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

Chapter 449 Yang God, True Dragon, Refined Interest

As a beam of transcendent light disappeared into the imperial palace deep within the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty, an invisible yet immensely powerful pressure quietly enveloped the entire capital, and then, in a mysterious way, swept across the mountains and rivers of the entire Great Xia territory.

The world did not fall silent as a result; instead, a strange sense of "stability" began to grow and spread.

The news that Daojun ascended to immortality and Kunpeng roamed freely in the starry sea was truly earth-shattering and shocked the world.

However, this shock primarily affects a small group of people standing at the pinnacle of this realm, as well as a few ancient families and sects that know the mythical significance of "True Immortals."

For the masses and ordinary martial artists, the term "true immortal" is too ethereal and distant, like a vague legend in an ancient book. They know it is great, but they can hardly empathize with it. Instead, the tangible comparison of power before their eyes is more breathtaking.

When Li Xijun attained enlightenment, the "Primordial Beginning" phenomenon that swept across the East Sea and dimmed the strange phenomena of Daojun Kunpeng and the Ancestral Witch of the Grasslands was witnessed and truly felt by hundreds of millions of living beings in the world.

The scene of the three extraordinary phenomena covering the sky merging and ultimately returning to the primordial chaos is deeply imprinted in the minds of countless people.

While martial artists may not understand the profound division of the Dharma Body realm, there is never a shortage of topics of conversation in teahouses and taverns on the streets about "who is stronger and who is weaker among the top masters on the Heavenly Ranking".

They vaguely knew that even among those who possessed the same Dharma body, there were differences in rank, just like the rankings of people and places in the martial arts world.

The "Indestructible Ancestral Witch Dharma Body" attained by Agula the Wolf of the grassland is said to be even more domineering and powerful than the "Golden Body of Arhat" of Shaolin Liaokong. It is said to be able to break through the sky with its power and fill the heavens with blood energy.

This time, with the spiritual energy reviving, the extraordinary phenomena revealed when each of the Dharma Bodies stretched their muscles and bones and broke through their realms directly demonstrated the foundation and potential of their respective paths. The Dao Lords transcended, and the Ancestral Witches and Barbarians each had their own strengths.

But when Li Xijun's "Primordial Beginning" phenomenon appeared, witnessed by countless eyes, its magnificent scale, lofty artistic conception, and noble status clearly overwhelmed all others and were unparalleled in the world!

Not to mention that the Book of Mortals had already declared that before he had attained the Dharma Body, he had already reversed the fate of the Arhats who were ranked on the Heavenly Ranking.

Such achievements, coupled with this unparalleled aura of enlightenment, have a meaning that even the lowest-ranking martial artists understand perfectly:

This Star Lord—no, now we should call him His Majesty—has a path of brilliance and a future of terror that can hardly be simply defined by the Heavenly Ranking.

In fact, from the moment he attained enlightenment, no one in the world doubted that Li Xijun would become a true immortal! It was only a matter of time.

Moreover, that newly ascended True Immortal Dao Lord has always been a carefree hermit, living a life detached from worldly affairs. For hundreds of years, he has rarely paid attention to worldly disputes, and his existence is more like a vague legend.

And what about Li Xijun?

He is a ruthless star who has walked a path paved with mountains of corpses and seas of blood, bathed in the blood of his enemies.

From his initial display of prowess in Beiyan County, to his fierce battles against numerous heroes at Qiandao Lake, and then to his slaying of Chi Na in the northern desert, his defeat of the Arhats in the heavens, and his destruction of Shaolin Temple at Mount Song—his fame was truly earned through hard work and battles!

Martial artists may yearn for the carefree life of the Dao Lord, but they fear even more the Star Lord's blade.

Therefore, when the news of Li Xijun's return to the capital after attaining enlightenment spread like a spring breeze, all the restlessness, ambition, and even tentative attempts that had arisen due to the surge in spiritual energy and rapid advancement in strength vanished instantly, like snowflakes being splashed with boiling water.

Those newly enlightened martial artists who felt they had mastered their skills and were getting restless in their local areas suddenly felt that the weapons in their hands were no longer so hot, and their eyes, which used to look at everyone with displeasure, became much "clearer".

Some ambitious Dharma masters who had been secretly colluding with the government also became more discreet, warning their disciples to be careful with their words and actions and not to offend the imperial court.

Even the grandmasters who had just made some progress due to the dramatic changes in the world and whose minds were now sharpened, were sitting calmly in their mansions, not mentioning anything about "a meeting of heroes" or "establishing a new sect." Instead, they began to seriously consider how to show their loyalty to the court and present a congratulatory gift for the new emperor's ascension to the throne.

The world was settled because of the return of one person.

Half a month later, in the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty, the celestial phenomena were renewed, and it was an auspicious day and time.

The coronation ceremony, which lasted for several days, finally reached its climax today.

Starting from the main gate of the Imperial City, "Chengtianmen," passing through Duanmen and Wumen, all the way to the most central "Taihe Hall" of the Imperial Palace, a wide imperial road paved with the most precious star granite has been swept clean and spotless.

Along both sides of the imperial road, there were guards every five steps and sentries every ten steps. They were not only elite imperial guards clad in black armor and exuding a powerful aura, but also many royal retainers and experts from the Star Palace who had a calm and collected demeanor, hidden in the shadows to ensure that nothing went wrong.

With banners waving and dragon flags and phoenix umbrellas standing tall, the ceremonial guard was solemn and majestic, displaying the grandeur of the imperial court, which was breathtaking.

Inside and outside the capital, every household is decorated with lanterns and every door is adorned with colorful decorations.

Countless people spontaneously flooded the streets. Although they could not enter the imperial city to witness the ceremony, they still eagerly awaited it, hoping to share in the joy of this unprecedented event and to catch a glimpse of the legendary star lord and the new emperor.

In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, on the vast square, civil and military officials, feudal lords and envoys, as well as representatives of major orthodox sects and aristocratic families, all stood solemnly according to their rank.

They were dressed in their most formal attire, their expressions respectful, and they remained completely silent.

Many people still felt the primordial phenomenon that had enveloped the East China Sea half a month ago, and their gazes toward the majestic palace were filled with unprecedented awe.

The auspicious time is approaching.

"Thump!!!"

"Thump—!!!"

"Thump—!!!"

The nine tones of the Jingyang Bell, symbolizing supreme authority, were solemn and majestic, resounding from the center of the imperial city, echoing for miles and cleansing the heavens.

The sound of the bell seemed to contain the supreme Daoist aura of the newly formed Dharma body of the new emperor, purifying the minds of those who heard it and eliminating any distracting thoughts.

"Your Majesty ascends the throne!" The clear and melodious voice of the eunuch in charge of ceremonies pierced through the layers of palaces and clearly reached the square in front of the palace.

In an instant, music and rituals began to play.

Bianzhong (a set of ancient Chinese bells), yuqing (a type of ancient Chinese chime), sheng (a type of ancient Chinese mouth organ), qin (a type of ancient Chinese stringed instrument), and se (a type of ancient Chinese stringed instrument)—all kinds of solemn and elegant music resound together, forming a magnificent and powerful musical movement that resonates with the subtle spiritual energy flowing between heaven and earth, adding to the sacredness.

All eyes turned to the towering steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

At the top of the eighty-one white marble steps, the main gate of the hall slowly opened.

First, groups of eunuchs and palace maids carrying ceremonial weapons and with solemn expressions filed out and lined up on both sides.

Immediately afterwards, surrounded by eunuchs like Wei Gonggong, a figure dressed in a black robe with twelve imperial symbols and a crown with twelve tassels slowly stepped out and stood at the highest point of the imperial steps, overlooking the world.

It was Li Xijun.

He simply stood there, and it seemed as if he had become the center of heaven and earth, the pivot of the laws governing all things.

Sunlight fell upon him, and his dark robes faintly shone with a primordial light, as if from the beginning of chaos, echoing the lingering trace of the "Primordial Beginning" Daoist aura in the sky.

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

A deafening roar of worship erupted from the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, soaring straight into the sky.

All the civil and military officials, members of the imperial family, nobles, and representatives from all sides, regardless of their inner thoughts, were now completely convinced and prostrated themselves in the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows.

The roaring sound merged into a powerful force of human destiny and imperial dragon energy, converging towards the figure on the imperial steps.

Li Xijun slightly raised his hand, his voice not loud, yet clearly drowning out all the worship and ritual music, reaching everyone's ears like the imperial decree, carrying an unquestionable gentleness and majesty: "Rise."

As soon as the two words were uttered, it was as if an invisible force swept over them, and all those who were kneeling felt their bodies lighten, and they involuntarily stood up, their hearts filled with clarity and peace.

Next came the elaborate and solemn ceremonies of reporting to Heaven, offering sacrifices to ancestors, issuing edicts, and receiving imperial seals.

Having already experienced this before at Dasheng World, Li Xijun handled it with ease, handling every step with practiced ease.

After most of the day had passed, the entire enthronement ceremony was finally completed.

"Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The even more fervent and devout chants of worship rose again, lasting for a long time.

A familiar yet clearly more refined surge of the will of all beings flooded into Li Xijun's sea of ​​consciousness. This time, the scene of the golden sea of ​​consciousness almost filling it caused a slight stirring in his heart. However, the current situation was not appropriate, so he temporarily suppressed his thoughts and proceeded with the various promises and rewards made for the new emperor's ascension to the throne as usual.

That night, deep within the palace, the noise was kept at bay.

Li Xijun took off the twelve-symbol robe with the supreme authority he wore during the day, changed into a simple black casual dress, and stood quietly by the window, looking down at the capital city, which was still brightly lit under the night sky and had returned to its former order.

However, he felt little pride or satisfaction; instead, his mind was clear as a mirror, reflecting the true picture of his own cultivation progress.

"The early stage of Martial Saint corresponds to the initial mastery and deep understanding of a certain universal law, such as thunder, fire, death, etc."

"In the early stages of the Dharma Body, one's own path is opened up and the grotto-heaven is initially formed. One begins to use one's own path to nourish, understand, and influence the laws of the external world."

He silently pondered, "The combination of these two factors makes my combat strength far surpass my peers, enough to easily surpass ordinary mid-stage powerhouses. But at this stage, simply accumulating energy is no longer the key; the real bottleneck lies in—comprehension."

Whether it's the Martial Saint realm requiring a deeper understanding and control of the changes in the laws, or the Dharma Body realm requiring continuous improvement and expansion of one's own Great Dao, moving from "prototype" to "maturity" and even "perfection," both rely on the most fundamental support—the soul!

The soul is the source of enlightenment, the bridge connecting the laws of heaven and earth with one's own great path, and the cornerstone that carries all "understanding" and "control".

His soul, having undergone the tempering of lightning tribulations, the baptism of darkness, and the blessing of his Dharma body, has long surpassed ordinary Dharma bodies, becoming resilient, vast, and nearly pure Yang.

His cultivation speed naturally far surpasses that of other martial saints in the main world and other Dharma bodies in the martial arts world.

But at this level, whether it's a Martial Saint or a Dharma Body, the time unit for cultivation breakthroughs is still calculated in hundreds of years.

This made it difficult for Li Xijun, who was used to rapid breakthroughs, to accept this visibly slower, gradual pace of cultivation.

Although he was unaware that the main world would face a crisis from the Blood Sea True Immortal ten years later, he still instinctively wanted to accelerate his cultivation.

so...

"It's time!" Li Xijun's eyes flickered slightly as he gazed at the vast "ocean" deep within his consciousness, almost entirely filled with pure golden willpower.

That was the power of the wishes of all living beings that he had gathered from the main world to the martial arts world since he ascended to the Martial Saint.

And this immense power of the will of all living beings was already enough to support him in attempting to break through to the final major realm of the Divine Refinement System, the legendary Yang God!

This is a realm that no one in the Great Sheng World has ever truly set foot in; it is a supreme divine soul realm that exists only in the speculations and deductions of the oldest classic texts.

There was no path forward to follow, and no experience to draw upon.

For this reason, even though he had accumulated enough willpower, Li Xijun had previously focused his main efforts on the cultivation of martial saints and Dharma bodies, which had clear paths and countless precedents.

However, both of these smooth paths have now encountered "bottlenecks" in cultivation speed due to the limitation of the strength of the soul. Therefore, breaking through to the unknown "Yang God" has become a choice that must be put on the agenda.

"A Martial Saint needs to comprehend the laws, and a Dharma Body needs to study the Great Dao. Both require a powerful divine soul as their foundation."

"If the Yang Spirit is formed, the essence of the soul will leap forward, and the comprehension will be thorough in all laws. This may break the current slow accumulation, and there may even be a possibility of advancing further."

Li Xijun pondered for a moment, then made up his mind.

However, before seeking a secluded place to retreat and break through to this unprecedented level, there is still a "small matter" that needs to be dealt with.

His divine sense now covers the imperial city, and he knows the aura of every plant, tree, person, and object within it.

Just now, a special aura quietly appeared in a forbidden area deep within the palace that should have been heavily guarded, and—the "guest" did not seem to have any malicious intent to hide, but rather seemed to be waiting with a calm and composed attitude.

Li Xijun's figure disappeared silently from the palace.

The next moment, he appeared atop the library of the imperial palace.

This place is not a storage place for ordinary books, but a forbidden area where the Great Xia royal family collects the most precious martial arts inheritances, ancient secrets and even relics of the previous dynasty. A Grandmaster-level leader of the secret guards takes turns guarding it all year round. The array and restrictions are layered, and even a half-step Dharma Body cannot enter silently.

However, at this moment, in the center of the empty hall on the ninth floor, where only a few ancient objects were placed, a figure stood with his hands behind his back in front of the stone tablet inscribed with the general principles and essence of the "Emperor Dragon Fist".

The man wore a faded, bright yellow old dragon robe, his hair was gray and white, his figure was slightly hunched, and his face was withered but still showed traces of his former majesty. He did not exude a powerful aura, but naturally revealed a sense of vicissitudes of having long held a high position and controlled the universe. Moreover, a refined and condensed Daoist aura of a true dragon, which almost resonated with the dragon-patterned stone tablet beside him, was slowly flowing around him.

It was none other than the long-lost former emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty, Li Longhao.

The guards and restrictions that should have been present in the library seemed to have completely failed, or perhaps they were deliberately making way for this former supreme being.

Li Xijun's figure slowly solidified at the top of the stairs. He looked at the back of the figure without any surprise on his face, and calmly said, "Today is the day I ascended the throne, yet I have come to revisit this old place. Your Majesty has quite the refined taste."