Heaven-Cracking Soul: Heaven-Cracking Soul, #1

Chapter 1 The Fool of the Li Family

A sudden autumn rain fell on Maple Forest City, bringing a touch of coolness and washing away the summer heat. Almost overnight, the maple trees on the hillsides outside the city had turned completely red, like clusters of clouds and mist surrounding Maple Forest City.

At the dilapidated temple gate in the south of the city, a ragged young man was curled up on the ground, clutching his head in pain as he was being beaten by five or six other youths.

Someone kicked him hard in the thigh, and the young man cried out in agony, Ow! He revealed a delicate face, but his eyes were vacant and confused, his mouth covered in blood and saliva.

Stop! suddenly shouted a well-dressed young man. Everyone paused, and the well-dressed youth, satisfied, took a few steps back and sneered, Today, I just learned my Qin Family’s secret Heavenly Gang Force technique, and I’ll use this fool to practice, to open your eyes.

Good! Young Master Qin Shan is truly a genius, learning the Heavenly Gang Force at such a young age.

A group of youths clumsily flattered him, and the young Qin Shan was quite pleased. He stared at the dazed young man on the ground, a trace of malice in his eyes.

But no one noticed that when the words Heavenly Gang Force were spoken, it was like a thunderbolt striking the brain of the young man on the ground. His vacant, confused expression disappeared, replaced by a struggling, ever-changing expression, as if there was a battle raging in his mind.

And when the name Qin Shan was uttered, the young man’s eyes suddenly widened, his expression freezing. Memories from three years ago flooded his mind, returning all at once.

So I, Li Yuandao, have had the Enlightened Dao Soul all this time, but have been acting like a fool for three years, letting people beat me for no reason! Li Yuandao muttered to himself, but no one could hear him, as all eyes were focused on Qin Shan.

At that moment, a gust of wind swept in, and Qin Shan, with a satisfied smile on his face, viciously kicked towards Li Yuandao’s abdomen. If it landed, it would surely be the end of him.

Suddenly, Li Yuandao stretched out his right hand, like a snake, and grabbed Qin Shan’s right leg, his gaze ice-cold.

All the young men were shocked, looking at the scene in disbelief. How could this fool suddenly fight back? Wasn’t he just a punching bag?

You! You... Fool Li, let go! Qin Shan’s cold gaze was like a venomous snake, and he felt uncomfortable all over, shouting in panic.

A hint of murderous intent flashed in Li Yuandao’s eyes. The Yuan Power that had long been dormant in his body surged into his arm like joyful flowing water. He yanked hard, and with a crack, he tore off Qin Shan’s right leg.

Ahhh!!! Qin Shan screamed, clutching his bleeding thigh as he collapsed to the ground, wailing. The surrounding young men also let out shrill screams. Some couldn’t bear the sight and fainted, while others fled in panic.

Come to the Li Family in ten days and collect your brother’s body! Li Yuandao’s face was disheveled, but his eyes were filled with icy coldness. He tossed the severed leg at Qin Shan and left without looking back, like a god of slaughter. Many passersby saw him and hastily stepped aside, whispering among themselves.

Wasn’t Fool Li driven mad three years ago and became a fool? How come he’s changed now?

This is unbelievable. He actually broke Qin Shan’s leg, and that’s Qin Heng’s brother. Even if Fool Li has recovered, he shouldn’t have done this. Doesn’t he know Qin Heng?

Didn’t you hear what he said? He told Qin Heng to come to the Li Family in ten days to collect his body. What’s wrong with Fool Li? He seems to have recovered, but why is he saying such foolish things?

Three years ago, Li Yuandao’s cultivation had made some progress, and he had entered the Ten Thousand Desolate Mountains to cultivate, on the verge of a breakthrough. Suddenly, a phantom image attacked and merged with his body, and his mind was thrown into chaos. He only heard the words I pass on to you the Enlightened Dao Soul, observe the Dragon Control Decision... before losing consciousness.

He lost consciousness because his soul was merging with the Enlightened Dao Soul, a process that lasted for three full years. It wasn’t until he was beaten by Qin Shan and heard the three words Heavenly Gang Force that he regained his senses.

During these three years, Li Yuandao had become a fool, his mind confused, like a walking corpse. It took him half a month to learn how to eat properly. The Li Family had no choice but to expel him, and Li Yuandao had been beaten for three years, as the opportunity to beat the former number one young man in Maple Forest City was rare.

The Li Family was one of the major families in Maple Forest City, only rivaled by the Qin Family. Located in the east of the city, their estate spanned dozens of acres with deep courtyards. Li Yuandao, still wearing his tattered and smelly clothes, arrived at the Li Family’s main gate.

You beggar, get lost! This is the Li Mansion! We have no spare food for you! Two young men in black warrior robes, disciples of the Li Family’s side branch with inferior talents, were guarding the gate.

Are you talking to me? Li Yuandao looked up slightly, his gaze a bit cold.

Who else could it be? The young man who spoke felt uncomfortable under that gaze, his face flushing with anger as he leapt forward and kicked at Li Yuandao.

Boom!

Li Yuandao suddenly raised his leg, and before the other could land, he kicked him, sending him flying and crashing heavily against the gate with a loud thud.

Who dares to offend the Li Family! A youthful shout came from inside, and a young man, around fifteen years old, with a refined appearance and an angry expression, rushed out of the Li Family gate.

Yuanzong, do you still recognize me? Li Yuandao saw the young man and felt a warmth in his heart. He slightly parted the messy hair covering his face to reveal his features.

Three years ago, when Li Yuandao had returned to the clan as a fool, everyone had lost faith in him, except for Li Yuanzong, who had stayed by his side and patiently taught him how to eat in half a month, otherwise Li Yuandao would have either been beaten to death or starved to death during those three years.

The young man’s expression faltered, and his anger suddenly vanished, replaced by an outburst of joy. His face flushed red as he shouted, Brother Yuandao!

He then pounced forward and embraced Li Yuandao, crying continuously, I knew it, I knew you would come back! I knew you would come back!

Enough! Why are you crying? Have some dignity. Li Yuandao scolded him sternly, and Li Yuanzong immediately wiped his tears, breaking into a smile, though he soon covered his nose and frowned, looking at Li Yuandao’s attire.

Quickly, come with me to get cleaned up. My father will be so happy to see you return! Li Yuanzong didn’t mind the foul odor emanating from Li Yuandao and hurriedly pulled him through the gate. Seeing the two gatekeepers, he angrily scolded them, Are you two blind? Can’t you see my Brother Yuandao has returned? How dare you lay a hand on him!

Young Master, we didn’t recognize him, the young man who was beaten said with a gloomy face.

But... Wasn’t he a fool? the other one said hesitantly, stealing a glance at Li Yuandao.

You’re the fool, and your whole family is full of fools! Li Yuanzong shouted as he pulled Li Yuandao into the mansion.

Yuanzong, who is this? Why are you bringing a beggar in? A young man in his early twenties, with a handsome appearance, approached them with a displeased expression.

It’s Brother Yuandao! How can you not recognize him? Li Yuanzong said unhappily.

Li Yuandao?! The young man’s face changed drastically, and he took two steps back, looking at the beggar in disbelief.

Li Yujie, don’t you recognize me? I still remember how you specifically came to beat me up two years ago. Li Yuandao lifted his head, his messy hair revealing a cold, indifferent gaze, as if he was merely appraising an insignificant person.

You... You’re not a fool anymore? I don’t believe it! You must be an imposter! Li Yuandao has already become a fool, you can’t be him! Li Yujie was terrified. He had indeed recognized Li Yuandao, but he couldn’t bring himself to believe it.

Just from that gaze alone, one could tell this was the same Li Yuandao, with the same complete disregard for anyone, like an immovable mountain weighing heavily on one’s heart, making it hard to breathe.

Li Yujie, your intentions are so malicious, trying to take revenge on Brother Yuandao when he was not in his right mind! Li Yuanzong shouted angrily at Li Yujie, his slightly childish face flushed red with fury.

Li Yujie’s expression changed again, and he looked at Li Yuanzong with disdain. You think you’re the only one who knows how to protect him? Do you have any idea how many people in the Li Family have gone to beat him up since he became a fool?

Li Yuandao absolutely cannot come back! Li Yujie shuddered as he recalled the things the younger members of the clan had done to Li Yuandao over the past two years, and he also remembered Li Yuandao’s demonic talent from three years ago. His gaze towards Li Yuandao was filled with murderous intent.

You want to fight me? Li Yuandao’s spiritual sense had become extremely acute, perhaps due to the integration of his Enlightened Dao Soul. He sensed Li Yujie’s murderous intent and narrowed his eyes, which those familiar with him knew was the prelude to his outburst.

Yes! Let’s fight him. Three years ago, he went mad and became a fool, and although his consciousness has recovered, his cultivation must be gone! A demonic voice spoke in Li Yujie’s mind, and he became excited. If he could defeat Li Yuandao, it would be a great honor. Two years ago, he had been thrilled for days after beating Li Yuandao.

Even if you’ve returned, you’re still only slightly better than a fool. The rules of the Li Family are strict, and there’s no spare food for you to eat! If you want to come back to the Li Family, you’ll have to get past me first! Li Yujie said viciously.

What are you? Li Yuandao narrowed his eyes, his expression disdainful.

You! Li Yujie gritted his teeth, his face turning ashen. Yuan Power began to coalesce in his hand. That gaze, that dismissive look! It was like a knife cutting into his heart, shattering the confidence, will, and pride he had painstakingly built up over the past three years.

Swoosh! Li Yujie couldn’t stand that gaze, and his right hand, glowing with a faint blue light, unleashed a Yuan Power attack towards Li Yuandao.

Li Yuandao didn’t move at all, he simply raised his right hand and lightly touched Li Yujie’s fist. A gentle force flowed out, guiding Li Yujie’s punch back towards his own face.

Boom! Li Yujie punched himself, his face blooming with blood, and he staggered back.

Coiling Silk! You’ve broken through to Coiling Silk! Li Yujie was devastated, his face covered in blood, and he glared at Li Yuandao in disbelief.

The low-grade Coiling Silk battle technique, mastered by warriors at the seventh layer, only reaches its full power at the eighth layer and above! Li Yuanzong blurted out, shocked, but then his face lit up with joy.

Overestimating yourself. Li Yuandao sneered and headed straight for the Li Family’s Scripture Pavilion. His most important purpose in returning to the Li Family was to obtain the Dragon Control Decision!

Chapter 2: Dragon Control Decision

The Dragon Control Decision, hidden deep within the Heaven Character Pavilion of the Li Family’s Scripture Pavilion, is a mysterious cultivation technique that has been passed down in the Li Family for nearly a thousand years. No one knows its exact rank, as for hundreds of years, no one has been able to comprehend it. A few arrogant geniuses have attempted to study it, only to have their spiritual senses erased, turning them into living corpses. After the fall of seven or eight such geniuses, the book became a forbidden text, and no one is allowed to view it without permission.

Three years ago, while cultivating in the vast wilderness, a spectral figure suddenly merged with Li Yuandao. It took him three years to fully understand what had happened.

The Enlightened Dao Soul, a legacy left behind by one of the Li Family’s ancestors who had reached the pinnacle of cultivation, was accidentally obtained by Li Yuandao. It had brought him three years of hardship.

The moment he obtained the Enlightened Dao Soul, Li Yuandao discovered its wondrous effects. Battle techniques and cultivation methods that he had only glanced at before quickly replayed in his mind, as the Enlightened Dao Soul guided him in their practice, and he swiftly comprehended them.

The Enlightened Dao Soul was an existence that defied the heavens. With it, cultivating any technique or skill was no longer a challenge. The one that currently piqued Li Yuandao’s interest the most was the long-hidden Dragon Control Decision, and the voice that had accompanied the Enlightened Dao Soul had told him to go and study the Dragon Control Decision, indicating an inevitable connection between the two.

Brother Yuandao, where are you going? Li Yuanzong asked curiously as he followed behind.

The Scripture Pavilion.

Li Yuanzong was startled, pausing for a moment before hurrying to catch up, his mind filled with questions.

The Li Family’s Scripture Pavilion housed hundreds of years’ worth of cultivation techniques and battle skills, the most precious treasures of the Li Family. Whenever a clan member broke through to a new realm, they could search the Pavilion for suitable techniques. It was the existence of this repository that had allowed the Li Family to stand firm in Maple Forest City for nearly a thousand years.

Who are you? The Pavilion, being such an important place, was naturally guarded by people of no low cultivation, two Li Family members who had already reached the Warrior realm. They were very familiar with Li Yuandao, as he used to visit the Pavilion every few months, and they held him in high regard.

Don’t you two clan uncles recognize me? Li Yuandao brushed aside his messy hair and looked at them with a smile.

Yuandao! The two were shocked.

The two were shocked, but Li Yuandao had already entered the Scripture Pavilion and was heading straight for the innermost area.

It is indeed Li Yuandao, and he has recovered.

But he has already been expelled from the clan.

His return must be to rejoin the family. It seems he has made a breakthrough and wants to enter the Scripture Pavilion. I can’t gauge his level, but his cultivation seems to be obscured by something.

The situation is complex. We should notify the Grand Steward.

The two discussed it briefly, and one of them immediately hurried to the residence of the Li Family’s Grand Steward, Li Hai, while the other observed the entrance and entered the Scripture Pavilion.

Uncle Peak! Wait for me! Li Yuanzong arrived, but found that Li Yuandao had already entered the Scripture Pavilion. He called out, but the Uncle Peak had already closed the Pavilion’s doors. Li Yuanzong looked at the closed doors, his eyes darting around, and then he too headed towards the Grand Steward’s residence.

The Heaven Character Pavilion was located at the innermost part. As Li Yuandao walked through the halls, his foul odor disturbed many who were selecting cultivation techniques, but he moved swiftly, and since the Scripture Pavilion was a sacred place, they could not interfere. However, a few people did put down their books and quickly blocked Li Yuandao’s path.

Who are you? How dare you trespass on the sacred grounds of the Li Family’s Scripture Pavilion! A young man with a fierce expression spoke up. Li Yuandao recognized him as Li Zongxian, the grandson of a senior elder, who was highly gifted and arrogant, but had always been suppressed by Li Yuandao.

Li Yuandao did not speak, but raised a hand to strike at Li Zongxian. The latter was startled, then enraged, his aura surging as he revealed his Warrior Realm cultivation.

A flash of something crossed Li Yuandao’s eyes, but his expression remained calm. He channeled his Yuan Power, transforming his palm into fingers that tapped Li Zongxian’s body like raindrops. Instantly, the latter’s aura deflated like a punctured balloon, rapidly diminishing.

Hiss! The mid-grade inferior Sealed Primordial Finger technique! Who are you, to have stolen our Li Family’s secret art? A nearby young man exclaimed in horror.

Thump, thump, thump! Li Zongxian retreated in terror, only stopping when he bumped into a bookshelf. He raised his trembling right hand and pointed at Li Yuandao, stammering, Li... Li... Yuandao!

Cultivators are highly sensitive to Yuan Power, so the moment Li Yuandao used the Sealed Primordial Finger technique, the power invading Li Zongxian’s body was immediately recognized. This was because Li Zongxian had been defeated by this Yuan Power countless times in the past, and the sensation of it invading his body had become a nightmare to him.

What? Li Yuandao! Wasn’t he a fool?

Even a fool can see he’s no longer a fool. He’s broken through to the Warrior Realm! And he can cultivate a mid-grade battle technique!

What kind of extraordinary encounter has he had? His cultivation has risen so quickly! It took the Elder even three years of having his Yuan Power poured into him to go from the Seventh to the Ninth Warrior Realm.

The surrounding young men were all shocked and disbelieving as they looked at Li Yuandao.

Everyone, leave! Suddenly, a clear shout came from outside, accompanied by a ripple of Yuan Power that caused the bookshelves to tremble slightly.

The Grand Steward has arrived, someone whispered. They all scurried out of the Scripture Pavilion in an orderly fashion, like rabbits seeing a tiger. Li Zongxian was supported by two young men as he left, and as he passed the threshold, he glanced back with a malicious hatred in his eyes.

Uncle, it’s been three years. How have you been? Li Yuandao said lightly, a gentle smile on his face as he looked at the newcomer.

Li Hai, at the Eighth Warrior Realm, had long presided over the Li Family with an aura of authority. However, as he gazed at Li Yuandao, his previously resolute expression was now filled with a sigh.

Why didn’t you change your clothes before coming? This is, after all, an important place in our Li Family, and it should not be desecrated. In an instant, Li Hai had made his decision, accepting Li Yuandao’s return without further questioning.

And where in this clan would I have a place to change clothes? Li Yuandao smiled, but there was a tinge of melancholy in his expression. Three years ago, he had been the most brilliant genius in Maple Forest City, bringing the Li Family countless accolades. But because he had become a fool, they had not even wanted to take care of him. If it weren’t for Li Yuanzong, Li Yuandao would have turned against Li Hai long ago.

If you wish to return, then of course you will have a place to change your clothes. Suddenly, an elder with white hair and a ruddy complexion emerged from the Heaven Character Pavilion - the Li Family’s Grand Elder, Li Hanshan.

If I’m to return, I demand to enter the Heaven Character Pavilion! As soon as Li Hanshan appeared, an invisible pressure descended upon Li Yuandao. He knew he couldn’t let this matter be resolved easily, so he stated his intention directly.

Li Hai’s expression changed slightly. He looked at Li Yuandao, then at Li Hanshan, and fell silent. The Scripture Pavilion was an important place for the Li Family, and the Heaven Character Pavilion was the most sacred part of it. Even as the Grand Steward, Li Hai did not have the authority to enter the Heaven Character Pavilion without the permission of the clan’s elders.

The Scripture Pavilion was silent. Li Hanshan also remained quiet, occasionally glancing at Li Yuandao, trying to gauge his strength, but found that a veil of mist seemed to shroud Li Yuandao’s entire being, making it impossible to discern anything.

Li Hanshan was both shocked and speculative. Could it be that Li Yuandao had reached the Warrior Master realm, even surpassing Li Hanshan’s ability to assess his cultivation?

The Heaven Character Pavilion is not open to just anyone. If you wish to enter, you’ll have to get past me first, Li Hanshan said after a moment of contemplation. He wanted to confirm Li Yuandao’s strength or potential, to see if he was worthy of entering the Heaven Character Pavilion.

How do I get past you, Elder? Don’t make it too difficult for me, I’m only at the Ninth Warrior Realm, far behind you. Li Yuandao smiled, revealing his true cultivation level, which was indeed the Ninth Warrior Realm. However, due to the existence of his Enlightened Dao Soul, he was able to use the mid-grade Sealed Primordial Finger technique.

Both Li Hanshan and Li Hai frowned, their minds racing with a thousand questions. Three years ago, Li Yuandao had just broken through to the Eighth Warrior Realm, only to immediately become a fool, his cultivation stagnant for three years. Yet now, with his sanity restored, he had suddenly advanced to the Ninth Warrior Realm and could even use the Sealed Primordial Finger, a technique only accessible to those at the Warrior Master realm. Moreover, both of them were unable to probe the depths of his cultivation. This web of mysteries hung over the Scripture Pavilion, and the Elder Li Hanshan fell into deep contemplation.

If you can force me to retreat even one step within three moves, I will allow you to enter the Heaven Character Pavilion, Li Hanshan finally spoke after a long silence. This was likely the best solution he could come up with, as even Li Hai could not force him to retreat. If Li Yuandao could do so, by any means, it would demonstrate his potential, worthy of being recognized as a prodigy of the Li Family and granted access to the Heaven Character Pavilion.

This was the Divine Yuan Continent, where might was revered, and the strong held sway. When power spoke, all reason would go to sleep, for such was the cruel reality.

Hearing this, a meaningful smile crept onto Li Yuandao’s lips, which did not escape Li Hanshan’s notice. Suddenly, Li Yuandao’s expression changed, filled with a look of sheer terror as he gazed behind Li Hanshan, as if he had seen something utterly horrifying. He began to back away.

Li Hanshan’s face changed drastically, and he whirled around, only to find nothing but rows of bookshelves behind him.

In that moment, Li Yuandao raised his leg, gathering his entire Yuan Power, and delivered a powerful kick towards Li Hanshan’s backside.

Thump, thump, thump! Li Hanshan did not end up face-first on the ground, but the unexpected blow caused him to stumble forward several steps before regaining his balance.

Li Yuandao! Li Hanshan turned around, his old face twisted in anger as he clutched his stinging backside and shouted.

Li Yuandao shrugged his shoulders and smiled, You retreated more than just one step.

Li Hai stood with his mouth agape, watching the comical scene, wanting to laugh but unable to. Could it really be that simple to force the Elder to retreat?

I may be here for a while, so it’s best not to disturb me, Li Yuandao said to the two men before turning and walking directly into the Heaven Character Pavilion.

You did not see this happen! Li Hanshan could only watch helplessly as Li Yuandao disappeared into the Heaven Character Pavilion. He then looked at Li Hai, whose expression of barely suppressed laughter infuriated him, and he stormed off in a huff.

Li Hai watched Li Hanshan leave, but then he caught sight of the dark footprint on the elder’s back, and he could no longer hold back his laughter, bursting into loud guffaws.

The Heaven Character Pavilion was vast, with hollow walls on all sides that had been weathered by time, leaving behind splotchy marks. The ceiling was a layer of transparent crystal, and the sunlight shining through it made the single-doored pavilion feel bright and airy.

In the spacious interior, there was only a stone pedestal placed in the center, with the sunlight directly illuminating an ancient tome resting upon it.

This tome was the Dragon Control Decision.

Gazing at the unassuming ancient text in the sunlight, Li Yuandao’s heart raced. The Li Family’s legacy of nearly a thousand years was about to be unveiled in his hands.

Li Yuandao hurried to the pedestal, his trembling hands reaching out to caress the tome. The three majestic characters Dragon Control Decision greeted his eyes. It had been waiting for nearly a thousand years.

He opened the first page, and ancient characters appeared.

Lingering Antiquity, Candle-Bearing... Those four words, written in a dragon-like script, entered his mind, and Li Yuandao suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head. But then his Enlightened Dao Soul emerged, and the pain vanished. Li Yuandao was overjoyed, and he quickly continued reading.

Chapter 3: Dragon Capturing Hand and Combat Talisman Technique

Lingering Antiquity, Candle-Bearing, its divine might like a prison, its divine grace like the sea... Li Yuandao murmured the words in his heart, his mind trembling. These characters seemed to possess a mysterious power that inspired awe.

Suddenly, as he finished reciting the first line, Li Yuandao’s eyes widened in horror. Within his spiritual sense, he saw the words on the Dragon Control Decision come alive, the strokes separating and recombining to form a blue spiritual dragon, its scales bristling and its roar terrifying, as it lunged towards him, intent on devouring him.

In that moment, the Enlightened Dao Soul, now one with Li Yuandao’s spirit, stirred. A pair of massive hands swept out, firmly grasping the blue dragon and yanking it towards Li Yuandao, merging it into his body in an instant.

The next moment, Li Yuandao closed his eyes and sat down in a cross-legged position, his mind sinking into his consciousness, quickly beginning to comprehend.

The Enlightened Dao Soul also sat down, and intricate lines appeared on its body, representing the flow of Yuan Power. Li Yuandao understood, and he began to circulate his Spiritual Power along these pathways.

After just one full cycle, a sudden gust of wind swept through the room, and the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth rushed into Li Yuandao’s body, transforming into a highly refined Yuan Power that swiftly replaced his original Yuan Power.

The wind is howling! Such a strong wind! In the Scripture Pavilion, many members of the Li Family had gathered at the entrance, waiting for Li Yuandao’s return. Soon, they heard the commotion and a powerful gust of wind came rushing into the pavilion.

Is someone breaking through? All this Spiritual Qi!

Whew! This amount of Spiritual Qi is equivalent to a hundred Martial Pills, enough for a Warrior to cultivate for ten days. Could it be that an Exalted One is cultivating inside?

The Exalted Ones! They are the mightiest figures, only appearing in legends. The people were exaggerating out of sheer terror.

Li Hanshan, along with other Elders of the clan, rushed over and, upon seeing the scene, drew in a sharp breath. Such a turbulent surge of Spiritual Qi was impossible, even for those who had broken through to the Warrior Realm. Just what was Li Yuandao cultivating?

Suddenly, Li Hanshan’s eyes widened, and two beams of tangible light shot out. A realization had struck him, and his heart began to race.

Bring out all the Martial Pills and crush them! Li Hanshan bellowed, taking out a small jade bottle first, pouring out a pile of white pill medicine, which he then crushed. A powerful surge of Spiritual Qi instantly transformed into a gale that swept into the Scripture Pavilion.

The other clan members, unsure of the reason, saw the Elder’s actions and quickly took out their own Martial Pills, crushing them as well. A massive influx of Spiritual Qi flooded the Scripture Pavilion, making the entire structure sway as if caught in a storm.

Elder, the Scripture Pavilion is our clan’s sacred ground. What is the meaning of this? What if it’s destroyed? Li Hai arrived with his people, whispering the question with a worried expression.

If it can aid Yuandao’s breakthrough, then even the destruction of the Scripture Pavilion would be worth it! Li Hanshan transmitted the message through Yuan Power, so only he and Li Hai could hear.

Upon hearing this, Li Hai’s face changed drastically, and he took two steps back, looking at the Elder in disbelief. How could the most respected Elder in the clan say such a thing?

Suddenly, Li Hai’s expression shifted again, as if he had seen something terrifying. The Dragon Control Decision! he blurted out, then quickly clamped his mouth shut, taking out his own Martial Pills and crushing them, adding the Spiritual Qi to the pavilion.

Martial Pills were created by powerful Warriors, who harnessed the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth through great feats. Over tens of thousands of years, they had become the common currency of the Divine Yuan Continent. Even the lower-grade Martial Pills could sustain a Warrior’s cultivation for a day, and all the clans and sects relied on these Martial Pills to survive.

Countless Martial Pills were crushed, and their Spiritual Qi rushed into the Scripture Pavilion, the violent winds sweeping through the rows of bookshelves and surging into the Heaven Character Pavilion, entering Li Yuandao’s body.

Half an hour later, the winds finally died down, and the Li Family members surrounding the Scripture Pavilion stopped crushing the Martial Pills. They looked at Li Hanshan, bewildered.

Elder Brother! A hundred thousand Martial Pills have been crushed, that’s half a year’s worth of cultivation resources for our clan. You owe us an explanation! The Second Elder, Li Hanyun, a hot-tempered old man, rushed in, his face etched with pain and anger as he pointed accusingly at the Elder.

I’ll give you an explanation when the person inside comes out, Li Hanshan said after a moment of silence.

Who’s inside? Li Hanyun, a bit slower than the others, had not yet heard the news of Li Yuandao’s return.

Your grandson.

Oh, is it him? Is there enough Spiritual Qi? We can crush a few more, we still have tens of thousands left in the clan.

Inside the Heaven Character Pavilion, Li Yuandao remained with his eyes closed. His cultivation had advanced rapidly, and the majestic, refined Yuan Power was flowing through his meridians. His body seemed to have been reborn, every inch of his flesh and blood brimming with vital energy, his blood circulating like a cascading waterfall - a phenomenon only seen in powerful Warriors.

In his mind, Li Yuandao was focused on another task - obtaining the complete cultivation technique of the Dragon Control Decision. The Enlightened Dao Soul was practicing and comprehending, but after a long time, Li Yuandao still could not grasp the entire technique, only managing to cultivate a small portion of it.

Li Yuandao was not disappointed, but rather filled with anticipation. This fleeting glimpse had already allowed him to break through to the Warrior Realm. If he could cultivate the complete technique, what heights could he reach? The Dragon Control Decision was a thick book, with twenty or thirty pages - more than enough for him to cultivate for a long time.

Dragon Capturing Hand! A combat technique flashed through Li Yuandao’s mind, one he had obtained from cultivating the Dragon Control Decision. To his delight, it was a mid-grade superior technique. He immediately began to comprehend it.

In less than half a moment, Li Yuandao opened his eyes, and with a surge of refined Yuan Power flowing into his arm, he extended his right hand, and a massive illusory palm appeared, emanating a powerful and turbulent Yuan Power aura.

The Enlightened Dao Soul is truly extraordinary, allowing me to cultivate a mid-grade superior combat technique. Even my uncle would be unable to match this power. Li Yuandao was shocked and overjoyed, realizing the synergistic relationship between the Dragon Control Decision and the techniques he could use.

Instantly, his mind delved deeper into the Dragon Control Decision, and two more combat techniques were revealed to him, waiting to be cultivated.

What is this? Li Yuandao was puzzled as he felt the Enlightened Dao Soul’s movements. This technique was quite strange - it required the mobilization of a large amount of Yuan Power, but the power was being released outward, not only wasted but also a skill that any Warrior could perform.

Suddenly, Li Yuandao’s eyes widened. He felt the Enlightened Dao Soul shrink slightly after completing the set of movements. If his senses were not so keen, he would have never noticed.

What kind of technique consumes the power of the Soul? The Enlightened Dao Soul was completely fused with his own soul, and it would only separate during the comprehension of cultivation techniques or combat skills. Now, this technique was actually consuming a tiny bit of the Enlightened Dao Soul’s power, which alarmed him. Although it was minimal, he worried that with continued cultivation, the Enlightened Dao Soul might be completely depleted.

Li Yuandao’s mind raced, searching through all the martial arts he had ever encountered, but he could not find any that consumed the power of the Soul.

Could this be a realm I’ve never encountered before? As soon as this question formed in his mind, a realization struck him, and his expression changed.

Could it be the Combat Talisman Technique?

Combat Talismans can only be refined by those who have cultivated the Combat Talisman Technique - Battle Talisman Masters with extraordinary and profound methods. They can infuse powerful attack or defensive techniques into Ink Jade, igniting them with their Spiritual Sense, granting immense power. High-quality Combat Talismans can even reduce a city to ruins with a single strike.

Battle Talisman Masters are extremely rare. First, their cultivation must be at the Warrior level or above, allowing them to project Yuan Power for the creation of attack techniques. Second, their Spiritual Sense must be powerful enough to infuse the simulated combat techniques into the Ink Jade and then imbue it with Yuan Power. Finally, they must have a stronger Battle Talisman Master as their teacher to guide them in the refinement of Combat Talismans; otherwise, even if they meet the first two conditions, it would be difficult for them to refine the talismans on their own.

The Ink Jade used to create Combat Talismans is also a precious material, as it is compatible with Yuan Power and can directly store it, allowing martial artists to absorb it directly, unlike Martial Pills, which first need to absorb Spiritual Qi and then refine it into Yuan Power.

No wonder I couldn’t cultivate it directly - it must be the Combat Talisman Technique! A surge of excitement washed over Li Yuandao’s face. He immediately stood up, but suddenly frowned, feeling a sticky, gooey substance on his body. Looking down, he saw black, viscous gel-like substances clinging to his skin, the impurities expelled from his body during the breakthrough.

Li Yuandao turned his palm into a blade, and with his Warrior-level cultivation, he was able to project Yuan Power, slicing through the sticky gel-like substances. This revealed a well-toned, healthy physique, his skin a radiant white with evenly distributed muscles, and even the bruises from the previous beatings had disappeared. However, he was now almost completely naked, with only a few tattered cloth scraps covering his lower body.

Walking out of the Heaven Character Pavilion, Li Yuandao saw the disarray in the Scripture Pavilion, with many bookshelves toppled and books scattered everywhere. He felt embarrassed, realizing that the massive influx of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi during his cultivation of the Dragon Control Decision had caused the powerful winds that had knocked over the bookshelves.

As he stepped out, dozens of gazes immediately fell upon him, filled with curiosity and astonishment. Li Yuandao, wearing so little, felt uncomfortable, like a beautiful maiden being inspected by a group of lecherous men.

Everyone, please disperse. Yuandao, come to the Ancestral Hall to see me after you’ve changed your clothes, Li Hanshan said, relieved that Li Yuandao had finally emerged, though he was still anxious, unsure if the nearly hundred thousand Martial Pills spent on Li Yuandao’s breakthrough were worth it.

The crowd refused to leave, intently observing Li Yuandao. This freak had already been the talk of the Li Family three years ago, and now, after his sudden return and the commotion he had caused, everyone was