Guidance by the Barbarian King

Guidance by the Barbarian King...

Having been rudely interrupted, Qin Wentian struggled to recapture that elusive state of enlightenment. Alas, the unique epiphany remained frustratingly out of reach. He found himself revisiting the eighty-one demonic arts repeatedly, stirring his Astral Energy within his Yuanfu receptacles in the hopes of reigniting that sensation.

His physical essence felt transformed into a demon's—demonic qi swirled as Astral Energy surged within his Yuanfu, an inferno of power.

Gradually, the feeling returned. His Yuanfu reverberated with rumbling echoes as his aura climbed steadily, surging in strength.

At the edge of the precipice, a man and his canine companion sat in quiet contemplation. Only the ceaseless crash of waves against the mountain broke the silence. Distant cultivators had ceased their curiosity about Qin Wentian; they, too, had to immerse themselves in cultivation.

Now, who was Yue Bingying? Setting aside her status and talent, her partner was one of the Unmatched Realm's most renowned cultivators. Situ Po had dedicated over a year to cultivation here, reaching the peak of the eighth Yuanfu level. He was far beyond Qin Wentian's reach—a towering figure in an entirely different league.

A few days later, Qin Wentian opened his eyes, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Simultaneously, the pervasive demonic aura began to wane as his emitted aura grew serene.

"Swoosh!"

Little Rascal darted to Qin Wentian and nestled its head against his chest. He patted its head with a smile, saying, "Let's head for a bath."

With that, Qin Wentian strolled leisurely towards the ocean, Little Rascal cradled in his arms.

......….

The expanse of the Unmatched Realm sprawled endlessly. Thirty-six mountains housed cave dwellings known as Dao-Cultivation Halls, each presided over by an eccentric figure—a custodian of the Unmatched Realm.

At this moment, on the slopes of a particular mountain, a young man ascended, trailed by a snowy puppy.

Upon this mountain stood numerous cave dwellings, a blend of natural formations and handcrafted chambers. At the dawn of each month, Unmatched Realm's elders elucidated their distinct Dao at the summit's Dao-Cultivation Hall. Those granted entry could partake, interact, and the exceptional attendees might even be personally mentored by the elders, potentially leading to acceptance as disciples.

"Qin Wentian." A voice wafted over. Qin Wentian swiveled his gaze to encounter a striking young woman stationed at the entrance of one of the many caverns. Her eyes held an enigmatic twinkle, and when she discerned Qin Wentian's eyes on her, a blush inadvertently stained her cheeks. She had unintentionally spoken his name earlier.

He gave her a slight nod, his lips curling into a gentle smile. This prompted a fleeting change in the young woman's expression; she stood there, momentarily stunned. This guy appeared rather handsome when he smiled—difficult to believe he could be so ferocious, regardless of gender.

"The cave beside mine is vacant. Interested?" she murmured as Qin Wentian's attention wandered. He stared at her in disbelief, leaving her feeling a tad embarrassed. Observing his agreeing nod, they set off for the mentioned dwelling. It indeed proved enticing, with a suspended platform outside perfect for meditative cultivation.

Flanked by ancient peaks and a cascading waterfall, the site offered an enchanting ambiance.

"How did you recognize me?" Qin Wentian inquired with a smile.

"During your battle with Liu Xi, I was in the crowd," the girl responded with a shy grin. "My name is Cang Lan. I never imagined you'd remain so composed when countless people are hunting for you."

"Who's searching for me?" Qin Wentian questioned.

"Lin Haotian and his companions."

"Lin Haotian?" Qin Wentian's knowledge of this figure was non-existent.

"Lin Haotian's a chosen from the Sword Extinction Sect, standing strong at the seventh Yuanfu level. I heard you told him to buzz off when he met you before. But truth be told, it's not him who's seeking you out—it's Yue Bingying. Seems she's curious about how you measure up against Situ Po."

Cang Lan chuckled, her words flowing freely. "Of course, you probably don't know their names. Yue Bingying hails from the Azure Emperor Palace, also dwelling at the seventh Yuanfu level. She's considered one of the most stunning women in the Unmatched Realm and, by the way, Situ Po's partner. He shares your achievement, securing the endorsement of all thirty-six eccentrics. Although he's currently at the eighth Yuanfu level, he can take down ninth-level opponents with ease. Ready or not, I'm afraid meeting Yue Bingying might be in your best interest this time."

"Not interested," Qin Wentian replied with a smile.

Yue Bingying—the chance to interact with someone from the Azure Emperor Palace had finally come. Notably, her surname wasn't Di, but Yue!

"What about me? Are you intrigued?" Another figure descended from above, landing soundlessly behind Qin Wentian. As he gazed at the silhouette, his heart quivered with astonishment. The newcomer's presence had remained entirely concealed until the moment he appeared—a truly fearsome speed.

This individual sported a robust frame, his appearance somewhat mature.

"Senior," Qin Wentian saluted with a bow, his action prompting the middle-aged man to burst into laughter. "Hehe, you've always piqued my interest. Been meaning to meet you for a while now. Care to come with me?"

Qin Wentian rolled his eyes—this guy was exceedingly forthright.

"What? Not willing?" The man fixed a pointed glare on Qin Wentian.

"Junior wouldn't dare; Junior will certainly heed Senior's guidance." Qin Wentian shook his head, offering his response.

"Music to my ears." With that, the man soared skyward. Qin Wentian trailed behind as they departed, their speed leaving Cang Lan utterly astonished. She could only watch their retreating figures, shaking her head with a wry smile.

The Barbarian King had personally descended!

The middle-aged man escorted Qin Wentian to a mountaintop cultivation ground. The crisp mountain breeze rustled through, but before Qin Wentian could utter a word, the middle-aged man chuckled, "Hey, kid, when I saw your performance, I sensed an immense strength within you. How'd you manage that?"

"I've grasped the Mandate of Force and attained the first level insight, multiplying my strength by a factor of eight," Qin Wentian answered.

"Don't try to fool me. Even with an eightfold enhancement, your cultivation's merely at the fifth Yuanfu level. Reaching such strength is impossible," the Barbarian King stated, a cryptic smile tugging at his lips.

"I've also mastered the Mandate of Demons and cultivated certain demonic arts, honing a formidable physique. Combining the eightfold enhancement with my robust physique explains the level of strength I achieved," Qin Wentian explained, extending his arms as demonic qi enveloped them. The Barbarian King nodded thoughtfully, "I see. But my curiosity lingers—how did you, a human, attain such a demon-like physique?"

"Just a casual question; you needn't answer." The Barbarian King waved his hand as Qin Wentian found himself in an uncomfortable spot. The Barbarian King understood the value of secrets and avoided prying too deeply.

"Now, go all out and attack me. Let me experience it firsthand," the Barbarian King instructed, standing before Qin Wentian.

"Sure." Qin Wentian complied, marshaling his strength and releasing the will of both his Mandates. His blood surged as his bloodline limit activated, propelling an immensely forceful punch at the Barbarian King's chest. A deafening impact echoed, but the Barbarian King remained unfazed. The power of Qin Wentian's full-fledged blow only shredded the man's attire, leaving him unscathed.

"Hu..." The Barbarian King exhaled a turbid breath. "Impressive, young man. You've reached the sixth Yuanfu level. Augmented by both your Mandates, your strikes could easily slay seventh-level cultivators."

Qin Wentian glanced at the half-naked Barbarian King, offering a sheepish laugh and feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Alas, why aren't you destined to be my disciple? It's truly a pity—you're an exceptional seedling," the Barbarian King lamented. He was candid, never feigning in his interactions, even with juniors.

"Though you might not be my master, I can still call you my Teacher," Qin Wentian said, eliciting surprise from the Barbarian King, who then burst into laughter.

"Hey, kid, I haven't agreed to teach you anything."

"Hehe." Qin Wentian could only laugh, feeling a touch of embarrassment.

"Alright, I'll give you some pointers and teach you techniques to amplify your attack prowess," the Barbarian King said with a shrug. He saw the eagerness in Qin Wentian's eyes and added, "Thanks, Senior," with a bow. Such a golden opportunity could not be missed.

"Have you encountered formidable Sword Cultivators before?" the Barbarian King inquired.

"Perhaps, though the swordsmen I've faced didn't strike me as highly powerful," Qin Wentian replied.

"Sword Cultivators' attacks flow like water and clouds. Profound sword arts possess their unique 'Rhythm.' When the Rhythm is potent, the instant the sword slashes, the blade becomes the sole entity in the universe. The stronger the Rhythm, the more fearsome the sword's might," the Barbarian King elaborated.

Qin Wentian's expression turned contemplative. To achieve a seamless set of sword techniques required perfection, every stance accounted for. The sword's rhythm would naturally carry formidable power.

"This principle doesn't only apply to sword techniques; it's true for sabers and spears too. Actually, it's a universal concept for various power-based attacks," the Barbarian King explained. "Think about it—there are those with attacks at a certain power level, and then there are those with similar strength whose attacks are exponentially mightier. By using appropriate innate techniques, they can erupt with boundless strength, like a tiger pouncing on its prey."

"In addition to enhancing strength through innate techniques, you can also utilize 'Rhythm'," the Barbarian King continued, punching forward. The punch resonated explosively through the air.

Then, he moved in a unique pattern and punched again. The second punch was distinctly stronger, infused with a fierce, savage rhythm, causing the space before him to quake.

"Two attacks of varying might, yet the strength behind them was the same. Let me demonstrate a few more times." The Barbarian King grew serious, assuming a stance that seemed as immovable as mountains. His body trembled slightly as his muscles engaged, stepping in spirals. An intimidating aura erupted from him, originating from a single punch. "BOOM!" The punch, teeming with overwhelming power, reverberated like thunderclaps through the heavens and earth.

"The same strike, but with you merging your entire body's strength with the heavens and earth—akin to becoming One with Heaven. In that moment, you're the sole entity in the world; you are the heavens, you are the earth, harmonizing so perfectly that no sense of 'you' remains. Only in this state can you harness 'Rhythm' to exponentially boost the force of your attacks."

The Barbarian King laughed, eyeing Qin Wentian. "Kid, this might be quite challenging to grasp. Have you understood?"

"Yes." Qin Wentian nodded. Silence settled in his heart, free from distractions, melding the strength of self (man) with that of the heavens and earth, achieving a state of Oneness with Heaven. The Barbarian King's words were comprehensible.

"Are you certain?" Stop bragging and practice this for two months, making it second nature. You should be able to employ it with ease in any situation. Begin practicing here now—I'm curious how long it'll take for you." The Barbarian King chuckled. Though simple in concept, complete control wasn't easily achieved. Once Qin Wentian mastered this, his attacks would possess differing levels of power even when employing the same strength!