Chapter Two: On the Brink of Farewell

In the vast expanse of a sacred white space, Xu Chen’s manifested consciousness stood, panting and breathless, facing the figure that embodied the Six Forms of the Sacred Ape.

“You’ve died twelve times today. Your best record was lasting ten moves. Shouldn’t you reflect on yourself? How can a human be so inept?” The doppelganger folded its arms across its chest, looking down at Xu Chen’s consciousness with disdain.

“One day, I’ll absorb you,” Xu Chen’s consciousness replied. As the words faded, so did his form, dissolving slowly into nothingness.

Back in his room, Xu Chen slowly opened his eyes. A heavy drowsiness washed over him, dragging him back into a deep sleep atop his bed.

When he awoke again, it was afternoon.

Xu Chen went out into the small courtyard, stretched his body, and began practicing the Six Forms of the Sacred Ape—his daily discipline. Each movement seemed etched into his soul, setting the blood and energy within him into a slow, steady flow.

Half an hour later, after completing a full cycle of the Six Forms, Xu Chen started his Sacred Ape Stance. With each unique breath, he felt his internal energy circulate like a gentle stream throughout his body.

At that moment, the formation gate of the courtyard opened. Xu Qiangjia entered, carrying a dragon-patterned broadsword across his back, the thick scent of blood clinging to him. He caught sight of his son practicing the Sacred Ape Stance. The heart of a father, eager for his son’s success, could not help but offer advice.

“Entry, proficiency, mastery, transformation, intent, unity of form and intent—these are the six common stages of foundation for all mystical arts,” he explained. “The Six Forms of the Sacred Ape were created by ‘Yi,’ the second Human Emperor, as a method for humans to build their blood and energy foundation. If you reach the transformation stage, you’ll attain the Blood and Qi Realm. If you persist and reach unity of form and intent, you’ll stand at the peak of the Blood and Qi Realm, gaining the strength of ten tigers.”

“You started at six, became proficient at twelve. At this rate, without additional resources, you won’t reach the Blood and Qi Realm before you’re twenty.”

“You work hard, but your talent...” Xu Qiangjia produced a blood-red pill as he spoke. Crushing it, he released a cloud of crimson mist, a yard wide, which drifted toward Xu Chen.

“Absorb it well. Strive to enter the Blood and Qi Realm within six months.”

As soon as the red mist touched Xu Chen, it seeped into his body. His previously sluggish energy surged, blood and qi flooding through his limbs, strengthening his flesh.

Half an hour later, as dusk approached, Xu Chen finished absorbing the last trace of the red mist and rose from his stance. Feeling the increase in his strength, he realized this single dose equaled three months of hard training in the Six Forms of the Sacred Ape.

“Father, how much does that pill cost?” Xu Chen couldn’t help but ask.

“Three hundred spirit coins. Blood Qi Pill. From now on, take one every two days.” Xu Qiangjia stepped up to Xu Chen and gently slapped his back. Instantly, a strange force rippled through Xu Chen’s meridians, making him shudder.

A rush of unprecedented clarity and ease shot through his mind, as if his skills had reached their zenith.

“Father, once I reach the Blood and Qi Realm, please send me to the Great Creek Sect. I want to see the world.”

Xu Chen knew a little about the major sects of Leizhou. The Great Creek Sect, on the border of Leizhou, was the only one in the entire continent that accepted disciples from other races who submitted to humanity. Xu Chen hoped that after joining the sect, he could find a proper way to use his “cheat.” At home, he could hardly bear the pained, loving looks from his parents.

“No. Twelve is too young to join a sect. Your mother can’t bear to let you go,” Xu Qiangjia refused at once.

“Father, you entered the Leizhou Academy at eight. I’m already twelve—certainly not too young,” Xu Chen insisted.

“That’s still not enough. With your age and poor talent, you’ll only be bullied in the Great Creek Sect. At least wait until you reach the Treasure Body Realm,” Qiangjia replied, shaking his head.

As they spoke, a streak of blue light suddenly shot across the sky toward Xu Qiangjia.

“The Leizhou Command?”

He reached into the air and caught the light. A token inscribed with the character for thunder appeared in his hand, and a vast, emotionless voice resounded.

“By order of the Human Emperor of Leizhou: Due to frontline needs, Captain Xu Qiangjia of Cloud Beast City is hereby summoned to the Yellow-rank Vanguard Army. You are to report to the capital of Leizhou within three days.”

Upon hearing the message, Xu Qiangjia’s face lit up with excitement, though his gaze toward Xu Chen was tinged with reluctance.

“Father, what’s going on? Weren’t you going to wait until I reached the Treasure Body Realm before joining the vanguard?” Xu Chen asked.

“The Yellow-rank Vanguard handles cleanup and containment of the remaining foreign tribes. If I’ve been summoned, it means the frontlines have taken new territory and need more hands,” Qiangjia explained.

They sat together in the pavilion of the courtyard. Wei Miaoqiu, hearing the commotion, hurried over.

“Husband…” Wei Miaoqiu looked at the father and son, her eyes complicated.

“Before I leave for the vanguard, I’ll make sure Chen’er has all the pills and resources he needs. When he reaches the Blood and Qi Realm, I’ll have someone escort him to the Great Creek Sect.”

Then Xu Qiangjia turned to Xu Chen. “Your mother will come with me. Her talisman skills are invaluable to the army, and we’ll earn extra resources together. Chen’er, you’ve always been wise beyond your years. With the neighbors watching, I trust you’ll be fine alone.”

A flash of spiritual light, and a palm-sized storage pouch appeared in his hand.

“There are thirty thousand spirit coins here—enough to cover your expenses for now.”

“Father, will you and Mother be safe over there?” Xu Chen managed to ask, suppressing his reluctance.

“The Yellow-rank Vanguard’s job is just to clean up the stragglers—no real danger. Just stick to the path I’ve set for you.”

He handed the storage pouch to Xu Chen and left with Wei Miaoqiu to arrange their affairs.

Night had fallen. Under the starlit sky, Xu Chen gazed up at the pillar of light that rose from the center of Spirit Beast City and sighed.

He knew his parents’ characters well. If not for his poor talent, they would never have volunteered for the vanguard army.

“So be it, if my talent is lacking. But even my cheat is unreliable—how am I supposed to survive in this grand era of Human Emperors?”

He had transmigrated to a world akin to a primordial continent—boundless, teeming with spiritual energy, where fertile lands produced countless treasures and gave rise to mighty races. Under the first Human Emperor, humanity had risen from a single tribe, contending with a hundred neighboring races. After tens of millions of years and nine generations of Human Emperors, they had become one of the great races, ruling seventy-two provinces.

Leizhou, where he lived, was one of the border provinces. Just tens of thousands of kilometers from Cloud Beast City lay the lands of the foreign tribes.

“No talent—just bide my time, and wait until I find the right way to use this cheat,” he thought.

With that, Xu Chen returned to his room and once again entered the sacred white space.

His manifested consciousness gently pushed open the wooden door. Inside, the embodiment of the Six Forms of the Sacred Ape turned to him immediately.

“So, the little weakling is back. Tell me, how do you want to die today?” The Sacred Ape Xu Chen flexed his body, looking quite eager.