Chapter 836: Take Good Care of My Mother

For instance, body cultivation can break through to the Golden Body realm, which is equivalent to the Nascent Soul realm for Dharma cultivators. Similarly, in soul cultivation, when the soul becomes as powerful as a Dharma cultivator's Nascent Soul realm, it reaches the Primordial Spirit realm. Buddhist cultivation is even more straightforward; Jiang Fan has already seen the Dharma Seals of the Vajra realm twice, and this is also equivalent to the Nascent Soul realm. The only one he hasn't seen is Confucian cultivation.

"The biggest difference between Dharma cultivators and unorthodox paths is that Dharma cultivators must undergo the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation, while unorthodox cultivators do not."

"The Heavenly Tribulation is not only a test for martial artists but also a form of purification."

"Only after being purified by the Heavenly Tribulation can one possess surging Nascent Soul power."

"The techniques unleashed will be incredibly powerful."

"Conversely, unorthodox schools do not generate a Heavenly Tribulation when they break through."

"Take Venerable Xuanyang, for example."

"He follows a soul cultivation path and has cultivated his soul to the Nascent Soul level, reaching the so-called Primordial Spirit realm."

"However, he has not undergone the Heavenly Tribulation's purification."

"His physique remains at the ninth layer complete of the Golden Core realm, and he possesses little Nascent Soul power. He relies entirely on his Nascent Soul-level soul to unleash various soul secret arts."

"Therefore, his overall strength is far inferior to that of a true Nascent Soul cultivator who has broken through in all aspects."

Jiang Fan suddenly understood. In other words, after being purified by the Heavenly Tribulation, the body, soul, and power all undergo a qualitative leap. Primordial Spirit or Golden Body, however, only represent a breakthrough in one aspect. Naturally, they are much weaker than a true Nascent Soul realm.

"But I remember, when that old fellow tried to kill us, he also released some Nascent Soul aura, which was quite terrifying."

Outside the Tiger Demon Emperor's cave mansion that day, Venerable Xuanyang's aura was indeed very intimidating. It didn't seem as if he lacked Nascent Soul power.

Pearl Empress said, "That's because when a master from Three Pure Mountains broke through, he was allowed to receive a small portion of the Heavenly Tribulation's purification."

"Only then could he possess some Nascent Soul power."

"And he also benefited from that master's influence, receiving the name Venerable Xuanyang by the will of an ancient sage."

"That's possible?" Jiang Fan realized. The Heavenly Tribulation was the key. Even Concubine Yunxia, who once failed her tribulation, could still have a faint trace of Nascent Soul power within her.

"To go further on the path of martial arts, one must still undergo the Heavenly Tribulation's purification."

"Unorthodox paths can only make you temporarily stronger."

"Most martial artists who cultivate unorthodox paths eventually try to undergo the Heavenly Tribulation to become true Nascent Soul martial artists."

"Those like Venerable Xuanyang, who possess a Nascent Soul without undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation, are collectively known as Pseudo-Nascent Souls."

"They are much more powerful than cultivators at the ninth layer complete of the Golden Core realm but are still a step below true Nascent Souls."

Jiang Fan finally understood completely. He had wondered why Venerable Xuanyang's strength was so weak, as if he could be easily defeated by anyone.

"Once I've cultivated to the Primordial Spirit or Golden Body realm, I'll settle scores with that old fox, Xuanyang!" He fumed, recalling the old man's malice.

"Thank you for clarifying, Sister Yizhu."

Jiang Fan said, "I'll rest tonight and depart for the South Sea tomorrow."

"Please look after Deputy Pavilion Master Gu."

The journey to the South Sea was long, so he wouldn't wait for Deputy Pavilion Master Gu. Anyway, once she recovered from her injuries, their past grievances and favors would be nullified. From then on, they would owe each other nothing.

"It's probably for the best that you leave first," Pearl Empress said, "I was worried about how you would face Deputy Pavilion Master Gu once she recovered."

Recalling Deputy Pavilion Master Gu's "death diary," Pearl Empress showed a hint of concern. If they were to settle accounts according to that diary, Jiang Fan would have to die at least a hundred times before their scores were even.

"Mengcheng, please take your uncle to rest." She rubbed her dizzy head. She had been too happy today and had drunk a little too much, so she couldn't look after Jiang Fan.

Crown Prince Mengcheng nodded. "Uncle Jiang, please follow me." He led Jiang Fan out of the living room.

They walked along a quiet path. Suddenly, Mengcheng turned his head, sighed slightly, and said, "Uncle Jiang, why didn't you seize the opportunity just now?"

"I had hoped to bring you and my mother together."

A breeze blew, and Jiang Fan's drunkenness slightly cleared. Only then did he understand. "So, you calling me 'Dad' earlier wasn't a misunderstanding?"

Mengcheng shook his head. "How could I not know my mother's nature? It's absolutely impossible for her to find a new husband before us three children have grown up."

Jiang Fan asked, puzzled, "Then why did you still act that way?"

Mengcheng looked at Jiang Fan, a hint of gratitude on his face.

"It was the first time I saw my mother crying while embracing a man."

"I thought she must have met someone she could rely on."

"Moreover, you treat my younger sister differently from others. You didn't show any disdain."

"If you were to marry my mother, I believe you would treat her well."

"And finally..." He puffed out his chest. "Your character has passed my test; it's excellent."

Jiang Fan rolled his eyes at him. "Be serious! Don't joke around about your mother!"

"Your mother and I... we are just grateful for each other's kindness, nothing more."

"Don't cause your mother any trouble."

Mengcheng looked a little disappointed. "Are you really not going to consider it?"

"Although my mother says she's forty, our Sea Demon race generally has a lifespan of two hundred years."

"Her current state is actually similar to that of a human in their early twenties."

"If you mind us three siblings, we can also move out of the palace and not disturb your lives together."

Seeing Jiang Fan shake his head, Mengcheng said anxiously, "Uncle Jiang, I think if it were you, my mother definitely wouldn't resist like she does with others."

"She would certainly consider it."

Jiang Fan patted his shoulder seriously. "I know you want what's best for your mother."

"However, don't take matters into your own hands in this regard."

"Her heart holds your father, which is why she works so tirelessly to bear the burden of the East Sea."

"Respect her, and respect the feelings she holds for your father in her heart."

"Do you understand?"

Mengcheng's eyes flickered. It was a long while before he finally gave up. He sighed helplessly, "Uncle Jiang is truly a gentleman."

"Anyone else would have been tempted long ago."

"I feel even more strongly now that you are someone my mother can rely on."

Jiang Fan glared at him. How could this guy not get it?

Mengcheng scratched his head. "Alright then, I thank you for looking after my mother recently."

"I'll tell you about an ancient giant I discovered in the East Sea."

"Consider it my thanks to you, my honorary uncle."

Jiang Fan was stunned, thinking he had misheard. "An ancient giant?"

Mengcheng nodded. "Yes. Many years ago, I found traces of an ancient giant remnant at the bottom of the East Sea."

"I just wasn't sure then."

"This time, while commanding the forces, I took the opportunity to investigate, and I actually found one."

"It's a very weak ancient giant, but its strength is still unfathomable. It's best not to target it if you're not in the Nascent Soul realm."

"I won't tell my mother yet. When Uncle Jiang's strength reaches the Nascent Soul realm, you can come and capture it with her."

"That way, it will be safer."

He still hadn't given up, still trying to matchmake Jiang Fan and his mother.

Jiang Fan raised an eyebrow slightly. "So, you were patrolling the East Sea to find that ancient giant?"

"Then why didn't you say so earlier?"

"You took a few punches from your mother for nothing."

Mengcheng smiled. "Let her vent a little."

"She's so tired; she'll go crazy if she keeps it all bottled up."

Jiang Fan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Both the Second Prince and the Third Princess were such well-behaved and sensible children. All of them wholeheartedly thought of their mother.

"Alright, I'll accept your thanks."

"When the time is right, I'll find your mother, and we can deal with this ancient giant together."

Mengcheng nodded. "I look forward to Uncle Jiang visiting our East Sea again."

"And I hope you continue to take good care of my mother."

"You can skip that last sentence," Jiang Fan thought. "It sounds strange."