Chapter 4 Gui Yuan Sect of Jiangning
After attaining Emptiness Realm, Harmonization of the Spirit and the Heavens and Earth was very easy, while Harmonization of the Body and the Heavens and Earth was slightly harder. However, a typical Emptiness Realm Expert could achieve that by passing some time! When the Emptiness Realm Expert attained Harmonization of the Body and the Heavens and Earth, he could transform into a flowing light that contained the power of the heavens and earth.
The fastest Qing Gong Body was not aided by the power of the heavens and earth.
However, Harmonization of the Body and the Heavens and Earth gave one a portion of the power of the heavens and earth. With this transformation, one could reach the fastest speed.
“Harmonization of the Body with the Heavens and the Earth is like my Earth Elemental Art. The Earth Elemental Art gains access to the power of the heavens and earth, therefore the performer of this art is able to move a distance of one or two Li in one stride.” Teng Qingshan pondered, “However, my Earth Elemental Dao has not reached the pinnacle. If I wish to achieve Harmonization of the Body and the Heavens and Earth, I can only practice the Metal Elemental Power or the Fire Elemental Power.”
With the experience of the Earth Elemental Art, Teng Qingshan continued progressing in Harmonization of the Body with the Heavens and Earth.
6th of September, early morning.
In the Li Residence’s training room in Nanxin County City.
Teng Qingshan was practicing the 《Metal Element Fist》. His fists were like huge axes swinging back and forth, displaying extremely intense power. Teng Qingshan did not exert great force, but because his punches contained the Metal Elemental Dao, his punches could stun someone and cause the person’s ‘spirit’ to be trapped in the illusion cast by the Metal Elemental Dao.
“Whew!”
Teng Qingshan took a deep breath and restrained the swordlike aura.
The gigantic demonic beast, ‘Six Legged Bladelike Chi,’ was lying off to the side, watching Teng Qingshan with full concentration. The protruding eyes that were as big as tires appeared rather confused, seeming to be deep in thought. The Whole Gale Eagle on the roof above the lair of the Six Legged Bladelike Chi blinked as it watched.
It was obvious that the Whole Gale Eagle did not understand Teng Qingshan’s fist art.
“Qingshan.” Li Jun carried the morning tea over.
“Little Jun.” Teng Qingshan, dressed in loose azure cloak, walked over as he responded with a smile, “I am going to the Gui Yuan Sect. I will probably get back home at night. Please take care of our home.
“Okay. However, Qingshan…… please be careful!” Li Jun said worried.
“Don’t worry. I have now achieved ‘Harmonization of Body with the Heavens and Earth.’ Therefore, I can escape even if I encounter an expert who has reached Emptiness Realm Culmination. Even if he has an avian demonic beast, I can escape underground.” Teng Qingshan was confident. Once an Emptiness Realm Expert achieved Harmonization of the Spirit with the Heavens and Earth and Harmonization of the Body with the Heavens and Earth, he could go anywhere in the world!
After all, avian demonic beasts were rare on this continent! The avian demonic beasts that could drill through the ground rapidly like the Undying Phoenix were even rarer.
The Tianfeng Martial Immortal of the Duanmu Continent was unlucky to have encountered the Undying Phoenix. ……
When an Emptiness Realm Expert performed the Qing Gong body art, the journey from Nanxin County City to Jiangning County City would take less than two hours.
Whoosh!
A figure hid in the tall grass by the official road three Li away from from the East Gate of the Jiangning County City. A figure appeared out of thin air amid the bushes beside the official road. The figure appeared to be a wealthy young master. With a rectangular bundle, he stepped onto the official road and walked toward the east gate.
“Jiangning County!”
“It has been long since I returned.” Teng Qingshan stared at the big ‘Jiangning’ characters on the East Gate. He recalled how he used to lead many cavalrymen and soldiers of the Black Armored Army, charging away from Jiangning County to Yanjiang City to fight against the great army of Qing Hu Island. He seemed to see the scene of him personally leading the Black Armored Army to Great Yan Mountain to save his relatives.
“It has been almost four years. Jiangning County, Gui Yuan Sect, I have returned.”
After Teng Qingshan paid the toll to enter the city, he entered Gui Yuan Sect through the east entrance.
When he had left Gui Yuan Sect, Teng Qingshan had just reached Innate Realm.
But now, Teng Qingshan had become an Emptiness Realm Expert! ……
Walking on the main street of Jiangning County, the barracks of Gui Yuan Sect’s Black Armored Army was situated on the left side, while the stores of many merchants were on the right side. The main street was one of the main roads of the entire Jiangning County. It bustled with activity as passersby strode back and forth. On this main street, Teng Qingshan, who was dressed like a wealthy young master, did not appear conspicuous.
“The barracks!” Teng Qingshan glanced to his left.
“Hup! Hah!”
Thunderous shouts resounded from within the barracks of Gui Yuan Sect. Every morning, the Black Armored Army would train for a very long time.
“The Black Armored Army is training……” Teng Qingshan’s expression suddenly changed.
Because……
Teng Qingshan could distinctly sense the familiar auras in his domain. The auras were of his father, Teng Yongfan, his mother, his sister, the members of the Teng Clan, his teacher Zhuge Yuanhong, and other people.
“Father, Mother!” Teng Qingshan teared up. He really wished to run over and see his parents.
“Thank goodness Father, Mother, sister, and the others are alright.” Teng Qingshan took a deep breath.
As Teng Qingshan inspected within his domain, he knew that his parents and sister were in Gui Yuan Sect, while the members of the Teng Clan lived in an enormous mansion which belonged to Teng Qingshan. This was a north-facing mansion that had been expanded to accommodate the members of the Teng Clan. “Grandfather is living well. Uncle Yonglei is still alive as well.” Teng Qingshan felt great exhilaration.
He was very familiar with this main street!
He was also very familiar with many people here as he would often pass by some stores when he was on his way to the barracks from the Teng Residence.
“This is my home!” Teng Qingshan muttered under his breath.
“Such powerful aura. The aura of an Emptiness Realm Expert.” Teng Qingshan looked south and said to himself, “The aura is coming from the Martial Pavilion. The Emptiness Realm Expert of Gui Yuan Sect is actually Elder Wu, the one who loves to read the unofficial history book at the Martial Pavilion.” ……
At the Martial Pavilion of Gui Yuan Sect.
At this moment, the silver-haired Elder Wu who had always been smiling appeared very serious. He stood in front of the door of the Martial Pavilion and gazed north while frowning. Feeling bewildered, he said to himself, “Such a powerful and fierce metal force and that fervent and fiery aura! Which Emptiness Realm Expert is this? I’ve probably never seen him before, but…… he seems slightly familiar.”
Elder Wu was very confused.
One’s aura was related to one’s ‘spirit.’ When one attained Emptiness Realm, especially after the Harmonization of the ‘Spirit’ with the Heavens and Earth, the ‘spirit’ would experience changes. The aura would change as well! If both experts were very familiar with each other, it would be possible to identify the aura. However, Elder Wu wasn’t familiar with Teng Qingshan so he didn’t recognize Teng Qingshan immediately.
Or maybe…… he just didn’t expect that the talented young escapee could attain Emptiness Realm before the age of twenty-one!
“Hm. It might be an Emptiness Realm Expert who is just passing by in Jiangning County.
“Since he hasn’t disturbed anyone, I will pretend I never saw him.” Elder Wu walked back into the Martial Pavilion and returned to his desk. Although he picked an unofficial history book up, his mind was no longer on the unofficial history book, but on the distant and mysterious Emptiness Realm Expert.
After all, each and every Emptiness Realm Expert was terrifying.
If an Emptiness Realm Expert dashed into the base of a sect, he could kill the sect master and escape! Even an expert who had attained Emptiness Realm Culmination wouldn’t be able to stop the slaughter.
Therefore, if the sect’s Emptiness Realm Expert noticed an Emptiness Realm Expert entering the city, he wouldn’t dare to act carelessly!
“Eh, he stopped at…… the bridge over the canal?” Elder Wu frowned. ……
The Yu Yang Grand Canal run through the center of Jiangning County. Presently, Teng Qingshan stood on the canal bridge located on the main street with his forearms on the railing.
Walla~~~
The torrential waters of the canal flowed as boats occasionally sailed under the bridge. Many young men and women were having dates on the bridge.
“Canal…… Yu Yang Grand Canal!” The scene of Zhuge Qing sightseeing the grand canal with him at night appeared in Teng Qingshan’s mind. “Qing Qing……” Teng Qingshan still felt apologetic towards Zhuge Qing. Simultaneously, the feeling of desiring to destroy Qing Hu Island became heavier.
“I will not let everything that happened in the past slide!”
“Qing Hu Island, you guys were not able to kill me in the past. Now, I have returned after four years! This time, I will make you pay!”
A cold glint flashed in Teng Qingshan’s eyes.
This was the principle of this world. Qing Hu Island destroyed Tie Yi Sect, and killed several thousand people. The world only praised the great power of Qing Hu Island, and just a few people said that Qing Hu Island was ruthless and cruel. In Great Yan Mountain, Qing Hu Island compelled Gui Yuan Sect arrogantly, but Gui Yuan Sect could only endure!
“Teacher!”
Teng Qingshan raised his head and looked south. He walked down the bridge and paced below the shade of the trees before he suddenly disappeared. Transforming into a streak of almost invisible red light, he dashed towards the interior of Gui Yuan Sect at an incredibly fast speed. ……
“Oh no!” The complexion of Elder Wu, who was constantly on guard, changed drastically. Simultaneously, a flash was seen as he vanished from the Martial Pavilion. He moved with lightning speed toward the location of Sovereign Zhuge Yuanhong. “This Emptiness Realm Expert is so cunning. He first remained motionless on the canal bridge. He then suddenly darted towards where Yuanhong is cultivating. Yuanhong is only one step away from reaching Emptiness Realm. A breakthrough could be made at any time and he would reach the Emptiness Realm.”
“The Blind Swordmaster of Qing Hu Island probably requested that this Emptiness Realm Expert come here to kill Yuanhong.” Elder Wu was astounded and furious!
In the history of the Land of the Nine Prefectures.
Things like an Emptiness Realm Expert suddenly dashing into a sect and killing several elite experts before escaping at lightning speed had happened before! Ever since Gui Yuan Sect and Qing Hu Island became enemies, Gui Yuan Sect had been very careful. However, an Emptiness Realm Expert still came today!
“That sinister, blind bastard!” swore Elder Wu.
The doors of Zhuge Yuanhong’s study room were closed, but the window was open. The heavy fragrance of sandalwood pervaded the whole study room. Dressed in a loose white cloak, Zhuge Yuanhong sat cross-legged as he cultivated silently. His untied hair was draped over his shoulders. He just sat there as if he didn’t exist. Compared to four years ago, the Zhuge Yuanhong today was much more sensible.
Whoosh! A gust of wind blew into the study room. The figure that emerged was Elder Wu!
The Martial Pavilion was located near the study room, so Elder Wu naturally arrived first.
Zhuge Yuanhong opened his eyes and said in surprise, “Martial Ancestor?” Seeing that Elder Wu held a completely azure divine sword, he was astonished. Elder Wu was an Emptiness Realm Expert. What was so daunting that Elder Wu, the most powerful expert of Gui Yuan Sect, would come with a weapon?
“Yuanhong, we are in big trouble. An Emptiness Realm Expert is coming,” Elder Wu said worried.
“An Emptiness Realm Expert?”
No matter how calm Zhuge Yuanhong was, his facial expression still changed drastically. “Is it Qing Hu Island?” Zhuge Yuanhong also knew of the famous Blind Swordmaster, the hauntingly powerful expert who had attained Emptiness Realm Culmination. If the Blind Swordmaster did attack, Elder Wu could escape, but if Elder Wu wanted to protect Zhuge Yuanhong it would be hard.
“It doesn’t make sense for the Blind Swordmaster to make such an unwise move!” Zhuge Yuanhong felt his heart jump into his throat.
Elder Wu stood before Zhuge Yuanhong, cautious and on guard.
Whoosh!
A beam of light passed through the window and descended into the study room. The blurred figure materialized, transforming into an ordinary young man who looked like a wealthy young master.
“Friend, why did you come to Gui Yuan Sect?” Elder Wu asked with an imposing manner as he glared at Teng Qingshan.
Excitement could be seen in the eyes of the wealthy young master. “Elder Wu!”
He then looked at Zhuge Yuanhong and the scenes of the Black Armored Soldiers dying and Qing Qing dying on Great Yan Mountain flashed in his mind. He couldn’t help but feel apologetic. With tears welling in his eyes, he knelt down and shouted, “Teacher! The unfilial disciple Teng Qingshan has returned!”
Book 9 Chapter 5 A Conversation Between the Teacher and the Disciple
“Teacher! Your unfilial disciple, Teng Qingshan, has returned!”
His voice reverberated in the study room, yet those in the room, Zhuge Yuanhong and Elder Wu, were stupefied for a moment upon hearing it.
“This fearsome Emptiness Realm Expert who has comprehended both the Fire Elemental Dao and the Metal Elemental Dao, is that young fellow Teng Qingshan?” Elder Wu’s eyes widened in surprise and couldn’t help but stared unwaveringly at the young man whose eyes welled up with tears.
“How is this possible? He-he-he…… How could he be Teng Qingshan????”
Even Zhuge Yuanhong, the superior Sovereign, was overwhelmed by a surge of complicated emotions.
Teng Qingshan knelt on the ground. Guilt and shame filled his heart. “In the past, I sought revenge for my father and my village and was completely confident in my camouflaging abilities to not expose my identity…… however, in the end, my identity was revealed, and I’ve even implicated Gui Yuan Sect! So many brothers of the Black Armored Army died! Even Qing Qing died! All of these occurred because of my selfishness, my own crazy doings!
In regards to his teacher, Zhuge Yuanhong, Teng Qingshan only felt remorse.
If it wasn’t because of himself, how would teacher lose his beloved daughter?
“Teacher,” Teng Qingshan said as he lifted his head and gazed at Zhuge Yuanhong.
“You…… are you Teng Qingshan?”Zhuge Yuanhong was completely shocked.
Teng Qingshan suddenly realized that his current appearance was the one that had been altered. Hence, he proceeded to rub his face. Unexpectedly, his appearance underwent some alterations, from a gentle to a sharp jawline, and even his pupillary distance underwent some changes. He had transformed from the typical nouveau wealthy boy to a grave and stern young man. Ever since he achieved the late stage of the Internal Supreme Force and reached the physical limits of the human body, Teng Qingshan could even make subtle changes to his facial bones and muscles.
Presently, he did not need any paint brush and other materials to alter his appearance.
“This ……” Elder Wu felt extremely surprised. Likewise, Zhuge Yuanhong was also stunned.
The person before them was that crazy fellow at Great Yan Mountain, also known as the greatest phenom in the history of the Gui Yuan Sect – Teng Qing Shan!
Although Teng Qingshan had become much more mature and his aura had become much more constrained than four years ago, he could still be recognized at a glance.
Hence, he could be easily recognized immediately
“Qingshan.” Zhuge Yuanhong excitedly walked towards him and pulled him up, “Quick, stand up, stand up.”
Teng Qingshan could clearly see the tears welled up in his Teacher’s eyes.
“Child, we’ve had no news of you for almost four years.” Zhuge Yuanhong pulled his arm, “ Your parents have been very worried about you, worrying if any accidents have had happened to you. Thank goodness…… you’re finally back. It’s good that you are back! I can finally set my mind at ease.”
Teng Qingshan could feel the strong sense of care from his Teacher. He could see the hairs on his Teacher’s temples were streaked with a tinge of silver
“Teacher ……” Teng Qingshan’s heart ached.
During that time, Zhuge Yuanhong had decided to betroth his daughter to Teng Qingshan. Also, his son was going to marry Qingyu. Most importantly, he had already prepared to let Teng Qingshan become the next Sovereign of the Gui Yuan Sect in the future. Therefore, Zhuge Yuanhong had long ago regarded Teng Qingshan as one of his children, with the same care and concern!
After meeting once again after so long, Zhuge Yuanhong felt a wave of emotions from his heart
“Teacher, this disciple has let you down.”
Teng Qingshan kneeled down once again, his eyes filled with tears, “This disciple was too reckless in the past. To save me, Teacher had to send reinforcements into Great Yan Mountain. In the end, many of our black-armoured brothers lost their lives because of me. It’s also because of me, Qing Qing…… This disciple is sorry!” Teng Qingshan was filled with guilt and remorse.
The scenes that day at Great Yan Mountain were as clear as though it was happening right before his eyes. ……
“Teacher, I do not regret killing the people of Qing Hu Island! Qingshan has failed to live up to your teachings…… Qingshan is not worthy of being your disciple.” ……
“Everyone, testify for me. I, Teng Qingshan, betrayed the Gui Yuan Sect and will no longer be a part of it!”
“Everything that I, Teng Qingshan, have done is not related to the Gui Yuan Sect anymore!” ……
Teng Qingshan could never forget the scenes in Great Yan Mountain! He felt more remorse towards Qing Qing and the many brothers that had died. He felt even more apologetic towards his teacher, Zhuge Yuanhong.
However, he was a fugitive at that time and did not have any opportunity to explain to his Teacher.
Today, there is finally a chance to make reparations!
“Qingshan.” Zhuge Yuanhong sighed as he shook his head, “Child, I have never blamed you. When you said you have betrayed and left Gui Yuan Sect, I was not angry at all. Instead, your actions and words touched my heart. I knew that you did it for our sect.”
“I only hate that my Gui Yuan Sect was not powerful enough. I only hate that I, Zhuge Yuanhong, was not strong enough…… Otherwise, how could the disciple of Zhuge Yuanhong experience such humiliation? How could my beloved daughter die innocently?
“You are the disciple, and I am the Teacher.”
Zhuge Yuanhong gazed at Teng Qingshan, “If the sky falls, it is the teacher’s duty to shoulder it! I was the incompetent one. I could only let you shoulder it yourself and forced you to become a fugitive!”
“Teacher ……” when Teng Qingshan heard this, his tears could not help but flow.
“Just look at both of you, today is an auspicious day! A day of happiness!” Elder Wu laughingly said, “Qingshan has returned to our Gui Yuan Sect safely, henceforth we would have one more Emptiness Realm Expert! This is such a happy event. Why are you guys crying?”
“Hm. Qingshan, you are already an Emptiness Realm expert, yet you’re still crying.” Zhuge Yuanhong smiled as he pulled Teng Qingshan to his feet.
Teng Qingshan took a deep breath, and his tears evaporated.
During the past several years residing in the Duanmu Continent, apart from tearing up for Li Jun and himself, he would usually not cry at all. However, upon seeing his Teacher, overwhelming emotional feelings of returning home, guilt, gratefulness, and many many more emotions caused Teng Qingshan to be unable to hold it in.
“Qingshan, sit. Come sit down and have a nice chat with Teacher, what has happened to you?” Zhuge Yuanhong asked with a smile, “My talented disciple, how is it that in the span of only a few years, you can progress from an at most a True Dan Innate expert to an Emptiness Realm Expert. Even up till now, I, your teacher, still haven’t broken through.”
“By the way, Qingshan, how did you…… reach Emptiness Realm?” The Elder Wu looked at Teng Qingshan incredulously, unable to believe this accomplishment, “An Emptiness Realm Expert!, Qing Hu Island, known as one of the eight Supreme Sects under the heavens, only has one Emptiness Realm Expert.
Qingshan, you……”
The most shocking thing was that Teng Qingshan was only twenty-one years old!
“Teacher, Elder Wu.”
Teng Qingshan took a deep breath and said, “Listen to my story. When I was in Wu City of Yuzhou, I was pursued and fled all the way to the Great Prairie in the north……”
The study room gradually quietened down, with only the sound of Teng Qingshan’s narration.
“What? The Heavenly God Palace?”
Both Zhuge Yuanhong and the Elder Wu were both in great shock.
“Hm. The God of Heaven Mountain is only a branch of the Heavenly God Palace. After I had defeated the First Godly General Borileimu, I was asked by the God of Heaven to be one of the three Foreign Dignitaries.” Teng Qingshan continued his narration about the adventures on the sea and many other intricacies.
Some matters which should not be divulged were only briefly touched upon by Teng Qingshan.
However, the journey across the North Sea and reaching the Duanmu Continent and the happenings afterward, especially the battle between Teng Qingshan and the Tianfeng Martial Immortal, amazed both Zhuge Yuanhong and Elder Wu. Teng Qingshan fought an Emptiness Realm Expert?
After a very long time—
The study room became quiet.
“After we left the Phoenix Island, me, Little Jun, and my two disciples rode the Six Legged Bladelike Chi back to the Land of the Nine Prefectures,” said Teng Qingshan.
Both the Elder Wu and Zhuge Yuanhong both heaved a long sigh.
“Duanmu Continent? There is even a place like this in this world.” Zhuge Yuanhong exclaimed in surprise. He immediately looked towards Teng Qingshan and said, “Qingshan, the news you brought this time is like charcoal sent during winter! The Tianfeng Aqua Bead and Blazing Flame Red Lotus Seeds. Hmm, the best was the Undying Phoenix!”
“Qingshan, you actually were able to make friends with such a godly beast! This is great fortune,” Zhuge Yuanhong exclaimed in admiration.
Teng Qingshan sighed, “It only happened because of Little Jun. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be any way to communicate with that divine beast.”
“Yes.”
Zhuge Yuanhong nodded. “The news that you brought is extremely beneficial to our Gui Yuan Sect. Thanks to you, the Gui Yuan Sect to turn this situation around, even as far as replacing Qing Hu Island as one of the eight supreme sect might not be an impossibility.
Hearing this, Teng Qingshan revealed a smile. In regards to scheming and stratagem, there was a markedly wide distance between the abilities of disciple and Teacher. Nicknamed “Gui Yuan’s Zhuge”, Zhuge Yuanhong was number one in the fields of stratagem and scheming. Moreover, Teng Qingshan was extremely trusting in his own Teacher. Of course, there were certain things that were left unsaid.
It stemmed purely because he did not want to cause a disaster towards the Duanmu Continent!
For example, the relationship between the Splitting Mountain Axe and the 《Thirty-six Splitting Mountain Forms》. Even though Teng Qingshan did indeed brought back the Splitting Mountain Axe, the concepts and the forms engraved on the stone inscriptions of the《Thirty-six Splitting Mountain Forms》 were all stored in Teng Qingshan’s brain. Hence, the stone inscriptions were not brought back. Therefore, even if the Splitting Mountain Axe were to be lost, nobody will realise the relationship between the axe and the stone inscriptions.
After all, those stone inscriptions were all left in the Duanmu Continent!
“Teacher, according to you, how should we proceed now?’ Teng Qingshan asked.
“Let me think, let me think.”
The eyes of Zhuge Yuanhong gleamed, evidently due to him being delighted. After all, Teng Qingshan had brought back a large amount of resources. Regardless of the resources such as the “Fiery Glit Steel”, the “Undying grass”, and the “Blazing Flame Red Lotus”, the most important of them all was still the Six-legged Bladelike Chi and the soon to arrive Undying Phoenix.
“Hmm, Teacher, how about I visit my parents and sister first?” Teng Qingshan asked.
“Yes.”
Zhuge Yuanhong nodded with a smile, “However, do remember not to let them discover your presence in this period. It is still not the time to expose your identity. Your parents would definitely be closely monitored by the men of Qinghu Island. If your parents were to leak out the news of your return, it would be disastrous indeed. How you should proceed with this, let me take some time to think about it and offer you a suggestion later.”
“Acknowledged.” Teng Qingshan nodded his head
Towards his Teacher, Teng Qingshan was not worried about the former divulging secrets nor lusting after his treasures. Ultimately, even if the treasures were to be gifted to his Teacher, Teng Qingshan would not mind at all.
After all
He owed too much to his teacher, too much! Also, by relying on the wisdom of his teacher, they could maximize the use of those resources.
Teng Qingshan lightly touched his face, after that changing the structure of his facial bones, while the curves of his jawline were made much more gentle, even the surface of the face had some minute alterations. Due to the said changes, Teng Qingshan currently looked like a totally different person. At the sight of Teng Qingshan’s changes, Zhuge Yuanhong and Elder Wu could not help but be impressed in their hearts
“Whoosh!”
Teng Qingshan disappeared from the study room in a bolt of light
“Yuanhong, I still can’t believe it. The little fellow, Teng Qingshan, actually attained Emptiness Realm and even comprehended more than one Dao.” Elder Wu couldn’t help but shake his head as he said, “I really can’t believe it. Teng Qingshan is only 21 years old.”
Zhuge Yuanhong took a deep breath and gazed into the distance, “I cannot believe it either. However, Teng Qingshan did return and he did attain Emptiness Realm!”
“A 21-years old Emptiness Realm expert!”
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