Library of Heaven's Path Chapter 2266 - Side Story 1: Luo Xuanqing
Previously on Library of Heaven's Path...
“We’re finally out of there!”
Accompanied by Yu Fei-er and Hu Yaoyao, the disheveled Luo Xuanqing glanced back at the towering Grand Spirit Mountain with a weary but grateful expression.
Though he had ascended to Godhood, and Zhang Xuan’s blood had greatly bolstered his zhenqi and soul, he remained one of the feeblest in the Firmament.
Recalling the ordeals he had endured, a sense of powerlessness and frustration welled up within him.
“So, this is the Firmament...” Luo Xuanqing let out a deep sigh while shaking his head.
Whether on the Azure or the Master Teacher Continent, he had been a premier genius admired by all. Even if he didn’t shine as brightly as that fellow, his legacy was destined for the annals of history.
In mere decades of cultivation, he had soared from a mere mortal to a God—a miracle unprecedented in Azure’s history. Not even the prodigious Sect Leader Han Jianqiu of the Ascendant Cloud Sword Pavilion had achieved such.
Yet, upon arriving in the Firmament, he found himself pursued by a rabbit for three full days over a stolen carrot. He had also suffered attacks from a caterpillar, nearly had his throat sliced by a flying ant’s wings, and been wounded deeply by a piercing blade of grass...
This place was truly a nightmare realm!
Even the tamest creatures from the Azure turned into lethal monsters here!
He couldn’t express his gratitude enough for escaping the Grand Spirit Mountain alive!
“Despite us three achieving Godhood, we almost perished inside the mountain. Back then, only Zhang Xuan broke through to godhood, burdened with a large group of Semi-Divinities. How on earth did he endure the Grand Spirit Mountain?” Hu Yaoyao cried out in astonishment.
Luo Xuanqing and Yu Fei-er exchanged looks before going quiet.
In Firmament time, about a month prior, Zhang Xuan had ventured there with his eleven direct disciples, parents, and Sun Qiang. Those fourteen hadn’t reached godhood, so they offered no aid in survival—in fact, Zhang Xuan had to forage food for them!
The perils he confronted were undoubtedly far worse.
Insects like ants or mosquitoes, once slain effortlessly with a swat, could now slay Semi-Divinities with ease in the Firmament!
“He must have suffered tremendously on the Grand Spirit Mountain... It took us five days to escape that cursed place. Surely, it was longer for him,” Luo Xuanqing noted.
His eyes abruptly brightened as he declared, “He could have just exited the range and be staying in a close town now. Let’s scout the surroundings. We might locate him! This time, I’ll match his speed... I refuse to believe he can still beat me in this new world!”
Complex emotions churned inside him toward this old companion.
He resented him for hurting his little sister, yet admired his brilliance and resolve.
Without Zhang Xuan clearing the path, he’d likely still be stuck on the Master Teacher Continent, never reaching Ancient Sage.
These mixed sentiments drove his urge to surpass Zhang Xuan and give that youth a harsh lesson for disappointing his sister!
Regrettably, such aspirations remained unfulfilled on the Master Teacher Continent and Azure. The Firmament might be his final shot.
Yu Fei-er abruptly pointed forward and cried, “Look, there’s a group ahead!”
Luo Xuanqing peered over and spotted several student-clad folks heading into a nearby forest. Their power lingered at Semi-Divinity, far from Godhood.
“Not even Gods yet, and they dare enter the forest? Seeking death?” Luo Xuanqing was perplexed.
Thus, he approached to warn them off.
The students were wary at first, but after some talk, they relaxed.
Learning the trio grew up by the mountains without city experience, a compassionate student offered advice.
“Twilight City lies nearby. Its City Lord Wu Fangqing is a Celestial God, unmatched locally. Stay cautious in the city, or you’ll face trial for breaking rules!”
With spiritual energy’s decline, Firmament cities upheld strict rules above all. City lords wielded immense power, and defying them was folly.
He feared the ‘wild mountain man’ Luo Xuanqing might err and suffer punishment.
“Celestial God?” Luo Xuanqing’s eyes bulged.
Assuming Luo Xuanqing knew little of realms, the kind student clarified, “Yes, Celestial Gods are supreme powerhouses. Gods divide into low-tier, middle-tier, high-tier; only high-tier breakthroughs yield Celestial Gods. Every Celestial God is a genius, revered across the Firmament!”
The student’s eyes gleamed with awe. “Even high-tier Gods can found clans and dominate Twilight City!”
“High-tier Gods? Celestial Gods?” Luo Xuanqing gripped his fists, vowing inwardly to attain those heights.
Fresh in the Firmament, he grasped the vast chasms between post-godhood realms. Even with resources, low-to-middle tier God might demand years of toil.
“True. I can’t dream of Celestial or high-tier God... My dream is just true Godhood. After graduation, I’ll land a solid job in a top clan or guard the City Lord Manor. With pay, I’ll wed a beauty and rise supreme!” The student beamed, envisioning his future.
Not all reach Celestial God; his talent was middling. He aimed humbly: graduate, secure good work.
That would fulfill his life.
Guarding isn’t bad. I’ll do that entering the city. Earn steady pay, cultivate relentlessly, Luo Xuanqing resolved.
Beginnings prove toughest. Penniless in Firmament, they needed funds urgently. Steady jobs would fund swift cultivation growth.
With fortune, middle or high-tier God in a decade. Then, what of Zhang Xuan?
Plus, Zhang Xuan’s arrogant boasting would bar him from guard roles... Luo Xuanqing held an edge, no?
“One question? We lost a friend on the mountain a month back. He likely went to Twilight City. Heard of him?” Yu Fei-er inquired suddenly.
The kind student shook his head. “Unlikely I’d know your friend. Twilight City’s vast, millions pass daily...”
“I know, but he’s gifted and arrogant. Causes chaos everywhere, so maybe he’s notorious locally...” Yu Fei-er insisted.
Zhang Xuan preceded them by a month; fame seemed improbable. Still, hope lingered.
Long parted, her longing deepened. Any news, even wellbeing, would suffice.
“Causes trouble? You overestimate him... Even dragons queue in Twilight City, or City Lord Wu regrets it!” the student sneered.
Mountain hicks turned Gods by luck, dreaming of troublemaking? Arrogant folly!
Ignorance terrified!
“Stop, Yu Fei-er. I get it. He stirred storms on Master Teacher Continent and Azure, but Firmament hosts the multiverse’s elites! Talented or not, standing out’s tough...” Luo Xuanqing snorted.
Unfairness gnawed at him.
How did that oblivious showoff attract admirers?
He, kind and dashing, drew none...
World gone mad? Villains in vogue?
“I know...” Yu Fei-er drooped, shaking her head sadly.
Even Zhang shi’s genius couldn’t conquer in one month.
“Enough dwelling. Zhang Xuan’s always stirring. No trace yet, but news will come. Focus on cultivation to stun him at reunion...” Hu Yaoyao soothed Yu Fei-er.
Yu Fei-er nodded. “Yes, you’re right.”
As they prepared to part from the students, the group gawked wide-eyed. The kind student’s teeth chattered.
“Who? Z-Zhang Xuan? The youth of about twenty who emerged a month ago, Elder Zhang Xuan?”
“Elder Zhang Xuan?”
Bewildered glances flew. Luo Xuanqing frowned, “Yes. But... how do you know that name?”
“Heard of him, of course...” the student quivered excitedly. “Elder Zhang Xuan’s my idol! He came from the mountain a month ago, met Mo Yun laoshi, Senior Wu Xiaoxiao, others. In days after Twilight City entry, he shattered his bottleneck to Celestial God! The uproar was massive!
“Lately, word is he hit God King realm, solo-slaying a Conferred God King...”
Beauty Pill and Breakthrough Pill fame spread Zhang Xuan’s name Firmament-wide. Gossip evolved into legend.
“Celestial God in days?” Luo Xuanqing froze. “God King already, killed a Conferred God King?”
Guessing Luo Xuanqing’s ignorance, the student explained, “God Kings outstrip Celestial Gods, Firmament’s peaks. Conferred God Kings? Monarch-anointed, rivaling the Nine God Monarchs in might!”
Slaying Baiye Qinghong rocketed Zhang Xuan to Sky of Drifting Specter youths’ idol status.
“I-Is that true? You said Nine God Monarchs—who?” Luo Xuanqing’s cheeks quaked.
“Firmament’s sovereigns. Only Nine since founding, forever! Untouchable pinnacle, beyond cultivation’s grasp. Utterly supreme...” the student gushed.
But mid-sentence, earth quaked, a voice boomed in minds.
“Today, I shall become a God Monarch.”
The proclamation conjured a proud sky silhouette, eyes commanding all.
“Zhang Xuan...”
“Hold on, he’s a God Monarch now? You said it’s impossible, no matter the effort?” Luo Xuanqing teetered, near collapse.
What madness?
I endured rabbit chases, ant horrors to catch you... Now you’re God Monarch?
Toying with me!
Heart shatters...
Breath fails...
Yu Fei-er and Hu Yaoyao gaped in shock.
They knew Zhang Xuan stirred chaos everywhere. But this scale? Unimagined.
One Firmament month: God Monarch.
Students reeled too, stunned silent.
Soon, another figure materialized mentally. “Breaking through before me? How to brag now? God Monarch like this jerk!”
“...”
Shocked stares everywhere.
Hu Yaoyao and Yu Fei-er’s jaws dropped egg-wide.
He wasn’t just God Monarch—his clone too!
Shockingly, Luo Xuanqing sobbed, snot streaming...
Hell... No need to speed-cultivate to crush me if you hate pursuit!
You’re God Monarch; I can’t bag a rabbit... How to beat you?
Damn it!