predict. Moreover, the magical treasures she possesses are no less powerful than the Shattered World Piece..."

Chen Qing frowned slightly and interrupted, "Lin Ruhui has gone astray. She relies too much on the power of the law, and her own fighting ability has deteriorated. Although the Shattered Realm Piece is useful, she is hesitant to use it and it has become a harm. If it were me, since we are already fighting to the death, what can't I give up? After all, only by living can one live forever."

Ao Yu was taken aback, then realized what he meant. Recalling Chen Qing's battle record as he knew it, he suddenly noticed something: "Junior Brother Jiming, when you fight, you seem to prefer using explosives to attack your enemies!"

“In my hometown, the fear of insufficient firepower is ingrained in our bones. If we have deadly weapons, why keep them and not use them? When we are defeated in the future, won’t they all become the enemy’s spoils of war?” Chen Qing said with a hint of reminiscence. “If we lose our lives, should we keep our treasures to be buried with us? She couldn’t bear to part with them, but I could. That’s the difference.”

Lu Zhao and Ao Yu exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock and helplessness in each other's eyes. This junior brother's way of thinking was indeed completely different from those rule-abiding cultivators in Yujing.

“That is true,” Lu Zhao sighed, “the situation is beyond our control this time. The Immortal Dynasty is powerful. Sometimes we have to bow our heads, but that is not out of cowardice. When our cultivation improves in the future, there will be a time when we can have a bright future.”

Chen Qing glanced at the murals on the wall, then looked at the vast snow outside the hall, and suddenly said, "From the interrogation in the Demon Cave to the forced capture, and now to the challenge match. From beginning to end, they set the questions, and I solve them. If I solve them well, I move on to the next question; if I don't, I become a prisoner. This back and forth is really boring, and there seems to be no end in sight. It's incredibly annoying."

"This matter..." Lu Zhao was about to speak again.

He paused, then waved his hand to stop Lu Zhao from speaking, and said directly, "If the people they sent this time are truly confident that they can suppress me, they shouldn't be afraid that I'll raise the stakes again. You pass on my message: if I win, they must release Senior Brother Han Jing, True Person Ji Yue, and Elder You Chan of the Taiyin Sect, among others. If they are unwilling, I will wait for them here. It's just a matter of putting on a show before fleeing far away."

"Don't be impulsive!" Upon hearing this, Lu Zhao assumed Chen Qing was acting rashly. "Putting aside the issue of raising the stakes, just setting up the arena here would cause many inconveniences..."

"It's just a suggestion. Do they really think I can win?" Chen Qing waved his hand to stop him, saying only, "Then pass on these words. Also, tell them I'll be waiting here!"

"What arrogance! You dare to make demands of me! Raise the stakes!"

Inside the secret cave, where spiritual energy abounds and light and shadow shift.

A woman suddenly opened her eyes.

She was tall and strong, far surpassing ordinary men, with bronze skin, smooth and explosive muscle lines, long hair dancing wildly without wind, and eyes that seemed to hold the power of thunder.

"You want my Huanglong Sect to bail out those few wanted criminals involved in the demonic tribulation?" Her voice was low, and a highly aggressive smile appeared on her face. "Interesting! A seventh-stage Golden Core cultivator killed a few Nascent Soul cultivators who had achieved their Nascent Souls through trickery, and now he's acting all arrogant!"

Chen Xinghen, standing outside the cave, changed his expression slightly and said, "Senior Sister Yang, Ji Ming is not an arrogant person, but the recent series of events..."

"No need for further explanation!" The woman suddenly stood up, her blood and qi surging like a furnace, distorting the light in the entire cave. "Since I began cultivating, I, Yang Yunling, have been invincible among those of the same realm! My sect sent me to Luojia Mountain to study the ancient war shaman's inscriptions. Now I have passed the ancient method test, and my understanding of the Dao of Vast Ocean Illusion and Reality has reached a new level. Would I be intimidated by a mere seventh-stage Golden Core cultivator?"

She took a step, and the ground trembled slightly.

"Tell them over there that I, Yang Yunling, accept this bet! But you also need to relay a message back to me..."

Her smile vanished, replaced by a murderous aura: "Fists and feet have no eyes, and supernatural powers are even more indiscriminate! If I were to kill him on the spot during a sparring match, those old geezers upstairs better not come looking for trouble afterward!"

After saying that, she ignored Chen Xinghen, and with a flick of her wrist, a ferocious halberd, dark red in color and seemingly formed from the blood and energy of countless battle spirits, appeared out of thin air. The blade trembled and emitted a humming sound of thirst for battle.

"Jimei, is it? Don't disappoint me."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xinghen's heart sank.

Unexpectedly, Yang Yunling looked at him and said, "Junior Brother Chen, now that you're here, you can do something for me."

Chen Xinghen said, "Please speak, Senior Sister."

Yang Yunling said, "Didn't that Ji Mingzi pass on the location of our duel? Please spread the word about that address!"

Chen Xinghen was taken aback, then his expression darkened: "What is Senior Sister trying to do? If she spreads this, won't she be attracting some people with ulterior motives?"

"I'm going to lure them there!" Yang Yunling grinned. "All's fair in war. When we fight, it's a military campaign, and using some tactics is perfectly acceptable! The key is to win! As long as I win, people will spread the word about me! Have you ever heard of my military strategies before? That proves they're useful!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xinghen shook his head and said, "I'm afraid I cannot comply!"

Yang Yunling smiled: "A gentleman like you is truly boring! But if you're unwilling, there are plenty of others who can spread the word, and it won't change the overall situation! However, you've made me unhappy!"

"boom!"

Without warning, she struck out, and the entire world seemed to collapse instantly, pressing down on Chen Xinghen!

Chen Xinghen's expression changed, and starlight surged around him as he prepared to defend himself. However, it turned out to be just an illusion. By the time he broke the illusion, he had already fallen into the cave!

"seal up!"

The cave entrance closed, sealing him inside.

"Hahaha! My mind is clear now!"

Outside, Yang Yunling laughed heartily and strode away!

　I'll try to finish the second update by 11:30...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)