Chapter 462: Wu Gong Legend

Broke through?!

The Whale Fisher's gaze fixed on Li Guanyi, his thoughts momentarily stalling.

Eighteen years old? A Wu Gong legend?

Carefully sensing it, this boy's current aura of Wu Gong legend is balanced and harmonious, imbued with vastness, utterly distinct from the blazing, merciless slaughter-energy of Yu Langwang, Chen Fubì.

Without disturbing Yu Langwang Chen Fubì's vitality, he can still manifest the aura of Wu Gong legend? This boy…

The Whale Fisher's lips twitched; suddenly, he understood the gaze those elder martial artists had once fixed upon him when he roamed the Jianghu—the expression as if his entire worldview had been crushed beneath a wheel.

He had once thought they were merely jealous of him, that those were the helpless stares of outdated elders, defeated by his rise, and he had dismissed such emotions with contempt.

Now the boomerang had struck him, and only now did he truly feel it—beginning to feel intensely displeased.

He might soon become the former youngest Wu Gong legend.

Displeased. Extremely displeased.

He couldn't strike him—not even a little hard. The Whale Fisher didn't want to suppress his emotions until they broke him. After long contemplation, he decided to simply clap the boy on the shoulder, letting him feel the direct, old-school Jianghu greeting.

Just as the Bai Mao's displeased gaze fell upon Li Guanyi.

While scanning for the right angle to strike.

The Whale Fisher suddenly felt a quiet gaze settle upon him.

Hm?!!!

The Whale Fisher froze, turning his head slowly, and saw the silver-haired girl at the stall—her silver hair, hands clasped around a pastry, expressionless, quietly watching this side.

Staring…

The silver-haired Whale Fisher's lips twitched.

The old father's hand, raised to strike Li Guanyi on the shoulder, froze. Face unchanged, he gently placed it on Li Guanyi's shoulder, as if sincerely saying: "Well done!"

The silver-haired girl brought the pastry to her lips.

Chew. Chew.

A slight nod.

The Whale Fisher: "…………"

The old father gritted his teeth, powerless.

Elder Murong watched Li Guanyi with gentle warmth and quiet expectation. Li Guanyi pondered long, sensing the specific changes within the Nine Provinces Cauldron, and replied: "I broke through."

The Whale Fisher's heart lurched.

He felt his old father's authority slipping away.

Li Guanyi added: "But I haven't reached Wu Gong legend yet—only… I've slightly sensed the path ahead. Before, I didn't know where to go; now, it's become a little clearer."

"I think I've understood many things."

"And I know what I must do."

Knowing the direction of the path, seeing through the obscurity—nothing greater could a traveler gain.

The divine essence of the Nine Provinces Cauldron had split into two possibilities.

One: gather all forces, unify the world, concentrate the fate of ten thousand souls into one body—the manifestation of the Nine Provinces Cauldron's state power. The other: the flourishing of human Dao—a far harder path.

Li Guanyi faintly sensed that perhaps the path to unifying the world was merely the infinite grandeur of the ninth heaven's peak. Since ancient times, Wang Hou and generals have never been scarce; heroes, warlords, and bold champions—has any era in this chaotic world lacked them?

Like Chen Dingye, countless such figures fill the annals; those whose bold spirit rivals Jiang Wanxiang are certainly not absent. The Red Emperor and the warlord battled for dominion, unified the Central Plains, secured eight hundred years of imperial lineage—but still halted at the ninth heaven.

Emperors and generals—all fleeting clouds.

On this peak of mountains, above the myriad forms of Shanhe, take one more step forward.

That is legend.

Elder Murong felt no surprise, only gentle joy—he clapped his hands and laughed: "Hahahaha, good, good! The path of Wu Gong legend can only be realized by oneself. To take this step is to possess something truly your own."

"No matter how much we tell you, how detailed our explanations, they are merely our feelings—ultimately, they are ours, not yours."

"A layer apart—seemingly as thin as mist, yet as vast as heaven and earth, impossible to cross."

"You have realized this."

"Excellent! Excellent!"

Li Guanyi slightly clenched his fist. The Master Jiankuang Elder Murong laughed loudly several times, then, as if by accident, his hand loosened the wooden bucket he had been holding—used to store his catch.

In this moment of exuberant laughter, his grip slipped.

The bucket of fish crashed directly onto the Whale Fisher's bucket. The timing, the flow of qi—it was perfectly exquisite. The Whale Fisher, stunned by Li Guanyi's breakthrough, failed to react in time.

By the time he realized it, it was too late—the two buckets toppled.

Water spilled out, flooding the ground.

The fish inside mixed together, indistinguishable—no one could tell which fish belonged to whom.

The Master Jiankuang Elder Murong's face remained unchanged; he stroked his beard and smiled:

"Ah, old, old."

"Hearing the news of Guanyi's breakthrough, I was so overjoyed I couldn't hold onto my bucket—now my fish and this Yan Xuanji's fish are all mixed together, can't tell who caught more."

The Whale Fisher stared blankly, then erupted in fury: "You old bastard—you did that on purpose!!!"

"We agreed: no Wu Gong, no Yuan Shen manifestations!"

"I clearly won this time!"

The Whale Fisher nearly wanted to grab the old sword madman's collar with a fist.

If only he could beat him!

The Master Jiankuang Elder Murong said: "Huh? You caught more than me?"

"Who knows? Who saw?"

"Clearly, I won!"

The Array Chief, the Whale Fisher: "You!!!"

The silver-haired man's face visibly flushed.

Sometimes, a woman's blush speaks louder than ten thousand words.

A man's flush is no different.

The Whale Fisher's temples throbbed with veins, yet he had no way to deal with this old man who cheated at fishing—legend said the Master Jiankuang was proud and haughty, but this carefree elder fished, played chess, and listened to idle chatter.

Nothing like the Master Jiankuang of legend, a star of heavenly doom, whose every step brought rivers of blood.

The silver-haired Whale Fisher and the Master Jiankuang began blaming and shifting fault onto each other.

But Li Guanyi looked at the fish on the ground—none larger than the length of his palm, two fingers wide, lying in the small ditch of East Market, opening their mouths to release tiny bubbles, eyes rolling upward with a strange gleam.

Li Guanyi's mouth twitched.

This? Only three or four small and large fish.

Was it even worth arguing over?

He only then realized the Whale Fisher never returned empty-handed because he had layered arrays woven directly onto his fishing rod—using the array system to forcibly hang each fish on the hook.

The Master Jiankuang merely waved his hand, and the dangling line became a sharp blade.

It could pierce straight through the fish's body.

In truth, it was no different from Master Siming stuffing the Black Tortoise Manifestation into the water and pretending it was a real turtle to lure fish onto the hook—right then, the old man and the Whale Fisher began quarreling, even preparing to use arrays and sword qi to reveal the truth.

Along the road passed an ordinary Xue Shen.

"What are you doing?"

The Xue Shen wore a long robe, a wide-brimmed hat, and a mask over his face.

On his shoulder rested a bamboo pole; in his hand he carried a wooden bucket.

The bucket was full of fish.

Their tails no longer splashed much water.

Elder Murong: "…………"

The Whale Fisher: "…………"

The Xue Shen boisterously said: "Ah, it's been too long since I fished! Today I suddenly felt the urge, so I caught a few. You two are…"

The Xue Shen's gaze fell upon the flopping fish on the ground.

A faint, subtle curve tugged at his lips, then he said:

"Oh?"

That "oh" carried three parts scorn, three parts realization, three parts comfort—like a palette of colors.

His tone rose and fell several times.

He seemed to say nothing.

He seemed to say everything.

The Master Jiankuang and the Whale Fisher's anger refocused onto the Xue Shen.

Though he'd spoken only one word.

Li Guanyi's mouth twitched, thinking that if the Xue Shen wished to apply his talent, he might well ascend to the realm of martial legend through 【provoking others' emotions】.

In this regard, this elder was simply too strong.

The three began a chaotic debate over who was the greatest fisher.

The passing Master Siming was dragged into the fray.

It became a dispute among the four highest-ranking elders of the Fire Qilin Army.

At that moment, Nangong Wumeng arrived with fruit beside the silver-haired girl, puzzled: "Why are you all arguing here? Huh? What's with these fish on the ground?"

She saw the fish on the ground, bent down, and picked one up.

Perhaps the fish had struggled so long that, with one final burst of strength, it leapt upward—and landed in the river beside East Market's road. Nangong Wumeng cried "Ah!" and grabbed the line—the fish still had the hook in its mouth, and she seized the fishing line.

The fish fell into the river, but was immediately bitten by a much larger fish.

Nangong Wumeng pulled—could not move it.

She pulled again, with all her strength.

Splash!!!

The sound of the water breaking was loud enough to make the four quarreling elders instinctively turn—the woman stood there, face innocent, one hand gripping the line, pulling out a massive fish.

Half a person's size, its scales golden, its whiskers long.

A fish like a dragon, entirely golden.

The surrounding townsfolk froze, then suddenly surged forward in a rush—only then did they realize Nangong Wumeng had pulled up the Water Dragon King from legend of the Eighteen Southern Provinces.

Applause, admiration, excited murmurs swelled together.

The Master Jiankuang, the Array Chief, the Shen, and Master Siming fell silent.

"Ah, it doesn't really matter who won or lost."

"Yes, yes."

"Indeed."

The atmosphere among the four elders suddenly calmed.

Nangong Wumeng ended the contest.

………………

The Water Dragon King, the great brocade carp, was returned to the river, flicked its tail, released two bubbles, then vanished into the river's depths. The crowd returned home with the fish the Xue Shen had caught.

Some cleaned the fish, some cooked—Li Guanyi revealed his current state, aligning himself with the Nine Provinces Cauldron; in this state, he was no longer merely passively wielding the Cauldron's power as before.

The Nine Provinces Cauldron finally began to faintly resonate with him.

It can truly mobilize the power of the Nine Tripods to empower oneself.

This aura of martial legend is utterly different from the Wolf King's, carrying a vast, majestic quality, yet subtly, due to its nature as a 【Sacrificial Vessel】, it is not suited for offensive slaughter.

The Whale Fisher set up the formation, Li Guanyi demonstrated his Wu Gong, and the Master Jiankuang judged its level.

Master Siming and the Old Tortoise were both stunned.

Li Guanyi's overall abilities have subtly risen since he first broke through the Ninth Heaven's peak—his path of martial legend differs from the others' styles—its empowerment is extremely simple and unadorned.

Li Guanyi's strength, speed, stamina, endurance, and other qualities have all risen proportionally.

This crude but highly effective approach.

It made Murong Longtu and the Whale Fisher wonder if Li Guanyi had grown too close to the Ancient Crimson Dragon and been "corrupted."

Master Siming grinned: "So, is it really?"

The Master Jiankuang nodded slightly.

Master Siming drew a sharp breath.

He has preliminarily comprehended his own path, and this path directly leads to martial legend—already giving birth to a trace of his own martial legend aura.

Martial legend is an existence beyond the Ninth Heaven, completely transcending the normal martial cultivation system, a realm beyond the ultimate.

Since ancient times, humans have modeled themselves after heaven and earth, auspicious beasts, forging paths of cultivation; over thousands of years, anyone who entered the Seventh Heaven could use their spirit to stir the primordial qi of heaven and earth, strengthen their will, and condense it into a Dharma Form.

With every gesture, they wielded unimaginable power—splitting mountains, cracking seas, capable of rivaling auspicious beasts.

From then on, martial world cultivators could be called a Yipai Master, founding sects, gathering disciples widely, like Ximen Hengrong of the Motian Sect.

Battlefield generals could ascend to the top thirty of the Divine General List, raising spears and charging forward, leading thousands of troops, galloping across battlefields, storming cities and fortresses, wiping out enemy nations, like the many fierce generals of the Taiping Army.

Establishing achievements in their era, leaving names etched in history.

Above the Master, one continues to cultivate—shortly over a decade, or as long as sixty years—striving diligently, refining primordial qi until it becomes purest and thickest, then one may step into the Ninth Heaven, integrating and mastering martial arts to such a degree that one stands supreme in the age, worthy of being called a Grand Master.

Even a top-tier general like General Yue Qianfeng might never dare claim he could reach the Ninth Heaven in his lifetime.

Throughout history, countless geniuses, fierce generals, martial world Masters.

Some awakened the Dao amid mountains and rivers, others fought for survival on battlefields, persisting step by step—over these many years, countless talents emerged, yet only a handful ever reached the realm of martial legend.

Most spent their entire lives, their obsessions fierce, gaining only a sliver of chance to break through the barrier and earn the fame of martial legend—the youngest among them, the Whale Fisher, didn't even approach this realm until after his thirties.

He followed the path of formation arts, which prized talent and genius above all.

Li Guanyi follows the straightforward path of cultivation and military slaughter. Master Siming, thinking of the boy's age and power, felt his head buzz—but then recalling Li Guanyi's years of trials and battles, he found it strangely reasonable.

After a long pause, Master Siming asked: "Can he beat Jiang Su?"

Li Guanyi, the Whale Fisher, the Master Jiankuang, and Xue Shen all shook their heads: "No."

Master Siming sighed in regret.

Li Guanyi clenched his fist; the Jiu Li Divine Weapon's metal shifted and flowed—Li Guanyi said: "But if I returned to a few months ago, facing Jiang Su, I wouldn't have had to fight so desperately."

"At least now, with several times—or even ten times—the enemy's numbers, I have the standing to face Jiang Su, to stand before him without risking my life."

To some extent, this is already extraordinarily difficult.

Murong Longtu smiled warmly: "Take your time, take your time. At your age, with this level of Wu Gong and realm, you're the only one in the world. If you'd met Jiang Su at the same age, he wouldn't have stood a chance against you."

Murong Qiushui's voice came: "The meal is ready."

Murong Longtu tossed down the branch in his hand and laughed: "Come on, your auntie's calling—wait any longer and she'll nag us again. Honestly, she never used to be so talkative when you were little."

Murong Qiushui said: "Grandpa, what did you just say?!"

The Old Master Jiankuang's face didn't change: "I said, Guanyi, stop dawdling—look, your auntie's calling!"

Li Guanyi froze. The Old Master Jiankuang burst into laughter. Murong Qiushui pretended to be annoyed but laughed too. Master Siming had already claimed the best seat. Nangong Wumeng sidled over, face calm, logic weak but confidence booming, and sat down.

The silver-haired girl cleared the dishes.

Today's meal was simple—no luxuries, just Murong Longtu and the Whale Fisher discussing Li Guanyi's Wu Gong, laughing heartily, drinking several cups, declaring it thoroughly satisfying.

For the elderly, this life now held no regrets.

Li Guanyi watched the old man laugh freely, jest, rage, and act as he pleased—Murong Longtu was finally no longer bound by the title "Master Jiankuang." He could do what he truly wished.

The old man's aura remained robust and enduring.

But Li Guanyi knew this was only because the elder had reached martial legend—his essence, spirit, and qi condensed to the extreme, sharp as a blade—until his life force faded and death came, he would remain at his peak.

In his final battle, Murong Longtu left behind a single sword aura, exchanging it for three years of life.

The martial world's finale, its last stand, was in the autumn of Tianqi Year 11.

Now, Tianqi Year 14 is nearly here.

This free-spirited old man, who is now Murong Longtu and not the Master Jiankuang, has entered the final countdown of his life—less than a year remains. Li Guanyi drank, his eyes dark, recalling how he had used the fusion of three of the Nine Tripods.

His soul wandered the four corners, reaching the far north, fighting the Turkic Khan, encountering the auspicious beast of the northern lands, discovering the life-extending Gu insect, and leaving a mark.

The Jiu Li Divine Weapon's metal has already been forged with the divine might of human destiny.

But to truly complete its forging.

To elevate it from a 【Divine Weapon Prototype】 to a 【Master Divine Weapon】.

Currently, the Prototype can weaken attacks from a general like Yuwen Lie. If one day it is completed, its power should increase dramatically—but forging this Divine Weapon requires a place rich in fire primordial energy.

Flame Mountain is already used by the Fire Qilin.

Now, across the world, only the 【Five Lotus Volcanoes】 in the north meet the requirement.

"Saibei…"

Li Guanyi whispered inwardly, watching the old great-grandfather laugh easily. Murong Longtu noticed Li Guanyi, smiled and nodded, then chatted freely with the Formation Master and the others. The Master Jiankuang had lived a lonely life, but in old age, he had a few friends who didn't care for his title.

Li Guanyi made his decision.

After settling the matters at hand, he would likely have to journey to Saibei.

He could depart from the Western Regions.

Retrieve the life-extending Gu, meet the auspicious beast, forge the Divine Weapon.

However, these matters are not simple.

Perhaps we will even encounter the Turkic Khan Wang Zhi.

Li Guanyi fell silent, recalling the Turkic Khan Wang Zhi, who made no effort to conceal his desires or his intentions toward the Central Plains, and remembered their previous brief but perilous clash—when he had slain the Thirteenth Khan.

But during that confrontation with the Turkic Khan Wang Zhi, he had been at a disadvantage.

Back then, his composure came from the aid of the Ancient Crimson Dragon.

Next time, there would be no such assistance.

Yet now, Li Guanyi had broken through again, truly finding direction and path, having mastered the aura of the legendary martial Dao, while the Nine Tripods subtly transformed, and the Jiuli divine weapon Jin Tie underwent refinement through the flow of human destiny during the casting of the tripod and the enfeoffment of kings.

In a short time, Li Guanyi's strength had subtly shifted again.

Yet no one knew who would prevail if he met the Turkic Khan Wang Zhi again.

Li Guanyi wondered if he could stabilize himself further.

It would be best to cultivate further before journeying to the Turkic steppes, to solidify his current state and Body's Realm; if possible, to bring about another change or breakthrough in his own realm would be ideal.

Even Li Guanyi himself found this absurd.

"But how could that be possible?"

………………

The world underwent change; the states ceased warfare, the people rested and recovered their strength, and among all major events, the most critical was the Qin Wang's enfeoffment ceremony—Qin Wang discarded ritual, swore three oaths, and sacrificed to heaven, earth, and all living beings, striking awe across the four directions.

Countless millions across ten thousand li of land, a million armored soldiers sang in unison the Qin Wang Breaks the Formation Song; their voice surged to the heavens, shaking Shanhe, radiating an aura of peerless dominance.

Yet at this moment, there was another crucial place in the world.

That place was Xiyicheng.

This city was established in Jiang Wanxiang's youth, alongside Gao Xiang, as a branch of the Central Plains extending into the Western Regions; its terrain was of extreme strategic importance—northward lay the Turkic steppes, westward lay the Western Regions occupied by Qin Wang.

Southward it neared Chen State, eastward it bordered Ying State.

It was, without doubt, the most peculiar terrain of the age—a nexus of four borders, a military chokepoint, the focal point of contention among the states—and yet, within the Duke's mansion, a transformation of immense consequence to the world's fate now unfolded.

Duke Li sat upon the upper seat.

Li Zhao Wen, clad in armor and battle robe, stepped forward with clasped hands and said:

"I beg my lord father to abdicate!"

?? Control your schedule, control your schedule, good night everyone~