Chapter 390

Chapter 390.

The five spirit towers converged upon Mu Chen, and as his eyes opened, they transformed into a golden hue, radiating a brilliant, dazzling light.

The five spirit towers fused as one and entered Mu Chen's body.

A burst of golden light emanated from Mu Chen's body, and in a flash, he absorbed dozens of top-grade spiritual veins.

An indescribable aura of pressure emanated from Mu Chen.

Bai Chenxing and others suddenly felt a suffocating sensation.

The world's vital energy merged with Mu Chen, and Bai Chenxing had the impression that Mu Chen was the universe itself, determining the fate of all.

Beside Ye Shi, both Da Bao and Xiao Bao experienced a rapid rise in cultivation, entering the realm of the one-star Martial Saint.

Sensing the abundant energy within Da Bao and Xiao Bao, Bai Chenxing couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

Mu Chen ascended to the Martial God realm, activating his bloodline. As Mu Chen's sons, both Da Bao and Xiao Bao had their bloodlines activated as well.

A single tree cannot make a forest. Historically, if a family produced a Martial God, the entire clan would benefit from the increased prestige, not solely due to the Martial God.

Rumor has it that after becoming a Martial God, some would take numerous concubines to ensure the continuation of their divine bloodline.

Children born to Martial Gods often start as Martial Saints. As the divine bloodline gets passed on, it may weaken. If the clan produces another Martial God, the bloodline is reactivated.

Bai Chenxing looked at Da Bao and Xiao Bao by Mu Chen's side, feeling both relieved and worried.

Managing Da Bao and Xiao Bao was challenging enough, but now that they've become Martial Saints, it's likely even harder.

Far away in Mu Chen's newly built mansion, Mu Yuanfeng's cultivation abruptly rose to the Martial Saint level, leaving the Bai and Ling families' guards who were assigned to protect him in utter shock.

...

Word spread across the Central Continent that a new Martial God had emerged.

"Did you inherit the legacy of the godly craftsman who forged the five spirit towers?" Bai Chenxing inquired.

Mu Chen nodded, saying, "Indeed. Advancing to Martial God requires celestial energy. The celestial energy in the Central Continent has been mostly depleted over generations. Furthermore, the portal between our realm and the celestial realm has been sealed."

"If the connection remains closed, and celestial energy cannot be channeled, there may never be another Martial God in the Central Continent in the coming millions of years."

Bai Chenxing, looking puzzled at Mu Chen, asked, "Then you..."

Mu Chen explained, "That predecessor didn't want the Central Continent's divine path to be severed. He stored the last bit of celestial energy in the five spirit towers. Anyone inheriting the towers can ascend to godhood with their aid."

Bai Chenxing nodded, saying, "I see. What happened to that predecessor?"

Mu Chen responded, "He tried to reopen the passage between the celestial realm and ours but failed. His dying wish was for the inheritor of the towers to accomplish this task. The declining vitality in the Central Continent is largely due to this sealed passage."

If the connection remains closed and the vital energy keeps dwindling, high-grade spiritual herbs might diminish. Perhaps no more Martial Saints or even Martial Masters will emerge.

Bai Chenxing pondered, "To reopen the connection, one must master the five techniques?"

Mu Chen confirmed with a nod, "Exactly."

"No wonder inheriting the spirit towers requires mastering these five techniques," Bai Chenxing remarked with understanding.

Mu Chen nodded again, "The godly craftsman's skills and methods were beyond my reach."

Bai Chenxing looked at Mu Chen and said, "Such a powerful individual also met his end. Did he perish attempting to bridge the two realms? If so, then you..."

Mu Chen chuckled, "He devoted too much energy to his techniques. Though he achieved godhood, he was already tens of thousands of years old with a frail body. His attempt to bridge the realms consumed his remaining life force. Father-in-law, don't worry, I'll be cautious."

Bai Chenxing smiled, "It's good to know you're prudent."

...

Eight years later.

Mu Chen successfully bridged the celestial realm and the Central Continent.

In an instant, the Central Continent seemed to awaken from slumber. Previously depleted spirit stone mines bore spirit stones again, dried up spirit springs flowed with rich vital waters, and spiritual herb gardens began producing high-grade herbs...

As celestial energy poured in, the Central Continent thrived.

"Mu Chen," Ling Chuan called out.

"Grandfather," Mu Chen greeted him.

Ling Chuan smiled, "The ancestor said he senses the premonition of ascension."

Mu Chen nodded, "The ancestor was already at the nine-star Martial Saint level. With the influx of celestial energy, this progression is natural."

If Ling Cang ascends to the rank of Martial God, the divine blood within the members of the Ling family will awaken once again. We should expect a few more experts to rise from the Ling household.

"This is all thanks to you!" Ling Chuan remarked.

Mu Chen smiled and said, "It's also due to the abundant blessings of our ancestors."

"Da Bao, where's Xiao Bao?" Ling Chuan inquired.

"Both of them accidentally injured a Martial Saint yesterday. They're being punished now."

Ling Chuan frowned involuntarily, "What's the punishment?"

Mu Chen smiled with a hint of pride, "Actually, it was Yan Xing's idea — embroidery."

Ling Chuan: "..."

These two kids have thick skins; they're hard to discipline. When forbidden from eating, they'd sneak food from the kitchen, even breaking a door panel to roast meat, nearly burning down the entire villa.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao are young but immensely powerful. They're still children, not adept at using their energy properly. Given their high status, regular folks simply can't control these two mischiefs.

…………

Array Tower.

"Miss, Mu Chen and Ye Shi have arrived," a maid hastily informed He Jingyue.

He Jingyue paused, her face lighting up with joy. If Mu Chen and Ye Shi were visiting now, it could only mean one thing.

"Elder Mu, Elder Bai, I'm honored by your personal visit," with He Xian retired, He Jingyue now took charge of the Array Tower.

"Miss He, it's no big deal. When I took the Spirit Tower, I promised to forge a new Array Tower in return. I feel embarrassed that it's taken me so many years," Mu Chen admitted somewhat sheepishly.

With a wave of his hand, Mu Chen erected a more magnificent Array Tower at the site of the original.

He Jingyue sighed in relief. The Spirit Tower symbolized the Array Tower. Without it, the Array Tower wouldn't live up to its name.

After presenting the Array Tower to He Jingyue, Mu Chen and Ye Shi exchanged pleasantries and quickly departed.

Watching the departing figures of Mu Chen and Ye Shi, He Jingyue let out a deep sigh.

"Mu Chen, did you also infuse the five Spirit Towers you made with Xian Yuan Qi?" Ye Shi questioned.

Mu Chen nodded, "Yes. Back in the day, that divine art master benevolently infused Xian Yuan Qi into the five towers, enabling me to ascend. If the connection between this realm and the divine one closes again, I believe my actions provide a glimmer of hope for ascension in this realm."

Ye Shi held Mu Chen's hand, "You're truly kind-hearted, Mu Chen."

Mu Chen chuckled, "I'm not kind-hearted, just a believer in karma. If hoard all the benefits, fear retribution."

Ye Shi looked at Mu Chen, "Let's visit the Outer Realms, shall we?"

Mu Chen nodded, "Sounds good."

…………

Sacred Star Academy.

"Professor, has our senior, Mu Chen, really reached the Central State and even become its top warrior?" a girl with apple cheeks asked Xin Rugang.

Xin Rugang nodded, her heart surging, "Absolutely."

With the channel between Central State and the Outer Realms opened, the Central State residents, who once looked down on outsiders, have now grown more amicable thanks to Mu Chen and Bai Yanxing.

"Did senior truly ascend to Martial God?"

"Of course, the news has spread everywhere," Xin Rugang proudly replied.

"Professor, does he have three heads and six arms?"

Xin Rugang twitched a smile, "No, he looks quite normal. Two eyes, one nose, one mouth."

"Professor, does Senior Bai Yanxing possess an overwhelmingly captivating beauty?"

Xin Rugang's expression twisted slightly, "Beauty? Bai Yanxing's appearance is rather average. Back then, Zhuang Yu was the one with a stunning beauty. Yet, for some reason, Mu Chen chose to eliminate her."

"Senior sister!" A familiar voice called out.

Xin Rugang turned around stiffly, disbelief and joy evident on her face.

"Why are you here?" Xin Rugang exclaimed, visibly excited.

Seven years ago, Mu Chen had visited the Saint Star Academy, infusing it with multiple spiritual veins. Today, the academy radiates with unparalleled vitality. It has become the ultimate cultivation sanctuary in the hearts of people from the outer realms.

"Come take a look," Ye Shi said.

Observing their intertwined hands, Xin Ru Ge smiled and remarked, "Feel free to look around. After all, you're no strangers here."

"After all these years of separation, senior sister, your strength has grown even more formidable," Mu Chen said.

"What do I even count as now?" Xin Ru Ge shook her head. She had achieved the title of Martial Emperor, a status once seemingly out of reach. But now, even that title doesn't seem so prestigious.

With a punch, Xin Ru Ge struck Mu Chen, gleefully pulling back her hand. She exclaimed joyfully, "Ah! I've hit a Martial God! I can now brag about this."

Mu Chen: "..."

"Senior sister, are you sure you don't want to come to Zhongzhou with me?" Ye Shi inquired.

Xin Ru Ge waved her hand, "No need. I'm content just scraping by in the outer realms. I've never been one for grand ambitions."

Looking at Xin Ru Ge, Ye Shi muttered, "Senior sister, when I arrived, my father mentioned you."

Xin Ru Ge's smile stiffened momentarily.

Back then, she didn't recognize Bai Chen Xing and frequently referred to him dismissively. Only later did she learn that he was Ye Shi's father—a reputed Martial Saint. She counted herself lucky to have avoided his wrath.

"I'm flattered by your father's remembrance," Xin Ru Ge replied, her tone slightly strained.

As Mu Chen and Ye Shi wandered through familiar places, Ye Shi's emotions surged, "Do you remember? Here, you defended me from Master Zi Yu. At that moment, I thought I'd never find someone who cares for me as much."

Mu Chen gazed at Ye Shi with a gentle smile, "Silly, it's me who couldn't find someone who cares as much as you do."

"In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed," Ye Shi remarked.

Mu Chen nodded, "Indeed."

Ye Shi leaned against Mu Chen, nestled in his embrace as they sat on a hillside. The setting sun's glow illuminated their intertwined forms, casting a serene and picturesque scene.

(The end)

Bonus content can be found in comment #404.