Chapter 46

Deep night.

Dou Changsheng exhaled a white breath.

The white breath resembled a white ribbon, lingering without dissipating.

After swallowing another dose of Qingyang Spring, Dou Changsheng, after days of arduous cultivation, completed a transformation of his primordial internal qi.

This meant one of the Five Qi had been accomplished.

This transformation allowed Dou Changsheng to clearly feel that his primordial internal qi had become purer; ten strands of primordial internal qi could now shatter fifteen strands of his former qi—this was true transformation. After five such transformations, there would be a fundamental leap, clearly demonstrating the strength of primordial true qi.

Of course, this was not a normal case, but the powerful effect brought by the supreme art, The Three Yuan Returning Qi Scripture.

The Five Qi Sealing also replenished once more, and he had now learned the Thirteen Swords of Geng Metal; his realm had not changed much, but his combat power had risen significantly.

Especially the secret technique taught by Grand General Yu Yun.

The Ten Thousand Army Formation.

At first glance, this secret technique appeared extremely simple and easy to understand.

But only when Dou Changsheng truly immersed himself and began to deeply contemplate it could he perceive the technique’s true power.

More means strength; strength means overwhelming momentum; overwhelming momentum means great force; and with force overpowering others, one is invincible everywhere.

What a plain and unadorned truth.

Yet to achieve this is exceedingly difficult.

Dou Changsheng had swallowed a thousand-year Earth Pearl, his internal qi abundant, perfectly matching the requirements of the Ten Thousand Army Formation.

But the hardest part of this secret technique lies in its ability to enhance swordplay, fist techniques, palm techniques, and more.

The most valuable aspect is how it forcibly amplifies the power of sword techniques.

In game terms, power +2!

He practiced the Thirteen Swords of Geng Metal, primarily mastering the basic sword stances and qi circulation methods.

As the sky grew late, Dou Changsheng went to rest. The next morning, after washing and grooming, Wang Tianhe tossed him a bundle and said, “Inside are several sets of spare clothes, your calligraphy and painting, and some travel expenses.”

“Most importantly, there is a magic treasure inside.”

“Called the Earth-Submerging Talisman.”

“It can instantly transport you a hundred li, ignoring sand, stone, soil, and vegetation.”

“But remember, this talisman cannot be used near water—near rivers, lakes, or streams, its effect plummets drastically.”

“Also, do not use it directly within battle formations, forbidden arrays, or magical circles; tear open a gap first, then activate it—that yields the best effect.”

“This Earth-Submerging Talisman is a consumable, usable only once. Do not use it unless absolutely desperate.”

“Though its rank as a magic treasure is not low, it is not omnipotent—do not rely on it to guarantee your survival.”

“Most crucially, do not go.”

The word “adventure,” Wang Tianhe swallowed down.

The path of courage is destined to walk hand in hand with danger.

He waved his hand, no longer intending to keep Dou Changsheng.

Dou Changsheng slung the bundle over his back and carefully stored the Earth-Submerging Talisman against his body.

The talisman was about the size of a palm, drawn with cinnabar in wavy lines—Dou Changsheng could not understand its markings, yet the spiritual essence within made it clear this object was invaluable.

Dou Changsheng bowed to Wang Tianhe, then turned and left, setting out directly for the North City Gate.

The capital was the gathering place of the world's turbulent forces.

Here, martial artists were numerous, and masters abounded.

But it was not his place to wield his strength.

Standing outside the North City Gate, he gazed at the majestic city.

This visit had been swift, and departure swift as well.

But next time he returned, it would be to contend with the heroes of the world.

Now, Dou Changsheng had self-awareness—he still lacked the refinement to match the heroes of this age.

Lin Daoqi, Chen Weiquan, the Ten Outstanding of the Capital—all were hollow titles. The true sons of heaven, the young heroes, all resided on the Ren List.

Not the eighty or seventy, nor the fifty or forty, but the top twenty, even the top ten geniuses.

After standing at the North City Gate for about half an hour, a line of carriages rolled out.

The massive convoy blocked the gate entirely, causing congestion; soldiers with long spears rushed to maintain order as countless carriages streamed out of the city.

Dou Changsheng could clearly see that each carriage was loaded with vast quantities of goods.

His eyes narrowed. After being deposed, the young emperor’s treatment was still decent—at least he could take so much treasure back to his fief.

Each item, though concealed, could be imagined to be worth a fortune.

Had he not known the young emperor was Yu Yun’s weakness and that the Empress would not kill him, Dou Changsheng truly believed this was the Empress’s scheme to use others’ hands—to have rogue masters of the demonic sects ambush and plunder the convoy.

As Dou Changsheng watched, a man hurried over, bowed to him, and said slowly, “Hero Dou.”

“I am Ma Liren, chief steward of the Northern Yang Prince’s mansion.”

“Grand General has arranged everything—this time, you are tasked with protecting the Northern Yang Prince on his return to his fief.”

“The convoy consists of one hundred and eight carriages, two hundred servants, and five hundred guards.”

The man wiped his sweat and continued, “This is already after the Prince streamlined everything—only essentials are taken, and all servants are veterans.”

“The guards are five hundred men specially drawn from the Capital Patrol Camp.”

Poverty limited imagination: even a deposed emperor, despite repeated cuts to his privileges, still enjoyed such splendor—imagine the spectacle if the Emperor himself traveled.

Ten times larger? No—at least a hundred times larger.

Dou Changsheng was led to the center of the convoy, where a luxurious carriage was surrounded by others.

Five fine steeds pulled the carriage, which had four wheels and resembled a house.

Golden banners hung from it, fluttering continuously.

Especially the lowered curtains, adorned with one ornament after another—pearls, jade, agate—glinting with radiant splendor under the sunlight.

Ma Liren sighed, “This was the Prince’s childhood toy—the worst of all his possessions.”

“Now it’s barely good enough to use.”

Dou Changsheng looked at Ma Liren and asked gravely, “Who among the elder masters currently stands guard at the Northern Yang Mansion?”

“Who has the court and the Grand General assigned to accompany him?”

This journey lacked any divine-tier master—no, not even a Dibang master—Dou’s heart felt uneasy.

Because Dou Changsheng knew his own luck—it was certain someone would lie in wait to ambush them.

Ma Liren shook his head, “The Northern Yang Prince’s hired experts have all fled—some entered the Chancellor’s mansion, others submitted to the Empress.”

“Even Fire Cloud True Person has joined the Oddities Bureau as a patron, drawing imperial salary.”

“Now, the Northern Yang Mansion has only me, the chief steward, and one Divine Ability master.”

“His duty is to monitor the Northern Yang Prince, ensuring he lives out his days in peace.”

Ma Liren made no attempt to conceal his true purpose—he revealed himself as the Empress’s man.

After speaking, Ma Liren lowered his head slightly, hesitated, then whispered, “There is one more.”

“The former Imperial Consort, now the Northern Yang Prince’s Princess.”

“Chen Taizhen.”