“They might not have the guts to do that but with help from the upper realm, perhaps they’ll find a way to go against you.”
“I’m not really interested in contending for dominance in this world.” Ou Yangming was struck dumb, but he still replied to the great ancestor after some thought.
If he did not know about the upper realm, perhaps he would want to make a move after gaining so much power. However, after knowing that there was a broader world beyond this realm, he no longer confined his vision to this world.
Chapter 514 - A Powerhouse From The Upper Realm
Feng Yiyuan smiled embarrassedly, and he could not hide his disappointment. Nonetheless, he was well-prepared for this. If Ou Yangming wanted to dominate, he had an excuse ready; if the young fellow wanted to stay out of the matter, he would have something else to say.
“Master Ou, the imperial family won’t allow a powerhouse like you to stay in this world without being controlled, so they’ll do everything they can to send you away. You have a friend in Spirit Grade and two spirit beasts, but the ability that’ll allow you to overrun the world and go anywhere you please in this realm won’t mean anything in the upper realm.”
Ou Yangming could not help but laugh. “Senior Feng, you don’t need to entice me because I’m well aware of that. Even so, as long as it’s possible, I’ll still make a trip there.”
He knew very well how powerful an Almighty Being from the upper realm was when he encountered the Ghost-clawed Venerable One.
When that figure adopted a secret technique and transformed the passage through the Inescapable Trap to capture him to the upper realm, he knew he would not be a match.
Almost Ou Yangming yearned for a trip to the upper realm, he did not want to go there as a captive. Therefore, he did his best to struggle and escaped. Nevertheless, regardless of what was waiting for the young fellow in the upper realm, his final target would not change.
Feng Yiyuan’s eyes lit up, and he suddenly said, “Master Ou, frankly speaking, I’ve communicated with the clans in the upper realm. If you’re able to help the inherited clans from the eight counties in this realm, you’ll definitely be protected by the Eight Great Aristocratic Families once you go beyond this world.” He was tempting Ou Yangming very much while he stared at the young fellow without blinking at all.
They could not restrain Ou Yangming in this world, so they could only attract him through the illusory method.
Ou Yangming smiled faintly at the great ancestor and asked, “How would you like me to help you?”
“The Wu family has been in command of this world for too long; this country should be ruled by the other clans in turns,” Feng Yiyuan answered seriously.
“They didn’t make any mistakes throughout their reign, so why do you want to overthrow them? Hmph, you want to drag the entire human race into flames of war for your own interests. You’re disregarding the living beings in the world, and it’s the real act of defying heavenly principles!” Ou Yangming sneered.
Feng Yiyuan’s lips trembled, and he explained, “Master Ou, it’s not my idea but that of the Eight Great Aristocratic Families from the upper realm after their discussion!”
Ou Yangming was indifferent. “Are your words definite? If I really help the wicked perpetuate wicked deeds, we’ll be faced with imminent danger!”
Although the aristocratic families from the eight counties had inheritances from the upper realm, so did the Wu family. If Ou Yangming forced the Wu family too much in this realm and even stole the country from them, how would he be treated if he went to the upper realm?
He had repeatedly expressed to Feng Yiyuan that he had no intentions of getting involved, but the great ancestor still pestered him, hence he was secretly infuriated.
Feng Yiyuan naturally sensed Ou Yangming’s impatience, but he gritted his teeth and stressed, “Master Ou, the Wu family can’t resist the Eight Great Aristocratic Families in the upper realm no matter what!”
“So… What does that have to do with me?” Ou Yangming glared coldly at him, then he turned around proudly and walked outside.
There were still guards on the periphery at the moment, and they immediately tensed up when they noticed that Ou Yangming and Feng Yiyuan parted on bad terms. Even though they did not retrieve their weapons, they cast vigilant and threatening looks at the young fellow.
“Senior Feng, are you trying to block my path?” Ou Yangming could not help but laugh. He made up his mind that if Feng Yiyuan had the guts to say “yes”, there would be bloodshed.
Feng Yiyuan’s eyelids twitched, but he waved his hand and responded, “I dare not do that. Do as you wish, Master Ou.”
The cultivators that blocked Ou Yangming’s path looked at each other and backed away though they were not reconciled to the outcome. On the other hand, the young fellow was stunned, but he soon shook his head then flapped his sleeves and left.
Seeing as he went far away, Xiao Hualing and Zhong Fengcai slowly walked out from the dark. The latter questioned coldly, “Brother Feng, why didn’t you stop him? We’re no match for him because Senior Ho… That man followed him, and he has three spirit beasts, but why should we be afraid of him since he’s in our hands?”
“Brother Zhong, given Senior Hong’s identity, why do you think he’s willing to follow Master Ou?” Feng Yiyuan sighed.
“It’s obviously because Master Ou defeated him, so he chose to do that to stay alive,” Zhong Fengcai answered without any hesitation, “As long as we’re careful, our success rate will be high.”
Feng Yiyuan shook his head and raised another question, “Brother Zhong, do you really think Senior Hong is inferior to the big yellow dog?”
Zhong Fengcai was dumbfounded. “Brother Feng, what do you mean?”
“He’s hiding his light,” Feng Yiyuan uttered.
Xiao Hualing was taken aback. “Brother Feng, are you saying that Master Ou’s a Spirit Grade powerhouse too?”
“That’s impossible!” Zhong Feicai turned around abruptly. “We’ve looked into him and found out that he’s a local from this world, so how could he have broken through to Spirit Grade?”
“Nothing’s impossible. Heh, if anything’s impossible, that’ll be the previous greatest powerhouse from the imperial family…” Feng Yiyuan expressed slowly.
Zhong Fengcai paused for a while, but he was not convinced, “Brother Feng, how could he alone be mentioned on equal terms with the imperial family?”
Feng Yiyuan could not help but laugh. “He already has four Spirit Grade powerhouses around him, albeit three of them are spirit beasts. Heh, do you think powerhouses like them are willing to obey an Extreme Grade cultivator?”
Xiao Hualing and Zhong Fengcai were struck dumb, and they were terrified.
Feng Yiyuan’s words could be easily understood, thus they began to imagine things.
Indeed, from every point of view, Ou Yangming could not be a simple character at all.
It might be justifiable if a spirit beast acknowledged Ou Yangming as its master by fate because since ancient times, there were past examples of people capable of defying the natural order. However, to say that a Spirit Grade powerhouse and three spirit beasts were blinded and subdued by a Supreme Great Ancestor… Unless one was a fool, one would not believe it at all.
Zhong Fengcai’s lips trembled. “Brother Feng, could Master Ou have already surpassed Extreme Grade when he conquered his first spirit beast in Changlong City?”
“I can’t understand the way he does things, but…” Feng Yiyuan smiled bitterly and continued after a moment of hesitation, “There are no signs of him relying on help from the imperial family, and he also rejected Governor Peng and General Nian when they tried to rope him in. It looks like he really doesn’t want to meddle in this at all.”
By name, Feng Yiyuan was neither the governor nor the commanding general of Canghai City, but the Feng family had kept watch over the city for a millennium and were the real master of the city.
In
fact, Feng Yiyuan had secretly arranged his people by the governor and the general’s side.
This was the biggest advantage of having the support of inheritances from the upper realm. If it was not because the imperial family was superior and had absolute power to crush everything, Peng Huachi and Nian Xinran—two ordinary Supreme Great Ancestors—could not stir up any trouble in Canghai City.
“Brother Feng, what should we do then?” Xiao Hualing asked in a deep voice. At this point, even Zhong Fengcai curbed his thought and quietly waited for Feng Yiyuan’s decision.
Feng Yiyuan sighed. “This matter is no longer something that I can handle or decide, but…” He curled his lips into a smile and stated, “I have my plans. Stay here to entertain the guests while I make a move first.” He nodded at his partners.
Zhong Fengcai and Xiao Hualing sighed breaths of relief. Seeing as Feng Yiyuan was far away, the former spoke in an envious tone, “Brother Feng must be going to communicate with the powerhouse from the upper realm. Ah, it’s different to have the inheritance from the upper realm…”
Xiao Hualing looked at him and said, “Brother Zhong, it’s best not to bring this up!”
“Yes, I was just casually talking about it.” Zhong Fengcai’s heart trembled a little, but he quickly laughed and shook his hand. “Let’s go to receive the guests. We must let them feel at home.”
With that, the two men smiled at each other and left.
Feng Yiyuan returned to his residence and entered a quiet courtyard. The courtyard was not big, but it was strictly guarded. Numerous people were keeping watch openly and covertly, which was evident that this place was the biggest forbidden area in the residence. It was worth noting that less than 5 people from the Feng family were entitled to enter the place.
Needless to say, Feng Yiyuan was able to enter. Once he went in, he gently pressed a spot on the wall, revealing a black entrance.
He flapped his sleeves and went in discreetly.
Beyond the entrance was a world of its own—a brand new world.
The eight inherited aristocratic families and the imperial family had their respective secret realms, but every secret realm was situated dissimilarly.
While the Ni family’s secret realm was located outside the city, the Feng family’s was inside their residence.
There was also a cottage inside the secret realm. Feng Yiyuan entered with a solemn expression, and he was greeted with a portrait. He kneeled before it from far and raised his hands above his head to slowly kowtow at it.
After a brief moment, the space around the portrait seemed to have a slight fluctuation.
“Why are you in such a hurry? What happened? Are the Aquatics so forceful that they managed to break into the city?”
A faint voice was suddenly heard, and it echoed inside the cottage.
Feng Yiyuan answered sternly, “Sir, the Aquatics’ spirit beast has been executed, and the Humans’ disaster ended.”
“Oh, it’s already resolved? Is that unknown Spiritualist so powerful?”
“Sir, that’s not it,” Feng Yiyuan quickly responded. He gave an account of Ou Yangming’s arrival and everything that happened after that as fast as he could.
“Hmph, that person doesn’t appreciate one’s kindness at all. Fine, I’ll give you something for you to show him!”
The area around the portrait dimmed at the spur of the moment, then it was bright again as a jade pendant appeared.
“Bring this to him, and I’ll make him repent.”
Feng Yiyuan’s eyes lit up. He did not know what his great ancestor would do but since the elder was so confident, he would not reject the gift.
Chapter 515 - The Projection Of A Venerable One
When the banquet finally ended and Ou Yangming made it clear that he was leaving, neither the imperial family’s representatives nor the local representatives from Canghai City dared to force him to say.
Putting aside everything else, the sheer fact that Hong Feiyu was standing by the young fellow was enough to keep everyone else on the periphery.
Nonetheless, when Ou Yangming just boarded the carriage, Feng Yiyuan hurried over and said from afar, “Master Ou, please stay.”
Ou Yangming furrowed his eyebrows and was feeling rather annotated. He had made himself clear earlier but if the great ancestor insisted on pestering him, he could not be blamed for being harsh.
Feng Yiyuan seemed to have noticed how displeased Ou Yangming was, but he did not say a word. He directly presented a jade box to the young fellow and said, “Master Ou, you ended the Humans’ disaster and protected the people in Canghai City. There’s no way I can repay you for that, so please kindly accept this supreme treasure handed down in my family.”
“Senior Feng, you’re being too polite. Since it’s a supreme treasure that has been passed down, I dare not accept it.” Ou Yangming was slightly stunned.
“Master Ou, the great sirs specifically told me to give it to you.” Feng Yiyuan bent forward a little.
Ou Yangming was moved, and he looked deeply at the great ancestor. “If you insist.” He shook his wrist and accepted the jade box.
‘The only people that Feng Yiyuan will address as great sirs are probably powerhouses from that place.’
Nevertheless, Ou Yangming was confused. ‘Can the Feng family communicate with the people from that place so smoothly? In comparison, the Ni family seems to be worse in this…’
After traveling slowly by carriages, Ou Yangming and his companions returned to their residence. Hong Feiyu was very interested in the jade box received by the young fellow but instead of expressing it out, he immediately returned to his room to rest. On the other hand, Big Yellow wagged its tail and followed Ou Yangming into the room. It carefully looked at the little red bird and noticed that the bird was not going to shoot it away, hence it sat in a corner cheerfully.
Judging from the big yellow dog’s posture, unless it was being driven away, it would certainly stay inside the room.
The little red bird looked scornfully at the dog. Given that it was such an arrogant being, it could not be bothered about such a trivial matter.
Ou Yangming retrieved the jade box and pondered for some time. He had accepted the item because he understood what Feng Yiyuan meant, but he also knew very well that it was not an easy gift.
“What are you doing?” The little red bird hopped on his shoulder several times.
“This box probably contains a warning from a certain force in the upper realm, so I don’t know if I should open it.” Ou Yangming grinned.
The little red bird shrieked, “What warning? Hmph… Let me do it!”
Ou Yangming laughed and stopped it. “Forget it. Since it’s meant for me, I’ll have to settle it, so why should you do it?”
The little bird blinked as though it wanted to defend itself, but it finally chirped and stopped being persistent.
After comforting the little fellow, Ou Yangming reached out and opened the jade box firmly.
A black jade pendant could be found inside the jade box. Its color was incredibly rare, but it gave off a strange feeling when one looked at it; it was as if something on it could attract one’s soul.
Ou Yangming was astonished. He was sure that the jade pendant’s material was nothing like he had ever seen, and he believed that the substance was unique to the upper realm.
‘But why did Feng Yiyuan give me a jade pendant?’
Just as Ou Yangming was bewildered, a black light was released from the pendant. Following that, an extremely powerful force spread, and it was so mighty that even he could not resist it. As such, it grunted and staggered backward.
The force was exceptionally strong. As far as he remembered, apart from the dragon and the phoenix that never really appeared, only the Insects’ Ghost-clawed Venerable One could match it.
He instantly understood that it was the power of a supreme powerhouse.
A vague figure floated above the jade pendant and slowly opened his eyes. The univers
e seemed to have lost all colors at that instant, and the pair of eyes became the ruler of this space.
“You’re Ou Yangming?” A faint and cold voice was eventually heard.
Ou Yangming inhaled deeply and forced himself to calm down.
He gritted his teeth and straightened his body under the fearsome pressure. Big Yellow simply curled up its body, and it only peeked at the figure above the pendant through its round eyes.
It did not want to try to be brave to resist the force.
“I’m Ou Yangming. How should I address you, senior?” Ou Yangming was neither haughty nor humble.
The figure looked quietly at Ou Yangming as if he was deep in thoughts, but his silence was the exact reason the atmosphere in the room became tenser.
Big Yellow cried bitterly but after slowly adapting to the potent force, it straightened its body, pressed down its forelegs, and lifted its butt to be ready to attack at any time. Needless to say, the big yellow dog was not confident about hurting the figure, but it would be content if it could somewhat obstruct him.
“I’m Zhiming the Venerable One from the Feng family,” the figure answered after some time.
As his voice was heard, the pressure in the air suddenly weakened, and he sounded friendlier too.
“I see, Zhiming the Venerable One, let me greet you.” Ou Yangming bowed to the ground.
“Mm, you’ve advanced to Spirit Grade, so you indeed have the capital to act presumptuously in this realm.” The figure of Zhiming the Venerable One put his hands behind his back and spoke proudly, “The fact that you’re able to break through the limit of this world and advance to Spirit Grade proved that you’re exceedingly talented, but your cultivation base will become stagnant if you continue to stay in this small world.”
“Yes, I understand,” Ou Yangming responded sternly.
The figure lowered his head and stared at Ou Yangming. “You want to enter the upper realm?”
“Yes!” Ou Yangming did not hide his wild ambition at all.
This was his biggest goal so far, and he did not know what his next target would be if he managed to get to a higher level.
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