A person born with a mind sharp and delicate, like seven perfect openings in a jade vessel, absorbing vast knowledge and boundless energies.

  This heart, both clever and full of mystery, holds the essence of the world—its rhythm and grandeur flowing through it. The forces of nature slowly blend in, stirring within this heart as if refining itself, or perhaps, growing stronger.

  The blood and bones could never conceal the brilliance of this heart. Lu Qingmo observed it closely, but still, she couldn't grasp its true nature.

  Is this the legendary Heart of Boundless Qi?

  Lu Qingmo couldn't help but wonder, sensing that something was off.

  She couldn’t understand it, yet she was deeply shaken.

  In this space, all the strange phenomena were completely absorbed by the Seven-Aperture Heart.

  The heart paused for a moment, its beat disappearing. But when it returned, waves of radiant energy began to spill from it, filling every limb, every sinew, every inch of flesh.

  Han himself was bathed in a radiant, iridescent glow—an aura of pure righteousness. Just looking at him, all that came to mind was a single thought.

  Such overwhelming righteousness, like an imposing force, too grand to gaze upon directly.

  A huge hand appeared silently, no longer just shining with iridescent light on the surface.

  Now, the entire hand was composed of boundless, radiant energy, exuding a terrifying aura—an aura not of the Sun's Dao, but one that struck fear into the heart.

  The Heart of Boundless Qi... is complete!

  Everything slowly faded, returning to clarity.

  Han smiled, in a good mood.

  As expected from the teachings passed down by a disciple of the Qi Sage, the knowledge was truly extraordinary, allowing him to skip over many steps and step directly into the threshold of the Boundless Qi.

  With this power, the first volume of the Boundless Great Palm, which was originally at the Sun’s level, instantly became far more powerful.

  What was more important, was that when using Boundless Qi in his Dao techniques, it had a remarkable suppressive effect on ghosts, spirits, and all things in the Yin realm.

  This had far more significance than merely increasing the potency of his Dao technique.

  Facing an opponent wielding Boundless Qi, most creatures of the Yin realm would naturally be weaker.

  Dao techniques might fade over time, but Boundless Qi would remain. This unique suppression would diminish, but never disappear.

  “Although I knew you'd reach this stage eventually, I didn’t expect it to be so soon.” Lu Qingmo approached, genuinely amazed.

  “You truly are an enigma.”

  Han chuckled, “It just... clicked.”

  Lu Qingmo didn’t suspect anything—after all, enlightenment comes with insight, and sudden epiphanies were not unusual for Han.

  This wasn’t the first time Han had such a breakthrough, and given their relationship, Lu Qingmo couldn’t help but think, More of these, please.

  “Without any direct teachings or guidance from a great master, you figured out the Boundless Qi on your own? If you went to the Sacred Academy, they’d surely take you in as a disciple.”

  “And if I go to the Sacred Academy... will I gain immortality?” Han asked, grinning.

  Lu Qingmo laughed, “I’ve never heard of anyone achieving immortality, not even the gods.”

  “Then, no immortality? In that case, I won’t go.”

  “If you don’t go to the Sacred Academy, you’ll have to figure out how to use Boundless Qi on your own.”

  This was a rare power, and only the Sacred Academy had a system to teach its full potential.

  But Han was unconcerned, smiling.

  “Perhaps I’ll forge my own path, one that’s completely different from the Sacred Academy.”

  “By the way, Aunt Mo, with my current progress, can I exchange for the second volume of the Boundless Great Palm from the Ghosts and Spirits Department?”

  Lu Qingmo paused to think before nodding.

  “Of course, I’ll request it for you.”

  The second volume was an advanced Dao technique.

  If combined with Boundless Qi, it would be extraordinarily powerful.

  Han nodded happily. With the Yin Fire Seal and the Sacred-level second volume of the Boundless Great Palm, though his Dao combat techniques were few, they were potent.

  Mastering Boundless Qi meant that Han had practically overcome his previous limitations in Dao techniques.

  Things were finally looking up.

  The next day, Zuo Tianzheng sent someone to invite them again, but this time, his messenger specifically said that only Taibai was needed to represent the guild master.

  The implication was clear: Han, as a disciple, was no longer needed.

  How dare they look down on me, the future guild master’s backup!

  Zhang Yuantao frowned and asked, “What does Lord Zuo want this time?”

  Shen Yu sneered, “Ever since Zuo Tianzheng arrived in Heiyun Town, none of the martial families here have had a peaceful day.”

  Han glanced outside at Bai Ruoyue’s figure quickly disappearing.

  “We’ll find out when the senior sister returns.”

  Since Han’s promotion to the Zangfu Realm, his martial arts training had added a new component.

  That was to comprehend the Five Zang and Six Fu.

  After his breakthrough, he had enjoyed a few days of insight through dreams, and during these dreams, he had taken Five Zang and Six Fu divine pills, experiencing the sensation of awakening the spirits of his internal organs.

  He had been trying to recapture that feeling in the waking world, hoping to awaken the spirit of his organs.

  The two Earth-grade pills he had didn’t expire, but he hadn’t used them yet.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  In the waking world, pills could be consumed only once. These pills temporarily awaken the spirits of the organs, and under certain circumstances, might let the spirit take residence there.

  Han wanted to improve his chances before consuming the pills, hoping to awaken the spirit of his organs on his own first.

  Without the dream experiences, this would have been impossible, but with them, the sensation was within reach.

  Over time, Han had made progress. He faintly sensed that the spirits of his organs were hiding deep within, as though in another space.

  There was also the Yulong stone, which was a reference for his training.

  Once it stopped providing insights for his cultivation in the Zangfu Realm, Han planned to absorb it to enhance his own powers.

  The future was promising.

  Bai Ruoyue’s return this time was delayed, and when she arrived, her expression wasn’t good.

  Han approached her, asking, “What did Zuo Tianzheng say?”

  “Nothing good,” Bai Ruoyue sniffed.

  “He’s deluded. This man from Yujing doesn’t understand Heiyun Town or Heishan!”

  “The high and mighty officials have been away from the bottom for too long, always pushing for things based on assumptions, trying to force through nonsensical plans!”

  “What happened?”

  “During this meeting, neither Aunt Mo nor the Jiangdu officials from the Dingwu Department were invited. Zuo Tianzheng only invited the martial families and non-governmental forces,” Bai Ruoyue explained.

  “Not just from Heiyun Town, but from other counties and even famous rogue cultivators.”

  “Why invite so many people? What does he want to do?”

  Everyone was puzzled.

  “Pah! Just an old fool.”

  Bai Ruoyue’s words made everyone laugh.

  They had heard of ‘yellow-mouthed children,’ but an ‘old fool’ was a new one.

  “Zuo Tianzheng claimed that last time he sent people into Heishan to hunt down evil cultivators, they had some success.” Bai Ruoyue glanced at Shen Long and the others.

  “Although Shen Long and the others didn’t find those evil cultivators, Zuo Tianzheng’s followers had some results and managed to kill them.”

  Shen Long nodded, “Well, at least our trip wasn’t in vain.”

  Evil and heretical forces were to be eradicated, and killing them was always a good thing.

  “Now, here’s the key,” Bai Ruoyue imitated Zuo Tianzheng’s tone.

  “Based on reports from my subordinates, the situation inside Heishan is grim. Those who enter can act lawlessly, killing without reason.”

  “Heishan is not a lawless place. It must be brought under the government’s control.”

  “Those were Zuo Tianzheng’s exact words.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Bai Ruoyue sneered, “Zuo Tianzheng even suggested that all factions send people to join the Heiyun Guard and go into Heishan to maintain order, to stop random killing by the cultivators.”

  “He claims it’s to preserve the cultivator strength for Daqi and prevent lives from being wasted.”

  Han and the others exchanged confused glances.

  Send people into Heishan to maintain order?

  Was he serious?

  How could such a suggestion come from a government commissioner?

  “A rather interesting dream,” Zhang Yuantao remarked.

  Han silently nodded, “Sending the Heiyun Guard into Heishan to maintain order—truly a genius idea.”

  The forces from all counties came to Heiyun Town for what?

  To claim the resources of Heishan with their fists and blades, securing their future.

  “How can you justify sending people to control Black Mountain?”

  Zuo Tianzheng has the royal family backing him, so he’s probably never been short of cultivation resources.

  But for the lower-level cultivators around, Black Mountain might be their only hope for breaking through their limits and advancing to higher realms.

  In the past, the Mountain God, the ruler of Black Mountain, forbade entry, but now that the Mountain God has agreed, Zuo Tianzheng wants to enforce his own approach.

  It’s like cutting off the slim hope that these cultivators have worked so hard to gain.

  They look to Black Mountain to improve their lives, but now you want to stop them?

  And maintaining order there? It’s not as easy as he thinks.

  If Black Cloud Guards are sent into Black Mountain, and two warriors discover a spiritual plant, would it lead to a battle to claim it?

  What happens if Black Cloud Guards are there?

  Would they tell them: “Stop fighting. I’ll take care of this spiritual plant for now, and when we’re out of Black Mountain, I’ll divide it up among you”?

  Or maybe they would immediately decide who gets it, like splitting it in half?

  That’s absurd.

  The biggest problem is, who can control people’s hearts perfectly?

  Once inside Black Mountain, with so many Black Cloud Guards around, how can they ensure order is maintained, not destroyed? Who can guarantee that?

  With treasures right in front of them, do you really expect these people, who came for the treasures, to suppress their desires and uphold justice? Is that even possible?

  Zuo Tianzheng’s idea is full of flaws, and for a moment, Han didn’t know what to say.

  This approach goes against what most cultivators would want.

  Could it be that Lord Zuo is truly a genius?

  After a moment of silence, Han asked, “What did the representatives of other forces say?”

  Bai Ruoyue looked confused.

  “After Zuo Tianzheng spoke, some immediately agreed, praising him as a true man of the people.”

  “The people from Tenglong Martial Academy were the quickest to agree.”

  Han thought for a moment and recalled that night.

  “Tenglong Martial Academy must have been in contact with Zuo Tianzheng privately several times. They’ve probably already fully sided with him.”

  “Surely some people disagreed, though?”

  “Many forces disagreed,” Bai Ruoyue nodded. “Zuo Tianzheng said a lot of nonsense trying to convince us, but there were still some who didn’t agree.”

  “I didn’t agree either.”

  “Staying in Black Mountain to maintain order is like playing with your life.”

  Black Mountain is a place where anything can happen. One wrong move, and you’re dead.

  Just then, Han’s communicator beeped.

  “Aunt Mo?”

  “Did Zuo Tianzheng visit the Taibai Martial Academy again today?”

  “Yes, the senior sister is back.”

  “He’s an idiot, don’t listen to him,” Lu Qingmo expressed her displeasure with Zuo Tianzheng’s proposal.

  “Does he think he’s the Mountain God?”

  “Aunt Mo, why didn’t you show up today?” Bai Ruoyue asked loudly.

  “Zuo Tianzheng didn’t notify me or Jiang Duan, bypassed the both of us and contacted you directly,” Lu Qingmo said, adding a few more words before hanging up the communicator.

  “Zuo Tianzheng and the Black Cloud Two Offices probably don’t get along too well,” Zhang Yuantao shook his head.

  “But I can’t understand Zuo Tianzheng’s idea at all.”

  “Who can?” Han glanced at Bai Ruoyue and asked, “Since some people don’t want to join the Black Cloud Guards, what did Zuo Tianzheng say in the end?”

  “He said he would give us time to think it over, and those who agree would form the Black Cloud Guards to enter Black Mountain and start maintaining order.”

  “Oh, and he also brought some martial arts manuals and mystical Taoist skills with him from Yujing. They’re quite impressive. Anyone who agrees to his proposal and makes a contribution will be rewarded.”

  “That’s bribery…”

  Han wondered if this Imperial Envoy really was such an idealist, so concerned for the country and its people.

  “Also, that Long Tianchong was so sarcastic in front of everyone,” Bai Ruoyue said angrily.

  “He said that my father left early, not late, and it must have been premeditated before Zuo Tianzheng came.”

  “Sounds infuriating. If it weren’t for the crowd, I’d have punched him twice, kicked him twice.”

  Slap here, slap there, senior sister is quite cute...

  “Don’t pay attention to that Long Tianchong. He’s just a useless idiot.”

  After Bai Ruoyue finished talking about today’s events, Han and the others discussed their next steps.

  They couldn’t afford to enter Black Mountain; it was like seeking death.

  Shen Long and the others, being part of the Black Cloud Guards, would simply do their usual duties to maintain Black Cloud’s stability.

  Safety always comes first.

  After discussing the matter, Bai Ruoyue stood up.

  “I’m so angry today. Little junior brother, come with me.”

  “Why?”

  “To vent.”

  “…”

  “I’m so fragile, isn’t that a bit much?”

  “Senior sister, can you feel the changes in your internal organs?” Han asked.

  Bai Ruoyue had been taking the Internal Organs Divine Pills since the second day of her dream journey, not knowing how many she had consumed. As long as she was dreaming, she kept taking them, keeping her internal organs’ divine state active.

  The two-month-long dream made her attain a profound understanding of her internal organs’ divine state, far ahead of others.

  Had Han received his dream cultivation cheat at the same time as Bai Ruoyue, he was certain that he would have achieved the eternal awakening of his internal organs’ divine state by now.

  Unfortunately, his cultivation time was a bit later, and he didn’t enjoy the benefits from the dream journey.

  Bai Ruoyue nodded. “I do have some insights. It feels like there’s something hidden inside my body, like something is about to break through, but I can’t really explain it.”

  “It’s a very mysterious feeling.”

  She hesitated and then added, “Junior brother, since you’re also cultivating in this area, you can observe mine.”

  “Perhaps it could help you.”

  Han was thrilled. “This will definitely help me.”

  “You’re the best, senior sister.”

  Bai Ruoyue’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I’m not that great.”

  “Shall we go to the meditation room now?” Han couldn’t wait.

  “Alright.”

  They headed straight to the meditation room.

  With the master not home, Han figured it would be a great chance to go into the meditation room and do as he pleased. No one could stop him now!

  The entire martial academy was his domain!

  Who could control him?

  Han’s spiritual energy extended and entered Bai Ruoyue’s body to find what he needed—the internal organs’ divine state she had comprehended so well.

  He was focused on the divine state and wasn’t looking for anything inappropriate.

  He wasn’t that kind of person.

  He was reading the Qi Jing!

  Bai Ruoyue trembled slightly, as this kind of spiritual power entering her body felt very strange. It was like being completely exposed, with no privacy in front of the other person.

  Normally, a warrior’s strong body, male vitality, and profound qi would instinctively block such spiritual power.

  But in this case, Bai Ruoyue had actively opened herself up, allowing Han to enter.

  If it had to be someone, it could only be her junior brother.