“Gu’erdan has vanished, the grassland forces have crumbled, and the nine heterodox sects either benefit as bystanders or fail to seize opportunities. The righteous sects have maintained their advantage for a year. Successfully completing the exclusive divine weapon forging quest allows immediate entry into the Samsara Square to specify the form and name of the finished product, or the task can be postponed.”
The familiar voice of the Lord of the Sixfold Samsara echoed in Meng Qi’s mind, causing him to silently relax and feel joy. Finally, he had a divine weapon suitable for his martial cultivation path!
“Only a fool would choose to postpone!” Meng Qi muttered to himself and without hesitation requested to return.
In these past days, he had been staying as a guest at Shaolin, discussing martial cultivation with his master Xuan Bei, recounting various experiences he could divulge, and informing him about Su Zi Yue being a descendant of the Tang Clan.
Upon first hearing this, Xuan Bei clearly hesitated for a moment, then burst into tears. His entire demeanor visibly lightened, as if a heavy stone that had pressed on his heart had finally been removed.
At that moment, Xuan Bei felt both joy and sorrow, filled with emotion, and remained speechless for a long time.
The light and shadow shifted, and Meng Qi reappeared in the Samsara Square. Before him, the central light pillar shimmered with crimson radiance, the void vast and boundless, brilliant and wondrous.
“Please specify the form of the finished product,” the Lord of the Sixfold Samsara’s voice descended from above.
Meng Qi had already decided. Both the Anchoring Pearl and the Solar Flame Core were notable for their weight. Forging a blade was better than forging a sword. Therefore, he straightforwardly said, “A saber, thirty-three inches and three-tenths of an inch long.”
The mist expanded, light points scattered, and the crimson glow and “void” suddenly contracted, emitting a blinding white brilliance that Meng Qi couldn’t keep his eyes open for.
When his senses returned, he found a long saber floating quietly within the central light pillar. The blade had an ancient shape, unadorned, entirely as if forged from orange-yellow flames.
The outer layer had “solidified” into jade, faintly translucent, revealing swirling flames within. The outermost was a yellow-white fire, followed inward by green, blue, and violet flames. The deeper hues defied description, as ordinary human eyes could scarcely perceive them—formless and indistinct.
The flames layered and transitioned naturally yet clustered distinctly, seemingly forming a world uniquely belonging to fire!
“This is an extremely hot saber, forged from an unformed Anchoring Pearl and the Solar Flame Core. It weighs 3,333 jin. It can change size freely without needing to condense qi into an external body, truly compliant and adaptable. Within it, a world spontaneously evolves. Currently incomplete, once fully evolved and enhanced to the ultimate level (Celestial Immortal tier), it can transform into a realm. With this enhancement, the saber can be as light as a feather or as heavy as a fiery world pressing down, bending void, binding enemies, slightly affecting time, and manifesting the true Solar and true star.”
“The saber’s body is scorching; anyone touching it will be charred. If fully unleashed, it can melt metal and stone into ‘molten’ states, turning thousands of miles into a fiery hell, valued at 50,000 Virtuous Merits. Its current tier is ordinary (Human Immortal level).”
“Please name it.”
Meng Qi listened with delight, thrilled beyond measure. His divine weapon seemed capable of tier enhancement. Although not as potent as the Human Emperor Sword’s growth potential, it was still rare. With supplementary forging using related materials, it could potentially reach the Celestial Immortal tier in the future. This was all due to the Anchoring Pearl’s unique ability to spontaneously evolve a world. If it fully formed, it might even forge a legendary divine weapon.
Hmm, if it fully formed, it would itself be a legendary treasure, making forging unnecessary!
“What name should I choose?” Meng Qi confirmed the divine weapon’s power and potential, beginning to ponder this timeless dilemma. A weapon’s name related to its prestige and must never be careless!
This was a major matter!
“I’ve just mastered one of the Three Divine Techniques, ‘Vastly Shattered Heaven and Earth.’ Previously, I had already learned three saber techniques and three sword techniques. Should I name it ‘Guilt-Crazed’? No, the effects are entirely different. My divine weapon isn’t of the sinister, twisted type that amplifies emotional weaknesses or induces hallucinations. If I later forge a weapon based on the Primordial Mind Seal, then such a name would be fitting.” Meng Qi’s thoughts drifted, “What about ‘Star Tribulation’? The sun is indeed a star, but my divine weapon lacks the ability to manipulate the flow of time in its surroundings—it doesn’t quite match…”
“Dayfall? The Solar is scorching, falling violently, collapsing heavily. Indeed fitting, but I already have a technique named this. It’s not unique enough.”
“Helium Flash?” Meng Qi’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. “This name is sophisticated and imposing, but the style doesn’t quite match. Later, when introducing myself, people might ask what ‘helium’ is, which would be embarrassing. Naming it ‘Day Flash,’ ‘Li Flash,’ or ‘Star Flash’ lacks this stylish flair.”
Feeling the style conflict, Meng Qi was quite discouraged and continued brainstorming: “Legend says the true Anchoring Pearl can evolve twenty-four heavenly realms. My saber is forged from an unformed Anchoring Pearl. How about naming it ‘Twenty-Four Bridges Under a Bright Moon Night’? Hmm, poetic enough, but not quite accurate.”
“‘Refine the Mortal World,’ refining associated with fire, the heavy burden of the mortal world, fitting the saber’s nature, and also deeply meaningful, subtly implying Chan Buddhism. Damn, subtly implying Chan Buddhism. This name will be a backup…”
Caught between choices, Meng Qi began recalling others’ naming methods: either based on characteristics, current mood, or commemorating someone.
“Commemorating someone… Senior Chonghe upheld his inner path, preferring death to submission, and treated me kindly. He was a venerable figure worth admiration. Why not name the saber to honor him?”
Meng Qi’s expression turned serious. “However, this saber is violent, scorching hot, and abnormally heavy. Naming it ‘Chonghe’ would be inappropriate. It’s closer to the ‘Existence to Destruction’ symbolized by Lingbao Tianzun. Therefore, naming the saber ‘Lingbao’?”
“Hmm, the Ice Eye Crystal Soul and the Netherworld Ghost Gate were used to forge a sword, belonging to Yin and water. ‘Supreme Goodness Like Water’—all things carry Yin and embrace Yang, harmonizing through Qi. Naming it ‘Chonghe’ or ‘Dao De’ both works. Especially the latter pairs well with ‘Lingbao.'”
Meng Qi nodded slightly: “Saber named ‘Lingbao,’ sword named ‘Dao De’…”
Thinking thus, he paused: “Oh no, wouldn’t I get beaten for this! Naming directly after two Heavenly Venerables is too arrogant. They might still exist in this world. Might I later be ambushed or sabotaged because of this?”
As thoughts whirled, he suddenly twitched his mouth: “This makes me the standard ‘Left Dao De, Right Lingbao, Buddha at the waist, Yuanshi at the chest, gods and Buddhas obstructed, all to be slain’…”
Suppressing his self-mocking humor, Meng Qi took a light breath and made a decision. If considering nature fit, profound meaning, and elegant wording, his favorite was “Refine the Mortal World.” However, thinking of commemorating Senior Chonghe, “Lingbao” and “Dao De” were better. Not directly naming them, avoiding vulgarity, yet encompassing Chonghe’s two inheritances, subtly aligning with Chonghe’s meaning.
Having already chosen the title “Yuanshi Tianzun,” what fear was there in naming the saber “Lingbao” and the sword “Dao De”? Meng Qi gave up, gritted his teeth, and decided to go all in. He loudly declared, “Saber named ‘Lingbao’!”
A streak of light burst from the hilt, racing to the tip, leaving two ancient and profound characters, simple and plain:
“Lingbao”!
“Forge completed. Please retrieve it. You will be forcibly removed from the square in ten breaths.” The Lord of the Sixfold Samsara said flatly.
Meng Qi extended his hand, grasped the hilt, immediately feeling his skin burn as if scorched, but soon sensed a familiar charm. The saber’s spirit slowly awakened, like a fledgling bird opening its eyes for the first time, full of dependence and trust toward the first thing it saw. It cautiously approached, timidly entwining, soon resonating with Meng Qi, forming a connection as intimate as flesh and blood.
Newly forged divine weapons were easiest to attune. Unlike the Seven Kill Stele, which Meng Qi often communicated with these days but remained indifferent, barely usable.
Drawing the saber, Meng Qi suddenly leaned forward, muscles bulging, teeth clenched, nearly toppled by “Lingbao.”
Heavy, truly heavy!
With Meng Qi’s eighth-level cultivation in the Eight-Nine Divine Art, even without manifesting the Heaven-and-Earth Imitation, he still found the saber’s weight nearly unbearable to wield. It took several breaths for him to barely adapt, managing a feeble swing that tore through the air with explosive force, causing the void to faintly distort.
“Great weight!” Meng Qi grinned, shrinking the “Lingbao” blade and stowing it away before leaving the Reincarnation Square.
In the small courtyard, Zhenhui remained deep in slumber, his breathing long and steady, as if in harmony with some unseen pure land. Meanwhile, Xuanbei had gone to the Bodhi Hall to attend to some matters. Thus, the surroundings were exceptionally quiet, with insects hidden deep in the soil. The Bodhi tree stood tall and graceful like a canopy, gently swaying in the breeze.
Meng Qi sat cross-legged on the bed, savoring this moment of peace and tranquility. Suddenly, an orange-yellow fiery blade appeared on his lap. He grasped its hilt with one hand while gently stroking it with the other.
Originally, given Meng Qi’s current realm, even with the Dao Yi Seal and the ability to manipulate karma, he couldn’t traverse the vast cosmic void and descend into that world after leaving the Black Mountain Demon’s realm by relying solely on connections and causality. He had to use the Reincarnation Talisman. To descend directly, although he wouldn’t need to reach the level of the Harmonious Daoist, who required a Dharmakaya, he would at least need to be at the half-step Dharmakaya stage. Unless he obtained the Void Seal, he could only hope to enter non-“Investiture of the Gods” or “Journey to the West” worlds at the Ninth Heaven level, using the Dao Yi Seal and karma manipulation as guiding markers.
Therefore, after obtaining the “Great Demon-Subduing Fist,” Meng Qi’s first thought was to return to the Immortal Trace to exchange it for a Reincarnation Talisman.
But at this very moment, with the divine weapon in hand—one that was nearly equivalent to a Dharmakaya—Meng Qi no longer needed to use the Reincarnation Talisman. Even if his true form couldn’t penetrate the void barrier or the crystal wall between realms, he could still descend his will through their connection!
His eyes half-closed, his left hand suddenly flicked across the “Lingbao” blade, igniting a surge of blue-purple flames!
……
In the Zen room, sandalwood incense curls upward as the foolish monk sits in full lotus position.
Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat. He opened his eyes to see the door creak open, and a man in a blue robe stepped leisurely across the threshold, hands clasped behind his back, as composed and at ease as if he were returning home.
“Esteemed benefactor,” the foolish monk blurted out.
Didn’t he break through to the “Yellow Heaven Established” realm after battling the Black Mountain Demon, surpassing the limits of heaven and earth, ascending to the Pure Land of the upper world to begin a new journey?
Why did you suddenly appear again?
Meng Qi walked over to the opposite side of the foolish monk and casually sat down on the meditation cushion, appearing utterly carefree. With a faint smile, he said, “This old man still owes you a copy of the ‘Maha Subduing Demons Fist.'”
The blind monk’s glass-like eyes flickered slightly in surprise. In his view, there had been no interval between leaving Orchid Temple and arriving at Ghost Village—it was impossible for Ji Wuliang to have delivered the “Ksitigarbha Soul Deliverance Sutra” to the elder he mentioned before breaking his limits and ascending.
Therefore, this foolish monk did not take the matter to heart.
“Amitabha, the benefactor still remembers this matter. This old monk is deeply grateful.” The humble monk clasped his hands together in prayer.
Meng Qi straightened his clothes, took out the book *Maha Demon-Subduing Fist*, and opened it. He read it word by word, his voice rising and falling with a rhythmic cadence, as if preaching Buddhist teachings—each syllable striking like thunder, resonating deep within the soul.
The foolish monk straightened his back, his ears twitching incessantly—he had already activated the divine hearing ability, listening to every word clearly and committing them firmly to memory.
It was as if he had journeyed to the Pure Land, listening to the teachings of Buddhism before the throne of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva—illusory yet profound, with the boundless essence of Buddha’s wisdom permeating the air.
After an unknown amount of time had passed, Meng Qi finished reciting it twice and asked with a smile, “Master, have you memorized it?”
“Amitabha, thank you, benefactor. This old monk has remembered everything.” Only then did the foolish monk feel something strange—why didn’t Ji Wuliang simply make rubbings or copy the books directly, but instead recited them to him?
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he saw the elegantly dressed Meng Qi raise his right hand with a smile, flicking his finger to strike the wooden fish before him.
Thud!
The hollow sound reached his ears, and the foolish monk suddenly snapped back to reality, opening his eyes.
In front, there was nothing but emptiness—no one on the meditation cushion, the gate tightly shut. Where was the so-called “Yellow Heaven has risen” Ji Wuliang?
Is this an illusion? With just a brief recollection, the monk felt the verses of the “Great Demon-Subduing Fist” echoing clearly in his ears, without a single omission!
Did he really come?
And it all feels like a dream!
This humble monk has always believed his mind to be clear and his Zen heart steadfast. Though he might be defeated in battle, it should be impossible for someone of equal cultivation to influence his mind, stir negative emotions, or drag him into dreams and illusions.
But just now, when I was in the most serene and lucid state of meditation, I actually fell into an illusionary dream!
It was as if the other party had directly descended into one’s heart, shattering layer upon layer of mental and spiritual barriers without a trace—utterly terrifying!
The foolish monk restrained his emotions and let out a long sigh: “Is this the level of an Arhat Bodhisattva? Is this the realm where the Yellow Heaven has already been established?”
In his eyes, Ji Wuliang was truly no longer a mortal being—godlike yet demonic, ethereal and elusive as an immortal!
However, after breaking through the limits and ascending to the higher realm, the other party still remembered the promise made to me. They descended their thoughts into my heart, demonstrating utmost sincerity and trustworthiness to an admirable degree.
……
On the left is Du Qingqing, radiant and vivacious, stunning in her ancient attire. On the right is his secret crush, the goddess in a flowing white dress, pure and ethereal. Nan Gongchong glances left and right, unsure which way to go.
“Brother Chong…”
“Nangong…”
Two female voices rang out, and Nan Gongchong felt his whole body go weak, wishing he could split himself in two.
“Ahem.” At that moment, a light cough reached his ears, sounding all too familiar.
Nan Gong Chong shuddered and spun around abruptly, catching sight of the enigmatic Sect Master of Cang Tian Sect, who stood there with a faintly mocking smile. Dressed as always in his blue robe, hands clasped behind his back, he appeared even more inscrutable than before.
“Clan… Clan Leader.” Nan Gong Chong hurriedly bowed in salute.
Here he comes again! Nan Gong Chong didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad.
“I promised to guide you in martial arts—how could I go back on my word?” Meng Qi said calmly.
Nanchong Chong was overjoyed and bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Sect Master.”
Meng Qi finished guiding him through all the difficulties in his studies, and finally said, “Since you’ve learned my martial arts, you can barely be considered a nominal disciple. If you ever commit crimes, bring harm to the people, or wreak havoc in the world, I will have no choice but to personally step in and clean up my own house.”
Nangong Chong was both delighted and surprised, kneeling down and bowing: “This disciple dares not.”
As soon as the words fell, he heard the sharp sound of an alarm clock by his ear. He sat up abruptly, only to find himself still at home—there was no Du Qingqing, no leader of the Cangtian Sect.
But upon careful reflection, the guidance just now was exceptionally clear!
“Master guiding through a dream? Truly miraculous!” Nan Gongchong sighed in admiration, then mocked himself, “Finally had a sweet dream… Alas, others dream of beauties, while I dream of masters and mentors…”
……
Meng Qi opened his eyes, his consciousness returning to Shaolin.
The task is completed. Next, it’s time to conduct an “undercover sting operation” against the Sect of Impermanence of Life and Death. With the Lingbao Blade and the Seven Killers Stele, I’m more than capable of handling it alone!
Of course, it would be best to invite an expert to oversee things.
At this moment, Xuanbei returned to the courtyard and entered the room, his expression slightly grave.
Meng Qi’s heart stirred, and he asked, “Master, what happened?”
Xuanbei whispered in a low voice, “There’s trouble in the Divine Capital. The Emperor of Great Jin has died suddenly, and Sima Shi, the Chief Constable of the Six Gates, has gone missing.”
“This…” Meng Qi narrowed his eyes slightly.
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