Chapter 440 Ding Hong

The second level of the mind is 'heart like still water,' which many cultivators and formal professionals can achieve.

But surpassing this state is very difficult.

It is said that only when a master teacher reaches four stars can they have a chance to succeed.

Heart like still water only makes the mind calm and unaffected by the environment, while a higher realm is exactly what Luo Qianhong just shouted: 'Remove the false and retain the true, the mind is clear and bright!'

Reaching this state allows one to find the essence amidst chaos, making the mind more penetrating and analyzing things much simpler.

Although far inferior to the Eye of Truth, it still enables master teachers to be more adept at finding the essence of things.

For example, when answering questions, some problems have never been seen before and lack corresponding knowledge.

But as long as one reaches this state, they can easily see the examiner's intention and the content the question aims to test, thereby removing the false and retaining the true, eliminating deceptive tricks, and finding the most correct answer.

Understanding the world thoroughly is all knowledge; being sophisticated in human affairs is all writing!

Therefore, this realm is also called the 'Realm of Clear Insight.'

This Zhang Xuan, ignoring Ding Mu's Sky-Splitting Fist and Blood-Burning Secret Art... directly grabbed his neck with one move, clearly seeing through the illusions in the techniques and reaching the goal directly. Even if he hasn't reached the Realm of Clear Insight, he is not far off.

This also explains why he could easily break his Sleeve-Brushing Hand.

As for... whether it's the higher-level Eye of Truth, he dared not even think about it.

After all, this is an ability that even many six-star master teachers lack. How could it appear on a two-star master teacher under twenty?

Even so, it already filled him with panic.

Under twenty, cultivating the mind to the Realm of Clear Insight—what kind of monster is this?

...

You, you...

Ding Mu, whose neck was gripped, was even more terrified to death.

He had thought that by unleashing the Blood-Burning Secret Art and using his strongest technique, even if he couldn't win, he could at least fight the opponent and retreat calmly. He never expected to have his vital point seized as soon as he made a move.

Don't kill me! I was instigated by that woman Lin Long to attack you... As long as you don't kill me, whatever the Xuan Yuan Kingdom can offer, I'll give it all to you. One hundred spirit stones, two hundred spirit stones—anything is fine!

This young man before him had defeated Luo Qianhong, broken the Xuan Yuan Grand Formation, and even his last resort was easily shattered. Ding Mu truly felt panic and fear.

The Xuan Yuan Kingdom could trade spirit stones and possessed immense wealth. As long as the other party was willing, even giving away all the money was nothing.

"Spirit Stone?"

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

If Lu Chong hadn't blocked the attack for him, he would already be dead. No matter how many spirit stones there were, could they bring back this student?

"I said I would kill you, so sorry, but... you can only die!"

His expression calm, he raised an eyebrow and tightened his grip.

"Ah... Great-grandfather, save me!"

Seeing that he was really about to act, Ding Mu's face turned pale as he shouted.

"Stop!"

As the shout ended, a loud roar rang out.

Like a great bell or a thunderclap, it shook many buildings.

Raising an eyebrow, Zhang Xuan looked over.

The sound came from deep within the palace ahead, heavy and steady, giving an extremely strong sense of oppression.

Even though his strength had recently greatly increased, he still felt somewhat unable to withstand it.

"Such formidable strength..."

He clenched his fist.

Now, with the Eye of Insight and the Library of Heaven's Path, he could even fight against a Half-Step Mortal Transcendence.

The other party's single word had already produced this feeling in him; their strength definitely surpassed Luo Qianhong's and had likely truly entered that realm.

He hadn't expected that among the royal family of the Xuan Yuan Kingdom, there existed such a powerful expert!

...

"Great-grandfather? Could it be... could he still be alive?"

On the back of the savage beast in the air, Elder Wei Yuqing's face darkened.

"Do you know this person?"

"Young Master" looked over.

"Yes."

Elder Wei Yuqing did not answer directly but instead said, "The Xuan Yuan Kingdom has a Green Leaf Ranking, which records the rankings of the strongest. Luo Qianhong, as a Half-Step Mortal Transcendence and a peak three-star master teacher, can only rank third!"

"Third?"

"Young Master" and Jin Conghai exchanged glances.

When the master of the Famous Master Hall had made his move just now, they had all seen it. Although he was utterly defeated by Zhang Xuan in a single blow, his true strength was not to be underestimated.

Among half-step Mortal Transcendents, he could be considered top-tier.

With such strength, ranking only third in the Xuan Yuan Kingdom, who would be the first two?

"The second-ranked is not a cultivator, but the Xuan Yuan Kingdom's greatest reliance, the half-step spirit beast [Ironback Pterosaur]!" said Elder Wei Yuqing.

"That peak savage beast with dragon bloodline?"

Jin Conghai frowned.

Legend had it that the Ironback Pterosaur, like the Cyan Nightmare Beast, possessed a dragon bloodline. Though extremely thin, it inherited the dragon race's fine traditions: iron wings like blades, extreme speed, a body covered in thick scales, invincible defense, and enduring strength.

Such a creature was born at the half-step spirit beast level and could even contend with some weaker spirit beasts.

"Other titled kingdoms know little about the Xuan Yuan Grand Formation, but almost everyone knows of the Ironback Pterosaur. Because of this, although Emperor Ding Chong is weak, no other kingdom dares to make a move!"

As the Grand Elder of the Beast Hall, Wei Yuqing knew very well that the Xuan Yuan Kingdom possessed such a formidable savage beast.

Without this reliance, even if Zhang Xuan hadn't intervened, this kingdom would have long been carved up by other titled nations.

"The Ironback Pterosaur can only rank second. The first you mentioned, could it be..." Gu Mu couldn't help but look over.

"Correct, it's the one who just spoke, the great-grandfather of Crown Prince Ding Mu, the 178th king of the Xuan Yuan Kingdom... Ding Hong!"

Wei Yuqing clenched his fist: "This Ding Hong is a genius among geniuses. Eighty years ago, he was hailed as the kingdom's number one expert, but... he disappeared long ago. Even I thought he was dead. The reason his name wasn't removed from the Qingye Ranking was merely for remembrance... I never expected he was still alive!"

"The number one expert from eighty years ago? Then his lifespan..." Gu Mu's eyes widened.

For martial artists at the ninth level, even reaching the Supreme Realm changes their life essence and strengthens their power, but their lifespan does not increase much. Normally, a hundred years is the limit and a major hurdle.

Many Supreme experts die of old age, and even the strongest cannot reverse it.

Eighty years ago, he was already the kingdom's number one expert, at least at half-step Mortal Transcendence. To still be alive now...

Doesn't that mean his lifespan has already exceeded a hundred years?

"If it's really him, his lifespan should have reached 165 years!" said Wei Yuqing.

"165 years? The first level of Mortal Transcendence... the Lifespan Extension Realm?" said Jin Conghai.

The Mortal Transcendence Realm, also called the Transcendent Realm or the Extraordinary Realm, represents breaking free from mortal shackles and a great elevation of life essence.

This is a general term for a major realm, which, like the martial artist realm, is divided into nine levels.

The first level is the Lifespan Extension Realm.

Upon reaching this realm, one's life essence undergoes a tremendous change, allowing one to autonomously absorb the world's spiritual energy to nourish and heal the hidden dangers from cultivation, thereby greatly increasing one's lifespan.

Martial artists, even at the Supreme peak or half-step Mortal Transcendence, can hardly surpass a hundred years.

But upon reaching this realm, one's lifespan doubles, allowing one to live up to two hundred years.

Since this Ding Hong hasn't died at over 160 years old and can still project such an imposing voice, it means he has already broken through the shackles.

Unexpectedly, the Xuan Yuan Kingdom had hidden a Mortal Transcendence expert!

"Cultivation at Mortal Transcendence is worlds apart from half-step. Young Master, should we intervene?" Jin Conghai's expression turned grave.

Half-step Mortal Transcendence and true Mortal Transcendence are only a small step apart, but it is the gap between a mortal and an awakened spirit—they cannot be mentioned in the same breath.

Below, Zhang Xuan could easily defeat half-step Mortal Transcendence, but against a true Mortal Transcendence, he would be helpless.

Different life essences naturally mean incomparable combat power.

It's like a tiger versus a human: with bare hands, the chance of the human winning is almost zero.

"Not yet. Let's see how he handles it. If it really comes to it, we can still act in time," said the "Young Master" with a shake of his head.

This fellow had easily defeated a half-step Mortal Transcendence, stopped the Xuan Yuan Grand Formation with a single finger, and displayed an endless array of tricks. This piqued his curiosity, and he wanted to see what methods he could use against a true Mortal Transcendence.

Even if danger arose, Jin Conghai had walked the path of Mortal Transcendence for a long time; suppressing a Lifespan Extension Realm cultivator would not be difficult.

"Mm."

With a grunt of acknowledgment, Jin Conghai asked no more and looked down.

Gu Mu and the others also hurriedly looked over.

...

"You are Master Zhang Xuan, yes? Would you do this old man a favor and spare this unworthy descendant? I am willing to offer two thousand spirit stones as thanks!"

The aged voice, after a moment of hesitation, slowly rang out.

"Two thousand spirit stones?"

Everyone's breath quickened.

Spirit stones were of immense value; in terms of gold coins, ten thousand gold could hardly buy one.

To offer two thousand at the first word—truly generous.

With so much money, converted into kingdoms and cities, it could absolutely buy the Tianwu Kingdom!

A fortune that could buy a first-rate kingdom, given away just to save Ding Mu—this shows how important that guy is to him.

Hearing the other's words, Zhang Xuan was also startled.

At his richest, he had only fifteen spirit stones; the other opened his mouth with so many—a truly generous offer.

"Indeed, two thousand spirit stones—the wealth they represent goes without saying!"

The old man's voice continued: "Moreover, killing him does you no good; instead, you'll face my relentless pursuit. How to choose—you're a smart man, surely you can figure it out!"

Though the other's voice was calm, it carried a threat.

It seemed that if Zhang Xuan dared to act, he would personally strike and kill him.

Ignoring the threat, Zhang Xuan tightened his fingers.

Though he loved money as his life and desperately needed spirit stones, he would never violate morality and principles for them.

If he did, how could he face Lu Chong when he woke up?

Crack!

Force passed through the throat; with a crisp sound, Ding Mu didn't even have time to cry out before his head lolled and his breathing ceased.

Thud!

The corpse was thrown to the ground.

"You... insolent!"

Unexpectedly, after all that talk, the guy didn't say a word and struck directly. The voice lost its previous composure, a great roar shooting into the sky as if to tear it apart.

Rustle!

Hearing this thunderous voice, the crowd watching at the altar all staggered and fell in a heap.

When a Mortal Transformation expert is angered, heaven and earth change color!

"Oh no..."

"What's the point of killing him? Better to take the two thousand spirit stones!"

"Yes, it's over now. This is a Mortal Transformation expert; no matter how strong, one can't contend..."

...

Below the altar, there was also an uproar.

Clearly, they hadn't expected Zhang Xuan to actually strike.

Nor had they expected that behind the Xuan Yuan Kingdom there was such a formidable expert.

A single roar sent so many people tumbling to the ground—his strength was terrifying.

Even though this Master Zhang had performed remarkably earlier, no one was optimistic.

The gap between Mortal Transformation and martial artists was too vast, like the difference between mortals and gods, not on the same level.

"A Mortal Transformation expert... Zhang Xuan, I've harmed you..."

Mo Yu's face turned pale, her delicate body trembling.

She knew the Xuan Yuan Kingdom was strong, and that it was best not to cause trouble without being a peak Sovereign, but she didn't know that the kingdom's famous ancestor was still alive.

And even stronger.

Reaching Mortal Transformation was like a carp leaping over the dragon gate; even if his power didn't increase much, his control over heaven and earth far surpassed that of martial artists.

If this ancestor acted, no matter how many tricks Zhang Xuan had, they would be useless.

A master teacher could see flaws, but he wasn't invincible.

It's like seeing a flaw in a city wall and knowing the solution—just tear it down, and it's ineffective...

But... could one do it alone?

Knowing flaws and defeating are two different things.

Upon reaching Mortal Transformation, life transforms; even if there are flaws, they are all hidden. Even if you can see them, you can't catch up to his speed or get close—how do you fight?

Roar!

While everyone had their own thoughts, some anxious, some worried, a great beast's cry sounded from deep within the palace, and then a bolt of lightning shot straight out, appearing above the altar.

It was a huge savage beast, over ten meters long, with wings spanning more than thirty meters, covered in thick scales, exuding a fierce aura and a heavy sense of oppression.

"Ironback Pterosaur?" Zhang Xuan raised an eyebrow.

Having read so many books on taming beasts, he naturally recognized this peak existence among savage beasts.

Also a half-step spirit beast with dragon bloodline, this one was much stronger and more ferocious than the Cyan Nightmare Beast.

It was terrifying enough that the palace had a Mortal Transformation ancestor; unexpectedly, there was also such a powerful beast.

Truly a titled kingdom—he had underestimated it.

On the Ironback Pterosaur's back stood a man proudly.

This man didn't look as old as his voice suggested; he appeared about fifty, with an aura like the ocean, endless.

Upon reaching the Life Extension realm, lifespan increases, and the aging body rejuvenates like a transformation.

This Xuan Yuan Kingdom ancestor, Ding Hong, though over 160 years old, didn't look as aged as one might imagine.

"It really is him..."

Luo Qianhong's pupils contracted from the side.

Though he had never seen this ancestor, he had seen portraits through various channels. He thought he had long passed away, but never expected him not only alive but with such presence.

"I gave you a chance! Unfortunately, you didn't seize it!"

Clenching his teeth, Ding Hong looked coldly at Zhang Xuan, his gaze like a knife.

He doted on this great-grandson, which was why he had set him as crown prince early on.

Now this guy had killed him right in front of him—unforgivable.

Rumble!

His voice descended from the sky like a heavy hammer, charging straight over.

Stagger! Stagger! Stagger! Stagger!

Zhang Xuan felt a tightness in his chest, as if struck, his face paling as he involuntarily stepped back a few paces.

A Mortal Transformation expert could control the power of heaven and earth, attacking even from a distance.

Like Master Su back then, who with a single word made the Golden Scale Beast fall from the sky and Liang Qingming spit blood.

Ding Hong was weaker than Master Su, and Zhang Xuan was stronger than Liang Qingming, yet he was still forced back—Mortal Transformation experts were indeed terrifying.

"Seize the opportunity? Sorry, even if you gave me another chance, I'd still kill him!"

Circulating Heavenly Dao true energy to dispel the pressure, Zhang Xuan looked into the sky.

"Eye of Insight!"

Patterns flowed in his eyes as he tried to see the other's flaws, but found nothing.

The Eye of Insight could at most see flaws in half-step Mortal Transformation experts—those one minor level above him—but not true Mortal Transformation.

"Flaws!"

Knowing this master teacher ability couldn't help him, Zhang Xuan wasn't nervous; he called out in his mind.

Whoosh!

A book appeared in his mind.

The other's sound attack counted as using a martial technique, so the library could now analyze it.

He quickly opened the pages.

His brows furrowed, face turning ashen.

Though it listed many flaws of the man before him, with his current strength, even knowing them, he couldn't pose a threat.

Like an infant knowing a man's crotch is a weak point—even if he could kick it, he might not injure him.

Even if his physical body and true energy could unleash the power of fifty thousand cauldrons, it was still impossible to harm a Mortal Transformation expert.

In other words, even with his current strength and knowledge of flaws, it was useless!

He simply couldn't hurt the other.

"Since you want to die, I'll grant your wish!"

Seeing this guy still daring to talk back, Ding Hong snorted coldly from the broad beast's back.

Roar!

As his words fell, the Ironback Pterosaur beneath him seemed to receive a command, its huge wings flapping fiercely.

Whoosh!

The massive beast shot forward like an arrow, arriving in an instant, its blade-like wings slashing at Zhang Xuan.

From the sound of the air screaming, if struck, even steel would be torn in two, let alone a person.

His pupils contracting, knowing that even his powerful second-level Heavenly Dao Golden Body couldn't withstand it, Zhang Xuan moved his feet.

Whoosh!

Heavenly Dao Movement Technique.

In an instant, he appeared dozens of meters away, dodging the strike.

Roar!

Missing its target, the Ironback Pterosaur turned in midair and swept its wings again.

He retreated again.

This repeated several times, Zhang Xuan's face turning ashen.

Although his cultivation had increased, allowing him to execute the Heavenly Way Movement Technique more times, his body would eventually be unable to bear it. If he continued, in less than three more uses, even if the opponent's wings didn't hit him, he would still be severely injured.

"Just dodging like this won't work, but... a half-step Mortal Realm savage beast and a Mortal Realm expert... neither can be overcome!"

"Yes, Teacher Zhang is in a bad way!"

Everyone looked tense.

Not to mention Ding Hong of the Mortal Realm, even the Ironback Winged Dragon, ranked second on the Green Leaf List, was not something a martial artist could handle.

Its defense was invincible and its attack power formidable, but most importantly, it flew in the sky...

No matter how powerful you were, you could only take hits; you couldn't fly up and knock it down.

"Could it be... Teacher Zhang will really be killed?"

Someone in the crowd said.

This Teacher Zhang had just helped him break through, and he owed him a half-teacher bond. Watching him about to be killed but being powerless, he was filled with anxiety.

"Unless we can make the Ironback Winged Dragon stop flying, with his strength, he might be able to fight it. But... is that possible?"

Someone sighed.

The Ironback Winged Dragon was a half-step spirit beast, with intelligence no less than a human's. Since flying gave it such a huge advantage, how could it give that up?

Unless there was a way to knock it out of the sky.

But... not to mention its invincible defense, even if one had enough strength, one would first need to match its speed.

In other words, the Ironback Winged Dragon was already in an unbeatable position. Continuing like this, Zhang Xuan would eventually be killed.

The crowd was silent, anxious but helpless.

"You dodge fast enough. Let's see how many times you can dodge!"

Everyone could see it, and Ding Hong naturally knew it too. Standing on the beast's back, he sneered coldly, hands behind his back, looking down arrogantly as if at a dead man.

No matter how fast you run, can you outrun flying?

"Indeed, I can't dodge many more times!" Zhang Xuan stopped and looked up. "How about... I stop dodging!"

"Stop dodging? Then die!"

With a snort, Ding Hong was about to drive the Ironback Winged Dragon to attack when suddenly a sharp sound rose from below.

"Moo!"

Thud!

Before he could react, Ding Hong felt his feet go soft. The Ironback Winged Dragon beneath him plummeted from the air, and even he, caught off guard, plunged headfirst into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.