Chapter 272: Song Bing

Inside the Danxia Palace, when Ji Bang stepped out from the back hall, his entire demeanor had shed its gloom, now brimming with vitality and a faint air of boldness.

It wasn't that forming the Yuan Spirit and extending his lifespan had instantly transformed him this way.

After his Divine Soul broke through to the fifth rank and formed the Yuan Spirit, Ji Bang's condition indeed changed.

But this was a gradual, subtle transformation, especially since Ji Bang still had at least twenty to thirty years of life left.

Unlike Peng Lao, whose remaining lifespan was less than ten years.

Ji Bang's change was mostly psychological.

In earlier years, Ji Bang had repeatedly failed to break through, seeing no hope of reaching the seventh rank; though he still had twenty to thirty years left, in spirit he was like a fifty- or sixty-year-old man from Xu Jin's past life, already planning for his afterlife.

Especially as the patriarch of the prominent Ji Clan of Wan Yi.

He had begun transferring to his third son the matters of succession, the cultivation of younger generations, family relationships and obligations, and all channels of influence.

He chose his third son not only because Ji Heng had broken through to the seventh rank, nor merely because Ji Heng was filial, but because Ji Heng's son and daughter both possessed exceptional cultivation talent, ensuring the Ji Clan's stable transition for the next two hundred years.

In such ways, Ji Bang had already begun arranging his affairs after death.

Twenty or thirty years—long as it may seem, it passes quickly.

But now, everything was different.

His Divine Soul breaking through to form the Yuan Spirit granted him an additional one hundred and twenty years.

Though this one hundred and twenty years was idealistic, at least an extra century was certain.

A hundred years was still a long time.

With a hundred years added, Ji Bang might even have a chance to break through again.

Thus, in that instant of forming the Yuan Spirit, Ji Bang felt reborn, as if returned to youth.

Many plans, strategies, methods—he could now pursue them, for he had ample time.

It felt like a man who had been waiting to die, suddenly no longer needing to wait.

His mindset changed drastically.

So in that single moment, Ji Bang became radiant and confident.

From afar, Ji Bang and his newly formed Yuan Spirit bowed to Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, "Grand Master, you know me—I won't waste words with thanks. Let future deeds speak."

"No need, no need—we both benefited from Xu Jin."

"Grand Master, rest assured—I understand your meaning. Should you ever intend for Xu Jin to inherit your position, the Ji Clan will fully support him." Ji Bang immediately gave his pledge.

At Ji Bang's level, he understood that Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had pointed to Xu Jin twice in succession.

It was no longer merely bestowing favors upon Xu Jin.

It was paving the way for him.

That meant Xu Jin was very likely to become the next Grand Master.

Cheng Yuexiao said nothing in opposition, only smiling and returning the bow.

"Grand Master, I've just broken through—I still need to consolidate my insights, so if you'll excuse me—"

"Wait."

As Ji Bang was about to leave, Cheng Yuexiao suddenly stopped him. "Ji Shu, after you return, focus deeply on Earth Star Patterns. I recall you once studied Earth Star Patterns extensively, didn't you?"

Hearing this, Ji Bang smiled wryly and nodded. "Indeed, I've studied them extensively—I still am. But the probability of breaking through to the seventh rank using seventh-rank-or-lower Earth Source Star Patterns is extremely low. Still, it's my last hope.

My original plan was to wait another ten years, until my lifespan was nearly spent, then make one final push to break through to the seventh rank and extend my life.

But after years of research, I feel I have less than a half-percent chance of breaking through using only seventh-rank-or-lower Earth Source Star Patterns."

"No matter. Keep studying, but don't attempt a breakthrough yet. In time, you'll be rewarded with a surprise." Cheng Yuexiao said.

"A surprise?" Ji Bang was puzzled.

"It will come through Xu Jin." Cheng Yuexiao said.

Ji Bang's expression instantly shifted to shock and suspicion.

Did the Grand Master mean there were higher-rank Star Patterns—but they would come through Xu Jin?

What did that mean?

Could Xu Jin obtain higher-rank Earth Source Star Patterns?

How could that be possible!

Even Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao couldn't obtain them.

But one method might.

Suddenly, Ji Bang's face lit up with astonishment. "Grand Master—is this true?"

"True!"

"Then—is that matter also destined for Xu Jin?"

Cheng Yuexiao knew exactly what Ji Bang meant. He gave a slight nod. "Indeed."

In the next instant, Ji Bang stamped his foot in agitation. "Grand Master, why tell me this? You shouldn't have told me—you should've kept it secret as long as possible!"

"I trust your character," Cheng Yuexiao smiled.

"But—"

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's words filled Ji Bang with both joy and worry.

At his level, he knew how immense the implications were.

Not to mention anything else—just the fact that it could enable his own breakthrough would cause enormous ripples.

In the end, the number of seventh-rank experts added to Chen Guo wouldn't be just one or two.

"Ah, fine! Then I'll have to strive hard to break through—I can't afford to lose face."

Ji Bang bowed and took his leave.

Previously, he had dared not study seventh-rank-or-lower Earth Source Star Patterns; now, he must devote himself utterly to them.

Once he obtained higher-grade Earth Source Star Patterns, he must launch a full breakthrough.

Only then could he aid the Grand Master.

Watching Ji Bang's retreating figure, Cheng Yuexiao sighed helplessly.

It wasn't that he wanted to hide it.

But Xu Jin's involvement had become impossible to conceal.

The heads of the Star Palaces weren't fools.

A slight analysis of the L Gong battle results would inevitably lead to the conclusion.

Since it couldn't be hidden, there was no need to hide it.

But preparations still needed to be made early.

Cheng Yuexiao advised Ji Bang this way to gain an additional ally.

If an extreme conflict erupted, one more seventh-rank expert meant one more advantage, one more bargaining chip.

After Ji Bang left, Cheng Yuexiao looked at the jade tablet Ji Bang had returned, a smile appearing on his face.

Previously, he had given Ji Bang two Star Jade Tablets containing Divine Soul energy—one with three-tenths remaining, the other with four-tenths, totaling seven-tenths.

Theoretically, seven-tenths should have been sufficient for Ji Bang's breakthrough.

If not, Cheng Yuexiao had prepared to immediately give him the third Star Jade Tablet.

But Ji Bang's breakthrough consumed less than Cheng Yuexiao had anticipated.

Of the total seven-tenths, only five and a half-tenths were used.

One and a half-tenths remained.

Added to the third tablet's remaining five and a half-tenths, there was still seven-tenths left.

Seven-tenths of residual energy equaled roughly the total Divine Soul energy of seventy-seven Dragon Turtle Soul-Forging Pills—enough to directly consume two pills in advance.

It should be sufficient for Meng Yanhui's breakthrough.

Cheng Yuexiao had originally planned to let Meng Yanhui break through after the L Gong battle, but considering Xu Jin's exposure was imminent and the Nine-Star Tide was approaching again, it was better for Meng Yanhui to break through sooner.

After all, it wouldn't be long.

He immediately summoned Meng Yanhui using the Star-Picking Token.

Just as he had done with Ji Bang, Cheng Yuexiao praised Meng Yanhui, ensuring he would owe Xu Jin a great debt.

"Grand Master, this debt is enormous," said Meng Yanhui, whose temples were now streaked with white hair, smiling wryly. "I have less than twenty years left—if I break through, I'll have to repay this debt with my remaining one hundred and twenty years."

"It's not that exaggerated. You know your own mind." Cheng Yuexiao said.

"Thank you, Grand Master. I'll go break through now."

Meng Yanhui took the two Star Jade Tablets and went straight to the back hall to break through.

Less than an hour later, Meng Yanhui's Divine Soul cultivation successfully advanced from the peak of fourth-rank ninth layer to fifth-rank early stage, forming the Yuan Spirit.

But Meng Yanhui never emerged from the back hall.

This surprised Cheng Yuexiao.

He cautiously extended his Divine Sense to observe—and his expression changed.

Then it turned to a wry smile.

His Divine Sense surged toward the sky, instantly detecting vast quantities of Fire Star Force converging toward the back hall of his Danxia Palace.

Meng Yanhui had entered breakthrough state.

This filled Cheng Yuexiao with both joy and shock—and he understood everything.

Previously, Meng Yanhui had failed to break through to the seventh rank in Wind and Metal, and had since devoted himself to Fire cultivation.

Hoping to achieve breakthrough in Fire.

Earlier, when Xu Jin had advanced the Fire Source Star Pattern to seventh-rank upper and eighth-rank middle, Cheng Yuexiao had twice bestowed upon Meng Yanhui seventh-rank upper and eighth-rank lower Fire Source Star Patterns, hoping to aid his breakthrough.

Originally, according to Cheng Yuexiao's plan, he intended to find a time to have Xu Jin—the mother-star-tattoo bearer—present to assist Meng Yanhui's breakthrough.

But unexpectedly, Meng Yanhui achieved sudden enlightenment on the spot.

It was likely after his Divine Soul cultivation base broke through to the fifth rank that he suddenly gained insight, and all his past confusions dissolved effortlessly.

This very thing, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao himself had experienced.

Most likely, Meng Yanhui couldn't hold back and activated the Fire Source Star Tattoo, directly entering the breakthrough state.

But whether he would succeed in breaking through was still uncertain.

Normally, using a high-grade Fire Source Star Tattoo below the eighth rank gave a forty percent chance of success.

But for someone like Meng Yanhui, who had repeatedly failed to break through, the probability might be only thirty percent.

This matter was very complicated.

Hard to say.

If this breakthrough failed, then next time—even with an eighth-rank-or-below high-grade Fire Source Star Tattoo—Meng Yanhui's chance of success would drop to only twenty percent.

Even with Xu Jin's mother-star-tattoo assistance, it might not help at all.

Above Danxia Palace, the Fire-element star force grew denser and denser.

This commotion had already drawn the attention of many in the State Dao Academy.

Fang Shinan, Pan Hong, Gao Xuan, and others, along with Right Libationer Song Bing, all turned their gazes toward Danxia Palace.

Each wore expressions of hope and curiosity.

Someone was attempting to break through to the seventh rank again!

And it was Fire-element!

This was the second person to attempt such a breakthrough shortly after Grand Master Kou Jing's success.

Had there truly been a breakthrough in Fire Source Star Tattoos?

Fang Shinan, Pan Hong, Gao Xuan, Song Bing, and others all wore expectant expressions.

There was no other reason—they were all old men who had been stuck at the peak of the sixth rank for years.

Kou Jing's earlier breakthrough had already stirred them.

If another person broke through, then…

Their hearts grew hot with anticipation.

If so, did that mean they too had a chance to break through?

The Fire-element star force above Danxia Palace grew denser and denser.

One hour passed.

Two hours passed.

Three hours passed.

Yet the starlight from the celestial dome had still not descended.

In Fang Shinan, Song Bing, and others' eyes, hope was now mixed with calm acceptance.

Failure in breakthrough was normal.

After all, none of them had broken through yet.

Such thoughts were perfectly natural.

But inside Danxia Palace, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao paced anxiously back and forth.

Three hours had passed, and Meng Yanhui still had not broken through, still had not established a connection with any star in the celestial dome to draw down his destiny starlight.

If this continued, Meng Yanhui's breakthrough this time would almost certainly fail.

If he failed this time, even with Xu Jin's help, his chance of breaking through next time would shrink further.

Grand Master was frantic.

Just as he was in a panic, his Star-Plucking Token suddenly trembled—it was Yu Da, the State Dao Academy's Chief Instructor stationed at the Star-Plucking Tower to accompany Dai Guanwen, who had detected a starlight message.

【Grand Master, Xu Jin has returned safely.】

The instant Cheng Yuexiao saw this starlight message, joy flashed across his face—he vanished in a flash of starlight and reappeared outside the main tower of Da Chen's Star-Plucking Tower.

Inside the quiet chamber, Xu Jin was just about to enter deep sleep via Wen Meng to recover, when suddenly Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao burst through the door, surrounded by starlight.

"Grand Master—"

"Come with me!" Cheng Yuexiao seized Xu Jin's arm; a flash of starlight, and they were back in Danxia Palace.

"Left Libationer Meng Yanhui accidentally entered the breakthrough state. It has lasted three and a half hours, and he has not yet succeeded. If this continues, he will surely fail."

"He is using the Fire Source Star Tattoo."

"You possess the mother-star-tattoo of the Fire Source Star Tattoo. Go in and help him."

As he spoke, Cheng Yuexiao swept several waves of pure light across Xu Jin's body, removing the stench of blood, then frowned and said, "Use Wen Meng to sink into sleep for a few dozen breaths—clear away the killing aura and malevolent energy. Your killing aura and malevolent energy are too heavy; entering now might directly disrupt Meng Yanhui's breakthrough."

Your killing aura and deadly aura are too strong—entering might directly disrupt Meng Yanhui's breakthrough.

In the next instant, Xu Jin lowered his head and fell into deep sleep.

A hundred breaths later, Xu Jin awoke precisely on time; most of the killing aura and malevolent energy accumulated during his killings had dissipated.

"I will communicate with Yanhui via telepathy. Approach him as calmly as possible, then assist him."

Xu Jin understood Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's meaning.

Compared to Kou Jing, Meng Yanhui was not very close to him and did not trust him much—so explanation was necessary.

In the rear hall, Left Libationer Meng Yanhui, in the midst of his breakthrough, now wore an expression of despair.

He already regretted it.

Earlier, during his Divine Soul breakthrough, when he had pondered the Fire Source Star Tattoo, all his difficulties and confusions had suddenly become clear.

He had unconsciously sunk his mind into the Fire Source Star Tattoo, intending to further contemplate this insight for greater benefit.

But unexpectedly, he accidentally triggered the Fire Source Star Tattoo, drawing in the Fire-element star force of heaven and earth, and entered the breakthrough state.

At first, he hadn't thought much of it.

He thought: my Divine Soul had broken through—why not push straight to the seventh rank? Wouldn't that be double fortune?

But after three and a half hours without success, Meng Yanhui was truly afraid.

But after three and a half hours without breakthrough, Meng Yanhui truly became afraid.

He had already failed two previous breakthrough attempts using different star tattoos.

If this attempt with the eighth-rank-or-below Fire Source Star Tattoo failed again, when would the State Dao Academy ever obtain another high-grade Earth or Water Star Tattoo?

If he failed this time, even with two decades of extended lifespan, his chance of ever breaking through would become vanishingly small.

In that moment, despair took root.

Was he doomed in this life to never break through to the seventh rank?

As this thought arose, the faintly sensed star in the heavens grew even more indistinct.

This shift made his despair deepen further.

"Yanhui, Xu Jin can help you break through. He is coming to assist you. When his Divine Soul envelops you, do not resist—simply cooperate silently."

"With Xu Jin's help, your chance of success will multiply."

"Remember: never reject his Divine Soul energy."

The moment Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's telepathic message reached him, Meng Yanhui sensed a Divine Soul aura slowly entering his perceptual range.

According to the Grand Master's words, it must be Xu Jin.

Whether Xu Jin could help him, Meng Yanhui did not know, and had little confidence.

But his trust in Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was absolute.

If the Grand Master told him to trust Xu Jin completely, then he would trust him.

A few breaths later, Xu Jin's Divine Soul power spread like water, slowly enveloping Meng Yanhui.

Meng Yanhui, like a maiden drugged by the Nine Gates' sedative, offered no resistance, allowing Xu Jin's Divine Soul energy to fully cover him.

But in the next instant, within Meng Yanhui's body, his Fire Source Star Tattoo suddenly began to pulse—driven by a familiar and immense Fire-element force.

Like a heartbeat, it shifted from weak to powerfully strong within moments.

After dozens of breaths, under the resonance of Xu Jin's eighth-rank Fire Source mother-star-tattoo, Meng Yanhui's Fire Source Star Tattoo began to harmonize with Xu Jin's, slowly repairing its fragmented lines.

At that same instant, Meng Yanhui's spiritual awareness was lifted by the gathered Fire-element star force toward the heavens.

Previously, the Fire-element star force Meng Yanhui had drawn had surged skyward, yet he could barely sense one or two Fire-element stars.

Even those were faint, indistinct, barely perceptible.

It was like when he was young, under family arrangement, going to propose marriage—he was nearly engaged, yet didn't even know what his bride looked like.

But back then, at least he knew which family she came from, her age, and so on.

Now, he couldn't even sense where the stars were.

But in the next instant, Meng Yanhui's expression changed.

Inside the rear hall of Danxia Palace, Xu Jin directly enveloped Meng Yanhui's Fire Source Star Tattoo and activated his own eighth-rank high-grade Fire Source Star Tattoo in resonance.

Instantly, in the heavens, the hundreds of Fire-element stars Xu Jin had previously established connections with during his own Star Tattoo research all blazed to life.

Simultaneously, these hundreds of stars appeared within Meng Yanhui's Fire Source Star Tattoo perception.

Meng Yanhui froze in shock.

What was "within reach"?

This was within reach!

Meng Yanhui felt that right now, he merely needed to choose any one of these stars, and he could draw down his destiny starlight and break through.

The two faint Fire-element stars he had sensed earlier now shone brilliantly.

That feeling was like finally lifting the bride's veil on their wedding night, at last seeing what his bride truly looked like.

His heart finally settled.

The bride could still sleep.

At this very moment, Meng Yanhui felt the same—those two stars he had never been able to sense clearly now stood before him, perfectly distinct.

The next instant, as Meng Yanhui actively activated the Fire Source Star Pattern, he immediately established a connection with that star.

If he still couldn't draw down his Lifespan Starlight with this direct proximity, then Meng Yanhui might as well kill himself.

Above the National Dao Academy, over the sky of Wan Yi, a crimson starlight suddenly descended from the heavens, plunging directly into the rear hall of Danxia Academy, lingering for a long time.

In the same instant, fire-star energies from all directions surged into Meng Yanhui like a whirlwind.

The aura of Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui began to climb rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, he broke through from the peak of Sixth Rank Ninth Layer to Seventh Rank!

Inside Danxia Palace, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's face broke into a smile, yet a profound sense of relief washed over him.

The National Dao Academy now had another Seventh Rank powerhouse.

With this, the future Chen Guo National Dao Academy would be more composed, its strength more ample.

Inside the National Dao Academy, Fang Shi, the Southern University's Dean, froze, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He broke through!

He actually succeeded in breaking through!

Just moments ago, he was clearly on the verge of failure!

How did he suddenly succeed?

What exactly happened in between?

Did Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao intervene?

The same confusion arose in Song Bing, Pan Hong, and Gao Xuan's minds.

But for them, there was little joy—mostly envy.

Because they too had been trapped at the peak of Sixth Rank for many years.

Only breaking through on one's own is true breakthrough!

Especially Song Bing, who grew even more anxious.

He was nearly a hundred years old; if he couldn't break through, his lifespan's limit was not far off.

Yet this breakthrough—

Inside Danxia Palace, Xu Jin silently stepped out from the rear hall. "Master, it's done."

"Good! Now Yanhui will probably owe you for the rest of his life," Cheng Yuexiao chuckled.

"It was nothing," Xu Jin said indifferently.

"You're still too young! What you call 'nothing' might be someone's entire lifetime. Yanhui was lucky to meet you upon your return; otherwise, he might never have reached Seventh Rank," Cheng Yuexiao laughed.

"By the way, how is the situation in the Giant Elephant Star Domain?" Cheng Yuexiao asked.

Hearing this, Xu Jin was about to answer when Cheng Yuexiao suddenly frowned. "Someone's coming."

The next instant, Cheng Yuexiao seized Xu Jin's hand, starlight flickered, and in a flash, he transported Xu Jin to a quiet chamber outside the main tower of Zhaixing Tower.

"Rest now. I'll come back soon."

Starlight flashed again; when it settled, Cheng Yuexiao stood inside Danxia Palace. Meng Yanhui was still breaking through in the rear hall, while Right Sacrificial Officer Song Bing had already entered the main hall.

"Master, who just broke through?" Song Bing asked urgently.

"Yanhui."

"What?"

Song Bing was stunned, his eyes filled with complex emotion.

Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui had previously failed twice in succession trying to break through using two different star patterns; originally, like Song Bing, his chances of breakthrough were hopeless.

Yet unexpectedly, Meng Yanhui had quietly broken through without warning.

If Meng Yanhui could do it—

In terms of comprehension and talent, he was actually stronger than Meng Yanhui.

Then he could do it too.

Did that mean he could break through as well?

The thought sent a fire through Song Bing's heart. He hurriedly asked, "Master, may I ask which star pattern Yanhui used to break through?"

"Fire. Seventh Rank middle."

The Seventh Rank middle Fire Source Star Pattern had enabled Meng Yanhui's breakthrough. Kou Jing had previously broken through using the same pattern—this made Song Bing hesitate, yet his heart burned with hope.

Perhaps Master Cheng had other methods aiding the breakthrough.

Otherwise, how could two people break through in succession?

Then he should try too.

Right away—

Song Bing smiled and said, "Master, I've been stuck at the peak of Sixth Rank for a long time. I've failed before using Wind and Metal patterns. Master, I'd like to try as well. Please grant me the Seventh Rank middle Fire Source Star Pattern so I may attempt the breakthrough."

Song Bing bluntly demanded it.

Cheng Yuexiao glanced at Song Bing and shook his head. "Right Sacrificial Officer, you know the National Dao Academy's rules. Seventh Rank star patterns require at least five major merits to exchange. I recall you currently have only one major merit to your name, correct?"

"This—"

Song Bing frowned. The Master was citing rules? That was not a good sign.

The next instant, Song Bing slightly bowed, adopting a pitiful expression. "Master, I am old and my lifespan is dwindling. Now, aside from serving Chen Guo, earning merits will take considerable time."

But time does not wait.

Yet if I break through, my combat power will rise and my lifespan extended—I will surely earn new merits for the Academy.

Master, could you make an exception? Grant me the star pattern first, and I'll repay you after I break through."

"Heh!"

Cheng Yuexiao chuckled softly and sat down. "Right Sacrificial Officer, you jest. Rules are rules!"

High-rank star patterns cannot be exchanged without merit!"

This is the foundation of our Chen Guo National Dao Academy. How could you and I be the ones to break it?"

Right Sacrificial Officer, focus on accumulating merits.

You already have one major merit—only four more remain. For you, that's not difficult!"

Song Bing's face instantly darkened. He hadn't expected Cheng Yuexiao to show him so little face.

Four major merits? That was no easy task.

The fastest way to earn them quickly was the Star River Battlefield.

But at his age, if he went to the Star River Battlefield and died?

He'd end up without even a whole corpse.

How could Cheng Yuexiao be so heartless?

As Song Bing seethed inwardly, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's voice rang out again: "Right Sacrificial Officer, go earn merits first. When you have them, I will grant you the Seventh Rank middle Fire Source Star Pattern!"

"When you're ready to break through, I will personally assist you—this should raise your chances of success."

At these words, Song Bing's face lit up with sudden joy.

With Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's personal aid, his chances of breakthrough would greatly increase.

Perhaps he'd break through as easily as Kou Jing and Meng Yanhui had.

He immediately thanked him and left, already pondering ways to earn merits on the way out.

Watching Song Bing's retreating back, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao's expression turned cold.

Rules are rigid, but people are flexible.

For others, he might have granted it early.

But because Song Bing had once silently answered the imperial summons without even sending a starlight message—cutting off Cheng Yuexiao's most crucial backup move against the Sun Yang True Person—he would never get it.

Cheng Yuexiao devoted himself entirely to Chen Guo, but he was not foolish.

Such people who pull others back must be strictly held to the rules!

Punished by the rules!

Of course, if Song Bing truly earned five major merits, Cheng Yuexiao would certainly grant him the Seventh Rank middle Fire Source Star Pattern.

Assist his breakthrough?

Cheng Yuexiao would certainly intervene to assist.

But whether it would work—even Cheng Yuexiao himself wasn't sure.

At that point, it would be up to Song Bing's fate!

But before then, five major merits—every single one, no exceptions, no discounts.

(End of Chapter)