Two Realms High Martial Arts: Gathering the Heavens to Become a Great Luo Immortal

Chapter 362 Source Ritual

High in the sky, Li Xijun carefully contemplated the gains from this cultivation.

Previously, the first move of "Divine Firmament Nine Heavens Calamity Extinction Blade", "Purple Extreme Capital Heaven - Destroying Divine Firmament", had already reached its true meaning perfection, and the intent of thunderous destruction was extremely condensed.

The first two moves of "Emperor's Dragon Fist," "Establishing the Mountains and Rivers" and "Reigning Over the World," are based on the weight of the nation and the torrent of humanity carried by the enthronement ceremony, as well as the life-and-death struggle with the seven gods. They have pushed the true meaning of the imperial way contained within to a perfect state, and the punches are as if they are aided by the gods, with vast power.

However, the more profound and mysterious third move still felt like looking at flowers through fog to him, even with his current cultivation level of the second stage of the Thunder Tribulation and the initial formation of the Golden Core. He could hardly grasp its essence, and his realm was still the key constraint.

The greatest gain after the war was undoubtedly the use of the divine authority of "Life" and "Death" to elevate the ultimate technique "The Heavenless Cycle of Life and Death Sword Chapter" to a whole new level.

The perfect realization of the true meaning of the cycle of life and death has transformed this sword technique into a Dharma Body-level sword of life and death, comparable to the former two.

With a single thought, one can set in motion the wheel of life and death; life can nourish all things, while death can strip everything away.

As for the remaining powers of light, darkness, earth, fire, and slaughter, the true meaning contained within them is equally precious, but he was not in a hurry to act upon them.

The insights and battle I just gained have taken a toll, and I need time to process them.

With his mind made up, Li Xijun stood up and casually made a gesture in the air in front of him.

"Sizzle—!"

Space was easily torn apart like brocade, revealing a stable and deep portal.

He stepped in, and his figure disappeared into the sky above the western continent.

The next moment, they reappeared on the magnificent Taihe Hall Square in the Forbidden City.

When he appeared, his gaze swept across the entire room, and he paused slightly.

The huge white marble plaza remained exactly as it had been when he left.

From the outermost Imperial Guards soldiers holding ceremonial weapons and standing motionless, to the civil and military officials standing in the middle according to their rank, and even the martial saints such as Dugu Bo and Ao Jinshan with their profound auras, as well as the three masters of the three religions such as Qingxu Tianshi of Longhu Mountain and the abbot of Dajue Temple—everyone remained in their original positions, like clay sculptures and wooden statues, waiting quietly in place for most of the day!

Until Li Xijun's figure clearly appeared in the center of the square, like an emperor returning from a tour, that invisible, suffocating sense of oppression descended once again.

"hiss----"

The faint, suppressed gasps were all the more distinct in the silence.

All eyes were focused on him, their gazes filled with indescribable reverence, awe, and—the ultimate awe as if looking up at a deity in the clouds.

Their breathing became barely audible, as if the slightest sound would desecrate this supreme being who had just returned from slaying a god.

The entire square was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Li Xijun didn't care about this. He was indeed a little tired and just wanted to finish up the mess as soon as possible.

He ignored the countless burning and awe-inspiring gazes, and strode straight up the white marble steps leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

His steps were calm and steady, the soles of his shoes making a crisp sound as they touched the jade, echoing across the deathly silent square, each step seeming to tread upon the heartbeats of the crowd.

Until his figure passed through the tall palace gates, entered the magnificent golden hall, and finally sat gracefully once again on the nine-dragon gilded throne—

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"Congratulations to Your Majesty on your triumphant return, having slain the god and vanquished the enemy, upholding our national prestige!"

Like a mountain torrent that had been accumulating for too long and finally bursting forth, deafening, fervent, and utterly devout worship resounded from inside and outside the main hall, the sound waves soaring into the sky, as if to overturn the entire palace dome.

Whether they were ordinary soldiers, arrogant martial artists, or transcendent Refining God True Lords, they all knelt on the ground with heartfelt admiration, performing the most solemn salute.

Li Xijun's miraculous power had completely conquered everyone's hearts, leaving them with no other thoughts but only the utmost awe and obedience.

That evening, after handling the numerous complicated but necessary political affairs in the early days of the new emperor's ascension to the throne, Li Xijun and Su Youli, accompanied by Eunuch Hua, Li Boyan, and Wen Zhiyin, arrived at the Dongshan Imperial Mausoleum in the eastern suburbs of the capital.

This place was originally a solemn and respectful forbidden area for imperial tombs, but in front of the entrance to the imperial tombs stands a magnificent and imposing nine-story altar made entirely of pure white marble.

The Temple of Heaven soars into the clouds, each level carved with patterns of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, and the state. Countless mythical beasts and birds from ancient legends—dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, and kui oxen—fly around it, lifelike, as if they might burst from the stone at any moment, guarding the center of the Temple of Heaven and exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

Beside it, a magnificent coffin lay, inside which lay the deceased old emperor.

Although everyone present, including Su Youli, looked sorrowful and emotional, there was not much sudden sadness.

Everyone already knew that the old emperor was nearing the end of his life and was only kept alive by Su Youli's time-manipulation abilities. He was able to live to witness the avenging of the national enemy, the ascension of the new emperor, and the opening of martial arts, which was enough for him. He passed away with a smile on his face.

At this moment, there is more remembrance and respect for an emperor who endured humiliation and hardship.

Eunuch Hua stepped forward, his voice slightly hoarse but exceptionally clear, and said, "Your Majesty. The late Emperor left a will stating that his funeral arrangements should be conducted here."

"His passing happens to fulfill—fulfills—the requirements of a certain ritual set up by the God of Steam and Machinery, which can be used to—open the [Source Matter] that has been sealed within our Eastern Continent. The late Emperor's intention was for Your Majesty to—come and collect this item."

Upon hearing this, Li Xijun nodded.

He had anticipated this. The old emperor persisted to the end, not only because he was worried about the country, but also because he wanted to use his last moments to build up the foundation for Dasheng and for him.

"I understand."

Li Xijun agreed, then, as if he had thought of something, he added, "This kind of ceremony concerns the source essence and is of utmost importance. To ensure everything goes smoothly, let the original planner personally preside over this final step."

As soon as he finished speaking, the enormous phantom image of his heart behind him flashed by, and his palm opened, revealing the Mandala of Light barrier.

A streak of light flew out from the barrier, landed on the ground, and transformed into the figure of the God of Steam and Machinery.

The moment he appeared, his unique mechanical divine body immediately alerted Li Boyan, Wen Zhiyin, and the others, causing their auras to slightly freeze.

However, when they saw the peaceful, compassionate, and even somewhat docile expression on the face of the God of Steam, and especially when they heard him speak, uttering a Buddhist chant: "Amitabha," they were deeply moved. "This humble god awaits your command."

When they showed absolute respect and obedience to Li Xijun, everyone suddenly realized what was going on.

With their knowledge, they could naturally tell that this person's mind had been completely subdued by the profound Buddhist power of salvation, and that there was no longer any threat.

The God of Steam then turned to Li Boyan, Wen Zhiyin, and the others, bowing respectfully and speaking sincerely: "Esteemed benefactors, I have committed grave sins in the past, but thanks to His Majesty's compassion and enlightenment through the supreme Buddhist teachings, I have been able to repent and lay down my weapons. From now on, I wish to follow the Emperor and atone for my sins through meritorious service. I hope you will forgive me."

Li Boyan stroked his beard and nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He said to Li Xijun, "Your Majesty's method is brilliant! With this person present, not only will the ceremony be safe, but the understanding and collection of the [Source Essence] will also be much more efficient. If the late Emperor were alive, he would be pleased."