Overlord of Heaven and Earth

In Ziyun Kingdom, being in such close proximity to the frigid, icy world of the north means that even during the summer months, people are compelled to bundle up in thick cotton - padded jackets. At present, it is the dead of winter, and the biting wind slices through the air like a sharp blade, mercilessly lashing at all things. Whether they are high - ranking officials, noble lords, or ordinary folk, everyone is huddled by the warm kang stoves in their respective homes, savoring the cozy heat, and absolutely no one has the inclination to venture out into the harsh cold.

Nevertheless, within the open - air martial arts training ground of the Gu family, the scene is a stark contrast. Approximately two hundred young lads and lasses have gathered here. The youngest among them are a mere seven or eight years old, while the oldest do not exceed fifteen or sixteen. Snowflakes as large as fingernails flutter down ceaselessly, and the freezing wind cuts through the bones, yet it has no effect on these youths. They all wear focused expressions, as if they are eagerly awaiting a momentous test.

"Today marks the annual occasion for our Gu family to conduct the body - building level assessment. Be it direct - line descendants, branch - line offspring, or even the lowliest servants who sweep the floors, all are eligible to participate!" A somewhat hoarse voice resounds across the martial arts field. The speaker is a middle - aged man with a terrifying scar on his face. Standing at the forefront of seven or eight middle - aged men, he has a solemn and imposing demeanor.

"Everyone is well - aware of the rules, but I still feel the need to stress them once more!" The scar - faced man's eyes are as sharp as an eagle's, scanning the entire gathering. Upon seeing that everyone is listening intently, he nods in satisfaction and proceeds, "As long as one attains the fifth level of body - building, a servant can be immediately elevated to the status of a branch - line disciple. For those who are already branch - line or direct - line disciples, they will be rewarded with one day's worth of source - power!"

As soon as these words are uttered, the young boys and girls react in diverse ways. The direct - line disciples in the front row show no concern whatsoever for the one - day source - power reward and maintain a composed demeanor. Some of the branch - line disciples in the middle row, who have reached the required level, beam with joy. Among the servants in the back row, some are elated, while others are filled with dejection.

The direct - line disciples of the Gu family receive a monthly stipend of several days' source - power from the family, so naturally, this one - day source - power means little to them. Branch - line disciples, on the other hand, can receive at most one day's source - power as a monthly allowance. Thus, those branch - line disciples who meet the level are overjoyed at this reward. As for the servants, some are orphans, and some have had generations of their families serving as servants in the Gu household. Their fates are sealed from birth. If they fail to make any progress in their strength before turning sixteen, they are highly likely to remain servants for their entire lives. Unless they render special services, they have no hope of obtaining a source - power monthly allowance. This is precisely why those servants who have reached the level are so thrilled upon hearing the reward.

In this world, source - power not only symbolizes wealth but is also intricately linked to one's lifespan. With an ample supply of source - power and in the absence of any mishaps, it implies the possibility of attaining immortality.

"The fifth level of body - building for one - day source - power. Hmph," Gu Feng, standing in the back row, shakes his head with a bitter smile upon hearing the reward. He is around fifteen years old, approximately 1.63 meters in height. His body is thin and his face is sallow, clear signs of long - term malnourishment. However, his eyes are bright, though currently clouded with bitterness.

"I'll turn sixteen tomorrow, yet my body - building level is only at the second stage. Gu Zhong, the newly arrived seven - year - old servant, has already reached the third level!" Gu Feng sighs, his expression forlorn. He is an orphan. When he was an infant, he was discovered by a steward of the Gu family on a small mountain peak and was named Gu Feng. Since the age of seven, he has been a servant in the Gu family, and it has been eight long years. He has participated in this test every year, only to be disappointed time and time again. This time is his last shot, as he will reach the age of sixteen tomorrow. If he still fails to reach the fifth level of body - building this time, he is likely to be consigned to a life of servitude.

After all, if one fails to reach the fifth level of body - building before the age of sixteen, it is a clear indication of extremely poor aptitude. Even if one manages to reach the fifth level at sixteen, their talent is still rather mediocre, and the path to becoming a martial artist is arduous. Nevertheless, at least there is a glimmer of hope. A martial artist is the epitome of strength. Only by becoming a martial artist can one possess the ability to defend themselves and slay source - beasts. Martial artists are the backbone of the family and the cornerstone for the country to fend off external threats and source - beasts. Once one becomes a martial artist, regardless of whether they are at the first or second level, it means they have carved out their own niche in the world, for no family would relegate a martial artist to the status of a servant.

"Reaching the sixth level of body - building enables a servant to be directly promoted to a branch - line disciple, with an additional one - day source - power reward! For direct - line and branch - line disciples, they will be bestowed with ten days' source - power!" The voice of Gu Li, the scar - faced man, rings out once more.

These words cause some of the direct - line disciples to show signs of elation, and needless to say, the branch - line disciples and servants are also stirred. However, the number of excited servants is scarce, as evidently, most of them have not reached the sixth level.

"Next, let's discuss the rewards for those who achieve the seventh level of body - building and above!" Gu Li gazes at the expectant young boys and girls with a smile. "For those who reach the seventh level of body - building and above, a branch - line disciple can be directly elevated to the rank of a direct - line disciple and will be rewarded with one month's source - power! Among the direct - line disciples, the one with the highest body - building level will be presented with a first - grade origin - power weapon!" This time, Gu Li makes no mention of rewards for servants. He deems it impossible for any servant to reach the seventh level.

"A first - grade origin - power weapon? In the past, wasn't it just a one - month source - power reward?"

"Indeed, there's actually a weapon this year!"

"How much source - power does it take to acquire such a weapon? It's a weapon used by martial artists, after all!"

"At least three months' source - power, I'd wager!"

"Three months! Goodness gracious!"

Instantly, the crowd erupts into an uproar. The branch - line disciples and servants lose their formation, and even some of the hitherto composed direct - line disciples widen their eyes in astonishment. Three months' source - power is an astronomical sum for them. In Ziyun Kingdom, the annual living expenses for an ordinary family of three amount to merely two or three months' source - power. For instance, one minute of source - power can purchase three steamed buns, and a moderately nice piece of clothing costs only one hour of source - power. One can thus fathom how incredibly generous this reward is.

"A first - grade origin - power weapon," Gu Feng murmurs, casting an envious glance at the direct - line disciples in the front row, his heart heavy with a sense of inadequacy. Every day, he rushes through his menial tasks and then retreats to his small, dark room to train with unwavering determination. He is more diligent than anyone else because he yearns so desperately to become a martial artist and carve out his own path in life. Yet, it seems as though the heavens have turned their back on him. With his meager talent, over the past eight years, he has only managed to progress from the first level to the second level.

"Am I doomed to a lifetime of servitude?" Gu Feng raises his head and stares at the sky, allowing the snowflakes to fall gently on his face, his heart brimming with bitterness. The cold wind howls, but he doesn't so much as shudder, for his heart is colder than his body.

"Silence!" A commanding voice booms out, and the entire field falls deathly silent in an instant. Everyone turns their gaze towards the speaker with reverence. It is Gu Qianlin, the third elder of the Gu family. Standing at around 1.7 meters tall, his face is lined with wrinkles, and he is the eldest among the middle - aged men present.

Gu Qianlin nods in satisfaction and states, "Everyone must be wondering why there is an additional reward of a first - grade origin - power weapon this year. The clan leader has decided that the individual with the highest body - building level this year will have the opportunity to accompany the first team of the family's source - beast hunting team on an expedition! The weapon is a token of commendation, serves as a means of self - defense, and also allows the recipient to witness the might of martial artists and source - beasts, thereby inspiring them to strive for the martial artist realm!"

Once again, the field erupts into a flurry of excitement.

"Get to go on an expedition with the hunting team and receive a weapon too?"

"What incredible fortune! An expedition is of immense help in breaking through to the martial artist realm!"

"I'm certain it will be Gu Qi. He's the top genius in our age group!"

"Absolutely, it must be him!"

Gu Qianlin does not attempt to quell the commotion. He smiles and raises his hand to signal for quiet. "The rules and rewards have been clearly elucidated. Now, let the testing commence. The direct - line disciples shall go first, one by one, to the origin - power testing stone over here!" He points to a one - person - high, white, stone - tablet - like object beside him.

The young lads line up in an orderly fashion and approach the stone one by one.

"Gu Bi, fifth level of body - building, direct - line. Reward: one day's source - power!"

"Gu Zhi, fifth level of body - building, direct - line. Reward: one day's source - power!"

"Gu Mei, sixth level of body - building! Direct - line. Reward: ten days' source - power!"

The initial few direct - line disciples do not exhibit high levels, mostly hovering around the fifth or sixth level. It is only among the subsequent genius disciples that levels above the seventh are revealed. These untested individuals are the future pillars of the Gu family and stand a high chance of breaking through the body - building stage and becoming martial artists. After all, one can only become a martial artist by sensing and absorbing the origin - power of heaven and earth. Body - building is merely the foundation - laying stage, during which one cannot sense the origin - power. The optimal age for laying this foundation is between seven and sixteen years old. If one exceeds this age and fails to meet the standard, the chances of becoming a martial artist are virtually nil.

"Gu Ye, eighth level of body - building, direct - line disciple. Reward: one month's source - power."

"Gu Min, eighth level of body - building, direct - line disciple. Reward: one month's source - power."

The last few direct - line disciples all possess the strength of the eighth level, and only Gu Qi remains to be tested. All eyes are now fixed intently on him. Gu Qi is a super - genius within the Gu family of this age group. He reached the eighth level at the tender age of fourteen last year. Now, at fifteen, what has become of his strength? Has he remained at the same level, or has he managed to break through to the ninth level?

"The ninth level of body - building! A fifteen - year - old at the ninth level is truly a top - tier genius in Ziyun Kingdom!" Gu Feng, standing at the very back, mutters to himself as he watches Gu Qi. He has no intention of joining the queue, fully aware that his strength pales in comparison and not wishing to humiliate himself. Apart from him, all the other servants, regardless of whether they have reached the required level or not, have lined up. They are servants after all and have little to lose in terms of face.

"Gu Qi, body - building, tenth level!" A cry of astonishment rings out. Gu Feng is jolted from his thoughts. He looks up and sees Gu Qi standing before the testing stone, an arrogant sneer on his face. The testing stone clearly displays the four characters "Body - building tenth level". At just fifteen years old, he has reached the tenth level, teetering on the brink of becoming a martial artist. Such talent is truly extraordinary in Ziyun Kingdom. Coupled with the fact that he is the eldest son of the Gu family's head and has been revered since childhood, his arrogance is hardly surprising.

"Excellent, excellent, excellent! I never anticipated that you would reach the tenth level. This first - grade origin - power weapon is undoubtedly yours! Come hither, and I shall present the weapon to you forthwith!" Although Gu Qianlin has seen his fair share of remarkable feats, he is still taken aback by Gu Qi's strength. He quickly regains his composure, flips his hand, and produces a long sword, gesturing for Gu Qi to approach.

Gu Qi's eyes light up with excitement. He immediately suppresses his arrogance and approaches Gu Qianlin with a respectful bow. "Third Elder." In the Gu family, Gu Qianlin is a third - level martial artist, on par with Gu Qi's father. The most powerful individuals in the entire Gu family, and indeed in Ziyun Kingdom, are only at the third level. Thus, Gu Qi holds him in the highest regard.

"Indeed, very good. It appears that the Gu family is on the verge of producing another brilliant martial artist! Take this sword!" Gu Qianlin hands the sword to Gu Qi with a look of satisfaction. Gu Qi grasps the sword and begins to admire it with relish, completely oblivious to the envious glances cast his way by others.

Gu Feng looks at the sword in Gu Qi's hand. A fleeting spark of envy flickers in his eyes, but it is quickly replaced by resignation. There is no point in yearning for something that is beyond his reach.

"Very well, continue with the testing. Gu Jing, fifth level of body - building." After rewarding Gu Qi, the testing resumes. Gu Feng yawns, his interest in the subsequent tests waning. Noticing that no one is paying attention to him, he strolls over to a large tree on the side of the martial arts field and squats down, leaning against the tree trunk. The snow is falling more heavily, and the wind is growing even colder. Squatting here, at least the tree provides some shelter from the wind.

Time passes slowly, and the testing is still ongoing. The branch - line disciples have just completed their tests. Gu Feng's legs have gone numb from squatting for so long. He attempts to stretch, but the ground is slippery, and he accidentally loses his balance and plops down on the ground.

"Ouch!" Gu Feng leaps to his feet, wincing in pain. He feels as though his buttocks have been stabbed by something sharp. He reaches back to feel, and his hand comes away stained with blood. Frowning, he examines the area and discovers a small, curved object, about the thickness of a little finger. It is covered in blood, and astonishingly, the blood is gradually seeping into this metallic item.

Gu Feng is filled with intense curiosity. He has never before encountered a metal that can absorb blood. He glances back at the others, who are still occupied with the testing. Seeing that no one is looking his way, he squats down again to take a closer look. Just then, the metallic object begins to sway gently, as if it is trying to wriggle its way out of the soil. Gu Feng is both amazed and intrigued. He is determined to find out what this mysterious thing is.

Thanks to the moist soil, the metallic object manages to extricate itself with relative ease. Gu Feng's eyes widen in shock as he realizes that it is a small medicine cauldron, roughly the size of a palm. The object that stabbed him moments ago was one of the cauldron's legs. What's even more astonishing is that after emerging from the ground, the medicine cauldron hovers in mid - air, emitting a soft, ethereal glow. Its surface is spotless, without a single speck of dirt clinging to it.

"What on earth is this? Could it be an origin - power weapon? But I've never heard tell of an origin - power weapon that can move and fly on its own!" Gu Feng mutters to himself in disbelief. What he is witnessing completely shatters his preconceived notions.

Just then, a shout rings out from behind him. "Gu Feng, what are you still doing squatting there? The testing is over. Hurry up and come here!" Gu Feng is startled. He realizes that the test has come to an end. He glances at the floating small medicine cauldron, then sidesteps a bit to ensure that it is out of sight. Turning around, he responds, "I'm coming right away!" With that, he quickly reaches out, snatches the medicine cauldron, stuffs it into his pocket, and then turns and trots back towards the martial arts field.