Chapter 1444 - 1445: Martial Arts Successor
The old man glanced at Yang Fei and said calmly, "You'll have to ask the Martial God yourself when you meet him."
"You just need to know that in this world, there are bonds more intimate than blood, like comrades who rely on each other for life and death, or disciples who carry on the legacy."
"He once said, you are not only his kin but also his Martial Arts heir; only you are qualified to fight alongside him."
A surge of pride welled up in Yang Fei's heart.
The Martial God, a legendary figure who transcends into holiness, regards him so highly, and this esteem and understanding make Yang Fei's blood boil with excitement.
The old man smiled contentedly as he watched Yang Fei's thrilled expression.
"To be honest, the Heavy Sword of the Destroyed Army, the Heavenly Secret Talisman, and the Nine Extremes Technique were all left to you by the Martial God."
"However, many unforeseen events led to the Nine Extremes Technique being lost and scattered; you'll have to slowly find it yourself."
Yang Fei nodded and had Susu take out the Crystal Skull, then handed it to the old man.
"Ancestral Master, this thing has an extraordinary origin. How about I leave it here with you now?"
The old man was extremely surprised: "This... isn't this the Crystal Skull? How did you acquire it?"
Yang Fei briefly explained the origin of the Crystal Skull.
The old man sighed: "It's said that if you gather twelve of these, you can transcend creation and possess great divine power."
"However, no one has ever gathered all twelve Crystal Skulls, so no one knows what might happen. Just leave it here with me; I happen to have time to study it."
As the old man spoke, he gathered the two Crystal Skulls and instructed Susu to prepare tea.
The three of them chatted for a while, and the old man sized up Yang Fei with a slight nod.
"Your Martial Arts Realm has already reached the Gang Strength Peak, just a step away from the True Martial Realm. With the Heavenly Secret Talisman, you can break through to the True Martial Realm at any time."
"I hope you can advance to the True Martial Realm soon because there's a major task I want you to undertake."
Yang Fei was slightly surprised by the seriousness of the old man's demeanor.
"Please speak, Ancestor Master; I will naturally comply."
The old man calculated the time and hesitated, then shook his head.
"Forget it, the time is too short, forcing you to break through to the True Martial Realm might undermine your foundation, which wouldn't be good. Let it all happen naturally."
Yang Fei was itching for more information, but the old man's cryptic words were frustratingly unclear.
He repeatedly lamented: "You always speak like this, half telling and half hiding; could you please clarify things?"
The old man sighed: "Another decade has passed, which means the Heavenly Secret Sect at Dragon's Chant Temple will soon reopen."
"That Forbidden Realm can only be entered by experts above the True Martial Realm."
"It's said that inside, not only can you vie for a thin line of destiny, but there are many wondrous mysteries hidden between heaven and earth. Entering it might bring great fortune."
Upon reaching this part, the old man's expression took on a tinge of sadness.
"Back then, the Martial God's Martial Arts Realm was transcending into holiness, unrivaled in the world, yet before entering the Tianji Absolute Domain, I could still speculate a bit."
"But after he returned from the Tianji Absolute Domain of Dragon's Chant Temple, his entire aura changed, as if he had merged with the vast heavens and earth, becoming unfathomable and unimaginable."
The old man sipped tea lightly and gazed at Yang Fei.
"However, I won't force you to enter the Tianji Absolute Domain."
"Though there are great opportunities in the Tianji Absolute Domain, it is also extremely perilous."
"According to the Martial God, among the True Martial Artists who entered the Tianji Absolute Domain with martial artists, only three or four out of twenty survived, and one was Sang Country's Martial God Jing Kongzhao."
"She was but a teenage girl at the time, yet now she has become a Martial Arts Expert who stands proudly over the world; I suppose that opportunity in the Tianji Absolute Domain afforded her great fortune."
Yang Fei, known for fearing nothing, got intrigued upon hearing this.
"Alright, then I'll break through to the True Martial Realm as soon as I can, and venture into the Tianji Absolute Domain when the Heavenly Secret Sect opens."
The old man nodded in satisfaction: "Well, as a martial artist, I support you, but you must be very careful."
Yang Fei chatted with the old man for a while longer, and seeing that the old man was a bit weary, took his leave.
Before stepping out, Yang Fei saw Dan Dan in the living room, staring blankly at a dark green box.
His tiny face was filled with a look of bewilderment.
Yang Fei was curious, "Why is this little rascal, who usually wreaks havoc in the Heavenly Palace, so quiet today?"
He couldn't help but ruffle Dan Dan's hair: "What's up? Got something on your mind?"
Dan Dan was startled, leaping up and nearly hitting Yang Fei's chin, which in turn surprised Yang Fei.
Yang Fei looked at Dan Dan with uncertainty.
Dan Dan calmed down, grinned, then suddenly threw himself into Yang Fei's arms, crying.
"Boss, I miss home."
In all the time Yang Fei has known Dan Dan, he had never seen the little rascal display any weakness; not during capture or beating, he would curse incessantly with boundless jest.
Reflecting on it, Yang Fei felt quite sympathetic towards Dan Dan.
He lives alone, and each time he sleeps long, all his memories reset; he lacks family and friends.
If it were himself, he wouldn't be happy either.
Yang Fei suddenly understood why Dan Dan always appeared leisurely, sometimes seemingly purposeless.
It's because if he's not happy himself, his entire world isn't happy.
Yang Fei held Dan Dan closely and said tenderly: "Don't be afraid, my home is your home."
"Come back to Yannan with me, I'll send you to kindergarten where there're lots and lots of little beauties; just make sure you don't bully them."
"Really? You won't trick me, will you?"
Dan Dan smiled through his tears, extending a little finger to hook with Yang Fei.
Yang Fei couldn't help but laugh; this little mischief-maker could stir up chaos in kindergarten, and the teachers might end up being teased.
Being Dan Dan's guardian already started to feel like a headache.
Yet still, why does this carefree little rascal suddenly miss home? Where is the Dragon Race's home?
Dan Dan carefully put away the dark green box.
Yang Fei felt another jolt; was it this item that triggered Dan Dan's memory?
Though curious, Yang Fei respected Dan Dan's privacy and didn't ask, instead leading him along to bid farewell to the old man.
The old man affectionately patted Dan Dan's head and smiled kindly.
"Visit Grandmaster anytime; you're welcome here. We Huaxia people are known as the descendants of dragons and have close ties with the Dragon Race, so you needn't worry."
Dan Dan obediently bade farewell to the old man, and Susu, seeing off guests on behalf of the old man, accompanied the other two to the gates of Huaqing University.
Along the way, many students of Huaqing University respectfully greeted Susu.
She is a well-known national studies master, and also a national studies professor at Huaqing University.
At the gates of Huaqing University, Yang Fei and Dan Dan bid farewell to Susu.
Just then, a man's voice rang out, speaking fluent English.
"Professor Su, how unexpected to meet you here, Lv Changqing at your service."