Chapter 554: Chapter 3: Cross-Domain Passage
The Martial Arts True Monarch said nothing at all,
But many signs were pointing toward Wang Sheng, or rather, toward the world’s strongest.
Nothing had changed in Qingshan Village, it was as it had always been.
But the outside world was another story, the Datong officialdom was under great pressure, for the Seventh Realm inheritance, or even higher, was extremely tempting.
Wang Sheng knew that Huangtian would come to see him, but did not expect him to arrive so soon.
However, he was not worried about Huangtian’s attitude.
Before long, Huangtian arrived at his residence.
The child transformed by Yun Xiao had already prepared tea—since Da Bai was out frolicking elsewhere except during major holidays, Yun Xiao was consistently learning, and would often return, said to aspire to become the finest singer.
Today, by chance, he served as a child apprentice.
“Take a seat, you’ve been here many times, no need for formalities now!”
Huangtian sat down, took a sip of chrysanthemum tea, and laughed, “Your tea gets more refreshing by the day, it instantly puts me at ease.”
The chrysanthemum tea grown by seventh-level Planting Skill had incredibly calming effects, clearing the mind and dispersing irritability.
Even Huangtian, originally somewhat anxious due to the Martial Arts True Monarch’s appearance, felt instantly placated.
“It’s just a trifle, have you come for matters concerning the Martial Arts True Monarch this time?”
When it came to the main issue, Huangtian turned serious, nodding, “Yes, sir, I wish to know the identity of the Martial Arts True Monarch, whether he’s an enemy, and if there’s anything we need to do?”
Although not explicitly stated, both understood that this referred to all evidence pointing toward him.
“The Martial Arts True Monarch, an adversary to the Eighth Realm’s mightiest, ‘True Monarch’ should be regarded as an honorific, not a realm, as each Cultivation System has its own nomenclature for realms. If not unexpected, he will invade within ten years; the returnees from Qi Blood Heaven’s Secret Realm should have informed you of this, right?”
“We are already aware of the invasion within ten years, but we came specifically to confirm the identity of the Martial Arts True Monarch,” affirmed Huangtian.
The Datong higher-ups had never doubted Wang Sheng.
Many doctrines of the Taiping Sect, precursor to Datong, were provided by Wang Sheng, and most people regarded him as a life mentor. With the appearance of the Martial Arts True Monarch, they instinctively suspected a conspiracy.
If they really followed the Martial Arts True Monarch’s train of thought, Datong would only drift further from Wang Sheng, so from the very beginning, they knew what to do.
“Now that you know this, is there anything else you want to ask?”
Since Huangtian had come, Wang Sheng did not believe it was just to inquire about this.
“Indeed!” Huangtian nodded, “Sir, we wish to know if the Qi Blood Martial Arts were really passed down by this so-called Martial Arts True Monarch?”
The Qi Blood Martial Arts differed from all other paths and was the most practiced system among the Human Race.
It was also the Cultivation System that sustained the Human Race from wilderness to present, with everyone holding different sentiments.
If it indeed originated from another world, or worse, an opposing world, the ensuing war would surely impact morale.
But Wang Sheng had good news for him.
“False, the Qi Blood Martial Arts is ours, indigenous to our world,” Wang Sheng assured.
Huangtian breathed an internal sigh of relief.
Yet Wang Sheng added, “However, we indeed cannot compare with the Martial Arts True Monarch in terms of progress. His comprehension of the Qi Blood Martial Arts is formidable, one might say he has reached its pinnacle.”
Belittling the enemy bellittles oneself.
Strategically despise, yet tactically emphasize.
This maxim is timeless.
Huangtian, who practiced Spiritual Martial Arts, was not well-versed in Qi Blood Martial Arts. After the incident, he immediately attended urgent meetings which led straight to seeking Wang Sheng, so his knowledge about the Martial Arts True Monarch’s methods was hearsay.
Now that his mentor had confirmed it, he realized it was not that simple.
“Should we manage it then?”
Datong was mighty and certainly capable of enforcing a prohibition.
Hearing this, Wang Sheng glanced at Huangtian and replied, “Why forbid? It’s no bad thing. It brings great opportunity for Qi Blood Martial Arts practitioners, making their paths smoother. And you needn’t worry about problems, those contents are bait; if we cannot change the outcome, then let’s swallow the bait.”
To gain trust, one indeed must provide something genuine.
Otherwise, those in the Fourth Realm of Qi Blood Martial Arts are not fools.
“If we don’t forbid it, how should this matter be handled, sir? We can hardly control people’s hearts…”
This was one of Huangtian’s main reasons for visiting Qingshan Village.
What the Martial Arts True Monarch did was a half-open scheming, yang conspiracy.
The Datong higher-ups deemed it a ruse, but could not silence the multitude of opinions.
“How to handle it…” Wang Sheng let out a cold chuckle, “Just tell the plain truth. Disclose the Martial Arts True Monarch’s identity, his actions, everything; let people choose for themselves.”
“??”
Huangtian felt he had misunderstood; could this method really be appropriate?
“Sir, without guiding, perhaps things could escalate beyond repair.”
“Truth is the best guide and moreover… this world still speaks through strength, and though the Datong officials may appear harmless, they too rose through countless trials by fire. Martial suppression will suffice; there’s no need to play house with those people.”
Huangtian shuddered at the revelation.
The philosophy taught to him by Wang Sheng prompted him to consider the majority’s viewpoint in many situations.
But he had not forgotten,
From the outset, Datong was a nation founded on martial power.
And the teacher before him was an Eighth Realm powerhouse.