Lock Heaven Intent!

"Merge the Three Seals of Lock Heaven into one, transform heaven and earth, create the universe, gather Yin and Yang; in a single thought, it is done—in a single thought, the heavens are locked!"

Xu Yang cried out in shock.

It is remarkably similar to a domain, yet far stronger and more convenient than any domain!

As all know, a domain is but a small region sustained by one’s own Martial Dao Will within the heavens and earth, but it cannot truly compare to the real heavens!

But Lock Heaven Intent, at heart, is a true intent!

It can transform the heavens with a single thought!

Freely at will, once cultivated to mastery—so mysterious that none can easily detect it, perfectly merging with heaven and earth. Within it, Locking Spirit, Lock God, and Heaven Locking all permeate everywhere!

Compared to a domain, it is truly worlds apart!

"Lock Heaven Intent... It seems this is only achievable at the True Monarch level."

Though he had now mastered the basics of the Three Seals of Lock Heaven, there remained a distance before fusing them together!

It is near impossible at the level of the Myriad Phenomena Realm!

Only at True Monarch does hope truly dawn!

"If not for this guidance, when I broke through to True Monarch, simply groping and comprehending these things would have consumed vast amounts of time and effort—even going down the crooked path of domains!"

A brilliant gleam burst in Xu Yang’s eyes—he was overjoyed!

Though there was no strengthening of his power for now, he had gained insight into the path ahead for the Three Seals of Lock Heaven!

And this was more crucial than any immediate increase in strength!

Woof!!

Xu Yang suddenly turned his head, his gaze piercing through the dark-golden spiritual mist to a certain region, where a giant hound—fully a thousand zhang tall—towered, incomparably powerful, radiating a wild and violent aura that shook one’s soul.

"What a massive dog!"

Xu Yang was stunned.

The beast before him could not be more different than before—a world of difference. Its mere presence was alarming, its bloodline was fearsomely strong!

"It looks to be some form of special bloodline divine technique!"

Xu Yang’s eyes flickered, thoughtful.

Clearly, the hound had undergone transformation after receiving the Barbarian God’s guidance!

Xu Yang couldn’t help but chuckle.

The hound had returned with Jian Chuan, and its cultivation was already at the Late Stage of the Myriad Manifestation Realm.

Now, even though it hadn’t broken through, its aura was in no way inferior to those at the Perfection of the Myriad Manifestations Realm.

A tremendous improvement!

"Once we head to the capital, there’s no need to bring this fellow along—its treasure-seeking abilities are no longer of use to me."

"Better to let it stay here."

Xu Yang withdrew his gaze, looking toward the others.

As the master of this place, he could easily observe each person.

But he merely glanced at the three women with Su Yun.

All had gained rewards.

Especially Tuoba Hongyu.

As the princess of the Barbarian Race, possessed of Barbarian blood, she had an innate advantage.

After this trial, everyone present would undergo a thorough transformation!

He could finally relax.

With the Purple Fire Celestial Prison as his base of operations, and free of the threat from Wuhou Hall, his position would be as solid as iron!

...

Seven days later.

Xu Yang quietly left the Purple Fire Celestial Prison Forbidden Land.

Before leaving, he had refined the Celestial Abyss Ink Armor. With this treasure to protect him, there were few under True Monarch who could inflict injury upon him.

At the same time, he had ten All-Encompassing Venerable Elixirs on hand!

And several True Monarch’s Supreme Treasures, such as the Asura Blood Book and Blood Blade Seal, waiting to be fused!

If someone managed to rob him en route, it would be like ascending straight to the heavens!

At the gates of the Purple Fire Celestial Prison, Xu Yang paused, surprised to see a figure ahead: "Mr. Tong, what are you doing here?"

Mr. Tong bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Xu Yang’s mouth twitched, and he smiled wryly: "Mr. Tong, there’s no need for this. The Crown Prince’s status is not what I desire!"

A flash of amazement passed through Mr. Tong’s eyes—not wanting that position?

But he swiftly recovered, sternly replying, "Even so, Your Highness ought to wait until you have truly shed that identity."

Xu Yang sighed inwardly. He could sense that on this trip to the capital, shaking off his Crown Prince identity would not be so easy!

"Mr. Tong, were you waiting for me?"

"Indeed."

After speaking, Mr. Tong stepped aside.

Swoosh!

Behind him, space twisted and another figure appeared.

The Governor of Central Province!

The Governor of Central Province looked at Xu Yang, his expression complicated.

In his mind echoed Zheng Xuan’s cryptic words when he left.

But now, he understood them all.

Zheng Xuan—no, it should be Can Xuan!

He was not a prince of a foreign surname!

"Your Highness!" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

The Governor of Central Province nodded slightly in salute.

Though not yet at the True Monarch level in strength, his status was in no way inferior to those True Monarchs of Wuhou Hall!

To hold the seat of Governor of Central Province was anything but simple!

"May I ask why the Governor is here?" Xu Yang grew even more curious.

The Governor of Central Province smiled, "No great matter—merely a personal favor I wish to ask of Your Highness."

"Please speak, Governor."

Xu Yang smiled.

He had a good impression of the Governor.

This one held no malice toward him at all!

"It is this: my daughter once traveled abroad, and befriended a young girl who possesses an Innate Spiritual Body!"

"However, her background is somewhat unique, and her family rather complicated—even I cannot easily intervene!"

"Originally, I intended to secretly arrange her passage to the capital. Upon learning Your Highness would be heading to the capital, I wished to entrust her to you to travel together!"

At this point, he paused, then continued: "There may be some trouble on the way..."

"Innate Spiritual Body?"

Xu Yang’s heart trembled, even more curious about her identity.

"Governor, what is this person’s lineage?"

"She comes from a branch of the Dong Clan of the capital!"

"The Dong Clan is not the most prominent among the noble houses of Daqian, and is only slightly stronger than the Bai Family, with a True Monarch presiding over them."

"But they do have an Imperial Concubine!"

Imperial Concubine?

Xu Yang’s pupils shrank slightly; with such a branch family, possessing an Innate Spiritual Body, to journey to the capital would still be fraught with danger?

Many thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

Just like his own experience in the royal residence in days past!

The Governor of Central Province gave Xu Yang a confirming look!

No wonder, with that background, the Governor himself could hardly intervene!

After all, at the heart of it, these are family matters!

An Imperial Concubine—you might dismiss her, but you truly must not be too dismissive!

"Governor, leave this matter to me," Xu Yang said with a gentle smile, accepting on the spot.

For him, this was no great matter!

Also, it was a way to repay the Governor’s prior favors.

"Ai."

The Governor sighed helplessly: "My daughter is quite close to this young girl—I simply have no choice!"

"The girl is only twelve this year. While she possesses an Innate Spiritual Body, she’s had a hard life!"

Afterward, Xu Yang learned the details.

Her parents both died when she was nine!

Apparently murdered by members of her own family!

Afterward, she was ostracized, and only at age eleven did someone discover she possessed the Innate Spiritual Body!

But because others grew wary, her life became even more miserable!

Earlier, her servant had tried to help her escape, and happened to be rescued by the Governor’s daughter while out adventuring.

After hearing the story, Xu Yang could only sigh at the similarity to his own experiences!

That was also why he agreed to help!

For him, any trouble was insignificant—a casual act of help could utterly change the girl’s fate!

The reasons are obvious without needing to say—

Nothing but struggles for power, infighting within the clan!

Otherwise, how could someone with an Innate Spiritual Body fall to such a plight?

If she made it to the capital and the main family found out—

What then?

Those who schemed and bullied her would have to die!

So it has come to this—someone who could bring boundless honor to the clan is instead treated as a threat to be eliminated!

"Go fetch Dong Yue."

The Governor of Central Province instructed Mr. Tong.

"Yes, sir!"

Mr. Tong turned and sped away.

After dozens of breaths.

He returned, bringing the governor’s daughter, and a somewhat immature, timid young girl.

It was none other than Dong Yue, possessing the Thunderfire Dominating Body!