Ninety-two years old! He looks barely over forty! Could it be that there really is a technique for eternal life in this world?

Many students were amazed upon hearing this, looking at the Jade Emperor Palace with curious expressions. The girls, in particular, had sparkling eyes. After all, increasing longevity while maintaining a youthful appearance is something every woman dreams of!

"Taoist Xu He is nearly a hundred years old. He has weathered many storms and met many great figures," the teachers whispered. "In China, his status is extraordinary. Many of the most prominent figures respect him greatly, and there are even rumors that a certain elder once paid him a visit. You must not be disrespectful."

Everyone gasped upon hearing this, nodding repeatedly. Looking at the Jade Emperor Palace, their hearts suddenly filled with reverence.

Although the teachers hadn't spelled it out, and the students hadn't witnessed Taoist Xu He's skills firsthand, a little thought was enough to realize that this Taoist Xu He was definitely one of the most influential figures in all of China. In ancient times, he could almost be called a Nation-Protecting Mage, a land fairy!

"Hey, Qin Heng, do you think there really is a technique for immortality in this world?" Song Ningran couldn't help but ask. She remembered Qin Heng once mentioning he had some knowledge of methods for nurturing life and practicing Taoism.

"Of course, there is," Qin Heng replied with a smile. "Cultivating the Dao and refining the body for eternal life has been the pursuit of countless people since ancient times. If it didn't exist, so many people wouldn't strive to cultivate and practice it."

"Hahaha! My young friend, you are not old, yet you possess a heart for the Dao," Taoist Xu He said, walking out of the Jade Emperor Palace with a smile for Qin Heng. "I observe that you have a strong physique and robust internal energy, apparently from inherited family techniques for nurturing Qi. Your aptitude is also quite good. Would you be interested in cultivating with me here at the Jade Emperor Palace?"

Suddenly, the surroundings fell incredibly silent. All the teachers and students stared at Qin Heng in disbelief. No one had expected such a situation! Taoist Xu He, possibly one of the most prestigious figures in all of China, was actually inviting this young man, Qin Heng, to cultivate with him!

Good heavens! This is the kind of fortune one accumulates over several lifetimes! It's akin to becoming the disciple of an ancient Nation-Protecting Mage! If properly nurtured, he would immediately become a great figure, powerful enough to be second only to two individuals, yet above countless others!

"Qin Heng, agree quickly! What are you even considering? Just say yes!"

"This is an incredible opportunity! Hurry up and agree, this is Taoist Xu He we're talking about!"

Seeing Qin Heng's silence, several teachers grew extremely anxious. They wished they could take his place; this was an immense stroke of luck that deserved immediate acceptance without a second thought.

"I refuse," Qin Heng said softly, shaking his head. "The Jade Emperor Palace is too small a temple to contain me."

Back when he was in the Immortal Realm, he had even occupied the true Jade Emperor Haotian's Lingxiao Treasure Palace for a time. He later found it dull and relinquished it. This mere Jade Emperor Palace in the Mortal World simply wasn't worthy of him staying to cultivate.

WHOOSH! The wind howled on the mountaintop, churning the sea of clouds. The crowd was speechless, all looking at Qin Heng in disbelief.

After a moment, the crowd erupted into a clamor.

"Qin Heng! How dare you! Do you have any idea who Taoist Xu He is?"

"This is Taoist Xu He, the presiding priest of the Jade Emperor Palace, a man of great prestige and respect! How can you be so rude!"

"Apologize! Apologize immediately!"

Cries of reprimand erupted, as they were all afraid Qin Heng's words would implicate them.

"Such noise," Qin Heng sneered, his voice like a clap of thunder that reverberated in their ears, leaving them dizzy and disoriented. Unable to stand steady, they collapsed to the ground.

"You insignificant ants, who gave you the audacity to rebuke me?"

Qin Heng had no connection to these people, yet they dared to berate him. They were truly courting death.

"I hadn't expected this young friend to also be a master of the Martial Dao." Taoist Xu He, still smiling, gazed at Qin Heng, not angered in the slightest. "Your Qi cultivation is profound, and you possess skills comparable to the Hidden Force realm. A true natural-born genius! Come, young friend, enter the Jade Emperor Palace. You will witness a world you have never encountered before."

"You want me to enter the Jade Emperor Palace?" Qin Heng said indifferently. "I can enter, but I'm afraid the palace won't be able to withstand it. It would be unfortunate if it collapsed."

"Young friend, you jest." Taoist Xu He gently shook his head, smiling. "This place enshrines the Dominator of all creation, the Heavenly Emperor, the Jade Emperor. It is a place that even the entire host of heaven could not bring down."

"You really want me to enter the Jade Emperor Palace?" Qin Heng narrowed his eyes and said softly, "Old Taoist, if you don't believe me now, don't come to regret it later."

"No regrets, no regrets at all." Taoist Xu He shook his head, chuckling. "As long as young friend enters the Jade Emperor Palace, I trust you will no longer be as resistant as you are now and will agree to stay here and cultivate."

He didn't believe a word of Qin Heng's nonsense. How could such a revered place as the Jade Emperor Palace collapse simply because a youth entered it? Impossible!

"In that case, I will accompany you to the Jade Emperor Palace." Qin Heng couldn't be bothered to explain further to the old Taoist. Once he stepped into the palace, everything would naturally become clear.

With that said, Qin Heng strode forward, passing Taoist Xu He and heading towards the Jade Emperor Palace.

Taoist Xu He quickly followed. He had arrangements inside the palace, intending to show Qin Heng various illusions to persuade him to stay and cultivate there.

Song Ningran, worried, followed as well. The rest of the teachers and students, though suspicious, were overcome by curiosity and also trailed behind them.

Qin Heng stopped at the entrance of the Jade Emperor Palace. He glanced at Taoist Xu He and said softly, "Given my status, a single step of mine into this Jade Emperor Palace will be more than the entire palace and the God Statues inside can withstand. You should prepare yourself."

"Please, go right in, young friend," Taoist Xu He said with a smile.

"Sigh." Qin Heng shook his head, hands clasped behind his back, looking somewhat helpless.

Then, he lifted his foot and crossed the threshold of the Jade Emperor Palace, one foot stepping inside.

The moment his foot touched the floor inside the Jade Emperor Palace, the entire structure began to shake violently, as if Mount Tai itself were trembling!

BOOM!

Inside the palace, the ninety-nine God Statues surrounding the main statue of the Heavenly Emperor Haotian shattered and exploded, turning into fine powder, completely unrecognizable.

CRACK!

Even the primary God Statue of the Heavenly Emperor Haotian developed a massive crack across its head, splitting it in half. The crack continued to widen!

This terrifying sight petrified Taoist Xu He. His face turned deathly pale as he stared at Qin Heng in utter shock and horror.

Qin Heng was about to lift his other foot, preparing to step fully into the Jade Emperor Palace!

Taoist Xu He's pupils contracted in terror. He was scared out of his wits and shrieked, "Don't! Stop! Stop it! Don't go in! Quick, come out! Come out!"

One footstep caused most of the God Statues to explode! If he steps in with both feet, wouldn't the God Statue of the Heavenly Emperor Haotian also be utterly destroyed?!

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