A week had passed…

Boooooooooooom!!!

Boooooooooooom!!!

Suddenly, energy pillars filled with ferocious and immense power erupted in the denomination's main assembly hall. These energy pillars signified that someone had advanced to the Divine King stage. This event was remarkable because the owners of these two energy pillars were none other than Hai-Dong and Dong-Kuang.

Both of them had understood and learned about Earth Energy and Heaven Energy in just one week, while the average person would have taken at least a month. Even Commander Dan-Ge took three weeks to comprehend and level up his energy.

Meanwhile, Elder Pei-Lu and the other two martial masters still needed to put in considerable effort to grasp Earth Energy and Heaven Energy. Judging by the expressions on their faces and the beads of sweat rolling down their foreheads, it was clear this task was not easy.

Finally, Hai-Dong and Dong-Kuang slowly opened their eyes while balancing their newfound energy.

"You two really didn't disappoint me!" At that moment, Zheng-Fu arrived at the denomination's main assembly hall. Sensing the energy pillars, he immediately rushed over. He smiled broadly, clearly pleased with the source of the energy pillars.

"Now, both of you are Divine King stage martial masters. I'm very happy!"

"You're happy because you now have someone to take care of the denomination during your absence, right, Little Brother?" Hai-Dong teased, knowing exactly what Zheng-Fu was thinking.

"No, not at all. I'm genuinely happy for both you and Brother Dong-Kuang. I have no hidden agenda. Really. Not at all!" Zheng-Fu replied with an embarrassed smile, surprised that his big brother had read his mind.

"Well, Little Brother, our energy levels are not yet stable. You'll need to look after the denomination until Brother Dong-Kuang and I have fully balanced our energy. During this time, you can't sneak away to have fun, because if enemies attack, we won't be able to defend the city in time!"

"I understand, Big Brother. Where would I go? I need to focus on cultivating my energy too!" Zheng-Fu replied, feeling cornered by Hai-Dong's remark. However, he had no intention of leaving, as he also needed to focus on cultivating more energy.

With less than a month left until the disciple selection of the five weird elders and one mystery elder, the situation in the Holy Ancient Region had not improved. Many cities and villages were destroyed by invaders from other races. However, these invaders also suffered great losses, with over a hundred initial Divine King stage martial masters dead. Many at the intermediate and advanced stages also perished, making it a heavy loss for both sides.

Two more weeks passed…

Boooooooooom!!!

Another loud explosion accompanied by a fierce energy pillar erupted. The next person to break through the bottleneck to the Divine King stage was Elder Pei-Lu. It took him three weeks to fully comprehend and advance past the half-step bottleneck of the Divine King stage.

During these two weeks, Hai-Dong and Dong-Kuang managed to balance almost all of their energy. There was only a small portion left before they could fully harness their power. Even at this stage, they could already release terrifying amounts of energy. If the twenty martial masters from other races attacked now, the two of them would easily defeat them.

"There are only two weeks left before the disciple selection of the five weird elders and one mystery elder begins. I hope they manage to understand Earth Energy and Heaven Energy before then; otherwise, they'll be very disappointed," Zheng-Fu remarked grimly, looking at the two martial masters who were still sitting cross-legged.

"Little Brother, over this past month, your energy level has increased significantly. It looks like you have high expectations for this disciple selection!" Hai-Dong looked at Zheng-Fu with a warm gaze, feeling deeply impressed by the rapid increase in Zheng-Fu's power level. However, when he considered that Zheng-Fu also intended to participate in the disciple selection of the five weird elders and one mystery elder, he understood.

"That's right, Big Brother. I am determined to become a disciple of the five weird elders and one mystery elder. No matter what, I must succeed," Zheng-Fu replied, his hope and intention clearly visible.

"For whatever reason, I, Hai-Dong, your big brother, will support you to the fullest!" Hai-Dong did not know Zheng-Fu's true motive, but he was committed to helping him as much as possible.

"Thank you, Big Brother. By the way, how much of your energy have you balanced now?" Zheng-Fu sincerely thanked Hai-Dong before changing the topic.

"I've completed balancing nine parts of my energy; only one remains. The Divine Emperor stage and Divine King stage are vastly different. Just a slight movement of my hand now changes the surrounding air. My psychic awareness has expanded to dozens of lis. It's an incredible feeling. Now I understand why high-level masters in other sects dare to look down on others. I've finally realized it!"

Hai-Dong replied, describing how wonderful he felt with a visibly delighted expression on his face. As for Dong-Kuang, he didn't say much, as he was adjusting his energy as quickly as possible.

"It's good that you feel great about it!" Zheng-Fu replied with a smile, but inside, he felt a bit sad because he knew that the Divine King stage was not yet the peak of the universe. There were still many higher energy stages. The Divine King stage was merely the beginning of the path for great, skilled martial masters. However, Zheng-Fu chose not to speak about this.

"By the way, are you going to return to the Hell Region again?" Hai-Dong suddenly remembered that Zheng-Fu had said he would return to the Hell Region a week before the disciple selection began, as he still had some matters to attend to.

"Of course, Big Brother. I'm leaving today. I came here to check on your energy-balancing progress. If it's stable enough, I can leave without any worries," Zheng-Fu nodded in response and explained that he was planning to depart today. The reason he came here was simply to check on the progress of Hai-Dong and Dong-Kuang in balancing their energy.

"Oh! If that's the case, then go ahead. Don't worry about things here. I think I'll have all ten parts of my energy fully balanced in two days!" Hai-Dong nodded in understanding and assured Zheng-Fu that he could set off without any worries, as Hai-Dong expected to complete the energy balancing process within the next two days.

"Thank you, Big Brother. And take care of yourself, too. Don't visit the brothels too often. You should get married already; I want a nephew!" Zheng-Fu couldn't help but tease his big brother before leaving, which made Hai-Dong's face turn bright red.

"I know! You don't have to remind me. But when will you have children for me to hold? You already have a wife—or could it be that you're incapable? I'd be glad to give you some advice, Little Brother. I guarantee you'll like my methods!" Hai-Dong, who was well-versed in such matters, quickly teased Zheng-Fu back.

"Huh! You haven't even found a wife yet, and you want to give me advice? Get yourself a wife first, then we'll talk!" Zheng-Fu retorted, refusing to admit that he was incapable. In reality, how could he and Qi-Er have children despite making love only a few times? Moreover, she was currently poisoned and unable to do much.

"Come on, Little Brother! Whatever challenges you face, I want you to remember all the good times we shared and the people here who care about you. I believe you can get through anything!" Hai-Dong tried to comfort Zheng-Fu, hoping to ease his worries.

"That's right, Young Master! We are all here for you, supporting you!" Dong-Kuang, who was balancing his energy, spoke up to encourage Zheng-Fu. He didn't know how else to help, but seeing Hai-Dong's approach, he chose to do the same.

"Thank you so much, Brother Dong-Kuang. You are someone I love, respect, and trust deeply. Everything we have today is thanks to your help. Without you, this denomination wouldn't exist, and without your guidance that day, I wouldn't be who I am today!" Zheng-Fu expressed heartfelt gratitude, considering Dong-Kuang as family. Dong-Kuang had been by his side since the beginning, guarding him when he first left his clan. Without Dong-Kuang, he might not have experienced the life-changing events that led him to his wife, Qi-Er.

"It's my duty. My life today is because of your support and care, Young Master. Without you, there would be no Dong-Kuang," Dong-Kuang replied sincerely. He felt immense gratitude towards Zheng-Fu. If he hadn't taken the job as Zheng-Fu's guard, he might still be a wandering escort.

"All right! I feel at ease now. I can head to the Hell Region without any worries since I have both of you to look after this place. I'll be back in a week!"

Swish!!!

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng-Fu vanished from the main assembly hall, leaving behind only a sense of gratitude.

Elder Pei-Lu overheard the conversation. He never imagined that such a young man could accomplish so much. But when he thought about it more, he wasn't sure how old Zheng-Fu truly was. In his eyes, Zheng-Fu was like an old fox, possibly over a hundred or even two hundred years old. Zheng-Fu's planning and use of words were far beyond his own skills.

'I made the right choice following him. Without that decision, I wouldn't have been able to reach the Divine King stage. If I had to break through the bottleneck on my own, who knows how many years it would have taken? It might have even taken a hundred years for me to comprehend Earth Energy and Heaven Energy!' Elder Pei-Lu thought deeply, feeling thankful for his decision to follow Zheng-Fu without hesitation.

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