Starting with being handed over to the Imperial Concubine, building a family with a thousand-year hi

Su Mu's mental strength was already far beyond that of ordinary people, and his comprehension also increased accordingly. Even so, it was only through repeated attempts and explorations that he gradually began to glimpse the key to understanding.

He tried to completely empty his mind, imagining himself as a flower, a blade of grass, a tree, a grain of sand, a gentle breeze, or a drizzle. He tried to merge his consciousness with all things around him, resonate with them, and become one with them.

Practice makes perfect, and gradually you'll master the essence.

Finally, he gained a new understanding.

At this moment, Su Mu's mind was immersed in a wondrous state of mind. In this profound realm, he felt completely integrated with his surroundings, and he could clearly perceive and control every breath of the world as if it were his own arm!

A satisfied smile appeared on Su Mu's face. He understood that he had already entered the supreme state of "communication between man and nature," merging with heaven and earth!

This is the only path to the Grandmaster realm! However, Su Mu's true qi cultivation has not yet reached the threshold of the Grandmaster realm.

His spiritual power reached the realm of "Communion with Heaven and Man," greatly enhancing his overall combat strength, enough to crush the vast majority of Innate Realm martial artists! His understanding of all martial arts also leaped to a new level. In battle, he could more accurately grasp the changes in his opponent's aura, thus easily neutralizing all kinds of moves!

One day, Yutian brought back important news from the Imperial Kitchen.

Situ Sheng has been defeated once again!

This great general, leading his troops and gathering reinforcements from various regions, launched a counterattack on Daliang City, intending to recapture this important northern town. However, just as his entire army was mobilized, a surprise attack from a hidden force struck from the rear!

The attackers were not barbarians, but the Northern Desert Wolf Riders!

The Northern Desert is located in the northwest of the Great Qian Empire, and its royal family has always been subservient to the Great Qian. This time, however, they have actually attacked the Great Qian army, clearly indicating their determination to break away from the empire and collude with the barbarians!

The sudden rebellion of the Northern Desert was not entirely unexpected. Previously, a princess from the Northern Desert had married the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty and been granted the title of "Consort Rong." Due to her strong and assertive nature, she tragically died of poisoning in an "accident" within the palace. Afterwards, the Northern Desert royal family proposed renewing the marriage alliance, but this was resolutely rejected by the Great Qian imperial family. From that point on, relations between the two countries deteriorated rapidly. Therefore, while the Northern Desert's military action shocked the court and the public, it was not entirely surprising.

The war in the northern border is now going against them, and morale is low both inside and outside the court. Fortunately, the martial arts forces, such as the Tianwu Sect, have not abandoned the royal family and are fighting the beast tide in the western frontier with all their might, barely stabilizing the situation on the western front.

The empire's northern border is in grave danger, forcing the court to continuously reinforce its troops. It's rumored that even the Imperial Martial Arts Bureau has dispatched numerous martial arts experts to aid the northern front!

"The imperial aura in the palace has noticeably thinned out recently... It seems that the fate of the Great Qian Dynasty is showing signs of instability."

Su Mu murmured to himself, a hint of worry flashing across his brow.

However, this was not a hopeless situation for him. As long as the capital city remained intact, the imperial aura would continue to grow. Even if the capital city fell and the Great Qian imperial family perished, a new dynasty would rise. It was just that during the transition between the old and the new, the former dynasty's officials would inevitably be purged, with eunuchs bearing the brunt.

The northern barbarians have never had eunuchs and have extremely despised and hated eunuchs!

"Father, when I went to the Imperial Kitchen, Eunuch Yang noticed that my complexion and physique were different from before, so he questioned me a few more times." Yu Tian looked worried. "I feel... he has become suspicious of me."

"It's alright, you don't need to go to the Imperial Kitchen anymore," Su Mu said calmly. "Once you break through to the Innate Realm, you can enter the Imperial Martial Arts Bureau together with Cheng Ping'an. At that time, Yang Mao won't be able to do anything to you."

"But Godfather, what if I don't go to the Martial Arts Academy?" Yutian asked, somewhat unwilling.

"Yang Mao could see the changes in your physique at a glance. Once you make further progress in martial arts, the experts in the palace will surely take notice. You can't hide in the library forever." Su Mu shook his head. "If you join the Imperial Martial Arts Bureau, you can learn more advanced martial arts, receive guidance from the palace's experts, and enjoy abundant resources and corresponding titles. You are still young; you should consider your future."

He paused briefly, then comforted me gently, "Your godfather understands your feelings. But even if you enter the Martial Arts Academy, you can always come back to see me. Look at that kid Cheng Ping'an, doesn't he often come here?"

More than a month has passed since Cheng Ping'an entered the Martial Arts Academy. He has never forgotten his adoptive father's kindness and often visits the library. Of course, each time he returns, he is always treated to a cup of tea brewed by his adoptive father. The tea contains both spiritual energy and the power of medicinal pills, a fact that the father and son understand without words.

"Yes! I will follow all your arrangements, Godfather!" Yutian nodded emphatically, though he did not leave, a look of reluctance already appeared in his eyes.

After dinner, Yutian took a pot of water and went back to his room to cultivate—the pot naturally contained medicinal pills.

By this point, Yutian had taken three Qi-stabilizing pills.

Su Mu remained seated cross-legged on the stone couch, quietly absorbing the imperial aura. However, at that moment, a system notification suddenly sounded in his mind:

"Congratulations to Master Su's adopted son, Cheng Ping, on his breakthrough to the Innate Realm! You have received a generous reward, please check your account!"

Su Mu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a relieved smile.

"This kid hasn't slacked off since entering the Martial Arts Academy; he's definitely a good candidate for martial arts."

With a slight thought, Su Mu opened his storage space to examine the rewards he had received.

Elixirs are indispensable.

The other reward is a secret technique called "Soul-Stunning Technique"! This is a high-grade Xuan-level soul technique. When cultivated to a high level, it can directly shatter the opponent's soul! Even against enemies of the same level, it can cause strong intimidation and fear; if the opponent's soul is weaker than one's own, it can even exert brief control over it!

This is an extremely practical method of soul attack!

Silent all night.

In the early morning, the cool autumn breeze swept away many withered leaves.

Yutian got up early and was sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard. Although he was still thin, he no longer had any sign of weakness. The three Qi-stabilizing pills he had taken earlier had laid a solid foundation for him, and a unique martial artist's energy flowed around him, like a sharp sword that had not yet been drawn, revealing its edge.

If an old acquaintance were to see him, it would be very easy to notice the transformation in his physique and temperament.

After sweeping up the fallen leaves in the yard, Yutian turned around and went into the kitchen to start preparing breakfast.

After the father and son had breakfast, Consort De led the sixth prince, Xiao Jingye, and two palace maids to the library.

Xu Qian'er was among them.

More than a month has passed since the last assassination attempt. At this moment, Consort De's face is calm, and her complexion is normal, indicating that her injuries have long since healed. After all, she is a martial arts master, and the palace is never short of healing remedies.

Consort De did not bring any attendants. Xu Qian'er followed behind Consort De, keeping her head down the whole time, appearing very respectful.

"Little Su, I only listened to half of that travelogue last time. Can I listen to it again today?"

The sixth prince, Xiao Jingye, looked up with his rosy face, his eyes full of anticipation. He was still unaware that his mother had been assassinated.

"OK."

Su Mu responded gently, took Xiao Jingye's hand, and walked into the library. Consort De followed slowly behind. Yu Tian, ​​Xu Qian'er, and two other palace maids remained in the courtyard.