The True Scripture of the Martial Ancestor

Xiao Chen looked up at the azure sky and down at the vast earth. So this was the only truth: there existed beings older and more powerful than mankind, born into the world before us. Yet under the same civilized sky, they had treated us as subjects of experimentation and observation, looking down upon our evolutionary journey. In their eyes, we were perhaps nothing more than lowly beasts.

This shocking truth was cruel. If spread abroad, it would surely plunge the world into panic and fear.

The three of them spoke for a long time atop the clouds. At last, Tianwaitian and Renwairen departed. Xiao Chen lay upon a white cloud, gazing up at the brilliant starry sky.

Even knowing all this, he could change nothing at present. He still had to continue cultivating with all his might.

Yet a feeling stirred in his heart—the future might be fraught with crisis and challenge, but it would surely be an age of peerless experts, an era that would strike the most dazzling sparks. The collision with the Otherworld Ancestral Gods was likely not far off. Where were those beings? How powerful were they truly? All would be unveiled. And the deepest secrets of the Death World—what lay there? That too would eventually surface. Perhaps it held the power to annihilate the Otherworld.

The lofty Primordial Celestial Realm, with the passage of time, would also be stripped of its mysterious veil. The supreme experts within could make the Otherworld Ancestral Gods retreat—that alone attested to its terrifying status.

Reclining on the clouds, overlooking heaven and earth—such cultivation would have been enough to make one proud in the past. But against the backdrop of the present era, Xiao Chen found it far from sufficient. He needed to become stronger.

When the first golden rays of dawn shot forth, he opened his eyes, then strode across the sky, flying northward.

Soon, Xiao Chen arrived at Yan Capital. Even from a great distance, he could see purple qi shooting into the heavens—the essence of the earth's dragon veins surging into the sky. The land below possessed a hundred meridians of spiritual roots, making it even more suitable for cultivation than famous mountains and great rivers.

Stepping into the bustling ancient capital, the streets were lined with a dazzling array of goods: finest jade from the Western Regions, delicate silk from the South, antique porcelain and curios of every description. The thoroughfares were thronged with traffic, the crowds shoulder to shoulder, the stream of humanity ceaseless. Hawkers' cries rose and fell without end.

"Ancient imperial jade pendants! Come and see, artifacts of the loftiest experts!"

"Jiangnan's finest brocade! Heavenly blessings—a once-in-a-century sight!"

Every merchant's shop was loudly extolling their wares, though whether they were genuine was open to debate. But what left one utterly speechless was a certain butcher whose sales pitch was simply too audacious.

"Dragon meat! Wingless dragon meat! Come buy dragon meat! Don't pass it by!"

"Hey brother, you're really going too far—this is clearly donkey meat! Why are you shouting 'dragon meat' with such enthusiasm?"

"Brother, haven't you heard? Heaven's dragon, earth's donkey—those two are born as a pair! Dragon meat is donkey meat, and donkey meat is dragon meat!"

Xiao Chen watched this scene and found it beyond words. He continued deeper into the city. His target was the Marquis of Ease's mansion. As he surveyed the array of goods on the streets and listened to the overlapping calls of the hawkers, he felt that all of this was suffused with the vitality of life.

Xiao Chen had come seeking Wu Ming, but he did not find him at the Marquis's residence. He was informed that Heavenly King Wu Ming was at the Forbidden City ruins.

The original Forbidden City had long since been reduced to rubble, buried underground through the passage of time. Later generations had not rebuilt it in the same form; instead, they had creatively opened a celebrated garden on the site.

It combined the grandeur of northern gardens with the delicate beauty of Jiangnan's landscapes, gathering rare flowers and trees from across the realm, precious and bizarre stones, and drawing spirit-spring water to form a numinous lake.

Indeed, it had become a must-see attraction of Yan Capital. No one visited Yan without coming here to behold it.

"What a wonderful place," Xiao Chen sighed.

This garden well deserved its reputation as Yan's foremost scenic wonder. Even in winter, it remained lush and verdant.

One with heavenly eyes could clearly see the reason: the entire garden was crisscrossed with wisps of purple qi, utterly nourished by the hundred earthly pulse veins beneath the soil.

The flowers and trees here, though mortal varieties, had already been touched by a hint of immortal aura. The pure white lotuses faintly shimmered with crystalline light; the eye-catching peonies bloomed with exceptional brilliance, surrounded by a hazy glow of rainbow radiance. The exotic trees, too, were greener and more lustrous than ordinary.

Of course, these splendors were not visible to ordinary people. They would only see that the flowers and trees were fresh and lovely.

As soon as he entered the garden, Xiao Chen encountered an old acquaintance and immediately smiled.

Fatty Zhuge—his hair now white as snow, but his complexion still ruddy and his spirits high. After all these years, the fellow still looked quite buoyant.

One had to admit he was a man who knew how to enjoy life—a cat in his left arm, a dog on a leash in his right, a troop of attendants behind him, and two beautiful women flanking him—the classic portrait of a dissolute young noble out on the town.

"You damned fatty, you really know how to enjoy yourself. So many years have passed, and your nature hasn't changed one bit."

When Fatty Zhuge recognized Xiao Chen, he was first stunned, then overjoyed. "Life is bitter and short—one should seize the moment! Brother, I'm so glad to see you!"

"How did you come from the World of Immortality to the Nine Provinces?"

"Heh heh, brother, I may not be much at cultivation, but I still have a knack for business. A dozen years ago, I partnered with someone to buy thirty percent of this garden. It's a real goldmine! Over a dozen years, I've recouped both principal and profit."

The fellow was thoroughly pleased with himself. He had expanded his business from the Eternal Continent to Yan Capital—truly a capable man.

"Who is your partner?"

Hearing this question, Fatty Zhuge gave a dry laugh. "I was just about to ask a favor of you."

"Oh? What's the matter?"

"My partner is Totti. Could you ask your sworn brother, that stuttering trio, to go easy on him? I hear that the Stuttering King, who vanished for over a hundred and fifty years, has reappeared in the world. Totti is very anxious—he feels the pressure."

"Totti? The cheap father of the Sun Holy God, who was sold to a coal mine by Jin Sanyi?"

"That's the one."

"That fellow has a hard life. After escaping the coal mine, he was sold again by Jin Sanyi. Yet now he's risen from the ashes once more—he's quite an oddity. Very well, I'll let Jin Sanyi know."

Fatty Zhuge, white-haired as he was, was greatly delighted. He patted the bottom of the beauty beside him and said, "Go, prepare the finest flower-viewing terrace. I am going to host the most honored guest."

At the same time, Fatty Zhuge ordered his attendants to invite Totti.

The fat man stopped playing with his cat and dog and devoted himself to accompanying Xiao Chen on a tour of the garden, then headed toward the flower-viewing terrace.

The so-called flower-viewing terrace was a pavilion built on higher ground, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding beauty—a place with a unique charm for drinking.

But when they arrived, a minor incident occurred. A young man with an imposing air had ascended the finest flower-viewing terrace just ahead of them.

"Young master, please wait. This terrace has already been reserved," said a young female garden attendant, blocking him with a polite smile.

The young man frowned with displeasure. "The people who reserved it haven't arrived yet. Tell them this spot is now mine. I need to entertain an honored guest here—have them find another terrace."

"Young master, please understand. This terrace was truly reserved in advance," the attendant said softly. "Please choose another one."

"Did you not hear what I said? Tell them to relocate," the young man said, his tone suddenly sharp.

"Do you know who my young master is? Hurry and arrange it!" An old steward flew up and barked at the young attendant.

The girl was so frightened she could only stammer.

The young master glanced at the steward, and the old man immediately fell back.

Just then, several young men and women flew in from the distance and alighted on this very flower-viewing terrace.

"Wu Xiaoshi, Yan Capital really is something! Especially this garden—it has a unique atmosphere. Drinking and appreciating flowers here has a special charm. If a few snowflakes could drift down from the sky, it would be even better," said a red-haired young man.

Wu Xiaoshi laughed. "You are the eldest grandson of War King Ma Bao—surely you can summon wind and rain? Why not call down some snow?"

A young woman in purple, enchanting and full of confident charm, said, "This scenery is truly lovely. I'd like to buy this place and live here permanently. Wu Xiaoshi, can you arrange that?"

"What difficulty is that? If the people of Yan Capital learn that the princess of the Scorpion clan wishes to reside here permanently, they would welcome her with open arms," Wu Xiaoshi said with a smile.

Another young woman in green, with a cold and proud expression, said, "I have no interest in this garden. I would rather go into the earth veins beneath Yan Capital to cultivate for a time."

Wu Xiaoshi laughed heartily. "Indeed, the granddaughter of the Yaksha Heavenly King! Such diligence—could it be that you aim to emulate your grandfather and dominate your generation?"

A young man of the Asura race joined the laughter. "In his day, the Yaksha Heavenly King was nearly invincible among his peers. Truly, a famous family produces a paragon of a daughter!"

"Hmph. And yet he was still killed by Xiao Chen." The cold, beautiful Yaksha girl stared at the young Asura. "And your grandfather, the Asura Heavenly King—did he not also fall by Xiao Chen's hand?"

"Sooner or later, I will personally cut off Xiao Chen's head," the Asura youth said coldly.

Ma Bao's eldest grandson also spoke coldly: "What is Xiao Chen? He is merely a few years older than us. In a few decades, I will surely kill him to avenge my grand-uncle, War King Jing Pu."

Wu Xiaoshi smiled. "Well said! One day, we will make him grovel at our feet."

The Scorpion princess laughed. "You're all just blowing hot air here. If Xiao Chen really showed up, I think every one of you would shrink your heads. All our predecessors were defeated by him—even the former king of my clan was personally killed by him."

Wu Xiaoshi snorted coldly. "Even if he were right here, I would still say the same. In a few decades, who is weak and who is strong is hard to say."

Below the finest flower-viewing terrace, Xiao Chen rubbed his chin and muttered to himself, "Am I really that detestable?"

Fatty Zhuge said, "These are all the rising young talents of recent years, the strongest of their generation. There's Wu Ming's son, Ma Bao's eldest grandson, the granddaughter of the Yaksha Heavenly King…"

"This spot was reserved by us," Xiao Chen called up to the terrace.

"Find somewhere else. This place has been taken by my young master," an old steward said with a frown, walking over.

The young men and women on the terrace cast a disdainful glance downward and paid him no attention.

Fatty Zhuge wanted to say something, but Xiao Chen stopped him. "Forget it. If I start arguing with a few juniors, word will get out that I'm bullying the young."

"Do you know what you just said?" The old steward's face darkened as he demanded coldly.

Xiao Chen ignored him completely, turned around, and walked toward another flower-viewing terrace.

"Did you not hear me speaking to you?" The old steward's face grew dark, and murderous intent leaked from him.

But Xiao Chen treated him like air and simply asked Fatty Zhuge to lead the way away from the spot.

Murder flickered in the old steward's eyes. He flicked a finger, sending a beam of force at Xiao Chen's back.

But to his surprise, Xiao Chen did not even turn his head. He simply waved a hand, and a gale of wind swept the old steward headlong into the stone platform behind him.

That platform was built of the hardest diamond stone, yet it now bore a human-shaped hole—a testament to the terrifying force.

"Young master, save me!" the old steward's feeble voice came from inside.

The young elites on the finest terrace had already noticed the disturbance below. Now their expressions changed drastically.

"Who are you? Halt!" Wu Xiaoshi shouted.

But at that moment, a sight that left Wu Xiaoshi and the others utterly stunned unfolded.

Heavenly King Wu Ming, rumored to be nearly invincible among heavenly kings, flew over like a golden rainbow.

He landed before that very person, clasped his hands in salute, and wore a radiant smile on his face.

"Wu Xiaoshi, isn't that your father? He… seems very respectful to that person?" Ma Bao's eldest grandson tugged at Wu Xiaoshi's sleeve.

"Who is that person? Even Father seems… a bit wary?" The Yaksha's granddaughter also showed a puzzled expression.

Wu Xiaoshi shook his head, indicating he had no idea.

Wu Ming cursed his luck inwardly, but outwardly his smile was as bright as ever. "Brother Xiao, I had no idea you had come to Yan Capital! I failed to welcome you from afar—please forgive me."

Under his escort, Xiao Chen and his party ascended the finest flower-viewing terrace.

Wu Xiaoshi and the others hurriedly greeted Wu Ming.

"This is my worthless son," Wu Ming said to Xiao Chen, then turned. "Xiaoshi, come and pay your respects to your Uncle Xiao Chen."

"I… pay my respects…" Wu Xiaoshi started to bow, but when he heard the name Xiao Chen, it was as if a dead mouse had lodged in his throat—he choked, his face turning bright red, and he felt utterly miserable.

"Wretch! Hurry and greet your Uncle Xiao!" Wu Ming glared.

Wu Xiaoshi was tongue-tied, nearly choking to death.

"I…"

Not only Wu Xiaoshi suffered; the young men and women behind him also flushed purple, wanting to howl in frustration.

Damn it, call him uncle! Wu Xiaoshi wanted to draw his sword then and there.

But under Wu Ming's fierce gaze, Wu Xiaoshi braced himself and made a bow, muttering, "Greetings, Uncle Xiao."

Xiao Chen smiled. "What a fine child. Truly exceptional talent. No need for formality."

Wu Xiaoshi wished the ground would swallow him. He cursed inwardly: Damn it all—he doesn't look much older than me, and today I have to bow and call him uncle!

Behind him, the other young men and women were equally uncomfortable. They wanted to leave but were reluctant; they wanted to stay but felt stifled.

Wu Ming laughed. "All of you should also greet Senior Xiao."

Damn this 'Senior Xiao'! Every one of them fumed in silence, none willing to step forward.

"Heh, never mind," Xiao Chen said magnanimously, waving a hand. "No need for so many formalities."

Wu Xiaoshi had the urge to spit blood—he had just gone through the whole ritual!

With a smile, Wu Ming said, "Brother Xiao, have you come about that matter as well?"

"Oh?" Xiao Chen looked puzzled. "What matter?"

"Why, the True Scripture of the Martial Ancestor, of course."

"The Martial Ancestor?" Xiao Chen's expression changed. "Are you saying the Martial Ancestor?"

If it were anyone else, he would not have been so startled. But Wu Ming had actually mentioned the Martial Ancestor—the peak of the ninth heaven of the Ancestral God realm—and Xiao Chen could not help but be shaken.

He had just learned the truth from Tianwaitian and Renwairen, and now the sudden mention of the Martial Ancestor's True Scripture struck a deeply sensitive chord.