The Heavens: One World, One Superpower

A figure flashed beside the woman, grabbed her around the waist, and pulled her out of the range of the handprint.

boom!

Dust billowed, the square shook, and the ground cracked, forming a deep crater spanning tens of meters.

In mid-air, an old woman released the woman in black robes. "Biyue, since you made me take action, this trial has failed."

Ji Biyue said, "But..."

Ji Hui said, "There are no 'buts' about it; the clan rules cannot be abolished."

Ji Biyue said, "Grandson understands."

She looked at the young man's clone, her eyes burning with a flame, "Grandmother, kill this man for your grandson."

Ji Hui shook her head and said, "He has already let you off the hook, so you must not act rashly."

Ji Biyue asked, "What?"

Ji Hui slowly descended to the plaza, clasped her hands in a fist salute to the young man's clone, and said, "Thank you, fellow Daoist, for sparing my grand-nephew."

The young man's clone said, "I am on good terms with Ziyue, so naturally I don't want to harm the Ji family. But I also hope that this woman will not have any bad thoughts about Ziyue in the future, otherwise I'm worried that I might not be able to control myself next time."

Ji Hui said, "I do not wish to deceive you, fellow Daoist. My family allows competition among peers during the trials, but at other times, I can guarantee that she would not dare to attack Zi Yue."

The young man's clone nodded and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave."

He transformed into a streak of light and vanished.

Ji Biyue landed beside the old woman and said, "Grand Aunt, why did you say he let me go?"

Ji Hui watched the departing figure of the young man's clone, sighed, and said, "You don't understand what kind of secret technique that is."

Ji Biyue said, "What kind of secret technique is it? It does seem somewhat similar to the Void Handprint."

Ji Hui suddenly shivered and said, "That's the Devouring Heaven Hand from the Undying Heavenly Art, which can generate chaotic black flames that can incinerate everything. He didn't even use those chaotic black flames when he attacked you, so what else could it be but holding back? Moreover, he's not at the Sea of ​​Wheels Secret Realm, but at the peak of the Four Extremes Secret Realm. He only used the divine power of the Sea of ​​Wheels Secret Realm when he attacked you, so what else could it be but holding back?"

Ji Biyue was dumbfounded and speechless for a long time.

Su Chen held Ji Ziyue in his arms, feeling her soft skin and alluring fragrance, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Ji Ziyue blushed and said, "I don't see anyone chasing us, so why don't you put me down?"

Su Chen shook his head and said, "No, you're injured. Using divine power to fly will only worsen your condition."

He hugged her even tighter.

Ji Ziyue said, "Alright, where are you taking me?"

Su Chen said, "I'll take you somewhere to heal your injuries first."

Below is a large river flowing from north to south. The river is very wide, about seven or eight hundred meters wide, and a village is scattered along the riverbank.

Su Chen landed and walked into the village. After inquiring around, he discovered that the place was called "Liu Family Village".

Old Master Liu, a wealthy man in the village, was kind and generous, and travelers would stay at his house.

Su Chen then carried Ji Ziyue to Old Master Liu's house.

After knocking on the door, a servant came out. Su Chen explained his purpose, and the servant said, "Please wait a moment, young master, I will go and inform my master."

The servant went inside and came out to find an old man with white hair and beard. When he saw Su Chen and Ji Ziyue, he smiled and said, "It would be my honor to have you stay at the manor. Please come in."

Su Chen followed Old Master Liu into the courtyard and settled Ji Ziyue in.

She rolled her eyes at Su Chen and said, "I seriously suspect you're taking advantage of me."

Su Chen said, "An injury can be serious or minor, and it might leave hidden wounds. You should focus on healing. I'll head out now."

Ji Ziyue had no choice but to swallow pills and meditate to heal her injuries caused by overloading the Void Handprint.

As night fell, Old Master Liu hosted a banquet to entertain Su Chen and Ji Ziyue.

The table was laden with food and drinks, a very lavish spread, including chicken, duck, fish, goose, pork, beef, and other meats.

Old Master Liu chuckled, "Young Master Su, why isn't Miss Ji here?"

Su Chen said, "Ziyue is not feeling well and is resting in her room. I'll bring her some back later. Thank you for your hospitality, Old Master Liu."

Old Master Liu said, "It's no trouble at all. When you're in the world of martial arts, you never know when you might encounter difficulties. At that time, I might need Young Master Su to take care of me."

Su Chen said, "You are kind and benevolent, and you are blessed by Heaven. Everything will go smoothly for you."

Grandpa Liu laughed heartily, very happy.

Su Chen and Old Master Liu drank and chatted for a while. Soon, Old Master Liu couldn't hold his liquor and left the table, leaving only Old Master Liu's two sons to entertain Su Chen.

The eldest son is named Liu Xiongshan, and the second son is named Liu Hushan. They are both tall and strong, and they have both started their own families and are responsible for managing the Liu family's three thousand mu of paddy fields.

Liu Xiongshan poured Su Chen a glass of wine. The wine was clear and fragrant, and it didn't burn his throat.

Su Chen raised his glass and clinked it with the two men's, then drank it all in one gulp.

Liu Xiongshan said, "Young Master Su, you've come at just the right time. In a few days, the manor will be holding a Nuo opera, and everyone in the manor will come to Bailong River to pray for blessings and watch the opera. It will be quite a lively event."

Su Chen's eyes lit up. The Hinokami Kagura from the Demon Slayer world is actually a branch of Nuo opera. Logically speaking, he should also know Nuo opera.

Liu Hushan said, "That's right. When dozens of people perform Nuo opera together, the scene will be quite grand. I guarantee you won't forget it after you've seen it."

Su Chen said, "Then I must take a look, but I'll have to bother the manor for a few more days."

Liu Xiongshan waved his hand and said, "The village teacher once said that it is a joyful thing to have good friends come from afar. Brother Su, you must visit our home next time you pass through the village."

Su Chen was quite moved and raised his glass to toast the two of them.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, all three enjoyed themselves immensely.

Liu Xiongshan and Liu Hushan were both drunk and were taken back to their room to rest by their families.

Su Chen brought some food and went to Ji Ziyue's room.

Ji Ziyue's eyes lit up, and she said, "Great! You can have a feast while I go hungry."

She took the food box to the table and started eating. "Delicious."

The cuisine of southern countries is different from others, including poached chicken, poached duck, boiled goose, stir-fried beef, braised beef brisket, beef balls, and stewed soup.

She had a small, cherry-like mouth, but she ate quite quickly, and soon finished the food in a large food box.

Ji Ziyue touched her swollen belly, and a blush rose to her cheeks.

Su Chen asked, "How many more days will it take for your injuries to heal?"

Ji Ziyue said, "It's all better now."

Su Chen said, "The village is holding a Nuo opera festival in three days. Why don't we stay and watch it?"

Ji Ziyue said, "Okay, but we have to leave in three days. This family trial requires each of us to kill thirty monsters from the Sea of ​​Wheels Realm and ten monsters from the Dao Palace Realm within one year and three months. So far, I have only killed fifteen monsters from the Sea of ​​Wheels Realm. I need to hurry and get into the monster gathering area in the Southern Region so that I can complete the mission faster."

Su Chen asked, "What's this trial all about?"

Ji Ziyue said, "The family uses the ranking in the trials to determine the amount of resources allocated. The trials are held every three years, lasting three months each time, and will determine the allocation of resources for the next three years. Therefore, each trial is very important; if you are slow in one trial, you will be slow in every subsequent one."

Early the next morning.

"System, draw today's items."

[Item draw in progress today. Successful draw. Please choose one of the following three items.]

[Dragon-patterned Black Gold Piece: From the Stone Emperor of the Undying Mountain, a Forbidden Zone of Life]

[The Secret of the Character "者": Originating from the Longevity Temple, the Human King's Palace, and the Overlord of the Ancestral Star of the Purple Star Region]

[Imperial Son's Fortune: From Wang Teng of Beiyuan in the Northern Region]

Su Chen pondered.

"Now that my cultivation has reached the fourth level, it's time to forge my own natal Dao artifact. Dragon-patterned black metal is one of the nine great immortal metals, and it's extremely precious. If I choose it, I won't have to worry about forging materials for the time being."

"The Secret of the Character 'Zhe' was created by the Celestial Venerable of Longevity. It is known as the number one immortal divine technique in the human world. The physical body can undergo nirvana, the primordial spirit can be healed, Dao injuries can be removed, and life force can be replenished. In battle, one is almost immortal and can always maintain peak condition. It is also extremely precious."

"The Emperor's Destiny? It's actually destiny. I wonder if Wang Teng will develop inner demons after his destiny is taken away, and become just an ordinary person. In fact, his father's words were damaging his destiny."

He made up his mind.

"System, select the second item, the 'Zhe' character secret."

"The character '者' is being extracted; extraction successful."

Four sheets of paper, as red as phoenix blood, appeared and floated in front of Su Chen, emitting a crimson divine light that illuminated the entire room.

Divine light penetrated through the walls and roof, extending outwards as if flames were burning.

Countless divine runes, resembling tadpoles, swam across these four Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold pages, revealing their extraordinary nature.

Su Chen thought to himself, "It's not something that can be directly extracted from a cultivator's mind; one has to painstakingly comprehend it."

Three beams of divine light flew out from his body, transforming into a youth clone, a middle-aged clone, and an elderly clone. Su Chen took out a Bodhi seed and tossed it to the elderly clone, saying, "My three fellow Daoists, I'll trouble you to comprehend the secret technique."

The elderly clone nodded and said, "We are one, there's no need for such formalities."

With a wave of his hand, the Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold Page landed in his hand, and he began to comprehend the secret of the character "者".

In middle age, he avatars comprehend the other nine secrets.

The youth's clone comprehends the Immortal Heavenly Art and other Imperial Scriptures.

Su Chen thought to himself, "Having obtained the numerical secret is equivalent to having three more versions of me cultivating. It is truly a supreme secret technique."

When the villagers saw the red light flickering in Su Chen's room, they assumed it was a fire and rushed over with buckets filled with water.

"There's a fire."

"Quickly, put out the fire!"

A great commotion suddenly broke out.

Ji Ziyue stepped out of her room and saw the strange phenomenon across the hall. A divine phoenix was faintly visible flying within the red light, its cherry-red lips slightly parted. "This is the divine light of Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold, one of the Nine Great Immortal Golds!"

Upon hearing the commotion, Su Chen understood and unleashed a burst of divine power to shield the divine light emanating from the Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold.

The divine light outside the room immediately disappeared.

He pushed open the door and saw Ji Ziyue from across the hall, as well as a dozen or so members of the Liu family who had rushed over with water. "It's not a fire, I'm sorry for the trouble."

Old Master Liu walked over shakily and said, "Just now, the red light enveloped the room, as if the sun were shining inside. It was simply a miracle."

Su Chen said, "Is that so?"

Old Master Liu said, "That's right, everyone can see it clearly."

Su Chen said, "Perhaps a cultivator is passing through here."

Old Master Liu nodded and said, "It's good that you're alright."

The brothers Liu Xiongshan and Liu Hushan invited Su Chen and Ji Ziyue to visit the manor and experience the local customs.

Su Chen and Ji Ziyue followed behind the two, walking out of the manor and into the fields.

The environment here is extremely beautiful, with crisscrossing paths and the sounds of chickens and dogs.

Farmers from the village were planting rice seedlings and weeding in the fields.

The terrain here is flat, stretching as far as the eye can see, with shimmering water and a gentle breeze that makes everyone feel relaxed and happy.

Suddenly a middle-aged couple ran over, crying and kneeling in front of Liu Xiongshan and Liu Hushan.

"Young Master, Second Young Master, please, please save my Xiaoqing, she's only six years old!"

Liu Xiongshan said, "Brother Shitou, Sister-in-law Alian, let's talk this out. Don't frighten the guests."

Liu Hushan said, "Brother, you take care of Brother Shitou and Sister-in-law Alian's problem. I'll take Brother Su and Sister Ji to the mulberry orchard over there."

Liu Xiongshan nodded and said, "Go ahead, the mulberries are ripe, you can try some."

He helped the two people kneeling on the ground to their feet.

Liu Hushan led Su Chen and Ji Ziyue up the hillside to the east, where mulberry trees were planted and large, plump purple fruits could be seen hanging on the branches.

After the three had walked away, Liu Xiongshan's face darkened, and he said, "Xiaoqing was chosen out of necessity. Every year, the River God has to choose a boy and a girl. Now your family has a girl and my family has a boy. What else is there to say?"

Stone Brother said, "But Xiaoqing is only six years old, and she's never even left the village. How can we bear to let her be offered up to the River God?"

Liu Xiongshan said, "Xiaoqing is going to serve the River God, not to die. In the future, if she succeeds in her cultivation and becomes an immortal, she might be able to bring you all to enjoy immortal bliss. If you stop her now, you are harming her."

Sister-in-law A-Lian said, "We don't want her to become an immortal; we just want her to grow up happily."

Liu Xiongshan sighed and said, "Just because you don't want her to go doesn't mean she can stay. If your family doesn't send her, other families will. Brother Shitou, Sister-in-law Alian, stop making a fuss. We have to send someone every year. It's just that this year it's your family, and next year it'll be someone else's. Xiaoqing is gone. You're still young. You can have another one."

Although Su Chen and Ji Ziyue were more than 30 meters apart, they could still hear it clearly.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing disbelief in each other's expressions.

Su Chen said, "Brother Hushan, if there are any difficulties on the estate, you can tell us. Although we are not experts, we do have some skills."

Liu Hushan laughed and said, "You're still young. These kinds of things happen in every village. It's nothing. Don't be reckless when you're out in the world. Even if you know some martial arts, be careful. This world is very big and very dangerous."

Su Chen nodded and said, "Brother Hushan is right."

Liu Hushan pointed to the mulberry grove in front of him and said, "Look, these mulberries are so beautiful and sweet. Let's pick some to take home and try."

The three picked some fruit, then went to see the silkworms raised on the estate and the weaving workshop before returning to the estate.

Su Chen and Ji Ziyue returned to their room.

The young man's clone said, "After you left, Old Man Liu from the village brought two people into the room and started searching everywhere. We used an invisibility spell and just watched as they searched around like that."

Su Chen said, "Perhaps they saw that red light this morning and thought it was a treasure, so they came in to look for it."

Ji Ziyue frowned and said, "How could they do this? No, I have to go and confront them."

Su Chen grabbed Ji Ziyue and said, "Don't go over there. They might have some secret they're hiding. We'll talk about it then."

Ji Ziyue had no choice but to give up.

I had thought that Old Master Liu's family was very kind, but today, after meeting Brother Stone and Sister-in-law Alian, I learned that this village actually uses young boys and girls to worship the river god, which was quite unexpected.

If the sacrifice to the river god was due to external pressure, then Old Master Liu leading people to search inside was truly sinister.