The alchemy chamber was deathly silent. Dao Ling's eyes shimmered with chill, and as the coldness deepened, the air temperature plummeted. The icy寒光 (cold light) that emerged made people tremble.
Many puzzles were解开 (solved) today, but Dao Ling couldn't let go. He never expected to have suffered such a tragic fate.
After a long silence, he murmured: "They stole my origin, tearing my family apart. I will find you all someday."
His fists clenched slowly. In Dao Ling's eyes shone an unprecedented determination—and unprecedented pressure!
The Martial Emperor was terrifying. Unlike Dao Ling, who once had a happy family, Dao Ling hadn't seen his mother since that剧变 (upheaval), and even memories of her face had faded.
Though Dao Ling knew little about the world, he隐隐 (dimly) understood the Martial Palace's恐怖 (horrific) power. They could mobilize unimaginable resources to nurture the Martial Emperor, and with Dao Ling's origin, he was like a tiger with wings, destined to go far and perhaps even rule the entire Mysterious Domain.
However, Dao Ling's martial dao faith was elevated today like never before. He firmly believed he would reach the pinnacle of martial dao!
This was his martial faith: he feared no one and honored only himself!
What's the point of cultivating martial dao without such faith?
A warrior would rather break than bend—rather shatter than yield!
If heaven oppresses him, he will smash it apart!
"Martial Emperor." Dao Ling stood, his eyes returning to normal but filled with滔天 (soaring) battle intent. Clenching his fists, he said, "I lost my origin yet still stand at an extremely high level in the Body Refinement Realm. The Martial Palace never expected that, did they? Maybe they thought I was dead."
"The Primordial Saint Physique isn't可怕 (terrible) because of its origin, but because of its constitution's potential!" His eyes sparkled like twin suns as he沉声 (solemnly) said, "Even without my origin, I can still cultivate to that level. One day, I will make you pay!"
These days, he felt a mysterious energy hidden in his body, hard to awaken. Now he knew his origin remained, though scarcely. Special means were needed to restore it.
Dao Ling had often slept in recent years. He now understood his origin was recovering automatically, but returning to its strength at one year old would be immensely difficult.
"You occupy the top of the Body Refinement Realm with my origin. I want to see who's stronger in this realm!" A cold light flashed in Dao Ling's eyes. He felt an urge to suppress the Martial Emperor on the Small Martial Dao Stele!
The Martial Emperor was strong—Dao Ling never underestimated him. Backed by the Martial Palace and named "Martial Emperor," he was clearly their greatest hope, with resources beyond imagination.
At ten, he dominated the Small Martial Dao Stele's top spot. At that age, most hadn't even started cultivating, yet he already led his peers by miles, starting far earlier.
Dao Ling knew the gap between them was enormous. How long had he been cultivating? Just two months!
The Martial Emperor had endless resources, studying countless ancient scriptures and Dao books in the Body Refinement Realm. His accumulation was profound; once he entered the Spirit Nourishing Realm, he would soar.
This was an unprecedented deadly enemy!
Dao Ling now wanted to know much: where was his mother, where was Ling Yan from back then, and how fared the Dao Clan.
He rose and walked outside, gazing at the blue sky. His躁动的 (restless) heart gradually calmed.
The experience at one year old taught him the world was cruel. Heaven-defying talent could be a curse, inviting jealousy from other clans.
Standing in place for a long time, Dao Ling decided to wait. Qingzhou City was now full of powerhouses. He would visit the Martial Dao Stele later to test his true level in the Body Refinement Realm.
He wasn't reckless. He wouldn't push himself into danger for momentary satisfaction—he had much to accomplish in the future.
"To the Scripture Pavilion. I need divine abilities!" Dao Ling clenched his fists. The Yin-Yang Palm couldn't be revealed lightly, or disaster would strike. His accumulation was too weak; he needed to cultivate various divine abilities to temper himself.
Dao Ling had never craved strength so much. He wanted to grow strong, to prove himself!
As he stepped toward the Scripture Pavilion, several uninvited guests approached.
Wang Ya's face was uncertain. She never expected Dao Ling to be so valued by the Jubao Pavilion's deacon, which terrified her. The youth before her was no longer the one she could bully at will.
When Wang Junyi heard this, he was also惊疑不定 (suspicious). He intended to test who had favored Dao Ling recently and was determined to obtain the blue crystal.
Wang Junyi stood with hands behind his back, cold eyes scanning Dao Ling. "We meet again."
Dao Ling glanced at them, then fixed his gaze on Wang Ya. "You're like a lingering ghost. I didn't seek you out, but here you are."
Wang Ya's face fell, but she dared not retort. Dao Ling's current status frightened her.
Wang Junyi frowned. Dao Ling didn't even look at him—was he being ignored?
"Some think that being favored or gaining good fortune means they can cling to power, but such people often meet a miserable end," he said coldly. "Do you really think a lowly wretch like you can fight me?"
"Some think too highly of themselves, believing their status is all-important, but arrogant people often die miserably," Dao Ling sneered, eyeing him askance.
"Dammit!" Wang Junyi's fist clenched instantly, his face铁青 (livid). "You cur! No matter who stands behind you, you die today!"
"Scoundrel! Kneel and apologize now, or no one can save you!" The two who had been beaten and robbed by Dao Ling recently also roared.
"Did I not beat you enough last time? Coming to give me money again?" Dao Ling's gaze swept over them,冷笑 (sneering).
"You..." Wang Feibai trembled with anger, pointing at Dao Ling. "Young master, this man is utterly arrogant—he must be killed!"
"Right! Do you think I dare not kill you?" Wang Junyi's expression was冰冷无情 (icy and merciless),杀意 (killing intent) rising.
"You talk too much." Dao Ling took a deep breath. Releasing some pent-up frustration felt good. He stepped forward.
"Brazen!" Wang Junyi's eyes flashed cold light. Dao Ling's主动出手 (active attack) ignited his怒火. Ferocious波动 (waves) surged from him, making surrounding trees tremble.
He clenched his fist, channeling essence from all directions. A punch flew out, carrying powerful波动 (waves) that could easily shatter boulders.
Wang Junyi was only three minor realms away from the Spirit Nourishing Peak. At twenty, his future was bright.
In the Spirit Nourishing Realm, most spent half a year per minor realm, even geniuses—unless aided by rare treasures.
Dao Ling's body was wrapped in astral winds, black hair fluttering. His eyes were calm as he saw the incoming attack. He threw a punch, shattering the fist印记 (mark) and charging toward Wang Junyi's chest.
Wang Junyi's punch grew more terrifying, like a mountain, cracking the earth as it met Dao Ling's strike.
"Break!" Dao Ling roared, his body bursting with divine light, blood qi surging to sweep the天地 (heaven-earth). Large stones exploded as he smashed through the illusory mountain and into Wang Junyi's chest.
"What?" Wang Junyi was shocked. He quickly summoned a battle spear.
But Dao Ling was faster, like lightning. He stomped and appeared behind Wang Junyi, his arm swirling with divine power as he punched the latter's back.
A crack sounded. Wang Junyi spat a mouthful of blood, flying backward as his battle spear fell from his hand.
"Not good." Wang Feibai and the other paled, retreating. Dao Ling was terrifying—Wang Junyi had been defeated in a few moves.
"All of you, scram!" Dao Ling flicked his sleeve. Golden runes filled the sky like a golden river, sending Wang Feibai and the other flying. He stepped to Wang Ya.
"Don't kill me!" Wang Ya's hands and feet turned cold. She turned to run, screaming, "Murder! Help!"
Dao Ling's slender hand shot out, grabbing Wang Ya by the collar. His golden palm slapped her pretty face with a "snap."
"Pu..." Wang Ya flew back, blood trickling from her cheek, teeth falling out. Half her face swelled like a pig's head as she lay trembling.
When Wang Junyi recovered and saw this, he turned to flee, unable to fathom Dao Ling's sudden strength.
Dao Ling wouldn't let him go. He caught Wang Junyi, ignored his fearful face, and searched him, finding a beast-skin pouch before tossing him away.
"Dammit!" Wang Junyi roared inwardly. Though the pouch's contents weren't precious, giving them up galled him. "I won't forgive you, you bastard! Just you wait!"
Dao Ling took a deep breath. Releasing his anger helped, but a fire still burned in his heart—perhaps this was pressure.
"One million gold coins." The pouch's contents surprised him. He收起 (put away) the pouch and headed for the Scripture Pavilion. He lacked everything: money, divine abilities, treasures.
From start to finish, Dao Ling didn't glance at Wang Ya. Gasping in terror, she was consumed by regret. If only she had maintained a good relationship with Dao Ling—would this have happened? But it was too late.