Volume One: City Under Turmoil Chapter 45: The Instrumental Figure

System, do you know why they can’t break through? Zhang Heng silently asked, savoring how easy it was to communicate by thought—no one would think he was crazy. Wasn’t this system supposed to know everything? If he told Dugubai and Qian Muyun the reason for their bottleneck, he’d surely win their favor. Perhaps he’d even complete the quest to win over Dugubai, which, as he remembered clearly, came with a reward.

Ding. Helping them break through is actually quite simple.

How should I do it? System, don’t keep me in suspense—tell me quickly.

Hearing that the system could help Dugubai and Qian Muyun break through, Zhang Heng could barely contain himself. Those two already had the power of a Tribulation Transcender while only at the Divine Transformation stage. If they truly advanced, wouldn’t they be unrivaled? They might even stand shoulder to shoulder with the Four Grand Masters.

With such powerful figures watching over him, Zhang Heng could practically roam the cultivation world unchallenged.

Ding. The Dao De Jing is a product of another world. The two of them are cultivators of this world and cannot establish a connection with the scripture, so they cannot comprehend it, and thus cannot break through.

Ding. As long as you find a medium that connects both worlds—in other words, something that belongs both to Earth and the cultivation realm—you can link them to the scripture. Then, Dugubai and Qian Muyun will be able to comprehend the Dao De Jing.

Then, where is this medium? I’ll tell them so they can look for it themselves, Zhang Heng said excitedly.

Wait. Suddenly a thought struck him.

The medium you mentioned—could it be me?

The cultivation world and Earth were entirely separate, and as far as Zhang Heng knew, he was the only one connected to both. After all, only the protagonist could traverse worlds.

Ding. That’s correct.

So it really is me! What am I supposed to do? Bleed a little and let them drink it?

Ding. No need. The host simply has to recite the Dao De Jing in full; then they will be able to comprehend it on their own.

Is it really that simple?

Zhang Heng recalled that the books said a cultivator needed to gather the right timing, location, and harmony to break through, and the higher the realm, the harder the breakthrough.

Could it really be this easy to trigger a breakthrough? He found it hard to believe.

Never mind. I’ll give it a try. The system wouldn’t lie to him, and besides, there was nothing to lose.

Qian Muyun and Dugubai were still poring over the scripture. Though they sensed its extraordinary nature, they simply couldn’t comprehend it and found the situation baffling.

After a long while, Zhang Heng approached them, bowed, and, as if making a great sacrifice, spoke serenely:

“Senior Dugubai, Sister Muyun, there’s a secret I wish to share with you. I hope you’ll both keep it for me.”

Qian Muyun replied, “Little brother, I’m very busy. I don’t have time to play with you right now. If you want to have fun, go find my little disciple.”

At her words, the atmosphere Zhang Heng had tried so hard to create crumbled instantly.

Forget it. You’ve both helped me so much; I’ll give you this opportunity.

In a solemn voice, Zhang Heng said, “Senior Dugubai, Sister Muyun, I can help you break through in your cultivation.”

He expected them to be overjoyed at his words.

But neither paid him any mind, still absorbed in the scripture.

Seeing their indifference, Zhang Heng felt awkward. Did they really not believe him?

He chuckled to himself. It seemed he’d have to use his trump card.

After a moment, Zhang Heng began to recite:

The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name.
Nameless, it is the origin of Heaven and Earth; named, it is the mother of all things.
...

From the moment Zhang Heng began, the two fell silent, as if entering a profound and mysterious state.

Zhang Heng continued reciting. Before long, he had finished the entire Dao De Jing.

The two were now deeply immersed, having entered a state of selfless cultivation. Breaking through to the Tribulation stage was now only a matter of time.

It actually worked? Zhang Heng was speechless.

What kind of absurd logic was this? He was just a minor body cultivator—how could he help Divine Transformation experts break through? This was ridiculous.

It seemed he’d have to resign himself to being a “supporting tool” from now on.

Seeing the two had entered their meditative state, Zhang Heng turned to Murong Qingxue and Qian Muyun. “Congratulations. Both your masters have comprehended the peerless scripture. It won’t be long before they ascend to the Tribulation stage.”

“Thank you, Young Master Zhang,” Murong Qingxue said.

“Zhang Heng, you’re amazing. Why not recite it for us, too?” Yan Xueqing added.

The two young women understood that Zhang Heng had helped Dugubai and Qian Muyun achieve enlightenment, and they marveled at it in secret.

Zhang Heng felt quite pleased at their praise.

But what he sought was far more than just that.

If he only wanted the dragon essence, he could have brought the two Divine Transformation powerhouses along—no need to involve the two young women, who faced hardship and danger for his sake.

Looking solemn, Zhang Heng said, “Ladies, you followed me into this Dragon Burial Abyss, facing peril at every turn. I am deeply moved by your loyalty.”

At his words, both women rolled their eyes.

But Zhang Heng didn’t notice and continued, “Though I am but a minor cultivator, I am fairly familiar with this place. Since you are here, I won’t let you leave empty-handed.”

Seeing their interest piqued, Zhang Heng pressed on, “Today, I will present each of you with a great gift.”

He had little choice. According to his current abilities, he had no talent for cultivation; the only advantage he possessed was his capacity to assist others. In other words, every skill the system bestowed upon him was a support skill, all designed to help him latch onto the powerful.

No wonder it was called the “Super Leg-Hugging System”—a name that truly fit its function.

Murong Qingxue was the Linglong Saintess, destined to stand atop the continent, and Yan Xueqing was the Sword Saint’s disciple, gifted with rare eyes.

Both were blessed with extraordinary talent and limitless potential.

Once they matured, they would undoubtedly become powerful allies.

“What are you giving us? Hurry and tell! I can’t wait any longer!” Yan Xueqing said excitedly.

Though the Dragon Burial Abyss was interesting, she hadn’t gained anything tangible after so many days. Naturally, Zhang Heng’s promise of a gift delighted her.

“Thank you, Young Master Zhang,” Murong Qingxue remarked calmly—such was her nature.

Standing before the two, Zhang Heng kept it brief. Too much enthusiasm would only put them off.

“Miss Yan, please wait here. You two have different constitutions, so your gifts will differ as well. I’ll take Miss Qingxue to find her opportunity first,” Zhang Heng said to Yan Xueqing.

Afraid she’d be upset, he added, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. You won’t be left waiting alone for long.”

“All right,” Yan Xueqing agreed for once without complaint. She went over to where Dugubai and Qian Muyun were, sat down, and began to guard them as they cultivated.

Zhang Heng gave Murong Qingxue a gentle smile. “Miss Qingxue, let’s go.”

And so, Zhang Heng, the support character, stepped up once more.