"Since you wish for it, so be it."
Xun'er's eyes flashed with a hint of regret, but she didn't dwell on it.
"I hope that after I leave, you can take care of Pan's Gate for me."
"As a reward."
Xun'er took out two black scrolls from her Spatial Ring. Judging by her solemn expression, they were obviously not ordinary items.
"What are these?"
Yun Tianming took the scrolls and found energy restrictions set on them, requiring Dou King level or higher to read.
Infusing Dou Qi into his palm, he quickly broke the restrictions. Suddenly, a brilliant golden light burst forth from the scrolls, so dazzling that he had to squint his eyes.
"Shua—"
A vast expanse of golden light surged out, imprinting dense texts in the surrounding space.
Earth Rank High-level Dou Technique: Emperor's Decree!
It is said to be created by the ancient Gu Clan Dou God, comprising five styles: Mountain Opening Seal, Sea Overturning Seal, Earth Covering Seal, Heaven Submerging Seal, Ancient Emperor Seal. When all seals are mastered, they possess the power to overturn seas and skies, approaching the level of a Heaven Rank Dou Technique at its peak.
"The Dou God of Gu Clan created it, but why is it only Earth Rank High-level?" Yun Tianming knew about this Emperor's Decree, considered the highest level Dou Technique in the early stages of the original work. He just couldn't understand why a technique created by a Dou God shouldn't be a Heaven Rank Dou Technique.
"You're actually complaining?" Xun'er's face showed a strange expression. Even placed within the Gu Clan, an Earth Rank High-level Dou Technique could only be practiced by those of direct lineage. She never expected a day would come when it would be criticized. With a sigh, she reluctantly explained, "This is a Dou Technique invented by the ancient emperor before he became famous. With the peak strength of a Dou Venerate, he could confront Half-Saint level experts head-on using this Dou Technique."
"I see. That makes sense now."
After listening to Xun'er's patient explanation, Yun Tianming suddenly realized. It was indeed impressive for a Dou Venerate-level expert to invent an Earth Rank High-level Dou Technique, let alone challenge a Half-Saint.
"Mountain Opening Seal."
"Sea Overturning Seal."
"Why are there only two styles? What about the rest?"
Yun Tianming flipped through the scroll and found that less than half of its contents were present.
"The Emperor's Decree is one of our clan's profound Dou Techniques. The remaining three styles require at least Dou Ancestor level to practice. Even I haven't mastered them."
Xun'er herself was only a 6 Star Dou King, relying on her powerful lineage to barely use the second style, Sea Overturning Seal. Her eyes subtly changed, and her tone shifted, "As you said, what relationship do we have? Are we trading partners or collaborators? We're not even friends. Why would you think I would give you the complete Emperor's Decree?"
"Xun'er! I truly consider you as a friend!!"
Yun Tianming clenched his fist over his heart, speaking earnestly.
"Then should I call you big brother Tianming?"
"Hmph!"
"You're just trying to make friends now, it's too late! Yun Tianming!"
Xun'er squinted her eyes, arms crossed, lifting her chin proudly, a hint of mockery on her lips.
————
"Emperor's Decree."
"Only the first two styles, what a pity."
"But fortunately, my system has a repair function!"
Yun Tianming gripped the black scroll tightly, opening the system interface.
[Ding~]
[Incomplete Dou Technique detected: Emperor's Decree, enhancing and restoring completeness.]
[Enhancement!]
[Enhancement successful!]
After a mysterious burst of light, the scroll in his hand doubled in thickness. When he opened it again, it now recorded the complete Emperor's Decree with its five styles: Mountain Opening Seal, Sea Overturning Seal, Earth Covering Seal, Heaven Submerging Seal, Ancient Emperor Seal! When mastered to perfection, combining all five seals could rival a Heaven Rank Dou Technique!!
Yun Tianming began practicing the first style of the Emperor's Decree: Mountain Opening Seal.
It had to be said, the difficulty of cultivating this Earth Rank High-level Dou Technique was far beyond any Dou Technique he had practiced before.
"It turns out I need to clear three specific meridians to condense the hand seals and mobilize Dou Qi to activate the Dou Technique."
Yun Tianming furrowed his brow slightly. Within the human body, there were countless meridians like stars in the sky, too numerous to count. Some meridians were extremely delicate and hard to find, easily rupturing with even a slightly strong impact of Dou Qi. The three specific meridians required for the Mountain Opening Seal happened to be hidden in a remote corner of his right arm.
Clearing meridians was an extremely painful task; a slight mistake could lead to meridian damage, requiring immediate cessation for recuperation.
"Fortunately, I'm an Alchemist. Otherwise, waiting for the meridians to heal on their own would delay my cultivation of the Dou Technique for who knows how long?"
From Han Feng's Spatial Ring, Yun Tianming found a prescription for meridian repair. Most of the required herbs could be obtained from the inner courtyard's storeroom, in exchange for finished Pills. A few rare herbs could be searched for in the Magic Beast Mountains using Zi Yan's sensing Ability.
Between refining Pills, practicing Dou Techniques, and occasionally accepting female students' propositions at night, Yun Tianming lived a lively and fulfilling life.
On the other hand, after arranging matters for Pan's Gate, Xun'er finally faced the day of departure.
"Old Ling, any news from Brother Xiao Yan?"
"I'm sorry, Miss! This time, I couldn't meet Young Master Xiao Yan. According to the Medicine Sovereign's reply, Young Master Xiao Yan is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Dou King realm. It seems he won't be able to come to bid farewell to Miss."
"I see."
Xun'er's expression dimmed, a deep sadness flickering between her brows. She shook her head and forced a somewhat strained smile, "But it's also good this way. Brother Xiao Yan advancing to Dou King is a great occasion!"
"Miss."
Ling Ying hesitated to speak.
The gap between Xun'er and Xiao Yan was simply too vast. Frankly speaking, he didn't hold much hope for them ending up together. In terms of strength and talent, Ling Ying actually admired Yun Tianming more. Over the years, he was the only male who could hold a meaningful conversation with Xun'er. Because of this, Ling Ying had secretly conducted a detailed investigation into Yun Tianming.
And what a surprise it was!
Yun Tianming, as a disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect, had actually gotten close to Sect Master Yun Yun!
And then there was his ambiguous relationship with the socialite Ya Fei from the Miteer Family.
At Jia Nan Academy, Ling Ying also witnessed different girls frequently entering and leaving Yun Tianming's room. It was late at night; surely they weren't discussing Dou Techniques?
Ling Ying immediately dismissed the possibility of a relationship between them.
Ridiculous! How could I, the esteemed Miss of the Gu Clan, accept sharing a man with other women? Absolutely impossible!!
"Hmm?!"
"Finally, is it coming at last?"
Xun'er's gaze scanned the distant northern horizon, sensing the rapidly approaching presence.
Yun Tianming, in the midst of his cultivation, also sensed something.
"In consideration of the Emperor's Decree, let's escort this Miss for a while."
****
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