Volume One: The Winds of a Small Town Chapter Forty-Four: The Complete "Dao De Jing"

The dragon soul, possessing the strength of an eighth-tier spirit beast, surged toward Zhang Heng with overwhelming fury. Entangled in combat with two human cultivators, it was unexpectedly ambushed by an insignificant "ant"—how could it not be enraged?

Behind the dragon followed two attacks: one, Qian Muyun's ice blade; the other, a rain of swords, likely Du Gu Bai's technique. Both strikes carried the power to destroy worlds. Yet, it was too late—the dragon moved with astonishing speed, arriving in an instant.

"Young Master Zhang, dodge quickly!"
"Idiot, run for your life! Why are you standing there like a fool?"
Seeing the dragon lunge at Zhang Heng, the two women shouted anxiously, but Zhang Heng seemed petrified, motionless.

System, save me!

In that moment between life and death, Zhang Heng could only rely on his system. Of all present, he was the most terrified—not unwilling to flee, but his legs refused to obey, frozen in place.

Beep. Suggestion: Host should swallow the Dragon Essence.

Hearing this, Zhang Heng hurriedly took out the Dragon Essence and swallowed it. In that instant, he had no time to consider whether it was safe, what side effects it might have, or whether his body could withstand the immense spiritual energy. His only concern was survival.

"Don’t!" The two women cried out.
Even Qian Muyun couldn't withstand this attack; Zhang Heng, untrained, had no hope of surviving.
As if witnessing his fate, tears welled in their eyes.

The dragon's sharp claws drew ever closer.

Just as it was about to touch Zhang Heng, the dragon soul’s body transformed into countless points of light, dissolving into the heavens and earth. Though the dragon vanished, the residual force from its massive body remained undiminished.

Moments later, seeing Zhang Heng collapsed on the ground, the two women rushed to his side; Yan Xueqing even gathered him into her arms.

Soft, warm—that was Zhang Heng’s sensation now.

Wait, I swallowed a Dragon Essence, so why is there no reaction? Even with his steady mindset, Zhang Heng could not accept this. He had worked so hard, only to gain nothing.

After a long moment, Zhang Heng opened his eyes and saw the two women smiling through tears. A sense of balance returned. Perhaps, it hadn't all been in vain.

Regaining his composure, Zhang Heng was about to nestle closer to Yan Xueqing when he suddenly noticed her right hand gathering spiritual energy. He quickly stood, retreated several steps to safety, and smiled awkwardly: "Miss Yan, it was just a joke, don’t take it seriously. Maybe disperse that spiritual energy?"

This girl had quite a temper—if Zhang Heng pressed his luck, Yan Xueqing might really strike him.

At that moment, Qian Muyun and Du Gu Bai arrived.

"Kid, are you alright?"
"Brother Zhang Heng, hurry and write out the scripture! If you die, it’ll be lost forever," Qian Muyun urged.

Hearing this, Zhang Heng couldn't help but spit blood. Qian Muyun was stunned and quickly said, "Little brother Zhang Heng, I was just joking. Don’t die! If you do, my little disciple will be heartbroken."

Murong Qingxue blushed as all eyes turned to her, murmuring, "Master."

The atmosphere was calm and warm—a joy found after surviving disaster.

Zhang Heng bowed deeply to Du Gu Bai and Qian Muyun, saying, "Thank you, esteemed seniors, for saving my life. You truly are peerless experts, able to slay such a formidable eighth-tier beast."

Though his words were somewhat exaggerated, his gratitude was genuine. How else could he explain? Would anyone believe the dragon died because of him?

Du Gu Bai and Qian Muyun harbored no suspicion, assuming the dragon focused solely on Zhang Heng and neglected them, leading to its demise. After all, only they could have slain a dragon here.

With everything settled, Zhang Heng produced the complete Dao De Jing, prepared in advance. He handed it to the two seniors. "Esteemed seniors, I have fulfilled your expectations—this is the complete scripture."

Upon receiving the text, the two immediately immersed themselves, neglecting many details—such as why the scripture was complete, rather than just the missing portion, or why the paper was so cheap.

Zhang Heng himself knew nothing of the entire Dao De Jing, but his Super Support System did. That was an artifact from another world.

Qian Muyun and Du Gu Bai had aided Zhang Heng in his quest, and in return he gave them the Dao De Jing—not an unfair exchange. Yet Zhang Heng felt cheated: an unparalleled scripture, all his careful preparations, and yet he received nothing useful.

At dusk, Du Gu Bai and Qian Muyun meditated in the cave, while Zhang Heng and the other three sat outside eating grilled fish.

Yes, grilled fish.

Zhang Heng could not fathom why Yan Xueqing adored grilled fish so much, but under the threat of absolute force, he had no choice but to procure it. Fortunately, he succeeded; had he failed, his fate would have been dire.

The night passed uneventfully.

Early the next morning, Du Gu Bai and Qian Muyun emerged from the cave. Zhang Heng hurried to greet them, speaking with enthusiasm:

"Congratulations, esteemed seniors, on breaking through to the Tribulation Realm. You possessed tribulation-level power even at the Nascent Soul stage; now, with your cultivation advanced, your strength must have soared and perhaps can rival the four Holy Lords atop the continent!"

The system had once said that both were at the peak of the Nascent Soul, needing only a single opportunity to enter the Tribulation Realm. Now, having obtained the Dao De Jing, which could grant enlightenment, they should have broken through.

Seizing their moment of joy, Zhang Heng poured on the compliments, hoping to reap rewards—he could almost see a bright future beckoning.

Lost in his own happiness, Zhang Heng missed their troubled expressions. Du Gu Bai, with eight hundred years of cultivation, managed to restrain himself, but Qian Muyun was less composed, striking out with her palm.

Not yet at the Qi Sea stage, Zhang Heng endured another involuntary flight.

What was that for? Doesn’t anyone know not to strike a smiling face? It hurt!

Beep. They did not break through, mood low, hence their actions.

No breakthrough? No wonder their tempers flared.

Zhang Heng got up and scurried back to them. In truth, Qian Muyun only meant to teach him a lesson, not harm him.

"Senior Du Gu, Sister Muyun, cultivation should never be rushed. Your lack of breakthrough is a good thing—deeper foundations mean greater strength after."

Thinking further, Zhang Heng quickly added, "Senior Du Gu, Sister Muyun, I swear on my honor—the scripture I gave you is genuine. Keep practicing; you may break through soon."

"Enough," Qian Muyun replied, exasperated, "Even if I can’t comprehend it, I can judge authenticity. No need for your guarantee—and your honor isn’t worth much anyway."

Hearing this, Zhang Heng relaxed a little.

"Seniors, don’t be anxious—have some grilled fish first."

Note: Void Traversal requires a certain amount of time and consumes much spiritual energy; thus, it can only be used to escape or travel, not for combat. Many friends don’t understand this, so I offer this explanation here.