Chapter 71: Such a Genius Exists in the Great Zhou!?
After a hearty laugh, Cheng Zhihai began introducing the guest to Cheng Guang.
“Guang’er, this is Deng Tian’a, the Lord of Martial Emperor City. He is one of only two people in our Great Zhou who has reached the Celestial level in martial arts cultivation.”
“This time, your grandfather paid a great price to invite Senior Deng here to teach you the martial arts. You must study diligently.”
As Cheng Zhihai finished speaking with a smile, Deng Tian’a—better known as Old Deng—suddenly waved his hand, chuckling. “It’s all an empty reputation, nothing but a name.”
“What Celestial level? My so-called Celestial level was reached with little effort, just casual cultivation. It’s nothing compared to Lord Protector, who forged his way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.”
After Deng Tian’a spoke, Cheng Zhihai’s smile almost faltered, but his good upbringing held his words in check. Instead, he turned to introduce his son to Deng Tian’a.
“Senior Deng, this is my son. The Cheng family’s martial path relies too much on talent and on killing. So, after discussing with my father, we decided it’s best for him to follow your martial path.”
“His martial aptitude isn’t high. Forcing him onto the path of slaughter would be too dangerous and full of accidents. Perhaps, if he walks your path, he may achieve greater things.”
Once Cheng Zhihai finished, Deng Tian’a glanced at Cheng Guang, stretched out his withered hand, and in an instant, grabbed Cheng Guang’s arm before the boy could even react.
As he realized what had happened, Deng Tian’a was already standing before him.
Then, Cheng Guang felt a warm flow of vital energy enter his meridians like a trickling stream, carefully probing his body and foundation.
After a moment, Deng Tian’a paused, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, faintly astonished.
“You say your son’s martial aptitude isn’t high?”
“Do you realize how many martial artists across the land would die of envy if they heard that?”
He looked at Cheng Zhihai with a helpless expression, as if suddenly enlightened. “You mean, no matter how high his martial aptitude, it cannot compare to his spiritual path, right? Rather than battle and bloodshed, you’d prefer he focus on cultivating the spiritual path. So, I’m just here as a prop, am I?”
Cheng Zhihai laughed awkwardly. “Senior, you flatter me.”
With that, Cheng Zhihai clasped his hands behind his back and gazed up at the beams of the main hall’s ceiling, as though something fascinating were hidden there, staring unceasingly.
Deng Tian’a looked exasperated, his aged face showing resignation. He sighed before speaking slowly.
“Your family… There are so many who wish to learn my martial path and cannot, yet you treat me as a side act…”
He shook his head and paused a moment, his gaze falling back on Cheng Guang, eyes showing appreciation.
“But I must say, this lad’s spiritual talent is extraordinary. He probably hasn’t been cultivating the spiritual path for many days, yet he’s already in the Yin Spirit Realm, nearly at the Yang Spirit Realm.”
Hearing this, Cheng Zhihai was genuinely shocked. If not for Deng Tian’a’s words, even he wouldn’t have known that Cheng Guang’s spiritual cultivation had already broken through to the Yang Spirit Realm.
After all, the spiritual path is unlike the martial path.
Martial prowess can be gauged by appearance and one’s blood energy; sometimes, just by sensing someone’s aura, one can tell their rank.
But the spiritual path is different.
It is the cultivation of the primordial spirit, which is usually invisible, only detectable by sending vital energy through one’s meridians.
Cheng Zhihai came before Cheng Guang, placed a hand on his shoulder, and sent his vital energy carefully into the boy’s body, circling once before retrieving it.
His expression brightened with joy.
“So it’s true.”
“Guang’er, when did you break through to the Yang Spirit Realm?”
During these examinations by the two masters, Cheng Guang’s body had grown somewhat tense. He smiled and replied, “Just in the past couple of days.”
Even though Cheng Zhihai had half expected this, and possessed the composure to remain calm in the face of catastrophe, he couldn’t help but gasp.
Deng Tian’a didn’t know when Cheng Guang had started cultivating, but Cheng Zhihai certainly did.
From the time he handed Cheng Guang the spiritual cultivation method, it had hardly been two weeks.
In just two weeks…
He’d already reached the Yin Spirit Realm, nearly breaking through to the Yang Spirit Realm.
This was simply too fast.
Cheng Zhihai blinked at his son, growing more and more gratified the longer he looked. What could be better than seeing one’s own child achieve such accomplishments?
Deng Tian’a, seeing Cheng Zhihai so pleased, shook his head with a smile. After scrutinizing Cheng Guang for a moment, he said, “Though I’ve promised Lord Protector Cheng to teach you martial arts, I’ll only have three days. In these three days, whether you learn or not is your own business.”
“If you master it, good. If not, so be it. When the time’s up, I’ll be leaving.”
Cheng Guang bowed respectfully in agreement.
Deng Tian’a wasted no time with small talk, immediately pulling Cheng Guang toward a nearby courtyard, clearly eager to begin training.
It seemed the three days would be counted from today.
Apparently, Deng Tian’a was anxious to return to Martial Emperor City.
Cheng Zhihai stopped him. “Senior Deng, please wait a moment. I have a few words to say to Guang’er.”
Deng Tian’a’s deep-set eyes glanced at Cheng Zhihai, then he smiled, said nothing more, and left with his hands clasped behind his back.
As he exited, he called back, “Hurry now! My time is limited. Today’s the first day. How much he learns is up to that boy’s own ability.”
Cheng Zhihai turned his gaze from Deng Tian’a and focused on Cheng Guang.
“Guang’er, I have something to discuss with you.”
Cheng Guang looked up at his father, puzzled by his serious expression, thinking something important must have happened. “What is it?”
Cheng Zhihai took a deep breath, his stern eyes flickering as he carefully probed, “About… Guang’er… I spoke to you before about joining the Lampbearers Division for some tempering. You always refused, but now that your injuries are healed…”
“As the heir to the Lord Protector, you are destined not only to inherit your grandfather’s title, but also the Northern Expedition Army.”
“I, because I insisted on marrying your mother, angered your grandfather. So the Lord Protector’s title never passed to me—it should have gone from me to you, but now your grandfather will pass it to you directly.”
“However, I did gain some benefit.”
He smiled slightly as he said this.
“Benefit?” Cheng Guang was confused.
Cheng Zhihai nodded. “Yes, the Lampbearers Division.”
“I founded the Lampbearers myself. It’s one of the most powerful organizations in all of Great Zhou, working for the emperor, sweeping away injustice, striving to create a flourishing age for our dynasty.”
“In the future, the Lampbearers will be my gift to you.”
“Even if, one day, something happens to me and your grandfather, with the Lampbearers and the northern army of a million strong, you will have your own foundation in Great Zhou.”
After this explanation, Cheng Zhihai’s commanding presence faded, and he looked a little anxious as he faced Cheng Guang.
“But you know, Guang’er, that the Lampbearers are an official institution. To rightfully inherit it, you’ll need some merit and experience.”
“I want you to train there for a while. Once your merits are sufficient, the Lampbearers will be yours to command.”
Hearing this, Cheng Guang’s expression cleared. After some thought, he nodded.
“Alright.”
After all, the Lampbearers were full of masters, and contained rare resources even the Lord Protector’s estate lacked—treasures only available to its own people.
Even if Cheng Zhihai hadn’t said so, Cheng Guang would have wanted to use the Lampbearers to rapidly strengthen himself and build a foundation.
As soon as he agreed, Cheng Zhihai was caught off guard.
He’d thought Cheng Guang would refuse, and was prepared for that. Never had he expected his son to consent so readily.
He felt strangely happy, even a bit awkward, so overjoyed that his usual composure deserted him.
Cheng Guang sighed, “Father, is there anything else?”
Cheng Zhihai hastily waved his hands, his authoritative gaze now a bit flustered, and smiled, “Guang’er, once Senior Deng leaves, go report to the Lampbearers. I’ll arrange some tasks for you—just go through the motions and collect some merits.”
Cheng Guang nodded and prepared to leave.
Cheng Zhihai quickly added, “Guang’er, learn as much as you can from Senior Deng’s martial arts. If you can’t, it doesn’t matter—his path is different from the norm. Just don’t make him angry.”
“Be well-behaved.”
Cheng Guang nodded and headed out.
Again, Cheng Zhihai called, “Guang’er, if you’re tired from training and want anything, just tell me. I’ll provide whatever you need.”
Cheng Guang stopped in his tracks, turned, and looked at his father, exasperated.
“Father, couldn’t you have said everything at once? Anything else?”
Cheng Zhihai laughed, scratching his head. “No, nothing more. Off you go, Guang’er!”
At this moment, Cheng Zhihai was no longer the stern, cold Lampbearers Director, but rather a slightly nagging old man.
Cheng Guang nodded quietly and left the main hall.
On the steps outside, Deng Tian’a sat with rumpled clothes and disordered hair, looking utterly at ease.
Seeing Cheng Guang emerge, he yawned.
“Your father really spoils his son. Just going through the motions and you’ll inherit the Lampbearers… Tsk tsk, every noble family in the capital would be green with envy if they heard that.”
He regarded Cheng Guang with interest. “Honestly, with all this coddling, it’s remarkable you turned out so modest. And you’re so much better looking than your father—are you sure you’re his son?”
Only Deng Tian’a would dare tease Cheng Zhihai so openly in all of Great Zhou.
Cheng Guang didn’t answer.
Finding his joke somewhat tasteless, Deng Tian’a let the matter drop.
Cheng Guang led Deng Tian’a on a leisurely stroll toward Myriad Phenomena Garden.
As they walked through the Lord Protector’s estate, Deng Tian’a clicked his tongue at the extravagance.
“Nice flowers—so white.”
“That water’s nice—so long.”
“Nice trees—so tall.”
His eyes roamed everywhere, and whenever a maid passed, he’d offer a casual comment.
His words might have referred to appearances, but Cheng Guang noticed that Deng Tian’a’s gaze held no lust—he seemed to appreciate beauty purely.
Cheng Guang glanced at him and joked, “Senior, shall I send someone to your room tonight?”
Deng Tian’a started, then laughed and scolded, shaking his head. “Don’t try to harm me, lad.”
“I’ve kept my pure yang for centuries. My body is like a furnace—so long as I remain untouched, my cultivation improves daily. If I lose my purity, it’s all over.”
“I just look to satisfy my eyes, not my desires. Not everyone has my self-control.”
He said this with more than a little pride.
Cheng Guang was taken aback.
So Deng Tian’a was still a virgin after centuries?
Unbelievable.
Could anyone truly resist women?
It wasn’t that Deng Tian’a was uninterested—he simply had the discipline to abstain.
Cheng Guang couldn’t help but admire him.
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he asked, “Senior Deng, does your martial art require one to remain chaste as well?”
Deng Tian’a guessed his intent and shook his head. “No need.”
Cheng Guang breathed a sigh of relief.
Deng Tian’a added, “Your vital yang is already spent. There’s no point in preserving it.”
“Of course, if you can abstain from women, you’ll recover some, and your body will be like a furnace, able to merge with all kinds of vital energy with every breath.”
Cheng Guang shook his head. “No need to recover—I’m not lacking in energy.”
This stunned Deng Tian’a, who stared at him.
Countless martial artists spend their lives enduring hardships just to absorb a few ounces more of heaven and earth’s energy.
He himself could merge vital energy with every breath, cultivating even in his sleep.
And yet Cheng Guang said he wasn’t lacking?
Deng Tian’a was speechless.
In truth, he knew nothing of Cheng Guang’s ancient royal bloodline, which allowed him to absorb energy more easily than breathing. If he did, he might question the point of his centuries of discipline.
He looked Cheng Guang over again.
The young man’s bearing was elegant and refined, like a noble scion—calm and poised. His words, though astonishing, were delivered with a serene confidence that silenced all doubt.
Deng Tian’a realized this, and felt even more shocked.
Could the Lord Protector’s heir truly disdain his methods?
Perhaps he really did.
Deng Tian’a, feeling a bit slighted, decided he must show something new—he couldn’t let this young man look down on him.
He brooded over which martial teaching would impress Cheng Guang.
Before long, they reached Myriad Phenomena Garden.
“Senior Deng, we’ve arrived,” Cheng Guang announced.
Deng Tian’a returned to his senses, glanced around, and noted a few familiar faces.
There was the maid Azure Luan, and the fox spirit White Shuxuan.
All of them were striking beauties—the Lord Protector’s heir was certainly fortunate.
Living among such women, it was little wonder he couldn’t preserve his vital yang, Deng Tian’a mused.
He pulled his gaze away from them, knowing his limits. These were not maids to be appraised freely.
Cheng Guang noticed and relaxed, then called out, “Azure Luan, pour tea for Senior Deng.”
Deng Tian’a nodded, and as Azure Luan left to fetch tea, he pulled Cheng Guang aside to begin his instruction.
He would only remain three days, and would do his best to teach.
But how much Cheng Guang could learn was up to him.
Standing tall, hands clasped, Deng Tian’a spoke:
“All martial paths are similar. In the first three or even four realms, the cultivation is the same—drawing vital energy, opening the purple palace, condensing divine powers. At the Celestial level, one can wield divine abilities to their utmost.”
“However, in the Celestial realm, differences emerge depending on one’s divine powers.”
“Your father and grandfather want you to learn my martial technique—the divine power I created. Once mastered, you can imprint it at the Divine Power Realm, and every action will wield immense force.”
“I’d meant to save this for the third day, since you might not grasp it quickly. I’d thought to start by teaching you to absorb energy.”
He paused, giving Cheng Guang an odd look.
“But you seem uninterested in absorbing energy and strengthening your body, so I’ll teach you my divine technique.”
Cheng Guang nodded. “Senior Deng, what is your divine martial art called?”
At this, Deng Tian’a’s face glowed with pride.
“This technique, created by me, is called—Great Bear Constellation!”
“Great Bear Constellation?” Cheng Guang was puzzled.
The name sounded impressive, but gave no clue to the technique.
Deng Tian’a smiled. “It’s natural you wouldn’t know it. I developed it by observing the stars. Though not as aggressive as your family’s Sea of Blood Blade, it doesn’t require killing intent to forge divine power. You only need to observe the stars and remember their movements, and you’ll master the art.”
“It’s somewhat similar to the way of star-gazing,” Cheng Guang mused.
Deng Tian’a shook his head. “Not quite. Star-gazing draws power from the stars; my art draws inspiration, not energy. One is martial, the other celestial. Their essence and source differ. But if you insist, they both lead to the same end. All martial paths ultimately aim for the Celestial realm.”
Cheng Guang nodded slightly.
Deng Tian’a said, “Don’t overthink it. In these three days, I will demonstrate once each day. If you learn, good; if not, so be it. The teaching is offered—if you fail, it’s your own lack of insight.”
He was forthright. The art was difficult. If one didn’t at least grasp its essence within a day, it was likely they never would.
Time could compensate, but to what end? Better to study an easier art and gain some power, than waste a lifetime on one technique.
Cheng Guang nodded, signaling Deng Tian’a to begin.
“Please, Senior Deng.”
Deng Tian’a said no more. He pressed his palms together, and his aged face grew solemn.
His ragged robes stirred without wind, billowing about him.
Suddenly, a vast, mysterious power erupted from his stooped frame.
Cheng Guang felt minuscule before him. Even though Deng Tian’a did not direct his aura at him, the weight and terror of it were palpable.
Breathing grew difficult, his face flushed.
Suddenly, everything went black.
More precisely, a black point appeared at Deng Tian’a’s feet.
That black dot was like a black hole—darker than any abyss, threatening to swallow him whole.
In a flash, it expanded, enveloping Cheng Guang’s entire world.
He was surrounded by darkness—like the vast, mysterious emptiness of the universe.
Then, stars began to appear—pinpricks of light filling the blackness until the void was studded with brilliance.
It felt almost like a domain…
Martial divine powers, when perfected, could alter reality.
This domain seemed boundless, an independent space circled by stars—each like a jewel set in the night.
The stars formed patterns, arranged in constant, rhythmic order.
Some were like ancient beasts, steady and solemn; others like newborns, light and lively.
Their lights wove a beautiful net, turning the domain dreamlike.
There was no sound—only profound silence. Yet, the dance of stars generated its own silent melody, a rhythm beyond mortal understanding, as if the entire domain was a living being displaying its power and allure.
At the center was a red star, brighter than all the rest, like a burning flame illuminating the darkness.
This domain was mysterious and beautiful, filled with endless stars and the unknown. Though colorless and silent, it possessed an unmistakable rhythm.
As Cheng Guang gazed, lost in wonder, a figure appeared amid the starry sea.
Deng Tian’a.
His tattered robe rippled like the currents of the stars, brilliant as a river of light.
In his hand, he gathered a streak of mysterious starlight—gleaming like a beacon in the night.
Great Bear Constellation!
His fingers plucked the air as though strumming a divine instrument, and starlight cascaded from his fingertips like a waterfall.
The torrent of stars surged forward as a dazzling blast—wherever it struck, be it stone or river, it pierced through instantly, as if all things were but illusions. Fragments spun in the aftermath, but Deng Tian’a stood untouched.
He disappeared into the starry sea, leaving only a faint trail of light.
He moved through the stars like a fish, unimpeded by their force, as though he were one with them.
Then, he flipped through the air, hurtling toward a massive star.
It shone brighter than all the others, brimming with energy.
He thrust both palms forward, releasing a powerful current that shattered the star in a single blow.
Fragments rained down like a milky way, beautiful yet deadly.
At the heart of the star, a black hole opened—sunlight from the world outside streaming in.
The universe cracked like a shattered mirror.
Suddenly—
Bang!
Everything collapsed like a bubble.
Cheng Guang snapped back to reality.
He stared ahead, dazed.
The scenery of Myriad Phenomena Garden returned—petals tinged with pink swayed in the breeze.
He took a deep breath.
Deng Tian’a’s martial art was overwhelming. Even though it wasn’t aimed at him, its mere display was like facing the force of heaven and earth—he was powerless to resist.
If Deng Tian’a had wanted to kill him, perhaps a single breath would have sufficed.
Cheng Guang fell silent.
He had thought his cultivation speed was impressive—better than most in this world. But now, he realized he’d never truly witnessed the power of the world’s apex.
Celestial level…
Even without striking, it was so shocking. If they fought, could they truly reshape mountains and rivers at will?
He inhaled deeply.
The might of the world’s top cultivators far surpassed his imagination.
He felt a surge of anticipation.
What would it be like, if one day he became that strong?
Cheng Guang recalled the stellar movements Deng Tian’a had just shown—the pattern of the stars and the flow of his techniques seemed to resonate…
The trajectory of the stars even resembled constellations from his previous life…
He couldn’t be sure, gazing up at the darkening sky.
Night was falling.
Against the vault of dusk, stars twinkled. Gathered together, they sketched faint shapes.
As Cheng Guang stared, lost in thought, Deng Tian’a withdrew his hands, exhausted by the demonstration. Azure Luan arrived with tea, and he took a long draught.
He looked at Cheng Guang. “Boy, stop daydreaming. You could train a hundred years and never reach my level.”
“Practice well. With luck, you may grasp a fraction in three days. If you don’t comprehend how to train, it means this art isn’t for you.”
With that, Deng Tian’a stopped looking at the dazed Cheng Guang.
He was about to leave for his assigned quarters when he sensed something, whirled around, and for the first time, his usually calm, weathered face showed outright shock.
He saw—
Beneath the evening sky, Cheng Guang stood with eyes half-closed, hands moving, his body shifting with a certain rhythm.
Each movement flowed seamlessly, without stiffness or hesitation.
Every sweep of the arm conveyed an indescribable intent, as if faint starlight trailed his hands.
It was as though the air itself was split, the wind severed.
His footwork was as fluid as a dragon, agile and forceful, never pausing, always changing direction unpredictably—yet every turn was smooth and potent.
Cheng Guang’s every move was charged with strength and speed, almost too quick for Deng Tian’a to follow.
Azure Luan and White Shuxuan, unaware of what Cheng Guang had just witnessed, were nevertheless entranced by his motions.
They saw faint ribbons of starlight flicker as he moved, and his footwork left afterimages like meteor trails.
They were filled with awe and confusion—what technique was this? What movement art? How could anyone at the Nourishing Essence Realm achieve such feats?
Despite their bafflement, they couldn’t help but admire the exquisite skill.
A hush fell as they watched.
Suddenly, Cheng Guang’s body tensed.
His muscles and bones rang, blood surged like a fountain.
Second Rank—Body Tempering Realm!
He stood stunned for a moment, sensing his body’s newfound strength, and his eyes shone with delight.
An unexpected breakthrough!
He had reached the Second Rank Body Tempering Realm.
Though he’d anticipated advancing soon, he hadn’t thought it would happen so quickly.
Delighted, he exhaled, his movements gradually coming to rest.
He looked to Deng Tian’a.
“Senior Deng, how was my understanding of the technique?”
Cheng Guang looked at him expectantly, hoping for a critique.
But Deng Tian’a’s face was impassive. He turned abruptly and hurried away.
“Barely passable. You’ll need to work harder. Far too lacking.”
He hurried off, vanishing from sight.
Cheng Guang couldn’t understand—had he performed so poorly that Deng Tian’a couldn’t bear to watch?
He thought he had done rather well.
He shook his head. The old man’s thoughts were harder to guess than those of his previous life’s girlfriend, so he let it go.
He turned to Azure Luan and White Shuxuan.
The sky was now fully dark.
Was it time to sleep?
Cheng Guang pondered.
…
Meanwhile, Deng Tian’a left in haste.
Once out of sight, his stern and aloof expression finally collapsed.
He leaned against a wall, head bowed, eyes dull and unfocused.
Those once-bright eyes were now like still pools, as if they’d seen all life’s storms.
Deng Tian’a had thought nothing could shake him anymore.
He was wrong—so very wrong!
Was it possible for such talent to exist in Great Zhou?
Someone other than himself could comprehend the movement of the stars and translate it into martial arts after a single demonstration!
Great Bear Constellation had no fixed forms—each practitioner’s insight was unique.
He’d demonstrated it for four or five others; all but one had failed to grasp even the basics.
But this time…
Cheng Guang had opened his eyes.
Not only had he understood the stellar motions, but his movements echoed them flawlessly.
Had the young man spent his whole life studying star charts?
Otherwise, how could he memorize them after a single demonstration?
Deng Tian’a was shaken to his core.
He wondered if his centuries of effort had been in vain.
His heart pounded as if it would burst from his chest.
Even now, he could scarcely believe his eyes.
What had taken him a century to master, Cheng Guang grasped at a glance.
Not entirely, but he had already entered the door.
What did that make of his own path?
Deng Tian’a staggered, feeling his very soul shaken.
“I can’t dwell on this. I can’t!”
“This Cheng Guang is not normal!”
“Absolutely not normal!”
“I’ll judge again tomorrow—observe him further!”
He muttered to himself, feeling he had discovered a treasure.
He was, in truth, delighted.
But compared to this treasure, his own achievements seemed... lacking.
Deng Tian’a had always been the mightiest Celestial in Great Zhou.
Even Lord Protector Cheng Shiyuan could do little before him.
He had always considered himself Zhou’s foremost talent, the leader of the martial path.
But now, after seeing Cheng Guang, he wondered if that title was worth keeping.
He would observe a little longer before deciding whether to pass the mantle to Cheng Guang.
…
(End of chapter)