Chapter 33: Fallen God Tai Shang Xia Xiao Tian
The young man who had been sitting cross-legged on the ground, Zhang Ruochen, slowly opened his eyes.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
He had finally succeeded in breaking through.
The cultivation of the "Taiji Yin-Yang Diagram" had reached a state of great perfection, and the "Nine Heavens Bright Emperor Scripture" had also advanced to the fourth level.
At this moment, the sacred Qi within his body was surging like a vast ocean, far surpassing what it had been before his breakthrough.
However, what truly excited Zhang Ruochen was not just the breakthrough in his cultivation realm.
But rather, the fact that he had finally comprehended the true essence of the "Taiji Four Symbols Diagram."
The "Taiji Four Symbols Diagram" was a supreme sacred technique left behind by the Immovable Bright King Great Venerable. It was a technique that could cultivate the power of the four symbols: the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise.
If one could cultivate all four symbols to great perfection, they could merge them into one, forming the legendary "Five Elements Chaos Body."
Of course, that was still too far away for Zhang Ruochen.
For now, he had only just managed to comprehend the rudimentary principles of the Azure Dragon symbol.
Even so, this was already an astonishing achievement.
"Zhang Ruochen, you're finally awake."
A clear, pleasant voice rang out.
Zhang Ruochen looked up and saw a young girl in a green dress standing not far away, looking at him with a smile.
The girl was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with delicate features and a lively, intelligent look in her eyes. She was none other than the young lady of the Xia family, Xia Xiao Tian.
"Miss Xia, I have troubled you to keep watch for me all this time."
Zhang Ruochen stood up and clasped his hands in thanks.
"You're too polite. My grandfather instructed me to take good care of you, so this is only right."
Xia Xiao Tian smiled sweetly, then asked with curiosity, "Zhang Ruochen, you were in seclusion for a full three days. Did you make a breakthrough?"
"Mm, a small breakthrough."
Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly.
"Really? That's wonderful!"
Xia Xiao Tian clapped her hands happily, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
She knew very well that Zhang Ruochen was a genuine genius. Even though he had been crippled, he had managed to rise again in just a few short months, which was nothing short of a miracle.
"By the way, Zhang Ruochen, my grandfather asked me to tell you that if you're done with your seclusion, please go see him."
Xia Xiao Tian suddenly remembered something and said.
"Oh? Is something the matter?"
Zhang Ruochen asked in surprise.
"I'm not sure. But my grandfather seemed to have something important to discuss with you."
Xia Xiao Tian shook her head.
"Alright, I'll go right away."
Zhang Ruochen nodded, then followed Xia Xiao Tian toward the main hall of the Xia residence.
Inside the main hall, an old man with white hair and a kind face was sitting upright. He was the head of the Xia family, Xia Ding Tian.
"Zhang Ruochen pays respects to Senior Xia."
Zhang Ruochen stepped forward and bowed.
"No need for formalities. Please, have a seat."
Xia Ding Tian smiled and waved his hand.
Zhang Ruochen sat down, then asked, "Senior, may I ask what urgent matter you have summoned me for?"
Xia Ding Tian's expression turned serious as he said, "Zhang Ruochen, I have received news that the people from the Black Market First Class Hall have already arrived in Yunwu Commandery. They are currently investigating your whereabouts."
Zhang Ruochen's pupils constricted slightly.
The Black Market First Class Hall was one of the Ten Dark Powers, with immense influence and strength. If they were to find him, the consequences would be dire.
"Senior, do you know why the Black Market First Class Hall is looking for me?"
Zhang Ruochen asked in a deep voice.
"It is said that someone has placed a bounty on your head, offering a high price for your life."
Xia Ding Tian said solemnly, "Moreover, the person who placed the bounty is very likely someone from the Heavenly Realm Faction."
"The Heavenly Realm Faction?"
Zhang Ruochen's brow furrowed tightly.
He had long known that the Heavenly Realm Faction would not let him go easily, but he had not expected them to make a move so quickly.
"That's right. The Heavenly Realm Faction has always regarded you as a thorn in their side. Now that you have regained your cultivation, they will certainly do everything in their power to eliminate you."
Xia Ding Tian sighed, "Zhang Ruochen, the situation is very dangerous now. You must be careful."
"Thank you for the warning, Senior. I will be cautious."
Zhang Ruochen nodded.
"Also, there is one more thing."
Xia Ding Tian paused, then continued, "I have recently received news that the Fallen God Island has been stirring with unusual activity. It seems that something major is about to happen."
"The Fallen God Island?"
Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred.
The Fallen God Island was one of the most mysterious forbidden zones in the Kunlun Realm. It was said that a true god had fallen there, leaving behind countless treasures and opportunities.
"Senior, do you know what exactly is happening on the Fallen God Island?"
Zhang Ruochen asked.
"I'm not sure. But according to the rumors, it seems that the inheritance of the Fallen God Island is about to be opened."
Xia Ding Tian said with a grave expression, "If this news is true, then the entire Kunlun Realm will be thrown into chaos."
Zhang Ruochen fell into deep thought.
The inheritance of the Fallen God Island was undoubtedly a tremendous temptation. If he could obtain it, his strength would surely skyrocket.
However, with his current level of cultivation, it would be extremely difficult to compete with the countless experts for such a treasure.
"Zhang Ruochen, I know you have great ambitions, but you must not act recklessly."
Xia Ding Tian advised, "The inheritance of the Fallen God Island is no small matter. Even a Great Saint might lose their life there. You must think carefully before making a decision."
"Senior, rest assured. I know my limits."
Zhang Ruochen nodded.
After a few more words of conversation, Zhang Ruochen took his leave and returned to his own courtyard.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Zhang Ruochen's gaze flickered with uncertainty.
The arrival of the Black Market First Class Hall and the stirring of the Fallen God Island had filled him with a strong sense of urgency.
He had to become stronger, and fast.
Only then could he protect himself and those around him.
"Looks like I need to find a way to increase my strength as quickly as possible."
Zhang Ruochen murmured to himself.
Suddenly, a thought struck him.
He remembered that there was a secret realm in the depths of the Yunwu Mountains, said to contain the remains of an ancient powerful being.
If he could find that secret realm and obtain the inheritance within, his strength would surely undergo a tremendous transformation.
"Alright, I'll head to the Yunwu Mountains tomorrow."
Having made up his mind, Zhang Ruochen closed his eyes and began to cultivate.