Chapter Twenty: Scorching Flames, the Heart-Sealed Seed Breaks Ground and a Golden Lotus Blooms (Part Two)

Boom!!

In the next moment, a terrifying aura radiated from Yi Beidou, a pure killing intent so overwhelming that everyone present felt as if the very air had solidified.

Some disciples, weaker in strength, trembled with fear, cold sweat streaming down their backs. Among the core disciples, Li Qingdai’s ability was only mediocre, and now her body felt unsteady, a chill running down her spine, prompting an instinct to turn and flee.

She knew that martial arts masters all possessed powerful presences, but someone whose strength reached this level could hardly be called human anymore.

This was the power of a Saint of the Flesh—one who had transcended human limits through martial cultivation. With her own level, she could hardly withstand even a single glance from him!

Yet, in the next instant, that pure killing intent suddenly transformed—it became vibrant and full of life, like a towering ancient tree.

Then, astonishingly, the towering tree began to reverse its growth, gradually shrinking and returning to the earth, finally becoming a single seed.

Ordinary disciples of the Qingmu Heart Intent sect did not understand the meaning behind this, but martial arts masters like Mu Huaidong and Wei Ziren’s expressions brightened.

They understood: this was the seed of rebirth from their Qingmu Heart Intent, and the earth it returned to represented the human body’s dantian.

Suddenly, they sensed a surge of emotion.

It was a fierce blend of fearlessness, sacrifice, righteousness, and courage—like the Buddha cutting his flesh to feed the eagle, or sacrificing himself to nurture the tiger.

This emotion ignited into blazing flames, scorching the “dantian” symbolizing the earth. The soil turned black as if it was dying completely. But then, the seed of rebirth trembled within the flames, suddenly shattering and sprouting through the charred soil, nourished by the fire.

A golden radiance spread in all directions.

Mu Huaidong and Wei Ziren’s bodies shook violently, recalling the secret teachings left by their sect’s ancestor, Feng Huachuan, a Saint of the Flesh.

Qingmu is ruthless, but humans possess compassion. Only by grasping the true meaning like fire can one break through the earth and bloom a lotus.

They had long sought the method but never found it. Today, they finally comprehended its essence.

Elsewhere, the true meaning that surged within Yi Beidou’s mind gradually subsided, and the spiritual phenomena his aura had manifested disappeared without a trace.

Ordinary martial arts, techniques, breathing exercises, even soul-capturing intents, Yi Beidou could easily imitate.

But this was the true meaning behind a Saint of the Flesh breaking the limits of the human body. Without the residual telepathic connection, even Yi Beidou could not easily reproduce it.

If it could be casually copied, how could it be something he sought?

He reined in his aura, returning to normal, eyes half-closed, consciousness deep in contemplation, savoring that true meaning.

Mu Huaidong, Wei Ziren, and even Wu Xianjue and Tang Zhihe, among others, all sat cross-legged, closing their eyes to deeply perceive and reflect. Such an opportunity was rare; if seized, it might elevate their martial path to a higher level, perhaps granting a glimpse of that legendary realm.

The ordinary disciples of Qingmu Heart Intent, though unqualified to comprehend, had never experienced anything so legendary. They were all shaken into silence, speechless. For a time, the entire hall was mute.

The sages manifest the Way, moving hearts and minds.

After a long while, Mu Huaidong slowly opened his eyes, rose, and bowed deeply toward Yi Beidou.

“Today, we are deeply grateful for your guidance and teachings. The Qingmu Heart Intent sect will never forget this kindness,” Mu Huaidong said sincerely.

Though Yi Beidou had forcefully broken into the sect and harmed others, compared to this debt of transmission, such offenses were insignificant—he would even be willing to pay more.

The Great Way is priceless.

“No need to thank me. I only stood on the shoulders of your predecessors and acted accordingly. Tell me, why did Feng Huachuan perish?” Yi Beidou asked, for he had not learned the cause of Feng Huachuan’s demise through his sensing.

“Back then, our ancestor was invited by others to head north and resist the Saints of the Flesh from Japan. He never returned, not even his corpse was found. What exactly happened is unclear. I only know that twelve Martial Saints from Japan invaded China, wreaking havoc and turning the land upside down. Countless martial heroes died, many sects were lost, and even now secret manuscripts remain in Japan,” Mu Huaidong answered.

“Is that so?” Yi Beidou’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Elsewhere.

Several police cars parked at the entrance of the Qingmu Fitness Sports Center. Zhou Baiwei arrived with over a dozen Special Security Bureau personnel, accompanied by the local head of the bureau.

They quickly entered the lobby, where many members had gathered. From their discussions, Zhou Baiwei swiftly understood what had happened.

A forceful intrusion into the center had led to a direct confrontation with Qingmu Heart Intent sect...

Breaking into someone’s sect, demanding secret teachings?!

This person claims to want to learn martial arts, but this is how he learns? It’s outright robbery!

Zhou Baiwei’s scalp tingled; she dreaded imagining the chaos Yi Beidou could cause nationwide if left unchecked.

“Hurry! Take everyone to the training ground!” Zhou Baiwei commanded loudly, fearing she might find a bloodbath or corpses strewn about.

Secret teachings are the foundation of a sect; martial artists would rather die than yield. In such conflicts, considering that person’s character, it wouldn’t be surprising if heavy blows led to death.

However, when Zhou Baiwei and her team reached the training ground’s entrance, they stopped in their tracks, seeing several familiar figures.

Wu Xianjue, master of the Five Fire Refining Truth, and Tang Zhihe, master of the Six Yang Qi.

These two were among the top experts in Han Province. What were they doing here?

Including Qingmu Heart Intent’s sect leader, Mu Huaidong, all bore obvious injuries, yet their attitudes toward Yi Beidou were strangely deferential.

One by one they showed utmost respect. Zhou Baiwei could tell this reverence was genuine, heartfelt, even Mu Huaidong expressed gratitude in his words to Yi Beidou.

Gratitude?

Zhou Baiwei’s mind faltered.

No matter how strong Yi Beidou was, to Mu Huaidong he was still an intruder—storming the sect, demanding secret teachings—they should be mortal enemies.

Why was this man, after being beaten severely, met with gratitude? Did Han Province’s martial experts have a masochistic streak?

“Um, may I ask what happened here just now?” Zhou Baiwei couldn’t help but ask.

......

......

Not long after, in Kyoto, at the Special Security Bureau headquarters.

In the conference room, senior officials gathered, with some attending via video call.

“The information on the newly emerged Saint of the Flesh in Wencheng has been distributed. What are your opinions?” asked a middle-aged man seated at the head of the room. He had a stern look, a slightly receding hairline, prominent Fuxi bones, and a blessed appearance.

“A martial artist? Interesting. A Saint of the Flesh who claims he doesn’t know martial arts?” said a thin man, pushing up his glasses with an intrigued smile.

“His actions are reckless, lawless, and defiant. Does he really think being a Saint of the Flesh makes him invincible, allowing him to act as he pleases? I think we should convene a high-level meeting and organize forces to suppress him,” grunted a middle-aged man with a stern, square face.

“I don’t care about those things. Twenty-seven years old, a Saint of the Flesh—rare throughout history. Such speed is abnormal. Also, he seems connected to the Pioneer Group. I only care whether he is ‘that kind of person’,” said a noble-looking woman, narrowing her eyes.

“Gui Qing, don’t be so nervous. Even if he is ‘that kind of person,’ not all are our enemies; some could be our allies,” replied the middle-aged man at the head.

“Based on current intelligence, he likely is not. But his master, known as ‘You Xian,’ definitely is. Recently, the Pioneer Group has been searching everywhere for traces left by him. There is intelligence suggesting he may no longer be alive. He is in opposition to the Pioneer Group, so from this perspective, it might be possible to make friends with Wencheng’s man,” the middle-aged man said.