Chapter 21

Just two simple words, yet they carry an extraordinarily heavy weight, for they are too mysterious and powerful, causing people to both revere and fear them.

The biggest reason is none other than its relation to that person; upon hearing his name, all things in the world either feel awe or are frightened to the core.

The two words 'Wushi' are enough to overwhelm the ages; whenever one recalls his lifetime deeds, one can no longer remain shocked, simply because he is too powerful, too astonishing... gorgeous.

Even after ages have passed, his might still spreads through the world, making him one of the most outstanding existences among ancient emperors.

"I see, it is my fault for being remiss and not welcoming you from afar."

After a long silence, Li Ruoyu spoke with apology, having already guessed Yang Zhu's identity, but those few words were too heavy for him to utter.

Given Yang Zhu's status, even if the holy master of a sacred land or the patriarch of an ancient family saw him, it would not be excessive to personally greet him.

"Senior, you flatter me; just treat me as an ordinary person."

"I know, I will absolutely not leak any information."

Li Ruoyu understood Yang Zhu's meaning; as he spoke, his body unconsciously stooped a little.

No matter how peerless your talent, how you suppress heroes, how you shake a region, or how you cover the sky with one hand, before him you all appear dim and lackluster.

Everyone knows that the ancient emperor is supreme under heaven, invincible on earth, and it is hard to find a rival across time.

The higher one's cultivation realm, the deeper and more awe-inspiring one's understanding of the emperor's greatness becomes.

"I can give you the All-character Secret, but can you agree to one condition of mine?"

As Li Ruoyu said this, his tone carried a faint plea, which made Yang Zhu feel unwilling to refuse.

"Please speak, senior; I will do my best to accomplish it."

Upon receiving Yang Zhu's nod, Li Ruoyu stopped, shed his old demeanor, and his face became extremely solemn:

"If the Grand Mystery Sect ever faces trouble, I hope you will lend a hand within your ability."

In the present age, with no sages appearing, great experts are nearly the topmost existences.

But this old man understands that the so-called shackles and fetters simply do not affect Yang Zhu.

The innate holy body Dao fetus, the Wushi Scripture, and various heaven-defying creations—any one of them is enough to let him advance unimpeded, with nothing able to block his steps.

Having obtained Yang Zhu's promise is almost like receiving a promise from a future emperor; at the very least, it can ensure the Grand Mystery Sect's prosperity for myriad years.

Relying on a single All-character Secret to exchange for a lifetime of development—this deal needs no further explanation.

The two continued forward, exchanging words along the way, until they stopped before a ruined hall.

On Cuifeng Peak, the nine-tiered heavenly ladder kept expanding, turning into nine platforms, above which stood jade towers and palaces, with rosy clouds intertwining, hazy and indistinct.

Yang Zhu slowly rose, pulled by a force, entering that illusory palace complex.

Under Li Ruoyu's guidance, Yang Zhu began to comprehend the profound meaning of the All-character Secret.

In just a moment, the two secrets he had already obtained—the This-character Secret and the Action-character Secret—inside his body began to react.

They resonated with the All-character Secret that Yang Zhu was comprehending; though different, they were connected by countless threads.

The Nine Secrets were originally collected in a single immortal scripture, whose power could rival an ancient classic.

Later they were split and scattered into several parts; rumors say some have been lost, and no one now holds them.

Yang Zhu, however, does not believe it; according to his knowledge, the Undying Heavenly Emperor old brat possesses the complete Nine Secrets, which is also a major reason for his formidable strength.

Collecting his thoughts, Yang Zhu wholeheartedly immersed himself in the All-character Secret; its contained principle seemed as brilliant as stars and as natural as plants and trees.

A slight comprehension yields great insight, deepening one's understanding of the Dao and principle.

"The Emperor Sovereign is indeed powerful."

From the All-character Secret, Yang Zhu experienced the Dao of the Emperor Sovereign: establishing the heavenly court, drawing other emperors to join, and employing heaven-piercing means, carrying ninety-nine dragon veins as they traverse the cosmos……

One thing after another, all displayed his might! Upon comprehending, Yang Zhu spent half a day; only when the blazing sun shifted westward did he slowly withdraw from that state.

"If I'm not mistaken, you should have mastered other Nine Secrets, and not just one; otherwise you couldn't have comprehended it so quickly."

Li Ruoyu slightly nodded; he is extraordinarily sensitive to the Great Dao, so these things hardly escape his eyes.

"Yes."

Yang Zhu nodded in acknowledgment, still immersed in the profound mystery of the All-character Secret.

"As long as the 'All' character Secret is activated, one can gain a tenfold increase; combined with Yang Zhu's own strength, one can hardly imagine the magnitude of its outbreak! 'Ye Fan and the others have been invited to Star Peak; I think you'll be interested.'"

Having said that, he summoned a disciple to lead the way for Yang Zhu.

"Thank you, senior; I'll take my leave now."

Having obtained the All-character Secret, it's time to meet Ye Fan.

The guide disciple did not lead them to Star Peak's main summit, but instead brought them to a ridge between peaks.

Here the mountains are beautiful and the scenery splendid; thin mist like smoke swirls around the summit, while at the foot the stream murmurs, ancient trees accompanied by old vines, making it very tranquil.

Ahead, on the grassy ground, some young men and women sat cross-legged, each with a wooden table before them laden with various fruits and fine drinks.

"Ding ding dong dong"

Among them, a blue-clothed man was playing the zither, his hands moving like fluttering butterflies, giving a feeling of lively and light grace.

As his fingers swept the strings, the music was beautiful and moving, making the heart feel peaceful.

Upon seeing someone arrive, these people were first startled, but Hua Yunfei was the first to stand and speak: "Brother, are you also here to enjoy the flowers and music with us?"

This person is tall and slender, about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, wearing a water-blue robe that sways in the wind, giving a gentle and lively impression.

The blue-clothed man possesses a unique aura that easily draws people close, evoking fondness.

This person is Hua Yunfei, the most exceptionally talented individual of the Grand Mystery Sect.

"I came uninvited and have disturbed you; if it's inconvenient, I can leave now."

"In that case, your arrival has made the surrounding flowers even more brilliant; it is our honor."

Hua Yunfei wore a smile, being very courteous.

Those seated are all outstanding youths of the younger generation, each extraordinary.

However, two of them quickly drew Yang Zhu's attention.

A young woman stood tall and graceful, her skin like congealed fat, her teeth like bright pearls, her eyes holding spiritual aura; when she smiled, two cute little dimples appeared, giving a feeling of ancient liveliness and mischief.

Beside the woman stood a youth.

He looked about thirteen or fourteen, with thick black hair; though not as extraordinarily handsome as Hua Yunfei, he was still very handsome, and his demeanor was much more steady than others his age.

Yang Zhu locked eyes with him, and both felt an innate closeness, as if they were long‑lost relatives or friends reuniting, inexplicably feeling at ease.

Without guessing, Yang Zhu knew who they were.

Ye Fan saw Yang Zhu, and likewise froze in place; something inside him, seemingly uncontrollable, made his emotions unsettled.

The bitter sea within him also began to turn unconsciously, surging forth a steady stream of divine power.

The timeline earlier was changed (chapter one); the protagonist's birth time was moved to after Ye Fan's arrival—some readers may still be unaware, so I declare it here!

(End of chapter)