159: Chapter 159 The secret to immortality is enough to make him take any risk!

Recalling past events, his reverence for Su Rui grew even deeper.

Such strength was already close to the pinnacle of the Mortal world.

If it were anyone else, they would have long used this power to stir up chaos, like Di Shitian, claiming supremacy and overturning the universe.

Yet this person always remained detached and composed, acting without fanfare.

Such a state of mind was worthy of such a Realm.

"I must go there personally and see her with my own eyes before I can be at ease."

Yue Yao stood up, her tone admitting no argument.

"Eldest Young Miss!"

Mo Qixuan urged, "The twelve-year pact locking down the rivers and mountains is still in effect. If you rashly enter Northern Li, your life may be in danger!"

"No need to say more."

She shook her head gently, "I will disguise myself and conceal my identity. I won't expose myself easily."

"The Holy Cult will temporarily be managed by you two. I will not appear often in Northern Li, and few people recognize me. There is no need to worry."

Yue Yao's tone was calm, yet it carried firm resolve.

"Eldest Young Miss..."

Mo Qixuan exchanged a look with his companion, intending to persuade her further.

"She is my only younger sister."

She raised a hand to stop the two men, "If I don't see her, I cannot eat or sleep in peace."

Seeing this, the two could only bow and agree.

"We obey your command. Eldest Young Miss, please take utmost care! If the Holy Cult loses you now, I fear it truly cannot be sustained."

Mo Qixuan deeply understood that her mind was made up.

"Don't worry."

Yue Yao smiled faintly, "As soon as I confirm Yue Qing is safe, I will return immediately."

"Yes!"

...

Snow Moon City, Nameless Martial Arts School.

The aftermath of Su Rui's battle had spread for several days, already shaking the four directions.

Every person walking the Jianghu knew that Snow Moon City harbored a Master who was like an exiled immortal.

What was even more astonishing was that this person actually opened a school to teach Disciples.

Regardless of background, only Aptitude mattered. Anyone with fate could enter and practice that legendary supreme martial art.

In a tavern next to the martial arts school, smoke curled lazily.

Old Man of Heavenly Secrets took a puff of his dry pipe and suddenly slapped the table:

"It is said that when the Mo Cult invaded from the east and besieged Qingyun Terrace, suddenly the God of Thunder manifested, splitting the ten-thousand-zhang demonic clouds with a single sword strike!"

Great Qin, Xianyang Palace.

Qin Emperor Ying Zheng sat solemnly on the Dragon Throne, listening to Zhao Gao report secret intelligence sent back by the Net of Heaven.

He had long anticipated the outcome of the battle between Northern Li and the Mo Cult.

But upon hearing the description of Su Rui's actions, even the Emperor's eyes sharpened.

"A giant body like a mountain, palms commanding thunder? Can such might truly be achieved by a mere Mortal body?"

Even Ying Zheng found it incredible.

"Your Majesty, this person's origins are yet to be determined, but a Heaven-rank assassin from the Net of Heaven has already quietly approached. Definite news should arrive soon."

Zhao Gao bowed and replied.

"Very good."

Ying Zheng rarely nodded in approval.

"There is one other matter..."

Zhao Gao hesitated slightly, glancing at the Emperor's expression.

"Speak."

"It is rumored that Di Shitian, who fought against the owner of the Nameless Martial Arts School in Snow Moon City, Su Rui, is already several thousand years old."

"What?"

Ying Zheng suddenly stood up, his eyes like lightning.

"Absolutely true."

Zhao Gao quickly presented evidence, "This was spoken by Di Shitian himself, claiming to have lived for over a thousand years.

I have already ordered people to search ancient texts and have indeed found traces!"

He looked smug, as if he had achieved a great merit.

After the Great Qin unified the world, Zhao Gao understood clearly that what the Emperor desired most was never power, but eternal life.

The art of immortality!

However, at present, Ying Zheng had invested the majority of manpower and resources into the Yin-Yang School, while the Net of Heaven was neglected.

If he could transfer these resources to his own hands, the Net of Heaven's power would surely advance by leaps and bounds.

"Your Majesty, although Di Shitian has repeatedly changed his name and identity and his whereabouts are mysterious, based on the clues traced this time, we have indeed found his traces in the history books—every time he appeared, it triggered turmoil in the Jianghu and chaos across the Realm."

Zhao Gao's tone was grave, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

"This person seems to take pleasure in stirring up trouble!"

Ying Zheng listened, then slowly rose and paced in the hall.

"Where his pleasure lies is irrelevant; I only want to know how he lived past one hundred, past a thousand years!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Gao bowed in assent, "Although Di Shitian is dead, he was once the Lord of the Heavenly Gate, and that Heavenly Gate is rumored to be located on the coast of the Eastern Sea."

Ying Zheng's gaze sharpened: "Send people to investigate immediately.

Furthermore, we cannot let Su Rui go. Since Di Shitian perished by his hand, perhaps the secret of immortality is hidden within this man!"

"As you command!"

Zhao Gao received the order and retreated, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, unable to hide his excitement.

After Zhao Gao departed, the great hall fell silent. A moment later, a man with a handsome and refined appearance walked out slowly—it was Gai Nie.

"Your Majesty, Su Rui's strength is unfathomable. It is not wise to act rashly."

Gai Nie's tone was steady, yet it carried a degree of worry.

He had heard every word of Zhao Gao's report. Su Rui's power likely surpassed everyone in the current era.

Provoking him rashly would lead to unimaginable consequences.

Ying Zheng was silent for a moment, then nodded gently.

Did he not know the danger involved? But the secret of immortality was enough to make him risk anything.

"Return to Ghost Valley and tell the Master that I, the Emperor, wish to personally invite him to Xianyang for a visit."

"Yes."

Gai Nie accepted the order, but secretly sighed in his heart.

After he left, Ying Zheng dispatched envoys separately to the Yin-Yang School and the Daoist Sect on Mount Taiyi.

On the Star Gazing Platform of the Yin-Yang School, Donghuang Taiyi stood in the night wind, holding a secret report, his expression grim.

"He actually possesses such strength..."

He murmured, his voice carrying rare shock.

The details of the battle at Qingyun Terrace had been presented.

Judging solely by the description, Su Rui could already invoke the power of heaven and earth, far beyond what ordinary martial arts could attain.

Such methods were completely different from the Sword Dao he employed.

This person indeed possessed the ability to control the universe.

However, what puzzled Donghuang Taiyi was that Su Rui seemed exceptionally keen on taking Disciples.

Such behavior did not resemble a hidden Master, but rather an elder obsessed with passing on a Legacy.

Never mind. Since this is the case, perhaps Dongjun, who has been sent to Snow Moon City, might have a chance to approach him and bring back more information.

At the Daoist Heavenly Sect on Mount Taiyi, Xiao Meng held a wooden sword and quietly scaled over the mountain wall, moving lightly down the slope.

"Little girl, where are you going?"

A hoarse, aged voice suddenly sounded on the mountain path. Xiao Meng paused, stopping her steps.

"I am going to Northern Li."

She gripped her wooden sword tightly and looked straight ahead.

Northern Darkness Master slowly emerged, looking at his stubborn Disciple, feeling a mix of emotions.

Those previous words should not have been said in front of her—talking about how extraordinary 'Mr. Su' was—and now the child was determined to leave.

"Master, can you defeat that Mr. Su?"

Xiao Meng suddenly asked.

"Even if I couldn't defeat him, so what?"

"Since you cannot defeat him, why should I stay here? I want to become the strongest person, so I should naturally go find a stronger teacher."

Northern Darkness Master smiled bitterly, unable to speak.

National hatred and family feud were deeply etched in her heart; how could she settle down to cultivate?

"How about this: if you can win the Snow Clearing Sword at the Daoist Sect Debate three months from now, I will let you descend the mountain."

"Deal!"

Xiao Meng's eyes lit up.

"If you cannot win it, you must remain within the Heavenly Sect until you are eighteen and succeed as the Sect Head. Then, everything will be up to you."

Northern Darkness Master's tone was gentle, yet concealed helplessness.

He had cultivated for many years and could glimpse the trajectory of fate.

Originally, Xiao Meng should have quietly cultivated on the mountain for ten years before taking over the Heavenly Sect.

But now, because of a person thousands of miles away, this predetermined path had been forcibly diverted.

That person had not even shown his face, yet he had already shaken the Foundation of the Daoist Sect.

Xiao Meng nodded silently and turned to walk back up the steps.

Northern Darkness Master watched her retreating figure, sighed softly, and his form gradually dissipated into the mountain mist.

On Wudang Mountain, the old Daoist Zhang Sanfeng tremblingly returned to the True Martial Cave. His steps were unsteady, and his face still held a hint of embarrassment.

"Cough... Young people nowadays truly lack manners!"

He had witnessed Su Rui's power firsthand.

As a Grandmaster, upon seeing a strong individual emerge, he inevitably felt the urge to spar a little.

Who knew that with a casual sword strike from Su Rui, before the Tai Chi was even fully displayed, he had already been injured and forced to retreat.

His self-created ultimate technique was utterly incapable of defending itself, making him so ashamed he fled covering his face.

The candlelight in the cave flickered. The old Daoist sat down and muttered to himself, "Amazing... Truly amazing..."

He had lost face completely!

Even though Zhang Sanfeng had cultivated for many years and his state of mind was as still as an ancient well, he couldn't help but feel a wave of panic.

But the worst was yet to come.

As soon as he sat cross-legged, intending to calm his mind and suppress the restless Sword Intent within him, Song Yuanqiao's voice came from outside the door.

"Master, you're back?"

Zhang Sanfeng froze, his face immediately darkening.

It's over; I'm going to be scolded.

This trip outside was supposed to be incognito, but he had acted impulsively in a moment of urgency. His identity had likely been exposed.

"What bad luck!"

He sighed helplessly and waved his hand, allowing Song Yuanqiao to enter.

...

Meanwhile, the Great Tang remained inactive.

Since the situation was unclear, they naturally would not act rashly—after all, none of their neighbors were weak nations; the slightest carelessness could lead to disaster.

Chen Zhibao received the decree from the Liyang Emperor and slowly withdrew his troops from the border.

The Great Ming side also received intelligence from the Dragon Guard Manor, and Emperor Hongwu immediately ordered a halt to the heightened alert.

When such an extraordinary person appeared, he had intended to summon Ye Gucheng to the Capital City to detail the person's background.

Unexpectedly, the scout reported that the Master of White Cloud City had already returned to White Cloud City and sealed himself off.

"Your Majesty, it is said that City Lord Ye felt his own Realm was insufficient after sensing that Mr. Su's Realm, and thus entered seclusion for cultivation."

Zhu Wushi reported softly.

"In your opinion, what is this person like?"

"Unfathomable.

Power holds no meaning for him; only befriending him is the best course of action."

Emperor Hongwu frowned deeply: "To defy the laws with martial arts, such a person actually exists?"

Such an existence was simply a sword hanging over imperial authority.

Yet, they could not afford to offend him.

If the Son of Heaven was enraged, blood would flow like rivers; but if this person became angry, the mountains and rivers might change color.

"Issue an order: unless there is a major matter, do not send anyone to Snow Moon City. Do not provoke this person."

"As you command."

Zhu Wushi accepted the order and retreated.

As he was leaving, a piece of unconfirmed news reported by Shangguan Haitang suddenly flashed in his mind:

The Pillar State Great General of Northern Li was rumored to have died in battle, and even the obituary had been sent to the Imperial Palace.

But not long after, the person reappeared alive and well, full of vigor.

Rumor had it that on the Southern Solitude battlefield, that Mr. Su had personally visited, and with a raise of his hand, he actually pulled someone already dead back from the gates of hell.

The truth was hard to discern, as there was no concrete evidence.

The only clue was that Lei Mengsha was indeed still alive.

But the Northern Li court publicly claimed that the General had feigned death to lure the enemy and ultimately crushed the opposing army.

The accounts were varied, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.

But Zhu Wushi could not ignore it—because he remembered Su Xin's previous feigned death.