Chapter Forty-Six: Yes, I Want It, I Want It Now

The martial world was in turmoil, the land seething with unrest. The Great Forest Temple had recalled all its disciples from afar and sent notices to the major sects, declaring that a demonic overlord had arisen and inviting them to join forces in subduing evil.

Most people scoffed at this. In secret, they now classified the Great Forest Temple among the heretical paths, given its rumored collusion with the Demonic Sect and the northern barbarians.

Nonetheless, many kept a close watch on Jiang Ming’s movements. Wherever he went, countless eyes shadowed his every step. From north to south, heroes of the martial world converged upon the Great Forest Temple, eager to witness an epic battle.

Jiang Ming, however, was in no hurry. He meandered, pausing to eat and drink, admiring scenic views, savoring local customs and traditions—his journey was a leisurely one, filled with pleasure.

By the edge of a tranquil pond, Jiang Ming sat cross-legged. A chill radiated from him, freezing the pond in moments, mist billowing upward, raindrops condensing, a heavy downpour ensued, forming a perfect cycle. In the end, the water flowed in a stream, twisting like a water dragon’s soul coiling around him, until it condensed into an icy spear that shot toward a distant rock face, blasting it apart and sending fragments flying.

With a wave of his hand, clouds formed, swiftly spreading and ascending, as gentle breezes arose from nowhere, gathering in strength and lifting the mist heavenward.

Clouds without form, wind without shape—when cloud and wind unite, thunder resounds in the nine heavens.

“Wind is formless, born of cloud!” Jiang Ming spoke aloud, and the mist flowed, swirling around Lu Yuan, who was watching intently, striving to grasp its essence.

He further demonstrated the Dao of Wind, allowing its resonance to fill the air for Lu Yuan to experience.

Lu Yuan was already at the peak of the Master realm, only lacking comprehension of intent. Yet he possessed a unique talent for lightness skills, so the way of wind should come to him more easily.

Indeed, during today’s practice, Jiang Ming had chosen to give him a hint.

Jiang Ming’s gaze shifted ahead.

“My understanding of the water’s intent is already consummate, not far from perfection. Yet the further I go, the harder it becomes—as if some force of heaven and earth is suppressing me.”

Normally, for him, attaining perfection should not be difficult.

In addition, Jiang Ming noticed another peculiarity: the true energy in his dantian refused to liquefy.

Neither the four Grandmasters he had slain nor what he had learned from Bai Yunfei indicated otherwise; it seemed that no Grandmaster in the world could liquefy true energy—perhaps a barrier of perception.

“Maybe it’s the laws of heaven and earth themselves.”

Jiang Ming stood, reining in the Dao resonance he had released.

Lu Yuan had already entered his own realization; Jiang Ming’s guidance was no longer needed.

Treading upon the grass, gazing at the towering trees, Jiang Ming let his body brim with vibrant vitality, merging wholly with the exuberant life force of the world outside. The “Nirvana Rebirth” talent bestowed him with formidable vitality, drawing him closer to nature.

He seemed to merge with all the plant life of heaven and earth, and in that subtle communion, faintly heard countless whispers of joy.

Unknowingly, he attained the Heart of Vitality.

The Wood Intent—perfected.

He crouched to examine a frail blade of grass, gently stroking it. The grass began to grow before his very eyes, sturdy and lush, its tender leaves trembling with an almost imperceptible rhythm of life.

“The power of wood is the power of vitality.”

Rising, he walked to a withered sapling, resting his hand on its rough bark. A strange power seeped in; one branch flushed green, the color deepening until new leaves unfurled.

Life force spent, the tender leaves withered.

His aura fluctuated wildly—one moment vibrant with life, the next plunged into deathly stillness.

“The way of decay and flourishing!” Jiang Ming realized. “I never expected that a simple experiment with the power of vitality would yield insight into this intent. To flourish is to live, to wither is to die; the way of decay and flourishing is part of the great cycle of life and death!”

Beyond decay and flourishing lies life and death, and then, reincarnation.

Jiang Ming gained deeper understanding, though he could not yet grasp the intents of life and death, nor reincarnation—not even a clue. At that moment, he sensed a change in Lu Yuan’s aura.

A strange energy welled up and rapidly grew.

Around Lu Yuan, it seemed as if a breeze had arisen, swirling like sprites at his side, his aura soaring higher and higher.

“He’s comprehended the intent of wind, and now tastes its Dao resonance—his true energy transforms, his spirit is strengthened, even his body will undergo a profound cleansing!” Jiang Ming nodded in satisfaction.

The other’s talent was truly among the very finest.

When they’d first met at Black Wind Fortress, Lu Yuan had only been a mid-level master. Under Jiang Ming’s guidance, his cultivation soared; now, with a little nudge, he had stepped into the Grandmaster realm.

Wonderful indeed!

“You actually produced a Grandmaster!” Chief Jin was quick to notice something was amiss. Though only at the peak of the Innate realm, she’d spent enough time at Jiang Ming’s side to be familiar with the concept of intent.

“Incredible, truly incredible!” she whispered, then fixed Jiang Ming with a burning gaze, awkwardly biting her lip, twisting her waist in an uncharacteristically coy manner, and pleaded, “Brother Jiang, could you give me some guidance too? I don’t ask to become a Grandmaster, just help me reach the Master realm—please, won’t you?”

Jiang Ming shivered involuntarily. “Chief Jin, that coquettish act of yours is giving me goosebumps.”

Chief Jin froze, glared at him, then huffed and turned away.

Goosebumps?

She’d gone to all the trouble of disguising herself, displaying a rare moment of feminine charm, and he didn’t know how to appreciate it. He’s not a real man at all—just a eunuch, a big dead eunuch! She muttered furiously under her breath.

Jiang Ming’s lips twitched in amusement.

After some time, Lu Yuan gathered his aura, bowed to Jiang Ming, and said, “Thank you, Brother Jiang!”

“Congratulations, Brother Lu. From now on, you stand among the mightiest in the land!” Jiang Ming laughed. “How does it feel?”

“Amazing—better than ever. I could trounce my former self three times over; once I stabilize, five times over; and once I infuse my art with the wind’s intent, I could take on ten of me!” Lu Yuan beamed, grasping a wisp of wind, marveling at the sensation. “The vista from the Grandmaster realm is truly breathtaking. Without breaking through, one can never know the thrill of roaming the martial path, nor the insignificance of oneself before its vastness. No wonder you long to see what lies beyond Grandmaster, Brother Jiang. I now have an overwhelming urge to reach the summit of the martial way and shatter every limit.”

“Shall we go forward together?”

“Together!”

“Brother Lu, let’s be on our way.”

“Let’s!”

The three continued on their journey.

“I’m a Grandmaster now, and still have to drive the carriage?” Lu Yuan lamented. “There’s never been such a wretched Grandmaster. If word gets out, won’t I become a laughingstock?”

“Whoever laughs, you beat them up. Then no one will dare laugh,” Jiang Ming replied, deadpan.

“Well said!” Lu Yuan agreed heartily.

Chief Jin, perched atop the carriage, pursed her lips, rested her chin in her hand, and stared unblinking at Jiang Ming.

He felt uneasy under her gaze and finally said, “I can help you reach the Master realm, but there will be serious side effects—your future progress will slow considerably. With your talent, you’ll break through before long on your own, and your foundation will be much stronger. Are you sure about this, Chief Jin?”

“Yes, I want it—right now!” Chief Jin exclaimed with delight. “Who knows what trouble might come our way? Without strength, it’s too dangerous. Brother Jiang, you’re the best.”

“Come on, I’m ready. Hurry up!”

She could hardly contain her excitement.