CHAPTER 166: CHAPTER 165 NATIONAL SPIRIT

Chen Xuan couldn’t help but laugh wryly.

Oh right!

Xuan Er is at the First Grade of Spirit and Martial Dual Cultivation, how could he not know that Cosine is at the entrance?

It seems he has disrupted something.

"What’s the matter?" Xuan Er asked, without any trace of anger.

Because Cosine had been standing outside the door for a long time, hesitating with a few attempts to knock on the door, he knew all of it.

But..... maybe Chen Xuan’s arrival was actually a blessing in disguise.

"By the way, disciple wishes to ask about the First Grade realm."

"First Grade?"

Xuan Er raised his eyebrows slightly in confusion, "Why are you asking about this? You’re only Third Grade, and the First Grade is still far off for you. Knowing too much isn’t good!"

It wasn’t that he was unwilling to talk, but it’s too distant for him now. It’s not too late when he reaches the Second Grade.

"Disciple inadvertently read a sentence in a book mentioning the First Grade as Purity! So I am puzzled and wish to seek Master’s guidance."

He had, of course, thought of this reason before coming.

Otherwise, suddenly asking about the First Grade would be too abrupt, and knowing Xuan Er’s personality, there’s a real chance of him not telling or even scolding him for being too ambitious.

"Is that so."

Xuan Er nodded slightly, then continued, "That’s right! First Grade is also known as Purity!"

"Because above the First Grade, there are realms that only those who truly cultivate the First Grade into Purity Body can have the chance to reach."

"But, it’s too difficult!"

"Reaching the First Grade is already as hard as ascending to heaven, let alone a truly pure First Grade!"

"Moreover, the difference among those within the First Grade is substantial, and the key lies in how well one cultivates Purity!"

"Let me put it this way, Purity consists of ten layers, and the strength of the first layer is roughly only half of that of the third layer, and the higher you go, the greater the difference!"

"I see!"

Chen Xuan instantly understood.

He had just broken through to the First Grade and was already at the initial layer of Purity, so what about Xuan Er?

It hadn’t been long since he became First Grade, so curiosity drove him to ask, "Then Master, how many layers of Purity have you cultivated?"

"Just reached the second layer!"

Xuan Er didn’t hide anything and answered directly.

Second layer!

It had only been a few months!

At this rate, wouldn’t he reach the tenth layer in just a few years?

"No wonder they say he’s the most talented disciple in the history of the Divine Movement Sect!"

Chen Xuan couldn’t help but sigh internally.

Xuan Er seemed to perceive his thoughts and explained, "Below the fifth layer, the speed is faster, but beyond the fifth layer, I have no confidence at all! Moreover, most of the First Grades are below the fifth layer."

"So don’t think of it as something so wonderful!"

Sigh—

Chen Xuan was also surprised, not expecting that even a genius like Xuan Er had no confidence beyond the fifth layer.

It seems the path to the First Grade is still a long journey.

When Chen Xuan returned to his room, the girls were already back.

Just like before, with large bags full of things to eat and play with.

Seeing the girls gathered together, all smiles, they were much happier than back at Youlan Mansion.

"It seems women are naturally inclined to enjoy shopping."

...

Great Xia Imperial City.

In front of the Taiji Hall’s main gate.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the rebel army will commence the grand sacrificial ceremony in as soon as seven days."

Qi Lin bowed slightly, respectfully speaking.

"Understood, just keep monitoring the area." Xia Yi’s voice came from within the Taiji Hall.

"Additionally, many experts have already headed to Yonghe Commandery, including some old monsters from ancient clans with heritages spanning millennia. If left unchecked, and should they be recruited by the rebels, then at that time...."

Qi Lin expressed his concerns, as there were quite a few First Grade experts!

"Don’t worry for now, let the rebels hold their sacrificial ceremony! It’s almost time!"

There was a hint of excitement in Xia Yi’s voice.

Having endured for so many years, we’re about to take that step.

"Yes, old minister understands!"

"Furthermore, after the rebels’ ceremony, the National Spirit will be affected, as will the Five Provinces. Be cautious."

The successful ceremony of the rebels essentially meant those four provinces would no longer belong to Great Xia, recognized by Heaven. As such, Great Xia’s original Nine Provinces, abruptly losing four provinces, would weaken its fortune considerably, leading to many unforeseen events.

That’s how it was when Great Xia was originally founded.

"Understood!"

"You may withdraw!"

Qi Lin bowed slightly again in salute before turning to leave.

...

Great Xia Grand Ancestral Temple.

Here, not only are the imperial tablets of over five thousand years of Great Xia kings enshrined.

But more importantly, the National Spirit is also here.

"Greetings to the National Preceptor!"

At the entrance, a man clad in golden armor greeted Qi Lin respectfully.

It was none other than Xu Zhe, the Dragon Guard Commander of the Grand Ancestral Temple, at the First Grade!

"Hmm!"

Qi Lin nodded, advising, "Things will be a bit chaotic recently, you and the Dragon Guard need to be vigilant! No mistakes can be afforded!"

"Yes, National Preceptor!"

Xu Zhe replied solemnly, having guarded the Grand Ancestral Temple for ten years and fully understanding what Qi Lin referred to.

"I will go and take a look inside!"

He then entered the Grand Ancestral Temple, bowing first to the foremost tablet, before heading to the grand hall behind.

"┗|｀O′|┛嗷~~"

The sound of dragon roars echoed.

"Has the National Spirit been like this recently?"

Outside the grand hall, Qi Lin inquired of the leading Dragon Guard.

"Reporting to the National Preceptor, this situation with the National Spirit has been happening since three days ago. Xu Zhe, the commander, went in to check and said there was nothing unusual!"

The Dragon Guard outside immediately replied respectfully.

"Mm! Open the door!"

"Yes!"

The Dragon Guards on either side immediately opened the vermilion doors, producing a deep, muffled sound.

After Qi Lin entered the grand hall, the doors were closed again.

At this moment, a golden five-clawed dragon about three zhang long was coiling on the dragon pillar, emitting waves of golden mist from its body.

The entire hall was enveloped in a golden haze.

"┗|｀O′|┛Roar~~"

Seeing someone enter the hall, the golden dragon immediately roared furiously, spewing a breath of golden dragon towards Qi Lin.

However, Qi Lin did not make the slightest move.

The golden dragon breath disappeared out of thin air three meters away from Qi Lin.

"So irritable! It’s been sensed, right?"

Qi Lin squinted at the irritable golden dragon, murmuring to himself.

The National Spirit is nurtured by the heavens and was later suppressed in this hall by the Nine Dragon Seal.

The entire hall is set up with multiple layers of arrays, which is why he remained unafraid despite the golden dragon spewing its breath towards him.

"I also don’t know what level of National Spirit the rebellious forces will nurture."

Looking at the irritable golden dragon, Qi Lin’s eyes were filled with deep concern.

Your Majesty’s ambition is too great.

If allowed to succeed in establishing their nation, once a high-level National Spirit is nurtured, it will indeed be troublesome.

The Nine Provinces are only so large. When the Great Xia was founded, the golden dragon was not even one zhang long. Five thousand years later, it has only grown to just over three zhang.

And he has studied ancient records and deduced that this should be the limit.

But once the rebellious forces establish their nation and nurture a high-level National Spirit.

As this aspect flourishes, that aspect declines.

The golden dragon will definitely be affected, which also represents the decline of the Great Xia’s fortune. At that time, various celestial phenomena and disasters will surely occur!

That’s also why Xia Yi just reminded him to pay attention to this.

"I hope such a situation won’t occur."

Qi Lin sighed deeply, then, after taking a few more glances at the golden dragon and confirming there were no major issues, left the hall.

...

Yonghe Commandery, Taihe Palace.

"Uncle Wang, has Luo Tian made any moves recently?"

Zhou Zheng sat at the top, asking.

The time for establishing the nation was drawing near, and he was becoming more and more excited. But the more so, the more worried he became, fearing any unexpected events.

Especially regarding Luo Tian, he was the most uneasy.

"It seems he’s trying to win over Xuan Er, from the Divine Movement Sect. He probably has eyes on his Divine Feet Technique."

"Other than that, things are okay for now!"

He certainly knew that Luo Tian’s stance was strong at the beginning. Superficially inviting these masters to boost momentum for the founding of the nation, but in fact, he wants to win them over.

Therefore,

Zhou Yi had long sent people to keep an eye on these masters entering Yonghe Commandery.

"Xuan Er, huh? Can we win him over?"

The Divine Feet Technique, he knew of it. This Divine Technique allows one to cover a hundred miles in a step, and at its highest level, even a thousand miles, ignoring everything.

Moreover, he is a First Grade master.

If such a person could be used for his own purpose, that would be best.

If not, it’s best not to offend him either. Too troublesome; even besieging him wouldn’t work.

Too capable of running away.

"Difficult!" Zhou Yi shook his head and explained, "The one Luo Tian sent will be difficult for Xuan Er to refuse!"

"Who?"

Zhou Zheng asked curiously.

"Alright, you don’t need to worry about this matter. The World-Suppressing Bell is almost repaired. Focus on your cultivation and wait for the sacrificial ceremony. Let’s see what level of National Spirit our Great Zhou can manifest this time!"

He would handle such matters, and he did not wish for Zhou Zheng to be distracted by them.

"Yes, Zheng’Er understands."

Zhou Zheng nodded.

...

At this time, in Luo Tian’s residence.

"How is it? Still haven’t made any progress?" Luo Tian’s gaze was unfriendly, looking at Cosine kneeling below.

"Young Master, Xuan Er seems to have some guard against me. It feels very difficult to make a move."

Cosine’s face was somewhat pale, her voice slightly trembling, and she did not dare to look up at him.

This Young Master of the Sanqing Sect, although young, but when it comes to ruthlessness, there’s no one in the rebellious forces who can match him.

"Hmph! Useless!"

Luo Tian squinted his eyes, his gaze icy, and said coldly, "This Young Master does not care about these, Xuan Er must be taken down before leaving Yonghe Commandery. Your family’s lives were saved by the Sanqing Sect. If you don’t handle this matter well, you know the consequences!"

"I... know!"

Cosine resisted the fear in her heart and said.

"If it really can’t be done, then start with the people around him. A person like Xuan Er values relationships; that’s also a method."

In fact, Luo Tian himself was reluctant to use ’Meng Hua’!

Because once used, that person’s cultivation would also reach its end. For a genius like Xuan Er, who could break through to First Grade on his own, it’s very possible to cultivate to the High-Layer of Purity.

The gap between someone with the Initial Layer of Purity and someone at the High-Layer is too great.

He originally thought that based on Cosine’s relationship with Xuan Er, she could persuade him.

Now it seems he was overly optimistic.

"I’ll try!" Cosine did not dare to disobey him, even if unwilling at heart, but her entire family’s lives were in his hands. She had no choice.

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