Covering the Sky: I Prove the Great Dao Through the Gate of Immortality

"But now, it seems you've run into a little trouble. If you don't mind, I can help you solve it."

Hong Yi was taken aback, almost thinking he had misheard.

He subconsciously turned his head to look at Hong Xuejiao and the Crown Prince, who were sitting upright on their horses, their imposing presence still overwhelming.

At this moment, the two men were already experiencing a storm of emotions.

The Crown Prince's expression changed drastically. He tightened the reins, forcing himself to remain calm, and asked, "Who exactly are you?"

Li Chenzhou's gaze was indifferent, unmoved.

"My name is Li Chenzhou," he said slowly. "The two Martial Saints of the Great Qian Dynasty, Yang Tuo and Hong Xuanji, you two are their descendants, aren't you?"

These words were like a thunderclap!

Hong Xuejiao and the Crown Prince were shocked, and the color drained from their faces.

The other party not only addressed them by the names of the two martial saints behind them, but their tone was also chillingly calm.

Then, recalling the unpredictable way this person had appeared, a thought surged within him and he couldn't suppress it.

The person in front of me is probably also a... Martial Saint level being.

This thought was like ice water poured over his head, extinguishing all of the Crown Prince's arrogance. Without hesitation, he pulled hard on the reins.

"Walk!"

Hunting and saving face are all jokes in front of a potential martial saint.

He didn't dare say another word, fearing it would bring about his utter destruction.

Hong Xuejiao's eyes were complicated. She looked deeply at Hong Yi, then glanced at Li Chenzhou with awe. She remained silent and followed closely behind, riding away.

In an instant, the dozens of men who had been so aggressive just moments before retreated in utter panic and disarray.

Hong Yi stood frozen in place, as if petrified.

Immediately afterwards, an unprecedented surge of pride and awe erupted from the depths of his heart.

Is this... true power?

Is this... absolute power?

There was no physical contact, not even a single threat.

Just a name, an identity, a glance, a casual word... and those people who were high above him and could decide his life or death were so frightened that they fled in panic, without even the courage to look back.

This had a revolutionary impact on Hong Yi, who had suffered countless humiliations in the Wuwen Marquis's mansion since childhood and had never truly witnessed what top-level power was like.

The power he had always longed for could be so effortless, yet so earth-shattering.

Hong Yi clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly with excitement.

He looked at Mr. Li, who stood beside him with his hands behind his back, his eyes burning with fervor.

In an instant, Hong Yi's mind was filled with turbulent thoughts.

If I could have the same strength as my master, would I be able to stand on equal footing with my father, Hong Xuanji?

Would that allow me to stand up straight and confront him directly about why he treated my mother so poorly back then, causing her to die in agony?

He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and bowed respectfully: "Thank you for helping me out of that predicament, sir."

Li Chenzhou nodded, a hint of a smile flashing across his face, but he remained silent.

Hong Yi immediately understood; for someone like him, what he had just done was nothing more than a casual act.

If one is overly formal, one will appear worldly.

He composed himself and began to think about the changes that had just occurred. His time teaching the little fox to read had given him an unexpected glimpse into the world of cultivation.

Cultivation in the world is divided into two paths: the spiritual and the physical. The ultimate goal of physical cultivation is the legendary Martial Saint, or even the Human Immortal realm.

The person before him knew that two martial saints of the era stood behind the other, yet remained calm and composed. Such composure...

A bold guess arose in Hong Yi's mind, and he couldn't help but look up at Li Chenzhou: "Sir, are you a Martial Saint?"

In response to Hong Yi's question, Li Chenzhou smiled but remained noncommittal.

In the world of Yangshen, martial arts and Taoist arts coexist.

The way of martial arts is to strengthen the physical body and transcend life and death.

They believe that the world is like a sea of ​​suffering, and the physical body is like a raft to cross it. If the physical body is strong, it can carry people directly to the other side of the sea of ​​suffering.

The foundation of martial arts training is divided into seven realms: Martial Student, Martial Apprentice, Martial Warrior, Martial Master, Innate Martial Master, Grandmaster, and Martial Saint. These correspond to training the flesh, tendons, membranes, bones, viscera, marrow, and blood, respectively, in order to temper the physical body to its limit.

This level of martial arts is still at the level of ordinary martial arts.

After opening all the acupoints in the body, one can possess boundless power with every move, thus becoming a human immortal.

The ultimate goal of cultivation for human immortals is to open the 129,600 acupoints in the body. The cultivation above human immortals in this world is divided into: the true meaning of martial arts, the substance of fist intent, the derivation of flesh and blood, the ever-changing transformation, and the shattering of the vacuum.

Taoist practitioners believe that the world is like a sea of ​​suffering, and the human body is like a raft to cross it. However, the sea of ​​suffering is boundless, and the raft will eventually decay. Only if the spirit is strong can one abandon the raft and swim to the other side of the sea of ​​suffering by one's own strength.

The realms of Taoist arts are divided into several stages, such as stillness, leaving the body, night travel, day travel, controlling objects, manifesting form, possession, and ghost immortality.

After undergoing nine tribulations of lightning, he achieved a pure Yang primordial spirit, thus becoming a Yang spirit.

Li Chenzhou was at the Immortal Realm 3, capable of slaying saints. In this world, he estimated his combat strength to be equivalent to the level of seven or eight tribulations.

Li Chenzhou left.

……

In the dead of winter.

The Marquis of Wuwen's residence.

Hong Xuejiao sat in her courtyard, her mind in turmoil.

"I must report the matter of Xishan to my father..." This thought lingered in her mind.

She knew her father's personality, yet a slight hesitation had prevented her from taking that step until now.

That Mr. Li... dares to address my father by his full name; perhaps he truly is a martial arts master.

Why would a martial saint, and such a young one at that, appear in a place like Xishan?

Why did he treat Hong Yi differently?

She recalled the scene: her side was intimidated by the opponent's aura and retreated without a fight, which was the wisest choice when facing a strong opponent.

But the key point is that this person is not just a simple warrior; he is clearly a learned gentleman who even took the initiative to invite Hong Yi to attend his private school.

Thinking of Hong Yi, Hong Xuejiao's feelings became even more complicated.

Unlike her other siblings in the household, she felt only pure disgust for the younger brother born to that courtesan. Just a few days ago, when the Prince Cheng's heir presented that first line of the couplet, she had even sent someone to ask Hong Yi for help.

Hong Yi did not disappoint her; his matching couplet was exquisite, allowing her to save face in front of the prince and others.

I admire his talent, but that's all.

She thought to herself.

I have always believed that he has a lowly status in this household. Even if he has some talent, he will only be able to rely on the family to secure a place for himself in the future, and he will never amount to anything.

but……

But now, everything is different.

A powerful figure, suspected to be a martial saint and also a learned scholar, extended a gesture of goodwill to Hong Yi.

Just who is this Mr. Li?

Was his approach to Hong Yi genuinely due to his appreciation of talent, or did he have ulterior motives, intending to target my Hong family?

Various speculations churned in her mind.

In any case, this matter is beyond her judgment alone. If Hong Yi has truly gained the favor of such a person, it would be a violation of the established order.

She twirled the hem of her dress with her fingertips, two thoughts clashing in her mind.

If I don't tell him, my father will be furious when he finds out from elsewhere later.

My father was a master of Neo-Confucianism, who valued rules and etiquette above all else, and the hierarchy in the household was as clear as an insurmountable chasm.

A martial arts master of unknown origin is privately teaching in the suburbs. If Hong Yi, as a member of the Marquis's family, were to actually attend his lectures, he would be breaking the family rules and trampling on the principles of Neo-Confucianism.

Thinking of Hong Yi, she felt a pang of pity.

That half-brother, though of humble status, was quite talented. (Following up on Wei Gongyang, following every update of "Covering the Sky: I Prove the Great Dao Through the Gate of Eternal Life".)

If it weren't for his secret help a few days ago, she would have lost face in front of the prince.

If she were to expose this matter herself, Hong Yi would likely face severe punishment under family law, and might even have his future in the household completely ruined.

but……

She clenched her fists. The Crown Prince was also present at the time, so the matter could not be kept secret.

Once Shenwei King Yang Tuo finds out, the news will reach his father's ears sooner or later.

At that time, how will she, as the daughter who knew but did not report it, face the consequences?

In my father's Confucian world, concealing information was considered the same as breaking the rules.

The winter plum blossoms outside the window trembled slightly, just like her wavering heart at this moment.

On one hand, there was a negligible sympathy; on the other, the risk of getting burned; on one hand, there was a vague worry about his half-brother; and on the other, there was fear of his father's authority.

Finally, she slowly got up.

"The truth will eventually come out."

The next day, as dawn broke, she finally made up her mind.

She walked through the courtyards and arrived at the main hall.

The father, Hong Xuanji, was not seen in the hall; only Madam Zhao sat upright in a rosewood chair.

A mink blanket was spread on the chair, and she was holding a pure white cat, gently combing its fur.

"Your father was summoned to the palace by His Majesty last night to discuss state affairs and has not yet returned home." Madam Zhao's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Hong Xuejiao's heart tightened.

Should we tell Madam Zhao about this while my father is away?

Madam Zhao noticed her hesitation: "If there's anything you need, feel free to tell me first. I will relay it to you when the Marquis returns to his residence."

Hong Xuejiao lowered her eyes.

Madam Zhao was her father's principal wife. Although she was not his biological mother, she held a prestigious position in the household.

The most important thing at this moment is to state your position clearly and never let anyone think that you are intentionally hiding something.

In this Marquis's mansion, especially in the home of a Confucian scholar like my father, any negligence could lead to punishment.

"Yesterday in Xishan..."

She began to recount how she met Li Chenzhou, including the mysterious martial saint's fondness for Hong Yi.

Madam Zhao paused slightly as she stroked the cat, her tone remaining calm: "In that case, it's Hongyi's fault. The Marquis values ​​family education above all else. How could he so easily have affairs with outsiders and even attend classes? Doesn't the family have a tutor? Isn't this disgracing the Marquis?"

Hong Xuejiao lowered her head and remained silent.

"I cannot make this decision," Madam Zhao said slowly. "He is, after all, the Marquis's bloodline. Let's wait for the Marquis to return and decide."

"Yes." Hong Xuejiao bowed and slowly left the main hall.

The hall door closed gently behind her.

Just as the door closed, a piercing meow shattered the silence.

The once docile white cat jumped down in fright, a tuft of white fur landing on the mink carpet.

Madam Zhao's face was ashen, and she gripped the armrests of the chair so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

"Meng Bingyun!" she practically spat out the name through gritted teeth. "You shameless woman, you won't even rest in peace in death! And that bastard Hong Yi, how dare he curry favor with the Martial Saint!"

Granny Zeng quickly stepped forward: "Madam, would you like to...?"

"No need," Madam Zhao interrupted coldly. "Taking action on your own will only anger Xuanji." Her eyes were sinister. "Xuanji must already know that a Martial Saint has appeared near the capital. This time, it was that bastard who broke the family rules. We don't need to take action; Xuanji will handle it himself."

From then on, Hong Yi went to and from Xinmen Private School every day, rain or shine.

That afternoon, Li Chenzhou began lecturing on the I Ching under a plum tree.

"There should be a way of learning in the world: to observe the heavens to understand the changes of time, and to observe human affairs to transform the world. All things in heaven and earth have their own principles, and these principles are not in the sky, but in our hearts."

Like a bolt of lightning cleaving through the fog, Hong Yi was jolted.

In a daze, he seemed to see the hexagrams intertwined before his eyes, and a strange sense of destiny arose spontaneously.

It seems that he was destined to hear this teaching at this moment, in this place.

The obscure and difficult parts that I used to find difficult to understand when reading the scriptures suddenly became clear and easy to understand.

Li Chenzhou's gaze swept over the students, finally settling on Hong Yi:

"Today we will focus on the true meaning of 'investigating things.' In the past, a man fell ill after observing bamboo for seven days, simply because he sought its principles externally. He did not realize that the principles of all things reside within our own minds. 'The mind is principle.' How can there be anything or any principle outside the mind?"

"Before you saw this plum blossom, it was in a state of stillness along with you. When you saw it, its color suddenly became clear, and you knew that it was not outside your heart."

Hong Yi felt as if struck by lightning, the impact piercing straight to his crown chakra.

All the confusion I had when I was studying has now melted away.

True learning is not about rote memorization, but about awakening the wisdom that is inherent within us.

"Therefore, the investigation of things is not about investigating external things, but about investigating the things within one's own mind."

Li Chenzhou's voice seemed to carry a certain profound rhythm: "Eliminate selfish desires, cultivate the principles of Heaven, and with a bright heart, what more is there to say?"

These words of reasoning were like a gentle spring breeze, immersing Hong Yi in indescribable joy.

He seemed to have touched upon some profound truth of the universe, and a sense of self-confidence, that "I am self-sufficient and do not need to seek anything from outside," sprouted in his heart.

Just as Hong Yi was immersed in the joy of learning, the atmosphere deep within the Hong mansion grew increasingly heavy.

Madam Zhao smashed her most beloved celadon teacup.

"That little bastard, he never stops studying." She said to Granny Zeng with a sneer, "I heard that his studies have improved greatly these past few days, and even the tutor hired by the manor praised his unique insights."

Granny Zeng whispered, "What about the Marquis..."

"What's the rush?" Madam Zhao said, fiddling with her prayer beads. "Xuanji values ​​rules above all else. That bastard has already committed a grave offense by studying abroad on his own. When the time is right, someone will naturally deal with him."

After class that day, Li Chenzhou deliberately kept Hong Yi behind.

"I heard you've been having some trouble at home lately?"

Hong Yi was taken aback, then said frankly, "I only seek knowledge; nothing else matters to me."

Li Chenzhou gave him a deep look: "Remember these words today. If you encounter difficulties in the future, remember the saying, 'As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement.'"

These words were like a warm current flowing into Hong Yi's heart.

He suddenly felt that even if the road ahead was difficult, with such a wise teacher guiding him, he had nothing to fear.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Emperor Qian, Yang Pan, leaned against the dragon bed, his aura blending seamlessly with the palace, unfathomable.

Hong Xuanji stood quietly below the steps, her figure like a divine pillar, forming a perfect balance with the emperor on the dragon bed.

Such scenes were commonplace in the inner palace.

It was common knowledge in the court that Marquis Wuwen, Hong Xuanji, often stayed overnight in the palace to discuss state affairs with the emperor until dawn.

The fact that the secret report from Xishan was circulating among the emperor and his minister at this moment further demonstrates this trust.

"Hong Yi..."

Yang Pan gently stroked the name on the secret report. "Is it the child Meng Bingyun left behind?"

Hong Xuanji bowed slightly, his expression unchanged: "Your Majesty remembers clearly, but compared to this unfilial son, the suddenly appearing Li Chenzhou is more worthy of attention."

"A peak martial saint appeared silently in the outskirts of the capital and even opened a so-called 'Heart School' private academy. His intentions are despicable."

"Li Chenzhou..." Yang Pan closed his eyes and pondered, the candlelight in the hall flickering.

What is the mysterious martial arts master plotting in the capital?

"I'll leave this matter to you, my dear minister." Yang Pan opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning. "You will stay in the palace tonight. I have already ordered a room to be prepared in the Imperial Study."

"Your subject obeys the decree," Hong Xuanji replied, bowing.

This arrangement was already commonplace for the two of them.

The court officials privately discussed that Marquis Wuwen spent more time in the palace than in his mansion.

At this moment, the moonlight outside the palace is cold and clear, reflecting the perfect harmony between the emperor and his minister, a model for all time.