Chapter 239: Visiting the Door, Challenging the Hundred Veins (8k) (Part 2)

Chapter 239: Visiting the Door, Challenging the Hundred Veins (8k) (Part 2)

After breaking free from the first shackle, it seemed as if heaven and earth were even "closer" to him.

This was a transformation of the true self.

Breaking free from the heavenly shackles indeed elevated the true self.

Jingqiu calmly comprehended the profound mysteries within.

Indeed, just as the divine lords had predicted, using the divine embryo as a substitute for one's own physique, breaking free from the shackles not only simplified the process but also reduced many dangers.

He felt that even if he failed, it would only damage the divine embryo and wouldn't directly affect his physical body, causing it to collapse.

Unfortunately, he didn't have the opportunity to test it.

From what he could see, this path could completely replace the traditional shackle path, with the only drawback being...

It was too difficult.

Jingqiu thought of his experience of opening the third layer of the Divine Treasury.

He couldn't help but shake his head.

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To open the third layer of the Divine Treasury in the Divine Roaming Realm and condense the divine embryo was almost an impossible feat.

Jingqiu felt that aside from himself, it was uncertain if the Federation could produce such a genius in ten thousand years.

Ordinary warriors would probably need to break free from two or three shackles before having any hope of opening the third layer of the Divine Treasury and condensing the divine embryo within their physical body.

But even with that, it was already superior to the traditional path.

After the breakthrough, Jingqiu initially entered the Shackles Realm, but he didn't stop. He felt that with his current origin...

He might be able to break through the second shackle? Jingqiu's eyes flashed, and he didn't hold back, preparing to continue trying.

The foundation he had laid in the Divine Roaming Realm was too profound, and by accommodating the twelve heavenly spiritual machines, he surpassed any other Divine Roaming Realm cultivator in the Federation's history.

With such a foundation, breaking through and simultaneously breaking two shackles was, in his opinion, reasonable and not beyond common sense.

Jingqiu continued to stimulate the burning of his life's origin, promoting the "blazing brilliance," and with a withering and destroying posture, he charged at the shackle wrapped around his left arm!

Amidst the blazing auspicious clouds, various strange scenes materialized and surrounded Jingqiu's body, floating and rotating.

Upon seeing this, the White Deer Daoist's eyes flashed, and he said in a solemn tone, "The inner world's extraordinary scenery!"

Vigorous blood surged and quickly expanded to Jingqiu's limbs and bones. At this moment, the divine embryo shone with brilliance and transcendence, radiating sacred light.

He took a deep breath, resembling a whale inhaling a river, as if he had inhaled all the air within a few hundred meters into his lungs, compressing it. Finally, he exhaled with a thunderous roar!

At this moment, he finally felt a sense of relief! After breaking free from two shackles in a row, his body's transformation and advancement temporarily lagged, and boundless radiance poured out from the divine embryo, nourishing his limbs and bones, especially his arms.

Amidst the transformation, Jingqiu picked up the Dragon Tiger Great Medicine beside him and drank it down!

Ordinary warriors could still rely on their own origin to break through the first shackle, but for the second one, they would need to consume a large amount of high-energy substances to supplement and accumulate their life's origin, giving them a chance to break through the second shackle.

Just then...

Jingqiu's hand, holding the special container for the Dragon Tiger Great Medicine, paused in mid-air.

He stared blankly at the front.

With his spiritual cultivation reaching the level of the divine embryo, he hadn't noticed that an old man was sitting cross-legged in front of him, not knowing when he had appeared.

The Elder turned to White Deer Senior Uncle and the others, only to find that they were completely unaware of the conversation.

The Elder smiled and said, "Soul transmission, a little trick of mine."

Ji Jingqiu fell silent for a moment before asking, "Elder, where is your true body now?"

"Naturally, at the Four Guardians Star," replied the Elder from the Mu Clan.

At that moment, Ji Jingqiu finally understood what Qingyang Grandmaster had meant by saying that he would know in due time.

Right before his eyes, the Elder from the Mu Clan, one of the few remaining Great Grandmasters in the Federation, appeared.

"I heard that the Great Grandmasters in the Federation have not yet broken free from the shackles of the Seventh Realm. May I ask if this is true, Elder?" Ji Jingqiu inquired.

"Then do you know why we will be embarking on a journey soon?" The Elder asked in return instead of answering.

Ji Jingqiu speculated, "Is it because of the dangers of the Heaven Road, the invasion of the strong from Tridivisioned Floating Earth, or the loosening of the Great Universe's rules in a few years?"

The Elder glanced at him with a hint of surprise and nodded, "Indeed, you've gained quite a lot of knowledge, all correct, but there's one crucial point you're missing."

"Please enlighten me, Elder."

Ji Jingqiu noticed that their conversation was not affecting White Deer Senior Uncle and the others in the distance.

Was this the power of a Great Grandmaster, soul transmitting from the Four Guardians Star as if they were right next to him?

"Your earlier statement was correct. The Great Grandmasters are indeed incomplete in the Eighth Realm, not only because the Federation's martial path has been cut off since the Heaven Man stage, but also due to the restrictions of the world."

The Elder continued calmly, "This departure is not only for a greater cause, but we also have our own personal reasons. This brilliant era is not just significant for you younger ones but also for us old folks."

Ji Jingqiu's expression changed, this was the first time he had heard such a statement, yet he instinctively felt it made perfect sense.

Indeed, a brilliant era was not only important for the younger generation but also for the older generation, who were bound by the world's shackles.

"So, some believe that instead of relying on the next generation, we should rely on ourselves."

"Our journey into the Heaven Road is not only to suppress the catastrophe but also to seek the path and give certain youngsters a chance."

The Elder seemed to have thought of something and smiled.

Ji Jingqiu spoke with gravity, "With all the Grandmasters leaving, not a single one remaining, wouldn't that affect the stability of the Federation? What about the Four Guardians Star?"

"There's no way to stay, staying would only bring disaster. You'll understand in time," the Elder shook his head, "As for the Four Guardians Star, the Four Directions Divine Lord is still there, and in critical moments, they will take action. Hopefully, that day won't come, as the price of their intervention is too high."

The Elder sighed lightly, "This departure is rather hasty, but I think it might not be a bad thing."

"Once you surpass the Heaven Man stage, what path do you seek?" Ji Jingqiu fell silent for a moment, recalling the Elder's earlier words about the path beyond the Heaven Man stage being cut off, he asked, "What path are you seeking?"

"The path of the workings of all things, the law of the origin of the universe, the pursuit of truth." The Elder did not hide anything, "The pursuit of truth means seeking the truth of the self."

Ji Jingqiu fell into deep thought.

"Alright, back to the topic, do you know why I sought you out this time?" The Elder suddenly asked.

"..."

"I'm here because you've become a thorn in the side of certain people."

The Elder's face showed concern, as if he was genuinely worried about Ji Jingqiu, and sighed, "For instance, the Deputy Minister of the War Administration, Zhang Yan, is dissatisfied with you. He believes that although you achieved remarkable results on the Heaven Road, by not following the Federation's path, you caused the Federation to lose important expansion rights. He feels you should be allocated by the Federation."

"There are also those in the Six Great Families who are unhappy with you. They think that your ascent to the top of the White Jade Capital overshadowed the Six Great Families. They want to suppress your momentum first and then bring you under their control."

Ji Jingqiu: "..."

He rubbed his forehead, how should he put it, humans were always diverse, and he had expected this.

He could even guess that for some, it was truly a matter of "belief," while for others, it was a case of their "brains being controlled by their behinds," forcing them to "believe" in a certain way.

Regardless, it was all disgusting.

But...

These things weren't important.

What mattered to Ji Jingqiu now was the Elder before him.

A Great Grandmaster, soul transmitting from a distance of countless light-years, just to give him a little report.

This was a bit too abstract.

He felt that the Elder was intentionally stirring up trouble for him. He even doubted if those people had actually said those things.

The Elder suddenly sighed, "Don't worry, I've taken care of it all. It was just some minor troubles I set up for you in the first place."

Ji Jingqiu wiped the sweat from his forehead. This Elder was indeed taking care of things.

The Elder continued, speaking to himself, "This past year, I've planned some paths for you, like joining the Bureau of Religious Affairs or other practical departments, gradually rising to high positions."

"Or using Dragon Tiger Arena as a stepping stone, starting to unite the forces of other arenas to counter the martial families, allying with the Merchant Alliance..."

"Or directly joining certain factions of the Six Great Families, dealing with the remaining factions..."

"But in the end, with your achievements on the Heaven Road spreading, I thought about it and realized that these paths aren't suitable for a pure, genuine martial artist."

"Political struggles are dirty, they'll only hinder martial cultivation. That's what Elder Mu left behind in his message, and today, I share it with you."

Although the old man seemed to have caused him some trouble in an invisible way...

But how many people in this world could make a Supreme Grandmaster go to such great lengths to plan for his future?

It was definitely not because he disliked him.

Instead, he was genuinely trying to plan a path for him.

The reason was that he had cultivated the Fire Prison Buddha Contemplation Diagram and was the successor of Elder Mu.

Ji Jingqiu deeply felt that the old man was sincerely considering his well-being.

However, he refused.

At this moment, the old man smiled with great kindness, "I've thought about it for a long time and finally found the most suitable path for you. I've named it 'Visiting and Discussing the Dao, Sword Challenging a Hundred Veins'. What do you think?"

Ji Jingqiu's eyebrows twitched in surprise, and he had a bad premonition.

He cautiously asked, "How do you discuss the Dao and challenge? Is it a one-on-one or group challenge?"

The old man chuckled and gently persuaded, "Don't worry. Throughout history, every Grandmaster in the Federation has visited and discussed the Dao, challenging various sects and martial families. When a Grandmaster breaks through a realm and emerges from seclusion, they spend several years visiting and discussing the Dao with various sects and martial families, challenging the strongest of their time. In the end, they even challenge the six major families to prove their martial arts."

"When one reaches the Grandmaster realm, how can it be done without the capacity, vision, and strength to suppress all sides? Even if one reaches the realm, without challenging and proving oneself against various powers, they won't be recognized as a Grandmaster. They'll be seen as merely 'building a cart behind closed doors.'"

Ji Jingqiu's eyes widened in surprise.

According to this, if someone breaks through the Seventh Stage Grandmaster realm and doesn't challenge and prove themselves against numerous martial lineages, other powers might not acknowledge their Grandmaster status!

The old man slowly said, "This rule may seem strange, but it's a tradition passed down by our ancestors. It aims to promote exchange between various martial lineages. All Grandmasters have followed this path; no one is an exception."

Ji Jingqiu suddenly understood.

Even without considering the influence of the Federation's social system, cultural customs, and other factors, this single point was enough!

Newly ascended Grandmaster: Fellow Grandmasters, I believe this outdated custom should be abolished!

Old Grandmasters: ?

No need for words, just a question mark was enough.

"Unfortunately... I've just broken through the Shackles Realm," Ji Jingqiu said with regret, "When I break through to the Grandmaster realm in the future, I'll definitely follow the footsteps of my predecessors."

The old man smiled with kindness and tolerance, "What's the problem? If you're at the Shackles Realm, go and challenge those at the Shackles or Heart Form. Even if you want to challenge Heaven People, they'll have to respond!"

"Moreover, if you wait until you become a Grandmaster to challenge others, it'll be too late. In the past, the seven old Grandmasters, who didn't challenge various martial lineages in their youth, gather the strengths of various sects, and temper their martial arts?"

"If you're shy and feel embarrassed to deliver a challenge letter, I'll help you deliver it. I believe the various martial lineages in the Federation will give me some face and accept your challenge."

Ji Jingqiu couldn't help but smile wryly, "Are you here today specifically to help me stir up trouble?"

From the beginning, when the old man directly stated that someone from a certain department had an issue with him, Ji Jingqiu's attitude was very clear, not trying to hide it at all.

"Visiting and discussing the Dao, challenging a hundred veins... Isn't that too flashy?" Ji Jingqiu sighed, but his eyes shone with a unique brilliance.

The old man was very pleased with Ji Jingqiu's current "emotional response" and smiled, "Letting you be a bit flashy is also a way to protect you."

Ji Jingqiu seemed to be deep in thought.

"Are there any other benefits, such as cultivation resources?" Ji Jingqiu asked shyly.

"Benefits?" The old man smiled meaningfully, "You'll know when the time comes."

As Ji Jingqiu was still a bit dazed, he was immersed in the old man's words about "visiting and discussing the Dao, challenging a hundred veins."

The old man looked at him seriously and said, "I have another request this time. I want to see the real Fire Prison Buddha Contemplation Diagram before I leave."

Ji Jingqiu had no reason to refuse.

He calmed his mind, and behind him, a Bodhi tree appeared, swaying in the world. At the same time, the Fire Rain and Bitter Sea of the Inner World also appeared behind him.

The old man's gaze remained fixed.

At this moment, there was no Pure Land in his eyes.

Only the raging fire rain, the bitter sea of countless worlds, and a young man sitting amidst it all.

The world was like a blazing fire, and the bitter sea of suffering engulfed everything, but the young man sat in the midst of it all, unaffected by the calamities.

The bitter sea couldn't invade him, and calamities couldn't touch him.

Pure Land?

There was no such thing as a Pure Land.

At this moment, the old man seemed to have a sudden realization.

His gaze fell on the Inner World behind Ji Jingqiu, and for a long time, he didn't blink, his eyes filled with indescribable emotions, looking a bit dazed at this moment.

This was the Fire Prison Buddha.

This was the supreme law left by the ancestors.

The descendants may not be capable or virtuous, but fortunately, they still had some blessings, and now, they had finally found the true successor of the Buddha.

Being able to witness this law, even if it meant never returning, there would be no regrets.

"Last time we met, I asked you what you wanted. Now, I'll ask you again, what do you desire?"

After a long silence, the old man spoke softly.

Ji Jingqiu couldn't help but fall silent. Last time the old man said those words, it was almost like entrusting him with a great responsibility, wanting him to take care of the Mu Clan.

And this time?

After a long pause, Ji Jingqiu spoke, "I heard that the Supreme Buddha Sect has collected many laws passed down by the Buddha, such as the Bodhimanda Golden Body at the Shackles Realm. I want to see it."

The old man nodded.

This nod seemed casual, but it carried the weight of Mount Tai.

The old man calmly said, "Returning things to their rightful owner is the way it should be."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end