Chapter Twenty-Two: An Unexpected Reward (Second Update)

"Teacher?" The underground emperor of Cloud City, renowned and feared, actually addressed an eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth as his teacher?

Among those present, apart from the elder Shen, everyone was an ordinary person. They had heard tales of martial artists in the secular world, but knew little of their true strength. Compared to the elusive status of a master of formations, an alchemist, or even a grand master of internal force, the sight of Li Hao—a powerful figure in his own right—kneeling in reverence struck everyone with a far more visceral impact.

"It seems we've underestimated Mr. Jiang's abilities after all," remarked Xia Housheng, his expression grave, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. Indeed, a grand master of internal force could dominate an entire region. No matter how formidable Li Hao might be, before absolute power, even he could only bow his head in submission.

With this thought, Xia Housheng quickly regained his composure, and suddenly felt a surge of envy towards Li Hao. Judging by his address, Li Hao appeared to be Mr. Jiang's disciple; such a close relationship surely brought countless benefits.

Elder Shen's eyes widened, the wrinkles on his face folding deeper. Among everyone present, he was the most affected. To become the disciple of a contemporary master—such fortune would make him laugh in his sleep. Watching others seize such an opportunity, Shen could barely contain his envy. At his level, wealth and fame mattered little; only opportunities like these could truly stir his heart.

As for Xia Ning, she had long become numb from shock. Even if Jiangbei's richest man, Ma Tianzong, arrived and called Jiang Yu "teacher," she would not find it strange. When did Jiangbei produce such a young, renowned grand master of internal force? Quietly and suddenly, such a figure had appeared out of nowhere.

Amidst the varied expressions of those present, Jiang Yu waved his hand and asked, "What brings you here?"

Li Hao replied respectfully, "I feared you might encounter trouble, Teacher. I brought my men to the Commerce Hotel, but was told you'd been taken away by Xia Wuchang of the Xia family, so I rushed over."

Jiang Yu smiled faintly, "With my abilities, who in this world could possibly cause me trouble?"

Li Hao scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "I was overthinking things."

Jiang Yu rose slowly and said calmly, "Master Xia, may I now see your collection?"

The Golden Flame of Jade Water must be hidden somewhere in this villa. The moment he stepped inside, Jiang Yu's spiritual sense enveloped the building. Though he had not yet located the Golden Flame, he could sense the air saturated with its unique energy.

Such a distinctive aura—how could Jiang Yu mistake it?

"Of course, Teacher Jiang. This way, please," Xia Housheng replied, his heart already subdued and growing more respectful. A grand master's bearing was like a celestial dragon.

At the last Jiangbei martial arts gathering, the grand master had proclaimed: "Within ten steps, your fate is mine, not Heaven's!" Such boldness inspired admiration and longing among countless martial artists.

Though he led the way, Xia Housheng walked shoulder to shoulder with Jiang Yu, while the others followed in silence.

Jiang Yu walked at the head, like a leader inspecting the countryside.

"It appears that a grand master of internal force holds even greater status in the secular world than I anticipated. In recent times, I've encountered few martial artists—let alone grand masters—even a master of external force, I've only seen Elder Shen here."

How many methods and powers must a grand master have to earn such renown in the secular world?

Jiang Yu shook his head, dismissing further thoughts. In this world, only an Earth Immortal could attract his attention.

Soon, the group arrived at a secret chamber. At the entrance was a coded lock, and the iron door looked thick and sturdy, radiating a strong metallic aura.

Xia Housheng explained, "This iron door is custom-made, cast with layered steel. The code is twelve digits, and it can withstand armor-piercing rounds."

"Inside, I store confidential documents of the Xia family, as well as treasures I've acquired from elsewhere. From antique paintings to Tibetan pearls, all sorts of rare collectibles."

His words were not just an introduction but a reminder. They were about to enter the most important place in the Xia family, and except for Jiang Yu, everyone else was to remain outside.

Everyone understood. Once the steel door opened, they stopped at the entrance.

Jiang Yu followed Xia Housheng inside. The chamber housed numerous cabinets, arranged in columns of five, with twelve rows in total.

Displayed on the shelves were various paintings and ancient treasures, including precious porcelain from different dynasties in abundance and variety. Jiang Yu had no interest in examining them one by one.

The most eye-catching piece was a large blue-and-white porcelain placed at the center, flanked by other porcelain pieces like courtiers beside a king.

From the Eastern Jin period alone, there were four or five original calligraphies by Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy.

The estimated value of these collections easily exceeded hundreds of millions.

"Teacher Jiang, whichever item catches your eye, you may take," Xia Housheng said, reluctantly parting with treasures—each one priceless.

Yet Jiang Yu's gaze did not linger on any of the precious items. To him, these celebrated paintings and antique porcelain were as ordinary as cabbages on the roadside.

At last, Jiang Yu stopped in a corner.

"Those treasures are what ordinary people with mortal eyes pursue. A true connoisseur would never leave the Golden Flame of Jade Water in a neglected corner."

Jiang Yu shook his head, feeling a touch of emotion.

In his line of sight was a stone, wholly golden in color, emanating a peculiar fragrance as he approached.

Because of its antiquity, the stone was riddled with pores—likely from a dried cold pool, with the Golden Flame exposed to sunlight for years, gradually weathered.

A withered branch growing from the Golden Flame made Jiang Yu's heart skip.

Cold Pool Coral?

Despite the years gone by, Jiang Yu could still sense the surging spiritual energy within the wood.

Indeed!

A satisfied smile finally appeared on Jiang Yu's lips.

He had not expected to find a remnant of Cold Pool Coral still attached to the Golden Flame.

Xia Housheng looked puzzled. "Teacher Jiang, any one of these treasures would fetch seven figures or more on the market—why choose such a strange item?"

Jiang Yu smiled. "Do you know the cause of your malaria?"

Xia Housheng squinted, pondering for a few seconds before his expression changed dramatically. "Teacher Jiang, are you saying—"

Jiang Yu nodded. "This item brings nothing but harm to you. If I take it away, there will be no problem. If you leave it here, even if I cure the golden energy in your body, it will return eventually. Not just you—everyone close to you will suffer misfortune."

Faced with countless treasures, Jiang Yu's expression remained indifferent.

But upon seeing this golden stone, his face lit up with deep satisfaction.

Even if Xia Housheng did not know what it was, he could sense from Jiang Yu's change in demeanor that this item was extraordinary.

Something that could move a grand master!

Xia Housheng drew a cold breath, then smiled bitterly.

It seemed he'd misjudged—the most valuable item had been tossed aside as if it were worthless.

"No need to worry. The principle of 'an innocent man bears guilt for a precious item' is something you understand better than anyone."

Jiang Yu knew what Xia Housheng was thinking. He had anticipated this scenario. He had no fear of Xia Housheng going back on his word—if they tried to play tricks after agreeing to let him cure the malaria, Jiang Yu would feel entirely justified in abandoning all courtesy.

Xia Housheng smiled. "You flatter me, Teacher Jiang. However extraordinary this stone may be, my own life is what I value most."

Dealing with the wise is always easier.

Jiang Yu took the Golden Flame of Jade Water, his heart pounding uncontrollably—the awakening of the supreme divine power, "Reflection of All Heavens," was now within reach.

Once awakened, even an Earth Immortal before him could be slain with a flick of his hand.

In ancient times, a tribulation-transcending true immortal once used the divine art "Reflection of All Heavens" to refine an entire star domain. After his fall, his eyes became sun and moon, suspended eternally within the cold dead universe.

If someone today could transcend the bounds of Earth and traverse the void to the site of that immortal's demise, they might glimpse those two orbs—the sun and moon—that had endured countless ages.

Once, Earth was a great star of cultivation.

But for reasons unknown, the planet suddenly dried up, spiritual energy dispersed, and true immortals vanished.

"In the eyes of modern people, my era is considered ancient. Yet they do not know that in my time, there was an even more remote, primordial age. If a cultivator from that era had survived to mine, would he view us as I view the people of today?"

"This planet has existed in the universe for billions of years, while a tribulation-transcending true immortal's lifespan is but a million. Beneath the planet, a million years is as insignificant as a grain in the sea."

Jiang Yu raised his head, his gaze seeming to pierce the villa, looking out into the boundless stars.

Since ascension is the greatest lie under heaven, then this time, I shall shatter the firmament and see for myself what lies in that void above.

If there is no immortal realm, then I will create ten immortal realms of my own.