Chapter 66: Ji Yaozu
Chapter 66: Ji Yaozu
The fourth star’s formation was exceptionally difficult, a hundred times harder than the previous three stars’ emergence, for its existence would be fundamentally different.
For Cheng Lingyu, everything that day happened by chance. He’d never considered forming a fourth star amidst thunder and lightning—this had been entirely unintentionally facilitated by Caiyun.
Caiyun herself hadn’t anticipated this outcome. She simply noticed Cheng Lingyu’s Physical Body could absorb lightning power and aimed to use this method to temper his body and boost his capabilities.
Within the mysterious space, the fourth star slowly took shape. Its glow remained faint, tiny as dust particles, completely incomparable to the other three stars.
Yet this fourth star occupied a unique position—resting above the others to form a pyramid. The four stars arranged themselves in perfect symmetry, creating the universe’s most stable three-dimensional structure, nearly identical to the pyramid within his dantian.
As the pyramid formed, Cheng Lingyu’s body underwent earth-shaking changes. Lightning from the torrential rain automatically converged on him, being wildly absorbed and devoured. Innumerable lightning bolts fused into a radiant light beam that startled the entire Yunyang City.
Caiyun jumped in alarm, her eyes sparkling with astonishment.
Within the Black Cloud, a mirror materialized. A thousand lightning bolts roared fiercely, coalescing into a thunder dragon that crashed toward Cheng Lingyu, as if determined to destroy this defiance of natural order.
Cheng Lingyu’s entire body glowed as he absorbed both lightning power and spiritual energy from the surroundings. His true essence surged dramatically, actively forging a True Essence Lake and entering the Gathering Lake Stage.
Caiyun’s face turned grave. She released towering combat intent, guarding Cheng Lingyu while deliberately projecting hostility to prevent disruptions.
Cheng Lingyu’s current state appeared terrifying, frightening many observers—yet nobody intervened.
Lightning power ranked among the world’s most terrifying strengths. If even this couldn’t kill Cheng Lingyu, others’ attempts would prove useless.
For this reason, Yunyang City’s residents remained motionless.
Above, the Black Cloud churned. A mirror shimmered with light waves until, after continuous bombardment, it seemed controlled by some external force. The mirror’s lightning rapidly dissipated before mysteriously vanishing.
Thus the thunder and lightning ended. Though rain continued falling, it weakened significantly.
Cheng Lingyu floated mid-air, bathed in rain. His flawless white body emitted soft radiance—so delicate it could make women jealous.
Caiyun stood quietly nearby, monitoring Cheng Lingyu’s condition. When the rain ceased without him awakening, she carried him back to the chess academy’s secret chamber.
Jin Miaoyi and Miao Sanxu soon came inquiring. They relaxed upon learning Cheng Lingyu was unharmed.
The Situ family’s destruction became Yunyang City’s most shocking post-storm event, followed by the Xuanhuo Sect’s Purple Cloud Banner incident and Cheng Lingyu’s spectacle.
Experts visited the chess academy next day, but Caiyun refused all visitors, sparking widespread speculation.
After three days of deep sleep, Cheng Lingyu awoke transformed. Lightning Patterns now covered his body. His first lake—five times his total meridian capacity—had formed, reaching Thousand Layers of Snow’s maximum requirement.
In the mysterious space, the four-star pyramid emitted dazzling brilliance, illuminating endless darkness while nurturing immeasurable power.
His technique of origins showed remarkable effectiveness: mental perception soared, Magic Eyes’ Second Realm of Locking the Soul and Fixing the Spirit reached full mastery, and his understanding of Spirit Chart’s Heavenly Resolution increased tenfold.
Opening his eyes, Cheng Lingyu blushed crimson—his unclothed state left him exposed. Senior Sister Caiyun stood calmly in the chamber, her perceptive eyes scanning his body. He clearly sensed where her Gaze lingered.
“Senior Sister.”
He leapt up, dark eyes shining brightly—a Temptation that made Caiyun’s heartbeat quicken.
She threw him clothes with an eye-roll. “Get dressed.”
Cheng Lingyu hastily pulled on the garments, cheeks flushing red. Caiyun adjusted his attire, studying him intently.
“You changed.”
Cheng Lingyu smiled. “Yes, I changed.”
His eyes now held wisdom and steadiness, his demeanor and temperament distinct from the past.
“Much more mature. Keep striving.”
Cheng Lingyu grasped his Senior Sister’s hand. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
Caiyun averted his Gaze and pulled him from the secret chamber.
“These past two days in Yunyang City—the Situ family was wiped out, the mid-grade spirit artifact Red Lily vanished, and the Baifo Sect repelled attackers. Many find it puzzling.”
“Why puzzled?”
“If they dared attack the Baifo Sect, they must’ve been certain they could seize the beautiful jade coffin. Yet they failed. There’s more to it. Also, Ouyang Lie disappeared mysteriously. Those tied to the Lanling Holy Palace aren’t faring well.”
Exiting the chamber, Cheng Lingyu glanced at his left palm, a faint smile forming.
Unintentionally, he’d unlocked a fourth storage space—a massive shift.
The Fang Tian Bao Yin on his palm had altered, something unprecedented.
“Many ghost market vendors died. Likely someone’s hunting you.”
“No matter. They won’t track me soon.”
Cheng Lingyu chuckled. His true essence vanished in an instant, leaving him ordinary—unfathomable even to Caiyun.
“Your true essence isn’t in your meridian points. I’ve never seen this.”
“That night, I left this way. No scent to trace.”
They lingered briefly in the garden before an expert arrived.
“Let’s see who it is.”
Cheng Lingyu strode calmly, sharper and more assured since reaching the Gathering Lake Stage.
“He’s here! He truly survived!”
Gasps arose as Cheng Lingyu appeared with Caiyun.
The chess academy brimmed with cultivators—Yunyang City’s elites, including Jin Miaoyi and Qu Wei.
Scanning the crowd, Cheng Lingyu froze. Cheng Zhaolong stood there.
Cheng Lingyu stared. Cheng Zhaolong at the chess academy? Had he gone crazy?
Caiyun eyed another man beside Cheng Zhaolong—tall, handsome, with a mesmerizing aura.
“Miss Caiyun, your reputation precedes you.”
The man smiled warmly.
“You honor me. Forgive my unfamiliarity—this is your first visit.”
“I’m Ji Yaozu from Tianhua City.”
Caiyun paled. “The Tianhua Ji Family’s Divine Dragon—Ji Yaozu!”
Ji Yaozu grinned. “To think Miss Caiyun knows my name. How amusing.”
Nearby, many cultivators gasped in surprise, clearly astonished by Ji Yaozu’s formidable reputation – this was undoubtedly a major figure.
Miss Caiyun smiled gently. “Young Master Ji’s presence brings glory to our chess academy. Please sit.”
Today’s gathering included not only Ji Yaozu, but also the city lord’s daughter Yun Xi, Jiang Mufeng of the Jiang family, Lu Yu of the Lu family, Xuanhuo Sect’s second daughter Ye Xiaoyun, and Mingyue Gate’s Ji Xiaoyue – all prominent figures.
Cheng Lingyu glared coldly at Cheng Zhaolong. Though neither spoke, their eyes burned with mutual hatred.
“Has Young Master Ji come to play chess with me today, or for other reasons?”
“Your chess skills are legendary, Miss Caiyun. I stand no chance against you. I came to mediate their feud.”
Everyone was stunned. The Tianhua Ji family’s Divine Dragon acting as peacemaker? Cheng Zhaolong must have extraordinary influence.
Unfazed, Caiyun asked calmly, “Are you aware of their history?”
“I know fragments. But blood ties should outweigh conflicts over a woman.”
“Did you receive handsome rewards for this mediation, Young Master Ji?”
The blunt question hung in the air, a public challenge to Ji Yaozu’s motives.
“You seem displeased with my proposal, Miss Caiyun.”
Though keeping his smile, Ji Yaozu’s eyes turned frosty.
“Birds of feather flock together. Associating with such lowlifes stains your reputation.”
Ye Xiaoyun exploded, “Impudent wench! How dare you insult-”
“Was it you who ordered my junior apprentice’s execution?”
Caiyun’s piercing gaze forced Ye Xiaoyun to look away. “What if I did?” the latter snarled.
Caiyun’s laugh chilled the room. “You come here after ordering his death? Leave your head behind today.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
The Xuanhuo Sect’s notorious firebrand stood her ground.
“Killing trash like you? Why hesitate?”
Caiyun’s dominating aura intensified.
Ji Yaozu’s face darkened. Accustomed to universal deference, he now faced defiance in this insignificant chess hall.
“Planning bloodshed, Miss Caiyun?”
“Do you mean to interfere, Young Master Ji?”
“They’re under my protection. I’ll ensure their safe departure.”
“How noble.” Caiyun’s smirk held no warmth. “But did Xuanhuo Sect mention Tianlei Sacred Church experts are in Yunyang City? Given your family’s…difficulties with them, I wonder if they’ll host a welcoming feast upon learning your whereabouts?”
Ji Yaozu paled. “Is this a threat?”
“A friendly reminder. Even small ponds hide mighty dragons.”
“Excellent!” Ji Yaozu barked a humorless laugh. “I’ve longed to meet such dragons.”