I am a full-level celestial master, you let me enter the strange talk of rules?

Information about the "Tree of Immortality," an ultimate entity involving the origin of the world and the secrets of longevity, is clearly classified as top secret by the Hidden Clan and is not something a disciple at the Initial Saint Realm can access casually.

The logs and letters at most mention the need to collect some "ancient materials containing special life energy" or "strange items related to the core of the earth veins," but they are vague and cannot be directly linked to the Tree of Immortality.

As for the warning that "immortality is a scam," there was absolutely no clue.

The information left by Yin Kui describes longevity in the traditional understanding of the Hidden Clan, which is to extend lifespan and pursue power by constantly tempering the physical body, stimulating bloodlines, and improving realms. There is no hint of any "deception".

“It seems this level is still not enough.” Zhang Yangqing put down the roll of animal hide in his hand, his brows furrowing slightly.

He couldn't help but think of the white-haired, white-bearded elder of the Hundred Refinements Hall, whose aura was unfathomable.

That elder was extremely old, with a cultivation level of at least half-saint, and held a revered position within the Hidden Clan. He was likely aware of some core secrets about the Immortal Tree and the mysteries of longevity, and might even have some understanding of "it" in Rule Five.

However, it is extremely risky to approach or test such a powerful person rashly!

The other party's cultivation level, knowledge, and familiarity with Yin Kui are far beyond those of ordinary disciples.

If you are not careful, your flaws may be exposed, and you will be doomed.

Zhang Yangqing needed a reasonable, natural opportunity that wouldn't arouse suspicion to contact the elder, or to obtain higher-level information from other channels.

In the past few days, the chairman has been observing and recording near the dock as planned, while Zhang Yangqing stayed at "Pan Shi Ju" to digest and absorb the power brought by Yin Kui and get familiar with this new body, while also waiting for and creating opportunities.

It must be said that Zhang Yangqing was truly pleasantly surprised by the talent and potential of Yin Kui's body.

The ancient Hidden Dragon Battle Blood not only brought him a powerful physical foundation and an affinity for the earth and metal elemental laws, but also made his cultivation speed far exceed that of the past.

In just a few days, his physical strength, power, and recovery ability have reached a new level, giving him more confidence for the upcoming battles.

On the third day of Zhang Yangqing's seclusion, the peace was shattered.

A disciple of the Hidden Clan responsible for delivering messages hurriedly arrived outside "Rock Abode." After receiving permission, he entered, his face showing obvious anxiety and unease.

"Senior Brother Yin Kui! Something terrible has happened!"

Zhang Yangqing was sitting cross-legged on the stone bed, practicing his internal energy to heal his injuries. Hearing the sound, he slowly opened his eyes, his brows furrowed slightly, and he adopted Yin Kui's usual arrogant, deep, and slightly impatient expression. He said in a deep voice, "What's the matter that you're in such a panic? Speak slowly, don't make a fuss."

The disciple, intimidated by Zhang Yangqing's imposing aura, swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure, but his voice remained urgent: "Senior brother, it's...it's Jin Wu! He's here again!"

Zhang Yangqing's heart skipped a beat. Jin Wu? Who is this? Judging from the disciple's tone, he seems to have a grudge against Yin Kui, and his strength is not weak.

He couldn't appear bewildered; he had to fit the character of "Eun-kyu".

A perfectly measured hint of arrogance and scrutiny, the kind of coldness and scrutiny one displays when a powerful person hears the name of an old rival, appeared on his face, and he gave a curt "Oh?"

He then asked in a tone as if assessing his opponent's strength, "Since that guy dared to come to my door again, he must have something to rely on and feel confident of defeating me. Do you know what progress he has made recently? What special techniques has he practiced or what treasures has he acquired?"

This question was very much in line with the habits of a cautious yet confident strong person—never underestimating any opponent, and always gathering intelligence first. Seeing his senior brother's composure and his initiative in inquiring about the opponent, the disciple admired him and quickly relayed the information he had gathered:
"Replying to Senior Brother, that Jin Wu was originally at the mid-stage of the Half-Saint realm. It is said that after his defeat in the last battle with you, he returned to his clan and, after much reflection, received the 'Earth Core Dragon Marrow' and 'Immortal Gold Essence' bestowed upon him by the clan, and then went into seclusion to cultivate diligently."

He just emerged from seclusion a few days ago, and his aura is several times stronger than before! Rumors say he has probably reached the Great Perfection of the Half-Saint realm!

When the disciple spoke the words "half-saint, great perfection," his voice involuntarily trembled with a hint of awe.

The beautiful woman with peach blossom eyes standing next to her felt a pang of anxiety.

Half-Saint Great Perfection! In the Undying Mountain Realm, this is already the very peak below the Saint Realm!

Take one more step, and you'll reach the realm of touching the laws and becoming a saint!

The strength of a powerhouse at this level is worlds apart from that of a beginner Saint!

What's more troublesome is that Jin Wu has obviously fought against Yin Kui before, and may know Yin Kui's fighting style, habits, and even some of his signature moves like the back of his hand!

If Zhang Yangqing rashly accepts the challenge, he is likely to be exposed during the battle due to subtle differences!
She immediately looked at Zhang Yangqing, her eyes filled with obvious worry and a desire to dissuade him. Her mind raced, trying to think of a reasonable excuse for Zhang Yangqing to decline the challenge.

Wasn't he still recovering from a serious injury? This was the perfect, least suspicious reason!

However, Zhang Yangqing's reaction was completely unexpected by her and the disciple.

After listening to his disciple's report, Zhang Yangqing's face showed no sign of solemnity or apprehension. Instead, he revealed an almost indifferent expression, even with a hint of disdain, and said in a flat tone, "Just a half-saint at the Great Perfection?"

disciple:"."

Peach blossom eyes beauty: "."

At once???
The way this word was used completely baffled the disciple next to him and the beautiful woman with peach blossom eyes!

What does it mean to be "just" a semi-saint at the Great Perfection?!
That's a half-saint at the Great Perfection stage!
A quasi-saint level being who has already made initial contact with the power of laws!

In the Undying Mountain Realm, where saints do not appear, a half-saint at the Great Perfection stage is practically an untouchable existence!

How come it sounded as ordinary as cabbage by the roadside in my senior's mouth? It even seemed to imply a bit of disdain?
What kind of confidence does that take?!
The disciple opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

He felt that although his senior brother seemed stronger after returning from his injury, wasn't he a bit too arrogant?
However, considering his senior brother's glorious record of challenging opponents of higher levels without ever being defeated, as well as his heaven-defying ancient hidden dragon battle blood, perhaps his senior brother really has some unknown trump card that makes him not even care about the half-saint at the Great Perfection stage.
Zhang Yangqing ignored them, simply nodding slightly, his tone still calm but carrying an undeniable determination: "I understand. Go tell Jin Wu that I accept his challenge. Let him decide the time and place."

"Ah? Yes! Senior brother!" Although the disciple was shocked, he dared not disobey, so he quickly bowed and left to make arrangements.

After the disciple left, the heavy stone door closed again. The beautiful woman with peach blossom eyes finally couldn't hold back any longer and said in a low voice, "Brother! This is too risky! That Jinwu Half-Saint at the Great Perfection stage, and he knows Yin Kui! What if they get hurt in the fight?"

Zhang Yangqing raised his hand, stopping her from speaking. His gaze was calm and unwavering as he looked at the beautiful woman with almond-shaped eyes and asked, "Why do you think I would agree?"

The beautiful woman with peach blossom eyes was taken aback, then a thought flashed through her mind, and she seemed to understand something. She tentatively asked, "Brother, are you trying to obtain some kind of information from that Jin Wu? Or to verify some guess?" (End of this chapter)