Chapter 970: Feather Book, Let Me See Your Limits
Looking at Zhang Yu in front of him, a trace of complexity flashed through Fa Liuyuan’s eyes.
He still remembered the first time he presented an award to him. At that time, Zhang Yu had just recently obtained Ying Xintian’s inheritance, and in Fa Liuyuan’s eyes, he was a high-potential talent who naturally belonged to the Reformist Faction.
Originally, Fa Liuyuan thought that after he achieved Immortality, Tai Yuebai would take up the mantle, and then it would be Zhang Yu’s turn to shoulder the heavy responsibilities.
He never expected that in just a few short years, Zhang Yu’s growth rate would far exceed his expectations, and his relationship with the Reformist Faction would gradually become awkward.
Sighing inwardly, Fa Liuyuan said, “Minister Zhang, your performance over the past six months is obvious to everyone in the sect. The smooth promotion of the legal reform could not have been done without your overall control and leading by example…”
Listening to Fa Liuyuan’s words, Zhang Yu felt a sense of distance tinged with a faint respect.
“Without realizing it, I’ve also become a Sect Staff member that even Ascension Realm cultivators have to respect.”
“But the Reformist Faction… won’t treat me as one of their own either.”
Fa Liuyuan continued, “While pushing for the legal reform, you still cared about the Former Days Graveyard and the situation in the Netherworld Assets Department, never forgetting your original salary, and fighting through many hardships…”
Zhang Yu thought to himself that this was referring to his continued support for Yu Xinghan after leaving the Former Days Graveyard, remotely controlling the salary increases for the Soul Cultivators of the Former Days Graveyard, and previously… shouldering the pressure of the Dual Cultivation Obligation for the entire Netherworld Assets Department.
But the more Zhang Yu listened, the more it felt off. He couldn’t help but interrupt the other party, “Heavenly Monarch Fa, did you come here this time… to discuss the matter of the Feather Book?”
Fa Liuyuan nodded and said, “Nowadays, there is a lot of discussion inside and outside the Immortal Ascension Hall. Some say you want the volume of the Feather Book that I have. Is it true?”
Although Zhang Yu had not yet replied to Su Xianchen and had not made a final choice, he knew that this matter was already widely circulated among the higher-ups of the Myriad Laws Sect.
“And in the eyes of the vast majority of upper-tier cultivators, I will inevitably choose the Feather Book on Fa Liuyuan, right?”
Zhang Yu sighed inwardly: “Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor, oh Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor. You seem to have given me many choices, but in reality, you’ve already arranged everything for me clearly…”
After a moment of silence, Zhang Yu said, “I am still unsure about this matter. However, since the Heavenly Monarch has come here today, I have a presumptuous request.”
As he spoke, Zhang Yu looked at Fa Liuyuan in front of him, staring directly into his eyes, and said, “May I borrow the Feather Book for a look?”
If it were any other random Void Refinement Cultivator saying this, Fa Liuyuan probably wouldn’t even pay them any mind.
But the Zhang Yu before him was not only on the verge of Tribulation Transcendence, but was also the vanguard general of the Myriad Laws Sect’s legal reform, backed by the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor.
Just the fact that he had been bestowed another Ten-Billion Flying Sword was enough to chill the hearts of countless people in the sect.
Listen to those words: a Ten-Billion Flying Sword! And it was bestowed again?
This not only proved that Zhang Yu would truly use this flying sword, but also proved that if Zhang Yu could be bestowed a second one, there could potentially be a third, a fourth…
This caused Zhang Yu’s deterrent power to skyrocket wildly. The name of the Myriad Laws Divine Sword grew increasingly illustrious, and in the eyes of many… it was even more intimidating than some Ascension Realm cultivators.
Thus, at this very moment, faced with Zhang Yu’s request, Fa Liuyuan had no choice but to ponder it over.
Especially since he knew in his heart that right now, he was not just negotiating with Zhang Yu, but was also… equivalently negotiating with the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor behind him.
Various thoughts flashed through Fa Liuyuan’s mind, and then he asked, “Minister Zhang… do you want to confirm exactly what effects the Feather Book in my hands has? To decide whether you want it or not?”
Zhang Yu said frankly, “That’s right.”
Fa Liuyuan nodded and said solemnly, “Lending it to Your Excellency to read is no problem. But this book concerns the Ascension Selection and affects the lives and fortunes of countless people, so I have to be cautious.”
“Before I lend it to you, I must ask Minister Zhang to sign a contract, guaranteeing not to reveal the slightest secret of the Feather Book.”
Thus, under the witness of a Righteous God, Zhang Yu signed the non-disclosure contract.
Next, the two arrived inside Zhang Yu’s Immortal Grotto-Heaven. With a gentle lift of Fa Liuyuan’s palm, a book was pushed directly in front of Zhang Yu.
Looking at the two large words “Feather Book” on the cover, Zhang Yu’s heart jolted.
“It seems… Fa Liuyuan’s Feather Book is so similar to my own Feather Book.”
Zhang Yu subconsciously summoned his own Feather Book, which only he could see. Placed side by side, the two books were ninety percent identical.
Just as Zhang Yu was about to examine the differences between the two, he saw his Feather Book suddenly fly open. Countless pages flipped and rolled, as if opening a giant mouth, and lunged over to cover Fa Liuyuan’s Feather Book.
“My Feather Book wants to eat Fa Liuyuan’s Feather Book?”
Under Zhang Yu’s gaze of shock, Fa Liuyuan’s Feather Book seemed as though it was gradually turning into a single page, silently melting into Zhang Yu’s Feather Book.
“Why is this happening?”
“Could it be that the two Feather Books were originally one entity?”
“Or is my Feather Book naturally capable of swallowing other books?”
Just as countless doubts arose in Zhang Yu’s mind, Fa Liuyuan’s expression suddenly changed. The coercive pressure of the Ascension Realm rushed forth as he reached out a hand, instantly recalling his Feather Book back into his body.
Fa Liuyuan looked at Zhang Yu with a hint of dissatisfaction and said, “Minister Zhang, we agreed you would just borrow it for a read. Are you trying to snatch my Feather Book?”
In Fa Liuyuan’s senses, the other party had clearly just used Immortal Dao Technology to try and convert the Feather Book into his own treasure and seize control over it.
Zhang Yu did not quite know how to explain himself and could only say, “I apologize, Heavenly Monarch Fa, it was a momentary lapse. I absolutely did not mean to do so…”
Looking at Zhang Yu’s sincere expression, Fa Liuyuan sighed. “Forget it, I believe you.”
“Not just because your reputation has always been good, but even more so because… the first time I saw the Feather Book, I also couldn’t help but feel an urge to take it for myself.”
“I believe that the vast majority of cultivators in this world would have such thoughts, more or less, at their first sight of the Feather Book.”
“After all… this Feather Book is one of the Four Books of Feathered Ascension. It is a true wondrous treasure of heaven and earth, possessing all sorts of unimaginable uses. It can greatly enhance a person’s Immortal Dao Potential; its heaven-defying efficacy is simply unbelievable.”
“Any cultivator, upon seeing its contents, would perhaps have a moment… where they couldn’t help but feel a surge of greed, wanting to refine it.”
Fa Liuyuan had long been prepared for Zhang Yu’s inability to resist such desires.
Zhang Yu, however, cursed inwardly, “Damn it… the problem is I didn’t even get a good look at what your Feather Book actually does.”
But Zhang Yu knew he couldn’t expose the existence of his own Feather Book. Thus, he couldn’t explain his recent actions, nor could he reveal that he knew absolutely nothing about Fa Liuyuan’s Feather Book.
At this point, if he asked to borrow and read it again, he would likely be suspected of harboring malicious intentions.
“But one thing is certain,” Zhang Yu thought to himself. “The two Feather Books can indeed merge together. I just don’t know what kind of unimaginable, miraculous effects they’ll possess after the fusion.”
As Zhang Yu was deep in thought, he heard Fa Liuyuan speak, “Minister Zhang, although the Feather Book is a wondrous treasure of heaven and earth, I, Fa Liuyuan, am not a person who selfishly hoards his possessions or fails to control his inner desires.”
“Besides, I have used this Feather Book for many years and have already reaped a lot of benefits.”
“So, if you want the Feather Book, it’s not like I can’t lend it to you…”
Zhang Yu’s eyes flickered, not expecting Fa Liuyuan to actually say such a thing.
Fa Liuyuan then continued, “But I have one requirement, and that is the time… It must be in 20 years.”
“In 20 years, once the Ascension Selection is over, whether I succeed or not, I can lend this Feather Book to you.”
Fa Liuyuan said frankly, “For this Ascension Selection, in order to ascend and become an Immortal, you can probably guess that both I myself and the entire Reformist Faction have already invested far too much…”
Fa Liuyuan sighed, “If I were to give you the Feather Book now and it affected the Ascension Selection in 20 years, not only would my investment end in failure and my many years of arduous cultivation be ruined in a single day, but many people would also go bankrupt and become Soul Cultivators.”
“My shoulders carry the hopes of far too many people. The Feather Book is no longer mine alone; rather, countless people hold it together with me, and it even concerns the future of the entire Reformist Faction.”
Fa Liuyuan looked at Zhang Yu and said earnestly, “Regarding the current situation of the Reformist Faction, I know that you and Tai Yuebai must be harboring dissatisfaction in your hearts.”
“I am equally dissatisfied with the current state of the Reformist Faction, which is exactly why I must ascend and become an Immortal.”
“The Reformist Faction currently only has two Immortals left. As long as I become the third, I can promise you that I will definitely change the faction’s current situation.”
“When that time comes, the entire Reformist Faction will fully support… your push for legal reforms within the sect, and fully support your participation in the next Ascension Selection.”
As he spoke, Fa Liuyuan’s gaze toward Zhang Yu took on a hint of pleading. “Zhang Yu, if you believe in me, please give me another 20 years.”
At this moment, as Fa Liuyuan looked at Zhang Yu before him, it seemed he was not merely looking at Zhang Yu, but rather at the unfathomable figure of the Immortal Emperor behind him.
He was not just begging Zhang Yu, but also wanting to pull Zhang Yu along to jointly beg the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor, hoping that the Myriad Laws Sect could give him and the Reformist Faction another 20 years.
Sensing the intent transmitted by Fa Liuyuan, Zhang Yu sighed in his heart.
He realized he had absolutely… no reasoning to persuade the other party.
Tell the other party to give up on the Reformist Faction’s investments over all these years? Accept massive losses?
Or tell the other party that the ten Immortal Emperors were already capable of a World Rollback, that doomsday was imminent, and there was no longer any time or space to push for any Reform?
“Whether one knows the intelligence about the World Rollback has a huge impact on decision-making, but unfortunately… this intelligence cannot be revealed.”
Zhang Yu sighed inwardly, “So whether one knows this intelligence or not, they belong to two different worlds.”
Fu Ji said, “How about asking Fa Liuyuan… how much money it would take to buy the Feather Book, or at least to make up for their losses? See if we can use Immortal Coins, or other benefits, to trade with them.”
The Sect Examination Clone said, “Right! At worst, we’ll just put down a down payment first and slowly pay them back, treating it as if we owe them a massive debt.”
“Isn’t it just owing a debt? As long as we continue to advance, there will be plenty of Immortal Coins we can borrow. If we don’t take out some online loans, do they really think we have no money?”
Hearing Zhang Yu’s question, Fa Liuyuan froze for a moment and said, “If you can pay five hundred billion in one go first, then later…”
The Sect Examination Clone said, “Alright, pretend I didn’t say anything.”
Zhang Yu sighed; he didn’t have that many benefits on hand to exchange with the other party right now.
At this moment, Zhang Yu felt that the conflict between the two sides had become irreconcilable.
He couldn’t help but think of Ying Xintian, Yun Taizhen, the ten Immortal Emperors, and the many Immortal Dao experts throughout history…
“Ultimately, once every expert possesses enough strength, whether passively or actively, they will influence the world and subsequently change it.”
“For Immortal Dao experts, how to govern and change the world to more effectively achieve the goal of climbing to the Immortal Dao Peak is a question they must consider.”
“And every expert feels that they are the one who is correct. They all want others to believe in them, and they are all using their own methods to transform the world so that the world adapts to them.”
“Therefore… they have molded a bunch of chaotic histories and a bunch of messy Dao Lineages.”
“This is also the source of chaos in Kunxu throughout the ages, I suppose.”
Zhang Yu sighed inwardly: “And the current me… has also reached this step. Faced with the opportunity to change the world, when the important choices for the world’s future direction are placed before me, I will likewise only trust myself.”
Immortal Slayer said: “This is the inevitability of climbing to the Immortal Dao Peak, and also the inevitability of changing the world.”
Immortal Slayer’s words revealed a hint of coldness: “If one wants to make the world operate according to the will of the strong, then this strong person doesn’t only have enemies to deal with. All existences with different ideas, regardless of whether they were once friends, teachers, companions, or benefactors, all need to be suppressed one by one.”
Not long after Fa Liuyuan finished his conversation with Zhang Yu, he received a message from two Reformist Faction Immortals.
Immortal Roujia: “How did Zhang Yu reply?”
Fa Liuyuan said: “He did not agree.”
Immortal Roujia: “This bastard! If we hadn’t helped him back then, promoted him, and supported him for Senior Brother’s sake, could he have safely and steadily received the Immortal Legacy? Could he be where he is today?”
Immortal Yi Xuan said, “The Feather Book concerns the Ascension Selection 20 years from now, and it concerns our faction’s years of planning. We absolutely cannot give it up easily.”
At this moment, Fa Liuyuan felt a sharpness emanating from the two Immortals that he had not sensed in a long time.
He understood in his heart that when faced with the massive benefits of the birth of a new Immortal, even with the Immortal Emperor’s obstruction, the two Immortals would not just let the matter drop.
Fa Liuyuan thought to himself, “Where profit is involved, even a lower-tier cultivatior would risk it all against the Immortal Emperor, let alone Immortals?”
Immortal Roujia said, “First, we must find a way to drag out the matter of the Feather Book.”
“Zhang Yu will undergo his Tribulation Transcendence next year, won’t he?”
“If he were to perish under the thunder tribulation, then no one could be blamed for that.”
Inside the Immortal Grotto-Heaven, Zhang Yu was cultivating the basic cultivation art of the Void Refinement Realm.
“If I get my Tribulation Certificate next year, I will also need to quickly break through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm.”
Zhang Yu looked at the Great Void Dao Body on his Chain Formation Diagram. His daily cultivation of the basic cultivation art was meant to advance this Chain Formation Diagram.
“To break through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm, I still need to further increase my Immortalization Degree, bringing my Immortalization Degree to 100%, so that all the hidden Immortal Qi within my Void-Refined Primordial Spirit can be stimulated.”
Zhang Yu knew that for ordinary cultivators to achieve this step, they had to hire an entire Immortalization Degree laboratory team to support them from behind, constantly tracking and calculating, as well as using various expensive equipment and magic artifacts to allow the cultivator to complete the stimulation of the hidden Immortal Qi within their Void-Refined Primordial Spirit. During this process, a massive amount of effort and Immortal Coins had to be invested.
Fortunately, the Great Void Dao Body he possessed allowed his Immortalization Degree to naturally increase by 1% every month.
“If I want to speed things up, I’ll need to use the Infinite Chain Formation Diagram to push the tiers of the Great Void Dao Body even higher.”
“Secondly, I need to pull other people in… to practice this Chain Formation Diagram together.”
A few days later, while Zhang Yu was working hard to cultivate, two more people contacted him from outside the Grotto-Heaven, one after another.
Bu Yingshu looked at the androgynous Venerable Myriad Affinity of the Joyful Union Sect in front of her, a trace of impatience flashing in her eyes.
In the past, this Venerable Myriad Affinity was willing to front the money to pay fines just in exchange for an opportunity to interact with Bu Yingshu.
Although Bu Yingshu didn’t agree at the time, she at least felt that the other party had a good eye. But later, when she found out that Venerable Myriad Affinity had actually subjected Zhang Yu to Compulsory Dual Cultivation under the guise of Coitus Conscription, she became deeply dissatisfied.
At this moment, meeting Venerable Myriad Affinity’s gaze, Bu Yingshu warned, “Venerable Myriad Affinity, I already rejected you last time, didn’t I? Stop dreaming, I will not agree to your request.”
“Bu Yingshu, you’re overthinking it,” Venerable Myriad Affinity said flatly. “I’m also here to look for Zhang Yu.”
As he spoke, a hint of nostalgia flashed in his eyes. “Ever since my last battle with him, it has always made me reminisce. I knew he had boundless potential.”
“Later, when I saw that after obtaining Supreme Truth’s legacy, he was able to face and slay a Tribulation Transcendence Monsterfolk head-on while only at the Void Refinement Realm, I knew his potential must have been stimulated.”
Over these past few days, whenever Venerable Myriad Affinity saw people in the Spirit Realm doubting the authenticity of Zhang Yu slaying a Tribulation Transcendence monsterfolk, he would bring up his own example.
“Zhang Yu was able to fight me in close combat for so long. For him to have his potential stimulated by Supreme Truth’s legacy and slay a bankrupt Tribulation Transcendence monsterfolk is not an impossible feat…”
At this moment, Venerable Myriad Affinity looked at Bu Yingshu and said, “I came here this time to reconnect with Zhang Yu. It has nothing to do with you…”
Hearing what the other party said, Bu Yingshu was furious in her heart and shouted fiercely, “Let me tell you, Zhang Yu is my man. From now on, without my permission, he won’t see you again.”
Having said that, Bu Yingshu stepped into the Immortal Grotto-Heaven under Zhang Yu’s guidance, leaving Venerable Myriad Affinity with an arrogant look. When she saw Zhang Yu, her face naturally turned cold again. “Hehe, if I never came looking for you, would you never go looking for me?”
Zhang Yu hurriedly said, “Profound Monarch Bu, I’ve been busy with official duties recently. I really couldn’t find the time.”
Bu Yuangui’s evaluation surfaced in Bu Yingshu’s mind.
“This Zhang Yu can restrain the desires in his heart and fairly handle Supreme Truth’s legacy. This only shows that he is extremely ambitious and definitely has even greater desires and higher pursuits.”
These thoughts flashing past her mind, Bu Yingshu looked at Zhang Yu in front of her and asked, “I heard you’ve been having designs on the Feather Book recently?”
Zhang Yu sighed inwardly and said, “Even you know about it?”
Bu Yingshu asked again, “Are you sure? You want to choose Fa Liuyuan’s Feather Book?”
Zhang Yu nodded. “I have indeed made a decision.”
Inside the office, Su Xianchen looked at Zhang Yu in front of him, his brows slightly furrowed. “Zhang Yu, you’re not joking with me, are you?”
Zhang Yu said seriously, “Heavenly Monarch Su, how could I joke about such a thing? I have already decided. Low, mid, high… I want them all.”
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor… You want to indulge my growth? Then let me see just how far you can indulge me.”
At this moment, Zhang Yu had thought it through… Facing the Immortal Emperor’s indulgence, he would maximize his use of this indulgence to gain growth.
Su Xianchen said, “Nonsense, do you think the higher-ups gave you three choices just to play around with you? You want all three? Why don’t you just ask for all Four Books of Feathered Ascension while you’re at it?”
Zhang Yu insisted, “Heavenly Monarch Su, just report my choice up first. Who knows, maybe the higher-ups will agree?” Under Zhang Yu’s insistence, Su Xianchen, harboring strong doubts, ultimately reported the choice upward.
And if it hadn’t been for Zhang Yu’s continuous successes and constant victories within the sect, Su Xianchen would absolutely never have done so.
However, just when Su Xianchen thought the higher-ups would hand down a reprimand, he received only a single answer.
“Granted.”
At this, the look in Su Xianchen’s eyes as he gazed at Zhang Yu instantly changed: “This kid… just what is his background?”
Zhang Yu asked, “Heavenly Monarch Su, what’s the situation? Have the higher-ups replied yet?”
Su Xianchen said flatly, “The higher-ups have agreed to your request. Two lower grade books will be delivered to you shortly.”
“As for the middle grade book and the high-grade Feather Book, I will slowly explain the specific arrangements to you.”
Not long after, a volume of the Fist Technique Book and a volume of the Breathing Technique Book were delivered to Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Feather Book! Let me see where your limits truly lie! Let’s see if you can actually swallow all books in a single bite!”