Within the Yellow Court.
Zhang Jian holds the Map of Mountains and Rivers, a deep crimson light glimmering from the depths of his eyes, with a special flow of the Sheji Emperor's Mark between his brows.
The profoundness of the Six-Formed Sheji King Tripod is perfectly integrating into the structure of this Daoist technique model.
The battle at East Mausoleum greatly benefited him, giving him profound insights into the combat modes of high-tier cultivators.
Now, the seamless integration of the Six-Formed Sheji King Tripod immediately stabilizes and optimizes the Daoist technique model of the Map of Mountains and Rivers.
As the Six-Formed Sheji King Tripod merges, the rune structure of the Yellow Court Blessed Land is also evidently influenced; an imposing mysterious power emerges from the Blessed Land, a small tripod takes shape at the center, possessing the ability to refine all things for personal use.
Witnessing this scene, Zhang Jian feels a sense of joy in his heart.
He shifts his focus to the Taiyin Refining Form Technique, a Yin Spirit Level technique containing the Taiyin Mark.
For him, the next step is seizing the time to promote the Yin Spirit Level technique containing the prints of Yin and Yang, Illusion and Reality, to the Primordial Spirit Level.
Thereafter, grasping a Primordial Spirit Level technique containing the Time Mark, and cultivating the Holy Virtue Refining Sword Technique to perfection with the Little All Heavens Fortune and Tribulation Cutting Skill, would set the stage to break through the Fifth Tribulation of the Yin Spirit.
The Triple Marks of Yin and Yang, Illusion and Reality, and Time pertain to the extension of the Sheji Emperor's authority.
Among them, Time was added later by Zhang Jian himself.
Should he successfully advance the Sheji Emperor's Mark with an additional Time Path, it would undoubtedly benefit his future path greatly.
Time can complement Heaven and Earth, elevating the power of the Map of Mountains and Rivers, his lifebound immortal technique.
As for the Holy Virtue Sword Cleansing Technique and the Little All Heavens Fortune and Tribulation Cutting Skill, they pertain more to personal combat power.
At this moment, the Vast Flame deep between Zhang Jian's brows is slowly burning, as he sits quietly to fully comprehend the Taiyin Refining Form Technique, knowing his time is not abundant.
Opportunities are fleeting.
...
Inside Jingtai Hall
Under the guidance of Jingming Daoist, Emperor Jingwu slowly begins to engage in cultivation, absorbing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Mechanism, and condensing spiritual power through the Ancient Saint King's method.
On the imperial throne, a thick layer of Ziwei starlight flows around Emperor Jingwu.
The Ancient Saint King's method acquired by Qianhai True Monarch is a special ancient cultivation technique, involving dual cultivation of body and spirit.
It's somewhat outdated.
Nowadays, cultivation techniques have evolved with the changing environment, as some precious heavenly and earthly treasures disappear, gradually shifting to focus on Qi Cultivation and Divinity Transformation.
Moments later, Emperor Jingwu opens his eyes, a burst of undisguisable joy flickering on his face, and he speaks happily to Jingming Daoist.
"State Preceptor, this cultivation technique is truly wondrous; just upon entering, I feel clear-headed and refreshed, even the chronic ailments seem to have distanced from me!"
Jingming Daoist nods and replies.
"Your Majesty has merged with the Dragon Soul and possesses two Emperor's Fate types, making cultivation of the Divine Emperor's Secret Record most suitable!"
Opening his spiritual gaze, Jingming Daoist perceives more distinctly.
Emperor Jingwu's previous fusion with the Dragon Soul naturally lends him considerable dragon might; cultivating the Divine Emperor's Secret Record now evokes an image of divine majesty, like the heavens themselves.
The Divine Emperor's Secret Record is indeed unparalleled in its divine profundity.
But Emperor Jingwu's progress is slower than expected.
"Your Majesty was previously harmed by the Dragon Vein Backlash, impairing essence, energy, and spirit; aiming to cultivate the divine emperor state seems unlikely now…" Jingming Daoist secretly reflects.
Currently, it merely improves his insomnia, weariness, and exhaustion.
"State Preceptor, do I have the hope to cultivate the Ancient Saint King's state?"
At this moment, Emperor Jingwu looks at Jingming Daoist, his eyes filled with inquisitiveness.
"Um…" Jingming Daoist is rendered speechless; questions like this he's encountered many times, if it were a Daoist from Dong Shen Temple, they'd tell him not to chase empty dreams, but facing Emperor Jingwu, he doesn't wish to dampen his fervent enthusiasm, hence he smiles and says.
"Your Majesty's innate talent is 'remarkable'; longevity is within reach!"
Hearing this, Emperor Jingwu's face lights up with joy.
"State Preceptor, with your reassurance, I can be at ease!"
Just then, Liang Shiwu hurriedly enters from outside Jingwu Hall, requesting an audience.
Happy at heart, Emperor Jingwu gestures for Liang Shiwu to enter directly.
Liang Shiwu displays an expression of great joy, promptly bowing in greeting.
"Your Majesty, it's a joyous occasion; news has arrived from Zhijie Palace that the Empress is experiencing morning sickness!"
"The Empress is pregnant?"
Emperor Jingwu is momentarily surprised upon hearing the news, then rises, displaying joy in his expression.
"This truly is double happiness!"
Emperor Jingwu's face reveals a hint of a smile.
He promptly hastens to Zhijie Palace.
...
On the other hand, the Princess Qingfeng's Mansion promptly receives the news, and Princess Qingfeng and her husband also pass it to the Zhang Family Mansion.
Right now, Princess Qingfeng herself, being pregnant like an old oyster with hidden treasures, does not visit.
Instead, Qi Yuanwu personally makes a trip.
This elder brother-in-law is filled with excitement.
Qi Yuzhu entered the palace three years ago, without ever becoming pregnant, causing various rumors both in the imperial court and prior court, even within the Qi Family; this kept the Qi Mansion anxious, but now with the Empress pregnant, the Qi Family can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Yu Hua, as a Third-Grade Imperial Decree Lady, you can enter the palace at any time. The Empress's pregnancy might require your further care to prevent any incidents!"
Qi Yuhua nods slightly.
At this moment, Zhang Xian is babbling in Yu Yao's arms, the tiny figure curiously sucking on fingers.
Qi Yuanwu finds joy in watching this too, then rises and leaves.
Qi Yuhua proceeds into the rear courtyard.
Under the jujube tree in the backyard, Zhang Jian is reading, with numerous wood-bound volumes around made primarily from spirit wood.
The Taiyin Scripture, Profound Scripture, Jade God Generating Moon God Chapter... ancient texts and Zhang Jian is shrouded in a heavy Taiyin phenomenon, akin to the Taiyin Star Monarch incarnate, moonlight illuminating the world, as the nearby jujube tree bathes in the lunar glow, swaying sacredly.
Upon seeing Qi Yuhua approaching from afar, Zhang Jian retracts the phenomenon, a smile emerging in his eyes.
"My lady bears a smile; indeed, there seems to be joyful news in the mansion again!"
Qi Yuhua nods; a smile appears on her jade-like face.
"Yu Zhu is pregnant!"
Hearing the news, Zhang Jian's expression remains unchanged; he simply smiles and says.
"Yu Zhu has fulfilled her wish indeed!"
Qi Yuhua then mentions entering the palace, Zhang Jian ponders a moment before advising Qi Yuhua to hold back for now.
Emperor Jingwu has recently ventured into the cultivation realm, involving the Ancient Saint King heritage, which might inadvertently trigger Qi Yuhua's life plate disguise.
Zhang Jian advises Qi Yuhua to wait a bit longer, allowing him to first comprehend the Golden Lotus Hidden Breath Technique to the Primordial Spirit Level, ensuring utmost safety.
At this moment, Zhang Fu hurries back with Zhang Chang'an from outside the courtyard.
"Lord, Chang'an Young Lady has discovered a treasure!"