One could say that Hongying didn't even need to use her full strength.
On the other side, although Hongying had an easy time of it, she was nonetheless astonished by Ye Qiubai's grasp of Sword Intent.
After all, she had lived through nine cycles of reincarnation.
If she were Ye Qiubai's age, she probably wouldn't have been guaranteed a definitive victory against him.
"Alright, the two of you can stop fighting for now. Hurry up and take the Nine Revolutions Return Origin Pill," Lu Changsheng interjected at the opportune moment. "Strike while the iron is hot and make your breakthroughs."
Hearing this, Hongying stopped her attack, put away her long spear, and sat cross-legged at the edge of the cliff, taking the Nine Revolutions Return Origin Pill to absorb its medicinal power.
Instantly, surging currents of reincarnation energy flooded Hongying's body!
That torrent of reincarnation energy soared straight into the clouds, as though attempting to communicate with the laws of heaven and earth.
Yet, this world had long since lost the power of the Heavenly Dao's rules.
With the Heavenly Dao destroyed, how could any power of rules possibly exist?
The willow tree couldn't help emitting a sigh of regret.
"What a pity. Without the power of rules, even the Nine Revolutions Return Origin Pill cannot draw out the Dao Rule of Reincarnation, making it impossible to perfectly inherit the innate talents of the past nine lives."
The little bird also flapped its wings and shook its little head.
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng couldn't help but be stunned.
The power of rules?
Since the system could grant him those Dao Rules, didn't that mean the system itself possessed the power of rules?
As if sensing Lu Changsheng's thoughts:
[Host's conjecture is correct. To a certain extent, the system inherently carries the power of rules, which the host may use at any time.]
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng waved his hand, and instantly a force seemingly capable of influencing all things in heaven and earth flooded the surroundings of Grass Cottage!
The willow tree's branches began to sway as it cried out in shock: "The power of rules? You've mastered the power of rules?"
"And it's not even the power of rules from this lower-dimensional realm... It feels more like something from a higher dimension..."
However, for the willow tree, it was nothing more than astonishment.
After all, the willow tree had existed since the formation of the universe and the primordial chaos.
No one knew how long it had truly been around.
The little bird's eyes were likewise filled with shock.
Blazing phoenix flames actually surged from its fiery red wings!
Under the influence of this power of rules, the little bird entered a state of sudden enlightenment!
Beside them, Ye Qiubai also paused and sat cross-legged.
Sword intent soared from his body, transforming into streams of sword qi that swirled around him.
At the same time, the Qingyun Sword was summoned forth at this moment!
The Dao Rules inscribed on the sword actually began to resonate with the sword intent radiating from Ye Qiubai!
Clearly, the power of rules summoned by Lu Changsheng had produced an effect on everyone.
On the other side, Hongying's Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Technique operated at full capacity, and ripples of reincarnation intent spread across the sky.
Yet, like headless flies, they seemed to be searching for something.
Now, with Lu Changsheng releasing the power of rules, the reincarnation intent found its target, actively closing in on the power of rules and beginning to merge with it!
Amidst this, the Dao Rule of Reincarnation actually began to take form!
Once the Dao Rule of Reincarnation emerged, Hongying would be able to perfectly inherit the innate talents of her previous nine lives!
Before long, a white soul streaked across the sky like a shooting star!
It "crashed" straight into Hongying's body!
Instantly, a surge of realm energy erupted outward!
Mid Water Overflowing Realm!
Immediately afterward, a second soul shot forth, plunging directly between Hongying's brows!
Her aura surged dramatically once more!
Right up until the fourth soul, Hongying's realm broke through to the Late Water Overflowing Realm!
The reincarnation intent also began to solidify at this moment!
Over the next two days, the souls of all nine lives completely integrated into Hongying's body!
The inheritance was complete!
Her aura gradually grew steady.
The reincarnation intent manifested as if it were physical substance, enveloping Hongying completely.
Finally, her realm reached the Peak Water Overflowing Realm.
She was just a hair's breadth away from reaching the Return Origin Realm!
Hongying opened her eyes and bowed respectfully to Lu Changsheng.
"Thank you, Master."
Lu Changsheng shook his head. "I didn't really do anything."
Yet Hongying insisted, "Had it not been for Master's guidance from the side, even with that pill, I wouldn't have been able to achieve a perfect inheritance. In that case, cultivating the Nine Revolutions Reincarnation Technique would have been meaningless!"
Lu Changsheng shrugged. "Since that's the case, I'll give you a task."
Hongying was overjoyed.
She was afraid that her master would want nothing and ask for nothing, leaving her feeling as though she could never be of any help.
She hated that feeling.
"Master, just name it!"
Lu Changsheng nodded and smiled. "Go make lunch, then. It's been several days since we've eaten."
Hongying: "..."
Fine, Master really lacked nothing at all. He only lacked a cook!
At this moment, Ye Qiubai also concluded his epiphany. Seeing this scene, he couldn't help but laugh. "Junior Sister, you'll get used to it. Master is very low-key, so he usually doesn't have much going on."
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng glared. "What do you mean 'doesn't have much going on'? Why make it sound like I'm a dried salted fish?"
Isn't that exactly what you are?
Ye Qiubai thought to himself, but didn't dare say it out loud.
"Alright, alright, Junior Sister, I'll go help you."
Hongying nodded.
Suddenly, a figure materialized before Lu Changsheng.
"Changsheng, are you and your disciples free lately?"
The newcomer was none other than Qin Tiannan.
Without missing a beat, Lu Changsheng replied, "I'm busy, but my two disciples have nothing to do."
Qin Tiannan: "..."
Ye Qiubai: "..."
Hongying: "..."
Good grief. He sold them out without even pausing to think.
Chapter 22: Undercurrents!
Qin Tiannan looked at Hongying and Ye Qiubai.
He could tell at a glance that Ye Qiubai's cultivation had now reached the Purple Palace Realm.
However, Hongying's cultivation gave him a completely unfathomable feeling!
Peering at her felt like gazing into a thick fog.
This left Qin Tiannan secretly alarmed.
*Where on earth did Changsheng find these disciples? Why are they all such monstrous prodigies?*
Though, he couldn't really be blamed.
With Qin Tiannan's current cultivation, seeing through the cultivation of a younger generation member should have been effortless.
However, Hongying was a Great Emperor in her past life. How could she lack a few techniques for concealing her cultivation?
Just methods for masking one's cultivation alone, Hongying could produce over a hundred of them—none of them repetitive.
Such was the foundation of a Great Emperor!
Yet, these profound foundations didn't seem to work very well on Lu Changsheng.
He always seemed completely devoid of worldly desires, while every item he casually produced was either something she lacked entirely or far superior in grade to anything she knew...
This left Hongying quite helpless.
Lu Changsheng looked at Qin Tiannan and asked, "Uncle Qin, what brings you here?"
Qin Tiannan snapped back to reality and smiled. "Actually, it's nothing major."
"If it's not major, why come bother us? These two still have to burn—I mean, cultivate!"
Hongying: "..."
Ye Qiubai: "..."
They would bet anything that their master had just been about to say "burn firewood for cooking"!
Qin Tiannan wore an expression of utter helplessness. "Before the Four Domains Grand Tournament, there is a secret realm trial in the Southern Domain. It holds some inheritances from ancient powerhouses, which will be beneficial for your two disciples."
Lu Changsheng had also heard whispers of the Southern Domain's secret realm trials. He stroked his chin and asked, "Is it that Blood Prison Trial?"
Rumor had it that countless ancient powerhouses were imprisoned within the Blood Prison.
Some of those figures had died of old age within its walls, while others had their essential blood drained dry...
This had resulted in the preservation of numerous inheritances belonging to powerful figures within the Blood Prison.
However, obtaining them was no easy task...
Qin Tiannan nodded. "The Blood Prison Trial starts tomorrow. Grass Cottage already has two quotas allocated, so you might as well let Qiubai and Hongying go. There's a cultivation limit there—the highest cultivation allowed is the Purple Palace Realm."
Although Hongying had reached the Peak Water Overflowing Realm, she possessed techniques to suppress her cultivation.
Before Lu Changsheng could reply, Hongying immediately stated, "I want to go!"
Her gaze was resolute!
Lu Changsheng glanced at Hongying and nodded. "Then the two of you can go. Experiencing some trials will be good for you."
Ye Qiubai had the exact same intention; right now, he was eager to have more contact with external powerhouses.
Seeing this, Qin Tiannan nodded in satisfaction. "Very well, get yourselves prepared. Changsheng, you can bring them over tomorrow."
Lu Changsheng immediately refused, "I don't know the way."
Qin Tiannan: "..."
*You lazy bastard, you'll be the death of me!*
"Fine, I'll have an Elder come pick you up tomorrow!"
With that, Qin Tiannan shot Lu Changsheng a helpless glare and turned to leave.
Once Qin Tiannan was gone, Hongying looked at Lu Changsheng. "Master, aren't you going to ask why I want to go?"
Lu Changsheng looked surprised. "Why should I ask? If you want to go, you must have your own reasons."
Hongying nodded, her gaze growing distant as she looked toward the sky, carrying a hint of lingering emotion.
"One of my subordinates is in the Blood Prison. I want to go take a look."
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng fell silent.
After all, Hongying had already experienced nine cycles of reincarnation.
It was entirely normal for some of her subordinates to have perished.
Especially given a place like the Blood Prison.
"Go on, then."
Hongying bowed to Lu Changsheng, then walked alone into the thatched hut to cultivate.
Seeing the atmosphere suddenly turn heavy, Ye Qiubai wanted to go cultivate as well, but was stopped by a single sentence from Lu Changsheng.
"Where do you think you're going? Go make lunch for your Master!"
"...Oh."
Meanwhile, at the Chou family estate.
"Ye Qiubai should be participating in this Blood Prison Trial, right?"
"Go tell Chou Libei to get ready. Make sure to kill him during the Blood Prison Trial!"
"Understood."
Far away in the Northern Domain, within the Sunset Dynasty.
Pear Garden.
Jiang Chan was draped in luxurious robes, a coronet resting upon her head.
She sat quietly in the courtyard.
When she heard that Ye Qiubai had not perished, a trace of complex emotion flashed through her eyes.
However, a greater part of it was relief.
At that moment, someone pushed open the outer door and entered.
Seeing this, Jiang Chan's expression turned cold. She stood up and offered a slight bow.
"Your Highness."
The First Prince smiled upon seeing this, stepping forward quickly to support Jiang Chan as she rose. "Between the two of us, there's no need for such formalities."
"After all, we are going to be married soon. As husband and wife, why be so distant?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chan's eyes held no joy; instead, they grew somewhat dim.
The First Prince naturally took note of everything.
Releasing her hand, he said with a meaningful smile, "Ye Qiubai will be participating in the Southern Domain's Blood Prison Trial."
Jiang Chan couldn't help but raise her head to look at the First Prince.
The First Prince continued, "Since we failed to eliminate Ye Qiubai last time, this time I will send people to the Southern Domain to participate in the Blood Prison Trial."
Jiang Chan's gaze tightened slightly, but she remained silent.
At a time like this, saying even a single extra word would only bring more danger to Ye Qiubai.
The First Prince sighed, "I know you still can't let him go. But you are destined to be the mother of the nation in the future."
"I will never allow Ye Qiubai to remain alive in this world. Do you understand?"
He didn't care whether Jiang Chan's heart belonged to him or not.
Within the imperial dynasty, hypocrisy and pretense were the norm.
Many were forced into marriages with people they detested.
The First Prince was no different; he only needed to possess Jiang Chan's body.
As for her heart?
What kind of thing was that?
With power and strength, one could obtain everything!
Once the First Prince left the Pear Garden, Jiang Chan let out a sigh and looked toward the horizon, where dark clouds loomed heavily.
Flashes of lightning slithered through the cloud layers like thunder dragons.
"I'm sorry..."
Outside the Pear Garden, the First Prince did not look back as a black figure abruptly materialized.
The figure knelt on one knee, awaiting the First Prince's command.
"Go to the Blood Prison Trial. Make sure nothing goes wrong this time—kill Ye Qiubai."
"Also, contact Shadow Kill and have them dispatch people to the Blood Prison as well."
The dark figure couldn't help but look startled. "Your Highness, won't sending our own people be enough? Why involve Shadow Kill?"
Shadow Kill.
An extremely mysterious assassin organization in the Northern Domain.
It was said that as long as the reward was sufficient, they would take on any mission whatsoever.
They were a bunch of lunatics.
Yet, the success rate of this bunch of lunatics reached an astonishing 99 percent!
The only time they had ever failed was when they attempted to assassinate the current ruler of the Sunset Dynasty.
A person ranked fourth on the Four Domains Martial Rankings!
That single incident resulted in Shadow Kill losing half of its members, and even the master of Shadow Kill was severely wounded.
However, the ruler did not completely wipe out Shadow Kill.
Instead, he spared their lives.
With a single condition attached:
To unconditionally serve and kill for the Sunset Dynasty...
What reward could possibly be more important than one's own life?
The master of Shadow Kill had no choice but to agree.
A ferocious grin spread across the First Prince's face. "I don't want any accidents. I hear Ye Qiubai's innate talent has returned."
"Though he still poses no threat to me, nevertheless... weeds must be pulled up by the roots!"
Chapter 23: Gathering!
The next day.
The Blood Prison Trial commenced.
The Sword Hall Elder arrived at Grass Cottage and escorted Hongying and Ye Qiubai away.
Along the way, the Sword Hall Elder kept pestering Ye Qiubai with questions.
"What have you learned from following that kid Lu Changsheng recently?"
"You haven't been slacking off in your sword cultivation, have you?"
"If it really comes down to it, you might as well come to my Sword Hall. I'll arrange the best sword cultivation resources for you!"
Faced with this, Ye Qiubai could only offer a bitter smile and decline.
After all, everything he possessed right now came from Lu Changsheng.
Furthermore, he didn't believe the Sword Hall's resources could ever match things of the caliber of the Qingyun Sword, the Creation Pill, or the Primordial Sword Classic.
Watching this from the side, Hongying let out a soft laugh.
She could understand why the Sword Hall Elder was so eager for talent.
After all, Ye Qiubai's talent in the sword was indeed exceptionally high.
Even she had never seen anyone more naturally suited for practicing the sword.
Ye Qiubai.
He seemed quite literally born for the sword!
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Blood Prison Trial, a crowd had already gathered there.
Among them, figures like Huo Qingming and Xin Hongyi could be seen.
When Xin Hongyi caught sight of Ye Qiubai, she was momentarily startled before walking over.
"You've broken through to the Purple Palace Realm? After the Blood Prison, let's spar again."
Ye Qiubai smiled and nodded, not refusing.
Beside him, Hongying teased, "My, my, Senior Brother is quite popular, isn't he?"
Ye Qiubai laughed between tears. "Junior Sister, please don't make fun of me. It's just a matter of competitive spirit."
Suddenly, Ye Qiubai's gaze snapped toward the front left.
A gaze filled with murderous intent had locked onto him from that direction!
Upon spotting the target individual, Ye Qiubai was stunned.
People from the Chou family?
Chou Libei stared at Ye Qiubai with a sneer, drawing a finger across his throat in a slashing motion.
"What is it, someone wanting your life?"
Hongying remarked from the side, "Do you want me to take care of them for you?"
Since Ye Qiubai was now her senior brother, she naturally felt the need to look after him a little.
Ye Qiubai felt rather helpless.
This made him feel like he was the junior brother and Hongying was the senior sister.
That was a bit embarrassing for his pride.
Ye Qiubai replied, "It's fine. These are my own personal matters, I'll handle them myself."
At that, Hongying nodded.
At that moment, the Confucian Academy Elder stepped forward and addressed the assembled group.
"This Blood Prison secret realm is not only vital for the academy's glory, but it's also an excellent opportunity for yourselves."
"Within it lie the inheritances of ancient powerhouses; obtaining even one will yield immense benefits for your cultivation."
"Of course, more importantly, members of our academy must not kill one another. Once you enter, try to stick together and advance as a group."
Saying this, the Confucian Academy Elder turned solemn, his tone shifting as he warned in a deep voice, "The dangers within are proportional to the opportunities. I do not wish to see any of you left behind permanently when the time comes for everyone to emerge."
"Alright, this time, the team leader will be Zhong Wu."
Immediately, a man brimming with the scholarly aura of a Confucian scholar stepped forward, carrying a small bookshelf on his back.
That small bookshelf was packed to the brim with books.
Even in Zhong Wu's hand, another book was held.
Huo Qingming stood beside Ye Qiubai and reminded him in an undertone, "Zhong Wu is the senior head disciple of the Confucian Academy. His strength has already reached the Peak Purple Palace Realm, and I heard he's already slated as the next Academy Dean successor."
Ye Qiubai nodded.
Hongying was also slightly surprised, murmuring, "This person actually carries a wisp of the Sage of Literature's intent?"
Yet her surprise lasted no more than a moment.
Shortly after, another man holding a feathered fan walked up to Hongying's side.
"Fair lady, this humble one will take good care of you once we enter."
The newcomer was Lin Ce from the Array Hall!
Hongying glanced at him indifferently and didn't respond.
Lin Ce didn't mind at all; he stood by Hongying's side with a gentle smile on his face.
The gaze he directed at Hongying burned with an intense fervor.
Ever since Lu Changsheng had taken Hongying to meet Qin Tiannan that day, Lin Ce had happened to catch a glimpse of her.
Ever since then, Lin Ce had launched a frantic pursuit of her.
Ye Qiubai wore a peculiar expression.
*Who is going to protect whom, exactly?*
*My junior sister happens to be a Peak Water Overflowing Realm powerhouse.*
At that moment, a massive warship sailed across the sky!
At the prow of the warship, two flood dragons were harnessed, pulling the vessel forward!
It was a warship belonging to the Tianyuan Dynasty!
The warship slowly came to a halt directly above the crowd.
Huo Qingming shook his head. "That Tianyuan Dynasty is always so overly flamboyant."
The moment his words fell, several figures leaped down from the vessel.
"Huo Qingming, we have the capital to be flamboyant."
The leader among them wore brocade robes and looked exceptionally lavish.
Huo Qingming snorted coldly and made no reply.
That person didn't press the matter either; after all, these were people from Cangdao Academy.
Even their Tianyuan Dynasty had to show them three parts of respect.
The leading man walked up to the Confucian Academy Elder, bowed deeply, and said, "Greetings, Sir."
Virtually all the princes and high-ranking officials of the Tianyuan Dynasty had attended lectures given by figures from the Confucian Academy. Thus, addressing him as "Sir" was not inappropriate.
The Confucian Academy Elder nodded slightly and smiled faintly. "The Sixth Prince's cultivation has improved once again, though you still need to read more of the sages' texts."
The Sixth Prince showed no arrogance whatsoever, nodding with sincere humility. "I have been instructed. Thank you, Sir."
The Confucian Academy Elder gave an approving nod.