Previously on Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister...
Chen Xuan visits the Star Hall with Lan Meng'er and Gu Pengyou to see Xiaoqi. They encounter Bamboo Garden, who still holds a grudge from a previous encounter. Inside, the Hall Master praises Xiaoqi's potential and mentions the difficulty of the "last step" in cultivation, a topic Chen Xuan also heard about from Liu Sheng.
The great powers of Great Yu possess only a partial grasp of this matter.
"I am aware; the Chief Eunuch has made mention of it to me."
"He stated that this represents merely the most fundamental requirement."
"Indeed!"
The Hall Master gave a slow nod. "Certainly, even the foundational prerequisites are exceedingly stringent."
He let out a sigh.
The Dao Realm is already a formidable hurdle. Reaching the Eighth Layer is as arduous as ascending to the heavens, let alone arriving at the Peak of the Eighth Layer.
As for Spirit Cultivators, their path is even more challenging.
Yet, the requirement is for both paths to reach their ultimate conclusion simultaneously, illustrating the immense difficulty.
"The reason being, beyond the Dual Eight limit, there lies a critical juncture: the Spiritual and Martial paths must both achieve a Realm Breakthrough. Should this be successful, the distinction between Spirit and Martial will cease to exist."
"Furthermore, after this breakthrough, one does not ascend to the Ninth Layer, but rather enters an entirely new realm."
"The Emperor Realm!"
Chen Xuan’s entire being trembled uncontrollably upon hearing these two words, Emperor Realm!
This was the very first time he had encountered reference to such a realm.
Up until this point, the highest level he was aware of was the Ninth Layer of the Dao Realm.
"Is the Emperor Realm considered the ultimate destination?" he inquired.
In response to Chen Xuan's question, the Hall Master initially nodded, then promptly shook his head.
This action left Chen Xuan bewildered, unable to comprehend the meaning.
"After successfully surmounting the Dual Eight limit, one merely gains the qualification to begin cultivating the Emperor Realm. However, truly entering the Emperor Realm itself… that remains a distant journey. You can conceptualize this path as the Pseudo-Emperor Realm!"
Chen Xuan's brow furrowed upon hearing this explanation.
He had mistakenly assumed the breakthrough would lead directly into the Emperor Realm, a notion that now seemed overly simplistic.
"Master, are there any individuals currently residing within the Emperor Realm?" Bamboo Garden inquired, as she too had never heard of the Emperor Realm before.
"Yes!"
"Who?" she blurted out instinctively.
Chen Xuan also turned his expectant gaze towards the Hall Master, eager to discover who had achieved this legendary realm. He was certain, however, that such an individual was not located within the Eastern Continent.
"Very well, it is far too soon for you both. Knowledge of this now would serve no purpose."
With these words, the Hall Master slowly closed his eyes.
Chen Xuan displayed an expression of helplessness; the old man had expertly ignited everyone’s curiosity, only to abruptly extinguish it.
Bamboo Garden shared his sentiment but understood her master's temperament; persisting with further questions would yield no more answers.
Three days later!
Xiaoqi successfully achieved a breakthrough in his realm. As per the Hall Master's directive, his Spiritual and Martial powers advanced simultaneously.
However, for reasons yet unknown, he did not achieve Unity during this advancement.
"Daddy!" Upon opening his eyes, Xiaoqi immediately spotted Chen Xuan, along with Lan Meng’Er and Gu Pengyou standing nearby. He eagerly ran over to them.
"Wow!" Seeing Xiaoqi, who was now nearly reaching his chin, Chen Xuan felt a surge of emotion.
Considering his age – not yet eight years old – his adult-like appearance was striking, though his demeanor remained endearingly naive.
"Mama! Fourth Mama!" The two women responded with warm smiles.
"Allow him some time to rest and relax. His advancement was somewhat too rapid, and his foundation might be unstable!" The Hall Master, having perceived the issue, spoke swiftly.
"This is also the primary reason he did not enter Unity this time."
"Understood!" Chen Xuan nodded. "Thank you, Lord Hall Master." He then departed Star Hall with Xiaoqi and the others.
"What a shame!" The Hall Master expressed regret, recognizing the missed opportunity of failing to enter Unity as a significant loss.
It was indeed too hasty.
He then subtly directed his gaze towards the Yin Yang Ring hovering in mid-air, his expression turning grave.
Recently, the Yin Yang Ring had issued multiple warnings.
"Is chaos on the horizon?"
...
Inside the carriage, Xiaoqi, whose appearance was already adult-like, sat beside Lan Meng’Er. Despite his disappointment at not achieving Unity, he was still delighted to be reunited with them in person. After all, he was still just a child.
Upon returning to the Ritual Department, Chen Xuan retreated to his chambers to cultivate. Meanwhile, the two women, to commemorate Xiaoqi's successful seclusion, immediately busied themselves in the kitchen, with Xiaoqi lending a hand.
Evening.
The two women presented a table laden with delectable dishes.
"Eat up." With chopsticks in hand, Xiaoqi’s eagerness was evident.
"This is so delicious!" A look of contentment spread across his young face; he was finally savoring food prepared by his mother.
"If it tastes good, eat plenty more," Lan Meng’Er encouraged, her eyes brimming with affection as she continued to serve him.
"Thank you, Mama!" Xiaoqi's cheeks were full, yet he did not forget to express his gratitude.
Witnessing him in such a state, Lan Meng’Er's heart swelled with tenderness.
"For the next half month, you can dispense with cultivation; frolic if you wish, feast if you desire, indulge in whatever tickles your fancy. Consider it a holiday, bestowed by your father."
"Thank you, Father."
Xiaoqi’s heart swelled with even greater delight this time. The prospect of doing as he pleased, in particular, made his eyes gleam more brightly.
Observing his reaction, Chen Xuan offered a faint smile. After all, he was still but a child. If not for the looming urgency of the Burial Ground, he would never have pushed him to cultivate with such ferocity.
In his estimation, a child remained a child; play was the very essence of their nature.
At the very least, they ought to experience a full-fledged childhood.
The very next day!
The two women departed the Ritual Department early, accompanied by Xiaoqi.
After ensuring Liu Sheng was well, Cheng Xuan resumed his cultivation.
Meanwhile, by the Abyss River.
Within the Human Race encampment, Zhan Tian nursed his wine, a palpable sense of displeasure clouding his mood.
The Tree-man Race and the Stone Race, it seemed, refused to emerge, rendering all his taunts utterly futile.
The grand formation of Yong’an Prefecture had been fully activated.
"Worthless cowards, have you grown accustomed to hiding like tortoises!"
He slammed his cup onto the table with considerable force.
"There’s little else we can do. The grand formation of Yong’an Prefecture is no weakling, likely originating from the previous dynasty. Unless you shatter the formation, you remain at a disadvantage,"
Finishing his wine, Duke Yuan, seated opposite him, spoke in a measured tone.
Yet, a fleeting glance from the corner of his eye fell upon Zhan Tian.
He alone was sufficient to deter two entire races from showing themselves.
