Deep Meditation: Heaven Does Not Grant It, So I Shall Take It Myself! Whoever Stands in My Way to Godhood Shall Be Slain!

The great battle had come to a halt, but the residual energy from the clash between the two powerhouses still lingered across the sea for hundreds of miles. The waves were calm, and the wind had fallen still.

Xu Xiaoyun returned to the Soul Guidance Warship with Xu Tianxi. He then stared blankly in the direction where the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor had departed. His expression was neither sorrowful nor joyful. After a long while, he said, "Don't call me no matter what happens," then sat down where he was, activated the Xuanming Meditation Method, and silently began cultivating by circulating his soul power.

He had a premonition that cultivating at this moment would surely bring him some insight. This might be the only opportunity of its kind in his entire life.

After exchanging three blows with the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor, Xu Xiaoyun had vaguely touched the threshold of a half-closed heavenly gate in his daze. That gate was the door to the Limit Douluo realm—the realm he had yearned for and pursued his entire life!

Had he encountered this opportunity a hundred years ago, he would have been seventy percent certain of smashing the gate open by force. Now that he was old, his vitality was no longer what it had been in his prime. Yet as a soul master, having come into contact with such profound and exquisite cultivation principles, how could he suppress the excitement in his heart?

If he did not pursue a breakthrough, he would surely die with regrets!

"Elder Xuan said in the original story that the Second Soul Core cultivated by a human Limit Douluo must possess the spatial attribute. The three moves the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor used earlier all seemed to contain spatial power. Could it be that Ancestor gained some insight and entered a state of Deep Meditation?"

Seeing Xu Xiaoyun sitting like an old monk in meditation, his breath as steady as an ancient tree coiling its roots, while Soul Power as vast as an abyss and sea was released from his body of its own accord, Xu Tianxi could not help forming a guess.

Soul masters generally cultivated in one of two states: meditation and Deep Meditation. Ordinary meditation was their usual cultivation state, also known as shallow cultivation. Deep Meditation, on the other hand, was a state that could be encountered but not sought. It occurred when a soul master gained some insight during ordinary meditation, causing their mind to sink into cultivation of its own accord. The entire person would enter a state of complete meditation, unable to sense any changes in the outside world until awakening naturally.

In a state of Deep Meditation, a soul master's Soul Power would circulate automatically at a speed faster than usual, while their comprehension would increase severalfold. Its effects were better than those of ten sessions of ordinary meditation.

When a soul master reached a bottleneck, entering Deep Meditation could greatly increase the chances of a breakthrough. At the same time, out of an instinct for self-preservation, the Soul Power would automatically overflow from the soul master's body to protect them, concealing all their traces of aura as well.

Unfortunately, such opportunities were far too precious. A soul master might not encounter one even a few times in their entire life.

Since Xu Xiaoyun had entered Deep Meditation after the battle, his three exchanges with the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor had not been in vain.

Not bad, not bad. The Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor really was a fine Bixi. He was so honest and straightforward about his beastly character—if he had something, he really taught it.

Unable to suppress his curiosity, Yue Lao spoke softly to Xu Tianxi. "Young Master, what level of powerhouse did Xu Zu encounter just now? Not only did he fail to win, but he also entered Deep Meditation?"

Xu Tianxi set down the Deep Blue Turtle Shell he had been studying and waved his hand. In a solemn tone, he said:

"He was the strongest Sea Soul Beast of the current age. Ancestor was suppressed badly and suffered a blow, but this was also an opportunity. It depends on how he grasps it."

The Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor's cultivation exceeded eight hundred thousand years. Among the soul beasts on the continent, only Di Tian possessed deeper cultivation. On the sea, the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor also had the advantage of home ground. Even if Di Tian came in person, he might not gain the upper hand.

Di Tian's Dragon God Claw could suppress all soul beasts under heaven, but the bloodline of the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor originated from Bixi, one of the Nine Dragon Sons, making it extremely special.

Di Tian called Taotie "Uncle." As another of the Nine Dragon Sons, Bixi could certainly suppress Di Tian through bloodline as well. Although no one knew how much of Bixi's bloodline the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor possessed, he likely would not fear Di Tian.

The strength of such a powerhouse was far beyond that of a human Limit Douluo. Xu Xiaoyun had been thoroughly crushed, but judging from the situation, his gains would surely be considerable as well.

As for Xu Tianxi, this experience was practically a gift from heaven. The Turtle Shell sent by the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor was itself a heavenly treasure. It radiated a lustrous, profound blue light, like a priceless gem. Just holding it in his hand made him feel invigorated, with all fatigue vanishing.

He could be certain that, under the subtle nourishment of the Turtle Shell, his Sea of Spirit would gradually become more stable without him realizing it. It would be able to withstand stronger Mental Shocks, and his cultivation efficiency would also improve to some degree. In less than three years, he would be able to advance to the next level.

As for the Heavenly Tyrant Ancestor's promise to help him survive one life-or-death crisis, Xu Tianxi directly interpreted it as possessing one use of an invincible Golden Body. As long as he did not actively seek death by wandering around the Heaven and Earth Dog-Training Valley or the Land of Great Ferocity in the Star Dou Great Forest, his Personal Safety would more or less be assured.

Of course, before he became a Seventh Ring Soul Sage or could produce a Rank 8 Fixed Soul Cannon Shell by hand, it would be best not to face the dangerous creatures known as Titled Douluo. He was not afraid of trouble, but there was no need to seek excitement for no reason.

As for someone at the highest danger level, like the Tang God King, he had to remain extremely vigilant!

"Although I have a death-exemption token, I still can't slack off. The talent of my Twin Martial Souls—the Body Martial Soul and the Ultimate Martial Soul—is far too conspicuous. If the Tang God King discovers me, I might end up being tortured to death by a dog chain."

"To fish out Huo Gua, the Child of Destiny, he schemed against Rong Nianbing and did not hesitate to tear his daughter's soul into three pieces. Once he discovers my existence, he probably won't mind expending a little more effort to deal with me..."

"Huo Gua's opportunities are just sitting there. If I go and take the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and Electrolux, I'll sooner or later enter the Tang God King's sights and suffer countless plots and attacks from him, both overt and covert. The current Tang God King has absolute control over Douluo Continent, with all kinds of pawns already planted.

"But if I don't seize them, my hope of becoming a god will approach zero, and taking revenge on Shrek will be utterly impossible..."

Xu Tianxi also sat down cross-legged without realizing it. He closed his eyes and pondered the path ahead, calculating all kinds of possibilities in his heart. The Xuanming Meditation Method quietly began to circulate, streams of hazy Soul Power flowing through his meridians and acupoints as his body gradually tensed and he made up his mind.

"...After thinking it over, I still have to risk everything. At worst, I'll just make more preparations..."

"Even if Tang San follows Huo Yuhao's story and captures Kong Xiyue's soul to use as a hostage, he still won't be able to threaten me. I, Xu Tianxi, was not orphaned and emotionally crippled from childhood like Huo Yuhao. If he wants me to be a dog, one dog chain won't be enough."

"If no one in the God Realm grants me a Divine Position, then at worst I'll follow the examples of the Sea God and the Angel from the past. I'll unify the continent, the Far North Land, and even the oceans, gather the faith of all living beings, and condense a Divine Position. I refuse to believe that my Twin Martial Souls are inferior to the former Six-Winged Angel and Sea God Trident!"

"Heaven does not grant it, so I shall take it myself! From this day onward, whether it is Shrek, the Clear Sky Sect, or anyone from the four great empires—whoever stands in my way to godhood shall be slain!"

As his thoughts raced, a rough plan gradually took shape in Xu Tianxi's mind. His bright eyes suddenly opened wide, while the radiance of a full moon blazed behind him, making him seem like a divine being beneath the moon—majestic and inviolable.

"My wings are not yet fully grown, so I especially need to hide and bide my time. When my claws and fangs are sharp enough, I'll personally lead a great army to unify the continent, suppress every opponent with overwhelming force, and establish an everlasting reputation! Then, great things can be accomplished!"

"Huo Yuhao... Jing Hongchen... Kong Deming... Xu Tianran... the Holy Spirit Cult... Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and Electrolux... the Ice and Snow Two Emperors... the Bixi and Demon Empress... There are truly plenty of people worth watching and exploiting. I'll need to plan carefully..."

One after another, the most important figures and forces of the current age passed through Xu Tianxi's mind. Like a calm chess player, he methodically assessed the relationships among those figures and forces. Before long, he vaguely felt out a broad road reaching to the heavens.

A road to the summit of the continent, to supreme authority, and to the condensation of a faith-based Divine Position!

"All of this is to buy myself enough time to cultivate and grow. On Douluo Continent, cultivation is the only foundation. The combat techniques Ancestor used earlier in his battle with the Bixi Ancestor are worth studying. Combining Spiritual Power with Soul Power and condensing it into a Black Tortoise phantom to enhance battle prowess—I can also try deducing my own combat style..."

"The moon waxes and wanes, taking on countless forms. My Martial Soul possesses the power of the Star Martial Soul. Perhaps I can extend it from there, learn from heaven and earth, and create combat techniques..."

Having settled his plans for the future, Xu Tianxi's mind suddenly cleared. His state of mind became as pure as a bright mirror or a tranquil lake, and he turned to ponder methods of cultivation.

At some point, the black curtain in the sky revealed the moon. It shone in concert with the moon suspended behind the youth, casting a few lingering rays onto his brow. He seemed like a mysterious goddess wielding a plain brush, creating a peerless painting for the ages.

"Could the Young Master have entered Deep Meditation as well? This is truly a heaven-shaking delight."

Yue Lao, who had been focused on steering the ship, noticed the Cold and detached moonlight spilling over from the side. He turned his head and saw Xu Tianxi sitting cross-legged in white, with the Clear Moon suspended behind him and wisps of moonlike Soul Power swirling around his body. His still-youthful features already revealed a spirited, soaring presence that was deeply startling.

"A heaven-gifted genius should be like this..."

Yue Lao inhaled deeply and sighed in a daze, his eyes vacant. He had once served in the Star Moon Empire's military and had seen some of the empire's top geniuses, as well as heard stories about certain Shrek Monsters, which had often left him astonished.

But now, a truly peerless genius had emerged. Across the four great empires, how many possessed talent and comprehension comparable to the Young Master's?

None! Not a single one!

"Shrek, so proud of being invincible, killed my young lady, and its dean was still so overbearing. Just wait. Once our Young Master grows up, he will surely overturn your lofty status as the number one academy on the continent!"

Mingdu, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.

After completing his work summary for the new semester, Director Lin Jiayi knocked on the dean's office door with the report materials in hand. He strode in with the good news for Dean Jing Hongchen.

"Dean, I have good news! Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen have both displayed extraordinary talent in the new academic year's Soul Engineer technical assessment. They produced multiple Level 3 Core Arrays!

"In my opinion, they can already pass the Level 3 Soul Engineer assessment. This has created an unprecedented record for the empire! They can be called the Number One Genius of the empire in a thousand years!"

"Hahaha, you're not secretly giving them extra lessons during the holidays, are you? They're still children. That must have been exhausting for them, right?"

"Hahahaha... Director Lin, you flatter me. It's all because the children worked hard."

Jing Hongchen set down his teacup with a beaming smile and waved his hands.

"Mainly, Xiao and Meng are ambitious and willing to study. Even after returning home, they pestered me to explain this and teach them that. As a Rank 9 Soul Guidance Master, I merely played a minor role."

"Oh, come on. You're being far too modest. It's not as if the descendants of Rank 9 Soul Guidance Masters have never enrolled before, but geniuses as outstanding as those of your Hongchen Family have never appeared in history!"

Lin Jiayi's face was flushed with excitement. He sincerely praised him while currying favor, raising his thumb.

"When they enrolled, they already possessed cultivation at the Third Ring. They're only ten years old, right? If so, doesn't that mean they have a chance of becoming Soul Kings before the age of fifteen? That would put them at the level of the top students in our academy.

"When the next All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is held by the Star Luo Empire, the strength of these two Reserve Team members probably won't be weaker than that of some main team members. They'll surely shine brilliantly!"

"Hahahaha... Well said, well said. My Hongchen Family's grandson and granddaughter are naturally peerless geniuses of the highest caliber. In the future, they will certainly surpass me, their grandfather, and lead the family toward new glory..."

Jing Hongchen laughed heartily, then suddenly seemed to remember something. He stared intently at Lin Jiayi and asked:

"By the way, you didn't come to see me this time because something else in the academy was forcibly bought and sold, did you? Are you here to have another document approved?"