Chapter 99: To Guide Others, One Must Be Guided by Others

Chapter 99: To Guide Others, One Must Be Guided by Others

Day 7, evening.

[Jing Qiu, don't go to the training studio tonight. The Li family is suspected to be involved.]



Ji Jingqiu looked at the message from Dao Ge, his gaze turning solemn.

The Li family...

Is this the Li family, one of the six major families, descended from Li Shuai?

I never thought that even the members of the esteemed six major families would be involved in this affair.

At this moment, Ji Jingqiu gently caressed the blade, slowly closing his eyes.

No matter what these people are thinking.

From this day on, it will all be like a dream.

...

Zhuang Budong opened his eyes, and the once calm and lifeless gaze now seemed to have a flickering fire within.

Gradually, this surge of excitement settled into silence, hidden once again.

After thirty-one years of silence and torment, the end had finally arrived on this day.

He had countless times imagined this day in his dreams.

But when the day finally came, he realized that he was surprisingly calm.

He got up and, after a long time, went to the washroom in the training room. Facing the broken mirror, he personally trimmed his unkempt beard and hair, then changed into the clean martial arts uniform he had prepared long ago, grooming himself meticulously.

Looking at the mirror, he saw his broad shoulders and back, no longer youthful but still standing tall and resolute. Zhuang Budong managed a slight smile.

He went outside and woke up Ji Jingqiu, who had been staying in the training studio for several days without returning home.

"Shall I take a photo of you?"

Hearing Zhuang Budong's words, Ji Jingqiu repeated the question, looking at the "brand-new" middle-aged man before him. His heart was calm, and a sense of power flowed within him.

The time had come.

He used the terminal to take a photo of Zhuang Budong.

In the photo, a middle-aged man stood tall amidst the disheveled training room, illuminated by a few strands of twilight. His figure was erect, his facial features deep and three-dimensional, and his entire being exuded a resilience that had withstood the test of time.

Zhuang Budong took the photo and glanced at it, revealing a faint smile. He gave Ji Jingqiu a number and said softly, "If I fail, send this photo to him."

"If I succeed... then there's no need."

Ji Jingqiu nodded and said in a low voice, "Is it time to begin?"

Zhuang Budong nodded, his expression showing hesitation, unsure whether to share certain information with Ji Jingqiu.

Ji Jingqiu noticed his hesitation and took the initiative to speak, "Senior Zhuang, you haven't told me how to lock onto the gate of the Sixth Limit."

Zhuang Budong remained silent for a moment before saying, "Whether I succeed or fail, the gate of the Sixth Limit will be completely open to all of you. From then on, everyone will be able to sense its presence."

Ji Jingqiu shook his head, "Senior Zhuang, did the Dream Demon fulfill your expectations?"

Zhuang Budong's eyes suddenly sharpened, staring directly at Ji Jingqiu, who did not flinch.

"You... already know?"

"Yes," Ji Jingqiu replied, "I want to know, did the Dream Demon fulfill your expectations and guide you to the gate of the Sixth Limit?"

"... Don't call Him by name; it will attract His attention," Zhuang Budong said softly, "You're not wrong, this has been a secret I've been reluctant to reveal. The more you know, the more likely you are to suffer misfortune like me..."

"I'll be the exception," Ji Jingqiu said with a smile, finally getting the answer he sought. "Senior, I've been nurturing a few blades; I'd like you to appreciate them."

Zhuang Budong gazed deeply at the young man before him and suddenly said, "I seem to have misjudged you; your talent may even surpass mine."

"It's good that the Federation has warriors like you."

"Very good!"

He raised his head and saw the Gate of Celestial Beings in the void, as well as the Sixth Limit hidden within the heavens and earth.

"Are you ready?" he asked softly, without looking at Ji Jingqiu.

Ji Jingqiu's eyes shone brightly, as if a blazing fire danced within. He took a deep breath and said, "Congratulations, it's been a long time."

Zhuang Budong suddenly laughed and scolded, "You're congratulating me? I've been waiting for thirty-one years!"

In that instant,

He drew his blade from its sheath.

A brilliant light burst forth, like a proud sun hanging in the sky, illuminating the dark and uncertain path ahead.

The essence, energy, and spirit nurtured for thirty years erupted in that moment, making the light of this blade surpass even the Great Sun!

Zhuang Budong, who had never reached the pinnacle of martial arts, now exuded an air of confidence that overshadowed all the Martial Suns of the past ten thousand years.

He stared at the path that had been revealed before him and said in his heart,

Teacher, I have seen it.

As the blade slashed down, the light of the sword resembled a dragon, following an unseen trajectory, as if piercing into another world. Although nothing seemed to exist in their perception, including Ji Jingqiu, all those who resonated with the Sixth Limit heard the sound of dust falling.

That was the gate between the real world and the illusory realm...

At this moment, Zhuang Budong truly sliced open a crack in it!

That night, numerous warriors opened their eyes and looked up.

Gazing at the distant heavens.

Looking at the figure who would open a new chapter for the martial world!

...

A young man suddenly appeared in the sky, looking down at the alley below. His narrow eyes seemed to carry an innate dominance and ruthlessness.

With a wave of his hand, the frozen night rain in the heavens seemed to dissipate.

Just as he was about to pinpoint Zhuang Budong's location and pull out this little guy who had deviated from the plan, an expressionless old man appeared before him.

"Scram!"

He showed no mercy.

Even when facing a Martial Dao Master from the Li family.

He had truly reached the pinnacle of protecting his own.

This night.

The previously peaceful dojos and powers were suddenly engulfed in a wave of chaos.

Mu Yun immediately found Yun Jinghe and spoke in a deep voice:

"You must seize the opportunity!"

Yun Jinghe remained silent, gazing into the distance, as if seeing a vague silhouette.

An unshakable figure.

...

The sword light surged forward, seemingly indomitable, and a crack was cut along the mysterious footprints! At this moment, the Sixth Limit, which had always been hidden on the other side of the world, finally fell into the eyes of the warrior.

Warriors like Ji Jingqiu became increasingly aware of the existence of the Sixth Limit.

It was no longer distant, no longer a mirage, but truly within reach! But...

Zhuang Budong's gaze was deep and mysterious.

On this path, his first sword only managed to split open a crack.

After thirty-one years of sitting in meditation and refining, he had brewed two swords. The first sword carried all the bitterness, sorrow, and torment he had accumulated over the years, yet it only managed to split open a crack...

Even if the second sword was several times stronger, it was still far from enough to truly open the crack.

Zhuang Budong slowly drew out his second sword.

He took a deep breath.

His heart felt a tinge of sadness.

But he was also filled with pride.

Master, I'm sorry that I still couldn't truly achieve it, but reaching this step should not be a disgrace to you, right?

In a daze.

The world in his eyes suddenly changed color, transforming from vibrant to iron gray.

A pair of jade hands reached out from behind and embraced him, like chains binding him, trying to turn him into a puppet. A soft whisper sounded in his ear.

"A-Zhuang, I'm here to help you..."

"Only I can respond to you in this world..."

"It's always been like this, hasn't it?"

"You knew from the start that without a wish fulfilled, there is no need to pay a price..."

"A-Zhuang, let me help you. Let's open the Sixth Limit together..."

Zhuang Budong's eyes drooped, gradually losing their focus.

Everything in this world had its price written from the very beginning.

"Senior."

A sudden voice sounded.

Ji Jingqiu once again sensed that dangerous and eerie aura and without hesitation, he formed the Meditation Seal with both hands and pushed it forward.

Meditation Seal! He still felt it wasn't enough, so he activated the Bodhimanda Lotus Light, illuminating the boundless realm with his own light.

The eerie aura instantly vanished like a mouse encountering a cat, leaving no trace.

Zhuang Budong's gaze became slightly hazy.

A figure slowly rose and stood before him, towering like the White Jade Capital that reached the heavens.

The sharp and vigorous aura, which had been accumulating around the youth, was now difficult to conceal.

Ji Jingqiu lowered his head and said calmly:

"Senior Zhuang, under your guidance during this period, I have cultivated five swords. I would like to ask for your appraisal."

Five... swords?

Zhuang Budong seemed to still be in a daze.

He stared at the youth in front of him in a daze.

Ji Jingqiu slowly drew his sword. At first, it was slow, but then an invisible pressure seemed to surge from all directions, as if he was in a confrontation with the heavens! At the same time, countless whispers, like the devil's temptations, sounded in his ears, their source unknown, stirring up evil thoughts in his heart.

One of these voices wasn't stopping him from taking action, but telling him to wait! To wait until Zhuang Budong finished his second sword, and then take advantage of the situation to seize the fruits of his labor, claiming his achievements as his own. At that time, he would become the first pioneer in the history of the Galactic Federation, recorded in the annals, admired by countless warriors in the future...

How glorious! Ji Jingqiu slashed away this demonic thought with his sword.

Demonic thoughts surged, as if a heavenly demon had descended. Ji Jingqiu suppressed them all with his tranquil mind.

Senior Zhuang was willing to accompany the demon god, just to open another mountain for the warriors of the world.

Those who wish to save others must be saved by others.

Speaking of which, he was ashamed to admit that such thoughts had also inexplicably sprouted in his heart before.

But he asked himself a question: Was it necessary?

In his inner world, he slowly drew out the fifth Eternal Blade, gently caressing the words engraved upon it.

The world's storms and clouds arise from our generation.

He, Ji Jingqiu, possessed the supreme wisdom light. Why would he need to steal another's glory?

He raised his sword, goo...

Activating his secret technique, he guided his mind-electricity towards the Heavenly Gate.

At first, the sword moved slowly, but as it progressed, it felt like breaking through countless restraints, becoming faster and faster. The exhilarating speed of rushing towards great freedom was evident!

In the midst of the darkness, there seemed to be a golden vein beneath the sword, as thin as a silk thread, yet like a surging tide, advancing with a mighty momentum!

Crack!

Not only did Zhuang Budong hear it, but Ji Jingqiu and even those who sensed the Sixth Limit heard this sound of nothingness.

Continuing from Zhuang Budong's first sword, the crack that was split open became deeper.

And the price was the shattering of this sword.

With this sword, Ji Jingqiu felt as if he had struck something strange. The sensation beneath the sword was a mix of illusion and reality, both substantial and insubstantial. It was truly a divine anomaly, and the backlash made his entire body swell with surging blood.

He didn't have time to think further.

The situation didn't allow for a pause either.

He drew out the second Eternal Blade, guided by his psychic energy, following the blade marks left by Zhuang Budong. He slashed again!

In the perception of countless warriors, this strike showcased the sheer power of the sword technique, a fearless and unrestrained display! The second blade shattered.

The crack deepened further.

Ji Jingqiu's expression remained calm as he drew out the third Eternal Blade.

This strike was a direct expression of his heart, as if to sever countless shackles and attain ultimate freedom in the world.

Ji Jingqiu drew out the fourth blade, pausing slightly before striking.

Just then, a warrior attempted to emulate him and Zhuang, his senior, by trying to forge a path, but only managed to produce a trace of dust, like an ant shaking a tree!

Ji Jingqiu narrowed his eyes, a cold smile on his face.

Zhuang, his senior, had accumulated thirty-one years of essence, spirit, and intent, even willing to associate with evil to sharpen his blade.

And he, even more so, used his supreme wisdom to combine the essential saber sickness of the Guardian General Deity to forge five Eternal Blades in his heart!

What did those others have?!

How ridiculous!

How absurd!

But at the same time, he felt a sense of relief, even exhilaration, as the number of people doing this was not many, only three or four!

According to his knowledge, there were at least ten, or even more, waiting here.

With four consecutive strikes, he continuously deepened the crack that Zhuang had carved, again and again!

Warriors who could sense the movement here were left speechless by the impact.

After thirty-one years of accumulation, how many blades had Zhuang cultivated?!

Especially those who tried to shake the tree, they couldn't comprehend that the gap between themselves and Zhuang was so vast!

There must be a hidden secret technique that Zhuang had concealed!

And they were still unaware.

At this moment, Zhuang's mind was in a trance, as if he had seen the celestial realm.

"Senior Zhuang!" Ji Jingqiu suddenly spoke solemnly, "This is my last strike, and it's the only blade I've forged from melting a hundred blades. Please witness it."

Zhuang, who had already lost his senses, suddenly snapped back to reality, understanding what Ji Jingqiu meant. It was his own understanding of the sword path and the first step on his path of self-cultivation.

Ji Jingqiu drew out the last and first Eternal Blade, gazing upwards. A vibrant and lively life force flowed through his heart, bringing an unprecedented sense of ease.

He clearly knew that he had made the right choice at this moment. This was the path he was meant to take.

Those who wish to guide others must first be guided by others.

He now had a new understanding of this saying.

Today, he would guide his senior, Zhuang, on his journey.

The emotions that had been suppressed for seven days burst forth, and he laughed heartily, raising his blade and slashing it down!

At that moment.

Zhuang, along with countless warriors striving for the Sixth Constraint, seemed to hear a faint insect chirp.

So faint.

Yet daring to echo through the heavens.

In an instant.

Zhuang vaguely saw the eight inscribed characters on the blade, his consciousness falling into a momentary silence.

And then, finally, a hint of relief appeared.

【Following this journey, reaching the morning star】

His spirit underwent another transformation, as if returning to the past, when his ambitions soared, seeking the path of the sword, vowing to open a new chapter in the martial world.

As the energy flowed, Zhuang silenced the tempting voices that filled his ears, his face calm and serene.

He was still wrong.

Drawing the blade.

This youth's talent and character far surpassed his own!

Raising the blade.

Meeting this youth was a blessing for him, Zhuang, and a fortunate encounter for warriors of this era.

Striking down.

A flash of blade light illuminated, piercing through the endless darkness.

What erupted from this strike was not the accumulated bitterness and resentment of many years, but the soaring ambitions of the past, vowing to open a new chapter in the martial world...

Ignorance and fearlessness.

Because of ignorance, anything could be imagined and done, with thoughts unbound and actions free from restrictions!

With this strike, Zhuang didn't look at the door that had haunted his dreams for thirty-one years, now hanging on the verge of collapse.

He lowered his head, gazing at the youth who, in a moment, would grasp eternal fame, yet insisted on pushing him towards the divine seat.

He wanted to ask why.

But facing the youth's radiant and scorching gaze, all his questions vanished with a thunderous roar in the void, dissipating into nothingness.

At this very moment.

With their combined efforts.

The crack responded, splitting open, countless fragments scattering and shattering, ultimately returning to nothingness.

The rules of the grand universe trembled, and Zhuang clearly heard the creaking sound of a door opening.

A door's shadow swayed in the void, slowly opening.

Infinite spirit mechanisms seemed to hold countless gifts.

After the door opened, a radiant light descended, entering Zhuang's forehead, reshaping his physique and bringing forth knowledge he had never heard of.

Then, another radiant light came from behind the door, falling straight into Ji Jingqiu's forehead.

The Sixth Constraint...

Was now half-open.

A push would grant entry.

On this day.

The one who would open a new chapter in the martial world.

Zhuang Budong.

Ji Jingqiu.

There will be another chapter later.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end