"Pfft!!"
Just as he exited the valley, Yuwen Tuo coughed up another mouthful of blood.
Fortunately, the deadly threat had disappeared, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Supreme Master!"
"How did you get so seriously injured?"
"This place is where the number one Forbidden Land on the Nine Provinces Forbidden Land Ranking, the Star Pagoda, is located!"
"The formation within can kill even God Demon Realm cultivators. Notify everyone at the Supreme Master Mansion that no one is to enter this Forbidden Land under any circumstance!"
"Yes, Supreme Master!"
Everyone was completely terrified.
The number one Forbidden Land!
That was a place that could effortlessly slaughter God Demon Realm cultivators!
All of the Nine Provinces had been searching for the location of the Star Pagoda, and it turned out to be right here?
And even more shocking, it was the very place where Shi Qingxuan resided?
Could it be that the person behind her was the master of the number one Forbidden Land?
"This place is too dangerous. We must leave immediately!"
Yuwen Tuo did not hesitate. He gave a firm order and swiftly led his men away from the area.
He knew all too well just how terrifying these Forbidden Lands could be.
Back when the allied forces of many nations besieged the Heaven Mocking Palace, if the Azure Dragon Association had not intended to spare some lives, the entire alliance would have been wiped out.
The Star Pagoda was ranked even higher than the Heaven Mocking Palace.
Its danger level surely far surpassed it.
They absolutely could not provoke it.
At least for now, neither he nor the Sui Dynasty had the power to challenge the Star Pagoda.
They needed to withdraw and reconsider their approach.
However, before leaving, his eyes swept meaningfully toward Shi Zhixuan, who was hidden nearby.
Out of fear of the Forbidden Land, he did not act outside the valley either.
Shi Qingxuan's identity was clearly not simple.
Until everything was fully understood, there was no need to capture Shi Zhixuan.
He had been lucky to survive, likely because the master of the Forbidden Land had not truly taken action.
Otherwise.
After Yuwen Tuo and his group left, Shi Zhixuan slowly emerged from the shadows.
At that moment, his face was filled with shock.
The Star Pagoda!
The number one Forbidden Land?
How could this place possibly be the number one Forbidden Land?
He had once entered the valley and indeed seen an unremarkable stone tower. He hadn't paid it much attention.
Could that really be the Star Pagoda?
It did not make sense!
Inside the valley, he was certain only Qingxuan and her pair of twin children resided.
No one else.
The idea of a Forbidden Land here was just too far-fetched.
Could it be that Qingxuan was the master of the Forbidden Land?
Or perhaps, the man she always thought about was the true master?
Even with all his wisdom, Shi Zhixuan was completely confused.
The doubts in his heart only grew.
He wanted to rush into the valley and question Qingxuan directly.
But thinking about how terrifying the formation was, how even Supreme Master Yuwen Tuo had been gravely injured, he stopped in his tracks.
==========
It wasn't long before news of the Star Pagoda, the number one Forbidden Land, spread throughout the Sui Dynasty.
Whether in the Imperial Court or the Martial World, everyone was in disbelief.
The news quickly spread to other nations across the Nine Provinces.
It would not be long before the entire continent knew about it.
No one had expected the number one Forbidden Land to be located within the Sui Dynasty.
Even more shocking, it was the residence of Shi Qingxuan, daughter of the Evil King Shi Zhixuan.
People began speculating about Shi Qingxuan's identity.
Before long, scouts from countless forces appeared outside the valley where she lived.
Naturally, there were also curious cultivators hoping to gain some fortune.
Some bold and reckless individuals even charged straight into the valley.
Unfortunately, none of them ever returned.
"Oh my god, this really is the number one Forbidden Land of the Nine Provinces!"
"Yeah! Even the leader of the Golden Sand Gang went in a long time ago and still hasn't come out. He's probably dead by now!"
"He deserved it. He knew it was a Forbidden Land and still went in? He was asking for death."
"Even a Land Immortal entering would be facing certain death. What chance did a mere Great Grandmaster have?"
"I heard that the Four Great Guardian Vajras from Clean Thought Zen Temple died inside."
"Exactly. Even Grandmaster Ning Daoqi would've perished if Supreme Master Yuwen Tuo hadn't saved him."
"Now that Ning Daoqi owes him his life, he's already pledged allegiance to Yuwen Tuo. In the future, Cihang Tranquil School probably won't be able to rely on Ning Daoqi anymore, even if he wanted to help, Yuwen Tuo would never allow it!"
"Haha! Well, Yuwen Tuo's support is stronger than Cihang Tranquil School's anyway!"
"Hey, do you think Lady Shi has a special connection with the master of the Forbidden Land?"
"Could she be the master's woman?"
"I doubt it. I think the master of the Forbidden Land saw her talent and took her as a disciple."
"The ranking clearly stated it. Lady Shi created the Top-Tier Heavenly Human-Grade Flute Sound Immortal Exercise while only at the Great Grandmaster Realm. With such terrifying talent and comprehension, it's no wonder she caught the master's eye!"
"Ah, if only I had that kind of talent too. Maybe I could become a disciple of the master as well!"
"Even if not a disciple, I'd be happy to be a servant!"
"Could the master of the Forbidden Land be that mysterious Sage Realm cultivator?"
"I thought the Sage Realm figure came from the Vast Sea Dynasty?"
"Who knows? But even if he isn't a Sage, he must be among the strongest of the God Demon Realm!"
"Otherwise, someone as powerful as Yuwen Tuo would never have been forced to retreat in defeat!"
"Looks like Lady Shi might soon surpass her father, the Evil King Shi Zhixuan, and be the first to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm!"
"I'm so jealous!"
==========
Cihang Tranquil School.
At this moment, Fan Qinghui's face was filled with resentment, anger, and frustration.
"Why? We were only investigating."
"Why did the Four Great Holy Monks have to die?"
"And now even Ning Daoqi has abandoned us. In the future, even if he wants to help us again, Yuwen Tuo will never agree."
"If only Feixuan were still here."
"Is Cihang Tranquil School really about to decline completely?"
"Senior Sister, what should we do next?"
"Senior Sister, don't we still have Ancestor Di Ni?"
"As long as the Ancestor is with us, neither the court nor other powerful forces will dare move against us directly."
"They'll still give us some respect."
"Even Clean Thought Zen Temple will still look to us for leadership."
"The deaths of the Four Great Guardian Vajras are nothing in comparison."
"As for Ning Daoqi, he might have been important before. But now, with the Golden Ranking revealed and powerful cultivators appearing constantly, a mere Great Grandmaster is no longer a big deal."
"We should find a new ally in the Land Immortal Realm. That would be the best move!"
"You're right!"
"Junior Sister, do you have anyone in mind?"
"The Rain Covering Sword, Lang Fanyun."
"Him? Very well, I'll leave this matter to you."
Fan Qinghui looked at the Junior Sister beside her, whose beauty far surpassed her own and whose intelligence was not inferior in the slightest, and gave a nod of approval.
Now that Cihang Tranquil School had grown weaker, it was time for this remarkable Junior Sister to shoulder more responsibility.
==========
"Boom!"
"What? Supreme Master Yuwen, are you serious?"
"Even if you were instantly defeated and forced to retreat?"
Sui Imperial Palace.
Emperor Yang Guang stared at the pale-faced Yuwen Tuo before him, utterly dumbfounded by the report.
This was the first time he had ever seen such shock on Yuwen Tuo's face.
Even during the failed assault on the Heaven Mocking Palace, Yuwen Tuo had not looked this disheveled.
Instantly defeated!
How terrifying must the strength of the master of that Forbidden Land be?
And what was his purpose, establishing a Forbidden Land within the territory of the Sui Dynasty?
"Supreme Master Yuwen, do you think the master of this Forbidden Land poses a threat to our dynasty?"
Yang Guang asked with concern.
Though the Sui Dynasty still had some remaining strength, compared to the foundations of the Qin Dynasty, Han Dynasty, and Ming Dynasty, it was laughably inadequate.
It might even be inferior to the Northern and Southern Song Dynasty.
Facing enemies of the Mythical Realm was still manageable, but someone as fearsome as the master of the number one Forbidden Land, someone in the God Demon Realm, would be much harder to handle.
"For the time being, he probably won't!"
"Any reckless move on his part would stir the attention of every God Demon Realm cultivator across the Nine Provinces."
"At most, there may be some minor skirmishes or subtle actions."
"If it's just that, I can easily handle it!"
"Currently, the Land Immortal Realm of the Nine Provinces is still in a state of balance."
"As long as there is no blood feud, things will not spiral out of control."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured."
"I will keep a close watch on the situation. If anything seems off, I will report it immediately!"
Yuwen Tuo hesitated briefly, but ultimately gave his assurance.
"Very well. In that case, I leave this matter to you."
Yang Guang trusted Yuwen Tuo deeply.
"Tsk tsk... I truly didn't expect that Shi Qingxuan would be so capable."
"Even someone at the God Demon Realm would take an interest in her."
"But with such talent, why didn't she appear on the Hidden Dragon Ranking before?"
"Her age and strength qualify. She should easily rank in the top ten."
"Could it be that she's actually inferior to Shi Feixuan, Wan Wan, and Song Yuhua?"
"The master of the Forbidden Land wouldn't overlook such a thing!"
"Your Majesty, Shi Qingxuan is indeed exceptional, but the top ten on the Hidden Dragon Ranking is all extraordinary."
"According to my sources, a few of them have joined the Ming Imperial Harem. After receiving training from the Ming Emperor, they have all broken through to the Heavenly Human Realm."
"For now, Shi Qingxuan still cannot compare to those monsters."
Hearing Yuwen Tuo's explanation, Yang Guang showed a trace of envy.
To be powerful was truly advantageous.
It drew countless beauties into one's arms.
Just by holding a selection for Consorts, numerous outstanding women from across the Nine Provinces had come forward voluntarily.
Even the top women from the Hidden Dragon Ranking competed fiercely.
That cursed brat Zhu Houzhao!
Why did he have to witness such fortune?
Why wasn't he the one blessed with all those women?
They were both Emperors, yet the gap was so wide!
His envy soon turned to intense jealousy.
But what could he do?
He was simply not strong enough!
==========
Sui Dynasty.
Lingnan, Song Clan Mountain City.
Blade Sharpening Hall.
The news regarding the number one Forbidden Land, the Star Pagoda, and Shi Qingxuan had reached here as well.
Leaving everything else aside, the Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique alone shocked him.
Shi Qingxuan, while only at the Great Grandmaster Realm, had actually created a Top-Tier Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique?
It was inconceivable.
Creating a Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique was unimaginably difficult.
Even though he was close to reaching the Land Immortal Realm, his own techniques were still stuck at the Great Grandmaster-Grade.
Forget Top-Tier, even an Elementary-Tier Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique was beyond him.
Was the gap between him, the mighty Heaven Blade Song Que, and the young Shi Qingxuan really that wide?
Song Que felt a deep sense of frustration.
Looking at the various names on the Nine Provinces Cultivation Technique Ranking, he was utterly shocked by the level of talent.
These people had not even reached the required cultivation realm, yet through sheer talent and fortune, they created Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Techniques.
How unbelievable.
Was this the same path that Yuhua once took?
Did she also create a Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique while still a Great Grandmaster?
Not long ago, he received a letter from Yuhua, informing him that she had broken through to the Heavenly Human Realm.
Which meant she had indeed created her own unique Martial Technique.
Clearly, this wasn't something achieved overnight.
Once praised as the genius of the Nine Provinces, Song Que now found himself completely humbled.
His heart was filled with turmoil.
So he wasn't truly a genius.
Real geniuses were the ones who appeared on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking!
Those were the rankings meant for true monsters and prodigies!
No matter how famous one was in the Martial World, that only mattered to common cultivators.
In the eyes of the true cultivators of the Nine Provinces, that fame meant nothing.
==========
Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.
"Master Yuan, quickly send the Bad People into the Sui Dynasty to investigate this matter thoroughly!"
"If this master of the number one Forbidden Land forms an alliance with Yang Guang, it will be a catastrophe for our Tang Dynasty!"
Li Shimin's expression was grim.
Even though he knew that the master of the Forbidden Land likely looked down on Yang Guang, what if he didn't?
A threat at the God Demon Realm could not be taken lightly.
Among the nations of the Nine Provinces, only the Ming Dynasty, the mysterious Vast Sea Dynasty, and the Qin Dynasty could truly face such a being without fear.
Even the Tang Dynasty was still lacking.
The Bad Marshal alone was far from enough to challenge a God Demon Realm cultivator.
It was clear he needed to strengthen the Tang Dynasty's national power.
He had to ensure that when those hidden God Demon Realm beings finally stepped into the open, they would see value in him and the Tang Dynasty.
That way, they would choose to join his side.
There was no doubt now that the Star Pagoda had a close connection with Shi Qingxuan.
Whether the master was truly at the Sage Realm remained to be confirmed.
But he needed more concrete information.
"Your Majesty, I will personally go to the Sui Dynasty to investigate!"
Yuan Tiangang answered solemnly.
He had to find a way to establish contact with the master of the Star Pagoda.
Whether he was friend or foe, it had to be made clear.
==========
Sui Dynasty, Star Valley.
Mountain valley where Shi Qingxuan lived.
Now, due to its association with the Forbidden Land, it had been renamed Star Valley by the Sui Dynasty and the people of the Nine Provinces.
"Mother, I've broken through!"
"Mother, I've broken through too! Hmph! This time, Elder Brother only beat me by a little bit."
"So annoying!"
"Next time, I'll definitely surpass you!"
"Sister, if you want to beat me, you'll have to wait a few decades!"
"I'm the most talented one!"
Inside the valley, a boy and a girl played before a beautiful, elegant woman dressed in green.
Though still young, their auras were already strong.
If others across the Nine Provinces saw this, they would surely be shocked.
Watching the two children play, Shi Qingxuan smiled warmly, eyes full of affection.
Ah!
As expected of his children.
Their cultivation talent was outrageous.
He was probably just as exceptional when he was a child too.
If she hadn't been deliberately suppressing their cultivation.
If she hadn't made them spend most of their time learning various knowledge instead of training.
They would have grown even more monstrously powerful.
While most parents worried that their children progressed too slowly, Shi Qingxuan was the opposite.
She feared they would progress too fast.
At times, she even forbade them from training.
But ever since she first taught them how to cultivate, the true qi within their bodies had begun circulating on its own.
It never stopped.
Even without actively training, their cultivation continued to improve.
This made Shi Qingxuan both delighted and deeply worried.
What if something went wrong?
It was clear she needed to find time to inform that man.
That scoundrel had to see for himself whether there was something unusual about the children!
Looking at the ranking high in the sky, and thinking of the scouts from various forces outside the valley, Shi Qingxuan's face was filled with worry.
Her location had finally been exposed.
Even the Star Pagoda had been revealed.
If not for the protection of the formation, she and the children would likely have been in grave danger by now.
With that in mind, Shi Qingxuan's expression grew resolute.
It was time to contact him.
She could no longer delay.
Otherwise, the children would suffer.
They still needed proper education.
They couldn't stay hidden in this valley forever.
Buzz.
Just then, the ranking in the sky began to refresh again.
The final name on the Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique ranking was about to be revealed!
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
List of Characters:
Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )
・Li Shimin ( 李世民 ) — Emperor of Tang Dynasty
・Yang Guang ( 杨广 ) — Emperor of Sui Dynasty
・Song Que ( 宋缺 ) — Master of Song Clan
・Fan Qinghui ( 梵清惠 ) — Master of Cihang Tranquil School
・Shi Zhixuan ( 石之轩 ) — Master of Flower Grace Sect and Heaven Repairing Path
・Ning Daoqi ( 宁道奇 ) — Great Master of Sui Dynasty
・Shi Qingxuan ( 石青璇 ) — Master of Star Pagoda
Xuanyuan Sword ( 轩辕剑 )
・Yuwen Tuo ( 宇文拓 ) — Supreme Master of Sui Dynasty
Painting Jianghu ( 画江湖 )
・Yuan Tiangang ( 袁天罡 ) — Master of Bad People
Lethal Weapon of Love and Passion ( 覆雨翻云 )
・Yan Jing'an ( 言静庵 ) — Vice-Master of Cihang Tranquil School