Chapter 106: The Nine Tribulations Secret Tome, Breaking the Seal

Three questions, each representing a different path.

They were either subtle yet crucial points or grand issues concealing unparalleled secrets.

Through these three questions, Instructor Yu and the others looked at Jiang Ming with newfound respect. Without delving into deeper levels of cultivation, without encountering supreme existences, without terrifying intellect, one simply could not ask such questions.

“This question…” the middle-aged man pondered for a moment before continuing, “was not meant to be shared with you all. But since you’ve asked, I’ll briefly explain! Gene cultivation methods do exist, but they are incredibly difficult. Cultivating the gene means elevating the level of life itself, a fundamental transformation. Out of ten thousand practitioners, 9,999 would suffer gene collapse and perish. The one remaining would still face myriad complications—eight or nine times out of ten, death would follow, a painful demise. The essence of life is a forbidden power.”

“This is a monumental subject!”

“It has always been a pursued goal. Though many gene cultivation methods have been summarized, none are perfect. No, it’s more accurate to say that gene techniques themselves are cursed.”

“They may seem logically deduced and reasonable, but once cultivation begins, failure is inevitable!”

“Our martial path involves energy refinement and body strengthening, merely enhancing and fortifying the essence of our own life, amplifying our origin and power.”

“The essence of gene cultivation is life’s leap—a fundamentally different concept.”

“Simply put, our conventional cultivation builds upon ‘human’ as a foundation, constantly excavating potential, reflecting the celestial heart through the self; controlling the heavens with the small self.”

“But if gene cultivation succeeds, altering genes and leaping life’s boundaries, then whether one remains ‘human’ becomes ambiguous. This is the ethical paradox of gene cultivation, a subject of great controversy.”

“Yet, one cannot deny the terrifying nature of gene cultivation.”

“In fact, some methods involve merging the bloodlines of demon beasts, insect species, ghostly powers, and so forth—these too are alternative forms of gene cultivation.”

“Take the Long family, where Long Aotian belongs. They harbor true dragon blood, meaning their genes contain fragments of genuine dragon lineage. Once awakened, they possess a portion of the true dragon’s power.”

“You see him as human, but his genes have already changed; his life essence is different from that of a pure human.”

“This is a pseudo-gene ascension method.”

“Theoretically, orthodox gene ascension only strengthens and evolves the genes inherited strictly through human bloodlines, maintaining pure lineage.”

“If the Long family continues to integrate true dragon genes and strengthen their bloodline, they might eventually transform into a true dragon. So, is he human or dragon?”

“Bloodline, gene, talent—these are ultimate topics studied by many races, not just humans.”

“But these are often innate, determined by the essence of life itself. To break through is to shatter an ironclad law, to breach a taboo.”

“Whether pursuing bloodline or gene, one cannot deny that every form of life holds tremendous potential. Developing oneself and strengthening the self can still stand atop the myriad heavens and worlds—this is the grand path of countless races.”

“Seeking to alter genes by merging species’ bloodlines has been defined as a deviant minor path, a heretical one! Yet ultimately, it is a route to greater power, the fundamental reason for its study.”

“To embrace myriad methods and open myriad paths is to forge a grand trend!”

“As humans, our bodies embody the Way. We respond to the stars of the heavens and the vast universe above, and to the nine netherworlds and myriad worlds below. Though fragile by nature, humans possess the most terrifying plasticity, the strongest comprehension, the most resilient will, and the greatest potential.”

“Humans are both the most precious and the most noble!”

With these words, the middle-aged man sealed the matter.

In summary, gene cultivation methods do exist, and many have been theorized and deduced, but cultivation is so difficult that success is nearly impossible.

According to him, this is a forbidden power.

To break such taboos requires enduring unimaginable backlash.

Moreover, merging other bloodlines counts as an alternative gene method but is seen as unorthodox, as it directly alters the essence of life.

“Devour, Nine Tribulation Secret Tome!”

As Jiang Ming’s thoughts raced, he recalled examples of successful gene cultivation—though purely fantastical. Such methods are extremely difficult and even forbidden by cosmic decree.

A secret technique cursed by the universe itself, so hard to document that even recording it is a challenge.

“Solid foundation, steady progress—that is the most reliable, grandest, and most promising path!” Instructor Yu concluded.

Jiang Ming and the others all nodded in agreement.

They then departed, returning once more to the provincial capital.

Long Aotian was accompanied by family—an old man who clearly was stubborn by nature. Lan Xin’s parents also arrived, attending to their daughter.

Even Qiang Jiu had family alongside him.

Qin Zhiyan was with Jiang Ming.

Since no family came for her, Jiang Ming found it peculiar but did not inquire further.

“How was your harvest?” Elder Tang asked as he took him away.

Tonight was meant for relaxation; they would depart tomorrow to the Tianwu Sacred Academy for the final federal exam.

“The harvest was great, very great!” Jiang Ming replied, his expression growing serious. “Elder Tang, this time, claiming the federal top scholar title won’t be easy!”

“Indeed, it is difficult!” Elder Tang sighed.

They arrived at a villa—his residence.

As vice president of Zhongtian Divine Martial University, his strength and status were fully qualified.

Only a single maid tended to the household.

“I only just heard the news myself. I never expected so many terrifying geniuses to appear. After hearing it, I was stunned for a long while—it felt unbelievable!” Elder Tang said gravely. “I have a premonition: the golden era has arrived. According to ancient texts, every golden era births countless prodigies; it is truly a martial boom. Yet it also harbors tremendous calamities.”

“Blessings and curses intertwine; it has always been so!”

“Beneath the flourishing era lies endless disaster. Survive it, and true brilliance will come; fail, and darkness and catastrophe will follow.”

“No matter what the future holds, Jiang Ming, you must fight hard!”

Elder Tang was contemplating deeper issues.

Great flourishing invariably hides turbulent storms.

Since learning of the Multiverse Battlefield, Jiang Ming understood one truth: beneath this world’s peace and prosperity lies bloody slaughter beyond imagining.

This was evident even from the secret realm.

“For me, this is a good thing. With so many powerful rivals to interact with, I will certainly advance rapidly in martial arts!” Jiang Ming said confidently, his voice resolute. “They possess peerless physiques, limitless talent, and strong backgrounds—but I am no less. To claim the top spot, one must fight to know.”

“Haha, I like your arrogance, your pride!” Elder Tang laughed heartily.

Quietly nearby, Qin Zhiyan’s beautiful eyes flickered.

Jiang Ming smiled in response.

Elder Tang glanced at Qin Zhiyan, his tone softening. “I know something about your situation. Regardless of your exam results, you hold capital. If you return to your clan, your status will surely be high, but… the Qin family, ha, a group of old stubborn relics!”

“If you go back, they will arrange your future. Your accomplishments won’t be insignificant.”

“Will you return?”

Elder Tang asked.

“No!” Qin Zhiyan shook her head without hesitation. “My mother sacrificed everything to send me away, so I could live in peace, have a real life of my own. But I am not content. Unfortunately, my talent is average, so I ventured into the secret realm. Thanks to Jiang Ming’s help, I’ve risen somewhat.”

“Once I rise and join the final exam, I know the Qin family will notice me. They probably already have—Jiang Ming is too famous, and we come from the same school.”

“By their standards, after the final exam, they will want me back. This exam is special; participating in it and fighting the celestial elites will give me a halo, increasing my worth. They’ll sell me for a high price!”

Her face twisted with scorn and hatred as she said this.

“Once you join the final exam, you’ll have the right to refuse. Whether at the Tianwu Sacred Academy or Zhongtian Divine Martial University, see if they dare force you,” Elder Tang sneered. “The Qin family is just a fading house—once fallen, it’s fallen. They want to place clan rules above federal law? They’re just a bunch of daydreaming old fools. If they really overstep, a slap will put them down.”

Clearly, he held no good impression of the Qin family.

“Can you tell me exactly what’s going on?” Jiang Ming asked.

Elder Tang looked at Qin Zhiyan.

“Yes,” Qin Zhiyan did not refuse, speaking softly. “I was born into the Qin family, far away in Qin Chuan Province.”

Qin Chuan Province?

That Qin was the Qin clan.

In former times, the Qin family was a great house of the federation, renowned and formidable, producing countless prodigies who struck fear across the multiverse battlefield.

After glory, came decline.

In this era, to preserve the Qin family’s honor, the elders shifted strategy—marrying off talented daughters to powerful elites, maintaining the clan’s pride.

This method had lasted for generations.

“To cultivate higher-quality daughters, the Qin family sought to marry back many talented women, mostly from the multiverse battlefield!” Elder Tang interjected. “Qin Zhiyan’s mother came from there. She was originally…”

He hesitated.

“Elder Tang, I already know!” Qin Zhiyan smiled bitterly. “My mother was from the Red Flame Cold Ice Sparrow clan. She was captured and taken to the Qin family. This is why I have some innate talent in the Water and Fire Dao.”

“The Red Flame Cold Ice Sparrow clan is indeed gifted, but your talent isn’t at that level. Your mother must have sealed your origin!” Elder Tang sighed. “Perhaps she only wanted you to live safely and happily.”

Qin Zhiyan’s eyes reddened.

“My mother led me out of the Qin family. Though secretly helped by my eldest sister, we were severely injured. Shortly after settling here…” Qin Zhiyan sobbed. “Everything about me here was arranged by my eldest sister behind the scenes!”

She looked at Jiang Ming. “This is why I’ve worked so hard to cultivate and why I risked death entering the secret realm. Honestly, I hesitated because my mother’s dying wish was just for me to live safely and have a real life.”

“But I am truly unwilling!”

“I want to bring honor to my mother.”

“I want to fight fate!”

“More than anything, I want to break the Qin family.”

Qin Zhiyan revealed her hidden thoughts fully, finally breathing easier. She stood and knelt before Elder Tang.

“Elder Tang, you said there’s a seal placed by my mother in me. Please break it. I want to fight and see whether fate has truly abandoned me!”

Her resolve was unyielding.

“Think carefully!” Elder Tang said sternly. “Once the seal is broken, if you don’t return to the Qin family, those old stubborn fools will see you as a disgrace and truly target you. If you don’t break the seal, there’s still some leeway.”

“Since I stepped into the secret realm, I’ve decided to battle fate!” Qin Zhiyan resolved.

“Good child!” Elder Tang helped her to her feet. “Before, I might have hesitated, thinking you didn’t have enough accumulation or foundation, but now, you do.”

He raised a hand, pointing to a nearby artificial hill. In a flash, shimmering light passed, and Jiang Ming saw countless runes appear in the void before vanishing, as if nothing had changed.

“This is an array that blocks aura,” Elder Tang explained briefly. His aura shifted slightly, as if celestial might descended, terrifyingly powerful.

“This isn’t heavenly pressure, definitely not,” Jiang Ming’s pupils contracted. “Is it the Way of Heaven and Man?”

“The Way of Heaven and Man, the power of true intent,” Elder Tang seemed to read his thoughts. “The sixth heaven of martial arts, the celestial realm, imprints its meaning upon the void, manipulating the power of Dao’s rhythm like celestial might. Further comprehension fuses meaning, will, spirit, and true energy with the void—human heart and heavenly heart becoming one. Every move is celestial might.”

As he finished, he pointed at Qin Zhiyan.

Immediately, water and fire powers bloomed from her body, intertwining, faintly accompanied by the sound of cracking.

Whirr whirr whirr…

Then, the water and fire powers surged, and the cry of a bird echoed. A radiant fusion of water and fire took shape as a giant bird above her head, yet was enveloped by the array’s power.

“Breaking the seal awakened her origin’s power. Her talent is impressive, truly remarkable!” Elder Tang’s eyes brightened, then nodded. “Indeed, awakening the water and fire power is natural—it’s the origin power of the Red Flame Cold Ice Sparrow. Her potential and strength will rise two levels, rivaling Long Aotian and others, perhaps even surpassing them. After all, she’s second-generation bloodline. Should she further comprehend the Dao of Yin and Yang, it will be extraordinary.”

He cast a strange glance at Jiang Ming.

“Elder Tang, that look of yours is unsettling,” Jiang Ming said uneasily.

Qin Zhiyan’s transformation surprised him.

He clearly felt her aura dramatically rising, her water and fire realm continuously strengthening.

At the same time, the primordial energy of heaven and earth surged like a whirlpool into her body.

“Heh heh, in the future, you’ll benefit from this!” Elder Tang chuckled slyly yet offered no explanation, leaving Jiang Ming inexplicably uneasy with a bad premonition.

Here ends this chapter of four thousand words.

Now, I humbly ask for your support with a monthly ticket—your encouragement means everything!

(End of chapter)