Chapter 102: The Visual Imagery Is Simply Stunning (Please Subscribe)

Cheng Guang gently closed his eyes, quietly sensing the divine power within his bloodline beginning to surge like a rising tide. This force, emerging from the depths of his veins, evoked an ancient and profound sensation. His bloodline’s divine power was slowly awakening.

Unbeknownst to him, beneath his skin, golden rivers of blood veins wound and shimmered with a mysterious light.

Suddenly, an intense pain coursed through Cheng Guang’s body—pain that was heart-wrenching and soul-tearing. He felt as if his flesh were being ripped apart. The unexpected agony forced an instinctive cry from his lips, but he quickly bit down hard, suppressing the anguished roar within his throat.

This fierce pain transported him back to the moment he had fused with the ancient imperial bloodline of the Xia Dynasty. The torment lasted an indeterminate length of time, each moment unbearably excruciating. Yet, amid the suffering, Cheng Guang felt a strange pleasure—not from awakening some strange attribute, but a joy born from the divine power stirring deep within his blood.

In a daze, he seemed to see his body becoming translucent, the golden blood veins clearly visible, flowing like streams that gathered into a vast ocean of blood within him. In this vast sea, mysterious points of light gradually condensed into the shape of divine power seals, deeply etched into his primordial spirit. Simultaneously, his spirit radiated dazzling brilliance, like a miniature sun.

A message appeared in his mind at just the right moment:

“Radiance Echo: This bloodline divine power inherited from the ancient Xia Divine Emperor allows you to draw upon the echoes and resonance of your ancestors’ strength. In the process of gaining power, you not only acquire strength but can also establish contact and communication with the ancestral deities still living in the world.”

Cheng Guang examined the bloodline divine power he had awakened, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He had never imagined that awakening the ancient imperial bloodline of Xia would grant him access to the echoes of ancestral power. Was this the legendary blessing of ancestors’ might upon oneself?

More astonishingly, this power allowed him to connect and communicate with the ancestral deities—who, in a sense, were those ancient Xia Divine Emperors. Yet, how could he possibly reach a Divine Emperor long dead for countless years?

Eager to experiment, Cheng Guang focused on the seal of the Radiance Echo divine power etched in his primordial spirit. Compared to the Enchanting Eye divine power seal, this one was far more complex, hinting at immense strength.

With a slight movement of his will, the Radiance Echo seal began to glow softly, its light gentle as moonlight, spreading like a shimmering silk ribbon into the void, forming a bright bridge spanning his mind. One end of the bridge connected to him, the other stretched into the unknown.

Cheng Guang waited quietly. Suddenly, waves of pure, almost unbelievable primordial spirit energy surged from the void, augmenting his own spirit. His body trembled slightly. Though his cultivation level had not broken through, he felt his strength multiply several times over.

Because his cultivation was still too weak to endure such overwhelming spirit energy for long, he could only sustain it briefly before reaching his limit. Persisting longer might shatter his primordial spirit.

Without hesitation, Cheng Guang concentrated and found no messages coming from the other side of the divine power bridge. Considering the ancient Xia Divine Emperor had long perished, it was unsurprising that no ancestral spirits remained to communicate with. This ability to connect with ancestral deities was somewhat useless.

He immediately ceased the bloodline divine power. Nonetheless, this Radiance Echo ability, allowing him to draw power echoes from the ancient Xia Divine Emperor and bolster himself, remained formidable. At his current fifth-grade Spiritual Dao, Tianming Realm cultivation, this bloodline divine power could enable him to defeat sixth-grade Enlightenment Realm Spiritual Dao cultivators. Facing seventh-grade Void Realm experts might still be a stretch.

Still, Cheng Guang was not disappointed. Being able to challenge opponents a full rank above was impressive, especially as the gap between realms widened significantly at higher levels, making cross-realm victories rare.

He exhaled slowly, withdrawing the bloodline divine power and calming his somewhat restless aura.

Once his excitement subdued, Cheng Guang examined his body. The Nine-Transformation Golden Pill he had just swallowed had not been fully digested. Its medicinal potency was overwhelming. He had absorbed only about ten percent; the rest settled within, gradually assimilating to enhance his cultivation. A single such pill could sustain him for over a month. The medicinal power was terrifying.

And this… was merely an auxiliary ingredient used by the master of the Doushuai Palace for refining pills. Outrageous.

Carefully, Cheng Guang stored the mysterious jade gourd. Then, as if recalling something, he glanced at his system. During the chaos in Doushuai Palace, he had been preoccupied with handling the Red-Robed Daoist youth and had neglected the system.

Now he recalled that at some point, a system task completion prompt had sounded in his mind:

“Re-explore Doushuai Palace, task complete.”

“Claim reward?”

Cheng Guang lightly moved his will: “Claim!”

Upon his command, resplendent golden radiance blossomed before him, flowing like a stream from the void, slowly coalescing into a scroll-like image. The scroll appeared in black and white, each side marked with clear yin and yang dots, unmistakably a Taiji diagram.

Cheng Guang reached out and touched the Taiji diagram, which floated suspended in the golden light. The faint image solidified instantly.

Simultaneously, a message appeared in his mind:

“Taiji Diagram (Royal Grade): Capable of controlling time within a designated area, imprisoning time to either accelerate or decelerate its flow.”

Cheng Guang’s eyes widened involuntarily. Control time? Accelerate or slow time’s passage? This was… absurdly powerful.

In this world, even celestial beings could not manipulate time or space—eternal, untouchable constants. Yet, this Taiji Diagram could control time flow, albeit only within a certain area and unable to alter time’s speed on an individual alone. Still, the ability was immense.

He imagined that if he employed the Taiji Diagram, even if only to hasten cultivation, something that might originally take a hundred years to reach the Celestial Realm could be achieved in less than a decade thanks to this time acceleration.

His spirits lifted, thinking this royal-grade artifact surpassed the Heavenly Grade Concealment Pearl in sheer power.

After bonding with the diagram by dripping a drop of his blood, Cheng Guang understood its usage method.

He decided to test the extent of time flow control.

With a gentle toss, the black-and-white Taiji Diagram separated within a strange glow, transforming into a jade and gold bridge stretching between heaven and earth, enveloping his entire chamber.

Within this space, Cheng Guang felt not like a mere novice but a god wielding the power of heaven and earth.

He glanced at a bouquet on the windowsill, lightly tapping it. The branches, which had been gently swaying, paused; the vibrant petals dulled slightly, as if losing moisture.

Cheng Guang had expected the bouquet to wither instantly under accelerated time but was surprised it merely faded somewhat.

He felt a twinge of disappointment. The range of time control seemed limited.

Increasing the time flow to maximum, he found the acceleration barely doubled, at most a bit more.

This was somewhat underwhelming.

Still, he sighed, not overly disappointed. Unlimited time acceleration would render him invincible, able to kill with a mere touch. But a modest increase could speed cultivation and slow opponents in battle, granting a tactical edge.

Satisfied, Cheng Guang stored the Taiji Diagram, opened the doors and windows, and sent Qing Luan, his personal maid, to rest early. Tomorrow’s wedding would keep her busy.

After Qing Luan left, Cheng Guang closed the doors and windows, lay down, and cultivated the Divine Emperor’s method, visualizing divine images.

At midnight, he opened his eyes slightly.

A cold, emotionless voice echoed in his mind:

“Year 34 of the Proof of Sage Era, September 1st, sixty-first day as a Celestial Realm cultivator: You re-explored Doushuai Palace and obtained a Nine-Transformation Golden Pill, elevating your cultivation. You feel great joy.

“Yet, thoughts of Qin Yanqiu’s death cause unease.

“Qin Yanqiu’s demise appears only the catalyst for the Northern Expedition Army’s decline. Afterward, anomalies arose on the border battlefields.

“Chaos erupted within the Great Yan Dynasty; the army abruptly withdrew from the border war zone. The frontier, once jointly guarded by the four great kingdoms of the realm, was lost. Swarms of demons poured into the Great Yan territory and even bypassed to besiege Zhenbei City near the Great Zhou Dynasty.

“Zhenbei City was beset on two fronts, with frequent battles. The Duke of the Nation was severely wounded in combat against a demon emperor, and many senior officers of the Northern Expedition Army perished.

“The Duke’s injury and the loss of senior commanders shattered the army’s morale.

“This unforeseen turmoil, sparked by the Great Yan Dynasty, severely wounded the Duke and his commanders.

“After the Duke and surviving commanders repelled the demons at great cost, Qin Gaozhi, who succeeded Qin Yanqiu, rose to a high position, becoming the highest-ranking general beneath you in the Northern Expedition Army.

“Unexpectedly, after Qin Gaozhi’s ascent, he ceased loyalty to you and turned to the Great Zhou Emperor. The emperor seized the opportunity to reclaim the Northern Expedition Army, causing the Duke’s influence to wane.

“Despite the Great Zhou Dynasty’s decline under Prince Nanming and others, with or without the Duke’s Northern Expedition Army, the dynasty’s fate was sealed. Yet, you cannot accept this.

“You cannot accept Qin Gaozhi’s betrayal.

“Considering the deaths of the Duke and other commanders, and Qin Gaozhi’s rise as supreme commander, you suspect hidden truths beyond mere accidents.

“Following the Great Zhou Emperor’s death, Qin Gaozhi refused to serve the new empress. Instead, he allied with Prince Nanming, who you later killed. Fearing your revenge, Qin Gaozhi disappeared.

“You vow not to let Qin Gaozhi off easily and to teach him a profound lesson.

“Second-Star Task: Teach Qin Gaozhi a profound lesson.

“Reward: Demon-Slaying Armor (Heavenly Grade).”

Cheng Guang listened carefully, stunned by the system’s revelations.

What was happening? After Qin Yanqiu’s death, the Great Yan Dynasty descended into chaos, abruptly withdrawing from the border war zone? What turmoil could force such recklessness, allowing countless demons to infiltrate the dynasty’s lands?

Cheng Guang vaguely recalled a prior system prompt showing that even when the Great Zhou Dynasty faced overthrow, the emperor never allowed the Duke and Northern Expedition Army to retreat from the border. Could the turmoil in the Great Yan Dynasty be even worse?

He found it difficult to comprehend.

His gaze fixed upon the name “Qin Gaozhi” in the prompt.

Cheng Guang remembered him well—Qin Yanqiu’s sycophant, an exclusive one who tolerated no rivals.

He stroked his chin, pondering the system’s hints.

The turmoil in the Great Yan Dynasty led to withdrawal from the border, demons besieging Zhenbei City, and deaths among the Northern Expedition Army’s leadership.

Yet, Cheng Guang could not believe the Duke and all senior commanders perished by demonic hands. Zhenbei City was never breached. No demons had penetrated the Northern Expedition Army’s defenses into Great Zhou territory.

At worst, a few might be injured, a couple possibly killed.

But every senior officer dying simultaneously, allowing a greenhorn like Qin Gaozhi to rise to supreme command? Preposterous.

Cheng Guang suspected hidden conspiracies. Perhaps the Duke and commanders were betrayed from within, not slain by demons. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?

His scalp tingled, unable to guess who could have targeted the Duke in Zhenbei City—especially orchestrating a grand scheme that incited chaos in the Great Yan Dynasty, forced army withdrawal, demon siege, and the massacre of top generals.

It was beyond mere collusion with demons.

Who was the mastermind? The Great Zhou Emperor? Qin Gaozhi? Or someone else?

His mind swirled in confusion.

He doubted the Great Zhou Emperor. Maybe the emperor feared the Duke’s rising power but would never engage in such reckless acts. He still relied on the Duke to guard the frontier.

If he had orchestrated the Duke’s death and the army’s fall, the frontier would be lost, harming his own dynasty.

As for Qin Gaozhi, Cheng Guang frowned and dismissed him. Qin Gaozhi was unworthy of such a role. The turmoil’s mastermind was beyond this sycophant.

Qin Gaozhi likely just got lucky, seized power, then abandoned loyalty to Cheng Guang for the Great Zhou Emperor.

At that time, with the heir and the Light Brigade gone, the Northern Expedition Army dissolved, Qin Gaozhi probably saw little difference between holding the heir’s title and being an ordinary noble.

Cheng Guang could roughly understand Qin Gaozhi’s future intentions.

Still unable to identify who targeted the Northern Expedition Army, the chaos, withdrawal, and demon siege clearly aimed to eliminate the army’s leadership and erase its existence.

Whether the Great Yan Dynasty’s turmoil had already erupted or not, demons would soon be advancing on Zhenbei City.

The current peace was but a fleeting calm before the storm.

Even if it had not occurred, Cheng Guang was powerless to prevent it. The Great Yan Dynasty was too distant, and he lacked the strength to intervene.

Despite foreknowledge, he felt a helplessness.

He took a deep breath. At least now, he knew what was coming and could react swiftly if the Great Yan Dynasty fell into chaos and withdrew from the border.

Aside from the unknown mastermind, the rest was clear.

He resolved to warn the Duke of the Nation, Cheng Shiyuan, at tomorrow’s wedding, so he could prepare defenses. Even if the turmoil was orchestrated, the plan would be harder to succeed.

Lost in thought, Cheng Guang went to bed. After organizing his thoughts, he felt oddly weary. He was only here to marry, yet so many troubles surrounded him. Damn it.

Tomorrow, he would find a chance to teach Qin Gaozhi a lesson.

With a mind full of concerns, Cheng Guang sank into sleep.

——

The next day, the sky over Zhenbei City was bitterly cold. Before dawn, gray snow drifted down, blanketing flowers and grass with white frost. Morning mists lent the scene a somber beauty.

Qing Luan was already busy elsewhere before sunrise.

After washing and briefly cultivating, Cheng Guang strolled around the Duke’s mansion. Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere was more festive, with lanterns and banners hung everywhere. Many servants and maids wore new clothes, their faces bright with smiles.

Long shadowed by war, the city rarely experienced such joyous occasions, and many hearts were lifted.

Fires burned in various places within the residence, the rising smoke adding warmth to the cold day. Preparations for the wedding feast were underway.

Cheng Guang wandered briefly before heading to the main hall.

Walking along the stone path, he casually observed the surroundings when he suddenly heard footsteps.

“Young Master,” Qing Luan approached swiftly, dressed in a brocade jacket, her long blue-black hair pinned neatly. Her pale face showed signs of fatigue from the day’s early activity.

She scrutinized Cheng Guang’s attire, lips pursed, “Young Master, why are you still wearing those clothes? The wedding is soon—you should change into your formal wear.”

Cheng Guang smiled and stopped. “No rush. It’ll be a while before I go to escort Qin Yanqiu. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with what I’m wearing…”

“Not handsome enough?”

He teased, winking at Qing Luan.

Her cheeks flushed slightly. “Handsome, but not proper etiquette. Even if General Qin and others don’t mind, the Duke’s household must observe decorum.”

She stepped forward, gently tugging his sleeve. “Young Master, come. I’ll take you to change. You still have to meet the Duke.”

Cheng Guang acquiesced, following her back inside. After a quick freshen-up, he donned a fine red ceremonial robe, embodying the classic groom.

He studied his reflection—handsome, though somewhat lacking in spirit. In his past life, though never married, he had experienced enough to know the difference. Weddings here were far more traditional, lacking groomsmen or the antics of old friends. It felt a bit melancholic.

Qing Luan smoothed his sleeve with a cool hand, stepping back with a faint smile.

“All set, Young Master.”

He nodded, opened the door, and set out with Qing Luan toward the main hall.

Along the way, many soldiers now gathered inside the Duke’s mansion. Upon seeing Cheng Guang, they smiled respectfully, nodding as he passed, only returning to their tasks once he had gone by.

He overheard their chatter:

“Truly, the Young Master is extraordinarily handsome.”

“Only someone like him could match Miss Qin.”

“Most of the Northern Expedition Army are rough men, hardly fit for a lady like Miss Qin.”

“Many young soldiers secretly admired Miss Qin; now they’ll be crying at their doors tonight.”

Their teasing laughter created a lively atmosphere.

Cheng Guang paid little mind; the soldiers meant no harm, merely lighthearted banter.

Indeed, Qin Yanqiu was revered as a Valkyrie in the army, both for her looks and prowess, a formidable figure all on her own.

Many admired her silently, too ashamed to express their feelings.

Qin Gaozhi was the most prominent of these secret admirers.

Lost in thought, Cheng Guang soon arrived at the main hall.

Inside, the Duke of the Nation, Cheng Shiyuan, wore a splendid new robe, likely unearthed from some old chest, pristine as if never worn before, prepared specifically for today.

His aged face bore a faint smile full of emotion.

He rarely saw his grandson; years might pass between visits. The last time, Cheng Guang had only reached his waist in height. Now, taller than him, he was here to witness his wedding.

The Duke’s eyes glistened with affection as he beckoned Cheng Guang forward. Examining him closely, he adjusted the young man’s robes and smiled gently.

“Grandson, your wedding was supposed to be in the capital, but this old man wished to witness your marriage here in Zhenbei City.”

“There’s nothing grand here, so the wedding must be simple. You can have a proper ceremony back in the capital.”

“Though I likely won’t live to see that day.”

His smile carried a touch of bitterness.

At his age, while others enjoyed their families, he remained alone on the frontier. He saw his grandson so infrequently.

Once married, who knew when they’d meet again?

The Duke’s proud, tiger-like eyes reddened with a trace of sadness.

Cheng Guang felt his emotions but said nothing, bowing slightly.

“It’s fine. Marrying here in Zhenbei City is wonderful enough.”

The Duke relaxed, then glanced toward the hall’s entrance.

“The time is near. You should go now.”

“Though simple, the wedding procession cannot be skipped.”

“Miss Qin is likely waiting inside.”

“Go quickly.”

With a slight wave, the Duke sent him off.

Cheng Guang nodded, briefly chatting before leaving with Qing Luan.

Outside the mansion, a squad of soldiers formed ranks, exuding an imposing aura.

After stepping outside, a soldier led out a magnificent beast resembling a tiger, radiating a powerful presence that even Cheng Guang felt pressing.

A bright red flower hung around the beast’s neck, heightening the ceremonial air.

Noticing Cheng Guang’s astonishment, a soldier explained, “Young Master, this is the Duke’s steed. The Duke treasures it dearly; no one else may touch it.”

“Today, the Duke ordered it brought here for you as your mount.”

Cheng Guang understood this as the Duke’s gesture—though Zhenbei City lacked riches, he offered the best he had.

Mounting the beast, called the Sky-Seizing Tiger, Cheng Guang felt its terrifying power but found it obedient, giving a low roar and stepping forward steadily.

The long procession behind began moving, drums beating—not with battle fervor but festive joy.

Soldiers raised swords, singing war songs to celebrate the Young Master’s wedding.

A wedding in a city of war carried a distinct military flavor, a novel but not unpleasant experience for Cheng Guang.

Escorted by soldiers’ cheers, he traveled from the Duke’s mansion to Qin Yanqiu’s residence.

——

Although only a few miles away, the journey took several quarters of an hour due to the enthusiastic crowd.

The soldiers’ excitement was palpable, as if it were their own wedding, not Cheng Guang’s.

He sensed their pent-up tension loosening amid the rare joy.

Upon arriving, Cheng Guang dismounted and approached the gate.

Numerous people awaited him, including Qin Beifeng and Qin Gaozhi.

Qin Beifeng greeted Cheng Guang warmly, bowing respectfully.

“Young Master.”

Though his daughter was betrothed to Cheng Guang, Qin Beifeng acknowledged his superior status.

Cheng Guang smiled. “No need for formality, Uncle Qin. Let’s keep it casual.”

Pleased by the groom’s kindness, Qin Beifeng was grateful his daughter had found such a match, though he worried about her temper.

He led Cheng Guang inside.

“Miss Qin is ready. You may go fetch her.”

Cheng Guang nodded, following Qin Beifeng toward the bridal chamber.

Along the way, he sensed a piercing gaze fixed on him—undoubtedly Qin Gaozhi.

Though Cheng Guang avoided meeting Qin Gaozhi’s eyes, he imagined the young man’s clenched teeth and grinding fury.

He smirked internally, planning how to give Qin Gaozhi a lesson.

It would be easy, but for now, he set the matter aside to focus on the wedding.

Soon, they arrived at the chamber. Through the gauze window, Cheng Guang saw a restless figure inside.

Pushing the door open, he entered.

The room’s decor was stark—lacking the softness and elegance of typical noblewomen’s quarters. Instead of poetry or art, the table was piled with military treatises and ancient texts; a lone wooden comb lay among them, with no cosmetics in sight.

Cheng Guang’s gaze settled on Qin Yanqiu, seated before the dressing table, her head draped in red silk.

Her fair hands clenched tightly, fingertips tinged blue.

Though indifferent to the marriage and unfamiliar with romance, she could not conceal her nervousness.

Beneath her red robe, a silver-white battle armor gleamed faintly.

Tsk. That must be her last stubborn stand.

Cheng Guang smiled, stepping forward without hesitation, boldly taking her cold hand.

Though battle-hardened, her hands were soft and smooth—pleasant to hold.

Despite her usual composure in battle, she was visibly tense, sweat dampening her palm. Facing a demon emperor was surely less daunting than this moment.

He chuckled softly, pulling her up.

As Qin Yanqiu stepped out, Qin Beifeng outside was stunned, eyeing the silver armor beneath her red robes.

Poor child… already married and still wearing armor? This was no time for battle gear, not when about to join the groom in the bridal chamber.

Qin Beifeng sighed, realizing his advice to wear something nicer had been ignored completely.

He hesitated to comment further with the groom present, finally resigning himself.

“Let’s go, Young Master,” he said respectfully, leading Cheng Guang outside.

Weddings in Zhenbei City were simple affairs. A grander ceremony awaited in the capital, but Cheng Guang was already weary thinking about it.

He rode the Sky-Seizing Tiger while Qin Yanqiu was carried in a palanquin by soldiers.

She looked more like a general heading into battle than a bride.

Cheng Guang glanced at her once, feeling a bit intoxicated by the scene.

He then noticed Qin Gaozhi trailing behind, still glaring fiercely despite his efforts to mask it with a polite smile and nod.

Cheng Guang’s keen observation saw through the facade.

He stroked his chin, smiling faintly, and turned away without a word.

Qin Gaozhi followed, puzzled by the strange smile.

“Could he see through me?” Qin Gaozhi wondered, shaking his head.

Impossible. The Young Master couldn’t care less about me.

He looked at Qin Yanqiu seated regally in the palanquin, heart breaking silently.

Suddenly, the palanquin’s door opened, and the figure in the red robe mounted the Sky-Seizing Tiger leapt inside, sitting beside Qin Yanqiu, taking her hand and pulling her close.

Though startled, she said nothing, pressing her hand quietly into his palm.

Soldiers nearby cheered enthusiastically.

“The Young Master and Miss Qin are a perfect match!”

“Indeed! The feast will celebrate their union grandly.”

“Only the Young Master could match Miss Qin. No one else comes close.”

“Look, Miss Qin seems to like the Young Master, clinging to him tightly.”

Qin Beifeng’s worried expression brightened. The Young Master’s actions showed affection, not disdain.

He wondered if the Young Master truly favored his daughter’s fiery nature.

He didn’t understand but felt relief and joy.

Meanwhile, Qin Gaozhi’s face darkened with rage.

Hearing the soldiers praise their match nearly pushed him to the brink.

They didn’t match!

Suppressing his fury, Qin Gaozhi felt powerless.

He had tried in the capital to persuade Cheng Guang to break the engagement, unable to change Qin Beifeng’s or Qin Yanqiu’s minds, nor the Duke’s.

The only hope was for Cheng Guang to end it himself.

Yet all his efforts were wasted.

Clenching his fists, head bowed, teeth clenched, Qin Gaozhi seethed silently.

A living portrait—“The Humiliated Youth.”

Cheng Guang glanced at Qin Gaozhi’s humiliated, helpless expression and laughed softly.

Poor kid, truly patient—more so than the Ninja Turtles.

He had expected to provoke Qin Gaozhi into losing control and thus justify teaching him a lesson. But Qin Gaozhi was stubbornly enduring.

He would need to devise other means to deal with him.

Stroking his chin, Cheng Guang turned away.

——

(End of chapter)