Chapter 155: Chapter 103: Supreme Body Forging Technique: Star Heaven·Divine Monarch

"However, the method to cultivate its corresponding Magical Power was lost long ago. Lacking its original Magical Power, one must use an Abnormal Attribute Magical Power as a substitute, so its power is capped at Earth-Level Top Grade."

"I see." As soon as she finished, Zhong Ming replied with almost no hesitation, "I’ll take it."

This didn’t come as much of a surprise to Ji Qingyue.

After learning the details of Star Heaven·Divine Monarch, most people would choose this Cultivation Technique.

Still, she felt the need to offer a solemn warning. "This Cultivation Technique was once the core Body Forging method of a Major Sect. It is exceptionally difficult to cultivate. Are you sure?" 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Yes."

Zhong Ming’s expression didn’t change in the slightest at Ji Qingyue’s reminder, and he showed no signs of hesitation.

’A difficult Cultivation Technique? Tell that to my Heaven Rewards Diligence.’

Seeing his confidence, Ji Qingyue frowned slightly. However, she felt it wasn’t her place to say more, so she simply arranged for Zhong Ming to visit Prince Qinghe’s Mansion the next day to study the Cultivation Technique.

After a bit more small talk, she took her leave.

After seeing Ji Qingyue off, Zhong Ming didn’t rest. He exchanged a few words with the Sect Leader, Hong Jing, and Yi Yunya, then sat cross-legged in the rear courtyard of the Seven Profound Sect’s lodgings and resumed his cultivation.

Since he hadn’t yet obtained Star Heaven·Divine Monarch, Zhong Ming naturally continued practicing the Daoist Canon - Celestial Derivation.

His progress with the Daoist Canon - Celestial Derivation now stood at: First Realm, Initiation (9701/12960).

Cultivating this technique only required silent recitation. The thought made Zhong Ming’s heart pound with excitement.

’By noon tomorrow, I’ll have mastered this Cultivation Technique. If I’m lucky, I might even finish by morning... I wonder what kind of Divine Treasure it will awaken in me this time.’

...

’Before the primordial chaos distinguished the great void, the Dao Ancestor’s Way hung as a purple mist. Dwelling in Chaos, he wrote mystic verses; a single breath divided to birth the host of immortals...’

Meanwhile, Zhong Ming silently recited the scriptures of the Daoist Canon - Celestial Derivation, his heart full of anticipation.

Out on the street, after leaving the Seven Profound Sect, the maidservant Xiaolu, filled with frustration, could no longer hold back her complaints to Ji Qingyue.

"Princess, why did you stop me? That guy is infuriating! He’s so full of himself, and he couldn’t see you were just trying to be kind."

In response to her complaint, Ji Qingyue gently patted her hair bun, then nodded. "Zhong Ming... is indeed a bit arrogant," she said, "but he has the right to be."

"Barring any mishaps, he is certain to earn a place among the Thirty-Six Prodigies of Qinghe County."

At this, although she felt it was impossible, Ji Qingyue couldn’t help but ask her attendant with a sliver of hope, "Mrs. Qin, do you think... Zhong Ming has a chance to claim the title of Child of the Morning Star?"

The attendant, Mrs. Qin, sighed at the question.

"Impossible."

"I just took a careful measure of him. His Divine Soul is impressively strong, but his Magical Power and physical body are a complete mess. His body in particular—it’s as if he’s never trained it at all!"

"Forget comparing him to other prodigies. Any random soldier from our own mansion is physically stronger than Zhong Ming."

"As for the prodigies aspiring to become the Child of the Morning Star... they might only have achieved a Breakthrough in one aspect, but they won’t be weak in others. They’re all at the pinnacle of what a standard prodigy can be."

"Zhong Ming... he simply has too many weaknesses."

After summarizing Zhong Ming’s condition, she couldn’t help but add, "Furthermore, Zhong Ming’s temperament is far too arrogant. Coming from a small place, he’s likely never witnessed a true prodigy. He already sees himself as being on the same level as the Child of the Morning Star, which is why he showed you no respect during your conversation. That’s a very bad sign."

A bitter expression crossed Ji Qingyue’s face at Mrs. Qin’s words. "I know," she said, "but he’s still one of the most brilliant people I’ve managed to recruit. If it’s just arrogance... that’s fine."

Ji Qingyue’s words left Mrs. Qin speechless. If Zhong Ming had been there to see this, he would have realized that Ji Qingyue’s situation was even more dire than he had assumed.

...

The carriage rolled slowly onward. As she gazed out the window at the deepening night, an unconcealable worry filled Ji Qingyue’s eyes. But she quickly closed them, then opened them again.

In that simple action, the fighting spirit in her eyes was rekindled.

’Phew... It’s alright. I haven’t lost yet.’

’Besides, even if I don’t find a Child of the Morning Star in the end, it doesn’t matter. My patronage has helped a lot of people, after all.’

Despite telling herself this, the memory of what she had seen made it impossible for Ji Qingyue’s anxiety to fade.

At the same time, a sigh, almost too soft to hear, drifted into the dark night. "Alas... if only a Child of the Morning Star were willing to pledge their allegiance... how wonderful that would be..."