Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Chapter 104: Re-establishing Communication with Teacher Kong

After a night of cultivation, Zhang Xuan slowly opened his eyes.

Crack! Crack!

As his body moved, his bones emitted a series of crisp sounds. A mouthful of turbid air was expelled, resembling a white line that stretched over ten meters before gradually dissipating.

Internal organs circulated, and air was expelled over five steps!

Peak of the Source Pool Sixth Layer of the Organ Realm!

After forming the cultivation method yesterday, he began his practice. Hard work bore fruit; after a night of tempering, his internal organs felt as solid as steel. With each breath, it was as if he were a furnace, refining Source Energy into pure strength, fueling him continuously.

Under normal circumstances, after tempering the internal organs, a specific internal circulation would form. By holding the air on the tip of his tongue, he could expel it over a distance of five meters.

At this moment, Zhang Xuan could casually expel it over ten meters. The organs refined by the Heaven's Path cultivation method clearly surpassed those of ordinary people.

‘99 horsepower... Unfortunately, even with the Heaven's Path cultivation method, it’s difficult to break through the limits of the physical body!’

Normally, only the strongest peak of the Jade Bone Realm could cultivate strength up to 99 horsepower, which was the physical limit. To make further progress, one needed to integrate the soul with the body.

He had thought that the Heaven's Path cultivation method could break this barrier, but it also failed.

After reaching the late stage of the Organ Realm last night, he already possessed this strength, yet there was no increase in power when he tried to break through the peak...

“Strange!”

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Previously, whether in the Master Teacher Continent or the Firmament, as long as one's cultivation broke through, power and spirit would naturally increase. Here, however, 99 horsepower felt like a ceiling, completely locking him in.

Whoosh!

With a movement, he entered the new world.

Creak! Creak!

In an instant, his physical body broke through, exceeding 100 horsepower.

Returning, he found that the strength over 100 horsepower reverted back to 99.

“It seems the Source World has a peculiar force that restricts cultivation, preventing breakthroughs past 99 horsepower until one reaches the Soul Realm...”

Zhang Xuan pondered.

If he had previously thought it was his cultivation issue, after testing, he quickly realized that it was not the case at all.

It was the Source World’s problem, which could be eliminated upon entering the new world.

Of course, this held no significance for him. The new world was created by him. As the creator, surpassing 100 horsepower was easy; unleashing infinite horsepower would be a piece of cake.

“Forget it, let’s contact Teacher Kong…”

Understanding the rules of the Source World, he knew that if he recklessly sought a breakthrough without sufficient cultivation, he could very well face punishment from Heaven's Path. Thus, Zhang Xuan did not dwell on it and pointed his finger like a sword, stabbing at the air before him.

When heaven feels emotion, even heaven grows old.

A few days ago, he had just recovered from his injuries and had used this technique, which connected him with the other party, although it had caused him backlash, making him spit blood.

Now that he had reached the peak of the Organ Realm, with his power nearly tenfold, he should be able to sustain it longer, perhaps gaining more information.

The sword tip created a small whirlpool in the air, and then, Teacher Kong's gentle voice emerged from within.

“Zhang Xuan!”

“Teacher Kong, how are things on your side?” Zhang Xuan quickly inquired.

Last time, he mentioned he wasn’t well and might be in danger; he wondered if the danger had been resolved.

“Not yet; I’m trapped in a place and cannot escape. If you’re fine over there, hurry and come save me. I’m in the Tianming Divine Domain of the Zouyi Dynasty...”

Teacher Kong’s voice transmitted through.

“The Zouyi Dynasty? Tianming?” Zhang Xuan noted the location.

He planned to check the library later to see how far it was from his current location.

Yesterday, he had browsed several geography books in the library and knew that the current place he resided in, White Roc City, was a town within the Hanyuan Dynasty.

There were no less than a hundred thousand similar dynasties in the Source World. If categorized into first-rate, second-rate, and third-rate, the Hanyuan Dynasty would probably not even be classified as a third-rate; it was quite weak.

“How about you? I told you to be careful; haven’t you attracted the attention of the Destiny Hall?” Teacher Kong asked after he finished speaking.

“You know me, Teacher Kong. I’ve always kept a low profile...” Zhang Xuan said modestly.

There was a noticeable silence from Teacher Kong’s side. After a moment, he replied, “Just be careful.”

“Why fear being noticed by the Destiny Hall? Do they really harbor ill intentions towards us ascenders?” Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

From what he understood, the Destiny Hall was where Destiny Masters resided, and Destiny Masters were the most noble and powerful profession in the Source World. Surely they wouldn’t persecute some ordinary ascenders out of fear!

“I don’t know the exact reason, but they’ve labeled me as a ‘Chaotic Fate Practitioner,’ and are hunting me down. If it weren't for my good fortune to have accidentally entered this place, I would have long been captured!” Teacher Kong explained.

Zhang Xuan frowned. “Chaotic Fate Practitioner?”

“Yeah. It’s said that decades ago, there was one who disturbed the destiny and disrupted the energy mechanism, nearly causing the entire Source World to collapse. Just be careful, and don’t expose your powers too much... Especially those related to destiny!”

Teacher Kong cautioned.

Zhang Xuan nodded, recalling something. “Now that you mention it, I did notice something strange. Last night, a Fate Guardian came over, flattering me and planning to hold a student competition.”

The sudden decision by Xu Xin to host a competition was indeed odd. Since he couldn’t figure it out himself, he decided to ask Teacher Kong; perhaps he could glean some insights.

After all, the Zouyi Dynasty he was currently in was obviously more advanced than the Hanyuan Dynasty, and it had more information to access.

“Did you reveal the ability of ‘Heavenly Tutelage’?” Teacher Kong asked.

“I showcased it…” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“That’s the power of destiny, the way of the teacher’s destiny! I was pursued and attacked because I revealed this ability. It seems the Destiny Hall has already taken notice of you. Be careful.”

At that moment, the whirlpool shook again and then collapsed, followed by a moment when the voice disappeared.

Letting out a muffled grunt, Zhang Xuan staggered back seven or eight steps, his face flushed, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth.

Despite his significant progress in cultivation, maintaining such a transcendent sword technique against Heaven's Path was still quite difficult.

“I’ll ask again next time!”

Knowing it was impossible to contact Teacher Kong until he recovered, Zhang Xuan adjusted for a moment, feeling much better before exhaling.

Though their conversation was short, it had clarified many things for him.

First, the Master Teacher ability is a type of destiny power.

Second, Teacher Kong was labeled a "Chaotic Fate Practitioner" and was being hunted by the Destiny Hall.

Third, powers related to destiny should not be casually revealed, or it would easily attract suspicion.

Fortunately, he had kept a low profile during this period. Even though he had used Heavenly Tutelage, not many people were aware. The most crucial point was that he hadn’t used other abilities much, which hadn’t drawn too much attention.

As long as they kept a low profile during the upcoming competition, with Yu Xiaoyu and the others not standing out too much, it should be fine.

With that thought, he stood up and walked out of the room.

“Hiss, hiss, hiss~”

In the yard, Dao Li approached happily, snorting and pointing with its hooves.

A table of dishes had already been set in the pavilion.

It seemed this fellow had been cooking since early morning.

“Where’s Sun Qiang?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

“Cough, cough!”

Dao Li explained a few things.

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized, “He’s already eaten and gone out to find a way to earn money... Alright!”

Having been in cultivation, and according to his past life’s understanding, it was now around ten o'clock in the morning. It was normal for the other party not to be at home this late.

“Oh, go call Yu Xiaoyu, Liu Mingyue, and Hong Yi over. Tell them I need to see them!”

He sat down to eat, giving his orders.

Dao Li nodded its large head and pushed the door open to leave, disappearing shortly after.

In the room where Mo Yanxue was, this young lady from the Mo family was currently standing quietly with her eyes closed. Suddenly, her beautiful eyes widened, and with a low shout, she threw a punch.

Bang!

The air crackled as a stream of air shot straight forward.

“Indeed, I’ve reached 2 horsepower!”

Clenching her fists, Mo Yanxue's eyes sparkled.

After a night of hard training, the Golden Source Spiritual Liquid had been completely absorbed. Although there was no measuring formation, based on her experience, she knew she had definitely reached her desired goal!

In just three days since enrolling, she had

increased from 0.45 to 2.0 horsepower, a nearly 4.5-fold improvement. This speed of advancement was something even the former City Lord Yu could hardly match; she could be considered the best in White Roc City for a hundred years!

“I’ll go find Xiaoyu and see what realm she has reached in her training!”

After being sent flying by Yu Xiaoyu’s punch last time, she had been holding a grudge. This time, she was sure she could clear her name.

Just as she stepped out of her room and had not yet reached Xiaoyu’s residence, a fine steed came galloping towards her.

Blocking its path, Mo Yanxue asked curiously, “Didn’t you sell it to Teacher Zhang? What are you doing here?”

Dao Li glanced at the girl and raised its head, ignoring her.

It recognized this girl; when it was young, she was the one who raised it, the thousand-mile horse!

“That’s right; horses can’t understand human speech…”

Seeing its demeanor, Mo Yanxue realized this and was about to shake her head when Dao Li fixed its large eyes on her, appearing somewhat angry, as if questioning who couldn’t understand human speech?

“You understand?”

Seeing its attitude, Mo Yanxue was confused.

“Er, er!”

Noticing her continued skepticism, Dao Li grew displeased, letting out a long neigh. Suddenly, it lifted its front hoof and kicked towards Mo Yanxue, seemingly wanting to punish her for her doubts.

“Attacking me? Dao Li, you think too highly of yourself. I’m no longer the same as I was three days ago; I’m now a master!”

Seeing this fellow’s rudeness, Mo Yanxue smiled and shook her head, then clenched her beautiful fist and struck back at its hoof.

Having just broken through, she had yet to test her strength. Since this horse was so rude, she would just show its might!

It was also a good opportunity to verify her cultivation.

!

Her fist and its hoof collided.

The immense power of Mo Yanxue, exceeding 2.0 horsepower, surged forward violently. Even before she reached it, she was crushed back by the force from the horse's hoof, like a ping-pong ball meeting a lead ball.

The next moment, before this young lady from the Mo family could react, she was sent flying over ten meters, landing on the ground.

“What?!”

Struggling against the pain, Mo Yanxue got up, incredulously looking at the steed before her.

The strength of one horse refers to the total strength of a horse. Even a thousand-mile horse wouldn’t be too much stronger. She thought that with her two horsepower, dealing with Dao Li should show it the terrifying power of human cultivators, but she never expected to be easily defeated!

“Hey, hey~”

Seeing her fall hard, Dao Li grinned, exposing a row of neat big teeth, and proudly walked past her.

Acting all high and mighty, as if it were strong! What a joke!

“You…”

Noticing the disdain in its eyes, Mo Yanxue’s body trembled with anger, but she had no way to retort.

“Maybe Dao Li has a good innate constitution and possesses strength that exceeds two horsepower from the start!”

Finding a suitable excuse for herself, Mo Yanxue felt much better.

Her training was meant to be compared to peers of her age, like Yu Xiaoyu and Liu Mingyue, so what did it matter competing with a beast?

And she had lost, to boot.

“I’ll definitely shine during the competition!”

Muttering to herself, she was just about to head to the Martial Arts Field when she saw Dao Li rushing over at high speed, with Hong Yi following closely behind. Both seemed to be in a hurry.

Mo Yanxue looked at Hong Yi, who three days ago had ranked at the bottom with the lowest talent. Now, his aura was long and steady, and with each stride, he covered seven or eight meters. Before she could even see him clearly, he had already dashed past her.

“What incredible speed!”

Mo Yanxue's expression froze.

As the young lady of the Mo family, she had had skilled sparring partners since childhood. Although she had just started cultivating, she was well aware of many things in cultivation, even recognizing the strength of some cultivators with a single glance.

At this moment, Hong Yi could leap such a distance in one step while sprinting wildly, his breath not faltering, even having some reserve strength... His power was likely not weaker than her own!

Just three days ago, he only had 0.2 horsepower and no resources at all, yet now he possessed strength that surpassed hers?

“I must be seeing things…”

Shaking her head, Mo Yanxue tried using the Celestial Step to leap forward. As her leg power surged, dust rose from the ground, and in the blink of an eye, she too darted out like Hong Yi.

After moving forward for a moment, she stopped to gauge her footprints’ distance... 6 meters!

This meant Hong Yi's running speed was faster than she could achieve even with all her effort!

She wouldn't lose to a horse, would she? This was someone who had once ranked last!

In an instant, Mo Yanxue was filled with disbelief, hastily rushing in the direction where the two had gone. Before long, she saw the steed stop at the entrance of Yu Xiaoyu's room.

It wasn’t long before her friend emerged, jingling with bells, hastily following Dao Li and Hong Yi.

“Xiaoyu’s speed... seems even faster!”

At a distance, Mo Yanxue’s fists unconsciously clenched tightly.

In the Energy Storing Realm, strength and speed were proportional. The faster the speed, the stronger the explosive power. This was an undeniable fact.

Once the two had left, Mo Yanxue arrived at where they had just passed, glancing at the traces left behind. She quietly calculated in her heart, and her fists unconsciously tightened.

Each step had a distance of ten meters!

Moreover... judging by her friend's previous pace, it was far from her limit.

Could it be that Yu Xiaoyu's strength had already exceeded 2.0 horsepower?

That’s impossible!

Having relied on the Golden Source Spiritual Liquid and tirelessly adhering to Dean Lu’s guidance without a hint of relaxation... the progress she made could be considered the best in a century; how could anyone surpass her?

“No matter the reason, once the competition starts, I’ll definitely know…”

In shock but still somewhat skeptical, Mo Yanxue gritted her silver teeth and turned towards the Martial Arts Field.

Regardless of the reason her friend was running so fast, she was determined to claim the title of the top new student; she wouldn’t allow anyone to take it from her.

“Teacher!”

In the small courtyard, summoned by Dao Li, three disciples quickly gathered before Zhang Xuan.

After a day and night of cultivation, everyone had made significant progress. Looking at their teacher again, they were filled with admiration.

“You should all be aware of the competition coming up, right?”

Putting down his chopsticks, Zhang Xuan looked over.

“Yes!” Yu Xiaoyu and the others replied in unison, cupping their fists.

“I called you here to let you know that during this competition, it’s best to keep a low profile. There’s no need to showcase too much strength; just do what feels right…” Zhang Xuan advised.

Yu Xiaoyu, Liu Mingyue, and the others exchanged glances and blinked.

Unlike other teachers, who wished for their students to stand out and prove their teaching skills, their teacher had instructed them not to outshine too much...

Such selflessness was admirable.

In an instant, their admiration for him deepened.

“Alright, if there’s nothing else, go participate in the competition!

Having finished his instructions, Zhang Xuan waved his hand.

Leaving the small courtyard, the three exchanged glances once more.

“What do you think?” Liu Mingyue could no longer hold back.

Yu Xiaoyu said, “The teacher is great in every way, but he’s just too low-key. Here’s what we’ll do: we’ll compete normally, and if no one provokes us, we’ll just keep things within limits, following the teacher’s arrangements. If someone tries to be unruly, we’ll make sure to uphold the teacher's name and let the entire White Roc City know that his teachings are unrivaled!”

“Yu Xiaoyu, although I don’t like you, I agree with this suggestion!” Liu Mingyue nodded.

Hong Yi said, “I’ll follow the decisions of both senior sisters!”

“Then it’s settled!”

Yu Xiaoyu clapped her hands in agreement.

Author's Note