Chapter 331: The Profound Mysteries

Chapter 331: The Profound Mysteries

Huangfu Qing fell silent.

Zhao Changhe, in his meditative state, was unaware of the external manifestations he brought about. He likely thought that he simply had manifestations of the sun and moon or something like that.

However, Huangfu Qing, who was cultivating nearby, was suddenly awakened and saw everything clearly.

He had not just made manifestations of the sun and moon; he had created the convergence of the stars in the heavens, like a suspended galaxy pouring down from the firmament, merging into his background manifestation.

The grandeur of his manifestation was such that it resembled a river of stars falling from the sky.

The sun and moon were present, but they were just two of the many significant celestial objects among the myriad stars.

Huangfu Qing suddenly recalled the comment the Tome of Troubled Times made when Zhao Changhe first emerged from Beimang: A long river descends from the nine heavens, flowing into the jianghu.

Is the Heavenly Dao really gone? Why does it seem like that comment actually holds an extremely profound meaning?

Zhao Changhe stretched his hand out and made a fist. He then slowly retracted it, feeling the changes in the power within his body. His true qi seemed softer, forming a stark contrast with the violent blood and qi of his external arts, yet it was by no means weaker; instead, it appeared more resilient and enduring, almost perpetual even.

Moreover, his vision, hearing, and even his spiritual sense and intuition had significantly improved.

If he had these abilities a while back, then even without relying on the Back Eye, he could’ve seen clearly through Hu Lie’s sandstorm. At that time, Yue Hongling said that she was just one step away from the Profound Mysteries, but she had probably not reached the same level he was at now.

“Strange...” Zhao Changhe scratched his head. “Is this the ninth layer of the Profound Gate or have I broken through to the Profound Mysteries? Why does it feel like this should be considered to be at the level of the Profound Mysteries...”

“The ninth layer of the Profound Gate was originally meant to be a bridge to the Profound Mysteries, so it’s normal to have insights into the Profound Mysteries. And you are a step further than others...” Huangfu Qing crossed her arms and said with a bit of annoyance. “You didn’t just break through the ninth Profound Gate; you’ve already reached the peak of the ninth layer. You’re at the threshold of the Profound Mysteries, so it’s only natural for you to feel some things related to the Profound Mysteries. “

Zhao Changhe was stunned for a moment. “I comprehended the stars with the sun and moon reflecting each other, and connected heaven and man. Is this not already the first Profound Mystery? If not, then what exactly would I have to do or comprehend to break through to the Profound Mysteries?”

“That can be seen as you finding your path and setting a direction for your future breakthrough into the Profound Mysteries,” Huangfu Qing explained. “From a martial arts perspective, each level corresponds to a specific hurdle. You’ve activated the Tianling point, and that corresponds with the ninth layer of the Profound Gate. As for the first Profound Mystery, there is naturally another corresponding hurdle.”

Zhao Changhe thought for a while: “Following that logic, could it be to open and properly activate the spiritual platform?”

“That is one thing. The Profound Mysteries are named such because they involve uncovering the mysteries of the human body. There are no specific acupoints, such as Danzhong or Yutang, that you have to unlock. For instance, the spiritual platform is about the size of the heart. Does the heart have power? We both know that inner fire is a form of power, but how do we use it? By being happy?”

Seeing that Zhao Changhe had almost fully digested the information, Huangfu Qing continued, “The Profound Mysteries are largely related to the spirit, so the spiritual platform, which you mentioned earlier, is also part of the whole thing. When you unlock the first Profound Mystery, you will naturally become able to better understand the fear effect of your Vicious Blood Art, the bewitchment technique of the Pure Bliss Art, and the heart-protecting art of your Moonglade Sutra work. This is because the spirit is also a form of energy, and its source can be analyzed.”

Zhao Changhe bowed sincerely. “Thank you for your guidance, big sister.”

Huangfu Qing looked at him with a half-smile, “You’re still calling me big sister?”

Zhao Changhe tried, “Qing’er?”[1]

Huangfu Qing almost choked on her own saliva and found herself not knowing how to respond. After regaining her composure, she said, “Let’s stick with big sister.”

Zhao Changhe said helplessly, “One-word names are tricky, they can easily sound awkward.”

“Are you saying that the names Hongling, Chichi, Wanzhuang, or Yuanyang are better?”

“...Wait a minute, we were talking about cultivation, right? Let’s continue talking about that.”

“Hmph.” Huangfu Qing tilted her head. “I’m done. I don’t want to teach you anymore. Anyway, it’s not like I told you how to unlock the Profound Mysteries, so what are you thanking me for?”

“Didn’t you already say that the reason why the Profound Mysteries are called such is that there’s no specific method to unlock them, nor a particular acupoint to break through? You’ve already told me the essentials. The rest is up to me,” Zhao Changhe said. “I’ve already established my martial arts path. When I can validate it, that will be the time when my manifestation appears... That will be my path to becoming a master.”

A thought crossed Huangfu Qing’s mind: He really is a genius. He and Chichi really do complement each other.

Most people would just keep asking about what they had to do next, but geniuses knew immediately that there were certain things that were not to be asked about. Some things simply had to be achieved through practice and accumulation.

They already had a clear idea of what they were after. What came next was them looking for their own way to attain it.

Chichi managed to take that final step quite easily, but I feel like Zhao Changhe will have an easier time.

I wiped out the entire Luo Family Village. It’s really hard to believe that the two people I left alive ended up being such peerless geniuses.

Huangfu Qing looked at her own hand, feeling that perhaps the most impressive person here was herself.

1. This can also mean “mistress.” ☜