What Kind of Hobby Is This!

"Little lady, what is so difficult about fusing a top-grade technique?"

Liu Chengfeng blurted it out, and the gaze of Empress of Qiuchi swept over him like frost.

The cold seeped into his bones; Liu Chengfeng shivered, his scalp tingling.

Yet Liu Chengfeng was not one to back down; he took a deep breath, bolstered his confidence, and figured that since he had already teased her, it was no big deal.

Meeting the gaze of Empress of Qiuchi, he found her eyes remained as cold as ice.

The two stared at each other, the gaze of Empress of Qiuchi like a blade, as if she intended to execute Liu Chengfeng.

Back at the God Tomb, Liu Chengfeng had dared to flirt with her, and she had yet to settle that score.

"Fine, I grant it."

Empress of Qiuchi did not fly into a rage; cold as frost, she agreed in one breath.

There was a chance.

With Empress of Qiuchi agreeing so readily, Liu Chengfeng felt a surge of joy; the Sage Scroll technique was secured.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty."

"Call me that a few more times."

What kind of hobby was this?

Liu Chengfeng was taken aback.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is wise and martial."

Since he had eaten her food and accepted her favors, Liu Chengfeng was happy to shout a few more times, looking every bit the sycophant.

Whether Empress of Qiuchi was satisfied or not, the frost on her face melted significantly, and her blade-like gaze softened, carrying a hint of a smile.

"The Demon Slaying Division is no place to stay for long; you shall live in the Imperial Palace."

Empress of Qiuchi dismissed Liu Chengfeng with a command.

Liu Chengfeng was surprised, but agreed immediately.

"How did it go?"

As Liu Chengfeng stepped out, Su Youqian, who was waiting outside the door, asked in a low voice.

"Su Youqian—"

The majestic voice of Empress of Qiuchi made Su Youqian tremble.

"Get back to Tiger Mound and cultivate the Fierce Beast Heart Method properly."

"Aunt, I..."

"Get out—"

Through the great hall, the imperial pressure of Empress of Qiuchi bore down on him; Su Youqian shivered and obediently scrambled away.

Su Youqian bid farewell to Liu Chengfeng, not daring to linger, and left the Imperial Capital.

Liu Chengfeng settled into the Imperial Palace, which was far more comfortable than staying at the Demon Slaying Division; he lived alone in a palace, surrounded by luxury, fine food, and servants.

The royal family soon delivered the Green Phoenix Heart Method to Liu Chengfeng.

Liu Chengfeng studied it carefully; the Green Phoenix Heart Method was a technique from the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury, a top-grade Sage Scroll.

Sage Scroll techniques were more powerful and profound than Human Scroll techniques.

Using the Celestial Body, he smashed and fused the Green Phoenix Heart Method into a top-grade version, then attempted to merge it with the Golden Dragon Heart Method.

The Golden Dragon Heart Method was an innate Human Scroll, and most importantly, it possessed innate bones.

Under the fusion of the Celestial Body, a "bang" resonated in Liu Chengfeng's mind, and the two techniques were perfectly merged together.

A brand-new technique was born: Sage Scroll Innate.

The new technique appeared in his mind, displaying greater power and deeper mysteries.

Liu Chengfeng named the new technique the Dragon Phoenix Green Gold Heart Method.

After succeeding, the Celestial Body unceremoniously drained half of Liu Chengfeng's blood energy, nearly causing him to collapse to the ground.

Liu Chengfeng hurriedly took some Blood Medicine and circulated his heart method.

At this moment, the power of the Sage Scroll Innate became apparent, absorbing more spiritual energy and tempering his physical body faster.

The water-attribute Spirit Pool in the underground Spirit Vein Dojo was enhanced by the Green Phoenix Heart Method.

Liu Chengfeng could now openly absorb and ingest the spiritual energy within the Spirit Pool.

As Liu Chengfeng circulated his heart method, the water-attribute Spirit Pool surged toward him like a tide.

Because he was cultivating the royal technique, Liu Chengfeng became more sensitive to the Dragon Vein Dojo.

Especially as the spiritual energy of the water-attribute Spirit Pool surged in like a tide, Liu Chengfeng discovered that the deadly poison within the Marsh Qi was also pouring in along with it.

The poison was like silk, fine and invisible; it flowed in with the Marsh Qi, capable of entering his body silently and infiltrating his muscles, bones, and internal organs.

"Something is wrong. Could this be targeting the Royal Court?"

Liu Chengfeng felt a jolt of alarm. Fortunately, his cultivation was still at the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury stage, meaning he could not absorb the Marsh Qi.

Only upon reaching the Reception Divine Treasury could one absorb and cultivate the natural powers of heaven and earth.

If he had been practicing the heart method for the Reception Divine Treasury and absorbed that Marsh Qi, the lethal poison would have certainly infiltrated his body.

Liu Chengfeng circulated the Dragon Phoenix Green Gold Heart Method, and as spiritual energy surged like a tide, he carefully observed the poison within the Marsh Qi.

The poison did not contaminate all the water-attributed spiritual energy, nor did it seep into the water-attributed Spirit Pool.

It was hidden within the overflowing Marsh Qi, buried deep, thin as silk and fine as hair, forming an invisible web.

"This invisible web is quietly enveloping the entire Imperial Palace."

Liu Chengfeng had figured out the nature of the poison in the Marsh Qi.

Such a method, hidden in the invisible, was surely aimed at the Royal Court.

"Who exactly is the one who cast this poison?"

Liu Chengfeng's thoughts raced. To hide a lethal poison within spiritual energy, invisible, intangible, and silent—

Such a feat was beyond the capabilities of cultivators at the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury or Reception Divine Treasury stages.

"I know."

The voice of the Stone Lion echoed in his mind.

"Senior knows who cast the poison?"

The Stone Lion merely teased him with that, then fell silent.

Liu Chengfeng did not dwell on it and continued his cultivation, circulating his heart method to draw spiritual energy into his body. His blood energy surged, forging and refining his physical form.

Lost in his cultivation, precious light erupted. His blood energy roared within his body like a river, tempering his muscles, bones, and internal organs over and over again.

Rhythmic humming sounds emanated from within his body as his divine treasuries resonated in unison.

The Blood Sea Divine Treasury resonated with the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury; the former spewed forth more blood energy, while the latter provided more vigorous vitality.

The two complemented each other, and the Dragon Phoenix Green Gold Heart Method and the Mad Kui Heart Method accelerated, circulating through his meridians in an endless cycle.

After dozens of cycles, Liu Chengfeng quickly broke through the third stage and charged into the fourth.

At the fourth stage of the Treasure Mountain, Liu Chengfeng was finally on the path toward the Great Perfection of the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury.

Reaching this level required the fusion of Origin Mud to achieve true Great Perfection, which would then allow him to open the Reception Divine Treasury.

His blood energy was like a sea, and his physical body was like a mountain.

Having entered the fourth stage, Liu Chengfeng felt not only a more powerful defense and infinite vitality, but even the regeneration of his muscles.

This was the profound mystery of the fourth stage of the Treasure Mountain Divine Treasury: the ability to regrow severed limbs.

At the fourth stage of the Treasure Mountain, if a finger was severed, it would regenerate in half a year; if an arm was severed, it would regenerate in a year...

Upon reaching this level, as long as the head remained and the body was not too severely damaged, there was a certain chance of regeneration.

Liu Chengfeng circulated his heart method, his body resonating with the sounds of dragon roars and phoenix cries. His muscle fibers took on the appearance of a dragon and phoenix, imbued with precious light and even the aura of those creatures.

Most astonishing was the manifestation of dragon scales and phoenix feathers upon his skin.

The Golden Dragon Heart Method only produced the dragon scale manifestation, but now, a phoenix feather manifestation had been added.

The two manifestations overlapped and fused, greatly enhancing his defensive power.

The Sage Scroll Innate was something rarely possessed by any Ancient Kingdom, save for the Divine Dynasty.

As Liu Chengfeng absorbed the spiritual energy from the underground Spirit Pool, the Empress of Qiuchi within the Imperial Palace sensed it as well.

Feeling the spiritual energy surging toward Liu Chengfeng like a tide, the Empress of Qiuchi was startled.

"He really succeeded in fusing and creating a top-tier method?"

The Empress of Qiuchi had heard of Liu Chengfeng's talent, but to be able to fuse and create a top-tier version of the Green Phoenix Heart Method within just a few days—

Such talent left even the Empress of Qiuchi deeply shocked.

With Liu Chengfeng residing deep within the Imperial Palace, neither the Grandmaster Mansion nor the Ascending Dragon Sect, nor even the Royal Court envoy Wu Yuanqing, dared to make a move against him.

Safe in this sanctuary, Liu Chengfeng became immersed in his cultivation.

On this day, Nangong Renshe hurried over to find Liu Chengfeng.

"Our backer has arrived."

"Backer? What backer?"

Liu Chengfeng was taken aback. When Ma Xian intimidated the Cloud Rising Sect, Nangong Renshe had fled in a panic, claiming he was going to find a backer.

"The ancestor of the Nangong Clan has arrived. Let's go greet him."

"The ancestor of the Nangong Clan."

Liu Chengfeng had a vague recollection; back when they were causing trouble for the Ascending Wu Clan, Nangong Renshe had intended to seek out the ancestor of the Nangong Clan.

Nangong Renshe himself was also a scion of the Nangong Clan.

"Our ancestor carries great weight; even the Ancient Kingdom gives him face, and he has connections to the Divine Dynasty. Come, let's go see him. If he protects you, you will surely be safe."

Nangong Renshe didn't wait for a reply, grabbing Liu Chengfeng and running.

Nangong Renshe was right; the ancestor of the Nangong Clan had arrived.

The ancestor of the Nangong Clan had notified the Qiuchi Kingdom before he even reached the Imperial Capital.

Before the ancestor of the Nangong Clan had even entered the Imperial Capital, the might of his Great Dao surged in like a tide, shocking all the cultivators.

"Another big shot at the Great Dao Divine Treasury realm."

Many cultivators rushed out, eager to see who this sacred figure might be.

There were only three such big shots at the Great Dao Divine Treasury realm in the entire Qiuchi Kingdom.

It was precisely because of these three Great Dao Divine Treasury figures that the Qiuchi Kingdom could be ranked as a Grandmaster-level power and hold onto the Bayu Spirit Vein.

Big shots of the Great Dao Divine Treasury realm lived in seclusion and were extremely difficult to see.

The arrival of a Great Dao Divine Treasury figure drew the attention of every cultivator in the Imperial Capital.

The might of the Great Dao arrived like a tide as a procession appeared outside the Imperial Capital, traversing the sky.

Within this procession, an ancestor lay half-reclined on a soft palanquin, carried by eight experts at the Reception Divine Treasury realm; the might of the Great Dao emanated from him.

Eight Reception Divine Treasury experts carrying a palanquin—not even the envoys of the Ancient Li Royal Court had such prestige.

"The ancestor of the Nangong Clan, a third-refinement high-grade alchemist."

Even those who had never seen the Nangong Clan ancestor had heard of his illustrious name.

Big shots of the Great Dao Divine Treasury realm were hard to meet, but as a disciple of the Nangong Clan, Nangong Renshe had enough standing to gain an audience with the ancestor.

Nangong Renshe pulled Liu Chengfeng along to pay his respects to the ancestor.

"Renshe, a thousand years have passed, and you haven't made much progress. You might as well come home."

The ancestor of the Nangong Clan glanced at Nangong Renshe, looking displeased.

The ancestor of the Nangong Clan didn't look old at all; he was a middle-aged man.

The Nangong Clan ancestor was draped in feather robes, a treasure gourd hung at his waist, a jade thumb ring adorned his thumb, and he lay half-reclined on his palanquin, puffing away at a pipe.

His cold gaze swept over them with an air of superiority.

"This disciple has grown accustomed to the wild, and I'm not used to staying in the clan."

Nangong Renshe felt awkward and gave a dry laugh.

The ancestor, Nangong Zheng, let out a cold snort, expressing his dissatisfaction.

The disciples of the Nangong Clan spread their branches far and wide, famous throughout the Qing Continent for their alchemy.

Nangong Renshe was a disciple of the Nangong Clan, but in his youth, he had joined the Cloud Rising Sect and eventually became its Sect Master.

The position of Sect Master was high within the Cloud Rising Sect, but in the Nangong Clan, it didn't amount to much.

Nangong Renshe hurriedly pulled Liu Chengfeng over to introduce him to the ancestor.

"I know. A sinner of the Divine Dynasty, whom Zhao Tian has specifically named for a live sacrifice."

Nangong Zheng's gaze remained cold, and he did not offer to protect Liu Chengfeng.

"Follow me to the Grandmaster Mansion to meet with them."

Nangong Zheng's procession headed straight for the Grandmaster Mansion, creating a massive stir.

Outside the Grandmaster Mansion, not only were numerous experts waiting to welcome them, but even the Grand Marshal Ye Ziyang and the Royal Court envoy Wu Yuanqing had come out personally.

With two Great Dao Divine Treasury figures coming out to greet him, Nangong Zheng's prestige was immense.

Even Wu Yuanqing, who had intended to arrest Liu Chengfeng, acted as if he hadn't seen him upon noticing the situation.

The grand procession moved forward, and Ye Ziyang and the others welcomed Nangong Zheng into the Grandmaster Mansion.

"This useless boy is a member of my Nangong Clan. Wu Yuanqing, I heard you were giving his Cloud Rising Sect a hard time?"

Although Nangong Zheng's gaze was cold and his attitude arrogant, he was very protective of his own; the moment he sat down, he began to demand an explanation.

"This is a misunderstanding."

The Royal Court envoy Wu Yuanqing felt somewhat awkward.

"How much of a misunderstanding?"

Nangong Zheng pressed aggressively.

"Brother Nangong, I am also acting under the orders of the Divine Dynasty."

"The orders of a disciple of the Divine Dynasty are not the orders of the gods."

Everyone feared the name of Zhao Tian, but Nangong Zheng did not care.

"Brother Nangong, this is a disciple who has had an audience with the gods and received their permission."

Nangong Zheng's expression tightened, and the atmosphere in the room grew tense.