Beyond the Heavens Divine Envoy and the Great Sun Demonic Art

Gu Mo reached out and took the sarira, which flew into his hand.

At this moment, Gu Mo could clearly sense that the "Origin Qi" from the Cycle of Reincarnation Mirror had entered this sarira.

However, the strange thing was that the material of the sarira was not on the same level as the "Origin Qi." At most, it was an item on the same level as those Divine Weapons circulating in the martial arts world today.

Theoretically, this sarira should not be able to seal the "Origin Qi." In reality, it wasn't sealing it at all; the "Origin Qi" was simply staying obediently within the sarira.

"What's going on?" Gu Mo was a little confused.

Gu Chundong, standing beside him, asked, "Ge, what is it?"

Immediately, Gu Mo briefly explained to Gu Chundong about the "Origin Qi" entering the sarira.

Gu Chundong knew about Origin Qi.

Last year in Mobei, after Gu Mo learned about the concept of "Origin Qi," he had told Gu Chundong about it upon his return.

Gu Mo's "Law Qi" was also a type of "Origin Qi." He could explain this concept clearly, so Gu Chundong naturally understood the significance of Origin Qi.

Hearing Gu Mo's confusion, Gu Chundong said, "Ge, isn't this quite easy to understand?"

"How so?" Gu Mo asked.

Gu Chundong looked at the sarira and said, "Think about it, why has the Cycle of Reincarnation Mirror always stayed at the Great Bright Light Temple and actively sought out Buddha Children? Although the Buddha Child is merely a vessel for the Cycle of Reincarnation Mirror, it's undeniable that the Buddha Child must possess something that attracts the mirror.

This sarira was left behind by a Buddha Child's nirvana, so it must retain the characteristics of the Buddha Child from when he was alive. It might not hold much attraction for the complete Cycle of Reincarnation Mirror, but it's perfectly normal for it to attract this small portion of the mirror's Origin Qi!"

Gu Mo nodded slightly and said, "What you said makes a lot of sense. This is indeed a direction for thought and research. However, I'm wondering now, did Dharma Master Liansheng give me the sarira back then because he foresaw today's events, or because of something that will happen in the future?"

Gu Chundong said, "Aren't you planning to visit the Great Bright Light Temple in the second half of the year? You can just ask Dharma Master Liansheng directly then."

"Mm."

Gu Mo nodded, put away the sarira, and turned to leave. The group then escorted Princess Chengyang Li Li back to the Princess Mansion.

Afterward, Su Ziyou led people to take over the area, while Ye Jinglan rushed off to mobilize the Imperial City Division to maintain order for the night.

After all, although he didn't quite understand how clay figurines could be indistinguishable from real people, it didn't stop him from guessing that many people in Chang'an City would "encounter ghosts" tonight, which would definitely cause great panic and turmoil.

Although Ye Jinglan was the Ministry of Justice Vice Minister, he was about to be transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Jinwu Guard to serve as Great General. The handover was already in progress. Therefore, during this period, he was in charge of the security of Chang'an City to ensure the smooth progress of the Succession Ceremony.

In fact, It was exactly as Ye Jinglan had predicted. Many places in Chang'an City reported ghost sightings, turning the quiet deep night into a noisy scene and causing considerable chaos.

People were crying and screaming in fear everywhere, not just in ordinary neighborhoods but also in the mansions of High Officials and Nobles, and even in the Imperial Palace, people suddenly turned into clay figurines, disturbing even Emperor Gan.

Fortunately, Ye Jinglan's reaction was extremely swift, and he quickly contained the chaos, preventing it from spreading further. However, this night was destined to be a sleepless one for many, a lifelong nightmare.

Meanwhile, at Honglu Temple.

Chu Kingdom's Eldest Princess Xiao Ziyin was awakened by the commotion. Realizing it was no ordinary disturbance, she immediately got out of bed, threw on an outer robe, and went to the door. "What happened? Why is it so noisy?" she asked.

The maid on night duty at the door quickly replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, it's said... that there are ghosts!"

Xiao Ziyin frowned, opened the door, and asked doubtfully, "Ghosts?"

Just as the maid was about to speak, footsteps were heard from outside the courtyard. A person carrying a lantern rushed in – it was Xiao Ziyin's personal female official, Chen Zhaorong.

Chen Zhaorong walked up to Xiao Ziyin, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, Great Compassion Divine Monk requests your presence."

"What is it?" Xiao Ziyin asked.

Chen Zhaorong's expression was grave. "Great Compassion Divine Monk... is likely about to enter Nirvana."

Xiao Ziyin's heart leaped. She immediately set off, asking as she walked, "What exactly is going on? You were fine this afternoon! How can you be entering Nirvana now?"

Xiao Ziyin felt inexplicably annoyed, and also genuinely distressed. It wasn't that she had any particular affection for Dharma Master Dabie, but rather because the cost Chu Kingdom had incurred for the Great Compassion Divine Monk was too high.

It had already been a significant loss for Chu Kingdom to exchange over a thousand cavalry prisoners for Dharma Master Dabie. Their original plan was for him to die in prison, but they were outmaneuvered by the Gan Country court and suffered a silent loss.

However, despite the loss, they had at least brought back Dharma Master Dabie. This favor could be used to gain the goodwill and influence of Chu Kingdom's Buddhist Faction. But now, if the Great Compassion Divine Monk were to die right after being released from prison, all their efforts would be in vain. They would have paid the cost of the transaction without gaining any favor, having merely busied themselves for nothing. Moreover, there might even be conspiracy theories emerging domestically.

Seeing Xiao Ziyin's displeased expression, Chen Zhaorong hurriedly recounted the events: "Just now, Honglu Temple was experiencing... no, to be precise, the entire Chang'an City is experiencing a haunting. Many people suddenly turned into pools of mud. Some turned entirely into mud, some were left with only bones, some with half a head... it's incredibly terrifying. At Honglu Temple, two people, one was left with a leg, the other just a head, both suddenly turned into mud.

Great Compassion Divine Monk was the first witness to discover those two people at Honglu Temple turning into mud. Then, he returned to his room, tidied up his belongings, and sent me to invite you, saying he was about to enter Nirvana."

Xiao Ziyin asked, "Was he scared?"

"It doesn't seem like it," Chen Zhaorong said. "I observed Great Compassion Divine Monk's expression. He was calm, not at all like someone who was scared. Instead, he seemed relieved. Since his release from prison this afternoon, Great Compassion Divine Monk had been preoccupied, constantly muttering about his heavy sins. But now, he seems to have accepted it!"

Xiao Ziyin frowned. She deeply understood the principle that there is great terror between life and death. The Great Compassion Divine Monk's reaction was indeed consistent with someone on the verge of death.

Soon, Xiao Ziyin arrived at the courtyard where Dharma Master Dabie was staying. From a distance, she could hear him chanting scriptures while striking a wooden fish.

Entering the courtyard, she saw Dharma Master Dabie sitting cross-legged on the floor of the main hall. An oil lamp burned beside him, and in front of him, a wooden fish was being gently struck.

"Divine Monk!" Xiao Ziyin entered, cupping her hands in greeting.

Dharma Master Dabie put down the wooden fish mallet, maintaining his seated posture. He clasped his hands together and said calmly, "I deeply apologize for troubling Your Highness to come here in the middle of the night. However, I am about to enter Nirvana and have a few words to impart to Your Highness."

Xiao Ziyin said, "Divine Monk, you are in good health. Your Dantian seal has been removed, and you will recover soon. How can you be entering Nirvana?"

Dharma Master Dabie said unhurriedly, "Your Highness, for the past twenty years, I did not know myself. I thought I was Dabie. Only now do I understand cause and effect and recognize my true self."

Xiao Ziyin asked doubtfully, "What do you mean? Divine Monk, aren't you the Great Compassion Divine Monk?"

Dharma Master Dabie shook his head slightly and said, "This monk is Dabie, but Dabie is not this monk. The karma here is hard to explain. It's just that today I have broken free from my shackles, and naturally, it's time for this monk to return to where he belongs.

However, this monk feels guilty. I have caused Princess Your Highness and His Majesty the Emperor to worry and pay a price, yet I have not received any feedback from this monk. Therefore, before I pass away, I want to give Your Highness a few words of advice."

Xiao Ziyin cupped his hands and said, "Please speak, Divine Monk."

Dharma Master Dabie said, "One, do not fully trust Beyond the Heavens. Inner Demons are real, but Beyond the Heavens did not inform you truthfully.

Two, a few days ago in prison, I met a young benefactor named Gu Mo. It is said that he is the Number One Under Heaven of this era. This benefactor Gu saw this monk and could see through this monk's karma at first glance, indicating that this benefactor Gu's realm has already surpassed the Human World Peak. Without a foolproof plan, do not offend him."

Xiao Ziyin's expression changed slightly and he said, "Does the Divine Monk mean that Gu Mo might have already achieved the Ascension Realm?"

Dharma Master Dabie slowly said, "It's certain."

Xiao Ziyin's expression became very grave.

Dharma Master Dabie then said, "One last thing, after I die, please send my corpse to the Great Bright Light Temple. Also, remember to instruct Liansheng that fate is predetermined, do not force things. Know that seeing is a cause, hearing is a cause, doing is a cause, and being indifferent and unconcerned is also a cause. Weigh the circumstances yourself!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Dharma Master Dabie closed his eyes slightly, then his head drooped, and he lost his breath, passing away.

Xiao Ziyin stood up, clasped his hands together in prayer towards Dharma Master Dabie, and then walked out.

Chen Zhaorong, who was guarding the door, immediately stepped forward and asked, "Your Highness? Did the Great Compassion Divine Monk he..."

"Passed away," Xiao Ziyin said calmly, "It's just that what he just said was a bit cryptic, and I'm not very clear why he suddenly let go of his inner suffering and passed away. However, it's not that important. What's important is his final instruction."

Afterward, Xiao Ziyin recounted the three points Dharma Master Dabie had instructed.

After listening, Chen Zhaorong began to analyze and said, "Yesterday at noon, when the Great Compassion Divine Monk first came out, when he was recounting the events of twenty years ago, he said he had lost a period of memory.

Now that the Great Compassion Divine Monk can confirm at the last moment that Inner Demons are real, it means he should have recovered that period of memory. I'm afraid the Great Compassion Divine Monk twenty years ago had seen Inner Demons. It's likely that a Cultivation Deviation led to the death of thousands of Gan People due to a momentary lapse in judgment. He knew his sins were grave, so he didn't resist, otherwise, the Gan Kingdom's court wouldn't have been able to capture the Great Compassion Divine Monk."

Xiao Ziyin nodded slightly and said, "Since the Great Compassion Divine Monk can confirm that Inner Demons truly exist, it means that twenty years ago, he should have already possessed the power of the Ascension Realm and seen Inner Demons. The Gan Kingdom indeed did not have the ability to capture a cultivator who possessed the power of the Ascension Realm."

Chen Zhaorong said, "Therefore, the third instruction, asking Liansheng not to force things, is very likely related to Ascension. The Great Bright Light Temple should possess the method to break through to Ascension. He is probably worried that Dharma Master Liansheng will follow his old path."

Xiao Ziyin nodded slightly and said, "If that's the case, I really need to have a good talk with Dharma Master Liansheng when I get back. The Great Compassion Divine Monk back then almost caused turmoil in Chang'an City. Now, Dharma Master Liansheng is in our Chu Kingdom, we can't let him act recklessly!"

Chen Zhaorong cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness has foresight. This is indeed a great hidden calamity."

Xiao Ziyin said gravely, "However, if we are to talk about threats, it's still Gu Mo. According to the Great Compassion Divine Monk, it is confirmed that Gu Mo has reached the level of the Ascension Realm. Although there were suspicions before, now that it's confirmed, I still can't suppress this fear in my heart."

Chen Zhaorong asked softly, "Your Highness, the Ascension Realm is only a thin line away from those top Great Grandmasters on the martial arts rankings. Is it really that much of a threat?"

Xiao Ziyin nodded slightly and said, "As powerful as Su Qianqiu, or Jiang Ruoxu back then, or Gu Mo who previously rampaged through the Worship Moon Sect and the Imperial Palace in the Jiang Kingdom, no matter how powerful they were, they were still human. They would be suppressed by Battle Qi and suppressed by Humanity. Although powerful, they wouldn't reach a point where the country couldn't deal with them.

But the Ascension Realm is different. They disregard Battle Qi. Theoretically, they are like the Immortals of legend. Human power cannot even harm them. You haven't seen an Ascension Realm cultivator, but I have seen those two Divine Envoys from Beyond the Heavens. In the human world, those in the Ascension Realm are almost Undying and Unperishing."

And Gu Mo was a cultivator in the Ascension Realm who seemed to have no limitations. As long as he didn't confront the Two Esteemed Ones in our Chu Imperial City, I couldn't think of any way to suppress him? Whether it was a hundred thousand troops or a million, they were all equivalent to non-existent before him. Do you think the threat is great?"

Chen Zhaorong's heart sank. "Then what should we do?"

Xiao Ziyin spread her hands helplessly. "What else can I do? I knew long ago that Gu Mo would definitely be the biggest threat to our Chu. I've been writing to that girl Gu Chundong every few days to get closer to her, hoping to become her sister-in-law.

But that girl, she always talks about marrying a sister-in-law, but she hasn't managed to get Gu Mo to marry for so long. What else can I do? I can't beat him, and the Honey Trap is useless... Hmm, right, I heard that there's a woman by Gu Mo's side now who is unbelievably beautiful, named Hongyi. Some busybodies are even spreading rumors that she's the Number One Under Heaven beauty. But to use such a beautiful woman as a maid, it's outrageous!"

As she spoke, Xiao Ziyin sighed. "The Honey Trap is useless. If we go the emotional route, we Chu people are naturally inferior to Gan Country. Moreover, the Gan Emperor and all the civil and military officials are now catering to Gu Mo. We have no advantage at all.

Forget it. Let's inform the Emperor that Gu Mo is an Ascension Realm cultivator. Let him deal with it himself. I can't think of any solution."

Chen Zhaorong sighed. "This subordinate will prepare a secret letter to inform His Majesty immediately."

As Xiao Ziyin walked away, she added, "Take good care of the Great Compassion Divine Monk's corpse. Now that Gu Mo is in Chang'an City, tell our people to stay put and do nothing. We don't understand the Ascension Realm, and we don't know what methods they have. So, let's all quiet down!"

Chang'an City was plunged into a ghost haunting frenzy. Even though the court tried its best to suppress it, the effect was minimal. After all, it wasn't just one or two ghost incidents, but over three hundred, appearing in various parts of Chang'an City.

Suddenly, all sorts of rumors spread throughout the city, with many even directly pointing fingers at the upcoming Succession Ceremony. They claimed that Prince Jin Li Zhongqing, who was about to become the Crown Prince, was morally deficient, and that heaven was sending disasters as a form of punishment.

When this series of rumors emerged, the court naturally suppressed them vigorously, cracking down hard. Chang'an City was instantly filled with an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

However, there were no rumors within the Imperial Court. Because, on the second day of the Morning Court, Gu Mo personally appeared in the court hall and explained to all the officials that it was the work of evil cultivators.

As for how many officials believed him and how many didn't, it didn't matter. Since no one openly questioned Gu Mo, it was equivalent to everyone believing him.

As for the issue of rumors, as long as there were no disturbances in the Imperial Court, they were merely gossip among the populace and couldn't stir up much trouble. Under the iron-blooded suppression of the court, the ghost haunting frenzy passed in just a few days.

And at this time, A secret letter from Chang'an City had already arrived at the Imperial Palace in Shangjing City, the capital of Chu, and was presented before the Chu Emperor Xiao Zhaolin.

In the Imperial Study, Xiao Zhaolin took the secret letter from the leader of the dark guards, Night Owl, and began to read it. Soon, his expression became grave. He then got up and left the Imperial Study, heading to a nondescript pavilion in the Imperial City.

Xiao Zhaolin arrived at the door and gently knocked. "Two Esteemed Ones, your disciple Xiao Zhaolin seeks an audience."

Immediately, the door opened automatically.

Inside were ordinary tables and chairs.

But the moment Xiao Zhaolin stepped in, the scene of the Imperial City outside was suddenly isolated by a gentle halo. Inside the door was not the scene seen from outside, but a valley filled with faint cyan mist—gnarled rocks flowed with shimmering blue streams, and ancient plum trees with jade-colored blossoms were planted along the banks. As the petals fell, they condensed into fine light spots in mid-air, as if someone had crushed the Milky Way and scattered it among the plants.

Even though he had been here many times, Xiao Zhaolin still felt amazed.

Because that pavilion was originally just an ordinary pavilion, and even now, it was still just an ordinary pavilion. But that was the scene when one entered from the outside. If one was invited in, they would discover that the moment they stepped into the pavilion, they had entered this mysterious valley.

Just like back then, the first time he stumbled in here.

He walked forward and soon heard the sound of flowing water. It was a small stream, and in the middle of the stream was a large bluestone. Two elders sat on either side, with a chessboard between them, and they were playing a game.

This game of chess had been going on for several years.

These two had been playing chess here since Xiao Zhaolin first arrived. Eight years had passed, and this game was still not finished.

The elder on the left wore a coarse cloth robe, and his silver-white beard hung down to his knees. Every strand of his hair seemed to be coated with morning dew. He held a black jade chess piece in his hand. As he placed the piece, clear qin music spread from the chessboard. This person was named Master Chen.

The elder on the right wore a moon-white daoist robe, with only a bamboo hairpin to tie up his hair. He stared at the chessboard with his brows tightly furrowed. This person's title was Master Qiu.

"Disciple greets the Two Esteemed Ones."

In the eyes of the world, Xiao Zhaolin was a mighty and domineering Young Supreme, who acted decisively and looked down upon the world. However, in front of these two elders, he was extremely respectful.

This was because these two people, like the Goddess who helped the Founding Emperor of Chu Kingdom establish the country 190 years ago, came from Beyond the Heavens. To fulfill destiny, they had descended to the mortal world to help Chu Kingdom Unify the World.

In recent years, Chu Kingdom had developed rapidly, which was inseparable from the wise and mighty Emperor Xiao Zhaolin. However, Xiao Zhaolin could not do without the help of these two Divine Envoys.

Master Qiu asked, "Your Majesty, why have you suddenly come to visit? Have you encountered any trouble?"

Xiao Zhaolin nodded slightly and said, "Esteemed Ones, Gan Country has produced an Ascension Realm cultivator. I fear the war may change!"

Master Qiu and Master Chen were slightly stunned. They put down their chess pieces, looked at each other, and saw confusion in each other's eyes.

Then, Master Chen chuckled and said, "Brother Qiu, you are well-versed in the Way of Destiny. Take a look, has the destiny of Gan Country changed in this era?"

Immediately, Master Qiu picked up a chess piece and placed it on the chessboard. Then he stared at the chessboard for a long time, his brows furrowed. He said, "Strange, destiny has not changed. The national fortune of Gan Country has reached its end, and it should not be able to produce an Ascension Realm cultivator."

Master Chen looked at Xiao Zhaolin and asked, "Your Majesty, is the news accurate?"

Xiao Zhaolin nodded and said, "It is absolutely true. That person is the Number One Under Heaven, Gu Mo."

Master Qiu said in a deep voice, "So it's this person. That's not surprising. This person's fate is somewhat strange. Originally, he had a fate of being mediocre and unremarkable, but later it suddenly changed greatly. He should have awakened his past life memories and become a Calamity-Responding Person, and his fate has become vague and unclear.

Theoretically speaking, with the current national fortune of Gan Country, let alone producing an Ascension Realm cultivator, even the Number One Under Heaven should not appear in Gan Country. However, this person's fate is special and is not within the Current Great Trend. It is not surprising that he can reach the Ascension Realm!"

Xiao Zhaolin cupped his hands and said, "Two Esteemed Ones, I do not care about fate. I am currently only worried that this Gu Mo will ruin my path to Unify the World. I beg the Two Esteemed Ones to teach me!"

Master Chen waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty can rest assured. The destiny of this era is in Chu. Unifying the world is the Current Great Trend, and no one can change it. You do not need to worry. As for Gu Mo, we will have a way to deal with him."

Xiao Zhaolin said, "Two Esteemed Ones, I am truly worried. As the Emperor, I feel very insecure facing this situation. Therefore, I boldly ask the Two Esteemed Ones to bestow their methods and help me break through to the Ascension Realm!"

"That is not appropriate," Master Qiu waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty, Ascension Realm cultivators mean transcending destiny. Therefore, since ancient times, no emperor has ever achieved the Ascension Realm. This is because emperors have destiny upon them, bearing the national fortune and the nine-five destiny. It is impossible for them to achieve the Ascension Realm. Once they achieve the Ascension Realm, there will be unpredictable consequences."

Master Chen also said, "Your Majesty, your cultivation has already reached the Human World Peak. In the entire world, there are only a handful of people who can be your opponent. As for the exception, Gu Mo, we, Master Qiu and I, will deal with him. You do not need to worry about anything and should focus on handling state affairs."

Xiao Zhaolin didn't say more, bowed, and said, "Disciple understands, disciple takes his leave!"

Master Chen nodded slightly, then resumed his game with Master Qiu.

Xiao Zhaolin slowly departed.

After Xiao Zhaolin left, Master Chen and Master Qiu, who had been calmly playing chess, both put down their pieces. The relaxed look on their faces was gone. Master Qiu, in particular, threw his chess piece back into the jar and said angrily, "What is the Inner Demon doing? Why has a cultivator in the Ascension Realm appeared? Is he deliberately making things difficult for us?"

Master Chen quickly soothed him, "Brother Qiu, don't be anxious. Neither you nor I have ever offended the Inner Demon. Him allowing an ascender to remain in the human world is likely him venting his dissatisfaction. Back then, God promised him nine hundred years of free roaming time, and now, after only seven hundred years, he's being called back. He must be unhappy."

Master Qiu said furiously, "His unhappiness has nothing to do with us! We are just following orders. Doesn't he know how much impact allowing an ascender in the human world has on us? We dare not reveal ourselves casually. If we get tainted by Human World Power, we won't be able to return. Is he trying to harm us?"

Master Chen thought for a moment and said, "Don't panic, don't panic. I'll find time to contact the Inner Demon to ask about the situation. Perhaps it's a misunderstanding?"

Master Qiu sneered, "What misunderstanding could there be? Could it be that Gu Mo's strength is so great that even the Inner Demon dares not provoke him? He's just a cultivator in the Ascension Realm; the Inner Demon could crush him with a single finger. What misunderstanding could there be?"

Master Chen quickly said, "Let's ask first. If he's truly trying to mess with us, we'll risk God's punishment and report him. If he doesn't let us have an easy time, we won't let him have an easy time either!"

"Fine, you ask," Master Qiu eased up slightly and added, "Brother Chen, this kid Xiao Zhaolin came to see us today not just to talk about the cultivator in the Ascension Realm. I think he was testing us. He probably knows something!"

Master Chen said, "This is normal. This child has extraordinary talent, is an Innate Sage, and possesses Double Pupils. He can glimpse many secrets. It was only a matter of time before he discovered that we tampered with his cultivation method, preventing him from achieving the Ascension Realm. His probing today was very obvious."

Master Qiu said, "This kid probably won't be convinced. Will he go find that... the Number One Under Heaven..."

"Gu Mo."

"Right," Master Qiu said, "Do you think he'll secretly cooperate with Gu Mo?"

"No," Master Chen said, "Xiao Zhaolin is extremely proud. He would never bow down to Gu Mo. After all, his ambition is to Unify the World and make everyone submit to him. He won't seek cooperation with Gu Mo; he'll only try to break through himself and then defeat Gu Mo honorably."

Master Qiu said, "Then he has no chance. Even if he truly finds a way to restore his cultivation, with the national destiny weighing him down, he won't be able to achieve the Ascension Realm. The vast national destiny is a heavy burden for a nation. How can one ascend while carrying the weight of a country? That kid probably just thinks we're restricting him and won't believe our explanation that an Emperor cannot ascend."

Master Chen pondered for a while and said, "It doesn't matter. He's the most suitable emperor for us to support, but not the only one. If he's truly disobedient, we'll just find another emperor. It'll only cost us an extra decade or two!"

On the other side, The moment Xiao Zhaolin stepped out of the valley, he appeared outside an inconspicuous pavilion in the Imperial City. The door that was previously open was now closed.

He stood at the entrance, his gaze in his pupils becoming extremely deep. After a long silence, he slowly turned and left.

Soon, Night Owl, the leader of the dark guards, appeared beside Xiao Zhaolin and asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what did the Two Esteemed Ones say?"

Xiao Zhaolin said in a deep voice, "They still refuse to let me accomplish the Ascension Realm."

Night Owl whispered, "Why is that? With the Two Esteemed Ones' heaven-piercing abilities, it shouldn't be difficult to help you break through to the Ascension Realm, right?"

Xiao Zhaolin said with a fake smile, "It's they who won't let me accomplish the Ascension Realm, not that I can't accomplish the Ascension Realm. Do you understand?"

Night Owl was slightly stunned and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, you mean?"

"Literal meaning," Xiao Zhaolin said coldly. "It's just that I don't know if they genuinely worry that the Ascension Realm will impact destiny, or if they fear that destiny itself won't obey their command."

Night Owl was greatly alarmed, "Your Majesty, be careful with your words..."

Xiao Zhaolin stopped speaking, waved his hand, and said, "You may leave now. I need to be alone. Don't let anyone disturb me!"

Afterward, Xiao Zhaolin returned to the Imperial Study, then took out a book from the bookshelf. It was a very ordinary history book.

However, as Xiao Zhaolin was flipping through it, he suddenly slumped onto the table and fell asleep. His consciousness entered a dream, and he found himself in a dojo. A young Daoist was preaching, and he was the only listener.

The young Daoist walked up to Xiao Zhaolin and said, "Since you've proactively come to see me, it seems you've thought it through."

As he spoke, a yellowed ancient book appeared in the young Daoist's hand. Four large characters were on the cover—Great Sun Demonic Art.

Xiao Zhaolin said, "I still want to know, what price must one pay to cultivate the Great Sun Demonic Art?"

The young Daoist said, "I don't know. I am merely a Book Spirit. From the moment of my birth, I have had only one mission: to find the Innate Sage." Saying this, the young Daoist smiled slightly and asked, "What do you want?"

Xiao Zhaolin said, "I want to Unify the World, be Invincible Under Heaven, and surpass the Ascension Realm."

The young Daoist didn't say much, merely smiling and handing the yellowed ancient book to Xiao Zhaolin.

Xiao Zhaolin hesitated for a moment.

This wasn't the first time he had seen the legendary Great Sun Demonic Art. However, he had never believed in good things falling from the sky. He speculated that cultivating the Great Sun Demonic Art must come with a unique price, so he had never accepted the Great Sun Demonic Art.

But now...

"Gu Mo, oh Gu Mo, you've truly left me with no choice. In the future, I will defeat you honorably to wash away this humiliation today!"

Immediately, Xiao Zhaolin took the Great Sun Demonic Art and began to read it. Although the Great Sun Demonic Art appeared to be a thick book, it was actually only thirty-six pages long.

The instant Xiao Zhaolin finished reading, He suddenly woke up from his dream. A cultivation technique named Great Sun Demonic Art now resided in his mind.