Hello, dear readers! Here's chapter 159!
Do check Episode 13 of my A Knight Journey's YouTube Series(Audiobook/Visual novel) here: https://youtu.be/VAKylIOHIPk
(AKJ)Episode 13 - A strong Martial Artist is no match for a strong gun
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Bright Star City, Bright Star Island, Flowing Stars Archipelago, Earth
Omniscient P.O.V.
Sergei let out a sigh before muttering self-deprecatingly.
"Six months ago, the lad had no cultivation, and now, six months later, he's almost reached the Peak of the Mid Foundation Building Rank..."
Shaking his head, he then rubbed his eyes, feeling somewhat exhausted mentally.
Seeing her husband's low mood, Ling grabbed his hand and squeezed gently while uttering some reassuring words.
"Darling, there's no need to compare ourselves to a monster like Demian. I mean, even aside from his cultivation speed, not only is his combat power a full Rank higher than his current cultivation level, but even the Low Heaven-Grade cultivation technique we gave him a few months ago has been upgraded by him to the Peak Heaven-Grade. Granted, it's only the Foundation Building chapter, but still, is that even something a Mortal can do?"
Shaking her head with an expression of disbelief on her face, she then added.
"That kind of reincarnated immortal is best not to be compared with us mere mortals, alright? I mean, our current Peak Heaven-Grade talent is already at the top in this World, so there's really no need to feel inferior..."
Hearing her words, the thirty-year-old-looking man squeezed her hand back before correcting, a wry smile on his face.
"I know that already, and I'm not comparing myself to him. I'm not even jealous of his talent. No, what bothers me is that in a few years, he's sure to grow stronger than both of us, and at that time, I, as his teacher, will pretty much become useless, with no power to protect or even help him in the slightest."
Letting out a sigh, he then added.
"It's said that a teacher only fears two types of students: the mediocre and the monstrous. Today, I truly realize how accurate that statement is."
With a wry smile on her face, Ling set her head on his shoulder and replied.
"Well, if that makes you feel better, I'm sure that even those old freaks at the Transcending Tribulation Rank would feel the same way if they'd found him instead of us."
After those words left her lips, the two fell into a contemplative silence before Ling broke it with the following words.
"In any case, since we know we can't catch up to him, the next best thing is to avoid trailing too far behind, I believe."
Lifting her head from his shoulder, she gazed into his eyes and said resolutely.
"Now that we have access to his gifts, it's best if we maximize their use, don't you think?"
After quietly admiring his wife's dark-golden pupils for a few seconds, the light frown marring his brow vanished along with the weight previously pressing against his heart.
Inner peace...
Finding inner peace was merely a matter of letting go of a restrictive belief.
Wording it that way, it sounded simple, didn't it...?
Interestingly, for most people, the simplicity belied an impossible difficulty.
With toxic beliefs anchored too deeply inside their mind, how could they let it go, even if it meant being much more comfortable?
Wouldn't accepting the mental change be the same as accepting that they had been wrong for their whole lives?
Wouldn't it be akin to self-mutilation?
Well, in their perception at least.
In Sergei's case, wanting to be of use to his student was commendable, but imprisoning himself in the belief that always being useful was essential, no matter the cost, would only result in heartache and disappointment, even possibly nurturing heart Demons.
Thus, letting go of that obsession and seeing where life would take him was the best solution for him.
For others, it might have been too difficult, but for him, whose Will was more powerful than most, coupled with the fact that the obsession had not been anchored too deeply, a few words from his wife were enough to shake it off completely.
Immediately, with his thoughts now much clearer, Sergei felt his Dao Seed becoming more refined, while his foundation grew even more consolidated, prompting a thought.
'Ling is right. Someone like Demian is destined to transcend Mortality and become one of those legendary Immortals, a level I'd normally never be able to touch in my lifetime. So, doing my best is fine, even using his gifts to grow stronger as quickly as I can. But for the rest, I'll just let nature take its course. Who knows, maybe I'll also be lucky enough to become an Immortal alongside my wife...?'
Out loud, he commented jokingly.
"You're right, my Love. Since we're destined to be burdens for our own students, we might as well turn ourselves as light as possible."
Standing up, the handsome middle-aged man then grabbed his wife's body in a princess carry, prompting her to let out a surprised, but somewhat excited, yelp while she reflexively grabbed the back of his neck to 'avoid falling'.
With a smile full of meaning, Sergei mentioned.
"Since we're not on the clock anymore, how about we resume our earlier chat about having a child? What do you say, my Love?"
Hearing the uncharacteristically bold suggestion, Ling's heart started beating faster, cheeks flushing while her gaze turned hazy as she replied softly, her words and tone making the heat already present in his heart explode to an almost uncontrollable level.
"I'll follow my husband's lead..."
As soon as those words left her lips, both of their figures dissolved into the Void, with only a few words floating in the air, quickly drowned out by the Serene River's gentle flowing sound.
"Let it be so, then."
On the Mikhailovs' side.
With Mikhail and Eldoria using their Void attainment to bring them to the Extinguishing Hall Branch, it was only a matter of a blink before they arrived at their destination.
In front of the group was a massive temple, looking very similar to the Wisdom Tide Library they had been to previously in terms of architecture, though the atmosphere was drastically different.
If the Wisdom Tide Library was akin to a learning sanctuary, the Extinguishing Hall was more similar to a treacherous forest, filled with bloodthirsty beasts.
Killing Intent abounded, making it difficult for anyone below the Refining Seed level to walk steadily.
After sensing further, Demian noticed that the source of that Killing Intent came from the beautifully crafted wooden plaque above the giant gate, or more specifically, the words painted on it.
"'Extinguishing Evil to protect the Flame of Civilization'. What a great Extinguishing Hall..."
As a few mutters left his lips, Mikhail replied, his tone filled with pride.
"This is where the most Elite cultivators in our Federation gather."
As if something suddenly came to his mind, his tone turned suddenly more measured as his gaze fell on Demian and the girls.
"Of course, they can't compare to the four of you, but how many cultivators like you four exist in the world?"
Shaking his head, Mikhail then added.
"Aside from those monstrously talented cultivators like you, those who can cross that gate to join the Hall are the cream of the crop in the Federation, and not only in terms of combat, but also in comprehensive knowledge. Granted, they may not measure up to those whose talent matched their dedication to one particular craft, but calling them experts is still well-deserved."
Feeling intrigued, Demian asked.
"Uncle, seeing how well you speak of this Hall, have you ever been a member?"
With a small shake of his head, the old general replied, his tone reminiscent.
"Sadly, no. I did try my best when I was younger, but I never made the cut, always below the minimum requirements."
Letting out a sigh, he then added.
"Although I've now reached the Peak of the Void Seed Rank, and with your recent gift, my combat power has skyrocketed, but it's still too late. After all, the highest Rank in the Extinguishing Hall is the Supreme Enforcer with a cultivation at the Peak of the Void Seed Rank..."
As his gaze then moved to the exquisite calligraphy painted above the gate, Mikhail's expression gained a hint of melancholy as he remarked.
"Time has a way to leave obsessions, desires unfulfilled, and wishes unattained. It's fine to indulge briefly, but one shouldn't linger for too long... Right, it's best to let go of old regrets..."
As the words left his lips, his tone became more and more introspective, leaving the four Mikhailovs confused as to whether the man was still talking to them or to himself.
Still, Eldoria suddenly grabbed Mikhail's hand and squeezed it reassuringly, helping him shake himself awake from his introspection.
Squeezing her hand back while directing a warm smile toward the mermaid empress, Mikhail then turned his head toward the four Mikhailov and said in an apologetic tone.
"Sorry about earlier. Age tends to bring unwanted thoughts to one's mind."
Then, the old general started walking toward the great gate in front, gesturing then to follow as he remarked.
"We wasted enough time reminiscing here. Let's go inside, so you can finally start your tempering experience."
The group then quickly crossed the gate's threshold, sensing the same strange feeling of displacement they had when they went to the Wisdom Tide Library a while ago.
Indeed, a brief second later, the scenery in front of their eyes experienced an enormous change, with the previous large-sized building transforming into a true behemoth set on a gigantic mountain reminiscent of the Immortal Mountains in those Chinese legends.
Lazy clouds of Elemental Energy floated everywhere, with lush vegetation and small-sized animals everywhere around the main path leading to the magnificent palace-like structure above.
It was truly akin to a hidden paradise.
However, such an idyllic setting was in complete contrast to the few cultivators walking on the main path.
Indeed, although most looked harmless, with a few even bantering with each other, Demian and the girls, with their Immortal-Grade Soul Power, had become extremely sensitive to Soul's fluctuations and could sense that it was just a facade.
In the Mikhailovs' senses, those 'harmless' strangers seemed to hide dangerous predators, ready to kill at the drop of a hat.
Every twitch of their bodies, every small glance, everything about them radiated danger, though most would miss it, as those people seemed exceedingly proficient at hiding it.
Feeling a surge of amazement, Demian sent a Soul Transmission to the girls.
["No wonder Uncle Mikhail kept praising the Extinguishing Hall so much. From their movements and foundation depths, their combat power clearly surpasses their own cultivation level by a lot."]
Brynhild, having the highest affinity with fighting among the group of four, even added in the same way.
["It's not only that, but their Killing Intent is way superior to any of us. If our foundation matched theirs, Mom and Sis would get killed quickly. Only Dem and I might hold on longer, though even you, Dem, might end up having to flee for your life."]
Although proud of his own strength, Demian was not arrogant enough to believe himself infallible in every aspect of cultivation.
After all, although he did kill a few people, compared to those devious Demon cultivators and Demon Beasts, those he slaughtered in the past were truly akin to small fries.
Thus, in terms of Killing Intent and life and death experience, he was ultimately still limited, a weakness that only time could bridge.
Still, while ready to admit his own inadequacies, he would not undervalue his own strengths.
Combat experience? Killing experience? Life and death experience?
Those may be lacking for the Mikhailovs, but even the least keen on violence, Adeliya, could effortlessly crush those Foundation Building 'predators'.
Even those at the Low Core Formation and most Mid Core Formation would be destroyed with a few of her Spells.
Thus, skills were important, but in front of too large a difference in raw power, they would become as useful as snow during a hot summer.
An ant could lift 10 to 100 times its own weight, but even a human child could easily crush one of them between their fingers.
That was the difference in the Essence level, a difference that grew larger as one's cultivation ascended.
For Foundation Building cultivators to skip Minor, or even Major Levels, in fights may be uncommon, but still possible.
However, a Void Sapling cultivator skipping a single level to fight was virtually impossible, let alone those at the Transcending Tribulation Rank.
Actually, at those high Ranks, even those at the Peak of a level could crush those at the Low-Grade or even Mid-Grade of the same level.
The Path to Heaven was endless, easy at the start, and increasingly difficult as time went by.
That being said, Demian believed that having more skills would not hurt, prompting him to share with the other three.
["I was a bit unsure before, but seeing these people, I think that coming here might be a good thing. Especially with those Demon Beasts dying to kill us all. Although we can cultivate as well at the Mansion, getting combat experience by remaining there is just a pipe dream."]
The other three agreed, especially Liya, who was relatively more gentle than the other three.
Having worked as a surgeon most of her life, she was used to saving lives, not robbing them.
Of course, if push came to shove, like with the Danilov/Petrovich events, she could be ruthless enough to press the trigger, but asking her to do it without hesitation would be impossible.
However, she knew that when facing future enemies, any hesitation could cost any, or all, their lives, something she refused to accept.
That's why Liya was one of the most enthusiastic in joining the Extinguishing Hall.
Her thought process was: 'I've finally got the life I've wanted for all those years, so I won't let a bit of softheartedness get in the way'.
Hippocratic oath?
Unfortunately, that was something that needed to be abandoned, if not completely, at least partially.
'Helping those who deserve it, killing those who deserve it. One is saving, but isn't the other one saving as well? After all, if killing one stops two or more people from being injured or killed, isn't it a positive thing?'
She thought 'jokingly', though she was clear in her heart that the two concepts were vastly different, and not something she could easily accept herself.
Asking her to kill to defend her loved ones was fine, but the chance of her doing the same to 'save others in the future' was abysmally low.
She thrived in helping others, not harming them.
While the four were each pondering different things, the group finally arrived at the top of the mountain, where the Extinguishing Hall Branch building was located.
There, in the middle of two massive stone columns, was an enormous wooden gate, with both panels wide open, and a man radiating an intimidating Aura standing with his hands clasped behind his back in the middle of the entrance.
With a quick glance, the Mikhailovs noticed the man wearing the standard Federation uniform.
The latter comprised a dark blue long mantle with protective shoulder guards, a collar wrapping around the neck, two wrist guards, and a belt.
There were also dark blue gloves, dark blue boots, and a dark blue pair of pants, while his upper body was covered by a fitted vest of the same color, buttoned from the neck to the waist.
The whole outfit was almost identical to Mikhail's own Protector General uniform, except for a few details, such as the small emblem on his vest, which comprised two waves pointing left and right, forming the rough shape of a scale, while two swords were crossed, positioned over those two waves.
From Mikhail's previous—and summarized—explanation, those waves symbolized endless adaptation, while the swords clearly meant to symbolize their readiness to fight and kill if needed.
Truly fierce!
Aside from that emblem, the four Mikhailovs could also see the Five full stars surrounding a full silver moon, indicating the man's official Rank as a Sixth-Grade General, the same Rank as Mikhail's own.
With such a Rank, although none of the four Mikhailovs could sense the man's cultivation, or even his presence for that matter, it was clear to them that his strength ought to have reached an unfathomable level, especially being a member of the strongest Hall in the Federation.
Knowing that much, it was not difficult for the four people to guess that the man in question was surely waiting for their arrival, and his following reaction proved their guess right.
Seeing the group arriving, the man's stoic expression vanished, replaced by a warm smile.
Nodding his head to the group, he declared.
"Elder Silk. General. A mere few days and you've already progressed so much. I'm truly envious."
Indeed, although the old general reined in his Aura, as his previous breakthrough was too recent, it was difficult for him to hide his progress completely, especially in front of a Senior Great Enforcer like Wang Ling.
Still, if he could hide his breakthrough, he would, but if he could not, then it did not matter.
With the current Federation's strength and his own, it would be next to impossible for those Demon Beasts to threaten his life.
That was, unless he, for some unexplainable reason, decided to leave Bright Star Island, of course.
After seeing Eldoria and Mikhail return the greeting, Wang Ling turned his head toward the four Mikhailovs, a hint of amazement coloring his gaze as his senses discerned their Auras.
'Feels somewhat like Peak Heaven-Grade, but also not, as if a strange fog hides their true depths...'
If Demian was the only one giving that sensation, it would at most make Wang Ling impressed, but it was clearly the same for the other three young women.
A strange thought came to him, making him wonder if he was simply imagining the whole thing entirely.
'If the young lad feels that way, and with him being an Immortal-Grade prodigy... Does that mean the other three are also...?'
Crushing that terrifying thought before it could sprout, Wang Ling simply decided to chalk it up to them having some sort of Special Physique reacting with their Peak Heaven-Grade talent, which created that strange feeling similar to the young Mikhailov lad.
Whether it was the truth or not, the Senior Great Enforcer would act as if it were.
After all, with his status and cultivation, he had been informed about what an Immortal-Grade meant to a Force, and the dangers associated with it.
One of them might be acceptable, but four would certainly result in the total destruction of the federation by those jealous and reckless old monsters.
As to whether those four would be protected by fate and avenge the Federation's annihilation once they grew strong enough?
Even if it happened that way, it would have nothing to do with the Federation's citizens, as all of them would be long gone.
Thus, it was better to feign ignorance, acting along with them.
Plus, it was not as if Wang Ling was certain of his guess.
If it were not for the four of them standing together, coupled with the fact that he knew of Demian's Immortal-Grade talent, he would never even give birth to that sort of thought.
Although seemingly long, his contemplation lasted less than a fraction of a second.
In a warm tone, Wang Ling commented.
"And I assume this is the Federation's Young Immortal, Demian Mikhailov, along with his three fiancées, Lady Adeliya, Lady Brynhild, and Lady Seraphine. All three Peak Heaven-Grade talents with Special Bloodlines... Talent reaching the sky, looks rivaling Immortals and three extraordinary fiancées..."
Shaking his head, he added in a self-deprecating tone.
"Compared to me, still unmarried after thousands of years, and with little hope of reaching the Void Sapling Rank, it's truly a Heaven and Earth difference."
Now, whether the other man was truthful or not, no one, not even Demian himself, hated being praised—as long as it was well done, of course—, so even though the young man knew the other party's words may not be completely genuine, a smile still found itself on Demian's face before he replied.
"Mister..."
Wang Ling quickly interjected.
"Wang Ling. I've been assigned as this Hall's Branch Master, but my usual title is Senior Great Enforcer. But you can just call me Wang Ling, if you don't mind."
Nodding his head slightly, Demian did not embarrass himself with too much courtesy, as it was only a matter of a few decades before he caught up with the other man's cultivation and even went beyond.
"Why don't I call you Mr. Wang? You can just call me Demian, if you wish. I'm much younger than you, after all."
Hearing the young man's words, the slick Wang Ling knew his 'plan' was a success.
Don't look at him as the 'Senior Great Enforcer' with powerful strength, high talent, and transcendent status.
In the end, the odds of him being able to trigger his Tribulation and break through to the Void Sapling Rank were extremely low, almost nonexistent.
Even if he did succeed in triggering his Tribulation, the chances of surviving it were even lower.
At most, he was guaranteed to reach the Peak of the Void Seed Rank.
Was such a cultivation high?
Of course it was!
But at the same time, in front of Void Sapling cultivators, he would merely be a stronger insect.
Even Elder Silk, who had only broken through recently, could effortlessly toy with a Peak King-Grade Demon Beast.
Knowing that, would someone like Wang Ling, someone who was used to being a prodigy, even among the Void Seed Rank, would he be content with being stuck at the Peak of Tier 4?
Of course not!
That being said, not being willing was one thing, but finding a solution was another, and the latter's difficulty was truly daunting.
The best, and safest, way would be some sort of Heaven and Earth Treasure to improve his talent, but as a Low Heaven-Grade talent, a treasure that could help him would be exceedingly rare, most likely found only in those Tier 6 Forces, which was not something he could aspire to.
Another way would be going through a life and death situation, but as the name implied, the risk of death would be exceedingly high, and the odds of success exceedingly low.
Only reckless people like that young Royal Couple, Anrepov and Feng, would attempt something so brainless.
Granted, they did succeed, but how many tried the same thing simply to perish unwillingly?
Being successful, they were now lauded as two of the foremost Federation cultivators in terms of talent, but how many, just as talented but vastly less lucky, lost their lives, leaving no name behind.
No, that method could not, or at least, should not be attempted, unless there was no other choice.
Leaving those two, there were not many other options, which brought a headache to the Great Enforcer's mind for a while.
Fortunately, an event happened weeks ago that rekindled his hope.
Demian's appearance.
Or more specifically, Demian's Immortal-grade talent.
Why would it be the solution for his own problem?
Simple!
Rare treasures and dangerous breakthroughs had one thing in common: Luck.
With enough luck, one could find an Immortal-Grade treasure by simply strolling around, while those too unlucky could be obliterated by the aftershocks from two high-level cultivators fighting without having left their houses.
Thus, the crux of the matter was luck.
If Wang Ling could gain enough luck, then Epiphanies, precious treasures, and breakthroughs would be assured.
However, then came the problem: How to gain something as ethereal as luck?
If it had been before the Frost Beast Palace attacked Bright Star Island, he would have been stumped for an answer.
Now, however, he may have found a way.
Although the information seemed more of an exaggerated tale, since it came directly from the Supreme Elder, Wang Ling felt it should have a modicum of truth behind it, though to what degree, that was still unknown.
The information in question was the fact that Immortal-Grade prodigies, as the World's favorite children, were the embodiment of luck.
From the Supreme Elder's explanation, it seemed that they were so favored that even those by their side may enjoy many benefits as well.
Naturally, if compared to the young Immortal themselves, the so-called benefits may be meager, but just like receiving some crumbs from a Billionaire could make a poor person rich, gaining a few strands of luck from an Immortal Prodigy may propel one to Tier 5, or even Tier 6 for those lucky enough.
Well, Wang Ling had no expectation for Tier 6, but Tier 5 should be doable if he played it right.
Thus, unlike his distant and authoritative attitude towards those Novice, Elite and even the Junior Great Enforcers, he was now as warm and welcoming as a kind uncle.
Others would call him shameless, but the man did not care.
Face? Reputation? Can you eat those?
In front of the prospect of a breakthrough to the Void Sapling Rank, those were nothing.
A few kind words and a smile, such a low price, Wang Ling would pay it every day without batting an eye.
'The downside is that a bit of warmth may not be enough... Maybe I should be more proactive.'
Although his inner thoughts were complex, his face showed none of it.
Instead, a small chuckle escaped his lips as he replied.
"Since you, the young Immortal, call me Mr. Wang, I'll be shameless and call you Mr. Demian."
Shaking his head with an amused smile gracing his lips, Demian replied.
"Suit yourself, Mr. Wang."
On the side, Eldoria and Mikhail were speechless, realizing how 'adaptable' the usually stoic Senior Great Enforcer was.
["Truly flexible! I'm genuinely impressed."]
The Protector General jokingly sent to the Silk Mermaid, who quickly retorted.
["Aren't we just the same? Calling ourselves Aunt and Uncle to these children?"]
Briefly falling silent because of her words, which were both surprisingly mature and extremely accurate, Mikhail mumbled in a sullen tone via another Sound Transmission.
["I was just joking. No need to reply so seriously..."]
On the Mikhailovs' side, after having greeted the group of four, Wang Ling then gestured toward the grand entrance while exclaiming.
"To the four of you, welcome to the Extinguishing Hall's Bright Star Island Branch. Why don't you follow me inside to continue our chat?"
With the group's agreement, Wang Ling was about to walk inside the grand archway, but was suddenly interrupted by Eldoria's declaration.
"Alright, you four. With Enforcer Wang and Mikhail here, you're in good hands. As a Core Elder, I've unfortunately got a lot of things to deal with, so I need to leave right now. I'm sorry I can't accompany you further, but remember that if you need something, you can reach me through your Identity Token, alright?"
Seeing the four young Mikhailovs nodding, with the three young women assuring that apologizing for something like that was not needed, Eldoria suddenly vanished from her previous location, with none of those present able to sense her movements, aside from Mikhail, whose recent Void Intent breakthrough allowed his senses to pick up some Void Fluctuations.
Still, although he could be considered a Half-step Void Sapling cultivator, half-step was still half-step and not 'full step'.
Put nicely, he was at the Half-Step Void Sapling level, putting it more crudely, he was merely a Peak Void Seed cultivator with a greater insight into the Void than most.
In other words, before he broke through to the next Rank, he might be undefeatable when facing those below Tier 5, but even the weakest Tier 5 could thrash him easily.
That being the case, Mikhail was not anxious, as it was only a matter of a few short years at most before he underwent his own Tribulation.
Once he did, he would truly be considered having reached the Peak of the Federation's cultivation world.
Greater Lifespan, greater power, and greater status...
Truly a case of triple joys.
'Well, I guess it should be quadruple, since there's also Eldoria...'
While the general's mind was filled with many thoughts, Wang Ling led the group inside the building.