Chapter 353: 359.Chapter 359: Visitor from Beyond the Heavens

359. Chapter 359: Visitor from Beyond the Heavens

Turmoil in the imperial court, a death penalty among death penalties.

The most shocking thing, however, is not this.

But the Empress extremely smoothly accepted Governor Wei's intact body, and intends to kill Emperor Kang Qian and take his place.

Governor Wei walked out of the palace, spring wind proud, only then realizing what had happened.

"Empress... not simple!"

After carefully recalling the previous violation process and the Empress's various behaviors, Governor Wei gradually understood.

At first, the Empress was indeed shocked beyond belief.

But later, the Empress became increasingly calm.

Even, under the stimulation of several glances from the Empress, Governor Wei performed even more diligently.

The feedback also became more pleasant.

This is quite interesting.

This shows the Empress is far from being as simple as she appears.

However, Governor Wei only thought about it a little, then stopped worrying about it.

To collude like wolves and weasels, one must be as cunning as a wolf and as deceitful as a weasel.

The less simple the Empress is, the more advantageous it is for Governor Wei's scheming.

Only after the plot succeeds will it be time to consider the Empress's true identity.

Only then will Governor Wei no longer be a governor, but the Emperor of Da Yong, 'Emperor Kang Qian'!

Lin Ke himself did not know that his hasty action to quickly lift the Primordial Sect's siege, accelerating the severing of karmic ties with his master Li Shuwen, brought what to the Da Yong imperial court.

He is now about to instantaneously move to the place where his master Li Shuwen is.

Even if he sensed something and noticed that something major had happened in the capital, he had no mind to pay attention.

Just as he entered the Cave Void Realm and in one step reached the peak, he gained a vague understanding of the legendary fifth realm of immortal martial arts, the 'See God' realm.

He is uncertain whether this understanding is due to Li Shuwen's regret at being unable to advance to the 'See God' realm.

But he can be certain that this understanding was not something Li Shuwen realized on his own.

This is because it is knowledge from the body-refining wizard system of the wizard world.

And also because Lin Ke has never seen this aspect manifested in Li Shuwen.

Soon, before sunset, Lin Ke found Li Shuwen standing on the mountain peak, gazing into the distance at the setting sun.

"Master, the Primordial Sect matter is settled."

Lin Ke's instantaneous movement can evade many people's perception, but in front of Li Shuwen it is always hard to hide his traces.

Thus he directly appeared and spoke succinctly.

"Hmm."

Li Shuwen nodded slightly, showing no other reaction.

This time returning to the Primordial Sect, Li Shuwen was extremely disappointed.

The Primordial Sect is no longer the one he originally knew.

Even when great disaster looms, he still cannot abandon worldly wealth and honor, wishing to make a desperate last stand.

Truly, wealth clouds judgment, beyond remedy.

Were it not for the Primordial Sect's educational kindness to him, Li Shuwen, he would have long ago left in disgust.

Who would still be preparing to charge alone into the army, carve a bloody path, and help the Primordial Sect escape?

But before he could act, the imperial army dispersed under the order of the Inner Guard Cavalry.

Li Shuwen suddenly realized, this is the work of his own increasingly formidable eighth disciple, Lin Ke.

Standing on this mountain peak, gazing at the setting sun, is not leisurely sentiment, but waiting for Lin Ke's arrival.

"I went to see the Inner Guard Commander and set a condition he cannot refuse."

Li Shuwen did not ask, but Lin Ke insisted on explaining himself clearly.

It is not fear of Li Shuwen's lack of understanding, but rather there is no need to conceal this.

"However, the Primordial Sect still needs to make early plans, to sever ties, to avoid future turmoil."

After explaining, Lin Ke did not forget to add a reminder.

"Forget it; from now on, whatever happens to the Primordial Sect has nothing to do with our Eight Extremes Martial Hall."

Li Shuwen, however, was utterly disheartened and too lazy to bother with these messy affairs.

"Right, when did you break through your realm?"

Turning around, Li Shuwen carefully examined Lin Ke's condition, asking with concern.

"This morning, observing the sunrise in the east, I had an insight and thus broke through."

Lin Ke answered truthfully, but did not give a detailed explanation.

"The opportunity has arrived."

Li Shuwen also had no intention of pursuing the matter further.

He naturally knows that his own eighth disciple is full of mystery.

But who doesn't have secrets?

He simply does not wish to investigate.

Lin Ke then said, "Master, regarding the 'See God' realm, I have some superficial thoughts I wish to discuss with you."

"Speak."

Li Shuwen's expression turned solemn, assuming a posture of attentive listening.

Lin Ke immediately told Li Shuwen all his knowledge, one by one.

In Lin Ke's view, the Human Immortal Martial Dao of this world is actually quite profound; if it could continue developing, its upper limit might not be inferior to that of Body-refining Wizards.

The Human Immortal Martial Dao has five realms: Strength Realm, Condensed Truth Realm, Unity Realm, Penetrating the Void Realm, Seeing God Realm.

The Strength Realm tempers the fleshly body, from skin and muscle to tendons and bones to marrow, refining the viscera, step by step transforming the body, transcending mortality and evolving.

In the Condensed Truth Realm, essence overflows and "burns" into true qi, flowing through the meridians, the Small Heavenly Circuit and the Great Heavenly Circuit.

In the Unity Realm, qi returns to the prenatal, true qi transforms into liquid, refining true essence and condensing true strong.

In the Penetrating the Void Realm, one perceives void and reality, gathers momentum, condenses intent, and forms a domain.

Thus far, the explored part of this world's Human Immortal Martial Dao stops abruptly, yet its echo lingers.

Above that lies the legendary fifth realm, Seeing God.

Lin Ke believes that the so-called Seeing God is likely similar to the saying "Breaking the Void allows one to see God."

What is seen is not the so-called divine spirits, but heavenly marvels, and also the self-god.

In other words, one must clarify one's martial will, then let the Dao follow nature, shatter the domain, and form an internal heaven and earth.

The insight into the internal heaven and earth comes from Lin Ke's reference to the fourth-level sage of the Wizard World.

In the universe of the Wizard World, especially within the rank divisions of the Wizard Civilization, the fourth, fifth, and sixth levels of superhuman beings and the fourth, fifth, and sixth level sages have a clear distinction.

A fourth-level superhuman merely undergoes a single life-essence transcendence.

A fourth-level sage, besides undergoing a life-essence transcendence, also comprehends the rules and resonates with the world's will.

In this world's Human Immortal Martial Dao, the Penetrating the Void Realm corresponds to a level above fourth-level superhuman but not yet reaching the fourth-level sage.

The Penetrating the Void Realm perceives void and reality, comprehends the rules, yet does not resonate with the world's will, that is, the Heavenly Dao of this world.

Starting from the theory of the Human Immortal Martial Dao, Lin Ke believes that the Seeing God Realm is to clarify the self, let the Dao follow nature, resonate with the Heavenly Dao, and break the domain to become an internal landscape.

That is forming a small heaven and earth within the body.

Li Shuwen listened attentively to Lin Ke's so-called shallow views, and the more he listened, the more excited he became.

It was like a sudden blow to the head, and also like sweet dew anointing the crown.

Many previously puzzling points were instantly resolved.

A mysterious qi fluctuation arose on Li Shuwen's body and gradually spread.

Seeing this, Lin Ke flashed to another hilltop, keeping his distance and observing from afar.

Only Li Shuwen's silhouette, under the afterglow of the setting sun, instantly swelled like a giant, then quickly returned to simplicity and authenticity, with no extraordinary phenomena.

What are the Eight Extremes?

Li Shuwen muttered to himself, as if conversing with the Heavenly Dao.

The Dao covers heaven and bears earth, expands the four directions, guards the Eight Extremes, lofty beyond reach, profound beyond measure.

Heaven, Earth, Thunder, Wind, Water, Fire, Mountain, Marsh.

Heaven is Heaven, Earth is Earth, Thunder is Thunder, Wind is Wind, Water is Water, Fire is Fire, Mountain is Mountain, Marsh is Marsh.

Heaven triple connection, Earth six breaks, Thunder holding up a bowl, Mountain overturning a bowl; Fire middle empty, Water middle full, Marsh top lacking, Wind bottom break.

While self-questioning and self-answering, he also opened his stance and slowly threw punches.

This punch, Li Shuwen did not use true qi, true essence, true gang, momentum, intent, domain, etc., relying solely on the primal strength of the human body.

Each move and form, ancient and unadorned, low-key and inwardly restrained.

But in Lin Ke's eyes, he saw a heaven-toppling, earth-standing giant, breaking barriers with each punch and kick, shattering the old realm, reopening heaven and earth.

After finishing the punch, Li Shuwen withdrew his stance, closed his eyes, and calmed his mind and breath.

His whole person suddenly had no extraordinary traits; whether viewed from afar or up close, he was merely an old man on the verge of entering his twilight years.

If one had to point out something special, it was his extremely bright eyes, like stars in the sky, shining brightly.

Congratulations, Master.

Lin Ke sensed that the three karma lines remaining on his body were all severed at this moment, and he felt very delighted.

While congratulating Master Li Shuwen, he became even more excited: "Thanks to your pointers, little Ke."

Li Shuwen opened his eyes and saw the eighth disciple who, since joining the Eight Extremes Martial Hall, had always observed propriety; he felt greatly comforted.

Having broken through to the Seeing the Divine Realm, shattered the domain and transformed into inner vision, resonating with the Heavenly Dao, how could Li Shuwen still not know Lin Ke's true identity?

But no matter Lin Ke's true identity, the master-disciple relationship between the two cannot be feigned.

Lin Ke has never denied it, and Li Shuwen would never treat Lin Ke as an outsider.

The two exchanged a smile, extremely in sync.

Let's go, return to Fu Li County, and take a look at your construct.

Li Shuwen waved his hand, his silhouette vanished, and he led the way away.

Lin Ke hurried to catch up.

Not long after, the two traversed a thousand li and returned to Fu Li County.

By now it was night; of course it was impossible to really go overnight to inspect the progress of the human immortal martial dao construct system.

Li Shuwen became the first martial artist in history to reach the Seeing the Divine Realm; so what?

Having been away so long, making his virtuous wife worry anxiously; how could that be acceptable?

Tonight, one would have to use all his tricks to please his virtuous wife.

The next day.

Radiant and refreshed, the master's wife and master, who had dispelled the gloom of the past half month, appeared together.

The Eight Extremes Martial Hall instantly cleared away all gloom and became cheerful.

A large group of people, after having a lively breakfast, then went their separate ways to attend to their affairs.

When Li Shuwen had free time, he immediately went with Lin Ke to the experimental outpost to check the cultivation progress of the disciples who had received the Peerless Valor set implantation.

So far, everything is good news.

Translation: "So far, everything is good news."

Whether it's aiding cultivation or boosting immediate combat strength.

Translation: "Whether in assisting cultivation or in enhancing immediate combat power."

But need to keep meaning: "Whether it's in assisting cultivation or in enhancing immediate combat power." We'll produce: "Whether in assisting cultivation or in enhancing immediate combat power."

Of course there are drawbacks—it simply can't be rolled out on a large scale yet.

Translation: "There are naturally shortcomings; that is, for now it cannot be deployed on a large scale."

Only Lin Ke can design the construct.

Translation: "Only Lin Ke can design the 'Construct'."

But we need to keep the quotes? We'll use double quotes: "Only Lin Ke can design the 'Construct'."

Only Lin Ke and Hu Suqi can implant the construct.

Translation: "Only Lin Ke and Hu Suqi can implant the 'Construct'."

Yes, Hu Suqi.

Translation: "Yes, Hu Suqi."

In the under two days Lin Ke was away in the capital, Hu Suqi used fifteen materials and finally succeeded in implanting the construct without harm.

Translation: "In the less than two days that Lin Ke was away in the capital, Hu Suqi consumed fifteen materials and finally managed to implant the 'Construct' without damage."

Though his skill and speed are far below Lin Ke's, with more practice he'll surely become a capable hand.

Translation: "Although his level and speed are far inferior to Lin Ke's, with more practice he will definitely become a skilled hand."

However, after watching Lin Ke implant a construct into a low‑talented junior disciple once more, Li Shuwen had a new idea.

Translation: "However, after Li Shuwen once again watched Lin Ke implant a 'Construct' into a low-talent junior disciple, he came up with a new idea."

After Lin Ke finished today's construct implantation, Li Shuwen took him to the study to talk.

Translation: "Once Lin Ke finished today's 'Construct' implantation work, Li Shuwen pulled him into the study to talk."

Meanwhile.

Translation: "At the same time."

The capital's western suburbs, the great camp.

Translation: "Capital, Western Suburbs, Grand Camp."

Wei Supervisor Duke quickly picked up a technique to seal yang into the abdomen, hid his abnormal state and exuberant yang energy, then entered the curtained tent where Kang Qian Di was.

Translation: "Wei Supervisor Duke temporarily practiced a technique that could seal yang into the abdomen, concealed his abnormal condition and exuberant yang energy, then entered the curtained tent where Kang Qian Di was."

The translations are: Wei Supervisor Duke, Kang Qian Di, curtained tent, technique, seal yang into the abdomen, abnormal condition, exuberant yang energy.

"What brings you here in such a rush, my love?"

Translation: "\"What's the matter, beloved? Why do you come see me in such a hurry? \""

We need to keep quotes. The Chinese line starts with a quote. We'll output: "\"What's the matter, beloved? Why do you come see me in such a hurry? \""

Inside the curtained tent, only Kang Qian Di was present, seated high on the throne, exalted above all.

Translation: "Inside the curtained tent, only Kang Qian Di was present, domineering the throne, high and mighty."

No eunuchs or palace maids were in attendance.

Translation: "No eunuchs or palace maids attended."

After nearly dissolving in water, Kang Qian Di's already suspicious nature grew even more distrustful.

Translation: "After nearly drowning, Kang Qian Di, who was already suspicious and wary, became even more distrustful."

Note: suspicious and wary; became even more distrustful.

Unless necessary, no one is left to attend nearby.

Translation: "Unless necessary, no one is left to attend nearby."

Furthermore, food and drink are handled with utmost attention to safety.

Translation: "Moreover, food and drink are extremely focused on safety."

He would rather eat cold, but must wait for the attendant to eat first, and only after one shichen with no ill effects does he then eat.

Translation: "He would rather eat cold, but must wait for the attendant to eat first, and only after an hour with no ill effects does he then take it."

Note: the term translates to attendant; one shichen is about two hours.

Now granting Wei Supervisor Duke an audience, he even pulled a trick.

Translation: "Now permitting Wei Supervisor Duke to have an audience, he even played a trick."

Although it seems only Kang Qian Di and Wei Supervisor Duke are inside the curtained tent, two squads of imperial guards are actually hidden.

Translation: "Although it appears only Kang Qian Di and Wei Supervisor Duke are inside the curtained tent, in fact two squads of Imperial Guard Detail are hidden."

These imperial guards are the elite of the elite, each with mid-to-late stage Unity Realm strength, excelling in combined attack techniques and formation methods.

Translation: "These Imperial Guard Detail are the elite of the elite, each possessing the strength of mid-to-late stage of the Unity Realm, and they are especially skilled in combined attack techniques and formation methods."

Unity Realm, mid-to-late stage, combined attack techniques, formation methods.

Even if Wei Supervisor Duke is a peak Dong Xu realm martial artist, under the protection of these two guard squads he cannot harm Kang Qian Di in the slightest.

Translation: "Even though Wei Supervisor Duke is a peak Void Aperture Realm martial artist, under the protection of these two Imperial Guard Detail squads, he cannot harm Kang Qian Di in the slightest."

"Your Majesty, the Empress summoned me this morning; we talked at length, and she asks you to return to the palace."

Translation: "\"Your Majesty, the Empress summoned me this morning for a long discussion, and she wishes to ask Your Majesty to return to the palace. \""

Wei Supervisor Duke kneels with both knees on the ground, forehead touching the floor, utterly humble.

Translation: "Wei Supervisor Duke knelt on both knees, forehead touching the ground, extremely humble."

In the past, this posture never caused Wei Supervisor Duke to think much.

Translation: "In the past, this posture would not cause Wei Supervisor Duke to think much."

But now, Wei Supervisor Duke feels only endless humiliation.

Translation: "But now, Wei Supervisor Duke feels only endless humiliation."

If not forcibly restrained, his killing intent would likely erupt.

Translation: "If not forcibly suppressed, his killing intent would likely burst forth."

"Oh?"

Translation: "\"Oh? \""

Kang Qian Di sounded like he'd heard a joke, utterly disbelieving: "The Empress wants me to return to the palace? Does she really have such good intentions?"

Translation: "Kang Qian Di seemed to hear a cold joke, utterly disbelieving: \"The Empress asks me to return to the palace? Does she have such good intentions? \""

"Your Majesty, however, lately there have been many rumors in the capital, the court is somewhat unstable, and the Empress is worried, hence this."

Translation: "\"Your Majesty, however, lately there have been many rumors in the capital, the court situation is somewhat unstable, and the Empress is worried, hence this. \""

Wei Supervisor Duke, following the Emperor's lead, gave an explanation.

Translation: "Wei Supervisor Duke followed the emperor's words and gave an explanation."

"Is that so?"

Translation: "\"Is that so? \""

Kang Qian Di, without changing expression, turned the question back.

Translation: "Kang Qian Di replied without changing his expression."

"I dare not speak falsely; I am guilty! Guilty!"

Translation: "\"I dare not speak falsely, deserving death! Deserving death! \""

Wei Supervisor Duke lowered his body further, seemingly unable to withstand the Emperor's concealed anger.

Translation: "Wei Supervisor Duke's body sank lower, as if he could hardly bear the concealed anger of Kang Qian Di."

"This matter has little to do with you. Rise, come closer; I have orders for you to carry out."

Translation: "\"This matter has little to do with you. Rise, come closer, I have orders for you to carry out. \""

Kang Qian Di is still very pleased with Wei Supervisor Duke's attitude; he is a loyal, good dog.

Translation: "Kang Qian Di was still very pleased with Wei Supervisor Duke's attitude; he is a loyal, good dog."

He does not go wagging his tail and begging for pity from another just because his master is away.

Translation: "He does not go to another to fawn just because the master is away."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Translation: "\"Thank you, Your Majesty. \""

Wei Supervisor Duke rose, brushed off the dust, and as usual bowed his way to Kang Qian Di's side.

Translation: "Wei Supervisor Duke rose, lightly brushed off the dust, as usual, and bowed his way to Kang Qian Di's side."

"You..."

Translation: "\"You... \""

Kang Qian Di noticed nothing amiss, as usual prepared to scold, then threw a bone, commanding this good dog to go bite people.

Translation: "Kang Qian Di noticed nothing unusual, as usual preparing to scold, then toss a bone, commanding this good dog to go bite people."

Having eaten the longevity peach, he recently set aside state affairs to focus on martial training; he feels his body gradually recovering, his desires aroused, already showing signs of renewed vigor.

Translation: "Having eaten the Longevity Peach, he recently set aside state affairs to focus on martial training, feeling his body gradually recover, his desires aroused, already showing signs of renewed vigor."

The Empress occupying the central palace has become an eyesore.

Translation: "The Empress occupies the central palace, which is somewhat eyesore."

He plans to depose the Empress, select another, then search the world for beauties to fill the harem.

Translation: "He plans to depose the Empress and select another, then search the world for beauties to fill the harem."

But as soon as he began speaking, he stopped, his eyes showing an expression of extreme shock.

Translation: "But as soon as he began speaking, he stopped, his eyes showing an extremely shocked expression."

Yet Wei Supervisor Duke seized the close-range opportunity, finally acting to subdue Kang Qian Di.

Translation: "However, Wei Supervisor Duke seized the opportune moment of close proximity, finally acting, and subdued Kang Qian Di."

The Yong emperor possesses an intangible, imperceptible yet mystic national fortune that protects him; ordinary people, even peak Dong Xu realm martial artists, cannot assassinate him.

Translation: "The Great Yong Son of Heaven possesses an intangible, imperceptible yet mystically protective dynastic aura; ordinary people, even a peak Void Aperture Realm martial artist, cannot assassinate him."

Yet he nearly dissolved in water—why?

Translation: "Yet he nearly drowned—why?"

Precisely because those attendants had received the Emperor's permission to approach him, they nearly succeeded.

Translation: "Precisely because those attendants had received Kang Qian Di's permission to approach him, they nearly succeeded."

Wei Supervisor Duke is the same at this moment.

Translation: "Wei Supervisor Duke is the same at this moment."

Having obtained the Emperor's permission, his move naturally would not trigger a backlash from the national fortune, causing a major commotion.

Translation: "Having obtained Kang Qian Di's permission, acting naturally would not provoke a backlash from the dynastic aura, causing a major commotion."

Shortly after, Wei Supervisor Duke changed his appearance, disguising himself as Kang Qian Di.

Translation: "Shortly after, Wei Supervisor Duke changed his appearance, disguising himself as Kang Qian Di."

He also disguised Kang Qian Di as himself.

Translation: "He also disguised Kang Qian Di as himself."

He swapped their inner and outer garments.

Translation: "He swapped their inner and outer garments."

He himself sat on the throne, made Kang Qian Di kneel before him, and angrily shouted: "Insolent! How dare you, a dog slave, speak nonsense about deposing and enthroning! Come, drag him out and feed him to the dogs."

Translation: "He himself sat on the throne, made Kang Qian Di kneel before him, and angrily shouted: \"Impudence! How could a dog slave like you dare to speak nonsense about deposing and enthroning? Come, drag him out and feed him to the dogs. \""

As the saying goes, when the emperor is angered, blood flows and white garments are worn.

Translation: "As the saying goes, when the Son of Heaven is angered, blood flows and white garments are worn."

Once the Da Yong emperor flies into a rage, the fortune of the state will respond.

Thus, the Kang Qian Emperor knelt on the ground, unable to move or speak, his eyes filled with shock — this was completely normal.

Upon hearing this, the attendant who entered the curtains and, obeying orders, dragged the Kang Qian Emperor out to feed the dogs, merely felt sighing inside; the emperor was becoming increasingly difficult to deal with.

Since eating the Longevity Peach, how many inner servants have already been dragged out to feed the dogs?

The Kang Qian Emperor never imagined that, with longevity within his grasp, he would die in such a humiliating and painful way.

Those black dogs he once loved most, feasting on his flesh, were actually so delighted.

"Good dog!"

Before his last breath, the Kang Qian Emperor saw a figure bearing his own likeness, both hands holding the jade seal symbolizing imperial authority — the pivot linking the Dayong Heavenly Son and the dynasty's fortune — the Wei Dugong, filled with hatred, die abruptly.

Boom—

Originally, the night sky was bright with moon and stars; suddenly, thunder exploded.

A torrential downpour suddenly fell.

"Alas! Fishy wind and bloody rain!"

In the Imperial City.

The old overseer focused on alchemy raised his eyes to the night sky and let out a heavy sigh: "This world is going into chaos."

In the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the empress dismissed all eunuchs and attendants, sitting alone in the sleeping chamber.

Smelling the fishy wind and seeing the bloody rain, her spirits were lifted.

She took out a palm-sized deity statue from the hidden compartment beneath her bed and reverently placed it on a specially arranged rectangular table.

After performing the three kneelings and nine kowtows, the great ritual of worship, the empress crawled on her knees to the statue, opened her left palm, and lightly traced her right index finger across the center of her left palm.

Crimson blood dripped onto the statue, instantly absorbed by it.

When enough blood had been shed, the statue turned from white to red, and only then did the empress stop the bleeding.

Without bothering to tend to her wound, the empress began to chant devoutly:

"The mortal realm is a prison; all beings suffer; reincarnation knows no end; worries never cease; pitying us mortals, a god descends from heaven — the White Lotus Holy Mother, to save us from calamity and usher in the end!"