Innate... To Yang Ze, it was just another step he had taken without much effort. But to the rest of the world, it was a symbol of true power and unreachable dreams. In many villages and cities, the Innate Realm was spoken of like a legend, a story told to inspire but never believed. For most, reaching the peak of Qi Guiding was already a lifetime goal. For many others, even touching Qi Guiding felt like chasing the stars.
In the lands around Yuyang City, where Yang Ze began his new life, the peak of Qi Guiding was the end of the road. Only a few old ancestors and family patriarchs had reached it, and not one of them dared to dream about stepping into the Innate Realm.
Most of the patriarchs and ancestors had never even seen an Innate powerhouse, much less understood the strength they possessed.
So, when the news spread that the patriarch of Yuyang City was about to step into the Innate Realm — and that it was Xuanwu Martial Academy helping him — everyone's first reaction was disbelief. At first, people thought it was just a joke. But when Xuanwu Academy personally confirmed it and even sent invitations to major families within a thousand miles, the entire region was thrown into chaos.
Envy, hatred, jealousy, longing — all kinds of emotions appeared on their faces. Someone was about to achieve what they didn't even dare to dream of. Some even sent spies, trying to figure out why Xuanwu Academy, which normally stayed away from worldly matters, would help an unknown man from a small city. But no matter how hard they tried, they could only end up disappointed.
The impact of this news in Yuyang City and Ignis City was unlike anywhere else. The great families of both cities were still stuck in disbelief. They refused to accept that Yang Yuanzhen could somehow end up in the good graces of Xuanwu Academy. No matter how they thought about it, they just couldn't figure out what kind of pill that bastard had fed to those people.
Especially the Cang family in Yuyang City. They were the closest to the Yang family — after all, their patriarch's daughter had married Yang Yuanzhen's second son. But now, they didn't know how to feel. Should they be happy? Or should they be worried?
Meanwhile, the Yang family was a different story altogether. Festivities filled every corner. Every single member could still recall the terrifying strength of an Innate powerhouse when Xuanwu Academy had been ambushed by those men in black. Many still had nightmares of that day — the scene of two figures casually waving their hands and uprooting entire sections of land was deeply carved into their memories.
So when they heard that their own patriarch would step into that same godlike realm, their excitement was through the roof. These days, whenever they left the family grounds, they were met with countless envious gazes — and every one of them walked a little taller, pride swelling in their hearts.
Inside the Yang family estate, an old man lounged comfortably in a reclining chair, slowly sipping a cup of tea. Sitting across from him was the current patriarch of the Yang family — and the father of Yang Ze — Yang Yuanzhen.
"Have you thought about it?" the old man asked, his voice calm and even. "We from Xuanwu Academy can help you step into the Innate realm, but once you do, your future path will be cut off. You'll never be able to merge your Qi with the aura of heaven and earth. You'll never be able to comprehend intent."
He set his cup down gently. "You're still young — barely a hundred and twenty years old. If you're willing, you can join Xuanwu Academy as a guest elder. We'll train you properly. That way, you'll have a real chance of reaching Innate without severing your future."
His words were sincere. When he first heard that someone was willing to exchange three precious manuals just to force their way into Innate, he couldn't help but wonder — Why? Why would someone give up so much just to take one step, while crippling every step after?
When he was first appointed to this task, he had been curious. What kind of person would make such a reckless choice? It was only after meeting Yang Yuanzhen that he understood — the man before him was an egoist, utterly self-centered. Someone who would sacrifice others, even himself, if it meant climbing one step higher on his path.
And yet, after days of talking with him, he had grown fond of this stubborn, arrogant man. He truly didn't want to see Yang Yuanzhen cut off his future. So he spoke again, hoping, just hoping, to change his mind.
"Take me, for example," the old man said, his voice softer now. "Just like you, I once stood at the same crossroads — the choice between a shortcut and the true path. And just like you, I chose the shortcut."
His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, and a wry smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. He lifted his cup again, sipping the tea slowly, as if trying to wash away the bitterness of memories. When he exhaled, it was long and heavy, and the regret etched across his face was plain for anyone to see.
He didn't want to watch someone else make the same mistake. Especially not someone as talented, as ambitious, as the man sitting in front of him.
And so, he laid everything bare — his own experiences, his regrets, the limits that would chain Yang Yuanzhen forever. It took him almost an hour to explain it all.
"And that is the gist of it."After speaking, the old man gently placed the teacup on the table. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, waiting quietly for Yang Yuanzhen's decision. He had done all he could. The path ahead was no longer his to influence.
But instead of giving an answer, Yang Yuanzhen smiled and asked, "Can I ask you a question?"
The old man opened one eye and nodded. "Go ahead."
Yang Yuanzhen's smile deepened, though there was no warmth in it. "Even if I were to follow you back into the Xuanwu Academy, what are the chances of me successfully stepping into the Innate realm?"
He already knew the answer, but he still asked. A small part of him hoped—hoped that the old man would say something that would shake his resolve. If he heard anything above sixty percent, he was ready to turn back and follow him to the Academy without hesitation.
But the old man's response was swift, sharp, and merciless."Thirty percent."
Yang Yuanzhen's smile turned cold. He leaned back, letting out a low chuckle, half mocking, half resigned. "Heh... as expected."
Thirty percent. Even in the best-case scenario, he would be gambling with his life.
"And if I fail the tribulation?" Yang Yuanzhen asked calmly, as if he were discussing someone else's fate, not his own. "What happens to me then?"
The old man didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on the man in front of him. Who would have thought that this unknown figure from such a humble background would possess knowledge of matters even some elders were unaware of?
"In the worst case, death," the old man spoke grimly. "In the best case, you become a cripple."
His words were not exaggerated. The path to the Innate realm was one of no return. Once someone faced the tribulations, there was no turning back. One either became an Innate powerhouse or perished. Even those who survived would be left crippled for life. There was no other outcome.
"Then… do you still think I should go back with you and attempt to step into the Innate realm on my own?" Yang Yuanzhen finally asked.
He had traded three of his family's most precious manuals with Xuanwu Academy in exchange for their help in reaching the Innate realm. Since then, a few elders had visited, trying to persuade him to abandon the idea. Yang Yuanzhen knew they weren't acting out of goodwill or because they recognized his potential. The cost of helping someone reach the Innate realm was astronomical, even for an institution as powerful as the Xuanwu Academy. They were merely hoping to avoid the situation themselves. So far, all their efforts had been in vain.
"I am fully aware of my talents and limitations," Yang Yuanzhen said sincerely. "Even if you gave me a hundred more years, I would never be able to reach the Innate realm."
"Since I'm destined to fall short on my own, why not take the other path?"
"I see." The old man fell silent. Yang Yuanzhen had made up his mind, and there was no point in trying to change it. He chose to conserve his energy.
Yang Yuanzhen nodded respectfully before stepping out of the room. His ascension to the Innate realm was a monumental event. It was no exaggeration to say that this was perhaps the most significant event in the past thousand years. Cultivators who had reached the peak of Qi Guiding would undoubtedly flock to witness it, hoping to gain some insight or enlightenment.
After much deliberation, the date was set for thirty days later. This would allow ample time for preparation and give other Qi Guiding experts enough time to reach Yuyang City.
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Back in the Moonlit Sect, Yang Ze wasn't sure how long he had been in a trance. The sensation of staying within his skull was incredibly soothing. If it weren't for his injuries being completely healed and the faint sound of footsteps approaching, he might have stayed lost in it longer.
"It's far better than any medicine," Yang Ze muttered to himself. Twisting his body, he nodded in satisfaction. The injuries that would have taken months to heal were now fully restored. Even the corrosive qi that clung to his wounds like maggots had silently dissipated, leaving no trace.
Clenching his fists, Yang Ze resisted the urge to use the aura of heaven and earth. He opened the door and stood against the wall, watching as Chen Bo approached with an apologetic expression on his face.
"Sorry... sorry," Chen Bo's voice reached Yang Ze before he even arrived. "I was held up by something important. I promise I'll make it up to you."
Chen Bo didn't wait for a response. The moment he saw Yang Ze standing at the door, he knew he'd messed up. This task could have been his chance to enter the inner disciples' circle, but he almost squandered it. Still, if given the choice, he would make the same decision again. There were matters far more important than securing a place among the inner disciples.
"Umm..." Yang Ze didn't feel the need to reprimand Chen Bo. On the contrary, he would have felt awkward walking around with him, but since the other man wanted to make amends, he was more than happy to accept his apology.
Yang Ze held the exquisite training slip Chen Bo had handed him, blinking in surprise before placing it inside his robe. Even if the other man asked for it back, there was no way Yang Ze was going to return such a gift.
"No worries." Since the gesture was offered, there was no reason for him not to accept the apology.
"Then... I'll take my leave," Chen Bo said with some hesitation. "Here..." He tossed a wooden token to Yang Ze. "This is your Guest token. With it, you won't face any trouble."
"I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Without waiting for Yang Ze to respond, Chen Bo turned and hurried off, clearly having other matters to attend to.
Yang Ze watched his departing figure, but said nothing. He simply pocketed the token in his storage ring, closed the door, and made his way to the bed. He placed the jade slip on his forehead, eager to see how different it was from the usual training slips that he saw today in the market.