Chapter 214: Chapter 136: Supreme Powerhouses, Inquiring Sword Pavilion’s Ancient Texts
Yan State.
It is the central region of Great Yan, and also the most prosperous land for the Martial Path. However, in Yan State, martial sects are not flourishing, simply because under the Emperor’s authority, the imperial power is supreme, with various governmental institutions jointly nurturing martial artists. Martial academies are widespread, and additionally, various military forces constantly recruit fresh blood here.
In the Imperial Capital Taian, there are even many heavyweight figures.
Flame Martial Grand General’s Residence.
The residence is not that grand, but its proximity to the Imperial Palace is a testament to its status. Eight fierce guards stand like sculptures at the gate, and their intimidating presence makes people dare not fix their gaze.
Flame Martial Grand General, a true legendary figure of the Great Yan Military.
Renowned across the world two hundred years ago, his martial cultivation today is even more unfathomable, ranked second on the Celestial Being List.
Although he is second.
In the eyes of the countless soldiers of Great Yan, he is undoubtedly the first.
The rankings of the Celestial Being List are almost entirely based on past achievements.
The top three positions on the Celestial Being List, except for the time when Blade Demon unexpectedly took third place by defeating the previous third, have not changed for a long time. It’s truly difficult to say who is stronger than who, as if the two sides don’t exchange blows, the result will remain forever unknown.
A figure dressed in armor stopped before Flame Martial Grand General’s residence, a trace of reverence rising in his eyes.
The fierce guards resembling sculptures paid respectful gestures:
"Greetings, Divine Feather Grand General!"
Divine Feather Grand General waved slightly, then stepped inside.
Under the guidance of a servant, he bypassed seven or eight corridors, maintaining his gaze steadily forward, and stopped before a courtyard, where the servant said:
"Divine Feather Grand General, Flame Martial Grand General is waiting for you inside."
Divine Feather Grand General took a deep breath and stepped through the courtyard gate, his view instantly broadening as a gentle breeze stirred ripples on the green lake water. A pavilion with eight corners faintly revealed a figure, an elder dressed in casual attire. The reverence in his eyes grew stronger, and he walked slowly towards him.
Both bore the title of Grand General, yet he knew how immature he was before the other.
Given the title Flame Martial, it was evident.
Divine Feather Grand General walked slowly, careful not to disturb the elder fishing.
Standing behind the elder, he respectfully waited with his hands lowered, showing no impatience.
Half an hour later.
The elder’s fishing rod suddenly dipped, his face showing joy as he hurriedly pulled up the rod, but the fish seemed somewhat heavy, resisting mightily, even making the elder somewhat strained.
"Divine Feather, lend a hand."
Divine Feather Grand General promptly seized the fishing rod together, daring not use any martial power, nor even physical strength beyond an ordinary level. Combining efforts, the rod finally sprang up, a plump fish leaping under the sunlight, its scales glimmering.
The big fish landed on the pavilion, ceasing to struggle, as if trembling in fear.
"Grand General, what a great catch!" Divine Feather Grand General praised.
Flame Martial Grand General simply smiled slightly.
He admired his prize, running his fingers along the scales, and ultimately, with some effort, lifted it and tossed it back into the lake, the breeze sweeping past his gray hair, with some sweat on his forehead, looking every bit like a regular old man, his movements even somewhat lacking agility.
Yet Divine Feather Grand General dared not show any disdain.
He knew, it was related to Flame Martial Grand General’s cultivation.
The two sat facing each other.
Flame Martial Grand General gazed at the lake water, musing:
"The world is like this lake; we beings are like the fish within. Whether big fish or small, seeking transcendence relying on oneself is immensely difficult, but if relying on external forces to leap out, can only become someone else’s catch, our fate subject to someone else’s will."
Divine Feather Grand General listened intently, sensing some profound meaning in his words, yet unable to comprehend fully, as he hadn’t reached that level yet.
He could only cautiously say:
"But figures like the Grand General naturally have long leapt out of this lake."
Flame Martial Grand General smiled:
"Who knows whether outside this lake isn’t merely entering a larger one?"
Divine Feather Grand General was speechless, feeling any reply seemed wrong.
Flame Martial Grand General chuckled, shifting the topic to recent world-shaking events:
"What do you think of that True Man Tianjian?"
Divine Feather Grand General’s body trembled slightly, having considered reasons why Flame Martial Grand General had summoned him, surprised this was indeed regarding True Man Tianjian. Recalling recent rumors, his heart too was uneasy.
"Is the Grand General referring to the recent battle between True Man Tianjian and the Heart Inquiry Sword?"
Flame Martial Grand General sipped tea.
Divine Feather Grand General caught on quickly, ordinary news being something Flame Martial Grand General would certainly know.
"During the eradication of Death Fire Abyss’ branch, a Demon Sect Celestial Human Realm Elder fled to True Martial Mountain. That was the first time True Man Tianjian made a move, the Celestial Sword descended from the sky, seriously wounding Old Demon Lin, thus establishing his initial fame as True Man Tianjian."
"But... it was somewhat illogical. With True Man Tianjian’s strength, he should have easily slain Old Demon Lin back then, yet he didn’t."
He hesitated slightly.
"Two possibilities exist: either, his strength was only that then."
"Or, he was merely hiding it before."
Flame Martial Grand General’s expression remained calm:
"Which possibility do you think is greater?"
Divine Feather Grand General replied:
"I believe the latter possibility is greater. In just a few years, how could one jump in strength from the lower ranks of the Celestial Being List directly into the top ten? Yet if so, it indicates this True Man Tianjian doesn’t favor interacting with our Imperial Court, possibly as he concealed his strength originally to avoid being disturbed by the court."