216: Power of all living beings

The civil and military officials began to discuss in low voices after hearing Chu Ming's words—

"So he's the man engaged to Cheng Rongrong?"

"I heard that thanks to Cheng Rongrong's connections, he not only obtained a spirit awakening pill to Awaken his Spiritual Root, but also became a Utility Disciple of Fengyun Pavilion."

"Didn't they say Fengyun Pavilion doesn't accept Disciples who Awaken their Spiritual Root with spirit awakening pills?"

"Alas, it seems Fengyun Pavilion is not exempt from human relations either. With the Pavilion Master's Personal Disciple as a connection, isn't it easy to enter Fengyun Pavilion?"

"I thought Fengyun Pavilion was truly an extraordinary Immortal Holy Land, but it turns out it's not much different from our mortal Dynasties."

"Enough!" Chu Tianqi's voice boomed like thunder, making the entire hall hum. "Is the Pavilion Master someone you ants can discuss so wantonly?"

"If not for the Pavilion Master, in the near future, you would all be food for Yao Beasts. How would you even be alive to spout such nonsense here!"

Everyone was so frightened by the rebuke that they dared not make a sound, and the hall immediately fell silent.

"Do you know about the Millennial Yao Beast Catastrophe? If not for the Pavilion Master protecting the Tianhuang Continent alone, billions of lives would have long turned to dust!"

"It's lamentable that you ungrateful wretches not only forget your life-saving grace but also talk nonsense here—you truly don't know what's good for you!"

Chu Tianqi's fury made everyone feel an immense pressure, like Mount Tai pressing down, and many broke out in cold sweat on their foreheads—

They had long heard of Chu Tianqi's methods; this Old Ancestor was a decisive and ruthless figure back in the day.

Everyone hastily rose, bowing in unison:

"We are foolish, please forgive us, Ancestor Emperor!"

Chen Yuanyuan looked at you seriously: "So Fengyun Pavilion bears the heavy responsibility of protecting the Tianhuang Continent and billions of lives?"

You smiled and said to her, "Some things, you will naturally understand later."

Chen Yuanyuan continued to press: "Then why doesn't the Pavilion Master tell everyone the truth?"

"What good would knowing do? It would only add to their troubles." You smiled indifferently.

Chen Yuanyuan's delicate body trembled slightly at your words, and ripples appeared in her eyes.

She looked up at the sea of clouds outside the hall, and her red lips parted slightly: "The Pavilion Master truly has a heart as vast as the sky, bearing the weight of all beings. To silently carry such a heavy burden with unspoken virtue, such a state of mind..."

She unconsciously raised her hand to gently caress her chest, her voice filled with an indescribable tremor, and softly said:

"It is truly... captivating."

After speaking, Chen Yuanyuan looked at you, her eyes seemingly burning with starlight: "Envoy, I vow that in this life, I will diligently fulfill my duties and do my utmost for Fengyun Pavilion!"

She bowed deeply, her dark hair falling forward: "For the previous presumptuous conjectures... I humbly request punishment from the Envoy."

You smiled and waved your hand: "Ignorance is no sin."

The entire court of civil and military officials was deeply moved. Emperor Chu was the first to straighten his robes, leading the Empress, princes, and princesses in a deep bow:

"The Pavilion Master cares for the world, and we... are truly ashamed!"

Although they did not know the specific details of the Millennial Catastrophe, the records of devastation in the history books were undeniable.

Thinking that Fengyun Pavilion had secretly borne such a heavy responsibility, everyone felt their faces flush, their hearts filled with reverence and shame.

The deposed Crown Prince, Chu Ming, also bowed to you: "Qin Chen, the personal grievances between us are separate."

"But the Pavilion Master has a heart as vast as the sky and cares for all beings—such magnanimity, Chu Ming... truly admires."

"I apologize for any previous offenses towards Fengyun Pavilion."

With that, he drained the wine in his cup.

You smiled: "We are both wastrels, why peck at each other so eagerly?"

"Hahaha," Chu Ming laughed heartily, "What a 'why peck at each other so eagerly'!"

Your gaze was sharp as you continued: "What you resent has never been me, but that equally debauched self that makes you feel ashamed!"

Chu Ming trembled, an unprecedented shock flashing in his eyes: "I never thought that in this world... the one who understands me best would be you!"

"All your absurd actions are just self-degradation!" Your voice was soft but like thunder. "A true man born between heaven and earth should first stand tall and then establish his character!"

"Even if everyone in the world laughs at you for being Trash, so what?" You raised your hand and pointed directly at the sky outside the hall. "The path is never in others' mouths—but beneath your own feet!"

Chu Ming stared at you with wide eyes, a resolute light flickering within them, and bowed deeply to you: "Thank you, Brother Qin, for your guidance!"

"Now I finally understand why someone as talented and intelligent as Cheng Rongrong would take a liking to you," he said with a smile.

Chen Yuanyuan, meanwhile, watched you intently, lost in thought.

The banquet soon ended, and early the next morning, you returned to Fengyun Pavilion.

Fifth year,

You were in seclusion, Cultivating the 'Slave Contract' secret technique, when subtle ripples suddenly appeared around your body.

Countless firefly-like specks of light emerged from the Void Realm, slowly merging into your Meridians.

This power was warm and mellow, like melting snow in early spring seeping into frozen earth, actually accelerating your Cultivation of the 'Slave Contract' secret technique by a tiny bit.

"Strange... this power seems to be improving my Aptitude?"

You felt curious; this power made you feel extremely comfortable.

"What exactly is this power? It seems to be able to enhance my Cultivation talent?" You fell into deep thought.

You focused your mind inwards and discovered that the specks of light carried vague thoughts of gratitude.

As your understanding of Power of the Great Dao deepened, you realized that this power, transcending Spiritual Qi, was a gift from the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth.

It didn't directly increase your cultivation, but subtly and silently improved your Cultivation Aptitude.

This was precisely the Power Of All Beings!

The Power Of All Beings originates from faith—

It is like transforming the Power Of Will of the myriad people into fuel, continuously igniting your potential, causing your Cultivation Aptitude to steadily increase under the nourishment of the collective telekinesis.

Although you felt this power was still relatively weak, it already filled you with joy.

This unexpected gain showed you a new path.

At the same time, you were also very curious: what had happened recently on the Tianhuang Continent? Why was it feeding you the Power Of All Beings?

So you immediately got up and left the secret chamber.

Your Immortal Cave was located on a certain peak of Fengyun Pavilion, and very few people knew about this place.

You leaped up, transforming into a streak of light, and escaped into the Tianhuang Continent.

You quietly arrived at Longyang Town, and the sight before you was astonishing—

The former small town had transformed into a majestic city spanning hundreds of miles. Eight reception squares stood with thirty-foot-tall statues of an old man, precisely your transformed appearance.

Incense smoke curled around the statues, and countless common people knelt and prayed for blessings.

You roughly understood the source of that power.

But this alone shouldn't be enough to generate such powerful Power Of All Beings.

So you traveled to other cities.