by Shian Jeen
Once he was finished listening to Yu Ming and Fei Hou’s report, Huwang Xiao excused all three of them, initiated the God Binding Ring, and entered the ancient battlefield.
In the ancient battlefield, Huwang Xiao took the Grade Seven Spirit Dan refined from the black-clad old man out of the Asura Ring.
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There were about twenty days or so before Duanren Institute’s new term began. Huwang Xiao planned to swallow the Grade Seven Spirit Dan as well as the two high Grade Six Spirit Dans from the Imperial City Battle’s reward and cultivate to enhance his strength a little bit more before the term started.
Without hesitation, Huwang Xiao threw the grade seven, little round pellet into his mouth. An abundant source of battle qi essence instantly rushed into Huwang Xiao’s meridians and Qi Sea. He swiftly ran Asura Tactics to refine and absorb them.
As Huwang Xiao refined this grade seven pellet, the Black and Blue Dragon emerged, hovering above him and devouring spiritual energy while cultivating as well.
Once Huwang Xiao had broken into the Xiantian realm, his martial spirits condensed into solid entities, they could fight and cultivate too.
Not only that, but in the last two days Huwang Xiao had noticed it was possible for his twin dragon martial spirits to connect to the ancient Dragon Realm, absorbing ancient true dragon qi!
While the Black and Blue Dragon cultivated in the void above Huwang Xiao, absorbing energy into their bodies, a golden reddish colored energy was seen rolling out from above. This was the aforementioned qi of a true dragon from ancient times!
True dragon qi gushed down from the void, half was absorbed by the twin dragons and the other half was transferred into Huwang Xiao’s body, refined and absorbed.
True dragon qi was one of the top grade innate spiritual energies formed in this world. It could be said to have the same grade as the netherworld spiritual energy from the underworld and was perhaps even higher by a small margin.
As the true dragon qi entered Huwang Xiao and spread to every part of his body, Huwang Xiao could detect significant changes. Whether it was his flesh or meridians, bones and tendons, or even his internal organs, everything was strengthening rapidly at a visible rate.
The netherworld spiritual energy was also gushing down from the void simultaneously, being absorbed and refined by Huwang Xiao.
As Huwang Xiao continued to absorb more and more true dragon qi, it transformed into true dragon battle qi, coexisting in Huwang Xiao’s meridians and Qi Sea with the netherworld battle qi.
Huwang Xiao’s meridians and Qi Sea once again expanded in size.
If Huwang Xiao’s meridians before stepping into the Xiantian realm were akin to a small creek of water, then his current meridians were like a creek that had expanded ten times into a big river. It was the same with his Qi Sea, expanding more than ten times the size it was before.
The moment he succeeded in breaking through to the Xiantian realm, the gas-like battle qi had fully converted into liquid form. The energy contained in one drop of battle qi easily surpassed one hundred cubic feet of gaseous battle qi by several-fold.
The three of them: Huwang Xiao, Black Dragon and Blue Dragon, continued to absorb energy, refine it, and cultivate.
Time flowed by, one day passed. Then two days passed.
In the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by. It took that much time for Huwang Xiao to fully refine the grade seven pellet.
During the course of that half month, Huwang Xiao was initially close to breaking through to mid-Xiantian First Order strength. But with the aid of the grade seven pellet, he then had successive breakthroughs into mid-Xiantian First Order, peak mid-Xiantian First Order, and finally, late-Xiantian First Order!
Late-Xiantian First Order!
The grade seven pellet was refined from a Xiantian Eighth Order expert. In short, it could be said Huwang Xiao devoured a Xiantian Eighth Order warrior.
Still, Huwang Xiao was disappointed. He expected that he would at least reach peak late-Xiantian First Order after refining that grade seven pellet.
However in the next moment Huwang Xiao shook his head wryly, feeling that he was too greedy. How long had it been since he had broken into the Xiantian realm? No more than two months! If it was someone else, it would probably take them ten years, maybe even longer.
Taking a deep breath, Huwang Xiao adjusted his mood and took out the two high Grade Six Spirit Dans rewarded from the Imperial City Battle competition. He popped both of them into his mouth at once.
Even so, the combined energy from these two pellets was considerably weaker than that single grade seven pellet.
Night turned to day and day into night. Ten days came and went by the time Huwang Xiao had finished refining the two high Grade Six Spirit Dans.
Yet, Huwang Xiao remained at late Xiantian FIrst Order even after consuming the pills, unable to succeed in breaking through to the peak late-Xiantian First Order stage.
Although Grade Six and Seven Spirit Dan were very rare and valuable, as well as beneficial towards one’s increase in battle qi and cultivation, there were limits to its advantages. Otherwise, wouldn’t younger generations of those superfamilies be swallowing Grade Five and Grade Six Spirit Dan’s to enhance themselves endlessly?
The various disciples and geniuses that enhanced their cultivation by relying heavily on taking a large number of spirit pellets forsook a solid foundation. Moreover, every stage of battle qi breakthrough was difficult. Most of these superfamilies geniuses were stuck at peak late-Xiantian First Order or peak late-Xiantian Second Order, unable to step into the Third Order for the longest time. This was mainly due to their weak foundation.
As he ended his meditation session, Huwang Xiao counted to himself. There were two more days until the start of the new term at Duanren Institute. Thus he did not exit the ancient battlefield. Once again, Huwang Xiao continued his attempt to cultivate Asura Tactics and the Body Metamorphose Scripture simultaneously.
Another two days passed amidst Huwang Xiao’s attempt.
Running both techniques together was much smoother for Huwang Xiao than before. If things continued to progress in this manner, it wouldn’t take long before he could fully run them at the same time unimpeded.
Satisfied, Huwang Xiao exited the ancient battlefield.
Outside of the ancient battlefield dimensional space, the sky began to brighten as the sun slowly rose on the horizon.
Huwang Xiao strode towards the estate manor’s great hall, instructing one of the slave servants to call Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou to the great hall.
Moments later, the three of them arrived at the great hall. Huwang Xiao motioned them to sit after their greetings.
When all four of them were seated, Huwang Xiao asked Fei Hou about the progress of the Huwang Family’s migration to Duanren Imperial City.
“Sovereign, members of the Huwang Family are already on the way to the Imperial City, passing the Baolong Kingdom. But with their speed, they will need a few more months before arriving in Duanren Imperial City.” Fei Hou replied respectfully. “They are being escorted by Senior Brother Haotian and a group of Marshal Mansion’s guards. Their safety is in good hands.”
Huwang Xiao nodded. Then, he looked over towards Yu Ming, “Yu Ming, I must trouble you to rush over and join up with them.” Despite the fact that Marshal Haotian and the Mansion guards were with his family, Huwang Xiao was not reassured.
“Yes, Sovereign!” Yu Ming acknowledged the order with the usual respect.
“What’s the situation on Yao Fei’s side?” Huwang Xiao continued.
Fei Hou laughed as he answered, “Yao Fei is still looking for that black-clad old man.”
Zhao Shu added, “If he knew that old man was already ‘eaten’ by Sovereign, he’d surely vomit blood.”
Zhao Shu’s comment triggered a burst of laughter.
Huwang Xiao stood up and said, “Today’s the start of Duanren Institute’s new term. I’m going over to have a lo
ok.”
“Sovereign, I shall go with you.” Zhao Shu stood up and stated.
Huwang Xiao shook his head: “No need.”
There wouldn’t be any big danger within the Duanren Institute’s grounds. Furthermore, Huwang Xiao didn’t wish to rely on Zhao Shu’s protection all the time.
Hearing this, Zhao Shu no longer said anything.
Hence, Zhao Shu and Fei Hou stayed behind in Southern Hill Estate to handle the Nine Tripod Commerce’s shift to the Imperial City while Yu Ming set off to meet up with the Huwang Family group so as to ensure they arrived safely in Duanren Empire.
Exiting Southern Hill Estate, Huwang Xiao made his way to Duanren Institute by himself.
Duanren Institute was located in the center of Duanren Imperial City. Because he was walking, Huwang Xiao took a little over an hour to arrive at the Institute.
When he reached the main gates of the Institute, a sea of people were already waiting there. After all, it was the first day.
Duanren Institute was Duanren Empire’s top academy. Herein gathered the most talented geniuses from over one thousand of Duanren Empire’s fealty kingdoms. Each person from these kingdoms was an extraordinary talent.
“Huwang Xiao!” Just as Huwang Xiao arrived at Duanren Institute’s square, a happy voice called his name.
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Huwang Xiao turned around to look at the person who called his name and when he saw the other party, he was stunned: “Chen Cheng!”
Chen Cheng... Luo Tong Kingdom Cosmic Star Academy’s Chen Cheng!
Many years ago when Huwang Xiao first enrolled into Cosmic Star Academy, he met Chen Cheng when they entered the Dragon Flame Valley as a group to cultivate and he won the first year student’s champion title. That year, the student who won Cosmic Star Academy’s overall champion title was Chen Cheng!
Chen Cheng went on to represent Cosmic Star Academy and Luo Tong Kingdom to participate in the Imperial City Battle. In the midst of the competition, he broke through into the Xiantian realm and by a stroke of luck, he succeeded to clinch a spot within the top one hundred places, thus becoming a student of Duanren Institute.
Chen Cheng’s success that year in achieving a place within the top one hundred during the Imperial City Battle and becoming Duanren Institute’s student had turned him into a big sensation in the Luo Tong Kingdom.
Huwang Xiao never expected to run into Chen Cheng on the first day at the Institute. Seeing Chen Cheng, Huwang Xiao was genuinely happy. Since both of them were people from Luo Tong Kingdom, and students of the same Cosmic Star Academy, there was a nostalgic feeling of encountering a long-lost friend or running into a familiar face far from home.
“Xiao, it’s really you!” Chen Cheng walked up, one hand reaching out to pat Huwang Xiao’s shoulder as he laughed heartily. His thrill and excitement even drove him to give Huwang Xiao a bear hug.
Releasing Huwang Xiao, Chen Cheng grinned and said, “It’s been eight years since we last met, you kid… you’re taller than me now!”
Although it had been eight years since they last met, and Huwang Xiao’s appearance changed considerably, Chen Cheng could still recognize him. Of course, when he caught the first glimpse of Huwang Xiao, he wasn’t sure in the beginning.
But now it was confirmed!
Huwang Xiao responded with a playful punch to Chen Cheng’s shoulder, “You have become more robust too!”
Eight years had elapsed and Chen Cheng was more muscular than he used to be. However, in the past, Huwang Xiao used to be a head shorter than him. But now, Huwang Xiao was actually half a head taller than Chen Cheng.
“I heard you won first place in this year’s Imperial City Battle?” Chen Cheng sighed out of admiration, “Even that Xiantian Second Order Xie Puti lost to you! Perhaps I wouldn’t even be able take a hit from you now!”
Despite entering Duanren Institute eight years earlier than Huwang Xiao, Chen Cheng was only at mid-Xiantian First Order. Based on strength, Chen Cheng was slightly weaker than Bai Shou who was thrown out of the stage with one move from Huwang Xiao during the Imperial City Battle.
Therefore when Chen Cheng claimed he could not take one blow from Huwang Xiao, he was not speaking words of modesty.
Huwang Xiao and Chen Cheng chatted, most of the topics were related to Cosmic Star Academy.
The Academy was a memory they both shared.
At the mention of Cosmic Star Academy, words seemed to flow endlessly between them.
“I haven’t been back once in these eight years. I wonder how much has changed in the Academy?” Chen Cheng lamented, “I really want to go back and have a look around.” Not just the academy, he hadn’t even seen his family during that time frame either. He wondered if they were doing well.
“The next time I go back to the Luo Tong Kingdom, let’s go together.” Huwang Xiao said.
“Really?” Chen Cheng laughed, “Great, it’s a promise!” , his tone changed, “You came today to report to the institute right? Come on, I’ll bring you there.”
With that, Chen Cheng led Huwang Xiao towards the new students’ sign in area.
Cutting across the Institute square, Chen Cheng pointed out some building structures and introduced them to Huwang Xiao as they passed by.
Not long after Duanren Empire was founded, Duanren Institute was built. It had quite a long history spanning over a thousand years, which showed in many of the building structures that exuded a vicissitude of time.
When they passed by the Institute’s Hall of Fame, Chen Cheng pointed to the five statues erected at the center of the hall and introduced them one by one to Huwang Xiao.
All five were warriors that broke into the Saint realm after graduating from Duanren Institute.
When Chen Cheng came to the middle statue, an expression of fanaticism and worship took over, “This is our Duanren Institute’s most legendary student, Senior Xie Ke!”
“Senior Xie Ke broke through the Saint realm within three hundred years of cultivation!”
Huwang Xiao was greatly shocked.
Three hundred years to breakthrough Saint realm!
Chen Cheng nudged him, “Shocked right?” Saying this, Chen Cheng suddenly lowered his voice to a whisper, “Senior Xie Ke is the Xie Family’s Ancestor!”
Xie Family’s Ancestor!
Huwang Xiao’s eyes rounded in surprise. Didn’t that mean this Xie Ke was Xie Puti’s ancestor?
“According to rumors, the Xie Family was established by Senior Xie Ke.” Chen Cheng added in his barely audible voice.
Huwang Xiao’s eyes narrowed. Eight hundred years ago!
This Xie Family only began eight hundred years ago yet in that short span of time, it had grown big enough to rival a two thousand year heritage Yao Family. It would appear that one must not underestimate this Xie Ke.
If there was an opportunity, Huwang Xiao hoped to meet Xie Ke.
Half an hour later, the two of them reached the new students sign in area.
The building where new students reported was similar to all of the other buildings, exuding an atmosphere and style of an age long passed. A lively scene was currently taking place, many people were already there by the time Huwang Xiao and Chen Cheng walked in. Apart from the new students, there were many old students there as well. Huwang Xiao raised his head and saw three characters written in ancient calligraphy hanging at the top of the building structure: Wind Facing Hall.
Leading up to Wind Facing Hall were a dozen or so stone steps.
As they walked up the steps, Chen Cheng explained to Huwang Xiao that other than being where new students reported, Wind Facing Hall was also the place where the students accepted tasks and collected rewards.
Only then did Huwang Xiao understand why there were so many older students entering and exiting the hall. It seemed they came to accept tasks or collect rewards.
Both of them entered the hall after climbing to the top of the steps.
The door entrance was quite grand, reaching twenty z
hang. As they stepped inside, a majestic scene swept into their vision. From the outside, Wind Facing Hall did not look big, but once inside, the great hall appeared enormous and spacious.
Though it still lost in size when compared to the Duanren Square opposite the Duanren Imperial Palace, the difference was almost negligible.
Still, a ten-minute walk from the entrance was needed before a person could reach the place where new students signed in.
When the Institute teacher in charge of the reporting location heard Huwang Xiao say his name, the teacher displayed an exaggerated expression of shock: “You’re Huwang Xiao!”
By now, Huwang Xiao’s name had spread throughout the entire Duanren Institute.
Of the several hundred thousand students and teachers in Duanren Institute, there wasn’t a single individual who wasn’t aware of the person possessing superb twin martial spiritsㅡHuwang Xiao!
“That’s right.” Huwang Xiao nodded.
After receiving affirmation from Huwang Xiao, the teacher scrutinized Huwang Xiao’s appearance once over from head to toe before chuckling, “So you are Huwang Xiao. Looks like what that little lass Sisi said about you was correct.”
“Sisi?” There was a trace of confusion in Huwang Xiao’s eyes.
The Institute teacher laughed, “She’s my daughter. She went to spectate this year’s Imperial City Battle and when she came back she couldn’t stop praising you, saying you’re super cool!”
Super cool!
Huwang Xiao was stumped, leaving him smiling wryly, whereas Chen Cheng next to him broke out in a fit of laughter.
“This is the Institute’s gold badge and robe.” The Institute teacher proceeded to take out a set of robes and a golden badge and passed them to Huwang Xiao.
Huwang Xiao put everything into the Asura Ring after receiving them.
Following that, the teacher briefly explained the Institute’s regulations and gave him an extremely thick book. Other than the Institute’s regulations, the thousand plus kingdoms under the Duanren Empire were also written down and described in detail.
