Chapter 474: Defying the Heavens (7k3)

Chapter 474: Defying the Heavens (7k3)



The Cold North.

Jade Province Yu Prefecture.

Within a courtyard of the Yu Clan.

Yan Jingqing, dressed in plain attire, sat across from Yu Jiujiang, with a chessboard between them. The black and white chess pieces entangled on the board, resembling two dragons locked in a fierce battle.

While the chessboard was filled with intense moves, the atmosphere outside remained peaceful.

"Chen Mu has gone to the Central Region," Yan Jingqing said, gently placing a white piece on the chessboard.

A moment later, he spoke up, addressing Yu Jiujiang.

Yu Jiujiang, though aged with wrinkles covering his face, still exuded a vibrant spirit. He slowly lifted his withered right hand, picked up a black piece with two fingers, and placed it in the center of the board.

As the piece landed, the entire chessboard seemed to erupt with killing intent.

Despite the intense battle on the board, with the conflict reaching its peak, Yu Jiujiang smiled kindly outside the game, expressing a touch of sentiment. "He has always acted decisively, leaving no room for hesitation."

This had always been Chen Mu's way.

When someone from the He family offended Chen Mu, he secretly took action, even when he was still weak. He dared to assassinate the He family's direct disciples, and his actions continued in this manner. Given the opportunity, he would strike with thunderous force, uprooting the He family.

Now, having achieved the Blood Exchange Realm, Chen Mu was likely invulnerable across the entire realm. Even the Great Xuan Emperor at the heart of the court might not pose a threat to him. To settle old scores, Chen Mu would not hesitate to challenge the court itself.

His thoughts stirred with countless emotions.

Initially, Chen Mu hadn't caught his attention, but after following Xu Hongyu to the Yu Clan and showcasing his talent, he kept a close eye on Chen Mu. He knew Chen Mu was no ordinary talent, and he might become a pillar for the Yu Clan in the future. However, he never imagined that in just over a decade, not only the Yu Clan, but even the entire Jade Province, and Jade State, could no longer contain Chen Mu's rapid progress.

Who could have foreseen that a lowly outer city servant from Yu Prefecture, who didn't start martial arts training until his twenties, would sweep across the world and reach the pinnacle of martial arts in just over a decade?

"The Central Region is about to descend into chaos again," Yan Jingqing sighed softly. "When chaos reigns, the common folk suffer."

Chen Mu's journey to the Central Region was no secret, and all knew he was heading to confront the Mystic Pavilion Master and the Blood Concealment Sect. An inevitable clash with the court's forces in the Central Region would ensue, leading to unrest in the state.

In the current divided realm, the chaos seemed to have abruptly ceased. Various powers ruled their respective territories, and even in the Cold North, a refreshing change was evident, a scene he was glad to witness.

In truth, he didn't wish for more turmoil in the realm. After years of strife, the common people deserved a period of peace and recovery. However, with Chen Mu's martial prowess reaching its peak and him settling old scores, he could only hope that the chaos in the Central Region would be limited and not spread too far.

Yan Jingqing placed another white piece on the board, countering Yu Jiujiang's black pieces.

This seemingly ordinary move perfectly defused Yu Jiujiang's offensive, shifting the momentum in Yan Jingqing's favor. Yu Jiujiang fell into deep thought, his mind in disarray, unable to find a counter.

Despite his advanced age, Yan Jingqing, a Six Viscera Realm expert on the Wind and Cloud Rankings, was still in his prime, full of vigor. He could match Yu Jiujiang in the first half of the game, but as the game progressed, he gradually fell behind.

Just as Yu Jiujiang was about to sigh, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of his next move, a hand suddenly reached out from the side, picking up a black piece and placing it on the board with a clack.

With this move, the entire chessboard situation flipped once more. Yan Jingqing's white pieces, which had seemed to escape the killing intent and were about to turn the tide, were once again stifled!

"Huh?!"

Yan Jingqing and Yu Jiujiang froze in surprise.

They turned to see a familiar figure standing in the courtyard beside Yu Jiujiang. Dressed in white, the person's demeanor was calm, and compared to before, they appeared more composed and mature, exuding an aura of transcendence above worldly concerns.

It was none other than Chen Mu, unexpectedly appearing in the courtyard!

Yan Jingqing and Yu Jiujiang stood up almost simultaneously, one in astonishment and the other in delight.

"I've taken care of it, so I returned." Chen Mu replied with a relaxed smile, standing beside them.

Yan Jingqing, initially surprised, quickly regained his composure. "Your move has disrupted my strategy..." He glanced at the chessboard and then at Chen Mu. "How did you return so soon after leaving for the Central Region?"

Seeing Chen Mu again after so many years stirred a storm of emotions within him. Memories flooded his mind, and as he looked at the man before him, possibly the current number one martial artist in the realm, it all felt like a dream.

The words left Yan Jingqing and Yu Jiujiang momentarily stunned. They both knew Chen Mu's purpose in the Central Region—to deal with the Mystic Pavilion and the Blood Concealment Sect, now court-affiliated organizations. Opposing them meant confronting the court itself, leading to a protracted conflict.

It seemed that the conflict between the court and Chen Mu had been swiftly resolved, with both parties backing down and reaching an agreement. This thought flashed through Yan Jingqing's mind.

Just then, he heard Chen Mu speak, "Your Excellency Yan has always been a mentor and supporter to me, and I will forever be grateful. During my journey to the Central Region, I made some discoveries. This item can invigorate your blood and relax the Marrow Gate, giving you another chance to break through to the Bone Marrow Washing Realm."

Chen Mu reached into his sleeve and produced a bright red object, resembling a spirit ginseng and about the size of a palm. He gently passed it to Yan Jingqing.

Yan Jingqing, a master of his domain and a renowned figure on the Wind and Cloud Rankings, was more than capable of breaking through to the Marrow Washing Realm. The reason he couldn't overcome this bottleneck was his age; having passed fifty, his marrow had degenerated, and his blood was no longer vigorous enough to open the Marrow Gate. However, nothing in the world is absolute, and there are unique spiritual treasures that can invigorate the blood and recreate opportunities.

The Ten Thousand Year Blood Ginseng in Chen Mu's hand was one such treasure.

"This..."

Yan Jingqing was no ordinary person. When he saw the Blood Ginseng, he immediately recognized its significance. His expression changed, for this was one of the spiritual treasures he had been searching for. It was incredibly rare, and even those in the Blood Replacement Realm would find it challenging to obtain. Over the years, he had never even heard of its existence, so he gradually gave up hope.

But he never expected that the object of his search would suddenly appear before him.

"This item is too precious; I fear I cannot accept it."

Yan Jingqing gazed at the Blood Ginseng, taking a deep breath. Despite his years of cultivation, he couldn't remain completely calm, as this represented a chance to break through to the Bone Marrow Washing Realm. As a martial artist, who wouldn't want to glimpse the higher levels of the martial path?

Moreover, the difference between the Six Viscera Realm and the Marrow Washing Realm was like heaven and earth. Although he was a top-ranked expert on the Wind and Cloud Rankings, he was still far from a true Grandmaster. If he could become a Grandmaster, he wouldn't be weak among his peers, and more importantly, his lifespan would significantly increase. The value of all this was immeasurable to him.

"Although this item is precious, it has no use for me. Besides, I have more than one of these. Please accept it, Your Excellency Yan."

Chen Mu spoke to Yan Jingqing.

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Yan Jingqing knew he couldn't refuse. He wasn't a stubborn person, so he accepted the Blood Ginseng and looked at Chen Mu with emotion, saying, "After so many years, things have changed. I still vividly remember the day we first met at the Surveillance Bureau. Now, you've reached the pinnacle of martial arts, just as you said you would, becoming a true Martial Saint."

Initially, he thought it would take Chen Mu a decade or so to reach the Wind and Cloud Rankings and match his own level. However, the reality was that he had underestimated Chen Mu's talent. In just over a decade, Chen Mu had not only reached the rankings but had also entered the Blood Replacement Realm, standing at the forefront of martial arts.

"The martial path has its limits, but the Dao is boundless. I'm just a secular martial artist still seeking my path."

Chen Mu shook his head, his demeanor devoid of arrogance.

Perhaps he was invincible in the Great Xuan world, but in the vast universe, he was still insignificant. Aside from the Divine Realm and the existence of Seekwood, there were also powerful beings below the Divine Realm, such as the Nine Stages Below Divine.

Chen Mu's words took a turn, and he calmly said, "I know your life's ambition is to cultivate yourself, bring order to the world, and govern the land. Today, the world is divided into nine parts, and the chaos has subsided, making it the perfect time for the common people to rest and prosper. If you are willing, you can take this letter and go to the Central Region to join the Council of State and fulfill your lifelong ambition."

He then took out a letter he had already written from his sleeve.

For him, arranging positions within the court was a simple matter. If Yan Jingqing could obtain the Ten Thousand Year Blood Ginseng and break through to the Bone Marrow Washing Realm, he would indeed have the qualifications to join the Council of State. The current Central Region court was no longer under the control of the Imperial Authority; instead, capable individuals held positions of power. By introducing Yan Jingqing to the Council, Chen Mu would see how far he could go.

"This..."

Yan Jingqing was taken aback after hearing Chen Mu's words and taking the letter.

Currently, the Northern Defense Governorate ruled over the eleven states of the Cold North, issuing orders to the various counties. Yan Jingqing still held the position of Inspector, without any promotion. Moreover, his authority had decreased since the Northern Defense Governorate took control of the Cold North. Compared to joining the Council, this was a vast difference, even though the current court only controlled the eleven states of the Capital Region. However, the status of a cabinet minister was entirely different.

But the key point was that a single letter from Chen Mu could influence cabinet appointments. The Council of State was the true core of the government, requiring the Emperor's approval, experience, connections, and status. Although Chen Mu could dominate the world with his martial prowess, could the new Emperor, Xuan, really yield to him on such matters?

Even if the Emperor truly feared Chen Mu, allowing him to make such decisions, Yan Jingqing was well aware of the complex situation in the Central Region. Even if he broke through to the Marrow Washing Realm, became a Grandmaster, and joined the Council, he would still be insignificant without any foundation or background. He would only gain an empty title.

However, this was still an opportunity to join the Council, a lifelong ambition. No matter how complex the situation in the Central Region, with the new Emperor and various sect powers, he wouldn't back down.

"Your Excellency Yan, there's no need to worry. The current situation in the Central Region is different from what you imagined."

Chen Mu noticed the change in Yan Jingqing's eyes, and seeing his hesitant expression, smiled. He simply said, "You'll know the situation soon, and you can make your decision then."

As he spoke, Chen Mu turned to look at the nearby Yu Jiujiang, sharing a few words with him about the situation at the Seven Mysteries Sect, updating him on Xu Hongyu's recent circumstances, and mentioning their daughter, Chen Yao, whom Xu Hongyu had given birth to. Yu Jiujiang's aged face seemed to regain some color, and a gleam appeared in his eyes.

After hearing Chen Mu's promise to bring Chen Yao and Xu Hongyu to visit Yu Prefecture when he had time, Yu Jiujiang repeatedly expressed his delight, and for a moment, he seemed to regain some of his youthful vigor.

"Well then, since I came here in a hurry, I won't disturb you further. Old man, Yan, I bid you farewell."

After chatting with Yu Jiujiang, Chen Mu nodded to the two of them and took his leave. He turned and took a step, and in the next moment, he quietly disappeared from the courtyard without a trace.

Yan Jingqing and Yu Jiujiang watched Chen Mu depart, but neither of them could sense any trace of his departure. The gap between their realms and Chen Mu's was now as vast as the difference between heaven and earth.

Yu Jiujiang looked at Chen Mu with a gentle expression as he disappeared, then turned to Yan Jingqing and said with a hearty laugh, "Yan, this time, you'll finally be able to fulfill your lifelong ambition."

Although he didn't know how Chen Mu managed to get Yan Jingqing into the Administrative Office with just a letter, Chen Mu's current status was undeniable. If he said it, it couldn't be empty words or boastful talk.

Yan Jingqing nodded slightly and said, "When it comes to matters of the state, one must dedicate themselves wholeheartedly, to the point of death."

It was unclear what changes Chen Mu had brought about during his trip to the Central Region, but on this journey, he didn't conceal his actions. He headed straight to the Central Region in full view of the world. It wouldn't be long before news of his actions reached them.

The news of the Capital spread faster than Yan Jingqing had anticipated. Just half a day after Chen Mu's return to the Cold North, the entire Jade State learned of Chen Mu's actions—how he had swept through the Capital in a single day, crushing the Azure Dragon Army, slaughtering the Blood-Clad Guards, and entering the Imperial City to utterly destroy all of Emperor Xuan's, Ji Xuanfei's, means.

This news left Yan Jingqing, Yu Jiujiang, and the entire Yu family, including Chen Mu's old acquaintances, in complete awe. They gazed up at the vast sky, speechless, especially Yan Jingqing, who now understood why Chen Mu could enter the Administrative Office with just a letter, without needing to consider Emperor Xuan's thoughts, foundation, power, or ability.

Even Emperor Xuan himself, Ji Xuanfei, had been eliminated by Chen Mu!

The current Great Xuan Court claimed that Emperor Xuan had acted against the will of heaven and earth, while Chen Mu upheld the will of heaven and earth, followed the principles of heaven, and punished those who defied the heavens, setting the world right and restoring order to the world!

This was not just about defeating the Imperial City; it was about Chen Mu single-handedly suppressing the entire Great Xuan Court, forcing the entire world to follow his will.

In the 16th year of the Great Xuan Calendar, Chen Mu, in just one day, rewrote the fate of the world!

Martial Saint!

The title of Martial Saint, an eternal crown, was bestowed upon him. The conversation Chen Mu had with Yan Jingqing in the Surveillance Bureau remained vivid in his mind, and with the news of his achievements, those words echoed in Yan Jingqing's heart like rolling thunder, leaving him in awe for a long time. He looked up at the vast sky, feeling countless emotions welling up within him.

...

While the entire Cold North and the whole world were still in shock over the battle in the Central Region, Chen Mu had quietly returned to the Seven Mysteries Sect.

At this moment, on Spirit Profound Peak, in the Purple Bamboo Grove, Chen Mu sat in a bamboo chair, holding Chen Yao in his arms, narrating in a calm tone how he had swept through the million-strong Azure Dragon Army, slaughtered the Blood-Clad Guards, and entered the Imperial City, completely destroying all of Emperor Xuan's, Ji Xuanfei's, means.

The crowd, including Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and Xiao He, listened in a daze.

Even though Chen Yue and Xu Hongyu knew that the most difficult trial had been passed and that there would be no more opponents for Chen Mu in the mortal world, the fact that he had destroyed the Imperial City in just one day still exceeded their imagination, like a dream.

Currently, Chen Yue and Xu Hongyu, although not at extremely high realms, were both at the Six Viscera Realm. Due to their identities as Chen Mu's close associates, even Grandmasters treated them with respect and politeness. Thus, in terms of their experience, they all understood the magnitude of the Great Xuan Court, which had ruled the world for a thousand years.

Blood Replacement Realm experts were numerous, and even Heaven Person experts were not uncommon. Moreover, the depth of their heritage and the terror of their formations far surpassed the Heaven and Earth Locking Dragon Formation of the Seven Mysteries Sect, making them unimaginable.

But despite this, Chen Mu had single-handedly suppressed this thousand-year-old power, the Great Xuan Dynasty, which was considered the orthodoxy of the world. From now on, the entire world would follow Chen Mu's will.

"From now on, big brother is truly the Martial Saint..."

For a moment, Chen Yue stared at Chen Mu in a daze, her voice filled with awe.

Her memory flickered back to twenty years ago, to that winter when her father passed away, leaving her and her brother alone. She remembered that winter as being particularly cold, almost reaching the level of a disaster. Their home lacked coal for the stove, and they had only a single dirty blanket.

Chen Mu braved the snow and wind to gather some old rags and a few scattered pieces of firewood. He lit a small fire in the room, and the siblings huddled together under a single blanket, warming themselves by the meager flame.

Time passed in a flash, and twenty years flew by.

Now, Chen Yue had become a Six Viscera Realm martial artist, serving as a guardian in the Seven Mysteries Sect and considered a powerful figure in the local area. Her brother, Chen Mu, had risen from their humble origins to become the Martial Saint, an unparalleled figure in the world.

It all seemed like a dream, and Chen Yue couldn't help but feel a sense of fear, worried that it might all disappear like a dream, returning her to that cold winter.

Just then, Chen Mu's finger reached out and tapped her forehead lightly.

Chen Yue winced in pain and instinctively shrank back, snapping out of her daze. She rubbed her forehead, looking at Chen Mu with a pitiful expression, but she also felt relieved, her body damp with cold sweat.

Compared to ordinary people, her growth has often been sheltered under Chen Mu's wings. With insufficient experience and an unsteady will, she experienced a moment of mental distraction just then. If not for Chen Mu's finger snap that startled her, continuing to immerse herself in that state would only bring harm, not benefits, and might even become a flaw when she attempts to break through the Marrow Gate in the future.

"Is Lord going to be the best in the world from now on?"

Xiao He, standing by, spoke with a hint of admiration, "I've witnessed Lord Chen Mu's rise step by step, from the small Yu Prefecture to the vast Jade State, and then dominating the world."

Chen Mu smiled gently and said, "Becoming a Martial Saint is not a problem. As for being the best in the world, there might still be some doubts. Don't underestimate the heroes of the world. After two years, when I go to Kunlun Mountain for the Kunlun Debate, there will be no more disputes after that."

Indeed, this life is extraordinary.

He came to this world and rose to prominence in this era. Not to mention Ji Yongzhao, who can also be considered a once-in-a-millennium figure. As for the other top-tier Heaven and Man Masters, some might also explore the Great Wilderness, possessing their unique methods.

His martial arts cultivation has always been a step-by-step process, never arrogant, especially after learning about the Below Divine Nine Stages. He is more aware of the vast gap between his current martial arts and the Divine Realm, and he is far from being invincible below the Divine Realm.

"My father is a great hero and a mighty warrior, the best in the world, and an unparalleled Martial Saint. I want to practice martial arts and become as powerful as my father."

Chen Yao, sitting in Chen Mu's embrace, looked up with admiration on her face. She spoke softly.

Chen Mu laughed heartily, gently patted Chen Yao's head, and then placed her in Xu Hongyu's embrace. He stood up and said, "My trip to the Central Region has been fruitful. I have many things that will be useful to you all."

After saying this, he took out the Heaven and Earth Flask and retrieved several items from it.

Among the thousand-year treasures of the Great Xuan Court, there are many extremely rare and precious spiritual objects, including the Ten Thousand Year Blood Ginseng, which can invigorate qi and blood, aiding martial practitioners in breaking through the Marrow Gate. These spiritual treasures are considered extremely rare.

In Chen Mu's possession, there are many more such treasures, as well as numerous precious items that can solidify one's foundation, including the Soul Lotus, which are suitable for Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others to use.

Xu Hongyu's foundation is not deep enough. To give birth to Chen Yao, she put her cultivation on hold for a year. With her foundation and martial arts, breaking through the Marrow Gate is already very challenging. To rely solely on herself to surpass that hurdle is almost impossible, but with the aid of the spiritual treasures Chen Mu brought, her chances can be increased by at least thirty percent!

However, that's only a thirty percent chance.

This is the limit of external assistance; the Marrow Gate breakthrough ultimately depends more on the martial practitioner themselves.

As for Chen Yue, her situation is much better than Xu Hongyu's. With the many spiritual treasures Chen Mu provided, her chances of breaking through the Marrow Gate will also significantly increase. It is estimated that with two to three years of accumulation, her chances of success can be raised to over fifty percent.

For martial practitioners, this is already an extremely high probability, as it is often the case that out of ten Marrow Washing practitioners, only one will become a Grandmaster.

"Alright."

After distributing the spiritual treasures, Chen Mu spoke solemnly, "In the coming period, I will be in seclusion within the Forbidden Ground for cultivation. However, I want all of you to focus on your martial arts training as well. I hope you can all break through the Marrow Gate and enter the Marrow Washing Realm. That will not only enhance your strength but also significantly extend your lifespan."

The last sentence was what Chen Mu truly cared about.

The improvement of Chen Yue and Xu Hongyu's strength did not hold much significance for him. In his eyes, there was no difference between a Grandmaster and the Six Viscera Realm. The only distinction was that a Grandmaster's cultivated martial body could better withstand his control, but even that was not important. What mattered was longevity.

Ordinary mortals rarely live past fifty years, and it is uncommon for them to reach sixty.

Martial practitioners in the Six Viscera Realm can easily live past a hundred years, but after that, their vitality will still decline. Only upon reaching the Marrow Washing Realm and cultivating a martial body can they extend their lifespan to over a hundred and fifty years.

Chen Mu knew that he would eventually enter the Divine Realm, transcending this heaven and earth, and attaining immortality. However, he was uncertain if he could grant immortality to Chen Yue and Xu Hongyu as well.

For this, he was powerless.

He could only hope that Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue would strive to improve their martial arts and extend their lifespans, so that perhaps one day in the future, when he attained the Divine Realm, he could find more ways to prolong their lives.

Birth, old age, sickness, and death are the natural cycles of the world, the heavenly principles, but at this stage, Chen Mu had set his sights on the Divine Realm, transcending heaven and earth. Naturally, he would no longer follow the will of heaven and earth but would have to go against it.

"We will."

Xu Hongyu spoke softly beside Chen Mu.

She understood Chen Mu's intentions, and they shared the same wish—to live longer, to accompany Chen Mu for a more extended period. This was not just for herself but also for Chen Mu. She didn't want to see everyone grow old and pass away a hundred years later, leaving Chen Mu alone in a vast world.

Xu Hongyu was willing to put her cultivation on hold to give birth to Chen Yao, not just to continue Chen Mu's bloodline but also so that after countless years, when she, Xiao He, Chen Yue, and others had all passed away, there would still be someone by Chen Mu's side.

Now, the world has been pacified.

For Chen Mu and his companions, all enemies have been eliminated, leaving only one remaining foe—heaven's will.

"Mhm."

Chen Mu gently caressed Xu Hongyu's cheek, then stood up and left the bamboo grove, departing from Spirit Profound Peak and heading towards the Forbidden Ground deep within the Seven Mysteries Sect.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end