Returning to the Third Rank

The Arhat of Love pointed his fingers like a sword and aimed at the two Demon-Sealing Nails on Xu Qi'an's back from a distance.

Golden lightning bolts shot from his fingertips, linked to one of the nails in the Du meridian.

Xu Qi'an felt a sharp pain in his back, as if he had been stabbed with a sword.

And this pain has only just begun.

The muscles in Duqing Luohan's withered right arm suddenly swelled, and the veins on the back of his hand bulged. As he pulled with force, the Demon-Sealing Nail gradually protruded.

This caused Xu Qi'an's wound to reopen, causing the remaining seven Demon-Sealing Nails to resonate with each other and resist together.

"Hmm"

Xu Qi'an groaned, his vision blurred, his sweat glands sweated profusely, and his face contorted in pain.

His reaction was much better than last time, not because the pain had lessened, but because his Primordial Spirit had recovered and his tolerance for pain had increased.

However, the damage done to the Arhat who had attained enlightenment was no less than that caused by the loss of an arm by the Deity.

His emaciated body had swelled to a size comparable to that of a Vajra, with streaks of golden light dancing across his skin. The golden lightning at his fingertips was dazzling and blinding, like sparks from an electric generator at maximum power.

In addition, the halo around the back of his head was no longer soft, but radiated a dazzling and bright light.

Dazzlingly bright!

At this very moment, if someone happens to be looking in the direction of the Star-Gazing Tower, they will see a ball of light on the roof that resembles the blazing sun.

This process lasted for five minutes, and finally, with two crisp "ding" sounds, the two Demon-Sealing Nails fell to the ground.

As the Demon-Sealing Nail fell to the ground, the aura of the Arhat of Compassion weakened rapidly, his body shrank, and he returned to his withered and emaciated appearance. He closed his tired eyes and silently clasped his hands together.

After the Demon-Sealing Nail that sealed the Du Meridian was removed, the Qi in the Dantian was like soda that had been shaken wildly in a Coke bottle.

With an arrogant and overwhelming force, it instantly pierced through the Du meridian and burst forth.

"Roar"

Xu Qi'an soared into the air, looked up at the sky, and unleashed a Buddhist School lion's roar.

A surge of energy erupted from his throat, eyes, and Baihui acupoint, shooting straight into the sky. Star-Gazing Tower, layers of white clouds instantly dissipated.

The entire Bureau of Astronomy building trembled slightly, as if an earthquake had struck.

The power and prestige of a third-rank martial artist are terrifying.

In the capital, countless gazes turned toward the Observatory. Officials, martial artists, wandering warriors, noble guests, experts from the Human Sect, and all cultivators noticed the commotion at the Star-Gazing Tower.

In the Anshen Palace, Emperor Yongxing, who had just finished his evening meal, heard a roar like thunder from afar. By the time the sound reached the palace, it was already somewhat distorted.

What's that noise?

Surrounded by eunuchs in the palace, Emperor Yongxing hurriedly left the Bureau of Astronomy.

He gazed out from under the eaves toward the Bureau of Astronomy, where he saw the setting sun like blood, and not a single white cloud in the sky above the Star-Gazing Tower, but ripples of clouds gathered around it.

It was as if some force had forcibly dispersed it from the center, causing it to pile up in layers around it.

"Perhaps the supervisor has had an epiphany during his cultivation."

The young eunuch beside him chuckled.

Such unusual phenomena would warrant vigilance and thorough investigation elsewhere, but since they occurred at the Bureau of Astronomy, we can simply observe with interest.

In any case, it's impossible for anyone to cause trouble at the Bureau of Astronomy.

Emperor Yongxing's expression relaxed slightly, and he nodded a little. Just as he was about to return to his palace to rest, he suddenly frowned and instructed the eunuch beside him:

"Go and summon the commander of the Imperial Guards on duty."

As one of the few "resilient" princes among Emperor Yuanjing's sons who survived the Essence Refining Realm, he is now at the Qi Refining Realm stage.

Although his talent was limited and he neglected his cultivation due to his busy schedule in government affairs.

However, as a martial artist, he could still distinguish the energy within his own system.

Qi is a unique energy possessed by martial artists. Although other systems can also forcibly cultivate Qi Refinement at a high level, it is more of an auxiliary means.

A moment later, the commander of the Imperial Guards arrived hastily with his guards.

Emperor Yongxing stood under the eaves, looking down at the commander of the Imperial Guards below the steps:

"Was the commotion at the Bureau of Astronomy just now a fluctuation of qi?"

The commander of the Imperial Guards clasped his hands and said:

"It's precisely due to fluctuations in the Qi (vital energy)."

Emperor Yongxing nodded, and asked thoughtfully:

"That's quite a commotion; the grade must be pretty high."

The commander of the Imperial Guards frowned slightly but did not answer.

Emperor Yongxing stared at him, took a step forward, and asked in a deep voice, "I'm asking you a question."

"Your Majesty, I cannot estimate it. The fluctuation of energy just now was immense and vast, beyond the reach of a fourth-rank martial artist."

As the commander of the Imperial Guards, a fourth-rank martial artist, he has considerable confidence and authority to make judgments.

"No fourth-rank martial artist can match this." A sharp glint seemed to flash in Emperor Yongxing's eyes, which he concealed well, as he gave the order:

"Go to the Bureau of Astronomy immediately to inquire about the situation."

"Yes!"

After dismissing the Imperial Guard commander, Emperor Yongxing quickly turned around, making no attempt to hide his urgency and excitement, and urged:

"Go immediately to Shaoyin Palace and summon Prince Lin'an to see me."

The eunuch hesitated for a moment, then reminded him, "Does Your Majesty wish to move to the Imperial Study?"

It was past dinner time, and according to palace rules, a princess should not come to the emperor's bedchamber.

Emperor Yongxing nodded and said, "Have her come to the Imperial Study immediately."

Dexinyuan.

On the dark roof ridge, Huaiqing, dressed in a plain white dress, stood on the upturned eaves, gazing at the Star-Gazing Tower.

"He actually came back?"

Huaiqing muttered to himself, a barely perceptible gleam of joy flashing in his clear eyes.

She then lightly descended from the rooftop, summoned the head guard of Dexin Garden, and gave him instructions:

"Go to the Directorate of Ceremonial and inform them that I am leaving the palace."

It seemed that Xu Yinluo hadn't been in the capital lately. Li Lingsu overheard this but didn't pay much attention, listening to her junior sister chatting with this noble and virtuous white-robed Warlock.

"I didn't do anything, just wandered around and looked around, it was pretty boring," Li Miaozhen said.

"Yes, that's right!" Chu Yuanzhen echoed.

Why bother? Why bother?

If you knew he caused a ruckus at a Buddhist temple in Leizhou, stealing the pagoda right in front of the Vajra; if you knew he overpowered a group of fourth-rank masters in Yongzhou, plotting with the Imperial Preceptor to capture an Arhat, would you be able to live a normal life?

Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen felt that for Yang Qianhuan's physical and mental health, it was best to keep it a secret.

"By the way, why do all the fellow students at the Bureau of Astronomy carry paper and pens with them?"

Li Miaozhen changed the subject.

She was also curious about this phenomenon, as it hadn't been like this before.

Yang Qianhuan snorted, "Because Sun Xuanji, that mute, is back."

Sun Xuanji?

Li Miaozhen, Chu Yuanzhen, and Hengyuan had only heard of Sun Xuanji's great name and knew that he was the second disciple of the Imperial Academy.

But I don't understand what bringing paper and pen has to do with this second disciple.

On the contrary, Li Lingsu suddenly realized and easily understood Yang Qianhuan's meaning, saying:

"I see. Then I really should bring paper and pen. Hmm, I should prepare a set too."

Li Miaozhen and the other two looked at the Holy Son with questioning eyes. They had never met Sun Xuanji before, but it seemed that Li Lingsu was quite familiar with this second disciple of the Supervisor.

Li Lingsu was somewhat embarrassed:

"Speaking ill of others behind their backs is not the behavior of a gentleman. Hmm, Senior Brother Sun is not very talkative and has a slight speech impediment."

Li Miaozhen suddenly realized. "Senior Brother Sun has a severe speech impediment, he's even mute."

Chu Yuanzhen added, "Talking to Senior Brother Sun is a painful experience."

Hengyuan: "Amitabha!"

Li Lingsu's expression faltered; she stared at the three of them in astonishment and confusion. "How did you know?!"

Li Miaozhen, Chu Yuanzhen, and Master Hengyuan exchanged glances, all feeling a sense of "as expected" and "no wonder they are from the Bureau of Astronomy."

Then, Chu Yuanzhen and Master Hengyuan exchanged glances privately:

Li Miaozhen is truly the pot calling the kettle black!

This is a clear and intuitive hierarchy of contempt.

Suddenly, everyone felt the ground beneath their feet tremble slightly, and dust fell from above.

A terrifying and powerful aura pierced through the building and descended upon everyone, like an ancient demon god awakening from its slumber.

The Extraordinary Realm?!

Apart from Miao Youfang, everyone present had a strong sect background and rich experience, and was very familiar with the aura of the transcendent realm.

Regardless of the system, once one enters the third rank, their life level undergoes a transformation; they are no longer mortals, and a corresponding aura of power will arise.

When ordinary people face extraordinary beings, they will feel a sense of oppression from higher-level life forms.

The tiger's body trembled, and the mortals immediately bowed down in worship.

Xu Qi'an's seal has been further broken. Chu Yuanzhen and the other two showed joy on their faces.

Is that Senior Xu? Has Senior Xu recovered his cultivation?

Li Lingsu's heart skipped a beat, and then a look of joy appeared on his face. Suddenly, he heard the white-robed Warlock in the stone chamber roar:

"Xu Qi'an has recovered his cultivation! Damn it, why so fast? I haven't even had a chance to take his place, and he's already recovered his cultivation?!"

"No, you can't do this to me, no!"

The white-robed Warlock spread his arms wide and roared to the sky.

He was referring to Xu Qi'an regaining his cultivation?

Was it Senior Xu who caused such a commotion, but Xu Qi'an?

These words had a profound effect, instantly allowing Li Lingsu to piece together the various fragmented details.

Xu Qian is from Beijing, and so is Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qian is a Transcendent Realm expert, and so is Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qian is collecting dragon energy, which only dissipated after the fall of the Great Feng Emperor.

Li Miaozhen showed Xu Qian no respect whatsoever, and the other two holders of the Earth Book fragments did not treat him with the respect due to a junior.

And just now, this white-robed Warlock said that the person who has recovered his cultivation is Xu Qi'an!

A thunderbolt struck Li Lingsu's mind, causing his expression to gradually stiffen and his pupils to dilate.

After a while, he slowly turned his head and looked at the three holders of the Earth Book fragments.

"Xu, Xu Qian is Xu Qi'an?"

The Holy Son stared intently at them.

Li Miaozhen couldn't hide her smile, "It seems you've discovered it."

Li Lingsu's face twitched violently. "Why, why didn't you tell me?"

Chu Yuanzhen said sincerely, "He changed his name to avoid his enemies and collect dragon energy. You've been traveling with him for so long, you should have realized that there are quite a few enemies who covet his power."

"For example, Buddhist School!" The Holy Son nodded.

He breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, whether Xu Qian was Xu Qi'an or Xu Qi'an was Xu Qian, they were both experts in the extraordinary realm.

It's not shameful to act like a junior in front of a Transcendent Realm expert, even if that expert is of the same generation.

Xu Qian, no, Xu Qi'an, installed the senior expert, mainly because of the mission requirements and the circumstances.

He and Xu Qi'an had never met before. There's nothing shameful about not knowing each other.

If the two parties are old friends, it would be truly shameful for one to be played like this by the other.

The Holy Son considered it for a moment and decided it wasn't a big deal, which eased his embarrassment slightly.

"So Xu Qian is Xu Qi'an. Looks like I don't need to go drinking with him anymore."

Li Lingsu smiled. He said it on purpose, even making a self-deprecating joke, to show that he wasn't embarrassed at all.

He even thought of a better way, but the Holy Son chuckled and said:

"You wouldn't believe it, Xu Qi'an is quite good at playing a master. He even recited a poem, something like, 'Having attained enlightenment for eight hundred years, he has never taken a head with his flying sword.'"

He recited the poem aloud and said, "Thinking about it now, I feel embarrassed for him."

That's right, a better way is to deliberately embarrass Xu Qi'an and expose his pretentious behavior.

This way, Li Miaozhen and the others will downplay their recent behavior of calling her "senior" in a subservient manner.

"Shameless!"

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out, and Li Lingsu turned her head in surprise. She saw a white-robed Warlock in the room, as if he had been stimulated by something, repeatedly chanting the poem.

He said in a tone that was a mixture of excitement, jealousy, and resentment:

"The reason I can't surpass him is because he can write poetry. I'm so frustrated."

"He's just a young punk, putting on such an air."

Li Lingsu raised the corner of her mouth and smiled in agreement:

"Yes, but these are things you should only listen to and not spread."

He was afraid of Xu Qi'an's retaliation.

The Holy Son withdrew his gaze and looked at Li Miaozhen and the other two with feigned ease, only to find that their expressions were strange, as if they were scrutinizing a fool.

"You."

The Holy Son's heart sank.

Li Miaozhen said quietly, "I forgot to tell you something."

Chu Yuanzhen sighed, "Xu Qi'an is also a holder of the Earth Book fragment."

Just as Li Lingsu's face turned deathly pale, Master Hengyuan delivered the final blow:

"He also knows that you are a holder of the Earth Book fragment. We all know that Number Seven and Master Li have a close relationship, possibly even being from the same sect."

Li Lingsu swayed, as if she couldn't withstand such a blow, staggered backward, leaned against the wall, and slowly slid down.

He knew I was also a member of the Heaven and Earth Society, and so was he, but he didn't say so directly. He just watched me treat him with utmost respect, addressing me as "senior" this and "senior" that.

Li Lingsu recalled the details of their travels together.

Li Miaozhen said cheerfully, "Ah, we still have to see Zhong Li, we'll head over now."

Finally, I'm not the one who's most embarrassed. Chu Yuanzhen nodded with a smile, "Okay."

The two walked away along the dimly lit corridor. Seeing the Holy Son's utter despair, Master Hengyuan felt a pang of pity and said:

"Amitabha, Fellow Daoist Li."

Li Lingsu interrupted, her eyes vacant, "Master, let me have some peace and quiet."

Master Hengyuan shook his head helplessly and followed his two companions away.

The Holy Son remained silent for a while, then suddenly a sigh came from inside the room:

"It seems you've been deeply poisoned by Xu Qi'an."

Li Lingsu's voice was devoid of joy or sorrow. "Unfortunately, I am no match for him."

Yang Qianhuan said in a deep voice, "You have spoken my mind."

Li Lingsu's eyes regained some of their liveliness. "What do you mean by that, fellow Daoist?"

"It's a long story."

Eight Trigrams Platform.

Night fell, and the setting sun sank completely below the horizon.

After calming his agitated state, Xu Qi'an examined himself and was delighted to find that with the Du Meridian unblocked, his Qi mobilization rate reached 80%.

Before cultivating with Luo Yuheng, 80% of his energy was equivalent to that of the weakest third-rank martial artist.

After dual cultivation, his current 80% of his aura is equivalent to that of a martial artist who has just entered the third rank.

In other words, Xu Qi'an's current cultivation level has already passed the early stage of the third rank, but not yet reached the middle stage.

Of course, his physical strength is still sealed, so he would definitely be inferior to a third-rank martial artist in close combat.

"Now, even if I can't defeat the Vajra King, I won't be in such a sorry state. He still won't be able to capture or kill me."

"For my next adventures in the martial world, I won't have to hide so much anymore."

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

Lin'an, accompanied by two personal maids, arrived outside the imperial study.

The palace maids stood at the bottom of the steps outside the door, watching His Highness ascend the steps and enter the room under the guidance of the eunuchs on duty outside the Imperial Study.

The imperial study was brightly lit by candlelight and luxuriously furnished. Emperor Yongxing sat behind a large table covered with yellow silk, reviewing memorials.

"Brother Emperor, why have you summoned me here?"

Lin'an said sweetly.

Emperor Yongxing hurriedly put down his memorial, came forward to greet him, and said with a smile:

"Good sister, I have a favor to ask of you."

P. S.: I'll correct any typos later. There's no next chapter yet; I'll add it tomorrow. I have things to do tomorrow, so I need to go to bed early tonight and not stay up late.