Two Realms High Martial Arts: Gathering the Heavens to Become a Great Luo Immortal

Chapter 214 Crisis Abounds, Mysteries Loom in the Northern Desert (4.2k)

The Qionglin Banquet concluded successfully with the revelation of Li Xijun's true identity.

This was certainly true for the vast majority of martial arts enthusiasts who came to watch the competition among the top talents on the Human Ranking and simply enjoy the spectacle.

These people felt that today's banquet at Qionglin was truly worthwhile.

First, one can see the near-perfect artistic conception and martial arts of the three top-ranked experts: "Thunder," "Fire," and "Sword."

Then I met Li Xijun again, the legendary, mysterious, and seemingly parachuted champion.

He actually fought against three opponents single-handedly, easily withstanding their attacks. Moreover, by taking advantage of their extreme artistic conception and aura, he successfully broke through to the legendary "unity of heaven and man" realm.

It's important to know that the Celestial Realm is a realm that even the top ten geniuses on the Human Ranking strive for.

In fact, even looking at the historical rankings, very few people have been able to achieve this level of transcendence, opening all nine orifices, breaking through the barrier, and ascending to the heavens in one step, thus achieving a perfect advancement.

At most, there were no more than three people, and at least no one on the entire leaderboard could achieve that.

Li Xijun's martial arts level is currently only at the fourth level.

This left the onlookers, including martial arts heroes and top-ranked warriors, in disbelief. Had they not witnessed it with their own eyes, they probably wouldn't have believed a single word.

What finally left everyone thrilled, and even feeling that they were already full just from watching the drama unfold, was...

Naturally, it was the fact that Li Xijun's identity as the only prince in the world was revealed by the Eighth Prince in public.

This prompted the group of martial arts practitioners to rush off from Zhuoyu Garden to various restaurants and brothels.

After a few drinks, everyone was talking loudly, their voices so loud that even the ants in the wooden foundation pillars could hear them clearly.

Meanwhile, Li Xijun, at the center of the storm, calmly accepted the Eighth Prince's earnest and courteous invitation to stay overnight.

After seeing off Duan Heyu and the monk Kongzhu, who were eager to go to Lanyue Pavilion to drink and boast about their experiences that day, he stayed in the Zhuoyu Garden, which was now full of spring colors and fragrant flowers.

The Eighth Prince then hosted an afternoon banquet in an exquisite waterside pavilion, during which he adopted an extremely humble attitude, making various attempts to curry favor with the prince. His skillful methods and warm hospitality left no room for criticism.

Li Xijun maintained a lukewarm attitude throughout, accepting all the kindness offered without revealing anything.

Until after lunch, when the sun was setting in the west,

Li Xijun sat in the courtyard, which was now filled with exotic flowers and plants, and brimming with the vitality of spring.

The Eighth Prince, on the other hand, skillfully set up the chessboard and pieces, displaying his ability to play chess and chat with the young masters of various noble families in the capital, and exchanged a few words with Li Xijun.

During the game, under the Eighth Prince's superb skills, the two fought fiercely in every match, and in the end, Li Xijun was one step ahead and narrowly won.

This made Li Xijun, who didn't show any outward expression, nod in admiration inwardly.

It can only be said that he truly lives up to his reputation as a member of the imperial family, growing up in the capital city where powerful and influential families abound.

The opponent's chess skills, which are so adept at making people happy, are truly at a level that could serve an emperor.

In fact, ever since the Book of Mortals manifested and the secret of Li Xijun's possession of the "Emperor's Aura Observation Technique" was revealed,

The Eighth Prince's performance was flawless: shock, ecstasy, awe, and loyalty.

From then on, all his words and actions were addressed with the title "Your Highness," which was almost the standard he was used to treat the Crown Prince and even the Emperor.

Unfortunately……

"The more this is the case, the less I trust you."

Li Xijun held a warm, white jade chess piece in his hand, his gaze fixed on the chessboard, but his heart remained indifferent.

He knew perfectly well that although the books of the mortal world seemed miraculous, pointing out his ability to "observe the qi and fortune" and "the emperor's arrival in the world,"

However, in the martial arts world, there aren't many who can immediately and thoroughly understand the profound meaning behind this and connect it with the "royal lineage."

News in this martial arts world needs time to ferment, and there should be a period of buffer time before the identity is completely confirmed.

however,

It was this Eighth Prince who, at the very first moment the golden characters hung high in the sky,

In front of a group of geniuses with various thoughts, various forces, and countless heroes of the martial arts world, he knelt down and bowed without hesitation, and his words "Your Highness the Prince" completely exposed and cemented his identity.

He has left the entire Beiyan County and even the whole country with no room for maneuver.

Whether this person is truly loyal to the royal family and reveres their bloodline to the point of near-devout devotion,

Whether they have ulterior motives and are deliberately pushing him into the limelight, their actions have crossed Li Xijun's bottom line.

For him, this so-called Eighth Prince had been swept into the most untrustworthy category.

"I wonder what Your Highness's plans are for the next few days?"

Unaware of the coldness in Li Xijun's heart, the Eighth Prince casually inquired after the new game of chess had reached its set pattern, his tone respectful and natural.

"Beiyan County is an ancient city with a history of over a thousand years. Merchant caravans from the Western Regions and the Golden Wolf Royal Court have been constantly traveling between the city and the Western Regions. There are quite a few historical sites to be found in the city, as well as some novelties with exotic flair. If Your Highness has the time, you might as well stay here for a few days. I will do my best to be a good host and make sure Your Highness has a pleasant stay."

"Very well," Li Xijun pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Today's battle has certainly taken a toll on my mental and physical strength. I also plan to spend a couple of days in quiet recuperation before heading to the northern desert."

His reasons were reasonable. The clash of auras and the collision of artistic conceptions among the top talents on the Human Ranking are the most mentally taxing.

He fought against three opponents single-handedly, and even broke through to a state of divine perfection during the battle. He said he was physically and mentally exhausted and needed to rest, and no one could find fault with him.

"However," he changed the subject, placing a piece on the board, "General Zhao Longcheng is a pillar of the nation, having rendered great service in guarding the northern frontier. He is now recuperating in his general's mansion within the city. It is only right and proper for me to pay him a visit. Although I am somewhat tired today, I cannot be impolite."

Paying a visit to Zhao Longcheng, a Grandmaster of the Earth Ranking and General Zhenbei, is perfectly reasonable for him given his current status as a "prince".

Moreover, this martial arts world has an even more outrageous lifespan than the previous Great Sheng world.

The lifespan limit for an external realm expert is only 240 years, while Zhao Longcheng is already 190 years old. Logically and emotionally, it was Li Xijun who went to visit him on his own, rather than as a prince who asked him to pay a visit.

"Your Highness is absolutely right! Your Highness is benevolent and thoughtful, truly a blessing to all people."

The Eighth Prince immediately showed admiration and nodded repeatedly.

"Indeed. General Zhao is of advanced age and high moral character. He previously engaged in a battle in the northern desert sky during the sacrificial ceremony at the Golden Wolf King's Court. Now, the two sides are locked in a standoff, and the old general is unable to make any moves while guarding the city of Beiyan, which is quite exhausting for him. Your Highness's personal visit will surely bring the old general great comfort."

Li Xijun nodded slightly, said no more, and focused on the game.

The two played chess for nearly an hour, until the sun began to set outside the window and the sky gradually darkened.

Li Xijun then put down the chess piece, stood up, and said, "Let's call it a day. The roasted lamb from Beiyan at lunch was indeed exceptionally tender."

He spoke casually, as if it were just a casual remark, "Perhaps we should prepare some more tonight. After I return from visiting General Zhao, I can have a few drinks with Your Highness at the banquet."

His instructions were clearly those of a master of the house.

The Eighth Prince's face immediately broke into a warm smile, as if he were extremely honored. He bowed and replied, "Your subject obeys! I will certainly satisfy Your Highness!" He personally escorted Li Xijun out of Zhuoyu Garden, his attitude extremely respectful.

Li Xijun walked out of the garden gate, her expression still calm, strolling slowly through the streets and alleys of Beiyan County like an ordinary tourist, occasionally pausing to look at certain shops.

Finally, at a well-known pastry shop called "Su Fang Zhai", I carefully selected a gift pastry before carrying it and walking slowly towards the General's Mansion in the west of the city.

A moment later

Carrying the box of exquisite pastries, Li Xijun, led by an old servant of the General's Mansion, passed through several layers of heavily guarded areas, but did not head towards a rather quiet reception room.

"Your Highness, the master is waiting for you here." The old servant bowed and quietly withdrew.

Li Xijun's heart stirred slightly. This was not a formal banquet venue, but more like a place for private meditation or to receive extremely important guests.

The interior furnishings are simple, yet they exude an extraordinary quality.

An elderly man dressed in an ordinary cloth robe, with white hair and beard, stood by the window, gazing at the pool below.

He was not tall, and even somewhat thin, but standing there, he seemed to be one with the entire General's Mansion and the Beiyan County City beneath his feet, naturally exuding an aura of steadfastness like a mountain.

He didn't turn around, but it was as if he already knew Li Xijun was coming.

Li Xijun's gaze swept across the room, finally settling on a huge sheepskin map hanging on the side wall.

The map was extremely detailed, depicting the terrain of the northern desert and even part of the Golden Wolf Kingdom's territory. Mountains, rivers, desert oases, tribal settlements, and even some suspected ancient sites or dangerous places were clearly visible, with several places specially circled in vermilion ink.

His gaze lingered on the map for a few moments, especially on the areas circled in vermilion ink, which he memorized deeply. Only then did he turn to the old man, offering the courtesy due to a junior:

"I am Li Xijun, a junior, and I apologize for disturbing the old general's peace and quiet."

The old man slowly turned around. He was indeed old and his wrinkles were deep, but his eyes were surprisingly bright. They were not cloudy at all, but instead showed a firmness that had been weathered by hardship.

Clearly, he was Zhao Longcheng, the Great Xia General Who Guards the North and a Grandmaster on the Earth Ranking.

"Your Highness's personal presence greatly honors my humble abode; there is no question of disturbing you."

Zhao Longcheng spoke calmly, gesturing to the chair beside him, "Your Highness, please sit."

The two sat down, and a waiter quietly served them tea.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation; I hope the old general will accept it." Li Xijun placed the pastry box on the table.

Zhao Longcheng glanced at them and smiled slightly: "The pastries from Beiyan's 'Sufangzhai' are my favorite when I was young. I appreciate Your Highness's thoughtfulness."

The two sat down and exchanged pleasantries, waiting until the teapot had been changed several times.

Li Xijun's face revealed a perfectly timed hint of worry and fear, and she sighed softly:

"Alas, to be honest, General, today the Book of Mortals appeared, and the Eighth Prince publicly revealed my identity. Now I am in Beiyan, surrounded by powerful enemies, with the Golden Wolf Royal Court eyeing me covetously, and the undercurrents in the martial world are also surging. I am truly uneasy."

Zhao Longcheng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked calmly at Li Xijun. He then said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness need not worry too much. As long as I live within the city of Beiyan, no one can harm you in the slightest. This is my promise."

His words were slow, yet carried a resolute and unwavering quality that commanded respect.

As he said this, the visualization of the three deities and Buddhas within Li Xijun's sea of ​​consciousness was pushed to its limit, constantly sensing them intently.

This allowed Li Xijun to clearly perceive the determination in the other party's words.

Judging from his appearance, this person was indeed a loyal and trusted minister of the Great Xia Dynasty, and Li Xijun nodded slightly in his heart.

"But..." Zhao Longcheng's tone shifted slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, "Now, the high priest of the Golden Wolf Royal Court is currently in a spiritual and physical standoff with me, restraining each other, after the battle that day."

"I must remain in the city and leverage the overall situation to maneuver against them; it is truly difficult for me to easily leave the city and travel far. If Your Highness wishes to journey to the northern deserts, I fear... my strength is insufficient."

Li Xijun understood immediately; this was consistent with his guess.

The protection a grandmaster, who is pinned to the spot by a powerful opponent of the same level, can provide is indeed limited.

He pondered for a moment, then casually asked, "I was in seclusion for two months and am still unaware of anything concerning my elder sister, Li Qinghan. Does the old general know anything about her?"

Although she had made a general judgment, Li Xijun still wanted to test whether the other party knew Li Qinghan's true identity.

As expected, Zhao Longcheng did not show anything upon hearing this, but only thought for a moment and said:

"I do have some impression of Li Qinghan, the White Tiger Saintess of the Palace of Stars. She has also come here to pay her respects. She even had His Majesty's personal jade pendant and came to view this geomantic map of mine."

Furthermore, just a few days after her departure, strange events occurred deep within the northern desert, with news spreading of the emergence of a rare treasure.

He got up and walked to the huge map of the northern desert, pointing to an area circled in vermilion ink, located deep in the northern part of the desert, where several small oasis symbols were marked.

"The source of the anomaly is roughly in this area, near the 'Black Sandstorm' zone on the edge of the 'Sea of ​​Death.' According to the scouts who managed to escape, day and night were reversed, a huge black shadow blotted out the sky, and the roar of dragons was incessant... After that, the Golden Wolf Royal Court's army made a large-scale movement. I also suspected that this matter might be related to your sister, but..."

Zhao Longcheng shook his head: "After that, there was no more definite news about her. Counting the days, it's been a month since she disappeared."

Li Xijun's expression remained unchanged on the surface, but there was something subtle going on in his heart.

He hadn't expected Li Qinghan to have gone to the northern desert so early.

The other party's actions are likely in an attempt to find someone who disappeared from their life back then.

Furthermore, Li Xijun felt that the strange occurrence of the rumored treasure was very likely related to her.

just

"No news at all in January?" Li Xijun frowned.

He was indeed somewhat worried when he thought about the various effects caused by that mutation.

Zhao Longcheng comforted him:

"Your Highness need not worry too much. Your sister is on the list of outstanding individuals, and her strength is exceptional; she is not someone to be trifled with. Moreover, if something were to happen to her, the Book of Mortals would have already revealed it. Since her name is still not on the list, it means that she is at least safe and sound, and perhaps she has encountered other opportunities."

These words eased Li Xijun's tense nerves slightly. Indeed, given the server-wide announcements in the Book of Mortals, if something had really happened to her sister, there should have been some kind of response.

After a moment of silence, and having processed this information,

Li Xijun felt an even greater sense of urgency about the trip to the northern desert.

Finally, he raised his head, looked at Zhao Longcheng, and solemnly said:

"Thank you for informing me, General. Besides visiting you and confirming my sister's whereabouts, I have one last request to make..."

(End of this chapter)