The immortal path and the martial path—neither can be neglected!
Originally, Chen Sanshi had already sensed in advance the coming dangers in Beiyang Dao. If the Bai family did not take the initiative to seek help, he had not even planned to return and involve himself again.
But now, it seemed Daze Market had to be dealt with first.
According to the warning from Yunding Palace, a sect had used an ancient remnant treasure to force open a crack in the seal. Given enough time, they might truly discover a method to break the seal entirely.
Before that could happen, Chen Sanshi had to find a way to resolve it. And the best method was to raise his strength at all costs and at the fastest possible speed.
Within Wanshou Palace, inside the Boundless Hall.
He silently recited the Calming Heart Incantation, swallowed a pill to aid mental focus, and officially began seclusion, entering a state of meditation.
The description of the cultivation method stated:
Only when the heart and mind resonate in spirit, when one attains sudden enlightenment, or when one's Dao heart is firm and unshakable—such is the best opportunity for Foundation Establishment.
And that was precisely this moment!
The Swallowing Fire Art began to circulate. Within Chen Sanshi's body, his upper-grade Fire spiritual root devoured the spiritual qi between Heaven and Earth like a gluttonous beast, drawing it in ceaselessly. It nourished his meridians and flesh, and was ultimately refined into mana, merging into his dantian.
Turning his inner awareness toward his dantian—
It was vast as the sea.
Boundless.
Between Heaven and Earth—
Cloud and mist surged!
Within lay a grotto-heaven; without, a blessed land.
The clouds and mist permeating this inner world represented the strength of his mana.
The qualitative transformation from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment lay in refining mana once more—making it purer, transforming "mana mist" into a "mana sea."
Yet under present conditions, no matter how he condensed his mana, it would not bring about a qualitative change in the dantian. At most, it would only add more "mana mist."
This was the degeneration of Heaven and Earth's spiritual qi, making the path of ascension exceedingly difficult.
The moment had come.
A deep-blue pill appeared. After entering Chen Sanshi's mouth, it transformed into a streak of flowing light, completely merging into his limbs and bones.
On the surface of his skin, ancient runes gradually emerged from within outward. Beneath him, great formation seals slowly unfolded one after another.
With the augmentation of the Foundation Establishment Pill, cultivators could not only bring their essence, qi, and spirit to their optimal state—they could also transform themselves into the central node of a formation that refined spiritual qi!
In this state, all spiritual qi drawn into the body became clean and pure, infused with the Heavenly Dao and laws, transforming the mortal body.
Within the dantian, a drastic change occurred!
The vast inner Heaven and Earth had been calm, but the boundless mist suddenly seemed to encounter a storm. The sea of clouds churned violently, becoming turbulent and unpredictable.
Everything within the inner landscape grew chaotic and disordered. Faint signs of mountains collapsing and the foundation caving in began to appear.
This inner landscape was the foundation of the Great Dao.
Foundation Establishment meant reshaping this very place.
Amid endless chaos, Chen Sanshi pursued the laws of the Great Dao. In the process, he saw his past experiences rise like smoke within the chaos.
He had experienced much, yet he was not old. Thus, he did not possess deep reflections upon the passage of ages, nor was his mind burdened by excessive distractions.
Now that he understood the meaning of the Dao path, his state of mind was unshakable.
One chapter after another of Foundation Establishment incantations transformed into gilded characters, imprinting themselves upon the grotto-heaven and blessed land, across the vault of the sky.
Before the Supreme Clarity Purple Rosy Void Emperor,
The Great Dao Jade Morning Lord Most High.
At leisure in the Pearl Stamen Palace composing seven-character verses,
Scattering transformation into five forms, becoming myriad spirits.
This is called Feathered Ascension—the Inner Chapters,
The Qin heart thrice-folded, dancing the embryo immortal.
Nine qi shine forth, emerging between the clouds,
The divine canopy youth gives birth to purple smoke!
"Dong!"
Within the chaos, golden light burst forth.
In an instant, all clouds and mist surged toward the golden radiance, forming a massive vortex of cloud-sea. The entire inner landscape trembled unceasingly, as towering spiritual qi rose up by the tens of thousands of feet.
The phenomenon grew ever more magnificent, until it completely enveloped Heaven and Earth, blotting out consciousness itself—
Then everything abruptly ceased.
Within the inner landscape, a gentle breeze blew.
A vast mana sea shimmered with rippling light.
Mountains and rivers stood firm; purple qi filled the air.
Mist transformed into sea—Purple Mansion established!
Foundation Establishment!
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art · Early Stage Foundation Establishment
Progress: 0/500
Effect: ——, Heavenly-grade spiritual root, Swallowing Fire
Heavenly-grade spiritual root!
After Foundation Establishment, Chen Sanshi's aptitude in immortal cultivation improved once more. From the original inferior spiritual root, it had transformed into a Heavenly-grade Fire spiritual root.
A Heavenly-grade spiritual root—what was one in ten thousand? It was one in a million, one in ten million!
In the cultivation world, one might occasionally hear of Heavenly-grade spiritual root cultivators. But that was only because the great world was vast and the population numerous.
If calculated precisely, it was like searching for a needle in the ocean.
Take Zhou Weizhen, the only Heavenly-grade spiritual root among the younger generation of the imperial court. Among all the descendants of the Northern Liang army, only this single individual had emerged.
With such aptitude, even entering a Nascent Soul sect—or one of even higher standing—would pose no difficulty. Had he joined from childhood, he would certainly have received true inheritance.
With such talent, so long as resources were sufficient, attaining Golden Core was all but inevitable.
After the breakthrough, Chen Sanshi's current realm was Early Stage Foundation Establishment in immortal cultivation, combined with Middle Stage True Force Realm in martial cultivation. The two complemented each other. Even against a middle stage Foundation Establishment opponent, he no longer needed to harbor fear.
In Beiyang Dao, the highest combat strength belonged to late stage and perfection stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
If he could raise his martial path to the late stage of the True Force Realm and his immortal path to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, then so long as he did not face a Golden Core cultivator, his life would be in no danger.
Moreover, planning it this way would be more time-efficient than dragging a single path alone all the way to the late stage.
Chen Sanshi had only just entered the early stage of Foundation Establishment. Even with a Heavenly-grade spiritual root, reaching the late stage would likely take at least 15 years.
As for the Dragon Scripture of the martial path, there was no need to mention it—he did not even possess the cultivation content for "True Force Perfection." Unless he switched to another technique.
Neither path could be neglected. Advancing them in tandem was, for now, the most cost-effective method.
He set aside his thoughts and turned his gaze to the remaining entries.
Swallowing Fire: Absorb flames, store them in the dantian, and command them at will as though moving one's own arm.
Swallowing Fire!
Chen Sanshi comprehended its meaning.
Simply put, from this moment on, he could devour different flames, contain them within his body, and then unleash them directly as spells.
As for what kinds of flames he could devour, that depended on his realm and endurance. In the future, it could continue to improve.
This was where the true might of the Swallowing Fire Art began to manifest.
The first thing he thought of was a strange flame. But after igniting it and sensing it briefly, he discovered that his realm was still too low to control it.
Thus, he had no choice but to try other second-tier flames.
The immortal treasure lamp oil was temporarily sufficient, yet when his funds later became more abundant, Chen Sanshi would still choose to economize and instead purchase spirit wood specifically used to ignite strange flames.
For instance, the second-tier Myriad Beast Spirit Wood. When burned in combination with special beast blood and beast hides, the flame it produced resembled countless ferocious beasts biting and tearing—extremely violent. It was generally used only when refining martial cultivator pills.
Chen Sanshi took out the materials one by one. He soaked the spirit wood in special beast blood, used spirit beast fur as fuel, and finally ignited it with spell fire.
Boom—
Within the rising orange-yellow flames, one could see ferocious beasts struggling and roaring, like a tide of beasts erupting, murderous aura surging.
Swallowing Fire Art!
Chen Sanshi formed hand seals. Between his palms, a crimson formation imprint appeared, containing the laws of fire. As it rotated, like a dragon drawing water, it swept up the bonfire from the ground, and through the formation imprint of laws, absorbed it into his body, storing it within his dantian.
This process—
Was no different from setting oneself ablaze!
"Hiss!"
Even with the augmentation of the cultivation method and a specialized technique for controlling flames, at the very moment Swallowing Fire truly began, Chen Sanshi nearly broke off under the searing pain.
But he knew that if he gave up halfway, not only would all previous effort be wasted, his meridians would also suffer damage. He could only grit his teeth and endure.
During the swallowing process, he repeatedly smelled the scent of burning flesh, as though he himself were being roasted. Fortunately, under the augmentation of the Swallowing Fire Art, the damage was swiftly repaired. The duration was not long—about the time it took to drink a cup of tea.
Until the final wisp of Myriad Beast Fierce Flame was absorbed.
Within the inner landscape of Chen Sanshi's dantian, a fire pool suddenly appeared.
Within the deep pool, instead of water, there were flames—or rather, violent ferocious beasts formed of flame, snarling and roaring.
In the cultivation world, most powerful attack methods relied on external objects to achieve great might—such as magic artifacts or formations.
Take the Myriad Beast Fierce Flame for example. Although its power was formidable, it required multiple materials to ignite, and it was uncontrollable, making it impossible to use directly to attack others.
But from this point on, Chen Sanshi could replenish it with mana and summon it at will, as easily as moving his own arm.
He carefully sensed it.
In terms of sheer destructive force, the Myriad Beast Fierce Flame surpassed the Heaven-Scorching Blaze. It simply lacked the effect of burning mana.
A pity—
The two were not of the same origin. Their effects could not fuse. Otherwise, their power could have risen by several levels.
Still, if the Swallowing Fire Art could continue to be cultivated further, perhaps it would produce unexpected effects. The question was whether he could obtain the subsequent portions of the cultivation method.
Foundation Establishment had succeeded, and the Swallowing Fire Art had gained a new function.
Chen Sanshi did not rest. He intended to strike while the iron was hot and raise his other spells all at once.
Foremost among them was his only defensive method—the Thick Earth Art.
In every battle of spells, Chen Sanshi had relied primarily on his powerful martial body to endure attacks head-on. But that could not continue indefinitely.
Previously, his immortal cultivation realm had been insufficient, making the effects of his spells somewhat underwhelming.
But after Foundation Establishment, the situation would be vastly different.
Over the years, although he had not devoted most of his attention to spells, he had practiced them during idle moments. He had not fallen behind.
He skillfully formed hand seals, casting the spell over and over again, until it became second nature—so refined that it required no conscious thought. At last, the Thick Earth Art underwent a transformation.
Spell: Thick Earth Art (Major Achievement)
Progress: 0/0 (Cannot be improved)
Effect: ——, Accumulation and Release
Accumulation and Release: While enduring attacks, one can store profound force, and upon reaching the limit, return it to the enemy.
The Thick Earth Art was no longer purely defensive. It had become both offensive and defensive, its might increasing with subsequent realm improvements.
The only regret was that this spell could not undergo another limit break.
However, the Thick Earth Art had originally been a low-level spell. To achieve its current effect was already at the level of a secret technique. If it proved insufficient in the future, he could cultivate other methods.
Chen Sanshi took a deep breath. After adjusting his breathing, he continued cultivating the next spell—Ten Thousand Swords Descend.
He floated cross-legged in the air. Behind him, flying swords condensed one after another, gradually exceeding their original numerical limit.
60… 70… 80—100!
Razor-sharp sword qi filled the sky, dancing wildly!
Like a lotus in bloom, afterimages surged and rippled!
Chen Sanshi stood amid the dense mass of sword qi. With every gesture, he could mobilize the sword qi at will, like a legendary peerless Sword Immortal.
"Not powerful enough!"
He was keenly aware that although so many strands of sword qi looked intimidating, their actual lethality was insufficient. They were effective against lackeys, but against cultivators of the same realm, they would prove useless.
However, if all the power could be concentrated at a single point, the effect would undoubtedly increase dramatically.
The thought arose in his mind, and he acted immediately.
Chen Sanshi focused on casting the spell, attempting to gather and fuse all the sword qi together.
If dispersed power was insufficient, then it must be concentrated.
2 into 1, 4 into 1—
After successfully fusing 10 strands of sword qi, he suddenly lost control, causing all the sword qi to collapse and disperse at once.
He had no choice but to start over.
So it went, repeated countless times.
Only then did he finally grow adept.
10 into 1, 20 into 1—
Until 100 swords merged into one!
The sword qi, originally only as long as a forearm, after fusion and refinement, became more than 1 zhang in length and as thick as an embrace.
Spell: Ten Thousand Swords Descend · Limit Break Stage 3
Progress: 0/2000
Effect: ——, Store 100 Swords, Return to One
Store 100 Swords, Return to One: A single casting may release 100 strands of sword qi, or fuse the sword qi to increase its power.
"It's done!"
Chen Sanshi felt somewhat exhausted. He collapsed into a seated position and let out a long breath.
Divine Ability: Arrow Dao (Stage 1)
Progress: 555/2000
Because he had only recently obtained the Purple Thunder Bow, and due to being busy with daily affairs, the improvement of his archery had been relatively slow.
His other immortal arts had each seen some degree of advancement.
Art: Alchemy (Second Tier)
Progress: 235/1000
Art: Talisman Drawing (First Tier)
Progress: 413/500
Art: Formation (First Tier)
Progress: 341/500
"It's time to end seclusion."
Chen Sanshi rose abruptly and strode out of the Boundless Hall. Gazing at the endless sky, he did not know how much time had passed.
"Welcome, Your Majesty, upon leaving seclusion!"
A young eunuch bowed respectfully and reported with tact, "It is now April 28th, Year 10 of the Tianwu Era."
His full name was Dongfang Jingxing. When Chen Sanshi first met him, he had been holding a broken bamboo stick, so he usually called him "Little Bamboo."
After the founding of the Great Han, Chen Sanshi had stopped recruiting new eunuchs. The harem now consisted mostly of female martial artists and cultivators.
But the Eunuch Office still retained many young boys from before.
Little Bamboo's background was even more tragic. He had been selected by a prince of the former Great Sheng Dynasty, who slaughtered his entire family and had him castrated, intending to take him back as a plaything.
At that time, he had been no more than 5 or 6 years old. After escaping, he was captured again. The day before he was to be executed, Chang'an fell, that prince's entire clan was executed, and the servants were dismissed.
Homeless, Little Bamboo knelt outside Daming Palace for several months. No matter how the guards tried to drive him away, he refused to leave. Later, Chen Sanshi happened to pass by and simply arranged for him to join the newly established Western Depot.
When his spiritual root was tested, the boy turned out to have upper-grade aptitude. Coupled with his natural cleverness, he was transferred to the Boundless Hall for personal cultivation.
In the past 2 years, he had begun practicing martial arts and was discovered to possess outstanding talent there as well. He was now at Qi Refining Layer 4, in addition to having reached the Transforming Strength realm in martial cultivation.
Moreover, he was no slouch in scholarly studies either. It could be said he was an all-around talent, especially well-versed in the works left behind by Fourth Senior Brother Fang Qingyun.
He now served in the Directorate of Ceremonial Supervision as a brush-holding eunuch, the youngest high-ranking eunuch. His main duties were assisting in drafting imperial edicts and similar tasks.
"Year 10 of Tianwu, April."
Chen Sanshi repeated.
Half a year.
He had been in seclusion for exactly half a year.
Adding the time before that, it had been 2 and a half years since he left Daze Market. He did not know how things were over there. After handling court affairs, he should go take a look.
"Little Bamboo, accompany me to Heavenly Capital City."
Chen Sanshi said calmly.
"As you command."
Dongfang Jingxing immediately ordered the carriage to be prepared.
The carriage of the Son of Heaven of Great Han was drawn by 9 domesticated Dunhu. It could travel through the air and was extremely steady.
Heavenly Capital City, training grounds.
At this very moment, military formations were being drilled.
The first unit officially capable of forming true combat strength—the "Heavenly Soldiers"—after several years of refinement, had been finalized as the "Heavenly Assault Army." At present, their number was not large, only about 3,000.
Among them were 800 Qi Refining cultivators and 2,200 martial artists above the Transforming Strength realm. There were no ordinary formation grunts.
After the founding of Great Han, Chen Sanshi could openly use flames produced from burning various spirit woods to refine spiritual grain ointment. Coupled with the fact that all personnel were meticulously selected from various military camps, their rate of improvement was naturally rapid.
As for the origin of the spiritual grain, it came from "military farms" cultivated by the army itself. Everything was produced and consumed internally, without occupying the common people's farmland.
Moreover—
He had decided long ago that the "Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals" would train only within the capital, with their numbers always kept within a fixed limit.
Of course, the current 2,000 were still too few, mainly because resources were insufficient.
The one responsible for drilling the "Heavenly Soldiers Formation" was still Xu Wencai.
The old scholar's level of busyness now was second only to Chen Sanshi. Nearly every matter required his participation in management.
Chen Sanshi had once jokingly called him the "Executive Vice Emperor," which frightened the old scholar into thinking he was being warned. He had nearly resigned and retired.
Chen Sanshi had to carefully explain himself before the matter was finally settled.
It was also at that moment that he suddenly realized that ever since ascending to this position, he could no longer joke casually.
"Your Majesty has arrived."
Xu Wencai hurried forward to greet him. "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on successfully breaking through your realm upon leaving seclusion!"
The 3,000 Heavenly Assault Army soldiers also hurriedly bowed.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
"Long live His Majesty of Tianwu! Long live! Long live!"
"You may rise."
After a few brief pleasantries,
Chen Sanshi went straight to the point. "How is the Heavenly Assault Army progressing?"
"Within the Eastern Divine Continent, they are true immortal soldiers!"
Xu Wencai said confidently. "Moreover, the Heavenly Book formation has been drilled to proficiency and can be fully deployed without holding Your Majesty back! Given a few more years, it may not be impossible to contend with cultivators of the bandit sects!"
"Mm."
Chen Sanshi nodded.
They possessed combat strength, but their realms were ultimately insufficient. The vast majority were merely at Qi Refining Layer 2 or 3, relying solely on spiritual qi, and their offensive methods were relatively limited.
If they truly wished to unleash formidable combat power, they would have to rely more on the Heavenly Book formation.
And the strength of the Heavenly Book formation depended on the measure of national destiny.
To enhance national destiny, on one hand the nation must remain prosperous and the people at peace; on the other, one must act in accordance with Heaven's will—bringing order to chaotic lands and restoring stability.
Take Eastern Qing and Southern Xu for example—their territories were still continuing to offer spiritual grain as tribute.
"One month ago, both Eastern Qing and Southern Xu have changed from emperors to kings."
Xu Wencai elaborated in detail. "At present, Qi Cheng has led General Wei Xuan and his wife to station troops in their respective capitals. In at most 3 to 5 years, the feudal powers should be abolished. At that time, we can grant the Shen family and the Fan family the title of duke."
"Good."
Chen Sanshi nodded in satisfaction. "If Qi Cheng can handle this matter properly, it will be a merit of Heaven itself. I will then enfeoff him as a marquis and entrust him with heavy responsibility."
After discussing state affairs, he personally took the field to drill the military formations.
Divine Ability: Commanding Immortals (Uninitiated)
Progress: 56/100
Effect: None
The divine ability Commanding Immortals had appeared over a decade ago, but Chen Sanshi had never had the opportunity to properly temper it.
After the establishment of Heavenly Capital City, it had been increasing in a passive, "idling" manner through Xu Wencai's efforts. The growth was relatively slow, but there was no rushing such a thing.
He simply did not know what effect it would have once it reached Beginner.
After drilling the formations, Chen Sanshi also gave guidance to several disciples and young members of the Heavenly Assault Army. He had originally intended to leave, but a young military officer stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
This man was Zhou Weizhen, the one with the Heavenly-grade Metal spiritual root.
He clasped his fists respectfully and said, "This subordinate, Zhou Weizhen, greets His Majesty the Emperor. Long live, long live, long live!"
As he spoke, he knocked his head heavily against the ground.
"Did I not say that outside of necessary occasions, there is no need for grand ceremony? Rise."
Chen Sanshi saw through his intentions. "Weizhen, you've come to request pills again, haven't you?"
"This subordinate is but one step away from Qi Refining Layer 6."
Zhou Weizhen said firmly, "I only hope to improve my strength as soon as possible, so that I may serve the court with utmost loyalty. I humbly ask Your Majesty to grant this."
"Little Bamboo."
Chen Sanshi instructed, "If I recall correctly, there are still some Clear Spirit Pills in the alchemy room of the Boundless Hall. Fetch them for General Zhou."
The resources he had accumulated from spoils of war in previous years had, after such a long period of consumption, nearly been exhausted.
Aside from maintaining himself and a few cultivators of relatively high cultivation, the situation was already stretched thin.
If this continued, in less than 2 years, they likely would not even be able to supply pills for 10 people.
"Yes!"
Dongfang Jingxing complied at once.
"Zhou Weizhen, I know you have excellent aptitude. It is truly the court's lack of resources that has wronged you these years."
Chen Sanshi patted his shoulder. "I will find a way. When resources become available in the future, among the younger generation, those more outstanding will certainly receive greater care. Rest assured."
"This subordinate would not dare."
Zhou Weizhen did not dare meet his gaze.
Chen Sanshi swept his eyes across the "Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals" on the training grounds and could not help but feel troubled. If this continued, the court truly would not be able to sustain its army.
Moreover, if he remembered correctly, Ningxiang and Zhao Zhao were likely only a few years away from attempting Foundation Establishment. At that time, they would also require Foundation Establishment Pills.
"The time for the Nine Nether Forbidden Land to open should be approaching."
Chen Sanshi calculated silently.
Now that he had reached Foundation Establishment, stepping into the forbidden land again to gather materials would certainly be far easier than before. He must not miss such a rare opportunity to accumulate resources.