A Chaotic World

In his deep meditative state, Lu Tianzi drove his Spiritual and Slaughter Essence to fully concentrate on healing his wounds.

When martial artists entered meditation, they would usually leave a strand of their perception to detect what was going on in their immediate surroundings. This prevented them from being completely defenceless against any unexpected threats.

After all, martial artists could meditate for hours on end. In extreme cases, even a session of meditation lasting for days was not unheard of.

Leaving themselves completely defenceless for such a long period of time was simply far too risky a matter.

But this time, Lu Tianzi felt safe enough not to put up any guard of such.

This way, he was able to focus entirely on absorbing the medicine effects brought about by the Breath Recovery Pill.

The Breath Recovery Pill got its name from the ability to allow anyone who absorbed the pill to recover their breath, even if they had been on the very verge of death. This alone showed how potent it was as a medicinal pill.

It looked ordinary from the outside, just like any other medicinal pill. However, the moment the Breath Recovery Pill entered Lu Tianzi's body, the outer husk immediately dissolved, sending an intense surge of medicinal energy gushing out into Lu Tianzi's meridians.

Sometimes, having too much of a good thing might result in a bad outcome instead.

If this surge of medicinal energy had been introduced into a mortal body, the mortal body's weak meridians would have absolutely no way of holding it in. Instead, this surge of medicinal energy would mercilessly ravage the mortal from within. As a result, it would not be a surprise for a mortal to have his innards burst apart after consuming such a supreme medicinal pill.

In fact, even ordinary Essence Condensation realm martial artists would find their meridians strained if such a strong surge of medicinal energy were to suddenly enter their body.

They would need to carefully control the spread of this medicinal energy, slowly introducing it bit by bit into their meridians.

Even though they would not be able to enjoy the fullest efficacy of the pill in this manner, it was still better than risking internal injuries from having their meridians ravaged by the medicinal energy.

However, unlike all others, Lu Tianzi's physical body had been nourished by two separate cultivation systems. This meant that his meridians were much tougher than ordinary Essence Condensation realm martial artists, allowing them to withstand the full impact of the medicinal energy surging forth from the Breath Recovery Pill.

Lu Tianzi guided this medicinal energy as he allowed it to freely rampage through his meridians, ensuring that the medicinal energy diffused out into every corner of his body.

The rampaging aspect of the medicinal energy actually served to strengthen the effects of the pill, hammering the medicinal energy directly into his very cells.

His severely injured body hungrily absorbed the medicinal energy, seemingly converting it into flesh and blood as Lu Tianzi recovered at a speed almost visible to the human eye.

His wounds stopped bleeding.

His blood vessels reconnected.

Even the gaping hole in his chest closed up.

Under the effect of the Breath Recovery Pill, Lu Tianzi took huge strides as he charged towards the point of recovery.

Even Xihuang Yuanfeng was shocked by the ridiculous speed at which Lu Tianzi recovered from his wounds.

He might have provided Lu Tianzi with the Breath Recovery Pill. But even with that, the ancient demon never expected that in just a short two days, Lu Tianzi would have already mostly recovered from his injuries!

When Lu Tianzi opened his eyes once more, he could feel that most of his wounds had closed up. He might not have fully recovered, but at least he was no longer too weak to move around like before.

After making sure that he was able to move without problems, Lu Tianzi stood up and turned around to face Xihuang Yuanfeng.

As always, the ancient demon was in his usual position, seated cross legged on the bed.

"This disciple thanks Master for the life saving grace!" Lu Tianzi clasped his fist respectfully towards the ancient demon.

Lu Tianzi did not decide to acknowledge Xihuang Yuanfeng as his master simply because of the latter's actions in saving his life. Instead, his words came from the very depths of his heart.

Since young, he had been told that demons were the enemies who suppressed humanity to the current state they were in.

However, he had been cast aside by humanity whom he wanted to protect, yet saved by a demon whom he was supposed to be enemies with.

This was the last straw that completely overturned his notion that demons were the enemies.

But at the same time, Lu Tianzi understood that not all of humanity as scheming individuals such as Hu Yuanbo.

Take Gong Shengjie for example.

If not for Gong Tiesha reacting fast enough, Gong Shengjie could easily have died by standing up against Cui Yuanping for Lu Tianzi's sake. This proved that there were still people who were willing to stick to their principles and beliefs, even at the risk of losing their lives.

At this point, Lu Tianzi had already decided that there were no differences between demons and humans, only differences between individuals.

In the end, what he needed to pursue was neither sentiments nor familial relations.

What he needed was not a safe haven either, for there was no such thing in the first place. Wherever there were people, there would always be dangers.

Thus, what he required the most was still pure individual strength!

That was the one thing that would allow him to survive in this chaotic world where a person never knew who his true enemy was!

Since that was the case, there was no harm in him acknowledging Xihuang Yuanfeng as his master.

This way, he would be able to obtain the strength that he needed. In exchange, he would do as the latter wanted, helping Xihuang Yuanfeng escape from this seal when his strength managed to reach a sufficient level.

"Mm," Xihuang Yuanfeng nodded in satisfaction as he accepted Lu Tianzi's gratittude. "It has only been two days since you returned, yet you seem to have mostly recovered from your injuries. That is a very impressive recovery rate! But before we continue, I want you to swear a Heaven's Oath!"

"A Heaven's Oath?" Lu Tianzi asked, unsure of why Xihuang Yuanfeng suddenly asked for this.

"That's right!" Xihuang Yuanfeng answered with a tinge of pride in his voice. "Now that you have acknowledged me as your master, what I will be passing on to you is a heritage that far outstrips any other in this world. It will allow you to gain strength unmatched under the heavens, and none shall be able to stand in your way! I don't care what you do with your newfound strength, but I just need you to do one thing for me. That is, once you become strong enough, you shall aid me in breaking through this seal!"

Lu Tianzi was surprised by the sudden request.

With or without a Heaven's Oath, he had already intended to help Xihuang Yuanfeng with this matter.

But it seemed like Xihuang Yuanfeng was actually more careful than he looked.

Indeed, after Lu Tianzi gained sufficient strength, there was nothing stopping him from reneging on his promise. If he did, then Xihuang Yuanfeng would have spent the time and effort nurturing him for nothing.

In fact, if Xihuang Yuanfeng really was as incredible as he made himself out to be, then there was even a chance that the person whom he nurtured might add an additional seal over the cave, preventing any others from entering and obtaining Xihuang Yuanfeng's tutelage.

This way, he would be the only one who reigned supreme in the outside world!

Of course, Lu Tianzi took Xihuang Yuanfeng's words with a pinch of salt. He knew that all masters believed that their martial path was the strongest.

After all, if one did not even believe in himself, then how could he push forward towards the pinnacle with absolute conviction?

However, how was it possible for everyone to possess the strongest techniques when all of them were cultivating different ones?

No matter what, it was sufficient as long as a martial artist believed in himself.

Even a technique that was inherently weaker, when practised to the utmost limit, could effortlessly defeat a stronger one.

With that in mind, Lu Tianzi turned solemn.

"This disciple swears that in exchange for Master's uninhibited impartation of martial heritage, I will definitely not slack off as I strive towards the martial peak. When I obtain sufficient strength, I will definitely aid Master in breaking out of this seal! I call upon Heaven's Will as my witness! Should I break the oath, my cultivation shall be wasted, and I shall be struck down by a thousand blades!" Lu Tianzi swore.

"Hahaha! Very good!" Xihuang Yuanfeng laughed heartily, extremely pleased with how decisive Lu Tianzi was by proceeding with the Heaven's Oath immediately. "Then I, as your master, swear that I shall impart my martial knowledge to you with no inhibitions! Doing my best to nurture you into the strongest warrior under the heavens! I call upon Heaven's Will as my witness! Should I break the oath, I shall forever be trapped in this damned chamber, never to see the light of day ever again!"

Hearing that, Lu Tianzi fell to his knees as he kowtowed three times to Xihuang Yuanfeng.

"Disciple greets Master!" Lu Tianzi exclaimed after doing so.

"Stand," Xihuang Yuanfeng had a smile plastered on his face. "Now that we have gotten all that out of the way, let's move on to proper stuff."

"Yes, Master," Lu Tianzi obediently got to his feet.

"Unfortunately, I cannot help you much regarding your Spiritual Essence cultivation system. However, I can more than make up for it in other aspects!" Xihuang Yuanfeng exclaimed. "Firstly, what is your weapon of choice?"

"A spear!" Lu Tianzi answered excitedly.

Even though he had always been using duo sword and sabre as his weapons, the reason for that was because those were exactly what he obtained from the corpses of his opponents.

If he was given the chance to choose his favourite weapon, it would definitely be the spear!

Known for its power and versatility, the spear was also known as the king of weapons.

With a single thrust, it could annihilate the strongest defences.

With a single sweep, it could suppress the largest crowds.

Since he first came into contact with martial arts, Lu Tianzi had always imagined that with such a weapon in hand, he would sweep across the world unchallenged!

"A spear it is then. Bring out your weapon for me to take a look!" Xihuang Yuanfeng nodded in approval.

"This…" hearing Xihuang Yuanfeng's instruction, Lu Tianzi simply stood there scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.

"What are you waiting for? Do you not hear my words?" Xihuang Yuanfeng frowned.

"The thing is… I do not have a spear…" Lu Tianzi replied with a voice completely lacking confidence, unlike how he was just a few moments ago.

"You don't have a spear?" Xihuang Yuanfeng was surprised. "Where did your weapon go?"

"My weapons were destroyed previously, but they were not spears either. I was using duo sword and sabre previously," Lu Tianzi sighed.

"You were using duo sword and sabre? Have you used a spear before then?" Xihuang Yuanfeng eyed Lu Tianzi suspiciously. "If not, why are you even thinking of using a spear? Just stick to your duo sword and sabre!"

"Actually, the spear is not a common weapon back where I came from. So I have never received lessons in the art of spearmanship…" Lu Tianzi hesitated before a sudden realisation dawned on him. "Master, hold on a minute! I might have a spear with me!"

Lu Tianzi might have almost died in the main square of Ivory Rock City's Officials District, but they never got to stripping him of his belongings.

He might not have any spears in his possession, but he had taken Hu Yuanbo's spatial ring for safekeeping earlier.

Considering that he was definitely extremely wealthy, there just might be a spear stored within it!

With that in mind, Lu Tianzi immediately sank his perception into Hu Yuanbo's spatial ring.

As expected of the Lord of Ivory Rock City, this spatial ring was of an even higher grade than the one he took from Hu Shenwei.

The independent space within Hu Shenwei's spatial ring was the size of a sphere that had a diameter of approximately four metres.

In comparison, Hu Yuanbo's spatial ring contained an independent space that was the size of a cube with a length of approximately eight metres!

That was already the size of a small house!

Within it, there were plenty of items, including a small pile of Essence Stones.

Lu Tianzi had to forcefully divert his attention away from everything else as he searched for a spear.

After all, he could not possibly keep Xihuang Yuanfeng waiting while he slowly looked through the items one by one, could he?

However, no matter how hard he searched, there was simply no sign of any spears!

Back then, Hu Shenwei's collection of spare weapons was the same as well.

All they had were swords!

This brought tears to Lu Tianzi's eyes.

They truly were father and son – even their thought processes were similar!

What was the point of holding on to so many spare weapons when they were all swords anyway?

To think that Hu Yuanbo actually remained as the Lord of Ivory Rock City for such a long time, how could he not have a single spear?

At this rate, his newly acknowledged master might really end up deciding not to impart any spear techniques to him!