Chapter Fifty-Five: Mozart the Panda

It seems that the scenery of every primeval forest is much the same, yet Shennongjia has always been a place apart. Over a century ago, reports emerged of sightings here—giant-footed creatures, wild men—though the tales were fantastical. Many spoke of them with vivid detail, but whether they truly existed remains a mystery.

Around the headquarters of the Farming Clan, where Hua Feng resided, the area was encircled by formations invisible to ordinary folk. Fields of wheat had been cultivated, covering several hundred acres, alongside vegetables and fruits. The clan was largely self-sufficient. Behind his dwelling, in a secluded spot on the mountainside, emerald stones and clear springs greeted the eye, a brook murmured gently, and the voices of swallows and orioles filled the air.

Occasionally at the creek's edge, rare birds and beasts came to drink—golden monkeys, long-tailed leaf monkeys, black bears, herds of spotted deer, and leopards—all were common sights. These creatures, having undergone some evolution, differed from their ancient counterparts. They could now be called magical beasts, though not as exaggerated as those in tales; their size had changed, along with a hint of innate abilities peculiar to their species.

The mountains behind, well protected, were rarely visited. The Farming Clan had invested great effort to shield against the aftermath of nuclear war, constructing a modernized underground shelter that blended tradition and innovation.

Once Shen Qiu revealed this place to Hua Feng, he entrusted more chores to Shen Qiu. Each day, he came here to spar with Xiao Li. After their bouts, he was compelled to practice the art of lightness, wind-walking with weights for at least fifty kilometers. Nangong Li chased him, stabbing him with an icy needle whenever he slackened.

He knew that only by placing himself under relentless pressure could he forge boundless motivation. Though the elders and disciples of the clan murmured about his youth and his inheritance as the next Hero of the Farming Clan, the successor to the Flame Emperor, he understood he must bide his time, wait for his strength to grow, and seize the moment for fame in a single battle.

Spring passed into autumn; he trained through the heat of summer and the chill of winter, never ceasing in diligence. His strength grew steadily, and a year swiftly elapsed.

He had practiced the basic heart and technique of the Flying Dragon Formula tens of thousands of times, mastering it thoroughly. The clan’s Water Dripping Through Stone Palm, Flying Sickle Technique, Celestial Step, and vital-point striking arts were also within his grasp.

Hua Feng could withstand Nangong Li’s Imperial Aura for longer periods, much to her surprise. Even after consuming more than half the treasures in his spatial pouch over the year, his progress was astonishing.

Diligence reaps rewards. On March 1st, 2118, Hua Feng finally reached the pinnacle of level sixty, the Imperial Sovereign’s summit. He felt himself brushing the threshold of the Imperial Emperor realm.

At the edge of Broken Heart Cliff, deep in the primeval forest, after completing their cultivation, Nangong Li and Hua Feng sat quietly, letting the wind blow and watching clouds drift in the setting sun, each lost in thought.

“Thank you, Sister Nangong. Without your help, I don’t know how many years it would have taken me to achieve such progress. I can never repay your kindness. If ever you need anything from me, so long as it doesn’t betray my principles, I’ll do my utmost to help you.” Hua Feng broke the silence.

“Alright, then let me take some more Pure Yang Essence. Hehe…” Nangong Li teased.

“Uh…”

“Enough, I see you’re flustered. I’m just joking. Silly!” She saw his relieved expression and continued, “Actually, I should thank you. You indirectly saved me twice—once in Australia, and once when I was about to succumb to inner demons. This year, thanks to sparring with you, I unexpectedly advanced a level—now I’m a level seventy-nine Imperial Emperor. Haha, I’m practically a great demon now! To think I’d been stuck at seventy-eight for fifty years.”

“Ah… Is it really that difficult to advance after becoming an Imperial Emperor? Does that mean it’ll take me centuries to reach your level, Sister Nangong?” Hua Feng exclaimed, unconsciously rubbing his hands.

Nangong Li patted his head. “Don’t worry. With your rare physique, found perhaps once in a million, you’ll surely progress swiftly. As long as you keep a true heart for the path, whether human or demon, the road to strength is the same for all.”

“Mm.” Hua Feng nodded. “The path is one; my heart remains unchanged. My master said something similar before leaving.”

“Well said. The most important thing is perseverance. You’re about to advance, but my stock of resources has been nearly depleted by you. Remember the panda Mozart from last time?

I’ve contacted him recently, asking him to help you break through to Imperial Emperor. He should arrive in the next couple of days. He’s a master of formations, and his ancestors were closely tied to the Yellow Emperor. His lineage spans thousands of years as a great demon clan, and he’s currently a peak level seventy-six Imperial Emperor.” Nangong Li finished, tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear, revealing her graceful neck. In the sunset, she seemed bathed in a pale golden aura.

Hua Feng watched quietly, a little entranced. Unconsciously, he thought of Yunmeng. He’d contacted her recently—she had already broken through to Imperial Emperor ahead of him, reaching level sixty-two. With Yuan Sage beside her, it was hard not to advance. Moreover, her Sevenfold Physique was, in truth, almost as formidable as his balanced one.

“Thank you, Sister Li.”

Nangong Li nodded. No more words were spoken, only a shared appreciation for the tranquil beauty of the moment.

She knew that after Hua Feng became an Imperial Emperor, he would seek out Yunmeng. As for Nangong Li, after the elders of the demon clan finished testing him, she would likely have to return to the Heavenly Fox Tribe in the Demon Realm. Whether she could continue to follow Hua Feng was uncertain.

A silent farewell lingered between them, yet neither spoke of it.