104: The Imperial Tutor returns to the capital, at the ten-mile-long pavilion!

Just then, a grand thought surged from the map, directly pouring into Chen Xu's mind!

That thought was the incomplete will left behind by Purple Mansion Dao Lord!

"Latercomer..."

"When you advance to the Nascent Soul Stage, you will be qualified to know a thing or two..."

"The seven kill demon star is the great calamity of this Realm. However, its Origin lies outside the Realm..."

"The secret of Soul Transformation and Purple Mansion can be found by going to the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals..."

"Remember..."

"Only by returning to one can a glimmer of hope be seen..."

The information stopped abruptly, as if it had been forcefully cut off by an invisible power.

But the position of the lit up light spot on the star map had been clearly imprinted in Chen Xu's mind.

Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals!

A mysterious place located at the Extreme East Sea, distant and unknown!

Chen Xu slowly digested this vast information.

Many mysteries in his heart were suddenly clarified at this moment!

seven kill demon star!

Outside the Realm!

Pojun Demon Lord's curse before his death and Purple Mansion Dao Lord's message were perfectly corroborated at this moment!

This demonic calamity sweeping across the heavens and earth was indeed not the end!

It was merely the beginning!

Just as Chen Xu's mind was surging with emotion, digesting this astonishing secret, his Divine Sense suddenly captured a hint of being spied upon.

This prying Divine Sense was extremely subtle and extremely powerful.

It came from thousands of miles away, and its owner's cultivation had evidently reached the Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage!

Just one step away, he could touch the Soul Transformation Realm!

If it were before his Breakthrough, Chen Xu might not have even noticed.

But now... Hmph.

Chen Xu snorted coldly.

The next moment, Chen Xu's boundless Divine Thought, without any reservation, instantly tore through the Void Realm, and, against that prying Divine Sense, directly locked onto its true body!

Thousands of miles away, inside an Immortal Cave on a desolate mountain, an old man with white hair and beard, dressed in an Eight Trigrams Daoist robe, and a gaunt face, was sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed.

He was the famous Loose Cultivator great power of this Realm, Mysterious Mechanism Daoist.

Having lived for over a thousand years, his cultivation had long since reached the Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage.

He was recognized as one of the closest existences to Soul Transformation in this Realm.

Today, on a whim, he divined the heavenly secrets.

He actually discovered an astonishing anomaly in the Northern Region.

Violet Qi came from the east for three thousand miles, sweet rain fell from the sky, and golden lotuses emerged from the ground!

This was a sign of a Saint's birth... or the appearance of a peerless Spirit Treasure!

He couldn't suppress his curiosity, so he sent out a wisp of Divine Sense to investigate.

But he never expected that his wisp of Divine Sense had just arrived and hadn't even seen anything clearly when a terrifying Divine Thought descended with a roar!

That Divine Thought was far stronger than any Nascent Soul Cultivator he had ever seen!

Even more terrifying was the hint of purple Dao charm contained within that Divine Thought, as if it were the Origin of all Dao and the sovereign of heaven and earth!

In his perception, his proud Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage Divine Sense was so weak and insignificant before this Divine Thought.

"Pfft!"

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist was struck as if by lightning, violently spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and his face instantly changed dramatically!

He opened his eyes in horror, his eyes filled with terror and disbelief!

At this moment, a cold and indifferent voice directly exploded in his Sea of Consciousness!

"Fellow Daoist, observing is fine."

"Crossing the line, death."

These few short words made Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's heart stop for a moment!

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist only felt his Nascent Soul trembling under this voice, as if it would be directly obliterated by that terrifying will in the next second!

He had no doubt... as long as he had even half a thought of disrespect, the other party's Divine Thought would mercilessly kill him on the spot!

"This... who is this divine being?!"

A monstrous wave surged in Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's heart.

He immediately retracted all his Divine Sense, severing all connection with that side.

After a long while, he finally came to his senses.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and there was not the slightest trace of anger in his eyes.

Instead, his heart was filled with shock!

This kind of existence, this kind of power!

It had definitely surpassed the scope of Nascent Soul!

The other party's Dao was an unparalleled Grand Dao he had never heard of or seen before!

"I must visit! I must go!"

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist didn't hesitate at all. He tidied his robes, suppressed the excitement in his heart, and then transformed into a streak of light, flying rapidly towards Chen Xu's location... Outside the commander's tent.

Chen Xu slowly retracted his Divine Thought, his face as calm as an ancient well.

He stood up, took a step, and his figure appeared outside the commander's tent.

At this moment, the heavenly phenomena had long since dissipated.

But the iron-blooded military formation formed by the hundred thousand strong army remained motionless.

The three thousand Star Guards, thirty-six members of the Tiangang Squad, as well as Marquis Zhenbei, Li Hu, Chen Daoxuan, and others, were still guarding outside his tent, their expressions solemn, not daring to relax in the slightest.

Seeing Chen Xu come out, everyone's spirits were lifted!

"Congratulations to Imperial Tutor (Patriarch, Father) on your successful Breakthrough, may you enjoy Immortal blessings forever!"

Chu Xuan, Marquis Zhenbei, and others all knelt on one knee, their voices filled with excitement and reverence.

"Imperial Tutor is mighty!"

"Long live Imperial Tutor!"

The hundred thousand soldiers on the periphery let out shouts that shook the mountains and seas, their faces filled with fanaticism.

Chen Xu's gaze slowly swept over everyone.

He looked at his loyal subordinates, at the soldiers who entrusted their lives to him.

He nodded slightly to everyone, then solemnly cupped his fists in a bow.

"This time, Chen Xu was in seclusion, and I thank all of you for protecting me."

"You have worked hard."

There were no flowery words, only the simplest sentence and a gesture, yet it instantly brought tears to the eyes of all the soldiers present!

Imperial Tutor!

The Imperial Tutor, who was like a god, was actually thanking them, ordinary soldiers!

What an honor this was!

"To protect Imperial Tutor, we will not hesitate to die ten thousand times!"

Someone, no one knew who, was the first to roar out.

"Die ten thousand times!"

The roar of a hundred thousand people converged into a towering torrent, almost shaking the clouds in the sky apart!

The morale of the army reached its Peak at this moment!

Chen Xu smiled slightly, just about to say something more.

His gaze shifted, looking towards the distant sky.

He saw a streak of light approaching from afar, finally stopping a hundred zhang outside the military formation, revealing an old Daoist with white hair and beard.

The old Daoist hovered in mid-air, not daring to advance another inch. He respectfully bowed towards Chen Xu's direction.

"I am Mysterious Mechanism, a Loose Cultivator from the mountains. I have presumptuously come to pay my respects, Fellow Daoist."

"May I... enter and speak?"

His posture was extremely low, and his tone carried a hint of asking for permission.

Marquis Zhenbei and the others were all stunned when they saw this.

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist?

Isn't that the old monster rumored to have lived for over a thousand years?

Why would he personally come here? And be so respectful to Imperial Tutor?

Chen Xu looked at Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's eyes, which held both reverence and curiosity, and instantly understood the other party's intention.

He also happened to be looking for a top Cultivator of this Realm to understand the secrets of the path to Soul Transformation.

This person had conveniently delivered himself to his doorstep.

"Please."

Chen Xu said lightly, turning sideways and making a gesture of invitation.

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist was overjoyed at the words, quickly bowed again, and then carefully passed through the military formation, landing in front of Chen Xu.

Inside the commander's tent, the two sat opposite each other.

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist looked at the overly young man in front of him, his heart still filled with shock.

He could feel that the other party's aura had been completely restrained, appearing just like a Mortal.

But this was precisely the most terrifying aspect!

Returning to simplicity!

This indicated that the other party's control over his own power had reached an inconceivable Realm!

"Fellow Daoist's demeanor has truly opened this old Daoist's eyes."

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist was the first to break the silence, his tone filled with emotion. "May I ask... is Fellow Daoist a Reincarnation of an Immortal from the Upper Realm?"

This was the biggest doubt in his heart. Besides this explanation, he really couldn't imagine how such a Prodigy could be born in this Realm.

"I am Chen Xu."

Chen Xu smiled faintly, not directly answering. Instead, he looked at Mysterious Mechanism Daoist, his gaze seeming to penetrate people's hearts.

"I see that Fellow Daoist's Qi is well-rounded, and you are only one step away from the Soul Transformation Realm."

"It's just that you seem to have been stuck at this Bottleneck for a long time."

At these words, Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's body trembled violently!

The other party actually saw through his biggest worry with just one glance!

The smile on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a deep bitterness and helplessness.

"Fellow Daoist has keen insight."

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist sighed deeply. "To be honest with Fellow Daoist, this old Daoist has been trapped in this Realm for five hundred years!"

"For five hundred years, I have traveled all over the four seas and eight wildernesses, sought out ancient ruins, and tried countless methods, but I have always been unable to take that final step."

He looked at Chen Xu, a hint of despair in his eyes. "It's not just this old Daoist; looking back at the three thousand years of this Realm, how many astonishingly talented individuals have there been? The Grand Elders of the three major Sects in South Spirit Prefecture, the old Demonic Lords of the four Demonic Path Sects, which one of them wasn't a Dragon among men?"

"But what was the result? Not a single person was able to successfully Breakthrough to Soul Transformation!"

"We even suspect... whether this heaven and earth is incomplete, the Laws are not whole, and our path to Soul Transformation has already been cut off!"

He spoke these words with immense heaviness. This was a great mountain pressing on the hearts of all Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators in this Realm!

To see a path full of hope right before one's eyes, yet be forever unable to step onto it, that kind of despair was enough to drive anyone mad.

However, after listening, Chen Xu gently shook his head.

"Heaven and earth incomplete?"

He scoffed, his voice carrying a hint of disdain. "Frogs in a well only see a patch of sky and assume the sky is only the size of the well's mouth."

"It is not that heaven and earth are incomplete."

Chen Xu looked at the instantly stunned Mysterious Mechanism Daoist, and said word by word: "But rather, the human heart has shackles!"

The human heart has shackles!

These four words made Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's heart skip a beat!

He was completely dumbfounded, staring blankly at Chen Xu, muttering to himself, "The human heart... has shackles?"

"Precisely."

Chen Xu picked up his teacup, his expression calm. "Many Cultivation Techniques in the Cultivation world have taken the wrong path from the very beginning."

"They only know how to blindly plunder Spiritual Qi from heaven and earth to strengthen themselves, but they don't know what Dao is, what Law is. Therefore, their horizons are firmly locked by this heaven and earth."

"It's like a group of fish kept in a fish tank; no matter how much they jump, they can't jump out of that fish tank."

Chen Xu's words were blunt, yet every word was profound. He combined his worldview from Earth, the Legacy of Purple Mansion Dao Lord, and his understanding of the Grandmist Dao.

The height he stood at had long far exceeded the imagination of the Cultivators of this Realm.

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist listened with rapt attention, feeling as if a brand new door was slowly opening before him!

Visibly, the light in his eyes changed rapidly.

After a long time, it was as if he had thought of something.

The next moment, he turned his head and looked at Chen Xu, but his eyes had completely changed!

It was no longer the look of peers interacting, but the look of a student gazing at a teacher!

"Please... please, Teacher, instruct me!"

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist suddenly stood up and performed the Disciple's Bow towards Chen Xu.

A deep bow, all the way to the end.

The fog that had troubled him for five hundred years was, at this moment, slightly parted by Chen Xu's few words!

Chen Xu looked at him, neither refusing nor helping him up.

He merely smiled faintly... stretched out a finger, and lightly tapped the Void Realm before him.

Buzz!

A purple Sword Qi, imbued with profound Dao rhythm, appeared out of thin air.

That Sword Qi was neither sharp nor overbearing.

It just floated there quietly, yet it seemed to form a world of its own.

Evolving the entire process from birth to annihilation.

Within the Sword Qi, it was as if stars were born and extinguished, and all things underwent Reincarnation.

That was the Dao!

It was the most fundamental Dao, transcending all power!

The moment Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's gaze met that purple Sword Qi.

He could no longer look away!

The magical power within him uncontrollably began to circulate wildly!

His Bottleneck, which had troubled him for five hundred years, actually let out a crisp sound at this moment.

It loosened!

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist trembled all over, and an unbelievable ecstasy erupted in his eyes!

This was it!

This was the feeling!

The very thing he had painstakingly sought for five hundred years was right before his eyes!

He greedily comprehended the supreme true meaning contained within that Sword Qi.

His entire being fell into a profound state of Epiphany.

After a long time, that Sword Qi slowly dissipated.

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist also slowly awoke from his Epiphany.

He felt the stirring sensation of an impending Breakthrough within him.

His heart was filled with immense gratitude towards Chen Xu.

"Teacher's grace of rebirth, Mysterious Mechanism Daoist will never forget!"

He knew that he was only one opportunity away from Soul Transformation!

And this opportunity was bestowed by the person before him!

Chen Xu calmly accepted his bow.

Then, with a virtual hand, he supported him.

"Rise."

He said calmly, "On the path of the Grand Dao, the capable come first; there is no such thing as seniority. You and I are both seekers of the Dao."

These words once again caused a great shock in Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's heart.

The capable come first!

What a 'capable come first'!

The breadth of mind and bearing of the person before him.

It was even more terrifying than his strength!

Mysterious Mechanism Daoist respectfully stood up, his demeanor having completely changed to that of a Junior.

"Teacher is right; it was Mysterious Mechanism Daoist who was too attached to appearances."

He thought for a moment, then continued, "Mysterious Mechanism Daoist has no way to repay Teacher's guidance. If Teacher wishes to Break through, merely cultivating in seclusion is probably not enough; he needs to travel more, comprehend the myriad Daos of heaven and earth, and perhaps gain something."

After speaking, he took out a jade talisman from his embrace, which was entirely silver-white and inscribed with countless spatial runes, and offered it with both hands.

"This is a World-Breaking Talisman, which this old Daoist obtained in an ancient ruin years ago. Crushing this talisman can instantly traverse one hundred thousand li of space, making it a supreme treasure for saving one's life."

"Today, I present it to Teacher as a small token of my regard."

"Furthermore, this old Daoist swears here that if the Chen family ever faces a crisis in the future, Mysterious Mechanism Daoist will definitely lend a hand once. Should I violate this oath, may heaven and earth punish me!"

This was the most precious item he could offer, and the most solemn promise he could make.

He wanted to use this method... to completely bind himself to Chen Xu.

Chen Xu glanced at the World-Breaking Talisman but did not refuse it.

With this item, when he goes to the Ancient Plain of Fallen Immortals in the future.

He would have an extra layer of security.

He accepted the World-Breaking Talisman, acknowledging this alliance.

"Good."

A single word, yet it felt as if a great weight had been lifted from Mysterious Mechanism Daoist's heart.

His face showed genuine joy... After Mysterious Mechanism Daoist left, Chen Xu did not immediately order the army to set off.

He stood outside the commander's tent, his gaze calm, looking towards the direction of the Imperial City.

Breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm, the power within him underwent earth-shattering changes.

The myriad ages azure cloud sword in his hand felt like an extension of his arm.

With a single thought, Sword Intent could reach heaven and earth.

More importantly, the combination of Primordial Violet Qi and the Nascent Soul gave him a deeper insight into the Laws of this world.

His previous plan was now officially completed.

And now, it was time to return to the Imperial City.

He intended to transform the victory of the Northern Border War into the Chen family's most solid Foundation!

"Give the order."

Chen Xu's voice suddenly rang out.

"The army sets off, destination, Imperial City!"

"Yes!"

Chu Xuan, Chen Daoxuan, and others roared in agreement.

The hundred thousand strong army, which had been silent for several days, once again transformed into a torrent of steel, rolling towards the heart of the Great Feng Dynasty!

...Imperial City.

Since the news spread that Imperial Tutor Chen Xu had slain the Clone of the Demonic Lord and annihilated nearly a million enemies before Heavenly Wolf Pass.

The entire magnificent city had been plunged into several days of revelry.

In restaurants, tea houses, and every street and alley.

Everyone was discussing the god-like Imperial Tutor.

Every one of his battles was woven into the most exciting stories by storytellers.

Three thousand Star Guards pierced through an enemy formation of ten thousand!

Burning Black Wind Gorge to sever the enemy's lifeline!

Slaying the Demonic Lord with a single sword before a million-strong army!

Each and every one of these tales was like a myth or legend.

Making countless common people's blood boil with excitement and their hearts yearn with admiration.

When the news of the army's triumphant return arrived, this fervent atmosphere reached its Peak!

On this day, before dawn.

The two sides of the official road leading from the Imperial City to the Northern Border were already packed with people, shoulder to shoulder!

Countless common people spontaneously poured into the streets, bringing their elders and children, carrying wine and steaming hot food, eagerly looking out.

They wanted to see with their own eyes the battle-hardened army that had saved the entire Great Feng Dynasty!

They wanted to see with their own eyes.

The National Protector Imperial Tutor, who seemed like a god descended to the Mortal Realm!

"They're coming! They're coming!"

Someone in the crowd shouted loudly.

Instantly, everyone's gaze simultaneously swept towards the end of the official road.

On the horizon, a commander's banner embroidered with the character "Chen" fluttered in the wind.

It was the first thing to appear!

Following closely behind was an endless torrent of steel!

They were back!

They were back!

Boom!

The crowd completely erupted!

"Long live the Imperial Tutor!"

"Long live Great Feng Dynasty!"

Cheers like a mountain and a tsunami, like thunder, echoed through the sky!

Countless common people rushed forward, pressing the wine and food in their hands.

Into the hands of the returning soldiers.

An old veteran, his face weathered by hardship.

Looking at the sincere and fervent faces before him, his tiger-like eyes instantly reddened.

He thought of his comrades who had died in battle.

He thought of the days of despair under the encroaching Demon Army.

And now, they were back.

Bringing victory, bringing glory!

He straightened his chest and gripped the spear in his hand.

Feeling that this life was worth it!

All the soldiers, in this fervent wave, straightened their chests!

This was their glory!

It was the supreme glory they had exchanged with their blood and lives!

They basked in the cheers of the common people, but their gazes involuntarily turned towards the center of the procession, to the slowly moving giant flying boat.

In their eyes, there was only the purest adoration and reverence.

Because they knew that all this glory originated from that man!

...Thirty li outside the Imperial City, at Changting Pavilion.

Qin Zhe, dressed in a Dragon Robe and wearing a flat crown, did not ride in a dragon carriage.

Instead, he personally stood there.

Behind him were all the civil and military officials of the Great Feng Dynasty, each in splendid robes, their expressions solemn.

Such a grand display was only to welcome one person!

When the Chen family's commander's banner appeared, even Qin Zhe, the supreme ruler, found his breathing quickening a little.

He adjusted his attire, his eyes filled with excitement.

Finally, the flying boat slowly descended.

Under the gaze of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and civil and military officials.

The cabin door opened.

A figure in green, slowly emerged.

He wore no armor, still in simple green clothes, spotless.

With a calm face and indifferent eyes, he walked down the gangway, step by step, towards Qin Zhe.

The entire scene instantly fell silent.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on these two.

The new Emperor Qin Zhe, as Chen Xu walked before him, took a deep breath.

He stepped forward and bowed deeply and solemnly to Chen Xu!

"Your student, Qin Zhe!"

"Respectfully welcomes the Imperial Tutor, triumphantly returning to court!"

As soon as his voice fell... "Long live the Imperial Tutor!!"

In the crowd, someone shouted loudly.

"Long live the Imperial Tutor!!"

"Long live the Imperial Tutor!!!"

The next second, this sound converged into a torrent, from the common people to the soldiers, everyone spontaneously shouted!

At this moment, Chen Xu truly became the uncrowned king of the Great Feng Dynasty!

His prestige reached an unprecedented Peak!

Facing this scene, Chen Xu's face.

Still showed little change.

He merely looked calmly at Qin Zhe, raising a hand in a gesture to help him up.

"Your Majesty, please rise."

Hearing this, Qin Zhe straightened up, his eyes already red.

Just then, Chen Xu flipped his palm.

A commander's seal, shimmering with profound light, appeared out of thin air.

It was precisely the National Protector Commander's Seal, representing the highest military authority of Great Feng Dynasty!

"The crisis in the Northern Border has been resolved. The commander's seal, returns to its rightful owner."

Chen Xu showed no reluctance, flicking his finger.

That commander's seal transformed into a streak of light, flying steadily towards Qin Zhe.

Qin Zhe, with trembling hands, received the commander's seal.

He only felt that this commander's seal was as heavy as a thousand jun.

Pressing him almost to the point of breathlessness.

"Imperial Tutor..."

Qin Zhe's voice choked, unable to say anything.

However, Chen Xu's next words once again astonished everyone.

"Your Majesty."

Chen Xu's gaze swept across the entire scene, his voice spreading in all directions.

"This Demonic Tribulation is far from over. Pojun Demon Lord is merely the vanguard."

"To cope with the coming great tribulation and protect the myriad people of my Great Feng Dynasty. My Chen family will establish the Demon Suppressing Army, independent of the Dynasty's system, not participating in court politics, not interfering in local affairs. Its sole duty will be to patrol the world, slay demons and eliminate evil!"

What? !

Demon Suppressing Army? !

Independent of the Dynasty's system? !

As soon as these words were uttered, they shocked the officials even more than the Emperor bowing and the Imperial Tutor handing over the seal just now!

This was to establish a private army!