: The Child Who Defies Heaven

"Husband, why does Chen’er have so many inherited bloodlines?" Mu Xiao'er asked with a trembling voice.

"If it's the Divine Lightning Bloodline and Lunar Celestial Body, that's still reasonable," she continued, looking down, "because it's inherited from your lineage and mine. But this is different, I don't understand."

Mu Xiao'er, Jhi Chen's mother, was truly speechless. Her gaze was blank, her face pale.

"Mu'er, I don't know about that either," Jhi Tian replied in a serious tone. "Maybe Chen'er is destined to fix this world. Try looking at Chen'er's cultivation yourself."

Mu Xiao'er walked closer to Jhi Chen. Her heart was pounding, her steps were cautious. After she stood right in front of her child, her eyes trembled in disbelief. She could have seen Jhi Chen's cultivation from afar with divine sense, that was normal. But because Jhi Chen was her own flesh and blood, she didn't dare to be reckless.

When her divine sense penetrated the baby's body, Mu Xiao'er was immediately stunned. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her hands trembled. She was even more amazed than when she witnessed the bloodline testing earlier. A high bloodline she could still understand, but the level of cultivation she saw now was truly beyond reason.

"I really didn't expect," Mu Xiao'er said falteringly, "even a newborn child has such a high cultivation. He was just born, but already has a level two Martial Ancestor cultivation."

Jhi Tian nodded calmly. "Now you know why I said Chen'er is destined to renovate this world. When I was born, I was only rank one Martial Emperor, and that was already considered an unparalleled genius at that time."

"Husband," Mu Xiao'er interjected quickly, "are you going to guide Chen'er directly?"

Jhi Tian shook his head. "No. Let Chen'er grow on his own. But I will pass on my cultivation technique. Maybe he can understand its depths. Besides that, I will also put a special treasure to hide his cultivation, so as not to cause a commotion in this world."

"That really has to be done," Mu Xiao'er replied softly. "If it's not hidden, and people know, there will be unnecessary commotion. The ruler of this kingdom is only a rank five Martial King. The highest ruler of this dynasty is only a rank nine Martial King. Whereas the ancestor of this dynasty is no more than a rank three Martial Emperor."

Her eyes stared deeply at her husband. "If they know there is a newborn baby who has reached rank two Martial Ancestor, they will feel desperate. They could vomit blood because their entire lives were wasted. Husband, what are your plans now?"

"My wife," Jhi Tian said firmly, "I will try to unravel the mystery of Mount Salke. Whereas Chen'er I will entrust to you. Live life as usual, but in happiness for Chen'er, I also have anxiety. I don't know what Chen'er will be like in the future. Therefore, you must always watch his character."

Mu Xiao'er looked down, then asked softly, "Will he become the savior of this world, or will he become a disaster? I really don't want that to happen."

"Mu'er, you don't need to worry too much," Jhi Tian replied soothingly. "Chen'er must be a good child. Because Chen'er is the child of Jhi Tian and Mu Xiao'er, he must inherit the traits of his parents."

"I hope so," Jhi Tian said again. "My wife, I have hidden Chen'er's cultivation. I will leave now. If there is something you can't handle, destroy this talisman. I will arrive immediately. Remember, don't force something you can't bear."

"Husband, trust me," Mu Xiao'er replied with a steady tone. "I will be fine. Who can scare me in this galaxy? My cultivation is equivalent to the galaxy ruler. Even if we fight, I am still confident I can defeat him completely."

"Alright," Jhi Tian nodded, "I will leave now. Goodbye."

As soon as those farewell words were spoken, Jhi Tian's body immediately disappeared. The aura of his existence didn't leave a trace at all.

Mu Xiao'er could only shake her head while whispering, "After I lived with you for so long, only now I realize how strong you are. Even with my level of cultivation that is considered high, I am just a small character in front of you."

Three Years Later

When Jhi Chen was fetching water in the river, he suddenly saw an injured old man. The man was surrounded by water monsters. His life was truly in danger. If no one helped, he would surely die.

Jhi Chen, who was still small, stared at the scene. His heart burned with anger because the old man was hurt. His gaze turned sharp, his small body tensed. As he stared at the swarming monsters, his sapphire blue eyes flashed. In an instant, the color changed to dazzling gold.

The next second, the many monsters exploded simultaneously. Their flesh and bones were crushed into ashes, their blood evaporated without a trace.

The old man gaped, his mouth wide open. He couldn't believe what had just happened before his eyes. His mind was confused, trying to find an explanation. He turned in all directions, hoping to find a strong expert who might have helped him. But what he saw was just a small child standing upright, looking at him calmly.

The old man's eyes narrowed. He tried to assess Jhi Chen with his special ability, but found nothing strange. Naturally, because Jhi Chen had returned to normal.

Jhi Chen then walked closer to the badly injured old man. With a soft voice he said, "Senior, are you alright? Why did the water monsters attack you?"

The old man was still dazed. Only after hearing Jhi Chen's voice for the third time did he come to his senses. "Kid, did you save me?" he asked hesitantly.

He still couldn't believe that a small child of about three years old could kill so many monsters.

Jhi Chen himself had actually known about his strength since the age of two. But his mother always forbade him from showing it in front of other people. He had to pretend to be weak. So when the old man asked, his brain immediately spun to find a reason.

"Senior, it was indeed me who killed those monsters," Jhi Chen replied. "But I only threw a small ball when I was fetching water for my family. A senior in white robes passed by, he gave me the ball. He said don't visit this river because it's dangerous. If you meet a monster, just throw the ball to protect your life. After that he left."

Jhi Chen looked down for a moment, then added, "I have often come to this river, but I have never seen the monsters mentioned by the senior in white robes. So I used the ball just to play. Just now, when I saw senior surrounded by strange beasts, I remembered the message. I then threw the small ball. It turned out to be true, the ball can drive away monsters."

The old man was still doubtful, but Jhi Chen's reason was quite reasonable. He finally didn't argue anymore because his own body was very weak.

"Senior, don't move too much. I will help you," Jhi Chen said again.

He then easily carried the old man, then walked quickly towards the forest to find medicinal ingredients.

The old man was shocked beyond measure. He couldn't believe a small child could carry his body. Even more surprisingly, Jhi Chen was able to walk nimbly and agilely as if not feeling the burden.

With a special eye technique, the old man observed Jhi Chen's body. His gaze immediately widened. He saw something extraordinary. Although Jhi Chen didn't have any energy at all, and hadn't reached any cultivation level, his twelve meridian points were already perfectly open.

That sight made the old man startled. In the vast world of martial arts, something like this had never been encountered. Usually the twelve meridians can only be opened in adults who have started cultivating, and even then at a very high price and extreme pain.

But this little boy, his twelve meridian points opened on their own. The old man was sure, a child this small couldn't possibly withstand such suffering.

He stared at Jhi Chen closely, his heart trembling greatly. "This child is truly extraordinary," he muttered softly.

: The Bond of Krisik

Jhi Chen ran with terrifying speed for a three-year-old. Each footstep was light yet steady, leaving small indentations in the damp forest floor. Actually, he wanted to fly, because a single flap could take him far beyond the trees. But he restrained himself. If he soared through the air, his strength would be revealed. It would only attract attention, causing unnecessary complications. So he chose to keep running. Although not as fast as flying, his running speed still surpassed the sight of anyone who happened to be around this forest.

When he arrived in the middle of the dense trees, he lowered the old man he had rescued from the riverbank. The old man was still weak, his breath rising and falling irregularly. His skin was pale, dried blood clung to his arms and shoulders, and a wound on his chest looked fresh. Jhi Chen stared for a moment to make sure the man was still conscious. He didn't talk much. Without wasting time, he darted through the forest, looking for spirit plants that could heal internal wounds before it was too late.

He moved from one point to another. Under the protruding roots, between the moss-covered rocks, on the damp soil terraces, he examined one by one the densely leaved plants that held traces of Divine energy. Several times he stopped. There were purple-petaled plants that shimmered, there were sharp-tipped grasses that reflected light, but none of them matched what he needed. Jhi Chen remained patient. Every step was measured, every breath was guarded, his divine sense touched gently on the surrounding area to ensure there were no threats wasting his time.

After a while, his eyes fell on a low cliff with damp walls. In the crevice of the rock grew a plant with dark green leaves, each strand of leaf reflecting a bluish glow like agate illuminated by the sun. A sharp but clean aroma crept into the air. Jhi Chen recognized these characteristics. He bowed slowly, examining the fibers of the stem, then nodded in satisfaction.

"Two thousand year old Krisik Grass," he murmured. His voice was low but firm. "This is what I need."

The joy hadn't had time to settle when the ground around him trembled lightly. From behind the thin mist, emerged a giant ape figure with jet-black fur and glowing red eyes. Its body was as tall as a multi-story building, its arms as big as banyan tree trunks, its nails were long and seemed capable of tearing rocks. The ape stood upright, its chest puffed out, and the sound of its roar exploded like thunder.

"Naughty kid, you better leave," the ape called out, its voice echoing between the trees. "I don't like killing children. Your flesh won't be satisfying. Don't waste your life in this place. Get out of here before I change my mind."

Jhi Chen raised his head and stared at it without flinching. He understood from the tone of the ape's voice that this creature was not a killer without reason. There was a warning there, not hatred. He nodded slightly as a form of appreciation. But the old man behind him needed help immediately, and this Krisik Grass was the key.

"Because you don't intend to kill me, I also don't want to make trouble," Jhi Chen said calmly. "Hand over that Krisik Grass to me. After that, I will leave, and I will not disturb your territory."

The giant ape was silent for a moment, then laughed long. His voice shook the leaves, causing forest birds to fly away. "Little kid, do you realize what you just said? You're warning me? Although I'm not a creature who likes to slaughter, I'm also not a kind-hearted guard. If you don't hear my warning, you can become a snack. Your small body may not make me full, but it's enough to fill my molars."

Jhi Chen took a short breath, his gaze cooling. "In that case, don't blame me. I don't have time for unnecessary debate. The old man I saved is dying. I will take the Krisik Grass now." He took a step, then added in the same calm tone, "Stupid ape, stay where you are. I won't kill you. I'm just taking what I need."

The ape's eyes widened in anger. He raised both arms, preparing to slam the ground. Who was he? A true rank eight wild beast, equivalent to a human rank four Martial King. Many kingdom rulers would choose to avoid if faced with him. But before his anger exploded, his body was suddenly locked. An invisible pressure fell from the sky, crushing like a mountain. An oppressive aura seeped in, suffocating movement and suppressing his breath. The ape was stunned. He couldn't move. Even breathing felt like swallowing iron.

In sudden fear, he glanced at the little boy who stood calmly in front of him. The innocent face showed no intention to kill, but the pressure he released was like invisible shackles. The ape realized. If this boy intended to kill, he would be annihilated without a chance to fight back.

Not wanting to provoke danger, the ape held back, while Jhi Chen approached the cliff, knelt, and picked the mature Krisik Grass. His movements were meticulous and quick. After ensuring the roots were not damaged and the essence was not wasted, he stood up. He turned to leave, but the ape's heavy voice held him back.

"Lord, why deceive me? There's no need to disguise yourself as a child. If I knew your strength from the start, I wouldn't dare to offend you. Forgive my stupidity." The ape lowered his body, then prostrated, his legs trembling greatly.

Jhi Chen stopped. He turned and was briefly surprised to see the mountain-sized figure prostrating before him. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Old ape, I didn't deceive you. I didn't disguise myself. I am indeed still small. My lifespan is only three years. About strength, that's my business. I won't mention anything to you."

The ape stared unblinkingly. His face was blank and dazed, just like a truly stupid ape. He couldn't believe a boy who was only three years old could have such great strength.

"I like you a little. Although you are not a good beast, your character is not bad either. Do you want to follow me?"

The ape was startled, then looked so excited that his voice came out stammering. "Lord, i-is that true? Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Jhi Chen asked, staring straight at him.

"No. This little ape is willing to follow you," the ape replied quickly. He understood, although he was not weak, out there there were many true experts whose existence was shaking. Following a strong person was the most reasonable choice. And if this boy was really only three years old, his prospects would be unlimited.

"You don't need to kneel to me. I'm not looking for a servant. I want a friend. If you want to come, stop the habit of kneeling. Just once you object, I won't take you. Starting today, I call you Krisik Ape, because you grew up with Krisik Grass."

"Krisik Ape will not object to Lord," he replied respectfully. He raised his face, trying to regulate his breath so as not to look too nervous.

"Good, now, can you shrink your body? Your size is too big. If you walk beside me with a body like this, the whole forest could be in an uproar."

Without delay, Krisik Ape shrunk his body. From a height of thirty meters, he shrank to the size of a large cat. His sapphire blue fur looked clean and shiny, his face which was originally fierce now looked adorable. He jumped onto Jhi Chen's shoulder, landing lightly and holding on tight.

"Lord, Krisik Ape is ready," he said, trying to sound calm.

"I will hide your cultivation. Don't attract anyone's attention." He circulated his divine sense, sealing tightly the traces of Krisik Ape's aura.

After that, he lifted his body, darting quickly through the air. The wind whistled. The trees shifted like shadows. If not for the protection of the aura, the gusts of air alone would be enough to throw Krisik Ape off. The little ape hugged Jhi Chen's shoulder even tighter.

"Lord is really strong," he muttered. "If without protection, I could be destroyed by the wind like this."

A few moments later, Jhi Chen slowed down, touched the ground again, then ran quickly. He arrived at the place where the old man was lying. The old man opened his eyes, staring at Jhi Chen who appeared with firm steps.

"Kid, where did you go?" the old man asked weakly.

Jhi Chen didn't answer. He crouched down, examining the still open wound, then nodded. "Senior, your wound is very severe. But don't worry. I have obtained the medicine," he said soothingly.

He took out the Krisik Grass. The thick stems and leaves he rubbed slowly with his palms twenty-one times. A thick green liquid came out, smelling sharp, and when touched to the skin, the plant melted, seeping into the flesh. Thin white smoke rose into the air. The old man screamed loudly, his body tensing from the stinging pain.

"Senior, hold on a moment," Jhi Chen said firmly. "This won't take long."

The scream slowly subsided. Half an incense stick's time felt enough to make the pain subside. The gaping wounds closed seventy percent, the bleeding stopped, and the old man's skin color gradually returned. He took a long breath then looked at the sky between the leaves, laughing heartily.

"I, Yan Saotian, didn't die," he exclaimed with a relieved laugh that thrilled the surrounding air.

But the laughter didn't last long. His face hardened. The look in his eyes suddenly turned cold. A thick killing aura dripped from his body uncontrollably. The surrounding air dropped several degrees. Breath vapor seemed to freeze. "Feng Clan," he hissed, his voice heavy. "You are too brave. You intercepted this old man on the road. You even sent the deputy head of the clan to besiege me. You thought I would die under that pressure. You are wrong. I live. The treasure you wanted you didn't get. You will bear the consequences."

: The Debt of Yan Saotian

Yan Saotian's pressure spread. Jhi Chen, who was still small, felt a bone-chilling cold. He frowned and stared at Yan Saotian with a pout. "Senior, after I helped you, are you going to kill me?" he asked with a displeased tone.

That simple sentence cut through the killing aura like a knife. Yan Saotian snapped out of his own anger. He retracted his pressure as quickly as possible, then nodded apologetically. "Kid, forgive this old man. I was too excited to escape death. I didn't mean to hurt you. Thank you for reminding me."

That sincerity made Jhi Chen nod briefly. "Okay. I just can't stand your uncontrollable killing aura. Senior, with your strength, why were you injured by river monsters?"

"I wasn't injured by that monster," Yan Saotian replied, his breath now more stable. "I was ambushed by despicable people. There were many of them. When they combined their strength, I was thrown far away. I fell on the riverbank and before I had time to recover, those water monsters swarmed me. If you hadn't come, I might have died there. You saved my life and healed my wounds. This old man owes you a debt, Kid."

Although not fully recovered, Yan Saotian's energy had returned to envelop his body. He stared at Jhi Chen, this time with a different curiosity. He activated a secret eye technique that was stronger than when he first checked. His gaze pierced the surface of the boy's body, observing the flow of energy. He was startled when he saw that all twelve meridian points on Jhi Chen's body were perfectly open. That meant his physical body possessed unusual strength for a child his age.

Wanting to know more, he tried to dive deeper. But as soon as his consciousness moved, a thick fog obscured his vision. There was an unspoken warning, felt sharply at the edge of reason: do not cross this line. If forced, the coming punishment could not be prevented by anyone. Yan Saotian stopped his efforts. Cold sweat broke out on his temples. He no longer dared to investigate this boy's body.

He stared at Jhi Chen in amazement. "Kid, you surprised me. Only three years old, but all twelve of your meridian points are open. Your body is stronger than many Heaven-ranked cultivators. You also managed to get two thousand year old Krisik Grass. In my place, that plant is very rare. Usually guarded by rank seven or eight wild beasts. How did you take it?"

Krisik Ape, who was sitting on Jhi Chen's shoulder, held back laughter. He wanted to sneer, but he knew his place. He chose to remain silent and only looked up proudly. Jhi Chen did not show arrogance. He replied flatly, "Senior, it just so happened that when I came, the guard was not there. So I took it. As for how to use it, I learned from my mother. She is a physician in the kingdom. She is often called to the dynasty palace to treat soldiers. I often followed. That's why I know how to use this plant without having to distill it into pills."

"Did your mother often use Krisik Grass when treating?" Yan Saotian asked.

"No," Jhi Chen replied. "Only once, when the ruler of the dynasty almost died from severe injuries. Krisik Grass is very rare in this area. I just happened to find it."

Yan Saotian nodded. He stared at Jhi Chen with sincere respect. In his eyes, this boy spoke like an adult. There was no impression of exaggeration, no impatience, and no unwarranted fear. If he hadn't checked the age of his bones, he would have found it difficult to believe that Jhi Chen was only three years old.

"Since you have saved me, this old man should not be empty-handed," Yan Saotian said. He rummaged through his robe, took out a book whose cover was worn but well-maintained. "This is a technique manual. It's called Lion Dominating the Forest Fist Technique. I don't keep many treasures. I even gave my eternal ring to my brother when I was chased by the Feng Clan. But I never let go of this manual. This technique is not ordinary. It can be cultivated from the Heaven Realm, breaking through level after level, until reaching the Grand Exalted Realm. Many techniques only last up to three realms, even that is very extraordinary. This manual is different. Keep it. With your potential, this technique will be useful in the future."

Jhi Chen's eyes lit up. He received the manual with both hands, then nodded. After that, his face turned confused, as if he didn't understand the mention of realms that had appeared in Yan Saotian's speech. In his heart, he maintained his role. He looked at Yan Saotian and asked, "Senior, thank you for your gift. But I am a little confused about the levels that Senior mentioned. If Senior is willing, can you explain them so that I don't misunderstand?"

Yan Saotian had thought this boy didn't like his gift. Hearing that question, he instead chuckled with relief. "So that's it. Alright, listen carefully. The path of a cultivator is long and layered. The first is Qi Gathering, from rank one to rank nine. After that the Profound Realm, also nine ranks. Then the Heaven Realm, then the Martial Realm. After that the Martial King Realm, Martial Emperor Realm, and Martial Ancestor Realm. Above it there is the Immortal Realm, Martial Immortal, then Celestial Martial Immortal. Furthermore the High-Level Realm, the Exalted Realm, Grand Realm, and Grand Exalted Realm. There are still subsequent levels that you don't need to know now. With your current age and the twelve meridians that are already open, your future has no limits."

He took out a small medal from the inner pocket of his robe. On the surface of the medal was engraved a totem resembling a Qilin head. "Keep this. If one day you explore the world and arrive in my galaxy, show this medal. My name is Yan Saotian, I am one of the elders of the Yan Clan. My galaxy is called Qilin Totem Galaxy. With this medal, people there will not make it difficult for you. Consider this as a bond between us."

Jhi Chen received the medal respectfully. He gripped it tightly, then put it in a safe place. "Thank you, Senior Yan. I will remember it. If one day I arrive in the Qilin Totem Galaxy, I will visit."

Yan Saotian nodded in satisfaction. "That's what I expect. Today I owe you my life. If one day you need help, bring that medal. I will come as much as I can."

Krisik Ape looked back and forth between Jhi Chen and Yan Saotian. He almost whistled if he hadn't restrained himself. For him, today was an unusual day. He became a follower of a boy whom even rank eight beasts didn't dare to look at for long. He also witnessed an elder from a large clan declare a debt of gratitude. He patted his chest lightly and whispered softly, "Lord, Krisik Ape will be useful. Krisik Ape will learn and not be ashamed."

Jhi Chen turned slightly, smiled faintly, then patted the little ape's head gently. "Stay quiet and watch around. We're not done here."

The forest returned to calm. The wind blew carrying the scent of damp soil. In the distance, the sound of the river flowing could be heard, reminding that Jhi Chen's journey had just begun. The old man who had been on the verge of death now sat leaning with a breath that was starting to regulate. On the other hand, a small ape with sapphire blue fur straightened his small body, ready to follow wherever his master stepped.

That day, a bond was formed. Not because of coercion, but because each saw value in the other. A boy with unlimited future prospects, a clan elder who had been ambushed and would not forget the debt, and an ape who had been a guardian of spirit plants but now accepted a new name. In a place that was not often visited by people, a new chapter was neatly arranged without needing magnificent witnesses. Enough with the sky, the trees, and the stream that kept the story.

"Senior," Jhi Chen said, breaking the silence, "are you still strong enough to walk? If not, I will take you to a safe place. After that, I have to go back."

"I can walk," Yan Saotian replied. "Not as strong as usual, but my feet have started to feel the ground again." He stood up slowly, testing his balance, then nodded. "Thank you."

"We part ways here," Jhi Chen said. "Remember my words. Don't spread the killing aura uncontrollably. It could hurt those who shouldn't."

Yan Saotian bowed respectfully. "I remember it. And I remember your name. If fate brings us together in the Qilin Totem Galaxy, the door of the Yan Clan will be open for you."

Jhi Chen didn't add anything. He turned around. His steps were light, but sure. Krisik Ape looked once more at the old man, then jumped close to Jhi Chen's neck. With a simple movement, the boy darted between the trees, leaving a gust of wind that quickly recovered as before. The forest closed again, as if nothing had happened. But for those who went through it, today changed many things.