The Ten Thousand Realms Shifting Fist… If Meng Qi hadn’t been in the Flaming State, he likely would have broken out into a cold sweat. In other words, the world he currently resided in might not even be the Fengshen World anymore—it was highly probable he had been sent to another universe, stranded deep in the vast emptiness of space. At that point, exploring the Yuxu Palace would be the least of his concerns; he might not even find a way back!
After the “Solar Transformation,” violent reactions continued to erupt, radiating brilliant light and flame. The transformation consumed immense energy. Meng Qi estimated that his current strength could barely sustain the state for several dozen breaths. Once his energy was completely drained, he would be trapped in the absolute cold and countless curses of deep space, quickly becoming a drifting corpse within the starry void.
However, with Duke Huan of Qi by his side, Meng Qi wasn’t overly worried about survival. His dharma body stood nine zhang tall, with a chaotic and auspicious cloud the size of a measuring rod hovering above his head. It emitted countless strands of dark yellow light, within which floated innumerable golden lamps. These harmonized with the many golden lotuses surrounding his body, making him appear like a divine immortal or celestial sovereign. Crossing the starry void or wandering through the Azure Heaven should pose no threat to his life—his only drawback would be insufficient speed, preventing him from reaching distant locations.
Still, having previously cultivated the Eight-Nine Profound Art and the Primordial Golden Scripture, and having read Yang Jian’s message later, Meng Qi had long nurtured a deep yearning for the treasures hidden within the Yuxu Palace. That desire had only grown stronger over time, and now, just as he had arrived at the palace gates, someone had sent him to another universe. To pass by the gates without entering—how could he possibly accept that?
Everything I desire lies within the Yuxu Palace? Meng Qi recalled those words, straining his senses, but the Yuxu Palace had vanished without a trace!
After revealing his dharma body, Duke Huan’s expression became solemn, ancient, and dignified, exuding profound mystery. He sighed and said, “Last time at the Yuxu Palace, this old Daoist employed the ‘Heaven and Earth in the Sleeve’ technique to temporarily trap Duke Mu of Qin, thereby granting King Zhuang of Chu the opportunity to obtain the Ruyi. This time, I had intended to replicate that feat, but he was prepared in advance, having secretly mastered the Ten Thousand Realms Shifting Fist, leading to mutual destruction.”
“Wait,” his expression shifted slightly, “he still had a hidden move—he deliberately entered the sleeve, ensuring that the two who followed him weren’t captured. They remain within the Yuxu Palace. Well done, King Zhuang of Chu! No wonder someone who usually prefers to act alone suddenly changed his ways and brought two companions along!”
His sleeves violently expanded and contracted, indicating that King Zhuang wouldn’t be trapped for long.
Meng Qi calmed his heart and clarified his mind, then hesitated before asking, “Master Uncle, if I attempt to break through now, is there any way to sense the Yuxu Palace again?”
Since the Yuxu Palace and the Nine Heavens gave him a similar feeling, according to his constructed “worldview”—his current inner landscape—it should be an existence above all realms yet simultaneously projected into them all, a part of the myriad worlds. Therefore, from any location within the multiverse, even within the Yellow Springs of the Netherworld, he should still be able to sense it. Distance should become irrelevant—ten thousand miles and a mere inch would be the same.
Duke Huan paused for a moment before affirming, “The Patriarch is the beginning of all things, the origin of heaven and earth. He is omnipresent, and the Yuxu Palace should be the same. You can give it a try.”
With a wave of the yellowish-black small flag in his left hand, countless golden lotuses emerged, each radiating countless rays of light, shielding Meng Qi from the terrifying cold and curses. Meng Qi quickly dispelled his transformation and adjusted his condition.
At the same time, he glanced at the small flag, excitement and anticipation flashing in his eyes as he asked, “Is this the Yellow Emperor’s Earth Stabilizing Banner?”
If true, it would be one of the supreme treasures of the Yuxu, a peerless divine weapon among the Five Directional Banners. Even if it didn’t rank on the first page of the Six Dao’s Exchange List, it should at least be on the second or third.
Duke Huan chuckled, “After the Fengshen War, the Yuxu Yellow Banner was reclaimed by the Patriarch, leaving only the God-Beating Whip. This ‘Houtu Xuanhuang Banner’ was a replica crafted by Patriarch Yunzhongzi and later obtained by this old Daoist.”
So that’s how it is… Adjusting his state, Meng Qi asked again, “What about the Fengshen List?”
“It was originally at the Zhou Dynasty’s Fengshen Altar but later disappeared without a trace—no one knows who stole it,” Duke Huan frowned slightly.
If one possessed the God-Slaying Whip and also obtained the Fengshen List, wouldn’t those deities and those who claim to be deities be… Meng Qi indulged in a brief reverie before quickly collecting himself and entering a state of meditation. His mind became as tranquil as a still lake, utterly devoid of thought. His spirit wandered the Great Luo, his consciousness ascending to lofty heights. He attempted to merge his dharma body with the interwoven principles of the Dao, forming his own domain.
Behind him, everything became chaotic and indistinct—depth and height indistinguishable. It seemed as though it stretched to cover the heavens and earth, yet also condensed into a single point. That point radiated an unfathomable mystery, as if a Daoist sage sat in meditation.
Seeing this scene, Duke Huan softly exclaimed in surprise, revealing a hint of astonishment.
Although Jiang Ziya had not obtained the Dharma Body Chapter of the Primordial Golden Scripture, the Outer Landscape Chapter was sufficient for cultivating to the stage of dharma body attainment. The only drawback would be an unclear future path, making dharma body achievement extremely difficult, requiring rare opportunities and additional conditions. Therefore, Duke Huan was no stranger to various “Primordial Forms.” He was also familiar with dharma bodies cultivated through auxiliary or supplementary martial arts. Yet, this was the first time he had ever seen such a Primordial Form!
“Supreme without above or below, without front or back, without past or future…” he murmured softly, “Could this be what the Patriarch referred to as the ‘Primordial True Body’?”
The image of a celestial deity manifesting externally was clearly not the true “form” of the Primordial. This was a commentary Jiang Shang had made in the Primordial Golden Scripture.
What he didn’t know was that Meng Qi was secretly envious of the high-level, impressive dharma body with its auspicious clouds above and floating golden lamps surrounding Duke Huan.
In the distance, the ever-bright stars suddenly flickered. The cold, dark void seemed to surge and condense. Everything was changing, but the transformation abruptly ceased.
Meng Qi opened his eyes, revealing a faint bitter smile: “Still lacking a bit. Give me another two or three months, and it will naturally come to fruition.”
Unable to break through, he couldn’t sense the Yuxu Palace. At this moment, despite his strong cultivation of mind, he couldn’t help but lose control, feeling frustrated and pained. He had placed great expectations on this journey to the Yuxu Palace, viewing it as an opportunity to escape the shadows of powerful beings and break free from the Six Dao’s control. Yet, he hadn’t even managed to step through the gates!
His emotions surged, as if a heavy stone lay in his chest. Meng Qi felt restless, with an urge to vent through martial arts. Taking a deep breath, he changed the subject: “Whose lineage does the Golden Light Cave of Mount Wudang truly belong to? Why did King Zhuang of Chu choose to reside there?”
“The Golden Light Cave of Mount Wudang was originally a paradise established by the Saint Mother of the Jie Sect in ancient times. It wasn’t called by that name initially. Only after someone inherited the lineage did it change to this name. Later, it even extinguished the lineage of Patriarch Tuxing Sun.” Duke Huan, with his profound cultivation, could slightly sense Meng Qi’s psychological state and answered accordingly, “As for why he chose to reside there, sigh, the world is broken. Once one attains the dharma body, an invisible ‘curse’ is imposed, rapidly depleting one’s lifespan. The situation worsens with every move made. Only by hiding within paradises or blessed lands can one maintain stability…”
A curse? Or a shackle? Meng Qi pondered thoughtfully.
…
Before the Yuxu Palace, Yang Xizhi and her senior apprentice brother Gu Heng stared blankly at the empty space before them, remaining motionless for a long time before regaining their senses.
“Let’s go in first…” Yang Xizhi hesitated before saying slowly.
Gu Heng remained silent. He approached the vermilion gate adorned with 365 golden nails, activated his martial arts cultivation, and pushed forcefully.
With a creaking sound, the gate slowly opened. Before them, countless eternal lamps illuminated the interior. The air was still, yet the depths were dark and mysterious, as if concealing countless secrets, unknowns, and dangers.
A vast and ancient aura permeated outward, stirring the elements—earth, fire, wind, and water—as if returning to the primordial chaos before ancient times, to the very beginning of heaven and earth!
In several paradises and blessed lands, such as Qin’s territory and the Tang Kingdom, emperors dressed in imperial robes looked up into the sky.
…
As Meng Qi recounted the strange occurrences within the Fengshen World, his mood gradually calmed, yet an indescribable sense of loss remained heavy and inescapable.
Suddenly, he noticed something on his person beginning to stir.
“The badge?” Meng Qi was startled. The item vibrating was indeed the Yuxu Palace disciple’s badge left behind by Yang Jian. It trembled slightly, radiating heat.
A thought stirred within Meng Qi’s heart. He grasped the badge tightly, focused his senses, and immediately, an image of the Yuxu Palace appeared in his mind—the palace gates slowly opening!
“A reaction?” Duke Huan’s expression brightened slightly.
“Mm,” Meng Qi nodded, though no smile graced his face. “But it’s only presenting a scene. I can’t sense its presence in some unknown high place. Perhaps it’s due to being in another universe…”
His thoughts raced. He recalled the similar feeling between the Yuxu Palace and the Nine Heavens. A sudden inspiration struck. He secretly gripped the Tree of the Dao tightly in his palm and brought it into contact with the badge.
With a “hong”—an overwhelming sensation surged through him. Once again, the Jade Void Palace emerged in that unknown lofty realm. The Tree of the Dao trembled faintly, as if both ravenous and parched, yet also somewhat timid.
“I sensed it!” Meng Qi hurriedly transmitted his voice to Duke Huan.
Duke Huan waved his small flag. Golden lotuses enveloped the two of them, attempting to leap toward that unknown high place, but it seemed as if an invisible barrier blocked their path!
Duke Huan, decisive as always, slightly pondered before solemnly saying, “You maintain the connection. This old Daoist will do my utmost to send you over!”
“Master Uncle, what about you?” Meng Qi hesitated.
“The multiverse has barriers. Unlike King Zhuang of Chu, this old Daoist isn’t adept at such matters. I can only break through the barrier and forcefully send one person. And you have the connection,” Duke Huan explained concisely. “Besides, King Zhuang is about to break free. This old Daoist staying behind can also hold him off!”
His chaotic-colored auspicious cloud floated, emitting rays of light like cascading waterfalls. The golden lamps shone brightly, their rays intertwining. With a powerful swing of the yellowish-black small flag in his hand, the golden lotuses formed a massive lotus platform, carrying Meng Qi upward toward that unknown high place.
At the same time, Meng Qi’s hand suddenly held a wooden whip—nearly four chi long, divided into twenty-one sections, each marked with four sacred talismanic seals, exuding an aura of sanctity and profound mystery that made one’s heart tremble.
The God-Beating Whip?!
“Retrieve the treasures quickly. This old Daoist will only observe the martial arts. Take the Elixir of Immortality,” Duke Huan’s voice entered Meng Qi’s ears.
His soul soared while his physical body became ethereal. When Meng Qi regained awareness, he had already returned to the front of the Yuxu Palace.
With the Houtu Xuanhuang Banner, his Master Uncle could still hold off King Zhuang of Chu without the God-Beating Whip… His thoughts swirling, Meng Qi took a step forward, appearing at the entrance, and stepped inside.
He already had a plan. The opening of the Yuxu Gate might alert many powerful beings, so he must act swiftly, without delay. If he could pass through, he wouldn’t engage in prolonged battles—priority was to secure the treasures!
One by one, the eternal lamps flickered. Meng Qi quickly passed through this area and ventured deeper into the Yuxu Palace.
As his figure disappeared, a figure emerged from the shadows illuminated by the eternal lamps. Cloaked in a black robe, his aura was obscure and indistinct.
Lightning flickered in his eyes as he gazed at the lingering silhouette of Meng Qi, then leisurely stepped forward to follow.
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