Chapter 401

Chapter 401: A Hint of Jealousy

As the Four Holy Sons cheerfully walked out of the Zi Tian Pavilion, people began to realize that the relationship between the Four Major Holy Places and Zhang Yang was bound to undergo a subtle shift.

They also understood that although it seemed like only the Four Major Holy Places were involved in the conflict, the Crimson Flame Dynasty’s silence implied its tacit involvement.

Moreover, the Cold Moon Dynasty and the Taixu Dynasty had already become open enemies, fiercely battling one another.

This indicated that across the entire Western Desert, aside from the mysterious Fallen Immortal Forbidden Land and the Wei family of the Five Elements Commerce Association, who had refrained from intervening in regional affairs for centuries, the two dynasties combined with the Four Major Holy Places, could potentially target the Taixu Dynasty.

This marked a turning point in the power dynamics of the Western Desert.

What appeared to be a simple conflict actually concealed numerous hidden layers.

A silent storm was brewing, destined to erupt.

Keen observers quickly noticed that on the same day, the Taixu Dynasty had begun to discreetly withdraw its forces within its territory, reorganizing and repositioning its troops along the borders, adopting a posture of readiness for war.

The Crimson Flame Imperial Capital returned to calm, with only occasional roars and shouts from the Zi Tian Pavilion breaking the peace; elsewhere, tranquility prevailed.

Zhang Yang was dragged along by the Four Holy Sons for drinks.

Both sides celebrated until dawn.

Only then did Yan Mengqing, the grand princess, accompany him back to Bi Tian Pavilion.

During the walk, Zhang Yang draped an arm over Demon Sword Yi’s shoulders and chuckled. “I’d say you gained quite a bit, huh, Yi?”

“Not too bad,” Demon Sword Yi replied. In truth, he had gained far more than a little. He had taken the opportunity to obtain everything he desired from the Zi Tian Pavilion, enough to support a seclusion that would allow him to challenge the path to sainthood.

His talent in techniques was no less remarkable than Ye Kuanglan’s mastery of the sword path. While each had a unique approach, Yi had chosen to carve his way toward sainthood through the refinement of techniques, his actions appearing simple, yet embodying the essence of a saint’s methods, gradually tempering his Holy Body.

Demon Sword Yi’s talent was indisputable.

Once he fully entered the realm of saint cultivation, he would become formidable, perhaps even capable of challenging Zhang Yang.

Upon returning to Bi Tian Pavilion, Demon Sword Yi formally announced his seclusion, declaring that he would not emerge until he had attained the path of a saint.

Zhang Yang also wished to retreat into cultivation, eager to continue his research into holy power martial arts techniques.

But just then, Yan Mengqing appeared at an opportune moment.

“There’s an interesting art exhibition tomorrow. I wonder if the Lord of the Sacred Forest would care to attend?”

The two maidservants, graceful and charming, exchanged glances of sympathy. It was the first time their princess had ever invited someone, especially a man.

Zhang Yang was momentarily stunned. “Art exhibition? What kind?”

It seemed to be his first time hearing about it.

“There’s a sect in the Crimson Flame Dynasty that follows the path of painting. Although they’re not particularly strong, they hold some cultural influence. What began as a small effort to recruit disciples by displaying their artwork has grown into an annual exhibition. Sometimes, they showcase pieces related to martial arts, which can be quite inspiring and even helpful for cultivation,” Yan Mengqing explained with a gentle smile. “I think you might find it worthwhile.”

Before Zhang Yang could respond, a familiar voice whispered in his ear, laced with chill.

“So late, and you’re still making plans with a beauty for tomorrow?”

It was Bing Yuyan, speaking in a way only he could hear.

Zhang Yang casually shrugged. “I have something else to attend to. I won’t be going to the exhibition. Princess, you should head back.”

Yan Mengqing bit her lip, fury flickering in her eyes. For the first time in her life, she had extended an invitation to someone, only to be rejected. This time, she was truly angry. She said nothing, turned sharply, and walked away.

Her two maidservants, Meimei and Yaotiao, quickly followed.

Zhang Yang merely shrugged. Finally, she was gone. Her presence that day had made him uneasy. Her insight was simply too sharp, nothing escaped her notice. Even a careless remark could expose his thoughts. He suspected that if the Black-Cloaked Strategist was a fearsome figure, she might very well be his equal.

Turning around, he saw Bing Yuyan standing at the foot of the stairs, arms crossed and expression unreadable.

“Having fun? Be careful you don’t lose your focus. It could affect your martial arts,” she said coldly.

Zhang Yang wrinkled his nose, sniffed theatrically, and approached her.

Irritated, Bing Yuyan shoved his head away with her hand. “What are you doing? Looking for a fight?”

Zhang Yang laughed and flipped his wrist, revealing a stick of candied hawthorn. “Just bought this.”

Annoyed, Bing Yuyan snatched it from his hand and huffed, “Don’t think a candied hawthorn will get you off the hook. I’m still warning you—stay focused and keep training!”

She turned and headed up the stairs, but after taking two steps, she paused and shouted back, “Remember this that from now on, you can only buy candied hawthorn for me. No one else! Or I’ll make you pay!”

Zhang Yang muttered, “So overbearing.”

He returned to his room to continue working on Earth Holy Power. Building on the foundations of Slaughter Thunder Saint Power and Diamond Dragon Holy Power, the process was arduous, further proving the complexity of the Earth element.

Two days passed quickly.

More people began arriving for the Conference of Peak Power, not only from the Western Desert. Although the Southern Region had not been formally invited, many still came. There were even arrivals from the Northern Plains, which bordered the Western Desert. Only the Central Continent remained absent.

The Crimson Flame Imperial Capital grew livelier by the day.

After five days, Zhang Yang finally overcame one challenge after another, successfully mastering Earth Holy Power.

This achievement was the result of combining numerous holy power martial arts techniques sent by the Cold Moon Dynasty, along with the advantages of his previously cultivated soul power techniques. Together, they formed a unique style of Earth Holy Power that reflected Zhang Yang’s own essence.

His training speed had always remained consistently fast, as the techniques had been created by him. Even the holy power martial arts techniques were easily cultivated to the level of initial understanding.

Thus, he finalized his set of holy power martial arts techniques:

Consummate Slaughter Thunder Saint Power!

Perfectly Developed Diamond Dragon Holy Power!

Baxiang Saintly Power!

Initial Understanding of Earth Holy Power!

Initial Understanding of Ice Soul Holy Power!

Initial Understanding of Soul Binding Saint Power!

In total, he possessed six forms of holy power.

For the time being, he chose not to pursue anything further. His sole goal was to elevate these six holy powers to the realm of Great Perfection. In terms of martial arts techniques, he felt he had already reached an extreme. He believed that once he achieved this, he would be capable of creating his own Saints’ laws.

With his holy power martial arts techniques resolved, it was time to refocus on training.

His Moonlight Saint Stones still required a considerable amount of time to fully recharge. While he had a few Spirit Saint Stones, they were insufficient to support unrestricted cultivation.

Zhang Yang began contemplating whether he should find a way to obtain a Spirit Saint Stone vein.

Just then, Bing Yuyan appeared, asking him to accompany her on a shopping trip.

Although Zhang Yang wasn’t particularly fond of shopping, the beautiful woman insisted it was a form of relaxation—claiming that balancing tension with ease was essential, and that excessive tension would be counterproductive.

As evening fell, they strolled into the lively downtown district, blending in with the crowds at the night market. They indulged in food and drink like ordinary people, enjoying the warmth and liveliness of the world around them.

Soon, they ran into the Moon-Returning Dragon, who was accompanied by the joyful, pregnant Yuchan, along with Yue Buqun and other guards who shadowed them discreetly.

Everyone gathered like old friends, eating, drinking, and chatting in a casual, lighthearted atmosphere.

Before long, the Four Holy Sons also joined the gathering.

After a cheerful time together, the group gradually dispersed.

Zhang Yang did not return with the Moon-Returning Dragon and the others. Instead, he remained with Bing Yuyan, sharing a stick of candied hawthorn as they walked toward the Zi Tian Pavilion.

“Up to something again?” Bing Yuyan asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

Zhang Yang replied, “This time, it’s for revenge.”

Bing Yuyan blinked, visibly confused. “You’re the one who’s always bullying others. How does it make sense for you to seek revenge?”