Chapter 866: Chapter 865 [Xu Zigang’s Ambition]

“Since you’re so eager to know about the Dragon Crystal, I can tell you, but first I must say, this time in obtaining the Dragon Crystal, is likely our only chance. The few old fellows in China shouldn’t know about our plan to seize the Dragon Crystal. If they knew, they might destroy it. Then, we’d never have anything to stabilize the Dragon Vein again, no matter how strong we become this lifetime, I’m afraid we’d only end up dying of old age on Earth.”

Xu Zigang looked at the cunning old ghost and nodded with a smile.

“Don’t worry, as long as what you say is true, I will definitely get hold of the Dragon Crystal. No one can stop me; those who dare to try will die.” Xu Zigang coldly asserted.

Then, the cunning old ghost narrated the secret of the Dragon Crystal to Xu Zigang, who listened in stunned surprise. He had never expected such legends regarding the Dragon Vein. The Martial Arts World is vast and boundless, filled with countless mysteries beyond imagination, even things that would shock Martial Artists incredibly.

It turns out the cunning old ghost had once cultivated in the “Penglai Ancient Martial World,” where he inadvertently discovered a tomb with just a stele inside. The stele had some vague records about Ancient Earth, with the most important one concerning the Dragon Vein beneath the earth. In essence, the Dragon Vein is merely a title, while its substance is the earth’s most original power — the purest source of Spiritual Energy that nourishes the growth of all things and beings. According to deductions based on the records on that stele, there’s a Main Dragon Vein beneath every star in the Martial Arts Great World, supporting the growth of everything on that star. If the Main Dragon Vein suffers damage, then the star would face destruction, and everything on it would face the threat of death.

“Every star in the universe has a Main Dragon Vein, condensed from the purest Spiritual Energy, unparalleled by any other force in this world. Considering the immeasurable vastness of the universe, how many Dragon Veins are there, how many pure Spiritual Energies? If I could absorb three to five of them and refine them completely, it would be incredible!” Xu Zigang couldn’t suppress the excitement in his heart.

“You’ve indeed got ambition, you brat, and you’re bold too…” The cunning old ghost replied disdainfully.

“What’s wrong with being bold? As long as we acquire the ultimate treasure that can stabilize the Main Dragon Vein, we can stabilize Earth’s Main Dragon Vein. Once the most essential Spiritual Energy is absorbed, with my talent and comprehension, breaking through the Cultivation Realm once more won’t be difficult. And the Ancient Transmission Array on Earth, I believe, will be reorganized someday. By then, I’ll be able to enter the Martial Arts Great World and reach different stars to absorb the Dragon Vein’s essence.” Xu Zigang spoke fiercely.

“Indeed, Earth’s Ancient Transmission Array was shattered into three pieces, scattered throughout the Ancient Martial World. However, since Ancient Earth, many powerful individuals have emerged, each of whom has attempted to reorganize the Transmission Array to leave Earth and enter the Martial Arts Great World to witness even more profound Martial Arts Divine Skills, cultivate more mystic spells, and thereby break through themselves. But none have succeeded. Do you believe you can succeed?” The cunning old ghost asked skeptically.

Xu Zigang chuckled coldly and inhaled from the cigar in his hand, saying, “It’s not me believing I can succeed; it’s the trend of the great forces from ancient times to now. Indeed, some powerful individuals have wanted to reorganize the Transmission Array without it; only those as mighty as an Emperor can traverse the universe without fear of the strong Gang Wind, roaming freely. But think about it; in their time, Earth’s Spiritual Energy wasn’t as sparse as now, allowing for some cultivation, with many Ancient heritages awaiting exploration. But now? Apart from the three Ancient Martial Worlds still offering scarce Spiritual Energy for cultivation, where else can one find Spiritual Energy? After so many years of accumulation, it’s certain that some old fellows are hidden within the three Ancient Martial Worlds, some living hundreds of years, others thousands, all preserving strength, merely trying to live a bit longer. Who wouldn’t want to live a few more years? Even ants steal life, let alone humans? Earth has evolved to a point where it no longer offers Spiritual Energy for them to cultivate. When their lives end, they’ll surely fight one last time, contending with the heavens, either forcefully confronting Earth’s Taoist Principles or reassembling the Transmission Array with all might. Confronting the Taoist Principles can only be done by those in the Emperor Realm. So that leaves the latter option, and for us, it’s just waiting to reap the benefits like a fisherman!”

At this point, Xu Zigang was entirely immersed in his plan, even the cunning old ghost was startled. He hadn’t expected the thirty-year-old Xu Zigang to think so far ahead, calculating every step, even planning out how to use the Transmission Array to leave Earth and enter the Martial Arts Great World for cultivation. It seemed working with him required caution; there’s no telling if he had other schemes against him.

“You’re right, Earth has reached a point where cultivation is impossible. When it truly comes to this, the old fellows hidden in the three Ancient Martial Worlds might all rush out. At that time, it might be a catastrophe of life, a battle against heaven, or more likely provide us convenience and allow us to benefit without effort.” The cunning old ghost replied with a grin.

“Hence, we actually don’t need to worry; we just have to get the Dragon Crystal in hand, wait for those old fellows to break Earth’s Taoist Principles and reorganize the Ancient Transmission Array. We just need to wait and profit.” Xu Zigang grinned mischievously.

The cunning old ghost nodded; in his heart, he guarded against Xu Zigang, yet admired his boldness. Throughout history, no one has ever heard of anyone absorbing multiple Main Dragon Veins’ Spiritual Energy. Such a prospect is simply jaw-dropping and hard to believe. Even those who’ve reached the Emperor Realm haven’t absorbed multiple Main Dragon Veins. Every Main Dragon Vein on a star determines the life and survival of everything on it. Even if it were feasible, no one would do it; it’s too cruel, leading to mountains of corpses and seas of blood, skeletal remains, and the withering and death of all things.

“Alright, cunning old ghost, we better get going,” Xu Zigang laughed heartily.

“Where to?” The cunning old ghost asked, perplexed.

“To Zhongnanhai, to kill those old fellows and obtain the Dragon Crystal. Then we must use the Dragon Crystal to pinpoint the location of Earth’s Main Dragon Vein. Who knows how much time it will take; better hurry before things get complicated. Besides, I’m eager to see Earth’s Main Dragon Vein and discover its unimaginable power…” Xu Zigang coldly stated.

Their action was swift and unexpected; Xu Zigang and the cunning old ghost went into motion without hesitation or plan, heading for the Capital City’s Zhongnanhai. After all, for individuals at their cultivation realm and combat prowess, there’s no need for any plans or overthinking; continuous killing suffices. Whoever blocks their path faces slaughter.

Xu Zigang and the cunning old ghost were coming, and Ye Tianchen, the Number One Leader, Vice Chairman Yang, Elder Jiang, Elder Hu, and Hei Mian were still in Zhongnanhai’s office discussing, entirely unaware of Xu Zigang and the cunning old ghost’s rapid arrival. A fierce battle was imminent, but could Ye Tianchen alone hold his ground? That seems unlikely.

“Respected elders, I have another suggestion, which is to withdraw all bodyguards from Zhongnanhai, leaving only the hidden Ancient Martial Artists and Superpower Users, everyone else must depart, including the Heavenly Gang War Generals.” Ye Tianchen glanced at Hei Mian and said.

“What? Ye Tianchen, are you out of your mind? You suggest keeping the four leaders here to lure Xu Zigang over, that’s understandable, but shouldn’t we strengthen defenses and security instead? Now you’re proposing withdrawing bodyguards, even us Heavenly Gang War Generals, that’s practically inviting Xu Zigang to charge in!” Hei Mian roared in agitation.

“Yes, we need him to charge in, what if he doesn’t? Should we sacrifice everyone here, including you? You cannot stop him. It’s better to let him in and let me fight him once and for all.” Ye Tianchen replied firmly.

“No way, absolutely no! I know the strength of Martial Artists and even though we Heavenly Gang War Generals are formidable, in the eyes of Martial Artists, we’re no different from ordinary people. But we’re not afraid of death! Even if we have only one ounce of strength left, we’ll fight fiercely to defend the nation; sacrificing our lives is our creed, not even death can change that.” Hei Mian declared resolutely.

“I’m merely expressing my views and suggestions; ultimately, it’s up to the esteemed leaders to decide what to do.” Ye Tianchen shrugged.

The Number One Leader nodded, glanced at Hei Mian, and said, “Hei Mian, immediately give orders for all bodyguards in Zhongnanhai to retreat tonight, including the Heavenly Gang War Generals, leaving only the hidden Superpower Users and Ancient Martial Artists.”

“Leader, we can’t do this; it’s too dangerous. Let us Heavenly Gang War Generals stay to protect you, and have all other bodyguards retreat.” Hei Mian protested worriedly.

“This is an order!” The Number One Leader insisted solemnly.

“Yes!” As per a soldier’s duty, Hei Mian could only loudly comply.