Chapter 303 - 151: The Trip to the Secret Vault Concludes
Chapter 303: Chapter 151: The Trip to the Secret Vault Concludes
All of this was his foundation.
And the Star Core Creation Secret Manual was the key for Zhong Ming to unlock that foundation. By realizing his potential, his progress was naturally swift.
[Star Core Creation Secret Manual]
[Grade: Mid Celestial Level]
[Mastery: Third Realm, Refinement (1,013/108,000)]
[Traits: Star Core - Great Sun, Star Core - Jupiter, Star Core - Venus, Star Core - Venus...]
...
The Planetary System conformed to the principles of the Celestial Dao’s operation. As a result, the moment the structure inside Zhong Ming’s body was complete, the Void Stars began to revolve automatically.
And as they revolved, Spiritual Qi corresponding to the planets continuously surged into Zhong Ming’s body, enhancing his cultivation.
One could say that his Magical Power was increasing with every passing moment.
At the same time, with his eyes closed, Zhong Ming noticed that as the Planetary System operated, the Mist at the edge of his Dantian was gradually being worn away. As the Mist receded, the area of his Dantian also began to expand.
’It mirrors the stars, revolves on its own, and can even expand the area of my Dantian... Celestial Level cultivation techniques are truly powerful!’
’Hmm... This must also be thanks to my contribution of integrating the planetary system from my past life into the Star Core Creation Secret Manual.’
Regardless, Zhong Ming finally had his Qi Cultivation method. The constantly revolving Planetary System gave him a feeling of completeness.
This sense of completeness made Zhong Ming feel almost transcendent.
He even had the illusion that if he was not careful, he would transform and advance to the next realm.
But soon, he realized, ’It’s not an illusion. Having completed the final piece, I really can advance at any time.’
’But it’s not enough. I haven’t fully tapped my potential in the Qi Refining Stage yet. I must rely on the revolving Planetary System to expand my Dantian to its absolute limit. Only then will my advancement be truly perfect.’
BUZZ...
As Zhong Ming was reveling in this feeling of completeness, three days passed in a flash. The gates to the Star Secret Vault opened once more.
WHOOSH...
The moment the gates opened, the surviving Cultivators inside the Star Secret Vault swarmed out like a tide.
Evidently, their time in the Star Secret Vault had left them utterly terrified, and they refused to spend another moment in such a perilous place.
Zhong Ming followed the crowd outside.
SWISH!
The moment he appeared, the crowd waiting outside the Qinghe Commandery Mansion all looked over in unison, their eyes filled with fervent respect and gratitude.
The next moment, many people surged toward him, showering him with words of gratitude.
Among them was even Prince Qinghe himself.
Gripping Zhong Ming’s hand tightly, his eyes held lingering fear, but even more gratitude.
"Zhong Ming, thank you. If it weren’t for you..."
Thinking of the consequences of the Cultists’ plot, even though the incident was over, Prince Qinghe couldn’t help but shudder.
The consequences would have been too severe. Not only would all of his children have died, but with the deaths of so many Cultivators, his princely title would have been revoked. Furthermore, the six Major Sects and the countless smaller sects around Qinghe County would have regarded him as their mortal enemy.
"...You are the savior of Prince Qinghe’s Mansion! From now on, the Qinghe Commandery Mansion will provide all the Cultivation Resources you need!"
Prince Qinghe showed great sincerity in his desire to repay Zhong Ming.
However, recalling the state of his own body and the resources he required, these words didn’t make Zhong Ming too happy.
He knew that the massive amount of Wind Fiend Qi he required was far beyond what the Qinghe Commandery Mansion could provide.
Of course, he wasn’t about to say all this in front of such a large crowd.
Zhong Ming exchanged a few polite words with Prince Qinghe. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the overwhelming gratitude from the crowd, he then turned and departed.
Seeing this, Ji Qingyue and Ji Qinglian immediately followed after him.
Meanwhile, Prince Qinghe couldn’t leave with Zhong Ming, as he had to deal with the aftermath of the incident, console the families of the deceased, and discuss compensation.
But after finishing everything, without even waiting for the next day, he personally visited Zhong Ming late that night.
This time, although the visiting Prince Qinghe’s eyes showed fatigue, they also held a spark of excitement, which made Zhong Ming raise an eyebrow.
"Your Highness seems pleased. I take it your wish has been fulfilled?"
"Yes." Prince Qinghe nodded, his expression complex. "The Five Viscera Divine Sect’s surprise attack killed many of our Cultivators, but their brutality also impressed upon everyone a sense of crisis. Now, the Sect Leaders and elders of the smaller sects all understand that if they don’t band together, they will be no match for the Cultists, let alone be able to withstand the impending catastrophe."
At this, he thanked Zhong Ming once again. "And for that, I have you to thank, Zhong Ming. It is because you saved so many people and are willing to stand with me that those smaller sects agreed to join the alliance."
"You are too kind, Your Highness. Inside the Star Secret Vault, I was merely acting to save myself." With that said, and hoping to acquire more resources—especially Celestial-grade Wind Fiend Qi—Zhong Ming changed the subject. "By the way, Your Highness, do you know when the Royal Family will form the New Legion? And now that you’ve united the surrounding powers, are you confident in your chances of competing for the position of Military Commander?"
Prince Qinghe answered the first question quickly.
"The New Army will be formed very soon... News of the impending catastrophe has already spread far and wide. Upon hearing this, Demonic Fiends, monsters, and the remnants of the Evil Cults have all grown more rampant, causing disturbances everywhere."
"During this time, it’s not just my territory that has been attacked. Other places are also being ravaged by Cultists or bizarre Demonic Fiends."
"To calm the populace, the formation of the New Army won’t be delayed for long; it will start in three months at most. We will need to head to Immortal Martial City in advance."
But as for Zhong Ming’s second question, a bitter look appeared on Prince Qinghe’s face.
"The position of Military Commander of the New Army is beyond my reach. I’m not even confident about securing the position of Vice Military Commander."
To give Zhong Ming an idea of the difficulty in competing for the Military Commander position, he listed all the major powers that would be involved.
"The formation of this New Army is being led by the Royal Family and is a joint effort of the Four Continents. Countless factions will be participating."
"Among them, there are four Princes in total. And unlike a ceremonial Prince like myself, two of them are Princes from the direct imperial line and wield true power."
"One is the Silver Moon King. He is a Prince from our Royal Family, the current emperor’s own younger brother. He is exceptionally talented and already commands the Silver Moon Legion."
"The other is the Celestial Sea King. He was made a Prince despite not sharing the imperial surname, having risen to prominence during the war with the Sea Race. He now commands the Celestial Navy, guards Hai Province, and his strength is unfathomable."
"Besides them, members of the Six Extremes Demon Sect and the three super-sects will also be involved in forming the New Army. Some of the top aristocratic families will be there as well."
"It’s said that the Demon Race and the Sea Race will also be getting involved."
Shaking his head, Prince Qinghe sighed. "Immortal Martial City will be a gathering of heroes this time. My strength doesn’t even rank among them."
After sighing, he saw Zhong Ming’s furrowed brow and chuckled lightly. "But you don’t need to worry too much. Both the Celestial Sea King and the Silver Moon King have their own legions to command. That is their foundation, so it’s impossible for them to devote all their energy to the New Army."
"When the time comes, the forces they send will ultimately be limited. Since they can’t bring their full strength and will still have to contend with others, they will inevitably have to share the benefits. That is our opportunity."
"Zhong Ming, if you perform exceptionally well, with my support, we will be valuable enough to be courted."
"At that time, I will do everything in my power to secure Cultivation Resources for you."
At this point, unaware of how much Wind Fiend Qi Zhong Ming actually needed, Prince Qinghe added with a relaxed smile, "This is a union of the Four Continents, and one forged in a life-or-death crisis. The great families and powerful clans have all brought out many precious treasures. With the Royal Family opening its Treasure Vaults as well, there will be at least a dozen portions of the Celestial-grade Wind Fiend Qi you need."
"No matter what, I will help you get one of those portions."
Prince Qinghe spoke with absolute certainty. Clearly, he was not only grateful for Zhong Ming’s previous actions, but Zhong Ming’s potential also made him willing to bet on him.
Unfortunately, one portion was nowhere near enough for Zhong Ming.
’Sigh... Forget it. I’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, I need to focus on increasing my strength.’
’Immortal Martial City will be teeming with geniuses. True Inheritance disciples, Daoists, and Saintesses from the Major Sects will be everywhere. There might even be a Divine Heir stirring things up. My strength at the Qi Refining Stage is no longer enough.’
’I must break through to Foundation Establishment within a month.’
Thinking this, he looked inward at his automatically revolving Planetary System, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
’That part, at least, won’t be too difficult for me.’
’I just wonder, after I break through to Foundation Establishment, what quality will my Dao Foundation be?’