The Realm of the Four Symbols required one to commune with the Four Sacred Beasts, to immerse the spirit deep within the Four Symbols... so that the spirit might become familiar with the aura of the Four Sacred Beasts, only then could one skillfully wield their power.

Most Heavenly Talents would choose to communicate with only one Sacred Beast, specializing in the power of a single one. However, this was not absolute; some, even in the Realm of the Four Symbols Heaven, were willing to spend much more time and energy communicating sequentially with all four. Yet, vast evidence proved that practicing too broadly in the Realm of the Four Symbols Heaven often prevented the full manifestation of the Four Sacred Beasts' power.

If mishandled, the powers of the Four Sacred Beasts might even conflict with one another, ultimately trapping the cultivator forever in the Realm of the Four Symbols Heaven, incapable of further breakthrough.

Within the state of 'No-Self,' Ji Changkong's spirit wandered the Sea of Consciousness of the Four Sacred Beasts. Without conscious thought, his entire being seemed to forge an inexplicable, mysterious connection with them. He was continuously enveloped by four emanations of light—cyan, crimson, white, and black—and behind him, vague illusions of the Four Sacred Beasts faintly materialized.

After an unknown duration, he suddenly awoke from the 'No-Self' state, feeling utterly refreshed and invigorated. His spirit seemed to have undergone some profound alteration.

It was only then that he realized he had seemingly established contact with all Four Sacred Beasts simultaneously. The elemental power within his body remained as robust as before, but with the change in his spirit, this power now felt as if it could instantaneously shift, taking on the very essence and aura of the Four Sacred Beasts at will.

Standing up, he gazed at the deep expanse of the night sky, Ji Changkong frowned in contemplation.

Perhaps this was a characteristic inherent to the Tai Xu Secret Record. The Tai Xu Secret Record emphasized the concept of 'Fusion' (). Maybe cultivating this secret art required a different path than others—perhaps only by truly fusing with all Four Sacred Beasts could one advance to the next realm.

An inexplicable idea bloomed in his heart. As soon as this thought surfaced, the previous hesitation about which Sacred Beast to prioritize communicating with vanished, replaced by sudden clarity.

Why should I not commune with all Four Sacred Beasts? Others cannot, but does that mean I truly cannot? While there are examples of those who stalled after connecting with the Four Sacred Beasts, there are equally those who, after communicating with them, successfully ascended to the Realm of the Five Elements Heaven.

A solid foundation, once laid, allows for greater potential for advancement in future cultivation!

Suddenly, a past remark from Mo Yunyi resurfaced in his mind, solidifying his decision: he resolved to genuinely communicate with each of the Four Sacred Beasts within the Realm of the Four Symbols Heaven, allowing his spirit to fully integrate with their auras and master the use of their collective power.

Having made this choice, he felt an immediate relaxation throughout his body. For the subsequent period, he traveled through wild mountains and desolate areas, heading towards Bianjiao City. Passing through Chiyang City, he made no significant stop, continuing north. After more than half a month, he finally reached Bianjiao City in the Tianwu Kingdom.

Bianjiao City sat at the northernmost edge of the Tianwu Kingdom, bordering the Great Chu Kingdom.

Although it was a city of Tianwu, the influence of the Du family within Bianjiao City surpassed that of the ruling Wu family, who placed great trust in the Du clan. Shadows of Du family members could be seen in many key positions throughout the city.

Some claimed Bianjiao City belonged entirely to the Du family. Ji Changkong hadn't believed it until he entered the city and realized that while the statement might be an exaggeration, it held significant truth.

The patrolling guards within the city rode ferocious beasts bred by the Du family, and their uniforms bore the markings of the clan. After circling the city once, he observed that the citizens of Bianjiao held the passing Du family members in deep respect. Whenever someone riding a Du family beast passed by, the local populace would instinctively make way.

Their demeanor indicated genuine reverence, as if they considered themselves subjects of the Du family.

This phenomenon made Ji Changkong more cautious. His current objective was the Du family's main encampment in the outskirts. He intended to extract news of his parents from one of the principal Du family figures.

In a bustling tavern frequented by all sorts of people, Ji Changkong sat alone, tucked into a corner, listening to the chatter of the men around him.

"That vicious demon, Li Hentian, was seen on Qiyun Peak. If he’s come to the Tianwu Kingdom, he’s likely coming for the Du family again. That lunatic spares no one. Things in Bianjiao City and the Du compound won't be peaceful for a while. Everyone needs to be careful."

"Indeed. Nobody knows why Li Hentian and the Du family hold such deep enmity. If the Guiyuan Sect hadn't intervened back then, Li Hentian would have slaughtered every last Du family member. After years of silence, everyone assumed the Guiyuan Sect had killed him. Who expected him to reappear? Sigh, Bianjiao City is about to descend into chaos."

"I heard that a while ago in the Mutiang Forest, the Du family's beast guard detail was ambushed, and even their leader, Du Yunsong, was killed. No need to guess—it must have been Li Hentian's doing!"

"That madman is truly formidable. Rumor has it that his appearance was what drove the evil sorcerers of the Mani Sect out of the Tianwu Kingdom. I wonder why that vicious man suddenly decided to bother the Mani Sect evil ones. Alas, if only he and the Mani Sect evildoers had ended up severely wounding each other. Now he’s definitely headed for our Bianjiao City. Look how cautious the Du family members are; the number of guards within the city has noticeably increased."

"Li Hentian is a homicidal lunatic. With him in Bianjiao City, not only the Du family will suffer; those sects near the Hidden Dragon Abyss will likely face misfortune too. Everyone be vigilant. If you see anyone suspicious, report it to the officials immediately. The Du family breeds so many ferocious beasts for us; without them, the Tianwu Kingdom couldn't withstand the Western Regions invaders. We absolutely cannot let that evil man act unchecked against the Du family."

"..."

In the noisy tavern, Li Hentian was the most discussed topic. These people of the Tianwu Kingdom spoke of him through gritted teeth, wishing him dead soon. Listening to them filled Ji Changkong with anger; if he hadn't needed to conceal his identity, he might have already lashed out at these patrons.

The world is often foolish. These residents of Bianjiao City, having tied their own welfare to the Du family, naturally viewed Li Hentian as the enemy. If he truly caused trouble here, it was likely the entire city would search for him, feeding intelligence to the Du family.

"Friend," Ji Changkong suddenly called out from his corner, "what exactly is this irreconcilable feud between the Du family and Li Hentian? Why does that vicious man always target the Du family whenever he comes to Bianjiao City?"

The verbose middle-aged man speaking was not some powerful Heavenly Talent. Caught up in his narrative, he turned to glance at Ji Changkong when questioned, cleared his throat, and explained: "Li Hentian was formerly a traitor of the Qiankun Sect, but he was always a wicked criminal before. He only calmed down after being taken in by Sect Master Gu Dan. After defecting from the Qiankun Sect, he became even more rampant in his evil deeds across the lands. It seems he coveted something belonging to the Du family, demanded it, and when the Du family refused, he started a massacre within their ranks..."

The man spoke with extreme derision, painting Li Hentian as an utterly depraved demon while lavishing praise on the Du family, twisting facts until nothing he said was true.

Frowning, Ji Changkong suppressed the urge to curse and listened to the man's rambling account, growing increasingly impatient. If this man hadn't been an ordinary person who didn't cultivate the Heavenly Talent path, he would have taught him a lesson already.

"The Du family—they aren't exactly good people either. I believe Li Hentian is the wronged victim. Back when the Southern Yi envoys invaded our Yunshui Kingdom, Li Hentian, descending as a master from the Tianshan Mountains, aided us, slaughtering the majority of the Southern Yi Heavenly Talents on Blood Rain Mountain, saving the Yunshui Kingdom from invasion."

"In all these years, I truly haven't heard of Li Hentian committing any heinous act, save for his conflict with the Du family. Heh, I can't figure out why he targets only the Du family and no one else. How many hidden secrets lie behind that feud?"

A burly man with a full beard and messy hair, dressed in blue, took a swig of wine, sneering coldly.

"You—who are you? What nonsense are you spouting? In Bianjiao City, you dare slander the Du family! You must be a vicious person like Li Hentian! Everyone, quickly report him! He might be a scout sent by Li Hentian!" The patrons drinking in the tavern immediately pointed and shouted accusations at the dishevelled blue-clad man.

"Hmph! The Du family's control over Bianjiao City is indeed formidable. You fools can only be manipulated by others, lacking any ability to discern right from wrong." The blue-clad man stood up impatiently, drained the wine from his cup, tossed a silver ingot onto the table, and turned towards the exit.

Passing Ji Changkong's table, the blue-clad man glanced at him with a slight frown before slowly walking past.

"Who was just speaking ill of our Du family?" A Du family guard, holding a spear and riding a Saber-toothed Rhino, rushed in, scanning the occupants with an arrogant air.

"It was the one in blue! He hasn't gone far yet," someone in the tavern hastily pointed forward, adding, "This fellow actually defended that vicious Li Hentian! Officer, he must be one of Li Hentian's scouts! You must capture him."

The Du family guard nodded, slapped the head of his Saber-toothed Rhino, and suddenly shouted down the main street: "Friend ahead, stop right there!"

"Damn it, so much trouble. Even speaking the truth draws attention. The Du family is getting more tyrannical. Do they really think they are the foremost of the Seven Great Families!" The blue-clad man ahead looked back with annoyance, glaring at the hastily approaching Du family guard, and cursed, "You little brat, are you calling for me?"

"Seeking death!" The guard shouted, then loudly bellowed, "Brothers, take down this evil fiend!"

Ji Changkong abruptly stood up and quickly followed outside, observing the blue-clad man from a distance. Although the man’s appearance had been slightly altered, his aura felt strikingly similar to Tuoba Lie’s to Ji Changkong. And Ji Changkong knew the relationship between Tuoba Lie and Li Hentian.