Ryuzaki Ancestral Hall.
The Eighteenth Ancestor sat in the void, galaxies spinning around his fingertips.
"Haruto," the Ancestor said, his voice grave. "In the Desolate Heaven Immortal Realm (Kouten-Senkai), there are countless sword techniques. But only five stand at the absolute pinnacle. These are the Five Great Divine Arts."
"My [Immortal Slaying Sword Technique] is one of them."
Haruto nodded. He had seen its power—three strikes to kill a Quasi-Supreme. It was a technique that defied logic.
"This technique targets three aspects of existence," the Ancestor explained.
First Sword: [Immortal Fall] (Ten-Gai). A sword of Mana. It severs the physical body and life force.
Second Sword: [Demon Slayer] (Ki-Retsu). A sword of Soul. It destroys the Primordial Spirit and the Divine Palace.
Third Sword: [Heaven Slayer] (Shin-Batsu). A sword of Dao. It severs the connection between the cultivator and the Heavens, effectively erasing their destiny.
"I mastered the basics in one year," the Ancestor said with a hint of pride. "For you... I expect you to master the First Sword within three years."
"Three years?" Haruto frowned. "That's too long."
The Ancestor chuckled. "Don't be arrogant, brat. This is a Divine Art. Even three years would be a miracle for most."
Three Months Later
The Ryuzaki Domain was peaceful. Cranes flew through the clouds, and disciples practiced on the floating islands.
Suddenly.
SHING!
A blinding sword light erupted from the Forbidden Grounds.
It was a single, horizontal slash. But it carried the intent of falling stars and dying gods. The clouds above the domain were split cleanly in two. A rift in the void opened, revealing the chaotic turbulence of deep space.
"What is that?!" "Enemy attack?!"
The Elders rushed out, weapons drawn.
"Wait," Ryuzaki Kenshin squinted at the sword light. "That aura... it's the Immortal Slaying Sword! Is the Eighteenth Ancestor testing a move?"
"No," another Elder gasped. "Look at the source. That's the Divine Son's palace!"
Inside the Ancestral Hall.
Haruto lowered his hand. His fingers were still smoking slightly.
"Three months," Haruto sighed, shaking his head. "It took me three months just to master the First Sword. This technique is really hard."
He wasn't being humble. To Haruto, who usually mastered techniques in days, three months felt like an eternity.
Across from him, the Eighteenth Ancestor stared at Haruto with a blank expression. His Dao Heart was trembling.
"Three months..." the Ancestor muttered. "I took a year. And I was called a monster."
"Ancestor?" Haruto waved his hand. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," the Ancestor waved him away, looking tired. "I'm going back to sleep in my coffin. Being around you is bad for my self-esteem."
"Get out. Go practice outside."
Haruto bowed. "Thank you for the guidance."
The Path of the Sacred Body
Haruto left the Forbidden Grounds and returned to the Divine Son's Palace.
To his relief, Minamoto Ruri was gone. The persistent little koala had finally been dragged back to her clan.
"Finally, some peace," Haruto muttered.
"Haruto."
Ryuzaki Kenshin walked into the hall. The Patriarch looked at his grandson with a mix of pride and awe.
"You mastered the First Sword?"
"Barely," Haruto shrugged.
"Monster," Kenshin laughed. "Listen, I have news. You possess two Supreme Physiques, but you cannot neglect either."
Kenshin sat down, his expression serious.
"The Ancient Sacred Body has a total of Six Visions (Phenomena). You awakened the first one at birth: [Ten Thousand Saints Pilgrimage]."
"But to truly unlock the body's potential, you need to awaken the other five."
"How?" Haruto asked. He knew the Visions were powerful. The first one alone could suppress enemies by 30%.
"There is a place," Kenshin said. "Have you heard of the Panwu Divine Dynasty?"
"The Immortal Dynasty in the North?" Haruto recalled. "Founded by Great Emperor Panwu."
"Correct. Rumor has it that Emperor Panwu also possessed the Ancient Sacred Body."
Haruto's eyes narrowed. An Emperor with the same physique? That was rare.
"There is a Mausoleum deep within their capital," Kenshin explained. "The Panwu Mausoleum. It contains the Emperor's inheritance. It might hold the key to unlocking your second Vision."
Ding!
A mechanical voice rang in Haruto's mind.
[System Notification:] [New Sign-In Location Detected!] [Target: The Panwu Mausoleum.] [Reward: ???]
Haruto smiled. The path was clear.
"Grandpa," Haruto stood up. "Prepare a ship. I'm going to the Panwu Divine Dynasty."
Kenshin nodded. "Be careful. The Panwu Dynasty is currently holding a tournament to choose a husband for their Eldest Princess, Wu Mingyue."
"A husband?" Haruto raised an eyebrow. "I'm not interested in marriage."
"You don't have to marry her," Kenshin grinned. "But the winner gets access to the Mausoleum."
Haruto smirked.
"Then I guess I'll have to crash another party."