Volume 2 - Chapter 54: Learning the Art of Heaven’s Secrets
West of Liang Province, on the borderlands, a deep lake lay two thousand miles away.
Beneath the lake’s surface, shadows moved slowly, drifting like enormous hidden creatures lurking in the abyss, exuding an ominous and terrifying aura.
Suddenly, a red bird streaked through the sky with a sharp cry.
As it neared the lake, it transformed into the figure of a young woman in a red dress.
Hovering above the lake, she bent slightly in a respectful bow and spoke in a clear voice, "Hongyun of the Tianji Hall greets the elders of Longmen."
The tranquil lake suddenly rippled as a shadow emerged. The massive figure shrank rapidly and took the form of an elderly man.
"What business do you have?" the old man asked calmly, his gaze resting on the young woman in the long red dress.
"We have just received information," Hongyun replied respectfully. "It seems that Haotian Major General at Tianmen Pass has recently emerged from seclusion. He appears to be heading toward the Tianji Tower, temporarily leaving Liang Province. Our Hall believes this presents an excellent opportunity to attack Liang Province."
Despite being from a different faction, Tianji Hall treated the powerful demonic beings and demon kings with utmost courtesy.
"That brat from the Li family?"
The old man raised an eyebrow. He had heard of the incidents at Tianmen Pass. The tales had already spread among the demons outside Liang Province: Tianmen Pass was not to be approached.
According to intelligence from Feng Shanjun, who had joined the Sacred Palace, that youth indeed had the power to kill a demon king. Even the Ten Thousand Caverns Ghost Mistress had fallen to his hand—a truly ruthless individual.
Crash!
The water suddenly churned, and a ferocious dragon's head emerged, covered in golden light. The form shifted into that of a serene, elderly Daoist—none other than the Dragon Lord, a wanted figure who had joined Longmen and now served as one of its elders.
"Did you witness this with your own eyes?" the Dragon Lord asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Hongyun.
Hongyun answered obediently, "Not personally, but based on our intelligence, there’s a 90% likelihood it is true."
"You intend to ambush that youth?"
The old man beside him saw through the Dragon Lord’s thoughts in an instant. His eyes turned icy as he said, "Don’t even think about it. According to prior intelligence, killing that boy would require at least three demon kings working together. Put aside your personal grudges. Now that you’re part of Longmen, focus on Longmen’s interests."
The Dragon Lord frowned slightly, his expression darkening. "This isn’t about personal grudges. This is a rare opportunity. That boy is growing far faster than any of you realize. If we don’t kill him now, the Great Yu Divine Dynasty will soon have another True Person in their ranks!"
"You’re overthinking it."
The old man shook his head. "Do you really think we’ll allow him to grow unchecked? No matter how extraordinary he is, what can ten years do? Or even five? Hah! Forget five years—even five months is out of the question!"
"When our Grand Elder emerges from seclusion, he will eliminate him. No one will be able to stop it!"
The Dragon Lord’s expression shifted subtly, and he nodded. "If that’s the case, I’ll say no more."
Hongyun asked cautiously, "Are you planning to wait until the Grand Elder emerges before attacking Liang Province?"
"This matter is for us to decide. Thank you for the intelligence, Miss Hongyun," the old man said with a faint smile.
Hongyun immediately understood that she was being dismissed.
Silently cursing in her heart, she outwardly smiled and exchanged a few polite remarks. Seeing the old man’s indifferent responses, she made no further attempt to linger and flew away.
"Hmph, they want information but refuse to offer anything in return."
Once she left, the old man’s faint smile vanished. He turned to the Dragon Lord and said, "The Grand Elder will emerge early, likely within a few days. By then, whether or not that boy is in Liang Province will no longer matter. Go and notify all branches of Longmen—it’s time to gather!"
"So, the attack is finally about to begin?"
The Dragon Lord took a deep breath. His face, calm as an immortal sage, revealed a hint of fervor. In the depths of his eyes, a bloodthirsty killing intent gleamed.
...
The main headquarters of the Tianji Tower was located in Yong Province, adjacent to Liang Province.
Compared to the sparsely populated lands of Liang Province, Yong Province was close to the south, enjoying spring-like weather year-round, abundant resources, and prosperity. The Tower Master of Tianji Tower resided here year-round, and the region was also the territory heavily guarded by the Helian Family, one of the five Divine General Mansions.
For three centuries, no demonic creature had ever breached the city walls of Yong Province.
The citizens lived and worked in peace, attracting numerous aristocratic families to migrate here. Through steady development, many prominent families with a hundred-year history had emerged.
Traveling from Tianmen Pass in Liang Province to the main Tianji Tower in Yong Province took six days on horseback.
For Li Hao, who was accompanied by the Tower’s guide, Tianji Hermit, the round trip could be completed in just two days by traveling through the skies. If he pushed himself to the limit, he could make the journey in a single day.
The guide, Tianji Hermit, had been the host of the previous Dao Discussion Assembly, where he had witnessed Li Hao slay a minor demon king. Now serving as Li Hao’s guide, he was exceedingly polite, without a trace of senior arrogance.
Unlike civil officials, martial artists valued strength above all else.
While civil officials liked to say, "Let the capable teach," in reality, they adhered strictly to hierarchical respect and elder supremacy. Even a young top scholar who reprimanded an ordinary elder might be harshly criticized, or even ridiculed into despair by particularly sharp-tongued detractors.
However, the emperor’s current emphasis on civil officials had caused many military generals and martial artists of the Jianghu to adopt some of the habits of civil officials, including valuing seniority.
“The Tower Master has stated that if Major General Haotian visits, he may study as long as he likes,” Tianji Hermit said with a smile.
“In that case, I might just settle down here permanently,” Li Hao quipped.
“That would be a blessing for us,” Tianji Hermit replied with hearty laughter.
Li Hao’s three years of guarding Tianmen Pass were no secret to Tianji Tower, and they knew he couldn’t stay long.
Before long, the two reached the heart of Yong Province, entering a bustling city known as Tianji City.
From afar, they could see a towering, majestic building within the city.
Li Hao’s gaze swept over the city streets, teeming with throngs of people. The atmosphere was lively and bustling.
The cultural vibe of Yong Province stood out compared to other regions. In the countryside, there were more young people dressed in finery, riding spirited horses. On many hills, groups of young people could be seen hunting demons together.
Even the outskirts, often fraught with danger, were frequented by merchant caravans.
The demon population in this province was noticeably smaller than in others.
This sense of peace and prosperity was palpable to Li Hao.
Only in such a tranquil and flourishing land could so many well-fed youths seek fame by hunting demons.
Soon, the two arrived at Tianji Tower’s headquarters.
Tianji Tower had seven main branches, each overseen by a Tower Master.
Though Tianji Hermit was also a Tower Master, his title referred to overseeing a “floor” rather than the entire branch.
To be precise, he was a Floor Master.
Each Tianji Tower had nine floors, with three Floor Masters like Tianji Hermit and a primary Branch Master overseeing the entire location. This solid foundation was one reason Tianji Tower’s presence in Yong Province deterred demonic creatures from invading.
At the moment, Li Hao was brought to the front of the main building.
On the expansive training grounds outside, numerous disciples of Tianji Tower were cultivating. In the distance, mountains, waterfalls, flowing streams, and deep pools surrounded the area, with cliffs and misty clouds creating a scene reminiscent of a sacred immortal realm.
As Li Hao alighted, he glanced up at the plaque of Tianji Tower. A voice drifted to his ears.
“Major General, the tea is ready. Please come up.”
It was the voice of the Tower Master, Lu Chunsheng.
Li Hao looked up and saw a white-robed figure standing at the top of Tianji Tower, smiling at him.
“The Tower Master awaits you,” Tianji Hermit said with a smile.
Receiving such a welcome, with tea prepared personally by the Tower Master, was an honor reserved only for those of Fourth Pillar Realm strength or higher. Even among the royal family, few received such treatment, making Li Hao’s reception exceptional.
“Thank you for guiding me,” Li Hao said with a polite smile, bidding farewell to Tianji Hermit before flying to the top of the tower and entering from the exterior.
The top floor turned out to be a serene and elegant space, like a private study. A long table held burning incense, an ancient zither, and tea with a delicate fragrance wafting through the air.
“Please, take a seat,” Lu Chunsheng said, his white robes pristine as snow. His refined demeanor exuded a scholarly elegance. With a slight gesture, he invited Li Hao to sit.
Li Hao took a seat on a nearby meditation cushion by the tea table and said with a smile, “Thank you, Tower Master Lu, for the invitation.”
“That is merely a reward you have earned,” Lu Chunsheng replied with a faint smile. He scrutinized Li Hao, his gaze sharpening momentarily before softening again. “It seems the rumors were true. Major General, have you already stepped into the Fourth Pillar Realm?”
Li Hao, just fifteen years old, would have made this question absurd if directed at any other youth. Yet for Li Hao, it felt natural.
“Yes,” Li Hao admitted calmly. There was no need to hide it, especially since his exploits outside the pass had already revealed much.
Hearing this, Lu Chunsheng, despite expecting the answer, felt a flicker of surprise. The ripples in the tea he was holding betrayed his reaction.
“Major General, you are truly extraordinary,” Lu Chunsheng said with a sigh of admiration, his tone tinged with genuine wonder. Even with his vast knowledge and experience, such unparalleled talent astonished him. His admiration for the emperor’s keen judgment also deepened.
Li Hao merely smiled, taking a sip of tea. “Excellent tea.”
“This tea was brewed with spring dew collected in March. It has a slight sweetness,” Lu Chunsheng replied, his satisfaction evident in his tone.
Noticing this, Li Hao didn’t hold back, enjoying several more cups. His gaze then landed on the nearby zither. “Tower Master Lu, are you proficient with the zither as well?”
“I know a little,” Lu Chunsheng said with a modest smile. “I’ve heard that Major General has broad interests and vast knowledge. Would you be interested in playing a piece?”
“How about you play first, Tower Master Lu, and allow me to enjoy your artistry?” Li Hao offered courteously.
Lu Chunsheng smiled and, without further ado, approached the zither.
He seated himself with practiced elegance and assumed a proper posture before plucking the strings.
Melodious notes filled the air, reverberating throughout the tower.
Li Hao listened quietly, but soon his brows lifted slightly. He had assumed Lu Chunsheng’s earlier modesty was mere humility. Yet now he realized... it wasn’t.
As the Tower Master played with absorbed concentration, Li Hao picked up his tea again, sipping slowly. The tea was far more flavorful than the music.
Lu Chunsheng’s zither skills, in Li Hao’s estimation, were about second-tier at best—what one with talent might achieve after seven or eight years of practice, or what a less gifted individual might manage after two or three decades of effort.
When the piece ended, Lu Chunsheng opened his eyes, smiling at Li Hao. “I must apologize for my inadequacy.”
“Well...” Li Hao mused silently but outwardly smiled warmly. “Not at all, Tower Master. Your zither skills are quite remarkable. You must have been practicing for a long time?”
“Over half a jiazi now,” Lu Chunsheng replied with a gentle laugh.
“Truly impressive,” Li Hao replied with sincere-looking praise, though inwardly, he thought, Next time, maybe don’t play.
“Major General, would you care to play a piece?” Lu Chunsheng asked, his smile growing more amiable as he looked at Li Hao with greater warmth.
Li Hao shook his head. “My zither skills are shallow, so I won’t risk embarrassing myself.”
“Major General, you’re still young, and finding time to explore music while cultivating is a rare accomplishment in itself. There’s no need to feel embarrassed,” Lu Chunsheng reassured him, though he felt a twinge of guilt. Perhaps he had been too absorbed in his performance, inadvertently dampening Li Hao’s confidence.
Li Hao shook his head slightly and said, “Tower Master, I still have to return to Tianmen Pass after this. Would it be alright if I proceed to study the techniques now?”
Lu Chunsheng sighed inwardly, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes. “Very well. Please follow me.”
He led Li Hao downstairs, saying, “Feel free to browse through the manuals here. If you find one you like, I have the authority to gift it to you.”
Li Hao gazed at the countless shelves of manuals, feeling as if he had stepped into an expansive library.
Every manual was meticulously maintained, spotless and pristine.
“How long may I stay here?” Li Hao asked.
“For as long as you wish,” Lu Chunsheng replied with a smile.
Li Hao smiled back. “Thank you, Tower Master.”
Lu Chunsheng gave a few instructions on how the manuals were categorized before leaving Li Hao to explore on his own.
Li Hao wasn’t at the Fourth Pillar Realm, so Lu Chunsheng had no concerns about him secretly storing the manuals in spatial realms. Moreover, every manual was meticulously recorded, leaving no room for theft.