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

Chapter 263 The Manifestation of a Saint, Below the Golden Core, I Am Invincible (5k)

As the battle ended, the towering two-hundred-foot-tall mental image slowly dissipated, turning into specks of light that returned to Li Xijun's body.

His figure floated down, landing lightly on the dilapidated city wall of Guangfu, like a falling leaf.

Tang Yongzhen, who had been waiting there, rushed forward before Li Xijun could even stand still, bowed deeply, and performed a deeply respectful salute, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and awe:

"Tang Yongzhen, former Governor-General of Tianjin and Zhili, now Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, pays his respects to Li Zhenjun!"

This bow served as a signal.

Behind him, Lin Huaijin, the head of the Ye family, and all the patriarchs and elders of the powerful clans, no matter how high their positions or how arrogant they usually were, all bowed deeply, their attitudes extremely humble: "Greetings, True Lord Li!"

Further back, the low-level martial artists and cultivators at the Skin and Flesh Realm and the Acupuncture Realm, and even many ordinary people, knelt down in a rush, their foreheads touching the ground, not daring to raise their heads, as if worshipping gods and Buddhas in a temple. The air was filled with boundless reverence and piety.

Li Xijun's gaze swept over the crowd, seeing the exhaustion and scars on their faces, the relief of surviving the ordeal, and the deep-seated awe etched into their very bones.

But he felt no pride; instead, a sense of melancholy arose within him.

With a gentle wave of his sleeve, a soft yet irresistible breeze swept by, lifting everyone up.

"There's no need for such formalities, everyone."

Li Xijun's voice was gentle, yet carried the natural majesty of the Manifestation Saint True Lord, clearly reaching everyone's ears: "The fact that Guangfu was able to be defended and the crisis in the southeast was resolved is not due to my efforts alone."

"If it weren't for Governor Tang and the heads of your families leading the city's soldiers and civilians in a desperate resistance, and if it weren't for the heroic spirits of your ancestors who sacrificed themselves to buy time, by the time I arrived, this city would probably already be reduced to ashes. You are all men of merit."

His words came from the bottom of his heart.

If it weren't for these people's relentless efforts, which took up some of Hong Tianwang's time, he probably wouldn't have been able to arrive from Shaoguan in time. Their efforts can be said to have preserved Guangfu City, the core of the southeast. Once this megacity, which gathers millions of people and controls the economic lifeline of the entire south, is destroyed, the chain of disasters it will trigger will be unimaginable.

However, the gentler his attitude, the more dignified the crowd became, and they dared not be negligent in the slightest.

The transcendent status of the Manifestation Saint True Lord has long been deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

Everyone hurriedly and respectfully offered various words of congratulations and gratitude, but their eyes remained lowered, not daring to look directly at Li Xijun's face.

Only Tang Yongzhen, relying on his past friendship with Zhang Fuhu, mustered his courage and bowed again, saying:

"Your Excellency has fought hard. Although the city is simple, I have ordered people to prepare a quiet room in the Governor's Mansion. Please rest here for a while, and allow us to do our best to be your hosts."

Upon hearing this, the heads of the Lin and Ye families all revealed undisguised envy in their eyes.

Being able to host a newly promoted True Lord, especially a True Lord with boundless potential and a unity of the three religions like Li Xijun, is not only an unparalleled honor, but also means that one may receive guidance from the True Lord or leave behind some incense offerings, which would be of great benefit to the future of the family.

Unfortunately, Tang Yongzhen beat them to it, and they could only sigh in disappointment.

Li Xijun pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Very well, then I'll trouble Governor Tang."

That evening, in the quiet room deepest part of the Governor's Mansion.

Li Xijun sat cross-legged, watching the messages appear in his field of vision.

Your mental level has increased from 50.0 to 51.4.

[Your Divine Refinement System: Manifestation Realm, increased from 0% to 14%.]

"That strange flower from before did have some effect. After breaking through to the Manifestation Realm, it gave me an extra boost, which saved me some time."

Li Xijun stared at the three words "[Manifestation Realm]" on the message, feeling both satisfied and somewhat dazed.

The Manifestation Saint True Lord is already a being who stands at the pinnacle of all living beings in this world.

Among the three religions, each of these sages is a pillar of strength, a recognized leader.

The Taoist sect revered Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain, the Buddhist sect was headed by Abbot Xiansheng of Dajue Temple, and the Confucian sect had deep-rooted influence. However, the only ones who could truly stand on equal footing with the emperor and share power were Li Boyan in the past and Wen Zhiyin, the current Grand Secretary.

At this level, worldly power and wealth are like fleeting clouds.

These figures are the true rulers of this East Continent.

Now that Li Xijun has been promoted to the rank of Manifesting Sage True Lord, he has finally joined them and is truly on the same level as these chess players.

And this was only two years after he arrived in the Great Sheng world.

Thinking of this, even Li Xijun, with her composed nature, couldn't help but lose herself in thought, recalling her years studying in Tianjin.

Several quarters of an hour later, the boy, having regained his senses, shook his head and reminded himself:

"Although the Manifestation Saint True Lord is powerful, he is still being eyed by the Seven Gods of the Western Continent."

"Moreover, the main world also has Golden Core warriors, Golden Body warriors, and Martial Saints who have mastered the laws. Complacency is not advisable, and I still need to carefully examine myself."

He gave himself a wake-up call, and then seriously considered his current mental strength.

Li Xijun could clearly feel that his strength had undergone a qualitative transformation compared to before his breakthrough.

If we were to draw an analogy with the realm of martial arts, the power of his casual strike now far surpasses the full force of the withered old man at the second level of the outer realm.

Moving mountains and filling seas, destroying cities with a single blow, and altering local celestial phenomena are no longer difficult tasks for Li Xijun today.

"The power increase brought about by the later stages of the Spirit Refining System is so terrifying?"

Li Xijun couldn't help but sigh, "It's as if I've ascended to the heavens in one step, directly leaping from the mortal realm to the near-divine realm."

He estimated that his current level of basic power in the Manifestation of the Holy Heart was enough to crush ordinary late-stage Outer Realm martial artists even in the main world. Ordinary Outer Realm martial artists were like cutting melons and vegetables, making him invincible below the Golden Core stage.

What pleased Li Xijun the most was the supernatural power contained in his "Supreme Heavenly Venerable Mind Image of the Unity of the Three Teachings".

The ordinary manifestation of a True Lord usually possesses only one core supernatural power.

However, his integration of the three religions and his profound knowledge led to the development of three powerful supernatural abilities:

Firstly, it originates from the concept of the Unborn Mother, specifically the "Vacuum Homeland".

This supernatural power can create a temporary pure land in the void, which can store and contain things, devour and dissolve external attacks, and even perform short-distance spatial teleportation at critical moments. It is incredibly mysterious.

Secondly, it originates from the Confucian principle of "The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits."

This is a powerful Confucian suppression technique, which has a strong restraining and sealing effect on all non-human, heretical, and chaotic forces. It is a powerful tool for dealing with demonic cultivators and evil god followers.

Thirdly, it originates from the Supreme Light Garbhadhatu Mandala, which originated from the time when Master Xuanzang traveled west to overcome calamities and attained enlightenment in the Western Paradise.

When this supernatural power is formed with the hand seal, it can manifest the illusory image of a Pure Land world with immeasurable light and immeasurable life. A single strike contains the immense power of the world's birth and death, making it incomparably powerful.

Hong Tianwang perished because of this supernatural power.

Li Xijun estimated that, below the Golden Core stage in the main world, few could withstand this attack head-on without special life-saving trump cards.

After reviewing his own condition, Li Xijun felt satisfied.

This breakthrough has brought a bountiful harvest in terms of strength, status, and extraordinary abilities.

"Let's stay here a while longer. Once this matter is settled, we can return to the main world to claim the grand championship reward."

Li Xijun pondered, "With the reward, I can raise my cultivation to the late stage of the Intent Realm, perfect the Four Symbols, and open all nine orifices. Breaking through to the Outer Realm should be no problem."

But thinking about the next breakthrough in location shooting, his expression became serious.

"It won't be difficult for me to break through the exterior view directly with the help of resources, but there will be no regrets about the entrance. Once the interior and exterior views are solidified, there will be no chance to change it."

Although with his current accumulation, he could easily break through to the External Realm immediately, he pursues a flawless Dao Foundation.

"I still need to travel to that martial arts world to find the 'Intent of All the Stars' that governs the four elements, so that my cultivation technique can be perfected and my inner vision perfected. Only then can I step into the outer realm in the most peak form, without leaving any regrets."

"I remember, judging from the records of geniuses who achieved perfect advancement in martial arts worlds, those people could advance one level per year."

"But I possess the resources of the main world. Once my cultivation is perfected and I advance to the Outer Realm, my goals will be even higher."

"One year, three realms; in the martial arts world, one advances to the third realm of the exterior scenery, corresponding to the late stage of the exterior scenery in the main world."

"At that time, we can begin our attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage and condense the highest-grade, first-rank martial arts Golden Core!"

The path ahead is clear, and my resolve grows stronger.

Li Xijun closed his eyes and began to consolidate his hard-won cultivation of sainthood.

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Li Xijun pushed open the door to the quiet room and was slightly surprised to find that Tang Yongzhen, the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, was already standing quietly on the bluestone path outside the courtyard, his official robes neat and his posture respectful, clearly having been waiting for a long time.

"Governor Tang, why are you waiting here so early?"

Li Xijun spoke calmly, with a hint of helplessness, "I've heard that Governor Tang and my master Zhang Fuhu have some history, so there's no need for us to be overly formal."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yongzhen bowed even deeper, his face filled with sincere reverence:

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. You are now a sage, as revered as Heaven and Earth. It is my duty to be here and await your orders; we must not disregard propriety."

Seeing the humble demeanor of this high-ranking official, Li Xijun couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

Two years ago in Tianjin, the other party held an official seal and confronted a second-order potion cultivator. How majestic and awe-inspiring he was!

At that time, my senior brother and I could only watch from a distance in a restaurant, pondering how to act according to the circumstances.

Time has passed, circumstances have changed, and things have come to this.

Seeing that Li Xijun was not displeased, Tang Yongzhen cautiously began to speak:

"I presume Your Excellency has not yet had breakfast. I and a few other local Cantonese tea and snacks have been prepared by the best chefs we have hired. We began preparing them before dawn as a token of our appreciation. I wonder if Your Excellency would do us the honor of gracing them with your presence?"

Upon hearing "Guangdong dim sum," Li Xijun recalled her impressions of Cantonese morning tea from her previous life, and a rare interest arose within her. She nodded and said, "Very well, thank you for your trouble, Governor Tang."

The two arrived at a high-rise building overlooking the lake within the governor's mansion.

Looking out from the railing, one can see that Guangfu County, which survived the disaster, is recovering. In the morning mist, there is already smoke from cooking fires in the streets and alleys, and people are starting a new day of busy work. You can vaguely see the steam rising from the steamers of the roadside eateries, and you can almost smell the aroma of rice noodle rolls and shrimp dumplings.

The table was already laden with exquisite pastries.

However, it is not the kind of food served in ordinary teahouses, but rather a medicinal dish prepared with top-quality ingredients.

For example, the crystal-clear shrimp dumplings have paper-thin skins, but the filling is made primarily of South China Sea prawns that are imbued with spiritual energy, supplemented with several kinds of medicinal herbs that nourish the body.

A seemingly ordinary stew is actually made by simmering century-old ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum spore powder and pheasant over low heat for several hours. The soup is crystal clear, but the aroma is incredibly rich and mellow, and the smell alone can make you feel refreshed.

There's also the glutinous rice chicken made with amethyst rice, with plump grains and filled with lingzhi mushrooms and dried scallops, which can replenish qi and blood.

Li Xijun casually used some, and the taste was indeed excellent, and it was slightly beneficial to his cultivation, so he nodded in satisfaction.

In his previous life, he had visited Guangzhou several times during work trips and naturally often took the opportunity to enjoy morning tea. However, as time went by, he didn't know when, but the morning tea on the market was almost entirely pre-made food, the price became more and more expensive, and the taste became worse and worse, which caused him to lose interest in it.

Tasting these delicious foods again this morning has lifted my spirits considerably.

However, Tang Yongzhen's posture made Li Xijun somewhat awkward. When he sat down, Tang Yongzhen only dared to sit on the front half of the stool, and his cautious and respectful manner, as if he were serving the emperor, made Li Xijun feel a little uncomfortable. However, he did not know what to say, so he simply asked about the details of the defense of Guangfu County last night.

When Tang Yongzhen recounted, in a manner reminiscent of reporting on a task, how the Lin family and other clans fought desperately to resist even at the cost of their ancestors' spirits dissipating, he nodded slightly.

"In any case, they certainly did a great job last night."

Li Xijun put down his jade chopsticks and said calmly, "Since there has been merit, there should be a reward. I will take some time these next few days to visit these families."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yongzhen, who was carefully accompanying her during the meal, was taken aback at first, but then her eyes lit up with surprise.

He stood up almost immediately, not even bothering with Jane in front of him, and hurriedly said:

"Your Majesty is merciful! This is an immense blessing for them! I will make the arrangements immediately and will certainly convey Your Majesty's intentions clearly."

After saying this, he actually bowed to Li Xijun, then hurriedly turned around and went downstairs. His figure quickly disappeared at the top of the stairs, a speed that was completely unlike that of a pampered governor.

A moment later, at the Lin residence.

Lin Huaijin was in the hall discussing the family's post-war affairs with several elders when he heard that Tang Yongzhen had come to visit in person, so he quickly got up to greet him.

"Governor Tang, your presence is an honor! We are deeply sorry for not welcoming you sooner. Please, take a seat!"

Lin Huaijin smiled warmly and instructed his servants, "Quickly, fetch that jar of 'Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts' that I treasure!"

Tang Yongzhen's face had regained the composure of a high-ranking official. He waved his hand and said with a smile, "Patriarch Lin, there's no need to be so polite. I've come today to convey a few words on behalf of Lord Li Zhenjun. I'll be leaving after I've finished speaking."

He spoke politely, but his actions were quite natural. He walked straight to the rosewood master chair next to the main seat and sat down steadily, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor of only daring to sit on half a chair in front of Li Xijun.

The servant served fragrant tea, and the "Cloud and Mist Spirit Bud" was indeed extraordinary. The tea leaves unfurled in the cup, like emerging green clouds, and a refreshing and invigorating spiritual energy spread out. The aroma alone made one's mind clear, clearly a top-grade spiritual tea that nourishes the soul.

Tang Yongzhen picked up the teacup, gently blew on it, slowly took a sip, and praised, "Good tea."

Lin Huaijin and the elders smiled obsequiously, but inwardly they were wondering what the governor was really up to.

After exchanging a few perfunctory words about official matters, Lin Huaijin merely gave a perfunctory response, though he couldn't help feeling somewhat anxious.

Until Tang Yongzhen put down his teacup and said, seemingly casually:

"Just now, when I was having morning tea with Lord Li, I casually mentioned the defense of the city last night, especially the heroic spirits of the Lin family ancestors who bravely faced death, which is truly admirable."

Upon hearing this, Lin Huaijin perked up, and the elders immediately sat up straight, their eyes all focused on Tang Yongzhen's face.

Tang Yongzhen took in everyone's reactions before continuing unhurriedly:

"Upon hearing this, the True Lord was quite moved. He said that merit should be rewarded. In the next couple of days, the True Lord may personally visit your residence for a short stay."

"What?! Lord Li Zhenjun is coming to my humble abode in person?!" Lin Huaijin stood up abruptly, his voice trembling with excitement.

The elders of the Lin family looked at each other, their faces filled with disbelief.

What kind of noble being is the Manifestation Saint True Lord?

Normally they wouldn't even have the right to meet him, but now they've managed to get the True Lord to come to their residence in person?

This is an honor I could never have dreamed of!

Seeing the Lin family's shocked and ecstatic expressions, Tang Yongzhen was secretly pleased, but his face remained calm. Using his usual official tone, he spoke leisurely:

"Well, I only mentioned it casually, but the True Lord took note of it. I suppose... it's because the True Lord remembers everyone's efforts last night."

Tang Yongzhen deliberately dragged out the words "I think so," making it sound leisurely.

As the clan leader, Lin Huaijin was extremely astute and immediately grasped the key point.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and bowed deeply to Tang Yongzhen, his tone utterly sincere:

"The Lin family will never forget Governor Tang's guidance."

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, from this day forward, the Lin family will undoubtedly follow Your Excellency's lead and fully support all your policies and decisions in Guangdong and Guangxi without question!"

That's exactly what I wanted to hear!

Upon hearing this, Tang Yongzhen felt greatly relieved, and a warm smile immediately spread across his face. He quickly stood up and offered his assistance.

"Patriarch Lin, you flatter me. We are in the same boat, both dedicated to protecting the Southeast. Why should we distinguish between ourselves?"

"However, Guangfu County is a vital strategic location in the southeast, and as the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, I will need the Lin family's continued assistance in the future."

In an instant, the atmosphere in the hall became incredibly warm and harmonious, and the previous sense of official alienation vanished completely.

After leaving the harmonious Lin family home, Tang Yongzhen, carrying a box of fine Yunwu Lingya tea leaves, turned and entered the Ye family residence, another family in Guangfu County that was no less prestigious than the Lin family.

A moment later, as the enthusiastic head of the Ye family saw the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi off at the gate, he didn't forget to slip a top-grade secret medicine into the other party's sleeve with a smile.

During the morning, Tang Yongzhen visited several prominent families who had contributed the most the previous night. When he returned to his residence, he couldn't hide the smile on his face.

From this day forward, he knew that his position as Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi was as secure as Mount Tai!