160: Chapter 160 Xu Longxiang, would you be willing to learn martial arts from me?

Inside the Beiliang Royal Residence, The Human Butcher also heard the rumors.

"To think such a person exists?" He was half-skeptical, feeling stunned just by the rumors.

"Father, the news is confirmed, and there are many witnesses." Chen Zhibao cupped his hands and replied.

"Then... can the army contain him?"

"It's difficult." Chen Zhibao gave a wry smile. "In battles of that level, ordinary soldiers would just be throwing their lives away. During the battle at Qingyun Terrace, the sea of thunder churned for several days, incinerating any Mortal who dared approach, yet that man was able to control the thunder, sustaining it for days without faltering."

The Human Butcher fell silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up. "Do you think a man of such caliber is worthy of being a son-in-law of my Xu family?"

Chen Zhibao froze on the spot, staring blankly at his foster father.

"The eldest daughter and the second daughter should be setting off soon, right?" The Human Butcher said to himself.

Chen Zhibao felt a chill in his heart, as if a basin of cold water had been poured over him. He had only just developed some feelings for Xu Weixiong, and in the blink of an eye, they were about to vanish into thin air.

"The eldest Young Miss is stunningly beautiful, perhaps... there is a chance." He replied dryly.

"Hmm, I just don't know what kind of woman he prefers." The Human Butcher said without hesitation.

If his daughter were to fall for such an expert, marrying him would be a good match. Even if they just formed a friendship, it would be a tremendous boost to Northern Liang. Even if a powerhouse doesn't take action, their mere existence is a form of deterrence.

Chen Zhibao lowered his head and said nothing; the faint hopes in his heart had already been crushed to pieces by reality.

"You may leave now." The Human Butcher said indifferently. After Chen Zhibao left, he whispered instructions to the dark guard beside him: "Immediately send someone to find the Heir Apparent and have him set off for Snow Moon City at once!" "Yes!"

… In Snow Moon City.

"Is this the trace left behind by your Revered Master?" Xu Zhihu and Xu Weixiong walked along with Xu Longxiang. Because they could not use light-body techniques, their journey had been delayed by quite a few hours.

The carriage convoy drove off the main road, and from afar, they could see the bottomless canyon outside Snow Moon City. Gazing at the rift that was still filled with biting Sword Qi, Xu Zhihu's eyes were full of shock.

"That is... the traces left when Mr. Su forcefully split the hundred-mile grand array set up by the Demon Sect with four streaks of Sword Qi; it still remains today." Xu Weixiong said softly, her tone filled with a hint of awe.

Such a sight, even if one had heard of it, was still moving when seen with one's own eyes. And around the entrance of the valley, crisscrossed with sword marks, many Sword Cultivators were already sitting cross-legged, eyes closed in contemplation.

Suddenly, a voice trembling with excitement broke the silence— "I understand! I have finally touched a wisp of Mr. Su's Sword Intent!" A young Sword Cultivator stood up abruptly, his long sword unsheathed, and the fierce sword Aura swept away the surrounding airflow, drawing envious glances from those nearby.

These four sword marks had long since become a pilgrimage site for Sword Cultivators across the world. Snow Moon City had capitalized on this; not only did they not block it, but they also built numerous pavilions and terraces by the valley for people to rest and meditate. Of course, there was an entry fee.

Xu Weixiong and Xu Zhihu exchanged glances, both stunned. To think it could be managed this way?

In the carriage behind, Xu Longxiang's originally dull eyes were now shining, and he was muttering something under his breath.

The convoy slowly entered the city. As soon as the gate guards recognized that the arrivals were Disciples of the Martial Arts Hall, they immediately saluted respectfully. Passersby also stopped to watch, their gazes intense. "Are those Mr. Su's Disciples?" "No wonder, no wonder they have such an extraordinary bearing."

Watching all of this, Xu Zhihu became increasingly curious about the Su Rui she had never met. Even the bustling scenery of Snow Moon City, with its carved beams and painted rafters, could not hold her attention.

The group headed straight for the old site of the Martial Arts Hall. They saw that the original place had been enclosed by high walls, and not far away, a brand-new building stood imposingly, with a magnificent entrance and three vigorous, powerful characters on the plaque. "The new Martial Arts Hall is already completed?"

Xu Weixiong dismounted, hoisted Xu Longxiang down from the carriage, and led him and her sister forward. Many passersby recognized her and began to whisper— "Isn't that the one who participated in the Grand Competition sword discussion earlier? She really is a direct Disciple of Mr. Su!"

After the two sword-wielding maidservants at the door verified their identities, they welcomed them in respectfully. Just as they stepped into the front courtyard, a cold, clear voice came from the hall: "You're back?"

Xu Weixiong looked up and saw Li Hanyi sitting in the main seat, her brows like frost, her temperament aloof and peerless.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Hanyi."

"No need for formalities." Her gaze fell on the struggling child in Xu Weixiong's hand, and she raised her eyebrows slightly. "Is this your younger brother?"

It was her first time seeing someone born with a Vajra Mortal Realm body, so she couldn't help but take a few extra looks.

"Is Revered Master here?"

"He's at the martial arts arena." Li Hanyi stood up. "I'll take you there." Xu Zhihu followed silently behind.

Before they had even rounded the corridor, a crisp sound of clapping accompanied by a girl's aggrieved shriek drifted over. Xu Zhihu's footsteps paused, and she frowned slightly. What... is going on?

Turning the corner, the scene before her left her stunned— Su Rui, dressed in plain white, sat quietly by a stone table, holding a polished ruler in his hand, striking a young girl's palm one tap at a time.

"Is this Mr. Su?" Xu Zhihu's heart jolted. Although she had heard Xu Weixiong talk about him many times, only upon seeing him did she realize that words were far from enough to describe him. But... this method of punishing Disciples was perhaps a bit too unique?

"Revered Master, I know I was wrong..." Sikong Qianluo pulled her hand back, pouting with a look of grievance. As a dignified expert of the Carefree Heaven Realm, she actually had to be spanked. The other Junior Sisters were hiding to the side, giggling, which made her feel both embarrassed and annoyed.

"Ye Ruoyi is fundamentally unsuited for spear practice; how many times have I told you? Why did you insist on teaching her without authorization?" Su Rui's tone was steady but carried an unquestionable majesty.

"But she said she liked it..." Sikong Qianluo defended herself in a low voice.

Su Rui turned and pulled Ye Ruoyi, who was standing nearby, over to sit on his lap. His tone was gentle but left no room for evasion: "Tell me, did she force you to learn it?"

The little girl lowered her head, twisting her fingers, and said timidly: "I... I was just being polite... how could I dare to say I didn't like it..."

Sikong Qianluo was instantly speechless. She loved the spear as if it were her life and wanted to drag everyone she met to study spear techniques with her, never caring whether they wanted to learn or not.

At this moment, Xu Weixiong stepped forward and bowed: "Master."

Su Rui nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the boy beside her, whose eyes were dull but faintly radiated a sense of power. He was about the same age as Xiao Se, but his temperament was completely different.

Xu Longxiang: Four years and nine months old; Talent Rating: 99; Evaluation: Naturally gifted, with exceptional bone structure, but his consciousness has yet to be awakened. It is recommended to admit him into the martial arts school for cultivation.

Su Rui's heart stirred slightly, and a ripple appeared in his eyes. The Eye of Insight had never lied; if that was the case, there was likely no such thing as Reincarnation in this world. The child before him was merely a Mortal born into the world, not some Incarnation of a White Dragon. A cloud of doubt in his heart dissipated.

"Xu Longxiang, are you willing to learn martial arts from me?" As his voice fell, there seemed to be an invisible force pulling at him. The child, who had been struggling and twisting, suddenly quieted down, staring blankly at Su Rui, and after a moment, nodded gently.

【Xu Longxiang has joined the sect. If you bestow upon him an Opportunity or a precious treasure, it will trigger a critical return.】

Xu Weixiong released her hand from her brother, and Su Rui lightly raised his fingertip, pointing it toward that tender forehead. Xu Zhihu, standing to the side, widened her eyes, watching curiously—could this be the method of teaching techniques that her sister had spoken of? It was truly profound and mysterious.

The child's spiritual platform was chaotic, not because he was dull, but because he had possessed the power of the Vajra Mortal Realm since birth, far exceeding his peers. Such a Realm inherently nurtures one's Heart-Nature, inspires Comprehension Ability, and even nourishes the soul. However, having possessed this ability since infancy, his intellect was suppressed by the premature Awakening of his power; like an uncut jade covered in dust, he needed external force to open his wisdom.

Su Rui investigated for a moment and nodded slightly. He then focused again, light flowing on his fingertip, and touched his brow again.

【Transmitted "Martial Saint Visualization Technique" to Xu Longxiang, triggering a hundredfold critical return! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining "Eightfold Divine Power"】

Su Rui's heart jolted—the return this time was not a Cultivation Technique? When his consciousness sank into the power he had obtained, he couldn't help but be stunned. He had just learned of the various secrets of the Upper Realm from the remnant soul of Di Shitian, and now the Eightfold Divine Power had already come to him?

The so-called Eightfold Divine Power consisted of the Five-Color, Diamond, Asura, Longevity, Empty-Knowledge, Ksitigarbha, Primordial, and Myriad Phenomena, each possessing Heaven-Defying wonders. For instance, the power of Empty-Knowledge could observe the Karma of the three lifetimes, break through the fog of fate, and even predict the opponent's next move when facing an enemy, which could be called Heaven-Defying. This time, the harvest far exceeded expectations.

Xu Longxiang, who had received the Legacy, shuddered, and his eyes slowly opened. His originally dull gaze gradually became clear, and his eyes shone with a bit more vitality. Seeing this, both Xu Zhihu and Xu Weixiong showed expressions of joy.

"This "Martial Saint Visualization Technique" is extremely compatible with you; you must cultivate it with dedication from now on." Su Rui instructed gently.

"Don't you hurry to thank Master!" Xu Zhihu reminded him quickly. Xu Longxiang immediately knelt to perform a grand kowtow.

"Forget it, I don't care for these tedious formalities here."

Before the words had faded, two figures walked into the martial arts arena, followed by several maidservants carrying boxes and chests, filing in one after another. It was none other than Empress Wu and Zhu Yuyan.

No one expected that this Empress of Great Zhou would be able to settle down comfortably in the Martial Arts Hall. In recent days, she had often accompanied Zhu Yuyan to wander the streets and alleys of Snow Moon City, showing no imperial majesty, nor the aloof, cold air of a Land Immortal.

"You've taken in another Genius Disciple?" Empress Wu's gaze fell on Xu Longxiang, slightly surprised. At such a young age, his Aura had already reached the Diamond Realm; it was truly inconceivable. Even she couldn't help but feel a bit envious.

"There will be more in the future. Since you two wander around every day, why not help me train my Disciples?"

"Forget it!" Empress Wu waved her hands repeatedly. "We don't understand your methods; if we teach them wrong and something goes wrong, who can take responsibility?"

This past half-month had been the most relaxing time since her ascension to the throne. There was no need to handle state affairs, no one to urge marriage, and she was free and unfettered all day. Even her expression had become a bit more lively, revealing a girlish charm.

"Master, this is my eldest sister, Xu Zhihu." Although Xu Weixiong did not know Empress Wu, she was displeased by the sharp Aura she exuded and immediately spoke up to interrupt.

Su Rui looked at Xu Zhihu. She was stunningly beautiful with a graceful figure, truly living up to her reputation on the Rouge List. Facing his scrutiny, Xu Zhihu was neither humble nor pushy, and she performed a curtsy: "Xu Zhihu of Northern Liang, greets Mr. Su. I have long heard of your great reputation, and it is a great fortune to meet you today."

"No need for formalities; I don't like listening to these polite pleasantries." Su Rui waved his hand, his tone indifferent.

"I am speaking from the heart." She replied with a faint smile, her eyes sparkling. Su Rui motioned for Xu Weixiong to take her sister and brother to settle into their quarters.