Chapter 319: 176. Found Great Yan, Boil the Lifespan of Men! (Combined)

【The Five Supreme Powers of the World!】

【The top ten on the Jingzhe List are already peerless masters of the age, yet some young heroes have also made the list.】

【The Wolf King of Beifeng, "Wanyan Yunshan," in his thirties, was favored in youth by a high monk of Lingxi Temple and received the orthodox Buddhist scripture, the Yi Sui Jing. Upon returning to Beifeng, he joined the great sect Zangcang Temple and trained rigorously in the Xiu Luo Xue Shen. After years of restraint, he killed the abbot of Zangcang Temple in a single battle and ascended into the top ten of the Jingzhe List.】

【The Sword Saint "Li Lanjiang," as the orphan of the previous Sword God, awakened his sword intent and forged his sword heart amid the roaring river waters. Over thirty winters and summers, he not only inherited his father's essence of swordcraft but also created the "Changjiang Tide Sword," whose momentum is vast and surging like tidal waves, fueled by blood-deep vengeance—he slew the Grand Master of the Six-Eye Demon Sect, who stood at the Grand Master realm, and rose to the top ten of the Jingzhe List.】

【Gongsun Zhongshu of Da Chu is also among the top ten of the Jingzhe List; he has cultivated the Haoqi Fuxi Ge of the Bai Lu Academy to profound depths, using the Yi Jian Shu to deduce sword techniques upon the black-and-white stones of a go board, and killed a martial Grand Master of Da Chu to enter the top ten of the Jingzhe List.】

【Over this past decade, the martial world has surged like wind and clouds, with strong masters abound, and martial arts have risen by more than one level.】

【In these eight hundred years, there has never been so many Grand Masters appearing simultaneously—Master-level experts have become commonplace.】

【Of Lu Yu's seven disciples from Mount Zhongnan, only four made the Jingzhe List—this shows how numerous the world's masters have become, and how many capable figures emerge from the Jianghu.】

【Liu Jinchan also came to his senses, feeling deeply moved.】

【In our time, Master-level experts were rare, almost mythical figures; now, Masters are everywhere, yet Grand Masters remain as scarce as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns—still the object of awe.】

【With Liu Jinchan's full Master realm, in the old martial world, he could have ranked among the top twenty in all of Tianxia.】

【Now, on the Jingzhe List, Liu Jinchan ranks four hundred and ninety-six—this reveals how fierce the competition has become, and how sorrowful it is.】

【Lu Yu smiled and said: "Because spiritual energy has returned, this world has regained its vitality; the flourishing of martial arts is the inevitable trend."】

【Liu Jinchan nodded in agreement; on this return to Mount Zhongnan, he noticed that even leopards and wild beasts had grown larger and more agile than ever.】

【In the mountains and forests, trees were lush and emerald green, brimming with life—a true blessing of heaven and earth.】

【Among the four states and Yan territory, there are many tales of beasts becoming spirits: the "Jiao Dragon" of Yuetangjiang, the "Shan Jun" of Yue Mountain—the great serpent, the great tiger.】

【Liu Jinchan said: "Since the return of spiritual energy, this world can now nurture only eighteen Grand Masters."】

【This is the "two nines" number predicted by the Yin-Yang School—the heavenly decree. Unless one kills a Grand Master and seizes his fortune.】

【Behind these eighteen Grand Masters, hundreds of Masters watch hungrily, all seeking to replace them.】

【The White Horse Alliance among the four states is nearing its ten-year term; beneath the calm, currents churn—both the Jianghu and the court resemble the stillness before a storm.】

【The tide of Tianxia is like a taut brocade about to snap, waiting only for a single opportunity to plunge back into the chaos of war.】

【You stand silently beside them, listening with one ear, while your mind sinks into cultivation, silently striking at the final two Xuanguan within your body.】

【The path of cultivation is long and arduous; each step must be taken firmly to climb to the supreme realm.】

【You must apply yourself constantly—never slacken!】

【Lu Yu seemed uncertain: "I have a vague premonition—spiritual energy will not increase further within ten years. There seems to be an invisible barrier in heaven and earth, blocking further revival of spiritual energy."】

【Heaven and Earth Severed!】

【"If we truly cannot shatter this celestial constraint, spiritual energy may sink back into silence, as in the time of Master Peng Chuan."】

【A fleeting bloom, like morning dew!】

【Liu Jinchan sighed softly; the essence of the San Zhen Yi Jiao lies in cultivating both inner and outer heaven and earth, seeking the true self, awakening the great Dao.】

【In three thousand years, only Master Peng Chuan seemed to have achieved it.】

【At that moment!】

【You and Lu Yu turned toward the hall's entrance; soon, a knock came, a voice respectful: "Senior Brother, Master, your disciple begs an audience!"】

【Above the Grand Master realm, the five senses are dozens of times keener—you and Lu Yu had already sensed every rustle outside the hall.】

【Lu Yu grumbled: "Who is it?"】

【A muffled voice replied: "Disciple Feng Zhuoping seeks audience!"】

【"Old!"】

【As the words ended, a Daoist in training robes, of medium build, pushed the door open. His face was lean, his long hair disheveled, his eyes small, as if just waking from sleep, still clouded with drowsiness.】

【It was Feng Zhuoping!】

【He ranked sixth among the disciples of Mount Zhongnan, one of the orphans Lu Yu had taken in early on; his martial talent ranked second only to Yang Su, the fifth, yet he showed little interest in martial arts, instead favoring statecraft and governance.】

【You recognized his talent and nurtured him, assigning him to handle letters from Yan Wang Fu sent to Mount Zhongnan.】

【Feng Zhuoping is calm and cautious; though he always appears half-asleep, he handles affairs with rare error, leaving you thoroughly at ease.】

【Now, seeing his master Lu Yu and Liu Jinchan seated above, he bowed respectfully: "Feng Zhuoping bows to Senior Master!"】

【Liu Jinchan stroked his beard and smiled, eyes filled with approval. The Seven Disciples of Zhongnan are all extraordinary, each with a righteous heart, roaming the Jianghu to uphold justice and protect the weak—bringing great reputation to the San Zhen Yi Jiao.】

【Your three gazes settled on Feng Zhuoping, noticing his hesitant expression—he clearly had something urgent to say.】

【Lu Yu, impatient, urged: "Sixth, speak out! Why the hesitation?"】

【Feng Zhuoping flinched at his master's shout, his heels trembling, face tense.】

【Among the disciples of Mount Zhongnan, all feared their master; none dared defy him—even the most rebellious, fifth brother Yang Su, would only grit his teeth and say, "Master, just kill me then."】

【Feng Zhuoping quickly explained: "It's a letter from Yan Wang Fu, written in person by Dukes Dou Gu and Liu Wen. The matter within troubles me—I came to seek your guidance, Senior Brother."】

【You were puzzled—Feng Zhuoping had been granted great authority; he rarely needed to consult you.】

【He continued: "The letter mentions the Yan territory grand ceremony next month, which will also host students from the four states as they tour Yan territory, ultimately arriving at Mount Zhongnan. Duke Dou suggests merging the reception of the four-state students with the grand ceremony, and holding it here on Mount Zhongnan."】

【"Do two things at once!"】

【You pondered: the four-state students' tour ending at Mount Zhongnan had long been planned.】

【Though you never attended the annual ceremony yourself, it had always been overseen by Dou Gu, Feng Haiping, and others; this year, their choice of Mount Zhongnan as the venue seems deliberate.】

【Feng Zhuoping cautiously raised his eyes to his senior brother, voice even more careful: "During this ceremony, Yan will hold a Heaven-adoring rite, requiring your presence—and afterward, it will formally declare independence as the state of Yan. This is too great a matter—I dare not decide alone."】

【At these words!】

【Inside the grand hall of Mount Zhongnan, beneath the ancestral portraits of the San Zhen Jiao, silence fell lightly.】

【Liu Jinchan gently set down his teacup, eyes flickering with deep thought; though the topic of Yan's independence had lain dormant for years, its revival today was no accident.】

【For ten years, calls for Yan's independence had been heard, yet you remained silent, offering no clear response.】

【Now, the White Horse Alliance's term ends—where will Tianxia's tide turn? Yan is independent of Da Qing, yet Da Qing still sees Yan as merely the northern lands.】

【Yan's army is strong, its preparations long complete—the moment for establishing the state of Yan has arrived.】

【Only with legitimacy can one speak with authority.】

【By Heaven's Mandate, by the people's will, proclaim to heaven and earth, the founding of Great Yan!】

【Liu Jinchan has traveled Yan territory; though this disciple never leaves Mount Zhongnan, the hearts of Yan's people and army have long been here for over twenty years.】

【The people of Yan have longed for the Shaobao to become emperor.】

【Liu Jinchan's heart warmed slightly; the first disciple of the San Zhen Jiao to become a founding monarch—unprecedented, and likely never seen again.】

【Feng Zhuoping, usually drowsy and half-asleep, now stood utterly alert, eyes sharp, guarding this matter of Yan's and the San Zhen Jiao's very survival with utmost caution.】

【Those present—three or two!】

【Feng Zhuoping's heart stirred with excitement—he loved this feeling: one decision could shift the tide of Tianxia.】

【Only by personally participating could one live meaningfully; martial arts had never been his pursuit.】

【Lu Yu smiled at you.】

【You pondered briefly, then… you decided!】

1. Agree to this. (Hint: This may bring complications, but possible rewards.)

2. Agree to this, and change the ceremony's location. (Hint: This may bring rewards.)

3. Disagree with this. (Hint: Trouble will follow.)

4. Neither agree nor refuse. (Hint: This choice has little significance!)

5. Participate personally. (2/3)

The pale blue screen above the great tripod slowed and ceased its flow.

Yu Ke stared at the five options, thinking—each choice appeared only when matters were critical, never to be decided lightly.

Fortunately, since the last simulation ten years ago, the options on the tripod now carried hints.

After this choice, Lu Chen's life would ascend to a new level.

"Found Great Yan, ascend the throne as emperor!"

First, eliminate option 5: participating personally—meaningless.

Of the first four options:

Option 4, neither agree nor refuse—the hint suggests it has no effect, meaning it's pointless.

Eliminate it!

Of the remaining three, option 3—disagree—comes with a warning of trouble.

Eliminate it!

Now only the first two remain; one brings complications, the other does not.

Yu Ke made no hesitation—he chose directly.

1. Agree to this. (Hint: This may bring complications, but possible rewards.)

With your choice, the simulation continued.

【You gazed at the three expectant faces, and finally uttered a single word.】

【"Good."】

【At these words, Feng Zhuoping's face lit up; Liu Jinchan calmly lifted his teacup again.】

【You instructed Feng Zhuoping to reply to Yan Wang Fu: relocate the ceremony to Yujing Mountain in Yanjing.】

【The ceremony is set for one and a half months hence; Lu Yu also decided to lead his seven disciples there.】

【Before long, noon arrived; you did not linger in the hall, turning back to the Living Dead Tomb to resume your cultivation.】

【Feng Zhuoping hurriedly departed as well!】

【Lu Yu prepared to enter seclusion to cultivate the Lian Tian Shou, and in one and a half months, he would accompany you to Yanjing—he was not only excited, having not traveled with his elder brother in many years.】

【Master Liu Jinchan began gathering disciples to consolidate the sect's foundation on Mount Zhongnan.】

【One day later!】

【As Feng Zhuoping's letter was rushed out on galloping horses, one urgent missive after another, one pigeon after another, took flight from Mount Zhongnan, piercing the clouds to carry this news back to the deep palace compound of Yan Wang Fu, the seat of military and civil governance for Yan Province.】

【As the crowd eagerly opened the letter from Mount Zhongnan and saw its few brief characters, their faces lit up with joy; instantly, Yan Wang Fu was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations.】

【Within just three days, the entire Yanjing erupted in uproar; the news spread like wildfire, sweeping through every prefecture, county, and district of Yan Province.】

【On the fifth day, the news thundered across the land; within the four seas, none remained unaware, none failed to speak of it.】

【On the sixteenth of next month, Lu Chen will proclaim heaven and earth as witnesses and establish the Yan Kingdom as an empire.】

【Instantly, the world trembled!】

【You immerse yourself in cultivation, as if all outside matters have nothing to do with you.】

【You rise at dawn to climb the mountain, and at night you practice stance and qi circulation—ten years have passed like this, day after day, and you have never felt the slightest boredom.】

【Even as a child, you were like this: training your body in a small courtyard, practicing stances beneath a great tree.】

【Even in the military camp, no matter how busy you were, you would rise at night to cultivate.】

【You have shed countless drops of sweat, welcomed countless dawns and evening stars!】

【Those with resolve succeed; those who endure hardship are never forsaken by heaven.】

【At night, the starry sky was painted with brilliance.】

【But to you, it was different: the qi of the northern lands formed another silver river—visible only to you.】

【At night, you sensed that the vermilion qi over Yan Province poured like the Milky Way, more vigorous than ever, nearly doubled from just days ago.】

【You seized this moment to push through the final two dantian orifices of your inner cosmos.】

【On the second night, you stood atop the stone cliff of Mount Zhongnan, all nine orifices fully open.】

【You entered the Primordial Realm.】

……

……

Mount Zhongnan.

On a steep, vertical cliff.

The great moon hung in the sky like a jade plate, pouring down countless threads of silver light.

On the cliff stood a Daoist clad in black, his face smiling.

He opened his arms naturally, gazing upward at the moon, then toppled backward from the very peak as if he had slipped and fallen.

The wind roared past his ears, his robes flaring wildly!

His body plummeted at great speed.

Yet strangely!

White qi swirled around his feet, and faint crimson light glowed in his hands.

Just as he was about to crash down—

He did not plunge into the pool as expected; instead, at the moment of impact, he floated down as lightly as a feather.

Finally, he stood steadily upon the rippling water, his toes barely touching the surface, stirring delicate ripples.

The Daoist looked down at his reflection: in the water lay a bright moon, and a middle-aged Daoist with clear, bright eyes.

He smiled faintly; the man in the water smiled back.

The Daoist whispered to himself:

"I have entered the Primordial Realm!"

Alas, no one answered around him!

The Daoist no longer seemed young.

Only the cold moon and warm sun continued to wear away his life.

(End of Chapter)