Chapter Sixty-Six: The Realm of the Dao

Within the vast expanse of his dantian, spanning hundreds of feet, the boundless true energy was undergoing a violent transformation. The Yin-Yang Sutra operated of its own accord. True energy condensed and collapsed, with myriad powers of artistic conception merging in to further accelerate the transformation while restraining the riotous flow of energy. The qi sea revolved, forming an enormous Taiji symbol; within the eye of the Yin-Yang fish, a drop of liquid suddenly appeared.

There was no barrier, it manifested naturally.

One drop pure Yin, one drop pure Yang.

As Yin and Yang spun, countless mysterious forces fused into them. The true energy began to transform in a chain reaction.

A powerful aura surged forth, astonishing Qin Zhiyan; the other martial artists at the second realm were also visibly shocked.

The middle-aged warrior guarding the boundary gate suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with brilliance. "Artistic conception resonates with heaven and earth; he's brought back all the power he acquired in the secret realm, merging it with the Dao of the main world, imprinting his heart upon Heaven's heart. Though the worlds differ, and their rules as well, once the resonance completes, it will be fully assimilated."

"This pressure—I can barely breathe; the level of conception he has comprehended must be terrifying."

"His aura is like a mountain, like a tidal wave, and it's still rising. He was restricted in the secret realm, but now that he's returned, the suppression has lifted and the breakthrough has begun!"

"Eighteen years old, about to step into the fourth realm of martial arts."

"The most crucial thing is that he achieved the feat of carrying back his acquired power from the small world. After a few years of accumulation, he'll soar to unimaginable heights."

"Our Pingyang City is about to witness the birth of a true dragon!"

The middle-aged man quickly composed his thoughts and sent out the news.

Elsewhere—

Qin Zhiyan stared blankly, feeling the vast, oceanic strength of Jiang Ming's aura. She was stunned for a long time.

"He not only survived, but has grown to such a degree."

"His temperament has changed completely."

"Facing him now is like facing a great martial master—no, even stronger, much stronger."

"What kind of opportunity did he encounter to grow so much?"

Qin Zhiyan was unable to calm her heart.

Not long after, two people arrived.

"City Lord, Elder Tang!" the middle-aged man guarding the boundary gate greeted respectfully.

"Second Floor—he comprehended artistic conception upon returning, and is now breaking through. A genius!" City Lord Song scrutinized Jiang Ming, unable to hide his admiration. He glanced at the elder beside him, "Old Tang, is this the one you spoke of? Young, with exceptional comprehension; after entering the secret world, soaring forward makes sense."

"This is indeed him—Jiang Ming!" Elder Tang's face was full of smiles, then he grew solemn. "His artistic conception resonates with heaven and earth—though subtle, I can sense at least..." He paused, not finishing his sentence.

He sighed, "At that time, he asked whether, with his newly attained second realm cultivation, he had a chance at becoming the provincial top scorer. I told him he did—Allworld Tower! Who would've thought this kid would actually arrive here, not only coming out successfully but achieving such greatness. Good, good, good!"

He was truly delighted.

"A hidden dragon indeed!" City Lord Song sensed carefully, deeply shaken.

Just then, Jiang Ming's aura receded and he opened his eyes.

He sensed the situation around him.

"Elder Tang!" Jiang Ming nodded to Qin Zhiyan, then looked to the others and smiled. "Do I now qualify for the top provincial honor?"

"Ninety-nine percent chance of success!" Elder Tang replied with a smile.

"Why not one hundred percent? I shouldn't be lacking now!" Jiang Ming asked curiously.

"There's still a bit missing—too many variables, and you haven't met some of the powerful descendants and true prodigies yet, real prodigies!" Elder Tang pointed to the elder beside him. "This is the City Lord, Song. You may address him as Elder Song."

"Elder Song!" Jiang Ming bowed slightly.

He could sense their strength—both still unfathomable to him, even now.

"Excellent, very excellent. With you, I can finally hold my head high at this year's martial exam!" City Lord Song was clearly delighted. "Come, let's go upstairs and discuss your situation in detail, and I'll also explain some of your doubts. After all, with your previous clearance, there were secrets you couldn't access."

Jiang Ming readily agreed.

Powerful descendants? True prodigies? That was to be expected, like the Olympiad classes and youth programs in his previous life, not to mention the age of martial arts.

What truly concerned him was the profound, weighty, ancient, boundless, and vast pressure he felt upon returning. It was far heavier than anything he felt in the world of Nine Yin Nine Yang.

Boarding the elevator, Jiang Ming conjured a ball of true energy in his palm. With a brief sense, he was shocked.

"The destructive power has dropped by ninety percent!"

This was a genuine sensation.

"Different worlds, different rules," Elder Tang explained with a smile. "You entered the secret realm at the second realm of martial arts—a place for basic tempering. The world's level was low, so the rules and power were much weaker, meaning the destructive power increased exponentially."

"Let me give you an imperfect analogy."

"The secret realm's rules are like strands of hair, while the main world's rules are like steel bars!"

"The same power in the secret realm could shatter mountains and cut through rules, almost like a deity; but in the main world, its destructive power is greatly diminished. This doesn't mean the power is weaker, but that the rules suppress it, absorbed by the boundless ocean of origin energy."

"But any power, artistic conception, or true intent cultivated in the secret realm, once certain achievements are made, belong fully to you. You should have felt this!"

Elder Tang's metaphor was vivid.

Jiang Ming understood.

"Elder Tang, are artistic conception and true intent two different powers?" he asked, curious.

In the secret realm, the third martial realm was considered a master, but in the main world, the third realm is the Qi Gang stage, the fourth a master, and the fifth a grandmaster.

"They are two distinct types!" City Lord Song interjected. "Besides origin energy, the power of heaven and earth includes another force—call it Dao power, or Dao realm. The Dao realm has several levels; the lowest is artistic conception, above that is true intent, and above true intent are even higher powers."

Jiang Ming's lips twitched.

He truly didn't know any of this.

"The secret realm, constrained by its level, severely limits what can be known or understood," City Lord Song added.

As they spoke, they reached the top floor. The elevator opened and they entered City Lord Song's office.

Allworld Tower was under his jurisdiction.

Jiang Ming's thoughts churned.

In this brief time since returning, he'd sensed immense differences, as well as changes within himself.

His cultivation had broken through—he had stepped into the fourth martial realm.

Here, he was now recognized as a master, a true master.

In the world at large, he could be considered a formidable figure.

Within Pingyang City, he was certainly a prominent figure.

That wasn't much, but what Elder Tang and Elder Song had just said greatly shook him; he could clearly tell that both knew many secrets unknown to ordinary people.

He also felt the terrifying depth of the main world—unfathomable.

But at this moment, Jiang Ming was immersed in the changes within his system.

For after his breakthrough, he had just gained his fourth innate talent.