When Emperor Chi Xiao came to the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom for the Xuanling Law Conference, it was because Emperor Tianning had written half of the Heavenly Timing School's law theory for him.
Thus, after reading the law theory Zhao Xing had presented, Emperor Chi Xiao had completely let go of the past events.
In his eyes, while Emperor Tianning had not kept his promises, and the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's conference had nearly put him in a dangerous situation, this couldn't entirely be blamed on him. If blame was to be assigned, it should fall on the Dongyan Ancient Clan for stirring up trouble!
Later, Emperor Tianning, who had adopted the name Zhao Xing, wrote the Dao Xian Zhou Tu Ji Di Bian Theory to resolve the Die Jie Mountain issue. He then wrote the Yan Xing Six Qi Theory, and authored the Dao Tree's Book.
If there were rankings for reputation, Zhao Xing's standing in the Shennong community would be akin to that of a Semi-God. Therefore, Emperor Chi Xiao harbored no ill intentions towards Zhao Xing. On the contrary, he held great admiration for him.
"Marvelous, truly marvelous!"
"Tian Ning brother, this law theory you've written could certainly allow a Heavenly Timing School faction to rise to the top..."
After reading through it, Emperor Chi Xiao carefully closed the book and reluctantly handed it back to Zhao Xing.
"Chi Xiao brother, please help me keep this book safe," Zhao Xing pushed it back. "The Bai Han Realm is full of dangers, and I'm trapped in this situation. I may never make it out. If I die here, please complete this theory and pass it on for future generations."
Emperor Chi Xiao's expression grew serious, deeply moved. It felt as though he were receiving the final testament from an emperor on his deathbed, entrusted with an important duty. He solemnly accepted the "imperial edict."
"I will certainly live up to your trust."
"However, I believe that Dao Brother is destined for greatness and will surely turn any misfortune into fortune."
Emperor Chi Xiao bowed respectfully while holding the book and kept it close to him, knowing this was the original and that he was the first one to see it.
Zhao Xing also returned the bow, feeling relieved inside.
His success in passing Emperor Chi Xiao's trial was not solely due to the theory.
"People with little power have their words dismissed. If I were still as weak as I once was, just in the Source Realm, even if my theory was extraordinary, it would still be hard for people to take me seriously."
"But now that I can reach the Fifth Layer and sit here discussing the Dao with Emperor Chi Xiao, it itself proves my strength," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
After a while, Emperor Chi Xiao began discussing the secret realms.
"Now, among the nine floating islands on the Fifth Layer, many people have already ascended, and there are even four who have occupied their islands for a long time. Tian Ning brother, who do you think will pass Bai Han Zun Zhe's final trial?"
Zhao Xing thought for a moment. "On Lu Island, Juan has refined a primordial Hunyuan Qi and is already able to disregard the Hou Bian changes on the Fifth Layer floating islands. He's also seized many magical artifacts, so his chances are high."
Emperor Chi Xiao sneered, "Although Juan has passed through five True Spirit Tribulations, his Hunyuan Qi is indeed subtle, but he is just a martial artist. He is not to be feared."
"On Bei Island, Sword King Ye Liuxin's swordsmanship is unparalleled. He has mastered the Sword of the Dao, using swordsmanship to replace the Dao of Heaven, even suppressing the Heavenly Martial Emperor's abnormalities on Li Island. He too has a chance to reach the Sixth Layer."
Emperor Chi Xiao shook his head. "I've fought with him before. He's only a Six Tribulation Emperor, and though he lost to me by half a move, that's still impressive. As for replacing the Dao of Heaven with swordsmanship, that's utter nonsense!"
Zhao Xing asked, "Do you know anything about the mysterious person?"
Emperor Chi Xiao replied, "I don't know their background, but this person hides their identity, never revealing it. How could they be in line with the righteous Dao of Heaven?"
"I believe that the only ones capable of passing Bai Han Zun Zhe's final trial are you and me."
Zhao Xing chuckled inwardly.
Emperor Chi Xiao was the perfect example of a Heavenly Timing School Shennong. Aside from the prestigious Heavenly Timing School, he looked down on everyone else.
However, Emperor Chi Xiao was indeed very strong. Having passed through six True Spirit Tribulations, he had perfected all of his secret techniques.
In other words, aside from the Heavenly Timing Dao, which still wasn't at the highest level, there was no room left for improvement.
If he were to possess techniques like the Extreme Land, Hunyuan Realm, or others of their caliber, he would now be at the level of a Nine Tribulation Emperor.
To use Emperor Chi Xiao's words: "Aside from the True Spirit Tribulation and Hou Bian techniques that can still improve, I have already reached the highest level that the Heavenly Timing School can achieve in the Xuanling Star Region."
"If I wanted to, passing through the Seventh True Spirit Tribulation is certain, and the Eighth Tribulation wouldn't be hard. The weak fear the Tribulations, while the strong actively face them, seeking breakthroughs."
"However, the Heavenly Timing techniques have their flaws. Even after passing the Eighth Tribulation, it would still be difficult to achieve perfection, so I'm not in a rush."
"What do you think, Dao Brother? How far can Hou Bian techniques improve?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Technically, the Hou Bian technique can lead to the Divine Realm. This is the compensation the heavens gave to the Heavenly Timing School," Emperor Chi Xiao said. "If one can comprehend the Life Dao Maps of the natural divine beings, we, the Heavenly Timing School Shennong, would be considered to have become a divine realm, gaining divine power."
"However, this is still just borrowing the Dao; it's not the perfect path to becoming a true deity."
Zhao Xing nodded in agreement. The Hou Bian technique was currently the most promising path for Heavenly Timing School members to become divine.
As long as one acquired the Life Dao Maps of divine beings, along with their essence blood, they could create a corresponding Hou Bian technique and transform into a divine being.
What Emperor Chi Xiao saw as imperfect in the process was that even if one truly became a divine being, once the transformation was undone, their human form would still not be considered to be in the Divine Realm.
He believed that true divinity should be achieved through a human body and human blood, transformed into a deity.
Of course, even this "imperfect" path to divinity was extremely difficult, and it was an unreachable goal for most.
The Life Dao Maps of natural divine beings were like capturing the essence of an innate divine species, not something that could be easily obtained—an endeavor harder than achieving divinity itself.
"The Life Dao Map left by Bai Han Zun Zhe on the Fifth Layer floating islands is the source experimental subject for the lower four layers' life maps."
Emperor Chi Xiao waved his hand, and before them, a Dao map appeared. Below the cloud layer, a monster with countless horns and eyes appeared.
Zhao Xing immediately grasped the essence of the previous four layers' life maps and deduced that this life form was not a native species but a derived one.
Life forms could crossbreed just as plants did, but animal life forms were more complex and uncontrollable.
In the medical path, there was also a distinction between native and derived species. When Emperor Chi Xiao mentioned "source experimental subject," Zhao Xing immediately understood Bai Han Zun Zhe's intentions.
"He wants to restore the bloodline of the natural divine species using this method, and then use Hou Bian techniques to achieve divinity?"
"That's right," Emperor Chi Xiao replied. "You should have seen the life Dao maps of the lower layers. Among them, the Shen Yu life Dao map, the Rock God life Dao map, the Jia Yue Shen life Dao map... Their trial specimens are all descendants of the divine realm."
"By unraveling the threads, tracing the roots, and returning to the ancestors, one can eventually obtain the divine-level Hou Bian technique. From this, we can see the ambitions of Bai Han Zun Zhe."
Zhao Xing looked at the Dao map in front of him, and just by observing it, he could already feel its impact on his mind. The lingering power of the beast, though long dead, was still present. He could sense that the beast depicted in this life Dao map was definitely at the level of a Six Tribulation Emperor when it was alive.
"No wonder the Heavenly Martial Emperor turned into a beast and became even stronger."
Although the Heavenly Martial Emperor was strong, he wasn't powerful enough to defeat everyone.
But even now, Li Island on the Fifth Layer was still considered a taboo, with very few people daring to reside there for long. This was because the Heavenly Martial Emperor had grown even more terrifying after his mutation. He could now be considered a taboo life form.
"The path of Bai Han Zun Zhe was bound to fail. The Hou Bian technique is not something that can simply be achieved by studying powerful life species bloodlines."
"He used the medical path to assist in his research on the Heavenly Timing Hou Bian path, which was fine at first, but as I journeyed through the Fifth Layer, I realized he slowly strayed from his original intent. He became too focused on the medical path and lost sight of the main path."
Emperor Chi Xiao said, "The Hou Bian formation he left behind is not as profound as the life Dao maps. This is clear evidence."
Zhao Xing admired Emperor Chi Xiao greatly. Excluding Qing Yuzi, his vision, theories, and techniques were the strongest he had seen so far among the Heavenly Timing School Shennongs.
Whether or not Old Qing was a true Heavenly Timing School god was still uncertain, as Zhao Xing had learned soul secret techniques from him and had seen him use time and fate laws. Qing Yuzi had also given him the Boundary-Splitting Divine Stone, but he had never performed any god-level techniques of the Heavenly Timing School.
"Tian Ning, you can comprehend this Dao map, but don't immerse yourself in it too deeply," Emperor Chi Xiao warned. "Though Bai Han Zun Zhe is a Semi-God, his path may not be suitable for you and me."
"Use it for its benefits, but don't delve into its Dao."
Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Dao Brother."
...
Next, Zhao Xing began to comprehend the Dao map titled Nine Ze Shen on Chi Xiao Island.
As his comprehension deepened, Zhao Xing found that, just as Emperor Chi Xiao had described, the Nine Ze Shen Dao Map delved much deeper into life bloodlines, structures, innate secret techniques, and the manifestation of the Dao on living beings.
However, it overlooked an important factor—Hou Bian of the inner world environment.
"Divine Power is the foundation that supports Hou Bian, it's the root. Life bloodlines, Dao body structures, innate secret techniques, the manifestation of the Dao body are the advanced branches of the tree."
"Without this, the Hou Bian technique will completely go astray."
Using the medical path to study derivative species indeed makes it easier to create powerful individual beings.
The beauty of this lies in the fact that a weak physician could acquire an anomalous life Dao body beyond their abilities and mistakenly believe it was their own creation.
In reality, some mutated beings are beyond the physician's control and cannot be replicated.
However, after studying for seven or eight years, Zhao Xing's perspective shifted.
Because he had gained several profound cultivation methods from the Nine Ze Shen Dao map.
These could be called "Hou Bian Divine Power," a specific power to support the Hou Bian technique.
Zhao Xing tried them out and found that their amplification effects were not as good as the Blue Flower and Red Lotus Divine Powers, and their secret techniques were of a lower level than those two.
"Bai Han Zun Zhe might have known he went down the wrong path, but he was helpless. He couldn't create the fundamental power to support his research on Hou Bian, namely the Divine Power chapter."
As his comprehension deepened, Zhao Xing discovered a One Hundred and Eight Divine Power Chapters, corresponding to the One Hundred and Eight Divine Cave Acupoints in human beings.
It was as if he saw a cold and ruthless figure, standing before a prison, dissecting powerful life forms in a cruel manner, while growing increasingly anxious and tangled.
Eventually, the remaining Nine Ze Shen Dao map took on a strange form, completely losing the elegance of the previous four layers' Dao maps.
"Boom~~"
Twenty-seven years later, a thunderous sound woke Emperor Chi Xiao from his meditation.
He turned and saw the thunder coming from Zhao Xing's abdomen.
"Hmm?" Emperor Chi Xiao quickly appeared before Zhao Xing.
He found that Zhao Xing had grown two secretive and powerful antennae. His skin was like crystal, and the organs within his abdomen seemed to be brewing a storm.
"This..." Emperor Chi Xiao was somewhat surprised.
He had studied the Nine Ze Shen Dao Map many years before Zhao Xing, but now Zhao Xing's appearance was completely different from what he had comprehended.
"I initially used the Nine Ze Shen Transformation, and my body was covered with countless spikes. That was the side effect of this technique."
"After two hundred years of refinement, combining my personal cultivation insights, I finally reduced it to just nine spikes."
"He only has two spikes now?"
"Has he gained more from the Nine Ze Shen Dao map than I did?"
Emperor Chi Xiao looked at Zhao Xing with great hope.
He sat down beside him.
Zhao Xing stared at the Nine Ze Shen Dao Map, while Emperor Chi Xiao watched him intently.
The Heavenly Timing Dao was like a dangerous unknown river.
At this moment, Zhao Xing was feeling his way across the river, and Emperor Chi Xiao was feeling his way across by following Zhao Xing.
Eight more years passed. In the thirty-fifth year after arriving at Chi Xiao Island, Zhao Xing's remaining two spikes had become one large and one small.
Emperor Chi Xiao also reduced his spikes to five, and the aftereffects were nearly halved!
"No wonder Emperor Tianning is the true pioneer for the Heavenly Timing School, he is capable of opening up new paths for the Sect!" Emperor Chi Xiao thought deeply.
"But why can he reduce to just two spikes, yet I still have five that hinder the Hou Bian transformation in my inner world? The probability of mutation is still high—why is that?"
After Zhao Xing finished his comprehension, Emperor Chi Xiao asked this question.
"First, there's the difference in individual constitution. Perhaps my physique is more compatible with the Nine Ze Shen Dao Map."
"Second, it's the foundation. I actually arrived earlier than Dao Brother, but I've already studied almost all of the Lower Four Layers' Hundred Thousand Islands, and I've comprehended at least 70% to 80% of them thoroughly."
"Studied them thoroughly? Comprehended 70% to 80% of the Dao maps?" Emperor Chi Xiao was stunned. "In such a short time, how did you manage that... Oh, I understand now."
He remembered that Zhao Xing had a Primordial Avatar, allowing him to ascend islands and comprehend simultaneously. Normally, a regular Divine Power Avatar would not be able to ascend islands for comprehension.
Even if one managed to reach an island, the focus of the Primordial Avatar was to tear apart the soul body. Every individual Avatar has similar comprehension and talent.
Even knowing the method, Emperor Chi Xiao could not imitate it.
This was an advantage unique to the Primordial Avatar.
"I see now. Looks like I should go to the lower layers as well." Emperor Chi Xiao sighed, "I said Bai Han Zun Zhe didn't value the foundational Divine Power chapters. I've made the same mistake myself. The person in the situation is often lost in it, while the bystander sees things clearly."
In fact, there was a third reason that Zhao Xing couldn't elaborate on.
That reason was the Seven Aperture Heart Seal's Divine Power chapters, which played a decisive role.
When he comprehended the Nine Ze Shen, the side effects were reduced to only two horns because he did not support the Hou Bian transformation with the Divine Power chapters provided by Bai Han Zun Zhe, but instead used Blue Flower Divine Power!
Blue Flower Divine Power embraces everything, and using it for magical learning can significantly reduce the risk of mutation. After all, Fan Qianrou was the god of physicians.
"Tian Ning, I plan to leave the island and go to the lower layers to comprehend. You can keep Chi Xiao Island for yourself."
Emperor Chi Xiao left Chi Xiao Island a month later, intending to retrace Zhao Xing's steps and visit all the islands.
He didn't expect to fully comprehend them, but with his experience from the Sixth Tribulation of the True Spirit Tribulations, his comprehension speed would still be very fast.
"Once Emperor Chi Xiao leaves, I'll be the only one left on the floating island," Zhao Xing glanced at the panel.
[Blue Flower Divine Power: 2858/10000]
[Red Lotus Divine Power: 1750/10000]
"In the Fifth Layer, my Red Lotus Divine Power and Blue Flower Divine Power have both greatly improved. Especially the Blue Flower Divine Power, which, after breaking 2000 points, no longer feels like delicate threads but has reached 1st Realm."
"The Red Lotus Divine Power still progresses in delicate threads."
2000 points is a critical point; before that, the power was like thin threads, with very few points.
Once past the 2000 points threshold, the power skyrockets, as if breaking through some limitation.
"Using the Hou Bian technique to perform Nine Ze Shen, my skin turns to crystal, and my lower body is covered in scales. I can also use nine different paths of the Dao. My horn can perform Innate Secret Techniques, but it doesn't interfere with me using human techniques in human form."
"This new Hou Bian technique still has room for improvement."
"However, I need to understand the third and even fourth types of Seven-colored Divine Power."
The new Hou Bian technique, Nine Ze Shen, already showed significant differences from what Bai Han Zun Zhe originally created. It was closer to Bai Han Zun Zhe's "idealized" setting rather than the monstrous body in the Dao map.
To differentiate, Zhao Xing referred to his improved version as Blue Flower Nine Ze Shen.
Emperor Chi Xiao did the same, calling his version of the technique Chi Xiao Nine Ze Shen.
"I can try going to the Sixth Layer now?" Zhao Xing felt a surge of excitement in his heart.
He sensed that among the Three Islands of the Sixth Layer, one of them was calling to him. It was an instinctive desire born from mastering the Blue Flower Nine Ze Shen.
"All paths converge into one. According to my and Emperor Chi Xiao's estimations, the last three floating islands of the Sixth Layer should correspond to three of the most powerful forms of Hou Bian."
"There are Nine Floating Islands in the Fifth Layer, three corresponding to Nine Ze Shen, three corresponding to Rock Star God, and three corresponding to Pulao God."
"Besides Chi Xiao Island, the other islands are Li Xing Island, Mi He Island, and Nine Ze Shen's transformation method comes from the same source."
"Mi He Island is unoccupied. Li Xing Island has the mutated body of the Heavenly Martial Emperor. I'll check Mi He Island first."
After Emperor Chi Xiao left, Zhao Xing also left Chi Xiao Island, leaving a Avatar behind to guard it.
Chi Xiao Island had a formation made by Emperor Chi Xiao, and with his reputation, there was no need to worry about anyone stealing from him.
"Heh!!"
Zhao Xing focused his mind and immediately activated the Blue Flower Nine Ze Shen, summoning two devil horns above his head. The smaller one was hidden in his hair and not easily visible.
His upper body became crystalized, with flecks of Blue Flower floating within. His lower body was covered in layers of Blue Flower scales.
"Cloud Qi Technique!"
At this moment, Zhao Xing could still use human-shaped techniques, so he quickly began to travel through the void.
In just seven days, he caught up to Mi He Island, which was operating under the rules of the Divine Power World.
"Whoosh~"
Mi He Island was different from other floating islands. It was surrounded by thousands of surging void rivers. To enter, one had to slip through the gaps. Each river created whirlpools, resembling eyes, that could easily crush early-stage Emperors and some mid-grade Reincarnation Dao Soldiers.
Entering Mi He Island was dangerous. It wasn't suitable for habitation and was the most hostile environment among the Fifth Layer's islands. That's why Hu An, Ye Liuxin, the Mysterious Person, and Emperor Chi Xiao never chose to stay there long.
"Nine Ze Sets the Cosmos!"
The Blue Flower Scales on his lower body shimmered. The innate power in his bloodline naturally guided the Five Elements, Wind, Thunder, Yin-Yang, and the Eight Great Dao into nine rivers of Qi.
Guided by these nine rivers, even the fast-moving Mi He Island seemed to slow down, and the roaring void rivers' power was greatly diminished.
"Whoosh~"
Zhao Xing quickly slipped inside.
At the same time Zhao Xing entered Mi He Island.
On one of the Nine Islands, Ling You Island, atop the high peak at the center of the floating island, a swordsman was observing the numerous islands below. Around him, four small bamboo swords swirled.
The bamboo swords moved like agile fish around him. As the bamboo swords rotated, it seemed that the rules of the entire floating island changed, and the Hou Bian process slowed almost to a halt.
He was none other than Bamboo Sword Venerable, who had taken on a mission from the Shadow Holy Temple to capture someone and had entered the ruins.
Upon arriving at Extreme Star Floating Island, Bamboo Sword Venerable had taken over Ling You Island, not allowing anyone to approach. Those who tried to come close were mysteriously repelled. Due to his powerful methods and invisible presence, no one knew his identity.
Originally, Bamboo Sword Venerable was supposed to search for Zhao Xing's whereabouts upon arrival and take him away.
But plans couldn't keep up with changes, and Bamboo Sword Venerable decided to wait on the Fifth Layer instead.
"Buzz~"
In front of Bamboo Sword Venerable, a faint shadow appeared, and the Hou Bian process in the floating island began to accelerate once again.
The figure was hunched and had white hair, resembling Bai Han Zun Zhe.
"Daoist friend, you've entered my cave dwelling for over three hundred years, neither understanding my inheritance nor leaving. What exactly are you plotting?"
One of the reasons Bamboo Sword Venerable had stayed here was because Bai Han Zun Zhe was still alive, and had been restraining him all along.
Also a semi-god, Bamboo Sword Venerable, fighting on his home turf, still felt some trepidation toward Bai Han Zun Zhe, who practiced both the Physician and Shennong paths.
"You refuse to speak, but I can guess." Bai Han Zun Zhe looked at him. "My cave dwelling doesn't allow semi-gods to enter. You've forcefully entered with a stealthy technique. Such a profound method surely isn't for my inheritance alone. It seems you have a grudge against someone."
"But those who have come here are all Emperor-level. Who could have offended you so much that you've waited here for hundreds of years?"
Bamboo Sword Venerable still didn't speak, treating Bai Han Zun Zhe as if he were air.
"I see," Bai Han Zun Zhe continued speaking to himself. "The secrets of Heaven cannot be revealed. If you speak, your plan will surely fail."
"Since you refuse to leave and won't speak, we'll continue our duel. I'd like to see how powerful the swordsmanship of this era's sword venerable truly is."
Three hundred and seventy-five years after entering Extreme Star Floating Island.
Zhao Xing exited Mi He Island. By this time, the smallest of the two horns on his head had completely disappeared.
The scales on his lower body had further shed, turning into crystal skin flowing with Blue Flower.
"Whoosh~"
Zhao Xing left Mi He Island and quickly headed towards Li Xing Island.
"Boom~~"
The sky turned dark, and the earth boiled like a sea of fire.
Green and purple rain poured down from above the floating island. The steam from the rain formed a poisonous barrier.
Black thunder flashed to the north and south of the island, with the thunder forming mountains that appeared almost tangible.
Only a small area in the center had enough space for a single person to stand.
This small area was both a comprehension zone and the dwelling place of the mutated Heavenly Martial Emperor.
"If you want to comprehend, you have to face the mutated body of the Heavenly Martial Emperor."
Zhao Xing crossed the Thunderpool Mountain Range, then passed through the corrosive drug rain layer, and crossed over several fire seas before arriving at the area where the Dao map was manifested in the center.
"Whoosh~"
Just as he landed, a monstrous creature, covered with spikes and compound eyes, opened its eyes, its blood-red gaze locking onto Zhao Xing.
"Roar!!"
The creature's entire body was engulfed in golden light, the golden light spreading and covering it entirely.
Zhao Xing tried using the Five Finger Mountain technique.
He drew fire veins from the fire sea, gathering them into a mountain. The great Five Finger Mountain, carrying flames, pressed down toward the Heavenly Martial Emperor.
"Boom!"
The Heavenly Martial Emperor merely shook slightly, and the Five Finger Mountain was shattered into three pieces.
"How absurd! The mutated creature even has defensive capabilities similar to the Reincarnation Golden Body."
"It has inherited part of the Heavenly Martial Emperor's traits."
"Emperor Chi Xiao was right. It truly possesses defenses that rival a Seven Tribulation Emperor. It's no exaggeration."
Zhao Xing's attack enraged the Heavenly Martial Emperor.
"Boom boom boom!"
The spikes plunged into the ground, and the massive creature rolled towards Zhao Xing.
As the golden, spiked mass of flesh moved, Zhao Xing felt as though the entire space-time was crushing him, as if the sky itself was falling.
"Whoosh!"
Zhao Xing turned and fled.
Once he led the Heavenly Martial Emperor into the fire sea layer, he immediately began casting a spell.
"Earthheart Splitting Earth Technique!"
"Five Finger Demon God's Earth Palace!"
In direct combat, it was still difficult for him to defeat the mutated Heavenly Martial Emperor.
However, the harsh environment of Li Xing Island provided Zhao Xing with an opportunity to use the surroundings to his advantage.
"Boom boom boom boom!!!"
The fire sea split further, and fiery veins surged out like chains, whipping the Heavenly Martial Emperor while pulling it down into the fire sea.
At the same time, a great mountain formed above the creature's massive body, pressing down on it.
With both upward and downward pressure, the Heavenly Martial Emperor was forced down into the Earth Palace within the fire sea.
Gurgle gurgle~~
The giant beast continued to struggle, its spikes activating layers of the Great Dao's primal essence, quickly punching holes in the Earth Palace.
"It won't be able to stay trapped for long." Zhao Xing thought to himself. "At most three days, it will break free. I'll have to use that method."
"Sorry, Heavenly Martial Emperor."
From his internal organs, Zhao Xing extended tentacles as he activated the Five Elements Sprout Technique.
The Five Elements Sprout Technique was created by the Five Venom Emperor.
It primarily cultivated parasitic blood and flesh species, growing five imperial-level vines in the Divine Body, not within the inner world.
Zhao Xing used it not to attack but to prepare for the next spell.
"Ji Ling Hua Sheng Shu!"
Clang! Clang! Clang!!!
The five vine tendrils' sharp tips spun and drilled into the Heavenly Martial Emperor's flesh, immediately producing the sound of metal striking metal.
"Crack!"
Two of the vine shoots broke, while the remaining three drilled into the outer layer.
"Terrifying... The vines drilled in through the wounds and still corroded two of my law body vine shoots. Now I can only exert seventy percent of my power. I don't know how long I can hold on."
After the Heavenly Martial Emperor transformed into a monster, his "spirit" had become extremely chaotic. Zhao Xing was trying to cut away his Ling, thereby weakening the Heavenly Martial Emperor's combat ability.
The Five Finger Demon God Earth Palace, combined with the Ji Ling Hua Sheng Shu, was a method of the Demon Shennong, a battle tactic where people are planted into the ground, drained, and exhausted.
"Comprehend!"
Seeing that the Heavenly Martial Emperor was trapped, Zhao Xing immediately began to focus on his comprehension.
About a month later, the Heavenly Martial Emperor broke free from his restraints, roaring and charging toward Zhao Xing.
"Whoosh!"
Zhao Xing had no choice but to interrupt his comprehension and continue fleeing.
He then led the Heavenly Martial Emperor toward the Fire Sea layer, using the same tactic once again.
The second confinement lasted for another month and a half.
The third time, he trapped the Heavenly Martial Emperor for two months.
...
Through these repeated actions, taking advantage of the gaps to continue his comprehension, Zhao Xing had come up with this plan.
His mind was highly tense.
Because as soon as the Heavenly Martial Emperor touched him, he would be seriously injured or even killed.
The Heavenly Martial Emperor could make countless mistakes, but Zhao Xing only had to make one mistake, and it would be over for him.
...
"Roar!"
"Roar!!"
On Li Xing Island, the Heavenly Martial Emperor had been roaring for a full fourteen years.
As Zhao Xing's comprehension deepened, the horn on his head grew shorter and shorter, his crystal skin increasing, and the scales decreasing.
"Roar!!"
Just as the monstrous creature rolled forward, crushing time and space, Zhao Xing instinctively fled toward the Fire Sea, which had almost become second nature to him.
But this time, something was different.
When the mutated Heavenly Martial Emperor was once again trapped by the Five Finger Demon God Earth Palace, it seemed that something had changed.
The spikes all over its body began to retract into its form. The mass of flesh seemed to shrink by a circle, resembling a flesh egg, and started to rotate within the Earth Palace's fire sea.
"Huh?" Zhao Xing observed, and the mass of flesh subtly became more ethereal. Within it, a human silhouette began to appear. "What's going on?"
Zhao Xing used the Five Elements Sprout Technique, constantly poking at the golden flesh egg.
He tried to stop it from rotating.
At that moment, a faint consciousness emanated from within the flesh egg.
"Zhao... Zhao Xing..."
"Whoa!"
Zhao Xing jumped back, his expression uncertain. Thick Blue Flower mist swirled around his crystal skin.
"What the hell is this?!"
"Stop hitting me! I'm the Heavenly Martial Emperor!"
The voice from within the flesh egg became clearer and more furious.
"The Heavenly Martial Emperor?"
Zhao Xing froze. He focused his attention and noticed that a human-like figure was slowly taking shape inside the golden flesh egg. It carried the aura of the Heavenly Martial Emperor, but there was a huge change.
"You're not dead yet?"
The golden flesh egg continued to rotate, its golden light starting to contract inward, the outer layer of skin collapsing like crystal shards, and the entire form shrank further.
"I was about to die, but you saved me." The Heavenly Martial Emperor's consciousness gradually became clearer. "Now, my Reincarnation Golden Body is undergoing its final reconstruction."
"What?" Zhao Xing was stunned. "How can that be? You've already turned into a monster many years ago..."
"Bai Han Zun Zhe's Hou Bian law is indeed very powerful. I could even say that I died once." The Heavenly Martial Emperor sighed. "My body first underwent Hou Bian, the Reincarnation Golden Body collapsed, and then the monster form corrupted my True Spirit, turning me into a mindless beast..."
"If you hadn't attacked me, I'd probably have completely fallen into oblivion."
"I attacked you... and saved you?" Zhao Xing vaguely realized something. "Could it be because of the Demon Seed Law?"
"Yes, it's the Ji Ling Hua Sheng Shu of the Five Venom Emperor." The Heavenly Martial Emperor explained. "You used the Five Elements Sprout Technique to extract my Ling, which actually drained the mutated True Spirit, allowing the little bit of my remaining clarity to regain some breathing room."
"Is this really possible?" Zhao Xing's eyes widened.
"Don't you think about it? For these fourteen years, I've followed your tactics, obediently walking into your traps. Hahaha! How could there be such good luck?" The Heavenly Martial Emperor laughed.
"I turned into a monster, but the combat instincts of the monster remained. How could I fall for the same trick every time?"
"It's just that I've been cooperating with you using my gradually awakening intelligence."
Zhao Xing suddenly understood: "I kept wondering why every time I trapped you, the time it took grew longer. I thought I was getting stronger, but it turns out it's because you..."
"I am a Seven Tribulation Emperor. After turning into a monster, I even rival the Eight Tribulation Emperor. How could you easily suppress me? I've given you many hints not to run, but you couldn't understand, and every time you just ran away..." said the Heavenly Martial Emperor.
Zhao Xing was at a loss for words. Of course, he had to run. After the Heavenly Martial Emperor turned into a monster, even brushing against him could seriously injure him. It was no joke.
"You extracted my mutated True Spirit, and instead, you allowed me to be reborn."
"Now, the Reincarnation Golden Body I'm cultivating is about to complete its Eighth Tribulation."
"After this, I only need to survive one more tribulation, and I will step into the semi-god realm!"
"Zhao Xing, I have to thank you."
The Qi Sect Martial Artist was indeed hard to kill. Zhao Xing didn't expect that the Heavenly Martial Emperor could come back from the brink of death. The Reincarnation Golden Body was truly the strongest path for the Qi Sect Martial Artist.
"The True Spirit is affected by the Hou Bian body, becoming chaotic. To think that it can still be restored through the Demon Seed Law. There really are no bad techniques, only those who don't know how to use them." Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh.
After this incident with the Heavenly Martial Emperor, Zhao Xing gained a deeper understanding of the Hou Bian law and the transformation of the True Spirit.
On the 401st day since entering the ruins, the large and small horns on his head were reduced to only one.
Zhao Xing had fully comprehended the three Dao Diagrams of the Nine Ze Gods on the fifth layer of the floating islands.
"Physical transformation through Hou Bian, the True Spirit also undergoes a change."
"It's like how a wild beast in heat becomes obsessed with reproduction, or how a docile pet becomes irritable."
"I've been unable to wear down the last horn, it must be the trial of the sixth layer."
"It must have something to do with the strength of the True Spirit and the willpower of the mind."
When the body influences the True Spirit, it transforms into a monster; when the True Spirit controls the body, then Hou Bian becomes successful!
Zhao Xing glanced at his status panel.
Blue Flower Law Power: 3124/10000
Red Lotus Law Power: 2101/10000
Cangming Law Power: 1042/10000
After fully comprehending the Nine Ze God diagrams on the fifth floating island, he finally unlocked the third type of power in the Mind Sealing Law.
Through the two torrents of seven-colored Blue Flower and Red Lotus, Zhao Xing traced back and comprehended the Cangming Law Power.
Cangming Law Power governs water, but within the Mind Sealing Law, it mainly enhances mental will, providing a significant boost to Mind-related techniques.
"Boom~~"
At this moment, the Heavenly Martial Emperor also broke free from his shell, his golden bones gleaming and his body radiating an oppressive aura, akin to divine might.
Zhao Xing stood up and congratulated him, "Congratulations, senior, on your rebirth."
The Heavenly Martial Emperor bowed in return, "Zhao Xing, I owe you a favor. If you ever need it, I will risk my life to help you."
The Reincarnation Golden Body had been reshaped, and this favor was akin to being reborn. Without Zhao Xing using the Demon Seed Law, it would have taken him another hundred years before his True Spirit was completely obliterated.
Thus, the Heavenly Martial Emperor said that if Zhao Xing needed help, he would offer his life or even undergo reincarnation again.
"Senior, you are too kind. I merely acted by chance," Zhao Xing replied.
"Haha, then you made the right move, knocking me into this realm," the Heavenly Martial Emperor laughed heartily.
"Alright, let's stop talking about this. Get me a set of robes to wear. My storage ring has been shattered, and I can't walk around naked."
Zhao Xing chuckled and quickly retrieved a set of clothes from his storage ring for the Heavenly Martial Emperor.
"After hundreds of years, Zhao Xing, you've actually managed to come to Li Xing Island and even suppress my mutated form. Your strength has truly grown," the Heavenly Martial Emperor stared at Zhao Xing. "With your current strength, you should be comparable to a peak Emperor who has gone through six True Spirit Tribulations."
"I'm not sure," Zhao Xing shook his head. "The Hou Bian law can't last long. Even if I do have this power, it's only temporary."
Since fully comprehending the Nine Ze God diagrams of the three floating islands, Zhao Xing realized his law power wasn't enough.
Even with the combined use of Blue Flower Law Power, Red Lotus Law Power, and Cangming Law Power, he could only maintain the full Nine Ze form for two and a half hours.
After two and a half hours, all his law power would be exhausted. In fact, he couldn't sustain this limit for long, as it would be a serious injury from exhaustion. So, one hour was the optimal battle duration.
Of course, if he maintained his previous two-horned state, his law power could last for several decades or even a hundred years.
Exactly what level of strength Zhao Xing had, he wasn't sure, since he hadn't fought anyone yet.
"What do you plan to do next?" asked the Heavenly Martial Emperor.
"I plan to go to the sixth layer," Zhao Xing replied. "I've already fully comprehended the Nine Ze God diagrams on the fifth layer. Staying here on the fifth layer is pointless."
The Heavenly Martial Emperor was surprised but also warned, "Zhao Xing, you should think carefully. The sixth layer is no simple task. You know my past experience, the fifth layer was already this difficult…"
"I know," Zhao Xing said without changing his mind.
After all, Bai Han Zun Zhe was a Shennong Semi-God, and with the same trial, it would be much harder for others. For his profession, it would be somewhat easier.
Back when in the Ling Luo Realm, Fu Zhi was doubted because of this very concept.
"Fine then, I won't go to the sixth layer," the Heavenly Martial Emperor said. "I'll just wait for someone to succeed in the trial."
If someone succeeded in the trial, perhaps others would be allowed to leave.
"Senior, I bid you farewell." Zhao Xing said, intending to head to the sixth layer.
"Wait a moment," the Heavenly Martial Emperor suddenly called out to Zhao Xing, "I almost forgot about this."
"What do you have to say, senior?" Zhao Xing turned around.
"Poof!"
Suddenly, the Heavenly Martial Emperor stabbed his hand through his chest and pulled out a golden bone, along with a clump of golden flesh.
"This is one of my Tribulation Bones and some Reincarnation Blood Essence," the Heavenly Martial Emperor said. "I noticed that your True Spirit is about to undergo a tribulation. If the sixth layer triggers your True Spirit Tribulation, it will be troublesome."
"The Tribulation Bone can help you resist the first and second True Spirit Tribulations. The Reincarnation Blood Essence can instantly restore your law power, reshape your body, and even replenish your lifespan if it is missing under special circumstances."
"Don't tell anyone, this is a secret from my Origin Heaven Palace."
"Thank you, senior..." Zhao Xing responded.
Zhao Xing certainly knew this secret. The further the Reincarnation Golden Body is cultivated, the more it develops a certain characteristic, similar to "Tang Seng meat," with treasures all over the body.
However, this requires the cultivator of the Reincarnation Golden Body to actively offer it up. When the soul and the body fuse, the Heavenly Martial Emperor can erase this characteristic with a single thought.
"Senior, I'll take my leave now."
After receiving it, Zhao Xing immediately jumped off Li Xing Island on the fifth layer and rushed toward the floating islands of the sixth layer.
Between the fifth and sixth layers, there were three void rivers connecting them.
Zhao Xing fought against the flow, immediately feeling the immense pressure.
However, he erupted with energy and quickly closed the gap to the three floating islands of the sixth layer.
"Hmm? Someone actually dares to challenge the sixth layer?"
Hu An gazed at the space of the sixth-layer floating islands, where he saw a streak of white energy flowing against the dark void river, heading straight for the sixth layer's islands.
"Only four hundred years, and someone dares to challenge the sixth trial?" On Sword Island, Ye Liuxin also stared at the void river between the fifth and sixth layers. "I can't tell who it is, but they seem to be a cultivator of the Nine Ze Gods."
"Though, this form is a bit different."
"Someone is challenging the sixth layer." Zhong Qi, a physician from the Tai Su Temple, looked up from the fourth layer. "I hope they succeed so we can leave this place."
"Four hundred years have passed, and ancient spiritual weapons are appearing less and less. Spiritual energy and materials have been largely depleted. If we don't leave soon, we'll be forced into reincarnation just to escape."
"To pass the sixth layer is incredibly difficult. The four strongest haven't been able to do it, and this person doesn't seem like one of the four strongest."
"Let's hope they die!"
"..."
Over the four hundred years, among the powerful, some had already set up communication channels. The news of someone challenging the sixth-layer floating island quickly spread.
At this time, Zhao Xing was still unaware that another semi-god had appeared on Ji Xing Island and was coming after him.
After three hours of swimming against the flow, Zhao Xing had already arrived at the middle island among the three floating islands of the sixth layer.
"Hmm?"
Upon entering the island's edge, Zhao Xing discovered that the island was illusory.
The earth suddenly turned into soft flowing water, quickly forming a whirlpool that began pulling Zhao Xing in.
"Damn, what level of Hou Bian is this? Even the ley lines can turn into a river out of nowhere?"
Zhao Xing was shocked as he saw the wind, clouds, thunder, and mountains on the island change abstractly. Everything started to twist with the whirlpool beneath his feet.
This power was completely overwhelming, and his body involuntarily began to fall toward the whirlpool.
Just as Zhao Xing was about to fall completely into the whirlpool, suddenly, a wooden sword cut through the abstract world, passing through him.
"A sword? Where did this sword come from?" Zhao Xing was puzzled, and then a sharp pain hit his head. The next moment, everything went black, and everything around him fell into utter silence.
When Zhao Xing regained his vision, he found himself on a bright platform. There was a vague tingling sensation in his body, but it quickly vanished.
He realized he was standing on a platform made of something akin to jade stone, with mysterious patterns flowing beneath his feet. Above him was a starry sky.
A middle-aged man in magnificent attire, with rosy skin and green hair, appeared above the starry sky. It was none other than Bai Han Zun Zhe.
"Junior Zhao Xing, I greet Bai Han Zun Zhe," Zhao Xing bowed respectfully.
Bai Han Zun Zhe waved his hand, and from the starry sky, nine enormous bone spikes floated down. These bone spikes were thick at the base and tapered toward the top, with circular patterns and dao runes spinning and resonating with each other.
After seeing them, Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow—this was the power of a divine artifact!
"This is called the Heavenly Change Divine Needle. When separated, it forms nine supreme-grade spiritual weapons. When combined, it forms a divine object." Bai Han Zun Zhe said casually.
"The Dao Diagrams of the Nine Ze Gods, Pu Luo Gods, and Yan Xing Gods all use this as their secret technique. If you can master one of them, you will be able to obtain this set of divine artifacts."
"My life is not long. My true spirit has already withered, and I am but a living corpse."
"The second trial on the sixth layer is the final test. Among the two trials, your performance has been the best. If you can master this Hou Bian artifact, you will become my successor."
Hou Bian's artifact, the Heavenly Change Divine Needle?
Zhao Xing was stunned. Nine gigantic bone spikes were being called "needles"?
"You don't have much time." Bai Han Zun Zhe noticed Zhao Xing's confusion and urged, "I don't know who you offended, but there is someone outside who wants to kill you. It is a sword master. I can block him for a moment, but I cannot stop him forever."
"A Sword Dao Semi-God wants to kill me?" Zhao Xing recalled the sword light and felt a sharp pain in his head. He couldn't afford to be careless. He immediately began to comprehend the Heavenly Change Divine Needle.