C16 I Jiang Zhong Am Worth It!!

It took a full two hours for Ling Dao's transformation to be complete. Those hours were a crucible, a test of the Desolate Immortal Slaying Force. Had Ling Dao lost consciousness at any point, he might have truly perished.

But he had endured. Despite excruciating pain, he remained alert. His hellish days at the base of Immortal Sword Mountain were not for naught. The Desolate Immortal Slaying Force brought him to the brink of ecstasy, resolving a longstanding issue to perfection.

Cultivating the Desolate Immortal Slaying Force typically required an immense quantity of heavenly and earthly treasures to strengthen the body with their potent medicinal properties. The initial phase of cultivation involved mastering the three realms of the body, a process that could take an indeterminate amount of time if one relied solely on rigorous training.

Generally, reaching the minimum standard to cultivate the body realm was sufficient for most, as it allowed advancement to the True Qi Realm. Achieving the highest standard was a formidable challenge, one nearly impossible without a wealth of heavenly and earthly treasures and elite body refining techniques.

Of the three body realms, the first is the Body Refining Realm. Fortuitously, Ling Dao had broken through this realm within those transformative two hours. Where he was once frail, he now radiated strength throughout his being.

Gone was the visage of a diseased seedling; his complexion was now rosy, his vitality abundant. Scars that once marred his skin had vanished without a trace. Inside him, the Desolate Immortal Slaying Force surged, relentlessly forging his physical form.

To Ling Dao's delight, he discovered that the Desolate Immortal Slaying Force could assimilate the sword qi within him. With persistent cultivation, he could eventually eradicate the endless sword qi coursing through him. Furthermore, purifying this sword qi promised to fortify his physique even more.

Ordinarily, he would need to seek out numerous heavenly and earthly treasures to progress in his cultivation. But now, those were no longer necessary. The sword qi within him surpassed any medicinal benefit and appeared inexhaustible.

"Grandpa Jiang, the hidden danger in my body is gone! Hehe, from now on, I can start my cultivation journey. I've already reached the Body Refining Stage!"

After getting dressed, Ling Dao eagerly shared the exciting news with Jiang Zhong. Jiang Zhong had always had unwavering faith that Ling Dao could become a peerless warrior, yet it seemed like a distant dream. For fifteen years, Ling Dao hadn't even attained the Physical Body Stage.

"Your Highness, is this really true?"

Jiang Zhong had been worried for so long about Ling Dao's previous condition. Now, Ling Dao was not only unscathed but also had a healthy glow and smooth breathing, a clear sign of transformation. Still, the change was so abrupt that it wasn't until Ling Dao emphatically nodded that Jiang Zhong burst into joyful laughter.

"Haha, the heavens are watching over us! Your Highness can finally begin your cultivation. With your talents, you're destined to make your mark on the world. Hahaha..."

Jiang Zhong was overjoyed to hear that Ling Dao could now cultivate. His excitement surpassed even what he might feel upon regaining his own powers. He laughed heartily, tears of relief blurring his vision. His mix of tears and laughter was a testament to emotions that others could scarcely grasp.

"Grandpa Jiang, from now on, it's my turn to protect you. If anyone dares to harm even a hair on your head, they'll answer to me!"

The thought of the Celestial Sect's past humiliations sparked a fierce glint in Ling Dao's eyes. He might have brushed off personal slights, but he would never forget the wrongs done to Jiang Zhong by Ye Hongxuan. That grudge was etched deep in his heart.

"Your Highness, your promise alone makes my life worthwhile. Sadly, I may not live to see that day. I'm well aware of my condition; my time is running short. But knowing that you can cultivate now puts my mind at ease for the future."

Jiang Zhong's greatest concern had always been Ling Dao. Without any cultivation, Ling Dao had been alone and vulnerable in the world. But now, as the Prince's son and with the ability to cultivate, Ling Dao's potential for greatness was undeniable.

"Pfft!"

Mid-sentence, Jiang Zhong coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. His wounds were already grave, and Ye Hongxuan's kick had only worsened them. If not for his constant concern for Ling Dao, he might have succumbed to death long ago. That he had managed to hold on this long was nothing short of miraculous.

"Grandpa Jiang!"

In an instant, Ling Dao was at Jiang Zhong's side. The sight of Jiang Zhong's condition wiped away any previous happiness, leaving a deep sorrow in its wake. If it were possible to trade for Jiang Zhong's safety, Ling Dao would willingly give up the ability to cultivate for a lifetime.

"Your Highness, don't mourn for me. Everyone must face death eventually. Besides, I've lived a long life, spent decades on the battlefield, and both the Prince and you have been exceedingly kind to me. I've lived a fulfilling life, Jiang Zhong has no regrets!"

Ling Dao remained steadfast by Jiang Zhong's side for the time that followed. Jiang Zhong faced his mortality without fear, his face always carrying a gentle smile. As long as Ling Dao was well taken care of, he had no lingering concerns.

"Your Highness, I won't be able to protect you any longer. I'm no Prince, unable to offer you shelter from the storms. Nor do I have connections with any great powers. However, I do have a brother who is an elder at the Sky-splitting Sword Sect. Take this letter, make your way there, and you're sure to be accepted as a disciple. The Sky-splitting Sword Sect may not rival the Celestial Sect, but it is a respected Sect of Swords.

With your talents, Your Highness, becoming a formidable figure is your destiny. What you need now is merely a stepping stone, and what I can provide is just that. One day, Your Highness, you will soar as a divine dragon across the nine heavens. It's just a pity I won't be there to witness it."

Jiang Zhong carefully extracted a letter from his chest and placed it into Ling Dao's hands. His final act was to pave the way for Ling Dao to become a disciple of the Sky-splitting Sword Sect. At this tender age, without a sect's protection and a place to belong, Ling Dao's survival in the world would be perilously uncertain.

"No, Grandpa Jiang, please don't say such things! You're going to live a long, full life! I still have to treat your wounds! I still have to protect you! I still have to honor you!"

Tears shimmered in Ling Dao's eyes, a sight unseen before in his life. But now, they silently traced paths down his cheeks. Jiang Zhong's condition was clearly a fleeting resurgence before the end.

"Your Highness, hearing you say that, I can face death with a smile. But you must make me a promise, or I'll never rest easy. Promise me you won't seek revenge until you're truly ready. Promise me!"

In the face of his own mortality, Jiang Zhong's thoughts were not for himself, but for Ling Dao. His tears fell drop by drop to the ground, a testament to a love as deep as any. Yet now, Jiang Zhong was on the brink of leaving this world, plunging Ling Dao into profound sorrow.

"My Prince, in the next life, I will still be by your side! Together, we'll ride through the battlefields and claim victory over all! Hahaha..."