Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts - Chapter 485

Xu Ming felt his state at this moment was utterly mysterious.

It was as if he had stepped into an ethereal and profound realm.

This was not the first time Xu Ming had entered such a state.

Back at Tianxuan Sect, when that elderly master had taught him swordsmanship, he had felt something similar.

But there was a difference—

That time, he had been somewhat passively drawn into the state, guided by the old master’s influence.

This time, however—

He had taken this step forward on his own.

Inside Xu Ming’s mind, the movements of Heaven-Splitting Fist were replaying endlessly.

Each technique flowed seamlessly into the next, as if trying to reveal something to him.

Before everyone’s eyes, a faint golden radiance emerged around Xu Ming, wrapping around him like an ethereal armor.

“Could it be that Xu Ming is…!”

A sudden thought exploded in Wu Yanhan’s mind.

And just as Mo Peinan’s fist was about to slam into Xu Ming—

Xu Ming’s eyes snapped open.

The golden light surrounding him began to condense, forming a luminous armor that covered every inch of his body.

Xu Ming threw a punch.

Boom!

Mo Peinan’s thunderous punch collided directly with Xu Ming’s.

At the instant of impact, a storm of pure fist force erupted like a hurricane, sweeping across the entire training ground.

The defensive formations of the Jinyiwei’ headquarters immediately activated, absorbing the residual shockwaves from their clash.

Above them, the black storm clouds were blasted apart by the sheer force of their punches.

Behind Mo Peinan, the thunder dragon formed from his martial true energy began to shatter, piece by piece.

Xu Ming’s left sleeve was completely torn apart, reduced to fragments fluttering in the wind.

“Boom!”

A thunderous explosion echoed across the training ground.

But it was not just their martial true energy colliding—

—the very ground beneath them had collapsed.

Massive slabs of shattered marble were sent flying, dust and smoke billowing into the air like a rising storm.

The training ground was engulfed in a thick curtain of dust that stretched several meters high.

And at that moment—

Wu Yanhan ran straight onto the battlefield.

Gone was her usual composure—her instincts had taken over.

As the dust began to settle, all eyes turned to the center of the training ground.

There—

Xu Ming and the Grand Pillar stood exactly ten meters apart, facing each other.

Xu Ming’s upper garments had been completely obliterated, revealing his chiseled physique—a body forged through countless battles.

Countless young women in the audience swallowed hard, their faces flushing red.

Yet, despite their embarrassment, they couldn’t stop themselves from stealing another glance.

Some of the bolder ones had already begun fantasizing—

If the Top Scholar’s powerful physique pressed against them… what kind of feeling would that be?

Xu Ming’s lips were stained with blood, his complexion deathly pale.

His entire body swayed unsteadily, his strength nearly drained.

But before he could fall, Wu Yanhan was already by his side, supporting him firmly.

The watching women felt a mix of relief and envy.

They were relieved because, in their hearts, the Top Scholar belonged with the Princess.

But they were also jealous—

Because they wished that, at this very moment, they were the ones holding onto Xu Ming.

Among them, Tang Ningzhi let out a deep breath.

To be honest—

Even she felt as if she were dreaming.

The power of these three punches—she had felt it clearly.

If she had been the one standing in Xu Ming’s place—

Or any other martial artist she knew, for that matter—

There would have been no chance of survival.

Mo Peinan was two entire realms above Xu Ming.

Under normal circumstances, enduring even one punch would be impossible—

Yet Xu Ming had withstood all three.

It was as if a miracle had unfolded before her eyes.

However—

As Tang Ningzhi watched Wu Yanhan holding Xu Ming so intimately, her heart grew complicated.

There was even a hint of displeasure.

Just moments ago, Wu Yanhan had declared she believed in Xu Ming.

Yet when it came down to it—

She ran onto the battlefield faster than anyone.

Tang Ningzhi exhaled sharply, suppressing the emotions in her heart.

Then—

She smirked slightly.

“Not bad.”

Mo Peinan looked at Xu Ming and nodded in admiration.

“I never expected it… You’ve fully comprehended Heaven-Splitting Fist.”

“Advancing without retreat—no matter if you have not a shred of strength left, no matter if you are at death’s very doorstep, you must always throw that final punch.”

“Heaven-Splitting Fist is, in truth, the purest embodiment of a martial artist’s will.”

“Many warriors understand this in theory, but those who can truly achieve it… are exceedingly rare.”

“Yet, not only have you achieved it—you have even grasped a brand-new martial intent from it.”

“And in this very moment, through your own enlightenment, you’ve directly stepped into the Golden Body Realm.”

Mo Peinan’s eyes gleamed with genuine appreciation.

“Xu Ming, you are truly remarkable.”

“Whether you pursue the path of the sword or the path of the fist, your future achievements will be nothing short of extraordinary.”

“For Wu Kingdom to have a young talent like you—it is our nation’s honor.”

“But…”

“Wu Kingdom is far too small for you.”

“You should not confine yourself to this place.”

“Go to the Southern Demon Kingdoms. Go to the Northern Wastelands. Go and walk the vast world—that is where you belong.”

“The petty, filthy struggles of the imperial court… will only waste your time. They will only slow your punches.”

Xu Ming smiled.

“I appreciate your guidance, senior.”

“However, there are matters I must first settle here in Wudu.”

“If I do not see them through, my mind will remain burdened, and my heart will not be at ease.”

How could Xu Ming not know?

The endless political scheming, the battles of power—these were nothing but a waste of time and energy.

And he had no interest in power to begin with.

But—

Here, in this place—there were people he cared about.

People he loved.

And so, before he left, he had to do what he could.

At the very least, he needed to set his heart at peace.

Only then could he leave without regret.

Mo Peinan glanced at Xu Ming.

Then at Wu Yanhan.

Finally, he simply chuckled.

“You endured my three punches—so this immunity medallion is useless now.”

“According to the laws of Wu Kingdom, you may sentence my son however you see fit.”

“Perhaps… locking him in prison wouldn’t be the worst thing for him.”

With that, Mo Peinan turned and walked out of the training ground.

He no longer wished to involve himself in his son’s affairs.

In truth, deep down, he knew—

Sending his son to prison might actually be the best thing for him.

With his son’s arrogance and recklessness—especially after his disgraceful display in court—even if he escaped punishment this time, he would surely cause trouble again.

Mo Peinan could protect him for a while, but he could not protect him forever.

If that was the case…

Then perhaps it was best to let him reflect behind bars.

After all—ten years from now, the imperial court would likely be more stable anyway.

Exiting the Jinyiwei headquarters, Mo Peinan boarded his carriage and rode toward his residence.

Inside the carriage, he picked up a cup of tea—

Only for his trembling hand to spill the tea onto the floor.

“What an unbelievably hard punch.”

Mo Peinan chuckled and shook his head.