Overdraw the future and become a peerless martial god

Chapter 189 Master and Disciple Reunion

The moment the three stepped out of the portal, it was as if they had been thrown into a pillar of light from which there was no sense of direction.

Unable to distinguish up from down, and with no sound all around, only the soul consciousness was compressed to the extreme in an instant, as if it had been cut open by the sharpest rule in the world, stripping away all disguise and protection.

Chu Ning felt a "boom" in his mind, his soul sea was overturned like a tsunami, his soul wheel was pounding wildly, and even the soul lock mark in his body began to tremble violently, as if it was instinctively resisting a kind of "external rejection mechanism".

The boundary pressure is like a cone.

As soon as he looked up, he heard Chu Yun beside him let out a low groan.

Her soul energy trembled like shattered ice, and her whole body trembled slightly in the void, as if every inch of her soul consciousness was being torn and dragged by an invisible hand.

The most terrifying thing was that the spiderweb-like gray patch on the back of her neck suddenly emitted a strange light under the pressure of the boundary, as if it was resonating with the boundary membrane itself in some indescribable way. Wisps of gray light spread along her spine, like the awakening of the poison of the dead zone, making her unable to make a sound and only able to grit her teeth and endure it.

Lei Jingjing almost instantly knelt on the boundary current, forcibly stabilizing her aura. Her seventh-grade soul aura was as if it had been cut in half by lightning, instantly sliding down to the edge of the eighth grade.

Cold sweat streamed down her forehead, and her lips were pale, yet she still clung tightly to a wisp of extremely unstable boundary pattern beside her—a remnant of lightning energy, which should have guided the soul flow across the boundary, but she instead bound it to her fingertips, using her own lightning soul to fight and pull against it.

She tried to use the lightning to ward off the pressure, but was instead devoured by the lightning. Her sea of ​​consciousness crackled, as if thousands of lightning threads were pulling at the bottom of her soul. Each tremor was pulling away a bit of her consciousness.

She didn't utter a sound, but her shoulders and back were stiff as blades, and her figure almost collapsed under the pressure of the boundary, yet she didn't retreat even half a step.

Chu Ning, however, remained calm and composed under the pressure, his lightning soul remaining undisturbed.

Each of the five colored thunder souls guards one of the five extremes of the soul sea, and the thunder breath spontaneously constructs an unprecedented "coordination". The soul wheel becomes clear in reverse amidst the tremors, and ripples reflect the power of the boundary lock's origin.

Just as the Soul Pressure was about to devour Chu Yun and Lei Jingjing together, the second stage of Soul Lock Authority was automatically activated.

The silver-gray mark suddenly emitted an extremely fine silver light, like a light blade piercing through the boundary, creating a semi-transparent buffer barrier around the three of them.

The breath of thunder slowly flowed from within, deflecting the pressing force of the realm inch by inch, forming a glimmer of light sheltering the area from the dark storm.

Chu Ning didn't retreat, but slightly turned his body to steadily support Chu Yun's back, and then reached out to support Lei Jingjing's shoulder, bringing the two of them into this only remaining crevices in the Soul Realm where they could still breathe.

He exhaled softly, the lightning in his eyes dimming slightly.
"We've arrived... Get ready."

In the next instant, the gate trembled, the light curtain shattered like a mirror, and the soul energy surged back, as if some long-sealed rule had been forcibly torn apart.

An invisible force slowly rose from the depths of the Soul Lock, lifting the three of them and sweeping them straight into the sea of ​​light.

The moment the soul passed through the portal.

Chu Ning felt his soul wheel tremble violently, and the Primordial Qi Refining Technique surged spontaneously deep within his soul sea. An extremely ancient spiritual aura faintly emerged, as if responding to something.

What shocked him even more was that, just as the light barrier was about to shatter, a faint and distant soul-like voice suddenly swept past his ear:

"...You really did come this far."

It sounded like a familiar voice, or like a forgotten memory.

He couldn't recognize it at first, and only had time to ask himself a question softly in his heart:
"Is it...you?"

His soul consciousness was immediately and completely reversed, his awareness sinking inch by inch into that domain rewritten by the laws of the soul realm.

When the three of them landed, they found themselves in another world.

It was a realm woven from layers of soul laws, a sacred place forged by "order itself".

The sky was a constantly flowing sea of ​​soul energy clouds, its color like azure gold, yet it resembled daytime but was not. Its surface shimmered with light, and though the sun, moon, and stars were not visible, light shone through the four walls, as if the entire sky itself were an ancient soul wheel slowly turning.

Within that cloud of souls, faint soul light surged, like the tides of stars, or like the "breathing" of some kind of celestial law.

The ground was made up of stone steps engraved with soul imprints, their mirror-like patterns shimmering with a silvery light. Beneath each step, faint shadows appeared, the lingering traces of countless departed souls' vows, like the echoes of a soul monument, still whispering eternally.

On this oath platform, one or two new seals occasionally glow faintly—this is the ongoing soul-establishing ceremony. On the steps in the far distance, soul figures are standing solemnly, swearing that they will be recorded in the soul realm.

The surrounding void contained buildings constructed from soul energy floating in mid-air. These buildings resembled towers but were not substantial, being maintained by soul energy. Their forms were bizarre and varied, with some enveloped by rune arrays and others exhibiting inverted, spiral, or mirror-like structures, resembling reflections in a mirror or folded forms of soul projections.

Further away, several extremely faint black shadows darted out from a building, instantly traversing a hundred feet and merging into another Soul Pavilion. Clearly, this realm was not a dead land, but a sacred domain that was still slowly operating and self-consistent.

The entire world seemed to have been engraved into a "time-frozen" soul monument by an invisible hand using soul imprints and boundary locks.

This is Yipin Pavilion.

Master Hunyuan used the "Power of the Boundary Lock" to reverse the myriad phenomena and establish a realm within a realm that exists within the rules but outside the order.

Chu Ning stood on the interface and slowly raised his eyes.

With just one glance, he sensed that the aura of the cultivators around him was of a much higher level than could be measured by ordinary means.

The person closest to him, who looked like an ordinary young man, stood quietly at the foot of the steps. His soul aura was as deep and restrained as an abyss, but there was a kind of "attraction" in that calmness, as if even a glance would be dragged into the depths of the soul sea. Chu Ning judged that he was a mid-level fourth-grade.

Further away, beneath the seal-holding platform, stood seven or eight people, each with different robes and a cold demeanor, yet their soul light swirled steadily, their soul wheels like rings, each with a "soul shadow wheel" faintly visible behind their body, suspected to be some kind of extreme Taoist technique that had externalized the structure of soul consciousness.

One of them, though his soul energy was not visible, caused the void to distort slightly with a single glance, as if some indescribable pressure was pressing down on the space itself. At that moment, Chu Ning even felt a slight discomfort in Chu Yun and Lei Jingjing, as if their soul seas had shifted and become displaced.

That's the lowest grade of the third rank, beyond the realm of humans.

Chu Ning easily dealt with the three of them, relying on his first-grade strength.

However, Lei Jingjing's soul energy had already withered to the extreme, and she could only barely maintain a rank below the eighth grade. Her blood and qi surged, and her body swayed slightly.

As for Chu Yun... she could barely stand, her face as pale as paper, her soul seemingly drifting away with the wind with each breath, as if she were a wisp of soul in the void.

The three of them stood in this world where the pressure of their souls was as heavy as a mountain. The difference in their soul levels was too great, which immediately caused spatial disturbances.

The originally quiet and flowing flow of soul energy was disturbed by the three people's "low-frequency soul energy," like a stone being thrown into a calm lake, causing large ripples.

All eyes of the four souls converged on each other.

There was surprise, there was sneer, and a few young soul cultivators even showed mocking expressions, as if they saw three mortals who had gone to the wrong door and stumbled into the Court of the Gods.

Not far away, a white figure slowly approached.

It was a middle-aged soul cultivator dressed in white robes, holding a scroll of golden-patterned law enforcement, his steps as steady as a mountain. He didn't speak, but just by his approaching aura, the surrounding temperature seemed to drop a degree.

Chu Ning's gaze sharpened slightly, and he immediately noticed something amiss.

—This person's aura was completely concealed, like a mirror, without the slightest ripple leaking out. To be able to control one's soul to this extent is to reach the Saint Realm of Soul Control, a hallmark of a fifth-grade cultivator.

However, within this realm, the fifth rank... is merely the minimum threshold for entry.

The white-robed soul stopped ten feet away, his figure as still as a mountain, his gaze as sharp as a blade, his voice as steady as a rhythm:

"Those whose soul consciousness is not stable will collapse upon entering the realm; those whose cultivation is insufficient will suffer suppression from the Soul Dao and perish due to qi deviation."

As soon as the words were spoken, several soul consciousnesses quietly spread out from all four directions of the Soul Platform, like invisible chains, sealing off the energy flow and remaining still.

Clearly, this was a routine "soul law" judgment, not a threat or intimidation.

Chu Ning's shoulders slumped slightly as he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and solemnly said:

"We have mistakenly entered this realm. We hope Your Excellency will investigate. May we ask what realm this place is?"

His words were steady, his voice like a thunderous, ceaseless flow.

Lei Jingjing subconsciously reached out and gently supported Chu Yun's arm, her forehead damp with sweat; but Chu Yun remained calm, her eyes expressionless, as if the pressure around her had nothing to do with her.

The white-robed spirit did not answer, but simply raised his hand and rolled it up.

The golden scroll unfurled in the air, and runes rained down like a shower of light, transforming into a circular "Soul Law Mirror Array." Dozens of soul seals condensed from the void, their edges burning with faint flames, and were engraved with different forms of judgment seals.

Three of the Soul Laws slowly revealed the phantoms of the Soul Masters who had "entered the Soul Realm Beyond the Boundary" in the past—some kneeling on the platform with their Soul Wheels shattered; others with their minds broken and looking like puppets; and still others completely bound and dragged into the abyss of the Soul Prison while roaring.

Lei Jingjing's pupils contracted slightly, her soul consciousness suddenly became chaotic, and under the pressure of her soul, her knees went weak and she almost knelt down; Chu Yun's soul energy also fluctuated, and the gray spots on the back of his neck emitted a ghostly light, his already fragile soul consciousness almost completely lost its balance.

Chu Ning frowned, took a deep breath, and his Five Elements Thunder Soul violently vibrated in his sea of ​​consciousness.

Wood and lightning clashed first, followed by metal and lightning. Water, fire, and lightning surrounded the area, creating instability. Only earth and lightning solidified like a giant cauldron, gradually pulling the five elements of soul energy back onto track.

It was as if he were forcibly grasping a collapsing star core; amidst the roar of thunder, the soul imprint was as hot as molten gold.

The soul runes beneath his feet exploded, cracking in a circle about an inch wide. Lightning energy erupted from his spine, like a solitary pillar slowly supporting the sky, forcefully suppressing and stabilizing the overwhelming soul law. The white-robed soul cultivator's brow twitched, and for the first time, a hint of solemnity appeared in his eyes:
"The Soul Wheel can stabilize the Five Elements, making it stronger than ordinary fifth-grade Soul Wheels... However, all those entering the realm must undergo a screening process, and those who are not of sufficient level will be killed."

"These two individuals have not reached the required soul level. According to the law, their soul imprints will be either expelled or severed, and their realms will be sealed off level by level."

The surrounding atmosphere solidified, and the onlookers' expressions changed drastically. Their initial curiosity and detachment turned into a murderous intent. Several soul imprints trembled in the air, showing signs of cooperation.

The power of enforcing the law can be unleashed at any moment.

—At the critical moment, a single moment of wavering will can lead to a situation where the soul is shattered.

Chu Ning frowned, pondering whether to use his identity to alleviate the crisis, when suddenly, he flipped his left palm.

A soft sound was heard.

The Soul Locks Trembled!

A silver-gray soul imprint rose from the palm of his hand, the imprint resembling a ring, the inscription resembling a tower.

Above the tower pattern, three soul patterns slowly lit up, and at the very top, an ancient and majestic "Pavilion Master's Emblem" slowly rotated, as if the one holding the seal was present.

In an instant.

The surrounding energy was completely absorbed, the talismans dissipated, and the oppressive force receded like a receding tide.

Just as the Soul Lock Inscription in Chu Ning's palm was about to fully bloom, and the Pavilion Master's Seal reached its highest point.

Suddenly, a light, cheerful voice came from a corner outside the Soul Platform, carrying an inappropriate air of familiarity and audacity:

"Chu Ye! Oh dear, why didn't you come to see me after you entered Yipin Pavilion?"

Everyone was taken aback and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw a figure in a green robe coming like the wind and clouds, with graceful steps. He seemed lazy but was not off-target and landed exactly three zhang away from Chu Ning.

The man was about forty years old, with a handsome face and a somewhat nonchalant air. He wore three golden rings around his waist, and his soul wheel was layered, clearly indicating that he was a third-grade high-level soul master.

The white-robed soul's expression changed slightly, and he cupped his hands solemnly, saying, "Elder Li."

Chu Ning was also slightly taken aback, then his lips twitched slightly—he was all too familiar with that voice.

Li Jing'an was once one of the chief officials of the First Rank Pavilion's Supervisory Department. Now he serves as an elder in the First Rank Pavilion and is rumored to be in charge of both "cabinet ranking" and "candidate supervisors." He rarely appears in public.

Li Jing'an seemed completely oblivious to the somber atmosphere around him, as if this were not the Soul Judgment Platform, but a casual street gathering.

He stepped forward, patted Chu Ning on the shoulder, then glanced at Lei Jingjing and Chu Yun, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes:

“I already told them that when their soul energy is stable and they have cultivated to the fifth rank, they should come to the First Rank Pavilion to find me.”

"Now is the time, and the time has come just in time."

As he spoke, he casually brushed a speck of dust from his sleeve, turned to face the white-robed soul, and spoke in a calm and unhurried tone, conveying a mixture of nonchalance and certainty:

"These three are disciples I took in during my travels over the years."

He pointed at Chu Ning, paused slightly, and a hint of reminiscence appeared in his eyes:
"Chu Ye, with his stubborn temper, back when I was still in the Censorate, he ran to three different cities and counties to investigate a bloody case, staying up for three days and three nights without sleep, chasing clues all the way to the imperial prison, and when he came back he only said, 'There are still people we haven't investigated'—tsk, I was just like that when I was young."

He smiled and looked at Lei Jingjing: "I also taught this girl movement techniques for two years. The explosive power of her soul eyes was adjusted by me personally, using my privately kept 'soul-condensing sand' that I've kept for many years. No outsider can learn it."

Finally, he looked at Chu Yun, his relaxed expression fading, and said only:
“This young lady… though she has not become my disciple, I know her character better than anyone else. I once encountered her on the road; she was seeking medicine for her sick mother, without complaining about hardship or seeking fame or fortune. Her backbone is stronger than many of the spirits around me. Even if I were willing to take her as my disciple, she might not agree.”

The white-robed spirit's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed in greeting.
"So all three of you are disciples of Elder Li. I failed to recognize your true character and have offended you. Please forgive me, Elder."

Li Jing'an waved his hand, still smiling, and said:
"You did nothing wrong within the rules, and according to the legal procedures, you should have been stopped. I don't blame you."

But then he changed the subject, his tone still gentle, but his eyes suddenly sharpened, as if a razor-sharp hook was hidden in the calm breeze:
"However, from now on, these three people—even if their soul energy fluctuations do not meet your standards, as long as they are still standing in this realm, they will all be under my supervision."

His gaze slowly swept over everyone present, his voice, though not loud, seemed to pierce their very souls:

"Anyone with questions may ask me."

The surroundings fell silent instantly.

The slightly tense spiritual energy dissipated, and the air seemed to lighten considerably.

Those soul cultivators who had intended to continue watching also turned their heads away, no one daring to say anything. Even the white-robed soul cultivators were solemn and dared not look at Chu Ning and the other two again.

At this moment, even though Chu Ning had lost an arm and his soul was weakened, Lei Jingjing's soul pressure had not recovered, and Chu Yun's soul consciousness was floating like mist, no one dared to question their qualifications to enter the First-Class Pavilion.

—All because Li Jing'an said, "I'll keep an eye on it."

Chu Ning's gaze darkened slightly, and the Soul Chain Badge, which had just been partially revealed, slowly dimmed at that moment. He knew that Li Jing'an's actions were intentional, to conceal his identity and shield him from the sharp gazes of others.

Li Jing'an glanced at Chu Ning out of the corner of his eye, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

The playful and teasing expression that had been on his face gradually faded. His gaze slowly swept across the room.

The snow-white hair at her temples, gathered beneath a bone hairpin, fluttered gently in the wind; the tattered sleeve of her robe on her right shoulder hung empty like an old banner; her lifeless right eye seemed to have long since lost its ability to reflect light; her straight yet trembling back, supported only by her soul power, still refused to bend.

He was about to strike hard with his palm, but when he touched Chu Ning's thin, bony shoulder, his knuckles suddenly stopped and curled up almost imperceptibly, the force so light as if he was afraid of breaking something.

A sigh fell almost as soon as the wind blew:
"...You little brat, how did you end up like this after just one trip to the far north?"

His tone was much softer; it was no longer a joke, but a deep-seated tenderness.

As he looked at the empty right sleeve, Chu Ning slowly clenched his left hand at his side, his knuckles turning white, then slightly loosened it.

In that instant, he simply gazed silently at Li Jing'an, his eyes deep and unfathomable, and after a moment, he asked in a low voice:
"You're back... not too late, right?"

His voice was hoarse, as if it had been worn down by wind and snow for miles before it could be released, carrying a bitter smile, yet also stubbornly piercing.

Li Jing'an's pupils contracted slightly.

He suddenly realized that the white-haired, one-armed youth in front of him was no longer the spirited young martial artist he once was.

These are people who crawled back from the brink of death step by step, people who traversed wind and snow and seas of blood, and who never bowed their heads.

He raised his hand, paused for a moment, and then placed it on Chu Ning's left shoulder again. This time, his palm was slightly heavier, but he still maintained his composure.

“It’s not too late to come back,” he said, his voice dry but very steady.

He seemed to want to say something more, but the words that came to his lips were just a soft sigh:
"It's all thanks to you... that you've held on until now."

Chu Ning's gaze remained fixed, his tone as calm as the night breeze:
"Some roads, you can choose not to take them."

He paused, the wind brushing past his neck, making his battered figure resemble a lone sail, laden with the past:

"...We have no choice but to leave."

The moment the words left his mouth.

The sea of ​​soul breath suddenly rippled gently in the distance, like the sound of a soft tide; on the steps of the soul imprint, an ancient rune flashed for a moment before falling silent again.

It was as if even the heavens and earth were being gently stirred by the suppressed emotions between them.

Li Jing'an stared at him, finally saying nothing more, but silently withdrew his palm, his eyes quietly reddening.

At that moment, the runes on the scroll of law enforcement swayed slightly in the wind, but no longer shone on Chu Ning; the soul seal representing the review quietly closed and ceased to shine.

They stood side by side on the steps. The wind and snow had not yet arrived, and the oppressive atmosphere had subsided, leaving only a serene silence.

Not far away, Lei Jingjing quietly turned to the side, her eyes filled with complex emotions, but she remained silent. She looked at the two people, one standing ramrod straight, the other silently bowing his shoulders, yet as immovable as a mountain.

Chu Yun remained silent, only leaning slightly forward in the wind, taking a half-step forward quietly, as if afraid that he would have to bear it all alone again.

At that moment, no one uttered a single word.

But this silence speaks louder than a thousand words.

This is a master and apprentice relationship.

(End of this chapter)