The 2-dan Soul Depth Realm was known as Heart of Tranquil Water. Most cultivators and official occupations were able to reach this level.
However, it was difficult to surpass this level.
It was said that only 4-star master teachers had a chance of reaching this level.
Heart of Tranquil Water only allowed one's state of mind to remain unaffected by the environment. The higher level was what Luo Qianhong had just shouted, 'Dispel Falsehood, Lucid Mind!'
Upon reaching this level, one would be able to discern the essence amidst the chaos. With a clearer state of mind, one would be able to analyze matters much more easily.
Even though it paled in comparison to the Eye of Insight, it allowed a master teacher to discern the essence of a matter more easily.
It was just like answering a question that one had never seen before and lacked the corresponding knowledge to answer.
However, upon reaching this level, one would be able to easily discern the purpose of the question setter and the content of the question. From there, one would be able to dispel the facade and find the correct answer.
Understanding of worldly affairs was knowledge, and understanding of human emotions was writing!
As such, this level was also known as [Lucid Insight].
This Zhang Xuan was able to disregard Ding Mu's Heaven Shattering Fist and Blood Ignition Secret Art... From the very start, he immediately grabbed Ding Mu's neck. Clearly, the other party had seen through the illusions in his moves. Even if he wasn't at the Lucid Insight realm, he wasn't too far from it.
This also explained why the other party was able to overcome his Flick of Sleeves so easily.
As for... whether it was the higher level Eye of Insight or not, he didn't even dare to think about it.
After all, this was an ability that even 6-star master teachers didn't possess. How could a 2-star master teacher who wasn't even twenty possess it?
Even so, it was already enough to leave him panicking.
To be able to cultivate his Soul Depth to the Lucid Insight realm... what kind of monster was he?
...
"Y-you..."
Ding Mu, who was being grabbed by the neck, felt even more terrified.
He thought that by executing his Blood Ignition Secret Art and his strongest move, even if he wasn't a match for the other party, he would at least be able to put up a fight and retreat. Never in his dreams did he expect to be grabbed by the other party right from the start.
"Don't kill me. I was bewitched by that woman, Lin Long, that's why I made a move on you... As long as you don't kill me, Xuanyuan Kingdom will give you anything you want. Be it a hundred or two hundred spirit stones!"
The young man before him had defeated Luo Qianhong, destroyed the Great Xuanyuan Formation, and even destroyed his final trump card with ease. Ding Mu was truly panicking and fearful.
Xuanyuan Kingdom was a place where spirit stones could be traded. As long as the other party was willing, it wasn't a problem for them to fork out all of their wealth.
"Spirit stones?"
Zhang Xuan shook his head.
If not for Lu Chong blocking the attack for him, he would have been dead by now. No matter how many spirit stones he had, could it be exchanged for his student's life?
"I said I would kill you, so I'm sorry, you … can only die!"
With an indifferent expression, Zhang Xuan exerted more force into his fingers.
"Ah … Great Grandpa, save me!"
Seeing that Zhang Xuan was really going to make a move, Ding Mu's face paled, and he bellowed.
"Stop!"
As soon as the shout ended, a loud shout resounded.
It was like a resounding bell and a sudden clap of thunder, causing many buildings to shake.
Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.
The voice came from the depths of the palace in front of them. It was heavy and steady, giving off a strong sense of oppression.
Even though Zhang Xuan's cultivation had improved significantly recently, he still found it hard to withstand it.
"What incredible strength …"
Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.
With the Eye of Insight and the Library of Heaven's Path, he was able to match even a Half-Transcension expert.
To be able to evoke such a feeling with just a few words, the other party's strength was definitely above that of Luo Qianhong. Most probably, the other party had already stepped into that realm.
To think that there would be such a powerful expert in the royal family of Xuanyuan Kingdom!
…
"Great grandpa? Could it be that … he's still alive? "
On the back of the savage beast, Elder Wei Yuqing's face darkened.
"You know that person?"
'Gongzi' asked.
"Un!"
Instead of answering the question directly, Elder Wei Yuqing said, "There is a Green Leaf Board in Xuanyuan Kingdom, and it records the rankings of the strongest experts in the kingdom. As a Half-Transcension expert and a 3-star pinnacle master teacher, Luo Qianhong is only ranked third!"
"Ranked third?"
'Gongzi' and Jin Conghai stared at one another.
They had all seen how Pavilion Master Mingshi Tang made a move previously. Even though he was defeated in a single move by Zhang Xuan, his true strength wasn't to be underestimated.
Even among Half-Transcension experts, he could be considered as one of the strongest.
With such strength, he could only be ranked third in Xuanyuan Kingdom. Who could be ranked above him?
"The one ranked second isn't a cultivator but the greatest reliance of Xuanyuan Kingdom, the Half-Transcension savage beast [Steelback Winged Dragon]!" Elder Wei Yuqing said.
"That kind of pinnacle savage beast that possesses the Dragon Bloodline?"
Jin Conghai frowned.
Legend had it that the Steelback Winged Dragon was similar to the Nightmare Beast in that it possessed the Dragon Bloodline. Even though the bloodline was extremely thin, it had inherited the fine traditions of the Dragon Tribe. Its wings were sharp as blades, and it possessed incredible speed. Thick scales grew all over its body, granting it an invincible defense and immense strength.
This massive fellow was born with the strength of a Half-Transcension savage beast, and it could even stand against some of the weaker savage beasts.
"The other Conferred Kingdoms might not know much about the Great Xuanyuan Formation, but almost everyone knows of the Steelback Winged Dragon. This is precisely the reason why even though Emperor Ding Chong is weak, no other kingdom dares to lay their hands on him!"
As the Grand Elder of the Beast Hall, Wei Yuqing was well aware of the existence of such a formidable savage beast in Xuanyuan Kingdom.
If not for the Steelback Winged Dragon, even without Zhang Xuan making a move, this kingdom would have long been divided among the other Conferred Kingdoms.
"The Steelback Winged Dragon can only be ranked second. Could the person you spoke of be..." Gu Mu couldn't help but ask.
"Indeed, the person who just spoke is the great-grandfather of Crown Prince Ding Mu, the 178th emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom... Ding Hong!"
Wei Yuqing clenched his fists tightly. "This Ding Hong is a genius among geniuses. Eighty years ago, he was already known as the number one expert of the kingdom. However... there has been no news of him since a long time ago. Even I thought that he was dead. The reason why my name was still on the Green Leaf Board was to commemorate him... To think that he would still be alive! "
"The number one expert eighty years ago? Then, his lifespan... "Gu Mu widened his eyes in shock.
Even though reaching Zhizun realm would increase one's strength, one's lifespan wouldn't increase by much. Under normal circumstances, a hundred years was the limit.
Most Zhizun realm experts would die of old age, and no matter how strong one was, there was nothing they could do about it.
Eighty years ago, he was already the number one expert of the kingdom, a Half-Transcension expert. Yet, he was still alive...
Didn't this mean that his lifespan had already exceeded a hundred years?
"If it's really him, his lifespan should have reached 165 years!" Wei Yuqing said.
"165 years old? Transcendent Mortal 1-dan... Prolonged Longevity realm? "Jin Conghai asked.
Transcendent Mortal realm was also known as Transcendent Mortal realm. Transcending Mortal realm represented a breakthrough from the shackles of mortals, and one's level of existence would rise significantly.
This was a general term for a large realm. Just like a martial artist, it was also divided into nine levels.
First dan, Prolonged Longevity realm.
Upon reaching this realm, one's level of existence would undergo a massive transformation. One would be able to absorb spiritual energy from the world to nourish one's internal injuries, thus extending one's lifespan significantly.
Even a Zhizun realm pinnacle or Half-Transcension expert would find it hard to live past a hundred years.
However, upon reaching this realm, one's lifespan would be doubled, allowing one to live up to two hundred years.
Since this Ding Hong was still alive at a hundred and sixty years old, and he was even able to utter such an imposing voice, it meant that he had already broken through his bottleneck.
To think that Xuanyuan Kingdom would have a Transcendent Mortal expert!
"There's a huge difference between a Half-Transcension and a Transcendent Mortal. Gongzi, should we make a move?" Jin Conghai asked with a grim expression.
There was only a small gap between a Half-Transcension and a true Transcendent Mortal, but it was like the difference between a mortal and a Spirit Ascension realm cultivator.
Zhang Xuan was able to defeat a Half-Transcension expert easily, but against a true Transcendent Mortal, he would be helpless.
Naturally, there was a huge gap in their fighting prowess as well.
It was just like how a tiger and a man were bare-handed. The chances of victory were close to zero.
"There's no need for that now. Let's see how he deals with it first. If it comes to it, we'll make a move then!" 'Gongzi' shook his head.
This fellow easily defeated a Half-Transcension expert and stopped the Great Xuanyuan Formation with a single finger. His endless means piqued his curiosity. He wanted to see what kind of means the other party would have against a true Transcendent Mortal.
Even if he were to meet with danger, Jin Conghai had been a Transcendent Mortal for a very long time. It wasn't difficult for him to suppress a Prolonged Longevity realm cultivator.
"Un!"
Nodding, Jin Conghai lowered his head to look at the other party.
Gu Mu and the others also hurriedly turned their gazes over.
...
"Master Teacher Zhang Xuan, right? Can you give me some face and let this unfilial junior off? I'm willing to repay you with two thousand spirit stones! "
The elderly voice hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking.
"Two thousand spirit stones?"
Everyone's breathing hastened.
The value of spirit stones was immense. If one were to convert it into gold coins, it would be difficult to obtain it.
To offer two thousand spirit stones right off the bat, the other party was truly generous.
With such a huge sum of money, it was more than enough to buy Tianwu Kingdom!
To be able to buy a Tier 1 Kingdom and give it away just to save Ding Mu, it was clear that Ding Mu was extremely important to him.
Hearing the other party's words, Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
Even when he was at his wealthiest, he only had fifteen spirit stones. Yet, the other party was willing to offer so many spirit stones right off the bat.
"Indeed, two thousand spirit stones. You should know the wealth that it represents even if I don't ask for it!"
The elder continued, "Besides, killing him won't do you any good. On the contrary, you'll have to face my relentless pursuit. You're a smart person, so I believe you should be able to make up your mind!"
Even though the other party's voice was calm, it carried a hint of threat.
It seemed as though if Zhang Xuan dared to make a move, he would definitely make a move personally to kill him.
Paying no heed to the other party's threat, Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.
Even though he loved wealth and needed spirit stones, he wouldn't go against his morals and principles for the sake of money.
If he were to do so, how could Lu Chong face him when he wakes up?
Kacha!
A crisp sound echoed in the air. Before Ding Mu could even scream in agony, his head tilted to the side, and he breathed his last.
Putong!
His corpse was thrown to the ground.
"You... Audacious!"
He didn't expect the other party to make a move on him without saying a single word. His voice was no longer as composed as before, and with a loud bellow, it seemed as though it would tear the sky apart.
Hualala!
Hearing this thunderous voice, the crowd watching the commotion on the Heaven's Altar lost their balance and fell to the ground.
The rage of a Transcendent Mortal could change the color of the world!
"This is bad..."
"What can we gain from killing him? We might as well exchange him for two thousand spirit stones!"
"Indeed, we're doomed this time. That's a Transcendent Mortal! No matter how powerful he is, it's impossible for him to stand against him..."
...
A huge commotion broke out beneath the Heaven's Altar.
Clearly, they didn't expect Zhang Xuan to really make a move.
Even more so, they didn't expect Xuanyuan Kingdom to have such a formidable expert backing them.
To cause so many people to fall to the ground with a single bellow, the other party's strength was truly fearsome.
Even though Zhang Shi's performance was astounding, no one thought highly of him.
The gap between a Transcendent Mortal and a Fighter was simply too huge. It could be said to be like the difference between a mortal and a god.
"Transcendent Mortal expert... Zhang Xuan, I've harmed you..."
Mo Yu's face paled, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
She knew that Xuanyuan Kingdom was powerful, and she knew that it was best not to cause trouble unless one was a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert. However, she didn't know that the famous old ancestor of the kingdom was still alive at this moment.
In fact, his strength might have even risen by a notch.
Reaching the Transcendent Mortal realm was akin to a carp leaping through the dragon's gate. Even though the increase in one's strength wasn't significant, one's control over the world was far beyond that of a Fighter.
As long as the old ancestor made a move, no matter how many means Zhang Xuan had, it would be useless.
Master teachers might be able to see through one's flaws, but they weren't invincible.
It was just like how one could see through the flaws of a city wall... As long as one were to overturn it, it would be ineffective...
But... was it possible for one to do so with one's own strength?
Knowing one's flaws and overcoming them were two different things.
Upon reaching the Transcendent Mortal realm, even if there were flaws in one's body, they could be seen through. If one couldn't even catch up to the other party's speed, how could one possibly defeat them?
Roar!
Just as everyone was feeling anxious and worried, a deafening roar echoed from the depths of the royal palace. Following which, a streak of lightning bolted out, appearing in the sky above the Heaven's Altar.
It was a massive savage beast. Its length was at least ten meters, and when it spread its wings, its wingspan was at least thirty meters. Its entire body was covered in thick scales, and it emanated a sharp aura that exerted immense pressure on one.
"Steelback Winged Dragon?" Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.
After reading so many books on beast taming, Zhang Xuan was naturally able to recognize this top-notch savage beast.
As a Half-Transcendent savage beast that possessed the Dragon Bloodline, this fellow was much stronger than the Nightmare Beast, and it was even more ferocious.
It was already frightening enough for the royal palace to have a Transcendent Mortal old ancestor. To think that they would have such a formidable savage beast as well.
As expected of a Conferred Kingdom. It seemed like he had underestimated them.
On the back of the Steelback Winged Dragon, a person stood proudly.
This person didn't sound as old as his voice suggested. He seemed to be in his fifties, and the aura he exuded felt as vast as the ocean.
Upon reaching the Prolonged Longevity realm, one's lifespan would increase, and one's aged body would become younger as well.
Even though this old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Ding Hong, was already more than a hundred and sixty years old, he didn't look as old as one would imagine.
"It's really him..."
Luo Qianhong's eyes narrowed.
Even though he had never met this old ancestor before, he had seen his portrait through various channels. He thought that the old ancestor had already passed away, but who could have thought that not only was he still alive, he even possessed such an imposing aura.
"I gave you a chance! However, it's a pity that you weren't confident! "
Gritting his teeth, Ding Hong glared at Zhang Xuan coldly with a gaze as sharp as a knife.
He doted on this great-grandson of his deeply. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen him as the crown prince so early on.
Yet, this fellow actually dared to kill someone before his eyes. This was... unforgivable.
Boom!
A voice fell from the sky, and as though a heavy hammer, it charged toward Zhang Xuan.
Deng deng deng deng!
Zhang Xuan felt a stifling sensation in his chest, as though someone had struck him. His face paled, and he subconsciously took several steps back.
Transcendent Mortal experts possessed the ability to control the power of the world, allowing them to attack even from a distance.
It was just like how Su shi had caused the Gold-scaled Beast to fall from the sky and Liang Qingming to spurt a mouthful of blood.
Ding Hong's strength was beneath Su shi, and Zhang Xuan was much stronger than Liang Qingming. Even so, he was still forced to retreat. Transcendent Mortal experts were indeed fearsome.
"Seize the opportunity? Pardon me, but if I were given another chance, I would still kill him! "
Driving his Heaven's Path zhenqi, Zhang Xuan dispelled the pressure on his body.
"Eye of Insight!"
He tried to discern the flaws of the other party, but he was unable to find anything.
The Eye of Insight was only able to discern the flaws of a Half-Transcension expert. In other words, a Transcendent Mortal was a small cultivation realm higher than him.
"Flaws!"
Knowing that this ability of a master teacher was unable to help him, Zhang Xuan didn't panic.
Hu!
A book materialized in the Library of Heaven's Path.
The pressure exerted by the other party's voice was equivalent to a battle technique, and the Library of Heaven's Path was able to analyze it.
Zhang Xuan hurriedly flipped through the book.
Frowning, Zhang Xuan's face steeled.
Even though there were many flaws of the other party in the book... given Zhang Xuan's current strength, he was unable to pose any threat to the other party.
It was just like how an infant would know that a man's crotch was his weakness. Putting aside whether he could hit it or not, even if he could, he might not be able to hurt the other party.
Even though his physical body and zhenqi could exert a strength of 50,000 ding, it was still impossible for him to injure a Transcendent Mortal expert.
In other words, even with his current strength, it was useless!
He couldn't hurt the other party at all.
"Since you wish to die, I'll grant you your wish!"
Seeing how the other party still dared to talk back to him, Ding Hong harrumphed coldly.
Roar!
As soon as he said those words, the Steelback Winged Dragon seemed to have received an order, and it flapped its massive wings.
Sou!
As though an arrow, the massive body of the Steelback Winged Dragon appeared before Zhang Xuan in the blink of an eye, and its razor-sharp wings slashed down on Zhang Xuan.
Judging from the reverberations in the air, even steel would be torn into two if it were to be struck.
Narrowing his eyes, Zhang Xuan knew that even though his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan was powerful, he wouldn't be able to withstand the attack.
Hu!
Heaven's Path Movement Art.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared dozens of meters away, dodging the attack.
Roar!
Seeing that its attack had failed, the Steelback Winged Dragon turned around and flapped its wings once more.
Once more, it retreated.
This happened a few more times, and Zhang Xuan's face had already turned livid.
Even though the increase in his cultivation allowed him to execute the Heaven's Path Movement Art, it was only a matter of time before his body succumbed to the strain. At this rate, even if the Steelback Winged Dragon didn't manage to hit him, he would still be severely injured.
"It's impossible for me to just dodge like this, but... a Half-Transcension realm savage beast and a Transcendent Mortal expert... I won't be able to defeat either of them!"
"Indeed, Zhang Shi isn't in a good spot!"
Everyone's faces were filled with anxiety.
Putting aside the Transcendent Mortal Ding Hong, even the Steelback Winged Dragon, who was ranked second on the Green Leaf Board, wasn't an existence that a Fighter could deal with.
Putting aside its invincible defense and powerful offense, more importantly, it was able to fly...
No matter how powerful you are, you can only take a beating. It's impossible for you to fly, right?
"Could it be that... Zhang Shi will really be killed?"
Someone in the crowd asked.
Zhang Shi had just helped him achieve a breakthrough, and he owed the latter half a teacher to him. Yet, despite seeing the other party being killed, there was nothing he could do.
"Unless he can stop the Steelback Winged Dragon from flying, given his strength, he might stand a chance against it. But... is that possible?"
Someone said.
As a Half-Transcension realm savage beast, the Steelback Winged Dragon possessed intelligence on par with humans. Since it had such an advantage in flying, how could it possibly give up on it?
Unless there was a way to knock it down from the sky.
But... putting aside the fact that the other party had invincible defense, even if one had sufficient strength, one had to first catch up to its speed.
In other words, the Steelback Winged Dragon was already in an invincible position. At this rate, it would only be a matter of time before it was killed.
The crowd fell silent. They were anxious, but there was nothing they could do.
"You sure are fast. Let's see how many times you can dodge it!"
Since everyone could see it, Ding Hong was naturally aware of it as well. Standing on the back of the aerial beast, he sneered coldly. With his hands behind his back, he looked at Zhang Xuan arrogantly, as though he was looking at a dead man.
So what if he could run fast? Could he outrun flying?
"Indeed, I won't be able to dodge that many times!" Zhang Xuan stopped and raised his head. "Why don't I... stop dodging!"
"Stop dodging? Then die! "
Harrumphing coldly, Ding Hong was just about to drive the Steelback Winged Dragon to attack when a shrill voice suddenly sounded from below.
"Peng!"
Putong!
Before Ding Hong could react, the ground beneath him suddenly caved in, and the Steelback Winged Dragon beneath him plummeted from the sky. Caught off guard, the Steelback Winged Dragon plunged into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
(Two-in-one!)
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