“I can help you if you’d like to come to the upper realm, but you have to worship me once you succeed,” that figure noted.
After hearing his junior’s tearful complaint, he initially planned to frighten Ou Yangming with the force of a Venerable One because he wanted to let the young fellow know that his life or death was only a matter of thought to him. That said, when the figure saw Ou Yangming through a secret technique, had another thought right away.
‘This young fella actually advanced to Spirit Grade?!’
Entering Spirit Grade was not rare at all in the upper realm. The figure had seen roughly a thousand such cultivators so far, and the Feng family in the upper realm had plenty of them too.
However, this was the lower realm.
If a cultivator could break through the lower realm’s limit and advance to Spirit Grade, how great would his or her potential be in the upper realm? How far could that person go… The thoughts gave one an upsurge of emotions.
Moreover, if the figure could take in such a talent, that person would be so valuable that he or she could be considered a fruitful reward for the figure even if he or she could not be compared with acquiring the entire lower realm.
Ou Yangming was startled, and he thought, ‘What’s this figure talking about? Why does he suddenly want to take me as an apprentice? This doesn’t seem right…’
He was not gauging the heart of a gentleman with his mean measure, but he must take necessary precautions. Besides, he could not guess the thoughts of Zhiming the Venerable One, thus he did not know how to deal with the situation at the moment.
Zhiming the Venerable One frowned when he noticed that Ou Yangming was hesitant. “Why? You’re not willing to?”
Next, the pressure that seemed to have eased in the air became immensely forceful again.
Ou Yangming scoffed coldly. He could sense the chillness on his body right away, and it felt like an icehouse was collapsing.
The force of a Venerable One was so remarkable. It was worth noting that this was even delivered between realms, but Ou Yangming felt like he could not withstand it anymore. If he was directly faced with the force, he did not know how he should resist it.
He had obtained nearly invincible abilities in this realm, but his resulting confidence and pride were being crushed by the Venerable One’s force.
Countless thoughts crossed Ou Yangming’s mind. He somehow lost the capability to make decisions, so he was hesitant if he should show his true colors or pretend to comply with the figure.
Although he faced similar pressures in the past, it came from the dragon and the phoenix and was not directed at him. It also came from the Insects’ Venerable One, but it suppressed its force on purpose because it was afraid that its powers would alert the world.
On the contrary, Zhiming the Venerable One borrowed power from an item and fully released his force as a Venerable One in the small room.
It was a small range, but it was the exact reason the world’s power could not be triggered at all, allowing him to fully unleash his force.
If Ou Yangming quickly backed away and stayed roughly 35 meters away from the jade pendant, he would not sense any power at all. The problem was he was right next to the pendant, and his mind was being seized by the Venerable One’s pressure, causing it difficult for him to advance or retreat.
At the spur of the moment, the little red bird on Ou Yangming’s shoulder flapped its wings and looked coldly at the illusory figure.
Zhiming the Venerable One looked strangely at the little bird too. He was curious because it did not seem to be affected by his force at all.
He did not bother at first when he glanced at the little red bird, but he was struck dumb at once. Subsequently, the figure looked up and carefully looked at it again.
The little red big lifted its head proudly and was indifferent toward the figure.
Through a certain secret technique, Zhiming the Venerable One finally confirmed the little red bird’s identity.
The figure’s mouth trembled a little, and his firm body seemed to have become discernible too.
‘What’s going on?
‘How can it be in this realm?
It’s also standing on this young fella’s shoulder, but what does that mean?’
Zhiming the Venerable One was appalled when he recalled what he said earlier.
All of a sudden, the figure became firm again, the tense atmosphere in the room disappeared, and he had a bright smile on his face.
“Hehe, Lil’ Friend Ou, I was only making a joke—a totally harmless joke…”
Chapter 516 - Switching From Arrogance To Humility
The fearsome force equivalent to the weight of a mountain completely disappeared from the room. On top of that, the illusory figure of a Venerable One was also looking at Ou Yangming like a friendly old man next door.
The figure’s expression at the moment and the one before were simply Heaven and Earth apart, causing a stark yet indescribable contrast.
Ou Yangming was dumbfounded when he looked at Zhiming the Venerable One, and he could not get around it.
‘Why did this fella change just like that as if it’s child’s play?’ If Ou Yangming had not confirmed that the figure’s forceful aura was of the same level as that of the Ghost-clawed Venerable One’s, he would have suspected the figure’s real identity. Nonetheless, the young fellow was relieved when there was a 180-degree change in the figure’s attitude.
He cupped his hands and bowed at the figure.
Given his status, it would be fine for him to salute a Venerable One.
Who knew, the little red bird became fidgety when he bowed, and it jumped from his shoulder to his other shoulder. “Hey, hey! What are you doing? Are you going to turn me upside down?”
The illusory figure of Zhiming the Venerable One widened his eyes too. ‘This little bird treats Ou Yangming with an unordinary attitude indeed.’
Next, something more unbelievable happened in front of him.
Ou Yangming reached out to grab the raging little red bird and uttered softly, “It’s fine, so don’t speak nonsense.”
The little red bird struggled a little, then it looked away and shouted, “You mustn’t bow at this fella at all because he doesn’t deserve it!”
Zhiming the Venerable One fixed his gaze on Ou Yangming hand. Fortunately, he was only present in the form of his projection instead of his real self. If that was not the case, the young fellow would be able to tell that he had broken out in a cold sweat.
‘Does this human know how to spell the word “death”?’
Moreover, the fact that Ou Yangming was still alive had overturned the Venerable One’s understanding of the world.
Despite that, on second thought, Zhiming the Venerable One suddenly understood why Ou Yangming could cultivate to Spirit Grade in this realm and could conquer three spirit beasts even when he was merely cultivator from the lower realm. It turned out that this was the real reason.
In actuality, he had only guessed half of it right. It was true that Ou Yangming could take control of Multi-armed King Kong and the goshawk because of the little red bird, but the advancement of his cultivation base did not have much to do with the little bird.
The little red bird had long regarded Ou Yangming as its comrade. Besides, the young fellow even saved it when it was struck by the Heavenly Thunderbolts, so the relationship between them was so deep that it was indescribable.
Anyone else would be courting death if they treated the little red bird as Ou Yangming did. If it spat flames through its mouth, one would be burnt into ashes for sure without leaving any trace. On the contrary, the little bird would complain or peck the young fellow with controlled power at most.
The treatment could not be imagined by Zhiming the Venerable One at all.
Even so, the more casual Ou Yangming treated the little red bird, the more alert and shocked the Venerable One was.
When he looked at Ou Yangming again, there was a drastic chang
e in his look.
Ou Yangming turned around and blinked at the little red bird. He had guessed that the Venerable One was acting differently because of the little fellow.
Nobody in this realm could recognize the little red bird’s origin, but Multi-armed King Kong and the goshawk were familiar with it. In that case, it would not be odd for a Venerable One from the upper realm to recognize it too.
Nevertheless, Ou Yangming could utilize the little bird’s identity, but he was unwilling to become enemies with a Venerable One.
He turned to look and approached Big Yellow, then he placed the little red bird on its back. “Lil’ Red, I’ll handle this myself. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, please don’t meddle in this.”
The little red bird scoffed coldly, and it stared hatefully at the illusory figure of Zhiming the Venerable One.
Zhiming the Venerable One cried bitterly and regretted what he did. If the little bird bore a grudge against him because of this, the Feng family would be restless from now on.
Big Yellow quivered a little. It turned its head and stuck out its tongue flatteringly at the little red bird. Ou Yangming was speechless upon seeing this and wondered why the big yellow dog lost its integrity.
He shook his head and returned to his spot. “Senior, why did you come to the lower realm? Do you have an order for me?”
Zhiming the Venerable One let out a hollow laugh. “I… Oh, I heard that a young genius emerged in this realm. He was said to have triumphed over all of his opponents and even suppressed and subdued spirit beasts one after another, so I came to take a look. Now, I see that you’re indeed an extraordinary genius, and it makes sense that you’ve had such accomplishments.” He smiled with his eyes squinted and flattered Ou Yangming.
Flattery would get him everywhere…
Sure enough, the little red bird on Big Yellow was not that hostile anymore after Zhiming the Venerable One said those words. In fact, the little bird even looked proud.
‘Hmph, this old fella has a good eye indeed, but I’m the one that really has a good eye!’
Zhiming the Venerable One thought, ‘I guessed it right—it’ll be happy if I flatter Ou Yangming.’
Ou Yangming cleared his throat. Being praised by a Venerable One could indeed make one feel as light as a feather, but he was sensible and would not change because of the man’s praises.
“Senior, are you really here to see me only?”
‘I have nothing better to do!’ Zhiming the Venerable one nodded and thought to himself, but he responded with a smile, “Of course, I’m here to be friends with you, Lil’ Friend Ou. Hehe, judging from your abilities, it won’t be difficult for you to get to the upper realm in the future. If you do come over, please visit the Feng family; I’ll prepare some gifts and await your arrival.”
“Since you invited me, it’ll be disrespectful for me to decline you.” Ou Yangming could not help but laugh.
Zhiming the Venerable One was delighted. He suddenly said, “Oh, there’s something else that you might not know. The interspatial disorder is slowly going away, but we received news that the space between our realms have changed, and there might be a possibility that the passage will be permanently set up.”
“What?” Ou Yangming was stunned, and his eyes gleamed.
The interspatial passage was a unique passage that connected two different worlds.
Without the interspatial passage, the two worlds could only communicate with each other through mysterious yet powerful means, which required unacceptable consumption of resources. Ou Yangming was fated to go beyond this world, but he also knew there was a slim chance for him to bring Old Craftsman there.
Everything would be different if an interspatial passage was built between the two realms.
Perhaps by then, going to the upper realm would be a realizable dream as long as he was willing to and paid an acceptable price.
Zhiming the Venerable One chuckled. “Interspatial disorders don’t always bring bad news. After this disorder, there’s hope that a permanent passage will be built between our realms, and it’ll be much easier for you to come over then.”
“Senior, when will the passage be built?” Ou Yangming inhaled deeply and asked.
“It’s not easy to build the passage because enormous resources will be needed. I’m discussing it with the other clans now, and I’ll notify you as soon as I have news,” Zhiming the Venerable One answered after some thought.
Ou Yangming’s eyelids flickered because he immediately understood what he meant.
The establishment of the passage would undoubtedly benefit the Humans greatly. No matter what, the lower realm was a world of its own. Even if it was not as flourishing as the upper realm, plenty of talents could still be found.
Nobody was a fool. Since Ou Yangming could figure this out, the Almighty Beings from the upper realm could definitely do the same.
Therefore, the passage would certainly be built. That said, how it would be built and profit distribution after that could not be decided right away.
Ou Yangming suddenly understood why it seemed like the imperial family and the inherited aristocratic families from the eight counties were at swords’ points once the Humans’ disaster ended.
It was not that a civil war was imperative among the Humans, but it was probably ordered by the clans in the upper realm.
“If that’s the case, thank you, senior,” Ou Yangming uttered after some thought. He later looked up and stared at the figure’s eyes as he said, “As long as there won’t be a civil war among the Humans, I’m willing to contribute my mite in this.”
“Lil’ friend, I understand.” Zhiming the Venerable One slowly nodded and cupped his hands at Ou Yangming. Given that he was giving the young fellow such a treatment when he was a Venerable One, it was truly rare. “Please hand this jade pendant back to Yiyuan.” Following that, he bowed at the little red bird and vanished.
Ou Yangming grinned and went forward to close the jade box. When he listened closely, he laughed and noted, “Feng Yiyuan is nearby indeed.”
The little red bird flapped its wings and landed on his shoulder again. “Give this thing back to it. Hmph, if this old man doesn’t teach his junior well, I’ll do it for him instead!”
Ou Yangming laughed out loud. As he pushed the door open, he flashed and disappeared.
He appeared in a teahouse nearby after a brief moment.
The Ordinary Teahouse was already closed at this time, but Feng Yiyuan was not disturbed at all when he drank alone.
Ou Yangming flashed and arrived beside Feng Yiyuan.
Feng Yiyuan did not find the young fellow’s appearance strange. He laughed out loud and handed over a teacup that had been prepared by him, then he asked with a smile, “Master Ou, you’ve come indeed. Heh, have you thought it through?”
“I’ve already thought it through.” Ou Yangming smiled faintly.
‘Sure enough, sir succeeded right away,” Feng Yiyuan thought and nodded.
Chapter 517 - The Culprit
“Master Ou, as long as you work with us whole-heartedly, you won’t suffer any loss.” Feng Yiyuan raised his eyebrows and spoke arrogantly.
He was not a shallow person and could be considered cunning. If that was not the case, he could not have fooled Peng Huachi and Nian Xinran so easily, causing them to be severely injured during the fight against the spirit beast.
Nonetheless, the one that dealt with Ou Yangming was a sir from his sect in the upper realm.
The sir was a potent figure, whereas Feng Yiyuan was an insignificant little ant as compared to him.
No matter what, Feng Yiyuan must not ruin the sir’s reputation at all. Even if he knew Ou Yangming’s spirit beasts could kill him at any time, he must act like this to suppress the young fellow.
Ou Yangming twitched his mouth. He wanted to hold his belly and laugh out loud, but he became unbothered after having experienced so much lately.
He put down the box and said, “Senior Feng, yo
ur words don’t mean anything, so you better discuss with…” He looked up and pointed at the box.
“You!” Feng Yiyuan’s face changed as he was infuriated, but he vaguely had a bad feeling about this.
The fact that Ou Yangming was being so unyielding had really exceeded his expectations. He thought, ‘After being lectured by sir, shouldn’t he be an obedient yes-man?’
Ou Yangming flashed and left quietly. He did not take swift steps but every step he took was somewhat leaving a giant rock on Feng Yiyuan’s heart, so much so that the great ancestor found it hard to catch his breath.
Once Ou Yangming was far away, Feng Yiyuan pondered for a brief moment before he waved his hand to gesture to his servants to leave. Following that, he opened the jade box in the quiet and empty room.
Feng Yiyuan was relieved when he saw that the jade pendant was in one piece.
Perhaps Ou Yangming pressured him so much that he misjudged the situation.
Nevertheless, a faint black smoke suddenly rose from the black jade pendant, then an illusory figure floated in the air.
Feng Yiyuan was stunned, but he was overjoyed after he saw the figure’s face. This was because the figure looked exactly the same as the portrait he worshipped in the secret realm.
“Sir!”
The figure slowly took form and was dazed for a while, but his eyes soon became lively. Afterward, he lowered his head and looked at Feng Yiyuan as though he was deep in thought.
Feng Yiyuan waited quietly for some time. When he recalled Ou Yangming’s strange look before he left, he could not help but ask, “Sir, have you met Ou Yangming?”
The figure finally responded as if he was attracted to what Feng Yiyuan said. He released an incredibly fearsome aura in a flash, and the aura was so menacing that it was stronger than what went against Ou Yangming earlier.
Feng Yiyuan’s knees became jelly, and he involuntarily fell on his knees.
Under such a powerful force, not to mention that Feng Yiyuan already revered and feared the figure, even if a stranger released something similar, he could not have resisted at all.
Immortal Path to Heaven c1-725 Page 304
