Reincarnated as a Divine Tree

Chaotic Burial Mountain, within the clan’s central building:

Many of the clan’s youths were gathered in a circle, listening with rapt attention to an aged voice rising from the crowd.

At the center stood Chen Xingzhen, instructing the new generation on the key points of practicing the ancestral martial art: the Taizu Long Fist.

Since stepping down as Clan Leader, Chen Xingzhen’s complexion had improved greatly, and he now seemed to be enjoying his elder years peacefully in Chaotic Burial Mountain.

Though he was advanced in age, the past few days had freed him from clan affairs. Under the healing power of the Divine Tree, his face had regained a healthy flush, and his spirit was visibly renewed.

After all, he was still a late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm expert. Moreover, the Divine Tree had imparted its teachings, and now a top-grade Earth-tier martial technique resided within his mind. Teaching the clan’s youths posed no burden to him.

Just two days earlier, during the Divine Tree’s worship ceremony, another martial technique surfaced in his mind: the Nine Severing Clouds. He believed the Divine Tree shared his intention to pass these techniques on to the younger generation and nurture more martial artists for the clan’s future.

"The Taizu Long Fist’ relies on the intent of the fist. Though not the highest grade of martial technique, it demands that the fists move in harmony with the flow of Blood and Qi. When mastered, one can comprehend the hidden profundities within the fist and receive the Ancestor’s blessing...”

After instructing the youths for a while, Chen Xingzhen turned toward the ancestral hall. A faint trace of worry appeared on his face.

One reason was to worship the Divine Tree, but another was to inquire about Tianjing’s situation.

Half a month had already passed since Tianjing left the clan. In recent days, many clansmen had also been dispatched—the family’s grand plan was now within reach.

Though he was no longer Clan Leader and had no need to concern himself with external affairs, he was tasked only with overseeing Chaotic Burial Mountain.

Yet, having served as clan leader for many years, his outward calm belied the constant concern he had for the clan; his mind was always attentive to its affairs.

In the ancestral hall, Ji Yang’s consciousness was focused ahead, ignoring other concerns. For the past half month, under the blessing of his Immortal Spirit Body, the Yin Qi in the hall had grown denser.

Many of the departed clansmen’s soul realms had advanced, but Chen Changming’s transformation was the most striking. His soul body had long since reached the peak of the Innate Realm.

In Ji Yang’s view, Chen Changming now floated beneath the Divine Tree. His entire form was shrouded in dense yin energy, almost tangible. Within his body, a new change was brewing.

Seeing this, Ji Yang felt a surge of anticipation.

For ordinary Innate Realm martial artists, the most defining change upon breaking through to the Qi Manipulation Realm is the manifestation of Gang Qi. With Gang Qi’s blessing, a perfected Innate Soul body could not stand against a Qi Manipulation Realm expert.

If a soul body lacked a means to counter Gang Qi or failed to reach its potency upon entering the Qi Manipulation Realm, then its Qi Manipulation Realm would be far weaker. At higher levels, it would be unable to match peers, which could greatly affect the clan’s strength.

Many clansmen nearby watched intently, seeking comprehension from the breakthrough of this former clan leader from generations past. Among them were those who had only recently been revived in the past few days.

Under the watchful eyes of his clan members, Chen Changming, who had been silent for so long began to change. The dense Yin Qi surrounding him quickly converged, dyeing his entire form shades of gray and black.

As the clansmen watched nervously, he suddenly opened his eyes. A powerful aura erupted from him, sweeping outward and scattering those nearby.

This aura was unmistakable, it was a breakthrough.

Yet, after stepping into the Qi Manipulation Realm, the clansmen were puzzled to find that Chen Changming seemed only to have grown stronger, his body more solid. Beyond that, no other obvious transformation could be seen.

Compared to ordinary martial artists in the Qi Manipulation Realm, he appeared somewhat lacking.

Sensing their doubts, Chen Changming smiled faintly. Then, without warning, he turned and struck the wall beside him with a single punch.

The clansmen’s confusion deepened.

Boom!

With this resounding impact, the clansmen were stunned. Their eyes suddenly lit up with excitement and joy.

As soul bodies, they had always been unable to touch the material world without the Divine Tree’s blessing. Yet, Chen Changming had just struck the stone wall with his soul body alone. Though the force seemed modest, he had achieved what none of them could.

Above, Ji Yang’s mind sharpened. That punch had appeared ordinary, but under his powerful perception, its hidden profundity was revealed.

At the moment Chen Changming struck, a stream of black energy coursed through his body and spread into his arm. This energy allowed his fist to take on substance and collide with the stone wall.

Though brief, this process greatly increased the combat strength of the clan’s soul bodies. Chen Changming had not even used his full power, meaning the true force of that punch was formidable indeed.

With such a transformation, they would not be far behind Qi Manipulation Realm martial artists, even if they could not yet match them.

Even more importantly, Chen Changming’s breakthrough revealed the future path of the soul bodies to Ji Yang.

As these soul bodies grew stronger and their Yin Qi denser, perhaps they could one day reach a special realm where illusion becomes reality.

Could this be considered a form of resurrection?

With the clan’s first martial artist to reach the Qi Manipulation Realm emerging, countless clansmen rejoiced. Though the one who broke through was not among the living, are the departed not still part of the clan?

This gave many clansmen renewed confidence, inspiring them to train diligently in hopes of reaching such a realm themselves one day.

Outside the ancestral hall, Chen Xingzhen hurried in upon hearing sounds inside. Yet, after scanning the surroundings, he found no trace of intruders.

When his gaze fell upon the clear fist imprint on the stone wall, however, his brows furrowed tightly.

Soon, however, the solemnity in his eyes faded, replaced by joy instead.

…

Several days later, beyond Yong’an City, a group of strangers halted, raising their heads to look ahead.

"So this is Yong'an City?"

An elder in the group spoke up.

"Yes, Clan Elder. This is Yong'an City, the very place where the Chen family resides!"

"It is somewhat larger than I imagined," the elder remarked lightly. Yet, he did not rush to enter the city. Instead, he surveyed the bustling gates, then said,

"I've heard the Chen family mostly dwells in Chaotic Burial Mountain. That is their true seat, and it lies not far from here. Since there are still a few days before the Blood Rice sale, Ping Ning, go investigate the situation and report back.”

"Yes, Clan Elder!"

One man responded promptly, turned, and departed, vanishing from sight.

Once the scout had left, the elder spoke again, his tone airy yet firm.

"Come, let us enter the city. I wish to see for myself if the Chen family is strong enough to trade with our clan.”