Chapter 187

Chapter 187: The Pinnacle

Understanding is a profound thing.

When you do not comprehend, everything feels stagnant.

When you do understand, everything becomes effortlessly clear.

Zhang Yang finally entered a state of understanding, forgetting everything around him, leaving only the Baxiang in his heart. He even forgot the Baxiang Power, which he had once believed to be so formidable that it could rank among the top five or three soul power martial arts techniques in the world.

It felt as if he was starting from scratch—yet, at the same time, as if he was sublimating from his previous foundation. He paid no attention to specifics and was completely immersed.

Even as the Baxiang Roaring Picture completely disintegrated and faded away, he remained absorbed in his enlightenment.

He felt nothing particularly special.

Yet, Flower Phantom, his protector, was overwhelmed with excitement.

It seemed as if she had witnessed a true Baxiang reviving.

Even in his mere state of comprehension, waves of pressure rippled outward from Zhang Yang’s body, forming an invisible force within a ten-meter radius. The air itself trembled, rolling outward in waves, as if unable to withstand the power surging from within him.

Even from a distance, Flower Phantom could vaguely feel the invisible pressure.

She struggled to imagine how terrifying the fully realized Baxiang Power would be if this was not even its complete form.

Time passed slowly.

Flower Phantom cautiously observed her surroundings. A faint blood-red sword energy flickered in her hand—a remnant of the earlier sword path seal that had suppressed this location. It felt weak, yet, out of boredom, she discovered it and held it, sensing that she could analyze it deeply. This realization brought her joy.

Although Flower Phantom primarily focused on gathering intelligence, she also possessed formidable assassination abilities—her combat prowess was not to be underestimated. She had cultivated the highly advanced Hell Slayer Sword Path from the Underworld Assassin Organization.

If she could integrate this sword path, which had once suppressed the Saint of the Thousand Stars Tortoise’s soul light, it would greatly enhance her strength.

She did not enter seclusion but remained as a protector.

Then, a sudden roar erupted, shaking the very soul and creating powerful ripples in the space within a hundred-meter radius. Startled, she turned in shock.

Zhang Yang remained seated, still immersed in his comprehension.

Around him, the air condensed into a Baxiang figure, five or six meters tall, solidifying as if it truly existed. An oppressive aura filled the space, making Flower Phantom feel as though even the air had gained weight.

She carefully observed, gaining a slight insight.

She did not push herself to comprehend too much; even a small increase in understanding could strengthen her combat power.

The Daybreak Phoenix Ruins only had daylight. If there had been nighttime, Flower Phantom felt as if dawn was breaking.

Zhang Yang remained in this state of understanding for a long time.

When the Baxiang fully formed and appeared lifelike, Zhang Yang finally opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath of stale air.

A smile spread across his face.

“Master, did you succeed?” Flower Phantom asked.

Zhang Yang sighed. “It wasn’t easy. The Saint of the Thousand Stars Tortoise’s understanding of Baxiang had slight deviations. His deep admiration for Baxiang from the depths of his soul led to inaccuracies when deducing its essence. As a natural Immortal Beast, Baxiang inherently possesses a proud spirit and intent. Without this quality, how could it be the perfect Baxiang? It took time, but I finally corrected it and achieved the perfect Baxiang Power, as I envision it.”

Flower Phantom’s beautiful eyes widened in astonishment as she looked at Zhang Yang in disbelief. To correct a flaw left by a saint was an extraordinary feat!

Zhang Yang stretched his body, stood up, and murmured, “Now, the Baxiang Power is far superior to my ten divine powers combined. If Xuanwu Soul Power and Ice Spirit Power could rank among the top ten soul power martial arts techniques, then it would take at least six or seven of those top ten to rival the current Baxiang Power.”

“In conclusion, the current Baxiang Power is undoubtedly the number one soul power martial arts technique!”

“Its might crushes all others!”

“It is domineering! Proud! Fierce! Invincible! This is the essence of Baxiang Power.”

He felt invigorated, sensing that his combat power had surged significantly, all due to this newfound strength.

A strong urge for battle rose within him.

This sensation often accompanied transformation—a testament to the immense power of Baxiang Power.

His gaze shifted to the strand of blood-red sword energy at Flower Phantom’s fingertips.

“This strand of sword energy?” Zhang Yang, who had initially intended to leave, paused.

Flower Phantom exclaimed excitedly, “I feel that I can analyze and merge it into my Hell Slayer Sword Path!”

Zhang Yang smiled. “Very well, I will guard you.”

“Thank you, Master,” Flower Phantom replied with joy, realizing that Zhang Yang held no prejudice against her or their comrades from the Underworld Assassin Organization.

She then entered seclusion.

As Zhang Yang stood guard, his turbulent emotions gradually calmed, and he continued contemplating the new Baxiang Power. The more he understood, the more he marveled at its potential.

He couldn’t yet determine how powerful holy power martial arts techniques would become after evolving from soul power martial arts techniques, but he knew that, within the realm of soul power martial arts, Baxiang Power had already reached its pinnacle.

Once he fully comprehended and adapted to it, he bestowed upon it a name that exuded even greater dominance:

Ultimate Baxiang Power!

It utterly overshadowed all other soul power martial arts techniques, standing as the supreme force, disdainful of all others—not just slightly, but overwhelmingly so. It truly deserved the title “ultimate.”

With time to spare, he reflected on various matters.

Through Liu Feijue’s experiences and his own understanding of the Ultimate Baxiang Power, he gained insights into human nature, life, and sacrifice. Many tangled thoughts that had once clouded his mind suddenly became clear.

He felt himself growing purer, simpler—a profound realization about his heart and life.

The more relaxed and uncomplicated he became, the more fulfilled he felt. His goals, beliefs, and understanding sharpened.

A faint smile graced his lips—subtle yet transformative—lending him an air of ethereal grace and carefree charm.

Finally, he lay on his back, no longer consumed solely by thoughts of martial arts. Instead, warm memories filled his mind as he gazed at the sky, watching the Daybreak Phoenix Luan glide like the Daybreak Sun.

He knew it wasn’t the real Daybreak Phoenix Luan, merely an illusion—a reflection of its true form from the past.

For those practicing Phoenix martial arts, this could serve as a profound source of insights, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs.

He did not seek to gain any insights himself.

He simply enjoyed the view.

This state of tranquility did not last long.

In just an hour, Flower Phantom swiftly analyzed and merged the strand of blood-red sword energy.

It was rumored to be sword energy from the path of a saint—even a mere trace of it was profoundly mysterious. Zhang Yang, having personally experienced the complexities of comprehending the path of a saint, was deeply impressed.

This left him both puzzled and curious—how had Flower Phantom achieved this feat so quickly?

As Flower Phantom emerged from seclusion, she immediately retrieved her treasured Qian Kun Spirit Plate, which glowed faintly, symbolizing her unique connection with the other three spirits.

“Master, there’s news about Yuluan Sister. She has successfully killed the genius Chixiao from the Golden Cauldron Sacred Land, and the Snow Guards have eliminated the Golden Lion Knights. Now, they’ve discovered an opportunity and are seizing it.”

Zhang Yang chuckled; the current generation of the Golden Cauldron Sacred Land was truly finished.

Chixiao had not even been a significant figure among them, yet even the more formidable Golden Lion Knights had been wiped out. Aside from Qiu Lingshui, who else could they rely on?

Flower Phantom continued, “Ye Kuanglan, Yi Piaopiao, and the others have also discovered a grand opportunity and ventured deep into it.”

“Additionally, the three Shura and three spirits have already gathered considerable resources and are now collecting various opportunities. They’ve also found a green mountain that seems to hold great potential, but they couldn’t handle it. It’s located directly south of us.”

Clearly, everyone was reaping rewards.

Zhang Yang smiled and said, “Let’s go and give it a try.”

The Daybreak Phoenix Ruins were brimming with opportunities on the path of a saint, most of which had remained beyond the reach of those from Ghost City and Phoenix City. In contrast, Zhang Yang had secured several locations through his bloodline, and now he felt a surge of anticipation, eager to explore further.

They set off at full speed.

However, after traveling only about a kilometer, a strange noise suddenly echoed behind them.

Both turned around simultaneously, and were met with a breathtaking sight.