"You're right. That's a twisted path. Unless they can unravel the mysteries of the brain and the mind, they can only create demons. But to them, it makes no difference. All they need are tools. The three who broke into your home before all had chips implanted in their brains—chips designed to destroy the brain. That technology was originally invented to control these Super Warriors."
"Furthermore, given the way this organization and the national power behind it operate, this force will never be used for world peace or the advancement of all humankind. It exists only to serve the agenda of a select few. They don't care about the means, only the ultimate goal."
"Based on our speculation, their ultimate goal is likely to 'forge an immortal body.'"
Wei Cheng said.
"So even after Body Ascension, one is still not considered an Immortal?"
Yi Beidou asked.
"The likes of us are Human Immortals. Though we bear the title of Immortal, we are still human. Our bodies of flesh and blood are riddled with flaws. Our essence cannot withstand the ravages of time, and our physical forms will ultimately decay. What they want to create is a 'Leakless True Immortal.'"
Wei Cheng explained.
In the view of the Taoist School, a person's Essence begins to dissipate into the world from the moment of birth—through their limbs, their breath, and every pore of their skin. When one's Essence is depleted, one dies.
A Leakless True Immortal, however, can seal their body to prevent any leakage, making their Essence eternal, unable to dissipate or escape.
According to legend, such beings achieve true Longevity, with a lifespan equal to the heavens themselves.
"So you must be careful. You are a Celestial Demon by birth, yet you achieved Ascension before you were even thirty. You also have ties to the Wandering Immortal. Once this organization gets wind of this, they will undoubtedly become very interested in you and could send people after you at any time."
Wei Cheng said.
"I'll face whatever they throw at me. If they dare come looking for me, I'll kill every one they send. I'll consider it ridding the world of demons."
Yi Beidou's expression remained unchanged, completely unafraid.
Just as Hong Datong had written in his final letter, this was an unprecedented age. The world was vast, a place teeming with rising heroes and emerging demons. His path was not the same as the Pioneer Group's.
Human experimentation, unscrupulous methods, a complete lack of conscience… They paved their road with the flesh and blood of countless living beings to satisfy their own selfish desires, all while claiming it was for the future of humanity. He found it utterly despicable.
"You young people certainly have passion. Alright, now that we've finished with the serious business… You are studying martial arts and possess Synesthetic True Intent and the Heart Illuminating Past and Present ability. That reminds me of something that might be of use to you."
Wei Cheng said with a smile.
"And what might that be?"
Yi Beidou's interest was piqued.
"A sword. An Evil Sword. I'll have someone send you the information when I get back. You can go and see for yourself."
Wei Cheng said.
The two chatted for a while longer. With the matter essentially settled, the meeting concluded. Yi Beidou took his leave, and Sun Hanlin and Zhou Baiwei drove him back to his residence.
"Director, do you think we should still provide him with some guidance? He's only twenty-seven, after all. And his ambitions share some common ground with the Pioneer Group's philosophy. I'm worried he might be secretly lured over by the Pioneer Group to become one of them."
Zhao Ping was still worried.
After all, if you disregarded their methods, you could say the Pioneer Group was also exploring the very limits of human life and pioneering a new age, which aligned with Yi Beidou's own ideals.
"Rest assured. There is absolutely no possibility of him cooperating with the Pioneer Group. Their goals may be the same, but their paths are different. I understood that after crossing hands with him. The path he seeks to walk is one of breaking through limits with enlightenment and wisdom, challenging the human form, and inspiring all sentient beings. This is the Great Dao of the ancient sages."
"The Dao of the sages is noble and righteous, a blessing to the world. Why would it resort to such treacherous tactics? Besides, although this man acts fiercely, he understands human relationships and causality, and he is clear about his debts and grievances. From now on, you are to give him every convenience. He is one of the Donghua People, after all, and our fates are intertwined. If he succeeds in his quest, we, the Donghua People, will be the first to taste the fruit of his Dao."
Wei Cheng said in a solemn tone.
"Alright, our business here is concluded. It's time to go. It is a great comfort to see the new generation rising. The Donghua Martial Arts Dao will live on. Now, I should start considering the preparations for the Martial Hero Conference."
Wei Cheng waved his hand, about to leave.
"Um… Master."
Just then, Meng Qianyuan, who had been standing to the side, suddenly spoke up, his expression hesitant.
"Oh? It seems you have something to say."
Seeing his disciple's uncharacteristic expression, Wei Cheng knew something important was on his mind.
"Master, when I delivered the invitation, I wanted to test Mr. Yi's skills. I made a rash move and he subdued me in a single strike. During the fight, I completely wrecked his courtyard. He punished me by ordering me to repair it with my own hands. So, you see…"
Meng Qianyuan hesitated for a moment before recounting what had happened.
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Hearing Meng Qianyuan's words, Wei Cheng seemed to understand something and couldn't help but burst out laughing, which made Meng Qianyuan a bit flustered.
"Master… I should just come back with you. I can hire a construction crew to repair the courtyard for him."
Meng Qianyuan said hurriedly.
"Such a lack of resolve. No wonder you still haven't achieved Ascension. What? Are you afraid I'll think you're trying to betray your master and change allegiances?"
"Am I that petty? If a great opportunity comes your way, would I stop you? This man is a Celestial Demon by birth. His talent is greater than yours, and his inner demons run deeper than yours, yet he was able to achieve Ascension. He must have some unique experience. There is not much more I can teach you now."
"A master who has achieved Ascension can't always be all alone. He should have someone to attend to his needs. When you go, you must treat him with the respect due to a master."
Wei Cheng said to Meng Qianyuan with a grave expression.
"Thank you, Master, for your permission."
A look of gratitude appeared in Meng Qianyuan's eyes, and he prostrated himself before the old man, kowtowing.
「In Yi Beidou's villa.」
After seeing him home, Sun Hanlin took his leave, but Zhou Baiwei lingered, refusing to go. She claimed that she was now his liaison assistant, responsible for communications between him and the Special Security Bureau.
She also aspired to the Martial Arts Dao. Compared to her duties at the Special Security Bureau, if she could stay by Yi Beidou's side, she would likely have an opportunity for another breakthrough very soon.
'Only by staying near a figure like him can I see just how exciting the unseen, thrilling side of the world truly is.'
'It's an experience that my original position could never compare to.'
"Since you're not leaving, go and clean all the rooms here."
Yi Beidou tossed a broom to Zhou Baiwei.
'I really do need someone to handle the chores,' he thought. 'Given my status and the things I do, hiring a housekeeper isn't appropriate—I'd probably scare them to death. Since Zhou Baiwei delivered herself to my doorstep, I might as well use her as a maid.'
"Oh."
Zhou Baiwei didn't dare object. In order to stay by Yi Beidou's side, she obediently put down her phone, picked up the broom, and started sweeping.
Before long, a commotion was heard from outside the courtyard gate. Meng Qianyuan had pulled up in an off-road pickup truck he'd gotten from who-knows-where. In the truck bed were piles of floor tiles that looked similar to the ones in Yi Beidou's courtyard.
"Mr. Yi, I'm here to help you repair the tiles,"
Meng Qianyuan said as he walked into the courtyard.
"Follow me."
Yi Beidou nodded and turned to walk into the villa.
Meng Qianyuan's eyes lit up at this, and he hurried to follow.
Soon, he and Yi Beidou arrived in a room. Yi Beidou took out a cloth pouch from a drawer. Meng Qianyuan craned his neck to see and found that it was filled with Silver Needles.
"Sir, what are these?"
Meng Qianyuan asked, puzzled.
"Stand still. You have Innate Divine Strength, so the work would be too easy for you. That wouldn't be much of a punishment. I'll add a bit of pressure."
As he spoke, Yi Beidou flickered and appeared in front of Meng Qianyuan. With a series of flashes from his arm, he thrust every single Silver Needle into various points on Meng Qianyuan's chest.
THUMP!
The moment the seven Silver Needles were inserted, Meng Qianyuan felt his legs go weak. He lost his balance and staggered, collapsing to the ground.
Never in his life had he felt his body so weak. It was an extremely uncomfortable sensation.
"Sir, this is…"
Meng Qianyuan's face was a mask of shock, unable to comprehend what kind of technique this was.
"The Demon-Suppressing Seven-Star Needle. It seals your Qi, blood, and Physical Ability. Your strength is now equivalent to that of an ordinary adult. I lived with this Seven-Star Needle set in me for twenty years."
With that, Yi Beidou turned and walked out of the room, leaving a stunned Meng Qianyuan behind.