Less than a hundred years old, at the fifth layer of the Venerable Realm, his chances of breaking through to the Emperor Realm in this life are very high.
If he does not perish, he will surely become a powerful figure in the demonic path.
If he were to be unsealed before the Great Era, he would undoubtedly be the foremost figure in the Dragon Country, second only to Emperor Yan, even more formidable than Chen Jiuyang was in his prime.
However, times have changed; this is not the past.
"I did not intend to humiliate you," Chen Jiuyang said slowly. "My primary goal in the Saint Path contention is focused on the leaders of the five great Saint Sects."
Every sequence has the qualification and strength to directly become a sect leader upon unsealing.
"Although I understand your intention, you are not yet qualified."
As Chen Jiuyang's voice fell, Yan He once again charged forward with his axe.
"Mountain Severing Stance!"
Yan He unleashed his divine ability, also returning to simplicity, without dazzling or ornate movements. Carrying the power of his own Great Dao, the axe roared, and he swung it towards Chen Jiuyang, blow after blow, with accumulating force.
This was remarkably similar to Chen Jiuyang's ultimate divine ability in the past.
"Clang clang clang!!!"
Chen Jiuyang drew his saber, effortlessly parrying each of Yan He's attacks.
He maintained a state of unity between man and heaven, his mind serene. His humanity was strong, his combat power stood at its peak, and he was utterly unfazed by Yan He's onslaught.
In this manner, he bore a striking resemblance to Emperor Yan in his prime.
The fiercer Yan He's attacks became, the more at ease Chen Jiuyang appeared.
As time wore on, everyone began to frown, sensing something was amiss.
It was widely known that the power of the Immortal Path was inherently inferior to the Martial Path.
But Yan He here was at the fifth layer of the Venerable Realm, a level higher in cultivation than Chen Jiuyang.
Yet, in their exchange, it felt as though an adult was toying with a child.
However, Chen Jiuyang was not unleashing his full power, despite possessing numerous renowned techniques.
"Something is not right, something is not right."
"There is something strange."
While fending off Yan He, Chen Jiuyang was also familiarizing himself with his own strength.
Through Princess 'Shi Le', all traces of his Pure Yang Medical Immortal inheritance had been thoroughly severed.
Aside from one technique, 'Covering Heaven Gate', 'Severing Kunlun', 'Zhu Rong', and 'Chi You'.
Currently, Chen Jiuyang possessed no other moves.
The state of unity between man and heaven was peculiar.
Achieving Dao meant the perfection of one's martial Dao essence, a several-fold surge in combat power, and the inscription of one's true name. Unity between man and heaven, however, was a state of being.
"This! How is this possible!"
Yan He's every move was effortlessly deflected by Chen Jiuyang, leaving him utterly astonished.
Was this the gap between him and the unparalleled heavenly prodigy of the current era?
If so, he might as well fall back into slumber and awaken after Chen Jiuyang's death.
"Bang—"
Chen Jiuyang unleashed another saber strike, initiating an attack. This strike was earth-shattering.
It was irresistible, reaching the pinnacle of sharpness.
"Ch—"
Yan He was immediately struck by a terrifying wound, severely injured. He immediately knelt before Chen Jiuyang and then collapsed.
After achieving Dao, all attacks, apart from divine abilities, returned to simplicity, transforming complexity into ease.
Many people's expressions changed drastically.
"This is..."
"The ultimate state of the Weapon Dao, unity between man and heaven!"
"How is this possible! When did he embark on the Weapon Dao, and to actually reach the state of unity between man and heaven!"
"How old is he..."
This was truly beyond their comprehension.
The state of unity between man and heaven in the Weapon Dao was incredibly difficult to achieve and even harder to maintain.
Most practitioners of the Weapon Dao, like the Old Ancestor of the Feng family, could only evoke the state of unity between man and heaven through their strongest strike after tempering their weapon Dao will to the extreme, allowing them to fight across realms.
In an instant, a killing intent surged among the crowd. Twenty-eight years old, Venerable Realm fourth layer, achieved Dao, unity between man and heaven – this was like a legendary young emperor. Once he stepped into the Emperor Realm, what chance would they have of survival?
"Whoosh!!!"
At this moment, space tore apart.
Patriarch 'Wu Mian' emerged, his expressionless face stating, "The killing among peers is within the rules. Those who surpass levels cannot be tolerated."
As Patriarch 'Wu Mian' spoke, the killing intent of the crowd did not diminish but rather intensified.
Even a protector of Patriarch level had appeared.
It would not be as easy to catch and kill Chen Jiuyang in the future.
While Chen Jiuyang had a Patriarch, they too could summon their own Patriarchs.
"Swish!"
"Patriarch, let's go!" Chen Jiuyang immediately said.
Patriarch 'Wu Mian''s expression flickered, and he immediately took Chen Jiuyang into the spatial rift, disappearing from sight.
The moment they left.
"Rumble!!!"
A terrifying aura, not of this world, descended. A benevolent-looking old man tore through space and appeared:
"It seems I am a step too late."
"Alas..."
If he had been a moment faster, this Patriarch would have been able to intercept Patriarch 'Wu Mian', thus completely creating a kill situation for Chen Jiuyang.
"Warriors in the state of unity between man and heaven are not easily killed; they possess a degree of foresight."
...
True Demon Sect.
Patriarch 'Wu Mian' and Chen Jiuyang appeared.
Patriarch 'Wu Mian' looked at Chen Jiuyang, scrutinizing him, and said, "Entering the hall, returning to simplicity, unity between man and heaven – each step is more difficult than the last. Even I cannot fathom how you achieved this."
"Such great fortune descends continuously."
"The path of the Human Emperor is truly special, with destiny forming on its own."
"This unity between man and heaven is a precious thing. In countless battles, if you suffer even one defeat, you will be forced out of this invincible state of unity between man and heaven, and it will be difficult to re-enter this state in this life."
The martial Dao will, tempered to its extreme, piercing through all things, an invincible state of mind, coupled with power, can lead one to this rare state of unity between man and heaven. For most, reaching their limit only grants them a fleeting moment in this state.
Yet, Chen Jiuyang could maintain this state continuously.
Patriarch 'Wu Mian', even he, looked at Chen Jiuyang as if he were a monster.
What was this 'Qian Yang' thinking?
However, he was unaware that this state of unity between man and heaven was Chen Jiuyang's most comfortable and suitable state. He had not deliberately pursued it; upon awakening in the dream world, he still maintained this state, which also surprised him.
"It won't happen," Chen Jiuyang said.
"Countless battles are not my battles. All I desire is the return of my wife and daughter, and the safety of my family."
"This is my only wish."
Patriarch 'Wu Mian''s eyelids twitched: "Is this how you entered the state of unity between man and heaven?"
Chen Jiuyang's expression was serene as he slowly replied, "It should be so."
"Truly a monster..." Patriarch 'Wu Mian' uttered this sentence and then tore through space, departing.
"This is my Myriad Manifestations."
Chen Jiuyang returned to the True Demon Sect. With a single step, several lotus phantom images were left in the air. He then appeared at the Han clan's ancestral land.
His loved ones were living peaceful lives.
Looking at his safe and sound family, he chuckled foolishly.
"Husband, what are you smiling about?" Qiu Yihan asked with some confusion.
"Nothing, just comprehending the Dao of the Heart..."
...
If I recall correctly, this is the third volume.
Or is it the fourth volume...
In this volume, some parts are intended to help readers understand the overall worldview and Chen Jiuyang's growth journey.
As usual, a poem at the end and beginning of the volume.
...
Journeying far to the banquet of Myriad Manifestations,
To witness the heavenly countenance in the mortal realm.
The long path of tribulation binds the azure heavens,
Now I return, my heart to tilt the sky!