Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint

Chengtian Hall.

On the plaza.

At this moment, all was silent.

Buddha light and Dao rhythm flowed.

Just then.

The gaunt old monk softly chanted a Buddha’s name, his voice like an ancient bell, cleansing the human heart.

"Amitabha. This old monk Ku Hai, together with my disciples Jin Chan and Fendeng, has come specially to congratulate the new sovereign of Great Xia on his enthronement and the imperial wedding. May His Majesty inherit Heaven’s mandate, with the nation’s fortune enduring long, may the Emperor and Empress be as phoenixes in harmony, of one heart for a thousand autumns."

As his words fell, he lightly raised his right hand, and in his palm there appeared the illusory image of a golden lotus.

In the heart of the lotus rested a glazed śarīra the size of a pigeon egg, seven-colored in hue, its radiance restrained within.

"This is the Seven-Treasure Glazed Śarīra left behind by the successive high monks of Vajra Temple after they entered nirvana. It can still the mind and focus the spirit, dispel evil and drive out demons, and is of great benefit to cultivation. I respectfully offer it to the Holy Emperor on behalf of Vajra Temple, as a slight token of congratulations."

Afterward, the golden lotus bearing the śarīra slowly drifted toward the front of Chengtian Hall. Ji Minghao, his expression solemn, rose to ceremonially receive it, and the golden lotus slowly fell into his hand.

As the golden lotus dissolved into scattered points of golden light, the Seven-Treasure Glazed Śarīra also dropped into his palm.

The seven-colored radiance then drew inward, making it appear utterly ordinary.

Yet Ji Minghao could feel that the śarīra in his hand was suffused with a gentle, auspicious qi that instantly spread through his whole body, making his spirit stir.

"My thanks for Master Ku Hai’s generous gift." Ji Minghao said with a cupped-fist salute.

He did not dare show the slightest arrogance.

Ku Hai, the Vajra Temple Abbot, was a top-tier powerhouse under heaven.

Together with his Imperial Uncle Ji Xuan, he was ranked second in the world.

Such a powerhouse, by virtue of his own strength alone, was already qualified to speak on equal terms with the lord of Great Xia, to say nothing of Ku Hai standing with Vajra Temple behind him.

And behind Vajra Temple, everyone knew there loomed an even more terrifying power.

An Ancient remnant world famed as the Western Paradise.

Previously, as a Prince of Great Xia, and now as the lord of Great Xia, he was even clearer that this Western Paradise had another name—the Great Leiyin Temple.

This power had been recorded many times in ancient texts.

Immensely powerful and terrifying.

At the same time.

On the western side.

The Qingxu Temple Master also smiled faintly. With a light sweep of his horsetail whisk, the clouds before him naturally condensed into a jade box.

The lid opened of its own accord, revealing two Pills the size of longan fruits, their bodies in three colors—azure, purple, and gold. A strange fragrance rushed forth, and upon smelling it one’s Essence Qi, spirit, and mind all grew restless, yet one’s thoughts became clear.

"This poor Daoist Qingxu, congratulates the Eighth Prince on his succession and the completion of the imperial wedding rites. These two Triple-Turn Heaven-Seizing Pills were refined from the essence of heaven and earth. Taking them can strengthen the foundation and nourish the origin, prolong life and increase longevity, and also aid in Martial Arts cultivation. Take them as Qingxu Temple’s congratulatory gift, and I hope the Holy Emperor will graciously accept."

The jade box flew through the air to stop before Ji Minghao.

Ji Minghao raised his hand to receive it: "My thanks for the temple master’s Immortal Pills!"

Facing this Qingxu Temple Master, a man ranked second under heaven, he likewise did not dare show the least negligence.

After all, this Qingxu Temple Master was likewise a powerhouse ranked second under heaven.

And behind him stood the superpower known as Qingxu Temple.

At the same time, Qingxu Temple in turn was supported by an Immortal Grotto Heaven.

As a Prince of Great Xia, he also knew the Immortal Grotto Heaven behind them—it was the Nine Heavens, one of the Upper Three Days, equally formidable and terrifying.

At this moment, the atmosphere on the plaza did not relax because of these two generous gifts; instead, it grew even more heavy.

Though Ku Hai and the Qingxu Temple Master had finished offering their gifts, they did not depart. Their gazes, as if by prior agreement, both turned toward that black-robed figure among the seats.

Jiang Ning met the two men’s gazes, his expression as calm as still water, without the slightest ripple.

Ku Hai’s eyes, which seemed able to see through worldly affairs, lingered on Jiang Ning for a moment. On his gaunt face appeared a faint and oddly meaningful smile: "Amitabha. Dongling Marquis Jiang Ning, this old monk has long heard your great name. At less than twenty years of age, advancing in Immortal Martial together, forging a superior Immortal Foundation, and standing in rivalry with Benefactor Ji Xuan—truly a prodigy unseen throughout the ages. This old monk was curious in his heart, and has come specially to see you today. Indeed, your bearing is extraordinary, unique through the ages."

His voice was full of gentleness, yet as the sound waves spread, they carried an invisible pressure.

It was not deliberate exertion, but the natural outflow of the disparity in life level and Dao, making many officials present subconsciously hold their breath.

The Qingxu Temple Master also smiled slightly, his horsetail whisk swaying, Dao rhythm flowing around his body: "What Master Ku Hai says is most true. With Yin Yang as the foundation, and the Nine Changes of Profound Light, such a foundation would be rare even within the Ancient Daoist Collection. This poor Daoist has pondered Tai Chi Yin Yang for several decades; upon seeing the Marquis today, I too feel my hunter’s heart stirred."

In this instant, the words of these two top-tier powerhouses appeared to be praise, but in truth they had already turned their hidden spearpoints toward Jiang Ning.

The civil and military officials were clear in their hearts as in a bright mirror.

They all understood now that these two had come together, and their congratulations to the new sovereign were but incidental; their true target was likely this Dongling Marquis, whose fame overshadowed all others.

In their eyes, only this Dongling Marquis was worthy of causing these two beings to appear in the Royal Capital at the same time.

Just then.

Jiang Ning slowly rose, his black robe stirring though there was no wind, naturally emanating a bearing like deep pools and towering mountains.

He cupped his hands slightly toward Ku Hai and the Qingxu Temple Master, his voice calm and unruffled.

"Master Ku Hai, Qingxu Temple Master, you two seniors overpraise. This junior merely chanced upon a few opportunities, and does not dare accept the title ’unique through the ages.’ The two seniors arriving together to observe the new emperor’s grand ceremony is truly the fortune of Great Xia. If you have any guidance, this junior will listen with washed ears."

The Qingxu Temple Master smiled without speaking, yet his gaze flowed over Jiang Ning like a clear spring, as if savoring in detail the rhythm by which Jiang Ning was at this moment in communion with heaven and earth.

Seeing Jiang Ning in person, though they had yet to cross hands, he already made a judgment—the rumors had underestimated this Dongling Marquis.

This Dongling Marquis’s comprehension of heaven and earth had long surpassed the imagination of the world.

"A superior Immortal Foundation! Truly worthy of the name superior Immortal Foundation!!" he silently praised in his heart.