Chapter 782: The Great Sage’s Heir, He’s in the Myriad Laws Sect!
Inside the room, Zhang Yu was using the internal database to browse various materials on physical bodies, bloodlines, Dao Foundations, and Physical Expression Factors.
“Elevating the Dao Foundation to the 18th layer… it’s as difficult as ascending to the heavens.”
The more he delved into the relevant data, the more Zhang Yu realized just how rare and incredible an 18-Layer Dao Foundation truly was.
“According to the records, nearly every cultivator with an 18-Layer Dao Foundation was uniquely blessed, possessing opportunities that others could never replicate.”
“And what’s more… not a single one of them was human.”
Zhang Yu shook his head. “So many people have failed to figure out how to break through to the 18th layer,” he thought. “It’s unlikely a mere Nascent Soul Cultivator like me could come up with a solution.”
His thoughts then turned to his Chain Method Diagram Set: Golden Core Sacred Body
“The first effect of the Golden Core Sacred Body is an additional layer to my Dao Foundation, and it remains active even if I switch Chain Formation Diagrams.”
“If I could amplify the Golden Core Sacred Body’s effect sixfold, could I raise my Dao Foundation to the 18th layer?”
To achieve this, the first thing that came to Zhang Yu’s mind was naturally the Infinite Chain Formation Diagram.
“But even if the Golden Core Sacred Body at 12/12, 14/14… functions like the Nascent Soul Sacred Body, increasing its effect by 20% each time, reaching a sixfold amplification…”
Zhang Yu made a rough mental calculation and realized it would take him several years.
“Is it worth spending years cultivating Golden Core techniques just for an 18-Layer Dao Foundation?”
He wasn’t sure. Besides, he had other concerns.
“The Dao Foundation is something from the Golden Core Stage. After I advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm, my 13-Layer Dao Foundation was already refined into the Physical Mystic Power, ‘Formless Freedom Body.’”
After refining the Formless Freedom Body, Zhang Yu’s defense against repeated attacks would multiply for a short period. He had relied on this ability, combined with other powers, to withstand the Heavenly Tribulation during the University War.
“As a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator… if I try to enhance my Golden Core Sacred Body now, can I still increase the number of Dao Foundation layers?”
Zhang Yu remained uncertain.
“I should finish reading all the available materials on Dao Foundations first.”
Just as he was pondering this, a message popped up directly in front of him. It was from Bu Yingshu.
Bu Yingshu: “Come here.”
When Zhang Yu arrived at the laboratory, he saw Bu Yingshu with her back to him, seemingly examining some documents.
Zhang Yu said, “Dao Monarch, what did you need me for?”
Without turning around, Bu Yingshu said coolly, “Use the five cultivation arts you’ve learned and strike with your full power. Show me.”
As a member of the Immortal Clan, Bu Yingshu didn’t quite believe that a mere quasi 3rd Rank Sect Staff like Zhang Yu would dare deceive her. But just in case, she decided to test his true capabilities. She had no intention of becoming one of those fools who, convinced no one would dare lie to them, failed to verify claims and ended up being duped by a Lower Cultivator.
Zhang Yu wasn’t surprised by this; in fact, he had been prepared for it.
“She wants to verify my training progress from the past few days, doesn’t she?”
Taking a deep breath, Zhang Yu’s vital energy erupted as he unleashed a palm strike directly toward Bu Yingshu. He didn’t use any other powers, knowing she only wanted to see the results of his recent training.
But in the next instant, countless warning messages flooded his senses, startling him so badly that he immediately froze.
Bu Yingshu, watching this, sneered. “Who told you to strike at me? Do you have any idea how many magical laws protect me? Are you trying to bankrupt yourself?”
“Remember this: in my presence, don’t bring your commoner habits. Even in a martial exchange, only I am allowed to strike at you. You have no right to come near me. Maintain the proper distance between yourself and the Immortal Clan.”
She added coolly, “A person must recognize their place and never overstep their bounds.”
Fu Ji’s voice echoed in Zhang Yu’s mind: “This woman is like a porcupine. Is it true that even the slightest misstep around her could lead to a fine?”
Immortal Slayer, however, spoke with a hint of confusion: “The protective measures on Bu Yingshu… seem even stronger than those on other Immortal Clan members I’ve seen.”
Meanwhile, Bu Yingshu waved her hand dismissively. “Continue. Perform all five cultivation arts for me to see.”
Zhang Yu retreated several steps and then consecutively executed the martial arts he had pushed to Level 40 over the past few days, showcasing all the profound insights he had gained.
Bu Yingshu watched silently, her face expressionless, but her thoughts stirred.
“This kid has some talent.”
From her perspective, these Derivative Cultivation Arts had only recently been approved. Very few people knew how to use them, there were no discussion forums, and no accumulated experience from cultivators who had practiced them for years.
By fully activating his Feather Book Talent, Zhang Yu had not only pushed the cultivation arts to Level 40 but also seemed to have undergone decades of relentless training. He had developed his own understanding of the arts’ various applications.
His current display made Bu Yingshu’s eyes light up.
“This level of skill… Could this kid be the owner of one of the ‘Books’? One of those that enhances martial dao aptitude? If so, achieving this wouldn’t be difficult.”
Bu Yingshu shook her head, thinking, “But that’s impossible. The whereabouts of every Book are registered, and there’s no Zhang Yu on that list.”
“Unless… it’s one of the legendary Four Books of Feathered Ascension. Their secrecy level is so high that even I wouldn’t know anything about them.”
“But how could one possibly fall into the hands of someone from the Lower Realm?”
“If he truly possessed one, he wouldn’t be a mere 3rd Rank Nascent Soul Cultivator.”
It wasn’t that Bu Yingshu looked down on Lower Realm natives. Even if Zhang Yu had been born in the 11th Layer Sect Layer, she would still consider him unworthy of possessing one of the legendary four Books.
In Bu Yingshu’s eyes, only the Immortal Clan, or even Immortals themselves, possessed the ability, qualifications, and virtue to master such things.
“So, this Zhang Yu… is he just naturally talented? Exceptionally gifted in learning efficiency, martial dao comprehension, and deductive reasoning?”
A flicker of curiosity arose in Bu Yingshu. With a light tap of her finger, she intended to access all of Zhang Yu’s data as she usually would, pulling up his complete records from his sect, university, and high schools.
If necessary, she was even willing to use her authority and spend money to investigate his past lives, and the lives before that.
But the next moment, a “Connection Failed” message appeared before her, and her brow furrowed slightly.
“Information lockdown by the Special Task Force?”
With a thought, special access passes for the Edict Pavilion, Martial Arts Pavilion, and Myriad Laws Palace Hall began to materialize, ready to breach the information blockade.
But then, Bu Yingshu shook her head and halted the action.
“A mere Zhang Yu isn’t worth me personally breaking the Special Task Force’s rules.”
“I came here to accomplish something significant, to show those people in the clan what I’m capable of…”
“How could I break the rules just days after arriving?”
With this thought, Bu Yingshu turned her gaze back to Zhang Yu, thinking, “Regardless of his origins, this martial arts learning ability will be useful to me going forward.”
Bu Yingshu knew that to deconstruct the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation, she first had to thoroughly understand its derivative cultivation arts. She needed to use the techniques and knowledge gained from mastering them to crack the original.
She had believed she had already mastered most of the knowledge and techniques from the derivative arts, but she hadn’t expected Zhang Yu to provide such unexpected insights.
At this moment, Zhang Yu’s status in Bu Yingshu’s mind had risen.
If he was initially insignificant dust, then after passing her test, he became a useful dog. Now, in Bu Yingshu’s eyes…
“He’s a dog worth reviving even after being trampled to death.”
So, Bu Yingshu spoke, “Well fought. From now on, come here at this time every day and demonstrate the cultivation arts you’ve mastered.”
“Remember, use your full talent to comprehend and display them.”
Zhang Yu naturally nodded in agreement.
Upon hearing this, Fu Ji exclaimed excitedly in Zhang Yu’s mind, “Zhang Yu, has this Immortal Clan member taken notice of us? We’re going to make a name for ourselves in the sect!”
But the next moment, she remembered the recent warning and started to worry again. “But being around this woman is like walking on the edge of the law, with all sorts of risks of fines. It’s just like the saying, ‘Serving a ruler is like accompanying a tiger.’ You must be extremely careful from now on. Don’t lose any money — we still owe over two hundred thousand Immortal Coins!”
Zhang Yu replied in his mind, “You think I don’t know? Every time I stand before this woman, I have to be on twelve-tenths alert.”
At the same time, he wondered, So my martial arts demonstrations are useful to this Immortal Clan member too?
Immortal Slayer sent a private message: “The Feather Book is special, after all. The martial arts you learn through it have always been mastered to a greater depth than other cultivators.”
So, in the following days, Zhang Yu added a new daily task: demonstrating his martial dao.
Each time, Bu Yingshu would silently watch Zhang Yu perform his martial arts, then wave her hand to dismiss him. Zhang Yu had no idea what she was discerning from the process.
In the blink of an eye, another two days passed. When Zhang Yu pushed his sixth cultivation art to Level 40, he finally obtained the first-tier effect of Great Sage Researcher.
Beginner - Great Sage Researcher (6/6): You can sense the Great Sage’s intent.
The moment Zhang Yu saw this effect description on the Feather Book, he was completely bewildered.
“Sense the Great Sage’s intent? What does that even mean?”
After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yu sent a private message to Immortal Slayer to ask for his opinion.
“The Great Sage’s intent?” Immortal Slayer pondered for a moment before replying, “The term ‘Great Sage’ was the monsterfolk’s past honorific for their Monster Saints, wasn’t it?”
“It should refer to a few exceptionally powerful monsterfolk who once rebelled against the Ten Great Sects.”
“I don’t know much about these Monster Saints. Both the Heavenly Court and the sects seem to be intentionally suppressing all related information.”
“Even the Monster Saints’ cultivation arts and the Immortal Dao technologies they mastered either appear as Fragmented Versions or are directly classified as black arts.”
Zhang Yu nodded slightly. Nearly all the cultivation arts he practiced, which were part of the Great Sage’s Heir Chain Formation Diagram, fell into this category.
Immortal Slayer continued, “For the sects, which are so desperate for profit and growth, to treat these technologies this way, fragmenting and suppressing them, the Monster Saints must have done something truly extraordinary. But in the end, they were still suppressed.”
“Regarding the suppression of the Monster Saints, I’ve heard some rumors, or perhaps legends, that seem to align with what we currently know.”
“There’s an old legend that the Spirit Realm… was built upon the Monster Saints. Some claim to have heard the cries of a Monster Saint from the depths of the Spirit Realm.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yu’s gaze flickered. His mind raced back to how he had obtained the “Immeasurable Heart Inner Dharma Body” cultivation art.
“Back then, in the Illusionary Realm of Hammerheart Pavilion, when I used the Crippled Ox Body-Sacrifice Heart Art to break through to the Realm of Spirit-Flesh Unity, I felt a call from someone within the Spirit Realm. In the end, I received a mysterious URL.”
“It was by following that URL that I finally obtained the full text of the Immeasurable Heart Inner Dharma Body. After cultivating it as my second mental cultivation technique, I gained the ability of multi-threaded thinking.”
“Could this be the so-called… Monster Saint’s call?” Zhang Yu thought. “Is the mutual attraction between the Monster Saint’s cultivation arts and powers due to this call from within the Spirit Realm?”
Immortal Slayer said, “If the rumors are true, and the Spirit Realm’s foundation is indeed related to the Monster Saints, then it’s not impossible that some of their power, or perhaps their intent, remains in its depths.”
At this thought, Zhang Yu acted. He first swapped back to his original Bionic Eye, then equipped the Great Sage Researcher Chain Formation Diagram, attempting to sense the so-called Great Sage’s Intent.
After several minutes, his vision remained calm. Nothing happened.
The Special Task Force’s internal Spirit Realm was completely sealed off from the external one, making it impossible to sense anything.
“Stuck inside this Special Task Force, both the Spirit Realm and the Dharma Realm are locked down,” Zhang Yu thought. “It seems the Chain Formation Diagram’s ability to sense the Great Sage’s Intent is useless here.”
But just then, Immortal Slayer suddenly spoke up, “Try circulating the cultivation arts from the Great Sage’s Heir set.”
Zhang Yu’s gaze flickered as he understood Immortal Slayer’s meaning.
“Just like how I used to trigger the call with the Crippled Ox Body-Sacrifice Heart Art…”
However, Zhang Yu was constantly circulating both the Crippled Ox Body-Sacrifice Heart Art and the Immeasurable Heart Inner Dharma Body as his two primary mental cultivation techniques, and they hadn’t caused any unusual reactions.
So, he began trying other cultivation arts.
Crippled Ox Body-Sacrifice Heart Art, Monster Saint’s Myriad Transformations Divine Scripture… When Zhang Yu circulated the Myriad Transformations Self-Sovereign Art, his gaze suddenly sharpened.
At that moment, he felt faint ripples appear before his eyes.
It was as if he were standing on an infinitely vast surface of water, and ripples were traveling from an unknown distance, colliding with him and making themselves felt.
“Could that be… the Great Sage’s Intent?”
“Is it being drawn to the cultivation art I’m circulating?”
But beyond sensing this intent, Zhang Yu could do nothing else. “To think I can sense this intent from the depths of the Spirit Realm even through the lockdown…” he thought.
Immortal Slayer said, “It seems the rumors were true. The Spirit Realm’s foundation is related to the Monster Saints. Or perhaps the Monster Saint who left this intent has become part of the Spirit Realm itself, allowing his senses to bypass the Special Task Force’s blockade.”
“But what does this intent mean? I can’t interpret it,” Zhang Yu said. “Is it because I’m missing the last two effects of the Chain Formation Diagram?”
Suppressing his curiosity, Zhang Yu spent the next few days not only studying martial arts and reading materials on the Dao Foundation but also demonstrating his techniques to Bu Yingshu.
Two days later, he had mastered two more Great Sage Researcher cultivation arts, bringing all eight of the derivative arts he had found to Level 40. This unlocked a new effect for his Chain Formation Diagram.
Superior - Great Sage Researcher (8/8): You can interpret the Great Sage’s Intent.
Zhang Yu tried again. This time, as he circulated the Myriad Transformations Self-Sovereign Art, he not only sensed the call from the depths of the Spirit Realm but also faintly established a connection, gradually understanding its meaning.
“Quick… escape! This place has been breached!”
The next moment, through his senses, a terrifying pressure surged from the depths of the Spirit Realm, threatening to break through into the Material World.
Zhang Yu abruptly severed the Bionic Eye’s connection to the Spirit Realm. His vital energy and Magic Power instinctively surged, much like a normal person breaking out in a cold sweat.
“What… what was that thing?” Zhang Yu asked, his heart pounding.
After hearing Zhang Yu’s account, Immortal Slayer said gravely, “Do not use this Great Sage Researcher ability again until you can ensure your safety.”
“The so-called Great Sage’s Intent may have already been targeted by forces deep within the Spirit Realm, placed there by a Great God from the Heavenly Court or some powerful sect.”
Immortal Slayer pondered for a moment. “Perhaps the third effect of the Great Sage Researcher can prevent you from being tracked. Or, you could try using the Supreme Clarity Realm to conceal yourself in the future.”
Zhang Yu replied, “The Supreme Clarity Realm… using it would involve Elder Sister. I’m not sure if I can tell her about the Great Sage.”
“As for the Great Sage Researcher’s Chain Formation Diagram, I’m still missing the last two cultivation arts. The first eight all came from derivative arts; I have no idea where to find the final two.”
For the time being, Zhang Yu dared not attempt to use the Great Sage Researcher ability again and refocused all his attention on his work.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the Spirit Realm, voices echoed.
“The Great Sage’s Heir has appeared.”
“In the Myriad Laws Sect! He’s in the Myriad Laws Sect!”
One day, as Zhang Yu was walking, he was suddenly stopped by Zheng Meng.
Zheng Meng looked at Zhang Yu with a curious expression and asked, “Group Leader Zhang, I’ve noticed you’ve been visiting Dao Monarch Bu every day lately. What have you been so busy with?”
Zhang Yu replied, “Dao Monarch Bu asked me to demonstrate the martial arts I’ve been practicing these past few days.”
Zheng Meng’s curiosity grew. “I wonder how many Derivative Martial Arts you’ve mastered in that time, Group Leader Zhang?”
Zhang Yu answered casually, “About ten.”
Hearing this, Zheng Meng felt a surge of confidence. “This kid… reporting to Dao Monarch Bu every single day. He’s really sticking close to her,” she thought.
She had assumed someone from the Immortal Clan like Bu Yingshu wouldn’t appreciate subordinates being too clingy, yet Zhang Yu had visited for several consecutive days without being turned away.
So today, Zheng Meng decided to accompany Zhang Yu, hoping to make a good impression on Bu Yingshu herself.
“Zhang Yu has only mastered a mere ten martial arts, while I’ve already mastered over twenty. Demonstrating our skills together will be the perfect opportunity to highlight my superiority.”
With a faint smile, Zheng Meng said to Zhang Yu, “Ten, you say? That’s about the same as me. Why don’t we go demonstrate our progress to Dao Monarch Bu together?”
So, the two of them went before Bu Yingshu and directly stated their purpose.
But upon hearing Zheng Meng’s request, Bu Yingshu frowned slightly and said, “What do you have worth demonstrating?”
To describe Bu Yingshu’s feeling at that moment, it was akin to a student from one of the Ten Great Sects watching a vocational college student boast about being an expert at eating shit, utterly baffling.
“Could this woman actually possess hidden talent? Did I misjudge her?” Bu Yingshu wondered.
Confident after learning Zhang Yu’s results, Zheng Meng declared, “Dao Monarch, I have trained diligently these past ten days and believe my progress is comparable to Group Leader Zhang’s. I humbly request your guidance.”
With that, she began demonstrating the Derivative Cultivation Arts she had practiced, one by one.
Initially, Bu Yingshu paid close attention, but she quickly realized that the cultivation arts Zheng Meng displayed were all merely Level 10.
Her mastery and depth of understanding were worlds apart from Zhang Yu’s, offering Bu Yingshu no inspiration whatsoever.
“What a complete waste of my time.”
Bu Yingshu snorted coldly, “Get out.”
The next moment, Zheng Meng screamed as she was sent flying out of the laboratory by an invisible force.
Covered in blood, she stared at the laboratory door, her face a mask of confusion. Her mind reeled with questions: “How could this happen? I’m clearly more talented than Zhang Yu. Why would Dao Monarch Bu react this way?”
Just as she was lost in confusion, an immense force seized her from afar, dragging her back into the laboratory.
“Hmph. Since you’re already injured, I might as well test the Immortal Dao Technology I’ve refined these past few days on you.”
In the next instant, Zheng Meng felt her vital energy erupt like raging flames. The injuries she had just suppressed burst open with a violent explosion, tearing her flesh and leaving her looking like a living corpse.
Watching this, Bu Yingshu frowned slightly. “It’s not working?” she thought.
Zhang Yu, witnessing the scene from the side, felt a chill run down his spine. “Is this… the test? She’s going to test the Immortal Dao Technology she extracted from the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation on us?”
At that moment, Zhang Yu understood the true purpose of the earlier test even more clearly.
“The sturdier the test subject, the more durable they are. They can withstand her repeated experiments, and it probably saves on medical expenses too, right?”
At the same time, Bu Yingshu pointed a finger, transferring a sum of money to Zheng Meng. She said casually, “Go get yourself treated.”
“And since you wanted to come over, this is perfect. From now on, come here every day and help me test my new technologies.”
“As you command!” Zheng Meng replied, her heart leaping with joy. “This way, I’ll get to see Dao Monarch Bu every day!”
After Zheng Meng left, Bu Yingshu turned to Zhang Yu, whom she had summoned earlier. She beckoned with a finger and said, “Which cultivation art did you practice today? Demonstrate it for me.”
When he finished, a thoughtful expression appeared on Bu Yingshu’s face. She remarked, a rare compliment, “Not bad.”
Zhang Yu smiled. “If it weren’t for the opportunity you gave me, Senior, I wouldn’t have been qualified to learn so many martial arts at once.”
Just then, Zhang Yu’s gaze sharpened. He thought he saw something flash across Bu Yingshu’s body.
“Was that… a Dao Seed?”
He focused his vision, carefully scanning Bu Yingshu’s chest, trying to get a clear look at the fleeting Dao Seed.
But remembering the Immortal Clan identity of the woman before him, he immediately suppressed the impulse and averted his gaze.
Still, the thought that Bu Yingshu also possessed a Dao Seed filled Zhang Yu with irrepressible curiosity and a faint thrill of excitement.
“What kind of Dao Seed does this Immortal Clan member have? It must be incredibly powerful. If I could obtain her Dao Seed…”
Just then, Bu Yingshu suddenly spoke. “What were you just looking at?”
Zhang Yu froze for a moment, then forced a smile. “Nothing.”
With a mere thought from Bu Yingshu, surveillance footage instantly materialized in the air, playing back Zhang Yu’s recent actions from a 360-degree, no-blind-spot perspective. Every subtle shift of his gaze and body was displayed with crystal clarity.
Bu Yingshu asked, “What were you staring so intently at on my chest?”
“Why do I get the feeling you’re… particularly interested?”
Hearing her words, Zhang Yu’s heart sank. A cascade of disastrous scenarios flashed through his mind. He felt that if his next answer displeased her in the slightest, she would crush him underfoot — or worse, kick him all the way back to the First Layer of Kunxu.
“How do I answer? What’s the best way to answer?”
As Zhang Yu’s mind waged a war with itself, Immortal Slayer spoke. “Just say this…”
Hearing Immortal Slayer’s suggestion, Zhang Yu exclaimed in shock, “Are you sure it’s okay to say that?”
Immortal Slayer replied, “You can’t very well tell her you were staring at her Dao Seed, can you? Trust me. Given Bu Yingshu’s age, this explanation will most likely work.”
After a few seconds of internal struggle, Zhang Yu looked at Bu Yingshu and declared, “Dao Monarch Bu, I wish to dual cultivate with you!”
Hearing Zhang Yu’s words, Bu Yingshu smiled faintly. “Just as I expected. So it was about this.”
She wasn’t surprised by his answer at all.
After all, with the widespread promotion of dual cultivation techniques, it had become a common saying in the Myriad Laws Sect: “A subordinate who doesn’t want to sleep with their leader isn’t a good subordinate.” Wanting to dual cultivate with a leader or a powerful cultivator was now seen as a sign of ambition.
But Bu Yingshu’s answer was “No.”
Her philosophy was to cultivate upward. As for Zhang Yu…
“Are you worthy?”
Bu Yingshu declared haughtily, “I know that to you, an existence like me is like the radiant moon in the sky, the cultivation partner of your dreams.”
“But I must tell you a harsh reality: a Lower Cultivator like you could strive for nine lifetimes and still never be able to cultivate with the Immortal Clan.”
“And as for me… even within the Immortal Clan, no one is worthy of cultivating with me.”
Looking at Bu Yingshu, Zhang Yu suddenly sensed a profound loneliness in her words.
“What does she mean by that?” he wondered silently. “Could it be that Bu Yingshu… is still a virgin? No, that’s impossible.”
Fu Ji chuckled. “The Myriad Laws Sect has promoted dual cultivation so aggressively. How could she, a member of the Immortal Clan, still possess her Primordial Yin? Don’t make your Sis Bu laugh.”
Zhang Yu agreed that his guess was too absurd. He shook his head, clearing the thought from his mind.
Over the next few days, as Zhang Yu continued to demonstrate cultivation arts for Bu Yingshu daily, their prolonged interaction finally allowed him to clearly perceive the Dao Seed within her.
“Myriad Laws Immortal Clan.”