Vol. 1 - Ch. 51 - Netherworld Locust Tree

Early the next morning, Chen Xingzhen pushed open the door. His eyes were red from a sleepless night, but his spirit was unwavering. In his hands, he held the meticulously recorded martial technique of Emperor Taizu's Long Fist.  At first, the sheer amount of knowledge troubled him, but he soon realized that the technique had become ingrained in his mind, impossible to forget. Determined to ensure the future of his clan, Chen Xingzhen burned the midnight oil until he completed the transcription.  Just as he was about to summon several Blood Coagulation Realm warriors from the Chen family to teach the technique, he saw Chen Qingyu approaching. "Qingyu, you've arrived just in time. Take this fighting technique and study it." "Hmm? Our clan also has martial arts techniques?" Chen Qingyu, who was about to share the events of last night with Chen Xingzhen, blinked in surprise. But before he could say anything, the clan leader handed him the technique with a pleased smile: "This martial art was indeed taught to me by the Divine Tree last night. It is of great importance to our clan. After you've mastered it, share copies with your uncles and have them pass it on to other clan members." "However, due to its importance, we can only teach it to clan warriors at this time. Once the transmission is complete, we'll have to handle it uniformly and avoid spreading it outside..." Chen Xingzhen continued, unaware of the subtle change in Chen Qingyu's expression as he looked at the martial technique in his hands.  Obviously, this was the same Emperor Taizu's Long Fist that he had received last night. Upon reflection, it made perfect sense. If the Divine Tree had shared it with him, surely it would also be passed on to the clan leader? This realization made Chen Qingyu, who had originally planned to tell Chen Xingzhen about the martial arts technique, reconsider.  Revealing the truth now would expose his secret visit to the Ancestral Hall last night.  Although it wasn't a big deal, given his status within the clan, he could easily report it to the clan leader and openly perform the ritual to pay respect to their ancestors. As a genius within the clan, Chen Qingyu was reluctant to reveal his weaknesses to others, even family members. "Understood." Chen Qingyu didn't say much, taking the martial arts technique and leaving. Watching his retreating figure, Chen Xingzhen sighed. Despite his impulsive nature, Qingyu served the clan wholeheartedly.  The early death of his parents had left him with a more reserved attitude than others. He could guess who had been in the Ancestral Hall last night.  He also understood why Chen Qingyu acted the way he did, but he decided not to reveal his secret. As the clan chief, he knew his people well. Behind Chen Qingyu's apparent aloofness, there was a heart more fragile than most.  Unfortunately, even as the clan chief, he couldn't do much to help.  He could only do his best to provide a safe haven for the clan and ensure that it remained a haven in the hearts of its members. "Battle technique? Is it a high-level Yellow Tier technique?" "Hahaha, fantastic!" "Hurry, let me have a look!" ... When the news of Emperor Taizu's Long Fist spread among the clan's warriors, it caused quite a stir. Many clan members eagerly read it, hoping to learn the secrets of this Yellow Tier technique. Soon, Clan Leader Chen Xingzhen personally made an announcement: the first three clan members to fully comprehend Emperor Taizu's Long Fist would receive rewards from the clan.  And what were those rewards? The flesh and blood of ferocious beasts of the Blood Coagulation Realm. Upon hearing this news, the clan members were thrilled.  Although the clan regularly distributed beast flesh based on individual cultivation levels or contributions, who would complain about something that could temper their bodies and refine their blood? For a while, all of the clan's warriors focused on practicing Emperor Taizu's Long Fist, eager to be the first to master this ancient technique. Chen Qingyu did not take part in the competition. Although his cultivation level was not the highest, he was already one of the most prominent figures in the clan, second only to the clan leader.  If he entered the competition with his late-stage Blood Coagulation cultivation, it would inevitably dampen the enthusiasm of the other clan members. Besides, he had already grasped the technique. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality. At present, the clan had many other responsibilities, and they couldn't devote all their time to learning martial arts.  Even young members like Chen Qinghe and Chen Qingmeng, who were around ten years old, were busy cultivating Blood Rice in the spirit fields. However, the two brothers used slightly different planting techniques.  Upon closer inspection, it was clear that they were incorporating the movement principles of the Taizu Long Fist into their work. Inside the Ancestral Hall, Ji Yang listened to the excited shouts of the clan members, and his mood brightened.  It seemed that this high-level Yellow Tier martial technique was of great benefit to the clan. Yet, a doubt crept into Ji Yang's mind. Since he could comprehend this technique, it meant that it truly existed.  But did that also confirm the reality of the Netherworld Realm? And if so, what was its purpose? Ji Yang's mind was clouded with doubts, but his current perspective didn't allow him to grasp the deeper reasons behind them.  Pushing aside his confusion, he focused on the grey fruits nestled on his branches.  Today marked the sixth day of their growth, but their appearance hadn't changed much from the day before.  The only noticeable difference was their colour, which had gradually shifted from silver to grey. He estimated that another day would be sufficient for the fruits to fully "mature," and he braced himself for the challenge that lay ahead.  Over the past few days, Ji Yang had been diligently absorbing moonlight to replenish his life force, but it barely kept up with his increasing needs. Curious about his current state, Ji Yang opened his panel to check his attributes: [Name: Ji Yang] [Race: Netherworld Locust Tree] [Vitality: 16] [Divine Abilities: Eye of insight, Reversing Dan Progress, Blindfolded Perception, Soul Condensation, Protective Armor] [Cultivation Techniques: Lunar Eclipse, Yin Gathering] [Combat skills: Taizu Long Fist (can be inherited once)] [Qi and Blood: 54 (convertible to vitality)] [Spiritual Power: 11] [Simulation Points: 0] [Not subject to simulated!] [Status: Despite the racial transformation caused by the prolonged use of Yin Gathering cultivation technique, it doesn't significantly affect you. You remain relatively weak.] In recent days, the family had been preoccupied with hunting, and they hadn't performed any rituals.  Though Ji Yang could absorb moonlight, the mysterious energies he consumed outweighed what he gained. As a result, his vital energy had dwindled to just 16 points. However, what truly startled Ji Yang was the sudden change in his race---he had somehow become a Netherworld Locust Tree.  A quick glance at the status column revealed that this transformation was due to the persistent use of Yin Gathering cultivation technique. Though the new race seemed more powerful than his previous form, Ji Yang couldn't help but feel a preference for his green self.  The vibrant green represented burgeoning possibilities, growth, and life. Determined to regain his original form, Ji Yang concentrated on stopping the Yin Gathering cultivation technique. As he halted its operation, he noticed a gradual change.  The blackened trunk of the tree slowly turned brown, and the once-black leaves on the branches began to shift back to a healthy green hue.