Chapter 161: Star Martial Mystic Realm
After the bride entered the bridal chamber, Su Wen still had to continue drinking and chatting with the guests.
During this time, the emperor called Su Wen in front of him and said with a face full of smiles, "Su Wen, your cultivation base has improved quite well. Originally, there were still ten days before the opening of the Star Martial Mystic Realm. I thought you wouldn't be able to participate, but since you've reached the 9th Grade, why don't you go in and give it a try?"
Star Martial Mystic Realm?
Su Wen tried to recall this familiar name.
Very soon, he remembered what this event was about. The Star Martial Mystic Realm was opened once every ten years, and only those in 9th Grade Star Rank could enter.
This was a mystic realm jointly created by the nine saints of the ancient human race. In order to resist the alien races, they turned this into a place for young human martial artists to temper themselves.
Countless opportunities lay within.
Su Wen was hesitating when he heard Emperor Zhou say, "Su Wen, as a martial artist, do you know what is needed to ascend to the Heaven Rank?"
Hearing this, Su Wen immediately perked up.
He looked at Emperor Zhou excitedly, waiting for his explanation.
Emperor Zhou liked this sort of gaze from Su Wen.
He pretended to be deep in thought and remained silent.
Su Wen asked anxiously, "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!"
Only when he heard this did Emperor Zhou speak in satisfaction, "I don't know either."
"Eh?"
Su Wen looked at Emperor Zhou with a bitter look.
However, Emperor Zhou continued, "The dao of Heaven Rank is extremely bizarre. Some may wake up after a good night's sleep and find that they had ascended to that realm. Others spend their entire lives stuck at 9th Grade of Earth Rank, unable to succeed. Even the experiences of those who ascend to Heaven Rank are often irreplicable."
"Everyone must walk their own path to heaven."
At this point, Emperor Zhou nudged his lips at Wu Kunhu. "Look at that guy. He was a genius back in the day. He was only 26 years old when he achieved the peak of the Earth Rank. He crushed his peers and was invincible, but he was stuck at the barrier of Heaven Rank from then until now.
In fact, if he hadn't been so proud and suppressed his cultivation back then to enter the Star Martial Mystic Realm, he might have reached Heaven Rank long ago."
At this point, he gritted his teeth and said, "If that's the case, my Great Zhou might not be in this situation today."
Wu Kunhu was at the peak of the Earth Rank and naturally had sharp ears and eyes. When he heard Emperor Zhou's words, he turned around and looked at him with a grudgeful look, but he didn't dare to say anything.
When did he, Wu Kunhu, turn into a negative example to be taught to someone else?
"What's in the Star Martial Mystic Realm?" Su Wen asked curiously.
Emperor Zhou said in a low voice, "That's hard to say. Heaven Tier cultivation techniques, battle techniques, elixirs, and even Supreme Martial Artist cultivation techniques, battle techniques, and elixirs. Everything depends on one's own luck. Moreover, if you kill other martial artists in there, there will be Saint Qi infusing your body. There are many benefits!"
At this point, he looked at Su Wen and smiled. "Even though each person's path to heaven is extremely difficult, there are some prerequisites to ascending to Heaven Rank in the first place."
"Those that don't cultivate a Heaven Rank cultivation technique are unable to ascend into the heavens!"
Emperor Zhou said in a low voice, "In this world, if one does not enter the Heaven Rank, they will ultimately be worn out and not worth mentioning. Although your battle technique is a little inferior, your cultivation technique is a genuine Heaven Tier cultivation technique, so you're not affected!"
Emperor Zhou looked at Su Wen. "But if you don't improve your battle techniques, it will become your weakness sooner or later."
After he finished speaking, he said regretfully, "It's just that the Imperial Palace has its own rules. There are some cultivation techniques that I can't give you. I can only give you that Stellar Transposition to make up for your shortcomings. This Star Martial Secret Realm is also a great opportunity for you to make up for your shortcomings!"
Su Wen fell silent as he recalled his fight with Xu Longcheng. If it wasn't for the fact that Xu Longcheng didn't have a deep understanding of the Heaven Rank Fist Technique and wasn't proficient enough, Su Wen would probably have been defeated that day.
Although the effect of Stellar Transposition was strong, it was indeed lacking when compared to true killing techniques.
It was also thanks to Su Wen's system that he knew every star position like the back of his hand.
If it were anyone else, they would probably think that the Star Position was completely useless. They would not even know how long it would take for it to cool down.
The Zhou Emperor said solemnly, "The Star Martial Mystic Realm lasts for half a year. The Great Zhou has a quota of 200 people. Ten years ago, not a single one of them came out alive. But if martial artists are afraid of death, then what are they cultivating for?"
The Star Martial Mystic Realm could not be entered from one place. There were a total of nine doors in the world, and each place could accommodate two hundred people.
Great Zhou possessed a door, and it was under the Zhou Emperor's control!
It was also one of the methods the Court used to nurture super experts.
It was just that ten years ago, not a single person came out, making Great Zhou suffer great losses!
After saying that, he looked at Su Wen and said, "In this mystic realm, the hearts of people are hard to predict. Even people from the same country would kill each other. Once you enter, you have to be wary of everyone!"
Su Wen shook his head. No wonder not even a single person made it out the last time.
Shouldn't you tell me to unite the masses and fight against the enemy?
Emperor Zhou seemed to have seen through his thoughts and said, "After entering the mystic realm, everyone will be randomly scattered. Furthermore, learning a disguise technique is not difficult. Many people know it. If you blindly trust others, you will suffer a huge loss!"
After saying that, Emperor Zhou looked at Su Wen and smiled. "So, are you going or not?"
"I'll go!" Su Wen agreed without hesitation.
Right now, he really wanted a Heaven Rank killing technique!
"Good, that's good. Don't worry, all the 9th Grade Star Rank geniuses will be going this time, including my son!"
Su Wen narrowed his eyes.
The Third Prince? No wonder this fellow invited all the 9th Stage Star Rank Cultivators in the martial world to battle. It was to increase his combat experience and increase his combat strength so that he could survive in the Mystic Realm.
At this moment, Su Wen suddenly thought of Wu Lie… as well as Xu Longcheng.
They were all at the peak of the Star Rank. If they were all cultivating Heaven Tier techniques… by logic, they should not have any difficulty breaking through to the Earth Rank!
Obviously, these people were intentionally suppressing their cultivation.
He looked at Emperor Zhou and asked, "Your Majesty, what will happen if someone enters the Star Martial Mystic Realm and breaks through?"
Emperor Zhou looked at him and smiled. "They will slaughter those who have yet to break through."
Su Wen: "…."
He was basically implying that Su Wen himself was a retard for even asking this question!
"Why? Are you afraid? If you are, you don't have to go!" Emperor Zhou smiled.
Su Wen smiled. "Why should I not go? Your Majesty must give me a spot!"
Emperor Zhou patted his shoulder and said, "Of course. But you can't take this spot for nothing. I'll give you a mission. Before the Star Martial Mystic Realm, make Yan Luoying pregnant!"
Su Wen complained, "My father is not in a hurry, so why are you in a hurry? Isn't this…"
He was just about to say this seemed to be a case of the eunuch being anxious while the Emperor was not1, but he suddenly felt that the phrase would not be too accurate. Under Emperor Zhou's sharp gaze, he changed the words and said, "Isn't this akin to the eunuch not being anxious but the Emperor is anxious?"
Pa!
Su Changqing gave him a punch and said angrily, "Who are you calling a eunuch? If I'm a eunuch, where did you come from?"
Su Wen did not dare to retort and ran away.
He did not take it to heart because Su Wen knew very well that even if Yan Luoying was not pregnant, Emperor Zhou would still give him a spot.
Furthermore, it was only ten days. Even a pile driver might not succeed in such a task.
On the other end, our Old Su ran over to Wu Kunhu with a pot of wine.
"General Wu! I'm so happy that you're here today! Come, this is the Wind-Ripping Hou bone wine that Su Wen gave me. It's mellow and long, and it has an excellent flavor. I've come specially to let you have a taste!"
Wu Kunhu looked at the wine pot in Su Changqing's hands and his hands trembled.
That was originally mine! Mine!
He roared in his heart.
However, he forced herself to remain calm and accepted the glass of wine.
He wanted to cry but could only smile instead!
"How delicious… my good daughter, you should have saved me a piece…"
Su Changqing was very happy to see his expression.
"How is it? Does it taste good? Come, I'll give you another cup. It's only because you, Old Wu has a great influence. I only gave everyone else a glass."
Wu Juhu watched as Su Changqing filled another cup for him. He looked up at the sky and sighed. He drank this bone wine with mixed feelings.
At that moment, Emperor Zhou walked over and laughed loudly. "Changqing, you also have this Wind-Ripping Hou bone wine? Minister Wu, the half of the Wind-Ripping Hou that you gave me last time indeed tasted extremely good. I have also brewed that bone and used twelve different types of wine to brew twelve jugs. Each taste is different, and they all possess various notes. It's extremely delicious! This thing is really good. Unfortunately, it's not easy to find."
"Hehe, hehe!" Wu Kunhu didn't want to talk anymore.
The banquet continued until the guests dispersed. Su Wen then returned to the bridal chamber, reeking of alcohol.
The moment he entered, she saw Yan Luoying sitting at the table, chewing on a piece of short rib.
Her face was full of grease…
Seeing Su Wen enter, their eyes met.
"I was hungry… so Ning Shuang gave this to eat…" Yan Luoying said as she took another bite.
"She said the dishes on the table might look nice, but they will not be able to satisfy one's hunger…"
Su Wen entered the room and closed the door. He smiled and said, "Thank you for accompanying me on my madness today."
"Husband and wife are one. If you want to do something, I'll naturally accompany you…"
Su Wen teased, "Indeed… alright, you greedy woman. I'll let you have your way to accompany me today."
"Husband… please be gentle…"
The wedding night was naturally the best time of his life.
However, Su Wen was even happier about today's harvest.
It was already late at night and Yan Luoying had already fallen asleep. Su Wen, who had entered into his Monk Mode, opened the system, even as he felt the beautiful body beside him.
Host: Su Wen
Emotional Value: 275,500 points
Level: 20
Cultivation: Star Rank 9th Grade
Cultivation Technique: Heaven & Earth Great Solar Sutra
Battle Techniques: Jadebreak Fist (LV7) Layered Wave Saber (LV8) Stellar Transposition (LV3)
Su Wen earned over 200,000 emotional points from the crazy parade today!
He leveled up three more times and could draw three prizes.
Su Wen frowned as he looked at the cultivation techniques on himself!
Initially, Su Wen didn't think much of it. However, after his battle with Xu Longcheng, Su Wen was most eager to obtain a Heaven Ranked killing technique!
He had obtained the Heaven Rank cultivation technique, the Heaven & Earth Great Solar Sutra, from the lottery. Even Su Changqing would have a hard time obtaining something of this level.
I'll draw the lottery first… If I draw a Heaven Rank technique, I won't have to upgrade my Layered Wave Saber and Jadebreak Fist anymore. Su Wen thought to himself.
[Ding-dong. The host has received a Heaven Rank palm technique —— Pure Maiden Mystic Ice Palm! Small print: Limited to females.]
Su Wen looked at the drawn technique in his hand and couldn't help but curse.
What the hell?
[Ding-dong. The host has drawn the Common Ranked palm technique, Rippling Palm…]
[Ding-dong. The host has drawn the Common Ranked cultivation technique, the Great Sage Sea-Stirring Rod…]
Su Wen looked at these two cultivation techniques. They were actually quite interesting techniques, worth a study…
Of course, they were useless in battle.
All his luck seemed to have been used up after the first time.
Seeing that the lottery draw was fruitless, Su Wen turned his attention to his three battle techniques instead.
"Level up the Layered Wave Saber!"
He wanted to see if there would be any changes to the Earth Rank Layered Wave Saber after it was upgraded to the maximum level.
With 100,000 emotional points, Su Wen saw a change!
[Ding-dong. Congratulations, the Layered Wave Saber has been upgraded to MAX!]
At this moment, a large amount of information flooded Su Wen's mind.
[Ding-dong. The host has learned the secret technique: Nine Waves Return to Origin!]
[Nine Waves Return to Origin: The host cuts out nine Saber Qis at an extremely fast speed. Each Saber Qi contains nine layers of force. After the Saber Qi is slashed out, it will merge in the air and unleash its powerful lethality!]
[Note: This secret technique consumes a lot of energy. Please use it prudently.]
Obviously, this was a saber technique that could only be executed after comprehending the essence of the Layered Wave Saber.
Su Wen narrowed his eyes. If he were to use this move, even if Xu Longcheng cultivated a Heaven Tier Fist Technique, he would probably be able to kill him easily.
It was just that if a Heaven Ranked technique was comprehended to a sufficiently high level, its power would definitely surpass this technique!
Thinking of this, Su Wen's desire for a Heaven Tier Battle Skill grew even stronger!
[Ding-dong. The host has fully comprehended the Earth Ranked Layered Wave Saber Art. Reward: +1 Martial Fragment.]
Martial fragments? What was that?
He looked at the system introduction.
[There are two ways to use a martial arts fragment. One is to use it during cultivation to speed up one's comprehension of martial arts…]
'What's the use of such an item?' Su Wen couldn't help but complain. 'I have the system. At most, I can just spend some Emotional Value to comprehend it.'
"Eh?"
Suddenly, Su Wen thought of something. Could this thing replace his Emotional Value?
He continued reading.
[…Secondly, this can be used in battle. Blade God Mode will be activated — Duration: 10 minutes.]
It was a very simple introduction.
Su Wen frowned. What did this f*cking Blade God Mode mean?
Su Wen turned his gaze toward the Jadebreak Fist.
Actually, he had already decided not to upgrade his Jadebreak Fist. However, the moment this martial arts fragment appeared, Su Wen's interest was piqued.
Especially since he knew that he was about to enter the Star Martial Mystic Realm in a few days, he urgently needed to increase his battle prowess. The Blade God Mode sounded quite scary.
"Upgrade!"
[Ding-dong. Congratulations, Host's Jadebreak Fist has been upgraded to level 8.]
[Ding-dong. Congratulations, Host's Jadebreak Fist has been upgraded to MAX.]
[Congratulations, host. You have learned the secret technique, Dance of a Hundred Strikes. Use your fists at an extremely fast speed and create a super high-speed explosive effect. The continuous explosive attribute of Jadebreak Fist will also increase!"
"Pui! What rubbish."
Su Wen couldn't help but complain.
In Su Wen's eyes, the effects of this Dance of a Hundred Strikes… was only so-so.
At the very least, it was far inferior to the Nine Waves Return to Origin technique.
However, Su Wen obtained the martial arts fragment as he wished.
[There are two ways to use this martial arts fragment. The first is to use it during training to speed up your understanding of martial arts. The second is to use it in battle and activate the Fist Emperor Mode — Duration: 10 minutes.]
Compared to the Blade God Mode of the Stacking Waves Saber, the Jadebreak Fist allowed him to activate the Fist Emperor Mode.
However, the duration was the same.
"I hope this thing doesn't disappoint me. It's best if it can make me become a big shot such as… Or maybe transform me into Iori Yagami or Kyo Kusanagi… allow me to destroy everyone in front of me… Eh, forget the last two, their Battle Power might not be as good as the current me."
(TL Note: King of Fighters' Reference)
After cursing for a while, Su Wen exited the system.
After two consecutive upgrades, he had spent more than half of his Emotional Value and no longer had a six digital figure of Emotional Value left. It was not enough to upgrade his Stellar Transposition skill.
Su Wen was currently cultivating Earth Rank Battle Skills and Stellar Transposition.
After thinking about the battle with Xu Longcheng, Su Wen realized that the biggest difference between a Heaven Rank technique and an Earth Rank technique was the fundamental difference between the way they revolved and activated the Qi.
An Earth Rank cultivation method focused on the use of one's True Qi.
On the other hand, Heaven Rank techniques usually had some external effects, or it could be said that it involved a certain amount of Rule Power.
To put it simply, Su Wen still could not figure out how the Stellar Transposition worked.
It was almost completely unreasonable.
For example, the critical hit effect of the Lucky Star position.
If he activated it and struck out, the move would naturally become stronger!
But how did this move become stronger? Where did the energy come from?
It was as though he was setting the rules.
Xu Longcheng's fist technique wasn't mature enough, so it wasn't too obvious in this aspect. However, it was still present in some aspects.
He was able to gather killing intent in his fist to amplify his strength. However, while Su Wen had killed before, he couldn't control his killing intent.
Although Su Wen was not considered an expert in this world, before he transmigrated, he had read many novels.
Hence, he was able to sense the difference between the two very keenly. However, no matter how he speculated, Su Wen would definitely not be able to uncover some of the secrets within. It was just that compared to others, he was more thoughtful.
Well… there were also the Common Rank cultivation techniques!
Rippling Palm!
Great Sage's Sea-Stirring Rod!
Perhaps, it was time to use these techniques to train with Yan Luoying!
"Luoying…" Su Wen called out softly.
"Huh?" Yan Luoying looked sleepy.
"I just comprehended two cultivation techniques. Take a look and see how powerful they are! Watch it!"
"Ahhhhh!"
At Su Changqing's residence, our Comrade Old Su was slowly sipping his tea…
"How's the setup in the South?"
One of them said softly, "The barbarians have been mobilized…"
In the darkness, Su Changqing sighed and said, "Xu Qiao is quite a character, but he shouldn't have provoked me… Su Wen's methods are a little ruthless, and Xu Qiao won't let him off so easily. Since that's the case, let him go. This war in the South will have to be fought for a few years, and this time would allow Su Wen to grow a little…"
"Should we let Xu Qiao…" The person who reported this had a murderous intent in his voice.
Su Changqing shook his head and said, "We're all subjects of the same dynasty, so how could I do it like this? Sending troops to the Southern Barbaric Mountain Range can be considered to be opening up the borders and expanding the land. It's his duty, so it's fine if I'm the one who caused trouble behind the scenes.
Furthermore, if he goes to battle with the barbarians, it's still unknown if he'll be able to return alive. Those barbarians aren't to be trifled with. If he's lacking in ability, then his death has nothing to do with me."
"The Prime Minister is magnanimous."
Su Changqing closed his eyes and sighed emotionally. "I'm getting old and my heart is now soft. If it was ten years ago, hehe."
"Then Xu Longcheng is also going to enter the Star Martial Secret Realm. Do you think…"
Su Changqing shook his head and said, "If that son of mine can't even deal with Xu Longcheng… Then I'll save a lot of effort."
"How are things on Number Two's side?"
"After the Second Young Master came to office, he encountered some problems, but they were all resolved one by one. Currently, he is on the right track, and there should be no problems with the year-end evaluation."
Su Changqing was very satisfied when he heard that his son was fine.
He asked casually, "Where's He Sui?"
"He Sui is in a difficult situation now. She's under a lot of pressure. After all, without the Prime Minister as his backer, it's too difficult for a small county magistrate like him to stir up the waves."
Su Changqing stood up and said with a smile, "How can one become a genius without experiencing tempering? Reality is like this. My son, even if I don't make a sound, the world still has to give him some face, and they will have some misgivings. Their starting point is different in the end, and if He Sui wants to rise up with the wind, then he has to suffer. For him… just protect him from death."
"Yes!"
That person retreated and Comrade Old Su started to ponder again.
"Why? Why can't I see through Su Wen's thoughts?"
"In the past, while he was absurd. You could say that he cooperated with me."
"But what about now?"
"Does it feel good to show off as a bumpkin?"
Su Changqing really could not understand.
"How about… I'll try it too?" It's a metaphor meaning how the person involved isn't worried but the bystanders are