Chapter 229: The valley protector-2

An old man was sitting alone within the hut. By the look of the surrounding one couldn't begin to guess that this was the dwelling of the highest authority within the Pill Valley.

The current protector belonged to the same generation as the previous valley master of the Pill valley. He had managed to make a name for himself long ago. Some of the younger generations might not even remember his esteemed name anymore. 

"We greet Martial uncle. We hope that you have a long life ahead of you and advance by leap and bounds in the oath of your martial way." The valley master spoke up.

"I congratulate martial uncle on making another break-through in his cultivation." Teng Luo was a sharp individual. He immediately identified the increase in strength the Dao protector had gone through.

"I hope martial uncle has been well during these perilous years." Ti Shen spoke up.

"I am happy to have managed to see you three again. Ti Shen, come here." Ti Shen moved forward and was inspected by the old man.

"It seems you have managed to have a recovery from the injuries you suffered. Your cultivation base has strengthened and you are about to reach the last stage of the Qi Emperor. I guess the whole valley is up for great news."

"It's all the blessing of Martial Uncle that I have managed to survive the calamity and gain some comprehension to advance in my martial way. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a fire vein which resulted in my rapid recovery and advancement in cultivation."

"All these years I have used many forces within the Pill Valley to search for suitable medicine for you. Now that you have recovered from your injuries these resources could be handed to you as a reward for your efforts in the last war." The old man gave a small storage ring to Ti Shen who instantly kept it in his pocket.

"I thank Martial uncle for his blessings. I would like to inform my uncle about a fateful encounter I had during my recuperation. I was fortunate enough to have met an incredible genius and accepted him as my disciple."

............….

Lu Ming was soon called inside. When he saw the old man, he couldn't help but be baffled by his aura. Someone who has transcended the boundary of the emperor. The frontman was the pillar who supported the whole Pill valley on his back.

"I greet martial grand-uncle."

The old man laughed out loud and patted Lu Ming's head. His eyes couldn't help but shine after looking at Lu Ming's face.

"This bastard finally managed to find someone who lived up to his expectations as his heir. I am happy to see the face of my grand-nephew." The old man instantly gave Lu Ming's body a check. His eyes couldn't help but crack open after the check was complete.

"You managed to walk the path of body and Qi simultaneously and reach such a stage. Truly a heavenly talent. You deserve to be the only one in the recorded history who has overcome every single trial set by the ancestor." The old man threw a wooden plate towards Lu Ming. An aspherical ball with a sword in it was engraved on the plaque.

"This is a special identity plate given to those who become the identified inheritor of the Pill-sword saint. I hope you never tarnish the reputation of our ancestors. With this, you are also allotted the chance to enter the land of fire. You can also access every scripture within the vaults of the valley without any hindrance."

"Isn't that too irrational, Martial-uncle?"

"It is the rule set-up by our ancestors. Lu Ming has officially become one of the inheritors of the founder of this valley, and hence his authority is the same as one of the core elders."

All three people within the room were shocked on hearing this. Although they had their own presumptions about the possible benefits, they never expected Lu Ming to be granted such rights just by passing a single entrance test.

"You are allotted a mountain peak within the core elders' region. I hope you could break through the King realm before the next opening of the land of fire."

Lu Ming bowed in respect. "I will try my best."

"Can you leave now? I would like to have a personal talk with these nephews of mine." Lu Ming nodded and left the hut after paying his respects.

....................

"These old bones of mine would fall apart at any time. I am happy to be able to see you three together once more in my life. I still remember the day your master left you people and the valley in my care. Watching you three grow is one of my most cherished memories."

"The valley has grown well enough under your leadership. We couldn't ask anything more from you."

"My tenure as the protector is going to end soon. I hope that one of you is capable enough to support the valley once I leave."

" Why is uncle speaking such ominous words?" The valley master interrupted.

"The rules established by our ancestors can't be deviated from. Every disciple who is capable enough to enter the realm of Monarch could only stay for a limited amount of time. It has to be either the birth of another monarch or 100 years. My years are soon coming to an end, and I will have to enter the inner hall sooner or later."

"I couldn't support the Valley endlessly. This is something prohibited by our founders since the establishment of this sect. I wish for one of you to step into the realm of the monarch before my departure."

The three figures within the room bowed at the same time. "We will try our best to satisfy these requirements, uncle."

............…

"You must have a reason behind bringing your disciple in here, Ti Shen."

"I did want to consult with Martial's uncle regarding something."

"Speak freely. The valley owes you a favor, and would try its best to pay back."

"I want one slot of that event to be presented to my disciple." Ti Shen said in a calm voice.

"Are you mad?" The Valley master instantly lost his cool. He didn't expect Ti Shen to make such a demand. The old man signaled for him to calm down.

"I hope you understand the gravity of such a matter. The thing you are demanding can't be presented out so easily. The next event is going to occur in the time of three years. The boy is still too young to participate in it."

"I have confidence in my student's aptitude Martial-Uncle."

"The basic requirement for becoming eligible for that competition is to enter the emperor realm before the age of 25. Although Lu Ming is quite talented, the path he walks is too absurd. He wouldn't be able to reach that step so soon."

"I knew you would have your doubts. It was one of the reasons behind me bringing him to see you. He managed to cover the whole path from Qi master to QI general peak in the last year. Do you feel his talent is less monstrous than those figures?" All three men were stupefied after hearing this.

............

"I guess you struck a gold mine this time. Our valley is fortunate enough to have gained such a monster. Even then I have certain requirements which he needs to fulfill." The old man couldn't help but get elated on their good fortune.

"Please state them."

"The first requirement is for him to step into the King realm by the time of the opening of the land of fire. He not only needs to rank first in that competition but also be eligible for attaining the second piece of inheritance from in there."

Ti Shen, Teng Luo, and the Valley master were staring at the old man with a blank face. 

"There is no reason to be shocked. Our founder was a saint grade practitioner. How could he have left just one inheritance? There is another within the Land of Fire, which was personally created by our founder."

"That is the only means by which Lu Ming is assured to be able to attain the Emperor realm before that event."

"The second requirement is even harsher. It can be stated when he finally steps within the Emperor's realm. Although we are a monarch level power, the number of slots we get are limited to three. Let's hope your disciple is capable enough of reaching such a stage."

............….

Ti Shen exited the cave after some time and carried Lu Ming away with him.

"It's time for you to move into one of the cultivation mountains and prepare for the breakthrough to King realm. Only after entering the King realm can you contend within the land of fire."

Ti Shen handed lots of resources to Lu Ming. This included the promised rewards as well as the rewards from the competition.

"Forge your path step by step, with proper precaution. You should prepare well before trying to break through to the King stage."

Lu Ming was all set to start his preparation for the next breakthrough.