NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6 I Advise You Not to Be Ignorant of the Rules
Old Coach Fang Shizhen pondered for a while, brewing his words slowly, "In general, the Spirit Void Realm is a pivotal Great Realm, situated between the Innate Realm and the Kongyou Realm. Within this realm, the spiritual power in a cultivator's body begins to transform from solid to ethereal, gradually resonating with nature's spiritual energy."
"Resonating?" Shen Qing furrowed his brow, clearly intrigued by the term.
"Exactly," Fang Shizhen nodded. "The resonance of a martial master's spiritual power with the weekly spiritual energy allows cultivators to perceive the subtle changes in the surrounding spiritual energy, as well as various fluctuations of aura. This resonance endows martial masters with the ability to manipulate spiritual energy. Although it is not as transformative as the Ancient Divine Power, it is nonetheless an indispensable foundation for mastering Divine Skills later."
Shen Qing listened intently, his eyes gleaming with longing, "Then, what is unique about this ethereal spiritual power?"
"Once the spiritual power within a martial master becomes ethereal, it means that the martial master's spiritual power is no longer confined within the physical body," Fang Shizhen explained. "Instead, it can break through spatial limitations, establish connections with external spiritual energy, and thereby achieve long-range attacks and defense. Some highly cultivated martial masters can slay enemies thousands of miles away with a single sword stroke, which originates from this. It can be said that the Spirit Void Realm is a crucial step for every martial master transitioning from 'Martial' to 'Immortal.'"
Having heard this, Shen Qing felt suddenly enlightened.
He stood up and bowed deeply to Fang Shizhen, "Thank you, Coach Fang, for illuminating the path. Shen Qing has greatly benefited from your guidance."
Fang Shizhen smiled kindly in return, "My lord, you are too polite. It is my honor to resolve your doubts. May you step into the Spirit Void soon and achieve great things."
In the teahouse, the fragrance of tea lingered.
Shen Qing's mind, involuntarily, turned tumultuous, filled with a burning passion.
Although he had not yet truly entered the Spirit Void Realm, he believed that as long as he persistently exerted himself, with the "Panel's" blessings, breakthrough was a certainty.
"This Martial Arts Hall only has methods for cultivating up to the Innate Realm; to cultivate further, it is said that only the Imperial Armory of Great Zhou has them. It seems I must find a way to enter the Imperial Armory."
After chatting idly with Old Coach Fang Shizhen for a while longer, and confirming there were no more insights to gain, Shen Qing left directly.
On the way, he observed the cultivators in the Martial Arts Hall, tirelessly devoted to their training.
These individuals were fully immersed in Martial Arts, oblivious and deaf to Shen Qing's presence.
Shen Qing felt a pang of sympathy; these talents might have potential, but with the cultivation resources firmly controlled by the Ji Family, each step forward in their cultivation was exceptionally difficult.
For the majority, rising above their current status was almost impossible.
Regrettably, this was not something he could change or influence at the moment.
When Shen Qing returned to the Guardian Martial Department Office from the Martial Arts Hall, it was already evening, the sky turning dusky.
As he entered the back hall, an unexpected person stood silently in the center of the hall.
Upon seeing Shen Qing, the man silently turned around, corners of his lips slightly lifting, "Lord Shen, you've finally returned."
This person was none other than Xue Yan, the Third Young Master Xue.
With an impassive face, Shen Qing was unsure of Xue Yan's intentions, internally on guard.
He kept his composure and, clasping his hands together, said respectfully yet firmly, "I see Third Young Master Xue. May I know the reason for your visit?"
Xue Yan smiled gently, taking slow steps closer.
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His steps were deliberate, the crisp sound echoing in the air, causing the atmosphere to grow tense.
Xue Yan stopped in his tracks and stared into Shen Qing's eyes, his expression half-smiling, saying, "Lord Shen, let's not beat around the bush. If I'm not mistaken, just a while ago outside Yongzhou City, a Spirit Mechanism descended, and part of its Spirit Essence is now in Lord Shen's hands, right?"
After he finished speaking that last word, Xue Yan's gaze suddenly sharpened.
Shen Qing's heart sank, and he continuously calculated his next moves.
He knew dealing with this group of imperial envoys would be tough, but he hadn't expected that it would be this seemingly unassuming Third Young Master Xue who would pose the first challenge.
Thinking it over, this Third Young Master Xue in the group of imperial envoys indeed seemed out of place, as if he had been forcibly inserted there.
Seeing him speak so confidently, Shen Qing concluded that he must be in possession of considerable information about Yongzhou, likely aimed specifically at the Spirit Mechanism.
Shen Qing maintained a calm expression and said lightly, "Mr. Xue is indeed well-informed. However, I must confess, this so-called Spirit Mechanism you mentioned is something I am hearing about for the first time."
As he spoke, Shen Qing put on an innocent expression and feigned ignorance, "It must be a misunderstanding on Mr. Xue's part."
"A misunderstanding?"
Xue Yan shook his head slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable threat, "Lord Shen, perhaps you are not aware. Concerning the many changes in Yongzhou, the Zhou Family in the capital has reported everything to my father in great detail. They have sought help from my Xue Family, wanting your life. I specifically came to Yongzhou to handle this matter."
"As for the matter of the Spirit Mechanism, I have also investigated it thoroughly. It would be best if Lord Shen stops feigning ignorance."
The Zhou Family?
Shen Qing's eyes darkened, not expecting this connection behind the scenes.
Realizing he had been exposed, Shen Qing stopped pretending and, straightening his back, said coldly, "Lord Xue, what exactly do you want?"
"I consider that you and I are both court officials and do not wish to escalate the situation. I will give you one day to consider handing over the Spirit Mechanism, and bygones will be bygones. Otherwise, you will have to face the consequences."
Shen Qing's expression instantly turned stern, and his eyes, deep and unfathomable, glared coldly, "Are you threatening me?"
At these words, the air around them seemed to freeze at that instant.
Shen Qing, a Martial Master of the Innate Realm, released an indescribable aura.
Xue Yan's face instantly paled, but he quickly stiffened his resolve, his eyes flashing with disdain, "Shen Qing, understand your situation. I am not threatening you but giving you a choice. You should be aware of the Xue Family's power. Being our enemy benefits you in no way. I advise you to follow the rules."
Shen Qing coldly watched Xue Yan, their impalpable power like a massive wave surging between them.
Regarding the Xue Family, Shen Qing was aware.
They were one of the Eight Great Families of the Great Zhou, their ancestors having followed the Ji Family in their campaigns conquering the world, and through centuries of accumulation, the Xue Family had produced many talented individuals.
Today's head of the Xue Family was the Great General of Great Zhou, a man of extraordinary status.
They were not like the merchant families of Yongzhou.
If the Xue Family really wanted to deal with him, even as an Innate, squashing him wouldn't be much harder than killing an ant.
Nevertheless, Shen Qing showed no intention of backing down.
"Xue Yan, do you think the Xue Family's reputation can make me submit? In this world, power is the ultimate truth. While the Xue Family is strong, it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want here."