[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t":3,"chapter-living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-288":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Living Among All Heavens, Achieving Immortality Through Merit",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2323856,4545,"Chapter 288: Yang Guang Is Too Sensitive","living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-288",288,"\u003Cp>Inside the grand ship Xiangxiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing and Shan Meixian sat facing each other; under Gu Qing’s scrutinizing gaze, Shan Meixian spoke softly of her purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Gu is the greatest martial artist in the world, and his appearance is exceptionally handsome—Meixian naturally admires him, but compared to love, Meixian harbors more resentment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Meixian said: “Meixian wants to surpass the Yin Empress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In martial skill, Shan Meixian was no match for the Yin Empress, but in beauty, she felt she still had a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing gently reached out, pinching Shan Meixian’s plump cheek, and said: “Then see if you can seize the opportunity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, Zhu Yuyan possessed the Dao Heart Seed Demon Art, the Cloud Dream Immortal’s bed techniques, the Heaven Devil Art, the Maiden Art, and the Yogic Secret Transmission—she was, without doubt, Gu Qing’s finest plaything. Thus, when Zhu Yuyan grew jealous and glared coldly at Shi Feixuan and Wan Wan, Gu Qing let it all pass, treating it as mere amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Meixian leaned forward, coquettishly saying: “Meixian won’t let Master Gu down.” After speaking, she pressed her lips to Gu Qing’s neck and inhaled deeply—the Dao Heart Seed Demon Art carried power that stirred desire, and Shan Meixian herself was affected by it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing’s eyebrows relaxed slightly as he exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dongxiang Sect’s Xiangxiang sailed along the Yangtze River, maintaining ties with numerous factions for trade; on this vessel, Gu Qing practiced the Dao Heart Seed Demon Art daily, making steady progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, as Gu Qing stood at the bow breathing the wind, he suddenly noticed commotion among the many boats on the Grand Canal—two figures leapt freely across the vessels, their lightness technique unmistakably Yun Yuzhen’s Bird Flight Art; behind them, a large group pursued relentlessly, one man with a broad nose and narrow eyes chasing fastest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your two disciples.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Feixuan, aware that Gu Qing had taken Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling as students, looked at the fleeing figures ahead, then behind, and said: “The ones chasing them are Yuwen Chengdu of the Yuwen Clan… Yuwen Huaji is indeed earnest in his duty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long ago on the Yangtze, Gu Qing had met Yuwen Huaji and told him he had two disciples, asking him to help hone them; now, the Yuwen Clan’s elite chasing them was precisely such training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The one who won’t waste food?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing studied Yuwen Chengdu, a faint smile playing on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, sharp-eyed, spotted Gu Qing on the Xiangxiang and tried to cry for help—but saw him standing calmly at the bow, watching their desperate flight without any intention to aid. They exchanged glances and understood: Gu Qing was testing their martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu struck with fist and palm—fist as solid, palm as deceptive; one hammered, the other enveloped. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling suddenly turned, their movements slick and fluid—one leapt upward, the other darted downward, each launching attacks that broke free from confinement while simultaneously countering Yuwen Chengdu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The techniques they used were all seventeen forms of the Human Body Shape taught by Gu Qing—basic martial foundations—but to Yuwen Chengdu, their application was vexing; he felt vital points across his body were all covered, the endless follow-ups leaving him constrained. In that moment of hesitation, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling slipped past; as Xu Ziling dove beneath, he even struck Yuwen Chengdu’s leg—painful but not injurious, yet his pride was wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two brats!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu flew into a rage. Assigned by Yuwen Huaji to hunt them down and hone them, he had multiple chances to capture them—but their strange, ever-changing techniques, endlessly reworked, kept producing new tricks. From initially treating them like cats playing with mice, he now found himself sweating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu suppressed his Qi and clashed again with Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. After applying the Yuwen Clan’s martial arts, Kou and Xu—one steady, one light and nimble—circled him, trading blows and dodging. As Yuwen Chengdu unleashed wave after wave of attacks, repeatedly cornering them, the two always produced new techniques to break free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In The Tale of the Twin Dragons of Tang, Kou and Xu possessed the finest martial talent. Now, under relentless pursuit, their martial arts matured daily, integrating every insight gained along the way into their techniques. In this direct comparison, Yuwen Chengdu was now inferior to Kou and Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This further humiliated Yuwen Chengdu; he launched furious attacks, but under such pressure, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had long since grasped the “Well-Moon Heart Method,” their minds clear and still. After Yuwen Chengdu’s rage peaked, they exchanged and countered blows, then struck him simultaneously left and right—these two strikes did not injure him, but the rebounding force sent searing pain through their arms. Sensing danger, they dared not linger and leapt toward the Xiangxiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absorb Qi Art!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing extended his hand; Kou and Xu, mid-leap, along with Yuwen Chengdu who tried to follow, were all pulled through the air and landed together on the Xiangxiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling hurriedly bowed; behind them, Yuwen Chengdu quickly addressed Gu Qing as “Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Your martial progress is substantial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing praised them, then asked: “Where did you get the Bird Flight Art?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou and Xu, delighted by the praise, immediately replied: “When Yuwen Huaji chased us to the brink, we met a beautiful mistress who rescued us and taught us this lightness technique.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing nodded, guessing Yun Yuzhen had received word that Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were his disciples and thus intervened, teaching them martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, Yuwen Huaji reached Jiangdu and has been targeting us ever since, sending Yuwen Chengdu to hunt us down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou and Xu, ever cunning, after recounting past events, immediately complained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them, Yuwen Chengdu remained silent, nodding meekly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told him to hone you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing said: “If not for his relentless pursuit, how could your martial progress have been so swift?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou and Xu were stunned, turning to look at Yuwen Chengdu. Recalling their journey—the many near-death escapes—they realized he had deliberately let them live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, this… this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling wore grim expressions. After receiving Gu Qing’s teachings, they had planned to make their mark in Yangzhou, even forming a gang—but Yuwen Huaji’s unprovoked hostility had turned them into stray dogs. Along the way, they had hated Yuwen Huaji with every fiber of their being—only to learn he was on their side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve trained too briefly. To achieve rapid progress, you must endure bitter battles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing said calmly: “My own strength was forged through countless bitter fights.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling could only obediently step aside, their eyes wandering, taking in the upper deck of the Xiangxiang—every woman there a peerless beauty. Xu Ziling’s gaze settled on Shi Feixuan; Kou Zhong noticed Li Xiuning, radiant, spirited, and noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing turned to Yuwen Chengdu and said: “I see you pursued them with diligence. Is there anything you desire?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu immediately bowed and said: “Chengdu wishes to become your disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Say something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing took disciples based on talent and potential. Yuwen Chengdu, though a top expert of the Yuwen Clan, had already reached his limit; his mind was too scattered. Even if taught the pinnacle techniques, he could never reach the highest levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking Yuwen Chengdu as a disciple would embarrass Gu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu dared not press further and said: “Then please, Master Gu, teach me three or two moves—so Chengdu may benefit from them for life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed.” Gu Qing, well-versed in countless martial arts, said: “I can teach you the Bodhidharma Internal Art and the Mighty Golden Fist. Your achievement will depend entirely on yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In The Greatest Under Heaven, there was a man named Luo Jusheng. He was sworn brothers with Cao Zhengchun, used the Bodhidharma Internal Art to test the Iron-Dan Divine Marquis, and clashed with Cheng Feishi using the Mighty Golden Fist—even injuring Cheng Feishi. Such martial arts were more than sufficient for Yuwen Chengdu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu was overjoyed. To be taught martial arts by Gu Qing elevated his status immensely; in the Yuwen Clan, his voice would now carry greater weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu remembered something and hurriedly reported: “In Daxing, the foolish emperor is deeply dissatisfied with you, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Yang Guang resented Gu Qing, Yuwen Chengdu now directly called him “foolish emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did he do now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing felt utterly baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu immediately reported: “It all stems from the Baling Sect. The Baling Sect has deep ties to the Demon Cult, yet its official patron is the foolish emperor. Yang Guang uses the Baling Sect to gather women across the land—selling them into brothels or keeping them for himself. Recently, due to your actions, the Baling Sect has suffered heavy losses, causing Yang Guang to fly into a rage in Daxing. He even said…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu hesitated to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu finally said: “Yang Guang also said you are insatiable in lust, traveling north and south surrounded by many women—this Grand Canal seems built just for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling glanced around, seeing Shi Feixuan, Wan Wan, Du Gu Feng, Li Xiuning, and Shan Wanjing—all peerless beauties—and lowered their heads in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been sailing the Yangtze, not the Grand Canal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing retorted sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Guang was jealous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuwen Chengdu fell silent. Gu Qing waved him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xiuning brought tea and sat close beside Gu Qing, affectionately saying: “There’s a difference between lust and lust. We, for instance, admire your beauty—we are mutually drawn, harming no one. But the foolish emperor manipulates the Baling Sect, tormenting women across the land—his sins are immense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhu Yuyan left, Shan Meixian became kinder, and Li Xiuning now dared to sit near Gu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong immediately fixated on Li Xiuning. Watching her beautiful figure nestled beside Gu Qing, her eyes tender, her smile warm, utterly devoted to him, he felt a pang of loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I went to Jiangdu to retrieve the Book of Eternal Life, delaying Yang Guang’s quest for immortality. I took a few beauties, and Yang Guang thought I was allying with powerful clans and striking down evil sects—then he ran into me again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing spread his hands: “I truly can’t deal with Yang Guang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Guang had too many sensitive points—he must be eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All present fell silent. Gu Qing was the pillar holding the Sui Dynasty together, yet also Yang Guang’s greatest threat. If Yang Guang were a ruler like Liu Shan, clinging to Gu Qing’s leg would have been harmless. But Yang Guang was fiercely independent—inevitably, conflict arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kou Zhong, Ziling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing instructed his two disciples: “You two disembark immediately and head to the Southern Song Clan. Seek out Song Que. Kou Zhong, you will be trained by Song Que. Ziling, you will go to the Celestial Master Sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had been sufficiently honed; now came the next stage of refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where is the Celestial Master Sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ziling asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had traveled the martial world and learned of the Heavenly Blade, Song Que—but now Gu Qing sent Kou Zhong to Song Que and Xu Ziling to the Celestial Master Sect, which seemed peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Celestial Master Sect is a place even Song Que visits to study.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Que, relying on his ancestral text, The Legend of the Borderlands, and Gu Qing’s explanations of Supreme Yang and Supreme Yin, understood the martial limit—transcending to fly toward immortality. He naturally sought the power of Supreme Yang and Supreme Yin. The Celestial Master Sect’s Huang Tian Art, when perfected, could reach Supreme Yang, connecting one’s entire strength with heaven and earth, endless and boundless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling nodded, understanding. As their martial cultivation deepened, their ideals diverged: Kou Zhong sought fame and glory; Xu Ziling yearned for seclusion among mountains and rivers. Now, one following Song Que, the other joining the Celestial Master Sect, fulfilled their desires.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Train diligently. Your path in martial arts is still long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original tale, Kou and Xu had three great encounters: one was the Book of Eternal Life; the second, the He Shi Bi opening their meridians; the third, the Demon Emperor’s Relic filling their Yuan Essence. With Gu Qing present, the latter two encounters likely would not be theirs. To achieve true martial mastery and internal strength, they might need thirty years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling bowed to Gu Qing, then quietly disembarked. Turning back, they watched the receding Xiangxiang. Kou Zhong clenched his fist and said: “I will rise to greatness like my Master—no one will ever look down on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xiuning, this noblewoman, had watched Gu Qing from start to finish, never casting even a glance at Kou Zhong. This left Kou Zhong seething—he too must rise to greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhong Shao, she’s your Master’s woman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ziling, aware of Kou Zhong’s thoughts, quickly advised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know she’s my Master’s woman—but she looks down on everyone…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Zhong looked at Xu Ziling: “Shi Feixuan has always followed the Master—she’s likely his woman too. I’ve seen you sneak glances at her several times.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re both in the same boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ziling shook his head: “Master Shi is different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2236,"2026-06-20T17:04:27.745Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1100573343ba5adc5bb7857775a2d46fde2443e905098aff806c5224b7c34523","living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-289","living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-287",449,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fliving-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-cover.jpg"]